Warm Winter Wishes

We've had an extraordinary amount of snow fall in Seattle this year! It's quite beautiful and definitely helps to get us in the Christmas mood. Even though it makes it very hard to Christmas shop! I have received some beautiful cards in the mail this year too (when the mail carrier has actually made it through the snow)! And I just feel awful that even with a few snow days I wasn't able to make cards this year. I did end up making one card though and I wanted to post it. I had said that my friends hassle me when I go a while without posting...and they do, but I neglected to mention that I actually like when they hassle me because it shows they care and it gets me off my duff and into my craft space!! This card was inspired though by one of my co-workers, who was bummed that I wasn't making cards this year. She complimented my craft by saying she looks forward to my cards...and I'm a sucker for compliments...so I went home and made this one. Thanks for looking and have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Magnolia Monday

I'm affectionately calling today Magnolia Monday because I'm going to post two creations using the adorable Magnolia Stamps.

This picture is of a little folder I created to hold a bunch of images I gifted to a sweet friend of mine. I found the idea on SCS and then just went from there. I really like how it turned out. Hope you do too. :) Have a great Monday!

Mary's Challenge

My dear friend, Mary sent me a wonderful little package of goodies. Included in the package was some patterned paper and a simple challenge to make a card with it. I'm always up for a challenged so I got right on it. I chose these darling Magnolia images that Mary also gifted to me and then let the PP inspire me.

I guess I do need a slap on my hand though because I have had the elements of this card done for a few weeks now and have been procrastinating finally put it all together. My friends always do a good job of hassling me though when they haven't seen a new card from me in a while (one friend in particular is very good at this ;) so I knew that I had to find my mojo and finish over the weekend. It helps that the deadline is fastly approaching as well. Thanks for looking! And I definately have to get this Magnolia stamp now!!

The closeup is to emphasize the fabulous PP that Mary chose for me!

Butterfly Award

Zee Buttahfly Award~ I received this very sweet award from my dear dear friend, Sandra and I'm supposed to nominate 10 people to give it to as well. Darn Sandra...we have the same peeps and she took them all!! :) Instead, I will nominate some FABulous card makers that I follow on a daily basis but admire from afar. Thanks for inspiring me with your work and creativity; I am a better card maker because of YOU!!

Candice Cindy Dawn Kristine Niki Jennifer Amy Amanda Danielle Sarah

An offer too good to resist

I just popped over to my friend, Carolyn's blog (as I do daily--she's SOOOO talented) and I saw Debbie's generous blog candy. Here's a link to her blog. Go check it out and check out her awesome cards as well!

Jolly Holly Holiday

Actually, this little cutie's name is Charlotte but she's going to be Holly today! I had promised a while back that I'd get this Charlotte stamp from Whiff of Joy inked up and into a card but wouldn't you know it took a card challenge for me to get er done. Thanks to my dear friend, Karen who was bored last Friday at work (love it when that happens) lil Charlotte got inked up and became Jolly Holly Holiday for submission into Karen's contest. It's just what I needed too, now I've got my eggnog latte in that festive red traveler from Starbucks and I'm in the Christmas spirit! Presents for everyone! ...oh wait...

Anyhow, thanks for looking and I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!

If you're having a boring day at work too, pop on over and enter Karen's contest.

Too Good

Too good to choose just one! So, I had to choose 2 winners. I mean, I did have 2 cards, right? So, I needed two sentiments.

Actually, I could have used them all. They were all so cute, thoughtful, fun, funny and endearing and I thank you all so very much for helping me out and passing my blog along to a friend.

So without further adieu...the winners are maiahs_momma and Kelly (miamikel4)!!

inside of card

This is Kelly's sentiment and it will go on the blue card, but as I said, that one is still a work in process. And since it will be going to a very special friend, I want the rest of it to be a surprise. Thank you to all for playing. Winners, please PM me over at SCS (kmensley) to let me know what stamp set you would like or leave a comment here if you're not on SCS. Have a great Tuesday!

It's Getting Colder!

Hi Friends!

I hope you are all enjoying this fine Monday morning. The temperature is starting to drop here in Seattle so I thought it was time for a winter card. My dear friend, Kelly sent me this Hanna Stamps, Ski Bunny image and I just think it's adorable! Thanks, Kelly!

Speaking of Hanna Stamps...the owner, Kristi is going through a pretty tough time right now (for details see her blog) but I'm sure it would be much appreciated if we keep her and her family in our thoughts and prayers.

AND I know you're waiting to hear who won my "But I need it" sentiment contest. I have indeed chosen a winner but I need to put the sentiment on the card and then I'll reveal the winner. Hope you all have a fun Monday!

Say What?

I have affectionately borrowed this line from my friend Mary. But it's very necessary! These cards needs your help!! I'm in desperate need of sentiments for these cards (and while I love the tag line "But I need it," it's not going to work for sending these to my two girlfriends).
So I'm starting a contest-- otherwise known as blog candy. Send me your sentiment ideas and in return you will be handsomely rewarded (well, one of you will be). The prize will be a set of stamps! All you have to do is leave a comment with your sentiment and tell another blogger about the contest. I will pick a winner on Friday (Nov. 14) Thanks for your help!!

This card is still a work in progess (even without the sentiment) and sorry about the bad lighting, I had run out of daylight! You can click on the pic to see closer.

Back in Blogland

I've got quite the collection of Hanna stamps going at my house and have been dying to ink them up. Of course they have been sorely neglected though because of a lack of mojo and time. But not this weekend! This weekend I was determined to put these Hannas to work (and myself as well). Here are a couple of them that I came up with. Kiss the cook, I hope meets the qualifications for Candice's Nov. Release challenge. Thanks for looking and any feedback on how I can make my cards better would be great help!

Enabler Alert

Enabler Alert! Enabler Alert!
I swear everytime I sign up for a new swap I go searching for the perfect stamp for it...and I don't mean in my already busting by the seams craft closet...I mean new stuff: fresh, clean, new and adorable stamps! So, what did I do after I signed up for Mary's Baby, It's Cold Outside Swap? Of course, I ran (via world wide web) right over to Pink Cat Studio to purchase the Lily & Tweet Set that I'd had my eye on!

So I had the stamp and then I went in search of the paper. Soon after I found the fibers too and I seemed to be set! I always seem to get a little hung up on the layout though. For months I have been staring at these elements and wondering how I should put them together. Well, I had to kick it in gear because the deadline is swiftly approaching. And once I sat down with it all, I had an absolute blast. Thanks so much for such a fun swap, Mary...and for being my enabler! Off to find Mardi Gras stamps now! *wink*

Young Frankenstein

Halloween just came and went and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to dress up our "baby" Winston. Last week I asked Winston if he'd like to dress up for Halloween to greet our trick or treaters and he wagged his tail. I took that as a yes, so off we went to choose one. Since we waited until last week all the little costumes were on sale! Woohoo! We browsed a bit but I wasn't sure how to gage what would fit him and what wouldn't, or whether anything would look good on him. The sales people were so nice. I told them that I liked both the hotdog and the Frankenstein, so they helped me try them on him. We got the Frankenstein on and that was it. I was sold. I have told friends that I wouldn't buy dog clothes, but this was for an occassion and purpose, right? So I got it and he wore it for Halloween. Too bad we didn't have any trick or treaters! BUT he didn't even try and take it off and kept it on for an hour! At least our 12 yr old nephew that was visiting for the weekend got a kick out of it. Hope you do too. :)

Up To Some Good

Hi friends! Okay, I know that I have been undoubtedly MIA on my own blog as of late, but at least I've been visiting all of your blogs! That certainly counts, doesn't it? Well, here are some of my recent creations to prove that I've been up to some good. Have a very happy hump day!

Beth's Birthday Card

Jenni's Birthday Card

note**Jenni's card was cased from a swap card I received. Thanks for the ideas!!

Whiff of Joy

(epilogue to busy bee post)
Ohhhhhh, but I did get this stamp in the mail yesterday from Whiff of Joy Stamps in Switzerland!!! (shhh, don't tell my DH).
You can be sure that I will have a new card to post using this Charlotte image in the very near future. Be on the lookout! ;)
Isn't she adorable??

Busy Busy Bee

I've been a busy busy bee and not in the ways that I would choose. If I had my little way I would be stamping every night and have a new card to present everyday! Alas, we have been busy every evening and I haven't been able to create anything new. I have been frantically working on my cards for Kat's Halloween Swap though. And I know some of you have seen it but it's "new" to be posted here, so technically I've met my goal of posting a new card on Wednesday? And just for kicks I'll post my Halloween pouch and tag for Sama's Diaper Pouch Swap. Okay, I'm pushing it for new creation Wed, but some day real soon I'll get my mojo back!

Have a fun day!

Follow the Blog Trail and get some Blog Candy!

Hi Friends! I know it's Wednesday and I know I said I was going to try and post a card today...but how about some blog candy instead??
I was over in Paperville (Lauri's Blog) and noticed she had a link to Danielle's Blog (a VERY talented card maker!!) and Danielle had a comment from Stephanie (also makes superb cards). And Danielle and Stephanie have BLOG CANDY!!! Woohoo! So pop on over to Wild Dragonfly and see her stuff...and try for some Halloween goodies! And then pop over to Stephanie's place and try for her anniversary give away!
Thanks, Lauri!! Thanks, Danielle!! Thanks, Stephanie!!

Oh and I'm so grateful I popped over to Danielle's blog because I had been wondering for the longest time how everyone is getting that dripped effect on all their halloween cards--leave it to Martha Stewart--it's a punch!!
Happy Wednesday.

On a personal note, it's my 3rd wedding anniversary today. 3 years ago I was getting ready, all nervous and giddy, for the best day of my life. And that day I was blessed far beyond everything I imagined...my hubby is the greatest gift God has ever given me. :)

Oh my goodness!! And as I was writing this he arrived in my office with a bouquet of flowers! Isn't he just the sweetest?? I'm such a blessed girl.

For the Fisherman

Sometimes I have an idea in mind already, sometimes I flip through my notebook of ideas and sometimes I just sit down an get to it. The latter was the case for this card. I had a friend ask me if I would make a card for her dad's bday and I knew that I had this fun "On the Fly" set from SU! (retired) that I hadn't used yet and it would be the perfect opportunity to ink it up! So I just sat down and started coloring and this is what happened. I really love how the color combo turned out. Thanks again for looking!

Forcing it???

Remember the inspiration challenge I gave myself the other day? Well, I also gave myself a deadline for this weekend...so I had to sit myself down and come up with something. But I'm just not good under pressure!! The day after I posted the Matisse painting I realized that I had received all the pieces I needed from my friends Mary and Karen to make this card (little did they know!). The background paper from Mary and all the embies from Karen reflect all the colors in the original painting. So I just had to figure out a way to use them!! The first card is a quite literal version and actually was what I was trying to stay away from. The second card is actually what I was inspired to make (made this one first) from the painting and the gifts that my friends had given me. After I created the peapod baby I thought maybe it was too eclectic. I'm not used to using a lot of embellishments but I wanted to use as many as I could to portray all the fish. So then, doubting myself, I created the more literal "fish" card that you see below. And that one turned out too plain. I just can't win with forced inspiration. I think I'll stick to just letting my creative mojo flow (as you'll see in my very next post). Thanks for looking...feel free to vote on which version you prefer and any ideas to make them better! It's just another Monday ;)

I get by with a little help from my friends, part 2

ticketbelle

B-gin-R

I've been meaning to get these wonderful cards posted because I received them several weeks ago from my dear friends Michelle and Sandra! I have been soooo blessed by you, my friends!! And aren't these cards FABulous?? (lots of head nodding--YES!!!) Big Hugs to you!

The Sisterhood Is Born

Hi Everyone! Well, thanks to my near and dear friends at SCS a new idea and group has been formed!
It's called The Sisterhood of the Traveling Cards and it is a monthly card swap that is open to anyone.
Since I became active again on SCS I have had the blessing of meeting some pretty fabulous and talented ladies and we've enjoyed swapping together for quite a while now. I have pretty consistently come up with new swaps just to keep our little group together--to swap of course, but more importantly to chat and support each other through the everyday (and not so everyday) things that we go through in life. It's been fun to see other gals start their first swaps too and to join in and continue supporting each other in that way.
So then I got to thinking, what if we just swapped together every month! I put out feelers and to my surprise there was a lot of interest!!
Thus the Sisterhood was born (LOL--reminds me of the fellowship of the ring--I was trying to get that picture of frodo holding the ring and insert a card but I'm not that savvy)!
Check it out and join us if you'd like!! (limited to 30 spaces)

The Way I see It

Being from Seattle I happen upon Starbucks every once in a while...often...more often than not...but that's beside the point. Today after sipping my grande nonfat chai, I set it down on my desk and noticed the word "childhood." So I thought I'd share "The Way I See It #282" with you all. It comes from Lyall Bush who apparently is executive director of Richard Hugo House, a center for writers and readers (Haven't heard of it but I like the sound of it! I'm a writer and a bibliophile so I can appreciate the work of other writers and readers : )

The Way I see It #282

"Childhood is a strange country. It's a place you come from or go to--at least in your mind. For me it has an endless, spellbound something in it that feels remote. It's like a little sealed-vault country of cake breath and grass stains where what you do instead of work is spin until you're dizzy."

I love the imagery in this. If only we could be like children all the time...so carefree and with such huge imaginations!!

***************************************************

And that reminds me of a swap that ends this Friday---Childhood Memories hosted by Lauriloo! I can't wait to see what everyone has come up with. Here's the card I made for this super fun swap!

Oh Hanna, Hanna!

Hola and Happy Tuesday!

I just wanted to share with you my new favorite stamps. Not to worry, MFT and SU! still hold a huge part of my heart...but these Hanna Stamps are sooooo cool. Check out their website and take a look at these beeeeeautiful designs that some of our fellow SCSers have created...Aunt Carol is one of them!! Thanks for sharing with us your creative minds. If you have a Hanna creation send it to me over email kadieensley@yahoo.com and I'll post your creation here or send us a link to your blog and I'll add you to my inspiration!

Gallery links (Thanks for sharing!!) Carolyn Jennifer Dawn Candice

Note::I did not make these cards...please click on links to give credit where credit is due. :) Happy Stamping!!

Drumroll Please!

Lily by B-gin-R


Boys have Cooties by Aunt Carol

Purses by Sama
Ahoy Matey by jamigirl

Happy bday giftcard holder by theboysmomShoes by watchnemgrow

And the results are in!! Here are the winners and the runners up for each category of the Girls and Guys swaps! Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice: Winners picked by my boss

Little Girls: Winner**B-gin-R

--Runners up: Jenmaass and watchnemgrow

Teens/Tweens: Winner**Aunt Carol

--Runners up: ticketbelle and mamadwawa

Ladies: Winner**Sama

--Runners up: watchnemgrow and marzipan

Snips, Snails and Puppy Dogs' Tails: Winners picked by my DH

Little Boys: Winner**jamigirl

--Runners up:jamigirl and watchnemgrow

Teens: Winner**theboysmom

--Runners up: Aunt Carol and scraprageous

Gents: Winner**watchnemgrow

--Runners up: crazynanna and Sama

A special mention (and little somethin-somethin) goes to Jenny in MN and watchnemgrow (Christine) for making those most cards. Thanks so much for all hard work and lucky are the ladies who receive your awesome creations!