Hopes and Dreams

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to share an Art Journal page I did today. Some of you who know me or have been on FB know that this is the week my son started College in Fl., and reasons out of our control we weren't able to be there.

Needless to say I haven't been happy not being able to see Brandon off to college, but at least I've been able to see all the photos he's posted on FB! I haven't talked to him since last Saturday before he moved in, but I'm hoping he calls this weekend!

I'm so proud of him, he was offered an amazing scholarship to Rollins that made him able to attend, so we are very thankful for that, but he also earned it, he's determined and has his goals set high. He also received the Bonner Leadership scholarship that just a handful of kids get and I know he is going to do great things. It looks like he's been having lots of fun in the retreat they had for those students, thank you FB!!!

Yesterday and today was move in for all students & orientation for both students and parents & the Convocation was today, Brandon was chosen to hold the flag. I sooo wish I could have been there, but hopefully my ex-MIL got some good ones. I hope I don't come off as bragging, I'm just so darn proud of him!!!!

So, I've had all week off because I was going to be in Fl and I don't start my new job till Monday, so I've had a lot of time on my hands. I slept in most days, done some art and took 2 online classes that are due to expire on Saturday, nothing like waiting a whole year to start! They have been great, they are both Christy Tomlinson, first one was "She had 3 hearts" a journal workshop and the 2nd was "She Art". I've done some art journaling & I think I will start a girl soon.

I got off my pity party today finally and decided to start and finish an art journal page about my week of emotions and Brandon's new adventure. I got the inspiration from watching a you-tube video by "StudioJanine", I love the colors & the words. I changed it up my own take on it, but the colors & layout are pretty much the same. I did write down all my feelings first on the page & then went from there. I'm pretty happy about how it turned out. I just love art journaling, it's just a great way to get everything out on paper & play!

Thanks for taking a peak!

As always, Gilby and I love your comments, his tail just wags away when he see's me smile!

Thanks for stopping by!

I'M BACK & HANDMADE ART JOURNAL

Hi Everyone!

I know it's been such a long time since I've posted anything & I apologize to my followers. Lot's going on this year with my youngest Graduating from Military School. Very exciting year for Brandon, he Graduated with Honors & was the Salutatorian, he also got a VERY GOOD scholarship to Rollins College in Florida.
The "Empty Nest" syndrome has already set in, as he left 2 wks ago to work & then attend College. I miss him so much, I can't hardly stand it, but I'm very excited for him & what the future holds for him!

I've been doing some Mixed Media lately, with journals & canvases. I'm addicted to watching You-Tube videos...lol, there are so many great projects to watch. I saw one on how to make a journal from used items like cereal boxes, so that's what I decided to try. Please let Gilby & I know what you think! :-)

Cover 

Inside Cover

Cover-Bound

Inside Pages Box

It only took 1 Cereal Box-I've been on a "Krave" kick lately-just straight out of the box!
Used a bunch of 6x6 Paper Pads, Acrylic Paints, Distress Paints, Archival Inks, Stamps, Stencil, Gesso, Modeling Paste, Decoupage, Spray Glaze, Tags, Mixed Media Paper, Waxed Thread & Leather Needle.

As always, Gilby & I love your comments...his tail just wags away when he sees me smile!
Thanks for stopping by!

CELEBRATE...

Hi Everyone!

Isn't this just one of cutest little girls ever?! Her name is "Harper" By LORI Designs the little doll comes with her as well. I remember seeing pictures of my sister when she was little & Harper looks just like her. She's not a little girl anymore, but I think there is still a little girl in all of us girls.

Gilby & I are submitting it in the following challenges:
By LORI Designs #40-Use a Sentiment
The Pink Elephant Challenge #187-Sketch
Crafting By Design-Anything Goes
Cupcake Craft Challenge #230-Doilies, Lace & Twine
Paper Playtime #4-Use a Sentiment
Challenges 4 Everyone #14-Anything Goes
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards #33-Buttons & Bows

Supplies Used:
Digi Stamps-By LORI Designs-"Puddle Jumper, Harper"
Sentiment-PBD Scripted Year
Card Stock-PTI
Copic Sketch Marker
White Gel Pen
Lace-Chatter Box
Ribbon-American Crafts
Stash-Buttons, Doilies & Pattern Paper
Font-Inside of Card-"Janet"

As always, Gilby & I love your comments...his tail just wags away when he sees me smile!

Thanks for stopping by & wish us luck!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Hi Everyone!

Happy Valentines Day!
I had this idea for a card brewing in my mind for a while. It didn't turn out exactly the way I wanted, but I'm still happy with it. I have been crazy about Paper Smooches stamps lately, but I only have a few sets, so it's great that I can use them with some of the other stamps I have from other companies. I love when you can mix it up, especially for stamp hoarders like myself!...LOL

I didn't have any red lipstick & my lips are kind of chapped right now, so I thought PS's little lip stamp was perfect for the little love note. I'm entering it into Paper Smooches current challenge, where it's all about Hearts & for their March Guest Designer position.

I used 4 Paper Smooches Stamp Sets:
Hearts "Bee Mine" & "A Little Lovin" I added the arrow to the 2 hearts at the top
Love & Lips "Bee Mine"
I "Alphadot"

Other Products I used:
Postage Stamp & You.-The Stamps of Life "Postage to Stamp"
Pattern Paper My Minds Eye "Love You"
Cardstock-PTI
Inks Stephanie Barnard Colorbox-Strawberry & Licorice
Foam Dots

As always, Gilby & I love your comments...his tail just wags away when he sees me smile!

Thanks for stopping by!

PART 2 VALENTINES OF 2 FOR 2 FOR PAPER SMOOCHES

Hi Everyone, me again!

Apparently you can't use linkitz  Inlinkz twice for the same post.

If you didn't see the first post click here 

So, here again is the 2nd card, that I'm entering into the SPARKS Paper Smooches Challenge (POLKA DOTS) & the chance to be Guest Designer for March.

Again, I used the super cute PS set "A Little Lovin".

Wish Gilby & I luck!

Thanks for stopping by!

VALENTINES 2 FOR 2 FOR PAPER SMOOCHES

Hi Everyone!

I have a couple of cards to share with you today that I made for the SPARKS Challenge over at Paper Smooches. I have just fallen in love with Paper Smooches stamps, they are so whimsical & fun, so I thought I would join in on one of their challenges. They are also looking for Guest Designers for March, so I thought it a try & I'm submitting them. Why not, right?....lol

Can you guess what the Challenge was?

Any idea yet?

You guessed it.......one of my Favorites....POLKA DOTS!!!!

Both cards were made with the Super Cute Paper Smooches "A Little Lovin" set
Other products I used were:
Recollections Washi Tape (Roo)
Cuttlebug "Seeing Spots" Embossing Folder (Roo)
Heart Punch (Roo)
Copic Sketch Markers-E30,E31,E34,E35,E51,R20,0 (Roo)
PTI-Chevron Die (Frog)
Ranger Enamel Accents-Black (Frog)

I had lots of fun with this challenge & using my new PS stamps!!! I also tried Washi Tape for the first time & I can see why everyone is so crazy about it! 

Can you guess which one my favorite one is???? Hmmmmmm, I wonder?....LOL 

As always Gilby & I love your comments....his tail just wags away when he sees me smile!

Thanks for stopping by!

FAVORITE PROJECTS OF 2012

Hi Everyone!

Can't believe it's been over 4 months since I last blogged! I really didn't do much blogging or creating last year, but this year I hope to do better, no promises though. ;-) Sometime life just gets out of control & other things take priority.

It's probably a little late for this, but I wanted to list of some of my favorite projects of 2012. I think normally you have a list of like 12, but I'm not even sure that I made 12 projects!

So here are my top 6 projects of 2012.

Okay, so there it is my first blog post of 2013! 

See you again soon!

WINNER OF FALL WREATH DOGGIE WALK

Hi Everyone!

I'm sorry it has taken up until now to get this posted, but the winner of Gilby's little bag of doggie treats go to lucky #7, Shar!

I will be contacting you for your info.

Promise to have more creations coming soon!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hi Everyone!

Welcome everyone to “Fall in love with Autumn” blog hop.

Featuring a fall wreath collection:

Let me just start with how much I heart fall {sigh}.  Leave’s turning gorgeous shades of orange, red and brown.  The crisp air, aroma’s of hot cocoa and apple cider from the apple orchards where we pick apples. Making apple butter & my most yummy apple cake! Oh, I can go on and on!  Well with that being said I have a treat for all of you today I have a group of talented ladies that can’t wait to share with you their fall wreath that they created for this gorgeous season.  We hope to inspire you and “fall in love with autumn”!  Enjoy! J
Ok, so a walking we will go...if you came from Tayna's then you're in right place, if not then you may want to start from the beginning at Misses Crafty's . The complete line up is listed at the bottom in case you get lost along the way.

I've seen these yarn wreaths & t-shirt flowers all over Pinterest, so I thought I would give it a try. This will be an indoor wreath since our front door is exposed to the elements. Sorry, for the bad pictures.



Next up is Janea, but before you go wandering off, you'll probably want to read about the Blog Candy aka "Doggie Treats"

I had a lot of fun making this & will definitely make another one after my slight little learning curve. To make the wreath I used a styrofoam wreath which I bought w/a 50% off coupon, otherwise they are too expensive. Yarn of course, an old t-shirt I got from the thrift store a while back (for this purpose), some canvas from an old apron, which I sprayed green w/a mixture of green fabric paint & water then heat set it with an iron, some buttons I was going to use for another project (still have more), an old belt for the hanger part & glue gun. I was so thrilled with myself when I came across this belt, it's perfect because you can adjust the wreath to has as low or as high as you want. Found an old one of my son's that I can totally use for another wreath. Think belts are going to be added to my list of thrift store wants. Hope this inspires you to make one!

Lluvia aka Misses Crafty, who put this hop together has some yummy "Doggie Treats" up for grabs. She is offering up a $20.00 gift card to Michaels or Joanns! You choose! The rules are as follows; you must become a follower of each blog and leave a comment on every stop.  Winner will be selected on 9-17-12.
Gilby & I have a little something too, we can't do a blog hop "Doggie Walk" without giving away a surprise Doggie Bag! We will pick our winner on 9-17-12 as well!

Here is the complete lineup-
1.)Lluvia aka misses crafty- http://sweetbirdmemories.blogspot.com
2.)Teresa -http://freshandrenewed.blogspot.com
3.) Maria Matter - http://JoyfulStamper.blogspot.com
4.) Jessi ~ http://mylifeinartsncrafts.blogspot.com
5.) Tonya http://ittybittyladybugs.blogspot.com

6.) Amanda - http://a-prata-design.blogspot.com
7.) No #7
8.) Miriam ~ http://miriamscreations.blogspot.com
9.) Jillian ~ http://www.paperalamode.com
10.) Lisa ~ http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/
11.) Sheila - http://2pawprints.blogspot.com
12.) Ashley - http://thebloghopprincess.blogspot.com
13.) Tanya - http://blahvacuum.blogspot.com
14.) Wendy- http://gilbyscraftster.blogspot.com
15.) Janea - http://recollectionalley.blogspot.com
16.) Shannon - http://shannonleffew.blogspot.com
17.) Jearise - http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com

As always, Gilby & I love your comments...his tail just wags away when he sees me smile!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wishing You Sun-Filled Days

Hi Everyone!
I have another card to share with you today using the same stamp set I used yesterday. There are a lot of people in my life going through different things, that I thought this would be good to have on hand, actually I think I already know who I'm going to send it to!



I've been on a challenge kick lately, I think it helps with a starting point if I haven't already envisioned something, so I'll be entering this in the following challenges:
OCL-Anything Goes w/an OCL Stamp
MIM-Anything Goes
The Sweetest Thing-Sweet Sunday Sketch

Recipe:
Stamps-OCL Sunshine Cheer
Nestabilities-Blossom
Glitter-MS Lemon Drop
Sparkly Fluff-OCL Baby Boy Blue
I-Rock & Gems
Cardstock & Pattern Paper are from my stash

As always, Gilby & love your comments...his tail just wags away when he sees me smile!
Thanks for stopping by!

FEEL BETTER SOON

Hi Everyone!
Have been making several Get Better Soon cards, so I thought I would share another one with you. I'm not going to share who I made this card for or the reason, as she could see it from following my blog. Let's just say it's someone whom I love very much & who has been through a lot this year! It was a great excuse for me to play with this OCL stamp set that love, but have never used before. You have never tried OCL "Our Craft Lounge" stamps you should, they have some of the cutest stamp sets, they stamp really well & the packaging is one of the best. There is a button to the left on my blog that will take you to their site. No, I'm not saying all of this because I'm finally entering one of their challenges, it's truly how I feel!

It's a Big card, don't remember the measurements, but I had to make a special envelope for it.

Inside of card-clever how I used paper to hide the ribbon, huh? :-)

I'm entering it into the following Challenges-
OCL-Anything Goes w/an OCL Stamp
I Heart 2 Stamp-Sketch
Make it Monday-Anything Goes
Marker Pop-Yellow
Twisted Tuesday-Thinking of you

Recipe-
OCL "Sunshine Cheer"
Pattern Paper-Cosmo Cricket "Garden Variety"
Ribbon-AC
Copic Markers
Glitter-MS "Lemon Drop" For the Sun
Sparkly Fluff-OCL "Baby Boy Blue" For the Cloud

As always, Gilby & I love your comments...his tail just wags away when he sees me smile!

Thanks for stopping by!

Another Get Well Card

Hi Everyone!
Thought I would share another card I made for my friends boyfriend. This card I made for her to give to him, thought I would leave it as is & she could fill in the blanks. :-)

I'm also entering it into the following challenges-
Tuesday Morning Sketch-Sketch
Make it Monday-Anything Goes 
The Cutie Pie Challenge-No flowers
Allsorts Challenge-Layers

The Digi is from Bugaboo

As always, Gilby & I love your comments...his tail just wags away when he sees me smile

Thanks for stopping by!

Back In The Card Making Saddle Again!

Hi Everyone!
Have kind of had mixed feeling about card making & paper crafting lately. I had this whole thing typed out explaining why, but I thought what was the point? It just brings up more hurt feelings & what's done is done & I need to move on. Let's just say that the 2 people in my family (hubby's side) will now be getting cards that my hubby picks out for them, just as they want. I had decided to sell a bunch of my stamps & stop making cards completely, I have so many hobbies as it is, but that didn't last long though, I'm not going to let this get me down anymore. I enjoy making cards, I just may not make as many as I've made before.
Enough of all that, today I'm sharing a card I made for a friends boyfriend who is extremely lucky to be alive, it is a true miracle that he is still with us. It's going to be a long hard road for him, but, I know he can do it, he has so many people praying for him. I actually witnessed the power of prayer & how amazing God is! 
Instead of a somber get well card, I thought I would make a fun light hearted card that would hopefully make him smile a bit, plus he's a big Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan.

I'm entering it for the following challenges-

Creative Craft Challenges 2 "All About The Boys"
Hooked On Crafts "For Men"
Make It Monday "Anything Goes"
Fetch A Sketch "Sketch"

Digi Stamp-Dude Time Doodle
Sentiment Stamps-MCT 

As always Gilby & I love your comments...his tails just wags away when he sees me smile!

Thanks for stopping by!

FREEBIE FRIDAY & OTHER NEWS

Hi Everyone!
Welcome to another Freebie Friday!  Here is a list of some of the more Coolio & The Gang Freebies/Sweepstakes/Deals I have come across this week. I hope you are able to take advantage of some of them & if you end up winning one of the Sweepstakes, Gilby & I would love to hear all about it!

This is our last weekend with Brandon, before he starts his Senior Year on Tuesday! I can't believe the summer is already over for us, he goes back early because his Football team needs to get ready for a game they are playing on 8/25 & is being on ESPN 8/25. He is soo excited & has worked soo hard this summer working out (everyday)! We have been visiting colleges this summer & he got his license as well, so I guess that's another reason why it has seemed so fast. Military is not like Puplic School where you at least get part of your Drivers Ed there (back in my day-you got both behind the wheel & drivers ed). So it took over a month to finish both & was not cheap!
Anywhoodle who, his first leave weekend isn't until October, so other than Football games I won't be able to see my Bubba until then. Even though I get very sad at this time of year, I am soo thankful to have been able to spend almost the entire summer with him. This time next year he will know where he's going to College & we will be getting ready for that & then the "official" Empty Nest Syndrome will take place, although it has seemed that way since he started FUMA 5 years ago & because his older brother left for the Air Force a year before then. It's Unbelievable how time goes by soo fast! 
So, this weekend will be full of last meal requests...LOL- Steak Salad, Chicken Salad Croissants, French Dip & probably a Steak Dinner out. The boy loves him some Salad & Steak. Will probably visit Sweet Frog (frozen yogurt place) again :) going to see the new Batman movie AND the rest of the time will just be spent chilling with Gillby & probably watching the Olympics. Go USA!!!

Some Crafting Freebies-

MyScrapChick has a CUTE Rocket Ship SVG-you just have to sign up for her news letters
Go to the "Freebie" Section & there's a spot for you to sign up to get exclusive Freebies!
Fancy Pants has a cute "Little Sport Photo Frame"

Feel like I just got the gold medal for finding this LOL, BrokenBoxStock has pages of Free Digi Stamps AND they are Adorable!!!

Dustin Pike has a cute Scarecrow & Pumpkins, both colored Digi & non-colored.

Free Clark & Kensington Paint Sample at Ace, Printable Coupon. Sat 8/4 only.

One of my Favorite Stamp Companies "OCL" short for Our Craft Lounge is having their final release party with lots of blog candy. Today is the last day to get your comments in!

Want to send your BFF a card this Summer, but you've been too busy to make one, here's your chance, you can get a Free one the Card Store + Free Shipping. Ends 8/5

Some Cool Sweepstakes-(Warning, some of these Sweepstakes require that you "like" several FB pages, etc)

Win an I-Pad a day. Enter Once a Day. Ends 8/9

Win a $100 Amazon Giftcard. Ends 8/17

I don't know about you all, but I LOVE Churros, you can enter to win your very own Churro maker here.

Win a $25 Starbucks Giftcard. Ends 8/14

No weekend would be complete with out Pizza & a Movie

Here are some Papa John Codes (I hope they aren't just for my area)
Order Any Large Pizza & 2 Liter Pepsi Product Online for $12.99-F803LGFP Ends 8/6

Here's a list of ongoing RedBox Codes

Thanks for stopping by!

WINNERS!!!

Hi Everyone!

Sorry for the delay in announcing Gilby's Birthday/400 Followers winner-we have been out of town & are getting ready to leave again.

The winner is Vannessa!
Congrats Vannessa! Gilby & I know you are just going to LOVE your Doggie Bag!!! Please  email me with your 411.

Now, on to the winner of the Super Hero Blog Hop.
The winner is mamawcindy! Congrats! Please email me with your 411 as well.

Thanks for playing everyone!
Gilby & I will be back soon!

SUPER HERO BLOG HOP!!!

Daa, Daa, Daa, Daada Daaaaa!!!!!

Welcome to The Super Hero Blog Hop!!! How did you like my intro, not bad huh? That was all Gilby's idea. ;-)  We are Super Excited to be part of this Hop, so thank you to Ruthie & Candace for inviting me!!!

You are in for a fun Hop today, lot's of Super projects & Doggie Treats (prizes)!!! You may even be able to find your own Hero along the way ;-) So,if you came from Yolanda's blog then you are in the right place, if not & you would like to start from the beginning then you need to Fly on over to Candace's Blog!

Today, Gilby & I wanted to create a project for the everyday Super Hero, so we decided to make a card for one of the Best Super Hero's out there; Firemen/women. They risk their lives everyday to save ours, including our fur-babies, I can't think of anything more Heroic that that!!! 
We found this Super cute SVG over at Paper Piecings by Nikki & thought it was perfect!
This is only the 2nd time I've done paper piecing, so it took a little bit to figure out. Getting it arranged in the program I was using in order to cut on my Cameo was the most challenging. Once it was cut & I started piecing it together, I absolutely loved it! Gilby & I are Super thrilled with our little card & can't wait to try paper piecing again! We just wish we knew someone to give it to, maybe we'll send it to our local Fire Department

  

Now, let's not forget the Universal Super Hero's of all time....The Mom!!!

My kids got this years ago for me on Mother's Day :-) so I thought I would share!

She has an arsenal that every Mom needs that she carries around her waist: a Cell Phone,

Wipes & Frist Aid Kit, Keys & of course Gum & Candy!

Daa, Daa, Daa, Daada Daaaaa!!!!! Time for a Super sweet prize!!!  September Ninth Designs is the Big Super Hero today, as she is giving away a "Your Story Photo Personal Bookbinding Kit" to one lucky winner!

 

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, to maximize your chances to win (who wouldn't want to do that), you should leave a comment on each blog in the hop!!!

You will have until Sunday night 12pm (PST) to leave a comment. A winner will be chosen at random and announced Tuesday July 31st, SeptemberNinthdesigns.com.

Want a chance to win some more Super "Doggie Treats"? Yeah that's what Gilby & I thought, so we put together this Super cute little Doggie Bag for one lucky winner!

All you need to do is leave a comment on this post (you only need to leave for both giveaways). Gilby & I don't require that you become a follower or sign up for our

e-mails to win, but if you see what you like & you want to, we always welcome new friends! You will have until Sunday night at 12pm (PST) to leave a comment, we will also choose a winner at random, but the winner will be announced some time on Monday July 30th as we are out of town next week.

Your next stop on the hop is Michelle's blog , so you can see what kind of Super project she has for you!!!

Thanks for flying by!