LilyBeth Boutique

Happy New Year Strangers!

2012-01-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Happy and healthy new year to you all!....healthy being the operative word there.... I'm sorry I was MIA for the month of December. I am planning on getting into my craftin' spot now that my ordeal is over. Here's an update...

I ended up having to have my urethra stint in for 25 days, a few days longer than planned. The first 10 days after the surgery we very painful. Apparently when they broke up the stone with the laser to dislodge and remove the stone, a few little pieces were left in the urethra. I had to pass them....eeekkkkk.... Not quite as painful as the blocked kidney stone pain....on a scale of 1-10 they are 10-10.5....but more like a 8.5-9. VERY painful, but no retching. On day 9 I called the doctor and begged them to take the stint out, but no go on that. The next day the extreme pain was gone and the next 15 days were less uncomfortable. I spent the holiday feeling like I had a really bad UTI and like I had been donkey kicked in the left side. More like a 3-4 discomfort, very little 'pain'.

I was finally able to get the stint out this past Tuesday....not anything I recommend.....it wasn't fun and I was again laid up for about 24 hours. I'm now almost healed, just a few pains here and there, nothing to keep me from my daily activities. I'm grateful the experience hasn't left me needing more medical care. I'm healing and although it was scary and ultimately inconvenient for my family, we all came through it ok.

Thanks to all of you that sent me well wishes and could relate to my experience. I hope you are all still out there, I promise to make something for you to see soon!

A kidney stone and the US health care system at work

2011-12-06T01:28:00.000-05:00

It's been a trying week. I want to thank ALL of you that gave me your well wishes on my health issue last week - I really needed your prayers! Since several of you asked I thought I'd explain what happened. So, this is NOT a crafty post, but it's not gory either. I'll have the winner and a crafty post tomorrow.

First, I woke up with a start on Monday....that's a week ago Monday....at about 5:50 a.m. with some pain. At first, I thought it was 'womanly' pains, but I don't have those anymore....thank you Mirena....I was confused. Then it got WORSE. After vomiting and moaning....screaming....with pain for 45 minutes....while my dear, wonderful husband took care of the girls....I crawled back into bed covered in sweat, but the pain had lowered. I realized what it was - a kidney stone.

I had a kidney stone in my early 20's, just one, and that passed in a 1 - 4 hour episode. The memory of that pain was 'burned'....engraved, tattooed, stamped, etched, carved....into my memory. But unlike the one 20 years ago, I had 2 more episodes that day. Hummmm....that was different. Next, 3:33 a.m. Tuesday, in the bathroom again, vomiting and in MAJOR pain. By the grace of God, my in-laws are in town. DH called them to watch the kids and we were off to the ER. Now when I say ER, I mean the luxury 'boutique' hospital that opened a few years back. Bouns - quick ER times...it was 3 am after all....Little did we know, that choice would make this experience last 3 weeks longer.

....They give you excellent pain meds in the ER just so you know....   After ushering me into a private ER room with personal escort, they took blood, had me pee in a cup and ordered 'films'. One $$$$ CAT scan later showed that I had a 7MM stone that was wedged in my urethra just below my kidney....nothing was getting by that sucker.... The ER doctor said it was a 'good size' stone and 3 hours later, we were heading back home with prescriptions and a 'referral'. LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE.   Here's why I say that....

If we had gone to a bigger, well staffed hospital, they would have scheduled the stone removal as soon as a urologist could consult and an OR was available. We know I didn't go that route, so allow me to continue my story....

I slept the rest of the Tuesday while my hubby worked a 12 hour shift and my in-laws took care of the kids....thank you.... I called first thing Wednesday morning for an appointment with the urologist the hospital referred us to, it was scheduled Thursday at 1:30 p.m.. I had 2 more episodes that day.

Thursday, I felt pretty good! On a scale of 1-10, I was a 6-7....episodes are generally 9.5-10....and pain was controlled with the pain meds the ER doc gave me. I talked with the urologist and he took another set of 'films'.....this time just x-rays..... and it confirmed the size and the fact that it hadn't moved - at all. Remember when I said I had a 7MM stone? That is actually is more than DOUBLE the normal size of a kidney stone, much to large to pass on its own. .....THIS is when a real hospital would schedule an OR.... The doctor discussed my options....sonic waves vs. laser vs. retraction....and he suggested doing the Lithotripsy, aka: sonic wave treatment. Cool....easy and painless....he shuffled me off to the scheduler, she took my number and said she'd call before 5 p.m. with my treatment time, it was currently 3:15 p.m. At 4:50 p.m., she called. I was scheduled for 11:30 on TUESDAY....yes, that was 5 days away from then.... Here's how the conversation went from there:

     Me: TUESDAY? You mean I have to go through the weekend with this pain?
     Nurse: Yes.
     Me: 5 days....vomiting pain....
     Insensitive nurse: Well.... he gave you a prescription for pain meds.
     Me: Yes, but that doesn't take away the pain....
     Stupid, insensitive nurse: You can take more than 1 pill if you're hurting or go back to the ER for a pain shot.
     Me: IF I'm hurting?....by this time I'm in tears....

That's when I took my health care into my own hands. My brother-in-law works as a nurse at the hospital we should have gone to and gave me the name of a urologist with offices in the same building as the hospital. Since it was after 5pm, I had to wait and call Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. when the office opened. I explained my situation, how I got their number and that I was desperate for their help. The doctor had procedures planned starting at 11:00 that day, and if I could get in right away he could see me. I checked in at 9:50 am, while having an episode with hubby and 3 year old in tow. After waiting 2.5 hours....he did have to squeeze me in....and 2 episodes later, I must have looked quite terrible, 'cause he admitted me immediately....without seeing any 'films'.... and put me on his surgery schedule for that day. I finally got into the OR at 5:00 p.m. What he discovered was that my stone, didn't want to leave me. It had wedged itself into a curve of my urethra and was blocking my kidney off from extracting all the loveliness that kidneys extract. After 5 attempts with lasers and scopes, a hole in my urethra and a stint, he was finally able to get it out.....I love him, really, love.... This whole experience will be over in 3 weeks when I can get the stint removed.

What I learned from this experience:
First: Go to a real hospital ER, even if it's filled with drug addicts and crazy people and you have to wait for hours. They will have all the things needed to help you. Had I gone to the real hospital on Tuesday, I would have had the Lithotripsy done that day. Since I didn't get in until late Friday, the machine was unavailable.

Second: You are your best advocate. If you don't like the answer you are getting from one doctor, go to another one.

Third: Drugs in moderation are your friend. Especially if you're at a level 9-10. Use them.

Finally: Stupid, insensitive nurses should all be forced to experience long, drawn out pain without meds. ....perhaps bamboo shoots under their nails....Only for my entertainment and satisfaction. That's all.

Midnight - tonight!

2011-12-05T13:20:00.000-05:00

The date for the end of the giveaway was a little mixed up, so I'm extending my blog hop giveaway of the Paper Crafts Magazine Card Creations:Get Inspired issue until midnight tonight! Keep making those comments on my original post here so I can include you in the list. See you all tomorrow with the winner!

Paper Crafts magazine presents Card Creations:Get Inspired Blog Hop

2011-12-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays Blog Hop Peeps! I can't believe it's already December!....where does the time go?.... It's an exciting month isn't it? Card Creations: Get Inspired, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years....Did I mention Card Creations: Get Inspired? That's the news I've been waiting to tell you about!

It's an all new publication from Paper Crafts based on their very popular Get Inspired column featuring cards inspired by everyday things. Like shoes, throw pillows, shoes, sweaters, mirrors, shoes, plates and cups, jewelry....did I mention shoes?....the list goes on. I bet you didn't realize there's so much around you to inspire fantastic paper creations? I had SO much fun creating for this issue....photos are my favorite things to inspire my creative side.... They gave us 40 different photos of typical things you'd find, well, anywhere, and asked for literal and interpretive creations inspired by them. I tried to make 2 for each all the photos....80 total.....BUT..... I only got 35 done....tee hee.... It was SO much fun! Some were really easy to create from, but others were really hard. I found the literal creations the easiest to make on most of them, however my favorite creations were the ones I took creative licence with.

Now here we are today! I was one of the lucky ones invited to participate in Paper Crafts, Card Creations: Get Inspired blog hop! Our challenge today was to take a photo of something from our own home to inspire a new creation. Since I am a decorator and have loads of homes I help out for the holidays, I decided I HAD to use my holiday mantle as my inspiration for my creation for this....its so glittery and sparkly....I love it! There is NOTHING I love more than to over-stuff my mantle with fabulous ornaments, each sparkly and gorgeous....*yum*....

I don't use tradtional color combos for my holiday decor, and have used it to inspire other paper creations....check out my 2010 Stampin Royalty card here..... My favorite time in this room is at night, a fire roaring, lights twinkling, spiked caramel apple cider in my mega mug....*aahhhh*....Keeping to the parameters of the original challenge they gave us, I choose to make 2 creations, one literal and one interpretive!....since I'm currently bed-ridden with a kidney stone, I had time....

This is the literal creation....can't you tell?.... I've had these fabulous holiday words for a year now and am excited to be finally using them. I didn't have 'believe' so I used 'Christmas' instead. Wanna know how I made the lush 'ornament' garland along the bottom?

1. Gather up your items. Large and small glue dots (Zots), glitter (Martha Stewart), buttons, pearls or rhinestones and your card.. FYI - I used the Cuttlebug houndstooth folder for the top panel of my card.

2. Cut your strip of large glue dots to separate each one (this makes it easier to place them where you want).

3. Adhere 3 glue dots in a random pattern (not to close together). Sprinkle with same color glitter. Repeat 3 times. If wanted - Add small glue dots and add dazzling diamonds glitter. *TIP* when adhering the glue dots, plan on clustering 1 of each color in a loose group.

4. Embellish with buttons, pearls and rhinestones.

Lush and lovely! I did the happy dance when it was finished - *LOVE it*

Now, on to the interpretive one....and my favorite....a little shabby chic creation with lots of whites and I've added in the glitter and sparkle with the sentiment and the pin. See that fan-tab-ulous shimmer paper? Sorry, I picked it up on my recent trip to Copenhagen, but it's made by Annie P Paperie. I think there may be a place in New York....for those of us on this side of the pond....check out her fabulous things here.

Have you been inspired? I certainly hope so! As a thank you for joining me today, leave a comment below and you'll name will be entered into a drawing for a copy of this fabulous issue! THEN visit the Paper Crafts Connection blog and be entered to win an AWESOME new Martha Steward tool, the Craft Station! The Craft Station includes a 12”x12” LED light table and glass cutting mat, a cutting shuttle and movable ruler arm, three cutting blades and cartridge, a metal stencil, a stylus, five 12”x12” tracing templates, a cutting knife and an alignment guide. Retail price is $165 - AWESOME!!

Now head off to Lorena's blog and check out all her inspiration! If you got lost, here is the list of the ladies on the blog hop:

Don't forget you can find inspiration in anything around you. Don't believe me? Check out the Card Creations: Get Inspired and you'll see how easy it is.

Lice-a-Poolza

2011-11-21T12:37:00.001-05:00

Howdy ladies! I have a little reprieve from work today, not because I want to though, my oldest has Lice....*eck*!.... After 3 hours of pickin' hair like a monkey, I needed a little creative break. I've begun working on my Etsy site, so that's what most of my time went to, however, I wanted to show you something I made a little bit ago. Just a little something inspired by....well, I can't tell you that yet....but I promise to let you know what that's about as soon as I can!

I've also started posting new things on my Etsy account! Lots of my creations from publications will be on there too... Since you're a special friend of mine, mention BLOGPEEPS in the buyers comments and receive FREE shipping! I'll be posting new supplies and holiday kits later this week, all are packaged and ready to go. Just you wait until you see it all....

2011-11-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

How are all you bleeps out there? I know I've been MIA, but for good reason. My decorating and event planning activities have been keeping me VERY busy. I've been burning the candle at both ends....and a bit in the middle for good measure!.... I just returned from Florida, decorating a home down there....with a short 3 hour visit to the beach....busy shopping for furniture and accessories. Starting this week, I will begin working 60-70 hours a week from now until after Christmas, decorating people's homes for the holidays and several holiday and wedding events!

So what does this mean? Well, I am planning on taking a short hiatus from Our Creative Corner. Only until after my last big event that is the last week of February. The last event is a bit self-serving....it's my 4-0 birthday party....but the rest are for clients. I will be back on the DT starting March 1st. I will continue to post my creations as I go....I have some exciting ones from publications to show you....but with balancing my work schedule, family and home demands, I've been unable to full fill my comments and creations at OCC. This hasn't been fair to you lovely ladies that support and visit me every week, the AMAZING ladies on the design team, and to those of you that participate in our challenges....since I haven't been able to make time to visit you all and give you some love.... SO, be patient with me, I'll still be around, just not consistently on Saturday's. I'll pop in with creations and party photos as they happen....I'm hoping at least weekly.... and of course keep you informed on any exciting news that may happen. Make sure you continue to visit the VERY talented OCC design team every week for inspiration.

This is my last creation until March 1st. It's for the current Pumpkin Pie challenge. It was to have a pumpkin image or use SU!'s Pumpkin Pie color in your creation. I used the latter to make this flower which I LOVE! This card was inspired by an upcoming special issue from Paper Crafts I just got in the mail on Thursday. It's AWESOME!! You'll have to get your hands on it. Now, be sure to join me in our little corner!

Fancy Folds

2011-10-29T05:00:00.001-04:00

Hi Ladies!
Who likes to fold?....no not your laundry..... Are you into origami, or creating 3D items with paper? Then the ladies at Our Creative Corner want to see your creations! The ultra talented Tui is our hostess this week and she is putting us to the test. Here is my creation for this challenge. Tf you've checked out my tutorial, then you have seen the step-by-step for a basket like this. After much nagging, I had to make one just like Lily's for my youngest daughter that turned 3 this month....she had to have one like her big sister.... I thought this was the perfect chance to get it done.

This basket is put together by folding 4 little boxes and putting them together. It's easy, but time consuming and totally worth the effort! She's been hopping around with it 'like a bunny' all day....she's so darn cute....

We are having a Halloween birthday party for her today so I'll share the photos with you later this week. As always I've gone overboard, but hey, it's my sweet little bebe, so I couldn't resist!

Sweet baby face

2011-10-22T05:00:00.001-04:00

Hola chickas!....the girls have been watching Dora all day.... Hows your face? Mine's looking a little more wrinkled than it used to. I still think I look like I did when I was in high school, but who am I kiddin'?....except for myself..... Since my face isn't up to par, I thought I'd use a different one for this week's Our Creative Corner Fabulous Face challenge hosted again by Marjie, our super artsy DT member....check out her stuff, you'll know I ain't fibbin....

This is a sweet little frame I made for a friend of mine that had a baby girl. It had to have some bling and since I'm not much of a scrapbooker, I did this. Is that not the most adorable child you've ever seen? Look at those cheeks! I don't think she's real, it's a vintage drawing, *hello* but adorable!!! I just want to nibble on them. Ok enough of that, no go and make a creation using some fabulous faces in your life!

My new mantra....

2011-10-18T07:12:00.000-04:00

This is it! The new reason I'm giving my hubby when he asks "Why do you do this again?"

Transparency Theory

2011-10-15T05:00:00.001-04:00

Hello Ladies! It's that time again, Our Creative Corner Challenge time! This week our hostess is fabulous Marjie Kemper and she is challenging us to use transparencies in your creations this week. I had a hard time getting back into the craftin' groove this week, recovering from the vaca, Rug Doctoring my area rugs on the first floor....I'll give you a hint why, it rhymes with 'bat' and may be sleeping with the fishes when I'm done with him.... But now that it's all done, I'm 1 rug short....uugghhh....and have thoroughly enjoyed spending a few hours in the craftin' spot....*aaahhhhh*......

You all know I love using window sheets for card bases, but decided to spice it up a bit for this one. I was really able to sit down and enjoy the crafting process this time and brought back my 'shabby' side. The transparency is from Hambly Studios, its the dress maker forms. I placed that over a stitched sheet I made with scraps. I'm LOVIN' how this came out and that life is slowin' down, if only for a few weeks!

Now be sure you head over to the OCC and check out all that the DT has made this week, I've been swooning over each and every one!

Goodbye sweet World....

2011-10-08T05:00:00.001-04:00

I'm leaving Disney as you read this....*tear*.... It was so nice to get away with just my hubby for some fun and relaxation. Back to reality....

I prepared this card before I left for my break from life for this week's challenge at Our Creative Corner. It's a color challenge and it has some really great colors!

Our hostess Lori really came up a fun fall combo. I made this card for my in-laws, they took care of the kids for us while we were away. What a blessing!

Be sure to head over the Our Creative Corner for some great inspiration from our DT!

OOPS!

2011-10-02T17:43:00.001-04:00

Apparently you can't check you posts with your cell, otherwise they publish. So my prescheduled OCC post for Sat. posted today! I don't know how to take it off with my phone, so I apologize that its early. I'm still here at Disney and will be back to my post here on the 9th. Sorry for the mixup!

Say Wi, Merci!

2011-10-01T05:00:00.001-04:00

Greeting from EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival! In honor of World Card Making Day, the challenge this week at Our Creative Corner is to create a card inspired by another country! I chose France...since I have the fabu 'Merci' stamp from PTI.... It's kind of appropriate that I'm here in EPCOT for this challenge, I'm strolling along, sampling the tasty treats from over 20 countries!...YUMMM.... I think I've gained 5 pounds, and I've only been here 3.5 days!

I made this card before I left this week, and while it's inspired by France, it's not at all Belle Epoche. Another CAS creation made in my limited time. I pulled out my old stand by, window sheets to create the card. I think it's kind of fun! Now be sure to visit the other ladies on the DT for some inspiration!

Wedding teaser

2011-09-27T23:47:00.000-04:00

I had many of you ladies wanting to see some photos of the fabulous wedding I did last weekend. Well, I have video I took on my phone...that I can't get off. I've tried sending it to my email account, to YouTube, to Picasa, on the web, off the web. Nothing seems to work, and of course we can't seem to find the doo-hickey that you put your SIM card into for the computer to download. *sigh*
Tomorrow I leave for my 10 day vaca....without kids, YIPPIE!!!....I will have my hubby make it happen when I get back. Until then, here are just a few photos from the event this weekend, as well as some photos I hadn't shared yet from the event I coordinated in Copenhagen.
Here are 3 photos of some details from this weekends event. The DECORATING budget for this event was over $45,000...that includes lighting, furniture, flowers, linens, rentals, etc....that doesn't include food, rental space, band, booze, dress, cars, etc. The grand total was over $100,000...probably more like $125k.... I think from this teaser, you can tell it's over the top!

The bouquet, garden roses, lily of the valley, lady slipper orchids, scabiosa, white hyacinth and gardenias. It smelled divine!

The cake - hello GORGEOUS!!!

The chairs for the bride and groom, just a special little touch.

NEXT - The Copenhagen event was held in a badminton hall....yes badminton. Apparently it's all the rage in Denmark. This is the other end of the spectrum, my decorating budget for this event was less than $500. That included the kid's room.

The tables - looked FABULOUS when the sun went down, which summer in Denmark? - 9:30 pm.

The place cards, fresh green apples! Yes I wrote them.... And the logo napkin wrap...yes, I made that too!

The menu cards, you guessed it....

I'll still have my creations for Our Creative Corner for the next 2 Saturdays' posted, but please forgive me for not commenting on any of your blogs for the next 10 days, I will be enjoying the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT!!!

Short and sweet

2011-09-24T05:00:00.002-04:00

Hi ladies!
I'm pooped. I've been working on a wedding this week for 380 with a budget of about $100,000. I planned ahead with my creation for this weeks Our Creative Corner sample, but didn't plan the post ahead of time. I'll post some of the photos so you can see how fab-u-lous it is, but until then....short and sweet.

This is my card for the Numbers challenge hosted by Sharon. I hope you'll join us!

I don't know why all my cards lately have been CAS....perhaps 'cause they're fast and I haven't had much time lately?

Go See Do...

2011-09-17T05:00:00.001-04:00

Is it getting cooler where you're at? It is here! I love fall....chunky sweaters, football games, hot stews, warm bread, the colors....all of it. Hopefully fall will stay...

It's that time again at Our Creative Corner, Challenge time! Sharon is our hostess this week with a great challenge. This week's challenge is titled: 'Not Big on Pink' . So, for this paper craft challenge, you need to use any shade of blue, and just a touch of pink. If you need a number, think 1/5 or less in pink. You must also incorporate some texture, (ie: fabric, ribbon, floss, etc) and a metal piece (ie: brad, push pin, charm, etc.).

I decided to go with something more simple. I had stamped this airplane image in a repeated pattern to make a chevron background a while back. I didn't know what to do with it after I made it. It's been sitting around for about a month now. I loved the effect, but wasn't sure how I wanted to use it. Since Sharon's challenge said to use lots of blue, not a lot of pink, I made a CAS card with this. The grid panel is actually a Studio Calico fabric strip that I stamped the sentiments on. I added the buttons for a simple touch and thought I was done...oopps....I forgot one element - the metal! I had to go back and add some eyelets in black to match....instead of a metal color....

I love this sentiment. It reminds me of a dear BFF that is a major jet-setter. She is ALWAYS goin', seein' and doin' AMAZING things!....She's quite fabulous.... Now, she's a bit young to be retiring, but I thought its a great sentiment for someone starting a new part of their lives.

Baby's rejected...

2011-09-16T10:05:00.001-04:00

I've finally been able to participate in a magazine call, although I was only able to get 3 done for it. I had such a hard time getting my creative juices flowin' again....being creative only 1x per week is taking its toll.....Good news is that 2 of my submissions were accepted!....yea!!!..... AND now that school is back in session, I'm able to get into my craftin' spot more!!....good news all around....

....Nobody puts baby in a corner....This was my attempt for a Cameo Baby card for Paper Craft's Magazine's last call. I don't really have any cameo stamps except for the little one from PTI's PostMark but I thought the 'fragile' and the 'Handle with Care' sentiments gave it a baby theme....a stretch for a baby card, I know..... I also had this sketch from Moxie Fab's Horizontal Sketch Challenge in mind when I made it. I thought I'd enter this in the Just Add Ink - Just Add Baby challenge as well!

I think I'll be craftin' some more this weekend, I've been having so much fun! Have a great weekend!

God Bless 911

2011-09-11T10:25:00.000-04:00

God Bless the families that lost a loved one 10 years ago today.

God Bless the innocent victims on the airplanes and in the buildings attacked.

God Bless the police officers and fire fighters in New York city and the people on United Airlines flight 93, that they gave their lives to save others.

God Bless the families that are still involved in the protection of our country and our freedoms.

God Bless the leaders of our country, give them the strength, knowledge and integrity so that they may make choices in our countries best interest.

God Bless you, your families and your loved ones, that you may all cherish each other, every second of every minute of every day.

OCC Windows Challenge?

2011-09-10T05:00:00.001-04:00

OK, now I know this isn't a traditional window's item, but here is my thinking... The challenge that Holly put forward this week at Our Creative Corner, is to make a window on your project with something showing thru it....like a window....I couldn't decide on just one, so I made 2....I'm an over achiever ;).... I also wanted to be sure I was doing the challenge right!

So this first one has numbers die cut from a panel of kraft cardstock and I added different colored cardstock behind those numbers....it's the idea of a window, just not a literal interpretation.

My second card is a bit more literal, but it's not a window into the inside of the card. I made a framed 'window' around my burlap and sequin panel. Pretty splashie, eh?

I like them both, but really want to see what you come up with for this challenge. Are you ready?

School struggles and the OCC challenge

2011-09-03T05:00:00.002-04:00

Hello Ladies!

It's another challenge at Our Creative Corner. This week the challenge is hosted by Holly, one of our new DT members and it's a fun one! The challenge is to make a creation with stamping on pre-patterned paper. This is a technique I need to do more often, I love the look.

This creation I used patterned paper scraps to make a base like Betsy Veldman did here. I stamped the circle with white pigment and heat embossed it on my scrap paper and die cut it out. I didn't think the stamped image stood out enough so I gently rubbed some Soft Suede on it to help it stand out. I also stamped the apple image on the background paper just to make it more "school-y".

I made this for my oldest daughter....This is her the morning of her first day of school.... She started 2nd grade this year at a new private school. She's really having a hard time with the change. I know it's what's best for her education, but watching her struggle is heart-breaking. She's making friends, but doesn't feel like she belongs....perhaps its the uniforms?..... Having moved several times as a child, I can relate to her fears. So, my only solace is that I turned out o.k....didn't I?... each time we left our comfort zone. I'm hoping the little notes I've been sneaking into her lunchboxes gives her a pick-me-up during the day. All of you that know us, send her happy thoughts over the next few weeks. Every little good thought will help!

Boo!

2011-08-27T05:00:00.002-04:00

It's another challenge at Our Creative Corner! The fabulous Vicki is our hostess again this week with a color challenge. I decided to create a Halloween card, I had these fabulous ghosts with gray book print on it and just had to use it for this challenge.

I stamped the concave die cut with Going Grey and antiqued it to match the ghost. The letter are stickers I had to paint, since I didn't have any red letters and I wanted then to stand out. The background is wood grain embossed with white craft rubbed along the edges with red stitching around it. I love halloween, you get to pretend to be someone else for a night. It's like being onstage again...

Head over to the OCC and check out what the rest of the DT team came up with, then get your craft on and join us!

OCC Sketch challenge

2011-08-20T05:00:00.001-04:00

*Please excuse the quality of these photos. My camera is on strike and my back-up one is on vacation with my in-laws, so I had to use my phone.*

Hello ladies! It's Our Creative Corner challenge time again and the lovely Vicki is hosting this challenge this week. She has created this sketch for us to use. I have to say, it's a layout I LOVE to use....of course every time I've done it, it's on the horizontal....one of my first cards accepted for publication was almost this exact layout!....and I have another one with it coming out soon...

This week I decided to use this DCWC paper I've had laying around for a while. I love the color combinations in this pad; yellow, green, tan, silver, black and lots of glitter! The only thing I didn't like about this card is the stitching. Next time I think I'd do a silver thread instead. The black is too much and seems to throw it off the balance....hummm.....
Anyhoo - go check out what the amazing OCC team has come up with, Jen's is a knock out!

It's Juicy!!!

2011-08-13T05:00:00.000-04:00

Hello again ladies, I'm the hostess again this week at Our Creative Corner! This time, I thought I'd take it easy on you....no tricks up my sleeve.... I have another inspiration photo from my trip to the Green Market in Copenhagen.

Imagine if you will - a Walmart sized building FILLED with fresh produce, ONLY fresh produce. Boxes of cherries, nectarines, peaches, elder berries, mini watermelons, strawberries, fruit I had never seen before, the colors, the smells....amazing! I took a few photos of the gorgeous fruit boxes, each little piece of juiciness just waiting to be baked into a danish....hee, hee....

I had so many options for this, so many in fact, I think I'll end up making another creation for this challenge! But for now, I wanted to make another CAS type card.

I started with a clear window sheet and wanted the card to have a little surprise to it, like this one I made last week. The doily has the sentiment stamped on it and it is adhered to the inside of the card.

On the outside of the card, I used my new PTI Melon fruit die and stamps for the watermelon. It's hard to tell from the photos, for the seeds I used black Stickles for a little shimmer. I added a little shabby bow and it's as cute as can be! I think I'm going to make cookies to match these...now I just need to make them for someone 'cause lordy knows I don't need to eat them. Now, please join us for our challenge - it's juicy!

2011-08-06T05:00:00.001-04:00

I'm hosting the challenge again this week at Our Creative Corner, and again I'm using my trips as the inspiration for this challenge.

When I was there, I had the most amazing opportunity to go to the Green Flower Market. A HUGE warehouse with lots of vendors selling my favorite thing....flowers! Think 2 Walmarts put together and you'll get the idea of the amount of space they had....amazing..... It's a shame they don't have something like that here in Ohio, on second thought, I think I would spend all my money of flowers instead of paper.

I took a ton of photos of my visit there and of all the lovely flowers I saw blooming around the city. Those photos are the inspiration for this weeks challenge, HOWEVER, you cannot use any flowers in your creation....I know, I'm a stinker....

I used 6 different patterned papers to create the background for The Shabby Tea Room Mix and Match challenge this week. It was harder than I thought, but I like how it came out.

This is for my dear sweet BFF Cristy. Thursday was her birthday and I made a surprise visit to see her and take her out for lunch with some of her other friends. We always have the most amazing time together, even if its just hangin' out watching Amazing Race. We have been friends for over 20 years and will have many more years of fun, tears and sharing to come!

Thanks type

2011-08-04T00:28:00.000-04:00

This is a fun little creation I made a while back that I just realized I hadn't shared with you yet! Isn't it a fun one? It was really easy to make, perhaps I'm turning into a CAS crafter instead of shabby-cutesy....hum.....

Feelin the love...

2011-07-30T19:52:00.000-04:00

It's been fun creating for challenges again....it's been a while..... Low and behold, I got kudos from not 1, but 2 challenge sites this week! Can I say WOW!!! Thanks Case Study Challenge and All Things Unity for acknowledging my creations this week, I love you guys!!!

Smiles across the miles

2011-07-30T05:00:00.003-04:00

Hello ladies!

Greetings from the 'top of the glove'! Now many of you may be scratching your heads....unless you're from the midwest, then you totally get it....but I'm up in Petoskey Michigan visiting my DH's parents.

Since I knew I would be out of town this week, I did all my fun creating last week! This is my favorite creation from my paper marathon, for this week's Our Creative Corner challenge and All Things Unity Summer Felling challenge. Spotting hot air balloons is my favorite summer activity with the girls when were on a road trip.
Now, this is Sarah Gough's last week with us so be sure to send her some much deserved kudos for all her hard work at the OCC.

Merci

2011-07-25T05:00:00.001-04:00

It's been fun creating for challenges again! I'm really enjoying my creating time....it's always therapeutic.... This is a quick one I made for this weeks Case Study challenge. The challenge is to make your own background like this month's muse, Dawn Wolesagle did. Check out her creation here.

I decided to use my new PTI Chevron background builder set for the main background....LOVE it!....and the stripes from PTI Retro backgrounds for the yellow band. The flower I made myself with lots of messy fabric glue....it was stuck everywhere.... I'm diggin' how it came out!

Heart Flutter

2011-07-23T16:51:00.000-04:00

*Click here if you're looking for my Our Creative Corner DT creation*

Can you believe this is my 3rd post today? I was able to get a few more craftin' hours in while the girls napped....ahh the silence.... This creation is for the All Things Unity challenge #35. The challenge is to incorporate twine, ribbon and/or burlap - I was able to get in all 3!...I'm good, I know ;).... I love to use burlap and ribbon in my creations, but I have a confession to make. I've never used Bakers Twine. I KNOW! What's wrong with me?!? I've just never had the chance to pick it up.

These Unity stamps are the ones I won for the 2010 World Card Making Day contest over at Paper Crafts. It's always fun to use these stamps, they're cute and easy to use. If I were to do it again, I wouldn't add the rhinestone. I tried to take it off, but it started to rip the paper. It's just too big.

Hey puppy

2011-07-23T08:35:00.000-04:00

*Click here to see my creation for today's Our Creative Corner post*

Do you have kids? Are they like mine, the walk around with their favorite little friend....everywhere.... It occasionally gets misplaced and life as we know it comes to a screeching halt until it is recovered? Both of my girls have one....yes, my oldest is 7 and she still has hers.... Do they have cute names for them? My girls don't they're generic, 'Pink baby' and 'Puppy'....so creative....

Elizabeth and her 'puppy' inspired this birthday card. I wanted to create another card for Moxie Fab's Fanatical for Botanical challenge, and thought I'd combine some cutesy things with the botanical image. I think this will be a great card for Elizabeth and 'puppy' to give someone....or I'll save it for her birthday....

Puppy Birthday
Cardstock: ivory 110lb
Patterned papers: Lullaby (Websters Pages), Love note (Pink Paisley)
Stickers: My Girl Quite Contrary (My Minds Eye), Lullaby (Websters Pages); pink scalloped (SU!)

Accents: resin flower (Pink Paisley), white paint
Fibers: white string

Bee the B's

2011-07-23T05:00:00.001-04:00

Howdy do! Are you staying cool in this heat wave?....110 heat index today..... Good reason to stay inside and be crafty and join us at Our Creative Corner for our challenge this week. Sarah Gough is our hostess this week, and the theme is All the B's. You need to use her 4 B's: Black, Bling, Buttons and Bows. It's not as hard as you'd think. Check out all the DT's creations here for inspiration.

I decided to add to the B theme....a bit literally....with Botanical but use it in an unexpected way. Instead of making it vintagy or shabby....the natural style for a botanical creation....I tried my hand at a CAS type creation, keeping it simple with limited embellishments....it goes against my natural instincts.... I was inspired by Cath at Moxie Fab ....to add this final B....with her current challenge, Fanatical about Botanical.

I kept it fairly simple and like it that way....surprise.... The bee image is from an embellie package from Pink Paislee. It looked like a flashcard for a 1st grader. I cut out the image and added a little bit of black Stickles...though it's hard to tell....for some bling shimmer on the bee and along the black edges of the image. Enough to add some shimmer, but still keeping it simple. Now it's your turn, beat the heat and join me for both challenges!

One of those days....

2011-07-19T19:58:00.000-04:00

***This is not a creative post, just one that you may relate to****

Today was one of those days...actually the last week....CRAZY! Last week started with a sick cat...poor Oscar...worked the weekend at my former job....4 weddings in 6 hours.....and just 3 hours ago, my dear beloved 2 year old got a hold of the cat's meds and ate them.....she's fine, I'm not....

Serenity now. I need one of these, or perhaps 2....

Case Study

2011-07-18T09:47:00.000-04:00

It's going to be a SCORCHER here in the Midwest, so I'm keeping the kids inside until the early evening. Then we'll head down to the pool to keep cool.

Until then I thought I'd post a creation I made for Case Study. This weeks challenge is based on this creation from Dawn Woleslagle. I used her Kraft and white inspiration....instead of Kraft on white I did white on Kraft.... with added touches of a creamy gold. It's a sweet little card, just a note!

Copenhagen Inspiration

2011-07-16T05:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Saturday ladies!
First, I have to thank everyone for all the sweet comments you made on your blogs for last week's Our Creative Corner challenge I created! I think many of you were a little weary to try it, but the ladies that joined the party....WOW! Every single one was beautiful and you all seemed to really love the challenge. I'm still going thru and commenting on everyone's creation and will post the winner on Wednesday at the OCC.

I am again the hostess this week at Our Creative Corner and this week I have a challenge for you that's close to my heart! Copenhagen. My dear BFF lives over there and I have had several opportunities to visit her there. The city is old, charming and inspiring, hence, how I came up with this challenge. Your job this week is to make a creation based on one of the photos below but the catch is, you CAN'T use any pre-printed papers. Make sure you let us know which photo inspired your creation and get creative. Now, break out those stamps, embossing folders and fabrics, I can't wait to see all you come up with! Wanna see my creation?

Since I've done the whole 'tourist' thing there before, I spent more time experiencing the life of a resident of this luscious city. Most residents walk, bike or use public transportation...mostly because a tank of gas is about $150...OUCH.... so Anne and I took a long walk throughout the city. It was a nice day, we spent it chit-chatting about life, had dinner at a FABULOUS gallery/restaurant and put about 7 miles in. It was overcast and a tad chilly, but that's summer in Copenhagen! These are just a few of the photos I took on that walk. My favorite part of the jaunt was the harbor and our stroll along the water, so I used that photo for my inspiration.

This is my interpretation of a CAS card. I couldn't stop adding clouds, or waves for that matter...I tend to overwork things.... It's cute, I LOVE the American Craft felt embellies. I hope we were able to inspire you to join us for this weeks challenge. I look forward to seeing you there!

Bargin Hunter

2011-07-14T01:48:00.000-04:00

That's what I am. You all know it, I've talked about my 'never pay retail' rule...never...ever... It does get hard when purchasing my paper craft supplies. I like to get the hottest items asap for my publication submissions, so I search...and search...for the best bargain on what I want. Generally I shop online or a local craft discount store but I end up needing to wait a month or so until things go on sale.

Enter Pumpkin Spice, their motto - Memories are Priceless, budgets are not. *LOVE IT* ...This site is right up my alley.... Bargains galore! Everything is always 30% off or more....you had me at hello....and they carry tons of great brands *BONUS*! AND, as I was perusing their site yesterday, I saw they were on the hunt for a new Design team and thought I'd throw my hat in the ring. I'm a little late for the party....the deadline is Friday....I did my craftin' on during the girls naps and was able to whip out 5 cards for their DT call. Can I share them with you? Grab a cuppa joe this is gonna take a while...

Recently I had a post about my craftin' style....a little bit shabby, a little bit cutesty....I'm pretty consistent with my style, but being a Fine Arts major, I do appreciate and sometimes go outside my norm. CAS is foreign to me, but I do occasionally pull one out like this. I love to use all kinds of papers, My Minds Eye, Cosmo Cricket, Echo Park, American Crafts, Websters Pages, the list goes on for miles. I am really drawn to bright fun, graphic papers...like me, I'm fun!.... but can never seem to get a cohesive creation made with them. The Shabby, Cutesy ones come natural, but tend to be softer....so not my personality... I love to embellish with items I've made or dyed but love the convenience of coordinating embellies too.

Enough babbling, on to the creations! This is a subdued shabby creation. The BoBunny paper from the Timepiece collection inspired the direction on this one.

I added the My Minds Eye Quite Contrary Little Boy Blue Day Dream paper behind it for a masculine color and kept the embellies simple....well the bow isn't really simple.... The script panel is My Minds Eye, Stella & Rose Mabel Love Letters, I border punched the edge and inked it with Soft Suede ink.

Now you'll have to forgive me, for some reason the perimeters of the call slipped my mind...I had a brain fart....and forgot that I needed to use 2 different papers from 2 different lines on my creations. So, the next cards have different papers but from the same vendor....some from different lines though.... At least you can see how much fun I had today! This is a cutesy card using that same My Minds Eye Quite Contrary Little Boy Blue Day Dream paper and coordinating stickers.

The scallops the owl and the buttons are all from that sticker sheet, aren't they cute? I added a little crochet lace and stitching to make it 'me' and there you have it! Cutesy cute!

This is my favorite and the quickest card I made today. The Baha Breeze color is so me and I love the My Minds Eye Meadow Lark 'Dawn' Cards paper. One side of it is the script, the other a whole slew of tags just waiting for me to use!

I added my favorite fabric doily which I dyed dark grey, seam binding ribbon and handmade pin details. Then I inked the bird to make it stand out a little bit more. I think this took all of 15 minutes to make and I know exactly who this is heading off to tomorrow!

Can you tell I like My Minds Eye papers? Here's another one My Mind's Eye Lush Green Houndstooth paper...although I used the polka-dot side....and My Mind's Eye Alphabet Soup Girl 'Lovely' paper.

I'm obsessed with the argyle, I'd dress my kids in it everyday if I could...and if they wouldn't get beat up for it ;)... It's another cutesy one, with my glitter dragonfly....hello lover....some gingham ribbon and another fav of mine, a doily...of course...

Last but not least, it's shabby time. These papers are from the BoBunny Gabrielle collection, which if your shabby at heart, you have to get! It's *FABULOUS*! I was even able to get my hands on the Gabrielle Trinkets to match, see that cameo? That's it there. BoBunny is really starting to get my attention here.

Finally, to really get your heart pumpin', let me show you some comparison shopping numbers. The BoBunny Gabrielle 6x6 paper pack retails for $5.99...of course I didn't pay that.... Since I didn't have time to order my things from Pumpkin Spice, I had to pay $4.95...not great, but not retail...at my local discount craft store....no it's not Michael's, I said discount.... Pumpkin Spice's everyday low price is $4.19! Hello, bargain!!!! I'm telling you, save your pennies...and your gas...and get your things there. I know I am.

Supplies:

Thoughts of You:
CardStock: Early Espresso (SU!)
Patterned Paper: Timepiece collection (BoBunny); Quite Contrary, Little Boy Blue and Stella & Rose, Mabel Love Letters (My Minds Eye); label (Martha Stewart)
Ink: Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip Handsome Hunter (SU!)
Stamp Set: Tag Time #4 (PTI)
Tools: Friskar's border punch
Accents: assorted buttons
Fibers: Brown twill (May Arts)

Cutesy Owl
CardStock: Crumb Cake (SU!)
Patterned Paper: Quite Contrary, Little Boy Blue (My Minds Eye)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Stamp Set: Up, Up & Away (PTI)
Stickers: Quite Contrary Little Boy Blue (My Minds Eye)
Fibers: crochet lace and hemp twine

Hello Birdie
CardStock: Baha breeze (SU!)
Patterned Paper: Timepiece collection (BoBunny); Meadow Lark Dawn Cards Paper My Minds Eye
Ink: Baha Breeze, Basic Black (SU!)
Stamp Set: Think Big Favorites (PTI)
Tools: corner rounder punch (SU!)
Accents: handmade pins, white button
Fibers: aqua seam binding (Snug Hug); aqua embroidery floss (DMC); fabric doily

Hello Arglye

CardStock: Whisper White (SU!)
Patterned Paper: Alphabet Soup Girl 'Lovely' and Lush Green Houndstooth (My Minds Eye)
Ink: Old Olive (SU!)
Stamp Set: Think Big Favorites (PTI)

Stickers: Quite Contrary Mary, Mary 'Wonderful' (My Minds Eye)

Fibers: Red gingham ribbon; white string
Accents: orange button; glitter dragonfly; doily

Merci Gabrielle
CardStock: River Rock (SU!)
Patterned Paper: Gabrielle Collection (BoBunny)
Ink: Soft Suede, Craft White (SU!)
Stamp Set: Think Big Favorites (PTI)

Tools: bunting die (Spellbinders)

Accents: handmade pins, Gabrielle Trinkets (BoBunny); white button; doily

Fibers: pink seam binding (Snug Hug); Brown twill (May Arts); hemp twine

White Party!

2011-07-09T05:00:00.001-04:00

It's another challenge week at Our Creative Corner and I get to be your hostess! I love to create challenges, and really LOVE this one! It's going to be a tuffy, but you'll love the results I guarantee it....I'm sounding like a commercial here...

Now, my favorite summer events are garden parties, you know the ones when everyone wears white? That's my inspiration for this week's challenge, we're having a White party! I don't know about you, but I LOVE white! The challenge is for you to ONLY use white in you creation. Think it will look flat? Enhance the color with textures and patterns. Check out these photos for inspiration...

If you're having trouble figuring this out, do what I did. Gather up all your favorite items in white, and put them in a pile.

Once you see them all together, pull out the things that definitely DON'T work, then you're left with items to work into your project.

Put in a bit of your creative genius, and voila'! A fantastic all white creation!

Now head on over the the OCC and see what the other members of our talented design team did...you won't be sorry you did...

Christmas in July

2011-07-02T08:55:00.000-04:00

It's another challenge week here at Our Creative Corner! Last weeks entries were amazing - we are busy going thru them all to pick out new members of the DT. This week's theme is Christmas in July, which was perfect 'cause my hubby gave me a gift when I got home late Wednesday night. A surprize trip to my hometown to visit friends, go to baseball games and parties! So after 1 night in my bed, here I am in Pburg doing my post!

This card is a bit special, it is in this month's Paper Crafts Stamp It issue! I love this style, you can use any sentiment to create this, add a simple embellie and viola! A CAS card! .....a rareity for me....

Alright, now make a 4th of July card or get started on your Christmas cards and share them with us! Hope to see you there!

My Style

2011-06-25T05:00:00.001-04:00

Hello Ladies!
Greetings from sunny and cold Copenhagen...isn't it summer?... This week at Our Creative Corner, we are having a Design Team call!!! That's right, YOU could be the next OCC designer! We want to see a card that is YOUR STYLE - whatever that style is, just make a brand new card showcasing your awesome abilities and tell us all about you and your style! The OCC team is diverse and we'd love to see what you would bring to the table!

As for me, my style is always changing and evolving. I love simple, clean cards, but they are not my forte...I can't stop adding embellies!... I am most suscessful with Shabby Chic and Cutesy type cards. Here is an example of one of my favorite recent Shabby creations.

I used my new Postmark set from PTI. It's perfect for the little piece of shabbiness that lives inside my creative brain. This one is my Cutesy style:

See? I can't decide....I think I may have a split personallity... Any how, show me your style and post it up on the OCC site. I hope you will join us, I'm eager to see all that you create and look forward to our new team members!

And I'm off...

2011-06-21T12:47:00.000-04:00

***this post has some paper creations, flower creations and general rambling...***

It has been a CRAZY, CRAZY, CRAZY 2 weeks! ...did I say crazy?... Wanna glimpse into my insane asylum?

First, we have been replacing the carpet on the second floor of our home. All of the spaces except for our bedroom were done 2 weeks ago. We were going to put hard wood in there, but hubby changed his mind. The new carpet hasn't arrived at the warehouse, so we have been living on particle board for almost 3 weeks now.

Then, the Jones boys...the sons from the family I grew up next to...decided to get married...in consecutive weekends. The younger of the 2...he's 30...had his wedding and small reception last weekend. I made the cake for this, a 3 tiered, 3 layer white chocolate cake with strawberry and raspberry fillings. Here's some photos of the cake, but if you check out this post by Kathleen...the Mother of the Grooms.... on Facebook, you can see how I looked cutting it up...let's just say, I got messy...

Now, being a former wedding coordinator, their mother also asked me to help plan the one hosted at her home. The only glitch? It's the weekend I'm in Copenhagen. So, I had to plan an event, that I'm not even installing! I did however make 10 centerpieces, the corsages, bridal bouquet and cake. I won't have a completed set-up photo of the event until I get home, but here is an example of the centerpieces with the paper underlay:

The underlay is make from 18x18 paper, with their names cut from the Cricut in the corner. The centerpieces are carnations in various white porcelain containers with red ribbons. Here's a close-up of the paper:

and what the car looked like with everything packed in it when it left here just 1 hour ago...I can't believe it all fit in a Mini Cooper...:

Now, did you know that I'm an international party planner? That's right, and it's the reason I'm going to Copenhagen...and to visit BFF Annerd... It's a combined birthday party for a couple. Dana is turning 40 and her hubby, Steen, is turning 50. They are having a 90th birthday together...cute eh?... I'm flying out there to make it fabulous! I'll post photos of the set-up process when I'm there, but will share the things for the kids room at the party. That's what the Danes do, adult parties have a kids space 'cause they don't really do babysitters....I could NEVER be a Dane for that reason... So, the theme for the kids room is Mickey Mouse so this was a natural part to plan, as we are a Disney family!

These are the goodie boxes for the kids. Thank you Cricut, I need to use you more..

The party hats for the kids. Simple and cute!

Now, I have clean my house and prepare for my mother-in-law to stay and care for my little ones! I'll have more posts while I'm gone, lots of paper creations too!

I am so ready for some fun in Copenhagen!

Oh the challenge!

2011-06-18T00:49:00.000-04:00

This week's Our Creative Corner challenge is a GOOD one! Thanks again to fellow desgn team member, Lori Rider. It was a head scratcher, which are my fav's! This week there is a color challenge with a twist! Not only do you need to use the colors you see here...some of my ultimate favorites...but you need to use 3 different punches and one of them needs to be a border punch!!

So off to the craftin' spot I went, thinking, 'This will only take a few minutes to whip this up!'. Well, it didn't. I wanted to use this great paper I picked up by House of Three along my new PTI set, Postmarks. Easy peezie...not.... I couldn't find punches that I like; then I forgot I had to use 3; then the background paper that started off pink, I distressed and it now looks peach....sigh... Well,I really like how it came out! So I used the colors...obviously...the Friskars border punch...see it there?...along the map?...my new Spellbinders Nestabilities Reverse Wonky Rectangles and a Pink Paisley die cut. And a die cut counts as a punch, even though I didn't do it my self....right?.... Well I'm counting it anyway, 'cause I like it and it reminds me that in just 4 SHORT days I will be leaving for Copenhagen!!!

Thanks a Melon

2011-06-13T21:10:00.000-04:00

Yes, you! Thanks for hangin' in there with me...you're the best!... But it appears, I'm back in full force! I just spent the last 4 days painting, ripping up carpet and making over 30 creations...whew.... Most were for publications, but this one's for you.

I used my new PTI set, Fruit Fusion - Melon. Isn't it adorable?! I had hoped to get this set before the end of the school year to make cookies and cute containers for the teachers, but it arrived too late. I'll do it next year, 'cause I love this set! I personally hate the taste of melon, but think it's a cute summer icon. If I need to make a thank you gift this summer, this it my go-to set for sure, with melon cookies and candies. Yum!

This is another crazy week. A second round of carpet is coming, a decorating re-do for the master bedroom, 2 wedding cakes, 10 centerpieces, 1 wedding bouquet and packing for next week's trip....I take on too much... I like to keep busy, but this is ridonkulous!!!

Polka-dot Party

2011-06-11T08:47:00.000-04:00

Hi Ladies!
Well, I've been busy craftin' in spot and here is the first of many creations for me to share with you. It's for this week's Our Creative Corner challenge. Check out this inspiration photo:

Isn't that pillow lucious?...too cute.... So the challenge this week is to use 2 items as inspiration for your creation. I obviously had to do polka-dots...I wish had some kraft colored pom-poms too....and the color palette. We have a few little boy birthday's this summer, so I broke open my new PTI set to make this.

Inspired? Great! Now head over the the OCC and check out the DT's creations for more inspiration and join us for some craftin' fun! See you there!

You'd be proud...

2011-06-10T10:02:00.000-04:00

I have been a craftin' fool these last 2 days! ...you're right, it's wonderful therapy!... I will have lots of things to show you, but you'll have to wait just one more day and I PROMISE I will have bunches of posts in the coming days...and weeks...and months...

Until then, I had to clean out my space so I could get to my table...it was a shame really... and have added even MORE things to my 'purge' sale list. Go check it out here, then e-mail me your requests asap, things are going fast! Once those things are sold, I will be listing TONS of my favorite supplies for sale. Crochet doilies; pins; velvet and seam binding ribbons; tea dyed items; glitter embellies...the list goes on. BUT I can't list those fabulous finds UNTIL the purge sale is over. So get crackin!!!

For sale!!!

2011-06-08T02:21:00.000-04:00

I have been busy cleaning house and have the need to make some space...just wait till you see it!... I am getting rid of some of my tried & true stamp sets, ink pads and so much more! I will be adding more every day so keep checking back…

Shipping will be paid by the buyer and I will ship in any size USPS Priority box or $4.95 envelope only. Pick the size you want and fill it up! I will only accept PayPal, and all items must be paid for within 24 hours. E-mail me at krzykramer@yahoo.com with your request and I’ll respond letting you know your total. Please put "SALE" in the subject line so I don't think it's junk mail. All items will be shipped within 24 hours of payment.

Go to my 'FOR SALE' page or click here for the current list!

Busy Baby

2011-05-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

Boy am I busy baby! We're tearing up carpet, laying down hardwood floors, painting, re-decorating, re-upholstering...pretty much the whole house!... I did find some time today to visit Archiver's on the other side of town...while picking up supplies... It was so much fun and I was able to find some Webster's Papers items, one of my fav's. It was a great find, since today's challenge for Our Creative Corner is to create a baby card, using a button, trim and kraft cardstock!

This was a perfect paper for this challenge, the sweet carrige with the flowers. This could go for a boy or a girl don't you think? I used Kraft on the little tag, I didn't want to cover the image so I kept it small. The lace trim I used to make a little flower and topped it with the cute pearl heart and red button with hemp twine. Very shabby and cute. I feels good to be getting back into the spot, now I just need to clean it so it's easier to create down there...

On a personal note, please know I will be responding to each and every e-mail and comment you all sweet ladies left me the last few weeks! I REALLY appreciate all your support and love, it has helped me more than you know. It just may have to wait until these things are done...

Swing of things...

2011-05-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

It's so hard to get back into it. I've been out of the craftin' spot for so long now...it's a shame...so here is my first jump back in. It's not my favorite creation and reminds me of one I did a while back. I'm confident my creative mojo will return soon.

This weeks Our Creative Corner challenge is hosted by the ever talented Linda. She's so vintage shabby and fabulous! This week she is asking us to frame it, make it stand out above your background. I decided to use one my favorite mediums - burlap. I love burlap, it's so much fun to use. I cut a frame out of Chocolate chip paper with a Nestability die and stamped and embossed directly on the fabric. The bird and the branch is from a Hambly screenprinting clear sticker sheet. Inspired? Then get out there and use a frame in your creation, I can't wait to see it!
On a personal note, I want to take the time to thank you all for your patience and understanding, I feel I'm on the road to recovery, as I have so much to be thankful for! It was fun and theraputic to get back in the spot, so it is now going to be a part of my 'therapy'...yes, that's what I'll call it, therapy!... I may be slow to getting back to my daily posts, but will take it one day at a time. Hugs to you all!!!

Thank you all...

2011-05-13T14:14:00.000-04:00

First I want to thank everyone for their kind words of support. I will respond to everyone personally, but wanted to let you know although you haven't heard from me, I an grateful for you. I'm getting on the mend, have changed my behavior; I'm working out every morning now, going to sleep at a decent time...not 2 or 3 am like normal...and making better food choices to help get me on the road to recovery. I'm doing my best to avoid the need for medication, and these things seem to be helping....I'm keeping my fingers crossed.... My goal is to back in full swing next week, I'm just needing a little more time. Thank you for being patient with me. I'll be back next week with you all - keep on crafting!
Hugs!

How it's going...

2011-05-04T08:57:00.000-04:00

Do you ever get this way? Drowning....sad....overwhelmed....uninspired....low.... I haven't felt this way since my post-pardum with my first daughter. I've have a genetic dispostion for mild to moderate depression, but am generally able to handle and re-direct that and keep myself up. Not lately though...and I'd say this is far from moderate.... Since about a week before Easter. I can't seem to push my way through, and my blog and craftyness has been suffering for it...along with my house.... Stay patient with me....if you can....I'll get back up soon....I will, right?....

Until then...well Saturday for the OCC post.... visit some of my favorite places for some inspiration:
Moxie Fab

Our Creative Corner

Spellbinders
Paper Crafts Connection
Create
Cherry's Jubilee
Viola
To scrap or not to Scrap

Fun with floss...

2011-04-21T05:00:00.001-04:00

Can you believe it's been so long since I last posted? Life is hectic - the holidays, construction,...visits from the inlaws during the construction..., illness. You all know how it goes. Sorry I 've been too distracted to be present here these last 2 weeks. I will have time in my craftin' spot this weekend, so you'll see more of me soon...I promise...

I am here this today for this week's Our Creative Corner challenge! This weeks' challenge is hosted by the VERY talented Jennifer Rzasa at our Change of Heart. You must go and check out her talent...amazing!... This week she is challenging us to use embroidery floss! I have to tell you, this holds a special place in my heart. One of my first win overs at Moxie Fab was for the Fun with Floss challenge with this little card. I always find it amazing the different things we come up with, all using the same thing! This is my card for this week's challenge...

I love the colors of this, and am entering it in the CR84FN Color Challenge this week! This is one of my FAVORITE color combinations, and have been helping plan an event in Denmark with these colors. I stitched the floss around the polkadots on the paper I had with white floss...an old SU! DSP... and did french knots at the joints with the teal floss. It was time consuming, but fairly easy. The I just added some ribbon, a doily, my go to Trio Tags Spellbingers die and a FABULOUS dragonfly for some sparkle. Check out all the other ladies inspirations - they are AMAZING!!

An oldie but a goodie!

2011-04-16T05:00:00.007-04:00

It's time for another challenge at Our Creative Corner! This week the challenge is hosted by the very talented Vicki at . We are all challenged to make a 3D Easter Project. I've been making all kinds of 3D projects lately...my little ole' glue runner has been smokin'!... I decided to show you something I do every year for my daughter's baskets. Now here's the back story...*flashback*...

When we lived in Tennessee, it would often rain on Easter Sunday. Like many families, indoor egg hunts were the order of the day...the MOST challenging and fun in my opinion... When I was 5, we moved to Tulsa, where we rarely had indoor hunts...because rain was scarce... so my mom began to hide our baskets in the house to start our day! A little sign was posted at the bottom of the stairs with arrows and symbols for each child to find their basket.

I thought it was the MOST fun, so now I do the same with my daughters! Instead of signs, I leave these little guys out to create a bit of a trail for them to follow. Bunnies for Lily, and chicks for Elizabeth. These are filled with Hershey's Nugget candies and if you're familiar with Splitcoast Stampers, you've seen them. These particular ideas from Pam at creativechoicedesings on SCS. A few years back, she was sweet enough to give me the details on creating them.

Hey Chickie!.

Cut a Yellow the body piece, 5"x 1 1/2", Using a corner rounder, round off all 4 corners on the body piece.
Punch out 3 large yellow ovals. Cut the Yellow ovals to make the wings and tail. Attach the wings to the inside of the front piece.
Punch out 2 - 1/4" circles out of brown cardstock. Use mini glue dots to attach the CC eyes to the front.
Punch 2 large ovals and 1 small oval from orange cardstock. Fold the small orange oval to make the beak and attach to the front under the eyes. Using scallop scissors, cut the top 1/3 off the ends of each large OO oval and attach to the bottom of the body.
Place a Hershey Nugget in the center of the body piece, fold up the sides of the body and punch a hole in the top and tie with ribbon. *Option* I frayed the ribbon so it looked like hair.
Attach the tail last (makes it easier to tie the ribbon)

Bunny Hop

Use the same dimensions for the body as done with the chicks using white cardstock. Punch out 2 large ovals, 4 hearts shapes, and 2 - 1/2" circles.
Lightly rub all the edges with Distress ink in any color.
Punch out 2 small ovals, and 1 - 1/4" circle from pink cardstock.
Adhere a smaller pink oval to the center of a larger white oval. Repeat to make 2 ears
Place a Hershey nugget in the center of the body piece. Line up the top front and the top back and punch a hole in the center. Separate and glue the ears to the inside of the front piece. Then tie with ribbon.
Finally punch out 2 Chocolate Chip 1/4" circles. Using mini glue dots, place the nose and the eyes in the center of the body front.
With Stampin' Dimensionals, attach the 2 1/2" circles to make the cheeks of the bunny. *option* put 3 small glue dots and attach wiskers to the cheeks (I used pieces of frayed grosgrain ribbon)
Layer 2 of the hearts together to make the toes of the feet. Attach to the bottom of the body.

You're a Winner

2011-04-11T09:37:00.001-04:00

What a weekend! The comments on my Paper Crafts 350 Cards and Gifts blog hop post were wonderful and overwhelming! So many of you touched my heart in ways you can never know. I'm so honored to have been able to inspire you on this little...tiny...corner of the paper crafting world. Amazingly, there were 191 comments...whoa... and each one has the chance to win this wonderful issue! To everyone that left a comment, I tried to reply to each one that had a Blogger profile with a place to leave a comment...so you know I appreciate you... If I wasn't able to leave you a personal one, please know I read...and LOVED...each and every comment. Thank you again!

Now, I've tried...and tried...to get the Random.org image here, but I can't seem to make it work. So here is the result my big winner for this issue:
True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 191
Result: 72
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

hobbydiva said...

OMGOSH!!!! I love it. Wish I was your neighbor...hehehehehe

Congratulations Jada! Please e-mail me your address at krzykramer@yahoo.com so I can get this shipped to you soon!
For those of you that didn't win here - you more chances to win at the 11 other ladies blogs...you left comments there too, right?... and over the Paper Crafts Connection, they have the fabulous blog hop prize to give away there too. Other wise, if you haven't picked one up yet, DO IT. I have been using it as a resource for some of my new creations for the last 2 weeks!

Humbled...

2011-04-09T05:00:00.002-04:00

I am humbled and flattered. I was honored to have been asked to be a part of the Paper Crafts 350 Cards & Gifts blog hop, but all the 100+ warm, sweet, acknowledging comments on my post, left me speechless. Thank you all...

Today is another Our Creative Corner Challenge! This week is hosted by Sharon again, and she is challenging us to create a project with a tea party theme! Since I was in the 3D mood, I decided to make another box like the ones I made for the blog hop yesterday. They are easy and really cute! You can see the tutorial here...obviously I only made 1 for this project...

This is a simple little box to put something yummy in. Since I used all the cookies for my neighbors gift, this one is left empty until I find something good to go in it. I used the Faux Metal technique to make the tea pot with Ranger Silver Pearl EP. Isn't it sweet? ...It looks like fine china... Alright, go brew yourself up a cup and get your creative juices flowin!

350 Cards and Gifts Blog Hop!

2011-04-08T06:00:00.008-04:00

I am SO excited to be a part of this blog hop celebrating the newest Paper Crafts Magazine issue, 350 Cards and Gifts! I was so surprized and honored when I received an e-mail from P. Kelly Smith lettimg me know I was one of the 12 most published designers for this issue and asking me to participate today...WOW!... All of the other ladies that are participating today are so amazing, this is a real honor. Many of my creations were tags for this issue, but my favorite personal creation has to be the Homemade Bread Wrap on page 101. It reminds me of collecting leaves with my father when I was kid. The prettiest leaves were preserved between 2 sheets of wax paper, which was how I made the bread wrap there. This is a project I have done many times with my daughters, both with leaves and to make food wraps for gifts. It's nice to pass on this sweet little experience with them...and you...

Enough chit chat, let's get hoppin'! In honor of the 350 Cards and Gifts issue, each of the 12 designers have created a project using a template based on an item from the pages of this great issue to inspire you all. You can find all the templates we used at the Paper Crafts Connection Blog. I was assigned this Popcorn Box made by Alicia Thelin...isn't it cute?... She has even shared her Candied Popcorn Recipe there too...I'll have to try it... Following Alicia's lead, I decided to make several of these and put them together for my own creation.

The great thing about this template, is that you can keep it simple...like Alicia did...or dress it up with papers and embellishments as I did here. If you want to see the building process of this, check out my very first tutorial here...be kind... The paper is from the new DCWV collection, Lemon Flower. The boxes are made from Basic Grey, a retired SU! color. I love how it came out, soft and pretty. We have a new neighbor that will be recieving this as a house warming and welcome. I love giving baking gifts to neighbors, it's so warm and inviting...and well, neighborly!...

To make this blog hop even more fun, there are a couple giveaways for you to win! First, I have a copy of 350 Cards & Gifts to give to one person leaving a comment here...as does every designer on the hop, so visit them all... Second, at Paper Crafts Connection today, they are giving away a FANTASTIC prize, check it out...it has wonderful goodies every paper crafter wants...then leave a comment there to win!

I hope you had fun visiting my lil' ole' blog! Be sure to visit ALL the ladies below participating in the blog hop. Each of them are inspiring and have amazing talents, now go and give them all a little love!

• Betsy Veldman

• Kalyn Kepner
• Kim Hughes
• Chan Vuong
• Teri Anderson
• Vanessa Menhorn
• Kristin K. Tierney
Lucy Abrams
• Ashley C. Newell
• Cristina Kowalczyk
• Jessica Witty
• Latisha Yoast

They love me...

2011-04-06T21:25:00.000-04:00

They really love me! Cath over at Moxie Fab picked this card as one of her Trigger Tuesday winners! I'm so honored and amazed! I had the opportunity to peruse the gallery this week, and there were SO many wonderful creations. Thank you for this acknowledgement, I wish everyone had been picked!

Gettin my fix

2011-04-05T08:06:00.001-04:00

Hot air balloon fix that is. This is another creation for the current challenge at Moxie Fab called In My Beautiful Ballon. I had this little feltie from American Crafts and wanted to use it on an October Afternoon tag I had and miss stamped...that makes me so mad... So I recreated it into a 3x5 card. I'm pretty pleased with the outcome, however the green is just a tad less vibrant. I think I'll have to give it to Lily in her lunch box this week. She has just started reading 'chapter books' on her own, maybe I'll make a book mark to match...I feel another balloon project coming on...

Hot Air

2011-04-04T07:54:00.001-04:00

Balloons...its all the rage. You've seen them - everywhere - and I don't mean in the sky. They are so hot and trendy right now. I've always been obsessed with them, I mean who doesn't want to go for a ride in one? Oh the opportunity will present itself...someday...and I will take full advantage of it. Until then, I will have to live vicariously thru my paper crafting.

A special thanks to Cath a Moxie Fab for enabling my mild obsession. Check out her current challenge, In My Beautiful Balloon. I made this card for it. Does the layout look familar?...remember the Paper Crafts Go-To-Sketches call?.... I've had this paper for a while and needed to put it to good use. It's such a graphic pattern, that I wanted to have a layout that showed it off without overwhelming the card. I like the effect, and the added little addition on the bottom corner I just love!

Pullin' the Trigger

2011-04-03T16:38:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I've been able to play with Cath over at Moxie Fab...I've missed you... I spent a few hours in my spot last night, and was able to get a few things done for her current challenges there. Here's the first one I did for this week's Tuesday Trigger.

Isn't this dish towel fabulous? I love the complementary color combo - orange and blue. I wanted to do something that was graphic and simple...opposite of my go-to style...and pulled some great orange rub-ons from Studio Calico from my stash.

The turquoise letters are an old SU alphabet set...I guess there is a reason to keep those retired sets.... I wanted to add the typewriter, but it made the orange letters less inpactful, so I put it under a piece of vellum. This was an easy card, it just took some time to cut out the letters.

Girly-girl

2011-04-02T04:41:00.002-04:00

Hi ladies!

This is a quick post, it's currently 2:12 a.m. here...*yawn*... Since I returned home from vacation, I haven't been able to get into my craftin' spot until 8:30 this evening. Lots of laundry to do....uggh....

Any-hoo - It's Our Creative Corner Challenge time again! This week our challenge is hosted by Sharon Wheet of Designs by Sharon. She is having us make girly things with ribbons, bling and home-made paper flowers....right up my alley.... I made a quick adorable card for a birthday party my daughter is going to this weekend, but alas - I ruined it. I wasn't paying attention, started cleaning up, and absentmindedly placed my stamp container on top of the slowly drying Stickles. Then hubby came home, we chatted and I cleaned up for bed so I wouldn't wake him later. When I returned to photograph it...an hour later...I discovered a glittery mess. I was going to just re-make it, but my printer wouldn't work for my vintage digi. Then I was frustrated! So I gave up on that and started a project I'd been wanting to do for a while...a spring wreath for my front door... I changed the original plans...coffee filters...to fit in the challenge and ~ voila! Shabby, doily covered wreath!

excuse the photo quality - it's late and this doesn't fit in my light box!

I used MANY Spellbinders die sets for this, Large Oval & Large Scalloped Oval, Floral Doily Accents and Floral Doily Motifs...the latter 2 were gifts from Terre and Stacy - thanks again ladies!... The wreath is made up of individual flowers made from the doily dies. A total of 28 flowers, so 168 die cuts to be exact...my Cuttlebug was smokin'!... Here's a close-up of what they look like. They are really easy to make, just time consuming.

Ok - enough! Off to bed!

It’s over…

2011-03-27T08:36:00.000-04:00

My vacation from life. Leaving my parents, my support. We are getting ready to jump back on a plane and back to reality….*tear*…It’s always hard to leave. We had lots of fun, the girls enjoyed their grandparents. Playing at the park, swimming in the pool. Rob enjoyed his spring training games, getting his autographs and hub-nubbing with the players. I just loved spending time with mom & dad, helping with the house plans, and general togetherness. It was all wonderful. This card perfectly represents how I’m feeling. I should have brought it along on the trip to give my parents. I’ll just have to send it to them when I get back…to grey skies…

Time Flies

Cardstock: (110 lb white card stock)

Patterned paper: (Urban Prairie, Hopscotch) Basic Grey

Stamps clear: (Time Flies) Studio Calico

Ink dye: (Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Baha Breeze) SU!; (Craft White) SU!

Embossing powder: (Winter White) SU!

Accent: (Vintage Pink & Granite Shimmer Spray) Tattered Angels

Fibers: (pink) Snug Hug; (white thread) Coats & Cutter

Tool: (Corner rounder) SU!; (sewing machine) PFAFF

Finished size: 3 1/3” x 6.5’

Instructions
1. Cut card and fold.
2. Spray ribbon with Vintage Pink shimmer spray. Tie ribbon around card.
3. Cut patterned paper 6.25x1.25’, stitch onto card.
4. Cut 1.5” squares from assorted ‘solid’ papers from collection. Stamp clock images in coordinating inks. Round corners.
5. Stamp hands on clocks with Craft White ink. Emboss with Winter White EP. Adhere to card.
6. Lightly Spray card with Granite shimmer spray.

Designer Tips (if applicable)
• Lightly spray finished card with shimmer spray for a touch of shabby shine.
• Leave particles of EP on your stamped image when you heat emboss for a shabby touch.

ATC or Baseball

2011-03-26T03:24:00.003-04:00

Did you know that ATC cards are the same size as a baseball card? I didn’t. I bet your wondering why I’m bring this up. Well, for 2 reasons.

First, let me explain the baseball card reference. My hubby is a baseball fan…more like maniac… He has been collecting baseball cards since he was a kid. To tell him I was pregnant with our first daughter, I bought him special baseball cards to soften the blow…I wasn’t sure how he would take it… Part of the reason we are in Bradenton Florida instead of Orlando, is because they have Spring Training games…everywhere… His collection of baseball cards is outrageous. Over 1 million…he’s been at it a LONG time…he gets them signed, he has us get the big name players…they like kids and ladies with big ta-ta’s…like Brady Sizemore, Evan Longorria, Darryl Strawberry, even Reggie Jackson and George Steinbrenner.

Why am I bringing this up? Because, ATC’s are the challenge this week at Our Creative Corner! When I told Rebecca I didn’t know anything about ATC’s she told me it was the same size as a baseball card – something I could obviously relate to. Rebecca challenges us to make an ATC card using kraft, ivory, chocolate and a color of your choice. I have NEVER done an ATC card before…shocking, I know…I just never understood them. What do you use them for? Are they to trade or collect? It really boggled my mind. So when Rebecca posted this challenge, I thought, “Really? People actually make these?” Still, I decided to head into it full force, and admittedly, I really liked making this! Now I have to say, that I made it Sunday night, at 10 p.m. ...I had to since I had spent the week acting like Nurse Betty to my family and had NO time to create…we were leaving for our trip at 5:30 a.m. Monday. It came together really quickly…that’s why I like them… I used some blog candy I won from Clean & Simple Stamps…I’ve been so lucky lately, I should get some lotto tickets… They sent me the most adorable stamps and dies, Spring ( ) and GORGEOUS buttons, and Scortape and brads. I love these boots! I wish I could have a pair…my feet are too big…so I’ will live vicariously through my children and this stamp set. I took these photos with my new Thunderbolt phone...it's so cool...but it didn't catch the shine from the clear embossed puddle.

Top 5

2011-03-25T08:21:00.000-04:00

Isn’t this sweet? I love the tag I used, it’s from Little Yellow Bicycle. It’s really for scrapbooking, but I thought it worked well here. This was also not accepted for the Go-To-Sketches call last month. Oh well, I have the perfect person to give it to…

Top Five
Cardstock: (Baha Breeze, Regal Rose, Basic Grey) SU!
Patterned paper: (Oliver & Olivia) Basic Grey
Other paper: (tag) Little Yellow Bicycle
Stamps…rubber, foam, clear: (Up, Up & Away) PTI
Ink dye: (Baha Breeze, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Basic Gray) SU!
Accent: (Granite & Key Lime Shimmer Spray) Tattered Angels, (grey button)
Fibers: (White) Snug Hug, (pink felt); (white thread) Cutter & Coats
Dies, embossing folders, brass templates: (polkadots impression plate) PTI
Tool: (sewing machine) PFAFF
Other: (pin)
Finished size: 4 ¼” x 5 ½”
Instructions
1. Cut and fold card. Set aside
2. Cut Regal Rose panel to 4 1/8” x 5 3/8”. Cut Basic Gray 4x3.5”, emboss and adhere to panel. Cut patterned paper 2x4”, adhere to panel. Stitch around edge.
3. Spray ribbon with Key Lime shimmer spray. Wrap seam ribbon around card and adhere panel to card base.
4. Ink ‘you’ and stamp on lines of tag in varying colors. Adhere to card
5. Embellish with ribbon, felt heart, button and pin.
6. Lightly spray finished card with Granite shimmer spray.
Designer Tips (if applicable)
Lightly spray finished card with shimmer spray for a touch of shabby shine.

You are…

2011-03-24T08:17:00.004-04:00

Just Lovely! Yes you, all my bleeps out there…you know who you are…I really appreciate that you take time from your busy days to visit my little spot here on the web. I hope it brings you some joy…I know I have fun with it…and some inspiration. Enjoy life and remember, that you are Just Lovely.

Just Lovely

Cardstock: (Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie) SU!

Patterned paper: (Urban Prairie) Basic Grey

Stamps clear: (Union Square Perfect, Lost & Found) My Minds Eye

Ink dye: (Basic Black) SU!

Accents: (green rhinestones)

Fibers: (white pom-pom)
Tool: (Upper Crest Border Punch) Friskars
Finished size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Instructions
1. Cut card and fold. Place corner of card at a 45 degree angle into the border punch and punch. Repeat with opposite corner.
2. Cut first patterned paper 2x4”, using the border punch, punch the corner to match card base. Adhere to card.
3. Cut second patterned paper 3.5x4”, using the border punch, punch the corner to match card base. Adhere to card.
4. Stamp sentiment. Make brackets with border punch, adhere to frame sentiment.
5. Embellish with pom-pom trim and rhinestones

Designer Tips;
• Use a border punch to embellish the corners of your card by placing your card at a 45 degree angle.
• Use a border punch to create your own brackets. Punch cardstock, move 1/8” and punch again.

Love’n Hopscotch

2011-03-23T08:13:00.001-04:00

The new Basic Grey papers that is. I received them as blog candy from Cards magazines blog-site Create. It was tons of fun to use them for the Go-To Sketches Paper Crafts Call…even if it didn’t get in…I love how the patterns all go together, so much fun!

Love You

Cardstock: (Whisper White) SU!

Patterned paper: (Hopscotch Collection: Skip to my lou, Monkey Bars, 4 Square, Skipping) Basic Grey

Other paper: (heart doily)

Stamp rubber: (Sweet Saying) SU!

Ink dye: (Soft Suede) SU!

Paint: (White) Darice

Accent: (assorted buttons)

Sticker: (heart, Hopscotch) Basic Grey
Fibers: (white thread) Cutter & Coats, (white embroidery floss) DMC
Tool: (sewing machine) PFAFF
Finished size: 5x5
Instructions
1. Cut card and fold.
2. Cut patterned papers to fit sketch and sew onto card. Paint edges with white paint.
3. Cut ‘you’ from patterned paper. Sew with embroidery floss along letters.
4. Stamp ‘love’ and adhere ‘you’ panel below. Cut heart from doily and adhere next to panel.
5. Embellish with buttons and heart stickers.

Hoo’s ready for Halloween?

2011-03-22T08:08:00.003-04:00

I mean really, summer isn’t even here! But that’s how it rolls in the land of glossy magazines. The last call for Paper Crafts focused on Halloween…it was difficult to get in the mood… I had so many ideas for it, but alas, the flu, strep and ear infection bugs had other plans for my time. This was the only card I had time to get done...finished the first day of the call… I really love her! Isn’t she just adorable? I was so disappointed she didn’t get picked, but that’s how the cookie crumbles. When you partake in the submission process, you have to get a thick skin. Even if your creation is wonderful…as this little owl chick is…it just might not fit in the plans of the issue they have. Don’t ever give up on it. Dust yourself off, puck up the glue runner and start again! What to do with the rejects? Get yourself an ETSY account and start pondering your wares. You’ll be surprised what your buyers want!

Halloween Hoo

Another Reject

2011-03-21T20:08:00.000-04:00

Greetings from sunny Florida! We are here…like every other Midwest spring break family…for fun in the sun. We aren’t visiting our favorite Disney this time, but spending time with Mimi & Bopie…my parents…in Bradenton, playing in the pool, going to spring training games and general all-around relaxing. Since I’m not at home, I thought I’d share some of the rejects from some magazine calls I have.

This one is from the Go-To-Sketches call Paper Crafts had a few weeks ago. The circles are all stamped and heat embossed on White Metallic Shimmer paper, then I used the resist technique to have them match the Baha Breeze background. It’s cute and shimmery in person…take my word for it…

Happy Anniversary

Cardstock: (Baha Breese) SU!; (Metallic Shimmer White) Papers & More

Stamps clear: (Damask & Guide Lines Two) PTI

Ink: (Craft White) SU!; (Baha Breeze) SU!

Embossing powder: (Embossing Pearls Silver) Ranger
Accent: (white pearls) Kaiser Kraft; (large white ½ pearls, Pretties Kit) SU!

Tool: (1/2”, ¾’, 1”, 1 3/8” circle punches) SU!; (Upper Crest Border Punch) Friskars

Finished size: 4 ¼” x 5 ½”
Instructions

1. Cut Baha Breeze 4x11” and fold card.

2. Stamp assorted images from both stamp sets with Craft White ink on Metalic Shimmer paper. Heat emboss with Embossing Pearls Silver EP.

3. Punch out images with assorted circle punches. Use emboss resist technique by inking each circle with Baha Breeze ink.
4. Adhere circles and pearls.
5. Stamp sentiment with Craft White ink on Baha Breeze paper. Heat emboss with Embossing Pearls Silver EP. Border punch edge. Adhere to card with ¼” overhang.

Recycled DoodlePantry

2011-03-19T03:00:00.002-04:00

Hi Ladies!
What a VERY crazy week...I'm exhausted...packing for our spring break trip, planning the schools' spring parties, 1 kid with strep throat, 1 kid with a fever, 1 sick hubby with a sinus infection and ear drum issues. It's not surprising I didn't get much time in my craftin' spot.

I did however find time to create for this week's Our Creative Challenge, recycle a container in some way. This week, the challenge is hosted Rebecca and is sponsored by DoodlePantry Digi Stamps! I have to admit, this is the first time I have ever used anything digi...I think I may be hooked... I've always presumed I needed a big, expensive photo program. Not the case here! I was able to use them with Microsoft Word...enlarge, reduce, impose...super easy peezy!

Because of my recent addiction to my Skinny Caramel Lattes, I have several of these containers laying around, just for this challenge.

Here is the reason I think I may be addicted to digi stamps, I printed out all the papers...so adorable... on white card stock. AND I could do it again...and again, and again...make them bigger or smaller. They're so versatile! I enlarged the blue gingham, reduced the red gingham, and imposed the strawberry image on top of it so I could fussy cut it. The leaves I colored in with my Copics...not very well I might add... I also added the sentiment...included in the digi kit...over the yellow gingham and die cut it with the adorable Spellbinders Ribbon Tags Trio Three frame I recently received. I paired it with my favorite coffee cup, nice, heavy, and holds a lot.

Alright, now go and recycle something fabulous then post it up on the OCC challenge. Need some inspiration? Check out the rest of the design teams creations here.

Cards and Gifts

2011-03-15T16:49:00.000-04:00

It's out! The newest special issue from Paper Crafts, 350 Cards and Gifts. It's SO fabulous, I just got mine in the mail, and it is oh-so-good... I am proud to say of the 7 items I submitted, they accepted 6 items of them for the issue! I did a happy tap dance when I recieved the e-mail, it's such an honor. This is one of my item gracing the pages, Just a Note Card Set.

This one is in the Card Sets section...This photo doesn't look as nice as the one in the magazine... There were so many great card sets in this section, after seeing all that's in there, I am even more honored! I'll post the rest of the pieces in the next few days, including my FAVORITE item...on page 101 if you pick up the issue...

EEEKKK!!!

2011-03-12T13:31:00.000-05:00

I compleely forgot to post my creation for this weeks OCC challenge!...and I'm the hostess, pitiful.... My BFF's are arriving in 10 minutes for a birthday celebration so this is going to be quick...

This a Fabulous Fabric challenge, so you need to incorporate fabric in some way - other than ribbon!

First, I need to bring your attention to the die cut with my sentiment on it. Is it not fantastic? It's new...Ribbon Tags Trio Three, a gift from the lovely Terre and Stacy at Spellbinders!!! I recieved a happy little e-mail about a week ago from them. They like my creations and sent me some FABULOUS dies for me to use!! How awesome is that? It really valitifies my obsession with my hobby...are you listening hubby?... Someone really likes my creations! It just goes to show you, you NEVER know who's watching, waiting for an opportunity to shine some goodness on you!...besides the big guy upstairs... THANK YOU LADIES & SPELLBINDERS!!!
I used a piece of scrap fabric for the background...isn't it cute?... and made my flower with scraps of chenille and ivory tulle. Even the buttons have my favorite fabric on them, burlap! Those are from my WCMD win...thanks PC...

Winner Chosen & loser showcased

2011-03-09T10:25:00.000-05:00

Well, not really a loser...I like it... This is another card I made for the Paper Crafts Sketch Call.

It was a pretty expected creation for the sketch, but I do like how it came out.

Now ~ the moment you've been waiting for the Winner for my Simple Shabby Blog Candy! ...sorry it's a few days late... I've used the random number generator this time...my usual winner picker is at school...and the winner is:

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 10
Result: 8
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Nancy said...

Congratulations on being publishe! I just found you while hopping through the TE blog hop - I swore I would comment on every entry this time and when I got here I started looking around your blog. I just became a follower because I LOVE all your projects! (I actually became a follower BEFORE I noticed that you have blog candy - lol) I love your style including your terrific bows, buttons and doilies. Do you make the crocheted doilies? If so, do you sell them? :) Have a great day!
February 24, 2011 3:56 PM

Congrats Nancy! I'll contact you for all your deets.

Lucky...

2011-03-07T09:05:00.000-05:00

Did you hear about the amount of submissions for the last Paper Crafts Magazine Go-To-Sketches call? Over 2750 entries! I did 10 submissions, and was lucky to have 1 accepted ....considering the competition... Even one of the Go-To-Gals only had one accepted! It really shows that PC's selection process is really 'blind', in that they don't look at who made the card, just at the creation itself. That's one of the things I really respect and enjoy about their process, and I'm completely honored each and everytime I have something accepted!
I had a few I was really proud of that didn't make the cut, and I thought I'd share them with you this week. Here are the sketches the wanted us to use when creating our cards. For this card I used sketch 81. I think this was my favorite submission...including the one that was accepted...

Did you have some submissions that weren't accepted? Share them here at Damask Love, Amber is hosting a Reject Blog Hop! After seeing all the gorgeous projects here, the next PC Go-To-Sketches issue is going to be AMAZING!!!

Fly away fabric doilies

2011-03-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

Alright ladies, I have heard you and am nearly ready... For what, you ask? Let's see if this creation can fill you in:

I can't tell you how many inquiry's I got from this tag and this creation featuring the fabric doilies, not to mention the dragonflies! I'm getting ready to list on my Etsy account, both of those along with tea stained seam binding ribbons! I should have everything posted on there by the 11th at the latest.

Here is a close-up of the fabulous dragonfly, the ivory scalloped fabric doily and non-died seam binding ribbon.

I will keep you updated as soon as I get them up there.

Meanwhile, I've just found this great challenge blog, called The Creative Cottage Challenge blog. They are right up my alley, a bit shabby, a bit cutesy. I love doing challenges!

Hostess with the mostess

2011-03-05T05:00:00.004-05:00

I am hosting this week's challenge at Our Creative Corner! This is my very first time hosting a challenge of any kind, so be gentle. This one is a bit of a doozie...I like to keep you on your toes... it took me several tries to get a result I was happy with. I love doing challenges that keeps me think outside of my typical box! My 2 1/2 yr old daughter Elizabeth inspired this challenge, she's been learning to count...now she's up to 20...but for the longest time she would say, "1, 2, 3, 4, 10, yea!"...we used to cheer when she would get to 5.... So, when developing this challenge, I decided to call it the '1-2-3-4 Challenge'. Here is how it works:

Use ONE pre-patterned paper - not stamped, but you can of course stamp on it.
Limited to TWO layers - What is a layer you ask? Your card base is NOT a layer, neither are embellishments. Paper makes up the layers - mats would be considered a layer.
Use THREE different stamped images - your sentiment would be one of your images if it's stamped.
Limit yourself to FOUR embellishments - they can all be the same, or 4 different, it's your choice!

Here's what I did for it:

I used a paper from Webster's Pages, and cut around the frame with an exacto. I stamped my sentiment in the frame and heat embossed it with Winter White EP. I tucked the edge of some Crumb Cake stamped with French Script then stiched the edges. I stamped and heat embossed the swirls for some added flair...and to get my 3rd stamp in...and used a button, hemp twine, pin and ribbon as my 4 embellishments. This was harder than I thought, but it was fun to make!

Feelin' blue...

2011-03-03T09:50:00.000-05:00

Do you ever get that way? I've been a bit 'blue' the last 2 days, don't know why. Until... I got an exciting e-mail yesterday that just made my day!!! I won't share it with you yet, but it pulled me out of my doldrums and got me movin' again...thanks Terre and Stacy...
I didn't get into my papers, but my fabrics instead. Now - I have to admit that I am a hoarder. Not the kind you see on tv...really, I'm not...but like many of us, I'm not only a paper hoarder, but fabric and clothing...to embellish...hoarder. I don't sew as much as I would like, but always have great ideas for things and like to have the supplies on hand if I ever make the time to follow through with them. I like to repurpose clothing, and there was a great post by Jen at Tattertots & Jello...a great blog for the general crafter...using cardigans. I picked a few up at the local consignment shop for myself, mom & daughter. I made this last night for Lily.

I've had these fabrics for a LONG time now, I liked the color combination....and that they all coordinated...but have never found a good use for them, until now! A few buttons...couldn't use too many, 'cause I would have depleated my stash...and I made a fabric creation.

De-stressed

2011-02-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hi ladies!
It's that time again, OCC Challenge time! This week, our challenge is hosted by Sarah at THinkING STAMPS. Now I want you all to send her some love, she lives in Christchurch, New Zealand, where the recent earthquake was. There is a lot of devistaion, her house was flooded and she was looking for a place to stay last we typed. Send her all your thoughts and prayers this week, it's a very scary time for her, her friends and family.
On a brigthter note, her challenge this week is De-stress with Distressing! ...how appropriate... Following the sketch she provided, here is the card I made.

I'm giving it to my Mother-in-law this weekend, she's visiting and we're celebrating our birthdays tonight with the Tierney clan. I distressed the panels and added white paint to make it a little more spring-y. Now go and release some stress and distress with us!

Hop along!

2011-02-24T11:00:00.001-05:00

My first ever Taylored Expressions Blog Hop! Their stamps make the most adorable cards, like this one I had published in the Favorite Occasions Volume 2 issue of Paper Crafts Magazine. Super cute, eh?

Now a short explaination about these cards. Did anyone read Jessica Witty's post on PCConnection yesterday? I was so at that place on Tuesday night, a great ideas in my head that just wouldn't translate into paper...I hate it when that happens... So, I ended up making 2 cards for the hop.

Taylor gave us our challenge for this hop, 'Going Green' with an optional sketch to use. This is the card I was having trouble with. I love TE's 'Hanging Out' stamp set and wanted to use it with the sketch provided and decided to 'go green' by using only scraps I had on hand. Since I have been working on calls this week, I had a lot of fun options to use! I followed the sketch...which is adorable...made those adorable little birds the 3 dots below the panel...genuis I thought... then it all went down hill from there...quickly...

This ended up being too fussy or not finished...I can't figure it out.... Perhaps the patternd paper needed to be framed? It just doesn't seem to work for me. That's when I decided to make another one with TE's CreativiTEA stamp set.

This card came together quickly...except for the time it took to cut out the teapots and frame... Lots of Shimmer spray on this and it came together much better! That fabric doily, the entire card and the damask pot are all sprayed with Key Lime shimmer spray....yum... I also love how I did the teapots, they are embossed with Ranger Pearl Silver EP. When you use white pigment ink, it becomes the perfect pearl white color. The second pot looks like porcelean, lovely! Being the forward thinking gal I am, I knew I would enter these in the Moxie Fab Stampin' Techniques Paper Piecing challenge as well. Both of these sets are pefect for using this technique, it just takes a toll on my hand...introducing the claw...

Alright - take a few moments now to check out all the other hoppers along the TE path! You'll get so much inspiration...it'll keep you stamping for atleast 50 days...

Do I dare?

2011-02-21T22:05:00.000-05:00

I think I must... dare to take part in the Moxie Fab Get Daring with Decorative Tape challenge! This was a simple card, inspired by the only decorative tape I had....picked up on clearance a year back... I decided to use it in a fun, retro-shabby-chic creation featuring the Cosmo Cricketpaper...I think... and PTI apron stamp.

I had to cut the tape in half for the corner strips, but not for the pleating...I could have though, it's pretty wide... This was part of a package that had black tape in it for Halloween. Perhaps I'll make another one for the challenge with those.

Don't forget to enter in my drawing for some Simple Shabby yummies! Click on the link at the top of the blog for more details.

Trigger Tuesday

2011-02-19T11:38:00.000-05:00

On Saturday...Better late than never! Look at this lovely photo Cath put up for this weeks Trigger Tuesday challenge at Moxie Fab. Doesn't it look lushious? I just want to crawl into that on a cold winter's day, with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate...mmmm....

With this inspiration, I made a cute little frame for my mom to put up in her new house. She needs to slow down and enjoy this little things in life and not work so hard, I thought this sentiment could be a nice little reminder...are you listening mom?...

This is a small little frame about 5" square. I picked up a 3 pack of them at the Target $1 spot a few years back. Time to make something cool with them, don't you think? The frame was a perfect white, so I distressed it with a pair of flower clippers...the only thing I had on hand to use...

I cut the little squares 1", stitched them on a piece of crumb cake, distressed them and lightly added white paint around the edges. The blanket in the photo reminded me of these fabulous fabric doilies I have, and had to use one for this...aren't they wonderful?... I plan on making a few kits with these to sell in my etzy shop...whenever I find some time...

Christmas in February?

2011-02-19T05:00:00.020-05:00

Oh jeez... this is the second Christmas card I've made this week! ...It's really only because I got a great new set that I am in shabby-love with...

All us DT girls have been busy over at Our Creative Corner, not only with today's challenge, but also with the amazing turnout for last weeks challenge...we had over 180 ladies play along, yea!... It will be a few days before we announce our fav's but until then, join us for this week's challenge!

The lovely Sarah is hosting us, and her challenge is to use a sentiment stamps to create a backgound or panel for your card. Now, being the resourceful gal that I am...and have limited time to stamp...I popped 3 birds with one stone and also made this creation for the Moxie Fab Stamping with Shimmer Sprays and the Flourishes Neutral Beauty challenges.

This is a VERY monchromatic card - white and greys, a change of pace for me. I stamped the panel with the sentiment stamp several times with Versamark, Going and Basic Grey on SU! Glossy cardstock, and also embossed one with white EP. I then sprayed it with Tattered Angels Granite Shimmer Mist, let it dry, sprayed again, let it dry, sprayed again...you get the idea... I loved how the spray puddled in places. I gently rubbed with my finger the Versamark images when everything was dry and it picked up the shimmer like a chalk...love it!...

Isn't this lovely and shimmery? ...can you tell?... I also added the shimmer spray to the framed sentiment as well. Now, here's a tip - I discovered that with the glossy paper, you have to use a spray fixative to keep the shimmer from smearing off ...aerosol hairspray works... so remember to have that on hand.

I ended up using a similar layout to my WCMD card, 'cause I like it, and it worked with this.

Did you see it?!?

2011-02-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

Right there, page in Paper Crafts March/April issue. Go on, take a look...I'll wait... That's my card, top right...yup that one. That's my big winner for the World Card Making Day Contest! All that great stuff...lovin' every minute of it! Here it is close up for you to see

It's simple shabby! So to celebrate this occasion, I'm going to have a little giveaway! Here's what you're gonna win in my Simple Shabby Supplies giveaway...all tems inspired by this creation...

Paper Crafts March/April issue

4 fabric doilies (2 white/2 ivory)

6 crystal and pearl pins

5 yards of assorted hand-dyed seam binding ribbons

2 yards hemp twine

2 yards burlap twine

Not a huge giveaway, but all really fabulous shabby things! All you have to do is leave a comment here...I'm making it easy this time...and I'll pick the winner on March 7th.

Make it when?

2011-02-17T14:55:00.000-05:00

Monday? ...ooops!.... That's PTI's new feature, Make it Monday's that is. It's a bi-weekly challenge, where the winner gets a new PTI set! How fabu is that? This week, Erin and Nicole have challenged the world to create a card with a vellum sentiment strip. Nicole's card, was perfect, simmple and lovely, so I was hoping to do the same with mine.

I used my Guide Lines 2 set to make a 'lace' border on my vellum before I stamped the sentiment. That fun paper is from the new Basic Grey's Hopscotch collection...from some blog candy I got a few weeks back... I received it in the mail on Monday and had to break into it. It's so fresh and fun I really love it!

About time...

2011-02-15T16:00:00.001-05:00

Have you been checking out all the exciting happenings at Moxie Fab World? Cath is celebrating the new Stamp It issue...pick one up if you haven't yet, it's great!...Now that life is slowly getting back to normal, I'm making time to get some challenges done, and there's one every day at the World.

Monday's challenge is the Stamp It Techniques Stamping with Markers. Now, you're not having deja'vu, I just had to include this card I made this week for the PTI anniversary, 'cause it's adorable...tooting my own horn...and it was made with markers! I decided to break into my clear button stash and use them as tiles over the stamped image. PTI's Damask border is the background, Each Damask image was colored with a marker then stamped on the Whisper White card stock. I generally use this stamp set for shabby creations, but it was fun to make something outside my usual box. I stamped the sentiment on a piece of window sheeting and placed it over the buttons so it would float over the pattern I made.

Now, go on over to Moxie Fab World and participate in all the fun!

Be still...

2011-02-14T14:02:00.000-05:00

my shabby heart! Have you seen this week's challenge at the Play Date Cafe? The colors, the inspiration photos and the DT samples are pulling at my shabby heart strings. Just lovely... Here is my quick creation for their challenge this week. I made it with a new stamp set I received from my World Card Making Day win - all the winners are published in this month's Paper Crafts Magazine, did you git it yet? I've got mine!

Joyeux Noel
Cardstock: (Very Vanilla) SU!

Patterned paper: (New Arrival – polkadot, doily) Peeples
Stamps… clear: (Joyeux Noel) Pink Paisley
Ink: (Soft Suede, Blush Blossom) SU!; Versamark; (tea ink) Tim Holtz Distress ink
Embossing powder: (Silver PEarl) Ranger
Accent: (glassline envelope) PTI
Fibers: (Hemp twine)
Tool: (zig zag cutter) Purple Cow; Distress tool

Finished size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Instructions
1. Cut card from Vanilla cardstock and distress with tea ink
2. Using Zigzag cutter to trim polkadot paper 4”x5.25”. Cut doily paper 3.75’x5” and distress the edges. Adhere to polkadot paper. Stamp sentiment along bottom edge.
3. Stamp tree image with Versamark on glassline envelope and heat emboss with Silver Pearl EP.
4. Stamp stars and postage mark on glassline envelope. Adhere to patterned paper.
5. Tie hemp twine around panels and adhere to card.

Cameo, oh Cameo...

2011-02-14T08:59:00.001-05:00

Where for art thou Cameo? Oh there you are!

I have always LOVED cameos and those black silhouettes images you now can see, well everywhere. I've wanted to get one of those made of my girls every time we're at Disney World. They have this amazing artisan that hand cuts them out while you sit and watch. It's really amazing. So when I saw this stamp set from Kim Wilson Designs, I had to get it!
I made this for two things, first for the recent call for PaperCrafts Magazine...it didn't make it... and in case it didn't make it, I wanted to put it in the current challenge at Moxie Fab called Appearance of Cameos and the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge this week. It's simple, and a little shabby.

Oh Cameo

Cardstock: (Going Grey, Basic Grey; Pink Pirouette) SU!

Other paper: (White Vellum) SU!
Stamps: (Paris) Kim Wilson Designs; (Polka-dot) SU! – retired can use PTI Polka-dot; (Damask – damask and sentiment) PTI
Ink: (Basic Grey, Going Grey, Whisper White) SU!; Versamark
Embossing powder: (Silver Pearl) Ranger; (winter white) SU!
Accent: (pink rhinestones) Kaiser Craft
Fibers: (white grosgrain); (pink seam binding) Snug Hug
Tool: (corner rounder) SU!

Finished size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Instructions
1. Cut card from Going Grey cardstock and gently ink the edges with ink. Stamp and emboss sentiment on bottom corner.
2. Cut 4.25”x3.75” panel of Basic Grey cardstock. Stamp damask with ink. Round one corner.
3. Adhere ribbon strips to Basic Grey panel and adhere to going grey card.
4. Stamp frame image on Going Grey cardstock with Basic Grey ink. Cut round image.
5. Stamp cameo image on Pink Pirouette cardstock and heat emboss with Winter White EP. Cut out to fit inside frame and adhere.
6. Adhere completed frame.

I'm addicted...

2011-02-12T05:00:00.003-05:00

Here I am in Detroit, still posting. I think I may have an addiction...my husband seems to think so... I'm checking all my computer 'work'...that's my word for it, to justify the time I spend here...before our day gets started.
Here is a creation I made on Thursday for this weeks challenge at Our Creative Corner and it just so happens to fit today's Papetrey Ink challenge!! ...lucky me!... The challenge this week at the OCC, is to create a card with paper piecing or fussy cutting; and the challenge today at PTI is to imcorporate something MEGA in your creation. Was I lucky or what to have added a mega size number to this weeks OCC challenge? ...perhaps I'm pshycic...
Since the orginal challnege for this creation was paper piecing, this card is made ENTIRELY from items in my scraps box...except for the red card part... The only item however on this that is PTI, is the button...hopefully it still qualifies for this challenge... Had I not been using scraps, I would have used my Mat Stack #4 go-to die instead of the blue circle.

The number is covered with pieces of patterned paper, and the red stitching is actually Hambly screen printed rub-ons. This is a test run for Lily's 7th birthday. I'm already planning her party...in April...a girls get-together of her friends in class...I know, I'm obsessive... Anyhoo - I made this as a possible color combination for her party inspired by the Amy Butler multi colored print. Pink, grey, red, sky blue..not on the paper, but I liked it... and lime green. Fun, right? It was a risky combination, but I really like it!

Shabby Sentiments

2011-02-11T14:55:00.004-05:00

Well, I'm on my way out of town for the funeral. The little one is napping and the older one isn't home for another hour, so I thought I'd post these while I had the time.

This is a card I created for the PTI Make it Monday challenge, but also for the Shabby Tea Room DT call. It's not what I had in mind for the DT call, but with time running out before our trip, I decided to combine the two. This is the inspiration photo The Shabby Tea Room provided. Originally, I had wanted to make a patterned paper with my PTI Delightful Dahilas set...white embossed on pink pirouette paper...with doilies, and touches of black..you know, shabby style like I make... If I get home early I'll do it. Anyhoo, the PTI challenge is to make a simple card with assorted sentiment stamps. I don't have a ton of PTI sentiments, so I had to improvise. Nicole & Erin's samples were perfectly simple with adorable flourishes. Here is mine, a little shabby, but simple.

The sentiments were embossed with black EP...well, except for the main one, obviously.... The heart was cut out of a doily I had and sprayed with Tattered Angels Vintage Pink shimmer spray. And no, those aren't ghostly orbs floating around, I lightly sprayed the black paper to give it a pink shimmer, look:

Isn't that fun? I really like adding the shimmer spray to my project when they're done. It adds a bit of shabby softness to them.
So that's it! If you're checking me out on Facebook, stop by my blog LilyBeth Boutique to see all the creative crafty things I'm up to!

Stress, sweets and cookies

2011-02-07T18:01:00.003-05:00

Stress...how do you handle it? Me, I'm an eater and baker. Which is difficult, since I'm trying to loose another 40 lbs... The last 2 weeks were stressful. I baked about 10 dozen cookies...shortbread caramel bars, biscotti, italian easter cookies, million dollar peanut butter cookies, english toffee tea cakes... last week to distract me. It was hard not to indulge.
First, my dear sweet hubby's grandmother took a turn for the worse. She is 89 and has been taking care of herself pretty much on her own until last year. We were able to visit her in Taylor, Michigan; give her love; and the girls decorated her room with a couple of drawings. It was good to see her being taken good care of. Sunday morning we got the call she had moved on to her Creator. Dorothy was a quiet, kind and generous woman, and we were all blessed to have had her in our lives.
Also, my best friend Cristy...of 20 years...had a big surgery last Wednesday. Thankfully, she has a great support system in place. Cristy's hubby works for the railroad...which requires some crazy hours...so friends and family chipped in to help them out. Her mom & dad took the kids for her, made sure they got to and from school and afternoon events. Jodi & Margaret made sure the house was in order, dog was taken care of, and meals would be prepared for them for a few weeks. Since I live 2 hours away and unable to help on a daily basis, I volunteered to stay with her in the hospital, ...so she wouldn't be alone...bring her cookies, and stayed with her the first night home since hubby had to work. She's had some rough nights and problems with meds, but thankfully seems to be on the mend.

I have only been able to do a little bit of creating lately. Here is a little box of cookies I made for my neighbor that was watching my girls for me one of the days I was gone. It's just a little sample of the cookies I made and made it to match this card I made 2 weeks ago. It's evident I'm obsessed with doilies, they've been in the last 4 projects I've made. I'm subnitting this in the Cards Doily Challenge this week.

Finally, I have had SEVERAL requests for my recipe for the Pecan Caramel Sauce I have shared on this post and this one. So here it is...it's an acient Chinese secret...it's really great 'cause it's made in the microwave!

Pecan Caramel Sauce
1 1/4 cups chopped pecans

7 Tablespoons butter (divided)
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
3 Tablespoons flour
3/4 cup light corn syrup
2/3 cup evaporated milk
Makes 3 cups of sauce.

1.Place chopped pecans in a microwave dish with 3 Tablespoons butter. Cook for 8 - 10 minutes, stirring twice. Watch the pecans closely to not burn them. I use a pie dish.

2. In another microwave safe bowl (I have a 8 cup glass measuring cup) place remaining butter and heat until melted. Whisk in brown sugar (the darker the better), flour, and light corn syrup until blended. Cook on high 6-8 minutes, stirring twice, until the sugar is dissolved. Add in 2/3 cup (1/2 can) evaporated milk and the pecans, stir well.

3. Store in sterilized jars. Serve with ice cream, pound cake or pies (apple pie is yummy!). Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 months.

Happy Anniversary PTI!

2011-02-05T10:57:00.000-05:00

*read to the end for my favorite PTI creation*
*Clink*Clink*Clink* Time for a toast....What a wonderful time to celebrate all that you are! Unique, beautiful, quality...affordable...trendy and classic at the same time. You surround yourself with talented, wonderful women, each with their own gifts to share and admire. I love to visit you, see what you've been up to, and watch you grow. You've been in my creative life now for over a year, and I'm so grateful to have you there. You have expanded not only my resources, and my creative 'genius'...yes in quotes...you have also helped me blossom and express myself artistically every day!

Now, here's to you Papertrey Ink, as you continue the exciting journey you are on, I wish you years...and years, and years....of success, unwavering support from your family and fans, and the joy of watching your efforts expand the creative lives of others...as it has done mine. So lift up your...imaginary...glasses and cheer for PTI! *Ink*Ink*Ink*

If you couldn't tell, it's Papertrey Inks' 4th anniversary! I know you know all about them, and those perfectly FABULOUS products they are able to produce every month. I'd love to be fly on the wall during their brainstorming meetings and watch how they come up with all their amazing products...it would be easy, they are only 1 hour south of here...

Every month at their reveals, I am amazed at what they have created and can't think of any way they can top it. But everytime they do! I have bookmarked every design team's blog and visit them nearly everyday. They all provide me with wonderful inspiration. I'm really excited about their new DT member Danielle Flanders, I can really relate to her design style - shabby, yet clean and cutesy, so Shabby-utesy!...yes I made up that word... The other great thing I love about their images is many of them are so beautiful to color or leave as an outline! Like their Delightful Dahlias set...the only flower set I have right now, but my b-day is coming up... I can make beautiful flowers like this one with my copics...my new obsession....or keep the simple beauty of the outine for creations like this one...a winner from last week's Trigger Tuesday...or combine the two techniques for a wower like this...not to toot my own horn...

PTI is having a party over at their blog for this momentous occasion, and have asked us to post our favorite project we have made with their products to win and amazing prize!!! I've had a really hard time picking one, as you can see with all the little photos over there on the left. Many of those I have been honored to have grace the pages of PaperCrafts Magazine...thanks for the help PTI!... My absolute FAVORITE creation I have made with PTI products and stamps has to be ...one I can't show you, it's getting published next month.... but this one is my second favorite! It's the very first shabby creation I made, which made me a convert to the style...I hope I made Betsy and Melissa proud, as they have been my shabby inspirationista's...I gave this to my dad for Father's Day last year.

Simple Tree

2011-02-05T05:00:00.002-05:00

Hello again ladies...and gents... Here I am with another challenge at Our Creative Corner! This week, our challenge is hosted by the lovely Lori Rider at the Diva Stamper. Your challenge this week is to create a clean and simple card incorporating a tree or branching. I really like making this type of card, they take me a while, but I really like the results!

So here is my creation, it does have lots of fussy cutting, but the over all card is simple.

To carry off the whole wood, branch theme, I use the PTI wood grain embossing plate on the card front behind the tree image. I really love how this card came out!

Now go check out the other members of the OCC design team to get inspired to create your submission!

Holy Ice Batman!

2011-02-02T21:48:00.000-05:00

Yes, I live in the Midwest. While we didn't get the snow that Chicago got, this is what Mother Nature gave us instead of the fluffy white stuff...

It's not the best photo...it was really dark...but you get the jest of how much ice we got!...it was really quite beautiful... The next morning, we had nearly an inch of ice. Surprisingly, the main roads were drivable, but our street has yet to be salted. As you can see below...

The rain came after the ice, and instead of melting the snow, it made the ice smooth and slick...kind of like a Zamboni... It was a bit disconcerting, as I was to travel to Toledo Wednesday morning for my BFF's surgery. I ending up having to wait only until later afternoon, and I made it here safe and sound - and Cristy had a successful procedure. All's well that ends well!

Today's the Day!

2011-01-29T05:01:00.001-05:00

It's the first post for my new position on the design team at Our Creative Corner! Have you visited us there recently? We have a whole new look, and new creative challenges - perfect for those of you wanting to expand your creative minds. This week's challenge is to create a 3D item for Valentine's day.

I did more of an altered 3D item. I had a few jars of caramel sauce left over from the holiday's so I made one up to give to my sweet 'adopted' mom since I'm crashing at her house this weekend. I used a huge variety of items on this, SU!, PTI, American Crafts...it's a smorgasboard of fun... There's a card, a gift bag and the jar of DELICIOUS caramel saucve. I'll have to share this recipe with you...

Jewel Inspiration

2011-01-27T23:36:00.000-05:00

It's another card for the current Moxie Fab challenge. This time it's the Jewel Tone challenge inspired by the Color Inspiration for Card Makers issue. This crazy color combo was a struggle.

I have all the colors in my paper arsenal, and even had a few new embellishments thanks to my WCMD win. It took me a long time just to get this one card done. Uggh... At least its done now and I actually like how it came out!

Mono Inspiration

2011-01-27T23:32:00.002-05:00

This is the last color challenge I'm doing for the current Moxie Fab Color Inspiration for Card Makers. It's the monochromatic challenge that rings true to my heart...as the mom of 2 small girls... We have all things pink here in my house and my paper crafting stash is no different.

This card was simple to whip out, and I have a friend that just had a baby girl who will be the recipient of my current creation!

Here is a closeup of the buggy. I misted the card with Vintage Pink mist and really loved the effect!

Bold inspiration

2011-01-27T23:25:00.000-05:00

Here is another card I created for the current challenges going on at Moxie Fab. Have you been playing along too? This card is for the Bold and Bright Color Inspiration challenge.

I have to admit that this is a challenging combo for me. I had so many different ideas, but nothing seemed very good. I really don't like either one I made... This first creation is a re-make from another card I made from the original call.

This second one I thought I'd make my own patterned paper with some pink Zing embossing powder I received from my Royalty win. The effect on Pumpkin Pie paper is a bit eye crossing....

Neutral Inspiration

2011-01-27T00:18:00.002-05:00

Here I am again, with another card inspired by the new Color Inspiration for Card Makers by Paper Crafts! This one I have to say is one of my FAVORITE combinations. Although, my Smoky sample didn't match the one Cath had up on Moxie Fab for this challenge, but I'm really ok with it. I like her Smoky color much better. This is for the Neutral Inspiration color group.

This card is a bit over kill...all the glitter...but I really like it. Afterall, I am a glitter, girly-girl!

Metallic Inspiration

2011-01-27T00:02:00.001-05:00

Have you picked up a copy of the new Paper Crafts Color Inspiration for Card Makers yet? I have a few of my own creations gracing the pages of this special new edition! Cath at Moxie Fab is hosting a few challenges based on some of the color combos featured in this magazine. This is the first one I decided to tackle.

Pinkin,i Satin Wedding White and Metallic Gold. I had a real hard time with this one when I was doing the call, but for some reason, it came pretty easy to me today. My only problem was that my sewing maching is on the fritz...sob... and I had to add the ribbon to cover the holes left by my possesed Pfaff. I can't give it too much grief, it is almost as old as I am! Anyway, here's what I came up with;

I used Ranger Pearl Silver EP on the doily to give it the same shimmery look as the paper. I love it!

Thanks for joining me today!!! Don't forget, this Saturday is my first team post over at Our Creative Corner, come and join us!

Wow!

2011-01-25T23:04:00.000-05:00

Thanks Cath! She made me a winner on last weeks Trigger Tuesday with this card:

Isn't she sweet! Thanks so much for honoring me!

Quick one

2011-01-24T16:59:00.000-05:00

This is a quick little post. I had started on this card over the weekend and set it aside because it wasn't working. I just picked it up to make a quick card for Rob's Grandmother that just went back into the hospital. I'm going to post it on the Moxie Fab Gray is the new Black challenge.

No school...

2011-01-24T15:01:00.001-05:00

sick children and urgent care visits (3 in as many days) make Kristin a grumpy mommy. 'nuff said.

On to pretty things! I made this first card earlier today, during the 40 minute non-existing nap my girls took. I really like how it came out, so I think I'll submitt it to the Moxie Fab Gray is the New Black challenge that ends today.

This second card, I made over the weekend. It's a fun card, and I used an old part of a card to whip it up in a few nimutes. This also is for the challenge.

And now....

2011-01-22T01:00:00.000-05:00

EEKKK!!! I had scheduled this for 1:00 pm Friday, and here it is, 1:00 am Saturday, and it didn't post! Sorry here it is...

The winner of my Big News & BIG Giveaway contest! Thank you to everyone that participated, including these lovely ladies that posted my giveaway on their own blogs:

http://scrappininak.wordpress.com/
Kelly - Uniquely Me
Deb - The Crafty Wizard
Lisa - This N' That
Brenda - Mama's Making

Many of you had 3 entries!

I wrote down everyone's entry, put them in a bowl and

had Lily pick the winner, and it is....Lisa M! Congratulations Lisa and thank you to everyone that participated in my giveaway! Not to worry though, in cleaning out my craftin' spot, I found lots of goodies I forgot I had. Now, I have a huge box filled with some yummy goodies to give away over the next few months so stay tuned!

It's Gray...

2011-01-21T17:43:00.001-05:00

Not just the weather here in Ohio, but my new favorite color! I have been busy creating for the Moxie Fab Gray is the New Black challenge. Here is my first creation, Ivory and Gray, fun and shabby. I finally broke down and purchased the Hodpodge Hardware through SU!, and boy am I glad I did! You will be seeing more of these gorgeous items I'm sure in later creations.

Shabby Thanks
Cardstock: Going Grey, Basic Grey (SU!)
Stamp sets: French Script & Houndstooth (SU!); Daffodil Delight (sentiment - PTI)
Ink: Going Grey, Basic Grey (SU!)
Ribbon: Offray lace
Accessories: Dress form (Hambly rub-on); Hodpodge Hardware (SU!); ivory buttons