Friday, December 25, 2009

Have a Wonderful Holiday!


Here is a very special wish from my family to all of you and your loved ones, for a very special holiday season. May it be filled with laughter, friendship and love! We know that it has been a rough year for many of our dear friends, but let's think positive, and pray for a better 2010. Find delight in all the little things!
Blessings,
Mary Anne

Monday, December 21, 2009

Merry Moose-mas from TMITA


Oh, what a fun little guy this was to work with! Nina, over at the "There's Magic in the Air" challenge blog, gave us this adorable moose to use on our sketch challenge. I really hope the design team likes what I came up with!
My card stock and striped paper are both from DCWV. I created the cross strips with chalk inks and stamps from "Stamps by Judith". I used Copics and colored pencils and OMS to color the happy moose. He was then cut and embossed with a scalloped rectangle Nestabitities. Felt snowflakes and aurora gems are my accents. My sentiment is an in and out from Tami Mayberry's, "Special Delivery" stamp set at Gina K. Designs.
This is just so darn cheerful! Hope you are all getting the last minute chores done to help Santa.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

JUGs 12 Color Challenge!

I have not been able to participate in the Just Us Girls challenge for the last couple of weeks, so I wanted to make sure I got to it for this one. There was something about that 4th color that made it a real challenge for me. Yes, I would have been fine with the red, green, kraft, or the red, raspberry, kraft. But my brain went bonkers with that 4th color! Oh well it has been a bonkers kind of week, anyway.

I played for a bit and this is what I came up with. There was not a great deal of stamping involved and much more gathering odds and ends from my room, lol! The green dp is K&Co. The large raspberry square is hard plastic that came in an ad in the mail. My kraft was run through the Cuttlebug with the herringbone folder. There is a strip of red vellum and the die cuts are from the Smitten collection from K&Co. I stamped the I Love You with ridinghood red ink. The puffy letters that spell HONEY are something I found on clearance at Target. Sticky pearls are the final accent. I was not sure, but I think I like it!

Long Time, No Post!

It has been wild and crazy this past week! Not only did I crash my computer but I blew up my stove! New stove was delivered in the middle of the Nor-Easter yesterday. Back to baking and holiday prep!

This will probably be my last Christmas holiday card for the year. I just wanted to play with the Copics on the sweet image. The background dp is from DCWV. My little squirrels are a stamp from Penny Black. My only accents are touches of glitter pen.

Here is hoping that everyone is getting caught up on their chores and keeping warm and cozy!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Photo of the Newly Engaged!

Folks have been asking me to post a photo of the newly engaged couple. They have not had professional photos done yet, but I thought this one of Dee and Shaun was too lovely not to share. This was taken at Dee's work Christmas party, this past weekend.

I think this could have used a wee bit of red eye removal but I lost all of my programs in the computer crash the other day, so please forgive me. Aren't they just adorable. I know Dee is extremely pleased to see a photo of herself without her braces! I wish I could see the back of her up-do! Turn around, Dee!

As far as wedding info, nothing has been decided yet. They will start looking at venues after the holiday. Denise wants an October wedding to keep with family tradition. Since Shaun's sister has already taken this October, we will be looking at dates in 2011. Gives us lots of time to get everything right! Shaun is such a great guy and I know he will cherish her for a lifetime.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Tags and Great Big Headache

I just could not leave my poor blog hanging in space, so I decided to add these cute tags I made for a challenge over at Stamp TV.

Where have I been? Well the sane answer would be to just tell you I am busy with Christmas chores. Who ever said I was sane? True, some of my absence has been from helping Santa with chores. But Santa is being very stubborn this year and he insisted I had to have a new computer. Sorry, but Mary Anne does not like change. I actually should expect coal in my stocking for some of the bad things I have said over the last few days. Basically I told Santa I wanted no parts of this new machine until all my stuff was moved on to it by the elves. Santa said he would do that for me. I smiled and felt like I had won a battle. I went to sleep feeling very pleased. In the morning, I woke up but my old computer kept sleeping! Santa had only gotten 2 files moved over before the big sleep. Am I happy, NO. Do I like Windows 7? Nope.

I bet if you tried, you could read a whole bunch into my sarcasm. Anyway these cute little tags are covered in Basic Grey, Eskimo Kisses dp. I used the Vintage Borders stamp set by Nina Brackett and the First Christmas stamp set by Asela Hopkins to create them. My ink was Old Olive and Baroque Burgandy by SU. I added diamond Stickles and cranberry pearls as accents. I topped the tags with cranberry organza ribbon. For dimension, I added little glitter gingerbread men. I will tie these up in a little package for a dear friend.

Thanks for letting me vent. Oh and I forgot to mention that not one of my scrapbooking, printshop, editing programs is compatible with this nice new Windows 7. Make sure you take out a second mortgage before you upgrade! Ho Ho Ho!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Silly Pooch

Yesterday began with my DH trying to do a few chores before the first snow storm hit. I had a flower bed in front of the house which kept blooming and staying green, so I had not removed the annuals. He takes our dog Jessie, out to keep him company but all she wants to do is eat the plants he is pulling. She is like most doggies as in, if you try to get something away from them, they swallow it whole. He finished his chore and they came inside. Well, when we started to set up the Christmas tree, she had to be right in everything. My DS was taking a few pictures with a new camera and when we went to view them, we realized she had red bumps all over her snoot. They really looked funny sticking out through the black hairs.

I get all upset and want to call the vet. Mind you, she is playing and acting like nothing bothers her. DH says no... we will watch her. At 5:30 a.m., there was a deposit of nasty undigested weeds next to my bed. The bumps are not as angry and they are starting to go away. Phew! Pets can sure be devils and we love them so much that they can make us crazy! I am totally afraid to look up the plant that she chewed and swallowed. I plant them in the same spot every year and that may never happen again.

COLD?


Well now, besides this adorable sketch from Pam over at Just Us Girls, Selma has given us our first Inspiration Challenge over at Stamp TV. Talk about raiding the stash to complete a card!
The papers I used as layers on my white base card are from DCWV. The stamp with the cute poem is from Bugawumps. I actually have one with a flu poem also. The buggy is a Stamps by Judith. The little feel better items are stamps from a set by Craft Lounge, called Running Sick.
The snowflake is a digital image that I cut out and sponged. My coloring is with Copics and sponging is with Versamagic ink. Ribbon was tied in a bow with my tool. Green gems are my accents.
For the inspiration, Selma used warm clothing and gear with the blue/green theme. I myself, when I think of those warm items I think of icky sicky and trying to feel better. I know that so many of my blogger friends are under the weather. This ones for you!

Friday, December 4, 2009

FTTC44 and STV Technique 42


I tried my hand at CAS, and somehow, it never feels just right to me. I really want to add something to that bottom corner! LOL! I made this for a double duty card for challenges. #1 is the Timeless Tuesday Challenge 44, and the second is Gina K. Designs Technique 42. Well here it is, paper pieced, liquid appliqued, dew dropped and paper pierced. I used Rupa Shevde's 100% Sweet stamp set from Gina K. Designs. I hope you like. Thanks for stopping by.

Impression Obsession White Challenge

This was such a fun challenge! I used a digital paper from Wiskie Papers 1. My sentiment is from Impression Obsession. The trees are card stock done in the Herringbone CB folder and then punched with a Marvy tree punch. The edges are distressed with Distress Ink and green gems from Studio 18 are applied. White felt snowflakes embellish the top part of the card. If you have a chance, run over to the Impression Obsession Blog and check out all the tallent!

Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

CPS43 Birthday Hopper

This little green party toad was created for the Card Pattern Sketch challenge this week. My papers are digital and my stamp is from Mostly Animals. We have olive pearls. gingham bow and Stickles on the star bursts. I used Copics to color and a gold metallic Sharpie to do edges on my image. Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Mojo Monday 115


I think that one of my very favorite winter things, is the sparkle of icy snowflakes. I created this for the challenge this week over at Mojo Monday. It was a very simple sketch but I think maybe I took it up a notch with all my chunky glitter.
I stamped that huge snowflake with a stamp from Outlines Stamps, cut out and flipped over so I had a clean white surface. I sponged it lightly with Memento, rich cocoa. I outlined the whole flake with Paper Lacquer an sprinkled on MS chunky glitter. Next I place a felt snowflake a cream brad and stamped the brad with a snowflake in Stazon. My sentiment is from the Holiday Hospitality stamp set at Gina K. Designs. My dp is from Cosmo Cricket.
See you soon!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

A Little Project to Share

I made these sweet little treat holders last year for my girls at work, and they were a big hit. They were so quick and easy, that I thought I would share. I wish I could remember the address for the template but I can give you all the measurements. I inserted Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares in mine, but you can use tea bags or come up with your own ideas. The original that I followed was stamped by Nadine Falco.

First cut a base strip that is 9 3/4" x 3 1/4". Score at 3 1/4" and at 6 1/2". Cut off a diagonal which does not go quite from corner to corner (see photo). I made mine in a production line. I stamped my fronts , then my inside sentiments, finishing with a strategically placed hole punched through all layers. The hole is used to tie the folder shut with ribbon. You will need about 11" of ribbon for each to make a comfortable bow. Make sure you use permanent adhesive in a thin strip on the bottom of your insert part to hold the goodie in!

I hope you enjoy this little folder if you try making them!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Red, Green & Gold!

This was created for the color challenge that was posted by our new Challenge Hostess, Shannon, over at Stamp TV today.

The image and saying are from the new set, First Christmas, by Asela Hopkins. I really like the gold edge that I put all around the card front with a metallic Sharpie! In person, it really sets the card off. See those little candy canes? They came is little combo packs at Michaels. They are foam with a sticky backing. I added some Stickles to the white stripes to jazz them up.

The #9 Nestie that I used, was a birthday gift from my DD! She treats her Momma so well! The little bow at the top was made when she realize I had bought a Bow EZ and it had not made it out of the package yet. She pulled out my ribbon scraps and made me up an assortment! Thanks, Dee!

Other than the little holly leaves and berries I tried to hand draw, the rest of the card speaks for itself. I hope you have a nice relaxing evening!

JUGs9 3D & Magical Monday Challenges


For this little goodie box, I used a new image I found over at There's Magic In The Air challenge blog. I am new to this site but I just thought this was so adorable! It just so happens that they wanted a 3D and so did the ladies over at Just Us Girls. Hey now, I am all for a 2fer!
This little box came from a template offered by Nina Brackett over at Stamp TV. My base and first band were stamped with snowflakes from the Holiday Hospitality stamp set by Gina K. Designs. I then added a band of printed vellum from Over The Moon Press. All of my sponging was done in shades of purple chalk ink. My image was colored with Copics. I added felt snowflakes with silver brad flakes as my accents. I added a twist of matching silk wired ribbon to the handle as a closure. To my tag I added silver cording. This was such fun! I will use it for a long gift card.
Hope to see you again soon!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Home From Shopping!

I hope that after this busiest shopping weekend, that you are home safe, with all of the bargains of the weekend ready to be wrapped. I did a bit myself and I would say I am perhaps, half finished.

That is what inspired this card! I used the Loads of Love set from SU. My dp is from Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses. I used mt Copics and a few colored pencils to color. A wee bit of ribbon and gems are my accent. My windshield and bumpers are clear embossed. I added Liquid Applique for snow.

See you real soon!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Mojo Monday Week 114

Here is my creation for Mojo Monday 114. I just love this country, patchwork Santa! He was so fun to color! He is an older image from Delafield Stamp Company. I colored him with my Copics. My double layer scallop/cutout border at the top is made with a punch from Fiskars. A tone on tone white satin ribbon with bow finishes it off. Ho Ho Ho! Thanks for looking!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

CPS42 and a Happy Thanksgiving!


Happy Thanksgiving to all of my stamping friends! By now, you are probably finished eating and are wishing you had worn pants with an elastic waist! Perhaps you have had a nap and are ready for food round 2? I had an extra whammy as it is my Birthday today and everyone forced dessert sooner than I would have liked. Ugh! I opted for a pumpkin roll instead of a traditional BD cake. I turned double nickles today. How did that happen? AARP here I am!
I created this card today for the Card Patterns Sketch for this week. Yes, I used my Copics for the very first time. What do you think? Did I do okay? My image is from Hero Arts and I have had it for years. I was trying to pick an image that would not drive me loony my first time coloring. I am sure I will learn more tricks as I go forward.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

FTTC43 Chickadee

Since the challenge over at Flourishes was an either or, I decided to do both! Here is a Christmas card that I created to show my spirit for the season.

My background paper was embossed and sponged to show texture. My main image is from Impression Obsession and my sentiment is from Inkadinkado. I used crystal lacquer on the cane and birds eyes and beak. I used white ribbon and a leaf with red gems as my accent. The scallop is the threading water border punch from Fiskars. Thanks for stopping by!

Pattern Embossed Thank You

I have created this card following the technique challenge over at Stamp TV this week and I am also submitting it for the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday 43 challenge.

This week the technique is to do pattern embossing. As I have never done this before, I found it to be quite fun! I found a word background stamp from Lost Coast Designs and stamped it onto Gina K's Pure Luxury Ivory card stock in Old Olive. Next I used a solid leaf spray stamp for SU Best Blossoms and clear embossed it over the words. I cut out my image with a Nestie and leaving it in the die, sponged all over the images with Soft Suede ink. I took a clean paper towel and buffed the image to remove excess ink. My sentiment is from the same stamp set as the leaves, and was lightly sponged around. For accents I used a bit of ribbon and some cocoa pearls. I am pleased with the results.

Monday, November 23, 2009

I Just Had To Share!

My DH is on a few days of vacation and he begged me to go with him to pick out what I wanted for Christmas. Now I am sure you have figured that this involved a stamp store, lol! A month or so ago, a friend from Stamp TV, told me about a little store in Ephrata, PA, which is about 50 minutes from my house. It is called L&L Rubber Stamps. It is in the heart of Amish country. I was told that the prices could not be beat.

Well we hopped into my DH's truck and called the address into OnStar, and off we went! Now as some you you who know me are aware, I do not own Copic Markers. That was the #1 purpose for this trip. Santa needed to bring Copics! We arrive at our destination which is back winding, country farm roads and there is a little sign at the end of a driveway. I can feel my blood starting to pump from the anticipation. As we entered this basement store in a beautiful house I realize how small the store really is. I see a couple other people shopping and I decide I need to get the lay of the land. As I scan a wall full of Cuttlebug folders, another customer is standing next to me. Gee, she sure looks familiar? I realize it is the sweet friend from Stamp TV who had originally told me about the store. I ask and yep, it's her! Nice to meet you Janice Melton! Well, she could not have been more helpful. What I wanted was a couple shades in each color family. Janice whipped out her color guide and told me the 2-3 shades of each color that she just loved to use.

Now my DH is smiling, because he realized this is not going to be the painful hours of deciding that he thought. Everything I saw that was needed for these reasonable prices, he told me to get. Wowzer, that was so fun. As it was time to checkout, Janice and I said our goodbyes and said we would see each other on Stamp TV. What were the odds that we would both show up there on the same day? Her trip is 1 hour and 20 minutes in the opposite direction!

When we had finally paid and were heading home, I told my DH I would get gift bags and get the goodies ready for Santa. To my surprise, he said Happy Birthday, go home and play! You see my Birthday is on Turkey Day this year! I thought my last online stamp order was for my Birthday! Am I going to argue????? Not me! Thanks again, Janice, for making this such a special Birthday!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

JUGs 8 Color Challenge

I just love the colors for the challenge this week over at Just Us Girls, but I was having a bit of trouble on the execution. Did you ever run into that trouble? You know what you want to do, and every time you think you have completed your card, you step back and decide it needs something. I had to improvise on my colors of ink but I think I got close. We were to use Really Rust, Pumpkin Pie, and Bashful Blue. I had the Really Rust and used Tangerine Tango and a blue of unknown origin. I created my background and sentiment using stamps from Gina K.'s Holiday Hospitality on a weathered wood dp. My main image is from Canadian Maple Collections. The deer is colored with a waterbrush and ink.

By adding Liquid Applique, I made 3D snow puffs for texture. My sentiment is on a Fancy Tags from Nestabilities. I added some punched snowflakes and glittery brads as accents. I did highlights with diamond Stickles. My card will be a "Thanks for all you do" card.

Have a wonderful week my friends!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Stamp TV Members Blog Hop

Today I have created 2 cards for the hop! A great big thank you to Jessica & Gina for creating this special time for showing off our work. I hope you will hop along the Mr Linky path to see what everyone has to offer! You can start at Gina K.'s Blog.

For my first card I used Nina Brackett's new "Vintage Borders stamp set. This is one of the most versatile sets that I think I have ever bought! The detail and beauty that she put into these images make for perfect stamping. The dps I used are a mixture of scraps that I thought coordinated well. My inks are night of navy and old olive. All stamps used are from the set, including the sentiment! I accented with sponging, gems, and Stickles.



I created this whimsical card using Rupa Shevde's new set called "Winter Friends". I added red gems, striped ribbon and diamond Stickles as my accents. My images were colored with pencils and OMS. This is such a fun set!
Enjoy the rest of the hop and thanks for stopping by! You can return to Mr Linky on Gina's blog here.

Flourishes Timeless Tuesday 42

Good morning! It's me again! I told you I would be back and this time I have an entry for the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Sketch Challenge. I did do a flip on the sketch to work with my images. I tried to keep this card simple. My stamps are from My Favorite Things. After attaching a piece of kraft to a basic white card, I used mostly scraps of dp from the bin. My little poinsettia is from Making Memories. I added touches of Stickles for sparkle.

Have a creative morning, and I will see you back here in no time!


Card Patterns Sketch 41

This is my very first time doing a challenge for Card Patterns. I was drawn in because of all the publicity over on Stamp TV. Gina K. Designs is the sponsor this week! We sure do love our Gina K. stamps!

My card was created, with papers from the Basic Grey line called Marrakech. For the top and bottom strip, I used two different stick stamps from Stamps by Judith. My sentiment is from the SU set called Best Yet. I used a simple button with hemp twine for my embellishment.

I will see you a bit later, as I have many cards to load today! Ta Ta for now!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

A Cute Couple!

The technique challenge over at Stamp TV, this week, is to create a faux window. I used a set by Gina K. Designs called "Owl Always Love You". My dp is from K&Co as well as the sentiment that I found in the Proverbs To Go takeout box by them. I use a jute lace as a window valance. My accents are ribbon, twine, and a button. My image was colored with marker and colored pencil with oms. This was a fun card! Thanks for stopping by!

I had my DD and her recent engagement in mind when I made this card!

JUGs7



Everything old is new again! I was so glad that when the Just Us Girls team posted this challenge, they said about going old school and using our much unloved brass stencils! Our challenge this week is to dry emboss on a Birthday card. I pulled out these neglected beauties and there was a Birthday cake staring at me. I accented it with chalks and sponging around the edges. Pearls, Prima's, and MS branches are my accents. The sentiment is from Melanie Muenchinger's Inspiration Mosaic set by Gina K. Designs. Happy Birthday, Dana!

Monday, November 16, 2009

For the Love of Green!

I created this for Mojo Monday 113 and also for the color challenge for this week over at Stamp TV. I used a sentiment from Melanie Muenchinger's new Festive Frame. My papers are from DCWV. The snowflake stamp is an unknown. I used green stain ribbon and a button to embellish. There are touches of Sakura stardust pen on my snowflakes.

Thanks for coming to look! I am still a wee bit under the weather but I am coming along. Thanks for all of the get well wishes you have posted.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Sweet Award

Well now, lookie what Olga gifted me with! This is so cute!
Copy paste all these fun questions and take the quiz!


1. Where is your cell phone? pocket book
2. Your hair? short
3. Your mother? in Heaven
4. Your father? with Mom in Heaven
5. Your fave food? seafood
6. Your dream last night? didn't have one
7. Your fave drink? diet Pepsi
8. Your dream/goal? I would like to see blue water just once
9. What room are you in? stamp room
10. Your hobby? Making cards
11. Your fear? big highways/traffic
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? a happy grandmother!
13. Where you were last night? couch
14. Something that you aren’t? skinny
15. Muffins? apple
16. Wish List Item? Copic markers
17. Where did you grow up? right here in little old Pennsylvania
18. Last thing you did? dishes
19. What are you wearing? night gown
20. Your TV? Grey's, Mercy, All My Children, and the Food Network
21. Your Pets? Black Lab "Jessie"
22. Friends? Same girlfriends I grew up with plus new online friends
23. Your Life? not very exciting
24. Your Mood? mellow
25. Missing Someone? my family is all deceased and my kids live 2 hours away
26. Vehicle? Ford Windstar I think..... van
27. Something your not wearing? socks
28. Your fave store? craft stores of all kinds!
29. Your fave color? red
30. Last time you laughed? last week...... sorry I have been sick
31. Last time you cried? heck, I cry at commercials!
32. Your best friend? Lee Ann
33. One place that I go to over and over? work
34. One person who emails regularly? Johnny (Lee Ann's hubby)
35. Fave place to eat? Seven Stars Inn
36. Facebook? Nope!

I choose five people to pass this Award on to:

Tina
Pam
Linda
Theresa P.
Brenda

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Flourishes Favorite Things Challenge

I really wanted to do this fun, fun challenge, flu or not. This Flourishes "Favorite Things" Challenge, ends tomorrow and I didn't want to be left out! You were to pick a line from the song, and illustrate it. My line is "Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings". I hope you like what I came up with.

I have just recently started adding Flourishes stamps to my collection and I had nothing that was appropriate for this challenge. Sorry!

I used Melanie Muenchinger's Festive Frame and A Year of Flowers stamp sets. The pine tree stamp is from Stampscapes. The flying geese are from PSX. I used colored pencil and OMS to color, plus much sponging with VersaMagic inks. I accented with a white opaque pen and used Dewdrops for my poinsettia centers. I hope you like my creation.

Just Us Girls 6

Sorry it has been a few days since my last post, but my DS deposited flu germs in my house last weekend and trust me it has not been a joy. Today is the first I can keep my head up, even though the nose faucet is still working overtime.


Here is my entry for the new sketch challenge over at Just Us Girls and I really didn't want to miss a week, so here is what I was able to come up with. I used a digi stamp that I re-worked with lots of distressing and Stickles. I stamped and popped a sentiment stamp from Mel's Festive Frame set at Gina K. Designs. I used gold crystal stars for the twinkle in the 5 spot border. I added snow tipped MS branch punches with coordinating pearls as holly berries.


Thanks for looking and I also want to thank all of my stamping/blog friends on your thoughtful best wishes for my DD's engagement.




Sunday, November 8, 2009

Blingity Bling!

I had a few requests to see Dee's engagement ring, so I figured I would oblige. It's a girl thing!

You can never capture the sparkle you get in real life, but it is just so pretty! She is one lucky girl. Beyonce said it best in her song! Enjoy all the excitement, Dee! Shaun, ya did good!

Combo Challenge Card

I created this card for the Stamp TV technique challenge to use glaze for shine. I also thought it would work well for the MOJO Monday 111 sketch. The papers are from DCWV. The wreath stamp is from Rubber Stampede and I had never used it before. I added Crystal Lacquer to the bow and berries. The Noel stamp is from a new Gina K. release set by Asela, called First Christmas. I did some piercing, some distressing, and colored with both marker and colored pencil & oms. I used a water brush and sahara sand from SU to add shadows. A few buttons threaded with paper slivers were used to embellish. Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Wonderful News and A Card!

First I will post the card. I made this for the Potluck Challenge over on Stamp TV. We had to create a background using word stamps. I can not be DP with writing. I think I pulled it off. What do you think?

I really love the combo of red, white, and kraft. It always looks so clean to me. My inks are ridinghood red and sahara sand from SU. I used 2 Gina K Designs stamp sets. One is the Vintage borders set that is new from Nina Brackett. The other is an older set from Melanie Muenchinger called A Year Of Flowers. The sentiment stamp is from Wood Cellar Graphics, dated 2000. Dewdrops and Stickles are true staples in my stamp room. I really like the pencil and oms look.

As for the good news, my beautiful daughter got engaged last night to a wonderful man. This has been a long time coming so we are extremely happy. They were best friends since their freshman year of college and now they will be together for the rest of their lives. Her father and I could not have asked for a better partner for her. I think we will have great fun preparing for this wedding. Her partners name is Shaun and he was just so cute and proper yesterday. He drove 2 hours to ask my husband for her hand. He brought me beautiful flowers to seal the deal. Then he drove 2 hours back to North Jersey and awaited her arrival home from work so he could ask her. He dressed and left the house like he was going to work so she would not get suspicious. The poor thing was still waiting for her at midnight with flowers and wine. Isn't that sweet? Her ring is exquisite. Thanks for listening to me ramble on!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

JUGS5 Wild Card

I created this card for the JUGs5 challenge which is a wild card this week. We were to create a holiday card that can incorporate a photo.

This is a very favorite photo of my son when he was about 4 yrs. old and I was actually able to dress him up ! He is 25 now and a 6'3", really big guy. I will use this for his Christmas card this year for giggles.

I used Melanie Muenchinger's new Festive Frame stamp set that was created for Gina K. Designs. I used detail gold EP from Ranger and colored with markers and pencils and OMS. I added some gold cording and red gems as accents.

Thanks for stopping by and I will see you soon!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

I Love The Smell Of Apples!

It does not matter if it is candles or scented oils or fresh baked apple cake, I can't get enough of that wonderful smell when Autumn arrives.I was burning a spiced apple Yankee candle this morning and I thought about making this card!

I made it for the sketch challenge this week at Stamp TV. All of the papers are from a tablet I recently purchased at JoAnn's Fabric. It is Debbie Mumm and is for making calendars, but I love the season paper. My stamps and ribbon are from the Signs of Autumn, Stamp TV kit. I used green gems and some coordinating Martha Stewart, branch punches to embellish. Thanks for taking a peek and I will see you very soon!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

It's Fun To Share!

I think it is fun to share sometimes, but sometimes things get a wee bit lop-sided. My DD came home for a visit this weekend and brought all her new stamping play toys. I created this card using her new Martha Stewart punch set, to create this loopy background to show case my new star stamp.

The stamp is from Impression Obsession, and I used Marvy markers and colored pencils and OMS to color it. I applied accents of Stickles for sparkle. My embellishments are olive pearl studs and a stripy woven bow to pick up the colors in the star. My loopy background is Rich Razzleberry card stock from SU!

Now, what makes this lop-sided, is that she needed to use my Nesties, my Stickles, Basic Grey papers, textured card stock, pop dots, gold cording, red ribbon, and borrow part of a Stamp TV kit ( cause I would not let her take the whole thing for weeks). I also gave up 8 sheets of Avery labels to wrap around Hershey Nuggets. Now ya all know I am just messing around....... what would we do with all of our extras, if not for our kids? Have a great evening. Go Phillies!

All Business

I have been absent for a few days but hope life gets back to normal soon. I was so excited that my sweet DD and her honey, Shaun, came for the weekend. They have not visited for a long while because they are searching for the perfect house. Let's just say it has not been very productive.
Shaun's birthday is in the next 2 weeks and as they don't think they will get back before then we decided to celebrate his special day now. This is the card I came up with for him since he is a financial analyst. It just reminded me of him heading off to work each day! Thanks for looking!

Hope everyone had a fun Halloween. It poured rain here so I am up to my neck in candy bars. Goodness know, I don't need them in this house as temptation. Candy anyone?

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

What A Nice Surprise!


I woke this morning to find this surprise waiting for me! I was awarded this sweet badge from Geri Utterback over at Geri's Cards. She is an amazing paper artist that never disappoints with her creations. Please go check out her blog! Thank you so very much, Geri!
I see I am supposed to tell you 5 things you may not know about me.........
1. I have been a supervisor for Goodwill Industries for the last 13 years. I am an on-call employee for the last 2 years.
2. I am the mother of a severe spinal cord injury survivor for the last 9 years, which has made me a much stronger person. (Gonna get killed for telling this one.)
3. I have 2 grown children, Denise (Dee Marie) and Ken.
4. I love to buy lots of unmounted stamps on Ebay and that is why I never know the maker.
5. My favorite place to vacation is the Outer Banks in NC but I am a very poor traveler.
I may have to duplicate on my 5 people as I don't have a large following:
Linda Payne: because she gets my humor.
Patti: because she has such a bubbly spirit.
Jennie Harper: because she has creative determination and gets hold of a new stamp set and masters it.
Olga: because she always has kind words. She makes me giggle!
Selma: because she creates beauty with all her work.
Please consider visiting all of their blogs! Hugs to you all! Thanks for all the special things you bring to my life. Go Phillies!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

I Am Branching Out


I decided it was time to try a new challenge to fill up my empty slot on Tuesdays. There is a new challenge posted every Monday. So many of the girls do this wonderful Mojo Monday challenge, that I thought I would give it a try. This is their week 110 and quite an interesting sketch. I think I may become hooked
My dp is from DCWV. I layered with a textured black card stock. I used a piece of a pre- embossed metal border that was made for a 12 inch scrapbook. I Cuttlebugged a white panel with my swirl folder. I used Nestie circles to cut my unknown angel stamp. The sponging was done with Memento's london fog. I embellished with smoky grey gems and b/w gingham ribbon. My sentiment is from Theresa Momber's "Very Merry Christmas" set over at Gina K. Designs.
I had so much fun with this sketch! Maybe you should give it a try! It seems to be very popular.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Combo Challenge

I decided to combine challenges for this entry. Over at the Just Us Girls website, the JUGS4 challenge was to create a paper flower. At Stamp TV, the color challenge is for Green Apple, Cranberry Tart, and Ivory.

I was lucky enough to find some green striped tissue paper in my gift closet. Where it came from, I have no clue. I folded it into about 18 layers and ran it through the Cuttlebug using Spellbinders, Flower Creations 3, Shapeabilities. It cut the flowers like butter. I used a brad to secure the center and then Glue Dotted a cranberry button to the center.

The rubber stamp that was used is from Hero Arts. It was stamped with Memento, tuxedo black. I colored the image in spots using OMS and pencil. I added flourishes by cutting them with a Sizzix Sizzlet. Cranberry organza ribbon and touches of Stickles were used to embellish.

Thanks for looking!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

What has Santa Been Up To?


The more I look at this image, I wonder what Santa and Rudolph have been up to! I am beginning to think that they have hidden a bottle of joy juice in the pine trees! What do you think? I wanted to create another card for the color challenge over at Stamp TV, but decided to use a stamp from my vast collection of unmounted stamps that have never seen ink. I had to stick to certain colors, (blue, olive, and bright yellow) so I decided to dress Santa in anon-traditional suit. The pines stamp is a very old D.O.T.S. stamp and the Santa image is from RBBB. My dp had dots that did not fit into my color scheme so I covered them with punched circles and a tiny snowflake stamp for Theresa Momber's new set "Very Merry Christmas". I trimmed the fur on his suit with diamond Stickles and also put a wee bit on the snow. I used a simple button and bow to embellish.
If it were not for all these challenges, I don't think I would be so far along with my cards to send. I think this will be the first year that everyone gets a handmade card! That has me excited!

Friday, October 23, 2009

I've Been Slacking......


I am so sorry that I have not posted in almost a week. The only good excuse is that I had to stay up late most nights to watch my Phillies win their way into the World Series. I have been sleep deprived! These late night, nail biting games are exhausting!
This card was created for the technique challenge that Gina has posted this week on Stamp TV. She challenged us to do a tone on tone card. Some of the creations have been so beautiful, being done on metallic and such.
My card was created on soft sand Pure Luxury card stock. I used Ranger clear detail EP and then embossed around my image with an oval Nestabilities. My Father Christmas stamp is an older PSX stamp and my greeting is generic. I added piercing and ribbon and a single decorative snowflake brad for embellishment.
I am planning to use today for a catchup day, so I may see you again later.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Created for JUGS3


I was so excited when I saw the colors that the designers came up with over at Just Us Girls, for the color challenge this week! I have never worked with these colors before. They really look so wonderful together!
I was even more excited because I finally got to ink up my new Gina K Designs stamp set. It was designed by Theresa Momber and is called "A Very Merry Christmas". I used the jingle bells from the set and they are just pure perfection! I stamped them in Memento black and used a blend of marker and colored pencil to color. My sheet music is a shrunken google image that has been inked and stamped with snowflakes form Theresa's set. My red patterned paper is digital. The blue card stock is SU, Bermuda Bay. Some red organza ribbon, pearl studs, and some Diamond Stickles were used to embellish. Thanks so much for looking!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Doin It Right!

Here is my creation with my head screwed on tight and not a stamped image in sight! The words are my focal point. This will be a nice addition to my Christmas cards that I have made so far. I think we always need cards for those very special friends. My dp is a quilted print. My sentiment stamp has been hanging here for years. Sorry I do not know the source. The sentiment is stamped in Forrest Foliage from SU. I used the red sateen flowers and MS branches with amber gem centers as flower sprays. I made tacky spots and sprinkled them with chunky glitter to look like snow. A polka dot bow completes the card. I hope this now is correct for this weeks potluck challenge on Stamp TV.

I Made An Oops!

Yipes! I knew the concept and embraced the challenge but my hands were working faster than my foggy, morning brain. I thought I was being on the ball and now I have to remake the card for this challenge. You see, The potluck over at Stamp TV, is to use words as your focal image. You may not use stamped images other than words. Well oops, I didn't even think about the fact that I stamped the ornament shape. You can use a Nestabilities shape for your words. Ha Ha..... I was thinking shape, not stamped image. So, I need a new plan but I figured I would share this here on my blog. The ornament stamp is from the one free with three set at Gina K. Designs, this month. It is called Holiday Hospitality. I paper pieced using silver card stock and added silver cording and green gems for my embellishment. I kept my background simple with a snowy white snowflake panel. It is rainy, cold and miserable here today and sounds like the same for the next few days. I hope to return later with a new idea, but until then, get inky!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Getting Side Tracked!


I had every good intention of sitting down and getting right to making my DH an anniversary card. Tomorrow will be 32 wonderful years! We have been very blessed.
Well, the bottom line is that I started doing the Hip To Be Square blog hop over at Gina K. Designs, first thing this morning, and I heard my set that was cut out but never inky, calling my name! It was saying "Pssst!, you over there, don't ya think I would be fun to play with?" It was more than I could take so this is what I made.
The only real part of this card that is from the HTBS set is the window grid. It is such a great part though, because it gives you that blank canvas to start on. I layed post it notes around the inside frame and sponged with Versamark Aegean Blue chalk ink. It is funny, because I had it all over my hands and it was very blue, but as you can see, it sponged like a dark snowy sky. Go figure! I added a little snowman from the Tags & More set and a line of trees from Lovely As A Tree. Both are SU sets. I used Liquid Applique to show dimensional snow. The trees were lightly outlined with diamond Stickles for sparkle. My sentiment is an unknown. I used white, cranberry tart, and onyx black Pure Luxury card stock for my my layers. I used an iridescent ribbon for my bow to tie in the glitz of the trees.
Time to make that card for hubby! Have a great day!