Stamps, Paper, and Glitter -- Oh My!

Back To My Roots...

2010-07-19T08:26:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!

I hope you had a great weekend. We sure did! We spent a relaxing weekend at home puttering around the house. Izzy and Jason went swimming in the kiddie pool (so much easier to clean than the old one! LOL!) They did some gardening while I crafted and I even found time to go out to lunch with some girlfriends on Saturday!

So this last year I have felt my mojo slowly slipping away! Don't you hate that! But it has finally returned! Yay!!! And to celebrate I have decided to go back to my roots! No not my original hair color, I mean no one and I mean no one would want to see that!!!! No, what I have decided to do is start participating in sketch challenges again! Those were always my favorites and I couldn't live without them!!! So this weekend I was out on splitcoast and came across this week's MFT Wednesday's Stampers Club challenge which was "Christmas in July"! Can I tell you how much I looooove Christmas!!! Then I found a MFT sketch from a couple of weeks ago and I had to use it!!! So here it is!

Sketch

Card

Trust me I needed to think about snow this weekend because it was soooo hot here! I started off this card by first layering up card stock and DSP from SEI. Next I sewed, that is right sewed!!! the layers together with my sewing machine. I then added some snowflakes and ribbon to make a tree. Rick Rack on the sides creates the look of snow. I attached some ornaments cut from my cricut with bakers twine and finished off by stamping Stephanie Fizer's An Owl For All Seasons by MFT and colored it in with my copics. I did add a little bit of white ink to their heads to make it look like they had been snowed on! Ohhh the joys of Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!

Well thanks for visiting me today! I have quite a bit to share in the next couple of days so I hope to see you back! I will leave you now with a gratuitous picture of Izzy! This is her posing and hamming it up for the camera!

Janna
My Etsy Store

Two in Two

2010-07-14T12:21:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone!

So this is two posts in two days!!! Wow!!!! And I actually have a project to show you, but I don't have the camera set up so you will have to settle for an Izzy story instead. You know I have to start things off slowly and what better way to get back in the game than to give you an Izzy story.

So back in April we added a new member to our family, a cut adorable little girl Boston Terrier that Izzy named Missy Bark Bark. Of course everytime we go to the vet they have to say her whole name and then giggle. And if I ever try to tell anyone that her name is Missy, Izzy jumps in and informs them that her whole name is Missy Bark Bark. Here is her picture!

Well, a couple of weeks ago Missy discovered that we have adorable little moles in our yard that are fun to catch. Izzy and I were in the back yard playing when she caught one! I thought I was quick enough to grab it from her before she ate it but I wasn't. Of course I was extremely upset and kept going on about how gross it was. Later that night, Izzy and Jason decided to give Missy a bath (she not only eats gross things but also stinks to high heaven). Izzy was lathering her up and started squeezing on her tummy. Jason asked her what she was doing and Izzy started saying, "Spit out your critter, spit out your critter!" Thank goodness Missy didn't listen! LOL!!!!

And an Announcement!!! I now have a couple of items up in my Etsy store if anyone is interested and will be adding more each day! Thanks for looking!!!!!!!

Long Time no Chat and an Announcement!

2010-07-13T09:36:00.003-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

I hope this finds you all well. We have had a busy year. We moved, got settled in our new house had Izzy's third birthday and just got back from our annual family reunion.

I have been crafting just not posting. Now I do it more for special occasions and when inspiration strikes me. I have truly found my mojo again!!!!

That being said, I need to clear out some clutter! So I have decided to sell some of my cards from the past on Etsy. Out with the old and in with the new. If anyone is interested here is the link to my shop and I should have some stuff up by the end of this week!

My Etsy Shop

Thanks everyone!!!!!

Sweet Cherry Hop!

2010-02-14T19:59:00.000-06:00

Happy Sunday everyone and a very Happy Valentine's Day!

WELCOME to our highly anticipated "My CHEEKY VALENTINE" Blog Hop!

We are SO excited to finally celebrate the release of The Greeting Farm's BRAND NEW stamp line, the Cheeky Cherry Sprouts! You've seen the previews, and we're so happy you agree that Rockabilly, Shooter, and Glamour have found a home on the Farm and in our hearts!

Today we have a SPECIAL surprise for you...the ENTIRE TGF DESIGN TEAM, both current AND ALUM were asked to participate in this event! We are THRILLED to be back as one big team and are prepared to ROCK THE FARM tonight, so sit back, grab some tea or maybe some of that Valentine's chocolate, and ENJOY!

Now, what would a hop be, especially on Valentine's Day, without PRIZES??? Well, there are PLENTY of them hanging around, and for our overseas friends, fear not, you will have until 9am CST TOMORROW (Monday, 2/15) to enter your comments to WIN the new stamps!

ONE GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be chosen from the Club Anya & Friends Blog to WIN ALL THREE Cheeky Cherry stamps! In addition, Jessica has "hidden" SIX Cheeky Cherry singles on certain team member's Blogs, both PAST and PRESENT, and those people will be able to CHOOSE which Cheeky they want to take home! That's 9 singles being given away today, everyone! Can you say AWESOME???

Well, let's get started then! Here is the OFFICIAL "My Cheeky Valentine" Blog Hop order:

Club ANYA & Friends Blog

Randi Wall
Tammy Maxvill
Melyssa Connolly

Mary Giles
Elena Joldersma
Maria Bell
Tori Wild
Sparkle Smith
Traci Porter
Lisa Futch

Cheryl Walker
Cindy Haffner
Kadie Ensley
Kim Nath
Lynda Nielsen
Mercy Kerin
Sandra MacLean

Lysa Rohrer
Kelly Booth

Kim Costello
Pam Varnell
Amy Young
Suzi McKenzie
Janna Hull
Jessica Diedrich

back to CA&F Blog to let us know you've completed the HOP!

THE CHEEKY CHERRY stamps will be released Monday 2/15 at 12AM CST, in just a few hours! We anticipate that they will go fast as these sweet and sassy little bombshells have been quite well received from what we've been hearing, so scoop yours up ASAP! ALL winners will be posted on the Club Anya blog on Monday morning shortly after the 9am deadline. GOOD LUCK!

So here are some fun samples to tide you over!

Rockabilly!

Inside of card

Shooter!

Inside of Card

Glamour!

Thanks so much for participating and for stopping by today, and be sure to stop by Jessica's blog now...she's the NEXT STOP on the HOP!

Have a VERY Cheeky Evening, everyone ;)

I'm Back for Some Anya Fun!!!

2009-12-14T19:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday everyone!!!

Have you missed me??? I sure have missed you! We are finally in our new house and slowly getting things settled. Of course now we are super busy with Christmas but it is a good kind of busy.

I won't chat too much tonight just show you my project I made for tonight's blog hop! Do you ever have an idea in your head and it is totally amazing and then you actually make it and it is pure junk. Well that is what happened with this card. But I guess it isn't too bad for a first attempt!

Outside

Inside

Well I send you off to the next great blog!!!! thanks for stopping by!

Like..... Totally!

2009-09-13T10:34:00.003-05:00

Happy Sunday!

Sorry I am so late with my post. We were out all day yesterday and didn't get back until really late. We had a nice day. We went to the library, then shopping and finally had a visit with Aunt Beth. Needless to say Izzy was super tired by the time we got back as were her parents.

I have to tell you the funniest story though. This morning, I got Izzy up and took her into lay down with Jason and I. Tuxy had jumped down and was whining at the door. I told Izzy that he must want to come jump on the bed and that she needed to call him. She then put her hand up to her ear and said, "Hello Tuxy. Blah, blah, blah. Bye." SHE CALLED HIM ON THE PHONe!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMGoodness, Jason and I cracked up!!! It was just too, too funny!!!!

So I know why you are here. You want to see a little Anya sneak peek! Well this one is like totally rad! You guessed it! She is Eighties Anya!!!! Leg warmers and all!!!! She is a limited edition and will only be available until she runs out so make sure you pick yours up quickly!!!

How cute, cute, cute is her hair!!!! Oh my word!!! I love her!!! I so want this outfit! So I started this card by first coloring Eighties Anya by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Following this week's Mojo Monday sketch, I layered on purple and teal card stock along with DP from Kaiser and Papertrey Ink. I then added some buttons and ribbon and printed off the sentiment on my computer. My finishing touch is a bit of gold sparkle tulle Jason's grandma gave me! She is always giving me the best stuff!

So now Go - Go and check out the awesome DT's creations!

Thanks for stopping by! Oh and as a parting gift I leave you with a picture of me from the 80's (I'm the one with the hat). Still waiting for my parents to scan the one where I had big hair! Smiles!

Too Cool For School!

2009-09-12T07:51:00.004-05:00

Happy Saturday everyone!!!

Hope your week has been a good one. Jason was at the baseball game last night with a friend so Tracy decided to come over. We had a lot of fun watching Project Runway and catching up on things. Of course when it was time for bed Izzy only had eyes for Aunt Tracy. Tracy started her bath for me and when I went in to over see the operation, Izzy kicked me out!!!! Seriously, she told me to leave and that she would give me huggies and kisses later. I then tried to extract a story from her but she told me that Aunt Tracy would do it. I have been replaced!!!! LOL! I told Tracy that she only has eyes for her!

Well, what did you think of yesterday's sneak peeks for Club Anya? Too cute right!!!! Today I have something that you all have been waiting for, for a long time. I actually asked Marie months ago if she was going to do this set and she said, "No." Big faker!!!!!! Just kidding! It is my pleasure to introduce you to My Guy Ian!!!!!

That's right, now Miss Anya has someone to go out with!!!! Ohhhh would it be too weird to make them into paper dolls and have them live in a dream house and go out on dates together, you know like Barbies????? Come on, that was my favorite thing to do as a kid! But I digress, I started my card by first stamping one of the guys from My Guy Ian by the Greeting Farm (Available Tuesday!!!!) on white card stock and colored him in using my copics. I drew the sidewalk and grass with my multiliner pen and colored them in with my copics. Following this week's Farm Fresh Friday sketch, I layered on red and blue card stock along with DP from Little Yellow Bicycle and DCWV. To complete my card, I used my spiral border punch, created a stop sign out of nestabilities and added some twine for interest. Maybe I can give it to one of the boys next door who will be starting a new school in a couple of months.

Now it is time for you to go check out the rest of the amazing DT's creations!!!! Wow, wow, wow!!!

Tune in tomorrow for a totally radical sneak peek! Smiles!

Honor, Respect, Teamwork!

2009-09-11T06:52:00.005-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!!!!!

Hope everything is okay with you guys. Sorry it has been such a long time since I posted. This house selling thing is pretty stressful and I felt like I lost my mojo. I have taken a little time off and now I finally feel like my juices are flowing! Yay!!!!! So, so excited!!! Don't forget, if you want to move to St. Louis, I have the perfect house for you! LOL!

Well Izzy is absolutely loving school! She especially loves the art part I think. Yesterday they made friendship wreaths and she carried hers all around the house and even hung it on the front door! She keeps asking Jason what all the words say on the hands. Too cute!!! OHHHH and big news! She has started potty training!!!! Yay!!!! I figured out the key to getting her to go. Nope not candy, not books, it is washing her hands! Yep, I just tell her she can wash her hands if she goes and now she goes about every 10 minutes. What have I started! LOL!

So today is Friday and that means it is the first day of Sneak Peeks for Club Anya!!!!!!! OMGoodness I can't believe how quickly these six months have gone by! It has been so much fun and I can hardly wait to see what the new team has in store for us as well! (Tearing up!) Anywhoo, my first sneak peek is sure to get your camp fires burning! It is my honor to introduce you to Anya from Cute Troop!!!!

How perfect is she!!!!! OMgoodness I love her! And it could not have been more perfect timing as my niece is a girl scout and her younger sister is just enrolling in Daisies!!!! Thank you Marie!!! I can hardly wait to make them cards! And wouldn't she be the cutest on boxes of girl scout cookies. And Ian in the set would be so great to encourage people to donate to the can food drive. Oh the ideas are flowing!!!!!! So I started this card by first stamping Anya from Cute Troop by The Greeting Farm (RELEASED TUESDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I created the tent with some black card stock and some DP from The Greeting Farm's Sunny Glenn paper pack. I then added some rocks I created with some gray card stock and my copics, trees I created with green card stock and copics and finally a sign I hand drew with a brown pen and stamped with one of the sentiments from Cute Troop. I finished the card off by popping off my Anya and adding a twig to the top. I hope my niece likes it!

And now it is time for you to check out the rest of the teams amazing creations! They will really knock your socks off!

See you back here tomorrow for some chill sneak peeks! Smiles!

Today's The Day!

2009-08-24T08:20:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!

Today is the day we put our house up on the market!!!!!! The real estate agent is coming over this afternoon to take pictures and then we sign the documents. That being said, my LPS post will be a little late today as I am in a frantic whirlwind trying to get everything looking perfect.

To get you started though, this week's challenge is a color challenge!

Want to know what the prize is?

ONE random winner will be chosen out of this week's submissions and will win {Katie Carousel}! BUT, there's more! IF the winner just so happens to go over to the new LPS Forum and become a group member, that said winner will not only win Katie Carousel, but ALL 5 new digis, too! SO be sure to head on over to the forum and join us, 'cuz that winner just might be you!

Thanks for stopping by!

I Love - Love My Anya!

2009-08-20T00:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone!!!!

I am your next stop on the Anya Relay and boy am I serving up a great Sneak Peek for you!!! If you are just now joining the race please start at the Club Anya Blog for all the deets!

So did you enjoy Rosette's awesome creation? She really hit a match point with that one! And now are you ready for another peek of one of the three new Digis we are releasing today!!! I know I am! It is my honor to welcome to the court, Tennis Anya! Marie sure scored an ace with this one!

Isn't she the cutest! OMGoodness the pony tails are so incredible and she is so, so much fun to color! Anywhoo, I started this card by first printing off Tennis Anya by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Following one of Jen Del Muro's Sketch For You To Try's, I layered on green and teal card stock along with paper from Luxe. I added some bling and some paper flowers to her hat and card and stamped "Love - Love" from Dress Me to the top.

Now it is time for me to Lob you over to the next part of our relay, Jessica!

Don't forget that there is a contest going on right now over at the Club Anya blog! All you need to do to enter is leave a comment and Three Lucky winners will each win all three digis!!!! And of course today is Farmer's Market (now with it's own place on The Greeting Farm Website!) so be sure to add these little cuties to your order.

Thanks for stopping by! Smiles!

Release Day!

2009-08-18T08:42:00.003-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

Today is release day over at Little Paper Shop! All the new Digis and {Katie Carousel} are now available for purchase! Also if you haven't been over to the Little Paper Shop site, we now have a new look! Be sure to use the keycode "NEWLOOK" at the LPS site to receive 15% off your purchases now through the end of the month!

Thanks for stopping by! Smiles!

Round and Round We Go!

2009-08-17T08:29:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!!

Our deck steps are finished!!!! Yay!!! It has only been four years but I finally have steps off the gazebo! So, so excited. I got them power washed yesterday and as soon as they dry off, I can stain them. It is nice to be able to walk down into the side yard without worrying about falling down. Just in time to move!

Izzy had a great time with her grandparents this weekend. I think she made her grandma hoarse having her read all those books. Izzy loved it though. She snuggled into grandma's lap and listened for what seemed like hours. Too fun. I know she was sad to see them go, but we should be seeing them soon so hopefully she won't have to wait too long!

Well it is day two of our sneak peeks at Little Paper Shop, all leading up to tomorrow's big release day! Today we have a most adorable little stamp that would be perfect for invitations, decorating a girl's room or for birthday cards. I would like to introduce you to {Katie Carousel}! And since today is Sketch Monday, I decided to incorporate this week's sketch challenge into my card.

Isn't she adorable riding on the carousel! I just love the little horses too, so sweet. I always wanted my own private carousel and now I have one, even if it is in stamp form. LOL! Anywhoo, I started my card by first stamping {Katie Carousel} by Little Paper Shop on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Following this week's sketch, I layered on purple and green card stock along with paper from Basic Grey. I stamped the sentiment from {Angelic Jena} on white card stock and placed it on top of a ribbon tag I punched out of purple using my nesties. I finished the card off by adding three buttons to the corner and tying on my tag with some white ribbon.

Would you like to win this set? There are TWO ways to WIN {Katie Carousel}! LEAVE A COMMENT on the LPS Blog and one random winner will be announced tomorrow. Another random winner will be chosen to win who participates in this week's challenge, so be sure to leave a comment on the LPS Blog telling us you've played along! This week's keyword is LPSC29 :)

Now check out the LPS girl's amazing creations!

Thanks everyone for stopping by! SMiles!

You're Fairy Special!

2009-08-16T07:28:00.003-05:00

Happy Sunday everyone!

Boy is August just speeding by! We are so close to finishing up on the house I can taste it! We are at crunch time now and I am hoping to have the house completed in about a week. I cannot tell you how great it will feel to get the house up and go back to something resembling normalcy.

We actually rented a dumpster last week and had it dropped off in front of the house to get rid of all those odds and ends things that we have been collecting over the years. Izzy took one look at it and told me that, "It fell off the train, Mommy!" LOL! I guess she thinks it is a box car. Come to think of it, it does actually resemble a box car.

Well it is the middle of the month and that means I have a treat for you. It is time once again for the Little Paper Shop release. This month we have an adorable new stamp and some fantastic new digis being released. Today I am going to give you a peak of one of the new sweet little digis that is going to be up for grabs. And since today happens to be our DT challenge (which was to use the spotlight technique), hosted by our very own Bonnie, I decided to incorporate that. Without further ado I would like to introduce you to {Jena Fairy} !

Isn't she the sweetest sitting up there on her flower and I just love the beautiful (I'm calling it a tulip) she is sitting on. So sweet! Anywhoo, I started off this card by printing off two images of {Jena Fairy} by Little Paper Shop on white card stock and colored one of them in using my copics. I then cut my second image out in the shape of a rectangle and left it uncolored. Using my nesties, I cut out Jena's body from my colored image along with some pink and green card stock and popped it off the uncolored image. Next, I layered on pink and green card stock along with DP from Basic Grey. I then added some ribbon and brads and stamped the sentiment from {Beary Special Katie}. I next placed a button and some scrappers floss to make my card complete.

Soooo, what do you think of these new cutie patooties? LEAVE A COMMENT on the Little Paper Shop Blog letting us know and we will choose THREE RANDOM WINNERS tomorrow-they will each receive TWO FREE DIGIS from the new collection! Trust me you don't want to miss out on this!

Now it is time to go and check out the rest of the fabulous DT's creations!

Thanks for stopping by! Smiles!

Butterfly Wishes!

2009-08-03T09:33:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!

We are getting closer and closer to completing the house! Thank goodness! Jason finally finished the paving stones around the pool and I built 13 fence sections this weekend. So that feels great to finally have that all completed! Now most of what we have left is inside stuff. Can't tell you how great that feels!

Last night we headed over to Tracy's grandmother's for Tracy's 30th birthday party. It was so much fun and the food was amazing!!! Izzy blew bubbles and played with the other kids. She had a little bit of a hard time understanding that you don't put the wand actually on your mouth or in it. Talk about washing your mouth out with soap! And she said the funniest thing on the way over there. We have to drive through some major road construction to get to South City and as we were driving by this large pile of dirt, Izzy says, "Dirt Mommy! Dirt Mommy!" I said, "Yep there is a pile of dirt." She looks at it for a minute and then says, "Have to clean it." Thanks a lot, Iz! Like I don't have enough to do already! LOL!

Now, since it is Monday that means we have another great Little Paper Shop Challenge in store for you! The great Cindy Haffner has another wonderful sketch this week and we have a great new guest designer in store for you! Please join us in welcoming our AMAZING new Guest Designer for Little Paper Shop, Ann Kranitz! Ann has been wow-ing us with her beautiful blog, Stamp with Me, for some time now and we were thrilled when she agreed to join us for the next three months here at LPS. WELCOME ANN!

I just love the great layout on this sketch and the different geometric shapes! I knew as soon as I saw it that I wanted to use this great butterfly. I started this card by first stamping the butterfly from {Butterflies} by Little Paper Shop on white card stock and colored it in with my copics. Following this week's sketch, I layered on two different blue card stocks and white card stock along with some paper from Heidi Grace. I cut out my butterfly using my nesties and popped her off the front. I finished the card off by adding some white ribbon and lots of little rhinestones to make it look like the butterfly just flew in.

Would you care to join us this week in playing along? We hope so! One lucky winner will be randomly chosen to win a {Beary Best Katie} stamp set! Good luck and we can't wait to see your adorable creations! Remember, you can submit a card, layout, even a 3D altered item for our challenges so get crafty, everyone!

Leave a comment on this postthe LPS post letting us know you played along, and if you upload to SCS, PCP or any other public galleries please use keyword LPSC27. Thanks and have fun!

Now check out the rest of the Amazing DT's creations

Thanks for stopping by! Smiles!

Hoppin Around With Anya!

2009-08-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday everyone and a very Happy Anyaversary!!!!

I am your next stop on the Blog Hop!

The Greeting Farm is ONE year old today and we have all of you to thank! If you are just getting started on my blog, feel free to head on over to The Greeting Farm and Club Anya blogs for the COMPLETE blog hop list and also some important information on contests, giveaways, and a SURPRISE! We have over 80 participants so we'll be hanging out, hopping, and having an awesome time along the way!

Now here is my card to celebrate! I mean how could I not use the new Birthday Anya!!!!

I started this card off by stamping Birthday Anya by the Greeting Farm (AVAILABLE NOW!!!!) on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Following this week's Taylored Expressions sketch, I layered on purple and teal card stock along with DP from Kaiser. I cut out my Anya image using my nesties and then added some ribbon and bling to complete my creation.

Now it is time to keep hopping! Have fun!!! And thanks for stopping by! Smiles!

Anya Is Pretty Spooktacular!

2009-07-31T06:19:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!!!

Well Jason's vacation week is coming to an end. Booo Hoooo!!! I know that all of us are going to be pretty sad when he goes back to work. We have all been spoiled by him being home. I am sure though that he is probably ready to go back to work after all the projects and manual labor I have made him do this week! LOL!

Now onto the good stuff. The news you have been waiting for. That's right, I have another sneak peek in store for you today from The Greeting Farm!!! Anya has decided to throw a little Halloween Party for her Birthday and has invited some pretty spooky friends to join her. So without further ado, I present to you Spooktacular!

How flippin' cute are these little guys!!! OMGoodness they are just adorable!!! I love their fun size. I can see making treat bags and all sorts of little Halloween decorations with them! Oh I can hardly wait for October now!!! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping the vampire, mummy and pumpkin from Spooktacular by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored them in using my copics. Following this week's sketch from Taylored Expressions, I layered on green, orange and black card stock along with some DP from Stampin' Up. I punched out my images with my nesties and added a ribbon tag at the bottom. I finished everything up by adding some green goo (paper punched with my goo punch) at the bottom. Pretty creepy if I do say so myself!

Now it is time to check out the rest of the DT's creations!

And don't forget tomorrow is our amazing Blog Hop!!! We have a ton of participants (Yay!!!!) so make sure you check out all the details on the Club Anya Blog!

Thanks for stopping by! Smiles!

Celebrate! Celebrate!

2009-07-30T06:31:00.003-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone!!!

Well Jason's week off is going well for the projects around the house. He is getting closer and closer every day to finishing the brick work around the pool. I have the den almost completed. The floor is installed, the walls are primed and painted, as is the ceiling and all the molding is up. Now I just need to spackle and paint, and that room will be done! What a huge relief! I was even able to finish power washing the fence. I am telling you the next house we get is not going to have as big of a back yard! LOL!

Izzy has been such a trooper through all the remodeling. She helps me a ton and grabs tools for me and is always pretending to paint or to dig in the dirt with Jason. She is so, so cute!! And yesterday she did the most adorable thing. She was sitting in the den with me while I was hammering in the molding, pretending to talk on the phone. She was holding it up and then she looked over at me and said, "I am talking on my I-phone Mommy. I need to take my I-phone." Oh My Word! It was too cute! I had to go and run outside to tell Jason. She is already social networking! LOL!

So today is definitely a day for celebration. Not only are we making progress on the house but in just a few days it will be the huge Anyaversary Party at The Greeting Farm!!!!!! I am so, so excited for the blog hop which you still have until noon today to sign up for. But of course a party wouldn't be a party without a host and boy do we have the perfect host for you!!!! It is my honor to introduce you to Birthday Anya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How stinkin' cute is she!!!! OMGoodness the cake hat and her gorgeous hair!! I am so in love with her!!! She just is too cute and she will be available on the First!!!!! Yippeee!!!! Anywhoo I started this card by first stamping Birthday Anya by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Following this week's Sketch For You To Try, I layered on brown, pink and green card stock along with NEW Paper from The Greeting Farm which will also be available on the 1st!!! It is so cute isn't it!!! I did slightly alter the sketch and added some birthday candles and rhinestones in the corner. To finish the card off, I added the sentiment from Butterfly Wishes by The Greeting Farm in the other corner.

Now it is time to check out the rest of the DT's amazing creations! And please help me in welcoming our guest designer for this month, Rosette!

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Smiles!

Nighty Night Little Angel

2009-07-27T07:32:00.004-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!

Well the baby shower is finally over and it seems to have gone off pretty well. We had a small little gathering with way too much food, great conversation and the most adorable cake the mother to be's sister made. I think everyone had a great time and the new little one is going to have the cutest little outfits when he arrives. I kind of wish he was here now so we could have dressed him up in everything. I just can't help myself, I am such a sucker for baby clothes they are too too cute! The only down side to the shower was that I spent all day cleaning up the paint splatters and drywall dust that was clinging to everything!!! LOL!

Izzy had a great time over at her friends while we were doing the shower. She came back saying she visited her cousins and was up for awhile telling us all about it. Jason said she was a little shy over there, but it has been almost two months since she saw her little friends. We really need to get her over there more because she truly enjoys it!

Well since it is Monday that means it is time once again for a great challenge over at Little Paper Shop. This week we have a color challenge in store for you and a great prize to offer up! One random winner will receive TWO free digis from LPS! You have all week to play, just get your entries in by Sunday night and use keyword LPSC26 if you upload to SCS or PCP. And don't forget to leave a comment on the LPS Blog! Now here is my example!

I really wanted to use Angelic Jena again since her face is just too too cute!!! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping {Angelic Jena} by Little Paper Shop on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Following a sketch from LPS I layered on blue and pink card stock along with some DP from SEI. (I swear it has some red in it!!!!) I then cut out my main image with some oval nesties and popped it off the center. To complete the card, I cut out some stars, embossed them with my swirls folder and added some bling all the way around.

Now it is time to check out the other DT girls' amazing creations!

Thanks for stopping by! Smiles!

Why Not Get Dressed Up!

2009-07-24T06:38:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!!!!

This week has been incredibly busy but I am so proud of myself, I have really gotten a lot done! So here is the list:

I finished the small bathroom and our master bedroom. Have the main bathroom, completely painted and will have it done when Jason changes out the outlet and switch. Izzy's room has all it's molding hung and painted, the hallway is completely painted from ceiling to floor waiting for a new light and switch. The living room trim is hung and painted and I replaced the knob on the front door. Now just waiting for new outlets and switches from Jason. And finally the trim that I can put up in the kitchen is hung and painted as is the dining room!!!! Yay!!!!! That means all I have left to do upstairs is redo the den. But hey, I have done it before so shouldn't be too hard! I am just soo excited to have all that behind me!

Well, I know I usually tell a story about Izzy but I have decided to tell one about me instead. The other day, I was showing Jason all the bruises on my shins I have accumulated from hanging from the ladder and leaning up to reach things. (I am shorter than him) So he looks down at them and gives me a "poor baby" face and tells me, "Well you are kind of klutzy". What???? Me klutzy? He said, "Well I do worry about you sometimes." I couldn't believe it. I mean I am the epitome of grace. So of course I was properly appalled. Fast forward to yesterday when I was drilling holes in the crown molding getting them ready to hang on the wall. Ummm yeah, so I drilled into my finger a little bit. Just enough to hurt and bleed a little, but I guess I had to prove Jason right huh! LOL!

So today I have some supper exciting news! Right now to get you excited about the upcoming Anyaversary Party on August 1st for The Greeting Farm, Club Anya is hosting a Club Couture Contest!!!! The deadline is Thursday, July 30th at 11:59 p.m. Oh and I am sure you are wondering what you might win! Drum roll please!!!! The new, incredibly awesome Miss Anya Dressy stamp set!!!! That's right there are new Miss Anyas and I have a sneaky peek for you today!

Is she not the cutest thing you have ever seen!!!!!! OMGoodness I love her hair and her little dress with the apron and well just everything!!! I can't help myself!!! And don't forget she is being released on the 1st of August so make sure you pick yours up quickly! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping one of the new Miss Anya Dressys by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in. Following this week's Mojo Monday sketch and incorporating this week's Farm Fresh Challenge, I used teal, green and rose card stock along with DP from Basic Grey. I used my nesties to cut out my image and a border punch for the top and bottom. I then cut out some swirls to make stems and added flowers, a ghost butterfly, some ribbon and rhinestones to complete the look.

Now it is time to go check out the rest of the DT's awesome creations with this new stamp set! Trust me they are a must have!

Thanks everyone for stopping by today! Smiles!

Yummy, Yummy, Yummy!

2009-07-20T05:52:00.004-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!!!

This is going to be a short post today as we are now in crunch mode for the next month and a half or so for getting all the projects done around the house. Jason and I worked a ton this weekend and I now have half the rooms in our house painted and near completion. Just needing some outlets changed and transom pieces put in the doorways! I am so, so excited!

I have a quick Izzy story to share with you today. So for some reason Izzy has been calling us Mom and Dad! I have no idea where she is picking it up from, but now she asks us for things using the names Mom and Dad. I have to say I am a little sad about it. I really like to hear her little voice say, Mommy and Daddy. It is so much cuter that way. I think probably it is bothering me because it is reminding me that she is growing up. My baby isn't a baby any more!!!!! WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

So today is Little Paper Shop Monday and we have an awesome sketch for you today made by the very talented Cindy Haffner. There is a prize for the challenge this week, too! ONE lucky winner will be randomly chosen to win the {Beary Best Katie} stamp set! So you will definitely want to give this one a try!

Don't you love this great layout, and Katie sitting on that cupcake looks so good! Wonder why I am so hungry now! LOL! Anywhoo I started this card by first stamping {Katie Cupcake} by Little Paper Shop on white card stock and colored her in using my copic markers. Following this week's sketch, I layered on green and brown card stock along with some DP from Stampin' UP! I printed off my sentiment on the computer and attached it in the corner and finished everything off by adding some green brads to the corners.

Want to play along with this week's challenge? Simply leave a comment over on the LPS blog to let us know you played and if you upload to SCS or PCP, use keyword LPSC25 this week. And don't forget that {Angelic Jena} along with {Beary Best Katie} are also 10% off JUST through today, so if you haven't gotten yours yet, you have through the end of the day for the SALE!

Now go check out the rest of the amazing DT's creations!

Thanks for stopping by! Smiles!

You Make Everything Groovy!!!!!

2009-07-14T07:22:00.004-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Please Scroll Down For My Little Paper Shop Post!

Well today is Heather's last day! Sniff, Sniff! She is heading home today. I really hate it when people leave. I always have such a good time and don't like it when things come to an end, but I know they must. It sounds like though that she is seriously considering coming back up at the end of August so I am keeping my fingers crossed. It would be so much fun to get back together and hang out again.

Yesterday we spent the day, stamping and cutting out stamps. Lots of fun but also tiring. I seriously think I have a bruise on my finger where I used the scissors so much! LOL! Oh well I have been putting it off long enough. It had to be done. Izzy really liked it as well. She sat up on the table and pulled the backing off all the stamps and placed them in the baggies. Can you say slave driver though! Yeesh, as soon as I would get one cut out and handed to her she was saying, "More stamps Mommy!" Man, maybe I can get her a job at a stamp company! LOL!

Well today is the day at Club Anya and The Greeting Farm!!!! It is our last day of sneak peeks and our awesome VSN party is tonight starting at 9 p.m. CST!!!! Oh it is going to be so much fun so make sure you stop by and get your challenge cards uploaded to the gallery!

So can you tell what today's sneak peek is? Something funky and groovy! That's right Hippie Anya is now in the house!!!!!! She is the first in a set of LIMITED EDITION ANYAS, entitled "Anya: Through the Decades". She will NOT be available after the supply runs out so get yours ASAP before she sells out! I know present to you Hippie Anya!!!!

How stinkin' cute is she with those beautiful braids and her bell bottoms!!! Oh my word! I want this outfit!!!!! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping Hippie Anya by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Following last week's Mojo Monday sketch, I layered on pink, blue and orange card stock along with DP from K and Company. I decided to braid my ribbon down the side to mimic the ones in her hair and added a big psychedelic colored flower to the side. I finished the card off by stamping my sentiment from Hope and Grace in the corner.

Now go groove your way to the other DT ladies creations!

Thanks everyone for stopping by today! Can't wait to see you at the party tonight! Smiles!

Beary, Beary Sweet!

2009-07-14T07:06:00.003-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!!

Today is the big day!! It is Little Paper Shop release day!!! That means that both {Angelic Jena} and {Beary Best Katie} are now available for purchase! Be sure to pick yours up this week as both sets are on sale for a limited time! From NOW through Monday, July 20th (or while supplies last) the two new releases are 10% off on the LPS Website!

To celebrate the new release and also because this month's DT challenge was such an awesome one, I decided to use the new {Beary Best Katie} to make another card! This time I decided to make her a blond so that I could send it home with Heather to give to her daughter. I just love how sweet she is!

This month's DT challenge was to create a card using Kraft, Green and Pink AND to use punches on your card! Of course I busted out my border punches and got punch happy! I started the card off by stamping {Beary Best Katie} from Little Paper Shop on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Following this week's Mojo Monday Sketch, I layered on pink, green and kraft card stock along with DP from Heidi Grace. To complete the card, punched out my papers at the bottom using my Martha Stewart punch and added a ribbon across the middle. I soft, girly card.

Now it is time to check out the rest of the amazing team's creations! They are so beautiful and creative!

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Smiles!

Your Beary Cute!

2009-07-13T09:38:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!!!!!

Please Scroll Down For My Club Anya Sneak Peek!

This week is pretty exciting for me, seeing as how it is the release week for Little Paper Shop!!! I mean how adorable was that little Angelic Jena yesterday!!! So, so cute and I have another adorable image to share with you today!!!! I have to say as soon as I saw this stamp I immediately thought of little Izzy and her bee! Poor girl she is probably going to get a million cards made with stamp!!! But not only is it new release day but it is also sketch challenge Monday, so I decided to combine the two. I now present to you {Beary Best Katie}.

Seriously this is the way Izzy looks all the time except instead of a bear it is a bee purse she is holding!!! So, so sweet and the little piggy tails and the sweet expression on her face, I just can't stop gushing! And how amazing is this sketch!!!! I couldn't wait to play! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping {Beary Best Katie} by Little Paper Shop on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Following the sketch, I layered on pink, orange and brown card stock along with DP from Stampin' UP. I added some brown brads down the side and completed the whole look with some stars I cut out using my cricut and nestabilites. I can hardly wait to present it to Izzy!!! She loves all her cards she gets and brings them out every day and riffles through them. It is so so cute!!!!

Love this set? Want to win it? Today we not only have a preview contest for you, but it's also LPS Monday, so that means there are TWO chances to win this set! Leave a comment on the Little Paper Shop Blog and one random winner will be chosen and announced tomorrow during our official release!

Now go check out the other DT girls incredible creations!!!!

Thanks everyone for stopping by today and don't forget this amazing set along with {Angelic Jena} will be available for purchase tomorrow! Smiles!!!!

Anya Goes Native!

2009-07-13T09:24:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!!!!

Hope your weekend went well! Ours did! Heather and I went shopping yesterday and got a ton of clothes for our girls! There was a lot of laughing and reminiscing going on and of course a lot of bargain hunting! It was so, so much fun!!!! I do have to say, I missed having Izzy along with me (she was home with Daddy) but sometimes it is nice to have a little adult time!

Well, today is day two of the Club Anya sneak peeks and we have a very native Anya to share with you! Native American that is!!! That's right, It is my pleasure to introduce you to Navajo Anya!!!!

I am in love with her serene expression and those amazing braids!!! So, so pretty and I can hardly wait to use her during the fall and for Thanksgiving! She is going to be perfect!!! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping Navajo Anya (AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY!!!!) by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I am still experimenting with darker colored skin and actually had a lovely discussion with a student on Saturday about possible color combos! I digress, then following this week's sketch over at The Sugar Bowl, I added green and orange card stock along with DP by Scenic Route. To complete the look, I added the sentiment from Cup of Stuff, popped off a flower and finished up with some brads in the corner. I haven't decided who I want to give this one to yet, I just might have to keep it!!!!

Now it is time to go check out the rest of the DT's awesome creations!!! I am so, so excited, they are truly amazing!!!!

Thanks everyone for stopping by and don't forget our VSN party tomorrow night! Lots of fun and prizes to be had! Smiles!

I've Got A Fellow for You My Wee Lasses!

2009-07-12T07:38:00.004-05:00

Happy Monday again everyone!!!!!!

Please Scroll down for my Little Paper Shop Sneak Peek!

Well today is the big today!!! Today is the day we kick off the Club Anya sneak peeks culminating in the VSN party Tuesday and the release Wednesday!!!!! I am so excited!!! Have you been working on your challenge entries? I know I have and I can hardly wait to see what you have in store for us!

But before I get to all of that, I want to kick off everything with a sneak peek of an amazing and dare I say dashing young Ian!!! Can you tell by the title what he might look like? If you guessed a little Scottish Ian than you are certainly right!!! It is my pleasure to introduce you to the amazing Laddie Ian!!!!!

Could you just die!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean seriously how adorable is that hat and the kilt and his face and hair!!! Am I rambling??? Well I can't help it he is just too, too cute for words!!! I am so excited about him!!! So I started off this card by first stamping up Laddie Ian by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored him in using my copics. I distressed the edges with some brown ink to give him an old world feel and added a poof to his hat, some flock to his pouch and a little bit of silver pen to his medal and hat buckle. Then following this week's SCS sketch challenge, I layered on rust and mustard colored card stock along with paper from Sunny Glen by The Greeting Farm, Stampin' UP and Piggy Tales. I then finished everything off with three mustard brads at the top. I think I will give this to Jason's uncle who loves everything Scottish.

Now it is time for you to go forth and check out the amazing creations the rest of the DT has come up with!!! They are incredible and definitely worth the time to take a gander at!

Thanks everyone for stopping by today! Smiles!

My Little Angel!

2009-07-12T07:18:00.004-05:00

Happy Sunday everyone!!!!

Boy do we have quite the busy weekend going on! Friday, my wonderful friend Heather drove over 7 hours to come visit me and then yesterday we drove an additional 2 and a half hours to see our friend Jessica and teach a copics class!!!! OMGoodness it was so much fun! I don't think I have laughed so hard in my life! The best part was though, that when I woke up yesterday morning, I put on a black shirt and a pair of dark wash capris. About 30 minutes later, Heather comes upstairs and she is wearing a black shirt and a pair of dark wash Bermuda shorts. Well of course I couldn't believe it and neither could Jason. He even commented that it would be so funny if Jess wore the same thing. Both Heather and I looked at each other and said, that won't happen. (Side note: All the times I have ever met Jess she has been wearing bright jewel tones). So we are driving along and we get a phone call from Jess. Heather asks her what she is wearing. Guess what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is wearing a black shirt and a pair of dark wash jeans!!!!! Crazy!!!! I guess we all decided to come in uniform! The heavens must have aligned over our closet's yesterday! LOL!!!

Speaking of heavens! Boy do I have an ethereal sneak peek for you today!!!! That's right it is time again for a Little Paper Shop Sneak Peek!!!! This little girl is so sweet and angelic, of course I immediately thought of little Izzy!!! So without further ado, I introduce you to {Angelic Jena}!

Isn't she just stunning sitting there watching over everyone!!!! Her little face and hair are so beautiful and this was such a fun image to stamp!!! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping {Angelic Jena} AVAILABLE TUESDAY!!!!! by Little Paper Shop on white card stock and colored her in using my markers. I cut her out with my nesties and then added some texture with my big bite and distressed with some brown ink. Following this week's Sketch For You To Try, I layered on brown and teal card stock along with paper from Kaiser. I cut out several stars and placed them around my image, finishing everything off with some rhinestone stickers and brads. I hope Izzy likes it! I think I will give it to her since she is my little angel!!!

So are you in love? Would you like to win this set???? Of course you would! Then simply head over to the Little Paper Shop blog and leave a comment on today's post! Now go check out the rest of the DT's creations!!!!!

Thanks everyone for stopping by!!! Smiles!

Blessed Our We...

2009-07-06T06:23:00.004-05:00

Who have great friends indeed!

Happy Monday everyone!!!!

I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. Ours was hectic but hectic at home so that made it really nice! I had such a great spa day on Friday and was treated to a facial and dinner and then lots of girl talk time! Awesome!!!! Then the rest of the weekend was spent working on the house. I am happy to report that both of our bathrooms are near completion and the fence is about 75 percent power washed! I am so so happy to have those tasks done!

Izzy was ecstatic this weekend that Jason was home. She kept running around the house and giving tons of hugs to Jason. Last night she was doing her swimming dance (which by the way is very close to her pee pee dance) when Jason mentioned he was going outside to swim. It was so cute!!! She loves the water, but she is pretty smart seeing as how she only got her lower legs wet. (The pool was freezing!!!!)

Well today is Monday and that means it is Little Paper Shop Sketch Monday!!!! We have another great sketch for you this week drawn up by the lovely Allison!!! And if that weren't enough, one lucky winner will be selected from those who participate to win TWO FREE DIGITAL IMAGES!!!!!!!! Too Too fun!!!

Sketch

Card

I don't know what my deal is lately but I am really trying to step out of the box and create more sentiment cards. I have always been so afraid to do that (seeing as how I love to color) but I think I am slowly getting better and better at it! I think it has to do with the fact that I have had some amazing sentiment sets to work with!!!!! Anywhoo, I started this card by first layering on green and pink card stock along with DP from Stampin' Up and placed them according to the sketch. I then cut out the vines and flowers from my DP and adhered them onto my card face with pop dots. For the sentiment I stamped this beautiful phrase from {Garden Gate} by Little Paper Shop on pink paper and cut it out. I placed it in the corner and added my two brads to the side, letting my flower hang over the top. I just love this set for thank you notes and thinking of you cards! The phrases are so beautiful and sentimental!

Now it is time to check out the rest of the amazing DT's creations and don't forget that if you would like to participate, simply leave a comment on the LPS blog linking your creation and add the keyword LPSC23 when uploading to SCS or PCP

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Smiles!

Some Whimsical Dreams and Some Congratulations!

2009-07-03T11:49:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!

Well today Jason has off and we are probably going to be working on some stuff around the house. This evening though I get to have a facial and get taken out to dinner by my wonderful friend Tracy!!! I am so, so excited! I can hardly wait!

Tracy actually came over yesterday and of course Izzy was uber excited! She just loves hanging out with her and making her read books. In fact she enjoyed it so much that she wouldn't even say goodnight to me! She just went right up to Tracy, kissed and hugged her and than ran off to bed! Man I couldn't believe it! Talk about making me feel like second choice! LOL!

Today is going to be all about The Greeting Farm I have decided! Why you ask, because this Sunday is Marie's big day!!!!!! I am so, so excited for her! She is such an amazing person and I can hardly wait to see her pictures! That being said, the Club Anya girls and The Greeting Farm Horticulturalists decided to give her some warm wishes. You can check them all out on the Club Anya Blog. But here is mine to tied you over until you get there!

I have to say this was my first attempt at the whole black and white thing and I definitely have a long way to go, but I was pretty pleased with the results. I mean how could you not be when you have the absolutely adorable Cake Topper set to work with!!!!! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping the bride and groom from Cake Topper by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored them in using my copics. Following last week's Friday Sketchers challenge, I layered on black and white card stock along with paper from GCD. I finished off my card by cutting out some hearts using my nestabilites, embossed it with my damask embossing folder and added some flowers! I hope she likes it!!!

Now for my second project for today, I wanted to create a little gift to go with my Whimsical Wishes card I created the other day. From the moment I saw the set I thought it would be fun to create a little jar that you could drop your wishes into. And here it is!

I hope Jess likes it!!! I simply took a dollar jar from Michaels and layered on brown and pink card stock along with some DP from SEI. I stamped the sentiment from Butterfly Wishes by the Greeting Farm on white card stock and cut it out using my nesties. To complete the jar, I added some ghost butterflies, bella baubles and some butterflies I punched out with my Martha Stewart punches. So fun and feminine!

Thanks for stopping by today! I would like to leave you today with one of my favorite toasts! Here's to you Marie!

May the most that you wish for,
Be the least that you receive!

Cheers!!!!!

Kick Me With Your Best Shot!

2009-07-01T06:08:00.003-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!

Hope your week is going well! Izzy and I had another day of relaxing around the house. Izzy played with her toys while I crafted! It was so much fun! And she was too, too cute with her phone yesterday. All day long she was pretending to make phone calls and I would hear, "Hello, yadda yadda, yadda, blah, blah, blah!" It was too funny! And one time she actually picked up the phone and said, "Hello Tracy! How bout that Tracy?" It was so funny!

Well I won't keep you in suspense any longer! As you can tell by my title, Today is the day for Soccer Ian to be released over at The Greeting Farm!!!! I am so so excited! I am in love with his hair!!! So I tried something new with him and am somewhat pleased with the results! I present to you, Soccer Ian!

Seriously, this is exactly what my hair looked like when I was in Kindergarten!!!! LOL! Maybe I should try to dig out an old picture to show you! Anywhoo, but don't you love, love, love him! He is too cute for words!!! I started my card out by first printing off Soccer Ian (That's right he is digital!!!!) from The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored him in using my copics. I tried to do African American skin tones, but I am not completely satisfied with the results. Oh well, the best thing is to practice, practice, practice! Following a Mojo Monday sketch, I layered on green, brown and orange card stock along with DP from Little Yellow Bicycle and The Paper Company. I used my nesties to cut out the squares and the ovals and finished my card off by adding some ribbon and three brads in the corner.

Now it is time to go and check out the rest of the amazing DT's creations!

And don't forget the amazing Blog Hop starting at 9 a.m. CST today over at The Greeting Farm Blog!!!! There is going to be lots of prizes and tons of fun!!!! And definitely make sure you pick up the brand new Butterfly Wishes set which was designed by our amazing leader Jessica!!!!!

Smiles everyone!

Butterfly Wishes Do Come True!

2009-06-30T15:45:00.003-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

My Twinkling Tuesday post is up and can be found here.

Well, yesterday, I officially did a whole bunch of nothing and it felt amazing! It was so good to just sit and read and relax. I haven't done that in ages! And the best part is Jason has Friday off so we will get to see him and have him for an extra long weekend.

Izzy has been glad to be at home as well. I laid her down for her nap this afternoon and she sang to herself for at least 45 minutes. I think she is just enjoying being in her own bed again. She has also been picking on Tuxy. Basically making up for all the time she was gone. Poor Tuxy, he is never safe! LOL!

Today I have some very, very exciting news to share with you. I have been truly blessed in my life to have such a great family and wonderful friendships. They are always so supportive of all that I do and encourage me along the way. That is why it is so exciting to be able to do the same in return. My amazing friend Jessica has a brand new stamp set coming out tomorrow at The Greeting Farm! I can hardly contain my excitement for her! I know this has been a dream of hers for a long time and I am so honored to have even a slight part in this! Without further ado I would like to show you Butterfly Wishes!

Is this set not incredible!!!! I love the beautiful sayings and the filigrees with butterflies that are included! I know I will definitely be using this set a ton! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping the sentiment and filigrees from Butterfly Wishes by The Greeting Farm on white card stock in pink and brown ink. Using my nesties, I cut out the sentiments and layered on brown and pink card stock along with DP from SEI. (I mean if you know Jessica you know that she adores pink and brown!) I then added some ghost butterflies and some pink bella baubles to finish the look off. An amazing sentiment for a great friend!

Want to WIN this set? Leave a comment on Jessica's blog telling her what you like best about the set or what the first thing that came to your mind was when you saw it! She'd love to hear from you!

Want another chance to win? Multiple entries will be accepted for this Blog Candy contest! All you have to do is post to your own blog about Jessica's brand new set through The Greeting Farm, come back to Jessica's blog and leave her another comment letting her know you did, and you'll get another entry into the contest!

There will be lots of ways to WIN THIS SET throughout the week, both on Jessica's blog and The Greeting Farm, so good luck and have a whimsical day!

Lots of Smiles and I am so proud of you Jessica!!!!!!!!!

It's Always a Good Time To Read a Book!

2009-06-29T07:06:00.004-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!

Well I am officially exhausted! We just got back from Jason's family reunion yesterday. It was such a great trip hanging out with family and kicking back! We did lots of great things with the kids, but boy was it hot!!!!! The temps were close to 100 everyday and the humidity had to be in the 1000% range! LOL! But it was worth it all to see everyone!

That being said, I have a quick post for you today. Since it is Monday, that means it is Little Paper Shop Monday! I have a fun little gift idea to share with you and a sketch challenge I will be posting later today!

First up is my gift idea which is a simple paperback book cover. I have to admit, I love to read romance novels but sometimes the covers are a little risque, so what better way to hide it than a book cover!

Don't you just love Jena sitting on this book! She is so sweet and cute!!! The apple though sends me over the edge!!! Any hoo, I started this project by making a book cover out of card stock, cardboard and ribbon. If you would like to know the instructions, simply e-mail me and I will forward them. For the cover, I started off by printing {Jena Book} by Little Paper Shop on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Next I layered on brown, pink and orange card stock along with DP from American crafts. To finish my card off, I added a brown ribbon and three buttons to the top. I actually gave this to my mother-in-law and she loved it! I am so happy!

And for our contest this week we have another great sketch....and we'd love for you to play along! Remember to leave a comment on today's post at the LPS Blog and also use keyword LPSC22 if you're uploading to SCS or PCP :)

The prize this week? Well, since we are ALL about the cupcakes this week at LPS, you can WIN Katie Cupcake! One random winner will be selected from the entries of this week's challenge....good luck!

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Lots of Smiles!

Stamps For a Cause

2009-06-22T06:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!

I have some very special yet sad news to share with you today. Some of you may know Alica Weiman from our stamping community and her blog Happy Stampin! Over a week ago, her sweet little boy, Ethan, lost his battle with cancer. I can't imagine the emotional tole this family must be going through. To lose a child is one of the hardest things a family would ever have to go through and I pray for them daily. The only comfort is that I know that God has welcomed this sweet little boy into his loving arms. If you would like to find out more about this remarkable little boy, you can visit his website here and his mother's site here.

To honor Ethan and to help out in this difficult time, Melissa from Pink Cat Studio has created a set of digital stamps inorder to help raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This donation will be made in honor of little Ethan. Here is the set that you will be purchasing.

Pink Cat Studio is releasing these new digital stamps today to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in honor of Ethan Weiman. Little Ethan passed away on July 12th from Neuroblastoma cancer. Ethan was a true cowboy and loved horses, balloons and Knock Knock jokes. By purchasing these digital stamps you will help brighten the day of a sick child as the money we raise will go toward making one of their dreams come true.

Please visit http://www.pinkcatstudio.com/Stamps/WeimanWranglers/WeimanWranglers.htm to purchase these digital stamps and help the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Thanks for stopping by today! Lots of smiles and hugs!

We Honor Fathers at Little Paper Shop!

2009-06-22T05:51:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!!!

...PLEASE scroll down for my second post today, as we have a very special donation drive going on over at Pink Cat Studio...

Well this week has been incredibly busy! Not only did my wonderful friend Jess come to visit me with her sweet daughters, but we also went into town this past weekend for my nephew's birthday, father-in-law's birthday and for father's day! Wow, try saying that three times real fast! It was a crazy weekend but a good one. Izzy had the best time. She got to play outside at the park and visit with all her grandparents. But I think we are raising a little southern belle! On Saturday, Jason told her that he had to go to the park with Uncle Ryan and Papa to set up the party. His exact words were, "I'm going to help set up the park, honey. I will see you later!" Well that was all it took. Now she ends all sentences with the word honey. She told Jason last night, "Daddy, I want to ride in the silver car, honey!" And earlier in the day she said, "I want milk, honey!" Completely ridiculous!

Since today is Monday that means it is Little Paper Shop Monday and boy do we have an exciting challenge for you today! It is a sketch challenge and you know how much I like my sketches! And since yesterday was Father's Day, I decided to use the sketch to create a father's day card.

Isn't this an amazing sketch! Gotta love the three brads and the criss crossing shapes! And how amazing is this sentiment! As soon as I saw it I knew I had to have it! It is just so sweet and moving! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping the sentiment and the word "Father" from {Bound By The Heart} by Little Paper Shop on white card stock in brown tuxedo ink and bordering blue. Following this week's sketch, I flipped it on it's side, I layered on blue, orange and brown card stock along with DP from We R Memory Keepers. I created the texture on my blue card stock using by argyle embossing folder and my nesties to give my text some shape. I then added my brown ribbon, a bow and the three brads to complete the look. I gave this card to my father-in-law yesterday and he seemed to really enjoy it!

Now it is time to go off and check out the rest of the DT's amazing creations!

Ready to play along?!! You'll have all week to play and the chance to WIN TWO FREE DIGITAL IMAGES from Little Paper Shop! Just leave a comment over on the LPS blog linking your creation and when you upload to SCS or PCP, use keyword LPSC22.

And don't forget Katie Cupcake and Garden Gate are on sale for ONE MORE DAY! Through today ONLY, Katie Cupcake and Garden Gate are 10% off, so if you haven't had the chance yet, head over to the website and pick them up!

Thanks everyone for stopping by today! Don't forget to scroll down! Smiles!

It's Release Day for Little Paper Shop!!!!

2009-06-16T08:02:00.003-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

Today is release day over at Little Paper Shop and as a thank you for a great preview, BOTH June releases, {Katie Cupcake} and {Garden Gate} are 10% off now through Monday, June 22nd! How exciting is this!!!! Make sure you get your hands on these two great sets before they run out!

Sorry for the short post, but I need to run to the store this morning! Lots of smiles everyone!!!!

It'a a Secret Garden at Little Paper Shop!

2009-06-15T08:11:00.004-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!

Well I have to say I am thoroughly exhausted this morning so I will be keeping it short and sweet!

I am back to preview another set from The Little Paper Shop, and this time, we have an exciting challenge to go along with it!

Introducing: {Garden Gate}! OMGoodness this set is so, so beautiful!!! Not only are there some great garden images you can mix and match but it also has some absolutely beautiful sentiments, sure to touch anyone's heart. This set is like nothing LPS has done before and is SUPER fun to color and embellish.

It's also LPS Monday, and the 15th of the month (the day of our monthly DT challenge), which means we have QUITE the awesome challenge for you, and not only one, but TWO ways to WIN this set!

"The votes are in and the choice for the June DT challenge is TEXTURE. Just think of all that good stuff we have to add a little oomph to our projects - Flower Soft, flock, embossing powder, dry embossing, paper toile, beads, even chunky glitter. If it adds texture, we want to see it!! Thanks ladies. :)"

Aren't the trellis and the bistro set beautiful! And wouldn't you just love to use flower soft on all the flowers! (Another thing I need to add to my list to get!) Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping the trellis and bistro set from {Garden Gate} by Little Paper Shop on white card stock and colored them in using my copics. I created a diorama card using green and purple card stock along with DP Little Bicycle. Using my nesties I cut out a circle along with the scallop frame. For my texture, I embossed my piece of acetate and the butterflies I punched out. I then placed some rhinestones on the butterfly and placed my sentiment on the top.

What's more? For one week only, beginning with Tuesday's release, BOTH new releases are on sale for 10% off at The Little Paper Shop! (while supplies last)

Be sure to head over to the LPS Blog today to see what the DT has created for this challenge.

You can participate in our DT challenge, issued this month by the FABULOUS Jen, and also leave a comment to be randomly selected, so we'll meet you over at the LPS blog right now for all the fun!

Thanks for stopping by!!! Smiles!

Some Exciting News!!!!!

2009-06-14T07:38:00.005-05:00

Happy Sunday again everyone!

This is my second post for today, so scroll down for my Izzy story and the last sneak peek for Club Anya!

Well, what is my exciting news you might be asking yourself! I have been asked to join the amazing Little Paper Shop Design Team!!!!!! I am so, so excited and honored! Julia has amazing stamps and the girls on this team are so talented! I can not tell you how honored I was to receive the e-mail asking me to join! I about fell out of my chair!!!!

So as my first official duty as a DT member I get to show you some sneak peeks of the upcoming release!!!!

It's that time again at The Little Paper Shop! We are so excited to be releasing two super-cute sets this month! Both sets will be released THIS Tuesday, June 16th and will be on sale for 10% off beginning on release day. This sale will last one week or while supplies last, so be sure to grab your new stamps while they're HOT!

Our first preview is one "sweet" set, {Katie Cupcake}. She is uber cute and would look so sweet on cards for just about any kid, young or old! Perfect for invitations and birthday cards as well.

Would I lead you astray? Never! Isn't she the sweetest!!!! And the little bow in her hair! But boy that cupcake sure makes me hungry!!!! Yummo!!! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping {Katie Cupcake} by Little Paper Shop on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I then layered on green, brown and maroon card stock along with DP from Collage Press. I added some brads and some ribbons to the side and finished up my card by cutting out a cupcake from my DP and placing it in the corner. I just couldn't help myself!

Be sure to head on over to the LPS Blog to check out the rest of the DT's adorable previews and also to join us in welcoming another new DT member! We are thrilled to announce that Heather Lee-Reppen has accepted the invitation to our Design Team as well and can't wait to "Wow" you with all that she does!

Last but not least, want to WIN this set? All you have to do is leave a comment over on the LPS blog and one lucky winner will be chosen via Random.org...good luck and have a "Sweet" Day!

Thanks for stopping by and sharing in my wonderful news! Smiles!

Your Such a Star Anya!

2009-06-14T07:20:00.004-05:00

Happy Sunday everyone!

So last night was the big night! Jason popped the tent in the back yard. He bought a little sleeping bag for Izzy. They got books all ready to read and had their flashlight in hand. I even made some rice krispie treats for them. Everything was going so well. Izzy wanted to go to sleep and I went inside to leave them be. It was around 8:30, and I waited anxiously for the sound of the back door to open. And guess what? Nothing! I know I was so shocked. So about 9:15 I got up to go outside and peek and just as I was walking to the door that is when I heard it open. Poor baby she was just too hot and uncomfortable, so we put her to bed! But hey 45 minutes camping is 44 minutes longer than I would have lasted! Lol!

So today is the big day! The last day of sneaks leading up to the big Club Anya release following our party! I am so, so excited! I can hardly wait!!! It is going to be so much fun! And since Anya has become such a huge star in her own right, Marie decided to deck her out for the occasion! I would like to introduce you to Superstar Anya!!!!!!

How cute is she!!!! Don't you love the hair, boa and star sunglasses!!!! Too, too much!!! So I started this card by first stamping Superstar Anya by The Greeting Farm on white cardstock and colored her in using my copics. Following a Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge from a couple of weeks ago, I layered on red, green and pink card stock along with DP from Stampin UP!. I cut out some stars using my cricut and embossed them with my swirls embossing folder. I stamped my pink star with one of the sentiments from Showtime and then tied a green ribbon across the bottom. And since no diva can ever be too far away from her mirror, I added a little mirror charm to the bottom of the card.

Alrighty! It is time once again to check out the amazing DT's creations!!!! They have been unbelievable!

Thanks everyone for stopping by today!!! I can hardly wait for the party tonight at 8 p.m. CST!!!!! We are going to have a blast! See you there! Smiles!

Cutest Little Bundle!

2009-06-13T07:47:00.005-05:00

Happy Saturday everyone!

It is the weekend and boy do we have a busy one planned! I finally finished painting the master bedroom and now we are onto the master bath. Lots of molding going up, some new fixtures and the faucet needs to be replaced. And of course tons more painting! I have to say it feels awfully good to have at least one room complete.

Jason has been telling me all this week that he wants to have a camp out with Izzy in the back yard tonight. I personally hate camping so will be sleeping in the comfort of my own bed tonight, but I am really anxious to see how this goes. I have a feeling that he will be bringing Izzy in shortly after they go outside! LOL!

And speaking of Izzy and her Daddy, you should see them together. Last night, she wanted to go outside and all she had to do was take his hand in hers and guide him toward the door! I mean Wow!!!! I have tried that a million times with Jason and he never comes with me! LOL! Oh and she has to be the smartest kid in the world!!!! I mean she can already spell. Well, okay just one word and you don't even have to spell the whole thing before she says it but that should still count right? I know your wondering what my genius little girl knows aren't you! It is I -C - E! Yep, if you spell ice she asks for chocolate ice cream on the couch! GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!

Alrighty, I will stop rambling now. I know what you are here for! You are here for day two of the sneak peeks from Club Anya!!! Today's theme is all about babies. I don't know about you but we seem to be in the phase in our life where all our friends are having babies. At first it was everyone getting married and now everyone is having a baby. Well, I didn't want to make just a baby card for my sneak today! So to show off this adorable new set, I decided to create a little gift set that could hold some candy and a gift card! So without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Oh Baby!!!!!!!!

How cute is the hat on the little girl!!!!!!! So, so sweet and this set comes with some great accessories as well, for endless possibilities!!!! I am so, so excited! Well I started off this project by first creating some baby booties out of DP from Making memories. A template can be found here. I then added some rick rack around the bottom and a brad to close the shoe. Using my nesties, I cut out some dark pink and light pink card stock and adhered them to the toe of each shoe. Next I stamped the rattle from Oh Baby by the Greeting Farm on white card stock, colored it in with my copics and a silver pen and cut it out. I then popped each one off the shoe and added some silver stars. For the box, I simply created a 5 X 4 inch box out of pink card stock and then created a matching lid to go with it. (Little tip, make your lid slightly larger than 5 X 4 otherwise you have to go hunt down another piece of card stock and try to salvage the other one. Very annoying, I am just saying! LOL!) I decorated my box with pink and dark pink card stock along with DP from Making Memories. I then stamped the little girl and sentiment from Oh Baby on white card stock and colored them in with my copics. I cut them out using my nesties and popped them off the top of the lid. To complete the lid, I added four buttons in descending size order. I am not sure who I will give it to yet, but at the rate my friends are having kids, I am sure it will come in handy!

Now go forth and check out the rest of the DT!!!!! How awesome were all the creations!!!! And didn't Joni do an excellent job! So glad she has joined our team!

Thanks everyone for stopping by today! Tomorrow is our last day of sneaks leading up to the big release party tomorrow night at 8 p.m. CST!!! Be there or be square! Smiles!

It's Cool to Look Hot For Summer!

2009-06-12T07:16:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!!!!!

Gosh, I can't believe Friday is here already! This week has simply flown by! Izzy and I got to go out to lunch with Jason yesterday. She was so excited. She kept saying, "Eat lunch with Daddy! Go see Daddy!" And the moment he walked in and sat down she said, "Missed you!" and grabbed his hand! Seriously if she only knew the power she wielded at that moment, he would have given her anything she wanted!

So I know I mentioned in earlier posts that she is in love with the phone and is constantly asking to talk to anyone who will listen, but when she actually gets on the phone is the real funny part. She always starts off by saying, "Hi!" really loud. Which is pretty good, but then she immediately goes into a run down of Tuxy's day! Seriously, if you ever want to know what Tuxy did all day, just call our house! LOL! The only problem is that all Tuxy does all day while we are home is sleep. So it is mainly the same phrase repeated over and over again!

Well, since it is almost the 15th of the month, that means it is time for the next release from The Greeting Farm!!!! OMGoodness these stamps are so cute!!!! Marie has really out done herself once again and come up with some great sets and an adorable single stamp! And the release is culminating in a super fun party starting over at Club Anya, Sunday, June 14th at 7 p.m.!!!! Ohhhh I can hardly wait!

Today though, I want to introduce you to one of the new sets being released. You asked and Marie listened! I can hardly wait to show you a whole new summer wardrobe for Dress Me Anya and Ian!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so bouncing in my chair right now!!!! And here is little Anya dressed up for the beach!

How cute is that little dress/swim suit! And those sunglasses, I am so drooling!!! I have to say the giant sunglasses remind me of my Izzy! She loves to wear them but they look so huge on her face! Love it!!! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping Anya from Dress Me by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Next, I stamped the sunglasses, bag, ice cream cone and dress from Wardrobe #2 on white card stock, colored them in with my copics and cut them out. I popped off the sunglasses and adhered the cone and dress to Anya. Following this week's SCS sketch, I layered on brown, pink and orange card stock along with some DP from Stampin' UP!. To finish the card, I added a felt banner and flower I got at Michael's for a buck and added a big brown button with some scrappers floss. I think I might give it to Izzy, just because. She loves to get cards and it really reminds me of her!

Now it is time to go and check out the rest of the DT's incredible creations!!!!!!! And please help me welcome for the next two months the super talented Joni Wilson to the team!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Tune in tomorrow for some more Summer Fun from Club Anya! Smiles!

It's Release day!!!!!!!

2009-06-10T10:25:00.004-05:00

Happy Wednesday again!!!

This is actually my second post for today! Scroll down for my SUINK post and some blog candy

Well today is the day! It is release day over at Pink Cat Studio!!!!! Today Melissa is releasing Sporty Billy and it is the cutest set ever!!!!!

And here is my card, just because I can't help myself!

I love the dog as a ref!!!! He is too adorable!!!!! Anywhoo I started this card by first stamping Billy playing football from Sporty Billy by Pink Cat Studio on white card stock and colored him in using my copics. Then following this week's Mojo Monday sketch, I layered on orange, dark teal, and ivory card stock along with DP from Luxe. I created the football using my nesties as a guide and some orange and white card stock. I then finished off my card with some metal letters and some stars to spell out "Touch Down". I really think my neighbor's son will love it!

Now it is time to check out the amazing DT's creations!

Thanks everyone for stopping by today and all the amazing birthday wishes! You truly have made my birthday special and wonderful! Smiles!

A Shirt Just for Dad! and Some Bog Candy!

2009-06-10T09:41:00.006-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!!

I hope you are having a great week so far! Izzy and I painted on the bedroom yesterday and my friend Tracy came over and we hung out all day! It was so nice to just sit back and relax! Izzy loves Tracy and was so sad when she had to leave. I swear she looks forward to seeing Tracy more than she does seeing Jason and I! LOL!

Oh and Izzy has a new phrase that she has been saying all the time. Every once in a while I will ask her a question and she will say, "Uhhhhh, What's the word? Uhhhhh!" OMgoodness it is so cute! I guess I must say that quite a bit! Whoopsee!!!!!

Well today is Wednesday and that means it is Watchadoin' Wednesday time! This week's challenge is perfect for Father's Day!

Let’s celebrate those men/boys in our lives. Father’s day is close but that is not
the only time we need to celebrate the boys--you can make a Father’s Day card
or any other masculine type of card you wish. This week it is all about the
BOYS!

Perfect timing right? Well this card started out using last week's sketch challenge over at SCS. I originally wanted to do different neck ties with the stripes but then as I was trying to figure out how to make it work, I decided to make a shirt instead with a monogram! And here is the final result!

I wish that I could have added some more dimension but oh well! I started this card by first following the sketch on SCS layering blue and yellow card stock, along with DP from Pinecone Press. I added a collar, pocket and sleeves and completed the look with buttons. The monogram was made with the "D" from Thinking of Father by Storage Units, Ink and More. For the inside of the card, I stamped another one of the sentiments along with some ties I colored in with my copics. I hope Jason likes it! He has to wear a button up shirt to work everyday (thankfully no ties) so it reminded me of him!

Now it is time to check out the rest of the DT's awesome creations. And we would love to have you play along this week! Simply type in the keyword SUINKWWC44 when uploading to SCS or PCP.

Would you like to win this set! Simply tell me what your favorite Dad story is! Please leave your comments by 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 12th and I will post a winner on Saturday!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Smiles!

Goalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-09T06:02:00.004-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

I hope your week started off well! My Monday was really great! The rumors are true and yesterday was my birthday! I turned 30 last night at 11:45. I have to say the only down side of turning the big 3-0 is that now I can't keep teasing Jason that he is married to a younger woman and that I am his trophy wife! Oh well, just 10 more years and I can do it all over again! LOL!

We actually had a really lovely dinner last night at the Cheesecake Factory and I received some chocolates from my good friend Tracy, some lovely Bath and Body Works products from Jason, and a three way phone call from my great friends Heather and Jess. Izzy even stopped to tell me, "Happy Birday to you!" a couple times! Thanks to all of you too who offered me birthday wishes!

Well, I know what you are here for today! Some more sneak peeks of the new Billy set that is being released tomorrow from Pink Cat Studio!!!! Are you jumping up and down right now! I know I am! I am so, so excited! I can hardly wait for the release! Today I want to show you another of the adorable images from Sporty Billy, Billy playing soccer!

How cute is he?!!!!!! EEEEEEKKKKK I love him!!!! There is just so much action in this image! The ball looked like it was about to come right off the image, so of course I had to add some dimension! LOL! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping Billy playing soccer from Sporty Billy by Pink Cat Studio on white card stock and colored him in using my copics. I stamped the soccer ball again, cut it out and attached it to a spiral cut piece of paper so it would look like it was popped off the page. Following Jen Del Muro's Sketch For You To Try, I cut out my main image with some nesties and layered on brown and orange card stock along with paper from Luxe. I stamped the sentiment from Sporty Billy on white and layered on some orange and brown card stock as well. I had to move it to the corner to make the layout fit. To complete the card, I added some orange stitched ribbon to the bottom and three orange brads to the side. I hope all the soccer players in my life like it!

Now it is time to check out the rest of the team's amazing creations! Did I not tell you how wonderful they were! They always blow me away!

Thanks everyone for stopping by! Don't forget you still have until 5 p.m. EST tonight to win this amazing stamp set! Details can be found here! And stayed tuned tomorrow for the release of this incredible set! Smiles!

Rough and Tumble Billy!

2009-06-08T06:11:00.004-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!!!!!!

Hope last week went well for you! Mine was incredibly busy, but I am happy to say that I am almost done with our master bedroom! One room down a whole bunch more to go! LOL!

Well Izzy has been a jabber jaw all last week! I can't get her to be quiet! In fact she has become a phone addict! Now all day long, all I hear is that she wants to call Daddy, Grandma, Papa, Aunt Jess, Aunt Heather and Aunt Tracy. And then I can't get her to get off the phone! Poor Jason had to tell her bye 3 times before I could get her to say goodbye. She just loves to talk. Although having her eat ice cream while on the phone really helps to shorten the conversation! LOL!

So today is the big day! The first day of sneak peeks for the new release over at Pink Cat Studio! And can you say total cutenesss!!!!! I mean come on!!!! They are so, so adorable!!!! Melissa has outdone herself with this release! Billy is such a boy in this set, playing all sorts of sports and loving it! So with out further ado, I introduce you to Sporty Billy!

I am sorry but that little dog is the most adorable thing I have every seen!!!!!!! How could he be any cuter! I love the ears flying by and the wave under the surf board is perfection!!!! Melissa did such an excellent job of catching the feel of the wind in this image! And guess what, you can own him in just two more days, because Sporty Billy is being released this Wednesday, June 10th!!! How exciting!!! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping my Surfer Billy from Sporty Billy by Pink Cat Studio on white card stock and colored him in using my copics. I added some liquid applique to the wave to give it some froth! I then mounted it on some white, green and dark green card stock and following this week's Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge, layered on white, green and dark green card stock along with DP from Luxe. I did slightly alter the sketch to work with my image. I finished up my card by adding some ribbon and twine along with a Karen Foster charm and a few buttons! I really wanted to go with a eco-green colored card, something not so traditional. I hope you like it!

Now it is time to take off and check out the rest of the amazing DT's creations! And amazing is an understatement! These girls are fantastic!!! And please help me welcome the fantastic Cyndi Bundy as our guest designer this week! Her work will definitely knock your socks off!!!!

Don't forget you still have one day left to grab Melissa's adorable blinky to enter into the contest to win Sporty Billy! Details can be found here! Thanks so much for stopping by today! Don't forget to come back tomorrow for day two of our sneak peeks! Smiles!

2009-06-01T08:29:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!!!!!

Well today is the big day! It is finally here! Storage Units, Inks and More is releasing five new sets and and you can win them all!!!!!!!

That's right you can win the entire collection of stamps that are being released in June!
There are Five Fabulous new sets coming out and you can be the lucky winner of the whole sha-BANG!

We will be showcasing the sets with a sneak peek blog hop starting bright and early today. All you have to do to be eligible to win the stamps is to hop along with us and leave a comment on each designer's blog along the way. You will hop through 9 designer's blogs that will be showcasing the new sets and then finish off at the SUINK blog to leave your final comment telling us which stamp set is your favorite. That's it! And the whole sha-BANG can be yours.

The blog hop begins at 9:30 am EST on June 1st. The first blog you will visit will be

Laura at Lu-La's Corner

and you will be able to follow links from there.

Denise will be picking a winner on June 2nd so you have until 12 midnight (EST) on June 1st to get you comments in. When the winner is picked we will verify that they have indeed left a message on each blog and if they did they will be crowned the winner! If not we will pick another name until we find one that left a comment on all the blogs.

Believe me there will be some fabulous eye candy at each stop. And don't worry if you don't win, because through out the month the team will be giving away sets on their blogs too!

You got to be in it to win it!

GOOD LUCK!

So that being said, you should have started our little hop at Laura's blog and come to mine via Cathleen's blog. And now that you have arrived I would like to showcase one of the new sets for June called Thinking of Father. As we all know Father's day is fastly approaching and we all need a great sentiment set for our dads. Enter this amazing set! It is full of wonderful sentiments for all of our amazing dads and not only is it perfect for Father's Day but can be used for birthdays and thinking of you occasions as well! So without further ado I present to you, Thinking of Father!

I tell you, I had to use this sentiment because Jason has a baseball hat that has this almost exact same logo and wording on it. He wears it practically everywhere and it is in blue, white and red! I mean how perfect can this be! Since it is a male card, I decided to keep it kind of simple and following Jen Del Muro's Sketch For You To Try this week, I layered on red, dark blue, and light blue card stock along with paper from Creative Imaginations. I then stamped my sentiment from the new Thinking of Father set by SUINK with black ink on my DP. To complete the look, I punched out some paper buttons out of red and blue card stock and tied them with some white scrappers floss. I then placed them over some ghost stars and popped them off the background. Clean and simple, which always seems to be good for a masculine card.

Now it is time to head off for the next stop on our little blog hop, Mary Jo! I am sure you will enjoy it!!!!!!

Smiles!

Arrrrr Your Perfect!

2009-05-29T09:38:00.005-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!

I hope your week is going well! Ours is good! Sorry I haven't been around much lately. I probably will be pretty sporadic for awhile. Jason and I have decided to try to put our house up on the market. Of course there is no telling how long it will take us to actually get it ready to sell. We are more of the big dreamer kind of people rather than the completely finishing projects kind of people! LOL! Seriously, every room in our house has been remodeled and all of them still have a few things left to do. Even the bathroom we redid a year and a half ago still needs towel bars and 1, count it 1 piece of trim still to be put up. It is the story of our lives!

Yesterday we also opened our pool finally! This always happens though. It has been pretty warm the last week or so here and yesterday when we opened it, it was pouring down rain and it only got to 70. So if anyone needs some rain and a little cooling off just let us know and we will schedule the pool to be opened! LOL!

Izzy has been super funny about it. She keeps saying, "Izzy's pool. Izzy's pool." And when we went to Target last night she told me that she needed to buy a swimsuit. Like she doesn't have a million already. I told her though that it is too cold and gross to get into now. So now she is saying, "It's grossy! It's grossy! Daddy clean it!" I have trained her well!

Well I know that I am pretty late with this and I have actually had my card done since Tuesday but I am finally getting around to publishing my Twinkling Tuesday card. Sorry Madelynn! I adore this sketch and will definitely be keeping it for the future. It kind of reminds me of stacked presents! And I love presents! So without further ado here is my Twinkling Card!

Don't you adore this sketch! I love the look of the rectangles stacked on one another. I have to say I am a little disappointed in my card though. It didn't quite turn out the way I thought it would. I had this really awesome DP with sculls and treasure chests all over it, but I could get it to show up. I think it is just that my card needs a little something. Any help would be appreciated! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping Pirate Anya from Matey by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I then cut her out and placed her to the side. Following Madelynn's sketch, I layered on pink and black card stock along with DP from Fancy Pants I believe. I then popped off my Anya and stamped the sentiment and hearts from Pretty Hat. To complete the card, I added pearl stickers down the side along with some pearl heart stickers in my hearts. A fun but girly card I hope!

Now check out the rest of the DT's awesome creations. They will blow you away! Our featured stamper this week is none other than Heather R.! And don't forget all you need to do is type in the keyword MTTSC24 when uploading to SCS or PCP and be sure to leave a comment on the blog so we know you played along!

In other news, SUINK will be showcasing the 5 new June sets with a sneak peek blog hop starting bright and early on June 1st. All you have to do to be eligible to win the stamps is to hop along with us and leave a comment on each designer's blog along the way. You will hop through 9 designer's blogs that will be showcasing the new sets and then finish off right here to leave your final comment telling us which stamp set is your favorite. That's it! And the whole sha-BANG can be yours.

And in Pink Cat News, this month, DT member Jodi will be hosting our card making challenge.

The challenge is to create a card using basic geometric shapes. Your card must be rectangular in shape and you must use 2 different patterned papers, one cut in the shape of a circle and the other in the shape of a square. So we have a rectangle, a circle and a square. You must also use a Pink Cat Studio stamp as the main image for the card. You can use stamps from other companies as well. So these are the minimum requirements for the card. You can add more shapes and papers as well as any embellishments you would like, so the possibilities are endless.

Date the challenge ends: Sunday May 31st, 5 pm EST

Requirements:
A Pink Cat Studio stamp must be used as the main stamp on the card. It is okay to use stamps from other companies as well. To be eligible for the prize you must leave a comment on this post on the Pink Cat Blog. In your comment provide a link to your card. Your card can either be displayed on your blog or in an online gallery. You may enter only 1 project for this challenge.

Prize:
This contest will be judged by the design team. Since this is Jodi’s challenge, she will select her 3 favorite cards and then the DT will vote for a winner. On June 1st, the winner will be announced on the PCS blog. The winner will receive a grab bag of Pink Cat Studio stamps. Some cards from the challenge may be displayed on the PCS blog.

Thanks everyone for stopping by!!! Lots of smiles!

Cute as a Bug!

2009-05-27T09:05:00.005-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!!

I hope your week is going well! Ours is starting to get back to normal after our crazy weekend. Izzy is settling back in and seems to be having a good time. She really missed her daddy though yesterday at work. I think she gets spoiled over the weekend having him around so it is hard during the week when he has to go to work!

She has been talking up a storm lately! On our four hour trip home she talked for about 3 hours and 59 minutes! I swear it is non stop! LOL! She even tells me that she is quiet! But I have to say she comes up with some pretty silly things to say. The other day she wanted some lotion on her hands. I placed the lotion in her hands and she immediately went after poor Tuxy! I asked her what she was doing and she looks at me and says, "Put lotion on Tuxy back!" Poor, poor Tuxy!

Well today is Wednesday and that means it is Watchadoin' Wednesday! Since Summer is finally upon us we have a great summer challenge for you!

Today's challenge is Summertime Summertime Sum-Sum-Summertime!

Here comes SUMMER!

Let’s get out those summer theme stamps and summer colors and bring on the heat!
Summer is my absolute favorite time of year. I am so excited it is near!

Come on and share some fabulous cards with us.

Of course for some reason when I think of summer I always think of going to my grandparents and playing outside. They lived in Northern Arkansas and the bugs were always crazy in the summer! My cousins and I would tie little strings onto the junebug's legs and let them fly around. Our own little toys! Or course my sister hated Daddy Longlegs and we would pick them up and dangle them in her face until she told on us! LOL! The good old days! That being said, I always thing of bugs during summer and we all know how much little boys love bugs! So I decided to make a little boys bug birthday card for my nephew!

Don't you love the look of wonder on this little boy's face! It was so, so cute!!! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping the little boy, the jar, the ladybug and the magnifying glass from Boys N Bugs by SUINK and More on white card stock and colored them in with copics. I distressed all the edges with my close to cocoa. For the card itself, I layered on orange, brown and green card stock along with paper from Bo Bunny. I cut out the arrows and placed them on the side and finished the card by stamping the sentiment inside the jar! I really hope my nephew likes it!

Now it is time to check out the rest of the DT's awesome creations!

Thanks for stopping by today!!! Don't forget the blog hop on June 1st where you could win all 5 new stamp sets! Smiles!

Some Exciting News Hopping Around SUINK!!!!

2009-05-26T09:58:00.003-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Hope you all had a great Memorial Day Weekend! Ours was exciting and pretty busy! I will have to tell you more about it in my Twinkling Tuesday post later today!

Today I wanted to share with you some exciting news from Storage Units Inks and More! Not only has the store been completely revamped but starting June 1st we will be kicking off our mega June release with a blog hop! I am so excited! June 1st is the day so make sure you come back! You will be required to leave a comment at each stop and then a winner will be chosen on the second to win all 5 new releases!!! That's right! 5 new releases! So get your pogo sticks out so you can hop around with us!!!!

See you back later! Thanks for stopping by!

A Little Something For You!

2009-05-19T07:43:00.006-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I hope all of you had a great weekend! We certainly did. It was amazingly beautiful here and we were able to go to the botanical gardens. Izzy had a great time looking at all the plants and walking around. In the Japanese garden they have these giant koi that you can feed. I thought that possibly she might be a little afraid of them but she loved them. We told her that they were kissing because they come right up out of the water with their mouths open hoping for some food. She actually didn't want to leave and keeps talking about going back!

Well yesterday was Izzy's performance at gymnastics. It was so cute. It basically consisted of free gym time for 10 minutes and then a little routine they had. Izzy did great during the free gym time but pretty much hid in my lap during the performance itself. So of course I have no pictures at all! The best part was that they each got medals at the end and Izzy was so excited to get her "necklace"! She carries it around everywhere with her and couldn't wait to show it to daddy last night. Of course we had to round out the day with a doctor's visit. Just a checkup but lets just say it didn't go well. The second she stepped on the the scale the crying started and didn't end until we walked out the door. I wonder how the pediatrician doesn't go deaf? I mean she is listening to a screaming kid with a stethoscope. I bet it is one of those secret work hazards that they never tell you about. Anywhoo, the whole kicker was she didn't even get any shots!!!!! I mean sheesh! If we could only go back to the days of not remembering things, that would be awesome! LOL!

So today is Tuesday and that means it is Twinkling Tuesday time! Madelynn's seven-year-old brother, Jack, has this week's sketch for us and it is sure a fun one. Not too complicated but with lots and lots of detail. So without further ado, I present to you Jack's sketch and my card!

Sketch

Card

At first I was a little confused by the three dots in the circle but I made a happy little mistake by stamping my boy too close to the edge of the paper and voila, a place to put my brads!!!! I started this card by first stamping Oakley from the new Summer Kit by Whiff of Joy on white card stock and colored him in using my copics. I just received my kit in the mail over the weekend and have been stamping them up like mad! I love them! Any whoo, I then stamped him again and stamped one of the Beach Sentiments from All That Scraps in the center of the wood, colored it in, cut it out and popped it off the main panel. To create the log, I simply took my multiliner pen and drew it in then colored it in with my copics. Following the sketch, I layered on rust, yellow and brown card stock along with DP from A2Z. I finished the card off by placing jumbo eyelets in each of the four corners. I have to say I am pretty happy with this card except for all the white space around Oakley. I think if I made it again I would draw in some trees or something. You know me, terrified of white space!

Now it is time to head out and check out the rest of the fabulous DT's creations! This week's featured designer is Debbie and her work will surely knock your socks off. Don't forget all you need to do to participate is simply type in the keyword MTTSC23 when uploading to PCP or SCS and leave us a comment on the Twinkling Blog so we can check out your work!

Thanks everyone for stopping by today! Lots of smiles!

Arrrrrrrrrrr!!!

2009-05-14T05:48:00.005-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone!!!

Hope you are having a great week! Izzy and I had an incredibly busy day yesterday. We went to Michaels twice, once to pick up something for my neighbor and then a second time to return something. It wasn't all in vane though, we actually found jars of prima flowers on sale back in the clearance section!!! Can you say stocked up! OMGoodness they are amazing! I am so happy I went!

I know I have mentioned my wonderful neighbors before and how much they do for us, so when Beth asked me to help her out on a wedding program project I did not hesitate. Of course it turned into a way bigger ordeal than either of us could foresee but it was all worth it in the end. We actually got 120 programs completed yesterday. It took a lot of printing, a lot of screaming at the computer and numb fingers from tying tiny little bows but it all worked out. Poor Izzy was even exhausted and she didn't really do anything except sit and look pretty for us! At one point though, the poor baby, she got so tired that she actually laid down next to Tanner their dog! It was so, so cute! She actually adores their dog Tanner and is always asking to go see him. In fact she asks Jason every weekend if they can go feed Tanner because a couple of weeks ago Scott and Beth were out of town and needed someone to do it! Of course now in her mind it is part of the weekend routine! LOL! I actually called Beth and told her that if she ever needs anyone to feed him don't call anyone else because Izzy would be sorely disappointed! LOL!

Well I have gabbed long enough today! I know what you all are here for! You want your daily dose of Anya and Ian sneak peeks! Well I have one for you today and Mr. Ian is one swashbuckling lad! You guessed it! Marie has created a pirate themed set for May! I would like to introduce you to Matey!

Is he not the coolest thing ever!!!!!!! I mean he looks exactly like Johnny Depp, don't you think? And that hat! Gotta Love it! So for this card, I cased this idea from Randi who created the coolest ship card you have ever seen! It has been in the back of my mind for quite awhile now and when I received this set I knew exactly what I wanted to do! I started my card off by first stamping Pirate Ian from Matey by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored him in with my markers. I then cut him out and placed him to the side. For the card base itself, I simply layered on brown and olive card stock and placed a piece of Making Memories Halloween paper called Spellbound, over the top. For the sails, I took a piece of cream card stock and cut it into two different sized rectangles and mounted them on black card stock. Next I distressed the edges with some black ink and stamped the sentiment and skull and crossbones from the new Matey set. I then, punched holes in the top and bottom and threaded through a thick lollipop stick I found at Michaels, making sure the center popped up a little. I adhered Ian to the center of the larger sail and created little flags out of green card stock I bent around a pencil. To complete the card, I placed some black and green buttons in the corner tied with brown scrappers floss to make it look aged. I hope you like it!

Now for the rest of the Club Anya DT girls! AMAZING!!!!! Of course they are!

And don't forget all these previewed stamps will be available tonight at Midnight CST!!!!! And to kick off all the fun, we will be having a Virtual Stamp Night over at the Club Anya PCP page!! It is going to be a night full of fun, partying and I am sure lots of talent! So make sure you join us! Thanks so much for stopping by today! Smiles!

Surfs Up, Dude!

2009-05-13T07:55:00.004-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!

How is your week going so far? Mine is turning into a crazy one but a really good one! Izzy and I had a great day yesterday hanging out and playing outside. OMGoodness it was so beautiful yesterday. The perfect temperature, sunny and not too windy. So nice. It did start to get a little iffy in the evening but we were inside eating dinner and settling down for the evening by then so it was no big deal!LOL!

Well, Izzy has discovered the fun that can be had by making a pillow fort on the floor. Yesterday I came into the den to work on some computer stuff when I look over and she has every pillow I have laying on the floor! She then proceeded to grab a book and make herself at home! It was so adorable! But the best part was, about 30 seconds after she sat down, she patted the pillow beside her and said, "Mommy pillow." I mean how can I resist! She is such a cutie!!

So, it is Wednesday and that means it is day two of the sneak peeks happening right now over at Club Anya!!! How adorable was Hula Anya? I mean how could Marie top her!!! Oh but she did! It is my privilege to introduce you to Surfer Ian!!!!!

He Moves/Surfs!

OMGoodness doesn't he kind of look like Patrick Swayze in Point Break?!!!! That hair! It is just so awesome and his little surfer board is too cute!!! Okay, so I started this card by first stamping Surfer Ian by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored him in with my copics. Next I cut him out and attached him to a brad with a pop dot. For the layout I used a Mojo Monday sketch from a couple of weeks ago and layered on rust, green and blue card stock along with DP from K and Company and Imaginesce. the waves were created by simply cutting out the bubbles on my Imaginesce paper and layering them on top of each other. The card stock waves were created with my EK success punch. Next I punched a whole through my card and inserted my Surfer Ian with brad so that he could turn freely. For the sun in the corner, I cut out a rust circle and a yellow circle I embossed with my cuttlebug folder and attached two squares of rust behind it. To finish off my card, I printed off my sentiment on the computer, attached it to some rust card stock I cut out with my nesties and placed it down in the corner. Hope you enjoy!

Now it is time to check out the other DT girls work!!! I have to say I have previewed them and they are amazing!!! Wow!! Can't wait to case some of their awesomeness!

Thanks for stopping by today! Don't forget to check back in tomorrow for the last day of sneak peeks! Smiles!

Aloha Anya Fans!

2009-05-12T07:49:00.004-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

Hope your week has started off well. I have to say it is absolutely stunning here! OMGoodness spring has finally arrived and I am so, so excited. Izzy was even out yesterday planting flowers with Jason it was so beautiful! She has a new obsession, flowers. Everytime she steps outside with Jason she wants to plant flowers or go to the store and look at flowers/plants. It is so cute! I am really glad that they have something so wonderful to share with one another. In fact I called yesterday to see what the two of them were doing (I had a doctor's appointment to go to) and Jason told me they were outside and that Izzy was sitting on his lap helping him plant! Isn't that sweet! I wish I had been home to see it! I always miss the good ones!

Well, I know what you all are here for and I won't keep you in suspense any longer! Today is day one of the sneak peeks for the new Anya and Ian Stamps from The Greeting Farm! We are kicking off a week of fun and games here and that will culminate in a Virtual STamp Night Luau on Thursday and the release of all the new stamps!!!! Doesn't that sound exciting! I can hardly wait! And since you probably can't either, I present to you Hula Anya!!!

Could you not just die!!!!! I mean the beautiful hair, the way her arms are positioned!!! OMGoodness she is the cutest! I so want to be in Hawaii now! Of course I would love to go to Hawaii anytime (never been there) but this makes me want to go even more! So I started this card by first stamping Hula Anya by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Next I added some fiber from Basic Grey to the skirt to make it look like a real hula skirt and prima flowers to the hair. I would love to say that the flowers were my idea but alas they were not!!! My great friend and Club Anya VP, Jess, actually came up with the idea and I just had to copy her! It was so cool! For the layout itself, I used last week's Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge and layered on yellow and green card stock along with DP from Imaginisce. I created the wave with my new EK Success punch and tied a yellow ribbon around it. To complete my card, I added three flowers to the corner, stuck black rhinestones in the centers of all of them and hand wrote, "Aloha" in the bottom corner! Hopefully a very tropical and fun card!

Now it is time to visit the rest of the DT's amazing creations! Not only are these woman unbelievably talented but they are also the sweetest people you would ever want to know!

Thanks for stopping by everyone!!! I will be visiting you this week and will hopefully be getting caught up! Stay tuned for my Twinkling Tuesday post later today and don't miss tomorrow's sneak peek! Smiles!

Sunshine and a Little Howdy!

2009-05-11T14:13:00.004-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!!!

Hope your Mother's Day went well! Mine was so nice. I was able to relax and get some stamping time in. I even got to have a little ice cream as a special dessert! Yummo! I have to say the best part was that Izzy presented me with a gift certificate for a spa treatment!!!! Can you believe it!!! I am so, so excited! Of course Daddy had to do all the actual arrangements seeing as how she doesn't have a credit card or know how to operate the phone, but I am sure she came up with the idea all by herself! LOL!

Today, Izzy went to gymnastics again. She had the best time! She actually jumped a little bit on the trampoline instead of just marching in place. Next week they are supposed to have a little performance so the kids learned the routine today. Ummm, yeah, I think this is something mainly mommy will be doing while Izzy rolls in place! LOL! Seriously, I am not sure if I can even remember it and poor Izzy has no idea how to arch her back like a cat so it was pretty entertaining! Luckily, it will basically only be the people that are in her class so I wont' have to embarrass myself in front of a whole bunch of new people!

Well today and the rest of this week are certainly going to be bright and sunny around Club Anya! Tomorrow kicks off our first official day of sneak peeks, our Virtual Stamp Night is happening Thursday night leading up to the release and we have a Club Couture contest going on now! Wheww that is a lot of fun things happening in one place!

Since I am not allowed to officially sneak peek the rest of the May release until tomorrow, I decided to hold you over by offering up a bit of eye candy today!

Don't you love these Miss Anya'a? Can you stand it! I know I can't! I am so excited that they are going to be up for grabs on Friday! I can hardly wait to see what everyone does with them! Anywhoo, I started this card by stamping Sunshine Anya from Rain, Snow, Shine by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I added the pebbles and sand with my copic mulitliner and colored them in with my copics as well. Next I cut her out along with two shades of teal card stock using my labels 4 nesties. For the layout, I used Sketch #8 from Stamps and Smiles, and layered on orange, dark teal, and light teal card stock along with some DP from Marrakesh by Basic Grey. I threaded teal ribbon vertically and horizontally in the corner and tied on a ghost star from Heidi Swapp. I then popped off my main image and placed three orange brads in the corner. I finished off my card by threading through my sentiment which I stamped from Hope And Grace and mounted on orange card stock. I don't' know if I am 100 percent happy with this card. I just feel like it is missing something but I can't quite figure out what! LOL!

And because I just can't help myself when it comes to Anyas and Ians, I have one more little project to show you! When I saw this sketch over at Friday Sketcher's last week, I knew I had to give it a try!

Isn't this little cowgirl the cutest!!!! And the paper! I am so in love with the dark tones of this new Greeting Farm paper! It is amazing!!! OOOOOH and did you see there is going to be more!!! I can hardly wait!!! But I digress! I started this card by first stamping Wild West Anya by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I then cut her out along with some green and red card stock using my mega curved rectangle nestabilites. Following the sketch, I layered on brown, red and green card stock along with Sunny Glen DP from The Greeting Farm. Next I tied a ribbon across the bottom, glued on a bow and added three star brads to the corner. To complete the card, I distressed my Anya with some close to cocoa ink and a sponge and hand wrote, "Howdy" at the bottom! I just really like how the paper makes it look rustic!

Well thanks for stopping by everyone! Can't wait to see you tomorrow when we kick off the first day of sneak peeks for Club Anya! Smiles!

Welcome Home to SUINK and More!

2009-05-10T10:21:00.004-05:00

Happy Sunday again!

This is actually my second post for today so make sure to scroll down for some Club Anya news!

I wanted to come back today and share that SUINK and More has some exciting new products for May!!! Nope not stamps this month but a whole new line of papers and accessories from My Little Shoebox! If you haven't seen this company's products you are definitely in for a treat! They are too fun and colorful and offer a great variety of possibilities! To show off some, I have created three projects! A scrapbook page (yep, pick yourself off the floor, I actually made one! Be kind this was my first attempt! LOL!), a card and a little gift. Since the paper had little houses on it, I thought a housework/housewarming theme would be ideal!

First up is my scrapbook page I created. I decided to pick some of my favorite pictures of Izzy doing "housework duties". Of course I had to include one of Izzy and Jason since they are the ones that spend most of the time in the kitchen!

I started my scrapbook page with a piece of pink card stock cut to 8 X 8. I then layered on a piece of blue card stock and a piece of the My Neighborhood DP by My Little Shoebox available at SUINK. I printed off three of my favorite pictures of Izzy doing housework and mounted them on pink, blue and green card stock. I then added some felt buttons and some real buttons (My Little Shoebox) to each of the corners. I tied a piece of coordinating ribbon from MLS with a charm from Karen Foster. To complete the page, I added the stove from Kiss The Cook by SUINK to the corner and added the word "Housework" that I cut out using my Cricut machine! I am actually proud of this page. It isn't the most beautiful page I have ever seen but it isn't too bad either! LOL!

My card and box go together and I thought they would be a nice little treat to give to a new neighbor. I thought the box could house some freshly baked cookies or some fantastic smelling candles and would be a great house warming gift.

My card I created by first stamping the little girl from Kiss The Cook by SUINK and More on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. To create the floor, I used my copic multiliner pen and a ruler then colored in the checkerboard with my copics. I finished her off by distressing the edges with certainly celery. Next, I layered on green, pink and blue card stock along with several different DPs from My Little Shoebox available at SUINK. To create the wave on the side, I used a new EK Success punch I picked up at Michaels. To complete the card, I added some ribbon and buttons from MLS and tied on another little charm from Karen Foster.

For my coordinating gift, I created a simple box out of some of the new Core'dinations White Wash paper available at SUINK. I filled my box with some of the best smelling little votive candles I found in the dollar bins at Michaels. I then tied it closed with a gingham ribbon from MLS and another charm from Karen Foster. To decorate the outside, I used some of the new MLS paper available at SUINK and mounted it on some pink card stock. I used my Martha Stewart Punch to create the picket fence and popped it off the bottom. The sentiment is stamped from Kiss the Cook by SUINK and mounted on a piece of green card stock. I hope our new neighbors enjoy it!

Thanks for stopping by today and checking out the new product offerings from SUINK and More!!! These will be available in the new revamped store starting this Wednesday, May 13th. And don't forget to check out the rest of the DT's fabulous creations! They are amazing!!!

Smiles!

Anya's Jumping Through Hoops and Ian's Putting Out Some Fires!

2009-05-10T09:42:00.005-05:00

Happy Sunday and a very Happy Mother's Day to Everyone!!!

Jason, Izzy and I have a pretty busy day planned for today. We are going to do some yard work, craft a little bit, and then maybe go to the park. The day looks like it is going to be a beautiful one so I hope we make it!

I had a really exciting day yesterday. I drove up to Bloomington, IL and met my good friend Jess!!! OMGoodness the place we met at was unbelievable! It is called The Keepsake Element and I am telling you it is like walking into a salon! It was simply gorgeous inside and the tables were huge!!! But the best part was the staff members were so wonderful and friendly and the prices were really good on all the stuff! We will definitely be meeting there more often!!

Izzy was quite the busy little bee yesterday with Daddy while I was gone. They went shopping for plants, watched a little baseball and did a whole bunch of gardening. When she woke up this morning I thought she would be elated to see me since I was gone all day yesterday. Nope! All I got was a quick hug, an "I missed you too!" and then "I want Daddy!" Nothing like that to tell you Happy Mother's Day, huh? LOL!

Well I have two quick projects to share with you today to kick off this week's Anya and Club Anya festivities! No, I am not sneak peeking yet! That will come on Tuesday, but I wanted to share something to kind of get you in the mood! So first up I have a little card that I gave to Jess's wonderful daughter Madelynn who is always providing me with incredible sketches just when I need them!! I am telling you, I would jump through any kind of hoops for one of her sketches as will Anya! Thank you so much Madelynn!

How can you resist this adorable clip in her hair!!! It is just the greatest! I started off my card by first stamping Anya and the elephant from Showtime by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I then cut both of them out and set them to the side. To create my card base, I layered on black, yellow and red card stock along with DP from Making Memories. I then used some black ribbon and tied it across the middle. For the film strip, I cut out a piece of black card stock and used my new binder punch to create the edges. I printed off my sentiment on white card stock and divided it into three panels. I then attached my Anya and elephant (which I placed on a little stool I created out of DP and black card stock). I finished my card off by attaching star buttons to the corners and round buttons to the sentiment. The hoop was created by using two nesties, one inside each other! I really hope that Madelynn likes it!

For my second card, I really felt like poor Ian needed a little love so I created a card just for him! Of course he is one hot guy and seems to be putting fires out everywhere! And here he is in his uniform!

That hat is the cutest!!!! Oh my and with summer coming up, a fireman would be endless amounts of fun! Anywhoo, I started this card by stamping Rescue Ian by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored him in using my copics. I then cut him out with my nesties along with a green piece of paper and a red piece of paper. I created the card base by layering on yellow, green and red card stock along with my brand new Sunny Glen DP from The Greeting Farm!!! This stuff is fantastic!!! I finished up my card by running two pieces of yellow ribbon around the card and tying on a sentiment I stamped using some alpha stamps from Michaels. I then added the two square brads to the side! I think this would make a fun card maybe for a BBQ invite or for the rambunctious boys in your life!

Well thanks everyone for hanging out with me today! Don't' forget all the exciting stuff going on now over at Club Anya! We have contests galore, sneak peeks starting and a VSN night!!!! How excited are you!!! Can't wait to see everyone there! Smiles!

Happy Twinkling CInco De Mayo!!!

2009-05-05T09:20:00.005-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

I know it has been a long time since I have posted, but for some reason I have no mojo for blogging! I have been super busy creating projects and have them stacked up ready to share but, I just haven't felt like typing. I think it is the weather. Spring has finally sprung and I guess I just have cabin fever! What I feel horrible about though, is that I have neglected all of you! I truly enjoy seeing everyone's creations and will be back out again I promise to enjoy!

Well yesterday was Izzy's second day at gymnastics. There was one extra kid there yesterday and it didn't seem to phase her. She headed right for the trampoline to "jump", i.e., march in place and then did the little balance beam again. She even crawled under the big cushioney circle! I am so proud of her! She really had a great time! Oh and real quick, her new favorite line is, "I came back!" She now says it any time she walks into the room! What a little drama queen!

Since today is Cinco De Mayo and Twinkling Tuesday, I decided to combine the two! Madelynn is back and has a great sketch for us this week. Although I did flip it and switch the sentiment, I still think she will like it! I hope so!!!!

Don't you just love this paper! I just picked it up from K and Company. It is so fruity and fun for summer I couldn't resist! I started the card off by first stamping Hola Chica by Paper Pretties on white card stock and then colored her in using my copics. Next I cut her out with my labels four nesties along with some yellow and orange card stock. Following the sketch, I layered on orange and yellow card stock along with some DP from K and Company. I tied a red and green stitched ribbon across the middle, stopping short of the edge and added three buttons to the top. (Doesn't the red one kind of look like a sombrero? Okay maybe if you are standing 20 feet away and squint real hard!) I finished the card off by printing off my sentiment on the computer and cutting it out with my nesties. I hope Madelynn likes it!!!

Now onto the rest of the DT! I know that they will have some great things in store for you today, especially our featured DT member this week Christi! Remember all you need to do is type in the keyword MTTSC21 when uploading to SCS or PCP and be sure to leave a comment on the Twinkling Blog so we know you have played!

Thanks everyone for hanging out with me today!!! Lots of smiles!

Some News from SUINK!

2009-05-05T09:07:00.004-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I have a quick post to let you know what is going on now at SUINK and More!

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Spring has sprung, and here at Storage Units, Ink, we want to help you with your "SPRING CLEANING". As you are cleaning out your closets, cabinets, and drawers, you keep taking a look at your inkpads and wish you had that perfect something to store them in...Well, look no further Storage Units, Ink is here to help

Storage Units, Ink customizes in quality wood storage units for all your inkpad storage needs...And, for the entire month of MAY we are offering 10% off ALL storage units...So, put down your duster, go to your computer, and check it out www.suink.net

This discount does NOT apply to orders previously placed...No need to enter a discount code...the discount will come off automatically at checkout...Please note that during "special offering" times, we get further backed up...We are a Mom and Pop shop, and will try our best to get every order out as quickly as possible

While it is "SPRING CLEANING" time, we here at Storage Units, Ink are doing some cleaning of our own...We are merging our two website together to better help you with your shopping...During this time, please excuse our dust...if you happen to get encounter a "dust bunny", please contact us directly so we can further assist you

We are adding LOTS more goodies to the store...be sure to check us out during the month of MAY as new products will start being added next week... www.suinkandmore.typepad.com AND as always, shipping is ONLY $3.95 domestic...and $5.95 international...while there, be sure to check out the "BLOG" the Design Team has got some "GREAT" projects to show you...

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In honor of the this great sale I created a fun little card using one of the new April sets and last week's sketch challenge over at Splitcoast for the layout!

Ever since I received this stamp set I have wanted to make the animals riding in a train or truck and the sketch was perfect for it! Just a little tweeking and it came out just right. So I started this card by first stamping the monkey and the giraffe from Welcome to The Zoo by SUINK and More on white card stock and colored them in with my copics. I then created my truck out of some brown card stock that I cut slats out of and adhered over the top of my colored images. Next I replaced the circle in the sketch with my truck cab that I cut out of some more brown card stock. I mounted my vehicle on green card stock and then cut out wheels using my circle nesties and some brads. To finish the card off, I layered on some DP from DCWV I received from my good friend Jacquie along with brown, orange and green card stock. I stamped my sentiment in the truck window and I was finished!!!

And one more piece of great SUINK news! Please help me welcome Danielle Holsapple as our newest addition to the team!!!

Thanks for stopping by today! Smiles!

Rainy Day Flowers!

2009-04-29T16:20:00.005-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!

Izzy is on the mend today! Yay!!! She pretty much slept all day yesterday, but today she is bright eyed and bushy tailed. Of course she is super duper cranky because she doesn't feel 100% but hey it is progress! LOL! She has been coloring and harassing Tuxy pretty much all day. She is going through a stage where she doesn't want Tuxy to be anywhere near her. She shuts the doors so he can't come in and then tries to get him to move wherever he is laying down. Poor dog can't get any rest.

Well since today is Wednesday that means it is Watchadoin' Wednesday over at Storage Units, Inks and More! We have a great challenge for you this week, Flowers!

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The weather is so up and down these days around here. One day it is 82 the next it is 32! I am so ready for warm weather. That is where the inspiration for this week's challenge comes from. Help brighten my day by creating cards with a flower theme! I am so ready to do some gardening and see some green grass and smell some sweet flowers. I hope this will hold me over, lol.
Thanks everyone, have fun with this one. When uploading to an on line gallery please use the keywords SUINKWWC38. Can't wait to see what you come up with. Don't forget to leave a comment so we can check out your fabulous ideas and ohhhh and ahhhhh. And be on the look out for the DT samples. They are always fabulous, don't you think?
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So with that being said I decided to make a flower pot card! And here it is!

Closed

Open

I just love these cards! They are so fun and easy to make! Directions can be found here. Following the pot directions, I made my pot out of a piece of Making Memories double sided DP and punched it with my scalloped edge punch from EK Success. I then made my insert from a piece of blue card stock and some white card stock. For the flowers themselves I used my shapeabilites and punched out blue card stock flowers and DP flowers along with green leaves from green card stock. I added buttons to the centers to give them some character. To complete my card, I stamped the first part of the sentiment from Rain, Rain, Go Away by Storage Units Inks and More on white card stock and mounted it on a piece of green. I then punched a hole in the end and ran a piece of green stitched ribbon through it. I completed the card by stamping the rest of the sentiment on the inside. A quick and fun "thinking of you" card.

Now it is time to check out the rest of the DT's creations!

Thanks for stopping by and make sure you have collected your letter today for the Club Anya giveaway! Smiles!

Twinkle, Ribbit! Twinkle, Ribbit!

2009-04-28T10:05:00.003-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Well we are house full of sickies. I am starting to feel better, I think mine is just allergies, but poor Jason and Izzy have colds. Izzy had a bad fever yesterday and was pretty grouchy but her fever has broken and now she is just exhausted. Poor baby. Jason has aches and a sore throat so he might be staying home tomorrow if he isn't better! Aww the role of a mom never ends! LOL!

Izzy did feel well enough yesterday to go to her first ever gymnastics class!! She had so much fun! I was really worried because she is usually super shy around other kids but she got along really well with them and even cried at the end when we had to leave! Of course now we have to work on leaving won't change just because you cry! LOL! She did walk on the balance beam and even stayed on. I was so surprised. Of course it is only an inch and a half off the floor and made out of thick foam but beggars can't be choosers right! The best thing was that they get little bee stamps on their hands when the class is over! Can I tell you how excited Izzy was! Now all she wants to do is go to gymnastics. Try explaining to a two year old that gymnastics is only once a week! LOL!

So today is Tuesday and you know what that means it is Twinkling Tuesday!! Miss Madelynn is such a great big sister, that she has graciously stepped aside this week to allow her brother Nick to issue our challenge! He had quite a fun one in store for us, Frogs!!!! You must use frogs (or any other critter) on your card. I guess that Nick adores anything frogs and wanted to see tons of cards made with them. So this week I brought out my trusty Greeting Farm images and whipped up a little something for him!

What do you think? Aren't the eyes on the frog too cute and the adorable way he is smiling just cracks me up! Love it!!! I started this card by first stamping the frog and fish from Down By The Pond by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored them in using my copics. Following a Mojo Monday sketch from a couple of weeks ago, I then tore strips of blue paper and adhered them to a base of white to create water. I did the same thing again on another piece, cut it out with my nesties and placed my fish on top. I mounted them on blue and green card stock to give them some depth. For my frog, I cut out a rock shape using some DP from K and Company, mounted it on some more K and Co. DP and placed my frog on top. To finish the layers of the card, I followed the sketch, layering on blue and green card stock along with the rest of the DP from K and Co. I tied a bow across the cloud paper using brown ribbon and added three green brads down the side. To complete the card I simply went out into the yard, picked up a tiny stick and tied on a little fish button so that it would look like he was fishing. The sentiment I stamped from Down By The Pond, just to add a little character. I hope Nick likes it!

Now it is time for you to participate! All you need to do is leave a comment on Madelynn's blog and type in the keyword MTTSC20 when uploading to SCS or PCP. Cassie is this week's featured stamper and her creation will amaze you as will all the other awesomely talented girls on the DT!

Thanks everyone for hanging in there with me. I am slowly (and I mean very slowly) trying to get caught up on all your wonderful creations! And don't forget the challenge running right now over at Club Anya!!! You don't want to miss your chance to win the new Miss Anyas! Smiles!

Singing In The Rain!

2009-04-27T06:13:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!

Boy am I tired. Not that I am complaining but it has been one crazy week last week and I just got back yesterday. My aunt just had her 30th anniversary celebration and my mom, dad, sister and I threw her a huge bash at my parents. There was a ton of laughing and eating overall good times but now I am tuckered out! It was all I could do not to fall asleep at 7 o'clock last night! LOL!

Jason and Izzy decided to stay home since the house was going to be really crowded and people were staying up so late. It actually worked out for the best but I sure did miss my baby! I haven't ever been away from her for two nights in a row so it was a little tough. Izzy and Jason had a great time though. They gardened and went to the plant store and even had a little dinner date with Izzy's friend Melaina!

Now with some important news from Club Anya!!!!!!

I have a VERY special sneak peek for you today from Club Anya and The Greeting Farm...a BRAND NEW Miss Anya set is going to be released on the 15th of this month! How exciting is that???

Even better? ONE lucky winner is going to receive this stamp set when the contest ends on Thursday evening. The WINNER will be announced THIS Friday, May 1st..that's almost TWO whole weeks before the actual release by the time the mailman delivers it!!!

All you have to do is play along with our little game this week! Head on over to the Club Anya blog to THIS post to start the game and to go over the official rules:

You will need to stop by certain Team Member's blogs on certain days to be given a series of clues. The official schedule is posted on the Club Anya blog. Each team member will be giving you a special sneak peek of this ADORABLE new set, and a clue for you, in the form of a letter in the alphabet.

Once you have collected ALL FOUR clues, you will have to DESCRAMBLE the letters to form a word. Once you guess what the word is, you will have until Thursday, April 30th, 2009 at 8pm CST to email Jessica with your guess. At that time, all of the correct guesses will be entered into a contest to WIN the BRAND NEW MISS ANYA SET!!!

Ready to play!!!!!

Here is my sneak peek of the new set!!!!

IsN't she the cutest!!!! I mean how could you resist her! I started my card by stamping one of the new Miss Anya's from The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I then mounted her on some coral and brown paper and following a sketch from Taylored Expressions (The one our fearless leader Jessica used this week seeing as how she was the featured stamper!!!!!!), I layered on brown, green and coral card stock along with DP from Basic Grey's porcelain line. I finished up my card by embossing my circle with swiss dots, tied on a brown ribbon and added lots of crystal effects and sparkle to resemble rain drops! Hope you like it!

Did you get your clue!! Make sure you collect them all!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Smiles!!!

Fun in the Sun with Pink Cat!!!!!

2009-04-23T08:08:00.004-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone!!!!

Gosh this week has flown by in a whirlwind of activity!!! Izzy and I went to Michaels and Archivers yesterday, and today we will be going out to lunch with Jason and then to Target and Hobby Lobby. My mom is throwing a party for my aunt this weekend and needs a ton of stuff picked up for her! It has been crazy trying to get everything she wants, but Izzy has been in hog heaven! She loves to ride in the car and it was the first thing she asked about when she woke up yesterday. It was so crazy!

We went out to the park yesterday and walked around, too. (Thank goodness there was no bunnies around! Lol!) We walked her around and the poor thing was so sad when we got back in the car she was crying! I guess she just loves the outdoors!

Well today is the day everyone!!!! Are you excited! It is the release of the new Lily At The Beach set from Pink Cat Studio! This set is so much fun and all the images and sentiments are fantastic! I know I will be using it all summer long! So without further ado I introduce you to Lily At The Beach!

And here is my card to honor her introduction!

Outside

Inside

Don't you love her in the towel! Reminds me of when I was a kid and would rush out of the lake, completely blue claiming that the water was warm as I shivered uncontrollably! LOL! I can attest that laying in the sun, wrapped in your towel was the best feeling in the world after a dip in the cold lake! Anywhoo, I started my card by first finding an image of a pair of sunglasses on the internet, blowing it up and printing it off to use as a template. I then traced it and cut it out of black card stock and some DP from Stampin' Up! I made sure to leave some uncut at the top fold so that it would fold in half. I then used my nesties to cut out flowers for the corners using a matching DP. I finished off the front by drawing some white sun lines on the glasses and stamping my sentiment from Lily At The Beach, coloring it in and creating a tag with some blue paper and some string. For the inside, I started by stamping Lily wrapped in a towel from Lily At The Beach by Pink Cat studio on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I then cut her out and put her on one side of my glasses. I cut another piece of white paper and placed it on the other side. I completed the card by stamping my sentiment on the left side and drawing in some sand and beach debris! A fun and fanciful card!

Now it is time once again to check out the DT girls wonderful creations!!! They are so talented and creative! And thanks once again to Tori for joining us this month!

Now go get your stamps! LOL! Thanks everyone for stopping by! Smiles!

I See A Mermaid at Pink Cat!!!

2009-04-22T07:26:00.005-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!!

Hope your week is going well! Man the time is just flying by this week isn't it! Looks like today is going to be absolutely stunning so I am very excited!!!! Finally some nice outdoor weather!!!

So what did you think of yesterday's creations? Didn't the DT girls rock!!! I swear they get better and better every day!! I am so excited to see what they have in store today! (And I am convinced this new Lily At The Beach set is bringing in the summer weather! I mean look at today it is going to be beautiful!)

Well yesterday I offered up two sneak peeks but today I have only one. I have to say though that I am in love with Miss Lily in this one! She is a mermaid!!! I just adore mermaids! In fact The Little Mermaid was my all time favorite movie. I would watch it over and over as a kid. I just adored her long flowing hair! But I digress. Melissa's Lily as a mermaid is just as glam and gorgeous and here she is!

See what I mean! I love the way her hair is blowing in the wind and the way Melissa has drawn her sitting on the rock! I mean the possibilities are endless! And then to top it all off she has included the most adorable sentiments! I am telling you I am in stamping heaven! Anywhoo, I started this card by first stamping Mermaid Lily from the new Lily At The Beach by Pink Cat Studio on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Using Mojo Monday Sketch 81, I layered on brown and blue card stock along with some DP from Penny Lane. I ran a piece of ribbon across the bottom and then added some buttons to the top. I then mounted my image on brown and blue and popped it off at an angle. I decided to sparkle her up a bit so I added pearls to her hair and lots of glitter with my glitter pen. I finished my card by stamping the sentiment, also from Lily At The Beach and colored it in with my copics. I then cut it out with my pinking circles nesties along with some brown and blue and popped it off as well!! All in all a pretty cheerful card!

Now it is time once again to check out the other DT girls!!! I am so excited to see what they have in store!

Thanks everyone for stopping by today! This is actually my second post for today, the first is right below this one! And tomorrow is release day!!!!!! How excited are you!!!! I am brimming over truly! Can hardly wait!! Smiles!

Twinkling Tuesday is Magical!!!

2009-04-22T07:08:00.004-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!

Sorry my post is late. I had my card done but yesterday turned into one crazy day and I wound up falling asleep pretty early last night. I feel energized today so hopefully I will be able to get a whole lot done!

Izzy had Melaina over all day yesterday. They had a good time, but are now in the stage where they take toys from each other. Melaina is more assertive than Izzy so she is the one that usually does the taking (she is also 6 months younger). So it was a day spent putting out little fires. It was funny though at one point. Melaina had taken some ribbon from Izzy and Izzy looked up at me and said, "Lainy night, night!". Lol! So I had to explain that it was not Lainy's night night time and that putting Lainy down for a nap wasn't the best solution!

Now to the task at hand! It is Twinkling Tuesday everyone! (A Day Late!) Madelynn has graciously asked her brother Jack to step in this week and give us a sketch. And it is so nice and clean and simple. I have learned though that for some reason the simple ones always trip me up! But hopefully I created a project that Jack will like!

It's a bookmark!!! When I saw the long rectangles on the sketch all I could think about was a book mark! I started my bookmark by first stamping Peter from the Never Ever set by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored him in with my copics. Next, following Jack's sketch, I layered on brown and green card stock along with DP from Stampin' Up. I stamped my sentiment, also from Never Ever on white card stock and cut it out with my labels 4 nesties. I mounted it on green and brown card stock as well. Brads were added to the bands I created and I popped off my Peter image using dimensionals. To complete my bookmark, I punched a hole in the top and threaded through a brown stitched ribbon!!! Hope it is okay Jack!

Now it is time to check out all the other Twinkling Girls!!! This week's featured stamper and now Dirty Dozen Girl is Bonnie!!!! And as always we would love you to participate this week, simply type in the keyword, MTTSC19 when uploading your creation to PCP or SCS and leave a comment on the Twinkling blog so we know where to find you! Here are the twinkies!

Thanks everyone for stopping by today! I really have to apologize for not being by your blogs! My google reader is insane right now and it is going to take me awhile to get through it! I just hate missing everyone's incredible creations! Lots of smiles!

Life's A Beach!

2009-04-21T07:22:00.006-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!!

I hope your week started off well! It rained on and off here yesterday, but we were able to get some good outdoor time in anyway. And boy do I have an Izzy story for you! Wow! That will be at the end of my post because I want to get down to business! Today is the first day of the sneak peeks of the new Lily at the Beach set available this Thursday from Pink Cat Studio!

I don't know about you guys but I am so in the mood for some sunshine and some warm weather. Since summer is fast approaching, this set is perfect for all of those upcoming summer events!

My first project for today features the beautiful Miss Lily holding an innertube. I can not tell you how many times I walked around the lake like this and then jumped in the water! We even used to have contests to see who could get the wettest while still in their tube! Aww to be a kid again! LOL! So I present to you, Lily in an Innertube!

I seriously want to head for the water now! Doesn't she look so happy and warm! Summer come please!!! I started this card by stamping the beautiful innertube Lily from Lily At The Beach by Pink Cat Studio on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I stamped the innertube again, colored it, cut it out and popped it off. For the scene behind her, I drew in some sand, pebbles and sea life then colored them in with my copics. Following TECC62 by Taylored Expressions, I layered on dark pink, light pink and olive card stock along with some DP from K and Company. For the sentiment, I stamped it from the new Lily At The Beach set, colored it in and cut it out with my nesties. Hopefully this card will put a smile on the face of the person I send it to.

The second stamp I would like to sneak today is little Lily riding on a turtle! I have to tell you I adore turtles and this one is no exception! He is uber cute and little Lily with her hat just melted me when I saw it!

Tote Front

Tote Side View

Close up

Aren't they the cutest!!! Melissa really outdid herself with this one! And for some reason I just desperately wanted to create a little tote for her! When I found these little dollar ceramic planters at Target, I knew what I wanted to do! I started this tote out by first cutting two pieces of card stock 4" X 10.5" and a third piece to 4" X 11". On my 10.5" long pieces, I scored vertically at 5.5 and 7.5. For the 11" long pieces I scored horizontally at 3 and 7 and vertically at .5 and 3.5. I then folded it up and adhered it to the front and back panels I created. (A more detailed tutorial will be posted later in the week). To create the circle at the top, I ran my pieces through my cuttlebug with my nesties! And you have a simple little tote! For the decorated front, I started off by stamping Lily on the turtle from Lily At The Beach by Pink Cat Studio on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. Following this week's sketch for you to try over at Jen Del Muro's I layered on blue, yellow and green card stock along with DP from Stampin' Up. I tied a piece of ribbon around the middle to give it some character, filled it up with my ceramic pot and put in some confetti! I think it would be nice for a little garden party favor.

Now it is time for you to check out the rest of the DT's awesome creations and please help us welcome Tori Wild as our Guest DT this month!!! She really truly is an amazing talent!

Now for my quick Izzy story! Yesterday we went to the park with my neighbor and her kids. It was a nice little break in between the storms but unfortunately the equipment was all wet. Izzy and I were having a wonderful time just walking around when it happened! The worst thing that can possibly ever happen to a kid! SHE SAW A BUNNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you screaming in terror? Um, yes for some reason my daughter is terrified of bunnies! She literally threw herself on me and wouldn't unbury her face until we left the park! She even had her little hand over one eye so she wouldn't have to see it!! I felt so bad for her, but really it is pretty funny! LOL!

Well thanks for stopping by today! I will have my Twinkling post up later this afternoon! And tomorrow is another day of sneak peeks! Smiles!

I Jinxed Her and Some Flutterings!

2009-04-20T00:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!!!

I hope everyone had a really great weekend! It has been incredibly nasty here! Basically raining all weekend and doing not much else! Poor Izzy keeps wanting to go outside or to the park but it definitely didn't happen this weekend. It pretty much rained the whole time and Jason even had to get out the pump to pump off the water from the cover of the pool since it had rained so much! Of course the minute he stepped outside, Izzy was putting on her shoes to go with him! LOL!

And speaking of Izzy, I painted her fingernails for the first time on Saturday! My baby is becoming a little girl! It was actually quite amusing. She loves when I clip her fingernails but will only let me clip one at a time. I can't seem to get her to stand still long enough. Well yesterday evening she came up to me and asked me for the clippers. Since it had only been a couple of days since I last clipped them, I really didn't have anything to do. I asked her if she wanted me to paint them instead. She of course said please and I was off to hunt down the one bottle of nail polish I own. Because I have never painted her fingernails, I decided to show her what would happen on one of mine. I painted my index finger then told her to give me her hand. The second I pulled the wand out to paint hers, she says, "Ketchup! Ketchup!" It was all I could do not to laugh. Then I painted all her nails and we blew on them until they dried. She was beaming from ear to ear so I told her to go show Daddy. Of course Daddy smiled and ohhed and ahhed over them (it was only later I found out that he was sad because she looked so big, lol!). Then she turns to me and says, "Paper towel? Wash your hands?" Uh, she obviously didn't get the concept that the nail polish stays on. I had to do the rest of my fingers in order to convince her the polish was okay, but she still walked around with her hands out in front of her for the rest of the evening! LOL!!! Ahhh, girls!

Like I said above there wasn't much to do outside this weekend so I was able to get a lot of stamping done inside!! Oh I was so excited!! In fact, I was even able to get a video tutorial completed and posted over at Club Anya!! It is my first copic tutorial and yes I do know I look like a big goober in the first frame! LOL! Now I present to you the finished creation of my tutorial piece. I decided to play along in this week's The Case of The Curious Card Contest over at The Greeting Farm blog! I mean how could I not. My wonderful friend and Club Anya leader, Jessica is the creator of the beautiful card being cased!!!!

I of course couldn't stop at just casing her card! I had to incorporate pink and butterflies, two of her favorite things!! I started my card by stamping Flutter Anya by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I added lots of sparkle gel pen to make her really shine!!! Following Jess's layout, I layered on brown, light pink and dark pink card stock along with DP from SEI and Bo Bunny. I added a pink and brown stripped ribbon to the top and popped off my image. To finish the card off, I added lots of rhinestone stickers in swirl patterns to make it look like fairy dust! I hope you like it Jess!!!!

My second project for today is to make up for the jinx I placed on my good friend Melissa. I posted a couple weeks ago a gift set I was making for her to give at her baby shower. I was just so, so sure she was going to have a girl so I made this set. Well, you all were right. I jinxed her. I just found out that they are having a boy!!! I am so sorry Melissa! LOL! Actually her and her husband are ecstatic, and can hardly wait for September! So to make up for my snafu, I present to you a thank you card set for a boy!

Gift Set

Card Box holder

Card

I liked the gift set idea so much that I decided to simply switch up the paper and images and stick with the basic concept and layout. I started the set by creating my card box out of brown and green card stock along with some DP from Basic Grey. A complete tutorial can be found here. I then stamped the baby, shirt, and bear hat from Dress Up Sweet Pea from Pink Cat Studio on white card stock and colored him in using my copics. To change the bear hat into an owl (Melissa's theme for the nursery is owls), I simply masked off the ears then drew in the circles around the eyes, the feathers at the side and the mask on the face. For the tag on the box, I stamped, "Boy" from Sweet Pea Plate 2 on his shirt and "Thanks" from Kiki Kitty down the side. I then mounted it on brown and green card stock I cut out with my nesties and attached it to my box with a brown stitched ribbon. For the card, I followed the same procedure to create my little boy as I did for the tag and mounted it on brown and green card stock along with the same DP from Basic Grey. A cuttlebugged a piece of brown card stock with my herringbone embossing folder and then attached a brown and white polka dot ribbon across the middle. I completed the card with two brown buttons and a green one up in the corner. I can only hope this makes up for my jinx!

Well thanks everyone for hanging out with me today!! Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the first day of Pink Cat sneak peeks! Smiles!

The Planets Have All Aligned in My Coloring Favor Today!

2009-04-18T16:52:00.005-05:00

Happy Saturday everyone!!!!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far! Ours is going rather well! Izzy has been able to go outside and help Jason in the garden. I have discovered that the garden is her and Daddy's personal space and I am not welcome in it! LOL! And Tuxy is having a good ol' time just lounging around! Seriously I went outside to say hi to Jason and the first thing I hear is, "Hi Mommy!" Awww sweet right? Then I hear, "Bye, Mommy! Bye Mommy! Bye Mommy!" Goodness, do you think she wants me to leave or what! LOL!

Boy has she had some great outdoor time as well!! All she wants to do now is go to the park! We have a really nice park that is about a half mile away from our house (too far to walk, unfortunately) so we don't go there too often, but the playground has a rubber floor so it is great for little kids. Well, since it was such a nice day yesterday we decided to take Izzy when Jason got home. Of course when we got there it was brimming over with kids and there was a family there that had a little girl that was about a year older than Izzy. At first she wasn't too sure about the other little girl but pretty soon they were going down the slide together. And by together I mean, the other girl would wait for Izzy to sit down, Izzy to get about half way down Izzy's slide then start down her own! It was too cute! She even called Izzy her new friend about 100 times. Never mind it wasn't until we got into the car to go home that she asked what Izzy's name was! LOL! Ah, kids! Names are such an unimportant thing!

So, I am posting today because for some reason the planets all aligned in my favor today when I was coloring in this image! I mean don't get me wrong, I am usually happy with the way an image turns out but for some reason, today's coloring is as close to what I had in my head as you could get!!!! (Don't you love days like that!) I mean I am not even ashamed to brag about it!! That's right, I think this coloring job turned out good and I am not ashamed to toot my own horn! LOL!!! So that being said here is my card I created using the awesome sketch challenge over at the Stampavie Blog!

First of all isn't the sketch fun!! I love the different layers and elements. And the image! Can you say cuteness!!! I mean seriously!!! So I started this card by coloring up Margaux is Painting by Sarah Kay for Sampavie that I received from my wonderful friend Jessica, using my copics. I then cut her out along with some maroon and teal card stock using my nesties. Following the sketch, I layered on blue, green and maroon card stock along with some DP from SEI. I popped off my main image and added brown rick rack to the top and the bottom. To finish off the card itself, I added three buttons down the side! I am just so, so pleased with this image!!! I can't wait to try to color her up again!!!!

Well thanks for checking in with me today! Don't' forget to grab your blinky over at Pink Cat Studio and gear up for the new release next week!!! Smiles!

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Mother's Day Basket!

2009-04-17T10:39:00.011-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!!!

I hope you guys had a ton of fun at the Club Anya blog hop! Wow, I had the absolute best time! And can you say amazing creations!!! I was blown away! I just can't get over how much talent there is out there!

So yesterday Izzy was in total shopping mode! For the last couple of days she has been asking to go shopping and ride in the car. She asked Jason on Wednesday night to take her to the store and to Lowes (no idea why). Well yesterday we were going to meet Jason for lunch and I decided to run some errands as well! Can I tell you how many times she asked to go to Hobby Lobby and Target! OMGoodness it was non stop! LOL! I felt bad for Jason too! Poor thing, I accidentally told her we were going to her favorite place (Target) so I think she was a little disappointed that we went to eat first! LOL! But it worked out okay once she actually saw Jason!

Okay so I know it is Friday and the challenge is called Watchdoin Wednesday, but it took me awhile to figure out the tutorial part so I am posting it on my blog today! Well this week's challenge over at SUINK was to create a basket either for Easter, mother's day, may day or any special occasion. The one thing we ask is that you share the template you use! Well since I didn't use a template, I had to create a tutorial to describe how I made it! LOL! And since I thought my little basket looked awfully lonely I wanted to create a card to match, so I used this week's Sketch Challenge at SCS for the layout!

Gift Set

Basket

Card

I want to start by describing how I made the card first. I simply followed the SCS sketch using blue, dark blue and black card stock along with some DP from Basic Grey. I then punched out some black, blue and light blue card stock using my Labels 4 nesties and stamped the sentiment, dots and swirls from Thinking of Mother by SUINK and added blue rhinestones on top of the circles. I finished up the card with some twine from Jason's gardening stash. The basket itself is created out of blue and dark blue card stock that I distressed with a sponge and some taken with teal ink following the tutorial below. I then attached the handle with some jumbo eyelets and some more of Jason's twine. I filled the basket with some green confetti and added the little label with some black and dark blue card stock that I cut out with the labels four nesties and then stamped with one of the sentiments.

Basket Tutorial

Step 1: Cut a piece of paper to 9X9 and score vertically at 3" and 6" (I am using bright colors so you can see the steps better)

Step 2: Now score horizontally at 3" and 6".

Step 3: Cut out the four corner pieces you have created with your scoring

Step 4: Now cut the vertical projections into 1" strips. Make sure you do not cut into the center square.

Step 5: Repeat step four for the horizontal projections.

Step 6: Now fold all the score lines up leaving the center square as your base.

Step 7: Cut three strips of card stock 1" X 12" and score them each at 1.5", 4.5", 7.5", 10.5". (At this point you can distress the edges if you choose.)

Step 8: Now begins the weaving. Simply decide which side you would like to be your back and place your first strip in the middle of the back and weave around the sides making sure that if you have your strip in front that it is in the back for the next one. Then glue the back.

Step 9: Take your next strip and repeat step eight except alternating strips from the last time. (So if the first strip was in front then this strip needs to be in back). Glue to the back side again.

(inside view)

(front view)

Step 10: Repeat step 8 with your final strip

(inside view)

(front view)

Step 11: For the top cap, cut a strip of paper 3" X 12" and score vertically at .5", 1.5" and 2.5"

Step 12: Score horizontally at 1.5", 4.5", 7.5" and 10.5"

Step 13: Now glue your half inch strips toward the center to create a finished edge.

Step 14: Fold your strip in half and along the other score lines you created.

Step 15: Place your finishing edge over the top and glue to the top.

Step 16: Cut a strip of card stock to 1" X 12" and attach it to your basket with either glue or some eyelets or brads and your basket is complete!

Now it is your turn to try. Simply add the keyword SUINKWWWC36 when uploading your creations to SCS or PCP. And then check out the other awesome creations by the DT.

Speaking of awesomeness! Pink Cat studio has a great new contest going on right now at the blog! You can win the new Lily at the Beach release simply by attaching this adorable blinkie to your side bar! Complete details can be found here!

Thanks everyone for hanging out with me today! Have a great rest of the day! Smiles!

Club Anya's Hop is Pretty Hot!

2009-04-15T16:41:00.005-05:00

Happy Wednesday night everyone!

And since things have gotten so hot at Club Anya and The Greeting Farm I invited Rescue Ian to put out the flames! The final sneak peek I am offering up for you tonight before the release is for Rescue Ian! He is seriously cute and a must have if you have any boys in your life!

For this project I really wanted to create a little gift that would be fun to give to the little boy my next door neighbor babysits. So I created a little treat box to hold some candy.

Top view

Side view

What do you think? Doesn't the hat look awesome! And I adore the way Ian is a member of The Greeting Farm Fire Department! Marie is amazing with all these little details! Well I started this box by simply making a generic 3 X1.5 in. box out of red card stock. I then cut out some backer board from the back of a paper pack using my nesties and then repeated the process with some Cosmo Cricket DT and some orange card stock. I used the backer board to give my box more stability. (To prevent the white board from bleeding through, I went around the edges with my red copic.) To complete the rest of the decorations on the box, I added bands of orange card stock around the middle with some more Cosmo Cricut DP and added red and card stock and DP to the top after cutting it out with my nesties. Next I stamped Rescue Ian, available tonight at The Greeting Farm, on white card stock and colored him in using my copics and a silver pen. I then cut him out and popped him off the top of my box. To complete the look, I stamped the word, "hot!" using some alphabet stamps from Michael's dollar spot and placed them on red card stock in each of the four corners. I plan on filling up the box with some Hot Tamales candy!

Now it is time to continue on the hop!!! The master list can be found on the Club Anya site! And don't forget the excellent prizes that are up for grabs tonight and all the great chatting and door prizes going on over at the PCP page! Smiles!

Do You Wanna Dance?

2009-04-15T07:27:00.004-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far! The sun has finally made an appearance this morning. Yesterday was just another cold and dreary day and I think Izzy is feeling a little under the weather. I got her up yesterday morning and pretty much all she did was cry. Poor baby. Nothing seemed to make her happy. I finally asked her if she wanted to go back to bed and she said, "please". Then when I actually laid her down, she pretty much kicked me out! LOL! I was rubbing her head, telling her how much a loved her and that I hoped she felt better. That is when she started waving to me and saying, "Bye, bye mommy! Bye, bye mommy!" I guess she was tired huh? LOL!

Well today is the big day! It is the release of all the awesome new stamps from The Greeting Farm and if that wasn't exciting enough, tonight is also the awesome Club Anya Blog Hop! I mean seriously could it get any better! I am just so excited!

So to wet your appetite for tonight's festivities I decided to sneak peek another of the new Anyas, Wild West Anya! I just love the little expression on her face and for some reason the way she is holding her hands I just thought she was dancing! And when you are dancing you obviously need a partner so I couldn't leave poor Sheriff Ian out! LOL!! That being said, I introduce you to, Wild West Anya!

Isn't she the cutest thing ever!! I mean that heart shaped hat and the braids! I love, love, love her!!!! I started out this card by stamping Wild West Anya and Sheriff Ian from The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored them in using my copics. I then cut them out, distressed the edges with chocolate chip ink and a pair of scissors and mounted them on brown and green card stock. I decided to put a couple of stitches in each picture using my paper piercing tool, ruler and an old shoelace Jason's grandma gave me to put in my stash! I then mounted them at angles on my card base of brown and green card stock along with some DP from Bo Bunny. For the sentiments I simply printed them on the computer, cut them out, mounted them on brown and black card stock, sponged on chocolate chip ink and adhered them to the page. To finish the card off, I added several star buttons I picked up at Michaels!

Now it is time to check out the other DT girls' creations!!! They have been absolutely amazing!!!

As I stated earlier tonight is the big blog hop for Club Anya! Official rules can be found here! And don't forget there are some awesome prizes as well! I am cutting and pasting them so you can see what is up for grabs!
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Also here is the "somewhat official" list of the AWARDS (each eligible for a prize that night!) to be given out for our BLOG HOPPIN' BASH on the 15th:

1.) "Best in Show". This will be given to the favorite Blog entry that night and will be voted on by YOU! All you have to do is email me the link to your favorite card, and yes you can vote for yourself if you choose. Just make sure you vote for your favorite...who you really think stole the show! Entries must be received via email by 9:45PM CST the night of the Blog Hop.

2.) "The Wild Child". This award will be given to the entry that is the wildest, most outrageous or creative use of Anya or Ian stamps and voted on by Marie, Jessica, and Team Anya.

3.) "Smokin' Hot". No, NOT Paris Hilton's "that's hot"....it's gotta be SMOKIN' hot! This award will be given out to the card or item that showcases a really hot trend in stamping or crafting. Uses a cool new technique, tool, embellishment, etc. We will throw all the entries that we think qualify for this award into a "hat" and draw one random winner that night!

4.) "A Change will do you Good". Go ahead, switch it up! This award will be given to the entry who best showcases the non- traditional. Whether you switch it up and turn Anya into Ian, Ian into Anya, Anya or Ian into WHOEVER...the morph-ier the better! Judged by Marie, Jess, and the fantabulous Team Anya and announced that night!

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Thanks everyone for stopping by and hanging out with me today! Hope to see you back here tonight where I will sneak peek the final stamp for this month's release! Smiles!

It's Showtime! And a Little Bit of Wild Twinkling!

2009-04-13T20:49:00.004-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Well yesterday was one of those horribly dreary days where all you want to do is sleep and lay around and do nothing! Seriously it was hard to get out of bed! It was either raining or simply cold and cloudy. Even Izzy was tired pretty much all day long! Poor baby, but good for me as we both cuddled for half an hour when she first woke up!

Well my sweet daughter has learned a new phrase (thanks Aunt Tracy) that she repeats constantly! Now every time I turn around she is looking and saying, "How 'bout that!" OMGoodness it is so hard to keep a straight face. Literally she was feeding Tuxy her crackers and apples yesterday afternoon, and when he accidentally dropped one on the floor she said, "How 'bout that?" It was too cute! Oh and she did the absolute sweetest thing yesterday! Usually she goes down for her afternoon nap around 2 and sleeps for a couple of hours. Well around 12:30 she came up and asked, "Daddy home soon?" So I looked at her and told her that he would be home after she woke up from her nap. So she looked at me for a minute and then said, "Izzy night, night." So I asked her if she wanted to go to bed and she said, "please!" How cute! She just loves her daddy so much!

As I said above, it is showtime at The Greeting Farm! Are you excited!!! Weren't yesterday's sneak peeks just amazing? I mean the DT girls rocked the sets! Well today it is time to sneak peek the newest Anya set called It's Showtime! And let me tell you it is the cutest set ever! Are your ready?!

Closed

Open

What did I tell you! Isn't Anya as the circus master the cutest! So, so adorable! And there are some great accessories and sentiments as well! I started this card by cutting out a popcorn container shape in red and white card stock. I then scalloped the edge with my fiskars punch and cut the red card stock into strips. I adhered the strips onto the front of the card so that it would look like the front of a popcorn container, then adhered my second sheet of white card stock to the back to create a pouch for my card to slide into. To decorate the front of my card, I stamped ringmaster Anya from It's Showtime by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics and a gold glitter pen. Next I cut her out and adhered her to the bottom. To create the whip in her hand, I cut out a small strip of black card stock and then attached some more black scrappers floss (Thanks Michelle!). The tickets were made by cutting out red strips of card stock, using my slot punch on the ends and adhering them to black card stock. I stamped the sentiment and stars from It's Showtime in blue and black ink then drew in the numbers. For the insert, I cut out pieces of white and black card stock slightly smaller than the inside of my container but longer so that I would have something to attach my popcorn too. I then punched out lots of yellow flowers with a flower punch I have had forever, placed them around the top and then added a lot of glitter. I just think this would make a really fun birthday card!

Now it is time to check out the rest of the DT girls amazing creations!

Today I have an extra special bonus for you! Since it is Tuesday and that means it is Twinkling Tuesday, I decided I couldn't resist using some more of my Greeting Farm images for this challenge! Madelynn has really come up with a doozy of a sketch for all of us and I couldn't resist playing along.

Sketch

Hidden

Peeking Out

As you can see I am really into these concept cards! LOL! I decided to fudge a little on the layout and use the branches of a tree for the bands and my Wild Things images for the stamps! I started this card by stamping the lion, the bear and the chicken from Wild Things by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored them in using my copics. I then cut them out and placed them to the side. For my card base, I layered on green and brown card stock along with some DP from Stampin' UP. I then free handed a tree trunk shape, added some brown lines for bark and a hole, then sponged over everything with some chocolate chip ink to give it some distressing. I cut a slit in the bottom of my hole and place the lion inside. The branches were done the same way as the trunk with two of them being attached to the page and the other two left free so I could make them swing. For those two branches, I simply attached my Wild Things, punched a hole in them and then ran a brad through the center so that they could swing. I placed the tree trunk on pop dots so that the branches could swing freely. I then completed my tree by adding some extra thinner branches and leaves I cut out with my nesties. For the rest of the card, I simply added three brads in the corner, printed out a sentiment on the computer, cut it out with my nesties and then attached it to my card. I think I might give this to my mom for Mother's day! LOL!

We would love for you to play along with us this week! Simply add the keyword MTTSC18 when uploading to SCS or PCP and be sure to add a comment to Madelynn's blog as well! Now check out the rest of the DT's creations!

Well I guess I am pretty long winded today! Can you wait for the release tomorrow? I can't! I am so, so excited and the blog hop is going to be awesome!!! Thanks as always for stopping by! Smiles!

Flutter and Twirl A Little, Anya!

2009-04-13T06:50:00.005-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!

I hope that everybody had a very good Easter and Easter weekend. Jason, Izzy and I had a relatively quiet one. We discussed taking Izzy to the park across the street for their annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday but she is kind of quiet and reserved and usually gets nervous around a lot of people so we decided to try it next year. It did look like a lot of fun though. The day was just perfect and the eggs were hidden all over the playground. They even had someone dress up as the Easter bunny and visit all the kids! It was so cute! At least Izzy will have something to look forward to this time next year!

Well Izzy has officially become a two year old! She has started the tantrums and we are definitely working on that! I have found the magic words (for the moment) to get her to stop crying. Are you ready? They are, "Go to your room if you want to cry." I am telling you it is amazing!! Either she goes to her room and cries for a couple of seconds or just stops the second I say it! It is a miracle! I have the power over her crying!!! LOL! Just kidding! It just cracks me up how quickly she can be wailing and then one second later she is done! She has even said to me, "Izzy done crying now." OMGoodness how silly can you get! LOL!

So now it is the moment you all of have been waiting for! It is time for me to preview one of the newest Anya's from The Greeting Farm that will be released on Wednesday, April 15th! I have to say, I literally squealed when I opened my package this month! I love, love, love these images and they color up so beautifully! So without further ado, I introduce you to Butterfly Anya!

How can you not drool over those adorable buns! They are just too cute! I started this card by tracing and cutting out a large butterfly on black card stock and Dp from Basic Grey using a piece of chipboard album I got at Micheals for a dollar. I then cut out holes in the black card stock so that the DP would peek through. Next, I layered on black and orange card stock along with some more DP from Basic Grey. After attaching the center of my butterfly to my base, I popped off the wings so that it would look like it was flying. For my image, I stamped the new Butterfly Anya by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I added lots of glitter pen to her hair, dress and wings and then cut her out and popped her off the middle of my butterfly. To complete my butterfly, I added glitter to the wings of the big butterfly with glue pen and glitter, then added antennae with some scrappers floss (I received this from my wonderful friend Michelle) and brads. Then, I added some black ribbon to the bottom and a sentiment from Happy Chef and punched it out with my nesties.

Now it is time to check out the rest of the amazing DT's creations! Trust me they will blow you away!

Today I have a bonus project for you to go along with my Izzy story. As I stated in my last post, Izzy had a little playdate with her friend Lucy on Friday. The girls had the absolute best time. They cooked in the kitchen, they played with their baby dolls, and they even colored together a little bit. Lucy and her mommy stayed until close to bedtime and before they left they got Lucy dressed in her PJs. It was so, so cute because Lucy's PJs have ballet slippers on the shirt and come with a little tutu! Well guess who got the same PJs for her birthday? That's right! Izzy received the same PJs from Lucy for her birthday! So of course we had to have them put on their tutus and then we had to get a picture! And since I got such a cute picture of the two of them, I decided to make a little quick and easy frame for it to go into.

Aren't they cute! I am so excited that they like to play together. Now onto my frame. This project was quick and simple. I picked up a dollar frame from Michaels and covered it in yellow card stock and then added a piece of DP from Hobby Lobby to the front. Around the center hole, I added some white rick rack ribbon to accent the picture. I then stamped Ballerina Anya by The Greeting Farm on white card stock and colored her in using my copics. I cut her out and placed her down in the corner. To complete the frame, I added some prima flowers to the opposite corner with a brad in the middle and then cut out the words, "Best Friends", using my cricut and placed them on the frame. I finished everything off by putting the picture of the girls in the middle! I can hardly wait to give it to Lucy! I hope she likes it!

Well that is it for me today! Thanks so much for stopping by and be sure to come back tomorrow to see the newest Anya set from The Greeting Farm! Smiles!

A Baby Thank You!

2009-04-09T09:55:00.004-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!

I actually started this post yesterday but ran out of time in the morning to get it posted. So sorry! I don't know what my deal is. I was just telling my friend Jessica last night that I have no mojo for making cards. Shocking I know! All I want to do is color. And let me tell you I have been coloring up a storm! I just counted it up. I have 10 images colored up and 3 cards all of which I can't show yet because they are for upcoming releases. I am hoping that this weekend I will have some card creating inspiration. Otherwise I am going to have to ask people to take my colored images and create cards with them! LOL!

So yesterday, Izzy and I went to my LSS. OMGoodness it has been forever since I have been in there! I am slapping my hand now! I had a great time though. Julie the wonderful owner has asked me to teach a class again in May! I am so so excited. Nervous though too. I am not sure what they want to learn from me but I hope they learn something!

Izzy is so excited about today. Tracy has the day off from work and is coming to spend the afternoon with us and then her friend Lucy will be over this evening. It is all that Izzy has talked about for the last couple of days. It is so cute! Jason is going to the baseball game with Lucy's daddy. I just hope that the game doesn't get rained out. Jason is as excited as a little kid about it so I really hope the weather clears.

I have another quick project for today. Lucy's mom is expecting a little brother or sister for Lucy in September and I am secretly crossing my fingers for a little girl. Although to be honest a boy would be fun too! (I just like the clothes for girls better. LOL!) Well she finds out on Monday and then I can begin planning her shower! I have been thinking for awhile about a great little gift I could give her at the shower that I made and when I saw this card box tutorial at SCS I knew I had the perfect little gift idea. So since it is for a baby of course I reached for my new Sweet Pea Plate #2 from Pink Cat Studio.

Gift set

Card Box

Thank You Card

See what I mean! I really hope she is having a girl! LOL! I wanted to create a gift box that would hold thank you cards for her to send out to people that attend the shower. If she does have a boy though I will just have to make up a boy set!!!! I started this project by first creating my box following the instructions found here. I used pink card stock for the bottom of my box and black for the top. I then covered the lid with a piece of decorative paper from Making Memories. For the card itself, I used pink and black card stock along with some more DP from Making Memories. I cuttlebuged the black paper with my spots and dots folder and placed it on the bottom half of my card. I then tied a polka dot ribbon across the middle and added three buttons to the corner. After I had the bases of my box and card done, I stamped Sweet Pea in the flower pot from Sweet Pea Plate #2 by Pink Cat Studio on white card stock and colored it in using my nesties. For the box lid, I added "Thank You" down the side from Kiki Kitty. I then mounted them both on the pink and black card stock I cut out with nesties. I placed one on my card at an angle and the other I threaded through some polka dot black ribbon to tie my box closed. I will include four cards in the box with the promise to make more if she needs them! Hope she likes it!

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Don't forget the sign up for the blog hop at Club Anya closes on Sunday and we are handing out prizes!!!! It is going to be so, so much fun!!!! Lots of smiles!

Have You Missed Me?

2009-04-08T09:17:00.003-05:00

Happy Wednesday everybody!!!!

So sorry I have been gone for so long. Izzy's party really took it out of me. We were busy last week trying to get all the party prep done and then we had family in all weekend. Then Monday I babysat Melaina so yesterday was my first day of normalcy. LOL! I am not complaining though. I had the best time ever and I think Jason and Izzy did as well. She got to spend a ton of time with her grandparents and her little friends. You have never seen so many people take walks around our back yard. LOL! Every time someone walked out the back door, Izzy would walk up to them and grab there hand and say, "Take a walk?" It was so cute! Needless to say she was exhausted from all the exercise!

Her and Melaina had a great time together on Monday as well. Izzy was a little grouchy though. She was still super worn down from the weekend and was having a little bit of trouble adjusting to the regular schedule. They played with all her new toys and colored a ton. It was so so sweet. I can't believe how much they interact now! My baby is growing up!!! Wahhhhhhh!!! LOL!!!

Now a quick project to get me back in the kick of posting! This is actually a birthday card I made for my super good friend Heather! It is okay to post it now since I know she received it! I really wanted to make a card that was personal to Heather but without any brown. (If you know her you know her aversion to brown! LOL!!) We talk pretty much every day and about a month ago we both decided to get headsets so that our backs wouldn't hurt so much. So I present to you my birthday card for Heather!

Front!

Inside!

I know there is a little brown, but hey I have brown hair! I can't change that! I started this card by stamping Dress Me Anya by the Greeting farm on white card stock twice. The first time, I stamped the full Anya and the second one I masked off the hair and drew in my own. I then stamped outfits from Wardrobe #1 by The Greeting Farm on white card stocked colored them all in and assembled my girls. For the card itself I layered on black, blue, and white card stock along with some Basic Grey DP and some Bo Bunny DP. I stamped the sentiment from All About Birthdays by H and M Stamps on white card stock and added some buttons. For the headset, I cut out a headset shape from black paper (I cased this idea from my friend Jessica) and attached a piece of thread to the two so they would connect! To finish the card off I stamped the sentiment "Happy Birthday" on the inside. I am really glad Heather liked it!

Well that is it for me today! Don't forget there is a Blog Hoppin' Bash going on over at Club Anya. The deadline is Sunday April 12th and all participants are welcome. And today our team captain, Jessica has announced the awards that will be given out at the end of our bash! It is sure to be a great release! Thanks everyone for hanging in with me! Smiles!