Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Thoughts

Happy Halloween one and all!
I must say, once I managed to get to work today, I had a very productive day.  At one point, my research assistant and I went to the PICU to visit one of the families enrolled in our study.  While we were there, I saw my husband pass by the doorway.  Although we work on the same campus, we almost never run into each other.  I can't remember the last time this happened...well over a year, at minimum.  
The mom I was visiting came out and wanted to meet my DH because she wanted to tell him how much she appreciated me.  Awww, so sweet and unexpected, and in Spanish!!!  I know a little, my DH none, but he was so cordial, none the less.  Then he took me to show me a PICU room where the work he was doing was completed so I could know what he has been up to (installing computers/monitors/other stuff so docs can enter there orders without leaving the room).  Just a great day all around!

My card today is for the challenge at MFT.


I used MME Tangerine, that I picked up at Archiver's when I visited Margaret this past summer.  The fishtail die is from MFT and I used Nesties for the squares.  The dress and kite are paper-pieced and the square behind the image is paper-pierced.  The sentiment is also from MFT.  I colored the rest of the image with Copics.

I am also entering the following challenges:

Crafty Sentiments - Anything Goes
Die Cuttin' Divas - Anything Goes


Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Happy Pumpkin Day

Oh boy, trick or treat tomorrow!!!
I can't wait...except that no one ever comes to our house.  So....I treat everyone at the office instead!  I bought one of those big bags of Snickers, M&Ms and Skittles at Wal-Mart and will deliver treats to all the offices in the morning.  I didn't manage to make tags or cards for everyone, but my special little group is getting treats AND cards.

So today I have the card for the executive assistant to my boss.  She is one who really loves and appreciates my cards.  She put the bd card I gave her on Face Book last month!!!


This one didn't take a lot of time.  I used a sketch from Stamplorations.
I found a Sstampendous stamp set I had bought when I went on vacation to Arizona with Margaret and the girls a couple of years ago.  It contains 4 long, skinny sentiments.  I used a piece of Michaels dp, added a strip of polka dotted ribbon that has been in my stash forever, and then stamped the sentiment above that.  Plain and simple, right?  Well, have a gander at the inside where I made up for the exterior:


Aren't those some very happy pumpkins?  The corner web is from Penny Black and BOO! is from Martha Stewart.

I am also entering this in the following challenges:

Loves Rubber Stamps - Halloween
Ribbon Carousel - Halloween
Belli Challenge - Halloween
Creative Moments - Halloween

Thanks for stopping by!
Try not to eat too much candy!

kathy b


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Fa la la la la

Oh my, Christmas is just around the corner!  We are planning our Thanksgiving menu this weekend.  It's my husband's favorite holiday and he always cooks up a storm!  He's from New Orleans, so let me tell you, our meal is always amazing.  Margaret can attest to this since she and the girls have sat at our Thanksgiving table.  My mouth is already watering!!!

Ok, back to Christmas.  My card today is my contribution to the Aud Sentiments DT.  The image is a digi from Bugaboo while the sentiment is from a sheet I printed out but cannot locate the source, sorry.  I colored the image with Copics and added Art Glitter Faux Snow around the border.  All the DP is very, very old and from 2 different HL pads.  The sketch is from Christmas Challenges.


Isn't this guy just too cute and happy!

I am also entering this in the following challenges:

Christmas Cards All Year 'Round - getting ready for Christmas
Jingle Belles - Not a creature was stirring
Winter Wonderland - Check this out
My Heart Pieces - digi Christmas

Geena Bea and I just returned from playing agility.  We had a great evening with our friends as we prepare for our next trial in 3 weeks!  So time to post, shower and go to bed!

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Monday, October 28, 2013

Believe in Yourself

Long, long day so this will be a 
short, short post.


This little guy is from Prairie Fairy and is colored with Copics.  DP is SU! (ancient).  Sentiment is from CTTH, stamped with Versafine Majestic Blue.

No challenges today.
Need to hit the sack.  I'll be back tomorrow!

kathy b


Sunday, October 27, 2013

A note of thanks

Greetings everyone!

I have a quick little card to post today--I've been so busy, not much time to do anything fun. :(

However, I love this sketch posted by the PaperPlayers #169.  It was a cute design I thought and very fast to work up.  TOok me about 30 minutes from start to finish (I'm slow...)  For those of you who are Speedy Gonzalez, it will take you less. :)

Have a great week and I hope to see more of you next weekend. :)  Thanks for stopping by.  Margaret


Details:
Paper: Echo Park
Stamps: Hero Arts and Stampin Up
Dies: Spellbinders and MFT
Other: Bling from Hobby Lobby

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Bundle of joy

Hello everyone,
It's been nice to create something that is a bit more uplifting today--this card is for a baby shower (for a girl to be exact).  It is next week but I know I won't get a chance to work on it this week so today needed to be the day.  I made this after a delightful time with my girls at Barnes and Noble.  Julia had some birthday money she wanted to spend so we decided to make a day of it, having a drink and sweet, hanging out a bit together.  Love it...my favorite way to spend the day. :)

I was inspired by the sketch for Bearly Mine Challenges:#109 and am also entering it into the CRAFT Challenge #230 (this one has quite the recipe--where die cuts, bling, embellishments and several papers are required).  This was a fun one..hope you enjoy this little baby card!

Thanks for stopping by--Margaret

Details:
Stamp: SU (Bundle of joy)
Die Cut: Memory Box, Spellbinders
Papers: Echo Park
Embellishments: Bling from Hobby Lobby, ribbon on baby buggy (Hobby Lobby), ricrac (Petaloo), flowers (Prima), heart brads (Paper Studio)
Other: Stickles

Friday, October 25, 2013

Make a Wish

I am so glad it's Friday.  I am ready for some college football and baseball World Series this weekend.  What's even better is that I don't have to go into the office on Monday like I usually do...I don't have to go in until Tuesday, though I am on a conference call for 5.5 hours on Monday instead.  

I'm back tonight with a birthday card I made for my research assistant.


The little girl reminds me of her child and that's exactly what she said when she opened the envelope!  I colored the image with Copics and Spicas, cut it out with Nesties.  Added a Sizzix scallop border to the strip and used Doodlebug dp.  Make a Wish sentiment is from Stampendous, cut out with a Clear Dollar Stamps die, with a Swarovski added to the "i",  Flowers are from Prima and Michaels.  The image is from Lili of the Valley.   

I am entering the following challenge:

Little Claire's - child's birthday


Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Thursday, October 24, 2013

The Harvest

Oh yeah, it's Thursday night!  One more day of work before the weekend begins.  Our weather is so gorgeous it is hard to stay inside!

Tonight I have a card to celebrate the season.


I used a From the Heart digi - it's this month's stamp for the challenge.  It's a deal where you buy in and after that, if you participate, you get the next month's challenge image.  This is my 2nd time to participate, so this is my first freebie.  I love the images.  I used Copics to color the image and a Cuttlebug embossing folder for the background.  CS is from DCWV.  I used MFT dies for the fishtail and corn stalk.

I am entering the From the heart challenge, as well as:

Twist of Faith - Harvest
365 Cards - Harvest

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Hey Pumpkin

Hi all!!!
What lovely weather we are having here in Arkansas.  Leaves are turning and the sun is shining and the temperature is topping out near 70 degrees by day and high 30s over night.  Fall jacket weather is my favorite time of year.

To celebrate, I have made a card for my sweet psuedo niece.  She is actually the daughter of my research assistant, who doesn't have family in the states and we have become quite close over the 3+ years we have known each other.  I have posted other cards for little Olivia, who is 9 months old today!  Today I have a little fall/halloween card for her.

No DP today - quite unusual for me.  Instead I dry embossed the background with a Sizzix folder of a tree that I have never used before.  I used MFT leaf dies.  The image is sweet little Beatrice Pumpkin from CC Designs.  I colored her with Copics.  CS is from DCWV.  You say, but there isn't a sentiment on the card.  Ah, I saved that for the interior:


because pumpkin is what I have called her these first 9 months of her life!
Her mom tells her that I am her Tia Catalina, and it so warms my heart!

Surprisingly, I also didn't use a sketch this time.  I managed to create a card without one!!!  I am entering the following challenges:

City Crafter - pumpkin patch
Without Words - pumpkins
Shopping our Stash - halloween/or orange and black

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

On Your Special Day

WOW!  I forgot to post this card earlier this month.  I made it for Margaret's daughter, Julia, for her 14th birthday.


I didn't want her to see it ahead of time, then I forgot about it!  Shame on me!

So I am too late for the sketch challenge...it is a Fusion sketch.  I used a Teresa Collins dp called Spring Fling and cs is DCWV.  The image is from Besties, which I had never used before.  I colored her with COpics and Spicas.  I used Spellbinders dies.  The sentiment is from JustRite.  The flowers are a combo of Wild Orchid and Prima.  

I am entering the following challenges:

Little Claire's Designs - child's birthday 

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Sunday, October 20, 2013

More Happy Birthdays!

Hi folks,
Today's message will be super short as I have lots of grading to do for tomorrow.  I thought I'd share Claudia's card for her sister.  It is very good in my opinion...she has come so far!  Just check out that design and detail.  She's been loving to use all my magazines and inspiration photos to get her ideas from there.

So here it is...isn't it wonderful?  She used cuddlebug to emboss, Outlines flowers stamps which she cut out by hand, a Stamping Up stamp,  Spellbinders dies, Swarovski Crystals and stickles.   I never even thought of using that stamp in a circle!

Have a wonderful week!  Margaret




Saturday, October 19, 2013

Happy 14th Birthday to my daughter

Hello everyone,
What a day, what a week.  We woke up yesterday and the girls, who were off from school, started screaming, "MOMMY Look out the window"  Hello, there was snow.  And ALOT of it.  Of course, as usual, by the end of the day there was no trace of it (things tend to melt and evaporate here).  But I am not sure who was more excited...the dog (Daisy) or the girls. LOL  She is just a LUNATIC when it gets cold...and then when it snows, I can't get her inside.  If I do she whines and cries and wants out.  I live vicariously through her. :)

So today, I needed to make my older daughter a birthday card for her 14th birthday, which is tomorrow (Sunday).  I always want to make the perfect card for these occasions, and the harder I try, the harder it is to come up with something that outdoes itself from last year.  Well my card doesn't EXACTLY look like a birthday card, but it does have meaning.  If you don't want to read the rest of the long history...just scroll to the bottom.

The story:   I had a very difficult labor with Julia after the doctor tried an "extremely safe" experimental drug which produced horrible reactions and prolonged labor to over 18 hours.  There was fear she wouldn't make it.  By the time she was born she was very aloof, probably from all the drugs they pumped into me and the long labor.  I had a very hard time nursing her.  I had no milk and she was tongue tied (which I didn't really understand at the time).  Ignorant me...I didn't know what to do and I kept listening to my doctor who told me to feed formula (more on that later!).  At the time, my then husband was not willing to pay for a lactation consultant.  As a nutritionist, that was unacceptable to feed formula.  So I tried and tried and tried nursing but she started losing so much weight she became failure to thrive.  I was devastated.  And felt that part of her aloofness was partially due to not being able to bond.  Then 2 years and another baby later, we underwent a cross country move and her dad left and she took that very hard and withdrew even more.  Another cross country move to Arkansas and she was even more distant and aloof.  I was so worried.  She used to sit in the corner and stare at the wall, just playing by herself.  Her social skills were very poor at first.  But then we met Miss Kathy and we settled and she started VERY VERY slowly to open up (which I credit to Art Saturday partially and Kathy's wonderful energy).  And I mean slowly being 8+ years.  Even once she started giving Kathy hugs by the time we moved, she still would keep her distance...and when I tried to snuggle or cuddle with her, she just felt like she had this wall all around her.  Not anything like her cuddly bear sister.  This past year is the first year I've seen Julia truly come out of her shell.  She has entered high school, she is dressing up and putting on makeup.  She has a best friend and is part of a group of girls who she have been friends with her for 2 years now.  This is the first time she has maintained such a long friendship--before all the kids she'd befriend would move or leave the school.  She even recently wrote a paper for Language Arts about her loneliness all throughout her young life (truly heartbreaking) and now is the best time of her life because of all the friends she has.  They're all really smart kids, honor roll kids, so they all speak the same language.  Even her best friend who left the school this year still keeps in touch and they see each other regularly, and communicate every day.  She is happy.  For the first time, really amping up over the last year since our most recent move to Colorado, she has been more and more cuddly,  and I attribute this partly to our walks and talks and together taking care of Daisy, the rescue we adopted last year.  Those 2 are inseparable.  And Julia wants to be a veterinarian now.

Anyway, Julia has finally been acting like a normal girl.  While most girls at 14 don't want much to do with their mothers because it's uncool, Julia loves to cuddle now and tell me all sorts of things.  She is giving me hugs of her own accord and she is doing it often and with sincerity.  She is like night and day.  We even have this lovey dovey ritual we developed before she goes to bed.  Yes...it's more like she should have done this a long time ago, but I say better later than never.  The important thing is that she is no longer a robot.  So the nighttime that you see in  the image and the hugging of mom and child just reminds me of us.  (even though she's a bit taller than the child in the card...haha).  I see her as little...just like those car commercials (if you've ever seen them).

Anyway, here's to Julia.  Tomorrow I will need to post my other daughter's card to her sister.  It is spectacular!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  Margaret

(PS, by the way, for anyone who knows anyone who has a hard time nursing like I did, I had discovered fenugreek when my other daughter was born (and I also had a hard time producing milk for her).  I was able to nurse for 10 months before she just was "done".  Now that I also have herbal knowledge, I have discovered a fabulous product called Motherlove.  It contains fenugreek but for those who have a hard time, or even adoptive parents who want to stimulate milk production, the tincture form of Mother Milk Plus is outstanding (has both fenugreek and goat's rue).  My sister could otherwise not nurse her baby without it.

Details:
Image: Whiff of Joy (Gnomes)
Sentiment: Stampendous
Patterned paper: Park Bench
Sparkly Paper: POW American Crafts Glitter paper
Dies and punches:  MFT, Stampin Up
Other: Liquid Pearls, pearls and Stickles




Friday, October 18, 2013

Happy Halloween

I have another Halloween card to share tonight.  I am so excited because our weather is starting to match the season.  My husband even pulled out a jacket for our evening stroll!  I love autumn!!!  One thing I noticed when I got back from Texas was how the trees were already starting to change color.  Our Mimosas are already a firey red, with some orange and yellow nearby.  Absolutely gorgeous!

Ok, here's my very orange card!


I used the sketch at MFT.  CS is from MIchaels and DCWV.  I used glitter cs for the web.  It is popped up with foam tape atop a Sizzix Fleur de lis embossed cs.  The spider has swarovski crystals for eyes and is also popped up with foam tape, as is the sentiment.  All dies are from MFT, as is the sentiment.  Here's a better look at the detail.  {See Margaret, you are influencing me!}


I am also entering the following challenges:

Cut it Up - Halloween
Delicious Doodles - non-scary Halloween
Kitty Bee Designs - Halloween
Simply Create Two - Halloween
Sarah Hurley - Halloween

Thanks for stopping by.  Not sure if you get me or Margaret tomorrow, one of us will be here.  Until then...take care and get inky!

kathy b


Thursday, October 17, 2013

Deck the Halls

Hi Peeps!
I am so out of the swing of things since my trip.  I haven't gotten back into my regular routine.  I've really been so tired I haven't felt like being in my room.  Last night my husband asked if the carpet cleaner he used while I was gone was keeping me out of my room.  Nope, just plain tired.  But I am gearing up again.  I actually made a CAS card tonight, thinking it would be quick.  When will I ever learn?  Simple cards are more difficult for me.  Layering comes so naturally!  Anyway, here it is:


I used the sketch from CAS(E) this Sketch!  It was very easy to work with and I have a couple more ideas to make additional cards.  Perhaps they won't take as long as this one did since I will have already used this sketch!?!  The ornament stamp is from Waltzingmouse, stamped with Versamark and embossed with Stampendous Red Tinsel.  I stamped the image with Versamark a 2nd time and used a Spellbinders die to cut out the center section.  I then used Stamp N Stuff Jeweled Gold to emboss the sentiment on the die cut.  I used 3M foam tape to pop up this diecut atop the ornament.  An Impression Obsession die was used for the bow, cut out of glittered Stampin Up cs.  I used foam tape to pop it up, as well.

I am also entering the following challenges:

Christmas Cards all Year Round - Getting ready for Christmas
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - Christmas
Simon Says Stamp - Christmas

Thanks for stopping by!  I need to go tend to Schmitzy, who had to be sedated for a procedure at the vet's office today.  He's been having infections and the antibiotics aren't killing all the bugs.  Poor guy was pitiful when I picked him ip today.  Wish you could explain to them why these things have to be done.  Makes me feel bad...:(

I'll be back tomorrow.

kathy b

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

You call me a witch

I'm baaaaaccckkk!  
Geena Bea and I had a fabulous time at the agility trial in Tyler, TX.  It was a really long drive, but she was a good camper in the backseat wearing her seatbelt.  I bought a zip line so she could move about on the seat, but she only used it at the drive-thrus!  The rest of the time she was perched on her pallet. In case you don't know, Geena Bea is a 12 pound Schnauzer, so I added the blankets and pillow so she could look out the window without having to stand on her tippy toes!  We came home with 2 first place ribbons and 1 third place. I am very proud of us!!!
  
Tonight I have a Halloween card to share with you.  It is for the design team at Aud Sentiments. You gotta just love this sentiment and Stella the witch!  


The image and sentiment are from Bugaboo, who is sponsoring the challenge this time around.  Their images are really fun.  Stella colored up quickly with Copics and Spicas.  I used a Spellbinders die to cut out the sentiment.  DP is from Michaels and the cute little spider is from MFT.  The sketch is from Sketch n Stash #19.

I am also entering the following challenges:

Crafty Sentiments - Halloween
PaperTake Weekly - Halloween hues
ABC Challenge - Halloween
Cards for Men - Halloween
Stamp and Create - Halloween

I hope you will stop by the Aud Sentiments blog and check out what my teammates have created for you.

Thanks for stopping by!  It's good to be back!

kathy b

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Happy Boss's Day--You're the Cat's Meow!

Hi everyone,
Are you surprised to STILL see me on here? :)
I actually needed to stay up last night to make a card for Boss's Day for my wonderful boss.  She is fabulous and wonderful and I feel so so lucky to have a boss I like personally and professionally.

So I was charged with creating a card to celebrate her.  I planned on something much more elaborate but ran out of time.  She is a dog and cat person...probably slightly more cat since she has three of them!  So here is a card in honor of her.  (Boss's Day is Wednesday, October 16!)  This card will be entered into the Die Cut Divas Challenge: Animals and Autumn.  I hope you enjoy! (this is the first time I am using this paper...love it, don't you?)  By the way, make sure you scroll all the way down.  My daughter Claudia (age 12) made a card too this week...I'm so glad to see she is back in the art room!

Details:
Image: Pink Cat Studio
Paper: Park Bench
Dies: Spellbinders and MFT (The bottom portion of the grey section and the fish tail)
Other: Stickles



Below is a card made by Claudia, Age 12, using an older Stampin Up stamp.


Monday, October 14, 2013

Sympathy card

Hello everyone,
Kathy is recuperating from her trip tonight.  And I'm here with a lovely but sad sad card.  Seems like I've been making quite a few of these sympathy cards lately.  One of my students had a loved one die quite tragically in a drive by shooting where the perpetrator stopped the card and then proceeded on shooting him 15 times more in front of his young son.  AWFUL AWFUL--no leads either.  So needless to say, this person is devastated and really needing some love.  We as a program are getting together some herbs that we will plant for her and this card.   Nothing we could do could ever make something like this more bearable but gosh, she also needs to know she has support.  She is all alone in this town too.

Anyway...this card is a 5.5x5.5.  The edging is cut from a 5x5 white piece of paper using Martha Stewart punches. The paper squares are from Stella Rose (My Mind's Eye) cut in 1 inch squares.  The banner is an MFT die and sentiment is Stampin Up with three Swarovski crystals to give it just the right touch.  The card is for a sad occasion but I think this design will stand the test of time for happier occasions.  Took no time at all to make.  No entries into challenges today.

Please send some good thoughts to this family and my student.  She really needs it...this isn't the first bout of horrific happenings--her father became  sick 6 months ago that he needed to quit his job and mom lost her job so she is working full time and going to school while helping support them from a distance.  She's been struggling for a while now with one thing or another.  It's time for things to improve for her--this is a very hard working person too and wonderful in school.

Thanks for stopping by...til we meet again under happier circumstances.  Margaret





Sunday, October 13, 2013

Yet another Happy Halloween card

Hello Everyone,
It' still me...Margaret!  Kathy is driving home from Texas today but I have managed to make two cards today so will be back tomorrow with another card, unless if she has been really wanting to get into the art room. :)

My card today is probably the last Halloween card for this year.  This card is for my little nephew and I found a sketch challenge which was perfect: Here Come the Boys: #62.  I will also enter the card into the Crafting When we Can Challenge: Make it Sparkle as this card is quite sparkly with all the little details. :)

My Doodlebug paper is pretty much decimated, but I can't tell you how exhilarated I have felt using it all month...and using it up!  (still have a few sheets left though).  As you know from my previous posts...this is hard for me because I love "saving my paper"...feel so bad cutting into it.  But I did it!

The stamp is from Northwoods (last year) and inside I stamped "I've got my eye on you" (also Northwoods).  The sentiment on the front of the card is from the Studio G stamp line offered by MIchael's (this is an old old stamp though).  Obviously, lots of the sparkle is coming from Stickles...but if you look very closely there is some sparkle on the doorknob and the plates on the side.  This was colored in using Wink by Stella pen in silver.  It is a lovely little product to have in your stash.  The sparkle is very subtle but adds a really nice touch.  As you can see from the door, I've cut out some of the pieces and propped them up with foam tape to make them 3D.  I couldn't quite envision how to use this stamp but I think this sketch lends itself perfectly for it, don't you?

Well I hope you had a lovely weekend and got lots of crafting in.  I'm not going to address that dreadful day we all are dreading tomorrow, so I will leave you with good night!  Thanks for stopping by. Margaret




Saturday, October 12, 2013

With heartfelt sympathy

Hello folks,
Kathy is away at the agility trial this weekend.  It's been a long week for both of us.

My card today is a sympathy card for my friend's mom.  Her dad died this week.  I am close with this family so it has been hard.  Lots of memories.  I remember when I was just a stupid kid and he would come visit us at college and he and I would banter.  Good times.

I used the Sketchbook Saturday #107 challenge for inspiration and I am quite pleased with how this card turned out.  The paper is just lovely--the picture doesn't do it justice (It's Stella Rose by My Minds Eye).  I will be back tomorrow with another card...til then, enjoy!  Thanks for stopping by. Margaret

Details:
Stamp: Stampin Up
Dies: Spellbinders and MFT
Paper: Stella Rose by My Mind's Eye
Other: Stickles







Thursday, October 10, 2013

Hitting the Road

Sorry.  No card tonight.  I am heading to Texas in the morning and have been busy making preparations for the 2 of us (me and Geena Bea).  We haven't been to an agility trial in 11 months!  Now we are going to 2 in 6 weeks!

Wish us luck.  We have a 5 hour drive ahead of us, sans any stops we make and I am sure we will be stopping because I will be drinking lots of tea!

I'll tell you how it goes when I get back.  Margaret will be posting this weekend.  Until next time, take care and get inky for me!

kathy b

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Mister Old Fart

Hi everybody!  Kathy here with a card to share tonight.
This one is for my husband.  You see, Geena Bea and I are leaving Friday morning for an agility trial in Texas.  My hubby isn't particularly fond of these trips, especially when I go by myself.  It's a 5 hour drive, but we'll stop a couple of times and it won't be so bad.  The furthest we've gone is almost 8 hours, in southern Tennessee.  So I have gotten in the habit of making him a card to leave behind when we travel.


I think this is a fun image from Bugaboo and I printed it out awhile ago, waiting for the right moment to color it up with my Copics.  Tonight was the night!  What's more manly than blue and brown?  DP are Authentique Collection Journey and cs is DCWV and Bazzill.  I used a MArtha Stewart punch on the brown cs edge of the strip, an MFT arrow die, Spellbinders scallop die and EK circle punch.  I used the sketch from Stella Says Stamp.

I am also entering the following challenges:

Die Cuttin' Divas - use brown, must have diecut
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - something blue

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b



Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Beware of Me!

Hi Peeps!
Sorry for missing my post last night, but I just couldn't keep my eyes open, I was just that tired!

I'm here today with a cute little Halloween card.


The image is from Shirley's 2 Girls.  I bought a ton of stamps when they were going out of the clear stamp business.  I used an IO background stamp for the orange swatches (Palette Orangerie).  DP is KaiserCraft Devonshire and Michaels, cs is DCWV.  I used Spellbinders dies and Martha Stewart spider web punch.  Ribbon is from stash.

I am entering the following challenges:

Loves Rubber Stamps - polka dots
Ribbon Carousel - Halloween
Stamp and Create - Halloween
Crazy 4 Challenges - Halloween

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Sympathy 1

Hello everyone,
Today I bring a sad card.  My friend called yesterday to inform me her father passed away in the morning.  This is all very sad, as I remember her father being a real colorful character, visiting us all when we were in college in that 1970's station wagon.   Over the last few years, he came down with a mysterious illness that first took away his ability to walk, then developed into inflammation on the brain.  And then he kept bouncing back between rehab, surgery and MRSA infections for several years in a yoyo until his mind was completely decimated.  My friend was supposed to be traveling on Monday to help her mother place him in hospice.  Anyway, I made this card for her today and will need to feature the card I am making for her mom, next time I post.

This card uses my very special stamps: Outlines Mandalas (Flower Blossoms).  This company is no longer in business but brings back fond memories for Kathy and I because it is one of the first ways we got enmeshed into stamping...by making these gorgeous mandalas with numerous Swarovski crystals and foam tape.  It takes lots of work to put these babies together.  We have made all types--some that you can hang on a Christmas tree, others that I've place in shadow boxes and then of course the cards.

I tried a new Memory Box Die, which you can see in the corners.  It's rather large, don't you think?  This is the smallest one they have I believe.  I decided to try one...and now I'm not sure how much I like it.  The rounded edges are supposed to be embossed.  It didn't really come through even though the sandwich I made was so tight I could barely turn the handle.  The paper IS very thick so maybe that is why, but it was a bit disappointing not to see the detail.  Pehaps with the size, the die will work better on a scrapbook page.

Anyway, that's my creation for today.  I will be entering it into the 613 Avenue Create: Challenge #40, Anything Goes.  Thank you for stopping by...and have a lovely week.

Details:
Stamp: Outlines (Stamped 5 times, cut out and propped up with foam tape)
Dies: Memory Box
Other: Silver Embossing Powder by Ranger, Swarovski crystals, Liquid Pearls




Saturday, October 5, 2013

It's time for a celebration

Hi everyone,
I'm here to post the card I told you about a few days ago that I made for Julia's birthday party.  Four "lucky" girls received one of these handmade creations.  Luckily, they were all thrilled and felt so special (which made my effort into the early wee mornings of the night feel more appreciated).  As you know, my days are super busy and I hardly get any sleep.  The good news is they can't wait to come and do art.  (And I just hope my art room is still standing after they leave--but hey, that is what it is there for).  I am just feeling blessed that my daughter has made such nice friends--these days, you never know.

I need to use my Magnolia's more.  I love them so much, but I always forget I have them. :)  And Julia absolutely loves them and always requests cards with them.  She was thrilled with the way they turned out. I will be entering this card into the Pollycraft Challenge #8: Birthday Girls.  In all honesty, I've never heard of this stamp line until I found them this morning, but after exploring them, they are super cute so y'all need to go check them out.  I especially love Jasper the little bear (and their entire animal line) and the girl line.  I think I'll be shopping this evening. :)

On a more sad note, tomorrow and the next day I will bring you some sympathy cards.  I have two very dear friends who are like sisters to me (Well you know one of them--KATHY!) and the other is a college friend for whose children you often see me posting cards.  Her father passed away this morning after a long mysterious illness, which strangely is also the day of her daughter's 10th birthday.  So I will need to make something extra special for her and her mother to commemorate their dad's/husband's death.  Til tomorrow...thanks for joining us here this weekend.  Margaret
Details:
Sentiment: Stampin Up
Image: Magnolia
Doily: Cheery Lynn
Edge: SU
Paper: SU
Other: Liquid pearls (on the border); Stickles (On Tilda's bow)

Friday, October 4, 2013

Made With Love

Hi Peeps!
Yea it is Friday...and I am soooo ready for it!
I've got the baseball playoffs going on the tv while I work in my art room.  I think it is time to clean house again.  Ugh!  I hate cleaning up after myself!~
But the desktop is overly crowded, so I know it is time ;).  It is supposed to rain all day tomorrow, so if that occurs, I will have no excuse!

My card today has a cute little fella as the centerpiece.


This is a Lori Boyd image, isn't he just the cutest?  He is colored with Copics and SPicas and I used Authentiique Collection Pride dp and DCWV cs.  The sentiment, stamped with Versafine Majestic Blue, is from A Muse.  I used a Spellbinders die to cut it out.  Three red Swarovski crystals accent the image.  The sketch is from Digi Sketch Challenge.

I am also entering the following challenges:

Paper Crafting Journey - for the boys
Penny's Paper Crafty - Anything goes
Rhedd & Rosie's - Masculine


Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Sending Smiles

Hi All!  Kathy here to share a card with you tonight!

I colored my first Satuated Canary image!  Actually, I tried a while back but tossed it in the trash bin.  But I am happy with what I did today so here it is:


I think these images are just darling!  I used Authentique dp and DCWV cs.  The image is colored with Copics.  The sentiment is from PTI, stamped with Versafine Black Onyx.  Velvet zigzag ribbon is from American Crafts and button with DMC thread is from Basic Grey.  I used the Sweet Sketch Wednesday sketch.  Saaturated Canary is the sponsor of the challenge this week so this inspired me to try my hand at this image again!

I am also entering the following challenges:

Anything Challenge - Out with the girls
Oozak - Anything goes
613 Avenue Create - Anything goes

Thanks for stopping by!

kathy b





Wednesday, October 2, 2013

A Grateful Heart

It's time for me to share my design for the DT at Aud Sentiments.


My image comes from one of this challenge's sponsors, Beccy's Place.  This is the Rose Fairy.  I colored her with Copics, Spicas and Smooch.  The sentiment is from Stampin' Up and I used PTI Pure Poppy ink.  Cheery Lynn dies were used for the butterflies.  The dp is MME Indie  and cs is DCWV.  Pink Swarovskis were added for bling.

I am entering the following challenges:

Flutterby Wednesdays - anything goes with twist of favorite things (CL butterfly dies)
ABC Challenge - 3 or more pattern papers
Sweet Stampin' - things with wings
Crafty Creations - Winged things
WOrd Art Wednesday - anything goes with encouraging/uplifting sentiment

Thanks for stopping by.  Please visit Aud Sentiments to see what my fellow DT members have created for this challenge.

kathy b