Hi there!!

Long time, no see! Well, I've been getting better (health wise) so I've been crafting again. I haven't been doing many cards. Actually, I've only done cards that I needed for birthdays and such. However, I do have a new addiction..............VINYL!!! I am so in love with this stuff and what I can do with it! I've been plastering vinyl on EVERYTHING! There's even a little bit on the hubby's car :) I've been using my trusty Cricut machine and cutting all sorts of fonts and shapes. So, I'm gonna share some of my creations with you. It's kind of a long post, so bear with me. Also, most of these pics were taken at my office, so I apologize for the not so good pics! Thanks for stopping by. Let me know what you think of my new hobby :)

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Miss Me?

I've surely missed you!! Pardon me why I explain. I've been away for a while trying to get my health issues under control. Well, the doctor's have finally diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia and I'm now on a medication for that condition. It is incredible how much it's helped me. I still have some hip issues, but I'm in therapy for that. So, thank you for all of your prayers! Next......little Miss Maggie turned 2 a couple of weeks ago. I can't believe it's been 2 years since that precious little angel became our granddaughter. And...........she's going to be a big sister!! YES! My daughter-in-law and son are expecting their second child in September. Am I excited??? YES!!!!!!

So, I'm happy to be back crafting and to share my wonderful news with you. Now...since I've been away for a while, I wanted my first crafty project to use a sketch from my fav sketch blog......2Sketches4U.

So, here is my take on Laura's sketch #46: (I flipped the sketch)

I found this precious image online (it's a free vintage image). I printed it, chalked it and cut it with my handy oval cutter. I added this great gingham ribbon, the scalloped edge (Cricut - Accent Essentials), a couple of little butterflies and a few little blue pearls. The paper is from the SEI Morning Meadow collection and it's called Breeze. It has a beautiful shimmer to it. I think this card could be used as a new baby card for a biological or adopted child or even a Thank You card for a baby gift. Well, thanks for stopping by today and I hope to be "seeing" all of you real soon! Hugs........:)

Doodle Palace New Images!

This week we were asked to use the new images over at Doodle Palace and these are so, so cute! Go check them out here. My card uses the little witchy bear and I just love him! He is also the FREEBIE this week!! So head over and check out the entire set and while you're there, check out what the other DT members did too :)

"School Kids"

This week's MyGraphico giveaway is the School Kids set. So, the other DT members and I were asked to create a card or project using this set. I chose to make a tag for a lunch bag. Isn't she cute? She is just one of the really cute little images on this set. I colored her with colored pencils and shaded using baby oil. Then, I used my Cricut to cut the tag using Tags, Bags, Boxes and more and popped the little lady up with dimensional dots. So, what do you have to do to win this set? Just create a card or project with a Back To School theme, preferrably using a MyGraphico image and leave a comment with a direct link to your project here. If uploading to SCS/PCS or MyGrafico ning please use keywords: MG15. That's it! Easy peasy! Be sure to check out the other DT projects too. Each DT name is shown on the MyGraphico page. Thanks for stopping by today :)




Here is the fabulous School Kids set up for grabs:

Inspirational Card Sketches - Guest DT

Well, this week is my 2nd and last week to be the guest designer for ICS. I really have enjoyed this and I hope they will ask me again in the future. If you've never participated in their challenges you really should go check them out. The sketches are just fantastic and so, so easy to work with. So this week's sketch (#30) offered up 3 squares in the center. Well, since I've only done a couple of Halloween cards, I used this sketch to conjure up another one. I've used my Cricut to cut out the "creatures", the pumpkins and the grass using Zooballoo, Doodlecharms and Paper Doll Dress Up. Oh, and I used George and Basic Shapes for the pumpkin eyes. I used Stickles for the eyes cause it looks kindy spooky. I added some orange cording and a computer generated sentiment to top it off. So, I hope you enjoy the card and do pop over to ICS for some pure eye candy from the DT. Thanks for stopping by :)

Here's the sketch:

And here is my take on it:

Get Sketchy! #1

There's a new sketchy blog on the block and it's Get Sketchy! Good fun and great prizes so you won't want to miss this one! The sketch this week was really fun. I'm not sure why, but I never make Halloween cards so I thought I'd use the sketch this week and try one on for size. I used some orange and black cardstock and patterned paper from Prima. I cut the spider webs and the spiders from Paper Doll Dress Up and Doodlecharms with the Cricut. The chipboard sentiments are from Creative Imaginations. I added some stickles for the spider eyes. Scary, huh? Be sure to go check out all the DT cards here. They are SWEET! Thanks for stopping by :)

Here's the sketch:

And here's my take on it:

Guest Designer @ Inspirational Card Sketches!

I am so honored to be the Guest Designer this week (and next week) at Inspirational Card Sketches! Dawn asked me to do this a couple of months ago and I'm just excited that she asked me. The design team at ICS does wonderful work and provides such inspiration each and every week. If you've never joined in the fun, you really should! So, this week the sketch was offered up by Tricia and it's a fabulous one. Here it is:

And here is my take on it:

I'm not sure why, but I'm really into making these baby cards lately. The lamb is a little sticker. Isn't she the cutest? I used my Cricut to cut the scalloped circles using Mini Monograms. I used my ScorPal for the lines on the pink cardstock. Baby was cut with the Cricut using Alaphalicious and the sentiment is computer generated. So, head on over to ICS and join in! We would love to see what you come up with this week! Also, there is a prize for the winner!!!!!
Thanks for stopping by :)

MyGraphico - Challenge #13 - Dinos! ****SPECIAL NOTE ADDED 8-13-09

It's Monday, so that means another challenge is up at MyGraphico. This week the set is all about Dino's. Here is the set:

And here is where you can purchase this set. Isn't it just the cutest?! I used some Basic Grey papers, my Cricut for the card and the scalloped circle, a journaling tag from Cosmo Cricut and some ribbon from my stash to create this little baby card. I think I like how it turned out.

So, if you want to have a chance to win this cute set, just upload your card or project using Dinosaurs here. When uploading to PCP, SCS, or MyGrafico ning please use keyword/tag: MG13. We would love for you to join us! (Obviously you do not have to use THIS set, but you are encouraged to use a MyGraphico element. There are tons of freebies here. Thanks for stopping by today :)

*****PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MYGRAPHICO COMPANY SERVER IS CURRENTLY DOWN. SO, MY LINKS TO THEIR WEBSITE FOR PURCHASING THE IMAGES WILL NOT WORK UNTIL THE SERVER IS BACK UP AND RUNNING. PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON IF YOU'D LIKE TO PURCHASE ANY OF THEIR IMAGES**** Thanks for your patience.

MyGraphico - Baby Challenge

A new challenge is up at MyGraphico and this week it's a baby challenge! Don't you just love making baby cards? The DT were asked to use images from the New Babies Accessories kit and it was hard to choose from this adorable set. I chose the little bear and the ABC blocks. I printed my images on patterned paper, cut them out and then added them to my card. I added a little bow to the bear. Super easy! Now, head on over to http://mygraficochallengeblog.blogspot.com/ and check out the eye candy from the other DT members. And be sure to participate this week and you could win this set:

Isn't it just adorable? Hope you'll come join in with us! By the way, in order to participate you must use a MyGraphico image. If you don't own any (and I'm not sure WHY you wouldn't :), you can pick some up from the MANY freebies that they offer here: http://www.mygrafico.com/freebies/cat_13.html. Thanks for stopping by!

TPE #24; 365Cards Day #148 and a Blogaversary!!

First, the challenges. The challenge at The Pink Elephant this week is "Animals". Well, my card is sporting some birds and a worm (that seems to be in trouble!). The 365 Cards challenge is Super Sketchy Sunday and Pam has given us a rather unique sketch. I tried to stick to it, but I'm afraid I may have veered just a little. (Will you forgive me Pam?). I did turn the sketch and my rolling hills are the rounded portion. All of this card was paper pieced, so it took a while, but I love this image by Pink Petticoat!

Now..........it's my ONE YEAR BLOGAVERSARY!!! It was one year ago today that I started my blog. I can't believe it has already been one year! I have had sooooo much fun with this. I've met so many wonderful, creative and oh so talented people thru this crazy outlet. I've visited tons of other blogs that have been filled with so much inspiration and I've even scraplifted a few (with permission of course!). I have been left the kindest, most generous messages here not only regarding my crafting, but also about me personally AND my family. I've gotten the sweetest comments about my precious Maggie and I thank you for letting me share her with you. So, thank you to all of my blogging friends for always popping in and leaving me encouragement. This day kind of snuck up on me, so I'm not quite ready to offer up some candy. Give me a couple of weeks to come up with some great stuff and we'll have ourselves a party over here!!

Thanks for stopping by today :)

Here is the 365Cards sketch for today:

Deets:

Mushroom house image: Pink Petticoat

Birds: Cricut - Home Decor

Papers: Anna Griffin, Colorbok, Creative Imaginations

Brad: stash

Sentiment: Computer generated

Door: Used Cuttlebug and the bird/branch folder

July Challenge at Christmas Cards All Year Round is UP!

So, the July challenge at CCAYR is to use red, white and blue. I know, it seems strange for Christmas card colors, but believe me, it's very cool! Just check out all the DT cards - http://christmascardsallyearround.blogspot.com/. I am also on the DT at CCAYR and my July card is shown below. I used some Friendly Forest paper, the Cricut, a beautiful flower that I won in some FAB blog candy from Ann, a little twine and a border punch for the white side border. Super easy, but effective I think. So.....Go check out the other DT cards and please join us for our July challenge. You can try out this unusual color scheme and get 5 Christmas cards done - in JULY! Thanks for stopping by today :)

Cuttlebug Challenge and ICS #23

ICS has a fabulous sketch up this week and I paired it with this week's Cuttlebug Challenge. The CB challenge is to use red, white and blue and buttons and also use the Swiss Dots folder. Well, our oldest son was born on the 4th of July (hey, that should be a movie title!). So, I decided to make his card using the two challenges. I used the Swiss Dots folder and swiped it with a blue ink pad to give it some color. All the stars were cut with the Cricut using the George cartridge. I also used the CB Spots and Dots folder on the large white piece. The red circles are some stickers from Creative Cafe. I also added my white button, twine and some mesh, all from my stash and a little red/white/blue ribbon. Oh, and the little festive paper strings are some slivers of silver/white paper that I cut with my paper trimmer. So, I hope our son likes his card and if his wife happens to see this before his party...............shhhhhh :) Thanks for stopping by today!

Here is the ICS Sketch:

And here is my card:

CP Sketch #21 and The Pink Elephant #21

Card Patterns has got an 'ausome' sketch this week!! Here's the sketch:

Told ya! Also, The Pink Elephants Challenge #21 is "Your Favorite Color Combo". So, I used some yummy papers that I recently won in some blog candy. Evidently this blue and green combo is now my fav :) I cut the scallops with the Cricut using Plantin Schoolbook. Then I added some embossing to it with the Cuttlebug. The image and sentiment are from Pink Petticoat. I printed it twice and cut out part of it from the second copy. I colored the image with Sharpies, added some stickles to the cupcake and some Glossy Accents to the cherry. Then I pop dotted the cupcake and cherry to add some dimension. I added some yummy ribbon and some cute little flowers from Flora Doodles. So, this one is for a friend's daughter for her birthday. Hope she likes it. Thanks for stopping by today!

Kazan's Sketch #29

Great sketch this week by Kazan at 2S4U. The DT over there has some real eye candy with this one, so be sure to go check it out! My card was made for a little lady that's turning 10. I love all these colors together and I think it will brighten her birthday. (at least I hope so!). I won these papers in some blog candy (yummy!) and I used the swirls CB folder on the circle. The little butterflies are an MS punch with a little bling added. The little girl's name is Claire, so I thought the sentiment with the C was perfect-o. The little flowers are Flora Doodles and the ribbon, button and twine are from my stash.

So, this week at 2S4U they are taking it down to the top 5 in the Ultimate Card Showdown. I can't hardly wait to see who wins the grand prize soon. The cards in the contest are absolutely gorgeous and so stinkin' creative! So, go check out the site to see all the goodies. Thanks for stopping by today :)

"I've Been Framed" and CP#20

Well, I needed a last minute birthday card for a VERY special person and today's 365Cards and Card Patterns challenges fit the bill. Day #118 at 365 Cards is "I've Been Framed". You must use a frame on your card. The Card Patterns sketch lent me the opportunity to use scallops, so I used a scallop frame cut from Mini Monograms (Cricut). The papers were part of a pack that I won in some blog candy and I'm not sure who the mfg is, but I LOVE this paper!! The owl and branch were cut from the same paper. I added some cute pompom trim and a little bling for the owl eyes. The sentiment is computer generated. Guess who it's for? Thanks for stopping by today!

Better today.....Day #106 Super Sketchy Sunday..

Well, the mojo is working it's way back. I had a great sketch from Pam today with Day 106 @ 365 Cards. I needed to do a birthday card for a friend's granny. She loves chickens, so I HAD to use one! This one is cut from my cricut cartridge - Animal Kingdom. I added some rafia and some twine, a few little tiles, a cute ribbon and a computer generated tag. I think it looks pretty country. What do you think? Thanks for stopping by today (and thanks to all my well wishers from yesterday!). OOPS!!! Almost forgot........It's Cosmo Cricket week at 365 Cards so be sure to stop by and join in the fun this week!! You "could" win a fab prize!!

Here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

2Sketches4U - Ultimate Card Showdown!

Well, it's finally here! The 2S4U Ultimate Card Showdown!! This is the 'party' going on over at 2S4U to celebrate their 1st anniversary. I'm so exited to join in the fun and create a card based on Laura's 'ausome' sketch #27 this week. I flipped the sketch on it's side to create my card. There are so many details to this card, so I'm just gonna say.....this one was some work! I hope you all will check out all the amazing cards by Laura and the DT this week and the prize packages for this 1st anniversary are ROCKIN'!!! So, click on my title above and go check it out! Thanks for stopping by today :)

Day #91 - Front & Center

Today's challenge at 365 Cards is to keep all of your elements in the center of the card. Well, I needed a birthday card today for my daughter-in-law, so I took advantage of the challenge. I used some cool BG paper from the Lime Rickey collection, a tag from Anna Griffin, a bird that a friend cut for me on her Cricut, a couple pieces of BG chipboard and some pearls and glitter. I also added a butterfly punched with the Martha Stewart punch. The sentiment is a rub-on that I adhered and then cut out. I did add one little pearl in the corner because for some reason my paper tore. Oh well, cover it up and move on :) Thanks for stopping by today!

Challenges - 3 Squared

One card for three challenges today. That may be a new one for me! This card is for:

365 Cards - Day #80 - Plaid - use plaid on your card
365 Cards - Day #81 - Squares - use at least 5 squares on your card
The Pink Elephant - Challenge #15 - Monograms/Letters

I started with some Basic Grey plaid paper and added some green and red cardstock and then the D monogram, cut from the Base Camp Cricut cartridge. I added some colored twine and a charm that I made using shrink plastic. Then, I cut some metal into squares and added some washers that I colored using alcohol inks. I think it's a good "manly" card for Dad. What do you think? Thanks for stopping by!