AUTUMN

I don't know about you, but I am really ready for cooler weather and Autumn to arrive.  It's my favorite time of year.  Next week I will be traveling to Oregon for a visit with my daughter and son-in-law, and I can't wait!  Leaves changing colors, wood smoke in the air, some rain and hiking in the woods!  AHHHH yes, I am ready!  

So in honor of my favorite season I have been busy with my Thanksgiving cards.  This one was done with a Cuttlebug folder for the embossing, then some leaves stamped on a lighter shade of paper, a bit of ribbon and a rhinestone sentiment from Micheal's.  It came together pretty well for such a simple design.

Entered in the following challenges:

Freshly Brewed Challenge

 I Brake For Challenges

Little Darlings Challenges
Ladybug Crafts Ink TLT challenge Blog
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge Blog  
The Play Date Cafe
Paper Pretties
Whimsical Wednesday
Incy Wincy Designs

FROSTED DESIGNS CARD SKETCH TUESDAY, SKETCH #2

It's time for another FAB sketch for our Card Sketch Tuesday!  This week we have a wonderful sketch designed by of our Tutorial Coordinator, Diana Gonzalez, and it's a really FUN one!

 AND, please welcome our sponsor for this challenge, SQUIGGLEFLY!  What GREAT DIGIS they offer!  Be sure to take a look at what they have, there is something for every occasion.  I just love the digi I selected!  It's called "Beehive", too adorable!

 Here is the result of combining this super sketch with the adorable digi!  My faithful Copic's did all the coloring, the left edge under the image was done with a Martha Stewart border punch and I added a touch of distressed ink on the edges. Then I added some ribbons, sunflowers and little stick on bees.

So hop on over to Frosted Designs and join us for a fun card sketch and a chance to win some great digis by Squigglefly!  I can't wait to see your creations with this great sketch!

MORE TRINKET BOXES

Happy weekend all, hope you are having a fun and relaxing one.  I have been busy making projects for the church sale in December.  Today I really accomplished a lot!  I made three trinket boxes and a half dozen cards, whew!  I like this first box so much I want to make another one for myself!  It matches my colors and goodies in my bedroom.  I used some distress inks to give it a bit of a vintage look, especially on the lace trim and roses.

I call this one the "Cupid Box".

I didn't take pictures of the third box, but will try to soon!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Aloha.

I'M PRAYING FOR YOU (Yes Dan, I am!)

Coincidence is a funny thing!  This digi stamp at Robyn Fetish really was one for me.  I was wandering around out in "blog land" looking at all your fabulous creations, and I came across a FAB blog of a very talented gal named Tammy who used this ADORABLE digi.  I followed her link to Robyn Fetish and bought it!  I made this card and not five minutes after I finished it I got an e-mail from Ann, my head DT for our Card Sketch Tuesday at Frosted Designs.  She was sending us digis to choose from for an upcoming challenge.  And much to my surprise there was THIS digi!  (I decided not to use it for the challenge because I scrap lifted the design layout from where I saw it, and it was not original by me.)  ANYHOW, I thought it was a funny coincidence none the less!

All coloring was done with my Copics, the ovals with the sentiment were cut with my Cuttlebug, the square behind the digi was an SVG file cut with my Cricut.  Then I added the buttons with the thread and called it done.  Be sure to check out the digis at Robyn Fetish, they are GREAT!  I saw several that I am going to HAVE to HAVE!!!  AND visit Tammy's blog, her work is amazing!

Entered in the following challenges:

Paper Play Challenges
Dream Valley Challenge
Oh La La Creations
Cards For Men
Paper Pretties
A La Card Monkey

GOLFING GUS

I just adore the character Stella from Bugaboo Stamps.  Well, here is her counterpart, Gus!  I have an elderly uncle who has a birthday soon, and being an avid golfer with a great sense of humor, I know he will love this.  He's probably heard every golf joke ever, but I couldn't resist this when I saw it.  I laughed out loud, I hope he does too!

The background paper is from a book of paper I recently found in an old bookstore.  It's called "Papers Papers Papers" by Crafthouse Press.  I colored the digi with my Copic's, mounted it on some Bazzil card stock then put in the eyelets.  The sentiment is accented with a small golf ball on tee charm.

MY 1st DT CARD FOR FROSTED DESIGNS - CARD SKETCH #1

Aloha all!  So glad you stopped by.  I am SO excited!  Today is the posting of my 1st card as a DT for Frosted Designs!  Come join in on all the fun for our Sketch Along Tuesday Card Challenge!  If you need some inspiration you are sure to be inspired by our amazing Design Team, what a wonderful and creative group they are!  I am so happy to be in this group!  This is the lovely sketch we are working with this week designed by our great Layout Sketch Coordinator, Debbie Burns:

Its beauty is its simplicity that has endless possibilities!  Here is what I did with the sketch:

I embossed the background with a Cuttlebug folder then added the ribbon, circle with the flowers and LOTS of pearls.  I tried to keep it simple, but a bit glamorous.  I hope I succeeded!

So get your creative juices flowing and come join us at Frosted Designs for our Sketch Along Tuesday Card Challenge.  See you there!

JOB STRESS

I made this card for my daughter a while back and forgot to post it.  Her job gets pretty stressful and I wanted to cheer her up during an especially hectic time.  The computer parts are from my old laptop that I "murdered!"  (never mind! - long story)  The stamp is Crabby Cathy from Bugaboo Stamps, she is too cute!  It was colored with Copic's and mounted on a scallop circle cut out with my Cuttlebug.

FLOWER BIRTHDAY CAKE

Another birthday card for a friend.  Seems like I am making a lot of them lately!  This one was fun because it was the first time I used this set of stamps.  They are from a set of six stamps by Stampin Up, and I found them in a second hand store in their original box for $6.00!!!  Sure been finding some good bargains lately too!  I embossed the background paper with my Cuttlebug, colored the images with my Copic's, used a bit of pink paper behind them, then added the bow, pearls and yellow Stickles on the candles for some sparkle!  It's simple and tailored.

CARDS FOR SOLDIERS BLOG CANDY WINNER!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who responded to our invite to send cards to our troops.  All of us at The Lime Light appreciate you taking part. We thank you for your support, the cards you made will surely bring a smile to someone when they receive it.  Our lucky winner is:

Kalesta!!!!!

MAHALO NUI LOA!!!!!  These goodies will be on their way to you soon!

CHIRP

My favorite Aunt that I do so many cards for had an awful accident.  A dog got away from it's owner and jumped on my Aunt sending her down on the ground and broke her upper shoulder and arm socket.  Poor gal is in so much pain, and is having to move into rehab for about 4 to 6 weeks.  Needless to say she really needs some long distance hugs and love from me.  This is the first card I have made for her, and I want to make one for her at least once a week.  I sure wish I could go and visit her, but I have my hands full here with my Dad.  Sometimes life sure can be a mess.  I try to remember to be thankful every day for all the GOOD things in my life.  I know it could be a lot worse.

CHA-CHING! I SCORED!!!

Most of you who follow my blog know how MUCH I LOVE to find a GOOD BARGAIN!  Especially when it's crafting supplies!  Well, today I was shopping at the 99 Cent Store ( where everything is 99 cents each) and I came across a SUPER deal!  Scrapbooking paper by Colorbok, with eight sheets in a pack, each a different design!  Also, a great set of  eleven clear acrylic stamps by Stampology!!!  WOW, I got so excited.  The papers are usually about $4 a pack and the stamps $7 to $8.  No wonder I about jumped up and down with joy!  Now I need to get some crafting done!  

If you have a 99 Cent Store near you, check it out!

Have a wonderful weekend!

TRINKET BOXES

Aloha all, how is your day going?  Mine is going pretty well, I'm having fun trying another "NEW" project.  In the beginning of Dec. our church is having a chili, pie and craft sale.  I volunteered to do some goodies to sell.  I decided I needed to make a variety of things, and so, this project!  I bought some of the small paper mache' boxes at Micheal's and covered them in different papers, then added some flowers, rhinestone flourishes and ribbon.  I didn't have a pattern, but just traced the shapes and cut them out.  It was quite easy really and I was surprised at how quickly they went together.  I also realized the endless possibilities for decorating them!  Since I did the vintage card and enjoyed it so much I think I will try one in a vintage style next!

Entered in the following challenges:

Ooh La La Creations

Incy Wincy Designs

Paper Playtime

FLAMINGOS RULE

A good friend of mine is in the hospital and needs a bit of cheering up.  He LOVES all things flamingo, so this little guy was perfect.  He was colored with my Copic's, mounted on a cut done with my Cuttlebug called "Beaded Squares" by Nestabilities.  That is mounted on top of the dark pink paper I ran through the Cuttlebug with an embossing folder with a swirl design.  I added the button and the leaves cut with my Cricut from "Life's A Beach"

I sure hope it makes him smile!

Entered in challenges at:
Basic Grey Challenges

Cards For Men

 The Paper Shelter
 Craft Us Crazy
Papertake Weekly 

DYSU Challenge Blog

BON VOYAGE

Today with this card I feel like I really accomplished something - let me explain.  For the past 4 years I have been visiting hundreds of the great card and scrapbook blogs all over the world.  I LOVE the look of the beautiful vintage cards so many of you create.  I have wanted to try one for so long, but for some reason they really intimidate me!  I think it's because they are so far from my comfort zone of neat and tailored, lol.  Well, today I jumped in and DID ONE!!!  My cousin is going on an all girlfriends cruise to Nova Scotia and I wanted to send her a bon voyage card - it was the perfect chance to try some vintage!  I had a blast!!!!  I think Tim Holtz would laugh at how much of his distress inks I used!  I really got a bit carried away, but oh what fun!  Please leave me an honest opinion on this.  I need guidance and advice.  Over all, I think it's pretty good, but not too sure if there is enough on it , or too much.  In any case, I'm not afraid of vintage any more!

SMOOTH SAILING

Aloha everyone!  Hope you are having a good weekend.  

I did a new card for my favorite Uncle, his birthday is coming up soon.  The stamp I used I just purchased on E-Bay.  I really like getting stamps on there, you can find some good bargains!  I kept it pretty simple and clean - you know it's for a man!.  It's colored with my Copic's then added the brads.  I colored the "rope" with them too, they sure come in handy for all kinds of things.  I put on the little anchor and the inside scroll work from SVG files cut with my Cricut, and then the button. The inside verse was printed with my computer.  

Sail on!

FROSTED DESIGNS DT MEMBER~!!!!!!!

WOW, am I ever excited!!!  I have been accepted as DT for FROSTED DESIGNS!!!!  They are a FAB site with lots of great challenges, projects and tutorials.  You MUST go visit them and see all the wonderful things they are into!  When I started doing challenges some time back they were one of the first sites I really liked and had the nerve to join in on their fun!  So don't be shy, hop on over and see what's  going on. Be sure to check out all the wonderful, talented, new DT members and their awesome projects.  You won't be disappointed!

SASSY HIGH HEEL

Well, they say it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind, so peeps, that's what I did!  Instead of making my next paper template project the bird house, I made this ADORABLE shoe!  Oh my goodness. I think this template is just too cute!  AND I couldn't believe how easy it was to make!  It came out so adorable I even surprised myself LOL!!!

I got the template from a new company in the UK called "Cut and Craft Templates".  I subscribe to the Paper Planet, and received their news letter promoting this company and an offer for a FREE template of my choice!  Unbelievably it came the day I finished the watering can, my first template project - karma?!?!  WHATEVER, I chose mine fast!

The "zebra" paper is from The Paper Studio called "Adhesive Simplicity".  It has a peel off backing that made it very easy for this project.  I added the bow, rhinestones and then designed the "Sassy label" with my SCAL.  I just designed another pattern like this one, but, in miniature.  Now I can do all the cuts with SCAL!  No hand cutting, pretty cool huh!!!  Sure hope you like this project, I just adore it!!  Can't wait to make the mini ones!

FLOWERED WATERING CAN

Aloha, I hope you are all enjoying the weekend.  I've been busy crafting while it is still to hot for me outside - good excuse!

Yesterday I started this project and it was the first time I ever have used a template!  I know, I know, a lot of you probably use them all the time, but me being the happy "card" maker had never ventured in that direction!  Well, I decided I need to keep expanding my horizons with my paper crafting and bought a template pack from Oriental Traders.  I receive their catalog and was really intrigued.  So here is my FIRST attempt!

All of the flowers and flourishes were cut with SCAL, I added some punched leaves and also SCAL file ones, touches of Stickels and rhinestones for some pizzaz and topped it off with a bow.  It's a little rough around the edges, and some practice will help a lot!  It sure was fun and now I wonder why I waited so long to try this!!!  I'm anxious to get started on the next one!

 

 

MARTINI STELLA

I Love the "Stella" character over at Bugaboo Digi Stamps!  This stamp of her in a martini glass cracked me up!  I love the sentiments that go with it too.  I think sometimes we all have a day like this that we just want to say the heck with it and have a drink and relax!  I colored the image with my Copics, added some rhinestone swirls and called it good!

Entered in challeneges:

Paper take Weekly

Stampalot Challenge 

 Colorful Creations

Craft Us Crazy

Let's Craft and Create

Craft You Passion Challenge

WIPER CARD

Aloha all!

Over at The Lime Light we are having a DT challenge with the theme of trying something new.  I went on line to YouTube and looked at some card tutorials for ideas.  This one that I choose is called a "Wiper Card".  When it's opened a "flag" pops up sort of like a windshield wiper, cute idea huh!  Go here to see the video, it's oh so easy and fun!

I entered this card in the following challenges:
Paper Play Challenges
Dream Valley Challenges 
Stampavie and More
Paper Pretties 
  Divas By Design

Whimsical Wednesday

JOANNE'S BLOG CANDY!!!!!

As many of you might already know, I am a DT member for a great site called The Lime Light.  We do "tasks" of making various cards and paper crafts that are donated to different charities and organizations.  I have decided to do my FIRST blog candy to help our current project.  We are making cards of all kinds for soldiers in Afghanistan that they can send home to their families and friends; miss you, birthday, thinking of you, etc.  Here is what to do if you would like to participate:

1.  Become a follower of my blog if you aren't already (thanx!)

2.  Follow this link to The Lime Light and become a follower there (thanx! again!)

    

3.  Post the picture of my candy on your page along with the following link to my blog to spread the word!  (http://bigislandlady.blogspot.com/2011/07/joannes-blog-candy.html)

4.  Make a card (or as many as you would like!) for a soldier and please leave it BLANK inside

     

USE NO GLITTER ON YOUR CARD, Stickles may be used.

5.  E-mail me at cardsforourtroops1133@hotmail.com and I will send you my address of where to send your card

ALL CARDS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1st!!!!!

I will do a random drawing for the winner and you will win the goodies!  So join in and HELP SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!

Here is what is up for grabs!

 2 fairy stamps

2 butterfly stamps

1"reach 4 the sky" stamp

1 hot air balloon stamp

1 elephant with balloons stamp
(all appx. 2" x 2")

1 small bottle fine purple glitter

1 small bottle fine pink glitter

1 small bottle of purple sprinkles

1 small bottle of pink sprinkles

Multi colored brads

1 bottle mixed green "dew drops"

1 roll black & white flowered ribbon

1 roll sheer light lavender ribbon

"Shine" rhinestone phrase

Butterfly rhinestone stick ons

Rose rhinestone stick ons

Black & crystal flower and swirl rhinestone stick-ons (in first pic at top)

Flower buttons

Heart buttons with heart stick-ons

THANX, and GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!