My Holiday Home

WHEW!!! Has it really been this long since I last posted? Life just spins out of control for me in December. My job (that pays for my stamps ;) is a visual retail merchandiser. Basically I make sure that the products that I represent for companies are out, looks pretty, and it makes you want to buy it. Ha! Ha!
I thought for the next few days when a few minutes are available, that I would post more pictures of my home. My home is really "blinged" out during the holidays. Everything is always grabbed at the clearance sales, tucked away, and then the next year I put to use my previous year's bargains.
This little tree is in my son's bathroom. Such a cute size and there is a winter shower curtain with snowflakes, polar bears and penguins on it.

I have collected heart ornaments for years and have received many from friends. There are probably 175 now. If you notice on my blog, hearts are my "thing". Do you have one of the slim trees? Mine is new and in my foyer - I really like that it doesn't take up so much space, but if I'm blessed with many more years, a wider tree may have to come back into the house to hold new heart ornaments.

Homemade Holiday House & CIC 36

These houses are fun to make, but man do they take time! This house took almost 2 hrs. Once I started, the decision was made to make this for a real purpose, so CIC 36 it was. LOL

Rachel

has a wonderful holiday cupcake this week. Notice my door has holly and berries on it. Everything else I'm working on are cards for most of my friends who visit here, so not sure how much I'll be posting the rest of this week. Make it a fun and merry one!!!

Stamps - PTI Homemade

Paper - SU

Ink - PTI - New Leaf and Razzleberry, Copics for window "glow"

Misc. - PTI New Leaf ribbon, MS Mica Flakes, Kaiser bling, MS holly punch, MS fence punch

Christmas Blessings

Sometimes it's good to get out of your routine. Almost all my stamping lately has required coloring and I love it (takes me back to childhood). However, when I first started stamping it was all solid images and it was a lot of fun. This summer while attending a stamping retreat, I asked my friend Barb to send me a holiday catalog and when it arrived this stamp set just called out to me. The vintage look was not something that would have been my first choice, there was just something about it.
Stamps - TAC Ornaments and PTI Christmas sentiments/PTI labels
Paper - TAC & SU
Misc. - Flowersoft Polar White, MS Village/Scallop punches, PTI ribbon, Kaiser bling, Olive/Plum ink

CIC35

Whew!!!! I barely made it. Life certainly gets busy this time of year doesn't it! Rachel

picked the cutest image for this inspiration and it just so happens that I have a snowman cupcake. What luck!!!!

Stamps - Stampendous clear cupcake set & Studio G sentiment

Paper - SU

Misc. - PTI ribbon, MS glitter, MS punches, nestabilities, bling, silver metallic pen

Gingerbread Holiday

Happy Friday!!!! I don't have a card to share with you today, but thought that maybe a few of my decorations might be fun. My house is pretty much "blinged" out at Christmas, almost every room has a "tree" of some kind (lots of them are tiny). This is a tree in my kitchen in the hallway leading to the powder room. My entire kitchen is decorated with gingerbread kids and candy. Last year, I picked up lots of MS gingerbread cookie boxes of clearance and will put them together this weekend and put them in my hutch with the kids. Will post a pic when all is said and done. Hope your weekend is great!!!

Happy Holidays!

Can I say that this card was such a wonderful accident!!! Today was a sick day for me (cough cough) and even though I didn't want to color, decided a card could still be made. Used some fun paper and punched a couple of snowflakes. My happy accident was that I spilled a bottle of dew drops on the table and tada! thought it might look fun on the snowflake tips. I LOVE IT!!!
Paper - Making Memories Mistletoe & SU cs
Misc. - MS punches, dew drops, PTI ribbon, button

Happy Thanksgiving

From my home to yours - Happy Thanksgiving!

Just Magnolia - Masking

This weekend I really concentrated on getting some Christmas cards done and play in a couple of challenges. This is for Just Magnolia using masking. It's really so much fun with Magnolias to do masking, so many adorable scenes you can create.

Stamps - Tilda w/letter and present (Magnolia) and PTI Christmas sentiment

Paper - Cosmo Cricket (Jolly By Jolly) & PTI cs

Ink - Memento and Copics

Misc. - Nestabilities, PTI buttons (holiday mix), PTI twine

CIC34

It's been a while since I've been able to play in the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge, but this week I had to find time!!! I was immediately drawn to the beautiful apple and the cupcake, so my recent Belles 'n Whistles Tania Baking was a cute choice. Maybe she is making cupcakes. This is such a sweet challenge, don't forget to play along.

Stamps - Belles 'n Whistles Tania Baking, PTI sentiment (Homemade)

Paper - Making Memories (Autumn Splendor), SU cs

Ink - Memento and Copics

Misc. - Nestabilities, PTI ribbon, SU punches, and my signature heart sticker

PTI Homemade

This is my second attempt at a post today. Technology has just been torture for me this week. Camera, printers, work, internet. BLECH!!!!

This is the new PTI Homemade template and stamp set. I will be filling this with candy and taking with me to the hostess of the Thanksgiving Day dinner.

Stamps - PTI Homemade

Ink - Memento, SU RRust, and Copics for glow in the windows

Misc. - PTI ribbon, Autumn Flowersoft, Prismacolor pen for the door

Winter Wonderland

Finally! So frustrating when "technology" does cooperate isn't it. This is more of that fabulous paper featuring these cute houses. Kept it very simple since the paper is the focus. Hope you are having a good week so far.
Stamps - Studio G sentiment
Paper - Merrymint Collection
Ink - Memento and Copics
Misc. - Stickles, MS punches, MS flakes, dew drops, PTI ribbon

UGH

No card today because for some reason, blogger is being difficult. Anyway, on Dancing with the Stars, I called 2 of the final 3 before the season even premiered. WOO HOO!!!!!!!! If Kelly Osborne wins, I will be shocked!!! As much as I adore Donny Osmond (saw him in concert in HS) my hope is that Mya wins. She is gracefully, sassy, beautiful and her partner ain't too bad either ;).
On other entertainment note, New Moon is almost here. I can't wait and last night watched the E! New Moon premiere and can I just say that Taylor Lautner is very mature, gave a great interview and seems like a suave movie star already. Kristen and Rob seemed a little awkward and gave short vague answers. Everybody handles screaming fans, mass photogs, and stress differently, but Taylor seems like a pro at 17! Really hope he IS dating Taylor Swift - such a cute couple!
Hope to be able to post some things in the next few days. Toodles!

Simple and Fun

Just wanted to make a super simple card, that could be easily duplicated (if needed). This would be cute for several people on my list who love Starbucks's Peppermint White Chocolate Mochas.
Stamps - PTI Holiday Sentiments and Imaginisce Polar Expressions
Paper - Imaginisce Polar Expressions, SU cs
Ink - Memento and Copics
Misc. - MS border punch, bling, White Smooch (on marshmallows), MS twine, and nestabilities

Joy

This has been one crazy week and barely time for anything fun. However, finally found time tonight to make a couple of holiday cards. I had bought a MS Halloween punch called scary branch, but thought it could be a winter branch too.

Stamps - The Greeting Farm elf and PTI Holiday Sentiments

Paper - Cosmo Cricket JollyByGolly, SU cs

Ink - Memento and Copics

Misc. - Nestabilities, MS punches, stickles, dew drops, Smooch on her teeth

Country Christmas

I hope you are having a good weekend so far. I decided to make a "country" looking card, because when looking at ornaments those always seem to grab my eye. Pretty simple, but it used up a few scraps of paper which is always a good thing. LOVE LOVE LOVE this MS border punch and if Rachel has any left - grab it!
Stamps - Vintage Labels, 2009 Holiday Tag Set (PTI)
Ink - Olive and Cocoa SU markers
Paper - Making Memories Fa La La pp and SU cs
Misc. - MS border punch, stickles, PTI button/ribbon/twine, bling, and nestabilities

Fairy Doodle Holiday

This past week has been a blur. My sister and her family have returned home and now I miss them. :( However, lots of new stamps/accessories have arrived and this weekend I plan to hunker down and start on some fun gift ideas. Since I can't post them (don't want any sneak peeks) today I have a card with the adorable Fairy Doodles that my friend, Anna, posted months ago and on the hunt I went for them. ADORABLE!!!!!

I'm anxiously waiting for my Magnolia winter/Christmas kit to arrive!!! It's pure torture. ;)

Stamps - Fairy Doodles

Paper - Memory Makers Mistletoe (wish they offered white in their holiday mixes instead of only vanilla)

Ink - Memento and Prismacolor pens

Misc. - MS punch, dew drops, stickles, CB snowflake ef, nestabilities, PTI button/ribbon

Winter Wishes

I hadn't planned on uploading this card, but my niece and sister had a fit over it. LOL There really isn't a lot of stamping, but it is a fun holiday card. This paper is fabulous and I thought it looked good with the punch because upon closer look, there are little snowmen in the village. This is the first time using the white Flowersoft. Wanting to create a little snow scene, I just put little dots of the glue and dropped it. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps - PTI Holiday Sentiments (not the official name)

Paper - Merrymint (American Crafts) and SU cs

Ink - Memento

Misc. - PTI button, MS twine/border punch, nestabilities, Flowersoft (white), pop-up dots

CIC31

When I saw Rachel's CIC this week, there had to be time to play because I had the perfect paper/stamp. My sister has been here for the past week and she lives on the other side of the US, but while she was at a wedding, there was time to get this challenge done. My niece is also here and she is big time into scrapbooking (and now stamping I think). While my sis and I watched DWTS, my niece went into my stamp room and just went crazy making cards. LOL I also gave her 30 stamp sets. Hope her husband still likes me. ;) On DWTS, what is with Len - he is mean to Mya and I don't like it. Mark did a great job considering he had to practice with 3 different people last week.

Stamps - Fairy Doodles

Paper - My Little Shoebox and SU/PTI cs

Ink - Memento and Copics

Misc. - Nestabilities, flowers, dew drops, Q&Co. flower, CC ribbon, Liquid Pearls, Stickles

Fright Night

Tonight's the night! Are you ready with lots of goodies for the trick or treaters?

Today is the final reveal day for the Halloween card kits that I hosted. Last and certainly not least is Tammi! Love the image that she sent! The stars that I added turned into quite an ordeal. First I stenciled them on and they looked flat and boring. So I used a silver glitter pen on top, still blech. Finally I added Stardust stickles and was pleased with the end result. While going thru my PTI Orange Zest buttons last week this little paw button fell out and it was meant to be!! One of the funniest things about this kit was that 3 people used BG Eerie. It's a great paper and I can see why it was so popular!!! Are handing out candy? Taking your kids around the neighborhood? Going to a Trunk 'n Treat? Party? Whatever you do tonight - have a blast!!! BOO!!

Please visit Tammi, Anna, Kim, and Rachel to see what they have done with this kit!

Stamps - Penny Black and $1 stamp sentiment

Paper - BG Eerie and cs

Ink - Memento and Copics

Misc. - Stencil, silver glitter pen, Stardust stickles, PTI button/twine, heart sticker, nestabilities

The Raven

Today's kit is from Rachel!!! Love this spooky image and her papers were perfect. I changed the color of my PTI ribbon like I did with my kit (LOVE that) and added an autumn sticker, bling, and altered my little heart embellishment with Stickles Starry Night. Perfect match to her paper. Make sure to visit the blogs of Tammi, Rachel, Anna, and Kim to see what they have designed!
Stamps - Inkadinkadoo
Paper - BG Eerie
Misc. - PTI ribbon, K&Co. heart sticker, bling, Stickles Starry Night

Ding Dong the Witch is...

This is Kim's kit and if you visit her blog regularly, this girl ROCKS the 3D look to her cards. Wanting to pay homage to her, I very carefully cut out her hat for my 3D effect. Man it's tough when you hit a certain age (cough cough). Had to bling out her bow and skirt and yea - I did a green witch - go me!!! lol
Stamp - TAC Spooky Girls (I added sentiment $1 Michaels)
Paper - BG Eerie pp, Kiwi Kiss, TAC white, DCWV pastel cs
Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic/Prismacolor pens
Misc. - PTI ribbon & twine, stickles, Q&Co. bling ring
Check the other blogs to see what these talented ladies came up with!

Kim, Rachel, Tammi, and Anna!

Witchy Woman

Continuing with the card kits countdown, today features MY kit. When I saw this cutie, she had to go in my online shopping cart. LOL My ribbon wasn't quite the colors that I wanted, so I just used the chisel end of a Copic marker and tada! It goes right thru, so no need to flip and repeat. Sweet! For the little stars, I just punched them out with scraps from my pp.

Please visit Anna, Tammi, Rachel, and Kim to see what they have come up with.

Stamp - Bewitcheda' TUDE (Stamping Bella)

Paper - PTI cs and Memory Box Twilight

Ink - Memento and Copic/Prismacolor pens

Misc. - Nestabilities, PTI ribbon/button, star punch, and let's see what else...

Just Magnolia sketch

2 posts in one day - crazy (for me anyway). This is for the Just Magnolia challenge this week. It's a sketch challenge and I love it, but now wish that I had switched the paper tilted and the argyle paper because all the cooking utensils are lost. Lesson learned. Thanks and make sure you check out my other post for the Halloween card kit countdown that I'm hosting!
Stamps - Tilda w/spoon (Magnolia Yummy collection) Studio G sentiment
Paper - SU cs and DCWV Nana's Kitchen pp
Ink - Memento and Prismacolor pens
Misc. - Q&Co. flowers, Nestabilities, SU punch, K&Co. bling,

Frankie Goes Hollywood

Recently I asked several friends (who have blogs I visit every day) to be part of a Halloween card kit swap. We send images, cs, and pp and then add embellishments on our own. This is Anna's kit. Her papers were so cute and double sided, so it was torture deciding which ones to use. ACK!!! I decided to make it all about the CANDY baby!!! Now you may be asking yourself, so what's up with the title - Frankie Goes Hollywood. I was almost done with this card, and the jacket was the last thing left. What to do, what to do...then it dawned on me that there was a group called Frankie Goes Hollywood and boy is his jacket blingy!!! Completely covered with stardust stickles. Please check out the other gals!
Anna
Rachel
Tammi
Kim
Image - Pink Cat Studios
Paper - Sorry I lost the packaging so I don't know who makes it, but it's adorable!
Ink - Copic/Prismacolor Pens
Misc. - Stardust stickles, K&Co. bling, and let's see what else...

Nuts about you

Awww quiet time - LOVE IT!!!!!! The house has been mine since yesterday and will continue until Thurs. So what did I do last night? Stay up until midnight stamping, coloring, tossing out old pattern papers, looking for a stamp set that seems to be lost (and still lost). ugh!

It was time to get off my black/orange/white kick (which is one of my fav color combos), and decided to use some fun bright colors. This adorable little squirrel is part of a Studio G set that is available at www.hopestampseternal.com On the inside, I'm trying to decide between a couple of cute sentiments that will work. Ignore the little frays from the dies, my camera is running out of power, but I did pull them off.

On DWTS, I don't watch the results show until the last 5 minutes. It might sound mean, but even though Aaron Carter is doing a good job, it wouldn't bother me if he leaves. I think Carrie Ann is right, he's turning people off and that's why he's been in the bottom 2 for I think a couple of weeks.

Have a nice evening and who knows, I might stay up until midnight again! LOL

Stamps - Studio G clear set

Paper - My Little Shoebox, PTI CS

Ink - Memento cocoa

Misc. - EK border punch, PTI ribbon, Nestabilities, pop up dots

ATS Pixie

Happy Monday! Feeling kinda blah since this weekend, think it's the flu. However, there was a little quiet time on Sunday to make a birthday card. All That Scraps has these Pixies and they are so sweet. Did you see the holiday previews yet? Oh my!!! Love the Santa looking Pixie.

Stamps - All That Scraps digital image and ? sentiment

PP - scraps being used up and SU cs

Ink - Copic markers

Misc. - Nestabilities, PTI buttons, ribbon

Just Magnolia

This week's challenge is bright and zingy! LOL Well the Tilda with lollipop had to be used again.

Since my paper pad was still out on the table, I decided just to pick different papers from yesterday.

Stamps - Tilda w/lollipop and $1 sentiment (Michaels)

Paper - DCWV glitter dp, PTI cs

Ink - Memento and Copic/Prismacolor pens

Misc. - Stickles, dew drops, PTI ribbon, pop-up dots

What's Cookin'

This afternoon, I was able to eek in a little time to make a card. The Yummy for your Tummy Magnolia collection has got to be one of my favorites!!! Tilda is so cute and we should all look like this when baking. lol
Stamps - Tilda w/spoon (Magnolia) $1 sentiment (Michaels)
Paper - DCWV glitter pp
Ink - Memento Black and Cocoa, Copic markers
Misc. - MS bling, nestabilities, PTI ribbon

Challenges

OK normally I don't do combination of challenges, but time is not on my side this week. This is for CIC28 and Just Magnolia.

EEK - don't you just love her???? I think her frilly dress and hair are so cute. I also used a new hutch and part of it is covered by Tilda.

Stamps - Tilda w/lollipop and kitchen hutch (Magnolia)

Paper - BG Indian Summer and SU cs

Ink - Memento and Copic/Prismacolor markers

Misc. - SEI Mimosa flowers/leaves, bling, stickles, nestabilities

CIC27

It's been a few weeks since I've been able to participate in Rachel's cupcake inspiration challenges. The purple cs is the same color as her dress I swear - SU old Lavender Lace? Weird that it photographs so differently and it probably has nothing to do with my photo taking skills - ;) There is stickles on a few of the stars, but it's not showing up.

Stamps - Pure Innocence digi image, SU mini bg stamp, and Inkadinkado sentiment

Paper - SU Lavender Lace ? and black, PTI Orange Zest, and BG Twilight pp

Ink - Copic/Prismacolor pens

Misc. - MS fence punch, PTI buttons, Kaiser bling, PTI ribbon, stickles

Happy Fall

Happy Friday!!! It's has been a busy week and not a lot of time to stamp, but I was able to put a couple of digital images on a card to create a little fall/Halloween scene. Hopefully there will be some time tonight/tomorrow to get a couple of challenges done.

Stamps - ATS digi (spooky tree) Pure Innocence digi and PTI sentiment

Paper - BG Twilight and SU

Ink - Copic/Prismacolor pens and orange zest (PTI)

Misc. - Nestabilities, stickles, PTI button/ribbon, MS punches, and cutting (how do you people do this on a regular basis)

Halloween or Christmas

This is a color combo that I just love!!!! While going thru the paper stash, it was time to step out of the box and do a non-traditional holiday card.

Any tips on using the PTI label set? I'm not sure that I lined it up the best, maybe there is some helpful info on their site. UPDATE!! You need to put the label face down, fall into natural shape, then attach the block WHILE it's still face down.

Stamps - PTI labels set and sentiments set

Paper - SU and ? on pp

Ink - PTI Orange Zest and Memento Black

Misc. - PTI ribbons, nestabilities, PTI button and twine, Kaiser bling

Brrrrr

It's chilly here today!!!
My card fits what I find myself waking up to weatherwise. lol Lots of new things that I picked up on vacation. These Q&Co. flowers have a shimmer to them and hopefully you can see a bit of the light yellow flower peaking out.
Stamps - All That Scraps digi image (Autumn Emma) $1 sentiment
Paper - Imaginisce and SU
Ink - Copic/Prismacolor pens and chalk ink pad for sentiment
Misc. - Q&Co. flowers, Kaiser gemstones, CB ef, nestabilities, PTI ribbon, and MS leaf punch

Along came a spider

Sorry the picture isn't too great - it has been pouring down all day!

This is some of the paper that I picked up on vacation. My friend Tammi has used this before and it's so cute, the back has cute beachy tags on it.

Loved the orange/black and it reminded me of Halloween. There is a gemstone on his body.

Stamps - Inkadinkado (web/sentiment)

Paper - Bo Bunny and SU

Misc. - PTI button/ribbon and Kaiser black gemstone

Moments

No card today - returning from vacation is exhausting!!! lol I have so much on my plate this week, but hope to have a card tomorrow to share.
Yesterday was a moment that I needed. My husband & I have a rental property and late last night we went over to see what it looked like. Husband said not bad - I said HORRIBLE!!! Filthy carpets, my beautiful wallpaper torn, blinds ruined, blah, blah....anyway, a family came to look at the house and this teenage girl came into the kitchen that I was attempting to clean and she says "your house is so pretty". My first instinct was to turn around and say "yeah right". Thanks goodness I heard God in that moment. To her this might be pretty because I don't know what she is moving from. These are the moments that humble me so much for all the things that I have and, at times, take for granted.
OK - speech is over and hope to have a card tomorrow.

Purrfect

I think this is my first cat card since Simba's passing in August. This cat cube has 4 adorable faces on it and of course, one of my fav sentiments.

Vacation is going full swing - I sat on the beach all day yesterday reading Breaking Dawn (ACK)

and will probably finish it today around lunch. Now what am I going to do? I need more Bella/Edward/Jacob! Guess the New Moon movie will have to do.

Stamps - Inky Antics cube

Paper - DCWV and SU

Ink - Memento black & cocoa, Prismacolor pens

Misc. - K&Co. heart sticker, nestabilities

Have a good day

Today is another Pure Innocence image. Wanted to do an orange/green combo.

No details - too much going on this week.

Wishing you a sunshiny day!

A tip of my hat to my friend Kim in the title! My beach hat that is. This was taken from the porch at the condo. Have a beautiful day friends.

Meet Bubbles

A while back, I introduced you to Squeak and today meet his friend Bubbles. CUTE isn't she? I'm torn on what sentiment to add to her - any suggestions? Did you notice that I used BUTTONS!!!! Hope Tammi is proud of me. lol
Stamps - Bubbles (Daisy/Dandelion)
Paper - Bella Blvd. or Imaginisce (I forgot sorry)
Ink - Memento and Copics/Prismacolor pens
Misc. - buttons, PTI twine, stickles

Surprise

Today is another Stampavie image. This dog is just the cutest ever!!! Lately I've been on a kick having the sentiment on the same panel as the image.

Stamps - Stampavie and Birthday sentiment (Amy R for All That Scraps

Paper - DCWV pp and SU cs

Ink - Memento and Copics

Misc. - dew drops, stickles

Winter Wonderland

I've had this Mo's Digital Image (and a few others) for quite some time. That dog is holding on for dear life! LOL Really happy with the nice/clean look to this card.

Stamps - Skating (Mo's Digital Image) PTI sentiment

Ink - Copic/Prismacolor pens

Paper - SU cs

Misc. - bling, stickles, nestabilities, cb ef, MS snowflake punch

Trick or Treat

I'm still thinking Fall/Halloween. This is another digi image from All That Scraps. Also busted out a new nestabilities set.

DWTS - some surprises!! I never expected the Iron Chef host to be so light on his feet for some reason. So it looks like 2 of the 3 that I picked for my top choices did well. Donny & Aaron. Was it just me or did Macy Gray seem like she would rather be at the dentist than on the show.

Let's see how the ladies do tonight!

Stamps - All That Scraps digi image (Pumpkin Pixie) Inkadinkado sentiment

Paper - SEI & SU pp

Ink - Copics/Prismacolor pens

Misc. - Stickles, Nestabilities

ATS Fall

Good morning!!! Now normally I would NOT say that on a Monday, but DWTS starts tonight and I'm super excited. My top picks before tonight are Donny Osmond, Mya, and Aaron Carter. Mostly because these people are singers and dancing is required for their shows. So we'll see if there are any surprises!!
Fall is beginning for me - rain yesterday/this morning. Leaves are beginning to drop and cool breezes. LOVE this time of year, so I decided to use a new ATS digi image and a CB ef on clearance at ATS ($2). Don't know if it's sold out yet, but man am I loving this folder. Pretty simple design. Hope you have a toe tapping day! LOL
Stamps - ATS digi image (Emma pumpkin)
Paper - SU and scrap dp
Coloring - Copics/Prismacolor pens
Misc. - Stickles - MS border punch, sanding block, and Kaiser bling

CIC24

Ahoy 'me mateys!!!!!!!!!!! Rachel has done it again!!!! Not only did she find a cute set of cupcakes for Talk Like A Pirate Day, but she helped me use a SU Wheel that I've had for over a year and not inked!!!! I had to have this wheel because I'm addicted to LOST, and well it's cute. LOL Boy did I use a bunch of Copic markers to get the rich beautiful aqua water that I saw in the Bahamas. Seriously, it's breathtaking. Light green, blue, turquoise, deep rich navy colors WOW

Next week I won't be able to play in the challenge, but will definitely check out her inspiration anyway. Have a SUPER FUN WEEKEND!!!!!

Stamp - SU wheel

Paper - SU CS

Ink - Memento and Copics (too many to even count - ack)

Misc. - Stickles, Red Smooch (on X and flags), Silver metallic pen (shark fin & booty lock), faux brads, CB swirl ef