Sky Watch Friday (on Sunday)

Welcome to Sky Watch Friday!

How to participate in Sky Watch

1. Post your sky picture on your blog. You do not have to use a picture with only the sky in it and the picture can be taken whenever and not just on Friday.
2. Come to Strolling through Georgia and sign in on Mr. Linky
3. Enjoy the beautiful sky pictures of the other bloggers.

Again - I'm late, but I didn't take this picture until Sat. night. This is the historic Boone Hotel (Boonsboro, MD) after a fire Friday destroyed it. It is owned by the author Nora Roberts and her husband. It was in the midst of renovations and was set to open in June. Estimated damages are $2 million. While there isn't much of the sky - it is in the background. I took other pictures as well and was just astounished at the damage that was caused. Even buildings across the street were damaged from the heat.

Edited: The $2 million in damages estimate was for all 7 buildings that were part of the fire. I'm sure a good bit of that is tied up in this hotel, but the estimate given is for all buildings involved.

I've been perusing Dot's blog and love looking at her pictures. She hosts Sky Watch Friday, so if you want to participate feel free to do so!

Ok - so this is supposed to have been posted yesterday, but I forgot (even though I took the pictures earlier in the week!). These are in no way good pictures, but thought I'd share anyway. I love seeing different pictures and wish I had the proper skills to photograph, but alas I think I do better at making cards.
This pictures was actually taken during the day when it was snowing. If you look closely, you can see the snow on the tree. :)

Then as I was heading back inside, I thought this would make a great picture. I like how this one turned out. This is our flag and the tree in our front yard behind it. I need lots more practice and plan to try to take an 'outdoor' picture each day.

New Stamping Goodies

Ok so over at Papertrey Ink, if you had purchased 12 sets from Feb. 07 - Feb. 08, then you qualified for their FREE Anniversary set! Well, after counting how many sets I had purchased it came to 11!! So, of course, I needed to order another set. :) They also have free shipping over $40, so I added the square nesties to my order. They are my first nesties and I can't wait to play with them. The set pictured above is Spiral Bouquet.

Then Verve Visual was having a sale on lots of goodies. So, I got 2 sets Seeing Stars and Serenity (which I used in my last card I posted). I also got paper and Stickles - all of which were on sale! Gotta love those sales!!

Ok - I'm done posting for today I promise! I just had to share all the goodies that I got this week.

Blog Goodies I Won

The other week I participated in a blog candy contest on Kim's blog. Well, I won - ok so I think I won by default by hey...I'm not complaining!! Look at what everybody missed out on!! Yeah me!! Look at the goodies - Basic Grey rubons, metal charms, little itty bitty primas (in a cute prima tin), some Fall embellies, A Muse notecards, and that beautiful card Kim made. What a happy mail day it was! I was on my way out the door when I spotted the envy in my mailbox. I of course had to grab it and open it while I was driving (sshh - don't tell). Sad I know, but I couldn't wait! I did wait until I was at least at a stop sign or red light. :)

This is the above card up close so you can see it better. LOVE the colors and how the black really makes the whole card 'pop'!!

Thanks so much Kim for the awesome goodies and beautiful card!! I really appreciate it!

Blogger's Challenge (Feb. 15th)

The challenge this week for the Blogger's Challenge was to use the layout on pg. 42 (happy birthday card). I had this finished last night, but didn't feel good and never got a chance to post. Be sure to check out the other Challenge players - just click on the Blogger's Challenge icon and it will bring up the other player's blogs.

A bit about the card - I used SU textured card stock (first time for me) and LOVE it!! I love the added texture and look it gives to the card! I created the scallop using my slit punch (can't find my corner rounder). I unfortunately needed 2 sympathy cards this week.

Supplies:
Stamps: Serenity - Verve Visual, Out on a Limb - Papertrey Ink
CS: Bordering Blue (textured), Sage Shadow, Elegant Eggplant, Stamper's Select White (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Going Grey, Elegant Eggplant
Other: Bordering Blue & Sage Shadow markers, Stampin Dimensionals, Stamping Sponge, Slit Punch, Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, Purple Striped Ribbon

Friendly Walrus

I made this for one of my best friend's who is going through a rough time. I'm trying to send her cards weekly if I can. So, this one is heading on its way out tomorrow for her. I used the sketch challenge from SCS - SC163. This was also for another challenge from an Inky Antics message board member (Doodlepie). The challenge this month from her was to use this walrus image, the 3 patterned papers, and the orange prima flowers (which she sends to us - how awesome is she!!).

I watercolored the walrus image with my Aqua Painter and inks. I sponged the card base, all mats, and the flowers with Tempting Turqouise ink. The walrus image, the single flower, and the white polka dotted flower are all on Stampin' Dimensionals.

I had fun with the items she sent and the challenge! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Walrus - Inky Antics, Mixed Messages - Papertrey Ink
CS: Only Orange, Patterned Paper (unknown), Papertrey Ink white
Ink: Black, Going Gray, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Only Orange, Tempting Turqouise

Other: Black Sakura Glaze Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber, Aqua Painter, Prima Flowers, Brads

Princess Birthday Wishes

I made this card last night for a belated birthday. I used another one of the GinaK Designs release party sketches for it as well. This particular sketch was posted by Julie and can be seen over on SCS. I had already had the image stamped and colored from a previous project, so I pulled it out and went from there.

What Princess doesn't LOVE sparkle and glitz?! I added Crystal Stickles to her tiara, bouquet, sash, and shoes. You can never have too much 'bling'! :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Birthday Beauty (SU), birthday wishes (Papertrey Ink - Mixed Messages)
CS: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Papertrey Ink white, Basic Grey LilyKate
Ink: Black StazOn
Other: Ivory Grosgrain Ribbon, Slit Punch (for scallop border), Crystal Stickles, Stampin' Dimensionals (under the bouquet and main image), Watercolor Crayons, Blender Pen

Here is another image - I was trying to show the dimension, but it didn't work out quite well. :) Hopefully you get the idea.

Hope you have a wonderful day!! We got a bit of snow today, so that'll be fun to drive in on my way to work. The schools were closed already for voting here (polling places). My preschooler had school up until this morning - closed because of the weather. Too bad work wasn't closed. :D

Sorry so Long!

Wow! I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted. Sorry about that! Is it just me or does time just fly anymore?! I thought things would be less hectic once the holidays were over, but it doesn't seem like it.

That said - I did find a bit of time last night to take part in the GinaK Designs release party over on SCS. Never been to a release party? Well, there are challenges, contests, sneak peeks, etc before the big reveal of what is going to be released that particular night. Here is the link for the GinaK Designs member company section over on SCS. Check them out - there are other great companies there too!

Now onto the card. This one I made for the first challenge - sketch challenge.

Supplies:
Stamps: Trio of Flowers - GinaK Designs, Beautiful Day - A Muse
CS: Sage Shadow, Papertrey Ink white, Basic Grey Two Scoops
Ink: Black StazOn
Other: Maize Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mega/Giga Scallop Circle, Copic Markers, SU Markers, SU Window Punch, MAMBI icons (gems)

I made this next one for my DH for Valentine's Day. Not only did I make 2 cards last night, but I'm ahead of the game and already have his card made BEFORE Valentine's day!! Usually, I'm late with it or he just doesn't get one. I know sad! Now for the deets on this card.

This one was made for another sketch challenge for the release party last night. I sponged the DSP and the piece with the fish with Real Red ink first. Then I went back and sponged Going Gray over that for more definition.

Supplies:
Stamps: Fish - GinaK Designs, Happy Valentine's Day - Inky Antics
CS: Real Red, Papertrey Ink white, Basic Grey Two Scoops
Ink: Black StazOn, Real Red, Going Gray
Other: Stamping Sponge, Copic Markes, SU Markers, MAMBI icons (gems)

Hope you have a great day and stay warm! It is a nice 8 degrees out right now here!! Burrrr!!! I'll have more projects to post later, but now I need to head to work.

A Beautiful Thing

I was given this set by a friend in a trade. I really like it and have been having fun playing with it. I've been on a quick and simple design lately. It seems like I never have time, so the quick and simple has been wonderful to get cards made!

Supplies:
Stamps - A Beautiful Thing
CS - Groovy Guava, Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey Paper (forget which collection though)
Ink - Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava
Other - Striped Brown Ribbon, Orange Candy Jewels (for the flower centers), 1 3/8" Square Punch

The card below was made by my oldest daughter, Madison. Every time I sit to stamp, she always asks if she can make a card too. She wanted to copy my card above. She picked out the card stock and ribbon. Then she went to work on her card. The only thing she asked me to help with was tying the knot for the ribbon. I think it turned out beautiful - not just bragging because I'm her mom either. ;) She decided to send this to her aunt (godmother) to let her know she loves her.

Supplies:
Stamps - A Beautiful Thing
CS - Purely Pomegranate, Chocolate Chip, WW
Ink - Purely Pomegranate, Chocolate Chip
Other - Pink Dotted ribbon (from my stash), 1 3/8" Square Punch

Blogger's Challenge (Jan. 25th)

This week for the Blogger's Challenge, we were to use the card on pg. 141 of the SU! Spring/Summer '08 Collection as our sketch. I made mine into a regluar 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 standard card. This again is a very simple card and something I always find challenging. It was definitely quick to make, so I'll have to keep doing this. :)

I used stamps that my friend, Cindy, got me from the Michael's $1 spot. I thought these were so cute and are perfect for sending cards to friends/family who live far away. So, I made 2 of these to send out this week.

Supplies (SU! unless noted otherwise):
Stamps - Michael's $1 Spot
CS - Sage Shadow, Bashful Blue, WW
Ink - StazOn Black, Bashful Blue
Other - Markers - Bashful Blue, Sage Shadow, Basic Black, Stickles Crystal, Striped Ribbon (from my stash)

Blogger's Challenge (Jan. 18th)

Our challenge this week was a color combo - Blue Bayou, River Rock, Real Red, and WW OR VV. Well, since I found out that I don't have any Real Red card stock, I used it as accents on my card. This is such a cute set from TAC - I don't believe it is available anymore, so I'm glad I got it! One of my best friends is going through some rough times right now, so I thought I'd send her this card.

A bit about the card - I stamped the elephant and colored her in with my Aqua Painter and the River Rock ink. I then used Copic Ciao R29 Lipstick Red marker to color in her nails. I added some glitz to them as well with the Sakura Glitter Gel Pen. I sponged the scalloped piece with Real Red ink - to add a touch more red to the card. I stamped the circular design from SU's A Beautiful Thing onto the River Rock with River Rock ink. After tying the ribbon around the card, I used SU's dimensionals under the elephant to give her some 'lift'. The greeting is a bit hard to read here, it says - If you ever need a friend --- I got your back!

I tried to do the sketch challenge over on Kim's blog, but not sure I succeeded. :) Oh well - I tried!

Supplies:
Stamps: Stand Tall (TAC), A Beautiful Thing (SU!)
CS: River Rock, Blue Bayou, WW
Ink: River Rock, Blue Bayou, Real Red, StazOn Black
Other: Stamping Sponge, Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Marvy Scalloped Circle Punch, Aqua Painter, R29 Lipstick Red Copic Ciao Marker, Sakura Glitter Gel Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Joy in Snowflakes

These were the cards that I made for my co-workers. I needed something quick and easy because I didn't have a whole lot of time. So, I made 10 of these in one night. I had wanted to follow a design that I had seen on another blog, but I ended up straying from it. I love winter and snow, so this set by Papertrey Ink is perfect.

For the smaller snowflake, I stamped it in Blue Bayou and then stamped off once before stamping on the card stock.

Supplies:
Stamp: Snowflake Serenade (Papertrey Ink)
CS: WW
Ink: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou
Other: Crystal Stickles (for inside each of the snowflakes)

Blogger's Challenge (Jan. 11)

Our challenge this week was to create a card based on the layout on pg.37 of the SU Spring-Summer Collection 2008 catalog (the Save the Date card). It is a very simple yet elegant card - which is not my style at all. Don't get me wrong, I like the simplicity of it, however, I can never seem to pull that off. My cards always look plain to me.

The above card took all of about 5 minutes to make - definitely something I should do when mass producing (like Christmas cards - since I didn't get to send any out this year). It took longer to edit the photo to post on my blog than it did to make it. I like how it turned out, but I'm always wanting to add to my cards. I made myself follow the sample and finish without adding 'extras'. :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Lasting Impressions with Panache (Secret of Happiness 242-003H)
CS: WW, Bashful Blue, Fall Flowers DSP
Ink: Basic Brown
Other: Brown Grosgrain Ribbon, Cutter Kit (to distress the one edge of the Bashful Blue cs)

Blogger's Challenge (Jan. 4)

It's been awhile since I was able to participate in the Blogger Challenge's. I finally made time last night - only 2 days late - not bad. :) Our challenge this week was to use Pink & Brown. I love this color combo. I also used images that I received back in October for a different challenge (yes - I know I'm behind on everything....story of my life!).

I made a pocket card (challenge from back in October for a different group). I thought it turned out cute if I do say so myself. *wink*

Be sure to check out the other Blogger Challenge Players for their wonderful creations. They are linked to the right. >>>>>

Supplies:
Stamps: Inky Antics
CS: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, VV, Basic Grey Infuse
Ink: Black, Chocolate Chip
Other: Stamping Sponge, Snowflake Eyelets, A Muse Creative Candy, Crop-a-Dile, Ribbon, SU Markers - Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Creamy Caramel

Christmas Decorations

Our tree - a bit tilted, but nonetheless it is standing and decorated. :)

Stockings hung with care and mantle decorations.

I love snowmen. This little guy was given to me by my DH a couple years ago.

This snowman was given to me by my best friend Carla. It sits in the middle of my mantle decorations. It is really sparkly IRL.

Well, those are just a couple of my Christmas decorations. Just thought I would share some of what we put up. I won't be posting again til after Christmas, so I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!! If you are traveling, may you have safe travels as well.

Quick and Easy Gift - Notecards

Since I have been super behind on gift/card making this year (ok, this is every year *wink*), these were the gifts that I made for the girl's teachers this year. I took Whisper White card stock and added a piece of patterned paper edge. Before adhering the patterned paper, I punched a circle in the center with the 1 3/8" Circle Punch. Then I stamped the circle in the turquoise and the monogram in Chocolate Chip (both are from Papertrey Ink) - Ambassador Monogram and Borders and Corners Monogram. I boxed them up with envelopes in the clear boxes that Papertrey Ink offers as well. I figured that the teachers would be able to use these as thank yous or 'just because'.

Supplies -
Stamps: Ambassador Monogram, Borders and Corners Monogram (Papertrey Ink)
CS: WW, Basic Grey Papers
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip
Other: 1 3/8" Circle Punch (SU!), envelopes (not shown), clear boxes (not shown)

November Stamp Club Projects

These are the projects that my club made for November. I had meant to post these awhile ago, but with Christmas coming up - I've been super busy trying to get things done. All while still not accomplishing much it seems! :)

This first card uses the Figures of Speech set (which is retiring at the end of the year) and Snow Flurries. I love this color combo as well - the soft blue and green are my favorite colors. I did DTP (direct to paper) on the WW square with the Soft Sky ink pad.

Supplies:
Stamps: Figures of Speech, Snow Flurries
CS: Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa, WW, Soft Sky Designer Series Paper
Ink: StazOn Black, Certainly Celery, Soft Sky
Other: Markers - Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa, Yoyo Yellow, Ballet Blue, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

This card was inspired by a couple I saw on SCS. I really like how this one turned out. Not sure I'd have the patience to make a whole lot of these though - a good deal of cutting pieces for this one. :) I did DTP to the main stamped image using the Old Olive stamp pad.

Supplies:
Stamps: Peaceful Wishes
CS: Rose Red, Old Olive, VV, Dashing Designer Series Paper
Ink: Old Olive
Other: Markers - Rose Red & Old Olive, Cream Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

This one I used a sketch challenge over on SCS. I don't remember which one though - sorry. This set was one that I just HAD to have, but haven't used it much. I love the images in it though and hope to get more use out of it. I did DTP on the stamped greeting piece with the Bordering Blue stamp pad.

Supplies:
Stamps: Festive Favorites
CS: Elegant Eggplant, Bordering Blue, WW
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Bordering Blue, StazOn Black
Other: Markers - Bashful Blue, Bordering Blue, Elegant Eggplant, Glorious Green, Real Red, Only Orange, 1/16" Circle Punch, Silver Brads, Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon

Floral Friend

I made this for a swap on Go. Be Creative. I really like how this turned out. I finally got the pictures off of my camera and will have my stamp club cards to post tomorrow.

For this card, I took the Chocolate Chip stamp pad and rubbed it on the edges of the card base and also on the edges of the flower piece. I sponged the Chocolate Chip on the 'friend' piece for a softer look. I stamped the tiny flower on the main card with Sage Shadow. The inside was first stamped off in Chocolate Chip and then stamped onto the card for a lighter center. The main flower image is also popped up with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Supplies:
Stamps: Text Boxed (Papertrey Ink)
CS: Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip, VV, Outlaw Designer Series Paper
Ink: Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip
Other: Stampin' Dimensionals, Large & Small Oval Punches (SU), Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon, Build a Brad (SU), 1" Circle Punch (for center of the brad), Stamping Sponge

I've Been Tagged Again...

I've been tagged by Vicki aka SCS - Basement Stamper (Stamped Smiles) and Toni (Toni's Adventures in Stamping & Scrapbooking).

The rules of the game: Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.

Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, we all want to know them.

Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.

Seven things about me that I am sure that you didn't know and probably wish that you hadn't heard!!!!!

1. I'm afraid to be on a bridge that goes over water. My fear of going over the bridge and drowning inside my car is getting better, but still there.

2. I have to crack my neck at least once a day. It isn't painful at all - although the sound of it makes people think it is.

3. I love driving around at Christmas time to look at the different house decorations.

4. I'm a portion eater - I eat the items on my plate one at a time (ie: all my corn, then all my rice, then all the chicken - I don't mix the foods together either).

5. I don't balance my checkbook. Heck, I don't even right down in my checkbook register until usually 2-3 months after the fact.

6. I detest running. When I played volleyball in college, we had to run 3 miles under 30 minutes. Well, I had to run it twice because I didn't succeed the first time. The second time had me on the ground - made it just under the wire, but also was near vomitting too. I DETEST running!

7. I've had 2 broken bones my whole life. I broke my thumb in middle school by shutting it in a car door. I broke my middle toe by kicking at my younger sister - missed her, but landed square on the edge of the door (tried shutting her out of my room and kicking her at the same time).

Now, it is my turn to tag 7 random people....

Korin - Inky Doodle
Alison - Alison's Angelic Whispers
Karrie - Burnin' Rubber...rubber stamps that is
Ashley - Ashley's Creative Corner
Laura - Lu-La's Corner
Susan - SusieStampALot
Allison - Stampin' When I Can

And YOU!

Thank U

Ok - I'm going to try this again. I was in the middle of posting this last night when my laptop decided to shut down on me. I hope something isn't wrong with my laptop - if so, I'll be devastated!! I can't live without it! :)

I'm part of a Challenge Team over at Purple Faerie Paper Crafts. This was the card that I created for our last challenge.

All Supplies are SU!

Stamps: True Friend
CS: Really Rust, Close to Cocoa, VV, Apple Cider Designer Paper
Ink: Really Rust, Close to Cocoa
Other: Markers - Really Rust & Close to Cocoa, Crop-a-Dile, Jumbo Eyelets, Vintage Brads, 1/16" Circle Punch, Stamping Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. Things have been super hectic lately (as I'm sure everyone is dealing with). I have more projects to share, but need to get them off of my camera first.