Praying for You

Happy Sunday ya'll!

Are you guys having a good weekend?  So far, so good around here.  I got some time to create this morning and this is what I came up with.

I know that usually the Breast Cancer awareness ribbons are pink, but I didn't think making them yellow this time would be too bad of an idea.  I wanted to make sure my card fit all of the challenges I listed below.  I like how the pink, green and yellow pop against the black background.  I hope the recipient of this card enjoys it.  A huge thank you to Alison at Stretch N Bubbles.  She's giving away these images in support of the cause.  There are 7 images total, all fabulous!  You should go check them out.  And now, onto my list of challenges.

Raise The Bar #7 - Use 3's (I used three rhinestones)
ResQ  #34 - Hybrid project with Spring Colors (images are digi)
Stamp Something Recipe Somethings - Patterned Paper, Buttons, Ribbon
Crazy 4 Challenges #26 - 3 Different Textures (bling, ribbon, popped up butterfly)
Your Next Stamp #10 - Spring Colors
Stamp, Scrap & Doodle #29 - Sparkle & Shine (bling & glitter on the ribbon in the center of the flower)
Poppy Seed Challenge #1 - Crystals, Flower Stamp, Light Yellow (New challenge, go check it out!!)
Treehouse Thursday #38 - Bling It On
Lexi's Creations #8 - Anything Goes
Pink Elephant #55 - Sketch (I modified it a bit)
Pracitcal Stampers - Stamps (hopefully digi stamps are included)
Crafty Creations #56 - Cut It Out & Pop It Up
Splitcoast Free For All #1 - Textures (ribbon, bling), Color You Don't Normally Use (yellow) & Patterned Paper

Whew!  What a combination of challenges!  I love it when things come together like that.  I couldn't fit all of the challenges in my labels thought.  Bummer!
Have a great day!

Unscripted Sketches Challenge #44

Good day!

We've reached another Saturday!  I'm excited that I got to sleep in again today. :)  Saturday's mean it's time for another Unscripted Sketches sketch it Saturday challenge!

For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

It's always difficult for me when I need a sympathy card. I don't even keep them in my stash.  The whole meaning behind it, and the reality of what has happened make me very emotional, whether I know the person who has passed away or not. I recently needed a card for Stephen's mother. Her younger brother passed away and I wanted to send her something nice, to let her know I was thinking about her.  When I first finished this card, I really didn't like it at all.  After a bit though, it grew on me, and has become one of my favorites.  

As always, the amazing Unscripted DT have created some gorgeous projects for your viewing pleasure today.  I hope you'll head over there to see what I'm talking about. 

Have a great weekend!


What's In It
Paper:  SEI Poppy Patterned Paper, MME La Paperie Patterned Paper, Sage, Black & White Cardstock
Stamps:  Floral Background & Sympathy Stamps, Penny Black Blush, SU! Great Friend
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black & Rich Cocoa Dye Ink, SU! Sage Shadow, Close to Cocoa & Old Olive Markers
Accessories:  Black Gingham Ribbon, Cuttlebug, Classic Smooth & Scalloped Oval Nestabilities, Light Blue Flat Back Pearls, Pop Dots

Saying Goodbye Is Sometimes Best...

Hey ya'll!

How has your weekend been?  I hope you've accomplished everything you've wanted.  We spent the day with Stephen's family celebrating Mikey's 6th birthday.  Gosh, it's so hard to believe he's 6 already.  They grow up so fast!  Had we not been gone all day, this probably would have been posted sooner.

As many of you who have followed my blog for a while know, I was recently promoted at work again.  I'm truly blessed to have a great, stable job, that continues to grow, but with such a positive step forward, come a few sacrifices.  My new responsibilities involve me traveling more often, and thus, leaving me less time to craft.  It is because of this that I have resigned from both The Cuttlebug Spot and Frosted Designs design teams, effective the end of February.  I have chosen to try to continue with the Unscripted Sketches DT, so I will continue to post on Saturday's, as often as possible. 

It has been both an honor and a pleasure to work with both DT's, and such wonderful women.  They're always so positive and inspiring, and truly a pleasure to work with.  I hope you will continue to visit each of those blogs on Monday's and Friday's to show support.  I know that if I have the opportunity, I will definitely play along as often as I can.

In doing this, I know I will lose some followers and subscribers, which is understandable.  I feel like I need to do what's best for me and my family at this point, and that is to focus on work.  This situation is slightly bittersweet for me.  I'm happy to be promoted, but sad to have to resign.  I know that there are other opportunities and I look forward to them, but for now, saying goodbye to two of the three DT's I was serving on seems best.  Thank you to all of you who visit often to see my DT projects.  I truly appreciate the kind words you're always so happy to leave for me.  Things won't be as busy around here anymore, but I hope you'll continue to stop by and visit from time to time!

Hugs!
   

Unscripted Sketches #43

"Birthdays are good for you; the more you have, the longer you live."

How are ya'll today?  It's Saturday, which brings us to another Unscripted Sketches challenge.  This weeks sketch is another great one, and I had fun with it.  There is also a twist to today's sketch! 

For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I'm not sure I like that big poofy flower just yet, but I really wanted to try it out.  There are several tutorials on how to make them, and they're super simple.  I flipped this weeks sketch to fit what I needed and it turned out slightly better than I imagined.  I have another birthday at work and this is going to be perfect for her.  She loves brown, and blue.  I like how the yellow adds a bit of pop against the other colors.  For the blue/brown panel with the sentiment on it, I used a Tim Holtz mask to create the pattern, with some Antique Linen distress ink.  I think it looks kind of cool.  I hope she likes it!

You've got to head over to the Unscripted blog to see what my friends have created for you today.  I'm loving all of their projects!!  Hope you get to play along with us this week too! :)

Have a wonderful weekend!


What's In It
Paper:  White cardstock, Heidi Grace DSP, Blue Striped cardstock (from my scraps)
Stamps:  Verve Circular Sayings, SU! Pocket Silhouettes
Ink:  SU! So Saffron Classic Ink, Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink
Accessories:  SU! So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon, Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, SU! Scalloped Border Punch, Bling, Tim Holtz Regal Mini Mask, SU! Scalloped Circle Punch, Glue Dots

Frosted Designs - Polka Dots & Plaids

"Twinkle twinkle little star, do you know how loved you are?"

Thank goodness today is Friday!  That means I get to sleep in for the next two days, yay!  Friday also brings us to another Frosted Designs challenge.  The challenge this week is to use polka dots and plaids together on a project.

For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

One of the guys on my team and his wife are expecting their first baby.  They had a lot of trouble conceiving so the fact that she's pregnant is a huge deal for them.  I'm throwing them a surprise baby shower at work, and needed a card to match the gift bag I made them.  This weeks challenge was perfect for that.  I stamped the plaid in black onto the lavender piece of patterned paper and then stamped the "baby" onto pink polka dot paper and punched them out.  I tied a knot with some polka dotted purple ribbon, and pop dotted the letters onto the top right.  It's a really simple, but cute card and I love the pink and purple together. 

I hope you'll head over to Frosted Designs to see what the fabulous DT have created for you today!  Don't forget to add our challenge to your list of challenges to play along with this week too! :)

Have a great weekend!


What's In It
Paper:  SU! Pink Pirouette Textured cardstock, SU! Tea Party DSP
Stamps:  Martha Stewart Clear Patterns, Fiskars A to Z Alphabet
Ink:  Ranger Black Archival Ink
Accessories:  Lavender Polka Dot Organdy Ribbon, 3/4 Circle Punch, Pop Dots

Butterflies In A Whole New Way!

I am so freakin excited to share today's card with you, I can't even begin to tell you! lol  So, the other day I was browsing some videos on YouTube, and came across an idea that I really liked.  I can't remember who's video it was, so if one of you know, let me know so I can give them credit.  Technically, I am not lifting the whole idea as I modified it and made it different, in a Steph kind of way.  You know how I LOVE my butterflies, so this was something I just had to try.  I took the idea and ran with it!

I started off by adhering some old book paper to a piece of white cardstock, then I used my Beautiful Butterflies die from SU! to get the larger base butterfly.  I then smeared some "Orange Peel" Stickles all over the butterfly and set it aside to dry (this is the technique I saw on YouTube, although they didn't adhere the paper to cardstock first).  While that was drying, I cut the smaller butterfly from the same die using a thin piece of acrylic I got off of one of the backs of an old clear stamp set.  I then used white Staz On to give it some polka dots.  Once both butterflies were dry, I glued them together with some glue dots.  Here is my result.

At first glance, it may look like just another cute butterfly, but here's a close up so that you can see both layers, and the sparkly goodness.

I popped it up on my card, using pop dots, and bent the wings a bit.  I absolutely love how you can see the bottom layer through the top layer, and still have the added 3D dimension to it.  I've got TONS of new ideas running through my head, and cannot wait to share them with ya'll!  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I only needed two more girly birthday cards this month, and this is going to be one of them.  I hope she loves it as much as I do!

Have a fantastic day!

Cuttlebug Spot Challenge - Altered Frames

Wow, we're at another Monday already.  *sigh*

How was your weekend?  Did you do anything fun or exciting?  What did you get from your sweeties for Valentine's Day?  I went to dinner and a movie with my sweetheart, and then we had a sleep over.  It had been a while since we'd just vegged out in front of the TV watching Sci Fi/Horror flicks.  What fun! :)

So, this weeks Cuttlebug Spot challenge is to alter a picture frame.  I had a lot of fun with this challenge.  I kept it simple, but it definitely makes a statement.

For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

This is one of my new favorite projects.  It's monochromatic & blue, has the use of my favorite embossing folder (Stylized Flowers) and butterflies!!  I'm really happy with this.  It was very easy to put together as well.  And, my total cost was a whopping $2 (frame purchased on clearance).  I created this with a certain someone in mind.  She loves blue and butterflies as well, and is in need of more stuff to decorate her new apartment.  I hope it goes ok with her blue accent wall and gorgeous red couch. *wink*

Please, please, please head over to the Cuttlebug Spot to see what everyone else has created for you today.  You won't be short of amazed at how beautiful they all are!

Have a great week!


What's In It
Paper:  Prima Lunar Lullaby, Dark Blue Glitter Paper, SU! Good Morning Sunshine DSP, White Cardstock
Ink:  SU! Pacific Point & Baja Breeze Classic Ink
Stamps:  Stampabilities Ornate Cross & Le London Script Background
Accessories:  Cuttlebug, Stylized Flower Embossing Folder, SU! Beautiful Butterflies Die, Bling, Accent Essentials Cricut Cartridge (for stamped flourishes), Small White Frame

Another Masculine Birthday Card

Happy Valentine's Day ya'll!

I hope you're enjoying your time with your sweethearts, and have nice plans for today.  I've been busy crafting since I refuse to go outside, or as little as possible anyway, in the nasty weather we currently have.  This month seems to be the month for man cards.  I've got 9 birthday cards to make, and only three of them are for my gal friends.  The rest are all masculine.  I struggle badly with masculine cards, so maybe this month will be my turning point, since I have so many to make.  Here is the first.

This card is for the President of our company.  His birthday was yesterday actually, but we're celbrating on Monday.  It looks fairly simple, but below are all of the challenges I combined for this card.  Hope he likes it!

I {heart} To Stamp - Sketch
Paper Play Week #6 - Birthday for someone special
Allsorts #39 - Recipe of 3, 2, 1 (our choice - I used 3 patterned papers, 2 stamps and 1 star)
Humble Pie - Use Spellbinders, Quickutz, Cuttlebug, etc. Dies (I used my Nesties)
Frosted Designs - Use Stars
Robyn's Fetish Challenge - Color Challenge of royal blue, light blue, black, white and silver/gray
Doodle Palace - Lots of Layers

I'm going to try to get a Christmas card finished.  It's been a couple weeks since I've joined Sparks challenge, and I need to catch up.  We'll see how that goes though. lol

Have a Happy Sunday!

Unscripted Sketches #42

"You were once my little girl and now my shining star."

I decided to create a layout for this weeks Unscripted sketch.  I've had this strip of photos for a while now, and really had no idea what I was going to do with them, until this weeks sketch.  There is a lot of purple, and a LOT of bling on this page.  I don't think I've ever had something with so much of it.  I really love the Baroque Motifs flourish though.  It really added what I was looking for to this page.

For this weeks sketch, click HERE.

Sydney told me she wanted something very girly, and to use the colors in the top butterfly, so this is what I came up with.  I gave it a go at my friend Aymee's pleated border along the bottom edge of the quote panel.  I'm not sure I did that great of a job, but I like the heart border it has, so I left it.  It's definitely a "girly" page! lol

I hope you'll head over to Unscripted Sketches to see what my friends have created for you again this week.

I'm off to do laundry, and clean house. 
Hugs!


What's In It
Paper:  Purple, Orange, White & Taupe cardstock, SU! Pink Pirouette & Pumpkin Pie Textured cardstock, Prima Lunar Lullaby Patterned Paper, SU! Sweet Always DSP
Stamps:  SU! Baroque Motifs, Inkadinkado Flourishes & Sentiment
Ink:  SU! Whisper White Craft Ink, Versa Magic Pretty Petunia Chalk Ink, Ranger Black Archival Ink
Accessories:  Bling, EK Success Embossed Scallop Border Punch, SU! Beautiful Butterflies Die, Glue Dots, Pop Dots, Computer Generated Journaling

Frosted Designs - Using Stars

"It takes a long time to become young."

Woo hoo, today's Friday!  This means it's time for another Frosted Designs challenge.  The challenge this week is to create a project that includes stars.  When I read what this weeks challenge was, for some reason, Meg's little cutie Mason popped into my head.  He's the most adorable little guy and I think, by looking at his pictures, he would enjoy receiving this type of card. 

For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I really like shaped cards, but seldom create them.  I wanted something that was different for today's challenge.  I know I mentioned a few months back that I was going to try to create more non A2 sized cards, so here is my next attempt at that.  I wanted a bit of color, so I included the blue star.  I love how it pops against the silver, gray and black.  Exactly what I was going for.

The rockin DT over at Frosted Designs have put together some awesome projects for you today.  I hope you'll take a minute and go check them out.

Happy Weekend to all!


What's In It
Paper:  SU! Basic Gray & Whisper White cardstock, DCWV Rockstar Stack, Black/Silver Star Patterned Paper (from my scraps)
Stamps:  MSE Birthday, SU! A Little Something
Ink:  SU! Pacific Point Classic Ink, Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink
Accessories:  Cuttlebug, Labels 2 Nestabilities, SU! Star Punch, Silver Star Brad, Pop Dots

An Interesting Morning

So, when I woke up this morning, I was running late because I didn't hear my alarm clock go off.  I only live about 10 minutes from my office, but I still needed to shower, dry my hair (cause it's been colder than normal lately and my mom always told me not to leave the house with wet hair in the winter), and get something together for lunch.  Well, things didn't go as planned.  Somehow the pilot light on the water heater got blown out and there was no hot water.  It was the quickets, coldest shower I have ever taken.  No worries, I'll dry off and then dry my hair, right?  Not the case.  My hair dryer decided it was time for it to retire.  It wouldn't work.  So, after putting my hair up in a clip, throwing on some clothes and rushing out the door, I am greeted with this...

Lovely!  It's not cold enough for ice, but it was really slushy on my drive to work.  I get here, and the server is down, there is no coffee, and my co-worker has already been demanding a list of items she needs by noon today.  I'm seriously thinking of taking off after lunch and going home, and back to bed.  Anyone else have days like this? lol

I hope you have a better day than the one I'm having! :)
Hugs!

Birthday Blessings

Happy Humpday ya'll!

Just a quick post today.  I wanted to share a birthday card I made for my coworker who's birthday is this week.  It's a cute 4 1/4 X 4 1/4 square card.  I used last weeks Color Chef combo of black, white, green and pink.

I had this awesome green stitched pink grosgrain ribbon and thought it would work perfectly for this color combo.  I hope she likes it!

Have a great day!
Hugs!

Cuttlebug Spot Challenge - Altered Mailboxes

Happy Monday ya'll!

I'm really glad that I got some time to play over the weekend.  I've got tons of stuff to post over the next few days.  So it's Monday, which brings us another Cuttlebug Spot challenge.  This week we were to alter one of those small mailboxes you can get at Target, or if you couldn't find one of those, create a paper mailbox.  As you can see from my photo, I was one of the unfortunates who couldn't find one of those cute mailboxes at Target.  I looked at four different locations even.  Oh well, it gave me a chance to use one of the templates I found online somewhere.  I don't remember who's it is though, sorry!

For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

For a first attempt, I think it turned out quite cute.  I think I probably could have made it a bit shorter in length, to suit me better, but all in all it's adorable.  I may just take this to work and put it on my shelf, filled with kisses for everyone to enjoy.  Now that I'm looking at it, I think I could have used a bit more embossing on it somewhere too.  Maybe I'll try again sometime.

I can't wait for you to see what the other designers have created for you today.  They're all so adorably wonderful!  I hope you'll head over to the Cuttlebug Spot to see them.

Have a great day!


What's In It
Paper:  SU! Candy Lane DSP, Kraft cardstock
Stamps:  PTI Mega Mixed Messages
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink
Accessories:  Cuttlebug, Heart Blocks Embossing Folder, Red Glitter Brad

Unscripted Sketches #41

"The shortest way to heaven is through a garden gate."

I'm SO excited to be able to create for Unscripted Sketches again!  It's been a while, and boy did I miss it!  I've been very busy behind the scenes the last few days, catching up on challenge projects for the next few weeks.  I hope you'll enjoy the regular posts again. 

For this weeks sketch, click HERE.

I wanted to challenge myself to create something with bright, bold colors.  Colors I wouldn't normally use unless someone asked for them.  All in all, I think I did a good job of stepping outside my comfort zone, without causing myself too much trauma.  I'm really excited that I learned how to tie bows well also.  I know, I'm easily amused. lol

I hope you'll head over to Unscripted Sketches to see what my friends have created for you today also!

Have a wonderful weekend!


What's In It
Paper:  SU! Melon Mambo, Whisper White & Basic Black cardstock, SU! Pumpkin Pie Textured cardstock, DCWV Black & White Mat Stack, Orange w/Yellow Polka Dot scraps
Stamps:  Inkadinkado Clear Stamps "Expressions"
Ink:  Ranger Black Archival Ink
Accessories:  Fiskars Apron Lace Border Punch, Martha Stewart Elegant Butterfly Punch, Bling, White Satin Ribbon, Glue Dots, Pop Dot

Frosted Designs - Valentine Without Pink or Red

"The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart."

I'm excited to bring you my first project for Frosted Designs!  This week we were to create a Valentine project without using pink or red.  Being the non-traditionalist that I am, I loved this challenge!  I needed a Valentine for a co-worker's wife, and her favorite color is purple.  Perfect!  Knocked out two things with one card.

For this weeks challenge, click HERE.

I just absolutely love this sentiment stamp I got about a year or so ago.  I think it goes well with quite a few different card types.  I wanted to keep this simple, and more elegant looking.  Both my co-worker and his wife are very simple, and sincere, and I think this card fits them both really well.  I hadn't really used my scor-pal in a while either, so I added some embossed lines to add a bit of interest.

You should head over to the Frosted Designs blog to see what the other fabulous DT members have created for you today.  They're all pretty amazing!

Have a good day!


Whats In It
Paper:  SU! Very Vanilla cardstock, Lavender Shimmer Paper, Purple Floral Papers (from my scraps)
Stamps:  Stampabilities "I {heart} You"
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black Dye Ink
Accessories:  Scor-Pal, Martha Stewart Elegant Butterfly Punch, Flat Back Pearls, Glue Dots

I Might Be Addicted...

...to creating videos.  I'm thinking it may have a lot to do with the fact that I learned how to use my editing software, and that I'm finally getting use out of my Flip video camera, and maybe just maybe the fact that I get to play with my MP3's so that you can get a glimpse into one of my favorite things, music.  lol  Whatever the reason, I'm sure there will be tons more videos to come. 

I'm slowly starting to finish up the last few Valentine's I need for my family and friends.  I'm really digging the colors on this card.  I used THIS sketch.  To see the video, click HERE.

I'm starting to think that I can't create anything feminine without including a butterfly.  I might be addicted to butterflies too, now that I think of it.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video!  By the way, your comments and suggestions are always welcome and if there is something specific you'd like to see or a technique you'd like to try, let me know and I'll do my best to help!

Thanks for stopping by!

Birthday Gift Tag

Good day to all!

While on break, I created a birthday gift bag with matching tag.  Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the bag, so I'm only sharing the gift tag.  I must have gotten busy after taking this picture, and completely spaced off taking a picture of the bag. 

I used one of Dawn's color combos.  What pretty colors together.  And, that Damask stamp just gorgeous!  I'm in love with that set.  That thick chocolate ribbon is fabulous as well! 

Sorry for such a short post, I'm running late this morning but wanted to get this posted.  Back soon with more goodies!

Cuttlebug Spot Challenge Time!

"He who can give thanks for little will always find he has enough."


It's Monday and I'm excited to bring you my first DT project of the year.  It's been a bit cold and gray for most of January here in the DFW area, and I wanted to start off with something really bright and cheerful.


For this weeks Cuttlebug Spot challenge, click HERE.

Here is what I came up with!  I love pink & green together, and I love this card.  It's really busy, and has a lot of texture to it, but I think that's why I like it so much.  I am glad that my picture shows the texture I created on the pink chipboard heart piece.  I inked it up in pink, then embossed with UTEE and let it dry.  I only added one layer of UTEE so that it would have that texure, rather than being smooth like an epoxy sticker.  I embossed the background DSP with my Stylized Flower embossing folder and inked it with some Melon Mambo ink.  The main focal panel uses some 3M sticky back paper that Nilda sent us to try.  I cut it out with my Top Note die, embossed it with my Morrocan Screen embossing folder and then inked it up with green ink.  I then cut it down a bit so that I could place it on top of the green mat.  I added a quick knot, thank you charm, and of course, a butterfly and was done.  I would highly recommend the 3M paper that we tried out.  It's easy to work with and you can emboss it, cut it with your Cricut, or dies, and the adhesive is very strong.  I'm sure I'll be adding some of it to my stash soon.   


My fellow DT members at The Cuttlebug Spot have created some fantastic projects for you today.  I hope you'll head over there to check them out, and maybe join us for this weeks challenge.


Thanks for visiting!
Hugs!
 


What's In It
Paper:  SU! Melon Mambo, Whisper White & Old Olive cardstock, SU! Cottage Wall DSP, Prima Lunar Lullaby DSP
Ink:  SU! Melon Mambo Classic Ink, SU! Pink Passion Craft Ink, Memento New Sprout Dye Ink
Accessories:  Cuttlebug, Morrocan Screen & Stylized Flower Embossing Folders, SU! Top Note Die & Butterfly Dies, SU! Kiwi Kiss Double Sided Satin Ribbon, Silver Thank You Charm, PTI White Vintage Button, Chipboard Heart, UTEE, Pop Dots, Glue Dots