Button Button Who's Got the Button?

Welcome back friends! I do hope that you've been having many, many good days :) As I get older, I realize that I simply can't take anything (or anyone) for granted. The truth is that tomorrow is not promised to us, but we can know Who holds the future if we belong to Jesus Christ ♥

I've been having some extremely hard days... I received some excruciating news about someone that I have no control over. BUT, I have Jesus by my side encouraging me and showing me step by step how to heal. I'll be going back to counseling (I'm a veteran by now lol!) hopefully soon and I KNOW that Godly Wisdom is going to help in many areas of my life!

As Jesus walks me through this next phase of my life, I'll be posting some insights. I KNOW that there are quite a few of you who struggle with depression and/or anxiety. I've got to tell you that I'm the Queen of this type of struggle. I'm definitely NOT where I used to be...praise God...but I DO know very well the darkness that exists in that place!

As always, feel free to skip over all this :) Does not apply...blah blah blah lol! Take what you need and leave the rest!

Let's go onto fun, crafty things!!! Inky Impressions has a new challenge up today. It's all about Buttons. I love buttons!!! You know me...I've got to have some in EVERY color LOL!!!

I've used the adorable, Angelica Crafting. She's colored up with copics - LOTS of copics lol...Skin - E25 E11 E000; Hair - YR24 Y26 Y23 E50; Pinks - R89 R83 R81 RV00 and RV04 RV02; Reds - R29 R27 R24 R22; Yellows - Y15 Y13 Y11; Pants - B97 B95 B93 B91 B00; Misc. - E33 E30; C7 C5 C4 C2 C1; Chalk for her cheeks.

To create the button behind Angelica, I simply die cut and embossed two circles, punching out the holes in the center with my huge hole punch and eyelet setter... duh... I can't remember what it's called hahaha. Anyway, don't look too close as this tool ate up my eyelets. No joke - they used to be white lol.

The cute li'l scissors charm is adhered with Glossy Accents. I have a confession to make... I never really believed that Glossy Accents would hold such an embellishment. I decided to give it a try though - guess what? I'm a believer now :)

I got brave and wrote the sentiment by hand! EEEK! Maybe could have used a thicker pen... Oh well! I am soooo pleased to be able to emboss a whole piece of 5"x5" cardstock now! I used my new Cuttlebug really BIG embossing folder :) It's called Polka Dot Page and is 5.5" x 12". I also have Damask Brocade which is very pretty.

Bling Bling Bling!!! Lots of Stickles on this card. LOVE ♥

I'd like to enter the following Challenges:

Craft Your Passion - 3D it

Kaboodle Doodles - Ink or Paint

MarkerPop - Lovely Locks

Oozak - Anything Goes with Texture

Inky Chicks - Summer Colors

Party Time Tuesdays - Anything Goes

Sister Act - Anything Goes
Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
Simon Says - Anything Goes

Thanks so much for taking a peek! Stay strong... and let's grow together!!!

Would you like $30 to spend on Saturated Canary Digis? Find out more HERE.

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Tiddly Inks DT Call

Welcome back sweet friends! Are you having a good day? I've finished my kettlebell workout, spent time with a dear friend at Starbucks, gave my youngest son a haircut, and attempted to clean up the hair. That's when it started... ugh! I must have the worst vacuum cleaner in the world :(

Over the life of this particular vacuum I've had to unclog various tubes n such, repair broken parts, and retrieve numerous items out of the brush because I got too close. Like one time, I vacuumed up 3 yards of ribbon before I could catch it LOL! Needless to say, I'm a little hard on my vacuums.

Time for a new one! I don't have the slightest inkling of where to start. Does anyone have a vacuum cleaner you'd recommend? I have tile in most of my house with a little bit of linoleum, uuuugggggly old carpet in two bedrooms, and wood floor in my craftroom. Yep, that's pretty much me - hodge podge! Any help would be very much appreciated :)

Now onto my project for today. I had the best time coloring this image! I watched one of Zoe's copic coloring tutorials HERE and used some new colors (for me). I love the way her hair turned out :)

This is Fluttering By to Say Hi by Tiddly Inks. Tiddly Inks has both Digital and Clear Stamps. They are currently having a DT Call HERE.

This li'l cutie also comes with a sentiment and a border!

Here's my card I'd like to enter in Tiddly Inks DT Call.

In my photo editing software, I merged the image onto this gorgeous Shabby Chic paper by Scrap Girls. I also doubled up the border to make it longer and duplicated it for a flock of butterflies (or whatever you call a lot of them together!).

Lastly, here's one of the crocheted pieces I made quite awhile ago (I really must remember how I did this and make some more lol!). It's simply topped with a pretty little bow and button :) It makes me happy!!!

That's it from me today... I hope you've enjoyed your stay! Have a wonderful weekend Sweeties ♥

Don't forget my Saturated Canary Giveaway... HERE.

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

The Digi Bells GDT Call

Hello Lovelies ♥ I want to tell you today how much you are loved! Sometimes we go through life feeling worthless and alone :( I could tell you lots and lots of stories about my own life struggles, but most importantly is to tell you the truth of what I know. God LOVES you ♥ He really and truly does. No matter what you or I have done, His grace is available to cover those mistakes if we will only receive it from Him :) Now that's good news!!!

You are beautiful... Let that sink in! We are created in God's image - and He doesn't make junk!!! Do you have something that you are not happy about your body? I have had to come to terms with having no breasts. Lots of people have other body parts they are missing. Does this define who we are? Absolutely not! I am a child of God who is dearly loved...and so are you :)

Are you struggling with depression? Nothing is too difficult for God's Healing Love to bring restoration. Don't let the stigma of taking medication stop you from getting help. I happily take my meds every day and am much better for it! I encourage you to take the necessary steps to bring healing and relief to your weary body and mind :)

Although the above message is probably not for most of you, I know that it is for some of you. Please know that I've been there. I've found deep healing (physically, emotionally, spiritually) in Jesus Christ ♥ So can you :)

So... my card today is two-fold. I pray that it brings much JOY to your heart and a smile to your face!!! The sentiment is especially for you... Sending You Sunshine!

I'd like to enter the following challenges:
The Ribbon Girl - Blue and White (mostly...)
Color Me Creative - Anything Goes
Creative Inspirations - Bingo (Flowers, pearls, sentiment)
Crafty Ribbons - Anything Goes with Ribbon
C.R.A.F.T. - For the Girls
A.R.T. - Anything Goes


I've created this card with The Digi Bells GDT Call in mind. They've asked for a card with the theme of Summer. I ADORE Elisabeth Bell's images ♥

I've used Li'l Lilian with her li'l bare feet :) She's in the process of painting a beautiful Summer garden scene!

She's colored with copics: Skin - E25 11 01 000; Hair - YR24 Y26 23 E50; Pink - R89 85 83 81 RV00; Blue - B39 16 02 01 00 0000; Paints - RV06 04; YR07 04; Y15 11; B39 28; W1; E30 for shading palette; Tape/paper - C9 7 1 0. A touch of Stickles here and there as well as Glossy Accents on the paint and her eyes.

Lotsa layers! The main image is die cut and embossed with Spellbinders Tear Drop Circles (largest size). The next layers are: Grand Circles, Doily from Silhouette Online Store, next largest size Grand Circles and another Doily .25" larger than the first.

A simple one layer panel from Teresa Collins Sweet Afternoon 6x6 Designer Pad provides a nice soft background. I finally pulled out a few of my Wild Orchid roses (LOVE these!) which continues the garden theme Li'l Lilian is painting. I know, use your imagination lol!

I still love my Paper Pens...especially this Rose color (pink pearls in the corners). I just think they are soooo pretty! :)

Thank you for taking some of your precious time to visit! I appreciate it with all my heart ♥.

My Saturated Canary Giveaway can be found HERE.

Have a wonderful day!

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Inky Impressions Birthday Challenge

I'm back with another GDT card for Inky Impressions. This week's challenge is all about Birthdays! Hmmm... too bad this wasn't scheduled for two weeks from now, as it will be my birthday lol! Oh well, who says you can't celebrate a little early :)

I've used the adorable Birthday Lili digi for my card. I love her! She's die cut and embossed with my new Spellbinders A2 Matting Basics A and Grand Scalloped Rectangles (smallest).

She's colored with copics: E30 31 33 34 35 37; E000 00 11 13; RV00 R81 83 85; G40 21 24 28; BG10 11 13 18 G00; B00. Glossy accents applied on the balloons, eyes and shoes; Stickles here and there for some party bling :)

I don't recall where this paper is from as it was in a scrap pile (so sorry!). The button, lace and ribbon are from my stash (I'm hittin' a home run here, huh?). But I DO know that the tag is a MS punch and the sentiment is from Papertrey :) Also the corner embellishments are an EK Success punch (Photo Corner Fancy) which has been embossed with Swiss Dots embossing folder and adorned with my (gooey from the weather) White Opal Pearl Pen.

Happy unbirthday to Me. Happy unbirthday to Me. Happy unbirthday to Me-eee. Happy unbirthday to Meeeeeeee!!! Ta Da :)

See you soon, my lovelies ♥

In case you missed it, my Saturated Canary Giveaway is HERE.

I'd like to enter the following challenges:

ALBC - Die-ing for it!

Creative Creations - Anything Goes

Sister Act - Anything Goes

Creative Fingers - Anything Goes

Brown Sugar - Anything Goes

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Nail Polish Shaped Card with Faery Emma!

Hiya! It seems the topic of conversation around the world lately is the weather... Here in California, it's just plain HOT. I call it ugly hot lol. Thank goodness for air conditioning :) Are you melting like I am? Even some of my favorite craft supplies are objecting to the weather! The pearl pen I was using the other day decided to get all goopy :( I used it anyway... you'll see in my next post!

Today I'm sharing the oh-so-darling Nail Polish Shaped Card Invite Set cut file from The Cutting Cafe. I really enjoyed putting this card together! There's nothing like girlie and sparkles :)

The sparkly heart is cut out from the top pink layer which is filled with Diamond Stickles. When that was dry, I gave it a coat of Glossy Accents so it would be puffy :)

You'll want to see the Inspiration post on Wednesday at The Cutting Cafe blog as the girls always have such amazing projects. You'll see a variety of either the Nail Polish Shaped Card Invite Set, or Nail Polish Box Holder. So cool!!!

I thought Faery Emma was perfect to adorn the nail polish. Doesn't she look fab as she's admiring her nails? hee hee. She's 'die cut' using my Silhouette...

Over at The Paper Shelter, we have a new challenge beginning Wednesday which is Anything Goes! Come join the fun as there are wonderful prizes to be won. If you use a TPS image, you could win $30 to spend any way you wish at The Paper Shelter store. If you use another company's image, you could still win 3 images of your choice!

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit me today. I truly appreciate your friendship :) Big hugs to each and every one of you, my sweet friends ♥

If you are interested, I have some Saturated Canary candy going on right now HERE.

I'd like to enter the following challenges:
ALBC - Die-ing for it!
Papertake Weekly - Die-ing for a Punch!
Creative Creations - Anything Goes
Sister Act - Anything Goes
Creative Fingers - Anything Goes
Brown Sugar - Anything Goes

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Thank You Berry Much :)

Hello sweet friends ♥ I'm off to go to the movies soon to see Despicable Me 2. I sure can use a good laugh!!! Those li'l guys crack me up with their giggles lol. Have you seen this movie? What movies have you seen lately?

Today's card is for Inky Impressions Summer Challenge. This is my third card as GDT for Inky Impressions. Thanks Berry Much Vicky ♥ I decided that instead of just printing out this digi and coloring it, I would create cut files and layer it.

I created the card base with layered pieces for the card front. Even the li'l cherries are layered and covered in Stickles!

I changed the color of 'thanks' and 'much' in my Silhouette software. The white dots on 'berry' were made using my white gel pen. The pearls around the scalloped circle were created with my White Opal Pearl Pen. Simple, but effective for a quick Summer Thank You :)

Would you like the cut files I used for this card? Digital image is NOT included.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Digital Image available at Inky Impressions HERE

Have you entered my Saturated Canary Giveaway yet? You can enter HERE.

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Now THIS is a Large Size Gift Bag!

Hiya! So glad you've decided to pop in today :) I should actually be exercising, but I've hurt my shoulder, so no kettlebells for me today. I'm hoping it's not going to be a constant thing because I really do feel a whole lot stronger, and I'd hate to give it up. But... as I've read in this morning's devotional, "Do Not Worry About Tomorrow!" I'm trying :)

Over at The Cutting Cafe, we've been challenged to create a gift bag using Regina's Large Gift Bag cutting file. I'm pleased to tell you that this bag is actually large enough to fit a decent sized gift. The completed bag measures 8.5" x 5.75" and is 3.75" deep.

I'd like to enter the following challenges:
The Pink Elephant - Feminine Birthday
MIM #150 - Anything Goes

I've used coordinating papers from my fave Scrap Girls Digital Scrapbooking: Cottage Rose Paper Biggie and Cottage Rose Paper 2. LOVE LOVE LOVE these!!!

The gorgeous corners are from Susana's Dies by SCACD: Key Corners (which 1. I cut the end of the key off; 2. This die comes in a set with Fancy Flower). I love the versatility of dies don't you?

This cutting file also comes with Tags and Sentiments! Regina is so generous with her files :) You get a lot for a little $... ♥ you Regina!!!

I hope you've been inspired to give this a try. The Cutting Cafe has tons of really cool cutting files as well as printable stamps. Tell Regina I sent ya :)

Interested in a little SATURATED CANARY Giveaway??? Check it out HERE.

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Playing Catchup!

Well... here they are! I've got three projects to share with you today since I haven't been able to post for over a week... I'm showing them in the order I would have posted :)

First up is an ADORABLE Dresser Box from The Cutting Cafe. It's created with Silhouette Chipboard! Right now I have bits and pieces of lace and pearls in the drawers...

Challenges Entered:
Simon Says - Pin It!

I was pleasantly surprised at how easy this was to assemble...and if I can do it, everyone can do it lol! As you can see, I've lined the inside of the boxes (not included in the cut files).

Papers used are from Scrap Girls Digital Scrapbooking: Cottage Rose Kit. I just adore these digital papers! The knobs for the drawers are buttons I picked up at Hobby Lobby. I punched two holes in the drawer front, threading nylon crochet thread through the first hole, through the button and back through the second hole (repeat). I also backed the drawer fronts with another layer of paper for strength.


Next up is The Paper Shelter Challenge (a new challenge begins on Wednesday).

I've used Vintage Seamstress for my Swirly Girly Challenge card. It comes already colored as well as outlines only if you'd like to color her yourself! So cute!!! I've also used the background papers which are included in the set.

The button card and doily are from Scrap Girls Digital Scrapbooking. I created the swirls and pearls first from Scrap Girls and then went over the design with Viva Decor Pearl Pen.


Last up is Christmas in July at Inky Impressions (new challenge on Wednesday).

This is Marisa's Sleigh Ride. Isn't she adorable?

I've used a transparency sheet for the snowflakes and sponged Silver 3D Stamp Paint on top. I gave each snowflake a couple of coats - the stamp paint dries very quickly! For the snow, I used Fran tage Shaved Ice.

Thanks so much for visiting! I've missed you!!!

Coming up VERY soon... A Giveaway :)

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

I'm Having Internet Issues!

Hello my friends! Just a very quick note to let you know that I'll be posting as soon as I'm back up and running again... darn internet troubles :(

Thank you for hanging in there with me ♥

Big hugs and lots of love to everyone!!!

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~

Creating Cards from Digital Images

Welcome back sweet friends ♥ Do you have plans to celebrate the Fourth this year? I imagine the most we'll do is have a b-b-q. Hubby has just started driving truck for the summer season and is pretty much wiped out when he gets home! Our little puppy dog isn't interested in all the festivities...especially the loud fireworks! Yep, just call us Bah-humbugs lol.

Crafting on the other hand is definitely on the schedule :)

Well, I'm very excited to tell you that I've been asked to Guest Design for Inky Impressions for this month and next!!! I'll have a load of adorable images to showcase in the coming weeks :)

My first project as GDT with Inky Impressions is for their Red, White and Blue Challenge HERE.

I'd also like to enter the following challenges:
The Pink Elephant - Inspiration Photo
Joanna Sheen - Don't Be Square
Kaboodle Doodles - National Day or Flag Colors
Simon Says - Patriotic
Crafty Sentiments - Red White and Blue
Party Time Tuesdays - Patriotic Theme
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes
Inky Chicks - Anything Goes
The Crafter's Cafe - Anything Goes
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Scrapper's Delights - Die Cuts or Punches
A Little Bit Crafty - Die Cuts

This photo shows the original size of the digital July Ticket Set (4 small tickets lower left and right). I've added the colored patterns in Photoshop Elements 10.

Here are the enlarged July Tickets using print and cut feature with my Silhouette. I've layered and adhered them to the ticket card base which I also created in my Silhouette software.

To create the card base, trace the ticket image so you have just the outline, then duplicate above and weld together for your card base. I also created matching envelopes using print and cut!

Supplies Used:

July Ticket Set - Inky Impressions

Digital Paper - Pink Petticoat

Card Base - Papertrey

Cardstock for printing - Georgia Pacific

Adhesive - ScraPerfect Best Glue Ever

Stardust Stickles

Distress Inks

Ribbon, Buttons from my stash

I hope you've enjoyed my little project today :)

I'll have a darling purse and notecard set you won't want to miss in the next day or two... so stay tuned!!!

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~