Where is my Head Sometimes?!

Before I answer that question, let me tell you this is my second post today. Please scroll down to see the sneak peek for Clear Dollar Stamps.

Now when asked by owner of Fresh Brewed Designs, whom I am a DT member for (don't throw me off the team Heather for being so dumb), asked us if we would like to participate in the Sunday Sketch and Stamp challenge that she is sponsoring, of course I said yes. I made this card using Snow Owl from Heather's store along with Jovial Basic Grey paper, ribbon, buttons, pearls, and sparkle. Well for some reason I had it in my head I made this for a totally different blog challenge site that posts every Monday!!! Imagine my surprise when I found out I should have posted this yesterday!!!!!!! What a dingaling!!! Anyway, chalk it up to being on holiday a little too long!!!!!

New Die and Stamp Set at Clear Dollar Stamps

I'm not kidding, Clear Dollar Stamps is releasing a GORGEOUS stamp set and coordinating die set called Blooming Bouquet December 1st. Today a lot of the ladies on the DT are previewing this set for you. My first card I stamped the flowers then cut AND embossed with the die. Love the added texture of the embossing. Love popping it up and hanging over the edges of the main layer! The sentiment comes from the Bless my Bloomers set. The papers are from a Key Ingredient set by Taylored Expressions.

Here I just went with the Blooming Bouquet die set and a sentiment from Church Chatter. I layered the two flowers, adding a button to the center topped off with blue hemp. Now check out those two leaves, don't you love the embossed vein?! I can't get enough of these leaves, will have to come up with something featuring just them!

I'm so glad you stopped by, now please check out these other ladies that are previewing this stamp and die set and leave 'em a little love:

Candy

Katie

Angela

Christi

Gloria

Lisa

Shell

Barb

Another Christmas Card

I do enjoy making Christmas cards! This one I followed the sketch over at Tuesday Morning Sketches. Melissa always has such fun ones. I made a few score lines along the right side, adding the red brads, then adhered this to the back of the card, giving it my version of a fun fold!!! The cardstock and designer paper is all from my stash. And the snowflakes are glittered foam flaked that came with a hole in the center that I added a red rhinestone to because I didn't like the hole! Of course I did a little stitching, something I can't seem to be able to live without. It's back to my craft room for a bit more stamping. Then I need to get some birthday presents wrapped, Kevin turns 12 (YIKES!!) tomorrow!

Season's Greetings

Happy Thanksgiving! A day to be thankful for so many things. It also makes me realize everyday should be a thankful day!!!

Today I have a Christmas card to share with you that couldn't have been any quicker to make. The image is a digital from Clear Dollar Stamps called Bitty Tree and Snowflake. I went with the pre-colored image which is included when you purchase this set!!! The papers are Scarlet jewel, White, Kraft, and Basic Grey's Figgy DSP. I also used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch, and of course had to add some stitching!!! The other day I was talking to my Mom on the phone and she asked me what I was doing. I told her making a card. She laughed and said she thought I was sewing because she could hear the sewing machine in the background!! I did have to explain that I was sewing on my card but I'm not sure she really got it!!!!!!!! I'll have to take a few cards to show her what I'm talking about.

Sweet Sketch Wednesday and Bugaboo Stamps

This is my second post for today. Please scroll down to check out the latest and greatest Freshly Brewed Challenge.
Today is Wednesday, and what a sweet one it is. First is I have today off, and don't go back to work now until Monday!!!! Totally fabulous!!!

And speaking of fabulous, check out this sketch we have for you at Sweet Sketch Wednesday! I'm super excited about this one! I love adding layers and mixing up papers. Thanks Arlana for sharing your creations with us!

There's more to this marvelous day, and that's our lovely sponsor, Jodi from Bugaboo Stamps. I am always so excited when she is our sponsor because I love playing with her images!! Now the winner of this week's challenge will get to do just that because they will win 7 free digis from Bugaboo Stamps!!!!! Thanks Jodi for your generosity!!

I'd like to introduce you to Poppi Penguin. Isn't he adorable?! Love him hiding behind his big mug of hot cocoa! Do you think he made it just for Santa? I am a firm believer in a very large mug to hold my hot beverages, so I couldn't resist Poppi. There's not many Bugaboo Stamps that I can resist!!! Play along with us at Sweet Sketch Wednesday and you may be the winner of some new Bugaboo digis of your very own!!!!!

I also wanted to add that I am submitting this card for the Sew Special Challenge over at the ABC DT Challenge Blog.

Freshly Brewed Challenges Winter Challenge

Hi everyone, and welcome to a new challenge at Freshly Brewed Challenges. This week we are going with a Winter/Christmas theme. Now may I highly recommend checking out all the really fun Christmas/winter digital images Heather has at Fresh Brewed Designs. I totally adore all the snowmen...you can't settle for just one!!!! Here I used Sleddin' Snowman, bringing him to life with my copic markers and a little bit of sparkle! The designer papers are from a "big stack" I purchased at our local craft store - you know the kind, probably even have a few of your own!!!! I say that with a laugh because I have more than a few, and they never go away, no matter how much of the paper you use!!!!! Anyway, play along with us, we'd love to be inspired by you!!!! Now be sure and check out the rest of the DT creations at Freshly Brewed Challenges and show 'em a little love with a comment!

I'm submitting this card to the Sew Special Challenge (what, me sew on a card???!!!) over at the ABC DT Challenge Blog.

And let me tell you about a SALE at Fresh Brewed Designs...
All Fresh Brewed Designs Digis are on sale for 40% ~ Rubber Stamps 20% off until Nov 30. PLEASE be patient with the site. Heather is in the process of getting the digis where they are instantly downloadable. They are NOT ready, but sales will go the same old email way :) If you have any issues you can always just email Heather at freshbreweddesigns at yahoo dot com. Take advantage of the sale and stock up, I know I will!!!

More Quick Christmas Cards

I played along yesterday with the Featured Stamper challenge over at SCS, casing this card of Sarah's. I decided to use scraps of DSP instead of stamping like she did. And this went together so quick and easy I decided to make nine more and put in my Christmas card stash.

Trying to get ready for Thanksgiving. I ordered the food (yep, it's just going to be the four of us and I decided I'm not cooking!!!!! How awesome is that!!!) and took Wednesday off so I can get going on baking Christmas cookies. I always stress myself out this time of year, to the point of getting sick. Well I've decided this year is going to be different, I will not stress over it all, I will not stress over it all...if I keep repeating this over and over again, maybe I'll begin to believe it!!!!! Anyway, I'm off to proofread Phillip's research paper, then maybe get some stamping in! Have a wonderful evening.

Color Inspiration with Zebra Stripes

It's hard to stamp, photograph and post while watching the football game!!!! Go Steelers!! Anyway, check out the color inspiration for the 1st Paper Craft Planet Friday challenge for Heather from Fresh Brewed Designs. I love it!!! At first, not having any zebra print paper (a shocker, I know) I was just going to go with black and white. Then I googled free digital zebra print scrapbook paper and printed myself up some!!!!

And here's my card!!!! I used a FBD digital called Angel Cakes and Mr. Snowman. I colored her in with Copics and added sparkle to her coat, hat, and boot trim. Colors include Black, Tempting turquoise, Melon mambo, Wild dandelion (GinaK Designs), White, and my free digi zebra DP. Thanks for stopping by, I really must get back to the game.

Believe in the Magic

I wanted to hurry up and post this card because once the boys are home from school, the computer no longer belongs to Mom!!! I actually made 10 of these this morning - figured they would be my Christmas cards to mail out this year. One problem...I get bored easily and to make more than 10 and I WILL GO CRAZY!!!!!!! HaHa!! I like variety, so I'll have to come up with something else and keep it simple to make at most 10. Anyway, I used stamp sets from PaperTrey Ink - Holiday Tree, and Inside & Out: Holiday. The kraft confetti colored cardstock is from a paper outlet (I'm trying so hard to use up my supply of "stuff" before buying new - it isn't working very well). The other colors are Hawaiian Shores and New Leaf, both from PTI. I sponged the edges with white - love the effect. My first sample of this card I didn't sew on the green layer and it definitely needed it.

Our new roof is finally done, and may I say, looks marvelous!!! The workers were extremely respectful and courteous, but I certainly won't miss the pounding!!!

Post #2 - Anything Goes

Like I said, this is my second post for today. If you're looking for the Sweet Sketch Wednesday post, please scroll down. Because I get to reveal my very first card as a DT member of Fresh Brewed Designs and the Freshly Brewed Challenges posted every Wednesday. This week's theme is Anything Goes! I used the digital image Debbie, adding color with my Copics. Now can I take this moment to brag about the bow??!! I used my Bow Easy for the first time -- and I LOVE THE RESULTS!!!!! A neat and perfect bow every time. Now be sure to check out the other DT cards cause you're gonna love 'em.

I've edited this post to add that I am submitting this card for the Sew Special Challenge over at ABC DT Challenge Blog.

Sweet Sketch for this Wednesday

Would you simply look at this fabulous sketch!!!!! I am so excited to share it with you because I absolutely love it! I'm a big fan of layers, and this one delivers. You'll find this sketch on the Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge blog. Be sure and read the rules at the bottom of the post to be eligible for the prize. Yes, I said prize, and this week we are honored to be sponsored by the lovely and very generous Sally Ann at Digi Stamp Boutique. If your card is chosen as the prize winner, you will receive 6 digi images of your choice from Digi Stamp Boutique free. And yes, I said FREE!!!!!

And not only is Sally Ann providing the 6 free digi images for the winner, she also allowed the DT to pick an image from her store to use. The moment I saw it I knew I had to have Jack and Snowman. These two snow buddies are too adorable!!!!!!! I colored them with copic markers and cut them out with the nesties. The DSP is paper I've been hoarding for just the right time, and now is the right time!!! The dotted paper is fuzzy while the bottom layer of DSP is shiny. I know there are more technical term for this, but I am tired and can't think right now. I added the snowflake just for effect this time, not to cover up a mistake like I seem to often do!!!!!! Be sure and check out the rest of the creations from the Design Team at Sweet Sketch Wednesday, no doubt you'll be inspired!

Unity Candle

Today's the day for several things going on. First the roofers are here and have started on our new roof. What's sad is I wanted a new kitchen and master bath...and I'm getting a roof instead!! Priorities I guess. Secondly, today is digi release day at Clear Dollar Stamps. I was lucky to work with a set created by Kim Teasdale called Unity Candle. It contains 1 image and 5 sentiments so it is very versatile. This card is very much my style - copic markers, nesties, sewing, dimensionals, and rhinestones. Oh, and I can't forget the color brown, a definite fave when it comes to card making!!!!!

Well I'm off to work, a little early but I have to get away from this pounding from the roofers! Maybe I'll go shopping for a bit!! Have a wonderful Monday.

Let's Party!

That's what I did tonight over at the Fresh Brewed Designs group at Paper Craft Planet. We are only two members away from a free digi, so head on over and join!!! I hosted a color challenge for Heather's Grand Opening of her new store, Brown, Green and Yellow, with a celebration theme. I used the sweet image Whoooo Wants to Party, using my copic markers on him. I ended up using scrap DSP that I found on my paper cutter (yes, I have a lot of scraps!!). Cardstock colors are Chocolate chip, PTI white, Kiwi kiss, and Marigold morning (remember this?!). The yellow mat is the eyelet square nestie, which I adore!! The sentiment, which seemed to fit perfectly, is from PaperTrey Ink's It's a Celebration set. The kiwi kiss corduroy button is tied with chocolate baker's twine. Thanks for stopping by, I always love hearing from you!

I almost forgot to tell you, Heather is giving away a gift with purchase all weekend! With each rubber stamp purchased, you will receive a grab bag of buttons, bling, paper or ribbon. Each image will have something different with it!!! You will also receive 2 free digis with every purchase! So be sure and head over to Fresh Brewed Designs and start shopping!

Another OWH Sketch Challenge

I really enjoy the sketches on the OWH challenge blog, and this one is no exception. I used the stamp set 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 from Clear Dollar Stamps. I found this scrap of Making Memories DSP and went with it! Colors include Baja breeze, White, and Strawberry jam (from CDS) and the ribbon, also from CDS, is Fresh papaya satin. I did some zig zag stitching and added a few pearls and this card is complete. Simple but packs a powerful punch.

Big News!!

I am so excited to share my news with you...I have been selected to be on the Design Team of Freshly Brewed Challenges!!! Heather is such a sweetheart, and has a new store with all her fun stamps, both rubber and digi. You can find her store HERE.


And to celebrate the new store, we're having a PARTY!!!!! And not just any party ~ A GRAND OPENING PARTY!!! The best part is, you can come in your bathrobe and slippers! You don't even really have to shower ... if you don't want to!It's a pajama party! And you know what is at parties? Games, prizes, chatting, crafting and lots of fun. Be sure to invite ALL your friends!

Where:Paper Craft Planet Group : Fresh Brewed Designs

When: November 12 from 7-10 EST

We will have one BIG game and one BIG prize. Here is a pic of what YOU could win if you attend.


What do you have to do to get in on the fun? Just follow these simple rules:

1. Become a follower / join the PCP group
2. Post a picture of the candy and a link to the PCP group on your blog
3. RSVP to our Grand Opening Party.

A fun time will be had by all so join us for the fun!!!!!!!!!

Ice Skating Mouse for Sweet Sketch Wednesday

Check out this sketch...don't you love it?! It's the latest sketch for Sweet Sketch Wednesday. We hope it gets your creative juices flowing!! Please be sure and play along because we have a wonderful sponsor this week!!!

Meljen's Designs is a lovely stamp company owned and illustrated by Melissa Jenkins. She illustrates whimsical digital images inspired by her kids and family. The Meljen's Designs store officially launched on April 1 and is steadily growing! Meljen's Designs has new releases along with a new challenge every Thursday, freebies every Monday and a Guest Designer each month at the Meljen's Designs Blog. Please visit the Meljen's Designs line of stamps at the WHIMSY STAMPS STORE to browse and enjoy Melissa's wonderful images!

The prize for having your creation chosen for Sweet Sketch Wednesday...4 Meljen's Designs digis of your choice!!! You will have a hard time deciding!! Check out this adorable image I had the privilege of playing with.

This is Ice Skating Mouse. Isn't she the sweetest?! I colored her up with copic markers then cut it out with a Nestie. The papers are by Bo Bunny, and check that out, I used lavendar!!!!! As you may know, I am not a big purple fan, but I must say, it really works in combination with this blue and green. I may come to like it yet!! Just some simple straight stitching this time! Be sure and head over to Sweet Sketch Wednesday and check out the rest of the Design Team's creations, you are bound to be inspired.

I apologize for any and all mistakes in this blog post. I took some Nyquil for a cold and now I am REALLY tired! So off to bed I go, but I must remember to schedule this post first!!!!! Oh bother.

Autumn Joy

Did you remember to turn your clocks back? I wish my youngest would turn his internal clock back and sleep with that extra hour!! Yesterday was spent at a taekwondo tournament - a fun but long day of competing and judging. I came home with three 1st place trophies and one 3rd place trophy!!! Not bad for an old lady!!!

My card today is for a fun sketch at Create with Connie and Mary challenge blog. While on our summer vacation I colored in a bunch of images, and this was one of them. The image is Clear Dollar Stamps' Autumn Joy digital. I used Tombow markers and a blender pen on water color paper - a fun technique. The DSP is Imaginisce's Apple Cider in all the glorious colors of fall!

I sure hope you have been having a wonderful weekend. I'm looking forward to the upcoming sunny and warmer week predicted ahead. Sunshine and warmth always makes me happy!!!

Yummy Ice Cream!

Alright, who's with me in believing ice cream should be a food group all by itself? And on the food pyramid, you should have one serving per day!!! Definitely a weakness of mine!!!!! This card is for this month's Clearly Inspired Challenge with food as the theme. I used Clear Dollar Stamps' Sweet Scoops stamp set, inking it up for the very first time!! And what a fun set it is...I love all the words included so you can create your own sentiment. I think I will send this one off to my niece who is a freshman in college (hard to believe that!) for her birthday. Colors include Melon mambo, white, Pink pirouette and Olivia DSP by Basic Grey. Now please join us for the challenge this month. Be sure and use your Clear Dollar Stamps on your creation, and if you don't have any (GASP!!) a free digital download is being offered. Now get busy and start creating!!!

Relax

And take it easy. That's what the inside of the card says. A friend of mine has surgery scheduled next week so I thought this would be perfect for her. I had colored this image in a looooong time ago and am just now putting it to use...how sad! This card I've submitted for the Sketch Challenge over at SCS. After multiple tries at resize my picture so it would upload, it's now well past midnight and I am very tired...and a bit cranky. The image is a Clear Dollar Stamp digital called Quiet Rocking Chair. Colors of cardstock include Chocolate chip, Pineapple twist, Pretty porcelain (both from CDS), WCP, and scraps I pulled out of my bin. I had to move my embellishment onto the other side because it simply fit better there - that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!!! Have a wonderful Thursday.

Celebrate the Season...

With a cup of hot cocoa!!! It has been mighty cold here in Pittsburgh, PA. Frost has been on the ground every morning. I want to go back to Florida!!!!!!! Since I am here to stay for awhile, might as well stay warm in my stamp room! Check out this sketch Arlana has created for Sweet Sketch Wednesday, isn't it fab??!! I really had fun with this one and I know you will too.

Robyns' Fetish Digital Stamps and More is proud to sponsor this challenge (and we are very grateful!). Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps and More, a division of I Did It Creations, was created and owned by Robyn Weinrub. Robyn offers a wonderful variety of digital stamps and digital papers, designed to meet the needs of all digital paper crafting addicts for every occasion.

Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps and More is happy to offer the winner of this challenge 5 digital stamps or digital paper sets of their choice.

And here is my card using the image Hot Cocoa. I used my Copic markers on it as well as some liquid applique. I love running my heat gun over that stuff and watching it "puff." I dabbed a brown marker over it for added chocolate shavings I think would be perfect on a steaming cup of hot cocoa! I used Basic Grey's Two Scoops DSP. Now I have a confession to make - this is my least favorite line of Basic Grey paper, but for some reason, I have three paper pads of it, two 6 x 6 and one 12 x 12! Silly if you ask me. A little touch of pink on the heart so I went with a light pink satin ribbon and a lovely snowflake charm I had won on a blog challenge. Fun to finally put some of these things to good use. Do check out the rest of the DT samples as they always produce such amazing work! And I can't wait to see what you come up with too!

Cheerful Merry & Bright

Good Monday morning to you. Just a quick little card to show you before heading off to work. I made this last night while watching the Steeler game...boo hoo on their loss. I used the sketch from Freshly Brewed Challenges. They are also having a DT call.....check it out, sounds like fun!! I also used a Fresh Brewed image called Holly Wreath Snowman. He sure is a cutie!!! The sentiment is PaperTrey Ink's Holiday Tree. My little snowman had been colored with Copics a while back, so how perfectly he fits into this sketch! I used Basic Grey's Figgy DSP - the colors are perfect. The card measures 4.25 square, a fun size I've been using a lot lately. Have a wonderful day.