It's Monday Already

Well it's Monday and after a weekend away, I'm about ready to get back to business! Not so much work, but blog surfing, card making, horseback riding and enjoying the day. That's what's on my agenda today. And technically, work.

This was the collection of cards I created for my aunt's birthday on Saturday and wouldn't you know it - the third from the right actually a saying she has on her wall! She figured she'd probably be keeping that one instead of giving it away. We went to see The Time Traveller's Wife - I hadn't read the book, but had wanted to. I don't know if I'll take the time to read it now. LOL! I've got other stuff to do =)  Like make announcements. But not until tomorrow. Judging by her comments, Chelsey's not creating a blog, so I'll just have to continue to feature her, I guess!

Oh yeah - and while I don't have a picture of it, I just did a make it yourself light box...

if you're in Canada, where we're getting quite low on light now that the summer's coming to a close, check out THIS site for directions like the one I made. 

Special Stamping Guest!

She doesn't know it, but these two beauties have gotten Chelsey into my stamping hall o' fame =)

We received the first one from her on Thursday when I went for a much needed (and in my opinion, deserved) pedi with her. It's the sweet card she made for MrP on the loss of his Grandmother.
 

The second was my fabulous birthday card from this year! Shouldn't she have her own blog?! I thought so, too!

Chelsey, Chelsey, Chelsey....

(Plus, she's a SU! Demo, so really....it'd just be good business practice!)

In the meantime, she can be my special features genius. Although I'm sure if I continue to post her cards, you'll find mine just that much less interesting. Oh well. It's worth it for my bestest buddy.

Upsy Daisy Birthday Wishes

Stamps: Upsy Daisy, StampTV Elegant Flowers (Gina K)
Paper: Maine Blueberry DSP, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Whisper White, Bashful Blue
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive
Accessories: Nestabilities, Wavy Blade on Cutter

It's Saturday, so I'm sure Amy at My Creative Clutter has another great sketch and I can't wait to play along. I completed this card for last week's sketch. I really enjoy playing along with the sketches that other people create. While my proportions still need a little work, I love when an image immediately comes to mind when I see a certain sketch.

Amy's also got 25 cards up for grabs as blog candy if you head over, become a follower (trust me, you'll want to!) and link to her site.

Today's the day I gift away the last six days worth of cards for my Aunt's birthday, so fingers crossed that she likes them. Make sure you leave a link to your site so I can check out your weekend creations when I'm back in the land of the nerds (aka - HOME!)

Today's Bella (brought to you by the Sketch that wasn't!)

Stamps: Cuppacakeabella
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Sahara Sand, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White
Ink: White Craft, Memento Black
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Pink Shimmerz, Cuttlebug Spots & Dots Folder, Word Window Punch

I really wanted to participate in the sketch challenge over at Stamping Bella this week, but once I got excited about using my new Cuppacakeabella, having stamped & colored her, I realized I was doing the sketch upside down. By the time all was said & done, I decided it was just too different from the sketch to enter it =)

But she's still pretty sweet, so I've decided you can let me know what you think....too far off the sketch or would she have still qualified?!

This card was a first attempt in my new light box...what do you think? Needs more lights, but I think it's heading in the right direction.

At any rate, have a Bellarific Friday! Don't forget to stop by that new digi company, Digital-Ink Co. for a digital freebie and 35% off this week. Because who doesn't love freebies!?!

For You My Friend

This was a sketch that Amy created for her Saturday sketches over at My Creative Clutter. I was able to complete the last two Saturday's sketches and I'm really hoping to keep up with her sketches, as they're a great starting point for me!

Stamps: StampTV Elegant Flowers (Gina K)
Paper: Maine Blueberry DSP, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Whisper White, Bashful Blue
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive
Accessories: Nestabilities

I think I only have one more card from this gift set to show and I hope I'm not boring you to tears with the color combo, which is a fave, inspired by that sweet retired DSP, Maine Blueberry.

My riding lesson with Zeus was a blast and I was hoping to bring out my camera next week to get some pics of the sweet boy, but I checked the schedule and Trapper's back next lesson! I'm excited to have him back, but at the same time,  a little sad because Zeus has been a fun change of pace (well, if you can call freight train a pace) =)

We finished up everything for MrP's Grandmother's arrangements, so it's back to work today. Thankfully, I've got Friday off - and I'm heading to visit family for the weekend. Oh how I do not relish 5 hours of driving, each direction. Oh well - my aunt's worth it!!

Have a great day. Thanks for stopping by on Mini Friday!

For Grandma P

Stamps: Verve Beautiful You
Paper: Maine Blueberry DSP, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Whisper White, Bashful Blue

Ink: Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Folder, Brides Flowers, Silver Brad, BG Opaline Half Pearls, ScorPal

Well didn't get much of anything done last night. We found out just before lunch that MrP's Grandma had passed away during the night, so his father was coming up to make arrangements. The last visit we had with her, she was in quite a rough state, but I recall the first time I met her, the life in her when I got her talking about her years spent as a teacher, before meeting the love of her life & their courtship. She could, at well over 80, recite Shakespeare better than most teachers still in the business. She knew acts and scenes....it was amazing.

The card I've got to show is based on Jen's Sketch for You to Try from August 22. I'm so glad I was able to play along on the weekend and use it in my card set, featuring this wonderful sentiment from Verve's Beautiful You.

Today, I dedicate my card to Grandma P...

MSTC35 Beautiful Kindness

Stamps: Verve Beautiful Kindness
Paper: Maine Blueberry DSP, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Whisper White, Bashful Blue
Ink: Old Olive
Accessories: Silver Brads, Ticket Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, White Signo Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Glue, Piercer
Techniques: Faux Stitching

You'll see a similar color pattern this week, as I feature the cards I'm giving in a set this weekend. I think the set I'd originally planned for my Aunt will be going to my Grandma and my Aunt will get these....I think! LOL Maybe I'll just toss them all at this rate =)

I used Mercy's Sketch MSTC35 and I think the faux stitching worked out alright, even being totally terrified of it initially! =)
I added some glue and Dazzling Diamonds to give my butterfly some extra sparkle and gave her a little dimension.

I've now got all the supplies to make a lightbox. Wish me luck! (Well, I suspect MrP will be doing a lot of it since I'm a little terrified and he's more construction-ally inclined. Afterall, he does work for a construction company. HAHAHA!)

Twisted Thursday Takes on Monday

Stamps: Verve Elegant Flower, StampTV Elegant Flowers (Gina K)
Paper: Maine Blueberry DSP, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Vellum
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Designer Label Punch, Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Folder

I was hoping to get another set of six cards done for my Grandma's birthday this upcoming weekend, so I used a bunch of sketches that were around last week to create cards. I might end up changing around who gets which sets, but I'm hoping either way, they're happy with their cards. =)

This card was created using the S2G Sketch Challenge 22 on Twisted Thursday, whose twist was to use punches. I used the Designer Label punch, but it ended up getting completely covered by my sentiment circle. I inked up my new Elegant Flower from Verve and the sentiment was from my GinaK Elegant Flowers set (don't ask me what was with the Elegant Flower/Flowers! Strange coincidence!)

I was so excited about this set (especially since it features my current favorite color - Not Quite Navy) that I almost decided to post the all at once, but I'll be away this weekend, so I'll need something to show when I'm not able to stamp up a storm. Hope today starts a great week for you!

For The Clarks - A Falcon Update

Well, I think he misses you, as evidenced in my mind by his rubbing on your things =) But he's doing great and was social again.

I think he'll be glad to have you home, though!

Rockstar Anya for TMS7

Stamps: Rockstar Anya
Paper: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate
Ink: Memento Black
Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Ribbon, Crystal Brad, Opaline Half Pearls
Techniques: Gamsol Magic

Whew! A little sleep in today =) I needed it!

I went for clean & simple with Rockstar Anya that I'd received in my swap with Susie. I love all of the Greeting Farm's adorable stamps and I'm sure I'm not alone. I used the Tuesday Morning Sketch #7 as the basis.

I also completed three other cards yesterday amid house cleaning & other routine business. Looking forward to sharing them with you =)

Falconator

Hello, Clarks!! Hope everything went splendidly, with both of you saying "I DO!" =)

Falcon's great - MrP checked on him since he was in the area for golf. He wasn't drinking so much this time around, but hopefully that's just temporary. Still loving his wet food and he said Falcon was very cuddly. We'll both go over and check on the ol' boy on Sunday so I get some cuddle time! Enjoy Tofino!

Lots of love,

Saturday...perfect for crafting!

Stamps: Beautiful You
Paper: Basic Grey, Going Grey, Groovy Guava, Whisper White
Ink: Groovy Guava, Versamark
Accessories: Nestabilities, Silver Ribbon, Sakura Gel Pen, Brushed Silver Eyelets, Dimensionals

I created this card with the Viva La Verve Aug03 Sketch, using my brand spanking new Verve stamps! I love this Beautiful You set....such beautiful sentiments and that flower is divine!

Marie at Stamping Inspiration nominated me for this Kreativ Blogger award - a first for me and I'm so honoured!



To accept the award I have to do a few things:

Thank the person who nominated me for this award.
Copy the logo and place it on my blog.
Link the person who nominated me for this award.
Name seven things about me that people might find interesting.
Nominate seven Kreativ Bloggers.
Post links to the seven blogs that I nominate.
Leave comments on all seven blogs letting them know I nominated them.

Seriously?! Seven things people might find interesting?! I'm really NOT that interesting.

Hmmmm...OK...here goes.

1. I'm getting back into jumping horses after a hiatus of about 12 years. I used to own a horse, but now I'm just taking lessons and enjoying it immensely. The cross country clinic I took at the beginning of August was the most fun I've had in quite a while =)

2. Every trip I take the the US (and every trip MrP or Chelsey take), always ends with some Almond Joys being brought home. The combination of coconut, almond and chocolate - scrumptious! Why I can't find them in Canada is beyond me.

3. I've been to two of the oldest NFL stadiums and I'm super excited because 2010 will be our NY trip - and we'll get to experience the newest stadium in the league! *fingers crossed it's a Jets game that's not against the Patriots so I can cheer with the home team!*

4. I pick most of the teams I cheer for by their logos initially. Having taken Graphic Communications, I'm very drawn to a well designed, clean & crisp logo. Like the NY of the Yankees & the "Flying Elvis" of my beloved Patriots . I'll even admit when there's a good logo for a team I don't cheer for (Houston Texans) or heck, even a team that I cheer against with obvious biased (Seahawks). LOL! Have I mentioned I enjoy the NFL?

5. I'd never been to an NHL game until I was 20 and the first Oilers game I went to, we lost, but I was smiling like an idiot because I'd had such a blast. I bought my Ryan Smyth jersey because I was a fan of not only the player, but what he did off the ice as well.

6. I've played quite a few musical instruments, but none of them very well. Played flute for 5 years, baritone sax for my grade 11 year and I received my Western Conservatory of Music Level I on my alto saxophone, which I sold about three months ago, after it collected dust in my closet for the last 10 years.

7. One day, I hope I grow up to be as talented as Julee, as pretty as Ree, or as witty as Hallie. In the meantime, I'll just be me =)

Oh my goodness - I forgot to add my nominees! These ladies are always inspiring me, although I'm sure they've all received this award about a billion times! =)

Amy at My Creative Clutter
Edna at Edna Studios
Jackie at Kreate with Me 2
Jeanette at Happy Thoughts & Inkspots
Maureen at Buttons & Bling
Mercy at Lord Have Mercy
Michelle at Inky Scraps

Falcon Update

Hey, C & I - hope you two are having a great time. The Falconator is doing well! He'd eaten up pretty much all of the wet food and was eager to get some more. 1/2 water full tonight, so hopefully that means the water's sticking with him a little more. He was moving really well today and enjoyed getting petted. Chris noticed the patio door was unlocked. Not sure if that was intentional, but we locked it.

Didn't take the camera over, but rest assured he's doing very well!

Yay for Friday!!

Today's sketch was from Little Paper Shop, which is where the sentiment came from =) You can check out their site & get 15% off until Aug 31 with the code "NEWLOOK". Not that I'm enabling! I thought the image, one I received from Susie in my swap with her, was from The Greeting Farm, but I can't find her on their website.


Stamps: The Greeting Farm, Little Paper Shop
Paper: Blush Blossom, Purely Pomegranate, Elegant Eggplant, White
Ink: Elegant Eggplant
Accessories: BG Wisteria Buttons, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol
Techniques: Gamsol Magic

And I bet you thought I forgot....it's Bellarific Friday!

Truthfully, I never could forget, but I did delay since I had hoped my newest order would be here...but the Leduc post office kicked my butt again, so I pulled out Bubblebella again, along with some very old DSP which I haven't used much, but I loved the combo today!




Stamps: Bubblebella, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Purely Pomegranate, Berry Bliss DSP
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate
Accessories: Brides Flowers, Silver Brad, Nestabilities, Sponge

I created this Bubblebella card with a certain runner friend in mind who has injured her knee quite badly, calling into question her upcoming marathon. I'm hoping you heal up quickly, my friend!

Thanks for visiting! I've been given a Kreativ Blogger Award and I want to get to that tomorrow =) Yay!

Falcon Sitting

We're kitty sitting for friends (who are getting married in Tofino this weekend!) and I told them I'd update on their sweet ol' boy, Falcon, so in case they were worried, they could have easy updates.

C&I - he's doing great! Had a healthy appetite (ate about half of the tin immediately) and does appear to be drinking a lot. Washed, rinsed & refilled the sweetie's water and he got some cuddles (well, as many cuddles as you can give the skinny dude without thinking you might hurt him) =) Changed litter (as you said, C, lots of visits with all that water), but The Falc is doing well and I'm sure missing you....not much longer and you'll both be Clarks...assuming she says yes!

Hope you're having a blast!

Friendship Tree for SSSC31 & CC232

Stamps: Renaissance by Design
Paper: Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa, Taken with Teal, Close to Cocoa DSP
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Taken with Teal
Accessories: Sponge, Nestabilities

I couldn't wait to ink up my new Renaissance by Design stamps. When I discovered this local company, it wasn't long before I found this stamp set and fell head over heals in love with the tree and sweet sentiments in Roots and Wings.

I really wanted to give Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch 31 a try and thought this was a great chance. I also used the Color Challenge from SCS's CC232, which was Taken With Teal, Very Vanilla and Close to Cocoa, which happens to be one of the DSP I own...too perfect!
A little sponging on the very vanilla layer, some simple layering on the others, a little glue & Dazzling Diamonds and I was happy with how it turned out. What do you think?

Digital Ink Co. Design Team Call

For today's original post, scroll down!

Well I'm throwing my hat in the ring for the Digital Ink Co. Design Team call. I happened to check out some of the stamp creators blogs and holy cow - what talent!
I've included two of my fave colored cards, which happen to be rubber stamp images, even though I did color my first digi not too long ago =)



I can't help it - who doesn't love these little mice?! Well, I know there's some people out there who find them creepy, but I love 'em!


And my fave little monkey from Whipper Snapper on a card I created back in the day =)

Check out the Digital Ink Co. challenge blog for more details on their first DT call! The store will open their doors on August 24th...and it's sure to be fabulous!

A Quick Try at WSC93

I spent the evening crafting with Chelsey, but not doing the fantastic projects she had planned. Instead, she helped me doing a limited supply challenge for an upcoming project. She's the BEST! Friends like that are tough to find...sacrifice their night to get a little bit off your mind. Love you, buddy!

When I got home, though, I was still thinking crafts (although I'm tired this morning!!), so I pulled together this 4.25x4.25 card for Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge 93.


Stamps: Verve Whimsy Tree, Verve Beautiful You
Paper: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Ski Slope DSP, Spring Silhouettes DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Techniques: Nestabilities

I have yet to get my OTT lite unpacked or create a light tent, but it's on my To Do list for the weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Mojo turns 100

Let's celebrate! With Verve stamps! Yep - they arrived last night, so I put them to work right away and got this sketch done for the first of the Mojo Turns 100 week challenges! Julee and the ladies have a week worth of sketches - can't wait to see what else they come up with. Hopefully I'll get to play along with all of them. You should head over, too, and give the a go =)


Stamps: Verve Whimsy Tree, Verve Petals & Stems
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Ski Slope DSP
Ink: Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Sponge, Nestabilities, Chocolate Chip Twill Ribbon
Techniques: Sponging

Last night, Zeus, the horse I've been riding lately, was less of a freight train once we got going over fences, which was nice. Usually it's then that he gets excited about going and I really have a ride ahead of me. Instead, he changed it up and it was just the flat part of our lesson that was extra energetic. I can't wait for regular lessons to start up again so I'm not the only one exercising that boy...my arms will be strong by then, though! Between stamping & slowing down that silver bullet of a horse...I might have to pull out some tank tops for the winter! HAHA

Tonight, I'm stamping with Chelsey. Guaranteed fun night in my books!

Final Additions to Gift Collection

These two were the final pair in my collection of six for my aunt's birthday at the end of the month. The first used Verve's AnniVERVEsary AVS05 sketch and the second used S2GSC21 for Twisted Thursday, which I found about from Pat's blog, Stamp, Paper and Ink.

Stamps: Sincere Salutations
Paper: Parisian Breeze DSP, Kraft, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Baja Breeze
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Brides Flowers, Brad, Nestabilities

Stamps: All Year Cheer I
Paper: Parisian Breeze DSP, Kraft, Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Antique Brass Brads, Brides Flowers

I did cheat a bit with the addition of my flower, but it was looking a little too bare. I did, however, use their twist, which was four brads, no more, no less =)

What a busy day I had on Sunday - a two hour trip up north for my niece's third birthday (yep, the cherry lover, who seemed to like the card enough, but was more interested in her tinkerbell gifts....to be expected!) But with cuties like this, how could I not go?!

Birthday Girl

Brother of the Birthday Girl who was running a bacon & bologna shop. I don't know where the kid gets these ideas, but I bought POUNDS of bacon. LOL!

And finally, I got this face when I arrived, staying "I miss you" and wanting to cuddle....oh my, heartbreaker!!

I have a lot of sketches to catch up on, but I'd say it was worth it =)