Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Snow Swirls at Christmas Time & Candy

MERRY CHRISTMAS

We have a wonderful challenge this month at Elphine House Australia and so appropriate for the season.  We want to see snow swirls on your card or project.  I filled the swirls in the DP with glue and added Polar White Flower Soft to the glue so it would look like snow and then added falling snowflakes with Stickles.  This adorable image,  newly released by Elphine House, Danny Boy Jingle Bells, was colored with Copics.  REMEMBER... YOU MUST USE AN ELISABETH BELL IMAGE to qualify for the challenge prizes.

Hope you day has been filled with lots of laughter, blessings, good food, family and friends.
Now hop on over to the EH Challenge Blog to see all the wonderful creations by the rest of the very talented  DT.

Challenges I'm entering:
Creatalicious Challenges - Sweet Christmas (avoid red & green)
Christmas Card Challenges - Jingle Bells
Craftyhazelnuts Christmas Challenge - Anything Goes

Christmas Candy
For my followers only!  
All you need to do to win this adorable newly released stamp by Elphine House is leave me a comment on this post and I'll let you know who the winner is January 1, 2013.  I found this extra one in my stamp drawer when I was organizing last week and just knew one of you would love to have it.

Thanks so very much for stopping and I hope to see you again soon.
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Santa's On His Way - MERRY CHRISTMAS


This will probably be my last post until after Christmas so with that said I want to wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! 

Things have been so wild around here lately with my health that I haven't been around to visit for a while.  Amazing how tests can really do more harm sometimes than good.....  Most of you know I haven't been well for about 9 months, no energy, not able to breath or be very active, etc., etc.  Finally, we have some info.  During the heart test I went into A-Fib which really knocked me for a loop and took 3 hours to get my heart back to normal, next step Cardiologist.  Yesterday I had the breathing tests and found out I have COPD (which I already knew) but now have Asthma too.  They gave me something in an inhaler and for the first time in months I actually felt great, could breathe, was in a wonderful mood, and had the best afternoon and evening.  Today, back to the same old stuff, so I'm calling the hospital tomorrow to find out what that good stuff was.  I WANT MORE!!!  LOL
Enough about me but wanted to let you know what's been going on..

Guess you can tell my DIL is here and designing some of her wonderful cards that I want to share with you for this challenge,  Sure wish I could get her to start blogging!!  The challenge this month at Christmas Cards All Year Round is that Santa must be the main focus of your card,  After all, Christmas is just 10 days away.  Oh yeah, I'm still not anywhere close to being ready.

Here are 2 more cards I hope will inspire you to play along with us this month.  You still have until December 30th to enter to win a wonderful prize.

My DT sisters have some really great cards to share with you so I hope you will hop on over to the CCAYR challenge blog to leave them some love and share your card with us.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.
For the first time in several years I will have all 3 of my children together for Christmas, that in itself is a true Christmas Blessing.  May you and your family create wonderful memories this year, have lots of fun and laughter, and revel in the reason for the season.

"Blessing, Love and Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Holiday Tic-Tac-Toe with Ebony Christmas Snowflake

First I want to welcome my new followers and let you know how happy I am that you are here and hope you will find some inspiration and warmth from your visits.

What a fun time I had making this card with the adorable Ebony Christmas Snowflake by Elisabeth Bell.  She was colored with Copics, added crystal gems and Stickles to the snowflakes along with flocking to her muff.  She is just so sweet!  I got my great-granddaughter a coat and hat similar to this and it so reminds me of her.  They sent me a picture of her taken in her dress and new coat last weekend, what a little doll!!

Our challenge at Elphine House Australia is
HOLIDAY TIC-TAC-TOE


All you need to do is use 3 of the above elements in any row
I used Lace/Gems/Snowflakes
AND
You MUST use an Elisabeth Bell image

A peek at the inside:
So glad you stopped by and hope to see you back again soon.  Please stop by the Elphine House Challenge Blog and leave my wonderful design team sisters some love for the gorgeous cards and designs they have created especially for you.

Challenges I'm entering:
NMWC - Christmas

Sending big hugs and lots of love to Lynda, baby Isabella Rose, and the rest of the family.

"Love & Hugs to all of you!" Carol (Granny)

Sunday, December 2, 2012

The GRINCH Escaped AGAIN.....Help Us Find Him



Want to help find that pesky, green, thieving Grinch who escaped again this year?

Click on the link in my sidebar to join us in the chase.

You may just win an awesome prize!

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Santa's Soon To Be On His Way


Oh my gosh, can you believe it's December 1 and Christmas is only 24 days away.  Ready or not it's gonna be here soon and I've got soooooo much yet to do.  Bet your schedule is just as busy if not busier.

Our challenge at Christmas Cards All Year Round this month is that Santa be the main focus of your card. That's about as eeesy peesy as it can get and I'm so hoping you will join in the challenge this month.

I must give credit to my dear DIL for these 2 adorable cards.  She and my son were visiting for a week around Thanksgiving and we took some time to play in the card shack.  Both cards were made with stickers  and DP I've had in my stash for a few years, I don't usually use stickers, Karla works wonders with them.  Thank you my dear DIL for all the help, not only in the card shack but for all you do when you come to visit.

Now hop on over to the CCAYR Challenge blog to leave my teamies some love for all all those Santa inspiration cards.

Card 2


Entering the following challenges:
Winter Wonderland - Santa Clause Is Coming To Town
Jingle Bells - Christmas to Remember
Crafty Sentiments - Red, White, and Green
IBSIC #37 - Inspiration Photo, Green, Red, and White

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.  
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Christmas With A Twist


Christmas is coming oh so very fast and I sure hope you all are further along with your shopping, decorating, and wrapping than I am.  The kids have been here since before Thanksgiving and today they decorated our front porch with lights and greenery, raked the yard, and then burned the waste.  Also got the graves at the cemetery decorated.  The weather has finally turned colder but still a long way from feeling like Winter.

The challenge today at Elphine House Australia is "Christmas With A Twist", and that means we want you to create a Christmas card using non-traditional colors.  I chose to use peach as the main color for this sweet image, Ebony Christmas Eve and you can her HERE.  Used dies by Cheery Lynn, Spellbinders, and Marianne's are embellished with gold gems.  The DP and peach card stock are from my stash.  Ebony is colored with Copics.  TH Distress Tea Rose was used for distressed edges.  Diamond Glaze was used on the bear nose, berries and bell gong.

My teamies have some wonderful cards to inspire you for this challenge so be sure you hop on over to EH to see these beauties and join us in this fun challenge.

Still have a lot of cards to get made and ready to mail.  I've been naughty and sick this year so I'm really way behind......  Would love to see you playing along with us at EH for this fun challenge. 

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful week!
"Love & Hugs"
Carol (Granny)

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Stitching & Distressing at Elphine House Australia

How exciting to be posting my first DT card for Elphine House Australia using this Christmas image by Elisabeth Bell named Danny Boy Jingle Bells.  The stamp was originally released in 2008 to Sugar Nellie and  just newly released at Elphine House.

The challenge this fortnight is to use stitching (Faux or real) and add some distressing.  Couldn't get my machine to sew 34 gauge gold wire so I used a gold metallic Uniball pen for the Faux stitching which is NOT showing up as I had hoped in this photo.  There's lots of shine and glitz and I'm hoping it's showing up for you.  Here is a list of what I used on the card:  Tim Holtz Tea Dye Distress Ink - Aqua, Silver, and Magenta Stickles - Diamond Glaze - Crushed Velvet Flock, MS Snowflake Punch - Gold Tuille - Snow Tex and Snow Crystals - Jingle Bells.  I used so many darn Copics thought it easier to just take a picture to share......lol  I added the Diamond Glaze to the Berries, bells on the sled, railing and skis.  Sentiment is computer generated.

Here's a sneak peek at the inside.

Sure hope you can play along with us for this fun challenge.  Be sure to stop by the Elphine House Challenge blog to see the wonderful inspiration by the amazing ladies on the team.  Their coloring and designs are so fantastic you won't want to miss them.

Entering Challenges:
CLP - Last Sketch of 2012 - #53
Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge Blog - Glimmer, Shimmer, & Shine

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Colors of Fall with Willow


You all know how much I love Elisabeth Bell stamps and I have been blessed to have been invited to become a permanent design team member for Elphine House Australia.  I was shocked when I got the email from Lynda and have been bursting to let you all  know...  Believe me, this came totally out of the blue.  Being on one of Elisabeth's design teams has been one of my dreams since I started blogging, and now that dream has come true.  The Lord has a way of looking out for us and picking us up when we need it most.

Three new designers were chosen and I hope you will also welcome Vicki and Susan to the team along with popping in to see all the amazing designs by the multi-talented team.

This is my card for the October 31 challenge that will run until November 13.  I'm practicing for my first DT post November 14th......LOL  The challenge is, "What colors remind you of Fall/Autumn??"  Now it can't get much easier than that when most of us  just have to look out of the window to see those colors.  Of course, you must use an Elisabeth Bell image and that can be a digi image from HERE, or a stamp from ANY company.

Opened so that you can get a glimpse of the inside.

I have used Willlow Catching Leaves designed by Elisabeth Bell for Whiff of Joy.   Colored with Copics, my favorite coloring medium:  Skin: E00, 000, 000, R21 - Dress/Hat/Bow: E99, 97, 95, 93, 000 - E37, 35, 31, 30, 0000 - Hair: YR24, 31 - Y21, 11, 00;  Leaves: YR22, E23, Y11
The DP, ribbon, flowers and leaves are from my stash.

I sure hope you will join us for this fun challenge as I will have something special for one of you that joins in our challenge, to be announced on November 14.  But, you must leave me a comment on this post to let me know that you have entered the challenge.  I will be checking too....LOL

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Thursday, November 1, 2012

CCAYR Card 2-Shapes or Fancy Folds




PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO SEE CARD 1

Here is my second card for this month (amazing...LOL)  Yep, I'm back into blogging and having fun again.  Think I have fallen in love with this circular side stepped shape card that is so much fun to create.  I used another image by Beccy, our sponsor this month, titled Snowmen Fence, buy HERE.  I added a couple of reindeer's I'd cut out with my Cricut (and assembled a few years ago) along with a Christmas Tree die from Cheery Lynn..  Added Snow-Tex to the fence and the tree, sprinkled crystals, left over from my ceramic days, while the snow was still wet..

Prize from Beccy:
3 Digi Images

Challenges I'm Entering:
Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Get In Shape
Christmas Card Challenge - Pop It Up
52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown - Die Cuts or Punches Pieces
Anything Goes - Anything Goes

Please stop over at the CCAYR blog to see the wonderful inspiration by my DT sisters.  You have a whole month to enter the challenge and we'd love to see your design.  We are hoping for 500 followers before the end of the year and are almost there (452) so please click on the "Join This Site" and play along with us.

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see  you again soon.
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Shapes or/and Fancy Folds at CCAYR


You are gonna love the challenge at Christmas Cards All Year Round this month and we can't wait to see what you have to share with us.  Our fearless leader Tracey chose this fun challenge:  "Shapes or Fancy Folds – Create a card that is a shape or incorporates a fancy fold.  You could do a circular card, step card, easel card, etc, so long as it is shaped or folded."


Prize from Beccy:
3 Digi Images

I chose to use one of my Go Create XXL Frilly Square dies for my shape along with an easel fold.  Our sponsor this month is Beccy from Beccy's Place and I chose this adorable Holly Fairy by Beccy.  You can get her HERE.  She is colored with Copics, added Gold Stickles to the bells and her hat.  The holly branch die is by Cheery Lynn and I've added 1/2 red pearls for the berries.  Spellbinders Scalloped Circle and a lace doily are attached behind the image and holly branch.  The sentiment is computer generated and the poinsettia and leaf are from my stash.  Here is a picture of the inside.


Phew, now that the deets are done I can visit for a few. Another crazy week around here with doctor appointments, etc.  Conley is having some dental implants done and stage 2 was completed this week.  Now we have to wait 4 months to make sure the bone doesn't reject the implants before the teeth can be attached.  It's only 2 teeth,,,,,,,,,,LOL  not like a whole mouth full.  I can't even imagine having that much metal in my mouth but if I ever need a lower plate I think I might, you notice I said "might"........lol  I have to have the gas and gums deadened to get them cleaned.

Challenges I'm Entering:
ABC Christmas Challenge - V for Vibrant
Christmas Card Challenge - Pop It Up
52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown - Die Cuts or Punches Pieces
Anything Goes - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Get In Shape

Please stop over at the CCAYR blog to see the wonderful inspiration by my DT sisters.  You have a whole month to enter the challenge and we'd love to see your design.  We are hoping for 500 followers before the end of the year and are almost there (452) so please click on the "Join This Site" and play along with us.

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see  you again soon.
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)


Saturday, October 20, 2012

Carole's Celebration Candy

Carole from Carole's Soulfelt Creations has some wonderful candy up for grabs in celebration of her new blog look created by the very talented and lovely Sharon from Plumrose Lane.  I follow this wonderful lady, not only because of her gorgeous designs but her beautiful and caring soul.  She is truly an inspiration and amazing friend to all.

I hope you will drop in to visit, peruse her gorgeous blog and designs, then enter the yummy blog candy giveaway (more to come).

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.
"Love & Hugs", Carol (Granny) 

Monday, October 15, 2012

CCAYR Mid-Month, Teal & Orange, Non-traditional Colors


Been a busy 2 weeks what with the CKC event at KCI Expo Center, youngest son and wife here for 2 weeks, plus disassembling the ceramic shop so my DIL can open one in Iowa.  Trying to get Conley's workshop so that when you walk in the door you can get to the back 2 levels of the shop.  OMGosh, if I ever get energetic enough we can have a big sale in the shop instead of the garage and not have to worry about weather.  I hate doing garage sales but shop sale sounds like fun....

The CKC is always such a fun event with the workshops and vendor shopping. I got a bunch of new toys and learned some new techniques..  Thanks to my DIL for hauling all the stuff around for us so I didn't get too winded.  Don't know what I'd do without her as she is always such a big help when she is here.  We even got the craft-room updated and  better organized so I'm somewhat rejuvenated and found some much needed mojo.

The challenge at CCAYR this month is your choice of 2:  1) Traditional Christmas Image with non-traditional colors;  2) Non-traditional Christmas image with traditional colors.  It's a fun challenge so I  hope you will join us this month as the prize is from Platypus Creek Stamping & Craft.  The winner as drawn by random.org will receive 2 cling mount stamps from the Artful Stamper range of stamps.  Thanks Tracey for donating this "perfect for the holidays" prize.




The snowman image and sentiment are new and from HFC. The DP is from my stash and the snowflakes were made using the MS Snowflake punch with Stardust Stickles added. The snowman is attached to an oval die cut by Spellbinder's. The card shape was created from a tutorial at SCS by Beate Johns, called Circular Side Step Card. I used my favorite coloring medium, Copics. YR07, YR04 (nose) R30, (cheeks) BG18, BG72, BG70 (scarf and hat). If you haven't tried this BG color combination, you might want to give it a try. The color is awesome and is much different than what you see on the screen. The butterfly was cut from the DP.

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope you've enjoyed your visit. Now be sure you head on over to the Christmas Cards All Year Round Challenge Blog to see all the amazing cards by my DT sisters. While there, we would sure appreciate it if you follow our challenge blog and help us reach our goal of 500 followers by the end of 2012. We would love for you to play along with us and share your inspiration. 

Whoo Hoo, I'm even entering some challenges:
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Card Challenge - Snowflakes
Christmas Stamping All Year Long - Anything Goes
Crafty Sentiments Designs - Anything Goes

Have a wonderful week! 
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Monday, October 1, 2012

Non-traditional Image with Christmas Colors - CCAYR DT Project


Our challenge at CCAYR this month is your choice of 2: 1) A non-traditional image using traditional Christmas Colors  2) a traditional image using Non-Christmas Colors   Had such fun creating this treat box.  Can't show you the inside right now though since I have to work on it a little more.  I chose option #1, using this adorable Topper image by Sylvia Zet. The Hobby House has many of these cuties available including the Christmas Toppers by Sylvia.  I haven't seen these available in the states.

The DP is from my stash, which is in total chaos, and I have no clue where it came from.  A 1/2 paper doily was added as an enhancement and the flowers are a combination of WOC and Petaloo.  The die is from Go-Create and the sentiment is a sticker from my stash.

Be sure you head on over to the Christmas Cards All Year Round challenge blog for some wonderful inspiration from my DT sisters.  They really went all out for you this month.  And while you are there we'd love it if you would  click on the follow button and help us reach our goal of 500 followers before the end of December.  

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Make A Wish

Not fifty shades of pink here but there are several which are not showing up like I had hoped, especially in the design paper.  Must be because they are mostly pastels.  If I could every learn how to use my Paint Shop Pro program it might help to enhance my photos.  That's another project for my to-do list, or should I say "Bucket List"...lol

I had so much fun making this for my great-granddaughter's birthday.  The theme for her first birthday party is "Make A Wish".  Not a lot of time to chat so I'm going to make this a short post and list the challenges that inspired me:

Pink Sketch Challenges - Sketch Challenge #29
In The Pink - Challenge #1 -50 Shades of Pink - Anything Goes
The Paper Shelter - Challenge #76 Going Round and Round
No Matter Which Challenges (NMWC) - Challenge #1 - Anything Goes
Songbird Challenges - Challenge #1 - Anything Goes
Card Deets:
Theme - Happy Birthday - Make A Wish
Design Paper- KaiserCraft Pink Gelato, SU Pink Piroquet
Image - Birthday Baby Girl by Sylvia Zet - You can find her HERE
Dies -  Spellbinder's Standard and Scalloped Circles
Copics - Skin: E51, 30, 000, 0000, R21, 20;  Clothes: RV02, 00 000, 0000;  Hair: E74, 71, 70;  Other: C5, 3, 1, 00;  FRV1; Y17, 11, 0000
From Stash - Lace, ribbon, pearls, rosette

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.
"Love & Hugs"  Carol (Granny)

Friday, August 3, 2012

Some Glitz and Glimmer

A very warm welcome to my new followers.

I'm finally getting a chance to color some of the new stamps from The Paper Shelter.  I think they are so cute and whimsical.  This one could also used be used for a winter card even if she is named Mucha Influence Spring,  

Entering this card for the following challenges:
The Paper Shelter - Glitz and Glimmer
Bearly-Mine Challenges - Anything Goes
Paper Play Challenges - Layer It Up

DP - Pretty in Pink Glitz Paper Pad, SU Expresso for card base.
Image - Mucha Influence Spring colored with Copics and Spica Pens
Dies - Spellbinder's for JustRite Nested Oval Medallion Labels, Cheery Lynn Mini Fanciful Flourish, MS Branch Punch
Stickles for glitz, Flowers and metal corner from WOC

Thanks so very much for stopping by.  I truly cherish your visits and comments.
Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you in a few days.
"Love & Hugs"  Carol (Granny)

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

CCAYR August DT Card for a Child

Oh gee, Christmas is getting so close and yet so far away.  If you haven't started on your Christmas cards yet this would be a perfect time to create a special card for the children in your life or a themed project you know they will love.  Be sure you hop on over to CCAYR and see the wonderful inspiration by the rest of the team.

The DP is one I created on the computer using digital elements from Cool Scraps. When my desktop crashed I lost the folders and name of the designers but I did have the images backed up on an external drive. If you know who designed one of these digitals please let me know so I can give credit where due.  They are the Christmas tree, angel top, rocking horse, and train.  The Merry Christmas sentiment is from  my stash and the card base is CM Cranberry.

This adorable image, Candy Cane Oliver, is from our wonderful team leader, Tracey of  Platypus Creek Stamping & Craft and colored with the following Copics.
Skin:  E00, 30, 000, 0000 and R30;  Hair: E57, 55 53, 51;  Pants: E43, 42, 41, 40;  Shirt: G21. 20
Candy Cane: R39, 35.

I'm also entering this card in the following challenges:
Jingle Belles - Santa Baby
Stamp & Doodle - Christmas in July

The following prize this month is all of the four images below (not colored) kindly donated by Tracy.


Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Paper Shelter DT Call

What a hot and wonderful day here in Missouri.  Only 105 today...  Suppose to be in the 100's everyday  through next Tuesday.  Thank God for air conditioning!

Since I will be coming back on August 1, I got to thinking I need a specific goal for each week so I'm entering the DT call at The Paper Shelter.   Maybe I'll be chosen and maybe not but I'm going to try. I love their images and have since they first became available.  Kept this card pretty simple but I do like how it turned out.  The image is titled Enchanted Love and can be found here.  I chose to cut out the image and then color with Copics.  I had so many Copics out I forgot which ones I used...LOL  Been a few months since I colored so I'm a little out of practice but getting back into the swing of things.  I'm so excited to begin blogging and creating again. 

I distressed the edges of the digi paper by Michelle but I can't find her blog or store to share the link with you.  Will come back and edit when I find it. TPS also has digi paper but I had this printed out, trimmed, and ready to go.  I cut out a second layer of the flowers for added depth. The center doily is from my stash as is the Brown German Glitter Glass used for the center of two of the image flowers.  I used TH Tie Dye DI around the edges of the DP, doily, and cutout flowers.  The butterflies are from MS punches with Fruit Punch Stickles and half pearls.  Mixed together a combination of Ultra-Fine Flower Soft in greens to keep her suitor from standing suspended in air.


Here is the inside of the card using a Spellbinder's scalloped heart die to write a little note on.

I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Make It Monday - Anything Goes 
Stamptacular Sunday - Wings & Bling 
The Paper Shelter - Anything Goes


I hope you've enjoyed your visit and will come back again soon.  If you have the time to leave me a little comment I'll be sure to stop by to visit you.
"Love & Hugs", Carol (Granny)

Sunday, July 1, 2012

CCAYR July DT Card


The challenge at Christmas Cards All Year Round this month is Christmas Flowers/Holly.  I chose to use my favorite Christmas flower, the Poinsettia. The flowers can be in your images, paper, embellishments, etc.   


The DP is from my stash as are the flowers and the sentiment is computer generated.  I've used one of the LOTV Die Cut Designs as I haven't colored in ages but did add some Stickles for a little bling...  These are wonderfully colored images if you are in a hurry to make a card, just not in the mood to color, or you want to give someone that special handmade "just for you" feeling.  


The prize this month is donated by Platypus Creek Stamping and Craft
and is a cling stamp set from Sunshine Designs.


The set is called Christmas Pots and contains four individual cling mounted rubber stamps.



If you have the time, grab a cuppa or a cold one and bear with me till the end of this long post.  I found the following  information on the internet regarding the Poinsettia, along with a great story that I hope you find interesting.  If you want to read more here is the site:  http://suite101.com/article/poinsettia-christmas-plant-a79694

"A ancient legend connected the poinsettia with Jesus' birth. A young brother and sister had nothing to offer to baby Jesus at Christmas. They took the long way to church hoping to find something along the way. Desperately, they picked up some green leafy weeds and brought them into the church."

"The story differs after the children entered the church. In some accounts, the children lay the weeds at the feet of the baby Jesus, in other accounts before the Blessed Virgin Mary. In either case, the weed suddenly erupts into sparkling red blooms that overshadow all the baby Jesus' other gifts, and the children rejoice."

"The poinsettia with its star shaped foliage pattern has been connected with the Star of Bethlehem shining at the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:1-21). The poinsettia's blood red leaves symbolize the blood sacrificed for love of God. Scriptural events connected with the poinsetta include the deaths of the Holy Innocents, babies killed by King Herod madly in search of Jesus (Matthew 2:13-18) as well as the Jesus' death and crucifixion (all four gospels)."

"Centuries after American Joel Roberts Poinsett rediscovered a plant known to Mexicans for generations, people all over the world continue to enjoy the fiery poinsettia during the holiday season, though they may not know its Christian meaning or colorful history."

I'm so glad to be back to creating for the CCAYR Design Team.  I've really missed being around and visiting everyone.  I'm taking it slow and am back a month earlier than I had planned to be but still will not be posting a whole lot this  month.  I hope you will take the time to stop by the CCAYR Blog and see all the wonderful creations by the DT and our three new DT members.  The rules have changed and I think you'll really be excited about the changes and excited to play along with us each month.

Thank you to all of you that have sent cards or email messages, phoned, and left comments on my blog.  I appreciate the well wishes and support more than you will ever know and love you all dearly.  I will be around to visit as time permits. Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

HELLO

Just a quick note to say "Hi" to everyone and let you know I'm still here but pretty inactive...  Plan to be back blogging, visiting, and playing in challenges in August.  I did manage to stop by and visit everyone that commented on my last blog posts today.  Still have a lot of you to visit.

I am breathing a little better but the infection is not cleared up and I'm still pretty weak.  Still not smoking and decided that no matter what happens I don't think I'll be lighting up again.  Still don't even want one or want to be around smoke as I start choking and hacking all over again (not fun).

Hope to see you all soon.
"Love * Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Taking A 3 Month Break To Get Well

I have been debating hard and long about this and after deep thought and discussions with friends and family I've decided to agree with the doctor and take 3 months off from stress and just try to get healthy.  I've smoked for almost 60 years and did not realize the damage that had been done to my lungs until I got bronchitis this time.  I knew I had COPD and emphysema but it never bothered me.until I got so sick over a month ago. I have absolutely no energy and can hardly breathe and I need to work on getting my lungs up to a capacity to where I can function again.  

YEAH!!!! NO CIGARETTES IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW.....
AND I HOPE NEVER AGAIN.....1 DAY AT A TIME

Will not be shutting my blog down and will be around to visit when I get a chance as I plan to try and keep in touch with my followers, it just will not be often.  Hoping I feel like creating some cards soon but so far, I just don't have the energy. Keeping you all in thought, love, and prayers.  May this Mother's Day be the best ever for you, spent with family and close friends.

"Love & Hugs"
Carol (Granny)

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

May CCAYR DT Cards

Santa Clause Is Coming To Town

Happy May Day!
May your baskets be filled with love and flowers!

We have such a fun and easy challenge for you this month at The Christmas Cards All Year Round Blog.  It's all about your favorite Christmas Carol or song for inspiration made into a card.  Please be sure and let us know what song is inspiration for your card(s). If entering multiple cards, you can use a different song for each card.

My cards are pretty easy peasy this month without lots of bling and details, which is a real change for me, but I'm trying to do less fuss to cut down on postage this year.  Inside I will add our Christmas letter with some family pictures of special events and special moments this year.  Be sure you hop on over to CCAYR to see all the wonderful designs by my DT sisters.  We are looking forward to you joining us this month.

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Oh Christmas Tree

Don't you just love these little House Mice.  They are so cute and sweet.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Monday, April 30, 2012

THE CANDY WINNER IS.......................

First I want to thank all of you that left such wonderful comments on the candy page and also the fantastic comments you leave on my posts.  You all have enriched my life so very much and I so appreciate you for sharing your talents with me.

Secondly, I'm amazed at all the new follows as that was not a condition of winning the candy and I hope you all come back often to visit.  If I missed getting to your blog please let me know as I try to visit each new followers blog to say hi and thank you.  At the risk of sounding old..... I think I might have been there when in actuality I may not have been.  Think hubby's dementia is rubbing off on me...

SO.........ARE YOU READY TO SEE WHO WON?????

DRUM ROLL PLEASE

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CONGRATULATION PAT!!!

Pat is from Lancashire England, United Kingdom and you can visit her blog HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

GDT Card for The Digi Bells Team

If you haven't heard, the Digi Bells are having a GDT call that ends April 28. The term is from May 1 till July 31.  Just think, 3 wonderful months to design for the amazing artist, Elisabeth Bell.  Well, you all know how much I love her stamps so I'm throwing my hat in the ring and crossing my fingers....

When I saw this stamp from Elphine House Australia I knew I had to have it for Lilly's mom for Mother's Day. It is named "It's A Girl" and there is "It's A Boy" on the way to my house as I write this.  I left the sentiment off the outside so you could see that it can be used for a variety of cards.  Wouldn't this also make an adorable announcement card for a new baby.

Side View


Inside
O

I am entering the following challenges:
The Digi Bells GDT Call - Use Ribbons & Lace
Elphine House - It's a Girl Thing - Add some Purple and Pink Colors

Card Deets:
  • Stamp -  It's A Girl - Elphine House
  • DP - StampinUp
  • Coloring Medium - Copics
  • Lace, pearls, heart, appliqued flower cluster, butterflies and brad from stash
  • Flower is made from ribbon. My very first ribbon flower (not too bad for first one) and can't wait to make some more.....
A grandiose welcome to my new followers.  So glad to have you and hope to see you back again soon.

I am finally over strep throat and upper respiratory infection - almost back to normal.  Oh boy, that is not something I want to ever experience again and I sure hope none of you do.

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.  If you haven't entered my anniversary candy hop on over to HERE and leave me a comment.  Only 3 days left!

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Pastels for Spring-Edited

How in the world I managed to forget to include the challenge at Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge with this card is beyond me so I'm including it now.  Shabby Chic, Distressing and lots of white.  
Must have been half asleep when I posted..  So sorry all.  


Happy Saturday and Weekend!

Welcome to my wonderful new followers that I haven't gotten around to visit yet, nor anyone else lately.  I tell ya, life is just in the fast lane right now and I don't know how to slow it down.

Oh Geez, I hope you all never experience designer block.....LOL  After 3 days of working on this card it's  still not what I had visioned but I decided to go ahead and post it anyway.  Far cry from posting as I had hoped  but I did get 4 DT May cards done for CCAYR.  

I've used the new Elisabeth Bell image that I won at the Digi Bell's March blog hop.  Her name is Lil Lillian and I think she's almost as cute as my Lil Lilly.  I've been wanting to use some of the new Memory Box, Cheery Lynn, and Poppy Stamp Dies I got a few weeks ago and just got around to it.  Thanks to Selma for the inspiration for this card.  I know I saw something similar awhile back on her blog.  She does wonders with these gorgeous dies and making flowers, so if you haven't been to her blog drop in to see the beauty she has to share.

Inside of card

Haven't got my light box figured out yet so the quality of these pictures are not what I had hoped for but I'll get it figured out sooner or later.  I've always said you are never too old to learn new things, but for sure,  it's not as easy as it used to be.

I'm entering this card in the challenge at Elphine House - Pastels for Spring
Anything Goes - Anything Goes

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Monday, April 9, 2012

Sharing My Precious Easter Bunny & News


Happy belated Easter to everyone.

Hope your Easter day was filled with much love, family, friends, fun, good food, and a renewed faith that life is ever lasting if you Believe.  We had a wonderful day with family and in-laws.  My little Easter Bunny Lilly is 6 months of age, sitting up, knows how to get what she wants and let you know what she doesn't want..The minute she sees the cameras come out she is hamming it up for you and full of smiles.

I'm so excited to now have 300 wonderful  followers and congratulations Annie for being #300.  I'll be getting a little surprise in the mail to her once she sends me her addy.  Will also be posting a Follower Candy Only for all my amazing friends and followers as soon as the Blog Anniversary Candy ends, but it won't last long so be sure to check back.  Think I can only keep up with one candy at a time.

I'm devoting the entire day tomorrow to the craft room and getting caught up on some much needed cards to share and some DT cards.  The beautiful weather, me thinks, has given me Spring Fever and I have just been outside puttering around the yard and working on the patio along with some much needed cleaning.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.  Will be back with a card to share tomorrow.
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Sunday, April 1, 2012

April DT Cards for CCAYR

First and foremost, I'm so happy to see so many new followers lately and want to welcome you to my blog. If I haven't been around to visit you yet I will do so next week. Gee, if 7 more come come aboard I'll have to have another candy draw for followers only as that will make 300 wonderful sites of inspiration to explore..  You all are going to keep me hopping and I love and adore each one of you.

The CCAYR challenge for the month of April is an inspiration challenge based on the following picture.  We want you to show us your creativity and see what awesome Christmas cards you see based on the picture.  It can be colors, texture, shape, but really, anything goes.   Be sure to stop by the CCAYR Challenge Blog and see all the wonderful projects by the DT.  They have some real beauties to share with you.



Kind of went over the top with my 2 cards and used a six fold pattern that I thought could also be hung on the tree as an ornament.  I love this fold so made 2 of the same thing using different DP and embellishments.  I chose to use colors from the eggs.  I don't know who colored all these but they did a spectacular job of decorating them.  The tutorial for the 6 fold card is by Monique at SCS if you'd like to give it a try.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I sure hope to see you again soon.  Now don't forget to hop on over to the CCAYR blog and leave my teamies a little love for sharing their gorgeous designs.
The DT will be back April 15th with a more inspiration for our April challenge..

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Sunday, March 25, 2012

WOO HOO.....FINALLY A NEW POST FOR CHALLENGES

Happy Monday Everyone!
I'm so excited to be back and share this adorable new image by Elisabeth Bell named Fresh and Fun, just in time for spring..  She is available for purchase at Whimsy Stamps along with 3 of the other new Cottage Girls.  FF is colored with Copics and Spica pens were used for the flower centers.  The sky is done with Color Box Ice Blue Fluid Chalk using a template from Bev Rochester, and flower soft added to the base of the grass.  Teal card stock from Bazzill and Orange from CM, with DP from the Maricopa pack by .DCWV.  Butterfly punches by MS adorned with Stickles and Liquid Pearls.

Peek at inside of card
This card was created for the following challenges:
Bells 'n Whistles - Butterflies
Flutter By Wednesday - Anything Goes (with wings)
The Pixie Cottage - Easter or Spring
Whimsy Stamps - Anything Goes
Simon Says - Bingo (lace, glitter, punches)
Elphine House - Rain or Shine

Whoa, can you believe I'm playing in this many challenges at once...........LOL  Think it's my first for this many and probably my last.  Don't seem to be able to get much posting done lately so I'm taking advantage of having the opportunity to play in so many wonderful challenges.  Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see you again.  
"Love & Hugs"  Carol (Granny)

Don't forget to enter to win my 3rd year bloganniversary candy if you haven't already done so.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Blog Deleted by Unknown

OMG....Someone from Japan got into my blog and deleted it.  How utterly rude.........LOL  Just got it back up and running and now have to go check my accounts and change all of my passwords in case anything else has been compromised.  Boy, just when you think everything might be settling down from just life in general something comes along and smacks ya in the face again...........Hope to be back with a post soon and get around to visit everyone.
Have a wonderful weekend!  "Love & Hugs" Granny

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Apple Blossom for EB World Challenge

Welcome to my new followers.  So glad to have you and hope find a little inspiration for creating and sharing.  Will to be around to visit you soon.

Have you seen these adorable new images from Elisabeth Bell?  OMG, I can't believe how sweet and cute they are. The Little Cottage Cuties are now exclusively available at Whimsy Stamps and you can see them all there..  There are four (4) Cottage Cuties and I am in love with them all.  Have been busy coloring them up and working on my CMC Copic Class 3 so I haven't been posting much.  I really want to finish my class cause I think I'm learning something and I hope my coloring is improving somewhat.  It definitely takes lots of practice.  Sure is cutting down on my blogging time and visiting though.  Hope to be by soon to visit.

This cutie was colored with Copics, Colorbox Chalk for the sky, and Chocolate Spica Pen for the barrel staves and faux stitching.  I used so many Copics that I forgot to write them down for you and apologize. The DP is Glitz-Pretty in Pink with a card base from SU but I don't know the color as it was in a neutral pack.  The adorable little flowers were from Janiel and the flourish die by Cheery Lynn.

Challenges:
 Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge - Stitching and Swirls
CLP - Sketch (I didn't include a sentiment so not sure it will qualify but I'm trying)
Allsorts - Say It With Flowers
Totally Paper Crafts - My Favorite Things
(EB Images, Pink, Flourishes, Flowers, Apples)

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Monday, March 5, 2012

Friendship Ties by Sylvia Zet


Isn't this just the sweetest image by Sylvia Zet.  Her latest releases are available at SCAD and I just had to have them all......couldn't hardly wait to get her inked up.  I needed a birthday card for a little girl and wanted it to be all girly.  I sure hope she likes it cause she loves fairyland, teddy bears, and butterflies.  I used the sketch from Sweet Sketch Wednesday and sure hope you can see it with all the embellies I added.

Friendship was colored using the following Copics: Skin, E00-000-0000 R20;  Hair, YR 24, 31, Y21, 11, 00; Branch, E57, 55, 51; Teddy Bear, E33, 31, 30, R30, 110; Ribbon & Blossoms, RV32, 00, 000, 0000, Pink Stickles for center; Hat/Rompers, B21, 00, 000 Colorless Blender - Trim, Y02, 00, 000; Leaves, YG03, 00.  Used Star Dust Stickles over lightly colored wings.

Everything on this card (DP (Basic Grey), pink pom poms, WOC flowers/lace, and corners sprayed white, ribbon/bows, MS branches ) is from my stash box except for the new image.

Challenges I'm entering are:
Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Sketch #143
Allsorts Challenge - Spread your Wings
Simon Says - Anything Goes
Flutterby Wednesday - Open (butterfly, fairy, or angel)
The Pixie Cottage - Anything Goes
Creatalicious Challenges (Monthly) - All About Lace

That's all from me tonight folks.  Will be back with additions to the candy on Wednesday so if you haven't entered yet please check out the Blog Candy page, leave me a comment and include your blog address so it's easy to find you if you win.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.  Have a wonderful week!
"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)