MERRY CHRISTMAS

I made a lot of gifts this year... but this is my FAVORITE....  Shadow Boxes with Scentsatinal seasons by StampinUP.

Challenges: Simon Says: Christmas
                   Party Time tuesday: Colors

I love it if I can get multiple uses out of my stamps.  This is Betsy's blossoms from StampinUp.   Spring/Summer set with flowers, birds.  But I have been able to use if for July4th,  (fireworks)  and now Christmas.  Just take a circle punch and cut a circle from a sticky note. Attach to center of flower then ink stamp,  remove before stamping and you have a wreath.  Bling is from my dear friend Stef, AKA Glitterbabe.  thanks.....

Challenges:

Card Crafty Circle: Red/Green
Card Makin Mamas: Christmas
Crafts 4 Eternity: Bling

Snow is so beautiful,  as long as I'm inside looking out.  

Thanks Anne and Sandi,  Outlawz Challenge, for another round of beautiful freebies.  This is colored with Copics,  Diamond Stickle for my snow,  Memory box window die,  and the Sentiment is from an embossing folder by Sizzix that I just received from GLITTERBABE,  THANKS  STEF. (Badge to her digi's on left)

CHALLENGES:
Outlawz: Freebie Challenge
Paper take Weekly: Snow White
Simon Says: Favorites  (Copics, memory box dies, embossing folders)
Sentimental sundays: Gift Card holder,  (Look in back of the window)
Perfect Sentiments: Christmas
Can you Digi It: Baby Cold outside

My daughter will be the last to return home for the holidays,  she has a final on 12.22.  I'm really bummed, I miss her so much.......

Anyway I finally got her card made and mailed out.  She loves to iceskate, so every year I try to make her at least one iceskating card.  I love this image from Bugaboo.  But my favorite thing about this card is the embossing folder,  its Northerrn Flurry,  my ultimate favorite folder from StampinUp.  It makes a beautiful card even by itself.

Challenges:
Bugaboo:  Photo Inspiration  (badge to blog on right)
Two sisters: Snowflakes
Crafty Creations: winter
Simon Says: Snowflakes
Paper Take Weekly: anything goes
Twisted Tuesday: white/snowflakes  (http://twistedtuesdaychallenges.blogspot.com/)

Wow..  time is flying.  My son informed me that he will be home next week for Christmas break,  I'm thrilled but I'm starting to panic because I am so not ready for Christmas.  I always send my kids a card during their finals week letting them know to relax  and take it one day at a time cause no matter what we love them and  they will be successful.  

My youngest son is a Freshman at Western Il and he is really stressed  out.  I thought he would appreciate this card since he LOVES  our cat and feels this cat never does anything wrong.

Sentiment is by Glitterbabe,  AKA Stef at Floppy Latte,  (Badge to left)
Tree is a sticker that I am ashamed to say I have had for over 5 years,  (OMG)  but I finally used it!
DP is by StampinUP.

Challenges:
Clear it out:  Christmas
Paper Take Weekly: Anything Goes
Tip Top Tuesday: Christmas

My last child just left to go back to college.   This week went by so fast,  I really enjoyed having all 4 kids back home.  I know they will be back in 3 weeks but I still miss them.....

My kids  may have left , but  I still have my sons cat, and she is constantly getting into some type of trouble, especially now since no one is paying attention to her.  I thought my son might enjoy this card, since in his eyes his cat is perfect......

Sentiment is by Steph, AKA Glitterbabe,  Get it a Floppy Latte, (Badge top left).  DP is from StampinUp, Festival of prints.  Stockings are punched from Velvet paper with StampinUp punch.  Ribbon, bling stash.

Challenges: 

My Time to Craft: Domestic Pets
Crafty Anne's Challenge Blog: Animals

I'm really behind on my Christmas cards.  Since I spent all day yesterday and today cleaning, (not my favorite) I thought I'd let myself play a little before I tackle the kitchen floor.  

Non traditional colors and masculine,  I love it.  Digi is from Magic in the Air, Paper Cupcakes,  thanks Nina.  colored with copics.  I pieced the background with scraps,  stickles,  all else from stash.

Challenges: Magic in the Air:  Snowman Digi and snowflakes (Badge to blog on right)
Perfect Sentiments: Make Background
Try it on Tuesay: sparkle
Cards for Men: Christmas (http://cardsformenblogspot.com)
Paper Playtime: Anything Goes

Wow, I can hardly believe Thanksgiving is  a week away.  I have so much to be thankful for,  4 wonderful kids, a fantastic husband, family and wonderful online and off line friends.

This broom will be my table decorations for the holidays.  If I can get 15 more made all my guests will leave with one.

StampinUp Wonderfall stamp set, Big Dies, autumn Leaves.  So easy to make......

Challenges:  Simon Says: Thanksgiving

Delightful Challenges: Thanksgiving

Once Halloween comes and goes I feel Christmas is right around the corner.  Sad, I know, I love November,  I love Thanksgiving and my daughter starts her iceskating competitions in November which I love going to, I'm trying hard to appreciate everyday for what it is.  I guess I just get caught up in the Holiday pressure that is so hard to avoid.

Anyway,  isnt this a cutie!  Freebie from Outlawz.  Cute gift tag for a present for my cousins daughter.  Now to get the gift!

Colored with Copics,  tag is from Tim Holtz, punch is EZ Success,  twine, button and banner from stash.

Challenges:

Diva's by Design: Festive Christmas

Party Time Tuesday: anything Goes

Twisted Tuesday: Anything Goes

I've been down with the flu or some other viral bug so I only have one card to share, but it is a beauty.  Another easy technique that will leave the your friends and family in awe of you and your talent.

Have you tried Faux Patina?  I LOVE IT,  your creations are vintage and so elegant.  and you can create many color combinations,  this is my favorite.

Take any embossing folder,  I used Tim Holtz, and inked it with Soft Suede, Stampin UP, run it through your machine, then I sponged Broken China and Peeled Paint (Tim Holtz) onto card.  Lastly take a dark brown, Early Espresso (Stampin UP) and sponge over.  Don't be afraid to add more of the blue if your card is too dark. Let dry.Then with VersaMark ink pad randomly stamp areas of your card and emboss with gold powder.  

Add your sentiment....  BEAUTIFUL!!!

Celebrate Thanksgiving is by Floppy Latte, badge top left

Challenges:

Its all about Vintage: Make your Background

Do You Stack UP: Embossing

Can You Digi IT: Giving Thanks
Annabelle Stamps: Sketch

Isn't she cute,  this is Prom Girl from Anne at The Outlawz,  my kids are done with Prom but I thought this would make a cute Bday card for any little princess!  Colored with Copics,  Glitter en on the underside of dress to make it look like a shimmery nylon netting.  Ribbon with flowers is Tim Holtz,  DP is Basic Grey, Blush.  Bling is from stash,  punch is EZ Success.

Challenges:  Outlawz,  Freebie, Wednesday sketch and Thursday Bingo
Basic Grey: Sparkle
Annabelle Stamps: Kids Card

Another busy week,  Not alot of play time  but  do have one gorgeous card to share with you. 

I really like Fall because of the beautiful, colorful leaves, especially the red ones.  I wish they would keep all year, but I guess I would not appreciate them as much.  Anyway, here in Chicagoland we have had cold, windy rain, so our leaves are mostly on the ground.  But thanks to our artistic Jess and Steph,  Floppy Latte badge to left, I found a way to capture their beauty all year round.  

And so easy...  Take yellow cardstock, yep I said yellow.  Print the digi Red Oak multiple times.  Cut leaves out.  Sponge with More Mustard, (StampinUp)  or use Tim Holtz Straw.  Then I shadowed with Tim Holtz  Festive Berries, Forest Moss and Gathered Twigs.  Play with different colors and have fun.  Then spritz with water or pearl mist until wet, crinkle up into a tight ball, I let the ball sit for 2 minutes, then CAREFULLY open the ball and let the paper completely dry.  

Challenges:

Dancing in Pajamas: Colors, photo inspiration

Little Red Wagon: Bows

Ty it on Tuesday:Autumn colors

Outlawz: Autumn Leaves

Anything Goes Challenges: Make own embellishments,  (Leaves)

Fall is starting to settle in here in Chicagoland.  Damp, rainy and cold.  And the leaves are almost gone. I have a dear friend who has a fall birthday,  I made myself get out of my flowery birthday card comfort zone and I created a Fall Birthday Card,  "Warmest Wishes", Patty.

Image is from Outlawz,  thanks Sandi.  Colored with Copics,  Die Cut is Tim Holtz,  bling, twine from stash.

CHALLENGES:
Perfect Sentiments: Happy Birthday
Sentimental sundays: Anything Goes
Simon Says: Die Cut
There's Magic in the Air: Fall
Shelly's images Challenges: Bingo,  orange, bling, die cut
Divas By Design: anything Goes
Die Cuttin Divas: Fall Colors

My son ran the Chicago marathon today,  I am so proud, I've been crying all afternoon.  He finished in 3 hours 22 minutes.  He is so happy.  My daughter worked the marathon, she's proud of herself for getting up at 0430 to support her brother!

I am so blessed in my life......

I'm sure this  how my kids feel if I call them  thats why we just text each other.  I love this card, it is going to my daughter,  the inside says, "Just Text"

Image is Humor by Glitterbabe,  (Badge to left, Floppy Latte)   DP is authentique,  phone is a die from QuickKutz,  flower is made from Tim Ho;tz die,  memory box die then prima.  border punch is Martha Stewart.

Challenges:
Digital Tuesday: Text
Penny's Challenges: Die Cuts/Punches (http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/)

I am an AVID hockey fan,  I love my Chicago Blackhawks!!!!!!! Needless to say I am not happy with this stupid strike going on.  Seriously, how much money do these guys need to make.

Anyway,  Steph, AKA Glitterbabe,  (Badge to left)  has put me temporarily out of my misery.  She created Hockey and an awesome sentiment to go along with her digi.  Naturally I had to have it,  and I   completed,  yes I said completed a layout from last years hockey game.  (Now to finish the other tons f photos, LOL)

Skate and stick colored with copics.  Paper from stash.

Challenges:
CRAFT: Sport
Inky Impressions: Boys
Paper Take Weekly: Anything Goes with Celebrate  (Celebrate Hawks Win!!!!)

I

I have a 4 day weekend!!!  I'm so excited.  I actually spent today at a quilt retreat and my head is spinning with so many ideas.  I'm going back tomorrow to hopefully finish the quilt.

Its a fall quilt, so when I saw the digi by Glitterbabe, AKA Steph, (Badge to left) I thought about fall, a  cabin in the country, comfort food and of course quilts.  I love Country Can!  

Colored with Copics,  DP is by Authentique,  burlap ribbon and ribbon are from my stash.

CHALLENGES:

Little Red Wagon: Photo inspiration

Anabelle stamps:sketch

Tuesday throwdown: Fall colors

Digital Tuesday: Flower

Simon Says: Anything Goes

I LOVE this Angel by Glitterbabe,  (AKA Steph)  (Badge to store on left top).  This is made for my cousins daughter's birthday.  I can envision this angel for fall, and even Christmas,  even a scrapbook page with the birthday girl's picture. I gotta get some more time to create!  Really like how this turned out.  I love the country feel with the colors, owls, doily and flowers.  

Colored with Copics,  Glitter pen on the wings.  Embossed with Chevron, (StampinUP)  Distress Core Card Stock by Tim Holtz,  all else from stash.

CHALLENGES:
Challenges 4 Everbody: Anything goes
Simon Says: Embossing
2 Sisters: wings
Totally Papercraft: Children
Gingerloft: Embossing

What a GORGEOUS Fall day!  Just beautiful,  not alot of playtime today, but I did do some needed cleaning.  Not my favorite but the dust was starting to take over....

Quick card,  digi is a freebie from Sandi at Outlawz,  THANKS!!!!!  Part of the Creative Freebie challenge.  Colored with Copics,   distressed with Tim Holtz, Soot, DP is Authentique,  I absolutely LOVE this company!  Spiders and ribbon from stash.  quick, easy and cute.

Challenges:
Hiding in my Craft Room:  Halloween (http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/)
Delightful Challenges: Distressing
Paper Play:  Favorite Holiday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!

Ok, so her Birthday was yesterday but I finally finished her gift.  This will look cute in her kitchen.

So easy to make,  and it looks fabulous.

Stampin Up Perfectly Preserves stamp set and die cuts.  Mustard and Lucky Lime paper and inks.  Ribbon is seam binding died to match, button from stash

Challenges:
Inspired Me Fridays: Anything goes
Crazy 4 Crafts: fall
Totally Papercrafts: Favorite Stamp

Today feels like Fall,  cool crisp, sweat shirt weather.

This Stylized Tree by Floppy Latte (badge to blog on left) speaks fall.  I think of apple picking and naturally apple pie. I love this elegant design,  next I think I'll try it in black/white or sepia tones.

Colored with copics and I used my glitter pen on the leaves for some shimmer. I love my flower.  I bought some crepe paper at the Scrapbook Expo and I've been having fun just experimenting,  flower is a Sixxiz die.  All DP, twine, button and pearls are from stash.

challenges:
The Perfect Sentiment: Fall and Twine
Creative Card Crew: Tree
Lollipop Craft: Fall Frolic
Come and Get It: BINGO,  Twine, free, Button
Challenges for Everybody:  Anything Goes
Squirrel and the Fox: Anything Goes

Floppy Latte  (Blog to left)has been extremely busy getting ready for one of my favorite holidays, Halloween.  I absolutely love seeing all the beautiful children in their costumes,  their smiles are priceless.  

Her  images are Bootastic!!!!  Plus hurry on over to the store,  all images are in one kit for an amazing low price, plus a discount coupon  now thats a steal!

This is Flying Witch Silhouette,  Sponged with Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Lemon Yellow, Chipped Sapphire, and Soot.  Lots of rock candy on top to give it a Vintage look.  Owl is from KandCompany, DP Authentique.

Challenges:
Bug A Boo: Movies (Wizard of Oz)
Delightful Challenges: Halloween
Paper Take Weekly: Anything Goes
7 Kids College Fund: Anything Goes

Every year I make my college kids a card to wish them luck and let them know that mom and dad love them, miss them and wish them well.  

This is going to my daughter, she is in her 5th year at U of I studying Actuarial Science.  Love you honey!!!!!

Love this Freebie from Jodi at Catch the Bug,  I really like Sock Monkeys,  (No clue why)
Colored with Copis..  All else from stash, Illini photo from Google.

Challenges:
Catch the Bug: Anything Goes
Di Digi Designs: Back to school
4 Crafty Chicks: Back to school

Actualy got my mom's birthday card done early!  Now to finish the gift......

Thanks Anne and Sandy over at Outlawz for the beautiful freebie digis, part of the progressive challenge.  Colored with Copics,  Stickles on the wings,  Paper is from Melody Ross.  Punch is EZ Success.  Rest from stash.  

CHALLENGES:
Outlawz: Progressive challenge
Catch the Bug: Anything Goes
Annabelle Stamps: Sketch
Poodle Parlour:Wings
Divas By Design: Celebrate
Digital Tuesday: Coral/Krafy

Oh.. I'm so excited.  I was chosen to be a Product Designer for Floppy Lattes Digital Designs,  (badge to left)    I LOVE FLOPPY LATTE!!!!  Jess has BEAUTIFUL Floral images, just gorgeous.  I have a passion for anything Vintage or shabby,  her digis are gorgeous in this category also.  OMG,  all of her images are gorgeous!!!  Plus she has teamed up with the fabulous Glitterbabe, Steph from Glitterbabe greetings!

Visit her blog,  Jess is so generous,  you will get a wonderful gift1

I created this card to celebrate my new position.  Love the Vintage Bicycle 2,  her orignal is pretty cool also.  Cut with spell binders,  lace is new, just purchased at the Scrapbook expo,  Flowers and stamp are Prima.  Sentiment is from Stampin UP.

CHALLENGES:
Simon Says: Anything Goes
Perfect Sentiments: Anything Goes
Victorine Challenges:  White, Brown, third color
Party Time Tuesday:Anything Goes
Digi Haven:  Vintage  (digi is a freebie from Floppy Latte,  one week)

Wow!! Where does the weekend go and why does it go by so quickly!

Quick card, not alot of playtime this weekend, just finished moving my last son into his apartment.  As of tomorrow all 4 kids will officially be in college.  YIKES!!!!

 I love the effect of stamping on newsprint.  This stamp is "Just Because"  The butterfly  punch is my favorite,  (Both from StampinUP) Pretty quick and easy.  All else including velvet brads are from stash

Challenges: Poodles Parlor- wings
Anything Goes Challenges- Make your background

Not that I want winter but I'm really enjoying this cooler weather.  Even though I detest winter I love winter scenes

This stamp is awesome, its from Memory Box, "Autumn Tree Landscape"  I use it quite often for fall/winter even spring projects.  The background was created when I fngerpainted with Tim Holtz, Broken China,  Chipped Saphire and Pumic Stone distress Inks.  The bear is from Outlawz, Freebie Challenge.

Created for Simon Says: Animal Antics

Absolutely LOVE this color combo!  I also need to remember to emboss over stamped images, love the effect.

Card stamped with Mixed Bouquet by Stampin UP., with  Midnight Muse, Gumball Green and SummerStarfruit.  Finishing touch was to use the coordinating Blossom Punch to crop an "opening" and tuck a piece of Midnight Muse polka dot patterned paper under.   

CHALLENGES:
The Perfect Sentiment: Thanks and Polka Dots
Delightful Challenges: Punches
Creat with Connie and Mary: CCMC214: Color challenge

I love it when I have no clue what I'm doing, then when I'm done I love the results!

I thought this digi by Anne at Outlawz was too busy to color, but I did not want black/white.  I tried the mosaic look and immediately loved the outcome. Used Spellbinders for my die  cut on the face of the card, white paper under to match the color,  Stampin Up Miss You,  really like this font.  Ribbon, button, bling from stash.

CHALLENGES:
Simon Says: Bingo (Ribbon, die cut, buttons
Outlawz: Creative freebie and Monday Greeting cards
Just Add Ink: Blue and Bling  (http://just-add-ink.blogspot.com/)

This is not a color combo I would naturally have chosen, but I made it for a challenge and I love it!

Stamp set is "A Reason to Smile" SU,  Inks are Summer Starfruit, and Close to Cocoa.  Stems are cut from MFT die.  Embellishments are from SU.  

CHALLENGES:
Outlawz: sketch
2 Sisters Challenge Blog: anything Goes
Cupcake Inspiration: Photo inspiration
Sentimental sundays: Fall color challenge
Challenge Up your Life: Anything Goes
Catch the Bug: Anything Goes

We had a local resident of McHenry County run The SteepleChase at the Olympics today. It was so exciting to see someone we knew competing at that level.  My two oldest kids did track at CaryGrove HS,  they often competed against Jager,  all they could say was"  That kid is amazing," as he blew past everyone.


Between errands and the Olympics I did get some playtime in.  I have been dying to try this "triple stamping effect"  ever since I saw a few cards made with it on the internet.  Its so easy yet it looks difficult.  Next time I think I'm gonna pop up the second layer for added dimension.


I played with the sunflower stamp from StampinUP, Reason to Smile, used Espresso ink and paper.  ribbon from stash.  


CHALLENGES:
Perfect Sentiments: Friends, (Ribbon with Sparkle, pearls in ribbon)
Party Time Tuesday: Anything Goes
Twisted Tuesday: Anything Goes
Diva's by Design: Flowers

Isn't she sweet!  Its a freebie from Outlawz,  Thanks Anne for Suzy going to BD party!  Part of the Progressive Creative Freebie Challenge.  (Badge to the right)


Colored with copics,  flowers are from stash.  I love my tag!!!  Used Tim Holtz distress inks, Squeezed Lemonade, Green Grass,  Salty Ocean, and Gathered Twigs.  Background stamp is from Hero Arts.  ribbon is actually seam binding,


Challenges:  Outlawz: Creative Freebie
Polka Doodles: Summer
Simon Says: Anything Goes
Paper Take Weekly: Make Your Own (DP Background, flower)

I love how stitching looks on a card.  Its either a great finishing touch or a wonderful embellishment.  In this card its both.  The card was cute but too plain until I stitched the squares. It really made the card pop!


Stamps are from Stampin UP!, Just Because.  Ink is from their new colors, 2012-2013.  I absolutely love the richness of these colors. Bird and branch are from Memory Box dies and the sentiment is from Hero arts. 


CHALLENGES:
Perfect Sentiment: Anything Goes
Crafts for Eternity: Circles
Emergency crafters: circles
Crazy  4 Challenges: stitching
Tip Top Tuesday: Circles  (http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/)
Made it on Monday: Anything Goes

I am a chocoholic.  I was cleaning my scrapbook room  late last night, not cleaning because I wanted to but because I could not find a piece of paper that I needed for a scrapbook layout. Well the paper is still lost but I found this cute chocolate chip paper, (Years old)  and thought cookie!!!!


Quick, easy and cute!  Stamp is from Hero arts,  bling and ribbon from stash.  Cricut for the 5 inch circle.


Challenges:
Stampin Sisters in Christ: CAS
Crafts 4 Eternity: Circles
Emergency Crafters: Circles
Twisted Tuesday: chocolate/sparkle
The Perfect sentiment: Anything Goes
Little Miss Muffet Challenges: circles  (http://littlemissmuffetchallenges.blogspot.com/

WOW  I haven't made a mosaic card in a while,  I make alot of mosaic pages when I scrapbook, they take forever but I love how they look.    I didn't do a full mosaic because it took too much away from the image, but I like how this turned out.


Stamp set is from Stampin Up, Just Because, stamped twice. Colored with markers on Whisper White Card Stock. I distressed the paper by tearing it, and just  had to use my Stampin UP retired Daisy die for the flower.  I was motivated by a sketch at The Outlawz challenge blog.  Sparkle had to be added to brighten the card so I used brown bling and pearls.


CHALLENGES:
Outlawz: Paper A La Mode: Nature and Wednesday Sketch
Card Makin Mamas: Rubber Stamps
Di Digi's Design: Flowers
Sentimental Sundays: Rough Around the Edges
Stampin Sisters in Christ: Sparkle

My cousins daughter is having her grad party next weekend.  I made her a Vintage Scrapbook album on her Paris trip,  and naturally I needed a card.  I think this card took longer to make then the album.  I kept on playing and before I knew it 3 hours was wasted!  But I love it!


Fancy fold, triangles.  Image was digital scrapbooked, Memory dies for embellishments, flowers die cut from Tim Holtz.    I hope she keeps this......


Challenges:
Catch the Bug: Anything Goes
4 Crafty Chicks: Red/White
Do You Stack up: Red
Gingerloft: Fancy Folds
Digital Tuesday: Inside out

I cant believe I actually made a Christmas card,  I guess Im enjoying the "COLD"  weather here,  yep it was 88 today but after 5 days of  100+ is is gorgeous out.  Actually I fell in live with this free digi, Mums Coat from Beccy's Place.  I colored it with Prisma, Gamasol and Copics,  I used stickles on the fur.  Punch is by MS, all else from stash.


CHALLENGES:
Digi Haven: Xmas in July and free digi
Squirrel and the Fox: Xmas in July
Annabells stamps: snowflakes
2 sisters: Christmas