Can It Really Be the LAST Day of November?

So hard to believe that tomorrow is December 1st! My niece is turning 13, and that hardly seems possible, either. Where DOES the time go?

Today I spent a little time making progress through my Google Reader (trying to get it below 400 items to read!). I copied the CPS #93 sketch and noticed it fit an image I had colored on my desk, so I put it together. The papers are all Basic Grey Perhaps. Tilda is colored with watercolor pencils and my aquapainter. The flowers are Primas and the tiny brad is Queen and Co. The silver ribbon is from Ribbons & Bows, Oh My! and the pink ribbon is from my stash.

I hope you all had a good weekend. We went to the Mall yesterday for a birthday party at Build-a-Bear. What fun the kids had, but I have to say that the parents throwing the party were MUCH too generous to all the kids in attendance. And after building bears, they hosted lunch at a local restaurant. It was fun, but a little over the top for a 5 year old's party...

Thanks for looking!

Happy Thanksgiving to All

Happy Thursday to those who are not celebrating American Thanksgiving! We are headed to our neighbors in a short while. DS has been parked on the couch all day, still sick. I might stay home with him and just have DH bring a plate to me. This morning, since I have NO cooking or prep to do, I spent some time in my stamp room. I took out the CPS sketch for this week, which is #92. This Edwin image was part of a RAK (I'm trying to use my RAK'd images, can you tell?) and was a blast to color. I just love these Magnolia images to watercolor. The dp is from DCWV Mini Stack 3 that I've been trying to use up for a year now. I cut the oval image by tracing around a Nestability with my xacto knife, then cut his shoes with scissors. The blue panel is DCWV Spring Mat Stack and the Cuttlebugged layer is done with the Houndstooth folder. The ribbon is from my stash. I left off a sentiment, but this will probably be a Thank You card for DS's teacher at the end of the year.

Thanks for looking!

Suggestive Sunday/Techno Stamper Combo

Don't you love when you can combine challenge and multi-task? Here is a hybrid of the Monday Lunchtime Sketch #45 and Allison's Suggestive Sunday (which is also #45 this week!). What better stamp set to portray shopping than this original Hanna Stamps set? I love it and paper piecing is so fun with this image! I pieced the dress and all but one of the shopping bags. The rest of Hanna is colored with Prismacolor pencils and blended. I realized that my niece's birthday is Monday, so this will be going out in the mail to her (as soon as I find some cash to slip inside).I hope you all have a good day! Everyone is on the mend in my house. If I hear one more night filled with coughing I may go insane! Thanks for looking!

Paper Craft Planet Saturday Sketch

OK, I know it's Monday and I'm just getting this posted. I did have it done on Sunday, but had to rush out to get DS at the airport. Have you been to Paper Craft Planet yet? I just joined and have not yet explored all of the site, but how fun! Every Saturday they post a sketch. I also just recently joined Facebook, so if you're on there, find me (Melissa Schabel)!I was given this High Hopes image in a RAK and had fun coloring it. The picture is pretty bad, but we have not had a sunny day that coincides with me having a card to photograph. By the time I get home from work, the sun is long set. It's going to be a long winter!

The image is colored with Bic Mark It markers, and the dp is from the dollar store last year. The ovals were made using Nestabilities in the Cuttlebug, and the bottom of the card was embossed with one of the Just My Type folders. Hope to see you PCP or Facebook. Thanks for looking!

Getting A Little Better at Mass Production

I took over DS's little desk in my craft room so I could apply the puffy paint to these images and let them dry without being in my way. This is only half of the stack of images I have stamped and colored for my Christmas cards this year. I'm trying to keep them simple to avoid having to pay extra postage! Even though Flaky Friends is retired, I just love it.
I'm also getting started on gifts for teachers, co-workers, etc. This is a set of notecards to give to DS's teacher. I posted one of them in the previous post, but here is the whole set. There are 2 of each design. DS and DH are flying home right now and I'm a wreck. DS was in the ER with an asthma attack last night, and even though he is cleared to fly, I can't help but worry. I'm going to meet them at the airport to pick up DS, and DH will then get the luggage and pick up his car from long term parking. I just want my baby home safely!

Hopefully you all had a good weekend and got some stamping time in! Thanks for looking!

Naughty Bella!

I've been puzzling over this challenge, posted by Allison, all week. Finally today it hit me in the middle of the day what I should do. Unfortunately, I had to wait until I got home from work to execute the idea. But here she is:Look how the Dasher papers by BG match so well with the new Red Riding Hood and Kiwi Kiss cardstock from SU! And look, I'm using the IN Colors while they are still IN! Usually I'm a season or two behind...

Bella is colored with Prismacolor pencils and blended. The chrome on her bike are colored over with glitter markers. I used puffy paint for a pom-pom on her headgear and also on her jacket. I'm not too sure about the ribbon, but I think I like it. Do you agree or disagree? The sentiment is computer generated.

I wish everyone a good weekend - stay warm! Thanks for looking!

CPS 91 for Miss Jessica

It's time to make those Christmas gifts! If you have already started, good for you! I have just begun and will spend some time this weekend while the boys are away to put a dent in my to-do list. The teachers at DS's school are so wonderful, I'm going to make them a special something. For his main teacher, I'm making a set of these note cards. They are big - roughly 8x4, but I like them. I hope she does too!

I used the CPS 91 sketch. The papers are from DCWV Spring Stack and Spring Mat Stacks. The monogram stamp is from Mandarin Pixie before they went out of business (they had an awesome sale!), and it is embossed in black before being cut out. The ribbon is American Crafts. Ovals were cut with Nesties in the Cuttlebug.

Well, I have to head off to work this morning. Thank goodness it's Friday! I can't wait to have nothing to do tomorrow. I may stamp in my pajamas all day. I hope you have a good one. Thanks for looking!

Techno Stamper Sketch Plus Color Combo Challenge!

I feel as if I have not completed a Color Combination challenge on SCS in ages. Today's combo was Kraft, Real Red and Black. This combo always makes me want to run out and get Little Lady by PTI. But since I wanted to get the project done today, I used the Kim Hughes Warm Winter Wishes from CHF instead. I love this little snowman, and also the crisp way the sentiment stamps every time. The idea of making a tag is from the Techno Stamper Monday Lunchtime Sketch this week (it's #44!).The snowman is stamped with Ranger Adironack ink in Snow Cap. It shows wonderfully in real life. I used markers to color the snowman's scarf, buttons and nose. I found the ribbon from a swap I participated in last year. Brads are KI Memories.

I went to a meeting this afternoon at which the speaker was someone I admire very much in my profession. She was speaking of the importance of relationships and the things she has learned over the years in the workplace. Her next to last gem of advice was "If it's toxic - bail out!" Now I am in deep thought about things that have been going on and I wonder if it's my time to bail. For how long should you wait for things to change? I have not been passive in this - I have tried to institute change, to no avail. Is it my time to bail? Too much to think about!

This is my first night home alone since the boys are gone to visit the in-laws. I almost don't know what to do with myself! I'll be back with more projects tomorrow night :)

Thanks for looking!

A Rainbow On My Doorstep

Last week, I was the lucky recipient of the 18 Rainbow Days of Angelosity box of goodies. Yes, I won the whole shebang! I was so excited to come home friday and open this load of treats:The only thing is then I had to find places to put things, so I spent Friday and Saturday morning re-organizing my things. I certainly don't have to shop for a while now! A huge thanks to Angel for that great run of challenges. They really got my mojo going and I added to my stash each day.

Also in my mailbox on Saturday was this package of goodies from Allison. I won her Suggestive Sunday Challenge a while back and she sent this great ribbon, stamps, stickers, altered notebook, etc. Thanks, Allison!

Yesterday, I received the Sultry paper pad from Cindy. Sadly, my camera batteries are dead and I can't get a clear picture right now. They should be fully charged by the time I return home tonight and I can add a pic of the cute Thanksgiving card she included with the paper pad. Thanks, Cindy!

I'm off to work now. I hope you all have a great day! Thanks for looking!

Birthday Party Invitations - DONE!

The Techno Stamper sketch this week was another good one. It's very versatile and can be used for many occasions. For my first go at it, I made my son's birthday party invitations. It's not until next month but I have to get them passed out since the party is the Sunday before Christmas. I hope his friends can all make it!I used By Land and Everyday Flexible Phrases, along with lots of punched circles! The dp is from Close to My Heart and the other papers are from my stash. I'm determined to use a good portion of my papers before buying more!

DH is off to a chili cookoff later today, so I have only a little time to myself right now. I'm off to work on some more projects in the hopes of crossing more things off my To-Do list! Thanks for looking!

I Am A Stamping Sloth

I have done nothing all week! The challenges are piling up, and I've just been tired and frustrated and missing my mojo! But here are the fall swaps that my SBS 12 sisters created. They are truly gorgeous :)

From Rachel W (UK):

From Rachel W (US):

From Elisabeth:

Mine:

We are in the midst of a Christmas ATC swap (which I have yet to complete!), so look out for more gorgeous creations from my Sisters! Thanks for looking.

WSC #65!

Wow, this is my third post for the day! That means I won't be posting anything in the next couple days, probably. My mom is here visiting, so I'll be busy with her (and work), too. It's not often that I get to complete Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenges on the actual weekend they are posted. I had this one done earlier today, though!The image is SU! Flaky Friends, and the dp is from the dollar store. The white panel is cuttlebugged with the snowflake folder, and the image is colored with Prismacolor pencils and blended. The snowflake is attached with a yellow star eyelet, and it curled up because I colored it with a glitter marker. On the main image, I added some puffy paint for snow.

I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend. Ours was short, and I can hear DS coughing in his sleep upstairs, so there could be some sick days ahead if I don't get his asthma controlled tonight an tomorrow. UGH, 'tis the season...

Thanks for looking!

Some RAKs to Share

Look at this adorable Halloween card I received from Cindy at Creating with the Heart! She just opened a Heart Shoppe where you can buy some card kits and other goodies. And look out for her monthly SU! specials, too! I love the dp on this card, and her coloring is wonderful. Thanks, Cindy :)Last week I also received my package from my Aloha RAK buddy for October, Charlene. She has a great blog at Charly's Crazy Corner. Go give her a visit and enjoy her creations. She sent me a fabulous selection of images, including Whiff of Joy and Magnolias, along with some pretty ribbon and punched flowers. OH, and some great punched dragonflies. Look at this fantastic Tilda card she sent, too. I love it. Thanks, Charly!
I hope everyone had a great weekend. Thanks for looking!

Suggestive Sunday - Non-Traditional Christmas

The latest challenge posted by Allison was to make a card with non-traditional colors for Christmas. Here's my creation, inspired by this ribbon I found at the Target dollar spot this week. I love this The Cat's Pajamas image, on which I embossed the bear (took 3 tries to get it just right!), pieced the water and gift. The background is embossed with the Cuttlebug snowflake folder. Attached to the ribbon are vellum snowflakes that I sponged with ink.It took me all week to find time to get this one done, but it's been in my head for days. Today we finally have sunshine to take a picture, too! Maybe I'll find more stamping time today. DH is headed off for a business trip later today and will be gone all week, but my mom is coming today and staying through Tuesday, so DS will have a playmate. Enjoy your Sunday and Thanks for looking!

Happy Birthday, Angel!

Today is Angel's birthday, and yesterday she posted the last of her 18 days of challenges. The challenge was to make a birthday card. Here is mine:ETA: The sketch is from Day 20 of last years 30 Days of Angelosity. The paper is SU, but I'm not sure of the pattern name because it was given to me by someone. The ribbon is gold May Arts silk. The sentiment is from Cornish Heritage Farms and the image is SU! Send a Celebration. I ran the Certainly Celery base through the Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots folder. Bic Mark It markers were used to color the image, and gold Stickles were added to the flames on the candles.

I'm still not in a chatty mood, but am happy it's finally Friday. Tonight, it's Mom's Night Out with a bunch of moms from daycare and I can't wait! Good food for dinner, drinks and ADULT conversation! Then, Saturday it's time to tackle my To-Do list: Aloha RAK, Image Swap, ATC Swap, DSS reveal package, Christmas cards, birthday invitations, organize ribbons, etc! Too much!!

Enjoy your day. Thanks for looking!

The Earth Laughs...

...in flowers. Don't you love that sentiment? It's one of my favorites. Ok, I have lots of favorites! This card used the sketch from Day 13 of Angel's birthday celebration. I used K&Co paper and teal from my stash. The sentiment is Prickley Pear and the jeweled flowers are Primas. Liquid Pearls were added to the flower centers.It came together pretty quickly, which means I had time to watch Survivor. Anyone else watching this season? I think it's really good so far - lots of surprises!

I'm keeping this short and sweet tonight. Off to read and get some sleep. Thanks for looking!

Is It Really Almost Over?

The 18 Days of Angelosity, that is. Yesterday was Day 17, and she posted another sketch for us to follow. I'm trying NOT to just use the papers that are out on my desk from previous projects, so I brought out this SU paper for this card. I knew I wanted to use Pun Fun, and the Love You a Latte stamp was the perfect size for this layout.I used the All In A Row zig zag stamp also to join the papers down the center. The corners are made with the Photo Corner punch and are embellished with pink rhinestones. I used liquid crystal on the coffee in the mug, and Cotton Candy Stickles on the dots of the mug.

I'm off to get more work done. Can't wait for this long week to be over! Although my stamping to-do list is growing longer and longer each day, too. Let's all hope for a productive weekend, shall we?Thanks for looking!

Fuzzy Hello!

I haven't posted this many cards in consecutive days in a long time! I feel like I'm finally getting my groove on. Thanks to Angel and her 18 Rainbow Days of Angelosity. This card fits the sketch for Day 15. The base is SU! Basic Black and the background stamp is from Unity Stamp Co, stamped in Adirondack Snow Cap - a great white!The sentiment is made with American Crafts Black Tie white velvet letter stickers. I love these! I also have them in black and will try to use them soon. The flowers are Primas, attached with a Making Memories brad. I stamped the backgrounder onto the large white flower using basic black ink. The teal layer is from my stash of scraps :)

I hope you are all having a good night. How did 10pm get here so quickly? I'm heading upstairs to read before falling asleep. Tomorrow starts my effort to use the treadmill before getting my day started. I've tried using it at night, but something always gets in the way...

Thanks for looking!

Mocha Chica Finally!

About 2 months ago, I just HAD to have this Mocha Chica paper from the Kim Hughes Collection at CHF, and the stamp set to match. It has been sitting by the wayside since it arrived, and finally I had a chance to use it! Thanks to Angel's bird challenge for Day 16. The card is 5x5 to accomodate the tree from the Mocha Chica paper pack. I love that the background and tree were already printed on the paper and all I had to do was stamp and cut out the cute little birds and mount them on the branches. The tag is a Cuttlebug Die stamped with the hello sentiment from the set. It is attached with some twine and glued to the bird's beak. Ribbon is American Crafts.

Here's a close up of the tag:

I know I'm going to go back to hording this fantastic paper, but I promise to TRY to use it more. Why horde paper when it looks so pretty on a card? We can always buy more, right? I just hate to cut into pretty things...

Thanks for looking!

Happy Harvest Angelosity Card

Tonight, while watching election returns, I decided to catch up on some of Angel's challenges. I think I'm still missing 2 days, but I'll get there! This card is for Day 11, which was a sketch challenge. The image is Lizzie Anne Designs Celebrations and Celebration Frames. DP is Basic Grey Mellow and the twill tape is Martha Stewart. Sentiment is from SU! Loads of Love Accessories. I colored the pie plate with a silver Spica glitter pan and the crust is colored with a Prismacolor pencil. The frame is Pumpkin Pie. The large left panel is embossed with the Cuttlebug Distress Stripes folder.I hope you like it. I'm off to watch more election stuff then go to bed, since I've had a horrible headache all day and the Excedrin is wearing off. Have a good one and thanks for looking!

It's Monday, Time for a Techno Stamper Sketch!

Have you played along with the Monday Lunchtime Sketch yet that Mary Jo posts over at Techno Stamper? You're missing out on some fun sketches if you answered no! Here's my take on her sketch #42:The base is Purely Pomegranate (which I am going to quickly regret not buying more of), layered with Bazzill Bling light blue and topped with this great paper that I cannot remember the name of. It's awful for me when the name of the paper is not printed on the bottom or back of the sheet. I buy pieces here and there rather than whole pads, and that's what happens. If you know what it is, please shout it out! The images are Stampendous "Hey There Cupcake" and the ribbon is from Target.

This card will go with us to *another* birthday party this weekend. We are so fortunate that we like all the parents of the kids in DS's Kindergarten class! Birthday parties become social events for us adults, too :) So sad when your social life is dependent upon your child...

I hope you all remember to VOTE tomorrow! I'm still a bit undecided on the locals, but will make up my mind tonight. Have a good one and thanks for looking!

Masculine Card - Not Using Cars!

Mostly in my family, a masculine card is one that has an automobile of some sort on it. I challenged myself this time to use something other than a car. Here's what I came up with for Angel's Masculine Card challenge from Friday.I used Bazzill textured cs for a base, and the center dp is from Making Memories. It has a nice subtle tone on tone polka dot pattern. The frame is Grungeboard that I painted, then sanded, then ran through the Cuttlebug with my rectangle Nesties. I love that stuff, and scored some at my local AC Moore for only 4 bucks!! The stamp set I used is Seeing Stars, from Verve. This is one of my very favorite quotes and it makes me stop and think everytime I use it. The stars are stamped with Adirondack ink in Denim Blue on the dotted paper, cut out, then layered.

This morning, I have a little time to get stuff done before going into work. Hopefully I'll get another project completed before I have to run off. Thanks for looking!

One Layer DOES NOT Equal Simple!

Why are the seemingly simplest cards the most difficult? Angel challenged us to a one-layer card, today and here's what I came up with. It is so hard to not add something! The base is SU! Going Gray, the flowers are embossed with Cuttlebug With Love folders, and I used chalks to color. The flower centers are covered with Stardust Stickles.The boys are off to the races (literally), so I have a few hours of peace and quiet. I have already made a pot of onion soup, pizza dough and my baguettes are on their second rise. Now I'm off to play catch up with more of Angel's challenges.

I hope you are all enjoying your Sunday! Thanks for looking!