Hi all!

Hope your week is going well. I have TONS to share over the next few weeks as there are MANY new releases to be shared, starting tomorrow We have All That Scraps, Pink Cat Studio, Papertrey Ink (and MORE My Timeless Templates! YEAH!) and JRS next release! So much going on. In between that I have our town Annual Balloon Rally and Amber’s 5th Birthday! That is a biggie.

So I hope you stop by each day over the next few weeks to see what I have been up too!

Thankful for the little things

Today I thought I’d share my take on another sketch. This is from the  2 Sketches 4 You blog!

Here is the sketch

JustRite Stampers is sponsoring that sketch, so check it out!!

This is my side view

I used a NEW! Release set from JustRite Stampers called Autumn Blessings Borders & Centers Oval 2-1/4” x 3-1/16”

I love the basket of fruit. I think its definitely “fall”.

I stamped the sentiment on a vellum cardstock layer.

I somehow manage to get the sketch a little “wrong”. The frame to me, was a card base, with a smaller card on the front! LOL!

Also  my panel trios should have been on the “little”card-not the base. Oh well! I like it anyway

I think this is a fun look.

This is the first time I went for a more water-colored ”look” using my copic markers!

I like it. Not sure WHY my camera is picking up a blue tinge! YIKES!! Trust me its not blue! Refer to top photo for color reference. The bkgd is pale yellow with white peeking through.

Well I have much to do, so I better run. Check out the sketch —> HERE!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Well by now its Saturday evening, and the day has just FLOWN past me, as has the week!

You can see my blog had taken a HUGE back seat, as my family needing my time more

I can honestly say my life is ANYTHING but boring!

Its been an emotional roller coaster here this week, as Jay and I prepare for his Discectomy on Monday! EEK!

We weren’t even positive it was a go, until Thursday night!

The doctor repeated the MRI because he was convinced Jay’s disc got “better” and was most likely, then un-operable! So he had another MRI and it showed the herniation is twice as bad as it was previously, so definitely NEEDS the surgery. Good grief! We had then mentally prepared for a surgery that got cancelled due to office error, then we plan for surgery again, then mentally plan AGAIN for a possible  cancelled surgery, now we are back to yes, needs surgery. I have a headache just thinking about it all. AND its not even MY body! Poor Jay.

Anywho, when I get stressed I clean-a lot! Like for several days, I dust, organize, sort, purge…..you name it. No inch untouched. I am not sure WHY this helps. Granted my house is pretty clean in general but it gets a real bleaching! LOL! These are times for me, when creativity becomes hard and stressful, and the ideas DON’T flow. So I clean and clear my house, and my head.

So, I spent the week cleaning my entire house top to bottom. Then took it upon myself to re-decorate the girls room! They got this UBER CUTE comforter set—> HERE! With all the fixins! Then I moved into their huge walk in closets, and did tons of re-org. on them too. Oh and I did the clean out of Noah’s room too. He got new bedding but kept everything else the “same” decor, but more organized! He didn’t want to change anything really. I got him a huge art board for his pictures and stuff too! YEAH!

Took the kids to the mall, and did some fun stuff with them. Planning Amber’s Dress Up Princess party too, so that has me BUSY! Boy you’d be shocked at the party this lil, to be 5 year old, has planned! LOL! Im in BIG trouble the older she gets! But I love every second of it.

We got her a GORGEOUS, insanely pretty, Sleeping Beauty “Gown”, for her party! No joke this thing is AMAZING! It was on sale too! WAHOO!! Wait till you see it Oh yeah and ALL the fixins for that too.

Sooooo that all helped me get ready for Monday, which we are having quite the time getting people to take the kids. Its insane.

Anyway-all this is my excuse as to WHY Im so late posting My Timeless Template Challenge for this week!

If you are new to my blog, every Sat. I post a challenge, that HOPEFULLY inspires you to get creating Each week is something new!

Soooo, the challenge is to use ANY My Timeless Template © —–> Found Here! and I decided this would be a great source of inspiration

Keyword MTTC04

Use the pattern, colors, whatever!

ADDITONAL CHALLENGE!! Use HARDWARE on your template

Basically ANYTHING metal So dig out those embellishments girls.

Pam is hostessing for me this week, since Im running like a chicken with her head cut off! Thanks Pam!!

Go to her blog  —->HERE, to link your creation to Mr. Linky

I decided I would use on “oldie”  but goodie My Timeless Template called Music Makeover.

This template is designed to hold a CD, but it can do so much more —-> Music Makeover Ideas. That is some alternative ideas I posted on my blog, utilizing that template. You also get 5 exclusive ideas in the template Idea Book, when you purchase the printable template for only $5! Template has unlimited uses, and you can print as many times as you like Forever!

Now MY template this time, holds a Gift Card that is in a CD case (that I forgot to get a photo of-DUH!)

Going with the “hardware” challenge, I designed this to look like a belt buckle! Its a belly band, that goes around the top flap seam of the template, and you “un-buckle” it to open it up!

Just attached some silver eyelets, to my “buckle”. Easy peasy.

I think its so pretty, and subtle!

The Shopping anyone is from JustRite Stampers Girl Time Borders & Centers Set 2″ . The image in the set that has the shoes!  I cut out the sign Its was PERFECT for my gift card holder.

I used some Gray patterned paper by Stampin Up! and used my Copic markers to colored it match the challenge!! Good stuff!!

Trust me, the paper took longer to color, than the template took to print, cut and assemble! LOL!

Now (if you haven’t already!) check out the designers blogs for MORE templates and the designers inspiration

OK your turn!

Im off to the food store to stock up on EASY meals to make for the family! CRAZY!

Tomorrow I hope to post the card I made for Jay for his surgery. Its really cute

Thanks for stopping by.

than saying goodbye to someone you love”

This is what the sentiment on this Pretty Petite version of the Pretty Petal Pocket box says.

What do you put on a gift for someone who loses a child? I struggled with this for several weeks, before I saw that particular sentiment, and felt, in my heart it was right.

This box was part of a gift for my dear friend Alicia, who lost her 4 year old son, Ethan, in June.

I wanted to make a special box to hold the engraved bracelet I got, with her son’s name on it. I didn’t want to just throw it together. I put much heart, time and thought into this, and in the end I was happy with the result.

This the close up of the silver bracelet I got engraved with Ethan’s name.

Ethan was such a little cowboy, and I thought the the two “O” that loop the bracelet were SIMILAR to horseshoes, like a little cowboy. I know that sounds like a stretch, but I truly did think that! LOL! There were so many different bracelets to choose from, so this one stood out to me.

I know Ethan will always be in Alicia’s heart, and in some way “with her” everyday, but I figured it would be nice to have something with his name on it. I guess I got that for her because that is something “I” would want. Weather she wears it, or keeps it with some of Ethan’s special things, is up to her.

Now here is how I decided upon my design elements. Often when there is a particular feel, or message I want conveyed I will GOOGLE meaning for the things I am considering using. It helps guide me.

I chose the Pretty Petite version of the Pretty Petal Pocket box, because it was perfect size for the bracelet.

I chose the pansy flower on the petal front because:

The name pansyis from the French word pensée, meaning thought or remembrance. The pansy is a delicate looking flower often with a “face.” The pansy is quite durable and a “flower for all seasons.”

The pansy image is from Wood Stamper Oval 1-3/4” x 2-5/16” with Bonus Pansy Center & 15 pt Special Occasions Font

I stamped just the Pansy onto some Lavender Moon cardstock, then colored it, adding some adhesive pearls

The sentiment is from Thinking of You Borders & Centers Oval 2-1/4” x 3-1/16” I said already why I chose it. I just felt, in my heart, it was perfect for the gift and conveyed the message I wanted to send. I don’t think there are any real perfect words for something like that, but this was as close as I could get.

I cried the entire time I made this! LOL! My eyes were little slants for 2 days.

I stamped the sentiment onto clearly creative cardstock, in white stazon, then layered over my oval frame-which was on dimensionals for a “3D window” effect.I used clear mini glue dots to adhere it to the frame so you couldn’t SEE how it was attached.

I chose the color purple because:

Nature of Purple:

Purple has a special, almost sacred place in nature: lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are often delicate and considered precious. Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm and strong cool color it has both warm and cool properties. A purple room can boost a child’s imagination or an artist’s creativity. Too much purple, like blue, could result in moodiness.

Culture of Purple:

The color of mourning for widows in Thailand, purple was the favorite color of Egypt’s Cleopatra. It has been traditionally associated with royalty in many cultures. Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank. The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.

————————————————————————

I personally have a silver bangle that reads “The journey of a 1,000 miles” on the front, then on the inside reads “Begins with a single step” I saw it the LAST day of Alexa’s chemo, and it just spoke to me about our long journey, and to remember we can and will get through ANYTHING, but it is ONE STEP at a time. This bracelet brings me much comfort. My friend Paulette got it for me I never take it off.

I also have a purple rubber bracelet for Cancer Awareness that  reads Courage, Strength, Hope , Faith. I had special made right when Alexa got diagnosed. Inside the band reads”Faith in healing Alexa”. Purple is also the color of Cancer Survival. I never take it off! Even when I’m all dressed up! That also reminds me to appreciate EVERY moment with my family, and not take ANYTHING for granted.

I need more wrists! LOL!

Also my friend Sonia sent me a necklace (by Jennifer Cassady-who is currently expecting, and is on a short medical leave)with my 3 children’s name on it! That is another personalized gift I cherish. I get LOTS of compliments on it too

Dave and Alicia are so strong. I know God blessed their lives with Ethan because no one else could have been better parents to him. While his time on earth was brief, he impacted so many. He had a big purpose. The Weimans were blessed to have an angel amongst them. To have had the love of Ethan and many wonderful memories that they will forever cherish.

If you didn’t know of Ethan, this is his story—>Ethan’s Caring Bridge site

Also in honor of Ethan we had a Digi Stamp set called the –> Weiman Wranglers  <—made in honor of his precious life! All proceeds were to benefit the Make A Wish foundation of IL, in honor of Ethan. We have raised over $ 2,000 so far!!

The Weiman family asked if ANY of you purchased the images, and created anything you are willing to part with, his mom Alicia would love to include it into a special memory album she is working on, to preserve Ethan’s memories!

Please email me for their address if that is something you can or would like to do.

On a lighter note I have to say I got so much enjoyment from the kid stories you all shared on THIS POST!!

I am going to be redecorating my children’s rooms AGAIN. We are getting new carpeting put in, so since I have to move everything out of their rooms anyway, it is the perfect time! I am going to get a big bulletin board for him to put his artwork on, thanks to the MANY suggestions I will do this for the girls room too. Oh and the play room! LOL!

Make sure you check out the JRS blog! Lots if ideas.

Well thank you for stopping by! I have a TON of emails to go over from like the past 2 weeks or so! Sorry! If you emailed me Ill be in touch soon.

Supplies:

My Timeless Template: Pretty Petal Pocket (petite version)

Stamps:Thinking of You Borders & Centers Oval 2-1/4” x 3-1/16” , Thinking of You Borders & Centers Oval 2-1/4” x 3-1/16”

Cardstock:Lavender Moon, Plum Pudding, Clearly Creative Cardstock

Patterned paper: Guide Lines

Ink: White Stazon, Black, Copic Markers

Ribbon: Stitched Plum Pudding

Oval Nestabilities, adhesive rose, adhesive pearls

This week I did a quickie card for the CPS card sketch 125

If you get to play, link your creation  –>HERE

It is being sponsored by JustRite Stampers, so I figured I’d give it a go!

I used my JustRite Stampers Girl Time Borders & Centers Set 2″

Stamped on lemon tart cardstock, colored, then glitterized! Easy peasy.

I let the paper by K& Co. be my color guide. I thought it was PERFECT for a “happy hour” mixed drink

Seriously, I think this shows just how easy and quick a card can be! These would make perfect invites for a cocktail hour, or girls nigh out!!

Now looking I didn’t follow the sketch to the “T” but I’m happy with the outcome.

Well now its your turn to try out the sketch!

The COOL thing……

CPS will be announcing later this week what our prize is for one lucky participant.

Good luck

OH boy!

Im sorry this is SO late (again) life has been crazy and challenging here! Summer is always busy at my house.

Here is a photo of my kids at Story Land from the other day.

The kids had a great time! They are at perfect ages to do stuff with.

I have a photo of Alexa and Noah in this same pumpkin YEARS ago, long before Amber was even a thought. Cool to see how much they have grown.

I always have lots of things I want to do with my children and have just been busy. I love taking advantage of the nice weather.

JASON UPDATE:

The GOOD news is I went “off”, tactfully I believe, on the OR scheduler and Jay’s surgery will be Monday July 27th! Not too far away. Jay wouldn’t let me talk to them before (for fear of what I may say! LOL!), but since he was at work I took it upon myself to call! LOL! I am the “fighter” in the family. Jay is very easy going and passive, so I always take on that role! LOL!

I am authorized to all his medical stuff, so I took full advantage of that! I think because I have been fighting for Alexa since pregnancy, that I’m just used to having to fight for what my family needs.  I make no apologies for it, and make sure that I’m realistic when it comes to what I am asking or expecting. I feel like I am kind of like a mama bear protecting her cubs.

 I am so glad I did because we were looking into late Sept. He wouldn’t make it that much longer.

Many of you mentioned we would have had a call for all the preliminary blood-work and procedures, and we did have all that done already. When I had my gallbladder surgery they called the NIGHT before to set everything up for that next day, so when we didn’t get a call sooner, we weren’t curious about WHY.

On another note, Jay had tried every avenue possible for his condition to avoid the surgery. This have gotten progressively worse, and this was his only option. His test results showed that there were no other safe options without risking permanent nerve damage. There is no guarantee it will even work! Poor guy.

I threw my back out yesterday, and have been in so much pain since! I can only imagine how he feels daily. I know, usually by day’s end today that I will feel better. I don’t think I could do this every day!

Today we have what is called Old Home Day! It is when our town has a parade and crafts and stuff for the kids. I LOVE living in a small town! Its so great for “family”

So I am going to make this QUICK so I can go.

Anway……today is Saturday, so that means it is time for a My Time To Create challenge.

This is the inspiration challenge. Get inspored by the pattern, or colors…….whatever!

If you play link your creations here:

Keyword MTTI 03

I used variation of the colors.

Here is my card—>Using paler versions of the inspiration colors! LOL!

I adore The Greeting Farm images! I have bought many, but sadly forget or don’t have time to use them! I decided if it killed me, I would use one this week

This is Dahlia! She is just the CUTEST! So I decided this sentiment “Cutie Pie” from JustRite Tiny Words Borders & Centers Set 1-3/16″ would be PERFECT!!

Close up-

The paper is by Basic Grey! I love the colors and they really made my image POP!!!

I *just* got the nestability Pinking Circles. They are so cute too.

Well I’m off and running!
Be sure to pop over to the Design Team blogs for more inspiration from the challenge! They are really Rockin out the samples!

Thanks for poppin by!

Till tomorrow.

I am excited to be participating in this months JustRite Stampers Summer Release Blog Hop!

After you leave be sure to check out the JRS Blog

I have to say I LOVE the new direction I am seeing their newest releases going in (and what is to come!). There are super border selections, with center images! IMAGES! I love that! That makes me SOOOOOO happy! I have been a fan of JRS for over a year now! I have quite the collection I’m happy to add the latest and greatest to that lineup I enjoy mixing and matching not just the borders, but all the set selections I have.

Funny thing about my project today though……despite my love for the “images” I decided to use the NEW! Calendar Borders & Centers Oval 1-3/4” x 2-5/16”

I have been asked by NUMEROUS people to make another month by month card organization box!

PS Yes! This will go up in my Etsy Shop, along with my other stuff most likely tomorrow or over the weekend.

Now if you “know me” I despise repeating ANY designs I create! I always have to do something NEW! When I make something it is a ONE of a KIND! LOL! Never repeat!! When I saw the size of the Calendar Borders & Centers Oval 1-3/4” x 2-5/16” I was VERY excited!! I thought they would look FAB in the My Timeless Template: From the Desk Of: ©

A Year of Celebrations Desk Organizer

This will look SO pretty sitting out on your desk! Don’t you think? That is the KEY! Pretty and organized

The font size for this project was beyond perfect!!

Front detail

My butterfly is a Tag Team Butterfly  Cuttlebug Die. I die cut the sweet blush layer, added some glitter and then die cut and embossed the vellum butterfly layer. I HAD to add that butterfly to the front

I stamped my own patterned paper using Floral Frenzy and Guidelines II paper 

My colors are Hibiscus Burst, Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, New Leaf and Dark Chocolate. I paired it with some stripped paper by K& Co.

Side view

Now notice the top?

More mixing and matching going on. The “family favorite” is from What’s Cookin’ Borders & Centers 1-5/8″  I think it was a cute addition to the From the Desk Of: template!

(sorry this was taken outside since I broke my tent lights during photographing-GRR!)

Also: This template has a divider additon if you choose to use it. I did for ths project, as you can see.

I didn’t use the borders, just the month’s. I stamped each one on white cardstock, then punched out with my Wide Oval from SU! I layered those ovals onto die cut labels, also from SU!

Here are the file dividers, grouped together. Aren’t they pretty?!

I just staggered each month so you can easily see what is where.

I would just make an index card, and put the date of friends and family birthday days and file it into the appropriate month section Quick and easy organization

Now here is what else is included IN my organizer……

 I made a QUICK set of 12 cards.

There are 3 of each design/color combo

I used the color combo that is on my From the Desk Of: Organizer paper, that I designed, for my color combo here!

I LOVE the little gift image and border from the Favorite Occasions Borders & Centers Set 1-5/8″ 

I wanted QUICK and EASY cards that match, no fuss!!

I just stamped my image in dark chocolate ink, then via assembly line, I colored them in with Copic markers, then punched out each one with my SU! 1 3/4 circle! I then used my 1 3/8 circle and 3/4 circle to punch additional circles I used dimensionals to layer and POP the circles.

Quick, cute and easy!

Now when you look in your Calendar month section, you can just GRAB a card and pop it in the mail!

On a personal note……

Alexa’s appointment went well (still Cancer Free! YIPPEE!!!) I’m so happy about that. Every time we get labs drawn I hold my breath. I don’t think the fear of return will EVER leave me. Any time she complains anything hurts I FREAK OUT! I have also had poor Amber tested for Leukemia 4 times! She gets a lot of growing pains, and when it happens too often I go into a complete PANIC! Those “leg pains” were Alexa’s #1 symptom!! It took 3 months or me taking her to numerous doctors to get an actual diagnosis! So to say I am a bit paranoid, is a complete under-statement.

 Now we have to see the plethora of other doctors for other issues!

I have to take her to-dentist (she needs braces! LORD HELP ME! LOL! I can’t imagine she will do well with that) a Dermatologist, Endocrinologist, Dietitian and ENT! LOL! Then a port flush.EEK! Can we extend the hours in a day please? I’m seriously NOT complaining about her other visits. Im truly grateful for her health! Im just feeling a little overwhelmed these days, to say the least.

WORSE yet, and this is a HUGE complaint: BEWARE!!!

Jay was suppose to have surgery on his back this morning. He is to have a discectomy. He was mentally prepared and everything was set to go!

BUT, get this………… the OR scheduler FORGOT to book the OR for him! So he can’t have it! They are now scheduling 3 weeks out, and then his doctor is on VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So we are at the least a month and a half away!

Words cannot even tell you how MAD I am about that! We waited for this date for several months.

 FINALLY got his work stuff organized (he is in a management position so getting 6 weeks off is NOT an easy task) and short term disability was all set, and we actually had CHILD CARE set up for the kids (which our families are ALWAYS too busy to help so that was a feat in itself), to have THAT happen! OMW! Im sorry, I’m just FUMING mad. Worse yet, poor Jason is in a TON of pain everyday. He has a desk job and commutes an hour each way to work, so that KILLS his back.

I wanted to tell the OR scheduler “Well ,until Jay does have his surgery, let me hit you in the back with a bat, every minute, until then!” That is what Jay tells me the pain feels like. Plus it travels down his leg, which often gives out when he walks.

I just feel SO bad for him. This has been going on for 6 months. He has had PT, cortisone shots and everything else they suggested before resorting to surgery. NONE of it helping.

OK that just put a HUGE damper on this post. I’m sorry! I’ll keep you all posted!

On that note though, I truly believe EVERYTHING happens for a reason! So we are just keeping the faith that it wasn’t meant to be then. It was just very strange that something like that would happen, so I truly believe that it was just not meant to be, yet.

In the meantime, thanks for stopping by and sending up prayers for my family!

Now head over the the —> JRS blog <— for a list of people playing along

Well little Ethan has been gone for *almost* a month.

I still can’t believe it. Alicia and Dave Weiman have become my personal heroes! To see the strength they have when facing such a devastating situation is an just amazing testimony of Faith in God to me. AMAZING!

I am getting ready to send the Pawsome Pony that the kids stuffed for his sister Ava (who also just got a new kitten!). We wanted to send her a hug in the mail! Something to hold on to when she is happy, sad, lonely or just needs a hug! Something to remember Ethan by too. She was always hugging and kissing him in photos, so I hope this makes her happy.

We got her everything to make a girl pony AND a boy pony! Originally it was to be dressed as a Cowboy Pony.

He has a Cowboy hat, vest, jean shorts, cowboy boots, red collar, red bandanna, and to complete the ensemble a SADDLE! Then Amber said, “What if she really wants a GIRL pony too? She can’t have just ONE outfit! That’s not fun!” Leave it to my girly girl to say that! LOL!

So we got her the grooming brush, dress, hair/tail bows, pink collar, pretty pink “horseshoes” and a pocketbook-which has several hearts so that Ava and her mom and dad can make a wish and send a prayer to Ethan, and stuff it in the pony before securing it closed (the hearts are in the pocketbook)

Pretty Pawsome

Amber did all the dressing and grooming! She was very careful to make her look like “ Pretty Pawsome! “LOL!

PS-Can you see the little shoes?-so cute!

This is what she will look like when Ava opens the box! I have a few more things to complete today so I can ship this by the weekend! But she is definitely going PONY EXPRESS by Friday! LOL!

Sending Hugs

I made a card for Ava using the —>Weiman Wranglers digi image<— I am so happy to see we have raised almost $2,000 in honor of Ethan Weiman, to donate to the Make A Wish organization! A cause that has not only touched the Weiman Family, but my own as well!

THANK YOU to any and everyone who has not only purchased the image/images, but spread the word. I cannot tell you how much that has meant to the Weiman Family and myself!

So as I said I wanted to send a hug to Ava, so I used this sentiment from JustRite Stampers - Tiny Words Borders & Centers Set 1-3/16″

Now for the dual color, I stamped my image in Hibiscus Burst ink, the then used a Amethyst marker to go and color the images I wanted in the purple! It only took a few seconds, and I got a super cute look! It was truly just the perfect sentiment for this gift.

I love the girly colors! This card was Amber approved so I think I’m good!

I’ll share the other projects when I get them done! LOL!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a “pawsome” day (sorry I couldn’t resist!)

friend play_w2(”F0327100″)

 (frnd)

n.

1. A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.

2. A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.

3. A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.

4. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement: friends of the clean air movement.

5. Friend A member of the Society of Friends; a Quaker.

tr.v. friend·ed, friend·ing, friends

1. To add (someone) as a friend on a social networking website. <—HEY! Look what has been added to the friend definition!

2. ArchaicTo befriend.

I thought it would be fun to share the real definition of a friend today.

Maybe you have one that you haven’t been in touch with. I have been trying to get better at being a “friend” to my friends! LOL! We all have busy lives, and sometimes we lost track of “people”.

An old friend

I adore this center image of flowers! I wanted some pretty colors, but keep it soft.

I went with Aqua mist, and Smokey Shadow, with hints of a sage/moss combo for the leaves.

This image is part of the NEW! Release (TODAY!) frm JustRite Stampers called Friendship Borders & Centers Round 3-1/4”

Check out the JRS Blog <—-

For some reason I always mix and match their centers/borders as I think others pair better at times, or convey the message I want! LOL! I can never use the suggested combo! But, that is part of the fun.

I have to say I have “not met” so many amazing people that I “met” on the world wide web,  that I consider “friends”. With the cyber world these days I really feel like you most likely know what I mean!

Its all about social networking.

Some of my BEST friends are from the web! LOL! That SOUNDS pathetic! But it really isn’t (I don’t think! LOL!) since most of my “real” life friends, don’t stamp, they don’t get my insanity! They have no idea what rubber vs acrylic stamping is, why I get excited over new releases, cardstock colors, ribbon or markers and ink. When I give them a gift I MADE I don’t think 1) they believe I designed it 2) that it wasn’t a pre-made box card already decorated 3) how on earth it is even possible! LOL! Nor do they even have a clue of ANY of what I do. I don’t even explain it to people because their eyes just glaze over with confusion! LOL!

So, I enjoy my happenings with people who actually “get me” and share my excitment for these things, more than you know. Without the Internet, I’d just be some insanely craft obsessed mom, with NO ONE to share it with.

This card is going to one of those “cyber-friends” or in other words, a term my daughter Alexa came up with PSF “Pretend Stamping Friend”. The name came up years ago, when she was sick with Cancer. So many of these “cyber friends” would send cards and care packages (don’t think I ever did finish all the thank yous :C). Alexa would always say! “WHO is that from?” Then I’d tell her mommy’s  friend from the computer from the stamping place (aka Splitcoaststampers). Her 6 year old mind could not wrap around the idea that these were REAL people. She then said “OH! Mommy’s Pretend Stamping Friend sent it.” She thought that people “in” the computer weren’t “real”. She is a very literal child. So that is how the PSF came up!

All that being said, the very first person to reach out to me, when Alexa got sick, was my my dear friend Renee! You may know her on SCS as happystamper05. We have never met, but she has been my “friend” for almost 4 years! While I haven’t been a good friend, always forgetting birthdays and unable to be in cyber-land these days, I’ve also been unable to catch up on her daily happenings, (or those of my other PSF’s) I want her to know how much I cherish her! (and my many other PSF’s!). I actually have some cards to make that are LONG over-do. I could NOT decide if I should have Alexa make the thank yous, then fearing it would take too long (OK they actually may have gotten MADE and MAILED if I let her do them! LOL!) decided I would make them. Well days turned to months that turned to over a year! NOT GOOD!!!!!!!! So After the next release I’m so making them! If it KILLS me!

Renee always remember everything, is always sending me the prettiest cards, and is just one of the most amazing people I never  met, but hope to!

So I hope today, you get to make a card for a far-away friend, or maybe one you lost touch with!

I have some mail stuff to finish today before I run to the post office! Better get a move on.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Happy Saturday!

Feels like summer!

We are off the the Sea & Science center in Manchester NH with the kids.

I have cut WAY back on all my design commitments so I can focus more on my children, family and pursuing my template designs, and MAYBE stamp design My true passions.

 Sorry this is late. I had a day out of the house and spent some time with my children, so I’m sure you understand!

Tomorrow I will spend the day packing orders from my HUGE STAMP SALE!! Paulette and I are buried in stamps and our houses are TRASHED! LOL! All the orders stacked and getting ready to go out! Some will ship Tuesday as I alerted the P.O. of how many packages we have (well over 100) and they asked me to break it up for them! We live in a small town, so you don’t want to upset the P.O.!

 Yesterday we went to Build a Bear to make Ethan’s sister Ava the Pawsome Pony!! We have two outfits-one ALL GIRLY, and the other is ALL boy. We stuffed out hearts and prayers in the pony, and left it “open” so Ava and her family can stuff their hearts and wishes in the pony too!

Amber decided Ava HAD to have a set of ALL Girly clothes for her pony so she could make it a boy or girl. She did all the “styling” of Pawsome Pony for Ava (basically she chose the same outfit she loved for her own Dog she created) Avawill get to name the pony and stuff on her own, online. Now she will have BOY Cowboy and Girly clothes for the pony. We also got a bandanna and a Saddle!

When you squeeze the hoof it says I love you! Alexa decided we had to include that.

I don’t know WHO had more fun, me or the kids. Amber decided she wants to have her birthday party there! OK! Now I know!

 I let my kids make thier own animal! They want to be “featured” here (My kids LOVE when I put their photos here! LOL! My husband, not so much!) with their animals, and share photos of the Pony that they made for Ava. Another post, another day. I think Ava will really like it! I wanted to make one for myself! LOL! Lot’s of fun.

OK so onto the challenge!

This week we have a color challenge, and I asked the My Time to Create Team to use the NEW! Weiman Wrangler’s Digi images for our challenge. 

Please read about this set! All proceeds benefit the Make A Wish Foundation of Illinois in Honor of Ethan Weiman!!

Today’s challenge is the PERFECT opportunity to help you get something together to enter to WIN the $25 gift certificate to Pink Cat Studio! –>READ HERE<—

No limit to number of times you can enter, as long as it is a NEW! creation, each time!

Link your creations HERE:

PS IF YOU ARE USING THE WEIMAN WRANGLERS—->PLEASE LINK IT HERE, AND IN THE CONTEST POST! That way you are entered in the contest!

Here is my take on the challenge

We’re Celebrating

I think this is so cute!!!

I thought this would be the ULTIMATE cute  Cowboy themed birthday invite (or card to give the Birthday Cowboy!)

I LOVED these colors for the Weiman Wranglers Digi  Set! I normally go with red or blue, and chocolate. Great to step out of my color comfort zone!

I used the horseshoe image from JustRite Stamps-NEW! Favorite Occasions Borders & Centers Set 1-5/8″  and the We’re Celebrating from the NEW! Celebrations Demi Phrases Set 2″ . It was PERFECT (I think) for this card.

Overall this is SIMPLE, but it didn’t NEED much more.

So I hope you get to give it a whirl!
My contest ends Monday!!! So get a move on

In the meantime, check out the design team samples:

Tracey

Dana
Dawn
Jennifer
Kendra
Lisa
MacKenzie
Maria
Odette
Pam
Tamara

Alicia posted a SPECIAL booktoday on her blog!! She made it for her son Ethan, to remember all the things he used to say. The photo of the two of them had me in tears!

 Thanks for stopping by. I have much to share as the days go on!

I cannot wait to see what YOU do!

 OK, so I told you I had a BIG surprise today!

This is also why I have been a LITTLE more busy than expected A very good kind of busy.

When the world lost little Ethan Weiman, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt like I lost a member of my family. I never lost a family member that was close to me, so the feelings of sorrow and grief were unexpected, and just so raw. I knew I had to do “something”. So I took my emotions, and got some ideas, then made them  into something I felt would be an amazing tribute to Ethan.

I am over the moon, that with the help of Melissa at Pink Cat Studio, the design team, and My Time To Create Team (who seem to be like my unpaid assistants these days), we were able to make a wish a reality! Without them it would not be possible. Also I want to thank the Weiman Family for being so open to this idea, while they had just lost their precious little boy.

Well that BIG SURPRISE is ……..the NEW! Digi Stamp set The Weiman Wranglers!!

How cute are they?

This is a NEW! Digi Stamp release designed for the Weiman Family!

 ——–> CHECK IT OUT <———-

Seriously! Can you believe how AMAZING that it?

Now you can get some UBER cute images, and help a worthy cause!

Now these are a Digital Download-so you pay NO SHIPPING, NO STORAGE and you get them INSTANTLY! LOVE IT!

When I contacted Melissa with my ideas, she didn’t even hesitate! She is literally in the middle of moving, and MADE time to help out this family! I think that speaks volumes about her. I am so honored to be able to work for such amazing people like Melissa! I cannot even thank her enough for taking the time to do this.

Help us honor the life of Ethan Weiman by purchasing the Weiman Wranglers Digital Stamps. All proceeds will go to the Make A Wish Foundation of Illinois, per request of the family, in Ethan’s honor! Make A Wish fulfilled Ethan’s wish last year, when they gifted him with his horse Sanador, and a barn! Later, when Sanador passed away, they gave him another horse, named Questions! This organization really helped make Ethan’s dreams come true! It will be nice to be able to honor him, and give back something, to help brighten the day of some other sick child!

If you are not familiar with Make A Wish please read their site —>HERE

Make a Wish helped my own family, and I always donate to them, as well as the American Cancer Society!

SO let me share my samples with you, and let me know what you think! I’m so excited about all of this I could just scream

In honor of Ethan, and his lil cowboy hat he always wore

I just adore shaped cards.

I hand cut this cowboy hat from chocolate cardstock! Yes, I was proud I just tried to make it a smidgen similar to the one on Cowboy Ethan. A little distressing and paper piercing, and it was looking pretty good. NOT perfect! But good all the same.

The top has the fold. I used some pretty “masculine” ribbon from My Little Ribbon Shop. Love that place!

I adore the star center piece, made from brushed copper paper, and poppy!

It was the perfectly simple, finishing touch it needed.

The Ethan hat rim, and Sanador’s (his horse in heaven) face is 3 D!

I loved it.

Now something for Ava…..

I have had the MDF letter “A” for quite some time now. This is about 12 inches. Always meaning to use it. NOW, is the perfect time I have been on a MDF kick these days eh?

I wanted to send Ava an altered letter, using her NEW! Digi Download image. Maybe she can hang it somewhere, or put it on a shelf??

I had some pretty paper from Imaginesce, so I chose that for my base and my color inspiration. I wanted it to be sweet, and simple, yet COW-Girly, but not typical Cow-Girly! Nice cheery colors. I think I got it

I used New Times Roman alpha set from JustRite Stampers, to create Ava’s name tag.

I kept it all relatively simple, and loved the 1/2 and 1/2 patterned papers on the “A”. The ric rac ribbon border added to the girly feel. I felt the angles of the paper,  brought your eye to the Digi Ava image, and sentiment: “The journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step” which is from Unity.

That sentiment has so much meaning to me, personally. The day Alexa finished Chemo, I saw a silver bangle with this message on it. It really spoke to me, and our journey through Cancer. My friend Paulette actually bought it for me!!! I wear it EVERYDAY, and it reminds me (especially during tough times) , that you WILL get through it, one step at a time. I just liked it for this project.

So those are my projects!

Please be sure to check out the Pink Cat Stamps Blog for more samples! Some of the Design Team were able to jump aboard, on last minute’s notice THANK YOU!

Oh and of course, the my My Time To Create Challenge Team  ROCKED out the samples with these images, so have a peek!

Thank you again to everyone who has helped with this process.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and THANK YOU in advance for purchasing these images.

Here is where the FUN begins!!

I am personally donating a $25 GC to Pink Cat Studio  chosen via random.org, ONE WEEK FROM TODAY ( Monday June 28th) to the winning entry picked.

To enter to win, you need to make something using the NEW! Weiman Wranglers Digi Download, and link it here!

You can enter as many times as you want! You MUST make a new project each time.

Random winner will be picked June 28th.

So let’s get started!

Thank you again for all the support, and the kind words and comments so many of you leave. You are all just WONDERFUL, and always make my day.

PS I know! I didn’t do a Father’s Day Post :C Sorry! I had to get things together for today.