FBW #183 - Last Challenge for 2011

Can you believe this is the last challenge for 2011? I'm looking forward to what 2012 holds for the Flutter By Team! I'm looking forward to the break though as this is the time to spend time with family and friends. No worries, right?

Last week the FBW Team said goodbye to a few team members and this week we say goodbye to another one...We will miss Kelly, Jen and Peggy! I wish you luck and know that I will be stalking your blogs to see what you are up too!

For the last challenge we made it an easy one - It's an OPEN challenge. Anything goes as long as you include a butterfly, fairy or angel. You'll have all month to play along and you can enter as many times as you want. PLUS there might be a prize involved!

Last week, Mabelle released a new digital image, TWINKLING ANGEL. The image is adorable!! I totally needed another reason to make a Christmas card since I'm a little behind on those!

Plus I got to use some of those 6x6 paper pads that I've seemed to collect but not use! So whatcha think? You want TWINKLING ANGEL don't you? You can grab it HERE.

I hope you'll join us at FBW this month - visit the blog for all the details! And you can catch more inspiration from the FBW team!

Thanks for stopping by!

Fluttering a little late this week...

I'm sorry to say that I will be a little late in sharing my FBW creation. Mommy duty has taken up a lot of time and I haven't been able to do much else.

The challenge this week is a recipe one - you need to have the following on your creation:

• The color blue
• lace
• 3 or more flowers
• at least one butterfly

With everything else going on, my brain just couldn't completely wrap around the "recipe". Hopefully something will come to me so I can share it...

Visit the FBW blog to see some wonderful inspiration and to play along!

On a side note, I really thought that sleeping would be easier with an 8 yr old. However, Abby hasn't slept through the night in the last week or so. There have been some changes that may contribute but for the most part she is scared of her own house. We've lived here over 3 years and she acts as though it was just yesterday. I don't know how to get her to understand she is safe and that we (her parents) will protect her. It's a struggle and I'm in need of ANY suggestions on how to help her. It started that she was afraid of going down the hall to the bathroom by herself and now it's affecting her sleep. It's usually around 3am and lasts all morning. I thought it was a phase but it's lasting a LOT longer than I would expect.

Gratitude Blog Hop!

So I was going to post this like um 4 days ago and TOTALLY forgot! Yes, my mind has been like that lately! So did you have a good Thanksgiving? I did!! We had wonderful food, great time with family, played some cards, went to see The Muppets and did LOTS of shopping! Yes, I was a part of the Black Friday sales - and it was odd being out shopping at 3 and 4 am! We got some good deals though but then my "schedule" was all mixed up for like 2 days!

Mabelle is having the first ever Gratitude Blog Hop over on the Whimsy and Stars Studio blog. I wanted to join in on the fun so I grabbed ACORN SQUIRREL and created this card.

I found this wonderful sketch (#44) over on Sketches by Carly blog. I thought it would show off the digital image and the fall paper. I colored the image with my Copics - I was trying to make the squirrel look like he has fluffy fur...still working on that technique.

Thanks for stopping by!

Flutter By Wednesday #181 Sponsored by Paper Pretties!!

Hello and welcome! I'm so glad you've stopped by! Today begins our Thanksgiving break so Abby and I have some things planned - like crafts and baking :D I have to tell you I'm very excited...I have my family coming over to our house for Thanksgiving on Thursday and then we'll do a little shopping. Plus hoping to see the new Muppet movie as well. So LOTS of fun stuff planned!

This week at Flutter By Wednesday we are sponsored by Paper Pretties. The challenge is open so I decided to do something a little different. Abby is really into reading right now. The other day I noticed she had toilet paper for a bookmark - a little tacky if you ask me. So when I saw the digital image, Sophia Cuddle I knew what I had to do.

Abby's favorite color is blue but her lovey better known as Pink Boo is pink and well, a little worn. I thought that since she can't have Pink Boo with her all the time (like at school) she could have a bookmark that would remind her of her. When I showed Abby what I made well, lets just say she was a little speechless and oh so happy!

To show you just how important Pink Boo is to her I thought I'd include a few pics:

As you can see she's pretty special!

I hope you'll join us this week for our challenge. Remember to include a butterfly, fairy or angel on your creation! You can see all the details over on the FBW blog.

Thanks for stopping by!

Flutter By Wednesday #180

Welcome to another Flutter By Wednesday! This week we say hello to a new team member, Amanda! Plus we have the multi-talented, Jessica Diedrich as the guest designer. Woohoo more awesomeness to look at :D

I decided to use an angel this week as I need to get some more holiday cards done! The challenge is your favorite - OPEN...remember anything goes as long as you include a fairy, butterfly or angel on a NEW creation!

I grabbed one of Mabelle's wonderful digi's called Felicity and started coloring. I added some Crystal Stickles to her wings and the small stars. Isn't she just the sweetest?
I used some paper that I found at Hobby Lobby...plus when I went to check out I got it at 40% off since it was in the Christmas area and not the scrapbook area. SCORE for me!

Have you seen all the fabulous digi's and rubber stamps that are available over on the Whimsy and Stars Studio Shop? No? Well you better go see what cuteness you are missing!!

Danni has been suffering from a migraine (hope you are doing better, Danni!) so the post may be late on the FBW blog...but don't worry. It will be up (soon). I hope among all things going on you find some time to get a little inky. We'd love to have you join us!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Winter Friends

Happy Friday! Popping in to share a new creation using the fabulous digital stamp from Mabelle RO, called WINTER FRIENDS. I had so much fun coloring this digi!!

Banners are all the rage right now, so I had to have a try at it...

to set off the banners I incorporated it into my greeting and I put Crystal Stickles around them. And the finished card...

total cute factor, right? Whatcha think? You can get WINTER FRIENDS for yourself on the Whimsy & Stars Studio shop right here.

Did you know that we are having a gratitude blog hop? You can see all the details on how to participate over on the blog. I hope you'll join in on the fun as well!

Big shout out to all the Veterans out there - thank you for all you've done for us!! I'm extremely grateful for each and everyone of you! I'm going to take a little break from the "normal" weekend duties to head to Manhattan to work at a craft show. It should be a lot of fun and I get to visit with some friends I haven't seen in quite a while. Hope your weekend is a good one! Thanks for stopping by!

Thought of You

Hope your week is going good so far! Today I have a card to share for Flutter By Wednesday. The theme this week is FRIENDSHIP - remember you also need to include a butterfly, fairy or angel on it.

When I saw the new sketch for Mojo Monday (#214) I knew that I wanted to do something working with that sketch. It's AWESOME!! Here's what I came up with:

I couldn't stop with the front - had to keep it going on the inside too!

I just adore how this card turned out! And I know it will bring a smile to the recipients face as well....now which friend should I send it to? :D

Head on over to the Flutter By Wednesday blog for all the details for this weeks challenge. You can see more inspiration from the team by visiting their blogs. And this week, be sure to stop by Leanne's blog - she's our guest designer this week!!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a great day - I'm going to try and stay warm and cross my fingers that the rain will let up. I need a little sunshine...

Thankful for YOU!

I'm thankful for all my friends and family! I'm NOT thankful for computers as this is my second time writing this post! ARGHHHH....add in that I have a nasty cough/cold and well it sucks!

Oh well - on to my regular scheduled post, lol! This week at Flutter By Wednesday we are using the theme - friendship/gratitude along with a fairy, butterfly or angel.

I just received a few new rubber stamp sets in the mail from the fabulous Mabelle RO. On her Whimsy & Stars Studio she has some cute digital images and she now has some rubber stamp sets too! I'm using the one called FRIENDS.

Seems that anything I try to create lately is taking forever! I've been doing a lot of items for a few craft shows that I'm in so I guess my mind is on other things. Plus Abby has been keeping me busy but we are now done with soccer for a few weeks so that will be a nice break. Of course, we are in the midst of Girl Scout Cookie sales so we trade one thing for another, lol!

If you'd like to see the other rubber stamp sets or the digital images that are available from Mabelle RO, head on over to the Whimsy & Stars Studio site. Plus for a limited time you can get a FREE digi on the Facebook page. Not a fan? You can find details on how to join HERE.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Flutter By Wednesday #177 - A Color Challenge!

This week at Flutter By Wednesday we have a color challenge for you to try! All you need to do is create a NEW card using the colors Black, Purple, Orange & Green (think Halloween) along with a butterfly, fairy or angel on it!

I'm sorry I don't have a card for you to share - I know the other DT members will have some fabulous creations though! You can check out their blogs on my sidebar. I've been under the weather and this week is a week that I'm ready to get over with! I'm so very overbooked (how does that happen?!). I have a child out of school a couple of days, parent teacher conferences, soccer practices, soccer tournament, Girl Scout Camp out (where the temperature is supposed to drop to 32 degrees!), Girl Scout Cookies start....okay, you get the picture. I think that's why I'm under the weather...I haven't been sleeping!

BUT the good news, so many things end for me on Monday and I'm definitely ready for the break. That way I can get back to coloring...it's always fun and relaxing! I'll be back soon...I promise :D

Flutter By Wednesday #176

Today we have the favorite challenge of OPEN...yep, anything goes as long as you have a fairy, angel or butterfly on your NEW creation! Head on over to the FBW Blog for all the details.

I decided to give my stamping skills a break and reached for some paper and stickers instead. Can you say YUM-O? I mean who doesn't love Doodlebug...and that is some of their newest papers and embellishments. Oh how I love me some Doodlebug!

This week we have a guest designer, Amanda! Stop by her blog to see her fabulous creation...and don't forget about the wonderful Flutter By Team! They always amaze me with their wonderful talent!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Digi Release Over at Whimsy and Stars Studio!!

Yippee - today is the day!! New Christmas Digi's over at the Whimsy and Stars Studio! PLUS there is a fabulous sale...buy 2 get 1 free!

Check out gingerbread boy...I added a few details with my white gel pen and then chalked the background. I love his little cheekies...just want to squeeze them!

I used the fabulous new Echo Park paper called Season's Greetings. When I was checking out sketches I found Card Patterns Sketch #137 and knew it would be PERFECT for my little gingerbread boy!

You can see more wonderful samples of the new Christmas digi's over on the Whimsy and Stars Studio blog. And don't forget to visit the Etsy store to get your new digi's! Your Christmas projects & cards will thank you :D

Thanks for stopping by!

Using Scraps for Flutter By Wednesday #175

This week at Flutter By Wednesday we are using our scraps! How do you store scraps? I have a couple of methods, the first being my basket by my desk. Whenever I'm working on something the scraps go into this basket. When it gets full (or I get the energy), then I empty it. When I do that I sort by color into my bigger 12x12 Iris bins. Those bins are mostly used by my daughter or when I'm doing some die cutting.

I wanted to show you that because you might not think that my card was used with scraps but ALL of it came from my scrap basket :D My inspiration came from the newest PaperCrafts Magazine. Sorry but I'm too lazy to go find it right now to give the proper credit but it was made using fall colors and leaves and is beautiful!

I used some different stamp pads and ended up embossing the butterflies because I was to impatient to let it dry. Well that and I was running out of time, lol! I do have to say since I'm no longer with The Angel Company I am having fun using all the different products that I've had FOREVER. These ink pads are at least 8 years old - all I can say is thank goodness for re-inkers!

I hope you will join us at FBW this week! Head over to the blog for all the details and to link your NEW creation using SCRAPS and has a butterfly, fairy or angel on it. This week we have a guest designer joining us. Be sure to stop by Barbara's blog and say hello! Don't forget to stop by the other team members blogs...their links are in my sidebar!

Thanks for stopping by!

SMILE - it's a happy day!!

Oh it's such a happy day - today is the day that Mabelle debuts her images in rubber!! Yes, folks 5 new stamp sets are available today through the Whimsy and Stars Studio Etsy Store!! I, for one, am very excited about this opportunity. Since The Angel Company closed it's doors, I wasn't sure what my friend, Mabelle was going to do. I mean I can get my fix with her AWESOME digital images but I love me some rubba too!

Speaking of digital images...

gotta love Ballerina Teddy! Isn't she cute?

Want Ballerina Teddy? You can find her HERE. While you are there check out the other wonderful digi's and the new rubber stamps!! Oh and don't forget...Christmas digi's will be coming soon!

Thanks for stopping by!

Upcoming Class

As you know, The Angel Company closed their doors and I've been taking time trying to figure out what to do next. I'm happy to report that I was asked to teach some classes at my local scrapbook store. My first class is coming up on Sunday, October 16th from 2 to 4pm.

Here are the details from Scrapbooks Etc.'s newsletter:

Welcome Michelle to our teaching staff! She has lots of wonderful tips and tricks to share with you. In this class you will make 2 cards using the Pure Innocence stamps “Toad-ally Cool”. This cute little girl has a frog friend and is wearing overalls. You will learn how to shade and color with Copic markers. As a special bonus you receive the girl stamp, a $9.95 value as part of your class fee. A great deal!

I hope that you will be able to join me...here's a little peak at what we'll be doing.

The cost is just $17.50. Call the store at (785) 272-2012 to reserve your spot! I look forward to seeing you :D

Delicious Doodles for Flutter By Wednesday #174

Hello to you! I can't believe it's been almost a week since I last posted. With the weather change and all the germs going around, I spent quite a few days last week ill. Thankfully I'm doing better but am nervous since there is a horrible stomach bug going around Abby's school. Keep your fingers crossed that it skips me!

This week we have a wonderful sponsor for Flutter By Wednesday, Delicious Doodles. They gave a few images to the team to use and I picked this awesome image, Floral Watering Can.

I'd love to have a colorful bouquet like this sitting on my porch! Isn't it pretty? You could win some free digi's from Delicious Doodles. Head on over to the FBW Blog for all the details! The challenge is OPEN - just remember your NEW creation must include butterflies, fairies or angels.

Thanks for stopping by!

Halloween Girl

Quick share for you today using this cutie from Whimsy and Stars Studio called HALLOWEEN GIRL.

I love cute witches...keep hoping my Abby will want to be one for Halloween sometime. So far no luck. But at least I have this one I can color, lol! Love the saying too...I split it up and included the other portion on the inside.

Stop by the Whimsy & Stars Studio blog to see all the cute Halloween/Fall digi's. And stay tuned cause the Christmas Digi release will be coming soon...mark your calendars October 18th.

Thanks for stopping by!

It's the Last Week of our Birthday Celebration at FBW

This is our last week of Danni's celebration month - and boy has it been fun! LOTS of giveaways and tons of awesome entries! Thank you to everyone for making this month so special!

I'm sorry that I don't have a card this week - I've been suffering from a migraine on and off for over a week and yesterday it really knocked me out. Had to even leave work. I'm taking medicine and hoping to be over this soon!

PLEASE stop over to the Flutter By Wednesday blog for all the details for this week. It's an OPEN challenge (anything goes as long as it's new and includes a butterfly, fairy or angel on it). We are giving away two prizes this week - one from Paper Makeup Stamps and one from The Greeting Farm.

I would love to say I'll have a card soon but I'm thinking that just isn't going to happen...Please visit the DT's blog for their wonderful creations and be sure to stop by Kelly's...she's joining us this week. Welcome Kelly!!

What I've Been Up To Lately...

Okay I'm going to warn you this is a picture heavy post...and there may be some excessive chatter as well. I just feel that I've been kind of missing. I went through a VERY rough spot when The Angel Company closed their doors. It's been about a month and I'm finally feeling a little back to "normal" - as normal as I am anyway, lol!

I was really involved with TAC and when they announced they were closing it was a shock and well it hit me hard. I was disappointed/shocked/upset/unsure. I mean so many emotions! I was contacted by other companies and honestly my hubby and I talked (MANY NIGHTS) about what I should do. I felt as though I HAD to decide right then and hubby was like - why? Why - well aren't I supposed to do something now...I mean so many people are going to other companies so shouldn't I?

One thing about me joining TAC it wasn't a decision I just jumped into. I mean I've always been a crafter but selling product/teaching classes wasn't something I was familiar with. It wasn't until my hubby and I moved to Memphis and I worked at an AWESOME scrapbook store did my real creative side show. So two years after attending a few TAC parties I joined as a demonstrator. I realized that I don't want to just jump into something - especially if my heart isn't in it. And while there are AWESOME companies out there to work for none of them are currently speaking to me...I'm not feeling it in my heart, you know?

So back to the now - I'm been taking time and well trying things that I've wanted to but didn't have the time. First thing I did was rearrange/purge and reorganize my craft room. I took out an oversized craft desk that was being more of a catch all then anything and filled an entire wall with shelving and bookcases. LOVE it - it was what I need to start anew. Then I got busy creating a few scrapbook pages...

Sorry about the pics - obviously not sure how to take a good photo of my 12x12 pages (suggestions, anyone?) I tell you it felt so good to scrapbook again...I have so many awesome pictures and adorable stories that I want to tell/show so I will definitely be trying to do this more!

I'm a HUGE fan of Pinterest and have been finding so many wonderful projects I want to do. I found one to make finger puppets. I keep saying I want puppets for my preschool class so I made some...

I think they turned out so cute but they were time consuming and well I honestly can say I'm so glad I'm finally done with them! Here is a picture of all of them that I made.

Pretty cute huh? I think I got them from the Idea Room...but email me if you want specifics and I'll look them up.

Other than that I'm relaxing and being involved in PTO, Girl Scouts, Abby's Soccer and preschool. I'm taking it easy and watching some tv...so glad that my shows are back! Makes me happy!

Before I (finally!) go, when this all started I was supposed to create a card for FBW. I had the image colored but had not completed the card...well I got that done too...

See things are looking up :D I hope you have a wonderful weekend and thank you for stopping by!

Flutterby Wednesday #172

Sorry I'm going to keep this short as I've been suffering from another migraine for a couple of days now - I'm off to take some medicine and get some rest.

We are still celebrating Danni's birthday all month long. Each week we are having an OPEN challenge (anything goes as long as it's NEW and has a butterfly, fair or angel on it). There are also giveaways...head on over to the FBW blog to see if you won!

This week our sponsor is Susana's Custom Art & Card Design - I got this new stamp set from her store...ordered it on a Friday and had it in my hand on Monday...QUICK service and I got a FREEBIE in my order as well. You've got to check out her store!

This cutie is from the Sylvia Zet called Loli and Shellie.

I used an Deconstructed Sketch #19 for my layout. Remember you can see what prize is up for grab this week and link your creation up on the FBW blog!

Thanks for stopping by!

Here Ya Go - My newest Mabelle RO Creation

Well like I mentioned yesterday, I had created two cards but realized that this one didn't qualify for Flutter By Wednesday since there weren't any butterflies, fairies or angels on it. So I saved it to share today!

Recently Mabelle RO with Whimsy and Stars Studio, released a bunch of awesome Fall digital stamps. This adorable little bear is called SUNFLOWER TEDDY.

Isn't he the cutest?! Remember if you join us at FBW this week you will be entered for a chance to win YOUR CHOICE OF A FREE DIGI FROM WHIMSY AND STARS STUDIO. But I want to warn you - you won't be able to pick just one! They are all TOO CUTE!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Flutter By Wednesday #171 - Another Giveaway!

We are still celebrating over on the Flutter By Wednesday blog! For the entire month of September we are going to have FUN, FUN, FUN - in honor of Danni's birthday!

So this week we have not one but TWO fabulous giveaways - Tiddly Inks & Whimsy and Stars Studio. I had EVER intention of having TWO cards BUT I forgot my butterflies so you'll see that one tomorrow :D

The challenge is EASY - you just need to create a NEW card and remember you must include a BUTTERFLY, FAIRY or ANGEL on it! My creation today uses a fabulous digi from Tiddly Inks called Happy Couple.

I used the newest sketch from The Sweet Stop for my card (SSS125). It was PERFECT! I know I've said it before but I LOVE their sketches...so many layers and oh so fun!

Come back tomorrow to see my Whimsy and Stars Studio card. Oh and I want to give a shout out to AMY YOUNG - she's joining us as a guest DT. She's super talented so be sure to head on over to her blog to see her beautiful creation! I hope you'll join in the fun - so many goodies to be won :D

Thanks for stopping by!!

Birthday Girl & Other Creations

I have no idea where the time has gone but I already have an 8 year old at home! This week was Abby's birthday and we celebrated with 12 of her awesome friends at the bowling alley.

She had a great time and got lots of new goodies to play with.

I like to do other things besides making cards so I thought I'd show you some things I made for Abby's party. First up is a cake I made...now I'm not an expert by any means but I have to say I do a pretty good job. I mean I only make one a year - for Abby usually.

Next we made treat bags for the guests. I wanted to make bags that represented bowling bags...couldn't really find what I wanted but decided these would work.

I used my Cricut for almost everything. The gift boxes and hearts are made using the Tags, Bags, Boxes & More Cartridge. I used Doodlebug Type for the initials and bowling balls. I just cut circles and then punched holes in them.

On the back we printed a little thank you and then Abby signed them all. Abby really liked everything and she kept telling me thank you. My heart really swelled when I heard her telling her friends how her mommy made them. It makes it all worth it - these are the things I hope Abby remembers. Plus the extra time I got to spend with her was an added bonus. She seems to be wanting to spend a lot of her free time with friends so any time I can get with her I try and take!