Happy B-day for a "Little" Sister . . .

Hey there, darlins! Can you believe it's Thursday already? I am delighted to say that we are finally having some beautiful Spring-like weather here in Richmond, Virginia, USA! Yay!! In fact, it's been so lovely outside that my sweet hubby and I have taken to walking in the late afternoons!! Our two furbaby boys (toy poodles) are hap-hap-happy campers, believe me!! Okey dokey . . . now that I've given you the latest weather report, let's talk about this week's fabulously fun challenge at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog!! My sweet and crazy-talented DT sistah, Tracy, is our hostess this week! And Tracy has chosen as our theme . . .

"Fabric . . . "

That's right . . . she wants us to add some fabric to our projects!! Good news, though . . . "fabric" can also mean lace, twill tape, burlap, or cheesecloth/gauze . . . so I'm good to go with my "fabric-y" lace!! hehe! So . . . here's my card . . . .

I have to admit, I have always always LOVED this Mo Manning image! It's perfect for a card from one sister to another!! In fact, I've used this very image for a card that I gave to my sister last year!! She loved it!! Soooooo . . . when my 94-year-old mother-in-law commissioned me to make a card for her to give to her "baby" sister for her birthday, of course, I pulled out this precious - and somewhat quirky - Mo image!! Oh . . . this is funny . . . my MIL insists on paying me . . . so I told her she could give me $5.00 for the card! hehe! Family discount, don'tcha know?!  LOL!!! Here's a close-up . . .

This image is called "Stepsisters" and is available HERE in Mo's online store. Can you see the taller one is giving her sister "rabbit ears"? hahaha! And those expressions . . . they crack me up!! Here's a side view . . .

 My Card "Recipe" . . .

Elegant Eggplant cardstock: Stampin' Up
Digital DPs: "Time for Tea" available at Nitwits
Dies: Frilly Dies #7 (Go Kreate) & Magnolia
Sentiments: Stampin' Up & computer-generated
Baja Breeze seam binding: Stampin' Up

Pearls & feathers: My stash

Charm: The Charm Store 24/7

Flowers & pearl brad: Wild Orchid Crafts

Lace: The Ribbon Girl

Stickles

Picket Fence Crackle Paint: Tim Holtz

Copics & Colored pencil

A peek at the inside . . . 

Note: My mother-in-law's "little" sister is celebrating her 90th birthday! Isn't that delightful? That family has some serious longevity in their gene pool! Here's one more view . . .

 I hope you enjoyed my little card. And I really, really hope my MIL and her sister enjoy it! It really was such fun to make! Now . . . please pop on over to Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog to check out the fabulous projects created by Tracy and the rest of my talented Design Teamies! Then, please join us for this week's challenge. It's simple . . .  just pull out your craft supplies and at least one Mo Manning image and let the crafting begin!!

Oh . . . and don't forget, Mo is awarding (selected at random) one $5.00 shopping spree at her online store for every 25 challenge participants!

And that's it for me! Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit! Until next time . . . 

April Showers and a Sketch at Sassy Cheryl's

Well, well, WELCOME, m'lovelies! I have to confess . . . I spent last week watching all THREE SEASONS of a show on Public Television/Masterpiece Theater called "Downton Abbey" and now I can't stop talking (and thinking) with a British accent! hehehe!! If you haven't seen the show, I highly recommend it! Now . . . enough about my fantasy world escapades . . . let's talk about today's new challenge over at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog?!! The very lovely and talented Miz Judy is our hostess this week . . . and she'd like to see us all use this fun and very clever . . .

SKETCH!

Ooooh . . . I love using sketches! Especially when I can turn them and take creative license like I did with this one! hehehe!! 

OK . . . so, to start with, I rotated the sketch. Then, instead of putting the sentiment directly onto the card, I added an envelope and inserted a sentiment tag! I don't know about you, but I think it sort of fits Judy's sketch . . . well, loosely speaking, that is! hehehe! Here's a close-up of the sentiment . . . 

Now . . . since it's April . . . and it's officially Spring . . . I decided to use an adorable "vintage" Sassy Cheryl image called "April Showers." This quirky little cutie will be available for a limited time HERE in the "Oldies but Goodies" section of Sassy Cheryl's online store. Here's a side view . . . 

My card "recipe" . . .

Image printed on Cryogen Metallic White cardstock

Very Vanilla & Baja Breeze cardstock: Stampin' Up

DPs: Secret Garden by Graphic 45

Sentiment tag: Magnolia

Baja Breeze seam binding: Stampin' Up

Corner die: Joy Crafts

Umbrella dies: Memory Box

Flowers & lace: Wild Orchid Crafts

Pearls, charm, & sentiment: My stash

Trellis and large butterfly punch: Martha Stewart

Circle & Peony dies: Spellbinders

Colored with Copics & Colored Pencils

A couple of shots of the inside . . .

And, finally, the ever-so "artsy" angle . . .

As you can tell . . . I've jumped into Spring mode with both feet!! I do hope you enjoyed my little project! Now . . . please pop on over to Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog to see what Miz Judy and the rest of my talented Design Teamies have created for this week's challenge?!! Then, we'd love for you to grab your craft supplies and at least one Sassy Cheryl image and join us for this week's "Sketch" challenge! Oh . . . and don't forget . . .

One lucky participant, selected at random, will win . . .

TWO Sassy Cheryl Digi Images!

Okey dokey . . . that's it for me! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we've seen the last of the snow!! hehe! Thanks so much for stopping by . . . and for taking the time to leave me such kind comments! Until next time . . . hugs!

E is for..."Engineer"!

Well, my sweet friends, the snow has all melted here . . . and maybe, just maybe we'll have Spring! The daffodils and robins are so confused!! hehe! But, I'll bet we've seen the last of the snow for March!! It was so lovely . . . but I'm really ready for the trees to start leafing out and the tulips to start peeking out!! So . . . it's time for another EXCITING challenge at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog!! And my sweet and talented DT sister, Anja, has chosen the coolest "Alphabet" theme . . .

"E is for . . . "

I have to admit . . . at first I was stumped!! But then I did a Google search for words that start with the letter "E" . . . and here's what I came up with . . .

I opted for "E is for Engineer!! I've always loved this Mo image . . . and decided it would be perfect for this week's challenge theme!! This image is called "The Engineer" and is available HERE in Mo's online store.  Here's sort of a side view . . . 

My Card "Recipe" . . .
Lucky Limeade & Not Quite Navy cardstock: Stampin' Up
DPs: "Oliver" Paper Pad by Basic Grey
Front sentiment: Lili of the Valley
Inside sentiment: Penny Black

Cherry Cobbler seam binding & hardware: Stampin' Up

Corner die: Whimsy

Copics & Colored pencil

A peek at the inside . . . 

And . . . my "artsy" view . . .

Hope you enjoyed my little something!! Now . . . please pop on over to Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog to check out the fabulous projects created by Anja and the rest of my talented Design Teamies! Then, please join us for this week's challenge. It's simple . . .  just pull out your craft supplies and at least one Mo Manning image and let the crafting begin!!

Oh . . . and don't forget, Mo is awarding (selected at random) one $5.00 shopping spree at her online store for every 25 challenge participants!

And that's it for me! Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit! And extra special thanks for your sweet comments!! Until next time . . . 

My Fave Color Combo . . . for today, at least!

Hey there, kiddos!! Welcome to my little corner of "blogdom" . . . and say "hello" to Tuesday! Well . . . the snow here in Richmond, Virginia was a bit of a surprise! But it should come as no surprise that, if today is Tuesday, that means there's another fun challenge happening over at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog?!! And . . . my sweet and crazy-talented DT sister, Miz Cathy, is our hostess this week . . . and she'd like to see everyone's  . . .

Favorite Color Combination!

Hmmmm . . . that's always such a fun challenge theme, don't you agree? But, I must admit, my fave color combo changes . . . sometimes daily!! And today it seems that I'm loving red and black and ivory!! Here . . . tell me what'cha think . . . 

This card is a bit of a departure for me . . . with just a glimpse of Sassy Sally through the circular window! Here's a close-up . . . 

I fell in love with Sassy Sally image when I first saw it . . . reminds me of ME!! Here's a side view, sort of . . . 

As you can see, the front is super simple! I put all the really fun stuff inside!! hehe! Ready? . . . 

This adorable Sassy Sally & Bella image is called "An Afternoon Classic" and is available HERE in Sassy Cheryl's online store. Here's a close-up of the inside . . . that sentiment cracks me up!! And it fits so perfectly, don'cha think?

My card "recipe" . . .

Image printed on Cryogen Metallic White cardstock

White, Black, & Cherry Cobbler cardstock: Stampin' Up

DPs & Cherry Cobbler seam binding: Stampin' Up

Corner die: Joy Crafts

Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts

Pearls: My stash

Sentiment: Art Impressions 

Circle & Scalloped Circle dies: Spellbinders

Image paper-pieced and colored with Copics & Colored Pencils

And, finally, the "artsy" view . . .

 Fun, huh?! Now . . . won't you please pop on over to Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog to see what Miz Cathy and the rest of my talented Design Teamies have created for this week's challenge?!! Then, we'd love for you to grab your craft supplies and at least one Sassy Cheryl image and join us for this week's challenge! And don't forget . . .

One lucky participant, selected at random, will win . . .

TWO Sassy Cheryl Digi Images!

And there ya have it . . . my fave color combo . . . for today!! Thanks so much for stopping by . . . and for taking the time to leave me such kind comments! Until next time . . . hugs!

Welcome Baby!!

Happy Monday, my sweet friends!! ooh ooh oohhh . . . guess what we had last night?? SNOW!! Yikes! Now, I know many of you are accustomed to snow this time of year . . . but not so much here in Richmond, Virginia, USA! Well . . . I feel it's my duty to share a photo of the gorgeous white stuff . . . sooooo . . . here ya go!!

 This pic was taken from my front porch!! Isn't the snow GORGEOUS?! (I'm so glad I can stay home all day today . . . and watch it melt! hehehe!)

OK . . . enough on the weather!! I have a new Sugar Nellie DT project to share with all y'all!! This one is for a friend and his wife who just had a beautiful baby girl!!

This precious digital image is from Sugar Nellie's "Simply Adorable" Collection! It's called "Bambino" and is available HERE at Funky Kits. I love this sweet little baby . . . in fact, it's my "go to" image for baby cards!! Here's a close-up . . .

This time I pulled out my trusty Copic Sketch Markers!! Super duper easy peasy to color too!! Here's a bit of a side view . . .

My card "recipe" . . .

Image inked onto Cryogen Metallic White cardstock
White & Barely Banana cardstock: Stampin' up

DPs: My stash (from local craft store)
Tiffany Frame & Cherise Label dies: Memory Box
Rectangle & square dies: Spellbinders
Trellis punch: Martha Stewart
Metal corner (embossed): Wild Orchid Crafts
Ribbon & lace: The Ribbon Girl
Pearls & charm: My stash
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts
Sentiment (front) Stampin' up
Sentiment (inside): Stampendous
Colored with Copics

A peek at the inside . . .

And, last but not least . . .

I hope you've enjoyed looking at Virginia snow . . . and at my newest Sugar Nellie creation!! Thank you so much for popping by . . . and thanks bunches for your sweet comments! Big hugs . . . until next time!

I Scream, You Scream . . .

. . . We ALL scream for ICE CREAM!! hehe! Yep . . . in my mind, ice cream is just another of the essential food groups! Hey . . . it's Tuesday! Yippee! That means there's another fun challenge over at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog?!! Wheet whoooo! (that's me whistling!!) Soooo . . . this week's hostess is the very talented and oh, so "sassy" Miz Judy! And she'd like to see . . .

Fancy Edges, Diecuts, Punches, 

and/or Borders!

Easy peasy!! But . . . WAIT! Before I show you my card, I have to brag a bit!! So, apparently, everyone in the "crafting & cardmaking" world knows how to "MERGE" digi images! Well, everyone BUT me!! I've been holding out . . . out of sheer stubbornness, I'm sure! hehe! Well . . . as you are about to see . . . I'm a MERGER now!!! hehehe! I'm so proud, I could just eat ice cream! 

Oh . . . and speaking of ice cream . . . (nice segway, huh?!) Noah looks like he's going to end up sharing some of his ice cream with Sassy Sally! She can be so persuasive!! Here's a close-up . . . 

OK . . . so I merged "Sassy Sally's Butterfly" (which will be available at Sassy Cheryl's for a limited time) with "It's the Thought That Counts" (which is available HERE in Sassy Cheryl's online store). If you'd like more info on merging . . . check out this fabulous TUTORIAL by Debbie Pamment!!

My card "recipe" . . .

Image printed on Cryogen Metallic White cardstock

Kraft paper & corrugated paper: My stash

Digi DPs: "Giggles & Grins" available at NitWits

Rectangle & square dies: Spellbinders

Corner die: Susana's Custom Art & Card Design

Heart dies: Memory Box

Flower die: Magnolia

Buttons: Papermania

Front sentiment: Stamping Bella

Inside sentiment: Inkadinkado

Ice Cream Cone charm: The Charm Store 24/7

Image colored with Copic Sketch markers & Colored Pencils 

 

Here's a peek at the inside . . . this sentiment cracks me up! . . .

And, last but never least . . .

Now . . . please pop on over to Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog to see what Miz Judy and the rest of my talented DT "Sassettes" have created for this week's challenge!! Then, we'd love for you to pull out some of your own craft supplies and at least one Sassy Cheryl image and join us for this week's challenge! Oh, oh, oh . . . and don't forget . . .
 

One lucky participant, selected at random, will win . . .

TWO Sassy Cheryl Digi Images!

And there ya have it . . . my first attempt at merging!! Thanks so much for visiting . . . and, as always, for taking the time to leave me such sweet comments! Until next time . . . hugs!

Pearls & Ribbon . . . and Peaches too!

Hey there my lovelies! Gosh . . . this week is FLYING by!! Seriously . . . how can it be Thursday already? The best thing about Thursdays . . . can ya guess? Yep . . . it's almost the weekend . . . and that's pretty cool! But the other fabulous thing about Thursdays is . . . it's the day we have a fun new challenge at Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog!! Oooh . . . and guess what else? I get to be this week's hostess with the theme . . .

Pearls & Ribbon!!

I have to admit . . . pearls and ribbon are standard fare for me . . . except when I'm making a "guy" card . . . which this definitely is NOT! hehehe! Here's my card . . . 

I've had this precious little Mo Manning image for more than a year . . . it's one of my all-time faves, in fact! I can't believe this is the first time I've colored her! What's up with that?!! (Hanging head in shame here!) This image is called "Peaches" and is available HERE in Mo's online store. Here's a close-up of this sweetheart . . .

Sooooo . . . here's the deal . . . I was on Skype the other day with my sweet friend and talented DT sistah, Debbie . . . and she was working on an "easel" card as we chatted! I was working on coloring this week's Mo image! Well . . . I realized that it had been ages since I'd made an easel card . . . so . . . I decided to take a page from Debbie's book, so to speak . . . and VOILA!! I made a "twisted easel" card ! Thanks, Deb, for inspiring me!

My Card "Recipe" . . .

Blush Blossom & True Thyme cardstock: Stampin' Up

Digital DPs: "Patchwork Party" & "Mini Dots" from Bearly Mine

Sentiment: Hamptom Art

Labels # 3 die: Spellbinders Nestabilities

Corner die: Joy Crafts

Edge, fence, & tag dies: Magnolia

Flesh seam binding & cheese cloth: The Ribbon Girl

Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts

Pearls: My stash

Edges "shabbied" with Tim Holtz Picket Fence Crackle Paint

Caran d'ache & Faber Castel pencils

Another angle . . .

And . . . last but not least . . . a bit of an "artsy" view . . .

Fun, huh? Now . . . please pop on over to Mo's DP2 Challenge Blog to check out the fabulous projects created by my talented Design Teamies! Then, please join us for this week's challenge. It's simple . . .  just pull out your craft supplies and at least one Mo Manning image and let the crafting begin!!

Oh . . . and don't forget, Mo is awarding (selected at random) one $5.00 shopping spree at her online store for every 25 challenge participants!

 

I'm entering this card into the following challenges . . .

Wild Orchid Challenge #72 - Sketch

Deep Ocean Challenge #47 - Cute & Cuddly (which this little girl definitely is!)  

And . . . that's it for me! Thanks so much for stopping by to see what I've been up to! And special thanks for your sweet comments!! Hugs . . . .

Green & White & Orange at Sassy Cheryl's

Hap-hap-happy Tuesday, m'darlins!! Are ya ready for another fantabulously fun challenge at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog?!! This week's hostess is the very clever and sassy Miz Jackie!! And, in honor of her native Ireland, she's chosen a color theme . . .

Green & White & Orange!

If you haven't guessed it, I do believe those are the colors in Ireland's flag!! So . . . we get to celebrate Ireland this week! Fitting, me thinks, since St. Patrick's day is just around the corner!! Here's my little something for this week's challenge . . . 

Soooooo . . . I decided to use my adorablly sweet friend, Charlie, since I've always envisioned this li'l darlin' as a sassy red (er, orange!) -head!! Hehe!! It matches her sassy and spunky personality, don'tcha think??! Here's a close-up . . .

 This image is called "Mischievous Charlie" and is available HERE in Sassy Cheryl's new shop! Here's a side view . . .

My card "recipe" . . .

Image printed on Strathmore 90# Cold-Pressed H20color paper

Calypso Coral cardstock & ribbon: Stampin' Up

DPs: "Hideaway" from First Edition

Rectangle & square dies: Spellbinders

Doily die: Magnolia

Corner die: Susana's Custom Art & Card Design

Front sentiment: A-muse

Inside sentiment: Inkadinkado

Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts

Pearl & ric rac: My stash

Image painted with Tim Holtz Distress Inks

Here's a peek at the inside . . .

And, of course, the "ahhhhtsy fahhhhtsy" angle . . .

Sooooooo . . . are ya feeling so "Irish" now that you've seen all of this Green, White, & Orange? Now . . . please visit Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog to see what Miz Jackie and the rest of my talented DT "Sassettes" have created for this week's challenge!! Then, we'd love for you to pull out some of your own craft supplies and at least one Sassy Cheryl image and join us for this week's challenge! Oh, oh, oh . . . and don't forget . . .

One lucky participant, selected at random, will win . . .

TWO Sassy Cheryl Digi Images!

I'm entering this card into . . . 
CLP's Sketch Challenge #56

And that's it for me!! Thanks so much for visiting . . . and, as always, for taking the time to leave me such sweet comments! They really do make my day!! Until next time . . . big Irish hugs!