A Tribute...

To a wonderful man who passed 10 years ago today. My father, my friend, my support, slipped away in the wee hours of the morning on April 30th due to a massive heart attack at 64 years young. It was unexpected, unexplained, and unimaginable. I miss him every moment of my life and wish for one second to be able to tell him how much I love him.

He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather, and a devoted family man. He loved God and banana splits. He loved to travel, pick on my Mom incessantly, and liked to make us laugh. Photography was his passion, and he loved to yell at the television during football season. He loved his cats and spoiled them rotten. He was a sailor, a trucker, and an insurance adjuster, as well as Treasurer of the church. He had a pure soul and touched all those who knew him.

I love you, Daddy! LYTAM

If tears could build a stairway And memories could build a lane We would walk right up to Heaven And bring you back again / No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows... See more » If tears could build a stairway, and memories could build a lane We would walk right up to Heaven And bring you back again  No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why  Our hearts still ache in sadness And secret tears still flow What it meant to lose you No one will ever know  But now we know you want us To mourn for you no more To remember all the happy times Life still has much in store Since you'll never be forgotten We pledge to you today A hallowed place within our hearts Is where you'll always stay 

Happy Mother's Day...

Our Creative Corner Sketch Challenge combined with an image from Sweet 'n Sassy makes up my card for today! The image I chose is "Bear Hug" which is perfect for a Mother's Day card! (sketch shown below)

I printed Bear Hug on Whisper White cardstock, cut out with small scissors, then colored with Copic Markers. My designer paper is from K & Co. and I used the Iron Gate border punch by Martha Stewart. My sentiment stamp is by Hampton Art, and I used Memento Rich Cocoa ink for it. My final touches were swirly pearls I colored with a matching Copic Marker, as well as brown self-adhesive pearls and an organza bow. Card size: 5 3/4 x 4 3/4 inches

Midnight Madness Challenge...

Today is Midnight Madness Challenge and our sponsor this week is D' Amour Allure. My image is "Doris Mae" and I love, love, love this Victorian woman! The sketch for this week's challenge is below! 

My image is on Whisper White cardstock, then colored with Copic Markers. My designer paper is Basic Grey "Bittersweet" Collection, and I used pearls, swirly pearls, ribbon trim and a fluffy organza bow to finish the card. Card size: 5 3/4 x 6 inches

"Rebecca" and a Notecard Gift Set!

Repeat Impressions is introducing a "Stamp of the Week" on their blog "The House that Stamps Built" starting Monday, and the sweet "Rebecca" is the featured stamp! Make sure you visit their blog for the special offer on this stamp! The details to this offer is only available their blog!

Here are the members of the design team that have created a card for this week. Why don't you hop over to each blog and leave a comment on their lovely creations!

Ayana, Dana, Lynette, Joy, Julie, Michele, Harriet, Robin and me!

Fred, She Said's Challenge this week is to make a 3D Gift and I used the Spring Flowers and Pricking Pattern to make a Notecard Gift Set. I love how this turned out, and it seems that all week, I've been on a blue and yellow binge! Are these my new favorite colors?? I took a lot of photos so you can see the detail that went into this lovely gift!

Ethereal Forest Sneak Peek..

This week starts the Ethereal Forest Sneak Peek! The design team is showcasing cards made using their fabulous sentiments! There are all kinds of sentiments to fit every occasion! Take a look at their store and see all the variety of sayings for your cards! Visit their blog everyday to see what the design team members are creating!

I printed the "Spring is in the Air" from the Garden Sentiments on Whisper White cardstock, then cut it out with the Labels Eight Nestabilities. I sponged Memento Summer Sky and Paris Dusk ink on the label before I removed the die. My cut out is from the Lattice Edgabilities, and I added lace, ribbon flowers, butterflies and pearls to finish the card. Card size: 6 x 6 inches

You light up my life...

It looks like I'm in a blue and yellow mood by the cards I've been making this week! I've found some wonderful designer papers with those colors and they just make me happy! My card today is for the Our Creative Corner Sketch Challenge, and make sure you hop over to the OCC blog to see the rest of the design team cards!

I printed "Delightful Cocoa" from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps on Whisper White cardstock, then cut out with an inverted circle Nestabilities. I colored the image with Copic markers, then mounted it to a scalloped circle Nestabilities. My designer papers are from Die Cuts with a View, and I used the Looped Punch by Martha Stewart. I finished the card off with bright yellow grosgain ribbon and pearls. Card size: 5 3/4 x 4 1/2 inches

You're so kind...

It's Midnight Madness Challenge Day, and it's a fun sketch this time! An opportunity to get your Circle Nestabilities out and play, play, play! Take a look at the sketch below, and why don't you join us this week! 

My image is from Gurlee Girl, and my designer papers are from the Paper Studio. I stamped the little girl on Whisper White cardstock, cut it out, then colored with Copic Markers. A fluffy bow, a large artificial flower, and pearls are my embellishments! Card size 6 x 6 inches

Don't Worry, Bee Happy!

Today is Critter Challenge Day and the challenge was to incorporate at least 10 different items on your card! Well, I had no trouble doing that, and I went over, which I'm sure everyone expected! My image is from Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Stamps and it's too cute!

These are the 10 items I have on my card for the challenge: 2 Cardstocks, 1 Glitter Cardstock, 3 Designer Papers, 4 images, 2 rhinestones, 1 ribbon bow, and 4 die cuts! Card size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches

the Big Apple...

I'm bone tired tonight, so I'll just post my card and head off to bed!! Sweet dreams! The image is from Sweet 'n Sassy!

Fred for All Blog Hop and OCC Sketch!

Welcome to our FOURTH "FRED, SHE SAID" Blog Hop! If you just happened to drop by my blog and you are not aware of this wonderful event taking place, please go back to the "Fred, She Said" blog HERE and start your hop! Please take a moment to comment on our posts as we love feedback!

Follow the instructions at the end of the blog hop, at the Challenge Blog, to make your entry and your name will go in for a draw for a $20 Gift Certificate for the Fred, She Said Store.

Here is a list of the blog hoppers in case you lose your way (in this order, left to right):

FRED, SHE SAID, SHELLY, MICHELLE, CAROL L., DARSIE (you are here), JUDY, CAROL H.,  LORA, SONYA, DEANNE, and the FRED, SHE SAID CHALLENGE BLOG

This Blog Hop will run from today, April 15th until April 22nd. On the 22nd, the winner will be announced on the "Fred, She Said" blog.

Thank you for taking the time to play along. Now, to continue the blog hop, please visit Judy's Blog! When you are finished hopping, why not check out the "Fred, She Said" store!

Here is the card I made for the "Fred, She Said" Blog Hop! This is also my card for the Our Creative Corner Weekly Sketch Challenge.

I printed the Fred, She Said flowers and leaves on Whisper White cardstock, colored with Copic Markers then cut them out. I used the smaller die from the Pendant Nestabilities for my squares to fit the sketch. I added swirly black pearls, ribbon, and a sweet dragonfly as well. Card size: 6 x 6 inches

it's Belli Day!

It's the Belli Challenge today! Today we focus on Die Cuts and our sponsor is Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps! Being a design team member of both, I was able to choose a wonderful image to showcase! I printed out the "Birdie Bathtime" but realized I had printed it too large! So, my card is on the large size today, and can be framed!

In other news, I've been asked to join the design team of Repeat Impressions, a wonderful stamp company with many delightful images for holiday and all occasion! Stay tuned as I start my exciting duties and start creating with their stamps! You can see their blog HERE!

I printed the image on Whisper White cardstock, colored with Copics, then cut it out with the Labels Eight Nestabilities. My designer papers are from the Garden Party pad from Die Cuts with a View. My punches are by Martha Stewart and EK Success. I added pretty swirl pearls and fluffy bows to finish it off. Card size: 6 3/4 x 8 1/2 inches

Ansley's Surprise...

Today is Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge day! We have an interesting sketch this time (see below)! Our sponsor this week is Stamp and Create and our Monthly Sponsor is Sunflowers & Dragonflies!

I stamped "Ansley's Surprise" by Wags 'n Whisker with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Whisper White cardstock, then colored with Copic Markers. I made a template of the puzzle pieces, then traced them over my image with a black pen. My designer paper is from the "Luxury Stack" by Die Cuts with a View, and I used the Iron Gate Corner Punch by Martha Stewart for two of the corners. I added silver pearls, big fluffy satin bows, and a silver paper doiley before adhering it to a dark blue card. Card size: 6 x 6 inches

Milton Reading...

Here's a sweet card I made today! This card fits the Sweet Stop Sketch, and the color combination over on the Critter Challenge! This cute image is by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps and you can find it HERE! They have a lot of adorable mouse digistamps! This card also fits the Our Creative Corner Challenge!

I printed Milton Reading on Whisper White cardstock, and colored with Copic Markes. I cut him out with a Nestabilities die, then sponged on Memento Summer Sky and New Sprout ink before removing him from the die! My designer papers are from Die Cuts with a View and Doodlebug. I added pearls, a pearl swirls and a satiny ribbon to finish the card! Card size: 5 1/4 x 6 1/4 inches

Ethereal Forest Designs Second Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Second “Ethereal Forest Designs” Blog Hop!!! My blog is the first stop on the way to fantastic projects and cards from the Design Team! We've been hard at work using the wonderful images from Ethereal Forest Designs and are extremely excited to showcase their versatility!

As you start hopping, please make sure you comment on each one of the design team members blog, then go  to the Ethereal Forest Designs blog and make a comment! At the end of the hop, one lucky winner who has commented on all the blogs will receive a $10.00 voucher to the Ethereal Forest Designs Store.

Here is a list of the blog hoppers in case you lose your way: 

Darsie 

Audrey 

Betty 

Charlene

Melissa

Shirley

Ethereal Forest Designs Blog

The winner will be announced here, on the Ethereal Forest Designs blog on Friday, April 16^th. Deadline to complete the hop will be Thursday, April 15^th!

Thank you for taking the time to play along and we appreciate your comments!. All of the images used in the design teams creations can be found at the Ethereal Forest Designs Store.

Now, to continue the blog hop, please visit Audrey's blog HERE!

Here is my creation for the Blog Hop:

brrrrrr....

Wow, I woke up to a frigid morning!! Here I thought it was Spring, and then cold weather is back! Here's a cute card that still has a winter feel to it!  The image is "Eskimo Kisses" by Sweet 'n Sassy!

I printed the image on Whisper White cardstock, colored with Copic Markers, then cut them out. My designer paper is by Basic Grey, "Bittersweet" Collection. I added sparkly swirls and brown pearls to finish the card! Card size: 5 3/4 x 4 1/4 inches

a quick post...

I'm just going to post a quick card tonight, as I've been super busy today and fading fast! Will be back tomorrow with more details on the card! This cutie bear is from Sweet 'n Sassy and the sentiment is from Ethereal Forest Designs.

Sweet Daffodil...

Our Creative Corner Weekly Sketch has a fun design this time! You can see the sketch below! I used a new Fred, She Said image from the "Spring Flowers" digistamp set. It colors up so pretty!

I printed the Spring Daffodil on Whisper White cardstock, colored with Copic Markers then cut it out. My designer paper is from "Garden Party" by Die Cuts with a View. I added pearls, a pretty ribbon bow and some glittery cardstock. Card size: 4 1/2 x 5 3/4 inches

Notecard Folder Gift Set...

I dug through some past projects I created for my stamp club, and decided to post the "Notecard Folder Gift Set" we made. This is a 4 card set that you can give as a gift to a shut in, someone in the hospital, or for someone who likes to send homemade cards but doesn't craft themselves.

exciting news!

I'm so stinkin' excited! As I'm sure you all know, I've been participating in the Weekly Challenges on the Midnight Madness blog! Well, I was notified two weeks ago, that I had been chosen to join their Design Team! Imagine me trying to keep it secret! It was tough, let me tell you! Today is my first official day as one of their members and I've had a chance, in the last two weeks, of getting to know the other designers! They are so much fun and such a crazy bunch! I should fit right in, I think!  Now, on to my card!

The sponsor this week for the Midnight Madness Challenge is Michelle Perkett and she's giving a $20.00 shopping spree to a lucky winner! Our monthly sponsor is Sunflower & Dragonflies! You can learn all about these chances to win on the Midnight Madness Challenge Blog!

I printed my image onto Whisper White cardstock, cut it out with a new Nestabilities Labels, then sponged Memento Summer Sky, and Paris Dusk on the edges before removing it from the die. I colored with Copic Markers, then added some glitter to the fairy's dress and wings for a bit of bling. My designer paper is from My Mind's Eye, Yellow and White Glittery cardstock all mounted to a dark blue card. I added my satin ribbons and bows, and topped them off with star buttons! A few gold rhinestones in the buttons, and my card was finished! Won't you play along with this challenge? The sketch is below, and you can add your creation to the Midnight Madness Challenge Blog (this is the direct link to the challenge)!

Sweet 'n Sassy Birthday Bash Blog Hop!

It's Korin's Birthday!! We are having a Birthday Bash Blog Hop to celebrate! All of the design team members are giving away a digistamp and all you have to do is comment on the blog for your chance to win! We'll be picking the winners on Tuesday, and make sure you check back to find out if you've won!

The digi that I'm giving away is Peek-a-boo Cocoa!

Here is the list of blog hoppers, and you don't have to follow in any order to hop!

Micki, Sandy, Deedee, Nicole, Lisa,  Korin, Leah, Ceal, Darsie, Janette, Kim, Lorie, Tricia, Julie, Nancy and the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Blog!

My card uses the "Birthday Hat Cocoa" which you can pick up for FREE on the Sweet 'n Sassy Digi Blog today! I printed him out on Whisper White cardstock, colored with Copic Markers then cut him out with a Nestabilities die. I sponged ink on the edges before removing the image from the die. My background papers are from the Paper Studio, and my sketch is for the Critter Challenge Blog! (Sketch Below) I added ribbon bows, rhinestones, and punches to match the sketch. My stamp is from Studio G. Card size: 5 1/4 x 5 1/4 inches.

Happy Easter!

I want to wish all my friends and family a joyous Easter today! May your hearts be full of happiness on this beautiful day!

Midnight Madness & Fred, She Said Crocus...

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge has a very fun and detailed sketch this week! See the sketch below! I used Fred, She Said's newest "Spring Flower" Crocus for my main image! When you purchase the digistamp set, you'll get Snowdrops, the Crocus, a Daffodil and Tulips along with a Paper Piercing frame!

I printed the Crocus on Whisper White cardstock, cut it out with a Nestabilities Circle, then sponged Memento New Sprout ink on the edges before removing it from the die. I colored my image with Copic Markers, then mounted it to a glittery purple Scalloped Circle piece. I then adhered the image panel to a circle I had punched with the Martha Stewart Eyelet Lace corner punch. My designer papers are from Die Cuts with a View "Baby Boy -Nursery" stack and another paper I got from AC Moore. The side panels with the punched edge is an EK Success Edge Punch called Scrolls & Hearts. I made my "laces" with brads and self-adhesive pearls, then finished the card with more pearls for accents! Card size: 5 1/4 x 7 1/4 inches

Easter Chicks...

 My card today is also being showcased on the Sweet n' Sassy Digi Blog! I used the "Spring Chicks" and "Easter Blessings" digistamp sets for my creation! Take a peek below to see how I made the card! Scroll down further to read about the wonderful gift they are giving to the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation when you purchase a particular digistamp set!

I printed my images on Whisper White cardstock, cut them out with a Square Nestabilities, then colored with Copic Markers. I sponged Memento Summer Sky and New Sprout inks on each image. I mounted each image to a glittery blue Scalloped Square Nestabilities cut out, then added pretty pearls. My background is made using Martha Stewart's Score Board, and I accented each diamond with baby pearls. My bow is resting on a glittery Fancy Tag, and my ribbon piece was made using the new Daisy punch by Martha Stewart. Card size: 4 1/2  x 5 .3/4 inches

 

The is a very special set because 100% of the sale goes towards Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which is a charity to help the fight against childhood cancer.There is a fundraiser page set up HERE if you would like to donate without purchasing the set or donate beyond the set. Hopefully one day we will find a cure to this ugly disease. You can read more about it at the Sweet 'n Sassy Store!