SFYTT and a beautiful Sunset!

Hi there!  I thought it was about time I stamped a card since it’s been a while!  I have to stay on track for each month’s Sketch For You to Try on Jen’s blog and I only had until 5 more days to go to get it done for February! 
I also used the StampTV challenge hosted by Regina Hardy this week to distress (easy enough!) I love sponging and distressing the edge of my cardstock with my distress tool.  I used the old typewriter image from the current StampTV kit True Love.  It’s so cute, and thought it would go well with my Circa 1934 papers by Cosmo Cricket.  I used pure luxury cardstock in lipstick red, black onyx and ivory.  I embellished each circle punch with a mini brad.  This layout was real fun to do!  

You should check out the challenges each week at StampTV, which are now hosted by StampTVfans!  You can win a grab bag of stamps from Gina K for free and you don't have to use GKD stamps, but if you do...your name gets put in the drawing twice!  Sweet deal.  Speaking of sweet deals, did you know each week on Monday Lee posts a DT Fan Mail thread where the Gina K designers offer up a card to be sent to our fans?  All you have to do is comment on all the cards and mention which is your favorite and the drawing is random so if your name is drawn, the designer will send you their card!!  It's so fun to get something in the mail isn't it?  Here is a link to this week's offerings so you can check it out. Just be sure to check the Big News thread each Monday and on Friday, the winner is chosen so be sure to check back to see because if you win, you are responsible to contact the designer directly (their emails are in the thread) with your mailing address.  Here is a link to the winner thread too.  If you like my card and would like for me to send it to you, try your chance at winning it this week because I am offering it up as DT fan mail on Monday!

Personal Stuff:  This may not be news to some of my readers, but I just wanted to address why my blog posts are so sporadic especially to my new readers/followers.  I work full-time outside the home at a wonderful company, a job I prayed for and am so blessed to be a part of.  However, it is 37+ miles from home, in a great area of town so almost 2 hours of my day is spent commuting.  I am not complaining, it’s been a great opportunity to listen to audio books, pray and chat on the phone with family & friends when I remember to charge my blue tooth for hands free safe driving!  The downfall is all the time because I work early hours, when I get home I have cooking, cleaning and spending time with my dear husband and an early bed time, so it doesn’t leave much time for stamping or other things I love do to Mon through Thu.  I usually do the bulk of my creative stuff on the weekends.  I also am on the computer a LOT at work so lots of days, I don’t even boot up my laptop at home. 
The other night John had a really stressful day at work and because of how we designed our home (we have 39 windows) that is on 2 1/2 acres in the country, when I walk through the house, I can see the sun setting through our bedroom window (it backs up to 300+ acres) and I caught a beautiful sunset that we just HAD to enjoy!  So, we spent some time out on our deck enjoying it and chatting about his day.  I snapped a few photos because I wanted to share it with you too.  Life is too short sometimes to spend it in front of the computer, or in my stamp room or hunched over my sewing machine.  Sometimes I just want to get out and enjoy the beauty around us, that God has blessed us with.  This was one of those times, I have them more often lately and just wanted you to know why I don’t post that often. 
What is something that makes you stop ‘doing’ that you don’t want to miss out on? 

Simple Masculine Thinking of You sketch

I had the best intentions to play in every month’s sketch for you to try by Jen Del Muro last year.  I think I slacked off after about the 4th month.  This year, I will try again because I LOVE her sketches!   Here is January’s sketch – which I made into a masculine card for a co-worker who was dealing with the year anniversary of his 13 year old daughter’s death earlier this month.  Everyone in the department signed it and he sure appreciated it!  He was impressed with me making it but more than that, was happy he had someone who has dealt with loss, to share with.

He is new to our department (since Oct) and sits next to me.  When I first met him, he was very open about his loss and since we have had several opportunities to chat, I’ve learned more about it.  One day he shared with how difficult (and how he was dreading) coming to the day of her death and how he was going to make it through.  For some reason, I shared briefly about how, although I have not had a child or lost one, I do know loss because I was 9 when my dad died and 25 when my mom did.  It really hit him so hard to think that although he lost his daughter – it put things in perspective to know that I have lost BOTH my parents and he wanted to know how I deal with it.  I shared and he was grateful. It’s not often I really get to share the struggles I have going through life without my parents to share it with me.  Sure I have in-laws that I am close with and love dearly, but it’s just not the same as having my own around.  It meant a lot to me that he took the time to sympathize with my loss and just couldn’t imagine it since he takes for granted both his parents are alive.  It’s just not until someone has experienced the loss of a parent that they truly comprehend what it’s like.  I am glad I can be there for him even if it’s just a few words to let him know everything will be all right and he needs to talk/think about her to keep her memory alive.

I used the Nature’s Greetings stamp set by Gina K, kraft pure luxury cardstock for my base, Echo Park’s Times and Seasons pattern paper and a black button for a simple embellishment.

Thanks for stopping by - I hope you have a wonderful weekend and look forward to the new Gina K release which is on Tuesday night!!  The 3-day inspiration hop starts Wednesday, hope you will join us!  I am off to create with the awesome new sets! 

You’ve Got Moxie SFYTT!

This is one of the BEST EVER StampTV kits just released by Gina K!  It is called Vintage Chic and wait until you see all the awesome cardstock, black & white pattern papers (used on my card), black & white brads and various black & white ribbons!  All this to create tons of cards, that comes in a sturdy plastic storage case!  I made this card using Jen’s May sketch for you to try, which is a lot of fun!  This card came together so quickly and I really adore it! 

Here is a picture of the whole set you get, check out all those fabulous images and sentiments! 

Have you ever checked out CPS card sketches?? Well, Gina K is this week’s sponsor – go check it out here & play along to win some free stamps!!!

Hope you have a great week!  Thanks for stopping by.

April SFYTT: It’s Your Day!

Here is a card I made for the April Sketch For You to Try on Jen’s blog.  I am cutting it close to the end this month since I was getting ready for vacation a few weeks ago!   I just remembered, I promised y’all more pictures from our cruise – I will try to do that this week.  I used the new Timeless Textures stamps from the recent Gina K. release as well as Perfect Pennants for a brightly colored birthday card.  I just love the new Key Lime pure luxury accent color, see how well it goes with Sweet Mango & Turquoise Sea? I love it.  The Timeless Textures are used on the solid color panels.  All supplies used can be found in the Gina K store (except mini white brads).

I hope you have a Blessed Easter tomorrow! 

MFTWSC15: Gabby’s Birthday card!

Here is the birthday card I made for my niece for her 5th birthday which is next week!  I cannot believe how big she has gotten!  This is for this week’s sketch challenge at SCS!  This is my first time to use the Pure Innocence set Don’t Open Until.  I hope I get her card & gift in the mail before her birthday!  I used papers from the Little Girl collection of Echo Park and a cloud die from Taylored Expressions. 

I am busy getting samples for Gina K’s release which is this Thursday at StampTV – hope you will join us for the release which will be 7:00-9:00 pm in the release forum.  Speaking of news – did you see Gina’s fun news today on her blog?  She is posting daily snippets of the new sets too, so you get a little preview of what’s to come! 

Now I will leave you with a picture from our cruise; promise more to come!!  This was taken last Thursday when we were in Ocho Rios, Jamaica at Dolphin Cove.  We had such a fabulous time on our trip and it’s back to reality for us (insert sad face).  It was just gorgeous out there, can’t you see from the picture and you can tell how happy we were too. 

I’ll see you again soon – thanks for stopping by!!

MFT sketch time!!

Hi everyone still out there reading my blog!!  I took another much needed break** from posting and I’m back to share this week’s MFT sketch!  I used my new Pure Innocence cutie Something Special Just For You.  This card is for my DMIL to give to our niece Gabby who will be turning 5 in 3 weeks!  I can hardly believe it!  We just talked to her a little bit ago, it had been too long since we had and I was missing hearing hers and her brother’s voices.  She cracked me up saying “Auntie Donna is creatable” when I told her I was making her birthday cards!   A few weeks ago my sister said that Gabby told her, “I can’t get over how talented Auntie Donna is” that really made me laugh out loud and smile!  I just love it!! 

I used my new Key ingredient subscription papers are from the Stella & Rose Gertie Collection by My Mind's Eye.

PERSONAL STUFF: **Am I the only one still reeling from the affects of the time change??  I am struggling with getting to bed/sleep at my normal time because, well it’s not my normal time anymore!  So then I am super sleepy during the day and have no energy to get stuff done in the evenings!  So, my break had to do with that.  Oh and the fact that I have been sewing more clutch purses!  Will share more soon – sewing is addicting!  I guess it’s because I have an addictive personality.  Last weekend I went to a Geocaching event with John and some others and we hosted 2 couples spending the night Fri and Sat.  They all went out Sat & left Sun and I stayed here and sewed – it was a lot of fun! 

MORE PERSONAL STUFF: Speaking of fun, it was our quarterly event at work today – only worked until 10:30 and then met at a bowling alley, had fajita lunch and bowled 3 games.  It was great – started off with a bang, a strike and it’s been at least 10 yrs since I’ve bowled.  I got another 2 frames later then I finished the game and subsequent games with a ton of gutter balls oh and one more strike!  I got tired fast but I still had a lot of fun.  Have I told you lately how much I love my job!!??

Thanks for stopping by – have a great weekend!!!

Happy St. Paddy’s Day!! Gina K Release teaser!

 Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  I am so not a lick of Irish but it’s a good reason to celebrate anyway!  I have this cutie bear from A Beary Good Year by The Cat’s Pajamas to share with you which is for Jen’s March sketch for you to try!!  I picked up this set last year at Winter CHA and had the chance to meet the owner Alma, she is so nice.  This is a fun sketch as always – I just love Jen’s style!  I had fun using papers by Echo Park – The Little Boy Collection.  I tried coloring him with copics so it looks like her has ‘fur’ but I am not sure how successful I was at it – I think I need to practice more, ha! 

Now I have a snippet of a card I made for the Gina K Release Party which is TONIGHT at StampTV!  We are SO excited about the stamp sets, samples, challenges and SURPRISES we have in store for you so I hope YOU will make it – I guarantee it will be time well spent!  Mark your calendar, set a timer, get dinner ahead of time (or order in) and join us from 7:00-9:00 CDT; 9:00 pm is when all the new products will be available to purchase in the GK store too! And remember when you spend $50 or more shipping is FREE and it will be in your hot little stamping hands in 2-3 days because Gina ALWAYS ships priority!!

Thanks for stopping by today and hope you have a fun St. Patrick’s Day! 

The Best Days…

Are spent curled up with a good book!  Yes indeed!  I’m sure if you are a book lover like me, you agree!!  This is my card for this week’s MFT sketch Wednesday (MFTWSC10).  I just loved this layout and since I have been reading more lately, I thought it would be fun to put my Well Read Who’s That Girl to some ink for it!  When you have a smaller area to work with, don’t be afraid to use just a portion of it to fit your card like I did here, I sliced off her feet at the ankles and part of the sofa is missing but it still works and looks pretty cute although now that I look at it, that sofa sure is BUSY!!  Ha.  I am reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett, it is real good!  In fact, when I get done publishing this post, I am going to read a little before I go to bed and I like to read during my lunch.  At our new office since it’s on the 2nd floor, there is a nice shaded balcony with comfy chairs to sit on so I really enjoy the escape for 30 minutes!  I used all supplies from the Key Ingredients subscription for my card. 

Gina K Designs update: I wanted to remind you that the Gina K. March release party will be this Thursday from 7:00 – 9:00 pm CST at StampTV!  Hope to see you there!

I Miss You–MFT Weds. Stamp Club & personal update

Hi there whoever is still out there!  I am still here and no, I have not been having internet issues (thank God!) I have just been chilling; taking a little breather and I am back with a cutie Pure Innocence girl from My Favorite Things for their Wednesday stamp club sketch!  This is Making a List, I just love it since I am sending it to my niece Gabby and she loves to write & color, and it’s about time I send her a card just because!  I used all supplies from the Feb. key ingredients subscription by Taylored Expressions which have beautiful My Mind’s Eye Lush papers in it! 

Personal Update: Speaking of Taylored Expressions, did you happen to see this post on Taylor’s blog last weekend?  That’s right, I made the difficult decision to step down from the Baker’s Dozen design team, which I have enjoyed all 2 1/2 years of serving on!  Since my office move further,  my commute time has increased up to 2 hours per day. I am very limited with my creative time, hence one of the reasons for the break.  I recently started listening to books on audio which makes the time not so bad at all!  But some days I am still beyond exhausted and have no energy to post or create especially when my priority is to my family & home first and I have an EARLY bedtime. It’s time now to focus on some of my other hobbies, including making things for our beautiful new home!  I will share more soon!   

TE February Blast from the Past–Go Green!

Hi there!  I’m so glad you joined me for this month’s customer hop with Taylored Expressions!  Our theme this month is Go Green!  Either use green on your project or recycle!  For my card, I chose to go green because I just got my new Key Ingredients subscription this weekend and couldn’t wait to use them!  I used Discover Your Wings in the Whimsical Wishes line because I felt it went so well with the beautiful pattern paper by My Mind’s Eye – Lush!  One thing I love about Taylor’s key ingredients and project pantry selections is that she uses the freshest, trendiest and fabulous pattern papers and hand picks all the fun coordinating embellishments and they are never the same!  This month, there is bling by My Mind’s Eye – the Lush collection of course!  That is what the bling is in the center of the ivory paper flower.  Another thing that is so cool, is that there is a gallery with creations made by Taylor & her key ingredients design team as well as downloadable inspiration sheets!  If you’d like more details about what I got in my kit and read all about  it click here: key ingredients subscription program. 

Here is the sketch I used for my card, created by the very beautiful & talented Baker’s Dozen design team member Sankari!  Hope you will play along!  Remember, we have this hop EVERY month, and if you play, you have a chance at winning a FREE stamp set of your choice and/or having your card/project featured in the upcoming TE newsletter!  Do you know
Taylored Expressions  is on Facebook?  Be sure you "LIKE" it - when we get 1,000 people, TE will give a Favorite Peeps stamp set to one lucky person so you can get started on your Easter cards & projects!! 

With Friends Like You…

who needs Martha Stewart?  Ha!  This sentiment cracks me up in the TE set What’s Cookin’? 

This is my February card for Jen’s sketch for you to try which I happened to make a few weeks ago but have forgotten to upload – and the deadline is just days away!  Did you know she is going to give away a ton of free product on Christmas Day and you can only be in the drawing if you play EVERY month this year.  I’m determined, especially since I LOVE her fresh sketches!  I used papers from the October Afternoon  Cherry Hill Collection.  Ribbon from my stash and a cute rose from the Taylored Rose Garden (on Sale right now!)

I’ll be back on Thursday with my Blast from the Past Hop with TE!  Hope you’re playing too!

Good Books Build Character

HA!  Isn’t this little bookworm the cutest you’ve seen wearing big ‘ol square eyeglasses?!?  He is in the I {Heart} Books set.
This is my card for this week’s MFT sketch challenge MFTWSC7 which I always have fun playing with!  Did you know you can win up to $20 voucher for the MFT Store if your card is picked in the random drawing?!  $15 if you don’t use MFT stamps.  Of course, I play along because I want to show love for my MFT stamps! 
I used my new Echo Park Little Girl collection pattern paper I got in the TE store, they are so fresh & fun just like the Little Boy papers!  Lately I have been in the reading mood (since I love to read!) I am reading Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline I got from the library.  The place I work is so cool - in an outdoor mall and there is a library just a few minutes walk away!  I also got an audio book to listen in the car during my commutes (makes the time go by faster!) and also a playaway to listen to a book while at work!  It's been so great!  

So what are other hobbies are YOU enjoying right now other than stamping?  Are there any you've thought about doing but haven't gotten around to it?  If so, I encourage you - it's fun to have more than one hobby for me! 

Thanks for stopping by today - I hope you have an awesome week! 

STV sketch - It's Your Birthday!

Here is a fun Dino card I made using the new set Dino-Mite illustrated by the very lovely & talented Theresa Momber for Gina K. Designs! 

This is for this week's sketch challenge on StampTV!  Be sure to check it out so you have a chance to win a free set from Gina K!  As always, you don't have to use Gina K. stamps but if you do, your name goes in the drawing twice so you increase your chances at winning by 50%!  Her sketches are fun and you can make them as simple as you want or elaborate by using more elements than she uses on the sketch!  Here is a copy of it if you'd like to just work off this post! 

Sorry my posting is so sporadic; we are STILL having internet issues at home and I hardly have time to use the computer at work!!  Hopefully it will be fixed soon, they are coming out again this afternoon!! 

Supplies:
Stamps: Dino Mite
Cardstock: In the Navy, Grass Green, White pure luxury
Inks: Tuxedo Black memento
Accessories: Echo Park Little Boy Collection, Copic Markers
Spellbinders Nestability Classic Circles

MFT Stamp club sketch–Love

Hi there!  It’s so good to have internet access back at home, we were out almost a week!  You don’t realize how much you miss something until it’s gone for sure huh?  Although I could have used that time to stamp my heart out, I really didn’t.  But, I do have a card using this week’s MFT Wednesday stamp club sketch (MFTWSC2) it is a fun one!  So, now I have  a card for my sweet niece Gabby for Valentine’s Day!  I used the cutie Pure Innocence girl Happy Mail, because I know my niece LOVES to get cards in the mail from her Auntie Donna!  All the supplies I used on this card are in the TE Valentine’s Project Pantry kit.

I just realized, after uploading my card I didn’t put the 3 elements on the right of the image, maybe I will put some candy dots before I mail it, but sorry I don’t have time to put them on and e-take a picture!  We are headed to a wine tasting/educational class with our friends James & Stephanie.  Maybe I will take a picture or 2 and report back about how it was! 

Thanks for stopping by – hope you have a great weekend! 

STV sketch - tea, care to join me?

I have a pretty shabby chic card to share with you today using Mugs and Kisses and this week's sketch challenge at STV!!  Here is a direct link to the challenge thread for this sketch.

Did you know the Gina K. challenges on StampTV have videos of her making the cards from beginning to end?  It is so nice to see a cardmaking pro in action! Today she even shows you how to use a stamp positioner just in case you have never done that. 

I had such a fun time making this card, in fact while I was, I was either sipping some tea or dreaming of sipping some tea!  I like all kinds of tea and remember a few years ago, I couldn't even say that I liked anything but sweet tea but now I like all kinds!  In fact, I can give credit to my handsome husband John for me starting to venture into the wonderful world of tea drinking.  We have been to several tea houses in Austin and Savannah GA, even to a tea 'class'. My current favorite is Red Label black Indian tea I get at a local Indian grocer.  In fact, that's what I've been having rather than coffee at home the past few weeks.  It is delicious with cream & organic sugar inside.  Speaking of inside, I stamped the sentiment 'care to join me' fromt the set on the inside of this card, I just forgot to take a picture to share with you. 

I hope you will take some time to play in the weekly challenges, as always the generous Gina K. gives away a free stamp set to a random winner for each challenge!  Monday is the sketch and Friday is the color challenge.  You get 2 entries in the drawing if you used GKD stamps but you certainly don't have to use them to play along!  Hope you will join us!   Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Stamps: Mugs and Kisses
Cardstock: Black Onyx, Ivory, Basic Grey Curio
AccessoriesL Tim Holtz distress ink tea dye, black silk ribbon, crochet trim, Spellbinders Labels 10, Labels 14, ivory rose

SFYTT–Love is in the Air

Happy New Year to everyone who is still out there reading my blog!!  I know I haven’t posted  since before Christmas, I just had to take a much needed break to enjoy the holidays and this week I got a cold that really wiped me out!  Our Christmas was very nice and New Year’s was too, we went to dinner with some Geocachers and just hung out relaxing on Friday night and we were home by 10:00 before the roads got crazy.

I have a Sketch For You To Try from yesterday to share using the Taylored Expressions set, Love Everywhere!  I know the card is a little busy but I kinda like it.  I used new papers by Echo Park called Be Mine.   If you participate in the SFYTT, you should check out Jen’s update, she has changed things up a bit and it suits me just fine, I love her sketches! 

Tomorrow I will be back with Day 1 Preview for Gina K. Designs January release and Tuesday with GKD and TE!!  Thanks for stopping by!

Gina K. Thankful For You Shopping Special!!

I know y’all love a good sale, right?  Especially those of you who are die-hard Black Friday early bird shoppers – it’s so not for me!  I remember one year my oldest sister and I got out early to Michael’s but that was not before 7:00, ha!  Today I have a Gina K. card for some challenges this week to share with you, along with her Black Friday special which runs through Sunday 11:59 pm CST. 

My card is for this week’s sketch STVSKSP3 and today’s color spotlight challenge STVCSP3 to use Green Apple, Ivory and Ocean Mist.  I cheated a little and didn’t use the Ocean Mist cardstock because I wanted my card to be clean & simple and used aqua vivid ink instead.  I used the butterfly from the Hope is Faith set and sentiment from Inside & Out. I used some turquoise mix buttons and stardust stickles on the butterfly.  This card came together so quickly & I love it!!

Have fun shopping! 

Surprise Birthday Hop for Nancy McKinney!

Today is TE’s Whimsical Wishes illustrator Nancy’s birthday and her good friend Saucy organized a little surprise birthday hop in her honor!   If you came to my blog from the talented Regina Mangum, you are on the right track!  If not, start at the beginning (Karen’s blog so you don’t miss out on all the eye candy!)

I made a card using the current TE Giving Tree Charity set called Make a Wish, in which a portion of the sale goes to the Make a Wish Foundation!  I used fellow Baker’s Dozen dt member Karen G’s Sweet Sunday Sketch 93 for my card, which I thought could showcase the fun banner in the set.  I used Cosmo Cricket Pixie-licious papers as well as some prismatic cardstock in addition to Choice Snow White.  I had fun coloring in the sentiment with copics, atyou spica glitter pens {on sale for $2.49 each!} and then layering on sparkle with star dust stickles!  I even colored my banner with aqua stickles.  I finished off my banner with a row of ruffled trim and a pixie-licious button!

Now hop on over to the beautiful & fabulously rockin’ stamper Alex Maldonado to see what she whipped up for Nancy! 

Nancy, I hope you have a fabulous birthday – I’m so happy to be working with your awesome images month after month!  They are just delightful!!

Mitten Weather Penguin

Here is a card I made last week using the new Penguin Pals Apple Doodle Ink stamp set for Taylored Expressions. Isn’t this little guy the cutest donned in his santa hat ready to give his gift to you?  I used Jen’s Sketch For You to Try which is always a super sketch!  It showcases my Cosmo Cricket mitten weather pattern papers well.  I also used the Winter Wonderland snowflake Taylored Dies on my card for a fun embellishment. All the coloring was done using copic markers – fun to color!  I used stardust stickles on the trim & pom pom. 

Update: I will be back on Mon-Thu for the Taylored Expressions sneak peeks and then my family from CA visits and I will not post until I rest a little from all the fun and cry a lot from all the sadness after they leave. I will be back to share some pictures of our fun with you!   Thanks for stopping by! 

Mojo Onesie for Avery

Here is a card I made for Mojo Monday 159 to go along with some onesies I mailed to my fellow Bakers Dozen design team member Jodi for her sweet baby Avery (click on Jodi’s name to see her sweet girls) who was born a few weeks ago.  I wanted to wait until she received the gift before I shared it on my blog so I didn’t spoil her surprise.  I loved getting her sweet Thank You email – especially when she thanked me for remembering Avery’s big sister too (I sent her a little card & a Halloween ring pop which Jodi said she snatched right up to enjoy!) 

I used the TE set Tweet Hearts. I took my cardstock & stamp inspiration from the onesie: GKD Passionate Pink, Sweet Mango and Chocolate Brown pure luxury cardstock; Choice Snow White from TE; inks are Vivid raspberry and straw and Memento Rich Cocoa.  Embellishments are Brown with cream dot polka dot ribbon and pink pom pom trim, I even added some glittery accents on the birds with copic atyou spica pens.

Are you looking for great gift ideas for Christmas you can hand make??  Well Taylor is doing a special 12 Days of Handcrafted Christmas videos on her blog (started last week) posted Mon-Thurs for the next few weeks!  Check it out!  I know I am getting some great ideas! 

Hope you’re having a great day so far – thanks for stopping by!