Happy New Year!

Hi everyone,

Just a quick post to wish you a Happy New Year!  There is no way I would have let today go by without a post, after all, it’s the last day of 2010.  Some may say, "Thank God it's over," and others are sad to see it end.

I'm anticipating 2011 will be an exciting year and I have set some personal goals for myself.  I am also looking forward to sharing my creations with you.  Thank you for a great year of blogging.

Wishing all of my wonderful friends a happy and healthy New Year!  May it be the best yet!

Shutterfly Stamped Artwork Photo Book

Today I would like to share with you a Shutterfly 8" x 8" photo book I created about a month ago as a Christmas gift.  I had received an email with a discount coupon from Shutterfly which I just couldn't pass up!

Originally, I thought I would use a themed template, but once I realized how easy the software was to navigate I decided to create my own backgrounds to compliment my stamped artwork.  This book consists of 28 pages and has nature quotes on every other page to correspond with each photo.

I must say the process, delivery time, and final product from Shutterfly are all top notch!

Here are some pictures of the finished book.

Have you created a Shutterfly photo book?  If so, I would love for you to share your thoughts and/or tips by commenting on this post.

Thank you for coming to visit me.  Have a great day!

Christmas Gift Tags Tin

These are the Christmas gift tags I made for my sister-in-law and thought this nugget tin would be perfect to keep them in.  The big question was how many tags do I make?  Some people said 10 others said 15.  Well, I actually made 26 tags using my Tags til Christmas and Tags for All stamp sets.

The ornament tags I stamped on the back using the To:/From: stamp from the Peaceful Season set.

Gift Tags Recipe:

Stamps:  Tags til Christmas, Tags for All, Peaceful Season, Delightful Decorations, To You & Yours
Paper:  Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Handsome Hunter, Brocade Blue, Night of Navy
Ink:  Garden Green, Brocade Blue, Handsome Hunter, Rich Razzleberry, Concord Crush, Regal Rose, Basic Black, Chocolate Chip Marker, Iridescent Ice EP, Silver EP
Accessories:  5/8" Satin Ribbon in Opal Gray, Metallic Eyelets, SU Silver & Gold Cording, Star Dust Stickles, Decorative Label Punch, Ornament Punch, Nesties Small & Large Classic Rectangles, Nesties Small & Large Classic Scalloped Rectangles, Nesties Classic Scalloped Circles, Lots of Tags Die
Techniques:  Embossing

Drummer Boy

This is the Christmas card I made for my husband.  I have had this drummer boy stamp and was waiting for the right moment to use it.  The sentiment on the inside is from Quietfire Design.  I just love these calligraphy stamps. 

The drummer boy was stamped in StazOn Black then colored with Prismacolor pencils and blended with Gamsol.  I sponged the outer edges with Brilliance Pearlescent Beige & ColorBox Chalk Creamy Brown.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Flourishes Drummer Boy, Quietfire Design, SU Christmas Classics

Paper:  Mars, Brushed Gold, Memory Box Spiceberry Designer Paper, Old Olive, Shimmery White, Very Vanilla
Ink:  StazOn Black; Prismacolor Pencils with Gamsol; Sponging - Brilliance Pearlescent Beige & ColorBox Chalk Creamy Brown; Sentiment - VersaMark with Gold EP; Holly - Old Olive & Cherry Cobbler Markers; Inside Sponging - Distressed Antique Linen & ColorBox Chalk Creamy Brown
Accessories:  Gold Spica Pen, Glaze Pen, Recollections Metallic Green Brads, Nesties Large & Small Long Rectangles 
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging

2010 Heirloom Ornaments

These are some of the Christmas cards I sent to immediate family.  I would have loved to post them earlier, but I didn’t want to ruin the surprise for them.  As you can see, I used the same layout for all three cards, but mixed up the colors a bit.  Personally, I like the pink/beige card the best.

All this week I will be posting some of the “goodies” I’ve made.  I would love for you to stop back and visit me!

Ornament Card #1

Stamps:  Our Daily Bread Designs Ornaments, Blessed Christmas, Christmas Blessings

Paper:  Cranberry, DCWV The Mariposa Matstack Glittered Paper, Memory Box Mistletoe Paper, Whisper White, Very Vanilla
Ink:  VersaMark with Gold EP; Mellow Moss Marker, Pretty in Pink Marker, Regal Rose, Cherry Cobbler & Bravo Burgundy applied with a Blender Pen; Sponging - Distressed Antique Linen
Accessories:  1/2" Chantilly Crochet Ribbon, Kaiser Pearls in Latte, Spellbinders 2010 Heirloom Ornament Die #4, Labels Seventeen #6 
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging, Blender Pen

Ornament Card #2
Stamps:  Our Daily Bread Designs Ornaments, Blessed Christmas, Christmas Blessings
Paper:  Hemlock, DCWV The Mariposa Matstack Glittered Paper, BoBunny Noel Ornaments Paper, Whisper White, Very Vanilla
Ink:  VersaMark with Gold EP; Mellow Moss Marker, Pretty in Pink Marker, Regal Rose, Cherry Cobbler & Bravo Burgundy applied with a Blender Pen; Sponging - Distressed Antique Linen
Accessories:  1/2" Chantilly Crochet Ribbon, Basic Grey Opaline Pearls in Grass, Spellbinders 2010 Heirloom Ornament Die #4, Labels Seventeen #6
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging, Blender Pen

Ornament Card #3
Stamps:  Our Daily Bread Designs Ornaments, Blessed Christmas, Christmas Blessings
Paper:  The Paper Company Glacial Blue, Perfect Plum, BoBunny Snowy Serenade Winter Night Paper, Whisper White
Ink:  VersaMark with Gold EP; Mellow Moss Marker, Bashful Blue Marker, Brocade Blue & Perfect Plum applied with a Blender Pen; Sponging - Distressed Antique Linen
Accessories:  Sheer Purple Ribbon, Kaiser Pearls in Lavender, Spellbinders 2010 Heirloom Ornament Die #4, Labels Seventeen #6
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging, Blender Pen

Buon Natale!

I would like to take a few minutes to wish my family, friends and followers a blessed Christmas!

Christmas is a time for reflection, the traditions we share and memories of the past year.

Happiness ...

     The simplest joy -

     The greatest gift -

     My wish for you this holiday season.

Believe Poinsettia Collage

I just love this new stamp from Memory Box!  Poinsettia stamps seem to be everywhere this holiday season.  I really like how this card shimmers.  The Bridesmaid Specialty Paper was sponged with Cherry Cobbler which really make those silver swirls stand out.

The poinsettia was created with Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Memory Box Believe Poinsettia Collage

Paper:  Shimmery White, Bridesmaid Specialty Paper, Cherry Cobbler
Ink:  Prismacolor Pencils; Sponging - ColorBox Frost White & Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Swarovski Austrian Crystals in Amethyst, Gamsol
Techniques:  Sponging

Christmas Angel

Today I would like to share with you my beautiful Christmas angel.  Isn’t she just precious? This is one of those cards you make and don’t want to give up; however, she is going to a wonderful home so I am happy about that.

The angel was stamped in StazOn Black then colored with Prismacolor pencils and blended with Gamsol.  I sponged the outer edges with Brilliance Pearlescent Beige & ColorBox Chalk Creamy Brown.

The pretty glitter paper is from BoBunny and I thought I would pull the burgundy color as my accent.

The gold metallic bow was created with my Bow-Easy.  If you don’t have one already, I would highly recommend adding it to your craft supplies.  Perfect bows every time – I just love it!

The verse on the inside is from the Our Daily Bread Designs Christmas Blessing set.  It is stamped in VersaMark with gold embossing powder.

I would like to share this poem with you.

"Angels Are Friends"

Angels are all around me

Some I cannot see
Always near or by my side
Gently helping to be my guide.
When life's obstacles get in my way
Arms reach out to push them away.
As the tears roll down my face
An Angel is here with a warm embrace.
For the times I cannot endure
Rest at ease for I have a cure
The heavens above, so kindly sends,
No need for wings, my "Angels Are Friends"

Card Recipe:
Stamps:  Stamps Happen, Inc. Celestial Angel, Our Daily Bread Designs Christmas Blessings
Paper:  Linen Natural White, Bravo Burgundy, BoBunny Snowy Serenade Overture, Shimmery White, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Prismacolor Pencils with Gamsol; Sponging - Brilliance Pearlescent Beige & ColorBox Chalk Creamy Brown; Sentiment - VersaMark with Gold EP; Mellow Moss Marker
Accessories:  1/4" Metallic Gold Ribbon, Nesties
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging
Card Size:  4 1/2" x 6 1/4"

Merry Christmas in Gold

I have to admit this card was a little tricky with the ribbon, but I like the way it came together.  

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Holidays & Wishes

Paper:  Cream Luster, Brushed Gold, Anna Griffin Holiday Traditions Designer Paper, Very Vanilla
Ink:  VersaMark with Gold Embossing Powder
Accessories:  Gold Organdy Ribbon, Nesties Labels Fourteen, Nesties Large Classic Circles
Techniques:  Embossing

Vintage Ornaments

This card reminds me of the Victorian Christmas ornaments I have on my tree.  I added crystal effects to them so they really do look like glass bulbs.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Stampers Anonymous Mini Holidays (CMS 066), SU Joy, Flourishes v.2 by Rhonna Farrer

Paper:  Cream Luster, Chocolate Chip, Brushed Gold, Very Vanilla, Background by The Graphics Fairy
Ink:  VersaMark with Gold EP; Ornament #1 - Evergreen & Burgundy Shimmerz Paint; Ornament #2 - Tickle Me Turquoise & Sugar Plum Shimmerz Paint; Sentiment - Chocolate Chip; Flourish - Creamy Caramel; Sponging - Brilliance Pearlescent Beige & Creamy Caramel
Accessories:  Crystal Effects, SU Gold Cording, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Nesties Classic Long Rectangles

Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging

"Stylish" Blog Award

Last week I received the “Stylish Blogger Award” from the very stylish Pam at Wacky Whippet Stamper.  I also received it from Karin at KarinsArtScrap.  Thank you Pam & Karin for this wonderful award and I am very happy to have received it.

The rules for receiving this award:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this.
2. Share 8 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award to bloggers you have recently discovered.

The eight things I would like to share with you are:

1. I was born and raised in New York.
2. I only drink flavored coffee.
3. I have one sibling.
4. My sense of direction is terrible and I try to avoid all highways.
5. Purple is my favorite color - at least for the moment.
6. When I invest in something it is all or nothing ... guess that explains the five million stamps I have ... lol.
7. My favorite thing to wear is a dress and/or skirt.
8. When venturing out for lunch I love Panera Bread.

Now for the fun part!  Here are the blogs (and the amazing ladies behind them) that I am passing on the “Stylish Blogger Award” to:

Kristie - Kristi's Paper Creations
Rita - Rita's Little Corner
Alissa - Starry Nights Studio
Sarah - Something Special
Juanita - Stampin Twilight Mom
Kim - Paper Perfect Designs

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

C is for Cat Sympathy

This card was made for my friend Kari.  Her beloved kitty Ditto passed away recently.  My heart goes out to her family.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  C is for Cat, Stampscapes Sedge Filler

Paper:  Desert Storm, Cajun Craze, Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Rich Razzleberry, Dusty Durango, Old Olive
Accessories:  Spica Pen in Orange, Icon Yellow Rhinestone, Designer Label Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging

"Attitude" Blog Award

Wow - I can’t believe I have received a second blog award!  This one was graciously given to me by Michelle at Michelle’s Wacky World.  Thank you so much Michelle for selecting me!

The rules for receiving this award:

1. Thank the person that passed it to you.

2. Copy the award to your blog.
3. Share three unknown (or little known) facts about yourself.
4. Pass the award to 5 others.

The three things I would like to share with you are:

1. I am left-handed and my husband is also left-handed.  Perhaps this makes us more compatible … lol!
2. I am up by 4:00 a.m. every day to do my blogging and visit each of you.
3. In the spring and summer I love to garden and you can see some of the pictures of my gardens on my right sidebar.

The wonderful blogs with a little extra “attitude” that I would like to pass this award to are:

Jodi – Jodi’s Card Creations
Dana – Dana’s Inspirations
Rebekka – A Diamond in the Rough
Karen – Feline Creative
Dani - Paulette's Papers

Please know it was extremely difficult to pick five as I have met so many wonderful ladies through my blogging and/or SCS.  I think everyone deserves the “Attitude” award!

Thank you again Michelle.

O Christmas Tree

Well, our Christmas tree has been up for about a week now and is decorated in a Victorian theme.  It usually takes us all day to trim this 9 foot tree while we listen to Christmas music.  My husband always takes care of the lights and the beads so please tell him what a great job he did!

CAS96 - Lovely As A Tree

I thought I could use a few more CAS cards with the holidays coming up.  They are so much easier to mail!

So here is my submission for Monday's CAS challenge over at SCS.  Thank you Jen!

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Lovely As A Tree, Four the Holidays

Paper:  Hemlock, Brushed Gold, Whisper White
Ink:  VersaMark with Gold Embossing Powder, Handsome Hunter
Accessories:  1/4" Metallic Gold Ribbon, Bow-Easy
Techniques:

Bells & Boughs

The new Deck the Halls Designer Paper by Stampin' Up is so pretty I didn't want to cut it up!

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Bells & Boughs, Papertrey Ink Believe

Paper:  Cream Luster, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Deck the Halls Designer Paper, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Early Espresso, StazOn Black, Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Opaline Chocolate Pearls, Nesties Labels Eight, Nesties Labels Five, Nesties Small Classic Scalloped Ovals, Nesties Large Classic Ovals
Techniques:  Blender Pen
Card Size:  4 1/2" x 6 1/4"

Mini Holidays

The background and calendar for this card were created by sponging ColorBox Frost White onto Whisper White paper then adding Distressed Broken China & Faded Jeans.  I then inked up the music stamp with Distressed Black Soot by lightly swiping over the stamp.  Lastly, I sponged SU Frost White Shimmer Paint all over the background and calendar.

The reindeer was stamped in StazOn Black on Shimmery White paper then sponged with Handsome Hunter.  I used my hobby blade to cut it out then added the clear rhinestones.

The card still needed something so I added the snowflake brad.  Sure wish you could see how pretty the background is, but I just couldn't get a good picture of it.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Stampers Anonymous Mini Holidays (CMS 066), Festive Sounds (CMS 048)

Paper:  Sage Shadow, Handsome Hunter Very Vanilla, Shimmery White
Ink:  ColorBox Frost White, Distressed Broken China, Faded Jeans, Distressed Black Soot, StazOn Black, Handsome Hunter
Accessories:  SU Frost White Shimmer Paint, Kaiser Clear Rhinestones, Snowflake Brad, Edge Distresser, Hobby Blade, Nesties Large Classic Rectangles
Techniques:  Sponging, Embossing

Regal Poinsettia

Well, I don't know which I like better on this card the poinsettia or the beautiful Eskimo Kisses paper.  What do you think?

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Heartfelt Creations Regal Poinsettia Set (HCPC 2291)

Paper:  Cranberry, Blushing Bride, Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses Designer Paper, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Black, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Cherry Cobbler, VersaMark with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Prismacolor Mahogany Red Marker
Accessories:  Crystal Effects, 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon in Pretty in Pink, Nesties Labels Fourteen
Techniques:  Sponging, Embossing

Day of Gratitude Post-It Note Holder

Oh, I forgot to include this in my post yesterday.  I also made a Post-It Note Holder using the new Day of Gratitude Set.

The medallion was inked up with More Mustard then I applied Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler & Cajun Craze with a sponge dauber.

Post-It Note Recipe:

Stamps:  Day of Gratitude

Paper:  More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Autumn Spice Designer Paper, Very Vanilla
Ink:  More Mustard, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze
Accessories:  1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon in Old Olive, Nesties Small & Large Classic Squares, Scor-Tape
Techniques: 

Grateful Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.  This is the card I made for my brother and his wife.  I know the Day of Gratitude set will definitely be one of my "go to" sets for autumn.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Day of Gratitude, Holidays & Wishes

Paper:  Mustard, Cajun Craze, Autumn Spice Designer Paper, Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa
Ink:  Old Olive, Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  3/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Kraft, Nesties Labels Seventeen, Decorative Label Punch
Techniques:  Sponging

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for what we have, and what we have been given in life.  I invite you this season to join me in taking some time to actually think about "For what and for whom am I grateful."  I know when I reflect on mine, each entry will carry with it memories of both joy and pain ... new experiences, authentic relationships.

My wanting only ups and no downs is to deny the complexities and realities of life.

I am very thankful for the beauty of nature -
     magnificent mountains ...
     the colorful leaves ...
     the smell of flowers ...
     the roaring of the waves ...
     the setting sun ...
     the rising moon ...

Most of all I am thankful for my health, my family, and for you coming to visit me when you can.

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving!

Serene Cove

This simple card was created with my brayer and a Kaleidacolor ink pad. 

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Stampscapes Lakeside Cove Lg., Oak Branch, Reeds Lg.

Paper:  Ballet Blue, Basic Black, Glossy White
Ink:  Kaleidacolor Blue Breeze, StazOn Black
Accessories:
Techniques:  Brayer

Blog Parties

There are so many blog parties I thought I would make a list of them to share with you. 

Monday...

Blue Monday @ Smiling Sally

Beautify It Monday @ Bringing Beauty
Brag Monday @ The Graphics Fairy

CraftOManiac Monday @ CraftOManiac
Creative Mondays @ Always Crafting
Creative Monday @ A Twinless Twin
Favourite Photo Monday @ Blueberry Craft and Hobby
Inspire Me Monday @ Create With Joy
Macro Monday @ Lisa's Chaos
Magical Monday @ A Creative Harbor
Make it Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Mellow Yellow Monday @ Mellow Yellow Monday

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Mosaic Monday @ Little Red House

Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping it Simple
NF Inspiring Photography @ NatureFootstep meme

Tuesday...

A Return to Loveliness @ A Delightsome Life
Barn Charm @ Bluff Area Daily
Cottage Style Party @ Lavender Garden Cottage

Garden Tuesday @ Sidewalk Shoes
Hoo's Got Talent @ Night Owl Crafting

Knick of Time Tuesday @ Vintage Style Inspiration
Sweet Shot Tuesdays @ Kent's
Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Texture Tuesday @ Kim Klassen Cafe'
This Week In My Garden @ The Little Round Table
Transformation Tuesday @ The Ironstone Nest
Tuesday Garden Party @ An Oregon Cottage (seasonal) 

Tuesday Tea Parties...

Friends Sharing Tea @ Bernideen's Tea Time

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Martha's Favorites

Tea Cup Tuesday @ Artful Affirmations

Tea Party Tuesday @ Sweetology

Tea Talk @ The Teaist (Wednesday)
Tea Time Tuesday @ Rose Chintz Cottage
Tuesday Cuppa Tea @ Antiques and Teacups
Your Cozy Home Party @ Cozy Home Scenes

Wednesday...

Before & After Wednesday @ The Dedicated House
Blissful Whites Wednesday @ Timewashed
Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters
Let's Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen
Nature in the Home @ Little Green Shed
Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday @ Primp

Rednesday @ It's a Very Cherry World!

Watery Wednesday @ Watery Wednesday

Whatever You Want Wednesday @ Free Pretty Things For You
What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants
Wicked Good Wednesday @ The Wilderness Wife
Wild Bird Wednesday @ Paying Ready Attention Photo Gallery
Wordless Wednesday @ Create With Joy

Wow us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Thursday...

Alphabe-Thursday @ Jenny Matlock's ... off on my tangent

Cottage Garden Party @ Fishtail Cottage
Creative Things Thursday @ The Vintage Farmhouse

Home and Garden Thursday @ A Delightsome Life

Open House Party Thursday @ No Minimalist Here
Rural Thursday @ A Rural Journal
Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a daily cup from Mrs. Olson
Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Thankful for my Friends Thursday @ The Cottage Market
This or That Thursday @ Deb Duty Photography
Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner
Time Travel Thursday @ Brambleberry Cottage

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Chic Cottage 

Friday...

Anything Goes @ Bacon Time
Farm Fresh Friday @ Sall's Country Life
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage

Fertilizer Friday @ Tootsie Time
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Floral Friday Fotos @ Floral Friday
Foodie Friday @ Designs by Gollum

Fresh Cut Fridays @ Rose Vignettes (First Friday of Each Month)

Friday Favorites @ Simply Sweet Home
Fridays Unfolded @ Stuff and Nonsense
Friendship Friday @ Create With Joy
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home

Inspiration Friday @ The Picket Fence

Photo Friday @ Hollie Rogue
Stampin' for the Weekend @ Stampin' for the Weekend
Show and Share Day @ Just a Girl

Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Show Off Friday @ What About
Weekend Blog Party @ Sincerely, Paula

Saturday...

Camera Critters @ Bluff Area Daily

Flowers on Saturday @ Blueberry Craft and Hobby
Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound
Saturday Show Off @ Maleviks Rosentradgard
Strut Your Stuff Saturday @ Six Sisters' Stuff
Weekend Cat Blogging @ Catblogosphere

Sunday...

Let's Get Social Sunday with Evelyn & Jamie
One Stitch At A Time @ One Stitch At A Time Challenge
Nifty Thrifty Sunday @ Nifty Thrifty Things
Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper

Shadow Shot Sunday @ Shadow Shot Sunday 2
Sunday Blog Love @ Cherished Treasures
Sunday Showcase @ Under The Table & Dreaming
Sunlit Sundays @ My Little Home and Garden

Sunny Simple Sunday @ Sunny Simple Life
Today's Flowers @ Today's Flowers

Vee's Note Card Party @ A Haven for Vee (3rd Wed. each month)

Bloggers Bloom Day @ May Dreams Gardens (15th of each month)