Hello Ya'll,

I am so glad you are visiting my blog!

If this is your first time visiting, Welcome!! I hope you enjoy reading about my card making and get inspired to put the e-cards, text message and Facebook messages away and get back to handmade-handwritten cards for your friends and family.

If you were a frequent visitor and wondered where I disappeared to, well a lot has happened since my last blog post over a year ago. For starters, my family and I move to Georgia. Our adventure started in January of 2012. We put the house on the market, my DH left for his new job in April and I was left to manage the packing, kids, work, two more surgeries and the BIG move in July 2012. As you can see, I had a lot on my plate and crafting had to take the back burner. We moved to a temporary apartment while our house was being built and moved-in just in time for Christmas.
 
Now that we have had some time to settle into our new home, I have been unpacking my crafts a little at a time. My craft room is in the basement. I have a large space to work with and I'm not quite sure how I want to design it. I recently purchased a few bookshelves to help me organize my craft supplies but I think I'll need a custom design instead of what I have now.

Here are a few pictures of my room.

 As you can see, I seriously need help!!! Aside that my basement is so empty and lacks personality, I seriously need a better storage solution for my craft room. Maybe I should get one of those TLC people to help me design my room for me? Now that would be something!!

Well, now that I'm back, I hope to participate in some of the weekly card challenges and share them with you. Hopefully, you will be inspired to create something yourself.


Well, it's time to go and see what good challenges are out there for today! Make sure to come back soon!!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year Everyone!!

I hope this New Year brings you many blessings, creativity and joy!!

Well, now that the new year has begun, I have officially announced my return to Stampin' Up! My girlfriend and I have decided to partner up and work together.

After almost a year of not being with Stampin' Up! I quickly realized that I missed crafting with other people, sharing what I love with them and helping them unleash their creativity.

From here on out, you will see what projects we will be sharing during our workshops and stamp camps. In addition to some challenges I will participate in.

I can't wait to get my year started!

Now, onto my card. This is the card I made for my family and friends who I didn't get a chance to send Christmas cards out to. I ceased this card from the SU catty pg. 45. I made a couple of changes but I kept the concept the same. For my image, I used an oldie but goodie SU A Cardinal Christmas. I decided not to color the cardinal but instead, I colored the berries in red and added some Crystal Effects. The sentiment I made myself off the computer.

As always, thank you for stopping by and taking a look!

Merry Christmas

Hello and Merry Christmas to all,

As the year comes to an end, I can't help to think how much I truly miss creating and blogging. I hope to be back more often and continue to inspire you to think creative and be creative.

This year has been the most challenging year I have had both physically, mentally and spiritually. It's been months since I created anything. I have been too exhausted to even think about making something. Then, four days before Christmas, I decided to go into my craft room make some Christmas cards for a few family and friends.

I made about a dozen in a half of this beautiful vintage Christmas card. I distressed, sponged, sewed and colored on this card. I love the way it turned out and it felt so good to make it.

For those who are reading this and wonder where your card is, no need to worry. I'm making New Year blessing cards you are surely going to love.

For my card I used: Stampin' Up! Cherry Cobbler, Close to Cocoa and Whisper White card stock, Deck the Halls DS paper, Bells and Bows stamp set, Fireside Christmas stamp set for the sentiment, Victoria Crochet Ribbon, misc red ribbon, brad, pearls and Copic markers.

Let it Rain

Hey there,

Happy Wednesday!!

Today I have the busiest day of the week. I'm off to work, then pick up the kids from school and back to work for our Children's Ministry mid-week program.

I had some time yesterday to surf the blogs and see what challenge I can participate in.

I really love coloring these adorable gals from Whiff of Joy. So, with that being said, Copic Creations Challenge 59 - Saturated Colors was the challenge for me.

I have had this stamp for a while and never ink her up. What was I thinking of!! What I was reading the description for saturated colors, I held onto this quote while coloring. Beverly Ash Gilbert on Saturated Colors. “Saturation is the purity, intensity, brightness of a color. Saturated
colors feel alive … “

Well, I'm off to take the kids to the bus stop. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you like my card.

October

Hey there,

It's October and I am hoping to get back to my card making. The kids are back in school and my work schedule is manageable. This summer I worked full time and directed two summer camps. As you can imagine working with volunteers and children all day is exhausting and had no energy left to craft.

Last night while I was browsing to see what challenge to start with, I thought starting with this Magnolia stamp from Clear Dollar Stamps would be perfect.

The challenge at Clearly iStamp is a sketch challenge. This is an easy and simple sketch for anyone.

For my card: I used the Calendula October stamp (now it's a digital stamp), Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi and Whisper White Card Stock, Woodland Walk DS paper, Library Clip, Linen Thread and a drew drop.

I'm Back

Hey there,

It sure has been a long time since I created a card!!! I think the last time I made something, it was for Easter.

I almost forgot how peaceful I feel when I create. I get to spend time with the Lord, pray for my family, for guidance with my job at church and for peace in my heart to accept the things I can not control.

These past six months, I have been challenged to the core both physically and mentally. I had two surgeries, my oldest son was diagnosed with mood depression and anxiety. Just recently, I had to have all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled. Surly, you can understand why I haven't posted anything in such a long time.

As I started creating this card, I used the time to reflect on the things that bring joy to my life. I realized what I was missing was right in front of me. Creating cards to bless other people and writing on my blog.

My hope is to continue to slowly get back into creating my cards but mostly to inspire people with my art and my blog. I hope you will join me each week.

For my card, I used the following: Stampin' Up! Nature Walk stamp set, Craft, Early Espresso and Confetti Card Stock, Linen Thread, Crystal Stickles, Dimensional and Copic Markers.

Have a blessed day!

He is Risen

Hey there,

I woke up this morning inspired and motivated to work on my Easter cards. Just when I started, I received the latest challenge from Clearly iStamp. So I decided, why not. I love those folks there and it's been a while since I played along.

The challenge is all about the Bling. They want to see you use some glitter, rhinestones, Stickles, or any other glitzy embellishment to give your project some sparkle!

For my card, I used My Mind's Eye Glitter Book, Gold rhinestones and I gold embossed the cross and sentiment. Capturing the glitter is really hard to do when you don't have good light. In person however, the card did turn out very elegant.

Now time to see what everyone else has made. Today is a good day for surfing the internet. It's very cold and wet out.

Thanks for stopping bye!

Luau Party

Hey there,

It sure has been some time since I have posted a card. I hope you haven't forgotten about me.

I had to take some time off to heal from another surgery I had in January. These past few months has been by far the most difficult months I have ever had to endure. The time I had to create, I spent in bed resting.

I hope to be able to get back into my old routine. I truly miss creating and sharing for you.

For starters, I decided to start with a simple and cute card. My little Cait's 10th birthday is coming up and she wanted me to make her birthday party invitations. I thought, why not? It will help me get back creating and sharing with you all.

My girlfriends invited me to the Heirloom Rubber Stamp fair this weekend. I purchased so many new rubber stamps!! It's the candy store for rubber stampers!!

This set here is from DeNami Designs. OMgoodness...are these cutest stamps ever??? They were the perfect stamps for Cait's Luau Birthday Party. I purchase a few other sets, but I guess you'll have to come back another day to take a look.

Well, thanks for coming back and taking a look. I hope to see you soon!!

Shabby Bird House

Hey there,

This week I have been laying low and trying to recover from my unexpected surgery last week. I was happy to find my way into my craft room and allow myself to craft a bit.

Today, we are featuring this adorable bird house by Sugar Creek Hollow. Isn't it just the cutest?

I decided to create a shabby birdhouse for my card. I colored the birdhouse using a distress technique by combining different colors of browns and tans. I added the bird, a branch, some ribbon and blue stickles to put the look together. I also did some stitching since it didn't require too much work in my part.

Altogether, I think it turned out pretty good despite me being on pain killers {wink}.

Now, it's time to go on over to the SCH blog to see the rest of the DT's cards. Then, don't forget to participate to play along with us.

Thanks for stopping by. Stay warm and have a blessed weekend.

Flutter Butterfly

Hey there,

I hope today where ever you are, you are filled with warmth.

We are digging out from another white out new storm hitting us with 13" of snow. My DH has the job most husbands have today to dig out from the storm. For me, I'll stay inside and in my craft room where I know it's safe.

Last week had to have surgery again so I'm still recovering. I just found yesterday that this is not the end. I have another 6 months of more pain before I get any relief. In two weeks I start Lupron shots to help with the endometriosis. If any of my readers have ever been on Lupron, I would love to hear from you. Please share the good, the bad and the ugly.

Right now being in my craft room is the only sanity I have. This week, I actually made two cards. This card I'm showing you today is for the Flutter By Wednesday White on White Challenge with either a Butterfly, Fairy or Angel.

I decided to use one of Sugar Creek Hollow's newest digi. After I colored the butterfly, I used some glimmer mist to give it some extra shine. I colored two of them and popped one up.

The rest of the card was pretty easy to put together.

Okay, time for me to get some rest and lay down for a while. Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to your comments. Stay warm my friends!!

Thank You

Hey there,

Welcome back to another Sugar Creek Hollow Sensational Saturday!! This week's challenge is to make a card using FABRIC.

For my fabric piece , I decided to make a flower. I used the Tattered Flower die from Tim Holtz. Once I put the flower together, I added a pearl for the center.

The image is the Barn Swallow. I used my copics to color then, I added a thin layer of Glossy Accents.

I hope you give this challenge a try. It's a lot of fun!! For more inspiration, check out the DT's cards by clicking to their links on the sidebar. You are going to be blown away!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

In His Image

Hey there,

Welcome back!! I am so glad you are visiting!!

Today, we are starting a New Year at Sugar Creek Hollow. We have new challenges and prizes you won't want to miss.

But, first... Did you know that the proceeds of the sales from Sugar Creek Hollow Shoppe go to provide food, clothing and shelter for those who are less fortunate? If you don't have any images from the shoppe yet, make sure to check it out and when you buy something to use for your creation, you can say that you helped too.

This week we're having a Sketch Challenge. These are my favorite challenges since the hardest part is already done for you.

Everyone is invited to enter a card HERE using the sketch provided. You are not required to use an image from Sugar Creek Hollow, however if you do, you will be entered twice into a random prize draw.

The winner of the draw will receive a SCH digi of their choice and a badge to display on their blog. In addition to this, once we receive a minimum of 10 entries, the DT will select a Card of the Week and the creator will receive a special badge for their blog. Every month, there will be a Guest Designer chose from the Cards of the Week. The winner will be invited to join the DT in a challenge.

How's that for a New Challenge and Prize Giveaway?!! So, make sure play along!!

For my card, I used the Cameo Ladies set. I love this digi set!! It comes with 5 different images of women and a frame.

Now it's time to take a look at the other cards the DT created for you. Take a look here. Then, join us for our weekly challenge.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Little One

Hey there,

Well, if you haven't heard already, we got hit with 20" of snow here in Central New Jersey. So, what do you do when you are snowed in? Craft!!

It's been some time since I've been able to craft. It felt good getting my mojo back.

I made this card for a friend in my Life Group. She is adopting a baby boy from Korea and he should be traveling home by an escort as this gets posted. We are all praying for safe travels for the little guy. I can't wait to meet him.

Since today is Monday, I thought to play with this week's Mojo Monday Challenge.

For my card, I used SU Bashful Blue and Night of Navy card stock, Maine Blueberry retired SU DS paper, Misc Noah's Ark stamp and sentiment, pale blue Drew Drops, Copic Markers and Crinkled Ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by!! Hope you have a bless week!!

Merry Christmas

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived". Luke 2:11

From my family to yours, my you have a bless Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

See you in 2011!!

Holiday Wishes

Hey there,

I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving and are spending some quality time with family and friends. Better yet, getting your Christmas cards done!!

Today, I'm showing you a card I made for this week's Faux Wood Challenge at Sugar Creek Hollow.

For my card, I decided to create a barn door using the Faux Barn Bard technique from Splitcoaststampers. I love this technique and it's so much fun to play with.

After creating the door, I then used the Holly Punch from MS to create my wreath. My sentiment is from Sugar Creek Hollow. I used the Poinsettia Teacup Digi set. It's comes with this beautiful sentiment that I thought was perfect for my door.

Set set is available for purchase and only $4.00.

Now it's time to visit the Design Team. So, grab your cup of tea, sit back and enjoy browsing through our blogs for inspiration.

May your home be filled with warmth weekend!!

Baby Jesus

Hey there,

Well, it's been two weeks since my surgery. I am recovery slowing and glad to be back creating.

The anticipation of this Baby Jesus digi has finally come and I am so glad I was able to create a card this week.

This beautiful image was created exclusively for Sugar Creek Hollow by a young lady in Poland. The scroll was created by our very own Design Team Member Donna.

For my card, I decided to color the baby blanket in blue. I colored baby Jesus and the hay and distress the entire image with my distress inks. I followed the same process for the scroll. I kept the sketch simple.

You have to take a look at the cards the Design created for you. Take a look here. You won't be disappointed!

Then, make sure to go to Sugar Creek Hollow's blog to check out this week's challenge and Sugar Creek Hollow store to grab your freebie.

Thanks for stopping by. Have fun creating!!

Laid Out

Hey there friends,

So here is what I was doing on my birthday. Not really exciting but a must. On Friday, November 5th I had a hysterectomy. This is what I looked like the following day (my b-day).

The pain meds swelled up my face and cheeks. They were on FIRE!! My darling husband didn't say anything to me. I kept telling him my face was really hot. The nurse came in and asked why my face was so red. Then when the doctor came in he yelled, "What happened to your face"?!! I was like, "Okay, would someone please give me a mirror"!! So, instead we took a picture so I can see. My DH didn't want to say anything because he didn't want to worry me. He's such a darling!!

Anyway, it's day 6 for me. I've been laying in bed, reading magazines, watching too much tv and finally online. I have caught up on my DT's blogs, visit some of my fav sites, order my winter coat, boots, clothes and of course, checked my work emails.

The meds are making me really nauseous. Today is the first day without prescribed pain meds and I'm doing much better. I have tried everything under the sun to take the nausea away. I have a few more days of bed rest and then 4-6 week for a full recovery with no heavy lifting, cleaning, laundry, sweeping and exercise. I have to take it very easy. I pray and hope I can do my work because there is so much to do. Both and home and church that is!!

Tomorrow, I will see if I can create something. I'll do little at a time but, I can't promise I'll have something to show. I feel very much like I had a c-section and sitting for too long hurts.

Well, thanks for checking in. I'll see you here soon!!