For My Love

Today I celebrate 12 years of marriage

to my best friend and soul mate. Thanks for everything - the good and the bad :)

For together we can accomplish anything!! Happy Anniversary!

Chocolate & Roses

No, I didn't get any Chocolate & Roses today - that's the challenge over at CSAYL. We are to make a Christmas card using the colors BROWN (chocolate) and RED or PINK (Roses). I took the challenge a step further...



Yes that is blue in there BUT my main colors are RED and BROWN plus I added GREEN which would be on Roses as well :) When we got the challenge of Chocolate and Roses I couldn't get flowers out of my head. Therefore, I had to have the main focus be the flowers.


I didn't do any stamping on this card. The sentiment is actually a rub-on. I used the Clean and Simple's Fall to Layout 91 for this card - I like how the focus is the flowers. PLUS it was super fast to make which is good cause I whipped out a few more...woohoo for the Christmas card stash :)


Whatcha think? I hope you'll play along! You know it's never too early to start working on those holiday cards and isn't JULY right around the corner?!? Before you know it we'll start seeing decorations in the store...Heaven help us!


Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget that we're having a SOFTPENCIL blog hop until Sunday evening...you can see all the details HERE. Also, I'd like to ask for your prayers...my Dad is having some health issues and is in a lot of pain. I'm afraid that it's just the beginning and things will get worse. Plus Abby hasn't been feeling the best and today it was worse. SO I could use your prayers if you'd be so inclined!! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!

Hooray!!

It's SOFTPENCIL ANNIVERSARY BLOG HOP TIME!!!


Welcome! I hope you have arrived here from AUDREY'S BLOG. If not, please go to the SOFTPENCIL BLOG to start from the beginning! I'd hate for you to miss out on all the fabulous creations and surprises along the way!! We'll be blog hopping through Sunday, May 30th at 8pm EST so be sure to join in on the fun!

I think that sums it up nicely...HOORAY! It's party time! For my creation I made a birthday card using a new image MICHU & THE BIG FLOWERS!

Doesn't he look so happy? I think he is totally jumping for joy! Michu loves a party!! I used an old sketch from AmyR (you can see it HERE) for my layout. It was perfect to highlight the wonderful image from Elizabeth.

So whatcha think? I hope you like it! Now you'll want to visit MELISSA'S BLOG to continue through the blog hop!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Butterfly Wednesday

Hello Friends! Welcome to another Flutter By Wednesday! Today is our last challenge for awhile. We're taking a little break for the month of June but will be back ready to go in July! I hope you'll be able to join us this week - the challenge is an easy one. It's an OPEN challenge - anything goes as long as you have a BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL on your creation!!

For my card, I used a RAK image. It's an adorable image from the Pure Innocence line. I tell you it was fun to color and create again...seems as though it's been awhile.

Used my copics and some new paper I got awhile ago...so pretty and the texture is wonderful. It definitely makes me HAPPY!

It seems I'm good at making cards...not so good at sending cards out and definitely not on time! I have a couple of good friends back in Memphis that celebrated a birthday and I never sent out a card. I have some blogging friends that have had a birthday and didn't send one to them either...well folks, THIS CARD IS FOR YOU!!! I'm sorry... I'm going to do my best to correct this little flaw of mine!!

This card was made with the awesome sketch #53 provided over at the Lili of the Valley challenge blog...LOVED IT! Immediately knew that I had to use it. I'm a little behind on my challenges...just went through two weeks worth and found this sketch which "expires" TODAY!

So whatcha think? Wanna play along? Hop on over to the FBW Blog for all the details on how to link your creation. REMEMBER this is the last week we are taking GUEST DESIGNER CALLS!! All you have to do is play along with our challenge, link your card and be sure to list GDT with it so we know you are interested in being a guest designer. When we come back in July we will have a new team and each month we'll have a guest designer - so come on, play along!!

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Challenge #51 @ CSAYL - Paper Piecing

Hello to you! Are you as ready for the weekend as I am? I've got a lot going on but just saying it's Friday brings a big smile to my face! Before I get to my card, do any of you watch Grey's Anatomy? WOW what a season finale! I kept having flashbacks to the ER episode I'll NEVER be able to get out of my head....the one with Carter who gets stabbed falls to the floor and sees...ok enough. I've got chills again. That episode FREAKED me out and I had to wait the entire summer to find out if they made it. At least Grey's didn't make me wait - well at least I don't think it did. I'm pretty sure I know who died and who didn't. But you didn't stop by for TV updates so...

Today I'm sharing my card for the CSAYL (Christmas Stampin' All Year Long) Blog. The challenge is PAPER PIECING. I have to say it's a nice challenge to do - takes some of the pressure off coloring. Especially when you don't have the "right" colors to match your paper!

Can you tell what I paper pieced? I did the presents, his pj's and his hat. I decided if he was playing Santa then he should be somewhat fuzzy. So I added flock to his beard and hat. CA-UTE, right? Well he's from the HOLIDAY BOYS set from TAC.

The paper is BasicGrey Eskimo Kisses. I guess I'm kind of on a BG kick right now. I've used their paper for quite a few cards lately. The sentiment is from a Pink Cat Studio set. I used an old sketch from The Sweet Stop. I always enjoy their sketches cause they have lots of layers!

So what do you think? You likey? I must admit this is one of my favorite Christmas cards so far. Check out the CSAYL blog for details on how you can play along and maybe even win a guest designer spot. While you're there check out what the other design team members came up with.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a fantastic weekend...it's supposed to be in the 90's and sunny. It may be on the hot side but at least it won't be rainy and cloudy, right?!

Softpencil Adventure

Today for Softpencil Thursday we're going to take a little adventure...


with one of Elizabeth's newest images - HAPPY SAILOR. Isn't it ADORABLE??? I just love this!!

There is so much going on this month at Softpencil. Be sure to check out the BLOG and PCP group for all the fun happenings. I know that Elizabeth is working on more images, sponsoring some challenges and we'll be having our GRAND BLOG HOP next week as well!! I sure hope you'll join us!!

Sorry for the short post...I'm by myself trying to handle our garage sale. Thanks for stopping by!!

FBW - Flowers

Today is Flutter By Wednesday but unfortunately, I don't have a card to share. See this week has been pretty busy for me and Danni was kind enough to let me have a "pass". Yesterday was my birthday and the last day of preschool so my summer vacation officially starts today - YIPPEEE!!! PLUS I'm trying to finish up everything for our garage sale that starts tomorrow.

I hope you will play along this week - the challenge is to use FLOWERS somewhere on your creation along with a BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL. Be sure to stop by the FBW blog for all the details - remember we are looking for a few guest designers so if you are interested you can find out how to let us know on the blog too! Please visit the other FBW sisters (links are on the sidebar) to see their fabulous creations!!

I hope you have a spectacular day - it's rainy here...perfect day to be in the garage pricing items :)

Woohoo!!! AND Challenge #50 @CSAYL

Ok I don't normally do this BUT do you remember this card I posted HERE? Well I'm so freakin' excited because I won the SWEET SKETCH WEDNESDAY challenge with that card AND I was picked as a TOP 3 AT PAPER SUNDAES for it as well!!! My mom didn't know she was getting such a special card. She's going to have to frame it, lol!! Just had to share....

Ok back to the regularly scheduled post - it's Friday so what's that mean? Yep it's time for another Christmas creation for the CSAYL blog. Today our challenge was given to us by fellow team member Patricia - we are to create a card using the following requirements:

Base: Kraft paper - 4 1/4 x 5 1/2

Layer: Red paper - 3 1/4 x 1 3/4

ANY DP - 3 1/4 x 4 1/2

Ribbon or Fabric: White

Buttons or Brads: Red

And here is what I came up with:

I'm going to admit, I was a tad skeptical about this challenge. But as I've said before that's what I enjoy about challenges - they make me step out of my comfort zone. And I'm pleased with the results so it's all good :)

I hope you'll join us this week and play along. Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

For You...Softpencil Thursday!

First off let me thank everyone who participated in our BLOG HOP last week! I hope you enjoyed it and in case you missed it, the winners are all posted on the Softpencil Blog HERE. The lucky winner from my blog is #19 PAPER TAILS!! CONGRATS - you win the beautiful LILLY!!

Today I have a creation using one of Elizabeth's newest images - FLOWERS FOR MY BUNNY MOM. Such a cute image!

I used Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #112 (TESC112) for the layout - LOVE it!! It's a great sketch to use scraps which we all know I have a ton of!! Here is a close up of the sweet image

I added Stickles to the flowers (actually remembered this time). They weren't dry when I took the picture so they aren't too sparkly yet. I used my pencils and OMS to color the image - I really enjoy coloring that way. SO RELAXING!

Want to get this fabulous image? Just visit the BLOG to see this and all of the other fabulous images available for purchase. I know the other DT members will be showcasing some awesome creations using FLOWERS FOR MY BUNNY MOM as well so be sure to visit them...their links are on my sidebar.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

FBW - Paper Piecing Challenge

Hi and welcome to another Flutter By Wednesday! This week, fellow team mate KIMBERLY gave us the challenge to use PAPER PIECING somewhere on our creation. Of course, we had to include a BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL as well.

Ok, I'm going to be honest - with Preschool ending next week, Abby's school winding up, getting ready for a garage sale, spending time with family and gearing up for my birthday I've been SLIGHTLY overwhelmed and well, behind. SO I starting creating my card at about 10pm last night. Needless to say, the lighting at midnight isn't the best so PLEASE forgive the washed out pictures.

Moving on...I used Nurse Nora, a fabulous Swiss Pixie I received some time ago but have never used. I also used the CAS Fall-to Layout #89 for my card (flipping it and using the image in place of the sentiment).

I realized that I forgot to add SPARKLE to her wings and will be doing that NOW! Another funny story for you - wasn't sure if the challenge was PIECING or PIERCING so I did both :) Here's a close up of my fine paper PIECING skills, lol!

So do you feel like playing along with our challenge this week? Just visit the Flutter By Wednesday Blog to link your creation. PLUS have you ever thought it'd be cool to be a part of our design team? Well now is YOUR chance to let us know. We are looking for guest designers...go to the BLOG for all the details!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Gift Set Challenge #3 - Accordion File Purse

This week at the Christmas Stampin' All Year Long Blog we are doing an Accordion File Purse. You can find the tutorial for it over on the CSAYL Blog which was done by the fabulous MARIA. While there you can check out the other design team members creations...Love seeing so many DIFFERENT creations using the exact same instructions!!


This was my first time making the Accordion File Purse and it was VERY easy to do. The instructions are WONDERFUL! I made a matching card using Taylored Expressions Sketch #111. Here's a quick glance at the inside of the purse:

Sorry for the horrible pictures - I really do need a new camera. PLUS my battery was VERY low so I was lucky to even get these photos! I think this purse would be great for greeting cards or recipe cards. I'm sure there are a lot of things you could use it for - YOU guys are creative...what do you think we could use this for?

I'm hoping to post some pics of the family soon - lots been going on. I've got soccer, softball, playing in the water and T-Rex adventure pictures...and that's just from the last two weeks!! Thanks for stopping by!!

DT Blog Hop for Softpencil AND Chances to WIN!!!

Oh I'm so glad you joined me today - you won't be disappointed!! Today we are having a BLOG HOP! I hope you are joining me from CAT's blog but if not, no worries! Just go to the Softpencil Blog to start from the beginning!

So as you probably have read, May is Softpencil's anniversary month!! To celebrate we have lots of fun things happening this month! Elizabeth will be releasing TWO new images for purchase AND we are having a blog hop where each of the DT will be using one of Elizabeth's awesome images. I decided to use LILLY.

Isn't she adorable?!?! Well guess what?? YOU can win her!! That's right, all you have to do is leave me a comment on this blog post to be entered to win your very own LILLY. You have until Sunday, May 9th at 8pm EST. I will then use random.org to choose a winner! How cool is that??

For our creation, we were to make a BIRTHDAY or ANNIVERSARY card. My hubby and I will be celebrating our anniversary on the 30th so I thought it only appropriate to make an anniversary card. I mean 12 years is something to celebrate!

Awe, how cute - right? Had so much fun with this card. I used Jen's SFYTT for the layout. The paper is some Valentine's Day paper I got on clearance made by Making Memories. I used my favorite color combo - pink and brown! So whatcha think?

To continue on the blog hop you should now go visit Anne-Marije. Oh and did I mention that EVERYONE on the blog hop will be giving away a digital stamp?!?! So run forth and see what awesome eye candy there is...

One last thing. We'll be having our GRAND BLOG HOP where the DT and CUSTOMERS will participate on May 28th. Visit the Softpencil blog to see how you can be a part of it!!

Thanks for stopping by and GOOD LUCK!!

FBW #108 PLUS A Chance To Win FREE Digi Stamps!!

Welcome to another Flutter By Wednesday!! This week we are being sponsored by Meljen's Designs!! Plus continue reading to see how YOU could win 4 FREE Digi Stamps!!

First here is a little about Meljen's Designs:

Meljen's Designs is a digital stamp company owned and illustrated by Melissa Jenkins. She illustrates whimsical, fun digital images inspired by her kids and family. The Meljen's Designs store officially launched on April 1 and it is steadily growing. The new store offers instant downloads, organized categories, and a search feature. We frequent new releases, freebies every Monday at the artist's blog and challenges ever Thursday at the DT blog.

Melissa was kind enough to give the FBW team two digi's and I decided to use the PIXIE DUST FAIRY image! The challenge this week is an OPEN one - meaning ANYTHING GOES as long as there is a FAIRY, BUTTERFLY or ANGEL on your creation!

Isn't she cute - spreading pixie dust all over the world! To demonstrate that, I had to add tons of Stickles to my creation - I mean a fairy needs to shimmer and shine! I got the fabulous sketch from The Sweet Stop #54...will SO be using this sketch again and again! The sentiment is from DREAM COME TRUE by The Angel Company.

So how would you like to win some FREE digi stamps? Well you can get all the details at the Flutter By Wednesday Blog by clicking HERE. A random winner will be chosen next Tuesday, May 10th! So come on what are you waiting for - JOIN in on the FUN!! I hope to see YOUR creation!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Mother's Day

I know this is a late post for me but I'm down to the wire on the Tiddly Inks Challenge #2. This week we were to use a Tiddly Ink image and make a Mother's Day card.

I used the super sweet ANNIE image that I received FREE by being a member of the Tiddly Inks PCP group (thanks again, Christy!) For my colors, I used the Paper Sundaes #16 challenge of RED, GREEN, YELLOW. My Mom's favorite colors are red and yellow so it was a no brainer to use it! For the layout I used Sweet Sketch Wednesday #47. Such an awesome sketch...perfect for ANNIE to be the center of attention!

I colored the heart and cut it out in order to pop it up. I'm so thankful for all my Mom does for me and my family and I know she will LOVE this card!! What do you think? Are you ready for Mother's Day?

Thanks so much for stopping by!!