Happy Friday... Thoughts and Prayers!

Happy Friday!! The weekend is here... and for me it's a bitter sweet kind. Thursday morning I received a phone call saying my Grandma passed away. She was 90 years old!

So this afternoon I made a card using my new Thoughts and Prayers set... not thinking the first card I'd be making would be a sympathy card! So I wanted relaxing colors and found this DP in my collection from Pixiepress.
I used Classy Copper EP on my "With Sympathy" saying and added Pearl White Lumiere to my Bordering Blue dove for more shine. I used SU! Old Olive and Chocolate Chip markers for coloring the tree. I love how the tree is off center!! :) Plus the paper piercing adds do much. Click on the photo's to get a closer look... ENJOY!

Thanks for visiting blog surfers!! I always enjoyed that.... Love the visits! Have a super weekend.... SMILES!!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Thoughts and Prayers, More Great Greetings (retired) Paper: SU! Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss, Bordering Blue, DP (Pixiepress), Whisper White Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip and Old Olive markers, VersaMark Other: SU! Classy Copper EP, stamp positioner, Martha Stewart Dove punch, CB Textiles embossing folder, paper piercing, ribbon (Target Club Wed), copper brads (SU!), dimensionals, glue dots, Pearl White Lumiere, etc.

RAK... O'soooo cute!

Morning! I have a RAK to share.... :) I received this card from Allison from Stampin When I Can. Allison is such a fun, energetic, talented, creative woman who has always put a smile on my face when I visit her blog. I received a baby thank you card in the mail a week ago. I JUST LOVE THE CUTE BUTTONS!! He... :) (Bunnies too!)

Next, as a reminder Lisa (The Craft's Meow) and Debbie (Debbie P's Place) are setting up a non-raffle for the Australian Bushfire Appeal on Splitcoast, and all donations are going to the Red Cross. Currently they are looking for donations of stamp sets, crafting supplies, lovely handmade craft items, cards, etc. Pop into there blogs for more details. If you are interested in donating e-mail them! I will be getting a donation ready by this Saturday, Feb. 28th.

Enjoy your day!! I hope to get some stamping time in today. Snow is coming our way, so that is perfect to get my MOJO going... he!

Thanks for the visit!! I always LOVE it when you do... Smiles!

Michelle :)

From me to YOU!!

Morning and Happy Wednesday!!! Today I have a "springy" card to share. My card has a crazy layout, but FUN! :)

I based this card around the DP from Doodlebug Designs. I used my SU! Scallop circle punch for the large paper flower and cut into every scallops to create the "flower petals" on 2 layers. I added a polka dot epoxy center. The rest of the card is pretty basic. I enjoy paper piercing!!

Have a super day stampers. We may have more snow coming by tomorrow... I'll keep my card in my thought to "Think spring" to over come the snow. LOL! Thanks for the visit and I greatly appreciate it my stampin' friends... :)

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! So Many Sayings Paper: SU! Green Galore, Gable Green, Only Orange, Pink Passion, Cool Caribbean, DP (Doodlebug Design) Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip Other: SU! Scallop Circle punch, paper piercing, ribbon (?), brads (?), glue dots, stamp positioner, pink polka dot epoxy (Gartner Studios), etc.

2nd Post in one day... OCC Challenge!!

Can you believe it... 2nd post in one day! I don't do this very often! Tonight I decided to do the OCC Challenge from LAST Saturday as I didn't have a chance to make a card during the week... I just love this sketch! :)

I just received my Flight of the Butterfly set and decided to pick a fun DP by Scenic Route to play with. Using SU! punches to create the circles and before punching them I stamped Dot Circles by Hero Arts. I used my CuttleBug D'vine Swirl for motion with the butterflies. The butterflies are embossed with SU! Real Red and Crystal Clear on the larger butterfly. "YOU" is white embossed. My 2nd photo shows a close up of the layering, embossing and 3-D effect.

Click on the photo's to get a closer look! Enjoy... and thanks again for visiting.... YOU ROCK!!

Smiles... Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Flight of the Butterfly, A Little Birthday Cheer, Dot Circles (Hero Arts) Paper: SU! Rose Romance, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink, DP (Scenic Route) Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip, Real Red, VersaMark, Craft White, Rose Romance Other: SU! 1 3/4" and 1 3/8" Circles, Large Oval and Word Window Punches, CB D'vine Swirl embossing folder, Clear and Real Red EP, dimensionals, stamp positioner, Silver Brads, paper piercing, SU! 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, etc.

Splitcoast Helps with Australian Bushfire Appeal...

Happy Sunday! The sun is out, and a bit on the COLD side today. I'm getting excited for spring so I thought flowers would be perfect for this card for my Grandma! :)

First, I'm sure you have read and seen the devastation of the Australian Bushfire's. Well Lisa (The Craft's Meow) and Debbie (Debbie P's Place) are setting up on Splitcoast a non-raffle for the Australian Bushfire Appeal, and all donations going to the Red Cross. Currently they are looking for donations of stamp sets, crafting supplies, lovely handmade craft items, etc. Pop into there blogs for more details. I will be getting a donation ready by next Saturday, Feb. 28th.

And now on to the card!! This was started at one of Julie's SU! Card class, obviously when Groovy Guava was around with SU! I added the Close to Cocoa layer, did some paper piercing and had a scrap of white scallop edge on my craft table... humm! This would work perfect for some added trim detail, and I ALWAYS LOVE TO REUSE and RECYCLE my supplies... :)

This card is pretty straight forward and a great CAS card with using your punches. Have a sunny Sunday!! (I'm going to stamp more now as I got my new Thoughts and Prayers set!!) Thanks for
popping in....

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Sincere Salutations Paper: SU! Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery, Groovy Guava Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip Other: SU! 5 Petal Flower, Trio Flowers & Spring Flower Bouquet punches, SU! button, dimensionals, paper piercing, scallop scissors, white gel pen, stamp positioner, etc.

Happy Saturday... CAS Card!

Morning everyone! Well the weekend is here... mine won't start till mid-afternoon as I'm going into work today... :( But, I did have a chance to stamp a CAS card last night using some DP from K&Company.

I thought a "spring" card would be fun! I punched my butterfly out of a scrap piece of the DP and layered it up with SU! Lovely Lilac. Then cut another butterfly to layer on top for a 3-D effect. I adding Fruit Punch Stickles and 3 silver 1/2 back pearls. "Spring" is embossed in Real Red and I paper pierced a row of dots to give some extra JAZZ!!!

I hope you enjoy this CAS (Clean and Simple card) and I'll be back this weekend to post again soon!! I better run... HAVE A SMILEY DAY!! :)

Michelle :)
Stamps: SU! Season by Season Paper: SU! Yoyo Yellow, Real Red, Lovely Lilac, DP (K&Company) Ink: Craft White Other: SU! 1 1/2" and 1 3/4" circle punches, Fruit Punch Stickles, Michael's silver pearls, dimensionals, ribbon (Target Club Wed), SU! Real Red EP (retired), paper piercing, etc.

CC206.... Having Fun!!

Hi stamping friends!! I decided to used the colors Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss and More Mustard from the SCS Color Challenge (CC206). (I added Basic Black... I hope I'm not in trouble... LOL!) My card lay-out was inspired by Dawn at My Favorite Things. You MUST visit her blog... I LOVE her sweet clean style of card making! :)

My DP was a perfect match to Kiwi Kiss. I used my Martha Stewart Lace border punch and SU! Slit punch to get my LARGE scallop edge effect!! :) The Basic Black has paper piercing around the edges but is hard to see in the photo, and also the center panel is raised with dimensionals... click on the image to enlarge!! And I JUST HAD TO ADD SOME BLING!! :)

I hope you enjoy and get inspired to try the CC206 Challenge. Thanks for popping in for a visit... SMILES!!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! A Little Birthday Cheer and Studio "G" ($1 Stamp) Paper: SU! Rose Red, Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss, More Mustard, Whisper White, DP (American Crafts) Ink: SU! Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss and Marker Rose Red Other: SU! Slit Punch, MS Lace border punch, Old Olive twill ribbon, Hero Arts rhinestones, paper piercing, dimensionals, stamp positioner, etc.

Masculine Birthday Card...

Tonight I have a masculine birthday card to share as I made this card a couple months ago. This card has a variety of elements and the masculine DP would work for an adult or teen boy.

I embossed the large "HB" and used my Everyday Flexible Phrases to add more words. Also to my Round Tab punch. Then taking my 1/2" circle punch to add more color under my gold brads, and lastly adding 2 colors of grosgrain ribbon.

I hope you enjoy as I'm always looking for ideas for guy/teen cards. I'm usually in the "Girly" card mode... LOL! Have a super evening and chat more again soon.... SMILES!! (Thanks for visiting!!)

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Everyday Flexible Phrases, Making Memories "Foam Stamps" (Philadelphia) Paper: SU! Naturals Ivory, Night of Navy, More Mustard, red card base (misc. ?) DP's (The Paper Loft and Bo-Bunny Press) Ink: VersaMark and SU! Chocolate Chip Other: 1/2" circle punch, gold brads, SU! ribbon (Chocolate Chip and Old Olive), Stamp positioner, dimensionals, Embossing Powders (By Enchanted Creations... Jungle & Cheetah), SU! Round Tab Punch, etc.

Wishing you Happiness... :)

Hi everyone!! I managed to get into my stamping room tonight and PLAY!!! This will be a quick post as I need to get some sleep... LOL!

Don't be to shocked... yes, I colored an image!! This has been long over due. I don't have Copic Markers yet and they look so fun to work with.... I must confess my coloring was done with SU! Markers, aqua painter and watercolor paper. I think I did an OK job on blending, and picking my colors out... soooo much fun trying this technique!! :)

I cut my circle and scallops with my Nestie Dies using my CuttleBug. I cut off the handle to the wagon then trimmed it out to attach it to the scallop edge to give more of a 3-D look. Also I cut 3 flowers out and popped them with double glue dots, added Stickles for bling and yellow rhinestone centers. See close up photo for more details and click on it to get an even closer look!!

Enjoy.... and thanks for the visit... I just LOVE it when you do! Have a great evening as I'm posting this late, and I'm sure there are a few late night surfers!!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Heard form the Heart and Imaginational Paper: SU! Baja Breeze, Apricot Appeal, Watercolor paper, Close to Cocoa, DP (Chatter Box) Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip and Black StazOn, SU! Markers Other: SU! Top Note, bronze brads, rhinestones, Stickles, Crystal Effects, dimensionals, glue dots, aqua painter, etc.

Love is in the Air... Card & Valentine Baggie... :)

Morning everyone!! Well, it's getting closer to Valentine's Day... are you ready!?! I mailed a few cards yesterday and have my DH's mints and card ready to give him on Saturday... He LOVES Andes mints!! :)

Today I have a Wedding/Anniversary card to share and my Valentine treat baggie I made for Alex, our Kinship Partner. (For those of you who are not familiar with this program... we mentor Alex who is an 8 years old boy.) He's full of energy and we have some interesting conversation's at times... What kids can come up with!

Now, on to the card... I used DP from Target, added the hearts by using my Love You Much set and the SU! Heart to Heart punch. I added Crystal Effects to the "&" and added SU! Taupe ribbon...
Just keeping it simple! I hand stitching around the Now & Forever and used my scallop/wave scissors on two edges only for some added fun!

My treat baggie was easy to make for mas-producing as I used my SU! Top Note die with Pretty in Pink CS, added hearts from my SU! Heart to Heart punch and stamping Happy Valentine's Day! How easy is that!!! Alex ripped into the baggie in 3 seconds so the work to make this was SUPER easy and the "Smile on his face" was the reward!! :)

Have a super day and I hope you get some stamping time in {we need that more than cleaning house!}... Thanks for the visit everyone!!!

Smiles... Michelle :)

CARD
Stamps: SU! In My Thoughts, Love you Much, and Studio "G" ($1 stamp) Paper: SU! Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Positively Pink, DP (Target) Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip, Craft White, Markers Positively Pink and Chocolate Chip Other: SU! Taupe ribbon, Scallop/Wave Scissors, dimensionals, SU! Heart to Heart punch, stamp positioner, SU! Crystal Effects, etc.

TREAT BAGGIE
Stamps: Studio "G" ($1 stamp) Paper: SU! Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, marbled paper (scrap) Ink: SU! Real Red Other: SU! Top Note die, CuttleBug, SU! Heart to Heart punch, SU! Cell-o Baggies, candy (Target), etc.

Morning... Kindness!

Happy Tuesday everyone!! Today I have a "Kindness" card to share that was made at one of Julie's SU! card classes!!

First I want to inform you that the next 4 weeks or so I'll be working excessive hours and may not have very detailed cards to share. I will be posting simple and quick ones... I'm so sorry as I enjoy trying new things, but the time just won't be there to stamp as I like. I'll do my best to keep the "EYE CANDY" flowing!! :)

Now, let's get to the important stuff... the card! :) For the flower vases we used the SU! Large Oval punch with the ends cut off. Then shaded the pots with Craft White on one side and the ink to match the paper on the other side. (Click on photo to get a close up view!!) We used the SU! Boho Blossoms punch for the flower and using a white gel pen for the center. Added a stem using SU! Old Olive marker. To give more shading we used the aqua painter with Baja Breeze ink for added depth.... just so fun and springy! Gets me in the spring time mood!!

Thanks for the visit as I just {{LOVE}} it when you do my stampin' friends. Enjoy your day!!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Heard from the Heart Paper: SU! Whisper White, Kraft, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango Ink: SU! Basic Black, Bajo Breeze, Craft White, Old Olive Marker Other: SU! Large Oval and Boho Blossoms punches, paper piercing, dimensionals, white gel pen, aqua painter, spong, etc.

SFYTT & OCC... Priceless!

Happy Sunday Everyone...
I hope you are having a great weekend! It's nice and sunny in Central Minnesota today... above freezing!! (That's a big PLUS!!)

Today's card is inspired by Jen at i{heart}2stamp, her weekly SFYTT Challenge and Our Creative Corner to pick your favorite embellishment (ribbon, hardware, charms, flowers, etc.) and create your whole card around it! I used the SU! colors Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip and Kraft giving a fun TWIST to the SU! styleWATCH... Manhattan! I pulled out my Priceless set. And also used my new Retro Flower punch from Ek Success. To top it off my card is 5"x5"!! :) How fun is that!
I added "metal flowers", applied silver pearls to my butterfly, and paper pierced double rows for added filler around the edges. My saying is clear embossed and I used my CB embossing folder D'vine Swirls for more texture. Click on the close up photo to see more details!

I like how it turned out... and I hope you enjoy too! Thanks for the visit my stamping friends and have a super Sunday!! SMILES :)

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Priceless, Small Sayings, Hero Arts (Dot Circles) Paper: SU! Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Kraft and Whisper White Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, VersaMark Other: SU! Clear EP, paper piercing, stamp positioner, CB folder (D'vine Swirl), silver pearls (Michael's), Metal Flowers (JoAnn's), Retro Flower punch (Ek Success), dimensionals, etc.

SU! Fifth Avenue Floral... Basic Gray!

Happy Thursday! This card I can't take credit for as we made it at Julie's monthly SU! card class in January and realized I didn't post it yet. She had the opportunity to have the new SU! Fifth Avenue Floral set and gave us a "Sneak Peek" at the MANHATTAN FLOWER texturz die (dry embossing) that is coming out in March. It's located on page 202 in the new SU! spring/summer 2009 catty.

We used this embossing plate with the Top Note die to give a lovely edge. Then using white embossing powder on the flower image and cutting the image out. Its hard to see in the photo, but the white layer is Shimmery White which gives a very elegant feel. I added the Basic Black layer on my "Best Wishes" greeting, paper pierced around the Top Note and added dimensionals under the large flower and greeting.

Gray's Anatomy and Private Practice is on now with a 2 hour show... and I need some TV vegging time! LOL! Plus I have to work on my SU! wish list. Hugs everyone... thanks for the visit and pop in again soon!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Fifth Avenue Floral, Sincere Salutations Paper: SU! Basic Gray, Shimmery White, Basic Black Ink: SU! Basic Gray and Craft White Other: SU! white EB, dimensionals, paper piercing, SU! Top Note die, SU! Manhattan Flower Textured die, SU! rhinestone brad, SU! corner rounder punch, SU! white taffeta ribbon, etc.

I've been Tagged!

Hello... I have something fun to share! I've been photo tagged by Debbie at Debbie P's Place and Shirley at A Crafty Spot. These ladies are such wonderful and talented paper crafters!! Debbie has been a sweet cyber friend that I've enjoyed over the past 4 months of my blogging career and Shirley is new to me and I'm totally digging her blog! I hope to get to know Shirley better as time goes on... :) Pop in to say "HI" to these wonderful ladies!!!

This is how it works... go into your picture files, open the 6th folder and post the 6th picture! I have a nature folder and this was my 6th photo. The metal flower garden art was given to me by my Niece, Anna, on my birthday in July. This flower bed is located in the front of the house. It was fun looking at my fall, spring and summer photo's... it gets me in the spring fever mode... LOL!

This next photo I just had to share as this is COOPER, our golden retriever age 4! :) This was taken 2 summers ago as he just had a bath and loves to show off after and play!! He's my buddy.... :)

Now I'm suppose to pass this on to 6 other people, but I'm going to pass this Photo Tag onto YOU!!! Enjoy as it's fun getting to know my blogging friends more and sharing!!

Thanks for popping in and I enjoy it when you do.... SMILES!

Michelle :)

Mojo Monday and CC204A Challenges... So FUN!

Hi paper crafters! Well, I surprised myself with posting 2 days in a row... WOW'za!! I just finished my Mojo Monday card and combined it with the Split Coast CC204A Color Challenge. (Using colors Creamy Caramel, Cameo Coral and Old Olive.) I have to admit the Creamy Caramel was a challenge for me, but I think I have this color added pretty well... LOL!

I used SU! Heart to Heart punch to add hearts to my scallop circle using SU! Love you Much set. I inked my stamp from "A Happy Heart" with SU! markers. I added Stardust and Fruit Punch stickles for "BLING" baby! My creamy caramel CS was dry embossed using my CB "Floral Fantasy" folder. Then taking a sponge with creamy caramel ink to soften the edges and sponge over the raised images to give depth.

This is a close up photo of my stickles and layering. Enjoy... :)

Have a super evening and stamp your {{Hearts}} out! Play along if you can with this weeks challenges. So much fun in deed! Thanks for popping in.... SMILES!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! A Happy Heart and Love You Much Paper: SU! Creamy Caramel, Cameo Coral, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, DP's (Scenic Route & Chatter Box) Ink: SU! markers Old Olive, Cameo Coral, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel Other: SU! Scallop Circle, Heart to Heart , 1 3/8" circle punches, scallop scissors, 1/16" hole punch, dimensionals, Stardust and Fruit Punch Stickles, SU! Ribbon (Taupe), CB Floral Fantasy folder,stamp positioner, etc.

Blog Award... FABULOUS!!

This blog award was giving to me by one of my sweetest cyber friends Lisa from The Craft's Meow .... Hi Lisa!! :) She is so sweet to pass this on to me and I'm ever grateful of her awesome talents!! You must give her a visit as she has the cutest SFYTT challenge card posted this week!!

This award comes with a requirement to list five of your addictions. Here are mine, in no particular order:

1. Paper Crafting!!... This is the obvious!! I've been doing it for 10+ years and can't get enough of it. Anything with paper, embellies, SU!, colored card stock, DP's, Paper Crafts issues, bling, etc.
2. Just the simple things in life!! (My hubby can relate as I'm not a high maintenance woman... LOL!) Less is more for me and a happy heart!
3. Chai Tea.... This brand I buy at Sam's Club and enjoy a cup every night! Not a "SUPER SIZED" version. Just a nice small cup to relax. Also I {{LOVE}} Diet Pepsi... He!
4. Spending a day at home, with my DH, Cooper, or even if it's just me only. As I enjoy freeing my mind of cell phones, traffic, questions, work, etc. I'll have music going, enjoy a Diet Pepsi and hang out... being in my craft room, cleaning, even laundry... I'm HAPPY! It's my "MINI Vacation"!
5. Blog Surfing.... such FABULOUS people in blog land and I've made so many friends in the past 4 months. You paper crafters just inspire me SOOOOO much and have such "AWESOME" talent.

I am passing this blog award on to anyone visiting my blog!! You are such great crafters and deserve an award for the inspiration you share!!! :)

I'm off to get some shut eye!!! Thanks for your time and visit... SMILES!!

Michelle :)

SFYTT & OCC... Wishing you a HAPPY Heart!

Happy Super Bowl Sunday everyone!! Are you ready for the big game?? We're going to have taco's and munchies. (Food is the best part... he!) I want to watch the fun commercials and the 1/2 time show should be great... Go ARIZONA!! :)

So I have a quick card to post before the game starts. This was inspired by SFYTT Challenge at i{heart}2stamp. Jen has such fun sketch challenges each week so pop in and play along! Also my card goes along with the OCC Challenge... Crazy for Hearts!

I used my SU! Curly Label, Heart to Heart and corner rounder punches. I created a banner using my stamp positioner being this saying is from the Happy Heart set, using Chocolate Chip and Rose Red markers. I sponged the edges on the Curly Labels with Chocolate Chip to add more brown and contrast. I CB my very vanilla strip on top with

my Swiss Dots folder.... and you know I like bling so I added Fruit Punch Stickles to my mini heart!! :)

So have a fun time tonight on what every you plan to do and we'll chat again soon! Thanks for popping in for a visit... I love it!

Michelle :)

Stamps: SU! Love You Much, A Happy Heart Paper: SU! Rose Red, Rose Romance, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink, DP (SU! Candy Lane) Ink: SU! Chocolate Chip, Rose Red Other: SU! Curly Label, Heart to Heart, and corner rounder punches, Fruit Punch Stickles, SU! Chocolate Chip ribbon, dimensionals, paper piercing, CB Swiss Dots folder, brads (k&i Memories), sponge, etc.