When Life Gives You Lemons...

Hi Everyone,

Thursday means that it's time for another challenge over at the DRS Designs blog.  The theme this week is Summer, so my card is made with bright, hot summer time hues. 

I stamped my background with the Citrus Slice and heat embossed it, doing the same for the two slices I used for embellishment.  The sentiment was stamped and colored, but....

I also added glossy accents to the shot glass and some glitter in the shaker for the salt.

So, do you want a Margarita now? :) :) :)

Be sure to link up your summer creation at DRS Designs!  The prize is 3 summer themed stamps :)

Thanks for dropping by!

Challenges for this card:

Crafting for all Seasons-Many Layers

Crafts and Me-Ribbon

Divas by Designs-Anything Goes

Paper Pretties-Summer

Simon Says Stamp-Anything Goes

The Perfect Sentiment-Anything Goes w/sentiment

Crafty Sentiments-Anything Goes

Die Cuttin' Divas-Anything Goes

Fashionista Challenge-Simply Summer

Kaboodle Doodle-Anything Goes

Totally Stampalicious-Summer Time

Details not listed above- Paper: The Paper Company, Ink: Memento, Markers: Copic, Glitter and Embossing Powder: Sparkle N Sprinkle, Punch: Stampin Up, Nesties,  Ribbon from my supplies.

Hello Sunshine

Hi Everyone,

I made a card to play along in the Paper Smootches Sparks Challenge.  It's a color challenge using these shades:

And my card using a freebie found here and the cloud tut from here.

The sun really is shining today so I'm out and about.  Short. Sweet. 

Until next time :)

This N That

Hi Everyone,

I've been busy with life stuff, so I'm sorry to say that it's been keeping me away from blogging and regular visiting.  Every week I think, OK, NOW I'll finally get back on track and something else pops up.  I know you know what it's like, you have real lives too :)

Anyway, here's the scoop:

A couple of weeks ago we had a family baby shower that I made the favors for.  I took the idea from Erin Lincoln's blog, and used stamps from my stash to make these:

Here are a couple of photos from the shower:

Anna, the mom to be with my cousin Cathy and Charlotte. (My Dad's lady friend)

Cute cake!

Us with Cathy and my Dad.  I wish the light fixture wasn't growing out of my head :( .

Another thing I've been involved with is a charity sewing project that my friend Laura organized.  Jackie and her husband are going to work with the orphans in Sudan this summer, so Laura took a couple of patterns for what's called "Pillowcase Dresses", combined them and made her own in 4 sizes.  She asked me to make some simple tags to include with them, so since I don't sew I was glad to be able to help out in this small way.

Aren't the dresses darling?  All the material was donated.  I was amazed that with all of it coming from different people and places, that it all matched so well.

I warned you the tags were simple :)  Still, 200 of anything....

My book club meets next month for the last time until September.  The current pick is Lost December by Richard Paul Evans.  I'll give you the scoop when I'm finished.

Rod and I managed to squeeze in a visit to the Cleveland Art Museum to see the Rembrandt in America exhibit. It was well done and we learned that many paintings that were bought in the middle of the last century, are not his work.  Turned out much of it was done by his studio or students of his.  Go figure.

This one is authentic.

Went to a new place for breakfast on Sunday, Trendz. I know, right?  Sounds like a hair salon to me too.   Such a bad name.  The food was good, (I had a mushroom, spinach and cheese omelet. Yum! ) but I'm searching for a local place with a great cup of coffee along with my breakfast food!  This was not it.  Sigh.  I'm missing my coffee from Italy!  Look how pretty our room service coffee was...

I had the sprinkler system people out over the weekend for a start up and fix, I'm STILL waiting for the part to come in so my patio door can be fixed, (Ugh!  I hate not being able to open it and walk outside onto my deck and the time frame for this fix is June!) and last week my lawnmower died.  I would much rather shop for purses or crafty stuff, but it looks like it's the home improvement stores for me this week.

Lastly, I want to share a card that was made for us by our friends 6 year old daughter.  Greatest card ever... Sweet and from the heart.  Plus I love how she drew me all thin like :)

Ok, you're semi caught up.  Mostly I'm just tired of typing...lol!  I'll see ya when I see ya!

Hoppy B-Day!

Hi Everyone,

DRS Designs has released a new batch of stamps over the weekend, and boy are they cute! I love all of their greeting stamps because they are fresh, funny and ones that you can't find anywhere else :)

Birthday cards are always the first to disappear from my stash, so they are definitely the ones I make the most. I love a good pun too, so the new Unfrogettable Birthday Greeting fits seamlessly into my existing stash of card making supplies.

I used the Polka Dot background stamp, since it looked kinda like a bumpy frog, and I thought the Singing Frog was a good match with this greeting as well. I made it easy on myself when it came to the frog. I stamped him in dark green ink on light green paper and fussy cut him out. Yup, all I did was color his tongue!

The ribbon had some dots, so that was a natural fit here, and I die cut some letters and added a bit of punny-ness to finish it off :)

Be sure to check the new releases section for all the the great new stamps!

Thanks for stopping by :)

Challenges for this card:

Ooo-La-La-Ribbon or Twine

Great Impressions-Anything Goes

Joanna Sheen-Birthday

One Stitch at A Time-Anything Goes

Robins Fetish-Anything Goes

Crazy 4 Challenges-Birthday Card

Rogue Redhead-Warm Tones for Men

Chocolate, Coffee and Cards-For the Boys

Glitter Geeks-Polka Dots

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Georgia Pacific White, Dies: Nestabilities, PTI,, Marker: Copic, Ink and Chalk: Stampin Up, Ribbon: Darice

Hambo "Channel Surfing" Blog Hop

*If you are here for the Sparkle N Sprinkle Blog Hop, please scroll down...*

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to the "Channel Surfing" Blog Hop sponsored by Hambo Stamps! Today Hambo customers and the Bacon Bits Design Team are bringing you fun creations that depict TV show titles. It might be our favorite show, or just one that was fun to design. If you arrived here from Deborah's Blog,  you are in the right place! If not, you might want to start back at the beginning at the Hambo blog to make sure you are eligible for the hopper prize!

A prize will be awarded to one participant whose TV-themed creation tickles the Bacon Bits’ fancy in a hammin’ jammin’ way.  Another prize will be awarded randomly to a hopper who comments on all the blogs along the way. The winners will be announced on the Hoedown blog, as well as on the Hambo company blog, Talk to the Ham, on Wednesday, May 23.

My card today was inspired by The Andy Griffth Show.  It's a favorite of my husband's family and he and his sister can quote it, like I can quote The Brady Bunch.  Anyway, Wee Henry Fishing reminded me of the opening credits of the show, with Andy and Opie walking to the fishing hole.

Are you whistling the song yet? 

Of course the show was in black and white and didn't have a big creepy fish in it.  I swear it doesn't look that bad on the card in real life...Maybe it's the googly eye that's freaking me out :)

Ok, now dance on over to Jenn's Blog for another TV show, and here is the full list just in case there is a hiccup along the way :)

Talk to the Ham - Hambo blog http://hambostamps.blogspot.com/
Sandy http://sandyscraftycreations.blogspot.com/
Paula http://heyheypaula-heyheypaula.blogspot.com/
Carolyn http://luvmycards.blogspot.com
Deborah http://beadnstampn.blogspot.com
Karin http://karin-withaniforpaper.blogspot.com
Jenn http://jaxbeanstalks.blogspot.com/
Pat http://patacakespages.blogspot.com
Dawn http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com
Jan http://www.jans-gonestampin.blogspot.com/
Carolina http://cardolinascrapolina.blogspot.com/
Mary www.mystampinhide-away.blogspot.com
Beverly http://beestamper.blogspot.com/
Melissa http://melissascreations.blogspot.com/
Judy http://jarfullofjoy.blogspot.com/
Have a great day!

Sparkle N Sprinkle Celebrating Summer Blog Hop

Hello Everyone,

The day has finally arrived!  Welcome to the Sparkle N Sprinkle Celebrating Summer blog hop! If you hopped here by way of  Charlene, then you are in the right place! Otherwise, you might like starting from the beginning at the Sparkle N Sprinkle blog, to become eligible for FIVE great prizes.  There are 2 grand prizes and 3 random prizes that are hidden at 3 different designers blogs, so leave lots of comments.  You must comment on all blogs to be eligible for a prize! :)

Also, if you like what you see along the hop, keep in mind that the items on special at Sparkle N Sprinkle for the month of May are: Water, Food & Beverage and Rosiland Solomon, the featured artist.

I made this card with my youngest niece in mind.  Ever since I can remember she's wanted a green "VW Bug" for her car.  She's still in college and can't afford it on her own, but her mom and dad haven't given in.  And since it's a car that costs more than the one I drive, she won't be getting one from me..lol.

I use the set Surf's Up (455) and the VW Bug stamp (3584-455G) along with a sunny sentiment.  The Blue Jewel Glitter (G1113) was attached with 1/2" strip of Tear-iffic Tape (SAT04) and I also added some Sparkle N Soft in Sparkling Sand (SS118) under the car, to mimic sand on the beach.

This next card uses both the Surf's Up (455) and Surfin' Woody (456) sets.  What could be more summer like than an bunch of colorful flip flops?!  Each one was embossed and placed on a mat of the following matching glitters:

Blue Jewel
Dazzling Rose
Azetec Gold
Shamrock

For specific details on making these cards, visit my card gallery right here.

Net up on the hop is Brenda, and I know you will love what she has to show off!  Thanks for hopping and remember to comment on each blog, for a chance at one of the prizes!  And below is the entire blog hop list, just in case you are lost or a link is broken. 

Have a great day!

SNS Home Blog addy: http://sparklensprinkle.com/blog

April Williams http://stampwillydesigns.blogspot.com

Marie Berquist http://craftemarie.blogspot.com

Shona Erlenborn http://shonasstampingstage.blogspot.com

Julie Zippel http://backtobasicsandbeyond.blogspot.com

Shanna Shands http://scsdesigns.blogspot.com

Barbara Bruder http://www.artandsoulcreations.blogspot.com

Angie Blasingame http://hopemorestudio.blogspot.com

Karalee Ingram http://kareescardsandcraftsofcourse.blogspot.com

Jill Jacobsen http://www.stampinhands.com/

Gerlinde Townsley http://mycreativecorner-gerlinde.blogspot.com

Charlene Driggs http://www.paperandinkplayground.com

Karin Martin http://karin-withaniforpaper.blogspot.com

Brenda Smalle http://www.rubberroomantics.blogspot.com

Surfing

Hi Everyone,

I'm celebrating summer with the Sparkle N Sprinkle blog hop here tomorrow, so I thought I would show off one of my surfing cards as a preview :) This was made using stamps from the Surf's Up (455) and Surfin' Woody (456) sets .  Bright colors always say summer time to me, so I used this fun sentiment and some surf boards that I fussy cut out of matching paper.  I cut my patterned paper in wavy shapes to simulate the ocean and ran the edges in some Cerulean Star embossing powder (EP433).  Such a rich, beautiful color!

I knotted a bit of twine for a great nautical embellishment and the peace sign finished off the card.   Complete card details can be found right here.

Will you be joining me for the hop tomorrow?  As usual, there are prizes and the May stamp specials are 15% off!  All kinds of great things happening, so I hope I see you then :)

Have a great day and thanks for dropping by!

Say it Loud!

Hi Everyone,

Have you been playing along in the weekly challenges at DRS Designs? If you are new to the blog, we host a challenge every Thursday, and this week the theme is "Music for the Soul." So if you want a chance at some new "rubbah", (there are prizes after all!) join us by clicking here.   I'd love to visit and see what you made :)

So, sticking with the musical theme of the week, here is a sneak peek at some stamps that will soon be released at DRS Designs!

I used the Interlocking Stars Background stamped in white craft ink and some clear embossing powder for the background. The Band Member was also embossed after stamping, and along with the sentiment, they both will be released this weekend.

I used an embossing folder for the base behind the stamped image and I punched out some stars for embellishments. The five stars on the blue background were punched out of some paper that I first stamped using the Birthday Sheet Music stamp. I was trying to tie the whole music and birthday theme together :) And the red and white speckled strip is a piece of tissue tape. This card makes me wish my birthday was on July 4th! LOL!

Thanks for stopping by and hope you can join in the musical challenge!

Challenges for this card:

Bunny Zoe Crafts-Anything Goes

Cupcake Craft-No DP Birthdays

Lollipop Crafts-Just for Him

Simon Says Stamp and Show-Anything Goes

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Ink & Chalk: Stampin Up, Versamark, Embossing Folder: Darice, Embossing Powder: Sparkle N Sprinkle, Nesties, Punch; EK Success, Gem from my supplies

You've been on my mind...

Hi Everyone,

I think this serene scene in today's focal stamp from DRS Designs is perfect for those difficult masculine cards. I'm always struggling when it comes to making those, so I played off the image and made a nautical looking card.

I colored the Seaside Dock with my Copic markers and used the Dot Ribbon Edger stamp in the background, since I thought it looked a bit like ripples in the water. (Just and FYI...The edger stamp is a 2 for 1 stamp. It's paired with a great border of Christmas lights!) I added a strip of dry embossed stars, and a punched border that I embellished with a gel pen and wrapped it with some twine. Twine and buttons seem to be my go to embellishment when it comes to cards for men.

The On My Mind Greeting works for any number of occasions and you can find more wonderful stamps in the new releases section at DRS Designs.

Have a great day!

Challenges for this card:

Come and Get It- Masculine

2 Sisters-Anything Goes

Catch the Bug-Anything Goes

Emergency Crafters-Bold and Bright

Dillybeans-Texture

Cute Card Thursday-One for the Boys

Details not listed above- Paper: The Paper Company, Twine: Nestabilities, Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug, Ink: Memento, Stampin' Up!, Punch: EK Success, White gel pen.

Many Thanks

Hi Everyone,

I don't have a card today, but I thought I would just catch up on a few random bits of life before the weekend arrives.  We were going to see some friends this weekend, but the flu bug is going around their house, so we're rescheduling with them for the obvious reason.  Unless I can round up someone else, we will be watching the Kentucky Derby by ourselves on Saturday :) 

I was so excited to have my get well card featured on the 365 Cards blog!  It was "In the Spotlight" for day # 58.  The card was a recent personal fave, so I was thrilled someone else liked it too :)  Thank you 365 Cards!

Also, before I left on vacation last month, I received this lovely award from Monica.  I didn't have time then, so I'm making time now to say thank you...So, so much!  This lady is just super sweet, kind, and generous with her time, talent and comments.  She sells her cards and donates the proceeds to all kinds of charities. Currently there are a number of children who are going to school due to the $ she's raised. I encourage you to visit her blog, as I know you will be blessed by her kind spirit that comes right through the screen :)

So friends, this is for you!  Please take it and pass it on to anyone who has cheered you along, or helped you advance your crafting skills :)

If you are in need of some paper, my friend Cheryl is purging some of her stash, and sharing it in a bit of blog candy.  Click on the photo on my side bar to enter.

And I still want to share a few more Italy photos, but I just don't have time to write the post right now, so I will leave you with a few random photos...

Florence is AWESOME!  Look...

Couture for dogs...lol!

Have a great weekend!  And if you see a number one below somewhere on this post, I have no idea how it got there and I can't delete it.  So weird, so just ignore it :)

Chic

Hi Everyone,

One of my favorite types of cards to make are feminine ones, because they allow me the opportunity to use my beloved glitter and bling, in any amounts that I want

For these cards, I inked up the set Cocktail Party(375), from Sparkle N Sprinkle Stamps.  I think these stamps are just the perfect thing for the upcoming prom season, don’t you? I stamped the Chandelier (2033-275E ), colored it and layered it on a base of Sticker Paper (99558) coated in Sassy Silver glitter (G1050). I used Versamark (99702) for Charisse (2034-374H) and the sentiment Chic (2040-375A) along with Silver Detail embossing powder (EP257). My previous card share here, I also used the silver embossing powder on black and I really loved the glamorous look.

And since I couldn’t stop there, I also made this girlfriend themed card. Here I used Black Detail embossing powder (EP171) and Olivia ( 2035-275E). The sentiment was stamped and coated in Sparkling Snow Glitter (G1003) , attached with a pop dot and the 1/4″ Tear-iffic Tape (SAT01) was used for the Dazzling Rose (G1085) glittered strip at the bottom. Full details for both cards can be found in my gallery here.

Thanks for stopping by today!

ConGRADulations

Hi Everyone,

There are lots of summer holidays looming ahead, and this latest release at DRS Designs has got you covered for all of them. For my card share today, I thought I would show off a graduation card. I had my own niece in mind when I made it, since she will be graduating from OSU in June. I would like to say that she's looking forward to leaving the books behind, but she's got 4 more years after this. She's on her way to being a pharmacist. We're so proud of her :) Anyway.... Here is my card:

I used the Retro Star Burst stamp to create the background and the Vertical ConGRADulations sentiment panel was lined with a punched border that sort of looks like a note book page. I colored the Teacher Tools with my Copic markers, and layered it on the Circle Spiro which I colored to match. It's hard for me to consider a card finished without a bit of bling, so boom, had to add a few gems....lol!

Thanks for peeking in and have a great day!

Challenges for this card:

Creative Mondays-Anything Goes

Amusing Challenges-Anything Goes

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Ink: Memento, Markers: Copic, Punch: EK Success, Nesties, Gems from my supplies.