Yummy Belated Birthday

Yep, I'm at it again, missing sending birthday cards. I have so much written on each day of my calendar that I've been missing some important dates! Happy Birthday Mardie, a little late! I am submitting this card for the OWH Sunday Sketch. I always love their sketches and try to play along each week. The image is a digital stamp from Clear Dollar Stamps called Yummy Cupcake. I had this cupcake on my desk set for another project that never got completed, so why not put it to good use now!! The sentiment is from a stamp set called Birthday Celebration. Now off into the mail this goes. Happy Tuesday!

Hello Friend

Happy Memorial Day and welcome to another fabulous color challenge from Picture Perfect Creations. Why is it when it's a holiday weekend I get totally messed up with what day it is??!! I almost forgot to post this!!!!! Anyway, check out our awesome colors we want you to play with this week - Crumb cake, Pear pizzazz, Blushing bride and Elegant eggplant. And what else you should check out is what the rest of the DT created...talk about fantastic!!!!!

Here's my card, making use of an old Mojo Monday sketch. I wish you could see it in real life, the crumb cake circle was stamped with a Fine Lace background stamp in white and the French Script was stamped over it in Memento's Desert Sand. I recently bought a new texture plate from PaperTrey Ink which I actually used right away on the eggplant layer. I must confess, I wasn't too sure I was going to like these colors together when I first saw them, and now I've definitely changed my mind!! Love 'em! Can't wait to see what you create for our challenge.

OWH Memorial Day Blog Hop

So happy to see you on our Memorial Day Weekend Blog Hop for Operation Write Home. You should have arrived here from Trisha's Blog. If not, please go to the OWH Stars and Stamps blog so you can start at the beginning.

We were asked to create a "missing you" card for this hop. No doubt a sentiment that is shared by all servicemen and women as well as their family and friends every minute of every day. I used some of my PaperTrey Ink stamps to create this one. I knew I wanted to use black and white plus one other color...which turned out to be bright yellow! Hmmmm, black and gold, could it be because I am such a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan??!!!! Haha, I'll never tell! Anyway, I used the sketch from Clean & Simple Stamping.

Now please be sure and keep going on our hop, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Your next stop is ANGELA'S BLOG.

Fresh Brewed Designs

Wednesdays mean a two post day for me. And wouldn't you know my luck, we lost power last night so I couldn't post till this morning. But you are going to love our new weekly challenge at Freshly Brewed Challenges, anything but a card. I ended up making a gift card holder, actually I made two so you could see the inside as well as the outside. I followed a pattern I found on Stamp TV. I love how it folds up like a wallet, easy to pop in the mail. The band of ribbon slides off to allow the recipient to see the gift card inside. I used Fresh Brewed Designs digi Latte Love to decorate the front. And yes, that is my Starbucks gift card, used often for a yummy hazelnut latte, my favorite. Be sure and hop on over to the Fresh Brewed Blog for all the happenings in Fresh Brewed world.

Our Wednesday Sweet Sketch

I apologize for my post being late, but we had no power last night. It's spooky driving around and everything is so dark. Just a quick proud Momma note, last night was Phillip's track banquet and he received his 1st letter!! I am so proud of him!!!

Okay, on to the sketch, it's a beauty, isn't it?!! Arlana sure has a talent for these things!!! Speaking of talent, you should see what the rest of the DT created using this sketch. Check it all out at the Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge blog.


We have a really awesome sponsor this week, Tracey from The Stamping Boutique. 5 free digis of the winner's choice is the prize!!!! Head to the store and check out all the wonderful images they have!

This is the fun image I got to play with, Summer Laundry Line. Our spring has been so cold and wet, I needed something to remind me summer is on the way...someday! The sentiment is from A Day at the Beach by PaperTrey Ink. Thanks for stopping by, can't wait to see what you create with our sketch this week. Be sure and stop by Sweet Sketch Wednesday and leave a comment so you are eligible to win our weekly prize sponsored by The Stamping Boutique.

Make a Wish

A purple car...how fun!!!!!! I created this card for the month long sketch challenge at The Latte Lounge, hosted by Fresh Brewed Designs. Thanks for a really fun sketch Heather!!! The challenge is open until June 2nd, so plenty of time to get inky. Now if you have any Fresh Brewed Designs digi or rubber stamps, use 'em!! Then be sure and link your card HERE for your chance to be a guest or featured designer!

I had my first physical therapy appointment today and it went very well. I can feel it in my knee a little bit, hopefully Tylenol will take care of that! Blogger was giving me grief all morning, so that's why I'm late posting. I finished this card late last night and simply could not stay awake to post then! Enjoy the rest of your day.

A Picture Perfect Color Combination

I love blues and browns, so what a perfect color combo this is!!! Please join us at Picture Perfect Creations and show us what you've done!!

Well here is my card in my favorite 4.25" square size. I love pulling out stamp sets that I haven't used in a while, and this one, unfortunately, is no exception! It's called Guide Lines and is from PaperTrey Ink. The grid is stamped first then the patterned squares are added to create your pattern. I used two flower dies to layer up my flower along with some punched olive leaves. Another quick and easy card, also becoming a fast favorite! Be sure and check out what the rest of the DT created, you will find so much inspiration from them!!

My heart goes out to those affected by the devastation caused by the deadly tornadoes this weekend. Ladies from other DTs I am on either have family in the areas hit or live there themselves! How scary! Know that you are in my prayers.

Nurse Stella

Isn't Stella fabulous?!! I was feeling down since my knee surgery a month ago and resulting blood clot in my leg. I've been seeing doctors and nurses galore, and have had so many needles sticks for blood, I thought this digi image from Bugaboo Stamps was perfect. I'm actually making fun of myself because I used to be an RN, and used to tell people something similar every time I put a needle in!!!! Different when the tables are turned!! The scrap DSP I found in my bin. It's two sided so of course I used both. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great Sunday.

Using Those Scraps!

Yep, the background is nothing but scraps!! I followed along with a video over at GinaK Designs' Stamp TV to create this and will do many, many more of them I'm sure! I wanted to keep the card super simple so the background can be seen. I used a pre-colored digital from Clear Dollar Stamps called Spring Violets. I added a few highlights with Copic markers as well as yellow Stickles to the flower centers.

Time to get some lunch together. Phillip (my oldest) is home from work and no doubt hungry! Aren't all 15 year old boys?!!!!! Have a wonderful weekend.

Clearly Inspired Challenge

EEEK!! It's the 3rd Friday in May, can you believe it!!!!! Well there's fun to be had today because it is a new Clearly Inspired Challenge at Clear Dollar Stamps. And our challenge is CRITTERS - a bug or animal should show up on your project.

I had fun with this one! I used two individual stamps, Ladybug and Flower and the sentiment. A very simple layout, bright fun colors, and a sweet ladybug brad...that's what I call quick and easy! I hope you have time to check out the rest of the DT samples, because they sure are winners!!

An Oldie But a Goodie of a Blog Hop

Please scroll down to see my other two posts for today - Sweet Sketch Wednesday and Fresh Brewed Designs.

Welcome! It's our once a month Design Divas Oldies but Goodies blog hop. The only rule is to create something using items that haven't been used in six months. That is never a problem for me!!!! Now you should have come from Angie's blog. If not, start at the beginning at Cindy's blog.

I made a note card holder, a technique if you will that I haven't done in a loooooong time. I followed this video and it really was quick and easy. Here's a pic of it closed.

Here it is opened, and inside I have four cards with envelopes.

The cards all used a lovely stamp set from PaperTrey Ink that I haven't used in forever called Giga Guide Lines. And do you recognize that old Stampin' Up paper...it's called Ginger Blossom, something else that's been taking up space on my shelf not being used. I'm planning on making a few more of these, using different papers, to give to my youngest son's teachers, speech therapist, and all the teacher's aides in his classroom.

Your next stop along our hop is Shelly's blog. Enjoy the rest of the oldies but goodies.

Sweet Sketch!!

Please scroll down to see my Fresh Brewed Designs card and challenge.

I took a break last week and missed all of you terribly. I feel like I am finally on the mend from my knee surgery and blood clot complication! So I am all smiles as I share the Sweet Sketch Wednesday with you. I love it! Does it look familiar? Well we are bringing back some fun and fabulous sketches of the past for your enjoyment. We will still have a prize, and our lovely sponsor is Digi Stamp Boutique.

I love Sally Ann's images! So sweet and whimsical! I did mention a prize, and it will be 6 free digis of your choice if you are the winner. So what are you waiting for, get creating!!!!!!

But don't leave just yet till I get to show you my card using Sammy Smith. I had to paper piece his little sweater, giving him a fun argyle print. I love the blues, greens and browns of this Basic Grey paper, Marjolaine. Please check out what the rest of the DT has created, it will make you say WOW!!!!!

Let's Hear it for the Red, White and Blue!

Hooray, it's a color challenge this week on the Fresh Brewed Blog! Next to sketches, color challenges are my favorite! Initially I was going to make a Christmas card but remembered this adorable image, Angel Cake School Day, and simply had to put her to use!!!! Not much longer and school will be out...I'm getting the countdown!!! Anyway, back to the card, I wish you could see it in real life. I used Diamond Glaze on Angel Cake's purse and the apple on her dress. But the drama in her white shirt, I painted it with Fairy Dust Creative Inspirations Paint that Heather now sells. I love the sparkly shine!!! You really must give this a try!

You know what else you should try is our month long Beach/Summer theme challenge. It's a prize challenge!!!!

I sure hope you enjoy your day! I'll be working on laundry and hopefully some stamping. And not necessarily in that order!!!!!

Time to Soar

It's also time for our new digi release at Clear Dollar Stamps!!! You are going to love what you see with these new sets!! I absolutely adore this set, Lifting You Up. I found some fun paper, Cosmo Cricket's Joy Ride, that I hadn't used yet and really loved the colors! The yellow, teal and rust worked so well together. The balloon I used my Copic markers and cut it out with Nesties. I just got the new pennant nesties so I had to include it, using it for the sentiment. I even pulled out some felt that has not been used in forever and cut it out with a cloud die. I have been taking a break with card making recently, and this is the first one I made since coming back. HOORAY!!! Now be sure and check out the rest of the Clear Dollar Stamps Digital Team creations, they will blow you away!

I Love my Sketch Challenges!

And we're having a goodie of a sketch as our challenge at Picture Perfect Creations this week. The DT has really done a magnificent job with it too, so be sure and stop by their blogs and give 'em some love! You'll find the links along my right sidebar.

Now are you sitting down? Because here's my card...and I didn't stamp on it at all!!!!!! This felt flower has been sitting on my desk for over a month now, having die cut it using a PaperTrey Ink die. I figured it was about time to put it to use! Pink, black and white, what a classy color combo too.

Thanks for stopping by, hope you have a wonderful Monday. Scroll down if you're looking for my Clear Dollar Stamps blog hop post. Now I'm off to a doctor's appointment. Enjoy your day.

A Clear Dollar Stamps Blog Hop!

It's the third Sunday of the May (already?!!!) so it's time for our monthly Blog Hop at Clear Dollar Stamps. This month our theme is "Let's Hear it for the Boys." Now you should have arrived here from Shell's Blog. Now if you didn't, be sure and head over to the beginning of our hop at Lori's Blog, because not only will you want to see all the wonderful creations by the design team, but two winners will be randomly chosen from two DT blogs from all of the comments for a $10 gift certificate to the CDS store for clear or digi stamps!!!

Now my card I used the stamp set Bitty Bots. I heat embossed it on watercolor paper then used my Tombow markers on it. I also went with Basic Grey's Oliver dsp because I love those rich masculine colors.

I am the last stop of our hop, so thank you for joining us today. Check back on Wednesday to see if you are a winner!!!

Joy to the World

And joy to me, I got a card done!!! I had to do the Christmas Spirit Challenge sponsored by Flourishes over at SCS, use a poinsettia. One small problem, I don't have any Flourishes' stamp sets that contain a poinsettia! So I pulled out some dsp (Basic Grey's Figgy to be exact) and a paper poinsettia by Making Memories. So there, the challenge is met...or so I hope!! The sentiment is from a Flourishes set called Alleluia Angel. I also used the fine OWH Stars and Stamps Sunday sketch challenge.

Have yourself a wonderful Tuesday. The sun is scheduled to shine all day today and all I can say is...HOORAY!!!!!

Getting Ahead of the Game

Thanks to the Picture Perfect Creations color combo this week, I'm getting yet another Father's Day card done!!! Now if only I remember to send it!!!! LOL!! Not only do I mark on the calendar when events are that need cards sent, but I also have to write down a few days ahead when to actually mail the cards, otherwise I end up forgetting and they're late!

Here's my card using Chocolate chip, So saffron, and Tangerine tango. And I want to know if anyone noticed...NO DSP!!! Hard to believe, I know! The tangerine layer I used a PTI set called Turning a New Leaf stamped in versamark. The saffron strip is Background Basics: Gingham from PTI, and I used Crushed curry ink which is a little darker so it pops. The main image is PTI's Father Knows Best and the sentiment is Clear Dollar Stamps' For Our Men. I added just a few simple pearls and all done! Now let's see what you can create using our fun color challenge over at Picture Perfect Creations.

I haven't done much stamping lately, simply haven't been feeling well. Went to the doctor today for more blood work to check the thinness of my blood. I'm starting to feel like a pin cushion, and I just found out about the blood clot last week! I hate being sick!!! Well I think I'll go for a little walk today, so enjoy being outside. Have yourself a wonderful day!!

Summer Fun Blog Hop at Fresh Brewed Designs

Partying and laughing in the sun
Waves rise and crash as the children run.
Girls in bikinis, a lemonade stand,
Wiggling our toes in the sand.

Summer is most fun; you'll see,
We get to play and be carefree.
Dreaming of mermaids and magical things,
We close our eyes as the ocean sings.

Sand, sun, ocean, fun;
Thank goodness Summer has just begun!

Aloha!!! Welcome to the Fresh Brewed Designs Blog Hop! I am your first stop on the hop, so I hope you are sitting there with your favorite flavor of coffee because you are going to like what you see!

We are getting a head start on SUMMER FUN here at Fresh Brewed Designs! This hop will be featuring the new summer themed Rubber Stamps just released to the shop. Heather has created 8 super sassy, sweet and fun beach themed rubber stamps that are a must for all of your summer crafting needs! But no, she did not stop there! She has created 5 adorable summer themed digis. Join us in welcoming Baby Ellie, Baby Elvis, Daisy and Scooter Elephant to the FBD family.

I know that all of these things bring the cuteness meter to the tippy top, but we are taking it one step further. Heather has added beautiful, shimmery, fun and AWESOME Creative Inspirations Paints to her shop!!! YES!!! These paints are amazing! You can find three colors in her shop: Tickled Pink (the perfect summer pink!) Aquamarine (Beautiful bright ocean blue) and Fairy Dust (a MUST HAVE because it goes with EVERYTHING!!!)

Along the hop you will see many of these items, so sit back and be prepared for all the complete cuteness that awaits you. Be sure and comment along the way on everybody's blog. Also, when you done hopping, get stamping, because this SUMMER FUN themed blog hop is also the prize challenge for the month of May at Freshly Brewed Challenges.

For this release, I created with the new digital stamp Daisy Sunbathing. Is she not a cutie??!! I had to keep on using my new Stella Rose paper pack by My Mind's Eye because it is simply fabulous. Okay, now I really am ready for summer!!! We vacation every summer at the beaches of the Outer Banks, North Carolina, and this summer is no exception!

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope that you are getting ready to break out your coconut bikini top, the self tanner and throw yourself a beach party! With the weather being as crazy as it has been, you deserve it ;)!!!

From here you will surf on over to Kelly 's blog.

Here is the hop order for you if you wipe-out along the way :)

Linda (you are here)
Kelly
Carolyn
Stacie
Lawren
Rhonda
Jeanette
Stacy
Heather

100th Sketch Blog Hop!!!

Arlana has reached this milestone and we’re celebrating, so are you ready for some fun??? Yes!!! Of course you are! It’s our 100th Sketch so why not celebrate. We are so happy to have you join us in the fun. Yes, this is the 100th Sweet Sketch Wednesday sketch in blogland. Doesn’t time fly??? We’re at 100 already and it only seems like yesterday that Sweet Sketch Wednesday started. Thanks to all of our dedicated followers, and we feel we have the best Design Team ever. Come on and let’s have some sweet fun. So, pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice, and join us in Sweet Sketch Wednesday’s Anniversary Milestone reaching our 100th Sketch.

Our Sponsor this week is Tammy from
A Day for Daisies
Challenge Blog

Tammy is offering a freebie to all of our followers along with a 10% Discount Coupon for any purchase on her site.

10% Coupon code for our followers that enter into Sketch #100 is
ADFD100FUN
Coupon is valid from May 4th -10th 2011.
This Coupon is valid for 10% off any order in the public shop at
A Day for Daisies.

What is the prize this week: Custom Photo Stamp

(Tammy will create a stamp from winner’s favorite photo.)

Custom Photo Link found HERE.

For our TOP 3 PICK
TAMMY IS OFFERING ONE FREE DIGI OF YOUR CHOICE

Here's my card using one of Tammy's digis, Home Sweet Home. With spring trying to show up, I've been seeing more and more of the migrating birds come back for their visit. We were blessed to see an oriole all handsome in his bright orange and black coat. And the hummingbirds have made an appearance, letting me know I don't have their feeder out yet! Once again, I used scraps of paper on my card and let that determine what my color palette will be.


And how 'bout more fun news for this celebration. The Grand Prize Winner will also receive the Sweet Sketch Wednesday Blog Candy offered by Arlana!!!!! Check it out!!


Here are the rules of the contest for a chance to win:

1. Comment on each of the SSW Design Team blogs.
2. Become a follower of each of the SSW Design Team member’s blog (if you're not already), a total of 10 Designers' blogs.
3. Comment on AND become a follower of A Day for Daisies.
4. Return to Sweet Sketch Wednesday after you have completed the blog hop and please leave a sweet comment.
5. Become a follower of Sweet Sketch Wednesday, if you aren’t already!!! (In comments please say if you are a follower already).
6. Create a card using Sketch #100, our Anniversary Hop Sketch.
7. Then post it on Inlinkz.
8. Completing all SEVEN steps will qualify you for the Grand Prize from Tammy over at “A DAY FOR DAISIES” on the Sweet Sketch Wednesday blog.
9. By doing this you have a chance to win Tammy’s wonderful prize, of a Custom Photo Stamp. 10.Plus 10% discount on any purchase from the 4th – 10th May 2011
11. All our followers that participate get a “FREEBIE" from Tammy at A DAY FOR DAISIES .

"Small World"

12. The Grand Prize Winner will also receive the Sweet Sketch Wednesday Blog Candy offered by Arlana.
13. Also some of the SSW Design Team have blog candy and prizes to give away so check out their sites and the qualifications that they require for their prizes.



Let’s Begin!
Now you should have come from Kathie's blog. If not, start at the beginning and head on over to Arlana’s blog and see what she’s been up to and what you have to do to qualify for her blog candy. Now that you’ve visited my blog, became a follower and leave a sweet message.

Your next stop on this hop will be Sharon's blog.

Remember to follow the rules above. ***The blog hop will close on Monday evening, May 9th, at midnight.***
Happy hopping and thanks for joining us for our celebration of reaching 100 sketches. Hoping to see your creations too….Hop to it!

In case you get lost:
Arlana
Nancy
Judi
Deanne
Genevieve
Jackie
Jeannie
Kathie
Linda (You are HERE)
Sharon
A Day for Daisies
Sweet Sketch Wednesday

What, A Sketch Challenge??!!

Hard to believe I'm going with a sketch challenge!!! HaHa!! I found this awesome one over at Diva Coffee Break Designs.

And here's my card using that sketch and a lovely colored digi from Clear Dollar Stamps called Floral Cross Color. I also used the digital paper that's in that set.

Now I must share my scary news. All the pain I've been having in my leg since my knee surgery has now been confirmed to be a blood clot. I have to give myself shots in the belly as well as take a pill to thin my blood. So it was not the best of days for me today! Hugs and prayers are welcome!!!!!

Picture Perfect Colors

Aren't these a wonderful color combination?! Picture Perfect Creations also has some beautiful ones!!

Now here's my card using those colors, using a stamp set from PaperTrey Ink called Shapes by Design. This is nowhere near what I originally had in my head, but lots of changes, I turned it into a card I can live with!!! LOL!!!

I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon about my knee. Hard to believe it's been a week and a half since the surgery. I'm hoping he'll let me get onto some sort of light exercise program...I so need it!!!!

Fresh Brewed Designs Freebie

Hooray, today is the first Monday of the month, and that means it's a Mocha Manic Monday over at Fresh Brewed Designs. What's Mocha Manic Monday? It's the one day each month which Fresh Brewed Designs offers a freebie!!!! Hurry up and scoop up this cutie, because after today, it will no longer be free, but can be purchased at the store!! Today's sweet image is called Angel Cake Summer Days. She is just so stinkin' cute!!! I gave her bathing suit some polka dots with my colorless Copic blender pen. I'm not a very good flower arranger, but I tried. I even added some Stickles onto the rose petals. Now we would love to see what you come up with using this image!!!

A Godly Father

I've been slowly getting back into my stamp room. My knee is feeling much better, which means, however, all those other little tasks like cleaning, grocery shopping, etc that I've put off for a week, need to also get done!! For my card, I used a Clear Dollar Stamp set called A Godly Father. I found two challenges that inspired me as well that I wanted to share with you.

First, you guessed it, a sketch challenge. I do love sketch challenges!! This one is Inkspirations Challenges, and isn't it great!!!! Any sketch that allows me to use lots of designer papers is a winner in my book! And the dsp I used is from My Mind's Eye, Hattie Papers from the Stella and Rose collection. The second challenge is Stamp-N-Doodle, create a masculine card. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.