Long time no see...

No, I didn't forget I have a blog. LOL How many times this year have I mentioned that time keeps on flyin' by?  Well, why would I think December would be any different? =)
I made 103 Christmas  cards this year. This one was the biggest chunk of them-

The dove was one of my favorite new stamps from The Angel Company. I like the "non-traditional" Christmas image done in "tradition" Christmas colors. The font for the sentiment is another reason I love this stamp set. The corners were done with Corner Chompers- both the blue and green ones. The dove is popped up. It was finished inside with a scripture verse and a "Have a Blessed Christmas."
I didn't get a picture of the second set I made. I was in a hurry to get them hand delivered to the ladies in my small group.
This was the 3rd design, and by far my most favorite one. (Maybe I love this one so much because I only made a hand full of them. Or that I really love the sentiment!!)

The most beautiful thing that ever hung on a tree..... and on the inside it said, "Jesus"  yeah, I love that!! The holly was from the same stamp set. In real like the different shades of green don't look so harsh, trust me. =) I used my treading water punch for the small scallop. (Tip- by placing the image closer to the edge of the punch strip I covered the holes that are in each scallop and created a new look.)
 I hope you had a blessed Christmas!!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

don't you just love spam comments?

A comment from today-

"I have interpret a few of the articles on your website trendy, and I unqualifiedly like your fashionableness of blogging. I added it to my favorites entanglement stage list and will be checking back soon. Divert report register into public notice my orientation as highly and vindicate me be acquainted with what you think. Thanks. "




Seriously, "and I unqualifiedly like your fashionableness of blogging" huh, say what? LOL

Hope you got a chuckle.

Next post will hopefully have something crafty for you.
Until later~


PS- could someone please tell me in plain English what this comment means? LOL

He's here....

He came to town last night. In a firetruck. He lit the town's Christmas tree. He took his time visiting with each child. Welcome to town, Santa!! We have missed you!!
Until later~

Coloring white with Copics

We are full swing into the Christmas season and we all know how easy it is to lose track of time. Seriously, Thanksgiving was over a week ago!! How can that be?!
Today I am sharing 3 cards, in our  Copic Card Class last month we worked on coloring white. Sounds pretty easy, right? (I know some of you are thinking, you just leave it white and call it done. LOL) The thing about white is you still need some color, like where there are shadows and such. We had 3 options to color white- Cool Greys, Warms, and blues. I used the Cool Greys (C00 and C0) to shadow my polar bear. (I know it gets a little washed out when photographing it, but believe me, you can see it in real life.)
We used the Jillybean Soup- Christmas Chestnut Soup designer paper. (Two thumbs up for kraft designer paper!!)

 I love the addition of the flat backed pearls on the designer paper.

 This is a pocket card. This one would be perfect with  a gift card attached to the pull out insert.

 The pearls were used again on this one - see them on the deco edge? (A nice way to use your border punches, layer them.)

A tag was added to the twine on this one. (Tags are always an extra special way to add your sentiments to your cards.)

I am in Christmas card making mode now, why is it so hard to decide on a design.. or two?

Thanks for stopping by!!

Until later~

Tag you're it!! Blog Hop

For November's Blog Hop our challenge is to create something that has tags as the focal point, for example Gift Tags, Journal/Mini Album made from tags, a card or scrapbook page that incorporates a tag. I have been inspired by the previous Paper Wings Blog Hops and I am looking forward to more inspiration this month. (Just a reminder that the gallery at Paper Wings is open to all, and full of The Angel Company goodness!! Click HERE)
For my tag project I made this tag folder-

 I used a piece of cardstock cut to 4.25"x 12 " and scored at 2" and 7". The  corners were cut off to make the short piece a flap. I then covered the flap with some Reece Designer Paper. A narrow strip of cardstock and more of the Designer Paper was attached to the base with flat top eyelets. The flap tucks underneath the cardstock to keep the folder closed. Another narrow strip of Reece was added to the bottom of the folder and then layered with a coordinating ribbon. (The tab was included in the Reece paper collection.)

 I adhered a clear treat bag with Sticky Strip to the inside of my folder to hold my tags. (I made a notch in the top of the baggie to make removing the tags easier. I just used a circle punch and inserted it half way.)

Here are the 3 different tags I made.

Both of these tags used a new Christmas Stamp set Hung On A Tree. (The Merry Christmas is from Trendy Greetings.) Both are colored with Copics and layered onto cardstock. (The Glossy Accents wasn't dry when I took my pictures so it looks a little cloudy. It will dry clear.)

This adorable little penguin is a Gift With Purchase stamp. (You can get him for FREE with a $30 purchase.) Peace is from the Tag Tidbits set. He was also colored with Copics.  The corners were rounded with the Corner Chomper. (You could also include some of the tags from the paper collection in your folder. My folder is for Christmas, but you could make one for any time of the year.... it would make a cute and thoughtful gift too.)


Thanks for stopping by!!  Enjoy the rest of the Blog Hop and hopefully you will be inspired to make /use some tags.

Rita W 
Laurie U 
Shirley H 
Teresa J
Julie R - 
Chelsea -
Tina
Carol N 
Laura 

Until later~

Columbus Scrappers Blog Hop

** If you are coming from Karrie's blog- Welcome!! Didn't she do an awesome job on her layout? Her journalling has inspire me- to scraplift her idea. LOL  I love how she has "it" when it comes to embellishing. I have been blessed to be in several of her classes, she is an excellent teacher!)


This is the first Blog Hop for the Columbus Scrappers. For anyone near central Ohio you can check out the Columbus Scrappers -->Here .  The challenge for this hop was-  Use 3 fall colors, 2 ribbons, and 1 word title on a new layout or card.
I chose the Basic Grey Max and Whiskers line of designer paper and 3 coordinating (fall color) Bazzill colors of cardstock. For my ribbon I used a gingham for the bo on one of my trees, and then used rick rack at the base of each of my trees. (I didn't want the ribbon to stand out because I was doing a more  "masculine" layout.) I used fabric Thickers for the title.
I have known and loved the 3 guys in the photo my entire life. I don't get to see them as often as I would like to, but I hold them near and dear to my heart. They are brothers, my dad's brothers.
I used the Giga Scalloped circle punch to make the tops of my trees. I used Vinage Photo Distress Ink to ink all of the edges.

Next on stop is Carey

Be sure to check out Jana 

And Karrie.
(Click on their names to get to their blogs.)

If you feel up to the challenge I would love to see your creations, just leave me a link in the comments. =)
 Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

Autumn pumpkin

Today I am sharing my third and final card using this cute pumpkin stamp. I gave this one a "glow" using a yellow Copic and the feather technique. Oh, and this card is a Z fold.

The leaf and acorn elements were cut from some designer paper. (Remember I am greedy with my pretty paper? LOL I use a little at a time.)
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

Plaid made with Copics

Here is card 2 from my set of pumpkin cards.  Not only was the pumpkin colored with the Copics, but I also created the plaid layer using the markers. Another cool, fun way to create custom elements. I used my Prismacolor pencils for a little extra detail on this pumpkin.

Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

Airbrush Copic cards

The first card I am going to share from this set is my favorite. I got to use the airbrush technique, and let me tell you.... it is SWEET!! AND airbrushing  uses less ink than it would take to color the same area with your Copics. I was surprised how easy it was to get a nice result the very first time.  The pumpkin was masked before adding the background, and the button  was sprayed too.

I have been doing a little research on-line trying to find out if I can use hubby's HUGE air compressor with my Copics. LOL (Can you believe that the small "artist" compressors cost more than twice as much as his big one did?! That is just crazy!!)
 The pumpkin was colored with Copics and then a little Prismacolor pencil was added for highlights.
I have 2 more cards coming using this same stamp in the next couple of days.
Until later~

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from Buzz Lightyear and the Little Mermaid!!
Until later~

Halloween cards

Halloween is not my favorite holiday, in fact it rates at the bottom of my list. (Sorry all you Halloween lovers.) When I do anything Halloween I always opt for the "cute" version. LOL I know that having a son means he will at some point want to start dressing in those ugly, gory costumes. *shudder* Not wanting to be a total party-pooper I made Halloween cards this year for Hunter's teacher and bus driver. So here goes....

I used the Delightfully Spooky stamp set from TAC. The papers are from a DCWV Stack. I went with a Z-Fold card, it is cute and fun. I colored the image with Copics (love the purple hair!!LOL) and then used Noir Palette ink on all of the edges.

This photo shows the "Z" and the inside designer paper. (Fold a 4.25" x5.5" piece of cardstock in half then fold the card front in half to form the Z. Adhere the focal image to the front fold and stamp you sentiment so it is covered by the image when your card is closed.)
 Trick or treat tonight, Hunter's party at school tomorrow and Trunk or Treat and Fall festival on Saturday.... for someone who isn't too fond of Halloween .... it is all for my kids. =)
Until later~

Let's BLOG HOP, shall we.....

If you are a card maker then this hop is for you!! Be prepared to have your socks knocked off!!  

This is the October Blog Hop sponsored by Paper Wings-  an on-line community for all Angels (demonstrators for The Angel Company.) Paper Wings has an gallery that features TAC stamps and products that is open for all to see. {Click HERE}

The theme for this month is .......
Anything but a standard A2 card!!!  This can be a joy fold, z-fold, accordian fold, side-step, waterfall card, and on and on and on, anything but a plain folded in half type card will be acceptable.

Here is my card. I used the Perky Penguins and Reece ribbon,cardstock and Designer Paper collection from TAC. The cute little penguin was colored with Copics. The tan layer was stamped with Versamark ink and then the Holographic embossing powder was added. (I love the glittery shimmer for winter-ish projects. It reminds me of ow the snow looks like diamonds on a sunny winter's day.)

So this is when it becomes "not a standard folded in half A2 card" card. LOL  The brads in the top corners allow the two panels to swing open to reveal the sentiment inside. The triple matted image is attached to only the right panel. Because the front is pretty plain I wanted to add a little extra something inside. Since the design of this card  allows for only a teeny bit of thickness- a little designer paper on a white mat was just the trick. =)
 This design is perfect for mailing as it tends not to be too bumpy.  I know this design will be one I use again and again for various occasions.

Ok, grab your favorite snack, sit back and get your mouse clicking and be prepared to be inspired....OH, and be sure to leave them some love. =)
Shirley:    (I think I got this link fixed.)
Rita:        
Angela http://angelakelley.blogspot.com/2010/10/october-angel-art-blog-hop.html
Chelsea: 
Carol:     
Julie:    http://juliesstamppad.blogspot.com/    
Teresa     

Past Paper Wing Blog Hops I have done can be found at the top of the page by clicking on the Blog Hop tab.
Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

Sympathy Cards

This has been a very rough week for some folks we love. Last Sunday my cousin lost her SEVEN year old nephew to brain stem glioma. Seven years old!! They found the tumor in August. My heart breaks for that family. On Monday a good family friend (the son-in-law of the gentleman my mom married) lost his dad unexpectedly. A friend from church recently lost her mom to cancer. They all stand in need of prayer.
 I wanted to send a card to let these families know they are in my thoughts and prayers. Because I wanted to get these in the mail quickly I used the same design for all 3 of them, same papers for all of them and only changed the color of the bird.
I really like the TAC sentiment. I just pray they will each be comforted in their time of grief.
Be sure to stop back by tomorrow for the October Paper Wings Blog Hop.
Until later~

I ♥ Fall!!

We spent the day enjoying God's handiwork.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Until later~

5..4...3..2..1...

This layout is for an old challenge over on ivillage. The challenge was to use 5 buttons, 4 flowers, 3 different designer papers, 2 photos and I journal spot. You had to use at least the number of each item, but could use more of each item.

I used some scraps on this one, an reminded myself that I can still be "greedy" with my favorite designer papers AND use them too. LOL  I can use little pieces and make it last a really looong time. =) The pictures are a year old, we are planning on visiting the farm this weekend.
 I stitched the buttons on my LO and added a cross stitch to the bottom leaf/cardstock embelly. (I used the leaves instead of flowers. See, you can customize a challenge to work with what you have.) The journalling was insprired by Megan (Click Here) I love how she journals on  her layouts!!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

His very first school picture

**Warning** Nothing crafty today. Just a proud momma bragging on her baby and a pretty darn cute picture!!***

Hunter is really doing good in school, and he LOVES it. I am beyond thrilled!! Earlier this year I had started to question my decision to not put him in Pre-School. I had my very first Parent-Teacher Conference and I no longer kick myself for not sending him. He is still a little figity, but acedemically he is doing very well. He already knows all of this first set of sight words, and the teacher said she would be sending his second set home soon.  It is so cool he is picking them out in books. He is also picking up other words rather quickly. (Can you tell I am one proud momma? LOL)
 He loves riding the bus!! I do have to tell you he had a not so good day on Wednesday on the bus. For what ever reason he decided he needed to hang his head out the window of the bus on the way home. I explained to him how dangerous that could be- he could fall out, something could hit him in the face or the eye, he could swallow a bug (that one was daddy's) not of that really bother him. Then I told him that if he hangs out the window again he would have to move from his spot in seat to ALL the way to the front of the bus. That did it, when he heard that he promised to never do that again. LOL

Every time I see his (and Hailey's) precious little face my heart turns into a blob of quivering gel!! How is it possible to love someone that much?? And then I have to stop an pause a moment when I think that my Heavenly Father feels the same way about me!!
Blessings to you!!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

Sunset card

This is my first attempt at a "sunset" card.  The circle was cut with the Coluzzle (I know, I have said it a million times..... but, I really hate that this system was retired!!!) I then used the same Coluzzle template to make the circle cut in the scalloped circle I had punched. (I would have used a plain circle punch for the card, but it wouldn't reach in far enough.) A tiny piece of ribbon was then tied to the card front. And then the sentiment was stamped using the Memento Tuxedo Black. (This is my favorite black ink, you can use it for Copics, watercoloring and it is perfect for stamps with larger solid areas.)
 I used Orangerie, Raw Sienna and Cognac Palette ink with a foam applicator to create a sunset sky on white cardstock. After it was blended I then cut it out with the same size Coluzzle circle. I then used the twig stamp and heat embossed it over the sky. The "sunset" circle was lined up with the opening on the front of the card and adhered to the inside of the card.
 I used this card for a male, but I think it could have been used for a female.
Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

TAC- Hello Day

Hailey loves, loves, loves this little girl and kitty stamp. I think it is because of the darling little kitty wearing his shades. Seriously, who does think he is adorable?? I have to admit that I love, love, love this stamp too. It reminds me so much of my precious little Haileybug and Garfield our new little kitty. Just any day I expect to see Garfield (I call him Jr.) wearing a pair of pink, sparkly princess sunglasses- totally against his will. He has already been driving the blue Barbie Volkswagen- against his will. He has taken many a laps in the yellow and orange plastic shopping cart-against his will. He has been rocked and sung to, wrapped in a baby blanket and and carried in a baby basket- all against his will. So, yea, just any day he will probably be wearing his shades. (If it happens I will try to get pictures. LOL) But the funny thing is just like the cat on this stamp, I don't think he minds at all!! =)
 I am so excited that The Angel Company has a lot of these types of images now. Images that are perfect for coloring. (If you haven't seen the new TAC catalogue you have got to take a peek!!)
 The sentiment is a retired TAC stamp that I still use quite often. =) The image was colored with Copics and Glossy Accents was added to the glasses.
Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

A couple of cute cards and an Oh Crap card =)

Working on coloring with Copic greens. I am seriously lacking a good variety of green Copics. I have a few Yellow Greens, but I think I need some plain greens. =)

A tiny bit of green was added to the lemons on this one. (Now that the photo is uploaded I see I forgot to add the gem to the center of the punched flower. ) The sentiment for this one was computer generated and then cut apart.
OK, now for a little work on Oranges and an Oh Crap!! =)
 Before you see my next card I want to let you know that this is something that happens from time to time. You finish a card, decided on adding one more thing and oops you mess up the whole thing. LOL

See those HUGE green blotches? I know how could you miss them, right?! At our monthly Copic Cards class Karrie showed us how to create a cool effect by blowing on the end of your Copic marker and getting a splattering of color. So lessons learned: 1) ALWAYS use the BRUSH tip, NEVER the Chiseled tip!! 2) Maybe when you a chest cold you should not try this technique. It took several tries to get the ink to blow, and then WHAM!! Huge splatters. 3) When you try a new technique make sure to do it BEFORE everything is adhered!! LOL
You can see under the orange how it was SUPPOSED to look. LOL I think it is really cool that you can do this with the markers. (If you try this at home I will tell you that you need to get your mouth pretty close to the marker AND practice on SCRAP paper. LOL
The head of the corsage pin was colored with one of the Copics used on the oranges.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Today's Blessings:
 *Hunter LOVES school, and he is doing very well
*Hailey is enjoying spending time alone with momma while brother is at school
*My hubby is the best, I am thankful that God created him as my perfect gift
* Our new kitty is doing well and growing like a weed
* I think fall has finally arrived in Central Ohio
* God is always faithful
I am blessed beyond measure!!
Until later~

September Blog hop

I enjoyed last month's blog hop so much that I had to get in on this month's too. =) The theme for  the Blog Hop at Paper Wings this month was Anything But a Card. It took me awhile to settle on my project, but I am very pleased with it. The holidays are heading our way so I thought these cookie in a jar gifts would be perfect to share.

For the first one I dressed up my jar with a cute band. I♥ this turkey from The Angel Company's Give Thanks stamp set. I used my Copics to color him. I used the Mega circle punch for the layer I stamped. I then used the Mega circle scalloped punch with the More Mimi designer paper- because it is the same size as my turkey layer I offset it slightly to add a little interest, and then those two layers were adhered to the Giga scalloped circle. (A white gel pen was used to add even more interest.) The More Mimi cardstock collection was used to make the band, the green cardstock was punched with a decorative punch and the edges were   inked with Palette Burnt Umber ink. A little brown ribbon (More Mimi) finished off my jar.

For the second jar I chose to use a tag. The pumpkin can be found in the Thanksgiving Sweeties set (TAC.) I used my Copics on this one too. The top of the tag was made using a tag punch. (Tip-You can make custom tags by cutting your paper to the desired length and threading it through the punch so only the top cuts.) To set the More Mimi eyelet I used the Crop-a-dile, and the finished the tag by rounding the 2 corners with the Corner Chomper. The Scrapper's Floss tied the tag to the More Mimi ribbon.
Jar recipes are quick, easy and fun gifts. Here are a few web sites with recipes-Cookies, Soup, lots of ideas. (<---Click on each one to see recipes and ideas.)
Ok, so go..... hop on over and see what everyone else has in store for you.
Rita W
Angela
Seleise
Carol
Shirley
Michelle
Chelsea Comer
Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

Times to remember

This double page layout features photos taken last fall at a local Metro Park here in Columbus. The park is an actual  working historical farm from about 1880. Everything is very hands on for the kiddos. We love spending time there!! (It is a nice place to play in the newly fallen leaves -because our lonely Birch tree does not produce enough leaves!! LOL But hey, we don't have to worry about raking the yard. LOL)

I like all of the various designer papers, the sheer flowers (color was added to them with a Copic marker, as well as the gem embellies) the inked edges, the custom gems, but most of all those adorable kids of mine!!;-)

I am blessed beyond measure!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Until later~

A little scrapping

I have been so busy making cards lately that scrapping had moved to the back burner.  But, I am happy to report that I completed 3 layouts last week. Three layouts!! That even impresses me because I am such a sloooowww scrapper. LOL
 Here is my one page layout--

Ready for a little 'I Spy?"
- 3 designer papers
-1 torn page from an old dictionary- dog-eared and torn (not touching my photo. LOL)
-a sticker bracket
-2 rub-ons
- a labels 8 Nestie shape  (I actually traced around the outer edge of the die and then hand cut it  to make the shape slightly larger.)
-Faux "notebook" edge on the larger designer paper (I used the Bind it all to make the holes and then used my scissors to snip little triangles along the edge.)
-Twine wrapped around the picture.
-Ink on all the edges
-1 5x7 photo (taken last fall, I am not afraid to hold on to pictures until I find the "right" paper. LOL )
-One scripture verse, because Hailey is " fearfully and wonderfully made"

I used the bracket on the dictionary page because I thought it was perfect for this picture..

 See it, it says, "delightful" perfect, huh? (I only got 3 dictionary pages, how cool is it that one would be so perfect?)
Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

9-11

I pray we never forget 9-11-01!!

Until later~

Birthday Fishes

I ♥ these little fishes. I combined a few of my favorite things on this card, the Cricut, stamps and Copics. =) (The fish bowl was cut from the Doodlecharms cartridge.) This is one of Hailey's favorite cards. She has been  working in the studio with me quite a bit since brother is in school now. I am so happy we can work together on crafty stuff. (She placed her very first stamp order this week. She even used her own money, she is already starting down the card making path. LOL)
 Thank you for stopping by!!
Until later~

Beep Beep

I must admit I love the colors on this card, I think it would be prefect for a little boy. I thought the paperclip would tie in nicely with the robots. =) The nuts and bolts on the card base were heat embossed with some sparkly embossing powder.
  Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

Cricut card

Hunter had school on Monday, they had a staggered start for the Kindergartners this year. There are 3 classes of 30 students. They brought 10 kids in for each class for 3 days- the teachers said it was a lot easier to explain things to 10 five year olds than 30 of them. Let alone trying to get 90 through the lunch line on the first day. The first day I took him and then picked him up at the end of the day, yesterday we finally had his bus schedule worked out, so he started riding the bus. He catches the bus one house away, there are 5 or 6 kids that catch it there too, and one little guy is also in Kindergarten. Hunter has a little friend to ride with on the bus. =)
 Well, on Monday Hailey and I made card for brother's bus driver. I wanted to let her know that Hunter is very pokey!! LOL My fear is that he will be left on the bus, so I just wanted to give her a heads up.

He was so proud to give the bus driver this card yesterday........

The Bus was cut from the Doodlecharms cartridge- isn't it too cute? The designer papers were from my scrap box. All the edges were inked with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.
As cute as the card is, I think my card holder is a million times cuter, don't you?
Thanks for stopping by!!
Until later~

School

Hunter is in school now, all day every day Kindergarten.

His first day I took him to school, we were still working on his bus schedule.

Riding the bus for the first time!! He loved it. He is really enjoying school so far. He was starving when he got home yesterday, so I will have a snack ready today. LOL

Thanks for stopping by!!

Until later~