AMYRS 51 Part Deux- I love Winter!

I loved Amy's sketch so much, I had to make another! Plus, I am still using my copics etc to color images :)

I Love Winter!

Supplies: DP: Just Chillin Paper Pack, including CS from CTMH; Stamps: GingerSnaps Snow Angels and sentiment from Bear and Snowman set both by CC Designs; Ink: Palette Noir; Coloring Medium: Copic Ciaos, Prismacolor markers, and white gel pen for highlights; Other: sparkle ricrac from target, pink stickles, and American Crafts paper flowers, Cuttlebug embossing folder and scalloped circle nestabilities.

I love these girls- they're too cute!

2009 Word and goals: Believe

Wow, I know, 3 posts in 2 days. I must be insane.. or bored... or just on a roll. I'll go with the latter of the three :) I was reading Ali Edwards' blog. She never ceases to amaze me with her creativity. Anyway, for the third year in a row, she is encouraging herself and others to pick a word to live and create by in 2009. Her word is vitality. I went through the lists of possibilities she put together in 2008 and 2009 and I am keeping it simple.

Believe

Believe is such a simple yet powerful word. It can encompass so many things in life. On my desk at work is a poem, something I picked up years ago after being diagnosed with Lupus.

Believe in yourself~in the power you haveto control your own life, day by day,

Believe in the strength that you have deep inside,and your faith will help show you the way,

Believe in tomorrow and what it will bring,let a hopeful heart carry you through,

For things will work out if you trust and believe~there's no limit to what you can do!

So, for 2009, I'm coming up with these goals based on the word "Believe":

I will

• Believe in myself as a person
• Believe in myself as a mother
• Believe in myself as a teacher
• Believe in myself as an artist
• Believe in Nate's ability to overcome his obstacles
• Believe in Sam's ability to finish school
• Believe that all things are possible with God
• Believe that I can become healthier, both physically and mentally
• Believe that 2009 will be as good as I allow it to be

I hope I can remember these! I am going to create a mini album based on these goals and the word Believe. Not sure how or what I'm going to do this with but I will!

I encourage all of you to choose a word and live by it for 2009. Believing in something is a powerful tool! Have a fabulous day!

After Christmas UPDATE

I hope everyone had a great holiday! Christmas/Hanukkah went off without a hitch here. It has been a quiet holiday. I managed to get a Wii Fit and Jillian Michael's workout to go with it. Also got Shaun White Snowboarding for the balance board. Sam bought and wrote the most beautiful card for me :) I've been sick with headaches and nausea but hopefully will feel better soon. Here are a couple of cute pics of Nate on Christmas morning:

Looking at his new magnetic book.

Well, I also wanted to share a couple of altered items I made for Christmas.

Primitive Collage using Cornish Heritage Farm's Primitive Beginnings Set. My sister loves primitive items so I made this collage for her. I used crackle paint in peeled paint to make a messy border. I cut 3x3 squares and used the stamps to make various images. Also used a folk art star punch for some depth. My sheep has liquid applique on it.

I also made these 2 altered barn stars- first one is for my MIL, second for my parents. Paper is by Basic Grey and Cosmo Cricket. I used various rubons with family sentiments. Sorry the pics aren't great but short of hanging them up, it's hard to get a good pic of these!

I made this card for my parents. Uses the CTMH Evensong Creative Basics paper, TAC Mabelle RO limited edition vintage release Santa, and Scalloped greeting from SU Saleabration set last year.

This is a simple card using Sugarplum's Snowy Scene. I put my sparkling watercolors on the snowman and snowflakes.

Hope you enjoy these little creative bits! If you need any more details, leave a comment :)

AMYRS 51- Got Snow?

I am about to do a super update with some Christmas crafts but wanted to post Amy R's Sketch Challenge Separate. I enjoyed this challenge and finally used my new CC Designs SugarPlum Set!

Supplies: DP- Me and My Big Idea's Mittens (from Ellen Kraus' designs); CS- bazzill, stampin up white; Stamps: CC Designs Sugarplums; Coloring Medium: Copics and Prismacolors; Ink: Palette Noir; Accessories: Cuttlebug snowflake folder, nestabilities, MS snowflake punch, 1 1/2 in circle punch, Michael's ribbon.

I bought a 12 pack of Copic Ciaos- LOVE them!! I will definitely have to get more. I tried Copic Sketch before- Ciaos are more my style!

Hope you enjoy this cutie patootie card!

Mega Blog Candy!

Just wanted to share this opportunity for super dupa blog candy!
http://charmedcrafts.blogspot.com/2008/12/mega-mega-mega-christmas-blog-candy.html

AMYRS#50 AND ATSDT #30- More Winter Fun!

Another busy weekend gearing up for the holiday. Also a weekend filled with bad news. Shannon, from the scrapbook bungalow, suffered the tragic unexpected loss of her stepmom and best friend Debbie. My friend Sarah's husband has been in the hospital with an unexplained illness. Fortunately, they finally think they have linked it to an illness contracted from a contaminated bird (not the bird flu! pstiticosis). I have just been praying constantly!

When not watching episodes of House , I did some crafting, ordered Christmas cards... yes, ordered, not made. I was running out of time and didn't want to come up with a witty way to make a photo card! Here are the two cards I made for this week's challenges:

Amy R's Sketch Challenge- AMYRS#50- Snow Buddies

Supplies- DP- K and Company Swell Noel; CS- Bazzill CS, TAC U/S White; Stamp- Rachelle Anne Miller for Stampavie (from ATS!), Sentiment from SugarPlum Snowmen by CC Designs; Ink- Palette Noir; Coloring- Prismacolor Markers; Tools- Cuttlebug EP folder, nestabilities; Other- Target $1 ribbon, eyelets.

I got in all my new CC Designs stamps but also had this Stampavie Rachelle Anne Miller stamp that I ordered from ATS as well. I had to use it on this card! I love how the image turned out after being colored- brillant!

Next Challenge:

ATSDT#30- Winter Bear Gift Card/Money Holder

Supplies: Designer Paper- MME Christmas Short Stack; CS- CTMH Cranberry, TAC U/S White; Ink- Palette Noir; Stamps: CC Designs Winter Bear, Holiday Greetings sentiment by TAC; Coloring- Kohrinor Colored Pencils, OMS, Prisma Markers; Tools- Cuttlebug, nestabilities, embossing folder, Coluzzle and library pocket template; Other- CTMH twill ribbon, dimensionals, retired stampin up notched corner punch.
I am super pleased with how this turned out! I was going to make a library pocket with pull out gift card so I used my coluzzle template... Well, I got going and realized it made a kind of wallet type holder. I cut another template out using the red paper to line the inside. It didn't line up perfectly but I like the little red edge showing :) Inside, I cut a piece of white and used the retired SU notch corner punch so that a gift card or cash (as shown) will fit in. BTW- isn't this just one of the cutest stamps EVA?! So glad I got it!

Opening the holder...

Inside, showing how money fits in. The little pocket edges also keep the money from falling out when closed. Great huh?!

I have a couple more items I will share this week, if time allows. It's the last week before 2 weeks of Christmas break, YAHOO!! Have a great one!







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AMYRS #49 and ATSDT #29- Winter Weather!!

Thanks to everyone for all the well wishes. I am taking this situation as a wake up call to get my health together. I've gained a lot of weight in the last 2 yrs since having Nate and my cholesterol is high. At 26, this is insane :) So, I am going on the medifast diet and wii fit-ing my way to some weight loss. YAY!! My order will be in this week and I know starting around the holidays isn't easy but I have to. I think getting some of this weight off will also help get everything hormonally back in order. Once I get some weight off, we will start trying again.

I had a great weekend. I am finally NOT tired and nauseous anymore and I think my body is getting back to "normal". We put up some Christmas decorations and the ugliest little tree ever. Nate is definitely in his "terrible 2's" stage so I was not going to put up my big tree and all my nice ornaments so they could be pulled off and thrown around the house! I also took some pics of Nate to use in the Christmas Cards. Here is one of him and the "Grinch". Sam and I managed a theater when the live action movie came out and they sent us this huge Grinch stuffed animal that we still have.

My craft area is in definitely need of cleaning. However, I did get my 2 challenges done. I am working on taking better pics so here are some of them.



Amy R's Sketch Challenge- AMYRS49- Mittens for you.

Supplies- Stamps: CTMH; Paper: American Crafts, CTMH, K and Company; Ink: Palette Noir, Moulin Rouge; Coloring Medium- Kohrinoor and OMS; Other- Nestabilities.

This was a fun challenge- loved the sketch! I used my new nestabilities labels one dies and this fun CTMH retired set my TAC Secret Sister Sent. The mittens are cut from this cute mitten paper by American Crafts, It's Cold Outiside.

ATSDT#29- Winter Weather

Supplies- Stamps: CC Designs; Paper: Bazzill; DP: My Mind's Eye Christmas Short Stack; Coloring- Kohrinoor and OMS; Ink: Palette Noir; Other: Target Ribbon, MS Snowflake Punch, Stickles, 1 1/2 inch punch.

This color challenge is for a chance to be the Guest Designer for ATS and CC Designs. I am waiting on my new sets to come in but until them I pulled out an old but wonderful CC Designs set. The color challenge was for SU colors but I used bazzill coordinating colors with this My Minds Eye Paper. I love how this turned out!!

I hope you enjoy- I need to get cracking on Christmas cards and gifts!! I hope to share more this week!

Good and Bad News (RL update)

Just wanted to share with you guys:
Good News is: Most of the blood work came back ok. My Prolactin levels were a little high but they'll retest again soon. If it stays high, they will do a CT Scan on my brain to check for benign tumors on my pituitary gland. Yay.
Bad News: Well, it's 2 fold. It was kind of good.. because I was pregnant. However, I miscarried today. It was early. The good news is apparently my ovaries are working but this wasn't meant to be yet. We'll take some time off to get everything straightened and then hopefully, we'll be able to have baby 2.
Just wanted to share with you all. Please keep the prayers coming- I need them and am thankful for them!!

ATS DT #28 and AMYRS #48 and real life challenges...

I hope everyone had a fab Thanksgiving Day and Weekend!

I am a little late with both of these challenges but this weekend was challenging in many ways, as I explain after my creations for those interested... There were some good things about this weekend:

1- Time with Family, esp. Nate and Sam

2- A delicious Turkey day dinner with both families

3- An early Christmas Shopping Spree at Michaels thanks to my MIL! (Can you say Cricut cartridges, OttLite, paper...!!)

Anyway, on to the challenges:

ATSDT #28- Christmas Ornament

This was a great challenge because I am going to make some paper ornaments for the small upstair Christmas tree. That way if Nate destroys them, I won't feel TOO bad.

Delicious Christmas

Stamps: Cupcake Occassions by Cookie Crumb Designs (distributed by CC Designs), Christmas by TAC; Paper: Christmas Short Stack by My Mind's Eye; Ink: Palette Noir; Coloring: Prismacolor Markers; Other: Giga Circle, Nestabilities Scalloped Circle, Liquid Applique, Eyelet, Target Ribbon

I absolutely love this stamp set- so versatile and hello, who doesn't LOVE cupcakes?!

AMYRS #48

Let it Snow

Supplies: Stamps: "Let it Snow" by Inkadinkado, Penguin by CC Designs; Paper: My Mind's Eye Christmas and matching Bazzill CS (found at Michaels!); Ink: Palette Noir and Burnt Umber; Coloring: Prisma H2O's; Other: 1 1/2 inch circle punch, MS 2008 Snowflake punch, Target Brad.

When I first saw this sketch I thought "There is NO WAY I can do this...it's too hard." I even told my husband I wouldn't do it.. BUT, after mulling with it all weekend, I decided I kind of liked it, lol. This is a super simple card but it's still very pretty. This sketch really allows you to put the focus on small elements and beautiful designer paper. Don't know if I can do many more with this sketch but it was fun!!

*****End Creative Stuff: Enter Personal, probably boring, Rant*****

As I alluded to in the beginning, I am possibly facing some health problems. For all who don't know, I was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease at 14. I've been blessed with great doctors and good health in recent years. My pregnancy with Nate was high risk- I have a blood clotting issue that required blood thinner shots daily. However, it went really well. Since having Nate though, I don't feel like my hormones have ever been right again. We have been trying for number 2 and it hasn't happened. My doc is checking me for an imbalance and possibly Premature Ovarian Failure (POF). Apparently, it can happen to women with auto immune diseases. I know I have been beyond blessed with Nate but we really want another child- this could make it very difficult or even impossible in some cases. At 26, this is kind of a scary and shocking possibility. Just keep me in your prayers. I should hear about the initial bloodwork tomorrow and go from there.

Well have a great week! I need to get on the Christmas Decorating Band Wagon but I'm still feeling pretty ucky- been nauseous for two weeks and keeping headaches. Yay.

Sisterhood of the Blogging Stampers- 26

This is my intro post for SBS 26. I am proud to join you!
My name is Kelley and I am a 26 yr old Wife/Mom/Special Education Teacher/Crafty Chick from Lynchburg, VA. I have been stamping for almost 2 yrs- since my son was 5 months old. My SIL introduced me (via stampin up) and I have been hooked! I am currently a demo for TAC but also love other companies such as CC Designs Stamps, Just Rite, Stampendous, CTMH, etc. I love to scrapbook but making cards is my fave. I am often short on time and I love being able to get something done quickly! I look forward to getting to know each of my sisters!!

AMYRS #47 and some Knifty Knitting!

I did get some stamping done this past weekend! However, 3 of the items were for the Wingers so I can't share them. However, I did get time to create this cute card for Amy R's Sketch Challenge:

AMYRS#47- Very Merry Christmas Tree

Paper: K and Company; CS: Bazzill, TAC assortment; Stamps: CC Designs Sugarplums' Christmas, TAC Ornamental Snowflakes, TAC Merry Words (retired); Color Medium: kohrinoor pencils, OMS; Ink: Palette Noir, Versamark; Other: Corner Rounder, Giga Circle Punch, Ranger Ultra Fine Gold EP powder

I was an embossing fiend yesterday, lol. And I've been digging using my old TAC snowflakes set. Thanks Amy for getting me rehooked- I was inspired by her use of snowflakes last week in a similar retired SU set.

Now, Sam and I have caught the bug- the Knifty Knitter Bug! Provo Craft makes the knifty knitter (what don't they make- geniuses!). It's a loom that you can knit anything with! I am needle knitting challenged so this is PERFECT for me.. I am in love. Sam created more than I did this weekend but here are some pics:

My First scarf, Modeled by Chloe. It's super thick and roomy :)

My Washington Redskins slippers made my Sam... they weren't SUPPOSED to be redskin colors but so be it :) They're super comfy!

Finally, Nate (and Frankie and Sierra) in his hat Daddy knitted. It needs to be a little bigger but it's so cute!! Nate always gives the most DUH pics when he stares at the camera, lol.

So I guess now we'll have some knitting posted on this blog too.. Hope you enjoy all my creations. I truly am crafty now, huh?!

CTMH Creations

I've been trying to use all my beautiful CTMH products lately (thanks Sarah!) since they truly are gorgeous and inspiring. Here are a couple CTMH exclusive cards I've created.

Whoo Loves you incorporates this fun owl set and the enchanted paper series.

Thinking of You uses my favorite, Perfect Day, papers and coordinating colors: Sorbet, Tulip, Creme Brulee and Juniper. This set was the September SOTM- GORGEOUS! I sent this to my aunt and her fam after the passing of her MIL.

Home For the Holidays uses the Aspen Paper collection, Twill ribbon, Homeward Bound Stamp Set and of course, some stickles! I thought you'd enjoy seeing this. If you need more deets, just leave a comment and I'll get back with ya!

ATSDT27- Lovely Winter Day!

Well, who says having the stomach virus is no fun? Since I'm home and stopped um, having food exit my stomach, I got to do the ATS DT challenge on time. Woohoo! The challenge was to use acetate in some way.

Well, immediately I thought of this:

ATS DT- Lovely Winter Day

Supplies: Cardstock- CTMH Twilight, acetate; DP- Figgy Pudding (on inside of card); Stamps- CC Designs Wintertime Fun, TAC Ornamental Snowflakes; Ink- Staz On Black, Palette Noir; Coloring Medium- BIC Permanent Markers; Other- CB Embossing Folder, Xyron Create a Sticker, PeeWee Glitter, coluzzle, liquid applique.

I cut out a window with the rectangle coluzzle template and then cut a bigger size rectangle from the acetate. I ran the card through my CB folder and ran the acetate through my xyron. I attached the xyron so the sticky side was showing through the window and sprinkled glitter. After that, I used stazon to stamp snowflakes and the penguins on the inside of the acetate window. I colored the penguin in some with permanent markers. I used liquid applique on my cat with the snowman. The inside has the figgy pudding paper and I stamped happy winter. I am pleased with how it turned out, though it wasn't how I first conceptualized it.

Enjoy!

AMYRS #46 and ATSDT #26

Hi all-

Created a lot this weekend but have been busy and am now exhausted! DH is watching Skins/Cowboys game and Nate just had a bath and is getting ready for bed. I thought I'd take a sec to get these challenges posted. I have a lot more to share anad will throughout the week.

First- AMYRS #46- Sketch Challenge and really limited supplies too. This was to be a single layer card. I typically do not do them but liked the simplicity and beauty of this one.

Peaceful Snowflakes Supplies: Ink: Versamark,,Palette Noir; Paper: Winter Mat Stack, Bazzill Blings; Stamps: TAC Ornamental Snowflakes and Whimsical Greetings; Other: Pebbles Shimmer Chalks, purple ribbon, MS scalloped embosed punch.

Next is ATSDT Challenge. We were to make Christmas cards that would be easily reproduced. Though this looks detailed it isn't. You can color with markers quickly, cut out leaving and edge and tear a square for Lucky's mountain. I used SU scallop punch and a 1 1/2 circle punch. Very quick yet elegant. While it isn't Christmas specific, it is great for those who either don't celebrate a holiday or celebrate something other than Christmas because it is to wish for snow and a happy winter time!

Lucky's Wintertime Ride Supplies: Ink: Palette Noir; Paper: TAC US white, BG Figgy Pudding; Stamps: CC Designs Wintertime Fun; Coloring: Kohrinoor pencils and OMS; Misc: SU scallop punch, Marvy circle punch, K and Company felt white poinsetta sticker.

Well that's it for now but will post more, including CTMH creations, soon! Have a great week!

ATS DT#25 AND AMYRSC 36- Figgy Pudding

Well, here is my creative post as promised. I had a horrible time creating anything last night and today. I wasn't happy with anything that I produced but I'll share it anyway! I received my figgy pudding paper from all that scraps. I am super happy with it! However, it is so beautiful, I am having a hard time using it. I want the paper to stand out and not cover it up.. I am having a hard time adding images! Anyway, first up

ATSDT #25- Sweet Thoughts

Supplies: DP- Basic Grey Figgy Pudding; CS- U/S White (TAC); Ink- Palette Noir, Ballet Blue and Moulin Rouge; Stamps- CC Designs Sugarplums Christmas Olivia, word from TAC GWP's Fall 08; Color Medium- Prisma Markers; Accessories- button, ribbon, liquid applique, MS border punch, eyelets.

This card is OK in my opinion. I love paper piecing Olivia's PJ's. I am super excited about the new set coming out from CC Designs with North Pole pieces to go with Olivia and Chris!

AMYRSC 36- Fluffles wishes

*NOTE- Can someone tell me why blogger will only post pics in the tall format?? I tried posting this repeatedly to no avail. HELP!!*

Supplies: DP- Brenda Walton Peppermint Twist; CS- U/S White, Red (TAC);Ink- Palette Noir; Coloring Medium- Prisma Markers; Stamps-Fluffles (Stampendous); Accessories- Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Folk Star punch, stickles.

I bought this fluffles stamp from Michaels a couple of weeks ago when all stamps were 40% off. I love fluffles. I may have to go buy another one or two!~ :)

Oh, and just so you know I finished the third book in the Twilight saga, Eclipse. This is a really good series- even if you don't like fantasy/sci fi. Sam is going to pick up the fourth book tomorrow! Have a great week!

Teenagers, Vampires, and Werewolves, OH MY!

Just a quick post to let yo know I haven't forgotten about stamping :) I have actually been entranced with the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. Yes, it's for "teens" but dang if this woman can't write! It's not like a typical fantasy series... I read fantasy. It's not a typical romance nor a typical suspense... it's just, plain ole good. I've sped through the first 2 books Twilight and New Moon and am on Eclipse. When I get done with the saga, I will go back and reread them since I've been hurrying through to find out what is happening!

I will have the ATS DT Challenge and Amy R's sketch challenge posted tomorrow. I finished them tonight but am too tired to take pics, load, etc.

Have a great night!

My one and only blog comment on the election..

First off, I am super happy and excited by the results. Obama has inspired me and gives me the warm fuzzy safe feeling that Bush never did for me. I did get brought to tears when he won and during the concession speech when he urged us all to unite.

I was scared he wouldn't win. I was turning into one of those people that I hate- that can't stand to hear anyone elses point of view (Even though I never said anything to anyone but Sam). I was getting so frustrated and worried. BUT, yesterday I made a promise to myself and prayed that no matter who won, it would be the right person. I had nothing against McCain except getting tired of local supporters bad mouthing Obama as a traitor to our country and the "anti-Christ" (well and his financial plans :). I also did not necessarily think Palin was ready but I think she will do great things in the future, especially for families with children that have special needs. Anyway, I knew that whoever won would be the best person and part of God's plan.

Seeing him being elected gives me hope. I know this sounds cliche but I can look at my kids from low Socio-economic backgrounds, my kids that are mixed, my kids that are black, white, whatever color, and honestly feel like they will have a better future. I studied African American studies, my minor. I researched and read history and literature for 4 years of my life. To see what these people, black and white, suffered and sacrificed for come to fruition... it's amazing. I just know that this will break so many barriers.

I know he's only human and he will not be perfect. I will not agree with everything he says and does. But, I know that finally, all of my kids and so many of my families will feel as equals for the first time in their lives and I can't help but think the climate of our country will improve significantly in the next decade.

God Bless everyone- no matter who you voted for and no matter how you feel. I can only hope that our future President will embrace the talents of his former opponents in helping raise our country out of a desperate time.

**Edited to Add** The negativity surrounding his victory is not surprising, but still disgusting. I could go on for days about what I've read at foxnews... it disturbs me deeply. I sincerely hope that this is a new beginning in a new government where the talents of everyone, no matter their party, are used to bring us back together.

Surgery- check, Voting- check...

Just a quick note to let ya'll know about today. Nate had his adnoid surgery and is fine. Coming out from the anesthesia was rough BUT since grammy and poppy got him the kid tough dvd player, we had the backyardigans to calm him down. He did so well, that on the way home we stopped to vote. On the way in to surgery, there was a line but on the way home, things had calmed down significantly. Nate is somewhat grouchy but he's eaten well and been drinking. Of course, they gave him some good pain meds so who knows what will happen when that wears off! I am off tomorrow- took a personal day, just in case today was rough. Therefore, I'll be following the election closely. It was good to see so many people at the polls!

I will hopefully create and share tomorrow!

Happy Monday- don't forget to rock the vote!!

Hi yall!

Happy Monday! I didn't get to do any paper crafting yesterday. Nate had a rough night the night before so Sam and I took turns napping :) My crafting area is downstairs and Nate constantly tries to go up and down the stairs. Yes, Nate should be able to do stairs okay but these stairs are steep and since we have a rancher and don't have stairs on the main floor, he isn't comfortable with them. Anyway, I did get to do some digiscrapping!

I have been trying NOT to digiscrap. I wanted to stick to traditional scrapping. But, time after time I have been so exhausted that I don't go downstairs at night. Scrapping takes a lot of work! Plus, I wanted to do scrap calendars for the grandparents for Christmas and I am running short on time. So, I've been playing around and this last weekend was digital scrapbooking day so there were lots of freebies!! I thought I'd share a sample with yall though they are hush hush from the grandparents whom I don't think read my blog anyway :)

Digielements and paper: Jen Wilson's The Merry Days of Christmas, number 6.

This is January's, obviously :) These were pics from our first and only snow of the year. I got this kit last year when it was offered as a freebie. I couldn't do anything with it until I got Adobe PSE on this computer. Anyway, it is a gorgeous kit and I'm excited to use it! I need to learn how to make drop shadows, etc. I'm still very basic, but I think this is a good thing. Maybe I'll get all of Nate's stuff scrapped now (though I am finishing up his second year album by hand.. I can't stand mixing both!)

In other news, PLEASE rock the vote tomorrow. I have a preferred candidate in mind BUT it's so important that no matter who you vote for, you vote. Make an informed decision about who you think is best for our country. I pray that no matter who wins, they can lead our country into the right direction. Just get out there and vote!

Finally, I probably won't be posting tomorrow or the next day since Nate has adnoid surgery tomorrow :( I've definitely been trying to post more and am loving it- plus I've gotten to see some other great blogs made by people leaving comments! Anyway, wish us luck and pray that this surgery isn't too painful for him... I'm a wreck either way!

Hugs and love- boy is election night going to be tense!

ATSDT#24 AND AMYRS#34: Swell Noel!

So glad to finally catch up on the challenges! It has been a busy week. A lot of drama at work but nothing I can share (not that it would really apply to anyone but me anyway!). Halloween went off without a hitch. Of course, we did not go trick or treating as a) Nate doesn't get it and b) no candy for him. By his lack of sleeping last night, you'd never know he did NOT have a sugar high! He barely slept and was off the wall. It was insane. Anyway, I also completed 4 more projects for the TAC design call, bringing the grand total to 15! I am proud of myself. I started out planning projects that would be impressive but settled on doing what I was inspired to do with the paper and stamps I felt pulled to. I didn't do any project because I "had" to- I did them because I wanted to!

But on to the good stuff:

First, Amy R's Sketch Challenge #34

I loved this sketch! And perfect enough, I saw the new K and Company Christmas papers at AC Moore today! I have been dying to get my hands on Swell Noel. Gorgeous Paper. Unfortunately, they didn't have the 12x12 paper packs. But, I did get a mat pack. It worked well to make this card:

AMYRS#34: Mod Winter

Paper: K&Co. Swell Noel, Bazzill pink, TAC U/S white; Ink: Palette Noir; Stamps: Wintertime Fun from CC Designs; Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Markers; Die Cuts: Nestabilities Scalloped Rectangles; Other: White die cut shimmer flowers, white small eyelets, pink brad.

This is not the best pic, but it's hard to take pics at night :) I don't get the good sunlight!

Next, ATSDT#24:

Swell Olivia Mini Pizza Box

This challenge was to make a mini pizza box. I had not made one yet and I have to say, they're very easy which is great! I am not a stickler for folding and cutting and gluing into boxes, etc. I can see making these as treat boxes, card holders.. all kinds of things! Anyway, Olivia came out to play. I finally ordered the Sugarplums Christmas scene stamps and should be getting those by next Friday (along with the Basic Grey Figgy Pudding paper I put off buying last year...) so Olivia will have a Christmas scene to go with her Christmas pajamas!

Paper: K&Co Swell Noel, Bazzill Pink; Ink: Palette Noir, Versamark; Stamps: Sugarplums Christmas Olivia by CC Designs; Color Medium: Prismacolor markers; Die Cuts: Nestabilities scalloped square and circles; Other: Gold Embossing Powder and white ribbon.

I hope you enjoy these- I had so much fun creating them (After cleaning up my craft area... it was a paper explosion!) I hope to create more to share tomorrow!!

More samples..

Finished a few more samples for the TAC catty but can't share em yet!! I didn't get to ATS mini pizza box challenge- but, I will definitely do it tonight.. while watching scary movies, muahahaha!!

Quick update

I don't have anything to share today but the fact that it has been a long week, Nate is getting sick with sinusitis again, adnoids are out on Tuesday, and I plan to do the ATS pizza box challenge tomorrow! I've been exercising every night so it takes away from stamping time!

Oh, I also got an email that my submissions were received. YAY!!

Crafty Sunday

Wow did I get a LOT done today! Unfortunately, I can't share them all with you :( I made 14 items and 11 of them are for the TAC Catalog Design Call. I am desperately hoping that at least one of my cards makes it to the catty! I am proud of my work.

I did make 2 other items that I can share. The first is for a TAC swap using our fall supplement stamps Artsy Owls and Owl words. I colored using Kohrinor pencils and OMS. Paper is from TAC Mimi SWIC.

This second card is using scraps from my table! This was left over from the ATS DT challenge from Wed. I used one of the cuttlebug fall release embossing folders on the background. The image is one of my faves- from the very first CC Designs set I ever bought, Wintertime fun. I love this set! I can't wait to see what Christine and the other gals at ATS have for the holidays!

Well, this is a busy week at work and then next Monday, we have a professional development day. Tuesday is a very dreaded day. Not only is it election day which means impossibly long lines, but Nate has to get his adnoids out :( I'm so nervous. This is much more invasive than ear tubes and the ear tubes kinda triggered severe sensory issues (ie. spinning, more rocking). I just hope it doesn't hurt too bad and it helps his sleep issues that have started since the fall!!

Hugs to everyone! I am eagerly awaiting the weekend and crossing my fingers as the new CC Designs design team members will be announced.. eek!!

Boo-hoo Boo Bash

Well today was the boo bash. It went well.. except that Nate fell asleep and slept through almost all of it! As a result, I have NO pics of him and the kids! I do have some cute pics of him and the fam though :)

Some of the kiddos enjoying decorating gluten free sugar cookies!

Nate and I.. go figure the best pic of me isn't the best of him :)



Swamp Cider. I love these Martha Stewart labels- I put it on sparkling pear juice.

Hard to see but a glittery trick or treat sign by K and Company.

Nate's piratey pumpkin.

Nate the night before practicing to be a pirate. I got the hat at the dollar tree!

All in all a good day! I hope to have some creative items to share with you tomorrow :)

Countdown to Boo Bash..

Only 2 days until Nate's inaugeral Boo Bash. I plan on doing this for years to come.. until he can understand that trick or treating is to get candy and he can do it even if he can't eat any of the candy. Oy, food allergies. Anyway, I got the goody bags done (with all NON-edible food!). I, like many people, fell in love with the martha stewart witch goody bags. Here are all six on my table with my "centerpiece". The tree is from a centerpiece kit by K and Company that I got on clearance at M's today!



I also got that cute wagon at M's today for $2. Great find.. in the future, I will fill it with either small gourds, etc. or fall flowers.

I will be making little place setting tags for the kiddos.. definitely going to use CC Designs Spooky, Spooky Spooky sets found at http://www.allthatscraps.com/. I love this set- it's spooky but still adorable, perfect for toddler/younger kids. I was going to put some images on tags for the goodie bags but I am definitely running out of time! I still need to make a pin the tail on the black cat or put the face on the jackolantern game. Unfortunately we're scheduled for rain Saturday so it looks as if most festivities will be in doors or on the car port.

I will post tomorrow with some more pics of boo bash preparations and will definitely post party pics soon!

ATS DT #23: Olivia's Snow Day

I think this is the first time I've ever gotten to play the challenge ON challenge day. How cool is that?! ATS is having a design team call and I was eager to get going and make something to hopefully WOW all the amazing ladies with ATS. This week was a color challenge for Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive and Sahara Sand. I only had Old Olive so I had to use an alternate for the burgundy and river rock for sahara sand. Anyway, here is what I came up with. It took me awhile but I think it was worth the wait :)

Here is an upclose image of the tree and snowman. I used decoart snow writer *ATS is carrying it!* and some liquid applique. I put a little liquid applique on the snowman and also Olivia's pajama feetsies because those one piece pjs always have the plastic bumps for traction! :)

I also came across this card I made awhile ago and forgot to post! This card uses a retired TAC set and I dared to use some untraditional Christmas/Holiday colors. I had forgotten all about it but I love this card.. the sentiment is so right for this sassy snow girl!

Well, we're almost at the end of the week! Nate's boo bash is on Saturday and I will be sure and post about it this weekend and have some pics for you. I will have more creative things soon too!

Hugs and keep your fingers crossed for me and the DT call :)

It's a sunny day..

I am actually feeling MUCH better finally. I am still coughing some, and congested a little but after a scare on Thursday at work (wasn't breathing well), I went back to the Drs and they said I had bronchitis. They gave me an inhaler because my peak levels were low. However, I have a shrunken lung on the left side due to Lupus so I don't know if my peak levels were lower because of that or the bronchitis or both. Anyway, all in all, finally getting over this awful virus/infection.



So, since Fall seems to have hit here in Central Virginia FINALLY, we took Nate outside to get some pics. 72 pictures later, here are a couple of my favorites:

Nate sitting in the Wagon by his pumpkins.. he would barely sit still today!

Smiling in the Wagon..

Running Like a Madman

Stopping to stare at the camera

Standing near the pumpkins

During this whole time, Nate talked nonstop.. he was so happy to be outside. He also tried desperately to rid our yard of leaves lol and put them in our neighbor's yard (sorry Mark and Beth!!). It's amazing how much growth he's made. While he is still behind, he continues to be more alert, vocal, and happy each day. Well, until he gets his adnoids out on election day... yes, we're getting that done. It will be a rough week I'm sure but well worth it if we can stay healthier and with less sinus infections!!

Hope everyone has a great week and hope to have more to share soon!!