Fourth of July Creativity....

Happy Weekend!!  I wanted to share with you this little 4th of July quickie I put together for my nephew - Purple & Dinosaurs, a great combination for a little boy who KNOWS what he likes!  :)  Our favorite little Firecracker!  His baby sister will have a good teacher! :)

Image - Doodle Dragon Studios

Papers - Scraps from my scrappy bin - Red, White & Blue CS and Kraft

Technique - Embossing & Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Extra STUFF - BLING, Doodling, Studio G Stamps, Stickles & Red, White & Blue Ribbon

Well, we're off to mom and dad's today - Building deck steps that lead to dad's gargen are on tap today.  If I have a chance tomorrow, I'll be sure to share photos of our progress and of the garden - you'll be AMAZED at how the veggies are growin'.  Heck, today, we might even have green beans to pick!  :)

Happy Day!

I See You . . . .

So today marks my dad being in the hospital for 2 weeks.  The doctors continue to run tests to rule out additional things that dad being sick with a fever COULD be.  So far no real diagnosis except a little air in his intestinal wall that they continue to watch.  We're learning a ton about your intestinal system now.  Yesterday they reinstalled a PIC line because the chemo & radiation have really done real number on my dad's veins.  Poor guy is all black & blue from the iv's that last about 24 hours. 
My dad is one of the strongest men I know and I'm so proud of him.  We just want him to get better.  We continue to pray that God gives the doctors the knowledge to treat my dad and my dad the strength to get better.  We continue to be optimistic but he's got EVERYONE perplexed right now.  Go figure!
So a funny story - Thursday afternoon my mom and I were leaving the hospital - my wonderful hubby spent the afternoon hanging out with my dad so mom and I could both spend some time at work.  The boys watched the baseball game, took a walk and just hung out.  Definitely a good day for dad.
As mom & I were getting out of the elevator, a man in a wide open hospital gown and boxer shorts goes speeding by and right out the front doors.  Shortly behind him were a string of security guards, nurses and I think even a doctor or two trying to catch this man.  They grabbed him by the gown, but he wiggled out of it and kept running.  I think eventually they caught the patient, we didn't stick around to see how it turned out. 
However, it made me wonder WHO created hospital gowns? No matter which way you wear it, SOMEONE'S gonna be seein' SOMETHIN'!  I guess it was good in this case that the patient at least had boxer shorts on, huh? (amazing what a few weeks with a family memeber in the hospital will make you think of, huh?)

With all the time we've spend with my dad in the hospital over the last 6 months, we've been so happy to see that at the Veterans hospital they let most of the residents wear what my mom calls "POW" jammies - I think they look more like scrubs with a snap down front.  Guess that tells you a little about the age difference.  They have them in multiple colors, a nice maroon, navy blue and tropical teal - very fashionable, well, at least a step up from the good ole' "ICU" gowns!

So, a combination of the above story and the last two weeks made me think of this Nurse Stella image from Bugaboo.

Just seein' this lady makes me laugh - nursing or celebrating a birthday - this is one funny Broad - can I call her a broad?  Is that sexist if a woman calls another woman a broad?  Hmmmm (the crazy and off the wall things you think about at times, huh?)  Anyway, Stella is one funny Broad!

I made this card a few weeks ago and was saving this card for when my dad has his esophagectomy, but I think after these last two weeks, he could use another grin, so this will go with me to the hospital this morning.

Image - Bugaboo Stamps - Nurse Stella

Papers - I've really been trying to clean out my old papers, so all these papers are scraps! :)

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Extra STUFF - Dimensionals to pop up ICU Gown and Stella's hat,  EK Success punch, Doodling,  Studio G horse shoe stamp, Colorbox Silver Ink, Flatbacked Silver BB's

Thanks so much for stoppin' by today!  I hope everyone is doing well - my apologies for being a bad blogger lately, but you all know how family comes first.

I hope to be back at it soon - I miss my scrappy time now and then.  Plus, I'm startin to run low on funny cards for dad, so I need a chance to get caught up!  He really seems to like the funny cards!

If you think about it and could say a prayer for my dad, we would be so grateful.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Shelly's Images - This week's TTT Challenge

Happy Survivor Thursday!!!  My best friend Shelly and I LOVE Survivor (so do our hubbies), so every week we look forward to Thursday's episode.  I heard today that we only have a few more episodes before the finale - Hmmm, what will we do until the next season starts?!  lol

Speaking of my best friend Shelly - because today is Thursday that means a Terrifically Thrilling Thursday Challenge at Shelly's Images.

Stop by and check out the challenge - it's a thinking outside the box kind of challenge - here's my take on it - I've had these images from Shelly's Images for quite sometime.  The Elephant image is called "Balancing Act".  The circus tent is a freebie that you can pick up at Shelly's Images Store.  I've got another idea floating around in my head (it struck me about 3 this morning) that I might give a try tonight......

Images - Shelly's Images - Balancing Act & Freebie Tent

Papers - Yellow, Orange & Black CS; Stripe - DCWV, dotted - no idea it's been in my stash that long

Technique - MCPT

Other Stuff - Doodling, Drywall mesh, Dimensionals & Computer generated sentiment.

The inside of the card says "You should Join The CIRCUS!"

Thanks so much for stopping by this morning.  If you have a few minutes, stop over to Shelly's blog and join us for fun and inspiration.  We'd love to have you!

Happy Craftin'!

Min

Shelly's Images - New Release - Sunflowers

How perfect is this Marvelous Monday New Release from Shelly's Images??  Absolutely perfect for SOOOO many different cards!  This one is a bit of a support card for a friend of a friend battling breast cancer right now, but for more ideas, check out Shelly's Images blog and check out the sunshiney card Marion did!  To get one of your own, visit Shelly's Images Store - if you stop by today, you can take advantage of the Marvelous Monday New Release discount.  RUN, dont' walk!!  :o)

Image - Shelly's Images - Sunflowers

Technique - MCPT

Papers - All from my stash (that printed paper is O-L-D....not just old lookin'!).  Yellow, blue, black & kraft Cadstock I had layin' around (yep, still tryin to use up some of this stash I've accumulated).

Other Stuff - EK Success Punch (big fan of this new punch), Chestnut Roan Ink, Computer generated Sentiment usint multiple fonts and Drywall Seam Tape - Yup, I raided my hubby's tool box for this one the white textured area is actually drywall seam tape...I think I've found a new home improvement product to add to my studio!!  :)))

Thanks so much for stoppin by today - I always love hearing from you all - your comments mean so much!

Happy Craftin' - I hope you have a wonderful day!!

Min

Birthday Birthday, Dad's Celebrating a Birthday

I've seen the joy fold cards so many times and never made one, until now.  I thought it would be neat to do this fun one for my dad who is celebrating #65 this Thursday.  It was really fun to try something other than the standard card.  :)

Here's an inside kind of funky shot -

Image - Doodle Dragon Designs

Paper - Cardstock from my stash - birthday printed papers from Hobby Lobby

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Other Stuff - Stickles, puffy cupcake stickers, Studio G Happy Brithday Stamp

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I hope you're having a terrific weekend.  It's a bit rainy here, so today will likely be a scrappy & movie kind of day.

Be sure to stop by Shelly's Images tomorrow for a great new release.  You'll be sure to love it!

Happy Craftin'

Min

SUNSHINE!!!

That's what we've been enjoying for the past few days (except of course for today which is RAINY!)

Bugaboo Stamps had a Saturday Challenge that asked you to use a BUG somewhere on your project.  I needed a few cute cards and have had these little lady bug brads FOR-EVER.  A PERFECT Fit, woudln't you say?  And I have a new found affection for Red and Turquoise......do you go thru phases "FAVORITE" color combos?!  I think this is the FAV of the week!!  My apologies ahead of time if I Red & Turquoise you out this week!!  HA HA

Image - Bugaboo Stamps

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Paper - Doodlebug Strips (lots of bugs around here this week!), other cardstock from my stash

Miscellaneous - Ladybug Brad (eyelet outlet), Stickles, Sunshine Stamp - Studio G, Ribbon - from my stash, Flat Backed Orange Pearls

Thanks so much for stoppin' by today and for your kind comments!  I always love hearing from you!

Happy Craftin'!

Min

It's a Terrifically Thrilling Thursday....

at Shelly's Images!!  Join us for a great Terrifically Thrilling Thursday Challenge - we'll get your creativity going and even better yet, give you a chance to WIN some of Shelly's Images for FREE - that's the best kind!!!!  Stop by HERE for all the details.
Here's my sneeky peeky for you - isn't this Carousel Horse just adorable??

Image - Shelly's Images

Paper - SI flowers & stripes; Inked/Painted Chipboard, Orange Bazzill

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Cuttlebug - Embossing/Distressing

Miscellaneous - Pool paint; Dark Peony Ink, BLING, Ribbon from my stash, Happy Day Studio G Stamp & Doodling

Thanks so much for stopping by today! 

I hope you have a Terrifically Thrilling Thursday!

Happy Craftin'!

Min

A "HOPPIN" weekend!

Whew, not sure about your weekends, but ours sure was hoppin!  Things have been crazy busy around our house - good crazy busy, but HOLY COW!  Crazy Busy to the point I needed to come back to work for a day off  (WAY SO KIDDING!!!).  So, I've been trying to finish this post since Sunday night......no such luck. The weather was fabulous on Friday so my hubby and I spent all day at my folks working on the farm, Saturday we did the 'stuff' around the house, got things ready for Easter that we were bringing, etc and Sunday, we enjoyed Easter with my hubby's family and my mom.  Dad's been doing okay, we just didn't want him exposed to germs this weekend, as today he begins white cell booster shots because of low white blood cell counts.

I thought I'd share a few photos we took for my dad so he knew we were thinking about him.  :)

This was one of our surprise wanna-be dinner guests - if my hubby would have opened the door, he would have come right in, watched the ball game and shared a can of nuts with my father in law.  Actually, we think this fella was trying to get my brother in laws portion of my family famous 'Basa and Kraut!

This was the photo of all of us that we went to my dad and my brother in law who couldn't make it for dinner.

And of course we had to take a picture with the kids - they had SO MUCH FUN.  My mother in law actually got a pinata for the kids (in addition to the Easter Egg hunt).  This photo was BEFORE the Pinata.

And This was the Pinata - yep, four kids with plastic bats and they ALL wanted to hit it at the same time, but they were good about taking turns.

CANDY!!!  (This is one of my favorite!)
And with all the Easter Candy Craziness and General Craziness, yep, I still found a LITTLE time in my studio to make a few last minute Easter Cards.

Image - A Freebie Cutie Mini-Set from Bugaboo Stamps (Jodie gives out so much great free stuff - Aren't these Bunnies just too adorable?!)

Paper - Turquoise CS from stash, Pink & Orange Bazzill & Doodlebug Dots

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Ribbon - Orange Ribbon - Michaels

Felt Flower & Leaves - Felt Flowers from Michaels
Punches - Fiskars Apron & EK Success Scallop
Miscellaneous - doodling
Thanks so much for stopping by today - I hope you had a terrific Easter!
Hopefully I'll get a little scrappy time in my studio tonight - it was so nice yesterday when I got home, we spent the evening outside - I cleaned out my car and then we hung out on the deck.
Today, it's rainy - perfect day for some studio time!
I've got some great new images my sis Shelly at Shelly's Images drew that I want to get my colored pencils on!.  You can check out all her great images at Shelly's Images.  She just started a blog too and is having a design team call AND a fun freebie contest!!  You can check out the blog and all the details HERE
Happy Craftin'!
Min

Tequila & Lime . . . . Must be a Monday

I sure could have used one more day after this busy weekend!!  I did just a little creating - this one is a card that will go into the mail tomorrow and is headed straight for my dad.  He starts his second round of Chemo on Thursday, so we keep sending him funnies to try and keep his spirits up.

You can't go wrong with Stella from Bugaboo Stamps.

The Inside says: "And some days a wedge of lime and a shot of tequila".

I made the paper 'lime' with a little ink and some diamond stickles.

The papers are all from my stash.

I embossed the papers with the dots and celebrations embossing folders from sizzix.

That's all for today.  I hope you're having a great day!

Happy Craftin'!

Min

Hop, Hopp, Hoppy Easter!

I've been coloring Easter images like a crazy lady these past few days.  And this little beauty is just one of the 15 I've been working on.  Isn't it just adorable?  Jodie at Bugaboo Stamps has just completely out done herself again with these adorable images!

Image - Bugaboo Stamps: EB Eggs

Paper - Doodlebug Prints & Bazzill Cardstock

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil

Cuttlebug - Swiss Dots Embossing Folder

Miscellaneous - Bling, Doodling, Stickles, Computer Generated Sentiment & Dimensionals to pop up the Egg cluster and Hair bow

If you haven't checked out Jodie's Bugaboo images - check them out - she just added some supper funny Gus and Stella images today - just in time for Easter!

Hope you're having a great day!  Off to watch a little American Idol now!

Happy Craftin'!

Min

CELEBRATE!

We needed a birthday card for my hubby's God Daughter.  She's celebrating a birthday next week, and for once it seems like I'm actually working ahead (I know, can you believe it?!)  HA HA!

And isn't this just the cutest card?!

It's even cuter in person (it's got lots of sparkle and bling on the image)

Image - Bugaboo Stamps - Wee Ones Cake Time

Papers - Coredinations (brown/pink), Stash Cardstock (Yellow, Green & Pink), yummy stripes & treats - of course I'm drawing a blank on the manfg - I picked it up at Archivers a few weeks ago.

Cuttlebug - D'Vine Swirl & Swiss Dots

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Punch - Fiskars Apron Punch

Miscellaneous - Crushed Velvet Lime Ribbon, Studio G Celebrate Stamp, Hand Doodling, Stickles & Dimensionals

I had so much fun working on this card today!  Now back to more of the Easter Cards.

Thanks for stoppin' by today!  Hope you all had a tolerable Monday!

Happy Craftin'!

Min

What's One More Candle?!

Don't you just love Stella?  This image and sentiment are just way too funny!  I love Jodie's images & sentiments at Bugaboo Stamps!  So, Kaboodle Doodles is having a challenge and it's for Birthday Cards!  You can never have too many birthday cards, right?!
And even better yet - Bugaboo Stamps is sponsoring the challenge!!

I needed a birthday card and this image was SO perfect!  It makes me laugh like crazy - Ms. Stella is just to funny! 

Image - Bugaboo Stamps

Paper - Basic Grey Prints, Blue, Black &Lavendar cardstock

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique & Paper Piecing Shirt, Hat & Cake Frosting

Punch - EK Success &Fiskars Punches

Miscellaneous - Doodling & Bling

Thanks for stopping by today - I hope you're having a terrific weekend (even if we lost an hour today by springing forward!).

Happy Craftin'!

Min

Into Life a Little Rain Must Fall

But Boy, The Monsoons Suck!

This is a card I made for my dad today.  With him back in the hospital, I thought a little humor would be good.

The image is a Bugaboo Stamps image and I used the Bugaboo Sketch Challenge today as well.  Awesome Sketch!

Everything was from my stash - papers and bling

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique as well as Paper Piecing (umbrella, hat, boots, puddle & rain coat.

The Sentiment and the cloud are both popped up on dimensionals.

Check out all the adorable images Bugaboo Stamps has - Something for everyone - you can't go wrong!!

Happy Saturday - back to the studio to create a bit more - the weather here is rainy and cold - a perfect day to be scrappy!

Happy Craftin'!

Min

Chill-laxin' on a Beachy Day

Boy does this card and the recent sunshine and warm weather make me SO ready for a summer trip to the beach. . . . . yes 50* in March in Michigan is considered a heat wave!!

This fabulous image is courtsey of my sis Shelly.  Isn't it just fabulous?!

You can purchase this image or several others at her store here.  She just recently opened her online store, so she is constantly adding more new images on a regular basis.

Image - Shelly's Images "At The Beach"

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Papers - 'tovers from my stash - Core-dinations Aruba, Black Cardstock & Striped Daisy Bucket

Miscellaneous - Fun Flock on pillows & blanket (you can't see it in the photo, but it looks awesome in person); "Chill-Lax" sentiment created with Gilligans Island font

Thanks so much for stoppin' by today - I hope you have a wonderful day!!

Happy Craftin'!

Min

Birthday Fishes!

Last month was such a crazy month, I fell behind getting my birthday and anniversary cards created, so, here's the dent I made tonight.  Not much of a dent, but it's a start! :) 

This one is for my father-in-law - his birthday is next week.  When my hubby and his brother were growing up they used to go fishing, so this was a perfect fit!

Image - Doodle Dragon Studios

Techqniue - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Papers - From my stash

Miscellaneous - Stickles: Diamond, Aqua & Waterfall, flatbacked bb's, Sentiment is computer generated

The fish and the man's face and hat are popped up on dimensionals (you can't really see it too well here).

I thought it turned out cute.

Now I'm off to work on a few more birthday cards and anniversary cards for next week.

Then Spring Cleaning starts.  We had new windows put in last week so now I'm inspired to get everything ready for spring - organizing & cleaning.

Happy Craftin'!

Min

The Nice Nurse....

Happy March 1st!  Can you believe it's already March?!  WOW!  This was a quickie I did for my dad the other day (mom and I have been coloring LOTS of digi-images over the last 12 days and this was one). 

I can't say we saw any nurses like this one ( but how darn funny is she??)  All my dad's nurses and doctors were just amazing - what special people they all are.

In anycase, dad got a chuckle.  The inside says - The NICE nurse is on VACATION!

Image - Bugaboo Stamps (They have some of the funniest images - I love their funny ladies - Stella, Ruby & JJ - Stella's Working stamps that talk about Monday are hysterical!  Be sure to check out their great images!!)

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Papers - All Cardstock - Core'dinations (Red & Black), blue is the color of the card

Cuttlebug - Swiss Dots embossing folder

Miscellaneous - Star brads & 'Sorry' letters from my stash

So, that's about all for today.  I'm hoping to get back into my studio tonight.  I made a stop at Archivers yesterday and picked up a few things - my nephew Colin and his mom Amy had gotten me a gift certificate for Christmas to there, and it's been burning a hole in my pocket.  I've been looking at the Score-Pal forever and finally picked one up (plus I had a 40% off gift certificate - how could I not?!)  Anyway, I also got a few new prints and embellies to do some pages for my niece.  Her momma has been takin' some great baby photos, so I need to get going! 

Happy Monday to you all - happy craftin' today!

Min

I have A Talented Friend......

Well, I actually have a few, but my Sister at Heart Shelly is the talented friend I'm talking about today.  I've really enjoyed using digi-stamps and images lately and low and behold my 'sis' started creating some "Shelly Originals" as we call them in our house.

I thought I'd share one of the first she sent me to tinker with.  A Cardinal on a fence.  LOVE IT!!  And because we have 6 weeks of winter left (or more depending on what part of the world you live in.....), I thought this was a perfect image to send off to a family friend.  Isn't it cute?

Image - Shelly's Image (Thanks for sharin' sis!)

Sentiment - Let it Snow - Studio G Stamps

Paper - Brown & Green CS from stash

Technique:  Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Miscellaneous - Twine, Red Brads & Diamond Stickles

This is just one of several images she has available.  You can check out her blog where she has a few of her creations posted here.  If you're intrested in purchasing any of her designs (she's creating new stuff every day), you can e-mail her at shelly@shellysimages.com until her store is up and running.

I've got a neat little beachy scene that is printed and ready for some coloring that I absolutely love.  Hopefully I have a chance to do some coloring tonight or maybe tomorrow while we're waiting for dad's appointments.  In anycase, I'll get that one posted as soon as I get the chance.  It makes me want to stick my toes in the sand on some tropical beach with my hubby!! 

Thanks for stopping by today - I hope you're having a great Tuesday!  Don't forget to stop over and show my sis some love!!  :)

I'm hoping to post all the projects from the February kit tonight or tomorrow - I love they way they turned out and thought I'd share.

Happy Craftin'!

Min

'Tis The Season!

I've been a bad blogger this past week.  There have been so many projects I've been trying to get wrapped up before the holidays.  Saturday I spent the day making mint chocolate covered pretzles.  Can you say YUMMO?  Of course Glen and I had to taste a few for Quality Control.  I haven't even made a DENT in my chocolate making for Christmas.  I still have chocolate covered cherries and chocolate turtles to make.  I'm not sure if that will take place this weekend or it it will wait until next week.  I'll be sure to share the EYE CANDY once it's all finished.

And believe it or not, once I got the chocolate off my fingers, I've been scrapping & knitting like a crazy woman.  Still working on knitting slippers for Christmas.  A few more have been added to the list and of course, I'm working on Christmas Cards.  (I thought I said I was going to have my Christmas Cards DONE in January - DOH!)  I have little snowman pieces, and scarf pieces and snow globe pieces EVERYWHERE!!  I've cut out so many little snowmen scraves I have the 'scissor-claw' going (I never knew how sore your hand could get after 2 hours of cutting little scarves out of paper.....)  We usually send over 100 Christmas cards out every year, so I have to do everything in steps.  My goal for this week is to get the Christmas Cards wrapped up.  Maybe a lofty goal, but we'll see.

Anyway, I did get a little something done yesterday that's actually FINISHED and not just in pieces.....so last week wasn't a complete bust! :o)

Glen's cousin 'twisted' her ankle, or so she though in the parking lot of the skating rink mid-week last week.  The update we got on Saturday was that she actually fractured a bone in her foot and is going to have to have surgery to install a pin.  UGH!  Guess that's one way to get out of Christmas shopping, huh?  So, I had to put together this little ditty for her.  Glen's family all has such a great sense of humor.  Her comment to Glen's uncle was that she was doing a double axel in the parking lot, hence the sentiment on the card.

Image:  Dustin Pike Image

Technique:  Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Several of the bandages and the cast are double cut and popped up on dimensionals.  It's hard to see in the photo, but it's way too cute in person.

Sentiment:  "Zeek realized the hard way that he needed to rework his parking lot double axel execution" computer generated using LDJ Noodge (Scrapnfonts); Oops! Monster-licious Graphic Set (LetteringDelights)

Miscellaneous papers from my stash (Doodlebug, Michaels stripe & Black & white dots).

Stickles:  Turquiose & Diamond

Thanks for stopping by today!  I certainly hope things aren't as crazy at your house as we gear up for the holidays, but the great thing - SHORT week this week - THOSE are the BEST kind of weeks!!!

See you tomorrow!!  Happy Craftin'!

Min

The Last of the Halloween Cards....

Are finished and ready to be mailed :o)  This one was the last design in the set.  Yes ma'am, another House Mouse - but WAY TOO CUTE not to make a card with, don't you think?  I love the little mouse stuck in the witches had.

Image - House Mouse "Witch Way To The Candy"

Technique - Magic Colored Pencil Technique

Cuttlebug - Spider Web Embossing Folder

Papers - Core-dinations (black spider web embossed/sanded), Purple & White Paper from Stash

Doodling & lots of Stickles

Thanks for stopping by today wishing you a day of Happy Craftin'!

Min

Too cute Note Card

How cute did this little ditty turn out? I love leaving little notes around the house for my hubby and that's what this one was.  It's something we've done since we started dating.  I love finding a little note from Glen someplace unexpected.  It always makes me smile!  So, I thought this would give him a little grin.

Patterned Paper - Doodle Bug paper from my stash

Cardstock - Green CS and some Core-dinations Orange from my stash basket

Technique -   Magic Colored Pencil

Cricut - All Mixed Up Card for 'WOO-HOO'

Image - This was one that a friend sent me, so I have no idea who it's buy, but isn't it just an adorable little kitty?  (This is how one of our furbabies wakes us up on Saturday mornings when it's good food day).

Punch - MS

Miscellaneous Doodling (Can I tell you, I'm really enjoying doodling?!) :)

This was a Bonus Challenge for September over at Scrap-Friendzy - the challenge provided was to make a little note card to leave around for someone special, in a lunch box, desk drawer or brief case.

If you haven't had a chance to visit Scrap-Friendzy, you'll want to stop by and join the FUN.  We're getting ready to start celebrating Scrap-Friendzy's 2nd Birthday beginning October 1 with some great girlfriendz, great inspiration, awesome challenges and FUN!

Happy Friday & Happy Craftin'!

Min