Bloggers Challenge

Happy Friday....I am happy to be back at participating in bloggers challenge. The theme for this weeks challenge was to make a birthday themed card. Thankfully, I had this card made before I went to CHA, and it just happens to work at the perfect time.

I am still recovering from wonderful CHA. What a amazing time I had. I got to meet the most amazing, creative people.

Kerry, Kim Howard, and me!





Charlotte,KDC, Suzanne, me & Kim

A bunch of us got together after a day at CHA and ate at the Cheesecake Factory! Yum!

In this photo from L to R Lisa Somerville, Rose Kerry, Connie, Pat Huntoon, Me, Suzanne, Geri Jonic, Back row:Kim Howard, Kerry, Charlotte.

I can't even tell you how much fun I had and how many laughs we shared. I am looking forward to next year, and hoping to see my new friends sooner than then.

I am heading to New York for the weekend for my daughters Gymnastics competition, so I will try to update with pics of new products tomorrow. Have a great weekend and happy creating!

BIG News & CHA updates

WOW, I can't believe it is already Tuesday. The days here at CHA have been flying by. I have met SOOO many creative & wonderful new people. CHA has been such a amazing experience. Before I go completely crazy with pics and info on CHA, I wanted to share some VERY EXCITING news with you. Are you ready????? really ready???? I am officially a "sweetie", but you already knew that right (JK), know, I am officially a part of Hope stamps Eternal Design team. I am SOO excited to be a part of Rachel's team, and I look forward to playing in their challenges and hopefully inspiring you . Rachel has chosen a amazing team, and you can see them here:

Alice Wertz (Alice's {Little} Wonderland)

Kristen Catalano (Scrap-Creations) (me)

Patricia Garcia

and Piali Biswas (Touch of Creation)

these wonderful ladies will join a few of the Sweeties from last round that stuck around:

Colleen Wold (Glitter Ink) {Colleen will be keeping the Paper Craft Planet group up to date, make sure and join us there for challenges, fun and sale/new product news!!}

Kelli Caslow (Yard Sale Kind of Luck)

Michelle Woerner, DT Coordinator (Stop and Stamp the Roses)

Teresa Kline (Enjoy the VA Sunshine)

So, keep your eye out for the challenges, and new product (which I have already seen in real life here at CHA). I look forward to playing :)

CHA UPDATE

First let me start of by saying this has been a truly AMAZING experience for me. I have met SO many wonderful people, and they are all SO talented. It has been a fantastic trip.

There have been a few products which have made me feel like "I need that", and some that I have just thought "that's nice, but not on my "radar".

As far as products go, my #1 must have is ALL the new Basic Grey 6x6 pads. They are releasing at least 6 new types of 6x6 pads, and one more amazing than the next.

Other items that I really liked are:
1.The Zutter distressing tool (in stores in March)
2. New 8x8 paper by October afternoon
3. New Martha Stewart punched
4. The new Greeting Farm stamps
5. Making Memories new embellishments and deco beads
6. Pink Paislee 6x6 paper pads
7. Our craft lounge new stamps
8. Stampavie stamps

Before I end my CHA experience with you, I have to share something with you. What is it you ask?????

I won a brand new Slice from making memories. Yahooooo. The one I won is pink. SO cool...I have a fun new toy.

Well, That is all for today. I have to finish packing to head home tomorrow. It has been a great week, and I will miss my new friends. Looking forward to heading home to see my family. I am hoping Kerry & I will make it back next year. So ciao for now, and I should be back in action soon.

CHA update......

Happy Saturday!!!! Kerry & I arrived here in LA California very late Thursday night (1:30am eastern time) and didn't actually get to our hotel till around 3am(ish). As I expected I didn't do so well flying and the turbulence landing was rather rough (to say the least),but we are here.... As you have heard, the weather is has been TERRIBLE. It has rained the whole time we have been here, but as of this morning "I can see clearly now the rain is gone" (hehehe). It is sunny and the sky is blue (wahooo).



Here are some photos I took last night as the rain was settling. GORGEOUS.....GORGEOUS....It was one of the best rainbows I have ever seen. We settled in last night eastern time 6:30pm (our current time 3:30) with our Pjs and a take out pizza. I colored a few images and fell asleep.

Here are some Pictures from yesterday during our "real" first day of California. Kerry and I did the CHA Super Show yesterday and spent a little $$$$...ok, not a little. I will admit there wasn't much that I felt I "needed", until I came across the Carpe Diem both. It was a little piece of heaven, especially since they were selling the sketch markers for $3.95. YAHOOOOO....... needless to say, I spent a good chunk of cash there and I even took a picture for you. Now, don't be jealous, just kidding.

Besides the copics, the most exciting part of being here so far has been able to finally meet my
friend (in real life) Kim Heeber. Kim works for Clear & Simple stamps and has been working at the shows doing make and takes and such.

Today Kerry and I are heading back to the show for a bit and then it's all about meeting our online friends. I can't wait. Tomorrow we are heading to the trade show to see all the "NEW" stuff. I of course I take pics. If there is anything you have heard of and would like to see, LMK and I will photograph for you. Have a great day, I am off to get crafty and enjoy my first day hear in Cali without rain.

Pink Cat Thursday & Leaving on a jet plane!

Happy Thursday.....Today is the big day. My BF & I are leaving for CHA in California. I am feeling very excited, and a little bit nervous as well. Why nervous you ask, well, I have never left my kids this long, and my daughter woke up today crying about me leaving, which just makes me feel Soooo bad. I know my hubby will be able to handle all that goes on while I am gone, but I am going to miss them. I am a WICKED home body, and to say a little bit of a nervous person (hehehehe). So, to say that flying across country and leaving my family for 6 days makes me a little nervous, is putting it lightly. BUT....in the same note, I am so excited. I have never been to California, nor have I been to CHA. I am REALLY looking forward to soaking up all that this trip is offering (once I get over the plane ride, yep, I am afraid of flying). Most of all, I am looking forward to finally meeting all the ladies I have met on-line. That will be the best part, except the fact that I will be wearing my flip flops for 6 days (hehehe).


Okay, moving on to these SUPAH sweet new images from Pink Cat Studio. The minute I saw the Ladybug, I knew that was the first one I wanted to try. I think she is just sooo cute, and she makes a great image for almost any occasion.



For my next card, I used one of the new robot images. I do have something for these robots, They are super cute, and they have ones for boys and girls and they have different saying, which you can plug in. If you have kids, I know you're starting to think about class valentines, and how cheap would it be to print out these digi images and have your child color them.......Sounds good to me.



Well, I need to keep this short, as I still have to finish packing and go get my nails done. I will be posting product updates and pics from CHA all week, so stay tuned.

If you would like to see what the VERY talented Pink Cat Studio DT created this week, click here. Have a great day and Happy Creating!

Blog Winner & some winter Pics

Happy Tuesday!!!! Did you have a great weekend and MLK Day? We had some snow here this weekend and by did it look pretty. Now, I live in NH and we get snow all the time, but there are just some storms that are pretty than others, and yesterdays snow was heavy and wet, and it left the trees looking amazing. So of course I need to get my camera and drive around and snap some photos. Here are a couple I took:

BLOG CANDY WINNER!!!!! I am sooo sorry that I am announcing the winner late. I kept forgetting, and then time got away from me. I thank you all for taking the time to check out my blog and supporting me. THE WINNER IS:

Here are your random numbers:

14 Timestamp: 2010-01-19 14:03:11 UTC

CLARA

Please e-mail me with yourmailing address and I will get your prize out to you!

Well, I am in the process of getting ready to leave for CHA on Thursday and I start back with school tomorrow, I am off to get things done. I will be back later this week with a NEW RELEASE from Pink Cat STudio! Have a great day and happy creating!

Friends Forever-Motivet style & CHA Count Down

Happy Sunday......I don't ususally post a card on Sundays, but I had a chance to get to my "happy place" last night, and whip up a card.

Sooo....4 more days until CHA California. I am getting very excited. As much as I look forward to the show, I am mostly looking forward to meeting my "online friends". I have met some amazing people on line, and I am looking forward to finally putting a face with a name.

ok, moving onto my card. Another Motivet. I just love these stamps. They are the best size to color and they are "SUPAH" cute (ladies, get ready for the VERY heavy Boston accent). I used the Friday Sketchers challenge to design my card, with this new Memory box paper, that looks more amazing in "real" life. Fro some reason, the lighter papers don't photograph as well. Hmmm...


Well, That is all for me today. I have to get ready for a fun filled Sunday at work (bummer). Well, I hope you have a wonderful day and happy creating!

Design Team Call for Going Grey with Scrap-Creations

THIS WILL STAY AT THE TOP OF MY BLOG UNTIL 1/14/11....please scroll down for challenges

Happy New Year! Here it is December 31st, 2010....The last day of the year, and as the day passes, I think of all the moments, events, and memories (both good and bad) that have happened this year. I am thankful for the good things that happened in 2010.

1. Rowan, my niece was born
2. My family made it through the year with their health.
3. I completed my first semester of nursing school (without losing my mind).
4. I have made wonderful new friends and bonded even more with the old.
5. My family and I had the most amazing summer. 6. I have learned that my "ducks" don't ALWAYS need to be in a row.

While there were a handful or 2 things that happened in 2010 that were not so pleasant (the passing of Ethan, and my father in-law being diagnosed with cancer, amongst the worse), I am looking forward to seeing what 2011 has in store for me (hopefully good things). So as we ring in the new year, try to take a moment to remember all that has taken place in your life in 2010 and open your arms to welcome 2011 and all that it has in store for you.....all good things of course (wink).

Design Team call For Going Grey With Scrap-Creations!

What a year it has been for our Going Grey challenge. It all started on march 6, 2010. We have hosted 45 challenges, and have had some of the most amazing sponsors.....but most of all I have been blessed with the most amazing DT. Most of them have been here from the beginning and have created the most amazing cards and project. Thank you ladies from the bottom of my heart. I am so thankful to have each and everyone of you on my team. Of course as time goes on, situations change and we some times have to say good bye :( At this time, we are sad to say goodbye to Lorie Ames. Lorie has been a wonderful addition to our team, and we wish her all the best...We will miss you! Kristine Breach has also decided to step down, but will stay on as a permanent guest designer. So, with a few empty spots on the team, we are holding a design team call:

Going Grey with Scrap-Creations is looking to add 2 new Design team members. The requirements are:

1. You must post to your blog on a regular basis.

2. You must be able to make a card once a week for Going Grey, with the weekly challenge theme, and you will have to post your card to our DT Yahoo group.

3. We are sponsored 2 out of the 4 weeks of the month, and you must be willing to work with various companies digi images and products.

We welcome and encourage everyone to apply. If interested please link your blog below.

I will hold a DT call for the next two weeks and announce the new members on January 15th.

Pink Cat New Release: Happy Valentines Day!!!

Happy Thursday........It's a Pink Cat new release today. Oh my goodness these images are so "stinkin" cute. I am having a great time playing with all these new images.... Are you making Valentines Day Cards, or Valentines for your kids? The images that Pink Cat Studio has released in the last two weeks are amazing. You should check them out. Do you need some inspiration?? The Pink Cat Studio DT has made some amazing cards for you this week. You can check them out here:

Emily Leiphart
Inge Groot
Kerry Donovan-Casey
MacKenzie Buckler
Maria Bell
Mariska Van Der Veer
Suzanne Dean
Tori Hemmingway
Tracey Cuccia
Vicki Garrett

Well, this has to be a quick post today. I am preparing for my nursing entrance exam tomorrow, and trying to get the house sorted and pack for CHA next week. I am super excited to finally meet my online buddies....Yahoo. Well, I must go study. Have a wonderful Day. Happy Creating

Blog Candy Alert!!!!

Sharon over at Gramma's House has hit 150,000 hits and is celebrating with some blog candy. If you would like a chance to win, head on over to her blog HERE and congratulate her!!!!

CONGRATS SHARON!!!!!

Hogs -N- Kisses

Happy Tuesday. Thank you for stopping by. Did you have a good weekend? Mine flew by. I had to work on Sat night, and then my daughter had her first gymnastics competition on Sunday. She did so good. I am so proud of her. I will add some pics at the end of this post


So, onto my card. I am so proud of my self, I am using this card for 2 different challenges. I first chose my sketch and went with this weeks Mojo Monday., and then picked up a challenge over at KL Stampin N Scrappin. Their challenge was to make a card that was black and white plus one neutral color. Well, I have had this pig forever and I have never used him, so I thought I would give home a try. He was a pain in the tail to color, because He is so big, but I think it turned out OK. what do you think? Do you want to play in the KLSS black & white challenge? you should head over. She is offering prizes. We all like prizes..

Of course I had to share some photos of my little champ.














Have a great day and thank you for stopping by. Happy Creating!!!!

Pink Cat Studio is releasing their Brand new Paper Piecing products. Check it out!

Today Pink Cat Studio is expanding yet again! Last September it was Digi Stamps and today it’s Paper Piecing Projects. These fun projects are great for card making, scrapbooking and any kind of 3D crafting. The project files are formatted for those who like to cut and paper piece by hand and for those who have an electronic cutter.
Check out these fun new projects here: http://www.pinkcatstudio.com/Digital/PaperPiecing/NewPaperPiecingProjects.htm

Melissa is also having a fun contest and the winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to the PCS rubber or digi store! To enter the contest you will download a free Paper Piecing Project and then make a fun craft with it, anything you like. So not only will you get to try a Paper Piecing Project for free, you could also win some PCS goodies.
Visit the PCS blog today to find out about how to enter the contest and get your free Paper Piecing Project.

I am hoping to get to play with these paper piecing templates as well. If you decided to play, make sure you come back here to let me know, so I Can check out your creation.

Happy Creating!

Pink Cat New Release & Three Clover Thursday challenge

Happy Thursday......I am so excited to show you my card today. Why you ask? well, I struggled with this card for so long. I had my image colored and ready to go, but I just wasn't sure on my paper. Well, after much back and forth, I decided on this paper, My Minds Eye. I wanted my card to have a manly touch to it, and that is why I pulled in the green/blue. I also used this weeks Mojo Monday sketch challenge. Yahoo, 2 challenges in one. Love it!

What do you think of the new image? It is available in Digi only, so if you love it, you can get it today......

Be sure to check out the Pink Cat Studio blog for more images and contests.

THREE CLOVER THURSDAY CHALLENGE

This weeks Three Clovers Challenge is to make a card that has to do with your New Years Resolution. Well, my New Years resolution is to weed out everything that makes me unhappy, whether it be a person, place or thing. One of the biggest things that makes me unhappy is my weight. I have battled a weight issue most of my life and I have decided that this is it. The weight doesn't own me, I own it. I am the one that needs to control my weight, and with that comes better eating habits and more exercise. So that is the theme of my card today. This card will be heading to my good friend Pia, as the two of us are always on a diet.

So, if you get a chance to play, go ahead a create a card and visit Kerry over at Three Clovers Designs to sign up. We would love for you to join us.

Lookie, lookie here....It's a Pink Cat Studio Sneak peek

Good Morning, Good Morning, it's a happy day today......It sure is, I am on day three of my "eating healthy & exercising", and I am doing well. While watching Biggest Loser last night, I crafted instead of doing my typical, which is sit and watch with a bowl of Edy's ice cream (seriously). So I am taking it one day at a time, and I am going to lose this weight and get healthy:)

What do you think of Pink Cat Studio's new Lily Valentine Fairy? She is just so sweet, and the first time I saw her, I thought "great image for my daughter's valentines". So that is exactly what I did with her. On the left is a little goodie bag ( The bags are lollipop bags from Michael's) which I filled with Hersey Chocolate hearts ( pictured in the front of my projects), and I made a little Valentine that I attached to it. I also made a Valentines card to match the goodie bag. Now, when I was making these, I was thinking simple, due to the fact if I wanted to make a bunch, it wouldn't be to time consuming. I think this project will be heading to my daughter Abbey's teacher. What do you think. Do you like it. Is is do-able for some quick valentines?

Pink Cat Studio is releasing 15 new images tomorrow, some digi and some rubber, and I have only showed you one, so would you like to see more????? The whole DT is peeking their cards today, and you can catch these talented ladies here:

Alicia Wieman

Emilt Leiphart

Inge Groot

Kerry Donovan-Casey

Lauren Meader

MacKenzie Bruckler

Maria Bell

Mariska Van Deer

Suzanne Dean

Tori Hemmingway

Tracey Cuccia

Vicki Garrett

Would you like to WIN all 5 new images???
Well, Pink Cat Studio is introducing some new Pixie characters this Thursday and we are having a contest to celebrate! The Pixies have picked out their own pixie names and you have to guess which names they picked. Visit the Pink Cat Studio blog to read the contest details and enter the contest.

Well, that is all for today, thank you for stopping by. I hope you have a FABULOUS day and Happy creating. If you get a chance, check back tomorrow for the Pink Cat Studio full new release......

Happy Valentines Day & Ethan update

Happy Tuesday. Are you keeping warm? Well, I officially think I am living in a frozen tundra, oh, forgive me, I mean New England. Seriously, it has snowed for the last 3 days, and it is FREEZING! The kids are bundled up in their boots, hats gloves, and snow pants to go if they want to play in the snow at recess. So, I will be spending the day in the warmth of my own home, and I "plan" (doesn't always mean that this works out) on getting some stamping done.

How sweet is this little girl? Again, I used one of the Motivet stamps. I LOVE them, and they are super fun to color too. I made this card for this weeks KLSNS sketch Challenge. You should check it out. It is a SUPER cute sketch and they are giving away FREE stuff.......FUN, FUN, FUN..

I also wanted to say THANK YOU for all that sent Ethan and his family cards during the last month. Amy (Ethan's Mom) said they loved receiving the cards. They would rush to the mailbox everyday to see if any came. So, I thank each of you for taking the time to send some cheer their way.

We were lucky enough to be able to have Ethan & his family join us this year for Christmas Eve, and everyone had a great time (here is a pic of Ethan on x-mas Eve). As far as a quick update with him, he has started a new Chemo trial, and seems to be feeling okay on the medicine. We are all hoping that this is "the one" that makes him better. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Well, that is all for me today. Stay tuned later this week for Pink Cat Studios New Release, and Three clovers Thursday Challenge. I hope you have a wonderful day and happy creating!!!!

Materials:

Stamps: Motivet, Amuse sentiment

paper: Memory box

ink: copics, memento black

Misc: brads, primas, Michael's heart stick on.