absc31 - Monster of a Birthday

Hi!  Hope you all enjoyed the latest Annabelle Release and Please if you haven't popped on over to the Store why not do so now and pick up some of these awesome sets.

It's time for the latest Annabelle Sketch Challenge absc31 and here is the sketch:

This is a great sketch and works beautifully for adding "bling" to your cards.

For my card I chose one of the new release stamp sets:  Lil Monster because he's just so darn cute I couldn't help myself!

Now I had to do a bit of "creative" thinking here as to how I could stamp the monster without the balloon and then add it on top of my circular layer.  So I masked off (I use painters tape)all the areas of the balloon, inked up my stamped and pulled off the tape then stamped my monster down and cut him out with a circle Nestabilitie Die.  Then I stamped him down again and this time just cut out the balloon and part of his hand. 
I colored the image with Prisma Color Pencils added some Glaze (Glassy Glaze Enamel-SU) and popped up the pieces with foam dimensional tape.  His eyese were done the same way.
I also paper pieced the shirt.
Colors used:  Perfect Plum cs, Whisper White cs, Orchid Opulence cs.
Paper: Designer Paper from Die Cuts With A View - Midnight Spell matstack.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Other: Glassy Glaze-SU, Olive Sprinkles, Annabelle Stamps, Punch from EK Success.

So now it's time to drop by the other DT members blogs and see how they used this sketch.  Remember you can participate in the Sketch Challenge or any of the other challenges (even combine them) and be entered in the drawing for a Gift Voucher to the Annabelle Store.  You have from now until the next Sketch Challenge at the end of next month.  Happy Creating!

MojoMonday162 - Peace on Earth

Hi!  -  I'm excited today because I've made a card totally out of my "Comfort" zone and I like it!  Yes,  I tried this weeks MojoMonday sketch and I made a Round card - My very first!

So without further ado here is my card:

For this card I used the new SU Color, Cherry Cobbler (my new favorite red for Christmas) and layered it with Very Vanilla which for some reason looks white in my photo but it's not.  I used some of the SU Designer Paper, (Jolly Holiday) and my favorite Annabelle Christmas set, (Holly Branch) as my stamp set.  I did slightly alter the sketch to fit in my Poinsettia but sketches are mainly "starting points" so I don't think a slight alteration really changes the sketch all that much.

The Felt Poinsettia is from, Hero Arts.  The leaves are from Annabelle Stamps, The Punch is Martha Stewart, Vanilla Brad-Pink Hedgehog and Olive Brads-SU.

Challenges and Links

I belong to another group on Yahoo and we do different weekly challenges.  This one was a Color Challenge: Rose Red, Always Artichoke and So Saffron.  I decided to go a little "out of the box" and use these colors for a Christmas card.  This is the card that I sent to my partner, Rose.  I used a couple of DP patterns from SU embossing one with a Snowflake embossing folder.  The Tree and Bird image are from Annabelle Stamps (Santa's Star).  I masked the tree and then stamped the bird image.  I pape pieced the tree stand and added Sprinkles to the tree.  I also used a snowflake punch (MS) and punched out two snowflakes, glittered them and layered them together with an Artichoke brad.  The other punch is also a MS punch.

Here is the card that I received back from Rose:

Isn't this just adorable!  I love the image she used (Cat's Pajamas) and the great little touches like the pearl necklace, paper piecing and the optional sentiment she included for me to use on the inside of the card. 

Now for a few links:  This is a link to my little Granddaughter, Coleen's blog that I started for her.  There are only a couple of enteries so far but we'll do more as time goes on.  Hope you'll take a peek.

Also I have a personal blog (Wishes, Dreams and Other Things) that has a cute video of Coleen on it that I took earlier this month that's worth a peek.  In the future I may post these type of things on her blog.  She would love to have some comments.

CIC82 - Witchy Woman

Hello and welcome to this weeks CIC Challenge #82 - This week our sponsor is:   Anita Be Stampin.  Our very own Sweetie Anita has started her own stamp company and graciously offered the DT members some awesome "Digis" of her stamp images.  Please note these are sold as Stamp Sets and you can find this one here:  I chose Broomhilda for my card.  She is one "Sassy & Sexy" Witch don't you think.

I drew my inspiration from this weeks Cupcake photo rather "loosely" as I chose to go with the Spiderwebs, Witch image on one of the cupcakes and the Moon behind the Haunted House cupcake.
I colored Broomhilda with my Prisma Color Pencils and then carefully cut her out.  She was then mounted over a piece of light lime cs cut with a circle Nestabilitie die.  I added some Black Currant Sprinkles as well.
The back panel was done with Perfect Plum cs embossed with the Spiderweb Cuttlebug Embossing folder and brushed with White Pigment ink.  I also added a panel of Basic Grey Eerie DP.  The sentiment was printed on Only Orange Card Stock and cut with a Labels Nestabilitie Die.

My card base is Basic Black and I used another pattern of the BG Eerie DP with some spiders on it to go with the them of my card. This sketch was an old Mojo Monday Sketch but I omitted the top side embellishment.  Mainly because I was going to add a Spider embellishment from my stash but couldn't locate where I put the darn thing and anyway I thought it looked okay just as it was so I left it out.

So be sure to stop by the Cupcake Inspiration blog and check out the other Sweeties take on this Inspiration photo.

You can also win a Prize so don't forget to leave a comment.

Have a great week.

Say it in Black and White - Annabelle Stamps

Welcome!  So did you all enjoy the Preview Blog Hop this past week.  Aren't the new sets just so much fun!  Hope you've popped on over to the Annabelle Store and stocked up on these wonderful sets.      Now it's time for our Friday challenge:  Say it in Black and White.  - I love this color combo.  It lends itself to some really wonderful cards.  I needed something fairly easy because with all the stamping last week my Carpal Tunnel is acting up so I didn't want to stress my hand any further then I need to.  Still I wanted something that was eye-catching as well.  I remembered this card that I'd saved to my files and thought you know that layout would work great with this color combo.  What do you think, pretty striking (yes I am pleased with myself) if you ask me.
Details are simple:  Card Base:  Basic Black, layered with Whisper White that I distressed the edges of.  Then I cut a smaller black panel and added strips of designer paper.  The polka dot and flowered pattern are both from Daisy Bucket-Black Tie Affair.  The smaller dotted print at the bottom is just a piece of a scrap that I'm not sure of who the manufacturer is.  I embossed the candles from (Hold a Candle) with a Versa Mark pad and Winter White EP (SU-retired).  The Happy Birthday sentiment was embossed with Bold Black EP (SU) on Whisper White cs.  Accesories:  Zigzag Punch-EK Success, Black Grosgrain Ribbon SU, Black currant sprinkles-Annabelle  and foam mounting tape.
That's it.  Quick and Fun.  Be sure to check out the other DT members blogs to see what they did with this challenge. You can give it a try yourself.  Remember all challenges are now eligible for the Gift Voucher at the end of the month.  So if you participate please upload your link on the Annabelle Blog.

Final October Sneak Peek

Welcome! - Today we are previewing the last 2 sets for the October release at Annabelle Stamps.  -  As is our custom we are doing a Blog Hop.  This is your chance to win these sets for Free so you won't want to miss out.

The rules are easy.  Hop from the Annabelle Blog through the DT members blog - Leave a comment on each blog.  Head back to the Annabelle blog and answer an easy question.  Winners will be drawn and announced on the 21st on the Annabelle Blog.

First up today we are previewing:  Lil Belle Molly - Isn't she adorable.  I just love this new line of stamps.  If you love coloring or paper piecing these are the stamps for you.

For my card today I also used one of the sets we previewed 2 days ago (Backgrounds by Design-Numbers) along with some DP from WeRMemory Keepers.  I stamped the square background stamp with Crushed Curry ink a couple of time on Whisper White cs and then layered the dp and a punched border of Bermuda Bay cs ad tied on some Old Olive grosgrain ribbon.  Molly was colored with my Prisma Colored Pencils and cut out then mounted with foam dimensional tape.  I added some Olive Sprinkles and the little Get Well Soon sentiment, which is also in the set.  I think this would cheer anyone up as she is just so adorable.  Don't you love those Polka Dot boots/shoes!

The last set we are previewing is one of my favorites, Lil Bee.  Doesn't this just make you smile, I know it does me.

For this card I chose some spring like colors/paper patterns as I wanted this to be a very cheery card.  My bee was colored again with Prisma color Pencils.  The DP is from Basic Grey - Lemonade line.  I embossed the pieced behind the bee image with the Swiss Dot embossing folder.  Again I used Olive Sprinkles (love those things!).

Now if you are following the hop correctly you should have arrived here from

Sue's Blog and from here you will hop on over to Rene's Blog  I'm sure both these ladies and in fact all the DT members will just WOW you with their fantastic cards so get hopping.

These stamps will be available for purchase today at the Annabelle Store

Andrea at Annabelle Stamps is running an awesome special for our new releases this month. When purchasing the October package for $75.00 you will receive free postage on your entire order when you use the code below :

                                                             octoberfree


The offer is only open for four days - till Friday midnight Australian time. Now you need to rush off to the Annabelle Shop to place your order!!!

Once Upon A Monthly Challenge #4 - Fall is in the Air

Hello friends.  It's time once again for Elena and I to post our: Once Upon A Monthly Challenge card to each other.  Seems like anymore it's taking us 2 months to get cards posted (I'm the SLOW one) but we hope you are enjoying our challenges even if we are late posting them.  So without further ado here is the challenge this month.

Elena picked a Fall/Autumn theme for our challenge.   You won't want to miss seeing the card she sent me so be sure to pop by her blog to see her card for this challenge.  I absolutely love Fall next to Spring it is my favorite season so this theme was right up my alley.

I found an adorable stamp set, (Doodle Fall - Inkadinkado) and just knew I had to have this set.  Isn't that Scarecrow adorable.  I colored the image with Prisma Color Pencils and used a cloud template to add some clouds and sponged in the grass. I paired my image up with my new Basic Grey-Pyrus paper.  It has some awesome patterns/colors.  I love this one because of the fun little trees.  I also used a darker piece for the scalloped portion of the card.  The ribbon is from (American Crafts).  I thought it went fairly decent with the colors of the designer paper.  The greeting is from (Hero Arts).

I even did the inside of the card - Sometimes that's fun to do and really adds to the over all theme of the card.

You've just got to stop by Elena's blog (The Redhaired Girl) and check out the absolutely AWESOME card that she sent me for this challenge.  It is just adorable.

Take care and if you feel inclined to try out our challenge leave us a link to your card in the comment section on our blogs.

CIC81 - Halloween Tickets Anyone?

CLICK HERE FOR THE ANNABELLE PREVIEW



Hello!  Are you ready for some Halloween Fun.  Check out these adorable spooky little cupcakes for this weeks CIC81 Challenge.  - This weeks sponsor is Raindrop Echos.  4 Sentiments of your choice will be the Prize for one lucky person so don't miss out.

The DT was given some super fun sentiments and ticket images to work with this week.  Thanks a so much!

For my card I used 3 of the ticket images and put them together like you would find actual tickets.  I printed them out on some Natural Ivory card stock and then sponged on Old Olive, Only Orange and Perfect Plum pastels and cut them out.  Next I added some Designer Paper (Retired SU Halloween Night) along with my MS Drippy Goo Punch in Perfect Plum.  This was tied with some Orange Ribbon (Offray).  I stamped the Witches Hat from SU Bitty Boo set in Memento Tuxedo Black on the Naturals Ivory cs and added some orange glitter to the hat band.  Then I actually used some hardware from the Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware kit that I've had forever and so rarely use.  I added Old Olive Brads and mounted this with foam tape over another piece of the DP that was then mounted on Tangerine Tango card stock. 

Be sure to check out what the other "Sweeties" have done this week.  They are listed on my sidebar.  You can also give this challenge a try and link back on the Cupcake Inspiration blog so we can all check out your creations.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

It's All about the Numbers - Annabelle Preview

Hi and Welcome back for the second preview of the soon to be released Annabelle Stamp sets. Did you all LOVE the first previews! Today's stamps are a little different but still wonderful, versatile and fun to use.  We're having another Blog Hop so be sure to follow the instructions below.








The first set I am showing is a Numbers set called, Teresa's Numbers. Now I must admit that I personally have not used number sets much in my card making so I was at first a bit stumped on how I was going to use this set. It does have some great sentiments in it but I wanted to showcase the numbers so after thinking about it awhile I came up with this idea. I hope you like my creative use of the numbers to make a romantic card that can be used as an Anniversary or Valentine card.

For this card I used the Number 1 and the Number Symbol surrounded by the Brackets in the set.  Then I stamped the Heart in the set twice and created a 1+1 card to symbolize being a couple. Card details:  Card Stock: Tempting Turquoise, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa and Whisper White.                   Ink pads: Tempting Turquoise, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip. Other: Nestabilitie Die, Punch-Martha Stewart, Sprinkles from Annabelle Stamps, Aqua Painter and Foam Mounting Tape.

Next up is a new line called, (Borders by Design) and this first set features a great Number border to match the numbers set.  For this card I chose a CAS (Clean and Simple) design - Something that I also struggle with but I think I pulled it off even though I'm not entirely sure I like all the "white space" this card has.

 

On this card I used some really bright colors. 
Card base: Old Olive layered with Only Orange. I stamped the numbers background on a Spectrum ink pad - SU Retired Pumpkin Patch on Whisper White card stock.  Then I stamped the Happy Birthday sentiment in Memento Tuxedo Black ink, added some Old Olive twill ribbon and a punched circle of Only Orange with the little present stamped in Ruby Red ink.   This was raised with foam tape and I pierced around the image.

So would you like to win these sets? - Sure you would.  So here's what you do.  Head over to the Annabelle Blog to start the blog hop.  You must leave a comment on each of the DT members blogs.   If you've followed the hop so far you should have arrived on my blog from Sue's blog:  A-Consuming-Passion  from here you will head on over to Rene's blog: Stamping in Sunny SA  to see her fabulous cards.  When you've completed the hop head back to the Annabelle blog, answer an easy question and leave a link saying you've completed the Blog Hop.  Winners will be announced on the 21st.

See you all back again on Wednesday for the last of the previews.  Again you won't want to miss them so be sure to stop back again.

Check out the Blog Candy and Some great cards.

I stumbled upon this blog one day and discovered a wonderful Challenge and some awesome stampers.  Blog Candy is being given away so be sure to check it out.

BC173 - Frightening

Welcome! - Please click HERE for my Annabelle Sneak Peak - You won't want to miss this one.

Happy Friday and Happy Blogger Challenge day.  Today's challenge:  Black/White and a "splash" of Orange.  Not sure what constitutes a splash of orange but hopefully this is just the right amount to be considered a splash!

For this card I wanted something quick and easy since I have been madly stamping all week for the Annabelle releases and needed to give my hand some much needed rest.  There is absolutely NO stamping on this card but I love how it turned out.

My card base is Basic Black and I layered a piece of Black/White designer paper (Daisy Bucket Designs - Black Tie Affair) along with a punched border of Ghosts (EK Success).  I tied some Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain ribbon around these pieces and then added an epoxy sticker to a circle of Pumpkin Pie card stock and raised it with foam mounting tape.  I've had these awesome epoxy stickers for a few years now so have long since forgotten who made them.  Sorry!
That's it, quick, easy, clean and simple but I think an over all fun Halloween card.

Be sure to stop by the other BC members blogs (listed on my sidebar) and check out how they used these colors.

Have a great day. 

Come Join The Party

Oh my goodness I can't tell you how Excited I am about today's Annabelle Release.  You are just going to LOVE these new stamps.  They are adorable, fun and cute!

We are previewing 2 sets today:  Lil Monster and Lil Michelle.  

We are having a BLOG HOP and you can win these sets by participating in the hop.  Here's how.  Start here: Annabelle Blog and hop around the DT members blogs.  Leave a comment on each blog and then head back to the Annabelle Blog, answer an easy question and let us know you've completed the hop.  Winners will be announced on the 21st.  Easy Peasy!

You should have arrived here from Sue's blog: and from here you'll head on over to Rene's blog:  So start hopping!!!

Don't you just want to pinch that monsters cheeks because it's so cute!

I chose some fun bright patterned paper for my card.  The monster was colored with Prisma Colored Pencils and his shirt was paper pieced with some of the designer paper.  I added some tiny buttons threaded with a thin piece of white card stock.  I used the current TESC131 sketch for my card.   Card stock: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange.  Designer Paper from BoBunny-Bubblegum Popsicle.          Punch: Martha Stewart-Optic Dot       Buttons-source unknown.

  

Since it's Spring in Australia right now I went with bright colors for my second card as well even though we are having Fall here in the US.  Once again I used my Prisma Color Pencils for this card and a Cloud/Grass template.  Michelle's skirt was paper pieced and the teddy was raised with foam dimensional tape.  I added Glitter around the edges of the Nested Piece for some added sparkle.                             

 Card Details:  Card stock: Real Red, Only Orange.  Designer Paper: Die Cuts With A View-The Grade School Stack.            Glitter from The Art Institute. Ribbon, SU Bashful Blue.  Sprinkles from Annabelle, Nestabilitie Dies.

Come back again in 2 days for the next previews.  You won't be disappointed.

CIC80 A Rose by Any Other Name

Hi,  Welcome to Cupcake Inspiration Challenge #80 and just look at these delightful fall cupcakes.  Aren't they pretty!  This week the sponsor for the challenge is A Passion For Stamps.  They have a lot of great digital images so be sure to check them out.

I chose this digital image (Rose Topiary) for my card.  I love Roses and mixed with the berries I thought it would make a great Autumn card.  So what do you think?

I started with some warm colors that to me reflect Autumn perfectly. My card base is Cherry Cobbler that I layered with Cajun Craze that I distressed.  The pattern paper layer is from Daisy D's.  You can't see it in the photo but I embossed this piece with the Diamond Embossing folder.  It really adds some great texture to the card.  I colored the image with Prisma Color pencils.  The planter portion was cut out and I used (Hot Glue) to mount it over the original and added some moss.  The berries were highlighted with a Spica Glitter pen and I added a Dragonfly charm, some flowers in Cherry Cobbler with Orange brads.  The border punch is (Martha Stewart) and I used Chocolate Chip cs. then tied it with Pumpkin Pie ribbon to complete the card.

 This is one of those cards that I really liked after it was completed even though I struggled to get it put together just the way I wanted it to be.

Be sure to check out what the other Sweeties have done with the Inspiration photo.  You won't be disappointed.

O Christmas Tree

Hello and welcome.  It's Friday and time for a couple of challenges.

First up the Blogger Challenge this week:  This wonderful CAS sketch:

Be sure to check out the other members blog (see my sidebar for links) to see how they used this great sketch.

Once again I've combined this challenge with the Annabelle Challenge: Say it with NO Designer Paper.  OMG - That sort of scared me as I rarely make a card anymore that doesn't use DP.  But being the "trouper" that I am (ha ha) I took up the challenge and here is what I came up with.

I started with a card base of Kraft (Crumb Cake) and stamped the snowflakes from, Santa's Star which happens to be on sale this week with Craft White pigment ink.  The next layer was done using Handsome Hunter (retired SU) card stock that I embossed with the Snow Dots embossing folder.  It's a little hard to see in the photo but it's there.  The strip of red is Real Red cs pierced and then I added some of the pretty Christmas ribbon available on the Annabelle Store blog.

I stamped the larger Christmas tree with sentiment on Whisper White cs, colored with Prisma Color Pencils and cut it out and mounted it with foam dimensional tape.  The smaller trees were stamped directly on the white panel and colored the same way.  I added Chili 3mm Sprinkles from Annabelle.  The stars on the smaller trees were colored with a Yellow Spica Glitter Pen and the larger star has Lemone Glitter on it.  I also added punched photo corners of Kraft cs and mounted the panel on a piece of Close to Cocoa cs.

We've added a new DT member.  Our fabulous Guest Designer from last month, Iwona (Chupa) has agreed to join the DT so please stop by her blog and give her a warm welcome.  You won't be sorry.  Her card is just fabulous!

You can now participate in all the weekly challenges and have a chance for the $20 Gift Voucher given away at the end of the month.  You can even combine the challenge with the monthly sketch challenge if you'd like.  Just be sure to link back on the Annabelle Blog so we can see your card.

Lastly we have BIG things coming next week starting the 15th with new Sneak Peeks and you won't want to miss them.  The new stamps are so doggone cute.  I can't wait for you to see them.

Annabelle Challenge Delay

Hi if you've stopped by for my Annabelle Say It With No Designer Paper challenge please check back in 3 hours as my post will be late.  Thanks for your patience.

CIC79 - Too Cute To Spook

Hi! - Wow can you believe it's October already.  We've been enjoying some unseasonably warm weather this week here in (Wally World) aka Walla Walla, WA with temps in the upper 80's but I've heard that's not going to last much longer. Oh well, all good things eventually come to an end.  So did you all enjoy World Card Making day?  I hoped to do a lot more stamping but somehow just managed to make one card and am sharing that with you today for the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge. 
Look at this fun and sort of spooky Inspiration photo.  Don't you just love the warm glow from the Jack-o-lantern and the rich look of the Chocolate Cupcake.

This week the Sponsor for the CIC challenge is,
Soft Pencil and the prize is a $10 Gift Voucher.

I chose this adorable image from the two that they graciously allowed us to us.  Isn't it just the sweetest.  I colored the image with Prisma Color Pencils and mounted in on Early Espresso cs.  The (Boo) sentiment is from a Basic Grey Halloween set I got last year and was stamped with Memento Tuxedo black ink.  I added punched photo corners of Tangerine Tango.  I wanted to do something a little "spooky" like the Inspiration photo so I chose some designer paper (Die Cuts With A View) with some cute/scary pumpkins and added a strip of drippy goo (Martha Stewart)  in Early Espresso.  The Old Olive base was embossed with the Pumpkin Embossing folder (EK Success) The brads are from Doodlebug Design.

I used TESC95 for my sketch but did the border piece downward instead so I could use the drippy goo punch. Be sure to stop by the Cupcake Inspiration Blog and check out what the other Sweeties did with the Inspiration photo.  You can also participate by linking back to your card on the CIC Blog.  We'd love to see what you come up with.

Have a wonderful week and Happy Stamping!

One For the Money...Two for the Show

Yep it's a "Two-fer" Challenge Card today. 
First up it's the Annabelle Challenge - Say it with Brown and Blue
Next we have the Blogger Challenge 171 - Anniversary

Due to time constraints I sometimes find now that I have to combine challenges.  Since it's already Friday in Australia and now back East in the US you are viewing my card for both these challenges.

For this card I used 2 Annabelle Stamp sets: Ballerina Rose (Flowers) and Flowers With Love (Sentiment).
For my Designer Paper I picked out a retired SU pattern, Parisian Breeze.  This showcases, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze and Kraft (aka Crumb Cake now).
The flowers were stamped with Chocolate Chip ink and I added just a hint of Glitter (Nirvana - Art Institute) to the centers.  I also added some felt flowers in Baja Breeze/Chocolate Chip with brads from Pinkhedge Hog Crafts.
I use the SU Scallop Punch and added some Chocolate Sprinkles (Annabelle Stamps).
The ribbon is a retired SU Grosgrain-Taupe which matches the Crumb Cake pretty doggone close.  It looks darker in the picture, not sure why but I had a really hard time trying to get this card to photograph right.

So now be sure to stop by the Annabelle Blog or visit the DT members blogs by clicking on their names on my sidebar.
You can also visit the BC Members blog the same way. 
I'm sure they'd all love for you to stop by for a visit.

An Apple A Day

Hi,  Today I'm bringing you a card that I stamped to send to Elena's husband, Ken who recently had knee surgery.  Since my own hubby has had several knee surgeries I wanted Ken to know that I understand (in a way) what he has been going through and to let him know that I was thinking about him.

I bought this great stamp set, (School Basics) by Mint Motif here: and hadn't yet had the chance to try it out.  This seemed like a good time.  Plus I got to use some new designer paper from (Die Cuts With A View - Grade School stack) that I also recently purchased.  I love this bright sunny Plaid and then the Polka Dot pattern, so fun.

For this card I used Basic Black for the card base and layered it with Pear Pizazz that I distressed with the Cutter Kit distressing tool.  I used a MS border punch on the dp layers.  The Apple was stamped with Lime Chalk Ink and over stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  Then I used a glue pen and added Key Lime glitter (Art Institute) to the apple and cut it out and mounted it on a punched circle of Pumpkin Pie cs.  I also added a stamped leaf from the polka dot patterned papers.  I used the paper lining stamp from the set and stamped the words with Real Red Ink.  To finish it off I added some Linen Thread and Olive Sprinkles.

I also did the inside of the card.   The sentiment is from (Very Square Sentiments) Mint Motif.

 Well that's it for this time around.  I'll be back later in the week.

Blog Award and Some Random Facts

Hi,  Wow, see this award.  My friend Mary ( The Charmed Life) gave this to me.  I am honored.  Mary is such a nice person.  We have become friends through our blogs and outside of blogging we e-mail each other back and forth just to chat about life and to encourage each other.  I really appreciate her friendship and the fact she faithfully visits my blog and always leaves such nice comments.

Now I'm suppose to tell 7 things about myself and pass this award on to 7 of my fellow Bloggers.  It's hard sometimes to think of things about myself that are interesting.  I'll try my best though.
1.  I don't like Jigsaw Puzzles as I find them really hard to work on as I don't seem to have the patience for them.  However I've discovered this website where you do puzzles on-line and would you believe I love doing them on the computer!
2.  I love a lot of Reality TV Shows.  I know, pretty bad huh.  My personal favorites,
The Bachelor/Bachlorette, Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance and Amazing Race. Oh I almost forgot Food Network Shows (Iron Chef, Chopped).
3. I avoid any kind of road-kill.  I mean if it's flat out squished I'll still drive around it.  I would absolutely die (well maybe not)but I'd feel like it if I ever hit an animal of any kind.
4. I'm a fast talker.  I've trained myself over the years to slow down but the other day at bowling I must have been excited because one of the ladies told me to take a deep breath and slow down as I was talking a mile a minute and she was having a hard time keeping up with me.  I also talk very softly...see#5
5. I have super sensitive hearing (which is why I talk softly) and can hear things most people don't. 
6.  I can't stand driving in a car without the radio/cd player on.  Why?  Because of my super sensitive hearing (see #5)I can't stand all the weird little noises that cars make so I mask them by playing music.
7. I may have mentioned this at some point so if I have just chalk it up to bad memory.  I can feel my fingernails when they start to grow.  It's such a weird feeling.  Feels like someone is tugging on them.  I've heard that others can feel this too so I don't feel like I'm a "freak" anymore like I use to.

So now to my 7 Fellow Bloggers:
Lynn: The Mango Boys and Me  Lynn is a faithful reader as well.  I just love her Clean Style of Stamping and the wonderful way she shares about her faith and her family.
Elena: The Redhaired Girl  I love her blog and how creative she is.  She and I have become friends as well and email, write and occasionally chat on the phone.  It's just been a joy to have her for a friend.
Andrea: Andrea's Stampin Moments  First off she is a wonderful Stamper and I have been so blest by being a part of her DT for Annabelle Stamps.  You have to check out her blog.
Sue: Sue's Stamping Stuff  I love it when I find a blogger that lives somewhere close to where I live.  It means that maybe someday I might be able to meet them.  Plus Sue is a wonderful stamper, I adore her HouseMouse cards.
Sue W: A Consuming Passion: One of my fellow Annabelle DT members.  Love her work, check it out as I know you will love it too.
Allison: Stampin' When I Can  Her blog is fabulous, full of fun information, great cards and lately some awesome SB pages,  She has adorable kids and is so supportive.  She always leaves comments on my blog and has been very encouraging in helping me to be a better stamper.
Lori:  Inking Aloud  One of my fellow Blogger Challenge members.  She has a wonderful CAS style that I envy. 

Now they may or may not accept and post the random facts about themselves but I wanted to give them a shout out anyway.

CIC78 - Hootie says, Hello

Hi,  How is your weekend going?  Seems like the days are just rushing by.  Fall has officially arrived and before you know it we'll be into the holiday season.
In the mean time feast your eyes on these adorable cupcakes that Hope picked out for this weeks Cupcake Inspiration Challenge.  They really are charming aren't they.

This week the sponsor is, Pink Cat Studio and they are offering up 5 images to one lucky person.  We had the choice this week to use our own images or pick one from some selected Pink Cat images and we'll I just couldn't resist using Hootie Pie (don't you love that name) for my card.

Normally I would have colored my image with my Prisma Color pencils but I wanted to do something different so I decided on Paper Piecing Hootie.  My Designer paper is SU (Sweet Pea-Retired and they eyes were from another retired SU pack)  I masked my image first and then lightly sponed on Cameo Coral and Apricot Appeal ink for a bit of a Sunset look.  I loved the colors in the Inspiration photo and hope that I captured them with my card.

My card base is Chocolate Chip that I layered with Cameo Coral and then the DP.  I punched a Scalloped Border and added some So Saffron flowers with tiny blue button brads.  My main flower was punched with my MFT flower punch.  I also added photo corners (EK Success punch).  The sentiment is from Hero Arts. 

So now why not hop on over to the other Sweeties Blogs to see what they have created and then give this a try yourself. 

BC170 - Treasure the Memories

Happy Friday!   -  If you are here for the Annabelle Sketch Challenge please click on this link.  Remember there is a Prize involved ($20 Gift Voucher to Annabelle Stamps) for one lucky participant. 

No it's time for the Blogger Challenge this week which was: Reuse/Recycle.  I must admit that most of the time I really don't like these kinds of challenges.  They are hard for me to figure out something to do and I really don't think I do a very good job on them.  That is until this week.

We got this ad in the mail for a Credit Card and when I saw the patterned side I told my hubby, "Hey I'm going to save that, I could use it on a card some day."
Well today is the day.  Below you will see my card with the awesome background that I recycled off this advertisement and then I also reused a postage stamp that was in a bunch of old stamps that belonged to my dad.  He was a Stamp Collector but these were just extras that he had given our son to work with and they've been stored in a box in our upstairs for 12 years now so it was time one of them got some use out of it!

Creating this card brought back a lot of memories of my dad.  First while searching for the Stamps I came across a letter he had written and sent to me while I was away at Bible College.  The letter was dated October, 1974.  Of course I shed a few tears reading it but they were worth it because my dad rarely wrote letters so it was special to read his words to me again.

Next up my dad also had a Model Train set that he enjoyed working on.  I bought the stamp of the train (Stamp Francisco) to make him a card for one of his birthdays.  He would have loved this card too.

The card base is: Cajun Craze layered with Peach Parfait that was distressed with the cutter distressing tool and some Peeled Paint Distress Ink (Tim Holtz-Ranger). Then I distressed my background panel with, Brushed Corduroy ink (Tim Holtz-Ranger).  I stamped the sentiment (Hero Arts) right on the background panel with Elegant Eggplant Ink and added 3 Plum colored brads.  The train was stamped with the Peeled Paint ink.  I also lightly stamped the Itty Bitty Background stamp over the train panel and mounted it on a Nested Rectangle of Old Olive.  Then I added the postage stamp and mounted them with foam mounting tape to complete my card.

That's it for me today.  I've had another BUSY week and yet another dental appointment.  This one went way better then the last one though.  I'm ready for the weekend.   Don't forget to stop by the other BC members Blogs - Located on my
sidebar and check out their reused/recycled projects. -  Have a great weekend!

absc30 - O Christmas Tree

Hello and welcome to the newest Annabelle Sketch Challenge.  Isn't this a wonderful sketch.  You will notice on my card that I followed the sketch as closely as possible with the exceptin of my focal piece which had to be moved slight upwards in order to fit in my bling with the sentiment.

F or this card I used one of the newest releases from Annabelle Stamps (Hoo Loves Christmas) and this time I chose to use the Tree image.  I wanted a pretty traditional color scheme so I went with Real Red and Glorious Green (SU) and some patterned paper from a retired SU Christmas line.  The scalloped border around the tress is an unknown piece of textured card stock in a sort of lime green.  The trees were colored with Prisma Colored Pencils and I popped the middle one up on foam tape.  I added Glitter to the side trees and Chili Sprinkles to the middle tree along with some snow created using Liquid Applique and a Frosted Lace Stickles.  I also used some of the new Christmas Ribbon from Annabelle Stamps, a new Snowflake border punch (EK Success) and a punched out snowflake (Martha Stewart) that I added Glitter to as well.  I did some piercing around the border of the card also.  I hope you'll pop on over to the DT blog's and leave them a nice comment on their awesome cards.  Then be sure to give this sketch a try.  You now have a month to work on your card and link back on the Annabelle Blog.  As always there is a Prize up for grabs so why not join in on the fun.

CIC77 - An Apple A Day

Hi!  Hope you have been having a great weekend. - If you are here for the Annabelle Holiday Preview Hop please scroll down one post. - Remember there is a great set up for grabs for completing the Hop.                                                 So what do you think of this weeks Cupcake Inspiration Photo...Yummylicious looking if you ask me.  Can't you just hear the sound of a Crisp Apple and taste how sweet and juicy it is just by looking at these delightful treats.  I know I can.

This week the Sponsor for the CIC challenge is: Some Odd Girl and one lucky person will win 3 images of their choice.  A discount will also be offered during the challenge period.

For my card today I chose one of the cute Tia images and then paired her up with some wonderful Apple patterned paper that I have in my stash.  The paper was in a pad from Provo Kraft (Apple Harvest). I colored my image with Prisma Colored Pencils and used an oval template to sponge on the ground with Close to Cocoa ink.  The background was embossed with the Swirl embossing folder and I atted 3 tiny red Sprinkles (Annabelle Stamps).  My sentiment was computer generated and I just happened to have a wonderful Gold Apple charm that I used along with a tiny red brad and some great brown ric-rac to complete my card.

Don't forget to stop by the other Sweeties blogs to see their wonderful cards and if you try this challenge out leave us a link on the CIC Challenge Blog.

O Holy Night - Annabelle Holiday Preview 3

Welcome to the final preview of Annabelle's Holiday Stamps. 

Have you been enjoying the great stamp sets and cards that the Design Team have come up with so far.  I think you will be delighted with today's set as well.

This set:  Christmas Scene Baubles is quite different from the first two preview sets but is one that I'm sure you'll enjoy using over and over.  Isn't it lovely!

Do you want a chance to WIN this set! - Here's what you need to do:  Visit the Annabelle Blog where the Hop Starts and follow the links from blog to blog till you get to our Guest Designer's Blog and then head back to the AB blog and leave a comment saying you've completed the hop.  You must leave a comment though on each of the DT members blogs to be eligible to win this set.  You should have arrived on my blog from Sue's blog  -  Your next stop will be Rene's Blog so hop on over and see the wonderful card she's made.



For my card I wanted a more serene feel and something that reflects my faith in God so I chose to use two of the Nativity Images from the set.  What's great about this set is that the words/scenes all fit inside the Ornaments (or Baubles) so you can "mix and match"    My card base is Always Artichoke layered with Whisper White embossed with the Swiss Dot Embossing Folder.  The Designer Paper is an old retired SU pattern (Wintergreen). I used Soft Sky and Certainly Celery ink to stamp my Ornament's and the Nativity Scenes. Then I cut them out and embossed the hanger thread with Detail Silver EP and added some Silver Cording for the bows and Silver Sprinkles at the bottom.

The Sentiments were stamped with Always Artichoke Ink and punched out with the Word Window Punch.

That's it for this Preview and we hope you've enjoyed all the great stamp sets which will be available after today on the Annabelle Store



BC169 - I pulled it off!

If you are here for the Annabelle Holiday Preview #2 please click HERE - You won't want to miss this Blog Hop as the sets are really Cute!


Wow what a week it's been (didn't I say that last week?). Seems like the story of my life anymore.  As you know last week I had a Root Canal done and apparently during the numbing process they hit a nerve (Lingual Nerve) which has caused part of my tongue to remain numb.  It feels like I've burnt it all the time and there is an odd taste on that side of my mouth.  The "good" news is that eventually it should heal up.  Went for a follow-up visit and was told this can take from 6 weeks to 6 months to happen.

Okay on to the card cause that's really what you came here for, right?  Since I've been busy with the Previews for the Annabelle Release and have had company all week I wanted something fairly easy for the Blogger Challenge (use Brown/Green/Blue for your card) and this is what I came up with.  I've had this piece of Geometric patterned paper (DCWV) in my stash for some time so I got it out and went to work on my card.  The card base is Chocolate Chip and I layered some Baja Breeze and the DP. Then I stamped one of the tress from (Trendy Trees-SU) with Garden Green and Chocolate Chip inks on Whisper White card stock.  Layered this to Chocolate Chip, Garden Green and Baja Breeze cs.  Added punched photo corners, tiny blue gems and pierced a row under the sentiment with my paper piercing tool.  Also added a punch chain border of Garden Green.  -  Normally I'm not very good at CAS (Clean and Simple) style of cards but I think this one really turned out well and hope you like it as much as I do.

Be sure to check out the other BC Members blogs to see how they used these colors.

That's it for me this week.  Come back on Saturday for the next preview from Annabelle Stamps Holiday line.