Absent again

Yep, that's me.  Absent from the blog once again.  Because we are sick yet again.  Well mainly me but you know when a man has a sniffle that is classified as sick too!  Really since Monday night, my days have been spent coughing, laying on the sofa in a coma or watching soap operas or the Olympics, whichever is on.  Trust me I have seen more of "curling" than I could ever imagine.  Watching paint dry is more interesting but unfortunately no one here has the energy to paint for me to watch it dry.  So I am stuck with curling or a coma which I suppose one could confuse for the other.  I had a small burst of feeling ok yesterday morning but by 3:00 in the afternoon I crashed and went down for a three hour nap.  One would think that would mess with a nights sleep but no,  I was out by midnight and slept until my bladder woke me up this morning around 9.  I even tried arguing with said bladder since the rest of me was not really ready to get up, but as per usual, bladder won out.   

And since I have nothing creative to show you, I thought I would share with you how your creativity can effect others.  You might remember these Valentines.  I sent one to Don's Aunt Nell, who is my favorite relative of his.  (I'm not sure what that says considering she is a relative by marriage only).  We received the sweetest note from her yesterday telling me how it made her "heart glow" that I would take the time to make something so pretty for her.  Now who writes thank you notes for a card?  Aunt Nell is who!  I guess that is why she is a favorite.  So don't think your efforts go unnoticed.  Yes, there are always be those people who just get it but the Aunt Nells of the world make up for that.

I'll be back next week if I live through the weekend.

It's a Cosmo Kind of Day.... (Part 1)

No, not the drink but that sounds good too! I'm talking about one of my favorite manufacturers, Cosmo Cricket. By the way, I am not affiliated with them; I can only just wish). A Cosmo Cricket purchase is always a must after a CHA show and this winter is no different.  I picked up several pieces from the Garden Variety collection just the other day and couldn't wait to cut into it.  I really like the fresh, bright colors of this line. 

My first project is a card for the current Sugar Bowl Challenge (my first time to participate actually).  I absolutely love Sugar Nellie stamps.  I have my friend Wendy to thank for my obsession although my checking account is not so appreciative. I currently have 22 items on my wishlist! In addition to using the sketch, participants also had to include 3 flowers, two brads and a button. Here is the sketch:

This is my take on the challenge:

I stamped the Sugar Nellie image using Memento ink onto Prism cardstock and then colored with Copic markers.  I pierced small holes just above and below her hand and threaded the stems of the flowers through so it appears she has just picked them.  I trimmed closely around the image and then mounted to the background of patterned paper using adhesive only in her midsection.  I then placed pop dots underneath the hat and the bottom of the jeans portions so the image would appear to stand away from the background.

Products: Sugar Nellie stamp, Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety patterned paper, Memento ink, Bazzil Basics and Prism cardstock, May Arts ribbon, Doodlebug button, flowers and brads, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copic Markers: Skin- E00, E02, R20; Hair – E55, E57, R29; Flowers, belt, patches – R27, R29; Hat and Jeans – Y21, Y23; Blouse – G40, G82; Leaves – G21, G24

And to prove that I still scrapbook, here are two layouts featuring The Boyfriend collection. 

I used a strip of my son's school photos and combined it with his actual first grade report card (from 26 years ago!).  I tucked my journaling inside the card envelope.  I'm not sure what was going on with his hair that day but he was still cute nonetheless.

Products: Cosmo Cricket The Boyfriend patterned paper and chipboard, Jillibean Soup pattern paper, May Arts ribbon, Doodlebug token

My second layout is a two pager (6x8 each) for my creative journal, and yes, the subject is totally about my washer and dryer! We are still paying for these bad boys but they are worth it. The only thing they lack is a USB port so I could change the notification tune to something a little less cheerful. 

Products: Cosmo Cricket The Boyfriend patterned paper and chipboard, Fiskars border punches, 7 Gypsies date stamp

Check out these previous blog posts using Cosmo Cricket products here, here, and here!  Stay tuned for Part 2 later on this week.  

Sweet Sunday Sketch

Hi there.  So sorry I have had such a long absence from the blog.  Don and I were both sick with a nasty virus and then afterwards I just needed some time to catch up on things.

I made this card for the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.  The winter theme was an easy choice since we have recently experienced snow twice in one week.  That is unheard of in this part of the country!  As you can see, I didn't stray far from the original sketch.  I combined a great new stamp from the Pure Innocence line by My Favorite Things with an old favorite patterned paper.  I colored the image with Copic markers and accented with paper piecing for the hat trim and scarf.  A bit of Flower Soft on the snow balls and the hat added to the wintry mix.   

Products: My Favorite Things stamp, Heidi Grace patterned paper, Bazzil Basics and Prism cardstock, Papertrey Ink cardstock and buttons, Spellbinders Nestabilities, May Arts Ribbon, Flower Soft

Copic Markers: Skin - E00, E02, R20; Hair - E31, E55; Hat, Glove and Stockings - RV13, RV14; Coat - B41, B34

Thanks for stopping by!

Red, White and Cream Color Challenge

Melissa Phillips is hosting a color challenge based on this photo obtained from yet another great blog The Creative Mint.

I've been a fan of Melissa's for a long time.  LilyBean's Paperie was one of the first creative based blogs I started reading on a regular basis.  I love the colors of red, white and cream so I was definitely up for the challenge especially since it meant I could also get a few of my Valentines completed as well. 

Here is a group photo of the cards I came up with based on the red, cream and white photo collage:












And here are the individual cards: 

 

 





To complete the French theme I cut the Sizzix leaf shape from a French book page. 

Products: My Mind's Eye Laundry Line patterned paper, Prima flower, Pink Paislee label, Papertrey Ink button, Sizzix diecut, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Hobby Lobby pearls

Products: Making Memories journaling page and stickpin, Prima flower and Say it With pearls, Maya Road stickpin, Shabby Green Door and Crate paper patterned paper, Pink Paislee stamp, Versafine Crimson Red ink, Doodlebug trim, Papertry Ink buttons, Sizzix diecut and Martha Stewart border punch.

Products: My Mind's Eye Laundry Line patterned paper, Prima flower, Maya Road stickpins, Pink Paislee stamp, Versafine Crimson Red ink, Papertrey Ink buttons, Martha Stewart baker's twine, Sizzix diecut, Cuttlebug folder

While I had all my red, cream and white products out I also made a scrapbook page for my heritage album.  This is my cousin Susan as a little girl and is my very favorite photo of her.  It's hard to tell in the photo but her dress material has hearts on it which goes along with the Valentine theme of the day.  I will add some journaling later as soon as I figure out her age in the photo!  If any of my relatives pop in, leave me a message about what you know about the photo! 

Products: Shabby Green Door patterned paper, Jenni Bowlin journaling block, American Crafts thickers, Melissa Frances crepe paper, Prima bird, Queen & Co brad, Sizzix diecut

As always, thank you for stopping by.

Walking in Flowers

Hi everyone - it's a beautiful day here in Alabama.  The sun is shining and I actually see a few signs of spring.  Of course, it's a false alarm but I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.  I think today's project reflects my happiness over the springlike day with the floral patterned paper, happy spring colors and flower soft sprinkled at the little girl's feet.  

Products: My Favorite Things Pure Innocence stamp, Papertrey Ink sentiment stamp and buttons, Cosmo Cricket patterned paper, Spellbinders Nestabilities

Copic Markers: Skin - E00, E02, R01; Hair - E55, E57; Shirt & Tights - BG72, BG10, R11, R22, G21; Shoes - BG10, BG11; Background - G0000; Shading on dress - C1  

I hope there is some sunshine in your life.