Creative Crafts by Lynn

Cluck, Cluck

2012-02-27T06:00:00.013-06:00

Just a fun card to greet everyone with this morning! Hope you had a marvelous weekend.

This little clucker is from Art Impressions stamps. Nothing fancy here but think it'll make a cute card for someone's birthday or other occasion. There's quite a few sentiments you could add to this, but thought I'd be nice and just give it the old "cluck, cluck"! I had every intention of doing a little zig zag stitching down that gingham panel, but it just didn't happen. Oh, well.... and I forgot to get a good photo shot of this when the sun was out so just said "OH, CLUCK" and put it on my post for today anyway!

I'll enter this in the challenge at Art Impressions (clean and simple or anything but).

Thanks for stopping by.....
Lynn

Driving Like Hell

2012-02-24T06:00:00.003-06:00

I don't know about a Funny Friday - but I do have a Fun Friday here I think........

I live in an extremely small town in Texas and the nearest "larger" town is Hondo (about 5,000 people!). Back in the 1930's (and NO, I was not even thought about then!!!) the Hondo Lions Club erected a sign on the main highway running through town. Due to many complaints by the citizens, in the 1940's they re-did the sign to include the word "Please". This is very much a "picture taking" attraction in Hondo and has been in many magazines, newspapers, etc. It even made the cover of National Geographic magazine! Sorry it's so blurry. Thought y'all may like to see it...........

Now on to my card........looks like this little guy and his dog didn't pay much attention to the sign at all! But they are having fun! The image is a freebie that I found on the OWH site. I made the cloud background using Tumbled Glass distress ink and tore some CTMH white core paper for the "ground". The image was colored with Prismas and then popped up. The sentiment is from OCL. I think this will be a fun card for a young boy - or maybe even a man, to bring back memories of his childhood.!

Thanks for stopping by..........
Lynn

You're a Star

2012-02-22T06:00:00.024-06:00

Well, my mojo seems to be making it's way back from Tahiti somewhat...I really wish it'd stayed there so I could go visit! I really do seem a little more in a creative mood the last day or two so that's a good thing. I was sitting here yesterday morning and thinking HOW can I get some creative juices flowing....and then remembered Mojo Monday! Ah, maybe that would help.....and it did! I like the sketch they have this week and decided to play along in the challenge............

I used the Star die from SU along with Night of Navy, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, and Very Vanilla. I embossed on the red and blue panel with the Swiss Dots folder and popped up the stars. The ribbon is some blue jean ribbon from SU that I bought quite a while back and never have used. I thought it went good on this masculine card so I'll enter it in the challenge Creative Card Crew (masculine) too. The sentiment is from Perfect Words (SU) and I topped that star with a silver star brad.

Thanks for stopping by............oh, and I have a FUN post coming up on Friday......
Lynn

CAS and Ribbon

2012-02-20T06:00:00.003-06:00

One of the challenges recently at Less is More or Casual Friday - or somewhere.....was to make a CAS card and use ribbon. As usual, I'm too late to enter it into the challenge but for some reason it stuck in my mind so decided to make one anyway.

This was actually going to be a one layer card (wouldn't you be proud of me, Kathy!), but it was just too flat looking. So after I stamped the squares and added the sentiment - and ribbon, I went back and stamped the squares again and popped them up and then angled them on top of the original ones. So much for a one layer card! The ribbon is some I found at Walmart in the sale bin and really like the colors. It has just a tiny tint of pink in it and is really pretty - just looks a little ucky in the photo!

Thanks for stopping by...............
Lynn

Gone to Tahiti

2012-02-18T06:00:00.013-06:00

I don't think it's ever too early to make cards for Christmas....so here's another one. I found this sketch over at Pals Paper Arts and will enter this into their challenge for the week. Clean and simple - but I have another Christmas card done for the year now!! The image is from SU's Beautiful Seasons and I paired it with Gold and Cherry Cobbler which I embossed with the Square Lattice die (SU).. The ribbon is pretty much the exact same color as Cherry Cobbler and I also used some shiny gold ribbon I had. The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes. I colored the image with Copics and then used a Spica red pen for the berries. It was lightly sponged with Antique Linen.

My mojo has gone to Tahiti....Bottom Line!!! It left me all alone here in Texas to fend for myself....and I'm really not liking this deal at all! HOPEFULLY it'll return soon - um....or maybe I'll just head on over to Tahiti to visit!

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.......and thanks for stopping by.......
Lynn

Going in Circles

2012-02-16T06:00:00.029-06:00

Every week I keep saying I'm going to play along in the Sketch Saturday challenge - and then just don't seem to get over there and do it! This week, I decided that no matter what, I was going to play along. They always have nice sketches and a sketch is usually my starting point in creating a card. Ok, so Saturday I buzzed (no pun intended here) over there and almost fainted when I saw the sketch (check it out on their blog)! I mean, c'mom, what am I going to do with all these circles!!! Yikes! But, I'd made up my mind to try - so here goes........

I subbed some of the smaller circles for these cute little bees and used my Just Buzzing By (SU) set. That DP was the very last tiny bit of scrap I had but it was just enough to do the top layer and punch out two circles. I used some black texture paper also. The hive was colored with Copics - as were the little bees. I added the ribbon and bow (with my Bow-Easy) and also ran a bit of black and white twine over the ribbon. A lot of buzzing bees on this card!

Anyway, I'll enter this into the sketch challenge over at Sketch Saturday, and also at Tuesday Throwdown (to use twine) and Cupcake Craft challenge (entwined).

I don't have a Funny Friday for tomorrow but will be back soon!
Thanks for stopping by...........
Lynn

Creative Belli Challenge

2012-02-15T06:00:00.012-06:00

It's time again for another challenge over at the Creative Belli blog! Our challenge, that will run for two weeks, is a Recipe Challenge - 1 Ribbon, 2 Design Papers, 3 Colors, and 4 Gems (pearls). Remember that in keeping with the spirit of the Belli challenges, to use your old and forgotten embellishments!

I used some Echo park DP along with Old Olive, Green, and White. The bird was punched with SU punches (Punch Potpourri) along with the little branches and the scallop edge. The square rhinestones are from CTMH that I've had forever and always forget to use. I used a very old Crazy 4 Challenge sketch for my card.

Be sure and head on over to Creative Belli and enter your creation!

Thanks for stopping by.........
Lynn

Majestic

2012-02-13T06:15:00.016-06:00

This is one of the images from In Wilderness from SU. Not too many things are more majestic than an eagle and this will be a good birthday card (even though it's not until October) for my brother who is an avid bird watcher. Of course he'd probably pass out completely if he saw one of these in this part of Texas, so guess he'll just have to look at it on his card.

I used some Soft Suede and Very Vanilla card stock along with DP from CTMH. The DP has a little blue in in so I sponged the Very Vanilla with Tumbled Glass distress ink and then stitched and distressed on there and also on the three panels. (My sewing machine actually cooperated a little better on this card! LOL) The image is framed using Spellbinders Label 10 - with embossing on the one in Soft Suede. After popping the image up on dimensionals, I added some Baker's twine and a SU brad. The sketch is from The House That Stamps Built and I'll enter it in their challenge.

I'll also enter it in the challenges at Stampin For the Weekend (Color Inspiration), Hot Shot Craft (One for the Boys), and Digi Doodle Shop (also, One for the Boys).

Thanks for stopping by.......
Lynn

Stamps R Us Challenge

2012-02-13T06:00:00.023-06:00

Time for another challenge over at Stamps R Us and our theme is Anything Goes! We're being sponsored by Digital Delights by Louby Loo who provided the cute images. You have two weeks to enter, so come on over and join in on the fun.

We have a bit of news at the Stamps R Us Challenge - We'll be closing the doors and this will be our last challenge. You can read more about this on our blog. We'd like to thank everyone who participated in our challenges and we loved seeing so many wonderful creations! Thanks you!

I've used Birthday Cupcake Timmy on my card for today. Is it bright enough for everyone!!! I used some K and Company DP and Brilliant Blue on here. The little "Smile" tag is something I've had in my stash forever.

Oh, and before you even start questioning this..... NO, I was not drunk when I was stitching around the edges...I'd love to say it's just the camera angle in the photo here, but....um.......the truth is that I just couldn't seem to control the sewing machine any better! Sometimes it really has a mind of it's own, you know, and it just went wild on this card! LOL!

Be sure and check out the Stamps R Us Challenges and enter for a chance to win!

Thanks for stopping by..............
Lynn

Enjoy Your Suds

2012-02-10T06:00:00.003-06:00

Just thought I'd give you a few things to think about over the weekend......

Making the bed each morning - Why do we do that when all we're going to do is crawl back in it at night? It just doesn't make a lot of sense!

Eating - I've always said if I could just take a pill and get the same feeling....think of all the money we'd save on food, dishes, dish soap, etc...and what a waste of time!

And last but not least - The Bath! - Ok, now stop and think about how much water we're wasting just to get our body clean - and there's water shortages all over the world! But we take that daily bath. Of course we may smell better, but if no one ever took a bath, we'd all smell the same - Right?

This little guy from Dude Time Doodles is taking his yearly bath - and why take more than that - I really don't think there's any little gals waiting in line to give him a hug anyway! He really is a cutie though and love his toothbrush and jug. Of course you can already guess this will be a birthday card and will hopefully put a smile on some guys face.

Hope you have a good weekend thinking about some of these things.........and thanks for stopping by!
Lynn

Country Kisses

2012-02-08T06:00:00.015-06:00

Several weeks ago I was lucky enough to win this adorable Sarah Kay clear stamp from Cheryl's blog! (Thanks again Cheryl!) I'm already checking around now for more of these stamps as it's just too cute. The little girl in the hat reminds of me "Sunbonnet Sue" - I know, I'm old to be remembering that - what can I say!! LOL! My design is based on the case study challenge over at Penny Black Saturday challenge - but since it's not a Penny Black image I can't enter it there. I will, however, enter it in the challenge over at the Ribbon Carousel Challenge (Anything Goes - but include ribbon, twine, etc.).

Hope everyone is having a great week - and thanks for stopping by............
Lynn

With Love

2012-02-06T06:00:00.013-06:00

I'm really hoping this is my very last Valentine's Day card....getting a little tired of them now! LOL! If I don't get off my duff and get busy creating this week though I may have to post another Valentine that I did several weeks ago.

A very CAS card again using one of the Hand Penned Holidays sentiments from SU , the Swiss dots embossing folder, red card stock, and the ribbon......Ah, the ribbon! Last year I went to a gift/florist shop that was closing and they had everything in it for 90 % off. I found this ribbon for like a quarter and I know there must be at least 50 yards on the spool. I call it the Hairy Ribbon since it ravels out on the edges. LOL!

Thanks for stopping by..............
Lynn

Tails of Love

2012-02-03T06:00:00.011-06:00

The reason you're not seeing a Funny Friday today is because I wanted to make a card to enter into the House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge where you have to use more than one heart. They're also having a blog hop so you may want to check that out. I've used the Tails of True Love image from House Mouse designs.

Now, all of y'all know I do NOT "do" flowers! I see all of these lovely cards with absolute bouquets on them and see how beautiful they are....and then when I try to do that, it just looks like I've slapped some artificial flowers on there (as I've said before). I'm trying once again with this card though - and yes, it probably does look like I slapped them on here but I actually took my time with them and tried to arrange them in somewhat of a decent manner! I kept wanting to use "the rule of three", but three were too many, one was not enough, and two are what you get!!! That sort of sounds like Goldilocks and the Three Bears! LOL!! They're a mauve color and go with the pink and plum pretty good. I used the Heart embossing folder on the Pretty in Pink panel and the DP is from Paper Studio. I also used some Perfect Plum - it actually matches (in a lighter shade) the solid background on the DP but I can't get the camera to cooperate with that it seems! I off-set the oval and lacy oval nesti and then added the image that was colored with Prisma pencils.
The sketch I used is from Seems A Little Sketchy and I'll also enter it in their challenge.

Sorry I've been missing in action.....will return tomorrow to visit all your wonderful blogs!

Thanks for stopping by........and hope everyone has a great weekend.
Lynn

Hearts and Valentines

2012-02-01T06:00:00.023-06:00

At Creative Belli this week the challenge is themed Heart/Valentines! You have one week to submit your entry and be sure and check out all the inspiration from the Design Team. Remember, in keeping with the spirit of the Belli Challenge, use your old and forgotten embellishments!

I decided to go VERY clean and simple with my hearts and lovin' you Valentine. The image was a free digi from Beyond the Fringe and I added a SU sentiment to it. The ribbon is some from my stash and the little heart charm was buried under a bunch of unused stuff I had. As I said, a clean and simple (git 'er done) card but will be a cute one for the upcoming Valentine's Day celebration.

I'm going to be taking a small (very small) blogging break here but hopefully will return on Saturday or Sunday. I may try to post a card for Friday (not a Funny Friday though - maybe next week!) but we'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks for stopping by..........and be sure and head on over to the Creative Belli blog and submit your entry.
Lynn

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge

2012-01-31T01:00:00.007-06:00

This is my last post as a Guest Designer for the Tuesday Throwdown Challenge. It's really been fun and I've enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks so much, ladies!

The challenge this week is themed From the Heart. Be sure and check out all the wonderful inspiration from the DT and come on over and enter your project. We're being sponsored by Dearie Dolls Digis, who so graciously provided the images.

I used this cute little pre-colored image that had all the sentiments with it. When you don't have time (or just don't want to color images) the pre-colored ones are the route to do. I used some Cherry Cobbler, So Saffron, and Walk in the Park DP on here. The flower is a die cute from Tim Holtz along with a SU punch and I dampened the edges and kind of curled them up a little (although it may be hard to see that in the photo).

Thanks for stopping by ...... and be sure and head on over to Tuesday Throwdown Challenge.
Lynn

Toadily in Love

2012-01-30T06:00:00.023-06:00

Love is in the air over at the Stamps R Us Challenge blog! Come on over and join in all the fun as our theme is Valentine/Love. You have two weeks to complete your project and submit to our challenge. This really shouldn't be much of a challenge for anyone this time as it seems we're all busy making Valentine's Day cards or projects right now. We're being sponsored by Robyn's Fetish - who so graciously gave us the images to work with for this challenge. Be sure and check out the Stamps R Us challenge to see all the great creations by the DT.

I love the expression on the "she froggies" face - "um....do I really want to get involved with this "he froggie" with all those spots on his chest...what if they're catching! But, then again, he's got CANDY"!

It's a fun image (and you can find it in the shop at Robyn's Fetish) and would make a cute Valentine's card for someone.

Thanks for stopping by........and be sure and check out our challenge at Stamps R Us.
Lynn

Holy Cow

2012-01-27T06:00:00.017-06:00

A while back I saw a card on Allison's blog and she had used this Holy Cow image from Bugaboo. I believe it was a freebie at the time, but as usual I'm a day late and a dollar short.......Anyway, I left a comment on her blog since it was so cute and she e-mailed to let me know that Bugaboo was having a sale at that time and I could get it in the store.. It only took about two minutes to scoot over there and get this cute image on sale.....So....

I'm back in the "I don't want to create anything" moo(d) again, but did manage to get this one done yesterday and think it'll be cute for a teenage birthday - I'm always needing those type of cards. I've been working on my sponging some and tried again on this one. Maybe one of these days I'll get the hang of it. Next time though I'll do the sponging and then the stitching so it'll show up a little better. Since this is for a teenage girl I added a rhinestone to the tail and a couple on the sentiment and, of course, a little glitter on the wings.

Just a note - Thanks so much to Donna over at Designing Keepsakes for passing the Liebster Award over to me! When you get a chance be sure and check out her fabulous blog! Thanks, Donna!

Thanks for stopping by.........and have a great weekend!
Lynn

Mousing Around

2012-01-25T06:00:00.007-06:00

How about a relaxing little card for today!! The challenge at House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge is to make a black and white card. Oh, how I really wanted to put a big old dollop of red (or yellow, green, purple...) on here but a challenge is a challenge...right!

I used some Paper Studio and Echo Park DP on this card. The black and white diamond patterned paper reminds me of a bathroom tile floor.....um...oh, well........I added some Stickles to some of the bubbles and lightly tinted this little guys (or gals) fur. Weird thing about the Stickles I added.....it actually has blue flecks in it yet in the picture they appear brownish. Strange! The sentiment is from MFP. The sketch I used - and you'll be seeing a lot more of this since I LOVE it is from Deconstructed Sketches and I'll also enter this in their challenge.

Thanks for stopping by.....and have a very relaxing day........
Lynn

Charming Snow

2012-01-24T05:00:00.002-06:00

The challenge over at Tuesday Throwdown this week (where I'm a guest designer) is themed: Charms! We're being sponsored by Bugaboo who so graciously provided the images for the DT. Please take a moment and check out the Tuesday Throwdown blog and all the DT creations. You have one week to submit your entry using charms.

I used this cute little snowman and made a CAS card. I did him all up in some red and added a tad of glitter to his hat and some to the "snow" under him.....added some red ribbon, twine, and a bow......and of course, the little charm. As I said, a very simple card.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure and check out the Tuesday Throwdown challenge.
Lynn

Whimsy Times Three

2012-01-23T06:00:00.005-06:00

I finally broke down a week or so ago and ordered a Memory Box Die! I wasn't sure if it would work in my Cuddlebug, but it did and I love it. Now all I have to do is decide what other dies I want from them! I mean, I NEED them, right!!! LOL
I made three super simple (git 'er done") cards using this die!

For this first one, I left some of the die intact and dotted glue behind it so the little pieces wouldn't fall out. I used some red texture paper and a CTMH heart that I embossed. The sentiment is Well Scripted from SU. (The sewing was a little ratty on the edges - but hopefully you can just over look that!)

The owl on this card was done with the SU punch - that I always forget I have. Again I used the Whimsy Circle die and punched out all the little pieces. The sentiment is from Perfect Words - SU. And note the pink lined circle inside the circle.....I used a SU marker on this and finally found out how to do it after chatting with Donna over at Designing Keepsakes. Super simple and should have been able to figure that one out by myself - what can I say......um...maybe old age creeping in faster than I thought!!

And......I used some purple texture card stock and placed the butterfly from the SU Flores Suaves set in the center. The sentiment is from the SU Upsy Daisy set and I stamped this in White Craft and then used some white embossing powder.

Enough "whimsy" for today I guess.......Just wanted to show off my new die with some simple cards.

Hope everyone has a great week and thanks for stopping by.............
Lynn

What's For Dinner?

2012-01-20T06:00:00.038-06:00

The nice part about living in the country is that you don't have any traffic and you get to see all kinds of wildlife. The downside of the country is, first and foremost - no craft stores nearby...and also no restaurants or fast food joints. So,,,,,,,here's the conversation that came about the other night......

Jim - What's for dinner?
Lynn - I don't know.
Jim - (blank stare....) well?
Lynn - (I must have been in one of my moods....) Look, I'm tired of thinking of what to cook, cooking it, and then having to clean it up, so, we're having nothing or whatever you can find. I mean, come on, do I look like Paula Deen!!
Jim - (HUGE SMILE on his face) Great!!!

I left the room for a minute and when I returned, THIS was sitting on the table!!!

Lynn - What in the devil is THAT?
Jim - (Still a huge smile on his face) Vienna Sausage and that's what I'm having along with some crackers!
Lynn - Um...great combo and so healthy. I don't think I'll share any of that with you though! That's just nasty looking!

Can you believe this!! I mean, I've been cooking for years - and the man is lovin' Vienna Sausage!!! Yikes! And the way he plopped it on that plate! I thought I was going to pee right in my pants I was laughing so hard! (One side note here - Jim and I actually share in the cooking, cleaning it up, and all that - just didn't want anyone to think I was the maid here!)

So, anyway (if you're still with me after all this gibberish), I made a card for him so when he decides to have such a scrumptious meal in the future I'll give him this little card to go along with it.

I'll enter this is the challenge at Daring Cardmakers (theme Kitchenalia)

Thanks for stopping by.....and hope this puts a smile on your face!
Lynn

Frame it Up

2012-01-18T06:00:00.016-06:00

The challenge over at Creative Belli begins today and lasts for the next two weeks. Our theme is "Frames". This can be a frame on your card, scrapbook page, or an actual frame as I did. Be sure and check out all the creations from the DT to be inspired by so many different frames and find out all the details for the challenge. In keeping with the spirit of the challenges at Creative Belli, we encourage you to use your old and forgotten embellishemnts.

Instead of going with a frame on a card, I used a regular wooden picture frame that I've had close to forever. My husband has been wanting me to get a picture of our little doxie (Rambo) framed and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. (Note, he did not ask for a framed picture of me - just Rambo! I really know where I rate in this household!!!) Since this little guy's name is Rambo I HAD to go with the camo paper. I stamped some little paw prints around it and added the milk bone, (after spraying clear adhesive on it) twine, and his dog tag from last year. I spelled out Rambo using chipboard that I sponged in Soft Suede. I have no idea when the last time was that I used any chipboard and seem to have a ton of it.

I'll enter this in the challenge at Simon Says Stamp and Show (Anything but a Card).

Thanks for stopping by.........and be sure and check out the Creative Belli Challenge and submit your entry.
Lynn

Dream a Little

2012-01-17T01:00:00.003-06:00

The challenge over at Tuesday Throwndown (which I'm the guest designer for this month) is themed "Neutral Colors". The challenge is being sponsored by Stitchy Bear who so graciously provided the images you'll see on all the DT creations when you visit the Tuesday Throwdown blog. Be sure and check out all the details for the challenge and submit your entry.

I know when you saw this you probably thought you were in the wrong place somehow as this is not my usual type of card. I did enjoy making it though and tried to keep all the colors neutral along with the black. I completed the entire card and thought it looked ok and then when I took a photo of it realized it just had to have that bow at the top. I sponged around the image with some Antique Linen and around the DP panels very lightly in black. I didn't have any pearls to match any of this, so I colored them with Copics. The beige ribbon is also from my stash.

Be sure and head on over to Tuesday Throwdown and submit your entry for the Neutral colors challenge.

Thanks for stopping by..........
Lynn

Just Kidding Around

2012-01-16T06:00:00.031-06:00

It's time for another challenge over at Stamps R Us with our theme being "Just Kidding Around". We'd like to see your projects that have been created for "the kids". We're being sponsored by Bugaboo so come on over and submit your entry for a chance to win a wonderful prize package! Be sure and check out all the inspiration from the DT when you go to our challenge blog. All of our images were provided for by Bugaboo - thanks so much for this!

I elected to use this cute little cheerleader and do her all up in pink since I'll be sending this to my youngest granddaughter who turns 1 year old next month. Of course you know I had to put "you're number 1" on the inside.....is that original or what!!! LOL! The patterned paper is from Paper Studio and that panel of solid pink is some handmade paper that my blogging bud Monica sent me. It's just so pretty and shiny. Thanks again Monica. I popped up the nestie and then cut the image out and popped her up too.

I'll enter this in the challenges at Art Impressions Stamps and Do You Stack Up (both themed Pink).

(A short note here - several have said they had been unable to leave a comment on my posts and were just getting a blank page......thanks to Shelly (a blogging buddy) she directed me to a site to explain what to do to correct this. I've changed a setting under comments so hopefully no one will have any more problems with this. If you still do, please e-mail me at jimlynn01@yahoo.com - or you can just e-mail to say hi too! LOL!)

Thanks for stopping by.........and be sure and check out the Stamps R Us Challenge and submit your entry.
Lynn

Fleas

2012-01-14T06:00:00.005-06:00

Thought I'd post a fun little card on this great Saturday morning to start your weekend off right!

I hate fleas! They rank right up there with snakes, spiders, and scorpions! Nothing worse than reaching down to give a pup or a kitty a pet and coming back with fleas all over you. (Rambo gets his "keep 'em off flea pill" every month) I just don't like the little critters..........

Anyway, I do like this stamp set by Paper Smooches! The first time I saw this set was on Karen's blog and it just was one of those "I HAVE to have it" stamp sets. So, right after Christmas i {heart}papers was having a sale and I found this (along with a couple other things of course) and grabbed it! The sketch is one I saw on Lucy's Cards blog last week and thought this little guy would be perfect for it. I decided to just use some twine on the right side of this instead of sewing as was suggested in the sketch. The background paper is from Basic Grey.

Thanks for stopping by.........and have a great weekend.
Lynn

Nuthatch

2012-01-12T06:00:00.003-06:00

Pretty much a quick card for today. I recently won this image from Mark's Finest Papers and thought it would be just perfect to send to a cousin on mine. He has been having so many medical problems recently, lives alone, and has no family close by. I just wanted him to know I was thinking of him. I just never think about sending "thinking of you" cards to males - and sometimes they need to know that they're not forgotten too.

The sketch I used is from Victorine Originals and I'll enter this in their challenge. The DP is from K and Company and the image is framed with Label 1 nestie. I used SU markers on the image and also used my Stardust glitter pen to highlight the branches and pine cones (although you can't see that in the photo). Since this will be for a male, I used the twine instead of ribbon and then topped it with a brad.

I'll also enter this in the challenges at Party Time Tuesday (use a feathered friend), Crafty Cardmakers (no floral embellishments), Stampin Sisters in Christ (thinking of you), and Stamp, Scrap, and Doodle (winter something).

Thanks for stopping by...........
Lynn

Tuesday Throwdown Guest Designer

2012-01-10T01:00:00.007-06:00

I received an e-mail from Davi over at Tuesday Throwdown last week wanting to know if I'd like to be the Guest Designer for January! Whoa....you could have blown me over with a feather - so excited! Of course I said a great big YES, so here I am.......

The challenge for this week at Tuesday Throwdown is "Baby, it's cold outside". Catherine Pooler, who is a independent SU demonstrator is providing a wonderful prize for this challenge! Be sure and check out all the fabulous creations by the DT and come on over and play along.

The image is from a set called To You and Yours from SU. I used some Baja Breeze (now sadly retired) card stock, DP and ribbon because I think this color gives it a wintery feel. I colored the image with SU markers and then added glitter on the ground and roof. You really have to look close to see the glitter, but believe me it's there! I think everything I used on this card is from SU except for the glitter and snowflake embossing folder...oh, and of course the nestie too. This card really can be used for a Christmas card or just a "winter" card.

I'll enter this in the challenge at Mark's Finest Papers (Use brads or eyelets) and Dilly Beans (winter wonderland).

Thanks for stopping by......and be sure and check out the Tuesday Throwdown challenge!!!
Lynn

Talking Texan

2012-01-06T06:00:00.008-06:00

We're going to "talk Texan" here for a minute........

Bless your heart - now this can mean so many different things - "So glad you got that toilet fixed - bless your heart", "heard you had a car accident today", "so sad about your pot-bellied pig getting sick", "heard you just won the lottery", etc.

Fixin' To - Us Texan always put "fixin' to" in front of things like - "I'm fixin' to go to the store", I'm fixin' to have a hissy willy fit", "I'm fixin' to kick your legs out from under you", etc.

And last but not least - Y'all - This is probably self explanatory.

One thing we DON'T say in Texas though is "rootin' tootin" - but that saying is just so darn cute I had to use this sentiment from Dude Time Doodles and put in on my card!

YeeHaw.....I really need to work on my sewing! And please note that the line looking thing on the left side by the image is nothing more than one of the fibers off the twine (looks a little hairy), but I'm just too lazy to go snap another photo right now. This little gal is an image from Art Impressions...don't you love those teeth!

I'll enter this is the challenge over at Art Impressions Stamps - Anything Goes.

Thank y'all for stopping by....... Bless your heart (for being such a good blogging buddy!) and now I'm fixin' to go do a little more crafting!

Lynn

Belli Challenge 134

2012-01-04T06:00:00.024-06:00

This is my first post as a Belli Girl and I'm so excited. The theme of this challenge is Snowflakes! Check out the Creative Belli Challenge blog to see all the wonderful creations by the design team. So much inspiration! You have two weeks to submit your entry in the challenge and if you're chosen as a Belle you'll be asked to be a guest designer on one of our challenges and receive a badge for your blog.

In keeping with the spirit of the Belli Challenges , we encourage you to use your OLD and FORGOTTEN embellishments. Be sure and pop on over to the Belli Challenges and show us your snowflakes!!

I usually have to make several birthday cards this time of year and always try to give them a wintery type look. I think the snowflake and cardinal fit the bill (no pun intended!). I've used some old DP scraps that I had laying around and a nestie I seldom use to showcase the pretty cardinal. The snowflake was made with a MS punch and I added a button that came off a shirt of mine last year! The white brads were added at the top. I have so many white brads and always forget to use them......Maybe I just have too much stuff! The cardinal was colored with Copics and I added some shine to the branches with a Stardust pen.

(Oh, and be prepared.....I have another Funny Friday coming up this week!)

Thanks for stopping by.......and if you have snow in your area, send it to South Texas! I always say if it's going to be cold, it might as well snow! Be sure and enter the Belli Challenge and show us some snowflakes!

Lynn

Rockin'

2012-01-02T06:00:00.026-06:00

Hope everyone had a good New Year's day....and ready to rock into a new year! It's time for another challenge at the Stamps R Us Challenge blog and we want you to "Show Us What You Got" (like some new crafting supply for Christmas) OR Anything Goes!! It just can't get any easier than that, right! You have two weeks to post your entry so come on over and play along! Our sponsor is Stamping Boutique, who so graciously provided the DT with images. Thank you!

The Stamping Boutique image I used is named Max. I'm always needing cards for teens and thought that little Max would be a winner. Notice those cool stars..........I bought this die from SU as a gift to myself for Christmas! I figured if Santa forgot about me, I'd at least have something under the tree! LOL!

I've been such a slacker over the holidays and not creating much at all - if any! Hopefully, I'll get with the program this week now and get moving forward again. I mean I'd rather be doing that than cleaning and organizing for sure!

I'll enter this in the challenge at Here Come The Boys (theme- Rock and Roll).

(Please note that the card I did on 12-29-11 titled "You've Got Mail" was a CASE from Linda's blog. I failed to mention it at that time as I could not remember where I'd seen her card. If you get a chance be sure and check out Liinda's blog as it's wonderful.)

Thanks for stopping by....and be sure and check out the Stamps R Us Challenge blog..
Lynn

Don't Drink and Drive

2011-12-31T06:00:00.004-06:00

Just a really quick card to wish everyone a Happy New Year - be safe, don't drink and drive, and have a wonderful weekend.

Thanks for all your support and comments. They mean so much to me. What a wonderful craft to be involved in, blogging friends worldwide, and a good life. Thank you!!!

Lynn

You've Got Mail

2011-12-29T06:00:00.007-06:00

Since I haven't been able to get my mind wrapped around making any cards the last few days, I thought I'd show you one of the Christmas cards that I made for this year and sent out.

The main thing I liked about this was that it was easy to mail - no bulk and no extra postage. You just gotta love those kinds of cards. The image is from Just Inklined and I think everything on the card is pretty self explanatory.

I'm really hoping some kind of inspiration hits me in the head in the next day or so. I just seem to be in a huge slump around here. I do have some exciting news though! I'm now officially a Belli Girl design team member! Come check out the Creative Belli blog and join in on all the fun. We have a new challenge every two weeks - and you still have time to enter the current challenge themed Merry Christmas. Also, be sure and pop over to all the design team members blogs....I'm very honored to be on the design team with these fantastic artists!

Sorry I haven't been around to everyone's blog lately......just still too much going on with kids and grandchildren popping in every day. Will the holidays ever officially be over with!!! I'll get back in the groove in the next few days and will be by to visit.

(Edited 1-1-12 - This card is a CASE from I card I saw on Linda's blog. If you get a chance be sure and check out her wonderful blog.
)
Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn

The Birthday Cow

2011-12-26T06:00:00.005-06:00

Hope everyone had a great Christmas! I'm going to try to get into my craft area some this week and hopefully get back in the card making mood.

This cute little birthday cow is an image I received from Becky (thanks again!). She's from La La Land Crafts and is just too stinking cute. The sentiment is from CTMH. A very simple little card but think it'll be cute for someone's birthday in the coming new year.

Thanks for stopping by...........
Lynn

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T06:00:00.010-06:00

This is what happens when you get older and the children are too big to have their picture taken with Santa!
I'm not sure who was more miserable - Rambo or Santa!

Have a wonderful Christmas!
Lynn

Oh Deer!

2011-12-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

This is the last of the Christmas cards I'll be showing for the year (maybe). Clean, simple, and "git 'er done. What can I say except we have three little deer all in a row here....but they all must be Rudolph since they all have the red rhinestone noses.

I'll enter this in the challenges at Mark's Finest Papers (Christmas), Paper and Such Design Blog (Last minute Christmas card - CAS), and Crafty Card Makers (Use it 3 Times).

I won't be having a Funny Friday this week........but WILL be having a VERY FUN Friday! I guarantee what I have to show you will put a big smile on your face and you'll still be smiling next week just thinking about it!

Thanks for stopping by.........and don't forget to pop back in on Friday.
Lynn

Young Vermillion

2011-12-19T06:00:00.004-06:00

I'm not very chatty today - maybe because I'm just busy with all the last minute things going on this week for Christmas. I did get all the cookies finished yesterday! I DO love making Christmas cookies - you know, bake two and then eat a slice of cookie dough, bake two more, and another slice of dough! Yum!!!

This is a stamp from SU called Young Vermillion. I paired it with some SU patterned paper and think it'll make a nice card for a male.

Hope everyone has a great week and thanks for stopping by...........
Lynn

Your Christmas Gift

2011-12-16T06:00:00.005-06:00

Well, I warned you to get the sunglasses out, didn't I!

I'm sure everyone has done this, but when I started planning out this card I had exactly in my mind what it would look like. And let me tell ya, it was spectacular. The paper was going to match the image perfect, a great design, and everything was going to be P-E-R-F-E-C-T! I'm not real sure what happened but it surely doesn't look anything like what I'd planned on! But, here goes anyway.....

Meet Ms. Fairy Grand Ma.......She's from Just Inklined and as cute as can be. I first saw this image on Tammy's blog - she does the cutest cards with Just Inklined images and always has wonderful stories to go with her creations.

If I dressed up like this you probably couldn't tell the difference between Granny and me! Love the bloomers and of course those saggy boobs (no, I don't have the saggy boobs - yet)! I forgot to take a photo of the inside and it's already been sent to a friend...but inside it says, "I'll grant your Christmas wish this year"! Pretty scary thought, isn't it!

So, what would you like as your Christmas gift this year?

Thanks for stopping by..........keep smiling and have a great weekend.
Lynn

How About Some Snow

2011-12-14T06:00:00.033-06:00

I thought I'd started out in a pretty good humor on doing all the Christmas cards for this year and actually enjoyed making most of them. We're getting down to the wire here and they seem to be getting pretty clean and simple now in order to get finished. And to be honest........I'm tired of making Christmas cards!!!

But, since I do love Christmas and it only comes once a year.... here's another one......

This card is made with Kraft paper and a couple of strips of more Basic Grey DP. The image is from Beyond the Fringe and was a freebie. Isn't this snowman just so perfect! Take a minute and go check out this great site. I know you'll love it. Anyway, I printed it out on the Kraft paper and then again on white. I cut out the images on the white one and popped it on top of the one that was printed on the Kraft (didn't want to have to cut out those little arms so they are showing through from the one printed on Kraft).

We NEVER get snow down this far in Texas - well, I'll say very seldom anyway. When it does snow here the schools close for several days, numerous auto accidents occur (no one knows how to drive in that white stuff down here), and adults become little children, out building snowmen and throwing snowballs (have you ever tried to build a snowman out of about a half inch of snow!!!). We always say if it's going to get cold down here it might as well make it worth while and go ahead and snow! So, bottom line here is that if I can't have snow, I'll just have a snowman on paper!

Thanks for stopping by..........oh, and I'll be having another Funny Friday this week - so grab your sunglasses and get ready!

Lynn

SRU Angel Challenge

2011-12-12T06:00:00.002-06:00

The challenge at Stamps R Us beginning today and lasting for three weeks instead of our normal two weeks this go round, is themed Angels. Our sponsor, A Day for Daisies, so graciously gave us some precious images to work with. Check out the Stamps R Us blog and look at all the wonderful creations by the DT. The winner of this challenge will receive a fabulous prize package from our sponsor.

This was a really hard challenge for me. If you've been following my blog for a while you know I don't do the sweet and girly type cards just real well. But.....I gave it the "old college try" and here's what you get!

This isn't your normal Christmas tree but if you have the right spirit of Christmas, any tree will do. I like the little flowers she's hanging on here. Ok, so here's what I did with the card......I used some Bashful Blue and some unknown pink DP that I had - stitched around the edges of the pink - framed the image using a nestie - added a couple of snowflakes and the ribbon! I also popped up the wings and added some glitter to them too.

I'll enter this in the challenges at Sweet Stampin Challenge (things with wings) and Dutch Dare Card Challenges (winged things).

Thanks for stopping by.........and be sure and enter the Stamps R Us Challenge.
Lynn

Jingle All The Way

2011-12-08T06:00:00.006-06:00

It's already been a crazy week around here - and it's not over with yet! I usually post something on Wednesday - but didn't get around to it this week. Hopefully I'll get back in the groove in the next day or two and get some things created. Maybe I'm suffering from Christmas card burn-out! Right now though I'm just trying to finish the last of the litter (Raggedy Andy doll) in Christmas gifts!

What's not to love about Dasher (SU). To me it's one of those images that you could use all year long - if Christmas lasted that long.....sigh......He's stamped in Versa Mark and embossed in silver. The ribbon is some I've had close to forever and just never think about using it. Same way with the gingham patterned paper. I think I've had these two little pieces for about a year. I'm thinking I need to remember to get some more red and white gingham - especially with Valentine's Day right around the corner. Anyway.....I added some little silver bells to the ribbon, made a double bow with the Bow-Easy, and then added some white "greenery" under the bow.

I'll enter this in the following challenges: Skipping Stones Designs (Sketch - check it out on their blog), Creative Belli Challenges (Winter/Christmas), Creative Card Crew (Tis the Season), Kaboodle Doodles (Colors of Christmas), and Dolce Stamps and Cards (cards with some shine).

Thanks for stopping by.........
Lynn

Beautiful Seasons

2011-12-05T06:00:00.004-06:00

I recently discovered a blog called Crafting Clare's Paper Moments (by Vicky) and immediately fell in love with all the creations there. Vicky is a SU demonstrator and just always has the prettiest cards and projects. Please take a moment and check out this wonderful site! A couple of weeks ago she kept showing cards using different images of birds on them - and oh my goodness, were they ever pretty. I finally broke down and ordered a couple of SU sets (Beautiful Seasons is the one I've used on this card) and decided I was going to CASE one of her cards. No way did that happen!! Hers are so pretty and every time I'd try to do one, it just was not looking as nice.......So, I just made one of my own.

I've colored this image with Prisma pencils and then lightly sponged around it with Antique Linen distress ink. I think the background paper is from My Minds Eye - but not sure on that one. That Cherry Cobbler paper from SU is an exact match for the DP though. The sentiment was completed with the Teeny Tiny Wishes and SU punches. I popped up the image on dimensionals and placed small gold brads in the four corners.

Thanks for stopping by.........and hope everyone has a great week.
Lynn

If Mama Ain't Happy

2011-12-02T06:00:00.004-06:00

This little "mama" (Ethel from Just Inklined) is NOT a happy person. And when "Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"! I wish I had a dollar for every time my children probably thought I looked just like this. Usually when I got "that look" they would scatter in all different directions. I still get "the look" on occasion but it's directed more at hubby and Rambo (our doxie) now as the kids are all grown and have families of their own.. I can almost guarantee that my daughter gets this same "look" now that she has children of her own!

I'll probably have to send this to my sister in law. Her grown children STILL scatter when she gets "the look" - mine just laugh now!

Just wanted to take a minute and thank everyone so very much for all the wonderful comments you've been leaving on my blog. They mean so much to me. Thanks!

Also, thought I'd give you an update on my husband - and again, thanks for the comments, thoughts, and prayers for him. He seems to be healing pretty good now but it's just going to take a while. We saw the doctor on Monday and thought maybe he'd be able to get off the wound vac, but not so. He has at least another two weeks - if not longer - on that. I'm thinking he's getting a little tired of me having to help him bathe, get dressed, and all that kind of good stuff - but "Little Miss Sunshine" here just tries to keep him in good spirits and laughing. Some days the "sunshine" gets a little cloudy, but then I bounce back pretty quick. LOL! Anyway, thanks for your concern for him.

Keep smiling, have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for stopping by.........
Lynn

Christmas Tree and Happy Holidays

2011-11-30T06:00:00.001-06:00

Two VERY clean and simple cards for Christmas:

The Christmas Tree - using Snow Swirled from SU. I heat embossed the tree in Silver and it's matted with Night of Navy. The bow (navy, also) looks almost black in the photo. The pearls were colored with Copics.

My second card is using a sentiment from CTMH and I've heat embossed it in gold. I dry embossed the white panel with the Swirls embossing folder. The woven type ribbon is actually some that I've had for several years that came off a Christmas package.

What's the deal here......I'm not chatty at all! Not to worry though, I'm sure I'll be back with my usual bull soon enough - like maybe for another Funny Friday (if I can get my act together by then)!

Thanks for stopping by..............
Lynn

Stamps R Us Challenge

2011-11-28T06:12:00.000-06:00

The theme for the Stamps R Us Challenge for the next two weeks is so easy and I know you'll want to join in on all the fun! Show us your embossing! That's right....just create a card, scrapbook page, or any other project, with some type of embossing on it and enter into our current challenge. You could win a wonderful prize package from our sponsor, Sketching Stamper Digi Stamps. ALL of her digis are fabulous so be sure and check out her store.

This digi, Christmas Cabin, can be found in the Sketching Stamper Digi Stamp store - along with so many more great images. I colored it with Copics and Prisma pencils, cut out a frame with some SU punches, and mounted it on dimensionals atop the white background that was embossed using the Square Lattice die from SU. My trees in the background look a little washed out (I used Old Olive and a blender pen), so we're just going to pretend that it's snowing so hard we're almost in blizzard conditions behind the cabin (even though we now have a little blue sky)!!! I was going to put some Liquid Applique on those branches to make it look like snow, but just couldn't get the look I wanted - so I just kind of dabbed the blending pen on the branches and left some white - then went over the white with my Stardust pen. The "snow" on the roof and in the foreground is glittered. The sentiment is from an unknown set of images that I had picked up at Walmart last year.

I'll enter this in the challenges at Cardmadfairy Digi Days Challenge (winter wonderland), Simply Create Too (Christmas), and Repeat Impressions DCC1123 Designers Choice Challenge (Christmas with a snowflake).

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving or weekend. I, for one, am glad everyone has gone home now! LOL! It's always great to see family and friends, but also nice when they're gone. We had a good "day after" Thanksgiving with a lot of good food, etc. I'll pop back in with a another posting on Wednesday - hopefully! I just haven't felt very creative the last few days - maybe just too much else going on.

Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn

Happy T-Day!

2011-11-23T06:00:00.004-06:00

Tomorrow is T-Day (Thanksgiving Day)....It's a really big day here in the U.S. as that's when everyone gets to sit down to a huge meal, stuff themselves, and not feel bad about it. Actually, it's a day of thanks and I know I have so much to be thankful for.

I'm not real sure about this day at all.....You make at least three trips to the grocery store buying everything you can get your hands on because you don't know if you'll need it or not, clean house for several days when you know it's just going to get dirty again, begin cooking no later than Tuesday, and then try to find room in the frig for all this stuff.

Ok, the big T-Day is finally here..........you're already exhausted from all the prep for this day but you wake up EARLY and get the bird in the oven, spend all morning finishing up the cooking, and welcome your family or guests. You sit down to this HUGE meal that would probably feed three times as many guests as you have - spend 30 minutes eating - and then spend the next three days washing dishes, trying to figure out what to do with the leftovers, and cleaning up the house again! Surely this can't be FUN! But, somehow it always is!

We're actually having our Thanksgiving on Friday this year. So tomorrow, I guess Jim and I will just have a hot dog and not worry about it! On Friday, we only have 8 coming for the BIG MEAL which is very nice as we usually have between 15 and 20. Jim always fries our turkey, but won't be able to this year and I'll miss that....but think we're doing what this card says and just have ham!

Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not.....I hope you have a wonderful day.

I'll enter this in the challenges at Belli Challenges (Thanksgiving), The Stamping Boutique (Thanksgiving), and the challenge at Sassy Cheryl's (Anything Goes).

I'm going to take a few days off here and won't be back around until Monday - but will try to pop in to visit your blog this weekend sometime.

Thanks for stopping by.........
Lynn

One Big Button and a Door

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

I made a card similar to this last year but it wasn't for Christmas. It's another one of my "git 'er done" cards (CAS). I think the hardest part is fraying those edges on the material to get it to look decent. I made two of these - one having a green button on it and the other a clear button. The one with the green button looks cute but just wasn't showing up that good for a photo. The sentiment is from SU's Warm Words. Then I just had to add the little bell on some red floss.

My second card is a CASE of a card I saw on Donna's Designing Keepsakes blog. I really liked her door better, but here's my ATTEMPT at making one. I made the wreath using a MS punch and added several red rhinestones to it. The "door knob" is a small brad (and probably should have been a larger brad) and the panels were stamped with a SU background stamp and then popped up on dimensionals. I don't have a scoring tool so did all the scoring on the panels/door with my paper cutter and a stylus (so, there is some scoring on this but you really can't see it in the photo - which may not be a bad thing!!!).

Thanks for stopping by...........
Lynn

Ann and Andy

2011-11-18T06:00:00.012-06:00

Short story here ( or will try to keep it short anyway).......

When my first granddaughter was born, I got a "wild hair" and decided to make her a Raggedy Ann doll. Not a problem at all....yeah, right! I struggled, ripped out seams, sewed feet of backwards, etc...you name it and I did it. After several weeks (sad, I know) I finally finished the doll and SWORE I'd never, ever, do another one! I even instructed my daughter on how not to have any more babies! Well, lo and behold, she didn't take my advise, and had another one - and another girl. Again, not a problem as I was NOT going to make another one of those dolls. After her pleading and begging, I finally broke down and made one. Ok, all is good now! YES!

Then my son got married.......and here comes another grandchild! I again did a little instructing and begging and told them I didn't care if they had triplets - as long as they were boys! But no....another girl! Now my son could care less if this baby had a doll but along comes my daughter and said I HAD to make another one as it just wouldn't be fair otherwise (nothing like giving Mom a guilt trip)! So last month I made a last, final, no-way-ever-again Raggedy Ann!!

Several weeks ago, I get a phone call from my daughter's two girls and they said they wanted a Raggedy Andy to go with their Raggedy Ann's for Christmas. I started laughing and said, "yeah, right" - LET ME TALK TO YOUR MOTHER!" So my dear daughter gets on the phone laughing saying that's really all they're asking for. Well, kiss my happy hiney - it's NOT going to happen!

Ok...... I have one more Raggedy Andy to make and figure I'll probably be nominated for either Best Mimi of the Year or Dumbest Mimi of the Year. (Have you ever noticed how really creepy the faces are on these dolls!)

Thanks for spotting by..........and hope everyone has a great weekend.
Lynn

Friends

2011-11-16T06:00:00.007-06:00

I was lucky enough to win a slot in Holly's Rubber Redneck Stampede on-line class a couple of months ago. Check out her wonderful blog and the next time she has a class, consider signing up. She has great information, tips, sketches and prizes. This was similar to one of the cards I completed for the class. I changed it up a bit by adding some paper piercing and fluffing out the flowers using a stylus - and I don't remember what else I did different, if anything..

I'll enter this in the challenge at Creative Belli Challenge (paper piercing) and The Pink Elephant (embossing).

Hope everyone is having a great week......and I MAY have something a little different on Friday if I get off my duff and get it finished (no, not another Funny Friday - sorry)!

Thanks for stopping by.........
Lynn

Bring on the Bling

2011-11-14T06:00:00.009-06:00

Our challenge over at Stamps R Us is themed "Bring on the Bling"! You have two weeks to submit your entry. Our wonderful sponsor is Crafty Sentiments and if you're the winner of our challenge you'll receive a fabulous prize from them.

I've used some Basic Grey DP for this and popped up the image inside a circle nestie. He's got Stickles on his ear muffs and glitter on the snow. The ribbon is some kind of shiny, shimmery, red stuff ( borderline GAUDY! LOL!) with wire so you can shape it pretty much any way you want. I punched out two very small snowflakes and placed a red rhinestone in the center of them.

We never see snow in this part of the country - well, very seldom. I'd really like to see a tiny bit so if any of y'all up north get tired of being hammered by the white stuff, send some to South Texas!

I'll also enter this in the challenge over at Crimbo-Crackers (themed Make it Sparkle)

Thanks for stopping by........and be sure and check out the challenge at Stamps R Us.
Lynn

Hey, Sugar

2011-11-11T06:00:00.001-06:00

Since I'm playing nurse right now, I thought this was an appropriate card to make! I think it'll make a good "get well" card for someone with a sense of humor!

The image is from Just Inklined - and mercy me....I wish I had cleavage like this!!! Guess I'll just have to keep dreaming! The sentiment - what can I say here. You've probably heard the expression "Cowboy Up", so why not "Butt Up"!

Thanks for stopping by........hope this puts a smile on your face and have a great weekend.
Lynn

Another Mouse

2011-11-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

I promise you won't be seeing mice every week on my cards - but I just had to do little Cocoa peeking behind that pumpkin for a fall card. I don't normally send out many cards for fall and Thanksgiving but I love all the colors of fall.

It was my intention to stamp this image and then stamp it again and pop it up....however, after coloring it, I decided it looked fine as it was and I wasn't going to try to color another pumpkin and mess it up. I sponged a little around the patterned paper and main image with some soft suede and embossed the orange panel. The sentiment, from Studio G, was stamped in Tangerine Tango (SU) and then I went over it with a Stardust Glitter pen.

I was actually able to get into my craft room a little this weekend and made a couple of cards. I parked hubby in front of the football games on TV and he didn't seem to want to move a whole lot then! Bring on more football! LOL! He's doing pretty good except for me hovering over him all the time!

The sketch I used is from The Sweet Stop (SSS133) and I'll enter this card in their challenge. I'll also enter it into the Come and Get It Challenge (themed Autumn).

Thanks for stopping by...........and I'm working on a Funny Friday so stay tuned.
Lynn

Poinsettia

2011-11-06T06:00:00.013-06:00

So many have been making pretty cards with that poinsettia die from Spellbinders. I started checking into maybe purchasing one but kept holding back since the only time I'd use it is at Christmas...and what else can you do with a poinsettia die, except make a poinsettia! (I'm sure some one will come up with something else to do with the die, but I just can't think of anything right now)

So, being the "cheap-o" that I am, I went on a search for a poinsettia that was just the right size. Since I live in a very small town, the only places you could find this type of thing are at Walmart or the Dollar Store.

Ah...the Dollar Store - I can always find all kinds of junk in there to come home with! They had these very tiny flower pots with poinsettia's sticking out of them and some little gold balls on a stick. Sounds tacky and trust me, they really are! However, it was just the right size I needed.

I disassembled the entire pot of poinsettias and started from scratch with all the pieces. After putting it together I sponged Bravo Burgundy on the edges of the leaves and then used a glitter pen to kind of highlight them. The sentiment (SU) was embossed in gold.

A very CAS card and there were enough flowers in that tacky little pot to make about six or eight cards.

I'll enter this in the challenges at Mark's Finest Papers (fall or winter theme), Crimbo Crackers (Christmas/Anything Goes), and Clearly I Stamp (color challenge).

Thanks for stopping by................
Lynn

Sleeping Mouse

2011-11-03T06:00:00.002-05:00

I just LOVE mice! Not the real ones of course, but any other kind of mouse just makes me happy. They're kind of like a teddy bear - makes you want to give them a hug!

This little guy (or gal - I wonder how you tell the difference in a male and female mouse.....Um...something to think about for sure) is Bigsby in a Wreath from Karen's Doodles. The sentiment is from Stampabilities and I used the Swiss Dots embossing folder on this. After coloring and cutting out the image I popped it up on dimensions and then added some Glossy Accents to the Christmas balls. It sure seems early to be really getting with the program on Christmas cards but guess it'll be here before you know it.

Sorry I don't have another Funny Friday for you this week - maybe next week. Hopefully I can find some time to create this weekend.

Thanks for stopping by..........
Lynn

SRU Masculine Challenge

2011-10-31T16:48:00.001-05:00

The challenge at Stamps R Us for the next two weeks is themed Masculine. Show us your "guy" cards and you may be a winner! Our sponsor is Doodle Pantry, who provided our DT with several very nice images. The one I selected to use is called Vintage Auto. Great image for a guy - or I guess you could color it pink and make it for a female! LOL!

I used some SU card stock, DP, and antique brads for this and then colored it with Copics. Not much shading was done though. If you want to see some beautiful coloring and shading on this image check out the rest of the DT's creations on the blog. I did another attempt at distressing and then topped it with some chocolate brown ribbon. Also added a couple of mini brads to the wheels.

Sending big hugs to everyone regarding my husband. We got back home from the hospital yesterday and he's doing pretty good I guess. We're just taking it day by day now. He had some mega serious infections inside the incision from the bypass but hopefully they're getting it all cleared up now. I never in my wildest dreams ever saw myself as a caregiver - but I'm learning real fast now. I'm trying to catch up on all my commenting on everyone's blog - and will eventually get it done (maybe!). I'm not sure when I'll post again this week as it just seems like there's a million and one things that have to be done. Thanks again so very much. I feel like I personally know each and every one of you and I appreciate you being so supportive.

Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn

So Many Thanks

2011-10-28T06:00:00.001-05:00

EDITED: I apologize for not getting around to anyone's blog for the last few days. My husband is back in the hospital with some serious complications and just don't know when I'll be back on here. I haven't forgotten anyone.....just don't have access to a computer right now....don't have an iphone, ipad, or even an ipod! Yikes! LOL! Hopefully I'll be back on Monday or Tuesday. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

I figure you're still trying to get over the Funny Friday that appeared on Wednesday this week, so I won't bore you with another one today.

I created these two cards using the sketch at Clean and Simple Stamping.....easy sketch and it makes up nice CAS cards in a hurry. Two very lovely ladies sent me some goodies in the mail recently and this was the perfect opportunity to use a few of them.

My first card is pretty in pink! Monica, over at Hand Stamped with Love sent me some of the homemade flowers she makes (which are gorgeous). They got a little bit squashed in the mail since they came from Indonesia, but I was able to fluff them up a bit - and added some pearls to the centers. She also sent this handmade pink paper! Awesome looking - it just shimmers. The sentiment is from Hero Arts.

On my second card I used some tiny little bows that Sharon from Sharon's Kardz Korner sent - all the way from South Africa. Aren't they just precious! So cute and remind me of little bow ties. This is a SU sentiment I used and then added a row of rhinestones.

Thanks so much (again) to both fantastic ladies!

Thanks for stopping by...........have a great weekend.
Lynn

An Elf-ing Christmas Card

2011-10-25T21:00:00.011-05:00

It's New Release BLOG HOP time over at Dude Time Doodles!!! Yeah! So much fun and I just know you'll enjoy - so start HOPPING! You'll see fabulous creations by the DT using all the new images from the Dude Time Doodles store. If you get lost along the way, just check into the Dude Time Doodles blog.

Nothing like a little poetry for the inside of this baby too!

This new release image is called Mooning Elf (by Marlene for Dude Time Doodles). You just gotta love this little guy! And in keeping with our "Think Pink" theme for the month I've decked him out in pink and green and just a tad of purple. I used the snowflake embossing folder and some Paper Studio DP on this card. I used a tiny little bell I found at Hobby Lobby on the end of his hat and a couple of rhinestones on the toes of his shoes.
Now come on - be honest - wouldn't you just love to send this card to a couple of folks on your Christmas card list!! LOL!

And now a very sad note: This will be my last post on the Dude Time Doodles Design Team. After almost a year, I've decided to step down in order to give someone else the opportunity to take my place and experience all the wonderful images. Next time there's a DT call at Dude Time Doodles, consider throwing your name in the hat - I guarantee you'll have a load fun and will love all the rest of the DT members.
Thanks so much (again) to the DT and Boni for everything - I've had so much fun - and I won't quit using these fantastic images - so get ready to see more!

If you came from Michelle's blog, you're on the right track. You next stop on the hop is NANA CONNIE.

Thanks for stopping by..........and have fun on the Hop
Lynn

Last of the Litter

2011-10-24T06:00:00.005-05:00

This is the last of the litter on Halloween cards for this year - THANK GOODNESS! I have enough to send all the grand kiddoes (plus a few more) so I'm done for the year.

On my first card I used a Stampabilities cat. Was really wishing I'd had some black embossing powder but don't have any right now. I tried doing the Versa Mark and then black and then clear embossing but it just doesn't look good. I sponged the sky ( I know, MORE clouds - what can I say) in some gray and added several rhinestones under the sentiment. This was my first attempt at sponging a "moon" and it looks more like a big ole sun instead....but I'm working on it!

The second card features the Zombie Bunny from Hambo. This is for their progressive challenge - a sketch this week. If you didn't play along and get this image free, you can always go to the store and grab it. Be sure and check out the sketch at Hambo Hoedown and play along this week using any Hambo image. That background paper didn't photograph like I wanted it too. It's actually a very pretty orange but looks a little washed out in the photo.

***My "Funny Friday" card will be on Wednesday this week - yep, like day after tomorrow....So be sure and stay tuned. But be WARNED~You'll crack up laughing***

Thanks for stopping by...............
Lynn

Sailing

2011-10-21T06:00:00.003-05:00

This is a free image from Beyond the Fringe - and isn't it a beauty. So much wonderful detail. Be sure and check out this wonderful site.

I printed the image on some white card stock and sponged the sky using Tumbled Glass distress ink. The water was also sponged using Bashful Blue and Brocade Blue from SU. I attempted to give the sails a little color with Antique Linen distress ink but think maybe gave them too much. Next time I won't do that. The Marina Mist back was embossed with a folder from SU. As always, there are things I'd do different next time when making this card - but then that's usually the way it is with most of my creations. Maybe that just makes me pretty normal!

I'll enter this in the Sweet Stampin Challenge (Masculine).

Thanks again for all the well wishes - hubby is doing pretty good I guess and I haven't completely lost all patience (a think I have a smidgen left anyway).

Thanks for stopping by..............and have a wonderful weekend.
Lynn

Hot, Hot, Hot

2011-10-19T06:00:00.012-05:00

Time for another Inspirational Challenge over at Dude Time Doodles. We're still "Thinking Pink" in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, so come on over and join the fun. You can find the Inspiration photo on the Dude Time Doodles blog - be sure and check it out! It's very yummy looking! You have one week to submit your artwork and who knows - maybe you'll be the winner! Be sure to check out all the wonderful creations by the DT too.

This is Howie Hot Hot Hot and you can find him in the Dude Time Doodles store - along with so many more cute images. He's a hottie for sure all decked out in his pink! (I actually saw an article on Yahoo Monday telling about a real firefighter that has been wearing a pink fireman's outfit in honor of his three sisters!!!) I colored Howie with Copics and used some DP from SU and Paper Studio. "HOT" was completed using some pink alphabet stickers I've had for a long time.

Be sure and stop by Dude Time Doodles, check out the Inspiration photo, and enter your creation!

Thanks for stopping by...........
Lynn

Snowman Love

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

First of all I'll like to thank everyone for all the well wishes, thoughts, and prayers for my husband. The surgery went well on Friday and we were finally able to come home yesterday (Sunday) evening. Now the fun begins I'm afraid - taking care of the incision that runs from his groin all the way past his knee and trying to keep him from doing too much! Of course, right now he can't do much of anything except get from the kitchen area to the bedroom. But, all is well, and we're good to go (as long as my patience holds up! LOL).
Thank you, again.

It's time for the Stamps R Us Challenge - themed Nature's Gift. Come on over and play along for this challenge. You have two weeks to enter and our sponsor for a fabulous prize is Heart Song Designs - who also provided us with all the cute images you'll see from the DT at Stamps R Us Challenges.

The image I used is called Snowmen Love. I colored (shaded) it with some Prisma pencils and Copics and framed it with a nestie. The blue background was done with the Snowflake embossing folder and in the center of the bow I used a snowflake rhinestone sticker.

Thanks for stopping by............I'll be getting by everyone's blog in the next day or two so bear with me on this. Just very tired right now. It's been a very LONG three days!

Lynn

A Droopy Day

2011-10-14T06:00:00.014-05:00

As you're sitting her reading this post, I'll be sitting in the hospital with hubby. He's having bypass surgery on his leg today - and IS NOT a happy person with all this right now! Thought I'd make him this card so when he woke up after the surgery maybe he'd at least get a small chuckle. I really doubt there will be much laughter though. But, the way I look at it - at least they can do something for him and there are so many they can't.

This image is from Just Inklined and I thought it was just too cute. If this little pup had been a doxie it would have just been perfect since that's what kind of dog we have. We've really been trying to train Rambo (our doxie) to be a little bit nicer when he's on the leash. He's a very strong little guy and has already busted three leashes. This last one we got is for dogs 50 pounds or more (Rambo only weighs 13). He hasn't busted it yet but it's real hard to tell who is walking who.

I'll enter this in the challenges at Cards for Men (Make Us Laugh) and Sweet Stampin Callenge (Masculine).

Thanks for stopping by........I'll pop in to see everyone as soon as I can but they may be hit and miss for a couple of days.

Lynn

Mummy Mash

2011-10-13T13:22:00.000-05:00

It's time again for another challenge over at Hambo Hoedown! It's a progressive challenge and if you played along last week, you received this cute little Mummy, along with this sentiment and one other. If you didn't get a chance to play, be sure and join in this week with a color challenge of using black, orange, purple, and green. You need to use a Hambo image and can find the Mummy and so many more images and rubber stamps in their store!

Isn't this little guy cute - I say "guy" because he reminds me of something my son would have like to dress up in for Halloween - and then find out he couldn't move a muscle all wrapped up like that! I pulled all the colors for the challenge from the DP and then added a purple, orange, and green button with bakers twine added.

The sketch I used is from Fetch a Sketch for their challenge this week.

Thanks for stopping by.............
Lynn

Several CAS Cards

2011-10-12T07:55:00.000-05:00

Just several very clean and simple Christmas cards. When I'm working on this type of card I don't call them "clean and simple" - I call them "git 'er done" cards! At least I'll have a few more made and may even put these back for Operation Write Home. They'll be fairly easy to mail.

**Please Note: Dude Time Doodles is having their FREEBIE challenge starting today!!! I didn't create a card for it but head on over there and pick up your free image, create with it, and enter it in the challenge.**

Short post here - but I WILL have a Funny Friday coming up so stop back by.

Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn

Flower Monster

2011-10-10T06:00:00.050-05:00

The challenge over at Hambo Hoedown is in full swing. It's a progressive challenge so head on over there and submit your creation for the challenge, use any Hambo image, and the next image will be free. Fun challenge and great images.
The challenge for this week is to use something on your creation that begins with the first letter of your first name (and I'm so very thankful my first name doesn't start with something like a Z)! So...............

Since my name is Lynn, I used some stuff called Liquid Glass from CTMH on the nose and ears of Mr. Monster - and also on the center of the flower. Of course I just had to color him in one of the lavender Copics too. I stitched around the polka dot paper and distressed the edges a little.

I'll enter this in the challenge at Little Miss Muffet (Animals and Monsters) , Sweet Stampin Challenge Blog (Stitching), Stamptacular Sunday Challenge (distressing) and Digi Doodle Shop (distressing).

Thanks for stopping by............and check out the Hambo challenge!
Lynn

Falling for Fall

2011-10-07T06:00:00.036-05:00

We only got up into the lower 90's this week (Ugh) - so fall is in the air! At least we feel like it may be here soon anyway. It does get a little cooler at night so that's a good sign.

Hope no one is disappointed that I didn't do another Funny Friday today. I just really wasn't in the mood - but hopefully will be next Friday!

I used this scarecrow stamp by Hero Arts and think it's just perfect for Fall. He's colored with Copics. The patterned paper I used is from Paper Studio and then added the Chocolate Chip and Old Olive from SU. I used some brown embroidery floss and orange and white Baker's twine to wrap around the base and then added the button. The left corner........I did some cross stitching with the brown floss but wish I had done them further apart so you could tell what they were. But, done is done.......so that's it.

I'll enter this in the following challenges: The Stamping Boutique Challenge (Changes of the Season), the challenge at ICopic (All About Fall), Paper Play Challenges (Autumnal Colors), Dolce Stamps and Cards (Autumn), and Stamping with the Dragon (Fall).

Thanks for stopping by...............
Lynn

The Power of Pink

2011-10-05T06:00:00.010-05:00

This is the first Wednesday of the month and our challenge over at Dude Time Doodles is usually a sketch challenge - however, due to October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're doing things a little different. So "Think Pink" and show us what you got! You have one week to submit your artwork and who knows - you may be the winner or one of the top three of our challenge. You're NOT required to use a Bonibleaux image but of course it always makes us smile when you do.

I kept this card SUPER simple because I wanted you to focus on what a cute image this little Breast Cancer Awareness Girl is. You can find her and more great images in the Dude Time Doodles STORE. You can also get a whole bunch of sentiments to go with this - like "fight like a girl", "save the hooters", etc. I did do a little stitching on this but other than that it's just very plain - but hopefully, this image "says it all".

Breast Cancer has touched so many of our lives in different ways. Take time this month to "be aware". Get check-ups and mammograms and if you know someone that hasn't done this in a while, encourage them to do so.

Thanks for stopping by.......and be sure and check out the challenge at Dude Time Doodles!

Lynn

SRU Happy Fall

2011-10-03T06:00:00.020-05:00

The challenge we have for you over at Stamps R Us beginning today (and running for two weeks) is themed Fall! Our sponsor is Robyn's Fetish. Be sure and submit your creation and who knows...you could be a winner of a wonderful prize package from Robyn's Fetish - or one of our top three blogs! Please help us give a great big welcome to our new Design Team member, Jo.

I struggled with this card so bad it wasn't even funny! If I colored it once, I colored it twenty times - and am still not satisfied with it! So, just disregard the coloring, look at the cute image, and let your imagination take over!!! The image is one that Robyn's Fetish so graciously gave us to use and it's just as pretty as can be (until I started trying to color it! LOL) Check out all the wonderful images in her store.

A tip for putting brads on your cards that I learned over at Jaydee's blog......If you don't want to poke holes in your paper to run the brad through, simply cut off the prongs on the back (scissors work) and then use a glue dot to put your brad on the card. ( Duh....why I didn't I think of that! ) This way you don't have the bulk of the prongs under the card stock! Thanks Jaydee!

Thanks for stopping by.........and head on over to Stamps R Us Challenges and show us your fall cards.
Lynn

Hambo Hoedown CASE

2011-10-02T06:00:00.025-05:00

The challenge over at Hambo Hoedown is to CASE a card from the main gallery or digital gallery. This is a progressive challenge and if you played along last week you received this little Dragonfly image. It also came with two sentiments but I didn't use either on my card as I plan on using this for a birthday card. If you didn't play and want to join in for the challenge this week, just use any Hambo image and CASE a card from the gallery.

I used some Paper Studio DP on my card and embossed the light lavender panel and Very Vanilla circle with a SU Texturz plate (although this is very hard to see in the photo as the Texturz plates do not give a deep impression). I added pearls around the scallop circle nestie and then popped up the dragonfly that I'd colored with copis and added glitter glue to it's wings. The dragonfly looks like one set of wings is colored darker, but they really aren't. I think it was just the way the light was hitting the photograph.

Here's the card I CASEd that was made by Gloria Steiger. I changed up a couple of things and didn't add a sentiment. Check out the galleries at Hambo Stamps to see some wonderful creations.

I'll also enter this in the challenges at Crafty Catz (Things with Wings) and Meljens Designs (Use a Square and a Circle).

Thanks for stopping by.............
Lynn

Another Year

2011-09-30T06:00:00.011-05:00

Time for a FUNNY FRIDAY!!!

If you haven't been over to Marlene's Disguised as a Grownup blog yet, you need to do so. Become a follower and you won't miss out of all the cute little freebies AND you'll be inspired at the same time with all her creations.

This was a free image she had one her blog a couple of days ago. Every time I'd think of this I'd just start laughing. Now I will tell you though - this was NOT the original sentiment I had on this card. I figured I'd clean it up a little for my blog. I can just think of way too many cute sentiments to go with this one (some clean and some not so clean)! Just a really quick and easy card for one of the brother-in-laws birthdays.

Thanks for stopping by......have a great weekend......and remember to SMILE!

Lynn

Double Trouble

2011-09-27T21:00:00.005-05:00

It's time for the New Release BLOG HOP over at Dude Time Doodles! The DT really has some fabulous creations with the new images. You can find all the images in the Dude Time Doodles store.

The Hop doesn't have a starting an ending point so no matter where you are, you're in the right place. Be SURE and leave a little love at each stop because one of the DT members will be the Mystery Hostess.and one lucky winner will receive a PRIZE! In case you get lost along the way, just check the Dude Time Doodles BLOG.

My first card is showcasing Knock Out Nancy. Is she precious or what! It looks like she really did "go", and "fight", but I'm not real sure yet out "winning"! She actually reminds me of myself as a young girl (except I usually WON)....I won't go into all the details here though.

Next up is Wanda Witch! She's just perfect for this time of year - or maybe any time of the year if you need to send your mother in law a card (only kidding!). How about those orange shoes! When was the last time you saw a witch with orange shoes anyway!

If you came from DAWN'S blog you're on the right track. Your next stop on the hop is LINDA. .

Thanks for stopping by.......and be SURE and check out the Dude Time Doodles blog hop and all the wonderful new images!

Lynn

Spooky

2011-09-26T06:00:00.015-05:00

Another Halloween card - Grrrrrr....I'm almost to the point of slapping a bat in the middle of the card and then adding "ye olde bat" underneath it! But, on the bright side, I've almost finished all of them - and that's a good thing!

I used an old CTMH set on this called Happy Haunting. I'd finished the card and then decided those little spiders needed some red rhinestones on them - instant black widows. Eek....I hate spiders.

Thanks for stopping by.................
Lynn

Pig Sub

2011-09-24T06:00:00.008-05:00

For the progressive challenge over at the Hambo Hoedown we were given this cute little Pig Sub - if you didn't get the image free by playing in the last challenge you can always find it in the Hambo store.

The challenge for this week is to make a card (using any Hambo image) for Operation Write Home. I kept this very simple by printing out the image and then doing a little paper piecing on it. Isn't that blue background paper with the bubbles on it just the best!! It's from Paper Studio and thought it'd look good on cards that needed some water - I'm not talented enough and way too lazy to try to "do" water otherwise! The sub was pieced with some very subtle yellow and white check - I just HAD to do the "yellow submarine"!. And how about that little piggy inside the sub!

Thanks for stopping by........and be sure and check out the Hambo challenge.

Lynn

Seeing Stars

2011-09-22T06:00:00.024-05:00

Time for another Funny Friday - BUT on a Thursday this week - thought I'd shake things up a bit!

Nothing like a little moonshine to take you into the weekend, is there! This is another one of those cute images by Bonibleaux Designs and can be found in the Dude Time Doodles STORE. Mr. Hillbilly Moonshine has hit the jug one too many times and is seeing stars! I colored him with Copics and SU markers and paired him up with some DP from Close To My Heart.

The sketch I used for this is for the challenge over at The Sweet Stop (sketch with a twist - Starstruck)

Thanks for stopping by............and have a great weekend (just don't hit the jug too much).
Lynn

Masculine Birthday

2011-09-21T13:00:00.002-05:00

A very clean and simple card using one of the In Wilderness stamps from SU. I elected not to color this since it's pretty, as is.. The sentiment is from Well Scripted - also from SU. I used some Cajun Craze and Paper Studio DP. I don't think guys like a lot of frou frou and fluff on their cards and thought this would be a nice one - especially since I have so many masculine birthday cards to complete in the next two months.

The sketch I used for this is from Lily Pad Cards. Be sure and check out this wonderful sketch on their blog. I'll also enter it in the challenges at Crafty Boots Challenges (things with wings), Totally Papercrafts (clean and simple), and Mami Doodles (all creatures great and small).

Thanks for stopping by...........
Lynn

DTD Inspiration Challenge

2011-09-21T06:00:00.022-05:00

It's time for another Inspiration Challenge over at Dude Time Doodles. Show us your HERO! We all have so many heroes in our life - some big ones and some very small ones.

I've decided to showcase a card using Nerd Ned as he reminds me so much of one of the small heroes in my life. Ned looks like a computer techie and to me, someone with the knowledge to repair computers, is a hero! I think this will make a great card to give to my computer tech next time he repairs something on my computer that I've messed up! You can find Nerd Ned in the Dude Time Doodles STORE - along with so many other cute images.

Check out DUDE TIME DOODLES and our challenge this week......we'd love to see who you consider a hero in your life.

I'll enter this into the challenge at Crazy Challenges (men only), Fairy Fun Fridays (masculine) and last but not least, Cardmadfairy's Digis Days (lots of layers).

Thanks for stopping by............
Lynn

Pop A Cork

2011-09-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

The challenge we're having this week at Stamps R Us is themed Birthdays! Our sponsor is The Paper Shelter. Our challenge is a little different this time. The theme is to make a birthday card for Operation Write Home. Make an A2 sized birthday card using any products for your cards except glitter and send it to one of the Operation Write Home shippers listed on the Operation Write Home main blog. You have two weeks to submit your creation to Stamps R Us Challenges - and who knows....you may be the winner of a wonderful prize package from The Paper Shelter.

This was one of the Pre-Colored images we received from The Paper Shelter to showcase our cards for this challenge. Trust me - there's no way I could have colored it this pretty. Using a pre-colored imaged was a "first" for me but I enjoyed using it. I think if you're in a hurry to make a card for someone this is the route to go. When I saw this image I thought of a young boys birthday card - and then I turned it around and added this sentiment so I could use it for an adults card. Kathy had sent me this piece of DP not long ago and I paired it with some Pacific Point (embossed with the Swiss Dots folder) from SU. To give it more of a western feel I added the burlap fabric behind the main image and the square brads.

Thanks for stopping by............and be sure and check out Stamps R Us Challenges - and show us your Birthday creations!
Lynn

Picking Cotton

2011-09-18T06:00:00.028-05:00

Yep, I've been picking cotton - at least somewhat. All the farmers around here that planted cotton are now harvesting it and there's cotton bolls everywhere! All you have to do is drive down the highway, and the road is just littered in cotton. It almost looks like snow!

Anyway, I received my little House 2 image from Hambo for playing along in their progressive challenge last week and found that the challenge this week is to use something you wouldn't normally use on a card. I was completely stumped - until I thought of all that cotton laying around on the roadside. Bright idea.......I'll make a haunted house with the image and use the cotton like spider webs hanging down! It didn't come out like I originally planned but that's ok as nothing usually does.

If you've never been around cotton, let me tell you - it's much better when you get a package of cotton balls in the store! The real stuff isn't very white at all and has all kinds of grass,sticks,weeds, and bugs stuck in it. It's really hard to work with and just sticks to everything. But here's my card with the cotton all around the main image panel (the idea here is to represent spider webs). The little ghosts are from a CTMH set and I made the gray clouds with Going Gray ink from SU. AND hubby didn't even mind getting out on the roadside and help me pick cotton!

Thanks for stopping by..................and be sure and check out the Hambo Challenge. So much fun! Also, there's still time to join in the Blog Hop at Hambo....check it out HERE.
AND - last but not least - there's also time to join the challenge over at Dude Time Doodles! We have a FREE image for you to use and you could be our next Guest Designer.

Lynn

Sing Your Art Out

2011-09-16T07:00:00.022-05:00

Welcome to "Sing Your Art Out" sponsored by Hambo Stamps! Hambo friends, customers, and the Bacon Bits DT are bringing you fun creations that depict song titles. If you've arrived here from JEN'S BLOG you're in the right place. If not, you might want to start back at the beginning at the Hambo Blog to make sure you're eligible for the hopper prize!

A prize will be awarded to one participant whose song-themed creation tickles the Bacon Bits' fancy in a singin' wingin' way. Another prize will be awarded randomly to a hopper who comments on all the blogs along the hop. The winners will be announced on the Hoedown Blog as well as on the Hambo company blog, Talk to the Ham, on Wednesday, September 21st.

We're talking JAILHOUSE ROCK around here folks!!! You may remember......"everybody in the whole cell block was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock....." by none other than that hip rolling Elvis! Yes, I actually remember all this but I was VERY YOUNG you know! (I guess I'm an "Oldie but Goodie" just like the song!) And what could be more appropriate than a card done with pink - thinking of that wonderful pink Cadillac that Elvis had. I just HAD to add those two square rhinestones too - Elvis always wore those glittery, sequined, outfits - remember! And ah, the sentiment "Somebody Squealed"! Every time Elvis would roll those famous hips, I, along with scores of other teenagers, would just swoon and SQUEAL in delight!

So get on your dancin' shoes, warm up the vocal chords, swivel those hips and get prepared to sing! Your next stop on the hop is NORA ANNE who will also have you singing to your hearts content.

Thanks for stopping by..........and have fun hopping!
Lynn

DTD Freebie

2011-09-14T05:00:00.005-05:00

It's the second Wednesday of the month and that means it's time for a FREEBIE at Dude Time Doodles! Head on over there and grab this CUTE image and play in the challenge. It's just perfect for all those Halloween cards you need. And who knows....if you win the challenge you could be the next Guest Designer for DTD!

I printed out Mr. Bat a couple of times, colored them, and then cut both out. I just used the wings on the second image and popped them up on the first - and then again popped up the entire image. It's really hard to see but he looks like he's flying off the card. The card was completed with a little DP, stitching, and the Boo!

Thanks for stopping by......and be sure and go to Dude Time Doodles, grab this cute image, and play along this week.

Lynn

The Past

2011-09-12T05:00:00.008-05:00

My past does NOT include bicycles this old - however I do love them. Can you image how much fun it must have been to ride one! It was probably a little tricky getting on it, but once you did I'm sure they were fun.

This is a digital image that I found on Beyond the Fringe blog by Carmen. She does beautiful work. The sentiment is from a set from CTMH. I had this card pictured in my mind and it actually came out very close to what I was thinking. Maybe next time I'd put the sentiment directly under the bicycle and scoot it over to center it on the card though. I also started to color just the seat of the bicycle but thought that the ribbon and the rhinestones picked up enough color.

Thanks for stopping by.....................
Lynn

Cute Couple

2011-09-09T05:00:00.005-05:00

How about a cute little "Riley" couple to take you into the weekend! We're talking about a little "down home cooking and gardening" around here with Mr. and Ms. Riley. I recently won an image in a blog hop that was being held over on the Riley and Company blog and just had to pick this one. They actually remind me a lot of my husband and myself! Well, maybe we don't really look like a moose, but we do love to cook and dig in the dirt (garden). Thought this would make a cute birthday card - clean and simple AND quick.

Thanks for stopping by............and have a wonderful weekend.
Lynn

Autumn Birthday

2011-09-08T05:00:00.007-05:00

Hambo Hoedown's progressive challenge this week is all about the hues of Autumn. If you didn't play along last week in the challenge you can still get this cute little image (Flowers) at the Hambo store and then play this week.

I'm so ready for Autumn it's not even funny around here. After so many HOT days in Texas this summer, I'm ready to see cooler temps - and quick!

I have a whole slew of family and friends that are having birthdays in the next couple of months. So when I saw the pretty little flowers from Hambo I knew I'd have to make a birthday card. I used Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, and Old Olive card stock from SU. I used two of the three flowers images, colored them with Copics, cut them out, and popped them up on dimensionals. I used the Square Lattice embossing folder from SU on the green. That's a piece of chocolate brown ribbon at the bottom with hemp twine run across it and then tied in a bow. (Why does brown ribbon always photograph in black for me!) A little sponging was done, the sentiment stamped, and card completed.

Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn

A Short Cowboy

2011-09-07T05:00:00.003-05:00

It's time for the monthly Sketch Challenge at Dude Time Doodles. You have one week to flip the sketch, twist the sketch, work the sketch, and submit your creation. You're not required to use a Bonibleaux Design image although it always makes us happy when you do. Check out the sketch on the Dude Time Doodles Blog! It MUST be masculine themed. So head on over to the Dude Time Doodles blog and join in on the fun. Who knows, you could be the Top Blog or one of the Top Three for the week - and the Top Blog will win a prize.

Cowboy DOWN with Deputy Dave! You can find him in the Dude Time Doodles STORE - along with a whole bunch more cute images. Poor Dave is not only old and shrinking, but has also been riding a horse for too many years and as he legs get more bowed, he just keeps getting shorter. His shirt and jeans are all faded out and the boots have seen so much wear and tear you can hardly tell what color they originally were.

Thanks for stopping by..........and head over to DTD to check out the sketch and then submit your entry.

Lynn

SRU Friends

2011-09-05T05:00:00.002-05:00

Our challenge, beginning today over at Stamps R Us, is themed Friendship. Come on over and submit your entry for a chance to win a fabulous prize from our sponsor, Karber.

This is just one of the cute images you can find in the Karber store. Isn't she just the cutest little thing with those great big glasses. She looks so studious! I colored her with Copics and am still trying to get that hair coloring down better.....maybe I'll just have to say forget it and go back to the Prisma pencils - which I love. Ah, but there's nothing like a challenge - so I'll keep trying I guess. Very simple card using a scrap piece of paper and some pink card stock. I placed a few rhinestones around the scallop circle since it's pretty much a "girlie" looking card.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure and enter the Stamps R Us challenge!
Lynn

From Another Dimension

2011-09-04T10:05:00.001-05:00

For the progressive challenge over at Hambo Hoedown, we were given this cute little alien spaceship to use for the theme this week - another dimension. If you didn't play in the challenge last week, you can purchase this image from the store. Come on over to Hambo Hoedown and join in on the challenges - they're really a lot of fun.

I kind of feel (and probably LOOK) like this little alien after all the company we've had this weekend...and another wave of it will be in later today and then leave tomorrow! Yikes! Anyway, I've used some CTMH DP and Pumpkin Pie and Ballet Blue card stock from SU. I cut the orange circle and then embossed it - and popped it up on dimensionals. The image was stamped twice, colored, and both "popped up" on dimensionals. He looks a little "in flight"!

Thanks for stopping by...........I'll get by everyone's blog in the next day or two and will also have another card for tomorrow for our challenge at Stamps R Us........
Lynn

My Name is Not SORRY

2011-09-02T05:00:00.016-05:00

Time for another Funny Friday!!

A couple of years ago my husband had some very serious medical problems and due to his weakened condition and a bad back he decided to try using one of the scooters when we went to Walmart. I got him all situated in it and we figured out how to operate the thing and off we went. He did pretty good until he got to the first turn which happened to have a display rack there........wipe out!! Ok, so I'm helping the clerk pick up everything and just kept saying "I'm sorry, I'm sorry"! I turned around and hubby was no where in sight - went looking for him - and just followed the trail for things he had hit laying in the middle of the aisles.....At every stop, all I could say to the clerks as I was helping them straighten up was, I'm sorry! Amazingly he'd only hit ONE person! By the time I got him out of the store I felt like my name was SORRY!

This cute little image is from Just Inklined. They have so many fantastic images to choose from. I used one of the Label nesties and on the red strip used the stripe embossing folder from SU.

Of course this little card wouldn't be complete without a sassy little saying on the inside too.

I'll enter this in the Shopping Our Stash challenges (theme Humorous).

Hope this puts a smile on your face..........have a wonderful weekend. Just a note: I had company come in yesterday so I'll check back with everyone on Sunday or Monday.

Lynn

Monster Mash

2011-09-01T05:00:00.006-05:00

Just a very CAS Halloween card. It's not a one-layer deal - still having some issues with those things (like using up a ream of card stock trying to get them perfect). The image is from SU's Booglie Eyes and the sentiment from Studio G. A really quick and easy card for one of the nephews for Halloween.

Thanks for stopping by..........and get ready for another Funny Friday tomorrow!
Lynn

DTD Blog Hop

2011-08-30T21:00:00.023-05:00

It's time again for another Dude Time Doodle Blog Hop! All the new release images are out and you can grab them over at the DTD store. Check out all the wonderful creations by the DT to get a peak of the releases.

This is a circular hop so no matter where you are, you're in the right place. Be sure and leave a little love at each stop since one of the DT members will be the Mystery Hostess of the hop and one lucky commenter will WIN.
In case you get lost along the way, you can find a list of all the DT members either on my sidebar or at Dude Time Doodles.

If you came from Michelle's blog you're on the right track........your next stop is DAWN

Meet little miss Gotta Pee (by Marlene) and you can find her right now in the DTD store. She's really "gotta go" bad and either doesn't look too happy about that - or maybe it's just because she has another birthday coming up!

Thanks for stopping by...........and be sure and check out all the wonderful creations at Dude Time Doodles.
And don't forget.....all the Halloween stamps in the store will be on sale at 50% off through September.

Lynn

Hanging Around

2011-08-29T05:00:00.050-05:00

I started to title this post "Fried Brain" but thought Hanging Around sounded a little better today. The reason it was going to be named Fried Brain is because I'm really thinking that's what's happened to my brain in all this heat! I've just lost all my motivation to do anything....I don't want to create, cook, clean,, ( well, cooking and cleaning probably don't have anything to do with the heat) or ANYTHING. If you don't live in Texas, you may have heard on the news about how hot and dry it is here this year. Let me tell 'ya - it's not pretty AT ALL! Yesterday we got up to 113 degrees! Maybe by October I'll get some mojo back. Until then I'll keep struggling along I guess.

I recently won some blog candy from Rebekka's blog (A Diamond in the Rough) and was just overwhelmed at all the goodies that were in that box! One of the many stamp sets she sent was from Gina K called Seeds of Kindness. I'd been eying this hanging basket of ivy image from that set after seeing a card in my Copic Coloring Guide. So, due to having Fried Brain, decided to CASE that card. This is almost a total CASE too. I did sew around the main panel though. I've never done straight stitching on a card and believe me...it's a lot harder than it looks. I managed to get the seams somewhat straight but the top and bottom are at two different measurements.

Anyway, thank you again Rebekka for all the lovely things you sent.

Thanks for stopping by.........
Lynn

Jot it Down

2011-08-26T05:00:00.015-05:00

Head over to Hambo Hoedown and check out the school themed primary color challenge that's going on right now. It's a progressive challenge and if you play along this week using a Hambo image then you receive a free image next week. I was the Queen of the Hambo Hoedown for this past week! Very exciting. Then of course hubby saw the badge with that cute little piggy on it and just had to make a snide comment about the pig and me being the queen.....you get the drift I'm sure. Not funny! LOL!

This week we received an image of a pencil. I kept thinking of all sorts of projects I could do with this - an altered pencil box or can, a notebook, card, etc.....I finally combined a couple of things - a card type front with a Post It note on the inside to "jot it down" - and kept it VERY clean and simple looking. I thought this would be great for someone in school to keep on their desk to write notes on.

The inside is pretty boring to say the least. I may have to re-do that and jazz it up a bit.

I printed out the pencil image several times in different sizes, colored them in Copics and Prisma pencils, and then cut them out. "Jot it Down" is computer generated. The card stock is from SU and the DP is from Paper Patch. Anyway, I think it will be cute and useful to sit on a desk.

I'll enter this in a couple of "back to school" challenges: Party Time Tuesdays and Creative Inspirations Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by..............and have a great weekend!
(I'll try to have another Funny Friday next week!)
Lynn

First Dudeville Holla Scavenger Crawl

2011-08-23T21:00:00.021-05:00

The day has finally arrived for the first annual Dudeville Holla Scavenger Crawl over at Dude Time Doodles blog . We're celebrating DTD's very FIRST Birthday....and some very exciting things are happening. It's a circle crawl, so no matter where you are you're in the right place. You may want to start over at the Dude Time Doodles blog though so you can pick up your list of all the items on the Scavenger Crawl. Make a note of all the items and then visit EACH DT member and our very SPECIAL GUESTS blogs and find the items that are on the list. After you've collected ALL the answers, e-mail that to the following address: cmm5569@yahoo.com. You could be the winner of a whopping $20.00 gift certificate to the DTD store!!! You have two weeks (until September 6th) to e-mail your answers in. Oh, and by the way....some of the design team members and our special guests are offering some blog candy on their individual blogs as well so be sure and leave a little love at each stop along the crawl. Also note that beginning September 1st, all the Halloween images will go on sale in the DTD store for 50% off!

If you came from Michelle's blog you're on the right track and your next stop is DAWN.

This is Ahoy Matey Matt. He can be found (with a whole bunch more cute images and sentiments) in the DTD store. And this is to wish Dude Time Doodles a very HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY! I know for Boni to create such cute images she couldn't have been hitting the rum too much this year - but if you want to celebrate now, Boni, go ahead and have a little shot.

Thanks for stopping by.........and be sure and check out the DTD blog and get in on the Scavenger Crawl.
Lynn

Home on the Range

2011-08-22T05:00:00.008-05:00

It's time for another challenge over at Stamps R Us Challenges! You have two weeks to submit your entry. And now get this.....the theme is ANYTHING GOES! We just can't get any easier than that - right! And, not only is it an easy challenge with a theme like that but the prize is a "doozie" (I think I just showed my age with that word... LOL)! The winner will receive a Color Me Creative Copic Class of their choice!!! So, come on over to Stamps R Us Challenges and show us your creation.

I've used In Wilderness (SU) for my card today. I'm still working on the distressing bit and you'll see that I probably need more practice! I think this will make a great card for a guy though as it's got that "manly" feel to it. I used some DP from CTMH and Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip, and Very Vanilla card stock from SU. The brad in the center of the bow is also from SU.

Thanks for stopping by................and don't forget - The Dude Time Doodles Anniversary Scavenger Crawl will be coming up on Wednesday!! So much fun going on.

Lynn

Texas Two-Stepping

2011-08-19T05:00:00.003-05:00

The Texas Two Step, Schotish, and Cotton Eyed Joe.....that's what I was doing last Saturday night and having a ball! Yep, hubby and I went dancing. The Texas Two Step, Schotish, and Cotton Eyed Joe are dances we do here in Texas - a little County/Western doe-see-doe-ing! We used to go dancing all the time but hadn't been in a while - we'd hit every bar, dive, and dance hall around...you name it, and we've probably been there. Been to some pretty raunchy places, but oh, how fun! So last Saturday, I got all decked out in my jeans, boots, etc..and away we went. Of course we were all snug in our bed by midnight - and pretty sore the next day, but we did have fun.

This cute little couple (from Art Impressions) looks like they are ready for a little Texas Two-Stepping! I really don't think he looks very excited about it though and she looks like maybe she just had too much BBQ before the dance started.

I'll enter this in the challenge at Art Impression (anything goes).

Hope this puts a smile on your face - and have a great weekend.
Lynn

Oriole and Geranium

2011-08-18T05:00:00.008-05:00

Before I get to my card today I wanted to show you the picture of this pretty Oriole that keeps showing up on our hummingbird feeder. I've tried for several weeks to get a photograph of him and was finally able to do it. We actually have an Oriole feeder but he prefers the hummingbird feeder instead. It's really not a very good photo but was the best I could do. He just doesn't want to cooperate a lot.

My card for today is using the geranium image from the Hambo Hoedown progressive challenge. Head over there and check out their challenge as it's so much fun. This week, other than having to use a Hambo image, it must also have scoring. I don't own any type of scoring tool so after printing the image, coloring it with Copics, and cutting it down to size, I then scored around it by placing it in my paper cutter, did a lot of measuring, and used a stylus in the groove. The sentiment and punches are from SU and I added the two pearls on the ends. The bow was completed with my Bow-Easy.

Thanks for stopping by.........oh, and guess what tomorrow is??? Get ready for another FUNNY FRIDAY!
Lynn

The End Zone

2011-08-17T05:00:00.003-05:00

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!!!! Yep....like it or not, it's going to be here in a couple of weeks and then all the guys (or at least a lot of them) will be "tuned in" - and we'll be "tuned out"! What is it about football anyway - I mean, they throw the ball, run the ball, kick the ball and the entire time they're all trying to knock each others brains out! Kinda crazy, right.........Um......

But anyway, this is the Inspiration Challenge over at Dude Time Doodles and just look at those fun colors! Head over there today and enter your project. Just make sure it has a Sporty Theme and is for a Dude too! Who knows - you could be named the Top Blog or one of the Top Three.

This is Football Phil and a football image that you can find in Boni's store. I made the football out of some textured paper and made it LARGE. Phil was printed, colored, and then cut out to go on top of the football. The sentiment is from TLC. This will be a "table topper" and will sit on a table by the TV until January so every time hubby watches one of the games, he'll see that he's just wearing out his END ZONE! It may not match the decor of the house - but he'll get the hint anyway!

I'll enter this in the challenges at Cards for Men (anything goes), and Sentimental Sundays (shaped cards).

Thanks for stopping by and be sure and head over to Dude Time Doodles and enter your creation.
Lynn

You're Fantastic!

2011-08-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

I'm back from my "computer break" and will be around to visit everyone's blog as soon as possible! I would say I enjoyed that "break", but the fact of the matter is that it's not fun being without a computer like that. Pretty sad, I know!

This is a very CAS card using some Mint Motiff stamps. The sentiment is from Perfect Words from SU. Not much else I can say about this except sometimes I just NEED one of those CAS cards.
I know this is short and sweet - but I'll be back on Wednesday with a fun "table topper"! Until then......
Thanks for stopping by...........and, like I said, will be by your blog as soon as possible!
Lynn

Hambo Hoedown Hedgie

2011-08-11T05:00:00.004-05:00

This is for the fun progressive challenge at Hambo Hoedown! Check out the challenge site, get the rules, and start playing as they really have some cute images.

How about this cute little Hedge Hog! Seems he's really having a bad hair day but he so adorable holding that little flower (with a pearl in the center) he doesn't care if it's a bad day or not! I did a little research on hedgies before coloring this little guy (gal) and found that they actually come be several different colors. There's even an albino hedgie! I decided to do mine in gray and used the color scheme of pink and gray (even though the gray looks black in the photo). It's a fun image and will make a cute card for someone special.

I won't be having a Friday Funny tomorrow (sigh.....) and in fact won't be having a card at all I'm afraid. I'll be computer-less for a couple of days but will see everyone on Monday. Hope you have a great weekend.

Thanks for stopping by................
Lynn

DTD Freebie

2011-08-10T05:00:00.004-05:00

Dude Time Doodles is offering this cute little Gavin Ghost as a FREEBIE!!! Head on over there and grab this guy, create a card or project, submit your entry, and you may be the next guest designer for Dude Time Doodles!!! Not spooky at all.....just a lot of FUN!

Gavin is such a cute ghost and I know you'll enjoy using him. Halloween will be here before you know it and he's PERFECT for the occasion. The design I used is somewhat of a CASE from two different cards - one that I'd seen in a craft magazine and one from Teri Anderson's blog. A clean and simple card but I like how it turned out.

Thanks for stopping by.......and be sure and go to Dude Time Doodles for the freebie - and the chance to be the next Guest Designer!
Lynn

Too Much Pepto-Bismol

2011-08-08T06:00:00.015-05:00

The challenge beginning today (and running for the next two weeks) at Stamps R Us Challenges is themed "ENCORE PRESENTATIONS". A VERY easy challenge - simply go to a card that you're previously posted on your blog or in a gallery and enter it in the challenge. It MUST be one that has been posted before and not a new card.
Also, some very exciting news about this challenge......The winner will be named the GUEST DESIGNER for our next challenge! So hop on over to Stamps R Us Challenges and enter a previously posted card!

This is a card I did in January of last year and some of you may have already seen it before. It was titled "You Drank What!" The inside of the card said "See what happens when you drink too much Pepto-Bismol. Get Well Soon." It was a fun little card and I used Prismacolor pencils to color the Penny Black image. The frame was done using a SU corner and straight punch and I STILL don't know how I got it to come out right! I wouldn't say it was one of my favorite cards but I did like it.

So, let's see what you can show for you Encore Presentation at Stamps R Us Challenges and who knows...you may be the very first Guest Designer for our challenge blog! And, you may also win on of the Top Three - so come on over and play!

Thanks for stopping by...........
Lynn

TicTacToe at Hambo

2011-08-06T06:00:00.002-05:00

I've seen so many playing at Hambo Hoedown's progressive challenge and decided to jump on the band wagon and play along this week - and hopefully in the following weeks as well. Since this is the first time I've played along I'm using one of the freebies from Hambo. After linking your card and e-mailing it to the Hoedown's DT, you get an image for the next challenge. The theme of the challenge this week is Tic Tac Toe. The three "squares" I selected were Ribbon, Diecut, and Button.

More yellow....But this very "cool cat" just looked so cute in his yellow inner-tube so I had to use yellow again on this card. I used a rectangle nestie to make the frame around Mr. Cool and added some Liquid Glass to the inner-tube to give it a little shine. The bow was made with my Bow Easy and then a small button placed in the center. A very simple card but think it turned out cute with this darling little image.
Thanks for stopping by............
Lynn