Happy New Year!

Hard to believe only two days left of 2012. At the same time, I'm always excited to see what the new year will bring. My card is for our latest CAS challenge over at The Outlawz. This week we are asking you to create a clean and simple card featuring HAPPINESS. I immediately thought of "Happy New Year." I found these A Muse stamps in my stash that haven't seen ink in a very long time, if at all. I also use a  piece of Hero Arts printed card stock that's been used for the very first time. Lots of firsts on this card!!!! The oval is cut out of the patterned paper for something different. Clean and simple yes, quick and easy too. Thanks for stopping by and wishing you a very safe and Happy New Year.  

Snowdrops

Last night while every one was asleep, I made a card absolutely and totally for fun. No challenges, no DT requirements, but just for the pure joy of creating. This is a Doodle Pantry image called Snowdrops. Of course I used the color version because this is a "for fun" card!!! I'm working on a box of cards to mail off to Operation Write Home and figured a Thinking of You card is always in demand. Thanks for simply stopping by and saying "hello." We got too much snow for my liking, I'm cold just looking out the window at it. Stay warm and enjoy the rest of 2012. 

Warmest Wishes

 Merry Day After Christmas! I certainly hope you had a wonderful day yesterday. I know we did. And speaking of wonderful, our new sketch is just that this week at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.  

And our sponsor is one of my favorite digi companies around, Bugaboo Stamps. I can't even begin to count how many of their images I have!!! As the winner of our challenge this week, you could be the proud owner of 7 free digis of your very own!!!
Here's a little bit about Bugaboo Stamps from the owner and artist herself:

  Everything That You Ever Wanted to Know About Bugaboo Stamps: As if raising five children in the frozen land of the North was not enough of a challenge, Jodie Mackrell decided to dip her cold little Canadian toes into the world of papercrafting by opening an online store full of her illustrations. That was two years ago. Today Bugaboo Stamps is one of the leading companies in digital images, and we're still growing! From seriously snarky to sugary sweet to sublimely soulful all the way over to the other side of the super sexy spectrum, you're bound to find all that you need and more to create your paper projects. Jodie works very hard to provide New Releases and Freebies every week!

If your taste runs to rubber (and you know who you are), you can find Bugaboo Stamps stamps at Totally Stampalicious. And finally, join the Bugaboo Stamps DT for weekly challenges at Catch the Bug.

Here's my card using yet another adorable snowman, Bobblehead Christmas - Snowman. Just look at that smile...made me giggle! I paired him up with some Basic Grey paper, Aspen Frost. Loved the red, blue and green of this collection. The snowflakes are die cuts with pale blue pearls in the center. I did add some sparkly snow because all snowmen must be made of sparkly snow!! Hope you can find some time to get away into your craft space to join us this week at Sweet Sketch Wednesday. 

White Christmas Wishes

Merry Christmas everyone!!!! And what a wonderful day it's been in the Anderson household. The boys were excited about their iPads. Even the cats got something from Santa...a laser pointer, and boy were they tuckered out after chasing that silly red dot around the house! Now we didn't have a white Christmas, but it's coming starting tomorrow. Winter storm warnings in effect until Thursday evening. The snow interrupted our travel plans a bit, but we'll get around to seeing everyone. I wanted to get one more Christmas card posted. Talk about quick and easy, this went together in around ten minutes! I used a digi from Clearly Digi Stamps called Flakes. You know me and the color version of digital images...I LOVE 'EM!!! That's what made this card so quick and super easy. Stay warm and enjoy the rest of your Christmas holiday.

Star of Wonder

Merry Christmas Eve! I'm scheduling my posts because I'm not sure when we'll be doing our holiday traveling. It will depend on the weather of course. One thing I know for certain, we have a fabulous sketch for you at Seems a Little Sketchy. I loved the chance to use up some scraps!! Our sponsor for this sketch is Whimsy Stamps - go check 'em out.  

Here is my card for this sketch, using a Meljen's Designs image called Christmas Star Snowman. I had the Taylored Expressions' Merry & Bright Project Pantry Kit  right on my desk so I went with those paper scraps and colors for my snowman. My sentiment is an acrylic stamp set from Simon Says Stamp called Merry Everything. It is oh so perfect! Again I hope you can join us over the next two weeks at Seems a Little Sketchy. And wishing you a most Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  

Make a Joyful Noise

So, raise your hand if you're all ready for Christmas! My hand is down, that's for sure. But I sure hope you can find some "you" time to join us at The Outlawz for our Clean and Simple Wrap it Up challenge. This week's challenge is to wrap up your CAS card or project by adding ribbon with a bow. Being behind on everything, I decided to use a pre-colored digi from Doodle Pantry that I happened to have on my desk. This beauty is from a set called French Horn. My ribbon is dark gray and sparkly, perfect for the holidays. Please enjoy yours with family and friends and, as the sentiment says, "Make a Joyful Noise"!! 

Friendship

Hey, it's not a Christmas card!!!! What's up with that?!! I was actually asked to be a guest designer at Color My Heart, a color dare challenge featuring Close to my Heart products. The colors for this challenge are Gypsy and Sky. I used a fun silhouette set from Close to my Heart called Childhood Portrait. And the sketch I followed is from OWH, #150 to be exact. I love their sketches! This one will be added to my growing pile to send off next year (YIKES!!).

Hope you have a great weekend. Tonight I am going to our local scrapbook store to crop. I should stay home and make more cookies but I am almost baked out! This way I can get a few more pages done to show to family when we travel. Wish me luck.

Happy Everything

Trying to not let the stresses of the holiday get to me!! I let it happen every year so why should this year be any different?!!! I've been working on cookies and enjoying eating them!! After all, they should be taste tested before being given away as gifts!!!

With so little time to stamp, I still needed a birthday card for my sister-in-law, so I went CAS style, using the fabulous colors over at Color My Heart - Twilight and Sweet Leaf. I don't have all the ink colors from Close to my Heart, but for some reason I have two Twilight!!! Go figure. The strip of Sweet Leaf designer paper comes from a paper packet called Emporium. And how fabulous for me my washi tape with the blues and green...perfect! The stamp set is also from Close to my Heart, called With Love. Now I should have had this in the mail yesterday, but being on time has never been my strong suit!! 

Any Hero Cards

Operation Write Home: Their mission is supporting our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as "Any Hero" cards of gratitude to encourage them. Today, for their Midweek Throwdown Challenge, the theme is "Any Hero" cards. For some of our soldiers, this is the only mail they receive. So take a moment to create a card or two AND write a message of gratitude and encouragement inside. Read more about Any Hero mail HERE.

This week's Throwdown Challenge is a color challenge, RED, WHITE and BLUE + Hero Cards. I was honored to be asked to create for this challenge and here are my cards:

 My first card uses a sweet pre-colored digital image from Doodle Pantry called Patriotic Sheep. I paired it up with yet more paper from my scrap bin - I am constantly struggling to get this darn thing to look like there's less in it!! So far, it's winning!!!

Of course I had to make a second card!! This one uses a Paper Smooches clear stamp set called Circle of Honor. A clean & simple, quick & easy card. I will write inside these then include them in my next shipment of cards to OWH.  

Now some of you have already seen these cards, I had posted them to my blog last month. Long story short, the challenge was rescheduled to today. Thank you Jan for going the extra mile to see that my cards were still featured...you're the best!!!!

Another Sweet Snow Person

 Happy Wednesday and welcome to our blast from the past challenge at Sweet Sketch Wednesday. And what a fun sketch it is!! 

Our sponsor this week is Digi Stamp Boutique. Sally Ann is owner and artist and a real sweetie! She is offering our winner 6 free digi images as the prize!!!!! Gosh, that makes me wish I had a chance of winning because her images are simply adorable!!!

   All images/designs are created and copyright owned by Sally-Ann Hancock. My work means the world to me - it allows my passion to draw and create, to fit with my family life too - often the inspiration for my designs. Hope you enjoy as much as I enjoy creating.

And here is my sweet snow person card!!!! Actually this image is from a set of two called Snow People. Being addicted to snowmen, I knew I had to have both images!!!! I liked the blue and black with just a pop of red with the ribbon and button (as well as the little birdie's hat!). The embossing folder is new and looks like falling snow...I love it. Now I can't wait to see what you create with our blast from the past sketch. I also want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas...may Santa bring you everything you wished for, and even a few things you didn't!!!!

Challenges I'd like to submit this card to:
Shopping our Stash - Winter
Fashionista Challenge - Winter
Lexi's Creations - Snow
Love to Create - Winter Fun
Digi Stamp Boutique - Monthly Challenge - Use DSB image

More Holiday Cards

Yes, I'm still making Christmas cards, but just for fun. I have all but one or two more cards to mail out, so these will go into my pile either for next year or to send to Operation Write Home. Speaking of OWH, one of their Interactive Cardmaking Project sketches was laying out on my desk, so I decided to use it today on both my cards. I simply turned it on its side to fit the orientation of my images. Speaking of the images, they are both from Doodle Pantry and both adorable. This first one is called Christmas Birdie. Of course I used the color version as well as some scrap designer paper.  

This card made use of the digital set Gingerbread Ants. Again I used the color version and some digital paper from the Vintage Phone set I had laying around from a previous project. But I must say, Gingerbread Ants has some pretty sweet paper included too!!!

Take a moment and head on over to Doodle Pantry - from now until January 3rd, all digital image products are 35% off when you use the code 35BLOWOUT at checkout. I'm off to get more cookies baked...boy am I behind!!

CDS Blog Hop

This weekend it's all been about Clearly Digi Stamps. Yesterday was our new release of some really wonderful digital sets. Be sure and check 'em out HERE. And today is our December Blog Hop. You should have arrived here from Lovely Lisa's blog, Lisa's Life Lines. If not, be sure and start at the beginning HERE at the CDS blog.

Our theme this month was Anything Christmas. And since we are all still scrambling to finish up our Christmas cards (or is that just me?!), a perfect theme indeed. For my card I used the color version of Patchpal Reindeer. I simply love the teals, reds and greens...a fun new Christmas color combo for me. I used two of the digital papers also included in this set along with a honeycomb embossing folder...definitely unexpected on a Christmas card.

Now I'm your last stop of our holiday blog hop. I hope you enjoyed it. Make sure and comment along the way on each blog for your chance at our prize of a $25 CDS gift certificate for digital stamps. How fabulous is that?!!!
   

May Your Merry be Very!

Hello and welcome to yet another fabulous CAS challenge over at The Outlawz - Shop Till You Drop. We are challenging you to create a CAS card or project that has a gift on it. I've been in a funk since the tragedy on Friday. Usually stamping helps to rejuvenate me, but not this time. My card is definitely not what I had in mind but I had to go with it. I used a stamp set and die from There She Goes Clear Stamps called Warmest Wishes. I've been so into teal lately I knew I had to use it on this card. So I kept it white, teal and black only, my own little happy. Hugs to all of you and hope you can join us for our CAS challenge at The Outlawz. 

New Release at Clearly Digi Stamps

The 15th of the month brings our new digital release at Clearly Digi Stamps. I always love when it's release time, seeing some of the sweetest images around!! For my first card, I used the Patchpal Angel. I am so into teal recently that I had to show off this sweet color version. The digital paper you see here is also included in the set.  

Here is Birthday Bash. I thought I would play up the BIG Wishes sentiment, making it very BIG and the main focus of this card!! How fun! And there's that teal again!!! These papers too are from the Birthday Bash set. To see all the newly released sets, check 'em out at the CDS blog, Clearly iStamp. Then be sure and head to the store and fill up your cart, you'll be glad you did!!!

Winter Wonderland

Ever make a card that went together so easily? This one was that for me. It was for an Oldies but Goodies challenge over at Stamp TV called Winter Wonderland. The stamps are from Gina K Designs: Holiday Cheer and Seasonal Sayings. I had to play with some new Hero Arts inks I had just bought, making it fun creating a non-traditional Christmas card! Enjoy your today, I'm sure it's a busy one.   

JOY to the World

Crazy week so far, and it's only Wednesday. I'm out of town today on family business, tending to my aging parents. Wish me luck!! Here is our latest sketch at Sweet Sketch Wednesday, sure hope you can join in on the fun.

And our sponsor this week is the one and only A Day for Daisies.

"A DAY FOR DAISIES provides themed categories of over 1000 fun and whimsical digital images, including fairy tales and magical mermaids, cutie kids, vintage illustrations, sentiments and lovely designs for all occasions!"

Our winner will receive a $12 gift certificate to the ADFD store.

 And here is my card, a 4.25" square card using the image A Special Gift. This image speaks volumes, I think. I used a paper pack I just got, Fa La La by Lawn Fawn. I liked the teal, red and yellows, so unique for a Christmas themed card. Kept it simple with not a lot of embellishments, just a tag with the Joy to the World Sentiment. Perfect. Now again, I sure hope you can join us at Sweet Sketch Wednesday on 12/12/12.

Love These Sketches

Operation Write Home has created something new, and it's called Interactive Cardmaking Project. Check it out for lots of videos, tutorials and tips. They even provided three great sketches to inspire and I created with 'em all! Here is Sketch A. I'm playing along with the Color My Heart challenge. Now I have some Close to my Heart supplies, so why not pull them out and put them to use!! How exciting!! The challenge is to use Buttercup, with extra points for using black and white with it too. My card stock is Buttercup but the ink is Creme Brulee (don't have buttercup). Two CTMH stamp sets include Jingle Borders and Snow Friends.

Now for Sketch B. I need a birthday card for our niece who is a cowgirl thru and thru. Again, I used a Close to my Heart stamp set, this one called Genuine Country. Perfect for a western themed card. Her birthday is Dec. 26th, so I am actually ahead of the game...for a change!!

And here is my card for Sketch C. I used a newly released Doodle Pantry image, an older set that was colorized (HOORAY!!), called Vintage Phone Color. I absolutely love the green phone, so retro. The paper is from the set too. Don't forget, Doodle Pantry is having a sale of sorts, 35% off image products until January 3rd. Simply fill up your cart then use the code 35BLOWOUT at checkout.

Be sure to check out the Interactive Cardmaking Project. You'll find yourself so inspired by the videos and sketches, I know I'll be using these again and again.

What a Fabulous Sketch!!

Told ya I had a great sketch to share. It's our latest challenge over at Seems a Little Sketchy. And our sponsor for this challenge is Kenny K.   

I was able to work with one of their pre-colored digis (you know how I love these!!!); this one is called Troublemaker. The colors grabbed me right away, so bright and fun. Plus I was in need of a birthday card for my niece so this seemed absolutely perfect. Join us at Seems a Little Sketchy and see how fun this sketch is to play with!! 

Bring on the Happy!

I'm happy that I get to watch football today, I love it! Sad though that the weekend is almost over. However, Sundays are our new CAS challenge over at The Outlawz. And our challenge this week is "Numbers" - create a CAS card featuring them. I thought a New Year's card was in order...wow, 2013 is just around the corner. I die cut my numbers twice, layering the black behind for a shadow effect. The sentiment is from PaperTrey Ink and called Big Birthday Wishes. The # dies are also from PTI. Hope you can join us this week at The Outlawz for our CAS challenge.

Doodle Pantry Blog Hop

 Welcome to our weekend blog hop at Doodle Pantry. If you arrived from Georgia's blog, then you're on the right track. If not, please start back at the beginning at the Doodle Pantry Blog. Not only will you find some wonderful inspiration on some older sets, but by leaving comments along the way, you could win a $20 gift coupon to shop at Doodle Pantry.

I was lucky enough to play along with the set Peppermint. Now just earlier this week, Laurie released this set in the color version (which I cheated and used). The outlines are also included in this set, but if you prefer the outline version only, check it out HERE. For both cards, I paired these images up with the coordinating digital paper, Minty. 

I grew mint this summer on my deck, keeping it in a pot so it doesn't take over the landscaping. I made the most refreshing tea with it. So of course I had to create with the mint "flower," reminding me of that yummy tea, hot and iced. I'm trying to protect it in hopes it will return again in the spring. Fingers crossed.

Now your not quite done hopping yet. Go to NanaConnie's blog to check out what wonderful creation she has for you to see. Don't forget to comment along the way too for your chance to win a $20 gift coupon to go shopping at Doodle Pantry. You have until midnight tomorrow to leave some love.

I also wanted to remind you of a sale going on at Doodle Pantry. You can receive 35% off image products from now till January 3rd by entering coupon code 35BLOWOUT. Read all about it HERE.
   

Let It Snow

Let's hear it for Friday!!!! And being the first Friday of the month, that means a new Clearly Inspired Challenge for you to enjoy. With it being December, this sketch challenge is for the whole month, so find some quiet time (good luck with that!!!) and join us!

Here's my card, using the adorable Word Doodles. Yes, I used the color version of this sweet digital image, making this card so quick and easy to make. Finding just the right scraps of paper was the hardest part. Yes, I know, I goofed and didn't include the "string"... just went on a little creative detour, that's all. I got the idea of the brads in my head and it wouldn't go away!!! I'll try to do better next time. Now let's see your creativeness with our sketch as you join us this month for the Clearly Inspired Challenge.  

My Snowman

Well I seem to be obsessed with snowmen...cute images of snowmen that is!!! No snow here yet, it was actually 65 degrees yesterday!! But today it's back down to 38...brrrrrrr. I wanted to post this card for our Christmas themed challenge over at the Fresh Brewed Blog. Heather has actually released some new digis that you're going to want to check out - you can find them HERE. My mind has been elsewhere, so I goofed and didn't create with one of them!! YIKES!! Well I did create a fun and simple card with a Fresh Brewed Designs image called My Snowman. I always send a snowman card to my niece who lives in Florida, to remind her of what she left behind!!!! Hope you can join us this month at the Fresh Brewed Blog for our Christmas prize challenge.   

Let it Snow

Ever get that nagging feeling you've forgotten to do something? And why does it hit you as you're warm and cozy in your bed on the verge of falling asleep? You guessed it, I totally forgot to schedule my Sweet Sketch Wednesday post for this morning. I wouldn't want you to miss out on this wonderful sketch, it sure is a fun one!

Our sponsor this week is the fabulous Meljen's Designs. Here's a little somethin' about them:

 Meljen's Designs is a lovely stamp company owned and illustrated by Melissa Jenkins. She illustrates whimsical rubber and digital images inspired by her kids and family. Meljen's Designs has new releases along with a new challenge every Thursday, a Guest Designer each month at the Meljen's Designs Blog, and freebies and promos now and then on our facebook FAN PAGE! Please visit the Meljen's Designs line of stamps at our store HERE to browse through all of Melissa's lovely designs! You can also see Melissa's rubber stamps at her corner of Whimsy Stamps, too!

 And what is the prize you ask? Why 4 non-colored digis of the winners choice! Fun & Fabulous!!

Here's my card, using the adorable Bundled Little Snowboy. He is one sweetie of a snowman!!! I had these bright papers from a summer themed kit on my desk so why not use 'em!! He is just so cute!! But then I think I say that about all snowmen!! Enjoy your day, hope you can find some creating time and will join us at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.   

Snow Much Fun

Can you tell I still had papers out on my desk from yesterday's project?!! I wanted to play along with some of the challenges over at Stamp TV. This one is for the Friday challenge to use non-traditional holiday colors...well that is right up my alley!! So here is my bright blue, yellow, green, black and white snowman card!! The stamp set has not ever seen ink, how sad is that, and it's Snow Much Fun from Gina K Designs. You can tell from the photo, but the white paper behind the snowman layer is covered in glittery dots. Made me think of snow. I bought several of these 12 x 12 sheets from the scrapbook store so I think I'll be using them a lot. Are you ready for a little secret that will make you laugh? I paper pieced Mr. Snowman's vest and decided to color in the buttons with a dark grey Copic. After I did, all I see on his vest is a Mickey Mouse head!!! Sorry, bet you do too now!!!! Told you it would make you laugh!!! Enjoy your Monday.

Other challenges I would like to submit my card to include:
Addicted to Stamps - Christmastime
Dream Valley Challenges - Non-traditional Christmas
Scrapper's Delights - Non-traditional Christmas
The Paper Players - Snowmen

Let Your Light Shine

Welcome to our latest CAS challenge over at The Outlawz Challenges. This week the theme is Season of Lights Challenge. We want you to create a card showing something that shines. Initially I thought of a string of Christmas lights, but then I found this Gina K Designs stamp set that has never seen ink, so why not let it shine and put it to use!!! The set is called Lighthearted Wishes and so perfect for the challenge. I paper pieced the base and shade then added a little sewing as my embellishment. I'll be adding this to my pile I want to send off to Operation Write Home so the Thinking of You sentiment was just what I wanted. Join us for some CAS fun letting your light shine!!

At the suggestion of a friend (thanks Lisa!!), I am submitting this to the Keen on Neon challenge in Moxie Fab World. I know it's not holiday, but it is neon!!!

Doodle Pantry Has Gone Vintage

Welcome to the December release at Doodle Pantry. I am sharing two  vintage sets that are being released, and I know you're going to want them both. First up is Vintage Bear. He is simply precious!! And, are you ready for this...I actually colored this one in all by myself with Copic markers!!! I knew that would surprise you! As soon as I saw him I pictured him done as a honey bear. The papers are scraps that I will always be trying to use up! And the sentiment is so darling - "Sometimes you just need a fuzzy friend."

Here is the Vintage Ornament. It comes in both outline and color - I used the color version here along with two of the digital papers that are included. Big news about this set - it's FREE with purchase but only until December 8th. Be sure to check out all the newly released sets HERE and start filling your cart. If your not ready to make a purchase, be sure to make your wish list, a new addition to the Doodle Pantry store.   

Just Take it Slow

Happy Friday to you! I'm hoping I can talk hubby into helping me put up the Christmas tree tonight. His belief is as soon as the outside lights are up, his job is done with getting ready for the holidays. I really must change his way of thinking!!!

A quick card to go along with my quick post, using a darling Doodle Pantry image called Too Sweet Turtle. Quick because I used the color version of the turtle as well as the two digital papers included in this set. This card is actually filled with get well wishes for one of our own, Doodle Pantry Design Team member Marsha Drain. She had open heart surgery and needs a sweet little turtle to tell her I'm thinking of her and hope she "just takes it slow." 

If you like this Doodle Pantry image, you're in luck. From now till January 3rd, receive 35% off your image products by entering coupon code  35BLOWOUT where prompted at bottom of cart. Read all the details HERE. Well I guess my post didn't end up as quick as I first thought, but I wanted to be sure you knew about this chance to save! 

Let us Adore Him

A very busy week...confusing too with the boys having been off on Monday. It's weeks like this that makes me so happy when I can get some fun stamping done. I found a fun sketch at Chocolate, Coffee and Cards Challenge and decided to play along. I used a set from Clearly Digi Stamps called Season of Wonder. Of course I used the color version as well as one of the digital papers. I can hear some gasps coming from some of you..."WHAT??? She used purple??!!!" Yeah, crazy, I know. Other challenges I would like to submit this card to are:

Polka Doodles - Any die will do
Christmas Stampin' All Year Long - To die 4
Hiding in my Craft Room - Christmas   

Sweet New Sketch and Sponsor

I promised you a new sketch, and here it is! Every Wednesday at Sweet Sketch Wednesday Arlana creates the funnest sketches around!! I promised you a new sponsor too...

We are thrilled to be sponsored this week by Broken Box Stock. 

"Broken Box Stock is a fun, imaginative and unique clipart shop featuring hand-drawn illustrations and digital stamps by Wendy Sefcik. Crafters, digital stampers, scrapbookers, business owners, teachers, bloggers, website owners, etc. adore the collection of clipart and find endless ways to spruce up their look with Broken Box Stock graphics." 

The prize for our winner this week is this Holiday Toodle Set Printable Page!

Speaking of Toodles, that's exactly what I used here. Her name is Christmas Toodles and can be found HERE. Don't you just love her hair?!! I had to make it pink, well, just because. She certainly didn't look like the kind of gal who would go for brown or blonde hair!!! Keeping with the quirky theme, I thought a blue poinsettia would be perfect too. Sure hope you can join us this week for another fabulous challenge at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.