More Happy Thoughts

Well, I happened to get in a little more stamping time today since Eric was at the Cowboys game and the girls were occupied with some Fall craft kits we picked up at Michael's this morning. This is my second Teaser for My Favorite Things using the new set, Happy Thoughts today, so be sure and scroll on down to see my next post if ya'll haven't already. Sorry for posting this so late, but we had a little Trick-or-Treating to take care of!


Since I still had all the ingredients out on my desk from the tags I made for today, I made a matching card (ya'll really like that color combo, too! I can tell from all the comments--Thanks so much! I like it too apparently!). I again used the Perfect Petal Trio Die-namics die from MFT and layered them down the side of the card in sort of a cascading way. How do I describe that? Maybe the picture helps? See how they come down (in a cascading way)?


Don't forget that Kim will has a full link list of other MFT sisters that have Teasers for ya'll today! Head over to her blog and check them out.


SUSIE Q-TIP: Ok, this is not so much a tip, but something to ponder...I've told ya'll before that our new dog was from a rescue organization. Therefore, we don't know that much of her history (other than we think she was previously owned by someone who lived in an apartment--she won't do her "business" unless she's on a leash). What if her past owner didn't speak English, but maybe, say, Spanish? How can you tell? Maybe Sage is Hispanic or French? Hola, Sage. Ciao, mon doggie bella. Wee-wee? Ok, let's go outside.

Stamps: Happy Thoughts (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Plum Pudding, Hawaiian Shores, Smokey Shadow, White (PTI), Enchanted (American Crafts)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Perfect Petal Trio Die-namics (MFT), Nestabilities, Brocade Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Swarovski Crystals (MFT), Plastic Flatbacks, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

MFT Teaser Day 2--Happy Thoughts

Well, I'm still loving making tags. That's why for this, the second day of Teasers from My Favorite Things I decided to continue that trend! They make me happy!


They weren't hard to make at all, since I have this fabulous new stamp set from MFT and the teensy bit older but still amazing Perfect Petal Trio Die-namics die. The stamp set is called Happy Thoughts and it's just that--a whole lotta happy!! We are talking sentiments here and there are fifteen included in the set to make ya'll even happier. Not a happy--You'll have to wait until Wednesday to order this set, but I have great faith in ya'll that it will be worth the wait and you can do it!


Don't forget that Kim will have a full link list of other MFT sisters that have Teasers for ya'll today! Head over to her blog and check them out. She'll have that posted at 11 am EST.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Use a shape die for the top of your tags. Simply cut out the shape (in this case, MFT's Framed Greetings Die-namic, and fold it over the top and glue it down. I added the little circle on top here and used my Cropadile to punch the hole no problemo.

MFT Teaser Day One--A {Just Chill} Sketch For You to Try

Well, I'm very excited about this latest release coming your way from My Favorite Things. Yep, ya'll heard right, new stamps from MFT! In fact, today is the first day of Teasers. So naturally, I just had to combine my sample with my Sketch For You To Try card from Jen. So today's a two-for-one special! I guess it should have been a Halloween card in anticipation for tomorrow, but the new stuff from MFT centers a little more around the wintery holidays. Can I show ya'll more Halloween next week? We'll just celebrate Halloween all week, how' that sound?


The stamp set I'm spotlighting today is called Wyatt-Just Chillin'. Isn't he cute? Well, I guess you can't really tell with this picture here, go back up to the top! teehee. Do you see anything else new? OH MY STARS YES!! New Stacking Stars Die-namics!!

Ya'll know I LOVE to make my own embellishments and so this Let it Snowflake Trio with the star layered on top with the twine and brad was a no brainer! Sometimes I think I should make a bunch of these ahead of time, but I have so much fun making them, I think it would be boring to not make a special one for each card! (Plus, I don't have room to store them. UGH!)

Eeeeep! I almost forgot to mention that Kim will have a full link list of other MFT sisters that have Teasers for ya'll today! Head over to her blog and check them out. She'll have that posted at 11 am EST.

Ok, here's the part where I show ya'll the sketch, and YOU get to play along! Link up your creation to the linky thing on Jen's blog and YOU may be her next guest designer! Check out what the rest of the SFYTT team did this week:
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly (taking a break)
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks (off this week)
Megan Lock
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins
Carole Burrage (taking a break)

SUSIE Q-TIP: To make the twine bow "underneath" the brad, just tie it onto the brad legs like you're tying a shoe before pushing it through a punched hole in your cardstock. So much easier than holding it all in place while making the embellishment.

Stamps: Just Chillin' Wyatt (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, Dk. Chocolate (PTI), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Seaside (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Snowflake Trio, Stacking Stars, Notebook Edge Die-namics (My Favorite Things), Circle Nestabilities, Snowflake Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Pewter Brads, Polkadot Brad, Twine, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Verve Sneak Peek--Merry Wishes

Well, this release from Verve is absolutely amazing! Yesterday I actually stamped all day and created several new Verve cards to pass along to ya'll. And today several of us Divas are spotlighting this new set called Merry Wishes. I think this Christmas set is one of the best ever! It has these little merry berry sprigs in 2 sizes, both open and solid. I couldn't wait to use it as mistletoe! Kisses!
Out of all the stuff I made yesterday, this one is one of my favorites. Not only are the stamps wonderful and easy to work with, but I love using patterned paper that's not necessarily "meant" for one holiday or another and making it "work" with my card and I think this one worked!! I'm weird like that. I used my new Labels 14 Nesties set and punched a circle out of one end to accomodate the button-ribbon-loopy-thingy embellishment. Easy Peasy.

Anyway, all these new stamps will be available this Friday after the Release Party HERE on SCS. I'll be there, will you?

Here's the official link list of today's spotlight hops. Happy hopping!
1. Charmaine
8. Teresa
2. Michelle
9. Sankari
3. Lynda
10. Tosh
4. Jackie
11. Susan
5. Laurie
12. Amber
6. Mercy
13. Andrea
7. Amy
14. Julee

Be sure to leave some comments along the way for a chance to win!

SUSIE Q-TIP: The great thing about flatback pearls, etc. is that they are easy to add at the last minute after your card is practically finished. No pre-thought needed like for brads. That's a happy. (I got all mine from Pizzazz Aplenty)

Stamps: Merry Wishes (Verve)
Paper: Old Olive (SU!), Black, Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream (PTI), Thrift Shop (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Pure Poppy (PTI),Old Olive (SU!)
Accessories: Labels 14 Nestabilities, Brocade Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, Border Punch (MS), Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Circle Punch, Black Satin Ribbon, Button and Twine (PTI), Silver Pearl Flatbacks (Pizzazz Aplenty), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

And one more thing....Sage says hi.

Verve Sneak Peek--Winter Mittens

Well, I guess it's true. Winter is on its way. Somewhere. Here in North Texas, at the end of October, we are reaching the 90's. Classic Texas weather. Hot, then about 2 weeks of Fall in November and straight to Winter is usually about how it works around here. So it makes me really happy (and strangely confused) to start off the week with a high temperature expected at 91 degrees today and a Winter Release Peek for Verve! Teehee. I'm loving all the unusual color combos I'm seeing for the holidays so far. So when it came time to make this little card, I was thinking of some cute little girls' winter clothes some stores are trying to sell in this hot weather. Ha! The new set I've used is called Winter Mittens and it's so sweet! The mittens are colored with my Copics (I promise it matches better in real life--don't know what's going on with the picture) and I stamped the hearts (also included in the set) directly on the mittens in red to look like a little applique--just like something Audrie would wear.

There are tons of new sets and several Plain Janes coming ya'll's way--can I just say--LOVE? That's what you'll think of them. Promise. All of them will be released this coming Friday, October 29th. Join us for the Verve Release Party over on SCS HERE Friday night at 9pm EST.

For now though, ya'll can get your kicks by checking out what the other Divas have in store to spotlight for you on their blogs using this new Winter Mittens set and more! The Verve blog is what you'll want to be stalking all week for a list of the Divas and their blogs each day and Sneak Peeks galore. Starting with today!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: This silver ribbon was a purchase I made a LOOONG time ago from Stampin' Up. I don't even know if they still carry it. I needed it for mass-producing my Christmas cards (which I no longer do--my list grew to over 70 people!), and it has always been a favorite. It may be out of style. I look at it as "vintage". Get some and have fun.

Stamps: Winter Mittens (Verve)
Paper: White, Plum Pudding, Hawaiian Shores, Rasberry Fizz (PTI), Seaside (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Pure Poppy (PTI)
Accessories: Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Large Dot Embossing Folder, Let it Snowflake Die-namics (MFT), 1/8" Hole Punch, Copic Markers, Silver Gel Pen, Rimmed Rhinestone Flatbacks (Pizzazz Aplenty), Silver Ribbon (SU!), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 4.25" Square

A {Lil' Inker Tag} Sketch For You To Try

Well, it's the weekend, so Happy Saturday! As I sat down last night to create for Jen's Sketch For You To Try, I was gathering my thoughts about what to do, stamps to use, papers, etc. Knowing that this week's sketch is sponsored by Lil' Inkers Designs (yay!), I wasn't sure what stamp set to pair it with, or whether to make an inspired patterned paper be the focal point.

Then it hit me--the sketch would work perfectly for a TAG!! Not that tags are any faster than making a card (trust me, sometimes that little "canvas" can be tricky!), I was excited to get started. Like I said before, Lil' Inkers is our sponsor this week and Laura has been so gracious as to let us use her Stamp/Die set called Sentiment Flags for our projects this week. Ya'll KNOW I'm a big fan of the "sentiment flag" style, so this little gadget is going to come in handy!

If I was a smarter girl, I would have done this a little differently and in all boy colors. I could have stuck a cookie in the tin and called it good. Eric's birthday is tomorrow and we are so thankful to have him here (he deserves a lot more than a cookie, but he would be surprised I made him this!). He said all he wants is to sleep in in the morning, so I think the girls and I will accomodate him. Who knows, maybe I'll get really motivated and make a big breakfast for him! I'll be going out this afternoon to see if there are any more American League Champions Ranger shirts left...in blue...he looks terrible in red. Go Rangers!! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERIC!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Actually this whole post ought to be a tip. Use a card sketch to create a tag. Simple as that.

Remember to check out all the inspiration that can be found at each of the SFYTT sisters' blogs! Jen's on the lookout for the next Designer of the Month, so be sure to link up your creation to her blog this week. When uploading to online galleries, please use the keyword SFYTT!
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks
Megan Lock
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins
Carole Burrage

Stamps: Sentiment Flags (Lil' Inker w/ag Designs)
Paper: Kraft, White, Black, Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores, Golden Harvest (PTI), Runway Dots (Heidi Swapp)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Sentiment Flag Die (Lil' Inker Designs), Rolled Rose Die-namics (MFT), Scallop Border Die (PTI), Large Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Circle and Scallop Circle Punches, Corner Rounder, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Felt (MFT), Divine Twine (TCP), Button and Ribbon (PTI), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 2 3/4 X 4"

MFT VIP Hop!

Well it's MFT VIP time around here! This month's VIP from My Favorite Things is being released tonight at 10 PM and we are having a blog hop to celebrate the moment. The hop started over on KIM'S BLOG. If that's where you began, then ya'll are officially hopping. If not, I'm certainly glad you're here, but you'll be missing out if you don't start at the beginning! Go ahead, I'll wait! I'm sure this month's hop is going to be out of this world! I'll give it an A+++++!!


I'm such a sucker for teacher stuff and this new Who's That Girl set is no exception. Even if I wasn't an MFT girl, I'd still be wanting this set! It's called Teacher's Pet and is a really nice set to let your or your child's favorite teachers know they are appreciated. I know Lindsie and Audrie have been so blessed to have the best teachers on the planet! Anyway, just look at all that good stuff that's included in this month's VIP Kit!

For my card, I've paired up the WTG set with the same Crate Paper (the brand name) that is included in the VIP Kit. It's some very fun school themed paper that is generic enough it could be for boy or girl cards and is unique in that it's not the usual "primary" red, blue and yellow colors. I also gave my Jumbo Ric Rac Border Die-namics die some love and stamped it up with the apple stamp included in the WTG set. I love the sentiment on the front too from the FREE Mini set. I do love the MFT Striped Twill ribbon I used here as well, but to be honest, I had to cover a little bit of it up as it was making me cross-eyed! I like how it turned out, though!

Here's the scoop as to what all is included in this month's Teacher's Pet VIP Kit (all for just $41.40):
Teacher's Pet WTG--The upcoming Who's That Girl? set
Crate School Spirit Paper Pack
UNRELEASED Die-namics Die, MINI Banner Strip with MINI Banner Day Alphabet Stamp Set
1/8" Scor-Tape Roll
Teacher's Pet Sentiments MINI stamp set (FREE & Exclusive. Will not be released outside of this VIP Kit. $9 value)

And don't forget about the à la modes set to release at the same time:
It Must Be Love
What's Cooking?

Next on the Hop is my fabulous and BEST friend (who is also a former teacher)--JEN!! Give her some love and check out her fun little project.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Add interest to your cardstock and die-cut borders by stamping small images on them, creating your own patterned paper that is totally matchy-matchy. Although I said earlier that different is good, so is matchy-matchy.

Stamps: Teacher's Pet WTG (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Black, Orange Zest, Kraft, Pure Poppy, Hawaiian Shores (PTI), White Perfect Panels (MFT), School Spirit (Crate Paper)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Jumbo Ric Rac and Button Quartet Die-namics Dies (My Favorite Things), Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Prismacolor Pencils/OMS, Glossy Accents (Ranger), Striped Twill and Buttons (MFT), Divine Twine (TCP), Red Baby Braddies (MFT), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

TCP Tuesday 131--Pink Embellishments Galore

Well, here we are--Tuesday already! That means it's time for TCP Tuesday from The Cat's Pajamas! We are having a fun little blog hop among the Cat Pack as a cherry on top of the fabulous customer blog hop that ended yesterday. Our hop is being combined with Amy's supply challenge (to use Pink embellishments), so her blog is where ya'll want to start so you don't miss anything luscious. If you've already been traveling down that path, you probably made it here from our newest sweetest Cat Pack member, Julie Masse's blog.

Ok, now that we've gotten our navigational bearings, let's move onto my card! Veer to the left and you'll see it up there! Don't ya'll just love this bunny? This one is the perfect birthday image to me and I grab for it a lot. It's called Forget About the Cake, so when I sat down to make this card and use pink embellishments, I knew this one would make my life easy and be a perfect fit for the challenge. My pink loopy-ribbon-button-flower-embellishment-thingy is tied onto the card with some Lemon Divine Twine, and it covers a border made with my Big Pinking Border CutUps Die.

Ok, well I think that's all for me today. I've got some stamping to get to for tonight (I'll have another post later this evening). We hope you get to play in this week's TCP Tuesday (keyword TCPTUES131 for uploading to online galleries) because don't forget that there's $25 in Cat Cash at stake! C'mon, ya'll have all month to play!! You can get all the details over on Alma's blog (she's the last stop on the hop), and also see if you are the big winner from the Customer Blog Hop!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Sometimes it seeems like I only have a couple of ways to add a sentiment to a card in my bag of tricks. As they are fun (circles and flags), I like "different" every once in a while. Try using a sliver of a Nestabilities shape coming off the edge of a panel (either pointing up or coming down from underneath) like I did here. Different is good.

Stamps: Forget About the Cake (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Berry Sorbet, Hawaiian Shores, White (PTI), Alphabet Soup (My Mind's Eye), Early Bird (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Big Pinking Border (The Cat's Pajamas), Labels One Nestabilities, Spots and Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, Perfect Petal Trio Die-namics die (MFT), Copic Markers, Circle Punch, Button, Divine Twine (TCP), Ribbon, Stardust Gel Pen, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

A {'Lil Pumpkin} Sketch For You To Try

Well, stamping is once again my favorite thing to do, especially on Friday nights when Eric is away covering a High School football game for the newspapers and the girls are snuggled up watching a movie. I had so much fun making this card for Jen's Sketch For You To Try (you, know, the usual Saturday fare). I love this sketch and am even considering it for my next card kit up at Scrapper's. I go back to work there next Saturday and am looking forward to seeing all my friends again!

Here's a shot of the inside of the card, but for the the front, I had this cute Lil' Pumpkin Pure Innocence image already colored and cut in the oval, so all I needed to do was decide on paper and accessories when I sat down (in short spurts) to make it. I'm a big fan of houndstooth and this new paper from American Crafts is so pretty, I just want to pet it!

I used a couple of Die-namics dies from My Favorite Things here as well. I doubled the Large Scallop Border with 2 layers adorned by some orange rhinestones. The hardest time I had with this card was figuring out what color to make the Rolled Flower. I'm not so much into black flowers, so it really pained me to use it. However for this card and the layout of color, it had to be black for balance! So sorry for the downer there! Still seems kind of weird to me. "Bless you" with a black flower! I'll just call it artistic license for an oxymoron.

SUSIE Q-TIP: I'm admittedly cheap. Rather than using my more expensive white cardstock (that I buy for use with my Copic markers, main images, etc.) for layers, small sentiments and borders, I use a cheaper white cardstock. Remember when Copics first started getting popular and Georgia Pacific cardstock from Wal-Mart was all the rage? I've since moved on and now use either Perfect Panels from MFT or Papertrey white for that. Now that $5 ream of GP white is perfect for other pieces of my card or project and I have no qualms about waste. I'm so cheap.

Remember to check out all the inspiration that can be found at each of the SFYTT sisters' blogs! Jen's on the lookout for the next Designer of the Month, so be sure to link up your creation to her blog this week. When uploading to online galleries, please use the keyword SFYTT!
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks
Megan Lock
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins
Carole Burrage

Stamps: 'Lil Pumpkin Pure Innocence (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Orange Zest, Black (PTI), GP White, White Perfect Panels (My Favorite Things), Runway Dots (Heidi Swapp), Orange Dot (Bo Bunny), Dear Lizzy Enchanted (American Crafts)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Large Scallop and Rolled Flower Die-namics (My Favorite Things), Oval and Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Orange Adhesive Rhinestones, Green Felt (MFT), Circle Punch, Black Fine-tip Pen, Ribbon (PTI), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 5.5" Square

I'm Back!

Well, (knock, knock, knock!) is anyone out there? Hello? Ya'll still around? I am! I'm gradually getting back into the swing of things around here after having a hysterectomy last TCP Tuesday. I sure didn't "bounce right back" like I thought I would (I must have been delusional). I still am a bit sore and slow walking around. I haven't stamped yet. Well, that's not completely true. I tried to stamp a few days ago and my card was taking a turn for the worse (and so was my abdomen, sitting up straight like that), so I stopped and will probably trash the card. I think my next stamping try will be for this Saturday's Sketch For You To Try from Jen!

The card I was working on (not pictured) was for this week's TCP Tuesday from The Cat's Pajamas. It's an inspiration challenge from Toni. We are celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness month and her inspiration piece fits right in. Ya'll even have the opportunity to send your cards to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, to help cheer up a patient or two there. Given the journey we've been on the first part of the year, I know firsthand how a simple card can put a smile on a cancer patient's face! All the details on that and how to participate in this week's TCP Tuesday challenge can be found on Alma's blog. Don't you want $25 in Cat Cash to spend on The Cat's Pajamas stamps?

Anyway, since I didn't have a card made specifically for this challenge, I did manage to find one from The Cat's Pajamas that I had yet to show ya'll from our last release (from back in the days when my mojo was still in tact). I love this one, too! I used the set, Sheepish, that is super fun to watercolor. I backed the main image with some felt that I die-cut with a Nestabilities shape. The felt is from The Cat's Pajamas, but unfortunately for this card, there wasn't a pink that was light enough. SO--I decided to use a piece of white and then I just sprayed it with my Cotton Candy Shimmerz Spray and heated it for faster dry-time. Perfect! So this card didn't exactly follow with the inspiration, at least it's got lots of PINK!

Don't forget to play along with us for TCPTUES130 for your chance at winning the $25 and being named Swanky Stamper of the month. HERE'S the details on all that. I'll have to come back a little later with the supply list. I'm running a bit late getting ready for a lunch date with a girlfriend. (Hi Lynn!) I can't drive yet, so she's going to give me a glimpse at what is happening outside the walls of my little house!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I've noticed on a few blogs lately (because I've had lots of time to read them), the re-mention of the fact that you can change the color of clear rhinestones with your Copic markers to get just the right color you need to match your project. Don't forget the same trick for your felt, just not with Copics. Change a white felt color with Shimmerz sprays, Maya Mists, or Glimmer Mists. Experiment on small swatches and use your heat gun to dry them a little faster.

Verve Sneak Peek--Release Day!

Well, I've got another Sneaky Peek from Verve for ya'll today. This one is called Bountiful Harvest. I am "falling" in love with this set! Not only does it have some wonderful pumpkin images, but it also comes with this stinkin' cute turkey pumpkin cutie! And can I just tell ya'll that he's super fun to color?


This card uses another one of Julee's fabulous release week sketches. They are all so good, when I can get to stamping again, I plan to use all of them eventually! We'd love for you to play along in the challenges! You can get all the details HERE.


DOn't forget to head over the Verve Blog to see a full list of all the Divas who are playing along today! All the new sets will be available today at 1 PM Central Time. I can't wait to see what ya'll do with them!

And a little note...I won't have an SFYTT post for ya'll this Saturday. It was on my list of things to do before I went in for surgery, and it had to fall by the wayside. I hope to get to stamp really soon. Gotta figure out where to put my Cuttlebug so I don't have to lift it up off the floor every time I need to use it (no lifting anything over 5 pounds--not even Sage!)!

Verve Sneak Peek!

Well, I'm here to show off the new release set from Verve called Autumn Splendor.


It's a great set with tons of leaves and fall wishes to match. I made this card following one of the release week sketches. We'd love for you to play along! You can get all the details HERE.

DOn't forget to head over the Verve Blog to see a full list of all the Divas who are playing along today!

My Favorite Things Blog Hop and Shop

Well, welcome to the Blog Hop and Shop for My Favorite Things! I hope ya'll are enjoying the hop. If you came all the way from Kim's blog, you're in the right place. If not, I highly suggest it so you don't miss a thing!


Here's my Snowflake Flopsey card. I really love this color combo for Christmas. I think I remember making another card last year for My Favorite Things using the same one, only adding a bit of yellow! I added a snowflake from the new Let it Snowflake Die-namics die. I LOVE that thing. I colored Flopsey this time with Prismacolor Pencils and blended it with OMS--something I love doing.


I also did up the inside this time because that sentiment is so cute. Sort of looks like a business card in there! LOL!

Ok, time to hop on over to Kerry's blog where she's got some sweet goodness!

A Winner and Other News

Well, I got carried away yesterday with soccer, errands and enjoying the fall temperatures outside with our neighbors last night and totally forgot about picking a winner for the Pizzazz Aplenty prize! I've got a couple of other things to share also, so I thought I'd just take care of all of it today at one time. Let's get the yuck out of the way first and I promise it will get better as we go along...

I debated on how much to "share" here, but after thinking about it and how much I shared with Eric's stuff, I thought I'd go ahead and be just as transparent in hopes that it may help someone get through a similar situation, as I had heard from so many of you that my positive outlook was refreshing in something so hard to go through. So hopefully ya'll can see a little sunshine in this too. Brace, brace, brace...for TMI...I have a bit of endometriosis in my cesarean scar (very rare) and it has now spread to other places and is getting more and more painful. So tomorrow I'm having a hysterectomy. It's going to be laproscopic and my doctor will be using the DaVinci robot for the procedure. I told him he better brush up on his video game playing skills the night before, so his hand/eye coordination will be spot on. I'll be staying at Baylor Grapevine hospital overnight and coming home on Wednesday. I've been told I'll be up and moving around by Thursday, but friends of mine have shared that it won't be that easy. So I really don't know what to expect. Has anyone had this before? I'll keep ya'll posted!


Meanwhile, back at the farm, Verve is releasing a few stamp sets this Friday! Sneak peeks start Wednesday so be sure and check the Verve blog starting that day through Friday for a list of Divas who are playing along each day. There's a ton of release week challenges ya'll can read up on HERE on the Verve blog. I'm going to be auto-posting Thursday and Friday for these fabulous stamps. Just know that I'm writing up the posts today, so don't think I don't love ya'll anymore if they are short and to the point!

Now, are ya'll wondering why that cute little doggie is posted up there at the top and this cute little doggie is posted down here? Well, the dog up there is Hopper, our Rat Terrier that we had for 13 years until almost 2 weeks ago. It was the worst week ever. Eric was out of town and I found our poor dog had passed away in his sleep that Tuesday night after the girls went to bed. He was not sick or anything. We think he just died of old age. My neighbors and I buried him in the back yard around midnight that night (I didn't know what else to do) and I had the dreaded responsibility of telling the girls the next morning before school what had happened. It was terribly sad for all of us and I couldn't blog about it until just now. We'll miss you AND all your craziness, Hopper!

I had always said that if anything ever happened to Hopper, we would not be getting another dog. Ever. Well, that didn't last very long. I'm the one who absolutely could not stand not having a dog. We are now the proud owners of this little rescue dog! She's a 2-3 year old Puggle (Pug/Beagle) and her name is Sage. We have all fallen head over heels in love with her and we are pretty sure she loves us back. She is well-behaved and already housebroken. In fact, I've already taught her how to ring a bell when she needs to go outside! She's adapted to our family so well, that it feels like she's been here forever. The adoption was "finalized" yesterday through Canine Soulmates. We are so thankful for them.

Ok, now on to the winner of my Pizzazz Aplenty giveaway! Thanks to random.org, the winner is:

#6 terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...
Thanks! I love that she's a Hoosier now too. I found the teardrop/raindops and plan to order a few. Always enjoy your blog even though I don't comment a lot!

Terri, please email me (find addy on my sidebar) and I am going to get your address to Judy so she can send out your prize package worth around $25! She sent me a whole list of funsies that she's put together and you are going to LOVE them (thanks, Judy!)!! Thanks to everyone who commented and became a follower at Pizzazz Aplenty. I hope ya'll place your orders soon...you won't be sorry!

Ok, that's about it for now. That was a lot! I've got to get this show on the road with the list of things to do today. I have to be at the hospital in the morning at 5:45 am! I think I'll sleep the rest of the day (with and without medical help!). I love ya'll!

MFT Teaser Day 2--Game Night Spinner Duo

Well, today is Day 2 of Teasers for My Favorite Things. I have a super fun card for ya'll using another "DUO" Stamp and Die-namics die set. It's called Game Night Spinner and oh is it a winner! If ya'll love to play games like I do, this is a great set (sold as a pair only). It would be really great for game night invites and kids' birthday cards as there are numbers, dice, card suits, and several other little icons to stamp in the spinner.

A couple of reminders before I forget:
1. Join us at the release party this Wednesday night over on Splitcoast HERE.
2. Enter to win the MFT October Guest Designer spot that Jen and I are hosting on Splitcoast HERE.

This little Die-namics die Game Night Spinner is so cute! I'm sure you could make this a "working" spinner, too, but I chose to "nail it all down" and make my card more cute-sy for a birthday girl. It's pretty sparkly too, since I sprayed Marshmallow Glimmer Mist on the spinner part and sentiment. The center of the spinner is large enough for lots of possibilities as well. I'm thinkin' a heart, snowflake, or any sweet embellishment would work. Lindsie and Audrie want to make it an actual spinner to play with their friends and write in little "fortune teller" (we called them cootie catchers) things in the openings. You know, things like, "you're going to have 10 kids" or "you'll marry a garbage man". Remember those? I'll be sure to post it if they make one.

As always, there are a lot more My`Favorite Things Teasers to peek at today! For a full list of players, head on over to Kim’s blog. A full list will be posted by 11am EST.

SUSIE Q-TIP: I know the trend right now is to use wider ribbons. In this case, a wider choice really didn't suit this card (or fit). Don't forget about how cute some narrower grosgrain ribbon can look. You know you have lots of it.

Stamps: Game Night Duo (My Favorite Things)
Paper: So Saffron, Silver (SU!), Rasberry Fizz, Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, White (PTI), Sweet Summertime (Echo Park)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Aqua, So Saffron
Accessories: Game Day Spinner Die-namics, Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Large Dot Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, White Baby Braddies and Swarovski Crystals (MFT), Button, Divine Twine (TCP), White Grosgrain Ribbon, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

MFT Teasers Day 1 and A {Simple} Sketch For You To Try

Well, Saturday is finally here and I've got lots going on today on my blog (whenever I type that word, why do I always type "glob"?). So let's jump right in and get started. Let's see, I think I'm covering 3 bases today with this card--Jen's Sketch For You To Try, Day 1 of Teasers for My Favorite Things, and Jen and I are hosting MFT's Guest Designer contest this month and it's my sample for that as well. Yay me!

Taking a cue from the sentiment, I kept this card pure and simple. I used a new "DUO" from My Favorite Things called Polkadot Greetings/Frame Duo. It's another must have sentiment and frame stamp set/Die-namics Die that is only sold as a pair. This one is super easy to line up and stamp after cutting the die out and the greetings fit perfectly inside each of 3 frames included in the stamp set. I also am peeking another new Die-namics die called Button Quartet. I love this little flower button! The button dies are the perfect thing to reduce bulk on your cards for sending them in the mail, but still getting the look of buttons! Both of these new items will be available on October 6th.

Jen's sketch is a fast one this week, especially if you want to let a quote or sentiment take center stage. Speaking of taking center stage, now's your chance to compete for October's Guest Designer spot for My Favorite Things. We've come up with a color challenge and ya'll can find all the info about how to enter on our Splitcoast thread HERE.

Ok, as always, Kim has listed the MFT Design Team girls who are spotlighting this set and another one today over on her blog (glob) HERE. You don't want to miss out on all the happy goodness.

SUSIE Q-TIP: When using rhinestones or Swarovski Crystals, especially the teeny tiny teeninsy ones, place them where they are going to be stuck down with tweezers or a gel picker-upper-placer-downer. Then just push them slightly over with the tweezers again, one at a time and make a mental note as to where it was. Use a Quickie Glue Pen to dot some glue where its final destination is to be and pick them back up with the tweezers and adhere them. Do not answer the phone or pet your dog in between moving them and making that mental note. You WILL forget where you wanted your crystal and you WILL put your glue in the wrong place. Don't ask me how I know this. I don't want to talk about it.

See how fun this sketch is? Check out what my SFYTT sisters have done with it. I bet there's anywhere from more pure and simple to off the charts fabulousness to be found among them!
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Leigh O'Brien
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks
Megan Lock
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins
Carole Burrage

Stamps: Polkadot Greetings (My Favorite Things)
Paper: White, Chartreuse, Hawaiian Shores (PTI), Sweet Summertime (Echo Park)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Cool Carribean (SU!)
Accessories: Polkadot Greetings, Large Scallop and Button Quartet Die-namics Dies (My Favorite Things), Sewing Machine/Thread, Divine Twine (TCP), Swarovski Crystals (MFT), Rasberry Fizz Ribbon (PTI), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2