{Dreaming of Dots}

Happy Saturday everyone! I'm currently on my way to Kansas to visit family this long weekend, but through the miracle of "scheduled posting" through Blogger now, I can set this up to post even when I'm not at my laptop. I've been waiting for this feature for a while, and am happy that it's finally here!

This is the first time that I've inked my Lizzie Anne Dreaming of Dots (I know...what's taken me so long???) and I was looking for a color combination that would be pleasing, work well as a plausible flower color, and still be able to use up some of the 5 PACKS of Cool Caribbean that I had stocked up on right before the color was discontinued. I think I found it. I was thrilled with how the Groovy Guava looked against the Cool Caribbean, and while I don't often see flowers in a Cool Caribbean color, I think it works. *grin*

Whatever you are doing over this Memorial Day weekend, I hope that you enjoy yourself and be safe. Until next time...blogs and kisses!

The Fine Print:
Stamps: Dreaming of Dots by Lizzie Ann Designs
Papers: Stamper's Select White, Cool Caribbean, Groovy Guava, & Vellum
Inks: Brilliance Graphite Black, Cool Caribbean, & Groovy Guava
Accessories: 1/4" Circle Punch, Royal Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Corner Rounder Punch, Orange Peel Stickles, Copic Markers, Dimensionas, Taylor Twill

{A Little Friday Night Humor}

I was looking for gift ideas for a friend and ran across something that really made me giggle.

Even if you don't have an "ex", you have to admit this is a little bit funny.

Ok, back to packing for my trip.

{Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #17}

If you visit Taylor Van Bruggen's Blog (like who doesn't *wink*) then you are familiar with her Friday Cupcake Challenges. I received an e-mail from Taylor last week inviting me to participate weekly in her fabulous Taylored Expressions Cupcake challenges, and I naturally said YES! This is the sketch that we were given.

Taylor said that we didn't HAVE to use a cupcake image, but since this is my first Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge, I thought it only fitting that I should, and since I had this image already stamped and ready, I pulled it out and started coloring with my Copic markers.

I recently bought a new Martha Stewart border punch that I have been "sweet" on and had to use it for this card. The ribbon was some that was given to me, so I don't have a manufacturer's name, but I thought it went well with the card...I mean, what better way to celebrate, than with cupcakes!

I added a little dimension to the fruit by spreading a Crystal Effects onto the strawberries and some Liquid Pearls onto the frosting of the cupcakes. For my flowers I took some of the white flowers from the Pretties Kit and dyed them with a Copic marker, then punched some cardstock flowers and glued those onto the flowers. I topped them off with some of the same pearls that I used to accent the lace border.

If you have a chance, check out the other participates for this challenge, (listed below) and don't forget that YOU can participate too! Just visit Taylor's blog and leave a comment, and post your link to your project in your comment. If chosen, you could be the next Featured Sampler on Taylor's blog next Friday. Taylor's very first Featured Sampler is Jennifer Meyer. You can find Jennifer's Featured Sample on her blog.

Stephanie Hargis: Steph's Stampin' Stuff

Sherrie Siemens: Card Creme

Vicki Chrisman: This Art that makes me Happy
Jami Sibley: More is More

Mary Jo Albright: Beauty Lies Within

Monika Davis: M.A.D. Stamper

Ana Wohlfahrt: Ink A Stamp

and don't forget TAYLOR!

I had a ton of fun making this card, and I look forward to next week's Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge...aren't you???

The Fine Print:

Stamps: Tiers of Treats (Stampendous) & Hey There Cupcake (Eclectic Paperie)

Papers: Bravo Burgundy, Regal Rose, Basic Grey, Whisper White

Inks: Bravo Burgundy, Black

Accessories: Crystal Effects, Liquid Pearls, Ribbon from stash, Crystal's Sticker Pearls, Copic Markers, Doily Lace Border punch (Martha Stewart), Pretties Kit (SU!), Lilac & Daphne Punch, Dimensionals

{Blogger's Challenge 48-Red White & Blue for You}

Welcome to another Blogger's Challenge Friday. I thought that with the Memorial Day weekend right on our heels, that our challenge was particularly timely. We were challenged to create a card using red, white & blue. How very appropriate.

When I first saw these Spring cards on Splitcoast stampers, I was intrigued. Then one month, at club, one of the members brought the instructions and we all had a great time making them. So when this challenge came up, I thought it would be fun to make another one.

I started out stamping my cardstock with three stamps from the Starlite Starbright set, creating a pattern. Then, following the directions, I folded the card and secured the front point to the base with a glue dot. I stamped Lady Liberty onto the Stamper's Select White cardstock, and then masked her before I stamped the Starry Night. I could have just cut out lady liberty and adhered her with foam tape, but it's such a tiny image that I knew the foam would show, so I went with the masking technique. I added some bling (because I mean, what's a card without bling?) by adding glitter to the starry night image.

The wire was something that I have had in my stash for EVER, and thought this might be a great time to use some. I used a slotted wire tool to form the coils, which are just taped to the back side of the card, and punched out two stars for each and adhered those sandwiched the wire between them.

To finish the card's embellishments, I added two star eyelets...yet another embellishment that I've had in my stash for, what seems like, forever.

I hope you have enjoyed my blogger's challenge project today. If you have some time, check out the other players in the Blogger's Challenge Group. A complete list along with links are in my left-hand side bar. They are truly a creative bunch!

The Fine Print:

Stamps: Starlite, Starbright (Verve Visuals), Lady Liberty, Sentiment & Starry Nite (Amuse)
Papers: Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Stamper's Select White

Inks: Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Small Star Punch, Key Tag Punch, Inkssentials Opaque White Pen, Star Eyelet from stash, Craft Wire from stash, Crop-a-dile, Corner Rounder, Sally Girl Sparkle Effect Glitter, Quickie Glue Pen

Technique: Masking

{Bitty Baby Blessings Blocks}

When I first saw the Bitty Baby Blessings set, I knew that I wanted to make some baby blocks as a gift. I didn't have anyone in mind when I decided to do this project, but I have seen all the wonderful creations that many crafters have made with these wooden blocks and I knew that with this stamp set, they would be an adorable addition to any nursery.

I bought these from Gina K Designs, but I couldn't locate them on her site at the time of this posting, so I'm not sure they are still in stock. They came 10 to a package, and I could have easily selected just 4 and spelled out the word, "baby", but I decided to use the whole set and came up with the most true sentiment I could think of about babies..."Heaven Sent"! I cut the letters with my Cricut using the Jasmine cartridge.

The first step to alter these blocks was to give them a couple of coats of Gesso and then two coats of white acrylic paint. I knew this would give me a great surface to adhere the patterned paper.

After attaching the patterned paper to each side of all of the blocks, I proceeded to decorate each side with a variety of images from the Bitty Baby Blessings set. Some images were stamped onto colored cardstock, others on patterned paper, and all were cut out. This was the most time consuming part of this entire project, but well worth it to achieve the look I wanted.

When I went to photograph this picture, I had to dig through my cedar chest to find my daughter's baby blanket. It still looks pretty good considering it's 23 years old! I'm pretty sure that the teddy bear was hers as well. I'm pleased with the way the project turned out and someday, when someone I know has a baby, they will receive this little labor of love for their labor of love. *grin*

The Fine Print:
Stamps: Bitty Baby Blessings
Ink: Palette Noir Black
Papers: Stamper’s Select White, Bitty Baby Blessings 6X6, Mello Moss, Lemon Tart, Summer Sunrise
Accessories: Copic Markers C-1, Y-17, YR31, V15, E50, B60; Cricut 1-1/2” Jasmine Cartridge, Wood Blocks (Gina K Designs), Small Scallop Nestabilities, 1-3/8” square punch, ½” circle punch
Dimensions/Ideas to Note: Blocks were primed with Gesso, then pained with white acrylic paint

{A Splitcoast Challenge}

I didn't think I would have time to make a card and post this evening, but my DH had to work later than usual, which freed me up for some play time after work.

This card was inspired by the Splitcoast Sketch Challenge today and it looked like an easy layout, so I put this card together using the Green Thumb set by Papertrey Ink.

I knew I wanted to use Kraft cardstock so I went to my trusty on-line color wheel and keyed in Kraft and it suggested this combination of Soft Sky and Blue Bayou. I really liked how it turned out, but then it's really tough to make a BAD card using any Papertrey set.

After stamping my images I added some bling to some of the flowers with a combination of stickles and small crystal gems. I also had some Rain Dots in my stash and put a couple of those on my card as though they were falling from the watering can.

I had fun making this card and only had to stamp my focal image twice...lol. Thanks for looking in.

The Fine Print:

Stamps: Green Thumb

Papers: Kraft, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou

Inks: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Really Rust, White Craft and Spring Moss (PTI Perfect Match Palette)

Accessories: Rain Dots (Cloud 9 Designs), Crystal Stickles, Boulevard Small Gems (My Mind's Eye)

{Ahoy Little Sailor}

Yesterday I shared with you a more feminine baby card, and today I have a card that is fitting for any new baby boy. This is another image from the Bitty Baby Blessings set. (one of Papertrey Ink's newest release sets)

I just love this little sailboat image and stamped it twice with the Lavender Moon Perfect Match ink. I then cut out one of the images and mounted it with foam tape onto the first image for a little dimension. I thought that a sentiment, ran up a flag pole would work well with the card. This card also uses some of Papertrey's newest patterned paper as well as their Lavender Moon ribbon.

If you have any little babies in your future, or you know someone that is expecting, this set is perfect for making just the right card or project. Speaking of projects...tomorrow I'll have a non-card project to share with you using this set. I hope to see you then.

The Fine Print:
Stamps: Bitty Baby Blessings
Ink: Lavender Moon
Papers: Stamper’s Select White, Bitty Baby Blessings Paper 6X6
Accessories: Lavender Moon Top Notch Twill Tape 3/8”, Lavender Moon Classic Grosgrain 5/8”, Star Punch (Michael's) 5/8 Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Brayer, Star Eyelet from Stash

{Little Bundle of Joy}

One of the popular sets with the most recent Papertrey Ink release is the Bitty Baby Blessings set. It seems that someone we know, either a co-worker, friend, or relative is having babies and there's always an occasion to make a sweet little baby card to welcome these true heaven sent blessings into our world.

It was difficult to choose which of the various images in this set that I would use, but I went with the onesie because I wanted to be able to stamp the sentiment on it.

This card really came together quickly, and is fitting for any little bundle of joy. Now, all I have to do is wait for someone to give birth...it WON'T be me...lol

This week will surely fly by. I'm leaving early Saturday morning for Kansas to visit my family, and make a trip to the family cemetery. It's been a while since I've made the trek, but a three day weekend makes it so much easier. I'm looking forward to seeing my daughter & son, as well as spoiling those not-so-little granddaughters. What are your plans for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend? Are you traveling anywhere, having a family barbecue, or just relaxing at home? I'd love to hear your plans. In any case, have a fabulous day today ladies.

The Fine Print:
Stamps: Bitty Baby Blessings
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Sweet Blush
Cardstock: Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, Pink Patterns 6X6 Paper
Accessories: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Large Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Flower Ribbon from LSS, dimensionals

{You Make my World a Better Place}

This was another card that I did for the Papertrey Release featuring the Mailbox Greetings set. I thought it was such a fun set and I wanted to mailboxes to reflect that, so I paper pieced them from the newest patterned paper, Bitty Baby Blessings. Nichole has added the coolest feature on her website, the Try Before You Buy option. She has free downloadable swatches of each of the newest papers that you can print at home and try out for yourself!

Ok, on with the card: I wanted to really focus on the "mail" aspect of this card, so I used my small Gift Card Template from Stampin' Up! and created an envelope from some of the patterned paper. I inserted a liner of Lemon Tart cardstock inside before inserting the Stamper's Select White cardstock. What a fun way to tell someone how much they mean to you.

Speaking of meaningful people...than YOU for stopping in today. All of your visits and comments are such a nice part of my day! Enjoy your Monday.

The Fine Print:
Stamps: Mailbox Greetings
Ink: Palette Noir Black, Berry Sorbet, Spring Moss
Papers: Lemon Tart, Summer Sunrise, Bitty Baby Blessing 6X6 Patterned Paper
Accessories: Small Gift Card Template (SU!), Paper Piercer, Copic Markers, 1” Circle Punch, Sakura Glitter Pen

{Send a Little Snail Mail}

With the recent Papertrey Ink release, I was so pleased to see their Mailbox Greetings set. It's so different from anything that I have seen and it comes with a variety of elements that make it perfect to use at any time of the year, and for any occasion.

I tried to carry the "mail" theme throughout the card. I used my Cuttlebug Stamp die to create the matting for some of the images. I also love the sentiment of "snail mail". With e-mail and personal messaging, we don't send as much snail mail as we used to, not to mention the higher price of postage, but there are many times when only snail mail will do. One of those occasions is when we share our cards with friends and family.

I created a mask for my mailbox images and after stamping them, I masked them off and created the blue sky background with my airbrush. Along the bottom I stamps the grass image, but thought that the little flowers reminded me of dandelions (not that MY mailbox is surrounded by them...lol), so I embossed them with white embossing powder.

This is such a versatile set that I can really see myself using it for many different occasions.

Thanks for visiting today, I hope you come back soon!

The Fine Print:
Stamps: Mailbox Greetings
Ink: Palette Noir Black, White Craft Ink
Card Stock: Stamper’s Select White, Soft Sky, Gable Green, Green Galore
Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Cuttlebug 2” die-Stamps, Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Copic Markers, Copic Airbrush System, Stampin’ Dimensionals

{Bee Happy}

When I got this set from Papertrey Ink, I had so much fun trying out various layouts and techniques. There are so many different bee images in this set that I had difficulty deciding which ones I wanted to use. I do adore these flowers; they are so adorable and petite. I finally settled on doing the background paper using the Mulberry Batik technique. This is such an easy technique and an easy way to create softness and a wonderfully colorful background. Directions on how to do this technique can be found on SCS HERE.

Once the background paper was completed, the rest was pretty simple. I did sponge around the edges of the focal image to brighten it up a bit. I had this yellow button complete with dots on it that I really wanted to use, but didn't have dotted buttons in the other colors, so I found two other colors that I wanted to use and dotted the buttons with dimensional fabric paint. Worked like a charm and it gave a unifying look to my buttons.

Thanks for stopping by today, I really appreciate all of the lovely comments you leave, and even if you don't leave comments, I'm happy that you continue to come back and visit.

The Fine Print: Stamps: Honey Bees (PTI); Ink: Aqua Mist, Versa Mark, Berry Sorbet, Sweet Blush, Tempting Turquoise, Lemon Tart; Cardstock: Stamper’s Select White, Lemon Tart, Tempting Turquoise, Mulberry Paper (SU!); Accessories: Buttons from Stash, Dimensional Fabric Paint (Polymark), Work Window Punch, Martha Stewart Floral Lace Punch, Clear Embossing Powder, Sakura Stardust Pen, Mint Green Liquid Pearls (Ranger), sponge and sponge paint brush, Tempting Turquoise & Summer Sun Watercolor Crayons.

{Stamp Simply Challenge - Maybe Not}

Since I had the day off from work today, I was anxiously looking forward to getting in some quality craft time. While blurfing over my cup of coffee this morning I found my challenge. Sharon Johnson (No Time to Stamp) put forth a Stamp Simply Challenge to create a card with 3 panels. I thought, ok, no problem. Well, while I'm pleased with the outcome, and I DID enjoy my time putting this card together, it was anything but quick - at least for me. I have to be the slowest crafter in the history of craftdom. It probably doesn't help that I change my mind about 1000 times while putting a card together.

Regardless, here is the results of about 4 hours of work...lol. I do have to be a bit honest that I was doing laundry, answering the phone, updating the Wish RAK list and other various tasks while I was making this card, so it's really hard to estimate the TRUE time that it took me to create my challenge card.

The card base is Papertrey's Summer Sunrise to create a 5-1/4"square card. I first used the Weathered Background stamp and stamped the card base with Summer Sunrise Palette ink. I had just received Gina K's Owl Always Love You this week and wanted to play around with these cute critters. I stamped them and then stamped again onto Eclipse Masking Tape, and made masks for the feathered bunch. After masking them, I used my Copic Airbrush to give the owls a background that would coordinate with the cardstock. I have need of LOTS of practice with my airbrush, but from doing comes learning, right? After the background was sprayed, I colored the owls with Copic markers.

The only other item I wanted to point out was that I used some Fun Flock on the owl that is placed by the sentiment. The rest is pretty straight forward.

I really enjoyed playing today, and I hope you enjoyed looking. :) Thanks for stopping by.

The Fine Print: Stamps: Owl Always Love You (Gina K Designs), Weathered Background (SU!); Papers: Summer Sunrise, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Stamper's Select White (PTI); Inks: Palette Burnt Umber, Perfect Match Palette Summer Sunrise; Accessories: Copic Markers & Airbrush System, Cuttlebug Floral Borders 2X6 die, corner rounder, 1-3/8" circle punch, Quickie Glue Pen, Carmel Latte Tan Fun Flock (Stampendous), slot punch, twill by Taylored Expressions, paper piercer, Eclipse Masking Tape.

{Blogger's Challenge - Week 47}

Hi all, and welcome to Friday! **everyone breathe a big sigh of relief**...the weekend is finally here and it's time for another exciting Blogger's Challenge, and I have to confess that I took great creative liberties with this design layout. Our challenge this week was to create a card using the layout from page 21 of the Occasions Mini, but I just wasn't feeling the torn edge. Are people even doing that very much any more?

I decided to go in a slightly different direction. I had purchased this Martha Stewart hydrangea punch at Michael's, and it wasn't until I got it home that I realized that it wasn't really a punch, at least not in the traditional way I had imagined. It was more of a pop-up punch, and since I didn't want to drive all the way back to return it, I decided that it wasn't so bad, and that I might be able to have fun with it after all. After using the punch along the right border, I lined the backside with a strip of Wild Wasabi cardstock for two reasons; one, to hide the brad backs that I used for flower centers, and secondly, to help the hydrangeas stand out more...they tended to blend into the background without the contrast of the green.

I hope that you enjoyed my version of this week's Blogger's Challenge. It's so interesting to see how all the other Blogger's Challenge players interpret the sketch and the modifications they make to create a card that is uniquely their own. You can check out their cards by clicking the Blogger's Challenge Logo...all their names with links to their blogs are listed there.

The Fine Print: Stamps: Little Lady, Full of Life; Papers: Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi, Afternoon Tea Designer Patterned Paper, Stamper's Select White; Inks: Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava; Accessories: Long Classic Scalloped Rectangle (long) Megabilities, Rhinestone Brads-Ice Circles (SU!), Double Stitched Wild Wasabi Ribbon, Pop-up Hydrangea (Martha Stewart), Dimensionals.

{Honey, Bee Mine}

If you weren't able to attend the Papertrey Ink release party last night, you missed one grand celebration. You can still read the posts from all the excited chatter on the forum...but be warned...it's quite a lengthy thread. We know how to chat it up, for sure! :)

I'm always excited after a release party because it means that I can now share with you the projects that have kept me a busy little bee.

This card was made using the new Honey Bees set, created by Candice Aguilar (Candice is off getting married, and I have no idea what her new last name is...or even if she is changing her name, but that's beside the point.) Candice has a very unique and creative way of designing sets that appeal to everyone. In this set for instance, she includes both natural & whimsical bee images as well as natural and whimsical flowers. It's a perfect blend IMO. I especially liked the honeycomb stamp, which I used to create the background paper for this card.

I then stamped the bee image and mounted it under an acrylic frame made by Making Memories. I brushed the bee wings with Kiwi Perfect Pearls that I received as a sample at CHA this past February. The PP makes the wings look more realistic, however, the photograph makes them look more green than they are in real life. To add just a wee bit more, I used some craft wire and made the bee some antennae.

The flower is made from layers of various brands of flowers all held together by that cute black & white brad. I think it made a nice compliment to the bee. I hope you like it as well. As the days go by, I'll be sharing more with you from the new release, so I hope you will stop back by. It's a pleasure to have you visit today...thanks!

The Fine Print: Stamps: Honey Bees; Ink: Paris Lights & Noir Black (Palette); Card Stock: Basic Black, YoYo Yellow, Stamper’s Select White; Accessories: Flowers: Heidi Swapp, Felt Blossoms & Sheer Blossoms by Creative Impressions, Brad by Making Memories, Black/White Gingham Ribbon (SU!), Word Window Punch, ½” & 5/8” circle punch, Perfect Pearls-Kiwi (Ranger), Sheer Frame Combo-Flower Black by Making Memories, Wire Works (SU!), Stampin’ Dimensionals. Note: Bee wings brushed with Perfect Pearls.

{Let Freedom Ring}

After seeing the SCS Sketch Challenge today, I knew that I wanted to play, since Amy Rysavy had given us such a great sketch with which to work. I thought about it all day at work, and when I got home, I was happy to find a delivery from Cornish Heritage Farms with this Stamp of the Month, Freedom Eagle. I also received the Houndstooth Backgrounder stamp from them, so I combined the two to create this card for the challenge.

What a fun card to make, using stamps from several vendors to create my finished project. I hope you enjoy and perhaps can play along with the challenge on SCS, which can be found HERE.

The Fine Print: Stamps: Houndstooth, May SOTM-Freedom Eagle (Cornish Heritage Farms), Swirley Stars & Starlite Starbright (Verve Visual), Ambassador Monogram (PTI); Papers: Stamper's Select White (PTI), Buckaroo Blue, Ruby Red; Inks: Buckaroo Blue, Ruby Red, Palette, Noir; Accessories: Star Punch (Michael's) 1/2" Circle Punch, Inkssentials Opaque White Pen, White Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!), Long Classic Scalloped Rect. (SM) Megabilities, glue dots, Dimensions, Rhinestone Stars from stash.

{A Birthday Take-Out}

A couple of weeks ago, I won a blog candy give-away from Lauren Meader and one item in the box she sent me was a set of two templates for Take-Out boxes from Paper Bouquet. Since one of my co-workers has a birthday coming up, I needed to make a little something for her. The department she works in has about 9 young women, and since I have given two of the ladies little birthday goodies, they all expect it now (I've created a monster)...but I don't mind. They look forward to the next thing that I'll bring in and it really gives me pleasure to remember their special day.

The box was easy to trace and cut out, but I was a little perplexed about what I should use for a handle. So I thought it might be fun to use some of the wire I have laying around and make a wire handle. I have this tool called The Coiling Gismo. You get the thin gauge wire started and a few twists later (well, maybe a little more than a few), I had this neat little handle. I wrapped each end of the handle around a brad and then attached it to the sides of the box.

It was a quick and easy gift to make and it's sure to give my co-worker a little smile.

Today is a special day for Papertrey as well. Not only does Debbie Olson have a fabulous sneak peek on her blog but tonight is the Release Party on the Papertrey Forum. The fun begins at 10:00 EDT, 9:00 Central and 8:00 Pacific. (although the Release Party thread is already hoppin') These release parties are fast, furious and above all FUN! Hope to see you there.

The Fine Print: Stamps: So Many Sayings, Riveting (both SU!) Paper: Patterned Cardstock by Club Scrap, Pixie Pink, Marigold Morning; Inks: Versafine Onyx Black, Palette Orangerie; Accessories: The Coiling Gismo, Thin gauge crafting wire, Silver Brads by SU!, 1/2", 1-1/8", 1-1/4" circle punches, Word Window Punch, Large Tag Punch, Eyelet by Making Memories, Ribbons from stash.

{Finally, Something to Share}

I actually created this card for an upcoming Blogger's Challenge, but then I discovered that I didn't really follow the directions. {Note to self: read more carefully!} I guess I'll have to rethink my project for this Friday. (duh) In any case, here is a card that I made from the Lizzie Ann Design set, In the Meadow. I won this set from Lauren Meader's blog candy give-away. (Thanks Lauren!)

Everywhere you look lately, crafters are crazy for Kraft cardstock. It really is a very versatile color and goes with everything. Kraft must be the new black...lol. That is why I chose to go with Kraft cardstock. I used my Nestabilities to create an embossed frame for the image which was attached using dimensionals.

I'm really looking forward to the Papertrey Release Party tomorrow night. If you would like to join in the fun, pop on over to the Papertrey Forum. The party offically begins at 10:00 PM, EDT, 9 PM Central and 8 PM Pacific, but you'll find that forum members tend to "get the party started" a bit before that. (Party on ladies) Beginning Thursday, I'll begin sharing with you the projects that have kept me busy, and unable to post most of what I have been working on for the past week or so. If you just can't wait until Wednesday night for a glimpse of what's to come, check out Amy Rysavy's blog for yet another great sneak peek. And for a really great peek, so, do yourself a "favor" and check out Nichole's Blog! :)

So until next time, have a wonderful day ~ blogs and kisses!

The Fine Print: Stamps: In the Meadow (Lizzie Anne Designs); Papers: Kraft & Basic Black; Inks: New Canvas Palette, White Craft Ink, Versafine Onyx Black; Accessories: Long Classic Scalloped Rectangle Megabilities Sm. (Spellbinders)Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Brads (Making Memories) Photo Turns (Club Scrap), Paper Crimper, Black Twill Ribbon from Stash.

{Is It Monday Again, Already?!}

Why is it that work days pass so slowly from Monday to Friday, but the weekends seem to be a total of only10 minutes? This is a question that I have pondered every week since I began working at age 18! I still don't have an answer, and I guess I'll just chalk it up to those mysteries of life, like crop circles and Stonehenge.


I hope you all had a fabulous Mother's Day. I did, and I think that my in-laws all enjoyed the tons of food that I prepared for them. At least they left with smiles on their faces.


The card that I have to share with you was sent to me by a fellow SCS Blogger's RAK member, Yvette Morris. It's so much fun to receive cards from other Bloggers and it's even more fun to show them off to you!

Thanks Yvette for a wonderful RAK!

Just to soften the blow of another Monday rolling around, I wanted to direct your attention to Lisa Johnson's Blog where she has another Papertrey Ink sneak peek of the upcoming release for you, so head on over to her blog for a quick look.

{Happy Mother's Day}

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers out there...and all you Mothers-to-be, and let's not forget those of you who hope someday to be that special person that IS Mom. If you are lucky enough to get to spend the day with your children, embrace each moment and treasure even the smallest gestures of love. My children aren't children any longer, but adults with families of their own, but they are always in my heart, on my mind, and in my prayers. We are miles apart and aren't able to spend time together, which makes me sad, but that's the way things are.

Here are all your children in one place,

Enshrined behind some glass within a frame.

A picture's like a word, a sign, a name,

Symbolic of a much more complex grace.

Years of memories lie behind each face,

A wild sea no blessing can contain;

Years and years of love, of joy, of pain,

Of mysteries no heart can hope to trace.

Here are all the objects of your love,

A frozen section cut away from time,

A summit between dreams and memories,

Which you need only look this way to climb;

An icon for domestic reveries

Through which a thousand answered prayers move.

J. Marques

I'm looking forward to making it a special day for my Mother-in-Law who deserves so much more than a home-cooked meal. Naturally, I'll be missing my Mom, but I know that she is with me always, looking after me, and her nature and spirit are all part of who I am, and ever hope to be. I love you Mom.

And now for something completely different:

It's day two of the previews to the newest Papertrey Ink release. Today Heather Nichols is highlighting the Bitty Baby Blessings set...something you won't want to miss, so head on over to her blog and see what she has in store for you...it's sure to be fabulous. Fabulous is all Heather knows how to do! :)

{You've Gotta See This!}

Well, I may not have a project for you today, but I do have an interesting tidbit...Taylor Van Bruggen is sharing her 'sneak peek' of the upcoming Papertrey Ink release with you, so head on over to her blog RIGHT NOW and see what Taylor has whipped up to entice you! This marks the first of 5 sneak peeks brought to you by the Papertrey Ink Senior Design Team.

I guess you have already guessed that I opted not to participate in this week's Blogger's Challenge. The challenge this week was to make a Mother's Day card. I only made two Mother's Day cards this year (one for my Mother-in-Law and the other for my Daughter-in-Law) and I've already posted those for you to see. Since my dear Mom is no longer with me, Mother's Day, although a day I take to remember all the wonderful memories that I hold close to my heart, is one that makes me a little sad, and a little jealous of you lucky ladies who are still blessed to have your Moms with you. There, I admitted it. :) So rather than participate this week, I just happily browsed all the other Blogger's Challenge participants. If you want to see what they have cooked up, you can find a list of their names along with links to their blogs in the left-hand side bar of my blog. Just look for the Blogger's Challenge logo.

Thanks so much for those of you who haven't given up on me...I promise I'll be back soon with some stuff to share.