The recital

I don't have any of her by herself in her tutu as it was just too hard for me to do it all but I am taking her to Penney's to have photos done in it as well as Matthew in his kung fu gi so I'll share those when I get them done.
Hard to see her but you get the idea....

Happy Birthday to

Nicola!! Hope it's a wonderful day for you!!

I'm first.....

I use to do alot, ALOT, of counted cross-stitch. I really miss doing it but with our furniture now I can't do it comfortably so I haven't done it. Anyhoo, I have a pattern that says " I'm so far behind I think I'm first". That's me. I was doing so good at being ahead of the game with posts and cards and such but well...not anymore.
I hope to at least share photos from Belle's recital later today. She did so well and was just so beautiful. She stayed and watched all the other performances and she was mesmerized. This was the first time she's seen other dances/dancers. Now she's even more determined to stay in dance and learn all the other dances. So funny to me as I swore my daughter wouldn't do dance as I didn't want to be "one of those moms". LOL!
I hope to craft a bit today but no promises. I'm still wiped out from yesterday....the house is a mess and we have a birthday party to attend later today.
Hope your day is a happy one! Give those you love a hug.....I really miss Sam. The recital was filled with lots of families and they also did a father/daughter dance.....can't wait until he's home for all that!

Whiff of Joy Summer Kit cutie

I splurged and got the Whiff Of Joy Summer Kit. Just now having time to ink up these cute images by Elisabeth Bell.
I must say though, this image just seems so stiff to me....she needs to relax. LOL! But she's cute all the same.
I really struggled with this card. Not sure why. But it took me way longer than normal and it's so simple but it's done and I thought it turned out sweet.

Today is Annabelle's first recital. I hope that it all goes smooth for her. My little ballerina!


supplies:
card size: 4 1/4 x 4 1/4
stamps: Whiff of Joy Summer Kit,
paper: DCWV Sweet Stack,
ink:Memento Tuxedo Black,
others: copics, decorative scissors, Kaisercraft Blush Pearls,

So sweet!

I have spent a few days at my friend, Jennifer's house coloring images and this is one of them. I colored her with prismacolors and OMS and then cut her out. So sweet, no? I kept this simple as I thought she was so sweet sitting on one of the blocks in the paper.

supplies:
card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
stamps: image from RAK, TAC Squiggle Ladybugs for sentiment
paper: some I've had forever
ink: Palette Cote D'Azure,
others: prismacolors, OMS, primas, brad

Singing in the rain

Tonight we had thunderstorms. I use to be so scared of them but now that they are so rare here, I actually enjoy them a bit more. I thought this cute new image by Victoria Case for SCACD would be appropriate. She just looks so cute and ready for the rain!

supplies:
card size:4 1/4 x 5 1/2
stamps: Singing in the rain, Susanaments-inside, TAC Tiny Spring-retired-inside
paper: some I've had forever
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,Palette Prussian Blue,
others: copics, glaze pens, copic pink glitter pen, periwinkle parfait bella baubles,CM cutting system

Stampin' Out Alzheimer's

Don't forget to head over to the SOA site! You have until Sunday the 31st to enter the challenges for some awesome prizes, including one from Susana's store~ entire set of Victoria Case for SCACD stamps (that's 9 stamps), a pack of Dovecraft paper and some fun embellies!
I hope to get a chance to head over there myself in the next day or so!

Have you seen the new goodies at Susana's store? new copic glitter pen colors! shimmerz spritz! new copic bundles! What are you waiting for? Check it out!!

Cute Turtle

I've never been one to really like turtles but lately I've seen so many cute stamps that are turtles, they are quickly becoming a favorite.
When I first saw this cute turtle on Stamping Bella, I knew he'd have to come home to my house. LOL! I mean a cute turtle AND a butterfly! Oh my!
I made this as a small little card to give to my friend, Jennifer, as a Just Because card because she also likes turtles....she actually has some in her backyard as pets! Of course my kids think that is WAY cool! LOL!

supplies:
card size: 4x4
stamps: Turtle,
paper: some from my scraps--I think it's Basic Grey
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
others: copics, nestabilities, SU mat pack, teeny tiny butterfly punch, grape stickles,

Also, just a note that my friend went back home last night, sniff-sniff, so I will be trying to get back into the swing of things over the next few days. Thanks for all the nice comments you all have been leaving! I hope to get around and start leaving comments again soon and such!!

Flutter By Wednesday # 59

Welcome to another Flutter By Wednesday!! I have been so happy to see so many new players in my challlenge!! So fun!!
This week's challenge is to use a butterfly or fairy in your creations along with either brads or eyelets. Hopefully Mister Linky is working this week, so please add your direct link to your creation in there. If you upload to SCS or PCP, please use the keyword FBW. Can't wait to see your creations!!
This week's featured team member is Harriet! I haven't known her very long but she has been nothing but super sweet and oh so talented. I just love her clean and simple style. So classy! Here's her creations~ but be sure to stop by her SCS gallery and leave her some love.

Be sure to visit the other team members (links on my sidebar) to see their wonderful creations too!!

We are sadly saying so long for a few months to Ashley this week so she can have her baby and also to Heather as she has some busy months coming up. We hope they both come back soon!!
Also a big Happy Birthday going out to Stef today! Hope it's a great day!
For my creation this week I had to ink up my new, Just Because, stamp from the Hearts and Hugs collection from Victoria Case for SCACD. I just love these stamps!!
I added dimension by stamping the image twice and then cutting out the mushroom tops from one image and placing them on dimensionals.
(I got this card done and was so proud of it, and then as I was editing photos I realized I forgot my own challenge of adding brads or eyelets! 'doh! I'll make another card soon to follow the challenge!)

supplies:
card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
stamps: Just Because, Susanaments-inside, mushrooms-inside,
paper: Dovecraft Retro Floral,
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Palette Belle Rose,
others: copics, corner rounder, worn lipstick stickles, pink poinsettia shimmerz, black copic glitter pen, diamond stickles, stardust stickles,
If Mister Linky is not showing up, please leave a comment with your link. Thanks!!

Try It Out Tuesday # 20~ Water, Water Everywhere

Our challenge for today is Water, Water Everywhere!! Watercolor Only--must color image with any sort of watercoloring (ie, w/ Shimmerz, Twinkling H2O's, SU markers/reinkers, distress inkers, etc.)
I must admit I almost asked if I could take this week off as watercolor is not my best coloring medium but then I remembered, this is a challenge and it's called that for a reason, to challenge you! So I challenged myself to take the challenge! LOL!
Remember to check out Susana's store blog, Follow Your Heart, to see how you can play along and also to check out the other wonderful creations by the other design team members.
Here's my creation~ I did "cheat" and did the skin tones with regular prismacolor pencils but the hair, skirt and doggie are watercolored.

Supplies:
card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
stamps: Ally,
paper: some from my scraps,
ink: VersaFine Onyx Black,
others: prismacolor watercolor pencils, lavender copic glitter pen, script cuttlebug embossing folder, matte lilac bella baubles, Dress It Up Color Me Love button, CM fine tip pen,

Tilda with ladybug

I seriously love the Tilda's from the butterfly collection. This one is so cute with her little ladybug.

supplies:
card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
stamps: Tilda with ladybug, A Muse Essential Ovals, TAC Squiggle Ladybugs -inside
paper: DCWV Blossoms & Butterflies stack,
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMagic Wheat,
others: copics, white pen (this one is awesome), curved rectangle nestabilities, small buttons, yellow glaze pen, stardust pen,

Brentwood with his Tricertops

This is one of JessicaLynn Original's new Brentwood stamps! So fun, this one is Brentwood with his Triceratops. Be sure to check out all the new stamps!
I used a sketch from SCS, SC222.

Supplies:
card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
stamps: Brentwood with his Triceratops,
paper: some from my scraps
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
other: copics, celery shimmerz, brads

Tilda as a dragonfly

I have gotten most of the butterfly collection from Magnolia but didn't get this sweetie. A friend was kind and RAK'd it to me. So fun. A pretty simple card but one that still makes me smile so hopefully the person who receives it will smile too!

supplies:

card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4

stamps: image from RAK

paper: DCWV Blossoms & Butterflies stack,

ink:

others: prismacolors, OMS, SU mat pack, waterfall stickles, green stickles I've had forever,

Gerbera Daisy

For one of the yahoo groups I'm in we do a MCE, monthly card exchange. I'm sure I've mentioned it before. Anyhoo, this month is to use the color Emerald or green and Lily of the Valley flowers or any flowers if you don't have those.

I couldn't decide what to do so I finally went to one of my favorite stamps, Gerbera Daisy from TAC. Several of the petals are popped up for dimension...I think Kim created a monster in me as I just love that technique now that I don't cut myself when cutting the images! LOL!

I did have a little accident with one petal but I think I fixed it pretty nice.

I used a sketch from Taylored Expressions, TECC45.

supplies:

card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4

stamps: TAC Gerbera Daisy, TAC Here's to you-retired,

paper: TAC Gentle Beginnings

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Palette Giverny Green,

others: prismacolors, OMS, CM cutting system, pink poinsettia blingz shimmerz, granny smith bella baubles,

Also, I have my good friend, Jennie, visiting today through Wednesday. I have posts scheduled so there will still be projects to see but not sure how much time I'll spend on leaving comments and such. Have a great week!

Scrappy Frogs Challenge #5

This time the challenge on the Scrappy Frogs Challenge Blog is to use faeries in your creations!

Be sure to check out the blog to see how you can play along and also to see the other wonderful creations by the other design team members!

I had a hard time choosing which fairy to use but settled on one of my new ones from Paper Makeup Stamps. Isn't she too cute with her little snail?
I used a sketch from Maria's site.

supplies:

card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4

stamps: Ashlie Fairy, Fairy Sentiment set, Ashlie's solo snail-inside

paper: some from my scrap pile

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,

others: copics, spiced marmalade distress stickles, celery shimmerz, sizzlit dies for the ovals, shaped eyelets,

blog problems solved

Thank you to those of you who recommended using Firefox browser to look at the blogs. I haven't had a bit of problem since I've been using it and I was still having issues with Internet Explorer.
Thank you!

Stampin' Out Alzheimer's

I wanted to let you know of a fabulous event that will be happening next week (May 25th thru the 31st) for Alzheimers. It's called Stampin' Out Alzheimers and will be a huge challenge and contest site all next week to raise money for research & funding for Alzheimers.
The cost to enter, play & win is $5 a person (good for the entire week) and we'd love to have you join us. Susana's store is hosting a sketch challenge & the prizes include an entire set of Victoria Case for SCACD stamps (9 stamps), a pack of Dovecraft paper & some fun embellies! You can check out the site & join up by clicking on the link/widget on my sidebar!! And tell your friends too!!

New JessicaLynn Original Stamps!

Be sure to visit the store tonight (after 7 pm Central time) to get your new Brentwood stamps!! There will also be a release party at the chat room at the store site at 7 pm central time. There will also be some specials available only tonight so be sure to check it out!

First up there are new prehistoric Brentwoods! (my samples will be coming soon!)

When they were in 1st grade Brentwood and his friends took a trip to the museum to check out the Cro-Magnon exhibit. They were showcasing some specimens dated approximately 40,000 to 10,000 years ago. Brentwood learned a lot about the dinosaurs that walked the earth. He wished that he and his friends could have been around during those times to make friends with those large creatures.

Once they returned home Brentwood talked his Mom into sewing stuffed Dinosaurs for his friends. She created five stuffed animals for them: a Pterodactyl, Dilaphasaurus, Brontosaurus, Triceratops, and a Carcharodontosaurus and costumes for them to play in. For many weekends to follow Brentwood and his friends played “Cavemen” in the backyard.

Next we have Head out on the highway Brentwood! He's looking for some adventure at your house!! He will be available as a digital stamp and a clear stamp. Here's my card using this fun image~

supplies:
card size: 4 1/2 x 6
stamps: Head out on the highway Brentwood digi stamp,
paper: some from my scraps,
ink:
others: copics , celery shimmerz, SU photo corner punch, brads,

So frustrated...

I've been trying to go around and leave comments tonight but many sites that I go to my internet explorer shuts down on me. I'm getting frustrated so I'm walking away now. So, if I didn't get to your blog today, I'm sorry...just know I saw your creations and I was inspired by so many of them today!
You all rock!!

Flutter By Wednesday #58

Happy Wednesday!! and Happy Flutter By Day! Hope that you have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!!

This week's challenge is to use at least 2 designer/patterned papers with a butterfly or fairy. I'd love to see your creations!! Leave a direct link to your creation in Mister Linky at the end of this post! If you upload to SCS or PCP, please use the keyword FBW. Can't wait to see what you create!

Our guest designer this week is Jodi Collins! I've been an admirer of her work for a while. I just love her style! Be sure to stop by her blog and leave her some love! Here's her wonderful creation~~

Our featured team member this week is Stef! I am still getting to know this fabulous lady but one thing I know is that her passion for creating sure comes through in her work! Be sure to stop by her blog and the other team members blogs (on my sidebar) to see all their wonderful creations! Here's two creations from Stef this week~

And here's my creation for the week~~

supplies:
card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
stamps: Sweet Pea Plate #2,
paper: some from my stash,
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
others: copics, black copic glitter pen, sunflower shimmerz, angel wings shimmerz, Nestabilities Labels 3, butterfly punch, Prima Destiny Daisy Crazy, white dew drops, fruit punch stickles,
I give up...now Mister Linky is missing! Please just leave a comment with a link to your creation.(edited Thursday May 21)

Family Time #2

For those who are new to my blog, Family Time is where one or both of my kids color an image and then I create a card using the same image.

This family time is very, very special. The image we are using is Belle, which is one of the new stamps from Victoria Case for SCACD. The reason this is so special is because this stamp is named after my Annabelle, Belle as I call her most of the time. I am still so touched that Susana named this after Belle, it really melted my heart and now this stamp will always be so special to me.

Here's what Susana said as to why this stamp was named Belle: I hadn't finalized names for my New stamp line and when you showed me a picture of your daughter Belle at her recital that it hit me that from that point forward the ballerina could only be Belle.

Here's the photo I shared with her. This was taken when Belle tried on her costume for her recital. Her first recital is May 30 so I will be sure to share photos from that special day too!

Here's how Belle colored "her stamp"~ (she colored it with colored pencils which is not her norm and she told me that this was going to be her best coloring ever!) She colored it such light, pretty colors that it was hard to photograph but I must say, she did a great job!

And here's my card~

~this photo shows the shimmerz and sparkle~

supplies:

card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4

stamps: Belle,

paper: some in my stash,

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,

others: copics, opal shimmerz, diamond stickles, Prima pink dandie flower, SU ticket corner punch, gold dot sparklers,

Try It Out Tuesday #19- May Flowers

Today's challenge was to use lots of flowers in our embellishments and our images. I love flowers but I do struggle with getting them on my cards....I'm working on it though!!
Remember to check out Susana's store blog, Follow Your Heart, to see how you can play along and also to see the other members of the design team's wonderful creations!

Supplies:
card size: 5 x 5
stamps: Forever Friends, Susanaments,
paper: Dovecraft Retro Floral,
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
others: copics, black copic glitter pen, clear copic glitter pen, CM cutting system, CM fine tip pen, Petaloo Dazzlers, stardust stickles,

Happy Birthday Michelle!!

If you get a minute, stop by Michelle's blog and wish her Happy Birthday today!!!
Hope it's a great day, Michelle!

Follow Your Heart

This is another one of the FAB stamps from the Hearts and Hugs Collection by Victoria Case for SCACD. Sooo, sooo cute!! This one is Follow Your Heart. I love that these stamps are so detailed and so versatile! Love them and you will too....have you ordered yours yet? Why not? Get over to Susana's store and order some and be sure to check out all her other goodies, lots of FUN stuff there!!

The balloons are stamped twice with one of them cut out and put up on dimensionals for a little dimension to the image.

supplies:
card size: 5 1/2 x 5 1/2
stamps: Follow Your Heart,
paper: some from a stack I've had forever,
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
others: copics (basic blue jean bundle), corner rounder, yellow scrappers floss, Blue Moon silver heart charm, stardust stickles,

Not a card...

But I had to have "something" to show today! LOL! This week has been hard on me, with allergies/cold/sinus and a migraine....I'm behind on crafting. But I am feeling much better and ready to get back into making tons of cards so look out!!


Thought I'd share today what the kids have played with all week....

Have a wonderful day! We have no plans so I'm hopeful to create something!!

Dreck

I thought these new monsters by Paper Makeup Stamps were so fun. I needed a birthday card for a dear friends son so I thought this would be a fun stamp to use. He's turning 9 so I didn't want it to be too cutesy. Since I'm also late with the card on the inside I'm going to write~ Hope your birthday was out of this world.

Supplies:
card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
stamps: Dreck,
paper: some from my scrap pile
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
others: copics, Labels Three Nestabilites, brads, icicle stickles,

It's Blog Hop Time!!

Want this badge?"

I am so happy that today is finally here so we can share these AMAZING stamps with everyone! That's right, it is finally time to show you the wonderful Victoria Case for SCACD stamps. The first collection is the Hearts and Hugs collection and I know you will love all of the stamps!!

If you're starting here with me, be sure to start at the beginning of the blog hop with Suzanne's blog. Continue with the blog hop by going to Jennifer's blog next!

I screeched in happiness when I saw the stamp that I was chosen to showcase today! How seriously cute is this? And look at the butterfly!!! Oh my!! The detail in these stamps is outstanding!! And then when I saw the Susanaments that go with them, oh my, be still my heart!!

In this photo you can see the shimmerz, smooch and stickles.


supplies:
card size: 5 1/2 x 5 1/2
stamps: Tea for Two, Susanaments
paper: SU Walk in the Park,
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
others: copics, moonlight smooch, apricot shimmerz, stardust stickles, clear copic glitter pen, Petaloo Dazzlers,

Mommy brag

Today afterschool we attended an ice cream social where Matthew received an award. He got 1st place in the second grade for a short story he wrote!! I'm so proud of him!!
They only had ice cream for the kids receiving awards so then I took us to Dairy Queen for supper, LOL!
Anyway, proud of my boy!!
I told the kids when they grow up Matthew could write the books and Belle could illustrate them!

Hope

The minute I saw this set, Hope and Grace, by The Greeting Farm, I knew I had to have it! The girls are so sweet looking and I have to admit, I just love their names.

I also want to wish Cassie a Happy Birthday today!! Hope it's a great day for her!

I have been trying to use more colors than my norm so I chose red and yellow for this sweetie. I also cut the flower out and then the yellow part from one more so there would be dimension. And Michelle, no fingers were harmed while cutting it! Hehehe! I was emailing her while working on it and then I told her I had to concentrate! We all know I'm not the best with sharp objects!

Supplies:

card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4

stamps: Hope and Grace, A Muse Essential Ovals,

paper: TAC Finger Paints-retired,

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMagic Sage, SU Real Red,

others: copics, SU scallop border punch, diamond stickles,

**Don't forget that today is the last day to enter Susana's blog candy on the store blog, Follow Your Heart!!! Be sure you have entered!! and don't forget to come back tomorrow for the blog hop to reveal the awesome new stamps!**

Flutter By Wednesday #57

Is it me or do the weeks keep flying by so fast? Goodness!! Welcome to another Flutter By Wednesday! I'm glad you stopped by!
Be sure to check out all the fab cards from last week: here (at the bottom of the post in Mister Linky).
This week's challenge was an easy one. Use a quote or sentiment on your creation along with a butterfly or fairy. I'd love to see what you create!! Just leave a direct link in Mister Linky to your creation and if you upload to SCS or PCP, use the keyword FBW. Can't wait to see all the wonderful flutter by's!
Our featured team member this week is Nicola! I am so happy that I'm getting to know Nicola. She lives in Spain and is so talented. Be sure to stop by her blog and leave her some love! Here's her wonderful creation~

I'm also sad to say that we are saying goodbye to Kristie this week. She has so much on her plate right now that she is stepping down off the team but hopefully she'll return later in the year.
We are also welcoming two new team members! Christine and Lelia!! Please stop by their blogs and welcome them and then head on to the other team members blogs (links on my sidebar) and see their fab creations!!
Here's my creation for the week~I'm not sure where I came up with the colors I used at! Quite the mismatched look, huh?

Supplies:
card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4
stamps: Sugar Nellie Fingers Crossed, Paper Makeup Stamps sentiment
paper: I think it's from a My Minds Eye stack,
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
others: copics (blonde 2 copic bundle), pink copic glitter pen, Petaloo flower, oyster bella baubles,

**Don't forget to see the new puzzle piece for blog candy on Susana's store blog, Follow Your Heart, and don't forget to hop with us on Friday to see all the CUTE new stamps that Victoria Case has designed for Susana's store!! **

Happy Birthday Nancy!

I know I've forgotten a few birthday shout outs of friends and I'm sorry bout that but I did remember today to wish Nancy a happy birthay! Stop by and leave her some love!

I am feeling a bit better today (post below was actually done this weekend) but still plan to take it easy.

Have a great day!

Try It Out Tuesday #18-No squares allowed!

Our challenge this week was to create any type of card that wasn't a square or rectangle! I was going to be really creative and try to do something fancy but well, every attempt was not successful so I stuck with a circle card.
Be sure to check out Susana's store blog, Follow Your Heart, to see how you can play along and to see the other wonderful creations from the rest of the design team members.

Have I mentioned that I LOVE shimmerz?? Look at how it just makes the card so fun!

supplies:
card size: approx. 3 1/2 inch circle
stamps: Groovy Angel,
paper: Dovecraft Retro Floral,
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,
others: copics, nestabilities, shimmerz, fibers,

***Don't forget to check the store blog, Follow Your Heart, each day to see the puzzle piece reveal and enter for the amazing blog candy!!! And remember to be ready to hop around the blogs on Friday! You will love these stamps!!***

Listen to your body...

So remember last week when I was so tired? Well it caught up with me yesterday. I've been hit with a pretty icky cold. Ugh. I have slept all day today~~off and on~~and am counting the hours until kids are in bed and I can go to bed. I am so blessed to have great kids who don't destroy the house when I am sick~~they both have been so helpful.
Anyhoo, I will be around to comment and all that jazz as soon as I can stay awake for more than a few minutes.........
Thanks for all your wonderful comments, they mean so much to me.

Victoria Case for Susana's Custom Art and Card Design!

Oh my!!! I've been bursting at the seams to be able to announce that Victoria Case has teamed up with Susana to create the cutest series of stamps exclusive to Susana's store! The first in the series is the Hearts and Hugs Collection and oh my, you are just going to HAVE to have them all!!
On Friday May 15th we will reveal the entire collection but until then head over to Susana's store blog, Follow Your Heart, to see how to enter for some AMAZING blog candy (how does all 9 new Victoria Case for SCACD stamps sound? Along with a signed and colored image by Victoria!!) All the details are on the blog so be sure to check it out!!
Once you are done there, hop over to Victoria's Blog and see how you can enter to win her blog candy as well!! Yup, she has blog candy up for grabs too!!
Be sure to plan to be at the blog hop on Friday to see the reveal of these to die for images!! While you wait, why not check out Susana's store! She's been busy adding lots of fun new things and she also has 15% off ALL Spellbinders (excludes Impressabilities) thru Sunday the 17th and the SMIRKS are only $1.50 each!! You seriously can not beat that!!!

Kind word

I received this image from the Wish RAK on SCS but I just love this set so much that I just ordered it from SU.

I used a sketch from Taylored Expressions, TECC66. And yes, my buttons are naked. I got them attached to the card and then remembered I should've used scrappers floss in them. Sigh.

supplies:

card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4

stamps: image received from RAK, TAC Sentiments-retired, TAC Spring Flowers,

paper: Dovecraft Retro Floral,

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black,

others: prismacolors, OMS, Making Memories Lemonade Blossoms and Buttons, SU mat pack,