Guest Designing at The Challenge!!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and that your New Year has started out well. Our season was lovely and things look good for the coming year! I got an email from my sweet friend Kim early in December asking if I'd like to be a Guest Designer at The Challenge for the month of January! It took my brain all of a nanosecond to process the request and say YES!! Thanks so much for having me as GD this month. Just delighted to be here!! And I hope that your creativity will be sparked as much as mine was! Here is the first sketch of 2016 and it has endless possibilities for cards... Hope you'll play along with me! Woohoo!!!

I know I'll be coming back to this sketch again and again; so many ideas fluttering around in my head! But here's what I made for my "first" card using this sketch:

Oh I wish you could see this in person.... it's really pretty and one of my favorite cards in recent memory. I pulled out a couple of gold die cut roses that I made with Kim's die when we were spending a week at the Lake House. Hoarded roses. Still have a couple more....! The leaves are stickers backed with vellum. Both papers come from a 6x6 paper pad by AC Dear Lizzy. A SSS sentiment with Jeni Bowlin ink, and a smattering of sequins. It went together rather easily, and was for a granddaughter's birthday back in December. Might have to CASE myself as this was such an awesome sketch to work with! Now grab your supplies and play along! I'd love to see what you make over at The Challenge!! Happy dances everyone. 

Happy New Year

Did you ring in the New Year last night? DH and I celebrated in our usual style. In bed by 11:00pm. We're such party animals.... All I could think of last night was giving many thanks to God for no migraines yesterday (after a three day run...), and getting up to make a card or two. In reality, I made three. Pretty soon, I've got to head upstairs and clean out the Christmas closet. We're planning on downsizing to a condo this Spring, and I need to make some hard decisions. But in truth, I'd rather play in my craft room and listen to the PBS series, Baseball, on the MLB channel. DH is watching for me.

So I guess it's time to get onto the cards, and then go upstairs. The first one is going into the MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge, and also into Color Q.

And mine looks like this:

Poor lighting today. The blue is more green in real life, and closer to the Coastal Cabana shown... All MFT dies. The gold confetti paper was made with my Silhouette. 

Next is a card for the As You See It Challenge, and also for the Stamp Ink Paper Challenge #28, where it's Anything but Christmas. 

Mine is definitely not Christmassy!

All of the papers are from my scrap files. And except for the tag itself, they come from an ancient SU card. I just cut the bits and bobs apart. The flowers and sentiment are from Verve and a PTI ink, as well as the black Versafine ink. A few black enamel dots and a little black ribbon, and done.

And last but not least, is a card for the Share the Joy Sketch + CAS Challenge. I chose the CAS part, as opposed to the Sketch part. I will also pop this into the Inkspirational Challenge. This one will go out in the mail Monday to a friend.

This is mine:

The grid dp is a (no longer hoarded) piece of AC, which I cut with a ME die. Then a PPP flag die, upon which I stamped my TE image and sentiment. I colored the soup and 'soon' with Copics. EZPZ lemon squeezy. And that will about do it for today. I'll be off for the closet in a few minutes, unless I decide it can wait until tomorrow, and boy, that's sounding like a much better idea. Then I could do some commenting....Anyway, happy dances everyone!

Wishing You....

....A very blessed and peaceful New Year. The days are just flying by, aren't they? I'm trying to make the most of every day by counting my blessings rather than putting any energy into the things that are less so. As I'm sure you know, that's sometimes easier said than done. But I'm going to give it my best shot.

I did actually make some cards yesterday, but it was late and overcast, so I waited until this morning for a bit better light to photograph them. Still overcast. And snowing. Big, fluffy white flakes. But it's winter in Wisconsin. 'Nuff said about that. Back to the cards now....

First up is a card for CASology. I love CASology. Thanks Melissa, and the DT for always being such a fun place to play. Your efforts don't go unnoticed and are much appreciated. Here's their cue card:

I had a little ping moment and it translated from my pea brain to paper exactly as I imagined it.

The tree dies are from SC, and they come connected. Using a scrap of rich forest green, I cut two of them and then snipped them apart. The hills are from LF, and the partial sentiment is from SSS. I used some PTI ink and I added a WoS on the three lower trees. Simple! 

Next, I'm joining in the fun over at Happy Little Stampers December Sketch. I'm nearly late for this party, but really did want to play. I opted not to use a Christmas theme for this card, as I'm always in need of birthday cards. Thanks also to Kylie and her amazing DTs for all of their hard work in this and the other challenges. I really appreciate your making this such a fun place to play. And before I get to my card, a little shout out goes to Darnell who is the GD for this challenge! Had to play!

Three dies and no stamps on this card today. No idea how that happened...

The 'happy birthday' die is from TE, and the scalloped circle and bow are from ME. Found this bright and happy dp in my scrap stash, and it called my name. Had to use it. The red-pink cardstock is from SoL, called 'Strawberry.' A varitey of sequins; they're on the flowers too, so as to conform to the sketch. One itty bitty brad for the bow just because. Not a hard card to make, and with this sketch, I'm a happy camper! Might have to make another...hey!, a "twofer" Darnell!! I'll get right to that...in a minute. I need to finish this post first. May you all have millions of reasons to happy dance in 2016. I pray for your good health, happy families surrounding you with love, and peace in our world. "God Bless Us, Everyone!!"

Busy

Hectic time for me, and I know it is for you too. I'll keep this uber short. I needed a special card for a little friend, and since I know she's a lover of hot cocoa, I thought this would fit for a card on the last day of the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop. And I liked the sketch over at Freshly Made Sketches too.

Mine in Christmas colors:

A CLBH win coffee cup, LF snowflakes in red felt, red squeakquins, SC banner die, MFT sentiment and circle die, ME Apple ink, Versafine black, TSoL paper. Running out to do errands, and try to get some more holiday chores done. Happy (holiday) dances everyone. 

Coffee Lovers Blog Hop

So my friends, it's time to break out your coffee/tea/cocoa stamps and get creative. Use a Winter or Holiday theme, then link up to the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop. The ever incredible Amy Tsuruta, and her brand-spankin' new DT will be waiting over at the CLC blog with bells on.

The Card Making World is incredible, as I'm sure you'll agree. It's a safe place, a kind place, and in the true sense of the word, a wonderful place to be. And the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop is almost like a mega "coffee-klatch" where we've gathered just to visit. Such a sense of community. It's a great place to make new friends and catch up a bit with "old" ones. So come on in to my kitchen.  I've got the coffee pot on, and we can visit with each other for a while. Let your cares drift away.  The housework, work-work, and all of our other obligations can wait just a bit. We need to talk over a cup of coffee. And then head to the craft room for an afternoon of paper fun! You know you want to....!!

I did make a card for this event. It looks like this:

Don't ask me why I went with pink. I have no clue...just seemed right at the time. Can't remember who made it, though. It's the last scrap I have; must have been saving it for today. That's a PTI cup, an HA sentiment, a ME scalloped die, a LF bitty snowflake, and a large snowflake gifted to me from a friend.

Do come and hop along. It's tons of fun, and wait till you see everyone's creations! Oh!, and there are prizes. Forty-nine Supersponsors.  I won't list them here, but I'll add a link at this end of the blog too so you can see for yourself. Incredible. My thanks go out to Miss Amy and the DT for all of their hard work. See you at the 2015 Winter/Holiday Coffee Lovers Blog Hop! 

Christmas Present....Not So Much....

This year, DH and I are giving each other a BRAND NEW FURNACE for Christmas. Actually, it's already been installed. Whoop-dee-doo. I know, I know, newer furnace equals lower energy bills, a warmer and quieter house, and it's a good selling point for the future, however, it came at a really, really bad time of year. Oh, and did I mention that we have 20 grandchildren????!!!!! But it could have been tons worse; the problem could have gone undetected and we could have been ill or dead with Carbon Monoxide poisoning. No stress here! Yikes. And poop. And *sigh*.

I imagine that we're all busy with pretty much the same things. Baking, shopping, decorating, wrapping, mailing, and all the chores, delights, and activities associated with Christmas. Tomorrow is put up the tree day for me. And onto other fun, seasonal things.

"Cards?", you ask. You betcha. Just two. One for a birthday, one for a college graduation. Son and grandson. Wanna see? Good. Let's get to this. First up is the birthday card. I used the sketch from The Challenge, which was perfect! My card practically made itself! Thanks Lesley.

My take:

Gold, white, and two kraft colors. Lots of scraps except for that delectable vellum which was gifted to me by Geri, thanks pal!! All MFT dies but the 'happy,' which is from MB. Sure hope you play along. This was one inspirational sketch! 

This next card will go into the Addicted to Stamps and More Challenge. Sure hope this fits the CAS bill....

I'm going to show you the outside first, and then the inside because I LOVE this card. Will tell you the story after the photos...

"The End" and "The Beginning" are from a 6x6 pad which came in a card kit from Studio Calico. So is the loooong card base. I added a stenciled arrow and made my own print and cut file with my Cameo for the 'congrats.' One scrap of black on the front too - I wanted to add a bold color next to that gorgeous blue. I wish you could see this irl; it's way cooler than it looks here. This SC card kit was from June, and was on super, super sale. It also came with ink, a 4x6 stamp set, twine, more card bases, a full 6x6 paper pad, and tags. It arrived right in time for me to get this card made. 

One more thing before I head off today. Those of you who know me, know that I have a large and pretty darn wonderful family. One of my darling granddaughters, Melissa, is raising funds to help her pursue her dream of continuing in her music. She's a natural-born talent. Not just saying that, it's just true. Brilliant drummer. Absolutely brilliant. When she's not on a drumline, she's studying as a junior at the University of Wisconsin, working, and teaching others. If you're interested in making a purchase to support her endeavors in music, you won't be disappointed; reasonably priced gifts, including photographic prints of birds, butterflies, and the Windpoint Lighthouse. Here's the link:

Gold Star Jars

Do stop by; she's the prettiest one on the drumline!

And happy dances everyone.

"Got My Mojo Working..."

Muddy Waters, one of my ultra, ultra favorite blues singers of all time ever, sang those words (blog post title) back in the 1950s. I love listening to the blues, especially the Delta Blues and the Chicago Blues and even took a History of the American Blues course when I was in college. While I could expound quite a bit on them, we'll let the blues rest today with encouragement to give a listen to Mr. Waters; he was amazing.

My mojo was working overtime this morning. I somehow managed to make four cards, with starts on three others. If I didn't have to run a few errands, I think I'd get through them too. But let's see what I have managed to finish today, shall we?!

Starting with my favorite sassy Santa, I'm playing along with Curtain Call's current challenge:

My card uses a reply from Santa, rather than a request to him.

I think that this stamp and sentiment from Ellen Hutson is genius. Cracks me up everytime... Michaels white base, a RAK tag from sweet Amy Tsuruta, a legless Christmas tree brad, red Copic, and a bit of white flocking. The rectangles were cut with MFT's dies. Pretty darn simple.

Next is a card with a few NBUS stamps. I was naughty (hmmm....wonder if that Santa card was made for me by me subconsciously......). I got a great order from SC, and the fruity stamps are fast becoming some of my favorites. This card will head into Less Is More 252, where the recipe is to use fruits. And since I've use a some favorites, I'd also like to play at the Stamp Ink Paper Challenge.

Just a little one-layer card.... SC and PTI stamps.  Versafine black, PTI green, and Ranger yellow and brown inks. Can't get much easier than this one! But I like it.

And my final card of the day (I'll show you #4 another time) is a total PING card.  I saw a card on Anita's blog which she was entering into AAA Cards, and like a lightening strike, a design appeared in my little pea brain, and alakazam, it went right to paper. So I'll play there too, and also in SSS Work It Wednesday. 

Ta-Da:

More NBUS decorates this card. Not sure if I've used the LF snowflake dies before, but just in case, here they are for new or for not new. The box, however, is new. It's from ME and came with a ton of amazing dies. I added a little shading with some ME Hazel ink. The sentiment is also LF, and I used some ME Apple ink. Pretty easy. And that's it for me today. Hope you all are doing well and happy dances everyone!

Not Dead

Nope. Not dead yet. But I have been missing in blogland... I've had company and a huge Thanksgiving with family and friends, and had to get the first of the Christmas shopping done, wrapped, and ready to send back with my son and his family. And a broken toilet. And a sick husband (he's better now). And normal and extra cleaning. I have this feeling that December isn't going to be any less busy, but then it won't be any less busy for any of you either, will it?!

Other than a place card project which I organized and let the little ones go to town on, and helping three of the grandchildren who were staying here to make Christmas gifts for mommy and daddy and a card (one of which you'll see) I haven't spent anytime in my craft room until today. I actually made a card. I'm a little rusty but I REALLY needed to play. Felt really good! We'll do that first, then I'll show you a few photos from Thanksgiving. I found a color challenge at As You See It. Fun colors and the DT has really come up with some great cards as you'll see when you head over there!

Mine is a bit subtle:

The colors are there. They're the blings on the "strings of lights." I drew the 'strings', and the dies are both NBUS. The 'joy' is from Lil' Inkers and the frame was made with my new ME die and an old MFT for the interior part. The red paper I think is from BB, but since it's a scrap, I don't know for sure. Sorry for the blurriness...

This first Thanksgiving photo is one of son Tad and I wearing the necklaces that his daughter Samantha made for us. Just had to stop cooking and do a selfie..

He kindly bent down to my height and took the selfie with his longer arms. Goofy kid.

And we've started a tradition where all the little kids put black olives on their fingers. Even the youngest granddaughter was old enough this year to participate!

Aren't they cute??!

Here are a couple of pics of the "Kids" table, and grandma got to sit with them too!

That's my dil at the far end of the table, and the three oldest granddaughters helping the little ones out. 

Here's clean up time:

That's the big girls other grandma helping with the dishes with Jessica and Lizzy. Can you see the giant platter on the "floating island?" It was my great-grandma's and only comes out at Thanksgiving. And see my ugly shirt? Well I put it on at 5:00 AM to cook dinner, and had zero time to change clothes before we sat down to eat. I'm covering up the holes in the pocket...I'm such a dork.

And I wanted to show you Carter's card. He designed it himself, and wrote his own verse inside. The photos aren't very good, but you get the idea. (Carter is the one in the far back in the olive photo)

And I won't force you to look at any more photos. In reality I was too busy running around like a chicken with my head cut off to take many more. Thanks for looking, and I plan on visiting your blogs pretty darn soon. Happy dances everyone.