Monday, June 28, 2010

Going Grey with Scrap-Creations Challenge.....Americana


Hey there, welcome to this weeks Going Grey with Scrap-Creations challenge....With 4th of July approaching, I thought it would be nice to have a Americana theme challenge this week. OOOOPPPsss I didn't use Basic Grey....Ooooppps neither did the DT. Well, we decided that Basic Grey doesn't have any "good" BG paper, so this weeks challenge is AMERICANA with any DP you want to use!
For my card today, I used one of me new Motivet stamps. I just think they are so cute, and I used some dp I picked up at my LSS
My card qualifies for the following challenges:
Friday Sketchers
Little Red Wagon Challenge #34-Their challenge is also a patriotic one this week!
ABC Challenge-X for Xtra dimension is the challenge
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #65-"Stars and Stripes" is the challenge this week
Pile It On Challenge #25--Fold it, Bake it, Do something with it! They are challenging us this week to do something with our paper
One Stitch At a Time Challenge #19-This week the challenge is to use "stars and Stripes" on your creation!
Paper Cutz Challenge #47-On this challenge they you like us to use circles, stars, or squares on our project. My stars work perfectly with this challenge!

Fresh Brewed-Anything goes.
I did it Ceations Challenge-3-D...add some kind of dimension
WOW....we had a great turn out for last weeks challenge. So, wanna know who won the $15.00 GC to Paper Jewels............


Here are your random numbers:

6


timestamp: 2010-06-29 03:01:37 UTC
Patty J you are the winner!!!! Please e-mail me your mailing info


Like I said, we had a great turn out last week and there were so many amazing cards. It was really hard to pick just three, but it had to be done. So, without further ado, last weeks TOP 3 cards are:


Grace Nywening


Dawn BurnsworthErin
Fabulous Cards Ladies, please grab your TOP 3 badge from the right of my blog!

Are you ready to see what the amazing DT came up with for today's challenge? I have to say, each and everyone of these girls is amazingly talented, and I am not saying that just cause their my group...hehehe...They really are amazing, and I am lucky to have them. Okay, feast your eye on these!


Jackie Randolph
Weren't those fabulous? Don't be afraid to head to their blogs and leave them a little love. You will have until next Monday @ 6pm to get your card in for the challenge. Also, we have new Blog Badges, please feel free to take one and post on your blog. I will be picking the top 3 next week, and I will award 3 people with the new top 3 badge! When posting to a gallery's, please use the key words GGSC16. .......Have a great day and happy creating


Critter Sketch challenge and another card for Bella

Ahhh....It's Monday, that means the weekend is only 4 days away....I do love that thought. You see, my daughter is on the competition team at Gym (gymnastics), and we have to drive her back and fourth to and from the gym four days a week, and if that's not enough, my son and husband both take karate and between them, that is 5 nights a week. So you see, I look forward to the weekends when we have no or very little commitments.......


My card today is for this weeks Critter sketch challenge, and will be sent to Bella Tucker (please feel free to read her story here). This weeks challenge is a sketch challenge.


ul online company, Softpencil. Their images are overly cute. This is the last challenge for the month that you can join to try to win a gift certificate to Softpencil. The drawing will take place on Friday and Melanie will post who the winner is over the weekend. Wanna Play???? Wonder what the rest of the DT came up with? Check them out. They are all amazingly talented and you won't be sorry. Don't be afraid to share a little love as well.


Jacquie Kerevan
Jackie Randolph
Nancy Hagen
Michele Tinsley

Supplies:

Paper: Basic Grey

Stamps: Motivet, saying is Amuse

Ink: copics

Access: Primas, MS punch

Well, that is all for me today. Thank you for stopping bye, it really means a lot. Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for a new challenge with Going Grey with scrap-Creations.



Thursday, June 24, 2010

Some exciting news with Going Grey challenges


Wow, it's Thursday already!!!! I swear since the kids have been out of school, the days have been flying bye. I hope you have had a Fabulous week thus far.
So, are you looking at this picture thinking, "Kristen, REALLY"???? This is so completely not a me kind of art. Meaning, that this is not my typical work, but I have to admit that I secretly love to play with these kind of stamps and papers, but it is just not my typical. When I look at amazing stampers like Lisa Somerville, and Gerric Johnnic,
who use amazing techniques and use a lot of grunge and collage, I think "wow, their work is gorgeous", and they inspire me to try things like this ATC card I made. I will admit that I made this at a stamping convention, but I couldn't wait to play with these products by Jill Haglund whom makes fabulous collage packs and really cool stamps sets. I love who this ATC turned out, but my only wish would have been to be able to use copics instead of pencils (hehehe). It was nice to get my fingers inky, very INKY!
So, I said I had some exciting news to share with you about our Going Grey with Scrap-Creations challenge. I am thrilled to announce to new additions to our design team. Both who are fabulously talented and without further ado let me introduce to you:
Lorie Ames and Jackie Randolph They will be starting with us for next Tuesdays challenge. Please feel free to stop by their blogs and give them a little love :)
Congrats ladies and welcome to the team!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Going Grey With Scrap-Creations Challenge: Anything Goes


Happy Tuesday! Are you enjoying your week? My kids got out of school yesterday, so our summer officially begins.....wahoooo

What do you think of card today? Well, i have to say it is VERY different for me. I was trying to force myself to use papers that I haven't used before, and I wanted to use this weeks Friday Sketchers sketch. Paper Jewels generously gave the DT some images for this challenge and I received Sweet November Darby and Chenille
. I was happy to get to play with a stamp I have not seen before. It was lots of fun playing with this image.




Paper Jewels

So, I am so excited to tell you about this weeks challenge. The challenge of the week is a ANYTHING GOES, just make sure you use BG paper. What I am really excited to tell you about is this weeks SPONSOR.

This weeks challenge is being sponsored by Paper Jewels, and they are very generously offering a $15.00 Gift Certificate to their store, which I would like to tell is fabulous. They have a great array if stamps, and Some really fun stuff. Next week, I will pick one winner through random.org.



Want to see what the VERY talented DT made with their images????

Mary Castonquay
Crystal Irwin
Peggy Regan
Weren't those fabulous? Don't be afraid to head to their blogs and leave them a little love. You will have until next Monday @ 6pm to get your card in for the challenge. Also, we have new Blog Badges, please feel free to take one and post on your blog. I will be picking the top 3 next week, and I will award 3 people with the new top 3 badge! When posting to a gallery's, please use the key words GGSC15. PLEASE BE SURE TO USE BASIC GREY PAPER.......Have a great day and happy creating


Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Fathers Day: Cupcake inspiration challenge


HAPPY FATHERS DAY........ I hope all your Dad's , hubby's, and men in your life have a great day.

My post has to be quick today, as my family and I will be making the rounds today to our dads.


Well, it's Sunday and Sundays = Cupcake Inspiration Challenge. I have to admit, when I first saw the cupcakes for this weeks challenge, I thought, Yikes, those are some pretty "dark" colors for me. I am definitely a Bright kind of girl. When I sat down, I knew I wanted to do a fathers Day card, I knew I wanted to use this stamp by The Greeting Farm and I knew I was following this weeks Sketch Saturday Sketch. For me, the hard part is always picking out my DP. I am VERY picky with my paper, as I feel it is the major impact on my card. Well, after searching for the right paper, I came up with this DP, which is actually X-mas paper, but I bet you can't tell...hehehehe
We would love to have you play along this week! Make sure to add a direct link to your NEW creation on Mr Linky below by Saturday, June 26th at 9 pm MT. This is an Inspiration challenge, but please make sure your creation is truly inspired by this cupcake and this challenge is linked in your post. If you upload to a public gallery like SCS or PCP make sure to use keyword CIC64 so we can easily find you. Remember, no cupcake stamps are required! Rachel will post the Top 5 next Sunday. Have a great day and thank you for stopping by. Happy Creating!

My Card Qualifies for the following Challenges:

Crafty Cardmakers Challenge #23This challenge is cards for men
Creative Inspirations Challenge 65One for the boys is the challenge this week.
Double Dutch Challenge DDC #45-This challenge is Dads Treat, make something for dad.
Fab 'N' Funky Challenge #28-Just for Dad" is the fun challenge this week!
Incy Wincy Designs Challenge 46-One For The Guys is the challenge for this week, how fun!
Tandastamps -Tanda Teaser Challenge 148-For the Big Man is the great challenge they are having this week!
Magical Crafts Challenge #17-Something for a male/Father's Day is the great challenge they are playing this week!
Moving Along With The Times Challenge 51-This challenge is a fantastic sketch challenge this week that I loved working with!
One Stop Craft Challenge Week 85-One For The Boys is their great challenge this week!
Polka Doodles Challenge week 24-This week the challenge is a Father's Day/Male theme challenge
Raise The Bar Challenge #23-What A Special Guy is this great challenge this week!
Stampin' Royalty Challenge #24-This challenge is to create a masculine themed project so I created a Father's Day card.


Friday, June 18, 2010

A Apple A Day......


Happy Day!! I hope you have had a good week. Last Saturday was my last day with Gymboree, so I have been enjoying my first week off from work. The kids get out of school on Monday for the summer, and I decided I would make some quick cards for the teachers.



Note I said {{QUICK}}}.....That's right, no coloring and this card maybe took me 15 minutes. Wahooo.....I believe that is a personal record for me..LOL!!! When I decided to make the teachers cards, I obviously wanted to go "school" themed, but I don't have a whole lot of "school themed" stamps, but what I did have was this $1.00 stamp from imaginisce that I bought over a year or two ago and never used. So, I decided that this would be the perfect time to ink it up. Quick, simple, and finished! It was kind of nice to be able to put together a few "easy" cards. I am hoping the teachers will like them.

I usually stress over what to get the teachers for gifts at the end of the year, but this year, I am going with Gift Certificates to the teachers favorites. Simple and easy, and who doesn't like GC's.

I am seriously looking forward to the summer and spending some time with my family.

I also wanted to thank everyone that sent cards to Ethan & Bella. I know the cards will bring smiles to their face. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! I will announce the Blog candy winner on Sunday! Until then, have a great day!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Big Blog Candy For a Good Cause

This will stay at the top of my blog until end of blog candy!





Blog Candy consist of: 1 pack of Basic Grey Green at Heart 6x6 paper

1 pack of Pink Paislee Queen Bee 6x6 paper



1 Penny Johnson's Stampavie Champagne Bears



1 Dee Dee from the Greeting Farm



1 Stamping Ayna from the Greeting Farm



1 Penny Johnson Stampavie bear with flowers



4 packs of Rhinestones: pink, purple, turquoise, green


So, what do you have to do to win this blog candy? it's simple, share Ethan & Bella's story on your blog. You have my complete permission to copy and paste their photos and stories. Once you have posted your blog post come back to my blog and leave me a comment that you have shared their story. This is just so important to me, I am praying for a big turn out for them.



Let me tell you about two amazing kids. Ethan & Bella


Ethan is my cousin's son. He is 8 years old .Ethan was diagnosed with Neuroblasto​ma Stage 4 on March 5th, 2005. This devastating news came just days after his 3rd Birthday. The doctors told us that Ethan’s overall chance of survival was only 25%. Who would have ever thought that his leg pain and unexplained fever was cancer.

The worst of the worst…a deadly form of cancer where there is no specific treatment meant just for Neuroblasto​ma. Instead, trial studies and experimental​l therapies were in our future.


Etha​n underwent 6 rounds of extremely high dose chemotherap​y, surgery to remove the tumor in his abdomen, a stem cell transplant and 12 rounds of radiation to the tumor site. This trial study was followed up by an experimental​l therapy at Sloan Kettering in New York called 3F8 Antibody Treatment. Ethan received 5 rounds of this treatments before becoming “Hama” positive, which means his immune system is trained to fight neuroblasto​ma cells.

Today​, Ethan is cancer free and is back to enjoying all the childhood fun and games that was taken from him for over a year and a half. Doctors have also increased his overall chance of survival to 50% (considering​ the high rate of relapse).

UP​DATE:

In November 2007, a lump was found on Ethan's left shoulder blade...lat​er to be diagnosed as osteochondr​oma, a benign tumor growth in the bone. This is in part, a side effect of having Total Body Irritation for his Stem Cell Transplant.​
Around June of 2008, several benign tumors were discovered on Ethan's liver.

On Nov. 21, 2008, we found out that Ethan's cancer had returned, Recurrent Neuroblasto​ma. MIBG uptakes were discovered in one shoulder, his leg, his spine and chest...alo​ng with in his bone marrow. There were a total of 12 spots at re-diagnosi​s

Ethan underwent 2 rounds of high dose chemo followed by a set of scans. The scans showed that the chemo was not acting effectively.​
Ethan then underwent o​ne round of maintenance chemo before becoming the first patient in a New England hospital to receive MIBG therapy (aka liquid radiation).​ The first round was scheduled the week of Ethan's 7th Birthday (feb 17th). Follow up scans show a HUGE improvement​, leaving residual uptake on MIBG scan and small traces in the bone marrow. Then Ethan underwent a 2nd round at the beginning of May 2009, scan results show "stable with limited improvement".​

At this time, Ethan only had two more spots to take care of. So he underwent more chemotherapy​y, using irinotecan, carboplatin and temodar...followed up by a much needed stem cell rescue. Results "stable with no improvement".​ At that point, we decided to allow Ethan's body to rest and put him on a treatment known for stability called ABT-751 at the beginning of Sept. 2009. However, in November 2009, Ethan's cancer showed 2 new spots of progression and we had to discontinue the use of the ABT-751.

Fro​m there, Ethan began a treatment using Temodar and Thalidomide​, which consists of taking pills at home...ever​yday. Also, at this point, I added Harmazone, a form of"Essiac" to Ethan's daily routine. La​ter, I added the use of a DHA supplement.​ Thus far, the DHA has proven to rid Ethan of his mood swings and temper tantrums.

Af​ter 4 rounds of Thalidomide​/Temodar treatment, On March 18, 2010 scan results showed massive "widespread" progression throughout Ethan's entire skeletal system, from his shoulders down his arms, down his spine and chest cavity, to his pelvis, and down his legs, right down to his ankles.

We then decided to try out a new phase 1 protocol using both IV and oral cyclophosph​omide, with Avastin and Zometa. This treatment is primarily used for bone metastesis.​ Unfortunate​ly Ethan's LFT's remained too elevated to remain on protocol.

Sc​ans were conducted in Vermont, as preparation for a new study. Results show even more progression to several area's in skull and soft tissue mass on spine. Radiation was conducted to the orbital area and spine, along with etoposide and velcade treatments.​ Biopsies were perfomed for DNA and RHA testing for Personalize​d Medicine Study in Vermont.


Well, today we received devastating news. The Brain tumor has more than doubled in size and is now causing focal seizures. They will do radiation for comfort only at this point. Things are not looking good for Ethan and he is in need of prayers and whatever happiness we could give him. Ethan & his sister sierra love to receive cards. If you could find the time to mail them a card, I am sure it would bring a smile to their face. Particularly Ethan, as he is in Boston Children's Hospital continuing with radiation. If you would like to mail them a card you may do so to:


Ethan Smith and Sierra Smith



27 Donna Street
Nashua, NH 03060



If you would like more info and would like to stay up to date with Ethan you can visit is journal here:http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ethansmith

Meet Bella Tucker
Bella Tucker is an 8-year-old girl who attends South School Elementary in Londonderry, New Hampshire and is a member of the Phantom Gymnastics team. Bella came down with a near fatal infection on Easter Sunday. Doctors gave little hope for this third graders’ survival, but after five days in a coma she miraculously survived Streptococcus Pneumonia Sepsis with DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation).

Unfortunately, her survival from this infection was not without significant cost. The infection caused extensive tissue damage, and on April 27, 2010, Bella underwent quadruple amputation surgery and is currently facing an extremely long and hard recovery at Children’s Hospital in Boston with extensive rehabilitation to follow, as she learns to live life without her limbs.

Fortunately, Bella has the love and support of her three older brothers and younger sister during these trying times. The family is suddenly faced with significant challenges, many of which can be eased with financial help. For example, their home in Londonderry, New Hampshire will need extensive modifications to accommodate a wheelchair. Bella's mother, who is also her primary insurance holder, must be by her side during the extensive rehabilitation process and therefore she will be unable to work, causing the family to lose significant income. Since her mother will be with her during this process, the family needs funds for daycare of their other children. Lastly, she will be faced with medical challenges for the rest of her life.
Bella loves receiving cards and they would be sure to make her smile. I am currently awaiting her address, but you may mail her cards to my address until further notice.

Kristen Catalano

c/o Bella tucker

5 Baymeadow Dr

Nashua, NH 03063

You may visit Bella's webpage at :http://www.bellatucker.org/

I know we all have some cards sitting around, it would mean so much if you could get one out to Ethan and Bella. They need all the smiles they can get right now!

Thanks so much



Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Going Grey Challenge #15 Kids cards Ethan update


Happy Tuesday....You know what Tuesdays are here at Scrap-Creations.....Going Grey challenge. This week Crystal (one of our DT)had a great idea for a theme. She thought, where I am hosting a card drive for Ethan & Bella, it would be a great idea to make this weeks theme: Kids cards. The team and I completely agreed and so our theme this week is to make a child themed card. I will be mailing this card to Ethan's sister sierra, whom is dealing with a whole lot as well. While her mom and brother are in the hospital, she gets shifted to grandmas, and sometimes doesn't get to see her mom for a week, because she is taking care of Ethan. So, I am hoping this will bring a smile to SIerra.


Ethan update: As of right now, things are looking like Ethan will be discharged from the hospital this week, and possibly be coming home on hospice :( Ethan has stated that he is ready to be at home to play with his toys and see his friends. This is all I know as of today. I will keep you all up to date on his condition.

So, wanna see who made last weeks TOP 3????? Without further ado.......













congrats ladies, please feel FREE to crab the code for the TOP 3 badge from the right side of my blog! Thank you for playing!

So, let me show you the FABULOUS cards made by the DT for today's challenge!

Mary Castonquay
Kim Howard
Crystal Irwin
Peggy Regan

Crystal Irwin
Weren't those fabulous? Don't be afraid to head to their blogs and leave them a little love. You will have until next Monday @ 6pm to get your card in for the challenge. Also, we have new Blog Badges, please feel free to take one and post on your blog. I will be picking the top 3 next week, and I will award 3 people with the new top 3 badge! When posting to a gallery's, please use the key words GGSC15. PLEASE BE SURE TO USE BASIC GREY PAPER.......Have a great day and happy creating





Sunday, June 13, 2010

Critter Sketch challenge #18!


Happy Monday!!!! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I had a very busy weekend, but a great one. Saturday was my last shift at Gymboree (yeahhhhhh), and I am extremely happy to be able to take the summer off with the kids.


Today, I have some very exciting news to share with you. I have been asked to be on the The Critter Sketch challenge Team, and I have accepted. Today is my week to show you my card. The challenge today is a sketch challenge (my favorite). I decided

that I would continue making kids cards for the Ethan & Bella card Drive. I used one of my new Motivet stamps that I just purchased at the Springfield Ma, stamp show. I really like how it turned out. Lots of fun coloring it.


The critter Sketch Challenge is being sponsored by Soft Pencil. Of course we could love to see your Soft Pencil images put to use but it's not required. Our challenges have no vendor restrictions!! Soft Pencils have some FREE images on their blog for you to try :)

Need a little inspiration? Take a look at the DT's creations, and don't be afraid to leave them a little love:

Nancy Hagen - http://mylittlespotintheuniverse.blogspot.com/
Jacquie Lankester - http://stampingandscrapbookingadventures.blogspot.com/
Kathryn Berthiaume - http://kathrynberthiaume.blogspot.com/
Kim Howard - http://basementstamper.blogspot.com/
Michele Tinsley - http://mycraftingtherapy.blogspot.com/
Jackie Randolph - http://papermoments.blogspot.com/
Kristen Catalano - http://www.scrap-creations1.blogspot.com/

Have a Great day and happy creating!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Going Grey challenge # 14 Happy Birthday

Happy Tuesday.....I hope you have had a great week so far. Wow, today's challenge is challenge #14, and this weeks challenge is a SIMPLE one, It's a Birthday card. Your choice of image, sketch, embellishments......Just make sure that you use Basic Grey (please do not pay attention to my paper, as it just dawned on me that I didn't.....ARGH), but yes, the challenge requires that you do.......

But, before I show you the DT's cards, I wanted to share some news. 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. As a team it is VERY important to us that you can comment on the DT cards, as well as our participants cards.

4. Please e-mail me your blog address and your info to Kristen at k.catalano@comcast.net by June 18th.

I will hold a DT call for the next two weeks and announce the new members on June 22nd.



Thank you to all that played last week. Each and every card was Fabulous. Without further a do, let me show you last weeks TOP 3.

Chris Olsen Peggy Orit



Fabulous card ladies, please take your top three badge from the left of my blog. Thank you for playing.





I always get excited for this part.....Here are the DT's fabulous, inspirational cards for this weeks challenge:

Crystal Irwin:


















Peggy Regan:



















Kim Howard:

Weren't those fabulous? Don't be afraid to head to their blogs and leave them a little love. You will have until next Monday @ 6pm to get your card in for the challenge. Also, we have new Blog Badges, please feel free to take one and post on your blog. I will be picking the top 3 next week, and I will award 3 people with the new top 3 badge! When posting to a gallery's, please use the key words GGSC14. PLEASE BE SURE TO USE BASIC GREY PAPER.......Have a great day and happy creating