Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween and hoping you all have a lot of fun in whatever you are doing to celebrate this last day of October.  I just finished filling the goodie bags for the neighborhood kids and always hope we have enough candy.   I've done well every year, (so far) and ended up with extra, that quickly was sent off to work with Hubby of one of the boys.  The last thing is want around the house is extra candy.  Luckily, we do not have too many of my favorites, so it should be fairly easy for me to stay away!

   Today is also Sketch Sunday over at the Stars and Stamps Blog and that is my next project today.  If you would like to join me, this is our sketch for this week --


  I am not sure what kind of card I will make, but I like to keep the sketches on hand for all types of cards.  Since I am behind on my personal Christmas Cards, I think that will be my theme.

    I'll be back a bit later with an update and hopefully will have a card to share!  In the meantime, have a wonderful day....and try not to eat TOO much candy!  :)

   Update -- The sketch turned out be really fun to follow and I have not happily added  three new cards to my Christmas basket too.  I'm still doing a bit of reorganizing in my craft room and I am cleaning out my stash, which is what I used today.  Every thing I created with today is actually from last season and things I bought on clearance.  The patterned paper is  "Forest" from Basic Grey's Figgy Pudding collection, and the rest of the papers are from my scrap pile.  Even my card bases were created from American Crafts Textured Cardstock, that I bought at Micheal's on clearnace this summer!  WOOHOO!!  I just love it when I use things from my stash and goodness knows I have a HUGE stash! 

....After I finished up my last two Halloween Cards, I was hopping around blog land looking for some fun new inspiration ideas and that's when I found a new challenge blog, (well new to me), and it's called CASE Study Challenge Blog.   As soon as I saw the latest inspiration from Challenge # 12, I was immediately inspired to CASE that card and to join the challenge.  I pulled out some Christmas papers and embossing folders and before I knew it I had quickly created two new 'Christmas Cards' to add to my collection and it was not only fun, but easy!  Yippee!!

    This is the first card I created and for this card I used an ornament themed embossing folder in my Cuttlebug to create the top section of the card.  I then picked out some matching Razzleberry Lemonade paper, that I had picked up on clearance from Stampin' Up.   I then tied on a matching ribbon and added a sentiment and a glittered snowflake and my card was done.   Fun and easy !!   I was also happy to see that Catherine Pooler, who just happens to be my Stampin' UP Demo, is one of the sponsors at CASE Study.

   
     My second card was also created from the same inspiration, only this one was created with some Mini Holly - Flocked Shimmer paper from Heidi Grace, and a snowflake themed embossing folder.  I then added a lace trim and some matching flowers and had a second card done!   


     This card is being submitted to the CASE Study Challenge along with these awesome challenges that I found with the help of Feline Playful !  Thanks Karen!!

• CASE Study Challenge Blog - Challenge # 12- Inspirational
• Fab N Funky Challenges - Challenge # 46 - Clean & Simple Cards
• Gingerloft Challenges - Challenge # 4 - Winter Theme

      And that's it for me today, but I sure did have a great day creating and now I'm looking forward to a relaxing night and a good night's SLEEP!   :)

....Our Fall weather is back and it was hard getting up this morning for me.  I've been really beat and wiped out, so I was very happy I did not have to get up early.  I am slow moving today and don't have too much I have to do, which is nice.  Luckily, the sun is out and that is helping to keep the temps a bit warmer, but nothing nearly as nice as those lovely 70's we had earlier in this week.  I miss Summer terribly and I am not looking forward to winter!  YUK!   I hope it goes by VERY fast, so that I can look forward to Spring and Summer.   I don't mind early Fall, but it seems once we get into November it gets chilly very fast and it's hard to believe but Monday is November 1st!  WOW!!

    Today is going to be a quiet and relaxing day for me.  I don't have a lot of energy and I'm kind of down, just that like of day.  On the upside, my chores are now done and I'm now in my craft room, which is my favorite place to be.  I also colored and created to FUN cards and I am here to share with you.

   Both of my cards today were created with digi images from Bugaboo Stamps.  They are also both fun and bright Halloween and Fall-themed cards and will be submitted to several ongoing challenges.  It's been so much fun creating a lot of cute Halloween Cards this year and I know in a way I'll miss it, but will be looking forward to working on my Christmas Cards next and they are my  favorite cards to make.

   This is the first card I created and this one was inspired by a new challenge over at the 'Catch the Bug Challenge Blog'.  The theme for this week's challenge is 'Autumn/Fall' and this is the card that I created to submit. 


   This sweet little images makes a perfect Fall or Halloween card and I created her to submit to these fun challenges -

• Catch the Bug Challenge Blog - Whirling, Swirling, Twirling Autumn
• One Stop Challenge Blog - Challenge # 104 - Anything Goes
• Sassy Studio Designs - Dare to Be Sassy - Fall Theme

   My second card is also another of the always adorable images from Bugaboo Stamps and this card was already created with Halloween in mind.


    And this funky Witch Pumpkin card was created for these fun Halloween Themed challenges:

• Dutch Dare Card Challenges - # 89 - Color Theme or Halloween
• Cowgirl's Sunday Challenge - Blog Hop and Halloween Theme
• The Corrosive Challenge Blog - Orange and Black (Halloween)
• Darling Cardmakers - Trick or Treat (Halloween)

    And now that I am thinking of Trick or Treating, I think it's about time start filling goodie bags for the kids that will be coming here tomorrow night.  I don's about you all, but when I was younger, we received the regular large size candy bars and now the are so teeny.  When they started cutting down on the sizes, I started adding a few goodies to each bag and we still do that.  We buy candy for a few week in advance when it's on sale, and then pack up the goodie bags just before the big night.  I'm also all of a sudden craving a piece of chocolate!   My favorite candy bar is a Baby Ruth and Halloween is about the one time I eat them.   

   What about you?   What is YOUR favorite Candy bar treat?

    I also wanted to let you all know that Tammy has added two wonderful new crafters to our design team and I am very happy and excited share this new.  Please WELCOME Arielle and SherryAnn  as the newest members of the A Day for Daisies Design Team.   They are both very talented ladies and I'm certain they will create some fabulous inspiration for you all.  
   And on a sad note, today will be my last day as a member of the A Day for Daisies Design Team.   I'm going to miss being part of the team, and truly wish it had worked out for me  Sometimes Fibro does win out a bit, and this happens was one of those times.   My thanks to Tammy for the fabulous opportunity and my very best wishes to all of the gals on the the team.  It's been such a pleasure to create with you all and I hope to continue to keep in touch and see you in the groups and other challenges.

    On a happier note, I will still be creating for Baby Bud Designs and totally enjoy working with the adorable Baby Bud Images.  In the future, I do hope to eventually pursue other Guest or Part-time DT positions, and will look forward to that after the Holiday and when I'm feeling better. 
    
   I also have one card to share with you today and this card was inspired from this week's Color Combo Challenge over at SSC.   This is a copy of the inspirational image we have for our challenge --


  And this is the card I created for several fun challenges.  My images is from Bugaboo Stamps.  

   My fun little Halloween Card is also being submitted to these FUN challenges.  Please join me and play along!

• Simply Scrapping Crafts - Color Combo Challenge - Colors/Scallops
• AiFactory Challenge - Challenge # 54 - Halloween
• Shirley's 2 Girls - Challenge # 80 - Trick or Treat
• Create with Connie & Mary - Challenge CMCS122 - Halloween
• PaperPlay - Week # 43 - A Haunting We Will Go - Halloween
• Pixie Dust Studio - Challenge # 46 - Happy Halloween
• The Wild Flower Patch - Ghouls, Ghosts, Goblins
• Simon Says Challenge Blog - Punch 'Em Challenge 
• StampInsanity Stamps - Challenge 33 - Halloween

   And I hope you all have a wonderful weekend a HAPPY HALLOWEEN and for those who do not celebrate Halloween - HAPPY FALL!!

  Today is Friday and I always love Fridays today even more so, because we have lots of fun things happening over at  Baby Bud Designs!   First, I want to Congratulate the WINNER of our very first challenge, and the WINNER IS ~ Nataliya!!  WOOHOO!

   Secondly, I would like to invite you all to hop on over the Baby Bud Designs Blog and pick up Woof Doggie, a sweet little pup who also happens to be one our our 'Friday Freebies'.  This month we also have a surprise second freebie, the adorable 'Snowdrop', who you find HERE!!  Both will be available 'free' for a very limited time, so please be sure to grab them quickly.  At the same time, I would LOVE for you to join our brand new challenge which starts today!

  Challenge # 2 - Scallops, Buttons and Bling -- A great time to dig out some of your fabulous embellishments and make a fun adorable project, also using one of the sweet and adorable Baby Bud Designs Images.  Beginning this month and from now on, we require all submissions to include a Baby Bud Designs image.  You may enter as often as you like, as long as each project, is new, meets the theme and has one of the adorable Baby Bud images.   And to make sure you all can play along, we will continue to offer a new 'Friday Freebie' on the last Friday each month, the same day each new challenge begins.   You can find all the details on the challenge blog along with some wonderful inspiration from the Design Team HERE!   You may use Woof Doggie or Snowdrop for your project or any Baby Bud images from your own collection.  Or you can also feel free to purchase a new Baby Bud Image from our Etsy Store - Here!

   This is the card I created to help inspire you, using sweet little Baby Bud Nilah, which you can find in the Etsy Store HERE!

 
   She is one of my favorites and I thought she would be really fun to use for this challenge.   Instead of coloring her outfit, I decided to paper piece her outfit with some digi background papers I had in my stash.   I used two papers, one in a tiny floral print and one in a striped print and I printed those out at the same time was Nilah.   I then cut everything out, and pieced on her outfit, and two bows.   I colored her face, arms, hair and shoes with Copics.  I added some pink Stickles to her shoes and bows and set her aside to dry.

    My card base was next and was created with White Textured Cardstock.  I then cut my background from a piece of pink/white striped paper. I picked out a white sparkly organza ribbon and tied it around the background paper and then adhered it to the base.  I tied the ribbon into a bow and then a pretty pink button  and two Prima mini pink roses.  Next, I used my Cuttlebug and a set of Oval Nestie Dies, to create 3 scallops ovals.   I cut each in a different sizes and in various shades of pink patterned paper and cardstock.  Once cut, I edged each of the ovals in Spun Sugar Distress Ink by Ranger.  I then used a combination of pop dots and glue dots and layered each of the ovals and added Nilah and the ovals directly to the card base.   I finished off my card with three more pink assorted buttons.  

   For more inspiration, please be sure to check out the wonderful projects the Design Team have created.  You can find their designs over at the Challenge blog or on their own wonderful blogs, linked below.  They are all very talented and I'm sure they will inspire you to create something awesome.
   The Baby Bud Design Team are known as 'The Lady Buds' -


  Challenge # 2 runs from today - through Noon EST, Wednesday, November 24th.  Our new 'Friday Freebie' and next Challenge, will be posted on Friday, November 26th!  I can't wait to see what you create.

....Yesterday was such a wonderful day, too bad it didn't last very long.  Today, we are back to cloudy skies, rain and wind...much more of your typical late October day.  I can tell the difference right away too, since the damp cooler weather makes my body ache more.  Happily, it's not too bad and I'm working on only one card today, so it'll be a day to rest and relax.

     My card was inspired by two of my favorite challenges and the first is the current challenge over at the Bugaboo Challenge Blog.   I have actually used a wonderful Bugaboo image for my card.  This adorable image is one of the Freebies that Jodie created for Awareness Month and you can find yours HERE at the Bugaboo Store.   I also was inspired to color this card for this week's Copic Coloring challenge over at SSC, which you can find here. 

   The challenge at Bugaboo this week was very special to me because it's about Awareness and causes that are important to us.  Most you know that I am a big advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness and I wrote a long post about that last week.  So, I thought this week, I would pick something else and I an illness that I think most of you know that  I personally live with,  a chronic health condition, called Fibromyalgia.   Ironically, having Fibro is what brought crafting into my life and that's one of the blessings that has come of out of this illness for me.  It's also taught me how important good health is and how wonderful it is to be healthy and feel good every day.  Something those of us who live with any chronic health issues can not do.  But, I also know that things could be worse, so in some ways, I am lucky, especially since this illness is not a terminal.  However, it's still a difficult to treat and even diagnose.  There is also NO cure and only a few FDA approved medications which do not work very well for most Fibro patients.

   I will continue to HOPE that more research and awareness with lead to a cure and better treatment options.  I also think it's important for others to understand the illness and to know how debilitating it can be.  I also wanted to sahre a wonderful story that helps others understand what it's like to live with Fibro. It's called - 'Letter to the Normals' and is very much how many Fibro patients live and feel.  I hope by reading it, you'll understand a little more about me and my illness.  Thanks for caring!
 
  ... When I saw that this week's challenge was called 'What's Your Cause' I knew right away that I wanted to create a card to promote more Fibromyalgia Awareness and that's exactly what I did and this is my card.  I colored my image with a Purple Ribbon, as Purple is the Awareness color for Fibromyalgia and other illness.  You can find a link to all the Awareness Ribbon colors over at the Bugaboo Challenge blog. 


   My sweet little Fibro Awareness Bunny card is also being submitted to these challenges:

• Catch the Bug Challenge Blog - 'What's Your Cause' Challenge
• Simply Scrapping Crafts - Copic Color Corner - Shadowing and Shading
• OWH Stars & Stamps Blog - Anything Goes (No Glitter on OWH Cards)
• Two Sisters Challenge Blog - Challenge # 10 - Anything Goes

    I also wanted to let you know about a two wonderful Fundraisers that Jodie, the creator of Bugaboo Stamps - is hosting.  For all the fabulous details, please go HERE!  It's a great way to help two wonderful causes, and also add to your Bugaboo Collection!   You can donate to Unicef and/or to Diabetes - It's your choice - Please go here for more information. 

    If you would like to learn more about Fibromyalgia - please visit the 'National Fibromyalgia Association' or the 'Fibromyalgia Network'.   If you think you might have Fibromyalgia, please see your doctor today!  Treatment does help and there are also many wonderful support groups.  Feel free to contact me, if you would like more information or are in need of support. 

...We are having an Indian Summer day here in Massachusetts and it's wonderful.  The sun is shining brightly and the temps may get up to 70!!  WooHoo!   I love warmth and sunshine and I'll take any warm days we can get!  Tomorrow, also sounds great and it's so nice to have the heat off again and have my windows open a bit!!

   I also have some fun and exciting news coming soon, so be sure to come back often and I'll share it with you as soon as I can.  I am especially happy and think you will be too!

   My first card today is another fun Fall card that I created for some new challenges this week.  Today I am using another cute digi image and this one is from Meljen Designs and is called  Pumpkin Bumpkin.  You can find this image or any of the Meljen images at Whimsy Stamps.  Melissa is also very very generous and offered freebie every week on her blog, which you can find here.  Please be sure to stop by often to check out the challenges, the new releases and so much more.

   I started my card, by coloring my image with Copics and  then edged it with one of my new Tim Holtz Distress inks.  Next, I used my Cuttlebug with my new Spellbinders Labels 12 Die to cut out the image.  I created a second smaller cut for the background, which was them embossed in my Cuttlebug.  My card base was created from Bazzill cardstock and also embossed in my Cuttlebug.  The polka dot paper is from my stash and my flowers are from Prima.   I also added a bit of Crystal Lacquer to his cheeks and some Stickles for a bit of sparkle.  I completed my card by using some twine to tie on a cute Glitter Button from American Crafts.  As you can tell, I had a great time shopping as Susana's last week and a lot of my new things came from her fabulous store.


   My card is being submitted to these challenges and I invite you all to join in --

• Meljen Designs Challenge Blog - Challenge # 30 - Anything Goes
• The Cuttlebug Spot - Welcome Fall - Cuttlebug Embossing/Fall Theme
• Paper Playtime - Challenge # 22 - Halloween
• Color Me Creative - Challenge # 6 - Fall Theme and Colors

   
  Before I sign off, I am sending out special prayers and a hug to my friend, Anary!   You and Rami will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!  I miss you and hope you'll be back soon, in the meantime we are ALL thinking of you both and praying for better days!   Hugs and Love.

...I am moving a bit slow today, pretty sore and tired, but taking the Tim Holtz Workshop yesterday was worth suffering a bit today -- no doubt about it.  If I could sign up right now for next year, I would do it in a heartbeat, it was such an awesome event.   You can bet that I'll be there next year, if he comes back again -- loved it!!
 
   Today, I am not planning on doing too much, but I did manage to put away all my new goodies and that was fun.  Did you know that over on the Ranger Site there is a printable list of all the Distress inks, as as well and many awesome and useful PDF files?   You can find them all HERE!!  Another great tip I learned yesterday.    I printed out the labels today for the Distress inks and I'm going to label all my colors, which will make it very easy to find my color while they are stacked.  I also want to buy on of the Desktop Spinners for the blending tools.  They worked out great in the workshop and I like having them right on my desk for easy access!  Another idea for my Christmas Wish List!  :)

    I did finish up one fun card today and it was first inspired by this week's sketch over at the OWH Stars and Stamp Blog. I copied over this week's sketch to share with you all!  All of the challenges at OWH are open to all.   Free free to stop over anytime and join in.   A new Sketch Challenge is posted every Sunday -- this is Sketch # 40.


  And this is my latest card that I created with a few fun challenges in mind.  I used the Sketch at my inspiration for my card design.  Next, I picked out a fun Fall/Halloween digi Image from Bugaboo Stamps.   I colored the image with Copic Markers, then used Ranger Distress inks to create a blue sky background and a bit of green ground.  I picked out some fun papers, used a border punch on one layer and put it all together and tied on a little orange bow.  To make the pumpkins more dimensional I added a layer of 3D crystal lacquer and was done!  A very fun and easy card to crate.


   I am submitting my card to these new challenges --

• OWH - Stars Stamps Blog - Sketch # 40
• Color Me Creative Classroom - Challenge #6 - Fall Themed Image & Colors
• The Pink Elephant - TPE # 86 - Brown & Orange
• Cards for Men - Challenge #22 - Anything for a Male
• Bunny Zoe's - Challenge # 5 - Autumn Love
• The Corrosive Challenge Blog - # 97 -  Halloween or Orange/Black
• Cowgirl's Sunday - Halloween Theme, Candy and a Blog Hop

  And I think that may be it for today!  I still have a little bit to finish up on the journal I created yesterday at Tim's Workshop, so I think I will do that now!    Hoping you all have a great weekend!  I know I sure did and hopefully will have a great week too!

  By the time you start reading this post, I will be either on my way to the store or in already in class working on this awesome journal project.   I am so excited and know this is going to be a lot of fun.  I've been looking forward to this day for weeks, ever since I signed up and it's HERE!!   Tim will be here for the whole weekend and already taught two workshops yesterday and will teach two more today.  The classes sold out very quickly and I was so happy I got into this one, which was my first choice.

  I tried some new products on this order and one of my favorites are these fabulous new Petaloo Flowers...they are gorgeous and will be wonderful for cards, especially the red and green for Holiday cards.  And as you may have read before, I've also bought two of my favorite new holidays papers from her store and they are Basic Grey's - Jovial and also Memory Box's - Spiceberry.  Love them BOTH!! I also have always loved my Bow Easy and if you do not have one of these fabulous gadgets, I highly recommend one.  Susana was one of the first stores to every carry them and they ROCK!!I will be placing another order soon, since I had originally gone there to buy some of the new Gold Flower Soft, but, I found so many other goodies and fun sale items that I totally forget to buy my Flower Soft!  LOL!!!

  And speaking of fun and new things, I finished up two very cool cards this morning and both were for various challenges and also included new techniques.  My first card was inspired by making flowers from fabric and I learned how to do that with the tutorial Rona posted this week over at SSC in the Stamp and Scrap Group.  This challenge was to make your flowers and also use purple and pearls on your card.  If you would like to join, you'll find all the details HERE!!  And this is my card with my very first Fabric Flower, which was actually fun to create!

  This card is being submitted to these fun new challenges!  Please join me and enter your cards too!

• Simply Scrapping Crafts - Stamp n' Scrap Challenge - Handmade Flower and more
• ABC Challenge Blog - Letter F - F is for Flowers
• Artful INKables - Think INK Inspiration - Flowers, Embossing and Lace

    My second card was also created with Fabric and this card was also created for another challenge at SSC, being the Card Corner Challenge.  Our challenge for this card was to use Fabric and I found some cute fun Fabric yesterday while at AC Moore.  I used my patterned fabric as the background for my card and I also added a sweet little purple matching butterfly.  It was another goodie I picked up yesterday at Susana's store.

   This is the card I created and I really like working with Fabric on both cards and think it's something I will try again.
     This card is being submitted to the following challenges and I invite you ALL to play along:

• Simply Scrapping Crafts - Card Corner Challenge - Use Fabric
• Flutter by Wednesday - Anything Goes - Fairy, Angel or Butterfly required
• Tuesday Throwdown - Challenge # 22 - Anything Goes

     I also remind to remind you all of two more challenges that are hosted by the two wonderful stores that I design for.  First, is our very FIRST challenge over at Baby Bud Designs and our theme for this month is Halloween or Fall.  You still have a few more days to get your project submitted and you will find all the details HERE!!  Please be sure to hop over next Friday, October 29th, for a new challenge and also a special little surprise!!


    Lastly, over at the A Day for Daisies store, today is new release day and you can find the most recent designs HERE in the Just Picked section and all at on sale for today ONLY!  Then, be sure to hop over to the Challenge blog, where we are hosting our 4th Challenge called 'BlackOut'.  


   Happy Friday everyone and I hope you have a Fantastic Weekend.  I am very excited for Sunday to arrive, since I'll be taking my Tim Holtz Workshop at my LSS - Absolutely Everything!  WOOHOO!  I can't wait to actually meet Tim and to learn some fabulous new techniques! 

    
     If you have stopped by to see the card I submitted to your challenge, this is it!!  I am very sorry this happened and have never lost a post before, especially one that I had already PUBLISHED?   Grrrrrrrrrrr!!!

   
   
I give up.............!  My body is now aching pain and sadly I have no idea of all the challenges or links I had already posted.  I've lost everything.....and with my Fibro Fog...I can't even begin to remember...I am very sorry....BooHoo!!!

   I am very happy to share a wonderful post and story with you and this story came from one of the gals I design with on the Baby Bud Design Team.  Her name is Giovana and this is a link to her blog and a wonderful card drive his is sponsoring for two very special children named Logan and Rebekah.

   If you hop on over to Giovana's blog you'll learn that October is Spinal Bifida Awareness month and both of these sweet children live this day with this condition.   I was very touched by the stores and Giovana's card drive, so I knew I wanted to join in and make a send a card out to both of these sweet children and their families.



   Because I am a card maker I LOVE to send cards almost as much as I love to create them, so this was fun for me.  I pulled out my card basket to see what I thought they each would like.   For little Logan I picked this fun little Halloween Card that I created with Jack, one of the adorable Baby Bud Images.  It is a fun Halloween card, but not one that is scary.  I thought his big brother, Alex would also enjoy it.  


  And for Bekah - I wanted to find something very pretty, a "Girlie Girl" card with lots of sparkle and bling.  I also wanted a cute and fun image, so I chose this card, because this image that has it's own special meaning.  This wonderful image was designed by Lori Boyd and is named Macie.  If you would like to learn more about Macie, please visit Lori's blog HERE.    I hope that Bekah will enjoy this fun bright card.


  I will be sending out both my cards tomororw morning and I hope that they will bring a smile to each of these families.  If you are touched by their stories and would like to join, you'll find all the information over on Giovana's Blog!!   Best wishes to all and my thanks to Giovana for posting about this wonderful card drive!   Bless your heart!

....What a great time I had last night over that the Live Chat and Scavenger Hunt over at the 'Through the Craft Room Door' site.   It was a special event held for those of use who all subscribe to this wonderful publication by Suzanne Dean and Marti Wills.  If you are not yet a subscriber, you can sign up at the link above and then you'll also have access to the 'Member Only' site too!


  This is the wonderful magazine where one of my cards was actually published last month, and it was such a special event for me!  I'll be happy to share it with you next month and look forward to that time.  If you are already a subscriber, you'll find it in on Page 10 of Sept/Oct issue.  I had entered my card into the 1 Sketch 3 Ways challenge and although I did not win, I was one of the lucky entrants who had my card published in that issue, a true honor for me.  

    I always enjoy LIVE chats and do my best to attend, when I'm feeling well and I was really lucky to be there last night, because I was also one of the lucky prize winners...WooHOO!  I answered the very first question with the correct answer and I will be receiving some wonderful homemade 'Oatmeal Honey soap...doesn't that sounds awesome, I sure think so.  Plus, if you know me, you'll know that I love Oatmeal and eat it often, not only for my health, but because I think it's so yummy!!   My thanks to both Marti and Suzanne for the really fun Chat and also for choosing one of my cards for the magazine last month!  

    This morning, I received a wonderful comment from my friend, Jan Hunnicutt to tell me, I was the lucky winner of the 'Flower Parade Challenge' hosted by Michelle Perkett on her wonderful Challenge blog.  Yippee!!  What a wonderful surprise and I was so exciting to go over and see my card featured on the blog!  WOWweeeee!!   What a fabulous treat and I feel very lucky!!   My special thanks to Michelle for her wonderful images, for hosting the challenges and also for featuring my card on her blog.  WOOHOO!   I am so excited to have two won two wonderful prizes within matter of one day...what a big smile I have on my face today!!!   THANK YOU!!    This is the card that I submitted and I LOVE this fabulous image which you too can own, you'll find it in Michelle's Etsy Store - Here!


   I also want to thank all my wonderful craft friends for the wonderful, kind and sweet comments you all leave on my blog each day.  I admit that I do not make it around to all your blogs as much as I would like to, but I am always thinking of you and very honored and happy to have such awesome friends.

   My friends are truly the BEST and there is nothing better then good, kind and caring friends, and I've been blessed with so many!   Hugs and Love to you ALL!!!

...Today has been a fun day for me!  I found out this morning that I was one of the very lucky winners of a prize from the Blog Hop hosted this weekend over at SSC.   I won one of the RAK's from Theresa and was very happy and excited to hear that good news this morning!  Thank you Theresa, and thanks to all the gals and SSC for the fun!  I can't wait to see what I won and will let it be a surprise!!

   It's also been a productive day for me, as I also spend the morning doing some organizing in my craft room, just in time to make space for a bunch of new goodies I have recently ordered.   I found some great stamps deals on eBay, and also stocked up during the huge Stampin' Up Clearance Rack sale!  I think I'm well stocked now for awhile and now have my room all organized and ready to create.

    If you read my blog yesterday, you might remember that I was talking about the wonderful classes that are being offered over at Two Peas in A Bucket and being taught by Jennifer McGuire.  I spent some time there today watching her fabulous videos and it inspired me to try to use some of her ideas to create some pretty background papers for some cards.

    I used a combination of inks (Distress and Stampin' up) and also a variety of different stamps and papers, but I did make some really fun background paper and then made two cards today.  I started by stamping some very simply snowflake images and then added a variety of Shimmer Mists, inks and glitter and basically let them dry overnight.  This morning I added a little more color (inked edges) and some some embossing ink and glittered embossing powder to give them a bit more sparkle and dimension.  I found that once the paper was dry the glitter I had added did not stick well, and I should have used embossed it the first time.

   I then dried them with my embossing gun and cut out two pieces to work out well on A2 cards.  One piece I then dry embossed in my Cuttlebug with a Snowflake folder and once that was done it put it all together added another stamped image and had this fun card.


  I then used a bit more shimmer mist on this one and intead of another stamped image on top, I simply added a matching orchid type flower and some ribbon and a sentiment  to make this card.


  Both my cards were created with the techniques I saw in the videos that Jennifer has created fro the classes.  I've done some techniques before and it was a good reminder of how much you can do with some inks and water.  She really has inspired me to use more of my supplies and to start embossing a bit more again and adding that extra layer of dimension to my cards.  It's fun and a nice change of pace.   Jennifer is amazing and there is so much you can learn from her classes.  If you are interested in trying some fun new inking ideas, I think you'll be very happy with what she has to share.  You can still start back and Week One - Here!   


  The best part is that I still have enough paper left to make another 4 or 5 cards and all from two sheets of cardstock.  One was Watercolor Paper and the other was basic white stamping cardstock.  I wanted to try both to see what different looks I could get.   I can't' wait to try some more of these fun ideas !   I am off now to upload my cards over at Two Peas and earn some new Holiday Badges!

   Before I sign off I wanted to remind all my friends who are subscribers of Suzanne and Marti's - Through the Craftroom Door Magazine, that tonight is the LIVE Chat and Scavenger Hunt over at the exclusive members only site.  If you hare NOT yet a subscriber, you will want to go HERE to sign up, so you can join us the next time!!

...and a perfect day to be outside doing yard-work, which is what hubby is doing today for me.  Cutting back all the dead flowers and weeds from my garden and raking up the leaves.   I used to love to do yard work and gardening, but that was one thing that I finally have to give up because of the Fibro.  I miss it, but that is also why I now adore cardmaking and it's my new hobby which keep me very happy and very busy.   Today, I plan to work on a few more Christmas Cards to add to my pile for this season.   

   I have made about 20 cards so far this year and today I was inspired by a few challenges to work on some more.  I started by hopping over the the Stars and Stamps blog and that's where I found this new sketch -

   My next stop was over at the 'Feline Playful' blog, which is the the wonderful creation of Karen Howard and a one stop blog to find out what new challenges are being hosted each day.  I really love how Karen has each challenge listed by day, and also by theme of type.  Karen is also a member of Operation Write Home and that is how I first met her and found her awesome blog.   She has now reached 500 Members and is again offering some awesome blog candy as a celebration this is awesome achievement!  I'm so happy for her and truly enjoy being one of her followers and subscribers to her blog.  It's awesome!   Thank you Karen!!

     I started  my first card using the OWH sketch.   This card was created with a  new set of Designer Paper I bought from Stampin' Up.  This is the Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper SET and it's gorgeous in very traditional shades of red and green.   I also used three different punches (also from Stampin' Up), to create my Happy Holidays card.




    This card was inspired and created for these fun challenge --

• Stars & Stamps Blog - Operation Write Home - Sketch 39
• Craftalicious Challenges - Challenge # 10 - Anything Goes
• Gingerloft Challenges - Challenge # 4 - Winter

   My second card was also created with the same paper set from SU,  and for this card, I simply used the scrap I had left after making my sketch card.   I simply made up my own design and added a different Happy Holidays Sentiment to complete this card.   This sentiment is from an Inkadinkado Holiday Stamp Set called ' Pattern Play Holiday'.   I bought the set for half price, after Christmas last year.  


    I am a huge fan of sales and never miss a good one and speaking of sales, if you like Stampin' up products, they've been offering some fabulous deals on the clearance rack and if you are looking for your own Stampin' up demonstrator  - I can highly recommend, Catherine Pooler and you can find her site HERE!  Catherine also has a group over at SSC, and she is a very talented crafter. 



      And the best part is that I still have more than enough paper left to make at least another 2 or 3 similar cards and I only used two sheets.  Each sheet is double-sided, making it a great value!




    Now, I am heading over to Two Peas to check out the fabulous new Holiday Thinking Inking Series, being offered and taught by Jennifer McGuire, one of my favorite stampers.  Oh and the best part is that these are totally FREE!  WOOHOO!!



     I took a few of Jennifer's 'Thinking Inking' classes last year and they are awesome, a great way to learn new techniques and try new ideas.  This year there will be 8 weeks of and some weeks they are multiple classes, so this is a wonderful opportunity and the cards and projects are awesome.   Currently, Jennifer is on Week 2, but all the details are there for the first week too!   There are fantastic videos, tutorials and downloads for each project, for the first class in Week 1, go HERE!

     Have fun!!



 

......A very windy Saturday here in Massachusetts....and brrrr is it chilly with these strong winds.  On the upside the sun is shining and the leaves on the trees are gorgeous.  It'll probably best the last weekend to see the pretty colors, so I hope to get outside and enjoy the wonderful foliage, a bit tomorrow.

  Today, I am working on a few new cards and also wanted to remind you all of the First Annual Haunted Halloween Hop being hosted today over at Simply Scrapping Crafts!


   I completed the hop this morning and was very happy that I made it.  Blog hops can be hard on Fibro, but I took my time and totally enjoyed it.  It was not too long and there were so many great things to see. I'm very thankful that today is a very good day for me and that my Fibro is not flaring, Woohoo!!    There are some wonderful creations along the way and also some awesome inspiration.  I found this wonderful sketch over Maureen's Blog: 

  And it turned out to be my inspiration for this cute Halloween card that I created this morning for some fun new challenges.
    My sweet little curly-haired boy, is a digi image from Baby Bud Design!  He is such a cutie and reminds me of my boys and the curls they boy had when they were young.  This is Baby Bud  Jack, and you can find him in the Etsy Store HERE!  I created my card for some new challenges, including our very FIRST challenge over at the Baby Bud Designs Blog!    I would LOVE for you all to hop on over and join in and after you make your Halloween card, you can then also submit it to all of these fun challenges, just look for Jack and he'll be there  --

• 2 Sisters Challenge Blog - Challenge #9 - Halloween
• Bee Crafty Challenges - Challenge # 40 - Halloween
• One Stop Craft Challenge Blog- Challenge # 102 - Halloween
• Stampin' for the Weekend - Challenge #49 - Fall/Halloween
• Stamp Something - Halloween Somethings

    I also finished up another card and this card I made to replace one I had made earlier this week.  Did you ever make a card for a challenge or some special event and just not LOVE it.  Well that happened to me the other day when I was working on a card for the Color Combo challenge over at SSC.  I completed the challenge and met the requirement, but I just did NOT like, let alone love, my card.  So, today,  I created another card that I will be resubmitting to the challenge.


   This is the inspiration photo we had for our challenge and the 'Twist' to was incorporate flowers into our project.


   This was the first card I made, and while I did like the flowers, I just did not like the card.  Ironically, it fell over right after I took my pics and all the Stickles smooshed all over and the card had to be tossed out.  Yet another sign, that it was not mean to be. 

   I did manage to save the flowers and this morning, I went back to the image and created this new card, which I like better, but still don't love.  The cards the other gals made, really looked awesome, but I am just not loving what I have put together with these colors.  I do like the second card better, but not much!!  LOL!   These colors simply did not work out so well for but me, but I am glad I tried again and now I'm done!  This card is fairly plain and simple and when I was working on it I liked it much better, now...not so much!  Oh well!!  I'll be curious too see which one you think is best?  Please leave me a comment!

  And now I am off to have some lunch with Alex, who is off from work today and treating his Mom and girlfriend, Acacia to a yummy Pizza lunch.  Woohoo!  And, it's from my all time favorite Pizza place and the first time I've had Pizza in months!  Yummy!!!   See you all later!!