Another Sweet Blog Award!

Hi everyone! My sweet, wonderful blog friend, Aymee, has gifted me with this nice blog award. Thanks Aymee! You simply must visit her blog! She's so amazingly talented! http://southernbellescrapper.blogspot.com/ Here are the rules for this award: To pick up the Circle of Friends Blog Award cut and paste the award logo and use it on your own blog. Nominate 5 other bloggers you feel have become part of your circle of friends. Link to your nominees within your blog post. Include these instructions on how to pick up the award in your blog post. Link back to the person who gave you the award in your blog post, to show your appreciation. Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award. It's so hard to pick just 5, but here are mine! 1. Sarah http://sarahspapertray.blogspot.com/ 2. Caryl http://stampsnstitches.blogspot.com/ 3. Susan http://susansdayoffcreations.blogspot.com/ 4. Jen http://scrapbookgoddess.blogspot.com/ 5. Beth http://inkyfingersrule.blogspot.com/ I'm truly thankful for each and every one of you who visit my blog, not just for the five I have chosen. I can only hope to continue the long friendships I have established through this wonderful hobby! Hugs!

Doin The Happy Dance!

Ok, so I know this is a late post, but I was just too excited not to share my exciting news with everyone! When I left for work this morning everything was the same as it was yesterday. But, look what followed me home this evening!!! Now, to some, this may not be all that big of a deal. But, for me, this is the first time I've EVER bought a car. It's really nice inside, and the body is in perfect condition, and I've got working A/C again! That in itself is a huge plus! It was a nightmare driving to and from work in this hot Texas weather with no A/C. Prior to this, I was driving a 91' Corolla, this is an 04' Grand Am. It's got low miles and I'm really happy with it. I'd say this is a huge step up for me! Thanks for letting me share! Hugs!

Color Dare #27 & My First Mini Book!

Happy Wednesday! I'm so glad we're finally at the middle of the week. It's all smooth sailing for me the rest of the week and then it's party time this weekend! I'm throwing a bit of a surprise birthday party for a friend and it's going to be a lot of fun! So this week I'm really excited to share my Color Dare project with you. The colors chosen for us were Elegant Eggplant, Pretty In Pink, Basic Gray and Chocolate Chip. These were really pretty together. For my project this week, I created my first mini book! I had a lot of fun, and my co-worker loved it. Her birthday was this past weekend so that was her gift. Here is a picture of the cover.

And here is a video so you can see all of the pages. I dislike the sound of my voice on video, so there's music instead. :) I hope you'll head over to the Color Dare blog to see what the others have created for you today! As always, they're beautiful! Have a wonderful day! Steph

Cuttlebug Spot Challenge #41 - Christmas In July

Howdy ya'll! It's Monday, which brings us to another Cuttlebug Spot challenge! Our challenge this week is Christmas in July and we were to create a Christmas card. I love making non traditional looking Christmas cards, and this one is no different. I love how this pink polka dot paper run through my Cuttlebug looks. The colors are really bright and cheeerful too.

I added a grungeboard flourish that I embossed with blue pigment ink and some ultra thick embossing powder to try to create the look of ice or frost. If you click on the picture you can see the detail a bit better. I'm pretty happy with it. You must head over to The Cuttlegbug Spot blog to see what everyone else has created for you today. I love Christmas in July! :) Hugs!

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win my blog candy! Supplies Paper: Shimmer White cardstock, White & Light Blue cardstock, DCWV Christmas Stack Ink: Memento Rose Bud Dye Ink, SU! Bashful Blue Craft Ink Stamps: Inkadinkado Clear Christmas Sentiment Accessories: Cuttlebug, SU! Background Texturz Plates, Grungeboard Flourish, Ultra Thick Embossing Powder, Machine Stitching, SU! White Taffeta Ribbon, Prima Flower, Bling

Jazzy Inspirations #16

Hey ya'll! This is my second post of the day, there's another post below this one. This is my project for this weeks Jazzy Inspirations challenge. Our challenge colors of turquoise/teal, white and black are from this weeks Three Trumpets inspiration piece. I absolutely LOVE these colors together! I needed a birthday card for a friend next week, so this was perfect for that! Aren't these colors yummy together?! You should see what my fellow DT members have created for you today. They're all fabulous! I hope you'll head over there to see them, and hopefully play along today. Don't forget about my blog candy! :) Have a great weekend! Supplies Paper: SU! Whisper White & Basic Black cardstock, DCWV Turquoise Textured cardstock Ink: Ranger Black Archival Ink, VersaMark, Sakura White Gel Pen Stamps: Stampabilities Polka Dot & Mesh Backgrounds, Clear $1 Stamp Birthday Sentiment Accessories: Cuttlebug, Argyle Embossing Folder, Labels 1 Nestabilities, SU! Scalloped Circle & Star Punches, Large Brad, Pop Dots

Unscripted Sketches #16

Happy Saturday! I'm SO excited to share this weeks Unscripted Sketches project with you today! The sketch is amazing, as always, but there was a twist this time. Instead of using a stamp or a picture as our focal point, we were challenged to use a photo. I LOVE this card! I'm not sure why I hadn't thought to use pictures as greetings, but it's an awesome idea!

My sister and her husband have an anniversary coming up so this is the card I will be sending them. Their colors were dark blue, orange and white, so I used that color combo. All of you Bronco's fans out there will appreciate it too! LOL My sentiment was computer generated, and then I stamped the heart cluster before adding it to my card. Isn't it pretty? I can't even begin to tell you how fabulous everyone's projects are today! You simply must head over to the Unscripted blog to check them out! Hopefully you'll get the chance to play along and use a photo as a nice change to what you may be used to doing. I think I'm going to be creating some Christmas cards using this idea!

I have another post scheduled shortly. I hope you'll be back to check it out! And don't forget about my blog candy! :) Have a wonderful weekend! Supplies Paper: Shimmer White cardstock, Navy Textured cardstock, SU! Pumpkin Pie & Whisper White cardstock Ink: SU! Tangerine Tango Classic Ink, VersaMark Stamps: Stampabilities Faded Text Background Accessories: Prima Flower, Bling & Pearls, White Embossing Powder, Cuttlebug, Smooth Circles & Lables 1 Nestabilities, Scor Pal, Paper Piercing, Pop Dots, Glue Dots

TGIF!

Hey ya'll! Thank God it's Friday! :) I'm always excited when Friday comes around but today I'm exceptionally excited! I don't normally get much time off but I was told that I still had a few days of vacation I needed to use before October, so I took today off. Ahh, how fabulous it was to sleep in, until 8am, and not have to be woken up by my dreadful alarm clock. Nothing like a random three day weekend, eh? I've got a really nice, relaxing day planned too. Stephen and I are going to lunch, and then Becky and I are attending a crop this evening. It's been such a long time since we've gone to crop that we are having a bit of trouble packing for it. I'm sure we'll take way too much, and then just sit around and talk the whole time. We usually don't accomplish much when we go somewhere to crop because we're too busy talking. Sound familiar?! LOL It doesn't really matter though because I'm just happy to get to relax and enjoy some girl time. :) Anyway, don't forget that I have two posts scheduled for tomorrow. It's another Jazzy Inspirations challenge and an Unscripted Sketch challenge. I hope you'll be back to see them, and don't forget about the blog candy you could win! Have a wonderful day!

How about some more candy?

Well, as the title says, I'm feeling generous again! There's a twist to this blog candy though. Yep, I'm going to make all of you who want to win work for it! *evil grin* As all of you who follow or visit my blog frequently know, I am now a member of the Jazzy Inspirations design team. It's a wonderful site and the inspiration pieces that Tenia chooses for us are fantastic. I have to say I was a bit discouraged that the new design team debuted two Saturday's ago and no one participated in the challenge. I understand that life gets in the way and everyone is busy. Hopefully some of you will get the chance to play with us soon. I'd absolutely love it if you wonderful people, who are always so supportive of me and my blog, would be kind enough to show your support for us at Jazzy Inspirations. It would mean a lot to me. On that note, here's how to enter for my blog candy! In order to be entered, I will choose my favorite project based on this Saturday's inspiration challenge. I can't wait for you to see this weeks inspiration cover. The colors are FABULOUS! All you have to do is visit Jazzy Inspirations, and link up your project there using Mr. Linky. That's it! Not too difficult, right? Want to know what's up for grabs? How about a $50 gift certificate or gift card to the place of your choice? It can be to ANYWHERE you want! So how about it? Think you're up for a bit of creating to win some blog candy? I'm hoping so!! Don't forget to tell your friends! Also, don't forget to mention my blog candy in your project post so that I know who has entered. I will be choosing a winner on Saturday, August 1st. Have a fantastic day!

Color Dare #26 - Hats Off To You!

Hi everyone! It's time for another Color Dare challenge! This week our colors are Barely Banana, Bravo Burgundy and Close to Cocoa. Talk about a real challenge, again! I took a trip to Hobby Lobby this past weekend and some of their stamps were half off. I found this awesome polka dot background stamp and knew that I wanted to make a Birthday card with this weeks color choices. I paired it with THIS sketch. I think it turned out quite cute. Especially since the hat has polka dots on it to match. :) I thought the burgundy and banana were really bold together so I tried to even them out with cream colored cardstock and satin ribbon. I actually like this card with the polka dots. I hope you'll head over to the Color Dare blog and see what my fellow DT members have created for you today. They're all fabulous, as always! Have a great day! Supplies Paper: SU! Barely Banana, Bravo Burgundy & Close to Cocoa cardstock, JoAnn's Cream cardstock Ink: SU! Bravo Burgundy Classic Ink, VersaMark Stamps: MSE Birthday, Stampabilities Polka Dot Background Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder, Cuttlebug, Labels 2 Nestabilities, Cream Satin Ribbon, Pop Dots

Blog Hop Continued!

Please scroll down to view my edited post with the information for the blog hop. I apologize it wasn't all done yesterday but there was a bit of confusion. It's all good now! Thanks!

Cuttlebug Spot Challenge #40 & Blog Hop

Mornin everyone! This weeks Cuttlebug Spot challenge is a bit different than usual. For our challenge today, Nilda asked us to go through the archives and pick a technique to showcase on our blogs. Each design team member has a different technique featured on their blog and we're doing a blog hop. If you're visiting me from Karen's blog, then you're on track, if you're just starting, please visit Katz Designs. I went with my favorite technique, Serendipity embossing. Below are the steps and my finished card. First, you'll need random shapes or scraps of paper. Next, you'll adhere them to your card front randomly. After that you'll run it through your Cuttlebug using whichever embossing folder you like.

Here is the finished card front.

And here is my finished card.

I think its a neat technique to add texture and interest to a card or project. I use this a lot on my layouts and it looks really pretty. Now it's time to hop on over to Julie's blog to see what technique she's chosen, and to see her fabulous project!

Have a great time visiting everyone's blogs today!

Supplies

Paper: Navy Textured cardstock, Blue, Cream & Aqua cardstock, Heidi Grace Patterned Paper

Ink: Ranger Black Archival Ink, Memento Summer Sky Dye Ink

Stamps: Inkadinkado Hawaiian Flower & Flowered Scalloped Circle, Fiskars Clear Thank You Sentiment

Accessories: Cream Satin Ribbon, Cuttlebug, Argyle Embossing Folder, Labels 1 Nestabilities, Pop Dots

Unscripted Sketches #15

Hey ya'll! Another Saturday has come, very quickly, and I have another Unscripted Sketches project for you. I get so excited when I see the new sketches posted. They always leave them simple, with plenty of room for interpretation. Love that! So, without anymore rambling, here's my card using this weeks sketch. I was up in the air about the new SU! in colors, but this Blush Blossom card base paired with Rich Razzleberry, is just goregous! I love the contrast of the light with the dark, and my patterned paper was just the right fit for both. I'm excited with my fellow DT's creations today. Actually, I'm excited every Saturday with their projects. We have a fabulous group of designers and they never cease to amaze me! I hope you'll check out this weeks sketch, and maybe play along! We always enjoy seeing your wonderful creations! Have a great weekend! Supplies Paper: SU! Blush Blossom & Rich Razzleberry cardstock, Prism Tan cardstock, Me & My Big Ideas "Fashion District" patterned paper Ink: Ranger Black Archival Ink, Sakura Clear Stardust Pen Stamps: K & Co. Clear Stamps "Madeline" Accessories: Cream Satin Ribbon, Bling, Cuttlebug, Smooth Rectangle Nestabilities, Scor Pal, EK Success Fleur de Lis Border Punch, Pop Dots

Color Dare #25

Hi everyone! It's Wednesday, which means we only have two days until the weekend arrives, and it's time for another Color Dare challenge! I like Wednesdays. Ghost Hunters and So You Think You Can Dance are on tonight, and it's my evening to be a bum because I normally don't have to bring anything home from work on Wednesday. Ok, I'm done rambling. LOL Here is my card for this weeks challenge. Our colors were Kraft, Brocade Blue, Taken With Teal and Chocolate Chip. I paired them with THIS sketch. Thank goodness for the Manchester designer series paper from SU! It was perfect for this weeks color combo! I hope you'll head over to see what my fellow DT members have created for you today. They're fabulous, as always! Maybe if you get the chance, you can play along with us too! Have a great day! Supplies Paper: SU! Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue & Taken With Teal cardstock, Kraft cardstock, SU! Manchester DSP Ink: Ranger Black Archival Ink Stamps: Fiskars Clear Stamps "Thank You" Sentiments Accessories: Cricut, Accent Essentials Cartridge, Martha Stewart Leaf Punch, Brown Twine, Blue Button

Cuttlebug Spot #39 - Show Us The Inside!

Yola! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! It is my pleasure to bring you this weeks Cuttlebug Spot project. This week the challenge is to show us the beautiful insides of your cards. I have to say that I don't really put all that much thought into the inside of my cards. I slap on a piece of white cardstock if the base is a dark color, but that's about it. I'm hoping you'll enjoy what I came up with for the whole project. Card front: Inside:

I hope you'll head over to The Cuttlebug Spot to see what else everyone has put together for you today. Don't forget that you can also click on the DT blog links on my sidebar. I will be back soon with another something!

Hugs!

Supplies

Paper: Paper Studio Pink & Patterned Paper, JoAnn's Cream Cardstock

Ink: Ranger Black Archival Ink, Memento Angel Pink Dye Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink, Sakura Clear Stardust Pen

Stamps: Cloud 9 Clear Stamps "Baby", Inkadinkado Clear Stamps "Vacation"

Accessories: Buttons, Cuttlebug, SU! Background Texturz Plates, Smooth & Scalloped Oval Nestabilities, Silver Brad, Yellow Floss, Martha Stewart Elegant Butterfly Punch, SU! Scalloped Border Punch, Prima Flower, Bling, Pop Dots

Win $1,000 at TheCuttlebugSpot.com!

Hey ya'll! You need to hear about this!! I have just discovered that The Cuttlebug Spot is having a contest - "The Journey to 1,000"! They are trying to reach 1,000 followers by the end of July and need your help. To enter all you have to do is go to their site, sign up as follower and complete a few easy steps and you could win a $1,000 gift certificate to Custom Crops (www.CustomCrops.com)! GO NOW and check it out at www.TheCuttlebugSpot.com You don't want to miss out on this fabulous opportunity! Imagine all of the goodies you can get for $1,000!!! Good luck to everyone!

Jazzy Inspirations #15

Hey ya'll! This is my second post of the day, please scroll down for my Unscripted Sketches project. I'm excited to bring you my first project as a Jazzy Cat! The inspiration challenges will be hosted every other Saturday. This weeks inspiration is a "Sweets" Edison CD cover. The colors are bright yellow, bright green, black and white. I'm not sure why, but I immediately got the urge to create a Halloween card. I suppose it's never too late to get started on Halloween cards either, so here I go! LOL I really like the Core'dinations Black Magic cardstock. It's black on one side, and colored on the opposite side. When I ran it through my Cuttlebug and sanded it, you can see the color popping through the black. It's fantastic!! I really like the way this card turned out. It's definitely the most elaborate Halloween card I've ever created. Halloween is my favorite holiday too. I'm already starting to plan a small Halloween get together. :) Please stop by the Jazzy Inspirations blog and see what my fellow DT members have come up with using this weeks inspiration piece. I'm sure you'll agree that they are all wonderful. I've also added their blog links to my sidebar. Hugs! Supplies Paper: DCWV Textured Green cardstock, Paper Studio Yellow & White cardstock, Core'dinations Black Magic "Hocus Pocus" cardstock Ink: Ranger Black Archival Ink, Versa Mark Stamps: Inkadinkado Clear Stamps "All Hallows Eve" Accessories: Cuttlebug, Pumpkin Harvest & Skeleton Scroll Embossing Folders, Smooth & Scalloped Square Nestabilities, Clear Embossing Powder, Pop Dots

Unscripted Sketches #14

Hi everyone! I'm so glad it's Saturday again! It has been a very stressful, crazy week. I hope everyone has a nice relaxing weekend planned. I think we're going to the pool today, and maybe to a friends house for a BBQ. Either way, it will be nice and relaxing. It's time again for another Unscripted Sketches sketch challenge. This week brings you another fabulous sketch, and I had a great time with it. I got out my stickles for this card. It's been a long time since I've used them, and I really like the added sparkle it gave my hearts. I hope you'll head over to see what everyone has created for you today, and hopefully play along. Everything is amazing, as always! Have a good weekend! Supplies Paper: SU! Soft Suede & Bermuda Bay cardstock, Shimmer White cardstock, Kraft cardstock Ink: Ranger Black Archival Ink, SU! Tempting Turquoise Classic Ink, Versa Mark Stamps: Verve "Heartfelt Thanks", Autumn Leaves "Love Grows", Stampabilities Vine Background Accessories: Flat Back Pearls, Aqua Satin Ribbon, Stickles, Clear Embossing Powder, Pop Dots

Update

Morning everyone! Thank you SO much for all of the thoughts and prayers that were said for my dad. You all are such wonderful people, and I appreciate everything! I received a phone call last evening from his wife that the results were back. Unfortunately, my worst fears were confirmed, he has cancer. The mass on his left lung is approximately 20cm, which is about the size of a small grapefruit. The doctor stated that they didn't want to let it sit so they are going to remove the mass, along with 1/4 of his lung. We will know more after his follow up visit on Monday. I'm praying that removing it will be the end of it. I guess we'll see what happens. Hugs, Steph

Tri-Fold Card - Second Post

Hi everyone! I posted a cute tri-fold card last week, and got several questions asking if I could show you what it looks like when opened. Ask, and you shall receive! I've posted both the closed card, and the opened card. It's one that I put together quickly to see it in real life, so it needs some tweaking. I will, however, be using this design for a few gifts I have in mind. :) Closed Card: Opened Card:

See how cute it is?!

Exciting News

Hey ya'll! So in the midst of everything going on with my father, I received some exciting news. I am one of the new Jazzy Cats over at Jazzy Inspirations. My DT term runs through December and I'm so excited to be a part of it! The inspiration challenges are every other Saturday, and from the looks of it, my fellow DT members should have some amazing things for everyone to see. I hope you'll check it out and play along with us starting July 11th. Thanks again to all of you for your thoughts and prayers for my father. He got to go home yesterday, but we still have no results of the biopsy they took last Thursday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's just an infection. Have a great day! Much love,

Missing A Bit Longer Than Expected

I don't have any posts scheduled for this week as I am sitting out this weeks Cuttlebug Spot and Color Dare challenges. I was unable to get anything done before I left, and after being out for vacation, I knew I'd have a nice, huge pile of stuff to do when I return to work, whenever that may be. I was supposed to be back from my vacation yesterday, but unfortunately, my father was admitted to the hospital and I'm not sure when he's going to be released. I'm hoping soon. Everything is sill up in the air though. They said we wouldn't have the results of the biopsy until Tuesday or Wednesday. Hope everyone has a good week!

Unscripted Sketches #13

Happy 4th of July everyone! As you read this, I'm spending some much needed quality time with my family in San Antonio. Nothing beats spending time with family and close friends, and eating all of that yummy comfort food I grew up with! I swear I'm going to gain 10 pounds this week! LOL So it's Saturday, which means it's time for another Unscripted Sketches project. I'm SO loving this weeks sketch, and using my distress inks again! It's so amazing at what kind of life a project takes on once you start using these beautiful inks. I should have been using them from the beginning! Anyway, here's the layout I came up with for this week. I LOVE this picture of Mikey. He's got that sweet look on his face, and his "Ladies Man" t-shirt on. How could you not love a cutie patootie like that?! He's so adorable! Don't forget to check out what my friends, and fellow DT members have created for you today over at the Unscripted Sketches blog. There are some amazing things for you to see! Have a safe and happy 4th of July weekend! Hugs! Supplies Paper: Blue Textured cardstock, Kraft Cardstock, White & Ivory cardstock, A Formal Affair patterned paper Ink: Faded Jeans, Broken China & Peeled Paint Distress Inks, Ranger Black Archival Ink Stamps: Clear Stamps Lowercase Alphabet, Flourish, Polka Dot Flourishs & Hearts Accessories: Green Rain Drops, Cuttlebug, Distressed Stripes Embossing Folder, Classic Smooth Circle & Heart Nestabilities

June ATC's

Yay, it's Friday! Here are my June ATC's that I can share with you now. Our theme for June was Summer of 4th of July, and the twist was to use at least one button. I love the bright colors! I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July weekend! Again, my sincere thanks to all of those serving in the military! *hugs* Have a great day!

Unique Tri-Fold Card

Hey ya'll! I am excited to show you this tri-fold card I made. I got the idea from THIS video, and had to try it. It's really cool, and has different layers. I tied some Chocolate Chip ribbon around it to keep it closed, but when opened it's got coordinating paper on all sides. There is a lot to be "tweaked" but I think it's cute for a first attempt. I'm off enjoying something fabulous with my friends and family in San Antonio, but I have another post scheduled for tomorrow. Don't forget that Saturday is another Unscripted Sketches sketch challenge! Much love!

Color Dare #23 - Hi!

Yola! This is something my sister says all the time and I believe she's got me hooked. She descibes it as a cross between Yo and Hola. I'm feelin kinda funky these days, and today I go on vacation, so why not be a bit quirky?! It's time for another Color Dare! This weeks colors were the most difficult for me EVER! Our colors were Bashful Blue, Blush Blossom, Handsome Hunter and Kraft. Uh, yeah, I know!! The first card I put together looked like crap when I was done, so I took it apart and scrapped the pieces that were usable. I'm not sure how I came up with this, but I must say it's a bit better than I expected. I used Bashful Blue Craft ink on the chipboard flourish and then embossed using UTEE (ultra thick embossing powder) to make it smooth and shiny. Love this technique! Don't forget to check out what my fellow DT members have created for you this week! Hugs! Supplies Paper: SU! Whisper White, Handsome Hunter & Bashful Blue cardstock, Kraft cardstock Ink: VersaMark Accessories: Scorpal, Cuttlebug, SU! Backgrounds Texturz Plates, Bling, Chipboard Flourish, UTEE, Prima Flower, MS Leaf Punch, SU! Scalloped Border punch, American Craft Thickers, Pop Dots