HOORAY! No cards today...

Good morning to all of my Blogland friends!

Today is a very special day!  About as special as they get!

By the time you are up and about, and find this post, our DD will be happy dancing like never before. Our dear son-in-law, is home, after 9 full months in Afghanistan!

If you recall, last February 4th, we flew out to Col. Springs to attend their wedding at a beautiful, quaint chapel at Garden of the Gods.  

On Feb. 28th, he left for his third deployment, and was gone until about 3:00 this morning.

Our hearts are so full of joy today, as they are reunited, and can begin their lives together.

I want to take a moment to say thank you to all of you...

Many of you kept the USPS hopping, with deliveries of cards, letters, and packages to both Nick and Melissa. You know who you are!  Thank you for taking the time to brighten their day.

Others, did more than their share of e-mails, comments on Melissa's blog or mine,

and most importantly, there were too many 'knee-mails' to count.

From DH and I, Nick and Melissa, and Nick's family - thank you all so very much.

I ask of you one more tiny favor.  Their base sustained many casualties, and our hearts are breaking for the spouses, parents, and children of the soldiers that are not returning home.  Please take a moment today to send up some prayers for these folks. If you aren't the praying type, hold them close in your hearts and thoughts today.  Many thanks.

Hugs and blessings to each of you.

Patti J. & Family

You're an Angel...

Hi there, all my crafty friends!

It's time for a new sketch challenge at the Repeat Impressions blog, The House That Stamps Built.

Wendy, the owner, is the genius behind our great sketches.  When I saw this one, I sent off an emergency order for this sweet angel and sentiment.  I think it works beautifully.

Repeat Impressions 'Moon Angel' #716, Repeat Impressions 'You're an Angel' #2522, BoBunny Snowfall Collection DP, Bazzill CS, Spellbinders Fleur De Lis Square Die, Copic Markers

The BoBunny Snowfall Collection DP was the perfect background, don't you think?

Head over to the RI blog, The House That Stamps Built, and see what my fellow Rockstars have created with this wonderful sketch.  When you are all full of inspiration, nab this sketch, and link up your creation - we'd love to see your take on the sketch too!

Thanks for stopping by,

Patti J.

Why do snowmen wear hats?

Good morning!

It's Monday, and time for a new Stamp of the Week at Repeat Impressions Stamps.

I'm sure you are all wondering why DO snowmen wear hats?

Well, to cover up their bad twig days, of course!

Today, we are featuring the 'Twig Hair Snowman'.  This image is so sweet, that I wanted to keep my card very simple. 

Repeat Impressions 'Twig Hair Snowman" #2003, Repeat Impressions 'Thinking of You' #1105, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, Martha Stewart Glue Pen, Glitter, Copic Markers, Ribbon Scrap, Perfect Layers Rulers (see sidebar for details)

I stamped the image and sentiment, and drew some black lines to frame this cutie patootie.  All that was left to do was color him, and add some snow.  Hope he gave you a giggle or two!

I'm sure that my fellow Rockstars have had some fun with this image too!

Cheri     Karen     Geri

Check out their creations, and then head over to the RI Blog, The House That Stamps Built, for information on getting this darling snowman for 50% off this week!

Have a great week,

Patti J.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving

to you all!

Amuse Stamps, Kaleidacolor Inks, Transcendence Embossing Powder, DCWV DP, Bazzill CS, Perfect Layers Rulers (see sidebar for details!)

I'm very thankful for the wonderful family and friends that we will be sharing the day with today, and also for each of you.  I have made so many wonderful friends through this hobby!

Hope your day is as special as you are,

and that you are also enjoying this time with family and friends. 

For my friends that don't celebrate Thanksgiving, I wish for you, many Autumn Blessings!

Hugs and blessings galore,

Patti J.

Non-traditional Holiday Colors

It's Wednesday, and time for a new Designer's Choice Challenge at Repeat Impressions.  

Our hostess today, is Karen, who has challenged us to make a holiday card, using non-traditional colors.  How much fun!  Out came my brand new, beautiful pink Amuse ink pad, and some bright colors

of Colorbok cardstock.  Love the way this one turned out!

Repeat Impressions 'Winter's Eve', #3805, Repeat Impressions 'Christmas in the Heart', #2204, Colorbok CS, Amuse Grapefruit Ink, Scor-Pal, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, Perfect Layers Tools.

I simply folded my card, scored some lines, stamped and matted the image, using my fabulous Perfect Layers Tools, stamped the sentiment between the scored lines, and voila!

Be sure to check out what my fellow Rockstars have created for your inspiration:

Cheri     Joy     Karen     Kecia     Geri     Joyce

Full challenge details are on the RI blog, The House That Stamps Built - check it out! You could be the big winner!  Would love to see your take on Karen's fun challenge, so get out those non-holiday colors, and link up your finished creation!

Hugs and blessings,

Patti J.

Results of a business trip for DH...

Hi there, and Happy Sunday!

So, a few weeks ago, my DH sent me on a business trip.  Technically, I could have gotten to the labs, dropped off the water samples, and been back home in 3 hours.  Hmmmm.....nope.  I invited a friend to ride along, and we hit the mall, Cracker Barrel, AND Hobby Lobby.  I had a 40% coupon for Holly Lobby, so this advent box just jumped right off the shelf and into my cart.  Can you imagine?

The images are from Amuse Stamps set: Holiday Tags, and all coloring is done with Copics. Lots of miscellaneous DP scraps used.  Ribbon is from Wal-Mart.  Numbers are done with a C.C. Designs die.

Since it was already in the cart, I decided no harm could be done by bringing it home and making it a bit more festive.  Here is the end result:

Hope this brightened your day!
I am entering it into a challenge at the Fun 'n Flair Design Challenge!  Be sure to check out their darling stamps!!!  Can't wait to get some inky :)

Off to take care of some pre-Thanksgiving chores before the dust bunnies eat our guests alive!

Thanks for stopping by,

Patti J.

Home for the Holidays Blog Hop

Good morning, and welcome to the Creations by AR "Home for the Holidays", Blog Hop!

Today, we are featuring Adela's newest release.

The hop begins today, Nov. 15 at 6:00 a.m. and ends Sunday at midnight EST
Read on to find out how you can win this template!

This darling little house can be used

as an ornament, table favor, or decoration for your home.

Here is the house all put together.  The house itself slides in and out of the frame, much like a matchbox. Yep, pretty cool!  Can't you just imagine one of these at each place setting for your Christmas dinner?

Oh, and don't forget - this poor crafter with very limited space has no cutting machine!  I use Adela's PDF files, and my sharp scissors for my AR creations!

Here, the house is shown, assembled, with a battery operated tea light inside.  The  lights are on  in my craft area, so that you can see the box well.  The sled and snowman are from the Amuse "Holiday Tags" set. All coloring is with Copic Markers.

In this photo, I've filled the box with Hershey's Hugs, to show how it looks as a table favor.

This last photo shows the lights dimmed, and the candle inside.  Silly me forgot about the window on the back side, so something is showing through on the left that should not be there.  Oops!  I created the 'curtains' from a scrap of striped vellum, and colored them with Copics to give them a red tint in the daylight.

There will be THREE lucky winners!  How can YOU win this template?

One random comment from each group listed below will be chosen to receive the new template. The more you comment, the greater your chances!

AR Design Team

Visit and comment at each blog - one winner will be chosen from the AR Team

AR FaceBook Page

One winner will be chosen from a comment on the AR FaceBook Page.

AR Paper Craft Planet Group

The third winner will be chosen from the comments left at PCP.

WINNERS will be announced Monday, Nov. 19

====================================================

Check out what my fellow AR girls have done with this wonderful template!

Adela Rossol:  http://cbyar.blogspot.com/2012/11/home-for-holidays.html

Amy Park:   http://tethered2home.com/?p=9786

Julia Aston:  http://www.createwithjulia.blogspot.com/search/label/Creations%20by...

Lisa Somerville: http://www.lisasomerville.com/2012/11/home-for-holidays-hop.html

Lori Brown: http://www.savingmine.blogspot.com

Lyn Bernatovich: http://lynspaperpetunia.blogspot.ca/2012/11/creations-by-ar-november-release-hop_15.html

Magdalena Cortez:  http://www.axesdesigns.com

Patti J. Gilliam:  You're here!

Sue Kment: http://suesstampingstuff.blogspot.com/

====================================================

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day,

Patti J.

Repeat Impressions Sketch Challenge

Hello!

You know, my mom always said that the older I got the faster the days would go by. 

She was certainly right!  Can't believe it's Wednesday already,

and time for a new Repeat Impressions Sketch Challenge.

Wendy, the RI owner, does a fabulous job with the design of these sketches, and I love a great sketch!

Here's my card:

Repeat Impressions 'Snowman' #4714, Repeat Impressions 'Let it Snow' #2006, Echo Park DP, Very Merry Christmas, Copic Markers, Bazzill Cardstock, Ribbon Scrap.

Take a few moments to check out the designs by my fellow Rockstars, and then head over to the RI blog, The House that Stamps Built, to see how YOU can win some wonderful stamps!

Cheri     Joy     Karen     Kecia     Geri     Joyce     Christy

We would

love to see your take on this sketch!

I am entering this card in the challenge at Joan's Gardens. The challenge is red, green and white!

Thanks for stopping by...

Patti J.

Ornament Frame...

It's Monday!

Hello, friends - it's time for a new Stamp of the Week at Repeat Impressions.

Today, we are showcasing Wendy's fabulous Ornament Frame.

Repeat Impressions 'Ornament Frame' #3814-K, Repeat Impressions 'Snowflakes' #8805-W, Tim Holtz Broken China, and Antique Linen Distress Ink, Black Colorbok CS, Ribbon from my stash, White CS, Perfect Layers Rulers for beautiful matting (see sidebar for details)

My card needed to be very clean and simple, as my deadlines were many, and time limited.

The ornament frame was stamped and cut out.  Using the Repeat Impressions Snowflakes stamp, I stamped snowflakes on the ornament (as well as background panel) and heat embossed with White Stampendous Embossing Powder.  Sponged both pieces with distress inks, then popped the ornament frame up with dimensional foam, and put the card together - voila! Very very quick!

No sentiment yet, as I'm not sure if this will be a Christmas card, or a Winter card!

My fellow Rockstars have some beautiful creations to share!  Stop by and say hello, and see what inspiration they have to share with you!

Cheri     Karen     Geri

Don't forget - the Repeat Impressions Readers can get this beautiful Stamp of the Week for 50% off this week!  Head over to the RI blog, The House That Stamps Built, for full details!

Have a great day,

I'm off to meet my dear friend, Shirley for coffee!

Patti J.

"Tis the Season.....at Sunday Sketch & Stamp!

Hello, and thanks for stopping by!

The Digi Garden is sponsoring the challenge today at Sunday Sketch & Stamp, and I'm excited to be one of their guest designers!  Today's challenge is this sketch:

And here is one of Saffie's sweet creations, "Ursula Hanging Lights"!  The season is nearly upon us, and Ursula is doing her part to make things festive!

The Digi Garden 'Ursula Hanging Lights', Copic Markers, Sentiment: Amuse 'Holiday Tags', Snowflakes: Michael's, DP: Echo Park 'Very Merry Christmas', Bazzill CS

Check out the Sunday Sketch & Stamp Blog for more inspiration.  Then, we'd love to see YOUR take on this great sketch.  Feel free to use any of your stamps or digi's!

Have a great week,

Patti J.

Thankful...

Hello!

Welcome to a new Designer's Choice Challenge at Repeat Impressions.

Today, our hostess is the uber-talented Geri!

Geri's challenge is: 'Anything That Gives Thanks'.

Repeat Impressions #3212 To Everything..., Repeat Impressions #5127 Maple Leaf Silhouette, Kaleidacolor Ink Pad "Autumn", Memento Rich Cocoa Dye Ink

I think I should have made my center panels just a bit narrower, as it's 'just' off enough that it looks like I didn't get it centered! Lol, it's supposed to be off-center and to the left.  I used my Perfect Layers Tools for perfect borders around the DP.

This was so easy to create!  Hope you'll join us for Geri's 'Anything That Gives Thanks' challenge at the RI blog, The House That Stamps Built!  You could be the happy winner of some fabulous RI stamps!

My fellow Rockstars have some 'thankful' projects to share!

Check out the RI blog, The House That Stamps Built to see who has participated this week, and 

for all the challenge details!  Hope to see your card linked up!

Hugs and blessings,

Patti J.

For the Beauty...

Good morning!

Welcome to Monday's Stamp of the Week at Repeat Impressions!

Today, we are featuring a lovely sentiment, 'For the Beauty', that could be used for any season.

The sentiment needed to be the focal point of this card, so a CAS creation seemed to be calling...

Repeat Impressions #3213, 'For the Beauty', Simple Stories Sticker Sheet 'Harvest Lane', and Bazzill CS. Sentiment stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa Dye Ink, Perfect Layers Rulers

This card was so easy to create.  The sentiment was stamped on a scrap of Bazzill CS, mounted on a dark brown mat, and adhered to the card front.  Using a sheet of Simple Stories 'Harvest Lane' stickers, the rest of the card came together in about one minute!  Of course, I used my Perfect Layers Tools for my nice even mat!  Be sure to use the code on my sidebar for 5% off if you decide to order a set for yourself!

All righty, time to hop over and see what my fellow Rockstars have created!

I have to admit that I peeked at these projects in the gallery, and WOW!  What beauties!

Cheri     Kecia     Geri     Joyce

Don't forget - the stamp of the week is available this week for 50% off to all Repeat Impressions followers!

Head over to the Repeat Impressions Blog, The House That Stamps Built, for all of the details!

Have a great week,

Patti J.

Itty Bitty Candy Winner!

Hello!

We have an 'Itty Bitty Blog Candy' Winner!

I did this the old fashioned way, via a tub with all the names in it.  The first time, I drew, two names stuck together, so I put them back, shook them up, and drew again.

The winner is JUDY!

Here's the funny part - Judy was also one of the first two names drawn...meant to be, for sure!

Congratulations JUDY!

Drop me an email at:  mamagilliam at gmail dot com with your name and mailing info - I'll put the magazine in the mail tomorrow.

Blessings to all,

Patti J.

Itty Bitty Blog Candy!

Good morning, and Happy Friday!

So, I'm not crafting today - I'm actually doing some cleaning, and guess what I found...

One more copy of this AMAZING CardMaker magazine!

Since I don't need two copies, I would love to give this copy away to one of my faithful followers.

How can you win?

Easy peasy...

Just leave me a comment on this blog post, telling me something that you are thankful for!

I look forward to reading your comments.

I'll go first - 

Gosh, I'm thankful for SO many things - we have good health, electricity, running water...

God has richly blessed us.  

Each day, I am so very thankful for my wonderful family. 

My husband is uber-supportive of my 'wasted' time in my girl-cave, 

and our son and daughter have both grown up to be very successful, compassionate adults.

Life is good, my friends!

Your turn - what are YOU thankful for?

I'll pick a winner on Sunday, and get this in the mail on Monday!

Have a great weekend,

Patti J.

Creations by AR New Release Hop

Welcome to the new release hop for Creations by AR! Adela has once again designed the perfect templates for entertaining for the holidays! Today, we are showcasing the 'Pun'kin Card and Party Set'.

First up on the Pun'kin runway, is the Pun'kin Card:

Not to be outdone by the card, here is the Pun'kin Place Card (I know where I am sitting!):

Last, but certainly not least (yummy) is the Pun'kin Party Favor:

Front View

Side View

Wouldn't this make a beautiful set for YOUR festive Thanksgiving table?

How can you win your own template?

The new set will be given away to one lucky crafter!

1. Visit the AR Girls' blogs to admire their projects

2. Leave a comment at each blog

3. Once all the blogs have been visited, your last stop will be back either right back here and/or at the AR FaceBook Page, where you will leave your final comment.

4. Comments will be accepted between Nov. 1 (6am EST) and Nov. 4 (midnight).

5. Winner to be announced on Monday, Nov. 5

You can start at the Creations by AR Blog and follow the links you find there, or you can go forward from here.

Good luck, and have fun hopping :)

 

Adela Rossol: http://cbyar.blogspot.com/2012/11/ar-november-release.html

Amy Park:  http://tethered2home.com/?p=9716 

Julia Aston:    http://createwithjulia.blogspot.com/search/label/Creations%20by%20AR

Lisa Somerville:  http://www.lisasomerville.com/2012/11/punkin-card-set-creations-by-...

Lori Brown: http://savingmine.blogspot.com/2012/11/punkin-card-set-creations-by...

Lyn Bernatovich:  http://lynspaperpetunia.blogspot.com/2012/11/creations-by-ar-novemb...

Magdalena Cortez: http://axesdesigns.com

Patti J. Gilliam:  You are here!!!

Sue Kment: http://suesstampingstuff.blogspot.com/2012/11/creations-by-ar-november-blog-hop.html

Thanks for stopping by, and thanks to my friend, Shirley, for helping me out with some fall papers!!!

Patti J.