Everything is looking UP

Stopping by to share a very cute thing that Tom surprised me with - some of you may not get it, but those of you that do, will love it as much as I do...

We're on our way to the great Northwest of the U.S. - 2, 686 miles to Seattle - did I mention we're driving?

Tom created these little badges for us - magnetic, no less:



To those of you that we'll be seeing along the way: 

I can hardly contain my excitement!!!

 

Happy trails... until we meet again...

 

=] Michele

12 Kits of Occasions : June and Second Helpings!

It's June and that means it's time to go back in for second helpings ... no not the potato salad [though that does sound tempting] second helpings of cards from all the wonderful supplies my 12 Kits teamies have so generously sent for the last four months!  My journey began in February... I remember it so well...

First up: Sharron - and her darling Bye, bye Birdie kit:

Sharron and I have discovered that we have birds, and gardening in common!

I'm saving a few of these darling red birds for Christmas, Sharron =]

 

Next up:  Marybeth and her fabulous Song of the South kit:

 

Marybeth I adored all of these gorgeous French Country prints!

Even the 'leftovers' are delicious =]

 

Tracey provided something in her Tickled Pink kit that I'd never used before:  doilies, and die-cut feathers - you'll understand if a girl just has a little fun, won'tcha? [said in my best Mae West voice-over] justa little dance, huh?

 



Tracey and I have such a fun friendship - there are few that enjoy my sense of humor as she does =]

 

For my final card, and using the wonderful goodies from Jeanne's Let's hear it for the Boys! kit:

 

 

Jeanne, I am set for embellishments for some time - thank you!  It's not something I buy very often!

 

Thanks to one and all for the opportunity

to play cards with you, and your wonderful kits!

You have to go see what my teamies have served up for Second Helpings at the 12 Kits of Occasions blog!

 

=] Michele











CASology Week 152: Nautical

CASology has the same theme going as The Challenge this week ... some of those smart girls on the design team added their fabulous cards to the table ... thought I'd play along with them with this little number:



Inside sentiment:

 

...  to stay the course. 

This message may be found in the bottom of a bottle.

 

 

Supplies:   Authentique Seaside collection provided the waves; SSS bitty little sailboat die; Winnie & Walter's perfect words.

 



The Gossip Column - and how I miss my crown...

... though I hardly think of myself as a Diva, I find myself missing the crown I received from Ms. Atchia over at Winnie and Walter's Gossip column. 

I must say, that crown was feeling pretty darned comfy.  So, after reading Taheerah's interview with the one-and-only Jocelyn Olson, and seeing the loveliness that is Jocelyn's style, I decided to [go back after the crown once again] play along!

Oh you have to see the inspiration:

Jocelyn has a way with layers, and mixed media elements like no other... am I right?

 

So even if there is no guarantee of a re-run on the crowning, I just had to play along... here's my take:

 

 

Embossed lines, instead of circles;  die cut "friend" instead of stamped; a little hole cutting action on the partial circle replaces the doilies [which I love, by the way] add a gorgeous water-colored Maggie's Roses cutaways,  a little gold-dipped heart and leaves, and a few W&W sequins that always accompany our orders... bless their generous hearts!  Jocelyn, I hope you'll forgive the lack of stitching... circa 1972 machine just didn't have the strength for it today =\

 

Here's a bit of a close-up:

 

 

Thanks Taheerah and Jocelyn for the gorgeous inspiration!  And OH would I love to join you for that get-together whenever it happens - and I know it will happen!

 

=] Michele

 



 

 

 

CAS[E] this Sketch #129

A lovely sketch from Michelle Williams this week - or as I call her "Two L's" for short!

 

I went right to one of my favorite dies for this one -twice cut from white, and vellum for the perfect wispy look.  Then, I added a few little vellum butterflies couldn't hurt, right?  Especially with a little Stickles diamonds glitter-glue for show...



 Memory Box - Cottage Leaf die; PTI Aqua Mist CS; Mama E. 'hello'; Martha flutterby's.

 

I know you'll love Two L's sketch as much as we all do ... I'll be watching the CTS gallery for your masterpieces!  Please do take a looky-loo at what my team-mates have created - gorgeousness going on over there!  Every week I pinch myself - to think I get to play cards with these talented card-artists. 

 

=] Michele





The Challenge #40 - Nautical!

It's Theme Challenge time at The Challenge this week!  A perfect time of year for a Nautical Theme it is, mates!

Father's Day was celebrated on Sunday, June 21st here in the States.  My own Dad has been gone many years, but today's theme actually brought my British great-grandfather to mind.  He served his Queen in the Royal Army ... and in the 1800's they travelled by ship from one station to the next. 

I am a total land-lubber, haven't got [never had] sea-legs!  So I took my inspiration from the line drawings on the walls, those yummy stripes on the chair, and the gold of the pillow:

 

A close-up might help today with the bright white =]

 

 

I love the way that little slip of vellum looks like it's blowing in a sea breeze!

Hope to see you in the gallery this week... will the Nautical theme inspire you?  Speaking of inspired, Hayley Kew is our guest this week ... wait until you see what she and my mates have created... awesome!  They certainly make me...

=]

 



Father's Day and goodbye to a team-mate...

I miss my Dad.  Everyday.  Thankful for a little Muse-time to express it ... sending wishes Heaven-bound...

Saying goodbye to Marion today ... wishing you all the best, my wonderful Muse-mate!!  Loved your card this week, and every one before it!  Please do come back to visit us often!

 



CASology Week 151: Kids

School's out for Summer!  What exactly does that mean?  Life get's more relaxed, and so does the footwear, right? 

Okay.  Not my best segue but I created a Second Helping for Curtain Call and it just reminded me that kids love to wear flip flops almost as much as I do!  So there!

For CASology Kids and Curtain Call - Seconds:

Inside sentiment:

Yay! It's your last day!

Do whatever makes your

flip-flops FLIP!

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies:

More Doodle bug papers and Doodle Bug epoxy stickers from the SSS June kit.

Lifestyle Crafts embossing folder.

PPP Marigold and Marshmallow sequins.

Heidi Swapp sentiment. 

 

Curtain Call - Inspiration: Flip Flops!

I'm barefoot in the house all year long, so I'm overjoyed when it's warm enough to don the flip flops, for sure!

Look at this beautiful inspiration photo from Curtain Call:

What is the first thing you see?

Here is where my mind's eye went:

 

Do you see it?

 

 

Supplies: 

Doodle Bug papers from the SSS June kit. 

T. Collins huge white sequins. 

Technique Tuesday Puffy Hearts trio,

and Lifestyle Crafts embossing folder.





CAS[E] the Sketch #128

It's planting season on our Two Acre Wood - can we see the sunlight for the trees?  Just a bit ... here is how we deal with it: we grow UP!  [who just said it's about time?]

As I was chatting with my friend, Chriss, I tied on the vertical lines and placed the beans - planted in containers - just at the bottom of the trellis. We can't believe how quickly they grow!  Before you know it, we'll be eating, sharing [Bev], and canning gorgeous green beans - spicy dilly beans, too!

Though a different vegetable all together, you'll see how my card came together, using Hannelie's wonderful sketch:

 

 Inside sentiment:

"... and thank you, Dad.  See. I was listening all along!"

We all simply love how you all interpret the sketches ... this week will be no exception, I'm sure of it.  Dash over to the CTS blog ... there is no end to the treats from my team-mates.

 

=] Michele [note to Lisa: shall I grow a few for you-know-who? =]



Less is More: Week 228 - One Layer Card!

Let me just get this said:  I rarely make a one layered anything... including cakes!  But as I was putting away a few things scattered around my work space, I ran across a darling stamp set from American Crafts and blog candy from SSS!  Sooooo...

For Less is More, my one-layer card:



I'm pretty happy with it!

=]  Michele



Supplies:
Neenah cardstock 110# Solar White
American Crafts: Noteworthy
Reverse Confetti - Home and sentiment - Go Together       
Hero Arts - Charcoal
shadow ink
SSS Pale Blush pink dye ink

Muse ChristmasVisions #6 Christmas Card Club!

I am so happy to find a moment to put together a card for Muse ChristmasVisions today!  Chriss' card is as pretty as can be.  I had to do some digging for a wreath... explain that!  I finally found one ... on an Avery Elle Happy Spring set!  I think it does the trick!

For ChristmasVisions #6:

I used the MFT circle die from Blueprints 18 again today ... love that it stitches the inside and outside of the circle.  I lifted the inner one just a touch and added a little slip of vellum to the inside of the card for support.  I really like that little bit of daylight that shows through.  Today I used a few stick-on embellishments that did the trick for the berries.

 

That's it for me tonight ... see you in the gallery!  Thanks, Chriss, for the lovely inspiration!

 

=] Michele



CASology Week 150 - Graduation



Full Definition of COMMENCEMENT

: an act, instance, or time of commencing.

 

 

Oh the joy for that grad!  But also a very bittersweet time for the parents.  Of course we're full of pride for our child's accomplishments during these twelve years.  We hope for bright futures with little hardship, career choices that will make them happy in life; successful.  It is their beginning.  But there are those secret times, when alone, and no one is listening that we almost wish we could do it all again ... yep, every single day of it. 

For CASology Week 150:

 

Good luck, to the grads.  Cheers to the parents... cheers to a new beginning for those empty nesters - find the joy in it, as well.

 

=] Michele



400th Post! The Challenge!

I am so happy to announce that I've reached my 400th post!  What a milestone for this 'kid' from Michigan who didn't know one single thing about blogging anything before I started my journey a year or so ago.

How fun that it just happens to be for The Challenge!  Here is our inspiration this week:

Well, by now you know I do think a wee bit out of the box on occasion... and I think the occasion has arrived!

How was I inspired?  By the chalkboard/mirror, the garden, and colors ... however, I do enjoy coffee over tea, and with a good phone chat? it is the best of times!  Wait.  I don't have YOUR number?  Something we should remedy.

 

Winnie & Walter words are my 'go to' - are they yours, too?

 

The patterned paper [did you notice it is grass?] is from the SSS June kit, the journaling card is something from my left-over bin... oh, you know you have one, too.  Chalkboard paper is a cinch with a powder tool, on black card-stock.

 

Guess what?  I have second helpings... yep, in honor of the 400th!  Let's revisit that mirror =]

 

Still had that little set of vintage images on my desk... this time stamped right onto the journaling card!



I do want to take a moment to thank you all for stopping in for a visit ... hope you leave with a smile.

 

Has this made you think outside the box, or will you go right for that gorgeous dresser and tea set?  I cannot wait to see!  Now run over to The Challenge, please - you aren't going to believe how my teamies were inspired!

 

=] Michele

 

 



CAS[E] this Sketch #127

Here is your fun sketch for this week:



It is officially gardening season in my Two Acre Wood ... the sketch reminded me of our garden beds - freshly planted!  Soon the butterflies will be visiting as the vegetable plants flower. 

We have also begun our weekly visit to the Farmer's Market for our fabulous Michigan Asparagus!  As a child, I cut it into tiny pieces, and promptly hid it in the pocket of my Oshkosh B'Gosh overalls, to bury in the back yard later.  Now I can't get enough of the stuff!

Inside sentiment:  "Don't asparagus a single detail!"

 

So will you join us?  ... we so look forward to your personal take on the sketch each week!  Head over to see what else growing on at CTS #127  -
 

=] Michele

 



 



Another cup!

I have had so much fun [coffee] following the season's newest Coffee Lover's Hop - Summer style!

 

Amy has shared so many sweet cards on Facebook.  I feel badly that I haven't visited each and every one of you, but my garden takes priority this time of year ... you know, grow veggies while the sun shines ... what, you've never heard that one? =]

 

I had this Vintage stamp set on my desk and never had the chance to make a card for a certain challenge.  It spoke to me... in a Betty Boop kinda voice:

 

Inside: "Awww, honey.  Did you think I was talkin' about you?

Let's get a coffee ... that'll make you feel aawll betta."

 

 



Summer coffee? I like mine 'tan'

... and "cubed."  Third time's a charm?  I'm getting a bit hoppy, myself...  have you seen all the darling coffee-themed goodness at the Hop?



Though not my choice first thing in the morning, I do love a Frap - don't you - lounging by the pool... wait, I don't have a pool...

 

A darling little jar from Precious Remembrance Shop's Oh So Fun set, stamped on acetate, with a few choice papers from My Mind's Eye - Market Street -

oh!  the 'straw' is actually a birthday candle - double stacked - from the

SSS Big Birthday Wishes - cute, right?  MFT Say What? dies.

Sentiment- all mine.

 

Almost caught up ... see you tomorrow?

Second Cups!

I've got some catching up to do.... second cups?  Always welcome 'round here! 

Summertime in the Northwest?  Includes camping, and brewing a pot o' joe over an open campfire, right?  With a cute little Verve cup, and that Echo Park Happy Camper still in hand:

 

"Without it? I'd stay out of my Territory, if you get my drift."

Summer Coffee Lovers Blog Hop

Ahhhhh... Summer!  and another fabulous Coffee Lover's Bloghop!

 

Even though I'm just a teensy bit late for the party doesn't mean I haven't had a few ideas brewing folks!  Today I'll try to catch up:

 

 

I see a flavorful cup of something dark and delicious when I gaze upon this fab Echo Park Happy Camper patterned paper.  Self-made sentiment, and Verve beans clear embossed on PTI limeade paper.

 

Thanks to Amy T. for gathering us again for a cup, or six, of fun!!



The Challenge #38 - Color!

I just adore the challenge this week... now I know I've said I'm afraid of color, but when a great combination of colors is handed to me, I am A-OK with it!

Simply gorgeous!!!

 

It is graduation season, and I'm preparing for an Art's & Crafts fair ... what perfect timing!

 

I created a perfectly windy kite-flying day with the help of a Lifestyle Crafts embossing folder, add a scrap of coral cardstock for tails, and the sentiment, stamp, and die from Clearly Besotted.

Here is a second helping.  Same little C.B. kite/tails, and a little help with the perfect words from Winnie & Walter's Big, Bold and You set, on a backdrop of linen vellum cut with an MFT cover-up die.  The inks are S.U. Crumb Cake and a little Studio G navy.

 

Thanks, Lesley, for such a gorgeous color combo!

 

So.  Will you join us in the gallery this week?  We sure look forward to it!  OH!  Karolyn's joining us again... be sure to check out all the inspiration on The Challenge blog!!

 

Thanks for the visit!

=] Michele