DON'T ASK !

Be honest.....you KNOW you have days like this!!!

This is TOTALLY CASING from Sue's Stamping Stuff.  I fell in love with her card the moment I saw her post it on her blog.  I didn't change a thing other than the paper....cause I didn't have hers...haha  Okay...I added a few black pearls.  Don't mess with a good thing and hers was goooooood!

Wiley Coyote is from the Silhouette Store.  I didn't have the stamp Sue used so I had to make my own in Pages on my Mac.

A2, stitching, ribbon, black half/pearls

Your Strength Amazes Me!

I made several of these cards.  I have several people I could learn from regarding strength. Hunter continues to progress.  He no longer has extra oxygen going into his trachea and sits up without assistance.  A good friend is going through her third series of chemo.   She takes yoga, walks everyday, cooks for her husband daily, 82 in age and thanks God each day she is given.  A family member has a brain tumor....this mountain of strength is working till the day before her surgery and will be headed to the MidEast 4 weeks after her recuperating time. Yup, these are just some of the amazing people I know.

I fell in love with card making upon discovering a House Mouse stamp at Hobby Lobby 6 years ago.  I STILL love love love the house mouse characters. The image stamp is called Heavy Lifter. The word stamp is called Your Strength found on the same page.  (I kept the card somewhat simple since I was sending one of these cards to Hunter and didn't want it too girly...haha)

A2 vertical, copics, Poppy Stamp dies, stitching

A2 vertical, Cheery Lyn die, apple brand, copics, stitching, black pearls

Helmet for Hunter

Promise, Promise....this is the last sport related card for at least 3 weeks.  I made this for Hunter being male, an athlete, sports fan and a USC Gamecock student.  I don't do enough "man" cards, so this being football season, never better than the present to get started...haha

I used Game Day collection from SVGCuts to make this a football helmet shaped card.  Mary has sooo many wonderful sets and the svgs are clean, precise along with excellent directions.

University of South Carolina.....Go Gamecocks!!!!

Are you READY........

(inside)....for some FOOOOTBAALLLLLLL !

I'm totally not in the football zone.  I know nothing!  My son goes crazy when I asked 100 times during a game, "Why did they do THAT?" My son appears to know everything about football plays....haha  He should be prepping to be a coach rather than majoring in chemistry...lol

I used Doodle Pantry Football and Helmets set.  I changed one of the colors to be a USC helmet and added the USC logo (TM), and added the darling Doodle Pantry Ant Accents.  Those ants crack me up!!! I used the football svg from SVGCuts "Game Day" set.

I'm sending this to Hunter.  He is an athlete himself, a USC student and a big Gamecocks fan! Hunter pulled is foot up and rested it upon his other knee.  HOLD ON....there's more.....he took his shoe off by himself!  There's MORE....he later made the same move and took his sock off!!! Go Hunter!

5x5, MS window punch, stitching, distressing ink, DCWV Man pad

Summer Cottage at the beach

I grew up spending my summers at Pawley's Island, SC.  People called it plain and now it's considered "shabby chic" and a definite must be vacation spot....haha  Our house was on stilts, but a little farther inland the houses looked like the scene on my card with mostly sand in the front yard.  Ahhh...the sweet memories.  Someplace I would like to be this very minute.

Anyhooooo,  this is totally KittieKraft motif.  I just love her work and the inspiration she brings with her cards.  It's amazing what a few die cuts can create.  I sometimes draw/design my own svgs similar to the dies if I don't have a die...dies can get very costly.

I made my own svg awning and used pop ups for added dimension. I used Poppy Stamps fence and  window dies.  I made my own extra long flower box svg (also using pop-ups for dimension).  I used an old McGill fern stem punch for my flower stems and I used the stars out of an old American Girl star borders punch for my flowers. I used some old designer scissors from Michaels for the curtain edges and used a tree bark embossing folder to give the curtains the look of draping.  Many pop-ups where added to the windows, curtains and fence for extra dimension.  I need to go buy some more pop-ups...haha

It's Music to My Ears...

Yup, each baby step is a milestone regarding my student who has suffered from a TMI (traumatic brain injury).  Hunter has managed to turn over on his left side, move his head on a command, and held an Ipad(showing a pic of his devoted dog) to his chest.  You go Hunter!!!!

....so these actions of Hunter are "music to my ears"!!!!!

I used a pre-colored Quirky Parrot from Doodle Pantry.   I've had this printed out for awhile and knew the moment was right to be used in a card....I just never knew at the beginning who or what it would be for, but just loving the image.  I love birds...ok..I love a lot of things, but birds are definitely on my list....haha

MB music, cage and branch dies, stitching pop-ups for dimension behind cage and scales

Challenges:

Hanging in there with you Hunter!

This card is dedicated and being sent to Hunter, my former student who was in an horrific car accident in late June. He is in his last semester of his senior year at USC.  He's now at Shepard's Center in Atlanta, Georgia.  The center's doctors and therapist are fabulous.  He hasn't responded yet verbally, but he gave me a "thumbs up" in Columbia and has finally given them one too.  Each day is a blessing.

This is a freebie set called "Crescent Moon Ants" being offered from Aug. 1 - Aug. 15 from Laurie at Doodle Pantry.  By making a card/creation with it, you are able to participate in one of the two challenges this month on the Doodle Pantry Blog.  Wow...I like the odds on that!

The image is hanging from a string, but it's hard to see in my little picture.  I used my own svg clouds, a silver charm, pop-ups for dimension and DCWV paper pack.

A2, stitching, scallop punch, Cameo cutter

Challenges:

Doodle Pantry Blog: use this image in your creation (free download)

Been thinking about ewe!

HAHA...maybe you have been thinking about "me"!  Where has this girl been and what has she been up to this past month?

• My brother's wedding in Denver
• A dear former student in a tragic car accident has left him with a trumatic brain injury...time spent with family away from home (please tell people to wear their seatbelt and NOT TEXT!)
• Illness in the family
• Getting my youngest son ready for college...two weeks away

On a sad/happy note, I resigned my position as a team member at Doodle Pantry with all the pending family matters close at hand (sad)....BUT....I can still participate in the challenges just like the rest of you....how great is that (happy)!!!

 I chose Critter Tops ewe for Doodle Pantry Blog's 1st challenge.  I used Memory Box and Die-namics die cuts along with my homemade embossing brick folder and some stitching.

Gosh..my first card in over a month...it was hard on this old girl...gotta get my groove back!

A2, dies, punches, embossing folder and stitching

Challenges:

 Doodle Pantry Blog - any Doodle Pantry image

Not a "snowball's chance"....

....that we'll miss our annual winter get together with you!

That's right....we have family in Rhode Island we always get together with AND our dear friends in Charleston that we get together with during winter break.

Alas, it is 102 outside at this very moment and that's not even the heat index.  I'm a "hot weather girl" and I think even "I" have surpassed my comfort zone.

I used the Snowball Ants set on an easel card....it is one of the absolutely darling sets Doodle Pantry is introducing for July.  I always enjoy doing a few Christmas and winter cards during this month to stay ahead of my card making for the holidays.  Head over to the Doodle Pantry Blog and see the other newbies for this month.  Check out the freebie set that you will receive just for participating.

Added 3 layers of snow drifts using pop-ups for dimension, but hard to see in picture.  I also added ice sickles, copics, and snowflake embellishments.

When the card is folded flat.

How Are Things In Your Neck of the Woods?

I think Quirky Ostrich is the cutest bird ever..lol  This cutie image and set (B/W and color) is from Doodle Pantry.  I see me using this image for many types of occasions.  Remember, if you participate in the challenge at the Doodle Pantry Blog, you will receive a wonderful complimentary set that Laurie has chosen for the month. So...join in !!!

A2, stitching, circle punch

Materials:

MS button punch

Circle punch

Memory box die

Corner embellishments

Too Cute to be Crabby...

Oh yeah!  This is my kind of weather....hot, humid, spending a lot of time on the water, at the beach, fishing....you get the picture!

This is Quirky Crab from Doodle Pantry.  The set come with b/w, Colored images, DP and sentiments.  By participating in this month's challenge at the Doodle Pantry Blog will receive a complimentary set from Laurie at Doodle Pantry.  Join in on the fun!

A2 horizontal

Materials:

ATD Super Paper Pad

Metal starfish embellishment

onion bag plastic weaving and stitching

Challenges:

Dare to be different

If you follow my blog in the least, you know I usually have a story that relates to the image I choose.  In this case, I had a cockatiel name Charlie that must had thought he was a bat.  He loved hanging upside down.  Friends would come over to my house and say "Hey, what's up with the weird upside-down bird?"  I loved the little fella, but he "flew the coop" one day while I was cleaning his cage.  Obviously he loved the idea of freedom more than any love for me!...lol

Branch Birds from Doodle Pantry now comes as a Colored set along with DP and sentiments.  By participating in the June challenge at Doodle Pantry Blog, you will receive a wonderful pre-determined complete set.  Now THAT'S easy peazy!!!

A2, stitching, liquid pearls, twine

Materials:

DCWV: Cafe Caribbean embossed paper

MS flower punches (embossed), fern

Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish die

Swimming by......

Laura, owner and artist of Doodle Pantry, did it again....another "new release" fun image that was introduced last month.  This one is called Scuba Sheep. It comes with B/W and color images, DP, and sentiments. If you know me then you know I love anything that is remotely related to the beach, water,  or a coastal summer theme so I couldn't wait to play with this image.  I used a very similar sketch last month so I figured "if it isn't broke, then don't mess with it".

Join the Doodle Pantry Blog monthly challenge and you will receive a wonderful complimentary digital set. Easy Peazy!

5x5 fish bowl shaped card

Materials:

DCWV: Seaglass pad

Seaweed: from Silhouette Store

Apoxy clear bubbles, metal embellishments (starfish)

Raffeta and orange mesh from onion bag

My fishbowl svg

To New Adventures!!!

New Release Day

at

Doodle Pantry

Our youngest son is graduating today so this new set from Doodle Pantry was perfect for the occasion.  This particular one is not yet released for sale, since it is the FREEBIE set for participating in this month's challenge. It also comes pre-colored, with matching DP, and sentiments.  I chose to use his high school colors for the kite.  He's headed to USC to major in chemistry.  We are very proud of him.

Head over to the Doodle Pantry Blog and see the other fun releases and FREEBIE set...just for participating.  

A2 vertical, die cut trees, sun and window punch, stitching, copics

Blueberry pie and friendship (+free svgs)

Doodle Pantry - Berry Pie Set (Pre-Colored)

(inside)....doesn't get much sweet than that!

I notice I make more "food" cards when I'm hungry...lol  In this case, I was checking out my blueberry bushes in the backyard when the idea of making a card with a blueberry theme popped into my head.  And, remembering Doodle Pantry had a wonderful Berry Pie "Pre-Colored" set this month, I went to work. Laurie does such an awesome job on her pre-colored images and matching DP paper.

A2 vertical, stitching, distressing, string, die cut (svg)

Download:  pie pan and blueberries  (svg)

Svg file is free for 3 days....after that the set can be purchased for $1

ENJOY!

That's All Folks!

Freebie Friday

at

Bugaboo Stamps

In truth, I didn't know how to title this post.  It was the end of the day and being bow-legged tired I felt like "that was it, the end, no more; I had nothing left in me."  I was tired...lol

Freebie Friday at Bugaboo Stamps is a fun day for everyone.  It is Friday AND you get a darling "freebie image".  How cool is that!!!

Hop on over to Catch The Bug and see other cute cards made with this adorable image.

Materials:

A2 size, MS fern punch, stem die cut, button, cotton ball

Copics, DCWV paper, pearls

Homemade flower medallion

Glossy Accents

What's cluckin?

"What is that?" asked me, the city girl.

I seem to always have a memory/story behind each card.  Being a "city girl", I wasn't exposed to many critters from the foul family when I went to meet my new in-laws on their little farm.  I recognized the chickens and rooster immediately, but I saw strange little turkeys running around in their yard (free range...lol).  Anyhow, I was also unfamiliar with the strange sounds they made (patty wack - patty wack) and they seem to want to follow me.  My mouth seems to get me in more trouble than anything.  I spontaneously ask, "Hey, what's up with the strange turkeys?" They all bursted out laughing and when they were finally able to composed themselves, my husband turned to me and said, "My dear, those are not turkeys; they are guineas."  Now yal go "google" a guinea fowl and tell me that don't look like miniature turkeys!!!

Doodle Pantry has some wonderful "May Releases".  This darling chicken/hen is from the Quirky Rooster/Hen set.  It comes with B/W and Pre-colored images, along with DP and sentiments.  How cool is that!

A2 vertical, chicken wire stamp, raffeta, stitching, epoxy circle

Join this months challenge at Doodle Pantry Blog and receive a cute Man Set for free.

Challenges:

Kodak Moment and Precious Memory

Stella Says Sketch Sunday (SSS)

at Catch the Bug

Spring has sprung and the hot days of summer are almost upon us.  I still have some lilies blooming which are gorgeous.  I will always remember my favorite "kodak moment".  My son Mitchell, who was only 2 at the time, bent over to smell a lily.  When he took his little nose out of the lily, straightened up and looked at me with the biggest smile ever, he had a blog of yellow pollen on the tip of his nose....that was a "Kodak moment"!  So dang sweet!!!

I "copic-ed"( I just made a new word for the dictionary) Flower Bears - Lily from Bugaboo Stamps. Please  join in on our bi-weekly, fun SSS challenge at Catch The Bug.

A2, stitching, punch, die, embossing, pearl, copics, ribbon

Planting Time (free planter svg)

Saturday Sketch Challenge

at Catch the Bug

Molly Moo - Plant Pots from Bugaboo Stamps is an all-time favorite image for Spring and Fall cards since I love planting veggies and flowers.  I miss the HUGE garden my in-laws had on their small farm.  They went from tobacco to soybean and any veggies you could possibly imagine.  YUM YUM

Join us this week for a delightful, fun sketch challenge at Catch The Bug.  (See sketch below)

A2, stitching, copics, svg, die cut, pearls

Download: flower pot  (svg)

Will be available for 3 days...Enjoy!

When life hands you lemons...

(inside).....Find yourself a little SUGAR!

Lemon Ants from Doodle Pantry was the perfect little image to use on a card for a special friend.  This set comes in B/W and Pre-Colored, along with digi paper and sentiments....sweet!!!  I used the "spotlight" technique.

By joining the challenge at the Doodle Pantry Blog this month, you will receive a free image set. So come on and join the fun!

Materials:

DP from ATD

Copics, circle punch and stitching

Grass file from Silhouette

Challenges: