I am so upset! I have all this cool new stuff, and had TONS of ideas flowin while it was “in transit” but now that its here POOF! GONE! NOTHING!

I am having a serious case of stampers block! I made a few cards I wont even consider posting! These 2 almost got trashed, but I said OH WELL! I still sorta like em.

I still feel crappy and think Im just not “up” for stamping-GASP! I have a card done for tomorrow’s Blogger’s Challenge and its not that great either.

Go figure! I get all this time to myself, and now I cant do a thing. Tomorrow I’ll NAP instead of stamp. Maybe once I feel better-

Anyway-my good PSF Laura just had a birthday-missed it! BIG SHOCK right. She always says these funny things like “Have a Hoot of a day!” So of course I had to make her a card using this owl by Stampendous! Ollie & Olivia. With any luck it will go postal tomorrow.

Sorry Laura-I dont LOVE the card-but wanted you to get it THIS year-not when my mojo returns! LOL! I doodled the border. The senitment & hearts are So Many Sayings by SU!

You may be asking WHY its 2 owls cuddled together for a friend card-well her DH is in the military, AND SHE MISSES HIM, and she likes owl-I wish them happiness! And I thought of them when I saw this stamp-so there, thats all.

Happy belated b-day Laura!

OH next owl card

 Oliver & Friends

OMG! I LOVE THIS SET! Its by Sassafrass Lass and its called Oliver & Friends. Now I did it NO justice-like I said I have stampers block-but its way cute- a must have.

Owls seem to be the new trend-and upcoming rage! Im going with that one cause they are cute & fun!

I swear Ill get ya some worthy samples!

Till tomorrow-as Laura would say- Have A Hoot!

SALE!!! TODAY ONLY!Check this alphabet out————–> HERE!

 Thanks Trio

Here is a card I made a little while ago!

You can also see it HERE Im not going to post all the details-since they are there. The stamps are by Green Grass. I totally love this set.

I also love the repeated pattern just on different paper. EASY and CUTE! This was one of those under 10 minutes cards.

I also wanted to say that a comment was left here about Handicap accessibility for Alexa to be able to attend Dance Class! Well thanks for the reminder-it totally did NOT cross my mind! And ya know what-I dont think there is an elevator! HOW SAD!!!! Its an old building and I have no idea how to go about finding out more.

Paulette if you are reading this-maybe you have the answers?? Is it accessible? And I just dont know it? Ill have to ask the teacher.

Another note-a comment was made to use Alexa’s set for her birthday invites-DUH!!!!!!!!!!! Why did I NOT think of that? Thank you!!! I think I will!

So, why my title is blah blah blah-

Yesterday after dinner I began to feel a WAVE come over me. It was a wave of tingling, and achiness. Like I have the flu, only no heavy head, cough, fever, or other ick symptoms. Im exhausted, and aches ALL over!

Its very strange.

I think its stress related. This happened to me a few months ago, and thats what it was chalked up to. My bodies response to stress, to make me slow down and “deal”. Well I dont want to “deal” with my life insanity and stress right now!

VERY coincidental that it would happen the same day I find out about Ambers murmur.

HMMMMMMMMM. I just got labs on Friday-routine, and I assume they are OK. I learned along time ago if something ISN’T OK you will know very quickly! Oh well.

Im praying I feel better tomorrow cause I want to STAMP! I got some new goodies in, and have mail to get out-but havent made the cards yet! HATE that! Plus with the kids being gone I dont want to waste my time taking a nap!

Anyway-This card to me is very cheery-I wish I felt as cheery as this card looks! LOL!

Have a great day! Ill be back to most more latr-Im on a roll………………………………………

Oh and tomorrow I will post my very first Bloggers Challenge!! You can see those people on my side bar- so that on Fridays-those people in the links will also have their challenges posted too! How fun!

Ok I know that is NOT how you spell Daisy. Just wanted something funky for a title. I hate always having boring titles for my stuff. Its almost like the pressure of picking the right name is so great, cause it reflects the cards value! LOL!

I know I’m LAME. Am I the only one who sits and ponders a fun attractive title for my creations?

I hope not!

Anyway-how can you see a Daisy and NOT use yellow-white-and black? I just dont think its possible!

I loved the sentiment. See how the colored daisy is above the 2 others-and bright, cheery and beautiful? I like stuff like that.

This is one of my favorite layouts-simple-one layer-stick something in the lower right corner-and some ribbon with a tag up top. You cant go wrong!

The diasy is colored with Lumiere-so the petals are all shimmery. This photo doesnt capture that-but I swear its quite pretty for a simple card.

In case you dont recognize what set this is…………….High Hellos by Lizzie Anne Designs.

WELL-if you happen to pick up the latest Special Paper Crafts Edition-Room to Room

 Once Upon a Princess

Check out my Mirror on page 89!!!! It uses Alexa’s Set! Im WAY proud of that creation All procedes from that set benefit Pediatric Leukemia and Lymphoma Research! There is never enough money being raised for this cause!

I was quite excited to see it when my copy arrived. Yes, I am tooting my own horn-and dancing the GO! LAUREN! Dance- LOL! Im amazed how much BETTER my stuff always looks published! Maybe I need a new camera? For WORK purposes-insert evil grin! I already have the photo set up, so it has to be the camera right?

OK Done dancin-a blabbering.

 Hearts a Flutter ELEGANT

Do you notice that the flourish has an heart-just upside down? Am I just a dork who looks for stuff like this, or does it go with the mild OCD most of us in the craft have???

Anyway-I loved the iriony in it. This set is L’Amour, and the swirl is So Swirly. Both Lizzie Anne Designs Added a light touch of Martha Stewart glitter.

Well I THINK this is DRAGONFLY, and NOT a butterfly-BUT “I” want it to be a butterfly so lets go with that OK! The wings are stamped on a vellum cardstock layer as well-and dry embossed the details for some POP! Colored from the back with my COPIC markers. LOVE the look.

That wide Chocolate Satin ribbon by SU! is to DIE FOR!!!!!

I have some ROCKIN samples with this set-but Meridith keeps pulling them before I can post cause they are going into the Lizzie Anne Idea Book!! YUP! You read it right! They are having a cool Idea Book! How cool is that. Most of my bestest samples get pulled to go there. I believe its due out January! Ill keep ya posted OK!

Now as you will see both these card were sorta inspired by eachother-

The tall panel-and circled “butterfly”.  Each very different though-one is whimsical-the other elegant! I though it showed a bit of the versatility-IMO!

So I hope you like them, and get inspired to make similar cards-one elegant, and one whimsical using similar layouts-

 Looking Up Whimsical

Its really alot of fun to try. SEE the similarities??

This whimsical card uses L’Amour, Jolies Fleurs, High Hellos. I designed it around my FAVORITE collection of Crate paper  the Birdie collection. Added some cute Prima’s (of course), and bling!

I thought the colors and sentiment really conveyed CHEER UP!

Im sending this one to my PSF Renee!!! She needs a little pick-me-up! Its hard when you have a friend that lives far away and they need a huge HUG! I know I’ve been there.

Thanks for lookin! Stay tuned for more eye candy as the little rascals are stuck in school! LOL! That means MORE MYTIME

I also joined a Bloggers Challenge Club (thanks Stefanie), so every Friday I will be posting a creation based on a challenge!

See ya tomorrow.

Ok so Im trying to organize my creations, posts, and thoughts.

So for this one we are using High Hellos. Im in love with the rocket image! Its just too cute. It can be for a BOY card, a shoot for your dreams, 4th of July, You did it-just about anything. Its cute, cute, cute.

 Shoot for the Stars

I felt I NEEDED clouds, or puffs of smoke-to signify flight-or take off! LOL! Yestrday on my kite card-it was for just that-clouds!

In the past I have made my own templates much like this, and have explained it. Alot of you are visual people, cause you always ask HOW. OR I get asked “Where did you get a stamp like that!”

So Im going to show you my “cloud” template! Click it to see a larger view.

 Simple huh? I just use various hole punches, to create a cloud mask. You can do this for just about any size image! Just vary the size punches you use. I like to stamp the image on scrap first to make sure my clouds are PERFECT size

When your template is done-lightly sponges the edges and you got yourself a cool cloud mask. I have also explained I did this with my scallop ovals, and word window punches to make that shadow under things. That way you dont NEED a stamp to do it. I hope it now makes sense.

Stamp sets- Lizzie Anne High Hellos & Sketched Sentiments

Cardstock-White by Paper Trey Ink, basic black, red glitter stakc by DCWV, Turq.

Pattern Paper by K & co.

Ribbon by Martha Stewart.

Colored with Copic Markers. Circle punches/sponge, dazzling diamonds, MS glue pen. Cuttlebug star die cut.

 Check in tomorrow. I have some more cool things to share

ALL 3 kids will be in school! So I will post their First Day of School photos. Too cute. AFTER I have a mini party for myself here! LOL!

Cant wait to have some quiet time here for a few hours. Whats a girl to do? I bet you can guess.

OMG! I woke up this morning to realize not only is it actually September but its September 2nd! Where did the summer go??

I should have my daughter Alexa’s B-day invites ALL done by now! And ya know what? I have NO IDEA what I’m even doing!!!!!!!!!!! Her birthday is the 29th. I like to give at LEAST 2 weeks notice!

I know she will have a Princess Dress up Party where the girls will come in COSTUME,  decorate jewelry boxes, crowns, wands-and make their own necklace. I know I want to make her a Castle cake (Wilton cake classes dont fail me now!) and I have yet to finalize a date! Noah has Soccer games EVERY Saturday-as Im sure do most of the siblings of the girls I plan on inviting-so a Sunday Party may be in order. Plus we enrolled Alexa in Art Classes that are on Saturdays. She was upset we didn’t put her back in dance class ( we signed Amber up this year), but there are like 6 flights of stairs-that she will NEVER make it up, let alone have energy to DANCE! Her legs still hurt, and I cannot carry a 55lb 8 year old up all those steps!

Wow when your kids get into sports and stuff life gets INSANE!

I’m off the LAST BBQ of the season. I am making a BLT pasta salad. YUM!

Speaking of insane-

There are a few things I must share-again!

MFT is having a special this month! Check it out ———>HERE

 Baby Shower

You will get this set in the special for FREE!

This is Shower Time! My layers are lookin a little crooked but I swear they are straight! LOL! Its just the angle and dimensionals! I used Spring Showers by SU! for the Patterned paper. How perfect! The row of umbrella’s was a old SU! Set. Can’t remember tha name of it right now. I really love this set, and it makes me almost wish I had a shower to go to! I will be sending this one out to a PSF! She is expecting a BOY the end of the month! His name will be Josiah.

I also have another altered pail to share this week! Its WAY CUTE!!!!!!!!!

Lizzie Anne is releasing a TON of AWESOME sets September 10th! I have them all and am so torn as to what to use first! Click here to view them———–> NEW! And keep checking in everyday this week I will have a sample with new releases to share!!!

 Flyin High! Now when I think Fall I think kite flyin. I’m adoring all the sentiments from this set too. So PERFECT for that anytime card.

This set is from High Hellos. I LOVE it! Tomorrow I will share my idea for making the cloud! I have 2 samples you will see using the rocket image from the set.

The sun image is from their Celebrations II set. My paper is by K & co. I need to get a job with them! LOL! I LOVE their stuff! It inspired these colors which I really liked. Of course glitter makes any card POP!

All That Scraps-C.C. Designs just released the cutest Halloween set ever!!! AND lets not forget the Back to School sets. See my Halloween set samples below!

 Spidey Time! Now that is cute! I used the Fiskars embossing plates in my cuttlebug machine to make the web from vellum cardstock! CUTE EH? She sells those too-so check it out.

Tomorrow I’ll share a cute little 3D item I made with this set as well! EASY!!!!

AND, well Christine is looking for new design team members!!! Amy and I aren’t going anywhere! Thank God! She is EXPANDING the TEAM.

Do YOU Want to be on the team? Well, then you are going to want to apply———-> HERE! Also she got some cool new stuff in! One of which is the NEW! Sass a Fras Lass Oliver and Friends set. All new Stampendous, the Cuttlebug Kids stuff and new Cuttlebug items are going to be coming in. Be on the look out for the NEW! Cat’s Pajama’s sets, the new MFT Stamps Release, new Lizzie Anne sets, Primas and much more!!! OMG! I need to get a paying job to afford all the stuff I “NEED”. Seriously! If you aren’t on her mailing list-you may want to sign up! WOW Im out of breath just reading it all.

OK now I think that covers todays post!

Im getting ready to go to the BBQ, but first I think I’m going to hit AC Moore! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

Enjoy your Sunday!

 Here it is! Click thumbnails for larger view.

Saturday Sketch time-all boxed up! I really like this sketch alot.

I love Texted Boxed by Paper Trey Ink. I found I hadn’t used it much though :c I knew I had to use my new Beautiful Blooms. Im a flower ADDICT! And this set is really cute.

So I decided it would be fun to create a layered look-minus the layers!

Here is what I came up with

 Boxed Set

The colors were inspired by some bedding I saw “somewhere” but forgot where! I think it was a TV show. I had this layout, and color combo sketched in my Idea Notebook.

A notebook for your ideas and sketches can be VERY helpful!

I was really happy with the look, and the fact that is was a quick and simple layout. I love images going outside the “box”, and this was an easy way to get that look without cutting.

Its a great sketch that can be over-the-top detailed (see below) or SIMPLE.

You could use a dry embossed square image as well,

 or layer the images like this one . 

This was an older card I did that my new card was inspired by. You can choose to do circles or squares. Whatever you want really! Just make it 2 small images in the lower left corner!

If you try it out, link us here so we can all see your take on it! I’d also love to see the loot bags if anyone tries those out.

I love seeing what everyone does with the sketches. If you are new to stamping then sketch are REALLY helpful!

I got some new stamps in from Lizzie Anne today! I hope to have some great samples and ideas for tomorrow. We will see.

MYTIME MAIL WINNER————————————————————————-

Thanks for all the responses on your stamping habits! I so enjoyed reading every last one.

Well usually #13 is unlucky-but Random.org picked #113! So in this case a very lucky winner! Shawn contact me via email with your address!

Here is what Shawn wrote: 

Shawn O’Connell |

First let me say that I visit your blog daily and LOVE your creations, but mostly your stories. Your spunk and enthusiasm inspire me!! You’ve been through so much and remain so bright and cheery. I lost my husband to cancer three and half years ago …he was only 34. I know the havoc that cancer reeks on a family. I give you so much credit for all you have done to fight the battle against cancer and raise money for the cause!! Thank you for the smiles (and sometimes tears) as I visit you each day.

How often do you stamp?
I would love to be able to say DAILY, but reality keeps it at every other day or so. Sometimes only once or twice a week … three kids make it a little difficult, as you know!!

Do you stamp with ideas in mind or just let the mojo flow?
Always with an idea in mind … a need for a birthday, sympathy, baby card/gift. I would like to spend more time just stamping to grow my ability, ya know!?!

Do you send cards out often? Or hoard them?
I send cards A LOT! When I became a SU! Demo (just to get the discount!), my friends were worried that Hallmark would go out of business!! haha!

Do you do any challenges? Like on SCS or blogs.
I have participated twice … sad, I know. I’d like to start doing the sketch challenge on a regular basis, though.

Again, thanx for the chance to win!! TGIF, baby!!!

——————————————————————————————————

So I hope you will all check in tomorrow and get some time to try the Sketch or my Loot bags!

August is close to over. My little Amber started school today! It was SO CUTE. I will post photos/Smilebox Creation most likely Tuesday since the kids will ALL be in school that day, and Noah hasn’t started yet. HAPPY TIMES. 

Well I finally got my copies of CARDS magazine! I’m on page 72! I have a card in there using Dino-Mite ! It is the first time I have been in this particular magazine.

So I figured it was time for some MYTIME MAIL! Anyone want these goodies?

Its the August issue of CARDS, my favorite Martha Stewart Glitter in black (perfect for Halloween stuff) and a cute acrylic set set by MSE. The total value of this is over $30. All you have to do is reply to this post!

I want you to tell me the following:

How often do you stamp? (I try to stamp daily, but if not daily several times a week)

Do you stamp with ideas in mind or just let the mojo flow? (let mojo flow, unless I have something I need to get done like a b-day card or whatnot)

Do you send cards out often? Or hoard them? (I need to get better about sending cards!!! I hoard most of them, unless there is an occasion. I always mean to send them, but never do. I HATE the P.O.)

Do you do any challenges? Like on SCS or blogs. (I try to do as many as I can, but dont always get to it. I found it very helpful in my early days of stamping)

Thats it! I just wanna hear about your stamp habits. EASY! Cant wait to see what everyone has to say.

I WILL POST THE WINNER SATURDAY WITH MY SKETCH CHALLENGE!

OK Now for our regular blog post………..

Well I was quiet exctied to be chosen as the inspiration for the Sketch Challenge!

I decided to make the time to do another one-only I used my NEW! Paper Trey  set called Beautiful Blooms. I have been having SO MUCH fun with that set. You will see all my samples VERY soon.

 Because Blooms

I really like how the Cuttlebugworks with this set. Its nice to have alot of uses for things I spent ALOT of money on. I LOVE my Cuttlebug, but dont use the DIE cut ones, as much as the embossing ones, so this was great. It used the Flowers#1 die.

I was inspired by my new paper by Scenic Route the Brighton collection. The colors are gorgeous. So that was my starting point.

I had this idea to use the flower in the set-as a sort of bug. Thats what that stamp looked like to me! LOL! Anyone else see it? The 2 green eyes, the legs, and wings???

The sentiment is from Paper Trey’s first set Paper Tray.

Anyway so that is what I chose to do. Lots of bling of course. The white cardstock is also Paper Trey. Ink and ribbon is from Stampin Up!

I wanted a anytime card so that was why I chose this sentiment. Sometimes you want to send a card Just Because!

OK if you didn’t get the bug before, maybe you will now!

 Bugs and Blooms

On this one I made the wings 3D using vellum. It reminds me of a June Bug. I dont know. This paper is by Rob & Bob Studio. Its a Slab Ive had FOREVER!!! The colors really worked for my vision.

This card started out to be the Sketch, but then morphed into a new card. All the same-I love it.

Purple is my FAVORITE color and I love when I incorporate it into stamping. I dont use it as much as I should.

The images were colored with my Copic Markers. Bug have added stickels. The flowers are done with the CB die, and the ribbon is Martha Stewart. An again-more rhinestone stickers!!! LOVE those things.

I like this card too cause you can see how you may start with a sketch for “inspiration”, then it totally changes into something else using same/similar elements. How fun!!

I still have my panel with ribbon, and my square panel. I flipped it onto the side, and re-oriented all of it! LOL!

Tomorrow I have quite the awesome post! I designed the cutest little bag idea, and would love to share it with you! Im doing these for my children’s class for Halloween. WAY cute, WAY easy  and FAST! Those are KEY to mass producing anything. Plus if the little kids rip them to shreds it wont be as painful!

OK maybe Ill just do cupcakes instead! LOL!

See you tomorrow.

I’m tired! I have so much to share but not much energy. So this post isnt the most “cheery” one you will ever read. The week is catching up to me and I feel a bit overwhelmed with “To Do’s”. NOT good for the mojo.

Today was my daughter Alexa’s first day back to school. The first FULL day ever! I guess she seemed tired at the end of the day, but did well. Once she got home she must have got a second wind cause there was no sign of exhaustion. My baby is growing up.

On the other hand-How nice to have part of the day be quieter.

I got alot done today, but will share that stuff over the next couple of days.

Today I have lots of sneak peeks to share.

Are you ready? I hope so, cause I have another post ready to go for tomorrow.

Well I suppose I will start with this one!

 Shower of Wishes

This is a card I made for my friend Tracey. It was for her Virtual Baby Shower. I made it using the Shower Time set by MFT Stamps. Only a couple days left till you get to order it!

The umbrella and bkgd layer is vellum cardstock  stamped using Behind the Scenes with Brilliance ink. The umbrella is cut, and embossed with my stylus.

I got the paper from Michaels. It went perfect with this set!!

Big Surprise

 This card was done using the New! High Hellos set by Lizzie Anne (due out September 10th). I was inspired by some patterned paper (unsure who makes it-sorry) for my colors.

I made the paper into a larger gift by tying around some paper strips to look like ribbon. That was FUN! I never used paper as ribbon before. You should try it.

Well Wishes

 I made this card for Bethany’s mother.

I had this idea in my head for a while, and now was the perfect time to execute it. Her mother was diagnosed with Cancer. Obviously a situation I unfortunately understand first hand, having my own daughter currently fighting Leukemia.

My heart broke as I read Bethany’s post.

Anyway-this is the card I made special for her. I hope to pop it in the mail tomorrow. I think its cheery, and a nice design for a Thinking of You type thing.

The Wishing Well is from Gina K’s  Make A Wish stamp set. $7 from the sale of every set benefits the Make A Wish Foundation. Its such a great cause for a super sweet set.

I used my little primas to fill the well. As a kid we had a well like this in our backyard.

I love them. I had one in my yard, at our house, but someone ran it over! Needless to say I didn’t get another one.

All my images are colored with my Copic Markers.

Stay tuned tomorrow-I have MYTIME MAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And some Paper Trey samples

Todays post I have 2 things to share. One is a card using Shower Time byMFT Stamps. This set is due out for release September 1st. Its really cute.

Kim is also releasing the clear paint cans, ready to be altered, which you get a super cool “bundle” of things, which includes her favorite 48 Prismacolor pencils, Pebbles click eraser, sanding block, and of course a selection of blending stumps-all for only $75.

She is having a SPECIAL this month where each purchase of this bundle, will include the SHOWER TIME set FREE!!!!!!!!!!!  LOOKIE——–> HERE How cool!

If you are unsure if the Prismacolor pencils “match up” to the Crayola and Rose Art-well Gina K tested them! You can find that ——->HERE at Craft Critique.

So lets start with the paint can.

 Fairy Wishes for you.

I love the Princess Birthday set. This was the immediate set I thought of for creating a tin. Perfect ofr a little girl! The sentiment is from Bundles of Bouquet’s.

How cute is this to put a gift in (or store your Prismacolor pencils)?

I stamped the Fairy then used my coluzzel to cut around her. I LOVE images going outside the box., or um, oval! LOL! I just placed some Lily Kate Basic Grey cardstock in the can. I also used it for the lid, and her dress. The lid is a branch pattern, that I applied stickles to the flower centers. LOVE to paper piece too! See her dress! She was colored and stickles (strawberry) were added to the wings.

Ribbon is from Stampin Up! And Martha Stewart. The star is a bling sticker by A Muse.

Someone asked me yesterday where I buy my bling stickers. I get ALOT of them from the Michaels dollar bin! Others I get from online stores like eP. I also as said above use A Muse ones-but they are TINY so not as often as the others. Even Target sells them. BUY alot! I buy them constantly and its one of my most used products. LOVE THEM! Martha Stewart carries them as well-but in honesty they are little pricey.

Now onto my card.

Since I figured you will see ALOT using the MAIN image of the set (girl holding umbrella-GENIUS idea KIM!) I figured I’d do one with the little images. I love using smaller images to create a card.

This on was VERY simple.

 Shower of Flowers

I just aligned the flowers on my clear block (how nice is it that I can SEE what I’m doing!), and used my makers to color them. Stamped in a row-and 4 minutes later this entire card was D-O-N-E!

I intentionally left it blank. Im really bad about sending cards, so wanted to keep one ON HAND for any occasion.

The flowers are punched vellum cardstock using one of my many Martha Stewart punches. I then used some colorbox chalk ink, to brush the edges. Stampin Up Spring Bouquet punch is the smaller flower in the center. BLING always completes the project

The ribbon is by American Crafts. I got it at Michaels. They sold it in a bigger single roll! WAHOOOO!

The colors are cameo (or guava?? so similar I can barely tell anymore) and Chocolate Chip.

Thanks for looking.

More here tomorrow!