Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Thanks For Sticking With Me....

Hello My Faithful Blogging Friends!
It has taken me a while to pull myself together after the tragic loss of my brother but I wanted to take the time to thank everyone for the emails, comments & cards that I received in the mail. It means a lot to me knowing that so many people that I haven't even met care so much.

I know that some people can blog their way through grief & I thought I was tough enough to deal with anything until I got the call about my brother. I can honestly say that I fell completely apart and haven't had a clear head in months. We were extremely close being that he was the baby and I was always his overly protective Big Sister. We had many great times together and with the Holidays upon us, it is really rough here in my home.

Thanksgiving was extremely sad because that was when he would always pull a surprise visit and the kiddos would be so excited to see him. I have many wonderful memories of him and will be working on his scrapbook very slowly as it's still extremely hard to go through all his personal belongings. I still can't believe he's gone and will never come home again. I have a LOT of bad days where I can barely leave my home but I know that in time--a long time--I will be OK.

My children have been AWESOME during this difficult time! They have lifted me up and let me know that it's OK, they've shown me nothing but love & I am beyond words for how I feel about them. I guess I've raised them right & have shown them the love that I'm now receiving. I thank God for them and all of you!!!

Bear with me a bit more while I get things together so I can start posting again. I'm seriously out of the loop & I hope you understand.
Until Next Time....
Hugs & Love,

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Death in my family.....

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I tell you that my baby brother has passed away.  I have never felt so empty before in my entire life.......

Please pray for myself and my entire family during this time of grieving.  I will post again when I'm able to.
Hugs & Love,

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Etsy Inspiration #91





Good Morning & Happy Saturday Everyone!
It's another Etsy Day and we have a FAB shop to inspire you this week!  How Beadyful is the name & she makes beautiful jewelry, pendants & buttons.  There is plenty to see so take your time browsing for your inspiration.  Our winner will receive the gorgeous buttons pictured above & a $35 gift certificate from our sponsor *Pretty Tape*.  How do you win?  Just visit the featured shop, pick your inspiration, make whatever your heart desires & link it to the EtsyInspired Challenge Blog

My creation was inspired by the colors of the flowers in my inspiration piece.  For some reason, I pictured a  Halloween card so that's the direction I went in.  I think my lil' witch turned out cute & I hope you enjoy it as well.  For even more inspiration, check out the rest of the Design Team's work:
Alex-June Guest Designer
Ashley
De
Emily
Joy
Kerry
Shannon

Thanks so much for stopping by & have a great rest of the weekend.
Hugs & Love,

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Etsy Inspiration #90





Good Morning & Happy Saturday Everyone!
Welcome to another Etsy Day & our featured shop this week is called Sunshyne Silverwear.  This store features handmade treasures such as recycled spoons & washer pendants.  You HAVE to browse through this shop to see all the awesome goodies that she has to offer!  There's LOTS of inspiration there so take your time!!  Why?  Because we have 3 prizes to give away to 3 LUCKY winners this week!!!  Synshyne Silverwear is giving away 2 spoon pendants & our sponsor Claudine Hellmuth is offering the artwork you see pictured above!  How do you win?  Just visit our featured shop, pick your inspiration, make whatever creation your heart desires & link it to the EtsyInspired Challenge Blog.

Now onto my creation.....can you see where I pulled my inspiration from?  You're probably thinking......I don't see any pink LOL!!  Well, I thought that a bit of pink would go wonderfully with the brown & green and I do believe that I was right.  It's a nice color combo and remember the whole point of our challenge is to INSPIRE you so don't be afraid to get creative!!!  Check out the rest of the Design Team for even more inspiration:
Ashley
Clare-May Guest Designer
De
Emily
Heather
Joy
Kelley-May Guest Designer
Kerry
Shannon
Tiffany

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful rest of the Holiday Weekend!
Hugs & Love,

Supplies:
Fun & Fast Notes & Short & Sweet ss; Soft Suede, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White & Natural White cs; Basic Black & Soft Suede ink; Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon; Scallop Circle Punch, Eyelet Border Punch & 1 3/8 Circle Punch; Sweet Pea DSP; SU! Markers & Shimmer Paint

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Etsy Inspiration #89



Good Morning & Happy Saturday Everyone!
Welcome to another Etsy Day and we have a FABULOUS shop for your enjoyment this week called Made by Michelle Brusegaard.  Her store features a variety of handmade items such as cards, stationery, invites, napkins & prints just to name a few.  Be sure and browse for a bit because there is so much to see & inspire you!!!  Michelle is offering the 2 gorgeous prizes you see pictured above and our sponsor this week *Cutting Cafe* is giving away 3 Digi Sets to our lucky winners!!  In order to win, just visit the shop, pick your inspiration, make whatever creation your heart desires and post it to the EtsyInspired Challenge Blog

I chose the beautiful painting/print posted above as my inspiration.  I picked a few of the colors that really spoke to me....even though I wasn't sure how they were going to look on my design but it all worked out in the end.  I'm quite pleased with the final look & I hope you are too.  For more inspiration; check out the rest of the Design Team's work:
Ashley
Clare-May Guest Designer
De
Emily
Heather
Joy
Kelley-May Guest Designer
Kerry
Shannon
Tiffany

Well, I'm off to Chicago with my son Reginald.  We have an appt. with the Art Institute....yes, we're on a college tour!  I can't believe I'm at this stage with him!!!!!  I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the weekend & thanks so much for stopping by!
Hugs & Love,

Supplies:
Friends 24/7 ss; Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, So Saffron, Basic Black & Whisper White cs; Basic Black ink; SU! DSP; Whisper White Satin Ribbon; Old Olive & So Saffron SU! Markers; Scallop Trim Border Punch; Scallop Circle, Small Oval, Modern Label, Circle & Scallop Border Punches; White Gel Pen; Dimensionals

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Etsy Inspiration #88



Good Morning & Happy Saturday Everyone!
Welcome to another Etsy day and our featured shop this week is called Creation Designs and she makes vintage items like windchimes & jewelry.  It's truly charming so I know you'll find something that will inspire you so go check it out.  Our sponsor *Limelight Papercrafts* is offering up the 2 great prizes you see posted for this week's winner:  Max & Whiskers Epoxy Stickers & Max & Whiskers Buttons & our featured shop is also giving away a $20 Gift Certificate!!  For your chance to win, just visit the above shop, pick your inspiration, make whatever creation your heart desires and link it to the EtsyInspired Challenge Blog

My inspiration came from the picture of the pillows you see.  I played with a variety of colors here but I think you can see where my *inspiration* came from.....just about every color you see in the pic LOL!  It was hard to choose which one to use so why not use a variety right?!!  I also let my DSP be my artwork....those butterflies are adorable!  I hope you enjoy it and are inspired to create something cute yourself.  Check out the rest of the Design Team's work  for more inspiration:
Ashley-no internet this week
Clare-May Guest Designer
De
Emily
Heather
Joy
Kelley-May Guest Designer
Kerry
Shannon
Tiffany

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great rest of the weekend!
Hugs & Love,

Supplies:
Vintage Labels ss; Sweet Pea DSP; Old Olive, Pretty in Pink; Chocolate Chip, Rose Red & Shimmer White cs; Rose Red & Old Olive ink; Rose Red Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon; Vintage Brads; Soft Subtles & Rich Regals Brads; Big Shot; Texture Plate; Dimensionals; Curly Label Mover & Shapers Die & Curly Label Punch

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

2 Sketches 4 You Creation.....

Good Morning & Happy Hump Day Everyone!

I am so excited that I was actually able to sit down & make a creation to share with you today!!  I've really missed stamping so much and I was just thrilled to have the time to make something pretty to post midweek LOL!!!

I'm using Kazan's sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You along with the Cottage Wall DSP.  Her sketch is so cool & since I LOVE the colors that are in that DSP; it was pretty easy for me to follow the layout and add my layers.  Thanks Kazan for another fab sketch!  I am very happy with the final outcome & I hope you are too!!!

Be sure to drop back by Saturday morning for my Etsy post.  Until then, take care my friends!! 
Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great rest of the day!!!!

Hugs & Love,

Supplies:
Fresh Cuts ss; Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive & Whisper White cs; Rich Razzleberry Ink; Cottage Wall DSP; Big Shot; Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die; Hemp Twine; Old Olive Satin Ribbon; Scallop Oval Punch; Large & Small Oval Punches; Scallop Trim Border Punch; Mini Clip

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Etsy Inspiration #87


Hello my wonderful blogging friends & readers!
I'm so happy to be here posting a design for you to enjoy after being off for a while!  I truly appreciate all the emails & well wishes from you all so much!!!!!  Things are a bit more settled so I hope to be back on my regular schedule ASAP!!!

Our featured shop this week is called Lindsay Art and she features vintage modern styled artwork, prints & art dolls.  Her work is beautiful so I'm sure you'll have no problem finding your inspiration!!  She's offering the lucky winner their choice of an 8x10 print of your choice & our sponsor Practicing Creativity is offering the stampset you see pictured above!!!!  It's very easy to win these fantastic prizes.....visit the shop, pick your inspiration, make whatever creation your heart desires & link it to the EtsyInspiration Challenge Blog

My creation was totally inspired by the above posted Alphabet Print.  I love the different backgrounds featured on the print & it reminded me of the DSP that I used on my creation.  I think that paper is gorgeous and I wanted it as my *artwork* so I kept it simple.  I used my new favorite punch, some gorgeous ribbon and a sentiment that reflects how I feel about YOU--my blogging friends!!!  I hope you enjoy it along with the rest of the Design Team's artwork:
Ashley
Clare-May Guest Designer
De
Emily
Heather
Joy
Kelley-May Guest Designer
Kerry
Shannon
Tiffany

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great rest of the weekend!
Hugs & Love,

Supplies:
Wings of Friendship ss; Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper; Whisper White & Chocolate Chip cs; Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon; Scallop Oval, Large Oval & Scallop Trim Border Punches

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Thank You All So Much!!!!!

Wow!  What a hectic week I've had getting everything in order around here.  After that heart-stopping phone call & driving back and forth over 2 hours making sure he was going to be OK; he's home and healing thank GOD!!!  I almost want to say he's back to normal since he's grouchy and a bit bi***y LOL so I think he's going to be just fine!!

I hope to be back on schedule with things as of this weekend but don't hold me to it.  Our life has been a bit altered with him not working right now so your continued thoughts & prayers are truly appreciated!  I will keep you updated as much as I can but do know that I'm not getting much computer time these days.  I'm truly thankful for all my *cyber friends* and hope to be back creating very soon!!!

HUGS & LOVE,

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Prayers Please.....

Good Morning My Fellow Blog Readers,
My husband was involved in a terrible accident yesterday in his truck.  He's in stable condition and his spirit is pretty high but I want to ask everyone to please pray for his speedy recovery & my sanity.  I will keep you all updated on how things are going when I can.

Thank you so much and I hope you all have a Blessed rest of the week.
Hugs & Love,

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Etsy Inspiration #78




Good Morning Everyone!
Welcome to another Etsy Inspiration Day.  Our shop of the week is called Fantasy Art of Maigan Lynn and it features wonderfully wild & colorful prints of fairies and mermaids.  She's offering the lucky winner 3 4x6 prints of your choice and our sponsor *GlueArts* is giving away the awesome prize pack you see pictured above!!  How do you win?  Visit the above shop, pick your inspiration, make whatever your heart desires & link it to the EtsyInspiration Challenge Blog.

My inspiration came from 2 sources this week:  a card I received from Convention 2 years ago & the colors on my chosen print.  I truly adore purple but dont' use it very often so this was the perfect opportunity for me!  Bling is another one of my fave things to play with so I especially enjoyed sparkling up my flower & background.  I hope you've been inspired to create something beautiful week!!  Please check out the rest of the Design Teams' work for more inspiration:
Ashley
De
Emily
Heather
Joy
Kerry
Laurel-March Guest Designer
Lisa-March Guest Designer
Shannon

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great rest of the weekend!!
TTFN,
Hugs,

Supplies:
Fifth Avenue Floral ss; Basic Black, Brushed Silver & Elegant Eggplant cs; Black Stazon & Encore Silver ink; Wide Oval Punch; Dazzling Diamonds Glitter; Crystal Effects; Paper Trimmer w/Score Blade

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Etsy Inspiration #77





Good Morning Everyone!
Welcome to another Etsy Inspiration Day!!!  Our featured shop this week is called United Thread and it features beautiful & original  paintings and drawings!  They're offering the lucky winner your choice of a free print or drawing up to $25 AND our sponsor this week *Sakura America* is giving away the fabulous prize you see pictured above!!!!  How do you win?  Visit the featured shop, pick your inspiration, make whatever creation your heart desires and link it to the EtsyInspiration Challenge Blog

I chose the Pink Flamingo watercolor painting as my inspiration.  The pinks just jumped out at me right along with the grays.....I think that's a pretty color combo myself!!  I hope you enjoy my little creation along with the rest of the Design Teams' work:
Ashley
Courtney-February Guest Designer
De
Emily
Heather
Joy
Kerry
Lisa-February Guest Designer
Shannon

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great rest of the weekend!
TTFN,
Hugs,

Supplies:
Short & Sweet & Love You Much ss; Basic Gray, Regal Rose, Going Gray, Basic Black & Whisper White cs; Basic Black & Regal Rose ink; Regal Rose SU! Marker; Basic Gray Satin Ribbon; Giga & Mega Circle Scallop Punches; Large & Small Oval Punches; Eyelet Border Punch; Big Shot & Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Etsy Inspiration #76



Good Morning & Happy Saturday Everyone!
Welcome to another Etsy day!!!  Our featured shop for this week is called Enchanted Beehive and they specialize in unique, handmade soaps, pendants & candles.  They're offering 2 lucky winners 1 item of their choice from their store and our sponsor *Doodle Palace* is graciously giving away 5 digital images to another lucky winner!!!  Please visit the Etsy Challenge blog for all the details on the prizes being offered this week.  How do you win?  Just visit the above shop, pick your inspiration, make whatever creation your heart desires & link it to the EtsyInspired Challenge Blog


Pink is one of my most fave colors to work with so it's no surprise that I chose the picture you see as my inspiration!  I didn't want it to be totally pink so I threw in some chocolate along with some other colors to even it out a bit.  I do LOVE my finished card and I hope you do too along with the rest of the Design Team's work:
Ashley
Courtney-February Guest Designer
De
Emily
Heather
Joy
Kerry
Lisa-February Guest Designer
Shannon

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great rest of the weekend!!
TTFN,
Hugs,

Supplies:
Whimsical Words ss; Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip & Pretty in Pink cs; Rose Red ink; Sending Love Specialty DSP; Sweet Pea Stitched Felt; Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon; Pretty in Pink Corduroy Buttons; Small Heart Punch; Embosslits Scalloped Heart Die & Scallop Trim Border Punch

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Etsy Inspiration #75



Good Saturday Morning Everyone!
Welcome to another Etsy Day!!!  Our featured shop this week is called Spin Designs and they specialize in custom, handmade jewelry.  Be sure and browse around their store, there's lots of inspiration in there especially in the *sales* section!  Our sponsor this week is Dustin Pike and the lucky winner will receive a $10 Gift Coupon to the store or $10 in downloads.  For your chance to win; just visit our featured shop, pick your inspiration, create whatever your heart desires & link it to the Etsy Inspired Challenge Blog

The inspiration for my card came from the branches you see on the above necklace.  They reminded me of hanging ornaments and I couldn't wait to make another black & white card....although I ended up using black & silver!!  All in all, I LOVE the final outcome of it and I hope you do too along with the rest of the Design Team's work:
Ashley
Courtney-February Guest Designer
De
Emily
Heather
Joy
Kerry
Lisa-February Guest Designer
Shannon

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great rest of the weekend!
TTFN,
Hugs,

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Etsy Inspiration #74



Good Saturday Morning Everyone!
Welcome to another Etsy day and this week's featured store is called Travelingmama.  She features some beautiful photography in her store so be sure and check her out!  Our sponsor this week is Simple Doodles and they're offering up 3 digital images for a lucky winner!!  For your chance to win, visit the above shop, pick your inspiration, make whatever your heart desires & link it to the EtsyInspired Challenge Blog.

I think you can see why I chose that photo for my inspiration!  It totally reminded me of the Soot Stamping technique which just happened to be one of the techniques I taught last month so I HAD to use it not only for my class sample; but for today's challenge as well!!!  I love the smoky feel of the picture and I'm so happy with the way my butterflies came out.  I hope you enjoy it too along with the rest of the Design Team's work:
Ashley
Courtney-February Guest Designer
De
Emily
Heather
Joy
Lisa-February Guest Designer
Shannon

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great rest of the weekend!
TTFN,
Hugs,

Supplies:
Great Friend ss; Basic Black, Whisper White & Glossy White cs; Basic Black ink; Basic Black & Whisper White Satin Ribbon

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Etsy Inspiration #73




Good Saturday Morning Everyone!
Welcome to another wonderful Etsy Inspiration day!!!  Our featured store is called Elies Happy Hats and let me tell you.....you'll be totally inspired by all her beautiful crocheted creations & awed by the pictures of those adorable babies!!!  I wondered for a bit before settling on my inspiraton so make sure you do the same!  One lucky winner will receive an awesome prize pack from the shop: Baby Flapper Summer Hat, 1 White/Purple two layer Flower Hat and 1 Teddy Bear Hat.  Our sponsor for this week is Pixie Dust Studio & their offering up another fab prize.  Check out the EtsyInspired Challenge Blog for the details on the prize and for your opportunity to win all you need to do is visit the shop, pick your inspiration, make whatever creation your heart desires & link it to the challenge blog!

I really like the color combo on the picture that I chose so I decided to run with them.  It puts me in the mood for spring on this cold, wintry morning and my layout came from my need to use my new punch & ribbon.  I truly enjoyed making this week's card & I hope you enjoy it along with the rest of the Design Teams' work:
Ashley
De
Emily
Heather P.-January Guest Designer
Joy
Kerry
Shannon
Tiffany

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great rest of the weekend!!
TTFN,
Hugs,

Supplies:
Flight of the Butterfly ss; Old Olive, Whisper White & Tempting Turquoise cs; Tempting Turquoise & Old Olive ink; Old Olive & Whisper White Satin Ribbon; Scallop Trim Border Punch; Vintage Brads