Freakin' Sharin' the LOVE!

We interrupt this last-ditch effort of making New Year cards to be sent out in place of the Christmas cards that were never created to bring you a couple of LOVEly cards I created this afternoon for the Control Freaks Blog Tour! Melissa Davies ... isn't she AWESOME??? Her wooden heart door hangers are ADORABLE!!!

I haven't gotten around to ordering either of the new DARLING Valentine sets/bundles from the latest mini catalog. I still PLAN to, but I didn't get to it in time to create for this particular blog hop. SOOOOOooooo ... I pulled out some other new goodies that I have recently acquired to play with. I am OBSESSED with the "See a Silhouette" DSP ... lately it seems like it goes perfectly with EVERYthing I make!!! I used it to fill in the water lilies and cut out the stem/leaves. Paired with the Stylish Scroll embossing folder and VOILA!!! Instant Valentine for ANYone!

Stamps: So Sentimental
Paper: Whisper White, See a Silhouette DSP
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Lily Pad Dies, Whisper White Bakers Twine, Stylish Scroll Embossing Folder

And ... because I got carried away when I was cutting out this lovely water droplet edge die from the Lily Pad Dies, I just made another card to share the love. I made the little tiny heart on the sentiment label from a couple of extra droplets ... cute, right??

Stamps: NONE
Paper: Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Flirty Flamingo, Lovely Lipstick, Real Red
Ink: NONE
Accessories: Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Lily Pad Dies, Well Written Dies, 5/8" Whisper White Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon, 5/8" Whisper White Flax Ribbon

We got a Traeger grill for Christmas. Ok ... well ... my mom and I purchased one for my hubby for Christmas. We have been having a GREAT time making #allthethings in it. Tonight we had pork ribs with a homemade rub and sauce. OHMYGOSH!! I could eat about a GAJILLION of them!!! I may need to invest in a "diet" smoker/griller cookbook. SHEESH!

Next up??? Superb  ... Cindy Elam!! LOVEly creations!

Fab Friday #181

I'm feeling the vibes from this card SO HARD that it makes me wanna get on a plane and go somewhere TROPICAL!! How about YOU??? Who's with me????

This week's Fab Friday Stampin' Challenge is a very interesting and unique sketch challenge ... and in spite of it being kinda out of mj comfort zone, this card came together rather quickly!! YA FOR ME!


Stamps: Well Said
Paper: Poppy Parade, Close to Clover, Pineapple Punch, Whisper White, See a Silhouette DSP
Ink: Poppy Parade
Accessories: In the Tropics Dies, Coastal Weave Embossing Folder, 5/16" Braided Burlap Trim

I'm SUPER excited to see what y'all do with this one ...









Here's a link to the Fab Friday Challenge Blog so that you can play along:

Fab Friday Challenge Blog

Mindy Backes
Heather Heroldt
Brian King
Amy Koenders
Amanda Mertz
Brenda Myers

So this morning I am participating in a one-mile challenge run ... to basically see how fast I can run a mile! I'm SUPER nervous about it (we are only competing against ourselves in an effort to better our time before the challenge is run in another six months).  I am really wanting to push myself, but really hoping I can at least do a time CLOSE to what I am hoping for!! Wish me luck!

Monday Montage #155

It has only been about three weeks since I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and prescribed antibiotics to clear it up. They worked pretty quickly, but the laryngitis I also had has only started to improve markedly in the past week. Guess what??? I have a nasty cold AGAIN!! What the HECK??? It IS January ... so I am saying that this is the first and LAST time I'm getting sick this year!! I'm just getting it over with as soon as possible! At least I have Monday Montage to distract me, right???

These BEES!! I am hoping with all my heart that this stamp set and accompanying dies carry over FOREVER!! I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE them!! I had the vision for this card in my head before I even started ... I knew exactly what I wanted to do ... which pretty much NEVER happens!! It came out just how I had pictured it in my head!! YAY!

Stamps: Honey Bee
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Golden Honey Specialty DSP
Ink: Black Memento
Accessories: Detailed Bee Dies, Stitched Rectangle Dies, Champagne Rhinestones, Trio Corner Punch




Here's a blog roll just in case you get "stuck" trying to hop around ...

Monday Montage Hoppers
Amy O'Neill - Amy's Paper Crafts - SITTING OUT THIS WEEK
Breelin Renwick - Craft-somnia Momma
Cathy Casey - Sugar Shack Designs
Charlet Mallet - Painted Orange
Cheryl Curtis - Pomp and Sustenance
Dani Dziama - Dani's Thoughtful Corner
Elizabeth Price - Seeinginkspots - SITTING OUT THIS WEEK
Julie Warnick - Julie Warnick Stampin' Up! Blog - SITTING OUT THIS WEEK
Melissa Stout - The Stamp Doc
Wendy Weixler - Wickedly Wonderful Creations - YOU'RE ALREADY HERE!!

I have a LOT I need to do before I have my book group friends over on Thursday ... not the LEAST of which is taking down not only my Christmas tree/decor, but also my mom's! It's going to be a busy/crazy week!

Click "Next" to see what Bree Renwick has created ... and "Back" to check out Melissa Stout's ... Happy New Year, my friends!!

Fab Friday #180

Blink ... blink ... blink ... yep! The holidays are OVER! How did THAT happen??? Not gonna lie ... I didn't get my Christmas cards done ... but not to worry - I'm working on New Year's cards!! HA!! Took a little time out to play along with this week's Fab Friday Challenge. NOT gonna lie ... this one was HARD for me!!

This poppies suite is WONDERFUL! I'm glad I had this because I had NO idea where else to go with this color challenge! I used the Basic Patterns Decorative polka dot mask to create the little dots for the background. Weirdly enough, I put a layer of vellum over the top of the polka dot piece ... and it looks JUST LIKE the Rococo Rose cardstock, don't you think??

Stamps: Peaceful Moments
Paper: Poppy Parade, Rococo Rose, Highland Heather, Whisper White, Vellum
Ink: Poppy Parade, Rococo Rose, Highland Heather, Black Memento
Accessories: Poppy Moments Dies, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Rhinestone Basics (colored with Sharpies)

What do you think??? Go get 'em with this challenge!









Here's a link to the Fab Friday Challenge Blog so that you can play along:

Fab Friday Challenge Blog

Mindy Backes
Heather Heroldt
Brian King
Amy Koenders
Amanda Mertz
Brenda Myers

So now I guess I gotta take down my Christmas tree, right??? UGH! I just wanna keep it all up for at least another month!

Fab Friday #179

It's Fab Friday ... YAY!! And why is it that SOOOOO many people I know already have all of their Christmas decor up and ready to go??? I mean, SERIOUSLY??? It's not even Thanksgiving yet!!! And I even am starting to feel myself wanting to CAVE and put up my Christmas tree this weekend ... something I have NEVER done EVER!! What do you think?? What do YOU guys do??? Poor Thanksgiving ... it gets lots between Halloween and Christmas!!

I had fun making this card. I haven't used much embossing powder for a very long time ... and the holly image in the Christmas Gleaming stamp set was just CRYING out to me for some, so I just did it! I used to "dangle" images off of twine/ribbon/sequin trim and the like a LOT way back in the day. It was fun to do that with this one ... the cute ornament just looked like it needed to be dangling from something!

Stamps: Sheet Music
Paper: Meadow Moss, Old Olive, Very Vanilla Brightly Gleaming DSP, Copper Foil
Ink: Gold Delicata
Accessories: Merry Christmas Dies, Stitched Rectangle Dies, Stitched Stars Dies, Old Olive/Pretty Peacock 3/8" Reversible Ribbon

Super simple and easy ... LOTS of free space to add whatever you want!









Here's a link to the Fab Friday Challenge Blog so that you can play along:

Fab Friday Challenge Blog

Mindy Backes
Heather Heroldt
Brian King
Amy Koenders
Amanda Mertz
Brenda Myers

So I MAY actually try to put a tree up this weekend. At the very least, I will put my mama's Christmas tree up for her. I guess I am okay with it this year since Thanksgiving is SOOOO late in the month and we won't have much time left to have our "halls decked" to enjoy them!! Have a great weekend, y'all!

Freaking OUT!

WHY oh WHY does every stinkin' week before Christmas turn out this way??? I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off!! It has NOT been helpful that I was sick with the flu AND a sinus infection for a week and a half (from which I am STILL recovering!) ... and I also went to Disneyland with my sister in law for her birthday on Monday and Tuesday of this week, so there's that. YIKES!! Well, it is what it is! Did ya SEE the ADORABLE mug card made by the ever-amazing Melissa Stout!! SOOOO happy and cheerful!!

So ... we were SUPPOSED to incorporate a "technique" into our creations this month ... yeah ... ok ... so my technique the month is called GETTING MY CARDS DONE!!! Hahaha!! I guess you could say this is how ya incorporate some shiny things ... or whatever!! GEEEEEZZZ!!! I am SOOOOOO messed up right now with my crazy deadlines!!! But I absolutely LUUUUUURVE EVERYTHING in this adorable Honey Bee suite of products ... that y'all will be able to order starting in JANUARY!!! SQUEEEEEEE!!

Stamps: Honey Bee
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Gold Glimmer DSP, Golden Honey Specialty DSP
Ink: Gold Delicata
Accessories: Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Detailed Bee Dies, 5/16" Braided Burlap Trim (YUMMY!), Champagne Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Yup ... it's a bird ... it's a toucan ... it's ADORBS!!! I LOOOOOVE how this can be dressed up or down. I'm calling this technique "using ALL the layers you POSSIBLY can!" What do you think???

Stamps: Bonanza Buddies
Paper: Whisper White, Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight, Coastal Cabana, Terracotta Tile, Birthday Bonanza DSP
Ink: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Mango Melody
Accessories: Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Bonanza Dies, Stitched Rectangle Dies, 5/16" Braided Burlap Trim (SO YUMMY!), Champagne Rhinestone Basic Jewels

I have SO many projects and things on my plate for the next few days ... and I am going to go see The Rise of Skywalker in just a couple of hours because it's STAR WARS ... and I have absolutely NOTHING else to do ... sorta ...

Next up??? The timeless  ... Tami Hewlett!! Your jaw is gonna DROP to the FLOOR when you see her mountain scene card ... NOT kidding!

Monday Montage #154

FA-LA-LA-LA-LA .... LA-LA-LA-LA!!! I've been decking my halls and doing a crazy amount of shopping. Yeah ... It's DECEMBER!! It has NOT been to my advantage that I have had both the FLU and a sinus infection (one followed by the other). It has put me SOOOO far behind! YIKES!! But I have been soldiering on. Thankfully, Monday Montage made me get myself together!

Brightly Gleaming DSP ... yep ... I'm a HUGE fan!!! I wanted to create a lovely, Christmas-y card before December whisks by too quickly! This card came together quite quickly and easily ... I used a blue Sharpie pen to add some color to my basic rhinestones. Oooooooh ... SHINY!

Stamps: So Many Stars
Paper: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Copper Foil, Brightly Gleaming DSP
Ink: Night of Navy
Accessories: Stitched Stars Dies, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Basic Rhinestones (colored with a blue Sharpie)




Here's a blog roll just in case you get "stuck" trying to hop around ...

Monday Montage Hoppers
Amy O'Neill - Amy's Paper Crafts - SITTING OUT THIS WEEK
Breelin Renwick - Craft-somnia Momma
Cathy Casey - Sugar Shack Designs
Charlet Mallet - Painted Orange
Cheryl Curtis - Pomp and Sustenance
Dani Dziama - Dani's Thoughtful Corner
Elizabeth Price - Seeinginkspots
Julie Warnick - Julie Warnick Stampin' Up! Blog
Melissa Stout - The Stamp Doc
Wendy Weixler - Wickedly Wonderful Creations - YOU'RE ALREADY HERE!!

Sooooo .... Monday and Tuesday this week will be spent at the Happiest Place on Earth! I know I really don't have the time, but I am also quite certain that the happiness and Christmas spirit there will cure any bits of lingering illness and make me feel all ready for the 25th, right???

Click "Next" to see what Bree Renwick has created ... and "Back" to check out Melissa Stout's ... ENJOY!

Monday Montage #153

As I am propped up on some pillows in my bed and typing this blog post, I am extremely wiped out ... and grateful! Thanksgiving has come and gone (and if you are in my family, we had Thanksgiving on Thursday at my aunt's and then again on Sunday at my house), I have put up my mom's Christmas tree and decorations and have done the same at my house. The weekend went by in a blur, but I am blessed with a beautiful family and a lovely home and more blessings than I can count! I had to stay up late to get the card for this blog hop done. I wasn't sure I was even going to have the energy to make anything, but luckily I was able to put this card together for this week's Monday Montage hop. Sigh ... I need a weekend to get over my weekend!!

It's December ... and it's full-blown Christmas mode! Thanks to my bestie, Cheryl, for letting me borrow her "Beauty & Joy" stamp set. The little topiary images are so fun to "build" ... and even though holly isn't "Perfect Peacock" in color, I was happy to be able to play with it and pair the images with the BEAUTIFUL Brightly Gleaming DSP.

Stamps: Beauty & Joy
Paper: Pretty Peacock, Very Vanilla, Copper Foil, Brightly Gleaming DSP
Ink: Copper Delicata, Pretty Peacock, Cherry Cobbler, Wink of Stella
Accessories: Glitter Crystal Effects, Stitched Shapes Dies, Rectangle Stitched Dies, Pretty Peacock Scalloped Trim Ribbon, Stapler




Here's a blog roll just in case you get "stuck" trying to hop around ...

Monday Montage Hoppers
Amy O'Neill - Amy's Paper Crafts
Breelin Renwick - Craft-somnia Momma
Cathy Casey - Sugar Shack Designs
Charlet Mallet - Painted Orange
Cheryl Curtis - Pomp and Sustenance - SITTING OUT THIS WEEK
Dani Dziama - Dani's Thoughtful Corner - SITTING OUT THIS WEEK
Elizabeth Price - Seeinginkspots
Julie Warnick - Julie Warnick Stampin' Up! Blog
Melissa Stout - The Stamp Doc
Wendy Weixler - Wickedly Wonderful Creations - YOU'RE ALREADY HERE!!

I was able to get a bunch of Christmas shopping done on Black Friday (I did NOT get up early ... lots of online shopping and shopping later in the day). I still have a bunch more to do, but at least I made a dent in it ... YAY ME!

Click "Next" to see what Amy O'Neill has created ... and "Back" to check out Melissa Stout's ... BEAUTIFUL!!

Fab Friday #177

It's Fab Friday ... YAY!! And why is it that SOOOOO many people I know already have all of their Christmas decor up and ready to go??? I mean, SERIOUSLY??? It's not even Thanksgiving yet!!! And I even am starting to feel myself wanting to CAVE and put up my Christmas tree this weekend ... something I have NEVER done EVER!! What do you think?? What do YOU guys do??? Poor Thanksgiving ... it gets lots between Halloween and Christmas!!

I had fun making this card. I haven't used much embossing powder for a very long time ... and the holly image in the Christmas Gleaming stamp set was just CRYING out to me for some, so I just did it! I used to "dangle" images off of twine/ribbon/sequin trim and the like a LOT way back in the day. It was fun to do that with this one ... the cute ornament just looked like it needed to be dangling from something!

Stamps: Christmas Gleaming
Paper: Whisper White, Shaded Spruce, Cherry Cobbler, Wrapped in Plaid Specialty DSP
Ink: Gold Delicata, Shaded Spruce
Accessories: Subtle Embossing Folder, Gold Embossing Powder, Metallic Pearls, 3/16" Braided Linen Trim

Super simple and easy ... LOTS of free space to add whatever you want!









Here's a link to the Fab Friday Challenge Blog so that you can play along:

Fab Friday Challenge Blog

Mindy Backes
Heather Heroldt
Brian King
Amy Koenders
Amanda Mertz
Brenda Myers

So I MAY actually try to put a tree up this weekend. At the very least, I will put my mama's Christmas tree up for her. I guess I am okay with it this year since Thanksgiving is SOOOO late in the month and we won't have much time left to have our "halls decked" to enjoy them!! Have a great weekend, y'all!

Walkin' in a Freakin' Wonderland!

Welcome to this month's edition of the Control Freaks Blog Tour! This week we are stamping "Winter Wonderland" creations. We are also welcoming two new Freaky friends ... Bree Renwick and Tami Hewlitt! They are both SO creative and talented! You should just have come from the blog of our new Freak Tami Hewlitt!! It's obvious why we asked her to join us, isn't it??? Keep hopping around so that you can see ALL of what the Freaks have created!

I am LOVING these "make your own scene" types of stamps ... this set is called "Snow Front". After stamping the images, I used my Aquapainter to "paint" over the images to give them a watercolor effect. It's SO much fun!! Makes me feel oh-so-fancy! I used my White Chalk pen and added some Shimmery Crystal Effects with a little Wink of Stella below each "dot" to make some stars in the sky. I wish you could see all the sparkly goodness ... it's VERY festive!

Stamps: Snow Front, So Many Stars (sentiment)
Paper: Whisper White, Pretty Peacock
Ink: Pretty Peacock, Mossy Meadow, Early Espresso, Smoky Slate, White Chalk Pen
Accessories: Rectangle Stitched Dies, Old Olive/Pretty Peacock 3/8" Reversible Ribbon, Glitter Crystal Effects, Wink of Stella

Oh MAN!! Nothing says "Winter Wonderland" like the "Feels Like Frost" Specialty Designer Series Paper. It - Is - STUNNING!! I love each and every pattern!! This card was crying out for a frosty Christmas tree, so I used the "Into the Woods" dies to build a little snowy tree ... I am really feeling the need for a little snow!

Stamps: Frosted Foliage
Paper: Night of Navy, Feels Like Frost Specialty DSP, Sparkle Glimmer Paper, Whisper White, Vellum
Ink: Night of Navy
Accessories: Frosted Frames Dies, Into the Woods Dies, Clear Epoxy Droplets

Next up??? The lovely  ... super LeeAnn Greff!!