Scrap-a-Daisy

Changes...time for me

2012-01-27T19:15:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I posted here...I've been very much bitten by the sewing bug and it's made me very happy! But the sewing has pulled me away from my first crafty love...stamping...and after spending some time reflecting on that...and where my life and career are right now...it's time for some changes.

first (the long part)...

I've joked (sort of) here previously about entering the "silly season" at work...unfortunately "silly season" is turning into regular business. Previously my "silly season" would run about April - August...all prep, planning, and actual administration of an annual exam for the licensed operators at our plant. The past two years I've played a fairly active roll (the first year wasn't too crazy...the second...about killed me) and I will be playing another active roll in the exam this year. I enjoy being on this exam team, it's a huge learning experience, and it's something different from my regular day-to-day job...but it's actually starting to take up more time than the April to August time frame...as a matter of fact we've already begun meetings and assignments and conversation for this year...so back April up to January. In addition to that...I've had to take on some additional responsibilities in day-to-day stuff, plus teaching in one of the most stressful environments we have for the first time. All of this has come to a head in the past 7 days, and unfortunately some rather unpleasant side effects started popping up...

For the past 18 months I've been convinced that my biggest ailment is STRESS...and after taking a cold hard look after a bit of a scare earlier this week...I became very concerned that a health issue I've dealt with in the past has started to resurface. So I threw in the towel and called the doctor...now, I'm not a huge fan of going to the doctor, have had some bad experiences (and some good), but it's just not something I like to do (I'm wonder woman in my own mind...and doctor's aren't necessary in my little world). But I did the "grown up thing" and made the call, explained the situation, and I go in on Tuesday to have some tests run. I'm hoping everything comes back fine and it is really just stress that I need to get a better handle on...but until I know for sure I don't want to take any chances.

Taking all of this into consideration, I've been looking into my own heart to determine what it is that I want to really do in my free time...and right now...sewing is the hobby that makes the rest of my world manageable. This leads to

Second...

I'm not giving up stamping and scrapping...but i'm cutting wayyyy back on it. I'm going to be clearing out a lot of my supplies and slimming it all down to those stamps/inks/papers that I really expect/intend to use. Thankfully I have some friends willing to take a bunch of this off my hands! LOL!

Third (and final)...

I spent a lot of time last year apologizing for this or that...not posting enough...posting a lot of non-scrappy stuff...a lot of venting...etc. I'm done apologizing. It's time for me to take care of me and put me first on a more regular basis. I have to remind myself that the world is not going to end if I don't get a post done in time, or post a card on a regular schedule, or post something non-scrappy just to post...you get the idea.

I need to make myself important again. I need to blog about plain ole stuff that makes me happy (see my book reviews from last year) and stop sweating the small stuff.

Most importantly, I need to take better care of myself. Hopefully I'm starting off 2012 in the right way by going to the doctor and addressing these issues head on.

I'll share more later when I know what's going on health wise...no one worry, my ailments are not life threatening, but treating them will improve my overall quality of life. The sooner I know if it's just stress or something else, the sooner my mind will feel a bit more at ease.

Catch you all later!

Chhchhhchhanges!

2012-01-01T23:14:00.001-05:00

Change is coming...more to follow!

happy new year all!

busy and worn out

2011-11-21T18:53:00.001-05:00

here is a conversation hubby and I had recently via telephone:

Me: Hey, I'm busy right now, no time to talk
Hubby: That's not very nice
Me: I'm sorry, I'm just really busy
Hubby: Whatcha doing?
Me: WORKING...doing my JOB
Hubby: well you don't have to get snippy

I apologized again and got off the phone. Sometimes I wonder if he and I are on the same planet! LOL!

But...that's been the story of my life the past few weeks...busy at work and at home. I have several projects going on that I'm not able to share right now (some are gifts for others that might sometimes stop by here!). It feels like I run non-stop all day and night...and weekends too...except for the moments I throw my hands up...call it quits...and the kiddo and I go out to lunch or dinner...

Unfortunately all of this busyness has caused my memory to be a bit faulty...and I'm not entirely sure that it's just being busy to blame...some of it is just life moving on.

Saturday was the 13th anniversary of my father's death. And none of us remembered. Until late that evening.

The text messages went something like this between me and one of my sisters:

Sis: would dad pick Ole Miss or Miss St.
Me: I have no idea, was just wondering that
Sis: other Sis says Ole Miss and I agree
Me: I'd buy that
Sis: Me too
Sis: it was 13 years ago today
Me: I can't believe I forgot
Sis: I forgot too. Until the Mississippi stuff

We conversed more via text about some stuff...including how odd it was that so many random things involving thoughts of my father had occurred during the week. Kiddo had asked me to participate in a school project...they were collecting memoirs and writing some of their own, and part of the project was to have a family member write one. One of the topics was death of a loved one...so I wrote about when I received the red cross message informing me of my father's death. After I wrote it, I spent a few minutes talking to kiddo about her grandfather and how he would have thought she was pretty cool. I cried...she looked at me like I was cracked...and then life moved on.

At first I felt terrible that I had forgotten the date...but the more I think about it...the more I realize...it's ok. He's always with me...keeping an eye on me and my sisters and mom...

And I can't help but think he would be pretty proud of all of us and where we are in our lives.

So...needless to say...it was a bit of an emotional weekend...and I'm a bit worn out.

Hopefully I'll have the chance to take a little breather here and there this weekend...of course if I can breathe after I stuff my face with turkey, potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce (and yeast rolls and pie and...well you get the idea)!

FF#96...Try Something New!

2011-11-11T15:57:00.001-05:00

ok...can't say it enough...I'm SOOO Happy it's FRIDAY!!! long week...definitely needed the weekend to get here!

This week over at the Shoe we have a fantabulous sponsor in The Beary Scrap who sent us some oh so yummy goodies to allow us the chance to try out making Tear Bears! (I've never done that before!). Here is my sample:

and now...well...I love how my little skunk came out! Not a huge fan of the process (these days I'm much more in to instant craft gratification!)...but the end result is some enjoyable! Will I make more tear bears in the future...we'll see...I can imagine these on b-day cards and tags for my lovely nieces (and adorable nephew)...it just depends if Aunt Lesley gets any of that actually done ON TIME for a change! (or in advance...how amazing would that be????? that could totally be my next "try something new!"). Anyways! LOL! Head on over to the Shoe...check out the other fab samples...and play along with us!

FF#95...with a KISS and a SOG!

2011-11-07T19:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! hopefully you are having a fantastic Monday...not one of those Manic ones! Just wanted to let you know that the latest Fashionista Friday challenge (FF#95 - Keep it Simple Sweetheart!) is up over at the Shoe! Here is my sample:

and now for the SOG...we are having a card drive as part of the Shoe Season of Giving...so head over to the Shoe to read all about it! It's for a very worthy, and near to our hearts cause! So check it out! and now...back to our regularly scheduled programming!

Just a quick note...

2011-11-05T09:45:00.000-04:00

The FF#94 Top 3 and Shoe of the week have been posted over at If the Shoe fits...Scrap it! Really excited about what we are going to share with you on Monday...you can read a little about it in today's post! Now I'm off to fend off the cold that seems to want to attack me...I've been trying to convince it otherwise for two days now...hopefully it retreats!

FF#94...Spooky Fall!

2011-10-21T18:47:00.000-04:00

Happy happy Friday! Hope yours is going as well as mine! Posting today to share the latest and greatest Fashionista Friday challenge from If the Shoe fits...Scrap it!

The FF#94 challenge is based on how you are inspired by this time of year...so we are giving you some options! Share with us either your Halloween or Fall inspired projects (or both! or a combo of both!). My sample is something a little different than I normally create for the Shoe...it's something in progress for my daughter (who is Halloween's BIGGEST fan!)...she requested it specifically (well...she was supposed to do the bulk of the work...that didn't end up happening!):

and up close

I started piecing this quilt top yesterday, and finished it up earlier today. She picked the fabrics...I did all the cutting, stitching, piecing, etc. She thinks it's pretty cool though! Now I just have to get it quilted!

Thanks for stopping by...now head on over to the Shoe and share your inspiration with us!

little life lessons

2011-10-20T18:46:00.003-04:00

Don't speak too loudly while your hubby is on the phone...the person on the other end might hear you refer to them in less than flattering terms (learned this one last week)
Don't make said comments when the person you are really irritated with is your hubby...not the other person (see above)
Don't ever start a sentence with "hold my beer while..." it usually leads to many comical (at your own expense) stories for many years to come (learned this one a few years ago while at Talladega)
Don't expect to automatically be able to do something just because you saw a tutorial on someone else's blog (many semi-painted canvases and piles of "artsy" junk filling up space in my office taught me this one)
Don't give up just because you don't get it right the first time (still working on this one)
Don't drive someone's prized vehicle and then complain about how it drives (hubby learned this one today (for the second time!))
Don't drink and blog (learned that after re-reading last night's post...does it make sense to anyone???)
Trust but verify (re-live that one EVERY day!)
Don't believe that just because you have it all together at work, you have it all together outside of work (have to remind myself of this EVERY day!)
Don't attempt to make important decisions first thing in the morning if you haven't had a cup of coffee (this may just be me)
Don't give up...even when you break ever rule listed above...tomorrow is another day!

what to do when we grow up

2011-10-19T22:54:00.000-04:00

what is there to do when you are left wondering and considering something?

especially when you aren't entirely sure what to say...

but you respond best you can...

and still have no idea how it is you should have responded...but you responded with what you thought was the best you could do....

and you sometimes wonder if you weren't a grown up...would you have to wonder?

would any of the stuff matter?

or...were you the best grownup you could be in your response...

i like to think when we were kids it was much easier...hurts were easily forgotten...the sky was always blue (or purple or pink or...whatever color you picked for your sky back then...)

and life was always good...

and then we grow up...

and it's not perfect...

words leave lasting hurt...

and we have to engage our brains to respond...

our brains are often way too logical...but then in all the logical thinking are you forgetting that you were hurt....

but then again i think back to being a kid...and were hurts really forgotten so easily?

and then we end up back where we began...with some logic applied

hurt hurts

and no matter if we are a kid...or a grown up....

hurtful words and actions

still hurt

but as a grown up...i know

sometimes we have to figure out why it hurts...

and

with caution...

we have to consider

forgiving the hurt...

and that's what happens...

when we grow up

since I'm on the topic already...

2011-10-17T18:32:00.001-04:00

considering the past few posts have been book-related...figured I'd throw my two cents in on the e-reader conversation...(please forgive the pics...you can read about my camera issue here)...

I own a Nook (Nook Color to be specific)...my hubby owns a Nook Color...my kiddo has the original Nook...my mom has the original Nook...we're pretty much Nook peeps around here. Before the Nook...we had one of the Sony e-readers...well two to be exact...so the Nook was not my first e-reader adventure...but man....once I used the Nook...there was no turning back...so here's some info on the Nook...my opinion (and strictly my opinion!!!) about the Nook...and well...a little conversation about e-readers in general...

Here is my story (sorry...it's lengthy...but maybe you will find it interesting, skip down a few paragraphs if you are strictly looking for a review of the Nook):

I love books...like...A LOT! I love to read...my most favorite hobby...which I don't even consider a hobby...I read because that's what I do...and enjoy it immensely...so much so...that it was never a surprise to my hubby if I went to the bookstore and came home with 5-6 new books (mostly just paperback...hard cover editions are just too bulky sometimes)...but he was starting to get sick of it...not the cost...not the habit...the having to STORE the books...because I have this problem...once I buy a book...I'll never get rid of it...I often re-read books...multiple times over the years...I would and will swap books with my Mom...every time I would drive to her house I would load up with a bunch of books for her...and return with just as many from her to me...she reads a lot too.

Hubby was having serious issues with the amount of space all these books were taking up...to include multiple plastic totes stored in the garage...books on every table...bookshelves were a joke...I could fill them faster than he could build them...that when the e-reader craze really got crazy...he suggested I get one...I was shocked...how dare one forsake the feel of holding a good book in one's hand???? (Never mind that I would sit and read for hours upon hours and actually lose feeling/cramp up/have shooting pains from having my hand hold the book(s))...but...when you are married...and your hubby is as cool as mine is (most of the time...don't tell him I said that!)...and you are some what curious about the e-reader thing...well...you'll give it a try!

and I loved the Sony E-reader (can't remember what model i had...sorry!)...it was so nice...no hand cramping...easy to read...easy to use...didn't miss having the actual book in my hand (the physical book so to speak)...BUT...limited library (this may have changed since my experience over a year ago...so take this with a grain of salt!). There was a particular book I really wanted to read...but the Sony library didn't have it available...so...I was prepared to go and buy the hardcover edition...hubby threw a fit...WHY...was his main question...you have an E-READER!! I (calmly) explained to him that the Sony e-reader store DIDN'T have the book...and I REALLY wanted to read it. He was not happy...so I didn't buy the book (at that moment). And THEN...

We made a visit to the local Barnes&Noble (a regular occurrence for my household)...and there was this lovely display of Nooks...and such a helpful salesman standing there...(original Nook...this is pre-color Nook)...and I had ONE question...did they have the book (see paragraph above) in their e-library...his response...OF COURSE! Yeah...I was sold at that moment...pretty sure hubby was too...it meant I didn't have to buy the actual physical book! Hubs looked at me and said...you want it...I said...OF COURSE...and the salesman had a good day!

and I haven't looked back since...loved EVERY STINKING minute of reading with the original Nook (so much so that we got one for my Mom and my hubby later on)...

and THEN...

the nook color came out...another lovely sales person at a different Barnes and Noble hooked me at hello...so last Christmas (it was a fantastic Christmas present!!!)...I got a Nook Color...and then hubby got one...so kiddo ended up with his original Nook (and she likes it too...just struggles sometimes with the whole real book vs e-book debate...what can I say...she's a seriously spoiled 12 year old)...

overall...LOVE the Nook Color (except on a sunny day at the beach...but then I steal kiddo's Nook!)...love the ability to download a new book from just about anywhere (with a wifi signal of course) so I can be traveling...and finish a book...and then get another one within seconds...the Barnes and Nobles customer service (Nook customer service) is phenomenal...had an original Nook pretty much die (after almost a year..no idea why) and sent it back in and got my replacement easy peasy!

So there you have it...my Nook story!

Later this week I'll post about the e-reader vs. e-reader app...and why I have both an e-reader and an iPad...instead of just one or the other...but figured this was enough for today! Enjoy!

P.S. I did not mention the Kindle...I have never used/operated/touched a Kindle...nor will I ever (it's a personal thing)...so I won't share my opinion on it...but I do have several friends that have Kindles and love them as much as I love my Nook!

more books

2011-10-14T15:27:00.001-04:00

I've been on a serious reading binge the past few weeks. It must be the cooler weather...nothing better than curling up with a good book under a comfy quilt on the couch!

My kiddo totally got he hooked on the stories of Percy Jackson last January (2010) (I think it was January...). All of the books in the series are great (I'm thinking of revisiting them soon...so maybe a full review of just that series will follow later). So after reading those books...I was amped up for some more olympic hero action...and along comes The Lost Hero.

Kiddo totally loved the book...and so did I. I recently reread the book as it's follow up Son of Neptune was released last week, and I wanted to refresh my memory on the basis of the series (this is the Heroes of Olympus Series)...well I finished up Son of Neptune the other day...and well...definitely had an opinion about it...so figured I'd share!

First...

The Lost Hero

Ok...just to start...it definitely helps if you have read the Percy Jackson series first; you will already have an idea about some of the characters and the original premise...fewer "huh" moments so to speak...This was a really good book! It did a great job of introducing "new" characters to a pre-existing world and working within the original confines established in the Percy series. The story was very similar in layout to the PJ series, but added some new details that kept it fresh...it definitely did not feel like an older story reheated or anything. Rick Riordan does a fantastic job "selling" the idea of demi-gods and Olympus on Earth. And considering these are "children's books" this adult was thoroughly entertained. I would also agree that these books are appropriate for the recommended age level (9-11), but the audience should not be turned off by that recommendation...this book is truly a story for all ages.

Kiddo really enjoyed the book, as did I...and we both anxiously awaited the next book...and were thrilled when it came out last week!

The Son of Neptune

So, book 2 in the Heroes of Olympus series does a fantastic job of picking up where book 1 left off...and honestly...as much as I enjoyed the first...this one was AMAZING! The story followed the usual path...but was much richer in detail...and definitely kept me guessing at times as to what might happen next. How much I enjoyed this particular book may have something to do with the fact that Percy Jackson (absent in The Lost Hero) returns in Son of Neptune...and there is a familiarity with this character...you know where he's been and what he's done before...so the basic idea of he's wandering lost without his memory makes you want him to remember and realize all that much more. The new characters added definitely give a new perspective and put a bit of a different twist on the story line...but all for good...definitely no "jump the shark" moments. Again, it's age appropriate, but IMHO...it's very limiting to list the age recommendation as 9 to 11...as this may turn some new to the series readers off...again...as an adult...I thought it was a great book and it definitely left me hanging and anxiously awaiting the next installment (in like a YEAR or something!) Thankfully Riordan has another series, the Kane Chronicles (another fantastic series), out...falling at different release intervals, to keep us readers hooked!

Well...there you have it...another bit of a book review from me...with little to no spoilers! Hope you enjoy! I'm off to work on book 2 of this series...might post more about it later!

P.S. All above is my own opinion....no one asked for or solicited this opinion...just figured I'd share what I thought were some pretty entertaining reads with you!

a bit of a rave...and a bit of a rant

2011-10-09T10:56:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I was feeling a bit under the weather and spent the majority of the weekend propped up in bed reading...turns out I was actually coming down with something...so I stayed in bed on Monday too...during all this bed rest...I read quite a bit...and most importantly i finally read the books my hubby has been recommending...the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I read all 3...and I must say...there is one to rave about...and the other two...well...not so much.

Book 1: The Hunger Games

WOW! What a stunning story. A gruesome adventure at that. The story telling is amazing, the characters are fantastic, and I found myself really cheering for the main character Katniss and the main secondary character Peeta. The basic idea of the book is not new...battling to the death in front of a live audience in a demonstration of how inhuman the world has become...but the author does a great job in telling the story, making you feel like you know these characters...that you are one of the people watching it happen. The descriptions are fabulous. I will say this much...the book is recommended for reading levels of age 12 and up...and I definitely DO NOT think this is an appropriate book for age 12...perhaps 14...but that's just my own opinion. I really enjoyed the book and was excited to get to part 2.

Book 2: Catching Fire

Bummer...what a let down from the first book. I actually became quite annoyed with the characters. Katniss became particularly whiny...and Peeta was incredibly irritating. The story has it's moments, and is a tolerable read...but the characters seem to move backwards...as fantastic as they were, as much as you cheered for them...this go round...I was almost cheering against them! I will say there were many times I stopped reading to ponder whether or not these were the same people from the first book! However, as irritating as the characters were, the writing was still quite wonderful, and it was easy to picture many of the scenes. I was not a huge fan of the ending, but the last few chapters were some of the better parts of the book but the ending felt forced and rushed...and then it was on to part 3.

Book 3: Mockingjay

I will be perfectly honest here...this book made me mad! I just can't say that enough. While there are moments of the story that are reminiscent of the great story of the first book...in the end...all they were were just flashes of the original. The writing is still very good, and there are bits and pieces that do make you think and wonder about how it's going to end...once I arrived at the ending...I felt a bit robbed. If this was the ending the author originally intended...then at least make it feel that way...the final chapters again felt forced and rushed as if there was a deadline looming and the words just had to be put on pages. Very disappointed.

Overall:

I did enjoy reading these books...and after the initial investment in the characters, I had to see how it all finished. I was most disappointed because it started out so well...but finished poorly. It's quite funny as my hubby told me that he felt the books got progressively better...but for me, the first book was the only truly good book of the trilogy. To each their own!

Well that's my bit of a rave and a bit of a rant; I may do more of these book reviews as I do spend a great deal of time reading, and I like to share my thoughts on books. Disclaimer: everything mentioned here was my own opinion, not intended to be disparaging in any way towards the author or anyone who has a different opinion of these books.

FF#93...where my GIRLS at???

2011-10-08T15:38:00.002-04:00

quick post...happy to share with you the latest Fashionista Friday from the Shoe! Real quick like...we are sponsored this week by Kenny K Downloads...and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Kenny K images! Here is my contribution:

Oh yeah...2 samples for this week! This is HOW MUCH I love these images! So go to the Shoe...check out the fabulous theme...and play along with us!

Supplies: Images - Kenny K; Masks - Tim Holtz; Ink - Copic, Distress Inks - Rusty Hinge, Broken China, Walnut Stain, Crushed Olive, Black Soot, Memento Tuxedo black, Ranger archival in Black and Coffee; Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze in Cowboy; Spica - Chocolate, Turquoise, Silver, Gold; sentiments - Sea Side Stampin; Ranger Alcohol mixatives in Gold; Stampn'Stuff clear embossing powder

FF#92...Inspiration on WCMD!

2011-09-30T20:45:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday all! (Wow...2 posts in one day...I may be setting a personal best for this year for myself! LOL!) Just a quick post to remind you that tomorrow is

and over at the Shoe we have a fab inspiration challenge running for FF#92! Here is my card:

I'm hoping to get some more crafty stuff done tomorrow in honor of WCMD...but it's supposed to be sunny and 69 degrees...I may just have to put on a sweater and sit outside and enjoy this fab weather!!! Later!

Supplies: Cardstock - Papertrey Ink; Image and Sentiment - Papertrey Ink; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black and Copics; Ribbon - from my stash; Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts

The Help...was amazing!

2011-09-30T08:36:00.001-04:00

I mentioned in my last blog post that I was going to go see the movie The Help (based on the book The Help by Kathryn Stockett) and let me tell you...WOW! Do NOT go see this movie without packing some tissue!

I read the book a few months ago after seeing all of the previews and ads for the movie. And I am so glad I read the book...what a stunning story. The writing is amazing, the way it captures moments in history as a page of someone's every day life...it's quite a beautifully written book. I highly recommend that if you are interested in seeing the movie...read the book first! It's a pretty quick read, because it is incredibly difficult to put the book down after starting, and you can't help but want to keep reading so that you can hear the stories, so that you can find out what happens to the amazing characters. And I honestly think it's an IMPORTANT book to read...for just a small glimpse into a life that many of us are too young to have ever witnessed, or have lived.

The movie was just as good! I was really surprised as many times movies do NOT live up to the expectations of a good book. While there are some pieces that are cut out of the movie (at 2 hours in length, there wasn't a whole lot cut out, but it was...trimmed a bit), it does not negatively impact the story telling. I would not be surprised (IMHO) if there aren't many Oscar nominations for this movie, in particular for Viola Davis who plays the main character/narrator of the story, her work was AMAZING.

Well that's it for now...be back later tonight with some new Shoe stuff. But just had to take a minute and share my RAVE of the book and movie!

FF#91...Bejeweled Blue!

2011-09-16T11:56:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday all! I'm so excited, I can hardly stand it...me and my SIL (well...she's BILs wife...so is she my SIL? anywho, that's how I refer to her as) and are are heading out to see The Help today! I read the book a few weeks ago...and I've been so looking forward to seeing the movie...glad that SIL wanted to see it too!

Actual reason for this post...there's a WHOLE LOT going on over at the Shoe today! We've got the Top 3 and Shoe of the Week from FF#90, we've got our random prize winner announced, oh...there is of course a NEW FF going on...did I forget something? OH...almost forgot about the Fall/Winter 2011 DT Call! That has opened up today and we will be accepting applications until Sept. 30th. So you definitely need to drop by the Shoe and read up on all the details!

And now...FF#91! For this challenge we want to see how Sapphires (September's birthstone) inspire you! Here is my sample:

Ok...let's be honest...this looked a lot better when I first pictured it in my head...oh well! My daughter will love it I'm sure (there is BLING...of course she will love it!).

Off to the movies...catch you later!

Supplies: Cardstock - Papertrey Ink, American Crafts; Sentiment - Verve stamps; Ink - CTMH Moonstruck; Bling - Studio 18; Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Damask

Fun and Games

2011-09-15T19:27:00.000-04:00

as stressful and challenging as my job can be...sometimes...it all breaks down to just some good old fashioned fun!

Every year my company hosts a United Way Carnival...all proceeds raised at the Carnival go directly to the United Way. The Carnival is one of those events...that no matter what...you WANT to be at work that day for (even when you have worked yourself ragged as part of the UW prep team...and thankfully I am not one of those people!).

The most anticipated parts of the Carnival...the site-wide COOK-OFF!!! Teams from different groups within the company form up...decide on their menu...and the morning of the cook off...let the GAMES begin! (actually let the competition begin...it is VERY fierce!). Here is an early morning pic of 8 of the 12 teams getting set up and running:

I'm part of the OPS/Training team and here is our booth this year:

We had an excellent addition to the team this year...his marinade for our Chicken and Shrimp skewers was to die for! Here he is peeling shrimp while another team member skewers the chicken:

and here is some of the other most fabulous members of the team (from left to right: Queen Decorator, Grand Duchess of Sales, and the Marinade King. I was taking the pic so I'm not in it...but I do refer to myself as the Mistress of the Grill):

oh...besides the food, we do have some fun games set up...like the Royal Flush...here is our Team Handyman facing down the Director of our department:

and here is the director after getting soaked! (not the last time either!):

and even better...this year...the OPS/Training team...took home the title of: Top DOG! Our food was the overwhelming pick of the food judges! WOOHOO! (planning has already begun for next year's menu! We have a title to defend now!)

Here's hoping you have an absolutely FABULOUS day! (I know mine was!)

Sometimes...my a## is fat

2011-09-14T21:24:00.001-04:00

Sometimes...

you get tired
life gets in the way of having fun
you don't understand the decisions people make
you get tired
you get bored
others decide for you what is going to happen next (a.k.a CHILDREN!)
you dwell upon things you wish you did not
you get tired
you re-prioritize and things get left off the list
you grow up and realize reality is harsh
you just don't know what to do

and sometimes...you get just plain TIRED!

such is life...it is a many splendored thing! sometimes good things happen and you don't even try...sometimes bad things happen...and you weren't even PMSing that week! (I know I am not alone in this!!!!). And sometimes...things just happen for a reason...and those are the hardest to accept...but the ones most right for you.

This part will concern only one person...who cares if I dreamt you said my a## was fat? (some days it is...and that REALLY sucks) the TRUTH is...you chose to believe and rely in people you met only through social networking, knew very little about them to TRUST...and not much (if any) face to face...and threw away 11 years of friendship...actually...sistership (maybe that should be sisterhood...who knows). That was your choice. Did it hurt me...yes. But that was your choice...I cannot be responsible for your choice...so own it. Does it suck...sometimes...but I have grown...have some amazing friends...and I am ok. I miss the "sister" I used to have...but have realized quite a few things. That person didn't care about our relationship, otherwise...well...we'd still be friends. Don't think I'm bitter...actually...I'm ok...a bit sad sometimes...but ok. I still think you are a good person...think you WERE a great friend...but think if you truly cared about those 11 years...well...would we be here now? Anywho...my email addy is the same...phone # might be (switched carriers...no idea anymore what # you used to have)...but if you want to talk...hell...why not...we were once sisters (ish).

to everyone else...sorry didn't mean to blab so much to just one person...but hey...SOMETIMES...it's what you got to do....

Later!

FF#90...let's all head BACK TO SCHOOL!

2011-09-02T20:57:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but I'm THRILLED the weekend is here! And a LONG weekend at that! Even better...my Mommy is coming to visit me tomorrow (yes...I'm in my 30's and I still refer to my Mother as Mommy (and sometimes MU-THER!)). But before tomorrow arrives...it's time to share the new Fashionista Friday challenge with you! For this challenge...we have chosen the theme BACK TO SCHOOL! And my card...well...my kiddo totally inspired it! We've been having a lot of conversations lately about what is "cool" and what is "so not cool." I apparently follow into the latter category...so here is my child inspired card:

But wait...not only is it a brand new challenge, it's a SPONSORED challenge! Whiff of Joy stamps has a fab prize available to one randomly selected entry in the FF#90 challenge! So head on over and share your art!

Ingredients: Paper - Stampin Up; Cardstock - Papertrey Ink and American Crafts; Image - MJ Henry by Whiff of Joy stamps; Ink - Copic; Glitter - CTMH

Just Peachy...Part Two

2011-08-28T12:20:00.001-04:00

ok...so we left off from Part One with our Peach Stores looking like this:

So we decided to make some Barbecue Sauce...Zesty PEACH Barbecue Sauce! And this is where I realized how much the mind overestimates quantities. Started out getting the peaches peeled and pitted and then into the food processor to get a fine chop on them:

That's about 2-3 peaches...and once chopped up...it was a good 1/3 of what I needed for the recipe...definitely not going to use near as many peaches as I thought to get this sauce made!

And then they went into the pot with some other veggies and garlic to get the base of the sauce going:

Got it all cooked down and it was time to can:

And after processing...I now have 7 lovely jars of sauce!

and after a batch of Peach Butter and now a batch of Sauce....here is what the peaches remaining looks like:

Egads! It almost looks like we haven't touched them! Off to get to work on the next! See you later for Part 3!

Zesty Peach barbecue Sauce Recipe from Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving

Just Peachy...Part One

2011-08-28T09:04:00.001-04:00

Hope ya'll have had a great weekend...and I sincerely hope those of you affected by Hurricane Irene are doing well this morning!

Just wanted to share with you a hobby I recently picked up...not sure if it's actually a "hobby"...but that title will have to do for now! A few weeks ago I decided to try my hand at canning (you know...food??). Not sure where the motivation came from exactly...but I wanted to give it a go...and let me tell you...I really enjoy the whole process! And it's getting me out and about a little more...spent the past two weekends visiting the Farmer's Market perusing all the lovely fresh, local produce! It's led to a few weekends worth of canning, but lots of goodies to enjoy both know and later!

This weekend we picked up some peaches:

(quite a bit of peaches huh? more on that later).

We got home and quickly got to work on a batch of Peach Butter...thankfully hubby is very helpful in the kitchen peeling and fetching and such...here is the Peach Butter in the early stages:

(YUM!)

and an hour or two and a trip through the food processor later:

and it went back on the stove for another 45 minutes or so...

and now...

TA-DA! (and there are actually like 7 jars of peach butter...I didn't do all that work for just 1 jar! LOL!)

and now back to this pic:

that's how many peaches are left over AFTER the batch of Peach Butter was made! So we will be canning a bit more stuff today...I'll share those with you in Part Two!

Peach Butter Recipe from Well Preserved : Third Edition: Small Batch Preserving for the New Cook by Mary Anne Dragan

FF#89...Welcome to the JUNGLE!

2011-08-19T19:09:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! Life has taken a few interesting turns this week...but thankfully silly season has just about ended...well it has actually come to an end...all that's left is the post-silly season clean up and closeout...that...is not going to be fun! OH WELL! I'm just so happy we've moved into the post-season! Anywho! Post today is to share my sample for this week's Fashionista Friday (FF#89) challenge...and this week we've gone wild...with a JUNGLE theme! Here is my card:

It came together quick and easy (and yes...I know the twine is crooked...but...it's TWINE! does not lend itself to easy adherance!). heehee!

Have a great Friday evening!

Supplies: Image and sentiment - Close to My Heart; paper - Papertrey Ink; Cardstock - papertrey Ink; Ink - Ranger Archival in Coffee, Copic; Twine - The Twinery

FF#88...shades of GREEN!

2011-08-06T16:01:00.000-04:00

So, it's been awhile since I posted something creative...and man it feels good to be doing so! Doing much better than I was a week or so ago. Life is good!

Today's post is to let you know about this week's Fashionista Friday challenge at the Shoe! For FF#88...we want to see your Green! For this challenge we also have a sponsor, Layers of Color. I was lucky this week to be able to play with their Silk Moth image. Let me tell you...GORGEOUS! Here is what I created:

Had a lot of fun digging out the inks and some grunge...and playing with some Clearly for Art! Off to get creative with the sewing machine!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Supplies: Base - grungebook; Image - Layers of Color Silk Moth; Clearly for Art; alphas - Maya Road; Distress ink - Broken China, Shabby Shutters, Rusty Hinge, Tumbled Glass, Brushed Corduroy; Distress Stains - Peeled Paint, Broken China, Vintage Photo; Adirondack Paint Dabber - Gold; Pearfect Pearls Mists - Heirloom Gold; bling and flowers - Prima

2011...kinda sucks

2011-07-27T18:59:00.000-04:00

yep, it's true...2011 kinda sucks. i would like to consider myself a "flies by the seat of her pants" kinda gal...but that was honestly so five years ago...i like things to remain the way they are...for the most part...i want my house to change (dear hubby...crown molding...some paint...finally finish the floors...you get the idea)...but the rest of my life...not so hot on the change thing...unfortunately i need it to change...or the rest of 2011 will pretty much suck.

i was blog-hopping this evening...and looked at my own blog and said hmmm...i should update this...but with what? i haven't crafted...scrapped...stamped...painted a dang thing in weeks...i haven't sewn anything..so can't even do a post directing you to my other blog to show you that i have been actively engaged...then what?

so i figured i'd go with honesty...and honestly...2011 sucks...so far...

there are long long stories about different things that have been just terrible...so i'll stick to the short version...

my once upon a time best friend...so close it was like she was my sister...decided i was mean to her and wasn't her friend and now...we aren't. this sucks on so many levels...this was the person i would call just because...but there is no point mucking about with the details...my hubby said something very intelligent (don't tell him i said that) when his response to the situation was...oh well, if they can't take a joke, can't trust 12 years of friendship...then f*ck it...unfortunately...it's harder to let go then that...but there are truth in his words

i will say that i still have some pretty amazing friends...who mean the world to me...and i wish i had more time these days to talk to them...it might make it all a little easier

work has pretty much sucked...i'm doing well...actually i think i'm doing great...but i focus on my own mistakes way too much...and they are really not that big a deal half the time...but i want to be the best i can at what i do...so the mistakes hold me back a bit (truthfully...they have me doubting myself A LOT)

silly season (see previous posts if that term throws you off) has REALLY sucked...it has reached suckage of unparalleled levels...(still talking work here)...to the point that i almost felt the need to check myself in to the local nut house...seriously...i was smacked with a deep depression and major stress and panic attacks that brought me to my knees....i cry if someone says the dreaded words "change" or "cancel" (this happened yesterday) and today...well...it deserves it's own new iteration of "suck"....but i'm not that talented these days to come up with one...

and then there is the home...

this part hasn't really sucked...i have the best hubby in the world...he's tried his darndest to make it all good for me...

but...

i will honestly admit...i will so not win a parent of the year award here...but the kid is still breathing...healthy (pizza covers all the food groups)...all limbs intact...and still speaking to me despite everything...so i'll call it a win...because i really need one

so...tonight i pray for a few things...selfish things...

to not have crazy dreams of people yelling at me (too many times to count)...or randomly calling other people in front of me to tell them i have a really fat ass (had this one last night...and it was former bff...so it was REALLY messing with my head this morning) and yes i know my rear end is big...but it's MINE...so bugger off

for friends of mine that are struggling way more than me tonight...who need strength, compassion and love...and a shoulder to cry on (which will always be there...i'm not that mean after all)

for peace of mind...so that i can face tomorrow and whatever challenges it offers with renewed energy

for my family...for having to deal with me so far this year

and for friends lost...who need a little love just because they are human...and still a friend deep down

for the end of silly season...because i need my sanity back...or they might fire me for when i got completely apepoop

and for anyone else out there who feel their 2011 has pretty much sucked

maybe it will all work out (i did laugh today...that's always a good thing)

hugs!

FF#86 and my vacation!

2011-07-15T09:38:00.000-04:00

Happy happy Friday! Lots to tell you about today! First...FF#86 is posted over at If the Shoe Fits...Scrap it! You definitely should drop in and check out the goings on! This week's challenge over there is excellent! I'm hoping to finally finish my sample for it at some point today...but we'll see. I would have worked on it last week...but I actually took a bit of a vacation!

Hubby and I flew out last Friday to Denver, Colorado! We'd never been and a very good, old friend was getting married...so he and I took a mini-vacay!

Let me tell you...GORGEOUS! The wedding was in Colorado Springs, so we drove from Denver to Colorado Springs (very easy drive!) and once we arrived...WOW...the scenery was so amazing! On Friday we hit Garden of the Gods:

and on Saturday, prior to the wedding, we drove up to the summit (14, 110 feet) of Pike's Peak:

You seriously feel like you are on top of the world! Not to mention the air is a tiny bit thin...and we both got a little light headed...but quickly recovered!

We even saw Bigfoot!

After the drive back down, we stopped by the Cliff Dwellings:

and then headed back to the hotel to get ready for the wedding (which was quite beautiful and we had an amazing time!).

Sunday we drove back to Denver, hopped back on the plane and headed home!

It was a very short trip, but Hubs and I had an amazing time, and it was just what we needed to recharge and get ready for the next few weeks at work!

Have a great weekend!

FF#85 and other stuff

2011-07-06T18:39:00.000-04:00

hello all! long time no real chat...just a quick post here or there to say that I'm alive...and while I am physically...mentally I'm having some issues (outside of my normal issues of course! LOL!). But first...got to tell you about the Fab (post) 4th of July Patriotic challenge going on over at the Shoe! We have a fab sponsor (Digi's With Attitude) and bit of a plug for a group that would love to receive some homemade cards! (Check out the full post at If the Shoe Fits...Scrap It! to get all the deets! and to check out the beautiful samples created by our DT!

and then the other stuff...wow...thought being in the military had it's stressful moments...but dadgum it...I'm starting to think my civilian job may just have blown all my stress from my military life out of the water! As silly season continues at work...I'm rapidly approaching my wits end...and while my biggest stress relief lately has been sewing (see here and here), it's been for short bursts at a time, and has honestly left me even more exhausted.

Hoping to see a break in the clouds before too long...and definitely have an amazing weekend coming up (more about that next week), but for now...just trying to make it from one day to the next!

Hugs to all...hope to catch up real soon and get back to working and playing in equal amounts of time!

Still alive and FF#84

2011-06-28T09:14:00.000-04:00

Hey all, I'm still alive and kicking (at least last time I checked!). Been uber busy with work's "silly season" so I only have time for a quick post to let you know that Fashionista Friday #84 War of the ROSES challenge is going on, so make sure you drop in, check out the fabulous DT inspiration pieces and play along with us!

Hopefully I'll have some free time this weekend to actually get some crafting done...my poor brain and my stress levels definitely need the peace that comes with getting inky!

FF#83...for the MEN!

2011-06-17T06:49:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! Now...no one fall out of their chairs or anything...or gasp too loudly in shock...but I have actually got a project of my own to show you today for this week's Fashionista Friday challenge! Was able to spend some time scrapping the past day or so and managed to create (and this might really be the shocker) a LO for you to see! This week's challenge (FF#83) at the Shoe is to create a Masculine themed project! Woohoo! Here is my sample:

and a close up to show you some of the different bits and the background paper):

Had a lot of fun working with the different elements in this LO. I used some Tim Holtz Kraft Resist and it is DELIGHTFUL! I inked it up, splashed some Adirondack color wash on it, and well...it all worked out (and nothing soaked through the back, good sturdy kraft here)! Ok...lots of plans for me and the hubby today, so I'll catch you later!

Supplies: Paper - Tim Holtz Kraft Resist and Crowded Attic from idea-ology; Distress Ink - Frayed Burlap, Walnut Stain, Rusty Hinge; Distress Stains - Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain; Grungeboard and Gadget Gears die cut from Sizzix Alterations; Grunge alpha's; small alpha's from Maya Road; Adirondack color wash in Espresso; Adirondack paint dabber in Juniper and Gold; Perfect Pearls Mists in Heirloom Gold; Ruler Ribbon, Type Charms and Game Spinner by Tim Holtz from idea-ology

FF#82 and Silly Season

2011-06-14T19:44:00.001-04:00

Silly season is in full swing here at my house! We don't know if we are coming or going...but if we are at least moving...then hey...we're doing good! I am so looking forward to the end of this season (hopefully mid-August!) so that I can get back to crafting part time. I have been sewing, but in limited amounts, and every project is taking me at least five times longer than before! My scrap desk is covered with "ideas" of projects, and supplies to start them with...but that is all for now. Hopefully by the end of the month I'll have caught my breath a little, I'll know which way I'm going, and maybe get something actually scrapped! Anywho...main reason for this post is to let you all know about the latest Fashionista Friday challenge (FF#82) going on at the Shoe! This week's challenge is to use pearls! any size, shape, color...you got it! I happen to have a nice little collection of pearls waiting in my scrap room:

the entire bin is full of nothing but pearly embellishments...one day...enough with my pity party!

This week the Shoe is also sponsored by Digi's With Attitude! So drop in, say hi for me, and play along! And now...it's definitely time for me to get going...

FF#81...Try out the Tut!

2011-06-03T22:10:00.002-04:00

FF#81 has been posted over at the Shoe! There is a fabulous tutorial, some fantastic samples, AND, a chance for a prize! So head over and check it out!

Papertrey Ink May Blog Hop!

2011-05-25T17:01:00.000-04:00

This month the challenge for the Papertrey Ink blog hop was to use FLOWERS! Woohoo! I'm so excited to actually get to play this month, (and very happy to say that I have made the transition to night shift and am no longer a walking zombie!). Click on the blog hop image above and you can follow along with the hop or even play along too! I created two pieces for this month's hop, using my most recent PTI order!

The first is a seed packet/gift card holder. As the school year is coming to a close, I think this will be perfect for my daughter's teacher. Just a little reminder of seeds she has sewn this year!

The second is a button card with a fabric flower decoration. I used some fabric scraps from my quilting stash and the Tattered Florals die from Tim Holtz to create a little layered flower. This could be used as a decorative element on a card, hanging in a sewing area, on a scrapbook page...no idea yet what I'm really going to do with it yet!

Well, thanks for looking! Off to get ready for work, hope to hop along myself on breaks!

Supplies:
Seed Packet: Stamps - Papertrey Ink: Garden Variety, Year of Flowers Collection, Year of Flowers Violets; Ink - CTMH: Chocolate, Olive, Desert Sand; Memento Tuxedo Black; Copic; Antique Linen Distress Ink; Die cuts - Papertrey Ink Seed Packet and Seed Packet Frame

Button Card: Stamps - Papertrey Ink: Button Boutique; Ink - Ranger Archival Sepia, Antique Linen Distress Ink; Die cuts - Tattered Florals by Tim Holtz; Pin - CTMH Pretty Pins; Fabric - Fig Tree Quilts; Ribbon - Tim Holtz idea-ology

on a Monday

2011-05-23T11:35:00.000-04:00

I should be asleep right now...I will be working nights the next week or so, and I really should be asleep right now. But I'm not. So I decided to make something. I received my most recent order from Papertrey Ink on Saturday, and I was really looking forward to working with the goodies. And that was a great plan, until I got onto Pinterest and random web surfing, and then...when I REALLY REALLY should be asleep, I said...let me get one card done. So I looked about at what was going on with Monday challenges, and two really got to me. The first, Papertrey Ink Make it Monday #16: Sympathy Cards. NOT my thing. I always feel that I'm borrowing trouble when I have sympathy cards just sitting around. So I passed on that one...for a moment at least. Then I went to check out the latest installment of Grungy Monday (GM08) at Studio L3 using this Tim Holtz technique. I was VERY interested. As I was searching for stamps to use and pulling out the Adirondack inks, I got word that a co-worker lost his Mother yesterday. And then, I needed a Sympathy card. Here it is:

So now I'm off to try and catch a little sleep and say a prayer for a friend. night!

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink (Through the Trees, Botanical Silhouettes); Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Adirondack Dye Inks (Stonewashed, Cranberry, Terra Cotta, Butterscotch); Paper - Papertrey Ink Stampers Select and American Crafts (Black)

FF#80...just beCAuSe

2011-05-20T08:32:00.000-04:00

TGIF!!! So happy it's the weekend! It will be a busy one at my house, kiddo and I are headed up to Charlotte for the All Star race with a large group of people, so it will be a ton of fun! Anywho...the point of this post today is to let you know about the latest and greatest Fashionista Friday (FF#80) at If the Shoe fits...Scrap it! This week we are looking to see your CAS (clean and simple) inspired creations! Here is a card set I created for the challenge:

I run out of basic cards so fast! Usually need something quick and at the last minute that is pretty generic. These could be used as a Thank You card, a Thinking of You card, etc. Love the stamps I used for this one, picked them up back in February at the Stamp Scrap Art Tour when it came through Columbia. Alrighty then...that's all I got for now...catch you later!

Supplies: all stamps - Darcie's; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black; Cardstock - PTI Stamper's Select and American Crafts

crafty in the kitchen

2011-05-15T11:24:00.000-04:00

as lately I have been way less than paper-crafty...figured I'd at least share my kitchen adventures from today! We are headed to a cookout with friends this afternoon, and I went with the option to bring a dessert (way easier than figuring out a side dish that everyone would like...who doesn't like dessert??). I wanted to bring something that showed I at least tried...and I had a vague memory of seeing pictures of some gorgeous Red Velvet brownies online...so I hit up google and BAM! there they were! I used this recipe I found at Sweet Pea's Kitchen. And here they are (ignore the spots where i jabbed a fork in the brownies to make sure they were done! Pics were taken as soon as I removed the divider pan, which is about 3 mins after coming out of oven):

I have to admit that we own a Perfect Brownie pan (one of those as seen on TV things). It's a pain in the rear end to clean up, and the bottom panel leaks while baking...but it does give you 18 perfectly sized brownies (small enough they can be held in one hand and munched on, but not too big that you need a plate or feel like a glutton). I ended up making two pans just to be sure I had enough. I'm also going to throw in a regular pan of plain chocolate brownies for those that aren't big on cheesecake (which I find so difficult to imagine!). Anyways...off to finish up the brownies and get ready to head out! Oh wait...one last close up pic...try not to drool on your computer!

Random ramblings

2011-05-15T00:57:00.001-04:00

In the wee hours of Sunday morning as I watch Harry Potter and battle insomnia!

Just placed a random stamp order with Papertreyink Ink their May release was too tempting and since I happened to be awake and online at the time of their stamp release, figured why not? Their website is definitely NoT one of my faves to order from, always have to fight with it...but eventually did get the order placed. Now we'll just wait and see how long it takes to actually get stamps in hand!

Speaking of online ordering...about three years ago I happened to get my haircut...at random...from this fab salon in Virginia (they were the first place I could get an appointment with that day) that used the most amazing hair products...and too this day...they are pretty much the only products I use on my hair. I order a few times of year from Cibu International. Let me clarify...I order my shampoo and conditioner a few times a year (and hairspray) but the remaining styling products I only order maybe once a year...their stuff lasts forever because you only need a small amount! (let me add I have never received anything from Cibu to give a favorable review...this is all from my own experience over the past three years). I placed my most recent order on Thursday...it arrived Saturday afternoon...and I'm so thrilled!

And well...one more online shopping bit for you...Fat Quarter Shop is the place to buy fabric online! I try my best to get everything from local shops...but if I want the most recent fabric releases...and quickly...that's where I shop.

Lastly...damn Harry Potter...I am so looking forward to seeing the final movie...but at the same time...I hate that the story has to end. I read all of the books...and was terribly sad to read the final pages...but had the movies to look forward to...and it's almost time for those to end. Oh well...what shall come next? (thank goodness a new season of True Blood is starting soon!)

Any who...enough randomness from me tonight...catch ya later!

FF#79...with a Primary splash!

2011-05-14T09:18:00.000-04:00

Ahhh...so happy it's Saturday! and so sorry that the latest Fashionista Friday challenge at If the Shoe fits wasn't up until today! The absence of Blogger was heavily noted here at my house! (May have even involved some yelling at computer screens...but that's neither here nor there). This week, we at the Shoe, are asking to see your Black and White with a Primary splash creations! You definitely need to drop in and check out the Fab DT work! Hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!

FF#78 some Emerald inspiration!

2011-05-06T11:45:00.001-04:00

Who doesn't love some emeralds? Beautiful gems...amazing variations of green...and woohoo...they look gorgeous in a setting! Heehee! This week's Fashionista Friday at If the Shoe Fits...Scrap it! is inspired by Emeralds! We are challenging you to use some green! Even better...this week's challenge is sponsored by Mo's Digital Pencil! Mo's is offering a $15 gift coupon to one random entry! I'm so jealous! I adore Mo Manning's images! Here is the sample I created for this week's challenge using the Windowbox image:

Take a few minutes, drop by the Shoe, check out the lovely creations from our DT, and consider entering in our FF#78 challenge!

Supplies: Image - Windowbox by Mo's Digital Pencil; Ink - Copic; Cardstock - Papertrey Ink and Bazzil; Pearls - Queen&Co; Ribbon - from my stash; Diamond Stickles

FF#77 and Saturday!

2011-04-30T10:14:00.000-04:00

woohoo! it's Saturday...and I'm just now getting around to telling you about this week's Fashionista Friday challenge over at the Shoe! This week we are looking for some air bound items...specifically Things with Wings! So head on over and check out the DT inspiration!

And now...Saturday...woohoo! Actually...not that excited. I have a cold...and I will be out and about all day running around...not my favorite thing to do! Oh well. That's life...I'm so having an Eeyore moment! I'm trying to commit myself to actually spending time in my craft room...unfortunately every time I commit...something else pops up that must be taken care of first. It has become so pathetic...that this lovely box of goodies:

has been sitting around for weeks. actually closer to a couple of months! There are some fantastic things in there...so my goal this weekend is to use at least one item from the box. wish me luck!

internet-free and random facts from my hubby

2011-04-25T13:56:00.000-04:00

I was out of town over the weekend, living an internet-free life for a few days...it was nice! I read, I relaxed, took a nap...and when I got home...immediately grabbed the iPad and away I went! I hadn't looked at my email since Thursday evening...was uber excited to find out I'm now a member of Pinterest (not that long a wait which was pretty cool...haven't really pinned anything yet, but that will come later!). I was very excited to have my own log in and now an opportunity to create my own pin boards! Had to visit some websites that I usually get a daily "fix" from...and after a whirlwind 45 mins...decided as nice as it is to take a break from the world wide web...this is one gal that prefers to be "plugged-in" so-to-speak (actually I prefer wireless...but I don't think that's got anything to do with the point). A few days of peace and quiet and no urge to surf the net is pretty nice...but I really do enjoy all of the different things the WWW has to offer!

anywho...to tie in with the above...have a random fact for ya straight from the hubby...and no idea if this is indeed a fact...so perhaps I should have just titled this post as stuff my hubby says...but anyways; get home last night and here is the conversation:

Hubby: PS3 network got hacked
Me: oh? how do you know that? (mentally all I'm thinking is...and I care why??)
Hubby: it's been down for 5 days
Me: how does that mean it was hacked? (mentally: wonder if we have any microwave popcorn)
Hubby: the guy posted YouTube videos of himself hacking it
Me: why would you want to hack PS3? (mentally thinking why in the world would anyone go search YouTube for this? and why is this conversation still happening?)
Hubby: because it was supposedly the most secure gaming network in existance
Me: I guess I don't understand the point...(mentally: at least we still have xbox...otherwise I may have to have more of these conversations)
Hubby: deep exhale...I guess not

Yeah...perhaps we are too attached to our internet...oh well!

FF#75...stir up your imagination!

2011-04-15T07:21:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! I've not been so happy to see a Friday come around in such a long time! Just a quick post this morning to share this week's Fashionista Friday (FF#75) with you! This week's challenge is a recipe...and I have to say...at first the recipe challenged me quite a bit...had no idea what I was going to do! Then...it hit me...and I was able to make a card very quickly. It's amazing what happens when the inspiration light goes on! Here is my card:

and in a rare turn (for me at least) I also decorated the inside:

I have noticed a bit of a style change for me in the last 10 or so cards I have made. I'm really gravitating towards a straightforward CAS kind of look. I do like them, and I think they will work really well in my card stash for a quick go-to card for those random events that pop up. Oh well, off to work for the day! Have a great Friday!

Supplies: Cardstock - Papertrey Ink, Bazzil; Paper - Basic Grey Nook and Pantry; Diecuts: Papertrey Ink dress form, Spellbinders Label Four; Embossing - Cuttlebug embossing plate; Bling - Prima; Stamps - Papertrey Ink: Signature Dress Form by Raspberry Suite; Ink - CTMH Bamboo and Chocolate

somewhere...

2011-04-14T14:11:00.000-04:00

somewhere in all this mess:

is a card...just waiting to happen...perhaps I should clear some stuff out and see if it appears!

FF#74...SPRING!

2011-04-08T10:28:00.000-04:00

Ahhh! Love me some Friday! (especially since I have the day off!). Lots planned for my day...actually not really...kiddo is off on a field trip...hubby is recovering from night shift...the house is quiet...I am going to enjoy some serious ME time! (at the sewing table and at the craft desk!). Anywho...this week's Fashionista Friday Challenge at the Shoe (FF#74) is all about my favorite time of the year here in the South...SPRING! The azaleas are blooming...the grass (well in my yard...the weeds) and trees and shrubs are growing fresh and green. Even my allergies haven't been too terrible so far this year! (of course now that I've said that we'll have a massive pollen explosion and I will be miserable...but at least it will be pretty outside...once the pollen dust is washed away!). Here is my sample for this week's challenge:

Very simple...the image reminds me of my child bringing me a fistful of dandelions that she believes to be the most gorgeous flowers in the world...it's been a few years since she's done that...but I can reminisce!

Off to get creative! Catch you later!

Supplies: images and sentiment - PTI (Friendship Jar, Friendship Fillers, sentiment from Signature Series: Dress Form set); Cardstock - PTI; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black and Copics; Diamond Stickles; Jute from Westrim Crafts

FF#73...SEW crazy! (literally...on a Saturday)

2011-04-02T13:24:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday! I'm a little late getting this week's Fashionista Friday challenge up here on my own blog...been a wicked crazy week...mentally exhausting...but today is a sunny, gorgeous day...and I'm getting a little "sew" crazy working on a quilt. But...took some time this week to get back to my scrap room and put together a card for FF#73! This week's challenge is to use sewing (faux, hand, machine) in your project. We are thrilled this week to also be sponsored by one of my favorite places to shop on the web! This week Michelle's Scrapbooking & More is offering a $10 gift voucher to one random Shoe entry! WOOOHOO! Take a moment, drop by, and play along with us for your chance to win! Here is my project, featuring the image "Got Feathers?" :

My card was inspired by this week's Mojo Monday sketch (MOJO184).

Supplies: Image - ArTish; Paper - Basic Grey Max&Whiskers; Cardstock - PTI, American Craft; Punch - EK Success; Ink - Copic, Distress ink - Antique Linen; Ribbon and Thread from my stash

getting grungy...on Tuesday!

2011-03-29T18:49:00.000-04:00

so today I played along with the Grungy Monday Challenge (GM#01) over at Studio L3. This week the challenge is inspired by the 12 Tags of Christmas, 2008, Tag 10 by Tim Holtz. I had fun getting uber inky and making use of some of the fab idea-ology stash I have. (and played with some art parts too!). Here is my tag:

off to get some other stuff done! catch ya later!

supplies: Distress Ink - Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Stormy Sky, Walnut Stain, Rusty Hinge; Distress Stains - Vintage Photo, Wild Honey; Perfect Pearls Mist - Turquoise, Perfect Copper; Adirondack color wash - Denim; Sepia Accents from Inkssentials; Art Parts - Dress Form, and watch piece (no idea the official name); Plaid background stamp - Studio490 by Wendy Vecchi; Grunge (Elements, Stripes: idea-ology)) - Wing and Crown; Perfect Pearls - Perfect Bronze and Green Patina; Masks - timeworks from idea-ology; trimmings from idea-ology; Fired Brick re-inker; Sentiment - Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous; "Photo" - Tim Holtz Paper Stash; Bottle cap and tag from my stash; Black Embossing Powder - Ranger; Adirondack Paint Dabber - Juniper; Ranger Archival ink - Black and Coffee

curious...

2011-03-28T19:20:00.002-04:00

if one abandons ones craft room for a few weeks (ok...it's been 4...) does the room rebel? does it feel lonely? wonder why you haven't dropped in for even a visit? does the room (and all the wonderful stamping and scrapping supplies) know you left it (even if only temporarily) for a sewing machine and fabric? and if it does know...does the room randomly eat certain supplies so that when you return to it...you can't find ANYTHING???? oh wait...it's right there...never mind...guess the room isn't angry with me at all...I will watch for randomly falling objects as I approach the shelves though....

FF#72...Mix it up!

2011-03-25T08:01:00.001-04:00

happy Friday everyone! Hope your week has been as enjoyable as mine! We enjoyed a great visit with my in-laws this week...and I got beat at Euchre multiple times by the team of father-in-law and husband...but we won't dwell on that...

anywho, just a quick post to let you know about this week's Fashionista Friday challenge at the Shoe (FF#72). This week we have a recipe to play with...distress inks, clear bling, and flowers! You definitely have to check out our fabby DT samples...definitely gets the mojo going!

Have a wonderful day!

PS...I have started a new blog for myself to track my adventures in quilting...it's where all my quilting schtuff will appear, so check out Quilt-a-Daisy when you get a chance...not much there right now...but the first chapter in the great quilt (and first pics!) will be over there tonight!

long time no post...

2011-03-17T20:30:00.001-04:00

It's been awhile since I posted...and as I was prepping the Shoe blog for tomorrow's challenge...realized maybe I should drop by my own blog and say hi!

First, a quick update about the quilt...it's still a work in progress! LOL! But I do truly enjoy quilting, and have already purchased some material and have picked out a pattern for my next quilt! I will say the one thing that is a bit difficult to get used to...is the sheer number of hours that go into creating just a small part of the quilt! With cards...well...gratification comes a little sooner! LOL! But I am really having fun with the process and can't wait to share some pics with you! (But that's for another post!).

Now...I honestly have no idea what to really say about the current tragedy in Japan. The images have been heartbreaking...the stories of survivors are unbelievable...and for the thousands missing and lives lost...I can only pray. I sincerely offer my heartfelt prayers and thoughts to all the people of Japan.

and now...now I must rant a little bit...it seems so shallow to do so in the light of current events...but in my heart I feel like I have to say something...if only for my own peace of mind. The media coverage of the Nuclear crisis in Japan has been sickening. I 100% understand the need to provide information to the public, and I would never want to stop that from happening. But...there has been so much mis-information passed along by main stream media and many of our politicians. PLEASE...PLEASE...if you don't know what you are talking about...SHUT UP! I would not attempt to claim I am an expert...but I know enough to recognize the foolishness coming out of the mouths of so many proclaimed "experts". I highly encourage all of you (well...anyone who actually reads this) who want to know what is happening in Japan, from truly educated sources, I recommend the following websites:

Nuclear Energy Institute

Japan Atomic Industrial Forum

International Atomic Energy Agency

and for general information about commercial nuclear plants in the United States, and the regulations governing the operation of those plants:

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

I apologize for such a grim posting...but it's what is in me right now. I am very much looking forward to this weekend, and the opportunity to spend some time with my family. Right now...that seems the most correct thing to do!

On a bit of a journey...

2011-03-07T20:24:00.001-05:00

So..we have all faced burnout...or just an urge to try something new...either way it requires us to think outside of our box a bit...

Well...here I am on a bit of a journey...trying something new and seeing where it takes me...

On Friday evening I decided I wanted to make a quilt...not entirely sure where the urge came from...but once it came knocking...I had no choice but to answer. The sad part is...I can't really even sew! My darling hubby knows much more about the use of a sewing machine than I. I took home ec as a freshman in high school many many moons ago...but that doesn't really carry over long...at least for me.

Any who...I started Friday...picked out a pattern...purchased some yards of material...(which I have now learned was foolish! At least IMHO! There are fat quarters, charm packs and jelly rolls I could have purchased...and those are way more tasty sounding!). And most importantly...bought a beginner instruction book (the most important part!) and got started.

And I have found...I really enjoy it! I am so far from being "good" at this...but...lots to learn! I am actually feeling the same joy in the act of piecing together a quilt that I did when I first started stamping!

Never fear...lots of pictures and lots of funny stories to share...but once I get the quilt close (at least 75%) I'll do a grand post sharing pics of the journey! Just had to share a little bit about my step outside of the box...maybe it will encourage you to step a little outside of your own box!

FF#69...get INSPIRED!

2011-03-04T05:49:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! I don't know about ya'll...but I'm so thrilled that Friday has finally arrived! Quick post for ya...letting you know about the new fab inspiration challenge going on over at the Shoe! This week is also sponsored by the oh so fantastic Digi Doodle Shop! So drop on by, take a peek at the inspiration being offered, and throw your hat into the ring for a chance to win a $10 Gift Certificate for Digi Doodle Shop! Here is the sample I created using the Lady Bug image:

Supplies: Image - DIgi Doodle Shop; Cardstock - Papertrey Ink; Ink - Copic; Nestabilities - Circles and Lacey Circles; Ribbon - BasicBasic from Michaels; Pearls - Queen&Co

I must confess...

2011-02-27T16:34:00.001-05:00

there is a distinct possibility that I have a serious addiction to Ranger Distress Stains! I have spent most of this lovely Sunday just playing with different items and pieces that I have picked up over the past week or so. I have to say...the Distress Stains are simply DIVINE! WOW! I was so impressed how well they worked with just about everything I put them on! In this project, I used them on paper, grunge and art parts...and I am thrilled with the results!

I especially liked how well the stains worked on paper...went on very smooth, but not too "perfect" so there is still some texture and interest in the paper...know what I mean? LOL! Off to play some more!

Supplies: Art Parts from Studio 490 large square frame; Paper - Basic Grey; Distress Stains - Antique Linen, Walnut Stain, Peeled Paint, Wild Honey, Broken China; Distress inks - Rusty Hinge, Vintage Photo; Ranger Archival - Black and Coffee; Stamps - Studio 490 by Wendy Vecchi; Clearly for Art from Studio 490; Stazon Ink - Jet Black; Inksentials - Enamel Accents in Black; Idea-ology: Grunge paper, Ticket, Word Charm, Filmstrip Ribbon; Adirondack Color Wash - Espresso; Perfect Pearls Mist - Heirloom Gold; Westrim Crafts - Twine

OH MY WORD!

2011-02-26T17:39:00.000-05:00

ok..it's been a crazy stressful week...but popped into my insane days have been moments of awesomeness! a little background...I am the primary instructor for a group of folks going through initial training at work...we began the class in September...well this week was the last week...final exam on Friday...and EVERYONE PASSED! in my industry...passing is 85%...if you are less than that...well...it's a "sort of" pass...they'll let you continue in the program most of the time...but they won't be thrilled. Well I have spent the entire week prepping my class for the final exam...I was stressed! I wanted to see all of them pass and do so with conviction! Friday morning...THEY ALL PASSED! And not just "sort of"...they all scored >85%! I was THRILLED! In between all of the prep and the worry...on Tuesday I checked in on my most favoritest stampy artists blog...THE Wendy Vecchi...to find out I had won something SPECTACULAR! Last weekend I visited Stamp Scrap Art Tour while it was in Columbia...and more than anything I wanted to get my hands on one particular item...well, it was too new...they didn't have it yet...but behold..two days later...I read this post...AND KAZAAAM! I won the very item I was hoping for! here is a pic:

They arrived this afternoon...and I'm so excited...and can't wait to get inky and stained and just PLAY! ok...enough from me...off to continue this super duper amazing weekend! LATER!

FF#68...let your PURPLE shine!

2011-02-25T08:49:00.000-05:00

Hey folks! Just a quick post this morning. This week has been ridiculously crazy for me, so I haven't actually had the opportunity to work on my project for this week's Fashionista Friday challenge at the Shoe! But I did want to let you all know about the fabulous PURPLE challenge going on! Sniff...poor poor pitiful me. Ok...my pity part is over with...back to work where my students are now all looking at me funny as I frantically type while they are taking a test! Later!

ahhh...Sunday...

2011-02-20T21:24:00.000-05:00

I had such a terrific weekend! I went back to the Stamp Scrap Art show today to pick up just a few more items. After that, mani/pedi day with my Daughter...and then it was relaxation time! AND...had time to play along at Simon Says Stamp and Show...Show a Tag! I love to make a tag to try out new techniques, play with new products, or just to be creative! Tags are the perfect mini-piece...if your attempt doesn't work out...pull it apart, pull out a new tag...start over! OR...you get lucky and inspiration strikes and you create something you really enjoy! Ok...enough about my love for tags...here is my tag for the challenge:

Time to watch some Amazing Race! Have a fabulous rest of your weekend (well...what's left of it of course)!

Supplies: Tag - Eclectic Paperie; Stamps - Tim Holtz (Stampers Anonymous), Script background from Studio 490 by Wendy Vecchi (Stampers Anonymous); Ink - Distress Inks in Black Soot, Tumbled Glass, Bundled Sage, Vintage Photo, Antique Linen; Ranger Archival in Coffee and Sepia; from idea-ology: Spinners, gears, mini key, jump rings, type-charms, journaling ticket; Fibers - unknown; Clear Embossing Powder from Stampn'Stuff

oh gracious!

2011-02-19T22:28:00.000-05:00

Well...started out this post as a simple everyday blog post...next thing I know...my ENTIRE blog is KABLOOIE! I went under the wrong section and uploaded the wrong thing...and my blog (as I knew it) went haywire! Thankfully I think I have it MOSTLY recovered. I'll be repopulating my hoppy spot list...but it was probably about time anyways! ANYWHO...the original reason for this post...

WOOOHOOO! Got all 4 Viva la Verve challenges completed for February! So happy! Feel like I accomplished something! Here is my card for the week 4 VLV challenge:

I've gotten started on a few other projects, using some new fun bits that I picked up at the stamp tour today. Off to continue getting inky!

Supplies: Stamps - Verve; Paper - Basic Grey; Ink - Ranger Archival in Coffee; Nestibilities - Fancy Tags; Pearls - Queen & Co; Cardstock - Papertrey Ink and Bazzil

Greetings from Sunny SC!

2011-02-19T15:29:00.000-05:00

I love living in South Carolina...when the weather is typical SC...not the wintry mess we had just a few weeks ago! Today it's 75-80 degrees outside, sunny and not a cloud in the sky! Had a blast this morning wandering about the Stamp Scrap Art Tour; picked up a bunch of new goodies, can't wait to get to playing! Had a lovely lunch with my daughter...and then she and I drove around with the sunroof open and the radio blasting!

I created this card for the Week 3 February Viva la Verve challenge. The sketch had me twisting and turning my little brain for days!!! Finally I dug out some Basic Grey holiday papers and BAM! it hit me!

Off to play with my new toys!!! Catch ya later!

Supplies: Stamps - Verve; Paper - Basic Grey Jovial; Ink - Distress Ink in Antique Linen, Ranger Archival in Coffee; Prima bling; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Patina; Queen&Co pearls (Snowflake centers); Cardstock - Bazzil

Happy Birthday...FF#67

2011-02-18T00:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Happy Friday! February is a HUGE birthday month around my house...and it's the birth month of If the Shoe fits...Scrap it! So this week's Fashionista Friday challenge (FF#67) is to create a Birthday themed project! Here is my card:

I used a fab image from Designed2Delight and paper pieced the cupcake and flowers. I'm saving this card for the arrival of a lovely new little baby (and new little Shoe) when she decides to make her appearance!

I'm so excited for this weekend! Tomorrow the Stamp Scrap Art Tour arrives here in Columbia, SC! I have been saving my pennies and can't wait to see what new and fabulous bits of rubber and paper and embellishments are on display! Ta-Ta for now!

Supplies: Paper - CTMH; Image - Designed2Delight; Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder; Cardstock - Bazzil and CTMH; Nestabilities frames; Ribbon - unknown

Viva!

2011-02-17T21:39:00.001-05:00

la Verve that is! Not much to chat about right now...started a new workout program yesterday...and I'm sore! LOL! For the first time in awhile though...I am really enjoying the exercise...the new program I'm on is a lot of fun! (Until tomorrow morning when I just don't want to get up and do it! heehee!). Anywho...created this card for one of the February Viva la Verve challenges. I'm a week or so behind on those, so I know what I'll be working on this weekend! Here is my card:

Ok...time for some sleep! Catch you tomorrow with the latest Fashionista Friday challenge from the Shoe!

Supplies: Stamps - Verve and Papertrey Ink; Paper and cardstock - Papertrey Ink; Twine - Cappuccino from The Twinery; buttons and gems - from my stash

Recipe for love...

2011-02-12T07:55:00.001-05:00

Wow...I feel like I'm up way to early on a Saturday! LOL! Had a fabulous birthday celebration yesterday...and I was so excited to get up this morning and get moving and grooving! My Mom is driving in to town today...and my niece is having her birthday party today as well! (We are big on February birthdays in this family!). But before I can get to creating anything new...had to share with you this week's Fashionista Friday challenge over at the Shoe (FF#66)! This week we are providing you with a recipe to help spark your creativity! Our recipe is: Hearts, Glitter, Lace....and here is what I came up with using that recipe:

Have a wonderful Saturday! Time for me to drink about a gallon of coffee! Later!

Supplies: Paper - Tim Holtz Seasonal Paper Stash from idea-ology, Grungepaper; Cardstock - Bazzil and Papertrey Ink; Stamps - Stitching: CTMH; All others - Studio 490 by Wendy Vecchi; Alpha - Maya Road; Ink - Distress Ink - Fired Brick, Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo, Old Paper, Frayed Burlap; Ranger Archival in Black and Coffee; Distress Stickles - Fired Brick; Filmstrip Ribbon - Idea-ology; Pearl - Queen&Co; Flower - Making Memories; Leaf - Prima; Lace - unknown

get your PINK on!

2011-02-07T18:55:00.001-05:00

hullo all! been a crazy few days around my house...so i'm posting this Fashionista Friday a teensy bit late...but hey...got it done! LOL! This week over at the Shoe we have an amazing sponsor Sassy Studio Designs! I ADORE their images! So much fun to play with! They are offering a $10 gift certificate to a randomly selected participant in our FF#65 challenge! For this week's Fashionista Friday challenge we are asking you to use Pink! Love me some pink! Here is my card:

Ok...haven't been crafty in a few days...time to play!

Supplies: Image - Sassy Studio Designs; Sentiment - Verve; Paper - Heidi Swapp; Pearls - Queen & Co; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics; Cardstock - Bazzil, Papertrey Ink: Sketch - SC316

Viva la Verve!

2011-01-30T15:49:00.001-05:00

It's been awhile since I played with my Verve stamps, so today I decided to check out what the latest Viva la Verve sketch was for the month of February (the week 1 sketch). Now the sketch is definitely outside of my comfort zone...but I said to heck with it and here is what I came up with:

It has been a very peaceful weekend around my house, so hopefully it will remain so for the rest of the evening!

Supplies: Stamps - Verve; Paper - Basic Grey Capella; Cardstock - Papertrey Ink Dark Chocolate; Dew Drops - Hyacinth; Ribbon unkown; Nestabilities - Circles and Lacey Circles

Saturday Morning sketch...

2011-01-29T12:26:00.000-05:00

well darn...just looked at the clock and technically it's afternoon now...but I did create today's card this morning after coming across a fun sketch over at cardabilities. I am entering this in their Sketch #23 challenge.

Took me a little while to get the mojo flowing this morning...but I'm glad I stuck to it...I really like my card! (for a change!). Lots to do today and headed to a cookout and bonfire tonight with the family...so maybe I'll just let hubby take care of all the little errands and stay right here and get inky!

Supplies: Stamps - Papertrey Ink (Year of Flowers: Mums); Cardstock - Bazzil and PTI Kraft; Paper - K&Co (Que Sera Sera); Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, CTMH Bamboo, Copic (R02, R04, R08, Y38); Nestabilities Circles and Lacey Circles; Jute - Westrim Crafts; Ribbon and buttons - unknown

anything but a card on this Fashionista Friday!

2011-01-28T19:34:00.000-05:00

That's right...this week's challenge at If the Shoe Fits...Scrap it is anything but a card (FF#64)! WOOHOO! explore your inner altered artist/scrapbooker/crafty-in-general self! This week I chose to finish a LO that has been sitting and collecting dust for quite awhile...wasn't sure how I was going to actually finish it...so I just kept it simple. It was such an important day for me...spending time just me and my little girl at one of Brooks and Dunn's last concerts. Anywho...here is my LO:

Ok...off to get creative!

Supplies: Paper - Cosmo Cricket; Distress stickles in Copper; Flower and flower center from Prima; Copic (and airbrush system) E35; tile by Cricut - Lyrical Letters; Pearls - Recollections

Papertrey January Blog Hop Challenge

2011-01-25T16:29:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday all! So excited today! Actually came home from work a little early to make sure I had my projects photographed and blog post ready to go to play along with Papertrey Ink and their January Blog Hop!

I'm new to PaperTrey Ink stamps...first purchase was about 4 months ago...and I cannot get enough! This blog hop's challenge was to use a Papertrey stamp set that had yet to see ink or to use one that had been collecting dust for a bit. Well this was easy for me, as I just last week received my latest order of Papertrey stamps! So I was able to get two cards together last night using 2 of my new sets.

First card from the Year of Flowers: Lily of the Valley set (love love love love the Year of Flowers sets...I have 7 of the 12 sets and will have to complete the collection eventually!):

Supplies: Image and Sentiment - PTI; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic (BV000, BV00, BV01, YG93, YG95, YG97); Cardstock - PTI Stamper's Select White, Kraft; Bazzil; Ribbon - unknown; Pearls - Queen&Co

Second card from the Friendship Jar set (BTW...eyeballed this set for a few months then finally broke down and had to buy it! it's so much fun to play with!):

Supplies: Stamps - PTI; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, CTMH - Cranberry, Copic (C00, C01, C03, C05, C07); Stampendous Clear Embossing Powder; Cardstock - PTI Kraft; Paper - CTMH; Ribbon - unknown

Now off to hop along the blog trail and check out some other Papertrey Ink goodies!

lovie cuddle bear

2011-01-23T14:02:00.000-05:00

ok...silly title for the post but that's all I could think of when I started playing with this adorable Bear from Designed2Delight digital stamps. I am really enjoying playing along with their image challenges...and getting some fun free images to play with! Here is my card:

and for the first time in what feels like FOREVER...I've got a few other challenges that contributed to the overall design of this card:

Pixie Cottage (PC#53) - Sketch
Whoopsi Daisy - Pretty in Pink
Papertake Weekly - Ribbons and Pearls

Enjoy the football today (if you are so inclined)!

Supplies: Image - Designed2Delight; Sentiment - CTMH; Paper - Basic Grey; Ink - Copic (R20, R21, R32, BG10, BG11, BG01, E35, E37, E39, E47), CTMH - Black; Nestabilities scalloped hearts and labels three; Cardstock - Bazzil; Pearls - Queen&Co; Ribbon - unknown; Stickles - Diamond

Friendship...and Fashionista Friday

2011-01-21T16:15:00.000-05:00

hey all! not having a great afternoon...but that makes no nevermind right now. Got a new Fashionista Friday challenge for ya from the Shoe! This week's challenge is the theme of Friendship. One of the hardest lessons to learn in life is learning who your friends are...sometimes they don't reveal their true selves...I hold my friendships dear...and I only have a few people I would call close friends...just the type of person I am...anywho...Here is my card:

Now time to prep for my daughter's BFF to spend the night...hubby and kiddo planned this a few weeks ago...and now I'm desperately trying to make sure I have enough tylenol to make it through the night! Have a great weekend!

Supplies: Image and sentiment - PaperTrey Ink; Ink - Copic and Memento Tuxedo Black; Prima Bling; Kraft Cardstock - PaperTrey Ink; Basic Grey paper; Nestabilities Circles; Pearls - Queen&Co

a yummy Thursday love ya!

2011-01-20T20:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday evening! HOpe your week is working out better than mine...been way too busy to have much of a chance to play with any of my toys! But I did want to make sure I got the latest Designed2Delight digital stamps challenge done! I am falling in love with all of the images they have! Here is my card:

I used a sketch from Friday Sketchers (challenge had expired before I got to it...but loved the sketch and had to use it!).

Ok...off to get some rest before tomorrow...I'm so happy in a few short hours it will be FRIDAY!

Supplies: Image - Designed2Delight; Paper - Basic Grey; Cardstock - Bazzil; Diamond Stickles; Copic - RV11, RV21, RV23; Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze in Cowboy; Nestabilities Circles and Lacey Circles; Pearls from Queen&Co; Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder

carnation inspiration!

2011-01-14T22:00:00.000-05:00

just a quick post to share the latest challenge over at If the Shoe fits...Scrap it! with you! This week's Fashionista Friday (FF#62) is an inspiration challenge. Check out the Shoe to see the inspiration pic...here is my take on it:

Chatting with my gal Tanisha right now...so off I go!

Supplies: Paper - Basic Grey, Image and Sentiment - The Greeting Farm, Stickles - diamond, Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic, Spica - Black and Mint, Ribbon - unknown

thank ewe!

2011-01-13T17:43:00.000-05:00

greetings from the still cold...but thawing state of South Carolina! We have survived...if only driving each other nuts...LOL! I made it back to work on Wednesday, and I was happy to go back...something about being trapped in the house with an 11 year who has more energy than she should! Anywho...just a quick post to tell you about this really neat blog challenge from Designed2Delight digital stamps. They have some seriously adorable digi images! They have this progressive type challenge going on...from what I can tell it lasts all month, and it leads to some awesome things for those that participate! You start with the free image of the month and each week you participate you can receive another free image! Serious fun possibilities here! Anywho...this month started with this adorable lovey-dovey sheep! Here is my Thank Ewe card for the fab folks at Delightful Inspiration!

Had a lot of fun making this card...sewed...with a sewing machine...on a card... for the very first time ever! And now I want to sew on EVERYTHING! just kidding...only on paper! LOL! Ok...lots to do and so little time to do it in! Later!

Supplies: Image - Designed2Delight digital stamps; Ink - Copic and Memento Tuxedo Black; Cardstock - Kraft and White: PaperTrey Ink, Red: Bazzil; Sentiment - SU; Nestabilities Circles and Lacey Circle dies; Ribbon and thread - unknown

icicles...icicles...as far as the eye can see...

2011-01-11T00:56:00.000-05:00

so it's been a loong time since i posted about today's weather. let's just say...it hasn't gotten any better...it did stop snowing...but as soon as it stopped snowing, it started icing...at one time there were pellets of ice falling from the sky...pretty sure it's called sleet...but it was similar to hail...so i will call it...snowy-ice pellets! LOL! well once the ice starts coming...then you start looking for icicles...and let me tell you...i found them! as of this post at some crazy time of the morning (school canceled for tomorrow and my work office is also closed tomorrow!) we still have a freezing mist type thing going on...all of the snow we had is for the most part still present...only now it's a solid block of frozen stuff...the top layer of snow has become ice...my driveway is a skating rink...and i can say this because i tried many times to fall down standing on it...much to the delight of my child! anywho...some icy pics for you!

all of these pics were taken throughout the afternoon and evening...icicle growth has continued and their overall final size will be shown tomorrow!

random roof pic (forgive the fact my christmas lights are still up...those will come down when hubby has a few days off!):

random trash can pic...only because those are the most easily photo'd icicles:

and just because i thought this pic was funny:

who knew...seriously, it never would have occurred to me...that each piece of siding on your house would develop it's own icicles:

and lastly...the reason why ice is truly so dangerous...it completely takes over, encompassing all...weighing everything down and causing true and catastrophic damage:

that's it for tonight...i thankfully have tomorrow off...hope to actually get something scrappy accomplished!

a snowy tour...

2011-01-10T10:05:00.000-05:00

so to appease the kiddos insatiable desire to freeze her rear end off...we went on a walk around the neighborhood to see how it all looks...thankfully we made it home while I still had feeling left in my legs (knee down was frozen). here are some pics (all taken between 9-930 this morning):

starting off leaving the house the path did not look promising...

we made it up the hill to the entrance to our neighborhood...yet another reason i'm glad i stayed home from work today...the main road was looking pretty nasty

then we turned to head back down the hill and back to the house...took a pic of our house when it came in to view...you can barely see my poor orange car in the distance:

on the way back we spotted a few things...like some neighbors helping push someone's teeny tiny miata up the hill to their house...miata + snow + hill = thank goodness people were there to help! seriously...DUMB IDEA DUDE!

of course what snow storm in the south is complete without someone pulling out the four-wheeler and making donuts in the road...another DUMB IDEA...this will cause the turned up snow to freeze pretty solid and make it more treacherous for those that have to be out on the road...it is kinda funny though...kiddo and i did witness mr. four-wheeler doing the donuts and it looked like fun!

and lastly...we made it back home...frozen...but it was a nice walk!

it's 10 am...and still snowing...

ok...now to try and actually do something...nevermind...that would be an even DUMBER idea on my part! LOL! time for coffee and scrapping...or a nap on the couch...decisions decisions!

snowbound...

2011-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

hello lovely bloggerville! hope your day is a bit warmer than mine is shaping up to be! went to sleep last night knowing winter weather was coming knocking...had this plan where i was going to make every effort to get to work at least for a few hours...woke up early...showered...was fixing hair...then hubby called the work line to see what road conditions were around the site...and no joke...they said snow covered and hazardous with expectation that situation would get worse, non-essential personnel (THAT's ME!) should seriously consider staying home and that anyone planning on coming in should make preparations to stay overnight at work. that sealed the deal for me! unfortunately this also meant that my hubby would be going in and probably not coming home (he's one of the ESSENTIAL type people)...I was on pins and needles (and highly caffeinated...i drank at least 2 cups of coffee as he was driving to work) waiting to hear from him that he had made it the 15 miles to work ok...and he did!!!! THANK YOU LORD! his report...roads are BAD...they had brined the roads near work...but all that did was make some slush that pretty much froze over. so hopefully he stays warm at work today and tonight! anywho...what does any good scrapper do when craziness like this happens...we take PICTURES! woohoo! here are a couple from this morning...I'll be taking pics throughout the day as this weather is only expected to get worse (long periods of freezing rain to follow this fluffy snow):

took this at about 5:50 this morning...blank area is where hubby's truck was parked:

took this one about 7:20ish...my poor car!!!! you can also see that the concrete is completely covered again where our other vehicle was parked:

now...what to do today...as long as we have power...laundry and dishes and charging all the electronics...and then of course some scrappy-dappy goodness! stay warm and safe and off the roads if you can! i'll be posting periodically today...as more of a log than anything of what happens when true winter weather decides to come South!

Ribbons ribbons everywhere!

2011-01-07T22:32:00.000-05:00

Hope you are all having a fab Friday! We here in South Carolina are bracing for potential nasty winter weather...snow/sleet/rain/ice/buy bread and milk and have mass PANIC! LOL! We'll see how it goes...if it's that bad then I can have a 3 day weekend...locked inside where it's warm and toasty and stamp and play and color! Of course now that I've said that...it will probably be warm and sunny and I'll be at work bright and early! LMAO!

Now...the real reason for this post...to share with you the latest Fashionista Friday challenge at the Shoe! This week's challenge (FF#61) is to use ribbon! Here is my card:

Now...off to dabble in some ink and rubber and markers...have a WARM evening!

Supplies: Image - The Greeting Farm; Paper and Cardstock - CTMH; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic; Stickles - Diamond; Pearls - Queen&Co; Nestabilities Frame; Ribbon - unknown

twu lub....

2011-01-03T17:26:00.000-05:00

ahhh...got Princess Bride on the brain again! LOL! Quick post to let you know about the latest Fashionista Friday challenge happening at the Shoe! This week's challenge was inspired by the January birthstone - Garnet...so our Fashionista Friday #60 challenge is to use RED! woohoo! one of my fave colors! here is my project:

that's all for now! off to play with the copics...incredibly soothing to just sit and color after a crrrrrazzzzzy day!

Supplies: Grungepaper; Ink - DIstress Ink in Barn Door, Peeled Paint, Pumice Stone, Vintage Photo, Embossing Ink; Ranger Archival in Black; Stamps - Studio 490 by Wendy Vecchi; Clear Embossing Powder; chipboard alphas - Maya Road; Perfect Pearls Mist in Heirloom Gold; Adirondack Paint Dabber in Gold; Trim from Hobby Lobby; FIred Brick Distress Ink reinker

Just a note...

2010-12-29T08:37:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a fabulous holiday! I am only dropping in real quick this morning to remind you of the latest Fashionista Friday challenge going on at the Shoe! The challenge is to use Kraft (it closes tomorrow evening...so you still have a bit of time to get in on it!)...here are the samples I created for this challenge:

Supplies: Cardstock - PaperTrey Ink; Stamps - PaperTrey Ink; Ink - Copic, Memento Tuxedo Black; Nestabilities

Supplies: Image - Angel Bear from Stitchy Bear Digital Stamps; Ink - Copic and Memento Tuxedo Black; Diamond Stickles; Cardstock - PaperTrey Ink; Nestabilities Circle Dies

Now...I am off to get my federally declared disaster area of a scrap room cleaned up! It has finally reached the point of no return and a complete overhaul is in order. I do this at least once a year...you can take a peek at last year's results here...wish me luck!

12 Tags of Christmas...the end...

2010-12-12T22:09:00.001-05:00

well...not gonna say much other than I had a blast playing along with Tim Holtz and his 12 Tags of Christmas...this is the first year that I've been able to create all 12...had so much fun (and have the ink stained fingers to prove it!) and kind of sad that it's over all ready...oh well...can't wait to see what 2011 has in store! Here is Tag #12, (of all 12..this is my fave that I made!) and one last time...created by me...inspired by Tim Holtz:

Supplies: Stamps - Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous; Paper - Grungepaper and Basic Grey; Flowers from Prima; Rock Candy Crackle Paint; Idea-ology - mask sheets and corners; Cricut Joys of the Season cartridge; Ink: Distress Inks - Fired Brick, Walnut Stain: Ranger Archival Black; unknown ribbon and tulle

12 Tags of Christmas...Part 8

2010-12-12T21:36:00.002-05:00

WOWZA! ok...this tag (Day 8 from Tim Holtz) originally had me shaking in my furry boots...and then I tried it...and WOW! LOVE LOVE LOVE this technique...definitely not as hard as I made it out to be...at least to me...made my own mask using blank mask sheets and Cricut Joys of the Season cart...

well...Tag #12 is done also...but that will come in my next post...

Supplies: Stamps - Stampabilities, Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous, Studio 490 by Wendy Vecchi; Grungepaper; Distress Inks in Fired Brick, Peeled Paint, Walnut Stain, Chipped Sapphire, Tumbled Glass; Ranger Archival ink in Black; Idea-ology corner, Distress Stickles in Peeled Paint and Fired Brick; American Crafts black cardstock and white gel pen; idea-ology mask sheet; Cricut Joys of the Season cartridge; Tiny attacher; Twinklets Diamond Dust; Ribbon from morex

12 Tags of Christmas...Part 11

2010-12-12T14:22:00.000-05:00

woohooo! here is my take on Tim's Day 11 Tag:

off to try and get Tag #8 done and then finish it up with #12!

Supplies: Stamps - Stampers Anonymous: Tim Holtz and Studio 490 by Wendy Vecchi; Ink - Distress inks: Peeled Paint, Stormy Sky, Broken China, Dusty Concord, Walnut Stain, VIntage Photo, Pine Needles, Ranger Archival in black; Distress Embossing Powder - SPeeled Paint, Snow-Tex, Distress Embossing Ink; UTEE Clear; Jute from Westrim Crafts; muse token and pin from idea-ology, bookplate from CTMH; Prima bling

12 Tags of Christmas...Parts 7, 9 and 10...

2010-12-12T12:11:00.000-05:00

ok...still plugging away here getting inky and having fun playing along with Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas. I'd been working through them in order, however, Day 8 tag is a bit intimidating..so i'm saving it for the end! LOL! anyways...here are tags 7, 9 and 10...created by me...inspired by Tim Holtz:

Tag 7: Definitely had me working outside my creative box! love the background and will definitely use that technique again...the flower...wow...just about kicked my tail end!

Supplies: Stamps - Studio 490 by Wendy Vecchi, Ink - Distress Inks in Barn Door, Aged Mahogany, Walnut Stain, Crushed Olive, VIntage Photo, Frayed Burlap, Memento Tuxedo Black, Paper -"25" from Tim Holtz idea-ology Lost and Found paper stash, Accessories - Claudine Helmuth Studio Sticky Back Canvas, Perfect Pearls Mist in Forever Red, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Apple and English Ivy, Fired Brick Distress Reinker, Rock Candy Distress Stickles, Tim Holtz Alterations Tattered Florals and Elegant Flourishes, Tim Holtz texture fade - oak, idea-ology type charms, Adirondack paint dabber in snow cap, Maya Road alphabet

Tag 9: I think this is my absolute favorite of this year's 12 tags...picture doesn't really do it justice...but here goes:

Supplies: Stamps - stampabilities, Paper - Tim Holtz paper stash Lost & Found by idea-ology, Ink - Distress Inks in Wild Honey, Frayed Burlap, Brushed Corduroy and Walnut Stain, Accessories - Glimmer Mist in Iridescent Gold and Wheatfields, Glimmer Glaze in Cowboy, Tim Holtz Sizzix Rosette Die, wings from Art Chix, Grungeboard alphas, Adirondack paint dabbers in Espresso and Black, Tim Holtz accoutrements from idea-ology, bling from Recollections, bird from Blue Moon beads, trim from Hobby lobby, Glossy Accents

Tag 10: LOVED doing this one! such a whimsical bit...had a lot of fun putting this one together:

Supplies: Stamps - Verve, Paper - Seasonal Grungeboard, Ink - Distress Inks in Stormy Sky, Broken China, Pumice Stone, Spiced Marmalade, Peeled Paint, Faded Jeans, Vintage Photo, Memento TUxedo Black; Accessories - Distress Stickles in Peeled Paint, Stickles in Silver and Candy Cane, idea-ology word charm and jump ring; Adirondack paint dabber in snow cap and black, Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder

ok...a few more tags to finish up...and then the 2010 version of 12 tags of Christmas is done...sniff...off to get inked up!

12 Tags of Christmas...Part 6

2010-12-08T21:42:00.000-05:00

ok...a few days behind...but still having a blast playing along with Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas! This is my take on Tim's Day 6 tag...didn't have some of the embossing folders he had, so I used stamps, embossed the image, then stamped over it (the embossed portion will resist ink) and then used a cuttlebug folder in place of his sizzix texture fade. Here is my version...created by me...inspired by Tim Holtz:

hope to catch back up this weekend so that I can finish Day 12's tag the same day he posts...been having so much fun getting inky...hate that it's coming to a close so soon! sniff!

Supplies: Stamps - Trees and snowflakes: Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous (Reindeer Flight), Wish from CTMH December Word Puzzle, Splatter stamp - Studio 490 by Wendy Vecchi; Distress inks - Walnut Stain, Fired Brick, Frayed Burlap, Vintage Photo, Weathered Wood, Tumbled Glass, Forest Moss; Tissue Tape and Ticket from idea-ology; Seasonal Grungeboard; Pearls - Queen&Co; Stampn'Stuff Clear embossing powder; Adirondack Paint Dabbers in Gold and Juniper; Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Snowflakes; Distress Stickles - Vintage Photo

Wishing you...

2010-12-05T19:52:00.000-05:00

Ok...got one last tag done this weekend! this one is for the Simon Says Stamp and Show...Stamp and Show a Tag challenge! Decided to make a tag separate from all of the Tim tags I was making this weekend...and used my fab holiday Studio 490 stamps to do so! Here is my tag:

Ok...now off to spend the rest of the evening with the family!

Supplies: Stamps - Studio 490 by Wendy Vecchi; Distress Inks - Forest Moss, Antique Linen, Barn Door, Walnut Stain; Ranger Archival in Black; Bling - Prima; Grungepaper; Leaves - Prima; idea-ology paper clip; Button - unknown

12 Tags of Christmas...Part 5

2010-12-05T18:49:00.000-05:00

Woohooo! I'm all caught up with the 12 Tags of Christmas! That is until tomorrow when Tim Holtz unveils the Day 6 tag! Had so much fun this weekend getting inky! Here is my version of Tim's Day 5 Tag:

I stuck pretty close to the original...Tim's tag was divine! Ok...off to work on something else...get one more project done this weekend!

Supplies: Paper - Tim Holtz Lost and Found Paper Stash from idea-ology; Santa and Sentiment - Mini Holidays (Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous); Holly: CTMH; Distress Inks - Vintage Photo, Barn Door, FIred Brick, Aged Mahogany, Peeled Paint, Walnut Stain; Adirondack Paint Dabber in Snow Cap and Black; Stickles - Holly and Candy Cane; Enamel Accents in White; Idea-ology numerals; Tim Holtz Alterations for Sizzix: Hanging Sign; Grungepaper; Peeled Paint Distress Stickles; Stamp'n Stuff Embossing Powder in White; Flower Soft - Polar White

12 Tags of Christmas....Part 4

2010-12-05T10:24:00.001-05:00

I am having wayyy too much fun! One of the best parts about playing along with Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas is that it is forcing me to dig into my stash and actually use a lot of the products that I tend to horde! I always worry that I'm going to "run out"... so now I'm trying to adopt the...well OH WELL! (StampScrapArtTour drops into town in February...so maybe my stash won't be depleted too long! LOL!). Here is my take on Tim's Day 4 tag....created by me...inspired by Tim Holtz (gotta give credit where credit is due!!):

Ok...got Tag #5 to get to work on...and then...WOW...I'm all caught up! WHAT TO DO THEN??? HAHA! I already have an idea of what I want to work on once I get these tags done! and then of course...Day 6 of 12 Tags is only a day away!

Supplies: Paper - My Mind's Eye, Sentiment - Mini Holidays: Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous; Distress Ink - Faded jeans; Ranger Archival in Black; Bling - Prima; Pearls - CTMH; Trinket Pin and Jump Rings: idea-ology; Crystals - Heidi Swapp; EK Success Adornments; Ranger Enamel Accents in Black; Silver button - unknown; Adirondack Paint Dabber in Silver

12 Tags of Christmas...Part 3

2010-12-04T20:59:00.000-05:00

Ok...of the tags Tim Holtz has shared with us so far this year...the one he created for Day 3 may be my absolute favorite! GORGEOUS! So when it came time to make one for myself, I pretty much stuck to what he had...and this one i'll be keeping just for me! heehee!

I found some fab ribbon trims at Hobby Lobby today...the piece I used on this tag had a little bit of tinsel already in the center portion, and the ribbon itself had some sparkle...so I just added some Peeled Paint distress ink to stain the ribbon just a bit!

Supplies: Distress Ink - Walnut Stain, Forest Moss, Peeled Paint, Bundled Sage; Tissue Tape and Memo Pin and Ticket from idea-ology; Adirondack Alcohol Inks in Cranberry and Current; DIstress Stickles in Rock Candy; Adirondack Paint Dabber in Snow Cap; Bird - Tim Holtz Alterations Caged Bird die by Sizzix; Grungeboard; Stamps - Wreath: Penny Black, Script and Splatter: Studio 490 by Wendy Vecchi; Tiny Attacher; Raffia and button - unknown; Trim - Hobby Lobby

12 Tags of Christmas...Part 2

2010-12-04T18:11:00.001-05:00

I'm Baaaa-aack! So soon? Well...while I was working on Tag #1 there were quite a few "waiting periods" to let pieces and parts dry...so I started on Tag#2 while I was waiting. Now...i'm going to be 100% honest here...not the biggest fan of this particular tag...and this was attempt #2! For whatever reason...all the parts don't quite add up for me...but, you never know til you try right? I didn't have the pine bough stamp that Tim used in his original...and my closest substitute didn't work out (that was attempt #1)...so...living in South Carolina...why not throw down something straight from the state? The tree I used was part of a stamp that is actually the state flag, i just masked out the portions I didn't want. Here is my version of Day 2...created by me, inspired by Tim Holtz:

ok...now off to get started on #3!

Supplies: Distress Ink - Pumice Stone, Frayed Burlap; Aged Mahogany, Peeled Paint, Fired Brick, Forest Moss, Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo, Stormy Sky, Weathered Wood; Inkssentials Enamel Accents in Black; Stamps - Tree: Artful Legacy, Merry Christmas - Mini Holidays, Flourish (Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous), Splatter: Studio 490 by Wendy Vecchi, Music - Stampabilities; Bling - Prima

12 Tags of Christmas...Part 1

2010-12-04T16:40:00.000-05:00

Woohoo! It's that time of year! The time when the uber-fabulous Tim Holtz takes us through the 12 Tags of Christmas! WOOOHOOOO! So excited! So much inspiration to be had! Well...enough chatter...here is my version of Tag#1...created by me...inspired by Tim Holtz:

Didn't have the rickety house die cut of Tim's (and searched a couple of stores for it too!) but I did have the Seasonal Grungeboard...and there was this large piece that was originally a haunted house...but I cut it down to size and kind of aimed my tag at viewing a house in a distance...at least that's how I see it! LOL! Off to finish Tag#2!

Supplies: Seasonal Grungeboard; Adirondack paint dabbers - Snow Cap and Black; Stamps - Reindeer Flight and Mini Holidays (Tim Holtz for Stampers Anonymous); Distress inks - Stormy Sky, Faded jeans, Tumbled Glass, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Pearl; Flower Soft - Polar White; Glossy Accents; Distress Crackle Paint - Picket Fence

time to play

2010-11-28T14:18:00.000-05:00

hello all! hope you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving week! We had a nice and quiet holiday here at home...no travel...no visitors...and no going visiting! while i missed seeing my extended family, it was a nice change of pace! did a little shopping on black friday...took care of a good chunk of the Christmas gifts...and even picked up a gift for myself! I picked up the Vagabond by Sizzix on sale at AC Moore Friday morning...just now got around to trying it out today! I LOVE IT! very easy to use...because I'm not cranking anything...i feel less nervous about the thickness of materials i am sending through...now..have to clear a space in this disaster of a craft room and provide the Vagabond a permanent spot! anywho...enough about me...wanted to get crafty and play today so i took a peek at a few challenges out there. the first challenge i played along with was the Compendium of Curiosities Challenge #23 (CCC#23) at Studio L3 which was Double Distress. I used a Tim Holtz Embossing Folder to get me started with that one. The second challenge is over at Simon Says Stamp and Show...Stamp and Show your Distress Inks...the two challenges went together soooo well! Here is my tag:

Here is a close up to kind of show you the different layers of distressing and inking:

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and maybe I'll be back later!

Supplies: Tim Holtz Embossing Folder; DIstress Inks - Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain, Peeled Paint, Shabby Shutters, Broken China, Rusty Hinge; Tim Holtz Alterations - Tattered Florals and Scrollwork; Grungeboard - Harlequin Elements; Idea-ology - Memo Pin, Film Strip Ribbon and Play Tag; Music stamp - stampabilities; Ranger Archival ink in Coffee

thinking of you...in flowers!

2010-11-12T19:37:00.001-05:00

so this is a totally random card...needed to make something to get my rear back in gear! after all of the cards last weekend it has been...shall we say difficult...to get myself back to my craft desk...definitely had a bit of a case of burnout...HOWEVER...I have found in the case of burnout...instead of sitting and feeling burnt...it's best to get back up and get going! (after a few days rest of course!)...so now i'm feeling the urge to get to work on some more!

Supplies: Cardstock - The Paper Company (kraft) and PaperTrey Ink; Image and sentiment - PaperTrey Ink; Ribbon - unknown; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black and Copics

now...either i'm going to get to work on another card or (gasp!) a layout...we'll see...i'm also feeling the pull of Glee season 1...love the show, watch it every week...and hubby bought me season 1 on dvd...so I can revisit some of my faves from last season!! heehee!

pictures pictures pictures

2010-11-08T18:51:00.000-05:00

ok...this post pretty much will speak for itself, but here are the remaining cards that brought me to the completion of the Hope You Can Cling To challenges with supplies used listed below each card:

Stamps: Verve; Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Damask; Paper - Basic Grey Capella; Liquid Pearls; Bazzil Cardstock; Ranger archival ink in Coffee

Stamps: Verve; Paper - My Mind's Eye; Bazzil Cardstock; Ribbon unknown

the above is NOT my fave...but I had to use felt! LOL! that's what i blame it on!
Stamps - Verve; Bazzil Cardstock; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; Stickles in Diamond, Gold, Silver

My absolute fave of all 32 cards!
Stamps - Verve; Paper - Basic Grey Capella; Nestabilities Labels Eight; Prima Bling; Bazzil Cardstock; Queen&Co pearls

Stamp - SU; Ink - Ranger Archival in Olive; Paper - Basic Grey Capella (LOVE this line!)

Stamps - Verve; Paper and Cardstock - CTMH; Ranger Archival ink in Coffee; Spica in Chocolate; Sketch from CTMH book

Image - The Greeting Farm; Ink - Copic and Memento Tuxedo Black; Nestabilities standard circles and lacey circles; Paper - Basic Grey; Pearls - Queen&Co

Stamps - Studio 490 and Verve; Kraft and Bazzil cardstock; Recollections bling

another one of my fave's of the 32...I just am really happy with how this came out

Stamps - Tim Holtz (Stampers Anonymous); Stampabilities; Verve; Ink - Distress Inks: Antique Linen, Peeled Paint, Vintage Photo; Other inks - Ranger Archival in Olive, CTMH White Daisy; Stampendous clear embossing powder; My Mind's Eye paper

And that's all she wrote folks! Had so much fun making all of the cards...often times made me stretch well outside my comfort zone! and now...some new PTI stamps arrived today...feeling the urge to get inked!

DONE!

2010-11-08T11:37:00.002-05:00

just a quick post...I was able to finish up the remaining cards on Sunday morning! I have lots of pics to post, but once I got the challenge completed...I had to walk away from my desk! It's funny...I thought I would be facing craft "burn out" but in reality I'm anxious to get some more done! Pics to come later!

23 of 32 complete!

2010-11-06T17:37:00.000-04:00

got three more done! WOOHOO! the end is ALMOST (but not really) in sight! actually I'm having a blast working on these Hope You Can Cling To challenges (see blinkie to the left)! I started them on World Card Making Day...and a month (and a few days later) I may just might get them done! So here are the three latest cards:

HYCCT15 - Pink Aqua and Olive

Supplies: Stamp - Tim Holtz (Stampers Anonymous); Distress Ink - Crushed Olive, Worn Lipstick, Broken China, Black Soot; Idea-ology word stick; Stampendous clear embossing powder; Queen&Co pearls

HYCCT29 - Sentiment only

Supplies: American Crafts Cardstock; Kraft paper; Sentiment - SU; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black

HYCCT26 - Cancer is for the Birds

Supplies: Paper - Basic Grey; Bird - Basic Grey; Sentiment - Verve; Bling - Prima; Ink - Ranger Archival Coffee

Ok...9 cards to go! Feeling energized! Will hopefully get some work done on them while I watch some football tonight! Later!

only 12 left!

2010-11-06T12:49:00.000-04:00

wow...ok...two more cards done! and then it's time to take a quick break...otherwise my body is going to start fighting back from sitting hunched over this desk! LOL!

This card is for the Hope You Can Cling To Scrabble challenge (square card, pink, with at least 4 additional squares). I STRUGGLED getting this one done...there are actually several...I'll call them prototypes...littering my craft room right now...but I'm at fairly happy with this one

Supplies: Paper - CTMH; Sentiment - Verve; Cardstock - CTMH, Bazzil; Ink - Ranger Archival Coffee; Ribbon - unknown

This card is for the HYCCT Get Glimmer Misted challenge (WOOOHOOO! Love Glimmer Mist!). I used three different mists to create the background paper.

Supplies: Cardstock - CTMH; Glimmer Mist - Candlelight, Tiger Lily, Peppermint Stick; Image and Sentiments - PaperTrey Ink; Stampendous Embossing Powder in White; Perfect Medium by Ranger; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black; bling - Recollections; Ribbon - Unknown

Off to have lunch and see if the kiddo wants to actually hang out with me (yeah...right), run some errands and then back later to get to work on those final 12 cards!

Orange we fabulous!

2010-11-06T10:06:00.001-04:00

Ok..silly title...oh well! But...have you seen how much ORANGE is on this card? This card was created for a few challenges...color inspiration (fab fab combo this week!) from The Play Date Cafe (PDCC54);

Sketch from Splitcoast (SC305); and recipe from Hope You Can Cling To challenge.

For this particular card, I did not have any orange pearls to coordinate (still shocked thatI did not have that color in my stash!) but thankfully I do have my Copic AirBrush system and was able to custom color some pearls so I could be all matchy-matchy. Ok...18 of 32 HYCCT challenges completed...that means 14 cards in a little over 24 hours...WOW...onward!

Supplies: Paper - Basic Grey; Image - The Greeting Farm; Ink - Copic and Memento Tuxedo Black; Flower - American Crafts; Pearls - Queen&Co; Ribbon - unknown

on a challenge journey!

2010-11-06T09:57:00.000-04:00

ok...so since I posted last night...i have gotten a few cards completed for the Hope You Can Cling To challenges...For these two cards I was able to use my new stamps from PaperTrey Ink (more on those later!). For the first card I cased a card by Nichole Heady (found here) because I just thought it was soooo gorgeous! I had to add a little bit here or there for the buttons challenge at HYCCT:

Supplies: Image and sentiment - PaperTrey Ink; Cardstock - Kraft and Bazzil; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic ((R11, R12, R14, R17, Y21, YG93, YG95, YG97); Pearls - Queen&Co.

For this next card I wanted to go very simple in design to ensure that the flower stood out (literally...the challenge was to pop out your image!):

Supplies: Image - PaperTrey Ink, Sentiment - Verve; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic (R30, R32, R35, R39, R20, R21, YG93, YG95, YG97; Spica - Garnet

and now...off to make some MORE cards!

17 to go...and FF#53

2010-11-05T19:54:00.000-04:00

hello hello hello! long time no post! had a blast last weekend...went to the race at Talladega with my hubby, my bff and her hubby...good times! had a lot of fun and got back Monday and have done ALMOST nothing crafty since I made it back! did finally get pics uploaded to my computer yesterday (all 280 of them) so that ought to keep me busy scrapbook page wise in the future...but now...I have finished 15 of the 32 Hope You Can Cling To challenges...I want to get the last 17 done before the deadline Sunday...so fingers crossed it'll happen! This card is for the sketch with a dance theme challenge...it is also for the Fashionista Friday challenge #53 over at the Shoe! This week's Shoe challenge is to use blue!

and now...OFF TO MAKE CARDS!!!!!

supplies: image and sentiment - Kraftin Kimmie Stamps; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black and Copics; Paper - K&Co Que Sera Sera; Cardstock - Bazzil; Nestabilities - circles and scalloped circles; CTMH Glitter, Glossy Accents; Spica - Sand; Ribbon - Unknown

hit and miss

2010-10-24T12:46:00.000-04:00

I've made 4 cards (so far) this weekend...2 I like...2 I'm not a huge fan of...sometimes getting scrappy is hit and miss. Each card begins with all the right intentions (and sometimes with no clue what it's going to end up looking like) but the end product isn't always what we hoped. Oh well...that's life when you have a hobby like this! It has taken me awhile at times to accept that not everything I make is going to be something I'm happy with. But that's ok...beauty is in the eye of the beholder...so maybe someone else will like the card...even if I'm not thrilled. So...here are two more cards for the Hope You Can Cling To challenge at Splitcoast. This one is for the Ribbons challenge:

and this one is for the Girls in Pink challenge:

ok...almost football time, lots o'laundry to do, so maybe I'll scrap in between loads!

Supplies:

Ribbons - Sentiment: Verve; Cardstock - Bazzil; Nestabilities - Fancy Tags; Diamond Stickles; Ribbon - unknown; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black

Girls - Image: Inkadinkdado; Ink - Ranger Archival in Coffee; Paper and Cardstock - SEI; Bling - Recollections; Flowers - Prima; Ribbon - unknown; SU Ticket Punch

you're the best (and sweet too!)

2010-10-23T11:53:00.000-04:00

wooohooo! two-fer day! got two cards done before the football game! (HOOK EM HORNS!). this is another card for the Hope You Can Cling To challenges - HYCCT13 Don't Be a Square. thankfully I had some scalloped circle cards that I had purchased back in February at the Stamp Scrap Art Tour. I have very little talent when it comes to making a shaped card...can't ever get the circle or flower or whatever to work out size wise. So thankfully I had a pre-made base to work from!

Ok...now to run around crazy to get cleaned up before the game! Hopefully I'll be back post-game to get some more cards made!

Supplies: Paper - CTMH, Cardstock - CTMH; Scalloped card - The Paper Cut; Ink - Antique Linen distress ink, Ranger Archival in Coffee; Sentiment - Verve; Ribbon - gingham from really reasonable ribbon, satin - unknown

you're an amazing...sketch

2010-10-23T10:53:00.000-04:00

yes...totally lame title for a blog post...but i'm still working on getting the mojo flowing today! sometimes you have to force the mojo. that's the problem i've had this week, no mojo and nothing working to get it going...so this morning i pretty much forced myself to make a card. and you know what? it worked! i can feel the scrappy mojo motor starting to run! woohoo! i am way behind on the Hope You Can Cling To challenges at Splitcoast, and i would love to try and get caught up (or at least close!) this weekend! this card is for the HYCCT challenge #18 - Vintage. I love playing with vintage...but it was slow in coming to me...so then I went sketch hunting...and came across a fab simple sketch over at Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenges (WMSC20). here is my card:

now i'm off to tempt fate and see if I can get some more cards done! woohoo! hope you are having a wonderful-scrappy weekend!

Supplies: Paper - Prima, Cardstock - CTMH, Stamps - Hero Arts, Ink - Distress Inks in Tattered Rose and Antique Linen, Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic - E000, E00, E02, E50, E51, E55, RV91, RV93, RV95, B91, B93, B95, Spica - black, Pearls - Queen&Co, lace and tag - unknown

embrace imperfection...or something like that!

2010-10-17T11:40:00.000-04:00

morning all! hope you are having a fabulous weekend! had a great day of football yesterday...lots of good games, and the upsets were so much fun! anyways...on to the reason for today's post. i recently bought a 7gypsies binderie...and pulled it out this weekend to play. it came with a cutie little book to get you started...and here is what the cover was as it came out of the package...

now i love the black and off-white...one of my favorite combos...but it just wasn't quite what i wanted...here is what i ended up with

i started by cutting a piece of grungepaper to the same size as the cover...used a tim holtz mask and distress ink to get the base done. i then stamped the entire piece with a large background stamp, stamped a clock face on clear cardstock and then layered the clock with some idea-ology parts; finished it off with some metal book corners and a grunge flower.

oh snap! better mention the fact that this was created with the Simon Says Stamp and Show your metal challenge in mind!

Hope you have a fantastic Sunday!

Supplies: grungepaper; distress inks - broken china, brushed corduroy, peeled paint; tim holtz mask from timeworks set (idea-ology); game spinners, gear, paper clip and corners all from idea-ology; adirondack paint dabber in juniper; stamps - studio 490, embrace imperfection from tim holtz (stampers anonymous), CTMH - Make it count set (clock); ranger archival ink in black and coffee; distress stickles in peeled paint; clear cardstock by heartfelt creations; maya road kraft tag

FF#51...have a holiday!

2010-10-15T20:45:00.000-04:00

holiday...sounds divine...thankfully i'll be having one at the end of this month! can't wait! real quick post this evening...been not so fab the past few days so i'm way behind on some projects and very excited to get to work on them! this week's Fashionista Friday challenge at If The Shoe Fits...Scrap it! is a holiday for the holidays! anything for any holiday! WOOHOO! here is the tag I created:

off to get inky! have a blast!

Supplies: Stamps - Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous; Ink - Barn Door, (can't remember which green), antique linen, walnut stain, black soot; Distress Embossing Powder - Black Soot; Zing embossing powder - gold; Flowers - Prima; Filstrip Ribbon by Idea-ology; Ribbon - from my stash

is it really CAS?

2010-10-11T18:40:00.001-04:00

a clean and simple card that is? well...i'll let you see the card and then i'll explain! LOL!

so here's the deal...i went on to Splitcoast to see what the newest Hope You Can Cling To challenge was...and woohoo! the challenge is titled Happy Flowers...the idea is to make your own paper flower...so the first thing that came to mind was a lollipop flower...well i also started checking out the clean and simple challenge at SCS...the theme was Crinkle...well that works perfectly with my flower idea...so then I needed a sketch...so I hit up the clean&simple blog and lo and behold...they had one! PERFECT! so then i started making my flower...and it just grew and grew! LOL! it ended up being so big! now personally I LOVE IT! well when it came time to put the card together...all of the cardstock I had trimmed for the card base...seemed almost too small...but i ran with it anyways. so now my flower takes up 1/2 the card! (and forced me to very loosely interpret the sketch at clean&simple). so...does this still make it Clean and Simple??? I decided it did...and have decided to enter it at clean&simple FTL111 challenge and in the CAS88 at SCS. so there...that's my story and i'm sticking to it! HEEHEE!

Supplies: Paper - CTMH; Cardstock - CTMH; Sentiment - Verve; Ink - Ranger Archival in Coffee; Tattered angels glimmer mist in Iridescent Gold; ribbon and button from my stash; Adirondack Paint Dabber - Snow Cap