Where in the World

I seem to have gone missing in blog land.  I cannot tell you that things will pick up anytime soon, but I do promise to blog more than 1 time per 6 months.  :)  Where to begin and how to keep it short and sweet.

My dad got sick and wasn't getting any better.  Long story short, he had a stroke during a simple eye surgery.  I spent a lot of time at my parents house over the summer and just after school started.  Praise the Lord.  My dad is recovering.  Slowly, but recovering non the less.

I have not shared tons about my private life.  Again long story short, my husband and I have been trying to have #3 for about 3 1/2 years.  We had 2 back to back summers of heart break when I miscarried.  Again, to God be the glory, I am pregnant.  The baby and I are doing well.  Well, mom is experiencing some serious pregnancy sickness, but it is nothing earth shattering or that won't go away after the birth of our 3rd.  I am due mid-May with a little boy.  We are working on a name, but so far he is nameless.

Oh, and we bought 10 acres at the beginning of 2011.  We are starting construction on our house in February of 2012.  We are putting the final touches on the floor plans the next 2 weeks.

So, not only have I not been blogging.  I haven't been doing ANY crafting.  Blasphemy!!!  :)  In fact, I haven't bought anything since June until I put in an order during PTI's December release.

I have been keeping up with my Project 365.  So, I thought I would share my November title page from my 2011 book.  Yes, it is all complete except the 21st to the 28th and the 29th to the 31st.

I am sorry for the unexpected absence.  But let's hope the new year will bring me some much needed crafting therapy.  I miss making cards more than words can express.  It is like a salve to my soul.

Memories

It has been a LONG time since I have paper scrapbooked.  Most of my friends and followers know that I switched to total digital over 10 years ago.  But, I still have some photos that are a blast from the past that I would like to scrap.  My style and technique has changed so much since I last paper scrapped, but it will still look good in my album.  So, enjoy!  Who knows when I will get the scrapbooking inspiration again.  :)

Basically, everything you see is from Papertrey Ink.  This photo was taken in 1986.  (Yes, that is exposing!) I really wanted to journal on the front, but I couldn't find the right pen so I just journaled on the back.  If I find the need to buy a pen to journal on Kraft, I will definitely bring it to the front.  I also need to add a date so that I don't have to slip it out of the book to see the date.  I don't have a great solution for it, so I am going to wait.

Thanks for looking.  It was actually really fun to try at something other than a card.

Stamp-a-faire Challenge #5

This will probably be my last share for the day.  I am playing along with the PTI Stamp-a-faire today.  The deadline is looming, and I don't think I can make another card before it is over.  I have had a very fun and relaxing day.  I hope you have enjoyed all of my cards today as much as I have enjoyed creating them.  This has been a fun filled, PTI, crafty day.  :) Thanks for looking and leaving your comments.

This challenge was to use a stamp to create a faux border.  I used the Heart Prints stamps to create my scallop border.

Supplies:  All Papertrey Ink unless noted
Stamps: Garden Variety, Botanical Silhouettes, Heart Prints
Ink: New Leaf, Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz
Paper: Rustic White, Raspberry Fizz
Ribbon: Hibiscus Burst Ribbon

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!  I hope to craft and post soon.

Stamp-a-faire Challenge #7

Yes!  I finished another one!!  YEAH!!  The twitter updates are amazing.  It looks like everyone at the Stamp-a-faire event are having an amazing time.  Here's to hoping I win a prize.  :)

This challenge was to see if you could find 2 or 3 stamp sets that worked together surprisingly.  I used the star image from "Silent Night" and some medallions from Giga Guidelines and Guidelines II to make the back ground.  I am sure this has been done, but I discovered that the Tiny Tags series fit inside the Mat Stack stamps.  So fun!!

Thanks for looking.  I had fun with this one and making the color combo.  Again, all supplies are from Papertrey Ink.

Stamp-a-faire Challenge #8

So, I am working out of order today.  :)  But, I am still having so much fun!

This challenge was to make a card where the cover is slightly shorter than the back.  I don't recall ever making a card like this before, so it was fun to try.

I have been wanting to pull out some pattern paper for a while.  It seems like when I first started stamping and card making that I couldn't do anything without a patterned paper.  Now, I have gone full circle and hardly use them at all.  Interesting what we trend towards over time.

Supplies:  All Papertrey Ink

Stamp-a-faire Challenge #3

I am finally starting to work some of my crafting muscles back into shape.  Yeah!!  :)

This challenge was all about cutting a window in your card and wrapping ribbon through it.  I went out on a limb and used the bow to kind of accent the butterfly.  This was an extremely fun card to create.  Thanks for looking.

I have one more angle for you to see it possibly better.

Oh, this was fun!!  I love it when projects just come together.  It is fun to find stamps from lots of sets and create a card.  So much fun!!

Supplies: All Papertrey Ink (except the sun outline which is from Verve and the yellow ink which is from the Michael's dollar bin - it was my effort to match Harvest Gold)

Stamp-a-Faire Challenge #2

Yeah, I made it through the 2nd challenge.  :)  I am having a fun slow, but very fun day.  This challenge was to use Raspberry Fizz and Smokey Shadow.

I had fun with this one.  And, I used the glimmer mist again.  I am addicted to the shimmer.  Eek!  The sentiment is coming up fuzzy while it is not in real life.  I would fuss with it, but I am shooting with a new camera and don't want to spend today figuring out the best shooting combo.  Thanks for looking!

Supplies:  All supplies are from Papertrey Ink (except the Glimmer Mist).

Stamp • a • Faire Begins at Home

I have had a crazy, wild, fun, hard, heart-breaking, and blessed summer.  Sounds crazy, hugh?  But so true.  To spare you (and frankly me, too), I will leave out the details except to tell you that my husband has graciously given me this little day in the year to just stamp.  Stamping is such a source of fresh wind in my life.  And trust me . . . I could use it today.  :)

I am going to try and play along with the Papertrey Ink's Stamp-a-Faire challenges and fun all day.  I have NEVER taken a whole day just to play.  This should be interesting and fun.  We'll see what really gets done today.  So, I am sorry upfront for the post blast that should/will happen today.

The first challenge was to stamp a strip using one of our favorite icons in our stamping stash.  I have must have back-to-school on my mind as this is what I came up with.

I like how I went for an obvious, but not-so-obvious, color scheme.  I think it works.  Do you see the shimmer on the Pinefeather card stock?  It is so pretty in real life.  I am still unsure of the main image thingy. I will have to keep looking at it to see if I want to make a change.  But, otherwise, I was super happy.

This was the first card I have actually made since May.  Seriously.  Yes, really!!  My 4th of July post has been scheduled since like November of last year.  :)  Sneaky, hugh?  And my book was ordered at the end of May.  So, let's just say that today is timely and so exciting for me.

Supplies: It is all from Papertrey Ink except the dark green ink (which is Momento) and the spray shimmer (which is from Tattered Angels).

Happy 4th and Best Wishes

I just wanted to pop in and wish everyone Happy Independence Day (well, if you are in the US that is).  I hope you are having a great summer!



-All Papertrey Ink unless noted-
Stamps: Distressed Stripes, Tiny Treats: Halloween, Round and Round, Stars (The Paper Studio)
Paper: Vintage Cream, Rustic White, Kraft
Ink: Enchanted Evening, Scarlet Jewel, Tea Dye Duo, Vintage Cream
Ribbon: Scarlet Jewel Grosgrain, Fine Linen Satin
Other: Silver Star (Michael's), Mat Stack 4 Die

It Came! It Came!

I worked on my "365" book all of last year.  I was faithful.  I got it all put together.  Then. . . I didn't have the extra cash to spend on it.  So, I put it off.  Then, I put it off again.  And again.  And again.  Until I decided that I needed to just press order.  So I did!!

Here are some peeks:

I will spend some time to write up a proper review in the next week or two.  I did have it printed at Blurb if you are curious.  It is a 12x12 book for reference.  

I hope you are having a great summer!

Case Study #41

I played along with the a case study challenge.  I really liked this particular challenge because . . . well . . . it was a challenge.  :)  I am neither chic nor shabby.  I am not lace and fills.  I had to design this card inspired by a different card. 

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Stamps: Fillable Frames #10, Mat Stack 1 Collection, Est. 1776, Fancy Flourishes, Background Basics: Text Style
Ink: Scarlett Jewel, Spring Moss, Vintage Cream
Paper: Vintage Cream, Scarlett Jewel, Kraft
Dies: Fillable Frames #10, Mat Stack 1, Edgers #3
Other: Scarlett Jewel Grosgrain Ribbon, Spring Moss Button, Twine

Thanks for looking.  I had fun!

Clean and Simple 141

I am playing along with the Clean and Simple Sketch challenge.

I immediately fell in love with this sketch and this card came to mind.  Enjoy!

I have loved having so much beautiful sunshine lately.  This card is a reflection of my day today.  Thanks for looking!

Supplies - all Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Stamps: Up Up and Away, Life, With Sympathy, Damask Designs
Ink: Momento; Spring Moss
Paper: Simply Chartreuse, Stampers Select, Harvest Gold
Dies: Cloud 1 and 2, Limitless Labels 1.75, Scallop Border
Ribbon: Harvest Gold Bitty Dot

The Future Looks Bright

I pretty much always have at least one graduate in my life every year.  This year, I made all the cards to match.  This was SUPER simple by using the technique of masking embossing folders by Erin Lincoln in the Papertrey Ink Make-It-Monday series.  If you haven't seen it, run over to Nichole Heady's blog and look for the video.  That Erin is a pure genius!!!!

Short and sweet today!  Happy Wednesday!

All Supplies Papertrey Ink unless noted:  Stamps - Fillable Frames, Graduate (Stampabilities); Paper - Stampers Select White, True Black; Ink - Pure Poppy, True Black; Ribbon - Pure Poppy Satin; Embossing Folder - Morocan (Cuttlebug)

CR84FN 28 Color Challenge

I am playing along with a super fun Color Challenge from CR84FN.  I loved the colors of this challenge and here is my take.

All Supplies Papertrey Ink unless noted:  Stamps - Chevron Stripes, Flower Fusion; Ink: Scarlett Jewel, Lemon Tart; Paper - My Minds Eye, Vintage Cream;  Flowers - Prima Sprites; Ribbon - Scarlett Jewel Grosgrain; Buttons - Scarlett Jewel; Other - Edger #1 Die

Congratulations

I am playing along with the MoJo Monday sketch.  Thanks for looking!

Designer Paper - My Minds Eye; Card Stock - Lemon Tart, Vintage Cream; Stamp - Enjoy the Ride; Ribbon - Lemon Tart Satin; Flower - Kaiser; Button - Maya Road; Jewels - Dollar Store; Ink - Vintage Cream

Chevron Stripes

I know that chevron stripes are hot right now.  I was awaiting my Papertrey order to arrive with the ever-so-cute Chevron Stripes Background set.  I set down to make a card and ran across this paper in my stash.  I know it has been there for at least 2+ years.  So, in honor of this newest trend, I played.  :)

I was taken by the colors in this paper and have had a hard time using it.  However, this time I pulled it out, the card just flew together so fast and easy.

All Supplies Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Paper: Chevron Stripe (My Minds Eye); Spring Moss
Stamps: Fillable Frames, Turning a New Leaf
Other: White Filigree Embossing Powder, Kaiser Flower, Spring Moss Button, Turning a New Leaf Die

Thanks for dropping by today!  Have a great Wednesday!!

Way Out of My Comfort Zone

I have a quick share today.  This card was WAY out of my comfort zone and smashed the box on its way out.  :)

Well, what do you think?  I have mixed emotions about it.  Seriously!!  On one hand, I like it because I can totally see myself giving this to a more mature lady.  On the other hand, I really don't like it because it is not, well, me.  I am not crazy about the paper nor the colors.  I still wanted to share because I may or may not love it.  :)

All Supplies Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Stamps: Mat Stack Collection, Tag Its
Ink: Ocean Tides, Plum Pudding
Other: Parisian Doily Die; Designer Paper, White Transparency Doily, Ribbon (Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit)

PTI Blog Hop April 2011

I have two cards to share today, and I will be quick.  :)  First off, let me say that the "Boy Basics" line that released at Papertrey Ink this month is OUT OF THIS WORLD.  The Simple Circles stamps and die is the single greatest product release in months.  It is versatile, adaptable to all styles, and just plain adorable.  Take a look at that line of circles.  Perfection!  That Lisa Johnson is a designer super star!

You wouldn't know it (so I am going to show you), but the inside has a little sentiment combo that I thought was adorable.  

All Supplies from Papertrey Ink unless noted:

Paper: Plaid (My Minds Eye); Vintage Cream

Stamps: Boy Basics: Out of This World, Boy Basics: Simple Circle, Inside and Out: Happy Birthday

Dies: Out of This World, Simple Circle Border Die

Ink: Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy, Orange Zest, Spring Moss

Other: Copics

I have one more card that I made and thought I would share.  Let me first say that I really wanted some google eyes for this frog, but I had to make do.  I will be heading to the store today or tomorrow to remedy this poor frogs eyes.  I had the plaid paper still sitting out from the card above and thought I would look cute for another boy card.  

Do you see the water/waves?  That is the negative of the Simple Circle Die.  It made the PERFECT water.  The photo doesn't show it well, but the dies leave just a little embossing around the edges that really made the water waves.  

All Supplies Papertrey Ink unless noted:

Paper: Plaid (My Minds Eye); Enchanted Evening, Dark Chocolate, Spring Moss

Stamps: Boy Basics: Frog Hop

Ink: VersaMark; Ripe Avocado, Tea Dye Duo

Dies: Frog Hop, Simple Circles Border Die; Sheltering Tree (My Favorite Things)

Other: Denim Embossing Powder (Ranger); Black Rhinestones (Kaiser); 

Thanks for looking.  I loved boy month so much!!!  I have to say that I have never liked doing boy cards, but I have really enjoyed using all the boy basic products.

A Few Random Cards

I have two cards to share today that are inspired by my blog and another that is a new technique.  3 Cards in one day!!  :)

I hand cut all the little pieces for this card except the circle.  I cheated and used a punch.

I punched the flowers and hand cut the cloud.

Now, if you read my blog regularly, you know I am not a perfect stamper.  I try, but it doesn't always work out.  :)  I wasn't going to share this card, but I sometimes find it helpful for me when I look back at my work.  I like to see how I have grown - whether the technique worked out or not.

I have been working for WEEKS on getting the blending technique.  This was my very first attempt.  The day I made this card, I drove to Hobby Lobby, spent more money than I wanted, and walked out with a Tim Holtz blending tool and pads.  It was after several weeks of disappointment that Betsy Veldman made the PTI Make It Monday video.  I watched it; I watched in again.  Then it hit me.  I had bought the felt pads and should have purchased the foam pads.  LIGHTBULB!!!

I have the new pads and have been itching to try it again.  Hopefully, I will get to it and share my results.  Oh, live and learn!

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Card #1 and #2
Paper: Stampers Select White, Spring Rain; Pattern Paper (My Minds Eye)
Stamps: Inside and Out Happy Birthday, With Sympathy, Up Up and Away
Other: Sunshine Impression Plate, Stickles, EK Success Punches, and Dollar Store Jewels
Card #3
Ink: Spring Rain, Simply Chartreuse, Lemon Tart
Stamps: Fillable Frames, Fancy Flourishes
Other: Butterfly Sticker (Sam's from the Office Supply section)

Congrats to the Mr and Mrs

It has been a LONG time since I posted.  Sorry.  Seriously, I have been working away in the background, but I have severely neglected this blog.  It seems I am a feast and famine blogger.  :)  My husband has a cousin that is getting married today.  This is the card that I made for them.

I really loved creating this little card.  For me this is WAY out of my "box".  I made the scalloped card on my Gypsy and cut it out with my Cricut.  On the inside, it read "Congratulations to the Bride and Groom."  Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of it before it was signed and sealed.

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope this is the start of many more posts to come.  No more dry posting spells.  :)

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Stamps: Tag Its, Love Tags, Polka Dot Basics II
Ink: True Black
Paper: True Black, Stampers Select White
Other: White Glitter (Doodlebug); 1/2 inch Score-Tape; 1.75 inch Circle Punch (EK Success)

Wishing You Rainbows and Sunshine

If you happen to be landing here looking for the post from Papertrey Radio, you are in luck.  You can get to it straight from here.  Thanks for looking!

Well, I am off . . . on a race around the world.  Ok, in my dreams I would be running the Amazing Race.  In reality, I am starting a two and a half week journey that begins and ends with love.  Literally.

My husband's best friend is getting married tomorrow.  YEAH!!  So, we are traveling for a couple of days for that.  As soon as we get home (like 10 hours later), we are flying off to sunny California.  So, I am literally wishing you Sunshine (ummm . . . and Rainbows).  I know my family is excited for our vacation.  This is the first time we are taking the kids on a trip like this.  Your prayers would be GREATLY appreciated.  Oh, and then we return home we wait 3 days and then return to the same city we travel to today.  Yes, a complete circle.  My husband's brother is getting married.  WOO-WHOO! What are the odd's!!  Two weddings to be in.  The same month.  The same city.  And we are lucky enough to get to travel for both.  (there was maybe a very small hint of sarcasm in that)

I leave you with this fun card of circles . . . are you catching the theme?  I will catch you on the flip side, in the middle, or sometime again.

Stamps: Up Up and Away (Papertrey Ink); Let it Shine (Verve)
Paper: Stampers Select, Harvest Gold (Papertrey Ink)
Other: DMC Floss, Noir Ink (Pallette); Copics

Just Thinking of You

I was super inspired to play along with the Papertrey Ink - Make It Monday Series.  I went in my craft room to start and needed to clean a few things off my desk.  In doing so, I realized that I hadn't added Pinefeather to my color book.  As I was adding the color, it struck me how BEAUTIFUL Pinefeather and Aqua Mist were together.  So, this was the result . . .

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Stamps: Mat Stack 3 Collection
Paper: Aqua Mist, Stamper Select White
Ink: Ocean Tides
Other: Pinefeather Felt, Beautiful Blooms Die, Doodlebug Sugar Coating Glitter, Scor-Tape, Picnic Plain Embossing Plate, Aqua Mist Button, White DMC Floss

I have been wanting to try the Betsy folded flower for so long.  I finally did.  Boy, that thing was SUPER hard to sew together.  But, the results are stunning in real life.  Thanks for stopping by to see my latest creation.

Love's Fairy Tale

I am sharing a sweet card that is special to me.  My brother-in-law is getting married in March, and I have been racking my brain for the "perfect" card for them.  I found it!!!  I cannot imagine that either one of them reads my blog so I should be safe.  :)

I started off making another Go-To Sentiment card for PTI's Make It Monday.  It just grew into the perfect love/wedding card for two people I love.  So FUN!

I searched my entire stash to come up with this one.  I am over the moon for this technique and love finding sentiments to coordinate together like this.  I kept the colors a very neutral wedding color (and I think they are having a very "black and white" affair for their wedding).  I loved the main sentiment from the time I laid my eyes on it.  Isn't that just the sweetest.  "Love gives us a fairytale."  Love.

Thanks for looking.  I am sure I will have lots more this week with all the PTI inspiration coming from the Anniversary celebration.

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink Unless notes:
Stamps:  2011 Anniversary Tag Stamps, Big & Bold Wishes, Enjoy the Ride, Love Tags 2010, Fillable Frames, Mat Stack 3 Collection, Borders and Corners Monogram, Everyday Button Bits; Mr and Mrs (); Happy Couple, Congrats to the Bride & Groom (SillyLeAnn 1.0); Now and Forever, Ring, I Do (Hampton Arts)
Ink: True Black
Paper: Smokey Shadow, True Black, Stampers Select
Other: 1.75 Circle Punch (EK Success); Limitless Labels Die; Crystals (My Paper Studio)

Holy Lots of Cards, Batman

I am a card making machine!  I have LOVED it!  I have had all sorts of life issues and priorities pop up the past few months.  I was talking to my husband about how spending time in my little card room makes me so happy and brings me such joy.  He is my biggest fan.  Weird, but so cool.  He encourages me to keep going, keep trying, and keep creating.  We decided that I should prioritize some time here and there to be able to do what it is that I love so much.  Obviously, I cannot spend every waking moment making cards (darn it!), but I should find time regularly to refresh.  Isn't he the best?  I mean there is a balance, but I am blessed for a husband that cares about the things I care about.  He will even try and offer compliments and critiques when I show him what I have been up to.  It is so funny to get his perspective.  Anyway . . . back to all these cards I have been making!

I made a very fun card to share today inspired by PTI's Make It Monday's series.  Because the prize is $250  in the PTI store, I may make like 100 or 200 of these just for the chance to win.  That is a lot of great goodies and well worth the time I put in.  :)  We were challenged by Erin Lincoln to make a Go-To Sentiment card.  I was thinking in my sleep last night (do you do this?) and thought about something I wanted to try.  So, here were the results.

I was reading through a fellow PTI'er blog, Sara Mac who blogs at The Unhurried Life.  She used a technique she picked up from Dawn McVey.  I loved the concept and have wanted to try it.  The idea is the heat emboss on Vintage cream.  The results are stunning in real life; I so wish the camera would pick up these details for me.  The technique just fit perfectly for this challenge.  Yeah!

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Stamps: Big & Bold Wishes, Round & Round, Signature Greetings, Fillable Frames, Through the Trees, Mega Mixed Messages, Butterfly Dreams
Ink: Ocean Tides, VersaMark
Paper: Vintage Cream, Ocean Tides
Other: Clear Embossing Powder (Ranger); Butterfly Dreams Die; Corner Rounder (Marvy Uchida)

You're the Best!

I am super excited to be playing along with all of the Papertrey Ink's 4th Anniversary Celebration activities.  It is not short on fun, inspiration, and A-MAZ-ING prizes!  It is so kind of PTI and gang to offer free downloadable stamps for us to play with.  I usually don't play with a set of stamps so quick, but the prize of working with Nicole is too good to pass up.  I mean I don't know what I would say to her to help design a set.  It would just be a stick figure of me - wetting my pants - because that is probably what I would do if I won.  I mean where do you even begin in designing a set of stamps.  I never know what I want until I see some fabulous stamps from PTI and THEN the lightbulb goes on.  So, if I win, look out!

I choose to play with this cutie by Tiffany Pastor.  It was the first one to speak to me, so I went with it.  It seemed so "beachy" to me, but I couldn't find my inner beach bum with all this snow around me.  Hmm, maybe that is what all the black clouds are about.  Shrug.  But I still like it.  :)

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink unless noted
Stamps: 2011 Anniversary Tags, Mat Stack 3 Collection, Up Up and Away, Mat Stack 1 Collection
Ink: True Black, Fresh Snow
Paper: Hawaiian Shores, New Leaf, Stampers Select White
Other: Mat Stack 3 Die; 1.75 inch Circle Punch (EK Success); Copics; Edgers #1 Die; Black Grosgrain Ribbon (Hobby Lobby)

Thanks for looking and wish me luck!!!

Happy Anniversary

There are lots of anniversary celebrations going on.  Most of you know that Papertrey Ink is in the middle of their 4th Anniversary celebration.  But, did you know that my husband has a dear, sweet aunt that celebrated her 50th Anniversary?  No.  That's ok.  Let me tell you then.  My husband's aunt Liz and her husband did celebrate their 50th Anniversary with a surprise party with many close family and friends.  It was a great night to celebrate a sweet person.  This is the card that I made for them.

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Stamps: Turning a New Leaf, Fillable Frames
Ink: Pure Poppy, Simply Chartreuse, Harvest Gold (look-a-like ink from Michaels $1 bin)
Paper: Stampers Select, Harvest Gold
Other: Flower Punch (EK Success); Jewels (Hobby Lobby)

Thanks for looking.  Today would mark THE very first time I have ever made a one layer card that I liked.  :)  I was super happy because I wanted something simple yet pack a punch.  Not many 50th Anniversaries come around that much, ya know.

Favorite Papertrey Ink Card

Papertrey Ink is having their Anniversary Celebration. Nicole challenged us to pick out our favorite card from this past year. This was HARD! I narrowed it down to about 5 cards before I made the tough choice.

I would like to introduce to you my personal favorite.

I love this card for so many reasons. First, I am in love with Summer Sunrise, the color. I cannot seem to get enough of it. This card also came together so easily. I had the vision for it, and it just worked. I don't know about you but that doesn't happen to me a lot. I get all excited when it does. Last, I am a sucker for bright fall colors. This certainly fits the bill for bright and fall.

Thanks for looking at my favorite. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone elses.

Happy Birthday

Things are beginning to somewhat, in some way, resemble normal.  I will hold on to the small pieces of normality in light of the past 2 weeks.  I have a quick share today and an update on my personal life.  I think I must be feeling "blue" lately.  :)  Thanks for looking!

All Supplies Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Stamps: Inside and Out Birthday, Background Basics: Tin Types; Beautiful Blooms II
Ink: Smokey Shadow, Spring Rain
Paper: Vintage Cream, Spring Rain
Other: Mat Stack 1 Die; Beautiful Blooms II Die: Spring Rain Button; Spring Rain Satin Ribbon

Update on our house:  We are still in the planning phase, but to be truthful, things are going a lot easier than I had originally anticipated.  My stress levels have come down about it, and we feel really good about the progress we have made to this point.  I am so hopeful that things are going to remain "easy" and progress will be quick.

Days and Days and Days

It has been days!!!  Days!!!  DAYS!!!!  Yes, it has been days since I left my house.  If you haven't heard, my kids and I all came down with the flu last week.  YUCK!!!  As we were somewhat coming out of the flu coma we were in, the blizzard hit.  DAYS!!!  :)  Despite the weather, my mood, and how I felt, I of course still found a little crafty time.  That is just how I roll!

I have a really fun (and deceptively easy) card to share today.  I was trying for a little bit more mature card.  So, although a stretch creatively, I was super happy with the results.  I stamped the flower directly on the pattern paper.  Then, I took my copics and added just a slight shadow on the petals to give it some dimension.  Easy-peasy!  I will definitely revisit this idea again.  The tone on tone effect is beautiful and a whole lot easier.

Supplies - All Papertrey Ink unless noted:
Stamps: Psalm (Verve Stamps); In Bloom
Paper: Bitty Dots, Vintage Cream
Ink: Smokey Shadow, Spring Rain
Other:  Ribbon (Hobby Lobby); Jewels (Hobby Lobby); Spiral Notebook Die; Copics

Thanks for looking!  I hope you have a WARM and safe day!

Thank You

Thank You . . . for being patient in my blogging absence.  It has been CRAZY in my life.  Ok, maybe it isn't fair to say crazy.  Maybe wild?  No.  Well . . . maybe I should just say that things in my offline life needed priority over my online life.  Yeah, that is how I can best explain it.

But, I am back.  Well, maybe.  I am having a hard time prioritizing some things in my life at the moment and it only makes sense that card making and blogging take a backseat when they need to.  So, if you will bear with me, I will be somewhat spotty probably over the next year.  (*EEK!  As I run and put my head under a pillow*)  Let me share my card and then if you really care, I will explain below.

All supplies Papertrey Ink unless noted - Stamps: Big and Bold Wishes, Fall Tags 2009; Ink: Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate; Paper: Rusic White, Pure Poppy; Other: Vintage Cream Button, Dark Chocolate Baker's Twine

What is news with me . . . I am glad you asked.  Here is the headlines in no particular order:  After almost 3 years, 2 miscarriages, and much healing, I am putting my faith out there and saying that this is the year we are going to get pregnant with our 3rd child and having a happy, healthy baby.  My husband has officially made a job change for the better as of the first of the year after a long autumn and winter of unfortunate events.  We are in the process of buying 10 acres, building our "dream house", and moving to the country (and if you know me, the city girl, you know I could write a book about that alone).  We are getting ready to put our house on the market to sell (Read: Lots of cleaning, lots of organizing, and lots of packing).  I have two school age children that I love and adore and that I pour my life into every chance that I get by spending time, volunteering at their school, shared experiences, and lots of hugs and LOTS of love.