Time for Winners (& maybe a little card)

It's time to pick the winners to my April 21st post here. I had three wonderful ladies to leave me some wonderful ideas of how to handle the backlog of cards. I thought all of the ideas were simply wonderful and I will set about splitting up all my cards to donate and gift. And since I had to pick, I asked my son to give me a number between 1 and 3. He chose #2.

THE JONES April 22, 2015 at 7:27 PM

I'd share my "extra" cards with the Ronald McDonald House, for families with sick kiddos. That would be a nice touch, Peggie! Just an idea! ~ Dyna

 

Dyna, let me know what your choice is: the stamp set, paper punch OR the brand new, un opened Tim Holtz Distress Stain Walnut in color. So, contact me with your mailing address I'll get in the mail to you.  I'd like to ask Sam and M Olp to contact me with your addresses I'll send the remaining items, one to each of you. I appreciate you taking the time to read and answer my request. Super sweet support!!

 

And now, I had a bit of time this morning to create a card for Mark's Finest Paper Blog's Speedy Fox and Friends Challenge 259 to use only the center of the card.  BTW hey are hosting a blog hop for a new product release, hop on over and check it out! Sorry, I couldn't resist it!!

 

 

A CAS card this time around. I created it with sending in with my hubby (tucked inside his luggage) on his next trip outta town toward the end of May. The more I look at this card, the more I really like it. He's not usually a CAS fan, but I'm sure he'll love this card. I used almost all scrap items on this card which is a great feeling too!

 

Now, don't forget to check back tomorrow for my very, wonderful, exciting and just cool news!!

 

TFSB

Hubby to my rescue!

I have had my Big Shot for years. I've used it like crazy and am in love with it. But just the other night I was cutting something, can't remember what, with my family around and then we heard this horrible sound, the handle jerked in my hand and went slack. My heart sunk! My hubby's eyes got really big and Wildman gasped (yes it was that loud of a noise.) I just knew I'd broken it and I was sick, cuz I don't have an extra $100.00 just sitting around. Well, I got very lucky....

 

Do you see the BROKEN plates on the right? Yeah, I actually snapped one plate in two! You can see it's well worn and actually curved, the reason (I'm sure) that it snapped. The machine is fine btw, thank goodness!! Now, you see the plates on the left? Yeah, hubby cut them (from scrap) at work for me for free! I was super happy and they work perfectly! Now, I know the replacement plates aren't that expensive, but they aren't free! He's going to cut me another set to store away. He's awesome (most the time - LOL!) Now, if I can just get him to cut them with pink Plexiglas - HA HA!! Don't think a race teams gonna have pink just sitting around. There's always hoping huh?

Now for my latest card, it's the monthly Viva la Vere challenge sketch. I also wanted to include the challenge at Tuesday Throwdown which was to create a get well card....

 

I kinda struggled with this one for some reason.  But, I'm determined to use my Silhouette more so I decided to make the bunting across the bottom with my Cameo. It was easy enough.

 

 

The pattern paper is an old collection from Basic Grey called "Blush" and "Lilykate". The stamp set is an Stampin Up set, Pun Fun. The jute I've had forever and don't remember where I got it. I pierced the little holes in the corners of the white image layer using the Stampin Up paper piercing pack. And I colored the image with my Copics.

 

I also created a card for the Addicted to CAS bog. This week we were asked to create using only black, white and gold. So, I pulled out my SU set Mixed Bunch and stamped away.  The ribbon is my go to seam binding that I colored on side of, balled it up in my hand and misted with water. Once it was dry I made my bow. The cardstock is Neenah and Stampin Up.

 

 

Hey! Don't forget to stop by Friday morning to see my HUGE, happy announcement. (pretty please) It's got me very excited and most happy and I'd excited to share with you! TFSB



It's all about a white tuxedo

Yesterday when Wildman got home he told me he wanted to get a white tuxedo. When I asked him what for, he told me "for the year end party". OH MY! Yes, the year end party for his last year in elementary school. He says the other boys are going to be dressed up and he'd really like to wear a white tuxedo. Wow, I smiled and told him we'd find him something special for sure. He never ceases to amaze me (our make me giggle.) He's my crazy little Wildman! I even forgot to tell hubby - he'd rather be tortured than to wear anything that even comes close to "Sunday go to meetin' clothes" much less a tuxedo!! Too funny....

Ha, so okay, my camera came yesterday. I love visits from the man in brown! It's like Christmas. So, I charged it up yesterday and have pulled it out already and have been playing with it. It seems to take a nice pic, but I'll know as soon as I load one or two up here to the blog.

 

Well, not too bad. I'm sure once I learn more about my new camera it'll get even better. So, this card is for two things. For the Christmas Card Challenge Blog and for the Christmas Card Class I've been taking on line class from Justine Hovey that I mentioned here: Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas. This week the technique was all about coloring. I love coloring, have since I was little. The image I use here is from Pinterest. I've been looking for it again to give you the link and credit to the artist, but I can't find it. Moving forward I'll be sure to save them in a special way to preserve the link and give credit where due. I stamped the image in Memento Ink  on Neenah Cardstock 110 lbs, then colored her with my Copics. I then added Wink of Stella to her wings and the holly leaves on her cap. The cardstock and ribbon are from Stampin Up. The little "just be Claus" was in my button basket and I cut the shank off. As always I used my paper trimmer, pink taper runner, pop dots and a few glue dots for the ribbon. Oh! For the ribbon, I actually cut a small slit in the spine of the card to lace the ribbon thru since I didn't have a mat to tape it under. Time to run, errands to take care of. TFSB!

Whoot Whoot & Shut the front door!!!

Okay, just got updated that my new camera will be here by the end of the day ..... wait for it ..... MONDAY!!! I am so very excited, now my pics will be much better AND I can try out how to make tutorials for YouTube! I'm so happy! I chose the Samsung WB1100. It's a digital camera but nothing like a Cannon Rebel. I'm not a photographer and don't need the all of the super fancy camera, maybe one day.

So, I have created 3 cards - been busy with household icky stuff and my pain levels have been stupid high the past few days so I've not been in my craft room for anything other than still trying to fit in here with a huge queen bed. Slow, but it is coming together.  The cards I have made are very clean and simple.

I used an older Stampin Up cardstock and oh, this stamp set I've had for years and just adore. I used my Copics to color the image. I created this for the MFP Friday Oriental Sketch (that's coming to an end, this is the last challenge of it's kind). I also used a bit of Wink of Stella on the stars and in his eyes and my Signo uniball white pen on the cat's eyes and teeth and the pumpkin's tooth. The pattern paper is from a 6x6 paper pad from Michaels.

For my Unity challenge I decided to use my prize for a blog hop to create for the Friends with Flare Friday. I again, used my Copics to color the image. For some reason, she gives ne a hard time. There's just so many great color combos to chose from! LOL  I used SU cardstock and pattern paper from a Bo Bunny Garden Journal Collection 6x6 pad. The red checked ribbon is old Stampin Up.... I love those checked ribbons.

 My last card is one was my fav of the three. It's the last MFP (last) Monday Friends of Speedy Creatures of the Night. My take is very different, well see here....

I used my Silhouette to cut the stitched circle. I sold my Cricut Expression 2 and all the gazillion cartridges oh! and the handheld designer Gypsy thangie to buy the Silhouette Cameo. Sometimes I wish I'd not sold it. Okay, often! I just need to lean my Silhouette like I knew my Cricut! ANYHOO, I sponged the night sky with SU inks after I masked the moon off with scrap cardstock. I used Neenah 110lb cardstock for the stitched circle and to stamp my little girl on. I colored the image with my Copics. The stamped image is from Simon Says Stamp: Slumber Party with the matching dies. I really love this adorable little set. She's super fun to color too! I added a few little, tiny clear blings to resemble stars in the night sky. The yellows a little harsh, but such is life - tee hee. Think of it as dirty clouds crossing over the moon - LOL - maybe not!!

TFSB


Links to the Products I used:
Scotch Advanced Tape Glider
Fiskars Paper Cutter
Silhouette Cameo
Copic Markers
Wink of Stella
Uni-ball Signo White Ink Pen
Paper Snips
SSS Slumber Party Stamp Set
SSS Slumber Party Matching Dies

Gonna keep it clean and simple today

I saw my hubby off this morning. He's on the way (well actually already there) to Barber Motorsport Park in Alabama. His races are there this weekend. I was able to tuck his card into his backpack without him seeing me do it. Such a sweet little game we play. =)

To keep myself busy this morning I stole away to my studio. Even though there are still messes in the room, mostly cuz I don't have anymore shelves or places to put the little bit that's left. I created a great project for a VERY special event that I will be able to share with you all on May 1st. So, you've gotta make sure to check back in for that card - don't forget - okay?! MAY 1st!! HUGE NEWS!

Now onto the sweet little card I made for today's Simon Says Stamp Challenge. Clean and Simple. I feel sometimes those are the hardest to create. Hubby usually prefers the cards I create that are "more" or are out of the norm. Each day he comes home, he faithfully views and rates my cards. He's so sweet. But, since he's not here so I'll show you guys.

I can tell you already, hubby won't like it. lol.  But, he's not here right now, so it gives me time to decide just how happy I am with it. I really like the pattern paper. I just unpacked all the 12x12 pattern paper I've had boxed up for like 2 years. And before that, I hoarded paper! I'd fall in love with then bring it home with all these fab-uuuu-lous idea's in my head and realize I simply couldn't cut it up!! OMG, please tell me I am not the only one who has enough 12x12 paper to cover the world?! So, I've told myself, "Self, NO more paper - until this paper is all used up!" Only time will tell if I'm listening to myself or not! LOL I'll keep 'ya up dated. :winky face:

TFSB!

Love hurts, don't it?

Lemme' splain.... Hubby's leaving again for another trip (he travels a lot) tomorrow. He's traveled before we even got married and still does. He's the lead mechanic for a World Challenge race team. So, every trip for as long as either of us can remember, I've made a card and slipped it in his luggage. It started as a total surprise to him and  over the years there have been a time here or there I forgot to do it, or he left the card here at home and he's actually gotten sad once he's at the hotel and realizes what's happened. It's rather sweet I think. So, since he's leaving in the morning I sat down and created a card for this trip. It's a spin on a get well card I saw some time ago.

 

Sadly, I didn't have a stamp that said "love hurts". I didn't even have stamps that I could've cannibalized to create a stamp that said that! And I wish I had prettier handwriting, but I don't. Should've been a doctor! Those are suppose to be Band-Aids, hope they came across that way. It's on lime green cardstock. Al the supplies for this card came from Stampin Up. Except for the sentiment which I wrote using a Sharpie Marker.

 

I also created a card for Simon Says Stamp - Monday Challenge - Due Date. "This week whether the words make you think of a new baby or school assignment, the library or perhaps something past due...." And easy peasy lemon squeezy - Tuesday Throwdown # 241 "Up In The Air" (Things That Fly) challenge. At the end of graduation, the grads throw their caps into the air. And I thought about my little girl - not so little anymore. She graduated from high school this past January and will "walk" this May. I'm so very happy. So, this is what I created. Again, all the supplies are from Stampin' Up.

 

 

I created the cap from my punches and the tassel I made using my embroidery thread. I can't wait to send this to her (you may already know she's living with family friends going to college in Virginia Beach, Va. I thought the Sizzix keys embossing folder was a nice subtle background. Now she has the keys to move forward in  life - =)  Silly maybe, but I dig it. I'm off to do me some laundry - Oh my fav!! tee hee

 

Thanks for stopping by - don't forget about the give-away I posted this morning. Check it out and tell your friends.

Come and get 'cha some ~ a FREE Stampin Up PRIZE!

I am sorry I didn't post this little idea yesterday, but I've really given it some thought and decide to give away a Stampin Up item I have two of.... Yeppie!! Isn't that super cool?

Now, for the "deets". This all came from me trying to decide what to do with all the cards I create for all the challenges that I love so dearly. I mail them to family and friends, I donate then to local organizations and I display them in my new craft studio for a bit. But, mostly they sit in their boxes under the appropriate tabs. So, I thought I'd pose a challenge to you guys!

What is your favorite way to utilize all the 11'gagillion cards you create??

What should I do with mine?

I'd love you to post about this quirky little challenge, share this with your friends, respond back to me and I'll use random.org to pick the winner on April 30th!

The prizes?? The winner gets to chose between: A hostess cling stamp set "Banner Greetings" OR the 7/8" scallop punch!!

So, leave me a message, pass this challenge/give away along to all the crafty people you know and then I'll post the winner here April 30th!! You can enter as many times as you like, but make sure your ideas are different for each suggestion pretty please. I hope you decide to play along and tell all your crafty friends about this super easy chance to get some free lovin' happy mail!!  TFSB

We're back in the high life again with a little bowtie pasta

Icky day yesterday - our AT&T Uverse box (the one that supplies everything to the whole house) died. It was early in the morning and to my amazement, we had a technician at our home THIS morning. I take back some of the very ugly things I've often said about them - but not all of them! =)

So, while we were outta the loop, hubby and I continued on with your plan of clearing out the back bedroom to get it ready for me. I've been in the dining room since we moved in Nov. 1st. The back room has sissy's stuff in it, and she decided not to move in with us. She's with her friends family in Virginia Beach and is enrolled in college there. Soooo, we decided to get me in there. Yet, sadly, somewhere during our 6 moves in just 17 months, I lost 3/4 of my craft studio!  Seriously, it's been icky! I do have the most basic of items. I know I needed to downsize, but.....  We moved from our 2900 sf home of 12 years with a large dedicated craft studio and have ended up in my sister's house (she's renting in south GA for a job) of approx. 1450 sf! We'll be here for about 2-3 yrs while we build in north Georgia . I've been downsized, but dang - I'd rather have had the choice of what to donate. ANYHOO - enuff of my whining.

My usual challenges post like this:

Monday has 2
Tuesday has 1
Wednesday has 1
Friday has 3
Saturday has 2

AND, I have one that posts the 1st of each month and on that posts every 2nd Thursday monthly. Honestly, these challenges keep me sane! They give me such joy, I know you feel the very same way I am sure. Sometimes I feel guilty about my addiction and sometimes (no, it's often) I question myself about the number of cards I have in my possession.... do I really need "50'leven million" cards?? I don't think so, but I can't help myself! I donate AND actually send them and they still pile up.... what's a crafter to do???

HEY!!! I have an idea - I think I need to host a giveaway! Oooooo, I'll be back tomorrow with the official give away!!! Come back and check it out, pretty please.

OKAY - so it's about time I get to my cards, right?? I took some time to create one card for two challenges that are sketches and oddly enough, they were very close in concept.

and:

 

Isn't that crazy?  Mark's Finest Papers and Via La Verve are just so similar this week. I really loved the Verve sketch so that's how I rolled. And here she is:

I have to tell you about the little banner, yes, now I see they aren't spaced as I thought they were - but, the little shape is actually a little piece of bowtie pasta! Yeah - it's part of an old metal thin die system for kitchens I bought from Archiver's years ago. (I was lucky enuff to have kept Big Shot and about 75% of my dies). I thought is made the cutest little flag shape. tee hee

For my next card it's a challenge hosted at Mark's Finest Papers. Speedy Fox and Friends Challenge 258 posted Saturday morning and it asked us tp create a black and white card. I immediately knew what I was going to do... I pulled out an old Amuse stamp set called Foiled Again. I bet you know where this is headed, huh?

I embossed the 'stach and saying with SU black powder. Used the last I of my SU black checked ribbon (my all time fav ribbon!!) and added some patterned paper I bought at Joann's. I also popped the 'stach up on foam tape. So, that's what I did this morning. It made me happy. And that's what it all should be about, being happy. But, now I must go and play mom. I've gotta get dinner going. Baked Ziti, beans, and roasted garlic Naan bread. Yum-a-doodle!!

Thanks for all the wonderfully kind compliments and for stopping by my teeny tiny little blog. You are very appreciated!!  Don't forget about the crazy little contest thangie I'm cooking up for tomorrow!

Howdy Friends!

Sorry for the absences, had so very much going on this week. Had very little time to create much less post anything. BUT, now I am getting caught up and have eked out a wee bit of time to post a few of the projects I've been working on. It's been a whirlwind of activities here this 1st week back to school after spring break. Hubby and I found 5 abandoned solid wood chairs. OKAY, I found them at the end of my neighbors driveway the night before trash ran. UGH - that sounds worse than it really is! I know we all have scanned the cast off items of our neighborhood..... I'm just brave enough to own up to it. LOL Seriously though, we have already removed the seat bottoms, made patterns to make new wood we will cut. Once that is done, I will make the seat covers and reupholster the bottoms! So excited. We will use 3 chairs on one side and one at each end and hubby will build a bench for the other side. When he built our table, it was to seat 8 comfortably.

Okay - so lets take a look at the wonderful cards I've been making last night and today. My 1st card is for Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge. We were to create out own back grounds. So, I decided to pull out some stamps I've not used lately. I've been hyper focused on images I can color with my Copics that I all but forgot I have stamps and punches that don't require coloring per say! Duh Peg! I used stamps, ink and ribbon from Stampin Up. The cardstock is from Joann Fabrics. The flower center is something I've had for years in my bling drawer. I thought it worked well with this image.

Then I worked on a new challenge for me called Tuesday Throwdown. The challenge was to incorporate "clear" someway in our card. I decided to create this card to also use for my Unity Friends with Flair Friday too. I just really liked how it turned out and orange is one of my hubby's fav colors! I have to say I like it too.

The flowers are actually made from velum that I stamped in white embossing powder then flipped over and colored on the back of the velum to make it look almost like stained glass.  Again, I used another SU stamp set and coordinating punch. The white cardstock is Neenah, the orange cardstock and ribbon are SU pumpkin pie. The bling in the center of the flower is just from my bling drawer. =) Magical drawer that bling drawer is!

I had one more challenge for Unity to finish up today too. I had to wait for my very 1st KOM to come in the mail - YEPPIE!!! Love the kit of the month. It's full of a great variety of high quality stamps from Unity. I created this card for the Unity's Thursday's Be Inspired Challenge running from April 9 - May. The provided inspiration was this picture here:

I decided to use the sketch as my muse. =)  The stamp is part of my KOM. the sentiment is from the Stamp of the Week from last week. Love it too!! The papers are from Embellish by Dena Little Azalea 6x6 stamp pad. The pick cardstock is from Joann's Fabric, the white is Neenah. The lace is from my sewing basket, the ribbon is old SU.

So, now all I have remaining is two card sketches. One is for MFP and the 2nd is for Verve. Since these were both posted just today, I have a wee bit of time to play with my supplies and figure out exactly how I'm gonna interpret the sketches. But, you know how much I love me my sketches!! I'll be back to share those with you just as soon as I have finished them. TFSB

All alone again....

Awww, spring break is over. Wildman went back to school today and I have to be honest, I've got mixed emotions about it. Part of me is happy to be at home by myself today so I can get the house all cleaned up again. 'Ya ever notice how futile your efforts are to keep the house clean when everyone's at home? No, lemme rephrase that question. Have you ever notice how all your efforts to keep the house clean when your husband and children are home all day?! LOL When I'm home alone, the house is awesome (little birdies signing loudly) but once the hubby's home all day, I've stopped trying to keep it clean - what's up with that?? (little piggies snorting loudly) Bwaaahhaahaaa Yeah, sorry, couldn't help that one! Hubby's not really a piggie, he's just not as clean as I am.

Okay, so after I worked on getting the house caught back up (not that it was really that bad away) I was able to work on the challenges I couldn't do this weekend. I had a migraine yesterday so I was in the bedroom almost all day - yuck!

I started with my Mojo Monday - I love their sketches - truly I do. I also recently found another sketch challenge site, more on that in a bit. So,  here's this weeks sketch. I've been focused on all my pretty spring pattern paper, that today I decided to shake things up and go Halloween-y.

 

So, here's my spooky card. I used SU black card stock. The pattern paper is from a great 6x6 pad from Fancy Pants Design called Oct 31. I stamped the adorable skull from an older set from Hampton Arts designed by Ellen Krans. It's a really cute set for Halloween.  The ribbon is old SU. I added Wink of Stella to the bats and the skulls nose and pupils. Can a skull even have pupils? Hmmmm.

 

 

My second card was one I created with two challenges in mind (gotta love getting your moneys worth huh.) So, the 1st challenge was for Simon Says Stamps. Monday's "In the Middle" Challenge. My second site was Mark's Finest Papers, Speedy Fox & Friends where we were asked to use gold embossing powder. I edged the circle where I cut stamped the cute little birdie. I also decided I've been grabbing up my Copic's for every little coloring job I have. So, I decided to go old school and use my colored pencil. I tried very hard to do shading and then used my colorless blender pencil to smooth out the colors and lines. I was proud of myself for trying to blend and shade. =) I'll keep working on it

 

 

UGH - I have got to get my camera ordered!!! Anyhoo, this card I used Neenah Bright White as the card base, the navy blue accent is SU.  The pattern paper is from my scrap basket. The stamp is Inkadinkado and the twine is from my jewelry making basket.

 

My 3rd card is also for Mark's Finest Paper. Its for the Friend's of Speedy Monday Challenges. We were asked to create a cool, neat tri-fold card. I love the type of challenge that makes me try something new. Now, I've done gate folds, tri-fold with pockets, and tri-fold incline step like cards, the triangle tri-fold, screen cards - I think you get the idea. So I took to the lovely internet and saw a card that solves a big tri-fold problem, needing real room to write a message. So, this card folds up to a standard A2 envelope AND leaves a good amount of room to write a note. See??

 

 

Whoo Hoo! I'll break down the measurements and maybe create a video this week. The pattern paper is from my stash (yes, again) and the butterflies are from a SU little embossing die from a few years back. The hello is a Lawn Fawn die. I do apologize for the picture quality...

 

So, Anyhoo, here are my efforts for today. I have to play office manager in the morning. I have calls to make and bills to pay - OH - and I have to go to the dang old DMV to renew my drivers license. EEEKKKK! Don't tell anyone, but I didn't even realize it expired on my birthday - March 17th! Yikes! I'll try to post a wee bit tomorrow, but it may be Wednesday before I make it back on. TFSB

 

My Challenges:

Mojo Monday - Sketch 393

Simon Says Stamp - Monday in the Middle

Mark's Finest Paper - Speedy Fox & Friends

Mark's Finest Paper - Friends of Speedy

 

Sooo Suzy!

Hi again, I hope your Saturday is going nice. We have great weather today after a night of storms and so much heavy rain. It's nice to see the colors of the world instead of looking at everything thru a yellow film of pollen. I'd almost forgotten how colorful and beautiful spring is!

So, I gots me some happy mail today!! Yes, I do love me some packages in the mailbox! I had just ordered two stamps from So Suzy Stamps like Thursday and today they were in my mail box!! Amazing! My 1st products from this cute little store and I will say the quality is very nice. The stamped images is very clean and crisp. They sent me some blue sequins too. And as if all this isn't enough, the owner of the company wrote the "thank you" on the bottom of the invoice herself. Wow, huh? It's nice to come back to a personal level when so much of the world has a "big box" mentality! So, thank you Ms. Suzy, for being a great example of a friendly world!

Now, I ordered these stamps because I thought they were so cute and I decided to create a card to submit for the monthly challenge at this site. For April, the theme is birthdays. So I decided to create a card I've not made, a flip flop card. Used my stitched rectangles for the base flip flop. I used retired SU cardstock, DSP and ribbon. The sequins and sentiment stamp are from So Suzy Stamps.

As always, I apologize for the picture quality - still using my cell phone. (ick) I liked the flip flop card base and will for sure be using it again for more cards in the future. I will create another card using the waffle cone stamp I ordered (at the same time) later this week. This sentiment is so dang cute and if you think so too - I suggest you go to the shop because she has tons a funny sentiments in stock. TFSB

My Challenges:
So Suzy Stamps - April Birthdays

Ho-Ho-Ho, Merry Christmas!

Did that reading those 5 little words make you panic just a wee bit? No? Than you are much more prepared than I. If you did have to grab a piece of chocolate to calm your nerves, you are just like me! Every year I have the best of intentions to get 50+ Christmas cards completed before November, then mid-November, then the 1st of December.... you understand. So, when I came across Mrs. Justine Hovey's website. Once there I saw her link to participate in the 2015 Christmas Card Tutorials.  What fun AND I figured I'd be able to get my cards completed prior to Christmas this year!

The more I read the more I simply HAD to join her on line classes. She has put a lot of time and effort into creating: 40+ Video Tutorials, Full Color Instruction PDF Guides complete with supply lists & links. She's created an optional Facebook Group! Why not I ask?? On the FB page, she always posts all the links again each week AND writes a dedicated post asking if we have any questions or concerns. When I asked my question today, she answered back so quickly! AND she created a dedicated Pinterest page just for these cards! How cool is that?

On this page she has linked an informative You Tube video showing an example of the type of classes she's put together for us. She has also posted a few pictures of her quality PDF guides. I have already printed my 1st two weeks and placed into a binder for reference for years to come!

Did I mention prizes?! Oh yes my friends! She has sponsors on board who are providing prizes for her to award to the "classmates" each month! Awesome!! And don't get worried about starting late or not having time to complete a class project within that given week. You are in charge of your schedule. She will send you all the info the 1st of each week and you decide when you have time to watch the video, read the PDF or even complete the project.

But the best part is ALL of this is only $30.00!!! It's crazy, right?? 40 tutorials, PDFs, FB, Pinterest, new friends - all for less than the pocket change we spend in one week on snacks, coffees and cokes! So much healthier too! BUT WAIT!! IF you get 4 of your friends to sign up, she'll refund your class price back to you! Yeah, I said it!! Refund!! I  ask that when you go to sign up,  please mention my blog (Maxx & Boo) or my name (Peggie Sue) so she'll be able to identify traffic patterns, ok? 

I will show you my 1st two cards, but really that's not fair to Justine because her cards so wonderful and she uses fabulous supplies that I don't have all unpacked. I was too excited to wait, I HAD to create my cards the moment she sent me my emails for weeks 1 and 2! lol So, please know your projects can be as beautiful as hers or as simple as mine. It's all up to you and the goodies you have on hand OR buy specifically for each class!

Week one (above) she showed how easy it is to create a beautiful night sky with masking and embossing. The card below uses emboss resist. Again, the card Justine creates in her video is way better than mine. She uses some wonderful Tim Holtz products and wowzers! Her card is awesome!! I plan on heading to the store tomorrow to get the same products to be able to recreate the card AND bonus project tag too! YES! I said BONUS project (and it's only week 2!!)

Okay, you must go, no! You must run over to Justine Hovey's website to sign up for her wonderful 2015 Christmas Card Tutorials now! She will get you all caught up and you too can learn something new, or brush up on some techniques you may already know but haven't use in ages. Or come play along simply to make some new friends and get your holiday cards ready before December!

I'm not looking for a refund, just trying to spread the word about a wonderful, new, fat free on-line class. I have really had a lot of fun creating these wonderful cards and I really cannot wait to see the upcoming classes. I truly hope you'll hop on over and check out her blog and then go ahead and sign up and join in the fun!

Thanks for stopping by you guys!!

 

** Please note, when I 1st posted I had incorrectly stated the class was $35.00. I have made the correction above as the class is only $30.00**

It's Fab-u-kitty Friday!

I've been crafting today, I know this has got to come to a shock to you but it's very true. I did also do a bit of office maintenance kinda tasks today as well. Cleaned up round the house (don't I always?!) did a wee bit of crafty clean up too. OOOO - I also participated in a special class today! A wonderful on-line technique class. Two actually. Such fun and taught by such a wonderful lady. She has created PDF files for each class for use to print and keep forever. She also recorded special videos available only to those who sign up for the class. Did I mention that it's a super great price and 40 classes long??? One each Monday for 40 weeks. I will come back and give you more info tonight after I finish the second class project and the BONUS week 2 project.... I want to be able to show you. And at that time I will give you the deets, her name and all of the necessary links, so come 1st think tomorrow and check out all the great info!

So, after all that I decided to create two projects for two different challenges. The two projects today  were sketch challenges. The 1st card is for the on-going Verve April Sketch challenge. Here's my card:

I used basic kraft card stock as the base. I cut all the pattern papers from bits and pieces from my stash. The largest piece is from Crate Paper Farmhouse 6x6 pad. Yes, I used this just recently, but man I do really love this pattern! Can't help myself! The stamped sentiment is from SU.

My second card is for the Unity Friday Friends with Flair. It asked to use the April Be Inspired color block and or sketches. I decided to use both as my muse. I used a new to me sentiment from Unity I won a short time ago for a blog hop called "Julie Girl" - love the wonderful gifts. I got that and another stamp set called "Lasting Thoughts" a unity artista kit from 2013. The blog hop winners were announced and seriously 3 days later the stamps were in my mailbox!! AH-Mazing!! Anyhoo - the pattern paper is from a Recollections 6x6 Home Basics pad. The cardstock is an old color from SU as is the ribbon. I cut the flower shape from a die, spritzed it with water and twisted it up with my bone folder. I clipped it while it dried and glued it to a flower base with hot glue. The center is scrap card stock clipped, rolled and mushed just a bit. I also spritzed the flower only with DecoFabric Glitter Spray. The leaves are a SU punch that I threaded thru half and wrapped only round half of the card front. As soon as my camera gets here I will do a video tute for the flower and ribbon. The flower can be made with any punch or die shape.

This little beauty certainly isn't made for the postal system to say the least, as is sits approximately 1" above the card base at the highest flower leaf point. She's a "beaut" though. I'll be excited to share the process with you as well as other shapes. I'll be sure to show the before shape and the finished flower. It's crazy to see just how different the flower looks with each new shape!

Well, I'm off to get dinner started. Think we will have home made pizzas tonight. Happy and safe Friday you guys! TFSB

My Challenges:
Unity Stamps ~ Friday Friends with Flair
Viva la Verve ~ April Friday Sketches

S-C-O-R-E for me AND for YOU!

I had a wonderful day - out side of the house! Yes, I actually left my home and met with an old friend and a new friend. We had lunch today at a local sub sammy spot. Two ladies I swap with at SCS. We ate and talked and I have to say, it was a very nice lunch. Felt great to get outta the house and socialize for a change. Wildman went with and we were able to run some errands before hand.

I got lucky today..... whoot whoot! No, not that, even better. I got scrapbook goodies at a super discounted rate!! Stopped at the dollar store to get poop bags and a double barrel shotgun (ha, funny huh?) and found  dot adhesive runner for HALF OFF!! They were a name I'd not heard of, but thought for a dollar and a quarter for 9 yards I'd give it a try. Got 4 of them. When I got home, I found they are a nice quality, refillable and A Cherry on Top sells the refills for cheap! S-C-O-R-E!

But no my friends, it gets even better. I found out that Office Depot sells Neenah Cardstock, the brand and type that everyone says is perfect for using Copics on. Well, kids - you can buy a ream of it for only $15.99. That's 250 sheets of 110# at only $0.06 a sheet. Now, you all may have known this little bit of info, but sadly I did not. I have just read about it doing well, so I researched and found it cheaper than I'd seen out there. =) And they sell a nice heavyweight white cardstock (97 #, that's heavier than the 80 # SU I've been using for years) for about $0.05 per sheet, same Neenah brand too. Yeppie! Another big S-C-O-R-E for little ole me! Yeah, it doesn't come in all the flavors SU sells, but for a high quality white CS that's $0.30 PER SHEET cheaper?! Color me there!! With the money I save, I can buy twice as much flavored CS from SU than I could before! =)

Whoooooo, okay now I must calm myself and get back to work. LOL  I just couldn't wait to share with you guys. For you, you will understand the silly excitement whereas my 11 year old Wildman simply didn't get it. Oh he supported me, but just couldn't get as ramped up as I was. So thanks, blogger friends, for being there for me! 

Back later with some exciting news about 40 weeks of Christmas going on right now!!

I'm a happy camper!

Today's just a happy day. We have fought off the rain once again and it's a really pretty day outside. I did all my chores yesterday so I've been able to craft and take care of bloggy related things. Just a regular happy camper! 

So here's what I've had on my desk today:

 

This card is for My Favorite Things Wednesday Card Sketch Challenge. It also will serve as the card  for my other sweet obsession, swaps at Splitcoast Stampers. I joined a celebrate summer swap and decided to keep it simple and follow the sketch to create the swap cards. So, I cranked out 8 of these little babies today. I just can't help myself. I have enough cards to mail one to everyone all over the world, yet, what do I do?? Join more!! And more!! I do go thru my cards about twice a year and give them to elderly friends at our local center and to the battered women's shelter. I used all Stampin' Up and Sizzix products today. I printed the sentiment from Word.

Here's the second card, actually I created this one 1st and it's really crept into my heart today. In fact its partly the reason I'm in such a happy mood. Haven't you ever created something that just makes you smile when you look at it? This card did that for me this morning. I created this little card for Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge, APRIL SHOWERS and/or SPRING FLOWERS! I used retired SU DSP, scrap twine, a button from my laaarge button basket.  I water colored the SU image from Scene in a Garden (retired set.) Then I cut a pair of rain boots and popped them up with foam tape after the Close to my Heart Liquid Glass had dried.

One more happy thing to share with you, I've finally chosen a camera, will be ordering it tomorrow. Once it comes in, I'll be trying my hand with picture tutorials and, wait for it, video tutorials too!! You can learn with me! Okay, nuff of my blabbin'. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are a happy camper today too!


My Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp ~ April Showers/Spring Flowers
My Favorite Things ~ Wednesday Sketch Challenge 223

Just a little Thank You...

I just want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has come by to take a look at my creations and to leave such kind and supportive words. I consider myself lucky to have such talent comment on my cards. 

Thank you all so very much!

image courtesy of Bing Images

The sun has finally come out.

I am so very happy! The sun has finally peeped out from behind the clouds here in NE Georgia. It's even warmed up a bit, enough to open the windows. I just love being able to open up the front door and windows. I'm very much a nature kinda gal. I was also able to dig out some of my Stampin' Up! DSP from days gone by. I used a very cheerful sheet from Gingham Garden DSP. Such a pretty collection of pattern papers. I added some newly unpacked vellum to the top with SU ribbon. Actually all items used on this card are from Stampin' Up! this time. Well, except the stamps - my bad. The stamps are from Inky Antics. I am a turtle collector, so this stamp set simply HAD to come home with me back a few years ago. This card was created using this sketch for Viva la Verve Sketched Week 1.

Ya' know sumpin' I think that Mojo Monday and Verve sketches are just beautiful! They really make me smile and they are easy to create from. Soooo, thank you to those wonderful ladies that come up with them. Amazingly talented to have so very many different sketches.  Okay, enough of me going on. Here's my card based on this sketch.

I'm not sure if my eyes are not being nice to me lately, but most of my pics seem to be just a tad bit outta focus. I'm still using my IPhone to take pics. I simply can't decide on a camera to purchase. Do I want a DSLR or a point and shoot? I dunno. So, I just keep using mu phone. It doesn't take the best pictures, I apologize guys. I promise to make a decision with in the next week.

I'm gonna go and start dinner cooking. Hubby has asked me to make loaded baked tater soup. So, I'm off to make it happen. If I get it going now I can reduce it down for a more robust flav-ahhhh. TFSB

My Challenges:
Viva la Verve ~ April Week 1

April Showers....

.... Bring May flowers. Today is the 1st day of our spring break and its chilly and damp outside. I can only hope our flowers are wonderful when Spring actually comes to stay. I'm up this morning to create for some of my challenges. I like it when all the powers that be align to enable me to create one card for more than one challenge. It's also fun because it makes me think a little harder, I like trying to make it all fit. I created my card based on Mojo Monday Sketch 392.

 

I was able to work Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge which was "A is for ....." using  "A" to show something that inspires spring. And finally Mark's Finest Paper asked us to create a card using spring colors. And the color challenge over at My Favorite Things. Such a fun day!

 

Here's the card I created:

 

The pattern paper is from the 6x6 pad from Crate Paper "Farmhouse" - love the papers BTW. I stamped the image on watercolor paper using Memento Ink. I also used my circle and scallop dies and eggshell seam binding for the bow. The solid color paper is out of my scrap basket. The stamped image is an old Stampin Up image from the Scene in a Garden set. I really like the papers in this card. I used the rain boots for my "A" is for - April Showers. The colors are definitely from a spring pallet and I used the Mojo Monday sketch. Whoot Whoot! Off to play with the last challenge card for today, from Verve, another card sketch, my fav!  TFSB!

 

My Challenges:

MFP ~ FOSTV 161

Simon Says Stamp ~ A is for .....

Mojo Monday ~ Sketch 392

My Favorite Things ~ Color Challenge 18



Cut it out!

Today I decided to make one card and then watch TV with hubby. Gotta do my nails, whoot whoot! The card I've completed is the MFP Speedy Fox and Friends 256 (cut out panel). I decided to use an older fav of mine from Unity:

 

The book page to the right is actually mounted under the card front with foam tape. And the strip was cut out by hand with blade knife. Of course I used my Copics to color the image. It really turned out looking like a real piece of wood. Even hubby liked it. :big smiles:

Well, off to sit and veg with family and watch some TV,  Have a super relaxing Easter Sunday! TFSB

Hoppy Easter!

Mostly yellow, how 'bout you?

While outside Dear Hubby told me to look out over the hood of my car. My black car. It was sitting under a very nice layer of pretty yellow micro dust. Ahhh, the fun of spring. At least I don't have serious allergies like hubby. Poor man's been walking around with itchy, watery eyes and sneeze?! This boy can sneeze like no other!! You can hear it three states away and what makes it bad, is he's a multi-sneezer! I know God has a sense of humor too. Since my stroke I have a handful of sensory issues, noise, be it too much, too loud the wrong tone - it's kills me. So I' married to man who is a loud multi sneezer.... well, usually funny.

Okay, enough flappin my gums. I finally got to my Mojo Monday submission. It will serve dual purpose this week. I just adore Mojo Monday sketches. And I always have fun
with the Oriental Sketch over at MFP.

The image is from Unity, the papers are from SU and I used my Copics to color the image. I added pop dots to the yellow layer and again to lift the cute little flutterby. You can't tell it here, but the card base is embossed with large dots and the card is 5.5" tall and only 3.5" wide. That was actually part of the Mojo Challenge.

I will try to do some more tomorrow. With all the heavy physical work Friday, my body has been is such pain. It's what happens to me cuz of my lucky, lovely autoimmune trifecta. Whoot whoot! It'll take a few days to be better. I slept a good chuck of today. Well, thanks for stopping by to say hello! I appreciate you!

My Challenges:
Mojo Monday ~ 391
MFP ~ OS72

Simon Says.....Have Fun!

This Wednesday the Simon Says Stamp blog posted the Wednesday challenge as birthday cards. Even though I printed "hi" on the card front, inside I sis stamp Happy Birthday. The card is smaller than a normal card, it measures only 4.25 x 3.5. I used Copics to color the Unity Stamp image. The pattern papers are from my scrap basket and the twine is from Darice and I  picked it up at Hobby Lobby.

The back ground is the same pattern paper as the 1st layer on the card so it kinda blurs together. I'm sure you can tell, I'm so happy with this stamp set!  =)  Well, I need to go and vacuum a wee bit. Ya know something?? I wish I had some fresh fruit here at the house. I'm really jones'n for some yummy fruit. Hmmm, gotta go garb some in the morning! What kind of fruit do you like to eat?  Have a super day guys!!

My Challenges :
Simon Says Stamp ~ Birthday Wednesday

Delightful Flutterby or Queen for a Day!

I could hardly sleep last night. I was too excited about these little stamps sets. Silly I know, but that's me! I've been busy this morning doing all kinds of house type stuff, but I manages to stamp out one little card. It uses the Delightful Flutterby stamp set from Unity. Such a  sweet little set of images.

I made this card from the My Favorite Things Sketch 222 Challenge. The banner is popped up by using my score board. I used nesting circle and scallop dies. I used my Copics to color the image.  Like I said, I really like working with sketched. I plan on submitting this card for the Simon Says Stamp Challenge again - promise, last one! tee hee  Here's "queen for a day":

And, check out the new background for my pictures. Yeah, I'm goin' uptown now homey! Fancy huh? Just trying to grow as a blogger and I knew I wanted to make my pictures look "cleaner". I'm rather tickled with how much better it looks. Next may be little props related to the photos. AND once I get my camera in, I will be learning how to tape video of some of my projects, sharing how to do them. Go me! tee hee

Hey, thanks for stopping by. Check back as I am hoping to get at least one more project posted today.

Bye

My Challenges:
My Favorite Things ~ Wednesday Sketch 222 Challenge
Simon Says Stamps ~ Monday Challenge Pastels (again!)

Happy April Fools -

Hey all! I hop you each have had a safe day with only funny pranks. My day was quiet and uneventful. I got some work done and my stamps came from Unity! In love soooo much! I got Birdie Conversation and Delightful Flutterbys. Such fun, love my new stamps. And of course I simply HAD to create with them. I'll use card this for the Unity Be Inspired Challenge. The pastels in this card will again, work very well for the Simon Says Stamp Pastel Challenge too! Ugh, so many wonderful challenges this week!! In heaven I tell ya!

It's so like me - even though I don't nap as much now as I did for a few years after my stroke, I still adore my sleepy time! I used retired ribbon from Stampin' Up and pattern paper from Bo Bunny Garden Journal Collection 6x6 pad. I do like my Bo Bunny. It was the 1st real paper that I remembered by name. I stamped the image with Memento ink and colored with my Copics. I so adore this set, tomorrow I will do a few more projects with both sets and share them here. TFSB

My Challenge:
Unity Stamp Co ~ Unity {Be Inspired} Challenge: March 12 - April 8
Simon Says Stamp ~ Monday Challenge Pastels