Goodwill Hunting (Episode 2)

Hunting at the local Goodwill today was fun.  I was hoping to score some Crafty Goodies, and that I did.  I was a bit sad that I  didn't find a large assortment of buttons, but I did not leave empty handed.  I found 3 large freezer bags full of fibers that were full of gorgeous color assortments.  I also scored a set of 16 small rubber stamps with different designs and patterns on each.   The ideas are already zinging through my head.  I also found a beautiful large rubber foliage stamp....love it.  I couldn't leave without the box of paper leaves from IKEA and the small wooden coffin.  They were both screaming at me to take them off the shelf.   Finally, a porch flag for Springtime (never opened).  I left the store with all of these fabby finds for only $6.00!!!

SCORE!!    SCORE!!!   SCORE!!!

Thanks for stopping and sharing in my excitement with me!!!!

Until next Time....
:O)
Jessica

Blogger is limiting the number of blogs I follow

Today is I was trying to add a blog that I, at one time followed, but no longer see on my list, I got a message I had never seen before.  The message stated I had "reached my limit of 300 blogs" and are unable to add any more at this time.   Unfortunately, this means that I will have to adjust the list.  I do not want anyone to take personal offense to this, as I love visiting so many of you regularly.   I am going to take some time to recollect my decisions to follow and sadly delete those whose blogs aren't as familiar to me.  I am sure there are many blogs that I have on my follow list, that may not even post regularly.  This will open the opportunity for me to follow newer blogs.

Again, please do not take this as a personal attack as it has no bearing on how I feel about your blog or your creations in particular.  It is just something that "HAS" to be done.

:O)
Jessica

Give Thanks Card

Well, today's card was inspired by a color challenge at The Outlawz 1000 member party this weekend.  I didn't get a chance to finish it before the noon deadline, but I was determined to finish it nonetheless.  I haven't gotten much scrappy time in this weekend.  We took full advantage of the nice weather to air out the house, clean up the yard, heavy housework, and all that jazz!  So, I finished one card and hope to do some more crafting after I write up this post.


This was the color challenge at The Outlawz site:

 

And here is my card:

Pretty basic supplies were used here:

White card stock

Yellow Textured card stock (cut from Lacy Labels - All Boy)

Red adhesive border (rectangle) - distressed with sandpaper

Fall leaves dp - distressed with sandpaper

Scallops:  fall dp cut into scallops & white card stock cut into circles (Lacy Labels)

Pumpkin sticker

Rubber stamp (small "mum-like" design)

Red Ribbon attached with brads

Darice Ink It Up - Teddy Bear)

Sentiment - hand drawn using Whisper Strokes

Fall colored rhinestones

Challenges:
Creative Cutter Room - Time to Give Thanks
Sentimental Sundays - AG
Stamptacular Sundays -So distressing
Anything Goes - Die Cuts and Punches
Penny's Paper Craft - AG
The Scrapoholic - Sketchy Saturday (Card)

Happy Crafting!!!
:O)
Jessica

Candace has Candy **help her reach 350***

Hello and Happy Saturday to you all.  

I don't have a crafty project to share just yet, but I do have some news to spread....

 

A dear, sweet, and loyal Blend of mine, Candace of Scrappin' 2 Little Princesses, is trying to reach a goal of 350 followers.  I have been following her blog for quite some time, but I am just now learning about this goal she has set.  I can't believe I missed this before.  

I love visiting her blog and have gotten inspiration from her many times.  

I just adore her altered gift bag projects and cards and I know you will too.

To reward her fond followers, Candace is
going to do a
Thank You Giveaway when she reaches 350 followers

As of the time of this post, 
she was at 
308

WAY TO GO CANDACE

I am hoping that you will trust me when I say you won't be disappointed if you stop over at her blog, become a new follower, and leave her a comment to cheer her on!!!  She has some upcoming projects that she is so eager to share with everyone, and I am just as eager to see what they are (I love surprises)!!!

Let her know Jessica sent you when you stop by.  That way she will know that she is truly a dear "Blend" (Blog+Friend=Blend) and I would LOVE to help her reach her goal!!!

And if that wasn't enough to convince you...here's a pic of the generous candy she has up for grabs...

!!!GOOD LUCK SWEETIE!!!

Blessed to have YOU in my life

Today's card was completely inspired by a dear friend, Amy from Love To Crop.  She had created a set of cards as part of her DT commitment at Celebrate The Ocassion for their current Breast Cancer Awareness challenge.  If you haven't linked a project yet, you still have until Sunday to play along with the challenge.  You also could link up to the Link Up For Pink Party (here, here, or here) going on now, through October 14th.   In addition, Amy also also created a  set of cards with the same image from  Karber Digital Images to giveaway to one lucky person at her blog.  The technique she used on this card is what really caught my eye.  I love how the card and image are all pink with a slight outline.  This is the technique I attempted to mimic with my card below.  I used my Studio G inks (I lost my favorite blue and had to mute a royal blue with a green for the end result) and my Whisper Strokes markers for the outlining.  I formed a "step-card" base from white card stock to mount the blue square onto.  The cloud paper on the front strip is from a new stack I just purchased  and the blue background paper is from K&Company Embossed Winter  stack.   The angel image is from Sliekje digi Stamps, whose images you may already know,  are an all time favorite of mine.  Angela is a darling artist who shares these delightful images for FREE.   She only asks that you "give credit to her work" when making a project using them.  That's not too much to ask!!!  The sentiment is from Whimsy Stamps  by Raindrop Echo Designs (Gratitude).   I added clear Studio G glitter to the image and around the sentiment.  I also added one lonely rhinestone in the "O" of YOU.  I had plans to enter this card in the Less is More challenge, so I had to step away from my embellishments and stop before it was no longer a CAS card.  I am getting better, I think...LOL!

I am entering this card into the following:
Simon Says - Sparkle and Bling
Crafts and Me - Use a Digi
Dutch Dare - Special Fold
Less is More - Color of your Eyes

Breast Cancer Awareness Card 2 - Fight Like a Girl

Yay, I finished another one!  This is super-d-duper exciting.  I am so happy to share the results.  I won't bore you though, since my post earlier was quite lengthy.

Here is the card:

 

Here are the challenges and Link Ups:

1st Annual Link Up for Pink Party - October 1 - 14th

(submit entries on any of the same linking widget being used by Yolie,  Gaby, or Celeste)
Inking It Up - WCMD Glitter and Bling 
I used clear  Studio G glitter glue on the spots of the light pink flower and a small bit on the sentiment tag FIGHT LIKE A GIRL (offered by Amy at Love to Crop as a freebie for the LUFP Party)

Create Me Pink - #1Pink, White and Black (with a Pink Embellishment - other than ribbon)
I added pink flowers, pearls, the center brad, and a pink button

Die Cuttin Divas - #35 Sketch

Sweet Stamps - #35 AG
Wags n Whiskers - #64 Handmade
The flower assortment in the center of the scallop, the ribbon in the upper right corner (made to resemble the BCA ribbon),  the corsage pin with black beads, and the backing paper was made by stamping several images on pink card stock (using white, pink and black ink)
Cooking with Cricut - #54 AG (All time favorites)
The scallop and circles were cut using Lacy Labels.

DON'T FORGET TO FEEL YOUR BOOBIES!!!!
:O)
Jessica

Have a Hoot at The Kraft Journal Give Away Sponsored by Kraft Outlet

All of the fine people at the Kraft Journal our having a HOOT and want you to join in on the fun!

I recently joined this blog as a follower and challenge participant.  I am so happy that I did.  They have tons of inspiration and exceptional "out of the box" ideas.

The Kraft Outlet is sponsoring a giveaway to one lucky person.

What can you win?

A $20.00 Gift Voucher from Kraft Outlet! Now that's a hoot!

To enter to win this fabulous prize, head over to THIS POST to learn more!

A winner will be selected from all the entries on Monday October 31st.  The winner announcement will take place on Tuesday November 1!

Thank you for spreading the word about Kraft Outlet and The Kraft Journal, we're looking forward to giving away this fantastic prize!

So hurry, hurry...and HAVE A HOOT!
:o)
Jessica

Breast Cancer Awareness - Personal Story and a card

Now, I know many of you have gotten done with your Breast Cancer Awareness Cards.  HOORAY AND KUDOS ALL AROUND!!!  

All the while I have been peeking in at many blogs and trying to get some inspiration.  Everyone's level of talent is definitely a force to be reckoned with.  I am amazed on a daily basis by the Beautiful Artwork all of you create and share!!  I am feeling very blessed to have so many wonderful people who are a part of my daily life.  Even if we never meet....you are WONDERFUL!!!

I know this doesn't quite fall within the realms of my usual Creative Scrapbooking Divas DT Thursday post since it is not a Home Decor or Gift project.  But, I felt fully inspired to finish this card today and am sharing it, along with my personal story with you all.  

I dug into my stash of embellies, digi images and sentiments, stickers, and scraps.  I knew I wanted to create a BCA card.  I picked a sketch to work with and fell in love with the sketch at Creative Craft Challenges.    I love the inspiration at this blog and highly suggest you stop by to visit and see what I mean.  This is one of my faves and I try visit at least every couple days to see what's new.  The design team's creations are always Eye Appealing!!!   The sketch challenge is open until Oct. 10th so get your thinking caps on, grab a cup of joe, and get crafting!!! 

I also knew I wanted to join in on the Link Up For Pink Party with Celeste, Yolie, and Gaby.  This is a topic that it very near and dear to me.  It is so important to me to be a voice, no matter how small, of encouragement to all of the fine ladies in my life that EARLY DETECTION IS CRUCIAL!    So, don't wait.....FEEL YOUR BOOBIES as often as you can!!!! 

WARNING...I get a bit personal in this paragraph.  
But, with good intentions, I promise!

To hear the news that there is a mass in your breast, is heart sinking.  I know this first hand as I was told this back in 2009.  I instantly started to cry and had tons of questions for my doctor.  My OB/Gyn, the first to notice the lump other than myself during a self breast exam,  was doing her routine check at my annual visit.  I brought it up to her, she felt it, and instantly suggested I walk down the hall to see the specialist.  I was examined again and they sat up an appointment for the following week to have my first mammogram.  Jittery nerves got the best of me that week.  It was a week full of a roller coaster emotions.  So, I went for the mammogram and the results came in only moments later,  while I was still wearing my robe.  The doctor and nurse decided that from those results they wanted to do the biopsy.  I must have had a devastated look on my face as they both suggested doing the biopsy that same day, staying later than they were scheduled, God Love Them.  I waited about a week to find out those results.  That entire week I was the most scared I had been in a very long time.    I am sure that this is a common struggle for anyone in the same predicament.  And, although I feel blessed that the tumor  was benign, I understand the tables could have been turned and the news could have been a lot worse.   I did opt to have the surgery to remove the fibroidenoma (sp.) so that it would not cause further discomfort.  I felt that once it was removed, I would be more aware of any other masses that may show up without dismissing them as "oh, that mass I had a while ago".    So please, if you have never had a mammogram or its been several years....what are you waiting for???

Thanks for sticking around to read my ramblings!  Onto my card....

RECIPE:
Black card stock for base
Papers are all from my scraps pile
friends digi image/sentiment is by Raindrop Echo Designs-Funny Friend Sayings
Breast Cancer Awareness ribbons (digi images) by Yolie at Just Yolie, Just Create
Frame die cut and vellum sentiment (beautiful you) were included in a Blog Candy win a while ago
Paper rose was handmade by rolling and adding one gem.
FROM STASH:
Glittery flower sticker, butterflies stickers, small circle stickers, buttons, pearls, black lace, and friendship definition embellishment, black flowers and stems

I really enjoyed the dimension on this card, so I snapped a pic to show you all the wonderful layers.


I am entering this card into the following challenges and/or Link Up parties:

1. Celebrate the Occasion - Breast Cancer Awareness
2. 1st Annual Link Up for Pink Party - October 1 - 14th
1. Yolie
2. Gaby
3. Celeste
   
3. Simon Says - Sparkle and Bling
4. Inking It Up - WCMD challenge (pink, black, and white)
5. Whimsy Stamps - Recipe
6. Creative Inspirations - Friendship
7. Divas by Design - Button Up
8. Creative Craft Challenges - Sketch
9. Whoopsi Daisy - Lace and Pearls
10. Flutter by Wednesday - Open

Thanks again for visiting me, my blog, my ramblings, and my creations and don't forget...

FEEL YOUR BOOBIES

HOOray - Happy Birthday

     Today's card was another fun one to make.  As you know, I love to look at challenge blogs for my inspiration and this one was completed with the help from a combination of:

A Sketch Challenge at Splendiferous Creations
This sketch was quite fun to work with and I was happy to get my frilly fibers out to use.
here's the sketch:

 A Color Combo Challenge at SPCC (#120)
These colors were perfect and were the exact colors in a pack of papers I just bought...BONUS!

A Lavish Layer Challenge at The Kraft Journal (#39)
I LOVE LAYERS!!!

A challenge to use Kraft in your project at Scrapbookaholic by Abby (Dilo en Espanol #1)
I used Kraft as my base for my card and for the backing of each layer

A challenge to use Owls and the word 'HOO' at Tacky Tuesday (#11)  and submit your project on Facebook Group  when completed.
Again, this theme was perfect because the papers I just bought had owls on them....BONUS, BONUS!  I also got to use my Owl Stamp from my Inkadinkadoo clear set Birds Galore and some alpha stickers to spell out HOORAY on the front of the card

A challenge to use Die Cuts and/or Punches at Fab 'n' Funky (#93)
I chose to use both.  The punch along the top is a Martha Stewart -croll Lace corner punch and the scallop circle and frame are both from Lacy Labels cut at 2 3/4"

An Anything Goes challenge but you must use Ribbon at Craft Your Passion (#79)
I was prompted to crinkle my white argyle ribbon along the strip at the bottom of the card


World Card Making Day - Happy Birthday Challenge at Inking It Up
I was prompted to make the card for a birthday and was able to use my My Pink Stamper Birthday Crazy sentiment stamps for the inside of the card

I would love to show a picture of the inside, but my camera is not cooperating with me today!  Sorry!

BOO Porch

Today I finished a very fun project.  It allowed me to delve more into my "artistic" mind and I so enjoy that every once in a while.  The challenge this week over at Bows and Berries, was to take inspiration from this picture:

Well, I decided to do that in all literal sense of the phrase.  The porch picture was so inviting and there were so many elements that I liked, I couldn't just pic a few.  So, I made a card with almost the exact porch scene (minus a few elements because it was getting difficult to add them all to such a small card...LOL)

The lanterns on the porch scene in the picture, turned on a light bulb in my head, to use the vintage bird cage digital images from Beyond the Fringe that I have been anxiously waiting to use.  I also got to use "skully" from Graphicat Creations again!  Notice the handmade planter on the left to mimic the one in the photo???? 

I am also proud to say that I got to use up a lot of my stash and scraps...wee hee!!!

The card itself, was a scrap that measured 5.5" by 8.5" (folded in half to measure 5.5"x4.25).   The door, bench, and porch rug were all strips I had in my scrap box.  The pumpkin stickers are photo stickers and the tree was cut from Serenade at 3".  I looked all over for something that mimicked the wreath on the door, and then I saw the spider rub-on in my stash.  The BOO sentiment is a border strip that I had used on a previous project and I  cut it to fit behind the tree.  The rest of the scene was created by coloring/drawing with my Whisper Strokes watercolor markers.  A few bits of foam squares to add dimension, and VOILA', FINITO!!!

Challenges to be entered:
Bows and Berries - #11 Inspiration Picture
 The Scrapbooking Queen - #1 Royal Digi Challenge: Halloween
Tuesday Throwdown - #69 Halloween
Love to Crop - Let's Scrap It
Just Some Lines - It's Fall y'all
Come and Get It - Happy Halloween
One Stitch at a Time (OSAAT) - #82 Use Digis

Lately, I have been on a crafting frenzy, so back to the Craft Table I go.....UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!

Halloween Tags

Wow, I am loving making tags.  I may have to make a lot more REAL SOON! 

I had fun playing with my pattern papers, soft ribbon, Serenade Cartridge, Big Shot, ink and rubons.  I love how sturdy the tp rolls are for this and the size is just perfect!  And I am quite proud to say that everything was made from scraps!!!  WOOT!!! WOOT!!!

Here they are:

Challenge entries:
FCCB - #80 Pumpkin Time
Paper Playtime - #57 Orange, Black, and Purple
Whimsical Wednesday - AG
Penny's Paper Crafty - #63 AG
Scrapliscious USA - AG
Forever Night - #11 AG
Love To Crop - Let's Scrap It
I Did It Creations - #75 Halloween

Sorry for such a short post, but it is getting late and I am just happy to have gotten some more crafting done!  Hope you enjoy
:o)
Jessica

My fun Halloween Socks with Paper Playtime

Have you been over to Paper Playtime today?  They are changing things up a bit in regards to their challenge Format and Schedule.  Today is the first Cricut Creations challenge (to be held the 1st Monday of every month) and creative games are part of the fun. 

Today's challenge (#57) specifies that you are to use your Cricut and the colors Black, Orange and Purple on your project.  Now, the card I made earlier was intended for this challenge, but silly me, I forgot to include a Cricut cut.  So, I will be creating another card to submit for the challenge.   Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming post.

I did, however, stop by the wonderful DT's blogs to comment on their wonderful creations.  I also already submitted my guess for the "Who's Feet" belong to the mystery Halloween Socks game over at Paper Playtime. 

There are some wonderful prizes being offered for the challenge and for the games.    I'm not going to spoil the fun by telling you what the prizes are....you'll just have to stop over and see for yourself.  They are GREAT though, I promise!!!

You can even get in on the fun by taking a picture of your tootsies in a pair of Halloween Socks and submitting it to the Paper Playtime blog for a chance to win another wonderful prize.

Here are my favorite pair of Halloween Socks:

Hope you decide to join.  I would love to see a bunch of Halloween socks over at Paper Playtime's blog!!!

Trick or Treat

TRICK OR TREAT

Today's card was created with the help from the following wonderful challenges:
I nking It Up: Holiday Card challenge (WCMD)
Paper Cutz Challenge - #111 Shake, Rattle and Roll
The Cutting Cafe - CASE it Tuesday #3
Craft Your Passion - #79 AG but use Ribbon
The Scrapbooking Queen - Royal Digi Monday #1  Halloween
Bearly Mine Challenges - #20  3xDesigner/Backing papers
My Craft Spot - #28 Too Cute to Spook
Amanda's Crafts and More - #18 Getting Inky
Simon Says - AG
Come and Get It - Happy Halloween
Sentimental Sundays - #75 Sewing/Stitching

---For the Paper Cutz Challenge - I couldn't resist using the "Skully" digi image (was a freebie a while back) from Graphicat Creations.   I colored his eyes in using my Whisper Stroke markers then edged around his outline as well.
---For The Cutting Cafe, the challenge is to Copy And Selectively Edit the following card (this card was created by the very talented  Kelly at the Kreative Korner by Kelly):

***DUE TO A VOLUME OF COMPLIMENTS RECEIVED ABOUT THE CARD ABOVE, I AM MAKING A NOTE TO ALL OF YOU VISITING FOR THIS POST.   THIS CARD WAS AN INSPIRATION TO USE FOR THE CHALLENGE AND IS NOT MY ARTWORK.  IT WAS CREATED BY THE VERY TALENTED KELLY @ KREATIVE KORNER BY KELLY.

My favorite things about this card were the 3 "pillar sections", the googly eyes, and the embellishments hanging over the edges of the card.  Awesome Job Kelly!
---For Inking it Up, I thought a bit outside of the box, I think!  I went with the Holiday-Halloween rather than Christmas.
---For  Craft Your Passion - I used ribbon I purchased a while ago at the dollar store that features a zig-zag stitching.
---For the Scrapbooking Queen challenge, I kept my creation in the theme of Halloween.
---For the Bearly Mine Challege - I used 3 papers from a stack I purchased for a dollar at Target
---For My Craft Spot, I used the girly ghost  image from Bows and Berries titled "Too Cute to Spook" which was the September freebie.   I used my Whisper Strokes to color her eyes, bow and the outline of her body.
--- For Amanda's challenge, I inked the Sentiment (Trick or Treat) in the center of the card using black card stock, white Studio G ink,  and my rubber stamp from my Local Craft Store.  The edges of all the papers were inked as well using mostly purple, and a hint of white.
---For Simon Says, I was sure to use images per their challenge guidelines.
---For the Come and Get It challenge, again, I kept my creation in the theme of Halloween.
---For Sentimental Sundays, I chose to stitch around "Skully" and "Too Cute to Spook" using my white and black gel pens.  I also stitched around each square/rectangle on the card and this challenge helped me to choose which ribbon I was going to use.

We Are The Best of Friends

So, I was able to finish a second card and it is just a little after midnight, October 2nd.  This time around, my technique was a bit simpler and I followed a sketch, a color, and a themed challenge to get me going in the right direction.

I started with a white card stock base and brush inked the entire background with my new burgundy Darice stamping pad.  I inked the edges dark and around the oval as well.  I added a satin ribbon and a cotton chain link ribbon.  I then used pop dots behind a scallop cut from leather brown textured card stock using my Cricut Cartridge, Lacy Labels (You and Me) at 4".   I cut parchment card stock using my  oval pattern Creative Memories tool.  The image in the center of the oval is from the  Inkadinkado Utopiary collection of clear stamps.  The sentiment is a vellum tag I received in a box of Blog Candy I had won a while back.

Theme challenge that I followed:   Inking It Up Crazy - Friendship Card (WCMD #7)
Sketch challenge that I followed:  Deconstructing Jen - Sketch #21
Color challenge that I followed:  Play Date Cafe - #101 Wine, Smudge, Leather, & Parchment

World CARD Making DAY - - -HOORAY JOY Boris

Although I got a late start to this wonderful celebration, what a day.  I finally, after months of anticipating a chance to go, I visited our Local Scrapbooking/Stamping Store.  WHAT FUN!!  Looks like I have a need to visit more often now that I saw how wonderful it was inside.   The workers there were totally fabulous and were talking with some of the other customers about a Tag Swap later this month....woo hoo!

So, despite my many efforts to dedicate the entire day to Card Making, I just finished my first card (it took all day with all of the interruptions>>>pleasant as they were).  I hopped around BlogLand to see the "goings-on" and decided to join in with the hourly challenges at Inking It Up with Kassidy.   I had wanted to start the challenges in order, so I chose my Holiday Papers first.  But, then I couldn't resist using my brand new stamp that I just received in the mail this last week.    The stamp is Boris from Russia, from Your Next Stamp.    I didn't get to  use the Matryoshka Doll or Bird, but I have ideas for the next time I use this set.

OMG these stamps are fantastic.   

I mean, truly fantastic.  The ease of use and the crisp, clean lines on my paper made it super easy to paper piece Boris together  like I wanted to.  The faces are just so darling and I can't wait to keep inking my stamps up and using them on projects.

So, after piecing him together, I used the same 3 designer papers (all from my Holiday Harverst paperpad by Cloud 9 Designs) for the rest of my card.  I used the sketch over at YNS for Challenge #52 going on right now.  You have until October 11th to get in on the action with this challenge and you might just win a set of YNS stamps for yourself!!!  I am sure you will love them the first time you try them.  I used a black card stock as my base, added some Studio G glitter to Boris' hat, crinkled some cream colored satin ribbon at the bottom, stamped JOY (by TPS Studio) across the white paper behind Boris , and finished it off with a handmade rosette flower and button.

 Entering Challenges:
Your Next Stamp - #52 Sketch
Inking It Up - #4 Stamped Images Card (WCMD Challenge) 
My Pink Stamper - Christmas Card (WCMD Challenge)
Bows and Berries - #10 Glitter
Bearly Mine - #20 3 Design/Backing Papers

Whimsical Wednesdays - AG
Simon Says - AG
Scrapalicious USA - AG

HAPPY CARD MAKING DAY TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!!