The Craft's Meow

Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #152

2012-02-10T07:00:00.001-08:00

TGIF!!! And what better way to celebrate than with a new Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge! You can get all the deets for the challenge at Splitcoaststampers in the Taylored Expressions Forum (this is Sketch #152) and on the Taylored Expressions Blog, which is where you'll link your cards.

What's the prize, you might wonder? One person will be randomly selected from all of the challenge uploads to receive a $10 gift certificate to the TE Store! If you used predominantly TE Stamps on your project you’ll receive an extra $10 bonus for a total $20 gift certificate to the TE Store!!!

I turned the sketch on its side to create a Valentine card featuring Love Everywhere. I stamped the image in Memento Rich Cocoa ink on kraft cardstock. I then punched some hearts from the coordinating patterned paper and popped them up over some of the heart leaves in the stamped image, and added a couple of red heart buttons for a bit of color burst.

The patterned paper is from the Lost & Found Blush Collection by My Mind's Eye. I {heart} My Mind's Eye paper. Taylored Expressions has an amazing collection which you can find by clicking --> HERE.

I hope you'll play with us! The sketch challenge runs until Thursday, February 23rd, so you have plenty of time! In the meantime, take a look at what the rest of the Sketch Crew has created for your viewing pleasure:

Cassie Trask
Lisa Hjulberg
Lori Craig
Margie Cortina
Monika Davis
Rachel Sztonyk
Tracy Clemente
Taylor VanBruggen <---- get all the details here

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful day and an even better weekend!

Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge is Back!!!

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is such a happy day! The Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge is back in action after a winter break! You can still get all the deets for the challenge at Splitcoaststampers in the Taylored Expressions Forum (this is Sketch #151), but we're also featured on the Taylored Expressions Blog which is where you'll link your cards from now on.

And what's the prize, you might wonder? One person will be randomly selected from all of the challenge uploads to receive a $10 gift certificate to the TE Store! If you used predominantly TE Stamps on your project you’ll receive an extra $10 bonus for a total $20 gift certificate to the TE Store!!!

You know me, I love square cards! My card features TE's SWAK petite stamp set. I have a "thing" for penguins because one of my sons loves them. ;)

The patterned paper is from the Crate Paper Paper Heart collection. I covered it with a piece of tulle covered in tiny dots (for lack of a better description). It's really got a lot of sparkle and texture IRL.

I hope you'll play with us! The sketch challenge runs until Thursday, February 9th, so you have plenty of time! In the meantime, take a look at what the rest of the Sketch Crew has created for your viewing pleasure:

Cassie Trask
Jami Sibley
Lori Craig
Margie Cortina
Monika Davis
Rachel Sztonyk
Tracy Clemente
Taylor VanBruggen <---- get all the details here

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!

P.S. I WILL start posting more here on my personal blog after a very loooong break, so stay tuned!

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge

2011-12-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

A blessed Second Sunday in Advent to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Yes, it's true... I finally sat down and made a card! I'm terribly rusty, especially in the coloring department. It took me ages to color this image, but, come to think of it, it nearly always does. I have to practice on a spare image first before I commit to the real one. So please don't look too carefully... squinting is probably best! LOL

I'm privileged to be the hostess of this week's challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. I chose as my inspiration scripture Matthew 1:20-22, "But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' which means, 'God with us.'" My challenge is to use an angel in your card/project... be it in the designer paper, stamped image, charm, etc.

The devotion I shared is actually one written by the lovely Laura Campbell of Layers of Color called The 5 Best Christmas Gifts.

I hope you'll jump over to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog to read her devotional and to see the wonderful cards created by the rest of the design team. I promise you will be blessed!

I hope you'll also join us for this week's challenge. Our sponsor is Clear Dollar Stamps, offering a $15 gift card to spend in their store. :)

A note about my card... the adorable angel is Angel Marci from La-La Land Crafts paired with patterned paper by Memory Box's Brioche collection. The border punch is by Martha Stewart (love!) as is the holly punch. I used red Candy Dots for the berries. I also sponged around the edges of all the patterned paper and punched border with Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink. Marci is colored with Copic markers. I also followed this week's sketch at Sketch Saturday. Hi girls! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hopefully I'll find more time to craft and post soon. In the meantime, don't forget to visit me over at my store blog. We're in the middle of our December release festivities!!!

Have a blessed day!

Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #150!

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! It's time for another fabulous Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!!! You can find us over at Splitcoaststampers in the Taylored Expressions Forum. In fact, all you need to do is pop over to the TESC Sketch Challenge #150 Forum Thread for all the deets on this week's challenge!!

We're celebrating the 150th sketch challenge by offering 3 new full-size stamp sets (Thankful, Love Grows Here, and Labels of Love II) to 3 random winners!!! Yowser!!!

Each of the design team members is also sharing her favorite sketch. How do I pick just one???

Speaking of which, did you know you can download sketches 1 - 120 for handy reference? Yes, indeed... you'll find the links on the Taylored Expressions Blog.

Anyway, here is the one I picked, probably because I'm a sucker for square cards. ;)

Now on to this week's sketch... perfect for this adorable image Snow a la Carte!!

I cheated a little and replaced the sentiment oval with a snowflake cut from patterned paper with one of my Winter Wonderland Snowflakes dies. The patterned paper is from the Season's Greetings 6 x 6 pad by Echo Park.

For lots of great inspiration, check out what the rest of the Sketch Crew has created!

This will be the last TE Sketch Challenge in 2011, as we'll be taking a break through the holidays. So be sure to join us for a chance to win one of the three fabulous stamp sets up for grabs!!!

Have a wonderful day!

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Birthday Blog Hop!

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Birthday Blog Hop! Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps is excited to be celebrating four wonderful years! A fantastic group of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps design team members, past and present, along with some special friends, have put together this fabulous Birthday Blog Hop to kick off a whole month of fun. We have 36 stops so the hop will take place over three days - feel free to take your time visiting each blog! You have until 11:59pm EST November 9th to leave comments on as many blogs as you can. On Saturday, November 12th, Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps will announce FOUR winners (chosen at random from comments on random stops along the hop); each lucky winner will receive a prize package including stamps, dies, paper and twine valued at $40!

I am an SNSS Design Team alumnus. I am very fond of Korin (and SNSS) because she was the very first person to take a chance on me as a design team member. I was thrilled and honored beyond words, and I'll always be grateful! Happy Birthday Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps! May you celebrate many more!!!

If you have been following the hop you should have come from Jacquie Peifer's blog. If you are only starting here, please head back to the SNSS blog and go from there...you won't want to miss any stops along the way! Also, don't forget to comment on as many stops as you can....the more comments the better your chance of winning one of the fabulous prize packs! :)

My card features the adorable snowman image from the Snow Special clear stamp set. I LOVE snowmen, and this one is extra cute, don't you think? He's paired with patterned paper from the Season's Greetings collection by Echo Park and the Peppermint Collection by Crate Paper.

Mine is the last stop on the hop (thanks for hanging in there to the end!), but just in case there are any hiccups, here is the whole list of celebrants on this party train:

Korin Sutherland
Holly McMillen

Lisa Hjulberg (that's me!)

Don't forget to stop by the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps store for the deets on all the special deals going on this month. You won't want to miss them!

Enjoy!

Taylored Expressions Holiday Hoopla!

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Taylored Expressions is hosting a Holiday Hoopla today and I'm excited to be a part of it! You should have arrived here from Jen's blog. If you didn't (or if you get lost along the way) you can head back to the beginning at Taylor's blog for the full list of participants. There are 22 designers showcasing Christmas/Winter/Holiday stamps sets from TE with samples that include all sorts of projects from cards to gifts and beyond! We want to inspire you to get your holiday crafting and card making into high gear! Be sure to stick with me all the way to the end of the post to get a coupon code for 25% off holiday stamp sets at Taylored Expressions!

The set I'm showcasing first is Hangin' Out At The North Pole and I love it because you can create wonderful scenes with Santa's clothes hanging from a clothesline (which I LOVE!) or simple cards, like the one I've made featuring the happy snowman image from this set. Plus, I love the various greetings!

My card is 4 1/2" square with a base of kraft cardstock and patterned papers from the Echo Park Season's Greetings 6 x 6 pad. I added some stitching around the edges, and then some White Liquid Applique to better define the snowbank. After stamping and coloring the snowman, I cut him out and mounted him with Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Squares. I colored the snowman with Copic markers R27, YG95, W7, YR18, and BG10.

I didn't stop there! I'm having a holiday party this year, so I created the invitation I'll use featuring another favorite set Merry Little Cocktail!

I LOVE the images and greetings in this stamp set! Look how fun and versatile it is! It's super easy to whip up fun cards and invitations for Christmas and New Year's celebrations!

My card is very simple... I layered kraft, red and green cardstock with images stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored with Copic markers R27 and YG25. The card is finished off with a bit of Doodlebug Christmas twine.

Creating for this hop caused to me to go back and look at some of my previous creations and I wanted to share one of those with you today, too. It's the one that won me a spot on the Sketch Crew!!!

This card features Holiday Wonder. You can find my original post with the deets HERE.

Are you getting in the mood to stamp? Be sure to check out Taylor's 12 Days of A Handmade Christmas Video Series for lots of easy gift ideas!

Now, who loves a SALE? Use Coupon Code HOOPLA2011 to get 25% off the following holiday stamp sets (released in 2009 and 2010) at Taylored Expressions now through November 2:

Christmas Blessings, Enjoy!, From the Heart, Hangin' Out - At the North Pole, Holiday Wonder, Home Sweet Home, Keeping Tabs, Merry Little Cocktail, Penguin Pals, Season's Sweetings, Sparkle & Cheer, Tag Treats , Tag You're It, Take Note - Holidays , Wings of Joy, Winter Wonderland.

The coupon code is case sensitive. Follow these instructions to apply the discount to your order:

1. Add the desired stamp sets from the above list to your shopping cart.
2. Insert the coupon code into the Promotional Code box.
3. Click the Update Cart button. Your discount should now be applied.
4. Proceed to checkout to finalize and submit your order.

There's lots more to see! Your next stop is my dear friend Rachel's blog. Enjoy!

You're The Man!

2011-10-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all! I'm popping in today with a card I made for the brand new sketch challenge at Lily Pad Cards, one of my FAVORITE blogs ever!!! And it's even more special because it's being sponsored by Nina B Designs. Nina, of course, designs for The Craft's Meow :) She's giving away FOUR stamp sets to one lucky player in the sketch challenge. I'd run, not walk, if I were you!

My card features Fun{tache}tic, a fabulous Nina B Designs stamp set! I paired the greeting and image with patterned paper from the Stella & Rose Hazel collection by My Mind's Eye and a Maya Road kraft envelope.

By the way, there's a HUGE clearance sale going on over at The Craft's Meow!!!

Maya Road - 15% off

Pink Paislee and My Mind's Eye - 25% off

Fly Free and Soiree Card Kits - 35% off

Crate Paper, Echo Park and Graphic 45 - 40% off

Maya Road Shadowbox Kit - 50% off

Some Embossing Items - 25 - 50% off

Shop early for the best selection!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a great day!

A Pair of Pears

2011-10-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

A blessed Sunday to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Our hostess this week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ is the very dear Miesje Flach. She chose as her inspiration scripture Matthew 11: 28-30 "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Her challenge is to use 2 of everything in your card/project; i.e., 2 designer papers, 2 flowers, 2 stamps...whatever you use must be doubled.

My card features images from Fruity for You by Nina B Designs for The Craft's Meow. I used two patterned papers from the Lost & Found Two Rosy collection by My Mind's Eye, two stamped pears and two stamped leaves. I wrapped the twine around the card twice (I hope that counts!).

I urge you to click over to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog to read Miesje's devotional and to see the cards created by the rest of our wonderful design team. You will be blessed! And I believe you will be inspired to play along with us this week. ;) Our challenge sponsor is Designed2Delight!

God's peace.

Hope Rekindled

2011-10-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

You may know that Splitcoaststampers is currently hosting a card drive called Hope You Can Cling To for breast cancer awareness month. Taylored Expressions is a proud sponsor of the event for the month of October. Starting October 1st, SCS will have a new challenge every day to create cards for patients at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. So we're showing our support for the card drive with our sketch cards during the month of October. Taylor issued the additional challenge to the Sketch Crew to make a card of encouragement with the predominant color pink (although you certainly do not need to do that).

Here's the specific info from SCS about the HYCCT Challenges. Your TESC sketch cards can be combined with any one posted HYYCT Challenge.

1. All Hope You Can Cling To Challenge Entries must be uploaded to the Hope You Can Cling To Gallery, with the specific challenge keyword, no later than November 7th, 2010 at 12:00 Noon Central time to be eligible for our fabulous prizes! Post a link to your entry in this thread.
2. You may not combine HYCC challenges, but you are welcome to create multiple cards for each challenge.
3. Please remember to put in the correct keyword when uploading your image. Copying and pasting the challenge keyword is recommended to avoid typos.
4. Please package all challenge entries with an envelope, protected with a clear plastic bag and mail them to our partner at the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center to benefit patients being treated for breast cancer and their families (address below). SCS would like for them to receive cards throughout the month of October, but understand if you'd like to mail all your cards at once.
5. Since these cards will be used by visitors for patients, most should be blank inside, but feel free to send cards with messages of hope for the patients in addition to your challenge cards!

The Department of Volunteer Services – Unit 115
Attn: Maggi Suttles
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77030

(Please note - because MD Anderson is part of the State of Texas, they ask that no religious sentiments be used on cards sent to the Cancer Center.)

Unfortunately, I did not read the "fine print" directly above before making my card, so I guess I can't send it in since it mentions prayers. In fact, the full sentiment (which is a bit hard to read in the photo) is "Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons do not last. The spring rain will come again." -Sarah Ban-Breathnach.

As a Christian, I find it sad that they won't accept cards with religious sentiments. To me, the only HOPE is through Jesus Christ our Lord. But I still think it's nice to send cards of encouragement for those facing this awful trial... and I believe many of those who pick up the cards to write messages to patients will include scriptures and religious sentiments!

The sentiment and flourish are from the Faith & Hope stamp set by Taylored Expressions, paired with patterned paper and embellishment from the Sidewalk collection by October Afternoon.
For lots of great inspiration, check out what the rest of the Sketch Crew has created!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

Celebrate Autumn!

2011-10-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

A blessed Sunday to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

You might have noticed that I took a bit of a break from Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenges... three months to be exact. I didn't really mean to be gone that long. It was just a crazy summer for me. But I'm back now, and I'm glad to be back!!!

Our challenge hostess this week is Kris Breach and she chose as her inspiration scripture Galatians 5:22-23a "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Her challenge is to include FRUIT in your creation (be it a stamp, digi image, paper, charms, etc.). *By definition, a pumpkin is a fruit, and so are other “harvest” produce such as gourds.* I encourage you to visit the SSIC blog to read Kris's devotional and see the rest of the design team cards. You will be blessed!

I hope an acorn is considered a fruit... okay, maybe that's stretching it, but I had a specific reason for wanting to use this particular digi image called Fall Frolic Betty, and I couldn't figure out how to work fruit into the design. My friend Betty of Simply Betty Stamps has lowered prices on various stamps and digis in her store to help raise funds to cover medical expenses for her 17-year old son who was just diagnosed with Stage 1 throat cancer. I want to help spread the word... for both sales and PRAYERS for Christian. Cancer is a very scary thing, especially for a mother and her young son, even though the prognosis is good.

I paired Fall Frolic Betty (colored with Copic markers) with patterned paper from the Farmhouse collection by Crate Paper, greeting by SRM, and acorn embellishment by Jolee's (tied with a bit of twine).

When I reflect on today's inspiration scripture I think about how hard it can be to stick with the promises of the Lord when times are tough, especially when they seem to be unrelenting, and our faith is sorely tested. But that's when it's the most important time to seek and praise God in all things. It is only by doing this that we will feel love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control even in the darkest of times. Seek first the kingdom of God and these things will come to you.

God's blessings to you!

The Craft's Meow October Release and Blog Hop

2011-10-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

Happy World Card Making Day! I hope you're having fun making cards, maybe getting together with friends to chat and craft. That's definitely one of my favorite things to do!

If you have a bit of time for a break, why not hop over to The Craft's Meow store blog for the October release festivities and a chance to win all FIVE stamp sets?! You will LOVE what you see!

Plus, in recognition of World Card Making Day, all of our card kits... and our Maya Road shadowbox kit...are on sale for 35% off!!! That's right!!! No coupon is necessary... the prices shown in the store are the discounted prices. There are VERY limited quantities and they will not be re-stocked, so be sure to order quickly! You will LOVE creating cards in the style of Sarah Martina Parker, Jessica Fick and Alice Wertz!

I'll see you there!

Happy Fall!

2011-09-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today at The Craft's Meow blog we are showcasing Happy Fall designed by Maree Truelove for The Craft's Meow, which will be released on October 1st! Please stop by our blog for links to see the wonderful cards created by the design team and for a chance to win this stamp set!

I'm playing in the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge... it's been far too long... I LOVE Karen's sketches! I paired the images from Happy Fall
with patterned paper by Nikki Sivils and a bit of burlap.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope to see you over at the TCM blog!

As We Gather Together

2011-09-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today we begin previews of the FIVE stamp sets being released by The Craft's Meow on October 1st! First up is the fabulous set designed by Kaitlyn Ord called "As We Gather Together." There are some fabulous autumn greetings and icons in this set... you will love it! Be sure to stop by The Craft's Meow blog to see what the design team has created with this set and for a chance to win!

See you there!

Wishing You Sunshine

2011-09-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday! Happy Fall! I know this is kind of a funny card for me to be making this time of year, but I'm using up scraps I've discovered while cleaning up my craft room... you know, the ones that are too good to toss... and, trust me, I've tossed a lot...gone are the days of keeping every little scrap. :) Besides, living here in Southern California, where it's HOT HOT HOT, rain is the best I get when it comes to changing seasons. And I happen to LOVE rain. So thanks for indulging me with this sweet image called Rainy Day Ruby from my dear friend Sparkle's store. :)

I made this card for this week's sketch at Sketch Saturday. Our sponsor is The Craft Barn, offering an amazing prize to one lucky player! Be sure to check out the post for all the details and to see the design team's cards...they are spectacular!!!

This is my last hurrah as a design team member for Sketch Saturday. It's been a great run, and I sincerely thank Jo for inviting me to be a part of it all. I was so proud to be the only designer from the US on the team, and it was a really hard decision to step down. But my focus needs to be elsewhere now. I hope you all will continue to visit their blog and play... the sketches are among the best!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

Hay There!

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

HAY there! Happy Friday! It's time for another fabulous Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!!! You can find us over at Splitcoaststampers in the Taylored Expressions Forum. In fact, all you need to do is pop over to the TESC Sketch Challenge #147 Forum Thread for all the deets on this week's challenge, to grab the sketch and find out how you can win a $10 Gift Certificate to spend at TE by playing along with us... or a $20 GC if you use TE stamps!

What a fun sketch! I thought it was perfect for this ADORABLE stamp set called Green Acres. Of course, it coordinates perfectly with patterned paper from the Farmhouse collection by October Afternoon... and oldy but a goody (just like the TV show Green Acres...haha!).

For lots of great inspiration, check out what the rest of the Sketch Crew has created!

Oh, and be sure to stop by the TE Blog to see pix of our newest TE member, Taylor and Jon's brand new baby Madelyn Grace!!! She's sooooo sweet!!!

Have a great day!

Operation Julie's Smile

2011-09-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

Many now know that a few weeks ago, Julie Ranae had to have emergency oral surgery resulting in the removal of her two front teeth. The dentist at that time believed the best course of action would be to remove the rest of her teeth and replace them with permanents so as to avoid years of dental work. Relieved at finding a solution to this major dental problem, Julie returned to the office for dental surgery. Unfortunately, it wasn't the visit she was expecting. After consultation and scheduling the surgery, the surgeon's office informed her that she would need to bring $4000 to the appointment before they would proceed. Also, this amount would not include the cost of dentures following the surgery.

So here Julie is today, without front teeth that were pulled with the belief that they would be replaced immediately. It is an overwhelming experience for her and one her friends hope our creative community can help with.

There will be a benefit blog hop called Operation Julie's Smile that will take place Oct 7-9. There are a variety of companies and design teams who will be participating in this hop to help raise funds for this benefit. So far, approximately $1000 in prizes have been made available and will be awarded for both participants and those who donate!

Operation Julie's Smile is now accepting designers/teams who would like to be a part of the benefit hop. If you are interested in getting involved in this creative fundraising event, please contact Nicole Rixon at nicolehrixon@gmail.com. The deadline to be a part of the hop is Wednesday, Sept 28th. Participants will be notified of the blog hop order between Oct 3rd and 5th.

This blog hop is an opportunity to have fun, feature your design work, and raise money for a friend in need! A donation button will be made available to all who participate.

Julie is a member of my design team at The Craft's Meow, which is how I've gotten to know her. I actually first "met" Julie on Facebook when we enjoyed the Royal Wedding together... we were two of a few who were Facebooking during the ceremony to help keep each other awake! lol Anyway, Julie is a friendly and outgoing person, always willing to lend a hand to others. I'm grateful for all she does for me and for The Craft's Meow, and I'm sick at heart about what she's going through. So The Craft's Meow is proud to be a sponsor of Operation Julie's Smile, and I personally will be participating in the blog hop. I hope you'll join us!

In the meantime, you can offer a donation at any time by clicking the button below.

Thank you so much for having a giving heart! Together we CAN make a difference!

Happy Day!

2011-09-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday! Whew, I almost didn't get this post up while it's still Saturday... at least here in the US. I know I've got too much on my mind when I totally forgot that yesterday was Friday and that I needed to get my card done for Sketch Saturday. It's either that or I'm going senile. (*grin*) I remembered right before I had to leave for a birthday party, so had to wait until today to make my card. So sorry for the delay!

What I like about this sketch is that it's sort of like piecing together a quilt. It's perfect for pulling together bits and pieces of coordinating paper. I used Schoolhouse by October Afternoon. That sweet image is by Stampin Up! from a set called Greeting Card Kids. Love! The greeting is by SRM.

Please stop by the Sketch Saturday blog to see all the wonderful creations from the design team ladies. And then join us for some fun! This week's sponsor is Bunny Zoe's Crafts, offering a 10 pound gift certificate to spend in their store!

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Hoo Loves You?

2011-09-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday! Time for another wonderful sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday!! Simon Says Stamp is sponsoring this week's sketch challenge, offering a $25 gift certificate as a prize!

Isn't this a yummy sketch? In my quest to clean out my craft room, I'm running across paper scraps and stamps that have yet to see ink, and I'm determined to use them. This My Mind's Eye paper has owls in it, which reminded me of this adorable Hoo Loves You stamp set by The Greeting Farm which I had yet to use. A perfect match!

I gave this card to my dear friend Alicia, who loves owls. We had a crafty night together last night, which is always such a pleasure. I definitely do love that girl! ;)

Please stop by the Sketch Saturday blog to see all the wonderful creations from the design team ladies. They are an amazing group of artists who are sure to inspire and delight you.

Have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! What are you planning for the weekend? Any paper crafting? Well, if so, why don't you join us for the Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!!! You can find us over at Splitcoaststampers in the Taylored Expressions Forum. In fact, all you need to do is pop over to the TESC Sketch Challenge #146 Forum Thread for all the deets on this week's challenge, to grab the sketch and find out how you can win a $10 Gift Certificate to spend at TE by playing along with us... or a $20 GC if you use TE stamps!

We've got a square card sketch this week, which I love! I pulled out a new favorite TE stamp set... Treasure Life...and the coordinating Apothecary Jars dies. Dew Drops were used to create the jars' contents. ;) The patterned paper, lace and ribbon were some scraps I found while cleaning up (purging) my craft room... a task long overdue! I'm still miles away from finishing, but at least I'm chipping away at it a little each day. At this rate, I might be done by Christmas! Just kidding. It better not take that long.

For lots of great inspiration, check out what the rest of the Sketch Crew has created!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a fabulous weekend! See you at the TE Sketch Challange, k?

Sketch Saturday

2011-09-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday! And to all my American friends, Happy Labor Day Weekend! If you're casting about for a good sketch challenge this weekend, why not pop over to Sketch Saturday? I'm excited to say that my little store, The Craft's Meow, is sponsoring this week's sketch challenge! The prize up for grabs is a TCM stamp set of choice!!!

As this week's hostess, it was my job to come up with a sketch, and here's the one I created for you to play with. I hope you likey!

I decided to showcase one of the two new stamp sets just released at The Craft's Meow called Happy H'owl'oween by Jenny Suchin Designs, paired with It's A Banner Day by Nina B Designs. I know it seems a little early for Halloween cards, but I couldn't resist! ;)

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week! Be sure to stop by the Sketch Saturday blog to see all the wonderful creations from the design team ladies, including our special guest designer, Jessica Fick, who made a gorgeous card featuring Little Frieda. ;)

Have a fabulous day!

Flower Girl

2011-08-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! Happy Saturday!!! Are you ready for another fun sketch challenge? I hope so, because we've got one for you at Sketch Saturday!!!

My card features an ADORABLE digi image by Mabelle R.O. called MRO Flower Girl. I just discovered Mabelle's art and I'm totally in love! I paired this sweet flower girl with patterned paper from the Springtime collection by Echo Park. It's been awhile since I've done any serious coloring with my Copics. I'm a little rusty, but anxious to get back in the swing of things. ;)

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you'll join us at Sketch Saturday. The Craft Barn is our sponsor, and they have a wonderful prize up for grabs! At the very least, please pop over and check out the delicious cards created by the design team on the Sketch Saturday blog. :)

Have a wonderful day my friends!

Love You!

2011-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! And what better way to kick off the weekend than with the Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!!! You can find us over at Splitcoaststampers in the Taylored Expressions Forum. In fact, all you need to do is pop over to the TESC Sketch Challenge #145 Forum Thread for all the deets on this week's challenge, to grab the sketch and find out how you can win a $10 Gift Certificate to spend at TE by playing along with us... or a $20 GC if you use TE stamps!

My card features images from the Birds of a Feather stamp set. I paired the birdcage image and (partial) greeting with patterned paper from the My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose Hazel collection. The wee bird is by Websters Pages.

For lots of great inspiration, check out what the rest of the Sketch Crew has created for your viewing pleasure! ;)

I look forward to seeing what YOU create! Have a wonderful day!!!

Our Day

2011-08-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday! Time for another fabulous sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday!!! Are you ready? I thought so! ;)

I needed a wedding card, but don't have any wedding stamps (that I can think of, anyway), but I do have lots of yummy chipboard die cuts from the Portrait Collection by Crate Paper, so I decided to do a non-stamped card. I've been wanting to try this... I love all the chipboard die cuts the paper companies are making to coordinate with their paper lines... they are works of art themselves... and not just for scrapbooking!

A big thank-you to my friend Alicia for suggesting (and providing) the doily and pearls. ;)

Be sure to drop by the Sketch Saturday blog to see all the gorgeousness created by the design team. You'll definitely want to play this week... iCopic is the sponsor and the prize is a set of 8 Copic Ciao markers!!! Not only that, but there's a special discount code available for $5.00 off and free shipping for orders of $75 or more!!! Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

So Happy Together...

2011-08-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Two posts in a row! I'm on a roll!!! lol

I'm easing my way back into paper crafting after taking a break with Sketch Saturday!!! Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp, who's offering a $25 gift certificate as a prize. Come on and play with us! It's a great sketch! ;)

My card features the wonderful tandem bicycle from the stamp set called In Tandem by Nina B Designs for The Craft's Meow. I paired it with patterned paper and embellishments from the Hazel collection by My Mind's Eye. Simple stamping was the best way to go for me as I'm still getting my sea legs back after my crafting break. lol

Please stop by the Sketch Saturday blog to see all the fantastic cards created by our wonderful design team... you will surely be inspired to try the sketch for yourself. I can't wait to see what you create!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge

2011-08-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! It's always a happy day when it's time for the bi-monthly Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!!! Our sketch challenge is taking place over at SCS in the Taylored Expressions Forum. In fact, all you need to do is pop over to the TESC Sketch Challenge #144 Forum Thread for all the deets on this week's challenge, to grab the sketch and find out how you can win a $10 Gift Certificate to spend at TE by playing along with us... or a $20 GC if you use TE stamps!

I've been on break from crafting and blogging, so making a card for today's sketch challenge was... well... challenging! lol It felt really strange to sit down in my craft room (which, by the way, still needs a good purge and clean-up!). To "warm up," I took my color cues from the stamp set itself.

My card features images from the super cute Life is a Circus stamp set. I love this set!!! I can't wait to play with it some more.

Yours truly came up with the sketch (*grin*), so I'd be extra pleased if you'd join us for the challenge. You have until Thursday, August 25th to play... plenty of time! Come on, you know you want to! ;)

For lots of great inspiration, check out what the rest of the Sketch Crew has created (*swoon*). We're also welcoming two new crew members, Cassie and Margie, and a very special guest, Dawn!!!

I can't wait to see what you create! Enjoy!!!

Happy Birthday Jenny!!!

2011-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Jenny Suchin's birthday and we're celebrating with a little blog hop just for her!! If you've come from Laurel's blog, then you're on the right track, but if you want to start at the beginning so you don't miss a thing, then hop on over to Anita's blog!

Here's my card for Jenny. I confess it's one I pulled out of my stash. I'm having "one of those weeks" where nothing is going quite as planned. ;) But my birthday wishes are no less sincere! Happy Birthday dear girl! I hope all your birthday wishes come true and that you have a magical day!!! Eat lots of cupcakes! ;)

Your next stop is the lovely Vera's blog. Enjoy!

The Craft's Meow August New Release Festivities

2011-07-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends! Have you missed me? I've been taking a bit of a break from paper crafting and blogging this summer... I need to give some attention to my personal life. It happens, right? But I'm not completely gone... you can find me over at The Craft's Meow Store Blog. We're previewing the FOUR new stamp sets to be released by The Craft's Meow on August 1st. Plus, of course, there are chances to win prizes! So I hope you'll join me there. And I promise I'll be back here again soon.

Hugs!

Sparkle Creations 1st Anniversary Release & Hop!!!

2011-07-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and Welcome to the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps 1st Anniversary Hop! Not only are we here to help Sparkle celebrate a year of SCRS, but SCRS is officially releasing 4 new images this month -- Backpack Oliver, Bookworm Ruby, Hula Lucy and Ukulele Josh. But wait, there's more! SCRS is also releasing 2 new Karber Rubber Stamps -- Rainbow Leslie and Reading Millie! They are ALL available in the store now!

Sparkle has assembled an all-star lineup consisting of her Current Design Team, DT Alumni and past/present Guest Designers. If you happened here by chance and would like to start from the beginning, the hop begins at the SCRS blog -- please see the complete list below.

What's a hop without prizes? Sparkle has hidden TEN single stamp prizes along the way and one lucky winner will win the ENTIRE July release! All you need to do is leave some love at every stop along the hop.. You have until 11:59 PM EST on Sunday to leave comments for a chance to win! Winners will be announced on the SCRS blog on Monday. Good luck to all and Happy Hopping!

Thanks SO much for joining us!

I am very proud to have been one of Sparkle's first design team members. I had a blast! Some of my favorite cards are ones I made with SCRS stamps, and this one is no exception. Lucky me got to play with Ukelele Josh. It doesn't take much to make a striking card with this wonderful image taking center stage.

New Release Blog Hop at The Craft's Meow

2011-07-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Where the heck have I been? Well, mainly over at The Craft's Meow, preparing for our July release. We have a blog hop going on with a chance to win all four of the new stamp sets being released today, so I hope you'll hop on over to The Craft's Meow blog and join us! See you there!

Life Laugh Love

2011-06-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

My card features images and greeting from Miniature Motifs and Tweet Hearts, two of the many stamp sets you can receive for free by subscribing to Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kits! Taylor has a great deal for new subscribers to the Key Ingredients kit club and you can read all about it below:

Enroll in a 6 month Key Ingredients Subscription with payment to be charged to your credit or debit card monthly and receive your choice of one of the following Mini or Petite stamp sets FREE: Crafty Expressions, Beary Special Accessories, You're my Type Upper, You're my Type Lower & #'s, A Little Love, Moka Olivia, Moka Charlotte, Capture my Heart, Collectors Anonymous, Summer Wreath. Click HERE to take advantage of this special offer if you live in the US or Canada, or click HERE if you live outside of North America.

Enroll in a 6 month Key Ingredients Subscription with one payment upfront and choose a FREE stamp set (Full-size, Mini or Petite) from this list: Miniature Motifs, Borderlicious, Fashionista, Bakery Business, Trick or Sweet II, Sweet Indulgence, Love Everywhere, Tweet Hearts, Luxurious Labels, Sweet Occasions, Crafty Expressions, Beary Special Accessories, You're my Type Upper, You're my Type Lower & #'s, A Little Love, Moka Olivia, Moka Charlotte, Capture my Heart, Collectors Anonymous, Summer Wreath. Click HERE for inspiration using these sets. Click HERE to take advantage of this special offer if you live in the US or Canada, or click HERE if you live outside of North America.

PLEASE NOTE: When purchasing your subscription DO NOT add the FREE stamp set to your cart. Instead, leave a comment at checkout indicating the stamp set of your choice and we'll make sure it gets included with your first KI shipment.

These special offers are only good for new subscribers and they run through June 30th.

I personally LOVE Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Kits, which make it so easy to pull your cards together quickly and looking great! The bonus of a free stamp set would make them irresistable to me. (*grin*)

Be sure to visit my Sketch Crew friends for lots of inspiration! And help us welcome our guest designers Jasmin & Kathi!!!

Have a great day!

Take One Home!

2011-06-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! Time for another fun challenge at SCACD Friends With Heart Challange!!! This week the challenge is anything goes with a SCACD stamp (i.e., any stamp sold by SCACD... and there are MANY to chose from!). The prize up for grabs this month is The Natural Beauty Collection by Carmen Medlin for SCACD!!! Every time you play in our challenge in June your name goes into the hat to win. How cool is that?

The latest addition to my SCACD collection is the Hearts & Hugs Summer Collection by Victoria Case for SCACD. Love love love these sweet images! The first one I've inked up is A Puppy is Love. The patterned paper is Fly A Kite from the Lime Twist collection by My Mind's Eye, which I paired with border stickers and a button from the Emma's Shoppe collection by Crate Paper.

I hope you'll join us this week at SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge for a chance to win The Natural Beauty Collection. Be sure to visit my fellow SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge design team members to see what they have created to inspire you!

Danni

Lorraine

Mary Lou

Pattie

Renkata

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day my friends!

Summer Games

2011-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends! Happy Saturday! Time for another fabulous sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday!!

I LOVE this sketch! I fussy cut the paper so that "Summer Games"would show behind this adorable image of Tilda playing hopscotch... something I loved to do as a child. (*smile*) The patterned paper and button are from the Emma's Shoppe collection by Crate Paper.

Why not come along and play with us this week? Our sponsor is Polycraft, offering a whopping 18 digi stamps as a prize!!! To see them all and for some wonderful eye candy, please visit the Sketch Saturday blog. As always, the design team ladies have knocked it out of the ballpark!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend! Lucky me is going to a U2 concert tonight. Can't wait!

Happy Summer

2011-06-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! Time for another fun challenge at SCACD Friends With Heart Challange!!! This week the challenge is Summer Fun... anything that means summer to you! The prize up for grabs this month is The Natural Beauty Collection by Carmen Medlin for SCACD!!! Every time you play in our challenge in June your name goes into the hat to win. So what are you waiting for? ;)

I paired Hot Stuff from the Retro Crew Collection by Victoria Case for SCACD with patterned paper from the Seashore collection by October Afternoon to create a summer beach scene. The greeting is by SRM. Summer means the beach to me! Yay!

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week at SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge for a chance to win The Natural Beauty Collection. Be sure to visit my fellow SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge design team members to see what they have created with summer fun in mind.

Danni

Lorraine

Mary Lou

Pattie

Renkata

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day my friends!

Birthday Party Across the Miles!

2011-06-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this Fantasy Birthday Tour for sweet friend Taylor VanBruggen. Since we couldn't all be together today to throw a party we're having a virtual Birthday Party Across the Miles and everyone is invited to come along! And what's a fantasy party without fantasy gifts? If money were no object, this would be my gift to you Taylor...

(In my best Bob Barker voice)... a NEW CAR!!! A mini-van to be exact! Because the mini-van years are about to start for you and Jon. ;) And, of course, the one I'm "giving" you is fully tricked out with all the ups and extras. (*big smile*) I hope you like it!

Taylor, you are such a sweet friend indeed. I've grown to love you over the years. Thanks for letting me be a part of Taylored Expressions. Thank you for being such a great friend and supporting me in my business venture. I wish you every happiness on your birthday and always!

I'm not showing my card here so it will be a surprise, but of course it's late because I'm still Last Minute Lisa! lol

You should have come here from Lynn Put's blog, but if you didn't you might want to start this Fantasy Birthday Tour at the beginning on Jami Sibley's blog. Next up is the fabulous Lori Craig's blog.

When you're finished making the rounds, be sure to visit Taylor's blog to wish her a happy birthday!

You've Got Star Quality!

2011-06-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

A blessed Pentecost Sunday to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

I am the challenge hostess this week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. I chose as my inspiration scripture Ephesians 6:2-4 (NRSV) "Honor your father and mother"--this is the first commandment with a promise: {3} "so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." {4} And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." My challenge is to make a Father's Day card or a card praising our Father in Heaven.

My card features image and greeting from the wee Star Quality stamp set designed by Claire Brennan for The Craft's Meow. I've paired it with patterned paper from the Curtain Call collection and an envelope by Graphic 45. The car is cut from black felt using a Tim Holtz Old Jalopy die. I think this is kind of a cool Father's Day card for my dad, who happens to love old cars. ;)

As I wrote in my devotional on the SSIC blog:

Since next Sunday is Father's Day, I picked making a Father's Day card (or, alternatively, a card praising our Father in Heaven) as this week's challenge... you don't want to wait until the day of to make your cards do you? (*wink*) I asked one of the pastors at my church for a "good" scripture for Father's Day. He kindly provided me with a few. I chose this one because it embodies the two sides of fatherhood... both parent and child.

Children are commanded by God to honor their father and mother. (As a side note, we are taught that this commandment extends to all those in authority over us.) In this scripture, Paul reminds us of this first commandment and then exhorts fathers to "not provoke [their children] to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." In the NIV version, the words are "do not exasperate your children." The footnote explains this means that "fathers must surrender any right they may feel they have to act unreasonably toward their children." Very good advice, don't you agree? And, of course, most importantly, fathers are told to raise their children "in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Unfortunately, no one is blessed with a father who never acts (or has acted) unreasonably toward his children and/or who has brought up their children perfectly in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. No one but our Lord is perfect and without sin. Nor have we, as children, always honored our earthly fathers. But the good news, my friends, is that our Heavenly Father will never act unreasonably towards us, and His commandments and the teachings of the Bible are filled with instruction on how to live Godly lives here on earth as we wait for the day when we claim everlasting life in His kingdom.

If you're lucky enough to have your earthly father around, be sure to show him some love for father's day... and at every opportunity you can. And since you're blessed with a Heavenly Father, be sure to show Him your love every day. He wants to hear from you... right now... I promise. ;)

Be sure to join us for our challenge this week. Our sponsor is Simon Says Stamp, offering a cute exclusive stamp set as a prize for one lucky player. I hope you'll also visit the SSIC blog to see the beautiful Father's Day cards created by our very talented and devoted design team. You will be blessed!

Have a wonderful day, my friends!

4 You

2011-06-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday! Time for another fabulous sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday!!

I flipped the sketch on its side for my card featuring Marci With Flower from La-La Land Crafts. I paired her with patterned paper from the Brioche collection by Memory Box and some cute fabric brads by Martha Stewart Crafts.

I hope you'll play with us this week! Our sponsor is Simon Says Stamp! For more inspiration, please visit the Sketch Saturday blog to see the CUTE cards created by our fabulous international design team. You will love what you see!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!

Showering You With Love

2011-06-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

TGIF!!! Time once again for the bi-monthly Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!!! Our sketch challenge is taking place over at SCS in the Taylored Expressions Forum. In fact, all you need to do is pop over to the TESC Sketch Challenge #140 Forum Thread for all the deets on this week's challenge, to grab the sketch and find out how you can win a $10 Gift Certificate to spend at TE by playing along with us... or a $20 GC if you use TE stamps!

My card features sweet images and greeting from the It's in the Bag stamp set and the companion Shopping Bag and Labels die set.

I hope you'll come along and play with us! Since the sketch challenge is now bi-monthly (2nd and 4th Fridays), you have until June 23rd to play! Why not enter more than once and show your TE stamp sets some love!

Be sure to visit my Sketch Crew friends for lots of inspiration! And help us welcome our guest designer Meredith!!!

Have a great day!

It's Summertime!

2011-06-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Well, almost! (*grin*) Although, quite frankly, since I'm a fall/winter girl, I'm not that excited about hot weather. I think I'm living in the wrong climate. ;)

Happy Tuesday! We have a sketch challenge for you today at SCACD Friends With Heart Challange!!! The prize up for grabs this month is The Natural Beauty Collection by Carmen Medlin for SCACD!!! Wow, what a lucky duck she/he will be who wins that set will be! Every time you play in our challenge in June your name goes into the hat to win. So what are you waiting for? ;)

I flipped the sketch on its side for my card featuring Just Chill'n from the Retro Crew Collection by Victoria Case for SCACD. I've paired her with patterned paper from the Dots and Stripes Candy Shoppe collection by Echo Park. The greeting is by SRM.

I happen to have an extra Just Chill'n stamp, so I thought I'd run a little blog candy opp this week. If you play in the challenge and then come back here and leave a link to your card, you'll be entered for a chance to win!

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week at SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge for a chance to win The Natural Beauty Collection (and Just Chill'n). Be sure to visit my fellow SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge design team members to see what they have created to inspire and delight you:

Danni

Lorraine

Mary Lou

Pattie

Renkata

Have a wonderful day!

Fun in the Sun

2011-06-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday! Before we get started on today's sketch at Sketch Saturday, I want to announce the winner of my "Party Bag Candy" from last week's competition celebrating SS's 3rd Birthday. And that lucky winner is Red Squirrel!! Congratulations! Please email me at thecraftsmeow@gmail.com with your address and I'll get your secret prize right out to you!

Now on to this week's sketch by our challenge hostess Jeanette Comerford!

Our sponsor this week is My Favorite Things, so I pulled out one of their Sweet Innocence images (this one is Beach Bum) for my card. I love the beach, and this is how I plan to spend a good part of my summer. (*grin*) There's something about being near the ocean that makes me feel more peaceful.

I paired this sweet image with patterned paper from the Snorkel collection by Cosmo Cricket, which I sponged heavily with Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

Come on and play with this fabulous sketch for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to spend at MFT! For more inspiration, please visit the Sketch Saturday blog to see the loveliness created by our fabulous international design team. You will love what you see!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!

SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge!

2011-05-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! Today begins another super fun challenge at the SCACD Friends With Heart Challange blog!!! Our challenge this week is to use star(s) in your card/project. This is your last chance to play this month for a chance to win the full set of Little Peekers by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD!!

I know my card is missing, and I apologize for that. Due to too many commitments this week, and a terrible lack of mojo, I'm not able to play. But I encourage you to zip on into your craft room, pull out those much-loved SCACD stamps and some stars (a star punch or something with stars on it) and create something fabulous!

You're sure to find lots of inspiration when you visit my fellow SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge design team members:

Danni

Lorraine

Mary Lou

Pattie

Renkata

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!

Sending You Sunshine

2011-05-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day to my US friends! I hope you have a safe and enjoyable day, but that you'll also take time (I think the official time is 3:00 pm) to pause and remember those who have given their lives in defense of our country's freedom and safety, and for others' freedom from tyranny. We owe them so much. God bless America!

Have you heard? We've got previews going on at The Craft's Meow blog of the stamp sets being released on Wednesday, June 1st!!! I hope you'll pop in and check it out. (*grin*)

My card features images from another adorable set designed by Nina B Designs for The Craft's Meow called Sending You Sunshine. There's also a companion set called Just Sayin' that you'll reach for time and again. There are three chances to win this set of stamps, so do click on over to the TCM blog for all the deets and to see the cards created by my amazing Design Team!

See you there!

With Gratitude

2011-05-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

A blessed Sixth Sunday of Easter to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Our hostess this week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ is Kris Breach. She chose as her inspiration scripture Ecclesiastes 3:14 "I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him." Her challenge is a sketch, and we must follow it to a "T" - not adding anything to it, or taking anything away from it (although shapes of elements can be changed as long as there is something there in accordance with the sketch).

My card features a brand new stamp set being released in my store The Craft's Meow on June 1st called Timeless Tags. Nina Brackett has designed another fabulous Spellbinders(TM) compatible stamp set... this one coordinating with Grommet Tags. The TCM Design Team is showcasing this stamp set on the TCM blog today, so be sure to pop by... there are also three chances to win a set of Timeless Tags of your very own!

I paired one of the tags and sentiments with patterned paper and a button from the Portrait Collection by Crate Paper, adding a few tiny rhinestones to the punched scallop and black Candy Dots in place of brads on the tag.

Our sponsor this week at SSIC is the wonderful Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps (thanks Korin!). We hope you'll come along and play in our challenge... it's a fantastic sketch, don't you think? And be sure to stop by the SSIC blog to read Kris's fantastic devotional on her inspiration scripture. You will be blessed.

God's blessings to you.

Celebrating You!

2011-05-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today is a very special day for the Sketch Saturday challenge blog! It's our third birthday and of course we are celebrating in style! I believe all of the design team ladies are offering blog candy, which we're calling "Party Bag Candy." My "card" above is actually concealing a bag that holds a little secret something for one of you lucky peeps. However, please note that you must also play in our sketch challenge this week for a chance to win any Party Bag Candy! That's okay, though, right? It's a cool sketch! Plus, there's a HUGE prize being offered by this week's sketch sponsor The Craft Barn!!!

You can make a card, or a box, or anything you want as long as we can see the sketch. I'm not showing the concealed bag because we're supposed to keep that a secret. If you saw it, you'd be able to tell what my candy is. I'll give you a hint, though...it's two words and starts with an s and ends with a t. Can you guess? (*grin*)

You have until 12:00 am Pacific (8:00 am GMT) on Friday, June 3rd to play in the sketch challenge and link your card both here AND on the Sketch Saturday blog. Be sure to link both places. The winner will be randomly drawn on Friday June 3rd and announced both on the Sketch Saturday blog and here on my blog when the new challenge is posted on Saturday, June 4th.

My card features an image from the brand new Celebrating You stamp set that is being released in my store, The Craft's Meow, on June 1st!!! The TCM Design Team is showcasing this beautiful stamp set today... and there are three chances to win Celebrating You by hopping around and leaving comments on their blogs. So be sure to stop by The Craft's Meow Store Blog to see what all the fuss is about! (*grin*)

Good luck! Happy Birthday Sketch Saturday!!!

Enjoy a Fabulous Day!

2011-05-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

TGIF!!! Time once again for the bi-monthly Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!!! Our sketch challenge is taking place over at SCS in the Taylored Expressions Forum. In fact, all you need to do is pop over to the TESC Sketch Challenge #139 Forum Thread for all the deets on this week's challenge, to grab the sketch and find out how you can win a $10 Gift Certificate to spend at TE by playing along with us... or a $20 GC if you use TE stamps!

My card features a shopping bag made with the fabby Shopping Bag and Labels die set, plus a greeting and tag from the It's in the Bag stamp set. I paired these with patterned paper from the Soiree collection by Pink Paislee (love love love!).

I hope you'll come along and play with us! Since the sketch challenge is now bi-monthly (2nd and 4th Fridays), you have until June 9th to play! Why not enter more than once and show your TE stamp sets some love!

Be sure to visit my Sketch Crew friends for lots of inspiration! And help us welcome our two guest designers, Rosemary Dennis and Kelli Hull!!!

Dawn Easton
Jami Sibley
Lori Craig
Melissa Sauls
Monika Davis
Rachel Sztonyk
Taylor VanBruggen
Tracy Clemente
Guest Designers: Rosemary Dennis, Kelli Hull

Have a fabulous day!

Blog Candy Winner!

2011-05-25T06:38:00.000-07:00

I've drawn a winner of the Victoria Bonita stamp from my Carmen Medline for SCACD Natural Beauty Collection Release blog hop post, and that winner is... ta da... Shazza!!! Congrats Shazza! Please email me at thecraftsmeow@gmail.com with your mailing address and I'll mail your prize right out to you!

Thanks everyone for your kind comments!!! Have a wonderful day!

Don't You Just Love to Color?!

2011-05-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

I know I do... love to color, that is. (*grin*)

Happy Tuesday! Come join us for another fun challenge at SCACD Friends With Heart Challange!!! Our challenge this week is anything goes with a SCACD stamp. The prize up for grabs this month is the full set of Little Peekers by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD!!! Every time you play in our challenge in May your name goes into the hat to win. How awesome is that?

I LOVE all my SCACD stamps, especially Elisabeth Bell images. My card features Little Suzanne, who I'm pretty sure is named after the fabulous Suzanne Dean... colorist extraordinaire. In fact, it's Suzanne's on-line Copic classes (Color Me Creative) that have helped me tremendously in my coloring. I've paired her with patterned paper from the Dots and Stripes Candy Shoppe collection by My Mind's Eye.

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week at SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge for a chance to win a full sheet of Little Peekers! Be sure to visit my fellow SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge design team members to see what they have created to inspire and delight you:

Danni

Lorraine

Mary Lou

Pattie

Renkata

Have a great day!

Got Lemons?

2011-05-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

You know what to do when you've got lemons, right? Make lemonade!

A blessed Sunday to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Our challenge hostess this week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ is someone who has become a very dear friend to me, Grace Nywening. Grace never ceases to be a source of inspiration and encourager to me. She chose as her inspiration scripture Proverbs 10:20-21 "The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of understanding." Her challenge to us is to make a card/project of encouragement with just a touch of silver.

Our challenge sponsor this week is My Favorite Things, and Kim (the owner) very kindly and generously provided stamps for us girls to play with. So fun! My card features Pure Innocence - Pucker Up, which vaguely reminds me of Lucy from Charlie Brown fame and her 5-cents advice. :) I paired her with patterned paper and sticker embellies from the Summer Days collection by Echo Park. The wee silver cat charm is from Whiff of Joy.

I hope you'll stop by and visit us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ, read Grace's devotional on her inspiration scripture and join us in the challenge. There's a chance you could win a $25 gift certificate to spend at My Favorite Things. But more importantly, I do believe you'll be blessed by your fellowship with us as we are blessed by yours.

I can't add much more to what Grace has already said about this scripture in her devotional. I think we all, in varying degrees, are guilty of saying wicked things to and about people. I try to remind myself time and again of Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."

I've been especially mindful of this lately. It seems that my personal trials over the past couple of years have turned me into an embattled and embittered person, which too often means I'm not very nice. I'm ashamed to admit that. But the first step, as they say, is admitting I have a problem. Now I need to pray about it and be mindful that my words should always be positive and uplifting.

I'll start by saying thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog and leaving me such nice comments. You have no idea how much this means to me, especially these days, when I don't have time to do much visiting in return. This new business venture of mine is keeping me hopping, that's for sure! But it's a blessing to be busy, and I thank you for your understanding and patience with me.

Have a blessed day!

Hello, my friend...

2011-05-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

...you've been on my mind.

I'm feeling that way about a few people these days ;), so that's the sentiment I picked from among the several in this cool stamp set from My Favorite Things called Just My Type, which I love even more because it comes with it's own dies!

We've got another fun sketch for you to play with this week at Sketch Saturday! I'm in awe of Jo coming up with these sketches week after week. And have you noticed that the blog followers have grown to more than 1400? Yowser!

My card features patterned paper from the 5 & Dime collection by October Afternoon, which was perfect for this vintage typewriter image. My mom had an Underwood typewriter that looked very much like this one, and I was fascinated with it. It belies my age to tell you this, but I learned to type on a manual typewriter. I can't even imagine using one any more... not even the old IBM electric typewriters that I spent the early part of my career using. What's next?

Well, I hope what's next is that you'll come and play with us at Sketch Saturday! Be sure to stop by the Sketch Saturday blog to see all the wonderful cards created by this international group of crafters. Bunny Zoe's Crafts is our sponsor this week.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!

The Natural Beauty Collection by Carmen Medlin for SCACD Blog Hop!

2011-05-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Wait until you see this new collection by Carmen Medlin for SCACD! It's aptly named The Natural Beauty Collection. You will love what you see! The hop starts at Elaine Hughes' blog, so be sure to click over there and follow the links to experience it all!

My card features The Travelers. That wolf is regal looking, don't you think? Carmen draws some of the most beautiful faces, and this maiden is no exception. I paired The Travelers with patterned paper and chipboard from the Origins collection by Basic Grey.

I happen to have an extra Victoria Bonita stamp... exclusive to SCACD... and if you leave a comment on this post, I'll draw a name to win her!

Now on you go to see what wonderfulness my dear friend Danni Bindel has for you! She's sure to delight!

Have a wonderful day!

P.S.Those of you in the UK/Europe will be glad to know that Quixotic Paperie is an exclusive SCACD retailer. You can purchase The Natural Beauty collection and all SCACD exclusive stamps there!

Taylored Expressions Blast From The Past Blog Hop!

2011-05-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's time for the Taylored Expressions Blast From The Past Blog Hop!!! This month our theme is Make it Masculine. Naturally, I pulled out an old favorite... Boys Will Be Boys... and made a Father's Day card. Golf is sort of a big deal in our family (*grin*), so I picked the putting green image and paper pieced it, along with the flag. The patterned paper is Fly a Kite from the Lime Tart collection by My Mind's Eye.

I loosely followed Sankari's sketch, rough cutting a medallion to look somewhat like a "blue ribbon." My Tim Holtz medallion die didn't like being cut down, but I decided the rough look makes it more interesting. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! lol

Now on you go for your next stop in the hop! (I'm #15) Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Lori!!

2011-05-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

Today is a very special day... the anniversary of the day a wonderful person was born... and that person is LORI CRAIG!!! Happy Birthday Lori!!!

A bunch of us ~~fans~~ friends of Lori are showering her with cards and good wishes because, well, she deserves it! Lori is such a sweet person and a beautiful card maker. She always inspires me! Please join us in wishing her well... you can pop over to Lori's blog and wish her happy birthday, too!

Lori, I hope all your birthday wishes come true! Hugs!!!

Hello!

2011-05-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! Time for another fun challenge at SCACD Friends With Heart Challange!!! Our challenge this week is a color challenge: blue, pink and white! You definitely want to play because we have a great prize up for grabs in the month of May. Every time you play in our challenge this month, your name goes into the "hat" for a chance to win the full set of Little Peekers by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD!!! That's definitely a prize worth playing for! They are ADORABLE!

My card features Call Me!!! from the Retro Crew Collection by Victoria Case for SCACD. I LOVE these images! I've paired this sassy image with patterned paper from the Lush collection by My Mind's Eye. I used Glubbers and a strip of blue gingham fabric to make the flower embellishment, and created the greeting on my computer.

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week at SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge for a chance to win a full sheet of Little Peekers! Be sure to visit my fellow SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge design team members to see what they have created to inspire and delight you:

Danni

Lorraine

Mary Lou

Pattie

Renkata

I'll be back on Friday for a blog hop celebrating the release of a very special collection by Carmen Medlin for SCACD. Wait until you see these beauties!!! We can't wait to show them off!!! In the meantime, there are sneak peeks and prize opps going on over at the SCACD Blog, so be sure to nip over there and have a look! Meow!

Have a great day!

Got you a little something...

2011-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

TGIF and time once again for the bi-monthly Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!!! Now that Taylored Expressions is a Member Company at Splitcoaststampers (woo hoo!), the sketch challenges are taking place over at SCS in the Taylored Expressions Forum. In fact, all you need to do is pop over to the TESC Sketch Challenge #138 Forum Thread for all the deets on this week's challenge, to grab the sketch and find out how you can win a $10 Gift Certificate to spend at TE by playing along with us... or a $20 GC if you use TE stamps!

My card features the adorable new Moka Olivia (isn't she cute?!), which I paired with patterned paper from the Kitch collection by Girl's Paperie, and some Ice Blue Kaisercraft rhinestones and a mini flower rhinestone.

Please come along and play with us! Since the sketch challenge is now bi-monthly (2nd and 4th Fridays), you have until May 26th to play! I say enter more than once and show your TE stamp sets some love!

Be sure to visit my Sketch Crew friends for lots of inspiration! And help us welcome our two guest designers, Iwana Palamountain and Molly Joly!!!

Dawn Easton
Jami Sibley
Lori Craig
Melissa Sauls
Monika Davis
Rachel Sztonyk
Taylor VanBruggen
Tracy Clemente
Guest Designers: Iwona Palamountain, Molly Joly

Have a great day!

Note: This is my second post for today. Please scroll down for more. Thanks!

Little Frieda at the Seashore Preview!

2011-05-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello there! That's what it says inside my card... one of the three greetings that comes with this sweet stamp set being released on Sunday at my store The Craft's Meow! Meet Little Frieda at the Seashore! All the deets concerning how you can win one of these adorable stamp sets and see more samples by my amazing design team are on The Craft's Meow Store blog, so please nip on over there and join us for the fun!

The Craft's Meow is also PROUD to sponsor Lily Pad Cards challenge, which is to use embossing (wet and/or dry) on your cards/projects, so be sure to come play with us for a chance to win the Happiness Is... stamp set by Nina B Designs for The Craft's Meow. And wait until you see the uber fabulous cards made by the LPC Design Team. MEOW!!!

See you over there!

Hugs,

Simply Betty Stamps Previews Continue!!!

2011-05-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

We continue with our previews today of the six new images called "Teen Scene" that are debuting on Sunday at Simply Betty Stamps!! Today we're showcasing Betty & Batty. I think it's too cute that the bat is hanging upside down on Betty's finger. lol

I paired Betty & Batty with patterned paper and stickers from the Summer Days collection by Echo Park. I love this paper line... so fresh and cheerful. It makes ME smile!

Be sure to pop over to the Simply Betty Stamps blog to see what Betty's fabulous design team has created featuring Betty & Batty. We'll be back tomorrow with more! Enjoy!

Thinking of You...

2011-05-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Note: This is my second post for today. Please scroll down for another Simply Betty Stamps Release Preview! Thanks!

If it's Tuesday it must be time for another fun challenge at SCACD Friends With Heart Challange!!! Our challenge this week is paper piecing, which is one of my faves. Don't forget... we have a new prize up for grabs in the month of May. Every time you play in our challenges this month, your name goes in to the "hat" for a chance to win the full set of Little Peekers by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD!!! That's definitely a prize worth playing for! They are ADORABLE!

Speaking of which, my card features Waiting for...Peeker. I've paired her with patterned paper from the Kitch collection by Girl's Paperie, which I also used to paper piece the "wallpaper" in the scene. I sponged all edges with Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink. If you love to color, these sweet images are for you!

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week at SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge for a chance to win a full sheet of Little Peekers! Be sure to visit my fellow SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge design team members to see what they have created to inspire and delight you:

Danni

Lorraine

Mary Lou

Pattie

Renkata

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!

Simply Betty Stamps Previews Continue!

2011-05-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Woot woot, as Betty Boo would say! Time for another peek at what's to come on Sunday when Simply Betty Stamps releases six new images called Teen Scene! Today we're showcasing Miller & Max. Okay, I'm definitely not a snake person, but this one seems friendly enough... I hope. Yikes! Miller likes him, so that's all that matters. (*grin*)

I paired Miller and his pet snake with patterned paper from the Life of the Party collection by Basic Grey, and a wee brad by Bo-Bunny. I guess when it comes to making boy cards, less is more?

Be sure to pop over to the Simply Betty Stamps blog to see what Betty's fabulous design team has created featuring Miller & Max. We'll be back tomorrow with more! Enjoy!

Simply Betty Stamps Teen Scene Previews Continue!

2011-05-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Did the weekend go by too fast, or what? I hope all you moms had a good Mother's Day. Mine was pretty quiet, which I suppose is a good thing when you live with four males (call it five since Ian spends a lot of time here), two dogs and two cats.(*grin*)

I'm so happy to be guest designing this month for Simply Betty Stamps!!! We previewed London & Lynx yesterday, and today we are showcasing Lola & Louie. They are part of the six new "Teen Scene" images being released as rubber stamps on Friday, May 13th!

I flipped the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 116 on its side for my card, pairing Lola and her pet rat with patterned paper from the Upcycle collection by Cosmo Cricket, along with a remnant scrap of satin pleated ribbon, a Zva swirl, a Websters pages bling button, and a tag by Tim Holtz.

They say rats make good pets. Me, I'll stick with my dogs and cats. I'm not a rodent person. But Louis looks pretty friendly to me. :)

Be sure to pop over to the Simply Betty Stamps blog to see what the rest of Betty's ladies have created featuring Lola & Louis. We'll be back yet again tomorrow with more previews!

Have a great day!

Blessings

2011-05-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

A blessed third Sunday of Easter to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Our challenge hostess this week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ is Sabrina Jackson. Sabrina chose as her inspiration scripture Ecclesiastes 3:11a, "He has made everything beautiful in its time." Her challenge is to make a card and put all things "beautiful" on it (such as flowers, pearls, bling, butterflies, birds, lace, etc.). I hope you'll stop by the SSIC blog to read Sabrina's devotional and to see all the beautiful cards created by our design team. Your visit is sure to be a blessing!

When I think of beautiful things, I think of the cards Sarah Martina Parker makes. And what do you know, she is the muse this month at CASE Study Challenge! So I had to play. :)

For my main image, I chose the beautiful flower bouquet in the To You stamp set by Penny Black, which is available at Simon Says Stamp, our challenge sponsor this week. (Thank you Kathy for your kind gift of this gorgeous stamp set!) I heat embossed the image in white and then traced around the edges of the die shape with a Sharpie white poster paint pen. The patterned paper is by Websters Pages. I created the greeting myself because I plan to give this card to someone who has been a blessing to me. ;)

Today's inspiration scripture comes from the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, which is familiar to most of us... "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What does the worker gain from his toll? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:1-11a (NIV)

Life is a study in contrasts, isn't it? Things can change on a dime... in one brief moment. Just ask the good people of Japan. Just ask the good people in the south whose homes and lives were ravaged by the recent tornadoes. Ask the person who just received news that they have cancer, or that a loved one has died.

But think also of the people who are holding a new baby in their arms. Of the person who is given the good news that treatment has been successful and they are cured of disease. Of the joy in the hearts of those whose prayers are answered in the way they had hoped.

Peace comes from knowing that God has a plan for our lives... for your life... and that these ups and downs... these seasons... come and go. During the valleys you can rest in the knowledge that this is but a brief moment in eternity, that the real reward is the kingdom of God, which is promised to each and every one of us. During the peaks, you can thank God for your blessings. Actually, we should thank God even in the valleys, when it doesn't feel as though we are being blessed, because in the fullness of time, we will find that we were.

"He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Ecclesiastes 3:11b (NIV)

Have faith my friends, in the valleys as well as on the peaks. God's plan is perfect. He has/will make everything beautiful in its time.

God's blessings to you.

Simply Betty Stamps Teen Scene Previews!

2011-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday! Happy Mother's Day to all you moms! I'm thrilled to be guest designing this month for Simply Betty Stamps!!! I just LOVE the new images Betty is releasing. Wait until you see them all! We're starting today with London & Lynx, one of the six new "Teen Scene" images being released as rubber stamps on Friday, May 13th!

I've paired London and her kitty with patterned paper from the Blossom collection by Jillbean Soup. I also followed sweet Carly Breach's Sketch Challenge #30, turning it on its side. As you can see, I even followed the color scheme of her sketch! ;)

Be sure to pop over to the Simply Betty Stamps blog to see what the rest of Betty's ladies have cooked up featuring London & Lynx! I'll be back tomorrow with more!

Angel Tilda

2011-05-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday! It's time for another wonderful sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday!!!

I know I say this a lot, but I really love this sketch, drawn by the fabulously talented Maya, who is our challenge hostess this week! It got me to try a bit larger sized rectangular card... 4.5 x 6.5 inches. Since this is Mother's Day weekend here in the US, I decided to make a card in honor of my dear mother. She loved angels, so I picked Starlight Tilda.

I paired Starlight Tilda with patterned paper and borders from the Emma's Shoppe collection by Crate Paper. The brads are from the Hazel/Stella & Rose collection by My Mind's Eye.

I hope you'll play with our sketch this week! Be sure to drop by the Sketch Saturday blog to see the lovely creations from the rest of the design team AND to see the prize up for grabs from our fabulous sponsor Tickled Pink Stamps (which I LOVE), offering two Tickled Pink digi stamps as a prize!!! Check it out!

Have a great day!

Day Dreaming...

2011-05-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! Time for another fabulous challenge at the brand new SCACD Friends With Heart Challange!!! Our challenge this week is "anything goes using a SCACD stamp"! And we have a new prize up for grabs in the month of May. Every time you play in our challenges this month, your name goes in to the "hat" for a chance to win the full set of Little Peekers by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD!!! Now that's a prize worth playing for! They are ADORABLE!

In fact, my card features Day Dreaming Peeker. I've paired her with patterned papers by 7Gypsies, which I gave a more vintage look by sponging the edges with Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink.I also played with Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #115, which I turned upside down and made into a square.

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week at SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge for a chance to win a full sheet of Little Peekers! Be sure to visit my fellow SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge design team members to see what they have created to inspire and delight you:

Danni

Lorraine

Mary Lou

Pattie

Renkata

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!

Make A Wish!

2011-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends! First, let me sincerely thank each and every one of you who follow my blog. I've reached a big milestone... 400 followers... and so I think it's time for some blog candy! Please leave a message on this post by 11:59 pm on Tuesday, May 3rd, and you'll have a chance to win Butterfly Wishes, the stamp set I used to create this card!!!

Butterfly Wishes is one of the four stamp sets designed by Nina B Designs being released today at The Craft's Meow!!! We're having a blog hop and HUGE prize opportunities, so please join us at The Craft's Meow Blog for all the fun and details on my card.

See you over there! Enjoy!

Please scroll down for my Sketch Saturday post. Thanks!

Hello Sunshine

2011-04-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday! Are you ready for another fabulous sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday???

I love this sketch! And it's perfect to showcase a little sneaky peaky I have for you! Yep, I happen to be besties with the one and only Betty Boo (aka Betty Roberts), owner extraordinaire of Simply Betty Stamps! SBS will soon be releasing a new range of stamps to be known as the Teen Scene. I'm privileged to have the opportunity to play with one of the new images... London...with her loooong tailed kitty cat. (*wink*) Six new Teen Scene images will be released mid-May, so stay tuned to the Simply Betty Stamps blog for more information!

I paired London with patterned paper and sticker embellishments from the Summer Days collection by Echo Park. Love! I found that cool "ribbon" at my LSS.

I hope you'll play with our sketch this week! Be sure to drop by the Sketch Saturday blog to see the lovely creations from the rest of the design team AND to see the prize up for grabs from our sponsor The Craft Barn, offering two Tatty Button stamps as a prize!!! Check it out!

Have a great day!

Victoria Case for SCACD From the Vault Release Blog Hop!

2011-04-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Happy Royal Wedding Day! Yes, I'm staying up all night. I can't miss it. In the midst of all the natural disasters of late, war, strife, economic woes, etc., it's nice to have a fairy tale to focus on for a bit. ;)

If you're looking for my Royal Tea Blog Hop post, please scroll down or Click Here. Thanks!

Today we're celebrating the release of two super sweet new stamps being released "from the vault" by Victoria Case for SCACD (Susana's Custom Art and Card Design): Spa Time Fairy and Forest Fairy.

The fun begins at SCACD blog where you'll find links to all the blogs on the hop in case there's a break along the way. You'll definitely want to start there and flitter and fly along with us! (*grin*)

My card, of course, features Spa Time Fairy. Isn't she sweet in the teacup spa? I love her! Now, of course, I want to head to the spa for a good day of pampering!

I followed the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #114, which I love! My sweet fairy is paired with patterned paper from the For The Record collection by Echo Park, plus a beautiful rose I happened to have in my stash. The pearls are by Kaisercraft.

The next stop on the hop is the wonderful Anki's blog. Enjoy!!!

Happiness is...

2011-04-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Note: if you're looking for the Royal Tea Blog Hop, please scroll down or CLICK HERE. Thanks!

Happiness is this new stamp set designed by Nina B Designs for The Craft's Meow, which is being released on May 1st! Come join the fun on The Craft's Meow Blog, where you'll find links to fabulous cards showcasing this amazing stamp set AND deets on lots of prize winning opportunities! See you over there!

A note about my card: I hand drew the lines by cutting a piece of sturdy cardstock to the size I wanted and laying it over the stamped images. CAS isn't usually my strong suit, but this stamp set is so fabby to design with, it's a snap to go CAS. I hope you likey!

So Long, Farewell... for now (wink)

2011-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is my last post as April Guest Designer for The Greeting Farm. sniff sniff. But I had a heckuva good time, so I can't complain. In fact, I'm very grateful to Marie and Jess for giving me the chance to play with one of my all-time favorite stamp lines! I always have been and always will be a fan of The Greeting Farm!

I set sail with another look at Creeper Crew Syren, released April 1st. And now it's nearly time to see what new things are up for grabs at TGF in May! I paired Syren with patterned paper and chipboard embellies from the Salt Air collection by Cosmo Cricket.

I followed this week's sketch challenge at The Farm Fresh Challenge Blog. Have you stopped by the new challenge blog yet? You must! So much fun is going on over there all the time!

Thanks for stopping in today! I'll be back soon with more! Have a wonderful day!

So Sweet of You!

2011-04-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Note, this is my second post for today. Please scroll down or Click Here for the Royal Tea Blog Hop. Thanks!

Hey everyone! Pop on over to The Craft's Meow Blog and see what's happening! Okay, since you twisted my arm, I'll give you a hint! (*grin*) We've started previews of the four new stamp sets designed by Nina B Designs for The Craft's Meow which will be released on May 1st! Today we're showcasing Simply Delightful. It is... quite simply... delightful!

I paired images and greeting from Simply Delightful with patterned paper and embellies from the Hazel collection, part of the Stella & Rose collection by My Mind's Eye. I love this paper collection! I LOVE My Mind's Eye! MME 6 x 6 pads and embellies from the Hazel and Gertie lines will also be available at The Craft's Meow on Sunday!

We're giving away two MME paper pads PLUS the Simply Delightful stamp set as prizes today, so be sure to visit the team's blogs and leave comments for chances to win. There will be THREE prizes given away every day from now through Sunday, with a grand prize also offered on release day! Don't miss the fun!

Another way you can win a prize is to Like our Facebook Page by April 30th. Just a hint there. For you. Go on. You know you want to.

See you back here tomorrow, k?

Royal Tea Blog Hop!

2011-04-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my fellow Royalty fans! I'm excited to take part in the Royal Tea Bridal Shower Blog Hop hosted by Ellen, the Cardmonkey herself!. We are celebrating the historical romance and wedding of Prince William to his lovely Kate Middleton.

The theme of this Hop is anything tea, tea party, royal, bridal or wedding. The fun starts at Ellen's blog, where you will find the complete list of blog stops in case there's a break along the way... like mine, for example. I thought we were supposed to go live at 12:00 am Pacific, but I guess it was 12:00 am Eastern. So sorry!

My card features an image from the Afternoon Tea stamp set by Waltzingmouse Stamps... a favorite of mine! And I do think Claire might be planning a die set to coordinate. We'll have to wait and see! (*wink*). Since I went with a WMS set, I thought I'd play in Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #44. The sketch is perfect for a fancy tea invitation... clean and simple. Okay, CAS isn't my strong style, so you'll have to bear with me. (*grin*).

I plan to be sitting up tomorrow night watching the wedding, how about you? I watched when Diana married Prince Charles, Andrew married Fergie and then, very sadly, Diana's funeral. I still can't believe she's gone, although she is alive in her sons... especially William. No doubt about it.

Yes, I admit it. I'm a geek.

The next stop on the hop is Jen's blog. Enjoy!

A Good Day

2011-04-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! Time for another fabulous challenge at the brand new SCACD Friends With Heart Challange!!! Our challenge this week is "April Showers Bring May Flowers... use the color blue and flowers in your card/project!

I'm so happy to finally have my own set of Little Peekers by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD to play with. Every single one is adorable, so get ready to see them all here soon! I'm longing to get them all colored up!

My card features Hey Birdie Peeker. I love birds. :) I followed the April Sketch For You to Try.

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week at SCACD Friends With Heart Challenges. There's a $50 gift certificate up for grabs as a prize for one lucky player this month!!! This is the last challenge in April and the last chance to enter for a chance to win, so come on over and join us!

Be sure to visit my fellow SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge design team members to see what loveliness they have created to inspire and delight you:

Danni

Lorraine

Mary Lou

Pattie

Renkata

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!

You Are Purrrrrrfection!

2011-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday! Time for another fantastic sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday!!!

Our sponsor this week is one of my very favorite stamp companies Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps! I had the privilege of being part of Sparkle's inaugural Design Team. I was looking back over the cards I made while part of her team, and I'm telling you the truth... they are some of my favorite cards ever!

My card today features Kitty Cat Josh. Of course I'm drawn to this stamp because I have two cats and four boys. (*grin*) I paired Josh and his kitty with patterned paper and embellies from the Max & Whiskers collection by Basic Grey. Purrrrrrfect.

I hope you'll play with our sketch this week! Be sure to drop by the Sketch Saturday blog to see the lovely creations from the rest of the design team AND to see the prize up for grabs from Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps!

Oh, and check this out!

MEOW!!!

Celebrate!

2011-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

TGIF and time once again for the bi-monthly Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!!! Now that Taylored Expressions is a Member Company at Splitcoaststampers (woo hoo!), the sketch challenges are taking place over at SCS in the Taylored Expressions Forum. In fact, all you need to do is pop over to the TESC Sketch Challenge #137 Forum Thread for all the deets on this week's challenge, to grab the sketch and find out how you can win a $10 Gift Certificate to spend at TE by playing along with us... or a $20 GC if you use TE stamps!

My card features images from the Make A Wish stamp set, which I paired with cardstock, patterned paper, embellies and Liquid Pearls from the Make A Wish Project Pantry Kit. With all the coordinating elements found in Taylor's fabulous kits, your cards will come together easily!

I cut the banner out of the patterned paper. The cake plate is covered with Glossy Accents to make it shine like a real dish. I added polka dots to the cake top with a Sharpie White Poster Paint pen. The cake is cut out and popped up on top of the plate. I hope you likey!

Please come along and play with us! Since the sketch challenge is now bi-monthly (2nd and 4th Fridays), you have until May 12th to play! I say enter more than once and show your TE stamp sets some love!

Be sure to visit my Sketch Crew friends for lots of inspiration! And help us welcome two new Sketch Crew members, Tracy Clemente and Dawn Easton!!!

Have a great day!

Does Running Late Count as Exercise?

2011-04-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

If so, I should be in great shape! lol

Happy Wednesday! Today is the day for the monthly Taylored Expressions Blast From the Past Blog Hop!!!

The theme this month is Clean and Simple (CAS). I have to confess, I struggle with this look. I started out just stamping this fun image called Belated Birthday - Running Late on plain white cardstock, thinking that would do it. But I just couldn't leave it alone... so I added the paper (October Afternoon), brads and ribbon. I'm afraid my card isn't photographing well... it looks a lot better IRL. My hippo looks like he needs a shave! lol

Enjoy the hop!!! Have a great day!!!

Smile

2011-04-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! Time for another fabulous challenge at the brand new SCACD Friends With Heart Challange!!! Our challenge this week is to show us your ART... A=any stamp from SCACD, R=ribbon, T=two patterned papers! Fun!!!

I absolutely adore this sweet image called New Friends by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD. It was one of the very first stamps I ever purchased from SCACD and started a whole new passion for me!

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week at SCACD Friends With Heart Challenges. There's a $50 gift certificate up for grabs as a prize for one lucky player this month. Every time you enter one of our challenges in April, you have another chance to win!

Be sure to visit my fellow SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge design team members to see what loveliness they have created to inspire and delight you:

Danni

Lorraine

Mary Lou

Pattie

Renkata

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!

Time to Follow Your Dreams

2011-04-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

A blessed Palm Sunday to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Our challenge hostess this week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ is Peggysue Turner. Peggysue chose as her inspiration scripture Matthew 16:23 "Jesus turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Her challenge is to use Versamark or the same color ink on the same color of paper (e.g., purple ink on purple paper) for a tone on tone effect somewhere on your card.

Peggysue put just the first part of Matthew 16:23 (i.e., "Jesus turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me Satan!'") in the database for her challenge and I had no idea where she was going with this until I prepared the SSIC post and read her devotional. And then, of course, I pulled out my Bible and read the entire scripture... actually the entirety of Matthew 16:21-28.

As I write this, it's midnight and I'm not feeling well... I've been a bit under the weather the past couple of days... so I don't feel capable of writing a devotional of my own. However, I don't need to... I agree with what Peggysue has said in her devotional, which you'll find on the SSIC blog. I encourage you to jump over there and read it and see the beautiful cards created by my design sisters. You will be blessed!

My card features sweet Anya, greeting and background stamp from the Spotlight Collection by The Greeting Farm. Did you know I'm lucky enough to be the April Guest Designer at TGF? Big smiles from me! I LOVE TGF!!! I used the background stamps from the Spotlight Collection to meet the challenge by stamping in Tim Holtz Peeled Paint Distress Ink (which is green) on green cardstock and then I cut out the banners with Spellbinders Nested Pennants dies. The background paper and chipboard piece are from the Origins collection by Basic Grey.

TGF is sponsoring the current challenge at The Play Date Cafe, so I decided to combine challenges! A $25 Gift Certificate to spend at The Greeting Farm is up for grabs! There's still time to play, but you must hurry... the challenge ends on Tuesday at 11:59 pm Eastern!

Oh, and you'll definitely want to HOP over to the TGF blog and grab the adorable FREE digi images... Easter Ian and Easter Anya! Cute!!!

And I hope you'll come play with us at Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenges this week. We are delighted to welcome back Designed2Delight as our sponsor. There's a $10 gift certificate up for grabs! Have you visited their store lately? Lots and lots of wonderful digi images to be had!

Thanks for stopping by my friends! Have a blessed day!

One Rainy Day

2011-04-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday! Time for another fantastic sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday!!!

I ended up switching places for the embellies and sentiment because I just had to take advantage of this adorable patterned paper from the Emma's Shoppe collection by Crate Paper... perfect for this sweet image by our challenge sponsor Paper Makeup Stamps called Emma. I LOVE the rain, so I was immediately drawn to sweet Emma. :)

After coloring the umbrella, I added the polka dots with a Sharpie White Poster Paint pen to coordinate with the paper ruffle. I sponged around the image first with Tim Holtz Tumbled Glass Distress Ink and then with Antique Linen to dull it down a bit to better coordinate with the blue tones in the paper.

For the ruffle, after punching a paper strip with a scallop punch I spritzed it with water, which made the paper more pliable, and then fan folded it, opened it back up, pressed down one edge with a ruler and let it dry before adhering and sewing. I learned this technique from my friend Julie Johnson.

The pearls are by Hero Arts and the roses are by Prima.

I hope you'll play with our sketch this week! Paper Makeup Stamps is offering a $20 Gift Certificate as a prize! Be sure to drop by the Sketch Saturday blog to see the lovely creations from the rest of the design team. They're gorgeous!

Have a great day!

Exciting News!!!

2011-04-15T00:52:00.000-07:00

Oh, I'm so excited!!! To find out why, click on the picture above or HERE and read all about it!!!

I {heart} you!

2011-04-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday! Time for our second challenge at the brand new SCACD Friends With Heart Challange!!! Our challenge this week is to include a heart somewhere in your card/project featuring any stamp(s) available for sale in the SCACD store.

Naturally I reached for this adorable image called Blowing Kisses by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD since she's blowing heart kisses. Cute!!!

I was in need of some mojo juice, so I followed Sketch 110 at Card Patterns designed by my friend Nina Brackett. Plus, I went out on a limb and tried Kathy's Color Throwdown at Lily Pad Cards. I find color challenges to be... well... challenging! lol I think I got all the colors in there... you'll just have to trust me that my hearts are an orangish red. (*grin*)

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week at SCACD Friends With Heart Challenges. There happens to be a $50 gift certificate up for grabs as a prize for one lucky player this month. Every time you enter one of our challenges in April, you have another chance to win!

Be sure to visit my fellow SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge design team members to see what loveliness they have created to inspire and delight you:

Danni

Lorraine

Mary Lou

Pattie

Renkata

Have a wonderful day!

How God Showed His Love

2011-04-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

A blessed Fifth Sunday in Lent to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Our challenge hostess this week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ is my dear friend and co-founder of SSIC, Kris Breach! Kris chose as her inspiration scripture Mark 15:17 "They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him." Her challenge is to use shades of purple as your main color and/or use wood paper or elements on your card/project.

This description of Jesus being mocked and tortured before crucifixion found in Mark 15:17 is well-known to Christians...really to everyone since it has been the subject of many artists' portrayal of the life and death of Christ. But what many of us may not truly grasp is the horror of what was done to him. "Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees they paid homage to him, and when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him." Mark 15:18-20

I've never seen Mel Gibson's movie The Passion of the Christ, mainly because I heard that the depiction of Jesus's scourging and crucifixion are extremely gory and graphic and I cannot bear to watch that sort of thing. But I believe it's important that we think about this... the brutality of what Jesus endured... so that we can better understand the sacrifice Christ made for you and me. Think on this my friends.

My card features image and scripture from the beautiful Easter Blessings stamp set by Taylored Expressions, paired with patterned paper by Websters Pages.

I hope you'll join us for our challenge this week. Simon Says Stamp is our sponsor and has offered an adorable stamp set as a prize to one lucky player. I encourage you to visit the SSIC blog to read Kris's devotional and see all the lovely cards made by the design team this week. You will be blessed!

Daisy Two

2011-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday!!! Time for another fabby sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday!!!

I flipped the sketch on its side to better showcase sweet Wild Sprout Daisy, one of the newest stamps released by The Greeting Farm this month! Okay, so I experimented with her hair. Believe it or not, I actually practiced this three times before making the final version, so, yes, it's on purpose! lol Don't tell me if you hate it 'cause I might cry. Just kidding. It's different, but I kinda like it with the paper.

Speaking of the paper, it's from the beautiful Portrait Collection by Crate Paper, along with the border strip and buttons. Love those buttons! And there's a bit of Tim Holtz tissue tape on there. ;)

Please be sure to pop over to the Sketch Saturday blog to see all the gorgeous cards created by this amazing design team. Seriously, these girls rock! Plus, Simon Says Stamp is sponsoring and there's a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to spend in their awesome store, so you'll definitely want to play!

Have a wonderful day!

Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #136

2011-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy Friday! It's time once again for the bi-monthly Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge!!! In case you missed the news, Taylored Expressions is now a Member Company at Splitcoaststampers, which means the challenges are now taking place over at SCS in the Taylored Expressions Forum. In fact, all you need to do is pop over to the TESC Sketch Challenge #136 Forum Thread for all the deets on this week's challenge, to grab the sketch and find out how you can win a $10 Gift Certificate to spend at TE by playing along with us... or a $20 GC if you use TE stamps!

My card features images and greeting from the adorable Cozy Cottages stamp set. The extra special thing about this stamp set is that through this month (April 2011) $7.00 from the sale of each Cozy Cottages stamp set will be donated to Habitat for Humanities. How awesome is that?

My card features patterned paper from the Circa 1934 collection by Cosmo Cricket and some light blue Candy Dots.

I hope you'll come along and play with us! Since the sketch challenge is now bi-weekly (2nd and 4th Fridays), you have until April 21st to play!

Be sure to visit my Sketch Crew friends for lots of inspiration!

Have a great day!

SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge!!!

2011-04-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo!!! The day we've been waiting for is finally here! The brand new SCACD (Susana's Custom Art and Card Design) Friends With Heart Challenge has officially begun!!!

Oh me oh my, there's so much to say! First, for those who are followers of the SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge blog, today is the day that the winners of a set of Copic Sketch Markers (the new colors!) and a Sew Easy Tool plus SIX attachments (yowser!) will be revealed. Are you one of the winners? Are you a follower? If not, you'll definitely want to become one because the fun is just beginning and you won't want to miss a thing!

Second, April 8th... this coming Friday...is the big release of the new "Peekers" by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD!!! Oh my word, you need to jump on over to the SCACD blog to see the previews of this adorable set of images AND find out how you can win the new stamps!!!! They are ADORABLE!!!

And last, but NOT least, we have our first challenge up and ready for you to play!!! This week it's easy peasy... ANYTHING GOES!!! As long as you use a stamp carried by SCACD, you are a-okay! You can find the list and links by clicking HERE. Note, the stamp(s) you use must actually be offered for sale at SCACD, not just the brand. But with all the wonderful stamps SCACD has to offer, including (of course) the fabulous Elisabeth Bell for SCACD, Carmen Medlin for SCACD and Victoria Case for SCACD stamps, I know you won't have a problem meeting that requirement! (*wink*)

My card features At The Horse Show by Elisabeth Bell for SCACD, part of the Sampler Edition #4. I've paired her with patterned paper from the Pyrus collection by Basic Grey.

Be sure to visit my fellow SCACD Friends With Heart Challenge design team members and see what loveliness they have to inspire and delight you:

Danni

Lorraine

Mary Lou

Pattie

Renkata

I can't wait to see what YOU create for our first challenge! See you there!

Edited to add: there's a prize up for grabs for those who enter our challenges in April... a $50 Gift Certificate to spend in the SCACD Store. Yowsers! What are you waiting for? Jump on in!!!

Cupcake and Kitten

2011-04-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

A blessed Fourth Sunday in Lent to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

The wonderful Miesje Flach is our challenge hostess this week at Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenges. She chose as her inspiration scripture Luke 18:17 "Amen I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Her challenge is to make a card/project for a child. How fun!

My card features an adorable image called Cupcake and Kittens by Carmen Medlin for SCACD. I'm in LOVE with the entire Reflections #2 Collection! I paired this sweet image with patterned paper and chipboard from the DeLovely collection by Cosmo Cricket, and a scrap of ribbon I found in my "scrap of ribbon box." lol

The first thing I thought of when reading the inspiration scripture is pretty much along the same lines as Miesje's devotional (which you'll find on the SSIC blog). We know that faith in Jesus Christ is required to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."), but if we're honest, we all lose or question our faith at one time or another. We experience lingering doubt that maybe we're believing in something that doesn't really exist. After all, there are lots of people around us who think we're nuts, right? They believe this is all there is... life here on earth...or they believe in God but not Jesus, or they believe in Allah, or Buddah, or some higher but undefined being, or... well, you get the picture. Who's right? Who's wrong?

We as Christians look to the Bible for the answer to those questions...the eyewitness accounts of Jesus' time on earth, the miracles, the teachings... those who actually saw him die on the cross and then rise again. However, we are also human and have many influences around us, and it's not shameful to admit that occasionally we wonder.

Children don't have that problem, do they? They hear things and see things and they believe without one shred of doubt, especially if it comes from their parents. Mine were convinced there was a Santa Claus for years, without moment of doubt! And they experienced much joy as a result!

That is what I believe Jesus is trying to tell us... if we hold back our faith, if we allow doubt to enter our thoughts, if we allow our faith to falter, we won't truly enter the kingdom of God. We need to be as trusting as children. After all, we are God's children. And, yes, Virginia, there is a God.

Have a blessed day!

Gracie's Roses

2011-04-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday!!! Time for another FABULOUS sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday!!!

Our very own Simmone Clay ("SemSee") is our challenge hostess this week and she has come up with a most excellent sketch for us to play with! On top of that, our prize sponsor is the wonderful Whimsy Stamps and they are offering a fabby package of goodies. You'll have to pop over to the Sketch Saturday blog and have a look for yourself!

My card features the digi image Gracie's Roses by Crissy Armstrong for Whimsy Stamps. I've paired her with patterned paper, brad and chipboard piece from the Portrait Collection by Crate Paper, with a Prima rose, Kaisercraft rhinestones and some fun fur thrown in for good measure! Gracie looks like a wee flower girl, doesn't she? So sweet!

I hope you'll come along and play with us! Be sure to stop by the Sketch Saturday blog and see the amazing cards created by this extraordinary design team. I'm so blessed to be a part of this group!

Have a wonderful day!!!

Tootin' My Own Horn!

2011-04-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

I'm popping in to let ya'll know that I'm having a sale at The Craft's Meow! From now through Tuesday, April 5th you'll get 20% off your entire purchase! Just enter the code AprilShowers at checkout. I've also added the three wee stamp sets designed by Claire Brennan of Waltzingmouse Stamps to the store, so you can now purchase them with or without the kits!

Thanks for stopping by! Please scroll down or click for The Greeting Farm New Release Blog Hop post!!! MEOW!!!

The Greeting Farm New Release Day Blog Hop!!!

2011-03-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

ALOHA, HELLO and WELCOME to the APRIL release at The Greeting Farm!

We've been eagerly looking forward to today as there is LOTS to be excited about! It's time to welcome the following new characters to "The Farm"!

Surfer Anya (which I'm showcasing today)

Wild Sprout Daisy

Creeper Syren

and

the new CREEPIN CREEPER CREW COLLECTION,
a full 8 1/2 x11 sheet of RUBBER featuring

over $90 worth of stamps for only $48!!!!

We also have more fun for you today at the new FARM FRESH CHALLENGE BLOG! Please stop over and say hello as there is a SYREN CREEPER up for grabs there! It's Farm Fresh Friday, too, so our first challenge is already up and RUNNING!

Once you do that, be sure to FOLLOW the new blog because ONE lucky customer who completes our DT Blog Hop today AND becomes a follower of our new CHALLENGE blog will be entered to WIN the CREEPIN' KIT! That's ONE HUGE PRIZE!!!

Without any further adieu, here is the order of our Farmers' BLOG HOP for release day:

Lisa (that's me!)

Tanya

Emma

Buttercup

Sari

Jessica

back to TGF Blog

You will have until 11:59 pm CST TONIGHT to comment and become a follower and we will happily announce the winner tomorrow morning on the TGF Blog!

GOOD LUCK, ENJOY and HAPPY RELEASE DAY, everyone!!!

Meet Syren!

2011-03-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

There's something fishy going on at The Greeting Farm...something a little creepy too...something TOTALLY new! After the success of TGF's digital mermaid line last year, there were lots of requests for rubber. Ask and ye shall receive! TGF is PROUD to introduce "SYREN!"

Just like her name, this sassy siren will be released TOMORROW (April 1st), along with Surfer Anya, Daisy Sprout, and the HUGE "Creepin" set on a FULL-sheet of rubber! SO exciting! Be sure to check out the rest of the Design Team's creations today and also check out the unveiling of TGF's new CHALLENGE TEAM on the brand new Farm Fresh Challenge Blog!!!

Now you know you wanna click on over on over to the TGF blog to see more of Syren... and visit the fabulous TGF Farmers and show them some love, too!

Buttercup

Tanya Tahir

Emma Eads

Sari Hanninen

and Ms. Jessica Diedrich herself!

See you tomorrow for the BIG RELEASE!!! There's lots of fun in store!!!

Meet Daisy!

2011-03-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!!! Look who we're previewing for you today... a sassy new Sprout named Daisy! Isn't she a doll?! When I sat down to color her up I immediately thought redhead! lol I love red hair! I imagine she's an Irish lass (*wink*). I know she wants to come to your house and play! You'll get your chance on Friday, April 1st when she... along with her friends Surfer Anya and __?__ (and the Creepin Creeper Crew Collection 1)... are released at The Greeting Farm!!!

As many of you have no doubt read (if not, you can click HERE) the Club Anya & Friends blog is closing. Sounds sad, huh? It kinda is. But really it's not! Because something new and exciting will be taking its place... and you'll find out all about it on ~~Friday~~ Thursday!!!

As a salute to all the fun at CA&F over the past couple of years, I've played with the very last Saturday Sketch designed by the wonderful Jen Shultz. I turned the sketch on its side and created a ~~flower~~ daisy for the side embellishment. That gorgeous paper and button are more of Emma's Shoppe by Crate Paper, which I can't seem to get enough of. ;)

For more previews of sweet Daisy nip on over to the TGF blog and also visit these lovely ladies:

Buttercup

Tanya Tahir

Emma Eads

Sari Hanninen

and Ms. Jessica Diedrich herself!

We'll be back tomorrow with a preview of __?__. (*grin*) See you then!

The Creepin Creeper Crew Collection Is Coming Soon!

2011-03-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Oh yes it is! The highly anticipated and very popular Creepin Creeper Crew Collection 1 will be available for purchase at The Greeting Farm starting April 1st! Some of you might have been lucky enough to lay hands on this collection when there was a one-day advanced sales opportunity, but most of us have been waiting eagerly for this day to come, and it's nearly here!

That's not all... you will be entered to win the CREEPIN stamp set if you participate in our release day blog hop on April 1st. There will also be a SURPRISE unveiling of a NEW TGF Blog on the 1st as well... yes, you heard that right...a NEW TGF Blog! It's gonna be a FUN FUN FUN release, so mark your calendars!

For some awesome previews of the Creepin Creeper Crew Collection be sure to pop over to the TGF blog and visit these lovely ladies:

Buttercup

Tanya Tahir

Emma Eads

Sari Hanninen

and Ms. Jessica Diedrich herself!

See you soon!

you are my sunshine

2011-03-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

A blessed Third Sunday in Lent to you! This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

It's my turn to host the challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. I chose as my inspiration scripture Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." My challenge is a different kind of peace... piece... as in paper piecing...use paper piecing in the main image of your card/project.

My card features Little Frieda's Flowers, exclusive to my very own little store The Craft's Meow. From now through Tuesday March 29th, if you buy all three Little Frieda stamps you can save 20%! Just enter the code 3LittleFriedas at checkout. I'm also co-sponsoring this week's challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ, offering a set of the three Little Friedas as a prize. Technique Junkie Newsletter is also sponsoring our challenge with a free one-year subscription! What better time to play in our challenge?!

I paper-pieced Little Frieda's dress with patterned paper from the Emma's Shoppe collection by Crate Paper. I'm just in love with this paper set. The flowers and patterns and colors sing to my heart! I've sort of cobbled together a scene with the paper, making it appear that Little Frieda is basking in the sunshine in a field of flowers. :)

As I sit down to write my devotional for this week's challenge, it's just after midnight. I have to admit that I sorta forgot it was my turn to host the challenge this week. I've been preoccupied for the past few weeks, mainly focused on getting my store opened, but I've had quite a few things on my mind lately. So I'm sitting here wondering how I can possibly... at this late hour and with a distracted mind... write a meaningful devotional? I'm not sure I can. So I'm going to cheat a little... I've pulled out my notes from the sermon preached by our pastor on February 27th...

It was during that service that I chose my inspiration scripture. I think there's a theme lately where my devotionals are concerned. Have you noticed? They all seem to be about worry... or should I say trust and faith? I suppose there's a reason for that. I find myself being tested these days.

The title of the sermon was "Is Today the Tomorrow You Worried About Yesterday." That gives you some food for thought right there, doesn't it? Our pastor offered Philippians 4:6-8 as "A Practical Guide for Worriers." This scripture exhorts us to PRAY... to BE THANKFUL for what we have both here on earth and eternally...to RECEIVE THE GIFT OF PEACE... and to OCCUPY OUR MINDS WITH GODLY THINGS. In other words, the way to deal with worry is to seek first the kingdom of God. Shift your focus away from worldly affairs to your eternal life, because when you seek God, everything else takes its rightful place.

I keep reminding myself of this... not to worry... to "let go, let God." I always feel the peace on some level, for my faith in God hasn't waned. It's just my weaker human self that allows the gloom to set in, the self-doubts, the questions, the regrets, the indecision. But I keep coming back to center...to God...and that, my friends, is the peace that passes all understanding.

Please be sure to stop by the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blog to see the wonderful cards created by our design team. I encourage you to also visit each of their blogs... you will be blessed!

Thanks for stopping by today. God's blessings to you!

Do Sit Down

2011-03-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday!!! Time for another wonderful sketch challenge at Sketch Saturday!!!

I turned the sketch on its side for my card featuring one of my favorite new images... Mrs. Cleaver... one of the brand new Retro Crew Collection by Victoria Case for Susana's Custom Art and Card Design (SCACD). She's perfect paired with patterned paper from the Modern Homemaker collection by October Afternoon. I created the brads from images in the paper with Build-A-Brad by Stampin Up. The greeting is by Rosie's Roadshow.

I hope you'll come along and play with us this week. Our sponsor is The Craft Barn, offering a fabby Tim Holtz stamp set as a prize!

Be sure to nip on over to the Sketch Saturday blog to see the loveliness created by the rest of the design team ladies. You will love what you see!

Me, I'm off to see the Wizard. Actually, I'm off to see Wicked (for the second time) with my youngest Avery (his first theater experience) and my bestie Laureen and her son Garrett. It's a mother/son day for us! Have you seen Wicked? It's fabulous!!! I can't wait to see it again!

Have a wonderful day!

Aaaannnnd We're Back!!!

2011-03-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Note: this is my second post for today... please scroll down for The Greeting Farm's Farm Fresh Friday and preview of Surfer Anya.

Oh, yes, I'm still doing the Happy Dance because... yay!... the Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge is back!!! I've missed these challenges so much!!! And there are a few exciting changes... for one, Taylored Expressions is now a Member Company at Splitcoaststampers!!! That is soooo awesome! Naturally, we're moving the challenges over to SCS in the Taylored Expressions Forum. In fact, all you need to do is pop over to the TESC Sketch Challenge #135 Forum Thread for all the deets on this week's challenge, to grab the sketch and find out how you can win a prize by playing along with us!

My card features images from the super sweet From The Heart stamp set and greeting from the companion From The Heart Funnies. The patterned paper is from the Modern Homemaker collection by October Afternoon.

I hope you'll come along and play with us! The sketch challenge is now bi-weekly (2nd and 4th Fridays), so you have until April 7th to play!

Be sure to visit my Sketch Crew friends for lots of inspiration!

Happy Friday!!!

Doing The Happy Dance!!!

2011-03-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo!!! Woot woot!!! Hurray!!! Yee Haw!!! Yep, I'm doin' the Happy Dance!!! I have been ever since Jessica emailed and invited me to be a guest designer for The Greeting Farm for the month of April!!! Oh yes, it's true!!! And I'm over the moon! I've been a huge fan of TGF forever and dreamed about being part of the team... just ask my friends. They know! lol

And look at this adorable brand new Anya I get to work with! Meet Surfer Anya!!! She'll be released with two other super cool images on April 1st... along with the much anticipated and much loved Creepin' Creeper Crew Collection 1!!! The Farmers and I are showcasing her today to fit with the Farm Fresh Friday challenge theme of Spring Break!!!

You can see all of the cards AND get the deets on the challenge by visiting the TGF blog and these lovely ladies:

Buttercup

Tanya Tahir

Emma Eads

Sari Hanninen

and Ms. Jessica Diedrich herself!

Someone pinch me because I still can't believe I'm here!

The Farmers will be back on Monday with previews of the Creepers, and then we'll all be back on Wednesday with previews of another new stamp releasing on April 1st. I can't wait, can you?

Have a GREAT day!

Oh, I forgot to say... I paired Surfer Anya with patterned paper from the Seaside collection by October Afternoon. The bow is made with a fabric remnant. All edges are sponged with Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

Taylored Expressions Blast From The Past Blog Hop!

2011-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's time once again for the Taylored Expressions Blast From the Past Blog Hop! We're celebrating Spring!

Sankari Wegman has designed a most wonderful sketch for us to play with. I turned it upside down so that my circle element would suggest a sun shining on the flowers. The flowers are from the Friendship Blooms stamp set.

I stamped the stems and inked all edges in Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink. The flowers are stamped in Tim Holtz Spun Sugar Distress Ink. After cutting them out with the coordinating TE Friendship Blooms Dies, I sponged them with a little more Spun Sugar and then Walnut Stain, and topped them off with buttons from the Emma's Shoppe collection by Crate Paper.

And, yes, that lovely paper and the die cut circle are from Emma's Shoppe! I love love love this collection!

Enjoy the hop!

The Craft's Meow

Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #152

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4 You

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With Gratitude

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Celebrate!

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Smile

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Exciting News!!!

I {heart} you!

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So Long, Farewell... for now (wink)