Warm and Cuddly

And aren't these bunny slippers pretty cute too?!! They are from Clear Dollar Stamps, a digi set called, you guessed it, Bunny Slippers. I used the pre-colored pink slippers and a scrap of the dotted digi paper also included. Everything else is also scraps!! Use what you've got...and what seems to be forever collecting!!!!!! LOL!!!!! I am submitting this card for two challenges: OWH Sunday Sketch (I had to flip it), and Sentimental Sundays - Cute and Cuddly. Well MRI has confirmed I have a torn meniscus in my knee and surgery is scheduled for April 21st. Darn, that's right before Easter. I've been exercising more, causing it to hurt more, so I end up spending my evenings on the couch icing it down instead of stamping!!!! 3 weeks can't go by fast enough...not that I want time to speed up, it already has a way of doing that, I just want it all to be over AND healed! Yep, I want it all!!!!! Come back tomorrow for the new Clearly Inspired Challenge over at Clear Dollar Stamps. I'm not foolin'!!!

Today's First Post - Fresh Brewed Style

Welcome to a new, fun challenge at Freshly Brewed Challenges - Cooking it Up. Now that I am not working, I get a chance to do a lot more cooking and baking!!! I've been trying new recipes all the time...some are keepers and some were requested to not make ever again!!!! Haha!!! I don't mind cooking, I just wish someone else would come in and clean up!!!! Well here Angel Cakes was doing some baking of a yummy cupcake. This image from Fresh Brewed Designs is called Angel Cake Cake and Coffee. Funny story, I had her labeled wrong in my file of FBD digi stamps then panicked when I couldn't find her in the store. Thankfully owner Heather helped me out without judgement to my DUH moment!!!! Thanks Heather!!!! I gave Angel Cake some sparkly wings and even a pearl for a cherry on her cupcake. I opted to leave this without a sentiment for that just in case moment. Our month long prize challenge of pink and paper piecing finishes up next week, so hurry up and enter! Heather is selling a card kit which includes a yet to be released rubber stamp and a chance to become a DT member of Fresh Brewed Designs...hurry up, there aren't that many left!! And, don't forget about Mocha Manic Monday monthly freebie that will be available on April 4th only!!!!! You won't want to miss out on any of the fun!!!!

Today's Second Post - How Sweet

Hooray for Wednesdays!!!!! It's the day of the week I get to post twice for two different design teams I am on and love sooooooo much! Speaking of love, that's exactly what you are gonna to be over Arlana's new sketch for Sweet Sketch Wednesday. Isn't it grand?!!!!!

As you know, we have some very generous sponsors each and every week, and this one is no exception. Yep, it's Stamp Fairy, a shop FULL of adorable images and even digi paper packs. Now if you are our grand prize winner, you will receive 4 digi images FREE! Thanks Gerda!!!

Now check out this Stamp Fairy image I was lucky enough to work with!!!!! It's from Monsters Under the Bed Critter section. I immediately knew I wanted to paper piece him! When I saw the mini polka dotted paper I thought get well card, so why did I make my sentiment "a little hello?" I think I was having a senior moment and completely forgot what my initial intention was with the card. All I can say to try and save this is I can always write a get well note inside!!!!! Except for the mini dotted paper, everything else came from from scrap bin!!!!!!! Love it!! And what else I love are the other creations by the rest of the DT. Please check 'em out on the Sweet Sketch Wednesday blog and leave them a comment!!

Cards 4 Kids

That's the Midweek Throwdown Challenge over at the OWH Stars and Stamps blog. And what kid, or adult for that matter, doesn't love a sweet treat like a gum ball!! I'm using an adorable set from Clear Dollar Stamps called Sweet Stuff. I love the sets that include pre-colored images, talk about a time saver!!! And you know what else I love??? Using nothing but scraps on a card!! I even pulled the card base out of there too!!! I'm also submitting this for the OWH Sunday Sketch Challenge (they actually have three this week!).

I Did It!! I Did It!!!

I actually made AND posted a card on the same day the challenge was issued!!!!!! Okay, my little shout out is over! This card is for the OWH Sketch Challenge. They actually have three sketches this week...I'm just proud to have gotten one done!!!! This is a Clear Dollar Stamps set called Roses to Die For. I love this set because it also coordinates with the Blooming Bouquet die set. Now I die cut my two roses and stamped on each one. I then came back with two pink shades of Copic markers to add a little depth. Definitely a first for me! The dsp is from My Mind's Eye Lush collection...it's gorgeous!!! Busy stamping today, trying to play catch up on some things. Darn, now we'll have to get some take-out for dinner tonight! LOL!!!

The Secret is Out!!!

Yep, I've got a secret, but I'm gonna make you wait a little bit longer!! At least until after you take a look at this birthday card I made!! I used the Sweetheart Cupcake digi from Fresh Brewed Designs. Now be sure and check out the Fresh Brewed Challenge going on this week, 2 or more embellishments. Get all the details HERE. Now we also have a month long challenge, pink and paper piecing. This one is a prize challenge...play along and you could win 5 free digis!!! Those details are HERE.


Now to let you in on some awesome news!!!! Fresh Brewed Designs will be having a new rubber stamp release in May, and we are gearing up for it! WAHOO!!! With this release, we have a FUN offer to share with you!


The First Ever FRESH BREWED DESIGNS CARD KIT! This card kit will totally give away the theme… so the secret is out!


We are hitting the beach!!! I know that we are all ready for some warm sunshine and lots of fun, so why not get started now! Fresh Brewed Designs is offering you a chance to get your hands on
some new rubbah NOW!!

This card kit has some FUN stings attached.

Those that purchase this kit will be required to:
Create with it (der!)
Save your card… hmmm what is she talking about
Post in a special linky post during the new rubber release blog hop in May

Benefits for purchasing the kit:
You will have a chance to win all the other stamps released!!! Can I say WOWZA!!!!!
You will have a chance to be on the FBD DT for a 3 month term

Card Kit Price:
$15.95 with free shipping
(open to US customers only, sorry)

We only have 10 card kits available so it is at a first come first serve basis.
Email Heather at freshbreweddesigns@yahoo.com to purchase yours!!!

Card kit includes:
Beach Accessories Cling Mounted Rubber Stamp
Fresh Brewed Designs Card Backer Stamp
Six 4x6 sheets of paper:
Pink Paislee Bermuda Shorts
Making Memories Small Yellow Dots
Heidi Grace Embossed Paper: Baby Girl/Flowers
Luxe Designs Sweet Talk Double Sided paper
American Crafts The Goods Sunshine Double Sided paper
American Crafts everyday Salut Double Sided paper
American Craft Velvet yellow ribbon: 6 inches
Hemp cord: 18 inches
3 Prima Flowers (vary slightly: 1 med lg white, 1 med yellow, 1 small yellow)
3 buttons
3 clear dewdrops

Now hurry up and drop Heather an email, you won't want to miss out on the fun!!!!!

4 Posts in One Day!

A busy day today on my blog so I don't want you to miss a thing. Below are links to the different posts from today...please be sure and visit them all.

Freshly Brewed Challenges

Sweet Sketch Wednesday

OBG Blog Hop

CDS Blog Hop Winners

CDS Blog Hop Winners

What a fun blog hop we had this month!!!! And congratulations to our two winners..........

TR - A Touch of Sparkle, Shine & Color

Pat - Stamp, Paper and Ink

Congratulations ladies!!!! Please send an email to lori@cleardollarstamps.com to claim your $10 gift certificate to the Clear Dollar Stamps store!!!

Oldies But Goodies Blog Hop

It's our monthly Facebook group's Oldies But Goodies blog hop!! I love it because we have to use items that we haven't used in over six months. Now you should have come here from Lorie's Blog. If not, go to the beginning at Melissa's Blog so you don't miss a thing! I've been going thru my stampin' stuff "organizing" and came across my collection of Stampendous stamps. These first two cards are from the Bee Happy Collection, and this one is BBQ Bee.

This little sweetie pie is Bee Daisy.

The last two cards show off that fabulous Changito monkey! This one is Changito Swing.

Here I used Changito Golfer. Go ahead, call me crazy for making four cards for this hop!!! I simply couldn't resist. They are all 4.25" square and made with nothing but scraps!! Super simple, not a lot of embellishments, and super fun, fun, fun to make. I need to organize more often, who knows what else I might find!!!!

Next stop in our blog hop is Cindy's Blog. Enjoy!!!!

Post #2 - A Sweet Bunny Challenge

Welcome to our 94th Sweet Sketch Wednesday!!!!!!! Wowza to that!!!!!! This week we have this wonderful sketch to share with you! I love all the layers, it allows me to really hit up my scrap bin!!!!!! What else I love about this week's sketch is the twist we've added...not only are you to follow the sketch, but a bunny must also find its way onto your creation!!!!! How fun! And you know what else is fun, our sponsor!

Meljen's Designs is a lovely stamp company owned and illustrated by Melissa Jenkins. She illustrates whimsical digital images inspired by her kids and family. The Meljen's Designs store officially launched on April 1 and is steadily growing! Meljen's Designs has new releases along with a new challenge every Thursday, freebies every Monday and a Guest Designer each month at the Meljen's Designs Blog. Please visit the Meljen's Designs line of stamps at the WHIMSY STAMPS STORE to browse and enjoy Melissa's wonderful images!

Do browse Meljen's images, because our prize that's up for grabs if 4 free digis of your choice.

Melissa's generosity doesn't stop there! She also gave the DT some of her images, and I was lucky enough to receive the Sew Country Bunny. Such a sweet image, perfect for our added twist this week! Now hop on over to the Sweet Sketch Wednesday blog and check out all the other bunnies our DT got to create with!! They are all so much fun!!!!!

Look Who Hatched

And isn't this the most adorable baby image?!!!! It is from Fresh Brewed Designs, and you can find it HERE. Now this card is for our Freshly Brewed Challenge this week, use 2 or more embellishments on your creation. I had this fun little pack of embellies that worked perfectly with this challenge. First along the left side of the card, I used sequins with brads to hold them in place. The right side of the card are two clips (don't know what else to call them) that are also held in place with brads. Now if I really wanted to stretch the definition of embellishments, I'm going to also mention the sewing and nesties!!!!! LOL!!!!! This card measures 4.25" square, a fun size that I've been making a lot of because it still fits inside an A2 envelope. Now I can't wait to see what you come up with!!!

Hello Spring Violets

The daffodils are breaking thru the ground and I can even see tiny little buds on some of the trees...all in time for the snow that's forecasted for the end of the week!!!!! I guess the only way I can really see spring is to stamp it!!! I made these two cards for the OWH Midweek Throwdown, scallops. They are even offering an adorable freebie digi! My violets are from the Clear Dollar Stamps digi set Spring Violets. You really must check it out, you get 5 images, 3 of which are pre-colored, 3 sentiments, AND 4 digi papers all for ONLY $2.50!!!!!!! That's less than the cost for one single digi at some places!!!!!!!! I'm getting ready to send a box off to the OWH shipper, so maybe I'll slip these two in, if I have room!!!!!

Green Hydrangea???

Sure, why not!!! It's called crazy creativity!!!! The layout is a CASE from a Featured Stamper on SCS...but I don't know who!!!!! Figures! Anyway, I found two challenges this past week asking for green, so of course I thought of this Hydrangea stamp set from Clear Dollar Stamps. I heat embossed it onto water color paper and used Tombow markers on it. I then, hold on to your hats, cut it out...with scissors!!! Yep, the lazy stamper cut something out!!! I needed a thank you card so my sentiment came from the set Words of Gratitude. Sorry, that one little butterfly landed right over the word "my" just as I was taking the picture! Colors of cardstock include Gable green, Green galore and Glorious green. As for the challenges, I am submitting this card to the For Fun Challenges and the Delightful Challenges.


We had a great time yesterday at our CDS monthly blog hop. There's still time to join us, just comment away and you have a chance at one of two prizes, a $10 gift certificate to Clear Dollar Stamps. WooHoo!!!!

It's a Zoo at CDS!

That's the theme for our Blog Hop this month at Clear Dollar Stamps, It's a Zoo!!!!! If you came here from Shell's blog, then you are on the right path. Go back to the beginning at Lori's blog so you don't miss out on anything. Now I've gotta tell ya, giraffes are my all-time favorite animals in the zoo. In October when I was at Disney World, we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Our room overlooked the savanna where there were two giraffes that I simply could not get enough of. This giraffe is from a stamp set called Jungle Fever, and that adorable thing screamed baby card to me! The sentiment is from the versatile set Baby Bundle. So easy to color with Copic markers and I even found some giraffe print paper in my scrap bin, how lucky was that!!! Now have a roarin' good time on our blog hop. Make sure and comment along the way because 2 lucky winners will each receive a $10 gift certificate from CDS. Winners will be announced on the CDS blog Wednesday, March 23rd.


Now hop on over to Amanda's blog for more of our It's a Zoo blog hop!

Picture Perfect Saturday

It's definitely going to be a busy Saturday, that's for sure. So much jammed into one little weekend!!! But I've got an awesome color combo to share with you from Picture Perfect Creations - Always artichoke, Elegant eggplant, and Tangerine tango.

Here's my card. I pulled out a go to set from PTI that I absolutely love, Out on a Limb. And check it out, no sewing!!!!! See, I can make a card without sewing!!!! LOL!!! The artichoke dsp is actually from a Christmas collection. I paper pierced along the bottom layer, using the little dots within the paper itself as my guide. A little touch of Stickles inside the flowers and three little butterflies and this card is complete.

See you tomorrow for the Clear Dollar Stamps blog hop! Don't forget to play along with our Clearly Inspired Challenge also...it's a sketch!!!!

My Fave - A Sketch at Clearly Inspired Challenge

Yep, I do like my sketch challenges, so when Cassie posted this beaut for our next Clearly Inspired Challenge, I was thrilled.

Here's my card, using the adorable set Spring Critters from Clear Dollar Stamps. I heat embossed this cute bunny so I could use my Tombow markers and blender pen to add a bit of color. Of course I'm using scraps of designer paper, Basic Grey I think. So much fun, and it all started with a wonderful sketch! Now please, please, please play along with us 'cause we have some really awesome prizes to give out.

Just a reminder, our Clear Dollar Stamps monthly blog hop is this Sunday. Be sure and join us then too, we'll all have a roarin' good time, I'm sure of it!!!!!!!!!

Just Beecause It's St. Patty's Day

I didn't have any cards specificly for St. Patricks Day to show, so I thought I would post at least a green card! I am slowly working on the leftover card kits I have from back in the day of my stamp camps. I might add a touch of something else to the card, but I try to stay with what's already in the kit. I thought I would change things up a little bit here by stamping on the Sage shadow layer - normally I would do a neutral. The stamp set is from PaperTrey Ink called Honey Bees. As far as the dark green goes, I don't know if it's Handsome hunter or Forest foliage!!!

While attempting to clean up and organize my stamping supplies, I found even MORE kits that need to be made into cards!!! Oh bother! Use what I've got, that's my motto! Come back tomorrow for our Clearly Inspired Challenge and Sunday for our blog hop from Clear Dollar Stamps!!! Should be fun!!

Another Late Post - But it Sure is Sweet!

I don't have any excuses for why I'm late with my posts today, but I sure would like to come up with some goodies!!!!! It's Wednesday (not Tuesday like I thought) which means a new Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge. Look at this sketch, don't ya love it?!!! Every week we have such wonderful sponsors that donate awesome prizes, and this week is the generous Sally Ann from Digi Stamp Boutique. Be sure and comment on the Sweet Sketch Wednesday blog to be eligible for the grand prize of.............

6 FREE IMAGES OF YOUR CHOICE!! Told you she was one generous lady!!! She even let the DT play with some of her toys, I mean images!!

I went with Surfin' Alfie because I am desperate for summer to get here!!!! That plus the fact I love this image!! I found some old Bo Bunny papers and brads in my stash and decided to go with them. Hope you decide to play along with us this week, we sure would love to see you!

It's All About the Polka Dots

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date!!!! It's Wednesday morning after all, and instead of surfing all the wonderful blogs, I am just now posting for today. What a mixed up past couple of days! Anyway, welcome to the Freshly Brewed Challenge for this week, polka dots!! How fun! Show us your fun and funky or even some cute and creative use of the dots! I used the stamp La Dolce Vita from Fresh Brewed Designs. I paper pieced this sassy lady's top in, you guessed it, polka dots. Oh, speaking of paper piecing, don't forget our monthly long prize challenge at the Fresh Brewed Blog, paper piecing and pink. Now back to our regularly scheduled program - more dotted papers were found in my scrap bin, you know, those little strips that you simply cannot find it in your heart to throw away!! Well I just used three of them up!!!!!! I thought the "smile often" sentiment left the possibilities wide open for this card...birthday, thinking of you, etc. Now be sure and check out all the fun polka dotted creations by all the FBD DT members. Then get stamping and show us yours!!!!!!

Clear Dollar Stamps Digi Release

Yes, today is Clear Dollar Stamps digi release. I know I say it every month, but these are the best ones yet!!!!! The instant I saw this set, Yummy Cupcakes, I knew I NEEDED it!! Okay, I wanted it, so that meant I had to have it, and so will you!!!! I love, love, love the pre-colored images and papers, which I used here. I also used a sentiment from the set that I begged Laurie to include (alright, I simply asked her...nicely...and she did it!!). A friend and I for each other's birthdays get two cupcakes, sit, visit and enjoy them. We always say "it's all about the cupcake" too, so that's where this all came from! Now her birthday is the end of this month, so all I need is to get a decadent cupcake because the card is done!!!!!!! There are a lot of fabulous projects created with all of the digis released this month, so head on over to Lori's blog and check 'em out! Don't forget too our Blog Hop is on Sunday, starting at 11am eastern time and Friday is our new Clearly Inspired Challenge. You'll want to come back for both.

Simple!!

Can you believe it, yet another CAS card!!! My inspiration for this one came from the CAS Fall to Sketches #131. I used my daisy die that has never been used (GASP!!) with some scraps from the good ol' scrap bin. Why won't it ever look like I've used stuff from it???!!! I used a $1 stamp that has never seen ink (Double GASP!!). Now talk about a card that can be easily popped in the mail! I may have to make a few more of these!!!!!


Now be sure and come back tomorrow, Clear Dollar Stamps is having it's digital stamp release...and they are fabulous!!!!! Speaking of CDS, Friday will be our new Clearly Inspired Challenge, and Sunday is our Blog Hop. There will be prizes so be sure and participate in them both!!!!!!!

I Love These Die Sets!

These dies and coordinating stamp sets are part of this month's new release at Clear Dollar Stamps. The stamp sets are called Cross Messages and Cross Messages Additions, and the die set can be found HERE. Now you can see I trimmed away the added panel on the cross which was super simple to do. I also found inspiration for this card from two challenges - OWH Stars and Stamps sketch (okay, it was last weeks!!!), and the Dutch Dare Card Challenge photo inspiration.


Busy week ahead. I'm actually planning my menu for the week around all these things I need to do!!!!! Wow, that almost sounds like organization, and that word is not part of my vocabulary!!!!

Be Sure You're Sittin' Down for This!

I made a clean and simple card in about 5 minutes, and I LOVE the way it turned out. I may convert to CAS style yet!!!! LOL!!! The sentiment comes from Clear Dollar Stamps, a newly released set called Scriptures of Peace. Now of course I needed some inspiration from a couple of challenges - the Clean and Simple Sunday Challenge is where I got this great sketch and as for the colors, I went with the combo at Diva Coffee Break Designs, So saffron, Baja breeze and Regal rose. All of the DSP are, yep, you guessed it, from my scrap bin. And just because it's CAS doesn't mean it doesn't deserve a little stitching, so that's exactly what I did! Thanks for stopping by, hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Mocha Manic Monday for Tuesday Morning Sketches

And posted on a Friday!!! Like I've said before, I can never post a challenge card the same day the challenge was issued!!!! What's a Mocha Manic Monday? Why the first Monday of every month Heather from Fresh Brewed Designs posts a freebie for one day only. Lucky me I scooped it up quickly before it expired!!! Good news though, you can still get the image HERE and it's on sale!!!!! Allow me to introduce you to McKinley and Lucky Pup...so sweet!! And I used the gatefold challenge over at Tuesday Morning Sketches too. I found some Scenic Route paper that wasn't all green, because I don't know if I'm using this as a St. Patrick's Day card or a birthday card for someone whose day happens to be on St. Patty's Day. Play along by creating your own gatefold card!! And don't forget to mark your calender for Mocha Manic Monday!!!


Okay, I am posting this after midnight on Friday and the snow is falling!! We've had days of rain, resulting in flooding (not affecting us directly), and now 6 - 10 inches of snow is being predicted!! I think that groundhog was full of it!!!!!!!! Spring's not comin' any time soon!!!!

Picture Perfect Christmas Wishes

Now I want to know, who else immediately thought Christmas when they saw these colors? What, no one???!!! I love making non-traditional color Christmas cards, and this combo from Picture Perfect Creations screamed that to me!!!!!

I used a set from PaperTrey Ink that hasn't seen ink in a long time, if at all. Yes, I have that many stamps that I'm still finding ones that haven't seen ink!!! Anyway, I do want to point out that I stamped a little design on the red strip, not in Poppy Parade because I don't have that ink, but when I initally stamped it, it looked fine. As I was finishing up the card the stamped design was growing fainter and fainter until it is as you see it here, solid red. Weird that it absorbed right into the paper like that! Of course it was too late for me to try and fix it, so a solid red strip it is!!

Hoo Loves Ya Baby?

Wednesdays are my two post days...so read all about this challenge from Fresh Brewed Designs, then scroll down for my second post!!!

Now Heather has posted a challenge over at the Fresh Brewed Blog that is right up my alley...3 designer papers on your card! Piece of cake I say!!! I wanted to play with this Cute Owl image that's been sitting on my desk for some time so right to my Copic markers I went! The papers are from a KI Kit from Taylored Expressions that was an autumn theme. I simply went for a combo that didn't seem so fallish! This went together quickly, even with the sewing!!! The sentiment is from a set by There She Goes clear stamps. Now I really hope you can join in our challenge this week. Head on over to Fresh Brewed Designs, there's a sale going on until March 12th where some of your favorite digis are 35% off!!!!! Also, be sure and check out the inspiration from the rest of the DT!!

A Sweet Wednesday of Bird Watching

Yes, it's Wednesday, middle of the week! I am posting this late at night, or is it early in the morning, and my youngest went to bed not feeling 100%. I'm not sure if he'll go to school tomorrow, I'll have to wait to see how he is when he wakes up. Life can throw some curve balls at you, but one thing is for certain, we always have a wonderful and fun sketch for you at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.

Our sponsor this week is Digi Doodle Shop. Lots of things are happening over there, from a DT call to a sale, so be sure and take a peek. Something else you need to do is make a comment at the Sweet Sketch Wednesday blog so your creation can be eligible for the awesome prize of a $10 gift certificate to Digi Doodle Shop.

For my card I used the image Bird Watching. Is this not adorable??!! AND it's on sale!!!! I used my Copic markers on him and added some Crystal Effects to his fishin' hole!! I've hoarded this Marrakech DSP from Basic Grey long enough, I finally broke into it! The trim and flowers were found in the black hole of one of my embellishment drawers. Now be sure and check out the rest of the creations from the Design Team, they really are the bestest!!!

New York City Trip

I just wanted to show you the card I tucked inside Phillip's bag before he left for his trip to NYC this weekend. He actually opened it and found a nice surprise inside, some spending money!!! He had a great time. I picked him up late last night and, being the mean Mom that I am, made him go to school today!!! Apparently not a lot of sleep was gotten!!! Saturday they went to The Lion King on Broadway (I am soooooo jealous!) and everybody loved it. Sunday he went to Madison Square Gardens for the Rangers/Flyers hockey game. He was so into the game (mind you, we are big Pittsburgh Penguin fans, he was even wearing his Pens shirt!), he threw his hat out onto the ice when the Rangers' player scored a hat trick. Monday morning was The Today Show where he met and shook hands with Ann Curry, got a quick hit on TV, and even got a wave from Matther McConehay. They went to all the other sites too throughout their time there like Ground Zero, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, NBC Studios, Wall Street, and even 5th Avenue. Gotta love geeky teenage boys, the highlight of their 5th Ave. shopping was The Apple Store!!! This trip was with his Marketing class and very well organized. Next trip is a field trip with his Spanish class next month to the ballet and a Mexican restaurant! I don't remember having all these fun trips when I was in high school!!!

Happy Fourth of July?????

Okay, so I'm a little early for the 4th of July, but I found this awesome paper in my stash and felt inspired. I started with the Clean and Simple Sunday Sketch I found over at Stamping with Brenda.

All stamps are from Clear Dollar Stamps. The main image is called Colonial Carvings (hurry, it's currently 50% off!) while the sentiment is the recently released Stamp of the Month Yearly Occasions. My brads were probably labeled as "flowers" but I'm pretending they are stars!

Just got back from seeing the doctor about my knee. Got a cortisone shot while I was there and will be getting an MRI, if the insurance company approves. He's thinking my pain is either arthritis or a meniscus tear. I'll keep you up to date.

Operation Write Home Bunny Hop

Welcome to your next stop along the Operation Write Home Bunny Hop trail! If you are here from sweet Rhonda's blog, The Stampin' Bunny, then you are on the right path! To start at the beginning, please go to OWH Stars and Stamps.

Operation Write Home gets cards into the hands of our brave deployed soldiers so they can mail some love home to family and friends. Read all about it HERE so you can get involved!!! I don't know how the shippers do it, donating hours upon endless hours of their time to sort, fix and ship out boxes of cards...talk about dedication! There are deadlines for holiday cards, so be sure to have Easter cards to the shippers by March 18th and Mother's Day cards by March 31st.

Let me also recommend you check out the OWH Stars and Stamps Challenge Blog. I love their sketch challenges, posted every Sunday. They are super for keeping the mojo flowing!

My card makes use of a Bugaboo Stamps digi. He is all dressed up and ready for Easter! I'm all dressed up in my winter coat still because it's been so cold here in Pittsburgh...and I am oh so ready for spring and Easter!!!!!

Now keep on hoppin' to Doris's blog, Mom's Been Scrappin, your next stop.

Clearly Inspired Color Challenge

Happy Friday!! It's time for our Clearly Inspired Challenge at Clear Dollar Stamps. And as you can see it's a color challenge. Now before I get into that, I want to let you know there are some changes to our Clearly Inspired Challenges. First, it will be a bimonthly challenge, being held on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. So that means you have 2 weeks to create something using any stamps you wish from any stamp company (of course if you have CDS stamps, we would love to see what you create with them!). Spread the word, because there are prizes up for grabs for every 20 participants. What are the prizes you ask? For every 20 participants there will be 2 winners chosen - one winner for a $10 gift certificate for digital or clear acrylic stamps only from CDS and a second winner for the following digital set:

Is this not the cutest thing you ever did see???!!!!! And you could win this!!!!! The set includes 4 bunny slipper images, 3 sentiments, and 3 digital papers!!!!! Crazy good!!!!!

Here's my card using that very adorable Bunny Slippers set! I used a pre-colored set of slippers as well as 2 of the digital papers. Sticking with the color challenge, well, almost, I used Soft mint, Cottonball white and, oops, Sweet cheeks (instead of porcelain pink). Color challenges are very forgiving I've found, as long as you use colors that are similar! I begged for mercy from our CIC coordinator, Cassie, and she said she'd let me pass this time, but not to let it happen again!!!!! HAHA!!!

Picture Perfect Creations

Aren't these colors stunning?!!! I am really enjoying the challenges over at Picture Perfect Creations, and this one is no exception!

For my card I used the digital set Pansy from Clear Dollar Stamps. I used Copic markers on it and cut it out with Nesties. Believe it or not, this is the very first time I've used Early espresso, and that's saying a lot for someone who believes brown to be the new black!!! I found a paper pack of In Colors where I got the piece of Peach parfait. The two flower embellies that I found in my stash were white, so I sponged a little pink ink on them and added the orange button. The pearly swirl was also found tucked away in my stash drawer...I really should go thru that thing so I know what's in there!!! This will be a Mother's Day card for one of our Moms.