A Little Coffee With Your Creamer??

 It's always stupid o'clock when my alarm goes off.  

The only thing that keeps me from transforming into a total bear is the sound of percolating coffee.

  Yes, it's a repeating theme here lately on my blog, but I as I mentioned earlier, Carla has a BFF and here she is colored up in copics, the ever fabulous Morning Goddess Betty.

Like her? Love her? 

She was created by the ever amazing artist 

Rick St. Dennis and you can locate his entire Esty shop here.

I hope this finds you doing well and enjoying your day!

Thank you so much for the always entertaining messages you leave and your visit.

Hugs to you and happy crafting!

Lisa xx

Love Those Kewpies.....

Hello again to you and welcome back!!

Anyone else collect Kewpie dolls? I don't, but my mother does and I think they're absolutely adorable!

So as soon as I received this sheet of precious Kewpies in action I had to print, color and play.

If you're tempted; which I know you are, please take a gander here at Kewpies and Kids DSL and while you're there, be sure to say hello to Ignacio and check out all the other amazing digital stamps in his store at

Nicecrane Designs.

Hugs n' Happy Stamping,

Lisa xx

Applying The Brakes...

Hello all you fabulous blog buddies!

Well, it's the end of the month and we are finishing up the personal challenges between Onion, Mitza Pitza and myself.  The final theme this go around was to 

Create 2 cards (Clean and Simple & Shabby Chic) Using Same Design or Colors....wow!!

 The above card is my Shabby Chic version using the below paper sent to each of us by Sue (Onion), our common element.  You'll find this paper in the flag and arrow on the left side of the fence in each card.

I thought it would be fun to repeat not only this shape and paper in each card, but the same main details as well and derive a completely different appearance in each; at least I hoped I would.

So next I "applied the brakes" and created my CAS version...

I had such an incredible time creating these projects with a few of my blog buddies and just as before, I cannot wait to see what Sue and Mitra have created for this doozie!

Thanks so much for your positive feedback and wonderful comments.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate you.

 Okay....it's a BUNCH!!!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping to you all,

Lisa xx

Counting Chevron Sheep....

Fabric Chevron Card 1

(Chevron pattern created using triangles layered on top of each other)

Besides knowing that I get to sleep in, Saturdays now have another fun highlight for me...it's getting to see and share the creations from Sue (Onion), Mitza Pitza (Mitra) and myself.  This Saturday's challenge was to sew a Chevron pattern on a card or project.  

The first card kept me up.  I kept mulling it over in my head, thinking I didn't much care for it. So I tried to ignore it and count sheep to go back to sleep.  Soon enough, little wooly chevron sheep were jumping the fence and running willy nilly into the pasture.

 That was it...I flew out of bed and created another cardstock chevron pattern with machine stitching.  

Not sure what it is about this one that I like better, but it was sufficient enough to let me sleep!

Scrap Cardstock Chevron Card 2

(Chevron pattern created using strips of scrap paper)

I thought it was a terrific way to use up scraps of paper too.  

I can't wait to see what my crafty buddies have come up with this time around. Hopefully they were able to sleep without being inundated with colorful trendy moxy fab sheep in their dreams.

Click here to see Sue's creations

and

Click here to see Mitra's creations 

Hugs n' Happy Crafting,

Lisa xx

Where's the Pig Roast??

Oh boy, is this baby ever late.  I was supposed to have posted this last week, but stuff happens and well, it's finally here in all it's crazy beachy glory.

The theme over at Top Tip Tuesday this round is Masculine and ummmm, I'm not sure I set sail too clearly with this card. However, in my defense, I did think of my dad wearing his crazy Hawaiian shirts and the process grew from there. I've included everything I could find except for the pig roast.  Thank you so much to Birdie Brown for offering up this cute little lighthouse that I've paper pieced for the center focal point.  Our sponsors this week are Birdie Brown and  Sweet Stamp Store, so hurry on over to submit your masculine themed cards and you'll be in the running for a wonderful prize and don't forget, if you leave a tip, you'll be eligible for two prizes!!

Also, I'd like to think Pia for her wonderful inspiration that gave me the motivation for this project as well. I was going to CASE her card, but like I said, I went nuts on this one.  Here's her card anyway because I wanted to give her credit and thanks for helping me out of a slump. :)

Hugs n' Happy Stamping to you,

Lisa xx

Seek and Ye Shall Find...

Wowwee WOW is all I have to say about the newest release at The Cutting Cafe! 

Regina has done it again and created this adorable View Finder Reel cut file that comes with all kinds of goodies.

I wanted to go a little Art Deco on this card with Antique Linen inking, funky stitching, vintage rub on reel center, deco frame, flourish and border and lastly regal papers.

It's cute isn't it? I know you're pining to get over to The Cutting Cafe and check it out for yourself, PLUS...Regina is having a HUGE Memorial Day Sale!!  

CYBER MONDAY SALE FOR MAY 27TH 2013 - ANY 5 SETS FOR $5.00 DOLLARS OR 10 SETS FOR $10.00

 Thank you SO much for your visit. You are TRULY appreciated!

Hugs n' Happy Crafting,

Lisa x

The Cutting Cafe

Thursday Giggle....

Children's Sermon 

A Baptist pastor was presenting a children's sermon. During the 

sermon, he asked the children if they knew what the resurrection was. 

Now, asking questions during children's sermons is crucial, but at the 

same time, asking children questions in front of a congregation can 

also be very dangerous. 

Having asked the children if they knew the meaning of the 

resurrection, a little boy raised his hand........ 

The pastor called on him and the little boy said, "I know that if you have a resurrection 

that lasts for more than four hours you are supposed to call the doctor." 

It took over ten minutes for the congregation to settle down enough for the service to continue.

It's another rainy day here, so I thought I'd post up a funny email I received yesterday to brighten the day.

A little card I did too. :)

Hugs n' Happy Stamping,

Lisa xx

Say Cheese!!

The Cutting Cafe is the place to be for the best templates, cutting files and printable sets because take a look at this adorable Polaroid camera that Regina designed!!  Here's my project complete with a picture.

You can design the camera just by itself, or...

Regina also includes these fabulous polaroid photo templates that leave the imagination wide open.  

Here I've included a stamped image from Stampin' Ups! Little Friends set.

Here's just a sneak peek at the files available with this set from The Cutting Cafe

POLAROID AND CAMERA FUN TEMPLATE AND PRINTABLE SET

Thank you for your visit today and I hope you're doing well. 

Hugs n' Happy Cutting,

Lisa x

Dream Big...

A couple years back, I had the incredible opportunity of flying a B-2 Stealth Bomber. Wellllllll....sort of.  My husband and I were invited to a one on one class in the simulation training area.  We were able to sit where the pilots actually train and fly in what felt like the real deal! Amazing the graphics and how realistic it felt as you were flying from one side of the world in the dark and watching the sun come up as you entered another part of the world.  It even went so far as to "ping" when you were low on fuel and you had to maneuver in the air with a refueling plane.  Let's just say it was like watching me try to fit a square into a circle...it wasn't happening.  Thus my dreams of being a famous female pilot were thwarted as I'm fairly certain these are not intended to be used like Kamikaze planes. 

This wonderful memory came back to me when I saw this image from Mo's Digital Pencil called Dream G. She's all colored up in copics as she looks to the skies and her inspirational quote is matted on dog tags. 

I've made this fitting for two challenges as well and I'd love to enter them at:

DP2 -  173; Don't Be Square and Catered Crop - Star Bright (She's wearing her patriotic pants)

Thanks so much for your visit!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping,

Lisa xx

Imagine...

Welcome back!

I have today a beautiful image from a new artist at Squigglefly and her name is Gayle Seach. When I received this digital stamp I fell in love with it. The history that lays in this Bush Shack speaks volumes. Really makes you sit back and imagine what life would have been like living here. I couldn't wait to color it up and it needed to fit the challenge happening at Squigglefly this week of Pink and Black Combo! Might be a bit hard to see, but I've added pink hues to the sunrise just above the trim of the roof.  Loved placing this plaque of imagine below it because that's exactly what it made me do.

I find myself often staring into the fields and woods when we're on a long drive and when I see old dilapidated buildings, they speak more of a history and era of time I'll never truly understand and it makes me wonder what life would have been like back in the day.

Here is a photo of an old abandoned home in Kansas.  Can you imagine living in these deep woods with no electricity, no running water and just you and nature coinciding side by side and totally dependent upon yourself for survival. We are all so blessed today, but what a life it had to of been.

Here is another photo.

 More than 150 years after the last wagon train traversed the Santa Fe Trail, these swales (deep ruts) can still be seen in Douglas County, east of Baldwin City.

It's truly unbelievable to stand out here in the middle of nothing and see the actual wagon wheel ruts. To bend down and touch them and imagine carrying all your belongings, your family  and venturing forth for a new life in the middle of nowhere and no civilization for miles....truly inspiring and makes you realize the strength of the human spirit to endure all the hazards and miles they traveled.

So thanks to Gayle for bringing back those wonderful memories and for preserving history in her beautiful artwork.  

Sadly, this will be my final post for Squigglefly as I am stepping down, but I've truly enjoyed the journey with you all and thank you so much for the amazing opportunity to DT alongside all these fabulous crafters and artists. You all will be missed!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping,

Lisa xx

Remember Pink and Black Combo 

at

Living On The Edge...

Our Creative Corner is kicking out yet another inventive challenge for us this week and the idea comes from the brilliant mind of Lili, our very own crafter extraordinaire. There are a few steps to this challenge and here they are. 1) Create a card or project with a decorative EDGE. 2)  Your creation MUST be entirely WHITE. 3) Sentiment can be ANY color you want and lastly, 4) All embellishments MUST be white and if you're using rhinestones, they need to be silver.   So, here is my card of many white layers that includes, white cardstock, white stitching, white graph paper, white crimped cardboard, a white doily rosette, white pearls and a handmade crocheted banner of hearts, white button, white twine and a white shipping tag.

We have had so many wonderful entries lately and the inspiration and inventive creativity never ceases to amaze me, so come join us and try out this wonderful Decorative Edge challenge with a TWIST. We'd love to see it and while you're there, you'll no doubt leave with immense rejuvenation once you see what my clever teammates have crafted at Our Creative Corner.

Thanks for stopping in and I hope you have a very wonderful week!

Hugs n' Happy Crafting,

Lisa xx

Sunshine Fairies & Scrabble Bingo

 What happens when you get all your new crafty stuff out and put it right in front of you to make a card? You about lose your mind, that's what. Too too much cool stuff and not that having stuff is a problem, it's just resisting the urge to throw it ALL on the card together. After pacing and picking, eliminating and scratching head, I decided to use these groovy pom poms that Mom gave me for Christmas.  A "fairly" CAS card using the beautiful image from Nicecrane Designs titled Funny Fairies.

This is another set of fairies from Nicecrane Designs as well and I've combined them with a quirky game of Scrabble Bingo. Thank you Mitra for the coolest jar of buttons and Scrabble pieces ever!  This combo might make a cute Valentine card or a new baby card.

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

Happy Day To You...

Welcome to the softer side of Dr. Digi's House of Stamps. 

 Here is Derek Dunderton, hat in hand and wishing you a very Happy Day! 

A clean and simple design to show off this dashing gent.

Trying to do a little catch up on some DT cards, so this is a combination post for Make It Monday as well as Dr. Digi's House of Stamps.  Make It Monday has a fantastic sponsor this week, Dr. Digi himself!  Please stop in and see the most wonderful and hysterical cards from my teammates as well and don't forget to share your creativity with us too.

Hope you've enjoyed the card.

Now for my...

#103 Julie

 

I completely dig these acetate boxes AND if you visit her blog, you will see what she has filled them up with! Absolutetly festive gift and YUMMY too!

Thank you so much Julie for sharing this with us at Make It Monday. I love it!

 

Hugs n' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

 

OHHH, and here are a few extra links for Dr. Digi that you might enjoy. I know it would give the Doctor himself warm fuzzies if you visited.

Dr. Digi on Facebook

Dr. Digi's Blog

Dr. Digi's Store 

 

 



Tipsy on Monday Morning...

Go ahead, you can say it..."Awww, that's so cute!" Hahaha..isn't it though and guess what? The dadblasted thing won't stand up.  Nothing I did made it any better. Made a stand in the back and then it just teetered to the side and leaned worse. So, here's my tipsy Monday morning offering to you, complete with easel, for our latest Make It Monday Linky Party that's now open! Thanks so much to Meljen's Designs for sponsoring us this week.  Love the little Sewing Machine and I regret that my card can't stay sober for its debut, but still...awww...it's so cute!

Please join us and share your makes, old or new...we'd love to see them and while you're there, check out the beautiful cards from my teammates too and see if you are their pick of the week!

Have a wonderful day and big hugs to you...

Lisa xx

Psst...one more important thing

#223 Sarah's Little Snippets

WOW! Check this out....who else is jealous?? LOL...So adorable and wait until you see the original cabinet and the way she's decorated the outside too! Love all the amazing papers and accessories here. Such an adorable project.  Please check out Sarah's blog here to see more!!

 

 



She Who Paints The Forest

Even little fairies who paint the forest enjoy a little bling in their life and that's perfect for our challenge over at Dutch Dare where this week's them is...

Diamonds and Pearls!

Here is my mixed media card base designed with alcohol inks, Gesso, embossing folders, stamps, a few hand rolled flowers and of course, diamonds and pearls!

If you enjoy this image, you can find it over at our sponsor's store, The Stamping Boutique and this little cutie is called She Who Paints the Forest.

Thank you so much for your visit, I appreciate it. :)

Hugs n' Happy Stamping,

Lisa xx

 



Petunia Picked a Peck of Pretty Papers...

Artist Cheryl Alger drew this new image, precious pigtailed Petunia in all her glory. Would you look at that hair! I really wanted to show her off so I chose to showcase her on some gorgeous new paper from Inger Harding tilted Winterland (background, flowers and tag) and they are such a great coordinating set.  A little fun corrugated white and brown with some graph paper and viola, Petunia is in the spotlight.   This card is designed for the current challenge at Squigglefly which is SPECIALTY PAPER!  The perfect challenge to use up some more overflow metallic, printed, shimmery, glittery, mulberry, corrugated papers.   If you've enjoyed this image or the papers, they are both available at the Squigglefly Store.

Sure would love for you to join us and if you use a Squigglefly image, you'll be in the running for a prize.  Thank you so much for stopping in.

Hugs n' Happy Stamping,

Lisa xx

 

Inspiration and Ingenuity...

I have a very precious image today from Nicecrane Designs. This image is one of 4 in a set and details two young boys building their derby car from nothing but scraps and a dream. I loved all the images, but found this one to be most depicting of inspiration and motivation. 

A few masculine textures and embellishment, paired with an embossed sentiment and here's a card to help encourage perseverance. 



 

 Absolutely Incredible Kids

 

Here are a few photos from a car show that my husband and daughter attended last week. How fitting that what these men created probably stemmed from a childhood experience quite like my card.  Check out all the recycled parts!!

 

 

Thank you so much for stopping in!

Hugs n ' Happy Stamping...

Lisa xx

 

The Secret of Life Is...

Welcome back and happy Saturday!

Do you have a little time set aside for crafting this weekend?  Are you in the mood to combine some fabulous color combinations, circles and/or a little fabric?  What's that?? A unanimous "YES"...well, AWESOME, because today at Our Creative Corner, our very own lovely and talented Lori Rider is hosting this weeks challenge with those very elements!

Here is my DT card to meet the Color Challenge theme

Circles? (check), colors? (check), fabric? (check) Well, there was more but it looked horrible, so I did a remake and added a sprig of tulle instead.  Here I've added a clock face to coordinate with the white embossed sentiment from Stampin' Ups! From My Heart stamp set. A fringe of white tulle, lime and  pink ribbon complete the little corner.  The circle background has been embossed and colored with Poppy Parade and  Pear Pizzazz then clear powder embossed.

Lori even provided this excellent little photo and guide to keep you inspired...

You won't even believe what the other teamies have done with this color challenge!  So be sure to hop on over to Our Creative Corner and check out the mind boggling projects they've produced just for your inspiration!

We would really, really love for you to create a card just for this challenge and amaze us with your outstanding talent and creativity.

I hope you all have a very relaxing or productive but mostly fun weekend!

hugs n' happy stamping...

Lisa xx

Okay, Let's Bake a Card!

Welcome to my kitchen...

For today's card you will need the following supplies

 Tortilla flour, water, Quinoa, food coloring, fondant paste, sea salt, sprinkles, sesame seeds and flower cookie cutters.

Step 1 - Make a half serving of tortilla dough using 1 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of water.  Mix, roll into a ball, let sit under a cool towel for 15 minutes.  Roll out onto parchment paper and divide into 6 sections.

Step 2 - Roll each section of dough into a different color of the rainbow by dropping drips of food coloring onto parchment paper.  I didn't have red so I had to use the fondant paste. When finished coloring the dough, press your hands into the color blobs and finger paint!

 Step 3 - Cut the flower shapes using the pretty pretty dough you've made!

 Step 4 - Bake your colored tortilla flowers at 350 degrees for about 2 mintues.

 Step 5 - Let tortilla flowers cool.  Remove from pan and place them back on the parchment paper.  Grab your glossy accents and get ready to decorate.

 Step 6 - Now add a drop of glossy accents and then decorate the top your flowers with dark sprinkles, pearl sprinkles, Quinoa, Orange dyed Sea Salt and Sesame Seeds.

Aww, aren't they pretty!  At this point they are no longer made for human consumption so maybe set back a few for the family to snack on before you decorate them!  What fun they would be on top of a salad. 

 Step 7 - Alrighty then, the baking is over and now it's time to assemble them on a card.

Here is an example of what you could make, but the options are endless.  Just adhere them with hot glue and you're done! 

Remember the styrofoam plate, the red solo bowl and the box of tea?  I've even included them as the base of the cake and the two little candles at the top.  The tea bag is peeking out from under the sentiment.  Why is there a strip of my old jeans draped along the side of the card with a denim bow? Well, it all comes together to meet the criteria of 4 AWESOME challenges that I would love to enter this card into and I think you should too! 

Here they are...

Our Creative Corner-

Bakin' Beauties

"You MUST use something you would use IN baking in your creations. Get creative - use food coloring, paper liners, or sprinkles. Know any cool techniques with egg whites, flour or sugar? You need to explain your 'ingredient' in your description of your creation."

Seems A Little Sketchy

I've rotated the sketch so it looks like a cake

Frilly and Funkie

Let's See Some Textures (With a Twist)

One of the textures must be a material or fabric

Yeah for old jeans!!

And last but not least...

Catered Crop

Song of the Rainbow

Use RAINBOWS or The Colors of Rainbows

Thanks so much for stopping by my kitchen!

I really hope you take part in these challenges...the possibilities are endless.

Now, go cook your meal and bake a card. ;)

Hugs n' Happy baking/crafting/stamping...

Lisa xx