A couple of Thanksgiving cards

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I just love all the cooking, all the family time, all the play time!! I know I am late getting these up, but I really wanted to share them because I really like how they both turned out. I used Harvest Home stamp set for both and my Basic Gray Mellow mat pack for both. This card I did a little paper piecing, for the pumpkins I used paper from the Autumn Vines DSP by Stampin' Up!, and then just used Whisper White cs for the stems.

Supplies:

Stamps: Harvest Home by Stampin' Up!

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust and Whisper White cardstocks by Stampin' Up!, Autumn Vine DSP by Stampin' Up!, Mellow paper pad by Basic Gray

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Stampin' Up! markers

Accessories: Chocolate Satin Ribbon from PTI, Nestabilities

This card turned out even better than my original plan (I just love when that happens). Not sure if you can tell from the picture, but I used the Pumpkins Cuttlebug folder on the Pumpkin Pie rectangle. The "buttons" are wood buttons that I colored with my copics. I also dug out my Metallic Rub-Ons from Gina K Designs to "ink" the edges of the white cardstock. Love this stuff!!! I love it even more, I am sure, when I learn how to use it, lol!

Supplies:

Stamps: Harvest Home by Stampin' Up!

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie and Whisper White cardstocks by Stampin' Up!, Mellow paper pad by Basic Gray

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Stampin Up Markers, Copic Markers

Accessories: Wood leaf buttons, CB embossing folder, twine, Metallic Rub-Ons

Shimmerz Blog candy winner...

Thanks to everyone who sent Birthday cards!! Every day we got a stack of cards! It was sooooo much fun! My daughter loved them all and said "gosh, I feel so loved, hehehe". The cards were absolutely gorgeous and wonderful, thank you so much to everyone who sent a card! The winner of the 4 pots of Shimmerz from My Favorite Things is.... Sarah Anderson! Here is the card Sarah sent. Sarah, please email me with your choice of colors.

An Award from Susan (StampingTink)

This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY- nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement . Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers.Deliver this award to 8 bloggers who may then pass it on. I hope you’ll accept this award from me because of our friendship and the inspiration you all give me. I received this super cute & charming award from Susan. Thanks, Susan!

Christi Thorsen
Chris Dickenson
Teresa Kline
Leanne Dudley
Lynn Mercurio
Lori Tecler
Sarah Anderson
Shannon Roberts

Christmas Card kits... limited quantities

I have pre cut, etc. a small handful of each of the Christmas card kits/add-ons (click on the picture on the left sidebar for details). Due to the Holiday "time crunch" once I run out of what has been precut, I will not be selling any more. So, order yours now, these kits are going fast! To order your kit(s) email me today at tccrain@socal.rr.com. Have a wonderful day! Later today I'll post some Thanksgiving cards and tomorrow is Bloggers' Challenge day!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I always feel so honored and get a "warm & fuzzy" when someone sends me one of these awards. I never think that anyone really looks at my blog very often and so I am so surprised and honored to know when someone is not only reading it, but comes back for more! I got this award from Susan (Stampin Tink), you've gotta check out her blog...not only are her cards, etc. wonderful, but her blog is super cute too! It seems like "life" is just taking over and swipping my "creative time"...thanks Susan for the little nudge I needed to get back on track!

So here's the rules with this award:

1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to their blogs
5. Leave a message for your nominees

There are so many blogs out there that inspire me in one way or another, instead of nominating 5 I will ask that you visit 5 of the fabulous blogs on my sidebar. THanks again Susan and to everyone else who reads my itty bitty blog! Have a wonderful week!

Shimmerz Cupcake Birthday MFTWUW04 & SC199

Finally!!! I finally got to stamp, I finally got to post and I finally got to play with some of the goodies I've gotten lately from a few different friends! (Wait until you see the cupcake card tomorrow using my cupcake from Shannon & Lisa). Talk about multi-tasking...this is a Birthday card for my Chemo patient (I am a Chemo card angel), this is my paper piecing entry for MFT Stamps What's Up Wednesday Challenge and the SplitCoast Sketch Challenge 199...whew, that was a mouthfull :)
Let's get to the fun facts... The cupcake wrapper is paper pieced as is the frosting (technically), I colored the frosting with my copics using RV02 and BG23, then I painted over them using Pink and Mint Shimmerz. I also colored in the cherry using R29 and then gave it some dimension with Crystal Effects. Hopefully you can see the shimmer better on this little picture as well as all the dimension. Thanks to Carollee for this awesome paper, the perfectly matching Shimmerz and the super cute ribbon!!! Thanks for stopping by and looking!

Supplies:

Stamps: It's a Cupcake Kind of Day and sentiment from You Take the Cake (both sets by MFT Stamps)

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Paper: The Sweet Stack with Glitter by DCWV

Accessories: Copic markers, Shimmerz, Pretty in Pink cs (by Stampin Up), Crystal Effects, dimensionals

Yeah I'm back!! How about some Blog Candy??

Hi everyone! Thanks for visiting and for bearing with me in my absence. The world is back on track now and I think I am getting caught up! This post will remain at the top of my blog until the Blog Candy deadline, so please scroll down to see other posts!

My beautiful and wonderful baby girl is turning 18 next week (November 20th)! That is her in the picture with me. She loves stamping and drooling over the talent of many of my "online friends". So here's the deal... send her a Happy 18th Birthday card by November 26th (that gives you 2 weeks). Please also leave a comment on this post. We will put all the cards in a hat and draw one as the winner. The winner will receive (drum roll please.....)

4 bottles of Shimmerz, their choice of colors!!!
Shimmerz will be shipped directly to you from My Favorite Things Stamps

This is a surprise, she has no idea. Please email me for the address (tccrain@socal.rr.com)

Happy Halloween! & Bloggers Challenge #71

Happy Weenie Day!! Someone told me that today and I couldn't stop laughing!! Hehehehe. Happy Friday too!!! and of course Happy Blogger's Challenge Day!!!! Woo hoo! Today's challenge was an easy one...Halloween! Luck for me it was so easy, cause I am sooooo far behind and buried in everything I needed an easy thing! Besides I got lots of cool stuff for Halloween cards and have not really used any of it (insert super sad face here!). Well here is a card I made to send to my Mommy & Daddy. I made the card the other night and had to get it in the next day's mail so it would get there in time...had I had more time I would have changed a thing or two...like making either the jars or the spider dimensional. Oh well...I still liked the way it turned out. I stamped the web in black and then went over it with my clear Spica pen, the spider is embossed with black and I used my Stampin Up! Color Spritzer on the white background so it wasn't so plain.

Supplies:

Stamps: Totally Witchin' by MFT Stamps
Paper: Halloween paper packs from MFT Stamps, Papertrey Ink white, Tangerine Tango and Basic Black from Stampin' Up!

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Black 1/4" ribbon, black brads from Stampin Up, Copic markers, Clear Spica glitter pen, rectangle Scallop Nestabilities, embossing powder.

I made these little goodie bags for some of the neighborhood kids and the kid's of my co-workers. Quick and easy, but I was determined to make something with the Eat, Drink and Be Scary set that I just had to have because it was so super cute!!! I am so bummed the I didn't get more time to make Halloween goodies!! The hat is stamped with black on white and then matted on black and popped up with dimensionals.

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!):

Stamps: Eat, Drink and be Scary

Ink: Basic Black

Paper: Basic Black, Old Olive, Whisper White

Accessories: Pumpkin Pien 1/4" ribbon, Top Notz Die

Bloggers Challenge #69...

Happy Bloggers Challenge Day, a day late! :) This week Lisa challenged us to use Really Rust, Riding Hood Red and Old Olive. I really didn't think I was going to be able to get a card done this week, but then an idea came to me and I was determined!! Sorry I am late!!

I am a Chemo Card Angel and this one is going to Angel friend. She loves the fall like I do and loves to see the fall colors, etc. She may not be able to go and see the colors change this year so I thought maybe I can bring some of those colors to her! I think I'm gonna package this card up with some goodies for her and her family! Thanks Lisa for an awesome challenge, these colors are gorgeous together!!! I used the leaf stamp to stamp on the white with all 3 colors. Then I took the cardstock of those colors and stamped in Versamark and clear embossed the leaf image, then cut around each leaf.

Supplies

Stamps: Botanical Dreams by Asela Hopkins for Gina K Designs

Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red

Ink: Versamark, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip

Big Shot card swap

I signed up for a Big Shot Christmas card swap. It seems like everyone is using the Top Note die, so I was determined to choose a different one. This is what I came up with using the Scalloped Envelope, I think I rather like this card. I had to make 15 of them and of course I had to fall in love with an idea before realizing what a ton of paper it was going to use, lol. Well I hope my fellow swappers like my card, I am always worried people are going to get my card in a swap and say "what on earth was she thinking????" Hope you are having a wonderful weekend, thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Snow Swirled

Paper: Holiday Treasures DP, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Shimmer White cardstock

Ink: Ruby Red

Accessories: SU Bigz Scalloped Envelope die, Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Grosgrain ribbon

A little 'Spoil me' package for someone...

I have a 'card pal' who had a really rough week last week, so my first thought was "Ok, what can I do to make this next week a little better?". While we were at Target getting Halloween costumes today, I left the boys with hubby and went searching for something that said "pamper me". I found this jar candle which smelled really good and looked perfect for altering! A little PTI ribbon and some Guidelines paper (also from PTI), a few rub-ons from Stampin' Up and Voila! Hocus Pocus, a candle that smells wonderfully and looks pretty! That should put a smile on her face! Next I went to a little Boutique type store in the same little area and found the yummiest Rose smelling Bath Gel, a Rose smelling soap cake and some really great lip balm/gel stuff, yup Rose smelling (did I tell ya she loves Roses?). That should do it! I just love how a little paper and some ribbons can really take some ordinary things and make them 'just so'. I had made the card a while ago, but it sure was perfect for the occassion! I don't think my 'card pal' reads my blog but if she see's this...Lisa this is for you, I hope it brings a smile to your heart. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a wonderful week!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Take a Break (PTI), Say it With Scallops (Stampin' Up!)

Paper: Guidelines (PTI), Whisper White, Shimmer White, Lovely Lilac and Perfect Plum cardstocks

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Lovely Lilac

Accessories: Stampin Up Rub-ons, PTI Ribbon, Stampin' Up!'s Build-a-Brad, misc. White satin ribbon, Whisper White Tafetta ribbon from Stampin' Up!

Bloggers Challenge #68 - an Inspiration Challenge

Woo hoo, game on!! This is the first 'inspiration challenge' I have ever done and all I can say is bring 'em on! These are a blast!!!!!! Now let me apologize for being so late! I won't get into why, but I would like to say that things are much better and thank goodness for answered prayers!! Now back to the fun stuff... I have to say I even love this card! :) Here is the inspiration piece...very cute, eh? As soon as I saw this I knew I had to ink up my Guide Lines set from PTI. I think I spent more time playing than actually making the card! Can I also just say that I LOVE the Riding Hood Red color from Stampin Up! What a yummy shade of red.

Supplies:

Stamps: Bloomin Beautiful (Stampin' Up!), Guide Lines (PTI), Best Yet (Stampin' Up!)

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black & Brilliance Graphite Black

Paper: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red & Basic Black

Accessories: Riding Hood Red Tafetta Ribbon, Copic Markers, Photo Corner Punch, Designer Label Punch, Circle Punch

Christmas Card Swap - Vertical Joy Fold card

This is one of the cards I made for a Christmas Card swap I was in. Super fun swap, I can't wait to see what I get back! I haven't done a card swap in quite awhile. Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin' Up!):

Stamps: Jollies Time of the Year, Seasonal Icons

Ink: Stazon On Jet Black, Baja Breeze

Paper: Ski Slope dsp, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze and Real Red cardstocks

Accessories: Rhinestone Brad, Stampin Up Markers, Dazzling Diamonds, Scallop Circle Punch

Shake it baby!

This is one of those cards that was so super cute...in my head! I love this set from Melanie, Jumping for Joy. I thought this Ostrich was so cute! While the card isn't as "WOW" as I'd hoped I still think it is cute. I made this card so long ago and just finished it the other day. I colored him in with Copic markers and went over the feather area with a Spica Glitter pen. I also cut out his 'tail feathers' and glued them on (not with a dimensional).

Supplies:

Stamps: Jumping for Joy (Gina K Designs)

Paper: Wild Wasabi, Brilliant Blue and Whisper White cardstocks, I think the DSP is Basic Gray

Ink: Brilliant Blue, Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Brilliant Blue feathers, pearls, Black Sakura Glaze pen, Spica Clear Glitter pen, Oval Nestabilities.

Marge & some very old buttons...

What a great day today is so far!!! My girlfriend who owns a Salon, every year does a "Haircut day' and the proceeds of all haircuts goes to the Susan G Komen foundation (awesome event). So today I went, got a great haircut and contributed to a wonderful cause which always makes us feel good! On top of that the weather here is just perfect for a Pajama/stamping/rent a movie/have a big bowl of chili kind of day!! Life doesn't get much better!!!!

LeAnne (if you go to her blog she is also giving away some blog candy) gave us an Embellishment challenge to use at least 5 buttons and some ribbon (this was for my Bellaholics Anonomous group), so I pulled out my Marge stamp from Stamping Bella and my big ol' tin of buttons from my Great Gramma...and voila! I really love this card! How fun it was to play with those old buttons of Gramma's. There are even some old patterns and Embroidery transfers in there....so cool!! I just love looking at old buttons, and running your fingers through them...if that doesn't make the memories just come gushing through... I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!

Supplies:
Stamps: Marge (Stamping Bella), Sentiment from One of a Kind set by Stampin Up
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Basic Gray dsp; Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla and Pimpkin Pie cardstocks
Accessories: Gramm's old buttons, Brown satin ribbon from PTI

Happy Birthday to you...

This Merry Muffin set by Stampendous exclusively for Eclectic Paperie is just the cutest! THis birthday card is for one of my wonderful friends (she loves purple!!). This card was so fun to make!

Supplies:

Stamps: Merry Muffins

Paper: DP is Gridlines by Papertrey Ink, Elegan Eggplant, Whisper White and Pale Plum cs.

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Purple Liquid Pearls, Copic Markers, PTI ribbons, scallop circle punch (by Stampin Up), square nestabilities

BCW67 - Love/Anniversary or "Falling for You"

Happy Friday!!! When I read this week's challenge I was so excited because I had just gotten this sentiment stamp from Stamping Bella and knew just the image I'd use to go with it... this is one of my fav's!!! I LOVE frogs!!!! As if an Elzybells isnt cute enough by herself, throw in a frog and now it's perfect!! :) This was one of those humbling cards that knocks your ego down a few pegs. I had this card in my head since I'd first read what the challenge was (a few days ago). I started working on it and decided I didn't like "this" so I changed it, and then I didn't like "that" so I changed it too, then it just wasn't coming together... in the end, this is NOTHING like my original idea (which I don't even remember now), but I think I like it! Jeanne Streiff has a great tutorial on sponging skies and grass, so I thought I'd try it because I was just too tired to get out all of my airbrush stuff. Her tutorial is awesome, I promise...I just failed at it. If anyone has any tips on sponging and what I maybe did wrong I'd love to hear it. In the mean time I'll be setting up my Airbrush stuff tomorrow to fix this poor little girl!
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Elzybells Frog Prince, sentiment by Stamping Bella

Paper: Rose Red and Basic Black cardstocks by Stamping Up; cream cardstock from Papertrey Ink & misc DSp

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Copic Markers YG63, YG67, G21, E00, E31, E35, YR17 & R85

Accessories: Blush Blossom Ribbon by Papertrey Ink, Nestabilities Tag, Twine, Slit Punch, White gel pen