Mo's Challenge Blog --- Christmas In July

Today is the last day of July --- 218 days of 2010 have passed already!  That means there are only 147 days until Christmas!!  Whoa!  Where does the time go??  Thoughts are turning to the holidays and with good reason ---- summertime heat gets pretty intense about now and images of snow and holiday scenes help to turn down the temps.  But then, I like Christmas cards all year long!

This week Mo Manning's challenge is Christmas in July, so I took two images I had already colored and put them on cards.  I just couldn't break up this adorable pair, so I am showing both cards here.

First is "Noelle Bearing Gifts" and I love her fun coat!  She is colored with Copics and framed with Nesties labels.  I used red metallic paper to match the sentiment sticker.  The sentiment sticker is from a set I found at Hobby Lobby and matched the Nestie perfectly!  I used the extra wide lattice border punch from Martha Stewart on ivory cardstock topped with holiday gingham ribbon.  The poinsettias are from my basketful of odds and ends and I placed ivory Prima roses in the centers.

She is such a cutie and I can't wait to see what's in those packages!

Here is "Nicholas Bearing Gifts" and it looks like he's all dressed up for a fun Christmas party. This card is a little simpler than Noelle's. Nicholas is colored with Copics. The crinkle paper in the background adds texture (I love texture) and the light blue square was run through the Cuttlebug with the Swirls embossing folder.  The deckle-edge Nesties seemed to complement the other textures nicely.  Those awesome snowflake stickers are from the Recollections line at Michaels.  I love the frosty look of them!  And the sentiment is a silver peel-off. 

Nicholas is quite a dapper young fellow, don't you think?

I'm so glad you stopped by today!  Is it hot where you are?  We are having unusual heat here in Missouri, so do what I do and "Think Snow!"

Happy Birthday, Audrey!

I shared this card on Mo Manning's Facebook a few days ago and now I will reveal who I made it for, as the wonderful birthday girl has received it.

For the first time in 24 years I get to celebrate my step-daughter's birthday.  Confused?  Well, it's a simple story, really, and what is important --- and the best part --- is now.  Without filling in the details, Audrey became part of my life when she was 11 years old and I watched her grow to be a young woman off to college.  Things happened, 1600 miles separated us, then 24 years later Audrey found me on Facebook.  She also found that I now live about 70 miles from her.  We reunited a few months ago, I met her wonderful husband and two beautiful daughters, and we have spent hours and hours catching up.  Having her back in my life is truly one of my greatest blessings, for me and my family.  I'm so proud of her and love her so much!

Happy Birthday, Audrey!

(The image is Mo Manning's Penelope's Party Wagon, which I colored with Copics.  The DP, rub-on swirls, and butterflies are from K&Co Wild Saffron collection.) 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend planned!

Lucky Streak!

I am absolutely blown away at my streak of good luck lately!  This morning I was checking the Whiff of Joy Challenge blog for the new theme and found out that I won the drawing for the fabulous WOJ Fun in the Sun stamp kit!  Wow!  How fun is this?  I can't wait to get them!  Thank you, Katharina!

Bah! Humbug! Challenge #28 --- A Christmas Scene

This week at Bah! Humbug! the "Trio of Tinsel" --- that would be Max, Irene, and Ann --- have challenged us to create a project with a Christmas Scene.  I love receiving Christmas cards with a lovely holiday or wintry scene, especially those with lots of snow!

For my card I mixed media.  The illustration of the father and son carrying evergreen boughs for the wreath is from Mo Manning and I could see it on a background of snow-covered trees in an open field.  I found the perfect background in the graphics of Print Shop 21, which I usually use for my labels, business cards, and such.  I added crystal Stickles to the snow on the branches and the boughs for lots of sparkle.  The image of father and son are colored with Copics and is mounted on the background with 3-D foam. Lesson learned here:  natural light is perfect for photographing the card, but when it is too close to dusk that 3-D mounting casts a long shadow!  The Merry Christmas ribbon is from my stash.

I love the little boy looking over his shoulder!

Now that we are nearly through July those of us who make lots and lots of cards for friends and family, or, like me, for sale in a shop, are going into full gear to have enough cards for the season.  I love that I already have 25 brand new cards already!  Hop on over to Bah! Humbug! and see the beautiful projects by the DT, and add yours to the comments!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you are having a happy week!

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge --- Paper Piecing

Yesterday I was so excited to find that I had won the weekly drawing at Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge blog.  (Thank you, Peggy, for the heads up!)  The prize was an image of my choice and, since I had just fallen head over heels for the new "Angel with a Puppy", that was what I chose. We recently lost our oldest Shih Tzu, Cookie, and I've been wanting to do a special book or memorial photo of her.  This image was my motivation and inspiration for a photo frame.

I covered a plain white 8 x 10 mat with a piece of scrapbook paper showing Cookie's favorite treats. Then I mounted a smaller gold mat behind that to accomodate a 4 x 6 photo of our little girl.  This photo was taken when she was about 12 years old, just before she started to get really sick. She was in need of a haircut, but this was so typical of Cookie, showing her silky hair.

I colored the Angel with Copics, except for her robe and wings which are cut from scrapbook paper of white fluffy clouds on a blue sky.  Then I cut two hearts with my Nesties from the same paper to continue the heavenly illusion.  Her hair is highlighted with gold Spica gel glitter pen and the dress and wings with clear and silver Spica. 

With this precious angel our sweet Cookie is a happy puppy again.  Thank you, Mo, for the perfect illustration to pay tribute to our Cookie, our companion for 13 years. 

Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge Sketch

It's time for Fresh Brewed Designs July sketch challenge.  Heather has a fun and versatile sketch for everyone this week.

Heather has also been very busy creating a LOT of fun images for summer.  I've had this young baseball player, Tommy, on hold just for this sketch and now he gets to make his debut on my blog.  There was just something about the sketch that made me think of a baseball field.  Maybe it's because the "boys of summer" are in full swing (pardon the pun) and I do love baseball.  I colored Tommy with Copics in the colors of Missouri's two major league baseball teams, the Kansas City Royals (Blue) and the St. Louis Cardinals (red). 

The grass dp is from my stash of scrapbook paper and I picked up the baseball ribbon at Walmart.  The bat and cap buttons are also from Walmart.  Home plate is cut out of heavy white cardboard.

Tommy is just one of many summertime images from the very talented Heather Dennis at Fresh Brewed Designs.  Please jog on over to the FBD Challenge blog to see more of the DT's creations and details of this week's challenge.

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you have an awesome day!

Whiff of Joy Summer Stroll

Another favorite challenge for me is Whiff of Joy, which now is posted every two weeks.  I've been so far behind I've actually missed deadlines for this challenge!  Well, not this time!  Bev provided a wonderful sketch that looks great at any angle. 

I chose to rotate it one turn to the left for this image.

This is "Autumn Charlotte", but I colored her in Copics summery hues and left off the leaves.  (Click here to see the whole image which is great for fall!) The papers are actually from my scrap box and coincidently matched the image. I have a bad habit of coloring several images at a time without any specific dp in mind.  So I am really lucky when it all comes together!  The ribbon perfectly "tied" it all together, then I added some little silk flowers from the bridal dept. at Hobby Lobby.  I like looking for sales in the jewelry-making departments at craft stores, and that is where I found this gold butterfly.  The bottom edge of the top layer is a MS punch.

Charlotte is a lovely image for any time of year.  I'm sure she will appear again in the fall!

Thank you for stopping by today.  It's good to see everyone in the comments again!

Bah! Humbug! Challenge --- Stockings

It's hard to believe, but I have missed the last two Bah! Humbug! challenges.  Shame on me!  I love Irene, Max, and Ann because they are keeping me on track with my Christmas Card stash --- and they are terrific ladies.  If you haven't met them yet, hop on over to Bah! Humbug!  You'll see what I mean!

So, for the challenge this week I went a little overboard with a pretty fancy card.  One of my favorite illustrators, Mo Manning, just released this adorable girl with a Christmas stocking.  I downloaded within minutes after seeing it on Mo's Facebook page.  (Gotta love digital!)  After coloring it I just had to go frilly and flowery with the card.  Even though the colors aren't typical for Christmas (who's to say what is typical?) I thought it would make a nice card for a special little girl.  So, with a bit of vintage, old lace, snowy swirls, pink roses and snowflakes, here is my card for this week's challenge.................

There's a lot going on here:

Image colored with Copics

DP from my stash of scrapbook papers

Ivory mulberry paper

Pink Bazzill card stock

Inkadinkadoo swirling snow stamp embossed with winter wonderland embossing powder

antique lace

pink silk flowers with Recollections pearl brads in the centers

snowflake buttons

It took awhile to put this all together, but I think it was worth it.  I hope you like it.  Thank you for stopping by and taking a look. 

A Special Couple's 69th Anniversary!

In 1941 the film "How Green Was My Valley" won the Academy Award.  Other classic films that year were "Citizen Kane", "The Maltese Falcon", and "Sergeant York".  The first Gold Record ever awarded went to orchestra leader Glenn Miller for "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and Les Paul built the first solid-body electric guitar.  In television, the network NBC was launched.

But most importantly,  my Uncle Earl and Aunt Lorraine were married on July 19th, 1941:

69 years ago!

They are still awesome at 89 and 88 years, respectively, living in their own home, active in church and helping others at every chance.  An inspiration to everyone who meets them, I am proud to be one of many beneficiaries of their spirituality, encouragement, love, and support.

I wanted to make a special anniversary card for them with lots of bling for the sparkle they still have for each other.  Since I can't be with them in person, this is the card that is on its way to them now:

Happy Anniversary! I love you, Earl and Lorraine!

Digital Pencil Too Challenge #40 --- Masculine Theme

It would seem that I had fallen off the crafting planet lately. Nope! Just haven't been organized enough to keep up with everything. What I've missed most are my favorite challenges. So, beginning today, I am going to attempt to make a card on the day the challenge is announced, not cram it in at the last minute. I have enough images already colored I should be able to do that -- I think!

So, Mo Manning's DP2 challenge theme this week (as posted today) is masculine. Several weeks ago I colored each of the Big Guy illustrations with the intention to make Father's Day cards. I didn't get them all made up. But, that meant that I had some pieces set to go today.

Here's the Big Guy, obviously proud of his "Prize Winning" tomatoes. The dp "Farmers Market" by DCWV was perfect for the theme. Big Guy is colored with Copics and the embellies add sparkle, even on one of the tomatoes.

A couple of weeks ago I had a card all pieced together for the DP2 theme "Fabric" but it sat on my drafting table, unfinished.  I just couldn't push it aside to do today's card so I finished it first.  This image is so funny and brings back memories of my own baby fine hair flying in all directions at the whim of static electricity!  The fabric piece is the tulip print, actually a woven ribbon that I backed with a piece of white card stock to show it off.  Tulips, balloons, bright buttons in yellow, orange and green --- definitely signs of summer! 

I just couldn't let this card go without posting it.  I hope it makes you smile, too.

Summertime, as defined by the school schedule here, is already half over.  But there is plenty of heat and summer sun this week!  I hope your summer is fun, with plenty of time for your favorite recreation activities.

Thanks for stopping by!

Great New Book: "The Book of Awesome"

While browsing the book rack at Walmart I found a book that brought a big smile to my face, muffled chuckles, and out-loud laughter!  It's called The Book of Awesome and is a collection of the simple moments in everyday life that are often overlooked, but really are the most awesome moments in everyday life.

Take things like finding money in a pocket of a coat you haven't worn since last winter; smelling fresh-baked cookies when you walk in the door; when your luggage tumbles down the chute first after a long flight; or having someone let you in a long line of traffic (that's a Branson awesome moment).  I love this book and the idea of looking back at my day and recalling the little things that are truly awesome. 

So, I am going to put a little box in the side bar and report these awesome moments.  Feel free to share yours!  You know you have them!

Neil Pasricha, the author of The Book of Awesome also has a website 1000 Awesome Things where he continues he quest for all things awesome.

AWESOME!

Copics Certification Class Comes to Branson!

Those who know me, even a little, know that I LOVE COPICS!  I've been watching the Copics Certification Class schedule for over a year, but had to miss a couple of classes that were fairly close by.  However, that has all changed!  On September 3 Copics Certification is coming to BRANSON!  Woohoo!  I applied, was accepted and ready to go!  Oh, I just can't wait!!

If you are even thinking about taking the class, let me further entice you with my own plug for Branson.  The class is on Friday, so you can make a whole weekend of it:  live shows, boating, fishing, shopping, and the greatest restaurants!  And the scenery! Just driving through the beautiful winding country roads is so relaxing and invigorating! 

Ok, now, y'all come!  I can't wait to see my friends and make new ones!!

Zipline vs Card Making -- What I've Been Up To Lately

It's been over a week since I made a card!  Aaurrgh!  Withdrawals!  However, I do have good excuses :-)

Toward the end of June an exchange on Facebook with a friend, who also happens to be a craft blog buddy, led to a meeting in person ---- and a gentle "dare" to ride a zip line.  Nancy of Windstar Creations, herself a talented crafter, described her experiences ziplining.  In my zeal to promote Branson, I commented about our new zipline attractions.  Nancy came back with a "wild idea".  It just so happens that Branson is along the route she would take to drive her daughter back to college, so how about a visit and a zip ride?  I was so excited at the prospect of meeting this sweet lady and her amazing daughter in person!  Then, "gulp", a zip ride?  Ok, Barb, where's your spine?  

Well, we set it all up and I was thrilled to welcome Nancy and Shelbie to our home.  Some quick research into buying the tickets to the Vigilante Zip Ride attraction at Shepherd of the Hills in Branson, and off we went.  Yup, I was a "bit" nervous.  One doesn't have the panic disorder and not get a little squeamish about launching off a 230 foot tower on a wire!  But.......................

OMG!  WHAT A RIDE!!!!  I WILL DO IT AGAIN!!

Here are some pics my hubby took from the tower.  Left to right:  me, Nancy, a brave young lad, and Shelbie.

Nancy somehow gained speed and beat us all to the bottom.  The ride takes about a minute.

At the bottom we are stopped by giant springs and the quick stop is a bit like the tailhook on a jet landing on an aircraft carrier.

Shelbie took a video of the ride which can be seen on our Facebooks.  We had a great time and continued our day with lunch and a drive around Table Rock Lake.  Nancy and Shelbie stayed an additional night, taking off early the next morning to continue their journey.  I miss them and can't wait till we get together again.

So, if you are in the Branson area, check out the Vigilante.  I dare ya!  The Vigilante is a bit tamer than the other zip lines in the area, but a good jumping off point, so to speak. 

Fresh Brewed Designs --- Summer Fun!

Summ....Summ.... Summertime! Wow, can you believe it's already July and that we just celebrated the 4th? You know what that means don't you? Along with fun summertime activities with family and friends, it's time for another Fresh Brewed Designs blog hop with some fantastic fun images! We are so excited to share these with you and have lots of wonderful inspirational creativity along the way from our talented design team. These ladies are some of the best so be sure to leave them a comment with your appreciation of their efforts. If you have hopped here from the wonderful creation by Stacy then you are on the right path, but if this is your first stop then it would be best to go back and start here because leaving a comment on each blog that means one lucky person gets the opportunity to choose 3 images from the store and you certainly wouldn't want to miss out on that, now would you???

Here is my card using three FBD images:  "Peace Be Still" is the sunset and beach image and I placed Daniel and Grace there with their sand buckets.  What better place to spend a summer day than at the beach?  And what better way to end a day at the beach than to watch the sunset.  Now, if you are on the Atlantic coast, this would probably be a sunrise, and Daniel and Grace are up really early for a fun day in the sun!

I colored the images with Copics, but I have to say that I am not at all pleased with the job I did on the sunset/sunrise.  It's not the Copics' fault.  I think I regressed to a 5-year-old Barb coloring with crayons!  I don't know, but it is very colorful.

Now I strongly recommend getting this psychedelic picture out of your head by hopping on over to sweet Kelly's blog for a really exciting & wonderful creation that is in store for you.

We also would love to “catch” you displaying our badge on your blog... and playing in our next challenge! Hope to see you there, now get a move on!  As always, thank you for stopping by!

A Different Kind of Card from Me

This is a busy time for birthday cards in our family!  And I've just added another July birthday to my calendar:  my son's girlfriend's birthday is July 9.  This is my first ever birthday card for her and I hope there will be many, many more in the years to come. 

This card has no Copic-colored images or even die cuts.  But I love the glorious colors of this art deco illustration from Joanna Sheen.  A special thanks to my friend Chrissie for the gift package and the inspiration.  JS illustrations are so versatile and fun! Behind the illustration are three scraps of cardstock embossed with different Cuttlebug folders.  The beautiful flowers are by Prima and the rhinestone swirls are from Hobby Lobby. 

Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope your holiday weekend was full of fun and relaxation.

Two Special Birthday Cards for One Lovely Lady

This has been a very special week, having my husband home for more than a couple of days!  Today is his birthday and we've had a lot of fun times.  On Monday his partner, Sam, and his wife, Deb, will be here in Branson to celebrate Deb's birthday.  Deb is a great lady and I look forward to seeing her; it's been awhile -- too long!  I made two cards for her: one for Sam to give her and one from us.  Sam had me make their anniversary card, too.  Neither one has seen these cards yet and I don't expect them to be looking at the blog, so........

First is the card for Sam to give her.  I've been wanting to do a card in ivory and black.  The inspiration for the sketch came from "I (heart) 2 Stamp". The background dp is from my stash.  The bird and flower fabric is actually sheer gauze "ribbon" that I placed over ivory card stock.  The lace trims and buttons are from Making Memories.  The lily-like flowers are from the bridal department at Michaels.  I used a sentiment from my Printshop software and cut it out with the Nestibilities Label 9, backed with a larger one in black card stock.  Then finished with a touch of pearls.  I think Sam will like it.  More importantly, I think Deb will, too.

The second card from Jerry and me features a lovely sentiment, again from the Printshop software.  The card stock is Making Memories Chloe's Closet and is trimmed with Martha Stewart punch-around set.  The flowers are Prima and the butterfly is from Michaels.  Lots of pretty sparkle with the rhinestone swirls.  Deb's favorite color is peach, so I think this will fit the bill.

So, Happy Birthday to a very special lady!

Thanks for stopping by today.  It's a busy and fabulous Fourth of July weekend!  I hope you all have a fun and safe holiday!