Crafty Secrets Challenge - Initial Technique

Happy Tuesday Everyone!! Today I'm happy to say I am your hostess on the SCS Crafty Secrets Forum Challenge and I've tried to put a little TWIST on it! I've asked the ladies to go to the RESOURCES section of SCS and find a technique/style that begins with the FIRST initial of either their FIRST name or their LAST name ... (or both) and use that technique along with their Crafty Secrets product to create their card/project.

With my name being Darlene Pavlick, I've chosen to do a Diagonal Double Pocket card using the Poppin' Pastel technique. This card style has a couple variations to it ... you can check it out HERE. I've used Christmas red cardstock for my base card and after doing my special folds, have edged those folds using a gold Pilot marker. The Crafty Secrets Vintage Christmas large stamp set are the images I've used on this creation. I stamped my vintage Santa using Versamark onto Whisper White cs then using a cotton ball and Pan Pastel Green Artist Chalk, brought my Santa to life. I then used Nestabilities classic circles and scallop circles for my focus panel. The tags are by Paper Reflections and were covered using Crafty Secrets Radiant designer paper ... then Darice satin ribbon was added to the tops.

This creation also fits the challenge going on over on the Stamp, Scrap & Doodle Saturdays Blog - Special Folds. Be sure to check out what the DT has created for even more inspiration.

I hope you enjoyed this little creation and I hope you'll come play along! I'm also hosting the Crafty Secrets Group Challenges over on Papercraft Planet the first Sunday of each month and would love to have you join me there! Have a great day everyone and thanks so much for stopping by ... I'm always thrilled to hear from you!!

Are you ready????

Over at Digital-Ink Co., it's time for SNEAK PEEKS!! That's right, each member of the Design Team has prepared a little snippet for the upcoming REVEAL (Nov. 12th) of new images being released by our OH SO talented Creators!!!

The image I have created with today is by the very talented Donna of Lil Diva Stamps. Please be sure to click on the link to see what other fun images Donna has for you to create with. They are all available for you to purchase at the Digital-Ink Co. Shoppe.

Please be sure to check out all the other DT blogs for a peek at other creators images. You will find their blog links listed on my side bar. (I would list them for you here but for some reason, Blogger won't let me cut/paste anymore! What's up with that??? )

Digital-Ink Co. Challenge (DIC010)

Well here we are ... MONDAY once again!!! It's going to be a BEAUTIFUL FALL day here in NE Ohio, so DH & I are headed out to finalize a few issues before the Fall Days turn into Winter Days. But before I leave, I wanted to share with you, today's Digital-Ink Co. Challenge - QUOTES.

Today I've used this festive image by Angela - Sewn Together called "Tayla with Turkey" and can be purchased in the Sewn Together section of our Digital-Ink Co. Shoppe found HERE. Please be sure to check out ALL of Angela's fun images as well as our other creators. I'm sure you'll find exactly what you're looking for to create those "special" cards.

Here are the details on my creation:

Stamps: SU "Friend to Friend" sentiment

Papers: Whisper White, Chocolate cs, Homemade Alcohol Ink designer paper

Inks: Computer ink, Versafine black, Creamy Carmel, Various Alcohol Inks

Accessories: Prisma pencils, Gamsol, K&Co. dimensional acorns, Nestablities (Labels 4), Creative Impressions brads, dimensional tape, sponge, Creative Memories corner rounder

Don't forget to check out the wonderful inspirational pieces created by my Co-Team Members listed below and please be sure to leave them a little blogger love while you are there.

Boni, Jackie, Diane, Micki, Raquel, Tanny, Kim, Teri, Linda, Terri (Nov. Guest Designer), Lisa (Nov. Guest Designer)

You'll notice a couple changes in our Design Team lineup! Sorry to say we have lost Jennifer from our team (but not from our hearts) waiving HI to Jennifer. We are thrilled to welcome Linda to the team and also a new Guest Designer for November ... please welcome and show a little love to Lisa Buttafuoco.

This week's prize winner will become the proud owner of this adorable Lil Diva's image "Sid's House" ...

... so be sure to upload your creation (via DIRECT link) to Mr. Linky on the DIC Challenge Blog for your chance to win! There are a lot of NEW fun things coming your way so don't forget to stop back to the Challenge Blog often! You don't want to miss out!

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Please be sure to STOP BACK LATER today for the SNEAK PEEK we'll have starting this evening and running up to the REVEAL on Thursday, November 12th.

Saturday Spotlight - Repeatedly Useful

Good Morning! I am involved in an all day craftshow today (my first, wish me luck!) so I have preposted today's challenge and I certainly hope it pops up like it should. Thanks in advance for stopping by today.

Time for another Saturday Spotlight with Hidden Potential Challenge and today we are REPEATING ourselves, so to speak!! We are using the SAME image REPEATEDLY. What an great idea!

Please be sure to stop by my Co-Diva's blog's (listed on my sidebar) for some awesome inspiration on using this method of stamping and show them a little blogger love!

Here is the recipe for my creation:

Stamps:Outline Rubber Stamps Co., Northwood (sentiement)

Papers: Christmas red cs, Whisper White, Basic Black

Inks: Verafine black, Ruby Red

Accessories: Prismacolor markers, Offray grosgrain ribbon, Detail Clear ep

Thanks for stopping by ... hope you are having a wonderful weekend! The weather here in NE Ohio is supposed to be "Indian Summer" temps ... sure looking forward to that!! Happy Stamping Everyone!!

Inky Dinky Drop Hop ...

Happy FRIDAY everyone!!! It's time for the Inky Dinky Drop Hop (Inky Impressions Store) , and it all begins at the blog of INKY MAMA herself, Nicole. I'm honored to have been ask to be Guest Designer for the Hop. How cool is that? So, let's get started.

If you have come to me from Kristen's ... you are on the right path! When you leave me ... your next stop will be at Michele's. If you just happened upon this posting, and want to play along ... you'll want to hop on back to Nichole's Blog, so you get started on the right path. Oh, and before I forget ... there's an AWESOME PRIZE for some lucky winner which will be drawn from one of the Inkette's blogs ... so be sure to hop along to each one and leave a comment! All the details can be found at the LAST STOP in the hop!!


This hop is all about sharing with you the NEW WINTER RELEASES and are they ADORABLE!!! Besides the new, awesome images ... they have NEW Inky Dinky Drops ... and they come in a TON OF COLORS!!! I think I got every shade of purple available, teehee ... can you guess my favorite color???



Today I'm using the new "Angelica's Lantern" ... isn't she ADORABLE!!! I used Prismacolor Markers for my coloring of Angelica. To create my scene, I stamped Angelica onto Whispter White cs ... then masked using Eclipse masking ... and stamped my pine tree image (by Northwood) using Versafine black ink. I used Prisma pencils to color the trees and blue chalk for the sky. The addition of Prisma Glitter and Liquid Applique gave me the texture/dimension I was hoping for. What do you think??

Thanks for hopping by and please be sure to stop by each DT members blogs to see all the other NEW images and products. And, be sure to leave a little love! Enjoy the hop!!

Midight Madness Sketch Challenge #26

Oh DEAR ... I'm late with posting my creation for the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!!! I know, the challenge only went up yesterday but if I don't do it now ... I'll forget and ... well you know how that works!!!!

LOTS of fun stuff going on over at "Priscillastyles" ... So, much that I can't even begin to tell you ... you'll just have to click on the link and check it out for yourself!!! Trust me ... you won't be sorry!!!!! Okay ... here's my creation ... what do you think??? (Boy, I just realized this photo is HORRIBLE ... this card is SO MUCH CUTER in person ... sorry).


These ladies ALWAYS come up with the most unique, fun sketches ... and this one had me thinking for awhile!!! My first thought was to do Christmas, (trying to get a head start on my l-o-n-g list of cards) and then that triple cut, circular panel in the corner had my wheels turning! I know it's difficult to see, but there are THREE different designer papers which I stacked and cut into a circle with my Nestabilities then made my other cuts (so you'll probably be seeing TWO more cards with this circular paper combination in the future, teehee). I actually used up some of my holiday scraps and was glad to do so!!!


My main focus, of course, is this awesome Spellbinder Shapeabilities Stocking ... cut from Christmas Red cardstock then sponged with white ink over the embossed snowflakes and added liquid applique to the top, heel & toe. The ribbon is from Michaels, flowers are Prima, sentiment is AMuse and the sparkly brads are Creative Imaginations. I used basic black and gold metallic to double mat my stocking ... I think it really helped to make it "POP".


Hope you like it! Gotta go ... have TONS to get done before Saturday's craftshow! Will I be ready???? Probably not but "what will be will be"!!! Happy Day Everyone!!!

SCS Sketch Challenge #253

Today's Splitcoast Stamper Sketch Challenge was a lot of fun to create! As soon as I saw it, I knew what stamp set I wanted to use. Last year's "A Cardinal Christmas" was just perfect!!

I couldn't find holiday designer paper that I thought would work with my cardinal panel ... so, I made my own! The greenery is another image in the set and I simply stamped it all over my card front using Garden Green ink. For my embellishments, I stamped the same image onto white cardstock and cut them out with my Fiskars swivel craft knife!

My cardinal was stamped using Versafine black ink onto white cardstock, colored with Prismacolor markers, bordered using a gold Pilot marker, then double matted with Christmas red cs and Gold Metallic. I'm really happy with the outcome! What do you think??

Thanks for poppin' in and a double thanks if you left a comment!! I do so love hearing your opinions on my work ... whether it be bad or good! Constructive criticism is always welcomed!!

Penny's Challenge #14

Are you ready for another FUN-FILLED Penny's Challenge??? Today we are to use a WINTER THEME and a recipe of RIBBON & SPARKLE. See, I told you it was a FUN challenge!!

I purchased this image last year and thought it was the perfect time to "get it dirty"! First I created my A-6 size base card from Whisper White cardstock and stamped it using Soft Sky blue SU ink and AMuse snowflake stamp to create my background.

For my main image panel, I stamped this Serendipity image onto Whisper White cardstock with Versafine black ink. Punching a circle with my Creative Memories circle punch, I adhered it temporarily to create a moon in the sky. Then using a sponge applicator, I swiped back & forth using 1st - soft sky ink, 2nd - not quite navy ink and 3rd - versafine black ink. Removed my circle piece and there was a MOON in the evening SKY. Next I used green & brown Prisma pencils to do a little coloring on the trees and buildings. Lastly, I dabbed over the sky and the building roofs with a Quickie Glue pen and Prisma Glitter.

For added sparkle, I used red-line sticky tape on the top & bottom of the base card and added PKGlitz "meadow green" gliter glitz. (sorry it looks black in the photo) My ribbon is by Offray, purchased as Michael's last holiday season and the bow was created with the "Bow Easy" which I purchased from Sharon Johnson's Store. For the sentiment I used "Happy Holidays" which comes from the Stampin' Up "Frosty" set.

I truly enjoyed creating this card today and I hope you are inspired to play along in our challenge. Please be sure to check out my co-team members blogs for more inspiration. You can find links to their personal blogs on my sidebar. Remember ... once your creation is completed, be sure to go the Penny's Challenges Blog and add a DIRECT LINK to Mr. Linky! Your creation may be chosen as the "FEATURED PROJECT"!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today ... I always enjoy your visits!!

Stamp Simply #111 & Crafty Secrets WINDOW Challenge

Good Tuesday Afternoon everyone!! I just wanted to share a couple creations with you! First is the Accordian Fold Card I created for Sharon Johnson's Stamp Simply challenge last week.
After looking through Sharon's instructions and the awesome creations by her DT ... I realized what I did WRONG!!! Oh well ... it's for my friend in Toledo who has a birthday coming up and I'm sure she won't know my FOUR panel accordian should have been THREE ... LOL!! I realized too late that I needed to "flip it over" before punching the top border and decorating! DUH!!!
My paper size is 6 x 10 1/2 and it is scored at 3 1/2 & 7 inches. Each panel was created using up scraps of Cosmo Cricket from a project I did while visiting Joan Fricker (Joan's Gardens) a few weeks ago. LOVE USING THOSE SCRAPS!!! This paper was so pretty, all I needed to do was add an Inkadinkado flourish to each panel and various verses that were fitting for my friend. The only "embellishment" is the LOOP top which was created from the new Martha Stewart Loop border punch which I purchased from Joan while at her Get Together. I guess I'll have to give this Accordian Fold Card another try ... and hopefully "get it right this time!"


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My second sharing is a card I made for today's Crafty Secrets Forum Challenge over on Splitcoast Stampers ... hosted by Lori Lynn Washburn. Lori had a GREAT challenge idea today ... " A Peek Inside" ... where we are to use WINDOWS on our creations along with our Crafty Secrets products. What fun ... and the girls are coming up with some AWESOME ideas. They are still filtering in ... but you can check them out HERE.


I chose this beautiful image from the Crafty Secrets Christmas Images & Journal Notes booklet as my focus panel. After cutting my "window" frame using 2 sizes of Nestabilities scallop rectangles, I also used the largest of those two sizes and cut out a panel of clear acetate and a light gray panel. I then "sandwiched" my image in between the acetate (which I drew panes on using a black Sharpie pen) and the gray panel ... then adhered my black panel on top. My designer paper (to mimic wallpaper) is by Rusty Pickle ... the "window seal" is brown cs which I've used a MS border punch on and outlined with a gold Pilot marker. The sentiment comes from the SU "Frosty" set from a few years back.


Well that's it for today ... I'm still working on additional products for this weekend's local craftshow! Guess I'd better get busy before it's time for DH to return home and ready to eat!!! Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!! Happy Stamping everyone!!!

Guest Designer Spot @ Digital Two For Tuesday

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

I am thrilled to be this week's Guest Designer at Digital Two For Tuesday.

If you haven't been to this site yet, you really need to pop right over and check it out! Cora Harkins is a lady with a vision, and EVERY Tuesday she generously shares 2 awesome images with all of us. That's right 2 images FREE for you to use to create beautiful works of art!! Each week she has a different guest designer creating with these various images and WOW what awesome inspiration!!!



This weeks images are very RETRO (at least I think they are Retro) and I had a GREAT time creating with them!!! For my first creation, I decided to "showcase" this loving couple by creating a scallop picture frame using my Nestabilities. The base card is very vanilla cardstock and I've used Creative Memories Green Gingham and SU Garden green for my other papers. After cutting my scalloped panel, I've used a gold Pilot marker to go around the edges. My image was coloring using Prismacolor Markers and Prisma Pencils. I placed it in behind the green panel and used dimensional tape for added dimension between the two panels. My sentiment is by Hero Arts. After stamping it onto very vanilla cardstock with Versafine black ink, I embossed it with detail clear ep and cut the words apart and placed them hap-hazzardly across the bottom.




I thought this sentiment went well with this Retro image because something as simple as taking the time to work in the kitchen together as a couple is something rarely done today. My DH is a far better cook than I but since he's been ill the past couple of years I've been doing more of the cooking and he "just loves" being the taste tester!!

This second image was so much fun to color and create with. Again I have used Prismacolor markers and Prisma Pencils for the most of the coloring ... but this time I've also used Creative Memories silver and copper pens for the pot and utensils on the stove.


Here is the RECIPE for this card:

Stamps: Crafty Secrets (kitchen classics) for the utensils and spice can
Papers: Very Vanilla, Garden Green, Daisy D's designer paper
Inks: Versafine black
Accessories: Prismacolor markers, Prisma pencils, Creative Memories silver pen and copper pen, Gamsol, distresser, JoAnn's vintage ivory lace ribbon, Fiskars swivel craft knife



I hope you enjoyed viewing these cards as much as I enjoyed making them. Now it's YOUR turn. The images are FREE ... just hop on over to the Digital Tuesday Blog and grab your images ... print them out and start CREATING!

I would LOVE to see what you come up! Here's what you do: Post your project using at least one of the digital stamps on YOUR blog and mention Digital Tuesday with a link. Then leave a comment at the Digital Tuesday Blog with a link to YOUR blog. It's as easy as that! I'll be watching for your creation and will pop over to your blog to comment!

Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping by! Happy Stamping!!!

PLEASE ... Help Spread LOVE & HOPE

There is a new BLOG HOP today and it is for such a worthy cause!!! Although I couldn't get in on the HOP ... I certainly want to send this young lady WORDS OF HOPE!!! and I hope you will too!! You can read all about Jaimie's story at the Blog Hop's Starting point ... Katharina Frei's Blog.

Just to give you a snippet so you know how important this is!! ...... 11 year old Jaimie Cates was the victim of a horrible crime which left her mother dead and her (Jaimie) left for dead in the driveway. The FINAL STOP will be at a special blog set up for this event ... called Stamp Something for Jaimie. There you will find a list of all those involved in the hop as well as generous sponsors. Also in the sidebar, there are various articles in reference to Jaimie's Story that you might find of interest! I personally want to thank all those involved for trying to bring a little sunshine and a ray of hope into this young ladies life.

The card above is what I created to send along to Little Miss Jaimie! God be with her & her dad throughout this difficult time!!! For your convience, here is the address once again, where you can send hope & love to Jaimie:

Jaimie Cates, c/o Mont Vernon Fire Station,

Main Street, Mont Vernon, NH 03057

Thanks in advance for taking part in this event ... please say a prayer for Jaimie!!

If you're interested, the recipe for my card is as follows:

Stamps: Inky Impressions (Flower Lili), American Arts (sentiment)

Papers: Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, SU dp

Inks: Versafine black

Accessories: Prismacolor markers, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Nestabilities (Labels 1), Prima Flowers, Basic Grey brad, Creative Memories corner punch.

Thanks for stopping by this afternoon! Bless You!!

Digital-Ink Co. (DIC009) Color Challenge

Good MONDAY Morning Everyone!!!

It's time for another fun challenge over on the Digital-Ink Co. Challenge Blog. Today's challenge is to use these colors in your creation:

And, we're changing thing up a bit with the DT. Beginning today, each member will be creating using a different Creator's images ... that way you get a little taste of what's available through our creators over at the Digital Ink Co Shoppe. Be sure to check them out .... I have NO doubt you will find something you will love!! Another new element to our fun challenge blog is the addition of GUEST DESIGNER'S each month. For the month of November we have TWO wonderfully talented ladies to share their inspirations.

Please meet Linda, (Linda's Crafty Creations) and Terri (Terri's Cards N' More). We are thrilled to have these two ladies join us and can't wait to see what they have to share with all of us!!! Please be sure to pop on over to their blogs and show them some "blogger love" with your comments!

Now on to today's creation ...

I didn't seem to have any designer paper that would fit this color combination so I decided to create my own using the appropriate colors and sponge pods ... swiped across whisper white cardstock. The creator I am showcasing today is REECE'S DESIGNS ... isn't this adorable little "Beary Christmas" Bear sweet!! Be sure to click the link provided to see ALL of April's wonderful digi stamps available for purchase at our SHOPPE.

I always feel bad for those children who are born on CHRISTMAS ... it seems their BIRTHDAY never gets recognized like other children's due to the holidays. I have a friend ... her name is NOEL ... guess what day she was born, teehee!! I thought I'd send her a special little card this year! So it was with NOEL in mind that I created this card.

Please come join in on the fun! And, when you do, be sure to upload your DIRECT LINK to Mr. Linky over on the ChallengeBlog. If you are uploading to other online galleries (SCS, PCP, SNR), please use the keyword DIC009. The week's lucky winner will receive this awesome digi from WHIMSY DESIGN STUDIO.

Recipe for today's creation:

Stamps: Stamp Craft (Happy Birthday), Inkadinkado (Christmas), Fiskars (Baby)

Papers: Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, Whisper White

Inks: Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise, Pink Pirouette, Rose Romance, Versafine Black

Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabililities (Classic Circles), Small Sponge Pods, Prisma Pencils, Gamsol, Kaiser pearls, Holly charm (Joann's)

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you will come join us at Digital Ink Co for some fun and I also hope you have a WONDERFUL week! Enjoy your day ... whatever you may be doing!!

Papercraft Planet - Crafty Secrets Challenge

There's a new challenge for NOVEMBER over in the Heartwarming Vintage/ Crafty Secrets group at Papercraft Planet. This month we are to "BE THANKFUL". The interpretation is open to what/where/when/who you are THANKSFUL. Could be for Thanksgiving, a Thank You for a gift received or simply Thanks to someone for just being there when you needed a shoulder to lean on.

Today I chose to make 2 creations. The first one is for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately I feel this is rapidly becoming a LOST holiday ... when it should be one of the more important ones!! I've used one of Crafty Secrets Cotton Scraps (Thanksgiving) ... I've actually scanned & printed it so I could use my Nestabilities scallop rectangles to cut it out and mat it. My basecard is Chocolate cs, the background panel and lower strip are from the Debbie Mumm Holiday & Harvest pack from JoAnn's and the main image matting is Really Rust cs. My only embellishments are these lovely copper half pearls by Kaiser that I purchased last week at Joan's Gardens.

My second creation is a simple THANK YOU card using images from the Crafty Secrets Glamour Girl large stamp set.

Recipe for this card:

Stamps: Crafty Secrets Glamour Girls

Papers: Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Whisper White, scrap of dp

Inks: Versafine black

Accessories: Spellbinder Nestabilities Classic Heart and Scallop Heart diecuts, Kaiser half pearls

A pretty easy peasy creation but it "says it all". If you have any Heartwarming Vintage/Crafty Secrets/Clear Arts Stamps ... won't you please come join in on the fun. One lucky winner will also receive some "goodies" donated by Sandy Redburn, owner of Crafty Secrets.

The lucky winner in OCTOBER's challenge ... use the color ORANGE ... was AMY JOHNSON! Congratulations to Amy! I can't wait to see your creations and maybe YOU will be this month's lucky winner!!

Thanks for popping by today. I always enjoy your comments & suggestions ... certainly MAKES MY DAY!!!

It's SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT time ...

.... are you ready??? Vicki has some really awesome challenges up her sleeve and this week is NO EXCEPTION. Oh yea ... HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! We are expecting around 250-300 Trick or Treaters this year ... it's always great fun ... they really get into dressing up and some of the costumes are amazing!!! Now onto the challenge!!


This week's challenge on Saturday Spotlight with Hidden Potential is "IN SO MANY WORDS" ... that's right ... using your words/sentiments. We sometimes get so busy with the beautifully colored images, we forget what an impact the words can have on our creations! Here are a few suggestions: use words/letter to make a background, maybe you have some wordy background paper or a sheet from an old dictionary or book ... OR ... you can even use your foreground sentiment to make your own background ... the possibilities are nearly endless.


We have an awesome sponsor this week on the Saturday Spotlight Blog ... it's Prickley Pear and they have provided the DT with some awesome items to create with. Be sure to pop on over to the Saturday Spotlight Blog to see more info on this wonderful company.

For my creation, I have used one of Prickley Pear's sentiment stamps and stamped it over the designer paper to create my background. And check out this acetate image ... isn't it beautiful ... it is also by Prickley Pear and I've colored it on the "rough" side using Prismacolor markers. It's so nice how the background shows through this beautiful image. The sentiment and butterfly are also Prickley Pear and I chose to cut them out after stamping and coloring to add a little extra
dimension to my creation.


Now would you like to see the fabulous goodies up for grabs to the challenge winner this week???

WOW ... how about that!!! Awesome huh!!! Well ... what are you waiting for?? Look through all your sentiment/word STUFF and play along! I for one can NOT wait to see what you come up with ... this will be SO MUCH FUN! When you've completed your project, don't forget to go back to the challenge blog and add your DIRECT link to Mr. Linky ... if you're uploading to other online galleries, please use the keyword SSHP05. Now, if you are lost for inspiration ... you need not look any further than my VERY TALENTED Co-DIVAs. I wanted to list them for you here BUT Blogger is giving me some problems so if you would ... please use the links to each Diva's blog found on my sidebar ... uugh!!! ... (sorry about that)!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... I hope you are having a WONDERFUL weekend! Happy Stamping Everyone!

A Heart of GOLD ...

I just had to share this with you all because I am just so proud! You've heard me speak before in other posts about my granddaugher Morgan ... and again she has made her Nanna VERY PROUD. Let me explain ...

Morgan is a beautiful 17 year old young woman with a heart of GOLD!! She is a senior at Leetonia High School, Field Commander for the HS band, works with Hospice, took courses at Kent State over the summer to learn how to "sign" with hopes of going on after high school into Speech Pathology.

This is the time of the year in the High Schools for the annual Homecoming Game & Dance. Needless to say Morgan (Mo as we call her) could have her pick of young men to escort her to the dance but instead chose to make another young lady very happy.

Please meet Felicia! Morgan also races a Junior Dragster on the 1/8 mile track at Quaker City Raceway. That is where she met Felicia and became great friends. Felicia has Cereble Palsy. It goes without saying that unlike most senior high girls, Felicia has not had the opportunity to go to many dances. Well, "my Morgan" with her big heart changed that ... she invited Felicia to accompany her to the Homecoming Dance at Leetonia High earlier this month. They had a wonderful time and Felicia was thrilled to experience what every young girl should have the chance to experience ... her 1st high school dance!

OUR Morgan is growing into quite an extraordinary young woman and I know the Good Lord has as much a hand in that as do her parents. How blessed are we!!! Thanks for letting me share this little story with you. I'll have more "Morgan" news to come ... you saw my short post about the "Soogy Senior Night" ... well I just ordered photographs that were taken during that rainy evening by the local newspaper. When they arrive I'll share them with you. It does a Grandma's heart good to be able to brag to such a large audience, LOL!! Thanks Everyone!!

Penny's Challenge #13

Today's challenge at Penny's Challenges is a sketch and I decided to use this Inkadinkado image that I had totally forgotten I even had (oops ... does that mean I need to slow down on buying stamps?? OH NO!!). I'm really happy with the outcome and it was so easy to create!!

Please be sure to check out the creations by my Team Mates for even more fun creations. Be sure to post a direct link to your creation to Mr. Linky over on the Challenge Blog. It's so fun and easy ... won't you please come play along!!

MMSC25 - Santa Dear

It's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge time once again and what a unique sketch it is! Every week I think they can't possible outdo themselves ... and then they do!! This was great fun and I knew exactly what image I wanted to use. Please check out the new Midnight Madness blinkie on my sidebar ... there's a new hop coming up that you won't want to miss!!


While visiting Joan Fricker (Joan's Gardens) this weekend ... I couldn't help but carefully checkout all things available in her adorable shop and make a few purchases!! ONE of those purchases was this sweet BoBunny (Santa Dear) clear stamp image. I just love vintage and couldn't help myself!!! I also purchased more Kaiser half pearls and the RED pearls where perfect for this creation.






Recipe for card:
Stamps: BoBunny Santa Dear
Papers: Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Red Sparkle cardstock, My Minds Eye dp, Basic Grey dp, Me & My Big Ideas dp
Inks: Versafine black
Accessories: Offray Scarlet Satin Ribbon, Red Stickles, Tombow Markers, Kaiser red half pearls, Buckle ?


Thanks so much for stopping by and your comments are always appreciated!!

Crafty Secrets - Give a Giggle, Send a Smile

Today's SCS Crafty Secrets Forum Challenge, hosted by Marcy, was to create a card that would make the recipient smile or giggle. What fun ... and I decided to make a creation for my daughter! She will probably see it here on my blog long before I get it mailed out to her ... so, THIS IS FOR YOU CAROLYN!!!

My poor daughter is ALWAYS going in 10 different directions and waiting for NORMALCY to show up. Unfortunately, I think the crazyness of her busy life is NORMAL for her ... she just doesn't know it yet, LOL!!! The sentiment on this image says: Girlfriend, "NORMAL" is just a setting on the dryer.

Recipe for card:

Papers: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Really Rust and a scrap of designer paper

Accessories: Crafty Secrets Creative Scraps (girlfriends), distresser, PKGlitz embossing glitter, Kaiser half pearls, Colorbok metal dots, Prima flowers, Hobby Lobby satin ribbon

As always .... thanks so much for stopping by today!!

Joan's Get Together PROJECTS

Just a quick posting to share the projects we did at Joan Fricker's (Joan's Gardens) over the weekend. Aren't they awesome! Joan is such a CRAFTY lady and an awesome Hostess!!





Isn't this little red paper sack Christmas house adorable!!! Unfortunately you can't see it in the photo but the roof has been Cuttlebugged with the Snowflake Embossing Folder and the front door and chimney were embossed with the Swirls EF.




I know she got her original idea from Barb Schram for the house and it can be created in so many different ways for different occassions. I really love the Christmas House idea!









Is this card GORGEOUS or what!!! This is actually a photo of Joan's sample. I was too busy talking and eating to get mine done ... but I do have the pieces and can put it together later. She is just SO clever ... using the Spellbinders Fleur de Lis diecut and the Martha Stewart Loop border & corner punches ... and what can I say about that awesome May Arts ribbon ... luscious!!!










Now how about this beautiful box! These photos are all from Joan's Samples. Of course I had to improvise on my box (I was running out of time ... again with the talking & eating) ... I used a different border punch and a single loop bow ... I like Joan's better!! TeeHee




THANKS SO MUCH for the fun weekend Joan ... I look forward to when I can come out and visit again with you and Jon!




Now I must get some work done!!! Not too many nice days left and since I "played" all weekend ... I'm having to catch up on some of that work that's been waiting for me to return. Thanks everyone for stopping by today ... I have my cards created for the SCS Crafty Secrets Forum Challenge (Make someone smile) and also for today's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge. I'll post them later today once I get my photographing completed! Have a great day!!!

Soggy Senior Night & FUN Filled Weekend

HEY Everyone!! Well, I'm preposting this write-up since I'm headed back home from my fun-filled weekend in Indiana with Joan Fricker. More info on that further down in my post but first I wanted to tell you about Granddaughter, Morgan's "Senior Night" last Friday night!

We are so proud of Morgan ... she's a senior at Leetonia School in Leetonia, Ohio and has developed into quite an awesome young lady. She has ALWAYS been very active in the school band and for the last two years has held the position of Field Commander ... how awesome is that!!! Unfortunately with DH's illness this past year or so I wasn't able to see her "Conduct" the band but I know her Mom has taken pictures along the way to keep me up to date. This past Friday night was what they call "SENIOR NIGHT" and that is where all the Senior band members and football players are honored at the last home game of the year. They are escorted by their parents up the 50 yard light where their accomplishments and future plans are announced and photos are taken for the yearbook. We were so thrilled that she asked us (Nanna & Pappy) to also escort her along with her parents and brother. The bad part was that it was pouring down rain and we were all drenched !!! We did make the best of it and truly enjoyed the moment!! I TRIED to get a photo of Morgan and her "Pappy" while we were waiting in line to go out onto the field and since it was raining so hard (Mo & Mark were standing under the cover of the building overhang), I left my camera in my car and just had my cell phone to catch a couple of shots. (Can you tell Mark doesn't like having his picture taken, LOL!) That's okay ... Morgan was just so pleased that he was healthy enough to be able to attend! CONGRATULATIONS Morgan ... we are VERY proud of you!!!

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As far as the Saturday Stamping Get Together ... WOWZA ... what a GREAT time was had by all!!! Joan Fricker (Joan's Gardens) is an AMAZING hostess and came up with some amazing projects for us to do. There were 10 ladies who attended (included myself) and, not only were the projects amazing, but the ladies all brought food and when lunch time came .... WOW, what a feast!!!!! Not only were crafting ideas flying ... but recipes too!!

Most of the ladies came from the Indiana area (a group of them were from about 1-1/2 hr. away) ... I was the only one from Ohio (5 hrs. away). What a fun group and I was thrilled to meet and share the fun with each and every one of them!!!! (That's me in the back peaking around between Mare & Roxie)!! Joan asked me to stay a couple extra days, which I was thrilled to be able to do. We went out for dinner with friends (Jeff & Sherry) then on Sunday we (Joan, Sherry & myself) went into town and did some "Christmas" shopping!! The weather was beautiful and we had a GRAND time!!

Well, I must get ready to head home! There is rain predicted for today and I'm hoping to get out ahead of it!! I will be back later to share the AWESOME projects with you that we did on Saturday. Until then ... enjoy your day and pray I get home safe & sound! Thanks my friends!!!

Is It Monday Already?????

Yes it is and that means it's time for another Digital-Ink Co. Challenge. This week we have a RECIPE CHALLENGE for you to play with and here is today's recipe: FABRIC ... GLITTER ... BUTTON(s) ... BOW.



The Design Team will be using digital images by the creator Jules Junk. Please pop over to the STORE and check out the images by Jules as well as all the amazing images available by our other awesome creators.





I chose to use Jules Truck Stamp and there is a GOOD REASON & STORY behind my decision!! Since the first thing on the recipe list is FABRIC, I wasn't sure where to begin! I don't do much sewing any more so needless to say, I don't have much in the line of fabric laying around! THEN THE LIGHT BULB CAME ON!! I saw this image and it had some meaning to me since there was a time in my life when I DROVE 18-WHEELER ... yes, you heard me right, I drove semi for a short period of time! Hey, I was adventureous and willing to give anything a try once ... THEN I GREW UP!!! I just happened to still have one of the flannel shirts I wore when I was driving and decided to cut the sleeves off of it and use a piece for my FABRIC portion of the recipe. For the buttons I chose to use SU Grommets and for the bows I did ribbon ties to match with the flannel material. I colored my image using Prisma pencils and Gamsol, matted it with Basic Black cardstock and bordered it with Gold Stickles. OH ... I don't know if you can see it in the photo or not ... but I used Crystal Effects on the windshield to add the illusion of glass glare.



I hope you enjoyed my creation & story ... now it's YOUR turn!! This week you'll be playing for a Sewn Together image and all you have to do is add your DIRECT LINK to Mr. Linky over on the Challenge Blog. Remember, if you are uploading to another online gallery (SCS, PCP, etc.), please use the keyword DIC0008.




Thanks for stopping by today!! I am still in Indiana with Joan Fricker but I'll be home later today and can't wait to see what you have created! PLEASE be sure to check out my DIGI-Sisters blogs for some awesome inspiration ... you can find links to them all on my sidebar. And beginning next week we have another treat for you ... we will have TWO Guest Designers who will share even more inspiration with you!! Have a great day!! Happy Stamping!!

It's SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT time ...

[This is a prepost due to the fact that I'm on the road headed to Indiana to join in on Joan Fricker's Get Together ... sure hope this works like it's supposed to!]

Happy Saturday Everyone and it's time for another Saturday Spotlight with Hidden Potential Challenge! Are you ready for this one??? Today's challenge is TREAT CONTAINERS! How much fun is that!! Be sure to pop on over to the challenge blog for all the details and be sure to check out the other Diva's blogs (listed on my sidebar) for some amazing creations. Some ladies have even done tutorials or linked you to a tutorial. Thanks Ladies!!!

Now, on to my creations! Keeping in mind I need a LOT OF PRACTICE with these types of projects ... please be kind, LOL!!! The idea for this first Treat Container came from my own imagination (such as it is, teehee). I used a Giant Eagle Quart size storage zip top bag for my base container. Using a strip of cardboard covered with Halloween paper, I've made a flat bottom for inside the bag (see insert). Using my SU Top Note die, I created the topper then simply attached these adorable chipboard Halloween characters (gift from my friend Terri Snode, Terri's Cards 'n More) for decoration. A very SIMPLISTIC container but I have no doubt my grandson will LOVE it!!!


For my 2nd creation I went looking for more STRUCTURED help. A friend recently sent me an email with a link to Dawn's Stamping Thoughts blog and there I found TONS of creative ideas! While looking through the list, I noticed she had a Movers & Shapers Treat Holder video. I viewed it and used it as the basis for my Snicker's Holder here.




The papers I have used are from the Debbie Mumm Harvest & Holiday pack purchased at JoAnn's and the bat is another diecut chipboard given to me by my friend Terri. I've used Nestabilities Classic Ovals and Scallop Ovals for the window on the front, to expose the goodies available inside. The Snickers bars are inside a smaller zip top bag that I had in my stash from something I've purchased along the way (can't throw ANYTHING away you know, teehee)!

Well, that's it for my creations ... NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!! Be sure to DIRECT LINK your creation to Mr. Linky over on our Challenge Blog and when uploading to other online galleries, please use the keyword SSHP04. This week's sponsor is FireCracker Designs and they are generously giving away not one but TWO free stamp sets to this week's winner!!!

Good Luck everyone! I will have my laptop with me so first chance I get I'll be checking out what you have created and leaving you some comment love!! Have fun!!

SCS Sketch Challenge and Blog Candy Winnings

Boy, I hope the sun is shining where you are today ....

it is a BEAUTIFUL day here in N.E. Ohio!!!

I know you are asking yourself ... then why is she in the house and not outside ... well, I wanted to create a couple of cards to share with you all ... and THEN, I'm headed outdoors to complete my fall cleanup project!!! I'm headed to Indiana this weekend to join in on a fun GET TOGETHER with my friend Joan Fricker of Joan's Gardens has planned and I am SO EXCITED to be going. But I MUST get my chores completed first ... so I'd better be quick about it!!!

My first card was created for the Sketch Challenge over on Splitcoast Stampers. I recently purchased this sleigh image which was created by a local Ohio artist (StacyStamps) and thought it was perfect for today's layout.

Here are the deets on this creation:

Papers: Basic Grey dp, DCWV dp, Whisper White cs

Inks: Versafine black

Accessories: Prismacolor Markers, Gold Pilot Marker, Prima flowers & leaves, Creative Imaginations brad, metal ruler, craft knife

The other creation I would like to share with you today uses this adorable The Character Cafe image that I was lucky enough to win on Angie Cortes Designs Blog a short while back! Isn't he just the cutest little thing!!! His name is Christmas Scamp and it sure looks like he's in for trouble!!!

Here are the deets:

Stamps: Hero Arts (sentiment)

Papers: Christmas Red, Whisper White, DCWV Indian Summer Glitter dp (gift from Vicki Parsons - thanks lady!)

Inks: computer ink, Versafine black

Accessories: Prismacolor Markers, Fiskars decal scissors, JoAnn's organdy ribbon, Liquid Applique, Ranger embossing tinsel

Thanks so much for stopping by today ... now I'm headed outside to enjoy this lovely fall day and get some work done!! Hope you are having a wonderful day whereever you are and whatever you are doing!! Happy Stamping!!!

Penny's Challenges - Halloween Theme

Today's challenge on Penny's Challenges is to create using a Halloween Theme. With Halloween being "right around the corner" I was having fun playing with all my "trick or treat" goodies. Now I just have to remember to put them in the mailbox for friends and family to enjoy!!




For today's card I have used a Trick or Treat Bag digi image by Reece's Designs [April] from the Digital-Ink Co. Shoppe. I've colored my Trick or Treat Bag using Prisma pencils and Gamsol. Nestabilities (Labels 1) created my panel & matting. Background paper is from DCWV and my Bat & Pumpkin Man are dimensional stickers by Miss Elizabeth which have been hanging out in my Scrapbooking Stickers Box for ages!!!





I'm very happy with this little creation and hope you like it too!! Why not join us in today's challenge then direct link your Fun Filled Halloween Creation back to Mr. Linky at Penny's Challenges Blog. If you are uploading to an online gallery (PCP, SCS, etc.) please use the keyword/tag number "PC12". I can't wait to see what you come up with and I'll be sure to stop by and take a peek!!







Thanks to my friend Kim (Memories in Thyme) for letting me know that the challenge this week over on Design Dollies is the colors black, purple and green. This creation sure fits that bill so I'll be popping right over to enter it into the fun. Why not pop over and check it out for yourself.






Thanks for stopping by today ... hope to see you again soon!!

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #24

One more quick post for today then I really MUST get my butt outside and get my work done!!! Boy am I going to be in trouble!!! Yikes!!!

Here is my card for today's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge. If you haven't been over to this challenge yet, you are really missing out on the fun!! These ladies are amazing and are constantly coming up with very unique sketches and new, fun things to do!

Recipe for my creation:

Stamps: B Line Designs

Papers: Very Vanilla, Christmas Red, Graphic45 designer paper

Inks: Versafine black, Ranger Antique Linen

Accessories: Nestabilities (classic ovals), Prima Flowers, Making Memories Brad, Prisma pencils, Gamsol, Gold Stickles, Gold Pilot Marker

Thanks for taking a peek . . . now I am REALLY headed out the door! Catch you later!!