Make a Wish

Welcome to another Softpencil Thursday! Today we were asked to use the image Michu is a Magician. When I saw the image I instantly thought it would be great for a boy's birthday. Seems I have tons of girly things - princesses, fairies, flowers. Wonder why huh?!?! I mean the girls kind of rule in my household, LOL!

While surfing the web for teacher gifts (on a side note, YOU do know Teacher Appreciation day is right around the corner, right?) I found this blog post and KNEW the gift card project would be PERFECT for this image.

I colored Michu with my colored pencils and OMS. The sentiment is from a hostess stamp set called Dilly Dally by TAC. The paper is from My Mind's Eye - bought a HUGE pad of it and NEVER used it...till today!

Ok I realize there is only a $2 bill in there but that's all the cash I had...I don't carry it and was SHOCKED that I couldn't even find a DOLLAR!! So if I was really giving this, obviously there would be a slightly larger bill in there :) What child doesn't love to receive a little cash on their birthday?

So whatcha think? Be sure to check out the other team member's blogs for their creations using Michu is a Magician. Their links are on my sidebar. AND to get the image for yourself just head on over to the SOFTPENCIL blog. Next week we're going to be having a BLOG HOP. PLUS it's Softpencil's anniversary so we're going to be partying! Want in on the fun? Just visit the PCP group for all the fabulous details!

Abby developed pink eye last night so she's home sick. I think she's got a little more going on...she definitely wasn't herself. She's started playing softball - ding dong me keeps forgetting the camera though. Good thing the season continues into June...I'm sure to get a few pictures between now and then. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Clean & Simple for Flutter By Wednesday

Today, for Flutter By Wednesday, we'd like to challenge you to make a CLEAN AND SIMPLE card with BUTTERFLIES, FAIRIES or ANGELS. I don't know about you but clean and simple is anything but simple for me. LOVE the look but it usually takes me awhile to achieve it. I found this awesome challenge blog, Clean and Simple Stamping, that provides terrific sketches and inspiration. A while ago, they posted links to all their sketches so far which is where I found this sketch (#26) for my card!

pretty cool, huh? I used PTI papers and cardstocks, punches (squares, border and butterflies) and a TAC set for the sentiment. I'm very pleased with this clean and simple card...for once. I have to tell you that I look at blogs all the time and LOVE the clean and simple look but just can't seem to achieve it. So today is a big day for me :)

Please be sure to stop by the Flutter By Wednesday blog for all the details regarding the challenge and to post your creation. I know things have been a little hectic right now but Danni and the whole DT try to visit all the participants. We LOVE seeing your creations - you are all such wonderful inspirations to us! Don't forget to visit the DT's blogs as well - their links are on my sidebar. Unfortunately we say goodbye to Chris and Shana this week. Both have brought such beautiful creations to the team and we'll miss them. I have to say that Chris has been with FBW for quite some time and I've had the privilege to get to know her - she is so sweet and caring and her work is to die for! I consider her a friend and will truly miss her!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cherry Bugg

Happy Monday to you - can you believe I'm actually posting? I decided I really wanted to play in Tiddly Inks FIRST Challenge so I made time this weekend to get a card done. The challenge was ANYTHING GOES as long as you have a TIDDLY INKS image...no problem there! Christy has some ADORABLE images!!

I used Cherry Bugg to create a Birthday Card.

Isn't she cute? So bright and cherry...she's definitely wishing someone a VERY happy birthday! I applied Crystal Stickles to the cupcake tops and Shimmerz to her wings, not sure you can see that though. I used SC277 for my layout and I'm also entering this into A Spoonful of Sugar #100 challenge which was to create a Birthday card.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope your week is off to a great start!

CSAYL Challenge #48 - Sketch

TGIF!!! I'm so ready for the weekend...maybe I'll actually get some crafting time in! As you know Friday's are reserved for my Christmas creations. This week the challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long is to create a card using the following sketch.

It's an awesome one - Love the layers and the oval...seems like I use a lot of circles. Funny how we get comfortable with things and forget to branch out. That's why I so enjoy challenges...helps push my comfort zone.

A couple of things on this - you'll notice NO pattern paper...UNUSUAL for me! Again...trying something new :) All supplies are from The Angel Company except the embossing folder that I used. I rubbed Brilliance Moonlight White over the embossed paper to help "pop" it a little. Gives it a nice shine. I also highlighted the bird using my Stardust Clear Gelly pen. You can see that better in the photo below.

To achieve the oval, I did a reverse masking and sponged on the inside using Memento Rich Cocoa.

I hope you'll play along this week. Just visit the CSAYL blog for all the details! Thanks for stopping by!

Card Details:

Cardstock - Navy, Olive and Kraft

Stamps - Peace and Just for you (retired)

Ink - Memento Rich Cocoa, Brilliance Moonlight White
Other - Stardust Clear Gelly Pen, Mega Oval Punch

I am a demonstrator for The Angel Company. If you have any question or would like to place an order feel free to contact me. I have a shopping site where you can order 24/7...just click on the items and you'll be taken there.

Good Friend

So glad it's Thursday...it means the weekend is ALMOST here AND I get to share a Softpencil creation. Our challenge this week was to use the image GOOD FRIEND and make a FRIENDSHIP CARD.


Isn't it such a cute image? I had to color the bird red since my favorite bird is the Northern Cardinal (or red bird as Abby likes to call it). After that I just used colors found in my pattern papers. I couldn't fit everything on the front of the card so I continued on the inside as well

I used TAC's SEEDS OF BLESSINGS for the sayings. It's the set I usually turn to for those perfect friendship sayings. I colored the image with colored pencils and OMS and used scrap papers from my stash. I also used the Stardust Clear Gelly Pen to add some sparkle to the bird's wing, the snail's shell and the front sentiment. It's hard to see that detail in the photo though.

I'm also entering this card in the following challenges: Amy R's Friday Sketch - AMYRTFS7 and Paper Sundaes Challenge #14 - No people.

Softpencil's one year anniversary is in MAY and guess what that means - PARTY!! Be sure to be a part of the fun, by joining us on the Paper Craft Planet group...it's going to be a BLAST!! Also, Elizabeth just released some new CA-ute sets that would be perfect for MOTHER'S DAY...check those out plus all her other fantastic images by going HERE.

Thanks for stopping by today - hope your day is a good one :)

Sketch Time at Flutter By Wednesday!

Welcome to another Flutter By Wednesday! The CHALLENGE this week is to create a card using the fabulous SKETCH by Mercy.


Of course in order for it to be a Flutter By you need to make sure that card also has a BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL on it!

For my creation, I got to FINALLY ink up a SWEET PEA stamp. I know, I know - I'm the last one to use one...but my motto is BETTER LATE THAN NEVER so here goes!


I'm so FREAKIN' pleased with how this turned out. I bought like 5 different Sweet Pea images and after getting them I kind of got nervous...I mean have you SEEN the creations with these babies? GORGEOUS, I tell you! Anyway, I decided to use COME SOFTLY first to kind of get me warmed up...not too shabby if I do say so myself! What do you think?

I wanted to draw attention to the butterfly (DUH...it's Flutter By Wednesday) so I stamped the butterfly, colored it with copics, applied a little glitter, cut it out and then put Diamond Glaze all over it. Once dried I adhered it to my card using pop dots. Here is a better view:

Man, I wish my eyes were that sexy, lol! I hope you find time to play along! The sketch by Mercy is a fun one - so many possibilities! Remember to visit the Flutter By Wednesday Blog for all the details on how you can participate - hope to see YOUR creation!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Challenge #47 - To "DIE" for

Thank goodness it's Friday!! I'm SO ready for the weekend!! How about you? Big plans? Whatever you have planned, I hope it's a good one! Thank you for joining me for another Christmas Challenge - I know it's only April but it's never too early to start on those Christmas cards and projects. Every year, I struggle with getting everything done in December. By creating at least one card a week I know I will have a majority of my cards completed when it's time to send them out! One less thing to stress about - who couldn't use that?

Today, our challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long (CSAYL) is to use DIECUTS. I know a lot of people own Cricuts, Cuttlebugs, Quickutz, Big Shots - so this challenge is for you! Or if your like me, you own all those machines but opt to use a diecut in your supply stash, LOL!

I've had some of these diecuts FOREVER...so long I don't even know where I got them or who made them. I paired my Santa diecut with BG paper (LOVE IT) and a TAC sentiment (Holiday Wishes) along with a few embellishments and bazinga one holiday card completed! WHATCHA THINK?

Hope you'll join us this week. If you do, just visit the CSAYL blog to link your creation. Remember you just might win a guest spot so come on...play along! While you are visiting the blog be sure to check out what the other DT members came up with this week.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Apple House

Sorry for the lack of posts - I have NO idea where the time has gone! I know I have a lot going on and it seems everything hits all in the same week. Sometimes it's just mentally draining. When that happens, I require extra sleep and usually it's due to the increase in headaches that occur. This week has been no exception! I'm so hoping this weekend will be productive for me. I just haven't had the desire to really create though... oh well, we'll see.

ANYWAY, since it's Thursday, it's time for another creation using a Softpencil Digital Image. This week we were asked to use the image COME TO MY APPLE HOUSE.

When I see apples I instantly think primary colors - it's probably that school teacher in me, lol! I used Basic Grey pattern papers and Taylor Expression Sketch #108 for the layout, even though I changed it up a bit.

Stop by the Softpencil Blog to see what all the happenings are and to purchase your digi's! I also want to take a moment to thank Elizabeth for the awesome blog awards. She's given me two and I haven't had the opportunity to formally thank her or to pass them on. I've enjoyed getting to know her on the Softpencil PCP group and through this DT opportunity and she is such a sweetie. Thank you so much, Elizabeth for your kindness!

Thanks for stopping by!

Color Challenge Christmas Card

Good Morning - I'm a little later than usual with this post as I had a terrible headache yesterday and just had to go to bed. I'm feeling much better today (thank goodness) and am ready to enjoy this fabulous Friday!

Today is another Christmas Stampin' All Year challenge - and it's a color one. This week we'd like to see you create a Christmas card using the colors VIOLET, IVORY, WHITE and GOLD.

I heat embossed the image with gold embossing powder to really make it be the center of attention. I wanted then to add gold accents but guess what? I guess I don't like gold cause I couldn't find ANYTHING gold in my supplies - and I have a LOT of supplies! So I had to rethink my card. I dry embossed my purple cardstock, since I knew the layout was going to be pretty simple. I LOVE my purple bow - it's nice a big and fluffy.

So whatcha think? I hope you'll play along this week! Just visit the CSAYL blog for details and remember you may just get picked to be a guest designer - how cool would that be?!?

Thanks for stopping by today - I hope you have a wonderful day today and a super weekend!!

Girl On A Cupcake - Softpencil Thursday

Can I just tell you how much freakin' fun I had with this image!! The challenge was to use Girl on a Cupcake (A-dorable) along with shades of pink (my favorite color) and pearls (how classy)...all that equals one awesome card!

See isn't it AWESOME?? So what did I do to make it so awesome (LOL)? First I paper pieced the cupcake liner, her dress, her socks and her bows. Yes, they are pretty small pieces but I managed. I colored her skin and hair with my Copics. Then I added Liquid Applique to the cupcake. While it was still wet I sprinkled Ultra Fine Glitter on it - then I heat set it. The results...

are oh so cool! I added some pearls to the design which came from sketch SC274. Did you notice the little pearls on her bows...I know CA-ute, right?

I hope you've enjoyed my creation - if you'd like to get GIRL ON A CUPCAKE for yourself then head on over to the Softpencil blog! Thanks so much for stopping by today!!

Sparkle Flutter By Wednesday

Today we are being sponsored by former FBW DT member Stef aka Glitterbabe!! She has an Etsy store where she sells fabulous digi's. Check out her blog, Glitterbabe Greetings, for details. Stef was kind enough to give us a few butterfly digi's to use. Here is the one I chose.

I used Mercy's sketch (MTSC68) for the layout. I printed the image on vellum and then colored the backside with my Copics. The challenge this week is to have SPARKLE in your creation as well as a BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL. Here is a close up of my image. You can see where I outlined it with my Clear Stardust Gelly pen.

And if that wasn't enough, I added rhinestones around the scallop circle for an additional SPARKLE! Whatcha think?

So are you going to play along? We had some fabulous entries last week and are hoping to have even more! Who doesn't love a little bling? AND Stef being the wonderful person that she is, will be giving away TWO digi's from her store to ONE lucky person!! All you gotta do to be entered is participate in this weeks challenge and link your card on the FBW blog which is HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you have a fantastic Wednesday - see you tomorrow for Softpencil Thursday :o)

Happy Easter!

Just a quick post to wish everyone a blessed Easter. I thought I'd also share my Easter treats that I made for my preschool class and for Abby's Kindergarten class. I got the idea from my dear friend, Heather (thanks chicka!). I kept trying to figure out what to make the kids and everything involved a stamped image with coloring. Well I knew I wouldn't have the time to color 30+ images so I decided to use food instead :) I mean who doesn't love chocolate?

For my carrots I used the largest scalloped circle punch from Marvy. I don't remember the name but it's light green and it's bigger than the purple one which is giga. I put adhesive on the side of scallop circle and then rolled it. I stuffed the "carrot" with green grass. I then put adhesive on the bottom of a chocolate bunny and stuck him in the carrot. I found by doing that then he stayed put better. I cut the tags from my nestie die, stamped hoppy easter (sentiment from No Bunny Like You by TAC) on it and then tied those on the carrot using orange scrappers floss. It was a pretty fast project and the kids loved them.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful Easter Sunday!! We're off to my parents house for some family time and egg hunts.

CSAYL Gift Set #2

Good Morning! Today is the first Friday of the month so over at the Christmas Stampin' All Year Long blog we are creating a gift set. This week we are using a wonderful tutorial by our fabulous leader, Maria. She has created a tutorial for three different types of boxes. I chose the cupcake box to make. We also were to use SNOWFLAKES. When I think of snowflakes I instantly think of snowmen - which I LOVE. So for my gift set instead of having a cupcake in the box I made it contain everything you need to make snowman soup!

Here is the box and card. My card is more like a postcard - the front has the poem for snowman soup and the back is blank to write a message to someone. It's tall and skinny so it will fit in the box as well. One easy little package to give to that special someone! I was so happy to find this paper in my Christmas stash - the snowflakes are beautiful and it's one of my favorite color combo's: PINK AND GREEN.

Here is another view of the box. I used my Labels 9 die to cut out the window. Wanted to try something other than a circle.

Here's a picture of the contents, box, lid and card. I used the Labels 9 die again to make little tags for the kisses and snowballs. As you can see the snowman is on the top of the lid and the card. He's one of my favorite snowmen and is from a retired set by TAC.

So whatcha think? I am pleased with the results and I'm so glad I joined the gift set group. I would NEVER have made time to make this otherwise. Now I have one done, all the directions, measurements and such written down and I can make LOTS more for gifts or to sell. I hope you'll join us this week. Just visit the CSAYL blog to get the tutorial directions and to link your creation!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful Friday - we're getting a nice little thunderstorm which means Spring is officially here!! Yippee - I've seen plants and flowers starting to bloom and everything is turning green again. I think (knock on wood here) we are done with all that snow and cold for a while!

Painting Eggs...

with Michu & Ratiny, that is!! Are you thinking - what the heck is she talking about? Well never fear it's another SOFTPENCIL THURSDAY and today I'm going to share a card using the image Painting Eggs with Michu & Ratiny :)

Now let me explain something - Michu is a cat and Ratiny is a mouse. The reason I have to tell you that is in case you were unsure about my card like my daughter was. I showed it to her and she says "Mommy why is that Bunny's face brown? The Easter Bunny isn't brown?!" I had to laugh at that one.


The image is perfect for an Easter card. And since they are painting eggs, I had to make the card colorful - just the way I like my Easter eggs! I saw that AMYR had a sketch posted (yippee, I've missed them) so I used her sketch for my card (AMYRS77). Here is a closeup of Michu & Ratiny:
They were colored with my Copic markers. Funny thing I colored like 4 images with different mediums and finally the last one was with my Copics and I thought it turned out like I envisioned it. Bright and fun!

We have a few new girls joining us this month on the Softpencil design team..please welcome guest designers Lisa and April! Also, Betty is joining us for the first couple of weeks as she won the Softpencil St. Patty's challenge over at PCP. Welcome ladies and I look forward to seeing your creations. You can find links to everyone's blog under the Softpencil badge on my sidebar.

If you'd like to own your own Painting Eggs with Michu & Ratiny or any other Softpencil digi then visit Elizabeth's blog! You won't be disappointed in the Easter images...A-DOR-ABLE!!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a terrific Thursday!