Happy New Year

To All My Wonderful Blogging Friends

Reflecting on this past year has left me feeling so blessed because of you and your never ending support.  I'm so looking forward to sharing 2012 with you and reveling in all the inspiration from your blog along with the beauty of your cards and projects.

My wishes for you:

That the year 2012 fulfills your dreams and bring you more happiness than you can imagine.  That you have good health, love, prosperity, and peace.  That you win lots of challenges and candy. There are so many more but I'd be here all night.

Thank you for being here and for all your wonderful comments and inspiration.

Here's to 2012 and to you!

"Love & Hugs" Carol 

Fun Is Just a Tub of Bubbles

Most of you all have probably heard the saying, song, or whatever, "Life is just a bowl of cherries".  This song has been playing in my head the whole time I was putting this card together and I don't even know any other words to it....Hence, the cherry charm.  I changed the words to "Fun is just a tub of bubbles" to go with the image for a birthday that's coming up in January. 

I've had this Elisabeth Bell image ever since it came out and had it colored for ages.  Thought it would fit with a couple of challenges I wanted to play in, and they are:

Bells 'n Whistles - Warm Earth Colors

Elphine House - Around We Go (circles)

So meet "Duckie" by Elisabeth.  You can get him HERE.  Duckie is colored with Copics.  The DP is a combination of SU, Basic Grey, and Bo Bunny.  The sentiment is computer generated and I used SB circle and scalloped circle dies.  Ribbon is from stash.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.

"Love & Hugs" Carol

Holiday Joy

Oh my, it felt so good and joyous to be back in my craft shack.  Couldn't find anything, not sure I got much mojo, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself playing with this new Elisabeth Bell Digi Image, The Littlest Angel, colored with Copics.  She is so sweet and adorable, I love her!

Here's a little peek at the inside.

I an entering this in the following challenges:

CMC Copic Challenge - Gold, Creams & White

The Digi Bells - Christmas

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.  Would love it if you have the time to leave me a comment so I will be sure to stop by and see what's new with you.

"Love, Hugs, & Blessings"

Merry Christmas From Our Home To Your Home

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD" (Luke 2:11).

Wishing you and yours the blessing of this holy day.

Love & Hugs,

The West Family

A Big Thank You to Sharon of Plumrose Lane

A big thank you to Sharon of Plumrose Lane for updating my blog to a Christmas Theme and for making me a button to put on my blog and share.  It's for sure I haven't had any time to do much.  This is one fantastic lady that works so diligently with her clients in sharing her talents and knowledge.  If you get a chance, hop on over to her blog HERE and see some of the gorgeous free blog backgrounds and buttons or some of the amazing individual blog designs she has created.  She used one of the images I had previously created on a card.

Wanted to pop in and say "Hi" to everyone today too.  Will be off to Kansas City in just a little bit to take hubby to see the neurologist again and then hopefully out to lunch before we come home.  Plan to get around later tonight to visit some of you to see what all I've been missing out on.  Still no time to craft yet and getting pretty antsy so I hope it's soon.

Have a wonderful week, enjoy the holidays and family.

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Wishing you all a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

To my friends from afar that do not celebrate Thanksgiving, may you be thankful for what you do have and relish in the spirit of the holidays and forth coming Christmas.

Due to some family issues I have not had the time to visit you or blog for a few weeks and will probably not be back for a little while longer.  Most of you know that my husband has not been well for quite some time and we are in the process of jumping another hurdle. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you don't forget me while I'm gone.  I'll be around as soon as I can to visit.

"Love & Hugs" Carol

Last CCAYR card for November

This is my last CCAYR card for November and ya all still have plenty of time to submit your five for this months prize.  Easy peasy sketch challenge this month and I'd love to see your wonderful creations on the CCAYR Challenge Blog.  I'm loving my new Heartfelt Creations goodies.

Card Deets:

• HFC 3419 Holiday Poinsettia Candle stamped 3 times then cut 2 extra candles and a poinsettia from the other 2 stamps
• Sentiment ODBD
• Paper Doily sprayed with Pearl Glimmer Mist for a little added shine
• DP SU Neutral and My Mind's Eye Holiday Glitter Book
• Copics: BG000, 0000 - Y11, 00, 000 - R39, 37, 35 - G28, 24, 21
• Other:  Texture Paint, Art Glitter Jocquil, Art Glitter Glue dries clear, Gold German Glass Glitter for center of WOC Poinsettia Flowers & MS Snowflake punch with Stickles added, pop dot for dimension

Here is a picture of the inside:

 

Have a wonderful week!

"Love & Hugs"  Carol (Granny)

White on White Christmas Card

Almost December everyone and time to get those Christmas cards done and ready to mail.  Hope this is a little inspiration to get you going and inspired.  The challenge this month at CCAYR is a sketch challenge and you can find it here.  Sure hope to see some cards there by you all cause I need some inspiration for next month...LOL  Really, I would love to see you play along with us cause it gives me another reason to come visit and see what's new with you.

The card stock is SU Whisper White with gold metallic behind the die frame by Cheery Lynn along with one of the Christmas tree dies by them.  I added lace around the edges of the frame and used poinsettia dies from HFC along with silver German Glitter Glass for the center.  The star on the top and the ribbon for the bow is from stash.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

November CCAYR Sketch Challenge

The challenge this month at Christmas Cards All Year Round is a sketch challenge, no twists, nothing difficult, and one we hope you you like.  Remember there are only 40 days until the post office wants you to have your cards mailed so they arrive at their destination on time.  Now that's scarey.....what's worse is Christmas is only 55 days away.........YIKES!!!  Better get hopping on those cards or you'll be making a quick dash to somewhere to catch up.

***Remember if you do 5 cards this month following the challenge, your name will go into a draw for a prize at the end of November! (This challenge CAN be combined with any other blog or forum challenges that you do this month.)

This digital card was made using My Memories software with a variety of papers and elements from CoolScraps Digital. 

Short post this time cause I'm moving to get things done before the season begins.  I've scheduled this post and I sure hope Blogger is being good and it gets done on time....  Have a good one!
Be around soon to see you.

"Love & Hugs" Carol

Planting Some Love

Gee, can you believe it's Wednesday already and the first week of November.  I don't know about you all but our weather is crazy here.  Yesterday it was almost 80 and today it's in the 50's, rainy, possibly snow tonight, and colder than I'd prefer....  Needed a break from Christmas cards and I had never colored this adorable image from Bells'n Whistles so decided to "think" spring cause I'm not a big fan of winter.

I made this card for 2 challenges today,  Bells'n Whistles Pins and Pearls Challenge and Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge, Pink, Purple, Pearls, and Pretties.

Close up of front

The stamped image is from Bells'n Whistles by Elisabeth Bell named "Planting Some Love".  Flowers are WOC as is the metal corner and pins.  She is colored with Copics.  The butterflies are a MS Butterfly Punch with pearls from stash added.  The bows on each side of the sentiment are also from stash.  Don't have a clue what paper pack the DP is out of but I think it's from Kaiser Kraft.  So dark and dreary here and apologize the picture is not all that great.  Light Box is on my Christmas Wish List...

Thanks so much for stopping by and I sure hope to see  you again soon.

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Congrats - Candy Winners

Special thanks to all of my followers that left a comment on my candy post.  Wish I had something for all of you sweet people other than my admiration for sharing your wonderful talent and for your support.

My wonderful hubby drew the following candy winners:

Linda Palmer 

Mary Lou

Linda and Mary Lou, if you will email me your addy I will get your dies in the mail this week.

Scroll down to see my most recent post with one of the HFC stamps.

"Hugs" Carol (Granny)

It's A Sketch Challenge at CCAYR

What a fun time I had with this card.  Decided to try something a little different for me with these HFC stamps I got a CKC.  Oh how I'm lovin these new stamps and what you can do with them.  The workshops were so much fun and for sure you will be seeing all of the new stamps I got before years end.

The challenge this month at CCAYR is a sketch challenge and if you'll hop on over to the challenge blog you'll see what an easy sketch they have for you this month and some wonderful inspiration by the design team.  Christmas mailing time is just a skip and hollar away and will be here before ya know it.  I usually include a Christmas Letter with my cards so sometimes you won't see a  place on the inside to add a note.  That is when I get them mailed out.......Last year I did not mail one Christmas card and boy did I hear about it from some of our dear friends, so this year I'm sending them out early.

Card Deets:

• HFC 3347 Cardinal Bird Feeder & HCPC 3432 Magnificent Spruce Trees
• DP SU Cherry Cobbler & Bo Bunny Father Christmas 6x6 paper pad
• Go Create XXL Frilly Frame (chipboard) & Spellbinder's Long Classic Rectangle
• Memento Black and Green Verte Verde ink for the trees - Color Box Ice Blue Chalk for clouds
• Copics G28, 24,21, 20 - E59, 57, 55, 53 - C7, 1
• Other:  Crystal Dust, Snow-Tex, White flat paint, Clear embossing powder, Polar White Flower Soft, micro glitter, and pop dots for dimension
• Card shape - Center step card

That's all from me today folks.  Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.  If you have the time to leave me a comment I will come visit.  I've tried to get around to visiting everyone but in case I missed you, your comment will definitely warrant a visit from me.  Have a wonderful day!

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Candy - For NO Reason

CANDY FOR MY FOLLOWERS

Just leave me a comment prior to November 1

Candy closes October 31, Midnight CST  USA

OMG, we had a great time at the CKC Scrapbook Convention in Kansas City last Friday.  It's the first time I've left my husband alone for that long in over 3 years and was gone almost 6 hours.  I did have backup just in case but he's doing really well with the new Aricept 23 and I really needed some me time.  Selfish as that may sound.

The 2 Heartfelt Creation classes were so much fun and I finally learned how to use the dies with the stamps (I think)....  At least I got a bunch of red birds and flowers stamped and cut out.  Even have made 2 cards and spent 2 days in the craft room playing.  Can't show you some of my cards until November 1 but I really did like the way they turned out.

Spent so much money at the Heartfelt booth that they offerd me a platinum membership.......lol  BUT, I did save a ton and came home with 2 sack fulls.  In fact, I bought 2 dies that I already had.  Ever done that??? Because I love ya all so much I'm going to be giving away 1 set of dies to 2 lucky winners.  One die is the Heartfelt Creations Daisy Patch HCD 703 and the other is Spellbinder's Layered Poinsettia.

Nope you don't have to become a follower unless you like what you see here and lately there hasn't been too much to see..  This is only for my followers and all you have to do is just leave me a comment, no posting anything on your blog or anything else.

AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!  Blogger crashed before I got this finished and I forgot what I said....... ROFLOL

Will be around to visit Monday or Tuesday and maybe have a post before long.  Better sign off before it crashes again tonight.  Have a great week!

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Lilly's On Her Way Home

I'm so excited about what I can do with this My Memories Suite program that I just couldn't wait until tomorrow to show you another page from the album.  This time I played around with incorporating some digi elements I had  downloaded from other sources to see how it worked.  Yeah, they worked.  Can't believe how easy this program is to use.  If you are interested in checking out this program be sure you use the special coupon code on the right side of my bar to save $20, $10 on the program and $10 towards kits.

Well, "That's all I got to say about that!" (Gump quote)...........LOL  Yes,  my card making and sharing  is suffering terribly at this point in time but I'm getting back on track to play in challenges and back to the craft room.  Amazing at easily I can get sidetracked.....

Friday I am off to the CKC Show in Kansas City to attend 2 Heartfelt Creations workshops and do some shopping.  Hope I don't spend all my Christmas stash in one spot.  Now if that doesn't motivate me to get back into stamping and coloring I'm doomed.

Did you all see that amazing decorated tin that Angelica made for HFC?  OMG, it's totally gorgeous!!  I'm going to try and get one made tonight and hope it turns out half as beautiful as hers.  Going to get out those alcohol inks I've never used, and had for a few years, to see if I can get my tin colored.  Wish me luck!  If you haven't seen this gorgeous project hop on over to Angelica's blog and check it out.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I have been out visiting this week but if I missed you, please leave me a comment and I'll hop on over.  Have a wonderful day!

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

My First Album Using My Memories

OMG, if you've ever wanted to make a scrapbook album fast and in minutes and have not used My Memories to do so you are really missing out.   It took me all of 5 minutes to create this template page once I downloaded the program.  I've tried other programs and could never really get them to work for me the way I wanted and am amazed at the ease and comfort of use along with the affordability of the program.  You get a bunch of templates with the program and you can also incorporate your jpg and png backgrounds and elements from other sources to create your own pages instead of using the templates. I have so many pictures just sitting, waiting to be printed, and put in scrapbooks, most are from my digital camera so they are already loaded on my computer.

I am so excited to be able to share this program with you today because I love it so much and think you might too, especially those of you that procrastinate the way I do about sitting down and putting together a scrapbook from scratch.  This takes all the guess work out of scrapbooking and is so much fun, fast, and easy to use.  You can make it any size you want, print it out yourself, or have it professionally printed, bound, and shipped to you.  What a wonderful gift for Christmas for some lucky member of your family or especially for grandparents.

AWESOME SAVINGS FOR YOU!!!

I have found a way for you to get this amazing software at a more than affordable price.  Simply go to MY MEMORIES (click on the link) and enter STMMMS12541 to save $10 off the software $39.95 (reduced price of only $29.95) and a $10.00 coupon to use at the My Memories online store.  In reality, you are spending $19.95 for am amazing program and extras that will give you the freedom to create amazing scrapbooks, cards, and so much more.  Check it out and let me know what you think.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask and if I don't have the answer I'll be sure and get it for you or refer you to someone that can.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.  I'll be sharing a scrapbook page with you on a weekly basis so be sure to check back next Thursday afternoon with a new page either from this album or for one I'll be creating from scrap and not using a template, along with possibly some freebies to use with the program every now and then.

Have a marvelous weekend!

"Love & Hugs" Carol

LOTV Stamped Feathered Friends

First, I would like to welcome my new followers and let you all know I am so happy you are here.  Hope you enjoy your visits and find a little inspiration to take back to your craft room.

Oh my gosh, it's already Sunday night and we have had a beautiful weekend.  The weather is gorgeous with low humidity and been in the 80's for the past week, 90's one day.  I love it but I'm so ready for some cooler weather, like low 70's, which is due to move in this week along with some much need rain.  We've had only a trace of rain for the past month and it's sooooooo dry here.  Enough chatter for now, got to get a card finished before bedtime.

I'm entering this card in two challenges: 

LOTV Challenge 115 - Let it Snow 

Christmas Challenges {with sketches}
Guess I'm going to have to figure out Dutch Time.  I missed it...sobs!

The image is from LOTV named "Stamped Feathered Friends" and is available HERE along with lots of other adorable new Christmas stamps.  I've colored using Copics, added Polar White Flower Soft for the snow, white velvet flock for the fur on her hat and coat.  The pink gem in the bow is from my stash as are the 3 at the top of the card.  I colored the Christmas ornaments and then added Gold and Stardust Stickles to make them sparkle.  The sentiments are also from LOTV, stamped and embossed with white embossing powder.  The lace is from WOC and attached to white ribbon and adhered with Wacky Tacky (I love this stuff for adding ribbon and lace to cards).  The snowflakes are made by the MS Snowflake punch and covered with Stardust Stickles.  The DP is from my stash and I think it's Bo Bunny, the white glittered and embossed paper is from Imaginesce.

Thanks so very much for stopping by.  Been too busy to get around to say hi to everyone but I do think I've made it to everyone that's left comments.  If I've missed coming to visit, please leave me a comment and I'll hop on over real soon.  I'm going to be taking a class at CMC and try to learn how to color with Distress Inks.... Wish me luck!

"Love & Hugs" Carol

Beautiful Warm Colors of Fall

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my Canadian friends and bloggers who celebrate Thanksgiving at a time of the year different than those of us in the USA.  May you have a blessed day with family and friends celebrating this beautiful and festive time of the year.  The beautiful warm colors of fall with the reds, oranges, browns, yellows, and greens seems to be a favorite for a lot of us with cooler temperatures and low humidity.  After such a hot summer it is wonderful to be able to open up all the windows and feel the cool and crisp air.

Finally getting back into my craftroom after what seems like forever and I'm so lovin it!!  Here are a few challenges I've designed this card for and I sure hope you like it:

Pink {INK} Sketch - Sketch (altered sizes)

Stamptacular Sunday - PHOTO Inspiration

Shopping Our Stash - Thanksgiving or Thank You Card

Paper Sundaes - Lots of Layers

Anything Goes Challenge - Die cuts/Punches or Both

Paper Take Weekly - Anything Goes - Happy 4th Birthday

Elphine House - Tasty Treats

Elisabeth Bells World Challenge - Color Inspiration

Bells'n Whistles - Your Favorite Color Choices (Fall is mine this time of the year)

Phew, this is a lot for me.......

All of the items used on this card are from my stash, absolutely nothing new here.  The image is an Elisabeth Bell image from Bells'n Whistles named Hearty Thanksgiving and can be purchased HERE, stamped with Memento Ink and colored with Copics, Flower Soft for the grass.  The DP is from a year or two ago and I think it's Debbie Mum.  I cut out and used some of the items from the paper pack for embellishments, Marianne and Spellbinder's Dies.  Here is a side view that gives you a peek at the inside:

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope I've left you with a little inspiration today.  Oh, I almost forgot, I won the newest digi from The September Digi Bell's Hop and is she ever adorable (I'm Jumpin for Joy) - oops, not the name of the stamp...lol. You'll be seeing her soon.

Have a wonderful day!

"Love & Hugs" Carol

Halloween Colors for Christmas Cards - WHAT?

Keeping it pretty simple again this month.  Feel like it's December already and I need to hurry......lol  Time to slow down cause it's only October 1.  Here are one of my cards for CCAYR for October.  In the beginning I struggled with this one so I pretty much let the DP do the work for me.

The challenge this month at CCAYR is:

OK, we all know that there's another "holiday" in October and that's Halloween. So... your Christmas cards this month need to have at least one of what are considered Halloween colours (orange, green, purple, black). We'd also like to see a punch or die cut somewhere on your card and this can mean regular punches, Spellbinders dies, border punches, something that was purchased pre-done, etc!

DP is from Bo Bunny Blitzer Collection, Tree die is Elegant Evergreen by Cherry Lynn, stamp is WOJ (but darn if I can remember the name of it) colored with Copics and Cinnamon Stickles add to the ornaments.  I found this Joy Fold card over at Beccy Muir's blog and just loved it.  Can't believe how easy it was to put together and her dimensions were perfect.  I wanted something different and that I didn't remember seeing on anyone's blog yet so gave it a try.  I'll have another one of these to Joyfold cards share with you later in the month.

 

Now head on over to the CCAYR blog to see all the wonderful cards and inspiration by the DT.  After all, using Halloween colors on a Christmas card is somewhat different and they have done a wonderful job on creating cards that will inspire you.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I'll be by to visit on Monday as company will all be gone, the baby is here, and I'll have a little peace and quiet for a little while.....I hope!  Keep those posts going as I'm sure there will be lots of delicious eye candy from you all that I can't wait to see.  Have a wonderful weekend!

"Hugs & Love" Carol (Granny)

It's A Girl................

Our baby arrived this afternoon with both sets of grandparents, Uncle Corey (Jer's brother), Conley and me.  I thought Jer was never gonna tell us if it was a boy or girl.  He came out and said ok, I want pictures of everyone here now and that baby and mom were doing great.  Then we all said in unison, "What it is?" After hem and hawing around for a few minutes he laughed and said it's a girl and she is gorgeous. Needless to say we all jumped with joy because there are only 2 girls in our family, one in Texas (13) and a little girl we have never seen (2) in Northeast Iowa.  Lillian Grace weighs 7 lbs. 15 ozs., 20 inches long with head and chest of 14 inches each.  She has lots of dark hair just like her mama and boy is she a cutie.  We heard a new baby cry while in the waiting room and we all looked at each and said that must be our baby and sure enough it was........lol  Already got that baby cry down pat..  Since we couldn't see them for an hour we all went out to eat and then shopping for little girl clothes.  That's gonna be the best dressed baby in town as we've all been buying clothes for boys so long it's really cool to be buying feminine little girl clothes.

Not much time, the girls are arriving in just a couple of hours. Hope you enjoy the pics.

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Conley, Me, Lilly, Jer, Jim, Nikie, Corey & Brianne

Nikie, Jim & Lily (First time grandparents)

Jer, Nikie, Lilly (Proud Papa)

Brenda & Lilly, Brianne's Mom

Whirlwind Week

It's already Tuesday and I haven't been around to visit or comment or even been in my craftroom so I've got to scramble tonight and get my cards done for CCAYR for October.  Have had very little computer time or time even to think about crafting.  I do think about all of you though and wonder what I'm missing out on. Since I don't have time to get around to visit, probably until next week, I just want you all to know I'm missing you and seeing all those amazing creations you share.

The new great-grand baby will arrive on Thursday (we think) and weighs about 9.1 Lbs. so I'm sure she's ready for Baby G to make it's grand entrance.......lol

I also have friends coming from afar on Thursday, my youngest son and his wife fly in on Friday night for the weekend, Sunday is the big Chief's game so everyone is tailgating at Arrowhead except my DIL and I will be craft shopping in KC while the guys are at the game.

That's it for me tonight, just wanted to pop in and say "Hi" so you all know I'm still alive,

  kicking, and missing my craft time.

Have a wonderful week and will see you next week if not sooner.

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Goodie Box & Christmas Ornament

Wow, I really lucked out this time.  Found a see through goodie box I'd made last year and never did use, in fact, I found 8 of them, all with different DP.  So I stuck some candy in it, made the ornament, and tied it on with a bow.  Can't get much easier than this now can it.  What have you put away and forgot about that will only take you a short while to complete and share??  We'd love to see it!

CCAYR September Challenge: This is a stash challenge and the only "rule" is that anything you use on your cards needs to be at least a year old - stamps, papers, embellishments: everything!

Ornament Deets:

• Image from Nina at Paper Cupcakes "A Merry Christmas Snowman" colored with Copics: R24, 27, 29; G24, 21, 20; B99, 97; YR 18, 15, 12; C00, 0, R20; R59, 46; paper pieced with faux stitching.
• Stardust Stickles and Diamond Glaze
• Flower Soft Ultra Fine Strawberry for mittens
• DP Reminisce Fresh Snow for backing, red brads, and sprayed with Glimmer Mist Pearl

We are ready for some cooler weather but so not ready for winter...  Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope this month I've given you a little inspiration to get started on your Christmas cards and projects. It will sure make your life a little easier come December.  Plus, I'd love to see you play in the challenge cause it gives me another reason to stop by and visit.

Have a wonderful week ahead!

"Love & Hugs" Carol

Under The Mistletoe

This sure looked a lot better before I posted it so somewhere in the transition it lost its clarity but I think it will be okay.  This is for the challenge at Lili of the Valley this week  of red. green, and white. I love this color combo for Christmas as it's so traditional.  Of course, this adorable new image from LOTV, Under The Mistletoe, is what really makes the card so cute.  It's just one of many new releases for Christmas this year.

My first attempt at a center step card, and as easy as it looks, I really struggled with the dimensions so made a template and cut it with an Xacto knife.  Oh how I wish measurements given were a little more exact as math and fractions have NEVER been one my strong points.  I did finally get 8ths figured out on the ruler though....lol

OOPS! Forgot to add the side view on the first post...Sorry

The DP is from Bo Bunny Father Christmas Pack and SU Cherry Cobbler, stamped and colored on Neenah card stock with Copics.  G28, 24, 21, 20 - YR24, 23, Y15, 11, 00 - R39, 37, 35 - E74, 71, 70 - E55, 57 - E00, 000, R20 - C5, 3, 1, 00.  Viva Decor Cream Pearl was added for the mistletoe berries, stardust stickles for the snow and on the poinsettia's from WOC, velvet white flock for the fur on the coat and polar white FS for the snow on the ground. 

I had planned to enter this in the WOC sketch challenge but altered the sketch too much so I'm entering the following challenges:

7 Kids College Fund - Holiday Goodness

Moving Along With the Times - Sparkle

Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Winter Wonderland - Girlie Christmas

Tomorrow we will be attending the visitation for the daughter of a dear friend and one of Conley's military comrades, and on Thursday the funeral, so you will probably not hear from me for a few days but I'll catch up with you all as soon as I can.  Have a wonderful week.

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Winter Won*Der*Land

What a joy and treasure it has been to be the guest designer at Anything Goes this month and to see and share all the fabulous products available from The Craft Den.  In fact, almost everything I've used on this card can be purchased at The Craft Den.  Most of you know I've been a little shy in using Magnolia Stamps for a variety of reasons but I really liked the way this one turned out.  And, since I'm so much into Christmas cards right now thought she was perfect.

Card Deets:

• Stamp - Magnolia - Tilda with Tree (I think)
• DP Bo Bunny Blitzen Collection
• Marianne Creatable Poinsettia Dies with gems from stash added
• Lace from WOC
• Colored with Copics
• Sketch from CLP
• Tried the white spray paint technique and think I need a little more practice as my craft room did smell like paint.....lol

I am also entering this card for the sketch challenge at CLP.

Hope you all are having a fab week.  I've been enjoying the beautiful fall weather we have been having.  It could stay this comfortable for me the year round......except for the Christmas Holidays and then do I like the snow and the beauty of winter.  If you have the time to leave me a much appreciated comment I'll be sure to hop on over and visit to see what's new with you.  Thank you for stopping by.

"Love & Hugs" Carol  (Granny)

Bingo & Anything Goes

Now don't fall out of your chairs, it's NOT a Christmas card this time.......LOL  Since we are having fall like weather this week thought it was the time to get into fall cards even though I never send them out.  I like the cute and whimsical things of halloween and definately pass on the gorey stuff.  Never have been a fan of the scarey stuff and that probably is due to being traumatized as a child by some of the neighborhood boys...we all know boys will be boys. 

I fell in love with this stamp from Bells'n Whistles, Scarecrow & Little Wizard, such a sweet image and so cute.  The challenge at Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge Blog this month is Bingo and I chose the row of Buttons, Charms, and Punches.  The DP is from K&Co and is probably a couple of years old. Love my stash!  Colored with Copics and gold glitter added for the rope and leg ties along with the stars on the hat.  The bow is a raffia bow tied with the button for the center and the charm added.  Wish I'd had a pumpkin charm.  I have a terrible time finding small charms to put on my cards.

Did you participate in the Digi Bells Monthly Blog Hop this month???  You still have time to win the new Elisabeth Bell digi image for the month celebrating Lynda's birthday titled **Lil Lynda's Piano Forte**.  OMG, she is just adorable so be sure to hop on over to the Digi Bells Blog and see for yourself.  You have 3 chances to win her and one is by entering a card, "Anything Goes" using any EB image, so I'm entering this card in that challenge also. 

Well folks, that's all from me today.  I've gotten 3 posts scheduled and another card almost ready to post so I'll be back real soon.  Will be hopping around to visit everyone later this afternoon.  I'm so enjoying being in my craft room this week and don't want to lose the momentum so see ya later.

Don't forget to leave me a comment so I don't miss getting around to visiting with you.

Have a fab weekend!

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Sugar Nellie Winter Wonderland

Yep, found another stamp I don't think I've ever colored up.  Gee, it's amazing when you go back through your stash and find things you just thought you couldn't live without at the time and then when you get it you never use it. I'm just finding all kinds of goodies buried in my Christmas stamp drawer... So much fun!

This one is not quite as simple as the other 2 but thought it time I get back to my "it's never enough" and bling things up a little bit.  Don't want you to think I've lost my mind with so many CAS cards......LOL

Card #3 for Christmas Cards All Year Round and a reminder of this months challenge:

This is a stash challenge and the only "rule" is that anything you use on your cards needs to be at least a year old - stamps, papers, embellishments: everything!

Come on over and join us for a little fun and get your Christmas cards started. You might have as much fun finding things for a year or longer you've never used or used only once.

We'd love to see you.

Card Deets:

• Winter Wonderland Sugar Nellie Stamp 2009
• DP CM Cranberry, DCVW Silver, Creative Paper by Craft Creations
• Colored with Copics:  Hair - E55, 57, 53, 50, Y00, E44;  Clothes - C7 through C00;  Holly Sprig G28, 24, R39, 37, Acrylic white paint for highlight;  Scarf & Umbrella - R29, 24;  Bird - R29, 27, 24
• Poinsettias WOC, gems from stash, colored stamen with E29
• Sentiment from HFC - Mats cut using CM circle and oval templates.  Inside - Spellbinders Labels 1
• Textures of Velvet Flock adhered with glue - Stardust and Xmas Red Stickles

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.  Hope you have the time to leave me a comment so I'll be sure to come by visit to see what's new with you.

"Love & Hugs" Carol

White on White for CCAYR

Yep, I'm keeping is simple this month to save on postage.......lol  Here is my second card for CCAYR this month.  If you haven't been over to the challenge blog yet to see all the wonderful cards by the DT I sure hope you will pop over for lots of eye candy and inspiration.

Sept Challenge:

This is a stash challenge and the only "rule" is that anything you use on your cards needs to be at least a year old - stamps, papers, embellishments: everything!

Card Deets:

• DP from Paper Temptress, Solar White Neenah
• Cuttlebug folders and I have no clue what their names are......Sorry!
• Polar White Flower Soft
• Stardust Stickles

Short post today.  Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see  you again soon.  Sure hope you will join us this month at CCAYR.  If you have the time to leave me a comment I'll be sure to stop by to visit and see what's new with you.

"Love & Hugs" Carol

In The Spotlight and GD for Anything Goes Challenge Blog

And a very Happy Tuesday morning to you all.

I got so excited when asked by Tamara to GD for Anything Goes Challenge Blog it took me almost a week to get this card done cause Shabby-Chic and Vintage are not really my strengths.  I do love how this turned out though and I got everything I wanted on it without a lot of bling. Yep, I know, no stickles or glitter, can you believe it......  I think I might be seeing a little more Shabby-Chic/Vintage style in my designs from now on.  I'd sure love to know what you think of this, especially if you're a SC/V fan.

If you haven't guessed it by now the theme at Anything Goes for this fortnightly challenge is SHABBY-CHIC/VINTAGE and I can't wait to see what you create for this challenge.  I hope you've found some inspiration here that will encourage you to share your creation with us.  I'd so love seeing your designs.

Here is the inside of the card.

Deets:

• Image: Digi Sugar Nellie Hope colored with Copics: Hair-E57, 55, 53,Y00, E50, 44;  Skin-E11, 00, 0000, R20; Dress-YR82, 00, 000, E50, 51.
• DP: K& CO, card stock from stash
• Spellbinder's Scalloped & Eyelet Circles
• Sentiment ODBD - Versamark Ink and Gold Embossing Powder, heat set
• Distress Ink Frayed Burlap
• Die: Fanciful Flourish from Cherry Lynn
• Embellishments from stash:  pearls, lace doily
• Lace is from Amelia in South Africa. Isn't it just gorgeous.  Thank you dear friend.
• Flowers and corner embellishment from WOC

For all of your crafting needs please be sure to check out the Craft Den for some amazing new products and some of the products used on this card.

You won't want to miss the beautiful projects by the amazing DT at Anything Goes, so hop on over, get a little inspiration from the team, then share your lovely creation with us.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon. Hope you have the time to leave me a comment and if you do I'll be sure I stop by to visit and see what's new with you.

"Love & Hugs" Carol

Princess For A Day

In looking at the new images from The Fall Elisabeth Bell Secret Stamp Kit created for Whiff of Joy I was reminded of when my daughter was a little girl.  Oh how we loved dressing her up like a little princess.  The day we took her home from the hospital she wore an adorable pink dress with lace on it, lace booties and pink bonnet with lace to match.  Of course, that was over 50 years ago and my how times have changed in these past 50 years.

I really created this card for three challenges this time because I thought they fit so well together:

Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Sketch #117 (Thanks Patti for reminding me)

Whiff of Joy - Pink and Pearls

Copic Creations - "Pretty in Pink"

Card Deets:

• Image from WOJ Secret Fall Stamp Kit "Princess for 2 Day"
• Sketch from Sweet Sketch Challenge #117
• DP from Stash, card stock card from Bazzill
• The fan and tiara are paper pieced
• Viva Decor Liquid Pearls added to tiara and dress
• Spellbinders die with pearls from stash added
• The lace fan, lace and flower from my dear friend Amelia in South Africa - Thanks so much Amelia
• Colored with Copics:  Dress RV29, 25, 23, 21, 00;  Skin E13, 00, 000, R20;  Hair E57, 55, 53, 50, 40 and Y00

Hope you all are having a fantastic weekend, and to my USA friends, have a very safe and amazing Labor Day weekend, which is officially our last summer holiday of the year.  Now mind you, I'm not looking forward to winter by any means but I'm sure ready to get rid of the 100+ heat we have been having. So can't wait to see some low humidity and temperatures in the 70's, which is suppose to be arriving tonight.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.

"Love & Hugs" Carol

Got Year Old Christmas Stash??

Here it is already the first of September and it's only a little over 3 months before Christmas.  Scary huh?  Got some cards ready to mail or working on your Christmas letter?  I'm frantically working on mine because last year I didn't send out one card or my Christmas letter.  The challenge this month at Christmas Cards All Year Round is easy peasy.  Just dig out last years Christmas papers, stamps and join us for a fun challenge.  If you don't get all five cards done, that's no problem, at least you will be started on your cards and that will leave you a lot more time to shop, wrap presents, bake, and spend quality time with family as the holiday gets even closer.

Sept Challenge:

This is a stash challenge and the only "rule" is that anything you use on your cards needs to be at least a year old - stamps, papers, embellishments: everything!

Card Deets:

• Jingle Bells Stampendous Stamp - 2007   Unused - Forgot I had it.....lol
• Holograph Jingle Bells Chain - Another forgotten item
• Spellbinder's Classic Large Rectangle
• DP: SU Navy - Craft Creations Christmas Words Blue/Grey - CM Silver Metallic (no longer available)

Not much else to tell ya, pretty plain, simple, and quick to make.  Wish I had more of the Jingle Bell chain and silver paper so I could make some more......

I'm so thankful to be on the CCAYR team because it is motivating me to get my cards done this year.  You can see all of the amazing DT cards just by clicking on this link and heading on over to the CCAYR Challenge Blog.  I'll be posting weekly with the hopes that you will be inspired to get started and join us at CCAYR.  In fact, I'm scheduling all my posts now so please check back to see what's new or hop on over to the blog to see all the entries.

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon. If you have the time to leave me a comment I'll be sure to hop on over to visit.

"Love & Hugs" Carol

Sweet Summer Days

The weekend has officially arrived and the KC Chief's are losing to the Ram's in the Governor's Cup so I decided it was time to get some work done instead of yelling my lungs out where no one can hear me except hubby and the dogs.....lol. 

I should know better than to try and take night pictures and have then turn out good but it's been awhile since I posted and didn't want you all to think I'd flown the coop.  I really have been busy getting some DT cards done for September and the posts scheduled so I can play in a few more challenges next month.

The challenges I'm entering with this card are:

Bells'n Whistles - Anything Goes - you must use an Elisabeth Bell image

Copic Creations - Blue/Green

Elphine House - We All Scream for Ice Cream

Card Deets:

• Image: Elisabeth Bell Sweet Summer Days from Bells'n Whistles
• DP Bo Bunny, Bazzill, SU
• Coloring Medium: Copics (See Picture below)
• Grass Die/Pine Flower Soft
• WOC Flowers, MS Bough punch, MS Butterfly punch, Spellbinders dies

It's 3rd quarter and we finally got a TD so I'm off to watch the rest of the ballgame and yell my silly lungs out since we are only down 4 points.  

Hope you have the time to leave me a comment so I'll be sure and come visit real soon.  Will be checking on you this weekend for sure.

GO CHIEF'S!!!

Love & Hugs, Carol 

Jingle Bells

TGIF.....Hope you all aren't getting tired of Christmas Cards yet cause I am sure going to have a bunch more to share with you before Christmas.....For some reason this year I am so into making Christmas cards and I think it's because I didn't send out one card last year or my Christmas letter and was scolded by a few dear friends so I figure if I get them done early, my notes written, etc., that I will get them in the mail.....I know, I'm sooooo bad!!!

I've fallen in love Jingle Bells and finally found it, thanks to Lynda at Bells'n Whistles.  And, can you believe it got here in time, all the way from Quixotic Paperie, for me to use for the Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge, Christmas in July Challenge.  I'm sure they have more in stock if can't wait until it's available again soon at B'nW.  I am submitting this card for the following challenges:

Elisabeth Bell's World Challenge - Christmas in July

Totally Papercrafts Challenge - Christmas in August

Winter Wonderland - Cards for Men/Boys

As you can see my card is pretty simple this time as I didn't want anything to distract from this adorable image and the DP.  The Merry Christmas is not showing up as well as I would have liked as I used Gold Metallic ink and sentiment from ODBD but it looks pretty in real life.  I did add a few red gems so the easel part of the card would stand up without falling over.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I sure hope to see you again soon.  If you have the time to leave me a comment I'll be sure to stop by and visit.  I'm pretty sure I've gotten around to everyone from my last few posts and then some, but sure didn't have time to get around to some of you that I really wanted to visit.  I'll keep trying though as time permits.  Have a fantastic weekend and keep crafting!

"Love & Hugs" Carol

CCAYR - August DT Card 3

HAPPY MONDAY!

This is my last card this month for the challenge at Christmas Cards All Year Round.  I had hoped to get 2 more done but it didn't happen, mainly because we are on holiday.  I've scheduled this and sure hope it makes it on line.  Never know about blogger. 

If you haven't already joined us this month at CCAYR, please hop on over to the challenge blog for all the details.  You still have until August 31 to get your entries submitted.  For those of you that have played along with us this month, I'm so glad to see that you have joined us and look forward to more of your wonderful entries. If I haven't stopped by to visit your post I'll be sure and do that as soon as I get back.  If you've left me a comment on a post while I've been gone you will be first on my list to visit.  I know I'm really going to miss everyone and will be excited to see you when we get back.

Have a wonderful week and I hope to see you on Wednesday.

Much Love & Hugs, Carol

Taking A Holiday

HAPPY THURSDAY!!

Thought I'd pop in and let everyone know that we are taking our 2 babies on a little holiday.  The workmen are finally finishing up the front of our house, the car is back from the shop and looks brand new after getting all the hail damage fixed.  I think the electrical issue is finally under control, and Conley's son John has moved into his own condo so we are 1 adult and 2 dogs less.  Most of my major projects are wrapped up except for a few DT cards and I need to rejuvenate my mojo before starting those. I will probably take my laptop but never sure about internet connection when camping.  Really looking forward to sitting by the lake and getting some fishing done with a blank mind........lol

Will be catching up with you all when we get back so keep those gorgeous creations coming and I'll see ya all real soon.

"Love & Hugs" Carol