Just Chillin'

**Don't forget about my Surprise Blog Candy!!  If you don't know what I am talking about, read about it here!  I will also be drawing for the two Operation Write Home prizes on Tuesday morning.  What an exciting week of prizes!!

Ok, on to some artwork!  I found it hard to be in my craft room today.  It is absolutely gorgeous outside - high 70s with a light breeze.  Perfect summer day!  But I did see a sketch this morning that I wanted to give a try.  It is from StuckOnUSketches:

Now it would have be fun to fill this sketch with flowers and bling.  You know me - if there is a way to add a multitude of flowers, I will do it!  However, I had some cute, cute, cute pictures of Shane and Jerry that I wanted to scrap.

Shane's clothes matched this paper perfectly! I saw this sketch in a completely different way once I pulled out those little boy pictures!  I can't wait to show this one to Shane!

Items used: Bo Bunny Sunkissed paper, stickers, and chipboard; CTMH White Daisy CS; Petaloo Color Me Crazy flowers; TPC Googly Eyes; Mark Richards gems

SURPRISE BLOG CANDY!!

I hope you are enjoying your holiday weekend!  We are having warm, pleasant weather and having been working in our yard for a couple of days.  I can't wait to share pictures as everything blooms!  Can you believe we planted a grape vine this weekend?!  Can't wait to see what comes of that!!

First of all, if you are looking for the OWH Blog Hop just scroll on down one post.  You will love what you find!

Now on to the SURPRISE!!  I noticed last week that I was nearing 100 followers on my blog with almost 26,000 hits to my blog - WOW!!  I am so honored by each one of you that comes to visit me and to view whatever is new.  I certainly love to share with you!  After the OWH blog hop, I noticed that I went well over that 100 mark - and so that calls for some BLOG CANDY!!  Here's the scoop on two things you have to do to be eligible:

1.  You must be a follower to win!  (After all this blog candy is all about my followers), and
2.  Comment on any of my blog postings from now until Saturday, June 5th.  

I am going to draw for the blog candy (via random generator) on Saturday, June 5th at 6:00 pm CST.  I'll be sure to mention in this in all of my posts this week so that you don't forget!  Every time you comment this week, you receive one entry!!  Yippee!! I love giving blog candy!!

Would you like to see what I'll be giving away to one lucky winner?

This CUTE fairies stamp set from Inkadinkado.  How cute is this for summer gardening layouts, little girls, or cards you are creating!  I would think it would be fun to color, too!!

May Stamp of the Month from CTMH:

(4) Snag'Em Stamps from Imaginisce:

Stampology Onyx Ink Pad:

Now wouldn't you love to have these new items to play with?  It's so easy to play for a chance to win this blog candy!!

By the way, if you should happen to send anyone my way that becomes a follower, just let me know in one your posts.  You and the new follower will get an extra entry!!

I SO APPRECIATE YOU each and every time you come to visit!!  I never take one comment for granted, and in turn I learn from all of you on your blogs.  It's great to have this little crafting corner in the world!!

Operation Write Home Blog Hop!

I am so excited to welcome you to my little corner of the world!  If you are one of my regular readers, I am so glad that you stopped in today for this special event!!  You may want to go to the beginning at Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps.  You don't want to miss out on the great artwork, tutorials, challenges, and blog candy! 

 If you are blog hopping, you've come here from Samantha's blog.  Didn't she have some great artwork for you?  Here is the card I cooked up for you for Memorial Day weekend:

I love making cards for Operation Write Home.  I have found that it's a lot of fun to go through sketch blogs and create with the soldiers in mind.  I love making cards, but there is no way I can use all that I make!  If you are like me, click on the OWH link to find out the information as to how to go about sending cards.  Standard size is preferred (otherwise it's nice to send envelopes for different sized cards), and no glitter on these. 

Are you wanting some blog candy.  You have two chances!!  Before I go on, I will show you the candy:

Patriotic Wood Mount

Set of Unity Frames

Won't these stamps come in handy for your paper crafting needs?  Post a comment by Monday Memorial Day at 11:59 pm CST.  I am going to use the random generator on Tuesday morning to pick the two lucky winners!!

Your next stop on the OWH Blog Hop is Barb's place.  I am quite certain you are going to love her artwork!!

I want to take this time to thank our soldiers.  Without their sacrifice I would not feel so protected at this time in our country.  I am thankful for that everyday.  Families of our soldiers deserve huge thanks as well because they are making a huge sacrifice, too.  I appreciate you, and you are always in my prayers...

Pray

I wanted to give the designer's challenge a try over at Let's Scrap.  You had to pick a layout that inspires you, and then add 1 title, 2 patterned papers, and three buttons or brads.  Yesterday I received a happy package in the mail - a whole bunch of Bo Bunny Jazyme for winning a card challenge.  Embellishments, flowers, stickers, papers - oh my!  You have to know how happy that made this Bo Bunny lover!!  Here is the layout I came up with:

The ruffle you see at the bottom of my picture is actually from Tattered Angels.  It is called Mistable Crepe Ribbon.  It comes white and black, so I misted it with Olive Glimmer Mist to match the papers.  I've used a gemstone brad in the top set of flowers to meet the requirements for the challenge.  What gorgeous papers!!

Coon Rapids Dam

I haven't had much mojo lately, and it's really been a struggle to scrap and create cards.  Maybe it's that it's nice outside now, and I don't feel like I should create when there is nice Minnesota weather.  We don't get very many months of nice!!  The heat index and humidity went way down today, so here at our house we are enjoying lovely 82-degree temperatures.  Perfect!

I found this 2-page sketch on Let's Scrap, and I loved it.  It holds 10 pictures of various sizes. Isn't this an awesome sketch?!

Here is what I did with using all CTMH product.  The paper and die-cut flowers are from a long retired kit called Serendipity.  I have been selective in using this because it's just fabulous paper!  It matched the pictures of the dam wonderfully, though, so I just had to use it!

 

Clean & Simple and Card Patterns

I thought I'd put a couple of challenges in this post.  This already my 3rd post for the day, so if you'd like ot see a layout and some exciting news about a new sketch blog, scroll on down!

Firstly, I want to show you a card I completed for the Clean and Simple challenge.  Now it is a challenge for me to be clean and simple.  There is always something more I want to do with a card.  However, I like their challenges because it truly is a challenge to me!  The sketch is next followed by my card:

Items used: TPC white CS; Cuttlebug folder; Creative Imaginations scallops; May Arts ribbon; Petaloo, Bazzill & Prima flowers; Rock Candy Distress Paint; Versamagic Ink - Tea Leaves and Aegean Blue; CTMH brad

My next card is for the Card Patterns challenge.  I went my own way with it, but you'll still see the base sketch.

Items used: CTMH White Daisy and Black CS; Basic Grey Origins; Stampendous stamp; May Arts and CTMH ribbon; Bazzill flowers; random button and gems

Captain Chanel

Jerry and I spent a really nice day out on the lake last week, and Chanel came along with us.  She loves being in the boat so much!  I used Adornit papers and CTMH cardstock for this layout:

Items used:  Adornit paper - Happy Stripe, Flying Bugs, and Destination Collection; CTMH Star Spangled Blue and Clover Meadow CS; Slice Spring design card; Random ricrac (I glittered this to help the water glisten in the layout); CTMH buttons, brads and letters; Quick Quotes

SO Exciting - A New Sketch Blog!

I am thrilled to announce a brand spankin' new layout sketch blog!  My dear friend, Kim, came up with this idea, and it is going to be a blast!  Kim has asked me to be on the design team for Sketches in Thyme, and I am thrilled to be joining this fabulous team of women!  We will be utilizing layout sketches from many different places (and they are GREAT sketches!), so hop on over to see what the fuss is about!  While you are there, grab a badge to spread the news.  I bet you'll even want to follow. This is a great way to get some layouts done!

Right now Kim is doing introductions, so all week you'll be introduced to the Sketch Mavens.  On June 3rd, the first challenge will be up and available for you.  I can't wait to see your work!

Bo Bunny

Today I am showing you a card made from the new Bo Bunny Peacock Lane papers.  I've also used a sketch from Bo Bunny:

Other items used are May Arts ribbon, CTMH Primevera rub-ons, and a Bo Bunny Block Party brad.

I liked this sketch so much that I went ahead and put another simple card together using Bo Bunny Petal Pushers.  The stamp is Unity.

Good Times

In my second post for the day, I am bringing you some more pictures of Shane with animals.  He LOVED going anywhere that he could pet and feed wildlife.  It was always so much to explore with him!  As I've looked back on these pictures and scrapped today, I couldn't help but think about how little smile took my breath away. Still does.  My Shane is really a sweetie!

I used Bo Bunny sketch and the brand spanking new Bo Bunny Block Party paper and matching elements for this 2-page layout.  So new, in fact, I had to pull it out of the packages while it was on a cart waiting to be put out at Archiver's.  Since this paper was revealed on the Bo Bunny blog, I have been (im)patiently waiting to get my hands on it.  It is the nicest summertime "boy" paper I have seen in a long time with such a great mix of colors.  Here's what I came up with:

Okay, one more thing.  How cute is that little fanny pack around Shane's waist?!

Petting Zoo

I just noticed that I haven't posted since Wednesday.  I am so sorry!! I should be sharing more of my artwork with you.  I'll become a better blogger - promise!

This morning I found some pictures of Shane when he was barely 4 years old.  I grabbed some Imaginisce paper, Scooter's Vacation, and put those pictures to a page.  Shane loved the petting zoo when he was little, and this area of the Minnesota Zoo was his absolute favorite!  I used a sketch from Imaginisce as well..

I used the Noteworthy Slice card to cut the circles and letters.  Off to scrap some more.  It's a rainy day here, so I can't think of anything better to do!

A Few Simple Cards to Share

Every once in awhile, I want to step back from the highly embellished card and just bring out the stamps and paper.  That is what I have for you today.  These Unity Stamps are SO CUTE that I didn't want them to get lost in the card.  No challenges today, just artwork!

What Have You Been Doing on This Fine Day?

I have had the most pleasant of days!  I had a full day off, so I was really happy to just kick back and enjoy the weather.  I am afraid I don't have any artwork to share because it was just too beautiful outside today!  I'll share some of the highlights with you in photos:

(I had to snap several pictures to capture this, but don't you think this one of Sassy is too cute?)

(Look at Miss Chanel!  There is nothing she loves more than being in the boat!)

(Jerry's big catch of the afternoon.  What a great time we had out on the boat!)

And a BIG happy birthday goes out today to my sister, Linda!  You have seen her lovely handiwork on my blog from time to time.  She sure is a treasure, and I love that I am able to call this wonderfully talented and kind person my sister!!

A Couple More Cards to Share

I have had a productive day so far today - yippee!!  This is my third post for the day, so scroll on down for more artwork.

The first card I am showing you is for the Heart 2 Heart challenge.  Here are the colors:

At first I wondered about ocean and topiary.  Those are just not "my colors."  But you know, CTMH makes beautiful white core paper, so sanding everything down gave me just the look and warmth I desired.  I used the Wishing Star stamp set to make the stars.  Because this is a man's card, it also fits the Our Creative Corner challenge.

My next card is for the OCC Sketch Blog:

I wish I could remember the company where this cloud paper came from.  A 6x6 piece has been sitting in my stash, and I finally used it.  The scallops are the backside of the cloud paper.  The flowers, stem, brad, and stamp are CTMH.

Now I'm off to work for the evening.  The best part of my job is that I get to go play some more!!

Thoughts on Kindness

I have some artwork in the post below, so please scroll down if you'd like to see it. 

I have been studying the book of Ephesians in the Bible.  This book is filled with so many wonderful words of encouragement.  The verse I am focusing on today is from the 4th chapter. verse 32:

"Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

There is a lot in that one scripture, isn't there?  One thing that came to mind as I was reading this over and over is the fact that we, even as adults, have to deal with cliques.  Whether it been in the neighborhood, the workplace, at church, even within your family sometimes.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that "clique-e-ness" is one of my least favorite things in life.  There is room for everyone at all times - don't you think?  Division of any kind or leaving people out is not tenderhearted, but rather very sad to me. 

It is so much lovelier in life to be happy and treat each other kindly!

The classes I teach at work are very relaxed and easy-going.  People come to get away for a time and to learn some new techniques.  There should be nothing but loads of happy during those times!  However, inone of my recent classes there was a person talking harshly and angrily towards gay and lesbian people.  I don't know what started this conversation between her and another class member, but I just listened without saying a word.  What I need to tell you here (if you do not know) is that our son is gay.  If you read my blog regularly, you must know how very sad I was after this class. I love this child God has given me.  This is not the first time I have been in a situation where I could not say anything about this.  So coming across this verse the other day in my reading helped me tremendously.  No matter what, I have to be kind, tender-hearted and forgiving.  Thanks be to God for His written word!

Have you ever wondered what happens when are kind to another person.  Do you suppose it makes that person feel so good that they in turn are kind to another?  And then so on and so on.  What a wonderful world this would be if each one of lived thinking that way!

I am by no means a perfectly kind person all of the time, but I am so glad that God works on me regularly.  To find the gems in his Word, and then to apply them in our lives - what an avenue for growth!  I pray many rich blessings upon you, and pray that you are greeted with kindness along your day!

Find Joy Every Day

It is a beautiful day here in Minnesota!  Right now I am listening to the robins sing out my craft window.  So wonderful!!  The sky is blue, the trees are rustling with the light breeze, and all is well in our corner of the world.

I chose to grab a sketch today from Card Patterns, and I incorporated it with a challenge from American Crafts.  For AC, the challenge is to create a card or layout with 2 or more pieces from the I Do line.  Such soft beautiful colors!!

This carnation flower is so simple to create. It is simply cutting scalloped circles and cutting on the scallops.  Fun!  I made a white flower and then distressed with a soft pink chalk ink.

Items used: American Crafts Dear Lizzy and I Do papers, CTMH white daisy CS, American Crafts Remarks and brads, May Arts ribbon, Making Memories pin, Hero Arts stamp

Adorable Boy

One more post today, and then I'm off to bed.  It's been a productive day for me, and I hope you enjoyed your day, too!  I found a sketch by Creative Imaginations, and I wanted to give it a try. 

This is a picture of Jerry and Shane in 1994.  Oh what a cute little boy playing in the sand with his daddy!  I love this picture, and I wanted it to be the only picture on the page.  I've used Creative Imaginations Let's Roll, Making Memories epoxy stars and dots, and Deja Views transparency cut-outs.  I really like this mixture of colors the Creative Imaginations paper forced me to use.  It's great to be challenged!!

A Couple Fun Gift Boxes

I found patterns this afternoon for a couple really cute gift boxes, and I thought I'd show you what I came up with.  I also want to share the websites for the pattern, so that you can create your own boxes.

The first is a mini pizza box (ends up being a 4" box), and it comes from Paper Trufflez.  I used a piece of Jillibean Soup paper, a Prima flower, May Arts organdy, and a couple of flowers made from a nestabilities set.  I painted the die-cut flowers with sandal and gold Ranger paint dabbers.  This is a great box for earrings, a bracelet, a gift card, or even Dove chocolates.

This second box is a fun shape - and so easy!  It is a downloadable pattern from Paper Crafts.  I used Adornit paper, CTMH ribbon and sparkles, and a Creative Imaginations felt butterfly.

I could have done much more with these gift boxes, but I left them generic so that I can use them as I need them.  Then I'll add tags with sentiments.  Let me know if oyu create these as I'd love to see what you did!

A Little View of My Backyard

It is sucha  pleasant day today!  It was cloudy and/or rainy and cold all week.  I got home from work today and am a fishing widow.  It's opening fishing day here in MN, so my hubby and his twin brother are out fishing.  Last I heard the weather was gorgeous, but the fishing was not so hot.  It's just too nice out, I think.  But as long as they are having fun (and telling lots of jokes and stories) I am sure they are having a good time!

I went out to see what's in bloom right now.  First of all, I have to tell you that we just do not have a perfectly groomed lawn.  I love to show people my flower beds, but expect to see some weeds and grass mixed in!  Our north and east side are surrounded by woods, and we firmly believe in keeping things natural.  There are so many critters that play in the woods that I can't imagine disturbing the friendly little forest they have to live in!  I've got hostas and lilies along the woods and on the east side I have a shade garden.  Below the deck is filled with flowers and in the midst there is a tiny little natural pond.  That is for the frogs that live in the backyard.  Better in the pond then jumping anywhere near me!!

I am in the house now for the afternoon, so I am going to get some reading and scrapbooking done.  I have actually been able to sneak in quite a few pages this week, but I didn't have anything new or spectacular to show you, so they went right in the album.  I am trying to finish a couple of different albums, so I'm glad I'll have some time to do to work a little more.  My mother-in-law is coming over tomorrow so that we can spend the day working together.  I am really excited about that!!

Oh, just one more thing.  I started teaching a new class yesterday with Unity stamps.  Gosh, if you are anywhere near an Archiver's, hop over and try to fit that class in.  We are working with Cosmo Cricket Material Girl paper and a few different stamp sets.  Just lovely!!  Ok, now I am heading off to scrapbook!!

Lucky Me from Little Yellow Bicycle

That is the paper I've used for these layouts and cards. The greens and blues of this paper were perfect for these pictures. (I've erased the addresses on the pictures - that's the crude white blocks.) These handsome nephews of mine graduated in different years, but these pages will go side by side in the "cousins" book for Shane.

Other items used: American Crafts Thickers, LYB buttons, K&Company chipboard & rub-ons, Melody Ross chipboard sentiments, Bazzill flowers, CTMH brads, May Arts ribbon

I had some scraps leftover from making the pages, so here's a couple of cards that I will send off to OWH.

Other items used: May Arts ribbon, Bazzill flower, LYB buttons & border strips, CTMH brads, Unity & Tim Holtz stamps

American Crafts Layout

I wanted to complete a quick layout before I leave for work this morning, so this is what I came up with.  There is a challenge over at American Crafts to use two or more brads, so I incorporated their lovely fabric brads into this layout.

I've used American Crafts I Do and Dear Lizzy paper.  The pink polka dot paper is fabric adhesive paper - LOVE working with it!  The flowers are Petaloo and Prima.  The chipboard flower was painted with Ranger Worn Lipstick distress paint and then covered with Glossy Accents.  The yo-yo is made with fabric and thread - so easy!!  The letters are AC Thickers, the ribbon is May Arts, and the little flair is also American Crafts.  Such pretty colors in these two paper lines!