Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Merry Christmas to you! I am enjoying my Christmas much more than last year.  :)  I even managed to make some cards this year.  Not as many as I would have liked, but it felt good to stamp.  That may be my Christmas miracle....that I got my stamping groove back.  (I think..) Here is one of the cards I made- the only one I managed to get a picture of.  So I am sharing it with you and wishing you the Merriest Christmas ever!

Stamps: Inkadinkadoo Snowman, Stamping Up All Year Cheer I Sentiment

Paper: Gina K Kraft; PTI White; My Mind's Eye Be Merry Collection

Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils; Oval Nestabilities; Baja Breeze Ribbon; SU Felt Snowflakes; Rhinestone

 

Thanks for stopping by today- Merry, Merry Christmas!

Stamping With Sympathy

I stamped today and while the creating part was fun the reason is not a a happy one.  One of the mechanics in our shop passed away Tuesday night.  I can tell you that he always greeted me with a smile and a hello or good morning.  He repaired vehicles for my coworkers for free or reduced amounts to help them out.  I didn't know him well, but I what I did know about him was he was an all around nice guy.  He will truly be missed. 
In his honor, I broke out my Aquapainter and watercolor paper. I don't think I've used them since I bought my Prismacolor Pencils but fortunately, I remembered the technique.  What do you think? 

Stamps: SU Lovely as a Tree;  PTi

Paper: SU Mellow Moss; MFP Pensacola Sand; Water Color Paper (patterned paper from my stash-who knows??)

Ink: Memento rich Cocoa

Accessories: Rectangle (Classic) Nestabilities; Copper Brads, Aquapainter; Tim Holtz die

Thanks for stopping by today. Hopefully, I will post again soon with a happier occasion.  Have a good day!

Remnants From Hurricane Irene

I survived Hurricane Irene the other week by stamping through the power outage.  Sweet and wonderful Taylor was kind enough to email some of the VSN Challenges so I could read them on my phone. Fortunately, I was only out of power for 5 hours, but my cable and internet were down for a couple of days.  Life started getting back to normal and work got crazy trying to catch up so I almost forgot to post my cards!

Card # 1 Through the Saloon Doors

Your challenge:
Make a card that folds to the middle similar to the saloon doors you see in old westerns. Western accents are preferred but NOT required.

There is NO stamping on this card.  I used my Country Ride paper from Echo Park and the stickers included.  (the sentiment is a rub-on from EAD Designs that was exclusive to the Beez Knees kit from Caffinated Cropper) As you may have noticed, I haven't been stamping much lately so it was an easy and fun way to get back in the swing of things.

Card # 2 Party on the Ranch

My challenge to you is to use your favorite farm animal on a card. You can even use an animal print if you like. Go hog wild cause its a party on the ranch!

I used a stamp from Ta Da Studios that I bought over a year ago and never used. It was perfect for this challenge. My power came back on while I was making this card, so I was able to use my sewing machine (although I was in the process of checking to see if it could run on batteries at the time as well....) :)

 Card # 3: Dusty Trails

My challenge has two parts……

1. Make a card or other project that includes a paper-pieced image.

2. Include a bandana print somewhere on your project. 

  I used the Faux Bandana technique and paper-pieced the dog from Unity's I Ruff You stamp set with paper from Basic Grey.  I may have mentioned this before but I just adore this stamp set. The dog is too cute and of course I love dogs.  :)

I hope you survived the storm.  My neighborhood got by mostly unscathed but I know not everyone was as fortunate. I am thankful for the quiet time it gave me where I could concentrate on stamping without any distractions (except for rain and wind gusts out the window).  Hopefully I will stamp again soon and it won't take a hurricane for me to find the time.  Thanks for stopping by and have a great night!

All Things Unity Challenge # 36- Summertime Inspiration

It's time for another challenge for All Things Unity.  This week's challenge is to make a card or project using Summer as your inspiration. It shouldn't be too hard since it's a BAZILLION degrees outside!  Yikes! You can't mistake this weekend for Spring or Fall, that's for sure. Summer is here in full force.

 Summer is time for flip flops, picnics, boating, beaches and the pool!  Watermelon, fresh corn and veggies from the garden and barbecues!  Yep- I LOVE Summer and it's great for inspiring projects. Here is my project below using Unity's stamps set Watermelon Gazpacho Soup and the coordinating paper from Jillibean Soup!

This month's sponsor is The Twinery.  The winner will get the sampler pack shown below.  It's a really great prize!  I used Lemon Drop and Pea Pod on my card above.  The sampler pack has a color for every project.

 If you didn't play along on the last challenge, don't fret- you can still play this week's challenge (you have 2 weeks) for a chance to win the prize!  Be sure to check out the All Things Unity Blog for all the details. I can't wait to see what you make!

Etsy Inspired #141 - Homes and Weddings

Today is the 141st Etsy Inspired Challenge.  Sadly, it will be the last Etsy Inspired Challenge as well.  I love the idea of Art Inspiring Art and that's why this challenge is so special.  I am sure it will be missed by many. I feel honored to have been a participant, winner and Design Team member for the challenge. For more details please visit the Etsy Inspired Blog.  The good news is, that you will have 2 weeks to play the challenge!  Here are the details:
Etsy Inspiration Shop: Homes and Weddings
Prize: Copper Business Card Holder
(We don't have a sponsor for the challenge, but there is a wonderful mystery grab bag filled with goodies from past challenge sponsors.  I don't know what's in it, but I am sure it is fun stuff! )

Here are some of the neat items you will find in the Homes and Weddings Etsy Shop:

Here is the item I chose as my inspiration:

Here is my card:

Stamps: Mark's Finest Papers Butterflies Dianthus & Flourishes

Paper: PTI White and Plum Pudding;  Kaiser Craft Lilac Avenue

Ink: PTI Plum Pudding and Lavender Moon

Accessories: Adhesive Pearls, Ribbons, Silver Smooch, Nestabilities, Corner Rounder Punch,

Be sure to stop by all the Etsy Inspired Design Team Blogs to see what they have come up with.  Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope to see you around the blogging and stamping world.

Ashley

Angie 

Carole

De
Emily B.

Jackie

Joy

Kerry

Ruby

Savannah

Sherry (you are here)

Virginia

Etsy Inspired # 140 PeadenScottDesigns

It's time for another Etsy Inspired challenge.  This week's Etsy shop actually features the most amazing pop-up greeting cards and boxes. Remember you have 2 weeks to play the challenge- all the details can be found on the Etsy Inspired Challenge Blog. 

Etsy Inspiration Shop: PeadenScottDesigns
Prize: 2 free cards of the winner's choice
Sponsor: Through the Craftroom Door Publication
Prize- 1 Year Subscription

Here are some great items from the store:

And here is the item I chose for my inspiration:

My Project:

Be sure to check out the rest of the Etsy Inspired Design Team to get more great ideas on how you can play along!

Ashley

Carole

Angie

De

Jackie

Joy

Kerry

Savannah

Virginia

Thanks for stopping by- Have a great weekend!

Etsy Inspired # 139 - Paula's Art Shop

Happy Saturday! Sorry for the late post, but my mojo flew out the window and although I keep calling it- it has yet to come back.   As always check out the Etsy Inspired Challenge Blog for all the details on how you can play and win. (and remember- you now have 2 weeks to play!)
Etsy Inspiration Store: Paula's Art Shop
Prize- This AWESOME and COOL Votive Holder 

Sponsor Store: Sherry K Designs
Prize: 3 of her Best-Selling Packs

Check out the item I chose as my inspiration:

And here is my Sample:

Be sure to check out the rest of the Etsy Inspired Design Team's Blogs for more ideas and inspiration on how YOU can play along!  (I can't wait to see what you make!) 

Ashley

Carole

Angie

De

Jackie

Joy

Kerry

Ellie Augustin {May Guest DT}

Savannah

Virginia

Thanks for stopping by- have a GREAT weekend and remember there is a Pirate Party on SCS this weekend- It's VSN, Baby! 

Etsy Inspired #138...continued

The Etsy Inspired Challenge has gone Bi-Weekly!  That means there is not a new challenge this week, BUT it also means if you have not played in the challenge posted last Saturday, you have until May 21st to enter!  You can win some fabby prizes- here are some of the deets:
Inspiration/Etsy Store: Bear Creek Design
Prize- $15 Gift Cert.
Sponsor Store: Claudia and Company
Prize: 3 digi stamps of winner's choice

For more details please visit the Etsy Inspired Challenge Blog.  We'll see you next Saturday with a new challenge and chance to win new and exciting prizes.  Enjoy your weekend!

Etsy Inspired Challenge # 137

Happy Saturday!  I did not get to stamp at all this week.  I have some things going on right now that I am trying to get through but hopefully I will get back to normal soon.  But- you should definitely play along- it will be fun and you can win some super cool prizes!! Be sure to check out the Etsy Inspired Challenge Blog for all the rules and requirements:
Here are the details:
Etsy Inspiration Shop: Imagine Studio
Prize: 5x7 of winner's choice
Sponsor: EAD Designs
Prize:  $25 Gift Certificate (WOW!!)

Below are some Items from Imagine Studio 

Now check out the EIC Design Team's Blogs Including our April Guest Designer Kimme and EAD Design Team Member Jenn Coker

Ashley

Angie 

Carole

De
Emily B.

Jackie

Joy

Kerry

Kimme (April Guest Designer)

Ruby

Savannah

Sherry (you are here)

Virginia

Etsy Inspired Challenge # 136

This week's Etsy Inspired Challenge is a super fun one.  Wait until you see this week's Etsy Shop, Bearly Art.  There are quite a few items in that shop I would love to see in my apartment, and the prices are great too! As always be sure to visit the Etsy Inspired Challenge Blog for all the details (deadlines, rules and other important stuff).  Here are the basics:
Etsy Inspiration Shop: Bearly Art
Prize: Winner's Choice of In-Stock Clocks
Sponsor Shop: Sassy Cheryl's 
Prize: $5 Gift Certificate

Here is the item I chose for my inspiration piece.  I just love this crab and it makes me think of the beach and summer time.  

I must admit my card did not come out like I had it pictured in my mind.  I was trying to create a scene of a sailboat on the ocean.  I see a lot of things I would do differently now, but it's late and I have to work tomorrow, so this is what I have.  Maybe I will re-do it in the future.  But I do love that cute little brad I bought when shopping with my friends Jimmi and Kimme.  :)

Be sure to visit the rest of the Etsy Inspired Design Team including our April Guest Designer Kimme (yes, the same Kimme who helped me find the crabby brad!)

Ashley

Angie 

Carole

De
Emily B.

Jackie

Joy

Kerry

Kimme (April Guest Designer)

Ruby

Savannah

Sherry (you are here)

Virginia

Thanks for stopping by- have a fantastic day!

Friday Fun- April Showers

It's finally Friday!  I hope you are ready for the weekend!  I am the April Hostess for Friday Fun (I know- I haven't been playing my own challenges- yikes!)  This week's challenge is:

April 22

April Showers…..Make a card or project using any elements of showers like rain, umbrellas, rain boots, etc. 

 I pulled out and oldie but goody- my Rubber Romance image.  I love these stamps and this one is the perfect size for card-making. I kept it simple since I have had a busy week.  I hope you like it!

Be sure to check out the rest of the Friday Fun Girls' blogs and feel free to play along!  

Jimmi
Kimme
Christi

Have a great weekend!  

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Finally! My Sample for the Instyle Stamps Inspiration Challenge

As promised, I finally have my sample for this months inspiration challenge for InStyle Stamps.  It's been a crazy few weeks at work and at home but I think I am getting caught up (knock on wood...).  For more details on the challenge (deadlines, rules, etc) please visit the Instyle Stamps Blog.

Here is the Inspiration Photo:

Here is my card using the newly-released Patty's Appreciation set:

Thanks for being patient with me and stopping by to see my project- I always appreciate it.  Tomorrow I will be back with some Friday Fun.

Instyle Stamps April Inspiration Challenge

Good Morning! It's time for a new Inspiration Challenge from Instyle Stamps.  Here is your inspiration piece:

I don't have a sample for you today- but I will have one later this week, I promise!  Be sure to stop by the Instyle Stamps Blog for all the challenge details.

Friday Fun....on a Tuesday!

TGIT??  Ok, so Tuesdays aren't the same as Fridays, but today I have my Friday Fun Challenge project completed and I want to share it with you.  The challenge for Friday the 15th was to make a File Folder Notebook Holder since it's time to file your taxes.  I won't lie-- this was not an easy project but since I made it for a co-worker moving away, it was worth the trouble.  

Since we work at Smithfield Foods, I thought this paper in my stash from Ta Da was perfect with the little pigs.  Instead of making a separate card, I put an insert in the opposite side of the folder that everyone can sign.

I think it turned out pretty cool- what do you think?  It's not Friday but you can still stop by and give the rest of the Friday Fun Girls' some love- I'm sure they have something fun to see.  :)

Jimmi
Kimme
Christi

Etsy Inspired # 135 - Creating is Fun!

This week is Etsy Inspired Challenge #135.  This week's shop is a really cool one- Creating is Fun owned by Maria- a fabulous and creative stamper and person.  This week's challenge is sure to be fun- here are the details (please visit the the Etsy Inspired Challenge Blog for all the rules and deadlines):
Inspiration Store: Creating is Fun
Prize: Any one item of winner's choice
Sponsor: Robyn's Fetish
Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps And More is proud to sponsor this challenge.
Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps And More, a division of I Did It Creations, was created and is owned by Robyn Weinrib. Robyn offers a wonderful variety of digital stamps and digital papers, designed to meet the needs of all digital paper crafting addicts for every occasion. 
PRIZE: either 5 digital stamps or 4 digital stamps and 1 paper set of the winner's choice to the winner of this challenge

There are many items to inspire you in Martha's store.  Check out these items:

And here is my card inspired by the lace and buttons in the store.  

Be sure to check out the rest of the Etsy Inspired Design Team's Blogs for more inspiration and ideas

Ashley

Angie

Carole

De (not posting today)

Emily B.

Jackie

Joy

Kerry

Kimme (April Guest Designer)

Ruby

Savannah

Sherry (you are here)

Virginia

Thanks for stopping by - have a GREAT weekend- I am going for my very first massage tomorrow (thank you, Jimmi!) and I can't wait!  I hope your weekend is just as wonderful!