Michelle's Inky Fingers

Two projects: a house box and a card

2011-09-07T21:25:00.004-05:00

Howdy Peeps!!!

There are all sorts of freebies out in cyber space that some very creative people allow us crafty types to use on a whim! Some are such nominal fees that you (er, Me) cannot NOT download!!!

Here are a two projects I've recently that make me smile:

Project #1 - Haunted House by Paper Trey Ink's Home Made Timeless Template... (PTI) For such a small $5 you can make this very easy House Template. Last Christmas I made several houses that were all decked for the Christmas season!!! Now I have this great girlfriend of mine who {{{loves}}} Halloween. Hence, the haunted house of sorts....

So using my stash of items on-hand, I printed this template out, using about 5 or 6 sheets of cardstock from various sources. Of couse, the windows, doors and chimney stamping set came from the PTI's Home Made set that was $24, but I couldn't resist! The roofing is a printed sheet of cardstock that comes with the template...gotta love those .pdf files! Besides, this downloadable project comes with a great set of directions [one of the many reasons I love Paper Trey Ink]! Oh, and my girlfriend's house has white siding, so I ran white cardstock sized to the wall sizes on the outside of the house with my paper crimper! Wha-la, white siding!!! ;) Then for the Autumn and Fall feeling and colors, Flower-Soft has a wonderful jar of Autumn of that most cool "fluff" they are famous for - who knew those were not fall leaves under the windows and on the roof dormers!?!!

Some of my items I used were pillow stuffing or batting for the cobwebs glued down with a good white glue. Miscellaneous Halloween ribbon I've had forever! Stamps, oh, the stamps were from a few sources...The Angel Company's Happy Haunting set, Amuse Art Stamps, Eat Cake Graphics and Rubber Soul. These are stamped, cut out and placed where I thought the ghosts could be floating up from the rafters of the house! All coloring was done with Copic Markers - my fav! Check out the close-up shots for more detail!

I will fill the box with something...the pictures don't show this, but the roof comes off at the black ribbon, and filled with cute little treats!

Project #2 - Ladies on Beach Must Wear Bloomers card!!!!

This is the card for the same girlfriend who will be getting the Halloween House...this card is so perfect for her...either way, this graphic was totally FREE (except the cost of paper and ink and embellishments...of course all things I had on-hand). So many thanks to such creative, and sharing, people who make digi-stamps and/0r pictures available for download! So, check out this Just Something I Made where I downloaded this great graphic!!! I used my paper crimper again, wanting to achieve a "sign" feeling as well as small grey eyelets (source unknown). Some of the smudges were done with snow white and charcoal Palette Hybrid Ink over the raised paper edges. This gives it a worn look...I like it anyway. For the last little pop, I printed two images. Then used raised foam squares under one image and taped to the other image when I cut out the image, I left a small white area around the image while I cut it out...I really like the way it gives it a bit of a frame and love the shadow it leaves.

What do you think?

Friendship...is not something learned in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything. ~Muhammed Ali [BrainyQuotes.com]

Graduation Cap Box

2011-08-11T15:57:00.002-05:00

There are some projects that scream "YOU have to make me, Michelle" and this is one of them!!!

I found this great project here that is the ***BEST*** project and most adorable for rolling up some cash and giving the grad in your life a fun box for a shelf as a momento as well as a box with a gift...

Stamps: The Angel Company

Paper: Stampin' UP

Markers: Sharpie

Brad: source unknown

Floss: DMC

I have been working on other projects as well but had to share this one...Enjoy and stay tuned for more to come...

Wedding Day card!

2010-07-12T11:15:00.003-05:00

My Mom asked me to make a card for her - she's attending a wedding this weekend. I think it's fun to get asked to make cards for people I don't even know!!! I made sure I put my blog address on the back so this sweet bride can check out her card - someday!

I really like the way this one turned out! I used my PC Embossing Folder, and stamps were from The Angel Company! The Martha Stewart lace border punch makes the card just perfect for that "lacey" look! Spica Markers twinkle with elegance and a sweet bow for a vertical element on this card!!!

Make sure you use your black ink to edge your white CS - gives a bit of a framed look! Thanks for looking!!! What do you think?

“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” When Harry Met Sally (Movie) www.allinspiration.com

Peace Frog Birthday Cards

2010-07-08T12:59:00.006-05:00

Friends of mine celebrated birthdays this July and inspired by their Peace Frog obsession, I created these cards for them! Hope you like them!

Why is blogger underlining all my writing today? I have no idea!!! Sorry.....

“Frogs have it easy, they can eat what bugs them” www.thinkexist.com

Mr. Fix-It Father's Day Cards!

2010-06-29T11:17:00.006-05:00

I am blessed with a Dad who's a Mr. Fix-It! Growing up in a Mechanics home was sometimes smelly (carburetors being cleaned on the kitchen table) , sometimes greasy (GOOP and grease stains in the bathroom sink) as well as seeing my dear old Dad's butt and elbows sticking out from under the hood of a car to be fixed! Seems like that's a whole lifetime ago.

Anyway, I love this set of tools from Darcie Heater's stamp set! This was such a fun card to make!

The inside sentiment says: "To my favorite Mr. Fix-It"

Colored with Copic and Spica markers made a huge difference in that "sparkle" that metal tools have!

Thanks for stopping by!

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kellar

Michelle

I've been M.I.A.

2010-02-14T17:49:00.003-06:00

Yes, I know I've been missing for a while, but not without good reason!

I am currently a college student, AGAIN! I decided to go back for a nursing degree!!!

I have not stepped foot in a college classroom for 17 years!!! Now that my youngest is in school, I thought it might be a good time to figure out what I want to be when I grow up!!! So, I am currently taking 1 prerequisite this semester - along with full time Mom, and now PT student - I am in the throws of Anatomy & Physiology 1 - all I can say is WOW - that is one demanding class - but so far averaging a "B" and that is taking up a TON of my time!

New Use for COPIC Markers: coloring my AP 1 Coloring Book! These make wonderful coloring medium for all those darn labels of every single body drawing that needs to be colored - it's a way to keep my creativity going while I study, study, study! Check out these pics -

So, in case you thought I was just blowing off my blog - not so!

I will be posting as much as I can; thanks for your patience!! I have a good project to show you soon, more to come!

Help Needed: does anyone have a good suggestion for stopping a horrible surge of "comments" on my blog posts for everything from medications to sex items? I put my comments on "moderate" so that helps, but I'm totally sick of the bad stuff and want to stop them at all!!! Any suggestions?

Thanks for stopping by: (and yes, I've been praying TONS just to make all this info from AP 1 Class to stick!)

As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in schools. ~Author Unknown

A Valentine Card

2010-01-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day is in ONE MONTH!!! Wow!

Not sure if you are like me or not, but I have some favorite stamp sets that I continually wrack my brain trying to incorporate those images in as much as possible. This stamp set (Hand in Hand by Melanie Muenchinger) is one of those sets! I just love the possibilities - and I'm a total fan!

Since the Valentine card here speaks friendship that Vinny & I shared first in our relationships - almost 20 years ago! I love the way it turned out!

{{{Recipe}}}

Stamp set: Hand in Hand by Melanie Muenchinger, Gina K Stamps

CS: Real Red by Stampin' Up

Patterend Paper: My Minds Eye

White Ink Pad: VersaMagic Chalk Ink to highlight the scalloped heart punch (Marvy Uchida)

Black Ink Pad: Momento Tuxedo Black

Dimensional Foam dots/red checked ribbon via Walmart/Glue Dots

Where there is love, there is God also. ~ Leo Tolstoy ~

Some Craft Show Photos & 2010 Calendars

2010-01-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone,

If you followed my post back in December, I posted my calendars I was getting ready to sell at my church Craft Show. Here are some of those pictures of my table, my calendars and set-up!

My cards & display include the cards out for customers to walk by and pick up, maybe read. But then also a homemade "Password File" and some of my altered weekly calendar books for purse, etc.

Here are my Screen Door framed decor display. I also showed some of my cards & Screen Door kits I was selling.

On the right side of the next picture you can see my calendars. My desktop & fridge calendars are shown.

The fridge calendars have really strong magnets for hanging. When I glued these down with E6000 glue, the magnets attracted eachother - and making the glue slide until drying some time later. Of course, I was giggling when I saw these the next morning!

This was a picture taken the night before the show - looking at my display to see how it would look prior to the big day!

Here is a snapshot of each month. Both Fridge & Desktop calendars had the exact same stamped images for each month. This made stamping & assembly a snap!

My family, friends & even our mail carrier received what I did not sell. You simply cannot save these time sensitive gifts! (all stamps are The Angel Company).

Using a great font, I printed out the title sheet on my computer and layered it on my front cover.

I wish I could say I made a killing and sold out everything, but honestly I did not. Since my Theme of the Year is SEEKING JOY, I have to be honest with myself: I experience joy when I am creative.

Thanks for stopping by...

Life is all about timing... the unreachable becomes reachable, the unavailable become available, the unattainable... attainable. Have the patience, wait it out It's all about timing.”
Stacey Charter

Babies, babies, everywhere....2 Projects!

2010-01-09T08:00:00.002-06:00

Good Morning Everybody - Babies, babies, everywhere....

I have 2 great projects to share with you - and it's all about the BELLY!!! Yup, I am going to be a new Auntie! My sister is pregnant with baby #3 - and her third GIRL!!! Since this baby was a surprise, it was pretty unanimous that we (a few of her relatives + me) throw her a baby shower!

Project #1
Here is my inspiration for the invite - I am a subscriber to many blogs and this one is just lovely! Click here for Melstampz.blogspot.com - what a great idea but the inspiration was just what I needed for my invites. Of course, I had to tweak my version!

So, here is my version! Do you like it? I hope my sister loves it! They were really fun and easy to make! I must give credit to Templates by Chia - houseofstirfry.com/chia for the FREE template. I did have to play around with getting the cutting just right since I placed the template on the fold of the "shoulders." The tiny heart is a punch I purchased at the dollar bins @ Target. Then, I squeezed a layer of pink Stickles over the heart for a touch of sweet and sparkle!

I have a couple of tips to share: #1 - I went to Walmart and purchased the sew-on snaps for $1.67 - CHEAPPP!!! I did have to play with the bottom of the template to create the snap-flap. But it fit perfectly on a 8.5X11" Solar White white cardstock. I really loved the way it turned out!

Here is a side shot - just so you can see how it opens.

The stitches took some playing with since I did not want to run 30 of these baby onesies through my sewing machine.

Ahhh, Copic markers to the rescue! The E40 Brick White marker worked it's magic and gave me the right amount of shadow and white color for me to make my hand stitches! I really think this gave the onesie it's POP!

Project #2

Since we are on the Baby Theme, funny that a friend of my sister's (same one mentioned above) friend just had a Baby Boy!

For this card I used stamps from The Angel Company (Everyday Events - Elephant & For Baby stamps). The cardstock is Bordering Blue by Stampin' Up, patterned paper from My Mind's Eye, Copic & Spica markers, Crystal Lacquer, light blue organza ribbon from Jo-Ann Stores, a roll of small shipper's twine (source unknown), blue rhinestone sticker from Me & My Big Idea.Here is a close-up of the elephant! I love the way the Crystal Lacquer gives it dimension even when I used foam tape dots for a real 3-D look. If you can see, I used my Burnt Umber ink from Palette Hybrid Ink to edge my papers for a small finishing! You can really see the Silver Spica Marker I used for the "metal" looking wheels!

"A baby is an angel whose wings decrease as his legs increase” ~Author Unknown www.thinkexist.com

Thanks for stopping by...have a great day!

Leftover Christmas Cards...

2010-01-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Leftovers anyone? Some of my Christmas Cards never made it into the blog - so I wanted to give them credit as darn cute!!! 2 Stamp Companies that I love - Unity and Amuse Art Stamps (among a few others sprinkled here and there)!

Card #1 - Unity Poinsettia Card
The cardstock is from SU, but the patterned paper is one of those scrap peices that is from "source unknown" - like from the land of misfit toys! Oh well, I'd love to give the patterned paisley paper credit, but it's simply not known. I absolutely {{{love}}} the ivory & burgundy mix!

Burgundy ink was from Palette Hybrid Inks, Bordeaux. Gold embossing powder looks elegant on the burgundy CS!

Gold wire ribbon was a little tricky! Wire sort of throws me AND my glue dots could be felt through the ribbon. I rubbed the sticky ribbon with a white eraser to dull the sticky. Rhinestone stickers (Walmart) came in handy for the Poinsettia flower center! Love the twinkle!

Card #2 - Country Snowflake Card
I cannot take credit for the idea for this card. Here is the blog, Alli Miles Card Metaphors, I saw this original card from and I was so inspired by it, that I tried my hand at it! White chalk ink by VersaMagic was used for the background snowflakes (The Angel Company Stamps).

Red, white and kraft cardstock all from Stampin' Up. The embossing folder is Provo Craft for Cuttlebug. The button is from DCVW that was sown with white floss by DMC.

Here is the close-up of the snowflake - the recycling-feel-good-warm-fuzzy you feel when you use the leftovers from using your scraps!!!

I am a ribbon NUT! This is a fun "bow" that is really folding into a loop, glue dots to close the loop, another glue dot to smash the loop into a flattened oval, then another small scrap of ribbon to go around the center of the flat oval. Adhere that bow to your ribbon running the width of the card. Ribbon: Bazzill.

Ink: Burnt Umber by Palette Hybrid Ink.

Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind. --Valentine Davies (Miracle on 34th Street)

My Word of the New Year & A Family Journal

2010-01-07T15:05:00.012-06:00

Hi everyone,

Happy New Year!!! Here is a photo of my family taken on Christmas Day! This one turned out pretty cute!

I am sitting here in my craft room with TONS on my mind. Resolutions, you say? Bah-humbug! Aren't resolutions a waste? I think so! They set us up for failure and give us the self-inflicted guilt that I simply don't want lurking around the synapses of my mind! Thank you very much! OK, I'm not ranting, I promise!

The perfectionist in me says "NO WAY!" I am simply too busy with other things on my mind that need focusing. What are they?

Last year, I was searching for Peace in my life. I have surely found it - and I'm blessed for it. I am working on so many issues (no tissues, please) and with the help of many avenues, peace has been found - slowly, but surely. Living in truth, living by what my faith teaches me and giving my best is what I have been working on!

So, in 2010 my word of the year is JOY! Have you found this? Has JOY eluded you? I want to feel joy or happiness! I am talking about getting joy from your meaning and purpose and fulfillment in this life - I want this! I have been working on my sharing my heart, journal my feelings and give my time, talents & treasure to God, my family, friends and self, my faith grows. My joy has not increased though! Why am I not happy? Aren't joy and happiness the same? Let's check it out. Dictionary.com says the following:

hap⋅pi⋅ness –noun
1. the quality or state of being happy.
2. good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.

joy –noun
1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation: She felt the joy of seeing her son's success.
2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated: Her prose style is a pure joy.
3. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.
4. a state of happiness or felicity.
–verb (used without object)
5. to feel joy; be glad; rejoice.
–verb (used with object)
6. Obsolete. to gladden.

So, I guess from my own Dictionary lesson they are very close! I am working on Joy as my word of the New Year! I am working on going back to school - exploring some possible avenues that may bring fulfillment to me! That is a good thing! I am excited to share this with you as I search for my personal meaning and purpose. I will keep you posted as I start a new 2010 chapter: Seeking Joy!

I do know that my creativity is a good outlet for me no matter my mood or searchings! The last few weeks have been like getting out of the Holiday Haze. I need routine. Routine is GOOD! Now that the kids are back in school, I am creative and actively searching for JOY, here is a project I made with my kids in mind. It's called The Journal of Polizzi Ponderings! I like alliteration, can you tell? It's where I pose a question and pass the journal through the house and in my own kids handwriting they tell me things about a subject I develop.

The How-to: I put this together pretty easily! Here's what I did... I used a school ream of notebook paper wide lined. I usually keep a few of these on hand during the school year. I then have a stash of chipboard cardboard from the back of the graph paper my husband uses at work. I recycle TONS of these during my creativity moments. I covered the chipboard with the gold & black cardstock using pre-punched letters from an unknown source to spell out my "Polizzi Ponderings & Of" part. The word Journal was written by me using the Sharpie PosterPaint marker in opaque white, then with a fine tip Sharpie, gave shadows to the script. The using "Spring Dreams" stamp set from The Angel Company I added corners. Next came layering Marvy Uchida scalloped oval punches in black & white cardstock. Used scalloped scissors by Provo Craft to dress up those edges. Glued everything down with either Scotch double-sided tape or Glue Dots. Ran a length of B&W checked ribbon (Walmart, I think) down the black panel, and tied shippers twine though the front & back covers with the school notebook paper making a sandwich inside. Tip: make sure you leave some space when tie-ing your knots so you can turn pages easily. Pretty easy-peasy, huh?

Next, I created some "rules" for the notebook. Here's what is written on the inside front cover of our Journal:
1. You can write up to 3 paragraphs.
2. Stay on the front side of each sheet - markers can bleed.
3. Pencil only.
4. Only write in the Journal when it's your turn. (Ah, siblings)
5. It's NOT homework - just have fun!
6. Use your best handwriting.
7. Put it on Mommy's craft desk when you're done!

Back in November 2007, I posed a question to my daughter Gianna; "talk about a new activity you'd like to try and explain why..." After my husband and I got a huge kick out of her answers (all of them, truly are hilarious), I wrote back saying how I {{{loved}}} her ideas, etc. What a fun way to get your kids to journal! Do I even have to mention how fun it will be to scan them onto a huge projector and show their entire wedding party some of the crazy things they've said when they were little? I'm only a little nostalgic!!! :)

So, jump ahead to 2010! I did have to wipe off some dust since it's been forgotten for awhile... Here is what I did for today's Journal entry. I used a RAK Doodle from Stephanie Ackerman's Homegrown Hospitality blog {{{LOVE THIS BLOG}}} (click here) and printed it out for our family journal theme. I wanted to see how my kids are coming along with the "sharing feelings" area of their lives. I know at 12, 10, 10 and 6 they are just learning to articulate feelings, I want to show my kids how to share their feelings in a non-threatening way, but also, on paper it's less lecture-sounding, too. Yup, that 12 year old is almost a teenager!!! YIKES!
Cannot wait to see what they share with me about this topic. Thanks for stopping by... What do you think?

"The unexamined life is not worth living.” - Socrates

Screen Door Framed

2009-12-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone,

I made this framed Screen Door home decor thingy for gifts and a few for the craft show at my church. I really love the way they turned out. Hopefully I can get them on my Etsy store soon...if you don't see them, please email me and let me know if I can make one for you or someone you know would love one as well

.

I found some really nice frames at the dollar store - not those cheapy ones that feel flimsy in your hands. You know the kind... These had some sturdiness to them. My Screen Door template has more than just the card application. More ideas to come, I have more in my little noggin I swear!!!

Thanks for stopping by...Have a wonderful day!

Recipe: My Screen Door template/dollar store frame/cardstock Stampin' Up/Momento Tuxedo Black ink/Stamps from The Angel Company/brads misc. source/ribbon: Walmart.

Puppy Birthday Card

2009-12-27T08:00:00.001-06:00

Howdy y'all!

I am posting this card in honor of my 5 year old neice. She is a real hoot! I am telling you the truth, she's the silliest kid I've EVER known! She loves puppies, actually, my sister and I think she may have some canine-like tendancies - somewhat like what Spiderman having spider-like tendancies!!! She plays "dog" and she follows her dog around like she is its sibling!

But what gives me the biggest kick is that she likes to play "hillbilly." I mean no disrespect to anyone out there, but when my sister told me this story over the phone one day, I almost pee'd my pants! Her adorable little 5 year old came downstairs crying because her sister and their other playmates would not play with her. When my sister questioned her about what "hillbilly" was she quite simply said, "you put all the hairclips in your hair and you talk real funny, Mom!" I'd love to know where she picked up that doozy!!!

Here is her birthday card! She oohhed and aaahhhed when she saw the puppies of course! Do you have a funny kid story?

I had to share the following song that just speaks to me and hopefully speaks to you...and the dog lover and God lover in your life!

Click this link in case the video doesn't upload here on my post! I promise you will LOVE this sweet song! Thank you Ms. Wendy Francisco for this sweet song of love!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY

Recipe: The Angel Company Stamps/Copic Markers/Palette Hybrid Ink/Bazzill Gingham Ribbon/Provo Craft Embossing Folder/Stampin' Up Cardstock.

"Truly wonderful the mind of a child is." YODA, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Elzybell's Handmade Gift Certificate

2009-12-26T08:00:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone,

Doing some catching up on my postings!

Here is a few gift certificates I made for my sister who is a Nail Tech. One of her customers wanted to give a mani/pedi combo as a gift this Christmas. She called me (she always does) and asks me to make up "something." My sister is going to put the dollar amount on her services, and I get some advertising.... Nice deal, huh? She {{{LOVED}}} them, and I hope her client loved them as well..... I think they turned out pretty cute! What do you think?

Recipe:

Inky Antics & Elzybells/Stampin' UP Markers/Copic & Spica Markers/Stampin' UP cardstock/envelopes misc. source/Palette Hybrid Ink.

"One can get just as much exultation in losing oneself in a little thing as in a big thing. It is nice to think how one can be recklessly lost in a daisy!" Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Christmas Paper Cones

2009-12-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

Hi bloggers,

I know it's been a while since my last post. But I am catching up as we speak! I've been so busy, hasn't everyone been? But my creativity has been EXPLODING lately! I am totally excited about these Paper Cones I made for Christmas Day dinner.

My sister--in-law and brother-in-law are hosting dinner this year and she asked me to make some type of place card...well, I could not just do one of those little rectangles with names on them. I went a little over and above on these, but I couldn't help myself! These paper cones template was found here. Originally these cones are to have interlocking hearts for closure on the cone, but I cut mine off. This gave me the ability to close the put the names of my family on each cone. Of course, I filled them with peppermints for a quick after dinner aid to digestion. In Italian-American culture we call this "agita" and who doesn't need a little digestion aids when homemade ravioli's or manicotti is served! Yum, cannot wait for dinner!

Hope my sis-in-law likes these, and I was so honored to be asked! Thanks for looking!

It's hard to see, sorry, but there are some beads (one red, one silver) that I used to place as a bead-tassle on the tip of the cone. My sweet Grandma Mary had a great collection of costume jewelry that I grabbed a few years ago. Do you grab things and say to yourself that they might work for "something?" I scotch-taped them inside the cone just before I assembled the cone with Totally Tacky Tape by Provo Craft!

They are all packed up to be included in the truck with all the presents for Christmas Day with the family! I love practical gifts that work double duty - one its a name card for each person's plate and two, it's an ornament for remembrance for this year! Love that!!!

Recipe: Cone template here/cardstock Stampin' Up/Marvy Clever Lever Snowflake punch, scalloped square punch/Martha Stewart snowflake border punch/small branch punch/buttons from DCWV/rhinestone stickers misc. source/Gold and Silver glitter paper Hobby Lobby 12X12 sheet for snowflake punch/red cording ribbon & silver ribbon from Hobby Lobby/Gold & Silver pigment ink pens from Hobby Lobby/beads for bottom of cone recycled beads.

I want to lead the Victorian life, surrounded by exquisite clutter. Freddie Mercury http://www.brainyquote.com/

Jesus is the Reason for Our Season & Italian-American Traditions shared!!!

2009-12-24T00:40:00.012-06:00

Merry Christmas to all!

I am happy to share that things have been going well for me this Christmastime! I love this time of the year!

I love all of it - the music, the decorations, the cooking, the baking, the memories of those who've left our presence and those recipes that I've tried to recapture to connect my soul to theirs, the kids, the traditions, the lights, the creativity I get to share with others, the gift of music that speaks to my soul, the sweet moments when my family is in bed and I get the chance to catch up with my blogging friends, the Christmas cards, the pictures, the ONE handmade card I received this year (Allison you so totally ROCK!!!), the Advent wreath, the twinkling lights, the jingle of the bells on my back door every time someone walks in or out, the kitchen I have cleaned for the umpteenth time today after baking, cooking and eating the meals in-between, the wrapping, the ONLINE shopping that made my life so much easier this year, the sweet peace that comes from accomplished tasks and goals that have been met!

I am blessed.

I know God loves me.

I have that Love to share with everyone I encounter.

I am peaceful.

I am resonably happy.

I have somewhat healthy family members.

I have friends.

I have food.

I have a husband who loves the Christmas season almost as much as I do.

I have children who ask me questions and want to learn about our heritage among many other things.

I have my Catholic Faith that gives me the great traditions over 2000 years old.

I want for nothing.

I am free (thank a soldier).

I have extended family - flawed and crazy and not living near me - ha ha ha!

I have my sense of humor that gets me through some tough times.

I have my voice to sing - it's my calling.

I have my heart to share my Christmas moments with you.

I have a good camera to capture my creativity and love of family with all you reading this!

I have wrapped, cooked, baked, cleaned, ordered, delegated, stamped (rubber and postage), addressed, cut, shop, decorated, glued,, taped, copied, made, created, thanked, sang, watched ALL of my favorite Christmas movies with my kids and DH and slept this Season - if that is not the Grace of Jesus in my life I don't know what could ever possibly be!

One tradition is the Tiny Tart Cookies my dear sweet Grandma Mary made for years! These are sort of like the Pecan Tassie's or Nut Cups recipe, but substitute your favorite jam or preserves - Red Raspberry or Black Raspberry Jams. They truly melt in your mouth!

If you are fortunate to have your Grandma still alive, go visit her! One is in heaven my dear Nonnie, and my other Grandma is in a nursing home unable to recognize us much anymore. I miss her - just when I started to appreciate her, the dementia started and I lost the beginning of a friendship I now have lost! Go, visit them now - life is too short!

The big countdown winds down - the kids cannot wait!

Found these bells at KMart in the Martha Stewart section a few years ago - strung them on ribbon and hang them on the door knob of my back door! Love the sound they make when we come and go!

I painted a pre-made ceramic Nativity figure years ago - still has meaning for me.

When I kept moving the Baby Jesus in this cute wooden set, my six year old daughter Sarina stomps over and says, "Mom, Baby Jesus is NOT BORN yet!" and moves it to behind the lamp! Isn't that a crack up?

Grandma Nina & Papa Jim Polizzi's famous Ricotta Cheese Cookies! Email me if you'd like this recipe! They are the MOST delectable cookie you've ever eaten, baked or served! You'll get the oohhh's and aahh's you've been wanting!

Dominick making fudge - OMGosh! You must take this recipe down! It's a Marshmallow Fudge and trust me - it's painfully good - and I gain weight just looking at it!!! Also, no candy thermometer needed!!! It's uber easy!!!

Marshmallow Fudge

1/2 c. butter

1/8 tsp. salt

1 6oz. can evaporated milk (2/3 c.)

1 8oz. pkg. marshmallows

1 6oz. pkg. chocolate chips

1 square semi-sweet baking chocolate
1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. nuts or crushed candy canes

Combine marshmallows, chocolate chips, baking chocolate & vanilla in a large bowl and set aside. Combine butter, salt, evaporated milk and sugar in a 2 qt. heavy sauce pan. Stir and bring to a boil. Then, at a rolling boil, continue cooking and stirring constantly for exactly 8 1/2 minutes. Pour hot candy mixture and blend with electric mixer. Add nuts or crushed candy. Pour into buttered 9" square pan. Cool and cut into 1" squares. Makes 81 pcs.

Sweet Gianna working her little fingers off to make the Ricotta cookies, dropping them on to the cookie sheets!

Andrea waiting patiently for the candy mixture that cooks for the Fudge recipe! Is that the biggest bowl you've ever seen? Stainless steel goodie, my friends! I am serious when I say I have bathed my children in a bowl similar to this one - yup, it's that big - but not the exact one where bare bottomed babies bathed....I assure you!

Sarina and Andrea waiting for the cookies to bake!

Vinny rolled out the pizza dough for Christmas Eve dinner - thanks to my Nonnie, I am passing this tradition to my family! Nonna di buon Natale. Manco l'amiamo! - I miss you dearly this time of year!

Dominick trying his hand at tossing the pizza dough!

Here is the baked Ricotta cookies, cooled and lightly frosted with powdered sugar and milk combo! YUM-O!!! Thanks to Rachel Ray - I love that saying!!!

Italian sausage and a bowl of tomato sauce for the pizza - getting ready for the big evening with my side of the family coming over the pizza dinner!

Need I say more?

Santa needs a good Sugar Cookie with his milk!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours -

(Buon Natale dalla mia famiglia al vostro)!!!

Michelle's Inky Fingers: Small Successes - A Challenge!!!

2009-12-10T09:37:00.000-06:00

http://www.faithandfamilylive.com/blog/sweating_the_small_stuff1

Small Successes - A Challenge!!!

2009-12-10T09:21:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!

In this very busy time, it's easy to lose focus on what's really important! I've been working on focusing on some very important things - seeing life as half-full instead of half-empty. Not an easy task for me!!!

I subscribe to a blog called Faith & Family - A magazine and blog for Catholic daily living. The articles here are good! I was blown away by the challenge today! It's asking me to list 3 recent small successes here on my blog, because small successes equals larger ones. I wholeheartedly agree, and since this is good practice for me, I thought I'd share them with you. Not quite Positive Patty? Me neither, that's why it's easy to get weighed down in the rush to get everything checked off your list....

Here is my version of focusing on the positive:

1. My Christmas gift giving list only has 2 people left to buy for - and one of them my husband can help with!!! (Online shopping has been a life-saver this year more than EVER!) I have enjoyed this Christmastime Season with more joy, and I'm not sure about the earthly reason, but the spiritual reason why I feel more joy is VERY clear to me!

2. I am teaching 2 songs to a group of 5th Grade students at our Pariochial school for the Christmas Choir concert next week - while the extra practices are exhausting, I can truly say that these kids are amazing!!! I do not know how to read music nor am I even a music teacher - just a volunteer. BEST thing is that I am seeing real progress in them - so excited for their performance next week!!!

3. While my craft show profits were down this year (compared to last year's show, nation-wide commonality?) I figured I am not going to sweat the small stuff like recreating new handmade gifts, I am using my craft show inventory for gifts. I am NOT re-gifting, just sharing my inventory with Friends & Teachers. These people are in our lives for a long time with our 4 kids involved in A LOT - why not make them all feel special with a handmade gift, I said to myself!!! I love this idea and I feel so calm about it! Yea!!!! (Note to self: this is the peace you've been looking for Michelle).

One small note: please pray for those who struggle at this time of year for loss of a loved one through death, divorce or otherwise. Loneliness is the WORST this time of the year!
Send a note to someone you know must be struggling at this time of year! Call them and tell them you've been thinking of them, or even invite them over to make cookies or wrap presents.

More cards and projects posted soon!

So, now you, what 3 recent Small Successes have you seen in your life?

The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible. ~Anonymous www.thinkexist.com

More calendars for the Craft Show on Sunday!

2009-12-02T22:09:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone! I am still getting ready for the craft show on Sunday.

My last post showed the Fridge Calendars that I made - now, I made some additional calendars - DESK calendars. These turned out really cute! I {{{LOVE}}} these! Last year I made these for all my best buds! I should make them refills! Hmm, good idea!!!

The ones shown at the bottom were weekly planners that were screaming for a new "cover" that I made as well.

What do you think?

What man's mind can create, man's character can control ~Thomas Edison about.com

Getting ready for a craft show with Calendars!

2009-11-29T21:07:00.008-06:00

Hi everyone in blogland! I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Yum-O!!!

Sorry I've been M.I.A. lately. I have not be UN-creative, tho!

I've been working diligently getting ready for our church Cookie Sale & Bazaar! Here are some calendars - Fridge Calendars! These are really fun to make and easy-peasy!!! I found the calendar on SCS download forum as well as at this link. I printed them out on cardstock. Then trimmed them down to 3 1/2 x 8 1/2" and then embellished with stamped images. I used a 4 x 8 1/2" piece of chipboard (I've "borrowed one(+) from the back of a spiral notebook). Then using my CropADile punch, punched holes into calendar pages and chipboard. It's one strong tool! I love that thing!!!

Once the holes were punched, I used binder rings from Walmart to make it a flip! Using E6000 Glue, I made the calendars magnetic. These round magnets are quite strong since the calendar can be sort of heavy. When I started to glue these magnets down, they started to affect each other. The glue dried showing it's marks since the magnets moved - all on their own!!! Some forces you just cannot change!!! Hee hee!

Supplies used: Binder Rings Walmart/Chipboard (back of a spiral tablet)/magnets Hobby Lobby/

Calendar Download: Splitcoast Stamper Download Forum via http://catscreativeplace.blogspot.com/

Stamps: PaperTrey Ink, Amuse Art Stamps, The Angel Company, Cornish Heritage Farms/Markers: Copic and Spica/Ink: Palette and Momento Tuxedo Black/Cuttlebug Embossing folder

So teach us to number our days, That we may get us a heart of wisdom. ~Psalm 90:12

Blog Candy Winner!

2009-11-23T13:07:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone,
As promised in celebration of Claudia @ DieCutsRUs featuring my Screen Door card on her Discovery Zone, I picked a winner, so without further adeu:

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 4 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

So that means, Stacie is the winner!!!! **whistle, clap, taddaaaaa!**

Thanks for the comment that said the following: craft_princess said...
I think this is one of the neatest tutorials! I have never seen a screen door used and this looks AMAZING!!! I counted 6 leaves on the Anya card. I would just love to win this prize...thanks so much for a chance!-Stacie

Congrats!!! I will get your Screen Door card kit plus the Anya Autumn card to you!!!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone if I don't get to post another project between now and then!!!

More Screen Door Card Samples

2009-11-20T08:00:00.004-06:00

{{{Remember if you want to win some Blog Candy from my post "Screen Door Tutorial & Blog Candy in Celebration" you can leave me a comment (see rules in last post) here on this post as well!!! Good luck!}}}

So, I've been working on a few cards from my new stamp sets from The Angel Company. I {{{LOVE}}} one of their designers Mabelle - I met her during a stamping conference a few years ago while being a "hobbyist" demonstrator for TAC. Such a sweetie!!! I am really grateful for Mabelle's artwork - she not only inspires me, but her art is the sweetest of all! Enjoy the following Mabelle stamps from The Angel Company! Thanks for looking!

Isn't she the sweetest little girl? Remember all the sentiments can be read thru the screen door!!!

For all cards above: Supplies used: Stamps: The Angel Company Fall Harvest Set R2033 and Cheery Thoughts R2043/Cardstock: Stampin' UP, Georgia Pacific, Bazzill & HOTP/Ink: Palette Hybrid Burnt Umber & Momento Tuxedo Black/Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Argyle Pattern/Copic Markers/Screen Door Card Template by Michelle's Inky Fingers (see Etsy store on left sidebar)/Brads: unknown sources.

Mabelle's Studio link to Whimsy and Stars Studio - very cool website!

"Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life." ~Pablo Picasso: Quotes about Art

Screen Door Tutorial & Blog Candy in Celebration

2009-11-20T06:00:00.002-06:00

I am so excited that I was featured on Die Cuts R Us Blog's "Discovery Zone" Crafter yesterday for my Screen Door Card! So totally cool! Thank you so much Claudia - you totally made my day!!! This papercrafting blogosphere community is so cool! I am honored!

To celebrate this great exposure to my Screen Door design, I am offering BLOG CANDY!
Blog Candy Rules:

Leave me a comment here on this post or on the More Screen Door Samples post for a chance to win one Screen Door Card Kit + the Anya Autumn Screen Door Card that was featured on Die Cuts R Us Blog on Thursday's Discovery Zone. I want to make this fun so: count the number of paper leaves used on the Anya Autumn card, then leave me that number with your comment! BLOG CANDY COMMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED THRU SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22 AT MIDNIGHT CST. I will pick a winner on Monday, November 23rd!!! Good luck!

Screen Door Tutorial

I'd like to share with you the Screen Door Kit - what you get and how to use the template. Let's start with first things first. This is what it looks like:
What is a Screen Door Card kit? Well, you will receive a chipboard template to make your very own Screen Door "cut out" for as many applications as you can think of - cards, scrapbook pages, home decor. The only thing I ask you is that you don't use it to enter contests, etc. Please give proper credit if you want to sell it (yup, I'm an Angel with a Policy)!!!
OK, next my kit includes what I like to call enough supplies to make one card. An A2 cardstock card folded for a right to left opening, the inside door template to use trace and cut out using your craft knife for the opening. A brad that coordinates as best as possible! I even include a peice of vinyl screening my husband bought for me at The Home Depot (I think?)! And of course, the instruction sheet - most importantly!!!

The only thing not included is a stamped image that would work perfect for outside the Screen Door. This is where your stamp stash comes in!!! Sometimes I like to imagine what is on my front porch right now...swing, pumpkins, Mums and a bench (and if the kids have been out there, well......)! If you are like me, there are just so many stamps that have not been used in this application - but no worries - they will be used anytime now, I promise! Here is a display I made to feature the Kit at my church craft show!

What is a template only? Well, it's where you would get exactly that just the A2 Screen Door template as well as the Inside Door template - you would supply the cardstock as well as brad & vinyl screening.

Here is what the process looks like when I put one of my cards together - it's not as daunting as I am sounding! Seriously!

Step one: Trace Screen Door template on cardstock - coordinate your door and your card front.Step two: Using craft knife, cut out Screen Door from cardstock.

(Tip: I've never tried the metal/wire version did not want to figure out how to adhere the metal to paper thing!) My favorite is the Terrfically Tacky Tape by Provo Craft - this stuff ROCKS!!!
Step three: I used the Inside Door template to trace the cut out using a craft knife. I usually center as best as possible - but I did measure and my lower right corner of the opening is about 1" from the lower right corner of the card front! Then with a steady hand, cut out.
Step four: Next I trim the vinyl screen peice to fit the Screen Door approximately 1/8" smaller than the door.

Step five: First layer of TTT goes on the back of the Screen Door on the outer edges only! This makes the vinyl adhere quite securely! Believe me, I've tried almost every glue and tape out there and NOTHING else works!Step six: Using another layer of TTT goes on top of the first layer, the only difference is that there is vinyl screening between the layers. Again, stay only on the outer edges ONLY. I know you want to put the Screen Door over that opening - BUT WAIT!!! Using a 1/16" circle punch or a paper peircer, get a hole in the spot where a door knob would go, then secure your brad. It's just a nice touch to hide that brad backing - a clean look!
Step seven: OK, now put that Screen Door over the opening on the card front! Yea!!!!
Here is a look from inside the card - yup, you can see thru it! That is the idea!

Step eight: Now get a sentiment stamp and position it so you can "read" it thru the door - it's what I call the Screen Door card welcome - just like a wreath on your front door @ home! The "home-y" touch we all want!!! Right?

Tada!!! It's finsihed - except for that stamped image you can add anywhere on the card front. My next post I will share some more card samples (see the left sidebar for a few more) you can see for yourself of the card possibilities!!! I have tons of ideas but I am always short on time, and heavy on responsibilities!!! Thanks for looking!!!

Prayer is the key to Heaven, but faith unlocks the door. http://thinkexist.com

Snail Mail Screen Door Card

2009-11-18T09:00:00.001-06:00

Good morning -

I am working on these great Screen Door cards, and one of my favorite color scheme is tan & black. I've used it numerous times! But the best part of this card is the "snail mail" stamp from Eat Cake Graphics! Have you checked this company out? If not, it's a MUST! They are so totally adorable! What a fun way to show someone you love them by sending them a snail mail card - and why not try my Screen Door card? Order yourself a template Kit (see my Etsy store for more details) and try these cards for yourself!

***Edited to add: Etsy store no longer open, please see my eCrater store on the front page of this blog***

I love to make cards interactive - meaning the touchy-feeley part where you get to play with an aspect of the card! It's what I call my daughter's habit of touching everything she sees - TOUCHY!!! She knows I love to tease her - and isn't this fun to make the mailbox really pull down? I think so!

Supplies used: Stamps: Eat Cake Graphics & The Angel Company/Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black/Screen Door Template Kit by Michelle's Inky Fingers/Cardstock: SU & HOTP/Markers: Copic Markers/Brad: source unknown.

Thanks for stopping by!

The word that is heard perishes, but the letter that is written remains. Proverb by en.proverbia.com

Snowflake Screen Door Card!

2009-11-17T22:54:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone!!!

Here is a chilly Screen Door card that was not only fun to make, but I almost felt chilly making it! OK not really, and it's not snowing {{{YET}}} in Chicagoland! It could, you know it is November! If you live in the midwest - you know that anything goes with the weather!!! That's Chicago baby - and you love it or you leave!!!

I have some exciting things planned - and I have few NEW Screen Door card posts upcoming - a Screen Door tutorial, a few new stamp sets from several stamp companies used on the Screen Door card...so, great things are a-comin'!!! Keep your eyes peeled!

I am excited and really {{{LOVE}}} the way this card came out! Thanks for looking! Through the vinyl screening, the sentiment says "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow" by Amuse Art Stamps! Love that, too!

Supplies used: Cardstock: HOTP & GP/Stamps: Amuse Art Stamps/Marvy Uchida Snowflake Punch/Stickles Baby Blue & White glitter glue/Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Snowflakes/Screen Door Template Kit by Michelle @ Michelle's Inky Fingers Etsy Store/Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black

"Kindness is like *snow* - it beautifies everything it covers" www.thinkexist.com

Simple Note Cards

2009-11-16T19:16:00.005-06:00

Good Monday evening! I've been in my craft room since before dinnertime - I have great kids that made the dinner I pulled out of the freezer tonight so to give me a few hours to make some cards - yup, they are great!!!

I know everyone is in a Thanksgiving or even Christmas cardmaking mood, but I just needed to fill an order for note cards! Let's face it, when we can make money doing what we love - selling cards, etc. - we are going to do it! Even if the order placer was my Mother-in-law (hee hee)! Well, I am in a mood to make some simple note cards anyway - I {{{love}}} this look!

TIP: When making a white background card, use your coordinating ink and "scrub" some color along edges of the paper - almost like giving the inkpad a papercut "feeling." This will give some border to your card and it looks good. I also edged my bee image with my black ink as well. This really helps your card pop just a bit! The idea is to give a hint, but this simplistic look does not need much!

Too bad my picture blurred a bit, and you cannot see the black and grey Spica "glitter" markers I used on my bumblebee...oh well, I am an artist - not a photographer! "And that's all I have to say about that" thank you Forest Gump! Thanks for looking! :)

“Hope is the only bee that makes honey without flowers.” ~ Robert Green Ingersoll quotes http://thinkexist.com

Supplies used: White CS & Golden paper - source unknown/Marvy Uchida Mega Scalloped Circle Punch/Stamps: Elzybells Mini Messages - critters Set/Ink-Momento Tuxedo Black/Markers: Copic & Spica/Ribbon: Offray B&W check.

Blog Candy Winner!

2009-11-16T13:24:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone - and thanks to OWH for hosting a great hop! I say we do this again, soon!

****Blog Candy Contest here is NOW CLOSED!****

OK, here is the winner of my blog candy:

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 20 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Carmen O. said...
What fabulous cards! Your daughter's card is so adorable. What a cute idea a screen door! I have a love of screen doors it reminds me of being at my grandma's and hearing the screen door slam shut after running outside. Beautiful work!!

Carmen, please email me and I will get the Screen Door Kit sent to you! Congrats!!!

Thanks for all those great messages - I feel so {{{LOVED}}}!!!

OWH Bloghop & Blog Candy!!!

2009-11-14T00:00:00.005-06:00

ETA: Blog Candy Contest is now CLOSED, as of Nov. 16 1:30 pm CST. Thanks to all who played along!

My 2 Cards for OWH Bloghop:

Welcome!!! Can you believe 75 stops (as of this post) on the bloghop tour for OWH?!??! How fun is this? November is such a great month for expressing your gratefulness!

I am thankful for the ability to enjoy my {{{free}}} life. Why? Because we have an amazing group of people who give their time and talent and life to ensure we all enjoy our freedom. Who are these people? Our military! Taking time to thank them is not only an honor, but using our talents to thank them is the least we can do for such people who give SO much more!!! So, I took a serious inventory of my stash - and donated over 200 cards to OWH in September - and proud to do so!!! This time my "Any Hero" cards only number 12, but my prayer is that 12 hearts be touched that someone in the U.S. cares and is truly grateful, eh hem, little ol' me!!!

So without further adeu, let's see the "Any Hero" cards - - and scroll down for my daughter's card, too!

Number 1 - (made 8 of these):

Here is what I usually like to write in my "Any Hero" cards - simple and to the point:

Number 2 (made 4 of these): Now my daughter's card. Sarina turns 6 on the 19th and she already has such a giving spirit! I just {{{had}}} to post this card - in her own handwriting!!! Isn't it sweet?

{{{Sources - Stamps: The Angel Company - set: Retired Quilt Flag T540/Cardstock: Stampin' Up/Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black & Palette Burnt Umber/Ribbon & Brad: unknown sources/Coloring: Copic Markers & Spica Markers/Embossing Folder: Stars by ProvoCraft for Cuttlebug}}}

Now for some Blog Candy:

Leave me a comment and one lucky winner will receive my Screen Door Card kit!!! See the left sidebar a picture of my Screend Door card.

With this kit you will be able to make one the A2 size Screen Door card + the chipboard template. The kit contains: instructions, card stock A2 card, a screen door cutout, a piece of vinyl screening, a brad, - and the template that allows you to continue to make these great cards for all of your friends and family for years to come! Good luck! Winner announced Monday, November 16!

Your next stop,

CLICK here>>>> Kelly @ The Weekend Stamper

Kelly is so cool; she's a military Wife & Mom of 2 (working outside her home as well as running a Stampin' Up home biz all from Bavaria, Germany! Wow, another hero - if you look around, God has placed them everywhere!!! Enjoy her great cards!!!

Have fun on the bloghop!!!

No One Diets on Thanksgiving. What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving? ~Erma Bombeck source: www.quotes.about.com

My Craft Room - where the magic begins!

2009-11-12T23:14:00.010-06:00

I've always wanted to do a post where I'd showcase where the magic begins! Until only a few short months ago - ok, 8 months ago - my DH and his gallant sidekick, a.k.a., our son Dominick, donned their tool belts fully equipped with hammers and drywall screw guns - and built me this amazing space! With all my stuff (you know us crafters have a slight obsession), it all needed a home!!! So, here is some of the pics -sorry some are a bit blurry. Email me if you have questions!

My Facebook page updates have been starting with some quick things that I am thankful for - trying to post them during the entire month of November! So, here on my blog, I am thankful for my husband & my son and their talents to build this AMAZING craft room for me! I've been enjoying this great room in my basement - and no, it doesn't feel like a basement at all! I painted it a cheery terra cotta color, warm and inviting, along with some great lighting we had our electrician/friend install! So, here is where the **magic** happens! Hee hee! I'm just glad these pictures show a semi-clean space - I know it's also listed as my slide show further down on my blog page, but that's ok! I needed a quick and easy post since it's been a little while! Life has been just so busy!

Funny & artists' quandary:

I am a night painter, so when I come into the studio the next morning the delirium is over. I come into the studio very fearfully, I creep in to see what happened the night before. And the feeling is one of, "My God, did I do that?".Philip Guston Quotes - Artists

Have you ever just let yourself color?

2009-10-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

I mean color like you were in kindergarten with a big box of crayons, er, Copics? :) I am totally O.K. with this card looking like a child colored it - of course I'm talking about my inner child, duh! This card was inspired by my hubby's cousin Carm asking me for a card for a 13 year old boy! What a fun way to be inspired! I thought of my son Dominick who is 12 and thought what would he think is a fun card, hmmm?

I looked at my stamps in a totally different way! Those great Elzybell's stamps took me into a different realm of creativity! I saw a setting sun in the sweetest sunflower {and using a second stamped image and pop dotted and placed offset on top of the other "sun" actually made me smile!} Then, I saw in my mind's eye in those surf boards sticking out of the sand when sitting on the beach and memories of my son running past me with his surf and boogie boards just waiting to be used! This is what art does for me - a fun way to escape reality for a while and allowed myself to have fun!!!

I had to tell myself what kid wouldn't think this card ROCKS! Well, let's hope he thought that, and Carm, you'll have to tell me what his reaction really was!!!
Did he notice a sunflower for the sun? Let's hope not!

One quick tip:

I've been using my pop dots in an unusual way these days - I'm only using them here under the boys' head and not under his feet! Gives more of a 3D look for a closer face, not the whole boy!!!

Try it next time for yourself!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek at my kindergarten coloring experience!

{{{Recipe}}}
Stamps: Elzybells Sunflower & Surfer Boy
Cardstock: Gerogia Pacific White
Markers: Copic & Spica
Pop Dots

"Children are the sum of what mothers contribute to their lives." -- Unknown

Modern Colored Cornucopia

2009-10-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

I must say I {{{love}}} this color combo - tan & black & white!!! This crisp color combo makes a masculine color theme to a very Fall theme! Tear those layers for a real elegant touch - and this is the cheapest embellishment you can do to ANY card!!!

This card was fun to make, and fun to think outside the "normal" colors - and by normal I mean golds, greens, oranges, rusts, tans, browns, etc. I challenge you to go outside the box and color outside your comfort zone! It's fun!!! If you do something fun with unusual color, email me your card - I'd love to see them!!!

{{{Recipe}}}

Stamps: CHF Kim Hughes Cornucopia, Clear Dollar Stamps Autumn Set Circular Thankful for You sentiment

Cardstock: Stampin' Up - Kraft & Black

Ribbon: Offray

Embossing Folder: Swiss Dots Provo Craft

Copic Markers
Pop Dot to the Cornucopia

Thanks for stopping by and please leave a comment, I would love to hear from you!

By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

Another Halloween Card

2009-10-15T23:09:00.003-05:00

Just a little behind on my posting, but I had a wonderful time spent cardmaking last weekend with my friend, Carm, who just happens to be my hubby's cousin! Either friend or family, she's the {{{best}}}!!! We had an entire afternoon alone spent cardmaking! We came up with this card for Halloween! I'm not a huge Halloween person, but these last few stamps have inspired the creative juices to flow and this is one of our cards we created!

We pop dotted the witch over this great tree stamp from Darcie Heater's stamps! Sometimes the simplicity of a stamp makes the whole card perfect!!!! Thanks for stopping by and leave a comment, I love to read what my readers have to say about these cards!!!

{{{Recipe}}}
Cardstock: Stampin' Up
Stamps: Amuse Art Stamps (Witch), Eat Cake Graphics (Sentiment & Moon/Clouds), Inky Antics (Trick or Treat sentiment on Envelope, Darcie Heater Stamps (Tree)
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Punch: Oval Scallop from Marvy Uchida
Markers: Copic & Spica Markers
Embellishments: Pop Dots

Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyways. -- Anonymous

With inky fingers &

World CardMaking Day & Unity Stamp Co's Love Ewe

2009-10-03T08:00:00.003-05:00

Happy World CardMaking Day, yippee - let the cardmaking begin!!! What great fun!

OK - Ya know when you see a stamp and you instantly know it's a stamp you {{{must}}} have, am I preaching to the choir? This one is it for me! I am totally enamored with Unity Stamp Company. I am not selling anything, really! But I love their look, their stamps, their freshness, their silliness and their honesty and realness! OK, it's true - of course, it's the stamps! I just got my order a couple of days ago and ***love, love, love*** these things! They've been calling to me, "stamp me, make a card, ink me up, and kiss me to paper." Editorial comment: Yes, I'm a bit nuts!!!

I have been wanting to make a card for my sweet Uncle & Godfather who lives in Arkansas, and I don't see him much at all. ***sniff, sniff*** He's got some health issues, and I've been wanting to send him a sweet, heartfelt note. Don'tcha think this is totally perfect? I just answered my own question. (It's like I'm having a conversation with myself, uh, er, almost... :)

I thought the use of the kraft paper cardstock with black & white accents was good for a somewhat masculine card...but really it's the sentiment that got me the most!

OK, so I used my Copics because, well, they are the {{{{BEST}}}}!

I embellished my "wool" with this great stuff Puffy 3D Glue by TSC Designs. I swirled the glue while squeezing my bottle. Then used my heat gun immediately for the puffy & textured look. I like that effect the best! Scroll down for the next picture...

See how the effect took? On the side of the bottle it say for puffy & textured, apply & heat immediately! {{{{Love this}}}} Sorry about a bit of a blur - still getting used to a new & somewhat cheaper camera. Ugh!

Then, I made a slim bow with ribbon. I folded a longer piece, used glue dots to make a horizontal loop. Then using a smaller piece of ribbon, folded and glued the vertical loop and tightened it all down with more glue dots. I think it is a bit more sophisticated.

Thanks for stopping by....and Uncle Jim, if you read this, I love you to pieces! Sending you some love...it's on it's way! Mwahh!

{{{Recipe}}}

Stamps: Unity Stamps Co. Love Ewe

Cardstock: Stampin' Up, Kraft, Black & White

Embossing Folder: Provo Craft Swiss Dot

Ribbon: Bazzill B&W Check

Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black

Markers: Copic

Misc. TSC Designs Puffy 3D Glue

The best thing you can do to be a great godfather is to be a mentor for your godchild. Guide to Being a Great Godfather by Brett & Kate McKay

Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?

2009-10-02T08:25:00.004-05:00

Hey Bloggers -

This verse seems to sum up a lot of how we feel on any given day! That's why it makes me giggle! My sister and I ask that question a lot to our daughters (we really do love our kids)!! Then secretly laugh at ourselves for even asking!!! Then, just at the time we think we can't feel any better or worse, we crash into the side of our house! Just like it goes!!! Ahh, the life of a girl - are we Glenda or Elfaba? (Calling all you Wicked Fans!) It's up to you! Hee hee!
Enjoy my card:

{{{{Recipe}}}

Stamps: Eat Cake Graphics Moon & Sentiment, Amuse Art Stamps Witch

Embossing Folder: Provo Craft

CardStock: SU

Markers: Copic & Spica

Colored Pencils: Prismacolor
My Screen Door Card Template (see my Etsy store for details sidebar)

If you ever start feeling like you have the goofiest, craziest, most dysfunctional family in the world, all you have to do is go to a state fair. Because five minutes at the fair, you'll be going, 'you know, we're alright. We are dang near royalty.

~Jeff Foxworthy

2009-10-01T16:20:00.000-05:00

Yes, this is my second post for today, but Paolo Nutini is just fun music! Enjoy my last post....

OK, now a few things, I sent my "stuffed to the gills" USPS flat rate box with my cards made for Operation Write Home - if you have any extra cards, card fronts, etc. consider sending them to this great group! They will make sure your cards get to our troops, so they can send handmade cards back home to family & friends! What a great idea! Love this!!! Here is what their recent blog post had said about my contribution:

Michelle P, Montgomery IL - thank you sooooo much, your cards are just beautiful!

Yipee!! Isn't it really nice to lend a helping hand? I think so! Thanks to everyone and I will be making more cards & sending them soon! It's just something I ***love*** to do and believe that one handmade creation can touch so many hearts!!!

Now on to my card for today!

{{{Recipe}}}

This is one of those stamps that I simply love - and yes, it's an oldie [discontinued :( ] but a goodie! The Angel Company's "Libby Border" bee stamp is sooo cute! I coupled that with Inky Antics sentiment: "I'm glad to bee your friend" on the inside - making sure to see it through the vinyl screening. My Screen Door template (click here to purchase) was used, along with the yellow brad & CS from misc. sources.

My best tip for dark cardstock is this: I LOVE Gelly Roll pens by Sakura. It gave Libby the black'n'yellow shiny-ness & her (yep, she's a girl cuz' I says so) cute little buzzing white lines. Those pens give the card the pop it needed! I highly recommend them! Just MHO!

Quote for today: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss

Listen to this new musical artist, Paolo Nutini - Fun stuff!

2009-10-01T15:32:00.001-05:00

Pencil full of Lead is my favorite song!

Toille Gift Card Holder Tutorial for the DIYers

2009-09-26T00:09:00.010-05:00

Isn't it fun to give? I just recieved the best email! My box of over 170+ handmade cards was received by Operation Write Home! Sandy I am so glad you received the box! Now I am just thrilled that I am able to make a family & soldiers happy even for a moment!

Thanks soooo much for the great package of cards, Michelle! Beautiful
work!! Sandy
Sandy Allnock, PresidentSandy@operationwritehome.org

http://facebook.com/opwritehome

http://twitter.com/opwritehome

http://myspace.com/opwritehome

Operation Write Home http://operationwritehome.org

Helping heroes keep in touch with home
Sign up for our email list:http://operationwritehome.org/email

So, I'm on a gift card holder kick! I have made so many of these I cannot remember where I found idea but you can surely Google it and find TONS on it! I want to share this with all of you! They are fast. They are easy. The possibilities are endless! OK, I've already said that, but here is my quick tutorial. My choice of stamps was easy, I'm totally in love with B&W toille! It is such a clean & sophisticated look!

Start with a 4 1/4 X 11" piece of carstock or heavy weight scrapbook paper. An 8 1/2 x 11 sheet with make 2 gift card holders. So talk about economical!!!

After you've made your mountain & valley folds. Turn your cardstock over. Decorate or stamp your cardstock before you glue or tape your folds together. It will be much easier to do this first!

Then, glue or my preferred method is double sided tape to adhere the 2 valley folds together. You will be gluing your decorated sides together. It seems weird, I know. Just do this part, because what comes next is a blast! Get your punches out....

Stamp your sentiments, punch your scalloped & regluarvcircles & layer. Add your embellies, ribbon & you're done!! Hope my Mom likes her gift, but I know she will ***LOVE*** her toille GC holder even more than the $$$ to Panera Bread!

{{{Sources}}}

Stamps: The Angel Company Vintage Vine Background, Stampin'Up

Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black

Punches: EK Success & Marvy Uchida

Cardstock: Georgia Pacific & Stampin' Up

Ribbon: Walmart

No one has ever become poor by giving. Anne Frank - wisdomquotes.com

Gift Card Holders

2009-09-23T12:35:00.006-05:00

Google it on the web "gift card holders" and you'll find so many tutorials that give you the {{{easiest}}} ways to make your very own gift card holders. Last year I sold these at our Church craft show.

They went fast!!! Why?
1. They are cheap!

2. They are easy to make!

3. So many people give gifts in the form of plastic!!! Why not dress those little boogers up?

Take a peak at my latest GC holders for a family who just had a baby girl and baby boy just turned 1 (Irish twins? hee hee!):

{{{Sources: The Angel Company, Martha Stewart/EKSuccess, Stamping Bella, DCWV, Momento Tuxedo Black Ink, Copic Markers

*Note: All sources for the 2008 photo showcasing Gift Card Holders from last Christmas are too detailed to note. Please PM me if you want info from any of these projects and I will get that info to you. Thanks!}}}

Through many dangers, toils and snares...we have already come. T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...and Grace will lead us home. The Lord has promised good to me... His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be...as long as life endures. ~Amazing Grace, lyrics by John Newton (1725-1807)

Swing on my front porch!

2009-09-22T13:17:00.006-05:00

Now that it's officially Fall, my favorite time of the year, I thought I'd post a card I made with a dream in mind: to really have my swing hung on my front porch! Ahhh, a girl can dream, right? My DH is hoping to get it hung up for me soon! I love to let the day drift away while I swing in a cool breeze!!! {{{Sigh}}}

****Back to Reality****

Until then, here is my card that shows my Screen Door card featuring a cute stamp from Clear Dollar Stamps! They have the most adorable stamp, but I tweeked it a bit!!! See...

After getting out my supplies, I got down to work!

My wire is some leftover stuff I have no idea where it came, my garage???, from but I wanted it to look like the chains that porch swings hang from. I have a paper piercer that I used to twist my wire around with a pair of pliers, and then carefully glued that down to my card front.

The tedious job of cutting out the swing out with my X-Acto knife was, ummmm {{{{fun}}}}! I managed to color, glue it down and add my embellishments! Whew, that was fun! I also cut out the small potted plant on the same stamp for a cute embellie next to corner of my card. I was going to enlarge it, but it became extra out-of-focus! So you have a small pic - sorry!

Thanks for looking!!!

{{{{Front Porch Swing on My Screen Door Card Recipe}}}}

Cardstock: DCWV & HOTP

Stamps: Clear Dollar Stamps & Impress Rubber Stamps

Ink: Palette

Markers: Copic

Misc. Brad from Memory Makers, wire (source unknown), Martha Stewart clear craft glue, Rhinestone accents by Best Ocassions Walmart.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Be Joyful Card

2009-09-14T12:50:00.003-05:00

Want to hear something funny? I woke up feeling really good today! My fatigue has been better since my Iron Infusions (3 down, 2 to go) from my iron deficiency trouble. I'm not sure what to give credit, but all I know is that it feels really good to feel good!

So, how appropriate, my Screen Door card with the sentiment "Be Joyful" is the card I'm featuring today! Click my Etsy store link to order your very own Screen Door template! Just think of anything that is outside your door, and the card possibilities are endless! You'll {{{wow}}} anyone who gets a handmade Screen Door card!!!
Here is the close-up of that most adorable laughing daisy face! Too cute!

{{{Be Joyful Card Recipe}}}

Paper: GP Cardstock Walmart; Yellow "door" from DCWV sanded for worn look

Ink: Palette Hybrid Ink Noir

Stamps: The Angel Company Be Curious Set (TAC2634); Inky Antics Tiny Smile

Coloring Medium: Prismacolor Pencils & Blender Pencil

Misc.: Green brad source unknown; vinyl screen (any hardware store)

Door Template: See my Etsy Store for details

The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection. ::: Michelangelo ::: artquotes.com

Yippee, I was featured on Card of the Week.com!!!

2009-09-13T19:53:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! I'm blog hopping during Sunday night football....uh, er, "watching with my DH while the Bears play the Packers....." :)

As I was flipping through some of my favorite blog places, my eyes just about bugged out of my head as I saw my blog name under Cardof theWeek.com by Susanna Boyd's blog as a featured project under Scrapbook Mini-Book for my Altered Journal post, the Abundance Journal. I am in such great company with so many other talented people. I am so completely honored!

Thank you Card of the Week so very much!!!

All art is the expression of one and the same thing - the relation of the spirit of man to the spirit of other men and to the world. Ansel Adams, via The Painter's Key

Altered Journal

2009-09-09T19:34:00.011-05:00

Hi everyone, I am first going to give a shout-out to Laurel's Place, a blog I follow, who is giving away some great blog candy....Check it out for yourself!

Secondly, drum roll please...........I will be featuring my first page by page layout on this Abundance Journal post. I made this for a dear friend. She has been so sweet and {{{real}}}}!!! Don't you just love it when someone is real and not phony or stuffy? I surely appreciate the great words of encouragement she's given me and the great connection we've made since our kiddies have been friends! Today is her birthday and I wanted to show you what I made for her...you rock!!!

It's more than a Prayer Journal or Gratitude Journal, BUT Abundance Journal. All the great things about our lives, our homes, our kids (she has 7!!! Mwahhh-love 'em all) - our creativity, our passion for this great art form, family, food, (yes, I've even fed hers and my family=16 total for a great Italian dinner this summer, we can still smell the basil in the air and taste the salt of the Lupini beans on our fingertips - Mama Polizzi @ her best!) - OK, get it? Am I getting the point across? We are more than just blessed, we are all living in the Abundance God has given all of us! I think its this attitude could help so many of those suffering in our current economy...I know it's more than atttitude, but maybe it helps with the mindset primarily!

Here's my journal....I altered a tabbed chipboard book measuring approx. 5 X 7 - it's only $4.95 (The Angel Company), so it's economical for a handmade gift. Of course, the book needs to be painted to allow a nicer backdrop to your pages you create....I used acrylic paint from Americana, Anita's & Delta - Lt. Ivory & Moon Yellow mixed and painted, make sure to get all your edges, too!! (Here's a Go Green moment: I like to use empty & cleaned applesauce or fruit & pudding cups to mix my paint and use it for a palette).

Each page that I made to adhere to the book's pages measures 4 x6 1/2 and to keep my pages in a uniform color theme, I used an 8 X 8 paper pack from Daisy D's Paper & Die Cuts called, Chasing Butterflies. Such awesome papers! Love them!!!!

Here's a close up of the front cover, the title is punched paper & stamped words. Look at your stamps differently, too! Have a fancier letter, replace it over the regular "A" for the fancier one, and it gives almost a drop cap feature like as in your MS Word documents, etc.

Here's a close up of the bottom tag of the subtitle embellished with coordinated die cuts & a punched heart w/foam pop up tape.

The Pages

Each page features stamped images, journalling lined blocks, unwritten decorated reference tabs, and stamped with flourishes. I keep my flourishes consistent throughout the book - again, goes back to that uniform look....

After all the pages are adhered down, I used my Crop-A-Dile to punch a hole into the front & back pages to add the large grommet (The Angel Company), making sure to catch the ribbon (source unknown) for a good closing medium. I like ribbon, it's more feminine! :)

Then, I will use an alphabet set to write the journal name on the spine. I like this touch, it's a quick reference thing again! Always sign your work (I used a stamp on the back cover, then signed my John Hancock in my artistic way...doesn't everyone do this?

Thanks for looking at my Abundance Journal, this is a great idea for a personalized, handmade but also a gift from the heart!

Thanks for looking!

Supplies used:

Inks: Palette Hybrid Ink, L'Amore Red, Landscape, Burnt Umber, Cognac; Tim Holtz Distressing Ink Tea Dye; VersaMagic Chalk Ink, Spanish Olive, Aegean Blue.

Embossing Folders: Provo Craft.

Stamp Sets from The Angel Company: More Abundance, Girlz & Boyz, Pray Hard, Be Authentic, F is for Family, He Loves Me GWP, Journalling Lines, He Said She Said, Trust in the Lord, Fruit of the Spirit, My Story, Spring Dream, It's the Little Things, Life is Short, Express Yourself, Peaceful Hearts, Autumn Memories, Everything Nice.

Stamps: Pineapple from Darcie's LLC, Matryoshka Dolls from My Cute Stamps, Enjoy Every Moment from SU, Foursquare & Primitive Beginnings from CHF, Hand-in-Hand from Gina K, Boards & Beams from PTI, Pointy Pencil from Whipper Snapper, Clothesline from Inky Antics, New Mom Bunny w/Baby Bunny from Art Gone Wild; Prayer Journal set from Clear Dollar Stamps.

Embellies: Brads & Large Grommets The Angel Company, Ribbon source unknown, button source unknown, Antique medium sized brads by Making Memories.

Punches: small heart by Martha Stewart, scallopped circle by Marvy.

Coloring Mediums: Spica Markers, Copic Markers, Prismacolor Pencils w/Blending Pencil.

It's a Jungle In Here!

2009-08-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Some days just feel so crazy. Today was one of them! Kids, school, health, or lack of it, doctor's appointments, nurses, needles - Ugh!!! Needless to say, it was a jungle of a day!

Here is a card from My Screen Door collection. This card features stamps from The Angel Company, Wild Animals set. The sentiment is also from this set. When you open my door, it says "Its a jungle in here!" Well, don't that just say it all! Thanks for taking a peek thru my door!

Have a wonderful evening!

{Supplies used: Stamps from The Angel Company, Cardstock from DCWV, Prismacolor Pencils, screen door template, vinyl screening from hardware store, brad - misc. source}

I know how to do anything - I'm a mom.-- Rosanne Barr
http://www.great-inspirational-quotes.com/mother-quotes.html

Monday Sketch-a-roni Playing Along!

2009-08-24T15:28:00.006-05:00

I played along with a fellow blogger's sketch challenge! Yep, it's a first for me. Usually I'm showcasing a card I've made, created or cased but I used the first day of school to use my ahhhh-quiet-time to get my creative juices flowing from Heather Scott's Oz-SomeStamps blog. Thanks Heather, for the inspiration! Thanks for looking...

It's hard to tell that I used Crystal effects in the middle of my sunflower as well as a gold Spica glitter pen on the petals. I hope my close-up gives a little justice to the flower.

Supplies used: Sands of Time Cardstock, The Angel Company, Georgia Pacific, Bazzill Papers; Cuttlebug Embossing Folder by ProvoCraft; Spica Markers & Copic Markers Y38, Y35, E29, E25; Stamps by The Angel Company, Full of Sweetness set, Garden Joy set; Palette Hybrid Ink Burnt Umber; Crystal Effects; Misc. Brads & ribbon unknown source.

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."~ Dr. Seuss www.inspirationalspark.com

Edited to add: Sorry about this posting link on Heather's blog, having minor computer/digital camera issues...but all is well now and this link should work. Thank you for your patience.

First Day of School and Oldie but Goodie Stamp!!!

2009-08-24T12:33:00.003-05:00

Today was the first day of school for my kids! They were so excited, but secretly I was excited a bit more! My sweet Kindergartener (1/2 day, blah!) gave me the sweet gift of 2 1/2 hours to myself. This is what I found to do - write another blog post! Here is the sweetest card made with an oldie but goodie from The Angel Company stamp, Kevin! Although retired, you just cannot help but think how sweet a flower from this sweet boy would really be - maybe that's what us stampers like - uh, the world we create on paper! Sometimes it is just a little nicer a place than if you look at all the yucky stuff in the world today! Check out my Etsy store if you'd like to purchase this card or other Screen Door Designs!

Oh well, Pollyanna here is going to be glad to share with you my Screen Door card with Kevin! Enjoy!

In some posts to come, I will be featuring the how-to's on making these cards! Look forward to more to come....

Supplies used: CS: Die Cuts with a View & Georgia Pacific; Stamps: Kevin by The Angel Company; Prismacolor Pencils with Colorless Blender pencil (works like Gamsol); my original Screen Door template & vinyl screening; brad: misc. source unknown.

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home. ~Twyla Tharp, www.quotegarden.com

Some stamps just make me giggle!

2009-08-17T20:11:00.008-05:00

Some days just feel like I'm at the funny farm all day long! They are just so adaptable to so many occassions! Check out my Etsy Store for ordering cards or my Screen Door template! Anyway, thanks for stopping by and giving my cards a look-see!

Sentiment inside says: "Happy Birthday from all of us at the funny farm."
Supplies used: Stamps: Inky Antics, Art Gone Wild; CS: Misc. sources; Brad: source unknown; colored with Prismacolor Pencils & Gamsol

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way--things I had no words for." Georgia O'Keefe

My 10 Year Old Daughter's Card

2009-08-17T19:46:00.007-05:00

Hi everyone!

I have to make mention of how creative my daughters (all of my kids, actually) are-maybe by association with me (tooting my own horn, huh?) or maybe genetically!?! Either way, I love to see them in action. I gave her some supplies, one of my favorite sets from Melanie Muenchinger from Gina K's sets, Hand-in-Hand, as well as some double sticky tape, ribbon, and white ink! I am amazed! This is what she came up with! WOW! Are you as impressed as I am? She is so sweet and when I told her I'd put her card on my blog, she got the biggest grin ever! Thank you my dear sweet Gianna for such a sweet card! She gave this card to her grandparents, "Meema & Pop."

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies used: Stamps: Gina K; White ink, VersaMagic Cloud White; Cardstock: Stampin' UP, Mega & Giga Scalloped Circle Punches: Marvy; Ribbon: Walmart, Provocraft Scalloped scissors.

"And Jesus said unto them ... , "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to younder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you."Romans 1:17

Fishing line on my door?

2009-08-15T20:32:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone!

I love to think of cards to make the guys out there! My very outdoorsy husband would love this card if he needed a "pick me up!" So, expand your ideas and see where your cardmaking takes you to include the men in our lives!

I really thought about putting real fishing line on this card, but getting it to glue down can get messy! So instead, I am pretending that its there! Isn't that what we are doing anyway with papercrafts? Well, these are always items I find at my door, thanks for stopping by!

Supplies used: Stamps: Inky Antics "worm on hook w/sentiment, lure in background; inks: Palette Hybrid, My Screen Door template (see below for my info on ordering info).

"If it is to be, it is up to me." Norman Vincent Peale

Birdie Mail outside my Screen Door

2009-08-15T19:57:00.005-05:00

Here is a card that I made that again, shows off my screen door card. It's so versatile, whatever you can imagine on your front porch, stoop or whatever, you can stamp it and place it next to your front door. And really, who doesn't like getting mail? Snail or e? Most of us like to feel like we've made a connection with someone! Thanks for stopping by...

Supplies: Stamps used: Inky Antics: Birdie Mail & "You've Got Mail" Sentiment; Prismacolor Pencils w/Gamsol & Brad misc. source unknown.

Participating in CFH Bloghop!

2009-08-15T19:38:00.006-05:00

I am so excited to participate in Cards for Heroes Bloghop where you can see so many creative people! I just love making cards and who else better deserves our talents than those are serving us in a quiet and humble way - our service men & women! You guys ROCK!

Here is a card of mine that I had so much fun creating! Since I am a fall person, meaning I love Autumn, I am ready for those cool temps and the turning of the tree leaf colors, I just LOVE this little girl pilgrim!Stamps used: Inky Antics, girl pilgrim & small daisy
Coloring technique: Prismacolor Colored Pencils w/Gamsol
Screen Door Template: You can purchase one here on my blog, scroll down for more information.

Softball Season Ends with a Note of Thanks!

2009-07-26T19:50:00.006-05:00

Our very, very long baseball, softball & TBall seasons ended over the weekend and with that, out came my creativity! Our twins softball coach was such a great coach! So, I made him this card, hope you like it! Thanks for looking! It's really fun to sew on paper! I got my embroidery floss out and punched my holes first, then took the needle, gave it a thread, then went around the "baseball" to give it real looking stitches.

I cannot live without my Copic markers. I used these colors to color my baseball glove in a leather looking color scheme.
Supplies: Cardstock: Georgia Pacific White CS from Walmart, Navy & Real Red CS from SU; Ink: Burnt Umber Palette Hybrid Ink; Stamps: Baseball Glove from Art Gone Wild!, Box Words by The Angel Company; Misc.: DMC Floss #25, Emboss Plate for Big Shot by Provo Craft, Piercing Tool, Gold Star brads source unknown, Copic Markers

"A-Door-able!" Country Woman Magazine Feature Article

2009-07-21T20:31:00.003-05:00

Well, as promised I got my scanner working. Don't ask me how! I am thrilled to share with you my featured craft project article. I am so excited to be featured, along with my story. You've heard that I was in a creative slump. My husband was fixing some screening on some windows and had scraps in front of me. (Us stampers, scrappers, etc. throw nothing away!) Well, once the idea popped into my head of a sweet country screen door, I got my drawing pencils out and came up with my screen door sketch. The possibilities are endless and if you can imagine it on your front porch, you can imagine it on your screen door card. Back in 2007 I submitted my screen door card into the Country Woman Magazine's Craft Bazaar Contest. Well, as I may have mentioned before, uh hem, I won 2nd place! Much to my surprise I was contacted again just this past month, with a letter and a complimentary issue of the magazine showing where my article was - and I screamed! My kids all came running and we had a quick celebration together!

So, here is what I was shown! Thanks for looking!

With Inky Fingers,
Michelle :)

Buggy Blossom Card

2009-07-21T19:39:00.006-05:00

Hi friends!

Stamping Bella has some ***adorable**** stamps that are just too cute! I am not sure if the recipient of this card will see this post or not, but that's ok. I am just too excited to share about this card. She is the sweetest person, who happens to do the best job on my hair EVER! And let's face it, I was a huge fuzz ball this morning and now, I'm back. Well, I am sending this note to her to do double duty...but mainly I am sending her a tip that I forgot! Can you believe it? I am always too excited and talking too much to stop and think for a moment! Whooo me? I was so embarrassed and now I've talked about it.... Anyway, here is my card - isn't she cute?

Thanks for looking!

Stamps: Stamping Bella Bug, sentiment stamp: The Angel Company; CS: DCWV scallopped matchbook card, scraps; Ink: Momentum Tuxedo Black; Markers: Copic; Ribbon & silk flower embellishments: miscellaneous stash.

Get involved with a great cause, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and help people like my friend fight this nasty disease! MR, you are my hero!

A man paints with his brains and not with his hands. Michelangelo brainyquote.com

2009-07-21T00:13:00.001-05:00

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Blessings!

2009-07-20T17:32:00.005-05:00

A friend of my sister's is having a baby - she kept a secret until after her first 3 months. Wow! I was never able to do that! Here is the card I made for her!

Paper: DCWV & The Angel Company

Stamp: The Angel Company, How Swell Set by MRO

Ink: Momentum Tuxedo Black

Prismacolor Pencils w/Blender pencil

Embossing plate for Big Shot: Sizzix

“Since love grows within you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.”
Saint Augustine quote by thinkexist.com

With Inky Fingers,

Michelle

Blessings by email!

2009-07-17T23:02:00.003-05:00

This is why I make cards - if I can bless just one person, I've done my job! Thanks Janet!!!

Hi Michelle!

I saw your screen door cards in my recent Country Woman magazine and loved it!!! In the magazine was a template I coulduse to make my own cards. Hope that isok to do. I don't mass produce, but make them for my friends to enlighten their day. It's is so funny that your cards showed up when they did as my husband had an old piece of screen and was throwing it out. I said I can use that some how, I'm sure. Then your cards appeared!!! I showed him and we both laughed! God has a way of making most things useful again.

I love your scripture reference of Phil 4:4-10. That is a great verse. I am blessed by your creations! You are very talented cardmaker!! God's blessings and favor on your talents.

Have a blessed day my friend,
Janet S.

Computer Scanner Problems!!

2009-07-17T11:25:00.005-05:00

I have a sweet nephew who is going to get a phone call to help me figure out why my scanner is giving me such trouble! As soon as I get it up and running, I will post my featured article from my Screen Door card that won 2nd place last year in Country Woman's Magazine's Craft Bazaar Contest! Well, you can only imagine how excited I was to get a 1 1/2 page feature this year in Aug/Sept '09 magazine!!! I will get this posted as soon as possible! Thanks for your patience!!! Now where's my phone....

With Inky Fingers,
Love,
Michelle :)

Back from Vacation!

2009-07-16T21:15:00.004-05:00

We just got back from a great trip to Myrtle Beach - isn't our view amazing!!! Well, I'm working on laundry and getting my creative mojo back - more to come!

Thanks for reading - talk to you soon,

With Inky Fingers,

Michelle ;)

Getting ready for Christmas!

2008-11-04T21:48:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! Here to share another fun (and stamp lifted) idea from Splitcoast Stampers! These Gift Card Holders are just adorable! I am getting ready to sell them at my kid's school. We have a gift certificate program that allows us to purchase a gift card from hundreds of merchants, and in return for buying them through school, we earn percentages from each purchase. We have a choice to enrich the school, our classrooms as well as paying down our tuition bills (Catholic Schools!). So, here are a sampling of what I've been making. I am thrilled to showcase these here on my blog!

By the way, I got the most wonderful surprise from a lady in Texas whom I don't even know! Not only did Connie make my day, but I was feeling very blue, had a terrible head cold as well as getting my "." over the weekend and Sunday was my birthday! Needless to say, her kind words came at the best time. I guess the Lord Jesus knows what we need when we need it! Thanks again, Connie!!! Here is what she said:

Hi Michelle,

I saw your winning entry of the screen door cards in Country Woman magazine and just wanted to let you know I think they are adorable! I looked at your website and saw your other creations. You are very talented. And I admire you for being a Stay at home Mom. This world needs more of them.

From one artistic mom to another.

Congratulations!
Connie Thompson
Del Rio, Texas

WOW! Talk about blown away!!! I almost cried! OK, so enough of my blabbering...here are my Gift Card Holders!

If there is a specific stamp or pattern you'd like more info on, please email me and I will be happy to give credit where credit is due (i.e. paper, rubber stamp company, etc.). Thanks!

Quote: In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks.-------St. Teresa of Avila

Thanks for looking,

With Inky Fingers,

Michelle

Fall is here!

2008-10-20T16:49:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year - but my card today does not show it! I look like April showers bring May flowers sort of thing! Anyway, here is the latest card:

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Barely Banana by SU, Spica & Copic markers, DCWV Patterned paper, Background dry embossed with Cuttlebug by Provo Craft, rubber stamp image from Amuse Stamps.

Thanks for stopping by today and seeing my latest card - have a happy fall!

Michelle

No excuses...

2008-09-18T16:40:00.002-05:00

...for why I have not posted in almost 3 months. Hmmm, something like summer vacation, painting and moving the kids bedrooms as well as the school startup craze is over and everyone is in school does not qualify me for any excuse, right? Well, since then with one of our daughters diagnosed with several food allergies and new recipes to be found, besides the fact that I've had to relocate my craft "room" to the basement to make room for the "new room" my DH is building me solely devoted to "all Michelle's craft stuff!" is not a good enough excuse either!

So, without further adieu, here are my latest creations - there has not been a stop in creative flow here!!!

"Howdy" Supplies used: Howdy: Stamps: Stampin' UP, Papers: The Angel Company Rusty Chic, Fibers/Jute: Misc. sources, Buckle: Memory Keepers

"Enjoy" Supplies Used: Stamps: Stampin' UP, Paper: DCWV & Georgia Pacific Cardstock White, Inks: Purple Hydrangea by Versa Chalks, Rhinestone stickers: Walmart

"Pinwheel" HB Card Supplies used: Stamps: The Angel Company sentiment, Papers: Stampin' UP and K & Company, Ribbon: Offray Grograin, Red Brad by Oriental Trading, Misc.: Toothpick & scallopped scissors.

Positive Thought Quote: Be interesting, be enthusiastic... and don't talk too much. Norman Vincent Peale (gee, I must have missed that one since sometimes I don't know where the words come from, they just flow by the TON!)

Thanks for looking,
With Inky Fingers,

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-14T23:13:00.000-05:00

To my Husband and Dad - and all other dad's - a very happy day! Here are 2 cards that I just made for my Dad-in-law and girlfriend's bday! These were fun to make and got great inspiration from all the great blogs that I subscribe to as well as CHF Forum! Thanks for looking!

Dad's Day Card Supplies used: CS - Java from Bazzill, Patterned and pumpkin colored papers from We R Memory Keepers; Ink - Burnt Umber and Cognac Palette Hybrid Ink Pad; Copper brads - source unknown; Stamps: The Angel Company, tree from Spring Time set, greeting from Trendy Greetings set (retired); brown grosgrain ribbon Offray; scalloped scissors Fiskars; circle punch 3/4" EK Success.

Bday Card Supplies used: CS - White Georgia Pacific and scrap gold strip; Stamps: The Angel Company flower from In Bloom set, greeting from Little Tidbits set; Ink - Noir Black and Cognac Palette Hybrid Inks; Scor-Pal; White and Silver Gelly Roll Pen by Sakura; gold sheer ribbon Offray; brass brads - source unknown.

With Inky Fingers,

Michelle

Positive Thought: You can have peace of mind, improved health and an ever-increasing flow of energy. Life can be full of joy and satisfaction. ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Owl Princess

2008-06-07T00:27:00.000-05:00

In the last few weeks the birthday parties, graduation parties and kids baseball and softball schedules are going to keep me making cards for a very long time!!!!
Don't you feel SOOO bad for me? Ha!

So, I am totally inspired by the Cornish Heritage Farms Forum - that is where I stamplifted this card. Thanks for looking!

Supplies used:
Cardstock: DCWV Tan, Black & Pink CS Source Unknown.
Stamps: CHF Stamps by Kim Hughes, URA Hoot, Bold Curls, The Angel Company's Small Things set, Impression Stamps small flower. Ink: Palette Hybrid Inks: Snow White, Budoir Blush, Claret, Noir, Jardin Moss. Color Pencils: Prismacolor Pencils & Blender Pencil. Stickles. Chalks for shading. Paper flowers, rhinestone brad, sheer ribbons, sources unknown. Scor-Pal for brick score lines.

Caio for now!

With inky fingers,

Michelle

Positive Thought: Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that. ~Norman Vincent Peale

I am so honored....

2008-06-04T22:33:00.002-05:00

...my screen door card was awarded 2nd place for Country Woman's Magazine's Bazaar Craft Contest. I submitted my letter and card samples last September 2007!!! Well, I just got my letter today! Then to top it all off, I won $350!!!! Wow!!! I am so excited and humbled. I am so grateful that I am able to share my creativity talent with you all!!! Click here for a subscription to Country Woman's Magazine - and in their Oct/Nov. 2008 issue, see my card(s) and probably the blurb I sent them about my card!!! Yea! I'm so exicted!!!

So, today was my kiddies last day of school! Yikes! It's summer vacation - and I get a little jealous when my "creativity" time gets eaten away.... I will post as often as I can.

For now, I am sharing another teacher appreciation card for our kid's music teacher, choir director and all around super nice teacher!!!

Supplies used: Ivory & Black CS, Stampin' Up; Lt. Blue CS, source unknown; Patterned paper, K-Ology Addison Paper; music notes die for Cuttlebug, Provo Craft; Big Shot machine; Blue rhinestones, K Marcella; Twill Tape, Martha Stewart Crafts Color Cloud; Black ribbon, source unknown; stamp by Close to my Heart; Ink, Palette Hybrid Ink.

Thanks for looking!

Caio for now!!!

With inky fingers,

Michelle

Positive Thought: If you paint in your mind a picture of bright and happy expectations, you put yourself into a condition conducive to your goal. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Teacher Appreciation Card

2008-05-29T09:58:00.002-05:00

Teacher Appreciation Cards and gifts only remind me of one thing - OK, 2!

1. Summer is here and less running crazy like I did with a Mom and her 4 kids plus all their after school activities!

2. Oh yeah, the kids will be home all summer long - less time for Mom to get into her studio to stamp, color and play with paper!

Well I guess it's not that bad, I can usually get around them. It will just have to be with a little more effort!

Here is the card I made x4 for the kids' teachers. Thanks for looking and have a great day!

Supplies used:

DCWV cardstock and patterened paper.

EK Success Punch

Marvy Uchida Punch

RicRac: Walmart

Misc. Gold star brad

Red Scrapper's Floss

Word Stamp: The Angel Company, More Abundance set

Ink: Brilliance Tsieunko "Poppy"

White Jelly Roll Pen by Sakura for "stitches"

Positive Thought:

One of the greatest moments in anybody's developing experience is when he no longer tries to hide from himself but determines to get acquainted with himself as he really is. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Bringing Spring Inside!

2008-04-23T19:10:00.000-05:00

I brought spring to me this year. Living in Chicagoland makes spring so late and we just had the most awful winter. I went outside one cold blustery April day with my twig snips in hand. My kids thought I jumped off the deep end when I brought dead branches inside. I used my paper punches to simulate paper dogwood flowers layering white, pink and fuscia papers and different flower punches. I even made buds by folding the flower and green leaves in half. Then I used my Glue Dots to adhere them to the branches here and there. Voila!

I brought spring to me!

With Inky Fingers,

Michelle

Positive Thought: Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all. Norman Vincent Peale

An ILoveYou Creation!

2008-04-21T00:06:00.001-05:00

Here is an explanation to what my little symbol means up there in my header picture! The "An ILoveYou" creation came from years of learning sign language as my foreign language of choice in college. While in college I met my DH! When you configure your fingers like this, you say "I Love You" in sign language. Obviously, it caught on while we were dating - even today with my kids. That is our little symbol to each other instead of a simple wave goodbye!

What's really ironic is that back in 1989 I purchased this stamp below. It is an Inkadinkado Stamp - it has the big red handle sticking straight up from the wooden block - very old (not me, the stamp!). Way before my sign language interest, before our dating or even now how we say goodbye between all of us. My first rubber stamp - and yes, I never throw anything away!!!

Here is Adirondack Chair card, inspired by Inkadinkado's Project section. It reminds me of the beach and the wind and sand and warm breezes. I can almost hear the waves crashing on the beach....ahhh.

Cardstock: Stampin' Up - Barely Banana, Bordering Blue, Certainly Celery, Vellum CS
Stamp: The Angel Company - Everyday Event's Set
Palette Hybrid Ink Pad - Burnt Umber
Decorating Chalks by Craf T Products
craft knife
bronze brad - source n/a
hemp string - source n/a

Until next time!
With inky fingers,
Michelle

Positive Thought: "Change your thoughts and you change your world."
~Norman Vincent Peale, Power of Positive Thinking

WOW!!! I am so far behind!!!

2008-04-20T03:03:00.002-05:00

With family, life, kids, laundry, dishes, friends, and a DH - so much time has gotten away from me! Sorry about that. My intentions are good - but time, that nasty little thing. It's a four letter word - seriously!

My Birdy card was inspired by Kim Hughes' great stamp designs at Cornish Heritage Farms (CHF) - check out they're great website, forums, galleries, & more!!!

Recipe for Birdy Card:
Stamps: CHF, Kim Hughes Collection
CS: Stampin' Up
Pattern Paper: My Mind's Eye - Wild Asparagus
Buttons: DCWV
Prisma Color Pencils & Blender Pencil
Ribbon: Misc.
Purple Marker: Zig
White Marker: Gelly Role Glaze Marker by Sakura

This penny spinner card was so much fun to make! Inspiration came from Splitcoast Stampers - HERE you can find instructions as well as great examples for even more inspiration!

Recipe for my Airplane Spinner Card:
Stamps: Stampin' Up
CS: Stampin' Up
Inks: Palette Hybrid Inks, Seascape & Noir
Ribbon, Brad & Flower: Walmart
Scalloped scissors
Airplane die: Sizzix used in Big Shot
Metallic CS: Archivers
2 Pennies

Thanks for looking!
With Inky Fingers,
Michelle :)

Positive Thought: "if it is to be, it is up to me" ~Norman Vincent Peale, Founder of Guideposts Magazine, Power of Positive Thinking - see a new quote from NVP at each publication!!!

Christmas Gifts I wanted to show you!

2008-01-16T22:30:00.002-06:00

Busier than I told you! Well, I made 4 of these for my prayer sisters in our Power of a Praying Parent group. I prepainted these chipboard blank books, covering them with The Angel Company's great line of papers. This one is Mimi, Mimi Cardstock and inks from Palette as well as Versamagic Chalk inks! Other items used: Coluzzle purse template, "Friends" embossing plate used with my Big Shot, and an assortment of punches, fibers and ribbons!

Thanks for looking!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-16T22:10:00.000-06:00

My Christmas Card this year was created with PaperTrey stamps!!! LOVE those!!! That was a fun card!

Creativity did not stop after Christmas! Here are some Screen Door Cards for Valentines Day and Easter, too! Stamps used from TheAngelCompany as well as InkyAntics - all stamps are some of my favorites!!! Thanks for looking!

Fall is in the Air!

2007-09-15T17:05:00.000-05:00

Yes, I am totally in love with this time of year - I love the trees full of color and the chill in the air!!!

OK, this card is one of my new favorites. I love the combination of old and new stuff. I used TAC's, http://www.theangelcompany.net/, Spring Dream set and the Mega Happy clear stamp set from Stampendous, Inc., I purchase purchased at Archivers!!!, http://www.stampendous.com/ and i used Palette inks. I colored them with colored pencils and smudged with my colorless blender pencil from Prismacolors!!! That is a total necessity when using colored pencils!

I found on the he online webiste Create for Less, http://www.createforless.com/, has the Clever Lever scalloped punches - yes, I got the circles and ovals! LOVE THEM!!! This set is one of my favorites sympathy sets from Stampin' Up, http://www.stampinup.com/.

Thanks for looking! Enjoy the fall colors - they'll be making their spectaular debut soon! Keep your eyes watching for colors all around us!

August is here!

2007-08-13T00:31:00.000-05:00

My favorite set these days is Spring Dreams - it's the level C hostess set I got at Seminar! Those swirls are awesome!!! I've been putting them on everything! They add so much sophistication to my stuff! I just LOVE them!!!!

I've been working on so many cards - my inspiration has been tapped by making so many cards from the magazine called "Cards."

I've just been recovering from surgery, and enjoying my time to be alone and quiet by making cards. What a wonderful way to spend a day! I hope you enjoy some of my creations!

Some new projects!

2007-07-27T10:41:00.000-05:00

Here are some projects I've been working on since my last post! Can you tell that I really LOVE the Spring Dreams Level C Hostess Set we got from Seminar! Enjoy!

Lazy Summer Days!

2007-07-20T08:27:00.001-05:00

Though, not a good scan, here are more examples of my screen door card.

I just found this great idea to storing unmounted stamps! What an awesome idea!!! I have so many CD's full of stamps, tho, what will I do with all those empty jewel cases? Well, I am forever looking for the best organizational tips! I think I found one!!! Follow this link and you, too, can get this great idea from Craft Critique! http://www.craftcritique.com/2007/07/how-to-store-unmounted-stamps.html

Well, baseball and softball season has ended with my children! We had 4 games a week, and I was getting a little overwhelmed! But now the lazy days of summer have set in, only to give way to getting ready for school. My favorite time of the year!!! Ha ha ha! I am keeping up with my walking/running exercise programme and feeling healthier even tho my scale has not moved at all!!!

I have had great response to my template! Thank you to all who have checked it out and have blessed me with an order! I am truly grateful!

Great news!!! I am offering a Trading Card Size of my screen door template as well. I've had some customers request it! So, I am adding the TC size template. Email me for more info and if you'd like to place an order!!!!

Enjoy the rest of your summer! Caio, caio!

Newly Created!

2007-07-09T14:55:00.002-05:00

Hi to all that share my same love of paper crafting! Whether you were at Seminar 2007 or not, you can still preview and purchase my Screen Door Template. I promise you will never look at rubber stamps in the same way again!

I created my screen door card by accident really! I was doodling and created a door, found some old screen pieces that Vince had laying around to fix a window. Hence, my screen door card was born! That was about 3 years ago. Unsure on how to share this creative card, I kept it to myself. I felt so selfish and stingy. I decided to share my creativity with others who can actually use the idea for themselves. I believe that once you are blessed with a gift, you MUST share it! (Wisely, of course)

So, around January 2007, I entered my card into a TAC contest. I did not win, BUT, I did get published!!! WOW!!! My dear Sister-in-law and fellow Angel Danine, called me and told me to check out the website. Under Terrific Touches, there was my card. I was excited and humbled all at the same! Check out this web link to see it too. http://www.theangelcompany.net/Touches140.html Thanks for looking!!!

I was so lovingly blessed with such wonderful blessings when I shared my card in a trading card size version that allowed me to share with other Angels who were at Seminar 2007! BTW, Happy 10th Bday TAC!!! So excited about the response, I created this Blog and gave way to AD/COMM on webeAngels yahoo group.

SO, here it is, email me

A2 Size Template:

Card Kit: you will receive a template, card opening template, cardstock, pre-cut screen, instructions and a printed example.

Scroll down farther in this screen and check out one of my examples

Thanks, and bye for now!

Michelle's Inky Fingers

Two projects: a house box and a card

Graduation Cap Box

Wedding Day card!

Peace Frog Birthday Cards

Mr. Fix-It Father's Day Cards!

I've been M.I.A.

A Valentine Card

Some Craft Show Photos & 2010 Calendars

Babies, babies, everywhere....2 Projects!

Leftover Christmas Cards...

My Word of the New Year & A Family Journal

Screen Door Framed

Puppy Birthday Card

Elzybell's Handmade Gift Certificate

Christmas Paper Cones

Jesus is the Reason for Our Season & Italian-American Traditions shared!!!

Michelle's Inky Fingers: Small Successes - A Challenge!!!

Small Successes - A Challenge!!!

***More*** calendars for the Craft Show on Sunday!

Getting ready for a craft show with Calendars!

Blog Candy Winner!

More Screen Door Card Samples

Screen Door Tutorial & Blog Candy in Celebration

Snail Mail Screen Door Card

Snowflake Screen Door Card!

Simple Note Cards

Blog Candy Winner!

OWH Bloghop & Blog Candy!!!

My Craft Room - where the magic begins!

Have you ever just let yourself color?

Modern Colored Cornucopia

Another Halloween Card

World CardMaking Day & Unity Stamp Co's Love Ewe

Are You a Good Witch or a Bad Witch?

Listen to this new musical artist, Paolo Nutini - Fun stuff!

Toille Gift Card Holder Tutorial for the DIYers

Gift Card Holders

Swing on my front porch!

Be Joyful Card

Yippee, I was featured on Card of the Week.com!!!

Altered Journal

It's a Jungle In Here!

Monday Sketch-a-roni Playing Along!

First Day of School and Oldie but Goodie Stamp!!!

Some stamps just make me giggle!

My 10 Year Old Daughter's Card

Fishing line on my door?

Birdie Mail outside my Screen Door

Participating in CFH Bloghop!

Softball Season Ends with a Note of Thanks!

"A-Door-able!" Country Woman Magazine Feature Article

Buggy Blossom Card

Blessings!

Blessings by email!

Computer Scanner Problems!!

Back from Vacation!

Getting ready for Christmas!

Fall is here!

No excuses...

Happy Father's Day!

Owl Princess

I am so honored....

Teacher Appreciation Card

Bringing Spring Inside!

An ILoveYou Creation!

WOW!!! I am so far behind!!!

Christmas Gifts I wanted to show you!

Happy New Year!

Fall is in the Air!

August is here!

Some new projects!

Lazy Summer Days!

Newly Created!

More calendars for the Craft Show on Sunday!