Crunch Time

My daughter walked into the kitchen Sunday smiling and waving and she said; "Merry Christmas ...in a week."
My tummy did a back flip when I realized - it really is that close!

I have never felt so unprepared for this holiday than I am this year. We only started shopping last Friday!

I had a few days off this week, so I was trying to hurry and finish my cards so I could get them in the mail ASAP - but they have turned out to be the project from... well, you know where. Three days later, I bought some cheap ones at Walgreens, because the time for these babies has passed.
...So you'll have to view the hand-made cards here, (still not stamped with the greeting), and know that I wish you the Happiest of Holidays, and a Bright and Shiny New Year!

***I should mention that I borrowed this design from my generous local scrapbook store Wild Ivy Memories

Winter Wonders

It's my turn to do a Card Challenge at My Sketch World this month - this card is my sample.

The challenge was to incorporate a favorite memory from the holidays into a card.
I wanted to do something entirely different, but as usual, what I want to find doesn't exist... So, I'm making do.

I grew up less than a mile away from the base of Mount Timpanogus, so during the winter there was always plenty of SNOW!
(...And wind to pile it up!)
My sisters and I always had so much fun building snowmen, having snowball fights, and just exploring the sparkly wonderland!

I love these papers by BoBunny, and I picked the embellies because they have a bit of a '50's flair ('nuff said.)
The ribbon is from American Crafts.

December Reveal

It's time for the monthly sketch reveal on My Sketch World.
I had fun with this sketch - it's not my usual style, but it makes me smile...
I didn't make that cute center piece - I found it at my local scrapbook store (can't remember who makes it - I'll have to research that, sorry.)

Anyway - Ta da! My December Sketch card:

...Can't believe it's that time of year already - can you?
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In a Christmasy Kind of Mood...

I ventured out of the house the other day in search of some holiday festivity to adorn my home. I had something very specific in mind, but as is usually the case - what exists in my mind, doesn't exist in the shops around here...

So, instead - I came home with some pretty Christmas papers and some Vintage holiday greetings (K&Company), and put together a couple of cards (and found that my skills are a little rusty!) But here are the fruits of my labors:






Now if only my photo taking skills would improve...

So Thankful

'Tis the season to Count our Blessings, and I have so many things to Give Thanks for.
We have survived another year here - hubby has managed to work two jobs, and keep his health, thanks to Heavenly grace (and modern medicine.)
I'm over coming a few of my hurdles too, mostly in confidence.

I am so Thankful for my family - each one of them is so precious, and I am so blessed!

Sharing a little Autumn card today - I missed the deadline for this one over at My Sketch World, but I'll share it anyway.

These papers are K & Company, I saw them and fell in love at first sight.
Using Lucy's sketch and some Stampinup ribbon and hardware, it was quick and simple.

Hope your life is full of Blessings, and that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!
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Blunders

Here it is November, and I've been holding on to this card, which should have been displayed at My Sketch World in October.
...Just can't seem to get my head on straight these days.

Anyway, I did this one in my favorite Basic Grey papers, and used my punch from Stampinup. The rub on is Daisy D, and I added just a little black bling from Heidi Swapp.

I just love Fall - don't you?

Just a Little...

I finally have something to add here - but like I said, just a little.

I can't believe I completely whiffed National Card Making Day - I'm sure there's a special place in crafter's prison for people like me...

I made a birthday card for my little Miss Moo, who will turn 5 this weekend.
She loves pink and flowers and bling, so I'm hoping this one will suit her.

...And while I had my supplies out, I finished this one that I started ages ago. Just sort of an experiment...

Still in mourning for the passing of my printer - it shuddered and died yesterday. I can't even get it to turn off, it just sits and stares at me with that cold dead eye. *Sniff*
So not a good time for that...

Today is a working day, so I'd best get my groove on.
Whatever you do today, make it a good one. :-)
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Aftermath

I've had fun this past month, working on acrylic albums with my daughter in law.
We combined two albums to make them bigger, and in a couple week's time, she's been able to finish hers - but I still lack a few more pages.

I'll share once it's finished, but here's a shot of the carnage following this week's session...


I would probably have finished too, if I had spent more time working, and less time running up and down the stairs for supplies...
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September Sketch

Ooops! I let this one slip past me a bit...

It's time for September's sketch from My Sketch World!
I ran across these papers from K&Co. while I was out one day, and it was instant inspiration. I'm always so ready for Summer to be over by this time of year - and Fall is my favorite!

The dimensional sticker is also K&Co., ribbon is Stampinup, bling by Heidi Swapp.
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Wedding Bell Blues

I've been commissioned (by hubby) to create a bunch of wedding cards to have on hand. I just got this new die from Quickutz, so I was pleased to oblige.
The concept for this was much cuter in my head, however.
This turned out a little too cheesy for words, but oh well, I'll keep trying...
Inside, I'll write something appropriately silly like; "Congrats to a lovely pear"... You get the idea.

Yes, well. We can't all be brilliant all the time, now can we?


Basic Grey paper, all else is from my scrap pile.
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Honey, I'm Home!

Oh my goodness, how long has it been?
I should be arrested for (blog) abandonment!

To be truthful, I've been having a creative drought as well. I haven't been up to much good at all, and that's the sad truth.

I had the bright idea a while back, to make some ATC cards, since I'm often doing challenges at My Sketch World, and sending out RAKs.
I thought it would be fun to throw in an ATC with each gift that I send out. They are tiny, (2"x3") ...and shouldn't take too much time to put together - fun, right?

Well, not so much. It took me at least as long to put this little card together as it would a full size card or scrapbook page! (Including coming up with the idea, and searching the house for lost supplies...)
I was so frustrated by the time I finished, that now I'm not so sure it's a great idea at all. LOL

Anyway, here's my first ATC ever...

I used Basic Grey paper, Stampinup stamp, and American Crafts ribbon.

I'm getting over that flu that just makes me want to sleep all day, so I'm hoping to get busy again soon.

Thanks for not forgetting me!
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Grandma Day

My girls came over for a bit tonight, and my little Millie-Moo wanted me to make a card just for her. I could tell she'd been thinking about this for a while, because she knew exactly what she wanted before she got here.
I pulled out my newest papers, and let her choose which ones she wanted me to use. She told me what to do every step of the way...

She's going to be a great little designer one day!

(She's pretty proud of it too!)

Acrylic Albums

I've been busy creating birthday gifts this week.

I was stuck for an idea, when my sis made the comment that she would like copies of the photos my kids took for me after my mother passed.
We had to sell off her home to cover her medical expenses. That was a really hard thing for all of us - especially my sis who was living with her at the time.

After the house sold, my kids went out secretly and took pictures all over the farm and put them together in an album for me. It was the most meaningful gift I have ever received.
So, passing those memories along to my sisters? A no brainer. (Except that it took a kick in the behind to make me think of it...)

I printed the photos in a smaller format, and put them together in these little acrylic albums for them, and that's what they will be getting for their birthdays this year.

I thought about adding my journaled memories to each page, but I decided not to, because each of them will remember those places in their own way, and that will make it more personal for them.

(I seriously need to improve my photography skills - it's tricky taking pictures of the acrylic albums. I had a hard time getting enough light without getting a glare.)
Got tips? I'd love to hear them!

Front cover:


pages 1 & 2


pages 3 & 4


pages 5 & 6


pages 7 & 8


pages 9 & 10


I did the back covers differently, for different reasons - mainly because one sister's kids weren't included in the photo...

back cover # 1


back cover # 2


This was a first attempt working with the clear acrylic albums - it was fun - I will definitely do it again!
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MSW August Sketch

Lucy's August sketch is up on the My Sketch World blog today. Check it out - her designers did a whiz-bang job this month!
Here's my take on it:

Quick and fun - Basic Grey papers and the dragon fly die cut is My Mind's Eye.

Be sure and join us on the My Sketch World forum for our month long crop!
Lots of challenges and games... Good times!
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It's Out...

The August / September issue of Ready Set Create is out (Online Magazine.) I'm excited because I have a couple of cards in this one.

I haven't had a chance to download it and look it over, but here's the issue cover...



The cards I sent were for the "Wildlife" category - here's one of them:
(I can post it now that the issue is out.)



I also sent them this one:

...Which was a fun one I did last fall.

Thanks for looking!
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Missing Mojo

I have been doing some blog hopping lately, and have been inspired by a lot of fun retro-looking papers by Webster's Pages and Graphic 45.
...Inspired enough to buy the papers - but not enough to use them.

*Sigh* It is obvious. My Mojo is on vacation.

I did come up with this little design:

Kind of Patriotic and Nostalgic at the same time...
Not exactly what I had in mind, but it's something, No?

Meanwhile, if anyone runs across my mojo while you're out and about this Summer, would you please tell it to come home?

...It's probably somewhere in the Bahamas.
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Change?

I'll bet you're getting tired of looking at the same stuff every day. Eh?
Don't have much I can share at the moment, but I do have this one little card I put together this week.
The UPS man brought me some Basic Grey June Bug papers, and I've been playing with them.
I'm thinking that these papers would be so much fun matched up with some retro '50's type graphics. Haven't found any yet, but I'm still on the prowl.
I'll probably be adding some to this, as soon as I find it -
(It definitely needs something...)
Anyway...

This gorgeous ribbon (and the linen thread) is from Stampinup, and the buttons are All My Memories.

Okay - - -
Bonus card!
I was saving this one for the first of the month (MSW sketch), but I just got word the sketch has changed, so I guess I can go ahead and share this one after all...

These papers (and the bird cage rub-on) are also Basic Grey - they are from the Porcelain collection. I love the colors - they are so feminine and "girlie!" Fun stuff.
This ribbon is also Stampinup, and the text rub-on is from Melissa Frances.
(AMM button.)

I have been asked to stay on for another 6 months for Lucy's "My Sketch World" Design Team. I have an official title and everything (Card Sketch Design Diva).
I know, it's a mouthful! But I'm excited - it's a fun job, and Lucy has a great blog and a nice little forum - check it out sometime!

Can you believe Summer is 2/3rds over?
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Thursday's Fruits

Just a few little projects I finished today -
This card was for a challenge. I've been trying to figure out someway I could use these chipboard wings, and they worked perfectly for this.
Love these new Lemonade papers by Basic Grey. (The flower and ribbon are Chatterbox.)


These pages are also for a challenge. "A Day in the Life." The idea is to do one 8 x 8 page a month, so that at the end of the year, you have a completed album of memories.
I'm waaaay behind - I'm still doing March and April!
(My grand-daughter's birthday)

April was all about fulfilling dreams and taking chances. I stepped way out of my comfort zone, and attended a writer's conference. Overwhelming, but fun!

Wishing you...

... A Happy and safe 4th of July!

Sketch time

It's July, and the new sketches are up at My Sketch World.
Here's my take on this month's card sketch.

I usually shy away from bright colors like this, but I stepped out of my comfort zone a little this time. These "Lime Rickey" papers from Basic Grey were fun to play with.
I found the fuzzy brads from Making Memories, and made a place for them here too.
Remember, that Design Team call is still going on there - you have until July 10th to apply. Check it out!

This one I did just for fun. This time with Basic Grey's Marrakech collection.
One last card today, I was planning to submit this one, but I'm not very happy with how it turned out.

These papers are Making Memories and Imaginisce.
Thanks for looking!

Hope you have a safe and festive Fourth of July!
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Excuses and a Recipe

Just want you to know, I'm not slacking off here.
I have been busily creating this week, but I can't post anything yet...
(I'll explain later)
So, while you wait, I'll share a recipe I've been promising to post on my personal blog. It's for my new favorite snack - "Muddy Buddies".
My daughter made this for me one night. I was skeptical when she started - chocolate cereal? Ick. But she had me taste one, and I couldn't leave the stuff alone. She had to stop me so there would be enough to make the recipe! LOL

Anyway, it's one of those Chex Mix things - make it when there's lots of people around, or you'll scarf it all down yourself - it's addicting!

Chex® Muddy Buddies®

Ingredients
9 cups Chocolate Chex® cereal
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preparation Directions
1. Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
2. In 1-quart microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
3. Add powdered sugar. Seal bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

(use the link in the title to go to the website for more details, nutritional information, etc.)

How Now?

I had some fun with this card for a challenge over at Scrapbook Doodles.
I love black & white (as I've mentioned before), and the cow theme just happened to work for this one.
The papers are DCWV, and the ribbons are KI Memories. The die cut border is Bazzill. Brad and tag frame, Making Memories.
I used a sketch from Page Maps this time.
Thanks for checking it out!
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Design Team Call

The place that I've been designing for (My Sketch World) is having a design team call.
If you love sketches, and making cards or layouts, this is the place for you!

Check here: My Sketch World for all the details!

Father's Day

I just finished making my second trade for my Stampinup card swap.
I chose one that I could use for Father's day. It's pretty simple, but do men usually like fussy things?
...Mine don't seem to.

Anyway, my hubby loves the mountains, and wildlife, so I had him in mind for this one.
He is an awesome dad. That was one of the reasons I chose him - I loved watching him interact with his little sisters, and knew that he would be a kind and loving parent.
Something that was very important to me...


(Everything here is Stampinup)

My dad is no longer with us, but I want to take a minute to pay tribute, if I may.

My dad was one of the last of the real live Arizona cowboys.
He loved horses, and he loved the outdoors.
(photo taken about age 18)

He also valued education, and later in life, worked for the local steel plant, doing studies on it's effects on the area's livestock.
He raised quarter horses during my growing up years, and prided himself on the quality of his line of animals.

He wrote this poem many years ago - just a sample of his love for the critters:
(Click on the poem to read it more clearly)

Dad was also known to rodeo a little bit. I remember when I was in grade school, going with the family to watch him participate in the calf roping segment of a small local rodeo.
He would have been in his 50's, and hadn't done anything like this for years.
He broke his foot dismounting from his horse, but still managed to win!
He was awesome.

Miss you dad, and Happy Father's Day!
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Let's Try this Again...

I've found another way to post photos, (take that you stupid computer!) ...So, until it finds another way to foil my plans, we'll give it another go.

I've been a little busy while I've been away, so I have a few things to share:
First of all is Lucy's sketch for May - sorry, this is a really awful photo, it doesn't do it justice at all, I took it in a hurry before I left for vacation.
Anyway...

This is the card I made for mothers day this year. I'm running out of mothers - it's very sad. I've used this design on several other things, but I love it - it always turns out nice. (And how about these BG Wisteria papers? Yummy!)

I made this little album for my hubby for our anniversary - it's been a difficult year, and we both needed to be reminded of why we are still together.
(Sorry, no journaling yet - that's just between the 2 of us...)

open album

This one is for my next stamp club exchange - this next meeting will be our last, so I've got to get caught up...

...And last, just a little birthday card I made this month - I always keep my eyes open for anything with cherries, because my daughter in law loves them...

Just one more little thing to share today - I just found this awesome blog giveaway with lots of summer goodies. Check it out: Blog Giveaway

Whew! That's it for today.
Hope you're having a lovely Summer!

Here we go again...

FYI - I'm having computer problems again.
I've been trying to wait until it shakes itself out like it did last time, but that can be a little crazy-making.
...Patience is a virtue, but unfortunately, it's not one I possess. (Grrr)

Sorry for the inconvenience - again.
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One Down...

I got behind on my Stampinup card exchanges, so I'll have two to do before we meet again. I spent the day yesterday doing the first batch.
One down, and one to go...

Everything you see here is from Stampinup.
Thanks for peeking :)
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