Whimsie Doodles PCP weekly challenge: USE NUMBERS!

WOW, middle of the week and I am just posting this FINALLY tonight! UGH!  What a long day!  I can't even begin to tell you how UNproductive I am with all four kids at home for break!  I LOVE having them home, and have been giving them tons of kisses and hugs, but man, I can't even get the basic cleaning and cooking accomplished, it seems! LOL!

Today marks the beginning of yet another week long challenge at the Whimsie Doodles Paper Craft Planet group!  This week we are to use NUMBERS in our card in honor of counting down the days, hours and minutes of the rest of 2009!  CLICK HERE to see the challenge and all of the participants cards!

My entry is using a Rocking Horse by WHIMSIEDOODLES!  I used the wording from The Comets song 'Rock Around the Clock'!  I used the SWEET SKETCH WEDNESDAY sketch as inspiration for my card.  You should check them out if you ever get that MOJO stuck!  They have some awesome sketches!!!

OH!  My card! HA, I nearly forgot!!  I used Basic Grey's Wassail paper 6x6 paper set, some SUP buttons and metallic twine and nestibilities for scallops and squares and ovals.  Copic for coloring, of course!!  I tried to antique tea-dye it with my Copics on the image and sentiment, let me know what you think!!!

I hope you join us on PCP! 

HUGS to all!

Another Newbie Card

.... coming up in a bit!  Check back!

What a Beautiful Song...........

My fellow Sugarbaby, CANDACE, had this on her blog, so I swiped it and put it on mine because I thought it worthy enough for a blogpost!

Have a wonderful day!

SugarBabies Design Team has EXPANDED!

CLICK HERE to see the official announcement!  I am SUPAH excited to stay on The Sweet Stop sketch blog design team for another three months AND I am even MORE excited to introduce the newbies TOO!

They are:

Audrey Gonzales

Andrea Vernagus

Candace Mitchell

Renata Elenbaas

Julie Masse

I have known Andrea for some time and Audrey just leaves the sweetest comments on my blog and I can't wait to get to know the other three artists, too! 

A special THANK YOU to Korin for allowing me the opportunity to stay on as a SugarBaby for another three months!  I LOVE the sketches on THE SWEET STOP and I wish I could stay forever!  REALLY!  But, as they say, all good things must come to an end, so I will enjoy the next three months while I can!
 
On a side note: Sorry for the lack of posts here, I am still recovering from Christmas and getting ready for my parents to pay a visit this week for another 'Christmas' get together!  BUSY BUSY BUSY! 
 
Please be sure to check out the new Sugarbabies (above) and leave them some love!!
 

Back soon!

Doodle Palace Elephants! AW!

Are you surviving?  Did you not yet DROWN in all of the pies, cookies and candy that Christmas brings?  LOL!  I felt them attacking my thighs a few days ago, but I am feeling better now! HA!

Doodle Palace, the sponsor for the final issue of SheetLoad of Cards, has some adorable images!  Be sure to check out their site if you have never heard of them, they have some really cute images, perfect for those Copics!!

Be sure to get your SheetLoad of Cards issues while they are still available!  While there won't be anymore future ezines, the past issues will be available for a few more months, so be sure to get them while you can!! 

See you tomorrow!

SSS36 for The Sweet Stop!

WOW, it's over, can you believe it?  I can't!  All that preparation for weeks and it ends in, what?, two days? HAHA!  Well, I know it is worth it and to be able to celebrate the birth of our Savior is such a blessing.  I couldn't imagine living in a country where there was not freedom of religion, I'd have to escape!  HAHA!

Well, I sincerely hope that this Christmas brought you wonderful times and wonderful memories!  I know it did for me! 

As for my cutie of a card above, I used THE SWEET STOP's Sketch #SSS36 as inspiration for this sketch and I used a just released sleepy kitty digi that you can find HERE at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps!  I used some Basic Grey Ambrosia papers to give it that warm feeling with yellows, golds and deep reds.  Even the gray, while still a 'cool' color, makes you feel all warm and snuggly like a good furry blanket!!  Flowers by Prima, rhinestones by Basic Grey in gray, gold and orange, nestibilities for scalloped shapes.

OH, the sentiment is from a different set that you can find HERE at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, too.  I like that saying, don't you?  It's a cute one!

Now then, I am off to get some more family time in with the Hubby's family!  I hope you are enjoying your extended weekend! 

Don't eat too much pie!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

My daughter received some M&M stickers at a party and she had me open them for her.  The next thing I knew she came at me with this card!  I KNOW!  Can you believe this?  I did NOT help her at all!  I didn't even tell her to clip the corners or how to line up the words!  I was so surprised by HOW GOOD this was!  SO, needless to say, I CHOSE KayLee's card for my Christmas Day POST! 

{There will be more Whimsie Doodles, SheetLoad of Cards, Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, Sweet Stop Sketch Blog and Sweet 'n Sassy DIGIBLOG coming up soon, don't worry!!}

The more I look at this card, the more I realize how great it is!  I mean, HOW did she know to use CHOCOLATE BROWN paper as the base?  There's no brown in the stickers, right?  But yet, she pulled this one out perfectly!  WOW!  Still astounds me!  Did I mention that she's just 6 1/2?  She's fantastic at drawing and sketching, too!  I can't wait to see what she grows up to be!  Maybe a 'card-maker'??? HEEHEE!

I want to take a moment to tell all of my family, friends and of course you cyber friends TOO that I really do appreciate each of you in my life and that I wish you a Merry Christmas!  I hope that today's feeling you have in your heart lasts all year long!

Remember the Reason for the Season!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

PEAS on Earth!

Merry Christmas EVE!!  I LOVE TODAY!  It always brings back memories of how my parents would take my me and my sister to an evening candlelight Christmas Eve service at church, and then when we returned home we would find that Santa would have come and brought us our presents early because we were extra special that year and he wanted to deliver ours first!!  HAHA!

Of course, in the later years we finally realized that it was because mom and dad just wanted to sleep in on dad's day off of work, but it's all good, still fun memories.... I always wondered why when we were headed to church dad always seemed to have forgotten to shut off the lights, or put some food away or whatever... it was because he had to go in and scurry to dig out the hidden presents out of closets and put them under the tree for our return.  I used to just think he was SO forgetful! HAHA!

Do you have any memories like these?  I would love to hear them if you don't mind sharing!!

OH, nearly forgot!  MY CARD!  HAHAHA!!  This wonderful image is by WHIMSIE DOODLES, do you get it?  Peas ON Earth?? LOL!  Peace on Earth!  That funny MELYSSA, she comes up with the BEST images and punny sayings to go with!  I used some SUP and Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses 6x6 paper for this one, some SUP! Ribbon and some bling from Basic Grey as well!

Tomorrow I have a special post for Christmas!  I really hope you don't miss it!  It is something that I have saved for two weeks now just in honor of Christmas!  If I don't see you, it will be there when you return!  I think you might have better things to do than blog hop, unless you are a lucky one with internet on your cell phone and can sneak some time in while you are waiting for thepie in the oven to DING or inbetween turkey bastings!

Merry Christmas EVE!

SheetLoad of Cards COVER!!

I made the COVER of SheetLoad of Cards' FINAL ISSUE!  OH, so bittersweet!  I was thrilled to be given this lovely honor, but still, it saddened me, too.  SheetLoad of Cards is not going to be releasing any more monthly ezines.  I KNOW!  Sad, but, Alicia felt her heart being drawn to try new things and to focus her efforts elsewhere.  I AM GLAD in a way, because NOW she is a DOODLELICIOUS designer with ME at Whimsie Doodles!  Gotta love that!  But {Notice ALL of the flipflopping here?? HA!} then again, Alicia was the first gal to give me the opportunity to design online for a company, so I really will MISS the monthly ezine and the family of designers that went along with it!  Be sure to go to the SheetLoad blog and pick up the past issues while you still can!

ANYHOO!  Here's my card from the cover using a Doodle Palace image you can find HERE.  These digi's were really cute to work with {I am posting another on Sunday!!}, so check out their site and all of their wonderful offerings!!

On a side note, I want to wish my niece JENNA a HUGE HAPPY Birthday!!  Sweet 16 and she better not have EVER been kissed or I will knock that boy's teeth in! LOL!! Just Kidding!  {I love you, Jenna!  You are one smart cookie, girl!  Keep up the awesome work at school AND at home!!  xoxoxo Aunt Niki}

Make it a SUPAH DAY!!

Exciting NEWS!

Well, at least for me it is exciting news!  I am a PERMANENT fixture at the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Digi Blog HERE!  I am so blessed to be working for Korin again!  Besides being surrounded by such talent, I love being a part of such a caring and supportive Design Team!

See the Big Announcement HERE! 

And see below my fellow Digi Divas!

Deedee Anderson - Stamping Sunshine

Sandy Domelle - Handstamped by Me

Micki Harper - Artful Xpressions

Melanie Holtz - Paper Blessings

Lynne Jardine - Ruby Dooby Doo's Stampin' Spot

Congratulations, my Divas!

Simple, Special, Stunning!!

It is time for the December edition of Simple Special Stunning at the SheetLoad of Cards blog, featuring samples by Denise Wallace.

Each month one of our artists will share three different cards that use the current layout. Each card is a "step up" from the previous one, but they are all fabulous. It is a good way to show how SheetLoad is geared toward papercrafters of all levels.

Here are some sneak peeks to whet your appetite...

Don't forget this is the last official issue of SheetLoad of Cards, so get your downloads of past issues while they are still available!  The sketches and samples are so inspirational to me whenever I lose that crafty-mojo, so be sure to get your hands on these awsome issues soon!

ENJOY YOUR DAY!

SSS35 with a Pocket!

Monday is here and you know what that means, right?  AGK, Christmas is just four days away!  Are you practicing your lines for the Christmas play?  Are you baking to your little heart's content?  Are you finished shopping?  NO?  You still aren't done?  You forgot to pick up that hippopotamus you promised, didn't you?  HAHA!

Well, if I have lost you by now, don't feel bad!  I thought I was the only one on earth that hadn't heard the hippopotamus song!  Actually, I STILL haven't heard it, but will post the link to it anyways!  I am sure it can't be a 'bad' one, as Korin wouldn't have designed a stamp for a crude song, of course!  So, if you would like to hear it click HERE!

My fun little card is using Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps new digi "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" that was released last week!  Isn't this fella cute?  I colored him in using my Copics and paired it with some Eskimo Kisses Basic Grey paper and Prima flowers!  Pretty, don't you think?  OH, and I guess I should mention that this is a POCKET card using The Sweet Stop Sketch Blog's Sketch #SSS35 for this week!  I didn't get to post this on Saturday because of Scott's surgery.  {I got behind, sorry, KORIN!}  So, I am playing catch-up by posting this challenge along with my Sweet 'n Sassy DIGI BLOG post today! 

This week's challenge at THE SWEET STOP is to make a pocket card!  So, I trifolded my card, so that there would be a pocket inside to hold some gift cards or a cash-present!  Click on over there next to play along!  There's even a PRIZE this week!!  An early Christmas gift, if you will!

ENJOY your MONDAY!

Looking for January's Guest Designer!

ETA: It is not too late to try out to be our next Doodlelicious Guest designer!

Whimsie Doodles is looking for a GUEST DESIGNER for January!  Do you want it to be you??   It is SIMPLE to apply!  Just use the above sketch using one of your Whimsie Doodles images and post it HERE on our PaperCraftPlanet's group challenge board!  Don't have any Whimsie Doodles images yet?  Then get a free one HERE! 

When you are a guest designer you will receive some free WD images to use all during January!  Your projects will be on the WD BLOG and you will be surrounded by Doodlelicous love on the private Design Team blog!  So why not try??

Have a great day!

Design Team Call!! For The Sweet Stop SUGARBABIES Team!

It has been three months since the current SWEET STOP SKETCH BLOG Sugarbabies Design Team has come together and a few have decided to stay for three more months (ME!!) and a few have decided to go!  {You will be missed, Ladies!}  IF you are interested in posting ONE card per week based on Korin's awesome sketches, be sure to CLICK HERE to get the details on how to apply to become a Sugarbaby Designer!

You can use ANY variety of craft supplies from any company on this sketch blog, although this blog is sponsored and supported by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps!  Working with Korin and the Sugarbabies team is awesome!  Everyone is so supportive and friendly, it's easy to 'work' with them!

Why not give it a try?

DIGI BUNDLE SALE

Korin, from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, has put together a Christmas bundle of Digital stamps!  AND at a discount!  These are perfect for those digi-lover friends of yours for Christmas!  Great images and what a steal!  CLICK HERE to see it!

Sorry I have been so silent here lately, Scott had surgery yesterday and it didn't go exactly as planned, so I am exhausted from all the 'drama' and just having to wait on him since he's basically bedridden for a couple of days.  He can't walk the 45 lb "PUPPY" either, so I am getting my exercise in as you could imagine!  The kids are enjoying daddy sitting around watching Pixar's UP movie and other netflix movies as well, though, so at least they are enjoying it!

I am headed out for a midnight run to Walmart after the kids go to bed.  It just started snowing here, but I have some shopping that still needs to get done, and I am SURELY NOT going to do during the day with all those crazy people!  I will just shop with all of the midnight shoppers that are crazy!  LOL!  Take care of yourself and each other!

BLESSINGS!

PaperCraftPlanet Challenge

Good afternoon!  Yesterday, over at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Paper Craft Planet GROUP HERE, there was a challenge to make a card using snowflakes!  AND they just released this digi image, too!  SO, I combined these two MAHHHHHVELOUS things and got this!  What'cha think??

The paper is by Basic Grey, Copics for coloring and MS punches for the snowflakes.  What I think is so cute about this image is that UH, HELLO?  Don't you think the bear would just EAT the penguin instead of fishing with him?  HAHA!  PLUS, how many BROWN bears are there really where penguins live?? Hmmm... Well, I suppose this really SHOULD be a POLAR bear, but I wanted to show off this image so I colored him to be brown!  HAHA!

I hope you all are surviving the holiday madness!  My kids still have two days of school next week, but my JOSH is coming home from college tonight, so I am really excited!!  I got him stocked up with his favorites here at home... eggrolls, bagels and cream cheese, rocky road icecream by request and peanut M&M's!!  He won't want to go back on January 9th!  HA!!

Have a super evening and I will see you all in the morning with a new card for THE SWEET STOP! 

Blessings!

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Whimsie Doodles has added 5 new Doodlelicious Designers and we are so excited to welcome them to our family! Pop by these talented gals' blogs and say hello and check out their work... they are fantastic and we are so lucky to have them on our team!

Welcome Ladies!

Introducing..................

Paula Bloom-Love Blooms in Me

Alicia Ekermans-Call Me Crafty Al

Dawn Burnworth-My Stamping Thyme

Denise Modin-I Ink I Can

and finally..................

Sheri Gilson-Papercrafty's Creations

I am so blessed to be able to stay on Whimsie Doodles for another term!  I really LOVE LOVE LOVE Melyssa's images, she designs some of the BEST images out there!!  Check out her blog HERE, where you will also see her other creations NOT using digital stamps!  She is a very talented artist!  {Thank You, Melyssa, for letting me hang around you a bit longer!!}

Another post in a bit!

TODAY IS........

a DIGIDAY at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps PaperCraftPlanet group!  There will be freebies and surprises, so go take a look!  TWO new digis have been released today, too!  GO LOOK HERE for the challenge, it will be posted soon (10am right now)!  AND see the new digi's HERE for the new hippo and fishing image, they are adorable!!!

I have been cleaning, prepping for my hubby's hernia surgery tomorrow, so I don't have anything for you right now, but between laundry loads I will try to get some crafting in! OK?  SORRY about that!  HUGS!

Whimsie Doodles DEBUT DAY!

HAPPY DEBUT DAY!!!

Today is another debut day at WHIMSIE DOODLES!  Here are two cards featuring the newly released LUSH and SNOW CAROLLERS!  These images are just so sweet!  Don't you just love my DIRTY MARTINI there?  I used the Basic Grey Lime Rickey papers for this one!  Doesn't it look like fireworks and so festive?  Love this paper set!  My SNOW CAROLLERS card is using the WASSAIL papers by Basic Grey.  These are just so beautiful!  I was thinking about glittering up these snowflakes but thought it might distract from the image; so I decided against it.  I still think it ended up pretty!  AND, you know how I love my bling!  LOL!  I am using some CARD PATTERNS sketches for these.  Be sure to check them out when you need some help finding that layout MOJO! 

Don't forget to check out ALL of the DOODLELICIOUS DESIGNERS, creations using these brand spankin' newly released images!  We have such a talented team!  Be sure not to miss anyone!  Everyone is listed in my blog roll at left! 

Have a wonderful day!

Edited to add: I made the TOP 6 at CARD PATTERNS!   SO COOL!

Born is the King of Israel!

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!  Wasn't it a beautiful weekend?  It was here in Jasper!  You know what they say, when you're in Indiana, if you don't like the weather, JUST WAIT AWHILE!  It changes so often!

ETA: 12/15 - I made this card for the DIGI BLOG at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps!  Sorry I failed to mention that all day yesterday!  I just re-read my post and realized I never hooked this up to the appropriate blog! DUH! 

My card is using Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps images from a set called the SHEPHERD BOY which also includes three sentiments/verses!  GO SEE THAT!  I used a sketch by Card Patterns {#45 which you can find HERE!}.... I had never heard of this sketch blog before, it is a good one!  This sketch was very challenging for me, but I think it turned out alright!  I was trying to imply grass/groundcover with the green diagonal stripe and a gray, starry sky with the diamond patterned paper up top.  This paper and sentiment are by Stampin' UP!, the border punch by Martha Stewart, the gray BLING by Basic Grey and the ribbon from BigLots! {Copics for coloring, Brilliance Graphite black ink for stamped sentiment!}

I sometimes wonder if people really put some thought into my cards... besides the green and gray papers implying ground and sky, 'NOEL' is the sentiment, right?  Well, how does the song go?  "Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel!"  So, I thought this card was a wonderful scene for the sentiment "NOEL" to be put at bottom! 

I love how this card turned out for the use of the Card Patterns sketch!  Let me know what you think!

Have a very blessed day!

SNEAK PEEKS - DEBUT DAY IS TUESDAY!

Here's some sneaky peeks for Whimsie Doodles DEBUT DAY on TUESDAY!!!!

Can you figure them out?  WHAT?  NO?
COME ON!  Use that imagination!!!

HAHA!  Be sure to come back on TUESDAY for the full reveal!

I also have a wonderful card for you tomorrow, so........

SEE YOU in the MORNING!

This week's Sweet Stop Challenge SSS34

When I saw the sketch for this week's SWEET STOP SKETCH BLOG there was one of those instant ' I KNOW WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH THIS SKETCH! ' moments!  I immediately KNEW the 'x' was going to be a bow!  My card used some major sticky glue dots (those ultra thick kind!) to make it work, but I love it!   

The papers are by Basic Grey from the 6x6 pad of Wassail paper set.  Beautiful traditional, almost antique feel of colors and prints, just gorgeous!  I used my large oval punch from SUP, thick grosgrain ribbon I picked up at Big Lots one day and the cutie patootie image and sentiment are from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps!  {{The Gingerbread Man you can find HERE in a set that also includes a Gingerbread Woman, too!  And the sentiment comes from a set of FOUR sentiments you can find HERE!}}  Copics for coloring and the circle and floral shaped dies are Spellbinder's nestibilities!  Is there ANYTHING ELSE besides Nestibilities?  I just love those things!

This was a challenging sketch!  Make sure you GO SEE all of the SugarBabies take on SSS34 sketch, they are so creative and inspiring!  Come on and play along, too!  When you join in on the challenges, you are giving yourself a chance to be chosen as next month's guest designer!  Gotta love that, right?? 

Enjoy your Saturday!

SHOW US YOUR SHEETLOAD!

It is time for one final round of Show Us Your SheetLoad and two lucky winners this month will receive free digital stamps from our December sponsor - Doodle Palace!!


Head on over to the SheetLoad blog today and find out how you can be entered to win!!

Chocolate is only on Earth!

This one is for the WHIMSIE DOODLES PaperCraftPlanet challenge for this week!  CLICK HERE to see more about it!  My card is using the Nook & Pantry paper (6x6 paper pack) by Basic Grey!  Love this set!  Sorry I have been MIA this week, the migraine mingled.  This image by Whimsie Doodles is FREE right now if you join the WhimsieDoodles PaperCraftPlanet Group!  It is a great site, full of creativity and friends who want to share their love for Whimsie images!! 

I am off to my children's school, they are getting their second H1N1 shot today.  Eli didn't need me to go with him this time, but KayLee still wants me there, so I am going to appease her and show up.  I don't know why, neither one of them cried the first time!  HA!  I think it is just an excuse to get me there, KayLee is such a mommy's girl!!  I am glad for that, though since she's my only one!  Back up, maybe I should clarify... she's a mommy's girl until 6pm when hubby comes home, then she totally ditches me for daddy.  OH WELL!

Have a great day!

The NEW ME!

Just had to share the new look with y'all!  Auburn Red, I guess.  Gonna add some highlights around where I part my at (my) right sooner or later anyways.  I didn't want you to look at my profile pic and think you were on the wrong blog! (RIGHT! HAHA!)

See ya'll tomorrow with a newbie!  I had a migraine the past couple days, so that's why there's nothing new.  But gonna work on that later!  Hugs to you all!  Nicole

BLOG CANDY!!

Want to find out how you can win the following goodies?!?!

Four (4) Assorted Clear Stamp Sets by Three Bugs in a Rug

(actual sets shown)

&

Nine (9) Assorted Packages of Thickers

(Image above is for illustration only and does not show actual assortment.)

Head on over to SheetLoad of Cards today!

They are celebrating their 2nd Blogaversary, and you may be getting the presents.

GOOD LUCK!

MORE Winter Love

Yesterday, my little town of Jasper (in Southern Indiana) had its first snowfall of the season!  It was just a small 1" coverage that melted right away, but it was beautiful while it lasted!  It was so exciting for the kids to wake to snow and see them realize that it really IS winter after all!  BUT, let me tell you!  What was even better was seeing the puppy's  reaction when she first laid her paws in that cold white stuff!  SO FUNNY!  I just had to share that, it really has nothing to do with my card above obviously!!

{{Details on my card: My Mind's Eye/Wild Asparagus papers,

Big Lots ribbon, Robin's Nest dewdrops, Copics for coloring,

ticket corner punch by SUP; SNSS digi stamp: WINTER LOVE !}}

Any"WHOOO", all puns intended, here's a simple card using the new owl image by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps called WINTER LOVE.  I love the feathery breasts, don't you?  AND what about those earmuffs and scarves!?  HA!  It really IS winter when you see owls donning their winter attire! HeeHee!  Go grab your own Winter Love; at just $2.25 it is a bargain, especially since there's no shipping or waiting time is involved!  No storage problem either!  Gotta love these digi's!

Have a wonderful
WINTERY DAY!

WHEW, what a weekend!!!!!

Sorry for the lack of a post today!  I had a busy weekend demo'ing jewelry at THIS OLDE HOUSE in Jasper and had orders to wrap up and place supply orders for today!  I met a bunch of new customers and saw many old friends!  Thanks for coming out and seeing me Amy, Martha, Denise, Lori, Karen, Chris and Sabrina!  I loved seeing you all!  (Sorry if I didn't mention you! We were busy so I might not remember everyone's name right now, but it will come back to me and I AM glad you took time out to see me!)

I also spent time on the new jewelry blog today, cleaning the posts up with what is still available and what has been sold already.  I hope to have that up and running by week's end!  I am working a few hours on it each day and then will get the etsy store up for those of you who have been waiting for nearly two years for it!  (insert embarassed eyes here!) 

Debbie, I didn't forget about you.... and Tiffany I know you are still waiting on those three from me.  I am getting there.  OH and yes, KJ your scissorblings are finished and you still have your necklace and also your special 'bling' that I need to finish up, I didn't forget.  That darn ankle, this summer, just really ruined everything!

I wish there were just more hours in my day or I could find a good 'stay awake late' medicine that didn't make me feel awful the next day! HAHA!  I had hoped (OBVIOUSLY) to have the online store up a long time before now, but my family has just taken a lot more time than I bargained it would.  Plus, as you know, they are only children once, and with them being so young and Isaac being at home still, I don't want to push him or anyone aside just to play with beads!  Isaac will be in kindergarten next fall, so I will have a lot more time on my hands to really stock the store and take custom orders.  I apologize if you are one of those that I have turned down in the past that requested a custom order.  I hope you understand that (at that period in time) I felt my family and health was more important than ANY amount of money, so I had to do what was best for them and not take custom orders. 

HOWEVER, times are changing and my health is much better (despite a slight limp from the bad ankle) so, if you have any personal requests, please feel free to email me!  Again, the jewelry blog should be up and running soon, and then the etsy store will be next to debut, but until then, just email me! 

Blessings to all!

SHOUT OUT & WIN!!

Over at SheetLoad of Cards, we are having one final "Shout Out and Win" challenge.

Find out how you can be entered to win a Scrapbooking 'Grab Bag', donated by Doodle Palace (our December sponsor) valued at $40!!

Even though this is our last issue, we still would LOVE to get some new readers. The Archive of issues will be available until at least May of 2010.

SheetLoad of Cards December Issue

HAPPY SUNDAY!!  WOW, the weeks are just slipping by, aren't they?!  Christmas will be here before you know it!!!!  AGK!  I am SOOOO not ready either!  I still have major shopping to do and my hubby is having surgery in less than 2 weeks for a belly button hernia!  SO, I have tons to do before that or else I won't EVAH get things done for Christmas! 

Here is the full card of my SNEAKY PEEK from a week ago!  This month's issue is sponsored by the DoodlePalace.com!  These images are really cute and can be used for more than just Christmas!  This penguin can be used all winter long!  CLICK HERE to go download your free issue of SheetLoad of Cards FINAL issue!  It is jam packed with TONS of cards and projects for you to use as inspiration!

See you tomorrow with another NEWBIE CREATION BY ME! 

Enjoy your Sunday!

Special Announcement

This weekend I have a show demonstrating jewelry making at THIS OLDE HOUSE, here in my hometown of Jasper, Indiana. The owner, Karen, also sells my handmade cards there and she asked me to come in and demo in the store for Oh Tannenbaum Days!  After much thought, I decided that once it is concluded on Sunday, I will be opening up my new blog called GOTTA HAVE BLING which will showcase my artisan jewelry and gift line!  Right now it is under construction, so it isn't available to view just yet, but give me a couple of days, and it should be good to go!

A long time ago I thought it would best to separate the jewelry from the paper crafts. But, didn't have a chance to get it up and running; so I just stopped posting the jewelry altogether. (Plus that whole fractured-ankle saga from the summer kept me from creating anyways! SO glad that is over! WHEW!)

Anyhoo.... But I am going to get it up and running! Now that I am on so many design teams and most people come here to see Whimsie Doodles, Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, as well as other items having to do with SheetLoad of Cards, The Sweet Stop sketch blog and the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps DIGI Blog, I felt it was time to make the move! SO..... I have been transfering over a lot of my previous jewelry/gift posts from this blog to the new one, just in case someone wants to go through the archives.

I will announce the opening here and will always have a link to my jewelry blog here on this site. Of course you can always just put me in your 'favorites' or 'follow' me too! OH, and on that note, I believe the ETSY STORE is happening too.... SHOCK SHOCK!! I think I will post items on the blog first (with a possible LOWER!!! price before putting in the etsy.com site for the rest of the public.) ...that way it gives my friends and family AND LOCAL CUSTOMERS a chance to purchase first. I LOVE MY PEEPS!

OK THEN, be sure to scroll down to see my previous post for THE SWEET STOP.  I am pretty proud of this card below.  There is just something about it that makes me smile!!  I think it is the pearls!

Have a wonderful day and see you tomorrow!

SSS33 The Sweet Stop Sketch

Happy Saturday!  This week's sketch SSS33 from The Sweet Stop Sketch blog just rocks!  I LOVED making this card a few days ago!  The paper is by My Mind's Eye, some old Wild Asparagus I had been hoarding for about 2 years or MORE!  HA!  I used Kaiser Scrapbook pearls, and a clear button that I backed with a punched out circle of paper that matches the scalloped/striped coral paper above the sentiment.  Oh and of course (being more than repetitive here....) I used my Copics to color in the image!

The image is by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps that you can see HERE, called O Christmas Tree.  The sentiment I made up using some Stampin' UP! rub-ons.  The flourish at bottom is from a stamp set by SUP called Season of Joy.  I think that is retired now, but I could be wrong.

Here is what the sketch looked like originally:

So, how'd I do?  {Click on the pic to enlarge!}

Pop on over to THE SWEET STOP to see all of the new cards by the SugarBabies Design Team!  They are all so inspiring! 

Have a SUPAH DAY!

WHIMSIE DOODLES DESIGN TEAM CALL!

If you ask anyone on our design team they’ll quickly tell you….there is nothing like being a Doodlelicious Designer with Whimsie Doodles! How would YOU like to be in the Doodlelicious spotlight and join our Whimsie Doodles family?

Do you LOVE Whimsie Doodles? Are you creative? Do you love a challenge? Do you have a blog? Are you spunky? (A little spunk is always a good thing!!) We’re looking for 3 new design team members starting in January through July, and you could be just the person we’re looking for!

Click {HERE} to visit the Whimsie Doodles blog to read all of the details on the Design Team call!!!

GOOD LUCK!

SNSS DIGI DAY AT SNR!

Today is a SWEET 'N SASSY DIGI DAY at SNR!!!!!  Get a load of the new challenge HERE and earn some free digi stamps!  UH HUH, that's right!  Just join in the challenge to earn a digi FREE!! AND if you play the challenge by 10pm Eastern you will have emailed to you FREE: ANOTHER NOT YET RELEASED DIGI (or you can just wait and purchase it next Thursday)!

My submission for today's challenge is below, using one of the newly released digi stamps, GINGERBREAD HOUSE!  This was just too much fun to color in, let me tell ya!!!  The papers are by Basic Grey, I just used my Copics to make a little pattern in the sky and a path/grass at bottom.  I free-handedly cut the wavy tag which I just played with until I got the right curve to it.  I used some American Crafts ribbon through a regular eyelet, too!  GOTTA HAVE RIBBON, right??  At least just a tiny bit like on this card!  OH and the sentiment is from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps digi set O Christmas Tree HERE!

Come back tomorrow for another newbie!  Glad you stopped in!

I hope you join us

over at SNR! 

FINALE OF SHEETLOAD~Memory Lane!

As I mentioned in my post on the 1st of December, there was an important announcement made!  This is the final month for new issues of SheetLoad of Cards. Please head over to the SheetLoad blog today for a little 'walk down memory lane'.

I will miss SheetLoad of Cards.  Alicia is the first person to take a chance and 'hire' me on as an online designer for her monthly sketch blog.  She must have thought, "WELL, I GUESS I can try 'her'!"  HAHA!  I love Alicia and all of the hardwork and dedication she has put into this wonderful monthly resource!  I will miss it!  If you are a newbie to my blog or just a passer-by, then know that the past issues of SheetLoad WILL be available for about another 6 months or so.  But, until then, be sure to download your two years of sketch issues before they are gone.

I wish Alicia well and hope that (maybe, possibly, if we are lucky enough....) in time, this ezine will come back and be better than ever before (IF that is even possible!)!

SheetLoad is still going to finish off this month with a BANG!  There will still be prizes to win and stuff like that, so don't take them out of your blog-roll yet! OK!?  Blessings to you, Alicia!  We ALL wish you well!

Back SOON!

Today's Whimsie Doodles PaperCraftPlanet Challenge! SNOW!!!!!

Today is Wednesday and you know what that means!  A NEW Whimsie Doodles PaperCraftPlanet challenge!!  This week I am hostessing the challenge, which is to use SNOW, or SNOW flakes or something on your Whimsie Doodles card!  If you don't have a Whimsie Doodles image to use, go to the Whimsie Doodles FREEBIES HERE to pick up a free digi!  THEN just use it and add snow, snowflakes or something that reminds you of snow!  Then, post it to our PCP GROUP HERE!  We'd love to see what you create!

My card above features one of the three new digi stamps that was released yesterday by WHIMSIE DOODLES called SnowAngel.  My nonny would especially love this one, if she were still around.  She collected angels, so this is right up her alley!  I used Basic Grey Dasher papers for this one, Nestibilities again for the scalloped and regular circles and Martha Stewart ribbon and rhinestones from Wal-mart.  {Copics for coloring of course!} 

To see Whimsie Doodles images CLICK HERE to be taken to the Whimsie Doodles BLOG or CLICK HERE to be taken to the website to begin your own collection!  {Don't forget you can click on the pics to enlarge to see details!!}

I hope you hop on over

and join me at PCP!

Sweet Sketch Wednesday Challenge!

Whimsie Doodles is sponsoring today's Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge!  CLICK HERE to see the sketches (yes, there are TWO, instead of one!!) you can use for inspiration!  I used some Whimsie Doodles images for my challenge, which you can find HERE and the sentiment HERE.

{Oh, my card!  Papers are by SUP, ribbon by Michael's, Scallop circles by Spellbinders' Nestibilities, Kaiser Rhinestones and COPIC markers for coloring!}

EDITED TO ADD: CLICK HERE for some exciting news!  Whimsie Doodles is having a DESIGN TEAM CALL!  So, if you are interested, GO CHECK IT OUT HERE!

Why don't you play along?

New Digi's at WhimsieDoodles.com!!

YEP, it is tighty whities, from a few days ago! LOL!  Isn't this the cutest?  OH MY GOSH, Melyssa is so funny, she designs the best stamps!  My 'undies' card was created using some retired SUP papers and Copic markers for coloring, Nestibilities for scallop circles and SUP border punch.

To see the other newly released stamps from today CLICK HERE to be taken to the Whimsie Doodles BLOG or CLICK HERE to be taken to the website to purchase! 

{Don't forget you can click on the pics to enlarge to see details!!}

I double posted today, so be sure to scroll down to see the new issue of SHEETLOAD OF CARDS!!  AND come back tomorrow and Thursday for new challenges and a chance to win some free stamps! 

Enjoy your day!

SheetLoad of Cards December Issue has been released!!!!!!!!

Head on over to the SheetLoad of Cards blog today to download your FREE copy of the December '09 issue!

This issue features a sketch by Alicia Ekermans and digital stamps from Doodle Palace. There are tons of lovely samples from the SheetLoad Artists, as well as the sponsor's design team. It is the biggest issue ever!!  (and the cover card is mine! heehee!)

Today also brings a big announcement about the eZine - so make sure to check it out.

{{Come back in a bit for another post featuring the newest release of Whimsie Doodles' digi-images!!}}

See ya in a flash!

SheetLoad of Cards SneakPeeks!

Do ya wanna see a few more SNEAK PEEKS of the December issue of SHEETLOAD OF CARDS??

YEAH?  Are you sure? 

Of course you are!!

CLICK HERE to see a great preview of tomorrow's release!  THEN come back tomorrow to see the full issue in its entirety!!

Have a SUPAH DAY!

.... butt look big?

Good MONDAY Morning!!!!  WOW, the Thanksgiving Holiday has past and Christmas is JUST around the corner!  You know what that means, don't you?  YEP, Christmas DECOR!!!  And there's nothing like hanging a wreath on the ol' BUM, like Paulie the Bear above! HAHAHA!

Isn't he cute??  I would love to think that my butt looks big because of my clothes or something else that I put on my body!  Yeahhhhh, that's it.... it's not me, it's my clothes! LOL!!!!!!!! 

This image by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps can be found HERE at their store, for a mere $2.81, INCLUDING the sentiment!  Gotta love those digi images, versatile and storage free, except for a few megabytes on the ol' computer harddrive! 

Well, I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday!  My family and I did, too, with my sister and her family and our parents in Tennessee.  The actual driving leaves something to be desired, but really, it was worth it to let my kiddos see their extended family and my Josh (college-kid!) was there, too, so it was great!  God blessed us with safe travels, great food that my sister prepared for all 12 of us and fun times playing some new card games!!  GOD is GOOD!

{OH, I nearly forgot!  My card: Basic Grey papers (Dasher); Copics for coloring (entering this in the PINK ELEPHANT weekly #43 challenge and MOJO MONDAY's sketch #115 challenge today!!), variety of buttons with metallic elastic SUP cording, and Nestibilities for scalloped and regular circles!}

Check back in later today to see another post! 

Have a great morning!

OBVIOUS SneakPeek!

Well, is this as obvious as I think it is???  Are you LOL?  OH MY, just wait until December 1st to see this card in its entirety!!  FUN-NAY!!!!!!  Melyssa comes up with the BEST images, let me tell you!  AND this next WHIMSIE DOODLES release is NO exception, she's a genius!  Mark December FIRST on your calendar, you don't want to miss it!

See you LATER!

The Sweet Stop SSS32 Challenge!

HAPPY SATURDAY!!!  Can you believe that Thanksgiving is OVER?? I just can't believe it!  My cutie of a card is for this week's Sweet Stop Sketch challenge SSS32!  CLICK HERE to see the rest of the SUGARBABIES (designers) take on the sketch!  I think Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps' sketch blog is the best sketch blog!  I seriously have found it so much easier to make cards with their sketches!  Maybe I shouldn't say easier.... but FASTER!  And if you know me, OH MY, it usually takes me FOREVAH to crank out just one card!! 

My card is using some retired Stampin UP! papers, dewdrops by Robin's Nest, organza ribbon by clearbags.com, nestibilities for squares and scallops, oval diecuts by SUP punches, and the image is from Whimsie Doodles, called KISSMAS GINGER, isn't she cute holding that little mistletoe?!  I didn't know that gingerbread cookies had little 'bums' on them either, haha!  I made my cookie into a chocolate one!  Well, I had to match the color of the papers, you know!! 

I hope you share your take on the sketch and Mr. Linky it up to the SWEET STOP's BLOG HERE!!  I would love to see what you make; I always check them out!!

Come back tomorrow for a sneaky peek of some new digi's coming out next week!  If you figure out what it is, I am sure you will be laughing OUT LOUD!!! 

Enjoy the rest of your day!

SheetLoad of Cards ~ SneakPeek

Are you feeling overly-stuffed and slower than molasses for all that you put yourself through yesterday!?  Yeah, me too, but isn't it worth it??  HA!  I sincerely hope your Thanksgiving was full of fun times and you made some memories that will last a lifetime!

Here's a little sneaky peek of an item I made for SHEETLOAD OF CARDS next December issue coming out on December 1st!!  Gotta be sure to check this issue out!  It is crammed with creativity and craftsmanship by nearly all of the designers of SheetLoad AND I even made the COVER! WOOHOO!! 

See you tomorrow!

Happy Pumpkin Pie Day!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!! 

Did you get any pumpkin pie eaten for me yet?? I mean, I LOVE ME SOME PUMPKIN PIE!!!!!!  EXTRA whipped cream, PLEASE!!  HaHa!  I do want to take a moment to say that I am very thankful that you stop by and check in on me and my creations now and then OR for some of you, EVERY DAY!!  I know that you don't always comment, but I know you are dropping in because of my 'feed' and my number counter!  I love seeing that roll over about 100 times a day, that is so neat!  I just wish you would comment more!  I am kinda feeling stalked, HAHAHAHAAAAA!  No, just kidding!  If I commented on everyone's blog that I checked out I would get NOTHING done all day and never leave my chair!  Well, THANK YOU again!  I am grateful to have made so many cyber friends, you all are the BEST!!

AND, I can't let today go by without showing you these new digi images that are being released today at SWEET 'N SASSY STAMPS.  There are also two sentiment sets that go with them, but I will make you go to the STORE HERE to see them!  HeeHee!!

The first one is called COCOA'S MITTENS....

And this one is called FEEL BETTER PAULIE...

Aren't they both so sweet?  I didn't have time to make a card with either of these before Thanksgiving, just to much prepping going on!  But, I am sure I will get to these soon!  The little Paulie would be cute to give to someone suffering with those nasty colds or worse yet, H1N1!! 

Pop on over to SWEET 'N SASSY STAMPS to get you these digi stamps!  Don't forget how versatile they are, you can resize them to any size you need and storing them in your computer takes the bulk out of your craft room's shelves!  Gotta love that!  Oh, and don't forget that today is FREEBIE THURSDAY, too, so go see HERE what Korin has left us to grab for free today!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Whimsie Doodles PCP Challenge!!

Howdy, Peeps!  Sorry about my absence yesterday!  Thanksgiving prepping took me away!!  Let me introduce to you my Snoman Muffin Topper!  Isn't he cute??  You can find him HERE at the Whimsie Doodles' website!  This card is for today's Whimsie Doodles' PCP THANKS challenge that you can FIND HERE!  Join in and play along!  If you haven't joined PaperCraftPlanet, you should!  There is so much sharing of crafty ideas and the gals are all so great!  Go take a look when you have some spare time!

My card may look difficult, but all it is, is a 4 1/4" square card turned on the diagonal and clipped short on two corners (which would be the top right and bottom left of a regular opened card) to allow the ribbon to set nicely... see pictures below to better understand what I mean....

Papers are retired SUP papers called Western Sky and I used my Copics for Coloring, scallops by Spellbinders Nestibilities, ribbon is by clearbags.com, I believe.  {Click on pics to enlarge to see details}

Stop in tomorrow to see some new digi's in between your turkey and pumpkin pie!  If you are busy, don't worry, it's not like these posts self destruct after 24 hours, they will always be here when you get done taking your afternoon Thanksgiving NAP! LOL!  I hope you get to enjoy the next few days with family and friends!  I get to and, BOY, I am so thankful for it!

Back tomorrow!