Finally, a card!

I finally made a card today!  YAY!

This weekend, I received my Christmas stamps that I pre-ordered from Magnolia-licious and I couldn't wait to ink them up!

Stamps: Magnolia - Santa's Helper Edwin, Sled, Trees, and Holly Post
Patterned Paper: Me & My Big Ideas
Solid Cardstock: The Paper Co
Misc: Red & Green Stickles, Silver metallic Ribbon by Offray, EK Success Snowflake Edge Punch, Snowflake Brads, sharpie markers, and buttons from my stash.

Challenges:
1. Just Magnolia - sketch
2. HFOS - no plain Jane ribbon
3. Simple doodle - metal
4. Sophisticat - snowflakes and sparkle
5. Little Red Wagon - buttons
6. Charisma Cards - xmas
7. Crazy 4 Challenges - punch happy
8. Cute Card Thursday - card for a young boy
9. Allsorts - buttons
10. Sparkle Creations - xmas
11. Secret Crafter - xmas trees
12. Colour Create - red, green, & white
13. Rosie & Dee's - red, green, and bling
14. Magnolia Down Under - xmas card or decoration
15. 365 Cards - red & green
16. La La Land - 3 patterned papers, 2 colors of cardstock, 1 embellishment
17. Everybody Art - xmas
18. Kaboodle Doodle - snowflakes
19. Paper Cutz - anything goes
20. Cupcake Craft Challenges - red & green
21. The Pink Elephant - use your favorite coloring medium
22. Saturday Spotlight - use an image with a hat on
23. 2 Red Bananas - xmas
24. Stamp with fun - xmas
25. Cookin it up with Katie - red, brad, 3 of something
26. Treehouse - red, green, white, black
27. Stamp TV - red, green, gold (Edwin's buckles & buttons)
28. Ildi Co's - xmas song (Santa Clause is coming to town)
29. Pollycraft - xmas


WHEW!  That's a record for me!  WOO HOO!

Christmas Decorating...

My husband and I spent the weekend decorating the house for Christmas.  I would like to share some photos and ideas for you.

Our centerpiece.  My mother gave me the glass jar and I couldn't wait to fill it with Christmas balls!   I bought all the gold balls at Target, the greenery came from AC Moore, the round candles came from Pier 1 and the candleholders came from Pottery Barn.  The gold charger plates are from Macy's. 

Our chandelier.  I got this idea from a Christmas show I saw on HGTV.  We wrapped it with greenery, used some Target xmas balls and snowflakes, and I made a huge bow with ribbon from Jo-Ann's. 

We have quite a large Christmas village.  We put it on our buffet...  My husband and I LOVE antiques, my dining room set is one of my prized possessions.  It belonged to my grandparents and my grandfather gave it to me when he was moving to an assisted living community with his new wife.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey everyone!  Sorry I haven't been blogging this week.  Things were a little hectic, since Thanksgiving dinner was at my house.   Here's some photos from Thanksgiving:

My husband and I with our dogs, Rocky & Daphne

My grandparents

My parents and I

My 6 year old nephew and I

My husband and I and his 2 brothers

I love Paris...

I absolutely love this stamp!  I love Paris and my scrap room has an eiffel tower theme.  There's pictures of my scrap room here.  I need to update the photos... I have made some changes to the room (namely I have a LOT more scrapbooking stuff and I moved to the desk on the other side of the room because it had a hutch to hold some of my stuff).

Anyway, here's the card details:

Stamps: Magnolia Eiffel Tower, Sentiment from K&Co

Patterned Paper: Miss Elizabeth's

Solid Cardstock: The Paper Co

Misc Embellishments: Flowers by Prima, Adhesive Pearls by Michael's, Martha Stewart Lace Heart Punch, Ribbon by Sweet Petites, Brads by Special Moments, Creative Memories Corner Rounder, Stampin' Up Ticket Punch, Flourish from Cricut Storybook Cartridge

Challenges:

1. Just Magnolia - sketch

2. Magnolia-licious Highlights - use a Magnolia accessory stamp (no Tilda or Edwin)

3. Pile it On - 5 pearls, 3 flowers

4. Tuesday Morning Sketches - 3 papers, 2 embellishments, 1 flourish

I Believe in Santa...

I really had fun making this card.  This sketch was great - and I love these little packages I made!

Stamp: Magnolia Santa bending over

Patterned Paper: Me & My Big Ideas

Solid Cardstock:  The Paper Co

Misc Embellishments: Red ribbon by Spool o' ribbon, Tan ribbon by American Papercrafts, buttons, rhinestones by Michael's, "Believe" brads by Special Memories, Marvy square punch, pop dots, white stickles on santa's hat & coat.

The Challenges:

1. Friday Sketchers - sketch

2. Cute Card Thursday - glitter me silly (stickles on Santa's hat and coat)

3. Allsorts - card for a child

4. KaboodleDoodle - buttons, bows, and bling

5. Winter Wonderland - St. Nick

6. Sparkle Creations - xmas

7. Color Chef - red, tan, & black

8. Frosted Designs- Bling It On
9. The Secret Crafter- Four Seasons (Winter)
10. Paper Pal Arts- Christmas Cheer
11. Digi Kitty - punch it (Marvy 1" square punch for presents)
12. TCP Tuesday - Any December Holiday
13. Easy Breesy Kewl Color Challenges - red, tan, brown, white
14. HFOS - Getting ready for the Holidays

Tilda and Gingerbread house

Here's a 3D view of the house:

I got the idea for this card from Angela at Angelwood's Crafting Corner.  Her gorgeous Gingerbread house card made me purchase this stamp!  If you get a chance, hop on over to visit her blog!

Card Details:

Stamps: Magnolia 60's Tilda, Alota Gingerbread House

Patterned Paper: Me & My Big Ideas

Solid Cardstock: The Paper Co

Misc: Stickles in white, red, green, orange, blue, purple, & pink, White Liquid Pearls, Ribbon by Michael's, Gingerbread people by Wal-Mart, Pop Dots

Here's the challenges:

1. Our Creative Corner - sketch (and I am applying to be on their DT **fingers crossed**)

2. Paper Cutz Challenge - Use a stamp any theme

3. Hand full of Stamps Challenge - Getting ready for Christmas

4. Creative Belli Challenge - Xmas embellishments

5. Charisma cardz challenge - Merry & Bright

6. Cupcake Craft challenge: snow much fun
7. Crafty Creations: snowy creations
8. Pals Paper Arts: Christmas cheer
9. Sparkle Creations/Christmas Card Challenge: Christmas Theme #49

Tilda Baby Card

I created this card using the sketch from the Magnolia-licious Highlights Challenge.

It can also be used for the Pile it On leaf challenge.

Here's the details:

Stamp: Magnolia Tilda w/ Baby

Patterned Paper: K&Co

Solid Cardstock: The Paper Co

Misc: Nestabilities Scallop Oval & Oval, Creative Memories Scallop Corner Punch, Prima Flowers, Cricut Pooh Font Cartridge, Martha Stewart Leaf Punch, Martha Stewart Lace Heart Punch, Brads from stash (source unknown)

Tilda & Edwin kissing...

Card details:

Stamps:Magnolia Tilda & Edwin Under the Mistletoe, bench, Alota heart

Patterned Paper: Creative Imaginations
Solid Cardstock: The Paper Co
Misc: Martha Stewart Lace Hearts Punch, Martha Stewart Loops Edge & Corner Punches, Hand cut heart, Cuttlebug Hearts folder, Robin Mini Metallic Rub-On in Gold, Prismacolor Pencils and Gamsol, Red & White Stickles, Adhesive Pearls by Michael's (Tilda's Earring), rhinestones

The challenges:
1. Magnolia Down Under - sketch
2. La La Land - Use punches
3. Die Cuts R Us - Emboss Something

Tilda in the pumpkin patch

I used Magnolia Sitting fall Tilda, Magnolia pumpkin, paper from Target $1 bin, ribbon from my stash, rhinestones, Nestabilities Circles and Ribbon Tags, Prismacolor Pencils & gamsol, Sharpies for inking, and Metallic rub-ons.

Here are the challenges:

1. Create 4 Fun - sketch

2. Our Creative Corner - inspiration (they showed a picure of pumpkins and leaves) - once again, I am applying for the DT **fingers crossed**

3. Pile it on - fall leaves

4. Simon Says Stamp - give thanks

5. The Pink Elephant: Brown, Yellow, a Neutral + color of your choice

6. KaboodleDoodles: Fall Spendor

7. Saturday Spotlight with Hidden Potential:Use a stamp repeatedly

8. 2Red Bananas: Red, Yellow, Orange and Brown

9. Allsort: Bring Out Your Sparkles

Tilda w/ bell

I had so much fun making this card.  I LOVE the sketch this week from Friday Sketchers!  

I used Magnolia Tilda w/ bell, ribbon, adhesive pearls, Cricut Winter Woodland (snowflake 4), studio G sentiment stamps, and circle nestabilities.  Inside the card, I used the ribbon to make it look like a package and I used the "reverse cut" of the snowflake instead of throwing it out.  Inside, I also used a studio G silver glitter ink pad - some of the snowflakes are hard to see...

Challenges:
1. Friday Sketchers - AWESOME sketch!
2. Die Cuts R Us - Nest something
3. Winter Wonderland - Jingle bells
4. Roses on Paper - Christmas

Christmas Scene for multiple challenges

This card took forever (especially cutting out that tree!), but I am happy with the finished product.

I used Magnolia Tilda w/ heart ornament, Rufus the dog, bench, and xmas tree.  I also used the Alota fireplace and wreath.  I used ribbon from my stash, rhinestones, red, green, and gold stickles, a marvy star punch, Prismacolor pencils & gamsol, and sharpie markers.

Challenges:

1. Our Creative Corner - sketch (and they are having a DT call this month - I would LOVE to be a part of their DT!)

2. Easy Breezy - red, green, and white

3. Stampin B's - Christmas

4. Sassy Suzie - Christmas

5. Stamp with Fun - create a scene

6. There She Goes - create a scene

Sending my love...

I am really happy with how this card turned out.  I spent a lot of time on it.  I am planning to send it to my grandmother.

Here's the details:
I used the sketch from Magnolia Ink Magazine, Magnolia Tilda blowing Hearts stamp, Staz On Ink in black and brown, Patterned Paper by K & Co, Cardstock by The Paper Company, Nestabilities Label 4, Martha Stewart Lace Hearts border punch, Prismacolor pencils and gamsol (Process red, deco pink, light peach, dark brown, & terra cotta), Gelly Roll white pen, Creative Memories scallop corner punch, Prima flowers, Bic Marker in woodsy brown for inking, hand cut hearts, hand written sentiment, Michael's adhesive pearls, and Robin Brand metallic rub on in cameo pink.  The heart stamp on the inside is by Alota Rubberstamps.

This card also applies to the Magnolia Down Under distressing challenge and the La-La Land Pink challenge.

Quick and Easy Snowman card...

Sorry this photo is a little hard to see.  I used my flash and all the colors were pale to begin with.

This card is made with the sketch from Tuesday Morning Sketches.  It is also for the Just Magnolia monochrome challenge and the Colour Create blue, white, silver, winter, and glitter challenge.  Cooking it up with Katie's challenge was xmas with sparkle and a border.

I used Magnolia "Edwin's Snowman" stamp, brads, Martha Stewart snowflake punch, paper and ribbon from my stash.  I also used white and blue stickles all over the snowman. 

A Blog Award from Eileen

I received this lovely award from my friend Eileen! Thank you so much!

The rules are to pass this on to five people, and to also answer some questions using one word. Plus, leave the people you choose a comment on their blog letting them know that have been awarded. So here we go:

I will be back to pass on this award!

1.Where is your cell phone? next to me

2. Your hair? brown

3. Your mother? nurse

4. Your father? police officer

5. Your favorite food? Lasagna

6. Your dream last night? none

7. Your favorite drink? water

8. Your dream/goal? to become a mother (but not for about 5 years!)

9. What room are you in? office

10. Your hobby? card making & scrapbooking

11. Your fear? death

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? a sales rep for my company

13. Where were you last night? watching the Phillies win!!!!!

14. Something that you aren't? shy

15. Muffins? pumpkin

16. Wish list item? copic markers

17. Where did you grow up? Philadelphia

18. Last thing you did? sent e-mails for work

19. What are you wearing? sweats

20. Your TV? off

21. Your Pets? 2 dogs

22. Friends? tons

23. Your life? great

24. Your mood? happy

25. Missing Someone? my 2 BFFs live in New York

26. vehicle? Mitsubishi Lancer

27. Something your not wearing? make up

28. Your favorite store? H&M

29. Your favorite color? Purple

30. When was the last time you laughed? today

31. Last time you cried? Sunday (Marley & Me is SOOOO sad!)

32. Your best friend? Dara & Lauren S.

33. One place that I go to over and over? craft store

34. Facebook? yes

35. Favorite place to eat? Red Lobster

I'm so excited...

Diana, the owner of the Magnolia-licious store offered a contest to win a Magnolia stamp!  I was one of the winners!  I won a tree background stamp and a pewter charm.  How great is that?!?  And this stamp will be so great for xmas cards!  THANK YOU DIANA!

Fall Sunflower Card

Here's a really quick and easy Tilda card I made today.  I used a frame/DP from a scrapbooking calendar someone gave me for xmas last year.  I colored Magnolia Tilda w/ Sunflower using Sharpies and prismacolor markers.  I used ribbon from my stash, a sunflower stamp from Inkadinkado, hand made leaves, rhinestones, stickles on the flowers, nestabilities, and the "Hello" stamp came from Benjamin Franklin Craft's $1 bin (don't know the maker - sorry!).

Here are the challenges:
1. La La Land Crafts - ribbon
2. Stampin B's - autumn card
3. Fun with shapes - borders and frames
4. HFOS - Groups of 4
5. Sunflowers & dragonflies - flower power
6. Simon Says Stamp - everything that sparkles
7. Treehouse Stamps -Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Soft Suede and a neutral
8. Everybody Art Challenge - autumn

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!  Hope everyone had fun last night!

I had to share these photos of my husband and I in our costumes.  They were a little last minute.

I had wanted to be a flapper and he was going to be a gangster.  I waited until Wednesday to go to the costume store.  By that time, they only had childrens sizes and plus sizes.  So I wasn't able to get the flapper costume.  I went to three more stores with no luck. 

Yesterday, Mike and I were looking online for costume ideas.  He found one that he LOVED.  Wear a giftwrapped box with a tag that says: To Women, From God.  (God's gift to women!  LOL).  We couldn't find a box big enough. 

So Mike ended up being a Phillies phan.  I ended up wearing tights, boots, dog tags, and my husband's old Army jacket with a belt to cinch it at the waist.  I'm not sure what I was, but it worked.

~Lauren