Who Knew?

Who knew that when I received a blog award  last week I would spend the next few days feeling like one of those celebrities that DOESN'T thank their adoring family? ( I am SO NOT a celebrity, but you know what I mean)

Who knew that my sweet husband, the "Leaf Nazi," was so sensitive?

Who knew that he would feel so hurt by the fact that I didn't name him as my best friend?

Who knew that I would spend the next few days explaining myself and trying to make up for it?

I SHOULD HAVE. Because I know that ONE word answers never tell the whole story. I am giving myself permission from now on to speak at will:)

As I explained to my husband, there is a very good reason why he isn't my best friend...It's because that "title" doesn't really describe all he is to me.  He is so much MORE than my best friend.  He is my SOULMATE.  He is the other half of me.  He is the person that, as cliche as it sounds, completes me.   We have so many differences in how we are and that's what makes us great.  We look at things in different ways, but always TOGETHER.  He has helped me to grow to be a better person.  To set goals for myself and to think more seriously about life.  While I have helped him to laugh a little more and not be so set on looking to the future...to living in the "now."  He is the person I admire the most.  I would rather be with him than anyone.  He makes me laugh, smile and literally melt inside.  He is the person I enjoy growing with each and everyday.  Creating this wonderful life we have together.  I can not imagine my life without him.  It's hard for me to even put into words what he is to me because he is MY EVERYTHING.    So I made this card for him and snuck it in his briefcase today.

The inside has the two hearts stamped together.  That's what we are...2 hearts that fit perfectly together.  Sorry to get all mushy on you, but I needed him to know PUBLICLY why he isn't my best friend.  He is so much more!  This card could not have come together more perfectly.  It is very symbolic of our relationship.  All the pieces stitched together, the two seperate hearts that fit and the sentiment.  I think it is my favorite card ever.  I am so glad I get to give it to him.  I used Beate's Weekend Sketch 105 and stole the idea of the punched edge from Laurie Schmidlin.  

Thanks for popping in today for my mushy love story.  Hope you are having the same fabulous weather that we are here.

What's In It?
Stamps: Hearts Afire (verve), Always
Ink: Choc Chip Craft, Vanilla Craft
Paper: DCWV red, MM Vanilla Love Story, choc chip
Other: Fiskars border punch, dimensionals, sponge, clear EP, Circle Spellbinders, Janome Sew mini, Sizzlet Lots of Tags

Time To Get Sketchy

WOWZER!  Holy Pacholie.  Whoa!  These are all the things I thought when I saw this sketch challenge.  Honestly, it's pretty tough.   But, then I started thinking about what I have learned about sketches since participating in so many challenges.  You don't have to take a sketch so literally.  Think about what else you can see in them.  They are really just a creative "diving board."  So are you ready to "jump in" over at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge.  I think it is going to be so interesting to see what people come up with.

Here's what I saw in that sketch:

This is a little wall hanging that I made with some old chipboard and a new PTI set.  As usual, I think it's so much cuter IRL.  I added some crystal stickles to the edges of the snow and the snowman, but you can't tell from the picture.

Here it is hanging in my kitchen:

One final close up of the details:

So how creative can you get today with this sketch?  You have a chance to win something from

ALL THAT SCRAPS

Here is the prize

Make sure you head on over to see the Design Teams creations and leave them a little love.  They are conveniently located on my left side bar.

Have a great Sunday!

What's In It?

Stamps: Holiday Tree (PTI)

Ink: Vanilla Craft, real red, versafine black, always artichoke, vintage photo Tim Holtz, white craft

Paper: Jolly by Golly ( cosmo cricket), Black, Real Red, Vanilla,

Other: CM cutting system, Janome Sew Mini, stickles, PTI vintage buttons, twine,  curly label punch, dimensionals, TPS buttons, ribbon (hobby lobby), TH antique linen distress paint, sponge, scalloped edge punch

Resurrection From the Creative Dead?

Good Morning!  I finally finished a card.  While I really love this, I'm not sure it means I have my Mojo back.  I started this card a few days ago and finally had the gumption to finish it.  I think I currently have 4 projects on my desk waiting to be completed.  Does anyone else do that?  I am so envious of those that can whip up a card in 20 minutes.  I don't think I can do ANYTHING in 20 minutes.  I'm very slow at everything.  It's a family curse. I also wanted to say that  I really  appreciate the words of encouragement yesterday. I know that everyone goes through a creative slump at times.  I am getting ready to go on vacation and I have been trying to get design team work caught up, as well as, projects to show while I am away.  I realized that may not happen.  My blog may be SILENT for a few weeks.  Before it never mattered, but now I KNOW that 64 of you are following my every move..hee hee.  The PRESSURE!  AHHHH!  I don't work well under pressure.  I now know that I am my own worst enemy when it comes to that.  I decided I will do what I can and then come back with a vengence...refreshed, revived and RAAARING to go. ( The raring part is from Father of the Bride II...  Martin Short's character...love that movie)

Ok, enough chatter.  This is a card I started for the MOXIE FAB challenge to use PLUM.  I only know a handful of people who like purple.  I am not one of them.  My mom loves purple though.  I am missing her.  She always reads my blog so she will see her card before she actually gets it.  This ones for you MOM!

 One of my favorite stamp sets was used on this card.  I love the elegance of that "flourish."

I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but I also stamped the little flowers in fresh  snow ink and then embossed with iridescent ice.  Each is topped with a tiny pearl.  They say that "Diamonds are a girl's best friend,"  but I prefer pearls.  This rare beauty encased in a hard shelled creature.  There is something very metaphoric about that, don't you think.  I know a few people like that.   My mom is not one, however.  She oozes sweetness.

I also wanted to point out this ribbon rose.  Here is a close up...

This is so simple to make.  I learned how from my very last demo magazine.  I will work on showing you a mini tutorial for next week.

Ok, I'm off to see if I can be a bit more creative.  My son has the assignment of "disguising a turkey" for school.  So we will be "gettin' crafty " as a family today.  Hope you all have a good one.  Check back here tomorrow for a Stamptacular Sunday Challenge!

What's In It?

Stamps: Baroque Motif, For You (heidi grace)

Ink: Versamagic Purple Hydrangea, Fresh Snow (PTI)

Paper: Plum Pudding (PTI), White

Other: Plum Pudding satin ribbon, lace, Kaiser pearls, Taylor's Tiny Twinkles, iridescent ice, dimensionals, organdy ribbon, pretties kit, cuttlebug EF, corner rounder

I Have NO MO JO.....

....no ambition and no time.  That equals NO card:(  I am trying to be optimistic and say I will be back tomorrow with SOMETHING.  Til then my friends.  And if NOT, check in on Sunday because I have a project for the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge that took the last of everything I had.  I love it though so check back then for sure!

Over the Top!

This is the award that Stacie gave me the other day.  I am so honored!  Lately I have been called "mean" ( my son), "crazy" (my daughter), "moody" (my husband) and  "nuts" ( Tosh).  So "Over The Top" is a real compliment.

Now for the rules: I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know I left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word. If you know me then you know one word is TOUGH!  I will do it though.
1.Where is your cell phone?  Hmmmm?

2.Your hair? WILD

3. Your mother? sweet

4. Your father? silly

5. Your favorite food? Mexican

6.Your dream last night? none

7. Your favorite drink? " Momma's Milk"  (Kahlua and milk)  I got to 7 before cheating...that's good

8. Your dream/goal? Happiness

9. What room are you in? dining

10. Your hobby? crafting

11. Your fear? lots

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? healthy

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren't? organized

15. Muffins? chocolate

16. Wish list item? time

17. Where did you grow up? Michigan

8. Last thing you did? flyers

19. What are you wearing? smile

20. Your TV? I WISH ( I have kids and a history buff hubby)

21. Your Pets? 4

22. Friends? fabulous

23. Your life? funny

24. Your mood? Cybill-ish

25. Missing Someone? family

26. vehicle? minivan

27. Something your not wearing? shoes

28. Your favorite store? Simply Scrapbooks

29. Your favorite color? green

30. When was the last time you laughed? today

31. Last time you cried? ?????

32. Your best friend? sister

33. One place that I go to over and over? School

34. Facebook? Just

35. Favorite place to eat? My MIL's when we get JET'S Pizza


Ok, so I didn't follow the rules.  I am passing this award on to these 5 people:

Kathie....I am amazed by her personally, but WHAT she can do to a lunch note is amazing.  I can't even pack my daughter's lunch, let alone make these creations each day.  She is OVER THE TOP WONDERFUL!

Liza....I am in awe of her coloring skills.  Really, I 'm just horribly jealous.

Carly... She amazes me with her sheer ability to do so many things so wonderfully and with 2 little girls.

PattiJ... I can't believe all the challenges she can accomplish in one day.  She also has these little tidbits on her blog that make me giggle everytime.

Travelingmamma....Because her blog speaks to my soul through her stories, her generosity and her photography.

HALLOWEEN PICTURES

Elvis and Priscilla Presley have left the building!

My daughter would not let me cut this hair.  Some people thought she was Cher.  By the end of the night she wished she had listened to me:)

We had a lot of fun.  My son told everyone that gave him candy, "Thank you.  Thank you very much," while doing "the lip thing."  Some people got it and some didn't.  He came home and we got  him doing his rendition of Jailhouse Rock on video
.

We also decided to carve only one pumpkin this year. We ran out of time with illness and my hubby's work and school shedule.  This also saved us some money. It actually was a really fun family activity.  Next year we need a revolving display though so everyone can see all four sides of it.

I wish I had a card for you, but I don't.  Hopefully tomorrow.  We have had quite a bit of illness here lately.  Hope you all stay healthy and have a great Wednesday!

NIKKI

Joy Can Mean SO Many Things

This is my take on Beate's Weekend Sketch 104.  It's a "creative stretch" as far as the sketch goes. I'm not sure it really qualifies at all, but this was the idea I had and I couldn't seem to veer from it.   I love this card, but NOT this photo.  It seems to me that Raspberry Fizz and Pink Passion don't photograph well.  I tried everything to get this to look true in color.  Even the buttons are off.  So imagine that the true colors of Rasp Fizz, Aqua Mist and Spring Moss are what the buttons really look like.  Do you see it?  AHA!  Then it is indeed "Joy."

On the subject of "joy" I wanted to share something that isn't really craft related.  But, this blog is about things that I love.  I recently found a blog called, I'm An Organizing Junkie, in my neverending quest to improve myself.  One thing that I love on her blog is the Menu Plan Monday.  This has been a huge help to me in organizing my week's worth of meals.  I am the type of person who thinks at 4pm, "Hmmm, what shall we have for dinner in an hour?"  The Menu Plan Monday is a layout of your entire weeks worth of meals.  She even has a few printables you can use.  This has really helped me so much.  I know that sounds like a "no-brainer"...hey, why don't you PLAN what you want to eat for the week, dummy?!  For someone like me (an obvious "no-brainer"), I needed this knock to the head.  Besides, you can look at what other people are planning and get recipes.  You could even just have what she is having each week.  I don't know WHO would do something like that though.  I mean REALLY!  But, it's an option...a back up plan, if you will.

  This has also led me to other blogs that offer up some great recipes.  One blog is called, Finding Joy In My Kitchen.  This lady posts tons of stuff...sometimes twice a day.

I, personally, have never found "JOY" in my kitchen... but I'd  LOVE to... REALLY!  Everyday at 3:30, when I get home from picking up the kids, I hope that I will find "JOY" there.  A big smile on her face, cooking up a dinner beyond belief.  She will nod and say, "Hey, I've got it all under control."  Then she'll present this beautiful dinner that EVERYONE will eat and she'll leave all the credit to me~~~~~~~~~(insert sounds of waking from the dream).

  Yes, I'm still waiting for "JOY".  Does anyone know her?  I think my husband would like to meet her too.

(Hey...maybe we DON'T need "JOY")  Anyways, I wanted to share this little tidbit to making my week run a  bit smoother.  Now if I could just figure out how to fit the meals I plan into my budget, we'd be that much closer to...well.... BLISS:) 

Hope you have a great day!  I will be posting pictures of my family tomorrow AND I got a blog AWARD.  Thank you to Stacie, aka craft_princess, for giving me an award.  I am working on passing it along.  I will share details tomorrow.  Hopefully a card too.  My day is NOT going as planned, so we'll see.

What's in it?

Stamps: Snowflake Serenade

Ink: versamark

Paper: white, Rasp Fizz

Other: silver EP, dimensionals, satin ribbon, PTI holiday buttons, silver cording, MS border punch

Friendship- Stamptacular Style

 Today we are celebrating friendship at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge.  We'd love to have you play along and make a card for a special friend in your life.

We have TWO sponsors this week.  Our very own Liza is sponsoring THIS:

and Doodle Street by Cassandra is offering:

ONE FREE DIGITAL IMAGE....Winner's choice

My card today has so many different elements to point out.  I was really inspired by this Wassail paper I got on clearance.  I love the blend of white with cream and tan.  I never think to use white and cream together.  I only ever use one or the other. It's really kind of an interesting look to combine them don't you think?  I layered a sheer, cream ribbon over a white satin one in my attempt to mesh these two colors.  That tiny white frame is by Melissa Frances and has a small stamped area that is the same as the main image.  I used a new stamp set by Heidi Grace.  It is stamped on watercolor paper that was colorwashed with Sahara Sand.  I then stamped the image in  Sahara Sand and then again using versamark and white embossed.  The butterfly is stamped in Vanilla craft and embossed in iridescent ice.  It is layered on another butterfly that is clear embossed.  Don't you hate when the last thing you stamp comes out CROOKED?  I was not starting over though.  So this will go to a crooked friend that knows how crooked my life really is and accepts that....My Sister.  Boy I miss her.  She is my best friend.  The person who is most like me, yet different enough to make things interesting.  She is the person who gets me and my jokes and I get her. We have our own language.  Eventhough she lives far away, I know that she will always be there for me as I will be for her.

Here is a picture of the inside:

So go ahead and get started.  Let someone special to you know just how you feel.  Make sure you check out the design team's great creations and let them know how you feel too;)

Have a great Sunday!

Nikki

What's In It?

Stamps: Bevy of Butterflies (unity), Because of You (verve), For You (heidi grace)
Ink: sahara sand, versamark, close to cocoa craft, vanilla craft

Paper: Wassail, Sahara Sand, watercolor 

Other: TPS buttons, white EP,white linen thread, dimensionals, ribbon, iridescent ice EP, white Kaiser pears, Labels 4 Spellbinders