Under the Sea

 

I joined the progressive challenge on facebook at Cute As A Button. This darling mermaid was the first image in the challenge. I had such a fun time coloring her and then I found the pretty paper in my stash and it seemed perfect for this fun image. I used two Memory Box Die Cuts on the front and inside of my card. I used some Nuvo Clear for my bubbles. They added an extra dimension to my sea scene. It was a fun card to make and a fun digi to color. Hope over to facebook and join the fun on this progressive challenge!

I am entering this card at the following challenge:

http://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/

http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/

http://sunnydaycrafting.blogspot.com/

http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/

http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/

http://sparklensprinklecreativechallenges.blogspot.com/

http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/

http://leftofcenterchallenges.blogspot.ca/

My Song: Octopuses Garden (The Beatles)

I'd like to be under the sea

In an octopus's garden in the shade

He'd let us in, knows where we've been

In his octopus's garden in the shade

I'd ask my friends to come and see

An octopus's garden with me

I'd like to be under the sea

In an octopus's garden in the shade

Pretty In Pink

 

This is an older digi that I have had for several years. I have always liked it and so every now and then I print another one and color her up. I like to have cards on hand for those birthdays that pop up and are unexpected. This will go in my stash for those occasions!

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

http://abitmoretimetocraft.blogspot.co.uk/

http://copicmarkerspain.blogspot.ca/

http://craftsandmeinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/

http://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.craftingcircle.com/

http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/

http://sparklesforumchallenges.blogspot.com/

My Song: I'm A Believer (Niel Diamond)

I thought love was only true in fairy tales
Meant for someone else but not for me
Love was out to get me
That's the way it seemed
Disappointment haunted all of my dreams

Then I saw her face, now I'm a believer
Not a trace, of doubt in my mind
I'm in love, and I'm a believer
I couldn't leave her if I tried

"O" Is For "Open"

 

I have no idea why my card looks so wide. In RIL it is not! Anyway it is what it is! It is time for the letter "O" at ABC Challenge! "O" is for "Open", that's right! You can do anything you want. How easy is that? Our lovely sponsor this time is the wonderful, talented, Connie Fong! If you have never checked out her shop you have missed some lovely stamps. This is one of my favorites and is called Moon Flower and you can find her here! I love the beautiful and sweet expression this stamp. I added a fabric flower and a pretty die cut to finish off this card. Some pretty dragon flies add a bit of sparkle. I am entering this card at the following challenges:

My Song: 10,000 Reasons (Matt Redmond)

Bless the Lord, Oh my soul

Oh my soul, worship his holy name

Sing like never before, Oh my soul

I'll worship your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning

It's time to sing your song again

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes

Bless the Lord, Oh my soul

Oh my soul, worship his holy name

Sing like never before, Oh my soul

I'll worship your holy name

You're rich in love and you're slow to anger

Your name is great and your heart is kind

For all your goodness, I will keep on singing

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

Bless the Lord, Oh my soul

Oh my soul, worship his holy name

Sing like never before, Oh my soul

I'll worship your holy name

Bless the lord, oh my soul

Oh my soul, Worship his holy name

Sing like never before, oh my soul

I'll worship your holy name

Yesterday!

 

I needed a 'guy' card....and I always dread making guy cards. I decided to use this digi from Dr. Digi called "A Dunderton Abroad" . I thought the DP is from a pad called flannel plaid. I thought it  added a bit more 'manly' feel to the card. I die cut my Happy Birthday and added a bit of red glitter to pop it! Some pretty sparkley buttons from Queen and Co. and some glitter washi tape, liquid glass on the sunglasses finished off my card. 

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

http://cardz4guyz.blogspot.co.uk/ (GDT)

http://citycrafter.blogspot.ca/

http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/

http://sunnydaycrafting.blogspot.com/

http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/

My Song: Yesterday (The Beatles)

Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away.
Now it looks as though they're here to stay.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Suddenly I'm not half the man I used to be.
There's a shadow hanging over me.
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.

Why she had to go, I don't know, she wouldn't say.
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday love was such an easy game to play.
Now I need a place to hide away.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Back To School!

 

It is hard to believe that we are soon going to be at the end of our summer. I can remember my mom saying the older you get the faster time flies. It is so true as I watch my grandsons growing my leaps and bounds. Keeping with the end of summer tradition our challenge at The Paper Shelter  is "Back To School". I have chosen The Enchanted Professor for my back to school card. I think he is cute and who knows he might just be teaching at one of our universities! If you ever watch "Water's World" you would believe this is possible! I added some liquid glass to the ink bottle to make it look real and fussy cut the stamp and popped it with foam dots. A spellbinders label and some pearls finished off my card. Remember if you use a Paper Shelter stamp you can win $30 credit in their store. Since their stamps are some of the best around, why wouldn't you? (They are also the best bargain you will find!) So grab one of their stamps and play along! 

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

http://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/

http://fairytale-challengeblog.blogspot.com/

http://sunnydaycrafting.blogspot.com/

http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/

http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

http://colouringinscrapland.blogspot.com.es/

http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/

https://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

My Song: ABC (The Jackson 5)

You went to school to learn girl
Things you never, never knew before
Like "I" before "E" except after "C"
And why 2 plus 2 makes 4
Now, now, now
I'm gonna teach you

All about love girl

Sit yourself down, take a seat
All you gotta do is repeat after me

A B C
It's easy as, 1 2 3

All That Glitteres is Not Snow!

A closer look at the cute stamp!

The gold poinsettias!

Pretty pearl centers.

 

I am sorry this is such a poor photograph. I don't know what is wrong but I could not get a decent picture of this. I have had this digi stamp for many years and I still love to color it. I was trying to keep this card neutral tones. I was quiet happy with the way it turned out. The poinsettia die came from my dear friend who now irons in her craft room, Elaine Livesey! I have used them for many years and I love how they always turn out perfect. I really didn't have a reason to make this card, I just wanted to play a bit. 

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

http://abitmoretimetocraft.blogspot.co.uk/

http://craftsandmeinspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/august-challenge-anything-goes.html

My Song: Even Santa Claus Gets the Blues (Marty Stuart)

Lost my favorite reindeer in a hurricane Got so get-away on a count of rain Countin' my troubles by threes and by twos Even Santa Claus gets the blues Well, I wasn't given for just one silent night Just me and mama close by the warm fire light, yeah But Christmas time is comin', there's just so much to do Even Santa Claus gets the blues But I know every single chimney like the back of my hand People leave me milk and cookies, I just think that's grand As the story goes, I'm a dearly loved man But the reason for the season, some folks just don't understand So, it's back to the work shop to make more toys Can't wait to give 'em to all the girls and boys I'm hookin' up my sleigh, go ahead and spread the noose But sometimes, even Santa Claus gets the blues

"N" is for "Noel"

 

Are you ready for a Christmas card? It is hard to believe that Christmas is just a little over four months away! I was happy to make this Christmas card as it adds to my stash and it will be used in the upcoming holiday season! Our letter at ABC Challenge 

is the letter "N" for "Noel"! We want you to create a Christmas themed card. Our lovely sponsor is  "Magnolia-licious"!

You can find so many lovely Magnolia stamps and other wonderful companies in their fun store. Also, be sure and grab some of their lovely dies! I can't wait to see what you come up with! 

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

My Song: The Heart of Christmas (Matthew West)

I’m gonna make a wish this Christmas
I’m gonna say a little prayer
I’m gonna stop here for a moment
Before the moment disappears
The world’s in a hurry this December
City streets and shopping malls
I wish we could slow down and remember
The meaning of it all
Wherever you are, no matter how far
Come back to the heart, the heart of Christmas
Live while you can, cherish the moment
The ones that you love, make sure they know it
Don’t miss it, the heart of Christmas

Punches and Dies, Oh, My!

Doesn't this stamp make you think of the 60's? Maybe it was because I grew up in that era and even dressed like this to some degree. (I never wore a peace sign!) It was a time of Woodstock, Beatles, and rock and roll! I think I just told you my age! LOL! Back to present day, it is time to play along with The Paper Shelter Challenge. Our theme this week is is "Punches and Dies".  We want to see your card loaded up with all kind of embellishments from punches and dies! How fun is that? Remember! If you use a Paper Shelter Stamp (and why wouldn't you?) you could win up to $30 in prizes. 

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

http://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/

http://paperminutes.blogspot.com/

http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/

http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

http://colouringinscrapland.blogspot.com.es/

http://craft-deebowz.blogspot.com/p/challenge.html

http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

http://craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/

http://ooh-la-la-creationschallenges.blogspot.com/

My Song: "Tapestry" by Carole King

My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue
An everlasting vision of the ever-changing view
A wondrous, woven magic in bits of blue and gold
A tapestry to feel and see, impossible to hold

Once amid the soft silver sadness in the sky
There came a man of fortune, a drifter passing by
He wore a torn and tattered cloth around his leathered hide
And a coat of many colors, yellow-green on either side
He moved with some uncertainty, as if he didn't know
Just what he was there for, or where he ought to go
Once he reached for something golden hanging from a tree
And his hand came down empty
Soon within my tapestry along the rutted road
He sat down on a river rock and turned into a toad
It seemed that he had fallen into someone's wicked spell
And I wept to see him suffer, though I didn't know him well
As I watched in sorrow, there suddenly appeared
A figure gray and ghostly beneath a flowing beard
In times of deepest darkness, I've seen him dressed in black
Now my tapestry's unraveling - he's come to take me back
He's come to take me back

"M" Is For Maiden!

 

A closer look at this cute stamp!

 Don't you love her cute face?

 The inside of my card.

Here we are starting the month of August the end of summer will soon be here! Time is flying by so fast I am not sure  I am ready for summer to be over. What I am ready for is another challenge at "ABC Challenge"! Our letter is "M" for Maiden! We want to see cards for a young girl. My card is going to a sweet little girl from church who is celebrating her birthday the end of September. Our wonderful sponsor is The Paper Shelter you can find this image along with many more fun images. The winner of our challenge will have a hard time choosing their prize. 

I colored this stamp called "My Cuppy Cake"

with my Copics.  I love the bright printed paper and some pretty fabric flowers from Queen and Co. added to the whimsical feel of this card.  The pretty gingham ribbon and bow finished off my card. I hope you will join us with our fun challenge. I can't wait to see your   "Maiden" cards.

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/

http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/

http://lauralcraft.weebly.com/dragonfly-dreams-challenge

http://dragonflyjourneys.blogspot.com/

http://greatimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/search/label/Challenge

http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com.au/

My Song: Mr. Blue

Winter sounds crying like an old man slowly dying
And the only sound, the wind that fills the trees
Even colder comes the moon
And though it never seems too soon
Sudden stillness as the rainfall starts to freeze

I'm Mr.Blue
I'm here to stay with you
And no matter what you do
When you're lonely, I'll be lonely too

To You from Me!

 

 This past few months have been hard and I have found myself struggling to keep up with my cards. It started last year when my Aunt passed away. She had M.S. and had been struggling for years with health issues. Next to go was a favorite uncle he had cancer and was taken far to early. Then 8 weeks ago my SIL broke her leg. After six weeks of agony in the hospital she was sent home and told to start PT. Her health kept going down hill and then a cat scan was done and she had cancer throughout her body. Two weeks later she passed away. I share this in hopes each of you will take the time to spend time with those you love. We are not guaranteed tomorrow and we each need to let those we love know how much they mean to us. Also, I would ask that each of us be just a little kinder to those we meet along the way. We don't know what struggles they are going through and your smile or kindness might just help them along the way.  I am so grateful to my team leaders on ABC Challenge and The Paper Shelter for the kindness and understanding they have shown when I could not meet my obligations with commenting. For all who have said prayers and sent words of encouragement, thank you! You have touched my heart and I will always appreciate your kindness. Tomorrow brings a new day for each of us and I plan to enjoy it! God is good and He still reigns! 

On to my card. . . I have had this digi for many years. I believe he is called Fergus, but I am sorry to say that I have forgotten the artist. He is a fun color and my go to guy when I need a quick card. I attempted to make him look furry but I  am not sure I achieved that! My sentiments are from "Sweet and Sassy". I do love their sentiments. 

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

My Song: What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)

I see trees of green,
red roses too.
I see them bloom,
for me and you.
And I think to myself,
what a wonderful world.
I see skies of blue,
And clouds of white.
The bright blessed day,
The dark sacred night.
And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.
The colors of the rainbow,
So pretty in the sky.
Are also on the faces,
Of people going by,
I see friends shaking hands.
Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying,
"I love you".
I hear babies cry,
I watch them grow,
They'll learn much more,
Than I'll ever know.
And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.
Yes, I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.
 

Sunshine!

Warning Picture Laden!

My Card

 

A Closer Look

One More Look!

 

My Flowers I Created!

 Lots of Sparkle!

 The Inside of My Card!

 One More Look!

 

I must confess that I spent a long time creating this card. It was truly a labor of love. I fell in love with the darling stamp from THE PAPER SHELTER. She is called Sunshine and you can purchase her here! Since we are getting plenty of sunshine she is the perfect stamp for my card! 

This is a two week break for all of the DT member at THE PAPER SHELTER. So, we want you to enter our challenge but we will not be leaving comments on your lovely cards. I will be checking in to see your beautiful makes and you can see both A and B teams inspirational work created for this challenge. 

Last November I attended the CK Convention in Tacoma, Washington. Not only did I have a wonderful time with my BFF Wendy, but I also made new friends Kathy and Heidi. I was also a lucky winner of this Heartfelt Creations stamp and die set. I am still playing with it and I was pleased with the fun sunflowers I made for this card. I thought they tied in beautifully with the sunflowers  on my uber cute Sunshine stamp! I added lots of Stickles to show the sunshine lighting them up. I added a flourish, and leaf die cut and some half pearls for added interest.

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/

http://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/

http://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

http://inspirationdestinationchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

http://moo-mania.blogspot.co.at/

http://rubysrainbow.blogspot.com/

http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

http://thecraftyaddicts.blogspot.co.uk/

http://everybody-art-challenge.blogspot.com/

http://ttcrd.blogspot.com/

My Song: Sunshine On My Shoulders (John Denver)

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

If I had a day that I could give you
I'd give to you the day just like today
If I had a song that I could sing for you
I'd sing a song to make you feel this way

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry
Sunshine on the water looks so lovely
Sunshine almost always makes me high

She's A Lady!

 

My Card

A pretty die cut from Joanna Sheen

 Pretty flowers from WOC

 The inside of my card!

 

When I found this pretty paper in my stash I knew I wanted to use the newer stamp from The Paper Shelter called "The Lady" and you can find her here! She was so much fun to color and I think she has a bit of a saucy look in her eyes! I used a twin die cut from JoAnna Sheen. I love this particular set of dies and find myself reaching for it often. Just a fun card for a special friend. I hope you enjoy it! I am entering this card at the following challenges:

http://crafting-with-dragonflies.blogspot.com/

http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/

http://craftyfriendschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/

http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/

http://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

http://morgansartworld.blogspot.com.au/

http://simplypapercraftsforalloccassions.blogspot.co.uk/

My Song: She's A Lady (Tom Jones)

Well, she's all you'd ever want
She's the kind I like to flaunt and take to dinner
But she always knows her place
She's got style, she's got grace, she's a winner
She's a lady
Oh, whoa, whoa, she's a lady
Talkin' about that little lady
And the lady is mine

Well, she's never in the way
Always something nice to say, and what a blessin'
I can leave her on her own
Knowin' she's okay alone and there's no messin'
She's a lady
Oh, whoa, whoa, she's a lady
Talkin' about that little lady
And the lady is mine

Lots of Layers

Stamp By: Lemon Shortbread 

Flowers and Curls

 

Good-morning! Are you ready to play in our next fun challenge at "ABC Challenge"? I think the hot weather made me thing of the sunshine when I made this card. I love the color yellow so it was a fun card for me to make. Our challenge is "Lots of Layers"! I hope you can see the three layers of paper flowers on my card and the the cute little buttons are the fourth layer. I also have two layers of paper on the card, plus the image. I am loving the "Lemon Shortbread" stamps and thrilled they are our sponsor for this challenge. This lovely stamp is called "Flowers and Curls"

she is just one of the beautiful stamps you can find in the shop. Warning! These stamps are addictive and you will want more than one!

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/

http://thecraftyaddicts.blogspot.co.uk/

My Song: What the World Needs Now (Jackie DeShannon)

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some but for everyone

Lord, we don't need another mountain
There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb
There are oceans and rivers enough to cross
Enough to last 'till the end of time

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love
No, not just for some but for everyone

"Holiday Time"

 A closer look at the image!

 My homemade flower!

 

The inside of my card.

 

I hope for most of you that the summer brings around a family holiday. The time we spend having fun with our loved ones is so important. With that thought in mind I thought about the family vacations when our two kids were teens. Our daughter loved to shop and had to look fashionable, she needed to have plenty of time to get ready and then of course a latte to get her going. When I saw this cute stamp from The Paper Shelter I had to use it for our "Holiday Time" challenge. She is called "Spring Style" and can be found here.

I colored my stamp with Copics. I used some of the brighter oranges and I have to admit that I liked the way it turned out. I also made my own flowers...I am quiet proud of them (truth be told I copied one that a dear friend of mine  Glenda Brooks. She makes some of the best flowers and I have kept one she sent me thinking someday I would make one like it. I used Queen and Co  "Topping Set".

Some pretty die cut leaves and pearls finish my card. 

Be sure and hop over to The Paper Shelter Challenge Blog and join in on the fun. I can't want to see what you choose to represent your "Holiday Time". Remember if you use a Paper Shelter image you can win $30 to spend in the store....a great deal for you!

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

http://everybody-art-challenge.blogspot.com/

http://fairytale-challengeblog.blogspot.com/

http://stampartpapel.com/category/comunidad/

http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/

http://inspirationdestinationchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2016/07/AG-NO-94.html

http://moo-mania.blogspot.co.at/

http://thecraftyaddicts.blogspot.co.uk/

http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/

http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

My Song: Yesterday (The Beatles)

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday

Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be
There's a shadow hanging over me.
Oh, yesterday came suddenly

Why she had to go I don't know she wouldn't say
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday

Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play
Now I need a place to hide away

Oh, I believe in yesterday

"K" is for Kindness

 

I don't know where my head has been but I was supposed to have this posted for the 1st of July, but for some reason I must have spaced it out completely! This last month has been a tough one. My younger brother lost his wife to cancer. While on vacation in Florida she stood up and fractured her leg. She had to have the leg pinned, and a plate put in. once she was released from the hospital they returned home. She continued to decline in health  and finally a local Dr. ordered a MRI and it was discovered she had cancer throughout her body. Two weeks later she was gone. This has been a very difficult time for my brother and we are all saddened by his and our loss. I flew back to Georgia to be with him and it was there I saw the kindness of the people who know and love my brother and those who loved his wife. So, this challenge from ABC Challenge came at a perfect time. Our letter is "K" for Kindness and our lovely sponsor is Lacy Sunshine. The cute stamp is Emmilou Boo.

You can click on the link to find her in Lacy Sunshine's shop. We are also being sponsored by The Ribbon Girl !

I am sorry to say that I forgot to add my ribbon to this card, but if you check out this fun shop you will find many fun things you will need to add to your stash!  I hope you will all join us for this fun challenge and show kindness along the way. 

I am entering this card at the following challenges:

http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/  

http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/

http://justusgirlschallenge.blogspot.com/

http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/

http://creativeartistemixedmedia.blogspot.co.uk/

http://crafting-with-friends.blogspot.co.uk/

http://creativecornerchallenges.blogspot.de/

http://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/

http://simplypapercraftsforalloccassions.blogspot.co.uk/

My Song: Proud To Be An American (Lee Greenwood)

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away.
And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,
From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there's pride in every American heart,
and it's time to stand and say:
I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.