Lisa's Birthday Blog Candy!

This drawing is now closed. For the winners, please click to this post.

This is the 3rd of 3 posts today. I hope you'll scroll down to see some of the wonderful birthday cards I've received in the post entitled "The 11th Anniversary of My 39th Birthday," and my Stampin' Sisters in Christ post entitled "The Joy of Giving," after you're finished here.

Yep, it's the Big 5-0 for yours truly. Rather than be depressed, I'm focusing on my many blessings...and paying it forward!

I thought about offering one big huge prize, but I always wish everyone could win. Since that isn't possible (at least not until I win the lottery), I'm dividing up the candy into FIVE prize packages... one for every decade of my life so far.

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Prize Package

Contains the following stamp sets:
Romans Road
Holiday Road
Baby Blessings
Elly & Friends
Love Scripture
Trendy Girl
I'd Pick You

Designer Paper Prize Package

Contains these 6 x 6 Paper Pads:
Postcards from Paris & Sweet as Cherry Pie Combo Pack from Websters Pages
Eskimo Kisses by Basic Grey
the Boyfriend by Cosmo Cricket
Patterns Pack by Stampin Up'
Patterns Pack II by Stampin Up'
and these 8 x 8 Paper Packs:
Pop Fashion Collection by Pink Paislee
Pretty Little Papers by Lizzie Anne Designs

Build-A-Bear Prize Package

Contains:
Beary Best Friends Stamp Set
Beary Nice Wishes Stamp Set
Pawsitively Prints Designer Series Paper, cut to 6 x 6
All by Stampin' Up!

Paper Pretties Prize Package

From the Sophia Stamp of the Month Series:
Gliding By
Bunny Hop
Ballerina
Aloha
Giving Thanks
Make a Splash
Hola Chica
Make a Wish
Story Time

Hodge Podge of Stamps Prize Package

Contains:
Birdie Trio by Basic Grey
Cheer Up by My Cute Stamps
Go Green by My Cute Stamps
Holiday Lane by Lizzie Anne Designs
Cosmobella by Stamping Bella
Party Dragon by LeLo Design
Magnolia with Bell
Magnolia with Lantern
Magnolia Tree
Starlight Starbright Remixed by Verve
Sweet Pea by Fiskars
Jolly Little Winter by Unity
Little Me by Unity
Cuppyland by Stamps and Smiles

Because I want everyone who wins to be happy, I'm going to let each person pick which prize package she wants, although we will have to do first and second choices and break ties by the order the names are drawn.

So, how do you win?

1. Be or become a follower of my blog

2. Or subscribe or become a subscriber to my blog through Feedblitz

3. Link this blog post to the picture at the top of this post on the side bar of your blog to spread the word. If you don't have a blog, that's okay... just let me know when you leave a comment.

4. Leave a comment to enter the drawing... be sure to tell me whether you're a follower or email subscriber. If you're an email subscriber, please include the first part of your email address so that I can match it up. Also confirm that you have placed the blog candy photo and link on your blog sidebar... or let me know that you don't have a blog.

Oh, and just for fun, tell me which of the five prizes you would pick if you won. Don't worry, I won't hold you to it if you win. You can definitely change your mind!

5. I will verify that all these things are true of those whose names are drawn. To be fair to everyone, please enter only once and make sure you've followed all the rules.

I will use Random.org to draw the five winners

The deadline to enter is 11:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time on Sunday, December 13, 2009. I will announce the winners on Tuesday, December 15th.

Enjoy! And thanks from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my blog family!

The 11th Anniversary of my 39th Birthday!

This is the second of three posts today. I hope you'll scroll down to see the first titled "Joy of Giving" for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge after you finish here.

Hello my friends! If you are reading this on Sunday, November 29th, then I'm celebrating the 11th anniversary of my 39th birthday! I'm not feeling too badly about turning (gulp) 50, probably because most of my friends (and my husband) are older than me, so I feel like the "baby." I love reminding them on their birthdays that they should always remember that no matter how old they get, I'll always be younger!

Truthfully, though, I've come to the realization that time is indeed passing. Even if I'm lucky enough to have just recently passed the half-way point of my life, I don't have endless amounts of time left in this life on earth. I've resolved to make some changes so that the quality of my life is better, and to do the things I really want to do, not put them off for another day that may never come. That includes getting rid of a lot of negative emotional baggage I've been carrying around for too long. You've gotta have a plan peeps, and I have one! I've asked God to guide me and be with me in all things. He knows the desires of my heart most of all. With Him as my compass, I cannot fail!

I also happen to be blessed with the most amazing friends and family who truly make me feel like the Queen on my birthday! I've received many birthday cards and gifts from friends I've made over this past year through blog land, and I can't tell you how uplifted and loved I feel! Take a look at this beauties and you'll see why:

From Debbie Pamment

From Kathy Winter

From Kim Yu

From Kristine Breach

From Michelle Yungbauer

Aren't these gorgeous? Am I lucky or what? These ladies bless and inspire me every day.

Hugs and love to each of you, with a tall heaping of gratitude,

The Joy of Giving!

Happy Sunday! It's time once again for another scripture-inspired challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ! Since this is the first of three posts for today (a record for me!), I'll keep this short. You'll be totally sick of me by the time you get through all three... if you can make it that far!

Our hostess this week is the wonderful Randi Barrett. As I said in the SSCC blog post, Randi is a true blessing to us, and I thank God for bringing her into my life. I enjoy her wonderful sense of humor, but most of all I love her godly spirit and the way she keeps a thankful heart in spite of health trials that would cause many of us to question God's love.

Randi chose these scriptures for our inspiration:

Matthew 2:11 "After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

Matthew 7:7-11: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give what is good to those who ask it."

Her challenge is to make a card, layout or other paper craft project that has a gift featured in it.

Our sponsor this week is none other than La-La Land Crafts, so naturally I reached for one to make my card. Christmas Dress Rosie is one of the prizes for this week's challenge. I'm sorry I can't name the DP... it was a gift from Irina, the owner of LLLC, along with the row of beads along the bottom. She is such a sweetheart. Thanks Irina! I also followed the CPS143 sketch for my card.

I hope you'll click over to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge blog and read Randi's thoughts about the scriptures she chose for our inspiration. Her words resonate with me... for as much as I do enjoy receiving gifts, my greatest joy is in giving them. I love making people happy. I love finding the perfect gift and seeing someone's face light up with pleasure. I never really thought about God feeling the same way when we accept His gifts, but it makes sense, doesn't it? We are His children and He wants us to be happy, just as we want our children, family and friends to be happy.

All I can say is "Thank You, dear Heavenly Father"!

Speaking of gifts, I hope you'll enjoy my next two posts for today (above)...

Winter Wonderland

Hey y'all! (I'm channeling Paula Deen.) Happy Day After Thanksgiving! I meant to post yesterday, but I spent most of Wednesday doing absolutely nothing... at least not craft wise. I did, however, scratch 6 or 7 things off my to-do list, and I finally watched the movie Twilight.

I didn't hate it. Okay that might sound terrible to those who are huge fans of the books and movies, but it really isn't. I'm just the wrong demographic. But I do appreciate that it very likely stayed true to the book, and I do think they cast the movie very well. Lots of unknown actors, but (I think) perfect for their respective rolls.

That actually got me to thinking about whether I've ever been wild for something the way folks are for Twilight. I honestly can't think of any such instance. The closest I could come was my crush on Donny Osmond when I was about 13. (Who, by the way, I hear just won Dancing With the Stars. I saw a couple of commercials for the show, and I must say Donny is looking good for a guy in his early 50's. So don't count us middle-aged folks out just yet!)

Anyway, that led me to thinking about who during my generation would have played the Twilight characters well. I came up with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere as Bella and Edward, George Clooney as Carlysle, maybe Angelina Jolie as Esme, Brad Pitt as Jasper, Madonna as Rosalie. I have the perfect person in mind for Alice, but I can't think of her name to save my life. Am I onto something or what? Hahaha! Edited to add: It's Meg Tilly I was thinking of for Alice. And perhaps Demi Moore instead of Angelina Jolie for Esme... Demi is a bit more innocent looking. Ha!

But I digress, as usual.

We had a good Thanksgiving, just the six of us. It's the first time I've ever done the entire Thanksgiving dinner without the help of my MIL. I'm usually her sous chef. This time Paul was mine. We actually did really well. Everything came out hot at the same time and was pretty tasty, if I do say so myself. I guess helping Jo all those years taught me more than I realized. Oh, and thanks Nancy for the excellent Pennsylvania Dutch Potato Filling recipe. We loved it!

Now I'm trying not to panic over the fact that Christmas is less than a month away. Here in California, we're having Spring-like weather, so it's hard to "feel" Christmassy. I made a wintery card for inspiration!

Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge 49 is perfect for the images found in Winter Fun With Sam and Gretchen by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. I decided to add a little whimsy by having the bird pull Gretchen's sled...wouldn't that be something you might see in a winter wonderland?

That is, of course, Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses DP, and Prism cardstock. I put a little White Sparkly Fluff along the bottom of the sled, and then punched and glittered a snowflake for the finishing touch.

You might be wondering where my sample is for the Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge. Well, because of the holidays, Taylor is taking the week off from the sketch challenge. Instead, she's running a HOT Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale:

In honor of Black Friday and Cyber Monday (the two biggest shopping days of the year!), Taylored Expressions is offering 15% off everything in the store! Just use the promotional code TEBlackFriday upon checkout to receive the discount. You don't want to miss up to 50% off all JustRite products, Buy 2 Get 1 Free on Tiny Twinkles, and the new TE Shirts & Aprons!

I don't know about you, but I'll be filling my basket for sure! Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kits? And did you know Taylor carries Copic markers, lots of Spellbinders, tons of rhinestones and other embellishments, ribbon galore, and the cutest darn stamp sets? The list goes on, my friends. And I can't wait to get my hands on one of the new t-shirts!

I hope you have a wonderful Friday. Are you getting out amongst them at the stores and shopping malls, doing your part to stimulate the economy? Me, I'll probably lay low and do some on-line shopping. There are still so many things I want to get done before going back to work on Monday, and time is slipping away so quickly...

Thanks for stopping by!

Angel Lala and Blog Candy!

Hello my friends! Today is Wednesday, so that means it's time for another fun La-La Land Weekly Wednesday Challenge! Our hostess this week is the wonderful Maureen Wong. Hers is a 3-2-1 recipe challenge: 3 different designer papers (my card features three of the patterns from SU's Bella Blue collection, one of which is tucked behind the decorative strip - check), 2 different colors of cardstock, one of which can be a neutral (Kraft and Not Quite Navy - check), and one type of embellishment (blue Kaisercraft rhinestones - check).

Angel Lala is one of my favorite Lala stamps. Isn't she sweet? Angels hold a special meaning for me because my mom LOVED angels. She collected them. I like to think of her as an angel in heaven, watching over me and my kids.

Wednesdays are also fun because it's time to play in Whimsical Wednesdays: The Diedrich Dare! This week is a sketch challenge, drawn by Jessica's son Jack. It's perfect for the LLWWC challenge requirements! Here's what I'm thinking... why not play in both challenges this week, too? There's a prize awaiting one lucky player in the La-La Land Weekly Wednesday Challenge, and Jack's sketch is, as I said, perfect for the recipe challenge! There's also a prize being offered for players in The Diedrich Dare!

To get you started, feast your eyes on what the rest of the Daredevils have created for your inspiration and delight:

• Cassie Larson
• Darla Wilson
• Debbie Lee
• Heather Schlatter
• Jacquie Peifer
• Jessica Diedrich (a.k.a.Mom ;)
• Kim Ross
• Lisa Slusser
• Randi Wall
• Rebecca Ednie
• Sandra MacLean

I hate to say it, but this is my last challenge as a Daredevil. I have to step down to better balance my DT duties. I want to thank Jessica with all my heart for allowing me the privilege of being one of her Daredevils. That girl rocks! She has endless energy, amazing talent, and a truly upbeat and friendly personality. We most definitely will stay in touch and continue to be friends via blogland! And thanks to Jacquie and all the other Daredevils... you all are so sweet, talented and fun to work with. I'll "see" you around in blogland, too, I'm sure! Hugs to you all!

I tell you what... I just decided this. If you play in BOTH of the above challenges, come back here and leave a comment after you post your cards/projects on the respective blogs, and I will draw a winner of this adorable Sweet Rosie stamp from La-La Land Crafts. How's that for more incentive! Three chances to win a prize! Yes, you can combine both challenges, but you must post at both challenge blogs by the respective deadlines. I will draw for the winner next Tuesday night and announce the winner Wednesday on my blog. Let the challenges begin!

A Beautiful Summer Day?

Raise your hand if you've heard of Whimsie Doodles. If you have, then you KNOW that it's a new digi stamp company with the CUTEST images around! The name says it all... Whimsie...and that's just what I love to work with the most. I especially love the muffins!

My card is for the Whimsie Wednesday Challenge #7, which is to make a summery card... a break from autumn/winter/Thanksgiving/Christmas cards. I hope mine looks summery enough. Sunny Day was one of the first digi stamp sets I purchased from Whimsie Doodles, even though it was "off season." I couldn't help myself... it immediately caught my eye! How fun that I had an excuse to use it now rather than wait for the change of season.

The challenge host, Thanh Vo, is feeling nostalgic for sunny days since she lives in Vancouver BC in the land of endless rain (according to Thanh). Me, I live in the land of endless sunshine and long for some rain. I guess we always want what we don't have!

As you can see, I paper-pieced most of my card. How, might you ask? First print the image(s) on regular computer paper. Then cut your DP a little larger than the area you want to piece using that particular paper. Use a repositionable or temporary adhesive (I use Herma) to secure the scrap over the area you want to piece on the computer paper image, then run it through the printer a second time. Voila!

All of the paper is Cosmo Cricket except for a smidge of Basic Grey for two of the trees. I couldn't resist some rhinestones and a button... it's a weakness. Plus the stitching. The images already look stitched, so it was a natural.

Day Four of my time away from work is coming to a close. Waaaah! It's going too fast! I have to admit I'm doing a fair amount of goofing around...and loving every moment. Last night's movie was Slumdog Millionaire. I totally respect the quality of the film and the unique story. However, the movie was depressing. No one should have to live in abject poverty, suffer under tyranny and/or be subjected to abuse, especially children. Yet it happens all the time and it makes me very sad. Can you imagine how it makes God feel? He sees it all. Me, I'm counting my blessings... and looking forward to a more light weight movie tonight.

Thanks for stopping by to visit. I know I've been really bad about my blog visits lately, but I promise I'll get it together. I'm just wallowing in the luxury of being home with my family. I hope you'll come back again tomorrow for the La-La Land Weekly Wednesday Challenge and The Diedrich Dare. See you then!

Hi Lisa K! I miss you!

Warm Winter Wishes - GinaK Designs Customer Blog Hop

I hope I got into the GinaK Designs Customer Blog Hop on time. I got a bit sidetracked today. You'll never guess what happened! My husband and boys actually CLEANED the house... or at least, we all worked together to clean the kitchen, family room and patio room today... a deep cleaning. Woo hoo! That made this girl so happy, you can't imagine. A dream come true! Someone pinch me!

I always tell them, Happy Wife, Happy Life. Why don't they listen more often?

My card uses the new set by Rupa Shevde called Winter Friends. There are soooo many cute images in this set, it was hard to pick which one to start with. But when I saw the little houses with trees, it reminded me of this Basic Grey DP... a perfect match! The greeting is from the Stamp TV Holiday Cheer bonus stamp set. A very simple card, with just a touch of bling... I can't resist a touch of bling. (*smile*)

I'm really enjoying my time off from work. Yesterday's movie was Confessions of a Shopaholic. No, the boys did NOT watch with me. Pooh on them. The movie was predictable, but cute. I did, however, finally have to face the fact that I, Lisa Hjulberg, am a Stamp-a-holic. Yes, it's true. When I listened to Rebecca describe the thrill of shopping for clothes, shoes and accessories, I could totally relate because that's exactly how I feel about new rubber and paper and ribbon and buttons and rhinestones and and and... Somehow, I don't think I'm alone, am I? Do you think we need a support group? Nah.

Have a wonderful evening my friends. Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to go to Gina's blog and hop around to see what other wonderful things have been created for your viewing pleasure!

A Season of Blessings

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I think that's because it's all the best traditions... getting together with family and friends, eating copious amounts of delicious food, and simply enjoying being together. Plus, it's part of my favorite season... autumn and my birthday!

The challenge today at Stampin Sisters in Christ is based on Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (NIV) As I said on the SSCC blog, the heart of this message is that we reap what we sow, and that by doing for others, we shall be rewarded. Since it is by grace alone that we are saved, the reward is the joy of giving!

The challenge is to make a Thanksgiving card or, if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, a card expressing thanks. How simple is that? And one lucky person will win a gorgeous stamp set by Our Daily Bread Designs. Pop over to the SSCC blog to check it out and link your entry!

My card was quick and easy... the kids were waiting for me to watch Up, so I didn't have much time. (LOVED that movie, by the way. Pixar and Disney have done it again! I can't wait for Toy Story 3 to come out next year.) Guess where my cardstock, DP and rub-ons came from. Guess. Go on, guess! Yep, the August Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients kit. And those gorgeous leaves and greeting are from Flourished Blessings by Close to My Heart. If you don't already have a CTMH consultant, my friend Nancy Brown would be happy to help you!

We have early church this morning because Avery is taking his first turn as acolyte. He's a bit nervous, but I know he'll do fine. It'll be nice to attend a traditional worship service for a change. Listening to organ music and singing the old hymns and such always remind me of my dear mother and my dad. My dad plays the organ beautifully and completely by ear. It's amazing!

That will leave the rest of the day for me to finish my laundry and play in my craft room, so I hope you'll come back to visit. Plus there are five more movies to watch. The boys are complaining because three are considered chick flicks, but hey! They need to learn how to take it like men... good training for when they are married. Ha!

Have a blessed day!

Edited to add: I nearly forgot that I based my card design on this week's sketch at Sweet Sketch Wednesday! I took some poetic license with it, but I think you can still see the influence.

My Cup Runneth Over!

Hello from the "almost relaxed" Lisa! I can't believe I'm stressing over the fact that I only have eight days until I have to go back to work. I know it's going to go too fast. I've gotta stop thinking that way and just enjoy each day as it comes.

Last night I did something I haven't done in years... went to Blockbuster and rented 7 movies (I have a coupon). I took the night off from stamping and watched Star Trek with Ian and Avery. Loved it! And so did the boys. I was always a fan of Star Trek (the original series), and thought they did a fantastic job re-creating the crew of the USS Enterprise; very believable. And a good story, too. Tonight we're going to watch Up. I can't wait!

One thing I've resolved to do over this next week is catch up with my personal life, including emails and posts and such I've neglected for far too long. One is this awesome Blog Award I received from two of my favorite stamping friends, Cat Darling and Kim Yu. Thanks girls! It truly touches my heart that you thought of passing this along to me!

The Rules are: pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know you have left this award for them, and then answer a list of questions in one word.

Okay, I already know I'm going to violate the one-word rule, but I'll try!

1. Where is your mobile? Purse

2. Your hair? Dark Brown (that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!)

3. Your Mother? Heaven

4. Your Father? Mississippi

5. Your favorite food? Italian

6. Your Dream last night? Health

7. Your Favorite Drink? Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte

8. Your Dream? To retire

9. What room are you in? Home office

10. Your Hobby? Paper crafting

11. Fear? Cancer, tied with anything bad happening to my kids

12. Where do you want to be in 5 years? Beach home

13. Where were you last night? Home

14. Something that you aren't? Perfect

15. Muffins? Raspberry Sunshine (Starbucks)

16. Wish List Item? Clean House!

17. Where did you grow up? Air Force Brat, so all over the world until age 13, when we moved to Riverside, CA

18. Last thing you did? Laundry (still doing it)

19. What are you wearing? Shorts and jammie top (don't ask!)

20. Your TV? Spongebob (my son is watching TV in here while I'm on the computer)

21. Pets? 2 dogs, 2 cats

22. Friends? Lots, who mean the world to me!

23. Mood? Good

24. Life? Blessed

25. Missing someone? Mom

26. Vehicle? Camry

27. Something you're not wearing? Make-up

28. Favorite store? Target (lame, I know)

29. Favorite Color? Green

30. When was last time you laughed? Yesterday

31. Last time you cried? Don't recall

32. Best Friend? My sister Linda

33. One place that I go to over n' over? Computer

34. Facebook? Yes

35. Favorite place to eat? Out!

Okay, now to pass along this award. I choose Kristine Breach, Peggysue Turner, Jo, Michelle Yungbauer and Candace Mitchell! I would pass it to my BBFF's Debbie Pamment, Patti J and Nina Brackett, but they've already received the award... and so many others. It's hard to choose!

The day is flying away from me. Hopefully I'll see you all back here tomorrow for Stampin' Sisters in Christ. In the meantime, have a wonderful day!

Wink!

Yay!!! Not only is it Friday and time for another wonderful Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge, but starting at 5:00 I'm off work for an entire week! Did I say "Yay"? Yay!!!

I've been wanting to ink up my newest stamps from Kraftin' Kimmies, and this week's sketch was PERFECT. Okay, so I had to stretch my panels up a little higher, but I think it's okay. Eek. I hope so!

I just love cute Posy! That girl definitely has something up her sleeve with that wink. I paired her with more of that delicious Early Bird paper from Cosmo Cricket. And I couldn't resist a bit of paper piercing, which is so easy now that I have my Stitch Doodle Dot Template.

Speaking of Taylored Expressions, I have an enabler alert for you: FOUR, count 'em FOUR new limited edition Key Ingredients Kits are up for grabs (Morning Meadow, Winnie's Walls, Petals and Paisleys, and Penelope's Potpourri), each for the incredible price of only $12.95. Let me just warn you, though... grab yours now before it's too late! Trust me, they WILL sell out. Taylor's KI Kits make it so easy and fun to put cards together quickly. These particular kits come with inspiration sheets to help kick start your mojo. And can you say wonderful Christmas gift idea? Aha!

So why not come along and play with us this week? I'm loving this sketch, and I know you will too. But first, stop by and see what the rest of the Sketch Crew has conjured up for your viewing pleasure:

Jackie Pedro: The Scalloped Edge
Jami Sibley: More is More
Lynn Mercurio: Stamperosity
Monika Davis: M.A.D. Stamper
Sherrie Siemens: Card Creme

Melissa Sauls: In Stamping Mode
Rachel Sztonyk: Gingerbread Gallery
Alice Lihsuan-Wertz: Alice's Little Wonderland
and of course Taylor herself: Taylored Expressions

I hope to see you back here tomorrow for something Sweet 'n Sassy! Have a great day!

Happy Holidays Nina Brackett Style!

How about some more inspiration with the Vintage Borders stamp set? First, check in with the Illustrator of this versatile stamp set, GinaK Senior Designer Nina Bracket and her friend Lisa Hjulberg (that's me!) joining in the blog hop tonight.

Then, stop by these GinaK Designers' blogs for even more samples:

Asela, Carolyn, Cindy, Emily, Erika, Jessica, Kurtis, Lee, Lynn, Melanie, Tami, and Theresa

And these Center Stage Spotlight blogs:

Deb, Melissa, Karen, Sharri, and Sue

Before you finish hopping, be sure to check in on GinaK's blog to enter your comment for a chance to win Nina's Vintage Borders stamp set. If you already have purchased Nina's set, you can substitute any GinaK Designs stamp set valued at $23.95 or less.

For those of you are who looking for a quick and easy Christmas card idea, check out the Vintage Borders Card Kit available online in GinaK's store tonight. The Kit includes the step by step tutorial as well as all the card stock cut to the exact measurements needed to make 4 cards. For more details and photos of this card kit, see Jessica Fick's blog as well as this Class Kit link.

One of the first things I thought of when I saw Vintage Borders is how wonderfully well the music notes would look as a background to other images... and I was right! I stamped the background in a "tea die" type of ink and then stamped the beautiful images from Nina's Elegant Posts stamp set on top. The pop of color comes from the "wreath" I made using the top of one of the topiaries in Nina's Lord of the Seasons stamp set. One thing I love about Nina's art is that it all coordinates so well together.

My card design is based on Sketch 142 at Card Positioning Systems. The DP is from the Indian Summer collection by Basic Grey. Not your typical Christmas colors, but I kinda like it!

Thanks so much for "hopping" by. Enjoy the rest of the hop... and prepare to be wowed!!!

Thanks for being my friend...

...and I DO mean THANK YOU! What a blessing you all are to me!

Hey everyone! It's Wednesday, and that means a double challenge day for me! First up, La-La Land's Weekly Wednesday Challenge. This week the challenge is to make a thank-you card. I love making thank-you cards! My mom raised me to send thank-you cards, and I've tried to do the same with my boys. It's definitely the right thing to do...and hand made is the best kind, don't you think?

That sweet image is Rosie With Bird. The greeting is from a retired Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps set. I made the tag using my Labels 5 Nesties. I first cut the white tag, then adhered it to cardstock and cut around the edge by hand. The fabulous paper, ribbon and buttons are from a Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kit. Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE and depend on TE Key Ingredients Kits? (*grin*) Hi Candace!

You MUST play along this week because there's an AWESOME blog candy to be had. The winner of these goodies will be randomly selected from all entries:


The second challenge for the day is, of course, Whimsical Wednesdays: The Diedrich Dare. This week's challenge by Jessica's DD Madelyn is to make an easel card. I hadn't tried this technique before, although I've seen them on lots of blogs. It's actually a pretty cool technique. I think I'll have to try it again.

If you don't already know how to make an easel card, there's a good tutorial here, which is also illustrated on The Diedrich Dare challenge blog. (Note there are two pages to the tutorial.) Mine is 5 1/4 square because that's my standard size for square cards and I have the envelopes to match.

For more inspiration, be sure to check out what the other Daredevils have created:

• Cassie Larson
• Darla Wilson
• Debbie Lee
• Heather Schlatter
• Jacquie Peifer
• Jessica Diedrich (a.k.a.Mom ;)
• Kim Ross
• Lisa Slusser
• Randi Wall
• Rebecca Ednie
• Sandra MacLean

Thanks so much for stopping by. Why not go and hug a friend today? I'll see you back here tonight at 8:00 pm PDT with another great blog hop for Gina K, featuring stamps by my friend Nina Brackett!

Look to the Lord and His Strength...

...seek His face always. I Chronicles 16:11 (NIV) Amen!

If you are looking for the Thankful for Friends of Faith Blog Hop, please scroll down to the post after this one. And if you haven't yet taken the Hop, I highly recommend that you do. You will be blessed!

Happy Sunday everyone! It's time for another fabulous challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. Our hostess this week is Peggysue Turner. Love that girl (and her name!). She and I have lots in common, including a quirky sense of humor. She's not only a talented paper crafter, but a wonderful writer with a Godly spirit.

The scripture Peggysue chose for our challenge is 1 Corinthians 13:12 (King James Version): "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." The challenge is to make a shadow box card. I'd never tried one before, and found that it's fun! Links to two tutorials for making shadow box cards are on the SSCC blog.

In thinking about this scripture, I'm struck by all we do not know about God. Yes, we have the Bible to tell us a great deal, but there is still so much more that we do not know. For example, the notion that God is in control of our lives and has plans for us for good...but does that mean He causes the bad things to happen? I prefer to think not. I cannot imagine a God so cruel. And what about all those who don't know Him? What happens when they die? And does God really forgive people who have done truly vile things while on earth? And do we really see all our loved ones in Heaven? And what is Heaven like? Are we the same age there as we are on earth? And on we go. Questions, questions, questions.

Lots of scholars and lay people opine on these subjects, but none of us really knows for sure. We will have to wait until the day comes that all is revealed to us. That's what I think this scripture is telling us... to trust, have faith and be patient... for just as He knows us intimately, we will someday know Him just as well.

Our sponsor this week is Layers of Color Art Stamps. This is a new company, and let me say I'm loving the unique designs! The owner/designer Laura Campbell so very generously treated me, Kathy and Kristine to one of the newest releases, Butterfly Collector, to sample for this week's challenge. LOVE*LOVE*LOVE! Thank you Laura! One lucky gal who plays in this week's challenge will win a set of her own. So what are you waiting for???

In addition to Butterfly Collector, I used Borders & Corners Circles from Papertrey Ink, Something Within from Unity, and Off Beat Backgrounds from Waltzingmouse Stamps. It's fun to be able to combine stamps for one great look.

The DP is from the Earth Love collection by Cosmo Cricket. I'm sorry the photo quality isn't the best. I had a hard time taking the picture so that the interior wasn't too shadowy. It really is much nicer IRL. I definitely want to try this technique again.

Be sure to stop by the SSCC blog to see what my design team sisters have come up with for your inspiration and viewing pleasure.

As always, I thank you for visiting and sharing with me today. I pray your day will be filled with sunshine and many blessings!

Thankful for Friends of Faith Blog Hop

Welcome to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine's A Faith Perspective Thankful for Friends of Faith Blog Hop. Today, we're out in force on the internet -- showing our faith and giving the glory to God. United, we stand as Christian paper crafters and blog owners to make a presence on the internet for all to see. We're celebrating the theme of friends and we're happy to share our projects with you based on the verse:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. " Ecc4:9-10a

If you're just joining in on the fun, you can find the start of the train here: http://www.scrapbooknewsandreview.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=100783.

First, we would like to take a moment to thank our generous co-sponsors: Layers of Color Stamps, Gina K Designs and Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps. Together with Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, these companies have donated some wonderful prizes for today's blog hop.

Prizes? Oh, yeah! There will be three lucky grand prize winners for today's event.

To enter, simply hop to the blogs of all of the participating staff members of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine, take note of the staff member's name, and leave a comment on their posts. Then send us an email at games@scrapbooknewsandreview.com listing each of the staff members who participated in today's hop. It's that easy. All entries must be received by Monday, November 16, 2009 at 12 noon, EST and three winners will be randomly chosen to win.

What are the prizes?

• One $100 gift certificate from Layers of Color Stamps AND a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

• One basket of goodies -- four stamp sets from Gina K Designs and a 6 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

• One set of digital stamps from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps and a 3 month subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine.

In addition, every participating staff member of Scrapbook News and Review Magazine will offer a free one-month subscription to the magazine to one of their lucky visitors by simply leaving a comment on their blog. That's a lot of chances to win, so let's get to the Hop!

A bit about my card: I followed Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #47. Those ultra cute stamps are from Sewing Box - Hugs and Vintage Labels #1 by Waltzingmouse Stamps. I'm in love with Claire's stamps and was overjoyed when my order from her latest release arrived in my mailbox just in time for my card today. The cardstock and DP are from the Taylored Expressions Spa Key Ingredients Kit. Taylor has the BEST eye for putting these coordinating papers together with ribbon and other goodies, I just LOVE her kits!

Thanks for "hopping" by! I hope to see you again tomorrow (Sunday) for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge.

The next stop on this blog hop is: Tenia Nelson.

P.S. While nothing more warms the heart than an old friend, the same holds true for new friends. Love and hugs to my "new" friends!!!

Peace

TGIF!!! It's time for another awesome Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!

Can I just pause for a moment and say how much fun I'm having being part of the Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge Sketch Crew? Yes, I am! Taylor's sketches are so much fun to work with. You gotta jump in and join us this week!

For my card, I used one of my favorite Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps images, My Little Chickadee. I think this image is perfect for a winter card, and I'm loving it paired with this SEI DP from the Christmas Mint Collection.

And check out my new Martha Stewart punch! Isn't it cool? I went to Michael's in search of one of those new punch around the page sets, but I didn't like the ones they had left. Then I spied these giant deep cut punches and immediately snatched up two of them. I can't even find them on line to show you a picture. If you can, run down to Michaels by Saturday and hopefully you'll get lucky on MS punches because they are all on sale for 30% off.

Back to my card... the trick is to cut a full layering panel (mine is Vanilla) and then cut your DP and position it so that you get the interior and edge borders. I couldn't resist the brown and white polka dot ribbon to "tie" it all together. And I must say I'm enjoying stamping solid images and taking a break from coloring. But never fear, I shall return to my beloved Copics soon!

For more inspiration, check out what the rest of the Sketch Crew has created to delight your senses:

Jackie Pedro: The Scalloped Edge
Jami Sibley: More is More
Lynn Mercurio: Stamperosity
Monika Davis: M.A.D. Stamper
Sherrie Siemens: Card Creme

Melissa Sauls: In Stamping Mode
Rachel Sztonyk: Gingerbread Gallery
Alice Lihsuan-Wertz: Alice's Little Wonderland
and of course Taylor herself: Taylored Expressions

I can't wait to see what you do with this sketch! I'll see you tomorrow for the Friends of Faith Blog Hop. In the meantime, I hope you have a peaceful day!

Live Your Life With Grace

Isn't that a goal we should all strive for? It's one that eludes me from time to time, that's for sure. I am, shall we say, a bit emotional at times? Ha!

When I think of grace and beauty in the stamping world, I think of Nina Brackett's stamp designs for Gina K, especially her new Vintage Borders stamp set. Each stamp is so elegant, as are the stamps in Elegant Post. I paired the two sets for my card. The designs go perfectly with Webster's Pages DP, don't you think?

And, of course, since I'm always on the hunt for a good sketch, I happened on this one by Nina herself! It's actually for this week's Scrapbook Challenge on Stamp TV, but she mentioned that you could easily adapt the sketch to a card, so that's exactly what I did.

A short post today. I'll be back tomorrow with the Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge. Thank you again and again for stopping by and for the kind comments many of you leave. You have no idea how much it means to me! I hope you have a graceful day!