Just us Girls #752 & Freshly Made Sketches #661

As it was for many of you, yesterday was a very hard day for me and Tom.  We're having a great deal of difficulty believing the results.*

I was very blessed to have the company of my friend Marcia to help get me through the day - thanks my friend.  More about our playday soon... I promise we did have a good amount of playtime, too.

Today, I got back on that crafty horse and have a few great challenges to thank for that.  I made one card to fit both challenges - it's about all I had in me.  

For Just us Girls' Color Week #752 and Freshly Made Sketches #661:

You must recognize my favorite Poinsettia by now: Altenew's Poinsettia 3D die set.

These gorgeous papers are from two HoneyBee collections:

The navy from BEE Bliss, the gold stars from Holiday Wishes.

In this closeup, I've attempted to bring your attention to the 'stitched' details - I don't think I have used a die more than that old MFT Stitched Strip!

Another of those sentiments from my stash - I'm so

happy I prepared so many as they've come in very handy.  This one

is from Pinkfresh Studio's Basic Banners: Christmas and the coordinating die

that cuts them ALL in one go.

I hope I find my smile again... 'til then I thank you for your visit - it will do my heart good.

Michele

*I know there will be some who disagree with my political views - that's okay.  It is America.  Perhaps I shouldn't have even 'aired my opinion' here in a public place.  To paraphrase Leslie: it's my bloggy and I'll blog how I want to.  It's also your right to unfollow me if you choose to do so.  That's okay, too.

Freshly Made Sketches #660

 everybody gets a hand!!  This one is for Freshly Made Sketches #660 and Judy's fun sketch...

Of course she HAD to trim the tree...

Thanks, Judy! [and Bonnie for that fab SSS pine branch die!]

=] Michele

The Flower Challenge #97

Ahhhh November!  Not my favorite of months but Fall is beautiful in Michigan, so I embrace that and its colors!  OH and I can begin to savor the flavors of Fall and the time for Thanks-giving, too - those are both reasons to celebrate!  

Welcome to The Flower Challenge #97 where we are looking for an abundance of thanks in our gallery for November!

When it comes to Fall, I can always count on the Coleus I add to my porch pots each year to keep the color around through the month ... they could be what inspired these leaves ...

 

Remember this curry-colored thanks [a very old MFT die set] - you'll be seeing 

the 'leftover' on my reminder card!  

The little flower is one of those minis from Altenew - I love

that they offer dies for them, too!  Cost effective and just plain cute!

I added an embossed panel to my card front - either gifted or borrowed not sure but I'm sure it was just the ticket to add some wonderful texture to my card!

Now it's time for YOU to share your thank you cards with us - I know I'm thankful when you play along and for the friendship and talent shared by my TFC teammates!  You have to check out their inspiration HERE - always spectacular!

=] Michele

Penny Black on Saturday Challenge Guest Designer!

How excited do you think I was to be chosen as Guest Designer for Penny Black on Saturday's November challenge??  OH, so excited!  I couldn't have pressed that yes button faster!

Of course, it wouldn't be a challenge without all of you friends and fans of Penny Black now, would it?

November's challenge [like every month] is Anything Goes - but if you're up for an extra challenge option: Make a Scene!  Every set that comes from Penny Black is scene-worthy from my view.  

Take their Bauble Balance for instance... can't you just imagine this cutie juggling his baubles for all their worth?  It's twilight and this little dude is hurrying as fast as his pointy shoes will allow to make it to the village green for decorating the town's Christmas tree!  Of course, there HAD to be snow! lol

Supporting products:

PTI Watercolor Plaid stencil for the blue stripes

ARTplorations Beyond the Trees stencil for the background

PB Bauble Balance for that sweet sentiment

PB Classy Frames

Splattered gouache for snow

Thank you, Helen and the entire PBSC team for inviting me to be your guest designer - such an honor!

So, what do you think?  Are you ready to make a scene?  I can't wait to see your cards at the Penny Black on Saturday Challenge!

=] Michele

Color Hues - shhhhhh!!

pssst... don't tell... I MAY HAVE opened up a birthday gift from Tom a little bit early!!  But when Karen announced her Black & Red challenge at Color Hues?  It just HAD TO BE DONE!! lol

As most of us do, I handed over the buy button on a list of things I wanted from Spellbinders to my husband - he didn't mind not having to shop, believe me!  BUT at the top of my list was this die set which I totally chose because he loves polar bears so much.  Okay enough chit chat...  for Color Hues #98:

Jules - you inspired my nearly stamp-free design - of course I'm 

blaming you for that early birthday present sneak!

Also, from my desk... these two carolers that were all colored up before the 

Color Hues blog posted the new challenge this morning... great minds?  

Isn't it funny that these are two of a trio and Marcia chose the third for her DT card?

I found three lines from three favorite Christmas carols in a PTI set - 

perfectly in time, and in tune!

I'll be back tomorrow - happily guesting at the Penny Black on Saturday Challenge - hope to see you then!  Thanks for all your kindness this week!

=] Michele