Just fabulous, dahhhhhlin'!

Hello dahhhhlin' friends...happy Spring! It's true...we've made it through another winter...and the weather in Richmond, VA has been just fabulous, dahhhhlin'!! Well...a little rain here and there...but you know what they say..."April showers bring May flowers"! (I know it's not April yet...but we're sooooooo close that I think it still counts! LOL!)

So...it's Thursday and it's time for another fun challenge at the Sugar Bowl! Our very own, uber talented DT Sweetie "sistah", Kiki, is our hostess...and she's come up with this awesome sketch with an optional theme of "Pink"! Seriously?? Pink?? How easy and perfect is that?! I'm lovin' it! Thanks Kiki...you rock, babe!!

Now, I decided that I'd turn the sketch on it's side...and use one of my absolute favorite Simply Sassy images called "Fabulous Darling". These images are created by the exceptionally cute and talented artist, Krista Smith, and are all available exlusively at Funky Kits.

I used this fun lipstick paper from Magnolia...and decided that I just had to use this adorable sentiment from C.C. designs. Sooooo, that meant another twisted easel card! Whoo hoo! I love making these...they're such fun...and the end result is so unique, don'tcha think?!

Here's the "recipe" for my little card...
Cardstock: White with Pretty in Pink inked edges (Stampin' Up)
Pearl & lace embellishment: from Recollections "Boutique Fleur" collection
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts
Ribbon: my stash
Oh...and some Glossy Accents on this Sassy Lady's shoes
And here's a photo of the Copics I used to color this little cutie patootie!

OK...it's your turn to come up with your own little paper masterpiece for this fortnight's Sugar Bowl Challenge. No...wait! First, you absolutely MUST check out the gorgeous projects created by my DT Sister Sweeties for inspiration...OK, NOW you can start your craftin'! Remember, to qualify for the fab prize, you MUST use at least ONE Sugar Nellie image...and, let me tell ya, there are oooodles to choose from at Funky Kits...so check 'em out! It's true...so many awesome Sugar Nellie images...and just so little time!! Oh...and you might want to try something new for a change...like, for instance, I'm in the process of coloring one of Leanne Ellis' gorgeous images...my first. So, you'll see that on my blog soon!

Thanks so much dahhhhlin' friends for stopping by for a visit...and for your sweet comments that always make me smile! Until next time....

Clean & Simple...

Hi sweet friends!! Is it Spring yet?! I believe it is! YAY!! Plus...it's Tuesday....and that means it's time for another fabby challenge at Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog!! Our very own incredibly talented Angela is our hostess again for this month's "Inspiration Challenge"...and she's chosen this beautiful photo to inspire us all!!

Now...I've been thinking about making something "clean and simple" featuring a couple of those absolutely darling Mini Magnolia images...available at Diana's Magnolia-licious online store HERE. Oh...just a quick reminder...Diana actually holds the sole distributorshop of these Mini Maggie darlin's in all of North America...sooooo cooooool! So...here's what I came up with....

Trust me when I tell ya, this is about as "clean and simple" as I get, I guess!! LOL! Anyway, I had such fun making yesterday's "peek-a-boo" card for Magnolia-licious Highlites Challenge Blog "Easter-Spring Extravaganza Contest" Blog Hop...that I decided to make another one...this time with one of these uber cool accordian-fold paper medallions...and it seemed the perfect place to showcase the ever so adorable Mini #268 "Little Bunny Tilda" perched on this cute little Mini #601 "Wagon with Eggs"...available at Magnolia-licious HERE and HERE.

I used some gorgeous DPs from Heidi Grace...very Springy and very pretty, don'tcha think?!

And here's an "artsy" view that really shows off the card's demensions...

So there you go...and now, if you haven't done it already, it's time for you to pop on over to check out the gorgeous creations by my crazy talented DT sisters at Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog. Then pull out your papers and pencils, copics, inks, or whatever...and at least ONE Magnolia image (and there are so many fun ones to choose from...including all those darling minis at Magnolia-licious HERE) and make your own little masterpiece to enter in this month's "Inspiration Challenge". And guess what else? Our own sweet and exceptionally generous Diana Crick is awarding one lucky participant (selected at random, of course) a $25.00 Gift Certificate...for a shopping spree at Magnolia-licious. (I'm soooooo envious!!) Now...get busy, kiddos!

Thanks so much for visiting...and for your kind comments that totally make my day!! Sending out many, many Mini Maggie smooches...until next time....

It's a Bunny Hop...oops, I mean Blog Hop!!

Hi friends!! Hope y'all had a fun and relaxing weekend!! Now...if you haven't heard, Diana Crick, the ever sweet and generous owner of Magnolia-licious...your online store for all things "Magnolia"...has put together the most fabulous Easter-Spring Extravaganza Contest!! And let me just say...you will definitely want to be part of this!! Be sure to check out the contest details...AND take a peek at the delicious prizes...at Magnolia-licious Highlites Challenge Blog HERE.

Now, I have to admit, I'm crazy excited to be part of the Magnolia-licious Easter-Spring Extravaganza Blog Hop...in fact, this is my very first blog hop ever!! And would you believe it...my high-speed internet is on the fritz!! So I am trying to post this using "dial-up" service! "Trying" being the operative word!! So...let's see if this will work...

If you hopped on over here from Cabio's blog, then you've already seen some pretty amazing paper craft masterpieces! And I'm next on your "hit parade"! LOL! Now, I've wanted to make "peek-a-boo" card for some time now, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to try it out!!

I used this adorable #261 "Tilda with Hawaiian Flower" from the new "Butterfly Dreams" Collection available as a pre-order at Magnolia-licious HERE. I also used this gorgeous #12 Lovely Fence Doohickey Die...also available at Magnolia-licious HERE. I am quite pleased with the effect!

So...here's a peek at the inside...

And, of course, what I cleverly refer to as my "artsy" view...

Here's the rest of my "recipe"...
Cardstock & ink: Certainly Celery & Lavender Lace (Stampin-Up)
DPs: "Sparkly Sweet" (K & Company)
Dies & punches: Nestabilities, Magnolia, & Martha Stewart
Glitter: Stickles
Pearls, flowers, & ribbon: my "stash"
And here are the Copics I used to color this little cutie:

Thanks so much for stopping by to see what I've been up to! Now it's time to hop on over to Angela's blog to see what "gorgeousness" she's created for your viewing pleasure! Until next time....

Magnolia-licious Easter-Spring Extravaganza Contest!!

Happy weekend, everyone!! I hope you are all having the best weekend!! The weather here in Richmond, VA has been just gorgeous!! I'm already lovin' Spring (even though it's not officially here yet! LOL!)! So, I've been busy crafting...making all kinds of fun projects...I finished my DT card for this Tuesday's Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog "Inspiration Challenge"...sorry, you'll have to wait 'til Tuesday to see it! PLUS, I just finished making a little something that you'll see here on Monday, March 21st, when both the Magnolia licious and the Challenge DT will be having a Blog Hop (my first ever!) to provide inspiration for the Magnolia-licious Easter-Spring Extravaganza Contest!!

Here are the contest details:

Three Categories (you may do ONE PROJECT for each category)
#1-- "Full size Magnolia images" on an Easter/Spring Themed Card
#2-- "Magnolia Minis Only" on an Easter/Spring Theme Card
#3-- "Anything BUT a card" Any Magnolia Easter/Spring Project,

CONTEST DEADLINE: projects must be uploaded by 11 pm EST on April 19th!! Winners will be announced on May 1st, 2011.

First prize for each category - $150.00 Gift Certificate to the Magnolia-licious Store
Second Prize for each category - $75.00 Gift Certificate to the Magnolia-licious Store
Random prizes: $25.00 Gift Certificates

For more information, pop on over to Magnolia-licious Highlites HERE. And don't forget to come back for Monday's Magnolia-licious DT Blog Hop!

Until next time....

Let's hear it for the boys!

Guess what? It's Thursday again!! I'm tellin' ya, I love, love, LOVE Thursdays...because it means a new challenge over at Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge Blog!! Whooohooo...so...let's get down to havin' some serious craftin' fun, ok? I'm thrilled to be your hostess once again this week (geez, it's a good thing my "hostess duties" don't include serving hors d'ouvres...otherwise you'd be getting crackers and some of that squirty cheese from a can!) But, I digress...

If you've spent any time browsing my bloggity blog, you've probably noticed that I love making frilly girl cards. It's true...I confess! Well, this week I decided we should give the guys some "air time" too...so our theme is...ta daaaaaa....
"Let's hear it for the boys!"

So, without further ado...here's my little card! I used this Mo Manning cutie patootie named "Harvard". Now don't tell my hubby that I said this, but little Harvard kinda reminds me of him...with those khakis & vest & coke-bottle specs. LOL!! And I think he's just adorable! Notice that I did give him a green vest...in honor of St. Paddy's Day!!

Here's a closer look at little Harvard...

He's really a handsome little fella, isn't he? And I bet he has to wear glasses because he always has his cute little nose in a book! In fact, I bet he goes to Barnes & Noble every single chance he gets...for a Venti Breve Latte and a toasted bagel with 2 pats of butter!! And the chance to read books for freeeeee! hehehe!!

I used Copic Sketch Markers & some fun DPs from October Afternoon called "Schoolhouse"...the sentiment is from StampingBella...the charm is from my stash...and if you look closely, you'll see that Harvard's glasses have Glossy Accents...to give them "coke bottle" lenses!

And finally, a peek at the inside...

You know what comes next, right? You pop on over to Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog and feast your eyes on some of the cutest boy cards ever...courtesy of my sweet and uber talented Design Teamies. You'll see big boys and little boys and in-between boys! All adorable...and all such fun!!

And now it's your turn...please remember that you MUST use at least one Mo Manning image...and there are about a kabillion to choose from at Mo's online store HERE...and come up with your own "For the Boys" masterpiece!!

Thanks so much sweet friends for stopping by...and for always leaving such kind and encouraging comments. They really mean so much to me!! Until next time....

It's time for greeeeeeeen at Mo's!

Hi sweet bloggin' buddies! It's Thursday again and that means it's time for another fabby challenge at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog! Our theme this week is...you guessed it...GREEN! I know, I know...not terribly original...but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Little did I know that everyone and their brother would have the same idea for a challenge theme this week. LOL!! Hmmm...but wait...here's an idea...make a card with one (or more) of your fave Mo Manning images and you'll be able to enter a boatload of challenges!! I know...brilliant, huh?! Imagine the possibilities! So...this week I used my brand new completely adorable "Teacup Fairy" available at Mo's Digital Pencil HERE. I tell ya...she is THE CUTEST!!

Now...here's a tighter view...look very, very closely at this gorgeous DP...

Aren't they just the prettiest DPs? Well, guess what? They're Mo Manning digi papers! Yep...it's true! And guess what else? I got it FREEEEEEEEEEEE on Mo's Facebook Page!! I'm telling ya, if you aren't on Facebook, sign up. It's free...and you can keep up with what's happening in Mo's world of adorable digi images!! And frequently, Mo gives Facebook followers the most scrump-dili-icious freebies...like this fabby DP!! Now, I've never used digi papers before this...but I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of Mo's gorgeous papers! Here are a couple of little "artsy" views...

So...a little more about my card...I used Melon Mambo cardstock from SU, and the sentiment is from LOTV. The flowers are from Wild Orchids Crafts. I didn't have any lime green or hot pink roses...or lime green pearls...so I colored some whilte ones with my Copic sketch markers. Voila...instant color coordination! I also applied a healthy dose of Stardust Stickles here and there! Here's a pic of the Copics I used....

Now it's your turn...find a fave Mo Manning image and include something GREEN (as in the color green) somewhere in your project. Then enter it into this week's challenge at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog HERE. Oh...I almost forgot...you'll definitely want to check out the gorgeous projects created by my uber talented DT sistahs for some fun and funky inspiration. OK...on your mark, get set, GO! I can't wait to see what you come up with! Oops...I almost forgot to mention the best thing...one lucky participant - chosen at random, of course - will win a free image of your choice from Mo's online store HERE. Such fun! Thanks so much for stopping by to check in on what kind of shenanigans I've been up to!! And thank you so very much for your sweet comments! Until next time....

"Spring has sprung..."

Well...not quite yet. BUT, we're getting ever so close!! Soooo, in honor of the changing season, this fortnight's challenge at the Sugar Bowl - chosen by our very own uber talented fellow DT Sweetie, Erika - is...drum roll please....... SPRING!
Plus...she's given us this awesome sketch to follow....

Well...my biggest chllenge was deciding on which of my fabby Sugar Nellie images to use. Now, I've already mentioned how much I love Krista Smith's artwork...her Simply Sassy images are just so stinkin' cute!! So I selected "Bad HARE Day" (hehehe) available HERE at Funky Kits.

These little darlins are just so much fun to color! And they truly make the most adorable cards & projects!! So...without further ado...here's my little creation...

And a closer view...

Here are a couple of side views...

Here's a peek at the inside...

And, of course...

Here's my little card "recipe"...
Cardtock: Barely Banana & Very Vanilla (Stampin' Up)
DPs: Prima "Botanical"
Embellies on front: Recollections "Boutique Fleur" (Local craft store)
Fence die: Magnolia
Pearls & swirlds: ZVA Creatives
Nestabilities & Sizzix dies (inside)
Sentiment: "Hello You" (Stampin' Up)

OK...so now, head on over to the Sugar Bowl Challenge Blog and see what the rest of the DT Sweeties have come up with...then pull out one (or more) of your fave Sugar Nellie images and create your own little Spring project for this fortnight's challenge!!

Thanks so much, sweet friends, for stopping by to see what I've been up to. And extra super duper hugs for all of you who take time out of your busy lives to leave me such sweet comments! Until next time....

Greeeeeeeeeen!!

Yikes!! It's March already!! Y'know what that means, don'tcha?! It means it's time for another fabulous color challenge at Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog!! Angela is our hostess this month...and she's chosen "green" as the challenge color...no doubt for all of us Irish folks the world over!! Well...green has always been a fave color of mine...because my eyes are greeeeeeen!! But for this challenge, I opted for muted greens. Here's what I came up with...whatcha think?

I wanted to use this darling little #3054 "Tilda with Cherries" available HERE at Diana's Magnolia-licious online store. Tilda is so stinkin' cute...and, how perfect to pair her with this absolutely scrumptious Graphic 45 cherry DP!! Here's another view...

I masked Tilda so she could "pose" in front of #501 "Shabby Chic Fence" available HERE. You'll also notice that I created a little pocket for #387 "Mini Blueberry Tilda" (I'm pretending those are cherries in her basket! LOL!) on #1 Vintage Tag. Kinda cute, huh?!! It's the perfect little Tilda bookmark!! Here's one last photo...

Oh, I almost forgot...I also used that darling Vintage Tag for my sentiment..."Sweet Wonderful You" by Magnolia.

Here's the rest of my card "recipe"...
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, & River Rock (Stampin' Up)
DPs: Graphic 45
Always Artichoke Seam Binding: SU
Pearl & charm embellies: my stash
Edges were distress w/my new Zutter "Distrezz-it-all" (very cool)
Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink on all edges/corners
And here are the Copics I used to color these little darlins'...

So...now I need you to pop on over to Magnolia-licious Challenge Blog and check out the awesome little "works of art" created by the rest of my ever so creative DT sistahs! Then...get busy with your own little GREEN work of art! Once again, that darlin' Diana Crick is awarding one lucky participant (chosen at random) a $25.00 Gift Voucher...for a fun shopping spree at Magnolia-licious. So...run, don't walk to your craftroom and start coloring! Thanks for stopping by...I always love visitors!! And great big Maggie Hugs for leaving such sweeeeeeeeeeet comments! Until next time....

Oh Baby!

Question: Do you know what's more fun than a sweet little baby to schmoozle?

Answer: Nothin'

It's true!! Babies are the best!! Which is why I chose "Oh Baby" as the theme for our challenge this week! That's right, I'm uber tickled to be your hostess this month at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog! So...without further ado, let's get right down to business...

For this week's challenge, I chose this little doll baby by our very own, crazy talented Mo Manning available HERE at Mo's DP2 online store. Seriously...isn't she so dang cute? And let me tell ya, she is such fun to color! Actually, ALL of Mo's images are delightfully fun to color!!

One of our best friends, Max, is a new grampa to two sweet little granddaughters...Katie & Emily. So I decided to make a card for each of the girls that can be framed for their nursery. This is the first of two! I opted to stay away from the typical pastel pink...and went with one of my signature color combos...pink & green!! (Maybe # 2 will be done in pastel pinks! We'll see!) Here are a couple of side views...

As you can see, I used plenty of lace, frilly ribbon, pearls, and flowers. I also used MS lace punches and a cute little charm from my stash. The sentiment on the fromt is from LOTV...and the inside sentiment is from Stampendous. Here's a view of the inside...and a couple of close-ups...

And, of course, the "artsy" view...

So...now, it's time for you to feast your eyes on the gorgeous goodies created by my fellow Design Teamies at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog. Pretty impressive little masterpieces, huh? OK...so now, get out your fave Mo Manning image and make your own "Oh Baby" somethin' somethin' to enter into this week's Challenge #72 at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog!! Oh...and remember, one lucky challenge participant - chosen at random - will win one of Mo Manning's fabulous digi images! Yikes...how cool is that??

So...that's it for me darlin' friends...thanks ever so much for popping over for a visit...and for all of your sweet comments! Until next time....