SIMPLY MADE

{case study}

2012-01-24T22:47:00.001-05:00

I love the CASE Study challenge blog! I love the monthly inspiration and I adore the DT's cards! So much eye candy over there! This week's challenge can be found here. Jen Rzasa has a wonderful card to be used as the inspiration for this challenge.

This is what I came up with.

True Love

Love the white SRM sticker sentiment on the black card stock!

Thanks for stopping by, friends!

{mme} sketch love

2012-01-22T17:50:00.000-05:00

I found this beautiful sketch on the My Mind's Eye blog.

I used the sketch along with some of my favorite products, MME & SRM, to make a card.

All My Heart

I adore that "love" paper and must get more, this happened to come in a card kit I won recently!

Happy Sunday, friends!

{guessing game} we have a winner!

2012-01-16T03:01:00.003-05:00

I have news. Big news. Squealing with delight when I found out kind of news. Scream it from the roof top kind of news. :)

***Deirdre was the first person to guess SRM Stickers!***
I am beyond thrilled to be part of this team! Head over to the SRM blog to see the announcement and a chance at winning their brand new collection!!

Want to know what it is? I'd love to tell you, but I want to have a little guessing game party on the old blog today! The first person to guess the correct answer will win a little something from me.

Ready?

Alrighty then. Here is a card I made with product from 3 of my favorite companies!

Be Mine

Sketch: Lucy Chesna, My Sketch World

If you are a regular visitor to my blog you know I adore My Mind's Eye, SRM Stickers and Precocious Paper. I just happened to make the Design Teams for one of these companies!

That is my big news!

Now here is the fun part for you, my blog readers! The first person to leave me a comment with the correct team will win a little something. :)

As soon as I have a winner I will link back to the manufacturer's blog because they are having a giveaway today too!

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you & happy have a chance to spend some time together today!

{felt} just us girls

2012-01-05T20:48:00.001-05:00

I found the Just Us Girls challenge site by way of Lynn's blog. I finally had some time to play and was pleased to find out the challenge this week was to use felt! Lucky me, I had just bought some lovely felt flowers from Tessa's lovely ETSY shop, Precocious Paper.

I used a wonderful sketch I found by Gretchen McElveen on the Bells Blvd blog.

Thank You

Please excuse the poor photo-indoor photos are my downfall. :( I used the basics of the sketch and added a little extra.

Happy Thursday!

{simple & sweet}

2012-01-04T16:18:00.002-05:00

The card is simple, the sticker sentiment comes from SRM's We've Got Your Sticker: Sweet collection!

Follow Your Heart

Papers: KI Memories and MME, Speech Bubble: Stickopotamus, Sentiment: SRM, Rub: MM

I love a sketch with simple lines and a great design.

I found this on the My Scrapbook Nook blog. I'm pretty sure I will be using this one again. :)

Having a kitten in the house is like having a toddler again! He is much too small to roam free yet so we have him confined to a couple rooms. We sure are enjoying his kitten antics!

Happy Wednesday, friends. I hope happy finds you today!

{1.2 pounds} purrfection

2011-12-31T11:34:00.000-05:00

Meet Lucky.

7 weeks old. Cornish Rex. Purring machine.

Wishing all of my friends a safe, healthy and happy 2012!

{card sharks} final round

2011-12-18T01:49:00.000-05:00

I was very excited to learn I had made it into the final round of My Scrapbook Nook's Card Shark contest! These are my final 2 cards. The first is based on the card game, Birds and our challenge was to use at least one medium to large size bird on our card.

Celebrate Love

Our second challenge was based on the card game, Snap. We had to use 2 pattern papers, 2 embellishments and a 2 word sentiment. I like the idea of this card, but I just couldn't get it to where I wanted it.

BRRRthday Wishes

Public voting on the 3 finalist's cards starts sometime on the 18th at the Nook Blog.

Happy Sunday, friends! I hope happy finds you today!

{card sketch} msw

2011-12-16T08:12:00.000-05:00

Lucy gave us an incredible sketch to work with this month, but then again, when doesn't she? :)

Merriest Wishes

Paper & Embellies: Simple Stories, Sentiment: SRM Stickers

This card took no longer than 10 minutes to make! Coordinating paper and embellishments sure make it easy! There are lots of fun challenges going on at My Sketch World this month, both for scrappers and card makers!

Happy Friday and thanks for stopping by! My giveaway ends today at 2:00 EST. Just leave me a comment here.

{banner} christmas (comments closed)

2011-12-14T13:47:00.002-05:00

I found this cute felt garland at Michael's for $1. I'm a sucker for a simple shape and traditional Christmas colors. I added a few little bits and pieces and my favorite SRM

stickers and I love the how it turned out. I have one (undecorated) to giveaway, along with a sheet of SRM Christmas stickers, to one lucky reader! Just leave me a comment before 2:00 pm EST, Friday, December 16th.

Tis the Season

I have it hanging on the door of my scrap room and it makes me smile.

The Paper Variety is having an Anything Goes Challenge this week, it is their last challenge of the year. They are also accepting applications for a new DT if you are interested!

Happy Wednesday, friends! I hope happy finds you today. :)

{winners!}

2011-12-13T11:17:00.000-05:00

2 lucky gals are going to receive some yummy SRM Stickers from me!

Drum roll please....

the first winner is:

Sherri said...

Beautiful tag! as everything you do is always!

and the second winner is:

Lynn said...

Love, love, love all the sparkle!

Congrats to the both of you! Please email me when you get a chance and I will put it on Santa's sleigh for Christmas delivery! :)

Happy Tuesday, friends!

(advent) nook event (comments closed)

2011-12-12T04:00:00.002-05:00

Christmas comes with a whole lot of traditions. The tree, the cookies, the family get togethers. Doing some sort of Advent Calendar to countdown to Christmas is something Ive done with the boys since they were little. The last 2 years Brian and I have done a Lego Advent Calendar. This year the creative girls at My Scrapbook Nook are doing a countdown to Christmas by having 25 of us make a card/tag. Each is featured on the Nook blog. My day is today, December 12th. This tag features old & new, sparkle & distress and ribbon & lace. I'm loving the big sparkly snowflakes!

Papers: MME and Graphic 45, CB Snowflake: EP, Lace: May Arts, Sentiment: SRM Stickers, Sparkly Snowflake: Target, Distress Ink: Ranger, Other: machine stitching, vintage velvet ribbon, twine, bingo marker

An Advent Calendar wouldn't be complete without a small gift, so I'm offering up some of my favorite things, SRM Stickers! Just leave me a comment before midnight EST, Wednesday, December 14th. The Nook is giving away a grand prize to one lucky person! Check out the lovely Leah's blog for a chance to win a 3month subscription (Jan-Mar) to My Scrapbook Nook Kits!

As always, I hope happy finds you in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season!

{card blog hop} MSW (comments closed)

2011-12-10T00:00:00.003-05:00

Calling all card sketch lovers! We’ve asked our designers to choose their favourite Lucy Chesna card sketch and challenge their partner to show you ways to create wonderfully inspiring cards, each with their very own a twist! Our international designers on this hop are:

Marion (Majo) Wybraneitz

Nicole Wise

Sherri Priest

Stacey Wright

The details:

1. Visit each blog and leave a comment. Read carefully, there maybe be individual requirements as some designers are offering little prizes of their own!

2. After you have visited each Designers blog come back to My Sketch World blog and let us know what you thought. Part Two of the hop ends Monday, December 19th, 11:59 EST.

3. Everyone who posts a comment on each blog will be entered to win ! Winners will be randomly chosen.

4. To receive and additional entry, scraplift a card and link it back to the My Sketch World blog and tell us in your comment what inspired you!

5. Have fun! Be inspired!

My wonderfully talented partner, Karen gave me this terrific sketch of Lucy's to work with.

My challenge is "sparkly Christmas" I turned the sketch and made the horizontal and vertical elements the same size with the ribbon and pearls/bling.

Tis the Season

Paper: Fancy Pants, Ribbon: Strano Designs, Bling & Pearls: Kaiser Craft, Sentiment: SRM Stickers, Other: snowflakes

That layered snowflake is super sparkly! Here is a close-up:

If you stopped by not knowing about the hop and want to participate, start here. If you are hopping please visit Karen's blog next! A lucky blog commentor will enjoy a gift of SRM Stickers! Enjoy and happy hopping, friends!

{sharks} week 3

2011-12-07T18:00:00.004-05:00

Well, it is week 3 at the Nook's Card Shark contest and I'm still alive. :) 2 challenges are due tonight and I finally found some time to get them done today. Tis the season, life is busy! The first challenge is based on Poker Flush, which is any 5 cards of the same suit. Our challenge is to use 5 of the same embellies on out card. I'm not sure why, but I found this challenge somewhat difficult.

Share the Joy

Paper & Pearls: MME, Felt Trees: Hero Arts, Doilies: LYB, Sticker Sentiment: SRM Other: embossing paste, pearl-x

I'm normally not much of a technique gal, but I hauled out my embossing paste and some gold pearl-x and made some shimmery snowflakes. I used the pearl-x on the edge of the doily "snow" too.

The second challenge is based on the card game, Crazy 8's. Our challenge is to use 8 elements of our choosing on our card. I made a simple folk art tree with a funky domino base.

Oh Christmas Tree

Paper: MME, Lace: May Arts, Ric Rak: Bazzill, #2 sticker: SRM, Other: domino, star

There has been mention of public voting for our cards on the Nook blog. I will let you know when and if that happens and if you are so inclined, you can take a look and vote for you favorite.

There are 3 things I'm very excited to mention to you all. The first 2 are awesome DT calls! One is for SRM Stickers! If you are a frequent visitor to my blog you know how much a adore these stickers. If I don't lose my nerve, I will be applying for this team! :) The second call is for Tessa's Precocious Paper team. Her handmade embellishments are beautiful and so is she, both inside and out. :) The last thing that has me so excited is that I made $155 at the garage sale my LSS had! :) I cant wait till the next one! I'm going to try to be a little more thoughtful about my scrappy purchases from now on.

Thanks for stopping by today, I'm hoping happy has found you in some way today!

{card sharks} cheeky valentine

2011-12-05T15:18:00.000-05:00

We have 3 new challenges up on the Nook blog this week for the Card Sharks Contest. One, which is due today (yes, ever the procrastinator) is to make a love themed Valentine card. I'm not really the mushy/lovey dovey kinda gal so I went a bit cheeky. :)

c'mon baby...

I participated in my first ever scrappy "garage sale" at my LSS yesterday. As I was getting ready for it, my 15 year old asked me if I was a hoarder. Seriously? I told him I preferred the term, collector. :) I made up kits with leftover paper and embellies and sold over half of them. Got rid of almost all my stamps and some tools I just don't use anymore. I will know the final amount tomorrow when I pick up my GC. I still have more to sell so I'm looking forward to the next one!

Happy Monday, friends. I hope happy finds you today!

{happy}

2011-11-24T15:23:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing all of my American friends, wherever you may be, a Happy Thanksgiving! For those of you not celebrating Thanksgiving today, I wish that happy finds you today in the smallest and most meaningful of ways.

It has been a busy week and I was just now able to finish up the last 2 cards for this week's challenges for the Card Sharks contest at the Nook. The first challenge of this, the second week of the contest, is based on the card game of Bridge. Lilith's clever challenge is to use wood or nails with a nature theme on our card. Wood and nails being something a bridge is made of. I told you, clever, right? :) I used some older Martha Stewart wood grained felt ribbon with a pretty layered poinsettia with gold beads in the middle for the "nails".

Merry Christmas

Papers: Graphic 45 and MME, Flower: Jolee's, Ribbon: Martha Stewart, Sentiment: SRM

Im linking this card up over at CASE Study (#67) too. Kryssi Ng has been the inspiration all month and Ive been meaning to play and this card fits the bill this week. :)

The second challenge is based on the card game, Kings in the Corner. The challenge is to make a card fit for royalty. I had some adorable SRM Princess stickers in my stash that I have been wanting to use. I paired them with some pretty pink (loads of pink!) MME papers.

Little Princess

Papers: MME, Punches: EKSuccess and Marvy Uchida,, Stickers: SRM, Ribbon: STrano Designs, Flower: Prima, Other: machine stitching

Here is a close-up of the ribbon bow, they are my favorite as of late.

Looking forward to what challenges the next week brings!

{card sharks} Week 2

2011-11-19T15:08:00.000-05:00

This will be the first of 3 challenges I hope to get done this week for the Nook's Card Shark contest. This challenge is based on the game of Bingo. The challenge was to have some sort of grid on your card. I made rectangle grids of patterned paper and also just happened to have a couple of these cute Christmas Bingo cards in my stash.

'Tis the Season

Papers: MME, Bingo Card: Jenni Bowlin, Sentiment: SRM, Other: lace trim, machine stitching, mini cookie cutter

It is a chilly day here today. I am about to go out and mow the lawn. The lazy gal's way of getting rid of the last few leaves in the yard. ;) The big boys have a soccer game later tonight and Brian has one tomorrow afternoon. Hoping to squeeze in a little more crafty time sometime this weekend.

Happy Saturday, friends!

{card sharks} #2

2011-11-17T15:59:00.000-05:00

The last challenge of the first week of the Card Sharks contest at the Nook is based on the card game, Solitaire. As a child I would spend hours playing (with real cards!) Solitaire and now I pass the time waiting in line at the store playing it on my phone. :) Our challenge is to make a card to bring some cheer to someone who might be lonely.

Miss You

Papers & Brad: MME, Doily: MS, Sentiment: SRM, Other: glitter branch, handmade flower (thanks Kayla!)

We are on to week 2 as of today. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Thursday!

*I hope, as always, happy finds you today*

{my sketch world}

2011-11-16T16:26:00.000-05:00

It's time for a new card sketch from Lucy at My Sketch World!

Winter Wishes

Paper: MME and EP, Cutting Tool: Slice, Punch: Marvy, Sentiment: SRM

I hope you can join us this month at My Sketch World! We have some wonderful card and layout challenges for November. If you are looking for a drama-free, encouraging creative community to call home, come visit My Sketch World and see for yourself! We'd love to have you!

Happy Wednesday!

{card sharks} week 1

2011-11-12T15:48:00.000-05:00

The Nook is keeping us busy with the Card Sharks contest! Hilde's challenge is based on the UNO card game and has us featuring the number 1 on a card. I love a little banner on a card and had this number 1 left over so I came up with this birthday card.

Happy Birthday

Paper: MME and EP, Number sticker: MME, Sentiment: SRM, Punches: Fiskars, Marvy

It is a lovely fall day here in Michigan! There was frost on the ground when we woke up, but it has been sunny all day. I am thankful I got to have breakfast with my bestie this morning after having all the boys' hair cut! Hoping to work on the last challenge of the week today.

Happy Saturday! Remember, "if you want to be happy, be".

{card sharks} week1

2011-11-11T10:26:00.000-05:00

The first challenge at the Nook's Card Shark contest (apparently our first card was challenge zero) ;) is based on the card game, Phase 10. Apparently you build on each hand you're dealt until you finish the 10 phases of the game. Can you tell I've never played? ;) Well, our challenge is to make a card in 3 phases. With certain criteria to meet, we have to create a base, photograph it and then embellish it in any way we like and finally photograph the finished card and post it to their blog.

Seek (base)

Seek (finished)

Paper: MME, Flower: Prima, Cabon: Papier Valise, Sentiment: Authentique, Other: hand stitching, ribbon

Sometimes a piece of pattern paper is so pretty I don't want to do much to it. I stitched over the ribbon on the dress form and added some stitching to frame it out on the sides. I cut out the middle of the flower and added that cabon because I thought it was a little too much pink. Added a couple loops of the twine ribbon and called it a day.

Today, I am thankful for the sun that is shining on this cold fall morning. (and for the coffee I will be getting shortly, shhhh.) :) Thanks for stopping by, I hope happy finds you today!

{card sharks}

2011-11-09T10:49:00.000-05:00

What a busy week I had last week. Hardly any time was had being crafty. There isn't a better way for me to jump start my mojo than a challenge or a contest. The Scrapbook Nook is having a Card Sharks contest. The first challenge was to pretty up an envelope and hide the sentiment inside.

Happy.

the sentiment reveal:

Paper, Brad & Chip: My Mind's Eye, Felt Flower: Jolee's, Sentiment: SRM

Can you believe we are already well into the second week of November? Time is flying by , as it so often does this time of year. With Thanksgiving right around the corner and Tessa's gentle reminder, I'm remembering to put into words the things I'm grateful for. Today, it is the peace and quiet in my house. The busy week I had last week was great fun and I got a lot accomplished, but this morning I am relishing in the stillness of my house. What are you grateful for today?

Happy Wednesday, friends.

{winner}

2011-10-28T20:43:00.000-04:00

A big thank you to those of you who took the time to leave comments on both my blog and the Ella Publishing blog! I appreciate your kind words oh so much!

I picked a name out of the proverbial hat and the winner is...

SmilynStef!

Email me your particulars Stef and I'll get you those lovely SRM stickers next week!

Ella Cards

2011-10-28T12:04:00.003-04:00

Just in case you didn't have a chance to visit the Ella Publishing Co. blog, I thought I would share the cards I made for that post here on my blog. If you are a card maker, please try to get over to the Ella Blog. October is Card Month at Ella and there are some amazing ideas and some wonderful eye candy to be seen! They also have fabulous eBooks and a cool eZine for even more brilliant ideas!

Here are the cards I made for my blog post.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Papers: BoBunny, My Mind's Eye, Mustache sticker: Jolee's, Sentiment: SRM, Fake Snow: Deco Art

Happy Halloween

Papers: My Mind's Eye, Tree: Close To My Heart, Stars & Eyes: K&Co.

I'm submitting this one for the challenge over at The Paper Variety, they are looking for Halloween paper projects!

Oh So Adorable

Papers & Sticker Embellishment: My Mind's Eye

I cant believe the month of October is almost over! I sent Brian off to school this morning as an adorable version of Harry Potter. His big brother Brady was Harry Potter 9 years ago!

I hope happy finds you today!

Ella Love

2011-10-26T15:09:00.000-04:00

I'm a guest blogger over at Ella Publishing Co. today! The month of October is Card Month at Ella and there is a ton of eye candy and wonderful tips on making cards on the blog! I will be giving away a couple sheets of SRM Stickers and maybe a little something else too. :) All you have to do is leave a comment here and on my post at Ella. You will have until noon EST this Friday to post. I will draw a name and announce the winner Friday evening. Thanks for stopping by!

{merry} 2 ways

2011-10-22T17:01:00.000-04:00

The current challenge at the Card and a Half blog is to make 2 Christmas cards with the same patterned paper, each with a different look. I love to make Christmas cards. When Archivers had their 40% off pattern paper sale I bought a 6x6 pad of Aunthentique's Wonder Christmas paper. I used that for both my cards along with sentiments from SRM. I also pulled out some Fancy Pants felt that I've had for a couple years. I love to mix old product with new.

Merry 1

Merry 2

I cant believe Christmas is just a little more than 2 months away! Will you be making your Christmas cards this year? I make a handful of cards and then the boys usually do a fun photo card that we send out. My sisters and nieces are coming down for our annual Christmas shopping weekend in 2 weeks. I cant wait!! Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!

{grid} deconstructed

2011-10-16T20:47:00.000-04:00

My friend and fellow MSW DT member, Toni, has a great layout challenge this month! She has challenged us to use a grid on our layout. I've never met a grid I haven't loved. :) All those straight lines make me giddy! *wink* I used squares with 2 rounded corners and kind of "deconstructed" what a regular grid would be. Here is my interpretation:

(fall)

A simple layout about my favorite season. I love taking photos in the fall. Things in nature that are in the process of dying are my favorite subject. I love the colors and textures that accompany the cooler weather of my favorite time of year. :) Love this French proverb:

"Autumn is the hush before winter."

{my sketch world}

2011-10-15T10:54:00.000-04:00

Lucy has a great new card sketch up at My Sketch World!

Love You

Paper: Scenic Route (miss them so much!), Embellies: LYB, Sentiment: SRM

I had all the LYB Twig stuff out on my desk and found this sheet of PP in my stash. The circle is really thin wood veneer. The middle of the flower was a little busy for the sticker sentiment so I added a paper covered chipboard circle to it and then added the sentiment.

It's rainy and cold here today, perfect crafting weather! Happy Saturday!

{card and a half} sketch challenge

2011-10-11T14:38:00.000-04:00

The Card and a Half Challenge Blog has a great card sketch up until the 19th of this month.

Thanks

Papers: LYB, The Girl's Paperie, Echo Park; Tag & Leaf: LYB, Clip: Karen Foster, Flower: Prima Sentiment: SRM

With my clean and simple style and my need for a straight line, I straightened it out and turned it on its side. *laugh* I've never been good with adding more than one angle to a card or a layout. I dug into my stash to make this card, that always makes me feel good. :) There is a $30 prize up for grabs for the Little Scrapbook Shop. I would love to see some of you join in on the fun!

Happy Fall, friends! Hope happy finds you today.

{happy fall}

2011-10-09T13:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Fall, friends! Around Michigan the leaves are turning lovely shades of orange, red and yellow. The cider mills are serving up sweet cider and warm donuts and, of course, Halloween will be here before you know it. Do you decorate for Halloween? I have a few things out and I love the new scented candles I found at Target. They are layered with 3 scents; pumpkin nutmeg, cinnamin ginger and bonfire nights. They are by Nature's Wick and when lit, the wick crackles like a fire. So cool.

I have to admit, with the arrival of my favorite season, my mojo disappeared. I think it might have taken a trip to Australia. Liz, if you happen to find it please send it back my way! ;) I don't think Ive ever gone through a spell that lasted this long. Ive had the time, I even forced (laugh) myself to buy some new goodies, but nothing is really helping. I'm pretty sure the act of creating will help kick start my mojo, so I did manage a few cards this week. Truth be told, they don't excite me, but at least I'm back at it. Indulge me for a post and I promise it will get better. :)

Best Wishes

This is for my October Challenge at My Sketch World, to make a card with Halloween colors (green, purple, orange and black) but not be Halloween themed. There is a great new layout sketch and some awesome challenges this month, come join us!

Boo!

I found that ghosty boarder punch at Michael's on clearance a couple weeks ago. I used a zipper to imitate a fence top for the ghosts to be peeking over. :)

Happy Halloween

I made this for The Paper Variety's "Forest Friends" challenge.

I adore these My Mind's Eye papers and of course, the SRM stickers! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by. Let me know what you do when your mojo disappears!

{reveal day} card sketch

2011-09-16T09:43:00.001-04:00

Yesterday Lucy revealed the card sketch for September at My Sketch World.

Just a Note

vintage dictionary page, Fancy Pants paper, SRM Sticker Sentiment, Precocious Paper Sweet Spots, Kaiser Craft bling

Don't forget about the ABC Crop that is going at MSW too! Lots of card and layout challenges till the end of the month! Check out what the other designers did with this great sketch here.

The Paper Variety is being sponsored by SRM Stickers this week! The challenge is to use a sticker on your paper project. It doesn't have to be an SRM Sticker, but I highly recommend them! :)

Happy Friday, friends! :)

I {heart} SRM

2011-09-13T10:02:00.001-04:00

It is no big secret that I adore SRM Sticker Sentiments! :) They are my favorite "go-to" embellishment, along with all the yummy My Mind's Eye papers I have been crushing on all summer long! The 5th and final challenge for The Paper Variety's Blogaversary is to use your favorite embellishment! I have loved these "favorite" challenges they have had. The layout I made is also for the G is for Gratitude challenge over at My Sketch World for the ABC Crop.

Happy Life 24-7-365

SRM Sticker Sentiments, My Mind's Eye papers & stickers, twine

Happy Tuesday, friends! Hope happy finds you today!

{monochromatic} hearts

2011-09-11T11:25:00.004-04:00

Since my crafty time is limited, I like to be able to combine challenges. Especially when 2 of my favorite places are having celebrations this month. :) The Paper Variety has turned 1 and My Sketch World is celebrating with a month long ABC Crop. If I had to do separate challenges I would probably only be able to participate in one celebration and that would break my crafty heart! Thanks to both Abby & Suzanne from TPV and Lucy from MSW for letting us share our creations!

The fourth challenge at TPV is a Monochromatic Color Challenge and the H Challenge over at MSW is to use 2 hearts (that aren't red) on a card. For the color challenge I chose cream/beige. I added a lot of texture by way of embellishments. This card is a departure for me from my "less is more" style.

A Day Filled With Love

BoBunny, My Mind's Eye papers, SRM Sticker Sentiment, Precocious Paper Sweet Spot,

Heidi Swapp acrylic heart, Recollections flowers, K&Company brad, office tag, jute ribbon,

pearl stick pin, buttons, lace trim, ribbon.

The last challenge for the Blogaversary is up today at The Paper Variety. The ABC Crop goes until the end of the month, with both card and layout challenges. I almost forgot to add that I used a sketch from Mojo Monday for this card:

9/11: Let Us Not Forget

{favorites}

2011-09-10T11:46:00.000-04:00

It just so happens 2 of my favorite places, The Paper Variety and My Sketch World are celebrating this month! The Paper Variety has turned 1 and is having a Blogaversary Party this week! My Sketch World is having a month long celebration in the form of a fun ABC Crop! I managed a card that fits nicely for each of their challenges! Loves me a "two-fer!" :)

TPV challenge is to use your favorite manufacturer. My Mind's Eye has been a favorite as of late. I love their 6x6 paper pads-the smaller scale patterns work nicely for card making. All of the paper and the sentiment label is "Lime Twist." The sentiment, of course, is SRM!

many thanks

The F Challenge over at MSW is to use four things on a card; a flower, a font, fringe and fall colors.

I didn't quite know how I was going to fit a flower on this card, so I pulled out my stamps (taking Kelly's advice to spend more time with them) for the second time this week and stamped some tiny flowers on the white cloud. Here is a close-up:

I used this sketch from PageMaps:

Thanks for stopping by today! Happy Saturday, friends!

{stamping}

2011-09-08T14:16:00.000-04:00

I don't pull my stamps out for just anybody. I have a bunch of stamps. All kinds. All shapes, loads of alphabets. Lots of sentiment stamps too. I get all caught up in the buying of them and haven't really taken the time to get to know them. They are like casual acquaintances, my stamps and I. :)

Abby & Suzanne at The Paper Variety are having a Blogaversary Party this week to celebrate TPV turning 1! The first challenge of the party is to use stamps on a paper project. And I love those girls to bits, so I stamped. :) My card turned out to be a weird combination of rustic and elegant. Go figure.

You can find the lovely sketch I used at Card and a Half Blog.

{mr.&mrs.}

Hero Arts stamp, Little Yellow Bicycle papers, SRM Sticker Sentiment,

Recollections paper rose, Offray ribbon flower, Folk Art paint

Rustic and elegant, right? Thanks to both The Paper Variety and Card and a Half for the wonderful challenges! TPV Blogaversary Party lasts all week! A new challenge and prize every day!

Happy Thursday, friends! I hope happy finds you today. :)

{a} arrow challenge

2011-09-07T10:17:00.002-04:00

I celebrated getting the 3 boys off to school yesterday with a little crafting. The ABC Crop is in full swing at My Sketch World! I always manage to do the card challenges first and then try to catch up with the layouts. I found these photos from Brian's first day of pre-school and wanted to use the Sweet Spots I got from Tessa's ETSY shop Precocious Paper. I used the September sketch from Lucy.

Paper: Jenni Bowlin, Scenic Route, Thickers, SRM Sticker Sentiment, Precocious Paper Sweet Spots

I don't do many 12x12 layouts anymore, but am happy with the way this turned out. I'm hoping to get some crafty time today. The Studio Challenges is having a school themed challenge this week, check it out here. The ABC Crop at My Sketch World goes all month with both card and layout challenges! Dont forget to check out The Paper Variety's Blogaversary! There is a Hop and a challenge this week, including a challenge to use you favorite photos (which these are!).

Happy Wednesday, friends!

{d} diecut challenge

2011-09-04T13:07:00.000-04:00

The ABC Crop at My Sketch World is in its 4th day which means we have a "D" challenge today!

The challenge is to use a die cut on a card. I chose to use a die cut journaling spot on my card.

"Hello Friend"

MME paper, Prima rose, SRM Sticker Sentiment

Fancy Pants Journaling Spot, jute ribbon

Here is a close-up. I've had that ribbon for over a year without knowing what to do with it and now I cant stop using it! Isn't that the way it goes with some supplies?

I hope you can join us for the ABC Crop!

Happy Sunday! Hope happy finds you today. :)

{abc} crop

2011-09-03T14:17:00.000-04:00

It's September and you know what that means right? It is time for the month long ABC Crop at My Sketch World! Details can be found here. There are both card and layout challenges and plenty of time to get them done! And did I mention there are prizes? Oh yes there are! Come join us!!

We are on day 3 which is the C Challenge (a color challenge, of course!). I'm behind (of course) and have only done the B challenge, which is to use 2 butterflies on a card.

Birthday Wishes

MME paper, Pebbles butterflies, SRM Sticker Sentiment

I used this sketch from PageMaps:

The Paper Variety is turning one! Happy Birthday TPV! They are having a Blogaversary Celebration next Wednesday! (see my sidebar) Their current challenge is to make a birthday related project with a banner on it. I think my card fits! :) Thanks for another fun challenge! It is Abby's (she and Suzanne co-founded TPV) birthday this week-Happiest of Happy Birthdays, Abby!

Happy Saturday, friends!

{winner} and thank you.

2011-09-02T20:26:00.004-04:00

I'd like to thank everyone for stopping by for Tessa's Birthday Blog Hop! Wasn't it fun? And the projects? Oh my gosh, don't get me started on those! :) Don't forget about the free shipping code you can use if you place an order at Tessa's ETSY shop, Precocious Paper by Monday, the 5th.

I'm so not technical. I used the random number generator but cant for the life of me get it to show up here. *laugh* :) The winner of the $5 gift certificate to Precocious Paper is Margie!

Congrats Margie!

I will be emailing you with the information shortly. :)

{tessa's birthday} bloghop

2011-08-29T09:00:00.005-04:00

**You have until midnight tonight (EST) to leave a comment to be in the running for a $5 gift cerificate for Tessa's Precocious Paper ETSY shop**

Welcome to Tessa's 30th Birthday Blog Hop! I'm so excited to be a part of it! The blog hop is being sponsored by Tessa's fabulous ETSY shop, Precocious Paper. Tessa will be giving away over $100 worth of her beautiful creations over the next 2 days! There are 20 designers who will be sharing their wonderful projects designed with goodies from Precocious Paper. You can join us in the fun by starting at Tessa's blog. If you have already started hopping, you should have come from Heidi's blog.

I'd love to share my projects that I made with Tessa's products! I found this simple cloche at Target. It is black felt with a black bow. It was screaming for something pretty to be added to it! :)

I layered one of Tessa's lovely rolled satin flowers on a felt & fabric layered flower and added some hand stitching to make the bow pop.

Here is a close-up of the beautiful flower:

Here is my lovely sister-in-law, Stephanie modeling it for me:

I also made 2 cards!

Thanks So Much

Thanks

After seeing all the designers' projects, I'm sure you are going to want some Precocious Paper goodies for your very own, right? :) All you have to do is complete the entire hop, leaving a comment at each of the designer's blogs! You will then be entered into a drawing for the grand prize-the September, October, November and December Samplers from Precocious Paper! That is a $54 value and tons of fabulous hand-crafted scrapbooking/card-making embellishments! Follow Tessa's blog to be entered to win a $20 credit to the shop and if you follow Precocious Paper on Facebook, you could win another $20 credit! Tessa will be giving away surprise credits to blog hop participants so be sure to leave a comment on each of the designer's blog posts!

As part of the celebration, Tessa has added a bunch of new lovelies to her shop, be sure to stop by and take a peek! If you use this code during check out, JANBBHFREE you will get free shipping and a thank you gift! (minimum order for international only is $5) I will also be picking a winner for a $5 gift certificate for Tessa's store!

Your next stop will be the fabulous Suzy! Enjoy the hop and good luck!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TESSA!

{inspired by virginia}

2011-08-21T16:17:00.002-04:00

I was inspired by the very talented and unbelievably sweet Virgina, who in turn was inspired by the very talented Alexandra. This wonderful sketch by Alexandra started the whole thing.

Alexandra made this beautiful card:

and Virgina made this fabulous card:

and here is the card I made:

I put my own little spin on the sketch with the different shapes, but its all there. :) I just realized that these cards are from 3 countries, I am in the US, Virginia is in Canada and Alexandra is in France! How cool is that?

What about you? Are you inspired? If you are and happen to make a card, please leave me a comment so I can visit your blog! Would love to see what all my talented friends come up with.

Happy Sunday!

{happy dance}

2011-08-16T18:27:00.002-04:00

I'm doing the happy dance today! Lucy asked me to continue on as a Card Designer for My Sketch World! Congrats to the rest of the card team and the layout team too! A warm welcome to the new gals! I adore Lucy's sketches and all the lovely ladies that frequent the message board at My Sketch World. If you are looking for a no-drama, very friendly scrapping community, MSW is the place to be! There are 8 girls each on the card and layout teams so there will be plenty of challenges to keep you busy over the next few months!

I managed a little crafty time today and made 2 very simple cards.

Life is Good

(Im finally getting a card done in time for the current challenge at The Paper Variety which is to use threads on your project!)

Celebrate Life

I made the second card for the challenge over at The Paper Variety, but again my procrastination got the best of me and I didn't get it in on time. Oh well, I was excited to have finally gotten to use that little lemon slice-it makes me very happy!

I hope happy has found you today, thanks for stopping by!

{thoughts & prayers}

2011-08-14T16:17:00.001-04:00

I made this card for Helen of Card and a Half blog. She recently lost her husband in a tragic accident. If anyone could use a prayer it is Helen and her 2 boys.

Thoughts & Prayers

I punched a scalloped circle of the pattern paper and popped it up:

I used this sketch from Card and a Half:

If you have a minute, say a prayer or think a positive thought for Helen & her boys. Thank you.

{card and a half}

2011-08-12T11:08:00.002-04:00

I've come across a new Card Challenge blog thanks to a visit to Liz's blog! Liz makes beautiful cards. Beautiful flowers, wonderful shapes with some lovely touches of bling and pearls. We share a mutual admiration for SRM Stickers too. :) Because I'm a link follower (if you give a mouse a cookie...) I went to the Card and a Half challenge blog. They have a monthly sketch challenge with an extra challenge thrown in for fun! I did the extra challenge which is to create a card with flowers on it.

{mr. & mrs.}

Here is a close up of the bow:

I used a mix of old and new on this card. I started with an older sketch from Lucy (that I cant get to show up here for some reason). The striped pink paper is old Making Memories and the striped ribbon is older SEI. The white flowers I bought yesterday. I pulled out their center and replaced it with the pink roses. To finish it off, a new We've Got Your Sticker Sticker Sentiment from SRM!

Happy Friday, friends! I hope happy finds you today!

{challenges galore}

2011-08-09T14:43:00.005-04:00

I love nothing more than a good challenge! I happened to have made a card today that fits the criteria for 3 really good ones! A "threefer" if you will. ;)

Birthday Wishes

The love affair with MME Stella & Rose continues. I love the new Fancy Sticker Sentiments by SRM! They are beautiful. I used this sketch from PageMaps for their blog challenge this month.

I flipped the sketch just for an added challenge. Ha. :) The Paper Variety challenge that ends today is all about circles and there are lots of those in all the patterned paper I used! Paige at the CREATE blog challenged us to make a birthday card. That's it, a threefer, might be my first ever.

(this is the second week in a row my procrastination has made me miss The Paper Variety challenge-that will teach me! Will have to get to making something for next week pronto!)

Happy Tuesday, friends!

{wishing you well}

2011-08-07T13:28:00.000-04:00

My friend and fellow DT member at MSW, Nicole has a Get Well Card Challenge going on this month. I have very few of these kinds of cards made, so it was a good challenge for me to do! I used some of my favorite colors and products and a beautiful handmade flower from one of my favorite creative friends to make it. :) Scraps from MME Stella & Rose, a leaf embellishment from LYB and an SRM sticker to go with the beautiful flower Kayla surprised me with make for a simple card to send to a friend who might need a little pick me up.

Wishing You Well

I hope you can find the time to check out both the card and layout challenges at MSW this month! There is a DT call for both teams that ends on the 15th of this month!

Happy Sunday, friends! I hope happiness had found you today!

{block party}

2011-08-02T13:49:00.002-04:00

I'm having a block party over at My Sketch World this month! My card challenge is to use a blocking technique! Blocking is an awesome design element and can be done in so many ways. I chose to use 3 different pieces of pattern paper, each a little bigger than the other. I added some machine stitching and embellished it with a new SRM sticker sentiment and some lovely Prima flowers. I hope you will join me this month! There is also a DT Call going on now through the 15th of August. Lucy is a crazy talented sketch artist and the board is the nicest on the net! :)

Thank You

Happy Tuesday, friends! Thanks for stopping by!

{road trip and a sketch}

2011-08-01T10:40:00.002-04:00

We just arrived back from a fun road trip to the west coast of Michigan! We spent a couple days in Mears on Silver Lake. We took the Mac Woods Dune Tour-what fun! We also managed a round of putt-putt, go kart rides and a couple hours on the beach!

Then we spent a couple nights in Muskegon. We spent a day at Michigan Adventures. I didn't take my camera in because I knew we would be away from it wondering around the water park. We spent the following day at Grand Haven, enjoying the awesome beach, a walk on the pier, a trolley tour of the area and more putt-putt! :)

We had a grand time and I rather enjoyed the break from the computer. Now it is time to get back into the swing of things. It's a new month (seriously? It's August already?) and that means Lucy has created a wonderful sketch for the My Sketch World DT to play with!

Remember These Moments

I flipped the sketch, only because I thought the flowers worked better that way. Join us over at MSW this month for some fun card and layout challenges!

Happy Monday, friends! Hope happy finds you today.

(sassy sketch)

2011-07-17T16:41:00.001-04:00

My friend and fellow DT member at MSW, Katie, is one of 2 gals that make up Sassy Sketches. They have a fun card sketch this month that I wanted to have a go with.

I made a very simple thank you card replacing the butterflies with clouds. :)

I adore that cloud punch. The SRM sticker is from the "We've Got Your Sticker" Thanks sheet. I cut it in half and trimmed it to fit that little punched tag. Paper is from October Afternoon's Thrift Shop and the hot air balloon is MME. (just in case you were wondering!) :)

That's all I have for today. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Sunday!

{life is good}

2011-07-14T14:59:00.009-04:00

Barb at My Sketch World has a fun card challenge this month! She challenges us to use sheet music and a heart on our card for her "Put a Song in Your Heart" challenge. Cute, right? I found a simple sketch from The Craft's Meow while perusing Amy's blog. They are having a challenge this month using the sketch and their stamps. I don't own any of their stamps, but for those of you who do, there is a random prize draw!

Here is the sketch:

I finally got the nerve up to spatter some paint on my card and am happy to say I like how it turned out. I also painted the music sheet with some watered down paint.

Life is Good

I will be linking this up to The Paper Variety blog too. It matches the colors in the Photo Inspiration challenge they have going this week! (for some strange reason, I cant save the photo from TPV)

So, how many of you are Harry Potter fans? Brady, my middle son, and I are big fans! We are going to the midnight show of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 tonight! We have spent the last week watching the first 7 movies to get ready for this, the final one.

Happy Thursday, friends. I hope happy finds you today!

{christmas in july} TPV

2011-07-11T20:59:00.001-04:00

The Paper Variety is having a Christmas in July challenge! This is the first challenge with the new DT and there are some really wonderful projects that have been linked to the blog. I love making Christmas cards so I put one together. :) It became a GC holder quite by accident! *laugh*

I cut an SRM sticker sentiment in half putting the second half inside:

I'm also going to send this to Paige at the CREATE blog. The new challenge is to use twine. :)

My friend, Val made it into the First Round of Gallery Idol! Congrats, my friend! The 20 finalists had 3 days to make a card with a homemade embellishment. Check out the cards here. Voting gets them into the next round. If you have a minute, sign up and vote for your favorite!

Thanks for stopping by! Be happy. :)

{tuesday trigger}

2011-07-02T17:38:00.000-04:00

Love the simple card in this week's Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab World and thought I would give it a go. Here is the lovely card by Tina Fussle:

I had everything ready to go and was having trouble fitting the doily in somewhere. It is such a focal point on the card that I really wanted to incorporate it on mine. I just happened to have my cloud punch sitting on my desk (you should see my desk-what a mess!) It took a couple tries to get just right, but I think it makes a nice cloud.

Congratulations (on your new home)

Have a wonderful weekend, friends. Be happy.

{july card} MSW

2011-07-01T23:45:00.000-04:00

A new month always means a new sketch from Lucy at My Sketch World!

Thinking of You

Yes, I'm still obsessed with MME Stella and Rose. *sigh* What can I say? It makes me happy.

See that beautiful flower? My wonderful friend, Kayla, made it for me! (along with 2 others!) Thanks again, Kayla, they are so pretty! I have met the absolute nicest, most generous and wonderfully creative people through this crafty hobby of mine! Some I have had the pleasure of meeting in real life, others I cant wait to meet and some I will probably never have the chance to meet, as much as I would like to. I love that this hobby makes us friends. :)

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

{last challenge} TPV

2011-06-30T11:02:00.000-04:00

It is a sad day for me. This is the last challenge as a DT member for The Paper Variety. :( I sure have enjoyed myself the last 6 months! Abby & Suzanne are wonderful and the rest of the DT are fabulous designers all. :) A new team has been chosen and I cant wait to see their projects every week!

The challenge is an easy one, a sketch from Page Maps!

I couldn't get this to translate very well to an 8.5x11 layout, which is my preferred method, so I stuck with the 12x12 and stayed true to the sketch.

Just Add Water

Love that Echo Park line. :) Our sponsor this month is the aways fabulous Artful Delight! Just by linking up your project to TPV Blog by noon EST Tuesday, July 5th you have a chance to win this:

I cant wait to see your projects! Good luck to the new DT!

Happy Thursday, friends!

[beautiful} borders

2011-06-26T16:34:00.003-04:00

I haven't met a border punch that I haven't loved. Ever. :) I have a few tried and true favorites, but that doesn't stop me from looking at them every single time I visit a crafty store. Its just my luck that the Moxie Fab World Challenge this week is all about border punches. There are some beautiful examples of what you can do with them on the blog, be sure to check them out!

I used a Martha Stewart Loopy Punch Around the Page border punch (say that 3 times fast!) for this card, that just so happens to be doing double duty as Ive put in in the Galley Idol Flickr Gallery too. :)

Congratulations!

Happy Sunday, friends! Has happiness found you today? I sure hope so. :)

{rainbow bright}

2011-06-19T20:46:00.000-04:00

Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger is all about happy! A rainbow bright kind of happy!

I adore this photo. It makes me happy. :) So I made a card. Big surprise, right?

I've had those little clips for a long time, a gift from my friend, Patti. It was a happy little accident that they were sitting on my desk when I made this card tonight! As you can see, I took the colors and the side by side orientation of the spools of thread from the photo for the inspiration for this card.

I'm going to put my card in the Gallery Idol Flickr Gallery too. Have you entered a card yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Even if you don't want to enter, go and take a look at all the wonderful cards that have been entered so far. There is loads of inspiration and lots of eye candy!

Happy Sunday, friends! Hope happy finds you today.

{shine}

2011-06-17T09:26:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd share another "congratulations" card I've made for Gallery Idol.

Shine

It's the last day of school for my boys. :) They are ready. I am ready. (I think...) :)

It will be nice to have a little break from the alarm clock.

Happy Friday, friends. I hope happy finds you today!

{all mixed up} TPV

2011-06-16T10:06:00.000-04:00

This week's challenge at The Paper Variety is all mixed up! Alphabet fonts, that is!

Another awesome prize is up for grabs!

Dana has been a sponsor before and we at TPV love having her!

Here is my take on the challenge.

(not so) Sweet 16

(some of you may have seen this before, I apologize, the week got away from me)

Having boys, there is nothing "sweet" about them turning sixteen! :) I wanted to do a little play on the words in the title so I added the "sweet" in a smaller font.

I cant wait to see how you mix up your title fonts! The information for The Paper Variety DT Call can be found here. It is a great gig, I'm sorry to see my time end.

Happy Thursday, friends!

{sew excited}

2011-06-12T13:43:00.002-04:00

I made a card today that serves dual purposes. A two-fer, if you will. :) The current challenge over at Moxie Fab World is a "I'm Sew Excited" challenge. The challenge is to use an icon associated with sewing on your project. I finally came up with a way to use the mini wooden bobbins my buddy,Val sent me! :) I love them and they have been sitting on my desk since I received them. I incorporated
them into a mini banner on a very small cross stitch hoop. Both of which make me

happy. :)

Congrats

Here is a close-up:

This card also got added to the Gallery Idol Flickr Gallery today. Dual purpose, remember? :)

Happy Sunday, friends. Hope happy finds you today!

{to idol or not to idol}

2011-06-08T10:10:00.005-04:00

Hey you card makers out there, it's Paper Craft's Gallery Idol time! Are you in? You have nearly a month to make a "congratulations" card and upload it to the Gallery Idol 2011 flickr gallery. I cant imagine the number of cards they will receive in that time. 1000? 2000? I bet the actual number will be closer to 3000 or, quite possibly, more. How to make a card stand out amongst all those other cards is the big question, isn't it? If you are joining in on the fun, how do you plan on making your card "pop"?

I used a technique I started a couple years ago when I did some design work for Strano Designs using their Ribbon Stiff. Woven ribbon. It is one of my favorite techniques and Ribbon Stiff makes the ribbon a lot easier to work with. I wove red & white ribbon for this card that I posted to the Gallery Idol flickr gallery this morning:

You Did It

I added a 3-D star with some May Arts ribbon and 2 pins with an SRM Sticker sentiment. Not sure if it will get noticed, but that's alright, I nearly had myself talked out of even trying. :)

If you want to try weaving, it is super easy and The Studio Challenge blog's current card challenge is to try weaving or sewing on a card. Be sure to check out my buddy, Val's beautiful card! Go ahead, spread your creative wings a little!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

{june card} MSW

2011-06-02T07:17:00.000-04:00

It's time for a new card sketch over at My Sketch World!

I followed the sketch very closely. I didn't even realize I hadn't add the 4 small circle elements until just now. How funny is that? I digress. :)

With Sympathy

I used my mini Stella and Rose papers again. I'm going to be a sad girl when it's all gone. I punched the butterflies out of some patterned vellum and added a few pearls. To finish it off I added an SRM Sticker for the sentiment.

I also used these papers and SRM Stickers for this Father's Day card I made for the CREATE blog challenge this week.

Family Man

I used this PageMaps sketch:

I hope happiness finds you today!

{tutti fruiti}

2011-06-01T08:15:00.000-04:00

We have another great challenge for you at The Paper Variety!

I was inspired by the SRM Sticker Sentiment, "Thanks a Bunch" for this card.

Along with the SRM Sticker, I used Cosmo Cricket paper and leaf die cut and added some hand stitching and a misted pipe cleaner curly-q. Sweet & simple. Be sure to check out the other designer's sweet projects on The Paper Variety Blog!

Upload your fruity paper projects by noon EST, Tuesday, June 7th and you have a chance to win this awesome kit from Artful Delight:

Upload by noon EST Sunday, June 5th and you could be chosen for our Submission Spotlight!

Abby & Suzanne are holding a DT Call for The Paper Variety! They are a dream to "work" for! I have enjoyed all the challenges and the wonderful people I have "met" through their blogs. I am sad to see my term come to an end, but fresh faces bring the "variety" that makes The Paper Variety a wonderful place! If you are interested check out the details here.

Happy Wednesday, friend!

{color}

2011-05-30T21:01:00.000-04:00

My friend and fellow DT member at My Sketch World, Katie is also a Creative Team member at Creative Soup, a relatively new challenge site. I checked it out the other day and found a fun challenge I couldn't pass up. The challenge was to use the colors yellow, turquoise and grey. Yum.

Your Day

I used some of the lovely MME Stella & Rose mini papers that my buddy, Val sent me a while back.

That yellow swiss dotted paper is DCWV and it is so pretty! I added a paper doily, a wood veneer butterfly and an SRM Sticker sentiment. A flossed button and cabon flower finish it off.

Thanks Creative Soup for a fun challenge!

SRM Stickers is offering up a wonderful prize for one lucky person! Susan is offering up a prize pack of all 30 (30!) new SRM Sticker designs for CHA! All you have to do is upload a project using SRM Stickers into their Flickr Gallery before they reach 3000 posts and you have a chance to win!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend. my sincerest gratitude goes to all the veterans who have lost their lives serving our country. You are not forgotten.

{hugs}

2011-05-23T21:29:00.000-04:00

This is the last one. :) I promise.

Short & sweet. Happy Monday!

{faith, hope, love}

2011-05-19T21:15:00.000-04:00

I used this sketch for my card for this week's challenge at The Paper Variety :

I love it. Oh, the simplicity. :) Here's where it took me:

This card found its way to New Jersey for a special little girl's First Communion.

Congratulations Marilyn!

Thanks for stopping by-hope happiness finds you!

{seeing stars}

2011-05-18T08:43:00.000-04:00

The Paper Variety has a Star Studded Challenge this week!

I used this sketch by Nicole Samuels:

and made this sweet baby card:

I used some of my favorite things to make this card. A simple, but well designed sketch, a little lace, some lovely Strano ribbon and some SRM Stickers. A little hand stitching finished it up! :)

Our sponsor this week is Technique Tuesday! Have your newly made "star studded" paper project linked to The Paper Variety by noon EST, Tuesday, May 24 and you have a chance to win this awesome kit:

I can't wait to see the stars come out on your projects!

{misting, inking, painting} oh my!

2011-05-04T14:10:00.003-04:00

We have a new challenge up at The Paper Variety today!

It's time to get messy! Or if you're like me, not. :) Don't get me wrong, I love to get messy, just not in my paper crafting. See what I mean? I started this project thinking it would be wrapping paper, but the bag wasn't big enough to cover the box so I made it a "present topper". :)

I used a big 12x12 stencil, inked all the openings except the scallops which I pierced and then hand-stitched. I used some paper from my stash for the rest of the present and put this on top. With the exception of the stitching, it was quick and easy. Using a stencil with ink or mist would be a great way to decorate a plain gift bag too!

Our sponsor this week is:

Leanne is offering up May's "Summery" kit for one lucky winner!

Post your newly made paper project to TPV blog by noon EST, Tuesday, May 10th to be considered for the prize. If you would like your project to be considered for the Sunday Submission Spotlight, have it in by noon EST, Sunday, May 8th.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

{planner}

2011-05-03T15:18:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but I love finding clearance bargains at Target! I found this plain, but lovely none the less, monthly planner for $3 yesterday! I have had an idea banging around the old noggin for a couple weeks and this was just what I was looking for! Love it when that happens.

Add a little pattern paper and SRM sticker magic and I have this fabulous planner!

I love it . Makes me smile when I look at it. :)

{sketch} MSW

2011-05-02T08:54:00.001-04:00

The first of the month means another fabulous card sketch from Lucy at My Sketch World!

Isn't it beautiful?

I found some lovely Girls' Paperie "Vintage Whimsy" and "Jubilee" and used my some SRM Mother's Day stickers and made this:

Because I like to kill 2 birds with one stone, I'm using my card for this week's CREATE blog card challenge to use hand stitching. I'm finally able to do a Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger too, my first time!

It's all about polka dots:

Happy Monday, friends! Hope happiness finds you today!

{teacher} appreciation

2011-05-01T19:07:00.000-04:00

This week is Teacher Appreciation week! I lead our Teacher Appreciation committee at Brian's school. We have a week of fun things planned for our wonderful staff, starting bright and early tomorrow morning with a bagel and fruit breakfast! A pizza lunch and banana split party are in the works too!

Brian will be taking his teacher this sweet bunch of flowers:

With a simple tag:

Gifts from the heart are always best. :)

If you have a chance, send your kids' teachers a note letting them know you appreciate all they do.

{polka dots} TPV

2011-04-27T08:13:00.000-04:00

This week's challenge at The Paper Variety is all about dots!

It's my off week, but wanted to play. I made a layout about meeting my friend, Patti for the first time after having been scrapping buddies and friends online for 6 years! We had such a great time!

{IRL}

Link up your polka dotted paper projects by noon EST Tuesday, May 3rd to have a chance at this awesome prize from The Paper Trail!

Happy Wednesday and thanks for stopping by!

{numbers} TPV

2011-04-20T08:06:00.001-04:00

In honor of Suzanne's birthday today, The Paper Variety is having a number challenge!

Happy Birthday, Suzanne!!

Fun, right? :) I ran with the number idea. I tried to come up with as many ways as possible to show the numbers on my calendar layout. Some of those metal numbers and letters I've had for a long time! A project like this is a great way to use up some of your stash, that's for sure! I've added a couple birthday photos to it already. I got to meet my buddy, Patti for the first time this month after having known her almost 6 years! She emailed me the photos she took and I cant wait to add that to my calendar! I'm looking forward to adding our Easter photos next week!

April 2011

I was inspired by Amy's fabulous calendars! Hers are works of art, let me tell you! I'm thinking I might do a little 12 month project next year making a calendar each month. Stay tuned. :)

You have until noon EST Tuesday, April 26th to upload your paper project using numbers to The Paper Variety blog. To be eligible for the Submission Spotlight have your project linked by noon EST Sunday, April 24th. We have an awesome new sponsor this week!

We Scrap Kits is an ETSY based kit store! They are offering up a kit called, "Whimsy"

I'm looking forward to seeing your projects! If you need some inspiration, check out the blog and see what the other DT members did with their numbers! Have a happy Wednesday, friends!

{flowers} TPV

2011-04-17T18:03:00.000-04:00

This is my off week at The Paper Variety, but the challenge is to use flowers on your project and how could I resist that? :) For about $2.50 I made this sweet floral headband with these paper flowers from Michaels.

I used a 50% coupon and got them for $2 and put them on a ribbon wrapped headband I bought at the dollar store, 3 for $1. I trimmed off the greenery from the backside of the flowers for a cleaner look and glued them on with Fabric-Tac. I love how quickly Fabri-Tac works, but I find it messy to work with.

You have until noon EST this Tuesday to link your project to The Paper Variety! Patti, our fellow DT member, is our sponsor this week and is offering up an awesome kit from Citrus Tree Studios!

Hope to see your project in the gallery!

{photo inspiration} TPV

2011-04-06T06:00:00.002-04:00

We have a wonderful new challenge this week at The Paper Variety! A photo inspiration challenge!

Imagine the possibilities! The colors, the patterns, the photo theme. I love to see how crafters interpret photos for inspiration! Check out the blog and see how the DT was inspired by this photo!

I went with the rain theme and the colors when I created my "Rainy Day" funds holder. I generally keep a little money stashed in my dresser just in case. Now I have somewhere special to keep it.

I used some older MME paper, an Echo Park cloud sticker, teardrop punched "rain", a few ribbon sun "rays" and of course, some twine and an SRM Sentiment Sticker. The box itself is an upcycled note card holder I've been holding onto for a while knowing I would put it to good use one day!

Our sponsor this week is Studio Calico! They are offering up a wonderful prize, an assortment of papers and embellies from one of their fabulous kits!

Please join us this week! You have until noon EST, Tuesday, April 12 to link up your paper project. Remember, it can be a layout, a card, an altered anything-just as long as paper is involved! :) If you would like to be considered for the Submission Spotlight, have your project linked by noon EST this Sunday.

I cant wait to see what you create! Happy Wednesday, friends!

{tag} you're it

2011-04-05T11:25:00.001-04:00

It's my month for a card challenge over at My Sketch World! Instead of a straight forward card challenge I thought I'd change things up and do a tag challenge! My challenge is to make a tag using your favorite thing about spring as a theme. Spring in Michigan is a mixed bag-snow, sleet, rain and sun. I endure the rain because April showers really do bring May flowers in my neck of the woods! :)

Shine

I used some older MME Quite Contrary paper with a misted doily and one of those wood veneer flowers I scored from the dollar store. I finished it off with an SRM Sticker, which is certainly my "go to" item these days. I also added the yellow french knots to the daisy chain loop, it needed a little something and that little bit of stitching did the trick, as it so often does.

I have to give a shout out to my youngest DS today, it's his 8th birthday!

*HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRIAN!*

Happy Tuesday to you, my friends, hope happiness finds you today!

{celebrate}

2011-04-04T09:57:00.000-04:00

Since my boy turns 15 on Friday I thought maybe it was time to scrap his 14th birthday. (And we wont even talk about previous ones. *laugh*) I made this layout using this sketch for the Birds of a Feather "It's a Spring Thing" crop.

Time to Celebrate!

Here is a close up. I put the SRM Sticker on a piece of transparency so you could still see the numbers under it. I also colored the clear star pin with alcohol inks to make it green.

You have until midnight Wednesday to upload projects to the crop!

Happy Monday, friends!

{april 1 card sketch} MSW

2011-04-01T10:00:00.001-04:00

Just look at this fabulous new card sketch by Lucy!

Be sure to check out the My Sketch World Blog to see both the new card and layout sketches and the DT's wonderful projects! Here is the card I made, the only thing I changed was the orientation of the card.

Hello Friend

I combined 3 stickers from Echo Park (tree, scallop and flowers) with the 3 Puffies from KI Memories and added an SRM Sticker sentiment. I'm not much of a stamper, so these sticker sentiments are perfect for me!

I hope you will join us for the April Challenges over at My Sketch World, they will be listed in the forum over the next few days. There are both card and layout challenges to keep you busy the entire month!

Just an FYI, Birds of a Feather Kit Co. will be having a weekend Crop starting tonight! If you want to play you have to register for both the forum and gallery! There is a Bingo game starting at 8:00 and if you want to play have your words in by 7:00 EST. The owner, Amy is the sweetest and her kits are awesome!

Happy Friday, friends!

{1,2,3} TPV

2011-03-31T10:14:00.001-04:00

The Paper Variety has a new challenge that's as easy as, well 1,2,3!

We have a wonderful sponsor this week! Artful Delight! Their DT has joined us with this challenge, be sure to check out their projects as well as the rest of The Paper Variety's DT! Artful Delight is offering up this wonderful kit for the winner of this challenge:

As usual, you have until noon EST Tuesday, April 5th to upload your paper project (new in the last 2 weeks please) for a chance at that awesome kit! If you would like a chance to be featured as a Submission Spotlight please upload your project by noon EST Sunday, April 3rd.

I made a card for this challenge. I used 3 pattern papers, a 2 word sentiment and 1 button.
(I also used Card Patterns Sketch 107)

I can't wait to see your project! Have a wonderful day, friends!

{inspired}

2011-03-28T12:02:00.000-04:00

Isn't fun to peruse the internet? I was doing just that yesterday when I happened upon these! OMGosh, are they not the cutest things ever? Well not too many things will make me abandon whatever it is I am doing at the time, but these sure did! I went right into my scrappy place and got busy! Here is the result.

Happy Easter

I made this card for Majo's card challenge over at My Sketch World, which is to make an Easter card.

Apparently I cant get enough of twine from The Twinery and the wonderfully easy to use SRM Stickers!

Thanks for stopping by today, hope your day is happy!

{sweet lydia}

2011-03-25T13:14:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago my son, Brady had to bring home a Real Life Baby for an assignment in his Parenting & Child Development class. The baby was programmed by his teacher and then "connected" to Brady with an elelectronic bracelet. When she cried, there were four appropriate responses; hold her, feed her, change her or rock her. He had to figure out which one she needed within 2 minutes of her starting to cry. Her neck also needed to be supported when picking her up and holding her. Just like a real baby. Before he could bring her home he had to name her and he chose the name, Lydia. Everything he did with her was "recorded" by the doll and I am happy to report he got an A for his efforts. And what an effort it was! There were times he would have to sit and hold her for 40 minutes. Which for a teenage boy was an eternity! She woke up a couple times during each of the 3 nights he had her in his care. He was excited to be done, but told me he felt a little sad when he handed her over to his teacher. He is so tender hearted and I just love him for it. He will make a wonderful Dad, when the time is right.

Because this was such an important lesson I thought I would make him a little mini book to remember it by. Best Creations held a "Mini Blog Hop" not too long ago and I used their tutorial to make it. I turned the album around and made it vertical instead of horizontal. The first and third pages are pocket pages, one to hold factual information about the doll and one for Brady's thoughts. He's happy with it and that's all that matters to this Momma. :)

Lydia

Hope you find happiness today (or it finds you!) :)

{tic tac toe} TPV

2011-03-23T08:17:00.000-04:00

We have a fun new challenge starting today at The Paper Variety! It's a Tic Tac Toe Challenge!

Choose any row, be it vertical, horizontal or diagonal and get your paper craft on! :)

I chose the middle row going up and down; include a bird, use spring colors and make a tag.

Life is Beautiful

It all started with that little bird, isn't it the cutest? It's one of the new KI Memories Puffies! I drew a bird cage and then pierced and hand stitched it. I added an SRM Sticker sentiment and some twine that my buddy, Patti sent to me. Check out the blog for the rest of the DT's amazing creations!

Using our Tic Tac Toe board, make something with paper, a layout card or altered anything, and link it up to The Paper Variety! If you want to be considered for the Submission Spotlight link it up before noon EST on Sunday, otherwise you have until noon EST on Tuesday, March 29.

We have a new sponsor this month! Birds of a Feather Kit Co. is donating an awesome kit for our prize this month! Check them out if you get a chance!

Thanks for stopping by today!

{sketch challenge} TPV

2011-03-20T14:16:00.001-04:00

The Design Team at The Paper Variety is divided into two groups so I only have projects due every other week. This happens to be an off week for me, but I love the challenge this week so I'm going to play along!

This week we have an awesome sketch by the fabulously talented Jana Eubank:

Here is my take on it: live (in the moment)

There is a lot of My Little Yellow Bicycle "Twig" on this layout, along with a couple SRM sentiment stickers.

I love that little forest fairy, I thought he went well with these photos of Brian fishing in the woods by our house. Its a kind of magical place. :) The journaling is on the tag tucked behind the photo on the left.

This week's challenge is being sponsored by The Scrapbooking Cottage. Look what's up for grabs!

and

Awesome, right? So, what are you waiting for? :) Link up your layout or card to The Paper Variety by noon EST this Tuesday to be eligible for the prize!

Thanks for stopping by today!

{my card is on tv}

2011-03-16T10:15:00.002-04:00

You just never know what you're going to come across while strolling through the blogosphere! While looking through the CREATE: blog to find this week's card challenge, I found this card I had made, and was published in the February issue of CARDS, featured on a CreaTV segment! It was used as inspiration for fellow blogger Jen Hadfield to make a home decor project! Knock me over with a feather! :)

Follow Your Heart

Once I got over the excitement, (oh who am I kidding, I'm still giddy!) I found the card challenge post! The challenge is to use 10 buttons on a card. I used the wonderful Card Patterns Sketch 106 to create my card for both challenges. The wooden butterfly is a couple years old, even though the wood veneer stuff is all the rage now. I scored the butterfly in a package along with 3 flowers at the Dollar Store for, you guessed it, one dollar! :) I lightly sprayed it with Lemon Meringue Glimmer Mist. It is lovely in real life, although the photos don't do it justice.

Life is Good

Here is a close-up, you can see a little of the sparkle:

I used some of the new MME Stella and Rose papers that my friend, Val sent me last week. I love every sheet in the 6x6 pad, the patterns are so much more appealing to me on the smaller scale! I also used an SRM Sticker, "life is good", a doily, buttons and then added a little machine stitching.

The Paper Variety has a wonderful new sketch challenge up on the blog today! It's my off week, so I get to play! I'm almost done with my layout, so I will probably post it tomorrow.

Happy Wednesday, friends. Hope happiness finds you today. :)

(hoppy) birthday

2011-03-14T14:55:00.002-04:00

I love these treat tubes by SRM! You can do so much with them! They would be a perfect substitute for a gift bag at a birthday party! You can fill them with loads of good stuff; candy, money, scrap goodies, pencils-the list is endless! Use your imagination! Here is one that I filled with chocolate kisses:

Hoppy Birthday

The sun is shining here today and we might see 60 degrees by the end of the week! There is still time to get your "get Well" project linked to The Paper Variety blog! Link it by noon EST tomorrow to have a chance at winning an awesome kit from Close To My Heart!

Happy Monday, friends!

{the smaller} the better

2011-03-12T09:41:00.005-05:00

Back when I was a family of one, sans kiddos and hubs, I drove a really small car. Small. It was a black Honda CRX and possibly my favorite car ever. (I also drove a Yugo, but that's a story for another time. Or maybe not.) ;) I loved zipping around town in my little CRX. And parking? A breeze. I could park that car anywhere. I still adore small cars, which is funny, because I drive a full-size conversion van at the moment. I'm always admiring the Smart cars, the Minis and the Bugs when they zip by me. Dreaming of the day I can trade in my Mom car for my Me car. :) My dream car? Not a fancy sports car or a fast muscle car, but a Mini Cooper! I like the really old models from back in the day (Italian Job, anyone?), but would settle for a shiny new one in my driveway any day of the week!

What got me dreaming about a small car? Why this of course! Cute, no?

A crochet covered Smart car! It made me smile yesterday and I for one love to pass those smiles on!

I did manage to get a little crafty yesterday, in the form of a card:

I made this for Lisa's Spring Banner Challenge over at My Sketch World.

I'm hoping to get my craft on today! Let me know what your dream car is! Happy Saturday, friends!

{get "whale" soon} TPV

2011-03-09T07:54:00.005-05:00

This week's challenge over at The Paper Variety is about sending some love to someone who's under the weather. It's a "Get Well Soon" challenge!

I was originally going to make a card, but I had the "whale" idea in my head. The only whale I had was this huge sticker so I went with a bag (as did my buddy, Patti-both of us unaware of what the other was doing! Isn't her bag adorable?)

Here's mine: Get Whale Soon!

There is just enough room in that bag for some cold medicine, Advil and some tissues. Combine that with a couple scrappy mags and some goodies and I think it would make a fellow scrapper forget she was sick! I used some stickers and paper from Reminisce and paper from Echo Park and, of course, some Thickers and a couple different border punches.

This week's prize is sponsored by Dana, who happens to be a Close To My Heart Demonstrator. One lucky winner will receive a beautiful Sophia Kit! Arent the colors delightful?

You have until noon EST, Tuesday, March 15th to get your "Get Well" paper project (card, layout, altered project) linked up to the blog. If you would like a chance to be in our Submission Spotlight, link it up before noon on Sunday. It's that easy! I cant wait to see all of your projects!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

WINNER

2011-03-08T15:30:00.000-05:00

A big thank you to all of you who participated in The Paper Variety Blog Hop! We had a blast! Thanks for all the sweet comments left on my blog! And thank you to those of you who became followers! :) I love the scrappy world we live in and "meeting" new people through their creative endeavors is so fun!

Without further ado, my son Brady drew #23 and that number belongs to TANYA!

Congratulations Tanya! You win this:

Please check back tomorrow, The Paper Variety will have another great challenge up on the blog!

{random} projects

2011-03-07T10:35:00.002-05:00

The rain and snow of Saturday have given way to sun and blue skies! YAY! I am all for the sun. :)

If you have come to my blog for The Paper Variety Blog Hop, go here. It ends tomorrow, don't forget to link up your green paper project!

I thought I'd share a few projects that were in the January issue of Scrapbook News and Review.

Happy Birthday

Kiss Kiss

Hello

You Make My Heart Soar

a close up of the layered hearts:

Message in the Snow

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! I hope today finds you healthy and happy!

{card sketch} my sketch world

2011-03-05T17:17:00.000-05:00

If you are visiting my blog for The Paper Variety blog hop please go here!

My Sketch World is basking in the glow of 830 new projects posted in the gallery for the Sketch-a Thon last month! WOW! If you get a chance, check out the gallery! Loads of inspiration to be found!

It's a new month and Lucy created a beautiful card sketch for us!

Here is my take on it: Thank You

I oriented the card horizontally but stuck pretty close to the sketch. You can check out the layout sketch and what both DT's did with them here. Thanks for stopping by!

(the paper variety} blog hop!

2011-03-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Good morning! Welcome to the first PAPER VARIETY blog hop! We are so excited to announce this week's color challenge, generous prize and sponsor, share our projects with you and offer some BLOG CANDY for hopping today. We have some FABULOUS designers at TPV and want to showcase their personal blogs this week.

So, if you are coming from Amy's you are in the right place! If not, head back to THE PAPER VARIETY to get started from the beginning and see a list of all the links if you get lost along the way. You don't want to miss a thing! :)

Our challenge this week is a COLOR challenge in honor of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday :)

Our sponsor for this week's challenge is Your Scrapbook Stash!

In order to win this GRAND PRIZE you need to submit your own GREEN project to The Paper Variety by Tuesday at NOON. If you submit before Sunday evening, you have a chance to have your blog featured on TPV! ;)

To get you inspired, I want to share with you my green layout: Irish?

Here is a close-up of the ribbon heart that I used a basket weave technique to make:

Thanks so much for visiting today! It wouldn't be a hop without some BLOG CANDY :)

Please leave a comment below to win! You do not need to enter the challenge to win my blog candy. However, you ARE going to want to hop to the next design team member to see their GREEN!

Head on over to the talented April's blog and take a look at her gorgeous GREEN project!

We are looking forward to seeing YOUR green at THE PAPER VARIETY, too! Remember to link up before TUESDAY at noon for a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE! :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! Have fun with the rest of the blog hop!

{sew much fun} TPV

2011-02-23T08:05:00.001-05:00

This week's challenge over at The Paper Variety is all about sewing! Machine, hand or faux-it's all good!

I love to sew on my cards and layouts! For this week's layout I got out the embroidery thread and did a lot of hand sewing. I love to hand sew! I find it relaxes me. I really should learn to sew on fabric, but for now I will stick to paper. *laugh* I added a bit of machine stitching to my layout as well.

The Earth Laughs

Here is a close-up of my hand stitching:

I used a backstitch to outline the flower and a straight stitch and french knots for its center. Here is a link to a PDF of basic stitches that you can dowload from Paper Crafts. Be sure to check out the TPV blog and see the awesome projects the DT made this week!

Have your newly created paper project that includes some sort of stitching on it linked up by noon EST Sunday, February 27th to be eligible for the Submission Spotlight and by noon EST Tuesday, March 2nd to be in the running for this awesome prize:

Hold on to your hats people! There's more! The Paper Variety will be holding its first ever Blog Hop!

That's right! Mark your calendar for Wednesday, March 3rd! Come join the fun!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

{day 7} MSW

2011-02-21T12:38:00.000-05:00

I don't even like to think how far behind I am on my sketches for the My Sketch World Sketch-A-Thon. :(

Lucy created some awesome sketches for us to play with! There is still plenty of time to get in on the action! You have until March 3rd to upload your sketches and there are 20 to choose from!

Here is the sketch for Day 7:

The challenge included with this sketch is to hand write your journaling.

Here is my layout: Summer Day

With 10" of newly fallen snow, a summer's day is exactly what I'm dreaming of!

Happy Monday, friends!

{card sketch} the paper variety

2011-02-18T17:42:00.000-05:00

Abby created an awesome sketch for this week's challenge at The Paper Variety!

I used the patterns on the paper for the sketch elements and added a bit of trim and pearls. That's it, folks! Making cards doesn't have to be rocket science, it can be as easy or as detailed as you want it. With Brian being sick I haven't had a whole lot of time to be crafty so I had to work fast. :)

Patti donated an awesome kit from Citrus Tree Studio for this week's prize! To be eligible, have your newly made project linked to the blog by noon EST Tuesday, February 22nd. If you want a chance for your project to be featured on the blog, link it up by noon on Sunday.

Happy Friday, friends. :)

{day 4} MSW

2011-02-11T13:49:00.001-05:00

The Sketch-A-Thon at My Sketch World is in full force! You should see all the amazing projects in the gallery! Lucy just announced the new Card & Layout DT and I'm happy to say I will be staying on another 6 months! :) So happy they haven't tired of me yet! *laugh*

Here is the card sketch for Day 4:

The challenge along with this sketch was to make it a masculine card.

I'm not sure mine is masculine, but I think a boy wouldn't mind receiving it!

I have to keep this short and sweet. My littlest is home with strep throat. :(

Happy Friday. friends and thanks for stopping by my blog!

{cupcake love} TPV

2011-02-09T10:39:00.001-05:00

This week's challenge at The Paper Variety is a sweet one! The challenge is to use a cupcake on your paper project, be it a card, layout or altered object. Fun, right? Because really, who cant resist a cupcake? :)

I made some magnetic cupcake clothes pin clips for my message board, all the sweeter to hold some nice notes for the boys in my life! I used a Martha Stewart cupcake punch and finished the tops off with beads and a crocheted flower. I painted the mini clothes pins and added a magnet to the back. I finished it off with a bit of blink and a little message flag.

Here is one of my boys holding the message board I made a few weeks ago!

We have an awesome prize up for grabs from The Treasure Box Club:

You have until noon EST Tuesday, February 15 to link your project to the TPV blog. If you want a chance at having your project featured on the blog have it linked up by Sunday, February 13th.

Hope to see you there! Happy creating!

{msw} day 5

2011-02-06T11:40:00.001-05:00

For each new sketch Lucy posts for the My Sketch World Sketch-A-Thon she adds an additional challenge with it. If you post the sketch as is without the challenge you get one draw for the prizes. If you do the sketch with the challenge you get 3 draws! For day 5, which happened to be yesterday, the challenge was to have it uploaded into the gallery by 11:00 last night. I had some time to play yesterday and got it done!

Day 5 Sketch:

My layout: {BMT} x 3

My boys all have the same initials, thus the math equation for the title! :) These photos are from the first day of school last fall. Oldest DS has since cut his hair. Patience wins out every time! *laugh* I used some more of that Three Bugs in a Rug paper and might have to hit my LSS up for more!

If you love sketches, My Sketch World is the place to be, especially this month for the Sketch-A-Thon!

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! I have to say I like both teams equally so I'm rooting for a really good game and looking forward to watching the Black Eyed Peas and the commercials!

{the paper variety} yummy hearts!

2011-02-05T17:52:00.002-05:00

This week's challenge at The Paper Variety is a wonderful photo inspiration challenge!

Isn't this the cutest?

I made a card this week:

Apron Strings is our sponsor this week! A randomly chosen winner will get a lovely kit full of goodies by American Crafts and Echo Park! Submit your newly made paper creation by Sunday night to have a chance at being featured on The Paper Variety blog. To be eligible for the prize link your creation by noon EST Tuesday.

For this card, I used a terrific sketch by Lucy:

This also happens to be the Day 2 Sketch of the MSW 5 Year Anniversary Sketch-A-Thon! The Sketch-A-Thon is taking place the entire month of February with layout and card sketches being posted daily until the 20th. You have until March 3 to upload your creations! There are lots of great prizes up for grabs!

Happy Saturday, friends!

{msw} sketch-a-thon

2011-02-02T14:24:00.001-05:00

It is time to celebrate! My Sketch World is celebrating 5 years of sketchy goodness! Lucy has created such a wonderful creative environment at My Sketch World. The sweetest ladies around hang out there!

Please join us this month for our Sketch-A-Thon! Lucy will debut 10 new sketches and 10 of her favorite sketches from 2010. There will be a nice mix of both layout and card sketches, so everyone will be happy!

And guess what? We have some wonderful sponsors donating some awesome prizes!

The sketches will be posted daily for the first 20 days of February. You have until March 3rd to upload your creations to the gallery and sign-in thread on the message board. Easy peasy! :)

Here is Day 1:

Here is my layout: (not so) Sweet 16

Today there is an awesome card sketch-go check it out!

Happy snowy Wednesday, friends!

{sketch} cardabilities

2011-01-28T09:36:00.004-05:00

Cardabilities has a great sketch up this week!

Here is my card: XO

I combined this challenge with a "cardstock only" challenge Bev is having at My Sketch World. I created the grid on my base with some mist and a plastic cross stitch canvas. At the last minute I added some glitter to the end of my flower petals and it got all over so now it looks like the glitter exploded on the card! :) Live and learn, right? Next time I will glitter before the flower goes on the card. *laugh*

Thanks for a fun sketch Cardabilities and an equally fun challenge, Bev!

Happy Friday, friends!

{friendship quote} the paper variety

2011-01-26T13:36:00.001-05:00

This week's challenge at The Paper Variety is all about a wonderful quote on friendship!

Here is the inspiration:

Let this piece of wise decor inspire your creativity with a friendship card, layout or project. Use the quote as your journaling or sentiment - or substitute your own favorite friendship saying. Easy, right?

We have a new sponsor this week! That's a prize worth playing for, right?

How sweet is that? If you want to be considered for the "Submission Spotlight" link your project (not more than 2 weeks old please) before Sunday evening. Otherwise have linked by Tuesday noon EST to be in the running for the prize! I cant wait to see how our challenge inspires you!

Here is how it inspired me:

I cant help myself, I see a cross stitched project and I think hoops! Before scrapping and card making came into my life, cross stitching was a hobby I really enjoyed. I have plenty of these hoops laying around so I knew I wanted to incorporate it into my project. This picture of Brian & Maggie (they are cousins and friends), along with that Cosmo Cricket bird paper inspired the quote!

So, go play with some paper, get your fingers sticky and make something that you love.

{the girl's loft} guest designer

2011-01-24T15:20:00.002-05:00

Thrilled doesn't even begin to describe how I felt when I was asked to be the Guest Designer at The Girl's Loft this month! I think you all know my affection for Margie. :) The Girl's Loft is a Kit Club that she runs with her beautiful daughters, Meg and Brooke. January's kit was full of wonderful papers by Cosmo Cricket, Fancy Pants and Sassafras, some fun trims, bling and some awesome odds and ends! :) I had a lot of fun creating with this kit! I even altered a few things, which I haven't done in a while!

Here is a layout I made in a cheap plastic clock from Target: I Love You 24-7

Here is a German Gift Cone:

A close-up:

I cut the end off of the treat bag we received in the kit and lined it inside the paper cone. Added some bling to the flower centers and tied it up with a bit of twine.

Here is an antique washboard Ive had for years. I turned it into a message center: Loads of Love

Some close-ups:

No, I didn't name my boys, "1,2 & 3". :) They do however all have the same initials, so I had to figure out a way for them to know who the message was for so I numbered them in their birth order.

Here is some wall art. I found this frame at Target on clearance for $2.

This will be something I can eventually change out with new papers. Cant wait to see the new Girls' Paperie lines!

Another layout, this one of my niece with her very special babysitter: (she)

And finally a card: thanks

Thanks for letting me share my exciting news with you!

Happy Monday, friends!