Elisabeth Bell World Challenge

Finally back to crafting and creating again.  Oh how good it feels to be coloring again and playing. I've so missed my fun time and all of you even though I have tried to somewhat keep up.  I love these new Fairy images at Bells'n Whistles and finally getting some colored up.  Here us a close up of the colored image.

I've been working on this for awhile and last night brought all my Copics and tools upstairs to get it finished.  It was almost 6 before I got to bed this morning but I'm through dealing with the drama and getting back to doing what I love to do.  For sure the world isn't going to end if I don't deal with an issue immediately.  Nothing has been resolved with the house and electrical system yet, the estimates and insurance have been done for the Mercedes and it goes in the shop July 17th.  They are suppose to start on the front of our house next week and I've done all I can do so someone else can fret for awhile..............lol

I'm submitting this card for the following challenges:

Elisabeth Bell World Challenge for May, Easel card
Well drats! Went to upload it and I'm a day late.....AGAIN

Anything Goes, Here Comes Summer

Bells'n Whistles - Wing It

Some Card Deets:

• Elisabeth Bell image Fairy Fond Thoughts
• DP Sweet Fairy by Prima & SU
• Colored with Copics, Stickles, Liquid Pearls
• MS Round the page Double Loop Punches/Flowers Punches from Joan's
• Marianne Foliage Dies
• Handmade Vellum Flowers & Gems/Tutorial by Selma
• Lace from Wild Orchid Crafts, pearls from stash
• Butterfly from Stash
• I left the sentiment off so it could be added for a special occasion

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.  Don't forget to leave me a comment if you have time and I'll be sure to stop by to visit.

"Love & Hugs" Carol

Amelia's Garden Bench Made by Amelia

Here is a picture of Amelia's Garden Bench card.

She creates such beautiful works of art I thought I would share it with you.

Still no time in my craftroom and I hate not posting something to share with you.  It's been a very long day trying to get estimates, talking with insurance adjusters, some shopping, and chores done. I was finally checking email a little while ago and had received this from Amelia 2 days ago.  Thought it was an opportune time for me to pop in with something positive and beautiful.  I hope you have the time to stop by her blog and leave her some love for creating this awesome card.   Love those potted roses!

Stamped for the Occasion

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

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

We Are Blessed!

Hope all your hubbies & fathers had a wonderful day today.

Just popping in for a few to keep you updated.  Still no time to craft but I did manage to take enough time to do the Whimsy Blog Hope as they sure have some cute and fun new images and products  Also had to check out the new Elizabeth Bell image of the month at the Digi Bell's site. Just had to get it even though I'm not sure when I'll get to color it or make anything.

We had another little electrical fire last Thursday in the basement with still no clue as to what is going on.  The electrician disabled the circuit breaker that he thought was causing the problem.  Last night while in the bathroom, the overhead light started popping so I immediately turned it off and it stopped.  Will have to wait until tomorrow when he comes back to see what's going on in the bathroom so we aren't turning any lights on in there for now.  Every room now has a smoke alarm, and boy, are those things loud.  We are sleeping with a fire extinguisher by our bed just in case.  There has to be some humor in all of this and you would bust out laughing if your saw our bedroom.

I've always heard challenges come in 3's so I think early this morning was our #3.  We had a God awful hail storm and my Mercedes has more dents than a golf ball.  Not just the top, hood, and trunk but the entire area of the vehicle.  It will need a complete new exterior to make it look like it did before the storm and since it's a 2003 I doubt very much the insurance company will want to pay to get it fixed but we'll see.  Just finished filing a claim on line prior to this post.

Oh how I need a day in the craft room to forget about the world and just play.

Hope ya all have a fun week and I'll be checking in soon.

Love & Hugs, Carol

MIA & Electrical Fires

Just popping in to let everyone know that we have had some major issues going on with our house and to apologize for being around to visit or posting lately.

To make a long story short, almost 2 weeks ago we noticed some spots on the steel siding we had put on our house in 1988. When I asked my neighbor if he had ever seen anything like those round spots on steel siding he pushed on one of them and ended up getting a big blister on his finger. When he pushed on another one that had 3 vertical circles the other 2 turned red.  Needless to say I was on the phone with an electrician to see what was going on.  Now mind you, this was on a Sunday.  Electrician would not remove siding but he did shut off the power to the front porch area.  Monday, I found a young man to remove the siding, called the electrician back and my insurance agent.  Since there was no damage to the house itself, no insurance claim.  I've been working with the contractor on how to salvage the siding we took off because it's way too expensive now to use steel to reside your home.

Last night we had an electrical "FIRE" in the basement where there were actual flames shooting out of the dryer duct  to the outside of the house, melted the hose to the dryer and the outside screen. Nope the fire did not come from the dryer vent. Here comes the fire department with three huge trucks and then the fire chief.  They said they had never seen anything like this before and would stay until an electrician got here because that area was still arcing with sparks coming out of the siding.  Guess who didn't sleep all night AGAIN.

Today he sent one of his men out to see what was going on.  Our house, for some unknown reason, was not grounded so they took care of that first.  Hooked all of the wiring back up and then checked a fairly new electrical box we had installed in the work shop for hubby.  When he flipped a breaker that had shut itself off smoke started coming out of it, hence, another fire.  He replaced what he was sure was causing the problem and called the Light & Power Company because there is something wrong with the meter.  Yep, you got it, L&P still haven't shown up.  He assured me that I could sleep tonight because before any fire started it would trip all the circuit breakers.....  Ask me if I'm reassured........NOT.....LOL  On top of all that going on we had company all last week.

Never a dull moment in this house!  Once I get everything straighted out and my house cleaned up and put back together again I'll be back, but until then I probably won't be on much through the rest of this month.  Just wanted you all to know that I was thinking of you and miss you.  Don't want to lose you or for you to think I don't care about you or have been ignoring all of your beautiful creations. 

I'll try to get around to visit a little as time permits.  Stay safe, happy and enjoy the beginning of summer.

"Love & Hugs" Carol

1 Card - 5 Challenges (Edited) to include Flutter By Wednesday Challenge

WHOO HOO, I'm finally back to crafting and think some of my mojo has returned.  Must be the news toys I received this week that got me motivated again...lol  I know I've sure missed playing in the craftroom and visiting with you all.  This card is for the following challenges:

Emerald Faerie Garden - Lots of Bling - Monthly Challenge

Anything Goes - Masking

Stamp with Fun - In The Garden

There's Magic In The Air - Easel Card
Fluttery By Wednesday - Open - Must use Butterly, Fairy, or Angel

Apology to Nina for not using a PCC image and promise next time I enter to use one.  Just hadn't played for awhile and wanted to make sure I finally got something in and the easel challenge was perfect for this card.

I've shown you the inside bottom of the easel separately so you can actually see it.  The picture of the easel card itself did not turn out as I had hoped but probably because it's dark and I had to take it inside.

Card Deets:

• Ebony Digi from Emerald Faerie Garden
• Go Kreate XXL Frames - Frilly #2 Square
• Marianne Dies LR0150 and LR0151
• Cherry Lynn Victoria Picket Fence
• DP: Sweet Fairy Collection by Prima, Old Olive SU and Perfect Plum SU
• Wild Orchid Crafts Flowers
• Stickles
• Flower Soft
• Colored with Copics

That's it from me for tonight folks, I'll be back soon with another card for Chrissy's and Elizabeth's Bells Monthly Challenges.  Since I'm always late getting any cards made or posted for monthly challenge blogs I decided to do those first this month.  I hope you've enjoyed your visit and have the time to leave me a comment so I can hop on over and see what's new with you.

"Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Graduation Card

Gee, it's been another week since I posted anything.  For some reason time is moving too quickly for me to keep up with.  I'd planned to post this in the challenge at MelJens but missed getting it in on time.  The Graduation Mouse is by Mel and I think the sentiment is by Mel or by Raindrop Echo and purchased at Whimsy Stamps. The story behind the card is that my youngest grandson graduated from college this month and I didn't want anything foo foo like I usually make so kept it pretty simple.  Mizzou's colors are black and gold so that is the basis for the card.  I just love this digi by Mel!

I do have several images I'm working on and challenges but I'm at the point not sure what to finish first......lol  I'ts been crazy around here this month with all the horrible storms, tornados, birthdays, graduations, spring yard manicuring, and just life in general.  Here is a picture of the inside of the card with the box I made for the card.  Blocked my mushy grandma good wishes....  Even shed a few tears when I made this as my baby grandson is all grown up now and going on to face the challenges of the real world. 

Hope you have the time to leave me a note so I can hop on over to visit.  I've been trying to at least get around to visit everyone this week, especially those that have left comments on my other 2 posts.  Going hopping as soon as this is posted to see what else I've missed out on.....

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Don't forget to thank and honor our veterans and wounded warriors for helping to keep you safe, keeping our country free, and making the ultimate sacrifice.

God Bless the USA!

"Hugs" Carol (Granny)

WHEW - What a Fantastic Party & Update

Here is the cake I had ordered and think Bev did a fantastic job decorating. Everything is made from scratch.  Matches the colors on the card.....lol  The glass she can save and the decorated piece is plastic that can be washed and put in the scrapbook I'm going to make for her.  I hope she saved me a piece of the chocolate layer cause when we left it hadn't been cut.

I think she really enjoyed the party and seeing all of her old friends from years past.  We had the best Mexican food I think I've ever eaten, so for those of you that live close to Kansas City give the Rancho Grande a try for some tasty authentic food.  Even taught the bartender how to make a White Russian while waiting on the food to go.......lol  I'd forgotten just how good they tasted.

I'll be posting the pictures I took on Facebook in just a little bit if you'd like to see more. 

I think I've made it around to visit all of you that have left comments the past few days and those of you that I normally visit daily.  If I've missed you I'm so sorry and if you'll leave me a comment I'll hop right on over later today or this evening to say hi.  Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the moments of life that are so precious.

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Please scroll down if you missed seeing the card.

OMG - She's 50!

This has been one of those weeks that has been wild and chaotic around here and today is no exception.  As soon as I get this posted I'm off to pick up the food and the big 50th birthday bash at my daughter's house.  Not a lot of time for the deets on this project so if you are interested in them please let me know and I'll edit this as soon as I can get back to it this weekend.

First I need to apologize for not being around the past few days and commenting on your blogs but this party and all the prep has really taken a lot of my time, especially with the eye problems I've been having.  GOOD NEWS, I got my glasses today and so far no headache and no blurred vision........YEAH!!!!!

No time to chat so here are the other two pictures, one of the inside and one of the box and card together.  I hope you like the card cause I think it's kinda cute since the theme of the party is "Margaritas and Fajitas".  I'm entering this card into the challenge at GraphicCat Creations.   A BIG THANK YOU to Eulanda (click on the link to see her card) for the inspiration for this card and the link to GraphicCat for the images.

Inside of Card with text blocked!  Too personal and mushy......LOL

Here is the box and the card.  Wouldn't have been complete without the box!

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I promise I'll get around to all of you sometime this weekend for comments.  I've missed you all and seeing your creations.  You are my family from afar!

"Love & Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Mother's Day Has Arrived

A very Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Mother's throughout the land and abroad.

My card today is for the sketch challenge at Bell'n Whistles.  I think I figured out today why I love Elizabeth Bell images so much and it's because her images remind me of my only daughter when she was small.  Childhood memories of my daughter are so much better than my childhood memories.....LOL

I thought this stamp was from SCAD and just found out it's from B'nW......so guess I'm going to miss the challenge at SCAD this week............(sobs)  And to think, I just got 3 news stamps from there this week and didn't use one of them.  I'll play next week unless I have some free time tomorrow.

I'm also entering this card in the following challenges:
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Tip Top Tuesday - Open Challenge
Sweet Stampin Challenge Blog - Childhood Memories

The new image is called "A Blossom For You".  Now she just can't get much cuter and sweeter than this for a Mother's Day card.  Oh what wonderful memories I have!  Blossom was colored with Copics with a few different colored Stickles added for some extra sparkle.  The butterflies were cut out of vellum with the MS Butterfly punches, added Yellow Stickles to the edges and pearls for the center. The sentiment was computer generated, cut with a Spellbinder's die and edged in Star Dust Stickles. The flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts and the fluorish is from my dear friend Olga.  Everything else is from my stash.

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 over to visit and see what's new with you.

Enjoy this wonderful Mother's Day and be sure to spend some time with family cause that's what life is all about.
"Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Her First Mother's Day Card

Little longer post than normal so grab something to drink, sit back and relax so you get all the details.

This is a Mother's Day card for my granddaughter-in-law who is expecting her first child in September.  I thought this Elizabeth Bell image (Pregnant Willow) from Whiff of Joy was the perfect image for this occasion.  It's been a long time (at least it seems like a long time to me) since I've entered a card for a WOJ Challenge.  I really loved the sketch this week and knew I wanted to use this stamp for her card.  The wooden bench is also an EB image and from WOJ.

Here is the sketch by Jane at the WOJ Challenge Blog.

I kept this card pretty simple this time, rotated the sketch so my image would fit and added a few extra goodies.  Trying to keep within the range of the colors of the baby's room but since I haven't seen it yet, not sure I'm really on track........lol

Here is the inside of the card and I apologize that it is so blurry but it's the best I could do. Guess the old camera decided to do it's own thing.  I used the poem "A Mother's Love" by Helen Steiner Rice.  It's always been one of my favorite poems.

The next entry is for the challenge at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge "Mums the Word".  I'm also entering this card in the challenge at The Paper Shelter #11 Ode to Mom's except the card will not qualify for the prize because I did not use one of their stamps. Read the rules too late!

Card Deets:

• DP is from Ella Blue paper pack with matting SU Early Espresso
• Images by Elizabeth Bell from Whiff of Joy and colored with Copics
• Lace and flowers from WOC, lace dyed with E77 Copic, Star Dust Stickles on Flowers
• Ribbon, diamond ring and corner embellies are from my stash
• Sentiments are computer generated
• Copics used for Dress: G82, 40, & 20 highlighted with Spica Melon pen; Hair: E27, 18, 15, 09 & YR21;  Skin: E21, 00 000, & R 20; Bench: E79, 77, 74, 71, 70

Thanks so very 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 and come visit to see what's new with you and your wonderful creations.

"Hugs" Carol (Granny)