Hello Gracie!

I have some exciting news! I was one of 6 chosen to be on the new design team of Sherrod Studios! I am so excited! Kim sent these adorable stamps out to us to start creating and, boy did I! "Gracie" arrived last night and I couldn't resist playing after dinner. Good thing I sorted my paper stash the other night because I knew just where to go- my new MME Wild Asparagus papers. The papers reminded me of a carnival and that is the theme I went with. Since I am still learning how to use watercolor pencils, took my time and colored her shoes and cheeks, with the hair being the easiest. Paper pieced her outfit with the same red stripe and paisley print. Balloon strings are waxy flax. She is definitely "one of a kind!"

Please take a moment to congratulate Kim on her new adventure and visit her blog at Sherrod Studio ! While there, check out the other design team members artwork- grand opening is July 1st! See you there!

Challenge Cards- 2 very different styled cards

Before we left for an all day softball tournament, I made a simple card for the Unscripted Sketch #12 site. The glam girl card, well I am not too happy with the ribbon. Had I thought more about it, I should have added flourish rhinestones, more for the bling factor. The ribbon is just not doing it..... Oh well, in the $1 bin it goes. Someone will be happy with it!

These baby cards were made this morning. One for the challenge (turned the sketch sideways) and the other, just to use up some stash. These cards turned out better than I had hoped, but the coloring on the 'puter makes them look hot pink instead of the muted blush pink that they really are......

Our power was out friday night b/c of a thunderstorm. We had a little light left and I decided it was time to put my papers in a better order system. I tried to go by color or manufacturer or even style. I have a pile of baby papers that are Anna Griffin. Kris passed them to me with some stick ons, rub ons, and some die cuts. In the best interest of using my stuff before buying new, my goal is to use up these wonderful older papers and crank out some cards this week. Would like to have a card sale in July/August to move stock- we'll see how the time goes. My dining room is filled with papers and such, my living room is now holding overflow.....hubby had an insight and just shook his head. Does that mean he thinkith I have too mucheth???? If you don't have your own craft room, where do you work and keep your supplies? Does your hubby protesteth?

Silhouette Challenge #119 365 Cards

Wahoooooo! I finished my first ever week of daily challenges at 365 Cards! I am so excited- see, now I have 7 more cards to add to my card stash for those expected/unexpected times. I love the diversity of the challenges, so far, they are the most unique ones that I have participated in.

Now, about this card. The stamp set is called BE YOURSELF, by CTMH. There are a quite a few girls on this stamp, in various styles (a runner, a bride, a dancing girl, a cha-cha girl, etc.... one to suite just about every mood you have AND there a few sayings to match. I am really digging this stamp set! The papers, well that is a story too! My sister, Kris, and I had a girls date out right before the kids went on summer break. We went shopping at Mike's and bought quite a bit of things on clearance....or so we thought. We got rooked! In the back of the store, there were baskets of odds and ends, all with pink "clearance" stickers. Got this paper pack by MM Sabrina line, found the coordinating brads (see the pearl on the bottom?) and these really cute glass buttons. Of course, we spent a good 45 minutes searching for some great finds and loaded up. Well, walking thru the store, we found some of our products on the regular shelves- ha! at regular price! So, the $2.99 buttons, were really $2.99. BUYERS BEWARE! Shame that they try to trick you- may have to shop elsewhere after that! But, we had a great afternoon out together and we are building a strong friendship (that was what the day was about!)

Any of you have a story to share about shopping the clearance aisles?

Twisted Thursday Challenge!

Today, I am trying a new challenge site called Twisted Thursday. Yesterday was challenge #16, this is the sketch that was posted. Would you believe that the teddy bear, stars, clouds and saying are embellies from the $store??? I couldn't resist them when I walked in there to get paper plates for a tea party- got them in pink and blue (guess what I am making this weekend???more baby cards!) With the size of the bear, had to be presented on a larger card (6x6). The yellow corner tag is from Anna Griffin and it adds just the right amount of weight on the top to keep this card balanced. I have found that in order to make a card or layout pleasing to the eye- all additions must be in a triangle, in 3's. example: tag, bear and sentiment. bear, stars, cloud. bear, sentiment, corner tag. See what I mean?

I am anxious to see what other ideas for sketches this site comes up with and will definitely be back! Now, to find some sites that offer LAYOUT Sketch Challenges...... Know any good ones?

365 cards #118

Almost there! One more day and I can say I have successfully participated in a full week of 365 Card Challenges!! Wahooooo! Whew- the dining room table is a mess from all of the cards that I have been making this week- it feels good to be creating again!!!!


Today (6/26) was titled, "I've been framed!" Create a frame on your card.

My stash has had this chipboard from Heidi Grace for ages and since I wasn't tied to a color scheme, decided to pull it out and create. The colors are a bit odd- buttercup, cocoa, gray, and a bit of barn red- bordering on masculine. The stripes are a frame that I punched out the center (which was more pieces, like brackets, commas, circles...) The other papers are Anna Griffin and WR Memory Keepers. Use textured off white to stamp the flowers (CTMH stamp) and a My Sentiments Exactly sympathy sentiment. Misc ribbon to finish off the card.

Somehow, as much as I hate it, we do need these type of cards. Have found it easier to have a few on hand than to have to make them during a difficult time. Surprisingly, this card turned out better than expected and with the color scheme, can go masculine or feminine AND the subtle colors add to the somber mood that this card would be needed for.

off to do a layout or 2 (summer goal to do 1 layout a week....!)

Use It Challenge #16

Kristen sent my way some great matte papers from Animal Planet (?) and I just love the thickness of them as well as the patterns. This weeks challenge at USE IT! was to:
- use polka dots (background paper)
-let nature inspire you (animals )
-fave embellishments (my is the stand by ribbon, use it as much as I can!)
-mail it (this may have to wait for the next kid's b'day party....)

Was hoping to use other papers and use a new owl stamp, but got too lazy looking thru the stash of papers sitting here. So, grabbed what was handy! I am also learning how to use my waterbrush to color and to ground the image to the paper so it isn't floating- as you can see, need a touch more practice!

Enjoy your weekend- Kelly

Sweet Baby.... Cute Card Thursday Challenge

In the frame for simplicity so I can get lots of things accomplished this week. Cute Card Thursday Challenge #66, Wheely Good Time- is to use wheels on the card.

Looking thru the gazillion stamps in my stash, nope, nada, nothing except the baby carriage. So my poor attempt at a 'wheel' card is this. Some of the cards on this site are AMAZING- where do they get those fab stamps?????

Use some old papers Kris gifted to me, scallops to edge the last oval and a stamp from Studio G Clear stamps. MS satin ribbon to finish off the look. Simple, clean and ready to give.

Love is in the Air! 365 Cards Days #116 and #117

365 Cards #117, Simply Stated. Simple, not me! But the first attempt used a word block set from CTMH. The more I looked at it, the more it looked like too many sentiments! Back to the drawing board for #2. Yup, one heart, one word but...... couldn't leave well enough alone! Cut off the edge with scallops and edged the inside lining with cranberry. All of these love cards made me lovey dovey to hubba hubby!















Challenge #116 "Keep it to Yourself: a Wedding Card".....acckkkk!! no wedding stamps, no folders or cartridges to cut something out- what to do!?!? Then I remembered the cake charms just purchased from Wallys (MS) and then it took off! Used white and Grey Wool. The 2 hearts are clear embossed on top of Grey Ink and popped up for dimension. Added the charm last and have titled the card "2 Hearts Beat as One"- and to make sure the card passed the challenge requirements, showed the card to my 7 yr old and she yelled..."wedding mom!" (btw- what is up with shortening mommy to mom at 7???)

Laugh and the whole world laughs with you!

My baby has the most contagious laughter that I have ever heard. She is like me, laughs from the gut, laughs hard, laughs at life, at herself, at you! It is the most beautiful sound that you can hear- it really does make everyone around her laugh (no matter what she is laughing at!)

This layout (playing catchup with my pics) is for the Use It #15 Challenge and the Midnight Madness #6 Challenge.

The sketch was from MMSC#6. At first when I looked at it, I thought it was too difficult to do a card and sat the sketch aside. The more I looked at it, the more I "taunted" myself for the challenge and the idea of a layout took hold. Love inspiration- came home from the ice cream parlour and cranked it out in 1/2 hour!! How's that for efficiency??? The delicious coffee chocolate chip did wonders for my brain! p.s. the sketch was flipped b/c of the photo angle....

Use It called for :
-patterned paper over 1 year old: now I know my pink and black cardstock is forever and a day old, the patterned paper I got from Kris, it is Bobunny, so I think it is much newer, my bad....
-use chipboard: the LAUGH is K&Co, valentine
-use paint: nope
-use a rubon: don't have any, so I handwrote my journal
-use foam dots: popped up the journal box on 3d foam

have a great night, Kelly

Paper Piecing Technique

The challenge today on 365 #115, was titled "Piece It Together".

Paper Piecing is a great way to change up the stamp image that you have and incorporate different colors into your project.

Using my new stamp set from Verve "up up and away", gave me the perfect opportunity to do piecing. First, I stamped the smaller balloon on top and to the left for balance. Then, using a coordinating paper (the is the Alyssa line from BoBunny), I stamped the image again, and cut out the balloon- see my tiny mistake on the bottom? didn't quite get all of the balloon when I stamped on the EDGE by mistake! Anywhoooo, using a larger balloon, stamped in center, on the right, then again on striped paper. Cut it out and both balloons are pop dotted with 3d foam.

I love the flower paper in the line, reminds me of fluffy clouds, and the reverse image on this sheet, made for great mountains. Actually, the more I look at this card, it reminds me of the Sound of Music! p.s. I have NEVER watched this movie.....it is banned by DH!

Maybe you can tell me about it??????

Still Catching Up!

One of my goals this summer was to play along more frequently with the site 365 Cards. I figure, I will have a great stash of kids
b'day cards, christmas cards, and other thinking of you cards that I always seem to need.

Card #1, is for a kid. The sketch is #113, Sunday 6/21 on 365. The vision in my head on this card is not the final product. Unfortunately, I don't have a cricut cartridge with an arrow, handcutting wasn't an option since I wanted to do "quick", so this is how it ended. I spend much too much time on the lion's head- cutting out the mane and popdotting the head for dimension.....but for all of the kids parties that we seem to go to, this is perfect!

Card #2, is for the sketch on CPS (card positioning systems) #121. I love these new papers Kris gave to me on a recent visit. They are just beautiful IRL! The embossing and sparkle just make the card all wintery....BRRRR! The Peace on Earth sentiment is a Stampin' Up! image I picked up on Ebay. Can't wait to try more of this set!

Thanks for stopping by today!

I'mmmmm Back! Let the games begin!

Well, kids are finally out of school, everyone is better- no more flu bug, rain could be on its way out, and I am back to creating some cards! I was taking a much needed break and rejuvenating my mojo! Plus I actually read 4 books! The card I created for 2S4you Ultimate Showdown made it to the second round, competition got tough, and no, I didn't make it into the third round. sniff, sniff, sniff......

Today, I am picking up with a sketch from Card Patterns, #20, and love it! My sister, Kris, designed the sketch, so I am honored to create not 1, but 2 cards using it!

The first card is using the Basic Grey Wisteria line, LOVE this pack, and the stamped sentiment is from VERVE, Flowers- my first purchase from them (including the cupcake stamp on the next card.....) Miscellaneos ribbon, rhinestones and flowers.

The second card is using the same sketch, but used the color challenge on 365 CArds, #114 (monday 6/22) Lovin' Lavender! It is hard to see, but the oval cut out is on 3d foam, the main cupcake is also on 3d foam. I used the smaller cupcake image, the icing inked in Key Lime (CTMH ink), and the flower is all sparkly from Prisma Glitter (another CTMH product). The papers are from Kris, not sure the manufacturer.....
It turned out cute and am happy that I have another b'day card for my stash!!!

The tea party card workshop held this past weekend was a smashing success! The first 45 minutes were spent socializing with 3 new guests and we learned some new things about each other! I think everyone was pleased with the choices of card designs! It was a fun evening out, I have 3 new friends, and am brainstorming the next themed party!

Bobunny ad challenge #2- beach beauty

Check out the fussy cut swirls, pop dotted in different layers, different patterns of papers all from Bo Bunnys Back to basics line and popsicle line.

This was such a fun layout to create!

The challenge from Bo Bunny won't let me go.
So, here I am flipping through my mags (relaxed today to play catch up with the house!) and found this ad. I
loved the colors of it and felt that I could work with it for this picture of my M that I have had in my "must scrap first" pile...LOL!

So work with me here:
Inspired by the bright colors in the ad: green, yellow, red
My picture had blue, purple, yellow and red
Inspired by the swirls from the bottle of gain and it is repeated on top of the ad wording
my layout used dots, swirls and flowers in yellows and orange and blue instead of green
Inspired by the use of the arrow to point to the product
I used the arrow to point to my main subject
Inspired by the product behind the product onthe bottom
I used a label with title on top of the photo
Inspired by the small ad print on the bottom
I used small print for journaling around the edge of the layout and under the photo
Inspired by outside
picture taken outside


Inspiration at its finest- I challenge you to find an ad and create a layout!

CPS Sketch #119 One of a Kind

I just got this new stamp set from Close to My Heart and have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to use it. My sister and I went shopping at Michaels and I found some great stuff to add to my ever expanding stash of stuff - and more papers! Even bought the clear gems and flowers that matched this paper.

Card Positioning Systems had this sketch- great design and I loved how the final card turned out!

Thanks for looking! Have a "one of a kind" weekend-

Bo bunny Challenge to use an Ad for Inspiration

This ad came from Southern Living Magazine. I {heart} this magazine and have been getting it for years. When I saw what the design team had done with ads, I knew I had to get in on this one. For one, it will help me work on my backlog of scrapbooking. Two, Julia (at BoBunny) is giving away some awesome product!

The more I looked through my mags, the more I kept coming back to the simplicity of this ad/article. I had the perfect papers, Anna Sophia (that I have been hoarding for the perfect project...) and spent yesterday afternoon going through photos to see which ones I had that would match.


M was in her school play- the chicken outfit matched perfectly with these colors. Now, I went completely simple, clean, and graphic with this layout. Not my typical style, but really concentrated on the few things that I did finally add. Iron ons by SEI, letters by MM, Flair vellum sentiments. Even down to the title and bit of journalling I did matches the ad.

Inspired? You bet and I loved this idea so much that I am busy working on more. Creative and Ingenious I'd say on Bo Bunny's part!

Top 30 Finalists for 2S4U!

I cannot believe out of 417 entries, that I made it to the Top 30 Finalists at the site: 2Sketches4You! I am humbled and honored to have been chosen. I worked hard on the first card, but it came together perfectly. Even if I hadn't been chosen, I still loved the card and was proud of how it turned out. There is some incredible talent out there-check out the site to see the gallery!

The sketch given to us for this next round was a bit tougher (as it should be!). I rotated it a bit so I could add the ribbon that I wanted and to highlight the dragonfly patterened paper.

This card used a ton of techniques! I used Basic Grey's paper line Wisteria (love this pack!). First, on the dragonfly paper, I added prisma glitter to all of the wings to make it shimmer and stand out. You can see it a bit in these photos. The silk ribbon is a Martha Stewart double sided,and I love the texture of this thicker ribbon. Added a butterfly charm. The pearls are from Mike's wedding section (0.25cents on clearance, can't turn that down!)

The butterflies are stamped on vellum with versamark and then I heat embossed them with white embossing powder. I had wire that I curled and made antennae for the dragonfly. The photos show the layering in this card and the dimension of the pop dots for the dragonfly and butterfly inside this card.

On the inside of the card, using the scraps of paper from the front, I layered and scalloped the edges, attaching to the sides of the inside- both sides. Then I added the butterfly on 3d foam. Both df and bf have added pearls from Opaline in purple.

Here's counting on another shot of winning! Keep fingers and toes crossed- but even if I don't, its been an exciting ride! The winners of every round get some amazing products- the grand prize winner gets $500.00 in prizes- how awesome!

365 Day 99 Challenge

If you want to challenge yourself to make a card everyday, this site is for you. I envy the creative juices behind this site, how do they come up with a new challenge, EVERY DAY! I follow along, but don't always have time to create the card I would like (everyday for me, a bit difficult for my mojo..LOL!) I think I may take a week at a time, now that I am home full time, and create all at once the weekly card challenges.

Day 99, on 365, was to create a card using this sketch, and try to incorporate a dragonfly.

The sponsor is Jeanne from Dragonfly Journeys! Jeannie recently celebrated her 10,000th hit on her blog, and she would like to award one lucky 365er a prize. So what do you have to do to be considered for this prize? Just participate in this sketch challenge, AND include a dragonfly on your card.


So, since I had my new Wisteria papers out by Basic Grey, I put this together. The patterened paper has dragonflies over it. I stamped my image on coordinating paper then embossed with clear EP, cut out, pop dotted and added BG Opaline Pearls in green. Love using the pearls by Mike's, Heidi Grace pins, Misc wood stamp for sentiment.

Thanks for looking today....!

Olly Olly In Free!

This game takes me back many years to when, as a kid, the neighborhood kids would get together after dinner at my house and play Olly Olly In Free! All the girls screamed like crazy- bringing my mom out of the house yelling at us to STOP THE SCREAMS! Drove her nuts- but we girls will be girls!

I took these pictures INSIDE, sitting in my MIL's kitchen, watching my girls play on the hill with their 21 yr old cousin, Ben. He is great with them, playing games on their level. All 3 had a blast- you can tell M is antagonizing him to come and get her! I have 3 other shots of her and may have to make a coordinating page for this layout.

I used the challenge on Unscripted Sketches (#9) for this layout. You can take the sketch, rotate it or use it however, as long as it retains the idea of the sketch. I kept it similar, just rotated it and made it a layout. Check out the site if you get a chance....

Thanks for stopping by and if you leave a comment, I truly value the kind things that you say and I thank you again.

Reminisce Freedom Collection

If you read my post earlier, you read that I am behind in my scrapping! LOL! So, digging thru my photos, I felt inspired to scrap "M" in her softball attire. This is last years Championship game (went in undefeated, but lost this game ;(
This year she is on 3 teams so I will have lots to do! I think I may try to do a sports album for all 3 girls. Might be less pressure!!!!

supplies: Freedom Collection papers, sticks, elements by Reminisce, toothpicks for the flags, stickers are Reminisce, Rubons Reminisce Sports Girl, CTMH alpha stamps -She's My, and misc blue cardstock.

Thanks for checking in this week! Have a great weekend!