Love is the flower of life (Post #4, Project #2, Card #1)

Wow, when one door closes, another door opens!!!  That is the feeling I have all over my being today as I just completed a second project for a few challenges.  I feel like I am on a roll and don't want to stop for fear that another door will close...LOL!  I am typically an optimistic person, but I struggle with the logical part of my brain more so than not.  And the logical side of my brain is screaming at me now...DON'T STOP.  You might not get another chance to craft away for the rest of the week if some odd problem comes whizzing by....LOL.

So with all of that being said, here is my 2nd project today.  I started with a sketch by Jennifer Shults at Deconstructing Jen and the rest of the elements for the other challenges were pulled in one by one.

I started with white card stock folded in half to measure 5 1/2" by 5 1/2".  Then I inked around the edges with my gray Studio G ink pad.  I picked my paper choices (pink stripes, black, and a gray/white damask print).  Because I wanted to flow of the entire card to be smooth, I decided to emboss the base and the black strip with a damask embossing folder in my Big Shot.  I then distressed the edges of my striped paper with sandpaper and inked all the others with the same gray ink as before.  I adhered a strip of white with black zigzag ribbon in the center of two strips of pink satin ribbon.  Then I used pop dots to give the card dimension on each layer.  I finished it off with a fussy cut digital sentiment which I acquired at Sentimental Sundays, a few white carnations, some bling and one single button (all from my stash).

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:
Anything Goes - #50 Anything Goes entry #2
Bearly Mine - #19 Button it Up entry #2
Deconstructing Jen - Sketch #19
Whimsical Wednesdays - #23 Just Because entry #2
C.R.A.F.T - #120 Recipe (2 ribbons, 1 circle, 3 squares)
Dutch Dare - #130 Monochromatic
Sentimental Sundays - #73 Monochromatic + sentiment
Creative Craft Challenge - Buttons and Bling entry #3

Back to the crafting table........toodles to all of you, my lovely friends!!!

Link Up the Love Party with K Andrew: Fall Tag (Post #3, Project #1, Tag #1)

I have managed to finish something that has been on my Inspired Tasks to Complete list for quite some time now.  I have seen so many beautiful tags that fellow bloggers have made over the last few months.  Each time, I mentioned that I was so eager to complete one myself.  I felt so inspired by all the talent I had been viewing.

Well, I am happy to announce that my first tag is now complete.   Insert ***Hoorays and Applause***

I am linking this project up to the monthly Getting Cricky with K Andrew:  Link Up the Love Party.   This Link Up Party has been a constant for me over the last few months {with the exception of a few that I didn't get the chance to participate in :O( }.  It has been a way to gain new followers, and we all know what that means.....INSPIRATION, INSPIRATION, INSPIRATION.   I have also been blessed to meet some wonderful people along the way and they are the best bloggie friends a girl could have!!!  I am so happy to have the opportunity to participate again this month with my Fall/Halloween project today.  This tag has got to be my new favorite (I'm probably being a bit partial because I had so much fun making it...LOL)

 

I was actually quite impressed on the minimal amount of time it actually took to create it, too.  I started with 
TP rolls that I had been saving (for just this task alone) and used Mod Podge to adhere my Fall Leaves Paper to the front and back.  I did this by wrapping the paper completely around the perimeter of the roll and folding in the edges to eliminate multiple creases on the finished product.  I then placed some brown ribbon across the bottom with a yellow button at each end.  I added a Fall embellishment between the two buttons.  I was able to find one lonely red leaf in my stash to add to the tag as well.  I got out my corsage pins and bead collection to make a stick pin to add behind the FALL sentiment embellishment.  I found some gorgeous brown beads to use as an added contrast to all the oranges, reds, and yellows I already had used.  The top bead had some gold glitter accent to it, which I felt was just the right added bit of pizazz!  I used a round sticker with leaves by Bo Bunny and some bling rhinestones by Darice at the top of the tag.  Once this was all complete, I inserted a brown brad into the top, but only through the center of the roll so the prongs would not show on the other side.  I poked the brad prongs through my glitter yellow ribbon and expanded.  Once this was complete, all that I had left to do was to Mod Podge the inside and pinch it together with clothespins to dry.  Now that I look at the inserted pictures, the only thing I would change, is that I would have angled the corners before step #1 (blonde moment again, LOL)!


I would like to enter this project into the FALL-owing challenges:

My Craft Spot - #26 Fall Leaves
Bows & Berries - #10 Glitter
Anything Goes - #50 Anything Goes
Creative Craft Challenge - Buttons and Bling
Penny's Paper Craft - #62 Fall
All Sorts - #121 Alter / Recycle
Paper This & That - Sept: Autumn
Bearly Mine - #19 Button It Up

Don't forget to join in on the Link Up the Love Party with Getting Cricky with K Andrew...go HERE!!!

Thanks for all your encouraging words!

Yummy Yummy Candy at Sandra's Crafty Corner

Sandy is celebrating 21,000 hits at her wonderful blog.  

I have had the chance to read some of her lovely DT comments she has left me during a few of my challenge entries with Creative Craft Challenge Blog.  She is wonderfully talented and its no surprise she has had that much traffic at her blog. 

Way to Go Sandra!!!!

Now, I think she is being modest in her description of her candy, "Now i know my candy isn't as fancy as some but still there are some nice things in there".... OMGoodness, the things she is offering is a paper crafter's wish list times 10!!!!!  Plus, she has some wonderful sponsors for this giveaway, too.

Hop on over, view her wonderful talent and enter in her Giveaway!!!!

WINNER from Goal Setting Encouragement Giveaway

OK, so I was totally psyched by all of the wonderful encouragement you all shared with me to get going on achieving my goal.  However, the brick wall I hit this time was unforgiving.  My computer got a horrible virus and it appeared someone was hacking into my IP Address.  This put a few cogs in my wheel and I didn't get the opportunity to finish the last two cards I had anticipated making before Saturday's Reunion.  I am just now able to blog again.  I now have my computer on the left of my desk and Lance's computer on the right.  I can do my blogging on his pc, but not mine.  It is a bit hectic to go back and forth with posting, downloading pics, and doing everyday tasks, but I am not complaining.  It could be worse...I could have NO ACCESS Whatsoever....and that would really bum me out.

Nonetheless, the Reunion was AWESOME.  Full of laughter and lots of smiles.  The basket was finished late Saturday morning (just before the start of the party).  It was so nice to see everyone going up to the basket and peeking at all of the cards inside.  Despite not having a Halloween and Easter card, it was still full of 15 other All Occasion cards.  We had a lot of new faces show up to the Reunion this year.  Some were family and others were guests of family members.  Each year we do basket raffles.  With this year being the first year that my mother's  cousin Priscilla was able to attend, I was overly ecstatic to see her win the basket I had put together.  She was so excited!!!  The other baskets were a Fishing Basket (loures, knives, string of fish and bobber lights, and other assorted goodies) and a Spa Basket (lotions, bath salts, eye mask, and other bath supplies).  One of my sisters even put together a door prize Mystery Basket.  Friends attending with another of my sisters were the winners of the Mystery Basket.  They made the comment, "Oh, I can't possibly accept that".  My sister enthusiastically announced, "the heck you can't".  Now, I will anxiously await the return of the Reunion in 2012!!!

So, my apologies go out to those of you who have been patiently awaiting the final drawing for the giveaway.  But as always, I know you all understand!!!!  Even though I didn't reach my goal, you all encouraged me to set more goals in the future.  And, maybe, just maybe, I will do another drawing in the near future!!!!

So without further ado...

There were a total of 28 comments between Thursday and Today prior to this post!

The winner is ....

comment #17 belonging to Amy E @ Scrap This, Save That 

Amy E said... Yay for card #2!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS AMY!!!!

I will be sending you an email requesting your mailing address!!!

Thanks again to all of those for your wonderful encouragement!  It is deeply appreciated!!!

JESSICA

Creations with Becka - - - 850 follower giveaway

* * * *  Becka is celebrating * * * *

Join Becka's blog as a follower.  

WHY???

You will be inspired.

You will have the opportunity to gaze at some wonderful talent.

You will get some awesome crafting tips.

You might even learn about a new challenge blog

and take a chance at entering along side her.

You will help her reach her goal of 850 followers!!!

She is also doing some mini giveaways and a grand giveaway once she reaches 850 followers.

So what are you waiting for????


GOOOOOOOO

I know, I know....and a GiveAWAY!!! {Post #2: Card #2}

Well, after a very hectic afternoon, I was able to finish Card #2.....2 down, 2 to go!!!

If you are following along, you know that I have set a goal to get 4 cards done today, however, the true deadline to get them completed is Saturday morning.  I encountered a couple obstacles earlier today that are leaving me short on time to finish all 4...so sad  :O(

If you are just joining me....for each post (#1-4), leave a comment for an entry into my giveaway.  It is my way of saying thanks to those of you who encourage me to continue on, despite the "brick walls" that might land in my way.  I don't want to hit another hiatus (the last one continued on for about 2 months).  Crafting and blogging are very therapeutic for my soul and without those activities, I sometimes feel "stuck in mud".

The first card I finished earlier today was a Valentine's Day Card.  Go HERE or scroll down to see it and leave a comment for one entry into the giveaway.  You will find all the details about the giveaway there, too.  However, I didn't post any pictures of the prize because I really like surprises!

The second card I am sharing is for a Mother.  I know, I know...it's not Mothers Day.  But does it really have to be Mothers Day to show mom how much you love her?


Here's my Mother Card.  I used core'dinations Pearl CS for the base, DCWV Luxury stack CS for the strip, lace trim, auqa core'dinations CS (swiss dot embossed) cut using Lacy Labels at 4 1/4" for the middle/background, chipboard flower by me&my big ideas, Miss Elizabeth flowers and swirls, moth-er stamp by studio G, brown ink by Darice, sticker behind and tags under sentiment is by MME - Stella & Rose collection, gel pen for faux stitching, MS Rain Drop corner punch, and pearls/bling/button all from stash.

Sorry for the poor picture quality.  It is 10:00 p.m. here in Ohio and the chipboard element in the center has a glossy finish

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

1. Stamptacular Sunday - #128 Sketch
2. I Did It Creations - #72 Anything Goes
3. All Sorts Challenge - #120 Flowers and Swirls
4. Sweet Stamps - #32 Stitches
5. Anything Goes - #49 Shabby Chic / Vintage
6. Creative Craft Challenge - Buttons and Bling
7. Deep Ocean - #8 Lace
8. Whimsical Wednesdays - #23 Just Because
9. Creative Inspiration - #129 Anything Goes
10. Cooking With Cricut - #51 Heritage / Grandparent

I truly look forward to the giveaway (I get so excited to see people win things....hehehe)

!  GOOD LUCK  !

I know, I know....and a GiveAWAY!!! {Post #1: Card #1}

One card down.....shwoo.....3 to go!!!

Well, this Saturday marks my family's 8th Annual Reunion.  I am putting together a Greeting Card Basket to be raffled off (my family loves basket raffles...LOL).  So I browsed through my collection, chose some for every holiday of the year and still was short a few.  So, I am in the process of finishing them....quickly!

The first one I finished was a Valentine's Day Card.  I know, I know...but Halloween is right around the corner.  I have to make one for that Holiday, too.  I use a lot of cards and depleted my stash for V Day, Mother's Day, Easter, and Halloween! 

So, I am sharing this card to journal my progress.  I wonder if I could get all 4 done today?   Hmmm....do I smell a goal being set?   YEEEEPPPPPPEEEERRRRRSSSSS!

How about a giveaway to help me reach my goal today????? 

I really do have some wonderful followers and friends here and I will reward one lucky (random chosen) person a "goody bag" for leaving a comment on any of the 4 posts I am setting a goal to accomplish.  You can earn up to 4 entries towards the prize: one entry for leaving a comment on this post, one entry for Post #2, one entry for Post #3, and one entry for Post #4....Sound fun??????  And, to make it fair for all of my wonderful friends, the goody bag will still be up for grabs, even if I miss my deadline today.  So this giveaway will truly end, and I will pick a random winner, on Sunday (I am sure all 4 cards will be done by then since the Reunion is Saturday....LOL).  So please, cheer me on for a chance to **WIN** some yummy scrappy goodness!

Here's my V-Day Card.  I used plain white CS for the base, heart pattern paper and striped paper from stash.  Heart cut from Graphically Speaking cartridge at 3 3/4", heart stickers, flowers, and sentiment all from stash. 

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Crafts and Me - #52 Add a Heart
Fab 'N' Funky - #90 Eyes down for Bingo (bottom row: flowers, sentiment, die cuts)
I Did It Creations - #72 Anything Goes
Graphicat Designs - Sept: Anything Goes

I truly look forward to the giveaway (I get so excited to see people win things....hehehe)

!  GOOD LUCK  !

Sneak Peek for Creative Scrapbooking Divas DT Thursday

::::WARNING::::VERY SHORT POST....(LOL)

Be sure to visit the Creative Scrapbooking Divas blog tomorrow (Thursday).  I will be sharing a post on a Fall project I made a while back but never mentioned in my blog.  Please hop over to see the post.....and don't forget.....HAVE FUN!!!

Here's a sneak peek of the project, but you have to head over to the CSDivas tomorrow  to see the entire post and to get some cool pointers, too!!!

xTRA xTRA read all about it...LISA is celebrating a lot today

One of my dearest Blends, Lisa of A Mermaid's Craft, is celebrating a lot of cool accomplishments.  And to top it off, she is doing an awesome giveaway, too.  

 

She is so very talented in all of her projects.  It's impossible to not fall in love with her style.  She just has this niche for all things crafty.  

So what is she celebrating?????    

A LOT OF THINGS:

First,

She is at her 6 month BLOGAVERSARY . . . . and to think, she almost never started it.  Well, I am sure I speak for a lot of other people when I say, I am glad she did!!!!

Second, 

She just redesigned her blog layout and look. She is still working out some kinks, but I admire how tech savvy she is on top of being so creative in her crafting. The new BLOG LOOK is so fresh and inspiring!!!!

Last, but not Least,

She has been honored with publications of two of her wonderful cards!!!

Wow, CONGRATULATIONS LISA!!!  

***CHEERS***CHEERS***CHEERS***

Please join me in wishing her a lot of well deserved comments!!! 

Stop by her blog today, have a look-see around at all her wonderful projects.  And if you aren't a follower yet, I am sure you will be after you visit her!!!

Pause Dream Enjoy Link Up!!!! and 2nd entry for Simply Sundays with K Andrew

I recently came across some amazing talent by Janis at Pause, Dream, Enjoy!
Her creations were so fabulous and a bit contagious...I looked at one, scrolled to look at another, and before I knew it, I couldn't stop.  She uses beautiful colors (colors and me go hand in hand ya know) and shares tips along the way.  Great Blog to stop by and get inspiration ladies!

She is also having a Link Up and Giveaway...You can enter a few different ways to try to win some PK Stamps: Princess Faces.  Here's how to get in on the fun...

(pulled from Janis' blog)
Any of these things will earn you 1 entry into the contest- you don't have to do them all, just pick what works for you:

1. Submit any project you've created using Peachy Keen Stamps (past or present) with INLINKZ below. If you don't have any Peachy Keen Stamps, then enter your favorite project you've ever made (and maybe you'll win some PK stamps!)  (1 entry)
2. Leave a comment that you placed the Pause Dream Enjoy blog button on your blog, and include your blog address so I can hop over and visit you. (1 entry)
3. Leave a comment that you LIKED our Pause Dream Enjoy Facebook page. (1 entry)

That's a whole lot of different ways to enter. You do not have to do them all, but you certainly can if you want to.  If you are not already a FOLLOWER, please become one! This give-away is to thank all my followers for being so super duper AWESOME!!  The winner will be announced on Thursday, September 15th. (Must have a USA shipping address)

I really wasn't sure which project to share, so in keeping with the idea that Halloween is right around the corner (and I just love Halloween)...I am entering my LO that features the family making and decorating Halloween Cupcakes from last year.  The kids had a blast spreading on the orange icing and adding sprinkles and ghoulish marshmallows. It was truly a blessed day and a great way to spend time as a family!!!

!

I am also going to share this over at the Getting Cricky with K Andrew: Simply Sunday challenge (Halloween)

BOO 2 U

I haven't had the chance to link up with Kristal lately, so I wanted to do that RIGHT NOW!!!!  I missed reading her inspirational posts every day.  They always feed my hungry soul in one way or another.  Sometimes a little.  Sometimes a lot.  And reading her blog today, September 11, 2011, reminded me that so many of us have one thing in common.....we can all remember where we were this day 10 years ago.  The tragedy that pulled the patriotism out of the dust and brought all of us together as ONE, will forever be remembered and she continues to press on in her quest to accomplish her goals of "giving back".  She is offering an awesome promotional sale on her stamps right now (while supplies last)....so pop on over and be a part of her quest!!!!!

As always, Thanks so Much Kristal....for KEEPING IT REAL!!!!

Her Simply Sunday Challenge today is a Halloween Themed Link Up.....

I wanted to share a few of the Halloween Layouts I completed for my sister's custom album order.
The first one is titled BOO 2 U!!!!

 Hope you all enjoyed and will consider joining in on the fun!!!!

Jessica

 

School ~ Zone

Wow, I am amazed at the progress I have made the last few days....feels so good to be a craft-a-holic again!!!  I hope it doesn't disappear like it did last time....LOL!  I missed looking at everyone's wonderful creations, and as soon as I sat down and started visiting blogs, that's when I could feel the creativity surging through my veins.  It is very therapeutic and awe inspiring to share a craft with so many others who enjoy the arts and vibrant colors.  HAPPY TO HAVE YOU ALL IN MY LIFE (even if it is only via blog posts and comments).

The LO I finished today has a school theme and I love its simplicity.  I really enjoyed the colors in these patterned papers because they were in tune with Fall being right around the corner.  I also enjoyed the fact that I couldn't find any "o"s in my chipboard letter stash, but was able to use two hearts and a button to fill it in.  I think it added just the right touch.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Challenges I wish to enter:

1. Whimsical Wednesday - Scrapping School Memories LO + use chipboard
2. Divas by Design - #10 Back to School
3. Sketchy Thursday - 9.8 Sketch
4. C.R.A.F.T Challenge Blog - #119 Children
5. Wags 'n' Whiskers - #62 Anything but a Card
6. Quick Quotes Blog - #3 Back to School
7. {Cupcake Inspirations}- I focused on the green grassy cupcake-row 2, #1: love the colors
8. Desert Island Crafters - Itinerary Challenge every week (I used 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9)
9. How Much is Too Much? - #179 School is Back in Session (1-lined paper; 7-paper clips; 9-staples)

RECIPE:

Notebook style Card Stock by K&Company - Hopskotch 

Yellow Textured Card Stock by Darice

Patterned Papers (4 rectangles strips) all by Bo Bunny

Chipboard Title pieces by DCWV

Red Journal Tags cut from Red Textured Card Stock by Darice

Stamps used are TPC Studio - Teacher

Ink by Darice (brown)

Solid stars stamped using the Masking Technique 

(star cut out from Graphically Speaking and negative space used as overlay to brush on solid stars)

White gel pen used on journal tags

Staples and Paper Clips from stash

I hope you enjoyed and hope in some way you have been inspired!!!

Girls just wanna have fun & Give Thanks

It feels good to be back!!!  Missing MOJO is no longer a dilemma.  I was able to finish 2 cards this afternoon and evening....all while tending to our Sadie girl (our Yorkie) who went into labor and has given birth to a baby boy.  He looks just like Pablo (our Yorkiepoo).

The first card I finished was pulled together with the help of the following challenges:

1. Flutter by Wednesdays - #170 - Open/AG
2. Penny's Paper Craft - #61 Photo inspiration (beautiful photo by the way!!!)
3. The Paper Shelter - #30 Embossing
4. Crafts and Me - #51 Buttons and Bows
5. Your Next Stamp - #50 Song Inspiration
6. Emerald Faeries Garden - #8 Buttons
7. Sweet Stamps - #31 Lace
8. Die Cuttin' Divas - #31 Sketch
9. Creative Craft Challenge - Just Charming
10. Bearly Mine - #18 Flowers

RECIPE
Cream Color Card Stock (textured lines) 8 x 5.5
Core'dinations Aqua embossed card stock
Purple card stock embossed with damask folder by Darice
Sentiment by Whimsy Stamps/Raindrop Echo Designs (Fast Lane Sentiments)
Button Strings printed on vellum by Stampin' Dragon Designs
Scroll Lace corner punch
Paper Flowers by I Am Roses
Studio G ink pads for base and edges
From Stash:
Heart Lace and Picket Pink ribbon from stash
Button
Heart charm (below pink button)
Butterflies and flower (pulled off of old bobby pin hair pieces laying around the house)

The second card I was able to finish today was a Fall Theme card.  I love FALL.  The crisp breezes, the smell of the rustled leaves, and mmmmm Pumpkin Pie.   This card was pulled together with the help of the following challenges:

1. Stamp Something - #AG - Final Challenge
2. More Than Favors - Sketch
3. Scrapalicious USA - Fall Theme
4. CAS-ual Fridays - #19 Paper Piecing / Fall

RECIPE
Forest Green Card Stock 8 x 5.5
Autumn theme paper from Cloud 9 Harvest Holiday
Yellow textured dp by DCWV
Tree cut using Serenade Cart. at 3 3/4" (paper pieced using brown and yellow)
Background scallop cut using Serenade Cart. at 3 3/4"
Sentiment is by Basic Gray (Give Thanks)
Pumpkins are photo stickers from the dollar store (smallest one is paper pieced)
From Stash:
Leaf and rhinestones

It has been a truly blessed day and I feel very fortunate to be able to get back into the groove of crafting again.  Thanks for stopping by!!

 

"Go Team" LO

In finishing some layouts for my sister's custom album, I was able to enter this one as a challenge entry.  The 2 page LO is a football theme made using a green cloud card stock as the background and some die cut pieces I had bought as a set.  I added some ribbon and accents and it was complete.

I had a blast browsing through the DT work and was astounded by their talent.  You should try your hand at this one!!!  The prize is amazing!!!

Here is my Sports Theme LO to be entered in the Creative Cutter Room DT Thursday Sports Theme Challenge.

As always, thank you for being a new follower, a faithful follower, 

or just stopping by and taking time to peer in at my creations.

What a great way to Brighten Someone's Day (Post #2 today)

I am feeling pleasantly surprised that I will be able to brighten someone's day.  OKAY, so I always feel that way, but after stopping by Robyn's blog today (My Pink Stamper), I was EXTRA excited to join in on the card outreach that is taking place. 

See, Robyn received a request from a Nurse in Wisconsin (Kathy Mortl) who would like to put a card at each place setting for the breakfast that is taking place for Breast Cancer Survivors.  Please consider joining in and sending a card to Kathy.  It would mean a lot to me, Kathy, Robyn, and most important, the survivors who receive them.

Here is the card I am mailing out tomorrow:

I lightend up the contrast and brightness to show the colors a bit better....

I am so happy this card will be used for the purpose in which it was created!!!  It was originally created during NSD 2011 as a Challenge with Robyn and now, it will rightfully be placed in the hands of a Cancer Survivor {tears of joy are falling}!!!

Thanks so much Robyn  and Kathy for the opportunity to join forces with you!!!!

Here is a copy and paste from Robyn's blog:
Robyn says:

I received the following letter and wondered if any of you have time to send a few homemade cards for her cause.  I would really appreciate it and we could really brighten someone up!Kathy's request:

"I really need your help along with the your followers. Long story short. I am a nurse at the Medical of WI in Plastic and Reconstruction dept. We specialize in the forefront in reconstruction for breast cancer. Women from all over the country come to us.  This year I/we decided to sponsor the breakfast for breast cancer survivors. 1500 women who have had breast cancer or who are actively dealing with it now will attend this breakfast before the run/walk.

 

Every year prior to this year I have made something for the women and handed it out at the end of the race/walk. To my astonishment people would be grabbing-pushing aside other women and men to get what I was handing out. Ex: white and pink chocolate covered Oreos, wrapped pink and white M&M's mini bags. TO my astonishment again the cancer survivors really didn't receive what I made.

Well this year, the breakfast will be catered by one of the best chefs in Milwaukee. I feel it is an honor to sponsor this. Where you come in - Please if one person could make a card to support uplift make someone smile. It would make their day. The card would be placed at their seat. Please Please help! 

 

I would be happy to give my address if you could ask people to help me with this. Just 1 card - 1500 Pink Stamper followers. The Breakfast is on September 28th.

 

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Mortl RN,CPSN

Kathy Mortl

10261 N Sunnycrest Drive

Mequon, WI  53092"

Thank you sooooo much everyone!!!