Hugs and Kisses

Good Monday mornin' hens!! Ready for a lovey dovey week in the hen house? Woo-hoo! Nothin' says lovin' like a few hen pecks in the mornin', huh? LOL!!

I had to finish up my Valentine's Day cards so this week will be nothin' but SUH-WEET eye candy for ya! Sooo, with that said, here's this week's first card. Isn't this little baby cuuuute? I LOVE these little images from Stamping Bella. This is "Priscilla" from the Green Bean Baby line. I just LOVE coloring these little babies, especially their hair! Ok, so I stamped her onto some Bella's Bestest Paper in cream and colored her with my Copics. I matted her with some SU Real Red and stitched around the edges. The DP is from October Afternoon's Modern Homemaker collection and I added some crocheted lace around the panels too! I finished by punching a flower out of the DP and adding a button tied with Baker's twine on top. I think it's one SUH-WEET card don't you?

Don't forget now, you've still got time to play along in this week's That's Krafty Thursday #46 challenge. Just make any 'ol project using Kraft CS and link it below on my TKT#46 post. You have until Wednesday night at 7:00pm EST to enter. Come on and play along with us hens. YOU might just be the next KRAFTY CHICK!!

Okee dokee, that's it from the SUH-WEET hen house today. I'll see ya back bright n' early tomorrow mornin' with some more SUGAH!! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:

Rubber Stamps - Stamping Bella; DP - October Afternoon Modern Homemaker; CS - Bella's Bestest Paper, SU River Rock & Real Red; Flower Punch - EK Success; Baker's Twine; Button; Crocheted Lace - Paper Studio Spare Parts; Copics

One TWEET ATC.. well maybe?

Hey hens!! Happy Saturday to ya!! Ready for this week's Catch the Bug challenge?? Hmmm? It's just an "itsy-bitsy-wittle" challenge..... (tee-hee) it's an ATC!! Oh boy!! That should be a cinch huh? Hmmmph! Well, that's what I thought too! Evidently, my brain only works on FULL scale because this presented a rather LARGE challenge for me. Good grief!! I'm sure you're thinking, "oh seriously, how hard could a 2.5 x 3.5 card be?" Me too!! But creating the layout for something this size was more than my wee chicken brain could handle!! And then I look at all the other chick's ATC's and WOWZER!! No trouble at all! Pfffft!! Let's just not talk about it, k?

Ok, so for my ATC, this is what I came up with. Whatcha think? Eh, so-so, right? I dunno, so you hens have to help me on this and tell me where I went wrong. So if I ever decide to make another, maybe I can improve on my design, cuz this just ain't gettin' it for me! LOL!!

So here's what I did:

First, I printed the image quite smaller than usual... Isn't that the BEST thing about digital images? You can ADJUST THE SIZE!! How cool is that? Then I colored the image with my Copics. Since this was an Artist Trading Card, I would assume the point is to trade these with other artists they meet, is that right? Ok, if so, then I thought it should represent ME, or The Spotted Chick. Soooooo, I chose some red polka dot DP and a chick image, this is "Spring Bird on a limb" from Bugaboo Stamps. Ain't she a doll?? Ok, then I paper pieced her dress and her hair bow and started the design of the card. Whooooooaaaaaa, there's NO ROOM!! Holy cow, I cut the card base and then the mat and DP and what's left?? Phoooooeeeee, so I decided to cut the image out. Now I'll let you hens on a little secret of mine, I am NO GOOD at this!! So after she's cut out, I lay her onto the red polka dot paper. Uh, HELLLOOOOOOO!!!! Where'd she go??? Yep, she faded right in. So then I decided to put a mat behind using the Kraft CS again to tie in with the card base but I did add some texture to it with my SU embossing folder. Ok, still too plain for me so I added the ribbon and the little tag and I still was just so-so with it. After 2 HOURS on a project I thought would take about 30 minutes to complete, I gave up!! I guess ATC's just aren't my specialty. *sniff-sniff*

Oh well, that's not to say they aren't for my other DT members though. Wow, they made some AWESOME designs so be sure to head on over to the Catch the Bug challenge blog and check 'em out. Now it's YOUR turn to show me how this is REALLY done. Make an ATC using any Bugaboo image and link it up to the Catch the Bug challenge blog. Not only will you be teaching me a thing or two about creating ATC's, but you could even win some FREE images just for playing. Sound like a plan? Ok, I'll be lookin' for your creation over at the Catch the Bug challenge blog and don't forget to include lot's of instructions for this OLD BIRD!! I need all the help I can get!! LOL!! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:

Digital Images - Bugaboo Stamps, CS - SU Kraft & Basic Black, Embossing Folder - SU, Flower - Taylored Expressions; Grosgrain Ribbon - Offray; DP - October Afternoon Modern Homemaker; Copics

The name's BOND... Wendy BOND

Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!! OMG, I've been dying to say that!! I just LOVE Wendy's name!! So what's all the fuss about Wendy for, you ask? Well today's her birthday!!!! Whoot-whoot!! So, a bunch of us chicks got together for one HENTASTIC birthday blog hop in her honor!!

If you flew into the hen house from Kim Van der Sanden's blog MFT, then you're flyin' straight as an arrow. If not, be sure to start at the beginning HERE to see all the BIRTHDAY eye candy from these AWESOME chicks!

Now onto Wendy's birthday card.... Ya know, I HAD to make her a MOBSTER/SPY sort of card. I mean, with a name like that, I just couldn't resist!! Yeah, I know - what can I say, I'm a SICK CHICK!! LOL!! Ok, so I found this image called "Nicky Lotsaspaghetti" {*snort*} at a new digi company I found called, "Dude Time Doodles" OMG, the characters by Bonibleaux Designs are hilarious and are totally geared toward the DUDES in your life. And you hens know I LOVE funny so needless to say, I'm hooked! You definitely need to check this site out. WAY COOL!!

Ok, so I printed the image onto some Canson Manga Fanboy CS and colored him with my Copics. I cut the image out with my Nestabilities and sponged some distress ink around the edges with the die in place. Then I stitched it to the SU Basic Black mat and adhered it to this great DP from Cosmo Cricket's Circa 1934 collection. Lovin' that stuff too! I know, what don't I LOVE?? *sigh* To finish, I printed the sentiment and cut it out with my Nestie tag die and attached it with a gun metal brad (appropriate, huh?). Oh man, I LOVE this card!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Wendy!! - "Here's lookin' at you kid!"

Okee dokee, that's it from the hen house today. I hope you hens have a terrific Thursday and I'll see ya back in the hen house real soon! Now it's time for you to fly the coop and head on over to FRANCES BYRNE'S blog. Hold onto your little hen socks, cuz Frances is gonna WOW you! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:
Digital Image - Dude Time Doodles by Bonibleaux Designs; CS - SU Basic Black & River Rock, Canson Manga Fanboy; DP - Cosmo Cricket's Circa 1934; Border Punch - EK Success; Copics; Prismacolor Pencils; Nestabilities; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Vintage Photo; Brad

I'm just a LOVE machine....

Pffffft!! I just couldn't resist making that sentiment for this image!! LOL!! This is "Molly Watt" from Stamping Bella. Isn't she CUTE?? I just LOVE those springs for her hair!! I even colored them so they resemble RUST! Bwah-ha-ha-ha!!

Ok now, before I get to the details of the card I wanted to let you hens in on my news!! Linda from the Catered Crop has asked me to be one of her challenge designers!! Woo-hoo!! If you've never been to Linda's blog, well you HAVE TO GO!! Seriously, she has the most AMAZING blog EVER!! Now not only does she have a really cool blog, but she has a new challenge called "Follow the Recipe". The challenge couldn't be simpler either, just use ANY of the recipe ingredients from the winner of last week's challenge. Yup, that's it, use ANY ingredient!! And GUESS WHO was last week's winner? MEEEEEE!! Yippee - skippeee!!


Ok-ok, soooooo today's card is my take on the new Follow The Recipe challenge - FTR #4 and here are the ingredients I used from that recipe:

• Canson Mango Fanboy CS
• Copics
• Prismacolor Pencils
• Stitched Ribbon tied in a Bubbly Bow
• Sponging with Chalk Ink
• Sewing Machine
• Border Punch
• Oval Die
• Momento Tuxedo Black Ink

Directions: I stamped Molly onto some Canson Manga Fanboy CS and colored her with my Copics. I cut her out with my Nestabilities and sponged some chalk ink around the edges. I matted her on some SU Basic Black CS and stitched around the edges. I adhered her to this great DP from Cosmo Cricket's Joy Ride collection and added some twine and a Bubbly Bow to finish!! Don'tcha just LOVEEEE Molly??? Me tooooo!

Now, not only can you play along in Linda's new challenge (which has PRIZES by the way!) but if you use Kraft CS on your card, you can also enter your card in my That's Krafty Thursday challenge too! Woo-hoo!! Did you see how many participants we already have in this week's TKT #46 challenge?? Now that's what I'm squawkin' about!! You hens ROCK!!

Before I leave you today, I have to tell you what I did this weekend. My DH and I installed a flat screen TV in the spare bedroom. Ummm, that may not sound like a big deal but I wanted it mounted on the wall and NO WIRES showing! Ok, you get the picture now right? Yup, that meant we had to drop cable and electric down the wall and install new outlets for each behind the set. Welllllll, I bet you'll never guess who had to CRAWL IN THE ATTIC?? Uh-huh, yours truly!!! Now have I ever mentioned to you hens that I'm CLAUSTROPHOBIC?? And of course this was the upstairs attic so there's not much of a pitch to that roof, in other words, CRAMPED BIG TIME!!

Here's how the conversation went:
Me - "You're goin' up right?"
DH - "No, you said you were!"
Me - "NO I DIDN'T!!!"
DH - "YES YOU DID!"
Me - "NO!!! I DIDN'T!!"
DH - "Well I'm too BIG, YOU have to go!"
Me - "WHAT?? I'LL HAVE A HEART ATTACK!!"
DH - "Well I'm too BIG!!!"
Me - "UGGGGGHHHH"

Sooooo, I DID and I'm still here so I didn't have a heart attack but it took nearly two hours before my heart began beating normal again!! Actually, my DH was real good, he never left the attic entry and kept talking to me the whole time telling me what I needed to do and I had it done in less than a half an hour. Not bad but I've been thinking about this..... I think this is a really good reason to put on about 50lbs whatcha think? Then I can say, "I'm TOO BIG!!!!" too! LOL!!!

Okee dokee, that's it from the hen house today! I hope you hens have a MAGNIFICENT Monday! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:
Rubber Stamps - Stamping Bella; CS - SU Basic Black & Basic Gray, Canson Mango Fanboy; DP - Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride; Saddle Stitched Ribbon - Papertrey Ink; Momento Tuxedo Black Ink; Nestabilities; Border Punch - Fiskars; Copics; Prismacolor Pencils; Chalk Ink; Button; Twine; SU Small Oval Punch; Brads; Colorbox Chalk Ink

...we have ourselves a WINNER!!!

The winner of the digital image from last Saturday's "Catch the Bug Birthday Hop" is.......

Jennie from Jennie's Crafty Things

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
58
Timestamp: 2011-01-21 22:37:35

Jennie said...
What a fantastic card! Everything about it is perfect :)
So so lovely !

Congratulations Jennie!!! Please send me your email address and I'll send your image right out! Thank you hens for such a GREAT hop! That was AMAZING!! {{{hen hugs}}}

It's a Turtle Tot - Friday Spot!

Woo-hoo! TGIBF!! And what a cutie patootie card I have for you today! I am just lovin' these little Turtle Tots from Stamping Bella. This is Turtle Tot Birthday Wishes. Ain't he the cutest? Lookit his wittle birfday hat!! I just wanna pinch those fat little cheeks, he's so STINKIN CUTE! LOL!

I stamped my little feller onto some Bella's Bestest Paper and colored him with my Copics. I matted him with some SU Early Expresso CS (gotta get more of this stuff! Yum!) and stitched around the edges. You might remember this paper from the card I made last week for my friend Karen. It's from October Afternoon's Detour collection. I LOVE the fun colors in it and it was perfect for this image! I stamped the sentiment, also from Stamping Bella and stitched it right onto the image panel.


To finish, I added a few orange brads to the bottom left corner, some Stickles to the candle flames, and then tied this satin ribbon into a cute bubbly bow with a button on top! I really LOVE this card! Such a cheery card, don'tcha think? Wanna see some more cool ideas for today's FREE FORM Bellarific Friday challenge? Hop on over to Bloggabella and check out the rest of the DT along with the Sistahood too! Those sistahs are sumthin' else, I tell ya!

Our next Bellarific Friday is February 4th, and the theme is Valentine's Day! Ahhhhh, WUV is in da AIR!! Okee dokee, that's it from the hen house today! I hope you hens all have a FABBY Friday and WONDERFUL weekend!! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:

Rubber Stamps - Stamping Bella; CS - Bella's Bestest Paper, SU Early Expresson; DP - October Afternoon; Copics; Ribbon - SU Early Expresso; Button; Twine; Brads

That's Krafty Thursday #46

Hi hens!! It's that time again.... time for my next That's Krafty Thursday challenge! Are ya ready? Course you are.... oh and I'm not letting you hens off the roost easy either. I want another one of those jammed packed weeks, k? Wowzer, TKT 45 just blew me away!! Can you all do that again for lil 'ol me??? Puhhhh-leeeeease??? Wanna break the record of 24 entries??? Yeah-yeah, let's go for the GOLD!!! Woo-hoo!!


Have I got you motivated yet? No? Hmmmm?? How about a card? Will that do it? Ok-ok, I'll stop teasing you.... Here's my card to get you hens rarin' to go AGAIN! LOL!!

Ain't it a beut?? Oh boy, do I ever LOVE this card! I don't think the picture does this card justice because there is some SERIOUS cuteness going on here IRL. *sigh* This little image is called "Curious Buttercup" from Ladybug Crafts Ink. I stamped her onto some Canson Manga Fanboy CS and colored her with my Copics. I matted her with some SU Early Expresso CS and stitched around the edges. This DP is from My Little Shoebox and as soon as I saw those ladybugs on that paper, I knew what image I wanted to use with it. Buttercup's tail is just a waggin as she's rubbin' noses with her ladybug friend! Ok, then I matted the DP with the same SU Early Expresso and then again with white and stitched around the edges. The border punch is by Martha Stewart and I am so sorry, but I cannot remember where I got this ruffly ribbon from, but I SO LOVE it! To finish, I tied some Baker's Twine around the image panel and finished with a BIG red button! ADORABLE right?

Okee dokee, it's YOUR turn now! Just make a card or any project using Kraft CS and link your card below by February 2nd at 7:00pm EST. That's it!! No hard stuff here... just an easy peasy challenge!! So what's in it for you, you ask? Well, how 'bout being named a "KRAFTY CHICK" and receiving my "Clara" badge for your blog? Oh yeah, that' Clara is one "stylin" chick! I WUVEEE Clara! LOL!! And, I'll post a snippet of your card right here on The Spotted Chick for all the world to see, that YOU are one KRAFTY CHICK! Ok, ready to get started?? I'm leaving the challenge open for 2 weeks so to give you hens enough time to get your projects submitted for this MEGA turnout! LOL!! Ok, lets GOOOOOOOOOO!

{{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:
Rubber Stamps - Ladybug Crafts Ink; Ink - Momento Tuxedo Black; CS - SU Kraft & Early Expresso, Canson Manga Fanboy; Border Punch - Martha Stewart; Copics; Prismacolor Pencils; Button; Bakers Twine; DP - My Little Shoebox; Colorbox Chalk Ink

A Bubbly Bow Tutorial

Hi hens... are ya ready for Part 2 of my tutorial? Woo-hoo! This video will show you how I tie my bubbly bows! I do get several questions about them, so hopefully you'll find this tutorial helpful.

This is Stella "Stupid Cupid" from Bugaboo Stamps! I just LOVEEEE Stella! She's such a riot! I can't remember a time when I've colored Stella and didn't bust up laughing! If not for those prickly 2 hairs on her legs, it's those boobs!! OMG!! She just cracks me up! LOL!! I printed Stella onto some Canson Manga Fanboy CS and colored her with my Copics. I sponged a little chalk ink around the edges and then stitched her to the SU Basic Black CS. You can see Part 1 of my video, a "Stitching Tutorial" here. The DP I used is from Bo Bunny and I stitched around the edges of it, as well. I used my SU border punch along the black mat of the top layer and of course tied my bubbly bow on top to finish! A PERFECT Valentine's Day card for my hubby!! Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha! Stella kinda looks like me on Valentine's Day... forget all that mushy stuff - JUST HAND OVER THE CANDY AND NOBODY GETS HURT!!

I hope you hens have enjoyed my little tutorial and I'll see ya back in the hen house bright n' early tomorrow mornin'! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:
Digital Image - Bugaboo Stamps; CS - Canson Manga Fanboy, SU Basic Black; DP - Bo Bunny; Copics; Ribbon - Michaels BASIC; Border Punch - Stampin Up; Chalk Ink - Colorbox

You're TEA-RIFFIC!

Afternoon hens!! LOL! That's a first, huh? You're probably thinking what's she doin' posting at this hour? Tee-hee! I LOVE surprising you all! Anyhoo, I thought I'd share this little card with you, before I retire to my nest for the evening. Hens aren't supposed to stay up late, ya know! LOL!!

This little image is "JAVABUGGS" from Stamping Bella. I colored them with my Copics and cut them out with my Label Nestabilities. I sponged a little chalk ink around the edges and matted them with some SU Early Expresso CS cut from the same shaped Nestie. This DP is an older Heidi Grace collection that I've had for quite awhile now and it's a little bolder print then what I usually use, but hey, a chicks gotta break outta her shell sooner or later, right? LOL!! I added some dimensional pearls around the SU Early Expresso mat and finished with this pink striped grosgrain ribbon tied in a cute bubbly bow.

Speakin' of bubbly bows, would you hens like to know how to tie one on? A bow that is..... Tee-hee! Well, be sure to pop back into the hen house on Wednesday mornin' for Part 2 of my video tutorial! Woo-hoo!

Ok, well I hope you hens enjoy the rest of your day and I'll see ya back in the hen house on Wednesday mornin'! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:

Rubber Stamps - Stamping Bella; CS - Bella's Bestest Paper, SU Early Expresso; Copics; Nestabilities; Colorbox Chalk ink; Dimensional Pearls - Viva Decor

Happy Birthday Bugaboo!!!

Bugaboo Stamps is turning ONE today!! Can you believe it? My how time flies!! I feel SO OLD!! LOL! So, in honor of this HOPPY occasion (tee-hee!), the Bugaboo Stamps DT is doin' some HOPPIN' of their own with a little birthday blog hop for ya! Boing-boing!!

Now if you've hopped here from jumpin' Jan Hunnicutt's blog, you're hoppin' like a PRO! {{rrrrrib-it!!}} If not, be sure to start back at the beginning HERE so you don't miss a thing.



For my card today I used "HOPPY OCCASIONS", which by the way, you can WIN from me just by leavin' a comment below!!

I printed Hoppy on some Canson Manga Fanboy CS and colored him with my Copics. I cut him out with my Nestabilities and sponged some distress ink around the edges. I tied this gorgeous green saddle stitched ribbon into a cute bubbly bow and finished with a button on top! Now of course, this wouldn't be a birthday if there wasn't any presents right?? Presents, presents?? Did someone say presents?? {ok my ears are all perked up now too!} Oh yeah, Bugaboo Stamps is doin' this celebration up right. They've got TONS of prizes all lined up for this week's events.

Here's how the challenges this week will work:

• Today's challenge is of course a Birthday Theme!!!! You have one week to participate in the challenge for a chance to win a digi prize pack- 7 free images for 1st place, 4 free images for 2nd place, and 2 free images for 3rd place!!!

Oooooh, but that's not all..... they will also be having daily challenges starting on Monday! Here's the rest of the challenges for the week so you can work on your projects in advance:

• Monday - Blue & White
• Tuesday – Bling
• Wednesday – Sketch

• Thursday - Birthday
• Friday - Anything Goes

(You will have one day to complete each challenge and link your project to the Catch the Bug Blog.)

Now about those presents.... here's what's up for grabs:

• Grand prize winner - 1 FREE set per month for one year, for participating in the blog hop and in all the challenges!
• 2nd prize winner - 75% off a one time order!
• Blog Hop Winner - A chance to design a set with the owner!
• 1 free digital image from each DT member that was used on their blog hop project (You have one week to comment.) **I will choose the winner of my HOPPY OCCASIONS image on Saturday the 22nd and announce it here on my blog**

All winners will also be posted on the Catch the Bug Blog, as well. Be sure to check out the CATCH THE BUG BLOG FOR ALL THE DETAILS!

Okee dokee, that's it from my pad today. Time to hop on over to the talented Jenny Erickson! DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT ON EACH BLOG ALONG THE WAY! Boing - boing!!

{{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:

Digital Image - Bugaboo Stamps; CS - SU Old Olive, Canson Manga Fanboy; Nestabilities; Copics; Clear Glaze Pen; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink; Button; Twine; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Vintage Photo

Bellarific Fridays are baaaaa-acccck!

Woo-hoo! The Bella Babes and the sistahood are back and ready to show you hens some awe inspiring eye candy!! Today's Bellarific Friday challenge was a sketch provided by our own Bella Babe Kimabella!

Here's my take on Kim's sketch:

I'm lovin' these Little Peeps images from Stamping Bella. This one is called "Little Peep's Heart" and I colored her with my Copics and paper pieced the heart with this fabulous DP from Bo Bunny's - A Gift of Love collection. I just WUV the colors in this collection. I know, I always seem to gravitate to the neutrals and warm tones but I can't help it. That's just ME!! LOL!! Now I suppose I could have chose to complete this layout in the normal fashion by layering the oval on top, but I decided to cut the oval out of the DP and place the image panel behind, creating more of a shadow box look. Not sure if it's noticeable in the photo but I like the look of it IRL! I stamped this sentiment, also from Stamping Bella, and finished with some pretty pink ribbon in the top left corner.

Be sure to check out the rest of the Bella Babes' take on this sketch, as well as the Sistahood, over at Bloggabella. Get ready to feast your eyes on some magnificent creations. Did you know that you could win Bella Bucks just by commenting on the Bloggabella blog? Yup, just head on over and leave a comment and you're entered to win. Wanna play in next week's Bellarific Friday challenge? Come on, you could win even more Bella Bucks!!! Woo-hoo! The theme for next week's challenge is "FREE FORM"!! Easy peasy!!

Okee dokee, that's it from the hen house today. I'll see ya back in the coop bright n' early tomorrow mornin'. {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:
Rubber Stamps - Stamping Bella; CS - SU Early Expresso & Very Vanilla; DP - Bo Bunny; Copics; Nestabilities; Ribbon - Martha Stewart; Button; Twine

TKT #45 Winners!!

OMG, OMG, OMG!! You hens are UNBELIEVABLE!! I was just blown away by all the entries this week. I think you hens have all re-cooped (great choice of words, huh?) from all the the holiday hustle and bustle and you're rarin' to go in the new year! Woo-hoo! Well I must admit, I feel the same way. Life is back to normal again.... Yay!!

Ok, so after lots of "nail biting" as I was trying to pick which entries would have the honor of being named this week's TOP THREE KRAFTY CHICKS, I finally decided on these three DELIGHTFUL entries.....

CONGRATULATIONS - Kerri, Lynda and Nicki!!

YOU ARE THREE KRAFTY CHICKS!!! I absolutely adored these cards!!! Thank you ALL so much for playing along in this week's That's Krafty Thursday challenge!! Be sure to stop by each of the winner's blogs to see the full card and get all the details too. Oooh, and don't forget to leave 'em a {{{hen hug}}} while you're there! I know they would LOVE to hear from da hens!! I hope you all have a tee-riffic Thursday and I'll see ya back in the coop first thing in the mornin! {{{hen hugs}}}

Feel Better Karen!!

Eeeeeek! Ain't she just the CUUUUUTEST?? Oh my goodness, do I ever love these Pure Innocence stamps from MFT. Ummm, so why have I taken so long to ink it up? Oh I dunno.... You know how that goes, "saw it, loved it, bought it!" and then it SITS!!! Go figure??? I suppose that's why they call it an addiction huh? Bwah-ha-ha-ha!!

So anyhoo, this card is for my BESTEST friend Karen who had surgery last Friday and came through it with FLYING COLORS!! Woo-hoo!! WAY TO GO KAREN!! She's a trooper alright, not to mention my inspiration to be as good of a person as she is. She's just the nicest, kindest, most thoughtful person EVER and I'm SO glad she's my friend. Yeah-yeah I know, so what happened to me, right? Hey, I never said I was a FAST learner! Pffft!!

Ok, so I stamped the image onto some Canson Manga Fanboy CS and colored her with my Copics. I matted her with some SU Night of Navy and Very Vanilla CS cut with my oval and scalloped oval Nesties. This DP is from October Afternoon's Detours collection and I finished with some cream colored saddle stitched ribbon tied in a cute bubbly bow! I'm entering this card in both the Friday Sketchers sketch challenge - here's the sketch:


as well as the Catered Crop Recipe Challenge FTR3 which was to use any of the ingredients or techniques Rachel used on her card. My card includes the following same ingredients:

Kraft CS, Ribbon, Copics, Momento Tuxedo Black Ink, and Sewing

I'm having a blast with these challenges lately.... Hey, speakin of challenges - have you entered mine yet?? Hmmmm??? You've got two more days so that's plenty of time to get that Kraft CS out of the pile and whup up somethin' for thuh 'ol hen!! Come on chicks, keep 'em cards a comin!! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:
Stamps - My Favorite Things; CS - SU Kraft, Very Vanilla & Night of Navy, Canson Manga Fanboy; Copics; Border Punch - Martha Stewart; Nestabilities; Prismacolor Pencils; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink, Sewing Machine, Momento Tuxedo Black Ink

Thank you! (woof!)

Mornin' hens! Hope you all had a nice relaxing weekend. I did a little crafting in my coop this weekend so it was a MOST relaxing one for me. Looooove those kind of weekends.

I made this card as a little Thank You to the woman who helped us with Emily last week. She was just so nice and thoughtful, and took extra time with me and my DH. It sure meant a lot to both of us and I knew immediately, I was going to make her a card and tell her how much I appreciated her kindness.

So, I went digging through my stash of stamps and decided on this cute image called, "Woofin it up" from Stamping Bella. I stamped the image onto some of Bella's Bestest Paper and colored it with my Copics. I cut it out with my Label Nestabilities and sponged some distress ink around the edges. This DP is from My Mind's Eye Lush Collection and I matted it with some SU Very Vanilla and Early Expresso CS. I stitched around the edges of each panel and punched the lacey bottom border with my Fiskars Border Punch. I tied some Martha Stewart twill ribbon into a cute bubbly bow and finished with a few mini brads on either side of the image. Ya think she'll like it?


Don't forget, this Friday the Bellarific Friday challenges are back. We have a sketch from our own Kimabella and boy did I LOVE workin with this one. It was definitely a challenge for me, but I LOVED the results. Come on and play along with the Bella Babes this Friday. Just email your card to emily@stampingbella.com by Thursday and you could win some cool Bella Bucks!

Hmmmm, did I hear someone say FREE Bella stamps?? Oh yeah, two lucky winners will get Bella Bucks which can be used to purchase Stamping Bella images, like this cute one. Okee dokee hens, that's it for me today. I hope you all have a MARVELOUS Monday and I'll see ya back in the hen house tomorrow mornin!! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:
Rubber Stamps - Stamping Bella; CS - Bella's Bestest Paper, SU Very Vanilla & Early Expresso, Punch - Fiskars; Nestabilities; Copics; Ribbon - Martha Stewart; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Vintage Photo

Birthday Wishes!

Happy Friday!! Don't ya just LOVE this image. I think that little girl is TOO doggone cute! This is "Wagon full of cupcakes" from the Cupcake Cuties line over at Ladybug Crafts Ink. I stamped her onto some Canson Manga Fanboy CS and colored her with my Copics. I cut her out with one of those Label dies and I sponged a little distress ink around the edges. This DP is from My Mind's Eye and I used my SU border punch along with some SU Early Expresso CS for the edging along the vertical panel. I finished with the stamped sentiment, and some SU Early Expresso satin ribbon tied in a cute bubbly bow!

I'm entering this card in Jen Del Muro's sketch challenge for the month of January. Here's the sketch:

I decided to flip the sketch since my image was more horizontal than vertical. Jen's leaving her sketch up for a whole month so you've got plenty of time to enter, and she's giving away some great prizes too! So be sure to check it out.

Ok, that's it from the hen house today! I hope you hens have a FABBY Friday and a WONDERFUL weekend! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:
Stamps - Ladybug Crafts Ink; CS - Canson, SU Early Expresso, Prism Rose; SU Border Punch; Ribbon - SU Early Expresso; Nestabilities; Copics; Provocraft Decorative Scissors; Tim Holtz Distrss Ink Vintage Photo

That's Krafty Thursday #45

Mornin' hens!! I just have to tell you all how VERY much all your comments meant to me yesterday. I LOVED reading each and every one of them and they comforted me more than you'll ever know. Some of you even sent me photos of your little babies and I got such a kick out of those. Thank you all so much for your thoughts, stories and prayers...they made me smile! :o)

Ok, now I know you hens are all fired up for another That's Krafty Thursday challenge, right? Woo-hoo!! I sure am! I just LOVE seein' all your fabulous creations with Kraft CS. Ahhhh, all that Kraft CS does my heart good!

Ok, to get you started off with some Krafty inspiration, here's a little card I whipped up for my BRUDDER's birthday tomorrow! LOL!! I figure you can't get no better than to give your BRUDDER Gus for his birthday! Pffft! He'll probably make me PAY for this one but that's ok, it'll be worth it!!

I started by printing Gus from Bugaboo Stamps onto some Canson Manga Fanboy CS and colored him with my Copics. Isn't that sentiment a hoot? Did I mention it comes with the image? Yep, that's one more fabby thing about Bugaboo Stamps, many images have separate sentiment files that are included in the purchase price! NICE!! Ok, so after I colored him, I cut him out with my Circle Nesties and sponged around the edges with the die in place. This DP is from My Mind's Eye and I stitched around the edges and punched a cute border in between the two DP's with one of my Martha Stewart border punches. I also applied some clear glaze to Gus' glasses for a little shine on his spectacles. LOL!! To finish, I tied the saddle stitched ribbon around the DP and up through a slit I punched in the image panel and tied a cute orange button on top!


Now, this card also fits into today's Oldie But Goodie day over at the Catch the Bug Challenge blog. Be sure to check out what images the rest of the Bugaboo Stamps DT pulled out of their stash to use for today too!

Ok, now it's YOUR turn! Let's start the new year off with a BANG and have a record turnout for my That's Krafty Thursday challenge this week, k? I'm suffering from withdrawals of seein' all you hens' Krafty Kreations!!

What's that? What do you have to do to participate in my challenge? Oh that's easy - JUST USE KRAFT CS! Yup, that's it! Link your card or project below using Mr. Linky by Wednesday at 7:00pm EST, and I'll pick my TOP THREE KRAFTY CHICKS and post the winners on my blog next Thursday! Not to mention, you'll also receive Clara, my Krafty Chick badge to display on your blog so you can show the world, YOU are one Krafty Chick!! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:

Digital Image - Bugaboo Stamps; CS - My Mind's Eye; Punches - Martha Stewart; Nestabilities; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink; Button; Ink - Momento Cantaloupe; Copics; Brads; Clear Glaze Pen

Love you Emily!! Always and Forever....

Today's post is a sad one, as my little Yorkie Emily has gone to be with the Lord. She passed away Monday night around 8pm. These last two days have been VERY difficult for me but I am SO thankful that God blessed me with my little baby for 14 wonderful years and even allowed me to be holding her as she took her last breath. I am so thankful that she passed away at home, in my arms.

This is my favorite photo of her. I took it right after I had given her a bath. She hated her baths but would prance around afterwards like she knew she was pretty! LOL!! She was SO much fun and SO loving. They say you don't own a Yorkie, a Yorkie owns YOU! How true that is... She had me wrapped around her little paw, that's for sure. I know my little one is in a better place now and that comforts me a great deal. I thought I share this little story with you, that my friend Cathy sent me yesterday...

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that
pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our
special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food,
water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.
Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we
remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are
happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very
special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops
and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent. Her eager body
quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green
grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet,
you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy
kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and
you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from
your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

That just warmed my heart. I'm so thankful to have such good friends and a wonderful family to help me get through this. I'm sorry to have started your day on such a sad note, but I wanted to honor my little girl with a post all her own! Love you Emily!! ALWAYS and FOREVER... Mommy xxxxxxxx

{{{hen hugs}}}

I {heart} you!

Hey there hens! I wanted to mention how thankful I was for all the sweet comments you left on my last tutorial. That was SO kind of you and truly made my day! I REALLY DO LOVE hearing from you!

Ok, now on to today's card. I decided I better get started on some of my Valentine's Day cards so I pulled out this super cute image called, "Sending you Love ", from Stamping Bella. He's just the cutest little boy ever, don'tcha think? I stamped him onto some of Bella's Bestest Paper and colored him with my Copics. I cut him out with my square Nestabilities and sponged a little distress ink around the edges. I stitched him onto some SU Basic Black CS cut with my Big Scalloped Square Nesties and then matted him onto this cute DP from Bo Bunny. I finished with some saddle stitched ribbon and tied a pink button on top!

The next Bellarific Friday challenge will begin on January 14th so that gives you hens some time to get those cards completed and submitted to emily@stampingbella.com. The theme will be a sketch from our very own Kimabella!


I hope you hens have a TEE-RIF-FIC Tuesday and I'll see ya back in the hen house on Thursday mornin', k? You hens are gettin' ready for my next That's Krafty Thursday challenge, right? Ok, that's what I thought! Tee-hee!! See ya then!! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:

Rubber Stamps - Stamping Bella; CS - Bella's Bestest Paper, SU Basic Black; DP - Bo Bunny; Nestabilities; Copics; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink; Button; Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Vintage Photo

Meet Maxine!!

Happy Monday hens! I haven't had a chance to tell ya'll about what Santa brought me for Christmas.... soooo, I thought I'd share a few photos from my Christmas morning.

After unwrapping all my presents, I was told that Santa had left my BIG gift upstairs in my new coop. Hmmmm? Wonder what it could be??? (Uh, I'm not one of those people who are delicate about the wrapping paper. I'm a ripper-upper! Skip that prissy stuff, I wanna see what's in the box!!) LOL!!


Eeeeek!! It's an iMac!! My dream come true!! I was just a wee bit EXCITED!! Pfffft!! More like "ready to pee my pants" excited!! Last Spring, my PC crashed and since then, I've been operating on a wing and a prayer. So, I had been begging for a new computer but I didn't want another PC!! I wanted a MAC!! Needless to say, I'm in LUUUUUV with Santa!! xoxoxoxo What girl doesn't love a man bearing gifts? Hmmm?



So in honor of my new baby Maxine (yes, that's her name!) I made a little something for my desk! You know how you always get those "not so attractive" bank calendars for your desk, right? Well, I thought I'd gussy one of them up and this image of "Crabby Cathy" from Bugaboo Stamps was just PERFECT for the occasion!! LOL!! Oh, I SO agree Cathy!!

Not to mention, this little project will fit right in to today's ABC (Anything But a Card) Monday over at the Catch the Bug Challenge blog! I just love how this turned out, and it looks so STINKIN cute beside Maxine! She's grinning too, I can tell ya know. LOL! This little project was super simple to make too. Just a few pieces of CS and DP adhered to the top part of the calendar and I finished with a bubbly bow tied with this pretty aqua saddle stitched ribbon. Now I'm all ready for the new year ahead! Woo-hoo! Be sure to stop in over at the Catch the Bug Challenge blog for some more ABC ideas from the Bugaboo Stamps DT. They always come up with the neatest things!

Okee dokee, that's it from the hen house today. I hope you hens have a MARVELOUS Monday and I'll see ya back here bright n' early tomorrow mornin! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:
Digital Images: Bugaboo Stamps; CS - SU Chocolate Chip, Georgia Pacific White; DP - My Mind's Eye; Ribbon - Papertrey Ink; Button; Twine; SU Border Punch

Happy New Year!

Hey hens!! Did you all have a FABBY evening? Me and my DH stayed home and watched the ball drop. I love that! We had lot's of goodies to eat since this is my last "hoorah" as the 'ol diet starts today! Hmmmph!

So after a crazy night, I thought Stella would be the perfect image for today since most of us will be needing a cup of coffee, huh? LOL!! I just love how this card turned out, don't you?

I stamped "Stella has her fix" onto some Bella's Bestest Paper and colored her with my Copics. I cut her out with my oval Nesties and sponged some Distress Ink around the edges. I matted her with the same CS cut with my scalloped oval Nesties and used a few SU dimensionals in between. This DP is from October Afternoon's Modern Homemaker collection and I just love these reds and blues in it. I finished with a few brads and some twill tape tied in a cute bubbly bow with a red button on top.

Okee dokee hens, that's it for me today. I'm off to soak my beans since we're having bean soup today for GOOD LUCK! I hope you all have a wonderful New Year filled with many blessings! {{{hen hugs}}}

Supplies:

Rubber Stamp - Stamping Bella; CS - Bella's Bestest Paper, SU Basic Black; Copics; DP - October Afternoon Modern Homemaker; Brads; Twill Tape; Button; Nestabilities