Missing Mojo...

Hello!

Okay, so it's been four days since I have posted, and I know that I need to post a card, but my Mojo is seriously hiding from me! If you have seen it, will you please send it on its merry way back to me, where it belongs?

Here is the problem. I went from my old computer that I knew inside and out, to this sleek new FAST computer that I love for e-mailing and surfing the web, but I absolutely hate for photo downloading, etc. It has Windows 7 on it, and I am here to tell you that it is driving me totally crazy. I purchased some digi images on Friday of last week. It is now Monday, and I canNOT figure out how to access the images that I have paid for, and downloaded. They are there, I can open them, but I canNOT print them, I canNOT re-size them, etc.

I am normally a very calm, quiet, peaceful, and rational person, but I am very close to sledghammering and then burning, and then burying this new machine. If anyone has any help for me, please feel free! I am totally at the crying point today!

My email address is: mamagilliam@gmail.com

Feel free to send help! (And my missing Mojo if you see it out there someplace)

Hope that all of you are having a good week!

Hugs,
Patti J.

Food for thought: Agreement in all things means that at least one of us is not paying full attention to the proceedings!

Thank You!

I have a short post today!
My card is for the sweet young lady that cuts my hair.
She always knows what I want when I don't even know what I want!
After a short visit yesterday, I feel almost human again!

My image is from All That Scraps - she is CC Designs Hairdresser Honey,
and you can find her here.

She's colored with Copic Markers.
It doesn't show here, but her little barrette has a bit of sparkle from my Spica glitter pens.

I'm going to enter this card in these challenges:

The Pink Elephant Challenge: TPE 94- Buttons, Lace, and Ribbon
The Shabby Tea Room: #50 Buttons and Bows
Sugar Creek Hollow: Buttons and Bows


It's pouring down rain here again today, and oh, so cold!
Thanks for stopping by - have a great day!

Hugs and blessings,
Patti J.

P.S. I've been asked to bring back my 'food for thought', so here is today's:

Learn from the mistakes of others -
you can't possibly live long enough to make them all yourself!

Friends are Flowers and a Shadowbox...

Good morning, and Happy Wednesday!

Can you believe this week is half over already?

Time certainly flies these days!

This is my last Wednesday with Deedee's Digi's.

It's been a lot of fun crafting with this great group of ladies,

and Deedee's Digi images are all wonderful!

My first card uses the sketch from the Happy Monday Challenge, and Deedee's new image "Friends are Flowers", found at Deedee's store, here.

All coloring is done with Copics. The flowers were printed three times, and popped up with dimensional dots twice. I colored three of the leaves twice, cut them out and popped them up as well. A little Flower Soft in the center finished them up nicely. The butterfly punch is Martha Stewart. I am entering this card at the Flutterby Wednesday Challenge.

For my shadowbox card, I began with two pieces of cardstock. Each piece measured 7.5" x 5.25" and was scored in from each end at 1/2" and 1". Pre-fold score lines.

After coloring image, adhere to back piece of cardstock. Adhere a piece of tape to the flaps.

Using a Nestie of choice, cut an opening into the front piece of cardstock. Run through again with embossing plates to emboss opening.

Adhere the front to the back with the tape strips. Decorate as desired. Sentiment is on Kraft cardstock, and is distressed with Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink.

To make an A-2 size card, cut your cardstock pieces to 7" x 4.25", again, scoring in at 1/2" and 1" from each end.

Hope you are having a great week! Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs and smiles!

Patti J.

Something to Cheer About!

Happy Monday!

I hope that you are all surviving the day. Most of us don't care too much for Monday, and it's a dreary, gloomy, cold one here. I am not complaining though, as there is NO snow on the ground! That is definitely something to cheer about!

I have something else to cheer about today! Our great-niece, Taylor, found out that she made the Cheerleading Squad for her middle school for the 2011-2012 school year - Wahoo! I put together a card today to hopefully bring her a smile. Their teams are the Rebels, and their colors are red, white, and blue...


The card is a gatefold, and the image is actually a magnet. She can open the card, and put the magnet on her fridge, or in her school locker if she likes.

Supplies Used: Honey Cheer Digi from All That Scraps, Bazill CS, Ranger Denim Ink, Corner Rounder, Magnets, Oval Nestie, Nail Heads from Michael's, Copic Markers, Cuttlebug, Dotted Swiss Embossing Folder, Sentiment from The Angel Company, Confetti Stamp from StampCraft.

It's been a long while since I participated in a challenge! I'm going to enter at The Cuttlebug Spot where the challenge is to make a gate fold card.

Next, I have a question for the smartest readers in the world! And yes, I will be sending out an Itty-Bitty Blog Candy for one randomly drawn reader who comments on this blog post! My question to you is actually two parts:

Do you listen to music while you create your masterpieces? If so, what is your favorite music to craft by???

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Have a wonderful week!

Hugs and smiles,
Patti J.

Itty Bitty Candy Winner!

WAY back on January 29th, I posted a new question, asking you, the smartest readers in the world, what type of cardstock they used. There were several different cardstocks named...

• Georgia Pacific white for printing a coloring digi's
• Neenah Solar White 80# - works well for Copics and Digi's
• Wausau 110# for almost all stamping
• X-Press It Blending Cardstock - perfect for Copics
• Yes brand paper for Digi's
• Gina K. Designs Pure Luxury Cardstock

It's always fun to hear what everyone out there uses! Thanks for your replies!

The winner of the Itty-Bitty Blog candy is:

Stef H.!

Congratulations Stef!

Drop me an e-mail, and let me know where to send your itty bitty prize!

I'll be back tomorrow with a new question!

Hugs,

Patti J.

You're Tea-Riffic!

Good Morning!

Hopefully, you are all having a wonderful week!

Today, I have another quick project for Crafting with Deedee's Digis.

I have a quick tutorial for you.

Deedee had this Tea-Riffic set in her store that I just knew I needed to create with!

I decided to make a teabag holder. I found the instructions at Splitcoast Stampers in their Resource Section. It was easier than falling off a log - no kidding! (Thanks Beate!!!) Hope you all head over to Deedee's new store, grab this set, and make some for yourselves!

Deedee's Happy Monday Challenge this week is to Button it Up (use buttons on our projects). This button addict certainly had no problem digging up some buttons!

Start with a piece of cardstock that measures 3.5" x 7.75"

With the long edge at the top of the Scor-Pal, score at 3.5" and at 4.5"

Pre-fold all score lines.

Your cardstock will look like this.

Take a piece of patterned paper 6.5" x 7" and place the 6.5" at the top of the Scor-Pal.
Score at 1/2" and at 3/5"
Pre-fold score lines.


It will look like this. Place adhesive along the 1/2" section of paper.

Adhere, then score, by lining up the paper sleeve with the 1/2" score line.

Score at 3 5/8"

Turn the DP 180 degrees. Line up the other side at 1/2"

Score again at 3 5/8"

Pre-fold both score lines.

Slide your DP partially into a 1.25" circle punch. Center and punch. Line up the other side of the DP and punch again.

Place adhesive over the back of the DP spine.

It will look like this.

Adhere the sleeve into the center of the cardstock, tape side down.

It will look like this.

Turn cardstock over, and tie a ribbon around the base.

I used my Tiny Stapler by Tim Holtz to reinforce my holder.

Add some tea bags, and decorate the front as desired!

Voila!

A fun, and very easy gift for someone special!

Wouldn't these make Tea-Riffic gifts in staff mailboxes, or a get well card?

For complete details, go to the Splitcoast Stampers Resource Section.

Have a great Wednesday!

I'm off to the big city with my dear friend Shirley today.

We never had a chance to celebrate Christmas together, and today is the day!

Hugs and smiles,

Patti J.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, my friends!!!

Sigh...I am ashamed to say that I didn't mail out any Valentine's Cards to you this year. It's been a wild month, with the snow and ice, some personal things going on, and my computer crashing (new computer should be here Friday!).

Since it is a total chore to post with this borrowed laptop,

I'm going to leave you with this card that I made a month or so ago.

I think the image is so sweet, and...

The sentiment is true - you all really do warm my heart!

Thank you for your friendship!

You can see all of the card details here.

Have a wonderful week!

Patti J.

Happy Sunday!

I am honored to be your Stampin Sisters in Christ hostess today. I'm not a very good public speaker, and always get so nervous when it is my turn! I chose today's scripture for several reasons. Mainly, because it is one of my favorite verses! I find that I must repeat it to myself quite often!

Head over to the Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog to see some gorgeous inspiration from my stampin sisters! You can visit them at their personal blogs, as well: Chris, Linda, Peggysue, Miesje, Rebekka, Lisa, Grace, Randi (on leave)

The scripture that I've chosen this week is: "Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you." ~Hebrews 13:5

As it is Valentine's week, my challenge to you this week is to make a KISS card...Keep It Simple Sisters! Let's make a one-layer card!

Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp. They are back again with another wonderful prize for one special participant, and we appreciate their support!

My card today is one layer. I sort of cased it from Susan Rahalia (thanks, Susan!).

Supplies used: Nestie tag center for oval shape, Tim Holtz Stormy Sky Distress Ink, Silver Spica Glitter Pen, Prismacolor pencil and LOMS for lampshade, sentiment from The Angel Company

Just before the holidays, I 'met' a lady on one of the crafting community sites. She is a beginning stamper. She has no blog, very limited supplies, and very little knowledge or confidence in what she is doing. She is also very limited financially. She had commented on something that I had posted. After emailing her a time or two, and learning of her limited resources, I immediately mailed her my stamp, acrylic block, and completed sample of the item she wanted to create. She was awed that I would send my supplies to a stranger. As a beginning stamper, she had not yet experienced the 'family' that we all become. At the same time, I was reminded of that day a few years ago, when every single one of my stamping supplies would fit in a single shoebox, and now I am envious of folks with entire craft rooms!



I often wonder why is it that even though we have as much as we do, we never seem to have enough? If we have a little money, we want more. If our car is nice, we want a nicer and newer car. If we have several stamps, we want several more. I believe that this verse is saying that God wants us to be content with what we have, AND to thank him for it. I know that whatever I have, I only have because of God's trust in me to have it.



I know I'm not the only one feeling financially burdened right now. Lately, I have heard fellow crafters speak of selling the stamps that they have in order to buy more stamps or supplies. Some of my good blogging friends are seeking budgeting solutions that might allow them to purchase more craft items. How is it that we can seek 'more', and seek 'contentment' at the same time?



I believe that contentment is that 'thing' we feel in our hearts when we take time to think about God's presence in, and his priorities for our lives. Money and 'things' can't give us the peace, or the satisfaction that God offers. Maybe you are one of the wealthiest people in the world, but if you have no treasure in heaven, then you are indeed, poor. In my humble opinion, those of us who have our treasures in heaven will know true riches.



I once read someplace that we should pray for God's help to look for 'things' above, not below. Sounds like good advice to me!



Since it is Valentine's Week, I hope that you will join us in our KISS Challenge (Keep it Simple, Sisters!), and create a one-layer card, or project. I'm looking forward to seeing your beautiful creations!



Hugs and blessings,
Patti J.

A Saturday Smile...

Oh yeah,

I'm smiling!

I actually drove myself (yes, drove myself) to town today! Oh my gosh!

It doesn't take much to make me happy! Lol....

We are having an absolutely glorious day here in Missouri.

Temp is about 50 degrees, sunshine out the wazoo, and snow and ice melting everywhere.

Hope YOUR day is beautiful too - I totally feel like a new woman!

My handsome man is taking me to the Valentine's Banquet at church tonight,

so I don't even have to cook! lol...

LOVE.

IT.

Here is a quick card that I made for the sketch challenge at StampTV this week. Once again, I used Nina Brackett's beautiful set, Gleefully Yours. Hope you like it!

Supplies: GKD CS, Basic Grey Curio Collection, Tim Holtz Antique Linen and Worn Lipstick Distress Ink

Have a great weekend! See you tomorrow with a Stampin Sisters post!

Hugs and GINORMOUS SMILES!!!

Patti J.

Loads of Hearts!

Hello!

A few weeks ago, I attended a mini-class at Archiver's.

I promised to display the 3 x 3 cards that we made while there,

and haven't accomplised that yet.

I really liked a few, and really didn't like a few, and were on the fence about the other few,

but it was SO good to get out with friends and get away for the day.

Each card came with its own little Kraft envelope, and I loved that!

So, without further ado, here is what we made that day!

I'd love to know which is YOUR favorite!

Ugh! The camera didn't even like this one! Actually, the card was cute, but the sentiment did not fit. They should have had us trim a bit off of the front of the card before using the border punch.
Thank goodness I did get out that day, because I haven't been out since last Monday, making today day TEN on the homefront. To be fair, DH has offered a couple of times to take me into town, but I have been worried about slipping on the ice and breaking something...lol...

I totally LOVE this hillside in the spring, summer, and fall, so I'm not complaining, and I really don't mind being at home. Taxes are nearly done, house is clean, and I've had a bit of time for some crafting!

Have a wonderful day - So happy you dropped by to say hello!

Smiles!

Patti J.

A Valentine Tweet for You!

Good morning!

Hopefully, you are all seeing a bit of sunshine this week! We are to get more snow this week...ugh!!!

The challenge this week at Crafting With Deedee's Digi's, is to use some yellow on our cards/projects, so I decided that my Valentine Birds would be yellow!

I chose to use Deedee's Valentine Tweet Set, and have a little tutorial for you today.

First, you will need to size, print, and color your images. Mine were all colored with Copic markers.

Your next step will be to choose a punch (I used a rectangle Nestability). Punch your image, and while still in the punch, sponge with ink, using a sponge dauber.

Next, you will take a can that has a pop top lid - I used a fruit can. Of course, your can will be washed and thoroughly dried prior to beginning your project! With a 'magic' can opener, which you can purchase from Pampered Chef or Wal-Mart, remove the BOTTOM of your can, leaving the top intact.

It will look like this.

The can is upside down, so the 'bottom' that you are seeing in the can,

is actually the pop top lid.

Next, use some DP and your image, and decorate your can to your heart's desire!
Once decorated, fill with candy, money, craft items, stamps, etc.

Glue the bottom lid back on, using a hot glue gun, or tacky glue.

Voila!

I made a quick tag from scraps, and have a fun gift, or gifts!

But wait!!!

All good gifts must have a gift bag!

This bag is made from a paper lunch sack, another printed image, some silk flowers, and a scrap of the pink dotted DP.

Side view of bag

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope that you enjoyed this project. It's been a very long time since I learned to make either of these projects, but I think you can find them both on Splitcoast Stampers in their Resource section.

Be sure to enter the challenge at Crafting with Deedee's Digi's - use some yellow on your cards/projects!

Can't wait to see your beautiful creations!

Hugs and smiles,

Patti J.

Temporarily back to normal....

Happy Monday!

Things on OUR hillside are temporarily back to normal. DD was able to make it back to her place safely yesterday evening, and DH has the work truck off the hillside for the first time in a week. It's gray and dismal here, but there is actually NO snow predicted for today or tomorrow, so we may have a brief reprieve before the next front comes through on Wednesday.

So, is everyone happy with the outcome of the Superbowl? We were pretty much on the fence for last nights game. We have family in Appleton Wisconsin, and DD attended grad school at Carnegie Mellon in Pennsylvania, so we were cheering for a 'good football game', which it was! But for a couple of fatal turnovers, the Steelers could just as easily have won!

I have a couple of cards to show today that I made for challenges at StampTV last week. The first is a color challenge: bubble gum pink, orange, and black. The second was a sketch challenge. Both feature the new Gina K. Designs set, "Gleefully Yours" which was illustrated by Nina Brackett.

Supplies Used: Nesties, Tim Holtz Distress Inks, GKD CS, Bazzill CS, Stickles, Copic Markers, Ribbon from my stash, EK Success Border Punch

Thanks for stopping by - hope you are off to a good week!

Patti J.

I'm speechless...

Speechless...me? Hardly! lol....

~~~

Happy Sunday, dear friends!

Here we sit with more fresh snow on the ground.

Please remind me why it is that I love living in a place where the seasons change!

~~~

It's time for a new challenge at Stampin Sisters in Christ!

~~~

Our challenge hostess this week is our precious Miesje!

She has chosen the following scripture:

Dear Children, let us not love with works or tongue but with actions and in truth.

~1 John 3:18

~~~

Our sponsor this week is Clear Dollar Stamps. Their stamps and digi's are so much fun, and they carry a great line of Christian images and sentiments, as well.

Clear Dollar Stamps is providing one lucky winner with a $15 credit for their store!

We thank Lori and Clear Dollar Stamps for their continued support!

Miesje's challenge this week, is to create a card/project that uses no words on the front, yet signifies love.

~~~

My card features a darling digi image from Clear Dollar Stamps, found here! The treat containers are clear bookmark sleeves, and I've filled them with Hershey's Miniatures that are wrapped in Valentine's DP from my scrap bin.

The matching card is A2 size.

All coloring is done with Copics. Ribbon from Hobby Lobby. Sponging is done with Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Tumbled Glass.

~~~

To see more inspirational projects, or to read the devotional, and see more details on the challenge, please visit the Stampin Sisters in Christ Blog! Be sure to visit my DT sisters this week, to see what beautiful projects they have to share with you!

Chris, Linda, Peggysue, Miesje, Rebekka, Lisa, Grace, Randi (on leave)

~~~

Have a wonderful week!

Blessings,

Patti J.

Red, White, and Black...

Hi ya! Thanks for stopping by today!

I have a very short post! Wanted to share a card I made for a color challenge at StampTV. The challenge called for Red, White, and Black. The challenge actually ended yesterday, but this was the first chance I've had to post the card!

I love this color combo!

Thanks again for stopping by - have a great day!

Hugs,

Patti J.

Wonderful Day...

Hello!

It is, indeed, a wonderful day in Missouri!

There is NO snow, ice, or sleet falling from the sky, and are you ready for this?

THE SUN IS SHINING!!!

Woo hoo!

DH actually got to town for us today. I don't recommend doing our driveway in a sideways fashion, but luckily, he didn't get t-boned as he slid out into the highway. Ugh...hills... beautiful to look at, and sled down, driving??? not so much!

My project today features the Bildmalarna stamp "Mimosa - Wonderful Day". I think she is as sweet as can be! I took the liberty of trimming off her flowers, and giving her some hearts instead! All DP's are from the Basic Grey Hopscotch Collection, and bless her little 'heart', she is paperpieced from top to bottom except for her skin and hair!

I hope you like her! Now, she is NOT a greeting card - this is actually a box of Nuggets, and se is perched on the lid! I made the box a bit larger than 6 x 6. The nuggets are also covered with the BG Hopscotch Collection. The little white doily is from the Dollar Store, and I highlighted it with a Copic marker, so that it would stand out a bit. The conversation hearts and nail heads were purchased a year or two ago at Joann's Crafts. I looped the bottom heart around her hand with a piece of twine.

Mmmmm.....Nuggets.....

I am entering this in the challenge at All That Scraps - "Anything Goes" (use an image sold in their store) and also at 7 Kids College Fund - I {Heart} You! (use hearts on your project, and use an image sold in their store). I think this fits in both challenges!

It feels good to finally enter a challenge again! I don't usually enter these two challenges, as my confidence is lacking, but decided to give it a try today! Guess it's the sunshine going to my head!!!

Have a great Thursday evening!

Hugs and smiles...Patti J.

P.S. Don't forget that there is still time to answer my itty-bitty blog candy question here!

Just Chillin...

Goodness, are we EVER chillin'!!!

I'm actually getting this blog post ready on Monday, as they are calling for nearly an inch of ice, topped with 'inches' of snow, and when that happens, we usually are without power for several days.

I was so excited to be invited to serve as a guest designer for the month of February, for Deedee's Digi's!

I met Deedee Anderson while I was working on my very first design team!

She is as sweet as her images are!

For my first project with Deedee, I've made a simple card, using her "Just Chillin' image, and one of the sentiments from the set. This little bear is darling!

To me, she looks a lot like I feel, "is it ever going to stop snowing?" lol....

Supplies Used: Copic Markers, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Frosted Lace Stickles, ZVA Pearls, Cosmo Cricket Material Girl, Bazzill CS

To see more of Deedee's images, check out her store! You will not be disappointed!

To enter this week's challenge, check out the challenge blog, Crafting with Deedees Digi's.

The challenge this week is: Fellowship Week -

Make and donate a card to a charity or church ministry that collects cards for those in need.

We can't wait to see YOUR cards!!!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Hugs and smiles...Patti J.