CASology LAUGH-ter

They say laughter is the best medicine.  If you're in need of a little laughter therapy, you'll want to head on over to CASology this week and play along with the newest cue word challenge!

Stamps:  Pink and Main (Old Crow, Oh Snap)

Pink and Main is our sponsor this week and, after looking through some of their adorable stamp sets, an idea formed in my head.  A silly one, I know.  Has ever happened to you?!  I don't expect you to admit it, of course.

After die cutting the stitched main panel, I stamped the cute crow & colored the beak and legs with a Copic marker.  I created the little yellow puddle with watercolors and then stamped the fun sentiment.  The main panel is popped up with foam dots to add a little dimension.

Be sure and go say a quick hello to the design team members & this week's guest designer!  They work so hard each week to create inspiration!

Ardyth Percy-Robb
Deidre Payne
Hannelie Bester
Hazel Hodgkins
Jacquie Southas
 Jen Wills
 Joyce Mehrberg
Judy Marino
 Kymona Tracey
 Melissa Chipperfield (You are here.)

Sherrie Mannion

Tracey McNeely

Guest Designer:  Jane

Then, don't forget to link up your own creation on the challenge blog by Monday at NOON (CDT) for your chance to win a prize from Pink and Main, our sponsor this week!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Coffee Loving Cardmakers + Mama Elephant

First, Happy Leap Day!  My boys are pretty excited about this extra day in February!  I'm just happy March begins tomorrow!  That means spring begins this month!

Today over on the Coffee Loving Cardmakers blog, Mama Elephant is in the sponsor spotlight!

I combined a few of their wonderful stamp sets to create this card:

I die cut the stitched main panel using one of the dies from the Femme Frames die set and then stamped the coffee cup image (Cup of Wishes) & sentiment (Magic Moments) in black ink.  I then stamped and cut out the panda (Pandamonium) before popping it up with foam dots.  The three tiny clear sequins were added last.  I adhered the entire main panel to the card base with foam dots.

Isn't that panda cute?!  DS3 & DD both love pandas, so this set is quite popular in our house right now!

Have a marvelous Monday!

Prickley Pear Bird Fun

Happy Monday!  How was your weekend?  Mine was decent.  DH arrived home safely from his business trip and we all settled in together for the weekend.  After eating our fill of chocolate from Valentine's Day, it's time to head into a new week!

Prickley Pear has just released brand new spring stamps and I used a fun one for today's card!

Aren't these birds cute?!  I just love the expression on the face of the bird at the bottom of the pile!  I stamped the Stacked Robins image and then colored with Copic markers.  The sentiment was stamped alongside the main image.

Have a marvelous Monday!

Prickley Pear Zebra Love

It's Prickley Pear Monday and I've got a unique valentine to show you!  As I mentioned last week, DS3 loves zebras right now and I made this card with him in mind!

I used a simple white main panel and popped it up with foam dots on a black card base.  I just love the zebra image!  The sentiment is a fun font that I think fits perfectly on a child's card!

After a weekend filled with basement project happenings, it's on into a brand new week of daily routines and a visit from grandma!

Have a marvelous Monday!

Happy Birthday, Darnell!

Today is the birthday of someone famous in the crafty parts of blogland for her wit, humor and genuine kindness. Who could be so well rounded, you ask?! It's the one and only Darnell Knauss!  Seriously, if you haven't visited her blog before, you must put it on your summer bucket list.  Period.  Ardyth over at MASKerade is having a birthday linky party for this special occasion, so you'll have to play along if you didn't already know the big secret!

Given her wonderful sense of humor, I thought Darnell might appreciate a little humor on her birthday card...

The inside says, "Happy 29th birthday.  Again!"  I'd never guess Darnell is anything more than 29!  She's got plenty of mischief in her eyes and a wit that doesn't quit!  If I'm half as lively when I'm 29 (again), I'll be tickled pink!  Thank you, Darnell, for giving us something to laugh about on a regular basis!  Laughter is, after all, the best medicine!

Have a very Happy Birthday...and many, many more!

A Hello Hoot

Owls.  I was exposed to them at a very young age...

Now DD seems to have an affection for a certain pink polka dotted one that I happened to stick in her crib along with her elephant and soft doll.  I figured since her room is done up in an owl theme, she might as well have an owl in her stuffed animal collection, right?!  Little did I know she'd latch onto it like she has!

Inspired by owls, I created a card for today using supplies from i{heart}papers who is having a 30% off moving sale until sometime in early July as they make their move!

I used the fun owl in Paper Smooches' Kitschy Kitchen set, inking it up with four different colors of neon ink!  I framed it with the stitched circle die from Lawn Fawn's Stitched Party Banners die set.  The little cursive hello can be found in Lawn Fawn's Love 'n Breakfast set.  I decided to add a little something extra to the eyes with black rhinestones.  As always, I used Memento Tuxedo Black ink for the black sentiment!

It's raining cats and dogs here today, so rainy day activities abound.  DS3 fell asleep on the couch a few minutes ago and DD seems to be amazingly sleeping through all the rumblings going on in the sky!

Have a marvelous Monday!

A Sweet Farewell

Today, it's with a hint of sadness that I type this post.  I'm sharing my final post for Sweet Stamp Shop as I sign off from the design team.  It's been such a great design team experience and I seriously would consider staying if a full summer wasn't staring me in the face!  Basement projects are in full swing now (I'll soon be sharing details!) and school will soon be out for the summer!  Lots to look forward to!

Over on the Sweet Blog, I've posted links to all the Picture Perfect photography posts that I wrote over the past six months, so you can go check them out!  I figured it would be good to put everything in one place just in case anyone missed a week here or there.  I hope the tips were helpful to others!  I in no way claim to be an expert at photography, but I don't mind sharing things I have learned from trial and error in hopes that it will help someone else on their photography journey!

To wrap up my design team term, I created a couple different cards.  If you read my blog fairly regularly, you'll know that I like to create a few things with panda images since DS3 is really into pandas right now!

Stamps:  Sweet Stamp Shop (Panda Face, You Had Me At - sentiment)

I dug out the oh-so-sweet Panda Face set to create a fun little hello card.

The window die is from Memory Box and I adhered a little bit of clear window sheet behind it before popping it up with foam dots to give a more realistic glass look to the window panes!  Such a simple card, but it it really makes me smile!  The simple "hello" sentiment is from the versatile You Had Me At word set.

My second card is less whimsical in nature...

Sweet Stamp Shop (Fall Gratitude, Just the Basics - sentiment)

I've seen so many cards with gold dipped feathers the past few months that I had to try it with the retiring Fall Gratitude set!

I embossed portions of each feather with gold embossing powder after stamping the feather image in Pacific Point ink (StampinUp!).  I popped up the main panel with foam dots and added a trio of gold sequins for a little interest.  The simple sentiment is from the Just the Basics set.  I could have used the Dio De Los Muertos set for this card since it has two little feathers, but I don't currently own it!  *gasp*

I have to tell you that there are a ton of fantastic new sets coming from Sweet Stamp Shop in the months ahead!  I've gotten a little sneak peek and I'm drooling.  The cuteness never ends, I tell you!  If you'd like to get insider peeks yourself as well as extra discounts on new releases, you will want to like Sweet Stamp Shop on Facebook before another new release comes and goes!

A full week of painting awaits since the drywall project is finished in the basement!  I started priming the craft room Saturday, but lots of interruptions occurred with everyone home!  I may try to bravely tackle a little more painting today while DS1 & DS2 are at school and DD is napping, but we'll see!  I can't wait to start sharing photos of this house project with you!  Right now, I'm trying to pick out a paint color and you know how that goes...

Have a marvelous Monday!

Sweet Stamp Shop May Release #1

Today is the day!  Sweet Stamp Shop is releasing three new stamp sets and just wait until you see them...

Always giving us something to smile about, another adorable critter has joined the others in the Sweet Shop!  This time, it's a skunk!

Stamps:  Sweet Stamp Shop (Stinky Skunk, Dad's Tool Box - 'sorry' sentiment)

Sometimes one needs to admit they've been a bit of a stinker, so this card is for such an occasion.  Apologies aren't easy, but they're necessary at times!

With Father's Day next month, the next set I'm going to show you hits the nail on the head!  What father doesn't like tools?!

Stamps:  Sweet Stamp Shop (Dad's Tool Box)

The main panel is embossed with a woodgrain pattern.  I actually cut apart the "DAD" so that I could pop up each letter with a foam dot.

Stamps:  Sweet Stamp Shop (Dad's Tool Box)

On this card, I used black sequins to replicate little washers and added some sparkle to the toolbox with Smooch Spritz.  The main panel is embossed with a brick pattern.

Here is the entire set:

Adorable, no?!!  There is one more set being released today, but I'll let you see it over on the Sweet Blog where even more creative inspiration awaits!  Be sure to take advantage of this coupon code for 10% off the new release sets (good for today):  MR110
The new releases have been selling like hot cakes, so you'll want to be quick to grab the ones you want!

It is still not feeling much like spring around here.  I guess we're getting a late one this year.  I just hope we'll at least get a few nice spring days to enjoy before plunging into the heat of summer!  Rain has been ours most every day so far this week.  Indoor projects are going strong, including a basement that is about to be drywalled!  Exciting, but also a bit nerve wracking!  We're in a bit of a time crunch in our house!  Here's a peek at my future craft room (Yes, I'm trying so very hard to contain my excitement!):

This is actually a room that will be able to be used as a bar or a little apartment kitchen by future owners, if desired.  The line of boards you see sticking out from the wall will be an island with bar stools, a perfect height for someone like me who prefers to stand when crafting.  There will be a few cabinets in an L-shape to go along with the island.  I'll post more pictures as things begin to come together!

The camera is still snapping photos of other things, of course...

Have a wonderful Thursday!

A Sweet Panda Hello: Part I

Happy Monday to you!  A fresh start is once again here and I'm playing catch up today!  We've had guests coming and going since last Thursday and now I am trying to jog my memory to see what exactly I may have forgotten between then and now!  Quite a bit, I'm sure, and I am so thankful for my planner!

Today, I am sharing some more Sweetness from the Sweet Stamp Shop!  I've got another installment of Picture Perfect up over on the Sweet Blog that you'll want to go check out too!  I'm going to be posting in two parts today here on my blog as, like I mentioned, I am playing a bit of catch up today, so stay tuned later today for more Sweet goodness!

For now, I thought you'd like to see some panda cuteness!  DS3 is in love with these critters and I've felt the urge to play with the Panda Face set again lately!

Stamps:  Sweet Stamp Shop (Panda Face, Speech Bubbles - sentiment)

This little guy is quite intrigued by the butterfly that perched on his nose!  I used Martha Stewart's butterly punch to cut three butterflies from red glitter cardstock.  The panda is fussy cut and popped up with foam dots for even more dimension.  The sentiment is from the oh-so-popular Speech Bubbles set.  Black, white and red...one of the more classy color combinations, in my opinion!

Be sure and check out the Sweet Stamp Shop store for the fantastic new sets that were released last week as well as some favorites sets that are being retired!  You'll want to grab the ones you love!  Oh, and remember that next week is the second April release and you aren't going to want to miss it!!!  Check out Facebook for more information and sneak peeks!

Okay, I'm off and running!  Mt. Washmore is about to overtake the laundry room, so I'd better go start feeding the washing machine!  Then, it's down to the craft room with DS3 while DD is napping!  There's also meal planning/grocery list making to do & a quick library run to make after DD awakens, so better try to keep focused!  Easier said than done...

I'll be back later!  Until then, enjoy your Monday!

DeNami Fuzzy Critters Blog Hop!

 

Today happens to be a day filled with all the cuteness one could ask for!  You see, DeNami Design is having a Fuzzy Critter Blog Hop and when you see all the adorable creatures along the way, you're going to be smiling from ear to ear!  I couldn't resist joining in the fun!  I've had a few of their sweet critters for a while now and it's always good when someone nudges me to use some of the things in my stash!

There will be three $20 gift certificates for the DeNami store given away (one to a random participant - excluding DT members - and two to two people who comment along the blog hop), so be sure and hop along, commenting as you go!

You probably arrived here from Paulina's wonderful blog and you're over half way to the finish line!  Isn't this FUN?!  I have a couple clean & simple cards to share with you because that's just my style!

Stamps:  DeNami Design (Swinging Chickie, Little Hedgehog), Paper Trey (sentiment & branches)

I had so much fun with this card!  I used a Memory Box window die and adhered a bit of window sheet to the back of it to give it a more realistic look.

I used the Swinging Chickie and the oh-so-cute Little Hedgehog.  Mr. Hedgehog was feeling kind and lifted Chickie up to peek in the window.  This kind of thing actually happened at our house once, but with a curious squirrel...

We got such a kick out of his little face peeking in the kitchen window!  I was surprised he stayed long enough for me to capture his mugshot!

I had to make another card with the stinkin' cute Little Skunk image!

Stamps:  DeNami Design (Little Skunk), Hambo (sentiment)

I stumbled across the perfect sentiment in my stash while trying to figure out what I was going to use with this little guy!  I couldn't resist.  The thought bubble is a die cut.

Now it's time for you to head on over to Lisa's blog to see her fuzzy critter creation!  If you are arriving here on my blog and haven't visited previous entries in the hop, be sure and start from the beginning on the DeNami blog!  You have until March 10th at 11:59 p.m. PST to leave comments on all the blogs (to be eligible for a prize).

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

CASology #83: JUMP

I'm a model citizen.   I really am.  However, when I was brainstorming for ideas for this week's cue word challenge over at CASology, I kept thinking about jail and jumpsuits!

I remembered a certain digital stamp image from Hambo Stamps and went searching for it!  I was so happy it is still available!  Their stamps crack me up!

Stamps:  Hambo Stamps (Pig Inmate digi), Technique Tuesday (sentiment)

This poor pig has so many bright ideas, but unfortunately each and every one of them gets him into trouble.  He's a positive kind of pig, however, and is certain bright idea #100 will be a great one!  I haven't come up with a final sentiment for the inside yet, but I'm thinking this may be a birthday card for one of those milestone birthdays.  I may just include something like, "Lie about your age."  I'm open to ideas, though!

I hope you'll jump in and join us over at CASology this week!  We really enjoy hopping over to our participants' blogs!  It's so fun to see how each week's cue word is interpreted!  Always be sure and visit the CASology design team members' blogs as well as our guest designer's blog to see where they found their inspiration!  Of course, don't forget to leave them some blog love for all their hard work!

 

Ardyth Percy-Robb
Gillian Ross 
Jen Wills
Joyce Mehrberg
Judy Marino
Kimberly Wiener
 Maureen Merritt
May Park
Meghan McMillan
Melissa Chipperfield (you are here)
Tracey McNeely

Guest Designer:  Piali

Be sure and link up your own JUMP creation on the challenge blog by Sunday at 4:00 p.m. (CST)!

Another 3-4 inches of snow became ours yesterday.  It was more enjoyable this time, however, as the kids didn't have school and we didn't have to get out in it!  DS1 was recovering from an overnight stomach upset, so it worked out quite nicely to have the day off school!  DH spent the afternoon at home, so we were one big, cozy family!

I hope you are staying well and having a decent start to your week!  Can you believe February is more than half over now?!  I'm not going to complain!

Have a terrific Tuesday!