Whats Cookin'

Hello! *waves*


it feels like it has been so long since I have created or blogged. This week has been very busy. We have started our new year of homeschool and dance at a new studio. While I am tired and still trying to adapt to our new schedule, this year has already been the best thus far. The kids have been so good. They have not fussed about any (well, maybe a little) of their subjects and work. They seem actually excited about it. I do have mixed feelings about not having as much time to create. My craft room has not been talking to me. I miss spending time there, but we had a talk, and he understands ;).I created this card for the 2S4Y challenge. I love to cook (most of the time) and feel I have done a lot of it here lately. My mom cooked BBQ for everyone today.... and it was sooooo good!!! YUMMMM! with slaw... really... wow! I love her cooking. **Thanks Mama! :D** Han already will not stop talking about eating leftovers for lunch.

When I saw this little scrapbooking / journaling piece in the American Crafts set my friend Mary sent, I knew exactly what I wanted to create with it. My only regret is not having neat handwriting. I never get the single letter stamps even. :( I used kraft paper and embossed it with a tile cuttlebug folder. The other paper is scrap and the ribbon was a RAK.

I am so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open. I keep meaning to mention that Fresh Brewed Designs is sponsoring the new challenge blog called Lollipop Crafts this week. I will share my cards I created for the group tomorrow. Be sure to check it out!!!

Other challenges:
Stamp Scrap Doodle: Kraft

Orange Lollipops!!!

Good Afternoon.
I am so excited because Loris Lollipops are now DIGITAL!!! I think I literally did a happy dance and went to see Claudia at DieCutsRUs right away! Lori is not only the sweetest ever, but she is SO super talented and creates so many darling things. Now WE get to create with her fantastic designs. So cool! :D

Can you tell I am just over the moon about these little sweeties? The challenge over at The Pink Elephant is orange, so I really went all out. I can SMELL oranges looking at this card :) lol. I created this card with Orange CS Papertrey ink, cuttlebugged in the swiss dots folder, Itty Bitty Dot paper Papertrey Ink and prismacolor markers. The ribbon is from Clear Dollar Stamps. I also added some little extras with a white gel pen and orange peel stickles.

Ella Lollipop The sketch is from 2 Sketches 4 You

Hope you are having a lovely week. Remember, tomorrow is the new Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge as well as the 3rd Freshly Brewed Challenge. Can't wait to see you then!

HUGS!!!

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 139:14

I know I have shared this with you before, but here you go again :)

This is a video from 2008. My daughter, Hannah, sang Amazing Grace to her daddy and pappy for Father's Day. She had written her own song, but when she got up in front of the church, she changed her mind :D. She does not sing much anymore, but I have plans to change that :D. She has such a sweet voice. This card is about all this and more. Hannah is such an artistic little girl, but so much more than that. She is one of God's little masterpieces. He continues to mold her and shape her. Her smile, eyes, and heart just shine with his love. I created this card thinking about just that. How God is still working on us, creating us and molding us. Shaping us into the people he wants us to be and the more we let him, the more his loves shines forth from us.

My card is created using Hannah Belle Artist from my shop, Fresh Brewed Designs, American Craft papers, prismacolor markers, my cricut and prima flowers.

NEWS FBD Style~ Fresh Brewed Designs is having a BLOG HOP and CELEBRATION on May 5th!
Mark your calendar and save the date because
there will be prizes and a whole lot of fun.
Also it will be the kick off of the new FBD challenge blog!!!
WOOOHOO!!!! I can't wait to share and create with you all!


Challenges: 2S4Y Sketch, Digital Tuesday: April showers and Flowers,
Belli: Die Cuts, Dare you to digistamp: Flowers

So Kiss Me!!!

Anyone have one of those pins when you were younger that said "Kiss me I'm Irish"?? I did?? Where did I get it ????? Not so sure, lol. I also had one that had a frog holding a pink heart with the words "kiss me" on it (I think). Maybe I was obsessed with getting my first kiss? I was 15 if my memory serves me correctly. (I'm not counting the kindergarten kiss that a mean boy named Scott walked up and unexpectedly planted on me, lol!!!)

Anyway ~ these cards are for today because I don't want to get pinched and I wanted to tell you all Happy Saint Pactrick's Day! We will be doing our normal thing today, school and maybe a little fun. I remember when I was young the teachers would turn over all the desks, throw papers everywhere and you name it while we were on the playground. Then there would be a note and little chocolate coins from the leprechauns. It was such a fun memory. I hope I can do SOMETHING for the kids to make it memorable.
HOW do I continue to jump off subject?
Back to KISSING!

I colored up this Runway Beauty in green, made her hair a brownish orange and added the fun Kiss Me I'm Irish sentiment. I love this image, don't you???
I used the Bonus sketch over at 2 sketches 4 you for this card.

I chose to keep this card uber simple. I used this Cartwheeling Clover image and a sentiment from Clearly Wordsworth. This card will be entered into the Dare U 2 digi challenge: no patterned paper.The next is also super simple and is using the images ShamROCK, ShamROCK Groupie and ShamROCK sentiment.

I am entering all of these cards to the Digital Tuesday challenge: Green or St. Pactrick's day

Don't forget!!!
You still have time to enter the BUSY BEAUTIES GO GREEN Challenge!!!
There is a GORGEOUS prize package to be won!

Hannah Belle Hop Day 3

Hi everyone! I am so pleased with the turnout for the Fresh Brewed Designs Hannah Belle hop this go round.

I have enjoyed all the wonderful comments and to see that a few of you are playing along with the sketch! YAY!!!

If you are just getting here and are thinking What Hop??

You can find info here at the Hop Day 1 and here at the Hop Day 2.

Prizes, fun, amazing cards, and a sketch challenge. It all ends tonight , Friday, January 22 at midnight, so what are you waiting for??? ... get hopping!!!

All the cards I am getting ready to share with you are created using

Hannah Belle Ladybug
and

using the current 2S4Y sketch

They are all created using prismacolor markers, skin copics,

white gel pen, and American Craft paper. The ribbons, buttons, flowers and all

are just things from my stash that has been growing for years.

other challenges: Dare U 2 Digi: buttons

Some cards from the ever so talented FBD hop girls:
Jenn day 3: Hannah Belle Ladybug

Terry day 3: Hannah Belle Dressed Up

Norma day 3: Hannah Belle Valentine

Thank you again for stopping by. Hope you have a fantastic weekend.

So glad you were able to HOP with us.

It's a BEAUTIFUL Mornin'

Welcome to the Busy Beauties Boutique Blog Hop!!!
If you came here from KELLY's blog and have already commented on her BEAUTIFUL work, then you are in the right place. IF not, go back a few steps and start with BARBARA. For those of you who are in the right place, then read on!!! :)

I am so excited to share some of these GORGEOUS images with you today. When I got the email with the January releases, I could not pick my jaw up off the floor. They are a mix of cute, fun and fab!!! Thomas and Carolyn really went all out this time!!! Notice I said "and Carolyn"?? Carolyn has been hiding behind her talent and has finally shared some of her very own art with us!!!

For this hop ~We will run the hop through the weekend, and winners will be selected on Sunday night, January 10th. ~There will be one grand prize winner of three digis of his/her choice and a winner from each blog to win an image of his/her choice. An added prize will be awarded to one person who leaves a comment on each blog...that person will be able to either choose five images from the store or join us in our February New Release Blog Hop; in which case, he/she will receive all the images for that particular release.

Now on to my cards. I created the first one using the 2S4Y sketch. I loved the sketch when I saw it and had several ideas for it. After I got my Runway Beauty all colored, I knew she would be perfect for it!!! I chose a brown and red scheme and added a funky ribbon that I hand stitched and added the felt and acrylic heart embellies. I really think this card is a mix of fun, sexy and pretty all in one. I am actually proud of this card. I am not good at working with ribbons, but I love how this turned out!

Runway Beauty

Challenges: 2S4Y, Digital Tuesday: Valentine,
Crazy 4 Challenges: dots, Spoon Full of Sugar: hearts,
Belli Challenge: Glitter or Bling, Creative Card Crew: distressing

The next card is created featuring Cuppa Love. I think this image is just flat out adorable. I love all the marshmallows!!! Totally the cup of cocoa I would have. Don't skimp the marshmallows please!!! :) The sweet peppermint stick and fun design on the mug itself is just an added bonus. I really enjoyed creating with this image.

Cuppa Love

Challenges: Digital Tuesday: Valentine,
Spoon Full of Sugar: Hearts, Belli Challenge: Glitter or Bling



Now on to the last card I will be sharing with you today. This card was created using the image Hot Stuff! Don't you just LOVE it?!?! Lol!!! I kept this one clean and simple. I plan to give this one to my hubby for all the work he has put into doing the Wii fit and trying to be healthier. He started off with a Wii age of 54, then 44, and now he is 34. This is all within 2 weeks. I told him the other day he will be in his 20's in no time! ;) LOL! I have actually enjoyed it myself. The yoga and aerobics are fun, but I am NOT good at the balance games. I will take on anyone with the hula hoop!! I have got that one down baby! lol!!!

Hot Stuff

Challenges: Our Creative Corner: Clean and Simple,
Digital Tuesday: Valentines, Spoon Full of Sugar: Hearts

Lastly I want to share with you a card my daughter created all by herself using A Fose from Rosey. I think it turned out so sweet! was a busy bee that day, I think she created 8 or so cards, lol! I am so proud of her and love to see her using her artistic talentes. Now to get her to stpo doodling all over her schoolwork ;)!!!

A Rose from Rosey

Now that I have bored you to pieces, I want you to leave me and head on to the every so SWEET and TALENTED and WONDERFUL STACY. She is sure to knock your socks off with her fabulous creations. ((and I just love her! :) ))

Have fun with the hop! I will see you back on Monday, January 11 with my winner!

It was an honor and pleasure to work with such a talented group of ladies and to create with Carolyn and Thomas' images. Thanks for letting me be a part of this with you.

Bless Your Little Heart

Good Morning. I am so happy to be able to start 2010 with you all!! Now lets have some fun!!! I have released around 15 images to my Fresh Brewed Designs shop last night and can not wait to share them with you. They can all be used for Valentine's Day or whatever your HEART desires. :o). I am sharing with you a card I made using the image Lovey Bugs. This image is one of the more versatile ones in the bunch. I used the sketch provided at 2S4Y to create this card.

Lovey Bugs

Now for some FUN
and prizes to WIN!!!

Would you like to win a few of these images? Here is your chance!!! I have given a freebie coffee cup image on the post under this one and a freebie at the end of this post. Snag them, create a card with one, link it back to me and leave me a comment and your name will be added to the hat. Another way to win is to play this game with me. My mom had my name this year for our Christmas gag gift. She made this AMAZINGLY cute cup out of a gourd!!! It is covered in my Fresh Brewed Designs images... but which ones??? You will have to find them and send me an email . (4 are specific images, 3 are included in sets and you can use the general name)

((Challenge is over))

For the game your name will be added twice in the drawing! Third way to win is to comment on the ladies cards that so generously created cards for me using my new images. This is not a hop, but it would be nice to spread them some love:). I will link all the names here throughout the day, so be sure to check back in.

Stacy
Terry
Terry 2
Jenn
Rhonda
Kelly
Carol
Sandra

These challenges will last through the weekend until Sunday at midnight.

*freebie no longer available*

I will be back with more cards and fun to share with you as well. Possibly more freebies? So be sure to check back in. Have Fun!!!

2S4Y Just Knock

The card I am sharing with you tonight was made for this weeks 2s4y challenge. This image is one of mine from Fresh Brewed Designs. It is called Just Knock. The reason I drew this was, well, because, God told me to. A lot of my images come to me when I am alone or singing praises to Him. This one speaks to me in many different ways and I hope it will have new meaning to you after reading this post. The verse it stands for is: Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you

There is a lady that has been coming to our church quite regularly now. If she is not too sick she is there worshiping, thanking and loving God. She is always thanking him for his love, blessings and talking about how blessed she is. She means this with her whole heart. She has been living in a 1 room apt that is smaller than my sons bedroom. I have not seen it personally, but my parents and husband have. She has no stove, a very small fridge like i a hotel, no sink ... just the small room, a small bathroom (where she was having to clean dishes and clothes and so on)... all in all I am sure many of us would not consider ourselves blessed at that point. She spends her time praying for others. I gave her some card making supplies and she has been making cards for her neighbors, praying with them, witnessing and so on. She is much stronger than she thinks. This week my dad found her an apt. Less $ a month than where she was staying, fully furnished, pots, pans .. full kitchen, bath, tv ... free local phone and cable ... utilities are covered. It was just wonderful. My dad went to the church where she was painting the window frames, handed her a bag of stuff my mom sent her (stuff she could not use at the place she was living) and a note in the bottom of the bag saying it was a house warming gift. She started crying, immediately went to the alter praying and Thanking God. Her prayers had been answered, she was faithful. While she was asking and praying, she was still so thankful for what he had already given her ... I could go on and on. This really touched my heart and changed me in a mighty way.

Long story short, this card is for her. I also have a few things for her like bath towels and such. I hope you like the card and always remember, God is there and all you have to do is ask. He will never let you down, he will never fail you!

Have a blessed night.

2S4Y with Bonus

I actually thought too long about what to title this post and finally gave up when my husband stopped his Wii game and was asking what was wrong. Apparently I looked funny staring off into nothingness trying to think of a clever name that combined both cards, lol!! I am SO tired tonight. I went through my entire craft room / pantry / kids crafts / homeschool books... and so on .. today. I did not think it would take me but a few hours. Boy was i wrong! I got started around 10:30 and did not stop until around 4ish. UGHish! let me tell you, It was a nightmare! lol!!! but I am glad i got it mostly done. I would love to reorganize my stamps and all that wonderful stuff I have stashed in drawers and boxes ... but I honestly do not think my back or brain could take it!

I got a score it this week and got to use it today. I am a little sad seeing one side is starting to come unglued. I am going to email the lady I purchased it from in the morning and ask what to do. I am clueless about the steps to take when something like that happens. I opened it yesterday and thought it felt 'bumpy' and today in the light you could see the bubbles under the black grip mat :(. I did get to try it out a little with these cards. I think it will be a very handy little tool! This first card is for the 2s4y bonus sketch. I scored the paper for the flower in an acordian fold, made 2 fans and glued them together. I taped them to hold them in place while they dried... but like a dummy put the tape on my lower lip, ripped it off with half of my lip attached, lol... and freaked! DUH! that did not go on the card mind you ;).

I had been thinking for a while how I wanted to make this card. I was going to make a black oval with a grid and add a butterfly to it. I found this already cut oval in my stash today and thought I would do the same with it. As I started my first row of lines the grid for the butterfly started changing in my head. It started looking like a fish .... then I remembered these punched ( a year old? ) hearts I had in my stash. I got them out, played around and it just grew from there. I am so happy with her. She makes me smile and made my whole day of cleaning worthwhile, lol! All of my papers (minus the fishy) are from my cafe mom secret sis package my beautiful friend Carol sent me. They were all double sided and it was SO hard to choose which to use.

My coffee is brewed and my spine feels like it is going to give up on me any second now, so I am going to relax on the couch a bit before I go to bed. Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope to be back tomorrow with another post. IF not please come back Saturday to see my first card submission to the Hanna Stamps guest DT call. I would love to see what you think, AND my card was made with a new Sophie G. so you will not want to miss seeing her :).

Good night, sleep tight! :)

2S4Y Bonus ~ SMILE

I made this card using the 2S4Y bonus sketch. I had actually taken the materials to make this to my moms for Craft Class today, but left the pop dots at home... so I pretty much did nothing but talk, eat rice krispie treats, watermelon, and chips and salsa, drank coffee and chased kids around :) grin :). I also met / laughed with a few new, wonderful ladies. I really had a nice time :).

We had a Big Lots open in town this week!!! YAY!!! ... ((NOT!)) Well, the one that is 30 min away ((I have not been in a year)) had a WONDERFUL craft section. This one is about as big as my foot. I have large feet for a girl but really! It was just soooo bad! I DID score ONE deal. I got these paper coasters by Martha Stewart: 20 in a package for $2. You cant beat that! So it was not a total bust, but I can tell you I will not be a regular customer. The rest of the card was made with the MME Asparagus Stack, my Cricut, scissors, doodle pen, and the MS coaster. The stamp is OLDer than the hills. It does not even have a name on it .. anywhere! Sorry. My aunt gave it to me about 16 years ago .. before i ever got into stamping. I think I made stationary with it and it was packed up for years. Anyway ~ i hope you like my card. I am off to get some coffee and chill with da man. :) hugs!!!

Thinking outside the box...

or on the box? With a box? Maybe i just need to crawl inside the box and close the flaps over myself? Whatever the case may be, I made this card for 2S4Y using .. you guessed it.. a BOX. I cut the squares from an old cardboard box, embossed them with Ranger Embossing powder in verdigris, stamped a flower by anitas on it while hot and added fibers. The patterned cardstock is by DCWV, card base is by bazzil. I added gold and black doodle dots to the edge of the card. I know it is a bit unusual ... especially for me. Not my style at all :). lol!!! SOOO love it or hate it it is totally up to you. ((or Ehh??, lol) I am still undecided:)! Have a wonderful night! It is almost the weekend! WOOT!

2 Late 4 You

hese cards are the ones I had made for the 2S4Y challenge. If you do not know, I stayed up late completing my cards, went to take a pic .. and my camera would not turn on. An hour later with a charged battery ~ still nothing! So I was up until around 1AM for nothing! lol! My wonderful and sweet hubby took me out today and let me get a new one. I DID NOT get a Kodak this time! i got a Cannon Power Shot just as my friends suggested. Thanks so much girls!

hope you like my cards. I am off for the night.

2sketches 4you

another quick post for me today. I have a lot to do to day and little energy for some reason? I have no idea why I have been waking up in the mornings lately and not being able or wanting to move. I used to be able to stay up all night and craft then in the morning get back up early and do more before the kids woke up. sigh. :) Oh well .... I did get to make my card for the 2S4Y challenge. I love their sketches and always feel inspired to try something new when I go there. I made a card with my Dad in mind. I am not sure if this will be his Father's Day card or just an I love you card ... but it is for him. I hope you like it. have a wonderful Friday!!!

Friendship

OK, I bit the bullet and joined in on the 1st Annual Ultimate Card Showdown at 2Sketches4You :). They have so many great prizes to give away, lots of fun, Beautiful inspiration, and an amazing sketch to boot! You have until Saturday to get in on the fun! I tried my hand at something different this go round. This is not my usual style, but I enjoyed stepping out of my box, thinking, rethinking, and putting it all together. I hope you like my card. I did enjoy making it.

Materials used:

Brilliance: coffee bean

Stamp: Stampabilities

Cricut: Accent essentials, walk in my garden

Paper: Bazzil, Autumn leaves (thrift store)

Ribbon: Making memories

Everything Else: RAKed

a Kiss 4 You :)

I made this card for the 2 sketches 4 you challenge this week. I really do love their sketches and had a lot of fun making this card. I wish I could try more of their style of cards .. they are so beautiful ... but mine always come out 'cute' no matter how hard i try :). Oh well. This card is also for the Cute Card Thursday challenge which is 'bling'. I think I covered that ;)!!! I had so many things going through my head for the sentiment. I found the foam & symbol and just 'had' to use it. SO, this is what I came up with :). I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

MATERIALS: bic markers, glossy accents, fine glitter, tulip metalic paint, stickles, altered chipboard letters, rhinestones, anitas fish stamp, american crafts celebration paper.

fun in the sun!

Summer is almost here and what a better way to celebrate that than with a cute card? OK, so i am just being silly. I really made this card because I got this Hula Mouse digi image (at two scoops rice designs) also found on Mels blog yesterday and was dying to make a card with it!!! Isn't she ADORABLE?!?! ((see below post for more deets on Mels blog and goodies!)) I followed the sketch on the 2 Sketches 4 You blog. i always feel so intimidated by the amazingly outstanding talent there and never make a card ((although I set out to every time)). I was alone last night thanks to Bike Week here in N. Myrtle Beach and my hubby had to work extra late, so I bit the dust and decided to give it a try. I really liked the sketch (what else is new:). I did have to make my card a 5.5 x 5.5 to fit everything, I hope that is still ok. AND when I visited their blog I found the most fun news EVER! :) you have to GO see it and PATIENTLY wait for the FUN!

Here are the Deets:

What: 1st Annual 2 Sketches 4 You Ultimate Card Showdown!

When: June 1st 2009

Where: 2 Sketches 4 You

What: A Card Showdown that will run for a period of 5 Weeks

Also, i have to share this with you. My sweet daughter is always a late sleeper ... she is so hard to get up and I feel guilty waking her (yea, mom is gullible.. but learning:) ). She usually rolls out of bed anywhere between 8 and 9am. When she realizes that the next day is Saturday, now that's another story:)! All day yesterday she continued to say "when we are done with school can I..." and I would answer "tomorrow is Saturday sweetie". It was almost as if she did not believe me and wanted constant reassurance. Well, as I sat on the couch this morning at 6:20 am I heard a door creak, turned and there she was, as happy as a little lark. So this is my little girl having coffee with mom at 6:30 this morning. The real trick is on her though because she will go to bed early tonight "MWAHAHAHA!!!" (evil mom laughter) She has her blanket all warm and cozy, a cup o joe, her baby and her tissue because mornings are sneezy as you can see in the first pic, a yawn, stretch and sneeze all in one :) hehehe! Have a great weekend my friends:)!