Hello out there!

Hello!  I'm back, and feel so rested and ready to get back to my desk!

Hopefully, your holidays were as full of blessings as ours were!  

I promised to tell you all about it when I got back, 

so here goes...

Wow...what an amazing Christmas week we had.  

Our DD and her fiance (and grandoggie Rosie), our DS and grandoggie Wimpy, were all home for a few days.  Our family celebration began in St. Louis. We went to a wonderful Scottish restaurant, and had traditional Scottish appetizers, food, and drink. Yum!  Wonderful food, indeed, and so much fun to try something we'd never had! Next, DD and her fiance had purchased tickets for us all to go to the Fabulous Fox Theater to see a live production of Beauty and the Beast.  Oh my goodness!  It was beautiful.  We hated to see it end.  DS had reserved amazing rooms for us at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, overlooking the Arch, downtown St. Louis, and the River.  We visited in one of the rooms that had a full living room and kitchen, and finally crashed for the night.  The next morning, we headed back down the highway for a couple of blissful, relaxing days with our loved ones.  Sadly, the holidays came to an end, and after a trip back to St. Louis to the airport yesterday, everyone is back home, either in Colorado, or California.  It is certainly quiet here!

I have been crafting today, but can't show you what I've been doing, as it's for some new release 

postings that will come in a few days!

However, I do have another publication reject, and I'd love to share with you.  

I had seen this drawer box tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers, and thought that it would be fun to add an easel card to the top of it.  Inside the drawer, is a full set of matching A-2 size note cards.  The background was created by laying a large piece of lace over the ivory cardstock, and spritzing with red Glimmer Mist.  The image was heat embossed, and the color was painted on using the Glimmer Mist.

Here is the box: 

And here are the cards:

Supplies used:  Glimmer Mist, Gina K. Designs Ivory Pure Luxury CS, Sentiment from Create with TLC, Image by Stampland Chicago, Spellbinder's Fancy Tags, Kaiser Craft Pearls, Spellbinder Oval and Scalloped Oval Dies, Offray Ribbon, Dimensional Squares, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Marvy Circle Punch, Ranger Black Embossing Powder Ultra Fine. Black Bazzill Basics CS.

So very sorry about the blurry photos.  I don't know what happened to make them so fuzzy.

Have a wonderful evening!

I'll be back very soon with something special.  I can't wait to spill the beans!

Hugs and blessings,

Patti J.

Food for thought: If someone gave you a nickname that was descriptive of your character, would you be proud of it?

Merry Christmas!

Hello friends!

I hope that this finds all of you ready for a wonderful holiday, with family and friends.  We have a very nice evening planned for Friday, thanks to our amazing son, daughter, and her fiance.  I'll tell you all about it next week!  Might even be able to share a few photos! 

DD and her fiance, were headed through Ks. last night, and hit a deer.  They are fine, but his SUV sustained some dents, dings, and broken stuff.  Not to mention the awful sound that they have to try to forget...ugh!

I want to take a moment to thank you so much for hanging in with me the last 30 days!  DH had some surgery the day before Thanksgiving, and again on Tuesday of this week.  It's been very hectic trying to keep up with things, and I appreciate all of your nice comments. 

I finished the scrapbook that I was working on, and the lady came to pick it up today.  She was just thrilled with it, and can't wait for her handsome man to open it!  Yippee for finished projects!

I have a publication reject to show you today!  This uses a sentiment from Gina K. Designs.  You will see that it's a very simple card.  Very colorful and happy!

Enjoy your holidays, and be safe in your travels!  I'll be thinking of you all.  Some of my wonderful blogging friends have sons or daughters who cannot be home this year, as they are away from home, fighting for our freedom.  You know who you are, and special prayers will be raised for you and your children at Christmas dinner.

Our family will be arriving tomorrow, so I am going to take a few days to spend with them.  We have many blessings to celebrate, as I'm sure you do as well.

Hugs,
Patti J.

Where in the world is Patti J.???

Hello out there!

Here it is, Friday, already!  Mixed bag of emotions: Woot woot!  I love having DH home on the weekends! And....YIKES!  Where did another week go?  Does anyone else feel like that? 

I've been busy finishing up a scrapbook for a lady to give as a Christmas gift - have about 8 pages left to do on that, and then today's fun project, which I am taking to UPS in about 30 minutes, I hope!

I found this darling idea on Heidi's blog, and just had to case it.  Yes, I copied and stole everything!  lol... This is going to Colorado, to be put into staff mailboxes at the business DD works at.  Hope they like them!  Be sure to check out Heidi's blog - she has a LOT of really quick and fun ideas to help stuff some stockings or mailboxes!  Thanks for sharing, Heidi!!!

The tags are all stamped with Tim Holtz Distress Inks, and the stamps are from the Amuse "Cool Yule" set.  Got all the ribbon and card stock this week while out shopping, and I'm sorry that I don't know the vendors.  However, I do know that the 'sweet' wrappers around the candy are from the Memory Box Yuletide collection.

Surely your shopping is all done, your decorations are all up, and your baking and gift wrapping are done, but if not, I hope that this weekend helps you complete those tasks!  We have a busy weekend planned, as we started Christmas shopping yesterday :)  Sort of a tradition for us the last few years!  We look forward to our annual 'date night'!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs and blessings,
Patti J.

A Little Feminine Flair...

Ugh...did someone actually order all of this rain?  Yikes!  

Not complaining though, because we all know what it could be this time of year! 

Since I have to leave the house today (in the downpour), I treated myself to a little creating time this morning early, when I couldn't sleep.  

Forced myself (yep, totally forced) to get the Flourishes stamps back out, and create a card for their Feminine Flair Challenge.  

Supplies: CS: DCWV, DP: Authentique's Gathering, Lace: from my stash, Pearls: Kaiser Craft, Copic Markers

What fun!  (I don't do full-out lace very often...)

And, oh my...my supplies of pearls are nearly non-existent!  

The lace came with pearls on it, so I had to try to match it for the focal piece.  

Out came my Copics, as white pearls is about the only color I have left... 

(Just one of the 'joys' of living a long ways from someplace to shop!)

 I think they actually matched up pretty good.  What would we do without our markers? 

I still use colored pencils a lot, but couldn't color pearls with them :)

I'm on my way to see what you have created today!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Patti J.

Food for thought:

If you were born with a talent, you were meant to use it, 

and will find the greatest happiness in using it!

Acts 20:24 TLB

First of Many...

Good morning!  Hopefully, you've all had a wonderful and restful weekend.

I'm so happy to be out from under the blanket, AND posting on here today! 

Don't anyone faint, but I've actually created a card this morning for a challenge.  It's also a challenge I've never tried before, using Flourishes' stamps, which I've never stamped with before, (thanks to a wonderful blogging friend!)   and I am hopelessly addicted already.

Today's card features the Flourishes "I Love Roses" Set #40.  I'm entering it in the Flourishes Timeless Tuesday Challenge 147.  Silke Ledlow is the hostess and here is her sketch...

And here is my card...

Supplies: Kraft CS, My Mind's Eye 'Lost & Found Christmas' DP, Flourishes 'I Love Roses', Copic Markers, Tim Holtz 'Antique Linen' Distress Ink, Nestabilities 'Classic Circles', Offray Ribbon

Isn't it nice when an amazing image, and an amazing paper pad make following a sketch so easy?  Ha ha...I'm barely squeaking this card in to the challenge, as it's due by 6 p.m. tonight.  Whew.... naps have been the priority for the last 4.5 days! 

Have a great day, and a wonderful week - I'm planning to do a lot of catch-up blurfing tonight, so prepare to be stalked!

Hugs and blessings,
Patti J.

Food for thought:  

If you aren't making any mistakes, you probably aren't making anything!

More Stickles!

Hello!

Yesterday, I promised to post the last three cards from the Northwoods workshop, so without further ado, here they are...  gotta move fast before I fall asleep again!  (This being sick is no fun!)

All coloring is with Copics, DP's provided by instructor, don't know the vendor on them, and of course, STICKLES! Also used a snow pen and heat gun on the sled and tree.

I think they turned out pretty nice!  Hope you like them :)

I'm headed back to the pillow, ugh...

Have a great weekend,
Patti J.

NOEL

Good morning, everyone!

Hope you are all doing well.  I've been hired to create a scrapbook for a lady who is giving it as a Christmas gift, so I've been a bit out of pocket lately.

Yesterday, my dear friend, Shirley, and I went into the city and took a Northwoods workshop at For Keep Sakes.  The class was taught by a lovely lady named Mary.  She was just ever so delightful, and even brought us homemade cookies (yum)!

Now, as you know, I rarely use Stickles, but all four of the cards we made yesterday were loaded with Stickles!  So, not only was it fun, but it was slightly out of my comfort zone.  Here is the first card we made yesterday:

I just put the Stickles on the last three cards, so I will post them tomorrow. 

All I know about this card is that the image is Northwoods, there are Stickles galore on it, and it's colored with Copic markers.  Not sure who all of the CS's are by. 

Enjoy!

Have a great week - I've managed to catch DH's cold that his boss shared with him last week!  The couch, tissues, meds, hot tea, and pillow are calling :)

Take care,
Patti J.

A Child is Born...

Hooray for Friday!  

Even an old retiree like me looks forward to the weekends!  

lol...(get to see my handsome man a bit more :)

I have the sweetest card to share today.  I tried very hard to keep this one clean and simple, as I have OODLES of deadlines to meet between now and Monday...

Today's image is a C.C. Designs Swiss Pixie digi image from their October 2011 release.  It's called, "Baby Jesus & Angel" from All That Scraps.  

Supplies: C.C. Designs Digi Image (All That Scraps), Kraft Cardstock, Bo Bunny Snowfall Collection DP, Stampin'Up Seam Binding (thanks Amanda!), Gold Stickles, Baker's Twine (Really Reasonable Ribbon), Copic Markers

 * * *

The minute I saw this sweet little angel, I knew I'd be buying her!  And how fitting it is that I'm posting this card today, as it is "set up the Nativity Scene on the fireplace mantel" day at our humble abode!  The Nativity is always the first Christmas decoration to go up, followed by the tree, and then 'everything else'.

I've entered very few challenges in the past few months, SO...
I'm entering this card in the following challenges:
Just For Fun: Winter

Scrapbook Sisters: Christmas
Craft Your Passion: Tis the Season
The Kraft Journal: Christmas Card
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Anything Christmas
Scrappy Frogs Challenge: Use Kraft
Craft Your Days Away: Bows

I hope that you are enjoying your day, and that you have a wonderful weekend planned.  Tomorrow is the Christmas Open House at the Farmington Pet Adoption Center, so I have a few dozen cookies to bake today. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugs and smiles galore,

Patti J.

Food for thought:
Isn't it funny that we spend our health getting wealth;
then gladly pay all we have earned to get our health back???

Happy Holidays!

Brrrr.....it is low 30's here tonight - the wind is blowing, and it's been sleeting.  

Yikes!  Wasn't it just summer yesterday?  

Glad that DS flew out before all of this nasty weather started.  Thanks to all of you who left such nice comments yesterday, when I was feeling like such a crybaby!  

I hope that you are all staying warm!

I have another very quick Clear Dollar Stamps card to share with you today.  

This card features the set, "Paper Christmas Trees", and is an awesome set.    

 

Using the 'group' of trees, and the 'Happy Holidays' sentiment, the card front was printed on 110 lb. white Office Max brand CS, and trimmed to a 5" square.  The trees were then given a bit of bling with some various colors of Stickles, a ribbon added, and the card front was matted on a scrap of black CS, then onto the card front (Bazzill Basics).  Ta-da!

The bright colors are so cheerful, and OH. MY. GOODNESS.  

What a quick card this was!  

And...it is flat for mailing!

My term with Clear Dollar Stamps has ended.  Where has the time gone?  Thanks to Lori, Jerusha, and all of the wonderful ladies at CDS for making my months with them so enjoyable!

I have another clean and simple card for you today.  I'm beginning to believe that I actually CAN make CAS cards...lol :)   This card is for the Wednesday Challenge at All That Scraps.  I'm coming in just under the wire with this one!  No magic here - it's pretty self-explanatory!  Nesties and Copics...voila!  

Sentiments by Amy R., Image is Pie Birgitta, both were purchased at All That Scraps.

Thank you for stopping by!

Hugs and blessings,

Patti J.

Tags and Sadness...

Good morning, happy Monday, and hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We certainly did!

I'll just go ahead and get the 'sadness' out of the way, and not leave you in suspense.  In about 3 hours, we have to take DS back to the airport.  Sigh...am I ever going to grow up?  He is 36 years old, we have been taking him 'back to the airport' for SEVENTEEN years, and I still cry, each and every time we watch him walk to that gate. Okay, I admit - sometimes I even cry on the trip to the airport...lol.  

What a big sissy I am!

Okay, that's out of my system!  DS carried up all of the Christmas decorations for us last night, while we did some paperwork, and this week starts the decorating.  Nothing fancy, just a bunch of old shiny stuff and a gorgeous nativity set, but we love it.

I have some gift tags to share today.  These are from Clear Dollar Stamps set, 'Christmas Cuties'.  This set has 4 images, and six adorable sentiments!  These adorable images were colored using Copic Markers.  All of the backgrounds behind the images were doodled using Copics.  

The 'doodles' behind this Gingerbread Man are just criss-crossed lines using YR30 Copic - sorta makes the white CS glow.

This is the most vivid when looking at the real thing - Just lots of blue dots using B00 Copic.

The 'doodling' on this one is lots of dots using BG000 Copic.

Used C1 Copic to 'doodle' this one.  Made a grid, and colored it checkerboard style. 

I'm happy that you stopped by.  I've been a bit negligent this past week, but we only see our DS 2-3 times each year for a few days - thank you for understanding!!!

It's going to be a busy week for me - I've taken on the task of creating a scrapbook for a lady.  She plans to give it to her handsome man for Christmas, so that will be priority this week!

Have a good day - I'll be back tomorrow!

Hugs,

Patti J.

Food for thought:  

A poor listener seldom hears a good story.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

I intended to have a nice creation for you, but 'life' got in the way.  DH had some surgery yesterday, DS flew in today, etc....   We are having our "big bird" tomorrow, since DS got in late today.  Today's dinner was actually Ruby Tuesday's seafood and ribs. 

Hopefully, all of you enjoyed your day of Thanksgiving!

Blessings and smiles,

Patti J.

Winter Church

Hello!

The week is just flying by.  It's so much fun to know that Thursday afternoon, our DS will be flying in for a few days from California.  I haven't seen him since February, and I'm so looking forward to his visit.  Hopefully, you are all getting excited about visiting with family, as well.

Things have been a bit hectic, so I decided this morning that I needed to sit down and create a card just because I wanted to!

The Impression-Obsession image and sentiment were stamped directly onto white Express-It cardstock.  Coloring was done using Copic markers, and everything was glittered up a bit with Frosted Lace Stickles.  I wish you could see this in real life - it's so 'purty'!!!

Impression Obsession H1850-Winter Church, D8623 Peaceful Season Wishes

The ribbon is from my scrap bin, and the snowflake was punched using my nameless old generic punch.  This makes me think of some of the photography that our DD takes.  She loves to shoot photos of old country churches with serene backgrounds.

Well, since I have a few hours to spare, I think I shall enter this in the challenge at Impression Obsession, which is to use no DP.

Have a great day!

Hugs and smiles,
Patti J.


Food for thought:  Worry never made a day go faster.

Jolly old St. Nicholas...

Hello!  Gosh, it looks like another dreary, dark, rainy day in Missouri.  Not complaining, as it could be snow!  Hope your week is off to a great start!

Before I post 'card stuff', I want to take a moment to shout WAHOO!  Our future SIL, his father, and his BIL all finished the Ironman, Arizona!  I am so relieved that it is over, and that they are doing okay.  For those of you who don't know, and Ironman starts with a swim (2.4 miles, I think), then you start the bike ride, which is a 112 mile ride.  After the bike ride, you do the full marathon, which is 26.2 miles.  Whew....I'm tired just talking about it!  I'm so grateful that they are well, especially, given the sadness of the Philly Marathon this weekend.  Thanks to all who cheered them on!

Today's card was another pretty quick card.  The image and sentiment (Stampendous) were stamped, using Memento Rich Cocoa ink, on some patterned paper from the 'Lost and Found Christmas' collection from My Mind's Eye.  Then, the image was cut out, and distressed using a few shades of Tim Holtz Distress Ink.  A few dabs of color with some Copics finished it off.  The image is mounted on a piece of Authentique's "Curiosity" paper.  

A pretty bow later (thanks Amanda!), and ta-da - another Christmas card filed away for mailing to someone special!  The bow really does match the CS - I tried and tried to get the photo to come out with a brick colored bow, but it was determined to look purple.  Oh, well, perhaps my readers have wonderful imaginations, and can imagine a non-purple bow!

 

Hooray!   We have a winner for my Itty Bitty Blog Candy!  The magazine winner is:

 

Sandy Trefger, who said..."Ewww Skunk smell! I feel your pain. I have not had that experience but I fear for it with a house of cats that like to roam in the woods and yes a skunk that does come by for cat food dinners now and then. Your wreath is beautiful and the flowers very lovely! I like them!! And I would LOVE a copy of the magazine if I should be so lucky. Have not seen that publication. Thanks! And I hope you have a wonderful weekend too. ~Sandy T. "

 

Congratulations Sandy!!!  Please email me (mamagilliam at gmail dot com) with your snail mail info, and I'll get this out to you today!

 

Have a good week!  I'll look forward to seeing all of your lovely creations :)

Blessings,

Patti J.

A Day with Inspired Stamps

Good morning!  

Hopefully, your Sunday is already blessing you in measures of oodles!

Today, I have some projects to share that feature Antoinette's beautiful creations from Inspired Stamps.  When Antoinette asked me to be a Guest Designer for the day, to help celebrate their 1st Birthday, I was thrilled!  I had purchased a set or two, and had won a set or two, and had fallen hopelessly in love with their sweet stamp line.  I'm thankful to have been asked!

 This first card features the "Fall Gratitude" set.  Don't you just LOVE it when the DP does all the hard work?

Coloring was done with colored pencils and mineral spirits.

Supplies: Simple Stories "Generations" DP, Stampin'Up Ribbon, Amuse French Roast Ink, Bazzill CS.

Next up is a very simple note card, using the set "Vintage Christmas".

Supplies: Amuse Note Card, Amuse French Roast Ink, Ribbon from Hobby Lobby

 Again, the DP has done the tough work here!  The stamps are from the "Choir Boy/Angel" set.

You have the choice of using the wings and halo, or leaving them off and using musical notes.

Supplies: My Mind's Eye "Lost & Found Christmas" DP, Memento Rich Cocoa Ink, Copic Markers, Sparkly Fluff (Our Craft Lounge), Memory Box Frosty Border Die (Joan's Gardens), Diamond Stickles, Nestabilities Dimensional Squares

 This is another small note card, using stamps from the "Vintage Christmas" set.

I nearly stood on my head, but could not get rid of the shadows...sorry!

Supplies: Stampin' Up White Ink, Diamond Dust Glitter, May Arts Ribbon, Amuse Note Card

 Having a son that is military, and has been twice deployed, and a future son-in-law who has been twice deployed (and is going again in 2012), this little guy captured my heart.  Our son's eyes are almost exactly this color of blue!  This is a center step card, and uses the "Military Solder" stamp.

Supplies: BoBunny Snowfall Collection DP, Memento Rich Cocoa Ink, Copic Markers, Nestabilities, Bazzill CS

 Last, is the "Nativity Set".

A while back, I had seen a tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers for a Pop-Up Stage Card, (by Kim Score) and decided that this sweet little Holy Family needed their own stage!

Here is the card closed with a belly band.

 When the card opens, look what pops up!

Supplies: Bazzill CS, Recollections Snowflakes, Echo Park DP, EK Success Border Punch, Ribbon from Hobby Lobby, Copic Markers, Amuse Woodgrain DP, Sparkly Fluff (Our Craft Lounge), Killer White Tacky Tape (Creative Cuts & More).

I hope that Antoinette's stamps have brought you a smile, today!

Hop on over to Inspired Stamps, and help them celebrate their 1st Birthday!

Thanks for stopping by,

Hugs and Smiles!

Patti J.

Ironman, etc......

Happy Saturday!

Hope that your weekend is off to a nice start.

I'd love for you to send up a few well wishes or prayers for our daughter's fiance, his dad, and her soon to be brother-in-law.  They are preparing to do an ironman tomorrow in Arizona.  Ugh!  I think that's a 2.5 mile swim, followed by something like a 112 mile bike ride, followed by a full marathon.  Did I mention Ugh?  Anyway, we'll be cheering them on from Farmington!

So...I'm pretty sure you are all on the edge of your seats, waiting to hear what the 'etc.' is!  I won't keep you in suspense.  Last night, grandson doggie, and little Sophie doggie decided to take on a skunk.  I'm quite certain that you have, by now, figured out the rest of the story.  Again, did I mention Ugh?  Oh my goodness.  It wasn't bad enough that they stunk, but they came inside before we realized that they had battled the stinky critter, and now it stinks in the house too!  And...if that wasn't bad enough, Sophie had the 'sickies' afterwards, and THAT stank worse than the skunk smell.  Bless her heart, she was a sick little gal last night.  

I have a couple of quick projects to show you today.  

First, using the pre-colored Doodle Pantry set, "12 Days of Christmas Mini's", and a very sparkly red wreath that was hiding at one of the dollar stores, here is my creation:

This set is so versatile!

Next, I have a little something I made up with some felt scraps.  If DD likes it, it will travel to Colorado next week.  If she doesn't, I'm not sure what I'll do with it!  Pretty self explanatory....made three of the little felt flowers, die cut a couple of Spellbinder leaves, put them all together, put a back on them, and then a pin back (not pictured).

I have an Itty Bitty Blog Candy for someone! 

I was lucky enough to have something in the last Scrap and Stamp Arts magazine, so they sent me a free copy.  However, since I subscribe, I now have two copies!  Time to share the wealth!  

No hoops to jump through - if you'd like the extra copy, just leave me a comment telling me that you'd like to have it.  I'll draw one name on Monday, from the comments left on today's post, and send the magazine out on Tuesday!

I'm off now, to do a few household chores.  Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope to see you tomorrow!  I have a few projects using Inspired Stamps to show you :)

Have a great evening - hugs and smiles,

Patti J.

Food for thought: 

Your #1 competitor is seen every morning, looking back at you from your bathroom mirror!

Autumn Collage

Good morning, and happy Friday! 

Yikes, Autumn is fast upon us, and we needed a very quick card...one that I could literally stamp, and take to the post office right away.  On one of my trips to deliver water samples for DH to a lab about an hour away, I simply HAD to stop at Melange, a beautiful gift and rubber stamp store in Ste. Genevieve, Mo.  You all know how it is - the car would NOT turn left at the junction, so I was helpless.  Decided to just suck it up and go with it...lol.

A couple of stamps found their way into the car for the trip home, and haven't yet been inked up.  Today was the day!

This is a rubber stamp by Memory Box, "Autumn Leaves Collage".  Using a Kaleidacolor "Autumn Leaves" ink pad, the image was inked and stamped. The mat and card base are Kraft Cardstock, the ribbon is a Stampin'Up seam binding that was a gift from my friend, Amanda, and the DP is from the My Mind's Eye 'Lost and Found Christmas' Collection.

Thanks for stopping by - off to the post office!

Oops, before I go, I wanted to invite you all to stop by this weekend!  I'm a Guest Designer for Inspired Stamps on Sunday, and have some fun projects to share!  If you haven't been to Inspired Stamps to meet Antoinette and her team, and look around, you should plan a trip soon!  Oh my, you will want everything you see.  If you like the children stamps with huge eyes, you'll be in stamper's heaven!  The Inspired Stamps Blog is fun to visit, as well.  There is quite often a contest or give-a-way going on, as well as regular challenges!

Okay, NOW I'm off to the post office :)

Have a great day, and thanks again for dropping by to visit!

Hugs and blessings,
Patti J.

Food for thought:   Success is not in avoiding mistakes, but in surviving them!

November New Digi Releases at Clear Dollar Stamps!

Hello... 

Happy Tuesday, and thanks for stopping by!

Whew....how did it get to be November 15th already?  

Someone, or something has been stealing my days :)

Well, as it is the 15th, it's time to reveal the new digi's at Clear Dollar Stamps - I think you are easily going to want them all!

The first card features the pre-colored version, and is literally just arranged and printed.  

That's it!  Talk about an easily mass-produced card!  You could even create your own sentiment to include your name, like "Happy Holidays from the Gilliam Family", etc... 

A little pink bow was added, and some Frosted Lace Stickles was added to the dots and hanger of the ornament.

The next card features the outlines version.  The image was colored with Copic markers.  Hopefully, the shading resembles glass :)  Gold stickles adorns this ornament.  The DP at the top of this card is from the Loves Ornament set, and was punched using a Martha Stewart border punch.  The Kaiser Craft Pearls were added for a touch of shine. 

This set is called "Twelve Days of Christmas".  It's pre-colored, so this card was easy-peasy to create. The DP is also from the "Twelve Days" set.  

Please visit the Clear Dollar Stamps site to see all of the new releases.  Each of the DT has created something special for you!  

Have a great day,

Patti J.

Meow....

Happy Monday!

Hello everyone.  Hope that your weekend was a good one.  I was blessed with getting some time with DD last week, and with some crafting time this weekend, while DH is hunting.  Life is good :)

There was a tutorial on Andrea Walford's blog that was part of her 12 Weeks of Christmas, and featured a CD holder type packet.  When I watched the video, I first was skeptical that I'd use it for much, but suddenly, watching hers fill with those little candies, I began to think about the Pet Shelter!  So.....here is my version, and it's filled with some little cat treats that my friend Shirley, donated to the cause!  The only stamping was on the tag, and it's from the Amuse Holiday Tags set.

Here is what I did with the package:

(Cropped off my label...lol)

The DP is some that that Dawn Lotharius sent for the shelter, in a fabulous pet-themed care package.  Turned out pretty cute, don't you think?  I had to use an old Coluzzle for the opening and red oval mat, as the project is a bit wider than 6", so it won't fit through a Cuttlebug, and hand held punches weren't deep enough.  Someday, I hope to have a Grand Calibur - especially, as I may make a LOT of these for the holidays!!!

The photo doesn't do the basket justice, as that shrinky dinky gift bag didn't work well, but here is an idea of what the basket looks like.  I neglected to take photos of the kitty food treat containers that I made (sigh...), and it's very hard to make out any details, but hopefully, you can get the idea!  Thanks so much to my dear friend Shirley, who contributed a LOT to this basket!

Have a great week,
Patti J.

Food for thought:  The replacement cost for trust, costs far more than the original purchase price.

Congrats Angel and Joe!

Happy Saturday!

It is the first day of deer season here - oh, the excitement!  The gathering up all of the necessary tools, clothing, 4 wheeler, stinky scent stuff, and of course the beer and peanuts!  Hopefully, they will all have a great time today - my DH hardly ever takes time away from 'work' for anything, so I look forward to the season for his sake, almost as much as he does.

While he is in the woods, hoping to find that elusive buck with the trophy antlers, I am going to a wedding!  My dear, dear friend, Tami, has a daughter getting married today.  I'm looking forward to the wedding.  It's an outdoors wedding (I know, brrr.....), in a cozy little Chapel in a park, fittingly called,  "The Little Stone Chapel".  Angelita is going to be a beautiful bride!

 
As their invitations were very simple black and white, I thought that their card should be simple, as well.  I had seen these little hearts done into his and hers like this before, many times, and decided to give it a try.  An embossing folder with a Christmas design was used for the bodice.  It's not very visible, but the two lines on either side of the pearls have the Diamond Dust glitter on them, sort of matching what is on the score lines.  The stamp is an OLD dollar stamp from Michael's, and the vendor's name is rubbed off...sorry!


Hope you are all enjoying your Saturday.  I'm going to try to get an hour's cleaning into my girl cave before heading north.  Thanks for dropping by! 

Hugs and blessings,
Patti J.

Food for thought:  Sometimes, people do some really 'odd' things, to get 'even'...

Topeka, Kansas - Thanksgiving Dinner?

I hope that you are enjoying your weekend.  I have a story to share with you. This was posted on our daughter's blog yesterday, and I offered to share with my readers as well:

In September of this year, I had the opportunity to meet some incredible people at the 140 Conference Small Town in Hutchinson, Kansas. One of the people I met there is Joe Cheray or @wildheart4ver if you know Joe through Twitter.

The #140 Conference Small Town is unique from most social media conferences in that it focuses on 10-minute story telling. Joe’s small town story took immense courage to share, and it left the room silent in compassion and, frankly, discomfort.

After surviving a childhood that no one should have to experience, Joe has grown into a strong woman with who has her own career and has built a successful blog. She’s a single mother to a son who has cerebral palsy, and she is one of the most courageous people I’ve met in a long time.

Joe will be having major surgery between now and Thanksgiving, and is unsure whether she’ll have a Thanksgiving meal for herself and her son. She won’t be able to drive anywhere yet on Thanksgiving, and she’s unlikely to be in a position to cook Thanksgiving dinner at home.

I’m writing this post because I admire Joe, and I love her for sharing her story with us in Hutchinson,  Kansas at the #140 Conference Small Town. I’m also writing this because Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I can’t imagine spending it alone.

Do you live in or near Topeka, or do you have friends or family there who might be willing to deliver a Thanksgiving meal to Joe and her son? Let’s find a family for Joe to spend Thanksgiving with.

Please share this post with friends and family. Surely there’s a family in Topeka who can help Joe and her son enjoy a Thanksgiving meal this year.

I have seen so much outpouring of love and compassion among blogging friends, and I'm hopeful that someone can help this young mother.......

Thanks for reading,

Hugs and blessings,

Patti J.

CAS Holiday Tag

I can't believe it is Wednesday night already!  DD flies back tomorrow, and we've barely seen her!  Not complaining, we'll take every minute we can get!

So, I promised you a Holiday Tag today...  I had this fun Amuse set, Holiday Tags, that I ordered from my friend Shirley, and just couldn't wait to ink it up.  I chose to use the mittens.

Wow, what an easy project!

Supplies:

Amuse stamps
White Stampendous Embossing Powder
Green Copic Marker
Red Stickles
Irridescent White Twine (Hobby Lobby)



Thanks for stopping by!
Have a great evening - Patti J.

Ahoy, Matey....

Happy Tuesday!

We are blessed that DD had business nearby this week, so we are getting a few minutes with her this week.  When they live so far from home, we are satisfied with whatever time we can get with them.  

Have you had any wonderful blessings this week?

I have a really 'sassy' card to share with you today....a lady in red!  

I can't share the inside sentiment, as it is REALLY sassy, but hope the outside brings you a smile or two.  

Just in case you don't already know, she's what I look like on the INSIDE...

and I'll have you know that I can also fit into the same earrings that I wore in high school...tee hee!

This image is from Sassy Studio Designs, and is colored with Copic markers.  

The sentiment inside and outside are computer generated.  

Added a bit of Spica Glitter Pens for sparkle.  

Would have added 'sand' if I could have found my container!  lol...

I'm entering this card in the challenge at Craft Your Passion, which is Anything Goes. 

(Sponsored by Sassy Studio Designs).

Be sure to stop over at Dawn's blog, and check out her giveaway!!!!

Another blessing to report - I received happy mail yesterday!  

If you get your copy of Scrap and Stamp Arts, I have a card on page 21, in the 'Birds' catagory.  

I had sent this in SO long ago, that I'd forgotten it!

Have a good evening!  Back tomorrow with a CAS Christmas Tag, using Amuse stamps!

Hugs and smiles,

Patti J.

Food for thought:  Make the most of life, before the most of life is gone.

All Year Round Blog Hop

Good morning!

The Clear Dollar Stamps Digi Team has a real treat for you today!  

One of the new sets, the Year Round Calendar set, is being featured today in a blog hop!

If you get lost at any point along the way, go to the CDS blog, and the rotation is listed.  

Be sure to leave a comment on each DT members blog, and the CDS Blog, as TWO lucky blog hoppers will win this calendar set!!!

As I asked for January (DD's birthday month AND I love snowmen), I'm first on the hop!

I sized, and printed out two January calendars to fit it a 4" x 6", and a 5" x 7" acrylic frame.

While the images were still loaded to size, I ran some patterned paper scraps through my printer.

This allowed me to paper piece the snowman's vest, and hat band.  Cuteness!

The images were matted with the same DP that I paper pieced with.

I am working with each month, and will have a full calendar set in each size, for gifts.

At the end of each month, that month is removed, and a new month added.

Without further ado, here are my calendars:

All coloring is done with Copics

DP by a muse and DCWV

Next up on the list is the fabulous Barb!

Hurry over to Barb's blog to see what she's created.

Thanks for dropping by!

Blessings,

Patti J.

Autumn Leaves

Happy Friday, friends!

Ahhh....no alarms to be set tomorrow.  Now, if we could just convince the three dogs, and our two old bodies that there's no need to get up at O-Dark-Thirty!  

I have a 10 minute card to share with you today.  I saw that Sugar Creek Hollow was having a vellum challenge, and it sounded enticing.  I really can't remember the last time I crafted with a sheet of vellum.  Here's my card.

This was really difficult to photograph, so I included two photos, hoping to show that all of the leaves are embossed.

I began by scoring and folding my card.  I cut a piece of Vellum, stamping the sentiment first. Then, I randomly stamped three different leaves on the vellum.  While the ink was still wet, I covered the entire surface with Transcendence embossing powder, and quickly tapped of the excess and heat embossed.  The vellum piece was attached to patterned paper with staples, then attached to the card front.  

Ten minutes...gotta love it! 

Supplies: Vellum, Kaleidacolor Autum Leaves Ink, Brown Staz-On Ink, Tim Holtz Tiny Stapler, Transcendence Embossing Powder, Kraft Cardstock, DCWV Autumn Matstack

Thanks for stopping by!  If you have any questions about today's card, please feel free to ask. 

Have a great weekend,

Patti J.

Food for thought:  

Inflation hasn't ruined everything...

I found out today that you can still use a dime as a screwdriver!!!!!