Oh little Thanksgiving birdy!

Hey and happy Thursday to you!  I am relying on blogger's post options to help me schedule this today.  I don't know why I have not used it more often?  Hmmm.  I guess I am old fashioned that way.  ;-)

Today I want to share a home decor item that you can make in a matter of minutes that's perfect for Thanksgiving.  I love birds year round.  Okay, maybe not real ones in my house because I am a bit of a neat freak but I love the sight of them.  Have I ever shared my bird story?  Oh it was horrible!  One night quite a bit ago, I was laying in bed and I heard this terrible thud and what sounded like nails on a blackboard.  It scared the dickens out of me.  I went to investigate where it came from and could see no visible damage that evening.  The next day, I walked around my house and again spied nothing.  We left to go on vacation the following day and I completely forgot about the noise.  10 days go by and we return refreshed, slightly tan, and lots of dirty laundry.  I separate all the laundry and head to the laundry room to get a load started.  One load washes and I throw it in the dryer and start another load.  I hear the dryer buzzer go off so I open the door and this foul stench almost knocks me down.  I gasped for air and shut the door quickly.  I called my husband and said, "we have a problem!"  To which he replied, "Call a repairman in."  I was a wreck to say the least.  I knew then what had happened.  I was so adamant about getting the problem resolved right there and then, that I pulled the dryer free and removed the dryer vent work.  Out fell a black crow!  I screamed and ran from the room.  I waited an hour before gathering enough nerve  to go collect it up and dispose of it.  Then I ran out to Lowe's to grab new duct vent for the dryer.  Ughh!  I hope he/she didn't suffer.  I can still hear the sound from that night it occurred.  Hence my apprehension to birds in my house.  I like to see them out in nature enjoying life.  Not the way I experienced it. 
Long post later, I am sharing my bird cage dressed up and ready to greet visitors to  my home in my entryway.  I don't have many Thanksgiving decorative items  I found this orange birdcage at Michael's and thought it was too cute to pass up. 

I used a tag with a SRM sticker and rhinestones.  The flowers are Prima, Martha Stewart seam binding, and tulle. 

I added some moss and a orange bird with leaves and a pine cone. 

Another side view.

I added pearl rhinestones around my birdcage to give a little flair. 

 The challenges for my project are:
Die Cuts R Us: #65 Alter It
Hodge Podge: Anything Goes
Paper Issues: Thanksgiving
Penny's: Alter It
TSTR: #36 "What are you thankful for" based off this picture:

Thank you for stopping by!

Beautiful Insides

Happy Wednesday to you!  Hope you are experiencing a splendid day in your part of the world.  I am back today with a card that is completed inside and out!  The new Crafty Creations challenge for the week allowed me to remember that  I sometimes forget and  focus all my energy and creativity on the outside and  when I open it up and  find it bare, it's kind  of a let down.  So today I share a birthday card that's truly complete!

I started with a handcut journal bracket from a piece of My Mind's Eye "Lost and Found" and then began layering, stitching, and distressing.  I used a Melissa Frances glittered chipboard heart and added a few stamps from Amy Butler for the sentiment and ticket I made.  I punched a butterfly twice and added a little Stickles to the center to accent.  The organza flower was a gift from a swap many moons ago.  I strung three pink buttons on some twine for the left and tied off.  I also added two kraft photo corners because I wanted to use Card Pattern's # 90 sketch. 
For the inside I stamped another Amy Butler stamp and colored in lightly with markers for a subtle effect.  I added the final words for my sentiment using Pink Paislee's sticklers. 
I hope you like it!  I was really pleased with this!
I would like to enter it for the following challenges:
Ai Factory: "Diecuts or Punches"
A Spoonful of Sugar: "Distressing"
Card Patterns: #90 Sketch
Crafty Creations: #94 "Beautiful Insides"
Cute Card Thursdays: #138 "Anything Goes"
Thanks for stopping by!

A new day with a new card

How was your Monday?  Hopefully it was filled with lots of good moments.  I like the start of a new work week.  I know that probably sounds quirky.  Most people dread Mondays but I look forward to them because I can get back on track.  I tend to get a little sidetracked on the weekends with downtime.  Like sleeping in!  Saturdays are a day for me to indulge in the ultimate slumber.  I try to keep myself in the bed as long as I can those mornings.  The Ipad contributes to this with lots of distractions and weighing very little so it does not grow to heavy or hot on my lap.  I still have not mastered the applications, uploading photos, and lots more.  I tend to use it to surf and comment.  Anyone else have one?  The only thing I dislike is having  the browser refresh every time I go to Google Reader, click on a blog, and then try to come back to the reader.  Is there a way around it refreshing?  I guess I should investigate further but thought some of my blog friends might have some knowledge about this. 
My card for today uses one of latest favorite paper lines.  My Mind's Eye Lost and Found.  Oh how this entire collection screams buy me! 

So the newest Sentimental Sunday's challenge is all about childhood.  Ahhh childhood.  it was such a happy and carry free time for me.  Everyone has their own opinion about this however so hop on over and see what the design team created and grab your FREE sentiments.
Every Sunday Paper Sundaes issues a new challenge on their site and this time it is al aboutl the toppings!  Toppings being ribbon, embossing, and blue for me.  The ribbon is a lovely soft pink velvet that a friend sent me some time ago.  The cardstock has embossed accents such as pin stripes and brown glittered damask pieces and the blue is highlighted in the quote frame and rhinestones.  I think I need to adjust the camera settings because this looks incredibly dark.  Oh the time change has me scrambling to try and remember to photograph at an earlier hour but it doesn't always happen.  :-(
I would also like to enter this into:
Delightful Sketches challenge: "Glitter It Up"
Raise the Bar: #44 "Babies"  Not exactly babies but child related

Thank you stopping by!  I appreciate it!

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone that left me a prayer/comment from my last post.  My Grandmother's service was Tuesday afternoon.  We came together as a family to celebrate her life and share memories of our times spent with her.  She was a fabulous lady with lots of ambition and a great sense of humor.  She was 97 and could name the 13 people she graduated high school with in 1930.  Her ability to recall these details was always amazing to me.  She travelled all over the world and shared her stories at the dinner table with us often.  It was incredible to hear of her journeys and she would pull trinkets out to give a visual of these trips. 
I was worried that it might be too much for my DD but she provided me comfort and lots of hugs throughout.  She even accompanied me to visit the open casket.  I know some find this extremely difficult.  My family is Lutheran so this is a typical procedure at services.   After the service, we drove to the mausoleum and  she was placed in the crypt next to my Grandfather who passed away 35 years ago.  Miss you and love you Grandma! 

Obviously I got behind with posts because I was away.  However, I am back to share a card I made for the City Crafter Challenge Blog.  I was asked by the ever so sweet Cheryl if I would like to be spotlighted this week and I was bowled over with joy to do so.  The theme this week is "Give Thanks" and have you seen the newest Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger?  

This gorgeous photo offers luscious hues of orange, yellow, and white with a touch of sparkle. 

I made a Thanksgiving card using Teresa Collins paper and ribbon, a paper doily, Petaloo flowers and rhinestone, Darice twine, and Sepia ink.    The candlelight reflects the rhinestone floral center and the pumpkin's vine is mimicked with the twine bow. Of course one needs flowers on the card to truly appreciate this challenge.  Whenever I see a table set so beautifully, I often think of beautiful linens and delicate doilies.  I bought these paper doilies a year ago and kept meaning to open them up.  I put them in my sideboard in my dining room and they sort of disappeared.  I recently went to look for something else and found these sitting on top.  Don't you love it when that happens? 
I hope you wil be inspired to create something from the challenges! 

 Challenges for this card:

Aud Sentiments: #15 "Thanksgiving"
City Crafter Challenge: #30 "Give Thanks"
Creative Card Crew: " Let's Give Thanks"
Fresh Brewed Designs: #22 "2 or more pattern papers"
Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger: "Photo"
Scrappy Frogs: "Give Thanks"

Grief

I was not sure I would get this post up today because I am struggling with my words.  My Grandmother passed away yesterday.  My mind is racing with thoughts so please pardon me as I try my best to word what I am sharing today.
This is my first week as a design team member for Sentimental Sundays.  Our challenge this week was to use a sketch designed by Dorcas.  Here is her sketch.  There are 22 examples by the design team on the blog to inspire you.  The team did an amazing job this week with their cards and I will say if you can't find one that you like then you can flame me  because the diversity is incredible and the talent is out of this world!  Unsure what the word means? Check below.

Urban Dictionary ddefinition of flame:



To insult someone electronically, or otherwise. Sometimes to be a group insult.

Okay so my card:

I used a sentiment from the new "Gratitude" set which includes 7 different greetings in over 70 formats.  I worked with several challenges when completing this card because as I mentioned, I am addicted to them.

My friend Pam sent me this kit from Cocoa Daisy for the month.  Almost everything came from it excpet the the lace, bling, and button.  Thank you Pam!

Aud Sentiments: #14 "Thanks" **There is awesome blog candy to sign up for!**

Daring Cardmakers: "Topaz" I had no idea Topaz is available in so many colors.  My first thought was of the blue Topaz and then I read about the variety of colors it is available in.  Wow!  Thanks for enlightening me!

My Sketch World: "Jan's November Challenge-Thanks and a button" She is offering a RAK at the end of the month if you join in so what are you waiting for?

OCC: "An Attitude of Gratitude"

S2G: "Use Thanks"  There is a blog hop you should see! 

There is Magic in the Air: "Thanks"  A new  digital site I found with some super cute images!

Thanks for stopping by!

Big Dreams to you!

Hey everyone!  Hope you are doing well on this Wednesday evening.  I have been running around the house getting chores done.   I would much rather have been sitting and creating but laundry, trash, and dishes were waiting for me. Not complaining because it keeps moving up and down the stairs and the Pumpkin Spice donut was calling me earlier today at Wegman's.  Yeah I ate one on the way home.  I couldn't help myself.  Hanging head in shame.  I think the sugar gave me the energy to complete two loads of laundry and empty the trash bins.  Not to mention the motivation to make dinner. Ugghhh.  Did not want to think about it but my family needs to eat. 
Okay so my card for today was a card I created on Monday.  This week Meljen's is sponsoring us at Crafty Creations with digital images.  The theme is fairy tales and fables.  I chose the sleeping dragon entitled, "Cuddle Dragon" to work with.  City Crafter Challenges is featuring digis this week so wanted to join in!

I used the sketch from Crazy 4 Challenges by Silke Ledlow. Silke's card for this is jaw dropping beautiful!   You have to see it for yourself!
I printed the image on green and white cardstock. I highlighted with a dark green marker then cut it out and adhered to the image.  I filled in the rest of the image and added a few highlights to the flourishes.  I used Stickles on his wings for a touch sparkle.  I framed it on a turquoise cardstock for the Digi Tuesday challenge..  As you can see, I stitched with a light blue thread which is  Crafty Cardmaker's challenge this week.

Challenges for my card:

City Crafter Challenge: #29 "Get Your Digi On!"
Crafty Cardmaker's: #33 "Stitching"
Crafty Creations:#92  "Fairy Tales and Fables"
Crazy 4 Challenges: Sketch
Digi Tuesday :#83  "I've been Framed"

Have a great evening!

Hey there and happy day to you! The lovely Yvonne  from Do More With Less has given me the honor of posting today on her blog and of course I could not say no! I have seen so many talented artists she has spotlighted, not to mention her incredible talent, so just hope my post and information today will interest you.

I am sharing one of favorite things to do. Upcycling. I find inspiration from boxes, tags, wrappers, etc. on items I purchase all the time. It could be a cereal box or a clothes tag and I think to myself I need to save it because I can use this in my crafting. It definitely makes me feel better about buying those new items. :-)
My latest addiction is this:

Hills Bros English Toffee Coffee

I had quit cold turkey drinking coffee last February but then a few chilly nights in Virginia turned me on to it again last month. I figure if I indulge in one cup a day it's okay. Onto my project.
This container is perfect for holding crafty supplies, pens, pencils, markers, or a mini album.
Here's my container after a little paper, glue, and a few embellishments.

I made a little mini badge album to fit inside. So my challenge for you is to find something you have laying around your house and upcycle it. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

_______________________________________________________
Hope you will join in the challenge at Yvonne's blog.  Check out the details here for a chance to win a RAK!

I would like to enter this in the following fabulous challenges:

ABC: "G is for Glitter"
A Spoonful of Sugar: #128 "Relish to Embellish"
Double Dutch:#55  "Fall has Fallen"
Our Daily Bread: #35  "Our Top 3" Glitter and Dies"
Paper Playtime: #23 "Tag"
Simon Says: "Punch Em'" leaf and tag die cuts
Tuesday Throwdown: #24 "Give Thanks"












Please leave a little love for my guest Amy who created this wonderful project just for us! :)