"Back to School"

This is the first time I have used this Magnolia stamp. This stamp brought back memories of my first day of school as a child. (Yes, it was a long time ago!) I remember having my new school clothes. My mom was an excellent seamstress and made most of my clothes. I always was excited but nervous abut starting also. I colored Tilda with my Copic markers, and pulled paper from my scrap box! I added a little bling with the pink rhinestones and added roses from "Wild Orchids". This was a fun card and a great sketch for  me. I am entering this card at http://sweetstopsketches.blogspot.com/

"Happy Holidays"

What makes my Happy Holidays is family. The joy of being together and celebrating the birth of our Saviour. Our grandsons are small enough that is is great fun to watch the wonder in their eyes at the lights, decorations and yes the presents. I am so blessed! My image on the is card is a digi from Mo Manning and I love using it. I colored the image with Copics and the dp is My Minds Eye Signature Collection...in case you didn't notice I made three cards with three pieces of paper and I have some to add to my scrap box! I cut the image and the frame, and the sentiment and frame, with my Creative Memories oval cutter. The ribbon came from a dollar bin at "Big Lots". I have kicked myself for not buying several more as I love this ribbon. The picture doesn't show but it has an iridescent look and changes color depending on which way you are holding it. I added some 'Christmas lights' that I had in my stash and put the glow in them with Stickles. I am entering this card at http://thesecretcraftersaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ and http://crazy4challenges.blogspot.com/ I hope each of you has a blessed week-end.

"Candy Cane Goodness"

Isn't this just the cutest little elf? The image is from Mo Manning, she has some of the cutest images...wish they were all rubber! (WHINE!) I colored my image with Copics, and sponged around the image with SU Old Olive. My dp is from My Minds Eye, Signature Christmas Collection. I added lace to my corner pieces and some fancy ribbon that I found at our local Dollar store. I used my Creative Memories circle cutter on the image and frame. I added a little bling with red rhinestones and a little gold Spica on the bell. I am about 1/3 of the way through my Christmas cards. I am entering this card at http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/

"Believe"

"Believe", it sounds so simple but can be so hard for me at times. To believe that God is in control of all situations in my life and He doesn't need my help. To believe I can do what seems impossible, that I am exactly where God wants me to be. How about you? Now, on to my card! My image is a digi from Kenny Kiernam. These are such good images for practicing my coloring with Copics. The dp is from My Minds Eye, Signature Christmas Collection. These are yummy papers and I love the colors, not your traditional color selection. I added my sentiment "Believe" with a button I had in my stash and three star buttons on the side. (sounds like a rating) I am entering this at Friday Sketchers Challenge, a fun place to practice and gain some new sketch layouts. http://fridaysketchersblog.blogspot.com/  and http://totallygorjuss.blogspot.com/  I encourage each of you to try some of the sketches, it certainly helps me to grow in my card making. Blessings to each of you!

"My Life Is So Blessed"

I love this paper and this image. She is just a sassy little thing! I colored the image with Copics. I also colored the ribbon slide with Copics. The ribbon is from SU and the sentiment is from Close to My Heart. I eembossed the little flowers on the sentiment and used my Spica pen for a little blink in the center.  Hope your day has been blessed. I am entering this card at http://abc-challenge.blogspot.com/2010/08/b-is-for-blue.html  and http://ecpchallenges.blogspot.com/2010/08/challenge-19.html

"A Nature Girl"

I really like to use the Kenny Kiernan images for practicing my Copic coloring. The log is a stamp from Magnolia. The paper is all pieces I had left from the prior two cards. Just love using up those pieces. I popped the sentiment with dimensionals. Hope you like my "nature girl". I am entering this at http://digitaltuesdaychallenge.blogspot.com/

"Give Thanks"

Another fall card for the challenge at http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com/  The challenge was to make a card that is inspired by a song. My song is "Give Thanks".  My image is from Sassy and is colored with Copics.  The sentiment is from SU and I used SU oval punches. The raised felt leaves I found at Hobby Lobby and the Pumpkins I cut  with a Sizzix die. The dp is DSWV "Fall Collection".

"Good-bye Faithful Friend"

We lost a very important part of our family. "Sadie" our son's dog. Sadie came to my son from the dog pound. She won the heart of every member of our family immediately. She was so intelligent and loving. She gave more to us than we ever gave to her. When my son and his family had to move to Wyoming, Sadie came to live with us. Our house was her second home and she made the transition with no problem. Her passing has left a big whole in our hearts and we shall miss her.  My dh is very creative with wood and he picked up drift wood from an area that he took Sadie for a walk daily. He created this marker for her.

"The Pumpkin Patch"

I love fall, it is my favorite time of year. I also love the beautiful fall colors. It is God's paint brush at it's best. The image on my card is from Magnolia, I think she has the look of many little one's who visit a 'pumpkin patch' with their parents for the fist time! lol! I colored the image with Copics. The dp is DCWV. The leaves came from Hobby Lobby as did the ribbon. I added the little jewels from my stash and added a little Spica glitter here and there. The pumpkins are cut from a Sizzix die, I inked the edges with SU's Close to Cocoa. I am entering this at http://priscillastyles.blogspot.com/ I think I might have gone 'outside' the box on the sketch but it was a wonderful sketch that made me want to change it up a bit. I am also entering it at http://7kidschallengeblog.blogspot.com/

"Let It Snow"

I confess I am a total Christmas decorating fanatic! While I love the traditional reds and greens of Christmas I also like the not so standard colors. Hence my decision in the colors I used on this card.

I am entering this card at http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/ I love playing Mojo Monday. I am also entering http://aspoonfulofsugarchallenge.blogspot.com/  My image is from Magnolia, I adore the snowmen images they have. I colored the image with Copics. I used Nestabilities to cut out the frame and sentiment frame. My dp is from Jen Wilson Signature Series. It has some beautiful paper that is in various shades of browns, burgundies and teals. I added a little cream lace and brown ribbon as accents. I also added a rose from Wild Orchids and some metal snowflakes that I had in my stash. This was a fun card to make and I actually got the sketch right this time!

"Not exactly the MOJO"

This was my fist attempt at Mojo Monday. the problem was when I ran back and looked at my computer I realized I had forgot one man element of the sketch. I still like the card, so I will use it but not for the sketch challenge. This is a digi image by Mo Manning . I am entering this at /http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/. I colored the image with Copics, and used some scrap basket paper. I added a little pink and red bling (who says they don't go together!) I added a rose from 'Wild Orchids and a little pink ladybug button from my stash. Considering this was a bit of a mistake it is a good way to use up those scrap pieces. Ahhh...it must be Monday! 

"Joy To The World"

Doesn't this sweet little face just exude joy? The digi image is from "Mo Manning" and is one of my favorite. (Yes! I wish it was rubber!) I colored the image with Copics. The sparkly frame is from an old Christmas card I recycled. The felt Poinsettias are a stash from last year. I added the faux stitching from a Close To My Heart set. Then I used my red Spica pen to bling the stitching. Another card to add to my Christmas stash.

"I Thought of You Today!"

I am starting this post with a whine...."I wish all digi's were rubber"! There are so many fantastic digi's out there. BUT, no matter what trick or tip I have used letting image sit overnight, heat setting image, grade of paper, I still have trouble with printer ink smearing. I hate this even if it is a tiny bit. It looks messy and makes me grumpy! Having said that this image is from "Tiddly Winks" isn't he just the cutest! Wouldn't you love to have him in rubber? I colored the image with Copics, added faux stitching (Close To My Heart) and added sentiment from Close To My Heart. I used my polk a dot folder on the card stock and the dp is from my scrap box. This inside of the card reads "and I smiled." Just a fun little card to send to the grands.

"Merry and Bright"

Once again I wish I had a better camera! This picture does not capture the sparkle on this card. This is another Kenny Kiernam image. I am entering it at http://kennykkraftygirlzchallenges.blogspot.com/

challenge #6. The challenge was to create a "bright" card. My dp is from 'Paper Solutions' Holly Jolly stack. There is some beautiful paper in this stack. I colored my image with Copics. I used my oval Creative Memories cutting system to cut the image and frame. I sponged the edges with SU Positively Pink Ink. The sentiment is from an older SU Christmas set, which I punched out with SU tag punches. I add fun flock to her jacket collar and sleeves. I also added ribbon from my stash to the card and around the frame. I added a little "bling with her earring and a small cookie cutter on the tag. 

Happy Halloween Treat Boxes

I found these plastic boxes at "Paper Express" they come in various shapes and widths and lengths. I decorated each (one for each grandson) with dp Halloween print paper, added Halloween ribbon, and stickers. I plan on filling them with Halloween treats. You could add doughnut coupons, stickers, popcorn, or any other treat you can come up with. They are a fun way to let your little ones or your big ones know you love them. If you used a smaller size they would be a cute way to treat friends, or office staff. I hope this gives you inspiration to creat some fun 'treats' for those you love.

"He is mine forever"

Our weather has had such a feel of fall in it. It is a challenge for me to not do a fall card! I completed this card for two different challenges. I am submitting them to http://joanscreations.blogspot.com/2010/08/joans-gardens-10-challenge.html and http://ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Latest%20%20Challenge

I used paper from my 'scrap bin'. The flower image is from 'Heartfelt Creations' which I purchased at Joan's Garden. The sentiment is from 'Our Daily Bread Designs'. I love their stamps and hope to be able to purchase more in the future. I stamped the image three times, colored it with copics, cut it out, and mounted it with dimensional tape. I added stickles to the center of each flower for a little bling. I used nestabilities to cut my sentiment out. I used SU 'Eggplant Envy' to stamp the sentiment. I added a few purple jewels for a little eye candy. The boarder punch is from Martha Stewart. I hope each of you have a blessed Sunday as we glorify our Lord.

"It is Christmas in the heart"

One more addition to my Christmas card stash, I may get them all made yet. I hate sneaking off to buy Christmas cards when I make cards all the time! My image is from "Sugar Nellie", I think she just looks like a Christmas girl. I colored her with Copics, I used my Creative Memories circle cutter to cut the circle cutter for the center of the large snowflake. The snowflake was cut with my Cricut. I added pearls to each tip of the snowflake. The sentiment is from "Close to My Heart". I popped my image with dimensional tape. The snowflakes were from old punches I have had for years. I used a red Spica pen to add a little bling to the larger snowflakes. I am entering this card at  http://sugarbowlblog.blogspot.com/ 

"You Have a Special Place in my H!"

Philippians1:7 You have a special place in my heart.

I have been blessed with so many special people in my life. I can think of so many this card would be appropriate for. I used Kenny Kiernam digi image. I thought she was so cute. My dp is My Minds Eye. It is yummy paper and I will soon have to get a new pack of it as I love using it.  I colored the image with Copics and sponged Algean Sea ink on the edges. I added the three layers of lace and 3 blings, plus a ribbon and buckle. I am entering this card at http://totallygorjuss.blogspot.com/ 

Have a blessed Sunday!

"Brrrrr Snow!"

I don't know why I don't have more Edwin stamps but, for some reason I only have a couple. I had fun with this card. I tried a little different sketch that I hadn't used before and found I really liked it. I hope you do also.  The dp is DCWV "Holiday Collection". I like all the 'blue papers' the pack contains. I colored Edwin with Copics. My ribbon is from Close To My Heart and the little "BRRRR" is from a Christmas button collection. I am entering this card at http://magnoliastamplovers.blogspot.com/ this was a fun card just because I love using my maggie stamps!

"Dream"

This is a card I am entering in the Priscilla's Midnight Madness challenge. I entered my first card last week in this challenge and the comments from the dt were so kind. I always feel outclassed by the wonderful creative people in challenges. It is like being a 1st grader in a High School craft class. Anyway, if you have never entered a challenge I would highly recommend you start with this one. You can find this challenge at http://priscillastyles.blogspot.com/ I used dp from My Mind's Eye. This is such pretty paper I almost feel guilty cutting it. lol. I used lace that I inherited from my Mom's sewing room. My image is a Magnolia, she has a broom, but I chose to cut it out. I added paper roses from Wild Orchard Crafts. I also added two pearls to the rounded triangle pieces. My sentiment is a sticker that I have had for years. I colored Tilda with Copics. I hope you enjoy this little creation.

"Be still, and know that I am God"

This is one of my favorite verses. I think sometimes we all need to be reminded to 'be still". The sentiment if from Stamping Up. It is an older set, but I have used it many times. I made this card for the Annabelle Stamps challenge.  (found at:) http://annabellestamps.blogspot.com The challenge was a sketch challenge and to use the color of cream! I wish my camera was better because this dp is so rich looking. I used a die cut for the scallop and circle. I used die-namics for the large scallop, and added twill tape under the scallop circle.  I added rhinestones for bling to the inner circle. This is a sketch that goes together quickly and is fun to do. I will definitely use it again.

"The Strong And Not So Silent Type"

This is my entry for the TSG Challenge. This sketch challenge can be found at http://tsgclearstamps.blogspot.com/ This was a fun little sketch to play with. The image was one I received at a class I took with a Copics instructor. I am sorry I do not know who to credit for it. I used my Creative Memories circle cutter to cut the image and background paper. I stamped the image with Memento ink. The sentiment is a sticker from K.C. and Company. All other paper was from my scrap box. 

Tri-fold Halloween Card

This is my very first attempt at a tri-fold card. I am still not sure it is done correctly!? I have another posted above as I intend these to be for the grandsons so each will get one. They were fun to make and I like to try new things. The image (Mickey) was a stamp I found at a yard sale. He is a cute one for Halloween. The paper is from (yes) my scrap box. I used nestablilites to cut out the frame, ribbon (pulls) came from Hobby Lobby.

My Scrapbook Room!

Here is a glimpse of my scrapbook room. My husband as a birthday present bought me the black cabinets, desk, and various storage units in the room as you can see, I have them filled. The last picture is (1) of two 'scrap' boxes. I hate to waste and I cut my scraps into even pieces and then try to pull from them when I need a piece for the card. I had some plastic files that I took the cover off of and used these to separate each color. It probably is not the best system but it works for me. I would love to know what your scrap place looks like and if you have any tips for organization and/or storage. Hope you enjoy taking a look at my little haven. I love it and my DH for making it possible for me to enjoy. Blessings to each of you!

"Happy Fall...Y'All"

With the cool fall weather we have been having this week I couldn't help but create a few fall cards. The image is from an old SU set. I colored my image with Copics. I also used my new cuttlebug folder to emboss my 'dots'. I added a felt flower I found at "Hobby Lobby" and had a great little fall card. Blessings to you!

"Happy Fall"

I visited "Hobby Lobby" yesterday and they had fall and Christmas decorations out. I am afraid it gave me "Fall Fever". I rushed home (well after perusing  all the aisles) and decorated my house on the inside for fall. This lead me to make a few fall cards. My image is an old stamp set from SU. I had the leaf paper on hand and really don't know where it came from. The rest of the paper is just scrap pieces. I colored my image with Copics. (Which I need to get lots of refills for and soon!) The felt leaves I bought at Hobby Lobby. I made two similar cards (see above post) as I will be sending these to my grandson's. So, "Happy Fall Y'All!

"Looking Out My Window"

Have you ever started a card for a challenge and then strayed off the path and completed a totally different project? That is what happened with this card. I was going to enter it into the "Bah Humbug Christmas challenge, but as you can see it is not a Christmas card.  It was fun to make as I used some stamps that cobwebs had formed over. The paper is DCWV Linen Closet. I love this paper, such pretty colors and some have a bit of glitter or shine to make them even prettier. I colored my images with Copics, Added some pretty little flowers and stamped my sentiments. The Smile sentiment is from SU, the inside stamp came from "My Heart Stamps for You" and the images are from "Art Impressions". I stamped the images and then cut them out and mounted them with dimensional tape. Hopefully this card will bring a smile to a friend's face.

"Frosty Marshmallows"

This is one of my first Stamp sets I purchased. I have always loved it and it is well used. I decided to do a little paper piecing on this card. Frosty's hat, holly, nose, scarf, and his coal is all paper pieced. I colored the fire, and Frosty's tummy, and the stick and marshmallows with Copics. I added a tiny bit of stickles to the fire and the marshmallows. I also glued on some plastic snowflakes. My dp is from The Paper Studio. They have some yummy Christmas papers. The ribbon came from an after Christmas sale last year. The Believe button was a left over from last year also. I am entering this card in Priscilla Styles Challenge and DCD Christmas Club challenge!

Top Tip for You!

This is a "Top Tip" for you my readers. I use the self adhesive drywall tape instead of the fancy mesh for cards. (Or any project that I don't intend to be acid free.) You can find a large roll and even some in different colors, for a little over five dollars. It sticks to the cards nicely and can be colored any color you want with copics. Hope this helps you save a little and inspires you to use some 'cheap' alternatives. Have a blessed day! 

Smile

This is a card for "Becca's Sketch Challenge". She is a darling little girl and her challenge can be found at

http://giovana-believe.blogspot.com/2010/08/beccas-challenge-3.html . Everyone should check this out! How great it is to see someone her age crafting! You rock Becca! My card is a scrap of red from my scrap basket. Where I live (Emmett, Idaho) we have lots of fruit trees. As a kid I thinned and picked apples to earn money for school. I choose this image because of that. I also added the frogs as we have lots of them in our ditches and ponds, and even in my back yard. The frogs are buttons I found in a $1.00 bin. The sentiment is from SU. Thanks Becca for the challenge.

"The Christmas Stocking"

I made my entire family strip quilted Christmas stockings. We have filled them every year after the "kids" are in bed. This has been a tradition since our kids were babies and I hope it will be a tradition for my grand kids. This little boy certainly is going to enjoy his stocking. This is a digi image from Mo Manning. I used dp paper from "Specialty Shop" and colored the image with Copics, I also colored the plastic snowflake buttons. I really like the way they turned out. I added just little bling on the items in the stocking with my Spica pens. The sentiment if from SU. Have a blessed Sunday! I am entering this at http://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/

"Joy"

I love this new digi I got from Kenny Kierman it is so much fun to use and to color. I wanted to use her for a Christmas card for my daughter. I love how she is so very versatile. I colored her with Copics, the dp is from "Specialty Papers, I added a little bling with my Spica pens to her earrings, and her 'belt' (I really think this is a chain, but I colored it like a belt). The buttons I have had on had forever, and the sentiment is from stamping up! Hope you like this and will check out Kenny Kierman's other images.

"Sticky Christmas"

Isn't this little guy the cutest? This is a digi from Mo Manning. I colored the image with Copics and added a little glitz with spica pens to the pom-poms, the white on the Christmas hat, and gold spica bell. The Noel is a button I had in a stash. The dp is from "Specialty Papers. The green is actually a lot more green than my picture reflects. This is a fun digi, just wish it were a rubber stamp. I added a white gel stripe to the candy cane to make it glisten! I am entering this is Mojo Monday's challenge, and OWH Stripes and Stamps challenge.

"Pink Polk A Dots!"

How fun is a pink/polk a dot challenge? This card was so much fun to make! The dp is from Paper Solutions, the image is "Honey" from C.C. designs. I colored the image with Copics, I used Nestabilities for the center die and Die-namics ric rack die. I used Martha Stewart boarder punch and polk a dot ribbon from a bargain bin! I also added a brad from Doodlebug and self adhesive pearls. I added a little pink Spica to Honey's lips and her sunglasses and the bow on her suit. I entered this card in the 7 Kids College Fund blog challenge.

"Catch Me If You Can"

"Catch Me If you Can"

This is a totally cased card from Pam Sparks http://expressionswithheart.wordpress.com/. I saw this card on her blog and knew it would be the perfect card for my 39th wedding anniversary. We will be celebrating it on the Oregon coast! Thank you Pam for inspiring me. I tried to add my own twists but it is hard to improve on perfection. I will tell you that the 'mesh' is actually self-sticking dry wall tape. You can find this most anywhere and it is a cheap alternative to the more expensive craft mesh. I use it on my cards, but not on my scrapbook pages. It does say acid free, but I would rather be safe than sorry. I love the new Maggie's and think they have lots of versatility.  Hope you enjoy this and will also hop over to Pam Spark's blog to see her card and her yummy creations. Have a blessed day!

Totally Tilda Challenge

Totally Tilda Challenge Blog

This is my entry for the Totally Tilda Challenge. The Challenge is to create a shape card anything but a normal shaped card. I love this little Tilda, she looks like she can't wait to get to the party. I colored the image with Copics, cut my card with Spellbinders die, the sentiment is from Heartfelt Creations, I also added pearls, little plastic flowers and pearls. I also added some spica to the dress, ribbon and the edge of the image cardstock.

The IPOD Girl

My daughter loves her IPOD she thinks I should have one. I am NOT a techi person and feel grateful that I am just beginning to figure out this whole blogging thing. Thanks to my friend Patti (http://stampersize.blogspot.com/) she has been so kind to mentor me through this whole process. I hope we get to meet someday so I can take her to lunch or dinner in thanks. She does beautiful work so check out her blog.  Anyway, this is another digi image that I used to practice the long flowing hair. I just changed my elements around from the card below. Have a blessed day!

Up Town Girl

This digi image is from Kenny Kierman, it is not my usual image but I wanted to practice on long flowing hair and this and my next post offered that opportunity. I am not a 'goth' person, but after coloring these up I kind of liked them and thought they would be a good card for a teenage girl. I colored with Copics and chose a sketch that I could play with. My next card uses the same elements I just arranged them a bit different. So for those days when inspiration can't come you can do this! Hope you enjoy these. I am also entering this in Die Cuts challenge of using gingham on your card. (the yellow and black print)