Couldn't help it...

Rather than working on Kaylin's scrapbook this morning, I just HAD to finish a couple of cards. In my defense, they were sitting in the middle of my desk, unfinished, and golly, I'll need the space to work on my layouts. Once I get the kitchen tidied up, and the chicken in the crock pot, I'll get to working on the scrapbook (*sigh*, not cards....). Welllllll....I might need a break from the scrapbook and will need to clear my mind (okay people...help me with the justifications here...), so there will most likely be a card or two made.

By 'happystance,' my first card fits two challenges this morning. As CASology popped up with a 'festive' cue card, and the card I made is very festive, I'll pop it into that challenge, along with MUSE, The incredible Therese has created a lovely CAS-tree card. I was inspired by her 'one' tree, and the bright colors of the jewels. And a big thank you goes out to Miss Kim who snuck a few amazing scraps into my dp scrapbox. You'll see in a second...

And my take:

I know. It's not a traditional shape. I like it like that. And the colors...well, I like them too! This tree just makes me smile, and here's hoping that you will too. The base is Michaels white, a scrap of black for the mat and tree trunk, a star from the goodies Miss D. sent home with me (thank you darlin'), a scrap of amazing dp from Miss Kim, and a sentiment from EH's new line (NBUS too). 

Next is a card that started out waaaay different. It morphed into what it is, and I'm fine with it. Lots of granddaughters will like this. This one's headed over to CAS(E) this Sketch. So fun to play there!

And my interpretation:

More paper goodies from the BABES. The pink grid came from Miss Geri and is from Elle's Studio. A variety of stamps - AE for sentiments, LF for speech bubbles, and a heart from PTI. Versafine black ink, Studio G pink, and a Michaels white base. I think that's it...And I'm headed to the kitchen now...Have a great week and happy dances everyone.

Two Cards, Two Challenges

So much to do, so little time. We're all in the same boat, aren't we? Between cooking Thanksgiving dinner for at least 20, and Christmas preparations I can feel my to-do list growing. Don't get me wrong, I love making the big dinner. The smells, the anticipation, the company, and especially the delightful sounds of all the little ones running and laughing make all the work well worthwhile. And I've got a scrapbook to make before some of the company arrives for Thanksgiving. I owe little Kaylin hers. So part of my crafting time will be taken up with that. And speaking of scrapbooking, I've decided that once I get the last five done for family members, I'm cutting up all my 12x12 sheets that I want to keep, and giving away all the rest of my paper and scrapbooking supplies. It will be cards only from then on in. I'm looking forward to the extra storage space I'll acquire when I get to that point.

Anyway...I actually do have a couple of cards to share today. The first is for Muse. This is Vicki's Muse card:

It's bright and happy, and most importantly, it has POLKA DOTS! You know I love polka dots...Here's my take. It's a less bright version:

The front panel is a big chunk of dp from Fancypants. I got it when Sharon had her store open and have been hoarding it. I did use a TT small dot stamp with some Ranger Archival Cornflower Blue ink to add those bitty dots. The same ink was used for the CB balloon stamp (NBUS). A scrap of yellowy-green, a scrap of the Fancypants flipped over, and a white scrap for the sentiment panel. That's it for this one.

The next card is going into Fusion. You'll see a couple of diecuts on my card, and they're courtesy of Maria over at reislingmama. First see the Fusion inspiration:

I used both the ombre look and the sketch:

At first, I didn't have the embossing paste on the upper right. (Okay, okay, it's spackle...), but it looked a little unbalanced. So I used an MFT Polka Dot die, cut a scrap, and used it as a stencil for my dots. When they dried, I wiped a bit of Wink of Stella over them. As mentioned, the "you" and the bird are from Maria, and as soon as I saw this Fusion, I knew I'd use them here. The blue ombre ink is a Colorbox mini, and I used ME Smoke ink for the AE sentiment. Recollections white cardstock. And that's it. I'm going to shut up now. Happy dances everyone.

Happy Birthday Michele!!!

Well, Happy birthday Michele! So glad that you took the plunge, and in May of this year created your blog; icardeveryone. It's a fun place to visit, and just in case anyone out there hasn't had the opportunity to do so, I highly encourage you to stop on by, and trust me when I say that you won't be disappointed! Michele makes amazing cards, often with a funny/punny sentiment, and there's always cheeriness and light-heartedness to be found at her blog.

Shall we party in honor of the day? Alrighty then! Let's make it a Pizza Party! Casual dress everyone...

Pizza for everyones' taste. Lots and lots of good pizza!

And what's a pizza party without beer??  Do these look like fun or what??!!

And after a bit, let's have cake. Nothing too fancy, just good cake...

This one looks perfect! And naturally, it will be big enough to feed us all!

I did make a card for Michele's birthday. I totally and shamelessly CASEd one of hers...

Loved this one, and thought it would be fun to make something similar for Michele.

Here's mine:

So in honor of your birthday Michele, we celebrate. Hope your day is exactly what you'd hoped and wished for, and the coming year brings wonders and amazements your way! Happy Birthday my friend. 

Happy Birthday Lynn!

Someone oh so special out there in blogland is celebrating her birthday today. Hmmmm...could it be LYNN???!!! Yep. Definitely is! Do stop by her blog, give her a big e-hug, and wish her a happy, happy birthday. Lynn is such a sweetheart. She's kind and caring, shares her family with us all - and what an amazing and handsome group of young men she's a mom to..., she's always encouraging, she's a fun and gentle soul, and her smile lights the world, doesn't it just??!! I'm very blessed to call her friend. It seemed right to celebrate and since it wouldn't be a birthday without a party let's get to it!

A little wine to start off...

Some pretty and casually elegant party decorations

A few flowers

Pretty centerpieces for our tables

Celebratory tablescape

And we'll start off with some fun foods...

And CAKE!! This first one reminds me so much of our birthday girl...

And a few little gifts chosen just for Lynn

And in honor of Lynn, I CASEd this card of hers, which I fell in love with (of course, ALL of Lynn's card are pretty darn fantastic, so it was difficult to choose just one...)

Gorgeous, isn't it??!! And her birthday card from me:

So Happy Birthday, Lynn. May today find you blessed with all things good and wonderful, and your year be filled with love and laughter. Your sweetness, gentleness, and kindness enrich those around you, including all of us out here in blogland. You just personify lovely. Happy birthday dear friend.

TAWS card

It's been quite some time since I've played along with the BE Inspired Challenge over at TAWS. The Alley Way makes great stamps and the BIC always has bright, fun, and interesting inspiration photos packed with tons of ideas. I needed a card for a special friend, and right away I knew exactly which stamp would be the perfect focal point for this card. Then I popped over to BIC, and the colors and inspiration was (if you'll pardon my pun...) right up my Alley! (sorry...well...maybe not....heehee) Scope out the photo:

Some of my most favorite colors ever, and I just had to utilize that garland on my card.

These glasses are one of my all time favorite stamps -- they just scream fun, don't you think?!! Really simple to make. Started with a Recollections base, a scrap of the same for the image and sentiment, and a scrap of blue cardstock. Some SC and Michaels sequins for my garland, and of course The Alley Way Stamps for both the image and sentiment. I colored the glasses with a Copic marker, and added two orange blings. I enjoyed making this, and hope that the recipient will like it too. Happy dances everyone.

Happy Birthday Tracey!!!

Found out this morning that today is Tracey McNeely's birthday. You all know her, you all love her, and who of us hasn't drooled in pure delight over her mad cardmaking skills?!! Well, we must have a little celebration in her honor, mustn't we?!! I'm thinking we should start out like this:

A few decorations for our party...

Stars for our "STAR"

Some party tables so we can gather and celebrate the birthday girl in style...

And you can't have a party without a few treats...

And a gift or two for the birthday girl...

A few bangles for her wrists

Some rings for her fingers

The perfect little clutch

And an infinity scarf to help keep her warm

A special birthday wish for a special friend!

Tracey, may your birthday be everything you want it to be, and may your life be filled with only the most wonderful, happy days. I wish you all the best on your birthday and always.

What would a birthday be without a card? And I think I must have had Tracey in mind (with a bit of a CASE of Kim) when I made this card on our BABES getaway:

I encourage you all to stop by Tracey's blog and wish her a happy birthday; I know she'd love that! 

(And while I'm at it, I thought I'd drop this into Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, where it's anything goes.) Happy birthday and happy dances, Tracey!!!