A New Digi Stamp

Last night very late I came across a very interesting post on the PMS Blog.  Head on over there to read all about it.  I loved the new image, although I really am quite new to the idea of digital stamping.  Regardless, I bought the image.  It really is a lovely image and was excited to use it.  So with that in mind I found the sketch over at the Fresh Batch blog and decided to double up ;D

Stamps:  A Fairy for Kayleigh digistamp

Ink:  none

Paper:  Pink Pirouette textured CS, Candy Lane DSP, Neenah Solar White, Kiwi Kiss DSP

Accessories:  Copics, Kiwi Kiss buttons, Pink Pirouette button, felt flowers, Riding Hood Red button, chocolate thread, chocolate ribbon, Versamarker, Heat 'n Stick powder, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

CDS Sneak Peeks Day 4

Today is the last day of Sneak Peeks for CDS!  Tomorrow all of the last 4 days of sneaks will be available for purchase along with a bunch more new goodies at Clear Dollar Stamps.  Today I get to show you 2 more new stamps sets.  I'm not sure why I was so drawn to these stamps sets, but I loved them as soon as I saw them.  Maybe it is there gorgeous design or all the possibilities to create with them.  Regardless, I do love them.  I have a few sailors in my family, so there are endless possibilities for these sets in my house ;D

These first two cards were made with the set called Smooth Sailing.  I watercolored this first one and had a lot of fun doing it.  I've been working with my Copics so much lately, that I just hadn't even touched my watercolor paper in a while.  It felt good to do it again.  My little charm is actually a poly shrink charm.  Again, my polyshrink isn't something I've touched in a while.  Once I started I kind of didn't want to stop ;D

Stamps:  Smooth Sailing

Ink:  Not Quite Navy, Close to Cocoa, Sahara Sand, Stazon Jet Black

Paper:  watercolor paper, Kraft, Not Quite Navy DSP

Accessories:  aqua painter, polyshrink, heat tool, brown colored pencil, Ribbon Tags Trio Nestabilities, jute

Both of these cards were made from color challenges given to us by the DT Leader, Laurie.  The first was blues and neutrals, and this next one was pink and purple.  When I saw that color challenge, I knew I wanted to create a sunset scene.  Once again, I pulled out something that hasn't seen the light of day in a while. . .my brayer.  I'm pretty sure she missed me ;}  I stamped the sailboat on the glossy cardstock first and then masked it in order to brayer the background.  I forgot just how much fun the brayer can be.

Stamps:  Smooth Sailing

Ink:  Elegant Eggplant, Regal Rose, Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Glossy White, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White

Accessories:  braer, plum ribbon, Clear Daisy Dew Drops, circle punches

This next set is called Lost at Sea, and I think it is so super cute!  It made me think of little boys' birthday parties, treasure maps, and even elegant cards.  This first sample of this awesome set is a spinner card.  I kept thinking that if a person were lost at sea a compass may not help them.  Of course if a compass isn't helping you, you probably shouldn't be out sailing {lol}.  Regardless, this was so fun to make because I had never made one before, and it ACTUALLY works!  I love it when that happens ;)

Stamps:  Lost at Sea

Ink:  Basic Black, Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Baja Breeze, Kraft, Close to Cocoa, Pacific Point, Ivory Parchment

Accessories:  D'Vine Swirls embossing folder, taupe ribbon, slit punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Close to Cocoa marker, 2 pennies, circle cutters

I told you this set reminded me of treasure maps, so I tried to create a map with this next sample.  I cut and sponged the edges, and also created my own DP for the background.  That was another challenge issued to us. . .create your own DP.  

Stamps:  Lost at Sea

Ink:  Basic Black, Chocolate Chip

Paper:  Ivory Parchment, Sahara Sand, Real Red

Accessories:  sponge, mini black brads, white gel pen, black jute

Copics:  G05, B24, E37

This last sample is kind of a bonus.  This set also makes me think of travel, obviously.  With that in mind, I wanted to create a luggage tag.  This was fun to make too!  It was made with a chipboard tag, and after I was finished coloring it and putting it together, I put Matte finish Modge Podge over the top with a sponge.  This would ensure that the window punch won't come off, and I like how it all turned out!

Stamps:  Lost at Sea

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Whisper White

Accessories:  chipboard tag, jute, Bashful Blue, Creamy Caramel, Ballet Blue, Green Galore, & Close to Cocoa markers, Stardust Gelly roll pen, white gel pen, modge podge & sponge, window punch

These talented DT Members are also showing off what they made with these sets.

Laurie 

Candy

Kim 

Linda

All these sets can be purchased tomorrow at Clear Dollar Stamps.  So go check out all the other talented DT members creations, and then have fun shopping tomorrow!

CDS Sneak Peeks Day 3

For those of you who read my post yesterday and may be wondering how the internet is working. . .well. . .it's not!  Needless to say, I'm slightly frustrated, but I continue to try to find the blessings in all things.  For one thing I'm getting REALLY good at using my phone as a modem ;D

Okay, now to the things that really brought you here. . .Clear Dollar Stamps Sneaks!  The set I'm am going to be previewing for you this morning is a great set!  It's called Christian Critters Too and it has 19 stamps and is only $9.99!  This set goes along with sooo many of Clear Dollars other animals stamps and is so versatile.  

My first preview was an inspiration challenge.  As soon as I saw the stamp that said 'God can help clean up any muddy mess!', I knew I wanted a card with texture.  After seeing the inspiration picture I knew that I also wanted to use flower soft.

Stamps:  Christian Critters Too, Farm Critters 

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Ivory Parchment

Accessories:  Pretty in Pink & Close to Cocoa markers, circle cutters, Aleene's tacky glue, Nut Brown Flower Soft, pink ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, sponge

My next previews were inspired by simply wanting to show you all more of the stamps in the set.  With that in mind, I decided to make a box with cards!  This was so fun to make.  I love all the vibrant colors and let's face it. . .I obviously love all of my 'critter' stamps from CDS!

Stamps:  Cristian Critters Too, Spring Critters, Moose Friends

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  DCWV Green Stack, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Summer Sun, textured white, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Neenah Solar White

Accessories:  apple ribbon, Scallop Edge punch, Scallop Circle punch, circle cutters, paper piercer, oval cutter, blue square eyelets, Riding Hood Red ribbon

Copics:  E43, E49, E57, E77, B93, B95, R37, R46

Be sure to check out other samples made by the DT members and see other new sets that are being previewed.

Laurie 

Candy

Angela

Kim

Katie

Tori

Stop back tomorrow for the last of the previews before all of these wonderful sets will be available on May 1 over at Clear Dollar Stamps.  I'm excited to show what I have for tomorrow ;D

Paper Blooms Challenge Time

This week's challenge over at the Paper Blooms Challenge Blog is an inspiration challenge.  These dishes are Leah's and wow, aren't they beautiful?!  Your challenge, should you choose to accept it is to be inspired by her dishes.  I was very inspired!  I love the colors and the pattern. . .they are just so beautiful!  This is what I came up with.

Stamps:  Silhouette Wishes April SOM (CD Stamps)

Ink:  Bravo Burgandy

Paper:  Bravo Burgandy, Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand, Kiwi Kiss

Accessories:  handmade blooms & stick pin from Paper Blooms, Flowers & Vines #2 Bigz Die, silver hodgepodge, Swiss Dots embossing folder, burgandy button, silver cord

Remember, you don't have to have any of Leah's amazing blooms to participate in the challenges, but if you would like some they are available at her Etsy shop.  I can't wait to see what everyone has made.  While you're at it, go check out what the rest of the DT has made.  You can find their links in my side bar ;D

Clear Dollar Sneak Peeks Day 2

Oh my it's been an uphill battle to get on the internet today, but alas I am here.  I kept telling my husband how important it was to have internet today, and I woke up to (you guessed it) no internet.  So after calling the company, running down to the company and switching modems, calling them again only to find out that it was an outage in my area. . . a lightbulb went on for me.  I remember that I can connect to the internet with my phone connected to my computer. . .how awesome is technology?!?!

On to more important things. . .CDS Sneak Peeks!  This morning I get to show you two different stamp sets.  The first one is Charlie Gardens.  I just love that little horse!  This set has 11 stamps and is so totally perfect for summer.  He makes me want to get out in my flower beds and start weeding. . .ok maybe not, but he does put me in the mood for summer ;D  This first sample is a seed packet that I found at Target and just had to alter. 

Stamps:  Charlie Gardens (CD Stamps)

Ink:  Ballet Blue w/sponge, Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Lovely Lilac

Accessories:  Oval Nestabilities, Stampin' Dimensionals, sponge, Rose Ribbon, sack of seeds from Target

Copics:  R85, RV34, BV17, V15, Y38, R35, R46, E57, W-1, W-3, W-5, YG95, G94

This next sample was a sketch challenge given to the DT.  I love sketch challenges, so I jumped at this one.  I also loved the idea of stamping that little carrot 24 times in a group.  It just made me smile thinking of all the different friends I could give this card to.  

Stamps:  Charlie Garden (CD Stamps)

Ink:  Pacific Point, Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango

Accessories:  circle cutters, Forest Branches embossing folder, jute, Kiwi Kiss button, Labels 2 Nestabilities, sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Copics:  Y38, YR68, YG95

To see more samples done with Charlie Gardens go check out the other DT members blogs.

Laurie

Candy

Kim 

Angela

Tori

My next CDS Sneak Peek is for a set called Biggest Wishes!  I love this adorably detailed set of 3 stamps!  This stamp set is one of 2 stamp sets that was designed by one of Clear Dollar Stamps newest designers, Shawne Arnold!  Shawne is so incredibly talented!  This particular stamp set could be colored in so many different ways, and I had a lot of fun playing with her.

Stamps:  Biggest Wishes (CD Stamps)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Real Red, Summer Sun, Cameo Coral, Pink Flamingo DSP, Neenah Solar White

Accessories:  Gelly Roll pen, White Gel pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Flower & Vines #2 Bigz Die, circle cutters

Copics:  R29, R32, RV10, BG01, Y17, W-5

Stamps:  Biggest Wishes (CD Stamps)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Almost Amethyst, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue

Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Almost Amethyst

Accessories:  Gelly Roll pen, Curved Rectangles Nestabilities, silver cord, Certainly Celery ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, sponge

Copics:  W-1, W-3, RV10, RV02, Y00, YG11, V04, BG01, BV02

To see more samples of this little cutie go check out these DT members blogs.

Laurie

Candy

Angela

Tori

Make sure you come back tomorrow.  I'll have more samples to show you for the CD Stamps May Sneak Peeks, plus a new challenge over at Paper Blooms.  

Clear Dollar Sneak Peeks Start TODAY!

That's right it's time for Clear Dollar Stamps to start showing off some sneak peeks of new releases that are releasing on May 1st.  I don't have anything to show you this morning, but I will tomorrow so make sure you come back then.  In the mean time go check out some other design team members blogs to check out some gorgeous samples of some really fun stamp sets.

Horse Heritage:  Laurie, Candy, Kim, Katie

Fruity Fun:  Laurie, Candy, Katie, Tori, Linda

May Lily of the Valley:  Laurie, Candy

On top of that, yesterday was the start of the May Guest Designer Challenge for CDS stamps!  If you want an opportunity to be a guest designer go check it out!

Make sure you come back tomorrow to see what I've been working on!  I can't wait to show you all ;D

All God's Daughters Luncheon

Yesterday was our annual All God's Daughters Luncheon at the church I attend here in Columbus.  It is the only fundraiser that our Women's Ministry has and is always a wonderful time for ladies.  Our theme was tea, so we had fun decorating with all sorts of silver tea pots, old vintage tea pots, and china tea cups.  The men from our church always serve us the lunch, and this year we had a group called "For Eternity" perform.  It's a group of 3 amazingly gifted women from Washington that sing.  

I take part in the Women's Ministry in our church as the treasurer, but this year they asked if I would put my talent with paper to use.  I of course, humbly accepted the challenge of coming up with 120 favors for each attending lady to take home.  A friend at the church gave me the idea of a tea bag holder, so I ran with it.  These were so simple to make and cost next to nothing.  I used the paper that one of the ladies gave me from some left over wedding invitations and my Top Note die to come up with the basic design.  The tea cup is from the Tea Time set from Lizzie Anne Designs.  

Stamps:  Tea Time (Lizzie Anne Designs)

Ink:  Basic Black

Paper:  not sure about the green :(, Bravo Burgandy, Whisper White

Accessories:  White grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, circle punches, Bravo Burgandy, Regal Rose & Sage Shadow markers, Top Note die

Clear Dollar Weekend Color Challenge

Well it's Friday, and I am feeling pretty encouraged for so many reasons today.  I woke up this morning to find out that I had actually won some blog candy.  I  was shocked!  Merry had been offering some wonderful ribbon blog candy from I {heart} Papers.  Thanks again, Merry!

Also, from a homeschoolers perspective, this has been an incredibly productive day.  We've been reading a book about WWII, working with perimeters, and working with prefixes just to name a few things we've dealt with today.  Today is a day that everyone seems to just get it.  Maybe I'm just documenting it so that on the one day they don't get it, I can remember that there are days in which they do get it.  {lol}  

During their math test, I crept off to my craft cave to make this weekend's Clear Dollar Color Challenge over at Papercraftplanet.  This weekend's hostess was the very talented and inspiring Linda!  Her challenge was to use the colors Baja Breeze, Barely Banana, Green Galore, and an optional White neutral.  I used two stamp sets from this months releases.  The first was the April Stamp of the Month, Silhouette Wishes, which is free when you order $50 worth of products over at Clear Dollar Stamps.  The other was the Pickett Fence stamp that is so completely versatile and only $3.99.  There is obviously a lot of white on my card, but I think I'm really starting to like that look.  

Stamps:  Silhouette Wishes, Pickett Fence (Clear Dollar Stamps)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Green Galore, Appricot Appeal

Paper:  Whisper White, Barely Banana, Green Galore, Baja Breeze

Accessories:  Birds & Swirls embossing folder, Green Galore marker, silver hodgepodge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Check this Out!!

I couldn't resist linking this blog candy.  It is out of this world!  Go check out Debbie's blog for a chance to win!

Paper Blooms Challenge #4

It's Wednesday, and time for another challenge over at Paper Blooms!  Since it is Earth Day, this week's challenge is to recycle or use something that you would normally throw away.  I chose to reuse an old mayonaise container.  I really liked how it opened, and  I'm doing my part to save the Earth.  I plan on filling this with candy for my Secret Sister at church.  I think she'll love it!

Remember, you don't have to have blooms to participate in the challenges, but they sure are yummy aren't they?

Stamps:  none

Ink:  Real Red

Paper:  Summer Picnic DSP, Old Olive, Whisper White, Bashful Blue

Accessories:  handmade blooms from Paper Blooms, Cricut w/George Cartiridge, sponge, Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Real Red button, white buttons, Pumpkin Pie ribbon, mayo container

A Sweet Award

I got this sweet little award from two wonderful ladies, both Ann and Leah.  I do design work with them over at Paper Blooms.  It's very humbling to me to think that my little blogging corner of the world might touch someone.  Thanks ladies!  

Mojo Monday

Here is my card for the Mojo Monday challenge.  I saw Shawne do this with a stamp set and really wanted to give it a try.  I first stamped the images on the white paper and then used my Versamark pad to cover the whole piece of paper.  I then covered it with Heat 'n Stick powder and heated that.  When it was glossy from the heat I covered the pieces with Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  I think it gives such a great look.  

Stamps:  Beautiful Butterflies (Clear Dollar Stamps)

Ink:  Rose Red, Basic Gray, Versamark

Paper:  Bashful Blue, Basic Gray, Rose Red, Whisper White

Accessories:  Birds & Swirls embossing folder, Heat 'n Stick powder, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, white taffeta ribbon, white brads, Scallop Edge punch, oval punch, sponge, Designer Label punch, heat tool

Matti's Piano Solo

I know this isn't my traditional post, but I am one proud Mama!  This is my daughter's piano solo at church.  One of the main reasons for posting it here, was so that family and friends could check out her solo.  She accepted Christ as her Savior a few years ago, but last week asked to be baptized.  

I hope that you are all having a very blessed weekend, and thanks for checking it out!  

Clear Dollar Weekend Color Challenge

Yay, it's already the weekend again!  I never wish the days away, because I believe each day is a gift from God!  I have been feverishly doing laundry and cleaning, and teaching the kids, but did find time to take part in this weekend's Clear Dollar Stamps Weekend Color Challenge going on over at Papercraftplanet.  Monique is hostessing and she definitely came up with some challenging colors for all of us to work with.  She chose the colors, Pink Pirouette, Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss, and Sahara Sand, with White as an optional neutral.  I combined two stamp sets for my card.  I chose Cat-tastic, because I was just dying to ink it up.  I also chose to use the April Stamp of the Month called Silhouette Wishes, because I loved the script in this one.  I was also really excited to try using Flower Soft with the Flower Soft Wires.  The drapes are just crumpled, and I did score the 'house' to give it the look of siding.

So now that I have gotten a chance to stamp, I think my shakes will go away ;)  Now I need to clean up the mess I just made and get to the grocery store, and the dog needs a bath so I better run.  Hope everyone has an amazingly blessed weekend!

Stamps:  Cat-tastic, Silhouette Wishes April SOM (Clear Dollar Stamps)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Pink Pirouette

Paper:  Sahara Sand, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss, an itty bitty amount of Chocolate Chip

Accessories:  Copic (W-3), Flower Soft Heather, Flower Soft Wires, Aileen's Tacky glue, Labels Two Nestabilities, Ribbon Trio Nestabilities, Kiwi Kiss ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Paper Blooms Challenge #3

Good morning everyone!  The sun is shining, birds are chirping, it's a beautiful day.  It's Wednesday, so that means it's time for another Paper Blooms Challenge over at the Paper Blooms Challenge Blog!  Leah gave us a very fun challenge once again.  This week we are to come up with a card or a layout that contains the 5 'B's' which are: 

1.  bloom (doesn't have to be a Paper Bloom) 

2.  bling

3.  butterfly

4.  bit of brown

5.  a sentiment beginning with 'b'

  

Stamps:  Silhoette Wishes April SOM (Clear Dollar Stamps)

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Pacific Point, Pumpkin Pie

Paper:  Pacific Point, Whisper White

Accessories:  handmade bloom and stick pin from Paper Blooms, Chocolate Chip courdoroy button, Curved Rectangle Nestabilities, orange ribbon, circle punch, Birds & Swirls embossing folder

Leah has a wonderful selection of blooms over at her Etsy Shop, and she even takes custom orders!  Go check them out and check out the challenge.  I had SOOO much fun creating this card!

Pink Elephant

. . .or in this case, Butterfly.  I made this card for the Pink Elephant challenge this week, but also for a friend.  I figure you can never have too many "Praying for You" cards.  My heart is going out to my best friend.  Not only is she a couple thousand miles away, but she is dealing with her 4th upcoming deployment, and her husband's father just passed away.  I have a heavy heart for them right now.  This week's Pink Elephant challenge was to a color challenge.  The colors are green, pink, and yellow.  My card is pretty simple, but now that I see it, I love it.  I used the stamp set Beautiful Butterfly from Clear Dollar Stamps that is a set of 16 that runs for only $14.99.  I coupled it with the Christian Sympathy set of 10 that runs for $9.99.  Both are so beautiful on their own or together and so very versatile.  I also got a chance to use a new Labels 4 Nestabilities that I got for my birthday, and the pearls were a birthday gift as well from a new friend.  I know. . .I am a blessed lady :D

Stamps:  Beautiful Butterfly, Christian Sympathy (Clear Dollar Stamps)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Barely Banana, Kiwi Kiss, Neenah Solar White

Accessories:  Copics, Labels 4 Nestabilities, pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals, Swiss Dot embossing folder, pink ribbon

Clear Dollar Color Challenge

Hello Everyone!!  I hope you all are enjoying this glorious Easter weekend and what it means.  I am so thankful for what our Lord chose to do for you and for me.  

Over at Papercraftplanet there is another weekend color challenge going on for Clear Dollar Stamps being hostessed by Alex.  Alex chose some really fun, springy colors!  The colors are Pixie Pink, Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze, and an optional Tangerine Tango.  For some reason I had a hard time with this one.  I wanted a fairly simple card, and that is exactly what I got, but I struggled with the layout quite a lot.  I panicked a little bit when I realized that this was the last of my Pixie Pink.  I guess I need to add that to my list of what to get next :)

Stamps:  Butterfly Wings (Clear Dollar Stamps)

Ink:  Basic Gray, Pixie Pink, Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze

Paper:  Baja Breeze, Baja Breeze DSP, Pixie Pink, Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Accessories:  Certainly Celery ribbon, silver hodgepodge, Gelly Roll glitter pen

New Challenge Over at Paper Blooms

It's Wednesday, so that means that there is a new challenge over at Paper Blooms!  In honor of Easter, this week's challenge is to make a basket or box or alter a basket or box.  You don't have to have any blooms to participate, but if you'd like to buy some blooms check out Leah's Etsy Shop!  She has some super fun challenges planned each Wednesday, so come on over and check them out.  

Since I made a basket with Leah's blooms last week just for fun, I decided to make a box with some cards for this week's challenge.  This week I used the mini pizza box from Splitcoaststampers.  One of the things that I love about Leah's blooms is that some come ebellished if you want or you can get them without embellishments.  She has such a variety and you can ask for custom orders.  

Stamps:  Just Nutty (Clear Dollar Stamps), Say it With Scripture (SU)

Ink:  Almost Amethyst

Paper:  Almost Amethyst, Whisper White, Pretty in Pink DSP, Appricot Appeal DSP, Old Olive DSP

Accessories:  hand made blooms and a stick pin from Paper Blooms, Circle Rhinestone brad, Mellow Moss button, Dew Drops (CD stamps), Scallop edge, ticket punch, flower punch

My Moose Mojo

I am so totally in love with these moose from the Moose Friends set over at Clear Dollar Stamps!  I know I have used the color combination before as well, but I think it's fantastic.  I will be soooo sad when Kiwi Kiss and Pacific Point retire.  For my birthday, my husband got me a new set of Copic markers and they arrived in the mail today!!  I could not wait to crack them open and start coloring :D  That being said, this was made for the Mojo Monday blog challenge.  

Stamps:  Moose Friends (CD Stamps), Delight (Verve)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Neenah Solar White, Good Morning Sunshine DSP

Accessories:  Copics, circle punch, Scallop Circle punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, So Saffron ribbon, gold brads

CC213 Some New Stamps

I just received my order from Clear Dollar Stamps and I was soooo excited to get to use some new stuff!  I thought that Charliene would work perfectly with today's color challenge over at Splitcoaststampers.  The colors were Bashful Blue, So Saffron, and Close to Cocoa.  

Stamps:  Charliene April Showers (CD Stamps)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Whisper White, Close to Cocoa DSP, Delicate Dots DSP

Accessories:  Copics, So Saffron ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Dew Drops (from CD Stamps), Curved Rectangles Nestabilities (from CD Stamps), Stylized Flowers embossing folder

My Hubby in the Field

This picture was taken a couple of weeks back when we got to go out to the field for a family day.   I had mentioned before that I was so excited to see my husband that I totally walked out the door without my camera or my phone!  Thankfully, one of the other wives was not as brain dead as I was that morning and she remembered her camera.  Here is the pic she sent of me and the kids with my man out doing what it is he does.

It's My Birthday!

Today has been one of the best birthdays!  It's been a great day for me to reflect on just how amazing my family and friends really are!  Jim has been in the field again since yesterday, and that's not really a big deal.  A birthday is just a day, right? 

 Well, it started off that my kids surprised me with breakfast in bed.  That included some toast, a fruit roll-up and milk. . .the breakfast of champions!  Then as I was about to leave for a brunch date with my Pastor's wife (her birthday is tomorrow), 2 wonderful friends showed up at my door with tulips, cards, candy, and a photo album!  When I got to the brunch I was surprised yet again that all of my wonderful friends from church were there to surprise me.  I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't stop crying.  I just can't stop beaming about how wonderful all of my friends and family are.  It's only 1p.m. and already, it's been the best day.  

On that note, I decided to make a friend card for the Color Throwdown.  It's an ongoing joke with some of my military friends to 'get your big girl panties on and deal with it,' so I thought this was fitting.  My friends make me laugh when you just want to cry.  They make me realize that when things are put into perspective I am an incredibly blessed woman.  Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of friends whether they are here in my town or on my computer!!

Stamps:  Granny Support System (Our Craft Lounge)

Ink:  Basic Black, Pixie Pink

Paper:  Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Shimmer White

Accessories:  felt orange flower ribbon, Top Note Bigz die, Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange, and Pixie Pink markers, Stampin' Dimensionals

Clear Dollar Color Challenge Weekend

After an Easter Egg hunt at our church, then cleaning the church, I finally got the chance to make a card for this weekend's color challenge over at Papercraftplanet for Clear Dollar Stamps.  Shawne is hostessing this weekend and she chose the colors Old Olive, More Mustard, and Chocolate Chip.  I love this color combo, so here is what I came up with.

Stamps:  Charlie Daisy (Clear Dollar Stamps)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  Old Olive, More Mustard, Neenah Solar White, DCWV Green Stack

Accessories:  Copics, circle cutters, oval cutter, Stampin' Dimensionals, More Mustard brads

My Woven Basket

Good morning everyone!  It's still quite rainy here, and hard to get in the mood for anything cheery, but I thought I would give the woven basket a try that they were talking about yesterday over at Splitcoast.  I told you all that I was in love with Leah's Blooms, so I am wanting to put them on everything I make.  After making this basket, I knew it would be a perfect home for some of those gorgeous blooms.  It's crazy to think that I made this basket with only 1 sheet of 12 x 12 paper.  I ended up making this for my secret sister at church, and I will probably fill it with something fun for her.  Here is the tutorial for this particular basket.  

Stamps:  Delight (Verve)

Ink:  Mellow Moss

Paper:  Ivory Parchment, Pink Pirouette textured 

Accessories:  handmade blooms from Paper Blooms, Pink Pirouette button, Circle Rhinestone brad, oval cutter, sponge, brads, Mellow Moss ribbon

Head on over to the Paper Blooms challenge blog and check out the weekly challenge.  This week the challenge is a sketch and color challenge.  Leah's offering some of her blooms to one lucky participant.

A New Challenge Over at Paper Blooms!

It's April 1st, so that means that we finally get to start the challenges over at Paper Blooms.  This week's challenge was to use the colors pink, green, and cream/white along with this sketch.  You can use this sketch for a card or a layout.  

I am so excited to finally get to use my blooms.  They look beautiful on screen, but when they actually came in the mail I was beside myself thrilled.  They are just gorgeous, and so perfect.  Leah's blooms are now the first things I want to grab when embellishing something.  This is what I came up with for the first Paper Blooms challenge.

Stamps:  Joyful Day (Clear Dollar Stamps)

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Kiwi Kiss

Paper:  Kiwi Kiss, Lavender Lace, Shimmery White, Kiwi Kiss DSP, Regal Rose

Accessories:  Pink Bloom & Stick Pin, blender pen, Copics, oval punch

Go check out the rest of the teams creations.

Jacque

Shelly

Tina

Ann