Craft Royalty Creations

WHAT??! I'm back?!

2012-01-22T09:12:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Just popping in to say that I'm FINALLY going to get back into the swing of blogging!

I had quite the creative craft mojo slump after my Grandfather passed away this last June. He was a real important man in my life growing up in a single parent home. Makes me teary-eyed just now thinking about him. The whole family has been adjusting well. Grandma of course has had the toughest time, but she's really persevering and trying her best to move on. His death has really brought our whole family closer than before. Here are some pictures I wanted to share...

Here's one of me when I was around a year old with my grandpa. This is one of my favorite pictures. Love the slight smirk on Grandpa's face.

This one is of Grandpa and Grandma when we went to our favorite campground about a month before her passed. We went back after his service to spread some of his ashes down the river there. It's what he wanted since the campground was such a big part of our lives and memories. Its was such a touching moment for all of us. (do you notice his hat? Haha! Typical Grandpa!)

My other issue with blogging was my laptop. I think it's finally dying. :( I got an new-ish desktop from my Grandma's friend and have finally found a place to set it up and convert it to wireless, so I'm good to go now! To bad you can't work blogger with an iPad. You can format ad stuff, but you can't upload pictures. Now to try and save the pictures and files off my laptop before it truly dies!

Over the holiday season and these last couple weeks, I really got my craft mojo back and can't wait to share with you all what I've made! So excited! I hope you will embrace me back into your blog circle with open arms. I really miss everyone!

Hugs,

~Jenn

Greeting Farm combo

2011-06-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone! Back today with a card I made for two TGF challenges. The first one is from the WOW challenge which is a sketch challenge, and the second is the FFF challenge which is to create a patriotic card.

I've had this Cheeky for quite awhile, since I won one of the TGF challenges a long time ago, and I chose her specifically to make a card for my brother who is in the Army. Well, I'm just now getting around to using her! Not that I haven't sent my brother cards, 'cause I have. Even though she's supposed to be a sailor, I colored her in Army colors. July 10th is his birthday and I thought this would be a great card to make for him. Hope he likes it!

Materials
Stamps: TGF Cheeky Sailor, Verve-American Hero
Paper: Crate Paper Portrait dp, CTMH cs, PTI kraft
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, CTMH ink and ribbon, Memento ink, Coluzzle

SCRS catch up

2011-06-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone!

Well, my little (and I mean little) roll I was on as far as posting goes didn't last very long. Sorry. Life caught up with me. Six-day work weeks and my BFF's baby shower I had to plan left little time for creating.

My one creation, other than the card today, are the two huge garden beds of veggies my Mom and I planted about two weeks ago! I'm so excited to actually be sustainable and grow our own food. I wanted to learn how to can, so we planted lots of roma tomatoes, green beans, and beets. I love pickled beets!

So anyways, onto the card today..... I had time last night to make this card for the last Sparkle Creations challenge which was a sponsor sketch, but Blogger didn't like me so I couldn't post it last night in time for the challenge deadline. :( Oh well. Blogger likes me today though!

I decided since I missed the previous week's challenge, which was an easel card, that I'd make my first ever one! Plus....Sparkle told me they weren't that hard after I whined that I'd never made one before. And what do ya know?! they are easy!

Hope to be back tomorrow with a Greeting Farm card. Enjoy your Monday. It's my one day off here, and it's SUNNY!!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Crusin' Chloe, PTI Button Bits (sentiment)
Paper: BG Wander dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, stitching, Memento ink, CTMH ink, buttons, EK punch

peacock

2011-06-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

Look at me, I'm on a roll with the posts!! Back today with another card I made using the card bases I stacked up at Nona's. I decided to play with this beautiful peacock stamp from CTMH. I love the soft look of this stamp. To get the two tones, I used the "rock & roll" technique with two contrasting colors to help the image stand out. I also used a shimmer mist and pearls to to add to the pretty. You can see a close up of it below.

Materials: All CTMH. felicity pp, Circle of Life ss, Thoughtful Sentiments ss, Barn Red ink, Sorbet ink, Chocolate ink, pearls. Shimmer mist.

June Card Class cards

2011-06-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Hiya all! Back today with the cards from my last card class. This month's focus was Father's Day and masculine cards. I know we all need more masculine cards at the ready! We used Close To My Heart's "Lucky" paper pack and this awesome vintage set also from CTMH. I absolutely love the bicycle! Everyone had fun doing some good old fashioned wet embossing. In fact, they loved it so much that they wanted to emboss the clock on the other card! The embossed bicycle is the one I gave my dad. He got all mushy when he called to thank me. ;)

Enjoy your Monday. I'm meeting up with my good friend Josie and we're going out to Dim Sum for lunch with some of her chef friends from the restaurant she works at. Yummy!!

Materials: All CTMH. Lucky L2 pp, Your Life ss, Say It In Style ss, Olive ink, Outdoor Denim ink, Chocolate ink, Sunset ink, Goldrush ink, Desert Sand ink, cocoa ribbon, hemp, badge buttons. AC buttons

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all your fathers today! This card is actually the card I sent my Uncle Doug. This was one of the card bases I made with the Felicity paper I was using up while hanging out with Nona and Sparkle last month. The Fleur de lis makes great masculine cards. When I went over to my Aunt and Uncle's place yesterday for a family Father's Day celebration, my Aunt just gushed over the card I sent. I love seeing the joy on peoples' faces when they get one of my cards!

Hope you all enjoy this day with all the men you love! My sister is coming over with her family to my parent's house for Papa's Day. I'll be back tomorrow with some more stuff to share.

Materials: All CTMH. Felicity pp, You & Me ss, Say It In Style ss, Cocoa ink, Indian Corn Blue ink, hemp, buttons. EK punch

Bellarific Friday-Summertime!

2011-06-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome back everyone!

I'm back today with a card for today's Bellarific Friday challenge which is to make anything that make you think of summer. Bright colors and flowers make me think of summertime. I even used my cute blossom CB folder and made another handmade flower to keep the flowers comin! Miss Tatiana Ketto suited the overall feel of my card today with her flower and funky outfit. I also used this month's SFYTT.

P.S. Please ignore my INCREDIBLY crooked stitching! Rounding corners still make me a nervous stitcher. Not my finest moment for sure! Lol!

Materials
Stamps: Ketto-Stamping Bella, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: BG Green at Heart dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, EK punches, PTI button, Memento ink, CTMH ink, ribbon, stitching

Mystery Monday post

2011-06-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Here with another sporadic post! Lol!

I decided to partake in this week's Mystery Monday challenge over on the Farm Fresh Challenge blog. This time we're CASE'ing Kim Dellow's beautiful card that you can see here. I used the same layout and cut out Cupcake Anya just like she did with the fairy. Tried making felt flowers again to mirror the handmade flowers from the inspiration card.

Can you say bright yellow?! This neon yellow from the BG Luscious line is crazy! I liked pairing it with the pink and red. So fresh and cheery!

Materials
Stamps: TGF Cupcake Anya, sentiment is A Muse, CTMH You & Me
Paper: BG Hello Luscious dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Stickles, felt, rhinstones, stitching, CTMH ink, Memento ink, EK punch

Dream

2011-06-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

Here's another finished card I made while hanging with my girls. Nice and simple. I forgot how much faster solid stamping is! I used my kraft knife to alter my CTMH acrylic stamp by cutting out the "time to..." sentiment out of this cool label shape. Left the embellishments off since the dp was kinda busy and that helped the stamped flower stand out better.

Card class tonight. Making some Father's Day cards with the CTMH Lucky paper pack. I hope my class doesn't mind that I'll have Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final on while class is going! Can't miss my Canucks rebound from that ugly loss on Monday. Hope Boston enjoyed all their goals then, since that is all they're gonna get the rest of the series. Now Vancouver can win it at home!

Materials: All CTMH. You & Me ss, Felicity pp, cocoa ink, Barn Red ink, Goldrush ink, Sorbet ink, Hollyhock ink, foam tape.

Just sitting here

2011-06-07T06:15:00.000-07:00

....literally. I'm still sick, and I'm just sitting around in my PJs, drinking tea while I set up this post. I hate being sick. Especially since we've finally have had a streak of good weather. Ugh! Oh well, that's life. I tried making some cards today, but only felt like stamping out some Bella images to color later. That, and get hooked on Dexter via Netflix. Anyone have seasons 3-5 they want to share with me?!

So today I'm sharing one of the cards I made while hanging out with my crafty gals, Nona and Sparkle, a couple weeks ago. I brought some paper I wanted to use up and just cranked out a bunch of card bases and a few finished cards. This is one of the ones I actually finished and I love pairing this bird with the sentiment.

Materials: All CTMH. A Tweet ss, Card Chatter-Sympathy ss, Felicity pp, Barn Red ink, Cocoa ink, Sorbet ink, Dessert Sand ink

Combo Card

2011-06-04T06:19:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! Sorry I've been so random with my posts lately. My big stack of colored images have just been staring at me for about a week, but I just haven't had the mojo to make anything. That, and I came down with a good 'ol cold. :P

So my card today uses Cafe Lucy which is one of Sparkle's images I've been dying to use! I love this image! The color combo is from the SCRSC #45, and I also made it for the Ribbon Carousel Challenge #5 where anything goes as long as it contains some kind of ribbon/twine/etc.

Hope you all are hiving a great weekend! It's actually supposed to be in the mid 70's and sunny all weekend! Yippee! Hopefully I will feel well enough to enjoy some of it.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Cafe Lucy, sentiment is A Muse
Paper: BG Hello Lucious dp, Memory Box cs, CTMH cs, black notebook paper
Other: Copics, foam tape, Memento ink, CTMH ink and hemp, BG brad, Prima flower, EK punch

May SFYTT

2011-05-31T17:41:00.000-07:00

**UGH! I set this post for 6 "pm" instead of "am"! GRR!**

Hello all! Hope you had a lovely holiday weekend. I also hope that you remembered the significance of Memorial Day and reflected on those who help protect our country so that we are allowed the joys of barbecue weekends. Sad to say, but 6,018 soldiers have lost there lives since we started combat in Afghanistan and Iraq in 2001. I thank them so much for their sacrifice so that I may sleep soundly, and I'm thankful for my brother who has already served three tours to the Middle East and has returned safely each time.

So now that my serious speech is over, onto the fun! Can you say "last minute"?! Only posting my card for the May SFYTT on the LAST possible day! Eek! I like living on the edge. ;) Isn't this Ruby image so cute?! It's another from Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps, and as you've learned from me, anything mirroring the Seattle lifestyle I always have to get it! It was another image that I paper pieced. I also tried making my own felt flower. I've been seeing them in blogland, and decided to try it out. You Tube has been my friend, and I'm going to try a couple more techniques with them.

**Update**So I guess I DID jinx the weather! It was overcast all day Sunday, but the sun made it's appearance on Monday. And the new router I bought to hopefully fix my wifi vs. iPad issue totally worked!! Yippee! Even made my laptop faster! :D

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Rainy Day Ruby with sentiment
Paper: BG Hello Lucious dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, CTMH ink, Memento ink, Nestie dies, felt, pearl, EK corner rounder, Stickles

Sweet Wishes

2011-05-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! Hope you are all having a great holiday weekend and that it's sunny where you are! Miracle of miracles!...it was nice weather here yesterday, and today and tomorrow are supposed to be sunny too! That NEVER happens in Seattle. If it's a holiday, especially one that outdoor plans are usually the norm, it ALWAYS rains! Hope I don't jinx it by blogging about it!

So anyways, onto card. This is one of my favorites I've made of late. It's so clean and cute! I'm digging Sweet Treats Emily! Her baking outfit is adorable, and yes, I'll take some cookies! Her outfit was easy to paper piece. I used my multi-liner and a ruler to make the boarder around the edges and free handed around the Nesty die. I made this card for 365 Cards Monday prompt challenge which called for ruffles. I also played along with the new Ribbon Carousel challenge which was an inspirational challenge. I went with using some of the fun colors from the picture.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I'll be having some family time up at our favorite place to go camping, and then a big BBQ on Monday.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Sweet Treats Emily, sentiment is A muse
Paper: BG Hello Licious dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, AC ribbon, Stickles, Memento ink, rhinestones, Nestie die

SCRSC #44 sponsoring 365 Cards

2011-05-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Sorry to be gone so long. My laptop is giving me issues and I haven't upgraded my wireless router to be able to use my iPad at home. (at Starbucks to use theirs!). So today I'm sharing the adorable Chef Oliver from Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps. I bought this stamp specifically to make a card for my good friend Josie who is a chef at the Seattle Art Museum's restaurant, Taste. She often complains that every female chef artwork depicts the woman as fat. (maybe Aki can design me a special one for Sparks to produce?!!). Well, Oliver is definitely NOT a girl, but I think he'll still put a smile on her face!

The challenge over at Sparkle Creations is in collaboration with 365 Cards' Tuesday prompt which is to use hats. Chef hat works! And how appropriate is BG dp?! So go check out both blogs and join in on all the fun! You can possibly win some of Sparkle's stamps!

Well, all of my shows have had their season finales. *sad*. But, my hockey team is going to the Stanley Cup finals!!!! Way to go Vancouver Canucks!!!! I really, really wish I got my passport so I could drive up to BC for a game! Dang! But I'll still cheer loud enough for them to hear me!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Chef Oliver with sentiment
Paper: BG Offbeat dp, PTI kraft and cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, PTI buttons, Memento ink, CTMH ink and hemp, CB folder, stitching, EK punch

Vanishing post

2011-05-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

So, I posted this card last Saturday, and then it seemed to vanish. :( I don't know how that happened....well I might. I think I forgot to set the date of the post before I published it so it posted the wrong day and then when I went to fix it, it just disappeared. Oh well.

Now it's back! This is the card I made for my brother, Jeremie, to give to his Australian Army friend who married an US Army lady last Saturday. Jeremie said it was one of the best weddings he's ever been to (or seen on TV! haha!) He wanted a special, custom card made by his sister *aww* and asked that it include both the American flag and the Australian flag. Larger feat in my mind than it actually was when I set down and drew it out with my Copic multiliner. I think it turned out great! I like how is elegant without being too frilly.

I can't believe all my shows are done for the summer! All but Glee and House that is. Five-0... awesome, Survivor... a bit predictable, CSI...nail-bitting, Bones...sad but happy. Ho, hum, what am I to watch now? Hopefully Hell's Kitchen starts up again.

Materials
Stamps: CTMH Wings and Affection, BG mini set
Paper: CTMH cs, pearlized paper
Other: Copics, foam tape, pearls, ribbon, CB folder, CTMH ink, Stazon ink

Bellariffic Friday--sketch time!

2011-05-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! I'm back today with another Bellariffic Friday card. This week's challenge was a sketch challenge, and what do ya know?....the sketch was PERFECT for the Rain-never-stopped-me-aBella that I told you I had ready to go. Yay!! I altered the sentiment that came with her to suit my feel of the card. I also added my own "rain" with Liquid Glass:

And speaking of rain.....we finally don't have any!! Yippee!! It's actually been sunny ALL week long and finally warming up to the low 70's. Sun is definately good for the soul! Hope you are all enjoying some sunshine too where you live, and have a fabby weekend!

Materials

Stamps: Stamping Bella Rain-never-stopped-me-aBella

Paper: BG Green at Heart dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs

Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, Memento ink, CTMH inks, Liquid Glass, and hemp, skittles, corner rounder

Sparkle Creations Challenge #43

2011-05-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone! I'm back today with a card for this week's Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #43 which is "May flowers". Well here in the Seattle area, April showers just brought more showers in May! A few flowers have sprung up, but they, like all of us, are confused with the cold and rainy weather. But there's hope! It's supposed to reach 70 degrees this weekend!

So anyways, I got side tracked...Daffodil Charlotte is an easy choice when it comes to flowers on a card. Plus I got to use some more of the cute mini daffodils! Love them! This card was quickly sold to a co-worker who bought it to give to her friend's mom who is a huge gardener. Love it when they sell as fast as I make them!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Daffodil Charlotte
Paper: BG Hello Lucious dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, Memento ink, CTMH ribbon, CB folder, rhinestones

Happy Birthday Aunt Cheryl!

2011-05-17T06:49:00.000-07:00

Today is my Aunt Cheryl's birthday! She is a very special woman near and dear to my heart. Hands down the nicest person you'll ever meet. As you recall from one of my Mother's Day posts here, my Aunt is an avid gardener, so I try to include flowers on all the cards I make her. Charlotte with her rose was a great choice for her card. I also used Sketch Saturday #152 for the layout.

So what'd you all think about Boston Rob winning Survivor? He's always been a favorite player of mine, and I enjoyed all his frank comments. I think I'm more happy I don't have to see or listen to Phillip anymore! And how about Hawaii 5-0 last night?! That's the one thing about season finales that drive me nuts...the wait to see what will happen! I hope to catch up on CSI tonight.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Charlotte w/rose, sentiment is PTI
Paper: BG Hello Lucious dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, PTI ribbon and buttons, Kiaser Crafts pearls, stitching

Bellariffic bean

2011-05-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings! I'm back today with a card for this week's Bellariffic Challenge which was an easy one for me: Use kraft! Since I use it on just about every card I make, this was a no-brainer! Latte Bella is still my favorite Bella, but I have yet to make a card with my new Rain-Never-Stopped-Me-a-Bella. I have her in my big stack of already colored images just waiting for me to make her into a card. I also used Sweet Sunday Sketch #115 for this, and modified it just a bit.

Hope you all enjoy your Friday. I'm going to my BFF Katie's house today. Our other BFF, Sara is coming too and she's bringing her 6 month old daughter and her 3 year old nephew to play with Katie's son Tyler in his new bouncy house! This should be a fun, yet tiring evening! We're also getting details lined up for Katie's next baby shower since she's already 7 months with baby #2!

Materials
Stamps: Stamping Bella Latte Bella, sentiment is A Muse
Paper: BG Hello Lucious dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Coluzzle, Memento ink, CTMH ink, Prima flower, BG brad, rhinestones

Another Mom's Day card

2011-05-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

This was another paper pieced Charlotte card I made. The Shop bought this one to resell, hopefully it found ae great new home and brightened someone's day! Can you tell that Charlotte is my favorite one to paper piece? I think she pairs really nicely with this particular Basic Grey paper.

Enjoy your Tuesday. Nothing special for me going on today, FINALLY!! Just a much needed day of relaxation! ....and maybe some housework.....maybe. ;)

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Charlotte with Rose, sentiment is A Muse
Paper: BG Kioshi dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, memento ink, CTMH ink and button, Nestie die, EK punches, rhinestones, Prima flowers

Party Emily

2011-05-09T06:58:00.001-07:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! Boy, do I wish it was my hump day! This week at work has already been one disaster after another, and it's only my Tuesday. Ugh! "Nothing but uphill from here" to quote from the Due Date movie. That is a funny movie, you should check it out.

So anyways, today's card isn't for any challenge or for a special occasion. I just wanted to play with my new favorite Basic Grey paper again and I thought Emily would be a fun choice with all the bright colors.

I've been super busy lately, and I finally had a chance to catch up on some of my shows. All caught up except Hawaii 5-0. Too busy again today to watch it, but when I do, I'll have to watch Survivor online too. Hopefully I don't hear who gets voted off before I watch it! Can't believe the season's final episode is this Sunday already.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Cocktail Emily, CTMH Say it in Style
Paper: BG Hello Luscious dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, Memento ink, CTMH ink, rhinstones, ribbon, Prima flower, stitching

Grandmothers day

2011-05-09T06:58:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Hope you had a terrific Mother's Day yesterday! My day was quite busy and exhausting, but at the end of the day I was able to relax for a bit and ready all my blog posts for the week. My Brother bought me an iPad with his Sargent's bonus and brought it with him cross-country when he came home last month. This thing is loads of fun! The only catch is that it's WiFi, and my router is sooooo old that I haven't been able to use it at home. Works great on my work's WiFi though! Just need to find a new router at a decent price, and soon!

Now on to the card....I made this one for my Grandma for Mother's Day. I just love paper piecing Charlotte's outfit. That much less to color! Lol! Tomorrow's card is pretty similar to this one. I think Charlotte makes beautiful Mother's Day cards.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Charlotte with Rose, sentiment is A Muse
Paper: BG Kioshi dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Memento ink, CTMH ink, Stickles, EK punch, stitching

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Long time no blog, yeah? Believe me though, I have LOADS of images colored and ready to go, as well as some cards to share. Yay!

Today's card is my Mother's Day card I'm giving to my Aunt Cheryl. She's a fantastic gardener and is a plant expert at Molbak's Nursery, so Daffodil Charlotte was the perfect choice. I couldn't wait to get my SCRS order from Sparkle when we met up with Nona for a craft night together! I bought these mini silk daffodils just to pair with this image. I used this week's SCRSC sketch.

I hope you all have a great day planned with your loved ones. Mine's packed with an early shift at work, then late breakfast with my parents, grandparents, and uncle (Aunt Cheryl has to work), then off to do a six hour shift at a rest-stop to help raise money for the Shriner's Hospital! Whew! I'm going to be a tired puppy! Good thing I have the next day off so that I can take Mom to her favorite shopping place--Goodwill! We have tons of fun hunting for treasures.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Daffodil Charlotte, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: BG Offbeat dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, CTMH ink, Memento ink, rhinestones, silk daffodil

Tickled Pink Challenge #16

2011-04-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I'm back today with a Tickled Pink Challenge card. It's been a LONG time since I've used my poor, neglected Lolitas! So for today, I decided to pair up 20's Evie with my BG Curio dp. I thought they were a perfect match with the vintage feel of both. It also plays into the TPS theme of "spring" with the flowery dp and MM layered flower. I also used an OLD Mercy sketch for my layout. Oh how I miss Mercy's sketches!

Materials
Stamps: TPS 20's Evie digi, PTI Birthday Button Bits
Paper: BG Curio dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, CB folder, EK punch, Coluzzle, MM flowers, PTI button, CTMH ink, Robin's Nest pebbles

FFF--Digital Get Down

2011-04-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

First off.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!

Hope you all had a great weekend and fabulous holiday! My weekend was very busy with work and time with friends(see more below).

My card today is for this week's Farm Fresh Friday which calls for using a digi image. I miss being a part of the TGF Critter Crew, so I used one of my favorite Marina images: Robbie the Seal. He makes me smile how happy he looks balancing all those delicious cupcakes! And speaking of things that are over, this is the VERY last of my Nook & Pantry dp. So last that I actually used the front cover of the paper pad for this!

My favorite local band, Cody Beebe and the Crooks were back home after a touring for their debut album. It was so awesome to see them again Saturday night for a huge show at the famous Crocodile Cafe. They're such a great bunch of guys that are very down to earth. Their sound is a blend of rock, blues, folk, and jazz. We're all excited for where they're headed! Check them out on iTunes and at their website!

Materials

Stamps: TGF Robbie the Seal digi, PTI Postmark

Paper: BG Nook & Pantry dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs

Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie, Coluzzle, CTMH ink, hemp, and Splendor fabric brad, PTI buttons, Stickles

Bellariffic Friday

2011-04-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

Another Friday, and another Bellariffic Challenge. This time Emily was gracious and left the challenge open to use/do anything! Yippee! My favorite kind of challenge! This is my favorite Bella image, especially living in the Seattle area. I played with my new PTI flower die and some felt to make the fun embellishment. I also used Sweet Sunday Sketch #112.

Girls night out tonight! So glad to get in some good chatting and food!

Materials Stamps: Latte Bella-Stamping Bella, A Muse sentiment
Paper: BG Curio dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, PTI buttons and felt, Nestie die, Memento ink, CTMH ink, EK corner punch

Thinking of you Ruby

2011-04-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I must say, I'm so glad I found my Mojo again! It's nice to be back in the blogging world and seeing all the amazing creations out there and absorbing tons of inspiration!

My card today is for this week's Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #39 which asks you to include a handmade embellishment. I used my Nestie scalloped circles to create this layered flower out of my scraps. It kinda makes the card look a bit too busy, especially since I paper pieced Ruby's skirt. Noticed how I altered the stamp image too and cut off Ruby's rolling suitcase. Now it just looks like she's "thinking of you"!

Bones tonight! Can't believe there's only a couple episodes left already. :(

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Suitcase Ruby, CTMH Fringed Phrases and Intrinsic Backgrounds
Paper: BG Hello Luscious dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie dies, BG brad, CTMH inks, CB folder, Memento ink, EK border punch

One less Gorjuss

2011-04-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

Materials Stamps: Gorjuss Girl Paper: BG Curio dp, PTI kraft Other: Copic, foam tape, EK punch, PTI ribbon and button, CTMH hemp, Nestie die, CB folder This card makes me happy and sad at the same time. Happy because it's so pretty, and sad because this is one less Gorjuss Girl I have in my stash. So if anyone's looking for an idea for a birthday/Christmas gift for me.....Lol! My Brother Jeremie is currently in San Francisco visiting our Great Uncle Carl and showing Alex the bridge and the delicious seafood this area has to offer. Next stop is LA to pick up their friend from Australia and take in the sights for a few days.

SCRSC #38

2011-04-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

Materials

Stamps: SCRS Traveling Josh, PTI Everyday Button Bits

Paper: BG Wander dp and kraft basics, CTMH cs

Other: Copics, CTMH ink, brads and hemp, Memento ink, EK punch

Well, I intended to post this yesterday to submit it into the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #38, but my computer was giving me grief. Sometimes I just want to hurl it out the window! Last week's SCRSC was a sketch challenge, which was good since I had this Josh image colored up and ready to go.

My younger brother was here for two weeks on leave from the Army. He recently returned to his base in Fort Campbell KY from his second tour in Afghanistan. For the first week, we did a lot of family stuff together and just spent some quality time. The second week, his Army buddy Alex flew in. Alex has never been west of Fort Campbell, so this was a fun time to show fim all the sites of the Northwest. Here's the family when we went to the Chateau St. Michelle Winery.

Here's the boys when we took an impromptu ferry trip from Mukilteo:

They both exhausted me doing so many things, but it was a lot of fun and I miss them already. They left Friday morning to travel down the west coast. First stop is Portland OR to spend some time with our Cousin Lacey, then down highway 101 to see Tillamook (he LOVES their cheese) and then down to California to see the Redwoods and LA/Hollywood (where they pic up a buddy from the Australian Army), San Fran, then on to VEGAS! I know they'll have a great time.

Happy Birthday Sparkle!!

2011-04-05T00:06:00.000-07:00

There's a very special friend out here in Blogland who is celebrating her birthday today! My dear friend Sparkle!! Stop on by her blog and give her a birthday wish.

This is the card I made for Sparkle. Classic me....it's going in the mail this morning. Ugh! At least she gets to extend her birthday cheer right?! Now in honor of Sparkle being on the NEW Farm Fresh Challenge DT, I decided to create a card with a TGF image and play along with this week's challenge. My "new" is the BG Hello Luscious paper and some lovely AC ribbon. I also used April's SFYTT.

Don't forget to swing by Sparkle's blog and send her birthday wishes, and also check out her awesome creations!

Materials

Stamps: TGF Flutter Creeper digi, CTMH Fringed Phrases

Paper: BG Hello Luscious dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs

Other: Copics, foam tape, CTMH ink and "Sparkles" (hee hee!), AC ribbon, CB folder

Bellariffic Friday

2011-04-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! Back today with a few cards for the Bellariffic Friday challenge which is polka dots. Easy enough. I bought these adorable pixies from Stamping Bella a couple months ago when they first came out. They were just too stinkin cute to pass up! I *love* how they worked so easily to put together this quick card set. I made four of each pixie and used up some more of that darn Nook & Pantry still hanging around. I even paper pieced their dresses to use up more! Have a great weekend! I'm hoping to go down to Fremont to check out the "Hop Scotch". It's an annual scotch and beer festival. Not a fan of scotch, but I likey beer! Materials Stamps: Stamping Bella Pixies set A, sentiments are A Muse Paper: BG nook & Pantry dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs Other: Copics, CB folder, PTI buttons, CTMH ink and hemp, Memento ink

Back for a birthday wish

2011-03-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

Wow! Almost a MONTH since my last post! Can you tell I've been in a major creative slump? Just lost my passion for a bit, but I'm back finally! It will be a gradual pace back into the swing for now. (need to catch up on coloring!) Nothing like a big PTI order to jive the Mojo again! So this lovely Flirty Anya card is for my good friend Josie. It's her "27"th birthday today! Haha! I know that's how she feels on the inside, and she's just as fun and sassy as Anya is here. We're meeting up at Grinders for food and adult beverages. Hope she likes her gift I got her. Most of the time she likes my cards more! Lol! I used this month's SFYTT for the layout. Materials Stamps: TGF Flirty Anya Paper: BG Curio, PTI kraft, CTMH cs Other: Copics, foam tape, PTI ribbon, Kaiser Craft pearls, Prima flowers, Nestie die, Memento ink

Me-eeow!

2011-03-01T06:50:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to share this card for awhile, but other posts kept cutting in. This is another "custom-kitty" card I made for a customer at The Sweet Spot. When she asked if I had some kitty images, I was like "um, yeah. just a 'few'". Lol! Being a proud mom to my own fur-baby, my adorable tuxedo cat named Simon, cat images are always an easy purchase for me!

Enjoy your Tuesday. Second day back after my two-week vacation. Boy! did my body ever yell at me after my first day back! I forget how physical my job is sometimes. It was nice to know everyone missed me, but it was the break I needed for sure!

Materials
Stamps: TGF Purr-fect set (retired)
Paper: CC Material Girl dp, PTI kraft and cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Memento ink, CTMH ink, ricrac, and buttons, CB folder, Nestie Label die, EK corner punch

Freckle face SFYTT

2011-02-27T06:10:00.000-08:00

Hee hee! Isn't this Puddle Jumper image cute? I just had to add freckles to her face (might've added too many, but oh well). I also modified Lucy by trimming off her handbag. I colored it up, but ended up not liking the color combo.

I'm cutting it close to the February SFYTT deadline! Yikes! But at least I did it! Use my new CB folder I bought from a friend and another of the felt flowers I made. Fun, fun! Kinda goes with the Material Girl dp feel. Oh yeah, AND I used my new EK border punch. It's one of those punch/emboss ones, not that you can tell with this dp.

Materials
Stamps: Puddle Jumpers Lucy, CTMH Thoughtful Seasons
Paper: CC Material Girl dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, EK punches, CB folder, Memento ink, CTMH ink and hemp, felt, Nestie die

Double the challenge, double the fun!

2011-02-26T06:40:00.000-08:00

Back today with my card for this week's challenge over at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps. The challenge is "Boy's Rule". SCRS is also sponsoring this week's CPS sketch. Twice the chance to win! I'm in for sure!

I've had this Traveling Josh image colored for quite awhile, so this was the perfect opportunity to use him. I had a little bit better luck making straight lines with my sewing machine this time! Haha!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Traveling Josh, MM sentiment
Paper: BG Wander dp, PTI kraft and cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Coluzzle, Memento ink, CTMH ink, stitching

Bellariffic and some CU pics

2011-02-25T06:15:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Long time no post, eh? I'm finally up to speed after recovering from my AWESOME time at Creative University! Even better than last year. I don't know how Tresa does it, but she's amazing! Can't wait til next year!

Materials

Stamps: Stamping Bella "SellaBella"

Paper: BG Curio dp, PTI kraft and cs, CTMH black cs

Other: Copics, foam tape, Memento ink, CTMH hemp and paper piercer, misc. button, EK punch, scrap lace.

Today's card is for the Bellariffic Friday challenge which asked for you to use a stamp you haven't inked up yet. Well, that was easy since I received my latest Bella order about a week before CU. I colored this image up while at CU, along with quite a few others I hope to share soon. I also used Sweet Sunday sketch #104 for the layout.

Now onto sharing some pics from CU!

First off....the CU Class of 2011 photo! Almost 60 ladies enjoying a crafty weekend! And our fearless leader, Tresa Black, front and center.

Me and my girl, Kendra. I met her at my first CU last year (her 3rd) and we totally hit it off. To bad we live on opposite sides of the state. :( But CU is our once a year treat to catch up. Photo courtesy of Chrissy Dunham

Some of the "twinchie" artwork created by all the attendees. Aren't they just amazing?! You can see part of mine in the top left corner. The naked lady! Haha! It was an old metal charm I'd been hanging onto forever and it finally found the perfect home. Photo courtesy of Chrissy Dunham

These Ladies are soooo fun! I've been "table mates" with them for both years (where we share the same craft room with our craft tables) and they are all a hoot! I'm so grateful to know these beautiful women. Thanks Chrissy for the photo!

And look at our gorgeous backdrop! Beautiful Lake Coure d'Alene. This time we had snow the second night and woke up to this wintry sight. Photo courtesy of Nichole Lewno.

Ahh! Stow-away!! (with a scary, glowing eye!) Good 'ol curious kitty, Simon, had to check out my bag when I got home. Trust me, it was empty since I barely fit all my CU goodies back in to take home!

Well, that's a little bit of my CU experience. Hope to share some of the super cool artwork we made in our classes soon!

Scooter Chloe

2011-02-20T06:39:00.000-08:00

Sharing another SCRS card today. I saved this portion of my BG Wander paper specifically to use this Scooter Chloe image with it. Can you see? "Scooter Rental"! Haha! Couldn't resist.

Used my black thread again, and yet again, it got a little crazy. I tried to do a simple zigzag stitch in the corner, but the thread broke just as I started and still made the holes in my paper. Since I couldn't line it up perfectly stitch in the same holes, I just went back and forth a few times to make it messy looking. Whatever! It's fine. ;)

Last day of CU. :( It's been a blast. Can't wait to do it all again next year! Hope to have some pics to share soon.

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Scooter Chloe, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: BG Wander dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie, Mement ink, CTMH ink, rhinestones, stitching

Let's Hang Out-SSSC #104

2011-02-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

It's me again! Still at CU having a blast! But I posted ahead for todayto share a fun little card I made using this week's Sweet Sunday sketch. This is one of my favorite Unity images and I knew it would be perfect for this sketch. Good way to use up some more of my Material Girl dp too. For some reason, I have this aversion to using it. Just never feel like it works with what I want to make. But this time it worked great!

I made these fun felt flowers too with some scrap felt I found at Goodwill and my Nestie dies. Easy-peasy! I made a bunch of them while I was watching the Grammys. Always have to be productive while I watch TV!

Materials
Stamps: Unity KOTM
Paper: CC Material Girl dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, CMTH ink and hemp, Memento ink, EK punch, felt, Nestie, misc. button, pebbles

Bellariffic Friday

2011-02-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

Good morning all. Day two of Creative University! So much crafty fun to be had. You definately should look into joining us next year!

I'm back today to share my card I made for the Bellariffic Friday challenge. This week was a sketch challenge. Even though I have a stack of new Bellas I bought recently, this poor PregaBella has been waiting in my colored pile for a long time. Somehow I'm always in need of a pregnancy card....must be something in the water (good thing I purify mine! Lol!) I love purple and orange together; looks so happy and bright.

Materials

Stamps: Stamping Bella-PregaBella, CTMH Fringed Phrases

Paper: BG Green at Heart dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs

Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie, Coluzzle, Prima, AC button, Memento ink, CTMH ink, rhinestones, stitching

Creative University class project

2011-02-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I'm off to CU this morning!! I've been waiting for this weekend FOREVER! This is my second time to CU, and this time I'm going to be teaching a short creative class! Tresa has always loved my cards, and asked me if I would mind teaching a small 30 minute class (4 times) to share some of my craftiness. But of course!

I came up with this fun card that has a corner bookmark attached to it. Great way to send a card AND a gift to someone! Looks great together, and separately too. Here's some more pics...

This is the card on it's own

And the bookmark on it's own. Not too much bulk here so it doesn't hurt your books.

And then the two together.

Have a fabby weekend! I know I will!

Materials. All CTMH. Mayberry WOTG paper and stamp set, paper piercer, embossing stylus, Glitz, cocoa ribbon, Honey ink, Olive ink, Cocoa ink, and Smoothie ink. Other: EK punches

Street Corner Josh-SCRSC #30

2011-02-16T05:55:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone! Here today with a card for the Sparkle Creations challenge which calls for some paper peicing.

Now, I've had this Josh image colored up for some time and really wanted to use him, but what part to paper piece.......It didn't feel right to piece any of his clothing, especially with the city-themed BG paper I was using. *lightbulb*! There was this little scrap left from this dp chilling on my craft table, and on it was all these little tiny street signs that were perfect for piecing into Josh's street signs! Tah-dah!

I finally bought some new bobbins so I can thread some more sewing colors. Got a little sloppy with sewing around the main image. Tried to do it all in one try, but kinda lost control towards the bottom! Haha! I'll get better.

Doing my final packing for Creative University today! Can't wait to have a nice and relaxing, crafty weekend with some amazing ladies! Gotta wake up super early to be at Nona's to carpool to the airport. MUCH better that driving 7 hours to Coeur d'Alene!! Here's a view of my scenery the next few days (plus 3 inches of snow!):

Image courtesy of Nichole Lewno

Materials

Stamps: SCRS Street Corner Josh, CTMH Fringed Phrases

Paper: BG Wander dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs

Other: Copics, foam tape, EK punch, Memento ink, CTMH ink and hemp, misc. buttons

Cupcake Cherrie-TPSC#6

2011-02-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone, and happy Valentine's Day!

Sharing a little love with this cute Cupcake Cherrie image from Tickled Pink Stamps. Using up some more of my Eva dp and this ribbon that I'm now addicted to. To stamp on my Big Pink flower, I combined every birthday sentiment from every CTMH set I had and just blocked them together on my acrylic block and stamped away. Pretty easy technique.

This birthday themed card is for this week's Tickled Pink Stamps Challenge #6. I know that the sketch is from some challenge last week, but I can't remember what....one that TPS was sponsoring but I didn't finish this card in time for it.

I hope you all have a fabby Heart Day. I sent out a few Valentines last week to spread some love.

Materials
Stamps: TPS Cupcake Cherrie, CTMH assortment of birthday sentiments from 4 different sets
Paper: BG Eva dp, CTMH cs, PTI kraft.
Other: Copics, foam tape, Stickles, CTMH ink and Big Pink, Memento ink, satin ribbon, CB folder, EK punch, Sakura gel pen

SCRS Challenge #29

2011-02-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

Squeezing this one in in time for the Sparkle Creations Challenge deadline! Yikes! Cutting it close!

I've had this Cupid Emily image colored for over a week now, and I've finally had time to make a card using the sketch challenge. I flipped the sketch to put the band at the bottom since this image is top-heavy. The pink and lime green color combo is one of my all time favorites.

Enjoy your Sunday. I'm off to meet a friend for coffee and to sell him my Valentine Oliver card that I posted here. Then I'm going to cheer on my hockey team at the arena tonight. Go Tips!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Cupid Emily, CTMH Affection
Paper: BG Eva dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, CTMH button, ink and hemp, MS punch, Memento ink, satin ribbon, Stickles

FFF-Sew Easy!

2011-02-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I made this card for last week's Farm Fresh Friday challenge which asks for sewing. I decided to go the simple route and ink up my Simple Stitches set from CTMH. This set is one of my favorite tools for a great faux technique. Harold always makes me smile too. Think he's my favorite Marina character.

Materials
Stamps: TGF Harold digi, CTMH Simple Stitches and Say it in Style
Paper: BG Nook & Pantry dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, CTMH inks, buttons and hemp

Love you, Bella

2011-02-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

This card just came together so easy and beautifully. I love using Topiary Bella for a fun Valentine. Though the Shop passed on buying this one, it was quickly snatched up by one of my friends! I used an old Sweet Sunday sketch for the layout (#79).

My second Card Class is tonight, which means I sacrifice Bones. :( Thank goodness for online episodes!

Materials
Stamps: Stamping Bella-Topiary Bella, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: BG Green at Heart dp, CTMH cs, PTI kraft
Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie, PTI ribbon, EK punch, CTMH button, hemp and inks

Beto love

2011-02-09T07:37:00.000-08:00

This Beto card is another special request kitty card for a customer at the Shop. I always like adding the grass under his feet. He's read to give someone their Valentine flowers!

Materials
Stamps: TGF Beto digi image, CTMH Thoughtful Sentiments
Paper: BG Green at Heart dp, CTMH cs, PTI kraft
Other: Copics, foam tape, EK punches, PTI buttons, CB folder

February Card Class samples

2011-02-08T07:24:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Here today to share samples from my Card Classes this month. And since it's February, I of course I had to use the *NEW* Sweetheart paper from CTMH and the *NEW* "Affection" stamp set. "Love" it!! Haha, get it?! (I know, I'm corny)

All of these samples are CASE'd from the Spring/Summer Idea Book, I just changed the paper and stamps. This first one I cased from the card on page 51. I modified it to a standard A2 card and incorporated the new button brads.

The next one is a take from the scrapbook page that's on page 21. Totally love the new spray pens! Just masked the card base with a circle and sprayed away! So fun!

This last one is my favorite of the three. It's a take on the sample from page 47. Again, I modified the size. The cross-stitch marks are made with a black gel pen I got in the Target $1 bin as a set of three! Always find cool stuff in there!

Enjoy your Tuesday. Happy hour tonight with the girls! And then race home to watch the new Glee episode! :D

Materials: All CTMH. Sweetheart L2pp, Affection ss, button brads, spray pen, cotton candy re-inker, cotton candy ink, black ink, blush ink, tulip ink, ribbon spool.

Other: EK punch, gel pen

URAQT

2011-02-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

Hee hee! "You are a cutie", get it?! I found this cute owl and sentiment set for $1 at Big Lots. Love that place! I put the owl ontop of a branch from my CTMH Aspirations set and stamped some hearts on the branches. Used up some more notebook paper and this Valentine dp. And you want to talk about old?....that heart that's over the sentiment is a Hostess Reward from when I hosted a CTMH party like 8 years ago! Still works like a champ!

Materials
Stamps: Hampton Arts ss, CTMH Aspirations ss, Thoughtful Seasons ss, and rewards set
Paper: PTI kraft, misc. dp, notebook paper, CTMH cs
Other: CTMH inks, Coluzzle, Stickles, foam tape

Lost card

2011-02-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

I forgot I made this one too using that darn Amore paper. I love this Unity quote and it fit perfectly inside the Unity box and hearts. Some more of the pink lace and some Twinkle brads and it was a nice and simple card.

Materials
Stamps: Unity May and April KOTMs
Paper: CTMH Amore dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: CTMH inks and Twinkle brads, CB folder, scrap lace, foam tape, EK punch

XOXO

2011-01-31T07:26:00.000-08:00

Back again today with some more "love"! Haha! I played around some more with the black notebook paper I found at Goodwill. Love how the flourish pops in the White Daisy pigment ink. The heart is from an ancient CTMH set, "You & Me".

I'm going to finally get my haircut today! It's been so overdue! When it's long enough for me to tie in a messy bun, it's WAY too long! Maybe I'll get a pedicure too!

Materials
Stamps: CTMH You & Me ss, Circle of Love ss, Thoughtful Seasons ss
Paper: Misc. dp, black notebook paper, CTMH cs
Other: CTMH inks and bigger brad, Stickles, foam tape, Coluzzle

Speed bump

2011-01-30T14:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I meant to post earlier but chaos happened. My Grandpa was admitted to the hospital Thursday with some prostate cancer complications (the joys of being and old man!). Everything is better now and he was released yesterday. He had to spend his 87th birthday in the hospital! Ack! Mom and I went down everyday after I was off work to go visit.

So here's another Valentine card I made using the LAST of my CTMH Amore paper! Yippee! This paper has definately been hanging out in my scrap closet for TOO long! The shop totally picked this one up to sell. Love this flourish from the "Circle of Love" stamp set. You'll see it again in tomorrow's post.

Materials
All CTMH. Amore L2pp, Soul Mates ss, Circle of Love ss, For All Occasions ss, Blush buttons, hemp, cocoa ink, blush ink, tulip ink.
Other: EK border punch, Liquid Pearls, PTI kraft

Real quick

2011-01-28T07:21:00.000-08:00

Just a quickie post to let you all know I'm still here. Been so busy that all I want to do when I finally get home is veg or sleep.

I made this card on a Valentine card making binge I went on this last weekend. I knew this Unity image would make a great Valentine card! I was also able to use up some ANCIENT CTMH paper. Yay! and the scrap lace added the perfect romantic touch.

Have a great weekend! Hope to post some more tomorrow!

Materials
Stamps: Unity image and sentiment, CTMH Simple Stitches ss
Paper: CTMH Amore dp and cs
Other: CTMH inks, buttons, brads, and pearls. CB folder, scrap lace

January card class samples

2011-01-21T06:52:00.000-08:00

We had fun last week at my monthly card classes. I showcased one of the *NEW* CTMH paper packs, "Wings" with matching stamp set, and the super fab Stamp of the Month set, "Find Your Style" (which is my fav ever!)

This first card they loved, but grumbled when they had to make the fan-fold flower and cut out the butterfly. It was all better once they were made and all put together!
This next card was more simple to give them a "break". I showed them how to use the awesome new spray pens that CTMH came out with. You can fill it with your favorite ink and water solution and create some cool effects!

The last is my personal favorite! Love, love this dress form from the SOTM set! The ribbon bow add the perfect element, and this damask print from the pack is my fav. I sprayed some more ink solution on the background to the image since I chose a more plain section of this paper.

Materials: All CTMH. Wings L2pp, Find Your Style SOTM, Wings stamp set, Opaques pearls, Juniper ink, re-inker and ribbon,. Vineyard Berry, Black, and Sweet Leaf inks, sanding kit, spray pen, button brad

Other: EK border punch

I {heart} this card!

2011-01-20T06:27:00.000-08:00

Did this turn out fabulous or what?!! I started out with this week's Farm Fresh Friday color challenge. The colors are black, turquoise, and a color of your choice. I chose my favorite new CTMH color, Sorbet, which perfectly matched this PTI ribbon and buttons I had.

I have a customer at the Sweet Spot that requested some kitty cards, so I thought using Reeta was perfect. I'm going to create some more using my old Purr-fect TGF set. I also used the Skipping Stones sketch #60. Switched the bottom panel to be behind the image instead of in front. Looked better that way.

Enjoy your Thursday! Bones is back tonight!!! And CSI! Yippee! Love that holiday break is over for all my shows.

Materials
Stamps: TGF Reeta, CTMH Thoughtful Sentiment
Paper: CTMH Lagoon and Smoothie cs, PTI cs, OA checked dp, black note paper
Other: Copics, foam tape, Memento ink, CTMH black button, ink, and waxy flax, PTI button and ribbon, EK border punch, CB folder

More Stella to love

2011-01-15T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hello all! My crazy, busy week is almost over! Then I can get to crafting again! ....after I watch my Seahawks beat the Bears that is!! Have you seen the now famous Marshawn Lynch TD run yet?! Just listen to the crowd (which happened to set off eathquake sensors under the stadium)!

So I bring to you today another Stella card I made last Sunday. Love this image! I thought I'd give her a vintage twist with this Curio paper. This was my least favorite of the dps in the pack, but it made a perfect background for Stella. I used some more scrap lace, and these cute lacey flowers I found at Goodwill to help play off the lace printed in the dp. You can't really see it, but I put burgundy Stickles on her lips.

Hope you all have an awesome weekend! I'll be back Monday with the cards from my card class, after I recover from celebrating my teams' win! (I'm definately an optimist!!)

Materials
Stamps: TGF Stella
Paper: BG Curio, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, CTMH ribbon and pearls, Memento ink, Stickles, scrap lace.

FFF- Mercy's sketch

2011-01-12T20:40:00.001-08:00

Here with a late-night post! I've had little time to be crafty this week. Too much chaos at work, and I have something scheduled EVERY day after work. UGH! But I did have time on Sunday before all the craziness, to make this card for this week's Farm Fresh Friday.

I think I was mostly excited for Mercy's sketch than anything else. I do miss her Tuesday sketches. Little Miss Stella was ready to make another Valentine showing, so I paired her with this fun dp I bought eons ago. I also found this fun black notebook paper at Goodwill. Only 50 cents! Time to stock pile my Valentine cards to take down to the shop for sale!

Enjoy your Thursday. First of two back-to-back card classes tonight. I'll be sharing those cards, and some others, soon.

Materials
Stamps: TGF Stella, CTMH heart
Paper: Misc. dp, black notebook paper by Mead, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Memento ink, CTMH inks and paper piercer, AC buttons, misc. ribbon and scrap lace.

Same, but different

2011-01-08T06:56:00.000-08:00

Good morning!

I'm back today with another card where I used the same paper and sketch as my last post. Cupid Emily lends a totally different, romantic vibe from Oliver's card. The lace and damask CB folder helps with the overall feel.

I knew when I first colored up this image that I wanted to cut her out. It was painstaking, but I love the result. Had to draw the bow's wire back in with my multiliner.

Sparkle just released her latest stamps today, so head on over to the site and check them out! There's a 20% off SALE through the 22nd. The discount code is CELEBRATE. Just click on the banner below:

Enjoy your weekend! I desperately need to finish my cards for my class next week and my sample for my class at Creative University next month. It's the only time I'll have before a jam-packed week!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Cupid Emily, MM sentiment
Paper: BG Curio dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, CB folder, CTMH ink, Memento ink, scrap lace, Stickles

Valentine Oliver

2011-01-06T06:30:00.000-08:00

I'm back!! I finally had some crafty time to play with some new Sparkle Creations stamps. Totally in *love* with the two new Valentine stamps!! This cutie is Valentine Oliver. He looks so dapper in his vest and hat. And a man with flowers AND candy?! HELLO!

I was also able to play with my BG Curio dp that I've had since it first came out but hadn't had time to use yet. I like how it adds a cool vintage look. Some more first-time-uses are this Cuttlebug folder and the flourish stamp that is from my new CTMH "Wings" stamp set.

And what do ya know....I actually made this for TWO challenges! It's been awhile since I've done that! The first one is Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #24 which is "tie it up". I know my "tie" with the hemp is kinda a flimsy entry, but I just couldn't but a big 'ol bow with this image....but some scrap lace snuck in there! The second is the sketch. It's from Jen Del Muro's newly re-vamped SFYTT. It's now a monthly challenge with some cool sponsors! I'm glad Jen decided to keep on with her fabby sketches!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Valentine Oliver, CTMH Wings and Thoughful Seasons ss
Paper: BG Curio dp, PTI kraft, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, CB folder, CTMH hemp and ink, Memento ink, MM button, scrap lace.

What I've been up to....

2011-01-02T06:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! Can't believe it's another new year! New beginnings come along with that, and hopefully more postings from me.

I thought I'd share with you all one of the creations I made for Christmas. I made two of these shadowbox pages for my two girlfriends, Josie and Becky. Becky was recently married last October, and these were her colors: Fuscia, Black, Creme, and Lime Green. Josie is her best friend and her Maid of Honor and I thought it would be cool if they had something to put a special picture from the wedding in.

I used some random dp I had for the background page (isn't it beautiful?!) and CTMH cardstock and buttons for the accent colors. These Primas I've been holding onto forever worked perfect as well as the Thickers and AC rub-ons that have been gathering some dust. They finally found their purpose!

This is a close up of the accents. I combined Primas and CTMH flowers. I used the AC rub-ons on one of the flowers. Black rhinestones made the perfect centers, and Thickers made excellent leaf accents.

Here is a nice shot of the beautiful layers of the dp. Love the metallic sheen that worked great with the Thickers and contributed to the overall elegance.

Hope you all had a spectacular and safe New Year's Eve!

Materials:

Misc. dp, CTMH cs, buttons, and Big Pink flowers, Prima flowers, black rhinestones, MM definitions stickers, Thickers, Nestie die, AC rub-ons

Hostess with the Mostest!!

2010-12-16T22:01:00.000-08:00

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"

2010-12-09T22:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-12-02T22:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-30T17:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-29T14:50:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-25T22:01:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-25T06:49:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-18T22:01:00.000-08:00

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!!

2010-11-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

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'

2010-11-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-11-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

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!!

2010-10-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-25T05:06:00.000-07:00

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"

2010-10-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-20T06:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

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

Release Day at Sparkle's!

2010-10-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

It's release day over at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps! You can finally get your hands on all 6 of the adorable Christmas stamps! I love all of them, but my personal favorite is Rin here with her cute snowman. So fun to color! Just one thing though.....how does she not sink into the snow with those shoes?! ;)

Head on over to SCRS blog for some great DT inspiration and to snag all these cuties! They're showcasing the sixth stamp today, Sledding Chloe, which is my second fav of the release. AND...there's a release day blog hop with PRIZES!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Rin with Snowman, Hampton Art Holiday Circles
Paper: BG Eskimo Kisses dp, A Muse kraft, CTMH Splendor dp, PTI cs
Other: Copics, Memento ink, CTMH ink, paper piercer and glitter brad, Colorbox chalk ink, Stickles

FFF-Scrapbook Challenge!

2010-10-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Welcome to another Farm Fresh Friday! This week we're doing a scrapbook challenge. When I learned I had to do a scrapbook page, I was like "Ugh!". I procrastinated as long as I could. I started out as a scrapbooker, but through the years have evolved into a card maker. (If you couldn't tell from my blog! Lol!)

So this week's Scrapbook Challenge is to create a "Fall Themed" layout. You can do just a one-page layout. I'm a two-page kinda person. I think a single page looks kinda weird when you put it all in a book. Thank goodness for my CTMH layout books! Imagine helped me easily create this layout in just an hour! I used the cute new Timmy Candycorn image to help add some whimsy to the page. I also random stamped the cardstock with the same leaves I used for accent images.

I really had to dig for some photos to go with a fall theme, and I came across these adorable pictures of my Little Buddy Tyler's first Halloween. Isn't he stickin' cute?! He's my bestest friend's child and he's like my pseudo-child! Hee hee! I'm his "Auntie Jenn". He's now 2 1/2 and I'm told he has a super cool costume ready for this Halloween, but I have to wait to see it. Since he loves Cars and Toy Story, I'm sure it has to do with one of those!

Head on over to the TGF blog for all the challenge details and inspiration from the Design Teams. This is a month long challenge, so you have until November 10th to upload your photos into the Gallery. Have fun! can't wait to see what you create!

Materials
Stamps: TGF Candycorn Timmy digi, CTMH Frienship Alpha large and small ss, CTMH Flourished Blessings ss, Hampton Art Journal It ss
Paper: CTMH Grace, Splendor, and Emporium L2pp and cardstock, PTI cs
Other: Copics, CTMH inks, buttons and hemp, misc. brown buttons

Suitcase Ruby--SCRS #13

2010-10-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning all! As you're reading this, I will have already been at work for 4 hours. 2AM?! YUCK!! It's our semi-annual store inventory today, and "lucky" me, I'm a department manager that has to do inventory. Oh well. At least I have Friday off, so it will feel like I'm having two day off in a row. I'm a cup-half-full kinda person.

So today's card uses the adorable Suitcase Ruby from Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps. When I first inked her up, I knew she'd pair perfectly with my new BG Pyrus dp. So cute! I also used the sketch for this week's SCRSC #13. I used my Stardust pen to add bling to the flowers of Ruby's scarf and bracelet, but the darn camera didn't pick it up.

Enjoy your Thursday! Yay for Bones tonight! Plus I'll have to watch Survivor and Hell's Kitchen online since I went to bed at 7pm last night.

Materials

Stamps: SCRS Suitcase Ruby, Clear Stamps sentiment

Paper: BG Pyrus and Basic Kraft dp, PTI cs

Other: Copics, CTMH ink, Memento ink, Prima flowers, Robin's Nest skittles, Gelly Roll Stardust pen

I'm a LLBC Guest Designer!

2010-10-06T06:01:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone! Welcome to my first creation as a Lil' Lolita Boutique Guest Designer! The time difference between me in Washington and TPS in Melbourne has gotten me a little twisted around. That whole "International Date Line" thing. It's crazy to know that they're 18 hours ahead of me! Wow! I'm still nervous that I converted wrong...

Anywhoo...
I've had this card ready for a couple of weeks and have been DYING to share it! Let me introduce you to the *NEW* "Lil' Halloween" edition, Lylah the Witch! Now I chose to print this digi bigger so I could have some fun with detail coloring, so this isn't the full image. I love everything about this new Lylah (well, minus the spider 'cause I hate spiders)!

Today's LLB challenge is a color challenge. Black, orange, and purple. Get into that Halloween spirit! I took advantage of her awesome outfit to use all three colors in the challenge. I even played up the purple in today's challenge by coloring her eyes purple! The super cool black die-cut strip is from WeRMemory Keepers. LOVE it!! It even has adhesive already on it. Found it at my LLS.

Have fun with this week's challenge! Don't forget to submit your card, using only a Lil' Lolita stamp or digi, to the LLBC blog before next Thursday for a chance to win an awesome prize! Also check out the rest of the DT's creations! They're fabulous!

Materials
Stamps: Lil Lolita Lylah the Witch digi, sentiment is A Muse
Paper: Bo Bunny dp, BG Eerie dp, PTI cs
Other: Copics, Stickles, rhinestones, Prima flowers, WRMC die cut ribbon, CTMH ink, Memento ink

Blah....

2010-10-05T12:07:00.001-07:00

I've had a serious case of the "Blahs" lately. I've been so busy with work, volunteer work, card classes, and DT work that I've had this affinity to just sit and stare into space. Sometimes I'd wind down with a good book, and that helped a lot. (Stephen White's "Privileged Information is my current read--Love his work!)

I finally decided to sit down and color and have some "me" time with my crafts. I made this card pretty quick for this week's LLBC #17 which is a sketch challenge. Since the image took me a while to color, I went with the simple version of the sketch and didn't embellish or stray much.

Just finished one of my DT projects which was a really hard one for me. I think that's what was giving me my Blahs since I didn't really want to do it. But now it's done and it will be posted later this week. My FIRST LLBC October Guest DT card goes up Thursday! That one I'm really excited about since I love the way my card turned out!

Enough blabbing from me. I'm off to have some brunch and then maybe read some more.

Materials
Stamps: Lil' Lolita Ivy digi, CTMH Fringed Phrases
Paper: CC Material Girl dp, CTMH cs
Other: Copics, Nestie die, Prima rose, rhinestones, CTMH ink

Halloween Quickie

2010-10-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

I've been having a lot of fun with this "Thriller" Stamp of the Month (Sept) from CTMH. I cranked out a stack of these cool Halloween cards as invitations for my friends Halloween party. The combo of orange and green is really fun, and I love the new CTMH "Pear" ink color! This color is definately Me!

Hope you are all having a GREAT weekend! I had a garage sale yesterday and sold over $200 worth of stuff! Most of it was craft items I finally purged through. Good thing, since I just got my latest purchase of Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps! I'm doing pretty good using up my paper and supplies though. Purge! Purge!

Materials

Stamps: CTMH Thriller, Clear Stamps sentiment

Paper: MM dotted dp, BG Eerie dp, CTMH cs

Other: CTMH inks, rhinestones, Stickles

The Greeting Farm RELEASE DAY!!

2010-09-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

Happy release day everyone!! This is one of the most anticipated releases in a long time with the NEW Miss Anya Lounge debut! Miss Anya has always been a favorite of mine!

And speaking of releases....there are some super-stinkin'-cute Marina Neira images out today too! I absolutely LOVE all the adorable new Halloween Critters!! When I was given the preview, I was like "Oh! I love that one...Oh! I love that one too"! Hee hee! Halloween is my favorite time to make cards and have a ghoulishly good time!

Today, of course, is also Friday which means The Greeting Farm has another fabulous challenge! This week you are given options of either the color challenge or the altering challenge. Head on over to the TGF blog for all the deets.

For my card today I decided to do a bit of a combo of both challenges. For the color challenge I used CTMH Chocolate cs that I embossed, then since I didn't have much Olive cs, I decided to take this subtle cream Veranda dp and stamp on it with my Olive ink. I was able to use some of my new "birthday" PTI chartreuse ribbon too. I altered the Ivy image by cropping out her bat friend to downsize the image and give more room for the embossing to show.

So EVERYONE is playing along with the challenge today. Hop on through the blogs for some major inspiration! Don't forget that there will be some release chatter happening at 7pm CST on the TGF PCP page!

The Critter Crew:
Shaela Odd
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

Club Anya and Friends
Amber Hight
Anna Maria Nilsson
Jen Shults
Kristy Young
Kim Yu Oct. Guest

Stamps: TGF Ivy Witch digi, CTMH Thriller ss, sentiment is A Muse Paper: CTMH cs and dp Other: Copics, PTI ribbon, CTMH button, hemp and inks, CB folder

SCRSC #12 and CMC #5

2010-09-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Sorry I haven't blogged in a few days. Busy little bee here. BUT....I had time to play Tuesday night when my friends Nona, Sparkle, and Rachel came over for our monthly craft night. AND....Sparkle brought me her stamps I ordered! Yay! I couldn't wait to color up the newest Lucy image. Broomstick Lucy is so fun and my kind of Halloween image! Isn't she cute?!

So I made this card using the sketch from this week's SCRSC #12. It's also for this week's Color Me Copic challenge #5 of coloring animals. I wanted the cat to look kinda mangy, so I was a bit more sporadic in the coloring and shading. Sparkle is sponsoring the CMC challenge! $15 in store credit is up for grabs! She's also gracious enough to offer 10% off all Sparkle Creation Rubber Stamp orders through the end of the challenge for everyone that participates in the CMC challenge!! Whoo hoo! So head on over to CMC for the challenge and the discount code, then go shopping at SCRS!!

Materials
Stamps: SCRS Broomstick Lucy, sentiment is A Muse
Paper: Making Memories B&W dp, BG Eerie orange dp, Bo Bunny purple dp, PTI cs
Other: Copics, foam tape, Stickles, Coluzzle, Memento ink, CTMH ink and edge distresser

A Boo-tastic Preview!

2010-09-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hey, everyone!

Today is an exciting day of more previews and announcements at The Greeting Farm, and this time the Critter-or shall I say -BOO CREW has some "spooktacular" new designs to show you.....AND some new DESIGNERS!

A HUGE welcome to MARGIE CORTINAand SAMMI BETBEDER! They'll be joining our fun and fuzzy little world for the next few months and we are thrilled to have them with us :)

Today I'm sharing the *NEW* adorable Toby image! Isn't he stinkin' cute?!! So "sweet" and cuddly. I had a lot of fun coloring this image and used the opportunity of the greens and oranges to use my two new ink colors from CTMH: Pear and Sunset. I sponged the Pear using my Nestie as a stencil and I stamped the sentiment in Sunset. I also added some Liquid Glass to his lollipop to make it look like a yummy, glossy sucker. Green lollipops are my fav.

Be sure to stop by the TGF Blog and then the Critter Crew's Blogs as well, because we are giving away not one, but TWO sets of the ENTIRE October digi collection by Marina. All you have to do is leave a comment and we'll announce the winners tomorrow!

The Greeting Farm Blog
Jennifer Royal
Jacquie Nordaune
Kristine Reynolds
Linda Muhr
Shaela Odd
Margie Cortina
Sammi Betbeder
Tangii Crain

Thanks for stopping by today, and don't forget to meet me back here on October 1st when ALL of the new digis AND rubber stamps are available at The Greeting Farm! Be sure to join us, too, for our FALL FESTIVAL of CHALLENGES on Friday, October 1st on the TGF Blog and for our release party and chat on Friday, 10/1 at 7pm CST on the TGF PCP page! There's lots more fun planned as FALL is finally here!

Materials

Stamps: TGF Pumpkin Toby digi, CTMH Thriller

Paper: MM black& white dotted dp, BG Nook&Pantry and Green at Heart dp

Other: Copics, foam tape, Nestie die, CTMH inks and Liquid Glass, PTI ribbon, AC button, gel pen

My new addiction

2010-09-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Football Day everyone!! :D (GO Seahawks!)

I've been addicted to making these corner bookmarks. ATS had it as one of their weekly challenges a while back, and I finally got around to watching the tutorial. They are so easy to make! And you can decorate them however you want, even adjust the size. And they're a GREAT way to use up those scraps that have been hanging around your craft table too long! I made a whole slew of them and giving them out to my friends who love to read.

Here are some more I made....

I love quotes! I think I'll make some more to sell using my other quote stamps. I made a few cute kiddo ones with frogs and bugs on them. Inspiring kids to read is always a good thing!

Materials: I used a bunch of different products for all of these. If you'd like to know what they were, just leave a comment.

Farm Fresh Friday--Mercy's sketch

2010-09-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another edition of Farm Fresh Friday! This week's challenge is a sketch by the uber-talented Mercy Kerin! I *love* me a Mercy sketch! They are the best!

I used it with the fun and adorable Toby Painter. This image was a great opportunity to use my bright BG June Bug dp. Totally plays off the primary paint color palette that Toby has going on here. Now originally I didn't have the yellow shadow, but I had a little "oopsy" with my orange Copic. I tried blending it out with the yellow outline and just keep blending out in varigated yellow. I think it turned out pretty cool! Like I tell my monthly card class members, "Every 'oopsy' is another creative opportunity"!

Go check out the TGF blog for all the details on today's FFF challenge. Also check out all the awesome creations from the Farmers and Critter Crew DT!

AND...stay tuned this Monday for some awesome release previews!!
The Farmers:
Jessica Diedrich
Mary Giles
Melyssa Connolly
Mercy Kerin
Randi Wall
Kim Nath
Tammy Maxvill

The Critter Crew:
Amber Hight
Jen Shults
Shaela Odd
Heather Schlatter--still enjoying Mommy time!
Jacquie Nordaune
Jenn Royal (you're here!)
Kristine Reynolds
Linda Muhr
Tangii Crain

Materials
Stamps: TGF Painter Toby digi, sentiment is A Muse
Paper: BG June Bug dp, PTI cs, A Muse kraft
Other: Copics, CTMH brads, ink and hemp, AC button, EK border punch, foam tape, Coluzzle, stitching

MTSC #92

2010-09-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

I love Mercy's sketches! This week's MTSC #92 sketch had a particular calling for me. TGF Sailor Seal image by Marina Neira called out to me as the perfect image for the sketch.

This is the first time I've been able to play with Sailor and he is so stinkin' cute! And I just had to play off the cupcakes by using my BG Nook & Pantry dp (haven't I used all this paper yet?!). I'm still trying to use up these Making Memories fabric tags I've had FOR-eva! This cool ruffled ribbon worked great for the scallop border in the sketch too!

Enjoy your Thursday! Tonight is the last of my show premiers. Bones is on tonight and I can't wait for the new stories of Booth and Brennan and the rest of the team. :D I'll be back late tonight with the next Farm Fresh Friday challenge, so come back and visit!

Materials
Stamps: TGF Sailor Seal digi
Paper: BG Nook & Pantry dp, CTMH cs, A Muse kraft
Other: Copics, Coluzzle, foam tape, CB folder, CTMH inks, Stickles, misc. ribbon, MM fabric tag

A little hunting

2010-09-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

Check this out! I made this the other day...well, I really made three because they were so cool! I was hunting through my paper stash in search of Halloween paper when I came across this printed transparency I bought over a year ago.

...and then the lightbulb went on. I stamped out some 50's Lilith images and these cute little chipboard/felt hearts I bought on a whim a few months ago and it all came together. Did you see the cool skull metallic ribbon I found in the dollar bin at Target a couple days ago?! Totally rad! I had this great idea to paper piece Lilith's skirt and then realized I had to then paper piece the skulls. That was a project! But I really like how it turned out. I also tried Amy Young's straight hair coloring technique shown at the Color Me Copic blog. Way cool and so informational!

So here's the inside of the card:

And here's the back of the card:

Making these totally made me happy and excited! Plus the "Glee" season premier last night. AWESOME!! That Sunshine girl can SING! :D "Survivor" is on tonight. Hope they don't boot Coach Jimmy off quite yet.

Materials

Stamps: TPS 50's Lilith, CTMH For All Occasions

Paper: Printed transparency by Hambly, CTMH Gypsy cs, PTI white cs, Making Memories dotted dp

Other: Copics, CTMH inks, Memento ink, Stickles, misc. gingham ribbon, Target $1 bin skull ribbon, Recollections heart embellie