My final post of 2011...

Hey darlin' friends!! I hope you had a great weekend last week...and, if you celebrated a Winter Holiday, I hope it was fabulous!! So...I must admit...Santa was very good to me this year!! My NOOK tablet is pretty cool...never mind that I don't know how to do much more than READ BOOKS on it! bwahahaha!! But, I suspect I'll figure it all out eventually! Ahem...have I mentioned lately that I still have a sewing machine that's never seen the light of day? True...electronics & machinery...arrggh!!! But...one of my New Year's resolutions is to get out my sewing machine so I can sew on cards...another of my resolutions is to organize my craftroom!! Hmmmm...365 days in a year, right?! LOL!!

OK...enough chatter...I have a card to show you! And it's NOT a Christmas card!! Whoohoooo!

I tell ya, I am not generally a fan of purples...but then I found these gorgeous DPs from Magnolia...and thought they'd go well with Almost Amethyst cardstock (Stampin' Up)...and...voila...a sweet little "thank you" card! Adorable, huh? I used "Tilda with Hellebores"...from the Sweet Christmas Dreams 2011 Collection. I tell ya, she was such fun to color...especially her hair!! The hellebores were fun too...do they come in purple? I don't even know. I've never seen a hellebore up close and personal! So, in my world, hellebores can be purple! hehehe!!

Oh my gosh...don'tcha just love that bow? It's made with "silky crushed ribbon" and is available HERE at The Ribbon Girl (my "go to store" for the most luscious ribbons ever!). Go ahead, check it out...it's OK...cuz I just placed a huge order...but I'm sure there's a little left for you! hehehe!! Tell Mary and Andrea I said "hi"!

I colored this darlin' with Copics & Prismacolor pencils...the sentiment is from Whimsy Stamps...and those yummilicious flowers and pearl brads are from Wild Orchid Crafts. I kept the inside pretty simple...just a few bows and a Martha Stewart lattice punched border thingie...and space for a personal note.

Here's an angled shot...kinda artsy fartsy, don'tcha know...

I'm entering this little card into the following challenges:

7 Kids College Fund #37: New Years Hopes & Dreams (does that include resolutions? hehe)

Sketch Saturday #186

Totally Tilda: Thank You

Simon Says Stamp: Anything Goes

Stampin' for the Weekend: #23 Anything Goes

And that's it for me, kids!! I hope you have a great weekend...please be safe...and let's ALL have the most fabulous New Year...filled with love and peace and lots of creativity!! Thanks so much for stopping by...see you in 2012! Hugs...

My Fave Mo Project of 2011

Hey there, my lovelies! Did you have the most delightful week last week? Was Santa good to you and yours? Are ya gearing up for a fabulous New Year's celebration?? My sweet hubby and I plan on staying home and watching TV on New Year's Eve...we'll be fast asleep long before midnight! hehehe!!

So...that's what I've got going on this week...that and another amazingly cool challenge at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog!! Sooooo...here's the deal...our challenge this week is for each of us to take a look at all of the projects we created in 2011 using one (or more) of Mo Manning images...and select a FAVORITE!! Seriously??? How do I choose? I've loved each and every one of my Mo projects this year...so if I absolutely have to choose (and I do!), here's my pick...

I posted this card just a few short weeks ago...she's called "Dream" and you can find her HERE at Mo's online store. "Dream" is also available as a boy...and you can find him at Mo's HERE!

I just love how all of these fun and funky elements came together...

Here's my card "recipe"...

Cardstock: Crumb Cake (Stampin' Up)

DPs: Recollections (from Michael's Craft Store)

Charm, raffia & raffia ribbon: my stash

Clock die, gears, film, & ticket sentiments: Tim Holtz

Cloud dies: Memory Box

Little watch: Bo Bunny Trinkets

Copics & Prismacolor pencils

And a couple of views of the inside...

 I made a pocket with a fun little card for a personal note. And...here's one last photo...

So...now it's your turn. Head on over to Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog HERE to check out the fabulous 2011 cards chosen by my talented DT sistahs! Then, please join us at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog! Just upload a fave card or 3-D project that you created in 2011.

Remember, your selected project MUST CONTAIN ONE (OR MORE) OF MO MANNING IMAGES! And then, why not visit one of Mo's online stores HERE and HERE...and pick up a couple of new digi images to start off 2012 with a BANG?!! Also...don't forget, one lucky participant (chosen at random) will receive a $5.00 shopping spree at Mo's online stores.

Thanks so much for visiting...and for your very kind support and sweet comments throughout the year! Here's to a very safe and prosperous New Year in 2012 for us all!! Warm hugs...until next time!

"Punch it Out" in PINK!!

Hey there, my sweet friends! Well...just three days 'til Christmas!! Are you ready?? This is my last Christmas card of 2011! Just 8 more months before I start working on cards for Christmas 2012! hehehe!! So...let's talk about this week's fabulous challenge at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog, shall we?

Once again my sweet and very talented friend, Dorcas, is our "hostess with the mostess!" And she's chosen another really fun theme! Ready?? For this week's challenge, Dorcas wants us to use...

Punches or Dies!!

How fun, huh?! Soooooo...here's what I came up with...

This adorable little sweetheart is called "Kai in the Snow" and you can find her HERE at Mo's online store. Isn't she soooooo cute? Oh...wait...hmmmm...is Kai a little girl...or is Kai a little boy? Well...today's "Kai" is a darling little girl!! Here's another view...

Here's my card "recipe"...

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink (Stampin' Up)
DPs (interior): Eskimo Kisses (Basic Grey)
Sentiment: Stampin' Up 

Ribbon & pearls: my stash
Flowers & leaves: Wild Orchid Crafts
Snowflake dies: Spellbinders & Magnolia
Snowflake embossing folder: Cuttlebug
Coarse Glitter: Martha Stewart
Snow: Polar Ice Flower Soft
and
Stickles on everything that wasn't crawling away! hehehe!

Copics...
E21, 00, 000, 0000 (skin)
R20 (cheeks)
BG72, 10, 000, 0000, & B00 (blues)
R85, 83, 81, RV00 (pinks)

And a view of the inside...

And there ya go! Now it's time for you to head on over to Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog HERE to check out the fabulous cards by my talented Design Teamies!! Then, please join the fun this week at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog! Just remember to use one (or more) of Mo Manning's images (you can find them in Mo's online stores HERE and HERE)...and follow this week's theme: "Punches or Dies." Who knows, you may be chosen (by Random.Org) to receive a $5.00 shopping spree at Mo's online stores.

Thanks so much for stopping by...and for your very, very sweet comments! And...a very Merry Christmas!! Hugs...until next time!

Another "Sassy" Snowman

Hello again!! Just a few more days until Santa comes....whoohoo!! I can't wait to open my Nook Tablet! hehehehe! What can I say? I'm a good guesser!! LOL!! And...on that happy note...let's talk about this fortnight's fun challenge at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog! That's right...our challenge this week is actually going to stay up for TWO weeks so that we can all enjoy our Nook Tablets! oops!

So...last week, our Sassy Miz Judy selected "Blizzard" as our theme...and this week...she's chosen another COLD theme...this one's a combo theme...

Snowman ...
AND...
Use a Die Cut!!

Whoohoo...another snowman image this week? No prob!! There are so many fabulous snow people at Sassy Cheryl's!! So...for this week's challenge, I decided to make this little "gate-fold" card...

I used Sassy Cheryl's "Wind Up Santa" available HERE at Sassy Cheryl's Digis...soooooo cute, huh?!!

Here's my card "recipe"...

Grey cardstock: Stampin' Up

DPs: Paper Studio's "Country Christmas" Collection

Fabric flower: Prima

Sentiments & blue diamonds: my stash

Seam binding: Ribbon Girl
Dies: Nestabilities & Just Rite

Liquid Applique for Santa's fur trim
Snowflake punch: MS

Copics & Prismacolor pencils

And a peek at the inside...

And a little "artsy" view...

Alright, my sweethearts...it's time to pop on over to Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog to see what my talented DT sistahs have created for your viewing pleasure!! Then, please join the fun! Just remember to follow this fortnight's "Snowman...and a Die Cut" theme. Oh, and...don't forget to link your finished project to this week's challenge...because one lucky participant (selected at random) will win a $5.00 digi credit to spend at Sassy Cheryl's Digis Online Store HERE!!

I've decided to enter this card in the following challenges...

Paper Sundaes - Celebrate

One Stitch at a Time - Anything Goes

Craft Your Days Away - Snowmen
Bunny Zoe's Monthly Challenge - Fancy Fold
Stamping Boutique - Holiday/Winter
Frosted Designs Fabulous Fridays - Ribbon

Thanks so much for stopping by...and for taking the time to leave a comment! Your comments really, REALLY make me smile!! Happy, HAPPY Holiday Hugs!!!

Hold onto my heart...

Hey there my lovelies! Can you believe it's almost Christmas?! Yep...just a few more days, in fact...and then New Years...and THEN...Valentines Day!! hehehe! Well, I decided to get started on my Valentine's cards!! I know, I know...I am the QUEEN of PROCRASTINATION! But...I tell ya, I'm just about ready to be done with Christmas cards...at least for a little while anyway! hehehe!! Sooooo...are ya ready? Ta daaaaaa...here's my first Valentine for 2012!

Isn't this just the most perfect image for a Valentine's Day card?! This stamp is called "Hold on to My Heart" and is part of the Home Grown collection of Sugar Nellie stamps. You can find it HERE at Funky Kits. Here's a side view...

I layered lots of the DPs...mostly because I just couldn't decide which of the gorgeous patterns to choose! So...I chose several!!! LOL!! I then sponged all the edges with Tim Holtz "Vintage Photo" to give them a bit of an "old world" feel.

Here's my card "recipe"...

Cardstock: Very Vanilla

DPs: Lost & Found (My Mind's Eye)

Lace, crown pins, & roses: Wild Orchid Crafts

Key, brad, & medallion: Bo Bunny Trinkets

I decided to keep the inside pretty simple...just layering DPs...and stamped the "I love you" sentiment with black ink using a fun little stamp that I found in my stash! Ya just gotta love the stash, don'tcha?! hehe!

I've decided to enter this card into the following challenge:
Cute Card Thursday - Challenge #195 "Stripes"

OK m'darlins...that's it for me! Thanks so much for stopping by to take a peek at my latest Sugar Nellie DT project...and for your sweet comments! Hugs...until next time....

The Fabric of Our Lives...at Mo's

Please scroll down to see this week's fun

Sugar Bowl "Santa" ....

Hello again!! Guess what? It's time for another fun challenge at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog!! And, once again, my very talented friend, Dorcas, is our hostess!! This week, Dorcas has chosen another very unique theme...are ya ready? Here it is....

The Fabric of Our Lives!!

Yep...that clever little DT sistah of mine has challenged us all to add FABRIC to our projects this week!! So....here's what I came up with....

Allow me to introduce you to Maisie! I just fell in love with her when I first saw her in Mo's store!! You can find "Maisie Caroling" HERE in Mo's online store. I tell ya, she was pure joy to color!!

OK...so last week I was paging through the January 2012 edition of "Cardmaker Magazine"...and my eye caught a darling card by Jeanne Streiff. She used cross-stitch fabric...and stamped directly onto it. So...of course I just had to give it a try!! And...I LOVE the effect!! Then I added some cheesecloth...and fabric buttons...and, of course, some gorgeous roses...and VOILA!!

Here's my card "recipe"...

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip & Baja Breeze (Stampin' Up)

DPs: Bo Bunny's "Snowfall" collection

Baja Breeze seam binding & buttons (SU)

Snowflake stamps: stash
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Caramel Creme, & Baja Breeze (SU)
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts

Copics:
E21, 00, 000, 0000 (skin)
R20 (cheeks)
E25, 23, 21, YR20 (hair)
E34, 33, 31, 30 (skirt)
BG72, 10, 000, 0000 (scarf, gloves, & pocket)
YG 99, 97, 95, 93, 91, W1 (shawl)
W0 & BG0000 (shadow)

Oh...and I lightly inked the cross-stitch fabric to minimize fraying...and then inked all of the cardstock edges...with Caramel Creme & Chocolate Chip. Here's a peek at the inside...

Okay, m'darlins...it's time for you to head on over to Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog HERE to check out the gorgeous creations by my talented Design Teamies!! Then, please join us this week at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog! Just remember to use one (or more) of Mo Manning's images (you can find them in Mo's online stores HERE and HERE)...and follow this week's theme by adding some kind of "FABRIC" to your project!! Remember, up for grabs to one lucky winner (selected at random, of course) is a $5.00 shopping spree at Mo's online stores.

I've decided to enter this card into the following challenge:

Papertake Weekly - I'm dreaming of a BLUE & BROWN Christmas
Crafty Calendar - Cold and Frosty
Stampin' for the Weekend - Christmas
Paper Sundaes - Anything Christmas
One Stitch at a Time - Use a digi

Thanks so much for visiting...and, as always, for your sweet comments! Hugs...until next time!

Santa at the Sugar Bowl...

Helloooooo...and welcome to this fortnight's Sugar Bowl Challenge! Before we get started, I have a quick question...are you tired of the Christmas "countdown" yet? Well...I'm not going to tell you how many days are left 'til Christmas, but let me just say, if you haven't started your shopping yet, you may want to start thinking about it! I tell ya, I am seriously lovin' the online shopping option!! hehehe!

OK...let's talk about Christmas cards, shall we? Cuz that's exactly what I've made for today's Sugar Bowl!

My talented friend and fellow DT "Sweetie," Maria Therese, has given us this fabulous "challenge" sketch to follow...

Awesome, huh? Oh...and, the other part of this fortnight's challenge is...

NO DESIGNER PAPERS!

Hmmm...seriously?? You know that I love my DPs! The more layers, the better!! hehehe!! Well...I guess that's why we call it a "challenge," right? Soooo...I chose this cute little Sugar Nellie stamp called "Old St. Nick." He's such a cutie, isn't he? This darlin' comes from Sugar Nellie's "Home Grown Collection" and you can find him HERE at Funky Kits! Here's kind of a side view...

My card "recipe"...

Cardstock: Hunter Green & Real Red (Stampin' Up)

Snowflake embossing folders (Cuttlebug)

Metal filagree corners (Wild Orchid Crafts)

Ribbon & gold beads (my stash)

Liquid Applique

Copics & prismacolor pencils

And my fave "artsy fartsy" view... 

And nowwwwwww...it's time to pop on over to the Sugar Bowl and take a peek at the gorgeous projects made by my fellow DT Sweeties. Then, come join us for this fortnight's challenge! One lucky participant will be randomly selected to win a fabulous prize from Sugar Nellie. Once again, our prize for this Sugar Bowl Challenge is....

...your choice of FOUR Sugar Nellie stamps

(increasing to SIX if we have 100+ entries!)...

Oh...I've decided to enter this card into the following challenges...

The Stamping Boutique Monthly Challenge - Winter/Holiday
Paper Sundaes - Anything Christmas

Thank you so much for stopping by...and for your sweeeeeet comments! Hugs...until next time....

It's a "Sassy" Blizzard...brrrrr

Please scroll down to see today's

"Magnolia-licious" card!

Hello again!! Soooo...have you started gearing up for the cold weather that is sure to come as we get deeper into the month of December?? It's been sooooooo cold here in Richmond, VA...in the 50's &  60's F! hehehe! Generally speaking, our weather is pretty mild...and we don't often get huge blizzards!! BUT...there's some serious weather happening over at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog this week!! That's right!! Our very own "sassy" and talented Miz Judy is hostess again this week...and she's chosen for our challenge theme...

It's a BLIZZARD!!

(a.k.a. White on white)

Hmmm...well...I know I have dozens of Sassy Cheryl digi images...but, not quite the one I wanted for this week's challenge! hehehe!! So, a shopping I did go! Straight over to Sassy Cheryl's online store...and, as luck would have it, I found the perfect Sassy Sally image...and here's what I came up with....

This little cutie patootie is called " Sassy Sally Plays a Trick" and she's available at Sassy Cheryl's HERE!! That Sally...she's up to no good...again! hehehe!! Don'tcha just love that crooked (and kinda sinister) little smile of hers?? Bwahahahaha!!

I have to admit..."white on white" has always been such a challenge for me...but thanks to embossing folders and pearls, I was able to"jazz" this card up just a wee little bit!! Here's a peek at the inside...

Here's my card "recipe"...

Cardstock: Neenah White

Snowflake embossing folders: Cuttlebug

Flower thingie: Prima

Sentiments & pearls: my stash

Banner stamp: hAnglar & sTanglar

Snowflake edge punch: Martha Stewart

Liquid Applique for the fur trim

Copics

And one last photo...the "artsy fartsy" one...

Okey dokey...now it's time to pop on over to Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog to check out all the "snowy" creations by my talented DT "Sassettes"!! Then, we'd love for you to come join the fun! Just remember to follow this week's "White on white" theme. You don't even have to use a Sassy Cheryl image...tho we love when you do!! Oh, and...don't forget to link your finished project to this week's challenge...because one lucky participant (selected at random) will win a $5.00 digi credit to spend at Sassy Cheryl's Digis Online Store HERE!!

I've decided to enter this card in the following challenges...

Paper Sundaes - Anything Christmas

Simon Says Stamp - Photo Montage Inspiration

Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

One Stitch at a Time - Use a Digi
Crafty Calendar - Cold & Frosty
Craft Your Days Away - Snowmen
Alphabet Challenge - W for White Christmas
Stampin' for the Weekend - Christmas

And...that's it for me! Thanks so much for visiting...and for your sweet comments! Have a great week! Warm hugs...until next time....

Tilda is seeing STARS!!!

Happy Tuesday, m'darlin blogging buddies!! Can you believe it? ! Just 12 days 'til Christmas...and I haven't even started shopping for my sweet hubby yet! I have, however, given him a long list of things that I absolutely need!!! hehehehe!! I know...I'm so bad! I'd better watch it...or I'll end up with nothing but a stocking full of COAL! Uh oh!! I need to get some shopping done...but first things first...

This month we're having just one challenge over at Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog! And...guess who's our hostess with the mostess? Miz Diana Crick...owner of Magnolia-licious! Whoohoo! And Diana has given us this fabulous Inspiration Photo...of STARS! 

Pretty cool, huh?! Oh...and the trick will be for you all to see how many stars you can get on your project! hehehe! Soooooo...I'm always up for a new challenge...tell me...how did I do?

Isn't this Tilda such a cutie? She's called "Volleyball Tilda" and is currently available at Magnolia-licious HERE. I stamped Tilda with Memento Rich Cocoa for a slightly softer look! Here's a side view...

I decided that I'd give this card to our almost-13-year-old granddaughter, Emma. She plays volleyball...and is soooooooo good at it!! She's my little Super Star!!

 

Here's my Card "Recipe"...

Cardstock: Pool Party & More Mustard (Stampin' Up)

DPs: Recollections' Night & Fall collection

Star dies: Sizzix
Star punch: Martha Stewart

Sentiment: Stamping Bella
Charm, raffia, & letter tiles: my stash

Copics & Prismacolor pencils used...

E21, 00, 000, 0000 w/Peach & Light Peach pencils (skin)

R20 w/Nectar pencil (cheeks)

E27, 25, 23, 21, 15, 13, & YR20 w/Dark Brown & Sienna Brown pencils (hair)

E35, 31, 30, 50 w/Goldenrod & Sienna Brown pencils (shorts)
BG75, 72, 10, 000, 0000 w/Turquoise & Black pencils (blues)
C1 & 00 (ball & ground)
BG000 & 0000 (highlights)

And...last, but not least...

 Now it's time for you to visit Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog and take a peek at the gorgeous creations by my talented DT sistahs! You may notice, while you're there, that we have two new, fabulously talented Design Teamies...Katie & Jane!! Welcome, ladies!

Then...please join in the fun by making and entering your own project into this month's Magnolia-licious Inspiration Challenge. Remember, one lucky participant (selected at random, of course) will win a $25.00 gift voucher for a Magnolia-licious Shopping Spree!! Whooohooo!!

And...that's it for me!! Thanks so much for stopping by...and for your kind comments! Now...let the craftin' begin!! "Maggie" hugsssssssssss...until next time!!

Banners or Tags at Mo's

Hey there, sweet friends! Guess what? It's Thursday and that means it's time for another fantabulous challenge at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog!! And, once again, my very talented friend, Dorcas, is our hostess!! This week, Dorcas wants us all to make something with...

Banners or Tags!!

So....here's what I came up with....

Now...I have to tell ya that I had some trouble with my photo editing program. My old (reliable) 'puter got worms!! No idea how that happened...eating raw meat or something!! So now I am using my new laptop! And, since it's new and improved, I'll have to spend some time figuring it all out!! grrrr!

But I digress...

This little cutie is called "On the pot" (straight haired version) and you can find her HERE at Mo's online store. Isn't she soooooo stinkin' cute? (No pun intended! bwahahaha!!) "On the pot" is available in four versions...2 boys and two girls...straight and curly haired versions!

 Here's my card "recipe"...

Cardstock: Almost Amethyst (Stampin' Up) and Pink & Yellow (DCWV Pastels)

DPs: Heidi Grace

Banner & ribbon: my stash

Sentiment: Magnolia

Copics & Prismacolor pencils

Sorry...no inside views today. Would'ja like to know why? Of course you would!!! It's because this card doesn't open up (hehehe!)...it just has that secret little pocket!! But here's kind of a side view for you...

So...now it's time for you to head on over to Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog HERE to check out the fabulous cards by my talented DT sistahs!! Then, please join the fun this week at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog! Just remember to use one (or more) of Mo Manning's images (you can find them in Mo's online stores HERE and HERE)...and follow this week's theme: "Banners or Tags." Who knows, you may be chosen (by that Random.Org thingie) to receive a $5.00 shopping spree at Mo's online stores.

I'll be entering this card into the following challenge:

Papertake Weekly - Anything goes w/option of something dangly

Thanks so much for visiting...and, as always, for your sweet comments! Hugs...until next time!