Friendship

I'm really disappointed as this round of Divine Secret Sisters on SCS is coming to an end and I've had a GREAT Little Sis to send cards to.  She shared with me that Fall or Thanksgiving cards are some of her favorites so I've really enjoyed getting out all the Autumn colored papers and stamps.   This cute sketch came from Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge #197.  I even dragged out some old SU! DSP scraps just for this sketch.  It also worked perfectly with the Paper Players #70 Challenge for this week to use Fall Colors.   They had an AMAZING Blog Hop on Saturday for their Fall Challenge.  Every card or item was beautiful!   Supplies:  Paper:  SU! Apple Cider DSP,  Really Rust CS;  Stamps:  SU! Language of Friendship, Trendy Trees;  SU! Ink Wild Wasabi, Choc Chip, Really Rust;  SU! Rhinestone Brads;  SU! Emboss Folder Finial Press,  SU! Slot Punch

J-O-Y!

Do you ever have moments of being overwhelmed with how many blessings we have to enjoy?  I was thinking that especially this weekend,  what a great weekend.   Still enjoyed Fall color even though cooler temps,  shopped, wrapped, crafted and altered a box of goodies for a Santa Secret Sis I signed up for and in-between all my "house stuff" I started an unmounting project for my wood-mounted stamps.  It just feels so blessed to enjoy lots of crafting time.   I'm very confident I'll use my SU! stamps more as I get them unmounted not to mention, I'm thrilled for the extra space I'll have.   This cute card inspiration and sketch came from my friends over at Perfect Sentiments #04.   It also worked for the fun challenge at PALS Paper Arts #117 to use some ribbon.  I got to dust off some pretty SU! Purely Pomegranate which I haven't used in a while.  Enjoy!  Supplies:  SU! Paper DSP, River Rock,  SU! Stamps Perfect Presentation, Snowflakes SU! Ink River Rock, Purely Pomegranate,  SU! Ribbon Purely Pomegranate,  SU! Rhinestones, SU! Emboss Folder Finial Press

Baseball and Apple Pie!

Ok, can you tell I've been watching the World Series, LOL!   I spent lots of time last weekend baking up the apples we picked at the orchard and this weekend was all about watching the Cardinals win the World Series although I was cheering for the Rangers.  It was a GREAT series.   Baseball though makes me think of Spring and it's sure not Spring outside my window!  They even said possible S**W Flurries tomorrow, ugh!  Well, That's what's so awesome about crafting,  it can be any season you choose.  Tonight it was Spring because I wanted to use my SU! Butterfly Diecut on this cute card sketch from Paper Players #69.  Fun, fun!   Looks like I'll be ready with some cute cards for next March and April.   Supplies:  Paper - Bazzill Arizona,  Basic Grey Sweet Threads, SU! Choc Chip, So Saffron;  Stamps:  SU! Whimsical Words;  Ink:  SU! Choc Chip;  Kaiser Rhinestones

World Series ...

of Christmas Cards?  I can't believe how many different Christmas Cards I've done this year already!  Usually I just do 1 or 2 designs, pick one I like and make several to send out.   This year I have been trying different designs and haven't picked just one yet I think is "the" one.   By the time I decide,  I'll have so many variety I won't need more ... I'm probably close, LOL!  This card was inspired from this week's CardPatterns #138.  I think I'm going to try another and emboss the background?   IRL, the rhinestones are just the right sparkle.   Well,  since the Texas Rangers lost tonight and there will be a game #7,  I guess I'll be back tomorrow night with an update...Supplies:  All A Muse Studio - Paper:  Cherry and French Roast Shimmer, Twas the Night Before CS;  Stamps:  cool yule;  Ink:  Cherry, Wasabi;  Wasabi Ribbon, Twinkles;  CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cart

Come Back!

Oh, I'm SO not ready for the beautiful Fall colors to fly away but with colder temps and rain, there are more leaves on the ground and the color is turning rapidly.  I enjoyed getting my favorite leaf stamps out to bring some Autumn color back into my craft space.   I always love to use buttons so this week's MOJO Monday #212 sketch was just perfect for grabbing my French Roast button bag.   Both of these cards are going out in the mail tomorrow to friends.  It's such a good feeling to have a way to wish them well during this Fall Season.   Supplies:  All A Muse Studio - Paper:  Latte Woodgrain, Grass Shimmer Damask,  Papaya Shimmer,  Stamps:  fresh foliage,  Bakers Twine Chocolate,  French Roast Buttons, Twinkles

You Make Me Happy

I was thinking something silly when I saw this sentiment - "you make my heart happy".   I was actually thinking how happy my stamping and scrapping goodies make me, LOL!   It's so refreshing for me to work on cards and scrap pages.  I got into this hobby actually with recommendation from a "Career Coach"!  Yup!  I met with her several times expecting this incredible career advice.  After several weeks, she said I was missing balance and needed a hobby.  I tried several different "hobbies" and happened on some friends who scrapbooked.   After a rough start (perfectionist tendicies) I settled in and started getting pages done.  After that I discovered stamping and the first few years I only made Christmas cards.  As you can see I've branched out, haha!  The rest as they say is history...good history!  I really enjoy all the cards I make and send.  Some weeks I'm better at getting them out in the mail than others.   This cute sketch is this week's Sweet Sketch Wednesday 123-57.   Enjoy!   Supplies:  All A Muse Studio - Paper:  Orange Gingham, Grass Damask, Grass Shimmer;  Stamps:  beautiful botanicals 2, hand scripted;  Ink:  Papaya, Orange, Grass;  Butterfly Die,  SU! Pumpkin Pie Satin Ribbon, misc charms

Friendship Appreciation

The challenge at Perfect Sentiments #2 this week is to make a card for friend.  They also included a picture for inspiration.   I liked the inspiration they provided because it seemed really peaceful and pretty in biege, browns and blues.   It was a great combination and it really made me start thinking of all of the friends I truly appreciate.   I made 3 of these cards to send to friends.   I hope they enjoy these as much as I enjoyed making it.  I also appreciate the inspiration from Perfect Sentiments!   Supplies:  Paper:  A Muse Studio Kraft,  Stamps:  A Muse on the wing, beautiful botanicals 2;  Ink:  A Muse Studio Bermuda,  Ocean and French Roast;  CTMH Opaque Pearls;  Twine, Misc Charms

Peaceful Moments

As I gazed out my living room window, I saw such a pretty site with a doe and fawn walking carefully along the stream that runs at the edge of my yard.  I wanted to go out and encourage them the other way so they wouldn't go toward the road but knew that would be pointless.  It was so pretty to watch them meander along the waters edge with no real destination it seemed.  

 I wish I would have made this card in a larger size but I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to stamp when I started.  I will definitely use this sketch again as now my mind is whirling with ideas.  I think these will be fun Christmas cards to send and am thrilled with my growing stash of fun cards done.   The sketch is from this week's Freshly Made Sketches #6.   It's also for this week's Red and Green Challenge at The Paper Players.  You know I'm not done making Christmas Cards yet ... more to come.   Supplies:  All A Muse Studio - Paper:  Cherry Shimmer, Grass Damask, Grass Shimmer, French Roast Shimmer;  Stamps:  nordic noel;  Ink:  French Roast, Cherry;   Lime Satin Ribbon, Cloud Die, Twinkles

Happy Sweetest Day!

Sweetest Day --- Ever heard of it?

"Sweetest Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in the Great Lakes Region and parts of the Northeast United States, on the third Saturday in October. The first Sweetest Day was pronounced as October 8, 1921 in Cleveland.  The Cleveland Plain Dealer's October 8, 1922 edition, which chronicles the first Sweetest Day in Cleveland, states that the first Sweetest Day was planned by a committee of 12 confectioners chaired by candymaker C. C. Hartzell. The Sweetest Day in the Year Committee distributed over 20,000 boxes of candy to "newsboys, orphans, old folks, and the poor" in Cleveland, Ohio."   (Wikipedia)

I had no idea that "Sweetest Day" was a Midwest Holiday only.  My DH is always a dear and this year was no different as he brought me some beautiful flowers and a card.  I made him a cake (sweets) and made this card for him.  My hubby is a "traditionalist".  I've got flowers for Sweetest Day for the last 23 years.  I still like them and he liked his card.   Of course,  I pulled out red and black as I thought this would be his favorite.   The sketch came from MOJO MONDAY #210.   I also followed the challenge for the A Muse Studio Challenge blog to use stamps for your background.   Supplies:  All A Muse Studio -- Paper:  Sweetheart, Onyx, Cherry;  Stamps:  script background, my aim is true;  Ink:  Cherry,  Momento Black;  Heart Dies,  Cherry Buttons

Boss Day!

Well, I seem to be making cards for the men in my life this week, LOL!  First, a birthday card for hubby and now a Bosses Day card for my boss.   He's only been my boss since June but he's definitely one of the better ones I've had!   I think he deserves a card for putting up with me some days, haha.   I looked at several cards in the store hoping to find one for him but it just seemed that most of them said, "from all of us" and unfortunately my team mates are from different cities so it's not like I can get anyone else to sign.  So I came home and made one.   I've been traveling this week so I just love that it was quick and fun!   This cute sketch came from this week's Paperworks Co #101.   Supplies:  All A Muse Studio.  Paper:  Orange Polka Dot, French Roast Shimmer, Latte;  Stamps:  owls well;  Ink:  Orange, French Roast;  Twine, Buttons

Happy Birthday DH!

"Happy Birthday to you!"  Today is my DH Bday.  I'm traveling for work but I wanted to be sure I had a card for him.  I must confess,  I usually buy him a birthday card.  I make most of the other ones but it's just been a habit for so long to get him a funny one.  I just couldn't come up with "funny" but I decided this year to make him one.   He always puts them on the stand by his TV Couch so I know he enjoys getting them.  Even my DS made him a card because he made one for him on Father's Day and he liked it - a lot!   I always ask DH, "do you like this card?"   He always (of course) says "yes" but I noticed that he likes the really CAS (clean and simple) cards so this is what I made him.   I think he'll be surprised because I had DS put it out for him to find next to the coffee pot.   This sketch is October Week 1 of Viva La Verve sketch on SCS.  Fun, fun!  Supplies:  All A Muse Studio - Paper Kraft, sage Polka Dotr, French Roast Shimmer;  Stamps: owls well; Ink:  French Roast, Papaya;  Fresh Blooms, French Roast Buttons, French Roast Organdy Ribbon

Leaves, Leaves and More Leaves

Right now, we live in what I would call a rural area.  No, we don't live on a farm and we do have neighbors that are close enough to walk to but we don't live in the "city", no sidewalks or streetlights, laugh!  Our property is surrounded by trees.   It's very beautiful in the beginning of Fall when all of the leaves are changing colors but as the leaves start to fall, it really becomes a lot of work because we are surrounded by trees.  We do have to continue to clean off the porches, the drive way to keep them out of the garage/house and the flower beds.  I still love all the colors and it was fun to stamp more leaves from my A Muse Studio fresh foliage stamps.   This fun sketch came from this week's Card Pattern's #136.   Supplies:  All A Muse Studio - Paper:  Grass Shimmer, French Roast Shimmer, Grass Damask Couture, Kraft;  Stamps:  fresh foliage;  Ink:  French Roast, Papaya, Grass;  Buttons:  Grass Assortment;  Twine;  Nestabilities Labels 4

You Can Do It!

Happy Monday!  It's that time of the week when it's the toughest to get going, get motivated and get the week off to a good start.   My Sis has a job interview today and although I just made this card this weekend I was thinking of her!   She's amazing - 3 boys and soon to have a new addition to our family - our first niece.   How special!   I don't tell her enough how impressed and inspired I am by her.   She's a great Momma and a terrific Sis.   Pregnancy wears on your confidence though (probably exhaustion) and I was just wanted her to know ... I'm behind her!   Prayers, Good Luck Vibes and all the {{cyber}} hugs I can send are going her way today!   My card design came from a Sketch at Karen's Doodles #83 which I found when browsing through the Stampin' When I Can blog that compiles available sketches for the week.   Thanks for stopping by!   Supplies:  All A Muse Studio -  Paper:  Orange Gingham, Sage Polka Dot, Lime Shimmer;  Stamps:  making a difference;  Ink:  Orange, Lime;  Lime Ribbon,  Butterfly Die;  Twinkles

Sunshine Inspired

It's funny ... I have all of my Fall and Halloween stamps, inks and paper colors out next to my desk and it just seems that the 80 + degree weather we've been having has been inspiring me for Summer cards still?   This cute SU! Bella Rose paper was calling my name and it worked for the MOJO Monday #209.  I had this card done earlier this week and it's been laying here on my desk just waiting to be photo'd.   Not sure what I was waiting for?  The fun part is that I made 3 of these cards and I have the envies already addressed and ready to mail.   It's such a good feeling when you know just who's going to get Happy Mail!  Hopefully they'll enjoy this card as much as I have this week!  Supplies:  All SU!  Paper - Bella Rose DSP,  Stamps - Vintage Vogue,  Ink - Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Choc Chip,  Satin Ribbon Olive

Still Decking the Halls

I just love these colors!  They make me think Christmas no matter what I add to it ... even flowers.  I'm just having such a great time trying out all of these Christmas card designs.   This year I might just be sending out a variety, LOL!  I know I'll be using these colors as they just strike my fancy this year.  I like the buttons and the sparkle too!   I'll be back with more Christmas cards I'm sure!  I'm adding this to my growing pile.  This cute sketch is from The Sweet Stop challenge #128.   Supplies:  All A Muse Studio - Paper:  Wasabi, Cherry Gingham,  Twas the Night;  Ink:  Cherry, Wasabi;  Stamps:  cool yule;  Flowers:  Meadow Mix;  Cranberry Buttons;  Wasabi Satin Ribbon;  Sparkles

It's a Shout Out

Yep!  I'm givin' a "Shout Out" to 2 of my favorite stampin' friends -- Jenn and Samantha!  What's so cool is that they've started a new Challenge Blog - Perfect Sentiments Challenge!  So if you're looking for a fun challenge on Wednesday's stop by and check it out!   This week the challenge was to use lace and come up with a sympathy card.  Fortunately I don't need one right now but it will be good to have one in the stash.  The sketch is from this week's Freshly Made Sketches #5.  I always enjoy getting out the A Muse Studio Shimmer paper out.  Supplies:  All A Muse Studio - Paper:  Latte Woodgrain,  Ocean Shimmer, Ocean Shimmer Damask, French Roast Shimmer;  Stamps:  life is a song;  Ink:  Ocean, French Roast;  Flowers: Meadow Mix

Hope Is ...

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Think Pink!  It's especially meaningful to me because 38 years ago  this October my Mom died of breast cancer.  The treatments we have now weren't available but a cure would be even better!   As busy women, we sometimes forget to take time to care for ourselves -- Let's Not Forget Prevention is the Best Cure!  Hope is... believing in a brighter tomorrow.   This is an older SU! set, as a matter of fact, I don't even know what it's called?    I embossed the heart for PALS Paper Arts #113 challenge for this week.  This card sketch is from Card Patterns #135.   Supplies:  Paper - Basic Grey Sweet Threads, Archivers Olive;  Stamps - SU!;  Ribbon - Old Olive SU! Satin;  Brads - Amer Crafts

Yay Fall!

With all the wind we had today,  I had to go back to Fall cards because it's just such perfect timing.  As soon as I saw the cute card sketch today on the sweetest thing Challenge #137, I couldn't wait to play!  It was fun because it was a different size than usual.   I used 6.5 x 3.5, just in case you're wondering.  These A Muse Stamps are such fun leaf stamps.  I really need to get me some orange ink though because I'm jealous of the pretty oranges and reds that are starting to come on the trees outside.  I'll need to be moving to those colors soon to keep up, ha!  I added buttons for the A Muse Studio World Cardmaking Day Button challenge and I just checked out the A Muse Studio Challenge #7 this week and the challenge there was to add leaves so that works perfectly for my card.  Welcome October!   Supplies:  A Muse Studio - Paper:  Latte Woodgrain, Grass Shimmer Damask, Grass & Papaya Shimmer;  Stamps:  fresh foliage;  Ink:  French Roast, Papaya and Grass;  Buttons:  Buttercup

One Person CAN Make A Difference

Oh how I wish you could see this card IRL!  I added glitter to the bird and it's so just very sparkly with the glitter and the bling.   This was a fun card to make because the lovely A Muse Blackberry Shimmer paper was gifted to me on a PIF thread.  I only had enough for two of these cards and since I was making it for someone special, it felt just right.   The card sketch is from this week's Sweet Sketch Wednesday #121.  It was one of the cards I finished for World Cardmaking Day!  What a great way to share "thinking of you" thoughts than with cards.  Enjoy!   Supplies:  A Muse Studio,  Paper:  Blackberry Shimmer,  Blackberry Damask Shimmer, Wasabi;  Stamps: making a difference;  Ink:  Wasabi, Heather, Blackberry, Momento Black; Butterfly Die;  Twinkles; 

Have A Cool Yule!

So if you've been following my blog recently, you will have noticed that every other post seems to be a Christmas Card!  Whatever am I going to post in December, LOL!   Maybe Snowmen for January or Hearts for Valentines?   I don't know?  Every year I go through this process to find a Christmas Card design that "strikes" my fancy.  I make those to send out.  I tried one year sending out a variety but then I couldn't remember the next year who got what kind of card and I always think I want them to be varied.  It's crazy I know but it's fun ... really!   Usually after about 2 or 3 card designs I have just the one I like.  This year however, I seem to not be able to choose.  It's sure been a fun process though and I just might have to send a variety because so far ... I like them all.   This cute card sketch is from this week' sPaper Take Weekly and it worked perfectly for the A Muse Studio World Cardmaking Day challenge to use buttons.  These cherry buttons are my favorite!  Supplies:  All A Muse Studio - Paper:  Cherry Vintage CS, Cherry CS, Onyx CS; Stamps:  cool yule;  Ink:  Wasabi, Cherry, Momento Black; Cherry Organdy Dot Ribbon;  Cherry Buttons;  Washi Tape

Welcome October!

Happy World Cardmaking Day!!  I can't believe it's time to get out the Halloween stamps again and start scaring it up, LOL!  Well, not really because most of the stamps are "too cute to spook".   These fun new Halloween stamps arrived in my mailbox on Friday thanks to my GREAT A Muse Demo Samantha who ordered them up for me.   This set was just too cute to pass up and I'm looking forward to playing with them all of this month.  Of course, that will be in between Christmas cards as you know if you stopped by my blog in the last couple weeks I'm hunting for that perfect Christmas card design.  In the mean time, my collection of Christmas cards is growing!  This fun sketch is from this weeks Freshly Made Challenge #4 and was just perfect for using the fence diecut.   I embossed the cat for the PALS #113 challenge this week to heat emboss.  I hope to do another as I don't use those supplies as often as I should and always like the look.  Enjoy!   Supplies:  All A Muse Studio - Paper Grass Damask Shimmer, Pebble, Onyx, Papaya Shimmer;  Stamps:  Too Cute to Spook;  Ink:  Memento Black, Versamark;  Fence Diecute;  Washi Tape;  Misc (non A Muse) ribbon