Hostess with the Mostest!!

Hello everyone!

First off, I want to say SORRY for not posting hardly at all this last month. It has been one CRAZY holiday season. Ever since I started at my new store, I feel like I haven't been able to catch up on anything. Especially since the week I take off every year to make all my Christmas cards and gifts was the week before we opened the store. So I appoligize, and I hope to be posting more regularly after the holiday.

Now, onto this week's Farm Fresh Friday challenge!!

DO YOU have an idea for a hostess gift with the MOSTEST???

..mostest WHAT? You ask?

Mostest MOJO, we say! That's right! Today it is all about DOMESTIC DIVA-ism on the Farm and we have a SPECIAL, TWO-week long contest for you starting TODAY on the TGF Blog!
With all of the hustle and bustle this time of year, we want to make sure that you all have PLENTY of time to play, and with the season of holiday parties upon us, what BETTER challenge to issue than to create a HOSTESS GIFT w/ the MOSTEST :)

Here's what I made:

My good friend Josie is a chef, and she's always hosting some sort of dinner party at her house. (great friend to have, let me tell ya! YUM!) But everytime somebody arrives, she has to stop and explain every dish all over again. I thought she would have lots of fun using this dry-erase menu board I created! Hopefully she doesn't see this post via FB before the 25th!

I simply made this 12 x 12 base page, complete with an area for the menu and adorable Harold who is ready to EAT, and popped it into a shadow box.

Here's a close up of Harold and his spot in the display....

And then here's the menu space...

And here's what it looks like once it's in the shadow box (Ott light reflection not included! Lol!). I covered the marker in matching paper, and wrote up my own sample menu. I think I might've mispelled some things, but you get the gist.

The challenge begins TODAY and will go through DECEMBER 30th, 2011 at 8pm CST. Just upload your Hostess Gift idea using TGF Stamps to the TGF Galleria>Contests/Challenges>Hostess Mostest Challenge.

The WINNER of this challenge wins ONE sweet slice! That's right! We have a CHEEKY CHERRY PIE stamp up for grabs....but there's MORE....hmmm, like how about the ENTIRE JANUARY RELEASE?!? That's right! This is HUGE prize and there is plenty of time to play!

The TGF Design Teams will be back with MORE examples next week just to re-spark your Mojo during this busy holiday season....but for now, get down w/ your inner Domestic Diva and HAVE FUN!

Materials
Stamps: TGF Harold with Jam digi stamp, CTMH Key to My Heart and Small Chocolate Alpha sets
Paper: CTMH Veranda L2pp, PTI cs (Harold)
Other: CTMH ribbon, buttons, pearls, anchors, inks, hemp, and metal charm. Copics, Primas, Holtz Shimmer Spritz, staples

Getting "Sentimental"

It's another Farm Fresh Friday challenge! Today, we're getting "sentimental"! This time create a scrapbook page with a phrase, quote, or poem that reminds you of someone you love. Be sure to use a TGF image!

For my SB page, I decided to scrap pictures from Leavenworth, WA. It's this cute Bavarian town in the Cascade Mountains that plays host to a beautiful tree-lighting ceremony. The trees and all the buildings in town have lights EVERYWHERE!

My friends and I go every year on a chartered bus trip through my job at Safeway. That way we can shop (and drink German beers) til we drop, and have a safe ride home! In fact, We're going again this Sunday! Can't wait!

I thought pairing Toby and his snowboard with this was perfect. This Emerson quote was also the perfect one for the "friend" theme of this page. Emerson is my favorite.

So head on over to the TGF blog for all the challenge details and some great DT inspiration! The prize will be the *NEW* "Because of You" sentiment set from TGF!!

Materials: TGF Toby Snowboard digi image. CTMH Magic Moments L1 scrapbook kit, Cocoa and Indian Corn Blue inks, buttons, brad, hemp. Copics, quote stamp (from somewhere...)

Farm Fresh Friday--Let it Snow!

Hello everyone! Back again with another Farm Fresh Friday from The Greeting Farm! This week's challenge is to use some kind of snow or snow element (snowflakes, liquid applique, glitter, flowersoft, etc.) on your project this week!

This is an easy one for me! I've been sitting on this MS felt snowflake ribbon for awhile an keep meaning to use it.....and keep forgetting about it. This time I didn't though! I paired it with some nice and simple CTMH dp, ribbon, and a snowflake punch. Looks great with my little snowball-throwing bunny friends here. Maggie sure did get Ricky good! Haha! This image always makes me smile. That's what I'd totally do to my brother!

So head on over to the TGF blog for all the challenge details and some fabby inspiration. Prize is O/A Fuzzy Wuzzy-a FULL 4x6 set!

Materials
Stamps: TGF Ricky/Maggie digi, CTMH Thoughtful Seasons
Paper: CTMH Jingle L2pp, PTI kraft
Other: Copics, foam tape, MS snowflake punch and felt snowflake ribbon, Stickles, CTMH ribbon and ink, rhinestone

Hip-Hoppin' for the Holiday!

The Greeting Farm is HOPPIN' into the Holidays featuring our December release! Thank you for joining us today for an ALL-CUSTOMER and DT blog hop, featuring HOLIDAY cards that use TGF stamps! The DT is premiering some December releases, there are prizes, chit chat on our PCP page from 7pm CST to 8pm CST, and the winner of our Ugly Sweater Inspired contest will also be announced!

If you are just getting here, be sure to start on the TGF Blog where there will be ONE official list of hoppers due to the volume of tonight's hop. Be sure to pop in between 7 and 8 pm CST on our PCP page to chat w/ the DT, drink virtual egg-nog and be MERRY with TGF!

For my card today, I'm sharing this adorable Robbie image. I love how happy he looks, and who doesn't love a toasty mug of hot chocolate on a snowy day?! Make sure you snag your Robbie digi stamp tomorrow for sure! I also used this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch.


If you are participating in one of our contests tonight (see below), the THREE categories will be live and posted in the TGF Galleria at 7pm CST tonight. Please place your card in the appropriate category in the galleria NO LATER than 11:00AM CST tomorrow, December 1st. Winners will be drawn tomorrow around NOON CST and posted on the TGF Blog.

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
"Let it Snow" (use snow in creative ways on your card)
"Santa, Baby" (cute Santa-inspired cards)
"It's a Wrap" (creative ways to use gift wrap on a card)
You may enter one, two, or all 3 categories, but must create a separate entry for each category and you MUST USE TGF STAMPS!


What's more? There are even MORE ways to win! You do not have to create for one of the three challenges, unless you WANT TO, because in addition, ONE lucky hopper WHO PARTICIPATES in the Blog Hop will receive the ENTIRE DECEMBER RELEASE just for making it through the hop and commenting. In addition, another lucky NON-participant will also win this prize.

So HOP on over to the TGF blog for the complete list of Hoppers and have some holiday fun!!


Materials
Stamps: TGF Robbie Hotchocolate digi
Paper: BG Eskimo Kisses dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Coluzzle, felt word, Stickles, CTMH ink, Colorbox chalk ink

A little challenge time

Hello everyone! I'm here with a late post to share this double challenge card. When I first saw this Willard image by Kraftin' Kimmie, I totally HAD to have him! He just looks so pitiful and adorable all at the same time! I colored him to look like he was wearing the scarf and mittens his grandma bought him last Christmas that she thought he'd really like. Does it look like he likes it? Haha! I think not!

I played along with this week's Christmas Card Challenge which was a sketch challenge, and Kraftin' Kimmie's "seeing spots" challenge. These fun EK apoxy stickers I thought fit that bill perfectly.

Enjoy your evening. I'm going over to my parents' for dinner. My brother's best friend, and Army comrade, Kevin, is here visiting on his R&R so Mom is making her famous porkchops! Yum!! So far we've had lots of fun since he arrived on Friday. Only a few more days until he leaves. :( But in April, he and my brother will BOTH be here! :D

Materials
Stamps: KK Willard, CTMH Captured Moments
Paper: BG Eskimo Kisses dp, PTI kraft and cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, liquid applique, EK border punch and apoxy stickers, CTMH inks and hemp, Memento ink

More gift tag fun!

Good morning everyone! Did you all survive Black Friday? I usually hole myself up in my condo and watch movies all day in my PJs on Black Friday since I live on a well-used shortcut to the mall. But this year I had to work, and then had my Trunk Show down at the shop. It was amazing how many people were out shopping!

All the gift tags I made for the show were a huge hit! I'm definitely making more for my Etsy....and myself! Here are some close-up shots of each:

(sorry for my shadow!)

Did I put my MS snowflake punch to use, or what?! Haha! Makes them all individual, but similar. Enjoy your Sunday. I'm off to cheer on my Seahawks at the game today! After last week's loss to the Saints, they need a little encouragement. Bring on the 12th Man!

Materials

Stamps: CTMH Dec. Word Puzzle

Paper: BG Eskimo Kisses dp, A Muse kraft, CTMH cs, misc. pearlized paper

Other: CTMH cocoa ink, EK border punch, MS snowflake punch and border punch, Robin's Nest skittles

Sketchy FFF with a sneak peek!

Has it already been another month?! And is Thanksgiving really over?! I can't believe how fast time is flying! But hey, that's the way it is. And that way leads to another Farm Fresh Friday and another TGF release sneak peek!

Today I'm sharing a new holiday image that Marina came up with. It's another edition of our two little monkey friends! Doesn't Marlene look like she's having fun in the sled?! And she's all dressed up for the occasion. I played off the plaid blanket in the image to use this Jovial paper. I also used my Multiliner to draw in some snow for a background. This image works really well for the FFF sketch challenge today too!

Head on over to the TGF blog for the FFF sketch and some more awesome DT creations!

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I'd like to still be in my food coma, but I'm up early and off to work at 4am. No Black Friday for me! Thank goodness grocery stores are pretty quite the day after everyone ate enough for a whole week! Lol!

Materials
Stamps: TGF Monkey Sled digi, KK sentiment
Paper: BG Jovial dp, A Muse kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, Stickles, EK punch, CTMH inks, misc. brads

Give Thanks

Today is one of my favorite holidays. A day of family. A day of rest. A day of food. A day of joy. A day of reflection. A day of gratitude.

This card is what I sent out to my family and friends for this Thanksgiving holiday. Just a note to share how grateful I am to have them in my life and thank them for their love and support. I'd like to extend this "virual card" to my blogging friends to say thank you for stopping by and showing that you care. Your comments and advice mean a great deal, and I appreciate it very much.

So as you visit family and friends on this festive day, please remember to tell somebody "thank you". It will make both of you feel good and hopefully make you realize that you should say it more often. Also remember to thank a Soldier for their service in making this day possible and safe.

November Card Class

Good morning!

By the time you're reading this, I will "hopfully" be safely at work. We had an Artic blast here in the Seattle area yesterday that really made the roads a mess. First snowfall of the season. Hard to navigate in an area that has loads of hills and overpasses. Thankfully I have all major streets to travel to and from work.

So here are the cards I created for my November Card Class that was the first part of the month. Finally got around to photographing them! Haha! We used the beautiful Olivia paper pack. I had a couple of new customers at this class, so I started off with this simple card:

Then came a masculine card. I'm trying to incorporate more of these....

And then finally, a clear card! Some of my customers have been curious as to how to use these clear cards from CTMH. It's actually pretty easy. The hardest part is trying to figure out how all the paper pieces will cover the glue marks of the other. I used an example from the CTMH Autumn/Winter Idea Book for the layout and just tweaked it a bit to use this stamp set.

This is the outside (can you see the reflection of my camera?!)

And then here's what the inside looks like. It was a lot of fun, and everyone was able to make them fairly easy!

Enjoy the rest of your day! I'm going to be frantically making more items for my Trunk Show this Friday. Hopefully the snow and ice leave so people come shop!!

Materials: All CTMH. Olivia L2pp, For All Occasions ss, Nature's Gift ss, Captured Moments ss, Say it in Style ss, clear cards, cocoa ink, sunset ink, pear ink, smoothie ink, hemp, glitter brad, button, sanding kit.

Other: Stazon, Signo white pen, EK corner punch, foam tape.

Some Christmas tags

Good morning everyone! I'm back with some "little" projects I've been working on. I decided to make some cute Christmas tags after being inspired by these ones that Sparkle made. Totally case'd them! This is a great way to use up all those little scraps you just can't seem to part with! They were nice and simple, and this CTMH stamp set was perfect to whip them up fast!

Here are some close-ups:

Enjoy your Sunday! Day 6 of 11 work week for me. YUCK!! I'm going to try to leave work an hour early so I don't miss my Seahawks football!

Materials

Stamps: CTMH Just for the Holidays

Paper: A Muse kraft, BG Jovial and Eskimo Kisses dp, CTMH cs

Other: CTMH inks, Coluzzle, EK punches, crochet fiber

Sparkly FFF

Hello everyone! Time for another Farm Fresh Friday challenge brought to you by The Greeting Farm! This week the challenge is a "sparkly" one. Incorporate some sort of sparkle or shine to your creation and it has to be a birthday theme. Easy enough, right?!

For my card today, I decided to use another Laurie image. This time I used her with this present to make a birthday card for my friend Nona. Her birthday is coming up at the end of the month. ......now, if I actually MAIL this card in time will be a miracle! Lol! Can you see the Stickles I used for sparkle? Trying to capture it in phots is so hard. I also used Mercy's sketch from this week: 100 baby!!

Stop on by the TGF blog for all the challenge details and to see all the great DT creations!

On a personal note.....sorry I haven't been posting lately. My new store has been working me 6 days a week, on top of all my card classes and volunteer work. Because of that, now I'm starting to get sick again....and probably stress of a possible strike at work. (Grocers' Union contracts) I'm also trying to get ready for a "trunk show" at the shop where I sell my cards. It's the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so I've been trying to crank out all the Christmas cards, tags, and gifts I can! All of this isn't keeping me away from the latest Harry Potter movie though! I'm going to see it with my friend Josie today. :D I hope to post some more stuff this weekend.

Materials

Stamps: TGF Laurie with Present digi, CTMH Fringed Phrases

Paper: A Muse kraft, CTMH cs and yellow dp, BG Sugar Rush dp

Other: Copics, foam tape, Coluzzle, Stickles, CTMH inks, pearls, and ribbon, EK punch, CB folder

It's a SWEET Birthday!!

Hello and welcome to Sweet November's

Sweet Celebration Birthday blog hop!

Yep, it has been one year since the characters who reside in Sweet November Land have come out to play and a few of them have gotten all decked out for a grand birthday party today! All of the wonderful SN Gals and Guest Gals, as well as some of the ATS design team have come together to showcase these new cuties with a hop! And you won't want to miss a single blog because not only are the cards super cute and totally inspiring but there are also four birthday candy kits hidden along the way... think of them as fun birthday presents for you to win!

We are kicking things off at the ATS blog where you can find the complete list of everyone's blogs and if you have come here from Lisa's blog, then you're on the right track!

Today I'm introducing you to Darby and her new friend Dazzle! They're have a very fun time helping to celebrate the occasion; Dazzle even "shed some light" on it! Lol! Looks like Darby thinks he's funny! Of course I had to incorporate some orange into my card since it is Amy's favorite color! I used the very beautiful Olivia paper pack from Close To My Heart. Love the color combo and the fun patterns! It went perfectly to add to the "November" feel too! I also used Mercy's Tuesday sketch from this week. Had to tweak it a bit for it to work with my felt word.

All four of these new Sweet November stamps will be available in the ATS store on Monday, November 15th... which is the same day that the birthday candy winners will be announced on Amy's blog.

Now you're next stop in the hop is to the very talented Kelly Booth! Thank you so much for joining the Sweet November celebration! Here's a list of the blog hop in case you get lost:

ATS
Tracy Porter
Lisa Gobea
ME!
Kelly Booth
Elaine Hughes
Rachel Scheider
Amy Gould
Corinne Mercado
Donna Mikasa
Maire Elli Serafiia Yla Tuuhonen
Ria van Son
Janneke de Jong
The one, the only, Amy Young!

Materials

Stamps: SNS Darby and Dazzle

Paper: CTMH Olivia L2pp, A Muse kraft, PTI cs

Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, Stickles, CTMH ink and piercing tool, Memento ink, felt word

Farm Fresh Scrappin'

Hello all! Back today with another Farm Fresh Friday. This week is a scrapbook sketch challenge. Our wonderful Miss Melyssa designed a fun sketch for us all to play with.

Here's what I did with the sketch:
I don't do much scrapbooking anymore, so these challenges are a challenge for me too! But, I actually ended up having a lot of fun creating it! I knew I really wanted to us this Bo Bunny Petal Pushers paper I've been sitting on for awhile now. I thought Laurie would be the perfect image to pair with this paper. Now she's sitting all pretty on the Prima!

So head on over to the TGF blog for Melyssa's sketch and have some fun! This challenge is only open for a week, and you could have a chance to win a *NEW* "I heart sweaters"!!

Materials

Stamps: TGF Laurie digi stamp

Paper: Bo Bunny Petal Pushers dp, CTMH cs

Other: Copics, foam tape, Primas, rhinestones, gel pen, EK punch

Another challenge combo

This was another creation I made yesterday during what was probably my last day off in awhile. My new Safeway store opens this Thursday, so it's massive panic and perfection and then straight into the Thanksgiving holiday. Nothing but 6-day work weeks for me for a while. More stamp money though!!

Can I just say that I *LOVE* the way this card turned out?! I made this for the TPS monthly sketch challenge #7, and this week's LLB challenge #22 which is a color challenge. Boy, PTI ribbon sure does make a pretty bow huh? I swapped Lilith's roses out for a snowflake brad. Now she's all set for the holidays!

Materials

Stamps: TPS Lilith, CTMH Jingle Borders

Paper: BG Jovial dp, A Muse kraft, CTMH cs

Other: Copics, foam tape, misc. brad, PTI ribbon, CTMH ink, rhinestones

Lazy Sunday

Even with an extra hour today, I still didn't get this post up until now. Haha! But I did still wake up early at 7am. I thought I "slept in" until 8am, but forgot it was daylight savings. So I've been playing all this morning while watching football, and laundry. Wish my team wasn't getting smoked by the Giants though. :(

This card was originally made to play in the Christmas Card Challenge #48 of using candy canes, but since it's Sunday, the new Christmas challenge went up. Thankfully the colors I used still works in this week's inspiration challenge! I also used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch again to play with SCRSC #17.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Candycane Emily, CTMH Snow Flurries
Paper: BG Jovial dp, A Muse kraft, PTI cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, CTMH inks and button, misc. snowflake brad, EK punch, Stickles

FFF--Tie It Up!

Hello all! Another edition of Farm Fresh Friday. Today we're asking for you to "Tie It Up"! Include either hemp, floss, or raffia on your card.

Today I used this adorable Ivy image to create a birthday card for my friend Becky. The sentiment is perfect since we still call each other our Peep! Hee hee! I used my CTMH waxy flax for the challenge element. Waxy flax is just a floss dipped in wax to make it pliable and easy to shape. It's pretty cool stuff. This Sunflower color worked perfect with my DP. I even made the window shutters pop out. Super fun. I used Mercy's sketch for this week.

So head on over to the TGF blog for all the challenge details and some cool inspiration. Here's the list if you want to hop away:

The Critter Crew:
Shaela Odd
Heather Schlatter
Jacquie Nordaune
Jenn Royal (you're here!)
Kristine Reynolds
Linda Muhr
Tangii Crain
Margie Cortina
Sammi Betbeder


The Farmers:
Jessica Diedrich
Melyssa Connolly
Mercy Kerin
Randi Wall
Kim Nath
Tammy Maxvill


Materials
Stamps: TGF Ivy digi, sentiment is A Muse
Paper: Oct. Afternoon dp, A Muse kraft, PTI cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, CTMH ink, button, and waxy flax, Stickles

Grateful

Sometimes I feel that we all go from Halloween straight to Christmas, leaving another important holiday in the dark. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays--mostly because of my Grandma's delicious sweet potato puffs! It's also my favorite because it really helps me put into focus what is truly important in life--family.

It will be another family holiday without my brother. He's still serving in Afghanistan in the Army. I feel like I have to cherish these holidays that much more since he's unable to be with us. All the family traditions and stories are always an important part of my life that I hold dear to my heart every Thanksgiving.

My family has a table cloth that we use every Thanksgiving and every year we write on it what we are grateful for. It's a really cool thing to see that table cloth come out at Thanksgiving and read the past entries. It's become a very unique family heirloom.

So don't forget about Thanksgiving and what you are truly grateful for in life.

Materials
Stamps: Unity Sept. KOTM, CTMH Say it in Style
Paper: BG Pyrus dp, PTI cs, A Muse kraft
Other: Copics, Memento ink, EK punch, CTMH ink, button, paper piercer, and hemp

TGF Release Day Blog Hop!

Hello everyone!

November is here and we are bringing you a cozy "Release Day" Blog Hop today with The Greeting Farm!

Whether you're snuggled up with your honey in your favorite sweater by a fireplace, set out for your favorite coffee shop to visit with Beanie Anya, or snowboarding with Toby Cub, the theme is COZY and RELAXED this month...or , perhaps you're preparing something 'cheeky" under the tree for your honey? It's never too early to start that shopping, right? ;)

Today, however, we want you to sit back, grab a cuppa tea or hot cocoa and enjoy our little DT hop! Let's get started, shall we?

Today I used the adorable Snowboard Toby. He's totally my favorite of the new release. I made my card layout simple to help the image stand out more. I added some Liquid Glass to his snowboarding goggles to make them look realistic.

Well, I hope you enjoyed it, as it's just one of THREE rubber releases and THREE new digis from the Critter Crew! Everything is available now in the TGF Store and we can't wait to see what YOU create with these comfy, cozy cuties!

Now it's time to visit the next stop on the hop! If you're just arriving now to my blog, be sure to start on the TGF Blog, and enjoy the rest of the order today:

FARMERS:
Melyssa Connolly
Mercy Kerin
Randi Wall
Tammy Maxvill
Emma Eads-November Guest Farmer

CRITTER CREW:
Heather Schlatter
Jacqueline Nordaune
Jennifer Royal
Kristine Reynolds
Margie Cortina
Sammi Betbeder
Shaela Odd
Tangii Crain

TEAM ANYA:
Anna Maria Nilsson
Carisa Zglobicki-Nov. Team Anya GD
Kristy Young
Jen Shults
Amber Hight
Jessica Diedrich
Club Anya & Friends

Enjoy each and every stop along the way and WAIT! There's more! After all, it wouldn't be a blog hop without PRIZES, right? ONE lucky winner will receive the ENTIRE NOVEMBER RELEASE, including the THREE digis, just for completing each stop along the blog hop and leaving a comment at the end-on the Club Anya & Friends blog! Winner will be announced Tuesday morning-so you have until 11:59pm CST to enter! GOOD LUCK!


See you soon, Farm Friends! Stay warm and cozy and enjoy the November release!

Materials

Stamps: TGF Snowboarding Toby digi, CTMH Thoughful Seasons

Paper: CTMH L2pp

Other: Copics, foam tape, Stickles, CTMH ink, Liquid Glass, paper piercer, edge distresser, and ribbon

Free Friday

Materials

Stamps: SCRS Sledding Chloe, sentiment is Savvy Stamps

Paper: BG Eskimo Kisses dp, A Muse kraft, PTI cs

Other: Copics, foam tape, EK punches, CB folder, rhinestones, Stickles, misc. button

The Critter Crew gets the day off from this week's Farm Fresh Friday, but be sure to check out TGF's blog for some serious release therapy!

I'm taking advantage of my free Friday to post this card I made for the SCRSC #17. It's an inspiration challenge. You're supposed to use the image below to spark your creativity. Well I already had this Chloe image colored up to match my Eskimo Kisses and was too tired from my cold to color something new. The red sled works though. When it came down to making a card I just kinda did my own thing. I knew I wanted to use craft paper to play of the brown wood and a snowflake or two, but I didn't really have anything specific in mind. So this is what I came up with.

Here's the inpiration photo:

Now here is the rest of my "new store" story from my post on Monday.....
I work for Safeway as a Dairy Dept. Manager and just had my 15 year anniversary. I've been at the same store the INTIRE time. Always loved the store and the people (and the 8-minute commute!)

About a month ago I was asked to be the Dairy Manager at a *new* Safeway opening on Nov. 11th. The District Manager and new Store Manager recuited me to come! This was a big deal for them to want me to help Grand Open and run a new Dairy department! I've been a little tired of my now-old-store for awhile (less hours and more work since it's a slow store) and decided that "change is good".

And boy! is it ever! It's so cool to see how a new store comes to life. All this week we've been stocking the new non-perishable product---and WOW! that's a lot when you're filling EVERYTHING!--and putting up ALL the price tags. We started hanging tags in my department, and all the shelving is starting to arrive. Even some of my "old" co-workers came with me so I'm not so alone, and I get to work with people I haven't worked with in a long time. And the commute into North Seattle isn't as bad as I thought; only 15 minutes! I'm super excited to have this experience and I'm sure I'm going to love my new store as much as my old one.

Thanks for listening to me ramble!

Sneaky Peeky!

Hello everyone! The Critter Crew and I have some cool sneak peeks for you today! There will be 3 new Critters being released on Nov. 1st, and they are super cute!

As the holiday season draws near, Marina supplied us with some adorable wintry friends to help celebrate. Today I'm showcasing the Chipmunk Candy Cane digi. Doesn't he look so happy gnawing on his candy cane?! It's like that's the only Christmas present he needs! I paired him up with some of my new BG Jovial dp, and used the metal "happy holidays" charm to accent. Too bad the sentiment didn't show up in the photo. I also used this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch #90.
So check out the other fun creations from the Critter Crew, and be sure to come back on the first for TGF's November release blog hop where there are sure to be prizes!! Linda will be unable to join us the next couple weeks while she moves, but we're soooo glad Heather is back!

The Critter Crew:
Shaela Odd
Heather Schlatter *back from maternity leave!*
Jacquie Nordaune
Jenn Royal (you're here!)
Kristine Reynolds
Linda Muhr *out for the week*
Tangii Crain
Margie Cortina
Sammi Betbeder

Materials
Stamps: TGF Chipmunk Candy Cane digi
Paper: BG Jovial dp, A Muse kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, CTMH brads, hemp, and paper piercer, EK punck, misc. ribbon and button

Happy Birthday TPS!!

It's a very special month over at Tickled Pink Stamps. The store turns ONE! And in honor of this achievement, Lil' Lolita Boutique is having a birthday challenge. Create a birthday creation to help us celebrate one of the coolest online companies out there! Your card must use a Lil' Lolita stamp or digi. You can hop on over to the LLB for some great inspiration from the DT, and to TPS to buy some of these awesome Lolitas.

I decided to use Lylah and her present here that's she's ready to give to Kellie and the crew for such an awesome first year. Of course I had to color her dress pink for the occasion and use a pink ribbon. I also used Mercy's sketch # 97 from this week.

Well, this is my last post as the Guest Designer for LLB this month. It has been LOADS of fun, and I really enjoyed sharing my love for the Lolitas! I've really enjoyed working along side Kellie and the Design Team. They have been very nice and supportive. And most of all, I have loved seeing all of your creations and participation in the weekly challenges! You are all very talented out there and should be proud of yourselves!

Thanks again, and enjoy the challenge this week!

Materials
Stamps: TPS Lylah, CTMH Thoughtful Seasons
Paper: Sassafras Lass Sunshine Lollipops dp, A Muse kraft, PTI cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie Label, CTMH inks, Stickles, misc. ribbon, stitching

I'm still alive.....barely

Hi everyone. Sorry I only posted my DT work last week. Still have a cold. It has now migrated to my throat and has taken my voice. Should make for an interesting first day at my new store. (which I'll touch on more later since I gotta leave soon)

For today's card, I decided to show my Sept. Unity KOTM some love. I need to bulk up my winter cards for the shop, so this cute postage style stamp worked great. I just sponged in some color and used my Copic for some more detail. Nice and simple layout, and I was done!

Materials
Stamps: Unity Sept. KOTM
Paper: BG Eskimo Kisses dp, CTMH cs, A Muse kraft
Other: Copics, CTMH inks, rhinestones, foam tape, misc. ribbon, EK punch

"Enveloped in Farm Fresh Friday"

Hello everyone! Welcome to another Farm Fresh Friday! This week, Kim Nath had a great idea to incorporate envelopes into the challenge. You can create a card using a pocket or envelope template, decorate your envelope, anything goes as long as there is some sort of envelope.

Since I've been sick for a week now, I wasn't too creative with my envelope. I just glued matching paper to the inside and stamped and sponged the outside.

Here's a close up of the card. Isn't this latest Marlene image so cute?! She's one of my favorite Critters for sure! Since I put the sentiment on the outside of the envelope, I didn't want it to be redundant and put another on the card. I really wanted to print out the "double, bubble, toil and trouble" quote onto the envelope, but my brain was too mush to fight with the computer and printer.

And then here's a close up of my stamped envelope. Love this new Captured Moments from CTMH. I decided it needed a little "umph", so I sponged it in orange and added some glitter with my Spica pen. I didn't think until just now, that the orange makes the scene look like it's on fire! Yikes! Haha!

Well, head on over to the TGF blog for all the challenge details and some great Design Team inspiration! We hope to see you "Enveloped in Farm Fresh Friday" soon!

Materials

Stamps: TGF Marlene-cauldron digi, CTMH Captured Moments

Paper: BG Eerie dp, Making Memories dotted dp, CTMH cs, A Muse kraft

Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, EK border punch, misc. buttons, ribbon from Target $1 bin, CTMH inks, Spica pen, Stardust pen

Lil' Lolita Boutique Challenge #20

It's another great challenge over at the Lil' Lolita Boutique! This time it's a sketch challenge! This sketch is great for you to try out the "big head" treatment to your lolita digis.

That's what I did with Miss Lylah here. It makes it really easy to do more detailed coloring, and even some paper piecing like I did here. I paper pieced Lylah's hat and dress with my CTMH Hooligans paper. I also used the opportunity to be more creative with Lylah's hair. I even added some glitter streaks with my Spica pen (if you can see it).

So hop on over to the LLB for the sketch and some great inspiration from the Design Team!

On a side note....sorry I haven't been blogging for a few days. The "crud" finally got me on Friday and still hasn't let go. Ugh! I hate being sick!

Materials
Stamps: TPS Lil' Haunts Lylah digi, CTMH October Word Puzzle and Thriller
Paper: CTMH Hooligans L2pp
Other: Copics, Spica pen, Gelly Roll pen, misc. ribbon, Stickles, CTMH inks and edge distresser

Clean & Simple Emily--SCRC #14

Happy Saturday everyone! This is an extra-special day. My good friends are getting married today!! They've been together for-eva and after him asking for like the 8th time, she finally said yes! Hee hee! She's totally the dude with commitment issues, and he's the chick that loves her sooo much and can't live with out her. I love them.

Anyways, on to the card. This was made for Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps challenge #14 which calls for "clean & simple". Sometimes that's a little hard for me. I like lots of paper and embellishments, but I was able to tone it down and let Emily be the star. Cute image right?!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Holiday Emily, sentiment is A Muse
Paper: BG Eskimo Kisses dp, PTI cs
Other: Copics, EK border punch, MS snowflake punch, Stickles, misc. button, CTMH inks

Farm Fresh Friday--Sketch!

Hello everyone! It's another Farm Fresh Friday, and this time it's a sketch challenge! I *love* sketch challenges. This one was a little tough at first, but then the wheels started turning and I came up with this. I turned the sketch on it's side so I could use this cute Critter image.

Head on over to the TGF blog for the sketch and some great inspiration!

The Critter Crew:
Shaela Odd
Heather Schlatter
Jacquie Nordaune
Jenn Royal (you're here!)
Kristine Reynolds
Linda Muhr
Tangii Crain
Margie Cortina
Sammi Betbeder


The Farmers:
Jessica Diedrich
Melyssa Connolly
Mercy Kerin
Randi Wall
Kim Nath
Tammy Maxvill
Tanya Tahir Oct Guest
Materials
Stamps: TGF Timmy & Penny Dance digi
Paper: BG Nook & Pantry dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, Prima flower, CTMH ink, hemp, and rub-ons

Lil' Lolita Boutique Challenge #19

Good morning everyone! I'm bakc today with another Lil' Lolita Boutique Challenge. This week's challenge is to incorporate skulls into your project.

Well, that's an easy one using the *NEW* Frankie image. He has a skull belt-buckle! I played it up by mirroring his skull with my EK punched skull at the base of the image. I used my Copic mulit-liner to draw on the same skull "face" from his buckle onto my punch out. Then I used some more of this super cool metallic skull and crossbones ribbon I found in the Target $1 bin. I had this brilliant plan of using the skull patterned paper from the BG Eerie collection, but as you can see, Frankie covered up most of the paper so you can't really see the skulls. Oh well!

I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch for the layout. Head on over to LLB to check out the challenge details and see the rest of the Design Team's awesome creations!

Materials
Stamps: TPS Frankie Frankenstein digi
Paper: BG Eerie dp, Making Memories dotted dp, PTI cs
Other: Copics, EK punches, foam tape, $1 bin ribbon, CTMH ink, misc. screw brads

October Card Class

Good morning everyone. Just wanted to share the cards I designed for my two card classes this Wednesday and Thursday. Halloween theme. I used the new CTMH Hooligans paper pack along with some cool new stamps and embellishments. The technique this month is how to alter embellishments.
So for this first card, the layout and concept is pretty easy. I always like to start out with a simple card to get them back in the groove, and for new attendees to get a feel of how things go. So tearing paper isn't new, but it adds to the Halloween feel. We're using the new Captured Moments stamp set on this. LOVE this new set. Comes with two other scenes for fall and winter. Makes for quick and pretty cards.

The "altered" embellishment on this one are the brads I used to spell out "Boo". They're regular white CTMH brads that I simply took a Sharpie to create eyeballs and then glazed them with Liquid Glass. Pretty cool, huh?

Next is this cute little guy. He's part of the coordinating felt monsters for the Hooligans line. Now this one is one of the "less cute" ones that I used for my sample. Had to keep the cuter ones for the customers! The altered embellishment here is a clear CTMH button that I dipped in glue, and then in MS glitter.

And lastly, I made this birthday card to show the versatility of the Hooligans paper. Since most of the pack is geared toward Halloween and the cute monsters on the dp and felties, I used the more adaptable paper to create this fun birthday card. The altered items here aren't really true "embellishments", but created embellishments. The box-ruffle is just a strip of dp folded, and the banner in the top corner of the main image is actually cut from the dp. Can you see where I cut it from seeing the same dp on the bottom of the card? Neat-o! (I actually "stole" that from the CTMH Idea Book).

Enjoy your Tuesday. Glee tonight!! Plus I get to catch up on Hawaii Five-O since it's on so late on Mondays. I'll be back tomorrow with another Lil' Lolita Boutique Challenge!

Materials (all CTMH)

Stamps: Captured Moments, Thriller SOTM, Friendship small alpha, Say it in Style, For All Occasions

Paper: Hooligans L2pp, Black and White Daisy cs

Other: Inks, brads, Glitz, Liquid Glass, clear button, Opaques pearls, Hooligans felties. MS glitter