Paper Smooches - Warm Thoughts

Today I enjoyed a little crafty time.  I keep all of my Christmas/Holiday supplies together in one box so they are handy when I need them.  I came across a Paper Smooches set I hadn't inked up a some time - why not?  These dudes are too cool, not to warm a heart or two.

This one is for the Paper Smooches November Sparks Challenge - a first for me in a very long time!

A 4.25 square card today, using chocolate paper, and PTI Pure poppy paper & ink, and Triple window die - with a bit of partial die-cutting.  The bottom window is see-through.  Inside sentiment: . . . in winter are always welcomed.  Warm thoughts of YOU, turn me to slush!  [There may be a little melted snowman inside =]

Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble, gobble!

No card today... just a little photo that might make you smile!  I'm so thankful for each and every one of you, my card-crafty friends =]

Though this was taken a few years ago, they still visit almost daily... sometimes

with 20-30 of their best friends!

Thank you all, for the smiles you give me daily...

=] Michele

Muse Challenge #95 - with a Caroline K.I.S.S. card

Hope you don't mind a second post today.  With Thanksgiving on Thursday, I thought I'd better get a few challenges done before the cooking begins!!  You see I have my priorities straight =]

Caroline from K.I.S.S is just fantastic, I was easily inspired by her gorgeous card:

Love that Wplus9 set!

 

I purchased a sheet of October Afternoon D.P. and the set of stamps that matched it.  For Muse #95, here is my take, Caroline, with a cute little fussy-cut Chris-mouse jingle bell:

 

The very last morsel of Recollections embossed gold dotted kraft CS =[ 

Reverse Confetti dies; SSS Joy stamp;

and a lovely snip of ribbon - a gift with my last Ellen Huston order -

the pin is just to keep it from being unruly during its photo session!

 



I've begun using removable glue dots to adhere tags to cards... might as well give a little gift to use later, right?

 





Winnie & Walter Playdate No. 4

I just heard about W&W's Playdate No.4 ... where have I been?  But - to say I was inspired by this photo, would be an understatement:

 

I pulled out some favorite older dies from PTI In the Meadow and had a little bit of fun changing them from a family sleigh ride, to one for the chubby little guy I must admit I still love to believe in ;]  MME for a blue moon and a few embossing folders to add texture and fun to my night-time scene.

 

You guys will not believe what I did... I waited until the entire card was done before stamping the fabulous W&W Big, bold, seasonal sentiment!! 

 





Muse Challenge #94

Dear Made Marion,

I love your style, your creations, your vibe, but... why did I struggle so with this week's challenge?  I tried... and tried... and tried!  Alas.  I've not felt one was up to the challenge... please feel free to critique my work. 

Look at Marion's gorgeous card for Muse Challenge #94:

The stamping, the color choices, the contrast, the enamel dots perfectly placed - the color choices!!! That is exactly what I most struggled with.  I really don't have more than a hand-full of inks!

 

 

Here are my cards.  The last is my entry:

 

Love the stars until, that dreaded yellow one!!!

 

Love the holly, but too few colors.

 

Still only four inks use for the holly leaves, but love the CASness of this one the most - and must give our CAS leader, Ardyth, full credit for inspiration, and PTI for that gorgeous Holly stamp.

 

With respect, I will keep trying!!

 

=] Michele





A Fusion "Sparkly Christmas" Mitten - Edited

You might imagine how excited I was to receive [not one but] three deliveries over the weekend!! Yay!  More mittens!!
 
The fabulous Fusion inspiration for Sparkly Christmas:



So I've put together a little something that reminds me of my childhood mittens... you know the kind that cannot be lost because one is attached to the other?  This will be Tom's Christmas card... we're attached, too...like this:

 

But it isn't complete without the other mitten whose little string was popped through a small little hole in the card fold then mounted on the interior with an appropriate inside sentiment:

 

MFT Mittens decorated with Hero Arts white e.p. and glittered up with Stickles.

The embossing folder is a Sizzix for BasicGrey - it was a duo of folders with a bonus Snowman die.  It has sadly been retired, but I found it on ebay for a few of my friends - gosh I do love shopping with no spending!! =]

 

(Edited to include information about the embossing folder for a few inquiring minds =)

 

 





CASology Week 122 - Flag

There are flags flying at CASology this week.  And, therefore, so is mine!

For Week #122 at CASology:

I adore this gorgeous stamp from Hero Arts and its movement matches that of my flag, die cut with SSS stitched borders.  Pure Poppy ink from PTI provides the perfect Christmas Red.  I've cut the card front just 1/2" more narrow to allow the washi stitching  to provide a bit of grounding to the card.



CAS(E) this Sketch! 101

Here is the inspiration this week, another beauty from N@tali:

 

Besides "missing the boat" a lot lately, I didn't have a nautical thing in my bag o' tricks.  Since I'm still in need of a few more Christmas cards, this is what I came up with for CTS#101:

Finally put the sentiments from the T.T. set to use! 

Though this was taken in summer, these darling little Black-cap Chickadee's

stay with me all winter long with their delightful call of

chicka-dee-dee-dee!



Time Out Challenge No. 19

I totally missed the boat on challenge No. 18... WAIT!  I think the card that didn't make it to the dock might fit the newest challenge, too!

For Time Out Challenge #19 Embossing with a Twist of Sparkle:

DP Carta Bella; Tree stamp, Hero Arts; Joy from PTI embossed in

Ranger Fine Gold on a little slip of vellum.



Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge: Pin Cushion

The Curtain Call challenge for this week has pin cushions for inspiration and this adorable photo:

 

So.  [This is the way my brain works]  It immediately brought to mind my wonderful Mom, and all the sewing she did for six girls and countless dolls, too.  Next, I think of little mice sewing a ball-gown and start humming the song from Cinderella "So this is love"... go to YouTube immediately to find it... and maybe waltzing a bit over to the coffee pot... to have coffee as I peruse the gallery.  I see some really cute sentiments using "Sew" for "So".... SOOOOooooo then I remember this ribbon I bought nearly three years ago, from somewhere, for cheap, and mostly because it reminded me of Mom.  There.  I made it full circle!

 

If you'd made it to this point, congratulations?  =/

 

For Mom, Pin Cushion and Curtain Call:  "So [sew] this is love!"

 

How about that little stick-pin kiss?  I've also used a beautiful little slip of ivory vellum that brought to mind those delicate little tissue patterns from Simplicity, McCall's, and Vogue that Mom used for our darling dresses.... OH! Betsy McCall!  Here I go again...... and who makes

Valentine's in November??

 

And mom:

My darling little French-Canadian-American mom, Lola, on top. Circa 1920-something.

Mmm, mm, mm, mmmmm....

 

 

 

 

Runway Inspired Challenge #72 -

Hervé Léger by Max Azria

 

I love the colors in this photo... that ombre effect.  Hmmm.  I think I found the perfect DP.

For ric#72, a little [is it way-too-early for it?] Valentine:



Smokey Shadow PTI cardstock; Clearly Besotted gold-embossed love; Wplus9 seasonal sentiments die - with a wooden star to add that pop of cantaloupe - and I still haven't found my heart die. =/

Giving Thanks

Simon Says Stamp's Wednesday Challenge is to make a card that says 'Thanks'... I have so much to be thankful for.  The thing I'm most grateful for this year is the friendship I've found here in this fabulous, generous, supportive card-making world... thank you... this one's for all of you:

Lawn Fawn leaves die borrowed from T.McN. cut from Neenah Solar White.

 I believe the sentiment is Reverse Confetti.

And a little washi on the edge. 

 





You'll see that my world is covered in a blanket of snow... quite appropriate to have white leaves, yes?  Stay cozy wherever in this world you are!  Hugs!

One more for the Krafty Christmas Card Concept

You may have had enough of me already, but just received a reminder that I do still have time to add another to the gallery... so there.

For The Card Concept, Kristie, and a Krafty Christmas - a little Clean and Layered number:



Another darling tag from my visit with Tracey, a PTI die and stamp;

and MFT for hounds-tooth and stars - die cut and stamped!

 

 



I'm in so much Treble...

I have not submitted to Reverse Confetti SFYTT in ages... now I just can't figure that one out because I use their tag die ALL the time!

SO!  For SFYTT #18, a little something I've been working on for a while.... here is the sketch:

 

Here is what I saw in my dream...



The "Smile" is from the Together set of stamps;  Notebook edge die.

CASology Week 122 Cue word: "Flag"

Is a banner a flag?  Hope so because I received a little gift for which I owe a very big "Thank You" which turned into a card with - you guessed it - a bird!  [No.  I'm not giving anyone the bird - just to make that perfectly clear =]

I just checked... Jen and Meghan used little banner-like flags on their very, very adorable cards... Yes!

For CASology Week 122 and "Flag."

Yes.  It would have been more CAS without the upper banners - but I did say this was a special thank you, didn't I? 

Ms. Amy Tsuruta... you are so sweet, and generous!!

Dear Lizzy Christmas - really old but still so cute. 

T.T. bird fussy cut from the DP... even his tiny little beak is a flag!!



Happy 100th to CAS(E) This Sketch!!

Congratulations from this "newbie" in the Mitten State to you all at CTS!!

Here is the 100th fabulous sketch, compliments of Chrissy Larson:

 



All of the inspiration cards are fabulous.. and seeing those from the past are just so much fun.  After looking around a bit, this little Michigan girl just had to put on a mitten in your honor - 'tis the season after all! 

 

PTI die; Paper Smooches sentiment; Stampin' Up pine branch stamp; Heidi Grace metal dot. 

 

I so look forward to joining in on the fun for the next 100 sketches, too!

For the love of Birds!!

Last one... for today...

When I read that Simon's Wednesday Challenge was Seeing Stars... I wondered if one star would do? =]

Here are three little birds, with one very significant star:

Second helpings for The Card Concept, and a little tree for Therese at Muse

Those little birds that did the border crossing from Canada to the U.S. have really captured my heart.  I couldn't help but give you a second helping... truthfully, I've made five cards with those I stamped.  The most wonderful thing?  Amy Tsuruta - the generous, fabulous, and adorable - is sending me that stamp!!  You know I won't be leaving it alone once it arrives - thank you so much, Amy!!  I'm trading a home-cooked meal for it ... hope she can make it! =]

I can't wait to share this one for The Card Concept's Krafty Christmas:

"Unexpected gifts from Friends are the very best kind."

 

Therese Calvird's inspiration card at Muse this week made me scratch my head... yep, stumped again.  Until I ran across this tiny cutie among my Christmas supplies.  With a few die-cut stars, I think she looks rather festive.... for Muse #93:





 

You'll notice the scenery has changed quite drastically outside my kitchen window!

 

It's beginning to look a lot like Winter, 'round here!

How about at your house?

 

 

 



The Card Concept "Krafty Christmas" and CASology "Festive" Tags

First off: I've had issues with blogger, so don't think I'm losing it!  Yesterday's post was indeed deleted, so I'll try again this morning... a kiss for luck?

The Card Concept has just introduced the lovely Kristie Goulet as their newest designer... fabulous!  Love Kristie's style and her cards are really gorgeous.  Well, I had to play along!  It wasn't a chore as I adore kraft card stock and made too many to mention for Christmas giving this year.  Here is the inspiration photo:

Tracey McNeely is joining CASology this week with her fun holiday 25 Tags of Christmas treasures... how could I resist?  Plus, the bonus here is I get to share a few of the goodies from my visit!!

Enough talking!  My submission for TCC and CASology to include kraft and a tag!:

 

 

From Tracey: birds from Technique Tuesday and the fantastic die-cut tag.  Would you take a looky-loo at that gold debossed cardstock from Recollections? 

Gorgeous - hope the photo does it justice.

Sorry!

Is anyone else having issues with Blogger?  I am unable to post photos for submission.  HELP!  If anyone can, I know one of you fabulous people will!!

=[  that is me with a sad face... and you know that doesn't happen often!!

 Michele
mfergu01@charter.net

CASology Week 120 "Sea"

Well.  To say I'm exhausted is an understatement...
I didn't cross an ocean, just a Lake.  I didn't cross any time zones, just a border.  I am having what is most assuredly the equivalent of the down side of a sugar-rush!!  My time with Tracey will live on, and on, in my most precious of memories.  To think that she, and Ardyth, took time from their busiest lives to spend time with me is such a wonderful gift. Thank you so very much.



Coffee and fabulous 'home-baked' treats shared with Ardyth Saturday morning... then on to crafty time with Tracey.  I still find it hard to believe it really happened.

For CASology's "Sea" and a little memento:



 One of the darling die-cuts from PTI from Ardyth - in Ardyth CAS 4.25" style.

with bit of the Recollections foil for sparkling stars. 

Vellum waves, what could be more perfect?

CAS(E) this Sketch No. 98

Gayatri, you almost stumped me with this sketch.  Then, it hit me!  It may have taken way longer to put the idea to paper but, I hope you agree, it was worth the extra time knitting a glove!

Here is the sketch-to-beat-all-sketches:

I took the liberty of flipping it; for Gayatri and CTS#98:

The knitted glove is actually the white burlap DCWV paper I've been loving.

The glove, the ornament die, and

embossed sentiments are from SSS.

You'll see a few scraps of the

Recollections foil paper.

Second helpings

Oh I love a challenge that just keeps me wanting seconds, and thirds... the newest challenge by Virginia's View has done just that.

I used a little rectangle of my newest Recollections foil 12x12 I bought at M's.  Here I'm using a second one purchased the same day.  For Virginia's View Challenge #9:

 

The foil paper looks like Jack Frost himself designed it... the combination of metals is accomplished using Ranger Fine Gold EP, and little PTI sentiment, and the dots embossed on the card base.  I was amazed how beautifully the foil took the Versa Mark for embossing... slippery though, use a gentle touch with your stamp!  Those gorgeous [truly] metal snowflakes, by Momenta, are a few I've had for years in a pack of twelve... definitely only for hand-delivered cards.

 

Sorry about the enabling, Virginia! =]

 

On a side-note, I had a delightful chat with Bev this morning... sharing a little something I created after seeing it in the Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking - Holiday Cards & more Volume 9 - I won it on Moxie Fab World!! Way in the back are very cool things to make to display ones cards.  I really wish they had given credit to the designers as I'd love to give them creative due. Here is my take on just one - so you all know, the book was The Agony and the Ecstasy - all ecstasy for me:

 

I love it!! working on a second one as I chatted with Bev... thanks for the early birthday call, Bev!

 



Virginia's View Challenge #9

I made a card over the weekend using some new Recollections metallic paper I picked up at Michael's.  I am already sorry that I didn't buy more... isn't that always the way?  This one might be a good match for Virginia - hope so!

For Virginia's View Challenge #9:

You'll see me use this gorgeous little PTI stamp again; for sure one of my favorites.  This time I also did a little background stamping with MFT Dots and Borders stamps. Oh I wish you could see the shine on this better than in my photo, and have coffee =]

My friend Tracey McNeely

I've been sharing a little bit about a journey I've been planning.  Days have felt like weeks, and minutes like hours! WELLL!!!  Enough of that 'cuz Friday, yes, THIS week Friday I'm taking a little seven-hour drive with my best-bud-husband to visit someone who I've gotten to know here in the magical Land of Blog.  One of the sweetest, oh so talented, adorable card-making gals I am proud to call my friend.  And guess what? 

TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY!!!  soooooOOOO

TO MY ADOPTED LITTLE SIS:

hIPPO, bIRDIE, tWO eWES!! 

 

... my wishes for you, have no end!

So I'll bring them along... no time to send.

I do hope this birthday will be your best,

double -no triple- times better than the rest!



Enjoy your day, Tracey... much love and best wishes! I'm not counting on sleeping much this week... it's like waiting for Santa!!