April's Alley

Can You Digi It? Challenge

2012-02-28T07:00:00.012-05:00

(If you are looking for my Calendar Girl Card, leave love here and then scroll down, check it out and leave more love...lol)

I am showing you my card before I even tell you the challenge.
That way, I can hope you love my card even if I failed epicly on the challenge....lol

The challenge is Denim and Lace and I used some fantastic denim dp from my scrap pile and some lacy ribbon from my scraps....a little cutout in the bottom corners and a bit of pink bling. I used a digi from the shop and colored it with my Bic's (white gel pen to hilite the polka dots). The sentiment will be on the inside...it's a surprise to my hubby ;-)
I am now going to show the collage that was inspiration....

So, there you have it....denim and lace!

I have a new link manager too, so make sure you now check the bottom of my posts....It might take some getting used to - for ME and you, but I am giving it a try. (they say change is good, right?)

Thanks for stopping by~

Huggz,

April

Another CGC

2012-02-28T04:08:00.001-05:00

Blogger and Blog Press seem to e giving me fits today. See what happens when my mojo works at the same time! I had this posted at 4am and poof my picture disappeared...so, am trying again with hopes you can see it!

Yep, a challenge for the Calendar Girls!
Here's what Kelly (Miss February) had to say about her challenge this month:
"Hee hee! It’s February, a month that symbolizes
LOVE. When thinking of a theme for this month’s
Challenge, I knew I wanted us to get happy with
the furry ones! My challenge for you this month is: Show some
LOVE to our furry animals! I love them great and small,
Short and tall – furry and fluffy! I am also
sure at one point we have all had a special pet that we have loved,
or maybe still do have a pet (or a bunch!) So let’s show them
some love! I challenge you to show us fur, your fluff, your waggin’ tails! The possibilities are endless – from doggies to cats, mice to turtles – in one case, a spider! (lil dj!!) LOL! Let’s bring some creativity to making a card (etc) with any image showing us a pet (including if you don’t actually own one!)
** For an extra part of the challenge, since it is February, please try to include the color RED on your card somewhere (coloring of the image, your DSP, cardstock, embellies – just a touch (or a lot!) of red."

Okay, well, I think I did pretty well with the challenge part. And, you know I love little bonus features, but I just didn't get the hint of red into my card....does all that orange count?

For those of you that don't know me, we have two goldfish. NOT furry at all!
BUT, my SIL also lives in the house and she has a dang cat....lol... While the cat leaves the fish alone, she does drink the water from the tank....EEEEEWWWWW
deets: cs and dp from my stash, immie and sentiment from Deedee's Digis (Deedee can now be found here), bling from Can You Digi It?, and the cat is actually a label pin that I have had forever and finally found a place for it! {It now has a new home, because I sent it to a fellow crafter that I thought would appreciate it!}
Check out the rest of the Calendar Girls - their links are on my side bar! They love luv too!
Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Just a little punchy!

2012-02-28T00:01:00.001-05:00

Paola is me of my besties over at SCS and she is hosting a swap for cards using punches! And, as the hostess with the mostess, she suggested a weekly challenge. My arm was twisted and I am the hostess of this weeks T Day challenge.
So, without further ado, here is my challenge:
I would like you to take a non-border punch and use it to make a border. Think out of the box...it doesn't need to be a traditional border, but some sort of divider between papers, cards stocks, or layers.
For some inspiration, I used a postage stamp punch to make a border between my base and my inset layer.

Immie and sentiment from MFT
Gems and pearls from the Can You Digi It? Shop
D/P (Dolled Up) from the Can You Digi It? Shop
Pin was from a swap
Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April
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Showcase Saturday!

2012-02-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday I showed you my love for the wheelsfrom the Can You Digi It? shop.

Today, I am going to show you the pearl version of the wheels. These are a gem to use! Embellie Gellie helps so much! Shop, here!!

The card stock is all from my scrap pile. The sentiment is hand written and the darling birdie is from the shop and can be found here. And, don't forget those great pearls that are in each flower of the punched border!

Thanks for stopping by on this sunny Saturday!
Huggz,
April

This week just flew!

2012-02-24T19:52:00.000-05:00

This week of 'vacation' just flew by! I did some quality crafting, had fun with my son, spent a day with my hubby, AND made this final card!

This one is for three challenge: The Pink Elephant #136, the deconstructed sketch #40, and By LORi Designs #25. They are two inspiration challenges and a sketch challenge!

Have a nice weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Getting punchy!

2012-02-22T14:20:00.001-05:00

Well, not really....
I don't own many punches, but I have a Cricut that is a very expensive paper weight!

As you saw this past week, I made a card for Paola's Punch swap over on SCS. Well, she has started her own little challenge within the thread and this week wanted to see "negativity."

I couldn't figure out a way to use my actual punches, but I do have the Going Places cartridge for my expensive paper weight! So, here is my way of using negative space.

I will admit that this is going to Paola along with my swap cards because it is the perfect little 6X6 page for her! She loves to camp and takes many pictures, so she can add a picture to the top and journal on the kraft tag!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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BLD Challenge

2012-02-21T15:25:00.001-05:00

I am coming in under the wire to make a card with a heart on it!

Echo Park paper highlights this cutie patootie!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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SOTC for March

2012-02-21T15:07:00.000-05:00

Lorie asked use to create a card that featured "Things that Fly". Her first thought, and mine, was a kite! Luckily I have this digi stamp and sentiment by Deedee's Digi (she is designing here now)! The papers are DCWV and all card stock was from my scrap pile(s). Candi Dots are in the corners!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Oi Vay!

2012-02-20T14:24:00.001-05:00

My arm was twisted and I joined a swap using punches....let me tell you, I am NOT creative! Well, in the punch world anyhow.
So, I surfed the web and got some ideas and that started me planning for this card. That was months ago....today, I finally have a card (well, 6 of them) I am sending to Paola.

Just the house opens and it is a pretty basic card....lol
I used a scallop border punch, MS icicle punch(might be grass, after all this I don't remember) and a flower punch from SU!

Hope you like it....
Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ!
April

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Did you see that Pink Elephant?

2012-02-18T22:08:00.000-05:00

Neither did I!
But, I stopped over at the Pink Elephant Challenge Blog this week for a little inspiration!
Yep, you know what comes next.....here's my card!

I made a 4inch square card. Candi dots in the corners, flowers from Michael's, Verve sentiment, and designer card stock by My Mind's Eye (Dilly Dally).
Submitted to TPE135

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ!
April

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Let's do "WHEEL"ies

2012-02-18T00:01:00.003-05:00

No, I haven't lost my mind....and, I am not getting on a bike and popping one!

I am using some pearls and crystals that I got out of my cool wheels available over at the Can You Digi It? store. I need to get this posted, so will add my watermark tomorrow when I can actually get to the computer! {Apologies Michelle....I am running late due to the creeping crud invading our house!}

Here is my card ~ I followed the sketch at Mojo Monday #228!

And, here is a close up of the pearls and crystals! They are the same shade do green, although it is hard to tell in my photos.

Let me tell you, I don't care how many it says are in these wheels, there are millions! I know because I had the pleasure of picking up one color after dropping them all over my desk! BUT, I used a product called Embellie Gellie (found here) that helped immensely! Please, use it....I cannot rave enough about it. Besides helping to clean up my mess, I use it for perfect placement!

Card details:
Base and kraft card stock by a*muse
Embossing folder by Cuttlebug ~ Scrollwork
Brad, DP and cream card stock from my scrap pile
Flowers by Prima
Pearls and Crystals by Zva at Can You Digi It?

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ!
April

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Up-Cycling

2012-02-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

Not many of you know me personally, but my family affectionately refers to me a the "Recycle Nazi". They mean no disrespect, and neither do I, but I am a bit fanatical a out recycling. I keep everything I can....almost to the extent of hoarding 'things'. One of the things I have kept...just knew I would need them some day...is the rolls from my ATG tape. Yep, the little white plastic innards! Can you find one on my card?

This card is for a swap on SCS, hosted by Jeanette, the Forest Ranger. Our theme was Rain in the Forest!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ!
April

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Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-15T05:56:00.008-05:00

It is the 15th of the month and that can only mean one thing ~ it's time to get my duel on!
Debbie was the hostess this month for my team, the Dazzlers; while Carol led the Divas!
While they tried to make everyone think we would be crafting with spiders and squirmy pets, the actual theme was "Let Me Call You Sweetheart!"

It was an amazing kit (I have lots left over)! I used the dp from My Mind's Eye (Love Me Banners and Plaids), immies are Happy Heart Day from SU! (mouse) and Couple of Cuties and sentiments from Clear Art Stamps, and multiple embellies Debbie sent!!

This card, given to my DH yesterday, featured a criss cross pocket card. I used my Cuttlebug to cut the polka dot paper, hand trimmed the image and put the at the cross. The banner was cut from the dp; I also used the brad and flower sent. Debbie also sent the charm hanging from the banner!

I loved te other immie, but thought it would make a better tag for my son's gift. So, I trimmed around the image, punched out some hearts (the blue was from my scraps, but the plaid was in the kit); I also used one of the great candi dots sent! I tied this to a little bag of candies!

Make sure you stop and luv on the rest of the dueling teams!

Dazzlers Divas

April (me) Barb

Debbie Carol

Jeanette Jamie

Melina Joan

Michelle Judy

Paola Kelly

Terry LJ

Darlene Tami

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ!
April

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Another celebration of Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T21:54:00.000-05:00

I loved the image I used this morning for my Puppy Love card! In fact, I colored up a few of them...lol. Here is the card I made for my FIL. Also from the CAN YOU DIGI IT? shop are the twine, button and pearls! Make sure to check them out!

This second card is one I gave to my SIL and her fiancée. I used a mishmash of products ~ SU felt flowers, a stamp from CTMH, and NEW wonderful papers from the shop; along with the rhinestones!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ!
April

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I {{HEART}} a Challenge

2012-02-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

And, it is the perfect day to celebrate "Puppy Love"!

Here is the inspiration for the challenge over at Can You Digi It?

And, here is my card!!

I used some great digis found at the shop.....I also used some great gems, placed with Embellie Gellie!! The papers are all from Close To My Heart.

Deets:
Dog Heart is the main image
Love Tags as sentiments
Twine (from the Twinery) purchased here
Gems from this wheel
Embellie Gellie to place them

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ!
April

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All that GLITTERS

2012-02-11T12:03:00.000-05:00

This morning it is my pleasure to showcase some glitter paper!

Now those that know me, know I am scared of all that glitters, BUT...

I
LOVE
this paper!

You can pick some up here at the Can You Digi It? Shop!!

This card, and five others, has already been sent to Melina for a swap, but I have some more glitter paper that I am hoarding for the future!

Hope you have enjoyed my elegant card....thanks for stopping by!

HUGGZ,
April

Happy Birthday to The Pink Elephant

2012-02-06T18:32:00.000-05:00

The Pink Elephant (TPE) is celebrating turning three with a Sponsored challenge. And who better to sponsor them than, By LORi Designs!!

The challenge, by the way, is to use PINK on your card.

My friend Kadie, ever the enabler, knows I adore BLD little Puddle Jumpers, so I just had to ink up Ella. I am going to get this card in the mail to my BFF Cheryl who is laid up for a couple weeks. I want her to know how much I love her and hope she feels better soon!

I went all out and used some older Close To My Heart designer paper paired with some card stock scraps, ribbon from my stash, bling from Colorbok, and a making memories slide! Oh yeah, I colored Ella with my Copic's and blinged out her necklace with some silver pearl Liquid Pearls (found here).

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ!
April

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Charity Wings

2012-02-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

Are there days you live in your own little world
and have absolutely no idea what is going on around you?
Yep, hello.... Where did January go?? I am usually on the ball. But, 2012 is running away from me!
Today's post is no less important to me, or the Can You Digi It? Team because I procraftinated! As you can see, I was no where near the computer so I had to improvise on my water mark....lol

Michelle, owner of Can You Digi It?, has created a charity circle. In such, Lily Pink created this wonderful digi (and cut file) to honor Charity Wings. All proceeds for the sale of this digi and cut file will be donated to Charity Wings, an organization that crafts for causes!!

Deets:
Image ~ Bingo Dress Form and Wings; Can You Digi It?
Designer Paper ~ DCWV
Card Stocks ~ from my stash
Flowers ~ Graceful Roses, white; Can You Digi It? Store
Pearls ~ Pearls wheel by Zva Creative; Can You Digi It? Store
Sketch ~ Mojo Monday 226

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Fairies Everywhere.....

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the latest challenge over at Can You Digi It?
The inspiration is based on some fairy pins!
Now I haven't been sucked into Pinterest, but I am sure I soon will be....lol

I made a very cool hidden drawer box using some of the fairies in the Retro Garden Fairy set!

Thanks for stopping in! Don't forget to give this challenge a try....you have two weeks!

HUGGZ,
April

One of My Favorite Things

2012-01-30T08:47:00.000-05:00

MFT has a weekly sketch challenge and for the second week in a row I found time to play!!
The sketch can be found here on SCS! I used scraps from Close To My Heart, and the image is Hello Cupcake, a Pure Innocence stamp from My Favorite Things!
Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

Location:Weatherwood Ln,Rochester,United States

Calendar Girls Redoux

2012-01-28T05:58:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know it is spelled wrong.....I wanted to add a little flair to my title! I could have called this post now and then...lol

This month, our mighty hostess, Jeanette, challenged us to use an image we posted last year and remake it! I made a list of my immies used, checked my stash o' scraps and just knew that Noah was going to celebrate the 4th of July! Isn't he looking snazzy in his blue jeans and red shirt? What says freedom better than a boy and his dog?? I freehanded making the banner by following the outline after I used the die. I also added the white dots with my gel pen!

So, without further ado....here he is:

I look back on my original card using Noah, a Puddle Jumper drawn by Lori Boyd, and think holy cannoli that is awful! I guess in ten months I have truly honed my card making skills a bit! Here it is (my original can be found on March 28, 2011 post here)

Make sure to check out the other Calendar Girls creations! Their links are to the left in my sidebar! I know they love to be loved also!!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Holy Pink-ness

2012-01-26T22:08:00.000-05:00

My SIL looked at my card and wondered what happened! She also asked if I was feeling okay??

Okay, I must admit: I don't do pink! And, I rarely use it and NEVER to the extent I did today. But, I was blurfing last night and found some great inspiration. So, I ran with it!

{Click the pix to enlarge}

All of the paper and cardstock are from my stash, as was the two pink ribbons. The flowers were a giftie from my Sistah Kadie. The image is from By LORi Designs, colored with my Bic's and highlighted with some dazzling Details from SU!

I am entering this card in:
the deconstructed sketch ~ DS36
By LORi Designs inspiration ~ BLD23
Do You Stack Up? ribbon challenge ~ DYSU56

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Can You?

2012-01-25T21:03:00.000-05:00

Digi It?

As y'all know...new DT and new responsibilities....and I am not sure where time is flying to!
Moral: this card has been sitting on my table waiting for me to post it and I procraftinated doing so.

BUT, with only a couple of days left on Michelle's super duper discount code, I had to step up and get this posted! Besides the discount, enter the challenge! Who doesn't like a good challenge?

You have 4 (FOUR) days left to enter our first challenge and have a chance at a $10GC to the shop!!

Here is the blog post detailing the challenge and showing you some inspiration. And here is my iPod inspired card! I used digital paper from the shop, as well as one of the tags found in the shop also!!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Thank You!

2012-01-24T18:54:00.001-05:00

On a roll today! Another quick post today! I would normally hold off from showing this off, but I made it following the deconstructed sketch and want to enter it there.....lol

This card is for my Secret Sistah as (yep) a thank you note. While I can only hope to one day create on her level, I think this new immie from By LORi Designs looks pretty good colored with my Bic's and showing of some dp from Bo Bunny! The sentiment and die used for the tag are both from Verve!

What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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A Tuesday Quickie!

2012-01-24T11:09:00.000-05:00

Not much time, but I want, no NEED, to give a couple shout outs!!

First ~ Did y'all see the Saturday Spotlight at Can You Digi It? Twine was highlighted....it is from The Twinery and it is fab-u-lous! Doesn't ever unwind and comes in soooo many delectable colors! And, I used it on my card today!!

Second ~ Check out this new immie from over at By LORi Designs! I must say thank you so much...she had darling little girl Puddle Jumpers Friends, but as you know....I have a son.... So, she drew up some boy 'friends'!

Here it is...ENJOY

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Snow Much Fun, with Riley and Percy!!

2012-01-22T21:28:00.000-05:00

What's better than ice fishing??
Well, my brother {and Riley} think "NOTHING"! LOL

I may not be of the same mindset, but I sure do enjoy the fruits of my brother's labors! I live in Upstate New York and grew up the tomboy of the family! While I don't mind fishing, I prefer to do it during the summer months.

I am linking this up to the current Winter Fun Challenge on the Riley blog.....my friend Kelly is the 'hostess' this time around!!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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R~R~R

2012-01-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

The three R's! Yep, you know them.....reuse, recycle and reduce.....

Today's challenge at Crafting When We Can is to use something not intended for crafting.....

Well, mine uses some vellum that I have re-purposed! My DH worked as a drafter for an engineering firm....yep...

My vellum is a re-purposed map. I did run it through my Cuttlebug, but I can admit that vellum is not something I have, nor use well. Although, I do think this came out well!

This image is from Spesch Designer Stamps and is Samantha!

And, it will be showing up in future swap I am in! The sketch from Splitcoast ~ SC368. The card stock and papers are from my stash. I WILL get control of them this year!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have time to create for our challenge this week! Be sure to check it out!
HUGGZ,
April

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Mystery Solved

2012-01-19T11:15:00.000-05:00

***Please scroll down for my Can Tou Digi It? Post!***

While the other 'Mystery' swappers from SCS were busy posting yesterday, I held off a day because of new DT duties!

The mystery swap this month was hosted by Darlene and she challenged us with a D Morgan stamp! It is gorgeous; and I can only hope I 'did good' on this one!! I didn't even need to beg for extra immies like in the past. Must be all good, huh?

Thanks for stopping by! Must set and forget this...well, the setting part needs to be done since my eye lids are drooping!

OH MY GOODNESS, I forgot to mention that the flower came all the way from Australia as a little gifty from Lauren!! Thank you so much for them, my friend!!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Can You Digi IT? GRAND OPENING

2012-01-18T07:00:00.057-05:00

I am so HAPPY that I am sorry you cannot see me hopping up and down while making this post!! Today is the day I have been waiting for since the first of the year!! Okay, it has only been a couple of weeks, but keeping a secret that long is hard!

I am here to tell you about Can You Digi It? This is a brand new store that pride's itself on being crafter-friendly!! What more could a card maker ask for! The store has a bit of everything and is growing by the day! I must say that you will see me stepping a bit out of my box by using some digital papers and added bling...but, the prices are great and I can't wait to see where my creativity goes!!

To jump start your creativity and to show you some of the fun you can have with the IT girls, let's hop!!!! The complete list of hoppees is below my creation!

I have used one of the Retro Garden Fairies for my card! My husband has affectionately named her Judy! She is surrounded by some of her floral handiwork! I sure hope come Spring she will be at my house to help with my flowers (thank goodness my husband enjoys working outside, because my brown thumb is no help)!

C.Y.D.I? Blog - http://canyoudigiit.com/blog

Michelle Single (store owner) - http://www.wannastamp.com

Lelia Pierce (DT coordinator) - http://greengoddescreations.blogspot.com/

April O'Connor - http://aprilsalley.blogspot.com/

You are here!

Toni Storie (CYDI friend) - http://sweetpeasstory.blogspot.com/

Dana Alley - http://www.craftewho.blogspot.com/

Jan Hannicutt (guest designer) - http://jans-gonestampin.blogspot.com/

Patty Chalas - http://www.patriciachalasstudio.blogspot.com/

Nancy Williams (guest designer) - http://whatsonmykitchencounter.blogspot.com/

Hannah Clark (artist coordinator) - http://delightfullydistressing.blogspot.com/

Once you're done hopping, you'll want to stop by the store for the fabulous SALE we have going on right now. Don't forget to use CYDIGOC15 to get 15% off all non-digital goodies in addition to the products our artists have put on sale.

The sale/coupon ends Friday, January 27th when Michelle, the owner, gets on the plane for CHA. Make sure you are a C.Y.D.I? Twitter follower to get all the updates from CHA!

While checking out the goodies and making a purchase, keep in mind that the first challenge by the IT girls has been thrown down! You will see my creation later in the week.....so stop back by!

Huggz,

April

First Duel of the New Year!

2012-01-15T05:18:00.001-05:00

The Dazzlers were hosted this month by Melina (the Divas by Joan) and our theme was 'the little things'.

The first thing to come to mind....helping one another...it's just the little things.... Probably not what anyone else thought of, but hey...it was what I thought of {next came sweat...or to not sweat, the little things}!

We were sent three different little immies and asked to make sure one of each made it to our card.....I seem to have lost my spec sheet somewhere in my cleaning and organizing spree, so check Melina's blog for them!

Our other challenge was to make a witty sentiment....hope mine qualifies!

Make sure to stop by the other blogs to see who "wins" the duel this month!

Dazzlers Divas

April (me) Barb

Debbie Carol

Jeanette Jamie

Melina Joan

Michelle Judy

Paola Kelly

Terry LJ

Darlene Tami

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Fried Chicken, Anyone?

2012-01-13T08:43:00.001-05:00

I am planning ahead for a swap over at SCS. Barb is hosting a swap based on our initials....

First up,
A for ANTS

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Have you broken it yet?

2012-01-08T05:00:00.003-05:00

Your New Year Resolution, that is....

I can't say that I sat down and made any resolutions, but my family is working at eating healthier and becoming happier for it!

The team over at Crafting When We Can had the holidays off and we are back showing off projects for the new year!

Stamping Boutique was wonderful enough to share the image (and others) on my card! I went with a very retro feel....looking for happiness and peacefulness in 2011!!!

I hope y'all get a chance to play with us this fortnight! That's two weeks....betcha have a bit of time to give it a shot! ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Mojo Monday #222

2012-01-07T22:35:00.000-05:00

I decided to try some new challenges this year and decided that Mojo Monday would be one of them!

This card is for the February swap of SOTC, hosted by my dear friend Kelly!! I sure hope she likes it ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Happy New Year

2012-01-04T20:27:00.001-05:00

It has been a couple of days, okay four, since I ave posted..... I would love to say it was a Andover, but alas NOT! I have been crafting (Kels, I have a big secret this time!), but just now finding tie to post!

This is for SOTC over at SCS. Our hostess this time around is Judy and she challenged us to make an inspirational card which included a picture of ourselves. YIKES!

I didn't use any DP, but did use my picture as my background paper, so to speak. I found the quote using Google and embellished based on it. The flowers stamps are from Friendship Blooms by SU!

What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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I need another....

2011-12-31T23:47:00.001-05:00

BEER!

Steve Hughes this is for you!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Glitz....inspired by Lauren

2011-12-31T23:23:00.001-05:00

Lauren threw down our last challenge of the night to use sparklies on our card...hope this qualifies, as she is the Queen of Glitz!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Inspired by paper

2011-12-31T22:54:00.001-05:00

Here is my card, inspired by a piece of dp, which is behind my little gift card!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Go Badgers!

2011-12-31T21:45:00.001-05:00

My title says it all......
This is for a card inspired by LJ and her red, white and roses challenge.

I know, no roses, but the BADGERS are in the ROSE BOWL!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Memories

2011-12-31T20:46:00.001-05:00

Made this prototype for LJ's spring swap. Also, to join in the festivities in the Forest.....

We had lilies of the valley all over our yard when I was a child....will always associate them with my favorite thinking spot. My friend, Holly, always knew she could find me there!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Year one comes to a close

2011-12-28T05:00:00.007-05:00

I am truly ecstatic to have completed year one of Calendar Girl posts! I have had so much fun! This final post of 2011 was a ton of fun! It was a Mystery Word given to each of us by the 'month' ahead of us!

My mystery word is:
MASTERPIECE

Before I show you my card, let me tell you what went through my head when Kelly gave it to me.

Yep, first I drew a blank. Then, I said the word and thought of an art museum. This in turn made me think of ornate frames. And that was my starting point to my card.

I went with a folded paper frame (found the tutorial here on SCS). I knew I wanted to use that DP and the color purple, but the DP has white on the reverse. That is why I went with the purple highlighted with the green. I kept that pattern the same over the whole project. I colored the watercolor scene with a blendy pen and CTMH markers ~ image by Robyn's Fetishes. Then I knew I wanted to use the bird from Delicious Doodles as a chickadee and put it in front of the scene I framed! I used the same coloring technique here...lol. Because I felt the card was right side heavy, I added some festive bling to the left! These brads are also from CTMH.

I hope you enjoy my "masterpiece"! Please check out the rest of the Calendar Girls blogs and leave them some love!!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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More Christmas cards

2011-12-22T13:53:00.000-05:00

Well, with a couple days left til Christmas, I only have cards for those near and dear to me left to do. PHEW!

After Mike, my DH, saw the stage card I made for my friend, he 'requested' one. Did he not hear my mumbles and not nice words while making the first one?? Needless to say, here is his....

Then life snowballed, not literally (we are actually praying for some snow ~ not just here, but for the Santi family too!), but then everyone thought they should have a stage card.

NOPE, didn't happen!

Kyle will be receiving this cute pop open box. I thank Sabrina for this awesome idea. My snowman came from here (I just googled and found it; printed two per 8.5 by 11 piece of paper).

Shelly, my SIL will be getting this one! How cute is Riley?? It's not on a stage and does not pop, but it will stand up when opened!

Sorry for the shortness of this and lack of details. If you have any questions, just ask and I will get you the info!

Of to make a couple more cards while I can....lol

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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I tried....

2011-12-20T10:47:00.000-05:00

A pop-up stage card....
I only have one word to say about it: YIKES

The tutorial on SCS made it look easy...and the directions were! My execution, on the other hand, made it into a process taking me the whole evening...lol

Here are the results:

The darling penguins are from Bugaboo, the sentiment from SU! And the snowflakes from Unity. The white base is SU! And the back is glitterpaper from Colorbok. I will be adding some dp to the front of the closed card, under the belly band...but, you get the gist of it!!

Thanks for stopping by! Leave me love if you have time....
HUGGZ,
April

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More GC Holders

2011-12-15T19:25:00.003-05:00

Well, my title says it all. My favorite SIL needed a couple cards to put gift cards in...so, I made them...lol

The first was cased from my SU! Demo, Christine Luce, and the second used the current Mojo Monday challenge ~ #219.

Deets:
immie from Sassy Studio Designs DTBST#103 (this reminds me of oh so many Hallmark movies this holiday season)
All else from scraps

Deets:
Immie from Mo Manning
All else from scraps

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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TicTac Anyone?

2011-12-13T22:56:00.000-05:00

I was blurfing last week and found so many cool projects that I want to try.....thank goodness that I don't have EK on Friday so I can do some much needed crafting!

Today, I made up a cute little 'book' to hold TicTacs. I used scraps of card stock in the blue family, DP the was left over from who knows what, and even heat embossed the Unity Stamp with some blue glitter! The ribbon I have had forever as well as the pearls. The little Jingles are from SU!

I have entered this at the Unity Challenge and at Tuesday Morning Sketch 124.

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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The answer...

2011-12-12T21:24:00.002-05:00

...to your gift card dilemma!

I was at a card class last week and was taught a similar gift card holder. I changed out the SU products for Unity stamps! After taking the belly band off, there is a place for a handwritten message and a gift card!

I tried to show just a bit of snow/frost with just a touch of vanilla that I smudged with my thumb.....saw that idea over at SCS.

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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2011-12-11T05:00:00.004-05:00

I
Happy Son-day!
I hope everyone is taking a break today to enjoy THE reason for the season.

Today, we are celebrating friendship.
Our sponsor this week is Kenny K. So many fun images over there....it was hard to decide; but I (finally) decided on Delivery Guy. And, rather than make a card, I did up a little 3-D project. I made a delivery van holding a little gift....

This is being sent to one of my swapping friends! I hope she likes it!! I don't want to give it away, on the off chance she is reading this ;-)

I hope you have time, we are giving you until the beginning of the year, to stop over at CWWC and enter this fun challenge!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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A little tag

2011-12-02T12:28:00.001-05:00

Well, it really isn't little, but I think tag and automatically think little....lol

I made this tag for a challenge at SCS for a guest DT position with MFT. I must be honest and say that I feel my tags are never quite worthy. I think all crafters think this way at some point, so I sucked it up and tried! I even think I pulled it off! My friend LJ has been quite the enabler where MFT is concerned. I am in love with the whole Pure Innocence line, not to mention Fred Bear! Who doesn't love a bear who loves s'mores and brings flowers?? I have yet to try their dies, but I look and sigh every month when I get their newsletter.....aaahhhhh.....sigh.... Just think, I could become the enabler if I am chosen....lol

I used card stock, kraft and candy cane stripe, by a*muse, ribbon by SU!, a dollar stamp from Mike's (the to/from), and Lily of the Valley from the Pure Innocence line at My Favorite Things. She's colored with my Copic's; and I replaced her lily of the valley with a poinsettia I layered with Prima's. The flower looks a bit blurry, but the top layer is tulle! The back of the tag is all candy cane stripe. I used my Cricut to cut out all three layers of the tag!

I really like who this sweet tag turned out! What do you think?

I have a super busy weekend ahead, so probably won't post again until the beginning of the week!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

This has also been entered in the current challenge at Joan's Gardens!

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Crafty Creation

2011-12-01T12:53:00.000-05:00

As I was blurfing this morning, I came across a post at Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps about their sponsorship this week of challenges at the deconstructed sketch, Do You Stack Up and For Your Inspiration. While I follow Jen and her deconstruction, I wasn't aware of the other two challenges. (Ok, I do sometimes live under a rock....lol)

Well, moral of the story, I decided to combine the three challenges and created this card!

It was pretty easy to combine them; DS29 needed a bow of some sort and that played into the ribbon/something to tie aspect at DYSU48, and FYI19 gave me the color inspiration!

The plum base was from Recollections, the kraft from a*muse, and the DP from Bo Bunny. The ribbon I have had forever and the pearls were from Michael's and buttons from CTMH. The main frame is stamped with CTMH Cocoa on a base I chalked to give a reflective scene. The sentiment is from the same set!

What do you think? My SIL says that it is very girly for me!! I hope you will let me know what you think....

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Happy Hump Day!

2011-11-30T09:31:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week you got a peek at my craft space. It was a mess (still is, so no more pictures), but in those pictures were hints of two card sets I am sending to my swapping pal, Sam. I Also did some creative cropping so that a mystery wasn't revealed too soon.....utoh....

Sam is hostessing a Men's Cards Swap and I took general spot and a birthday one. I will be honest and tell you, as many probably know, I rarely put a sentiment on the outside of my card. And, if I do, it is pretty generic. This holds true with these cards too. I hope Sam and the rest of the swappers don't mind!

I used some twine, from The Twinery, for a purely male embellishment. The card base is kraft from a*muse. The digital image is from Mo's Digital Pencil (one of my most favorite immies evah); the sentiment is from SU. This is intended for my general card, but could be a birthday one too!

The card base is a*muse and the DP is CTMH. The button is vintage~ an estate sale find! The image (obviously) is from Bugaboo!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Happy November!

2011-11-28T05:13:00.001-05:00

Can you believe that it is the 28th of the month already? In just a couple of days it will be December...ugh! That means lots of baking is in my near future! Great for my neighbors, not so much for my waistline!

It is probably a good thing that I have some of my Christmas cards already made!

This is my prototype that I wasn't 100% pleased with:

This is my final version:

I changed the color of the fireplace and double stamped the fire. The flowers are by Prima (a great find thanks to Kelly). The card stock is from a*muse. The ink is CTMH and the ribbon is a dollar find at Mike's.

Now, you are probably wondering why I am sharing this with you.....because today is the day when the Calendar Girls show off their version of the month's challenge. That challenge was to display a Christmas card! Woot woot...easy peasy!

Now, for the not so great part of the challenge.....we are all supposed to show off our crafting space. I must be honest and tell you that while I have a lot of space, I have terrible lighting. I am hoping that Santa brings me a new OttLite in my stocking! (I did decide I would show you my mess, since I showed you my scary pajama outfit a week or so ago!). You will notice that my cards are skewed across my desk, my ATG and stamp blocks haven't made it back to their storage bin, and I am about to send some swaps out!

I hope you will leave me some love, and then go leave some for the rest of the Calendar Girls (check my side bar)!!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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It's Sunday, so you know what that means

2011-11-27T05:49:00.001-05:00

Yep, time for another challenge over at Crafting When We Can Challenges! This fortnight, we are 'cheating' and letting you use a sketch from another current challenge. Make sure that you still follow our rules......

We are sponsored this time around by Tiddly Inks.

I used the darling Christmas Pixie! She is really sparkly IRL. If you enlarge the photo you can see that better ;-)

I used the current sketch at Tuesday Morning Sketches. Melissa always has a great challenge and since I am done with my current swaps have some time to play in some challenges!!

I hope you can all play this time with the Crafting When We Can Team. It is an easy challenge, so what are you waiting for??

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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FIL's Cards

2011-11-26T13:15:00.001-05:00

I love that my own family asks me to make their Christmas cards.... Yes, they do pay....lol
My FIL is a bit wacky and has a wicked sense of humor. He put in his order for thirty Christmas cards, and I asked what he wanted them to look like. His only stipulation was they not look like last year's (who can remember that long ago?).

I figured these are different, so went with it.....

The dp is from Frances Meyer and the stamp is Unity. I embossed using Versamark and Red Tinsel.

Here is a closer shot of my computer generated sentiment with the stamped snowflakes.

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Let's Face It

2011-11-23T22:17:00.002-05:00

I so admire crafters that know what they are doing. The ones that can pull of a project effortlessly! I cannot always accomplish that!

I can cook like a dream, or so many friends and relatives say, so a week or so ago got it in my head to enter a challenge over at Peachy Keen Stamps for a recipe card!

I own one 'face' stamp and ever since being gifted with it have been petrified to ink it up. Well, I had a lot of time on my hands this week (many of you should laugh about this since I have cooked my entire dinner sans the turkeys already), so I gave using it a try.

While I am ambivalent about it, I did give it the old college try, so to speak! The recipe is inside; the yellow folds open. No real embellishments since it will be a well used card! The designer paper is homemade using a million-year old cheapy stamp and chalks...lol

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Prescott shows up again....

2011-11-21T16:02:00.002-05:00

Last week's Mystery Image really stumped me. And, I hate to admit it, but I had to ask Barb for a couple more images since the first batch didn't turn out so well. In the end, I had this Prescott left over and decided while he wasn't what I wanted for my swap cards, he is card worthy!

Pretty much back to my CAS style....what do you think?

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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A Mystery Revealed

2011-11-18T05:41:00.002-05:00

Time sure does fly when I am crafting! I love my many friends over on SCS.

What? You have never stopped in to Splitcoast Stampers? You should - there is a ton of inspiration floating around over there!

Besides visual inspiration, I have many friends that offer words of wisdom and support! It goes to show you that there are genuinely nice people in the world!

One set of these nice people dreamt up a MYSTERY swap. Every two months a new image comes to us, we create, send back to the hostess and await the next image.

The current hostess is Barb and she sent Prescott, from Whipper Snapper Designs.

I had a ton of fun with this image ~ once I got my mind wrapped around it. I must give a shout out to Barb with a BIG THANK YOU!

She sent me extras because I 'goofed' on the others.....but, I did finally figure it out to my liking!

Thanks for stopping by!

Huggz,

April

Happy Birthday, Adrianna

2011-11-17T09:55:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was the big day!
A family friend turned
{{drum roll, please}}
13.

So, I colored up Birthday Anya, found some fun paper and made her a special card!

What do you think?

I now can blog from my iPad and haven't quite mastered taking pictures, so please bear with me ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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Tennis Anyone?

2011-11-16T08:10:00.001-05:00

It is always exciting to see someone you know in the news!
My son's friend became the first tennis player in school history to win a Section V Championship!!

This is certainly a card-worthy occasion and, as such, here is the card.

The image is from The Greeting Farm, papers from Close To My Heart, and flowers from Prima.

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

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The Duel is ON

2011-11-15T05:38:00.004-05:00

Well, it is the start of a new round of duels. Jeanette was our hostess (that is for the Dazzlers) and Kelly hostessed for the Divas (they really are...lol). Between the two of them, Jeanette and Kelly, they came up with a great and challenging theme:

"What NOT to wear!"

If you have ever seen that show, or even heard of it, you know that individuals with questionable taste get remade....

Yep, we all received kits that didn't necessarily "match".

Here's what was included:

DP's:

Colorbok Beautiful Music

Paper Company Double Sided Mulberry - green/lt gr

Paper Pizazz Yummy Chocolate Chips

Paper Studio Girly Graffiti, Hibiscus Flowers, Multi Colored Bursts,

Water Color Floral, and Watercolored Balloons

Embellishments:

Eyelet Outlet - mug and Bux cup

Heidi Swapp - Anywhere stickers

Karen Foster Designs - orange floss

Making Memories - Remeber Ribbon

Simplicity Buttons - green, pink and purple

Vintage key from a treasure hunt

I must admit that I knew straight away what I wanted to do. Not sure I truly pulled it off, but it sure was FUN!!

The only piece of the kit I couldn't figure out to use on my card was the vintage key....I have some thoughts, but just not with this card...lol...

I did get everything else on it, or in it!

So, have I bored you yet with the details?

Hope not!

Because, here is my card!!

So, what do you think? Did I take this mismatched kit and rework it into something great? (I will settle for okay here, or even fun and passable!)

After you leave me love - you are, aren't you?? Make sure to stop over and visit the rest of the Darling Duelers:

Dazzlers Divas

April (me) Barb

Debbie Carol

Jeanette Jamie

Melina Joan

Michelle Judy

Paola Kelly

Terry LJ

Darlene Tami

And, our guest this month, Janet!

I tried to forget this part, but I might as well post it....
I am supposed to put a 'questionable' outfit that I once wore into my post. I am not sure the outfit is questionable, but when you put my BFF and I together....oivay!

This is my best friend, Cheryl, and I on our way out to the dance club circa 1986.
Can you say pretty in pink?
I sure do wish I could get away with going out in public like this today....lmbo!
Not only is the outfit "interesting", but those glasses are HUGE!

Thanks for stopping by!

Huggz,

April

2011-11-13T05:25:00.003-05:00

Here it is, Sunday again....lol
This fortnight over at Crafting When We Can Challenges, we are making birthday cards for GIRLS. If you read my posts, you will know that I am surrounded by BOYS....yep, this was a challenge.

The image is Seraphena from

Isn't she adorable. I layered her leaves to give her a bit of texture, but kept the rest of the card pretty simple. It is going to a three year old, so didn't want to go overboard in my layers. The papers were from my scrap file...colored with my Bic's!

Thanks for stopping by!

Huggz,

April

A DudeTime Doodle Challenge

2011-11-09T19:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I am either very crafty...or not so much! I love those times when everything goes as planned....I get to craft and blog about it in a timely manner....lol

It seems that for a bit, I was in a rut and couldn't get the two times to coincide!

Today, I have used the free image over at Dude Time Doodles to make a little card for my son. He is twelve and an avid baseball player/fan! In fact, he has already made next year's travel team and I am sure practice will be starting before I know (or really want) it!

Now, if you know Tammy and/or Marlene, you have run into the humor the Dudes and Dudettes show off all the time. I thought I would give it a shot, and let my humor hang out...lmbo!

Thanks for stopping by!
Huggz,
April

SOTC ~ November

2011-11-09T11:52:00.000-05:00

MaryAnn was the hostess of our Traveling Card Swap this month and as such, wanted us to make cards for teen girls (yikes, I live in a house of boys...)! Straight forward challenge...EXCEPT she wanted something on the card to be twisted....I sure do hope that my rolled flower counts!

Thanks for stopping in today!

Huggz,

April

A Little Asian Flair....

2011-11-04T06:30:00.000-04:00

Paola is the hostess of an Asian Flair Swap over on SCS. This is her second swap of this kind...not sure how I missed round one, but I wanted to be sure I made it in this round. Because the postal system doesn't like me, I mailed these early, but am just now showing y'all!

Here is what I came up with:

What do you think? The blue looks very blue here, but IRL is more of a teal color. The geisha image is from Whimsie Doodles and the CS and DP is from Close To My Heart; as is the branch I have layered under my computer generated sentiment.

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

On a roll....

2011-11-02T05:48:00.000-04:00

I just love this Riley! I come from a long line of hunters, and while I don't get out there and hunt or track deer, I do benefit from the labors of my brother/cousins/husband (&friends)!! When I won this Riley I just knew that it would be inked up a lot!! In fact, I think he is so stinkin' cute that I used him for the latest Forest Swap at SCS!

I didn't want to offend anyone, so I made a card without a hunting sentiment, but rather an uplifting one!

Thanks for stopping by....I will have more to share later in the week!

HUGGZ,
April

Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T06:00:00.010-04:00

Hey there! Can you believe it has been two weeks since I mentioned the Crafting When We Can Challenge Blog???
Well, it's time for a new challenge and it's a great one!
We are celebrating Halloween! And doing it with out a card project! (Well, at least that is the direction I went with....lol)

I made this darling little box/bag from a tutorial over on SCS. You can find it here.

The image is from our great sponsor this fortnight -

Poodles Digi Doodles.

Thanks for stopping by!

HUGGZ,

April

Trick or Treat

2011-10-28T05:40:00.025-04:00

This month, the Calendar Girls were led by Tami!!

Her challenge - in her own words:
"Although maybe not a super original idea, I would love to see what Halloween cards the Calendar Girls can make! I have seen so many fun designer papers, stamps and embellishments at the craft stores of late. Fun!

Here are the details……..

Theme: Halloween

Layers: At least three layers somewhere on the card, one layer being a designer paper {I love me some DP}

Colors: Somewhere on your card please use the color purple

Embellishments: Two for sure - and are you ready Carol.....one needs to be a glitter product *gasp*

Blog Post: Please share what your favorite candy is to receive in your trick-or-treat bag and if you participate in this holiday, please include what fun things do you like to do for Halloween

I am so looking forward to seeing what our great group of Calendar Girls has to offer on this challenge. I can hardly wait!!!

Until then…….

Tami, Miss October"

Well...tis the season and my Halloween stamps and digis have been seeing a lot of ink...

Here is my card for the month:

I must say that my glitter is minimal...the brads! I must admit that glitter scares the bejeebers out of me! The image is from Sassy Studio Designs. The papers are all From Piggy Tales.

My favorite Halloween treat is Butterfingers...lol...LOVE them! We are gearing up to do the whole she-bang this Halloween....my SIL and I are dressing as witches to take the little neighbor girl galavanting through the neighborhood!! My husband and I also carry on the tradition set by his parents of having an adult beverage while out trick or treating. His family has lived in this 'hood for over 40 years....lol

I can't wait for Monday night...nothing better than spending the evening with family and friends! Hope you enjoyed my card ;-) and that y'all have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Thanks for stopping by - make sure you stop and see what the rest of the CG's (see the right side bar for their blogs) have created for your viewing pleasure....

Huggz,
April

Happy Birthday!

2011-10-26T13:02:00.000-04:00

Well, Monday was THE big day! EK turned THREE!

EK is Extra Kid, you know, the one I watch during the day. So, he turned three and my own DS is twelve. They ADORE each other. So, I made them identical presents. I know, my son's birthday was in June, but I wanted them to have them!

I used papers from Close To My Heart. I found the saying while doing a Google search and cut out the "BRO" with my Cricut. Yep, dusted it off and even remembered how to use it! This darling image is from Mo Manning, titled William and Jeffery. Colored with my Bic's and inked around the edges with Cocoa from CTMH.

Thanks for stopping by today!
Huggz,
April

A Christmas Ornament

2011-10-24T13:08:00.000-04:00

I really should be in the Christmas crafting mode...maybe Sassy Studio Designs' Ornament Challenge is just what I need to jump start my mojo!

If you read my blog (HELLO, is anyone out there???), you know that I have been playing along with SSD's Steam Punk Challenge - they have over 500 followers on PCP, ya know. That was quite the challenge for me - you know I love my 'boy' immies and same old, same old....well SASSY is a reach for me. I did finally 'get it' toward the end of the week! And, the DT over there made me feel like I knew what I was doing...lol

So, when they gave a shout out about their monthly Christmas challenge, I said sure....let's give it a try. (No EK today, so had time to craft) You still have about a week to enter - go take a look!

Oh, you want to see my submission....
Here it is.

An ornament made from six punched circles. I heat embossed with clear on the card stock before punching the circles out. Sassy Bridesmaid was the immie I have that looked the most Christmas-y, so I colored her up and have her carrying poinsettias. I added two iridescent beads and a length of ribbon to complete the project.
What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by!
Huggz,
April

Anything Goes with SSD

2011-10-23T14:45:00.000-04:00

Well, I lived through the week of relay challenges at Sassy Studio Designs and have grown to even like the steam punk style.

This is the latest freebie, Steampunk Vivian...what do you think?? My DH thinks she looks hot! And, my DS12 thinks the paper is great.... Not sure they meant them as compliments, but I am taking it that way!!

Thanks for stopping by!
HUGGZ,
April

Quick, Quick...

2011-10-21T14:07:00.000-04:00

Okay, there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in this dreary Friday!

So, I don't have much to say about this card I made....Well, I have a lot to say, but not enough time to tell you....lol

I made this using the third Steampunk image from Sassy Studio Designs and used this weeks sketch from deconstructing jen!!

I have had so much fun this week with these Steampunk images! I admit I grumbled on Monday on how poorly I did, but I am into it now....lol

Thanks for stopping in!
Huggz,
April

Not a card

2011-10-20T13:02:00.000-04:00

Tonight I want to tell you about this fabulous site that found me.

Easy Canvas Prints ...
Ever hear of them? No? Well, let me tell you.... I was pleasantly surprised.

This site lets you take your photo and make it into a canvas print.
And, it was easy peasy. 4 steps and voila! So, I gave it a try....picked a picture from this summer's trip to the St. Lawrence, uploaded, cropped, followed their instructions....ordered!

To tell you the truth, I thought it was too easy. But, I waited my allotted time and my canvas arrived.

And, it is BEAUTIFUL!

Here is my original picture:

And here is my canvas on the wall. (Sorry that my lighting isn't the greatest - it is hung in a very small hallway!)

Is that magnificent? I just love how it turned out and am sure to be a repeat customer!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Huggz,
April

Steampunk - Take Two

2011-10-19T10:49:00.002-04:00

Okay, so Monday's card was not my best. And while I still don't really understand the genre, it is fun to challenge one's self!

This is Amelia by Sassy Studio Designs. She is the second image in this progressive challenge.

I do believe this is a much better take on SP than Monday's experience!! LOL

Thanks for stopping by today.

In case you haven't heard, Operation Write Home is having a great FUNdraiser this week. Please check out my post HERE.

Huggz,
April

Over-achiever....

2011-10-18T05:41:00.004-04:00

Yep, I took a lot of flack last week from my Dueling Cohorts because I didn't make just one project....I have to admit, the challenge landed during a time where my mojo was working and I had the time to work with it!!

Today's post has multiple cards also...not because I loved what I created, but because I didn't....lol

So, now you are saying, "Sure, April is going to show us her cards that bombed??" Well, maybe in a way. While I like parts of them and I am known in places as a speedy crafter, this shows that without a doubt I have gumption! Nothing like working it until you get one you like.

I loved the sketch challenge, DC23, over at deconstructing jen. And, they are in need of a guest designer. So, I put myself under pressure to make the perfect card to submit. I will be the first to admit that layers are tough for me...I truly am more of a CAS card maker, BUT, it is also a huge reason that I enjoy the Deconstructed Challenge. It makes me think out of my little ol' box!!

Here is my favorite. I have left off a sentiment, because I am saving this card to give to my son! This is PJ Ben, from By LORi Designs.

Now for the other ones....
This was my first shot at it....love the background, but am going to reconstruct it using a lighter focal point for this darling Puddle Jumper Ben:

And this was my second shot at the sketch! I really liked this and in fact tweaked it into my SOTC card for the month of November.

Thanks for stopping by today....everyone wish me luck on my quest to work with Jen and the DT at the Deconstructed Sketch!
Huggz,
April

Steampunk with Sassy Studio Designs

2011-10-17T18:43:00.000-04:00

Not one to miss a challenge, I had to give this a try. It is a progressive challenge from Sassy Studio Designs, and I love a good challenge....lol

Of course, I had to look at tons of blogs/cards/posts to get a feel of what steampunk is....lol...I still don't "get" it. But, my friend Carol gave this a try, so I figured why not??

Skip ahead....idea is formulated this afternoon, image is printed, papers decided on, ready, set, craft! So, I am all set. Then, my son comes in...MOM!! I just fell off my bike... Yep, trip to afterhours and a fiberglass slint later...here is a toned down version of the card in my head!

I am not sure I really nailed this challenge, but I diamond plate embossed some silver paper, and used a cool black and silver swirl paper for a bit of an accent....silver brads and silver washers. All papers were scraps...and just to tell you the booboo I made....I attached the image backwards to the black cs...lol

I think I will send this to a girlfriend who is single again....see if she can't find a smile and wash that man away...lol

Thanks for stopping in!
Huggz,
April