This Pink Rooster

Papertrey Princesses Challenge - Nontraditional Colors

2011-10-17T10:12:00.000-05:00

Good morning! Sorry for the tardiness of my posting this challenge...and I don't have a real excuse...just that what I truly need to do in my life gets in the way of what I want to do sometimes...okay, times. Either way, I hope you enjoy have fun with this!
There's been some discussion on the PTI forum about using nontraditional colors for Christmas cards and projects. Typically, I'm a pretty traditional gal...but the discussion and some awesome PTI design team projects has gotten me trying to think outside the box...not to mention outside my comfort zone. So...I thought it would be fun for this challenge to use some nontraditional colors for fall projects...and here's what I've come up.
First, a clean and simple card using a kraft base and a few die cuts in red, green and blue...the sentiment on a double ended banner...and a button as the finishing touch.

I just couldn't let the other leaves from the die cut go to waste...so I put together another card...off white base...red, blue and green leaves...a strip of brown with a woodgrain impression anchoring twine and a button...and a sentiment perfect for a friend I've been needing to keep in touch with.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a super day!

PDCC94 - Hanging Out...Again

2011-08-11T11:35:00.000-05:00

Seriously...I simply cannot get enough of PTI's Hanging Out stamp set and die. AMAZING...a crafty masterpiece! I've used it again...this time little boys...and to play along at the Play Date Cafe...Challenge 94...Fudge, Goldenrod and Teal.

Perfect little boy fare, me thinks...and here's my contribution.

Thanks for stopping by...and have a GREAT day!

Halloween Fun Sneak Peek

2011-08-10T18:41:00.001-05:00

I thought it would be fun to share one of the cards that we'll be making in the upcoming Halloween Fun In the Classroom. The sketch...totally CASEd from Nichole Heady's blog...is fast becoming one of my favorites. I love to throw in a little unexpected color...like this PTI Aqua Mist...in the midst of a fall-ish-Halloween card...so fun! Doesn't the little swirly (from PTI Half and Half stamp set and dies) above the jack-o-lantern make him look a little scary...or confused...or that he's having a bad hair day? Either way...gotta love him!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great evening!

Bewitching!

2011-08-09T07:56:00.000-05:00

I love taking small, simple gifts and making them extra special...it's amazing what a little bit of paper, ribbon and bling can do to a plain ole' movie sized box of M&M's...magic, I tell 'ya!

This little goodie is my contribution to the CASE competition at the Waltzingmouse Stamps blog. The challenge is to CASE a card or project posted on the blog of one of the WMS design team members...using WMS stamps, of course. I fell head over heals for these cameo cards by Kate Whelan...and thought they were the perfect way to use this adorable witch in WMS's Midnight Feast stamp set.

She's so channeling Samantha Stevens, isn't she? Hehe!

Thanks for popping in...have a super day!

Thinking of You

2011-08-08T09:50:00.003-05:00

Popping in this morning to share a card that I made last night...no rhyme or reason...no challenge...kind out of my element using lighter colors...but I'm kinda liking it. I used PTI's Larger than Life stamp set and dies...for the first time. LOVE them...can't wait to use them again! The sentiment is from PTI's Healing Touch Sentiments set. If you don't have it, run...don't walk...to get your hands on it. Perfection!

Now I'm off to make zucchini and banana muffins and get a TON of laundry done. Thanks for stopping by...have a GREAT day!

ETA: Forgot to give credit where credit is due...totally CASEd this card from the new SU! catalog...lots to CASE in there! :)

My First PDCC

2011-08-07T00:16:00.001-05:00

Play Date Cafe Challenge 93, that is...Watermelon, Sorbet and Lime...colors that are VERY out of my comfort zone, but I gave it a shot! Here's the challenge post...and what a great design team! So creative and talented!

Actually, it's grown on me...it's one of those cards that really does look better in real life...and there's a bonus - it's perfect for a wedding card that I need to get into the mail this week.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful Sunday!

One to Send...Another Princesses Challenge

2011-08-06T07:39:00.000-05:00

Popping in this morning to share another Papertrey Princesses challenge...this one from Leah who challenged us to make a card that we would send out within a week. While I love making cards...and other gifties...I definitely have a hard time getting them into the hands...and hopefully hearts...of those they are intended for. I was so up for this challenge!
A friend of the family had their first baby this week...a precious little girl...and what better card is there to make than one to celebrate a new little life? I couldn't resist CASEing a card made by Betsy Veldman and using PTI's new Hanging Out stamp set and dies...TO. DIE. FOR. Seriously, folks!

I had been hoarding some Cosmo Cricket Little Girls paper, and I talked myself into cutting into it...I was not disappointed! These little jumpers and t-shirts and onesies are ADORABLE...they look like something you could pick up at Gymboree, don't they?

I've wanted for awhile to make a little gifty scrapbook that Nichole Heady had on her blog a while ago...an easy way for parents to document their baby's first year milestones. This was the perfect opportunity to do that...so, of course, I had to make a tag that matched the gift...I cut the tag with a coaster, so it's strong enough to stay on the book for all times! If this little girl is going to be anything like my kids, though, it won't last forever...their baby books are well loved (uh...kinda destroyed)...but I don't mind...we spent many hours talking about how special they are and how many people loved them.

I didn't get a chance to photograph the inside of the album, but it was easy peasy to put together...I'll definitely be making more of them!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a SUPER Saturday!

Hot or Cold?

2011-08-05T08:39:00.001-05:00

Good morning! I'm finally able to get back to this little blog...I've been out of commission, or I should say that our internet service has been out of commission...for more than 2 1/2 weeks!! Crazy, and soooooo frustrating...but we're back on. Yay!
We've also had family in town for a long visit...good to see everyone...but good to get back into the swing of things, to our normal routine.
I've been VERY out of the loop with my challenge group...Papertrey Princesses...on the PTI forum, and I'm happy that getting back to normal has given me some time to catch up with a couple of challenge projects. Princess Vanessa challenged us to use only "hot" (red, orange, yellow, pink) or "cold" (blue, green, grey) colors on a card. Using primarily cold colors are kind of out of my comfort zone...but here's mine...

I couldn't resist using PTI's new Sweet as Can Be stamp set and dies...truly cool! I had so much fun with this challenge...couldn't resist doing the same card in some "hot" colors...

And here they are...together...hot and cold!

Thanks for stopping by...have a great day!

Post'n'Go - Get Well

2011-07-14T12:32:00.000-05:00

Back with another Post'n'Go to share this bright and cheerful get well card.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!

Post'n'Go - Tag It's #3

2011-07-13T07:06:00.000-05:00

Internet's been down, and there's so much to do to catch up...today a Post'n'Go...some lovely Cosmo Cricket Paper (LOVE IT!) and the always fabulous PTI everything else...

Thanks for looking, and have a great day!

It's a Beautiful Day...

2011-07-10T05:17:00.000-05:00

in this neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor...something about that song...warms my heart...makes me feel incredibly lucky for my own neighborhood and for our own beautiful "neighbors", if you will...
Our closest human neighbor is across a good part of the field...last year beans, this year corn, next year beans...but we are blessed for many other neighbors so much closer...in our own little corner of the world...things that also warm my heart and make me feel safe and at home. Some of them were introduced here...others are waiting for their own little debut.
Apples...in ourown tiny orchard...bigger each day...ever closer to the canning and freezing that we will be so thankful for during winter's cold months.

My beautiful hens...enjoying the spoils of the apples that find their way to the ground way too early...providing fresh, lovely eggs each day...I'm forever in awe at the brown beauties that I collect each day.

This lovely lady finds some shade...choosing a spot away from the sun...allowing her friends first "dibs" at the apple treats.

Garden tools in the never ending weeds...not really neighbors, but a sight that I'm drawn to...for some reason.

The battered pail on the post...here since before this became our home all those years ago...don't know what it is, but I love it.

If you're still with me, there's a card, too...made with heart for a special young lady that is hurting right now...a broken ankle and the surgery so necessary to begin the long recovery...something bright and fun, and I hope it cheers her up!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Sending you...

2011-07-09T09:36:00.000-05:00

a happy Saturday hello! I'm one of those people that is never satisfied...when it's too hot I'm wishing for fall (but I NEVER wish for winter...just fall)...when it's too cold I'm wishing for summer...or at least spring. This hot, humid Illinois weather has me thinking about fall...so here I am...sharing a fall-ish kind of card...and a fall card in the middle of July has nothing to do with the fact that I have about a thousand summer-y kind of cards that I just haven't had a chance to photograph...wink, wink...

Cosmo Cricket and PTI...gotta love it!
Thanks for stopping by...have a SUPER weekend!

Fun Finds - Mini Colander

2011-07-08T08:28:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about shaking up this little 'ole blog of mine...finding a rhythm...starting a series or two...sharing more of what I love, like things that I find...things so easy to fall head over heels for...fun finds, 'ya know...and what better time is there for a little fun than on a Friday morning?
So...here it is...the inaugural Fun Finds post...the mini colander!
I found these little beauties in one my favorite shopping places on earth...the Target Dollar Spot. Well, they weren't exactly a dollar...but well worth the $2.50 I parted with. Here they are...all in their stacked splendor...I probably would have taken a dozen more if I hadn't cleared out the local stock...as it were.

They're perfect...I think...for a lot of things...but most wonderfully for little hands looking for a few strawberries!

Thank you so much for stopping by, and have a great day!

Twenty-One and Twenty-Two

2011-07-05T19:39:00.000-05:00

Stopping by tonight to share some twentysomething fun...a card I made for a brand new twenty-one year old...

and some photos of my favorite twenty-two month old...

Have a great evening!

Post'n'Go - Est. 1776

2011-07-04T06:50:00.000-05:00

The sentiment says it all!

Have a wonderful day!

Knee Deep

2011-06-20T14:32:00.000-05:00

I've been more than knee deep in fun with this little guy...an amazing little guy who loves to start his day with a cheese stick and fruit (preferably strawberries)...and who I couldn't love more... it's such an incredible honor to be his Grams.

While he's napping I thought I'd pop in to share some vintage fun...as vintage as I can get, I guess. I love the vintage look...but I'm not always able to take the image in my mind and get it to "work" on paper. Crate Paper and PTI...loving it...the beautiful seam binding ribbon from SU! is just the right finishing touch, I think.

I just couldn't stop myself from making a little matchy, matchy tag...I was absolutely itching to ink up this awesome Crafty Secrets dress form stamp...a perfect partner for PTI's button card die and button card die.

Thanks for stopping by...have a great afternoon!

Post'n'Go - Frog Hop

2011-06-16T07:35:00.000-05:00

Who said that frogs are just for boys? Hehe!

PS: Don't you just LOVE Accucut's new Mini Cupcake Box?

Botanical Silhouettes

2011-06-15T08:53:00.001-05:00

Popping in to say "Good Morning!" and to share a couple of cards using Papertrey Ink's new anniversary set, Botanical Silhouettes.

Kraft base, white panel, fabulous flowers and an amazing font...LOVE IT!...Oh, and I can't forget great color and ribbon...makes my day.

I used Accucut's Bottle Tag die for the bottle tag...somewhat to meet my (sometimes compulsive) need to make matching cards and gifts...but mostly to add to a bottle of organic lemonade for a sweet friend celebrating a special birthday next week. I think it's the perfect summer treat, and I hope she'll enjoy it.

Thanks for visiting!

Forever Behind

2011-06-14T14:19:00.002-05:00

I don't know how I do it...get so far behind with posting. I've been crazy busy...family, farm and crafting (of which I've done a lot lately-yay!)...shooting and editing...I love it all, but just can't seem to keep up! Anyway, I'm here...happy to be sharing some crafty fun...Yay again!
First up, another project using goodies from Michelle Philippi's Etsy shop. One of current faves is Crate Paper, and I've used this colorful paper from the School Spirit line to add some pizzaz to a plain glassine bag.

I tied it up with some jute (also from Michelle's Etsy shop) and added a tag using Papertrey Ink stamps and a SU! eyelet - that was kind of a blast from the past...haven't used eyelets for such a long time...forgot how much I loved them!

Next up, a couple of cards for Clean and Simple Stamping's Sketch Challenge 144. In all of the hubbub (is that really a word...or spelled right, if it is?) I'm trying to find some challenges to be a part of. For the first card I've used Papertrey Ink's Wildflower Garden stamp set...and taken bit of liberty with the sketch's placement of the sentiment...but I love the way it turned out. A kraft base, PTI Edgers #1 and some Kaiser black rhinestones and button twine add to the earthy mood of the card.

For this last card I've kept true with the sketch, pairing my most favorite (ever!) Jillibean Soup paper with a PTI sentiment and flowers from an oldie but goodie SU! punch. Simple and sweet...and already in the mail with a catch-up note to a dear friend.

Thanks for visiting!

For the Graduate

2011-05-10T12:22:00.000-05:00

I love this time of the year...spring...sports...the new green surrounding us...the feel of the sun on my face...and the new promise that I always feel with weddings, graduations, and new (or old) love!
I have several projects...ready to celebrate all of these wonderful events...beginning with a fun pillow box crafted specifically for someone special and who just happens to be fun, too!

This Cosmo Cricket paper has long been a favorite of mine...I've paired it with a PTI sentiment and some sweet embellishments (including twine)...all added to this kraft pillow box sent to me by Michelle Phillipi from her Etsy Shoppe. Perfect size for a gift card or the always appreciated cash!
Are you ready for the spring fun?
Thanks for visiting, and have a great day!!

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T09:02:00.000-05:00

Good Monday morning! So much to do...asparagus and rhurbarb to cut...eggs to collect...cleaning and laundry...and sharing some sweet memories of yesterday's wonderful Mother's Day.
Cards for our Mothers...beautiful new Crate Paper and American Crafts ribbon...so simple and lovely.

Their gifts...salad bowls!! Hubby and I put together these beautiful "bowls" filled with buttercrunch and red leaf lettuces, arugula, swiss chard and garlic chives...with proper harvesting our moms should have fresh salad greens at their fingertips for almost the entire summer.

A pinwheel...for a touch of fun!

Some family shots...my beautiful daughter and her husband...

my son and his sweet family...

and the best for last...Timothy...enjoying his dessert!

I hope that your Mother's Day was as simply wonderful as mine...great food, fun and family!

Thanks so much for visiting, and have a great day!!

Post'n'Go - New Beginnings

2011-05-06T07:41:00.001-05:00

Stopping by with a Friday Post'n'Go.

Thanks for visiting, and Happy Friday!!

You Rock!

2011-05-05T06:29:00.001-05:00

Today's To-Do:
Chicken and cattle morning chores
Egg washing
Chicken coop clean out
Freeze spinach
Plan next week's menu
Grocery shopping
Dinner and dishes

I'd better get cracking...but first, a card!

This is a totally-out-of-my-comfort-zone kind of card, but I'm pretty happy with it. Kraft base...Crate Paper...Papertrey Ink dies and stamps...SU! ink...embossing powder.
Thanks for visiting, and have a rockin' day!

Welcome to the Neighborhood

2011-05-04T09:06:00.000-05:00

Spring is arriving in Northern Illinois...ever so slowly...but it IS on its way...and with spring comes the return to the farm of many sweet neighbors...neighbors that I so miss during the cold winter months. Please, let me introduce to you...
The Tulips by the Shed...my sweet husband knows that I'm not crazy about the rickety metal shed...but fill the front with my favorite...the tulip...and it somehow makes everything right.

The Tulips in the Yard...Tulips on the east on on the south...they're great neighbors!

The Daylilies and the Daffodils...

The Funky Flower by the Well...

and The Pear and Apple Blooms...on their way to becoming pear applesauce in just a few short months.

I can't forget the lovely friends that have weathered the cold winter with us...

Belle...( my lovely Belle...so beautiful!)...

Bully...he looks intimidating (and he can be a bully)...but he's just a softy who loves his daily scratch...

and Berger...my baby...so ready for his spring cleaning!

If you've hung in for this spring around the farm I also have a card to share!

I couldn't wait to get my hands on the new Crate Paper designs...isn't this paper fun...so woodsy and Bohemian? I paired it with a kraft base and embossed sentiment tag and added a a pop of color using Papertrey Ink's Simple Circles stamp set and border die (also embossed), Pure Poppy cardstock, Beautiful Blooms #3 dies and Dark Chocolate Vintage Buttons. I love it!

Thanks for visiting, and have a fabulous day!

Simples - Kraft Boxes #1

2011-05-03T09:24:00.000-05:00

Good morning! I have a super sweet Simples to share today...Kraft Boxes!
I love kraft boxes...I can't get enough of them, and I love being able to use my own dies to make them. I think they are about the most versatile packaging item available. There is just something earthy and wonderful about them...and a kraft box goes with anything!
I was drawn to this Morning Glory Muffin recipe after reading Melissa Phillips' post...they just sounded so yummy...and I thought they would be a perfect little treat to make and give in a kraft box.

I used this Accucut die for this box, stamped it on all sides with my absolutely favorite sentiment from PTI's Handwritten Notes stamp set and embellished it with hot pink bakery twine and a PTI Raspberry Fizz Vintage Button. (And BTW, how absolutely adorable do those muffins look in these hot pink baking cups from Bake-It Pretty?)

I wrapped the muffin with waxed paper and more bakery twine and paired it with a tiny, just-the-right-size container of cinnamon honey butter for extra yumminess!

It was a perfect fit!

And here it is...Simple...fun...and oh so yummy!

Thanks so much for visiting...have a wonderful day!

Ad Sense...Friendship

2011-04-27T20:16:00.000-05:00

I was sooo excited to get Papertrey Ink's new Ad Sense stamp set. My mind was seriously racing with ideas to pair it with some of my favorite October Afternoon papers...I just can't get enough OA! Were you lucky enough to get in on their warehouse sale? It was so awesome that they opened up the sale to online ordering...the prices ROCKED, and I was able to totally stock up. Keep your eyes open for some fun new OA projects. Okay...back to the card. Haha!

I really wanted to do some stitching on this card, but my sewing machine just wasn't cooperating. I like it anyway, though, and the little PTI Floral Fusion flower (say that three times fast!) was just the sweet final touch that I was looking for.
Alright, off to get the dinner dishes done...thanks for stopping by, and have a super evening!

An Update...and Easter!

2011-04-26T10:12:00.000-05:00

I've been such a bad blogger...but for lots of reasons. I'm talking about not only computer, internet AND camera issues, but a nasty infection that has literally kicked my hind end. I have an iffy history with antibiotics (we're definitely NOT good friends) which always makes any infection harder to manage than it should be...anyway, I'm on the mend and soooo happy to be back to the land of blog!!
I have so much to share, so let's start with some Easter fun! As I wasn't feeling so hot, I went with something simple and used some of my faves for this year's card...Papertrey Ink cardstock, ribbon, doily die and stamps; SU! ink; and Cosmo Cricket DP. A couple sweet pearls seemed just the right final touch.

There was a lot of "buzz" on the PTI forum about Easter foodie projects using Peeps...and I couldn't resist joining in the fun!.

I'd be lying if I said the cake was the hit of the Easter party...the hit of any party is ALWAYS our grandson, Timothy! The weather was beautiful...perfect for his first egg hunt!

Such fun for our sweet boy! Thanks for visiting!

Papertrey Princesses Challenge

2011-03-17T17:40:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to be posting today's Papertrey Princesses challenge!

I love spring...everything about it - Easter, bunnies, birds, tulips and daffodils, fresh green grass...oh, my! I could go on and on!! I won't, but I'll make it the challenge!

To be more specific the challenge is to incorporate an image AND a color that means spring to you into a project of your choice. If you're up to an extra challenge, I'd love to see lots of non-card projects! With Easter just six (or so) weeks ago, it would be a great start to some fun Easter projects.

That's what I've done with my projects. I like to add something fun at each person's place at the table at Easter dinner. This year I've chosen to make these sweet little boxes. Isn't it fun that the boxes are the color of chocolate? I layered a bunny image on a doily cut in kraft (swoon...can't get enough of kraft doilies) and a New Leaf green circle and then added a matching button and ribbon for a fun pop of color.

I think these little boxes will be perfect for a sweet, Easter treat and that they'll look great on the Easter table!

I hope you have fun with this challenge...I can't wait to see your projects!

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: Friendship Jar Spring Fillers

Paper: Kraft, New Leaf, Sweet Blush, Spring Rain ; SU! Early Espresso

Ink: Black

Accessories: Orange Zest and Royal Velvet Vintage Buttons and Bitty Dots, Baker's Twine, Doilies Details dies; Nestabilities, Accucut Box die

A Little Cheer

2011-03-11T08:59:00.000-06:00

Popping in with a Post'n'Go to share a card set to go out to someone special who needs a little cheer. I hope it works!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a super day!

Little One

2011-03-09T21:47:00.001-06:00

I've been so incredibly moved by the sweet comments and support from all of you as we settle in to life without Gus. Time will help, and Gus will always hold a special place in all of our hearts. I truly can't say thank you enough.
In the crafty room I've been trying to work outside of my comfort zone, and I've made some things that I have absolutely fallen in love with. This sweet card is something that I'm so excited to share.

The color palette is not one that I would typically use, but I really like it in this card. Buttons are always a go to for me, and this Stampin' Up! ribbon is to die for. I most often appreciate things straight, clean and tidy so this disheveled ribbon/button look is unusual for me, but I think it works here. Your constructive comments are more than welcome!

I'm exhausted, and I'm heading off to climb into my warm, cozy bed for the night.

Thanks for visiting and for your sweet comments!

Have a great night!

Unintended Inspiration

2011-03-07T14:00:00.000-06:00

No, I didn't fall of the face of the earth...I've just been caught up in my own little corner of the world...it's the safest place to be, with people who I know love me unconditionally, who are happy to see me, who encourage and support me. A little "snafu" with a swap and some unkind words on a forum that's important to me sent me retreating to my place of comfort...my family, my home, my crafty room.

I was reminded today that life can be short...unpredictable...uncontrollable when my daughter and her husband lost their beloved dog, Gus. Gus chose to do something he had never before done...to run into the road. He was hit by a car and killed. Gus was a sweet boy...truly their baby, and he will be missed.

He will be buried tonight, at our home, and I'm doing the only thing I can think of to help them out...I'm making a great dinner for them. Pork roast, potatoes, corn, salad and homemade bread.
I've also been reminded that inspiration many times comes from places or at times that we would never imagine. Many people ask me what inspired me to name my blog "This Pink Rooster"...I always say it's an interesting story. A little over a year ago I lost my job. Several days later my mom asked me to take her and friend to an antique mall about an hour away to pick up something that her friend had purchased. I didn't want to. I had literally not had one minute alone since I was told I would no longer have a job, and I just wanted to have some time alone to deal with it. My mom wouldn't take no for answer, and I finally, reluctantly agreed to go. In that antique mall...over an hour away...I was mesmerized by this set of canisters.

They were a little pricey...but I was so drawn to them...and despite the unemployment looming in my future, they came home with me. I've never regretted that decision...they've been an image that means something to me...that has inspired me.

Losing Gus inspired me back to the blog...for a reason that I don't quite understand...but I appreciate it.

If you've hung in through this post, I'm also sharing my contribution to this week's Make It Monday challenge at Papertrey Ink. The challenge was all about distressing, and I have to say that distressing is one of my absolutely FAVORITE looks! I've teamed up some October Afternoon Modern Homemaker paper, Nestabilities Blossoms and a PTI sentiment with twine for this fun look. The twine reminds me of brightly colored, striped birthday candles, and I just love what it adds to this card! To meet the challenge I've distressed the card base and all paper edges including the blossoms.

Thanks so much for visiting and for your sweet comments.

Have a great afternoon!

Mara's Papertrey Princesses Challenge

2011-02-16T21:20:00.000-06:00

Popping in with my first Papertrey Princesses challenge post. Mara challenged the group to use punches on a card, layout or project. With so many great dies out there I tend to use my punches less and less and was thrilled to pull out a cute little heart punch for this project.
I was planning to have Timothy here for several days and I wanted to put together a sweet little treat for him - a treat that would have just a little bit of chocolate or cookie or trail mix or something... I wasn't quite sure exactly what I wanted. I was looking around at Target and found a jar of s'mores trail mix, and it looked like something that he would love. I thought it was pretty expensive though, and I wasn't crazy about the pecans in it either, so I put together my own little s'mores mix. I bought bags of Teddy Grahams and mini chocolate chips and got out some super mini marshmallows that I had ordered on the internet. They are so cute and perfect for this treat. Putting this together was super easy and much, much cheaper, too!

I had to make something cute for my little sweetie's fun treat so I cut a wrap from this Accucut die and stamped it with a teddy bear from Papertrey Ink's Baby Button Bits stamp set. Instead of using buttons I used hearts punched from red cardstock. I love how they look!

I filled a cello bag with my s'mores mix and tied the wrap with a polka dotted ribbon!

Timothy loved the crackers and couldn't get to the marshmallows quick enough but wasn't at all interested in the chocolate chips. It was a shame that I had to help him out with that!

Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comments!

Two Fun Finds

2011-02-15T20:42:00.000-06:00

For me, spring cannot come fast enough! Thinking about spring makes me think about our gardening, and right now we're having a blast designing this year's gardens. Yes, I said "gardens". We always have a vegetable garden and often an herb garden, and this year we plan to add a butterfly garden and a garden of sorts to attract more birds to our yard. My herb garden is done in containers, and I keep it close to the kitchen door so that when I'm cooking and need one herb or another all I have to do is pop out the door and snip it off. Last year I moved my cherry tomoatoes and lettuce there too, and it was awesome! I can taste those sweet cherry tomatoes already!

I am incredibly lucky to be married to one awesome green thumb! My hubby can grow anything and often plants some interesting "things" for fun. I want him to have fun, but this year my goal is to be somewhat more purposeful, and I'm working on putting together a list of what I'd like to have in the pantry and in the freezer by the end of the growing season. I'm looking forward to planting what we'll need and some things for fun! This is only my second year at this, and I learned a lot last year but still have so much to learn - at least I'm no longer afraid of the pressure cooker!

I'd also like to keep track of the amount of produce we harvest this year. I've been looking for a vintage scale to help with that, and I found this handsome guy on Etsy. I love him, and he looks awesome in my dining room. I can't wait to put him to work!

I also found this adorable monkey face candy at our local candy shoppe named The Confectionary. Isn't it just so cute? And the taste is amazingly unique...banana and licorice!

Of course I had to buy a few and make some fun treats using the monkey in Papertrey Ink's Tiny Treats: Birthday stamp set. I colored the monkey accents with my Copic markers and layered them with the pinking circle die from PTI's Limitless Layers. I packaged two monkey face candies in a small cello bag and snuck them into an ADORABLE package made using the lunch box note die in Dark Chocolate CS. I used the Woodgrain impression plate to bring some texture to the package and some Vintage Cream ink to break up the darkness of the brown. The packages are tied closed with some yellow twine. I love this twine and the tiny splash of color that it brings to these little goodies!

I thought that these little packages would like great in a wooden berry box, and I think I was right! What a fun presentation!

Thanks so much for stopping by and for you sweet comments!

Tag and Frame Challenge

2011-02-11T20:51:00.000-06:00

I just had a few minutes to create something for this challenge, so I thought I'd make tags to coordinate with these cards. I just can't say how much I love October Afternoon paper!

Thanks for visiting and for your sweet comments! Have a great evening!

Today's Make It Monday Challenge

2011-02-10T13:21:00.000-06:00

I so love that we're able to enter each day for Papertrey Ink's Make It Monday Challenge, and the more I enter the bigger the chance I'll have to win the elusive $250 PTI gift certificate. There a tons of entries, but a girl can dream, can't she?
I wanted to do something bright and fun to congratulate a friend, and I thought this was perfect! I've never been a huge fan of butterflies, but I'm working on being open to new images (as well as colors!). Actually, I don't know of any other image that would work on this card.

I'll be back this weekend with all of the supply lists that I haven't had an opportunity to put together.

Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comments.

Needed to Repost!

2011-02-09T14:28:00.003-06:00

Papertrey Ink has issued a Color Challenge as part of their fourth anniversary celebrations. This challenge includes making a card or project using the favorite color scheme of one of the Design Team members.
I often take it pretty safe with colors and use a lot of my own favorites. This has been a great exercise in opening up to color, just what I needed! This is the color swatch (yeah, a freebie!) to be used.

I often take it pretty safe with color and use a lot of my own favorites. This has been a great exercise in opening up to color - just what I needed! This palette is definitely outside of my color comfort zone, but I like it!

Don't forget to check out today's first post for another Color Challenge card...actually, it's a double challenge because it's a Make It Monday card, too!

More PTI Challenges!

2011-02-09T14:21:00.003-06:00

Popping by the add some more Papertrey Ink challenge cards. The anniversary party continues, and it's AMAZING!!
This is my second Make It Monday card, and it doubles as a Color Challenge. Love it...just can't get enough of this cupcake die. To-die-for (pun intended)!!

I have been spending every spare minute stamping so that I can be ready for several days of posts. Timothy will be here for a few days, and I KNOW that I won't find my way to the crafty room very often, or if ever, while he's here. Wouldn't miss a minute of the time I have available to spend with him, though!

I will get back here this weekend with supply lists updates for everything that I've missed.

Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for your sweet comments!

Make It Monday - Go to Sentiment Card

2011-02-08T11:03:00.000-06:00

The Papertrey Ink anniversary festivities continue, and for Day 3 the challenge was to to make a card using combined sentiments. What a fun idea!! Here's mine!

I used this Accucut die as the base of the card and used sentiments from a LOT of PTI stamp sets.
Here's the list:
Blooming Button Bits
Enjoy the Ride
Say It With Style
Love Lives Here
Favor It Wedding
Year of Flowers: Roses
2010 Love Tags
Wedding Day
Birds of a Feather (Whew, I'm tired just typing all of that out!)
I layered the black base with Sweet Blush CS stamped with the many (splendored) sentiments in SU! Blushing Bride classic ink. The focal point flower also sentiment stamped and was then layered using 2 1/2" Limitless Layers dies. Kaiser rhinestones were used to add some bling to the center. My favorite satin ribbon holds it all together.
I will definitely be using this sentiment technique again!
Have a great day!

Welcome to the World - His and Hers

2011-02-07T14:14:00.000-06:00

I've looked around this crafty room of mine and realized that I have LOT of paper scraps. There are big scraps and little scraps. Thin scraps and wides scraps. Plain scraps and patterened scraps. LOTS of scraps, so many that it's almost craziness, and I've dedicated the rest of this month to getting rid of them. What I haven't used by the end of February will be gone...donated or recycled, but gone!

These cards were made with October Afternoon and Papertrey Ink scraps. I used PTI Night, Night Moon stamps set and Fillable Frames #5 stamp set and die for the sentiment. I love how they turned out!

Thanks for stopping by!

Beth's Stamp

2011-02-06T21:33:00.001-06:00

Alli's Stamp

2011-02-06T21:32:00.002-06:00

Nichole's Stamp

2011-02-06T21:31:00.003-06:00

Tiffany's Stamp

2011-02-06T21:31:00.000-06:00

Melissa's Stamp

2011-02-06T21:30:00.000-06:00

Maile's Stamp

2011-02-06T21:29:00.000-06:00

Lisa's Stamp

2011-02-06T21:27:00.008-06:00

Heather's Stamp

2011-02-06T21:27:00.007-06:00

Dawn's Stamp

2011-02-06T21:26:00.001-06:00

This is the first of nine (yes, NINE) posts in hope of winning the honor of developing a stamp set with Nichole Heady for production through Papertrey Ink! WOW! What a dream come true! All supply info will be added in later. I just want to get these posts in and linked up for the chance to win!

Matchy, Matchy...Again!

2011-02-04T13:11:00.001-06:00

Just popping in to share another tag and card set made using Papertrey Ink's Shape Up Series Cupcake die. This time I've used SU! Pacific Blue CS (which I think is the most awesome blue ever!) and October Afternoon's new Campfire paper pad.

I love how bright and fun this is! I liked these papers so much that I put together a card that will go in the mail to my darling grandson. He is, indeed, my sunshine!

This card is also a sneak peak for some fun things that I have to share over the next few days.

I hope you'll be back!

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: Fillable Frames

Paper: Kraft, Pure Poppy, Fine Linen, Rustic White; SU! Pacific Point; October Afternoon (Campfire) PP

Ink: Pure Poppy; SU! Pacific Point
Accessories: Fine Linen and Dark Chocolate Vintage Buttons, Baker's Twine, Shape Up Series Cupcake die, Double End Banner die, Pure Poppy Twill, By the Numbers and Polka Dot Impression Plates; SU! Corner Rounder and Star Punches

Caring Thoughts and Loving Prayers

2011-01-29T14:48:00.000-06:00

Sometimes the sentiment speaks for itself.

This one does.

This card is off to someone that I have never met but must be a wonderfully special person as the entire crafting community has stood up to support her. I am honored to be a part of it.

God Bless, and have a great afternoon.

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: Healing Touch Sentiments

Paper: Kraft, Pure Poppy, Rustic White; My Minds Eye Fine and Dandy (Tickled Pink paper pad) DP

Ink: SU! Soft Suede

Accessories: Hawaiian Shores, Pure Poppy and Oranges Vintage Buttons, Baker's Twine; SU! Corner Rounder and Scalloped Punches

Matchy, Matchy!

2011-01-27T15:54:00.000-06:00

I'm a matchy, matchy kind of girl. I like socks that match shoes that match pants. Brown socks with black shoes (or vice versa) - just couldn't do it! Black socks with brown or navy pants. It would eat at me all day. I'd go sockless and find my way to Target for brown or navy socks before going to the office. (Okay, I'm unemployed right now, but theoretically).
Here's a matchy, matchy card and tag using Papertrey Ink's Cupcake die and my favorite PP, Dotty Biscotti! Dotty is FAB-U-LOUS!

I had some help with the matchy, matchy from my amazing Copics. When I only had one red flower, I was able to color a pinkish-coralish kind of flower with a dark red Copic marker and...well, like magic I had two red flowers!

Okay, now that I've said "matchy, matchy" what seems like a dozen times, I'm off to make some dinner! Thanks so much for visiting, and have a great evening!

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: Everyday Button Bits, Big Birthday Wishes

Paper: Kraft, Aqua Mist, Fine Linen Dotty Biscotti PP

Ink: Pure Poppy; SU! Soft Suede

Accessories: Shape Up Series Collection Cupcake die, Double Ended Banners Die, Tin Types Impression Plate, Fine Linen Vintage Button, Fine Linen Twill, Button Twine; Provo Craft Cricut, SU! Dazzling Diamonds, Prima Flower, Copic marker

Live Simply. Love Much.

2011-01-26T19:56:00.000-06:00

Such great advice, isn't it? Just popping in to share a little cutie stamped with the Papertrey Ink's sweet Little Bitty Bird stamp set.

Thanks for visiting, and have a great evening!

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: Little Bitty Bird
Paper: Hawaiian Shore, SS White, Ripe Avocado; SU! Cherry Cobbler
Ink: SU! Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Tempting Turquoise
Accessories: Eyelet Border die, Woodgrain Impression Plate, Vintage Cream Button; Baker's Twine, SU! Corner Rounder

Papertrey January Blog Hop Challenge

2011-01-25T16:52:00.000-06:00

This is today's second post. Don't forget to scroll down for a card fit for a princess!! And now on to Papertrey's January Blog Hop Challenge!

It's been a while since I've participated in the Hop, and I'm excited to play today and have not one, but two cards to share! Here's the challenge, straight from Nichole Heady's blog:

With the new year comes a clean slate along with many resolutions. This month's blog hop challenge involves you challenging yourself to use a Papertrey stamp set that has yet to see ink or even one that might be collecting a little dust! Go through your stash and see what little used treasure it might hold.

I have a LOT of Papertrey Ink stamps sets, and I was thrilled to get a little nudge toward inking up an oldie but goodie (or two). For the first card, I totally cased a card by Maile Belles in this awesome publication. I absolutely fell love with the clean and simple look of the card and am always looking for new ways to use these beautiful Embellishments stamps and dies. I used a sentiment from Heart Prints that will be perfect for my husband for Valentine's Day.

This second card is also totally cased - this time from a previous CARDS publication (sorry, but I don't remember which one!), and it came together exactly the way I imagined it would. That doesn't happen often, so I was thrilled with it. I adore all the texture - the impression plate, the felt, the rhinestones, the sentiment raised with the dimensionals...my bliss! I also love that it's a little "bohemian" - kraft, felt, rhinestones, squares and flowers combined with the more formal font of the sentiment. I'm truly not gushing over my own work, but again, when I'm able to turn something in my brain into a finished product...well I was jumping for joy!

A couple of notes...I used a punch on the felt for the hearts. It worked great, but I don't think that method would work well with a cheap felt. Also, I'm working to improve my photography, so constructive criticism is welcome. I shoot with a Nikon D60, use a photo tent (I have just changed to use daylight bulbs), and have Photoshop editing software.

Thanks so much for hopping on over, and have a great evening!

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Always Card

Stamps: Embellishments, Heart Prints

Paper: White

Ink: True Black

Accessories: Embellishments die, Vintage Pure Poppy Buttons; SU! Fine Linen string

I Love You Card
Stamps: Fillable Frames #2, Damask Designs
Paper: Kraft, Vintage Cream; My Minds' Eye (Alphabet Soup Girl - Sweet Song)
Ink: Pure Poppy
Accessories: Pure Poppy Felt, Fillable Frames #2 die, Medium Heart Punch, Brown Rhinestones, Guide Lines Impression Plate;SU! Corner Rounder Punch

Catching Up!

2011-01-25T13:49:00.000-06:00

Sorry that it's been so quiet here! I've had TONS of goodness to share, but so many things have gotten in the way. Don't you just hate it when that happens?? I don't know about you, but I'd typically prefer only to do WHAT I want to WHEN I want to. If only it really worked that way! Hehe.

One thing that I do LOVE doing is spending time with our grandson, and we were lucky to have him stay with us for a few days. Before he was born I just didn't get it when friends or co-workers would gush over their grandchildren. What was the big deal anyway? Now I know, and Timothy is amazing...and fun...and cute...and loving...and, well, you get the picture. Being a grandparent - there's NOTHING like it! I love to rock him to sleep. His parents are the put-him-in-the-crib-and-he-goes-to-sleep-by-himself kind of parents, and that works for them. Me, I love to rock him. Sometimes when he falls asleep I don't want to put him down. I've been known to just hold and rock him for the whole nap. Two hours...three hours - doesn't matter to me. Whatever else needs to be done, it can wait!

Here's a fun pic from one evening's dinner. Yes, I know it...serving ravioli to a self-feeding 16-month old makes a straight from the dinner to the bathtub kind of evening. Actually, I love every minute of it! Notice Mr.Two Fisted Eater...spoon in right hand, fork in left!

I am also happy to report that a box full of Papertrey Ink goodness arrived in the mailbox a few days ago. Oh yes! The newest Tiny Treats (Tiny Treats: Birthday) is absolutely adorable, and Mat Stack 5 is awesome. It's such a fun, classic shape, and I can see myself using it over and over. I had such fun with this card!

Two important notes: I'll be back in a bit for Papertrey Ink's January Blog Hop, and I've edited posts here, here and here to add supply lists. Thanks for being patiently waiting- you're awesome!

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: Tiny Treats:Birthday

Paper: Kraft, Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush; My Minds' Eye (Alphabet Soup Girl - Little Princess, Zoo Cuties)

Ink: Pure Poppy

Accessories: Sweet Blush Vintage Buttons, Button Twine, Pure Poppy Felt, Mat Stack 5 die; Nestabilities Scalloped Circle, SU! 1 3/4 Circle Punch and Corner Rounder Punch

Pink and Kraft

2011-01-18T20:28:00.001-06:00

Edited to add supply list below. Let me know if you have questions!

Stopping by to share a sweet little Papertrey Ink's Favor It Box 3. I think it's just as adorable as it can be!

Visit tomorrow for all those promised details, including today's! Have a great evening!

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: 2010 Love Tags, Background Basics:Hearts

Paper: Kraft, Hibiscus Burst

Ink: Hibiscus Burst; SU! Soft Suede

Accessories: Hibiscus Burst Twill, Wood Button, SU! 1 3/4 Circle Punch

Post'n'Go - Baby Boy

2011-01-17T19:37:00.007-06:00

Edited to add supply list below. Let me know if you have questions!

Enjoying time with our grandson...I'll be back later with the details. Thanks for visiting, and have a great evening!

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: Inside & Out: Baby
Paper: Kraft and Vintage Cream; SU! Baja Breeze, October Afternoon DP
Ink: SU! Baja Breeze
Accessories: Vintage Buttons, Button Twine Fillable Frames #5 die; Accucut Criss Cross die

Ticket to Love

2011-01-16T16:37:00.004-06:00

Edited to add supply list below. Let me know if you have questions!

Stopping by to share a fun Valentine treat. I was so excited when Papertrey Ink released their Just the Ticket stamp set last summer, but I've barely used it! I knew it would be perfect, though, when I was looking for a unique way to embellish this Accucut wrap.

I'll stop back later with some links and the details. Hope you're having a great Sunday...oh, and YEAH BEARS!

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: Just the Ticket, Fancy Flourishes

Paper: Kraft and Rustic Cream; Cosmo Cricket (Chemistry) DP

Ink: Basic Black and Pure Poppy; SU! Soft Suede

Accessories: Black and Vintage Cream Vintage Buttons, Button Twine and Just the Ticket Border die; Nestabilities Classic Circles, SU! Heart Punch, Accucut Treat Wrap die

Whimsical Thanks

2011-01-15T20:10:00.000-06:00

Busy, busy Saturday - trying to get ready for a visit from our grandson, Timothy. Yeah! We so look forward to spending time with him, and of course we find that EVERYTHING he does is cute or funny!
Our front door opens into the kitchen, and the first thing he always does is ask for an apple. How could we resist when when we know that this is what we'll get?

He's not into toys...he's more into my pots and pans. We love having him underfoot!

I'm sharing a card that I made a while ago. It's a little out of my comfort zone, and I don't know if I like it or not, but I do love the buttons and adore the stamp set, Papertrey Ink's Wonderfully Whimsical.

Thanks so much for visiting, and I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Simple Thanks

2011-01-14T15:39:00.000-06:00

Stopping by to share a thank you card using my favorite Papertrey Ink mat stack. Simple paper, simple sketch, simple sentiment. What could be better?

Thanks for visiting, and have a super day!

Big Birthday Wishes

2011-01-13T12:36:00.000-06:00

Two years ago our daughter Megan met a man and spent a lot of time with him. When she didn't bring him home to meet us, I asked a thousand questions that typically went something like this.

Me: What's his name? How old is he? Does he have a job? Is he married? Is he divorced? Does he have children? Has he ever been in jail? Where did you meet him?

Megan: In a bar.

Me: What kind of a person do you meet in a bar??

Megan: Mom, I was in the bar, too!

Me: Oh, yeah...When can we meet him?

Megan: When I'm ready.

Me: Well, I wanna meet him now!

Megan: Moooooom!!

About three months later we met him, Mr. Jason Windland, and when they left I turned to my husband and said, "He's the one!" Just two months later he asked for our permission to propose to our daughter, and on September 25, 2010 they were married.

Isn't she beautiful (not that I'm partial or anything!)? I know they will love each other forever!

Yesterday was his birthday, and because he lost his mom just a year ago, he asked me to make her goulash for his birthday dinner. I was honored.

Here's the card I made to celebrate his special day, pairing Papertrey Ink's Birthday Bash Sentiments and accessories with some Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 DP.

Thanks for visiting, and have a super day!

A Few of My Favorite Things

2011-01-12T13:05:00.001-06:00

Actually, a LOT of my favorite things:
1. Papertrey Ink's Signature Greetings stamp set
2. Nestabilities
3. Anything in Stampin Up's Pink Pirouette
4. Papertrey Ink's Wood Buttons - no longer available :(
5. October Afternoon Modern Homemaker DP
6. Simple sketches
7. Kraft cardstock

Just a few sweet cards to add to the stash.

Thanks for visiting, and have a super day!

Celebrate

2011-01-11T07:45:00.001-06:00

Occassionally I have something to share but not much to say. Like today. I'm calling that "Post'n'Go".

I've posted...now I'm going! Hehe!
Have a super day!
Supplies:
(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)
Stamps: Fillable Frames #5
Paper: Kraft and Pure Poppy; October Afternoon (Schoolhouse) DP
Ink: Pure Poppy
Accessories: Vintage Buttons, Button Twine

Simples - Kraft Paper Bags

2011-01-10T14:24:00.003-06:00

Today's "Simples" packaging also begins with a kraft bag, and I'm using the flat, pocket-like bag that is available in a number of sizes. They're great for brownies, pretzels, crackers, soaps, seeds, or a crafty gift of die cuts and ribbon shares! So much fun!

I baked some M&M cookies for my kids and grandson - a little Valentine treat for them - and I wanted to package them in a sweet, simple way.

Don't you just love those little pink and red candies peeking out of all of that cookie goodness?

I know it's kind of OCD, but I like for the fold to be straight (and for them all to be the same), and my Scor-Pal helps with that.

To close the bags I stamped a full sheet of kraft, self-adhesive labels with a fun to/from stamp using Papertrey Ink's Tiny Treats: Valentine set and punched them out. They were the perfect size to help keep the cookies fresh and to keep them from escaping.

There are a number of ways to embellish these simple bags - they can be stamped or glittered or die cuts, ribbon, doilies, etc. can be attached...the list of ways to make them your own is endless! I prefer to maintain the rustic look of the bag, and I love to use baker's twine to add to that. I added a tag using Papertrey Ink's 2010 Love Tags stamp set, Limitless Lables and Love Lives Here dies and Vintage Buttons. It says exactly what I wanted it to say!

Here they all are, simple sweetness, just waiting for those special people that I love so much!

Thanks so much for visiting and for sharing "Simples" with me! Stop back any time, and have a super day!

Felt Daisy

2011-01-09T07:18:00.000-06:00

Just stopping in to share a fun card using felt (again!) and some adorable Ocotber Afternoon. It's from the Modern Homemaker line, and it's absolutely to die for!

Off to have breakfast with our grandson (yeah!). Have a super day!

Open

2011-01-08T09:18:00.000-06:00

I found myself laughing out loud when I heard that January 1 is the date when most people make resolutions and that January 17 is the date when most people give up on those resolutions. I've never been one to make resolutions, but I do like the idea of thinking ahead to the new year and about what I'd like to accomplish.
I read about Ali Edwards' One Little Word, and I loved the idea of it! What a great way to think about looking forward in a more abstract way - no lists or specifics - but to think about moving toward something that you find important. I've spent the first week of this new year thinking about my word for the year, and I've chosen the word "open."
It's clear what I love most in papercrafting - great CS and buttons and ribbon (Oh my!), but I really want to be open to using other medium and techniques, to step outside of my typical comfort zone. Who knows...I may fall in LOVE with what I find!
Here, I've used some Papertrey Ink felt. What took me so long? I've collected every PTI felt and am finally feeling bold enough to use it. I don't know that I love it, but I do LIKE it!

I've also used Accucut's A2 Criss Cross Card die for the card base in PTI Kraft, some sweet My Minds' Eye DP, and my beloved PTI Vintage Buttons. The felt cupcake and the sentiment are from the Signature Series: Cupcake stamp set and die.

Thanks for stopping by and for sharing with me this One Little Word journey!

Warm Happiness, Too!

2011-01-07T10:48:00.000-06:00

I adore "giving" holidays...finding the perfect gift for someone that I care about is just about as good as it gets! I don't limit sharing my appreciation for people in my life only to holidays, and one of the great things about papercrafting is that it can help turn something ordinary into something extraordinary!
A gift card could be just about as ordinary as a gift can be, and some people don't like them. Me, I love them and love that they're so easy to make special with a little crafty fun! This gift card holder a perfect example of that.

What could be a better match for this than Papertrey Ink's Warm Happiness Too stamp set? I cut the matching (and absolutely adorable) teacup die in Aqua Mist Happy Spots PP, stamped it and layered it on some Aqua Mist CS impressed with the Tin Type Impression Plate.
The base of this gift card is Accucut's A2 Gift Card, which is AMAZINGLY versatile! The die provides a separate card to use for a small note or sentiment inside and the place to hold any gift card.

I wanted to build a small stash of this card for sharing Starbucks or Caribou Coffee gift cards and couldn't stop making them with other Happy Spots colors!

I hope that looking at these makes you feel as warm and happy as it does me! Have a super day!

Hugs and Kisses

2011-01-06T11:58:00.000-06:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I can't stop making treat boxes! Today I'm sharing a little cutie using some Papertrey Ink goodies! Love them!

Here's something else that keeps me busy -ready to wash and box for sale. Arent' they BEAUTIFUL? Sometimes it's the little things, isn't it?

Have a super day!

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: Simple Valentine

Paper: Lavender Moon, Pure Poppy, White, Simple Valentine PP

Ink: Pure Poppy, Lavender Moon

Accessories: Favor It Box 2 and Limitless Layers Dies, Vintage Button; Circle Punches and Baker's Twine

Happy Valentine's Day, Love Birds!

2011-01-05T12:01:00.001-06:00

I have a little cutie today using Papertrey Ink's Love Birds set. It's an amazing, incredibly versatile set, and I can't wait use it again!

Have a super day!

Supplies:
(All supplies are from Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted.)
Stamps: Love Birds
Paper: Rustic White and (SU!) Early Espresso; Basic Grey DP
Ink: SU! Early Espresso and Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Background Basics: Diamonds Impression Plate, Love Birds Die, Hawaiian Shore Vintage Buttons, Button Twine; SU! Dazzling Diamonds, 2-way Glue and Cherry Cobbler Button

Loving That Dress Form Die!

2011-01-04T18:45:00.000-06:00

Just stopping by with another card using the awesome dress form die from Papertrey Ink. I love it!

Have a great evening, and God Bless!

Simples - Kraft Coffee Bags

2011-01-03T20:35:00.001-06:00

I'm so excited about today's post, because this is the first of what I call "Simples". "Simples" are easy, adorable packaging ideas, and I hope that you will LOVE them. I know that I do!
One of the simplest ways that I know to package just about anything is to begin with a kraft coffee bag. They are coated and food safe and can also be used for soaps, candles, a t-shirt, a onesie and a burp rag and...well, the list goes on and on. I love the option to use bags with windows, as I did in this post, or to use bags without them as I have today.

I baked the delicious Candy Cane Kiss Cookies for a couple of special friends, and the small bag was the perfect size for four yummy cookies. Adding some ribbon, a tag and a couple of rusty jingle bells turns the bag into a festive and fun gift.

I hope you've enjoyed the first of the "Simples" and that you'll come back for more!
Thanks for stopping by, and God Bless!

On Ice

2011-01-02T20:26:00.000-06:00

I have been absolutely in love with Papertrey Ink’s On Ice stamp set and die. I know that I’ve been so smitten because I’ve been reminded of such fun winter memories as a child in the small town where I grew up in Illinois.

A few fun facts about this small town :
• one of the town’s two stores when I was young was a rock shop
• the main street is also a county line road; one half of the town is in one county and the other half in a different county
• the population is about 250 and technically is a “village” rather than a town
• many kids went to the same school that their parents did, and my siblings and I also had the same principal that my father had when he was a child
• the fire department were volunteers, and the fire equipment was held in the fire “barn” on main street, across the street from our house

Each winter the firemen (okay, our dads) would take the fire truck to the school and water down the second tennis court behind the school, close to the railroad tracks. That cement slab magically became our skating rink for the winter, and almost every kid in town could be found there on any given winter day. Kids could find skates by borrowing them from older siblings or from friends, and the lucky ones would find their own new, shiny pair under the tree on Christmas morning. I can still remember tightly lacing my own new skates around my ankles one special year! We would take our skates to school so that we could skate during recess, and on the weekend we would “walk the tracks” to the rink. The cold never bothered us, and we knew that when we got home we’d have hot cocoa made from the mix my mom would make in the big Tupperware container – yes, that cocoa mix recipe has been around for a long time!
I had a chance to visit there a few weeks ago, just to spend some time reminiscing!

The rock shop is gone now but was in the empty lot next year to this post office. Sometimes I can still smell what the shop smelled like!

The county line road.

The fire "barn". A fire was a big deal, and many people in the town would follow the truck when it was called out!

The tennis court/skating rink was behind the tall patch of weeds.

These are tracks that we would walk, skates over our shoulders, to get to the rink.

Finally, in celebration of these fun memories, I thought I'd share this card using the On Ice set and die along with some October Afternoon designer paper.

Thank you for stopping by and for sharing these special memories with me! God Bless!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T09:06:00.000-06:00

I'm just popping in on this first day of 2011 to say "Happy New Year" and to share a fun card. I hope you're ringing in the new year in the way that is meaningful and wonderful for you!

Isn't this little dress form stamp and die just darling! It's my most favorite 2010 release from Papertrey Ink.

Okay, off to spend the day with family.

God Bless!

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps - Signature Series: Dress Form

Paper - White, True Black, Happy Spots PP

Ink - Basic Black (SU!)

Other - Signature Series: Dress Form Die, Rhinestones (Kaiser), Corner Rounder (SU!)

Old Man Winter

2010-12-12T13:00:00.000-06:00

Today...it's a blizzard, and just to let us know that he was serious Old Man Winter showed his face at the front kitchen window this morning!

He looks mean, doesn't he? I'm feeling very lucky right now to be safe in our warm, cozy home...with power, cable and internet intact, no less! (Knock on wood!) My son, on the other hand, is stranded away from home as he was on call for the utility company he works for and was required to venture out. He just reported that all east/west roads are closed with five foot snow drifts. The roads are littered with semi trucks and passenger cars. Please pray for safety for everyone dealing with this MONSTER storm!

I'm popping in to share a couple of holiday cards that I made a few weeks ago.

Both of these cards use PTI cardstock, Signature Greetings sentiments, Ink and accessories and Cosmo Cricket (Mitten Weather) DP.

Now it's time to get some sweet treats baked for the coming week!

Thanks for stopping by, and God Bless!

Marmalade

2010-12-09T15:56:00.000-06:00

I love marmalade...when I'm in a restaurant I've been known to search through every jam packet on the table for the little marmalade beauties. It's totally a bonus if I find more than one, and if there's none at my table I'm not above searching any and probably every unoccupied table near mine. Seriously, I should just carry my own jar! Hehe.

To make my marmalade, I use the recipe in the Barefoot Contessa at Home cookbook. It's AMAZING! Well, I love anything from the Barefoot Contessa, but I'll save my love for her for another day...today, it's about the marmalade.

I was surprised at how easy this is to make - oranges and lemons, sugar and water...that's it. I think the hardest thing is cutting the fruit thin enough. The first time I made it, I didn't do a very good job, but I just ran it through the food processor each time I would open a jar. I think I did much better this time around.

There's a lot of cooking and stirring.

And then you get this - yes, magnificent!

I paired jars of marmalade and jam to put together a sweet gift. My goal in packaging was to do something rustic and wintery and something that would show off the sparkling jars. These little wooden berry baskets were perfect! I found them at the local Tractor Supply store (more on that another day, too).

I added a simple striped grosgrain ribbon, and in keeping with the rustic and wintery theme, I stamped this adorable snowman from Papertrey Ink's Holiday Tree stamp set on a kraft tag and attached it with red and white baker's twine.

I always make a card that matches my gift packaging, and this was perfect and super easy to boot!

I'm keeping this little packaging station ready to go for an easy gift that can be ready in minutes as the holidays get closer.

Thanks for stopping by, and God Bless!

Just Stuff

2010-12-07T16:30:00.001-06:00

Don't know how it happened, but Thanksgiving totally threw me for a loop this year!! For the first time in many years I didn't cook on Thanksgiving Day, and you'd think that would have made my life easier, but every day since then has been crazy and full of just "stuff". Thankfully a great deal of that time was spent with my fabulous grandson, Timothy - he's so absolutely amazing!

I cannot even describe how wonderful it is to spend time snuggling and reading with him and rocking him to sleep. I miss him so much when he's gone! Unfortunately, I have also spent a great deal of time with a major headache, and I have barely had any time in the crafty room. But here I am, fulfilled as Grandma and head feeling better - not so happy about the snow and cold here in Northern Illinois, but that I'll just have to live with - hehe.
I have a fun little project to share today that I think would be a perfect holiday gift for your little one's favorite teacher!

I am a huge fan of giving consumable or usable gifts - something that the giftee doesn't have to find a place for, doesn't have to dust and for teachers, can be useful in the classroom. This little apple is a post-it-note holder, and I think it's just as cute as can be!

This apple is totally different in that it's dressed up in Cosmo Cricket (Jolly by Golly) paper for the holiday or winter season. I didn't add a specific sentiment so that it would be appropriate for a teacher of any faith, and the ribbon and button could easily be replaced with baker's twine for the gentlemen teachers.

I have two of these little cuties, and they will be my first items posted in my Etsy shop later this week!

Thanks for stopping by, and God Bless...

PS - Tomorrow I'm making marmalade, and I can't wait to show you how I'm packaging those beautiful jars of goodness with the jam I made just before Thanksgiving! I think you'll love it!

Supplies:
(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)
Stamps - School Time
Paper - White, Cosmo Cricket (Jolly by Golly) DP
Ink - Basic Black (SU!)
Other - Pure Poppy Satin Ribbon, Raspberry Fizz Vintage Button and Button Twine, Accucut Apple Die, Nestabilities Tag Trio

Christmas Note...and Jam!

2010-11-18T20:21:00.001-06:00

I love the Signature stamp sets designed by Dawn McVey at Papertrey Ink. They are my favorite sentiment sets EVER! I especially love sentiments that are a little "off the beaten path" like the one used on this card - Just a Little Christmas Note from the Signature Christmas set. It is perfect for those special friends that you want to send a special handwritten note.

Tomorrow is jam day. I had a freezer full of strawberries that I've pulled out to make strawberry jam. I just can't wait to see the rows of my favorite, yummy jam lined up in pantry. There will also be plenty for a few special holiday gifts!
Thanks for stopping by, and God Bless!

Happy Fall!

2010-11-16T16:02:00.000-06:00

Northern Illinois is having some amazing fall weather! I know it won't last forever, but I'm grateful for every day that it's holidng on. Each crisp, beautiful day helps to keep me a little more focused on finishing up my crafting for fall before I totally shift to the holiday season. As for the day after Thanksgiving...well, that's a whole other story!

Today I have two cards that showcase my favorite crafting combination - PTI and Cosmo Cricket. I've said it before - they are a marriage made in heaven! Each of these cards uses the same basic elements: a simple sketch, a Rustic Cream card base and a layer of Kraft, Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg Paper Pad DP, Mat Stack 2 in Kraft and coordinating Vintage Buttons (dressed with rustic twine, of course!). Oh, and I can't forget the Orange Zest satin ribbon.

Each card also uses stamps from the super versatile 2009 Autumn Tag stamp set. Don't you just love how these cards are so similar but so different? Most of all, I love how simple these cards were to make!

I've been looking for something fun to make for my kids as a fun Thanksgiving treat. I know - they're adults, but until they fill my home with grandchildren to spoil, I'll still make the treats for them. I found these A-DOR-A-BLE turkeys, and I just had to make some! They were super easy to make, and I can't wait to put them on the Thanksgiving table.

I was a little sloppy with the white frosting base, but in my perspective the more the frosting the merrier!!

Have a great day, and God Bless!

Imagine Believe Wonder

2010-11-12T11:45:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!! Don't know what are doing this weekend, but I'm sure we'll be busy, as usual! Hopefully we'll have some time to just veg or see a movie - those are the best weekends, arent' they?

I have a cute card to share using the same sketch I used for this card. It's a simple sketch with such a neat impact. I love, love, love the baker's twine and the big button - such fun!

I also love using Kraft as the card base - it just gives such a "homespun" feel! I know..."homespun"... now that's about a blast from the past but I like it, and I'll probably be using it again!

Have a super day, and God Bless!

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps - Holiday Spirit Sentiments, Journaling Lines

Paper - Kraft, Pure Poppy and Rustic Cream, October Afternoon (Very Merry) DP

Ink - Pure Poppy and Chai Vintage Tea Dye, Basic Black (SU!)

Other - Aqua Mist Vintage Button and Pure Poppy Baker's Twine, Corner Rounder (SU!)

The Holly Bears the Crown

2010-11-11T12:12:00.001-06:00

I'm stopping by for short post to share a card that I made for the Week 5 Challenge over at the Papertrey Ink forum. I LOVE the Merry Little Christmas set from the October release - the sentiments are amazing!! One of my favorite holiday carols is The Holly and the Ivy. ...of all the trees that are in the wood the holly bears the crown... There's something about that that just speaks to me!

The song also reminds me of my 8th grade Christmas program. I sang a solo - don't remember my song - but two of my best friends sang "The Holly and the Ivy." I was so jealous, because I wanted to sing that song! Funny isn't it, what we remember? I also remember the beautiful green jumper that my mom made for me to wear for my solo. I can't remember if it was corduroy or velvet, but while I'm sitting here I can remember how special I felt wearing it that night!

Thanks for sharing these memories with me! God Bless!

Supplies

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps - Merry Little Christmas, Framed

Paper - Kraft, Pure Poppy, Cosmo Cricket (Jolly by Golly) DP

Ink - Ocean Tides and Chai Tea Dye, Soft Suede (SU!)
Other - Aqua Mist and Pure Poppy Vintage Buttons, Tea Stained Wrinkle Ribbon, Button Twine, Amuse Microdot Twinkle Stickers

'tis the season...

2010-11-05T10:04:00.000-05:00

...to be jolly! Popping in to share a simple holiday card today while I'm cleaning and listening to some Christmas music. I LOVE all kinds of holiday music, and it wouldn't be unusual to find me belting out some jolly tune along with anyone from Bing Crosby to Elvis to Randy Travis literally any time of the year!

Have a great day, and God Bless!

Supplies:
(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)
Stamps - Communique Curves
Paper - Kraft, Rustic Cream, Crate Paper (Snow Day) DP
Ink - Chai Tea Dye, Soft Suede (SU!)
Other - Pure Poppy Vintage Buttons, Ripe Avocado Grosgrain Ribbon, Button Twine

So Grateful

2010-11-04T15:37:00.000-05:00

Today I'm sharing a card I made for my husband for our upcoming anniversary. I may not always tell him but I am extremely grateful for everything he does for us and that he is MY husband!

I also have a short story to share. I may or may have not written before that I had a stroke seven years ago. I have mostly recovered except for a few minor issues that I still struggle with. Early in the days of my recovery I had huge problems processing large amounts of stimuli, so imagine what it was like when we went grocery shopping at WalMart! We had checked out and were on the way to the car when hubby remembered that he had forgotten something and said that we had to go back into the store. I told him he should go ahead by himself while I took the cart to the car and loaded the groceries. I made my way there but when I got there and opened the trunk I literally could not remember how to take the groceries from the cart and put them in the car! I was so overwhelmed that I just stood by the car and cried. When he saw me standing there he ran across the parking lot and just hugged me, telling me that everything was okay and helped me into the car. Now, when he doesn't pick up his socks or remember to take out the trash I just remember that moment, and all is forgiven!
For him, it's also true that the way to his heart is through his stomach, and I often make special little treats for him. I found this adorable little treat at Family Fun magazine.

Acorns made from doughnut holes - how cute is that? And bonus, they just happen to match the card I made him! I'm sure that little fact will be lost on him, but I'll know.

I have one final photo to show off the card (I liked it so much I made an extra one) and the acorns using the Warmer Vintage photo effect that I got from Maggie Holmes Photography. So much fun!

Thanks for looking, and God Bless!

Supplies:
(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)
Stamps - First Fruits
Paper - Kraft, White, Plum Pudding DP, Basic Grey (SU!)
Ink - Chai Tea Dye, Ocean Tides, Crumb Cake and Soft Suede (SU!)
Other - Limitless Layers Die, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack (SU!) Zig Zag Punch (EK Success), Signo Uniball Pen

Gift Giving #1

2010-11-03T16:34:00.000-05:00

I adore the holidays, and one of the best things about them is giving gifts. I am one of those people who loves giving so much more than receiving. I spend hours making lists and planning, working on handmade gifts and creating the perfect packaging.

I think the rules of gift giving are pretty easy:

- Bigger is not always better.

- The gift seems more special when the packaging is just right.

- Any holiday occassion can be an opportunity to give.

I'm so excited to be sharing some of the gifts I have planned for my family and friends this year right here on the blog over the next few weeks.

One of my favorite little gifts to give is soap from Bath and Body Works. I always wait for the sale and make certain that I also have a "$10 off your entire order" coupon so I can get those beautiful bottles of soap for $2 or less! I try to stay away from giving lotion because I worry about giving a scent that someone doesn't like, but I know that everyone washes their hands! This is perfect as a hostess gift, for the friend you want to remember with just a little something or for your own dinner guests.

Isn't it true that the right "packaging" makes this extra special?

I added tags to several bottles and put them in a vintage basket as a little something for some friends who will be coming for brunch in a few weeks. I love that I have something to send with them as they head out the door!

Thanks so much for stopping by -

God Bless!

Supplies:
(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)
Stamps - Fillable Frames #9
Paper - Fine Linen, Distressed Dots
Ink - Chai Tea Dye, Early Espresso (SU!)
Other - Ocean Tides Vintage Buttons, Tag Sale 1 Die, Button Twine, Ocean Tides Twill Ribbon, Marvy Snowflake Punch, Prima Flowers

2010-11-02T16:10:00.000-05:00

I love fall, and have such lovely fall memories! Halloween was a very special time when my children were young, and we'll never forget the fun costumes I made for them each year. This year my grandson, Timothy, wore the very devil costume that I made for his Daddy so many years ago. It's a moment I truly treasure!
I have wonderful memories of watching my daughter in junior high and high school bands marching through countless parades and of cheering for my son's pee wee and school football teams. A Facebook friend posted recently about waiting for the local high school's homecoming parade to start, and I remembered like it was yesterday my husband and I driving football and and FFA "floats." What seemed like a million miles driving then are a million wonderful memories now.
I also fell in love with my husband during a beautiful fall more than 30 years ago. After several weeks of dating (which you know means you're in a serious relationship when you're 17) I was over the moon to be invited to his Grandparents' home for Thanksgiving dinner. I was so NERVOUS, and believe it or not I still remember what I wore! (I won't go into the dirty details, but suffice it to say it was definitely a reflection of 1979! hehe!) After an amazing Thanksgiving feast everyone gathered in the living room, and Grandma brought out a huge bowl containing her delicious homemade caramel corn. Oh, how I loved that caramel corn, and I still do. Each fall I make it at least once, and this year I'm sharing this special treat with a couple of good friends! Here it is, all packaged up and ready to go, and you'll find the recipe below.

I had so much fun making this tag with PTI's Gobble, Gobble stamp set and the coordinating die. I guess I kind of turned him into a "Button Bit" by putting the button on his tummy! I cut the die with thin cork and added cardstock to make his feathers bright and fun.
I'm also sharing the wonderful card I received from Cindy Holshouser in PTI's fall swap. I got this card some time ago and have just now been able to photograph it to share. Sorry for the tardiness, Cindy, but thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful card! I love it!

Grandma Plote's Caramel Corn

7 1/2 quarts (30 cups) popped corn
2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla

In large sauce pan bring to a boil brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt. Boil , stirring constantly, for 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla (it will foam and bubble). Pour over popcorn and stir to coat well. Bake on a large baking sheet (I use a huge shallow pan) for one hour, stirring every 20 minutes. Cool and enjoy!

God Bless.

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)
Stamps - Gobble, Gobble
Paper - Kraft, Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy, Summer Sunset, Orange Zest, Distressed Dots
Ink - Chai Tea Dye, Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy, Summer Sunset, Orange ZestOther - Vintage Buttons, Cork, Tag Sale 1 and Gobble, Gobble Dies, Dark Chocolate Twine, booglie eyes (Michael's), Distressing Tool and 5/8" Real Red Ribbon (SU!)

2010-10-22T08:16:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! It's cold and crisp here, the weather that I adore!! Pumpkins and apples are everywhere, and harvest is nearing the end. The crops are fabulous this year - such a difference from last year when rain kept farmers out of the field and the corn wet. I remember the trucks lined up for miles at the elevators waiting to dry. Many farmers left the crops in the field and took the loss. There is much to celebrate this year!
My honey took a day off last week, and we took our grandson to the apple orchard. Such fun!

I love this photo - it speaks right to my heart! Sometimes when they're together, there's no one else in the world but the two of them. My daughter is right when she says that my hubby is just a "big pile of goo" when it comes to this little guy!

I also have a fun Halloween card to share. I'm so looking forward to Halloween this year, and I've been making a TON of Halloween goodies.

Supplies:

(All supplies are PTI unless otherwise noted)

Stamps - Been Boo'd, Journaling Lines

Paper - Kraft, True Black, Vintage Cream, My Minds Eye DP

Ink - Chamomile Tea Dye, Basic Black, Soft Suede and Tangerine Tango (SU!)

Other - True Black Vintage Button, Corner Rounder and Oval Punch (SU!), Rhinestones (Kaiser), DMC Floss

October Release Showcase

2010-10-19T16:51:00.002-05:00

Ask and you shall receive! I'm adding my work today with Papertrey Ink's October release goodies. Soooo much fun.
I do need to apologize for the sloppy photography...I'm really struggling with these manual settings, but I'm determined that I will not going to go back to the auto settings. Hang in there with me!

I need to get dinner on for my hubby, but I promise to be back with some details and inspiration info!

ETA to add project details:

All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted
Inspiration for all projects comes from Papercrafts Magazine and special editions

Stamps - 2010 Holiday Tags
Paper - Kraft, Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream, Cosmo Cricket (Mitten Weather) DP
Ink - Chamomile Tea Dye, Soft Suede (SU!)
Other - Ric Rac and Limitless Layers Dies, Rustic Jute Button Twine, Rhinestones (Kaiser) 1 3/4" Punch and Dimensionals (SU!)

Stamps - Big and Bold Holiday Wishes
Paper - Plum Pudding, Vintage Cream, Cosmo Cricket (Mitten Weather) DP
Ink - Chamomile Tea Dye, Soft Suede (SU!)
Other - Rustic Wood and Vintage Cream Buttons, Rustic Jute Button Twine, Rhinestone (Kaiser), Old Olive 5/8" Satin Ribbon and Dimensionals (SU!)

Stamps - One Ice and Background Basics: Tin Types
Paper - Kraft, Vintage Cream, Simply Chartruese, Cosmo Cricket (Jolly By Golly) DP
Ink - Chamomile Tea Dye, Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red (SU!)
Other - On Ice Die, Simply Chartruese Topnitch Twill Ribbon, Pure Poppy Button, Pure Poppy Baker's Twine, Rhinestones (Kaiser), Snowflake Punch(Marvy)

Good to See You Again!

2010-10-18T20:53:00.001-05:00

It's been so long , and I have so many excuses - a vacation, a wedding, an illness - they never seem to end!

Tonight I don't have time to go there, but I do have time to share a fun project using some Papertrey Ink goodies that were delivered to my very own front door today!

This little cutie showcases PTI's Tiny Treats: Christmas set to decorate a cocoa pouch perfect for a fun gift for the upcoming holiday season. I'll add the details in the morning, but for now I gotta run!
Sweet dreams!

ETA to add project details:
All supplies PTI unless otherwise noted

Stamps - Tiny Treats: Christmas
Paper - Pure Poppy, Rustic White
Ink - Pure Poppy, Chamomile Tea Dye, Basic Black and Handsome Hunter (SU!)
Other - Pure Poppy Button, Pinefeather Satin Ribbon, Mat Stack 1 Die, Rustic Jute Button Twine, Rhinestones (Kaiser), Signo White Pen, Copic Markers, 1 3/4" Punch and Dimensionals (SU!), Pillow Box Die (Accucut)

Today's the Day

2010-07-09T08:22:00.000-05:00

I've put it off long enough. I haven't lost the weight. The big day is closing in on me. I need a dress.
Today's the day...I shop for the mother-of-the-bride dress.
And then I'll console myself with matching shoes.
I'll let you know how it goes.
In the meantime I have a fun card to share.

I love this Beautiful Blooms paper from PTI! I paired it with white cardstock and a simple flower made using Marvy flower punches and Pure Poppy and Hawaiin Shores cardstock. I added the sentiment from PTI's Year of Flowers: Violets, a black button and white silk ribbon. So easy (and fun!).

Thanks for looking, and wish me luck!

The Jarfait

2010-07-07T13:30:00.000-05:00

I love to blog surf for fun ideas for the kitchen and for the crafty room. One of my favorite sites is Pen and Paper Flowers where I found a link to this awesome new magazine. Lo and behold, right on page 34, I found the jarfait, described there as the "portable parfait for a take-home treat!" How fun, and how about the jarfait as a partner for PTI's Friendship Jar stamp set!! So....

I made these - my favorite parfait, I mean jarfait.

Bananas, 'Nilla Wafers, pudding and cool whip...what could be better?

Wouldn't you know it that before I could get the tags made, this happened.

So I had to settle for a card from the Friendship Jar set.

I still wanted to make a tag with the Friendship Jar set, so I put together a small gift of granola from this post for someone who needed a little pick me up. So fun and easy! I can't wait to make more.

Thanks for looking!

Seriously...

2010-06-26T10:09:00.000-05:00

... run, don't walk, to the bookstore nearest you, and buy this cookbook.
Here's a picture of it (just makin' sure).

Open to page 48, and make this granola.

You won't regret it.
Seriously, RUN!

Today...

2010-06-25T17:30:00.000-05:00

was all about the cherries!

Life Finds A Way

2010-06-21T22:11:00.000-05:00

Each year DH and DS planted several sunflowers for seeds at harvest time. This year we didn't plan any, but earlier this spring DH noticed that several sunflowers were growing in different places around our large garden. DH transplanted them where the sunflowers had been planted for so many years. Life found a way for us to enjoy those sunflowers as we had for so many years! Interestingly, there are many blooms already, but there are many that are not yet ready to bloom. Looks like we will be enjoying these beautiful flowers for a long time this year!

These maverick sunflowers inspired me to ink up the beautiful PTI stamp set Autumn Abundance. I paired the set with some October Afternoon designer paper and some Copics and nesties for a simple card that I know will come in handy this fall.

How has life found a way in your world lately?

Thanks for stopping by today! God Bless!

So Much to Share

2010-06-20T15:22:00.000-05:00

It's been an eventful week, and I have so much to share! (There IS a card at the end of the post!)
I've taken what seems like a bazillion photos to share lately (well, not quite a bazillion, but at least 300..hehe). Unfortunately I get behind in editing and saving for posting, and then it can get overwhelming. I've been shooting everything in RAW, and it seems to take a couple extra steps to edit and save. Maybe I'm missing something...if anyone has some quick tips please feel free to share!
It's been a while since I posted a picture of the cutest little guy on the planet - IMHO, of course! This is an adorable photo of Timothy that I took during Memorial Day weekend. He was so excited to be outside and just as exicted to have this dandelion.

At that point he was a few days shy of being nine months old and was trying to figure out how to coordinate everything to crawl. He's since gotten it together and is moving amazingly fast! So much fun - he's coming to spend a couple of days with Grams and Pop this week (that would be DH and I), and I can't wait!

I also have to share a photo of my other little love, my constant companion, Berger - our Jack Russell. He'll be two years old this fall, is spoiled rotten and never listens. Right now he's shaggy and scraggly, and I'm anxious for his grooming appointment this week. He needs it bad!

As of Thursday, we have 32 (yes, 32!) little ones just like this guy to care for. They are sooooo cute and fun, and I love that they get me outside into the fresh air first thing in the morning. Soon we'll fresh eggs of our very own. Yeah!

Nasty storms rolled through the area on Friday evening, with one tornado tearing the roof off of an apartment building about 20 miles from here. I was able to shoot this photo of the storm coming in. It was truly this dark outside. I adjusted the trusty Nikon to capture the true color of the sky. Thankfully, we were blessed with no damage and no loss of power.

Finally, I'm sharing a card that I made just for fun. It's so bright and happy, isn't it! Once again I've paired Cosmo Cricket paper with everything else PTI. It's always a marriage made in heaven!

Thanks for stopping by and for hanging in through this long post!

Happy Sunday, and God Bless!

This Berry Great Season!

2010-06-17T17:32:00.001-05:00

Strawberries. Cherries. Mulberries. Raspberries (almost). The sweet fruits of early summer - aren't they wonderful?? Just cleaned a HUGE container of freshly picked strawberries. My mind is racing with yummy ideas for them.

Made this card to "celebrate" the sweet, dark cherries I picked up at my local Schnuck's earlier in the week. The fun, fun American Crafts paper is perfectly matched with PTI's Everyday Button Bits - and then there's the PTI buttons themselves. Add some Nesties and that to-die-for PTI Dark Chocolate satin ribbon and it's about as yummy as those cherries, IMHO of course!

Hope you're finding special ways to enjoy the beautiful early summer weather, too. Thanks for stopping by!

God Bless.

Happy 21!!

2010-06-11T13:49:00.001-05:00

Just stopping in to share a fun card that I made for my son who turns 21 tomorrow. I can hardly believe it! I've been working on turning his room into a cozy guest room, and it's certainly been a sentimental journey. The room has been his since he was six years old - the cowboy wallpaper has come down, but not without a few tears and some great, loving memories!

I used one of my favorite sets, Papertrey Ink's Signature Greetings and Cosmo Cricket paper. So much fun, don't 'ya think! Stop back soon, because I have some exciting news to share!
Have a great weekend!

Papertrey May Blog Hop Challenge

2010-05-25T16:20:00.001-05:00

Here's the deal - I REALLY don't want to cut into the gorgeous PTI felt! I want to own it, and I want to hoard it. It took a lot, but I did cut it for tonight's hop! The Simply Chartreuse felt arrived on my doorstep yesterday - perfect, I felt for this card (get it, I "felt" it was perfect...hehe)! Anyway, on to the card and the deets!

First, this card is totally inspired by a card by Kim Moreno in the May/June issue of Paper Crafts magazine. I loved it's vintage look and thought it was the perfect use of this image and sentiment from Cornish Heritage Farms. I used PTI Vintage Cream as the card base and for the image. I used Stampin' Up!'s Soft Suede to layer the image and for the ink. I used PTI's Journling Lines stamp set, Pure Poppy ink, Simply Chartreuse felt, black twill ribbon, Pure Poppy and Simply Chartreuse buttons, twine and Vintage Touch Tea Dye Duo. Finally, I used October Afternoon designer paper and a UK Success punch. (Whew, I hope I'm not forgetting anything!)

Thanks for visiting This Pink Rooster, and I always appreciate it when you leave some love! Enjoy the rest of the hop - I know I will!

Go To Sketches

2010-05-25T10:02:00.000-05:00

Seems that I have been doing more crafting than blogging lately. The balance can be such a challenge, don't 'ya think?
I have two cards again today, both inspired by Papercraft's Go To Sketches. I noticed that the book states that it is "Volume 1." If this is the first in a series I would be over the moon!

I couldn't get the photo that I really wanted for this card, but I absolutely love it. So many of my favorite goodies - Cosmo Cricket and October Afternoon papers, Papertrey Ink cardstock, stamps and buttons. There's nothing better. The stamp is from a PTI May release - Take Three: Summer. The flower is absolutely beautiful and stamps like a dream.

I have had this paper from American Crafts sitting on my desk for some time, waiting for just the right project to call its name. Yesterday's warm, humid weather made me realize that spring is gone and that summer is here! I wanted to do something that really speaks to my favorite part of summer - flowers! I used Papertrey Ink's cardstock, stamps and buttons, Nestabilities and a Marvy flower punch. This card is going to someone that recently gave me something unique and very special.

Thanks for looking, and have a great summer day!

Two Simple Cards

2010-05-17T08:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! I'm saying that through a blinding headache that is making me want to stay curled up in bed all day. Weather's not that great - seems like rain is on the way, again - so I just might be getting back into those PJs.
I've got two simple cards to share today.

I whipped up this card to write a note to a dear friend, pairing this super cute American Crafts DP with PTI White, Pure Poppy, Summer Sunrise and Ripe Avocado cardstock. I added a Hawaiian Shores button and the word "friend" from Springime Doodles. Rounding a couple of corners adds just the right touch, IMHO, and how about that PTI ric-rac die?

I made this card for today's Clean and Simple challenge over at SCS. This Cornish Heritage Farms stamp cracks me up! The sentiment inside says "Sometimes love sucks!" Too funny!! I used PTI Kraft and Rustic White cardstock, added Cosmo Cricket DP (who doesn't love CC??) and finished up with a Pure Poppy button. I don't have a use for this card yet, but I just know that the right moment will present itself!
Have a great day!

FS170 - Fly Away

2010-05-12T08:48:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post with Sunday's Featured Stamper card over at Splitcoast. I had been looking for a reason to ink up PTI's Fly Away set and this challenge was just the ticket. As "Grams" to Timothy I am loving making cards for little guys - I'll probably have a dozen cards made for his first birthday!

I paired my favorite "couple" - PTI and Cosmo Cricket. I also used SU!'s Soft Suede as the base. I LOVE that color. BTW, did you notice the use of those great PTI wooden buttons - am I crazy for using so many of those precious little gems on one card?!? I've been hoarding them since I found out they're no longer available. Once I started using them, I can't stop! (PS - Each night I add a little bit to my evening prayers that PTI will be able to get them again!)

I'm having lunch with a couple of dear friends today, so I whipped up a batch of chocolate chip cookies as a sweet surprise. I love simple baking, and this is the same Nestle Tollhouse recipe I've used since I was a little girl.

Have a sweet day!

Still Lovin' Spring!

2010-05-11T11:23:00.001-05:00

I am so enjoying spring. Winter was very difficult for me this past year, and spring has given new life to mine! I truly thank God's wisdom and what he brings each year in spring. In addition to enjoying the yard, garden and flowers we are getting ready to add to our family with a great flock of chickens and at least two calves. I hope to buy bottle babies, but my hubby doesn't think that would be the best idea as they won't be ready to process before winter. Either way I know that I will love this new adventure, and right now I don't want to think about winter!!
It's also a time for more change as we have become true empty nesters. Our youngest, our son, has purchased his first home and has moved out. Last week were discussing some of the details, and he said that he commented that he'd like a specific dinner when he comes to visit, and it really hit me that my baby, my sunshine, is leaving. When he left I cried. I didn't cry because I was sad. I cried because change is hard even when the change is for something good.

I made this card to write to him and tell him how proud I am of the wonderful man he has become and how much I love him. I will miss him, but I am so happy for him and for the life he is creating for himself.

Here they are after packing up at our home. What a sweet little family!

Of course Timothy needed to be entertained, and it seems like Mommy's sunglasses were just the ticket!

Aunt Megan sure knows how to make him smile!

I know I have been neglecting the blog lately. I have so much to share, and will work hard to post more in the future.

FS 167 - Best One Yet!

2010-04-18T10:47:00.002-05:00

Good morning! I actually got to play along over at Splitcoast Stampers for today's Featured Stamper - yeah! It was just the inspiration I needed to ink up that awesome set - Wonderfully Whimsical. What took me so long? It is so darned cute, and now I'll be forced to use it again and again and again and....well, you get the picture!

I also used one of my all time favorite sets - Signature Greetings. I just adore how this sentiment is so versatile - it can be for a birthday, a New Years card or anything that you might do on a yearly basis. I'm going to send this to a friend who works hard on her garden every year. Last year's weather was terrible, and our gardens suffered for it (and so did our tastebuds!). We're all hoping and praying for a better year, and I know she'll love it!

It's sunny and gorgeous here, so I'm off to help the hubby spruce up the yard. Have a fabulous Sunday!