Joy

I've scheduled my post so hopefully it will!!! Meanwhile, I'm also hopeful to be in sunny Orlando visiting Mickey Mouse today. The weather report wasn't sounding so good for taking off on time at Pittsburgh, so as I'm writing this, fingers are crossed that we make it there safely.

Welcome to Sweet Sketch Wednesday. Every hump day we have a new sketch challenge for you to try, and this one is sure not to disappoint! 

We also have wonderful sponsors each week. This week it's Eureka Stamps. I want to shout out a big THANK YOU to Tina for so graciously sponsoring us. The winner will receive 5 digital images of their choice...how fabulous!!! 

Also fabulous is the darling image I got to use, Christmas Girl. I thought she was positively adorable! Her little muff brought back memories of a white furry one I had as a little girl. I felt so grown up going to church with it. Of course I kept this one white but added some sparkle thanks to Stickles. Again, I'm on a kick of using every day designer paper for my holiday themed cards. This Basic Grey paper was perfect with its pink and greens. Enjoy your Wednesday and I hope you can join us at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.

Fall Photo Inspiration

This is the photo meant to inspire us at the Catch the Bug challenge this week. Because of the colors, my mind immediately went to fall.  

And here's my fall card, using the adorable AKV Fall Scarecrow image. A simple layout, using some scrap designer paper. In fact, this is the front and back side of the same piece of paper! Now if only we could have more in the way of fall weather. Here in Pittsburgh we're under a winter storm warning for tomorrow and Wednesday. And what happens on Wednesday? Yes, Phillip and I leave for Orlando!!! I have a feeling our flight will be delayed. As long as we take off on Wednesday, I'll be good. Cross your fingers with me!!!

Have a Mice Day

 Okay, now I don't know if you noticed, but I leave on Wednesday with my oldest son Phillip for Disney World!!!!! It is going to be so much fun, neither one of us can wait! Phillip has been working so hard his first year at Pitt, I'm so proud of him. This trip is a much needed break.

I wanted to follow up that little intro to fill you in on our CAS challenge over at The Outlawz. It is my turn to host and, with my trip in mind, our challenge involves creating a card, any theme, as long as it has a mouse on it. Oh, it must be clean and simple too! Being busy getting all my ducks in a row, I went with a pre-colored image from Doodle Pantry called Quirky Mouse. I went with a simply embossed background, adding a little interest by using two colors. Yes, this was quick, easy, clean AND simple. That adds up to a low stress, fun to make card!!!
 

Greetings of the Season

I have to get focused and get some cards done. My oldest son Phillip and I leave for Disney World on Wednesday!!! I really liked the sketch over at Catch the Bug so tonight I got a card done using it.

Of course it's a Christmas card!! I've printed off so many Bugaboo holiday images why not put them to use!! This cutie is Christmas Teddy Ornament. I added a little sparkle to his hat thanks to some Stickles. The papers are right off the scrap pile...hooray! And of course I had to add my new favorite accessory, the linen thread bow and button. The sentiment is from Paper Smooches. Fun and simple.

Other challenges I'd like to submit my card to include:
Crafts 4 Eternity - glitter & sparkle
Totally Paper Crafts - add a bow
Scrapbooker PhD - Christmas without red & green
Creative Moments - CAS/Anything Goes

Sparkle & Shine

Let me tell you, that extra shot of espresso in my Starbucks this morning hasn't kicked in yet, I'm still sooooo tired. Since a phone call woke me up way too early this morning, I decided to make an attempt at getting something done. So I hit my craft room and got to work on some Christmas cards! I made two of these Z-fold cards, loving the ease of creating something that looks harder than it is. I heat embossed the Season's Greetings background, a lovely stamp by Hero Arts. The snowflake and lavender square behind it are die cuts. Like I said, so easy, so simple, and so purple!!!!! Might have to make this in a few other colors as well.

A few challenges I'd like to submit my card to include:
Creative Knockouts - Snowflakes
ABC Christmas Challenge - Winter Wishes

Snowman Pile-Up

Doodle Pantry is sponsoring an Anything Goes challenge over at Fab 'n' Funky. Happy Birthday Fab 'n' Funky!!!! I used a newly released Doodle Pantry image called Snowman Pile-Up. Actually, if you were to play along on our Doodle Pantry Digital Challenge and use a Doodle Pantry image, you will get this set absolutely FREE!!! But hurry up, you only have until the 24th to play along. I used the color version of this image as well as the three patterned digital papers included in the set. I hope your day is as fun as what these snowmen are having!!!

Baby It's Cold Outside

 Hooray for Wednesday!!! Not only is it hump day, but it's also one day closer to when Phillip and I leave for Disney World! And, as if all of that isn't enough, it's also time for a new challenge at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.

Our wonderfully generous monthly sponsor Sally Ann from Digi Stamp Boutique is in the house this week. The prize is a £10 voucher from the Digi Stamp Boutique store. 

And here's my card using one of the sweet images from the Winter Dan set. I've been having fun using "regular" designer papers on my holiday cards. This paper is from a western themed pack that was sitting on my desk after other projects. Gotta say, this sure was a fun one!! And what a great sketch! I hope you can join us this week at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.

I'll be submitting this card to the following challenge:
Digi Stamp Boutique - Use a DSB image
 

Holly Jolly Christmas

Happy Tuesday! Time to share a card using the gorgeous image from Fresh Brewed Designs called Christmas Holly. Isn't she lovely (now I have that Stevie Wonder song in my head!!)?!! A beautiful lady like that needs a sparkly dress, and thanks to Stickles, she does! The pop of black was exactly what this card needed when I was working on it last night. It really makes that image pop. I didn't want to take away from her with a sentiment either, so a small holly die cut and a few rhinestones and I called my card complete. More for the Christmas pile!

November Bingo

The challenge this week over at Catch the Bug is Bugaboo Bingo. I went with glitter, designer paper and ribbon.

And here's my card using the adorable Chubby Santa Candy Cane. EEEEK, did you notice I went with the traditional red and green??!!! I must be tired 'cause I really like going the unexpected route when it comes to colors! I used Stickles on his hat and twine as my ribbon. So quick and easy...gotta love that!!

OWH Fundraiser Reminder

 Doodle Pantry is holding a fundraiser for Operation Write Home (OWH for short). Above is a picture of the special bundle you can purchase for only $5, and OWH will receive 70%  of the purchase. 

My first card is a clean and simple creation using the Missing You set. I totally adore the sentiment about missing you more than ice cream. Now that is a whole lot of missing!!!!!

I can't seem to stop using the kitty from the With Heart set. Talk about sweet!! I used one of the sketches from OWH, #6 to be exact. That is also digital paper from this set too.

I want to thank everyone who has purchased this bundle. You have until November 30th to purchase these digital stamp sets as a bundle and for a cheaper price. After Nov. 30th they will be available for purchase as individual sets at a higher price. Now get making some cards and send them off to OWH. It will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!!! 

Resting Bird

Oh dear, going back thru some blog posts, I discovered I never posted my CAS card for our Sunday challenge over at The Outlawz! Better late than never I guess. Our theme this week is Remembering Our Loved Ones. Since I recently lost my Dad, he was on my mind for this challenge. Dad loved being outside, whether he was tending to his garden, cutting the grass, or shoveling the snow, he was happiest outdoors. One of his "jobs" was filling up the bird feeders. This Doodle Pantry image, Resting Bird, brought back some fond memories. I love the sentiment as I am a bird lover too. My bird feeders hang off my deck, otherwise, the deer were feasting on the seed when I had them in the yard. I look out the window and just admire their beauty and crazy antics. The blue jays will almost come up to the door that goes out to the deck and squawk non-stop, letting me know the feeders are empty and need to be filled. Too funny!
 

Howdy!

I can't believe I got a second card done for the Western theme challenge over at Catch the Bug. This is Dottie Cowgirl. I don't think I've ever used her before, so this was a perfect challenge to do just that! I paired her up with some fun cowboy paper, very rustic. I've been so into brads lately I decided to do a little cross stitching in the corner with some linen thread for a change. Such a simple card yet oh so fun to make. Hope you have a wonderful Thursday. The sun is out here, hoping it will finish melting the snow we go on Tuesday. Way too early for snow!!

Sweet Christmas Flower

It's hump day, and that means it's time for a new challenge at Sweet Sketch Wednesday. Another fabulous one, that's for sure. Time to pull out some of those designer papers you've been hoarding...or is that just me?!!!!

Our sponsor this week is A Day for Daisies. The fab prize for our winner is a $12 gift certificate to the A Day for Daisies store. Good luck narrowing that list down!!!!

I chose the beautiful Christmas Flower to use on my card. Alright, how is it that a self-proclaimed hater of purple creates a monochromatic card...of PURPLE?!!! I don't know why, but I thought it made it more unique than the expected red color. Now I sure hope you can join us this week for our challenge over at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.
   

Be Merry

I wanted to make a reminder card about our latest month long challenge over at the Fresh Brewed Blog - Let it Snow/Christmas. Hubby & I have a mutual bachelor friend that I always need to make a more masculine Christmas card for every year. I told him to just help me out and get married already!!! Hahahaha!! Anyway, I used a sweet Fresh Brewed Designs digital image, Boy with Candy Cane. I've been challenging myself this year to make my holiday cards using everyday, non-holiday papers. I think I did on this one since the papers came from a western themed paper pack!! Such a fun card to create.

Western Round Up

I wanted to share a quick card I made this evening for the Western Round Up theme challenge over at Catch the Bug. I used the adorable AKV Cowboy Sheriff Bugaboo image. I found this paper in my never ending stash and was thrilled at my luck, since I had already colored my image and needed paper to match!! Such a fun challenge I may have to make another one...or two. I have plenty of western themed Bugaboo images so why not!!

Doodle Pantry Fundraiser for OWH

Today we are sponsoring OWH sketch challenge #198 and we decided to also release 2 new products for a special OWH fundraiser!

Here you can see we bundled two BRAND NEW just released today products called Missing You and With Heart, and they are marked at a bargain price together of ONLY $5.00!

You can use these sets for everyday cards for your own family and friends OR for our heroes to send home. They are very versatile and the With Heart set in particular would also make GREAT Valentines for kids!

Doodle Pantry will be donating about 70% of the profits of each sale of the BUNDLE from Nov 10 thru Nov 30.  If you are a big supporter of OWH and know how desperately they need monetary help and hand made cards for our heroes to send home while deployed, PLEASE hurry and get these adorable downloadable digi sets before Nov 30 so that you can help support OWH and their mission.

Click HERE to go directly to the bundle at the Doodle Pantry shop. 

Thanks for supporting OWH and for joining their sketch challenge for an additional chance to win a Doodle Pantry gift certificate prize!

For my card I used the adorable cat from the With Heart set as well as the digital papers. As soon as I saw this set I knew I HAD to use the kitty...after all, my two are never far away from where I am. A little bit of Glossy Accents on the heart really makes it pop. 

 

A Bugaboo Christmas

As you know, I'm a HUGE fan of Bugaboo Stamps. I try and play along in all their challenges. This is the latest sketch from Stella and can be found HERE on their blog, Catch the Bug.  

Here's my card, using the adorable Poppi Christmas Candy Cane. I found Poppi in my stack of digis that I've had colored up for quite some time now!! I found some red and green scraps of designer papers and my card is complete! So fun to make. And just think, I have one more Christmas card to add to the stack!!! Not bad.

Let it Snow

Welcome to our latest month long challenge over at the Fresh Brewed Blog. Our theme is Let it Snow or Christmas. If snow is part of the theme, I knew for sure I'd be using a snowman image! Here's We Can Build a Snowman from Fresh Brewed Designs. I used so many different colors that I knew I'd have to find some wild and crazy paper to coordinate...and guess what, I did!! Mind you it isn't holiday themed paper but the colors worked really well! Added a snowflake to remind myself this is a snowman image after all and a few white brads. I sure hope you can join us with your let it snow/Christmas creation at the Fresh Brewed Blog.
  

Sweet Kitty in a Stocking

Hooray for Wednesday! And time for a new challenge over at Sweet Sketch Wednesday. It's one of our sketches re-visited for fun!

As you can see, we have a super fun sponsor this week, it's Meljen's Designs. And our winner will receive 4 non-color digi images of their choice. What fun that will be winning some of Meljen's adorable images!!!

 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 a new challenge every Thursday, and a Guest Designer each month at the Meljen's Designs Blog. Please visit the adorable line of Meljen's Designs stamps at our store HERE to browse all of Melissa's lovely designs! You can also see Melissa's exclusive rubber stamps at her corner of Whimsy Stamps, too! Don't forget to join Meljen's Designs on Facebook HERE to take advantage of special sales and promotions that are just for her facebook fans!

I was lucky enough to work with this sweetie, Stocking Kitten. I added the gray and black for a pop of something unexpected. And what could be more unexpected than me using glitter, both Stickles and loose!!! The black stripe is some heavy duty tape and black glitter burnished into the adhesive. Way too messy for my liking. The Stickles can be found on the cuff of the stocking. A fun card to create indeed. Now it's your turn to show us what you've got at Sweet Sketch Wednesday.   

Happy Holidays

Yesterday on the Fresh Brewed Blog, Heather posted some flashback cards. Cards created in the past with her Fresh Brewed Designs holiday images. I decided to go with that idea and make a card using the same image from a previous card I made. Here's the latest, using Cookies & Cocoa. I've mentioned before how I have a stack of digital images that I've printed off but never put on a card. Well I found this image in that stack and onto a card it went!!! One down, a few hundred or so to go!!! Hahaha!

Now I couldn't do this post without also showing you the first card using Cookies & Cocoa. What a difference changing up the colors and papers. So fun, I may have to do this with a few other images! Hope you have a wonderful Tuesday and thanks for stopping by.
  

Hope You're Feline Fine

Hahaha, I love punny sentiments, and this one is simply purr-fect. Okay, I'll stop now. I do want to tell you about the challenge Doodle Pantry is sponsoring over at Digi Sketch. Their theme is animals and the hardest part about making my card was deciding what Doodle Pantry animal image to use!!! Since kitties are such a big part of my life (I have 2), I decided to go with Kitty Bouquet. Once again I raided my scrap pile for the papers and took it easy with the embellishments - a few brads, a rhinestone for the collar tag and some sewing only. I don't have many get well cards on hand so I will be adding this one in.

Hope you have a wonderful week.
  

Happy Winter

Snowman images is what makes me happy. Winter weather of cold blowing snow can come on Christmas only...then go away!! Anyway, I've been wanting to post this card all afternoon, but football came on then The Walking Dead, so now here it is! This is for the Anything Goes challenge over at Catch the Bug. Bugaboo images simply make me happy! I couldn't resist putting Lil Snowman on a card, especially since I've had this colored up for awhile now!! Wanted to keep it with the blues & browns found a piece of silver in my stash that was begging to be put to use. Fun, fun, fun!!!

Bright November

Welcome to our latest Clean & Simple challenge at The Outlawz. Our sweet hostess Cheri has made it a bright and beautiful color challenge. Use as many of the following colors as you want - green, yellow, orange, pink and blue. Woohoo, I think I hit 'em all!!! I used this beautiful Flower Friend die from Simon Says Stamp along with some washi tape to help colorize! The sentiment is from Paper Smooches - Chart Toppers. I almost forgot about posting this card this morning because I had sent it to my niece and her husband for their 1st anniversary several weeks back. That was one of those "I'm ahead of the game" moments!!! Hahaha!

I'm off to shower...I know, it's about time. I need to hit the grocery store for a few forgotten items to make my vegetable soup for dinner. I big bowl of hot soup and some crusty bread, it doesn't get much better than that.   

It's a Vintage Day

Can you believe it, it's November 1st!! I'm kinda excited about it though, because my Disney trip is the end of this month!!! Also it means a new release at Doodle Pantry today. Boy is there lots to choose from. My two samples today are with vintage sets. This one is Vintage Fan, color version, and until the 24th of this month, is FREE with purchase!! I love the papers included with this set too, and used the fabulous gray diamonds here.

And here is an older product that received a facelift with some color added. You know how I love my colored images!!! Say hello to Vintage Bicycle. I think this is going to be my father-in-law's birthday card, he'll get a kick out of it!!

There are more wonderful sets previously sold at CDS now available at Doodle Pantry. Be sure and add them to your cart. Also, until Nov. 7th, use the code NEWNOV25OFF at checkout to receive 25% off the newest release. Play in our monthly Doodle Pantry Digital Challenge (post goes live at 12noon eastern) and, if you use a Doodle Pantry image, you will receive FREE via email Snowman Pile-Up. Too cute!!! Lots going on so don't let me hold you up, head on over to Doodle Pantry and start shopping!!