A Charmed Christmas

So Thanksgiving is done and gone...time to get serious about Christmas! I've been making Christmas cards all year but never seem to have enough. I was so excited when I received this little beauty to use this week for Softpencil, A CHARMED CHRISTMAS TREE.


Now if you know me at all you know I LOVE girly images. Well this little beauty has it all! Cute girls, awesome Christmas Tree and a Fairy/Angel...


She's just like I imagined...a little sparkle, a little glow and she puts the final touch on the tree!
I wasn't sure how I wanted to do the "ground"...I decided that they are outside (although they aren't wearing coats - that's ok, the fairy/angel is keeping them warm with her glow, lol). I tried to give the feeling of snow falling. Not sure I accomplished that but I still like how it turned out. What do you think?

Today is the last day to get Softpencil digital designs at 20% off!! Don't miss out. Remember Elizabeth's current images are only available till January 2nd..so hurry before it's too late!

Thanks for stopping by today! I've got a busy week - basket auction at Abby's school, Preschool field trip, Girl Scout Cookies are ending tomorrow and I'm Cookie Mom (which means forms to fill out, money to reconcile, cookies to order) plus one craft show and one Holiday open house! Ok, I'm tired just typing it!! Ummmm is it Friday yet :D

Challenge #72 at CSAYL - Anything Goes!

Well it's with a sad heart that I type this as this is our LAST challenge over at CSAYL (Christmas Stampin' All Year Long) blog for the year. I'm not sure what I'll do with my spare time (really, what's that ha, ha, ha) but I'm sure I'll find something to do with the holidays fast approaching!

This week we are sponsored by Softpencil


The challenge is ANYTHING GOES. Elizabeth gave the DT images to use and I was asked to use Our Dear Reindeer.


How cute are they? Do I say that a lot? I guess everything I use I think is cute, lol! It was fun to color and how fun would it be to meet Rudolph?


For the layout I used Sweet Stop Sketch (SSS83). It's also a spin week where we are supposed to decorate the inside as well.
I just used more of the pattern paper and let it be my greeting/sentiment. I really like the way it turned out. So polished!

I hope you'll play along with us this week! You know you need to get some cards done since Christmas is in 29 days. Plus there is a giveaway with this challenge so why not play along! There are some ADORABLE images over at Softpencil and they are only available till January 2nd...then they'll be gone FOREVER! Oh and right now everything is 20% off at Elizabeth's Etsy store...so go check it out now! It's your own Black Friday Sale without the crowds :o)

Thanks for stopping by!!

Spec-TAC-ular Thursday

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day! I plan on spending quality time with my family and being grateful for them, my friends and all I have in my life!

Spec-TAC-ular Thursdays is where I showcase a creation using stamps from The Angel Company (TAC). My friend, Danni will also have a creation so be sure to check out her blog too! I'm sure you were expecting a holiday card but I decided to take a break from that. Instead I'm showcasing an image from ANCHOR TO THE SOUL stamp set.

I joined a technique swap and made something similar for it. I had to make 60+ cards...whew it took me a little bit but it was worth it! I got back some GREAT technique samples (and instructions!). My technique was watercolor pencils. I used watercolor paper and my Niji Water Brush. I then added some Glossy Accents to the water portion.

LOVE the font used on the sentiment. It is from A THOUSAND THANKS stamp set which is a Level C hostess set.

So whatcha think? I hope it's inspired you to do a little coloring with something other than Copics which seem to be all the rage right now. Don't get me wrong...love my Copics but it's nice to use the 50 million other things I own too, lol! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Please Note: I am a demonstrator for The Angel Company. You can find these stamps and products for purchase on my website - www.michellem.ismyangel.net. For easy reference, I've added everything under FEATURED PRODUCTS on my site. Feel free to contact me with any questions or to order outside the US.

Flutter By Wednesday #132 - Thank You

Happy Wednesday to you! For many this is beginning of their holiday week! My daughter is out of school so I made sure to have a playdate scheduled so that she would be entertained and I would be able to get items done for Thanksgiving. My family arrives tomorrow and I need to make a few (ok a lot) things as well as clean the house. Normally I try and have my Christmas decorations up but we are going to wait until AFTER Thanksgiving to do that. I don't need the added stress...

For Flutter By Wednesday the challenge is to make a THANK YOU card and to have a butterfly, fairy or angel on it. We are all THANKFUL for something or someone...I know I feel very blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. It makes my heart swell.

This little cutie is from CHEERY THOUGHTS by The Angel Company. I paper pieced her dress using TAC's EMMA collection.

Wanted to show off the awesome butterfly border I added using my Martha Stewart punch. I used my Scor Buddy and Scor Bug to add the score lines and dots.

So whatcha think? Be sure to stop by the Flutter By Wednesday blog to see all the details on this weeks challenge and to play along. Need some more inspiration? Check out the other DT's blogs (links in my sidebar).

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Anchor to the Soul

I don't want to jinx myself but I have to admit I'm feeling better. Thank you to all you sent well wishes and have checked on me...I very much appreciate it!

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is this week! Whew the time is flying by...Christmas will be here soon! We celebrate Thanksgiving at my house and it's nice to have a day dedicated to just family and all our blessings! It's a GREAT way to start the holiday season. PLUS I'm a sucker for Black Friday and this year my sister might join my Mom and I so it could be even better.

Today is Softpencil Tuesday and I'm showcasing the digital image, SWEET SAILOR, to you.

It's such a cute image that I wanted to make sure that it was the focus of the card. I didn't use any pattern paper on my card, which is unusual for me.


The sentiment is from ANCHOR TO THE SOUL by The Angel Company and is PERFECT for this beautiful image! Whatcha think?

Don't forget:

• You will receive 20% off ALL designs on Elizabeth's Etsy shop for the month of November.
• All current designs will only be available until January 2nd, 2011.

So you better hurry on over and get the images before it's too late! Thanks so much for stopping by! See you tomorrow for Flutter By Wednesday!

Third Times a Charm, Right?

Well I'm hoping that's the case anyway since this will be my third round of antibiotics! Sorry for the MIA but I have not been feeling well at all! Went back to the doctor and I still have a sinus and double ear infection! I'm also trying to get some rest and actually get over this seeing how the holidays are right around the corner!!

I want to take a moment and remind you about a few things...

There is still time to grab the Softpencil Digital goodies. PLUS in November you will receive 20% off!! Remember that all Elizabeth's wonderful images are only available until January 2nd!! So grab them up NOW!!

For Flutter By Wednesday, it's an OPEN challenge as long as you have a butterfly, fairy or angel on your creation. Danni has provided a wonderful sketch that you may use if you choose! It's a wonderful sketch - go check it out at the FBW blog!

Tomorrow is Spec-TAC-ular Thursday...I don't have the "planned" holiday card/creations to share but I do have a card that I made and never shared. So check back tomorrow (afternoon) for that creation.

Thanks for stopping by and bare with me as I try and finally beat this nasty illness!!

Deck The Halls Blog Hop

It's Blog Hop time!! The Angel Company is sponsoring a blog hop with a Christmas/Holiday theme. To get all the details and to play along go check out Mischelle Blog!!

I LOVE Christmas time so I have all these ideas in my head of things I want to create. However, I haven't had much time to create them yet! SO I decided to share a card with you.

This card is using a "new" technique to me. I had never done this before, saw it in a magazine using leaves and KNEW that I had to try it! Glorious Holiday, which is a new set from the Fall Supplement was the perfect image to use. I stamped the image using VersaMagic Chalk White Ink on black cardstock. I then used my Jewel Tone Shimmer Chalk to pounce on the ink. It gives it such an awesome look!
Since I wanted the square images to be the main focus, I kept my card simple. You may notice the score line on my green cardstock. A little trick I picked up is to score a line on my cardstock and then use that line as a guide when cutting with decorative edge scissors. This way you are *almost* guaranteed to cut in a straight line!

Thanks so much for stopping by! The hop will continue to grow so be sure to check back HERE for new posts. I hope you'll find some time to join us as well!! BTW, I did another Christmas project Thursday using another new set, Reindeer Food...in case you missed it you can check it out HERE.

Stripe Challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long

Happy Friday - are you ready for the weekend? I am!! The weather is going to be chilly and rainy too so guess that means I'll be sleeping and creating while sipping coffee or tea all weekend!! Sounds like FUN to me!!

The challenge this week is to use STRIPES on your Christmas Card. Plus we are being sponsored by IN STYLE STAMPS which means that there is a prize up for grabs! Be sure to stop by the CSAYL blog for all the details!!


For my creation, I got to use Christmas Tree Chloe...LOVE CHLOE!!!

I used Sweet Sunday Sketch (SSSC92) for my layout.

I'm also entering this into Cute Card Thursday Challenge #138 this week which is anything goes. Have you started making your Christmas Cards yet? I hope so...it will be here before you know it!! Need more inspiration? Be sure to visit the blogs of my fellow DT sisters then (their links are on my sidebar) - you won't be disappointed!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Welcome to spec-TAC-ular Thursday!!

Welcome Friends to my first edition of spec-TAC-ular Thursday's featuring TAC (The Angel Company) products! My good friend and now downline (yippee!), Danni and I are going to be bringing you some awesome creations using our favorite TAC sets. Be sure to check out her blog to see what she created for today!!

I have two projects to share with you today. First up is a Ghirardelli Holder.


No coloring on here...just inks!! Woohoo - fast and sophisticated...gotta love that! I made these for birthdays but will be making them for Christmas and just because too. The stamp set I used is a retired set - I know, bummer. BUT WAIT - this is a mini edition of a stamp set that you CAN GET!! HAPPILY GRATEFUL is the set and it's one of my all time favorites!! Reach for it again and again!

The background on the KRAFT paper was stamped using DAMASK BACKGROUNDER. Another awesome set I LOVE!

Next up is something I totally wanted to make - Reindeer Food. I think that this idea is so neat...who wouldn't love making sure the reindeer's stop at their house?!?! My daughter does this every year! And with the stamp set, REINDEER FOOD, it's easy to make your own! Are you a room mom? This is an awesome set to have for that craft project at the holiday party! You wouldn't have to make the test tube holder but rather their own treat sack with a topper and tag!

After doing a Google search of what reindeer food consists of, I went with the "safe" version...oatmeal and sugar crystals!

Isn't Rudolph cute? Colored him with my Copics and added some Stardust Clear Gelly Pen on his nose for a little sparkle!

And just in case you aren't sure what to do with the food, on the back are the instructions!

So whatcha think? I hope you've enjoyed these projects - feel free to leave me a comment if you have any questions! Thanks so much for stopping by and I'll hope you'll join me each Thursday for spec-TAC-ular Thursdays!

Please Note: I am a demonstrator for The Angel Company. You can find these stamps and products for purchase on my website - www.michellem.ismyangel.net. For easy reference, I've added everything under FEATURED PRODUCTS on my site. Feel free to contact me with any questions or to order outside the US.

FBW #130 - Window Card

Happy Wednesday to you!! The challenge this week is to make a WINDOW CARD and to include a BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL on it.


This is a new one challenge for me. I haven't made a window card before...and hoping this is a window card, lol! I have been dying to use this new digital image I got, Fairy Fae Catches a Star by Tiddly Inks. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this digi!!

A better picture of this beautiful fairy! I added ultra fine glitter to her wings and the stars (even the ones in her hair). I also added some crystal bling to her hair as well.

She is just so sparkly and beautiful...LOVE HER! What do you think? Please stop by the Flutter By Wednesday Blog to see the challenge and to link your creation. We'd love to see you play with us! Thanks so much for stopping by today!!

Calendar Time With Softpencil

I had so much fun creating today's project - it was an awesome change to create something other than a card! I am a $ store junkie - If I find a good deal on something I grab it up. Of course, I don't always know what I'm going to do with my finding. But I know one day I will be able to figure something out. I picked up these paint your own wall plaques thinking I'd make some signs to hang around the house. When I saw that we were using a calendar template for our Softpencil Tuesday creation I knew that the plaque would be perfect!

You can find this awesome calendar (Two Birds on a Kite) in the Softpencil Etsy Shop. And remember there is SALE going on - 20% off ALL DESIGNS!!! What a deal!

I painted the edge of the plaque with pink paint and then traced it onto pattern paper. After the paint dried, I applied the pattern paper and sanded the edges. I then sponged brown ink around the edges to give it a "finished" look. Since the calendar is a digital image you can make it as big or small as you want. Perfect for ANY project!!

Here are a few close ups:

I paper pieced the kite. Not sure you can see the sparkle on the hearts and kite bows. It's just a little something something. I replaced the string the plaque came with and used my yummy chocolate grosgrain ribbon.

I {heart} this and hope you do too! The cool thing is I got it down BEFORE 2011...meaning it's ready to use!! Pretty cool, huh?

Remember that all the current digital images that are for sale are only available until January 2nd. After that they will be gone! So hurry on over to the ETSY store and get your stuff today!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Welcome to Release Day at Paper Makeup Stamps BLOG HOP!

I'm so excited to share with you today!! I was asked to be a guest design team member for November with the awesome PAPER MAKEUP STAMPS!!! They have the cutest rubber and digital stamps!!

Today is release day and I hope you are joining in on our blog hop! You should have arrived here from Stephanie Zito's blog. If not, start back at the PMS blog. You don't want to miss any stops...be sure to collect all the letters from each blog so you can get your discount too!

You'll also want to join us tonight in the PMS FORUM for our release party from 9 to 11pm (EST). There will be lots of fun chatter and TONS of prizes too!!

Today I have the honor of showing you sweet Celest.

I added lots of sparkle to the image...and realized that the new sentiment from PMS would work perfectly with the image as well!Such a fun image to color! Thanks for stopping by - now go hop on over to Shaela's blog to see her wonderful creation. Before you go though you might want to grab my letter...

See you tonight!!

FBW #129 - Open Challenge

Good Morning! How are you today? We've got a fun week at Flutter By Wednesday! It's an OPEN CHALLENGE - anything goes as long as you have a butterfly, fairy or angel on your creation. PLUS this week we are sponsored by In Style Stamps.

I'm using FAIRY CHLOE for my creation

I'm a little disappointed in my picture taking...the dress LOOKS awesome IRL and the colors match the cardstock beautifully (trust me!). I added Glossy Accents to Chloe's dress. Then I added a little Stardust Clear Gelly Pen to the word Sparkle.

The lovely layout is provided by Friday Sketchers (Sketch #126)...LOVE the layers to it! I really LOVE this card...it's one of my favorites! What do you think?

I hope you'll join us in our challenge this week. There is a prize package of 4 digital images up for grabs. So head on over to the Flutter By Wednesday Blog to see all the details and to play along!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Little Dog & A Christmas Tree

I had such a fun time with this image this week for Softpencil. I think a big part of it is because it's a Christmas image and that always puts me in a good mood. Plus I had some time to actually play and not be in a hurry which was an added bonus!

This week we are showcasing a new digital stamp called LITTLE DOG & CHRISTMAS TREE.

Isn't it cute? I'm sure all you dog lovers could use this digital stamp...I mean look at that cute puppy! Do you see the glitter? I used my Stardust Clear Gelly Pen to add a little shimmer to the ornaments and presents. It looks so cool!

I used Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #132 for the layout. I used a yellow bow to represent a star that I usually associate with tree tops. The sentiment is from Joyful Ornaments by The Angel Company. The image is a little large so the card size is 5x7. I find I do this size more around the holidays.

So whatcha think? I think you better stop on over to the Softpencil Blog and pick this new digital stamp up for yourself. Oh and while you are there check this out:

• Elizabeth is running a sale in her Etsy shop during the month of November: 20% OFF on all her designs (digi-stamps, clipart, printables, etc.)

• Starting in November the SOFTPENCIL SHOP will be closed until the next year so only Elizabeth's Etsy shop will be open.

• All Elizabeth's current goodies will be available ONLY until January 2, 2011.

So hurry on over there and get these wonderful products while you can! Thanks for stopping by today!!