Congrats Nicole, FS156!

My friend Nicole has been chosen the Featured Stamper today on SCS!! She is the sweetest person, and has a wonderful gallery! This is the card I made for her, CASING the smaller one beside it. She loves chickens and roosters, so of course there was no question as to what kind of image I would choose. I kept her Clean and Simple design, omitted the cut side, changed the image and sentiment, and added a ribbon with chickens on it. Naturally I kept the RED. Wouldn't you be shocked if I didn't????? Congratulations Nicole....an honor so deserved.

Six for the VSN

There was a VSN last night from 6 to 11 PM. I did four of these, then had to go to bed. Busy day celebrating our youngest grandson's birthday. The info for these cards is on my gallery. Suffice it to say, there were specific requirements for all of them. You can check them out if you want. There is a gizmo in my sidebar that will take you to the right place. After a quick shower, I'll be making the card for Nicole Taylor, my friend in Canada..... she is this week's Featured stamper!

Musical Milk Carton

The LSC today at SCS was a 3D project, making a milk carton. The template for making one is on SCS.

My mother is fabulously musical. She has played everything from the drums to piano and organ. She has played professionally, even as a kid. Her first job was in a store, playing new sheet music to get people to buy it!! This is the reason for the strip of Paper Patch musical Valentine paper around the center of the carton. This will be for her, filled with cherry cordial Kisses, her favorite candy (and mine)!

Of course I had to use RED paper and ribbon. The lace, daisy and heart button were added because she is still very girlie!! She will like this ... I hope you do too. Have a great day.

THT034 Flowers and Butterflies; New THS Image

Today is Treehouse Thursday!

The challenge is to make a card or project using flowers and butterflies.

The set I used is called Spring Blessings. I love these beautiful tulips...don't they just say SPRING??? I painted the flowers in shades of pink and green, of course. I topped it off with punched butterflies and the wonderful punch of leaves. The opening was cut with my CM cutting system, and I added some gold domes to the butterflies.

Please join us by adding THT034 to you keyword. Be sure to check the DT today on our blog.

The WT challenge on SCS today is to use fabric. Twill fabric tape counts, doesn't it? I used twill to tie the card, and a new digi design by THS called Little Miracle. I hope you like it!

Two for the Challenge and a Blog Award

This Blog Award was sent by Fern, my buddy from the Creative Belli challenge. She told me I had to list 10 things that Knock My Socks Off. Here they are: Hubby; friends and family; crafting; coffee; music; candy; my computer; designer paper; stamps of any kind; being chosen Featured Stamper on Splitcoaststampers! How's that for a list!

Since I am in need of masculine cards, that's what I did this morning. I thought the sketch was great for these. The one with the deer is pretty easy to figure out, just some layering and tearing. I happen to like the sponging effect, so I was big on that today. The cowboy deserves a little explanation. I altered the sketch a little. Instead of using a rectangle, I used an oval, moved it down, and the rope takes the place of a sentiment. I decided not to put any words on the front. Whatever I use these for, I'll write on the inside. I hope you like them. Have a great day.

Dreaming Dragon

This is for the CC again, and also for Mothermark's Teapot Tuesday challenge. This week we were to go to a teaparty at Rapunzel's castle, where she has opened a Beauty Salon. Derek, the local dragon could be a problem.

In my story, Derek is a gentle dragon, but he has been asked to keep to the front of the castle. You see, when the castle was built, there was no town. When the town came into being, it was down the road on the OTHER side, so a dragon in front is no problem. The ladies of town can come to see Rapunzel for coloring, cutting, washing and setting, and never even SEE Derek. That's all right with him, I think. He's rather a lazy and dreamy sort of guy. I think he's dreaming of lady dragons, don't you? Even his puffs of smoke look listless!!

I hear Rapunzel is becoming quite the entrepeneur! If you join the teaparty, the keyword is MMTPT78.

DDC and CC

This week I am the hostess for the Doubledog Dare Challenge. I DARED the group, and I DARE you, to make a card or a project with a frame.

As you can see, I went the card route. The image is watercolored in blush, pink, and melon, and of course celery for the leaves. There is a ribbon with a RED heart stick pin for embellishment. We would love to have you join us this week, and every week. Please put DDC in your keyword when you upload.

This is also for the Color Challenge this week at SCS. Have a great day!

RESQ30 Challenge....Get Well!

The RESQ Challenge this week is to use the Salted Background Technique. I did this once before, but had to check the resources section of SCS to remind me how to do it.

It seemed to work really well for a maritime/nautical theme, so here it is. Denise would want me to ask you to take part in this fun one .... she is on a cruise right this minute!!! Please add RESQ30 to your keyword and upload to her blog here : http://resqchallenge.blogspot.com/

This is also for the StampinB's challenge. Joanne (jojot) challenged everyone to make a card with a nautical theme.http://stampinbsdesignteam.blogspot.com/

This is going to my friend Judi's DH, Danny, who fell yesterday and broke his arm, which they can't cast until the swelling is gone. He will be uncomfortable for a number of days. I hope this will cheer him. Thanks for looking.

Monday Challenges!

Two challenges today, and I can hardly believe it. I woke up at 2 AM, and will probably go take a nap soon!! I couldn't resist the Technique challenge ... a side step card. First, I scored the wrong side! Had to do that again. It took forever because I cut everything out. I love the UDDER balloons, I just don't remember where they came from because they are only the RED rubber. The cow is not the way the stamp looks. In the rubber, she is dressed in a bikini holding a drink, no tail and no udder. I had to ink just some parts and fill in the rest. The grass gave me fits. The easy part was the punching of the sentiment and the birds. However, it's done, and I won't be making any more like this one again, you can be sure!!

The CAS today is to use DP. I had this from K & Co., used my punch from SU! which I love and just got, added a sentiment and score lines. Done. One tough, one easy. Have a nice day. G'night!

I Pass The Crown!

Today I am happy to pass the Featured Stamper crown (or in this case it should be a TIARA) to Karen Barber!!

Karen's gallery is so lovely.... she makes cards with fabulously colored and cut out flowers, and her square cards just knock me out!! On top of that, she is one of the nicest people!

Karen, I hope you like what I have done with your beautiful card called "Dance of the Butterflies". Enjoy your so deserved week of FAME!! I'll be back to case more ... I saved nine on the first half of her first page!! WOW!

I couldn't CASE just one of Karen's cards ... they are like potato chips. Once you see her gallery, making one is not enough. Here is the second card.

I kept a lot, changed a lot, and even though it looks pretty simple, it took a long time. I guess that's because of the changes I made, but also I cut my right thumb on a tin can last night. Of course, I'm right handed. Picking up those darn brads was impossible...that goodness for tweezers! Karen, I hope you like this one too!!

Alert! Alert!

Judi Rose (aka jovialjudi of SCS fame!) is offering blog candy in honor of her son's birthday. You need to go there soon, as the giveaway ends on the 29th at midnight!!

Here is Judi's blog:http://paper-rose-petals.blogspot.com/

Go and take a look at all the fabulous stuff she is willing to give away!!! Her blog is wonderful, her projects are AWESOME, and she is one of the nicest people in the world (even if she does live on the opposite coast to me!!)

You will find it so easy to comment on her uploads, and at the same time you might win this treasure trove of goodies. Tell Judi I sent you!!

RED and White Paisley

I hope you can see the Paisley background. I made this image as big as I could, because the RED and white background is what I brought to this card from the Inspiration Challenge on SCS today.

The site Stef chose was Echo Designs, and they have the most beautiful repeating patterns. I focused on a paisley tote bag, which you can see at the bottom.

I had been dying to try out my new SU! punch, but when I had it ready, I thought it looked too much like a cardinal in RED, but not really enough like the bird, if you know what I mean. I had to add the crest on top of his head to make him look better. Below is the tote bag so you can see the wonderful fabric and pattern. Thanks for looking.

Wow, You're Handsome!

The LSC today was to use a palindrome (one or more words that read the same, backwards and forwards). I almost used the sentence "Madam, I'm Adam." that would have worked for this card, but I'm going to use it for my DH's Valentine Birthday, and his name is Jay. Jay wouldn't work as a palindrome, would it??? Inside, this card is going to say... Is that a Valentine in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me? He will laugh! I always give him funny cards (and he always buys cards that are beautiful and say things that make me cry). I used a marker to give my image from CHF a RED tie. Wouldn't you be disappointed to see it in any other color???I hope you get a kick out of this, and I know he will! Have a great day.

WOW! What a BIG DAY!

I love Thursdays!! As a DT member, two of my challenges fall on Thursday this week. Wait until you see what the Divine Diva Inspiration and the TreehouseStamps Challenges are!! I hope you will be enticed into joining them both!!! Here we go!


The Treehouse Thursday Challenge (THT033):

The challenge is to make a GET WELL CARD. I used a new digi image from a set called Loveable Friends which you can order at the TreehouseStamp store here:http://www.treehousestamps.com/. I love this sweet little puppy! He is watercolored and popped up on an oval, and placed on a fabulous basketweave bg. A simple card with a scallop and half bow. Wouldn't that cheer you up?

Join us, add THT033 to your keyword, and link your project to our blog (http://www.treehousestamps.blogspot.com/. Don't forget to look at what the DT has done!

Divine Diva Inspiration Challenge #20

The inspiration challenge comes from Rosanna Inc., and here is the image we were to use:

This is called "Garden Party", and I thought it was just so sweet with the bone china, the green and blue box, and the little puppy.

Here is my card:

As you can see, I used the puppy as my focus. I incorporated the colors with the plaid bg, and as a little play on words, used the bones for the bone china. EEEEUUUAW. Did I just hear you groan over that??? Sorry.

I thought this tent card would make a cute any occasion card for anyone, from kids to adults, from women to men. I have been saving these brads..apparently for this!!

I hope you will join us. Please remember to put DDIC in your keyword, and be sure to look at the other entries by the DT on my sidebar by clicking on their names.

Do I Dare?

This week's hostess for the Doubledog Dare Challenge is Beverly (beestamper), who DARED us to make a non-challenge card. We are to send it someone anonymously, and that somenone should NOT expect it. I take it that means not for a birthday, anniversary, etc. Please join us and add DDC to your keyword.

I took a fast and easy way out for this. I have had some beautiful dimensional stickers made by K & CO., and I used one on the center panel. And I just had to use RED.

Sketch Challenge and Belli Challenge

What a fun sketch today. I had such a good time embossing, cutting, sponging .... and what a mess in my craft room!

I thought this would be a great card for my Uncle Warren. He makes wooden train sets. Since I am his FAVORITE, I have a Circus train, one with all different kinds of cars, and a special one he made just for me. He also makes other wooden toys, and my grands love to play with them!

I hope you like this...and I'm sure he will. Don't forget to look below for the Belli Challenge, and be sure to join us!!

Belli Challenge#83

This week the CBC challenges us to make a card or project using hearts. The fun Belli asks you to use whatever is already in your stash! No going out to buy something special. Isn't that wonderful???

Since we are practically all making Valentines this time of year, using hearts is so easy. You probably have a stack of rubber hearts on your table right now!! Not to mention RED ink!

I used the faux tile technique with a filigree bg in rose RED. Are you shocked that it's not REAL RED? I bought this image in a grab bag, and after some punching, added a flower from Both Way Blossoms. Please join us. Upload using CBC, and link your card here:http://www.bellichallenge.blogspot.com/. Have fun with it, and check out what the girls of the DT have done!

A Double Challenge

For both the CC and the MMTPT77 Challenge at SCS today.

My driveway is a sheet of ice, and it's snowing AGAIN! I'm not going to be able to leave the house, so I called Tiffany's to let them know. They sent their ambassador of goodwill and good gifts to my home! ( Must be because of my being FS this week, with my elevated status!) When I opened the beautiful Tiffany's box, to my utter surprise, inside was a lovely and expensive RED ruby ring!! See the next photo, how the box opens so you can see the beautiful gift!


Instead of joining the teapartiers today, I'll be having a big glass of RED wine, and admiring my BAUBLE!

This image is a new digi from http://www.treehousestamps.com/ called Beary Birthday. be sure to check out all the new stamps there! Tell Ashley I sent you!!

Acetate Stained Glass Pigs for RESQ29

There is a fun challenge posted today for the RESQ Challenge.

The requirements are: you must use acetate, you must do a technique that's either new to you, or one you haven't done in a long time, and it must have pink (in reference to the H1N1 Swine Flu). I used the stained glass technique. I only did it once before, and I loved the results, but it was hard for me because you have to be PATIENT,

and wait for it to dry. ALAS, I am not

patient. Anyway, I waited, and this is what

I came up with. Denise and the girls here:

http://resqchallenge.blogspot.com/

would love to see what you can do.

Be sure to post to SCS with RESQ29 in

your keyword, and when you post to

your blog, go to Mr. Linky at the RESQ

blog and link.

Have fun...this really WAS!

I hope you can see the acetate and the stained glass effect!

Combining Challenges

Still feeling the afterglow from yesterday! What a fun time!!

This card is for two challenges, the Technique Lovers (brick wall) and the Clean and Simple. The CAS requirements were to use white, teal, and one other color. I think something is missing. I can't figure out what that something might be. I welcome all suggestions. Apparently my thinking cap has been left somewhere in my house, and I have yet to find it.

Have a great day. I may come back to do another, different, better job. Who knows?

No Card or Project Today

Today I was shocked and pleasantly surprised to find I was named as the Featured Stamper on SCS. No really, I was overwhelmed. The FS has always been someone who has a fabulous gallery and a large following. Every week I look forward to seeing who that person is, and I enjoy looking over her gallery. Choosing a card to case is always difficult, because there are so many wonderful choices that zeroing in on just one is so tough. To find that it was me knocked me for a loop. I am so very honored. Today I will be basking in the glow of this honor. Tomorrow, I'll be back to me, the person who wonders where her mojo went and hoping to make something I can be pleased with. I'd like to thank you all for your presence here and at SCS, but especially for your continuing friendship. That's really the glow that warms and sustains me. Hugs to you all.

The Inspiration Challenge at SCS kept me looking and looking. There were so many wonderful things to see. I finally decided on a placque of pears. You can see what I chose here: http://www.nellhills.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=352 . I thought this would make a nice anniversary card.

I spent the day yesterday with DH. We shopped, then spent a 3 hour lunch with a friend. We sat together at home and talked, and enjoyed each other's company. Not bad, after 46 years of marriage.

I would like to thank you all for staying with me through my NO MOJO period. I hope the drought is over. I haven't been happy with anything I've done in the past couple of weeks, and I appreciate your faith in me, that I would be inspired to create again!! Have a great day, and hopefully I will feel like the muses are back!!

Tiny Valentine Treat

The challenge this morning at SCS was to make a Tiny card and treat for Valentine's Day. This card measures 2 1/2" square. That's tiny!!

I'll make a bunch of these treats for the grands. I won't be seeing them on Valentine's Day, but I will be seeing them the week before as we celebrate 3 family birthdays. One of the birthdays is DH's. He was born on Feb. 14th!! And what a sweetheart he is.

We are off for the day. Have a good one. I'll check in with all of you tomorrow!

THT032 Circle Challenge

Today's TreehouseStamps Challenge is to make a card or project using circles.

The big circles I used for this card are made with my two biggest scalloped circle punches. They are sponged and layered. The image is a new release in a set called "Chocoholic", and aren't we ALL!!

We hope you will join us in making a card with circles. Post to SCS and be sure to include THT032 in your keyword. Please check out the samples made by the other members of the design team here

http://www.treehousestamps.blogspot.com/, and see the feature on Yaneri, our Featured Stamper!! Be sure to play again with us in two weeks, and look for the new releases at http://www.treehousestamps.com/

Birthday Bear

In November, I bought this Whipper Snapper stamp. I love their images .... always cute, and they stamp so crisply. I made this card for the sketch challenge on SCS this morning.

I had a good time painting, sponging, punching, stamping .... and maybe I got a little carried away. I kept adding things, and couldn't seem to stop. Now that it's done and uploaded, I think I really like it. I hope you do too.

Ages ago, when the Dollar Store in my area had some good stuff, I bought a whole bunch of pkgs of Miss Elizabeth paper. I decided to finally open it up, and the quality of it is fabulous!! I didn't realize I had bought so much ... but now I am thrilled that I did. Each series has all paper that matches! And not that thin stuff, either. You'll be seeing a lot of it in all different patterns.

Have a great day. DH and I are off for errands, and lunch out (YAY!), so I'll diet tomorrow!

MMTPT#76, DDC, CC253

I really hadn't planned on another entry today, but when the Teapot and Doubledog Dares were posted, I thought I could combine them.

The DDC hostess is Anne (Itsapassion), who DARED us to combine 4 challenges. When you join us, please put DDC in your keyword. I used:
MMTPT#76, apples
CC253, Razz, pink, choc.
LSC244, weather
CAS, one layer

My family came to the US in 1644, to Hampton Falls, NH, where the teaparty is scheduled to happen, so maybe I am the Annie they are talking about. I am afraid of heights, so I don't climb ladders for any amount of money. I pick up apples after they fall. I have made applesauce (after removing the worms) for the teapartiers, and also applesauce muffins and cake. Let the party begin!

Sneak Peek for TreehouseStamps!

Here is a sneak peek of a new set called "Chocoholic" by http://www.treehousestamps.com/. This is only one of the images that will be available after midnight the 14th of January (this Thursday), and you can guess what else will be included! Is there any one of is that is NOT a chocoholic?????

I made this card for the CC today, and I just love the combinatiion of colors: Razzberry, pink, and chocolate chip. I used my CB folder Houndstooth, a piece of gorgeous ribbon, and added some stickles to the yummy berries on top of the cake.

Thanks for joining me here today, and if you have time for a chuckle, check out what I posted below last night for a challenge!! Have a great day!

Tellen's Place Challenge!

The first challenge of the year at

http://tellensplace.blogspot.com/ is to make a card or project using the colors blue and silver. There were also free digis done by Terry's son, Markus, that we could use.

Is this not the very best image for the sentiment I've been waiting eons to use????? She is painted in shades of turquoise, and her barbells are silver, to go along with the silver rickrack and silver stars. I have a friend who jogs, and I always tell her I'm not available to go with her. She'll get this!!

You have until noon on the 12th to enter this fun challenge. Go to Tellen's Place, and tell Terry I sent you........and don't forget the free digis!! Have a great day!

In The Woods

The CAS today is to cut something out. I cut out two frames and layered them for this woodland scene. We have a friend who has a drawing of trees on a wood bg, and when we eat dinner there, my assigned seating is facing this wonderful framed pen and ink drawing.

We were there saturday night, and I've been thinking about doing a card version of it ever since. I think it fits the CAS.... but even if it doesn't, I really like how this came out. I hope you do too.

Sweet Cupcakes

This is the card I made for today's Featured Stamper, Wendy, at SCS. The images are a sneak peek of a set from Treehouse Stamps that you will be able to see here


http://www.treehousestamps.com/

after midnight January 14th. In the coming days I'll give you a few more peeks. This set is perfect for Valentine's Day, and any time you want to treat someone to something sweet!!

Wear T- RED Shoes, Madam!

The Inspiration Challenge this morning at SCS is a wonderful website that has a variety of fabulous images. I chose one with the title above.

I have a number of Valentines yet to make, and one was for my friend Mary's granddaughter, Katie, who just turned two. Her Mommy is also my goddaughter, and we send each other cards a lot. I thought this sweet little pair of RED t-strap shoes was perfect for her with a RED ribbon and a lacy punch side. Katie can carry it around safely.

Thanks for looking, and have a wonderful weekend. Hugs to you all!

DDIC#19 Chocolate and Butterfly, and THT031.... a day of DT challenges!

The Divine Diva Inspiration Challenge for this week comes from Terrain, where they have this gorgeous gift set of chocolates. Wouldn't you just LOVE to get these as a present for any occasion? (Or even none at all???)

I took the colors and used them to make this card with the embossed white background. The gold became the butterfly, and I added a little piece of ribbon to the fabulous brown satin as well. I love this SU image, and I watercolored it, then popped it up. A corner punch and a trio of brads finished it up. I hope you like it.

Please join the DT and me in the challenge this week. Be sure to put DDIC in your keyword, and link your card to SCS and the DDIC blog. We hope to see you again in two weeks!!

THT031 Blingy Birdie

The first TreehouseThursday Challenge of the New Year is to use a bird, bling, and a button. This is Olivia, and she is blingy all over!! She is sitting in her little tree, just thinking about her New Year's resolutions, and sparkling!

Please join us in the THT031, and be sure to upload to SCS, PCP, and the Treehouse Stamps blog. Also, please check in with the blogs of the other DT members, for some fun projects!!

Olivia is still available at TreehouseStamps.com, and so are LOTS of other fabulous images!!

Two Challenges, and the Belli as well!!!

Our hostess for the Doubledog Dare Challenge this week is Charlene (LilLuvsStampin), who DARED us to use the faux tile technique. This is really fun, and I hadn't done it in a long time. Please join us, and be sure to add DDC to your keyword on SCS.

This is also for the SC today. What a fun sketch!! I just got this adorable Snag'em stamp (available at Treehouse Stamps.....go to my sidebar to click on the store!), and had to use it right away!! i might add that THS has a new group of digital stamps and a number of stamps on sale. Check them out. Have a great day, all, and please look below at the Belli Challenge!!!

Belli#82 Glitter Butterfly

The Creative Belli Challenge this week is to use glitter or rhinestones.

The CBC is always a fun challenge, because it involves using what you already have on hand in your stash!! Heaven knows we all have plenty of glitter and rhinestones!!

My butterfly and the BG is embossed using a glitter embossing powder in Egyptian Gold. Even the name is exotic!! The butterfly is popped up, and I added a gold metallic paper behind the panel and for an embellishment in the corner. No ribbon or brads here.....I didn't want to take any attention away from this gorgeous image.

Please join us in the CBC this week. Check out the blog and link your card or project here:http://www.bellichallenge.blogspot.com/. See what the DT has done, and if you upload to SCS, please put CBC in your keyword. See you in two weeks again!