Three Clover Thursday with a cute little hippo...

Happy New Year's Eve.......Do you have BIG plans tonight? Not me.....You see, when I was growing up my parents never wanted me to go out on New Years Eve, and sometimes insisted that I stay home. Well, as an adult, I now choose to stay home and actually enjoy staying home. Maybe we will watch a movie with the kids and maybe I will make a card, but either way I will be home in my pjs ringing in the New Year snug as a bug in the comforts of my own home:)

Thursdays= Three Clover Thursdays.....This weeks challenge is to make a "celebration" card. I decided to use this Motivet image my good friend Kerry stamped me, and turn her into a b-day card. I do love the Motivet images....They are SO cute. I used a previous Friday Sketchers sketch (and I am so thankful that they exist) and tadaaa......Hippo birthday. I just purchased this new DP the other and wondered when I would use it...who knew it would be immediately (hehehehe) (what do you think Mary).

So, do you feel like celebrating today????? Come join in the challenge and make a celebration card for Three Clovers Challenge.......It's a easy one....

Speaking of Celebrating...........To kick of the New Year, I am posting blog CANDY tomorrow, so be sure to come back and check it out.......Have a wonderful and safe New Years.......

Happy New Year Bear.....

Happy Tuesday! How was your Christmas? Did you get anything fun to play with? Maybe a Cricut, some cartridges, some copics, a LSS GC?

I had a wonderful Christmas, and I just love the look on the kids face on Christmas morning. It makes all the hustle and bustle worth it :) On the other hand, I am also happy that it's over. I have finally found the floor in my living room. The kids toys and such have been moved to their rooms, and things are starting to feel a little bit back to normal.

So, last night I finally sat down to play, and I knew I wanted to use this Digi image by The Greeting Farm , (and did I mention this image is FREE......),but I had no idea what paper I would use. When I think of New Years colors, I think about Black, White, Gold and Red, but I didn't want to use any of those with this image. When I saw his image, I thought "cute", so I found this scrap paper and went to town. What do you think? He makes me smile....hehehe.....
Well, I am off. Going to play with the kids, and then heading out this evening
with my stamping buddies Mary, Peggy, Pia, and Kerry. Heading to our local stamp store and then out to dinner.
Have a great day and thank you for stopping by. See you tomorrow.....

I'm Backkkkk........Having a Baaahhhh of a time....

I'm back. It has been some kind of week I tell you.. I had 3 Finals last week and my nursing entrance exam yesterday. I am surprised I am still standing. It was pretty rough, but I think I did OK. On top of that, I work in retail, and as you can imagine, it is pure craziness. Long hours, grumpy people...etc....

Have you finished your holiday shopping? I am pretty much done. I am going to wrap today and possibly head to the food store, (if I dare). I am looking forward to Christmas this week. The kids are starting to get very excited about Santa's arrival, and our Elf of the Shelf has been a big hit.

So, I finally got a chance to sit and make a card. Oh how I missed coloring. I used one of PCS new Digi images. I also used (don't gasp), Flower soft of the first time. I used it to give my sheep some dimension. I do love me some flower soft. Simple card, but so cute. I love, love, love the image. I am hoping to have another card for tomorrow for Three Clovers Challenge, it is Christmas.....Traditional colors....My favorite.....

I also would like to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU........to all of you that took time to send Ethan & Sierra a card. They have received 12 cards as of yesterday. From what Amy (their) mom tells me, they are having a great time, and look forward to checking out the mailbox everyday. Thank you for helping me to make them smile.....from the bottom of my heart, Thank you........

Well, I am off to start the day. I hope you have a great one, and hope to be back tomorrow with (maybe), my last Christmas card. Have a great day and thank you for stopping by.

Season of Giving: Help me make some smiles: Rak request

This will stay at the top of my blog until Christmas.....

I have a very special little boy & story to share with you. Meet Ethan, he is my cousin's son. Ethan is 7 yrs old and in the second grade. He was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma stage 4 in March of 2005, just after his 3rd birthday. After much Chemo and trials, Ethan was considered cancer free up until 2008, when the Neuroblastoma (cancer) returned. Once again, Ethan went through more chemo, test, and trials. His cancer seemed "stable" up until this month, when the doctors found 2 more spots on his spine. This of course is devastating news......

You see, why I worry about the things in life like, cleaning the house, doing school work, and going to work, Amy (Ethan's mother) worries about her child with cancer and trying to keep him alive. I CAN'T even imagine. As many of you know, I have 2 children as well, Age 8 & 6, and I can't imagine what Amy and Ethan are going through.

If all this isn't enough, Amy is a single mom of two. That's right, Ethan has a 10 year old sister Sierra. Sierra, who is a amazing little girl and is dealing with more than a 10 year old little girl should have to. While most girls her age are worried about playing and such, she is worried about how her brother is feeling, how his day at the hospital went, and when will her mom be back to tuck her in. You see, this family has gone through more than any family should have to deal with.

So, It's the season of giving right....that is why I am asking you and anyone you know to send a little bit of cheer their way. Ethan & Sierra love to receive mail, and while Ethan will be starting another round of Chemo, and most likely going to be missing more school, I thought it would be nice if Sierra & Ethan had a little something to look forward to during this holiday season. Help me fill their mailbox with cards and smiles. I know I have a ton of cards I have made that are sitting around, and maybe you do too. If you could just pop them a card in the mail it would mean sooo much........ It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a little something to bring a smile. I know they would love it.

You can read more of Ethan's story and see more photos at his Caring Bridge page here.

Ethan & Sierra's mailing info:

Ethan & Sierra Smith

27 Donna Street

Nashua, NH 03060

Please feel to share their story. I am hoping to create some smiles during a tough time. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Have a great weekend.

Motivet Blog Candy & a Big Congrats....

OMG....Do you see how cute these are. I don't think there is a time when I don't love everything that Motivet comes out with. Their stamps are always so stinkin cute. If you would like a chance to win all their stamps,head on over and check them out.....

I would alsolike to send a BIG congrats to my BF for making the absolutely amazing Motivet DT. Well deserved Kerry. She is a amazing stamper and they are lucky to have her, as she is to have them and work with all their amazing stamps....FUN.....CONGRATS GIRL!!!!

Ho..Ho...Ho with some wintery fun

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....everywhere you go...... DO you have that Christmas feeling? Up until this week, I really haven't been in the Christmas mood. For me, it usually kicks in after my finals are over, which is next Wednesday (yahooo).

What do you think of my new Greeting Farm Santa? Isn't he adorable? My kids loved him also, so I had to stamp them a few as well. I used this weeks Mojo Monday sketch and made this very simple card. I wasn't sure what I thought originally, but I kinda like it now (hehehe).

Well, we had our 1st "real" snowfall today. Approx 6-8 inches. The kids and I had no school (yahoo). I took the opportunity to snap a few photos.



Well, that is all for me today. I hope you are keeping warm and having a great day. Happy Creating.

Winter Princess Gift set

Happy Thursday...... Thanks for stopping by on this lovely day...


I have a SUPAH cute image to share with you. I used my new Winter Princess Lily image from today's Pink Cat Studio Release. Lily is just one of six Fanatic new images being released today. Did you notice that I used the same image on both my card and acrylic box? Yep, the joys of resizing digital images. My Lily on the box is actually 50% of the Lily on my card. Love it!



Today I was able to work three challenges into one. PCK new release, Three Clover Thursday challenge and Friday Sketchers. I used PCS winter Princess image and Incorporated it into Kerry's challenge over at Three Clovers Design, which is to make a NON card item. I think my acrylic treat box covers that, and I used Friday Sketchers challenge to make my card. Wahoooo....Love when I can do that..hehehehe......




Well, I am sorry that this post is short, but I woke up this morning with a slight fever and a bad sore throat, and my kids are sitting here nagging me to use the computer before they go to school. Have a wonderful Day, and thank you SOO much for stopping by. Your comments me so much to me. Happy Creating...

A little Twilight and a funny story!

Phew......I have been MIA. As if taking care of my family, and going to school, and working isn't enough, now the Holiday season is here and working in retail, that means more hours and angry people. I worked this whole last weekend and it was pure craziness. Did I hear that we are in a recession? Well, by the looks of the amount of people out shopping, it certianly doesn't look like a recession. So, anyways, that is where I have been. I cooked for thanksgiving and then I worked all weekend and had no time to play.

This morning, my hubby went to work, the kids went to school, I headed to my happy place and stamp. Today I decided to play with one of my new stamps. My dear friend knows how much I love the movie Twilight, so she purchased this Edward stamp for me from The Greeting Farm. I love it. I had a lot of fun coloring his hair. I love that I could add highlites on the top. How about my "Bite Me" stamp. I purchased it from Amuse .

Ok, funny story here. When My husband came home from work, I showed him the card I made and said"what do you think"? He say"it's cute". I said "do you know who that is", and he says "yeah, Ryan". You see, Ryan is my son. My husband thought my Edward card was a card of my son. What the heck. So, even better here. I show my kids my card, and I said "Ryan, do you know who this is", and he says "Yeah mommy, it's me". He also thought my Edward card looked like him. The only thing the iimage and Ryan have in common is a round face and they are both short, but most importantly, they are both adorable......

Well, that is all for me. I am hoping to get really motivated this week and make a card to post everyday. ok, I am off. Thank you for stopping by, it means soooo much. Happy Creating

Happy Black Friday!!!!

Black Friday is the Superbowl of shopping. So the question I have for you is.......will you be venturing out and if you did what time did you get up and what sale did you find the best? What was the longest line you waited in?

Well, you see, I will be venturing out at 4am to WORK......Up that is right. I have to work. I hate to admit it, but I love all the craziness. I work at Gymboree, which is a kids clothes store, and believe it or not, it gets to be pure mad house, and I love every minute of it........:)

So, what would be Black Friday without a sale????? Pink Cat Studio is offering this super cute Fairy FREE with any $3.00 and more purchase in either the Digital or rubber store. Due to the busy day I had for thanksgiving, I didn't get a chance to make a card, but I am hoping to have one for you soon. I was thinking of making her a christmas fairy. We'll see what happens.

I hope you had a FANTASTIC thanksgiving. Thanks for stopping by.

Going to CHA

Happy Monday. Did y0u have a good weekend? I have to say I had a wonderful weekend. I had date night Saturday night with my hubby, and we went to go see New Moon. Loved it. Pretty on target with the book. I would love to go see it again. After the movie, we went and did a little Christmas shopping. I don't know about you, but as my kids get older, I find it harder, and harder to shop. Now they want electronics, and video games and neither are cheap. I plan on doing a little shopping each week. I hope not to be one of those people doing last minute, but you never know.



I have BIG NEWS (well for me anyways)......I am going to CHA in Anaheim in January. I think I am still in shock, but I am thrilled. My BFF Kerry and I are are heading out for a mini vacation to CHA. We will be going for 6 days. This will be the longest I have ever been away from my family (YIKES), and of course I feel a little nervous about that, but the Flight and Hotel are booked and we are getting excited. Are you going?????? Know worries if y0u aren't I will of course bring my camera and share pics with you.

I have a Inky card to share with you today. I am not sure how I feel about the colors, but I was this DP at my local stamp store (IAI), and I thought I would give it a try. I don't tend to be a purple person. I used this weeks Friday Sketcher challenge and this is my result. What do you think? After looking at the card all finished, I wish that I didn't do the white doodling. Oh well, As a good friend says "If you want a perfect card, then go to hallmark". True, true. I also just wanted to remind you that there is still time to get you ornament card into Inky Impressions for their DT call. Come on, give it a try.

Well, that is all for today. I have a afternoon of homework today. The semester is coming to a close and I need to stay caught up :). Have a FABULOUS day and happy creating!!!!

Pink Cat Studio New Release Thursday

Happy Thursday.....I usually post first thing in the morning, but I was exhausted this morning, so here I am a little bit late, but I am feeling so much better (after a little nap).

As many of you know, Thursday's=Pink Cat new Release day, and I love me some Pink Cat Studio images, and today is know different. I used the newly released Sick Lily. I think this is a great stamp. How often do you need to make a get well card, but you're not sure what image to use. This could be used for a adult or a kiddo. I also used the FREE sentiments that PCS offers.

For my card I used some random DP from a stack of DP that I need file back, and boy should you see this stack of DP. I am not kidding you when I tell you that it is 12 inches tall. I don't even know what I have.

So I have a question for you.......Have you tried any Digi Stamps yet, and are you comfortable using them? I am extremely comfortable with Digi, and these almost prefer them. I love the fact that I can purchase and get immediately. I also love that I can resize them to what I want.

For the people who are not comfortable with DIGi...guess what.....Pink Cat Studio has turned some for the Digi Images into RUBBER......Wahoooo.....

If you get a chance head on over to the PCS blog and check out the amazing projects the DT came up with. These girls are amazing.....Have a great day and Happy Creating.

Have a Yummy Holiday!

Happy Wednesday.....Are you having a good week? I can't believe how fast it is going by. Yahooo.....

Today I have a yummy card for you. While blogging one day last week, I visited Kristine's blog and came across a card she made using this "oh, so very cute" gingerbread girl image. Well, if any of you know Kristine, you know is extremely talented, and when I saw her card, I knew I needed to make one of my own. Although I did not case her card, I did use her card for inspiration. Her coloring is amazing.

Isn't this image adorable? It is from Digital Delights, which I had never heard of until I saw Kristine's blog, but boy are the cute, and this image was FREE. I think they do freebie Friday. Honestly, I have to actually sit and look at their website a little longer. No time extra time these days.....I also used this weeks Mojo Moday Sketch challenge. I liked this sketch, because it allowed me to use a few different types of DP. What do you think?

Well, a little short today, but I have a class in 20 minutes, so I must go. Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a FABULOUS day and happy creating!

Happy Friday the 13th!!!

Happy Friday all!! Aren't you glad it's Friday, and Friday the 13th at that. Do you believe in superstitions? I am not sure that I do, but I am not willing to jinx it either (hehehe).

Today I have a Inky Impression newly released image for you. the name of the stamp is Angelica's snowman. Isn't she cute. She is now on sale over at Inky Impression, along with some new embelleishments you should check out (hehehe).

I used SCS tutorial to make the snow globe card. Very easy card to make, and very fun. I am sure you will be seeing more of these cards to come. You can find the tutorial here.

INKY IMPRESSION DESIGN TEAM CALL

It is that time again. Inky Impressions is having their Design Team call. They are looking for enthusiastic, friendly and talented stampers to help promote our products and to provide inspiration to the stamping community, through your personal blog and online galleries.

This call is open to everyone!! If you applied before please feel free to reapply!!

To enter the Inky Impressions DT call Please do the following......

1. Follow Today's Ornament Challenge.

2. Link your challenge card or project to Mr. Linky.

3. Post on your blog that there is a Design Team Call here at Inky Impressions.

4. Email Crystal @ inkyimpressionsdt@gmail.com and CC the email to Nicole at inkyimpressions@hotmail.com and in the subject line please put your name, Mr linky number, and DT call. Please include (1) one other card and (1) 3-d item that shows your coloring ability.

Please include the following in your email:
1. Name:
2. Address:
3. Email:
4. Blog Address:
5. Links to any online galleries you have:
6. A list of related forums/message boards that you participate in:
7. Please tell us if you are on any other design teams: (No prior experience necessary)
Please let us know about yourself, what you like about stamping, what you would contribute to the Inky Impressions Design Team, and why you would like to be a design team member.

DT Requirements

Participate for a term of 3 months and sign a contract with Inky Impressions.
• You must be willing to post card samples, contest announcements, challenges and new releases on your blog.

• You must be willing to post all Inky Impressions Challenge Blog cards/projects to the Splitcoast Stampers gallery.

• You will be required to make a minimum of 1 card/project weekly & snail mail a minimum of 2 cards per month to display at Convention.

• You will need to meet all deadlines, given.

• Participate in Inky Impressions Challenges, Blog Hops and Release Parties.

• Promote Inky Impressions Rubber Stamps through your blog, and whenever you see an opportunity to help us promote.
What you will get from us:
• Seven(7)Inky Impressions Rubber Stamps & New product samples as they come in during your( 3 ) three month term.

• 20% off all rubber stamp orders, during your term.

• A great opportunity to work with a fun and friendly design team.

• Your photo and bio posted on the Inky Impressions Challenge Blog and/or website.

Well, that is all for me today. I am hoping to have a card for you on Sunday. Have a wonderful day and Happy creating. Thank you for stopping by!

Pink Cat Thursday-New Digi Releases

Happy Thursday. Are you having a great week? I have to say the Vetrans holiday was a really nice break in the week. Did you do any thing special?

So, Thursday=Pink Cat Studio New Releases. Oh, man are they cute. As you can see to your left, I made a simple card using the Penguins kissing image. Love this image. I am thinking about making a ornament with this image. It would be so cute.

My second card is made using another of this weeks Pink cat Studio images. I love the DP I used with this card. It seem to fit pretty good. I used this weeks SCS sketch challenge for this card. Simple and easy. I think it took me maybe 45 minutes. That is some fast time for me. I would say that I usually average 2 hours a card. How about you?

Well, that is all for me today. I have a research paper due date approaching, a Anatomy & Physiology test coming up, and I also have my nursing entrance exam next thursday. Lots on my plate right now. So, I will be doing some studying. How about you????

If you get a chance, head on over to Pink Cat Studio and check out what the very talented design team came up with.

Inky Dinky Drop Hop with Inky Impressions. New releases & prizes

Happy Day. Aren't you glad it's Friday? Well, this Friday the Team at Inky Impressions has some fun things for you. Nicole (the owner of Inky Impressions) is releasing her new winter stamps today.

Oh, my goodness are these cute or what. I chose to make a winter treat box using the new "Angelica's Sled" stamp. I really like that you can put whatever you want on the sled. I chose to use the new present stamp by Inky Impressions.

I used Inky Impressions new Inky Dinky dew drops in the cornor of my circle. These dew drops are smaller than most on the market, and they are fabulous for flower centers, accents, or just about anything. Nicole (owner) is also going to be carrying new ribbons, and homemade flowers. How exciting.........

Okay, Hopefully you started the blog hop at Nicole's blog here and went through the list and you should be arriving on my blog from Shary's blog. I hope you have left a comment on all the DT's blogs, as there is going to be a random prize drawn form on of the blogs.

From my blog, you want to head to Inky Impressions Guest Designer Darlene. Don't forget that the blog ends on the Inky's Challenge blog. I hope you are enjoying the blog hop, and I would love to know what you think of the new stamps. Have a great day and happy blog hopping!

PCS Thursday New Release and a Memorial

This week has been a very sad one as DT member Sarah Anderson’s 3 year old son Henry passed away. Little Henry was unable to overcome a virus that made him ill last week.

Lorie Ames has organized a way to donate for a memorial for Henry. Henry loved his local zoo and visited it almost every day in the summer. As a memorial, trees will be planted there in his honor. Melissa at Pink Cat Studio has created a digital stamp to help raise funds for a tree for Henry. All proceeds from the sale of the digi stamp, minus Paypal costs, will go towards the tree. If you would like to donate towards the tree, please visit this webpage to purchase the digi stamp: http://www.pinkcatstudio.com/Digital/DigiStamps/Animals/Zoo/GiraffeAndMonkey.htm

Another way to donate to the memorial is to print out this form and mail in your donation directly: http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Parks/PDF/MemorialTreePamphlet.pdf

Please write on the form that the donation is for Sarah Anderson’s son Henry. Once all of the money is collected, a tree and location will be selected. If you have questions about the form please contact Lorie Ames. Lorie will be in contact with Sarah along this memorial journey to ensure that her wishes are followed.
To contact Lorie, please visit her blog at http://www.live-love-laugh-create.blogspot.com/

If you don’t know Sarah and would like to learn more about her, please visit her blog: http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your help to raise money for a tree for Henry.

On a much lighter note, it's Thursday and Thursdays mean Pink Cat Studio new Digi Release.


Oh my Goodness, isn't she so super sweet? How often do you tell yourself that you are happy with a card you have made? Well, for me, that is very rare. I am always picking apart my cards. Well, not this one. I actually like this card of mine (hehehe). I was pleased with the paper combo, and happy with my little bit of coloring. I like it.

Know what else I like? EVERY single new release this week. Seriously, I could make a card with every single image. How cute are the new releases (see below). I have to tell you, I feel so fortunate to be on such a wonderful DT. Melissa the owner is not only extremely talented, but she is also so very sweet. I am loving being a part of the PCS DT. Thank you Melissa.

Please don't forget to check out the Henry Digi stamp. It's for a good cause, and I know that it would mean the world to Sarah to know we are all thinking about her at this hard time.


If you would like to send Sarah and her family a card, please contact me for her address.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by today!!! Have a great day and happy creating!

Inky Impressions Wednesday

Happy Hump Day! How is your week going? For all

of you that have the Fall time change, how are you
making out with that? I was figuring since we changed

the clocks back an hour we would get caught up on sleep. Well, not so much here. My family is struggling with the time change. My kids are whiny, and my husband has been in bed by 9:30 almost every night (he gets up at 5am). I on the other hand have continued to do my usual, up late and up early. No matter what goes on, I continue to push myself to get things done. Y0u moms know how that goes.






Ok, on to today's card (hehehe). Wednesdays= Inky Impressions Challenge. Today's challenge is a color challenge. Well, these are SU colors and and I barely use SU anymore, so I went with what I had. Also, when I see a color challenge, I usually have a moment of panic. What if I don't have a DP to match? What will I do. I know, I could just used card stock and embossing folders, but "I" can't. I cannot function without DP in my life (hehehe).

Seeing it is a Inky kind of day, I went with a Inky Image. I used Lili's Secret, and made a thinking about you card. I picked some random piece of DP from my stash, so I don't even know the name (sorry). I chose a simple layout and done.

Wanna play??? we would love for you to join us over on the Inky Impressions challenge group. You don't have to use Inky Impressions stamps (although if you have them, we would love to see what you made with them), and if you don't have time, but want to see what others made with the color challenge, then you can peek here.

Come check out what the Inky Impressions DT made. They are such talented ladies. Today the following ladies have cards up

Shary

Crystal

Jacqui

Pam

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6Th. INKY DINKY DROP HOP......New winter releases......

Well, that is all for me today. THANK YOU soooo much for stopping in. I hope you have a wonderful day and happy creating!