Purtty Paperz

~ Celebrate ~

2012-02-14T07:57:00.001-06:00

Good morning!! I am on a Shabby Chic binge and this tag I made for Diane, proves it ! I might have gotten carried away with the roses, but I couldn't help myself! I printed off a vintage image of roses and slathered it with ink and Crackle Glossy Accents, a gift from Diane...thanks D !! The paper roses are a combination of Art Philosophy and a Sizzix die. The butterflies were made using a MS punch and the antennae are flower stamens given to me by Tatiana...thanks T !! I painted the bare chipboard tag a pale blue, added lace, some bling and I think I misted it all with some glimmer mist. Didn't I D ? lol I hope it's shimmery! lol I made a tag for the back and wrote her a little note and used some vintage seam binding on both tags. Oh and I made the stick pin. Thanks for stopping by to take a peek !!!

~ Love U ~

2012-02-09T23:32:00.000-06:00

Hi Y'all ! wooohooo I made another Valentine card!! Nothing like waiting until the last minute. I'm thinking that I will send this to my son, John Allen and yes it has pinks all over it. Men need to get purtty cards too, on Valentine's Day! I used Sweethearts for the hearts and Art Philosophy for the mat. Did lots of distressing on this one with Ranger Walnut Ink and I used a Stampin Up stamp for the heart and the sentiment, using white Kraft ink.I think this stamp set is one of the prettiest I have seen. ( I used the same set on the card I posted yesterday)I embossed both pieces and added glitter to the scalloped hearts and the U....a chipboard letter from my stash. Oh and I stamped several images, using Tim Holtz stamps for the background. Added some more of my vintage seam binding and another tarnished silver heart.Thanks for stopping by to take a peek !!

~ Happy Valentine's Day ~

2012-02-08T14:40:00.000-06:00

Hi Y'all!! I decided that since Dan was gone to his hunting club today, I better get in gear and make him a Valentine's day card ! I used the Sweethearts cart for the frame that I stamped on and for the heart with the Curly Q on it. The scalloped heart is a Martha Stewart punch.I used paper by Echo Park ( thank you T !!!) I stamped the sentiment with a Ranger Clear Embossing pad then covered it with Pewter embossing powder from Stampin Up and boy do I love that stuff!! I used it along the edge of the shadow cut of the frame as well. I also used it to cover the heart and then added 2 coats of UTEE. I don't have any grey ink, so I used a Copics marker to cover up the white core of the paper ( Thanks Joanie !!!) Added some bling, some Vintage seam binding and a silver heart that had tarnished but looks great with the paper and binding. Thanks for taking a peek!!

~ Dream...Create...Inspire ~

2012-02-02T18:38:00.000-06:00

Hi Y'all....I found some MoJo over the weekend and it lasted for several days! wooohooooo I am going to a Scrapbook Retreat on the 17th of this month and we have to decorate our bedroom door, as part of a challenge. I decided on a banner or should I say multiple banners. I think I had a weak moment, oh let me just say what it was , it was a Senior Moment, filled with aspirations of a younger woman!!
My thinking is, you dream about a project or you have an idea running through your brain ,then you create the dream and then you inspire with your art. I thought this would be very fitting for a scrapbook retreat!
I used the Art Philosophy Cart for the banner, (both pieces) the circles and the scalloped circles. The felt flowers were made using a Sizzix Die. Everything else was from my stash, including the beautiful yellow flowers ( Thanks T ) small lil paper flowers from the dollar bin at Michael's,laces, inks, pearls etc etc etc ! LOTS of inking and layers on this banner. Each banner was cut 2 times, the straight edges as well as the scalloped. I wanted them to be sturdy enough to hold up all the Shabby Chic goodness!! I even made tiny wire antennae for the butterflies, hand painted and distressed all the letters, adding small pearls to some. The Dream banner has Rock Candy added to each letter.I kept the circles/scallops for the letters, identical through out the banner to keep them symmetrical and they were the central theme to work from.As you can see I used lots of Tulle and I love the idea that I found on Youtube, to use old wooden spools to connect each letter. I think that is my favorite thing about the banner Create.
I added charms to each letter on the Inspire banner and they represent what inspires me. The heart, is for Love...love for and from my family and friends. The Eiffel Tower represents shabby chic for me. The cross of course represents God. For without His love and Blessings, I would be nothing. The Birds, well they are part of the nature God created. I found the Hummingbird charm in my stash after I had already attached the other one, but I said the heck with it cause I really am inspired alot by Hummers, so I have 2 birds on the banner. The flower charm speaks for itself. All of you that know me, know that I LOVE flowers.The butterfly charm was added because I think we all love those dainty lil creatures ! This entire banner pretty much has lots of things that I love on it and things that inspire my art . I so wish you all could see this in person, these pictures just don't do it justice !! I think this Dream that I had to Create this banner , is my best creation to date ! I hope it will inspire me to stay on track and continue to create! Thank you all for reading this novel and for Inspiring me with your own talents !!! Much love to you all!

You're Sew Sweet

2012-02-02T14:46:00.000-06:00

Hi Y'all....I made this card for my niece Elizabeth and I was tickled when I found the "E" charm. I used French Manor for the dress form and Art Philosophy for the flowers and the frame.I tucked in a hand made stick pin and a darling tiny spool, wrapped in Bakers Twine . Thanks for the sweet lil spools, Diane !!!! And thanks for taking a peek , y'all !

Happy Birthday ~

2012-01-16T08:37:00.001-06:00

Good morning Y'all!! I hope you are having a great start to the New Year!! I think my Mojo stayed back in 2011 :( My friend Darlene had a birthday last week and I was forced to make something and I decided to make a tag.The recipe is:
French Manor for the birdcage
Art Philosophy for the larger flowers
Prima for the mid size flower and the small one is from the dollar bin at Michael's.
Stampin Up paper and bird punch
Butterflies were made using an EK Success punch
Custom made stick pin
Thanks for taking a peek !!

~ From Our House To Yours~

2011-12-12T09:22:00.000-06:00

Good morning y'all.....we are having another challenge over on the Cricut message board and this week we are using a bird, as the focal point.
Cardinal........Winter Woodlands
Bird House....Stretch Your Imagination
Wreath...........Christmas cart
Branch...........Camp Out
Paper.............Graphic 45
Stamp............Close To My Heart
Mat for sentiment....Art Philosophy
I just LOVE my Art Philosophy cart and all the coordinating stamps you can buy!
Thanks for stopping by, I hope y'all have a great week!!!

~ Snowmen ~

2011-12-05T09:31:00.001-06:00

Good morning y'all.....this weeks SS Challenge on the Cricut MB was to make a card using a snowman. I used Doodlecharms for the Snowmen and a saw a purse on the same cart, so I used the handle for his mouth. The sentiment circle and scallop were cut from the Art Philosophy cart and I used the coordinating stamp from Close To My Heart. Added some glitter and bling, a few punch snow flakes and used a Copic marker for the cheeks. Thanks for taking a peek !!!

~ Gingerbread People ~

2011-11-30T12:34:00.001-06:00

Hi Y'all!! I go to a Stampin Up card class the 1st monday of each month and I got an email Monday, informing me that this month was a card swap month and I needed to make 12 Christmas cards !! I almost spit my coffee...I was like WHAT ???? It will take me a week to pick out paper!! The 1st card is my feeble attempt.I printed off some paper and used that for my prototype.I didn't like it, at all. Off to Hobby Lobby I go and found the cutest designer kraft paper( 1/2 off...woohoo ) and came home and got busy!I think you can see the differnce, I hope you can anyway. I cut the gingerbreads out of sticky back cork board...my 1st attempt went into the trash,because I peeled the paper off the back and brayered it to my cutting mat...BIG mistake....DONT'T do it!I bought a 2nd piece of corkboard on my trip to HL ( I would not be defeated!) I peeled the backing off the CB and placed it ontop of a piece of kraft paper and then I put that on my cutting mat, corkboard facing down! Set the number of cuts at 4, using my deep cutting blade...I needed those extra cuts and it still didnt cut all the way though, but was easy enough to punch it out. The corkboard makes them look like real lil gingerbread cookies...I'm so excited!! One looks like it was left in the oven too long, but thats ok, I like my cookies crispy! I used Jolly Holidays and Doodlecharms for the bow.Stamped the tags with a stamp from Close to My Heart, added Liquid Pearls, some bling,a button and some bakers twine and called it a day. Oh the holly was made using a punch and I need to go back and add a spring to the lil girls tags. Thanks for taking a peek and if you read this novel...God Bless you !!

~ Feel Better Soon ~

2011-11-30T12:29:00.000-06:00

Good afternoon Y'all.....my friend Darlene had a heart attack last week and had to undergo a Cath on Thanksgiving day and she needed 3 stints...owwy!! I just wanted to make her a card to let her know I hope she feels better soon and that I have her in my thoughts and prayer daily. I used the Art Philosophy cart for the banner and flowers. Added some lace, vintage seam binding and a handmade stick pin. Thanks for taking a peek. If anyone would like to visit her blog and leave her some love, her addy is
http://chasnpaper.blogspot.com If you would like to make her a card I can get you that addy as well.

~ Some Christmas Cards ~

2011-11-30T12:23:00.000-06:00

Hi Y'all !!! A few of us , Diane, Tatiana and Sandi, got together and decided to start the Santa's Slackers back this year, over on the Cricut MB. Here are a few of the cards I have made so far. We have a new challenge each monday...all just for fun and to get a few Christmas cards made in time....come and join us !!

~Shabby Chic Birthday~

2011-11-28T13:21:00.000-06:00

Good morning,Crafters !! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving....we sure did !! I can finally post this card,now that I delivered it ! It was just too bulky to mail because of the flowers I bought at Michael's in the wedding dept. It's the one on the top left. They came in a creamy white color, but I painted and misted and glittered it up. I used my Art Philosophy cart for the smaller flower on the front of the easel and the smallest one is a Prima flower that I doctored up. I added some flat back beads that Tatiana sent to me...thanks T....I just used alcohol inks on them to get the color I wanted. I got carried away and added lots of punched butterflies , some lace and more bling. The banner is from the Art Philosophy cart as well and the stamp is from Close to My Heart. The sentiment frame was made using a punch from Stampin Up. I think I glimmer misted the entire card, I made it so long ago that I have forgotten! Oh and I also made the stick pin...I'm havin lots of fun making those ! I made this card for Joan, one of my sweet "swimmin wimmin" ...Happy Belated Birthday Joan !!!!!
Thanks for taking a peek !!!

~ Happy Thanksgiving ~

2011-11-23T11:59:00.000-06:00

Good morning Y'all!!! Just a quick post before I head out the door. I'm going to Selma to spend Thanksgiving with my parents, older sister Janice and her husband Temple, John Allen and Casey and of course Dan. Just wanted to wish you all a safe and blessed Thanksgiving!!! I am so grateful for all my family, as well as you, my online family!!
I made this card for Mother, using Paper Doll Dress Up and some punches. I used alcohol inks to color the pumpkin and leaves, hand cut the larger leaves from burlap, made the flower and the stick pin. Thanks so much for taking a peek.... Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours !!!

~~ Dan's Birthday Card ~

2011-11-21T22:09:00.000-06:00

Dan is in the woods, seeking the ultimate trophy buck, so this card is perfect for his Bday card. I laughed while making it and I know he is going to get a big kick out of it. I used Campin Critters, Doodlecharms, Country Life and Plantin Schoolbook to pull this card together. Lots of embossing and inking.Thanks for taking a peek !!!

A Few Christmas Cards

2011-11-21T22:03:00.000-06:00

HI Y'all....I have been MIA for a long time and i hope that my MoJo has returned and I can get back to card making. I sure have missed it!! Diane, Sandi, Tatiana and I have started back with the Santa's Slackers Card Challenge on the Cricut MB and I am so glad they twisted my arm! I think it was the nudge that I needed! Thanks for taking a peek and I promise to get caught up on my blog hopping, real soon!

~ HaLLoWeeN TaGs~

2011-10-22T17:21:00.000-05:00

Hi Y'all!!! I hope y'all are enjoying your weekend !! The weather is perfect here in Alabama. We have all the windows and doors open. I have been on a tag making kick and I had lots of fun creating these Halloween tags! Various carts were used, including, Tags Bags Boxes and More for the tags, Art Philosophy for the flowers, Create a Critter for the pumpkins,Wrap it Up for the witch,( a gift from Diane...thanks for the cart Diane !!!) and Happy Hauntings for the crow My friend Kelly printed off the darling vintage images and I was was lucky enough to get a page full of them !!! Thanks Kelly!! I used Rock Candy on both of the vintage images, the moon and a pumpkin. Lots and lots of inking on these tags and I threw everything but the kitchen sink at them! Vintage gold tinsel, gold leaves from Hobby Lobby, lace, vintage seam binding and some beautiful Crinkle Ribbon that you can find here . I added other ribbons and some great eyelash fibers given to me by Sandi...thanks Sandi!!! oh and she sent me some adorable mullberry flowers she made. I used one on them on one of the cat tags ! I stamped the witch and embossed her....woohoooo she turned out much better than I anticipated ! Added a feather or 2 and made some stick pins. I also used several embossing folders for the backgrounds. I hope you enjoy looking at these fun tags...I really had a blast making them!!! Thanks to all my generous friends for helping me create these tags..I couldn't have done with without you!!!! I almost forgot, I included a picture of an easel I made so that the tags can sit up. Thanks for taking a peek!!!

~ Shabby Chic Tags ~

2011-10-13T10:43:00.000-05:00

Good morning Y'all. I was a lil sick last week and didn't feel like creating, but I did watch alot of videos on Youtube and I was inspired to make these tags. I used Tags Bags Boxes and More for the 1st tag. You have to look hard to see that I stamped an image on the background of this Pink Paislee paper and embossed it with gold PearlEx. I added a butterfly from the Bloom cart and a little bling.The beautiful roses were a RAK from Tatiana, as well as the pretty brown ribbon...thanks T !! Diane inspired me to drag out my beads and I made the pin, using a vintage hat pin I found at an Estate sale. Thanks D for the inspiration!! The stamp is from Close To My Heart, I just cut it up and layered it. Lots of inking on both tags, added some feathers and curly Q's using Memory Thread. I wish I could take credit for the Birdhouse card, but I saw one similar to this one on Utube and I can't find it to give the talented lady credit. I used Stretch your Imagination for the birdhouse, Art Philosophy for the brown flowers in the corner and Sentimentals ( I think) for the bird. I also stamped on the background of this tag, used glimmer mist and Rub and Buff to give it an aged look. I made another pin and added this adorable charm I found at Hobby Lobby. Thanks for stoppin by and taking a peek!!

~ BOO ~

2011-10-03T07:13:00.001-05:00

Good Morning Y'all! I want to say a big THANK YOU to Kimberly, for giving me the privilege to be a part of her awesome Design Team!!! The last 6 months have been really fun and creative and it's sad that this will be my finale card , as part of that team. When Kimberly asked me to be on her DT, I was very reluctant, because y'all know I struggle with stamping!!! But thanks to Kimberly, I think that I have conquered my fear! lol Thanks again, Kimberly..you were a sweetheart to work with!! I wish I could have taken Kimberly up on the offer for another 6 months, but this time of year is just TOO hectic for me!! She is having a DT call, so some of you might want to go over and submit a project if you want to be on one of THE BEST design teams in blog land !!
The theme over at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com is to make a Cute Halloween card. I have become hooked on making shutter cards and today's card is made using that format. I have been making them because I get to layer all types of great papers and today's paper is from
DCWV,The Ghosts and Goblins Matstack.
The recipe:
Pumpkin.....A Child's Year
Skeleton and Fence.....Paper Doll Dress Up
Moon....Camp Out
Haunted House.....Holiday Cakes
BOO.....Storybook
Witch.....Martha Stewart Punch
Mat for Stamped Sentiment.....Punch from StampinUp
Sentiment....Happy Haunting Stamp Set that you can find here.
Black and White Bakers Twine.....this can be found at the above link, as well.
Glimmer Mist
Thanks so much for taking a peek!!!!!

John Allen's 35th Birthday Card ~

2011-09-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

My child is making an old woman of me !!! My baby will be 35 in a few weeks and I had found these number charms months ago and knew I would use them on a card for him...so that's where the inspiration began, at the clearance counter at Michael's ! Of course, I used the Art Philosophy cart for his card!! The oval mat, present and pennants were all cut from the AP cart. I used Gypsy Wanderings for the musical notes.I am really loving this cart and this type of card...I get to show case this beautiful Graphic 45 paper!! I also used the same technique as on the other card I made earlier, for the bow. You can find the video here. I am lovin these bows too!!! Lots and lots of inking on this card, lots of layering and popping. I added some brads and some pretty craft thread, given to me by Tatiana...thanks T, I just died it with Ranger Ink to change the shade a bit. The sentiment is a stamp from the CTMH/AP Bundle. If any of y'all NEED ( hahaha ) to order this bundle, I can hook you right up!! Thanks for all the sweet comments y'all always leave....thanks for taking a peek!!!

~ Art Philosophy Collection ~

2011-09-23T15:58:00.000-05:00

Hi Y'all....I am LOVIN this cart!!! I hope y'all do to, because I am sure I will be using it ALOT! I made a few cards for my "swimmin wimmin" friends, Kelly and Joan. They have been so generous in their friendship to me as well as some goodies they gave to me, ie handmade flowers, beautiful vintage laces and MORE flowers ! Thanks girls !!! Kelly also has a Birthday tomorrow and I wanted to make her a card for her special day. All the cuts, as well as the card base for the scalloped cards were cut from the AP cart. The birthday card as well as the Thank you card were made using beautiful paper from Pink Paislee, the Butterfly Garden. I used Graphic 45 paper for the Auburn colored card ! lol Thats for my friend Susan, a rabid Auburn fan and Alumni. LOTS of inking and layering on these cards. The candle was inspired by Kelly herself ....just roll some paper and insert a wick...walla! I made the dangling charms for Susan's card. I'm not much of a jewelry maker, but they will do. I also used a tutorial from this blog,to make the bow. After watching it, I decided I could design that on my Gypsy, using George and thats just what I did !! I know the bow is TOO big for the card, but I was so happy with myself, I just can't help it. I was just thrilled my lil design actually looked like a bow !! I learned from the BEST that you can design ANYthing on George....Thanks Diane !!!! I bow to you....the Queen of Design !! Thanks so much for taking a peek.....I hope Y'all have a great weekend !! Happy Birthday Kelly !!!

~ On Your Special Day ~

2011-09-23T14:51:00.000-05:00

Good morning Y'all!! Here's a lil card I made for Blake, he used to be our back yard neighbor. He is getting married next weekend and since we have watched him grown into a young man I had to make him a card. They are getting married at a quaint open air Chapel at Lake Martin and Dan and I are going to the wedding by boat...that will be a 1st for us !! I used Spellbinders dies for the hearts and embossed them. Used some beautiful Websters Pages paper and JustRite stamps. Added some pearls , Crinkle Ribbon that you can fine here and a sweet little charm. Thanks for taking a peek I hope y'all have a great weekend !!!

~ Happy Fall Y'all ~

2011-09-19T07:31:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Y'all.......Happy Fall !!! The theme this week at My Craft Spot is Fall Leaves and this card has plenty of them !! The tree cut is from Cindy Loo. The scarecrow and pumpkins were made using QuicKuts dies and the leaves were made using punches. They could just as easily have been made using the Cricut. The paper for the leaves had large leaves all over it and I tried to punch the leaves so that they would look right, but it really didn't matter, because I inked each leaf with 3 different Ranger inks....yep, my fingers looked like one big leaf when I was done ! I hope y'all will join us this week for the challenge, I'm sure Kimberly has something yummy to give away!!
Recipe:
Scarecrow and Pumpkins....QuicKuts Dies
Leaves.....2 Different Punches
Tree.....Cindy Loo
Inks by Ranger.... Tea Dye, Orange Marmalade and Fired Brick
I also painted some watered down Gold Pearl X on the leaves to give them a lil shimmer.
Thanks for taking a peek !!!
Entering this in the challenge this week at Raise The Bar...Fall Leaves is the theme!

LoVe BuG

2011-09-13T11:24:00.000-05:00

Good morning Y'all!! Today is my anniversary and I made Dan this card. I have many lil pet names for Dan and "my lil love bug " is one of them!! I probably wont be calling him that today tho, seeing that he totally forgot the date...no card, no gift, nothing but guilt and I plan on laying the guilt on thick !! And I have a few other names for him today too...use your imagination!! I used Create a Critter for the lil bug and phrase. I made my own wobbler, so that lil bug is doing a jig! There is a really good video on Utube, just key in "how to make wobblers, scrap booking" and the video will come up as the 1st selection....It should. Thanks for taking a peek....let me go put the flowers that Dan ran to Walmart and bought while I was swimmin, in some water. I might read the card he hustled out to buy too.....but then again, maybe I wont! He is a day late...and a dollar short!

~ With Deepest Sympathy ~

2011-09-13T05:50:00.000-05:00

Hi Y'all....it seems I am forever needing a sympathy card and this one is for Jean, one of my "swimmin wimmin" Her brother passed away last week and I wanted to let her know I was thinking about her.
I used the Bloom cart for the frame, punched some flowers, a butterfly and the scalloped borders.Lots of inking and popping, using foam dots. I used several embossing folders and I scored the top BG paper, every 1/4 inch. I also scored veins in the leaves with a stylus. I found a small butterfly stamp that I used on the butterfly, it is almost a perfect fit! Added some Crinkle Ribbon that you can find here .Topped it off with a button, Memory Thread and a cross charm. I hope we never forget this day and how it changed our lives, 10 years ago !! God Bless America !!

~ Lady Bug ~

2011-09-10T13:02:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Y'all !! I needed one more thank you card for one of my sweet online friends and I wanted to use a punch given to me by Tatiana, so I used the lady bug on the Create a Critter cart. I made it into an easel card as well....they are so much fun to make! I used October Afternoon paper, a few Cuttlebug folders and the rick rack punch by EKSucces, along with the tiny lil butterfly/lady bug punch. I used a Stampin UP punch to mount the sentiment on, which is from the Friends and Neighbors stamp set that you can find here. Thanks for taking a peek, I hope you all have a great weekend !!

~ Friends are the Best~

2011-09-05T06:49:00.002-05:00

Good morning to all my blogging friends !! This just happens to be the challenge this week at ! We are making cards, all about our friends ! I needed to make a few thank you cards for some wonderful friends I have, from the Cricut Message Board, so this challenge came at just the right time!!

Here is the recipe for this card:

The papers for both cards is from the Farm Fresh collection, by October Afternoon.

Country Life.......Banner

Create a Critter.....Chick

Storybook........Lettering

Walk in my Garden.....flowers

EK Success.....Scalloped punch

Sentiment....Friends and Neighbors-Inside and Out Set

Bakers Twine.....http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com

Lifes a Beach...Boat and Round Life Preserver

Paper Dolls for Everyday...Cloud

Martha Stewart Punch

Swirls Folder......Cuttlebug

Sentiment.....Friends and Neighbors -Inside and Out Set that can be found here as well as the Bakers Twine

I did lots of inking on both cards, lots of layering and created them with LOTS of love !!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek... I hope y'all join us for the challenge this week!!

And the Winner is.................

2011-08-30T09:06:00.000-05:00

Thanks to ALL of you that hopped by my blog last week and left such sweet comments !! I had so much fun creating my projects using the great stamps that Kimberly released !! You can take another look at all the stamps that were released here.

Now for the winner.... Gigi said...These are SO COOL! I just love how the "web" on the projects look! And all the great details you put into these! Absolutely wonderful!

Gigi.....you have just won the spooooktacular Happy Haunting Stamp Set from My Craft Spot !!!!

Congratulations Gigi!!! Just email me all the info I need in order to get this great stamp set mailed to you!!

~~~Stamp Set Reveal ~day 5~~~

2011-08-26T06:00:00.002-05:00

Hi Y'all!!! Today is the final day for the stamp set release !! I hope y'all have had as much fun as I have !! For my projects today, I used the Happy Hauntings stamp set...I just love it !! This stamp set, as well as the 3 others, Friends and Neighbors, Happy Fall and Candy Corn Kisses can all be found here! I think my dark side was showing when I made these projects...I didn't know I had it in me ! lol I used more tulle on these projects as well as some flowers that I made. This was my 1st attempt at making charms too and I had lots of fun creating them!! ( Except for the small jump rings...oh they dealt me fits !! ) I hope you enjoy looking at all my projects as well as those created by the entire DT over at!
Here is the recipe for my projects:
Tombstones, Coffins ,Tree , Card and bat were all created using the happy Hauntings cart.
I purchased the skeletons from the Dollar Tree and I did have to do some surgery on one.
The metal frames are from Tim Holtz, as well as the hanger thingys for the charms.The spider and skeleton charms were purchased at Hobby Lobby, as well as the beads, Lost and Found paper collection by My Minds Eye, the tulle, satin and organza cloth for the flowers and the center bling for the one flower on the small coffin. I also got the lace and black cording from HLtoo. The bling swirls( Recollections) and other charms, (Industrial Chic), were purchased at Michael's. I added brads to the coffin and the small roses, from my stash.
I hope you enjoy my creepy projects......Happy Haunting!!!!
I am so crazy!!! I forgot to tell y'all that I will be giving away the Happy Hauntings Stamp Set to one lucky girl!!!!

~Sneak Peek Stamp Set Party...day 4~

2011-08-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

Good morning Y'all !!! I hope y'all are enjoying all the great projects that Kimberly and the DT have put together, using all the great new stamps sets, Crinkle Ribbon and Baker's Twine !! My Projects were made using the fun Happy Hauntings stamp set and I had SO much fun !! For the Broom Parking card, I kinda borrowed the All others Toad from some paper I had seen at Joanns! I knew it would be perfect with the stamp I had in mind to use! I used lots of tulle on the cards and banner and that was fun to play with too! I just had to add that funny lil skeleton to the haunted house card, he just makes me chuckle and I will be using him alot more !! Be sure to check out all the other great projects and don't forget to leave some love on each blog for a chace to win some great prizes, that Kimberly is offering all week!! Stop back by tomorrow and see what I have for you too...I think you will love it !!! Thanks for taking a peek!!!
Recipe for Cards and Banner:
Broom Parking card.... The stamp is from the Happy Hauntings Stamp Set that you can find here!
Witch...Happy Hauntings cartridge
Frog... Paper Doll Dress Up
Moon...Camp Out

Haunted House Card:
The darling stamp is from the same Happy Hauntings stamp set!
Haunted House...Happy Hauntings cart
Skeleton, cat and bats.....Paper Doll Dress Up
Baker's Twine....than can be found here and it comes in some great Halloween colors!

Boo Banner:
The cute Oct 31st stamp is from the Happy Hauntings stamp set that can been found here
Banner Base...I used the Happy Hauntings cart for the base of the banner
BOO....was cut using the Happy Hauntings cart as well. I used the regular as well as the shadow feature and stamped and embossed each letter with a spider web stamp from the dollar bin at Michaels.
Rosette... I made the rosettes using my Martha Stewart score board. You can find many tutorials for these on Youtube.
Baker's Twine....I just love the black and orange color of this twine and you can find that at My Craft Spot ( see the link above )

~ For John Allen ~

2011-08-24T10:08:00.000-05:00

Good morning Y'all !!! Some of you may know that I have only one child, my precious John Allen!! He lost his job due to downsizing, several years ago and he tried to make a go of owning his own business in the Forestry world. Some months were great but then some months, not a penny in his pocket. It's hard to feel safe and secure with the rollercoatser ride he was on, so he had applied for several jobs in ther last few months. He was offered and accepted a job in Monroe La !!! The best part for me is that he wont be cruising timber in the woods anymore....wooohoooo I always had a horror of him getting snake bit out in the woods alone !! The worst part is that he will be 6 hours away!!! I am one sad puppy. He lived out of state while he went to college at Mississippi State, but that was only 4 hours and many years ago. I'm too old now for all the fretting I know I will be doing! lol Anyway, I found this beautiful poem on Bluemountain.com and it was perfect!! It conveyed everything that I wanted to say to my sweet son! I wept as I read it.
I kept this card simple and only used Create a Critter for the kite. I used a Spellbinders die for the poem mat and a Martha Stewart punch for the border. I added some gorgeous Crinkle ribbon that you can find here!! Did lots of inking and distressing and stamped the background with some postage stamps from Fiskars.Added some brads and a heart from my stash. Thanks for taking a look..please say a lil prayer for me, cause my heart is aching!! Say a lil prayer for John Allen too, please!!

Sneak Peek Stamp Release Blog Hop

2011-08-23T07:06:00.000-05:00

Hi Y'all!!! The much anticipated release of the new stamps, created by Kimberly, the multi talented artist, has arrived... well almost !!! You will get to enjoy some great projects, all weel long, using all 4 of the new stamps Kimberly created, as well as some new,fun Halloween inspired Crinkle Ribbon and Baker's Twine !!This is just a sneak peek!! For my project today, I used her new Friends & Neighbors-Inside & Out Sentiment Set. This set is so versatile,it can be used for many occasions! Y'all know that we had some bad weather back in April and we have to go to the lake every few weeks to check on things and our wonderful neighbors always watch the fur babies for us, so I made them this lil card set to show my appreciation!! I'm going to tuck a Blockbuster's gift card into the holder and add several packs of popcorn to the box.

Here's the recipe for my project:

Stamping.... Friends and Neighbors- Inside and Out Sentiment Set...http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com

Tags Bags Boxes and More ....Popcorn Box

Wild Card.... Gift Card Holder

Paisley.... Frog ,Mushroom and Flower

Crinkle Ribbon and Bakers Twine...http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com

Be sure to hop on over to the other talented Design Team Member blogs and feast your eyes on their wonderful creations !!!

Ally's Blog... www.rockpapercricut.com

Kate's Blog...http://smallbitsofpaper.blogspot.com

Jenny's Blog...http://jennyplace26.blogspot.com

Kimberly's Blog...http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com

~ Celebrate ~

2011-08-08T06:43:00.002-05:00

Good morning Y'all!!! It sure has been HOT here in Alabama and the theme for this weeks challenge over at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/ is very fitting...It's Hot Out There !!! Bright, hot colors are to be used on the cards or LO's this week. I used the cute lil gator from Birthday Bash and the balloons are from the same cart. I used a bright orange card stock for the base and then a layer of purple and then I used my pinking shears to cut out another layer of designer paper, from KnCompany.I used a punch for the diamond shape border in the back, I like the way it mimics the alligator. I used several different embossing folders through out the card, did a lil doodlin, added googly eyes and a cute lil cup cake punch. I used several layers of UTEE on all the balloons to give them that shine.The balloons are tied to his tail using some really fun colors of Bakers Twine and the sentiment was stamped on a balloon using the Inside & Out , Set 1 that Kimberly created!!! The inside stamp reads, It's like an annual event for you! Isn't that too cute ?!? Both the twine and stamp set can be found at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/. Y'all need to stay inside out of the heat and make a card for this fun challenge!! Kimberly has some great goodies for the winner ! Thanks for stopping by !!! xoxo Joy

~ Hoppy Birthday ~

2011-07-29T08:05:00.003-05:00

Good morning Y'all.....TGIF!! Dan had asked me weeks ago to make his sister a birthday card and I toadally forgot until he reminded me Wed, that he need the card today! She loves frogs so I knew that was going to be on the card. I used Create a Critter for the frog and Birthday Bash for the present and sentiment. The papers were part of my goodies that Tatiana sent to me ( THANKS T !! ) arent they the sweetest papers ?? I added lots of pearls to this one, cause Dan is giving his sister a sweet set of saltwater pearls for her birthday.I used several different embossing folders, did a tad of inking and popping. Thanks for taking a peek...Have a great weekend !!! xoxoxo Joy

~ Your SEW Sweet ~

2011-07-27T15:01:00.003-05:00

Hi Y'all!! Happy Hump Day ! A sweet friend of mine on this MB sent me some goodies and this beautiful Webster's Pages paper was just some of the gorgeous paper she sent to me, so I had to make her a card!! I used French Manor for the dress form ( another gift from a dear friend...thanks D !!) and I used Bloom for the butterfly.Y'all know I am always looking for new things to try,so I added a handmade tulle flower with a vintage button in the center. There are many tutorials on Youtube for making Tulle Flowers and they were pretty fun to make.Lots of inking and layering on this card and I added a bit of lace to the tag and used a punch for the bottom edge. The sentiment is from the Sweet Sentiments Collection by Kimberly that you can find here.Thanks SEW much for taking a peek and THANK YOU, Tatiana !!!

Hugz and Kissez, Joy

Thank you ALL for the thoughts and prayers for my Mother!!! She still seems to be doing just fine.....thank the Lord !!!

Just Because

2011-07-25T07:13:00.005-05:00

Good morning Y'all !!! It's Monday and that means there is a new challenge over at My Craft Spot and this week the theme is Emboss It ! I love to use embossing folders, and I used several on this card and I also used a technique I saw on UTube, using embossing powders. As I am always the last to find new techniques, I'm sure many of you have done this before, but this was my 1st attempt. I used a glue pen to trace the fancy pattern on the paper in the upper portion of my card and then covered it with embossing powder and used my heat gun to melt it. I really like the effect, I just wish I had a steadier hand when it comes to tracing!!I used the Swiss Dots folder on the solid blue Core'dinations paper and sanded down the edges and each small dot. The frame was cut from the Bloom cart, I added some vintage seam binding , small brass brads and a vintage button. The sentiment is from The Sweet Sentiments Collection, Set 1 and I used brown Bakers Twine, both of which can be purchased at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/ . Y'all be sure to check out all the other projects this week and find out what goodies Kimberly is giving away!!! Get out your embossing folders and embossing powders and Emboss it !!

Thanks for taking a peek!

Happy Birthday Bird

2011-07-15T15:52:00.003-05:00

Hi Y'all...Happy Friday ! I finally convinced myself that I needed Birthday Bash...I'm always a day late and a dollar short ! lol I used that funny little bird as the focal point for this card, which is for my X Husband. Yep, My X. Allen's nickname used to be "Wildman" back in the day and we always assumed that his peculiarities were just his way of living up to his name.Little did we know, that Allen suffered from Schizophrenia. Allen dealt me fits during our 30 years of marriage,but he and I had some good times and we did produce the apple of my eye, John Allen. Right before Allen and I divorced he really started acting strange. I had already moved out of our home and he would call me at least a dozen times at work, asking me if I would always love him and if I would come to his funeral when he died. Well, that freaked me out about the funeral business, but he was always threatening suicide, so I said a prayer and convinced him that yes, I would always love him and I would attend his funeral. He would call to tell me that people were breaking into his truck and leaving him notes. I really assumed that Allen was trying to get my attention, with all these crazy stories. Not until a year or more after I was married, Allen was finally diagnosed. John Allen did his best to look after his daddy, but Allen would always become euphoric and stop taking his medications, so after many failed attempts at him living alone, John Allen resorted to placing Allen in a half way house . He seems to be pretty content there and they make sure he is well taken care of. For years now, I have wanted to go visit Allen, but John Allen and his uncles thought that was a bad idea. Everytime he spoke to me or saw me in town, they said it always set him back. Here lately though, I have had this strong urge, almost an obsession to see Allen. I was afraid that he would die without knowing that I still have compassion for him and that I will always love him and be there, even at the end. FINALLY, last week John Allen took his daddy to a funeral ( of all places ) and I got to see ole Allen !!! I didn't recognize him at 1st. Then I realized who it was and I almost burst into tears, I had no idea he was going to be there!! John Allen had a soft lil smile on his face and I think he was happy to see his Mama and Daddy together, if even for a short time. It was difficult to try and chat about the old days at a funeral, but it eased my mind and heart, to finally get a chance to see Allen! As we parted ways, I hugged his neck and told him that I loved him and always would. He smiled and said " then fix me something sweet to eat !" I just about hollared !! We all had a good laugh and I feel at peace, knowing I got to finally see my first love and reassure him of my love for him.

So, I will be baking up something sweet next week and with Dan's blessings. It goes without saying that I love Dan too and I have thanked him numerous times, for being so understanding!! For those of you that have read this, God Bless You!! lol Writing this was just some free therapy for me and I feel 100 lbs lighter !! Have a great weekend!!

Oh shoot, I forgot about the card ! lol I used Birthday Bash for the entire card. Lots of doodlin and poppin and tied 3 different colors of Bakers Twine around the top. I just love all the bright new colors Kimberly has at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/!! You should go check 'em out ! Thanks for stopping by !!! xoxoxox

~ With Sympathy ~

2011-07-14T09:53:00.002-05:00

Good morning Y'all !! I made it through Atlanta without havin a nervous breakdown...yea me !! This card is for my X Daughter in Law.He father passed away last week and I wanted to make her a card and to use a new technique that I discoverd over at Scrapbook.com. I used a Prima flower for the butterfly !! Many of you may have seen this and used the flowers for butterflies before, but I had never seen it and I couldn't wait to try it out. Considering that it's my 1st attempt, I think it came out kinda pretty! There are several tutorials on Youtube if you want to give them a try.I think I keyed in "how to make butterflies from prima flowers." I used Cindy Loo for the frame and Wild Card for the sentiment. Added some pearls made with Liquid Pearls, did some inking and popping and added some Crinkle Ribbon ontop of the punched scallops.Thanks for taking a peek and for all the prayers that helped me make it through Hotlanta !! xoxoxox Joy

~ Smiling Flowers ~

2011-07-10T22:29:00.004-05:00

Good morning !!! Theres a new challenge this week going on over at My Craft Spot and this week we are "Inking it up!" Most of you know I ink almost everything on my cards anyway, so I thought I would take it one step further and add some Peachy Keen stamped faces to my card. This was my very 1st time using these stamps and I was a little intimidated about using them, but I'm pleased with the outcome !! The flowers are from the Paisley cart and I stamped my smiling lil faces on patterned paper and then used a 1" punch to punch them out. I used a Copic pen to color the cheeks and added tiny white dots with a white gel pen. The picket fence is from My Community and the leaves are some green and white twine that I just tied into small bows. I'm loving all the bright summery Bakers Twine that Kimberly has for sale!!!The stamped sentiment as well as the twine can be found at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com. Y'all be sure to get out your ink and join us over at My Craft Spot this week!!! I know Kimberly has a great prize for the winner of the challenge!!! Thanks for taking a peek.....I'm off to South Carolina and I have my fingers crossed that I will breath as I drive through Atlanta !! Have a great week!

xoxo Joy

~ Zinnias ~

2011-07-09T12:33:00.001-05:00

Happy Saturday Y'all !!! Yep, I'm at it again, this time I made zinnias!! I used Walk in My Garden for the flowers and cut them in sizes from 21/2" down to 1", in 1/4 increments,and I cut probably 3 in each size for all the layering. I used Tim Holtz paper for the vintage zinnia seed packet.I just fussy cut the leaves and added doodlin...added doodlin all over the card. I added a touch of yellow Stickles here and there on the leaves and gave the entire card a mist of Glimmer.The centers of the flowers were made using a sun punch.Added some seam binding and called it a day! Thanks for taking a peek!! Please say a lil prayer for Dan and I...we are headin to South Carolina on Monday to visit an old Army buddy of Dan's, who is terminally ill. They were like brother's back in the day and I know Dan is going to be one sad puppy AND I have to drive through Atlanta!! I'm sure there will be a card to come out of that adventure ! Have a great week!!

xoxo Joy

~ Flowers and Butterflies ~

2011-07-08T07:02:00.001-05:00

Good morning Y'all !!! I'm still on a flower making kick. I think I got a little carried away with the butterflies and flowers...it's too busy, but I decided to post it anyway. I used the Paisley cart for the largest flower and Walk in my Garden for the flower pot. The smaller flowers were punched.Did some embossing, used Glossy Accents here and there and Stickles too. Added a few vintage buttons and some bright yellow bakers twine that you can find at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/. She has some great summery colors! Thanks for taking a peek !!

~ God Bless America ~

2011-07-01T07:42:00.004-05:00

Good morning Y'all ! I decided I better jump on the band wagon and make a 4th of July card. I used Stand and Salute for the bunting frame and A Child's Year for the cute lil children. Lots of layers on this one and lots of inking. I crimped the background paper, that you can barely see, added some vintage seam binding, a star button with bakers twine tied into a bow and you can find LOTS of colors of the twine at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/. Added the punched borders and called this one done! Dan and I will be heading to my home town of Selma, for the annual Bearden 4th of July Bar B Que Bash, on Monday!! I hope y'all have a safe and fun weekend !! God Bless America !!

~ Hummingbird Feeder ~

2011-06-29T10:44:00.002-05:00

Hi Y'all! The hummers love feeding on the lantana we have planted all over the yard.( I just wish those lil dare devils would hurry up and visit us ! ) I picked a bloom the other day and looked at almost all my carts with flowers on them and couldn't find a bloom that resembled lantana, so I made my own! I used a mat from Cindy Loo and placed one on top of the other, in different directions and welded them together and got the look I wanted,as subtle as it is.I used a small sun punch for the middle of each flower and added a drop of yellow stickles.I used Home Accents for the hummer and the stem and Walk in my Garden for the leaves. Used several border punches, added some beeeeeeuteeful Crinkle Ribbon and Bakers Twine, from http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/. added some buttons and pearls and gave the entire card a spritz of Glimmer Mist. The paper I have been using is from the Watercolor Bouquet Collection, by KnCompany. Thanks for taking a peek!!!

~ Thinking of You ~

2011-06-28T08:54:00.002-05:00

Hi Y'all...I have been on a flower making binge ! Some of you have asked how long it takes me to make a card, well this one took the better part of TWO days !!! I can't tell you how many different flowers I made before I settled on these. I almost threw up my hands and trashed it, but I think it ended up kinda purtty.I used Sentimentals for the butterfly, Winter Woodlands for the matting behind the butterfly, Gypsy Wanderings for the scalloped mat and Bloom for the sentiment mat.The flowers were made using a punch and the centers are a small sun punch that work great for centers of flowers..ask me how many lil suns I punched for 2 days ! No...don't ..I can't count that high!! I added some pearls, Memory Thread for the lil curly Q's( you can buy Memory Thread at Michael's and Hobby Lobby, back in the embroidery section) I embossed almost every thing and spritzed it all with Glimmer Mist. Thanks for stopping by !!

~ Hydrangea Hello ~

2011-06-28T08:50:00.001-05:00

Good morning y'all! Amy inspired me to make this card, with her pretty hydrangea card... Thanks Amy! I used Walk in my Garden for the hydrangea base, but I used a Martha Stewart punch for the actual flowers, and numerous other punches were used as well.Bloom was used to create the scalloped circle.Lots of inking and pop dots on this one. I used Stickles for the centers of the flowers and butterflies and added petite rick rack to the tag.Hello, is a stamp from the Sweet Sentiments Collection that can be found at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/. Thanks for taking a peek !!

~ Over the Moon ~

2011-06-27T06:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday everyone !! It's challenge time over at My Craft Spot and this weeks theme is, Seeing Stars. I used Nursery Rhymes for this card, along with the Wild Card cart. I cut the base of the card at 5.5 and the the cow/moon was cut at 3.71 on my Gypsy. I cut many layers for the cow and moon so that I could use different colors, instead of just the silhouette. I did do some additional surgery on this image and used my Punch In The Page for all the stars. Did lots of inking and popping, used a white gel pen for the doodlin and embossed the background with a Cuttlebug hearts folder. I used Swiss dots for embossing the cow and moon. I added some beautiful Crinkle Ribbon and Bakers Twine that you can find at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/. I also added a star and a sweet charm to finish off the card. Y'all be sure to hop over to My Craft Spot and take a look at all the great projects that the DT did this week and make a card to submit in the challenge! Kimberly always has a great prize for the winner ! Thanks for taking a peek!!!

~ Happy 75th Birthday ~

2011-06-24T16:44:00.002-05:00

Hi y'all....Happy Friday ! I got an invitation in the mail last week for a surprise birthday party for a co-worker from years gone by. So I had to make Mildred a card for her special day. I used Create a Critter for the cupcake, Winter Woodland for the mat and TBBM for the lil tag. I used Plantin Schoolbook for the numbers and the scalloped border. Did lots of inking and popping, added some vintage seam binding, a button and some Memory Thread. I used a hole punch for the circles of green and pink that I placed under clear rain drops. Added some rick rack to the cupcake and spritzed it all with glimmer mist.I used a stamp from the Sweet Sentiments Collection that you can find at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/. Thanks for taking a peek...I hope y'all have a great weekend !!

~ Father's Day from the Fubabies ~

2011-06-18T15:12:00.001-05:00

Hi Y'all! I decided I better make Dan a Father's Day card from his babies. Since all the dogs wandered up or were neglected by their previous owners and we adopted them,I decided to go with an Orphans theme for this card.I used Four Legged Friends for all the critters and the dog house. The bed roll and the stick for the knapsack were cut from the Camp Out cart and the suitcase was cute from Paper Dolls for Everyday ( or Paper Doll Dress Up ) I cut a balloon for the knapsack using Create a Critter. The cloud is from Indi Art. I used my paw print punch, added some vintage ribbon and button and a cute lil charm.The inside is going to say...thank you Daddy for adopting us and opening up Daddy's Doggie Day Care Center...you are our Hero ! Thanks for taking a peek!!!

~ Timeless Love ~

2011-06-16T09:27:00.002-05:00

Hi Y'all! I made this card for Dan, for Father's Day. It's a romantic card and could really be a Valentine's card, but he is my valentine everyday!! I had already cut out Timless Love, using the Plantin Schoolbook cart and I had already made and stamped the ticket too, using Summer Vacation, so I was tickled when I found the perfect vintage image! I had to tweek the ticket, using my Gypsy and I still had to do a little trimming but I was pleased at how well the ticket and stamp fit together!I used Walk In My Garden for the flowers. I just snipped the ends of the flowers with my pinking shears to make them look more tattered. The postage stamp matting was cut using Sentimentals.I added a Tim Holtz clock face and a heart charm, some vintage seam binding and some lace.I used Memory Thread for the curly Q's. You can find Memory Thread at Michael's and Hobby lobby and it's located back with the embroidery thread. I used Antique Gold Rub N Buff on the letters to give them an aged look.That can be found at Michael's too. Thanks for taking a peek!!!

~Father's Day ~

2011-06-13T07:09:00.002-05:00

Good morning Y'all!! Are you ready for a challenge to start your week? If so, we have just the one you need over at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/ ! This weeks theme is We Love you Dad and I bet some of you need to make a card for that special man in your life! I used the Sweethearts cart to make the scooter on this card. Lots and lots of layers for this one. I used Spellbinders dies for the hearts and Jasmine for the corners. The sweet sentiment is from the Inside and Out Set#1 collection that you can find at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/. If you haven't had a chance to take a look at these fun stamps, you need to hop over there and take a look. The outside sentiment, as you can see says, A Hundred hearts would be too few ......and the inside says, To carry all my love for you. How sweet is that ?!? I used the Heritage cart for the frame for the sentiment. If your still making Father's day cards, come on over and enter them in the challenge. Kimberly always has some GREAT goodies to give away !!! Thanks for taking a peek...I hope y'all have a wonderful week!

~Sunflower~

2011-06-09T05:12:00.003-05:00

Good morning Y'all! I made another sunflower card and this actually looks like a sunflower! I used Walk In My Garden for the sunflower. Lots of layering on this one and inking and I added lots of brown pearls to the center Did some stitching on this one too...practice makes perfect and I need lots of practice ! Hello...is a stamp from the Sweet Sentiments collection that you can find at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com./ That adorable bee is a sizzix die. Thanks for taking a peek!!!

~ Bloom ~

2011-06-05T13:11:00.001-05:00

Hi Y'all....I have 1 sunflower that comes back year after year and it is blooming right now, so I decided to make a sunflower card...even tho it looks like a mum! Dan and I planted more sunflowers today and I am going to use this card, to share some seeds with my friend Darlene's, daughter. She has always shared day lilies and other flowers with me, so I thought I would make this card for her and share some seeds.My card critic Dan says this card is plain.....oh well.I used Paisley for the large flower and Bloom for the tiny lil flowers on the envie, which was made using the Wild Card cart.The picket fence was cut using the Bloom cart as well.The smaller flowers were punched. I did some inking and added buttons and called it done, even if it is plain! Thanks for taking a peek!!!

~ Cupcake Birthday ~

2011-06-01T09:33:00.002-05:00

Good morning Y'all! This birthday slipped up on me so I made a pretty easy card.I didn't even have to grumble and cuss and throw anything in the trash...it came together pretty quickly and thats a 1st for me ! I used Celebrations for the cupcake, cut at 5.5 on my G. Added all the layers and ran the bottom through my cripper.Did a lil embossing and added punched stars.The circle sentiment was computer generated and I cut it out with a 1 3/4" punch and used a nesty behind it.I used Plantin Schoolbook for the numbers and smothered them in Glossy Accents. Added some vintage seam binding and a cute lil charm.Hobby Lobby is having a 1/2 off sale and they had some darling charms! Thanks for taking a peek!!!

~You Make Me Smile ~

2011-05-30T06:00:00.004-05:00

Good morning y'all.....It's time once again for a challenge over at My Craft Spot! This week the challenge is Cute Critters ! The 1st time I saw the darling Sweet Sentiments Stamp Set, over at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/ , I knew I wanted to make this puppy and use the sentiment from the collection. Thanks Darlene for letting me use the Paper Pups cart to cut this lil fellow out with! I used Bloom for the background scallop and circle, A Child's Year was used for the bone and Country Life was used for the hat. I added some beautiful Crinkle Ribbon and Bakers Twine, also found on Kimberly's blog. I used Core'dinations paper for the pup and ran only her ears through the Cuttlebug, using the Swiss Dots folder ( an all time favorite !) I used it on the bone as well and used a Sizzix folder for the BG circle. The puppy paws punch is by EKSuccess. Added a few punched butterflies, did lots of inking and popping and added a little hand doodlin. His teeth were made all sparkly by using Star Dust Stickles. I used a black gel pen for his nose and used a white gel pen for the dots on her cheek,which I dusted with pink chalk. Gave her some googly eyes and smiled right back at her !! I hope y'all join us at My Craft Spot this week. Kimberly always has some great prizes for the winner of the challenge!!

Have a great week !!!

~ The Henley Cousins ~

2011-05-28T20:20:00.005-05:00

HI Y'all...I hope your enjoying this nice long weekend!! We had a cousins family reunion today in Sardis Alabama, at my cousin Cheryl's home. I wanted to make her a card and let her know how much I appreciated all the time and effort she put into planning this reunion. I used Plantin Schoolbook for the font. Papa and Ma are my great grandparents . Ma died before I was born but Papa lived to be 97 years young and was sharp as a tack until his last days ! He would always slip a 20 dollar bill into our hands if we were going on a trip, to the fair, etc and back in those days, I thought I was some kinda rich ! He would always say, here's you a little coke money. I have to tell you a little story about me and Papa. Mother said I couldn't have been more that 3 years old and I got to missing one day. My Mamma ( Papa's daughter) was frantic looking for me and then she realized that Papa was missing too. Well off she went to Mae's, a little juke joint down the road. There I was, with my hair in ringlets,dressed in my Sunday best, sitting on a stool at the bar, having myself a time, eating a roll of butterscotch life savers!! Mother said that Mamma laid into him with both barrels....needless to say, I never go to go back to Mae's! Anyway, I used Indi Art for the clouds, the tree was cut using Stretch Your Imagination and the 7 lil punched apples represent the 7 children they had. I sprintzed the clouds with Shimmer Mist , did some inking and called it done. Oh I have to tell this story too, cause I almost cried. My cousin Larry lost his wife and his mother ( Aunt Evelyn) all within a span of 7 days last year. I had made him a sympathy card and he hugged me tight today and told me, you sure do make pretty cards...I have the one you sent to me on the bookcase in the bedroom so I can look at it. I was moved to tears! Sorry that I have rambled on and on, but I wanted to share a few stories with you...I hope you all have a great weekend !!! xoxoxo

~ With Sympathy ~

2011-05-26T17:17:00.001-05:00

Hi Y'all....it seems like forever since I posted a card and I sure hate that it's a sympathy card.I found out through FaceBook that my friend Peggy, lost her Daddy several weeks ago. I used the Easter 2010 cart for the cross and I had seen so many wonderful cards made using Bloom,that I had to go out and buy it !! Y'all are such enablers !! Bloom was used for the mat. I added some punched butterflies and pearls and the sentiment is from Wild Card. Thanks for taking a peek !!! xoxo Joy

~ Conratulations on Your Success ~

2011-05-16T06:00:00.002-05:00

Good morning Y'all !!! It's time for another challenge this week over at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/. The challenge this week is to make a Congratulations card. With graduation right around the corner, I'm sure we all have a card to make for someone special! The sentiment from the Inside and Out Collection, Set# 1 , was the inspiration for this card. The inside stamp is "Congratulations on your Success " These stamp sets are so great, you get a sentiment for the outide of your card and one for the inside!! Cool, right ?!? I used Paperdolls for Everyday for the overalls. I used several embossing folders, did lots of inking and popping and I did some doodlin. I added the buttons and some beautiful Crinkle Ribbon and Bakers Twine. The sentiment, Crinkle Riboon and Bakers Twine can all be found at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/. I hope you all jump over to Kimberely's blog and play along with us this week. I'm sure she has a wonderful prize to give away to this weeks winner !! Thanks for stopping by!!! I hope y'all have a great week!!

My sweet husband has taken me to the beach for a week AND I get to meet Sandi ( Daveshunny) while we are down there!! Yipppeeee...I'm so excited. Can't wait to meet Sandi and soak up some rays!! See Y'all next week!! xoxoxo

Congratulations

2011-05-11T14:11:00.007-05:00

Hi Y'all! I was digging through some paper I had and ran across some that I thought would make perfect fireworks for a congratulations card. I used Stand and Salute for the fireworks. Lots of layers and I used gel pens to make them a lil glossy, then sprayed them with Glimmer Mist. I used the Martha Stewart Punch All Over The Page punch for the star background. I glossed them up with a gel pen too. Added a few punched borders , a star that I recolored with the same yellow gel pen, that I used on the stars and beautiful Crinkle Ribbon that you can find at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com Topped it off with some Memory Thread and made the lil congratulations tag on the computer. Thanks for taking a peek !!! xoxo

1st Responder's Thank You Card

2011-05-07T12:35:00.005-05:00

Hi Y'all ! As many of you know,Dan and I were in one of the many ( 46 , I think) tornado's that ravaged our state last week. The Pace's Point Volunteer Fire Depatment were johnny- on- the- spot that night and made thier way to us within an hour or so!!! When I heard the chain saws buzzin, I knew they were on the way! That entire body of volunteers will forever be My Hero's !! I wanted to make them a card and TRY to express my gratitude, although words and a card could never do that! I used Camp Out for the trees and sign , Summer Vacation for the cute lil travel trailer. ( That's what we have at the lake, a travel trailer, hence the cut) Life's a Beach was used for the life preserver, Create a Critter for the lake and the stars and moon are an EKSuccess punch.I did lots of embossing ,some inking and poppin , added the red and white Bakers Twine and a vintage button . Thanks so much for taking a peek !!!

~ Dream ~

2011-05-07T08:41:00.001-05:00

Good morning !! I hope y'all are enjoying this Mother's Day weekend! This is a card I made a few weeks ago while at the lake.I ran across my Mariposa paper and wanted to make a shabby chic looking card with it. I used French Manor for the layered matting, the bird and the bird cage.The cage was short and squatty ( like me ) so I just stretched it to fit, with my Gypsy.The large flower is from Walk in my Garden and the smaller ones are from Cindy Loo. I used a gel pen to cover the flowers with, to add that glossy effect.Added the Dream ticket, a few vintage buttons and Crinkle Ribbon,that you can find here, along with some Memory Thread. I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Mother's Day!! Thanks for taking a peek! xoxo Joy

~ Rub A Dub Dub ~

2011-05-05T12:20:00.001-05:00

Good morning Y'all !! Dan is running errands today and decided that he would go ahead and drop off the basket of baby presents we got for a sweet young woman that he used to work with. I had to jump up and make a card really quickly, for Danielle and Richard. I used New Arrival for the lil duck and Sentimentals for the postage stamp mats. Did lots of inking and poppin, added some beautiful Crinkle Ribbon,as well as some Bakers Twine and you can find them both here. I used a few punches and added the Rub a Dub Dub baby charm.Thanks so much for taking a peek !!!! xoxo Joy

~ Happy Mother's Day ~

2011-05-02T06:12:00.002-05:00

Good morning Y'all !! This is my first official post, as a Design Team member for My Craft Spot ! woohoo I'm so excited to be working with Kimberly and the other DT members!! I used the Easter 2010 cart for the tulips, daffodiles and Easter lilies.The smaller flowers were punched using the Martha Stewart Hydrangea punch. The basket was made using Doodlecharms, still an all time favorite cart! I added a small punched border to the basket as well as some beautiful hand dyed Crinkle Ribbon that you can find at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/p/hand-dyed-ribbon.html Topped it off with a button and some Memory Thread. I did a little embossing and added corners, made using an EK Success punch. Lots of inking and popping. The challenge this week at , My Craft Spot...http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/ ,is We love you Mom" so I hope y'all join us for some fun and get your Mother's Day cards made! I can't wait to see what you create !! Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek !!!

Oh and look what Kimberly is giving away this week! A set of beautiful Crinkle Ribbon for you and a set for your Mom!!! Just make a card and link it back to My Craft Spot!

Happy Birthday

2011-04-30T20:25:00.007-05:00

Hi Y'all !! Let me start by thanking y'all again for your concern for me during the tornadoes that ravaged Alabama on Wed!!!! My heart is so full.I'm really honored to call each and everyone of you my friend! I made this card for my friend Sharon. I used the teapot and cup from A Child's Year and welded them together on my Gypsy. Sharon has been going to Estate sales and buying lots of old china and glass ware, so I thought this paper looked really old fashioned and would fit in with her latest hobby. The button and seam binding are vintage and were given to me by Sharon so I wanted to add those to the card too.I used a stamp from the Sweet Sentiments Collection, set 1and you can see that collection Here. Thanks for taking a peek !!! xoxo Joy

More Pictures

2011-04-29T10:48:00.004-05:00

Just look at all that blue sky!! You were never able to see sky in that area before. The trees made the most beautiful tunnel to drive through, in and out of the park. John Allen told me, Mama, you will be able to get a sun tan from anywhere on the lake now !! I told ya, he has a warped sense of humor and was running on adrenaline. He was rambling on and on. I suspect it was his way of calming me down. God bless my son! But my heart aches as I look at all these pictures and remember what my eyes soaked in. I have seen pictures of the aftermath of tornadoes before, but never have I seen them up close. It was much too personal for me, but God is good and I am alive to tell about it!!

2011-04-29T10:44:00.003-05:00

The top picture is just a view of what thousands of trees look like in the park. This is why the scent of pine was so strong.The other picture is a view at the top of the crest. Trees were uprooted like this one, all inside and out of the park. If you go down the hill and around the curve, you would see our trailer on the left.

Pictures

2011-04-29T10:41:00.002-05:00

Several pictures of a rental trailer.Our next door neighbors were supposed to be staying in that trailer this weekend.

Pictures of the Tornado

2011-04-29T10:39:00.001-05:00

This is a lone flag left to wave, as you enter the park.

More Pictures of the Tornado

2011-04-29T10:24:00.007-05:00

That top picture is looking south, out of the park. There used to be trees and flags furling. The trees made the most beautiful, shady tunnel into the park. To the right was also a "check in" building and a rental trailer. They are both gone. The only way I could tell that this was the check in spot was because of the cement slab and the shrubs that still remained. It was very confusing to be able to tell exactly where you were. This is a picture of a small crest, as you enter the park. If you look closely behind the car, you can see the top of a motor home, buried under pines trees. The bathhouse that we were in, is about 100 yards north, and down the hill from this area.

~The Tornado~

2011-04-29T09:22:00.006-05:00

As many of you know, tornadoes ripped through the Southeast and beyond on Wednesday. Dan and I never go to the lake when we know that bad weather is approaching, but for some reason I decided we would go. Dan was apprehensive but I told him the bad weather would stay north of us. I also told him that even if we got some bad weather, it would be exciting...oh yea, it was exciting!!! I need to leave weather reporting to the professionals.

Early in the afternoon we lost power ,for a time.The trees in the park were already swaying. I saw Dan standing in the road, looking skyward. He stood there for a very long time and would later tell me that "things" just didn't feel right to him.

We ate supper around 6 and then I anxiously waited for American Idol to come on. Friends and family were calling, the NOAA weather radio was blaring and I was swapping channels on the TV, watching news out of Birmingham as well as Montgomery. My son, John Allen called back a little before 830 pm and asked me if I had heard the latest news. A Tornado was heading toward us. He said Mama, you need to come on down here right now. He and his girlfriend Casey, live in a 2 story home right on the lake, built into a hill and was a safe place to go, but it is about 6 miles from the park, and with all the winding, narrow roads , I knew we had no time to get there. Dan had already put blankets and pillows into the car and had it facing out so we loaded the dogs and dashed off to the bathhouse. I ran into the women's side and found another couple, Julia and Craig, along with Wes. They all live or vacation at the park but we had never met. We are no longer strangers,we will have a bond for life. Mr Gordon ( almost 90 years old) and David an amputee, were on the Men's side with their furbabies. We could hear the NOAA radio through the walls and Wes had a Droid, so we were up to date on the location of the tornado. Dan decided to stay in the car with our dogs. I have never heard thunder rumble so loudly. I had never before seen a bolt of lightening up close and personal,but I did that night as it flashed a blue streak into the bathhouse. I think that's when we lost power. It's about 845 now, maybe closer to 9, I really lost all track of time. Then we heard the hail...what we thought was hail. I started walking to the back of the bathhouse and sat in another cement enclosed shower stall. I just knew at any minute the roof would be peeled back. I bowed my head in prayer and I was surprisingly calm. It seemed like 5 minutes passed, but in all actuality it lasted perhaps a minute. I went 1st to the door and screamed for Dan and finally someone told me he was ok. The door was partially blocked by a pine tree and there were wires just outside the door.The hail turned out to be thousands of pine cones and debris that the winds pounded into the roof. The night air reeked of pine. That aroma will stay with me the rest of my life.

Dan, along with Wes and Craig went out to survey the park. Dan tried driving down to our trailer, but the road was blocked with felled trees.He finally made his way down to the trailer and found that we had lost the awning. A large tree came uprooted and barely missed the trailer.Our pier was damaged as well, but the boat looks fine. We had a small refrigerator on the deck and it was tossed into the yard. 2 wrought iron chairs and numerous other items were strewn into the yard. Dan was our hero when he came back with water and sodas for us all.

In the meantime my friend Darlene's husband Michael called. I could accept most calls but couldn't make any so I had him call John Allen to let him know we were ok. I don't know how much time passed before John Allen burst into the bathhouse asking, is this where the party is ?? He gets his warped sense of humor from moi! My only child had jumped into his truck and driven down to within a mile or so of the park and then walked in. He said he passed the road leading in to the park 3 times. It was so covered with trees ,debris and power lines , he could barely make a path to find us. And shouldn't have I might add! He was soaked to the bone and I could tell, he was running on adrenaline..he was wired!

We stayed in the bathhouse until 1 am. Dan had made several trips down to the trailer and around the park. We knew we had to help Mr. Gordon and David, so Dan went ahead and made a path as best he could through felled trees and downed wires. We loaded Mr Gordon into the car along with his 14 year old poodle, Lucky. Dan drove us as close as he could and then we had to walk the rest of the way. Dan walked 1st, holding Lucky ( Lucky never liked Dan in the past, but they are best buds now ! ) then Mr Gordon went next with me trying to hold onto him to steady his steps. We were a motley crew! An OLD man and his OLD dog, Dan who is so deaf he cant hear thunder and me with my bad ole back and knees. God was holding us all in the palm of his hands !! I think this very scene I described is why we went to the lake. God had a plan for us and that was to help Mr Gordon make it through the night. David refused to leave the bathhouse, so we left him with a candle and something to drink. He is fine.

When daylight finally broke through yesterday morning, all I could do was cry. Seeing all the destruction, experiencing the power of God and feeling his tender mercies was overwhelming to me!!! I feel like I have been run over by a train. I guess I was more tense than I realized, but God gave me a feeling of calmness in a very panic riddled situation. Please pray for all of those that lost loved ones, here in Alabama as well as the entire southeast. It has been a very sad few days in this neck of the woods. Thank you ALL for your prayers, phone calls, text messages and emails. You don't know what that means to Dan and myself!!! xoxoxo

This is a picture of the road leading into the park. This drive used to be lined with pine trees and flags attached to almost every one of them. They are all gone.

Mother Deer

2011-04-19T08:31:00.007-05:00

Good morning Y'all!! I want to thank ALL of you that were concerned about Dan and I during the horrible weather we had here last Friday!!!! It was an afternoon and night that I wont soon forget. As I have told some of you, the sirens wailed ALL night long and then the NOAA radio would start blaring. I stopped counting all the times that we were under a Tornado Warning. Just when we thought we were out of the woods and we could breath a lil easier, another warning would scream at us ! Unfortunately, there were 3 deaths, out in the country and my heart breaks for the family members left behind! Thanks again for your concern,y'all don't know how much that means to me !!

Now, on to this lil card. I sometimes call my Mother, Mother Dear so I made this lil card for her for Mother's Day. I used Create a Critter for the cute lil deer and tulips. After MANY failed attempts at using a sentiment from the Mother's Day Cart ( thanks Darlene) I created Mother, using the Gypsy Font for the M and ( oh shoot) Plantin Schoolbook ( I think) for the other.Lots of inking and popping and the lil butterfly on the deer's nose as well as the others were punched using a Martha Stewart punch. Added a few pearls, a button and some beeeUtiful Crinkle Ribbon that you can purchase at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/ . Thanks for taking a peek !! Dan and I are off to the lake to spend Easter with my baby boy. I hope Y'all have a safe and Blessed Easter !!!!

Thinking of You

2011-04-15T15:41:00.003-05:00

Hi Y'all!! I hope your all safe and sound, the weather here is about to be BAD! Dan and I found out last week that our sweet next door neighbor, Kristine has breast cancer! Dare I said...HAD...we went and sat with Eddie yesterday while they did a lumpectomy and the Dr. seems to think he got it all!!! God is great! I used Country Life for the lil pitcher of flowers and I used a new style of card. ( new for me anyway) I started with a 12x12 piece of card stock and cut a piece 4.25 wide. I scored it at 2' and 7.5 so that I would have an A2 size card. Did lots of layering and inking. Added some vintage seam binding and a button. The sentiment is stamped, using a stamp from the Sweet Sentiments Collection that you can purchase over at http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/ . She has some darling new stamps AND if you aren't able to find vintage seam binding she has Crinkle Ribbon in the most beautiful colors !! She hand dyes the ribbon and its gorgeous !! Y'all know I am a horrible stamper, but I stamped that perfectly...the very 1st time!! wooohooo Have a great weekend and stay safe !!! xoxo

Hap-BEE Birthday

2011-04-12T10:54:00.002-05:00

Hi y'all ! I needed a birthday card for my friend Sally AND the challenge over at My Craft Spot is to make a birthday card and add a tag, so I killed 2 birds with one stone.I used Create a Critter for the bee's and hive,Walk In My Garden for the lil flowers that I attempted to mimic, in the BG paper.I did some punching for edges, added some clear rain drops, a button and some Memory Thread. The ribbon is vintage seam binding that my friend Tim, bid on and won at an auction at the lake Saturday.He was generous enough to let me pick through his treasures and I got seam binding in many colors.I just wet it and crunched it up to make that fussy lil bow. Thanks for taking a peek!! I want to thank all of y'all for leaving me such SWEET comments on my cards...you girls just make my day and keep me inspired !!!

No Yoke

2011-04-11T10:32:00.003-05:00

Good morning Y'all!! I have a dear friend, that has lost her job and she is so depressed. I made this card to cheer her up....I hope it will! Dan didn't get my lil pun at 1st, but I hope Susan will and that you do too! The inside sentiment is going to be something like,This is No Yoke, I hope you have a great day and find a job soon! I used Plantin Schoolbook for the letters that I welded using my Gypsy. The chickie and eggs came from Just Because and the scalloped border was from Stretch Your Imagination. I did lots of doodlin, a lil inking, added the ribbon and Memory Thread through the button and No Yoke....called this one done ! Thanks for taking a peek and I hope y'all have a great week!!

Birthday Bass

2011-04-05T11:36:00.002-05:00

Hi Y'all !! One of our new friends at the lake, Tim, had a birthday and this is the card I made for him. He has been taking Dan out bass fishing on the lake alot lately and so I thought this card was appropriate. I used Camp Out for the bass and Paper Doll Dress Up....OR Everyday paper dolls for the cat tails. The pond is from Create a Critter. The card stood alone, pretty well, but I decided to add the cat tails after I made the card, to give it more stability.LOTS of inking and I embossed the fish . Thanks for taking a peek!! We are headin back to the lake, now that the threat of bad weather has passed. I hope y'all have a great week!!

Thank You

2011-04-04T10:19:00.002-05:00

Good morning Y'all !! Dan and I came back from the lake early...the fish weren't biting and the weather is going to get BAD here in Alabama today..so they say. We have made some great friendships at the lake and this card is for one of those friends, Ms Millie....she gave Dan and I some fresh eggs!!! I can't wait to make a pound cake with them. I used My Community for the hen and apron, Doodlecharms for the eggs, Paperdolls for Everyday for the basket and Country Life for the sun and hill.Did a lil embossing, inking and doodlin. Thanks for taking a peek !!!

xoxo Joy

Cherry Sweet

2011-03-31T07:48:00.003-05:00

Good morning Y'all! This is a lil Thank You card for Vivi, over on the Cricut Message Board.She was kind enough to send me ( all the way from Costa Rica ! ) a pretty card and some card making goodies...woohooo! I used From my Kitchen for the cherries and I have no idea which cart I used to weld Cherry together with, not do I remember where sweet came from. I'm tellin ya, these "Golden years" aren't what they are cracked up to be !!! lol My memory is horrible !

Anyway, did a lil inking and popping and punching. The pink mat is part of a pack , that included the scalloped mats as well as the rectangle mats in a coordinating color. They sure do come in handy! Thanks for taking a look see....Dan and I are off to the lake and I sure hope the Crappie are biting!!! Have a great weekend !!! xoxo Joy

2011-03-31T06:57:00.001-05:00

Hi Y'all. I made some more dogwood blossoms, this time using the Martha Stewart Hydrangea punch. I used my pinking shears to snip the centers to make them look authentic.Inked the edges with red.The back layer is a heavier vellum and the top layer is the sheer vellum.The eggs and cross are from the Easter 2010 cart.I also used the MS Trellis punch. Added some pretty crinkle ribbon, made by the MB's very own, Sentimental Scrapper!! Added a button and Memory Thread and spritzed the entire card. I distressed the edges of the top mat and inked it with Tim Holtz tea dye ink. Oh and the corners are a punch as well, by EKSuccess.Thanks for taking a peek !!! xoxo Joy

~ Shaped Easter Egg ~

2011-03-29T15:52:00.003-05:00

Hi Y'all !! I made a shaped card !! Wooohoooo! Diane on the Cricut Message Board, inspired me to make one and I don't know if I want to thank her or cuss her ! lol I used Easter 2010 for the chick, grass and eggs, Country Life for her...Sunday go to Meeting hat....and Just Because for her wing. Did lots of inking and popping , added lots of pearls, added the ribbon and cute lil flower button and ran Memory Thread thru it. I'm going to enter this in My Craft Spot's challenge this week.The only requirement is to put a bow on your project! Thanks for stopping by !!!

xoxo Joy

~ Easter Blessings ~

2011-03-28T16:55:00.008-05:00

Hi Y'all. Whenever I think of Easter, I always think of the Dogwood tree. Driving to and from the lake is a wonderful experience this time of year.The woods are bursting with blooms as the Dogwoods and the wild Wisteria paint the hills and lake side with color! That beautiful sight inspired me to create this card. I used 50 States for the Dogwood blossom, but it really didn't look like any Dogwood that I had ever seen, so I snipped the middle of each petal and then inked it with a dark red ink. I made the flowers using a soft pink Vellum. I guess it's a type of vellum,( It's sold right next to it at Hobby Lobby ) its not as sheer as the vellum I have worked with before, but it is soooo pretty! I did add one layer of the sheer vellum to the flowers. I used a hole punch for the centers and then added tiny gold beads.I used Camp Out for the branch as well as the weathered wood. It's the sign on that cart, but I used it so symbolize the cross that Jesus was crucified on. You can read the Legend of the Dogwood, below. Thanks for taking a peek....God Bless !! xoxo Joy

The Legend of the Dogwood

At the time of the crucifixion,the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus' cross.To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood.While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said."Because of your pity for my suffering,never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enoughto be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted,and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals. "In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower,stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember."

~ Mama Chick and Babies ~

2011-03-28T09:53:00.002-05:00

Good morning Y'all !! I have been on a Chick kick! I started this card at the lake and finally got around to finishing it.I used Easter 2010 for the large chick and Happy Easter, My Community for the smaller chicks.Country Life for the hill, Create a Critter for the tulips. Lots of inking, doodlin and popping. The scalloped mat is from a card pack that I bought at Michaels. Thanks for stopping by !!! xoxo Joy

~ Another Sailor Chick ~

2011-03-26T08:25:00.004-05:00

Hi Y'all !! I made a card similar to this a few weeks ago and since I was at the lake, decided to make a lil boy sailor card. I used oh so many carts to pull this card together with and they are as follows:

Easter 2010 ...Chick

Paper Doll Dress Up...Sailor hat

Create a Critter...Pond

Just Because...Sun

New Arrival...Sail boat

Stretch your Imagination...Scalloped Frame

and I have no idea which cart the grass came from. All I can say is thank goodness for my Gypsy!!!

Thanks for taking a peek !!! Have a great weekend !

~ Hoppy Birthday ~

2011-03-26T06:59:00.001-05:00

Good morning Y'all !!! Dan and I got back from then lake yesterday and while I was gone, I found some Mojo! I used the Sweethearts cart for the large frog and Paper Doll Dress Up for the smaller, hoppin frogs.I welded Hoppy together and Birthday came from the Create a Critter cart and I think the cake did as well. I used Stretch Your Imagination for the scalloped frame and thats just what I did... I stretched the frame to just the size I wanted, using my Gypsy. Thanks for taking a peek!!!!

~ Sugared Easter Egg ~

2011-03-16T13:45:00.005-05:00

Happy Hump Day !! Do Y'all remember those sugared Easter eggs we used to get in our baskets and they had lil scenes inside?? This is my take on those sugary creations. I used the Easter 2010 cart for the eggs, grass, bow and bunny rabbit and Doodlecharms for the basket.The bunny has 3 layers, on top of the shadow layer.Some of you that know my work, know that I LOVE layers. It adds so much dimension. I seldom if ever glue 1 layer down on card stock. I have had comments made about embossing patterned paper. Yep, I do that too, for dimension. As subtle as it is, it still adds depth. The large scalloped egg is 3 layers, glued together and then popped, using foam dots, on top of yet another layer. I glittered the egg with a fine glitter and added "Icing" all along the scallop, using pearlized Polymark fabric paint. I added some vellum flowers and punched leaves.I thought that the corners needed a lil something, so I used a hole punch to punch out 4 tiny dots and placed them under clear rain dots. I usually only buy clear rain dots and use this technique to make them any color I want ! Thanks so much for stopping by to take a peek !!! xoxo Joy

~ Easter Chick ~

2011-03-15T09:21:00.003-05:00

Good morning!! I noticed that BBTB2 was having a challenge, using the Chick from the Easter 2010 cart ( any cart actually) and I decided to play along. The chick, eggs, rick rack and grass are from the Easter cart and the sailor hat and collar are from Paper Doll Dress Up. I did a lil inking and popping, added some vellum flowers that I punched out, some bling and the corners were punched as well. I embossed the background paper and called this lil Chickie done !Thanks for stopping by to take a peek !!! xoxo

~ Spring Time in Alabama ~

2011-03-15T09:15:00.002-05:00

Good morning Y'all !! When Dan and I came back from the lake a few weeks ago, I was so excited to see that my daffodils and hyacinths had burst into bloom !! I used Walk in My Garden for the flowers,Indi Art for the clouds,the tree is from Cindy Loo and the robins are from 50 States. Did some inking, doodling and poppin. Just my humble attempt to create the birth of Spring in my yard ! Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek !!! xoxo

Sympathy Cards

2011-02-28T12:15:00.002-06:00

Good morning Y'all ! I hope your all having a great start to your week.I had to attend a funeral last week for 2 of my dear childhood friend's Mother. I grew up with Debbie and Kathy and was always treated like family when I was at their home. It was so sad to hear that Miss Bea had passed away.I made both girls a card using various carts. The blue card frame was made using Wild Card. I was surprised to find just the type frame I was looking for! The ovals and the scallop were from the same cart. I used a punch for all the vellum flowers and the butterfly.I used the Easter cart for the cross. Did some embossing and added some bling. The purple card was made using the Easter cart for the cross as well and a punch for the lattice. The same Martha Stewart, Hydrangea punch, was used for all the flowers on this one too. Added bling to the centers of each flower. Thanks so much for taking a peek !!!

From the Furbabies, to Dan

2011-02-13T18:13:00.003-06:00

Hi Y'all....I am done with Valentine cards ! Although I think I could make them all year long, I'm ready for something new! I created these cards and made them reflect each animal. We have 3 dogs, they don't know it, but they really are dogs. Buddy wandered up about 10 years ago and I don't know what I will do with Dan, when Buddy goes to the big bone yard in the sky! Buddy is forever begging for food and Dan obliges him! Sadie, she was a neighbors dog and dug out all the time to come visit us and the rest of the neighbors.They finally decided that they didn't have time for her anymore and we adopted her. She is a mess and loves her Daddy to death! Dan said if she was a woman, I would have been put out by her, a LONG time ago...the love is mutual! She is always on her back, under Dan's feet, wanting her ole tummy rubbed. Tex....what can I say. He too, was our back door neighbors dog and neglected as much as Sadie was. I swear he can tell time! In the afternoons, before Dan would come home from work, Tex would be at the fence, waiting. The minute Dan drove up, he would start. It sounded like someone was killing Tex...screaming and barking and jumping on the fence like a mad dog!! Dan traded a 500 dollar shotgun for Tex...I tell him all the time, you traded WAY down, Danno! The neighbors were about to move and they wouldn't sell us Tex or give him to us, although we took MUCH better care of him than they did and he practically lived here anyway! Dan was frantic and offered them the gun and they jumped on it. I image so! Tex always has a baby in his mouth.

Now for the cat. I noticed him on out front porch one day and attempted to shoo him away, every time I saw him...our dogs do not like cats! I did it for his own good, but he never would leave so I started feeding his wild butt! He will hiss at me every time I feed him, but Dan says he just smiles a him...Ok Dan....whateva ! Dan thinks that maybe in 6 months time, he might be able to pet him. I hate to break his heart, but from what I have read, we may never get to touch him. He is solid black and has scary yellow eyes and thinks he owns the front yard and I guess he does ! I named him Your Highness, hence the crown!

I used 4 Legged Friends for all the critters and various other carts. Thanks so much for stopping by..I hope you all have a Wonderful Valentine's Day !!!! xoxoxo Joy

~ I'm Blue Without You, Valentine ~

2011-02-08T11:02:00.002-06:00

Good Morning Y'all!!! I made this card for my niece, Elizabeth.I got to see her for maybe 10 minutes at Thanksgiving and I miss her and I'm blue. I took artistic liberties with this card, cause it really isn't blue at all....does sea green count as blue ?? I used my go to cart, Sweethearts, for the hearts. I held my breath and cut the scalloped heart out in a light pink vellum.Create a Critter was used for the flowers.The vellum flowers were punched.The lattice is a punch, as well .Used some vintage buttons, added Memory Thread, some bling and some lace.Lots of inking and did some embossing with the Textiles folder.Thanks for taking a peek !!

xoxo Joy

~ Be Mine ~

2011-02-06T21:36:00.003-06:00

HI Y'all...I can't seem to stop making Valentine's !!! My head is filled with ideas and this one I scrap lifted the little circle thingy. I think this card has a masculine feel to it and I entered it in Cricut Cards Challenge. I made the circle on my PC and added a Tim Holtz arrow.I used Doodlecharms for the hearts and my Gypsy ( YEA, I got her back this week !!!) to tweak the size of the hearts.The crown is from, Oh I have already forgotten, there are so many carts with crowns.Used a Martha Stewart punch and decorative scissors, added a K&Co rub on and some old vintage lace I found at a Flea Market.Added some pearls and called this one done. Thanks for taking a peek !!!xoxo Joy

~ Sweetheart ~

2011-02-06T15:17:00.001-06:00

Hi Y'all....I made this card for Dan.I used the Sweethearts cart for the hearts,the doves and the sentiment. The BEAUTIFUL hand crocheted heart was a RAK from Tatiana!! I just love it....thats why I put in on a card for Dan, it will be on display in my studio after Valentines Day!Lots of layering,inking and poppin. I used several colored gel pens on the sweetheart and it looks much better in person...looks kinda yuck in the picture. Added some lace and a lil tag I found online.The bow was made using a Bowdabra. The Bowdabra was a Christmas present from Dan that he just found last week! I don't know why he hides things...I'm not a snoop!!! Thanks for taking e peek !!! xoxo Joy

~ Whooo Loves You, Valentine ? ~

2011-02-05T23:32:00.002-06:00

Hi Y'all, I'm not really an Owl person. I had a close encounter with a real one last year, and quit frankly, I'm afraid of them ! lol But I decided that this owl can't swoop down toward me! I used Create a Critter and Sweethearts for this card. I'm wearing that Sweethearts cart out!! Country Life was used for the banner and letters .I used a new embossing technique I saw over at Splitcoast Stampers. I placed the trees down onto the mat and then embossed the entire card.It looks pretty neat.Used stickles, a glitter gel pen,Memory Thread and a few buttons. Thanks for taking a peek!!!!xoxo Joy

~ My Valentine~

2011-02-05T17:54:00.001-06:00

Happy Saturday, Y'all !!! I hope everyone is safe and warm!!!I made this card using a reproduction of a vintage postcard I bought at a flea market.The sentiment is so small, I had a time reading it, so this is what it says:I dropped this in the mail box,It was addressed to you,But OH! It left me lonely My heart went with it too!I thought a heart with wings was appropriate for this card ! I think I used Indie Art for the wings and Sweethearts for the heart.I punched the post mark in a circle and added it for fun. The postcard was mailed from La Grange Ga, on Feb 12, 1942. I just love finding treasures in flea markets !! Thanks for taking a peek !!!! xoxo Joy

~ Amore ~

2011-02-01T16:21:00.001-06:00

Hi Y'all!! I bought this travel themed paper to make my son and his girlfriend a mini album to show off all the pictures from their European travels last year...HAHAHA The paper has been used to make cards with...who was I fooling ?!? So this card is for my lil world travelers.I kinda sorta scraplifted my own card I made a few weeks ago.I used French Manor for the Eiffel Tower and for Amore....by the way Amore is an Italian word...Amour is French...sombody got their countries confused. I used the Sweethearts cart for the hearts.Did some inking,poppin, added a brass brad and a metal button, to make it a lil more masculine.Oh and I dyed that seam binding....it isn't what I have seen people use on other posts, but it works for me!!After I glittered the heart, I kinda sprinkled some all over the card and it is so fine, it stuck and gave the entire card a touch of sparkle. Thanks for taking a peek and reading my ramblings !!!xoxo Joy

~ Your Nest or Mine, Valentine~

2011-01-31T16:48:00.002-06:00

Happy Monday,Y'all! I have been wanting to cut this lil couple out for soooo long, but I kept getting sidetracked. They are from the Sweetheart cart. I used more of the pretty K&Co paper and of course I cut out my favorite scalloped heart. Did some doodlin and once again, outlined lots of areas with the glittery gel pen....it gives the card just enough sparkle to catch the eye. Added pearls in the corners of the punched flowers and used my computer to generate the circle sentiment. Thanks so much for stopping by to take a peek !!! xoxo Joy

~ LOVE ~

2011-01-30T22:31:00.001-06:00

Hi Y'all!! I spent the better part of the day working on this card ! lol I wish I could make up my mind about paper,lace, etc and stick with it...but NOOOO I have to change everything a dozen times and I'm still not happy! Do y'all do that to ? It just drives me nuts ! Anyway, I used the Sweethearts cart for this card. I just LOVE that scalloped heart, but I think I had consumed WAY too much coffee, thinking it would be a good idea to add all those tiny pearls to that vellum !! Oh I did use Wildcard for the vellum flower. Lots of inking and popping, added the lace and used that sweet postcard from a KnCo pack.Used several embossing folders and outlined the hearts with a glittery gel pen.Thanks for taking a peek !!!

~ I'm a Lucky Dog, Valentine ~

2011-01-29T19:15:00.002-06:00

Hi Y'all !!! I made this card for a challenge over on the Cricut Message Board. Holly has been posting some sketches and I decided to play along. I used the Paisley cart for the dog and Sweethearts for the layered hearts. I used a glittery red gel pen to outline the dogs arms, ears etc and used the same pen to make the dots on the scalloped heart.The heart was cut at 2.5 inches and the circles really didn't cut out, so I gave the dots a little shimmer with the pen.

Thanks for taking a peek !!!! xoxo Joy

~ With Heartfelt Sympathy~

2011-01-26T11:31:00.004-06:00

Good morning crafters ! I know we never like to make sympathy cards, but we just have to.This is for a man in Dan's hunting club. Keith and his wife lost there 26 year old daughter in a car wreck last week. Actually, I knew Keith way back in the day when he was a detective with the Prattville police dept. and he would come into Kmart to make purchases for the dept. I often had to take care of all the paperwork that went along with the purchases and Keith and I became acquainted during this time. I am so in love with the vellum flowers that Scootingranny, over on the Cricut Message Board introduced us to the other day, via Selma's Stamping Corner: Vellum Flowers. I used Wild Card for the flowers, cut at 1.25, 1 and .75 inches. I went out in the rain yesterday to purchase the Martha Stewart trellis punch ( I just had to scraplift Selma's beautiful card!) and I used a Spellbinders die for the sentiment, which was computer generated. Thanks for stopping by !!! xoxo Joy

~ Thinking of You ~

2011-01-25T09:13:00.005-06:00

Good morning Y'all....from rainy,dreary Alabama!! This is a card that was commissioned. She saw a card that I had made and posted on Facebook and she wanted one just like it, but in hot pinks and black. I used Create a Critter for the darling lil frog, lily pad and dragonfly.Thinking if You is from good ole George. Someone on the Cricut Message Board had posted some beautiful vellum flowers and of course, I had to make some ! She got the inspiration from Selma's Stamping Corner: Vellum Flowers. Added a lil bling and used a glittery gel pen on the sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by !!!! xoxox Joy

~ My Attempt at Shabby Chic ~

2011-01-23T12:00:00.004-06:00

Hi Y'all ! I absolutely LOVE Shabby Chic and vintage style cards, but try as I might, I can not get that look down pat! grrrrrrrrrrrrrr These are merely humble attempts. I used the scalloped heart from the Sweethearts cart for both cards. I intertwined ribbon through one and layered it and also added pink tulle.Added a Jenni Bowlin calendar, and a Tim Holtz ticket. The paper for the 2ND card is by KnCo and it is soooo pretty! The vintage image is a postcard from that paper pack. Did lots of inking and distressing to the postcard. I have more glitter on ME, than on the hearts. Added the lil gem flourish , a vintage button and guess what, more Memory Thread ! Added some lace and used an EK Success punch and called it a day! Thanks for taking a peek !!!

~ Several Thank You Cards ~

2011-01-23T10:42:00.003-06:00

Good morning Y'all !! I made these cards for some AMAZING women that I have gotten to know on the Cricut Message Board. They all sent me some goodies and I am so grateful to them not only for the goodies,but more importantly, their friendship !!! I used Create a Critter for the lil bird card, Pooh and Friends for the floral card and French Manor for the Merci card. Thanks for taking a peek and thanks to each of these wonderful women!!! Tatiana, Diane and Sandi...you girls ROCK !!!

~ My Lil Love Bug ~

2011-01-20T15:53:00.002-06:00

Yep...that's a lil pet name that I call Dan sometimes,so I had to make him this card! I used more of the Be Loved paper, from My Minds Eye. The lil bug is from Create a Critter as are the heart flowers. They were the tulips, but I snipped them off and added the hearts.The letters are from Plantin Schoolbook,the cream colored scalloped hearts are nestabilities and the green hearts are from Love Struck.Once again,I used the Memory thread for the antenna's, after I snipped them off too. I'm tellin ya, I'm lovin this Memory Thread! Did a lil inking and lots of popping and I made my own Wobble, so the lil bug is in motion!! Thanks for taking a peek !!

Purtty Paperz

~~~ Celebrate ~~~

~~~ Love U ~~~

~~~ Happy Valentine's Day ~~~

~~~ Dream...Create...Inspire ~~~

~~ You're Sew Sweet ~~

~~ Happy Birthday ~~~

~~~ From Our House To Yours~~~

~~~ Snowmen ~~~

~~~ Gingerbread People ~~~

~~~ Feel Better Soon ~~~

~~~ Some Christmas Cards ~~~

~~~Shabby Chic Birthday~~~

~~~ Happy Thanksgiving ~~~

~~~~ Dan's Birthday Card ~~~

****A Few Christmas Cards****

~~~ HaLLoWeeN TaGs~~~

~~~ Shabby Chic Tags ~~~

~~~ BOO ~~~

~~ John Allen's 35th Birthday Card ~~~

~~~ Art Philosophy Collection ~~~

~~~ On Your Special Day ~~~

~~~ Happy Fall Y'all ~~~

~~ LoVe BuG ~~

~~~ With Deepest Sympathy ~~~

~~~ Lady Bug ~~~

~~~ Friends are the Best~~~

And the Winner is.................

~~~Stamp Set Reveal ~day 5~~~

~~~Sneak Peek Stamp Set Party...day 4~~~

~~~ For John Allen ~~~

~~Sneak Peek Stamp Release Blog Hop~~

~~~ Celebrate ~~~

~~~ Hoppy Birthday ~~~

~~~ Your SEW Sweet ~~~

~~ Just Because ~~

~~ Happy Birthday Bird ~~

~~~ With Sympathy ~~~

~~~ Smiling Flowers ~~~

~~~ Zinnias ~~~

~~~ Flowers and Butterflies ~~~

~~~ God Bless America ~~~

~~~ Hummingbird Feeder ~~~

~~~ Thinking of You ~~~

~~~ Hydrangea Hello ~~~

~~~ Over the Moon ~~~

~~~ Happy 75th Birthday ~~~

~~~ Father's Day from the Fubabies ~~~

~~~ Timeless Love ~~~

~~~Father's Day ~~~

~~~Sunflower~~~

~~~ Bloom ~~~

~~~ Cupcake Birthday ~~~

~~~You Make Me Smile ~~~

~~~ The Henley Cousins ~~~

~~~ With Sympathy ~~~

~~~ Conratulations on Your Success ~~~

~~Congratulations ~~

~~ 1st Responder's Thank You Card ~~

~~~ Dream ~~~

~~~ Rub A Dub Dub ~~~

~~~ Happy Mother's Day ~~~

~~ Happy Birthday ~~

~~ More Pictures ~~

~~ Pictures~~

~~Pictures of the Tornado~~

~~More Pictures of the Tornado~~

~~~The Tornado~~~

~~ Mother Deer ~~

~~ Thinking of You ~~

~~ Hap-BEE Birthday ~~

~~ No Yoke ~~

~~ Birthday Bass ~~

~~ Thank You ~~

~~ Cherry Sweet ~~

~~~ Shaped Easter Egg ~~~

~~~ Easter Blessings ~~~

~~~ Mama Chick and Babies ~~~

~~~ Another Sailor Chick ~~~

~~~ Hoppy Birthday ~~~

~ Celebrate ~

~ Love U ~

~ Happy Valentine's Day ~

~ Dream...Create...Inspire ~

You're Sew Sweet

Happy Birthday ~

~ From Our House To Yours~

~ Snowmen ~

~ Gingerbread People ~

~ Feel Better Soon ~

~ Some Christmas Cards ~

~Shabby Chic Birthday~

~ Happy Thanksgiving ~

~~ Dan's Birthday Card ~

A Few Christmas Cards

~ HaLLoWeeN TaGs~

~ Shabby Chic Tags ~

~ BOO ~

John Allen's 35th Birthday Card ~

~ Art Philosophy Collection ~

~ On Your Special Day ~

~ Happy Fall Y'all ~

LoVe BuG

~ With Deepest Sympathy ~

~ Lady Bug ~

~ Friends are the Best~

~Sneak Peek Stamp Set Party...day 4~

~ For John Allen ~

Sneak Peek Stamp Release Blog Hop

~ Celebrate ~

~ Hoppy Birthday ~

~ Your SEW Sweet ~

Just Because

Happy Birthday Bird

~ With Sympathy ~

~ Smiling Flowers ~

~ Zinnias ~

~ Flowers and Butterflies ~

~ God Bless America ~

~ Hummingbird Feeder ~

~ Thinking of You ~

~ Hydrangea Hello ~

~ Over the Moon ~

~ Happy 75th Birthday ~

~ Father's Day from the Fubabies ~

~ Timeless Love ~

~Father's Day ~

~Sunflower~

~ Bloom ~

~ Cupcake Birthday ~

~You Make Me Smile ~

~ The Henley Cousins ~

~ With Sympathy ~

~ Conratulations on Your Success ~

Congratulations

1st Responder's Thank You Card

~ Dream ~

~ Rub A Dub Dub ~

~ Happy Mother's Day ~

Happy Birthday

More Pictures

Pictures

Pictures of the Tornado

More Pictures of the Tornado

~The Tornado~

Mother Deer

Thinking of You

Hap-BEE Birthday

No Yoke

Birthday Bass

Thank You

Cherry Sweet

~ Shaped Easter Egg ~

~ Easter Blessings ~

~ Mama Chick and Babies ~

~ Another Sailor Chick ~

~ Hoppy Birthday ~

~ Sugared Easter Egg ~

~ Easter Chick ~

~ Spring Time in Alabama ~