Sally Cicada Designs

Sundays With Crissy Challenge #26--Birthdays

2012-02-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!! Welcome to my blog--so glad you stopped in today!! It's challenge time at Sundays With Crissy and this month it's all about BIRTHDAYS!! I recently stocked up on some of Crissy's rubber images (Whimsy Stamps) and here is the first one I had the opportunity to ink!! The image is called "Tippy By The Tail"!!

I am currently in the process of making 20 cards for a school fundraiser and this is card #1 of the bunch--only 19 more to go!! The goal is to use all Crissy Armstrong (Whimsy) images--both rubber and digi, so over the coming months you will get to see what I did!! This is a boy birthday card, hence, the lack of flowers and bling LOL!! I just love Crissy's tigers (my faves actually) they are such fun to colour!!!

This was my first attempt at doing clouds with copics and I like the way it turned out!! I just used B0000 and C2 with the colourless blender. I love the way the clouds add depth and dimension to the image. Sorry my photos aren't great--the image looks way better in real life!!

Well that's it for me!! I'd love to see you play along with our challenge too. All you have to do is make a card or project(incorporating stamps) with a birthday theme and upload it to our blog--GO HERE for upload instructions!! You could win 5 free Crissy Armstrong digis of your choice too, if you are picked in our random draw at the end of the month!! If you use one of Crissy's images, digital or rubber, from any of the companies she has drawn for, you will be entered twice in our draw!! Although we'd love it if you used one of Crissy's images, it is not necessary to do so in order to play along!! We only ask that you limit your entries to three and that you keep your cards family friendly (i.e. no pin ups or suggestive images).

Thanks for taking a look!! Have a great day!!

Blessings,

Sarah ☺

The Recipe:

Stamp & Sentiment--Whimsy Stamps (Tippy By The Tail)

Stamped On--Neenah Paper

Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black

Designer Paper--Pebbles (New Arrival-Little Angel)

Cardstock--Bazzill Papers

Media--Copics, Multiliner, Sharpie Ultrafine Marker,

Ribbon--Michael's

Metal Clips--Dollarama

Brads--American Traditions

Punch--Whale of a Punch--Deckle Edge Tag

Chalk--Colorbox Fluid Chalk--Chestnut Roan & Dark Moss

Happy New Year!!! Sundays With Crissy Challenge #25

2012-01-01T02:50:00.000-05:00

Howdy and Happy New Year!! It's challenge time again over at Sundays With Crissy and this month we want you to Beat The Mid-Winter Blues!!! That means you can use anything on your card or project that screams beach, seashore, underwater, sunny, tropical...you get the idea.

Now this challenge has special significance for me as I have just returned from a wonderful cruise in the Caribbean. Now I really can't complain because of the snow because, well, here in Ontario, we haven't really had that much and we ended up having a very green Christmas to boot. The snow can stay away as far as I am concerned!! I wouldn't mind a green New Year either...I can dream can't I??

Anyway, back to our challenge...I decided to keep the sea theme alive for this one. Although I didn't see any mermaids at sea (oh I love homonyms) I know they were there. I inked up this little rubber mermaid Crissy did for Whimsy stamps and put her on the front of a travel journal. The image is called "Journey Into The Sea".

The Front

The Art

The Back--I wish I had bought a crate of this paper--one of my life's regrets LOL!!

Now if you're interested, this is how I made my journal. First I went on a hunt for cheap-o (NON SPIRAL) journals at the dollarstore, Staples, & Michael's. I bought a bunch of different ones but the one I used for this project was a "Sustainable Earth" journal from Staples. I liked it because it had a chocolate brown binding (anything chocolate is good) and the lines were brown inside. I then purchased the biggest Xyron machine I could find (Xyron Creative Station). It's a little pricey (not so bad with a 40% off coupon) but necessary for this project as you need a strong and consistent adhesive to stick the paper down. I cut my paper to size leaving a bit of overlap, ran it through the xyron and adhered it to the journal. I then trimmed the overlap with scissors and then sanded the edges with 220 grade sandpaper. This works best if you sand the edges down towards the inside of the journal or along the edges so you are not going against the adhesive. Sand until the edges are flush and smooth. It makes a BIG mess so be prepared for some clean up. The rest is up to you.

Well, now it's your turn!! Show us how you Beat The Mid-Winter Blues!! Click HERE and you will be taken to our post outlining how to enter your own projects!! You can also win our monthly prize of 5 free digi images by our beloved artist Crissy Armstrong--details on the above post as well. Don't forget, our talented design team will be struting their stuff all thoughout the month just to keep you inspired, so don't forget to come back to the SWC blog often to see what they've come up with.

Thanks for popping in today to take a look!!

New Year Blessings,

Sarah ☺

The Rest of The Dirt:

Designer Paper: Magenta--Bon Voyage--Travel Text

Cardstock--Bazzill Papers

Image Printed On: Neenah

Media: Copics

(BV000, BV00, BV02, BG10, BG15, BG23, Y02, Y11, Y15, Y18, G12, G20, YG03, YG23, E0000 E35, E50, R20)

Gems--Zva

Sundays With Crissy Challenge #23--Christmas Card Using Non-Traditional Colours

2011-11-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Hello Sundays With Crissy Fans!! It's challenge time again and this month we would like to see "Christmas Cards Using Non-Traditional Colours". That means no red & green. Now how easy is that?

For this month's challenge I actually inked up an oldie but a goodie from High Hopes Stamps called "Christmas Kitty Fun"!! I have been using so many digi images of late that my poor rubber is starting to feel neglected!! I love this stamp because it reminds me of my fur babies Yuki & Willow and given the right props (well maybe not the hat, LOL) they would so do this.

I learned how to make this bow from a site called Amazing Paper Grace. The link will take you to Becca's tutorial page and the tutorial is called "Tie A Pretty Collar Bow". It takes a little work, the right kind of ribbon, some patience, and your tongue (LOL) if you're anything like me when you are doing something finickity.

So that's me, how 'bout you--let's see if you're up for the challenge of making a Christmas card with non-traditional colours. Click HERE for download instructions!! There will be five free digi's given to one lucky challenge participant who will be chosen by Random.org at the end of the month! You may now use images from any company and still be included in the draw for the blog candy prize! Those who use one of Crissy's images, either from her rubber or digital collections will be entered twice in the draw. But please respect the rule of no more than three entries per month. Otherwise your entries could be deleted.

Thanks for taking a look!! Have a great day!!!

Hugs,

☺Sarah ☺

The Stuff I Used:

Stamps--High Hopes--Christmas Kitty Fun & Meowy Christmas, Stamped On--Neenah, Ink--Memento--Tuxedo Black, Cardstock--Bazzil, Designer Paper--Paper Pizazz/Hot Off the Press--Bright Tints Pink Swirls, Silver Metallic Foil Paper--LSS, Silver Wired Ribbon--Michael's--Celebrate It/Home & More, Glitter Shapes--Michael's--Recollections, Punch--Stampin' Up--Ticket Corner Punch, Media--Copics--COO, C!, C2, C4, RV02, RV04, RV10, R00, R20.

I have also entered my card into the High Hopes Challenge 121: Anything High Hopes Goes.

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #22--Thanks/Thanksgiving

2011-10-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! It's fall--my favourite season of all!! I love Thanksgiving!!! We Cunucks celebrate it in October which I think makes more sense because there isn't usually two feet of snow on the ground yet (usually--LOL)!! Our friends to the south celebrate it in late November and I think this year I will celebrate it twice (the Canadian & the American) just because I can!! I love Thanksgiving even more than Christmas!! Here in Ontario we have such wonderful colour when the leaves turn--it's one of my favourite thing in life!! Add an XL Tim Horton's hot apple cider and a walnut crunch donut and you have perfection!! LOL!! Anyway, on with the challenge at Sundays With Crissy!! This month our theme is Thanks/Thanksgiving--meaning a thank you card/project or a Thanksgiving card/project is what we are looking for.

Here's what I did for the challenge... I used Crissy's digi image called "Turk in Boots" for this card!

No one can make turkeys look cuter than Crissy Armstrong!!!

This card is making it's way to my friend Scott who is serving with the Canadian Forces at Kadahar Air Field, Afghanistan!! Hiya Scott & Happy Thanksgiving!! Here's hoping you will have a hot turkey dinner on the big day!!

Now it's your turn to show us your Thanks or Thanksgiving cards!! Go HERE to find out how to upload your projects. There will be five free digi's given to one lucky challenge participant who will be chosen by Random.org at the end of the month! You may now use images from any company and still be included in the draw for the blog candy prize! Those who use one of Crissy's images, either from her rubber or digital collections will be entered twice in the draw. But please respect the rule of no more than three entries per month. Otherwise your entries could be deleted.

Thanks for popping in to take a look!! Have a great day!!

Hugs,

Sarah ☺

The Recipe: Media--Copics, Printed On--Neenah, Cardstock--Bazzil Papers, Designer Paper--Grid (Pebbles) Orange Swirly Paper (The Paper Company), Leaf Punch--EK Success, Ornate Corners--Sizzix--Architectural Accents #4, Fluid Chalk--Colorbox, Pearls--Dollarama, Ribbon--Michael's, Senitment--Stampendous--"Happy Thanksgiving".

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #21--Friendship

2011-09-01T13:28:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!! Just wanted to tell you the new challenge is up over at Sundays With Crissy and it's all about FRIENDSHIP this month.

Right up front I have to apologize for my poor photography. I spent 3 hours trying to get a decent shot and finally gave up...anyway here's my "F" is for Friendship page that I intend to put together into an ABC Book using all Crissy Armstrong images...so stay tuned for more pages coming soon.

I used Crissy's image "Great Day To Fish" from Whimsy stamps. I corrugated the background paper with my Corru-Gator Crimping Tool. The "F" card is from 7 Gypsies, which I chalked with Colorbox Fluid Chalks--Dark Moss. The eyelets are from Michael's (Recollections line), the metal clips are from Spare Parts and the twine is from my stash. The image is printed on Neenah paper and all the papers are from Bazzil.

I have seen a lot of crafters use Prismacolor Pencils on kraft paper and wanted to try it myself. Long before I used Copics to colour with I was a die hard Prisma/odourless mineral spirits girl, so it was nice to go back to this media for a change. Not sure how many brain cells I killed off using the OMS (LOL) but hey...

I made my own bobber lure using a Quickutz circle and looped tag die cut. The "Friend" font is also from Quickutz. I believe it's called Empire (and probably LONG retired).

Now it's your turn to show us your FRIENDSHIP cards!! See upload instructions on my post here!! There will be five free digi's given to one lucky challenge participant who will be chosen by Random.org at the end of the month! You may now use images from any company and still be included in the draw for the blog candy prize! Those who use one of Crissy's images, either from her rubber or digital collections will be entered twice in the draw. But please respect the rule of no more than three entries per month. Otherwise your entries could be deleted.

Thanks to everyone who entered last month's K.I.S.S. challenge!! If you haven't met our new DT Members go on over and scroll through the posts last month!! We've got some hot new talent on board!!!

Thanks too, for stopping by to visit me. Hope you'll join in on the challenge this month!!

Hugs,

☺ Sarah ☺

Two Really Cool Blogs That Share Vintage Stamps

2011-08-17T16:05:00.003-04:00

Hi!! Just a quick post to highlight two blogs I really enjoy!! They both feature vintage images for free as well as some images that are for purchase. Click on the pics and you will be linked to their sites!!

TLC Creations features vintage images, background papers and tons of sentiments!! Paulette is very generous with her freebies, so if do decide to partake of some of her downloads don't forget to leave some love in her comments section!!! ☺

Clearly Vintage is chalk full of vintage photos and images as well as vintage labelling. Very cool site--plan to spend some time there going into previous posts to see more!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Hugs,
Sarah ☺

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #20

2011-08-01T12:00:00.001-04:00

Well hello there!! As you can see I have been taking a bit of a break from posting--needed to decompress from a busy school year. As always, my great intentions for having a summer packed with crafting have flown the coop :<> Oh well there is still the fall right??

My baby in now officially a "Minor-Niner"!! Ahhhh the High School years.....! I am OKAY, really...

O_O

But seriously, she is SO ready to go and I am looking forward to the change!! Maybe I will actually get some more cards and scrapbook layouts done with a lot less demand on me for parental involvement!! Here's hoping!! ☺

!!!!!!NEWS FLASH!!!!!!

Our DT Call at Sundays With Crissy in now finished!! We have 10 new DT members who will be introducing themselves all throughout the month of August!! We wanted to create the element of surprise and not totally overload our readers and followers with 10 introductions all in one post. This way too, they will all get their own little bit of the spotlight so you can get to know them better. Crissy also chose 10 guest designers who will we will be showcasing throughout the next 5 months for one post only. Thanks to everyone who took the time and effort not only to make a card(s)but to all of you who took the time to enter our DT CALL!!

Now onto this month's challenge over at Sundays With Crissy. This month the theme is K.I.S.S--Keep It Simple Stamper. That means your cards/projects have to be just that--SIMPLE. Here are some ideas for you out there that are not use to simple---> use just one or one type of embellishment, only one designer paper, or just a clean and simple layout.

So here's what I did using a merged image of Crissy's digi stamps "Whatzup Dog" & "Party Time Accessories".

Now it's up to you to K.I.S.S us back (hee hee)! Let's see those simple cards!! Go HERE to upload your card or project!!

There will be five free digi's given to one lucky challenge participant who will be chosen by Random.org at the end of the month! You may now use images from any company and still be included in the draw for the blog candy prize! Those who use one of Crissy's images, either from her rubber or digital collections will be entered twice in the draw. But please respect the rule of no more than three entries per month. Otherwise your entries could be deleted.

Thanks for stopping in today!!

Blessings,
Sarah ☺

The Deets:
Images: Whimsy Stamps--Crissy Armstrong Digi Collection, Printed on Neenah Paper, Cardstock--Bazzill Papers, Designer Paper--Doodlebug, Media--Copic Markers(B0000, B00, B02, B04, G20, YG03, YG23, Y11, Y02, Y04, Y08, E33, E35, E50, E51 & E53, C00, C02),Flowers--Prima, Brads--Doodlebug, Ribbon--Michael's & Sentiment--Stampin'Up--For A Friend Set.

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #19 & DT Call

2011-07-01T00:59:00.008-04:00

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!!
TODAY CANADA CELEBRATES IT'S 144TH BIRTHDAY!!!

It's been awhile since I have posted I know, but I have been recovering from and eye injury. My daughter accidently hit me in the eye while we were in a change room trying on clothes for her grad and I ended up with a scratch on my cornea. NOT FUN :o( Anyway all is well and it has healed up quite nicely. Sure makes me thankful that I have sight to begin with!!!

Now onto more interesting things!!! DID YOU KNOW THAT CRISSY IS LOOKING FOR SOME NEW AND TALENTED DESIGN TEAM MEMBERS??? Yes, that's right, for the month of July she is having a DT CALL. If you click on the image below, it will link you up with all the deets!!

Now for this month's challenge--->It's all about DE-STRESSING!! Or distressing, as it's known in the crafting world. That means you have to use some form of distressing, whether it be inks, chalks, tearing, sanding, or otherwise abusing your project!!

Here's my version of this month's challenge...

I used Crissy's newest digi image, "Noah's Ark", from Whimsy Stamps. Aren't those monkeys priceless!! ☺ I distressed the edges of my artwork with a distressing tool as well as the layers underneath. I also used distressing ink around the edges of my image. I used ripped paper strips for my waves and chalked them too. I made this card for my sweet friend Aileen, who is soon to deliver boy #2!!

Now it's your turn!! Show us how you DE-STRESS!! If you enter your card on the Sundays With Crissy Blog, you will be eligible for 5 of Crissy's digi images FREE OF CHARGE!! Go HERE for entry details and rules. If you use one of Crissy's images you will be entered twice in the draw!!

Thanks for stopping by today!! Have a blessed DAY!!

Sarah ☺

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #17--Flowers

2011-05-01T12:30:00.009-04:00

Happy Sunday!!! It's challenge time again over at Sundays With Crissy!! This month the theme is all about FLOWERS!!! This time around I chose Crissy's new digi image "Nose to Nose"!! I just adore this image and couldn't decide what size I wanted to colour so I tried it three different ways using a monochromatic colour treatment. I really enjoy using the grey scale to colour people, especially children!! It looks like a black and white photo and just softens the image.

Here's my first card...

And the artwork...

And the inside...

I thought this sentiment was perfect...it reminded me of a little girl picking out her new puppy and their first meeting...

And my second card...

Thanks for stopping by today to take a look!! Now it's your turn to show us your Flower Power. Click here to check out the deets on this month's challenge!! You could win 5 free digi stamps drawn by Crissy from Whimsy Stamps!! All you have to do is enter your own card or project and if you use one of Crissy's images (rubber or digital) on your entry, you will be entered twice in our random draw at the end of the month. In fact, in last month's contest, it was a participant who used one of Crissy's images (and got a second entry) who won!!!

***A note about Crissy's rubber images: these include any image that Crissy has ever drawn for Kraftin' Kimmie, Wags 'n Whiskers, High Hopes or Whimsy Stamps.*** So for those of you who are wondering, wonder no more--as long as Crissy has drawn it, it's worth a second entry in our draw.

Well that's it for me!! Happy stamping!!!

Hugs,

Sarah ☺

Card Details--Digital Stamp--Nose to Nose--Whimsy Stamps, Printed on Neenah Paper, Coloured with Copic Markers--WOO, WO, W1, W3, W5, W7, Patterned Paper--Bella Blvd.--#210--Sprinkles & Lace & #223--Tall Tags, Cardstock--Bazzil Papers, Punches--EK Success--Daisy, Mini Daisy, Brads--American Crafts, Jumbo Pebble Brads--Making Memories

Help for Japan--Whimsy Stamps Blog Hop

2011-04-04T12:30:00.004-04:00

The illustrators of Whimsy Stamps have come together to draw a special set of digi images for the purpose of raising money for the relief effort in Japan. All proceeds from the sale of these images will be donated to that cause. Kenny K, Raindrop Echo Designs, Meljens Designs, and Crissy Armstrong all contributed art work. For the whole month of April, you can purchase the images as a set or individually (your choice) by visiting this page on the Whimsy store site. Please consider helping this special cause by purchasing one or all of the digital images we are offering.

The amazing ladies of two design teams have come together to host this blog hop for you! Crissy's Crew from Sundays With Crissy and Denise's DT from Whimsy Stamps have joined forces to design some amazing jaw dropping creations for you. I am not personally involved in the hop but if you would like more information, please go to Crissy's blog. She has the blog rotation order posted if you need to refer to it.

You have seven days to hop through all the blogs and enjoy all the lovely creations from these talented people. The hop runs from now through til Sunday April 10 at noon. There will be several opportunities to win blog candy! Four random commenters will get a chance to receive one of the three individual images or Ann's sentiment set. So be sure to leave comments all along the way for your chance at a free digi! Also, if you post the "Help for Japan" button on your blog's sidebar, you can enter into the draw for the grand prize! The grand prize will consist of the entire digital sets made just for this cause as well as a gift certificate donated by Ann of Raindrop Echo Designs worth 10$ to use at the Whimsy Stamps store!

To enter, you must help us advertise for this cause by posting the "Help Japan" button on your blog's side bar (just grab it from my side bar or from the top of this post) and then get your name on the Inlinkz option on Crissy's post so we can be sure to find the winner. Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you will join us for this great cause!!

Hugs,

Sarah ☺

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #16--Spring Is In the Air/Baby Cards

2011-04-01T12:30:00.009-04:00

Thanks for taking time out of your day to pop by my blog!! It's the first day of the month and that means it's time for a new challenge over at Sundays With Crissy!! This month our theme is "Spring is in the Air" and we have also opened it up to include "Baby Cards" as well!!

I chose two of Crissy's newest digi images for my post this month--they were all so adorable I couldn't decide which image to pick so I did my two favourite ones. Here's the first one...

I used Crissy's image "Hello World" for this baby boy card...here's a closer look at the art.

And this adorable image is called "Newborn Joon"...

These two cards are part of a package of 20 cards I put together for my daughter's school for their annual fundraiser.

If you want further details on how to enter your own card or project into the Sundays With Challenge--click-->HERE!!

There will be five free digi's given to one lucky challenge participant who will be chosen by Random.org at the end of the month! You may now use images from any company and still be included in the draw for the blog candy prize! Those who use one of Crissy's images, either from her rubber or digital collections will be entered twice in the draw. But please respect the rule of no more than three entries per month. Otherwise your entries could be deleted.

I hope you'll join us this month!! And don't forget to stop by our blog all throughout the month--you don't want to miss the rest of our DT projects. We each have our own day to post right up until the end of the month...and I heard that Crissy plans to stop by too!!!

Many Blessings,

Sarah ☺

Cards for Canadian Soldiers--Round #4

2011-03-28T10:35:00.008-04:00

Here are the latest cards I did for Cards for Canadian Soldiers. The first card is a merge of Crissy Armstrong's newest digi images from Whimsy Stamps. I used her "Whatzup Dog" combined with "Party Time Accessories" to create this little girl's birthday card. The second image is "Herbie the Bunny" from Crissy's collection over at Squigglefly. The last two images of the mice are drawn my Melissa Jenkins (another one of my FAVOURITE artists ☺) which you can also find over at Whimsy Stamps. The first image is called "Penpal Mouse" and the second one is called "Pocket Mice".

Thanks for stopping in to take a look!! Have a great day!!
Hugs,
Sarah ☺

Sweet Sarah--Mom's 82nd Birthday Card

2011-03-07T12:46:00.003-05:00

Just a quick post to show you the card I made for my mom's birthday!! She celebrated #82 yesterday!! So a BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you Mom!! Thanks for always being there for me, for your wisdom and wit over the years and for being an awesome mother!!

I wanted to make a card that had a bit of vintage look to it. I used Sweet Sarah from Whimsy Stamps. I love this new image Crissy has drawn--partly because it's just so adorable and partly because she named it in honour of me!! It actually looks a little like me when I was a wee one!! I joked with Crissy that I would have looked this neat and tidy for all of about 10 minutes after my mom dressed me. Then the hair bow would have been missing, my hair would have been disheveled, my dress would have been dirty, and both my knees would have been skinned. LOL!! That's what happens when you're the last of 6 and the only girl. No girly-girl for me...I would have never survived!!

The inside...

Anywhoo, thanks for poppin' in to take a looksee!! Don't forget the challenge going on over at Sundays With Crissy!!! It's all about stitching this month and the DT members will be posting all month long for your inspiration!! If you want to see Crissy's latest digi and rubber stamps they are also on the blog--click--->here!!

Have a great day!!

Sarah ☺

Recipe: Printed On--Neenah Paper, Cardstock--Bazzil Papers, Designer Papers--Three Bugs In A Rug--"Paris Stripe" & American Crafts--"Letterbox Collection", Coloured with Copic Markers, Border Punch--Martha Stewart, Die Cut Flower--Quickutz, Pearls--Michaels, Brads--Stash--Die Cut Oval--Spellbinders

Wake Me When It's Over!!

2011-03-03T09:00:00.002-05:00

Cards for Canadian Soldiers--Round #3

2011-03-02T06:00:00.004-05:00

We take for granted so many things these days. One of those things is being able to pop into a greeting card store to buy a card for someone we love. Yes, I admit it, I still buy the occasional card (usually for those people I know will throw them out anyway--still nice but I didn't sit for hours making it only for it to end up in landfill--LOL--is that awful??). Time is precious and so are handmade cards--let Hallmark make the throw-aways. Which brings me to my original point. What if you couldn't get to a card store or what if there simply weren't any?? That's what soldiers serving abroad run into when they are in remote locations. So when they have a box of handmade cards to go through and can pick out a card for someone back home, it means a lot!!

If you are a Canadian and have some extra time and would like to brighten the day of a soldier and his loved ones, Cards For Canadian Soldiers is accepting A2 size greeting cards!! It's a great size and quick to whip up!! Click on the link for more info. Here's some of my latest cards I sent off to Afghanistan.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look!! May your day be blessed and full of sunshine!!

Hugs,

Sarah ☺

The Deets:

All images printed on Neenah Paper and coloured with Copic Markers
Cardstock used is Bazzil and Designer Papers are various scraps I had in my stash

Elephant Card--Baby Elephant--Squigglefly

Rose Cards--Freebie--Making Our Mark

Tiger Card--Toby's Gift--Wags'n Whiskers

Dragon Card--Stunt Dragon--High Hopes Stamps

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #15--Stitching

2011-03-01T12:30:00.004-05:00

Howdy doo & thanks for popping in to visit!! Today I want to show you the card I did for this month's challenge over at Sundays With Crissy!! The theme is STITCHING--real or faux.

I chickened out and resorted to hand drawn stitching after a few failed attempts at hand stitching--it just wasn't meant to be... I did use some elaborate trim made up of some fancy stitching (thank you whoever you are) and there is also quite a bit of stitching in the girls' clothing. Okay, so I chickened out, so sue me :o) LOL!!

Anyway...here is my card

I hope you'll join us this month at Sundays With Crissy. Make your own "Stitched" card or project and share it with us!! Just go to my link here at the Sundays With Crissy blog, scroll down to the bottom of the post, click on the little blue frog, and follow the instructions. The rest of my team will be posting every day or two on their given days throughout the month, so don't forget to check the blog regularily!!

There will be five free digi's given to one lucky challenge participant who will be chosen by Random.org at the end of the month! You may now use images from any company and still be included in the draw for the blog candy prize! Those who use one of Crissy's images, either from her rubber or digital collections will be entered twice in the draw. But please respect the rule of no more than three entries per month. Otherwise your entries could be deleted.

Thanks for stopping in!! Happy Stitching (real or faux) :o)
BIG HUGS,
Sarah :o)

Printed On: Neenah Paper, Cardstock: Bazzil Papers, Designer Paper: Three Bugs in a Rug--"A Trip To Paris" Collection--Paris Stripe, Media:Copic Markers (E000, E33, E35, E43, E50, E51 C00, G20, G23, R00, R20, RV000, B0000, B00, B02), Inside Sentiment--Stampin' Up--And Everything Nice Set, Seem Binding Trim--Local Sewing Store

Zen Tangle ATC

2011-02-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

Morning all!! Just wanted to put up a quick post showing my latest ATC project. My friend Anne introduced our group to an art form called Zen Tangle. If you google it you will find many awesome examples of it, especially if you look in the images section of the search engine. There are also some cool YouTube videos on the subject. Here's my take on it...

I have used my Valentine Squirrel digi from Pink Cat Studio as the focal point of my cards.

I printed the cards out on Neenah paper and then used a fine point Sharpie to do the doodling. I found this pen gave me the best overall coverage and depth of colour.

Here's a picture of all 7 cards put together. I thought it looked kind of cool!! As you can see the cards are not all identical like most times when you do ATC's so that makes each one a one-of-a-kind limited edition ☺. The idea of Zentangle is to doodle in small compartmentalized spaces. There really aren't any rules, or if there are, I don't know about them. Anyway, I had fun doing these up...doodling is very good for the soul!!

Thanks for stopping by today. May you have warm sunshine wherever you are!!!!!

Blessings,

Sarah ☺

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #14--Love

2011-02-01T12:30:00.003-05:00

Well hello there!! Happy February!! Gotta say, I wasn't sad to see January go and they are saying our region is in for another doozy of a storm. :( The snow that fell during SNOWMAGEDDON (the storm that hit us in December) is still here!! Hey, what's another foot or two...that's winter in Ontario for you!!

Anyway, it's challenge time again at Sundays With Crissy and this month it's all about LOVE!! For my card I used Crissy's digi image from Squigglefly called "Baby Elephant". You can also find this image at Whimsy Stamps in deeply etched rubber under the name "Jelly Bean".

I just love the colours pink, black, & grey together!! It's one of my favourite combos!! I tried the "leave-some-of-the-image-outside-the-Nestability-die" technique for the first time on this card--I know, I know, I am probably the last stamper on the planet to do it...anyway, I decided to leave the little guy's foot outside the circle and then did a second image and popped it up with some foam. I kinda went elephant crazy and put one on the inside too...it just seemed to fit. I really had fun with this challenge and I hope all of you do too!!

The inside of my card...

It would be wonderful if YOU were able to join us this month at Sundays With Crissy. Make your own "LOVE" themed card or project and share it with us!! Just go to my link here at the Sundays With Crissy blog, scroll down to the bottom of the post, click on the little blue frog, and follow the instructions.

There will be five free digi's given to one lucky challenge participant who will be chosen by Random.org at the end of the month! You may now use images from any company and still be included in the draw for the blog candy prize! For those who choose to use one of Crissy digi images, their names will be entered twice in our draw. Please respect the rule of no more than three entries per month. Otherwise your entries could be deleted.

I look forward to checking out your entries!! Until then, stay warm & have a blessed day!!

Hugs,

Sarah :o)

The Recipe:

Printed On: Neenah Paper, Cardstock: Bazzil Papers--Swiss Dots, Designer Paper: Front of Card: Sorry Not Sure, Inside Card--Imaginisce--To Love & Cherish--Diana, Foil Paper: Local Scrapbook Store, Media:Copic Markers (C00, C01, C02, C04, C06, R00, R20, RV000, RV02, RV04), Heart Brads: Recollections

Mo's Digital Pencil #67--Colour Challenge

2011-01-27T08:06:00.006-05:00

Hello, me again!! Just wanted to share my card for this week's challenge over at Mo's Digital Pencil. Gotta say, Mo Manning is one of my all-time faves!! Her illustrations are AMAZING!!! This week at Mo's, the challenge is use the colours red, yellow, orange and neutrals (black, white, off-white. I used her image called Bye Bye Boy. This little gaffer reminds me so much of my little nephew Logan--he's ALL boy and loves just about anything with wheels!!

Here's my card...

And the inside...

Thanks for popping by to take a look!! Have a wonderful day!!

Hugs,

Sarah ☺

ATC's

2011-01-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to show you all the ATC's I have made over the past few months.

Thanks

Monochromatic

Trees

Animals

Thanks for stopping by to take a look today!!

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #13--Ribbons

2011-01-26T07:00:00.005-05:00

Good morning all!! It's time once again to post this month's challenge card I did for Sundays With Crissy. The theme this month is Ribbons!! This month I felt like doing a birthday card so I used Crissy's sweet image "Party Snail" from Whimsy Stamps.

I popped up the balloon & the gift as well as adding some Stickles to the party hat which sorry to say you can't really see in the photo. Here's the inside...

If you want some inspiration, go check out what my other team members have come up with this month!! There is still time to enter your card or project using ribbons for this month's challenge too!! Please go here , (Crissy's post on January 1st), scroll to the bottom and click on the little blue froggie to enter your card.

There will be five free digi's given to one lucky challenge participant who will be chosen by Random.org at the end of the month! You may now use images from any company and still be included in the draw for the blog candy prize! But please respect the rule of no more than three entries per month. Otherwise your entries could be deleted.

Here's where you can find Crissy's digi stamps: Squigglefly, Wags 'n Whiskers, or Whimsy Stamps.

I'll be back on February 1st next month for the Sundays With Crissy Challenge. I have taken over as the blog coordinator there and will be posting on the 1st of the month from now on. Stay tuned for some exciting announcements and some new faces!! Also, don't forget to stop by and check out Patricia's card in the next few days!!

Thanks for stopping by today!! Be Blessed!!!

Sarah :o)

The Recipe: Digi Image--Party Snail--Whimsy Stamps, Printed On--Neenah Paper, Cardstock--Bazzil Papers, Designer Paper--Bella Press--Daisy Vines, Media--Copic Markers, Ribbon--Micheal's, Metal Charms--My Stash, Stickles--Cotton Candy, Flower Dies--Quickutz, Inside Sentiment--Studio G

Cards for Canadian Soldiers #2

2011-01-24T13:01:00.002-05:00

Oh my goodness am I ever glad that my photo shoot of these cards was done after round 1!!! I had to take them inside this time because it's like minus a billion outside today...okay...so it's only -20°C but that's just toooooo cold for outside photo shoots!! That's nostril-hair freezing weather!! I guess I never would have made it as a National Geographic photographer.

Anyway, I thought I'd show you a sampling of some of the cards I did for Cards for Canadian Soldiers this month. I warn you, you will be seeing a lot of this designer paper (on the bunny card) in the next little while...me LIKES it!!!! I was also excited to use my new Squirrel Valentine digi from Pink Cat Studio. Isn't he cute?? This stamp also comes with the branch and a sentiment that reads "I am nuts for you!!"

For all you Canadian card makers, if you would like to put some of your own card-making talent to good use, check out the Cards for Canadian Soldiers website!! Even small quantities are great. I send five at a time but hope to increase that as the year progresses!! It's a really fun way to give back and to help our men and woman serving overseas!!

Thanks for stopping by today!! Stay warm!!

Hugs,

Sarah ☺

High Hopes 100th Challenge Blog Hop!!!

2011-01-10T15:06:00.004-05:00

Whoo Hooo!! High Hopes is marking their 100th challenge with a blog hop!! I hope to join in this week and to do some of my own hopping around the DT sites!! High Hopes just had a release recently so if you're looking for some cute Valentine, Easter, Springtime, & Baby images you will have lots to choose from--GO HERE to check them out--put HOTP (hot of the press) in the search box and you'll see all Laurie & Dustin's newest images!!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the hop and challenge theme!!

Hugs,
Sarah :o)

Stamp Out Stamp Thieves

2011-01-05T18:22:00.005-05:00

I am always amazed at the audacity of some people when they take someone else's work, claim it and promote it as their own, and then to go on to profit from it. It happens a lot to artists who I am familiar with and I feel really bad for them!!! Mo Manning (one of my personal favourites)over at Mo's Digital Pencil is one such artist. She seems to have to battle with these thieves on an ongoing basis :( I have put her logo on my site to show my support for her and for the other artists whose work I have enjoyed. If you are interested in what Mo has to say, click on the logo above.

Blessings,
Sarah ☺

CARDS FOR CANADIAN SOLDIERS!!

2010-12-30T11:34:00.006-05:00

Just a quick post to end the year!! Here are four cards I made for Cards for Canadian Soldiers--a new organization I found that sends cards to Canadian Troops serving overseas. The cards are left blank on the inside so that the soldiers can send their own greetings to their loved ones back home.

Image: 3 Cat Pile-Up--Crissy Armstrong--Squigglefly

Inside Senitment: Remember the good times & that I love you very much!

Image: Cupcake Mouse--Meljens Designs--High Hopes Stamps

Image: From the Folks--Penny Black

Inside Sentiment: The Moooos From Here

Image: Zoe & Gemma's Snow Fun--Wags 'n Whiskers--Digital

Thanks for popping by today!! For all you Canucks out there, check out the Cards for Canadian Soldiers blog!! If you've got some time and you want to pay some of that lovely talent of yours forward this is a great cause!!

May 2011 bring great prosperity, peace, health, happiness, a lots of time in the craft room to all of you!!

God Bless You!

Sarah :o)

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #12--Christmas is Coming OR Winter is Here!!

2010-12-26T10:55:00.002-05:00

Happy Boxing Day Everyone!!!!! I trust you all had a nice Christmas! I had a wonderful time with my in-laws in Toronto and ate way too much!!! Thanks guys for a lovely time of fellowship & food!!!

Now onto the challenge...

This month at Sundays With Crissy the theme is two-pronged. You can either choose Christmas is Coming or Winter is Here!! Seeing as my post was scheduled for after Christmas, I chose to do "Winter is Here"!! I used the Crissy's digi image from Wags 'n Whiskers called "Zoe & Gemma's Snow Fun"! You can find this sweet image HERE!!

I debated and almost put a "Let It Snow" sentiment on my card but I have had enough snow for the rest of the winter!! In early December we got 3 feet of snow in a 48-hour period so my "snow-quota" is more than full. Whether Old Man Winter thinks so I am not sure but I wish he would come clean up his mess LOL!!

Here is my card...

I added some crushed glass to the snow around the bottom of the snowman and the ground--sorry it's hard to see but IRL in looks real purdy!! And now the inside, complete with a pocket for a gift card...

I gotta say I am super impressed with how many entries there are already this month over on our blog--you all really uploaded some wonderful creations!!! There are 6 more days left to add your own card or project--->Go HERE to Crissy's post to find out how to upload!!

Now here's a note from Crissy about this month's prize draw:

"I'm going to do something a little different for blog candy with this month's challenge! In the spirit of Christmas and giving, I am going to give away one digital image to the first 12 players! AND I am opening up the contest to include EVERYONE (not just for those using one of my images)!! So if you are one of the first twelve players to link up your Christmas/winter card on here, you will get your choice of one of my digital images from either Whimsy or Squigglefly! How fun is that!
Now to keep it fair, you must make a card specifically for this challenge. Any cards that are "back-linked" will not qualify.
And, if you don't make it in the race for top twelve, you can still have a chance to win at the end of this month. I'll still draw a name (using Random.org) from the participants, and that lucky person will get to choose 2 images of their choice from my collection.
So what are you waiting for!! Ready, set, get crafting!!"

It's now too late to be one of the first twelve players, but it isn't too late to get in on the final draw for two free digis! However, Zoe owner of Make It Crafty, has added an additional surprize for the winner! She is contributing her brand new digital image "Stairway to Heaven". It is a background digital stamp that would compliment Crissy's images Beautifully!

I entered my card in the the Wags 'n Whiskers Challenge--Snowflakes as well!!

Well that's it for me!! Thanks for popping by today!!

Blessings,

Sarah :o)

Ingredients: Printed On--Neenah Paper, Patteren Paper--Bo Bunny--Winter Joy Bundled & Winter Joy Stripe, Cardstock--Bazzil Papers, Warm Winter Wishes Sentiment----Pink Cat Studio, Enjoy Sentiment--TLC,Metal Snowflakes--American Tradition Designs, Gems--Dollar Store, Crushed Glass--LSS

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #11

2010-11-26T10:00:00.010-05:00

Good Morning!! Just wanted to show you what I cooked up for the Sundays With Crissy Challenge going on right now for the month of November!! The theme this time is to use Red, Green, & Gold on your card or project.

15 years ago my husband & I stood on a beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica and said our wedding vows. So to honour that commitment I thought I would use this challenge to bless my husband!! Below, you will see the silly card I made for him :o) He calls me "Frog" as a pet name and so I thought this image was perfect for this occasion. I jazzed her up a little and made a matching coupon folder.

We will be celebrating our anniversary soon in sunny Montego Bay courtesy of my hubby's company. They send a group of top performers to a sunny destination every year and my man just happened to win a spot for his outstanding results!! God is so good to us--his company could have picked any destination but they just happened to pick Mo Bay on our 15th anniversary!!! Isn't that COOL!!!!! So my card and my coupons will be unveiled the first night to kick off what we consider our second honeymoon!!!

Anyway, enough dialogue...here are my cards...

The Front of the Coupon Folder:

The back of the coupon folder...

A Few of The Coupons...The Rest Are For His Eyes Only (Hee Hee!!)

The theme this month was perfect for this project because Jamaica is known for its red, green, gold, and black colours. The tickets are from a freebie digital image I downloaded from Sugar Creek Hollow. I edited them a bit and put my own sentiments in.

Now for those of you who want to join in on this month's challenge there's still time!! Go HERE for contest details!!

This month LSL Diversified is our sponsor and here's a look a the prize up for grabs...

Here's what Crissy has to say about this awesome company:

LSL Diversified is a wonderful Canadian paper crafting store that happens to be one of my personal favourite places to shop. I hope you click on the link and see what they have to offer, esp. if you live in Canada. I don't think you'll find lower prices on all our favourite crafting supplies anywhere else in Canada. They also have really low shipping rates and super fast service! And I don't get any compensation for tootin' their horn either. I am just happy to let you know about a great Canadian shop!

Crissy will also be giving the winner 3 of her digital images from either Squigglefly or Whimsy Stamps! You can purchase Crissy's digital stamps from Wags 'n Whiskers, Whimsy Stamps or Squigglefly.

Well that's it for me!! Thanks for stopping by today!!

Blessings,

Sarah ☺

Digital Stamp: Squigglefly--Mort the Frog
Printed On: Neenah Paper
Media: Copic Markers--G07, G20, YG23 & Permapaque Marker
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
Glitter Paper: Best Creation Inc.--Bright Gold
DP: sei--Kris Kringle (Tannenbaum)
Chipboard Numbers: American Crafts--Thickers--Foil Letter Stickers--Cinnamon
Sentiment: Stampabilities--My Heart Hop
Die Cut Letters: Quickutz--Vixen Font
Die Cut Lip: Quickutz
Heart Brads: Michael's

National Kindness Day!!

2010-11-13T12:31:00.005-05:00

Good day everyone!! Today is National Kindness Day!! I just wanted to pass on this little button that Paulette from Create With TLC gave to me. I just happened upon her site this week and wanted to share her link with all of you!! She has a LOTTA freebies on her site and for those of you out there who like vintage images she's got tons of them!! She also has images and sentiments that you can purchase for very reasonable prices. Just click on her badge below to see for yourself!! She has put a lot of work into her site so don't be afraid to show her some love if you like what your see!!!!

Feel free to snag the Kindness button on this post for yourself and share it with as many people as your want. Spread some love and let this globe light up with kindess!!!! Check out Paulette's "kindness" freebies too!!!

Hugs,

Sarah :o)

Remembrance Day

2010-11-11T11:15:00.003-05:00

Today is Remembrance Day here in Canada! A day we set aside each year to honour our war dead! It's also a day to show appreciation to our living veterans and those brave men and women in uniform who are currently serving. This year will be the first year that Canadians will observe Remembrance Day with no living WWI veterans.

My grandfather served in both WWI & WWII--lying his age as a young man to enlist and then serving again when the call to war came a second time. I have always had ties of some sort to the military, whether they be family members or friends, and so Remembrance Day has always had really deep meaning for me.

As I look around at what is going on in different parts of the world and see many areas still ravaged by war, I am thankful that those who came before me answered the call to fight and defend my freedom. I now enjoy a quiet and peaceful life and have freedoms here in Canada that many around the world do not enjoy. Here's just a few of those rights I will not take for granted...the right to practice my faith freely, the right to an education, the right to good health care, the right to own property, the right to clean water and healthy food, the right to free speech, the right to vote (without fear of violence)...these are just a few! Is is because I am special, priviledged or wealthy? No...it's because those who came before me stood up and were counted and sowed the seeds necessary for me to reap the life I now enjoy.

So, to those who have passed on, who have served Canada at its people, I vow to make sure my children will hear about your sacrifice and learn to respect it and to appreciate & strive for peace. To those of you out there who are retired from service--you have my deepest gratitude!! It is my prayer that the Canadian people will never cease to show you through their words and deeds how much we appreciate you!! To all of you out there who still take up the call to fight & defend, to bring peace and to mend, I salute you & the families that support you!! May God keep you safe!!

A big wave to May, Tara, & Scott!! May God protect you and keep you safe as you serve & defend!!

Blessings,
Sarah

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #10--Buttons & Bows

2010-10-26T13:10:00.000-04:00

Hey there!! Thanks for coming by today!! Our most recent challenge over at Sundays With Crissy is Buttons & Bows!! I used Crissy's new image Autumn Harvest Ride this time around. I soooooo enjoy colouring carousel horses--they are so open to interpretation!! You can get away with colouring them in a whimsical fashion or true-to-life. I am especially fond of large horses, they always seem so gentle, so when I saw Crissy's new "work-horse" image I just had to use it. I chose to colour it more realistic this time 'round, but I am sure it will turn up pink or purple in another card I do in the future (LOL)!! My favourite season is Autumn so colouring this "fall-themed" image was an added pleasure!!

I added some Icicle Stickles to jazz up the tassels and the pumpkin creases!!

For all those of you out there who are "Button-Challenged" like me, here's a sneaky way to incorporate buttons into your projects!! ☺

The Recipe:

Digi Stamp: Autumn Harvest Ride--Whimsy Stamps

Printed On: Neenah Paper

Cardstock: Bazzil Papers

DP: Francis Meyer--Pumpkin Pie Plaid & Handmade Paper

Media: Copic Markers--Y02, Y11, Y17, Y38, YR15, YR07, R20, R27, R29, R59, YG03, YG 25, G20, G12, C00, C01, C02, C04, C07, C09, E33, E35, E50, E51, E53, E55.

Flowers: Creative Memories

Metal Spacers: Blue Moon Beads

Gems: Hero Arts

Ribbon: Michael's

Stickles: Icicle

Buttons: My Stash

If you would like to see some more inspiration using buttons and bows click here to go to the Sundays With Crissy blog. The rest of our fabulous DT has come up with some amazing creations!! Also, don't forget to pop back to see Patricia's entry on the 29th!!

If you would like to enter your own Buttons and Bows creation click here to go to Crissy's original post for this challenge. Scroll down and click on the blue froggie link to upload your card/project.

This month Stitchy Bear Stamps is our sponsor!! They are generously giving away 5 digital stamps of your choice from their online store and Crissy is giving away 3 of her digital stamps of your choice. Crissy's images can be found at Squigglefly, Whimsy Stamps, or at Wags 'n Whiskers. In order to have your name entered into the draw for this prize package, you must upload your project using the Buttons & Bows theme by midnight, Sunday, October 31st!! You must use at least one image from either Stitchy Bear Stamps or one of Crissy's digital stamps. You are also welcome to enter your own card using the Buttons and Bows theme with an alternate image, but you won't be eligible for the prize draw. There have been some amazing entries already--can't wait to see what you come up with!!

Have a blessed day!!

Sarah ☺

New Digi Stamps by Crissy Armstrong!!

2010-10-01T09:25:00.006-04:00

Have you heard the news?! Today, over at Whimsy Stamps, 4 new images have been released drawn by Crissy Armstrong!!! These images are perfect for Fall--->Check them out...

Anna's Hallowe'en

Bobby's Hallowe'en

Autumn Harvest Ride

Ride 'em Cowboy

Click on any of the images above and you will be taken directly to the Whimsy Stamps site where you can purchase these images!!!

ALSO----> Our the new challenge for October starts today over at Sundays With Crissy---->click--->HERE for more details. Remember our challenge is perpetual--meaning, every few days, throughout the month, a member of our design team (including myself) will be posting their own card/project for the challenge--so pop in regularily if you want some inspiration. Also, if you enter your own creation using one of Crissy's digi images you'll have a chance to win an awesome prize!! Details on Sundays With Crissy blog!!

Hope it's sunny where you are!! Have a blessed day!!

Hugs,

Sarah ☺

ATC's

2010-09-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Hey Everybody!! Can you believe it??? 3 posts in 3 days--Whoooppeee!! I have been wanting to post my ATC's for awhile now but have been procrastinating (bad Me!!) For those of you who don't know what they are, the acronym ATC stands for Artist Trading Card. These cards are about the size of a hockey of baseball trading card. They have a theme of some sort, they always have more than one layer of paper and have some form of dimension to them. The theme is usually decided ahead of time and is open to interpretation. I have used rubber and digital stamps on all of mine so far.

Once a month a group of ladies that I know from the stamping community and I get together and trade our cards. We all follow the theme for the month and we make enough cards for each lady in the group as well as one for ourselves. We try to make our own cards as identical to each other for that month as we can. We then get together and trade our cards over coffee and treats.

It's a lot of fun to see what everyone comes up with. We then put all our cards in a binder in trading card sleeve pages so that we have a little keepsake "catalogue" of all our cards.

Here are the ones that I have made and traded so far with the themes for the month------->

Love

Easter

Flowers

Women

Canada Day

Leaves

Here's a shot or two of the process:

The finished product:

ATC's are a different kind of challenge and are a lot of fun!! Your group can be small or large. 6 to 12 people per group is probably best because making ATC's can be quite labour intensive!! I know a lady who trades her cards all over the world!! If you make artist trading cards, please leave me your link in the comments. I am pretty new to this and I always enjoy seeing what people come up with using the small "canvas" of the ATC.

Thanks for popping by!! Have a blessed day!!

Sarah :D

A Chance to Support OUR Troops!!

2010-09-27T07:00:00.003-04:00

2nd Annual--Strength Behind the Uniform--Charity Walk & Run

Yesterday, in my hometown, we had a chance to honour the men and women in uniform who bravely serve our country both overseas and at home. We also had a chance to honour, recognize, and celebrate the many military families who stand behind these soldiers!

As my husband and I walked along we had the chance to talk to a mother whose son is presently serving in Afghanistan. He's just shy of 21 and this is his first tour. It was interesting to hear a mother's perspective on deployment and of the many challenges she faces day in & day out as she tries to "keep it together". It made me so thankful for where I live and for the brave ones who have chosen this life of sacrifice.

My father served in the the navy for over 10 years and was away a lot when my brothers were small. My mom has told me many stories over the years of what it was like to try to "raise her boys" while dad was away at sea and the many hardships she had to endure. My dad got out before I was born so I never knew that way of life, but I have come to learn to greatly respect it.

My husband has a good job, he's home every night and he's not in harm's way...for that I am truly thankful. I live in a country where women are treated with respect as a rule & where I am free to vote without fear of violence or repercussion. My family has access to good health care & education and has opportunities at every turn. I have the freedom to practice my faith in peace and I don't have to hide my Bible. I have access to clean water, healthy food and my home is warm and clean. I remind myself every day that I am blessed and think of the many who have left these comforts and freedoms behind to serve in foreign lands...lands that don't operate in human justice & dignity or even comprehend the many blessings I enjoy.

So to those of you out there who serve and/or stand behind a soldier, my prayers & thanks go out to you. May God keep you safe!!

Here are some more pics from the day...

JUNO--Army Mascot

Warming Up...

Tie A Yellow Ribbon...

A Gorgeous Day for A Walk...And For Such A Worthy Cause ☺!!

Thanks for taking a look today!! Take the opportunity this week to thank a soldier, a policeman, a paramedic, or a fireman if you get the chance...maybe even buy them a cup of coffee!! Pray for those who are serving and for their families. Be thankful for what you have and tell the important people in your life how much they mean to you!! Instead of taking for granted the many blessings you enjoy, take time to count them!!!

Have a good one,

Sarah ☺

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #9

2010-09-26T12:00:00.012-04:00

Hey there!! Welcome to my blog!! Today I want to share with you two cards I made for the Sundays With Crissy challenge. This time around it's all about "Sparkle & Shine".

I chose Crissy's sweet image called Angelicat from Squigglefly. I coloured my images with Copic markers and added glitter to the wings and halos to give my sweet little angels some sparkle. Unfortunately the pics don't do justice to my glitter :( I also used Bazzil "Bling" and foil paper for my mat to give my cards some shine. I apologize for the poor picture quality. Due to the reflective nature of my silver foil paper, it picked up the reflection of little ol' me taking the picture.

If you follow my blog at all you'll notice I have coloured these sweet kitties like my fur babies Willow & Yuki.

I also went around the border of this card in squiggly lines with a glue pen and then added the glitter to the glue for a sparkly border.

Showing you a better look at the glitter...

There's still time for you to enter your own "Sparkle & Shine" creation over at Sundays with Crissy!! If you want some more inspiration, check out the rest of our Design Team member's projects that have been posted throughout the month of September.

There's also a great prize up for grabs (pictured below) from this month's sponser--LSL Diversified!! If you enter your own "Sparkle & Shine" project and use one of Crissy's digi images your name will be put into a random draw and this fabulous candy could be yours. As always, you are free to enter this month's challenge using any other image but you won't be eligible for the draw.

Thanks for stopping by today!! Have a happy and restful Sunday!!

Blessings,

Sarah ☺

Copics: RVOOO, RVOO, RVO2, RV10, R20, BOOOO, BOO, BO2, BO4, WOO, WO, WO1, W3, W5, W7
Glitter: Hero Arts--Prism
Metal Spacers: Blue Moon
Gems: Hero Arts
Ribbon: Michael's

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #8

2010-08-15T12:00:00.003-04:00

Hey there!! It's challenge time again over at Sundays With Crissy and this time it's all about YOUR FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR--as always, left to your interpretation. It can be a particular holiday, an annual event or an occasion or your favourite season.

My favourite time of year happens to be the FALL!! Here in Southwestern Ontario the Fall means harvest time and with that, the changing of the leaves into an array of beautiful colours, big bright pumpkins are ready for picking (which translates in to pumpkin pie YUM!!), cooler temperatures have eased their way in and it's time to celebrate Thanksgiving!! For us Canucks, we observe Thanksgiving in October, while our friends south of the border celebrate theirs in late November...in any case it's a great time to celebrate the blessings God has given us! It's also a time to remember those who came before us, who forged ahead in adverse times, and made the sacrifices necessary to ensure we would have bountiful lives.

For this challenge, I chose to do a Thanksgiving Card. This card will soon be bound for a Canadian soldier serving over in Afghanistan to help them celebrate the season while separated from their family and friends.

I used Crissy's sweet image from Squigglefly called "Thy Cart Overfloweth"!! Here's a closer look at Mr. Turkey...

Well that's it for me!! Pop by the SWC challenge blog to see what the rest of my mates have come up with--you won't be disappointed!!!!

I hope you will join us for Challenge #8!!! Upload your masterpiece and show us your favourite time of year!! When you use one of Crissy's digi's on your project you will be entered into our random draw for a big, beautiful pad of designer paper and your choice of any 5 of Crissy's digital stamps(see blog of details)!!! You can find Crissy's images at Squigglefly, Whimsy Stamps & Wags 'n Whiskers!!! They download in seconds and they're sooooo easy to use.

Thanks for stopping by!! Have a blessed day!!!

Sarah ☺

Materials Used:

Digi Stamp--Squigglefly
Printed On--Neenah Paper
Cardstock--October Afternoon--Hay Barn
Media--Copic & Prismacolor Markers
Ink--Memento--Rich Cocoa
Sentiment--See D's
Buttons & Floss--My Stash

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #7

2010-07-18T12:00:00.004-04:00

Well hello there!! I have been taking a break from card making/blogging for the past couple of weeks and trying to get myself on some kind of schedule for the summer... so I apologize for not coming around to visit you all!! But now I am back and ready to share the next Sundays With Crissy Challenge with you!! It's my turn to host and the theme this time is Christmas in July!! With the weather here in Southern Ontario being between 36-42°C (with the humidex) most days since the end of June, thinking about Christmas and snow is my attempt to cool down a little...not complaining though...the snow will be here soon enough ☺

For this challenge I used Crissy's digi image from Squigglefly called Santa's Mailbox.

If you want even more Christmas inspiration hop on over to the Sundays With Crissy Blog and check out what the rest of our awesome DT has come up with!! Enter your own Christmas card and if you use one of Crissy's digi stamps on your creation you could win some sweeeeeet blog candy--details on post. You can find Crissy's digital images at Squigglefly, Whimsey Stamps and Wags 'n Whiskers. They are very affordable and so easy to download. You can resize them to fit your own projects and they print perfectly every time (providing you have ink in your printer hee hee).

I hope you will join us for this challenge!! Because we have slowed the pace a bit for the summer you have a whole month to enter your card(s). I can't wait to see what you all come up with!!!!

Thanks for stopping by today!!

Blessings,

Sarah ☺

High Hopes Challenge # 82--Stars

2010-06-27T06:00:00.006-04:00

Pheeeeeewwwweeeee! What a week!! Jules just finished Grade 7 on Friday and we are just catching our breath from exams, last minute assignments, class trips & pool parties!! I gotta say--I AM SOOOOOOO GLAD SUMMER BREAK IS FINALLY HERE!! Jules had her best report card yet--3 A's, 8 A+'s & 4 A++'s--now that's something to shout about!! And for those of you who are wondering how she did in algebra...well...she gave Mr. Algebra Dragon a big, fat, black eye with a 96%!! Yippeeee! I am so proud of her!! A big thanks goes to DH who spent hours and worked through the tears & frustration to tutor her in the evenings!! I am so glad he's good at math ☺ !!!!

Now with that, here's my card for this week's challenge over at High Hopes!! I thought the theme this week was very fitting after seeing Jules' report card--it's all about STARS!!!!

I used Dustin Pike's image Tutu Fairy for my card. It's a little hard to see but the metal charm actually says "Be A Star" on it.

The rest of the DT have some really great "star" themed card too--check them out here!!

Enter your own star-studded card and you could win this week's featured stamp!!

I'll be hopping around this week to see what you come up with!!!

Blessings,

Sarah ☺

Stamp--High Hopes
Stamped On--Neenah
Ink--Memento--Tuxedo Black
Media--Copic Markers
Cardstock--Bazzil Papers
Papers--October Afternoon, Bella Blvd. & Stash
Charm & Silver Stars--Stash
Ribbon--Michael's

Sundays With Crissy Challenge #6

2010-06-20T12:00:00.006-04:00

I'mmmmm Back!!! It's Sundays with Crissy time and for this challenge it's all about shades--monochromatic shades that is!! This is only my second time doing this type of technique and I just love it!! I chose Crissy's image "Oswalda Goes Shopping" from Squigglefly!! Isn't she sweet??! I coloured her using the Copic warm greys (W00, W0, W01, W03, & W05) to give the image a black and white photograph look.

I apologize for the picture quality--I find this type of artwork very hard to photograph--not sure why?? Anyway, I will keep this post short, but if you want to see more monochromatic cards check out what the rest of our awesome DT has come up with HERE!!!

Thanks for stopping by--have a blessed day!

Sarah ☺

High Hopes Challenge #81--Anything Goes

2010-06-20T06:00:00.005-04:00

Happy Sunday!! Wow it's been a whirlwind this week over at High Hopes with sneakie peekies and blog hops!! Hopefully you all had a chance to take in Dustin Pike & Melissa Jenkins' new rubber designs!! Now that the dust has settled it's challenge time and this week Lovely Lacey has told us "ANYTHING GOES!!!" I decided to do a scrapbook layout this time and thought I would use one of Melissa's designs called Free Kittens.

This stamp has special significance to me because that's what my kitties were--FREE!! Back in November '08 we lost our beloved white cat, Molly. She had been with us close to 20 years and I have to say she left a hole in our home and in our hearts. 3 weeks after she died, I was at a school fundraiser where I met this very kind man named Gerry. He had a sign at his booth advertising free kittens--2 Black, 2 White & 1 Grey. I knew it was a "sign"!! ☺

To make a long story short we met the kittens and Gerry gave us the pick of the litter!! With that came an added bonus--the mother cat needed a home too!! She had been a stray to begin with and was in dire need of some fattening up. She ended up being adopted by my parents who were in need of some feline company! She lovingly became known as Holly--the Christmas Cat.

We named our grey kitten Willow and our white kitten Yuki (Yoo-Key--Japanese for "snow") and slowly and surely they started to fill the hole Molly had left. These two are sisters but couldn't be more opposite. Willow is the uptight, talkative, scaredy-cat who goes crazy for reflective objects--especially my iPhone. She's curious and loves to watch me while I scrapbook. Yuki is kookie--she's laid back and a lot more cuddly than her sister. They both love catching and eating bugs, watching the birds, begging for chicken and cuddling up with each other. I am so thankful to have their company! Not a day goes by that they don't make me laugh!!

Well there you have a little history of Willow and Yuki--the crazy cats you see on my side bar! Here's my layout...☺

And a closer look at the art...

Yuki Doodle...

Willow Boo Boo...

Thanks for popping by today!! There is still time to join in the hop for Melissa's release so if you missed it click HERE and you'll be taken to the appropriate spot to begin your journey!! The hop closes tomorrow at 7 a.m. EST (12 p.m. GMT) so don't delay--you could win yourself some free rubber from the new release--see post for details.

Have a blessed day...be back later with another project!!

Sarah ☺

Wags 'n Whiskers Blog Hop & Release!!

2010-06-19T00:37:00.003-04:00

Well this week for me has been all about blog hops and new releases and I just thought I'd share with you another one that is coming up soon. Starting on Wednesday, June 23, Wags 'n Whiskers is starting their sneak peeks for their upcoming release on June 25th!! There will also be a draw for the entire release drawn by their new artist, Emma Metcalf. To find out more click HERE...

Don't forget about the High Hopes blog hop that is open until Monday at 7am (EST). My hop card is below with links to the rest of the DT creations!!

Have a great day!!

Sarah ☺

High Hopes Blog Hop for Melissa Jenkins Release!!

2010-06-18T00:01:00.007-04:00

Good Morning!!! It's BLOG HOP DAY!! High Hopes' new artist, Melissa Jenkins, has a whole new line of wonderful rubber and it's now available to the rest of the stamping world!! If you are following our hop you should have arrived here from my buddy Karen's blog!! (Waving Karen !!) If you have lost your way just return to the High Hopes blog and you'll be able to get yourself back on track!!

Now, for my card today, I chose Melissa's sweet image "Teacup Mouse"!! This is my favourite image in Melissa's release as I have a soft spot for these furry little creatures. I know, I know, not the typical female response, but I really do think they are cute!! I love the sentiment that goes with this image too!! There is also a second sentiment with this release that says, "Have a mice day!" along with more mousey images for you to play with!!

So there's my card--now for the really cool part--Do you want to win 2 free stamps from Melissa's release--all you have to do is leave a comment here on my blog and then continue the hop over on Sirpa's blog!! There will be 4 random blogs that will be drawing a winner and it just might be YOU!!!!
Also, there is a chance for you to win the ENTIRE Melissa Jenkins release--all you have to do is go to the original post on the High Hopes blog that announces the blog hop/release and follow the instructions!!

Thanks for hopping along with us today and for leaving your comments!! I hope you enjoy the rest of you journey!!

Blessings,
Sarah ☺

p.s. If you don't have a High Hopes retailer in your area you can find the new release and the rest of the HHS line at these fine online stores:

Amy Wegener - Stampin' Stuff based out of Australia
Nikki Fairbairn - Bunny Zoe's Crafts based out of the UK/Europe
Lacey Stephens - Stamp and Create based out of the US
Karen Goguen/Cathy Siroski - The Rubber Room based out of Canada

High Hopes--Melissa Jenkins Release--Sneak Peek #2

2010-06-17T06:00:00.002-04:00

Good morning everyone!! It's SNEAK PEEK DAY #2 for the new Melissa Jenkins Release over at High Hopes!! We're just getting you warmed up for tomorrow's Blog Hop!! We hope you'll hop along with us and share in our excitement!!

I just love Melissa's designs, especially her cats!! I used the stamp "A Girl and Her Kitty" for my card today. That's me and my furbaby Willow!!

Would you like to see the rest of the sneak peeks?? Click on the links below to go to the other participating DT sites :)

Alex
Amy L.
Debby
Karen
Sirpa
Jeanne

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN MELISSA'S FULL RELEASE--->All you have to do is pop on over to the High Hopes blog, grab the blog hop blinkie and put it on your blog, tell all your friends out in blogland about the hop, become a follower if you're not already, and leave us a comment on the original post announcing Melissa's release and you could win a big fat envelope full of her fabulous rubber!!!

There will also be some draws tomorrow on the hop--stay tuned for details!!

Thanks for coming by today!!

Blessings,
Sarah ☺

High Hopes Has Another New Artist--Can You Guess Who??

2010-06-16T00:01:00.003-04:00

If you've been by my blog or the High Hopes blog in the last couple of days you will have noticed all the excitement around Dustin Pike's new release!! Judging by your responses Dustin did not disappoint!! His new images are fantastic and we had so much fun showing them off to you!! Thanks to everyone who joined in the hop and left so many nice comments!!

Before we get on to our new artist--I have been chosen as one of the DT members who gets to pick a winner of 2 new Dustin Pike stamps!! Using Random Interger.com it picked #59 for me so that means Legojenta is the winner from my blog!! Thanks Legojenta for playing along and please contact Nikki @ nichola.fairbairn@googlemail.com with your mailing info & choice of stamps!!

Now...are you ready for round two??? High Hopes has signed another fabulous artist who brings with her a flare for the feminine!! Her name is Melissa Jenkins and you're going to love her art!!

Starting today & continuing tomorrow the High Hopes DT will be giving you some sneak peeks at Melissa's wonderful images!! On Friday, we will be having another blog hop with some really cool giveaways!!

Here's my first sneak peek!! I used Melissa's sweet image called "Cheesy Mouse"!

I chose to do a easel card this time round...

I bought this sentiment stamp in the US about 3 years ago and thought it was humurous!! I didn't really have a image to go with it at the time so it's been sitting, simmering in my drawer, wating for the perfect occasion. When I saw Melissa's "Cheesy Mouse" I knew I had a match!!

That's it for me today~thanks for stopping by!! Pop in again tomorrow for another sneak peek!! Check out the rest of other DT sneak peeks on the High Hopes blog as well!! Hope you'll be able to join us for the hop on Friday!

Oh, I almost forgot... anyone interested in a chance to win Melissa's entire release?? Then pop on over to the High Hopes blog--grab the blinkie like the one on my sidebar, leave a comment and let everyone you know in blogland in on our secret!! You just might get a Cheesy Mouse of your own :O)

Have a blessed day!!!

Sarah☺

Stamps: High Hopes, Cheese--Judith & Heather
Sentiment: Whipper Snapper Designs
Stamped On: Neenah Paper
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black, London Fog (chalked edges)
Media: Copic & Prismacolor Markers
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: October Afternoon--Near Mint (Thrift Shop)
Brads: Doodlebug
Die Cut Flower: Quickutz

RELEASE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-14T00:01:00.002-04:00

Whoooo Hooooo! It's RELEASE DAY over at High Hopes Stamps and all Dustin Pike's new images are ready to go!!! If you are following our hop today then you should have arrived here from Lacey's Blog . If you have lost your way and you want to follow the trail then hop over to the High Hopes Blog and that will help you get back on track!!

Now on to my post!!! I used "Monty" (the Monster) and the "Wild Party" stamps for this one!! I just love Monty--he reminds me of Sully from Monsters Inc. which is by far my favourite Pixar cartoon!! Isn't he adorable!!

As soon as I saw this stamp, I knew immediately that my first time using him for a card would involve a door of some sort. Jules and I were out shopping for a "door" and she found this funky Cuttlebug folder which reminded us of the doors in Monsters Inc.

I rigged up a paper hinge and then used fun foam for the doorjamb. I used my retangular nestabilities to make the frame, "bolted" it all together with some brads, recessed a magnet piece in the foam and then added another magnet to the actual door so it would stay closed.

I popped Monty up on a 3-D spring I made out of paper so he'd pop out when you open the door.

Here's a look at the wild party going on inside the card!

And a closer look at the art...

NOW--some info about the hop!! There is some awesome blog candy up for grabs!!! 4 random blogs will be giving away 2 free stamps of the winner's choice. All you have to do now is to leave a comment on my post and then hop on over to Danielle's Blog and check out her wonderful creation!!! This blog hop will remain open until Wednesday, June 16 at 7 am (12 GMT).

There is also a chance to win the ENTIRE RELEASE!!! Leave a comment on the original post announcing the release on the High Hopes Blog and you could be the winner!! That's over 30 new images + sentiments!!! Contest ends 8 pm EST (12 GMT) on Tuesday, June 15th!!

Thanks for hopping by!! Have a blessed day!!

Sarah ☺

Stamps--High Hopes
Stamped Sentiment--Studio G
Surprise Sentiment--CG
Stamped On--Neenah
Ink--Memento--Tuxedo Black
Media--Copic Markers
Cardstock--Double Mates & Bazzil Papers
DP--KaiserCraft--Uphoria
Toogle Clasp for Doorknob--Jewelry Essentials--Michael's
Brads--Doodlebug
CB Folder--Traffic Jam
Border Punch--Martha Stewart

High Hopes Stamps--Sneak Peek #2

2010-06-13T06:00:00.008-04:00

Happy Sunday Everyone!! Today is SNEAK PEEK #2 over at High Hopes and we are super excited to show off the fun new art from our artist Dustin Pike!! This post also includes this week's challenge which is to use the colour scheme Blue, Brown/Kraft, & Cream. Here's my version of Dustin's cool new stamp "Stunt Dragon"!!

I wanted to give my dragon some spots so I used my Copic Colorless Blender to create some dots.

If you want to see more of Dustin's new images head on over to the High Hopes Blog where the rest of the DT has more sneak peeks for you!!! There's also a chance for you to win the ENTIRE release of all Dustin's new images. Just visit the blog and leave a comment on the original post announcing the release and you could be the proud owner of a big fat package of wonderful rubber!!! Stay tuned tomorrow for our blog hop and the full release!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Blessings,

Sarah ☺

Stamp--High Hopes
Sentiment--Cornish Heritage Farms--U R A Hoot
Stamped On--Neenah Paper
Ink--Memento--Tuxedo Black
Ink on Sentiment--Tombow--#512
Media--Copic Markers
Cardstock--Bazzil Papers
DP--Wallpaper
Embossing Folder--Cuttlebug
Die Cut Letters, Circle, and Tabs--Quickutz
Brads--American Crafts

High Hopes New Release--Sneak Peek #1

2010-06-12T06:00:00.011-04:00

Hello All!! It's an exciting day over at High Hopes today!! Our awesome artist, Dustin Pike, has been hard at work creating some fun new images for us to play with!! There are over 30 new images + sentiments in this release and we'd like to give you a little taste of Dustin's hard work!! Here is my take on his new stamp "Mer-Cat". Isn't she just the cutest??? I left her white (well mostly) to resemble my furbaby, Yuki!!

I thought I would give her a little dimension so I popped up her tail, bikini top, and nose with some foam & glue dots...

Now that you've seen my sneakie-peekie why don't you hop on over to the High Hopes Blog. The rest of the design team has been hard at work preparing their own samples of Dustin's hard work!! Stay tuned tomorrow for another sneak peek and then on Monday for the full release!!

Thanks for coming by today!! Have a blessed day!!

Sarah ☺

Stamp--High Hopes
Stamped On--Neenah
Ink--Memento--Tuxedo Black
Media--Copic Markers
Cardstock--Bazzil Papers
DP--SEI Memories
Pearl Embellishments--Zva Creative
Single Pearls--Michael's
Metal Stars--LSS
Punch--EK Success

High Hopes Blog Hop & Release!!!!

2010-06-07T20:49:00.003-04:00

At High Hopes we are so excited to announce our new release with lots of fabulous designs from our amazing artist Dustin Pike. We don't want to ruin the surprise but there are approx. 33 main designs as well as fun sentiments and accessories!!!

Sneaks peaks will take place on the High Hopes blog and on the DT blogs this coming Saturday.... continue Sunday and ...... and exploding with our blog hop on release day, Monday, June 14!!! Yep... High Hopes fans... only 1 week away!!!!

Do you want to win a package bursting with new release stamps? Of course you do :-) Then we would love you to help us spread the news about our blog hop and release.

To be entered into the draw:

1. Grab our blinkie from the High Hopes Blog sidebar and place it on your blog. You just need to copy and paste the text underneath the blinkie into a html gadget. (In blogger click Customise in the top right of your blog then click add gadget and select HTML/Javascript). If you prefer please grab the static image below and remember to link to the High Hopes blog :-)

2. Please tell your friends about the news, blog hop and release on Monday, June 14th.

3. Become a follower of the High Hopes Blog if you aren't already ;-) You don't want to miss out on the fun and there will be tons of prizes along the blog hop!!!

4. Leave a comment on this post (or the post on the High Hopes blog) with a link to your blog post spreading the word.

The contest ends 8pm EST (Midnight GMT) on Tuesday, June 15th!!

Ohhhhhhh!! I'm sooo excited!!!

Hugs,
Sarah ☺

Sundays With Crissy--Relish to Embellish

2010-06-06T12:00:00.011-04:00

Howdy Folks--here's my second post of the day!! It's time to get out that bling, those buttons, that ribbon, those border punches and goooooo crazy!! Challenge #5 is in full swing over at Sundays With Crissy and the theme this time is Relish to Embellish--as always open to your interpretation!! This time I thought I would try my hand at Crissy's fabulous image Gift Horse from Whimsey Stamps. I love horses and this buckaroo was so fun to colour!!

Here's a closer look at my bling!!!

Thanks for coming by to check out my card!! I hope you'll come and play with us this challenge!! There's some really great blog candy up for grabs!! All you have to do is take one of Crissy's digi images from Squigglefly, Whimsey Stamps or Wags 'n Whiskers(Digi Stamps), make a card with it and go crazy with the bling. Upload your card to the Sundays With Crissy blog and you could be a winner!!!!

That's it for me! Hope you have a great day!!!!

Blessings,

Sarah

Digi Stamp--Whimsey Stamps--Gift Horse, Sentiment--Kraftin' Kimmie, Printed On--Neenah, Media--Copic & Prismacolor Markers, Cardstock--Bazzil & Colormate Papers, DP--Doodlebug, Embellishment--my stash, Gemstone Flourish--Zva Creative

High Hopes Challenge #79--Chivarly is Not Dead @ My House ☺!

2010-06-06T06:00:00.005-04:00

Mornin' Peeps!!! Are you up for a manly challenge--a masculine card that is!! This week over at High Hopes, Danielle, has challenged us to make a Father's Day card or a card for a guy!! I really struggled with this one because it really narrowed down my choices of stamps to use. I usually gravitate to the cute & cuddly and almost always have a flower somewhere on my card!! My good friend Karen(waving to you girlfriend!!) blessed me with the stamp "Sir Dustin" just recently and I thought he and his dragon would make a great card for my DH!!

My husband is one of the good ones!! As of the May 2/4 weekend I have been with him longer than I have been without him--we laugh at that as we creep up in our 40's!! He's a wonderful guy and gives chivalry a good name!! He opens my car door for me still (which for a tomboy took some getting use to :) He kills spiders and other icky insects that have crossed the line into our house (and NO he doesn't scream like a little girl when he does it, like I do!!) Oh I HATE bugs!!

He's also wonderful at math which came in handy when the "Algerbra Dragon from the Kingdom of Grade Seven" made it's appearence this year and tried to eat my daugther Jules!! Thankfully he's done university level math so my job is now done in that area :) Wow what these kids are learning these days!!

DH doesn't mind heavy lifting and has become quite accustomed to hours and hours of cross border shopping!! He goes out late at night on chocolate/fast food runs (so bad for our waistline ☺) without much complaint!! He loves "Flashpoint","24", "Numbers" and "The Pretender" and usually will give me a nice long foot rub while we flake out watching the "latest" episode!! He's sweet to me even when I am PMS-ing and is even more willing to get me chocolate duing this time (hhhmmmm---self-preservation I think)!!

This year we will celebrate 15 years married--not all of it has been rosey--but it's been good!! I know God has blessed me with a good man! He's kind, considerate and tries to always put his girls first (even our cats Yuki and Willow :X) He's a godly man and tries very hard to walk his talk!! He's also been an excellent father to Jules which makes our relationship all the more sweet!!

Thanks baby for walking with me all this way!! Happy Father's Day!!!

So with that here's my card...

Check out the rest of the High Hopes DT's manly creations--->here!! Enter your own masterpiece and you could be the winner of this week's featured stamp!!

Have a blessed day!!

Sarah :)

Stamp: High Hopes, Sentiment: Stampendous--Good Knight, Stamped With: Memento--Tuxedo Black Ink, Stamped On: Neenah Paper, Cardstock: Bazzil Papers, Designer Paper: Basic Grey--Origins/Henna, Media: Copic and Prismacolor Markers, Image Outlined With: Permapaque Marker, Border Punch: Martha Stewart--Picket Fence, Die Cut Letters: Quickutz--Diesel Font, Embossed Die Cut (inside): Quickutz--Adornment, Brad (front): ? Brads(inside): Doodlebug & Fluid Chalk: Colorbox--Chestnut Roan

Very Annoying!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-03T14:28:00.008-04:00

BLOGGER BEWARE!!

Due to some disturbing content that I found on my blog I have now switched to comment moderation.

The person below thought it would be amusing to pepper my blog with porn advertisements. Shall we say I AM NOT IMPRESSED.

I only found out about it because I went back into some old posts to check on some things. I actually took an hour and half to go back through every single post to make sure she didn't leave any more comments other places!! Almost every other post (sometimes consecutive posts) had comments from her and some other unknown porn site! I am sorry, but this was a huge waste of my time today for just plain nonsense!!

This person goes by Miss Jane--whether she/he is a real person or a front face for a business I am not sure!! (Sometimes creeps take other people's photos and use them for their own profiles.) If you don't currently use comment moderation I urge you to go back through your old posts and just check to see if you've been hit too!! Word verification won't do it as I found out the hard way!!

Here's her profile picture & the message as it appears in the comments--it's chinese so it doesn't show up in english unless you translate it--which I did--AGAIN NOT IMPRESSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Miss jane said...
成人論壇,080聊天室,080苗栗人,免費a片,視訊美女,視訊做愛,免費視訊,伊莉討論區,sogo論壇,台灣論壇,plus論壇,維克斯論壇,情色論壇,性感影片,正妹,走光,色遊戲,情色自拍,kk俱樂部,好玩遊戲,免費遊戲,貼圖區,好玩遊戲區,中部人聊天室,情色視訊聊天室,聊天室ut,成人電影,成人遊戲,成人文學,免費成人影片,成人光碟,情色遊戲,情色a片,情色網,性愛自拍,美女寫真,亂倫,戀愛ING,免費視訊聊天,視訊聊天,成人短片,美女交友,美女遊戲,18禁,三級片,自拍,後宮電影院,85cc,免費影片,線上遊戲,色情遊戲,日本a片,美女,成人圖片區,avdvd,色情遊戲,情色貼圖,女優,偷拍,正妹牆
May 19, 2010 4:08 AM

As for Miss Jane--should you choose to visit my site again--please keep your comments to yourself!!!!!!!

For those of you who do leave sincere comments--Thank You!! It encourages me & brightens my day!!

Sarah

High Hopes Challenge #78--It's a Party

2010-05-30T06:00:00.005-04:00

Greetings!! Feel like joining the party!!?? Over at High Hopes this week Karen--my dear friend and one of my biggest creative inspirations has challenged us to make a birthday card!! The hardest thing for me was choosing a stamp!!! High Hopes has so many great ones to choose from that can be used for this theme. I was feeling a little mischievous so thought I'd use the stamp Cheeky Sean by our totally awesome artist Dustin Pike!! Isn't Sean a hoot!!??

I apologize for the lighting in my photos--still searching for a good place to take better photos with my little camera...here's my card!!

And the inside...

So there you have it party animals!! Go check out the rest of the wonderful creations our DT has come up with this week!! Make your own birthday card and upload it to the High Hopes blog and you could be the winner of this week's featured stamp!!! I can't wait to see what you all come up with!!!

Blessings,

Sarah ☺

Stamp & Sentiment: High Hopes Stamps
Stamped On: Neenah
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black
Media: Copics--O, E31, E33, E35, E50, E53, W00, W0, W01, G20, YG23, YG95, R20, YO2, & Y08
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: Yellow ??/Brown--Handmade--from India I think
Die Cut Leaves: Quickutz--Bamboo
Die Cut Background--Nestabilities
Metal Beads: Michael's

♥♥♥RAK Event for Jayme ♥♥♥

2010-05-26T10:29:00.014-04:00

There is nothing that gives me more pleasure in my card-making life than to make a card with the soul purpose of blessing someone who needs encouragement!! Today I have a special request!! Lisa Cook, my fellow designer over at Sunday's with Crissy, is on a mission. Her sister Jayme is terminally ill and Lisa would like us to spread a little love Jayme's way as she goes through this difficult time. Lisa has asked if we would make a cheery card for her sister and send it to her (no get well cards please). Jayme loves frogs so if you have any cute froggie images you would like to use that would be great!!

Crissy Armstrong has also drawn the sweet image pictured below called "Beach Baby Jayme" in honour of this event. For those of you who would like to use this FREE DIGITAL IMAGE for your card just click on it and the link will take you to a download site for Whimsey Stamps. Send your card to Jayme and link it up on Lisa's site and you could win some fabulous blog candy!!For more details on this event click on Lisa's link above!

Here's my version of Beach Baby Jayme...

And the inside...

I'm a big BEACH BUM and I just adore frogs!! When I first saw this image I laughed out loud!! I imagined myself walking down the wooden steps to my favourite beach at Pinery Provincial Park (pictured above in my header). In the distance I saw Ms. Jayme (human size of course) strolling along the shoreline...what a sight!! I caught up with her and offered her greetings. She smiled a wide, froggie smile and said, "Hello!" in a very lady-like voice. We sat on our lawn chairs under our umbrellas, drinking lemonade and gabbing the whole afternoon away☺.

Anyway...enough of my daydreaming!! Thanks for stopping by today to take a look!!

Spread some love today--everything good runs on it!!!

God Bless,
Sarah ☺

Digital Image: Whimsey Stamps
Printed On: Neenah
Media: Copic Markers--B00, B06, G12, G20, YG03, YG95, R20, E31, E50, & E53
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DT:?? from a sale bin
Metal Charms & Ribbon: my stash
Flowers on inside: Creative Memories
Stickles: Icicle--on the flower centers on her suit--sorry hard to see :(

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #4--Layers

2010-05-23T12:00:00.011-04:00

Good afternoon!! Here's my second post for the day!! Over at Sundays with Crissy the challenge this week is Layers--open to you interpretation of course!! You can pop stuff up, pile stuff on or go crazy with both. This week I chose to make an easel card--I know, I'm probably the last person in papercraft blogland to make one ☺!! I have been seeing them everywhere over the last few months and thought I would give it try.

Here's my card...

A closer look at the art...

And a side view...

My Layers: Cats, flowers, fluid chalk, & cardstock

Easel cards are so easy to make...if you haven't ever attempted one there's a great tutorial over at Splitcoast to follow --> click here. It will give you an idea at least, of how to put one together. The dimensions I used for my card were my own because I wanted a bigger sized card (I used a 6X12 & a 6x6 piece of paper for the base pieces & then just eyeballed the rest of the layers).

If you head on over to the Sundays with Crissy Challenge Blog you will be able to see what my other talented design team sisters have cooked up for this challenge. If you would like to take part in this challenge just follow the simple rules laid out at the bottom of our blog and upload your masterpiece so we can see it too!! You could win some pretty cool candy!!

For those of you not familiar with our blog or with the very talented Crissy Armstrong, you can find Crissy's digital stamps in three GREAT places!!!

Creating with digital stamps is easy--you can resize them to your liking, flip them and reuse them over and over. The only space they take up is hard drive space and if your craft area is anything like mine this is a good thing!! ☺

I have also entered my card in the Papertake Weekly Challenge--"Say It With Flowers".

Anyway, that's it for me today!! For us Canucks, this weekend is a holiday weekend due to Victoria Day on Monday!!

"We are not amused!!"

Hopefully Mr. Sun will cooperate and give us some rays!! Hope it's sunny where you are!!

Have a blessed day!!

Sarah ☺

Stamp: Three Cat Pile-Up--Squigglefly
Sentiment: Paper Bag Studios--Prosperity
Printed On: Neenah
Media: Copics--W00, W1, W3, W5, W7, RV000, R20, E000, E33, E35, E43, E53, & YR01
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: Basic Grey--Max & Whiskers
Yellow Flowers: Creative Memories
Orange Flowers: Prima
Turquoise Brads: ??
Brown Brads: Doodlebug
Fluid Chalk: Colorbox--Chestnut Roan & Tangerine
Sentiment Ink: Tim Holtz--Distress Ink--Spiced Marmalade
Outline Ink: Permapaque Marker

High Hopes Challenge #77

2010-05-23T06:00:00.002-04:00

Good Morning!!! It's challenge time again over at High Hopes and this week the lovely Amy Leggate, my fellow Canuck, holds the reins!! Amy's challenge this week is "Spring Flowers". It's been so cold here where I live these past few weeks that not a lot of flowers have been poking their heads out--finally we are starting to see the sun!!

I have been wanting to try the monochromatic technique for some time now and decided to use it on this belated Mother's Day card for my mom. With Jules being down with the chicken pox I never got to visit my mom on the big day and was a little side tracked when it came to making her a card.

"Andrea's Kitties" is the name of the High Hopes stamp I used and it's amazing how much she looks like me when I was a kid--cartoon version of course ☺ Although my kitties would have been fully clothed in doll clothes and would not have been as well behaved!!

I have also entered my card in Copic Creations "Monochromatic Challenge" and into the Spoonful of Sugar "Cute & Girly Challenge".

I do apologize for the poor picture quality--I tried unsuccessfully for 2+ hours to shoot this card and after that I felt like really "shooting" it!! ☺

Here's a closer look at the image...

I just love this look--it reminds me of old black & white cartoons. Yes, I am old enough to have watched them as a child on a regular basis ☺. The first part of my younger years was shot in B&W so that gives you a little hint of my age.

Well there you have it!! Go check out what the rest of our super-talented DT has done with this week's challenge --> here!! Enter your own version of "Spring Flowers" and you could win yourself a free High Hopes stamp!! I can't wait to come by and see your creations!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful day!!

Sarah ☺

Stamp: High Hopes
Stamped On: Neenah
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black
Media: Copic Markers: W00, W0, W1, W3, W5, & W7
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: Autumn Leaves--C'est Pink
Die Cut Letters: Quickutz--Snow Angel
Flowers: Prima
Metal Charms: Michael's
Pearls: Dollarama

High Hopes Challenge #76--Baby/Small Child Card

2010-05-16T06:00:00.004-04:00

Good Morning!!! It's High Hopes Challenge time again and this week the very talented Sirpa has challenged us to make a baby card or a card for a small child!! I have had Dustin Pike's "Bedtime Bear" for awhile now and have been waiting for a really good reason to ink it up!! So without further ado...here is my card...

Can you tell I was really in the mood to use stars this week!? After Jules' bout with the chicken pox this past week I don't want to see polka dots for a very long while!! ☺ Thankfully she is through the worst of it and the spots are starting to disappear!! Thanks to all who sent their get well wishes!!

Well that's it for me...thanks for coming by today to check out my card. If you click on the link above for the High Hopes Blog you can check out what the rest of our talented design team came up with!! Enter your own baby/small child card and you could with yourself a free High Hopes stamp!!! I can't wait to see what you all come up with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Sunday!!

Blessings,

Sarah ☺

Stamps: High Hopes
Sentiment: Kolette Hall
Stamped On: Neenah
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: Bella Blvd.--Planetarium
Media: Copics--Y02, Y04, Y08, BG10, BG23, E33, E35, E50, E53, R20
Metal Clips: Spare Parts
Spacers: Michael's
Gems: Dollarama
Star Die Cut: Quickutz
Die Cut Matting: Nestabilities

How Does Your Garden Grow??

2010-05-12T15:49:00.004-04:00

Hello there!! Thanks for coming by today!! It's been a busy few days for us here. We've been looking after my daughter who's been off school with the chicken pox :( Not FUN at ALL!! She's on the mend now and feeling much better despite her speckled appearence!! Now that she's a little more independent I have had some time to make some cards!

The one below is for a few challenges:

1. Mo's DP2 Challenge--#30--Make a creation that includes or suggests water.
2. Colour Create Challenge--#44--Khaki, Aqua, Brown & Cream
3. Cute Card Thursday Challenge--#111--Boyz to Men--Project for the boys or men in your life.

The image I used is called Ben and it's one of Mo Manning's digi images!! I just love her artwork. This little one reminds me of my little nephew Logan!!

Thanks for stopping by to take a look!! Have a great day!!

Blessings,

Sarah

Stamp: Ben--Mo's Digital Pencil, Flower on Seed Packet--Unknown

Sentiment Inside: Kiss of the Sun--High Hopes Stamps

Printed On: Neenah

Cardstock: Bazzil Papers

DP: Scenic Route & Bella Blvd.

Media: Copics--B00, B21, B34, BG10, BG15, BG23, E000, E11, E15, E33, E35, E50, E53 & Y02, Primacolor--99, & Touch 21--Terra Cotta

Fluid Chalk: Colorbox--Chestnut Roan

Dry Chalks: Craf-T Products

Die Cut: Quickutz--Seed Packet & Seeds

Image Cut & Embossed With: Cuttlebug--Rectangle

Ribbon: Michael's

Sundays With Crissy Debut!!

2010-05-09T12:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome all!! Thanks for coming by today!!! I am so EXCITED!! Today Crissy Armstrong over at Sundays With Crissy unveils her new DT and I have been blessed with a spot on her team!! Whooo Hoooo!!

I just love Crissy's art!! I am a newbie when it comes to using digital stamps but I love 'em. I am a diehard rubber stamper and just recently ventured out into the digi world!! I love my rubber but I have to say digi's are a lot of fun too!!! You can resize them, edit them, & flip them. Purchasing them is soooo easy and the file(s) usually comes to you within a minute or two right to your email. Another advantage of digi's--they only take up computer space :)!! The images work really great with alcohol based markers such as Copic or Prismacolor and pencil crayon medias!!

Now on to this week's challenge...

This week Crissy has challenged us to use our Favourite Things on our projects.

Here's my card...

These are a few of my favourite things... (insert Julie Andrews singing here) :)

Chocolate brown paper with fall colours added
Kittens with pumpkins on bright dp matted
Sweet metal charms tied up with string
These are a few of my favourite things....

Sorry I couldn't resist :) Really...my favourite season is fall & my favourite holiday is Thanksgiving!! I really like using fall and earthy colours!! I love my kitties Willow (in the pumpkin) & Yuki!! I love charms, brads and anything metal. My favourite media is Copic & Prismacolor markers and I really like to incorporate die cuts into my projects wherever I can. Oh and I really love this image from Squigglefly!!!

Anyway...there you have it!! Pop over to the Sundays with Crissy blog and meet the rest of Crissy's Crew--she has picked some very talented ladies who will also be showing off their own creations for this week's challenge!! Enter your own project and if you use one of Crissy's digi images you'll be entered for a chance to win some amazing blog candy!!

Thanks for coming by to see my card!! Thanks Crissy for this wonderful opportunity!!

Blessings,
Sarah :)

p.s. Sorry for such a long post

Stamp:Roger and Jo's Pumpkin Fun--Squigglefly
Printed On: Neenah
Media: Copic (E33,E35, E50, E53, YR02, YR07, YR15, Y02, Y38, YG23, G20, BG10, R20, W3& Prismacolor (70, 71, 95, 99, 101, 102) Markers
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: Brown with Dots--Scenic Route--Sumner Village Drive, Orange--The Paper Company, Multi Font Fall Paper--??
Leaf Punch: EK Success
Brads:Doodlebug
Heart Charm: Michael's
Twine: Stash

High Hopes Challenge #75

2010-05-09T06:00:00.006-04:00

Happy Sunday!!! Are you ready for another fun challenge over at High Hopes this week!!?? Amy, our Diva from Down Under has created a fabulous sketch for us to follow!!

Here's my take on it...

I wanted to use a vertical image this week so I just rotated the sketch. The kitty in the fishbowl is my kitty Willow!! The ironic thing is, she really does love to play in the water along with her crazy sister Yuki!!

Here's the inside...

Check out what the other DT members did with this sketch!! Enter your own version and if you use a High Hopes image & post your creation on our blog you'll be entered to win this week's stamp of the week!!

Thanks for coming by!! Have a restful day!!

Blessings,

Sarah

Stamp: Scuba Kitty--High Hopes
Sentiment: Outside--Studio G, Inside--Pink Cat Studio
Stamped On: Neenah
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black
Fluid Chalk: Applied Colorbox Ice Jade first and then Ice Blue over top to make turquoise
Media: Copic & Prismacolor Markers
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: Bella Blvd.--Swing Into Spring--"April Showers"
Metal Charms: Michael's
Dew Drops: The Robin's Nest
Flowers: Prima

A DREAM COME TRUE!!!

2010-05-04T08:02:00.007-04:00

We all have dreams, especially as papercrafters!! Well one of mine just came true!!!! Ever since I got into stamping about 4 years ago there is one artist who has always stood out to me and that's Crissy Armstrong!! I just adore her images and the way she incorporates the joy and humour of life into her art. Crissy is also an amazing colourist and she has taught me so much by generously sharing her colouring techniques & how she has grown as an artist!! Just recently she started a new challenge blog of her own called Sunday's with Crissy and as some of you out there already know she was looking for a Design Team to help her out!!

MY BIG NEWS!!!!

I made the team and am now a member of Crissy's Crew!! I am so blessed & excited to be a part of this team!! On Sunday, May 9th you'll get a chance to meet the rest of the team--and boy did Crissy pick some talented ladies!!

If you have never seen Crissy's art, you can find her wonderful digi images at Squigglefly & Whimsy Stamps!! They are so easy to download and the great thing about them is you can resize them to fit your projects and the resolution of the images remains crystal clear!!

Check out the Sunday's With Crissy blog--there's actually a challenge going on right now and a chance to win some amazing candy!!! 15 Brand New Copic Markers!! You have until midnight (EST) Saturday, May 8th to enter!! The current challenge is easy-peasy--just use dots on your project along with one of Crissy's digi images and the rest is left to your imagination! Now how easy is that!!? Upload your card to the blog, and you'll be entered to win!!

Until Sunday, when the new challenge begins and you get to meet the rest of the team--Happy Crafting!!

Many Blessings,

Sarah :)

High Hopes Challenge #74--Show Us Your Colours!!

2010-05-02T06:00:00.006-04:00

Good morning everyone!!! It's challenge time again over at High Hopes and this week yours truly is the hostess! This week I thought it would be nice to have some international flavour!! My challenge to you is to use the colours found in your home country's flag as your colour scheme and make a card or project using High Hopes stamps that shows off your colours!! I made a Canada Day card but your project does not have to be a patriotic card or project at all. Just use the colours as your main colour scheme & have fun!! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!!!

Here's my card...

I just love this stamp--it's called Are We There Yet? It reminds me of my husband & I!!

I definitely would make him do all the work too & these two have the same body shapes as we do LOL! (Hmmm--maybe if I pedalled more I wouldn't look so much like the beaver :)

I used a red brad on both wheels to highlight the hub to give them a more 3D look. And here's the inside...(sorry pic is a bit dark...)

I made this card for our good friends Al, Kim & Andrew!! We met them coming up on 10 years at a very, very low point in our lives & their friendship has been an anchor many times since!! Our first official get-together after meeting was to celebrate Canada Day at their house and since then it has always had extra-special meaning to celebrate our national holiday--especially if we get to share it with them!!

Thanks for coming by to see my card!! I hope you will play along too!! For some inspiration, check out what the rest of our design team divas have come up with here!! Hope you have a restful day!!!

Blessings,

Sarah

Stamps: High Hopes, Flag (part of digi from Squigglefly)
Sentiments: Happy Canada Day--High Hopes, Inside Sentiment--The Artful Stamper
Stamped On: Neenah
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black
Media: Alcohol Markers--Copic (WG3, WG5, WG7, G20, YG03,BG10, E33, E35, E47, E50, RVOOO, R20) & Prismacolor (4, 5, 70, 71, 95, 99, 101, 102)
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP--Provo Craft--Canada Paper Kit
Border Punch: Fiskars
Die Cut Letters: Quickutz--Sunshine Font
Die Cut Hearts: Quickutz--Love Letter
Brads--Doodlebug

Mr. Matt's Happy Birthday Card

2010-05-01T08:56:00.005-04:00

Happy Saturday!! It's dull and rainy here in SW Ontario--not complaining though we need the rain!! Just thought I'd put up a quick post of a card I did for a couple of challenges. Over at Mo's DP2 Challenge Mo has asked us to use a "Masculine Image". I thought this tomcat would be perfect since he looks a little like my brother's cat, Matt!! It's my brother's birthday today (waving to you Rob) and I think this image is perfect for his card. The colour scheme I used also fits with Colour Create's Challenge to use burnt orange, black, & cream.

The images I used for this card are by Mo Manning from Mo's Digital Pencil Shop. This set of images is called Cat's In/Out of the Bag.

Thanks for coming by today to take a look!! Hope it's sunny where you are!!

Have a great day!!!

Sarah :)

Stamps: MDP
Sentiments: HB--Kraftin' Kimmie--Everyday Sentiments, Time to Party--Studio G
Printed On: Neenah
Media: Copic Markers--E43, E47, E50, E53 & Multiliner
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: The Paper Company
Jumbo Pebble Brads: Making Memories

High Hopes Challenge #73

2010-04-25T06:00:00.007-04:00

Good Morning!!! It's time again for the challenge of the week over at High Hopes Stamps and this week Design Team Diva Alex has charged us with making bookmarks. I am not a huge fiction reader but when I do read it I like mysteries, so I thought, why not make a mystery themed bookmark...?

The Little Slueth and his faithful companion Watson are hot on the trail to solve a crime!!

After I coloured and mounted my artwork I took my VersaMark Watermark ink pad and went over my intire image with it. I then took fine, clear embossing powder and heat embossed the whole image. This will protect the artwork from getting ruined--giving it a "plastic" covering. Most stampers know what ink I am talking about but just in case you don't there is a picture of the ink pad below!! It's such a cool product with a lot of different uses!!
Well there you have it!! Thanks for coming by today to check out my site!! Hop over to the High Hopes Challenge Blog for some more cool ideas from the rest of the Design Team. Join in the challenge!! We would love to see what wonderful ideas you can come up with. Enter your bookmark and you could win a free High Hopes Stamp of your own!!

Toodle Loo!!!

Sarah :)

Stamps: High Hopes
Stamped On: Neenah
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black, Copic--Black Multiliner
Media:Copic & Prismacolor Markers
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: Graphic 45--Shutter Speed
Die Cut Letters: Quickutz--Sunshine Font

Sundays With Crissy--Challenge #1

2010-04-22T01:06:00.006-04:00

I really should be sleeping but I wanted to quickly post a card I did for Crissy Armstrong's new challenge blog--Sundays with Crissy!! The challenge was to "Make It A Combo"! So my card is a combo of a lot of things--a digi stamp and free-hand doodling, a hand-written sentiment & a stamped one, 2 different DP's but from the same family, flowers with spacers and brads, you get the drift... I used Crissy's image Tippy & Tike from Squigglefly--I just love how she draws tigers!!! Sorry the photos are a bit dark--I really need a new camera!!

Here's my card...

And the inside...

Thanks for popping by!! Check out Crissy's new blog & her wonderful images at Squigglefly & Whimsey Stamps!!!

Good night!!!

Blessings,
Sarah :)

Digi Stamp: Squigglefly
Sentiment Inside: The Artful Stamper
Printed On: Neenah
Media: Copic & Prismacolor Markers
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: Not sure--really old paper
Brads: Doodlebug
Flowers: Prima
Spacers: Michael's

Trouble Viewing Slideshows, Videos, Or Photos???

2010-04-19T12:25:00.005-04:00

I am not sure if any of you out there in blogland run into this problem but thought I would post just in case. I have an older computer to start with & don't have all the latest bells and whistles. I have become more and more perturbed that as I go from blog to wonderful blog checking out the creativity of others that photos are missing or where videos should be there is just blank space.

It wasn't until recently when trying to view a video that I discovered the problem. I have a specific filtering software on my computer that blocks certain things like porn, malware, spyware, explicit material, etc. I had a nasty, an explicitly vile virus attack on my last computer so I am glad to have this feature on my current one!! I have a young teen daughter and want to know that my computer is safe for her to be on. The thing is, this software is a little too choosey and hence my viewing problem. The fix--when I go on to my blog I load up You Tube in another browser and turn off the filtre for my time on the computer and voila--the world of blogging is beautiful again. No problems veiwing pics or videos!!

Maybe this is common knowledge but just in case....hope this helps!

Blessings,
Sarah :)

High Hopes Challenge #72

2010-04-18T06:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Sunday!!! Well it's that time again over at High Hopes for the weekly challenge!! This week Jeanne is our "Hostess with the Mostess" and she's got something cooking with her "Good Enough To Eat" challenge. So this week, we need to cook up a little something of our own using food themed stamps! I have to tell you I really had to think about this one because I have a few High Hopes stamps I could have used...but the one in my card had never seen ink and I thought it was about time it did!! With the warm weather fast appoaching it won't be long until the ants come marching so......

I love this stamp!! It's called Ant's Picnic!! It makes me hungry just looking at it :(>) Check out the rest of the Design Team's fabulous eats over at the High Hopes Challenge Blog but make sure you don't go on an empty stomach!!! Join in the fun and show us your culinary skills!! Post your card on the blog and be entered to win a High Hopes stamp!

Thanks for coming by today!! Hope your day is happy and restful!!

Blessings,
Sarah :)

Stamps: High Hopes, Sentiment--??
Stamped On: Neenah
Ink: Memento--Tuxedo Black
Media: Copic(YG03, YG23, YG25, YG95, G20, Y02, Y08, Y38, YR02, E08, E33, E35, E50, E53, RV10, R20, C1, B45 & Black Multiliner) & Prismacolor (5, 99) Markers
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: Creative Memories
Die Cut Circle: Quickutz
Die Cut Mat: Nestabilities
Ribbon: Michael's
Gems: Hero Arts

Birthday Card for My Best Friend

2010-04-17T08:45:00.006-04:00

Good Morning!! Wow is it ever chilly here! It went from 27°C to about -2°C in a day! When I came downstairs this morning it was actually snowing!! Okay, where did spring go???? I was joking with Mo Manning yesterday about their cold temps in California--I think I spoke too soon :{ Mr. Sun, pleeeassssse come back!!

Anyway, I thought I'd post a birthday card I made for my best friend May who I don't get to see as often as I'd like!! She's in the military and her posting is hours away so when I do get to see her it's always special!! She's down for a visit this weekend so we'll get to do lunch & catch up!! {Waving} May!! :)

This card is for 2 challenges. The first is Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #27 in which we have to follow this sketch:

The second is for Colour Create's Challenge #42 which is to use Lilac, Grey, & White as the colour scheme for our cards. I just love that colour combination!!

Here's my card...

This digi from Mo's Digital Pencil is called Cat Love. To me it's like a black and white photograph--it doesn't need a lot of fuss and stands so nicely on it's own. May & I share a great love of cats so I am sure she will love this image!

Anyway, gotta go, hope it's warm where you are!! Thanks for stopping by!!

Blessings,

Sarah

Stamps: Mo's Digital Pencil

Printed On: Neenah

Cardstock--Bazzil Papers

DP: Fundamentals--Lilac Stripe, Metalic Paper--LSS

Sentiment: A Muse Stamps--Friends Forever

Flowers: Prima

Brad: Doodlebug

Spacer: Stash

Ribbon: Michael's

Mr. Beaver Joins the Army

2010-04-13T11:06:00.009-04:00

Hello there!! I have been a busy beaver these days trying to get various projects done and have wanted to make a troop card with a particular image for a few weeks now!! My friend Crissy who draws for Squigglefly drew this fabulous image called Proud Canadian.

I have this little thing for masking images or adding stuff that isn't in the original image. I did a couple of little modifications to the Crissy's stamp with my Copic Multiliner and voila--combat boots & dog tags--You're in the Army now Beaver!! I did this awhile back for another Troop card with Cosmobella from Stampin' Bella--click here if you want to see it.

Without further ado...here's my card...

The Front...

(that's me--even looks like my hips :)

The Inside...

Oh!! How I love a man in uniform!!!

On the back...

This card will make it's way very shortly to a Canadian Forces Member at Kandahar Air Field with a "cup o' joe" inside (Tim Horton's giftcard).

Thanks for coming to visit!! Have a great day!!

Blessings,

Sarah

Digi Stamp: Squigglefly
Sentiment: CG
Printed On: Neenah
Media--Copic (E33, 35, 47 & YG95 & Multliner SP 0.05) , Prismacolor (4, 70, 71, 90, 99, 101, 102) Markers & Creative Memories--Precious Elements--Silver Gel Pen
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: Heidi Grace--Reagan's Closet/Pinstripe
Ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk--Dark Moss & Lime Pastel
Ribbon: Michael's
Brads: Doodlebug
Metal Clips--Dollarama
Die Cut Envelope: Quickutz--Love Letter

How To Help Your Kids Study!!

2010-04-13T06:44:00.002-04:00

As kids move up into the higher grades in elementary school & high school good independent study habits are crucial for academic success. My daughter Jules has always been a great student but this year she's having to learn how to study more indepently with final exams fast approaching. She had a science test a few weeks ago with definitions galore and she was feeling very overwhelmed!! Together we came up with a solution that not only solved the problem of that particular test but set the pace for her to study for final exams! I only wish I had thought of this idea at the beginning of the school year because she would have had all her study notes already done for her finals. Oh well--there's always next year!!

We decided that flash cards were the way to go--that way my husband & I could test her too. So we had her write out all the info on 3X5 index cards (which is a great form of studying too).

We then went on the hunt for a box to keep them in!! I think recipe boxes, at least around where we live, have gone the way of the dinosaur. We hunted and hunted and finally found some at our local Staples store. They were a little pricy and not that portable. In the same section we found these plastic & portable file card holders that hold about 100-150 cards that were just perfect for this project and they only cost $2.50 Cdn!! So we were set.

I thought I would jazz up the folder a little bit for Jules by adding a title card to identify which set of notes were in the box. The plastic is thin enough for you to see the title card underneath.

Dustin Pike, High Hopes new artist, came up with some really brilliant alien images for their last release and I thought Alien Intrigue would be a perfect image for this project!

So there you have it! Hopefully this helps!! You can use this idea for any subject, especially those ones that have memorization involved. Definitions, formulas, math tables, schematics, etc. they all can be put on these cards!!!

Thanks for dropping by & have a great day!!

Blessings,
Sarah :)

Stamp: High Hopes
Stamped On: Neenah
Inks: Memento--Tuxedo Black & Colorbox Fluid Chalks--French Blue & Lime Pastel
Media: Copic Markers
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: Scraps from Stash
Die Cut Scallop Circle: Nestabilities
Brads: Doodlebug
Letter Stickers: Provo Craft--Alphabitties (Wedge White)

13th Birthday Card

2010-04-12T07:15:00.004-04:00

Good morning & thanks for coming by today! I wanted to show you a quick card I made for my daughter's 13th birthday. YES--I OFFICIALLY HAVE A TEENAGER!!! All kidding aside she is a great kid and I consider myself very blessed to be her Mom!! Jules loves frogs, especially the silly kind, and this digi image Frog In Love from Pink Cat Studio seemed perfect for her card!

Incidentally, Jules is a paper crafter too! Check out her blog at Crafts & Crazy Cats ! I love that we have such a great pastime to share together!! We are both looking forward to summer holidays so we can craft AT WILL!! Only 74 days until school's out!! Whoo Hooo!

Come by tomorrow and see a project that has helped Jules learn to prep for tests & year end exams!!

Blessings,

Sarah :)

Stamps--Pink Cat Studio Digi
Printed On--Neenah
Media--Copic & Prismacolor Markers, Dry Chalk
Cardstock--Bazzil Papers
DP--Doodlebug
Paper Flowers--Creative Memories (Love these!!!)
Brad--Doodlebug Die Cut Flower--Quickutz
Die Cut "13"--Quickutz--Diesel Font

High Hopes Challenge #71

2010-04-11T06:00:00.004-04:00

Ahoy and a Happy Sunday to Ye!!! This week's challenge over at High Hopes is hosted by the very talented Debby and she has challenged us to use 2 or more stamps on our creations this week--sentiments don't count!! What a fun challenge this was--I LOVE ACCESSORIES!!! Who wouldn't want a friendly parrot to help guide the way to a fabulous treasure...here's my card....

I masked On Guard Oberto with the Treasure Map & Polly. I then restamped Polly and popped her up a little with some glue dots. The Compass & the Lantern are also High Hopes stamps.

Thanks for coming by to see my card!! Check out what the rest of the Design Team has come up with!! Join in the fun and you could win a free High Hopes stamp!!

Have a great day--hope it's sunny where you are!!!

Blessings,
Sarah :)

Stamps--All High Hopes
Stamped On: Prism--Simply Smooth
Inks: Memento--Tuxedo Black
Media: Copic, Touch, & Prismacolor Markers, White Gel Pen
Cardstock: Bazzil Papers
DP: Antique Crackle (not sure of the maker)
Die Cut Letters: Quickutz--Diesel Font
Twine--My Stash

High Hopes Challenge #70

2010-04-04T06:00:00.001-04:00

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!!!

Good morning everyone!! This is an exciting day for me because this is my first official design team project for the High Hopes Challenge Blog! I will be a guest designer with the team from April to June which is a tremendous honour for me since High Hopes Stamps are my favourite stamps!!!

Now on to the challenge!! This week design team diva Jeanette has challenged us to make "Anything But A Card!" I racked my brain trying to think of a debut project and I found a really cool tutorial on Splitcoast on how to make nugget boxes. Click here if you are interested in seeing the tutorial.

When I first made my box using the dimensions in the tutorial I ended up with a "nugget box"--I mean it was so small I could have put a sentiment on it or a very small stamp but that really didn't excite me and I am sure it wouldn't have excited you much either. So, I decided to see what would happen if I increased all the measurements by 2X and voila, a box big enough to put a fair sized stamp on and big enough to hold some candy. Being Easter I thought it would make a lovely box for easter eggs.

Here it is...

And the inside & side view...

The stamp I used is called March-ing Hares. The sentiment Egg-stra Special is also from High Hopes and is actually just two lines. It didn't quite fit on the banner so I used my Stampamajig and split the words up to make it fit. I stamped my image on Neenah Paper using Memento--Tuxedo Black Ink. The designer paper from American Crafts--Letterbox Collection is actually two-sided which I thought would be great for the inside of the box. I made the outside cover from the decorative side of the paper and the actual box with the plain side showing. It gave it some constrast on the outside and then left the decorative pattern on the inside as a liner.

I coloured my image with Copics (E33, E35, E50, E53, R00 & R20). The ribbon is from Michael's, Brads from Doodlebug, Pink Flowers are from Bo Bunny & Prima, & the white flower was punched with an EK Success punch. I really enjoyed making this project, especially sampling the eggs as I worked :) Thanks for coming by today to visit!! Check out what the other divine divas made for this challenge and be inspired!!

Have a Happy Easter!!

Blessings,

Sarah :)

FROM THE TROOPS!!

2010-04-01T20:12:00.005-04:00

I went to my mailbox late last night and discovered an envelope with National Defence as the return address. I was puzzled for a moment until I saw it had HMCS Halifax stamped on it and I knew right away what it was. A card I had sent to "Any Canadian Forces Member" bound for this ship back in February had been received and someone had responded. I opened the envelope and found a very nice letter from a crew member along with a HMCS Halifax crest!! What a nice surprise this was for me!!! In her closing remarks this crew member said in response to my card..."it is personal messages like yours that really make us feel appreciated and respected by the people we serve." I can't tell you what that did for me!! I don't do these cards to get a response but it sure is a great feeling when I do get one!!!

A big hello to the HALIFAX crew and thank you for all the hard work you do to serve our country and keep her safe!! Congratulations also on a successful mission in Haiti and for all the things you did there to help this devastated country & its people.

Here's the crest...

(These crests have a special meaning for me as my father sailed in the Canadian Navy in the 50's & 60's aboard HMCS Bonaventure & HMCS Magnificent. He use to handcraft these same crests out of dental stone and would paint them by hand for naval personnel. He still has some of them to this day. My dad is in his late 70's now but still identifies himself as a sailor!! )

Hugs,

Sarah :)

My First Design Team!!!

2010-04-01T08:56:00.010-04:00

Good afternoon everyone!! Well I can finally let the cat out of the bag!! I have been asked to join the High Hopes Stamps design team as a guest designer for the April-June term!!!! Anybody who knows me well or has followed my blog knows that this is a dream come true for me!! High Hopes is my favourite stamp company and to be working with such a talented bunch of ladies, using images I love is such a great honour for me!! Thank you to Tina, Bethany, & Nikki for entrusting me with this spot on your team!!!

This week's challenge over at High Hopes is hosted by our talented head diva, Nikki and her challenge is "Little Gem". Nikki would like us to use gems or pearls on our cards/projects this week. Click on the High Hopes link and see what the rest of our fabulous design team divas have come up with to inspire you!! Link your card and you could win the Bubble Bath Bradley stamp!

Here's my creation for this challenge...

This is a thank you card for my parents who have been such a blessing and support to me over the years, especially in the raising of my daughter!! Thanks Mom & Dad for all you do to show your love & support!!!

Well there you have it!! I am soooooo excited to get started with this new project!! Thanks for stopping by today and may you have a blessed day!!

Hugs,

Sarah :)

Stamps--Timothy Tiger--High Hopes, Sentiment--Unknown, Stamped On--Neenah Paper with Memento--Tuxedo Black Ink, Cardstock--Bazzil Papers, DP--Scrap from Stash, Gemstones--Hero Arts, Ribbon--Michael's, Spacer--Stash, Die Cut Circle & Spiky Circle--Quickutz, Die Cut Mat--Nestabilities, Media--Copics (YR01, YR02, YRo7, C1, BV29) & Prismacolor (99, 101) Markers

#24--I'M DONNNNEEEEEE!!

2010-03-25T14:37:00.005-04:00

Whoo HOOOO!! I did it! 24 cards completed and they are actually a day early--I am not sure how that happened?? Maybe the bags under my eyes have something to do with it!! It's a good feeling though and I really hope whoever purchases them will enjoy them and put them to good use!

Here is the last one--a gate-fold wedding card done in black and white!! Please forgive my pics as the weather here is not that great and I depend on natural light to photograph :(

The Ingredients:

Stamp--Knight & Princess--Elzybells, Stamped on Neenah with Colorbox Black Ink & then heat embossed, Cardstock--Bazzil Papers, DP--Somme--7 Gypsies, Die Cut Mat--Labels 4--Nestabilities

I don't know if you are like me but some of the stamps I own have special significance simply because of where I bought them or who I was with at the time. The stamp I used for this project has special meaning to me as I purchased it on a trip to Vancouver to visit my brother who was undergoing chemotherapy at the time. I went shopping down at Granville Island as a little break from the reality at hand and I found a little shop down there that carried the Elzybells line. So, every time I use this stamp I think of my brother who bravely fought but lost his fight with Leukemia back in Nov '09 and would have been 54 years old this Saturday. Love you bro and miss you very much...

Sarah xx

Ten Things, Ten Blogs

2010-03-24T13:17:00.004-04:00

My very sweet friend Crissy Armstrong blessed me with a blog award today!!

The rules of accepting it are to write a list of 10 things about yourself people may not know about you and then pass it on to 10 other blogger friends!!

So here is my list of 10 little known facts:

1. I have a green belt in Jiu Jitsu.

2. I am one of six children, the youngest, and the only girl--that's why I needed the green belt :)

3. I make at least one card every month and send it to a Canadian soldier I have never met to encourage them.

4. I do aquafit classes 2-4x a week to try to keep fit--I am usually the youngest person in the class :)

5. I was married to my DH on a beach in Jamaica--this year we will celebrate 15 years married (21 years since our first date)!! And I still like him A LOT!!!

6. I LOVE SPAS!!!!

7. I LOOOOOVVVEEE Chocolate!!

8. I love Jason Bourne movies!!

9. I love 70's shows--Hogan's Hero's, Wonder Woman, Kung Fu, Gilligan's Island, The Waltons, etc.

10. I honestly don't know what I would do without my faith. God has blessed my life with so much abundance--a great husband, a beautiful & kind daughter, two sweet kitties, an amazing church, a craft I love, wonderful friends both present and online, etc. LIFE IS GOOD!!

So there you have it--now here is a list of my 10 Favourite Blogs in no particular order...

1. Karen--who is an amazing artist & such a great inspiration and help to me!!
2. Cathy--whose love and wisdom for papercrafting are such a gift to me!! Her husband Crazy Joe is a pretty mean colourer with the Copics too!!
3. Curt--who is a House Mouse "colourer" extraordinaire, is an amazing photographer & has the cutest dogs on the planet!!
4. Debby--whose cards are always a work of art!!
5. Jeanette--whose colouring and layouts always inspire me!!
6. Mary--who always comes up with the neatest projects!!
7. Amy--one of my most favourite High Hopes Stamps artists--her colouring and layouts are always so amazing!!!
8. Melanie--okay so I love Melanie's colouring too!!!
9. Sonia--who always has really great tips & tricks on her site!!
10. Jules my darling daughter who is becoming quite the little card artist herself!! She's an awesome kid! I am so blessed she's mine!

Enjoy visiting these blogs--they truly have been a blessing to me!!

Sarah :)

Baby Cards

2010-03-24T12:25:00.006-04:00

Well here are 2 more cards for the school fundraiser--ONLY 1 more to do--Whooohooo! I would have liked to have had these done for last week's challenge over at High Hopes which was to use images of things with wings but it just didn't happen--I admit it--procrastination got the better of me :( Anyway, I will try to get myself in gear for the week's challenge which is to use images of things that hop. I don't think storks hop :( at least I have never seen one, so I'll have to choose something a little more bouncy--stay tuned.

And the inside...

The Ingredients:
Stamp--Precious Cargo--High Hopes Stamps, Sentiments--Happy New Baby--SU--For a Friend Set & Life Bundle--Kolette Hall, Stamped on Neenah with Memento--Tuxedo Black Ink, Embossing Ink--Colorbox, Cardstock--Bazzil Papers, DP--Girl Card--The Paper Company--Marseille Motif, DP--Boy Card--Scrap Pad--Baby Themed Paper, Media--Copic Markers, Die Cut Circles/Scalloped Circles/Lable Mats--Nestabilities, Ribbon & Spacers--Michaels, Gems--Hero Arts (pink) & Dollar Store (blue), Flowers--Prima, Brads--My Stash, Baby Bottle Charm--The Rubber Room (LSS)

Thanks for coming by today!! Have a blessed day!

Sarah :)

More Cards for School Fundraiser

2010-03-23T17:01:00.005-04:00

Good afternoon!! Here is the 2nd last installment of my creations for my daughter's school fundraiser. This is my fourth year doing this and I usually make 20-25 cards for various occasions.

My first card is also an entry for this week's challenge over at SSC where we are called to make a card or project that is "Clean & Simple". I am always at a loss when I make sympathy cards on just how much "stuff" to put on them. Here's my version of Clean and Simple which I think is always best for this type of card.

Sympathy

Stamps--Thoughts and Prayers--Stampin' Up

Canada Day

Stamps--Motivet--Doraline & Dexter--Empty Flag--Sentiment--Studio G

Get Well

Digi Stamp--Karen's Doodles--A Friend In Need

Wedding

Stamp--The Greeting Farm--Bride & Groom

Thanks for stopping by to take a peak! Only 3 more cards and I am done--Woohoo!

Have a great day!!

Blessings,

Sarah :)

5 New Cards for Our School's Fundraiser

2010-03-19T16:07:00.010-04:00

Good day everyone!! Just wanted to show you what I have been working on for the past few days. These cards + 20 others will be part of an auction we have to help our school raise funds.

Card #1

And the inside...

Herbie the Bunny--Digi--Squigglefly/24 Carrot Sentiment--Whipper Snapper

Card #2

Sick Owl Digi--Dustin Pike--High Hopes/ Sentiment--Pink Cat Studio

Card #3

Stamp--Denami Design

Card #4

Stamp & Sentiment--Pink Cat Studio

Card #5

Stamp--Pink Cat Studio

Other Details:

Stamped/Printed on Neenah Paper
Stamped with Memento Ink--Tuxedo Black
Cardstock--Bazzil Papers
DP's--Various Scraps I had left over
DP used on Bird Day & Lily Cards--Doodlebug--Limeade Serenade
Pearls, Brads, Ribbon--My Stash
Daisy Die Cut--Quickutz
Die Cut Mats--Spellbinder--Nestabilities

Thanks so much for popping by!! Hope it's sunny where you are!!

Blessings,

Sarah :)

My Second Post Today!!

2010-03-11T14:56:00.012-05:00

Here's card No.10 in the race to fill the order for 25 cards for my daughter's school fundraiser. This image is called Lion Hugs and it's new at Squigglefly. It took me a few tries with this image to get it coloured the way I wanted to but finally when I set my markers aside and used my Prismacolor pencils & mineral spirits I got a result I was happy with. Haven't mastered lions with the markers yet but I will keep trying.

Here's my card...

A closer look at the artwork...

The inside sentiment...

What I Used:

Stamp--Lion Hugs--Squigglefly
Stamped On--Strathmore Bristol Smooth Paper with Memento--Tuxedo Black Ink
Cardstock--Bazzil Papers
DP--American Crafts--Letterbox--Post Script
Flowers--Prima
Ribbon & Spacers--Michael's
Pearls & Metal Charm--Dollar Store
Media--Prismacolor Pencils & Mineral Spirits
Sentiment--Computer Generated

Thanks for taking another look...more to come--fast & furious as I try to meet the deadline for the school!! Crafting pressure--is there such a thing!! :)

Have a great day!!

Sarah xx

Get Well Card

2010-03-11T13:15:00.008-05:00

Good afternoon!! It feels like spring has sprung here in Ontario!! It's about 15°C outside, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and my cats have a steady supply of ladybugs to torment :) Life is good!!

I am in the midst of getting 25 cards ready for my daughter's school's annual fundraiser and here is my lastest creation--This one is No.9...only 16 more to go!

The Stuff I Used:

Stamps--Sick Lily & Sick Kitty--Pink Cat Studio
Sentiments--Thoughts & Prayers--Stampin' Up
Stamped On--Neenah with Memento--Tuxedo Black Ink
Cardstock--Bazzil Papers
DP--American Crafts--Letterbox--Warm Wishes
Media--Copic, Touch, & Prismacolor Markers
Flower Die Cut--Quickutz
Brads--Doodlebug

Thanks for stopping by today--hope it's sunny where you are!!

Blessings,
Sarah

SSC Challenge #28

2010-03-04T15:02:00.006-05:00

Here's a card I made for my mom's 81st birthday! She is such a gift to me and has always been a special part of my life. Happy Birthday Mom!!! We love you!!

This card is also for the SSC Challenge--make a card/project with a thankful heart and do it as if you are making it for God. I am so thankful and feel so blessed that God has given me the time, resources, imagination and creativity to do the craft I love. I also feel very blessed when I can use this craft to bring love, joy, and even encouragement into the lives of others.

Here's my card...

And matching envelope...

What I Used:

Stamps: Primp--Penny Black, Open Star Dot--Judith & Heather, Birthday Presents (Masked)--Kolette Hall & Whimsical Happy Birthday--Hero Arts
Stamped On--Neenah Paper with Memento--Tuxedo Black Ink
Media--Copic, Prismacolor, & Touch Markers
Cardstock--Bazzil Papers
DP--The Paper Company--Marseille Motif
Ribbon, Spacer, & Gems--From my Stash

I bought this sweet stamp at the Rubber Room where my friends Cathy, Karen & Donna are always showing me new things and inspiring me with their own creations!! I feel so blessed to have these ladies in my life!! If you get a chance, check out their blogs and their online store!! If you are in the London area drop by the (brick & mortar) store and get inspired in person!! (Click on the above link for address/directions.)

Karen's Blog

The Rubber Room Blog

Thanks for dropping in! Have a great day!

Blessings,

Sarah

Canada Day Card for a Soldier

2010-03-03T21:21:00.010-05:00

I know Canada Day is not until July 1st but I have had this High Hopes stamp that I have been dying to use so I thought I'd get a jump on my troop card for that month. I try to send at least one card a month with a cup o' love (Tim Horton's gift card) enclosed so I make an inside pocket usually to hold it...here's my card...

And the inside pocket...

What I Used:

Stamp: North Woods Stack--High Hopes Stamps
Sentiment on Front--Studio G
Sentiment on Inside--High Hopes Stamps
Stamped On--Neenah with Memento--Tuxedo Black Ink
Cardstock--Bazzil Papers
DP's--American Traditional Designs--Great Outdoors--Earthtones & Creative Memories--Green Plaid (Really Old Paper)
Media--Prismacolor Pencils & Odorless Mineral Spirits for Animals & Copic & Prismacolor Markers for the Ground
Chalked Edges--Colorbox--Fluid Chalk--Chestnut Roan
Brads--Gold--Doodlebug & Trees--My Stash

Thanks for coming by!! Have a great day!!

Blessings,

Sarah :)

Colour Create Challege--Challenge #39

2010-03-03T12:00:00.004-05:00

Hello all!! Well as you already know the CANADIANS won the men's GOLD MEDAL hockey game against the USA!! Wow what a nail biter!! I was watching it on the big screen over at my in-laws and nearly had a cardiac arrest when the Americans scored in the last seconds of the game and tied it up. I contemplated going into the cold storage room to wait until the overtime period was over because my blood pressure was soaring. I did watch the final period and Crosby came through for us scoring the gold medal goal!! Wow what a game!! Hats off to Team USA--you guys played amazing through the whole Olympics and your goalie--WOW!!

The funny thing is I don't watch hockey as a rule unless it's maybe the final game for the Stanley cup. I do however LOVE watching international hockey especially when Canada is playing the US or the Russians--then I am front and centre!!

WAY TO GO CANADA!! I was standing at attention with the rest of my family when they played O Canada for the 14th and final time!! (I'm just a little patriotic). It was also cool to see our troops in Kandahar watching along with us!! Hey, I heard you guys beat the Yanks 16-2 in a friendly game of ball hockey--WAY TO GO CANUCKS!!

Now onto my card for the Colour Create Challenge--Red, Black, and Off-White...

What I Used:

Stamp--Cat Love--Digital from Mo's Digital Pencil
Printed On--Neenah Paper
Cardstock--Bazzil & Colormates
Sentiment--Impression Obsession--Masterpiece
Brads--Doodlebug
Ribbon & Metal Plate--My Stash
Heart Die Cut--Quickutz

Thanks for coming by to take a look! Have a great day!

Blesssings,

Sarah :)

Mo's Digital Pencil--Challenge #20

2010-02-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday everyone! I wanted to put up a quick post this morning before the day got away from me and I got too involved in the Gold Medal hockey game. (GO CANADA GO!!!!)

This week I purchased my first digi image from Mo's Digital Pencil and I was so excited I did this week's challenge too! The challenge...follow this sketch...

Mo's images are so amazing and I couldn't resist this one, it's called Kimono. The little cat reminds me of my daughter's cat Yuki, who is always getting into drinking glasses if they are left unattended.

I coloured my image using alcohol markers (Copic & Prismacolor). The image is stamped on Neenah paper with Memento--Tuxedo Black ink. The cardstock is from Bazzil, flowers from Prima, brads from Doodlebug and the flower spacers are from my stash.

Because the sketch is simple I chose to do the inside of the card very simple too. The characters inside mean Harmony (discontinued dies from Quickutz).

Thanks for coming by today!! Hopefully by my next post I will be able to say that Canada won the Gold!! May the best team win!!

Blessings,

Sarah :)

High Hopes Challenge #64

2010-02-27T17:05:00.009-05:00

Wow, life's been busy with no time to post this past week so I will make up for it by posting 2 for this week's challenge at High Hopes which calls us to add texture to our cards. This first card is for a special little girl named Delia Cadwallader from Colorado, USA who is battling leukemia. You can read about her here. Dustin Pike graciously offered some downloadable digi's for us to use and created 3 cute owl images as his part in helping cheer up Delia.

Here's my card...

And the inside...

I used Glossy Accents to add some texture to the paintbrush and palette giving each a wet look. I coloured the image with alcohol markers (Copic, Prismacolor & Touch). The brads are from Doodlebug, the flower is from Prima and the silver flower spacer is from my stash. I used Neenah Paper to stamp my image on with Memento--Tuxedo Black Ink. Patterned Papers are from my stash.

My next card is for my daughter's school's spring fundraiser. I usually do up about 20-25 cards for this fundraiser and this card is #8! I have a ways to go....

I added some white flocking to the bunny's tail for texture--sorry it's kind of hard to see.

I used Bunny Blooms from High Hopes and coloured it using Prismacolor Pencils & odorless mineral spirits. The DP is from Doodlebug, ribbon from Michael's and spacer and gem are from my stash. I used Bazzil papers from my cardstock, Neenah paper to stamp on with Memento--Tuxedo Black Ink.

Thanks for coming by to take a look--have a great weekend!!

For all you hockey fans out there--Canada takes on the US tomorrow in Men's Hockey for the GOLD at the Olympics--hopefully we can make it a double Gold!! The US has an awesome team, especially their goalie, so it should be pretty exciting to watch!!

GO CANADA GO!!

Blessings,

Sarah :)

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge

2010-02-17T13:13:00.006-05:00

Hello there! Thought I'd try my hand at some new things today--a new challenge, a new stamp company (to me) and some new embellishments. The challenge is from Stampin' Sisters in Christ. Hostess Ceal Prichett has asked us to make a card/project for someone letting them know that God loves them. This challenge was fun for me because there are so many women in my church and in my life that are a blessing to me and I have made it my aim to use the gifts I have to let them know.

This card will be for my friend Joan--she is a lovely woman--so full of life, who always has an encouraging word for me. Her life shines Christ to those around her and she is a constant reminder of God's goodness in my life. She also never fails to ask me how my kitties are doing. That is why I have chosen this image and coloured it to resemble Willow--my precious furbaby :). Stealing a flower is also something Willow would do--she's a little monkey sometimes but far too cute to scold :(

Here is the card I made for her...

I used a freebie digi image from Motivet--click on the link and it will take you to their site where you can download this image for yourself if you wish or just look at the great stamps they offer.

Here's the inside of my card...

I doodled "God Loves You" around the edge of the writing space--not sure if you can see it unless you click on the picture.

The Other Things I Used:

Designer Paper: We R Memory Keepers--Hippo Flowers & Hippo Blocks
Cardstock--Bazzil Papers & Stash
Sentiment on Front--See D's
Sentiment Inside--Stampabilities--I Count You Twice
Stamped on Prism Simply Smooth with Memento--Tuxedo Black Ink
Colorbox Fluid Chalk--Dark Moss
Flowers--Prima
Gold Dew Drops--The Robin's Nest (the 3rd new thing :)
Cuttlebug--Scalloped Rectangle & Rectangle Dies

Well there you have it. Thanks for coming by to take a look & have a blessed day!

Sarah xx

High Hopes Challenge #63

2010-02-16T12:18:00.004-05:00

Good Day Everyone!! Thanks for coming by! Here's my post for this week's challenge over at High Hopes with Diva Sirpa. She has challenged us to use a 3-3-3 Recipe for our cards this week--3 Designer Papers, 3 Flowers, & 3 Buttons.

I bought the Willy One Eye stamp for my daughter and couldn't wait to use it myself...

And the inside...

What a silly stamp but I just love him--he looks like he could use a big hug or a good, strong cup of coffee--LOL!

Here's what I used:

Stamp--Willy One Eye--High Hopes
Patterned Paper--Scenic Route & October Afternoon
Cardstock--Bazzil Papers
Stamped On Prism Simply Smooth with Memento--Tuxedo Black Ink
Media--Alcohol Markers--Copic, Touch, & Prismacolor
Flower Punch--EK Success
Die Cut Letters & Heart--Quickutz--Sunshine Font
Brads--Doodlebug
Buttons--Michaels
Floss--DMC

Thanks for coming by to see my card. Have a great day!!

Blessings,

Sarah