Peace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live Your Life With Grace

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

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

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

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

Enabler Alert Enabler Alert

Today is FREE DIGI DAY at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, plus the release of two adorable new digi images, Winter Wishes and Self Conscious Paulie!


Also, the limited edition Birthday Sunbeams are now in stock!!! Grab yours before they're gone!There are still several stamp sets on clearance for 70% off. Happy shopping!

Two Wednesday Posts - Oh My!

This is my second post for today. Please scroll down for my La-La Land Weekly Wednesday Challenge post. Thanks!

If it's Wednesday, that means it's time for another fun challenge at Whimsical Wednesdays: The Diedrich Dare! I'm proud to be the hostess for this week's challenge, which is an inspiration piece by Jessica's DS Jack. (Check out what it says on the green mug... too funny!)

I took my cues from the two mugs and the colors. I absolutely ADORE the Early Bird DP by Cosmo Cricket. Paired with Warm Happiness by Papertrey Ink, this card came together quickly...which was a good thing since at the time I was suffering the after-effects of some pretty heavy dental work. All I could think was "get done, take drugs and lay down!"

I used a bit of dark brown Sparkly Fluff for the "cocoa," and some Bo Bunny ribbon to give my card a bit of zip. The paper piercing is inspired by the Stamping A Latte girl herself, Jodi Collins. I used the Stitch Doodle Dot Template from Taylored Expressions to fill in that empty space at the top of the card, and I LOVE how it turned out. My card also happens to follow this week's sketch at CPS. Have I mentioned lately that I love a good sketch?

Don't forget to check in on the rest of the Daredevils to see what they've cooked up for your viewing pleasure:

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

Before I go, I want to thank the good folks over at Our Daily Bread Designs Blog for featuring my card, Know That The Lord is God, as the "Customer of the Day Card." You have no idea how humbled and honored I am! To God be the Glory!

Thanks for stopping by and visiting me twice today. Don't forget to HUG a veteran and say thanks!

Have You Ever Seen a Snow Cow?

Well you have now! Hello my friends! Today, of course, is a very special Wednesday. It's Veterans Day here in the US, a day when we recognize those who have served or are serving in the armed forces. I mentioned in my post on Sunday how much respect I have for the military. I was raised in a military family. I wholeheartedly agree that we should honor and recognize our veterans, and that we should do so as often as possible, not just on Veterans Day. But, hey, why not HUG a veteran today and say thanks! Or call one? I think I'm going to call my daddy!

Speaking of which, we have a card drive going at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. I hope you'll join us and send cards to Operation Write Home, either through SSCC or on your own at any time (and as often as possible!). The smallest of gestures means so much!

That just reminded me of something, and so I shall digress. When my dad went on what I think was his last tour of Vietnam, he bought each himself and my mom a little black cassette tape recorder. These were the old-fashioned kind, folks, not like the sleek numbers they produce today. The purpose was so that he could record "letters" home, and Mom could do the same in return. She'd even record us "talking to Daddy." I wonder whatever happened to those tapes. I'll have to ask Dad when I call him.

A further memory: my dad also bought me a Bobby Sherman tape to play on the tape recorder. I remember sitting on the porch at our house in Mississippi and listening to that tape! I was in LOVE with Bobby Sherman, David Cassidy and Donny Osmond. Okay, now you have a good idea of how old I'll be on November 29th. Hahahahahahaha!

We now return to our original program.

Since today is Wednesday, that means it's the start of a new challenge at the La-La Land Crafts blog! Our hostess this week is the very talented and sweet Kathy Page. Kathy's challenge is to use die-cuts and/or punches on our cards/projects. I can't live without my Spellbinders, so this was a welcome challenge.

I just love Building Snowman Maya! And what better DP to use with such a whimsical image than these bright patterns from the Cosmo Cricket Jolly By Golly collection. I was wondering what to do with such brightly colored paper. Extra points if you noticed the bells! And, of course, you can see I met the challenge by layering a pendant die cut with the scalloped octagon Nestie.

Why not come on over and play with us this week? There's a La-La Land Crafts stamp up for grabs for the challenge winner!

Remember yesterday I promised a DOUBLE FEATURE today, so stay tuned for more. See you back here soon!

A Merry Christmas To You

So I'm wondering... is anyone else feeling a bit guilty about giving short shrift to the pilgrims and/or the autumn season? I have to admit that I am... a tiny bit anyway. But that isn't stopping me from reaching for all the great Christmas stamps in my stash, including the one featured in today's card from the Very Vintage Christmas stamp set. I'm LOVING the stamp sets from Waltzingmouse Stamps! Claire just keeps releasing one fantastic set after another. They are especially nice if you like stamping images that don't require any coloring. She carries those, too, of course, but for folks who like to stamp in color, you will LOVE the selection!

My card follows Sweet Sketch Wednesday #22. I just found this challenge blog through the ultra-talented and lovely Kelly Landers, and it looks like a lot of fun. You know me, I'm always up for a good sketch challenge!

My card came together quickly with this lovely SEI DP and Prism cardstock, and that awesome lace ribbon, all purchased from Taylored Expressions.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll came back tomorrow for a DOUBLE FEATURE! Have a merry day!

Winter Basket

Happy Monday! I figure we need to keep a positive attitude about Mondays. After all, if our lives were counted by weekends, we'd only have 52 in a year. Think of all that we'd miss!

Today's card follows Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #46. This is my first time playing in Mercy's sketch challenge, and it won't be my last! I just LOVE a good sketch challenge to get the juices flowing!




My card also fits the challenge at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Digi Day Challenge #1 at SNR Card Universe. I know I'm a wee bit behind in submitting my card, but there's still time for YOU to play, too, and get this adorable FREE DIGI designed by the sweet Leah Cornelius! All you have to do is feature holly somewhere in your card, and you can use any stamps you want (but if you have some Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, why not show them some love?). Your card must be uploaded to the SNR website by Thursday morning.

My card features another wonderful digi stamp by Leah called Pinecones & Holly. It's a bit difficult to see in the photo, but I put a touch of glitter on the pinecones and berries. It really sparkles IRL. The DP is, of course, Cosmo Cricket (love love love Cosmo Cricket) and the cardstock by Prism.

Speaking of which, TODAY is Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps 2nd Birthday, and there's LOTS going on to celebrate at the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps forum at Papercraft Planet. Come join us for challenges, prizes, lots of fun, and to wish Korin a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I'll be back soon with more to share. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a berry tweet day!

Officer Oakley

A blessed Sunday to you! It's time once again for another wonderful challenge at Stampin' Sisters in Christ. This week's challenge is hosted by sweet Candace Mitchell, who has a very special scripture and challenge for us. The scripture she chose is John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." The challenge involves making cards for our military forces. For full details, please click over to the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge blog.

The importance of this scripture and challenge is more relevant than ever given the tragedy that occurred at Fort Hood this past week. As I said on the SSCC blog, is this a coincidence? I think not! God is definitely with us in that blog challenge and His timing is always perfect. Now more than ever our troops need to know how much we love and support them, and how grateful we are to them for putting their lives on the line each and every day for our freedom.

My father spent 25 years in service of our country, first as an enlisted Marine, then as a student at the Naval Academy (Annapolis), and finally as a helicopter pilot in the Air Force. He did three tours in Vietnam, where he flew air rescue.

My childhood was spent as part of a military family. I was born at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. We then moved to Bryan, TX where my sister Kim was born; then to Clark AFB in the Philippines where my sister Linda was born; then to Rome, NY where I started school; then to Luke AFB near Phoenix, AZ where my brother Andrew was born; then to Sevilla, Spain (Moron [pronounced mo-rone] AFB); then to Spangdahlem AB in Germany; then to Tupelo, MS while my dad did his last tour of Vietnam; then to Fairchild AFB in Spokane, WA, where my dad retired in 1972. A year later, we moved to Riverside, California, where I still live.

Because of my dad and military family upbringing, I have the most profound respect for the military. My sister Linda also did a four-year stint in the Air Force, and my brother a six-year tour in the Navy.

Regardless of your feelings about the war in Iraq and/or Afghanistan (let's face it, no one likes war), we must always always support the men and women who lay their lives down for our freedom and the freedom of others. I hope you'll take the time to send some cards to our troops as outlined in the SSCC blog challenge.

I know my card is a bit juvenile looking, but I found I have NO patriotic stamps in my rather extensive stamp collection. Shame on me! So I went searching around for a digi stamp and found this one, called Officer Oakley, at Digital Delights by Louby Lou. I paper-pieced his uniform because I couldn't achieve the right color of navy blue with my Copics. I used a gold gel pen to make the buttons and insignia on his cap. He looks a bit like an airline pilot, don't you think? But I did remember to put a gloss on his shoes. Shiny shoes are REALLY important to military personnel. A rather simple card, but clean lines are what the military is all about.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you have a free day to enjoy all the things and people you love!