A Halloween Card for Christmas Stampin' All Year Long - WHAT?!?!

Yes, folks that's correct! Today the challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long is to create a NON-CHRISTMAS CARD!! We are being sponsored by Softpencil digital stamps...you may have seen a few of their digi's on my blog, lol!

I'm so excited about my card because not only am I using the fabulous digi, LITTLE WITCH but I'm also using some of the new HALLOWEEN POLKA DOTS printable papers and the HALLOWEEN DIGITAL PAPERS. Talk about everything matching...so very cool!

I used my Copics to color this sweet witch. I added a spider that I had in my Halloween stash to give it a little spooky feel. See the rhinestones....those are from my I-Rock tool...I use that just about as much as I use ribbon anymore. LOVE that tool!!

I used Mercy's sketch this week (#88) for the layout. The sentiment is a rub-on (again, found it in my stash. Liking that I'm using things I have instead of buying). After decorating the front of the card, I had some left over paper so I put it on the inside.

I don't normally do that so it's nice to have it completely finished and ready to go. So what do you think? Those digital papers are really cool. There are many different colors too - you can see them here.

I hope you'll play along this week...it should be easy since all you have to do is create a NON-CHRISTMAS CARD! Link your creation over on the CSAYL blog so you'll be entered for the prize this week - a $10 gift certificate to the Softpencil Store!!

Thanks for stopping by today! I actually had to get up early and leave town by 6:30 this morning to attend a Copic class in Salina. I'm really looking forward to the class and seeing some of my Angel friends! Then once I get back, Abby and I are attending a Fun & Fitness Girl Scout function. Saturday I have some in service training from 9 to noon and Abby has her first soccer game of the Fall season.You can bet at about 2pm on Saturday I'll be crashing - HARD! I'm not used to getting up early...and believe me I'm still staying up late (1/2 AM late) Better get out of that FAST since I start back to work on Monday morning! Have a great day :)

Michu & The Big Flowers

Hello fellow bloggers! How are you this fine Thursday? Ready to see a Softpencil creation?

Look Michu is doing the happy dance among the big flowers :) Doesn't he make you smile?

I added a little sun as Michu would obviously be jumping and dancing on a sunny day! Speaking of jumping and dancing - that's what I've been doing since the weather has finally cooled off!! PLUS our deck is almost finished so I've been enjoying it this week as well!! LOVE listening to nature and swinging on our swing!

So Elizabeth with Softpencil has been VERY busy! I hope you'll go check out her blog - she has added Halloween digi's, clipart and papers plus back to school digi's. I'm telling you they are all cute, cute, cute! You'll have a hard time just getting one - but at such awesome prices you can afford to buy them all!!

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Sunshiney Day! - FBW #119

Yesterday was such a BEAUTIFUL day! The weather was AMAZING - a nice breeze, cooler temperature no humidity...I was even able to open the windows and get PLENTY of fresh air...Did so much for my soul!

I can't believe it's the last Wednesday of August...Time is just flying by! September will be a busy one with Abby's birthday, soccer games and practices, me going back to work, crops and classes and such. Will be good though! This is our last week with our guest DT, Tina - thank you Tina for being a part of our team and for all your wonderful creations! We'll have an all new GDT starting next week, so check the FBW Blog to see just who that is :)

Speaking of next week - there is something HUGE that you won't want to miss! I'm telling you now, your jaw will drop when you see what FBW has in store. In order to be a part of it you MUST have participated with a FBW challenge in the past...and yes, this week counts. SO if you have NEVER played along, BELIEVE me you better this week!!!

It's a super easy, fun challenge too - OPEN! ANYTHING GOES as long as you have a BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL on your creation!! Once you've completed your card, link it over on the FBW blog.

Yippeee!! Don't you think she's doing that? Running around, happy, playing and such! I used the Stardust Clear Gelly Pen to add a little shimmer to the hearts on her adorable shirt. The butterfly has a little Glossy Accents on it. I colored this little cutie with my pencils and OMS.

Such a fun, happy card - don't you think? Want more inspiration - visit the blogs of my fellow FBW sistas! Links are on my sidebar :)

Thanks for stopping by today - keep fluttering :)

It's a FALL Blog Hop

Welcome to another Paper Wings blog hop featuring FALL creations using products from The Angel Company. Not everyone makes Halloween cards so for this hop we could make creations for fall and back to school as well. I enjoy making Halloween cards though so went with that for my stuff :)


For my card I used a new set, Spiders Are Seen as well as a variety of other stamps to make my "scene".
I stamped the corners using the awesome background stamp in the set with Staz-on white. Not sure you can tell but I stamped the chandelier with black ink and then embossed it using black embossing powder. I then sponged it with Cognac & Black ink. For the bat I did the same thing but only on black cardstock and then cut it out. I folded the wings and placed a few pop dots under them to give them some dimension. I'm usually a cutesy kind of stamper so this is pretty cool for me - IMO, of course :)


Next up, I did a cutesy creation - using the same stamp set, I took the CA-ute frog image and made a broach to wear during Halloween. I work at a Preschool so wanted something that wouldn't scare the kids, lol!


I forgot to add a sentiment with the image so used Staz-on Black to stamp it directly on the glass. Here's a close up of the CA-ute (yes, I'm saying it again, LOL) frog:

He is colored with pencils and OMS and then embossed using Transcendence Embossing powder and a VersaMark pen. After that I spritz the image with the Shimmer Sparkle spray. The spray wouldn't dry on the embossed portion so I just wiped over it so the shimmer would be on the white area...it's pretty cool IRL.

Hope you enjoy my creations and am glad you stopped by!Now hop on over to the other Angel blogs to see their FALL creations:

Shirley - http://glitteredpaws.blogspot.com/

Angie - http://www.creativeinkspirations.com/

Angela - http://angelakelley.blogspot.com/

Seleise - http://amethystcat.blogspot.com/

Laurie - http://laurieunger.blogspot.com/

Julie - http://juliesstamppad.blogspot.com/

Rita W. - http://ritascreativenest.com/

Michelle (ME) - http://michellescreativejourney.blogspot.com/

Betty - http://stampinteacher.blogspot.com/

Carol - http://stampincarol.blogspot/

Heather - http://stampez.typepad.com/

Candi - http://www.stampcandy.blogspot.com/

Kim - http://angelatmydoor.blogspot.com/

Lisa - http://lisadwb-blessedbeyondmeasure.blogspot.com/

Ribbon Challenge on CSAYL Sponsored by Pink Cat Studio!

WOW this week went fast! I can't believe it's already Friday! Time for another Christmas Stampin' All Year Long creation!


This week we are being sponsored by Pink Cat Studio! Melissa has graciously offered 5 digital images to the winner this week! So do you want to play? Of course you do! The challenge this week is to create a Christmas card using 2 or more different ribbons.


For my card, I got to use Itty Bitty Betty - Candy Cane Swing. Isn't she cute?! I used my Copics to color her and added some Crystal Stickles to the candy cane to give it some sparkle! I also added a small pom pom to her elf hat...I mean it was screamin ADD ME, don't you think?!

I don't think I was very creative with the ribbon...just added two different colors. But honestly my mojo just isn't flowing like it should. I didn't have any problems coloring the image...just putting the card together. I guess I'm having trouble completing things!

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:

The Wild Flower Patch - Polka Dots (challenge #29)

Pixie Dust Studio - Go Crazy with Polka Dots (challenge #36)

The Pink Elephant - Ribbon & Sparkles (challenge #80)

I hope you decide to join us this week and play along. Just visit CSAYL blog for all the details and to enter your creation for the PCS digi giveaway!

I hope you have a great weekend! Ours is packed full. Guess that's the way it's going to be for awhile now that school has started again. It's good for Abby though...she loves to stay busy! Thanks for stopping by!!

New Halloween Digi's from Softpencil

Ok slight error on my part...this was supposed to post early this morning but you actually have to publish the post for that to happen...my bad!! It's one of those days/weeks...

Have you seen the new digi's from Softpencil? There are FIVE new Halloween digi's available -and they are ADORABLE!! Go check them out by visiting the Softpencil Blog! I can't pick my favorite - I LOVE them all!! Which ones do you like?




I don't have a Softpencil creation to share today - Elizabeth gave us this week off. With school starting this week the time off came at a GREAT time! Abby is having a blast in 1st grade. I, of course, took pictures but have yet to download them to my computer so that I can share them. Soon though :) This year there are already little differences I'm seeing - like she has a HUGE say on what she wants to wear. She usually doesn't care...I pick them out and it's all good. Well she's starting to have her own sense of style...and it's not like mine! Yes it's fine - I mean she looks cute in anything - it's just I would rather not have people looking at me. Abby on the other hand LOVES the attention...I saw a girl walking with bright red hair from middle school and all I could think is that if Abby was with me she'd think that was cool and probably ask to dye her hair. Man, what am I going to do when that happens?!? I do enjoy seeing her come into her own but yet am sad knowing she's growing just way to fast! Just when I think she doesn't need me she grabs me and gives me an extra hug, tells me how much she loves me in that sweet voice that only she has and tells me how she misses me. Each morning she's gotten in bed with me for a little "lovin" (which is hugs and kisses) before she starts her day. I'll cherish those times/days as long as I possible can!

Recipe Challege at Flutter By Wednesday

I'm so happy to show you my card today! I finally got to use a stamp that I bought some time ago and participate in a few challenges! It's really good for the creative soul to do things YOU want to do every now and then!

So the first challenge is for Flutter By Wednesday - It's a Recipe challenge. Your creation should have a BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL on it along with 1 part Sparkle, 2 parts Designer Papers and 3 parts Buttons or Gems.

Isn't he adorable? That's my new stamp from Lili of the Valley (LOTV) - I found out about them from a fellow blogging friend, Tammi and had to purchase a few. I bought four and have never used any of them! When I saw the challenge this week at LOTV Blog - Four Seasons - I knew what stamp I wanted to use and what season I wanted to showcase...SPRING!

I also used The Sweet Stop (SSS69) sketch for my card...love the layers! I'm also entering this into The Pink Elephant challenge (TPE80) of Ribbon & Sparkles.

I used Aquacolor Crayons and my Niji Water Brush to color this sweet image. Fun to use something other than pencils and Copics...I'm telling you creating this card just made me feel good!

I hope you'll participate in the FBW Challenge this week - stop by the blog to link your creation. Be sure to visit my fellow DT blogs...their creations are sure to help the creative mojo!

Thanks for stopping by today!

CSAYL Challenge #60 - Designer Paper & In Style Stamps

So how's the weather in your neck of the woods? Here, it's a TAD bit hot...like 105 WITHOUT the heat index! SO creating a Christmas card is nice...makes me think of colder weather! NOT SNOW mind you....gasp, I'm not ready for that! Just COOLER weather...like 75/80 degrees would be nice!


This week at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long (CSAYL), we are being sponsored by In Style Stamps! Have you seen their images? So many to choose from and oh so cute! They are offering up a prize of 4 digital images of your choice so I hope you play along with our challenge this week! Speaking of challenges...this week we'd like to see your Christmas creation using 2 or more designer papers!


Not a problem for me since I have a PAPER addiction! The problem came with WHICH papers to use, lol! I decided to use this fabulous paper from KI Memories. The image, O Christmas Tree, just touches me...I didn't have a brother but I can recall my sister and I decorating the Christmas tree and all the wonderful times we shared. I'm not going to lie...there was also some arguing :) Yes, FUN times!! I used The Sweet Stop Sketch #68 for my design.

I added a little Stickles to the ornaments and garland. I colored the image with my trusty 'ol pencils and OMS. I wasn't sure how to do the window panes. I used a light blue (not sure you can see it) trying to capture that foggy/wintery feel. Do you know what I'm trying to say? How would you do that?

Thank you to In Style Stamps for the gorgeous image. I hope you'll play along! Remember if you do, you'll be entered in the drawing to win 4 digital images that you choose! Just stop by the CSAYL blog and link your creation. While you are there check out all the fabulous creations designed by the DT using In Style Stamps!

Thanks for stopping by!!

A Wittle Bug

Welcome to another Softpencil Thursday. Today we are showing you LADYBUG AND FLOWER.

It's such a cute image...just wish I was able to see some ladybugs. It's too hot here for anything like that...nature is taking a little break trying not to melt in this 110 degree weather!

I used icsketches #78 for the layout. Love the tearing in the corners to give way for the sentiment and little dew drop accents.

So whatcha think? Have you been to the Softpencil Blog lately? Elizabeth released a new line of clipart, printable papers and DIY printables that are ADORABLE!! Perfect for all those Halloween projects you have coming up including school parties and treats! Be sure to check them out and grab some for yourself! While you are there pick up LADYBUG AND FLOWER too!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Open Challenge for FBW #117

I have every intention of posting on Monday and Tuesday and something comes up...SORRY! Next week, school starts for Abby so I'm hoping to get in a new routine. One that allows me just a little more creating time. This last week I've been spending as much time as possible doing all the things Abby wants to do - call it a Mother's guilt...I just want to make sure I've done everything I can while I can!

So since it's Wednesday you are probably here to see a Flutter By creation! This week is a favorite among our participants - OPEN! Yep, ANYTHING GOES as long as you have a BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL on it!!

I used one of my favorite sets from The Angel Company, Happily Grateful along with some cardstock and pattern paper from our Miss Moxie line. LOVE the bright happy colors in this collection!

I was inspired to make my card from a seminar trade I received. The layout is an old Taylored Expressions Sketch (TESC120). I stamped the vine using Landscape Palette Pad on to green cardstock. The butterfly was stamped on pattern paper using VersaMagic Midnight Black ink and then embossed with Black embossing powder. It REALLY makes it pop! I then cut it out and applied just a little Scor-Pal tape behind the body so that I could bend the wings and give it more dimension.

Do you likey? I would LOVE to hear what you think! I hope you'll play along with us this week - just stop by the Flutter By Wednesday Blog to link your creation. Be sure to visit my fellow DT's blogs to see their wonderful creations this week as well (links are in my sidebar).

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll be back tomorrow for Softpencil Thursday :)

Supplies:

Paper: Miss Moxie SWIC and Cardstock, black cardstock, green cardstock

Ink: VersaMagic Midnight Black, Landscape Palette

Stamps: Happily Grateful

Other: Black Embossing Powder, Giga Scallop Square Punch, Mega Square Punch, Jumbo Square Punch, Heat Tool

Gift Set Challenge #6 - Keepsake/Treat Box

Happy Friday to you and welcome to another Christmas Stampin' All Year Long Gift Set Challenge! This week we are making these wonderful 3.75x6" Keepsake/Treat Boxes. You can find a wonderful tutorial by Maria on our CSAYL blog so go check it out!


I always forget that we are supposed to make a matching card! When I made my box I thought of it as the card. BUT I realized a little 3x3 gift card would be perfect that said No Peeking!


This is the front of the box. I used Nestabilities for the green circle and red panel. Everything I used here is from Doodlebug. When I saw this gift set I knew I wanted to make it with my daughter in mind. We always do an advent calendar and it's quite small so some gifts are wrapped and put under the tree. If she gets a star in her cube that day then she knows to look for a gift under the tree with the appropriate date on it. Usually the 25th is a nice gift so that is what I will be using this box for.


This is the inside of the box. It stays closed with with some Velcro. The sentiment is from a retired Angel Company set which is also one of our favorite sayings, or should I say songs. Yes, Abby and I LOVE Christmas music and we listen to it quite a bit right after Halloween. Matter-of-fact if I need a little pick me up I can play a few songs anytime since I leave them on my Ipod...sure you can call me a dork but I can't help the mood it puts me in. So happy!!

Here's a little lookie at the 3x3 gift card. The stamp is from that same retired set I used for the box. I will tell you that using cardstock or at least double sided paper is what I'd recommend for the box and cover...that way no matter what you put in it it will hold it. I found it easy to then decorate the cardstock with single sided designer paper on the different panels. You could easily stamp the cardstock and make your own background paper as well.

So whatcha think? I LOVE this and will be making many more!! The box is a lot bigger than I thought it would be and I know it will fit lots of chocolate and/or goodies for that special someone! PLUS I can totally see doing this like a pencil box and filling it with all the necessities that those teachers are needing right now! What a special gift that would make!

Can't wait to see what YOU come up with! Thanks for stopping by!

Softpencil News

Well normally my Thursdays are devoted to a Softpencil challenge but Elizabeth, owner of Softpencil was on vacation so she decided to give us a little vacation as well. Isn't that so nice! So in August, I'll only be showcasing a couple of Thursdays. BUT I have some wonderful news that I want to share with you!

See these great little sneak peeks? Well Elizabeth has been hard at work and has come up with some AWESOME Halloween goodies!! I can't wait to get my hands on them! They will be released VERY soon so be on the lookout!! Also be sure to stop by the Softpencil Blog to see what fabulous challenges Elizabeth is sponsoring. If you win you'll get to pick out FREE digi's from her store....who doesn't want that?!

Use Your Favorite Color Challenge at FBW

Wow hard to believe it's already August - school starts in a few weeks which means I'll be starting back as well. I'm excited to see the little ones and get a paycheck but not ready to give up all my playing time and having to get up at a certain time each morning :)

Today at Flutter By Wednesday we are being sponsored by Whimsy Stamps.


We were given a few different digital images to work with and I decided to use Emma Swinging - Love the image...I can totally remember how fun it was just to swing at the park. It's one of Abby's favorite things to do.

The challenge this week is to use your FAVORITE COLOR along with a BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL. I don't have just ONE color...I like a bunch - usually bright and Aqua/blue, pink and green are always in there. One of my favorite companies is Doodlebug - they have such awesome paper so I decided to use that to capture ALL my favorite colors!

The fabulous sketch is from a new blog (to me) - DARE U 2 DIGI STAMP. It's their challenge #43. So whatcha think?

Since it's a new month we have a new guest DT at FBW - please welcome TINA! I've worked with Tina on another DT (CSAYL) and she is a avid participant of the FBW challenges! I'm so glad she joins us this month and look forward to seeing her creations!!

I hope you'll join us this week! Just head on over to the FBW blog to get all the details and to link your fabulous creation so we can check it out! We've had so many participants (THANK YOU), many who have been first timers! We welcome YOU and hope to see YOU play with us again! THANK YOU to our loyal fans too - we so enjoy seeing all your fluttering creations!! If you haven't joined us - well WHY NOT?? LOL...COME ON, what are you waiting for!

Thanks for fluttering by today!!