The "Lazy" Mac

Pickles and Icecream?!?!?

2012-01-15T11:59:00.000-06:00

Yep, that's right Pickles and Icecream. I found the cutest image from Saturated Canary. These images may not be new to you but they are to me and I'm totally loving them. There is so much character in each design. I totally fell in love when I found Pickles and IceCream. I have a girlfriend that is expecting and it's been a bit of a challenge for her to get there so I thought this would make a great happy card for her.

I wanted this card to be happy so I stamped "Remember" on the outside and wrote

" Feeling Fat lasts

9 months

But the Joy of

Becoming a Mom

Lasts Forever!"

Thank you for taking time to stop by and leave me some love. I've been away for several months and I can sure tell it by the lack of my blogging friends stopping over. I guess I better get busy!

Challenges Entered:

Saturated Canary - CAS card

Lexi's Creations - Anything Goes

My Craft Spot "It's Delicious"

Ohh La La Creations - New Beginnings

Oldies But Goodies - Back to Work Week (flower from a kit I got last year)

Top Tip Tuesday - Anything goes

Rubys Rainbow - Baby or Child

Cute Card Thursday - "You're having a laugh!"

Cardmad Fairy Digi Days - Must use a digi

A Happy New Year

2012-01-11T10:48:00.001-06:00

Hello ladies and gents!

I'm trying really hard to get back into my scraproom.......literally. During the last 6 months or so everything has been piled up in there. I am in serious need of some cleaning out and rearranging.. So until then I'm just gonna do the best I can with what I can reach or find! LOL

This image was a freebie from my friends over at Paper Craft Planet in the All Things Vintage group. You should go check it out and try out some of the challenges too. They're alot of fun. I decided to distress and ink the edges of the postcard and back it. Then after I added some ribbon and a flower I went back and added some glitter to the branches. It's very simple but pretty. Thanks for stopping by.

Challenges entered:

Simon Says Stamp and Show - A red letter day (new years is always a red letter day on the scales! LOL)

Incy Wincy Designs - vintage
2 Sisters - Things With Wings
Crazy 4 Challenges - Use something new

Best Wishes

2011-10-04T20:28:00.000-05:00

Best Wishes

It's a busy day here so I just have a quick post. Again, my apologies for the poor picture quality. I'll hopefully have that fixed this week. Here's a sweet image I've had colored up for awhile and finally put to paper. Usually I choose my papers first but I went through a period where I did a bunch of coloring and have the images all ready to put together. I hope your having a fabulous week so far!

Have a great day!

Challenges entered:

Thursday

Cute Card Thursday - Animals

Friday

Alphabet Challenge - Recipe

Crafty Catz - Things With Wings

Saturday

Designed2Delight - Use colored pencils

Sketch Saturday - Sketch

Sunday

One Stitch at a Time - Use a digi

Wednesday

Scrapalicious - Anything Goes

Mummy's Coming For You! LOL

2011-10-03T12:05:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!

Most of us are back to work and it's no different for us stay at home mom's! Time to clean up from the weekend of fun and get back to the farm chores. My girls gave me five eggs this morning - Yay! The Americana gave me a HUGE blue one. Seriously, it's like twice as big as the others. Probably a double yoker. We're saving up for the coming weekend. Our wonderful friends are coming to play for the whole weekend. Lots of laughs and tons of good food. Always a blast when we're together!

(My apologies for the poor quality picture)

Today I have a card I lovingly call "Mummy's Coming For You" - LOL The image is from Just Inklined, I got it last year and have colored it lots of times. It's such a fun one. I got a package of sample halloween paper last year and have used it here. The pin on the flower came from a package I received from my Secret Pal. The flower is another one I've made from the miscellaneous box of leftovers. The top of it is a green felt flower. Ribbon again is from Really Reasonable Ribbon. If you haven't checked out their monthly ribbon kit you really should. It's wonderful.

Thanks for stoppin by and I'll see ya'll tomorrow!

Challenges entered:

Monday

Make it Monday - Anything Goes

The Pink Elephant - Trick or Treat

Thursday

4 Crafty Chicks - Anything Goes

Crafty Ribbons - Pretty Spooky

Little Miss Muffet - Animals and Monsters

Moving Along with the Times - Spooky Halloween

Friday

Paper Cutz - Shake, Rattle, and Roll Halloween

Saturday

Challenge up Your Life - Sketch

Rick St. Davis

2011-09-30T22:19:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday and I have a special image from an artist that is new to me. I'm guessing it's new to many of you too since I haven't seen many of these in blogland. This is "Hedwig Halloween Digi". I thought she was perfect for a vintage halloween card to a friend across the miles. Rick St. Dennis has MANY more images just as fabulous. I also have a disturbed looking clown and another fantastic feline to color up next. I colored her with my prisma's to match my double sided paper which I used for the background and then flipped it for the backing on the image and the strip behind the image that I cut a border on, which I noticed you can't really see - oopsy. I'm bad about the manufacturers name of the paper, but if someone really wants to know I'll check it out. I added some Kaiser rub-ons and embellished them with some E. gems. Added some ribbon and distressed everything with Tim Holtz Fire brick. I hope you enjoy it!

That's it for today. Got lots more work ahead of me!

I've been really enjoying catching up with all my blogland friends. Again, if anyone knows of a headless horseman image please leave the link.

Hugs to all!

Challenges entered:

Sunday

Gingerloft - Vintage or distressed

The Sweetest Thing - Sketch

Lollipop Crafts - Anything Goes

Sentimental Sundays - Include a sentiment, step out of comfort zone

Monday

Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge - Fall Colors and/or Thanksgiving

Paper Pretties - Fall Inspired

Woodware USA - Fall/Autumn

Tuesday

Anything Goes Challenge - Anything goes 2nd week

Friday

Raise the Bar - hats (couldn't resist this one! LOL)

Stampin with the Dragon - Fall Colours

Sweet Tricks

2011-09-30T10:49:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!

Wow, this week has flown by. It's a bit breezy here but perfect to get all those little farm chores done. My goats are browsing around the garden cleaning up the bits left from the crop. The chickens are into their second week of laying and our Americana's gave us our first blue/green eggs yesterday. Now I'm onto a search for some good homes for the kittens. They'll be ready to go in a couple weeks. I still can't believe my cat got pregnant while nursing the last batch. We're definitely headed to the vet next! LOL

I have a sweet image from Stamping Bazaar today. I did a guest spot over there awhile back and just fell in love with their images. This is an older one but still fabulous, it's called "Marvin Trick or Treat". The papers are from some old stock I've had for years (like 15+) ha ha. A couple challenges wanted homemade flowers and I followed the sketch at The Sweet Stop and it called for them too. The bottom layer is fabric, the next two are paper and the center is a flower gem. They were all just pieces left over from other projects but once put together were just beautiful on this card. The ribbon, of course, is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, who else!?!

Have a great day and don't forget to stop by tomorrow. I have an extra special card for you to see!

I'm looking for a headless horseman digi image. I've only seen a couple and their not quite what I'm lookin for. I have an Equestrian friend and would like to make a card for her. Let me know if you know of any. Thanks so much!

Hugs!

Challenges entered:

Sweet Stop - Sketch

Crazy for Challenges - Halloween card or decor project

Di's Digis Designs - Make Your own Flowers

Hiding in my Craft Room - Halloween Card

Send a Smile for Kids - Cute fall or Halloween Card

Squiggles and Giggles - Spooky Fun (Halloween)

Shopping Our St ash - Black and White plus one other color

Birthday Wishes

2011-09-29T11:36:00.000-05:00

It's almost the weekend - Yay!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week and has some great plans for this weekend. I'm planning on enjoying some family time. I made the following card for my son's girlfriend for her birthday.

I again used a piece from http://www.heartwarmingvintage.com/. I still ahve tons left and they make such a great focal point. I recycled a flower I had and this key I found. I had this sweet tag and some Really Reasonable Ribbon with some added pearls. I thought the striped pattern paper went really well with the whole "vintage" theme. Of course I distressed everything with Tim Holtz. I need to get more creative in that area. Birds and vintage go so well together how could I go wrong.

I'm tryin out some new challenges too. If you know of one that's especially fun mention it and I'll check it out!

Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges Entered:

Crafty Boots Challenge - Things with wings

Citter Challenge - Anything goes

Nettie G - Anything goes (wish I had some Nettie G's)

Celebrate the Occasion - Must use ribbon

Die Cuttin Divas - Shabby Chic or Vintage

I'm Only a Phone Call Away

2011-09-27T10:41:00.000-05:00

Just a quickie card today.

I was able to make two from the same idea and they will be going into some card packages I'm working on. I used one doily and cut it in half. All the papers are from a RAK I did last year and were just scraps that were sent to me. I'm so lovin my scraps at the moment! Thanks for stoppin by.

Challenges Entered:

Basic Grey - Pink and Brown

Kaboodle Doodles - Use a doily

Die cut Dreams - Brown, Pink, Cream

Heart2Heart - Sentiment stamp only

Make It Monday - Anything goes

Hugs!

Nesting

2011-09-25T11:40:00.000-05:00

Good morning!

It's been a very long time since my last post. I've been stalking around blogland admiring my blog friends artwork. It's encouraged me to get back into my craft room. I realized how much mental therapy it gives me and how much I so enjoy it. So I have a simple card today.

I started out in my scrap box just to get the juices flowing. I found this postcard image made by "Heart Warming Vintage". It came on a sheet with tons of other images too. There's stamps, seed packets, and lots of birds. Just beautiful. So I used it as my focal point and just added some brads, from Basic Grey and a scrap of ribbon. Everything is distressed with Tim Holtz for a little depth. It's finished off with a Thank You sentiment from Kraftin Kimmie, and there you go.

Thanks for taking time to have a look!

Hugs !

Challenges entered:

Saturdays

Just Some Lines - Fall colours

Totally Gorjuss - Birds of a Feather

Fridays

Totally Papercrafts - Thank you

Polka Doodles - Distress It

Good Morning!

2011-04-20T08:16:00.000-05:00

Made it through the storm! Hope ya'll weathered through it as well.

I just wanted to let ya know I've updated my blog candy page with some great products. And there are some wonderful tutorials that I've provided links for as well. The faberge egg tutorial is fabulous. You really gotta check it out. Talk about some talent!

Thinking of you!

Some Funny Bunnies!

2011-04-16T09:49:00.001-05:00

Happy Saturday!

I wish the weather was as warm and sunny as my card today. Nope, stormy and rainy. Oh well, maybe I'll do a rainy day card next!

I participated in an image swap awhile back from PCP. This stamped image is from The Stamping Place. I just love how soft and sweet the image is and wanted to color it that way as well. So I used my prisma's but kept them a bit muted. I started out with papers from Graphics 45 and added some ribbon from RRR monthly spring kit. I added "Easter Wishes" in Jenni Bowlin Studio stickers. That bright yellow flower is from Prisma and I just added some of the ribbon to kinda finish it off. I also used some pearls from Pizazz Aplenty to finish off the ribbon sentiment I made. It really gave it a finished look and tied in the blue from the sky. The 3D stickers, which are the flower and dragonfly are really cool. They're from Jolee's and are pieced together. Really neat dimension to them.

Keep in mind I still don't have all my photo programs and software available to me so my pic's aren't the greatest sorry 'bout that.

Challenges Entered:

Midnight Madness - Sketch

A Spoonfull of Sugar - All Creatures Great and Small

Top Tip Tuesday - Spring has Sprung

Ooh La La Creations - Happy Easter

Stamps R Us - Easter

Creative Belli - Eggs/Bunnies

Penny's Paper Crafty - Easter

Delightful Challenges - Easter

Aly's Sunday Challenge - Bunnies

Thank you so much for stopping by! I treasure hearing from each one of you!

Hugs-

DZ Doodles Challenge #8

2011-04-13T12:14:00.001-05:00

DZ Doodles Challenge #8

and a new FREEBIE!

Bear with me a little longer as I try to get my projects pulled together. It looks like our hard drive needs to be replaced on my main system. I'm trying to get by with my laptop. Unfortunately it doesn't have any of the capabilities my main system does and isn't hooked up to the printer either. Yikes! My hubby had a procedure at the hospital this morning so I just got access to bring you the good news!

We are offering up another freebie. It's the cute silly bear I've used on my card. It will work great for so many card themes. That's one thing I really appreciate about Diane's designs. Even the cute little christmas angels can be colored to work as birthday cards. I just love the versatility and cuteness of her designs. You should take a look here, there's tons of new spring flowers too. So pop over to the DZ Doodles blog and get your freebie and enjoy some inspiration from our talented team. Then go make a card and join in our challenge! What could be better?!? Have a fabby day and I'll see you in the AM!

Challenges entered:
Charisma Cards - Wedding/anniversary (anniversary)
Fabulous Fridays - Brads
One Stop Craft - Monochromatic
Totally Gorjuss - Anything fluffy
Crafty Emma - Monochromatic
Sunday Sketch and Stamp - Sketch
Woodware USA - Anything Goes
Kaboodle Doodles - cute and cuddly animals

Happy Crafting! Toodles

Goth Night

2011-04-11T09:47:00.000-05:00

It's Monday and I actually have a card post! Woohoo. We broke records this weekend with our sunny weather. It got up to 92 on Saturday. Talk about a scorcher! Usually we have a month of transition before we hit those high temps and the humidity kicks in. I was a walking sauna! Much cooler today and even have some more storms comin in.

So I was inspired to put together a card over the weekend. I've got several images colored up and this one I've had sitting on my shelf with my papers picked out just waiting for inspiration to hit for a sketch or design. I found one through The Sweet Stop that I thought worked great and I was off and runnin.

I started off with a 5X7 base of cardstock from Colorbok. Then cut my DP, which are from Graphics 45. I embossed the circles with diamonds. The strip of ribbon is from RRR, and was a perfect match for this card. The flower was from a candy blog, I just addedsome leaves and a button from Pizazz Aplenty to spice it up a bit. This is actually my first attempt at coloring a Sweet Pea. This gorgeous girl is ching-chou kuik's Soft Goth Night. I saw one called "Field of Poppies" that is just gorgeous. Check that one out here. Perfect for this time of year. She's also got some great insects that are just gorgeous! Oh and the line of expecting mothers......to die for!

Well thanks for stoppin by! I'm sad to say I've lost a few followers but that's to be expected when you go inactive for a bit. I hope you'll continue to follow me and I'll come see you too! I love to be inspired by others!!

Challenges Entered:

Sweep Pea Stamps - Card for your hero or mother

The Sweet Stop - Sketch

Paper Take Weekly - Anything goes + something new (my stamp)

Top Tip Tuesday - Thank you

Penny's Paper Crafty - 1-image, 2-embellies, 3 DP

For a great list of challenges that are offered weekly check out Feline Playful!

Thanks and big hugs to all!

GDT at Michelle Perkett!

2011-04-07T09:07:00.001-05:00

Hello and Happy Thursday!

I was asked to do a guest spot at Michelle Perkett and of course who could say no to this fabulous artist!! I used her "Thanks Mum" image to go along with their challenge this week which is "Thanks Mom". You can join in here.

This card is made with items from various swaps that I have received. The ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon and the the butterfly is from Mariposa. I used my Prisma's and my glitter liner for the image and some bling highlighting on the flowers. I used a brad on my ribbon and hung my sentiment off that. I believe the sentiment is from Paullette over at TLC, but I can't verify it because I haven't gotten my system fully fixed and that's where the file is. So my apologies if I get it wrong.

Thanks for stopping by and please do take some time to look through Michelle's images here and pick up a couple for yourself. She is one of those talents that you know immediately who's work it is when you see it. Love it!

Challenges entered:

Midnight Madness - Sketch

Flutterbye - Anything goes with Wings

Going Grey with Scrap Creations - Pick 3: Ribbon,Flowers,Glitter

Kaboodle Doodles - Girly

Creative Inspiration - Mothers Day

Digi's With Attitude - Anything Goes

Thanks for taking the time to stop by!!

Gardening fun at DZ Doodles

2011-03-30T09:57:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Challenge #7 at DZ Doodles

We have another fabulous sketch by Rosalien and a gorgeous freebie you definitely won't want to miss. It's not the one I used though! You'll have to pop over to check it out.

Now for my card I opted to use a gardening image

I've been trying to combine the vintagey thing lately, as you know if you follow my blog. It's not working that great but at least I'm tryin somethin new. I used my cuttlebug to make the shapes for the central images. The DZ Doodles image is colored with my Prisma Pencils which I matched to the DP before starting. I added some rubons from Mariposa. Wow those are sticky little buggers. I had to redo it and lost half the page by not cutting out just the image I wanted. I'll have to remember that for future. Now that it's finished I wish I had've put the rubons on white paper to make them standout more, but oh well. It says "Lovely" and then Birthday Wishes. I may need to go back to my regular style. I just have such a hard time not doing everything in counts and fine lines. Sheesh!

I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to those of you that have continued to follow me and comment, or email me through these last couple months. I truly appreciate each and every one of you. I'm almost there!

Take some time to check out what the rest of the DT have put together for you. They are truly beautiful cards!

Challenges entered:
DZ Doodles - Sketch
Digi Doodle Shop - Birthday

Warm Hugs!

New Challenge at DZ Doodles

2011-03-16T14:44:00.001-05:00

***Okay, so when you schedule something did you know you have to hit PUBLISH!" I am such a dork! But I'll blame it on the fact that I haven't been blogging much this last month so I'm not well greased! LOL Forgive me!

It's a new week and that means a new challenge over at DZ Doodles!! Diane and Valerie have made some huge changes to the challenges and you won't want to miss out. I think there's something for everyone over there now. Diane has added so many adorable new images to the store you just have to go take a peak.

It's Challenge #6 and it's a picture inspiration with a FREEBIE! It's perfect for all those spring cards you have to make. We're also looking for some great Guest Designers to join us. You can find all the details on the blog. So here's the inspiration picture:

And here's my interpretation and my card.

I wanted to try my hand at some vintage stuff. I thought this image was perfect for that. I took the colors from the image and muted them to vintage and came up with this. The embellishments are from my Creative Scrapbook monthly kit. The papers are from a swap I did on PCP so I don't know who makes them. I used my Prismas to get the coloring right. It doesn't show up great but I did yellow centers with pink and a hint of purple on the edges. Any ideas or suggestions for my next vintage would be greatly appreciated. I have a ton of Graphics 45 papers I wanna use and they are very vintagey!

I'm entering this in the following challenges:

DZ Doodles - Spring Picture inspiration

Mojo Monday - Sketch

Squigglefly - Spring theme

Paper Playtime - Green and Purple

Peace and Love!

Guest Spot at Stamping Bazaar

2011-03-16T14:44:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled to have been asked to do a guest spot at the Stamping Bazaar. They have the most adorable characters and you can find them here. I chose to use "Hansel with Present". I like images that are really versatile and this one could be used for so many themes. Now that I've got a sneaky peek at these wonderfully adorable images I'll be joining in their challenges on a regular basis and I hope you do too!

I made my card mostly from my scrap box this week. I love to challenge myself to do that. I really liked the ribbon backing on my image. On my coloring I'm also trying to focus more on shading and hope it shows in this image. The birthday sentiment is from Pink Gems. I added a brad to the middle of that. I used some green baubles to help set off the image and make it look more finished and the flower is made by Prisma. I hope you enjoy having a look and come back and see me some more!

If you're looking for the DZ Doodles challenge post it's above this one!

Challenges entered:

Stamping Bazaar - Guest Spot

The Sweetest Thing - sketch

Kaboodle Doodles - Happy Birthday

Magical Mondays - Spring Colors

Shabby Tea Room - Celebration

Top Tip Tuesday - Birthday

Peace and Love to all!

Teddy Bo

2011-03-05T09:19:00.000-06:00

Happy Saturday!

It's pouring down rain here! Perfect day to just relax and do some catch up on my crafting. YAY! It was such a gorgeous week I didn't get alot of that done. And next week it's supposed to be sunny and gorgeous too! Might have to move out to the porch and enjoy it.

I've had this card done for awhile just haven't gotten around to posting it. The challenge ends in a few hours so I figured better hop to it! This is one of the new Teddy Bo easter images and the challenge was to use Blue and Chocolate. I just love these colors together anyway so wasn't hard for me. I added a little butterfly from Pizazz Aplenty and an easter sentiment from "Netty's Cards", it was a freebie.

I also wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Karen over at Feline Creative. I won her winter blog candy and got it in the mail yesterday - OMG, what a haul. I'm thrilled and can't wait to start using everything!!!!!

Thanks for stopping by. I'll update the challenges I'm entering in as soon as I get my list updated.

Challenges entering:

Teddy Bo - Blue and chocolate

DZ Doodles here again!

2011-03-02T12:27:00.000-06:00

Oh no! We usually have our challenges on Thursdays, but I looked at the date wrong. It's TODAY! Woohoo!!

This week the design team was given an ADORABLE NEW image that we are sharing with you too!!! (This image will only be available for free till the end of this challenge then will go up for sale in the store.) So hurry up and grab it so you don't miss out.

Rosalien gave us a great sketch again. Here's what I came up with.

I was NOT happy with my coloring on this one. Some of the other girls did some two-tone coloring and it's fantastic. Make sure you check it out. Try one out yourself and then don't forget to join in our challenge this week.

Thank you so much for stopping by and checking out our post. Head on over to DZ Doodles and grab the freebie and make something great. Don't forget to let Diane know if you like it.

I Miss My Blogger Friends!

2011-02-23T09:43:00.000-06:00

Good Morning and a happy Wednesday to all of you. I must first apologize for not coming around and visiting everyone this past month. It's been a bit of a rough one for me. I've been overwhelmed with trying to keep up and it just hasn't happened. Thank you to those of you that check in on me on a regular basis, I so appreciate that and love to read what you leave for me. I'm optimistic that the next month is going to be a great one. I believe in the power of positive thinking and now I just need to put it to use. My crafting is and always has been my outlet and I'm going to focus on it and hope that I can overcome some other things going on.

So..... for today I have a Kraftin Kimmie Birthday card to share with you. This is the quirky "Charlotte", which is also my sis's name so all the better! I've used Cosmo Cricket papers to follow Kimmie's sketch this week. I added some gingham checked ribbon from Pizazz Aplenty. I didn't think I'd use this color but it matched perfectly. I finished it off with a birthday sentiment and a little decoration on the inside.

I'm off to find some inspiration from my favorite bloggers now. In celebration of my new blog design I am getting things ready to post a blog candy this weekend. So make a note to check back!

Challenges entered:

Do you stack up - Ribbons

Stamp Something - Something funky (Charlotte and her dolls are always funky!)

Kraftin Kimmie - Sketch

Stamp, Scrap and Doodle - Stripes and dots

Totally gorjuss - Checks/Checkerboards

Warm Hugs

Spring is on it's Way!

2011-02-19T12:40:00.000-06:00

Good Morning or rather afternoon, I guess it is now. It's been a busy week at the McLaughlin household and not much crafting got done. Last night I sat down and did some coloring. I've tried to focus more on techniques lately with my Prisma's. I found a great tutorial over at my friend Dorcas' site for coloring clouds. I've also been working on the coloring challenges Zoe is doing over at Make It Colorful. Last week was to focus on shading, which is my biggest hurdle. If you're in the same boat you might try out some of their tutorials. The thing I have to remember is it takes practice so don't get frustrated if the first couple aren't just right. I've got some great DT projects I'm working on this weekend that will give plenty of practice.

So onto todays card. This is the adorable "Wonder" by the most talented Mo at Mo's Digital Pencil Two. What an artist! I love everything she does. Mo's had a sketch for us to follow this week. This is the first time I've colored her and thought she would be great for some spring colors. I'm working on coloring hair too. It's better, but still has some work to go. I've paired her with some papers by Pebbles. I just love those little flowers. I used my EK Success punch to make the border at the bottom. I added a scrap of ribbon from my stash and some flat back pearls from Pizzazz Aplenty(love that store!!!!)

To finish off my card I took a scrap of cardstock and built my embellishment. I started off with two leaves, twisting the stem around my paintbrush then adding a beautiful yellow rose. I love those little ribbon scraps they just add so much and that butterfly was perfect for a spring sentiment which is also from Pizzazz Aplenty.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you enjoy your weekend wherever you are and whatever you are doing!

Challenges Entered:

Lollipop Crafts - Favorite Coloring Medium (Prisma's)

7Kids College Fund - Squares

Simon Says - Make your own embellishment (flower cluster)

Charisma Cards - Spring has Sprung

Mo's Digital Pencil Two - Sketch

Teddy Bo!

2011-02-14T10:21:00.000-06:00

GOOD MORNING!

It's another gloriously sunny day here in Tennessee. Our grill out yesterday was fantastic. DH grilled up venison steaks to perfection and along with some spuds and corn who could ask for more! I also got a cute little coffee mug that is made of chalkboard. So my boys each wrote me a message on it to enjoy while I drink my luscious coffee - yummmmmmmy A big HAPPY VALENTINES TO YOU AND YOURS!!

I've had this little cutie colored up for a couple weeks now and was looking through my stash of papers for the perfect match. (Since I didn't pick papers first -sheesh!) I finally chose these, which were from my scrap bin so I can't remember who they're by. Dang it! I followed the sketch over at Friday Sketchers. The circle sentiment is from Bizzy Bec's and was a freebie. I'm using one of the new Teddy Bo's by Gayle, I just love them! This one is "Teddy Bea", which I won on a challenge. I colored her with my Prisma's and was pleased with the way she turned out. I hope you enjoy her too!

Challenges entered:

Teddy Bo - Pink, use Teddy Bo image

Friday Sketchers - sketch

Whimsie Doodles - Red and white

Colour Create - Chocolate Strawberry Cream

Stamp-N-Doodle - Red Pink White plus one

Fuzzy Wuzzy - Birthday Wishes

Really Reasonable ribbon - Pink Red and White

Sentimental Sundays - Red Pink and White

Thanks so much for taking the time to look and visit with me! Have a fab-u-lous day!

Hugs - Jen

Birthday Wishes

2011-02-13T13:51:00.000-06:00

It is so nice to see the sun shining for once! Woohoo. It's a blazing 56 degrees out and we are grillin out today. Can't wait. So here's a quick post before I'm off to the grill.............

Today I'm sharing a Sparkle Creations stamp called "Cupcake Ruby" found here. I only have two Sparkle stamps but I sure love the ones I do have. This is my very first time playing over there so I'm kinda excited. This stamp is perfect for all those birthday cards you need! I've used Graphics 45 papers and followed the sketch at Sparkle Creations. I'm working on my coloring following the weekly challenges over at Make It Crafty too. This week we are focusing on shading. There is an excellent video on it you can check out here. This was my first attemp, not great, but I'm gonna try again on the next one. Have a fabulous week and hopefully I'll see you again tomorrow!

Challenges entered:

Kaboodle Doodles - Ribbon

Sparkle Creations - Sketch

Sew Many Cards - Anything Goes

Make It Crafty - Shading

Warm Hugs - Jen

Fairyland

2011-02-10T14:06:00.000-06:00

Here's my second post for today. I got the quickie card out of the way so then I was able to get down to business - lol I got My Creative Scrapbook kit and it was chock full of fairies! Graphics 45 fairies that is. So beautiful, I can't wait to see what else I create with this awesome paper. I also got a package from Pizzaz Aplenty this week and a few of the items went gorgeously with this paper.

I used a new digi image from Crafts and Me "Dusk". There was this beautiful scenery on the backside of one of the designed papers and I thought it paired beautifully with this frame and my image. I followed the sketch at Sunday Sketch and Stamp and added some Pizzaz flowers and that gorgeous butterfly. The circle sentiment was a freebie at Digi Doodle Shop. Love the swans in the background of it. When I was all finished I spritzed the card with BaDaBing Bling. Such a pretty shimmer. I really hope you enjoy my card. Thanks for looking!

Challenges entered:

Sunday Sketch and stamp - Sketch

Magical Monday - Love - Magical

Top Tip Tuesday - Frame it

7kids College Fund - I heart You

Charisma Cardz - Mythical/Fantasy

Digi Doodle Shop's Best - Nature

Stamp Something - Use a digi

Stampin For the Wknd - Valentines

Totally Papercrafts - Friendship

Warm Hugs - Jen

CAS Quickie

2011-02-10T13:34:00.000-06:00

Well..........I locked myself in my craft room/office/storage/dog kennel/gym/stress center today and vowed I wasn't leaving till I made a card. I've been looking for inspiration but it was hiding just out of my reach. I got a swap package a few weeks ago and decided that was a great place to start.

I used this gorgeous medallion that my friend Wanda Rohlfing made and added a Cricut "love" sentiment and some hearts. Very quick, very easy, just what I needed. It actually fits into several challenges too. So that led me to my next post with some magical fairies. Check it out when you're done here.

Challenges entered:

Paper Playtime - Cupid or Hearts

PCP CAS29 - Adding an embellishment

Whacky Wednesday - Valentines

Paper Romance - Clean and Simple

Polka Doodles - With Hearts
Totally Gorjuss - Sketch

Thank you so much to all of you that take the time to leave me a comment. It means so much to me. I read every one of them!
Jen

Cupid Mini Blog Hop

2011-02-07T00:00:00.002-06:00

NEW RELEASE at DZ Doodles!!

There are 6 of these adorable NEW cupid's!!! These are available for purchase today as a single image or all grouped together here. You should have arrived from the DZ Doodle blog, if not head back over there and read up on the details.

I hope you'll take a few minutes and hop through our DT. Make sure you leave some love along the way so you'll qualify for the giveaway. Then head over to our store and pick up one of these cuties to play in the upcoming challenge on Thursday! Or if you're really on the ball check out the easter cuties and get a head start on your easter cards!

Challenges entered:

Critter Sketch - sketch

7Kids College Fund - I heart you

Flutterbye - Anything Goes

Simon Says - Love is in the air

Polka Doodles - With hearts

Stampin for the Wknd - Valentines Day

Really Reasonable Ribbon - Pink.Red.White

StampIt Crazy - Valentine

Phew....that's ALOT for me! Have a great week and hopefully fingers crossed I'll still have my MOJO tomorrow!

Big hugs - Ms. Jen

"Someone to Watch over You"

2011-02-01T23:50:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday and that means a new challenge over at DZ Doodles. We have so many new images in the store it'll blow your mind. Diane has been super busy and talk about C-U-T-E! You've gotta check them out here.

This week we are offering a candy case template for our freebie. You'll find it on our blog, just scroll down. Now I'll be honest I don't do well with templates but this one was really easy and really fun. (I'm still trying to figure out the accordian template from PCP and it's like the easiest one out there! LOL) The pssibilities with this template are endless. It looks like a french fry holder. You could fill it with anything and with easter just around the corner it'll be perfect for a door hanger treat for your little one.

I opted to make a candy case to fill with small items that will make you feel better when you've lost a loved one. I still have to shop for that stuff but the case is ready. I opted to use "Thelma" as my image. She reminds me of my mother and I thought her in the clouds watching over you is a very comforting sentiment, at least it is to me. I used dp from one of my Swirlydoo's kits. Then I measured and cut out hearts along the bottom of each side piece before gluing it on the base, which is cream cardstock. I inked the edges with distress ink and added lace along the top. I didn't want to waste those hearts so I flipped and glued them down along the top as well. I then added some vine ribbon from RRR and flowers and a swirl across the front. Oh and I spritzed those flowers with Bada Bling spritz. Yummy!

Challenges entered:

DZ Doodles - Use template

Kaboodle Doodles - Monochromatic

Paper Playtime - Anything goes

Simon Says Stamp and Show - Show some love

Digi Doodle Shops Best - Swirls

Stamp, Scrap & Doodle - Get Punchy

I hope this inspires you to go grab the freebie and create something of your own. Now pop over to the blog and check out what my DT sisters did with their candy boxes. You'll be amazed - truly! And don't forget to enter it in our challenge here.

Much love - Jen

I won!!

2011-01-31T13:42:00.000-06:00

I WON a BLOG CANDY! And it just came in the mail today! WAHOO, I was overjoyed at what I got from Kimberly over at Scrap It Girl's blog. My favorite thing in the package was the Sakura glitter liner pens. I have been looking everywhere for them but didn't know exactly what I looking for. The hunt is now over because I got 2. Thank you so much Kimberly for everything!

Time stands still when you're in love!

2011-01-30T13:06:00.000-06:00

Good morning and a happy Sunday to you. I hope you're enjoying your day of rest. It's a quiet day here, 56 degrees out and warm. Especially when we had snow on the ground just a couple days ago and more coming this week. Oh well, we'll enjoy the warmth while it's here.

Today I have a Tiddly Ink's image, "Alice". I'm looking for a quote something like Time stands still when you're in love. I'll add it when I pick the right one. I used Basic Gray papers from the two scoops Dreamsicle pack. The cute little cherubs went great with my theme. The ribbon is from RRR and the gems are Prisma. I was thinking that I should probably back the heart swirl on top with yellow cardstock??? Watcha think? The Love in hearts was in my January RAK package. I just love it.

Challenges entered:

Tiddly Inks - Quote me

Do it with Digis - Pink and girly

Do you stack up - Patterened Papers

Digital Tuesday - Sketch

Charisma Cards - Valentines/Love

Have a great day!

Jen

Go Colts...

2011-01-29T21:35:00.000-06:00

A friend asked me to make a birthday card that had something to do with the colts. I'm not a huge football fan myself so this was a hard one. I found a football player image at Kenny K's and followed their sketch as well. I tried to color my image in the uniform colors, which I had to look up online. It's not great, but it got the job done. Hope you enjoy.

Challenges entered:

Kenny K's - Sketch

Paper Playtime - Anything Party related

Pollycraft - Black.White and one other color

Digi's with Attitude - Go Digital People

Polka Doodles - Partytime

Thanks - Jen

Woke up to snow! And a card

2011-01-26T12:55:00.000-06:00

YAY, snow again, NOT!

I had to share a funny pic of my fur baby "Ruffis". He's a chocolate lab with a bit of hound in him. He's Buddies daddy. (The one that got hit by a truck and had his tail amputated, yep, that's the one!) His momma was a beagle, yes folks it does happen. Poor old girl had two litters of his pups before she went to puppy heaven. She was a strong little thing. We call them "Beagledores", half/lab - half/beagle

On to my card! Of course, you now know why I was thinking about fur babies today. I used this adorable image "Hershey Bath" from Sew Many Cards. He's just too darn cute. I paired him up with some of my papers from an old Swirlydoo's Kit and ribbon from RRR. I made my bow and added a little blue stick pin with a heart on it. I pushed it down under the layers so you won't get poked opening it. I love the phrase "Oh no you didn't!", which is from Kraftin Kimmie's. I'm NOT happy with the coloring on the barrel, but I am happy with the glazed water look. I used my glossy accents for that and sprinkled just a touch of glitter on it. I also distressed all the edges and inked it with Tim Holtz, Weathered Wood. I'm really trying to use different products and colors that I'm not so comfortable with. One day I will actually figure out shading, until then I'll keep on trying!

Challenges Entered:

Sew Many Cards - Monkey Business

My Sheri - Organic (Can't get more organic than water!)

StampIt Crazy - Loopy - Something to cheer you up

Simon Says - Animal Antics

Mojo Monday - Sketch

Critter Sketch - Distressing and Circles

I'm trying to make a point to also decorate the insides of my card as well this year. Nothing fancy just to finish it off.

I hope everyone stays warm!

Hugs

Jen

Day 3 and another chance to win.

2011-01-26T09:11:00.000-06:00

It's day 3 at In2Stamps and another chance to win, todays stamp is "Fairy Lily - Blowing Hearts"

Pop over and check it out here!

New Release at In2Stamps

2011-01-24T10:22:00.000-06:00

3rd post for today, scroll down for previous challenge posts.

Come join in the 6 days to win new release at In2Stamps! What more is there to say, go check it out.

Friends

2011-01-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hey! Here's my second post this morning. I did a vintage card below this one if you'd like to check it out.

Here I have Sassy Cheryl's "Simple Gift". I see I forgot the sentiment, oh well. I opted to use these bright cheery colors which fit into several challenges listed below. I just love this image. Such simplicity in children and gift giving. My papers are from Websters and the ribbon is from RRR. It's a pretty basic sketch, but so cute. I hope you enjoy.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and let me know you were here! It totally makes my day to read your comments.

Challenges Entered:

Digital Tuesday - Tropical Warmth

Sassy Cheryls - Buttons and Bows (Bow on front, buttons inside)

Sweet Stop - Sketch/Dry Embossing

Totally Gorjuss - Hot Hot Hot (my colors)

Hugs

Jen

A card for my BFF

2011-01-24T07:29:00.000-06:00

Good Morning! I hope you are all recovering from a fabulous weekend. It was pretty quiet around here. Just me and hubby and we definitely enjoyed it. I have a card I made for my BFF, Jocie. I wanted to share and enter in a couple challenges before I pop it in the mail. We've been missing each other alot lately and the phone calls just don't seem to cover the miles so I thought I'd send her a little reminder of how special she is to me.

I used most of this 12X12 paper on another card and kept cutting it to save this mannequin. I knew I'd use it for something. I sewed the pearl strip on to the top of the tulle and then attached it so you could still see the quality of the paper. I hit a few of the beads (just the green ones) with glitter and made the pearl border at the bottom. Jocie loves vintagey stuff and I know she'll love this one.

Challenges Entered:

Clean and Simple - Sketch

7Kids College Fund - Challenge myself (first time sewing on a card)

Stamp-N-Doodle - Use a dress somewhere (I created one)

Crafty Purple Frog - Distressing

Have a great week!

Jen

Pay It Forward

2011-01-22T09:20:00.000-06:00

Pay It Forward

I just joined in a fab game over at Lindy's, who joined from Dorcas's blog.

And this is how it goes:

I promise to send something handmade to the first five people who comment on this post sometime during 2011. However, there's a catch. You must post this, offering something handmade to five other people.

The rules state that it must be something handmade or homemade by you and needs to be sent to five other people during 2011.

That gives you PLENTY of time to come up with something special. I know there's several of you that I'd love to get something homemade from. It doesn't have to be "paper crafting" related. Could be jewelry, something crocheted or knitted, the ideas are endless!

If you'd like to join in the fun, then be the first to post a comment and something handmade or homemade will be coming your way at some point this year.

Isn't that cool?

So lets see what we can do!

Come play!

What's the Buzz Blog Hop and Release

2011-01-21T07:57:00.001-06:00

***Please accept my apologies. The weather knocked out our internet yesterday. So this is a few hours late***

What's the Buzz Blog Hop and Image Release at DZ Doodles

What's Buzzing through DZ Doodles today??? It's 6 adorable NEW bee's!!! These are available for purchase today as a single image or all grouped together here. You should have arrived here from the wonderfully talented Joyce's blog. If not you can head back to the beginning and start at the Doodle Blog.

So who's ready for a little fun! Let's buzz on out and visit each of the DZ Doodles design team and play a little blog hop game. What we want you to do is visit each blog (list at the bottom of this post). You are going to comment on each blog and collect a letter from each blog to spell out the "secret word". Then your going to go back to DZ Doodles Blog at the end and comment what the secret word is from the letters you collected from each blog...if your word is correct you will be entered to win 3 free images of your choice from our Buzzing Bee collection release! Sound fun?!?! Let's get started!!!

* Valerie

* Pascale

* Jen (That's me!)

I've used "Doodle Bee" for my image. Isn't he just the cutest??? He was so fun to color and pair up with my papers and embellies. I hope you enjoy him too.

I am finishing off the secret word with my cutey patutey "E"! Now head over to the blog and leave your comment with the secret word here.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a fantastic day!

Challenges entered:

MOJO Monday - Sketch

Simon Says - Bingo (gems.glitter.ribbon)
Flutterbye Wednesday - Anything Goes

Really Reasonable Ribbon - Hearts plus ribbon

Kids fun at Some Odd Girl

2011-01-20T16:30:00.000-06:00

It's Anniversary week over at Some Odd Girl. Today they are letting the kids join in and have some fun. The contest is for the little ones. So get out your SOG images and have some coloring fun.

My little angel Wednesday came over to visit today. She loves all my scrapbooking stuff and is just in awe at everything. I've put together a little box that has markers, stamps and some coloring sheets for her so she can "do what Jen does". It's something we do often and I enjoy it just as much as her. She's come a long way from just blobs to working on staying in the lines and changing her colors. I always get out the tv tray and a cup of chocolate milk, find Dora on the tv and away we go. So here she is enjoying some of that special time. And her completed project. I ran out of batteries, but she had me cut out the image and she put it in an envelope with her name on it. So cute!

So thanks SOG for letting the kids join in. I know alot of artists don't allow that so hat's off to you for doing it!

DT post for DZ Doodles

2011-01-19T09:01:00.000-06:00

Challenge #2 At DZ Doodles is up and running.

Lots going on over there this week. A new challenge, a freebie, lots of inspiration and a NEW release this week on Friday, Jan. 21st!!! So stay tuned we are having a fun blog hop and freebies just for entering!

Today I want to bring you a fun Valentine challenge with a CUTE little bear freebie for you to play with! We all here at DZ Doodles want to challenge you...make a Valentine goody with any DZ Doodles image to enter to win one free image of your choice from the DZ Doodles store. You will have from Wednesday, Jan. 19th - Wednesday, Feb. 2nd to enter your project. Use Mr. Inlinkz at the bottom of this post to add your link to your project. Don't forget the freebie here is free for a limited time so get him well he's HOT!

I've been sittin on this cutie for over a week now and wanting so bad to post him. He's so easy to color and I just loved the great papers from My Creative Scrapbook kit! I hope you enjoy him as much as I have. Please stop over and grab him before he's gone and then join our challenge with your creation!

Challenges entered:

DZ Doodles - Use free image
Stamp Scrap and Doodle - Anything Goes

Delicious Doodles - Use 3 Colors

Top Tip Tuesday - Use a Sentiment

Wild Orchid - Get Sentimental

Paper Playtime - Use the word love

Totally Gorjuss - Cuddly Buddies

WOW, I do believe that's a record for me on challenges. I rarely do more than 5 at a time because I choose them before I make my card. A little overwhelming!

Don't forget to check back on Friday for the new release for DZ Doodles!

Have a fab-a-licious day!

Hugs - Jen

Mermaid Fantasy Birthday

2011-01-16T19:16:00.000-06:00

This is my second post for today. The Teddy Bo post is below this one

I know we all have our favorite artists and one of mine is definitely Michelle Perkett. I love the fantasy of her images. I'm into anything magical, butterflies and purple. This gorgeous creation is "Butterfly Fairy Stamp". This is an older image but she has several new ones out that are on my wishlist! I chose to do her in yellow, orange and green because I'm tired of the snow and cold weather. I thought this would give out some warm happy thoughts.

All items are from My Creative Scrapbook kit. The butterflies are doubled up and stamped with Martha Stewart's punch. I glued down one side on each to give it dimension. The floral swirls are cut from my cricut. I chose to back everything with black just to set it off a bit more. These flowers are also from Flora Doodles. They were piling up so I broke into 'em finally. The floral swirls were cuts from my box of "extra's" that I cut and never used. I"ve been trying to pull that out and use some stuff up. I practiced alot of different cuts when I first got my Cricut and just put it all in a box for later instead of tossing it.

Thanks for stopping by today. Don't forget we have a new challenge at DZ Doodles this week. You won't want to miss it. I've seen what the team did for inspiration and it's gorgeous! Also, a heads up there will be candy coming soon!

Thinking of all of you!

Jen

Challenges entered:

Michelle Perkett - Fantasy Fairy

Flutterbye - sketch with wings

Sassy Studio - Use it up (something from your stash)

Delicious Doodles - Use 3 colors

My Sheri - Bling

New Adorable Images!! Check it out

2011-01-16T15:27:00.000-06:00

Good Morning and Happy Sunday! I have two posts for you today. I'll start off with a new/old artist. Gayle, which we all know as "FairyD" from the Fairy Doodler's Den has started a new line of images called TeddyBo. The new challenge site for those is here. I was a lucky winner last week at her Fairy Doodler Challenge blog and won some of these new images! (Which by the way she gives away a free image to use in each of her Fairy Doodler challenges, so everybody is really a winner.) The Teddy Bo's are super cute and just perfect in time for Valentines Day.

I colored "Teddy Bea" up in greens and blues with my Prismas and accented with brown to go with the color of my teddy bo. It doesn't show up very well but I did add some sparkle to his little heart. I used Flora flowers this time and ribbon from RRR and My Creative Scrapbook kit. The products from my "hoarding stash" were the flowers, gem swirls, and ticket. I gotta find my love stamp and I'm gonna stamp that on the ticket too. I also sprayed that with my glimmer mist. I'll be posting a gorgeous Michelle Perkett Mermaid in a couple hours. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the new Teddy Bo's! I have another one colored up and ready to put together to post later this week too.

Challenges Entered:

The Shabby Tea Room - Sketch

Teddy Bo - Use a Teddy Bo image

Top Tip Tuesday - Anything goes

Pixie Dust Studio - Tag it

Stampin for the Weekend - New and blue

The Flavor of Love

2011-01-14T08:29:00.001-06:00

Who doesn't love a great Phindy image? I know I do, and I think this little guy "Brave Heart" is just perfect for valentines day. Actually there are several great images that would work perfectly for the one you love.

Everything on my card is from my kit from My Creative Scrapbook. I've been doing some research on coloring lately and trying out some different techniques. I'm not great at shading and mixing colors so I've been really trying to do more of that. Let me know what you think and please don't be shy in critiquing. I could really use the help. Any links you know of for Prisma coloring would be greatly appreciated too. Everything is copic these days, it's been hard to find them. I might even see ya later today with another card. I have a couple still in the works!

Challenges entered:

Create4fun - Sketch

Southern Girls - Lovey and romantic

Kaboodle doodle - Do it with Digis

Top Tip Tuesday - Anything Goes

Phindy's Place - Valentines for a loved one

Have a fabulous day!

Jen

Hodge Podge White on White Challenge

2011-01-13T04:00:00.003-06:00

Good morning ladies! (And Mr. Crafty!-LOL) I'm here with my DT card for Challenge #7 from The Hodge Podge Shop! We had some much needed time off and are refreshed and ready for action! I'd also like to welcome Fae back to our team. She's had some emergency surgeries that came up during December and has been recovering. I'm so glad to have her back and feeling a bit better!

Today I've used "Sweet Wildflowers". I put just a hint of green on it. It's a beautiful image all on it's own. I accented it with double ribbons from RRR on the side. I also added a Prima flower and pretty butterfly from my My Creative Scrapbook kit. I added some faux stitching just to break up the layers a bit. Hope you enjoy it!

This Challenge will run until Feb. 9th, so you have plenty of time to join in. We'd sure love to see you. Why not try a Hodge Podge Shop image this week and support Shelley as she gets her business off the ground!

Warm and happy thoughts!

Jen

Challenges entered:

The Hodge Podge Shop - White on white

Totally Gorjuss - Sketch

Pixie Dust - 2 or more ribbons

Digital Tuesday - All white except for image

I Love Ewe

2011-01-12T05:00:00.001-06:00

Good morning and happy Wednesday! It looks like the snow is letting up around here. It's still colder than a "you know what"! The kids are out of school again today. Maybe they'll be going back tomorrow. It sure is different here in the south. Up north we went to school anyway. But the roads do seem to be more icy rather than slushy. Oh well, gives me plenty of time in the craft room, right!?!

I just wanted to say that I am really enjoying my new followers. Ya'll are the best! I've found tons of new talent and ideas and I'm lovin looking through the blogs. Keep comin by!

I have this darling little sheep from Designed2Delight to share with you today. I colored her in pink for Valentines Day. There's still time to pick her up if you haven't already. She's free here.

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for The Hodge Podge Shop's new challenge. And then on Thursday is my other DT, DZ Doodles. There's so much happening you won't want to miss it.

I also found another new challenge site called Teddy Bo. Gayle has the most adorable little bears over there. You definitely want to check them out!

I think that covers my announcements for this week. Have a fabulous day!

Recipe:

Image - Designed2Delight

Papers - Momenta (Flirt Collection)

Ribbon - Walmart

Challenges entered:

Delightful Challenges - Buttons

Digi Doodle Shops Best - Buttons

Friday Sketchers - Sketch

Designed2Delight - Use free image

Hey There

2011-01-11T22:04:00.000-06:00

I have a last minute post for tonight. I can't believe I was up with hubby this morning and still going strong at the moment. I'd say it was a pretty good day over-all. I don't get a lot of those so woohoo! If you find an ATG gun laying in the snow, not to worry, it's mine!

This image is from the Fairy Doodler's Friday freebie. The challenge is to use the image. How easy peasy! Honestly I just don't usually get them done in time. Hope you enjoy it!

Challenges entered:

Fairydoodlers Den - Use image

Stampin for the Weekend - New and blue

Sunday Sketch and Stamp - Sketch

Stamp-N-Doodle - New Years Resolution (mine is to do more masculine cards)

"Ta-Da"

2011-01-11T12:36:00.001-06:00

Today I have a Phindy image for you! This is "Ta-Da" from Phindy's Place. I just love this adorable little bird. I followed the sketch at Pixie Cottage and used my new punch. Just a quick post, I'm off to do finish up some projects. Have a great day!

Recipe:

Paper - DCWV-Summer Pack

Image - Phindy's Place

Flowers - My Creative Scrapbook Kit

Ribbon - Really Reasonable Ribbon Kit

Miscellaneos - Flower center punch, flat back gems-prima, Colorbox inks

Challenges entered:

Sentimental Sundays - Anything with wings

Pixie Cottage - Sketch

Simon Says Stamp - New Beginnings

Charisma Cardz - Birthdays and Celebrations

Phindy's Place - Distressing
Paper Romance - Yellow

Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know what you think!

Jen

Happy New Year Friends

2011-01-09T15:50:00.000-06:00

When I think "Happy New Year", I think of my friends and family and how lucky I am to have them. So I made this card with that in mind. Michelle Perkett's image "Holly Fairy". It's actually a Christmas stamp, but it works for so many other things too. I colored her with my Prisma's and then added some Diamond Dust to edges of her dress and snow on the branches. I stippled the background with Colorbok. Then I used Creative Imaginations paper to follow the sketch at Sweet Stop. That flower which matches everything perfectly is from Prima. Hope you enjoy her.

Challenges Entered:

Michelle Perkett - Happy New Year

Sweet stop - Sketch

Stamp Something - Use a digi

Make it Crafty - Use cool or warm colors (I chose cool)

My Sheri Crafts - Winter(snow and New Years)

A Thank You

2011-01-08T09:08:00.001-06:00

I woke up to snow today! I'm tellin ya this weather is just CRAZY! Here in the south we don't usually get snow till later. Weatherman is saying it's gonna warm up and then hit again on Monday. Yeeps!

I started out putting together my card for The Hodge Podge this week and ended up with this one instead. LOL Does that ever happen to you? Of course, I also finished my other card too. Sometimes, or rather almost always for me, one idea blossoms into another. I guess that's what creativity is all about. Right ladies?!? So I used my new embossing folder and it's so pretty I just couldn't bring myself to cover it up. So I added some gems for some sparkle too. And I had this ruffley ribbon that is so gorgeous and matched my flowers perfectly. I decided to double up on my bows and add my pretty flower. So here's what I ended up! Thanks for stopping by.

Challenges entered

Delicious Doodles - Something New (embossing folder)

Pixie Dust Studio - Use 2 or more ribbons

Sassy Studio Designs - Use something new (embossing folder)

Totally Papercrafts - Thank you

Really Reasonable Ribbon - Something new plus ribbon (embossing folder)

A New Challenge Blog

2011-01-07T09:59:00.000-06:00

Good Morning! One of my New Years Resolutions is to work on my niece's scrapbooks more this year. My card making addiction pretty much took over all my crafting time last year and I don't have many updated pages done. One of the challenges I love to follow is Get Sketchy. They've come up with another blog for scrapbookers - how cool is that?!? You can find it here. And they are also giving away a $100 gift certificate for one lucky winner to your favorite store so you should go check it out!

Tartan Lovers!

2011-01-06T19:05:00.000-06:00

Scotweb, the leader in kilts, and kilt accessories in any Tartan is having a contest. They are offering up some free products each month this year. You only have to enter once to be eligible each. How great is that?!? If you've ever thought about it now's the time to check it out. Pop over to Scotweb and sign up! Who knows you could be a winner!

We've been researching our family surname and have become quite interested in our Scottish heritage. Our church pastor and some other members are already kilt lovers and attend the Highland Games here in Tennessee and surrounding states. We are so excited to become a part of this. Our first game experience will be this May. Fingers crossed we're able to find a kilt for my hubby in time. He's wanted one ever since he was little!

So go check it out and if you're a kilt lover too let me know!

DZ Doodles DT Post - All About Storage!

2011-01-05T09:46:00.000-06:00

Today we bring you a NEW challenge for the NEW year! The challenge we bring to you today is all about storage. Let's get organized it's a new year! So make something for your desk for example: a pencil holder, calendar, post it note holder or a notebook...anything really that you can use for storage. You can use the freebie image here or any another DZ Doodles image to enter this challenge. You have until Tuesday Jan. 18th at 12am. The winner will be posted on Thursday, Jan. 20th. Winner will win one free image of their choice from the DZ Doodles store!

Here's what I came up with. It's a desktop calendar using the super adorable "Chloe". Of course this one was inspired by my super cool, super fun PCP Secret Pal. I used my prisma's to color her. I'm still learning to shade and use multiple colors. Any advice is freely taken! The flowers and ribbons were from one of my Swirly kits. The papers were from that awesome paper pad by Me and My Big Ideas hubby got me for xmas. My images were 3 X 3 1/2 so II made my calendar to fit and it turned out to be 5X7. You could also use this for a post-it holder. It's a great little gift for a friend.

I would like to welcome all my new followers that are here via Feline Playful, "Give a comment, Get a comment". I've had such a great time going around and visiting all of you and seeing your wonderful blogs. You are such talented ladies and I'm definitely looking forward to all you have to share in the coming year. I can't wait to see what friendships blossom from this!

Challenges entering:

Sentimental Sundays - Celebrate friendship (for a friend)

Kaboodle Doodles - Anything Goes

Colour Create - Pink.Red.White

Shabby Tea Room - 11 elements (BG cardstock, Big Ideas Design Paper, Prima Roses Pink, Prima Roses White, Cuttlebug dots, 2 kinds of ribbon, flatback gems, 3D embellishment, Prisma Pencils, Scallop punch

Desktop Calendar

2011-01-02T10:26:00.000-06:00

Happy Saturday! My hubby is off hunting so I thought I'd get a quick post in before he gets back and we take off. My secret pal send me a desktop calendar for my birthday that I absolutely LOVE! I thought I'd make a couple for some friends. I have to pick up the mini calendars still, but you could also use it for post-its. Very versatile and it folds flat for mailing too.

Recipe

Image - Just Inklined

Paper - Me and My Big Ideas

Challenges

Digital Tuesday - Anything Goes

Digi Doodle Shop's Best - Anything Goes

Stamp-N-Doodle - Anything New (My new paper pad)

Southern Girls - Anything Goes

Delicious Doodles - Use purple

Sew Many Cards - Anything Goes

Have a GREAT weekend!

Jen

Blessed in Abundance!

2011-01-02T09:27:00.000-06:00

My birthday was on Christmas Eve. If you wondered, yep, it usually sucks! LOL This year though was great. My hubby surprised me with a dozen roses and the BIG pack of Prisma Pencils. And a card about how much he loved me and that I was his best friend. Tear, sigh..............how did I get so lucky?!? And if that wasn't sweet enough already, he even threw in two 12X12 paper pads because he said I didn't have enough whimsical paper. I guess he does pay attention! What a sweetie!

I won this stash over at Jacque's blog last month too!

I joined Paper Craft Planet (PCP), this year and I was totally overwhelmed at the generosity of those girls over there. And one in particular, my Secret Pal. I received a card almost every day of the month for my birthday. They came from all over the world and it was so fun to see who it was and where they were from. I was totally inspired to jump on the bandwagon and return the blessing. It was the most birthday cards I've EVER received and they are still hanging up so I can continue to enjoy them a bit longer.

Thank you so much for these beautiful creations! I couldn't post a picture of every one but they are all so gorgeous.

I'll be posting all the fun things my Secret Pal sent me in another post this week. It's too much to try do all together!

Thanks to all the girls from Feline Playful for joining my blog too! It's great to see you here and I'm enjoying popping around to ya'lls blogs too.

Hugs - Jen

Happy New Year with a Freebie

2011-01-01T20:09:00.000-06:00

It's 1-1-11! Can you believe it? Happy Happy New Year!!!!!

I hope all of you are enjoying your holidays and that everyone had a safe and fun New Years. I took some unexpected time off to get better and spend some time with my loving family. November and especially December were tough for me and I really needed to just rest and get back on my feet. I have lots of exciting stuff coming up for 2011 and can't wait to share it with all of you.

I wanted to remind you of the challenge going on at DZ Doodles. Most of our challenges include a freebie and this one is no different. You still have until Thursday, January 6th to play along and grab this adorable "New Years Bear" freebie! I was missing in action when the challenge was posted but here's a card I made with him. Diane has added a ton of new images to the store and most of them are under $2.00. Go check it out and I hope you'll play along!

I used my fabulous new Prisma Pencils that my wonderful husband got me for my birthday. He explained that when he went to Michael's to buy them he was flabbergasted at the price - OOPS! But being the sweet hubby he is he had a half off coupon and decided to get the biggest set. When he took them to the counter to check out the girls says "Are these pencils?" he said "yep", She says "for that price?", he says "yep". She said "I sure hope they're MAGIC!". We laughed and laughed when he told us that story. I'm sure ya'll can relate.......

Have a fabulous first day of 2011 and I'll see everyone tomorrow! I was overwhelmed with the your generosity and love that you showed me and my mailbox over my birthday and christmas and am doing a little post to share my RAK's!

Hugs - Jen

Recipe

Image - DZ Doodles

Paper - Me and My Big Ideas (another gift) along with Bazzil cardstock

Prima Gems, Swirly Cuttlebug, Colorbox Chalks for edges

Challenges Entered

Paper Playtime - New Years

Sketch and Stash - Use any sketch with a new item you got for xmas

Sassy Cheryls - Teddy Bear

Simon Says Stamp - New Years

My Sheri Crafts - New years

Hodge Podge Blue and Silver Challenge

2010-12-16T08:06:00.000-06:00

Good morning and happy Thursday! It's time for another challenge at the The Hodge Podge Shop. We're slowly growing and Margaret has added several new images to the shop. All images are priced at $2.50, go check them out here!

This week's challenge is to use Blue and Silver. When I saw this adorable carousel I couldn't resist coloring her up! I'm sending it to my BFF's granddaughter. I used my Prisma's to color it. Since Margaret's images are usually pretty detailed you don't have to add much. That's one thing I like, especially if I'm in a hurry. I chose to use the sketch from Friday Sketchers and I just love all the layering. I used my Cricut and cut out the swirly tree and snowflake. Then I sprayed them and the background embossed papers with my shimmers mist and added some silver glitter. I was covered in glitter by the time I was done with this one - LOL. I chose the dark chocolate cardstock to back everything I thought it went well as a finishing color. Make sure you pop over and leave some love for my DT sisters too!

I decided to postpone my blog candy till the first of the year with everything that has happened this month. So be sure and watch my posts. Have a fabulous day my girlies!!

Recipe:

Image - Hodge Podge Shop

Paper - K&Company

Cricut cartridge - Christmas Noel

Ribbon - RRR

Embellies - Gems by Prima

Challenges Entered

The Hodge Podge Shop - Blue and Silver

Simon Says Stamp - Blue, silver and white

Friday Sketchers - sketch

DZ Doodles Winter Release and Blog Hop

2010-12-15T06:38:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the DZ Doodles Winter Release Blog Hop! You should have arrived from Diane at the DZ Doodles Blog, if not you can start the hop here. New images are available to purchase at the DZ Doodles Store now.

And here's my gift tag!

I used "Is It too Late" Bear for my project. Isn't it just the cutest?!?! I made some jewelry for a friend for christmas and thought it would make the perfect adornment for a tag. The tag is from MelJen's. The picture distorts the red a bit but it's a deep christmas red and I love the pine attatchmnt on the Wamart Ribbon as well.

Thanks so much for stopping by. You have from right now until Sat., Dec. 18th @ 12am MST to enter. The winner will be posted on Mon., Dec. 20th. Leave a comment on each and every one design teams blog hop post to be entered to win 3 (three) images of your choice from the today's release!!! I hope you have fun looking at all the design team's creations for today and hope they will inspire you! Your in for a treat hop over to see Joyce now!

Here is the blog hop list...

Thanks so much for stopping by and enjoy the hop!

Hugs - Jen

Challenges Entered:
Digi Doodle Shop - Animals and insects
Charisma Cards - Christmas Gift
MelJens - Red, Green and Gold

Hey There!

2010-12-09T12:27:00.001-06:00

******UPDATE******

I totally forgot to link this!! So here it is:

Critter Sketch Challenge

I have a quick post today. I put this card together for the Critter Sketch Challenge. I really like this shoe from Just Inklined. It has so many possiblities. I'll probably use it for some bridal shower cards. I'm trying to get some cards done but it's slow going. Thanks for stopping by!

Without PCP I'd have no birthday cards! I've recieved a birthday card almost every day this week. Thank you Cynthia and Diane. Those gals are so special. I even got a package of goodies from Cynthia!

I got a Christmas card from my very special Secret Pal today!! Thank you so much, I just love you. And no I haven't figured out who you are yet. But rest assured, it's not for a lack of trying...............LOL

Hugs - Jen

DZ Doodles DT Post

2010-12-08T19:10:00.001-06:00

Hello fellow bloggers! I've missed you so much. I went straight from having a kidney infection to Thanksgiving, then my dog got hit by a car and now I have walking pneumonia. I ask you, can it get any worse??? I'm really trying to keep a smile on and get in the christmas spirit but it's a tad bit hard at the moment. I strive to not be a complainer but I'm tellin ya, we need some health and holiday spirits over here! Come on carolers........LOL

I have for you today my very first post for DZ Doodles as a DT member. Rosalien made a fantastic sketch for us to use. The image is free for a limited time over at our PCP site. This time you are free to use any DZDoodles stamp, but you have to use the sketch. You have untill Wednesday December 22 to enter the Challenge. Just post your card in the comment section below in this post. The winner will receive 1 image of DZDoodles of their choice.

We will announce the winner on Thursday Dec. 23. :)

I used Diane's "Gingerbread Pair" you can purchase here. Aren't they adorable. I thought they'd be cute on a gift of homemade goodies too. I had the perfect paper pad by Martha Stewart - Frosty Gingerbread to go with it too. I also used another new product I got from a friend called Diamond Dust by Twinklets. It's a chunky glitter and added a neat texture to the candies. Maybe a little too chunky for this but it's really cool. I also added some stickles and lots of gems for that extra bling!

Please bear with me as I learn the ins and outs of my new DT position and where everything is posted. DZ Doodles is also active over at PCP, hop over and have a look!

*****Update*****Yep, got worse, car broke down and have to replace the fuel pump. Ouch, not a cheap part! Grrrrrrr

Recipe

Image - DZ Doodles

Paper - Martha Stewart

Gems - Prima

Flowers - Prima

Sentiment Ticket - Stichie Digi's

Challenges Entered

DZ Doodles - Sketch

Delicious Doodles - Use a digi

Paper Romance - Winter Theme

Paper Funtastics (There she goes) - Bring on the bling

Thanks for stopping by! Oh and if anyone knows someone getting rid of their Prisma pencils let me know!

Hugs - Jen!!

Blog Candy Winner! And Buddy Update

2010-12-04T09:44:00.000-06:00

A day late and a dollar short! That seems to be my life at the moment. After removing my sister DT's comments and duplicates I put them all in a bowl and had my son draw a name out...........................And the winner is...............................................

Tabitha On Eagle'sWings

Who said "That is really cute and great that you recycled the ribbon spool. Very cool thanks for sharing and following. Yea!

Congrats! Send me an email at mclaughfam@yahoo.com with your address and I'll get this out to you!

Buddy Update!

Buddy's surgery went well. The poor fella was pretty disoriented for a couple days and then when he realized his tail was a bit shorter he wasn't sure what to do. He just kept pacing and looking at his rear! LOL He looks awfully cute though. Doc said I had done everything right, but unfortunately there just wasn't any saving it. He looks like that character "Hex" with all his road rash on his face but he'll heal nicely and he's getting lots of love and attention, which I'm sure I'll regret in a week or two! Thanks to all of you dog lovers out there who kept in touch. Now if I can just get over this darn bronchitis or whatever it is I'll be doing great!

Hugs to all!

Jen

I'm on a new DT!

2010-12-02T10:34:00.000-06:00

I think it's okay to tell you now since my name was added to the DT list!! I was asked to be a member of the Design Team at DZ Doodles! I'm so honored and can't wait to start working with the talented team they already have. DZ Doodles will be having a blog hop on December 15th, which will be my first official time to play. I hope you'll join me and check out the wonderful images Diane has created! You can find her store here.

And don't forget to stop by tomorrow and see who won my Blog Candy!

If you're looking for The Hodge Podge Challenge post it is directly below this one. Thanks again for stopping by. You make my day when you leave me a comment!
Jen

Hodge Podge Shop Christmas Birthday Challenge!

2010-12-02T09:59:00.000-06:00

Welcome to this weeks challenge. We are so very happy that you could drop in today and we can't wait to see what you are going to create! This challenge was sent down from our wonderful Shelley who's inspiration came from the fact that it is her sisters birthday this month!!! And it's my birthday this month too! So, with that in mind I decided to create some beautiful flowers. My birthday is Christmas Eve so I know how hard it is to get a christmas card for your birthday! LOL I used Hodge Podge's new image "Wildflower" to create my card. I cut the flower out 2 additional times to give it some more dimension. I also used Opal shimmers and Ba Da Bling shimmer mist to really give it some sparkle! I really love the look of pink and purple together. The centers of the flowers were hit with a bit of glossy accents and I added that beautiful butterfly fluttering through the flowers. I also decided to do some doodling to bring the darkness from the image together with the papers. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my card. I can't wait to see what you come up with for your Christmas Birthday Card! Oh and by the way I don't allow my family to do anything for christmas on Christmas Eve they have to wait till midnight when my birthday is over! Ha ha ha It doesn't always work but I sure try!

Stop in tomorrow for my announcement of the blog candy winner! I was delayed because of Buddy's surgery and I apologize for that. I'm excited to see who it is too.

Recipe:

Image - The Hodge Podge Shop

Paper - Paperbilities

Shimmer Mist - "Hot Pink Mama" by memories2embellish.com

Shimmers - Opal

Prisma pencils to color

Challenges Entered:

The Hodge Podge Shop - Christmas Birthday

MOJO Monday - Sketch

Flutterbye Wednesday - Open

Hugs - Jen

Quick Update!

2010-11-29T23:02:00.000-06:00

Hey there ladies! I've received several emails asking what's up!?!?!? Well, I have that darn head cold and my dog, Buddy was hit by a car. He's alive, thank the Lord. But he's pretty banged up and will be losing his tail. There's one truck in particular that he chases, always has even when he was a baby. Unfortunately instead of stopping at the end of the yard he went for it and got the bad end of the deal. He can't sit or lay down very well and he's pretty swollen and bruised up. The road rash is the least of it right now. I'm watching for any signs of internal damage awaiting his vet for surgery. So needless to say I've got my hands full at the moment. I'm popping on when I can but it'll probably be mid week before I'm back in action. Thanks for your sweet emails. It touches my heart to know there are so many other dog lovers out there!

Hugs - Jen

Waltzing Mouse Challenge

2010-11-25T09:05:00.000-06:00

Here's a quickie before I'm off to work in the kitchen! I used an Angel Company Stamp I got from my dear friend Vicki for the poinsetta. It was colored with Prisma's and then sprayed with Lilac mist shimmer spray. I embossed the background with snowflakes but it doesn't show up in the picture very well. I love this sketch because it's simple and you can use it for so many things.

Challanges Entered:

Waltzing Mouse - Sketch

Paper Cutz - Bling

Lollipop Crafts - Christmas

Get Sketchy - Inspiration from your house (my poinsetta plant)

Have a wonderful day full of blessings

Jen :)

HAPPY TURKEY DAY

2010-11-25T07:00:00.001-06:00

HAPPY TURKEY DAY! I hope this day finds you spending time with your loved ones and counting your blessings. Whether it's thanksgiving for you or not take a moment today and thank God for all the wonderful things he has given you!

I am thankful for a God that loves me and has blessed me with a wonderful life. I am thankful for my wonderful husband of almost 20 years who supports me in everything I do. He has stood by me throughout our years and is the love of my life. I'm thankful for my sons Dennis and Nate. They are strong willed, hard working, caring and handsome young men who have the world ahead of them. They are always there for me and we share a bond that any mother would be blessed to have. I'm thankful for my family, without them I wouldn't be the person I am today. Each one of them hold a piece of my heart and I love them each in their own special way. I'm thankful for my friends without them I'd have no laughter or drama in my life. Especially my bestie - Jocie - who is always there for love and support. They say people come into our lives for a reason and I truly believe that. And last, but not least, I'm thankful for you - my blogging friends - for without you I'd be a lonely soul!

Thanks for taking time to stop by and see my creations and leave me a little love. You make my days brighter!

Hugs - Jen

Off to Safari!

2010-11-24T07:31:00.000-06:00

Happy Hump Day! I bet most of you are busy in your kitchen either getting things ready for a houseful or making your "dish" to take mom's or gram's or whomever you're sharing the holiday with. Those of you that aren't in the US, I send lots of blessing your way!

I have a quick post this morning before I head to the kitchen to finish the dishes I can do a day ahead of time. We're deep frying our turkey this year, something different. I have to cook a ham too because half the house doesn't like turkey. Who'da thought?!? Oh well, more for me. And there are so many wonderful leftover recipes.

So here's my Pixie Dust Studio's "April" pixie dressed up for her Safari vacation. I actually tried my hand at paper piecing for the very first time. Critics are welcome and encouraged! The sketch is from Midnight Madness, who is having a GREAT sale this week. Well, there you go short, sweet and to the point.

Question: Is anyone else having problems linking pictures? Sometimes it's taking 3 or 4 tries before it accepts it? Just curious if it's me or the system.

Challenges Entered:

Pixie Dust Studio - Safari

Midnight Madness - Sketch

Happy baking!

MelJen's Christmas

2010-11-23T22:02:00.000-06:00

I was beginning to wonder if I'd actually get a card done this week. My son got himself a 10 point buck over the weekend and that called for mamma's butchering skills. I had to hurry up and do it cause the weather is unusually warm at the moment. Some people don't agree with hunting, I know. Our family lives off it so it's very important to us. We don't hunt just for fun. We never kill anything that we won't eat and we abide by all the rules and regulations. I don't agree with people that don't follow those rules. Last year when we ran out of venison everyone got sick. Reminded me that we don't know what's put in our food from stores. Ewwww We're blessed to be able to raise and grow most of our own food. And I put up lots of stuff during canning season. With the cost of groceries I just don't see how families get by anymore.

I wanted to send some warm hugs up north to all my family, friends and blogging buddies that are experiencing that cold front. Stay warm and stay safe.

Well, onto my card for tonight. It was a freebie from MelJen's and I opted to do it because it was quick and easy and would get me back in the mood again. Plus I think it turned out really nicely with the sketch from Stamp, Scrap, and Doodle. I did a little embossing with the sntiment and snowflake design on the tag. The papers were a gift so I'm not sure who they're made by, but they are gorgeous. The ribbon is a scrap!

Challenges entered:

Meljens - Christmas

Stamp, Scrap and Doodle - sketch

Don't forget I'm drawing the winner of my small blog candy next Tuesday and then I'll be posting my BIG CANDY! WOOHOO

I wanted to welcome all of my new followers. It's so nice to have you here. Thanks for stopping by!

I won a Blog Candy and got a present from my Secret Pal!

2010-11-22T08:57:00.000-06:00

Good morning and happy Monday to all my friends out in blogland! I wanted to share with you what I got over the last two weeks in the mail. My wonderful Secret Pal sent me another letter and a beautiful card. It's embossed with leaves that are so pretty. I wish I could ask her what she used. I love it. Also I've never seen an envelope turned into a card......how clever! I know she checks my blog so I figure I can anser her letters here. Scrolling through our Secret Pal forum has gotten to be quite a chore! LOL There's so many ladies chatting with each other and keeping up that it just goes on and on and on and on, well you get the picture.

So here's to my pal:
It's so nice to hear that you've been with your man for 14 years. This summer will 20 for my husband and me. That's just so rare these days it makes my heart happy to hear it. Lucky you to have 3 girls and grandchildren! I have two boys but thankfully no grandkids yet. Not that I wouldn't love to have them, but my boys are just starting out their lives and I want them to wait - lol. It's funny you talk about your best friend of 27 years because I have one too. We've known each other 22 years. Those friendships are hard to find and hold onto once you are lucky enough to find them. I'm blessed to have my Jocie in my life. She has been my rock when everything else was crashing down. For all the things in my life that are challenging me right now I definitely have more that are blessing me. God is so great! I'm blessed to have been given such a great secret pal too. One day I'll know who you are until then I'm saving up my letters and painting a picture of you in my mind! Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving my secret pal!

I also won a Blog Candy from Susan Dupre. The candy was for a package of Graphics 45 paper. I have never used Graphics 45 so I was VERY excited to get it. But let me tell you, I got this big.....heavy.....box in the mail. It was chuck full of Graphics 45, Pepples, and Flirt products. All of which I've never used. So I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to Susan for such a lovely gift. Here's pictures of what all she sent me!

Thanks for stopping by I hope to have some cards uploaded later today!

Jen

Winner of a Hodge Podge Shop Image

2010-11-20T09:18:00.000-06:00

WINNER OF A HODGE PODGE SHOP IMAGE

My winner of the Hodge Podge Shop image from our blog hop this month is:

Tammylee

She said "I love your cards! It would be fun to win some candy! Never have!"

Congrats Tammylee check out our store and email your choice to Shelley at suly312@gmail.com before Nov. 28!

And don't forget you can still sign up for my monthly blog candy here until November 30th!

Thanks for all your support. I couldn't do this without you!

Hugs - Jen

Happy Holidays

2010-11-18T00:00:00.003-06:00

Good morning and a Happy Thursday! Today is the new challenge over at The Hodge Podge Shop. I hope you'll join us this fortnight with our Anything Goes challenge! I have used the "North Star" image from the store. There's some great new images just added last week. If you joined in the last challenge stop over and see if you were a winner. The entries were all fantastic using fall leaves. And don't forget to sign up for the blog candy. You'll find it at mine, Jessie's and Shelley's blogs.

As I said in my last post I fell in love with the color scheme at Colour Create last week and decided to carry it over into my card for this weeks challenge. You were to use Black, mint green, gold and cream. My stamp is a rubber stamp from my friend Vicki at Angel Stamper.

Recipe:

Image - "North Star" by The Hodge Podge Shop

Paper - Creative Imaginations (from my Swirlydoos Kit)

Ribbon - Walmart

Embellishments - I used lotsa glitter and gems. I used Prisma's to color.

Challenges Entered:

The Hodge Podge Shop - Anything Goes

Clean and Simple - Sketch

Papercraft Star - Card that features an ornament

Really Reasonable Ribbon - Christmas Theme

Have a fabulous day!

Jen

Butterfly Wishes

2010-11-17T20:18:00.000-06:00

My next two posts were inspired by the color challenge at Colour Create, using Black, mint green, gold and cream. Unfortunately I didn't get them posted in time to qualify for that one. But I do have other challenges I incorporated into it as well. Every once in awhile you see a color scheme that you just love. So far I've made two cards from two 12X12 pieces of paper and there's still more to make a couple more, thank goodness! I was able to incorporate one of my favorite images ever which is "Butterfly" drawn by the talented Priscilla, creator of CDAC and Midnight Madness Challenge Blog. You can find many more images like this, especially if you like Victorian. Thanks for stopping!

Recipe:

Image - "Butterfly" by Priscilla Styles

Paper - Creative Imaginations (from my Swirlydoos Kit)

Ribbon - Walmart

Embellishments - I used lotsa glitter and gems. I even glittered an old black button I had. The glittery placque was also from my kit as well as the stamped corners and gems. I used Prisma's to color.

Challenges Entered:

The Sweet Stop - Sketch

Flutterbye Wednesday - Anything Goes

Simon Says Challenge - Sparkle (I could enter all my cards I made this week - LOL)

Simon Says Stamp and Show - Whatever makes you happy (Butterflies)

Critter Sketch - Texture - Lots of layers and textures goin on here for sure!

Digital Tuesday - Anything with Wings

Your comments mean the world to me thank you so much for taking a minute to leave me one!

Hugs - Jen

Off to the North Pole!

2010-11-16T15:02:00.001-06:00

I'm pretty sure this is the last post for today. It's number 4 if you wanna check out my other ones. This is for the Clearly Delightful Challenge and a few others too. My image is from the progressive weekly freebie and it's called "Kaela Angel". I wasn't sure I'd be able to pull off a christmasey card with her useing pink and blue, but I think it turned out okay. I added some snowflakes to the background paper and glittered them in blue. You can't really see it too well though. Her wings and flowers also have added glitter. I was also able to make it using things from my scrap stash. I'm really trying to do that at least once a week.

Challenges Entered:

Double Delight - Glitter It up
Clearly Delightful - Glitter It up

Designed2Delight - Use Image

Pixie Cottage - Sketch with only two colors

Pollycraft - A glittery Christmas

Hugs - Jen

Snowman

2010-11-16T13:02:00.001-06:00

My oh My, if I didn't know better I'd say it's snowin, just a little tiny bit. The wind kicked up the temperature dropped and it's just blustery outthere! This is post number 3 for today. Scroll down and have a look at my other posts, if you have time!

Here's the progressive freebie from SNB Shop called "Follow the Star". In order to qualify for next week's freebie you must use this weeks and post a card or project. You can find out the details here. I'll be posting my Designed2Delight weekly progressive card next.

Recipe:

Image - Stretch N Bubbles

Paper - DCWV - last year

Ribbon - Really Reasonable Ribbon

Challenges Entered:

Stretch N Bubble - Use image

Get Sketchy - sketch

If you haven't already sign up for my blog candy. It's posted in my sidebar. Also, keep a lookout for my December-Birthday Bash Candy post. You don't want to miss that one!

Toodles! - Jen

Goody Goody Gumdrops

2010-11-16T12:11:00.000-06:00

This is my second post for today so I'll keep it short. This is "Goody Gumdrops" from Pixie Dust Studio. I had the perfect paper for it too. It was a tough challenge cause Pixie Dust is mostly cutesy girly stuff, but I think this one works. Hope you enjoy it!

Recipe:

Image - Pixie Dust Studio

Paper - Martha Stewart - Frosty Gingerbread

Stamp image - Whimsy Stamps (calendar)

Ribbon - stash

Embellishments - Stickles, Prismas, Martha Stewart Glitter

Challenges entered:

Pixie Dust Studio - All about men

MOJO Monday - Sketch

Happy Crafting!

Jen

Blessings

2010-11-16T09:02:00.001-06:00

It's raining, It's pouring, the Old Man is............You get the picture. We really needed some rain though so I'm not complaining. It's Seattle rain, reminds me of home.

I saw this image at Digi Doodle and I knew I had to color it. It's called "Hobo Prayer". It reminds me that there people out there less fortunate than myself. No matter how bad things seem there is always someone who has it worse. I hope you'll take the time to remember those less fortunate during the holiday season. And remember we are all God's children!

Recipe:

Image - Digi Doodle Shop

Paper - TLC Thanksgiving pack

Flowers - Prima

Embellishments - Prisma Pencils, Ribbonfrom stash, buttons from hubby's old work shirt, Vintage Photo Distress Ink

Challenges entered:

Digi Doodle - Manly card

Simon Says - male card

Paper Kutz - Thanksgiving with buttons and bows

Sketch Saturday - sketch

Top Tip Tuesday - Buttons

May God bless you and yours!

Jen

Sending Christmas Hugs

2010-11-15T11:52:00.000-06:00

It's Monday again. I've been missing in action all weekend. There was a little flu bug that came to visit and kept us all pretty quiet. Thank goodness it left this morning. I wanted to give a quick update that my grandmother's masectomy surgery went well. They got the results back and she is now once again cancer free! Thanks to all of you who kept us in your thoughts and prayers. Prayer is a powerful thing isn't it?!?

I have s cute little snowman today from Sassy Cheryl's called "Jumping Jack Santa". Isn't he just adorable? I followed the sketch at Friday Sketches and incorporated several other challenges in this one too. I opted to color my santa in Raspberry Red and added flitter to his clothes and beard and added some flock to his fuzzy parts! He's just so happy how could he not put a smile on your face.

FYI - My neighbors daughter, Wednesday who's 4, comes over to watch cartoons and visit a couple times a week. We are at the "I Want Everything" stage. I have started a "list" for her and when she wants something (which is every commercial" we just add it to the list and then she gets to choose what she really wants. The best part is that she gives me a list for her older brother too. Why do they have so many toys available to buy? What child needs 10 Dora dolls!!!! And what's with Black Friday being every day in November????

Challenges entered:

Sassy Cheryl's - Use ribbon or tulle

Friday Sketchers - Sketch

Totally Gorjuss - Traditional Christmas

Stamp something - Use a digi

Digital Tuesday - Never used stash plus a digi (Paper is from DCWV I got last year)

Hope you are having a wonderful start to your week!

Hugs - Jen

Basket full of Blessings

2010-11-10T22:48:00.000-06:00

This image reminds me of our family. Thanksgiving has always been a time of year to spend with family. My family is over 3,000 miles away and it's during the holidays I miss them most. My mother-in-law was always busy in the kitchen whipping something up. While us girls sat around the island and cut vegetables or mixed dips enjoying conversation. We enjoyed her canning and were thankful for the harvest they raised that year. She introduced me to all kinds of foods, rather than the typical meat and potatoes. I even eat onions now. Thanks to her love and support I now do my own canning, but it would be much for fun if we were in her kitchen instead of mine! That's the reason I chose "Baking Some Smiles" for my sentiment, which is from Bethany and Elegant Word Art2. Bethany shares her life on her blog and at the end of every day she has a free sentiment that corresponds to something that happens in her day.

The image is from Designed2Delight, called "Harvest Basket". The first free digi in the progressive monthly challenge. I followed the sketch at Friday Sketchers. It really threw me for a loop cause there were so many layers to it. The image is a bit busy already with all the veggies in the basket so I wasn't sure how I was gonna pull it all together. But I choose my challenges first and make my card according to them. It's a challenge in itself sometimes. I went back to my scrap bin and started rifling through the papers to find something that would work. Usually I choose them first then match the Prisma's. Oh dear, I'm all backwards tonight! I added some cuttlebugging too, as if it wasn't busy enough already - LOL. This was a stretch for me because I like everything even and matching and in it's right place. The purple was a stretch because I only used it on the eggplant but it seemed to work. Hmmmmm, well let me know what you think. Sorry I'm babbling on.......

Recipe:

Image - Designed2Delight

Paper - stash

Flower Embellies - from my bottle swap

Challenges Entered:

Double Delight - Use given image

Friday Sketchers - Sketch

Sew Many Cards - Fall

Digi Doodle Shop - Fall/Autumn

Delightful Inspiration - Use Image

I have some wonderful blog candy I won to share with you later this week too. Have a wonderful evening or morning, depending on where you are!

Hugs - Jen

Christmas Love

2010-11-10T08:40:00.000-06:00

Happy Hump Day! The sun is shining and it's c-o-l-d outside so my card today is perfect! I chose to use an image from a new to me artist called "snowman" created by Jennifer Dove with Dove Arts. It was a freebie I found at her Just4Fun blogsite here. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. She's very talented!

I liked the blue and brown colors together. I used my shimmer mist again after adding some glitter to my snowman. It really adds alot, especially to this image. I finished him off with some ribbon and a flower from Prima. The sentiment "Wishing you a Christmas full of Love" is from Pollycraft.

Thanks for lookin! I hope you find time to get to your craft space today.

Challenges entered:

Charisma Cards - With Love at Christmas

Sunday Sketch and Stamp - Sketch

Hugs - Jen

Cheering you'll get well soon!

2010-11-09T15:14:00.000-06:00

Just a quickie this afternoon. I wanted to do something bright and cheery. So here's a get well card with an image from Pixie Dust Studios called "Rah Rah". Enjoy your Tuesday! Don't forget to sign up for my blog candy here.

Recipe:

Image - Pixie Dust Studios

Paper - Paperbilities

Ribbon - Really Reasonable Ribbon

Buttons - Basic Gray

Challenges Entered:

Pixie Dust Studio - Color Challenge

Totally Gorjuss - Sketch

Paper Cutz - Get well

Thanks for taking the time to look. I appreciate all your comments and look forward to reading them! And a big welcome to all my new followers! I've been around to most of your blogs to say hi.

Hugs - Jen

Made with scraps!

2010-11-09T09:15:00.001-06:00

Good Morning! I wanted to challenge myself to using up some of my scraps. Lately the scrap pile has been getting a bit large. So I reorganized it in hopes that I will go there first! Yeah, right, but I can try anyway - LOL

But this card I did make completely out of things from my scrap bin. This is an adorable picture from Stretch N Bubbles. It was offered as a freebie this week you can find it at the SNB Shop. I just love freebies! I made him into rudolph because I wanted to play along at Southern Girls too and they had a transport theme. Who better to do transporting at this time of year but Rudolph! Then Polka Doodles was looking for a quick and easy card and this definitely falls into that! I followed this easy sketch at Get Sketchy and since the image is quite simple it was a breeze to color. Using my bow easy made the ribbon (RRR) look beautiful. I was able to embellish it and still had it done within half an hour. Easy Peasy!

Recipe:

All from my stash!

And the two little ribbons on top of my image were the ends cut off from the ribbon at the bottom. No waste!

Challenges Entered:

Stretch N Bubblse - Use image given

Southern Girls - Transport (Rudolph transports Santa!)

Get Sketchy - Sketch

Polka Doodles - Quick and Easy Christmas

Thanks for stopping by!

Oh dear...Fall's here...

2010-11-08T08:22:00.000-06:00

Good Morning and Happy Monday! Things are much better here today. YAY. I have some wonderful blog friends and just want to say thank you for all your support over the last couple weeks. Ya'll are so dear to me!

Today I have a Tiddly Inks card using "Drama Queen" for my image. I'm not sure what I'm gonna use it for yet so I haven't added a sentiment. I tend to do that and specialize it when I'm ready to mail it. I followed the color challenge which was Olive-Purple and Mustard. At first I thought - YUCK - but when I started pulling out papers matching them I really liked what I had. Not one I would've chosen but I'll definitely use it again. I incorporated the sketch at Midnight Madness and added some distressing and embossing. I hope you like it.

Recipe:

Image: "Drama Queen" from Tiddly Inks

Paper - TLC

Ribbon - Basic Gray

Flowers - Prima

Challenges entered:

Midnight Madness - sketch

Tiddly Inks - Color Challenge

Oldie But a Goodie - Distressing

Sassy Cheryls - Think fall

Have a wonderful week!

Jen

Just Breathe.....

2010-11-06T08:49:00.002-05:00

Brrrrrrr....... it's a whopping 24 degrees out at the moment. How about you? They say we don't have fall here in Tennessee and I think it's true. You go from 90 degree weather to 40 practically overnight! Crazy, so different from Washington state.

Today I have another one of the infamous Michelle Perkette's designs "Serena". The challenge there this week is Under the Sea and what a better way to showcase her mermaids. They're truly magical. I chose to follow the sketch at Magical Mondays and of course I'm entering it into Flutterbye too this week.

The coloring is with Prisma's. The papers are from my swirlydoo's kits as well as the flowers. I found that gorgeous butterfly at Hobby Lobby. just think it adds a sweet touch to it. I did highlight her hair and flowers just a touch with shimmerz. My hand isn't real steady but hopefully it doesn't detract from the overall image. I also added some pearl flat backed gems I got from Paola, thank you so much! I love these. Now I just need to find out where you got them. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and have a look. If you want to enter my blog candy you can find the link in the upper corner. Also, next month is my Big Birthday Candy so if you're not a follower you might want to think about it now.

Recipe:

Image - Michelle Perkett "Serena"

Paper - Webster Pages from my Swirlydoo Kit

Ribbon - from my stash

Butterfly - "Woodland Wonders" from Hobby Lobby

Embellishments - shimmerz, Prisma's, gems, Prima flowers,

Challenges Entering:

Michelle Perkett - Under the Sea

Flutterby Wednesday - Anything Goes

Magical Monday - Sketch
Crafty Purple Frog - Sparkle
Stamping for the weekend - sketch with a butterfly

Warm hugs to all!

Jen

Beary Beautiful

2010-11-05T09:05:00.002-05:00

***UPDATE***

Surgery is over and Grandma Dottie is resting. We won't know anymore until the oncologist has a chance to look over everything. Thank you so much for your prayers for my family. It means the world to me that people I've never met would take time to think of us. God Bless you all!

Good Morning and a happy Friday! Any exciting plans for the weekend? It's supposed to get down to 29 tonight. Coldest night yet. I need to dig up my banana trees and bring in my aloe vera. I have two knockout roses that aren't in the ground yet. Anybody know what I should do with those? My son got them for me and I just haven't decided where to plant them yet.

Today is the day of my grandmothers surgery. Our prayers are with you Grandma Dottie and mom you too. I know this has been hard on you as well. Thank goodness grandma has you. And you're training me in the process! LOL I love you both.

Okay, on to the reason you're here.....my card! This is a sweet image from Phindy's Place called "Beary Beautiful". I followed the Get Sketchy sketch, but once again I'm not sure if I'll get it posted in time. I think that's 3 weeks in a row now. Better get on it better! It doesn't show up great in the picture but I cut two triangles and then punched the edges with my stamp (not sure what it's called...sorry), then I ran this pretty fiber that matched the colors through it like a lace. I added a bow at each end to finish it off. I looked really pretty until I realized I was covering most of it up with my image. Oh well. Thanks for stopping. Tomorrow I have a Michelle Perkett image I used and it turned out beautiful. Hope you stop back by.

Recipe:

Papper - Basic Gray, Eva Collection

Image - Phindy's Place "Beary Beautiful"

Embellishments - gems, fiber and ribbon from my stash

Challenges entered:

Phindy's Place - 3-2-1 Recipe

Get Sketchy - Sketch

Clearly Delightful - Stitching
Sassy Studio Designs - Stitching

Happy Crafting!

Jen

Blog Hop and Candy!!

2010-11-03T00:00:00.019-05:00

Welcome to the first ever blog hop at The Hodge Podge Shop! If you arrived from Jessie's blog you're on the right track! I'm so thrilled you joined us today. There will be a winner at every stop along the way so please leave a little love for each of the girls! Each DT will have a random winner of one of the beautiful Hodge Podge Shop images. Plus, some of our girls are offering blog candy, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!

And don’t forget that the Hodge Podge Shop has moved! Make sure you update your bookmarks! The new address is: www.etsy.com/people/HodgePodgeShop and this month, all images are priced at just $2.50 each!

Now for my project. I decided to do a Christmas ornament or door hanger, not sure yet what I'll do with it. I used Hodge Podge's image "Snowman1". I saw this idea while browsing blogs and came across one done by Diana (Moshie). It was so beautiful I just had to do one myself.

I ran ribbon through the center of a used up ribbon spool. I then covered it with 2 layers of cardstock and my image. Then I just added some paper Prima flowers embellished with glitter pen and snowflakes. Then I added some silver Pearl Pen to the edges. The back is for your signature or you could put To: and From: and use it for a gift tag. I thought this would be a fun project to get the kids involved in to. They could make an ornament with their school picture for the grandparents. So many possibilities!

Just to make sure you're still paying attention.........I have BLOG CANDY in addition to the free image. So that means I will be choosing two winners from comments on this post. The winners for both will be randomly drawn on Nov. 30th.

I only ask that you leave a comment and become a follower here and at The Hodge Podge Shop Challenge site. Please post this with a link back here. Your sidebar is fine. It's in your best interest anyway because December is my birthday and I have a HUGE blog candy coming up on Dec. 1.

Thanks for stopping and enjoy the rest of the hop. From here you are off to the very talented Linda! If you get lost along the way you can always go back to the beginning. Here's the order:

Jen (that's me!)

Challenges entered:

Paper Funtastics - Getting Gifty

Really Reasonable Ribbon - Blue-white-silver

Digital Tuesday - I've been framed

Thanks for stopping and have a wonderful day!
Jen

Yummy's to check out!

2010-11-02T23:38:00.000-05:00

Barbara over at Barbara's World of Whimcee's is celebrating her 70th birthday! Woohoo - way to go Barbara! Having lost my own mother at the young age of 54 I love to see these strong beautiful women continuing to prosper. I'm a new follower of her's but I wanted to share that she has some fantastic crafty items on her blog. A very talented woman and well deserving of a looksee at what she does as well as a chance to win some yummy candy!

Thanks again Barbara and Happy Happy Birthday - Cha Cha Cha - as my nieces would say.

Hugs - Jen

Christmas Ballerina

2010-11-02T15:26:00.000-05:00

Hi again! LOL Awhile back I won the Mo's Digital Two blog hop and got to choose an image. I chose "Bella Loves Christmas". She's so sweet and and colors up beautifully. This time I used Friday Sketchers for my sketch. I love all the layers. I also tried out a new product from memories2embellish called Shimmery Misting Spray. The one I used on this card was "winter ice". You can see it in the next picture better. It really adds alot to your image or paper or embellishment.

Recipe:

Paper - Greetings of the Season from Hobby Lobby

Flowers - Prima

Ribbon - Walmart

Embellies - gems, Shimmer Mist (Winter Ice), Prisma Pencils

Challenges Entered:

DP2 Mo's - Pick a season (Christmas)

Friday Sketchers - Sketch

Paper Romance - Pleated Ribbon

Charisma Cards - Match Master (Card and Envelope)

Don't forget to join us for our first ever Blog Hop tomorrow over at the Hodge Podge Shop!

Winter Wonderland

2010-11-02T09:51:00.000-05:00

I joined a swap recently and l liked the cards I made so much I decided to make some more for myself. These are made with an image from Sugar Creek Hollow called "Winter Wonderland Skates". If you're a vintage lover you will go GA GA over this site. The DT team is fabulous and puts up such beautiful inspiration cards each week they just take your breath away. I made matching tags with these. The image is so beautiful I didn't want to add too much. The last time I did 10 of them. It didn't take too long. I'll be posting the gorgeous cards I got back from that swap later this week too.

Recipe:

Image - Sugar Creek Hollow

Paper - "Wonderland" by Cosmo Cricket

Flower - Prima

Ribbons and Lace - Walmart

Embellies - Pearl Pen, Distress Inks

Challenges Entered:

Sugar Creek Hollow - Use lace

Simon Says Stamp and Show - Shabby

Critter Sketch - Christmas

Sweet Sunday - Sketch

Wild Orchid - Classic Christmas

Hope you have a wonderful day! Jen

Autumn Blessings

2010-11-01T14:13:00.000-05:00

Hey blogland! It's been a week since I've been down with this darn kidney infection. It's better but I'm still feelin weak and nauseous. I'm sure that's normal though. I'm post-poning my blog candy till next week so I can get some proper pictures together.

I hope everyone had a wonderful and productive halloween. It was very quiet here. The only kids we had were the two little ones that live next door. They sure were cute though. I think maybe next year I'll go over to a friends just so I can all the little ones dressed up. I love to see what everybody's costumes are. And at least I have candy for my boys' lunches, that'll be a treat.

I have Michelle Perkett image today "Autumn Stamp". She's a lovely Autumn goddess. I followed the sketch at the Pixie Cottage. It just seemed right for her.

Recipe:

Image - Michelle Perkett

Paper - K&Company

Flower - Prima

Embellies - My Big Idea

Challenges Entered:

Michelle Perkett - Autumn leaves or fall colors - I did both

Pixie Cottage - Sketch

Polka Doodles - Autumn/Fall

Thanks to everyone who stopped by last week and left me some love. I really appreciated it! And a warm thank you for all the prayers and love sent our way for my grandmothers masectomy coming up on Friday. Her and my mother were both touched by your comments. A very special thank you to my Secret Pal, your card and letter were so thoughtful. I treasure the friendship we are growing even though I don't know who you are!

Much Love -

Jen

Cheers

2010-10-26T10:49:00.000-05:00

It is a WINDY AND BLISTERY day here in Tennessee! We are under Tornado Watch till this evening. It's hot and muggy and windy and I can't believe how much those trees are bending at the moment. Just crazy. My poor dogs are going crazy. They hate storms. We don't have any rain yet, but did yesterday. Definitely not a day you want to be out and about. Maybe I'll get lucky and they'll let my hubby come home early today. Yeah right!! The last two major tornadoes we went through were within 3 miles of our home. I'd be really happy if we did not have any touchdowns today!

I have a fun halloween card for you today. I used "Vampire Lilith" from Lil Lolitta. I used more paper from my Echo Park pack. After I followed the sketch at Get Sketchy I felt it still needed a little something. So I added the googlie eyed stars. They're fun! Hope you enjoy it.

Stay warm and safe on this blistery day!
Hugs - Jen

Challenges Entered:
Colour Create - Purple, Aqua and white
Really Reasonable Ribbon - Halloween
Get Sketchy - sketch
Paper Kutz - Halloween with shapes

Please Pray!

2010-10-25T08:03:00.001-05:00

I have a special post today. We found out over the weekend that our grandmother has been diagnosed with cancer and is going in for surgery in a week. If you are the praying type I'd ask that you include her in your prayers. Her name is Dorothy and she can use all the prayers she can get. She is a strong and courageous woman and always carries her head high and she will through this too. She worked two and sometimes three jobs as she raised her 5 children, one of which was handicapped. She lost her husband, our grandfather, several years back. She still gets out and walks everyday, does aerobics and volunteers for anything she can get her hands on. She's headstrong and proud and we love her! Because of her I have my husband and family today.

I've made this card to send to her in hopes that it brightens up her day and reminds her how much she is loved. The inside reads "In the ever-changing circumstances of life, there is a faithful never changing God in control."

Meljens Image: Hope Ribbon
Basic Grey Paper

Thanks to all that stop by.
Jen

Challenges entered:
Meljens - Anything goes
Southern Girls - Glitter
Wild Orchid - Pastels
Stamping Sisters in Christ - Pink, Cancer Awareness

Have a "witchin" Halloween

2010-10-24T22:16:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody. A quick post before I head off to bed. I had a wonderful weekend with my family. My son's girlfriend joined us for a day of movies and fun. She was gone for a week at the National FFA convention. You know FFA in Washington state was something you didn't tell people you were part of. But here in the South it's completely different. The kids are proud to be a part of it. And your not cool if you aren't a member. Weird how that works. My son is a member too, just not an officer. It will definitely help him when he starts college next year!

Anyway, on to my card. I used Michelle Perkett's image "Happy Halloween Witch". Isn't she cute? I colored her in orange and greens. She has a bunch of sparkle from my gel pens but it didn't show up very well in this picture. I followed the sketch at Friday Sketchers. The papers are from Echo Park. I got this pack for like $3 from My Sheri Crafts. It was just 1/4 of each page in a pack. Let me tell you I have made SEVERAL cards with this pack and still enough paper for several more. What a great idea to get to try out different designer papers at a fraction of the cost for whole sheets. Uh oh, I'm supposed to be off already. I guess I'm not very good at short postings!

Sweet Dreams or daily snoozes, depending on your time zone!
Jen

Challenges Entered:
Michelle Perkett - Witches or Halloween Images
Paper funtastics - orange,green,black
Friday Sketchers - sketch
My Sheri Crafts - Halloween

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-10-24T08:20:00.000-05:00

Good Morning and a Happy Sunday to ya! I hope everyone is having a wonderful day and thanking the Lord for all their many blessings. In today's economy so many of us are struggling and facing hardships. It's important to stop and look around you for all the many blessings that we may overlook. One blessing we are having is that our garden is still producing, belive it or not. I canned over 10 cases of salsa, tomatoe juice, and tomatoe sauce this summer. I thought I was done, but our vines are crawling with tomatoes AGAIN! Our peppers are still going strong even with 35 degree weather last week. We have made our own pepper mixes and smoked chipotle peppers. We've been able to share tons of fruit and vegetables with coworkers and friends that needed it. One small blessing for us meant blessings for others too. Take a minute and leave me a comment for what your blessed with today!

I have a Karen's Doodles image today "Scarecrow Girl". I've used her before but she's so fun to color and I wanted to try her out in blues this time. I continued the pattern on the inside and added a tag that reads "Thanksgiving Wishes". My papers are from DCWV and the flowers are miscellaneous Prima. I distressed all the edges with blue to continue the flow. I know it's not contemporary Thanksgiving colors but I really like it nonetheless.

May each of you be blessed in some small way today!
Jen

Challenges Entered:
Karen's Doodles - Distressing
Midnight Madness - Sketch
Simon Says - Thanksgiving
Wildflower Patch - Twine
Stampin for the Weekend - Halloween or Thanksgiving
Penny's Paper Crafty - So long as it flies (my little birdie flies)

Special Post!

2010-10-23T23:03:00.000-05:00

Hello to all my scrappy friends out there! I haven't been online very much this week. But I have been busy. Getting presents that is. I wanted to share with you a couple RAKS I recieved over the last couple weeks.

This first one was a blog candy gift I won during the Mo's Blog Hop. It comes from Paola, all the way from South Africa. I wanted to share the beautiful card she made me along with all the goodies included in it. Thank you Paola!! You're an inspiration and have turned out to be a great friend.

Next up was a Bottle Swap I did with the girls at Serenity Scrappers. They are so much fun and a great group to work with and get inspired by. My swap partner was Laura and she went a bit overboard! LOL We were supposed to use a 20ounce bottle but I think her's was like a gallon or something because it was huge and had lots of really cool stuff in it. You've seen some of it used already. Thank you so much Laura!

I recently got a Secret Pal. I'm so excited. We will be pals for one year and I am so looking forward to getting to know my special pal. I'll post what my pal sends me but you won't be able to see what I send her for obvious reasons! Ireceived a beautiful pumpkin card from her. I understand this is the Iris fold. I have no idea how to do this but obviously she does and does it well. Whoever she is she's VERY talented!

One last thing, I'll be posting something sweet on November 1 so make sure you check back for updates. Believe me when I say you don't want to miss it. Have a fabulous week ladies!
Jen

We all sing for Ice Cream!

2010-10-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

It's our second challenge here at the Hodge Podge Shop this week. Thanks to all of you who joined in last weeks challenge! It was great getting to see your creations.

To celebrate we are having a 25% off sale

from today until the end of the month!

Use Coupon Code - novdis

Now for Challenge #2 - Monochromatic

I love monochromatic cards!

The randomly chosen winner will receive 2 images of their choice from our shop. If you use a Hodge Podge Shop image on your creation you will win 3 images! Go here to get one of our freebies! It will be available for one week.

Our DT will choose a TOP THREE.

Here's my card for this week. I hope you enjoy it. I used the "Ice Cream Cone" The papers are from my PaperMakeup Kit and the sentiments are stickers by Creative Imaginations. I followed the sketch at Sunday Sketch and Stamp. Thanks for stopping by!

Challenges entered:

Sunday Sketch and Stamp - sketch

Magic Genie

2010-10-17T16:05:00.000-05:00

Hello and a happy Sunday to ya! It's a busy weekend around here. I had time to slip in this post real quick and then I'm off again. Just a reminder about the new challenges going on at the Hodge Podge Challenge site. There will be a new challenge this coming Thursday. I know that Shelley has yummy stuff coming up so you definitely wanna pay attention!

This image is "Genie Oil Lantern" of course from the Hodge Podge Shop. I colored it up to match the gorgeous papers from Basic Grey's, Eva collection. It's one of my favorites. I added some buttons and ribbon and that's about it. The sketch is from MOJO Monday.

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment on my cards. I really appreciate everything you have to say.

Hugs - Jen

Challenges entered:
MOJO Monday - Sketch
Paper Romance - Buttons

Shower

2010-10-14T16:30:00.000-05:00

It's almost Friday! Yay. Well, batteries in my camera just died so I guess my day went from bad to worse! The rest of my posts will have to wait until tomorrow now. I'm afraid this picture isn't the greatest but at least I can get it up today and then fix the pciture later. I have a digi image from Belles and Whistles today. I can't even remember where I got it, I think it was CDAC or PCP, one of those. Anyway, it's so beautiful. I had these great papers from Basic Grey to work with. At first I thought I'd make a birthday card but by the time it got done it definitely looks more like a shower card. I used the excess scraps to make those flowers. I had a couple yellow ones in my stash but they were too bright so I used my alabaster chalks to lighten them up just a bit. I hit the bows and edges of the flowers with some stickles, just enough to give it a little sparkle. The sketch I followed is from Friday Sketchers. I seem to always get that in at the last minute, oh well.

Have a great day and I'll be back in the morning with some batteries. And don't forget to hop over to the Hodge Podge and join in the challenge there! There's some yummy stuff coming up so make sure your following it so you don't miss out.

Hugs - Jen
Challenges entered:
Friday Sketchers - sketch
Colour Create - Color scheme
Simon says stamp and show - recipe

Give Thanks!

2010-10-13T15:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday! To all my Canadian friends I wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! This was supposed to be my first post today but that darn blogger doesn't like me sometimes. So here I am again and he finally worked - YAY.

I have a sweet image from DZ Doodles called "Pumpkin Picking Scarecrow". You can find them on Paper Craft Planet here. I haven't managed a successful maneuver on their website (it's me not the website!) so I think the challenges are only on PCP. Let me know if anyone knows differently on that. I really liked this sweet scarecrow holding that big ole punkin!f Makes me wanna carve it up right now. So I used several layers of cardstock to set off those gorgeous leaves on the patterned paper, which I believe is from TLC, but not positive as it was in my scrap bin. Then I used my mini leaf and pumpkin punches to create the sentiment and embossed it in gold. The ribbon is red velvet and came in my bottle swap I got last week. I'll be posting a picture of all those goodies later this week. A big THANK YOU to Laura on that one!!

I used several challenges to inspire me on the colores, sketch and items used on this card. They're listed below! I also have one maybe two more posts so watch for those too.

Enjoy!
Challenges entered:
DZ Doodles - sketch
Lollipop Crafts - Recipe
Stamp, Scrap and Doodle - Halloween or fall
Charisma Cards - Autumn Colours
Really Reasonable Ribbon - Fall

Sweet Pixie

2010-10-13T15:42:00.000-05:00

I used this sweet image from Pixie Dust Studios called "Autumn Grace". I decided to color her in shades of pink. The challenge at Pixie was to do a sweet baby card. I chose a sentiment from a friendship set I got a long time ago that reads "The first man a little girl falls in love iwth is her dad." I just love that saying. I love my dad more than anything and it's so true! I followed the sketch at Midnight Madness. Loved it. I added the little butterfly and a swirl stamp and then glittered it just to add some sparkles. The papers are basic grey from one of my favorite collections, Eva. I'm really trying to use my scraps to a little something the insides of all my cards as well. So here's what I did with this one. I just used two pieces of scrap papers layered them and punched some tiny hearts then used the punched hearts to add a little design. And nothin went in the trash! Yay.

Don't forget that there is still time to enter the Hodge Podge Challenge. You can find it here! I have another post in the works but I'm having problems getting my pic's to upload. Hopefully it will be up soon!

Thanks for stoppin by I read every one of your comments and they mean so much to me. Especially since I can't get out and about!!

Hugs -

Jen

Challenges entered:

Pixie Dust Studio - Sweet Baby

Midnight Madness - Sketch

Southern Girls - 4 layers of paper