Paper Piecing Custom Order

Just a quick post to share my finished custom order of Paper Piecings for my sister.  She has been patiently awaiting them to be listed on ebay.  I am now finished up and sharing here before I post them there.

 *** Most cuts were from Create A Critter and a few from Graphically Speaking***

I was encouraged to get these completed by the challenge over at Cricut Creative Cutter Room.  The DT Thursday challenge was to create a project that fit the theme of Last Minute .  The twist was that it could not be combined with any  other challenges or blog hops.  So, I am entering my Last Minute finished custom order at the last minute for the challenge (it closes in less than 1/2 hour....LOL)

THANK YOU ALL for the motivation, I and look forward to linking up!!

Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Makin' It To The Mailbox Monday (MITTMM) #6

Welcome to the 6th week of  

Makin' it to the Mailbox Mondays!

I started this installment series to showcase the generosity that floods our Crafty Blogging Community.  So many times we receive a very generous prize from a dear friend and this is where we can shout out "THANK YOU" to those who really deserved it.

You are the people behind the Magic of Making My Day!!!

I want to take this opportunity to shout a huge

 

to all of you who have shown me your kindness and  your generosity.

Every week, on Monday, I will be posting a new installment of Makin' it to the Mailbox Mondays, where I will give a proper shout out to the generosity I have experienced first hand each and every week!  I hope you will take the opportunity to visit all of the wonderful and talented bloggers that I mention each week, to see their beautiful creations.  Those of you who know me, know I wouldn't steer you in the wrong direction.  There is so much to see and all of these fine ARTISTS are just a click away!!!

First up, I would like to offer a sincere THANK YOU to Katie, of Katie's Nesting Spot.  

Katie participates in the online crops hosted by Maryanne of Scrappy Gifts each month.  She is one of the very first friends I made when I first started blogging.  Maryanne hosts online crops each month, and the people who participate also offer prizes to the other players.  I was fortunate enough to win the donated prize from Katie: a set of awesome MS Dinner Party clear stamps and some wintery stickers, too.  Katie was such a doll, on top of the already wonderful goodies, she also sent a small package of embellishments with a cute note.

THANK YOU SO MUCH KATIE!

****************************************** 

You may recall during the MITTMM #4, where I mentioned my dear sweet Blend, Beckie from Just B Creative Crazy.  She was so sweet to send me a "Just Because" you are a great blog buddy $5 gift certificate to Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.  Well, I have been so anxious to get some Bakers Twine and these are the colors I ordered.

THANK YOU SO MUCH BECKIE!

I hope that if I have inadvertently left anyone out of this gracious THANK YOU, that you all know you are all included in my thoughts, past and present.  Please, if you wish for me to do a shout out to you in a future Makin' it to the Mailbox Monday, don't hesitate to remind me of a prize you sent my way, and I will do my best to give you the credit you so rightfully deserve!!!

Also, if you would like to show off your own winnings, just title your post Makin' it to the Mailbox Monday and if I am your follower, I will gladly stop by to read it once I see it at my dashboard.  Or, if you'd like, you can leave a link with your comment below.  I would love to see the happiness that greets others in their Monday Mailboxes :O)

DON'T FORGET TO:

Happy Crafting and Until Next Time
:O)
Jessica

Thankful to be Crafting again

I hope this finds all of you doing well after a great Holiday.  It was quite relaxing and peaceful here at home.   My dear sweet MIL and SIL took a few of the kids to stay overnight on Wednesday, so it was a bit weird not having them hear in the morning and afternoon yesterday.  When they returned, we had a great dinner and a tranquil evening.  I am so thankful for my wonderful family! 

I didn't get any crafting time in yesterday, but went right back to it the first chance I got today.  I picked a few challenges for inspiration and created a Thank You card because I am still feeling overwhelming gratitude for all of the blessing in our lives.

I started with 8 1/2 x 11 rice colored card stock by Recollections - Spice Market Collection.  Then I picked some appropriate colored scraps from my stash and pieced them together.  The Copper paper  is from K&Company-Embossed Fall, Maroon is from Graphic 45 - Renaissance Faire Collection, and the Turmeric is from K&Company - Pumpkin Pie.  The digital sentiment is by The Cutting Cafe.  I printed it on plain white card stock and then cut it using my Creative Memories Oval cutter.  I inked all the edges with Studio G  antique brown.  I used my ekSuccess edger punch on the copper paper.  I tied some of the lovely 3 Girl JAM Harvest Orange crinkle ribbon to my center oval and placed a few of my I Am Roses paper roses for added charm.

Challenges that inspired me...
The Outlawz - CAS1120 Thank You using Fall Colors
The Scrapbooking Queen - Royal Digi #2 - Thanksgiving/Fall
Simply Sunday with K Andrews - Give Thanks
PDCC - #108- Maroon, Copper, Turmeric

Keep On Crafting
:O)
Jessica

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Sorry for not having a project to share.  

Hopefully the day will be tranquil and I may get some time to craft.  

Until then, I wanted to shout a HUGE HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of my lovely followers and friends.  

May your Holiday be Blessed and Full of Joy!

3 Girl Jam Guest Designer Spotlight

For today's Guest Design Spot at 3 Girl JAM and A Little Bit of Bling, Julie asked me to use some 3 Girl JAM ribbon and make something pretty!  :) I sure hope this fits the bill! 

RECIPE below

Julie and 3 Girl JAM will be offering a giveaway to one lucky person.  

Be sure to visit  3 Girl JAM Blog & Shop,  A Little Bit of Bling,  and LIKE the 3 Girl JAM Facebook Page to find out how to enter to win the awesome Spooky Bundle Crinkle Ribbon 

(As you can see in my project up above, I used the Goblin Green crinkle ribbon and it's NOT just for Halloween)

I want to enter the following challenges with this creation:

1. The Outlawz - Paper A La Mode (Christmas/Winter Theme) PAM 1119
2. Wags 'n' Whiskers - #67  Christmas Theme
3. Paper Playtime - Blog Hop & Challenge #61: Stamped image + sentiment
4. Whimsy Stamps Inspiration - #15 Flower Power + sentiment
5. Graphicat - November Sketch

  RECIPE:

I started with a sketch from Graphicat for their November challenge

Desert card stock for base cut at 7 1/4" x 6"

Background paper is by Graphic 45

Green card stock and glitter cream card stock for mattes

Christmas Tree dp by Cloud 9 design

Vintage Red dp received from Rona Mallard with an {ippity} order I placed

Poinsettia image by Delicious Doodles, printed on Cloud 9 design dp and paper pieced together

Crinkle Ribbon by 3 Girl JAM (Goblin Green) - not just for Halloween!!!

Sentiment by TPC Studio clear stamp and Ranger Archival black ink

DCWV Luxury stack dp used for sentiment

Chipboard swirls by me & my BIG ideas, sanded and inked with Studio G antique brown

Studio G antique brown ink pad used on all edges and image papers

Pearls from stash

I can't wait to meet many more new friends and gain even more inspiration from new and past followers!

 
Keep On Crafting
:O)
Jessica

A Thankful Heart

I suppose Stanley Scarecrow is Thankful for being able to "Hang Out" all the time.    He even has his favorite "peep" as company.

I have been wanting to work with the Wednesday Sketch at the Outlawz and am just now finishing.  The new sketch will be posted tomorrow.  I decided to make a standing frame decor.   I used my Whisper Strokes to color Stanley.  I cut the image and the background paper using my Creative Memories Oval Cutter.  Stanley was printed on cream card stock and the backing matte is from K&Company Embossed Fall Stack (in burnt orange).  The sentiment is by Raindrop Echo Designs.  Backing of sentiment is a burlap dp I had in my stash.  Buttons are from my dear sweet friend's Mom, Ria.  The baker's twine is Buttercream Twine from the Twinery via Sweet 'n' Sassy Stamps< < < THANK YOU AGAIN!!  Ribbon is from my stash.  Orange Glitter by Studio G and added by hand.  Inked edges using orange and antique brown Studio G ink.

I am linking this project up at Robin's Creative Cottage: Link Up Party

Challenges:
Just Some Lines - Tic Tac Toe (I used Embossing, Ribbon, Punch/Die)
Paper Playtime - Hop & Challenge #61 Stamped Image + sentiment
Simon Says - Thanksgiving/Thanks
Penny's Paper Crafty - #66 Give Thanks
Meljen's Designs - #85 Fall
The Scrapbooking Queen - #2 Thanksgiving / Fall
Celebrate the Occasion - #40 Thanksgiving and Buttons
Creative Craft  Challenges - Free For All
Splendiferous Creations - For The Boys
Simply Sundays with K Andrew - Give Thanks
Stamptacular Sunday - #139 - Boy oh Boy
Scrappin' Chics - NOV: Thanks (use orange, brown, black and glitter)
Outlawz - SC1116

Keep On Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Makin' It To The Mailbox Monday (MITTMM) #5

Welcome to the 5th week of  

Makin' it to the Mailbox Mondays!

I started this installment series to showcase the generosity that floods our Crafty Blogging Community.  So many times we receive a very generous prize from a dear friend and this is where we can shout out "THANK YOU" to those who really deserved it.

You are the people behind the Magic of Making My Day!!!

I want to take this opportunity to shout a huge

 

to all of you who have shown me your kindness and  your generosity.

Every week, on Monday, I will be posting a new installment of Makin' it to the Mailbox Mondays, where I will give a proper shout out to the generosity I have experienced first hand each and every week!  I hope you will take the opportunity to visit all of the wonderful and talented bloggers that I mention each week, to see their beautiful creations.  Those of you who know me, know I wouldn't steer you in the wrong direction.  There is so much to see and all of these fine ARTISTS are just a click away!!!

First up, I would like to offer a sincere THANK YOU to Sandra of Sandra's Crafty Corner.

A short while ago, Sandra was hosting a celebration of exceeding 21,00 hits to her blog.  She was offering up some very generous Blog Candy during the celebration.  I was happy to be chosen as a winner!  I received 4 wonderful images (of my choice) from Meljen Designs .

Here are the lovely images I chose:

Stanley Scarecrow

Sew Country Bunny

Gift Bow Christmas Fairy

Santa's Jolly Smile

If you are a stranger to Meljen Designs, I highly recommend you pop over to see some of Melissa's fantastic images, old and new!  She is always busy creating new images and her new release posts are intriguing.  There is also a Meljen Designs Challenges Blog if you want to participate.   I can't wait to join in on the fun.  So be on the lookout for these wonderful images on some of my creations.

THANK YOU to Sandra and to Meljen Designs Shop!!!!

****************************************** 

My next THANK YOU goes out to Sweet Stamps Challenge Blog.   They host weekly challenges every Tuesday and I had the honor of being chosen as the winner for Challenge #8 - So Thankful theme.  The prize was a wonderful and generous $20 gift to use at the Sweet Stamps Shop.  There shop is full o f wonderful products that are a must see for all of you!!  I had trouble shopping with my gift card because I wanted everything I could see.  I limited my purchase though (because I had already exceeded my crafty budget for the month....LOL) and chose the rubber stamps you see pictured above.  You can also see one of the stamps in "action" on this card I recently created using the Crystal Snowflake stamp...

I hope that if I have inadvertently left anyone out of this gracious THANK YOU, that you all know you are all included in my thoughts, past and present.  Please, if you wish for me to do a shout out to you in a future Makin' it to the Mailbox Monday, don't hesitate to remind me of a prize you sent my way, and I will do my best to give you the credit you so rightfully deserve!!!

Also, if you would like to show off your own winnings, just title your post Makin' it to the Mailbox Monday and if I am your follower, I will gladly stop by to read it once I see it at my dashboard.  Or, if you'd like, you can leave a link with your comment below.  I would love to see the happiness that greets others in their Monday Mailboxes :O)

DON'T FORGET TO:

Happy Crafting and Until Next Time
:O)
Jessica

Shapes and Snowflakes

 Black textured card stock for base

cut using Lacy Labels - Beautiful (layer 1) at 6" then folded in half

Snowflake rubber stamp by Sweet Stamps

Image and sentiment by Paper Crafting World

Ink and Glitter glue by Studio G

Back in early October I received 2 PCW digi images in result of being randomly chosen as a winner during the Disney Blog Hop at Madison of Funky Cards blog.  I printed them immediately after receiving them and have had them laying on my craft desk staring at me.  Just sitting their waiting for the perfect challenge to call upon them.  Well, today was that day.  I popped over to Cooking With Cricut and peeked in at the PCW challenge.  Since the theme for the 1.  Cooking with Cricut - PCW Recycle - Reuse - Stash Challenge  is to use something from my stash, I was positive that this was the perfect timing to use the image.  The sentiment above the image  led me to the idea that I could couple this creation into a few other challenges to make it complete.  2.  The Outlawz - Twisted Thursday TT1117 challenge is Shapes and Snowflakes (shaped card with at least one Snowflake).  This opened up the idea for me to try my hand at shaped cards since I don't create them often as well as
 allowed me to get some use out of a new Crystal Snowflake stamp I received this week from Sweet Stamps.   The theme at 3.  The Paper Shelter this week is #40 Snowflakes.  I would love to win some of their darling images.  Being that the theme at Sweet Stamps this week is 4.  #41 - Non-Traditional Christmas Colors, I decided to color the ladies with pastel accessories.  Because the image is of two Snowladies and there is snow beneath their feet, the creation also fits well with the 5.  Craft Your Passion - #84 Let It Snow challenge.   Other than the digi image and sentiment, the rubber stamp and ink, I only used glitter glue to accent the card.  This allows me to enter the challenge at 6.  Crafts and Me #61 - Simples (easy on embellishments).  7.  Fab n' Funky #99 Baby It's Cold Outside challenge speaks for itself on this one.

I truly feel blessed to be creating more frequently as of late.  It is exciting to be creating, entering challenges, visiting my Blends, and browsing such wonderful creations all over BlogLand.


:O) Jessica

!!!!! I am a winner at Purple Pumpkin !!!!!

I have been counting down the days until the Online Sale over at Purple Pumpkin.  Today is the day and I just hopped over to browse all of the lovely fabric covered buttons.  Upon stopping by, I was ecstatic to find out that I was chosen as one of the 4 Lucky Winners.  I get a $10 gift voucher to use while I shop.   Oh what will I choose?  What will I choose???  Please keep your eyes peeled to find out!

In the meantime, you really should stop by THE SALE and see the fabulous products they have to offer....GORGEOUS Fabric Covered Buttons, Bakers Twine, and lovely tickets for  your creations.

And because it is their end of the year sale, they are offering a fabulous goodie bag to each of the fine customers as a THANK YOU!


KEEP CRAFTING
:O) Jessica

Poinsettia image by Anne Fenton

I have been following Anne of "Anne's Cards 4 U"for quite some time now.  Probably since the very beginning of my blogging journey.  I instantly fell in love with her digital images and her talent keeps calling me back for more.   I also, just recently, joined The Outlawz and have been blessed to keep in touch with Anne there, too. 

At the beginning of November, Anne paired up with another fabulous artist, Sandi of Sandi'sSamples  over at The Outlawz to begin a new challenge series titled Creative Freebie Challenge.  This is a progressive freebie challenge that will be ending on 11/19/11.  So hurry over to get your 4 wonderful images and get creating.  Once you create the necessary projects, you will be in the pool to get the next set of images.  And, they are fantastic!!!  Pop over to see for yourself!


Here is the first creation I have completed in hopes to finish another project with each of the 3 remaining images before the deadline.

Card stock base - Olive Green by Recollections

Design Paper - I received from the fabulous Rona when I purchased my {ippity} stamps

Trim card stock - Red by Recollections

Oval card stock - Green by Recollections, cut using Creative Memories Oval (small), embossed with snowflakes

Image - Poinsettia Image by Anne Fenton, colored with Whispers Strokes

Tag - c'oredinations trim borders hand cut and sanded, vintage rub-on, poinsettia and brad from stash

Studio G - antique brown to distress all edges

Buttons from stash

Challenges I wish to Enter . . .
The Outlawz Creative Freebie Challenge
Deep Ocean - #12 Vintage
Paper Players - #72 Color Challenge

Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Yummy Giveaway via The Craft Barn

HOLY MOLY....HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET???

The Craft Barn is having a giveaway with lots and lots of yummy scrappy goodness to celebrate their accomplishment of reaching OVER 600 followers!!! 

CONGRATULATIONS TO The Craft Barn.

Check out their site to get entered to win this . . . 

. . . and more (their leaving that a surprise)

GOOD LUCK

Keep On Crafting

:O)

Jessica

10 Minute Card - yippee, onto the next one

Well, that went rather smooth.  I gathered my scraps, made a few cuts with my Cricut, used some adhesive,  added my flowers and bling,  and stamped sentiment by {ippity}.  Voila', Finito!

 

all papers from stash

Sentiment by {ippity}

flowers, brad, rhinestones from stash

Layers cut from Lacy Labels - Flower7 at 5" then pieced together 

Studio G (teddy bear) and Ranger Archival ink (black)

Challenges to enter...
The Outlawz - Greeting Card GC111411 Masculine
Sentimental Sundays - #81 Thanksgiving/Thank You
Paper Playtime - #60 Thank You
Whimsical Designs - Happy Turkey Day
The Paper Variety - Thanks
More Than Favors - WW # 59Thanksgiving Theme
Penny's Paper Craft - #66 Give Thanks
Crafts and Me #61 - Simples
Chick Challenge #7 - Sketch with Rona

Cupcake Inspiration - #136

Keep On Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Pixie Dust Paperie: November 2011 Kit ***Giveaway***

Well, I am a bit behind in announcing a fabulous giveaway that will be ending tomorrow 11/18/11.  

Pixie Dust Paperie is hosting their November 2011 Kit Giveaway and there will be 4 winners chosen to share the goodies that are up for grabs.

KIRSTY SAYS 

In order to win.....

1. Become a follower if you haven't yet - get one chance

2. Make a blog post on this giveaway with our giveaway badge, get another chance, don't forget to have it link back to us so your friend can join in the fun as well.

3. If you also post this giveaway badge on your side bar, you will get another chance

You could do either one of the above or all 3, the more you do, the more chances your name is going to be put into the lucky draw bowl.

THIS POST is the one you leave the giveaway comment and link back to, it will run from 10/31 - 11/18

4 winners will be chosen at random on November 20, 2011

Be sure to check back daily, as I will be posting the pictures of the 4 prizes in the next few days, so stay tuned with Pixie Dust Paperie....

GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO ENTER!!!

Keep on Crafting
:O) Jessica

Let It Snow with Mistletoe by Kenny K

I have spent the majority of the afternoon and evening trying to finish this one card.  My family and every day life keeps pulling me from the craft room, but I am proud to say it is finally finished.  Well, almost.  When I went to place it upon the card rest, I noticed I adhered all of the layers and the card was upside down.  I now will need to turn it into an elaborate easel card or possibly a framed work of art.  But for now it is a card...LOL!

 

(:  Sorry for the poor lighting   :)

RECIPE:
Card Base - Kraft Card Stock
White die cut sheet as backing layer (stash)
Rectangle hand cut from two tones of blue - top layer embossed with dots folder
Square cut from Lacy Labels - Love (layers 1 & 2) - top layer embossed with argyle folder
Circle cut from Lacy Labels - Home (laers 1 & 2) - top layer embossed with snowflakes folder
Image is by Kenny K ~  Mistletoe (colored using Sugarloaf Dual Tip Watercolor Markers)
Let It Snow sentiment stamped on vellum (stamp is TPC Studio) using Ranger Archival ink
Roses by I Am Roses
Swirls were leftover scraps from a previous cut using the flowers and flourishes ekSuccess punch
Metallic snowflake was a scrap pulled from an old hair piece and I added a heart charm (HandMade with Love)
Other items from stash:  
Pearls, Buttons, Studio G Glitter, and Studio G ink/chalks, Rik Rak (Thanks Oma Ria!)

Challenges I wish to enter with this card . . .

1. Kenny K's Krafty Girlz - #69 Emboss Away
2. Craft Your Passion - #84 Let It Snow [must include snow, snowflakes, or snow(wo)men]
3. Whoopsi Daisy - The Colours of Winter
4. Stamptacular Sunday - #138 Punch It
5. Tuesday Throwdown - #75 Lots of Circles
6. The Paper Shelter - #40 Snowflakes
7. Divas by Design - #15 Monochromatic
8. Creative Inspirations - #138 - Sketch

Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

GDT at Create Me Pink - Challenge #4

I am honored to be joining Gopi today as a Guest Designer  at Create Me Pink!!!!




I have been following Gopi's blog since the beginning of October and I am absolutely amazed each and every time I stop by to see her creations.  Gopi started hosting challenges at the same time I was introduced to Create Me Pink and I have tried very hard to participate in each one of the challenges so far.  I have been able to enter one creation for each challenge so far!!!  Then when Gopi contacted me, asking me to be a GDT, I jumped at the chance to help her.  Gopi informed me that the challenge required me to use a digi stamp provided by her and it could be used to make a card, layout, or any other paper crafts project.

I chose to make a card.  I had won the Preserves Cartridge as a challenge entry prize back in June at Lindascreativity and hadn't got a lot of use out of it yet.  And since the image Gopi provided was an adorable Jar of Strawberry Jam and Strawberries, I got the cartridge out and dusted it off.  I cut my red card stock from the Strawberry Card Feature (shift) on the cart  at 5 1/2".  I also cut the first layer of the Card Feature, but chose to set that aside for a future creation.  I then hand cut my green card stock, white card stock, and strawberry design paper (from the DCWV Summer Dream Stack) using the Creative Memories cutting mat, slider, and blades.  I chose to use a sketch from Deconstructing Jen (love her sketches!!!) for the current challenge that has no time limit to submit your entries as this week is Just For Fun!   I inked the edges of all my layers with Studio G inkpads in Green and Red).  I printed the image twice.  One layer for the bottom and one for the top.   After coloring Gopi's image with my Dual Tip Whisper Strokes Watercolor Markers by Sugarloaf, I used a distressing tool and cotton pad to brush over the entire image with my red ink.  I then brushed over the second image using the same technique (without coloring it first).  I fussy cut both images and paper pieced them together using mini foam squares.  After the ink dried on the image, I added Glossy Accents to the Jar to give it a more realistic appeal.  The sentiment at the top of the card was created by cutting out the bottom (title) of OScrap! Cardz Die Cut and then fussy cut and adhered to the same green card stock used before.  I finished the creation by creating a dot stitching around the edge using my white Gel Pen.

I am entering the following challenges with my card:

The Outlawz - Twisted Thursday:   Things We are Thankful For (TT110)
Anything Goes - #53 A Real Sweetie
Cardz TV - #95 We're SoThankful
Deconstructing Jen - Sketch #27 DS27

I hope all is well with you and yours and hope you are looking forward to the Holidays!!!
Keep Crafting
:O)
Jessica

Season of Blessings

I began working on a card using a stamped poinsettia image I have wanted to use since I received it a few weeks ago.  It has been sitting atop my craft table, printed onto one of my favorite papers I have used quite often:  Cloud 9 Design Harvest Holidays.  The image is by Teri at Delicious Doodles and can be found ~HERE~.  I started with a basic white card stock, pearlized and metallic olive green paper from the DCWV Luxury Stack, and my poinsettia images (printed on white and on the Harvest Holiday papers).  I then cut a scallop from Lacy Labels at 3" from another print, same HH stack.  I layered the poinsettia images first with the all white, then paper pieced the HH poinsettia on top with foam squares.  I added some white gel pen and red Studio G glitter glue atop the center of the poinsettia.  Before applying all of the elements to the card, I embossed my green luxury paper with my new argyle embossing folder.  I then glued a strip of lace and applied the paper piecing.  The sentiment is one from the Cutting Cafe.  I simply cut it out by hand and inked the edges with an olive green Studio G ink pad.  I spread a bit of glitter glue around the edge of the card and added a few red rhinestones.

 Although I am not entering the challenge with this creation, I did use a sketch offered by Bo Bunny

Challenges I wish to enter . . . .
Desert Island Crafts - #20  (I used 7, 9, 10)
Outlawz CAS - use your favorite papers
Stamptacular Sunday - #138 Punch It
SPCC #126 -











Happy Crafting
:O)
Jessica

You are Invited: 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop at the Mansion

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED
to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop  
~ CS Divas’ Mansion Style ~

  

This hop will take place December 1^st through December 12^th and will be full of wonderful ideas and inspiration to get you well on your way of creating all of those beautiful Christmas projects on your to-do lists. 

This will be an awesome way to get a lot of your Christmas cards and scrapbook layouts finished, home decorations completed,and maybe even be inspired to create something using a new technique that you have never tried. 

DT Divas will be submitting one new project each day for 12 days. There will be a wide array of projects, and of course, some fabulous Blog Candy along the way.  

~~~SPONSORS~~~
We have been honored to have a few sponsors offer some wonderful prizes for this hop.  

AND

Be sure to join us on December 1st to find out how you could be eligible for the fabulous Prizes

One extra enticing note:

DT Diva Jessica will be offering a surprise BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY for one person who shares the blog hop button on their sidebar from now until the end of the Hop!!! 

Just be sure to grab the button (up top), place it in your sidebar, and leave a comment on THIS POST for a chance at the surprise candy. 

One lucky winner will be chosen via random generator on December 13th!

Happy Crafting
and
Until Next Time
:O) Jessica

~ ~ ~ ~ ~Take time to THANK a Veteran TODAY~ ~ ~ ~ ~

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

to all of the Military Men and Women 
who are a part of all of our lives!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
I am posting this again (original post in May 2011), to share, remember, and to raise awareness of some awesome resources for Military Men and Women and their families
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 I would be honored to have you stick around to read this regardless of the lengthiness of the story.  I promise that at the end of my story their will be an amazing tribute layout for you all to see.  This story is truly motivational and honors not only my nephew, but all of our soldiers who are or who have been in the battlefields, front lines, behind the scenes, and in any way imaginable, have fought for our freedom.  

***Thank You to All of Those Who Protect and Serve the USA***

     I took the opportunity from some challenges back in May,to highlight and pay tribute to my nephew, Ryan Groves.  I am revisiting this today, Veterans Day 11-11-11, because although I think of his heroism quite often, I don't take as much time as I would like to honor him in return for the honor he has shown us all.

There are only a few years difference between us since he is my oldest sister's eldest son.  We grew up together, playing outside in the summer, chasing each other at picnics and cook outs, having sleep overs and telling scary stories, spending holidays together, and even went to the same High School with him graduating 4 years behind me.  The point I am getting at, is that I had no idea then, how proud I would be of the man he would become.  You see,  after high school and 2 years of college, Ryan felt he was called to serve a better purpose than the path he was currently on.  In March 2001, he entered the US Marine Corps.  He finished his Basic Training and was stationed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii arriving on September 11, 2001.  Over the next few years, Ryan was deployed to a variety of places.  Now, where does this "calling" come into play?  Well, he volunteered to go to Iraq.  This was approved and he was sent to Camp Pendleton to be stationed with the 1st Marines, 3rd Battalion.  He became Squad Leader upon his arrival.  Then came his deployment to Iraq in June 2004 and he worked in areas around Baghdad and Fallujah.  On October 17th 2004, Ryan was hit by a mortar rocket that resulted in the loss of his left leg above the knee and injuries to his right leg that would require in the upwards of 40+ surgeries to repair.  I visited Ryan a short while after his arrival at Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed.  While we (my sister, my brother, my niece, and myself) waited to be allowed into his hospital room, I picked up several magazines to leaf through and pass the time.  I saw one magazine article with pictures and a story, that showed a Veteran scaling rock walls with remarkable ease and accuracy despite his handicap.  I read the article and found out that the individual, whose name I don't recall, was a double amputee after the injuries he incurred from the war. 
     Now it was time to head in to visit Ryan.  I, at first, was awestruck, as I didn't like seeing my nephew laying in the hospital bed, with all the contraptions around him, unable to move around and be the energetic person I knew my whole life.  I won't lie, it was sad.  I leaned down to hug him and tell him it was great to be able to make the trip to see him.  After some chit chat and general conversation, I heard Ryan say, "I won't be able to play sports anymore, or walk right."  I looked right into his eyes, and said, "Ryan, I don't even want to hear that.  I just read an article about a man who lost both of his legs and the pictures and article talked about how he is able to enjoy rock climbing now.  I love you, and remember, you can do anything you put your mind to."
     Well, it has been 7 years since this took place, and Ryan has accomplished a great many things he should definitely take pride in.  I am sure he does and I am sure that each accomplishment drives his desire to continue to fight for the rights of all of our Military Men and Women.
      I would be greatly honored if you would take some time out of your day today, and do a quick Google Search to learn more about the efforts he has put forth to help our fellow Americans who lay their lives on the line to keep us free.  Just quickly Google: Ryan Groves Marine, and it will direct you to a number of noteworthy articles, interviews, pictures, speeches, stories, legislative issues, and more to understand some of these accomplishments.  It may also shed some light on all of the resources that are available to soldiers that YOU might know.
Some Examples:
The Wounded Warrior Project
President's Commission on Care for America's returning Wounded Warriors
Operation Second Chance   
MTV Choose or Lose Episode
and Mount Union Speech to Students


And now, without further ado.....

PAGE 1

"This design contains artwork that is © 2006-2008 FunDraw.Com."

Page 1 shows some shots of a few speeches that he has given since his return from Iraq.  He is an avid speaker on many topics related to general encouragement to students and others, and many topics related to the Rights of our Military Members.

PAGE 2

Page 2 shows a picture taken during his appearance on Choose or Lose, Ryan being his goofy self giving 2 thumbs up,  Ryan leaning on his Hummer, Ryan and my sister Terri during their visit to the President and First Lady.  If I am not mistaken, this was the visit where he was honored with his Purple Heart. The small picture in the corner is Ryan holding a special "lucky charm" he feels is partly the reason he is alive today.

2 page spread

Title Page (page 2) TRIUMPH.  Ryan shown here during his appearance on MTV's Choose or Lose in 2008 right before the Presidential Election.  In this episode, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were addressing questions asked by several military members who returned from war.  Very powerful episode, I cried hearing the Veterans discuss each of the heartfelt stories.

Thanks so much for sticking with me during my tribute post to my nephew and a THANK YOU to all of our Heroes home and abroad!    

Take a minute to THANK A VETERAN TODAY!!! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Smilez,

Jessica

{Fri-end} a treasure forever

I tried my first Z-fold card today....YAY!!!  Don't you just love when you try something new (a new technique, a new fold, a new creation) and you love the end result.  It isn't quite as fancy as some that I have seen in the past, but I don't feel like I completely failed at my attempt.

The Twisted Thursday Challenge at The Outlawz this week is Fancy Folds and the All Sorts Challenge this week is Anything But Square.  I just had to give this a try.  I was in the mood to think outside the box.  I opted for a Z-fold because I have had the turquoise textured card stock folded for this card type for about 2 months, just waiting to be used.  
I just trimmed the tops at an angle so it wouldn't be square, then used my flowers and flourish edger down the left side.  I added a strip of pink cs behind the punch so the delicate punched swirls and flowers would show more.  I cut lavender card stock for my front sentiment (by Crafty Sprouts - Besties for Life) and added some ribbon and a bow from my stash.  The front sentiment was inked using my Ranger Archival black ink.  I inked the edges of my entire card and layers with lavender Studio G chalk inks.  The inside sentiment is from  Whimsy Stamps by Raindrop Echo Designs Funny Friends Sayings.  The small flowers that were left over after cutting the edge were used as embellishments for the front and inside of the card by just adding some pink pearls in the centers.

Fairly simple, quick, and delightful (I think)!

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
Twisted Thursday Challenge at The Outlawz 

Bows and Berries - #13 Clean and Simple

Creative Craft Challenge - Minimalistic

All Sorts - #128 Anything But Square

SPCC -  Color Combo #125

Thanks for stopping by
:O) Jessica