Tracyshappyplace

{ PPC #42 - Circle Card }

2011-11-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone! It is time once again for another Playing In Paradise Challenge. This week our Hostess is Nancy with a Round Card Challenge...

Once again this one was a bit of a challenge for me. I knew what colors and papers I wanted to use, but I just was not sure what to do with them. I am not so sure that I love the inner circle, but it's still cute. Of course I had to add some bling of some sort...Stickles...which I have not used in forever!

I sure hope you can find some time in your week to play along with us. Be sure to stop by the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog HERE for all the details about this weeks challenge, deadline and what's up for grabs for this weeks winner. And for some extra inspiration be sure to stop by the other design team members blogs!

Allison F

Angie

Kasia

Merlie

Nancy

{ PPC #41 - Sketch }

2011-11-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone. It is time once again for another Playing In Paradise challenge. This week our hostess is Allison...with a sketch challenge.

I must say...I really like this sketch. Thanks, Allison! I loved it so much I made two cards this week. Okay...they are VERY similar, but I really need to get moving on my Christmas cards. I think I will be using this sketch to produce a swack more of my Christmas cards. Of course I used my Copics to color this cute Snowman image and used some small buttons for bling.

{ PPC #40 - Easel Card }

2011-11-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday All! It is time once again for another Playing In Paradise Challenge. This week's Hostess is Miss. Merlie with an Easel Card Challenge.

I sat down to make this one and I wasn't sure which image I wanted to use. And then? I saw my Disney bucket full of papers and embellishments and knew instantly!

This was an easy one. All I did was cut out an image off of a Disney Scrapbook paper I have had FOREVER. Used my Disney border punch...which has only been used like once. Added some buttons and some Disney bling and regular bling and Voila! Done! I am pretty happy with this one and I was in need of another Bday card. If you are looking for some Disney supplies, be sure to check HERE!

I sure hope you can find sometime in your week to play along with us. Be sure to stop by the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog HERE for all the details about this weeks challenge, deadline and what's up for grabs for this weeks winner. And for some extra inspiration be sure to stop by the other design team members blogs!

Allison F

Angie

Kasia

Merlie

Nancy

{ PPC #39 - Masculine }

2011-10-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday All! It is time once again for another Playing In Paradise Challenge. This week's hostess is...moi! I decided to give you all a Masculine Challenge...

And boy was this a challenge. I always struggle with this. I needed a thank you card for a man in my life and of course I wanted to keep adding bling and other girly stuff, but I restrained myself. It's simple and I think fairly masculine...I hope!

I sure hope you can find sometime in your week to play along with us. Be sure to stop by the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog HERE for all the details about this weeks challenge, deadline and what's up for grabs for this weeks winner. And for some extra inspiration be sure to stop by the other design team members blogs!

Allison F

Kasia

Merlie

Nancy

{ PPC #38 - Halloween }

2011-10-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday to you all. It is that time once again for another Playing In Paradise Challenge. This week our hostess is Angie with a Halloween Challenge.

Now for most this is probably not too much of a challenge. However, for me it is. I am not a huge Halloween lover. And I don't really have any Halloween crafty things. Luckily I found this image that I was RAK'd many moons ago. It came together quite quickly and I am happy with the way it turned out. Once again? Not so happy with the photo. I really need to get some better lighting in my craft room...or a new camera! I will work on it. You can't tell from the photo, but I used my Copics to color the image and add some glitter to the stars and moon. And but of course, I had to add some pearl bling!

I sure hope you can find sometime in your week to play along with us. Be sure to stop by the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog HERE for all the details about this weeks challenge, deadline and what's up for grabs for this weeks winner. And for some extra inspiration be sure to stop by the other design team members blogs!

Allison F

Angie

Kasia

Merlie

Nancy

{ PPC #37 - One Layer Card }

2011-10-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday to you all! It is time once again for another Playing In Paradise Challenge. This week our hostess is Nancy, with a one layer card challenge.

When I first saw this challenge, I thought...no problem. I had an idea or two floating around in my brain. I thought easy-peasy. But then I sat down to create and nothing worked out like I had hoped. This was a real struggle for me. I generally like to layer. A Lot! So this turned out to be a big challenge. When it was all said and done? I was not overly thrilled with my creations. They were okay. Not horrible. Just nothing to make me overly excited about. I asked Nancy which one she liked best and she told me to post both of them. So here they are!

This first one, I like the idea of. I have hardly picked up this stamp since buying it and thought this was the perfect opportunity. I colored the image using CHALK. It gives it a nice soft look. And of course I had to add some BLING.

This last one I made another cloud background using a scalloped punch and used an older sentiment I had purchased from a Breast Cancer set a few years ago. It is very simple, but I do like it. I think perhaps my issue is more with my photos. Gotta work harder next week to get some better pics for you all!!

I sure hope you can find sometime in your week to play along with us. Be sure to stop by the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog HERE for all the details about this weeks challenge, deadline and what's up for grabs for this weeks winner. And for some extra inspiration be sure to stop by the other design team members blogs!

Allison F

Angie

Kasia

Merlie

Nancy

{ PPC # 36 - Sketch Challenge }

2011-10-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday Everyone. I am late. I apologize. This week has been crazy at work. I worked a 13hr day on Thursday and well, my intention of creating for this weeks challenge kept getting put off due to the long hours this week and Thursday did me in. But I managed to create something tonight. This week's hostess is Allison with a sketch challenge.

This one really was a challenge for me. But once I got through some issues with it, I was happy with the result. I am terrible at bows, so when I saw Miss Merlie's creation this week. Well, I started thinkin'. I have these crochet flowers sitting around that I have not really used much at all. Added a button and done! Thanks for gettin' my creative juices flowing this week Allison.

I sure hope you can find sometime in your week to play along with us. Be sure to stop by the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog HERE for all the details about this weeks challenge, deadline and what's up for grabs for this weeks winner. And for some extra inspiration be sure to stop by the other design team members blogs!

Allison F

Angie

Kasia

Merlie

Nancy

Thanks for stoppin' by.

{ PPC #35 - Distressing }

2011-09-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday to you all! It is that time once again. Time for another Playing In Paradise Challenge. This week's hostess is Miss Merlie with a Distressing Challenge.

Our Miss Merlie is the Queen of punches and the Queen of Distressing. Quite frankly I was a little intimidated with this challenge. I am not one for distressing. I love it when Merlie does it, but I just have never gone there myself. I had no idea what to do. It was suggested that I use some Core'dinations paper. I have a confession. I have NEVER used it. Never. Why? No idea quite frankly. And now that I have? I will be making sure I get some more of this paper and soon! I love the look and it is so easy to use, especially with Cuttlebug embossing folders. Just emboss and do a little sanding here and there and voila! Easy peasy distressing. Now I know that I used a Snowflake embossing folder and these are not your typical Christmas colors, but I am happy with the way this one turned out.

I sure hope you can find sometime in your week to play along with us. Be sure to stop by the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog HERE for all the details about this weeks challenge, deadline and what's up for grabs for this weeks winner. And for some extra inspiration be sure to stop by the other design team members blogs!

Allison F

Angie

Kasia (our new design team member - be sure to stop by and give her a warm welcome and check out all her amazing creations!)

Merlie

Nancy

Thanks for stoppin' by.

{ PPC #34 - Book Quote }

2011-09-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday All! It is time for another Playing In Paradise Challenge. This weeks hostess is...Moi! For this challenge I decided to go with my other love. Reading. This week I am challenging everyone to use their favorite book quote as their main image or use your favorite book as your inspiration.

Growing up I was one of those kids who only read when it was required. I never acquired a love of reading like some of my friends did. However, in my early 20's I finally found myself reading for pleasure. Then came work and then kids and reading took a back seat. A few years ago I was introduced to a little book series called Twilight, which helped to spark my love of reading once again. And it has pretty much been non-stop since. So needless to say I was a little behind on some great books. This is where I come to my favorite book quote and book series. Yes, I had heard about these books and seen a few of the movies, but I had never read the books. I finally decided to dive in and fell in love. Harry Potter has become one of my all-time favorite series and has become a daily reference in our household thanks to my 9yr olds new found love of all things Harry Potter! ;0) Throughout this series there were many great quotes that come to mind, but this one is one that has always stuck with me.

This is a very simple card, but it screams Harry Potter to me and as soon as I showed it to my daughter she instantly knew it was a HP card! I love using this Nestie template and of course I had to add some bling!

I sure hope you can find sometime in your week to play along with us. Be sure to stop by the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog HERE for all the details about this weeks challenge, deadline and what's up for grabs for this weeks winner. And for some extra inspiration be sure to stop by the other design team members blogs!

Allison F

Angie

Merlie

Nancy

Thanks for stoppin' by.

{ PPC #33 - Make a Tag }

2011-09-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! It's that time once again. This week's hostess is Angie, with a challenge to Make a Tag.

When I saw this challenge, I knew instantly that I wanted to use something Disney. THIS was some old paper I had been saving and thought it would be perfect to cut and make my tag. This was a simple project, but it was fun and I think it turned out great! Now. I just need a Birthday present to put this on. Shall I buy one for myself, maybe? ;0)

I sure hope you can find sometime in your week to play along with us. Be sure to stop by the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog HERE for all the details about this weeks challenge, deadline and what's up for grabs for this weeks winner. And for some extra inspiration be sure to stop by the other design team members blogs!

Allison C

Allison F

Angie

Merlie

Nancy

Thanks for stoppin' by!

{ PPC #32 - Photo Inspiration }

2011-09-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! It's that time once again. This weeks hostess is Ally, with a photo inspiration challenge.

I absolutely love this photo that Ally chose. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to use this paper. This one was not all that complicated, but I love it. Thank you Ally for a great challenge!

I sure hope you can find sometime in your week to play along with us. Be sure to stop by the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog HERE for all the details about this weeks challenge, deadline and what's up for grabs for this weeks winner. And for some extra inspiration be sure to stop by the other design team members blogs!

Allison C

Allison F

Angie

Merlie

Nancy

Thanks for stoppin' by!

{ PPC #31 - Flowers }

2011-09-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday All! It is that time again. Time for another Playing In Paradise Challenge. This weeks hostess is Nancy with a challenge of Flowers.

As soon as I saw what this weeks challenge was I knew what I wanted to use. I have had THESE flowers for a few months now and was not too sure what to do with them. I had thought they were much smaller when I purchased them online. Of course I also had to add some BLING! I am happy with the way this one turned out, but this card can not be placed into an envelope, so this one will have to be hand delivered for sure!

I sure hope you can find sometime in your week to play along with us. Be sure to stop by the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog HERE for all the details about this weeks challenge, deadline and what's up for grabs for this weeks winner. And for some extra inspiration be sure to stop by the other design team members blogs!

Thanks for stoppin' by!

{ Playing in Paradise #30 }

2011-08-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Friday once again. Time for another Playing in Paradise Challenge. This week's hostess is Allison with a sketch challenge.

I am not sure why, but when I saw this sketch I immediately saw snowflakes. I know, I know. It's summer. But I just had to make a Christmas card with this sketch.

I really like this card...other than that grey ribbon. I think I should have maybe used white instead. Oh well. I still like it. I love THESE snowflake buttons too! They actually have a big loop on the back, but you just snap them off and sometimes need a little sanding, but then they glue on your project just perfectly! And of course I just love this snowman image. He is perfect for coloring with my Copics! I added a little chalk to the edges of my Nestie scalloped circle and done.

I sure hope you can find sometime this week to play along. Be sure to drop by the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog HERE for all the details about the deadline and what this weeks prize is!

Need some inspiration? Be sure to check out the rest of the design team!

Thanks for stoppin' by!

{ PPC #29 - Punches }

2011-08-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome everyone to another Friday and another Playing in Paradise Challenge! As you read this I am finishing up another week of camping in the beautiful Kananaskis country. It is sad that this will be the last camping trip of the summer. Summer is definitely NOT long enough. Soon the kids will be heading back to school and I will be heading off to a new job!! I am very, very excited and nervous too. But very excited!! Okay enough about me...onto the challenge! This week our challenge host is Merlie and this is her challenge...

This is not really much of a challenge for Miss Merlie as she is the Punch Queen, but for the rest of us perhaps it is. I did not really go out on a limb with this one. Just used a Martha Stewart punch I had not used in awhile and added a flower and circle punch to my creation. I love this image too! So much fun to color with Copics!

I hope you find sometime to play along this week. Be sure to check out the Scrapbooker's Paradise Blog HERE for all the details about the prizes this week and how to enter. And for some added inspiration be sure to check out the other design team members creations!

Thanks for stoppin' by.

{ PPC #28 - Color Challenge }

2011-08-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday All! It's time for another challenge and my turn to host! This week I decided to go with a color challenge and a color combo I go to frequently. I used my Copics and Nesties for this cutie.

I hope you can find sometime in your week to play along. Be sure to check out the Scrapbooker's Paradise Blog for all the details for this weeks challenge HERE!

Be sure to check out the other design team members blogs for more inspiration:

*Allison C
*Allison F
*Angie
*Merlie
*Nancy

{ PPC #27 - Angie's Stencil Challenge }

2011-08-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday All! It is that time again. This week's challenge is brought to you by Angie and it is to use a stencil or template. I knew as soon as I saw this what I wanted to do. I have been wanting to try making my own cloudy background forever and this was the perfect opportunity. The photo is not perfect and I may have needed a bit more shading, but I think it turned out pretty good and I am very happy with it myself.

I hope you can find sometime this week to play along. Be sure to check out all the details about this weeks challenge and prize offered up HERE.

And be sure to check out the other design team members creations:

Thanks for stoppin' by.

{ Ebook Giveaway }

2011-08-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

Happy August 1st Everyone! I can not believe it is already August! We still have not really had any nice summer weather yet. I mean a few days here and there is not cutting it!!

Anyway, just a quick pop in to let you know that if you are interested I am hosting my very first giveaway on my book blog. I would love it if you could come by and check it out HERE.

I will be back soon with a new creation. I was busy last week re-arranging and moving all my craft room stuff from one corner of the basement to another. I will take some pics. I am VERY happy with how it all came together.

{ PPC #26 }

2011-07-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday All! It is that time again. Time for another Playing in Paradise Challenge. This weeks challenge is...

I will admit I was a little uncertain as to what I wanted to do with this challenge. And then I was looking at my wall of inspiration...cards I have received from my fellow cardmakers...and saw a card that had various shapes and I got inspired. Although this card may not be one of my fav's and may not be perfect? I still am happy with the way it all came together. It's a happy card anyway. ;0)

I hope you can find some time to play along with us this week and maybe win something too! Check HERE for all the details.

Be sure to check out the other design team members creations too:

Allison C
Allison F
Angie
Nancy
Dana
Merlie

Thanks for stoppin' by.

{ MojoMonday 200 }

2011-07-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hey All! Guess what? I actually played this week and did a MojoMonday sketch! It has been ages since I played and I was so happy that the mojo flowed nicely for me. I am very pleased with how this one turned out. The photo is not the best, but I love it! Hope you do too.

I have had this paper sitting around for a long time now - sorry no idea who's it is - and as soon as I layed eyes on it I knew I wanted to use it for this challenge. In making this card, my youngest discovered my chalks! She has been chalking up a storm. So I had to go out and buy the girls their own chalk from the dollar store today so that they don't use up all of mine!!

Thanks for stoppin' by.

{ Playing in Paradise #25 }

2011-07-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome everyone. Here it is. My OFFICIAL first challenge as a Playing in Paradise design team member. This one was a bit of a challenge for me, but I am happy with how it all turned out.

I was not too crazy with using all those colors, so I just used a few of my favorites. I don't have a plus punch, so I went with a square and cut them on the diagonal and switched them up to make it look somewhat quilt like. I really hope you will all play along this week. This weeks prize is from the Imaginisce Happy Camper line: some stamps, die cuts and some sticker stackers. An approximate value of $15.00.

Be sure to check out the other design team members creations this week!

{ Playing in Paradise Challenge #24 }

2011-07-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

Here is my first 'unoffical' Playing in Paradise Challenge. Unoffical? Yes, unoffical. I was not able to get this one up in time to post it on the blog with everyone else's but I still wanted to play along. This weeks challenge is:

And here is mine:

Okay be sure to stop by and see what the other Design Team Members did for this challenge!

Hope you can play along with this weeks Playing In Paradise Challenge!

{ My Big News? }

2011-07-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well. It's offical. I am now a member of the Scrapbooker's Paradise Challenge Design Team!! I am very excited! I am really hoping that these challenges will help get the mojo flowing again. Unfortunately, I accepted late on Wednesday and I worked all day yesterday and did not get a chance to create something for this weeks challenge. I am still going to play and get something up tomorrow here on my blog...so stay tuned. In the meantime, head on over to the Playing In Paradise Challenge over at the Scrapbooker's Paradise blog and see what the other designers have created this week and then play along with us!!

{ Just Smile }

2011-07-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

I want to apologize for not being around lately. The past three weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster ride. Between all the things I have been going through with my Mom and going camping, well I have not had the time or the desire to create. But I REALLY do promise that this will change. I have some news to share with you all in a few days...gotta come back to find out what it is! heehee...

Anyway, I thought I would share a creation with you all tonight. This was a card that I made for a monthly swap I am doing with an online friend of mine. We were to use one of our favorite stamps. I love this penguin set and have not used it in a LONG time, so I pull this one out. Nothing too adventurous, but I liked it.

Thanks for stoppin' by and hope you all come back to hear my big news!

{ Adventures in masculine }

2011-06-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting all week. It has been a rough week for me. I have been dealing with a family emergency and it's been a stressful week to say the least. But things are somewhat back to an even playing field...somewhat.

I thought I would share a card I made at the beginning of the month. An online friend of mine and I have decided to do a swap each month to try and get the mojo going. This month I decided since Father's Day was approaching that maybe we should try out a masculine card. I know most of us have a hard time with these. I am okay with a card for a little guy, but an older one sometimes is a little more difficult. I had this die sitting around and had not used it yet. Nancy has this awesome die and I swiped one off her the last calgals night...I think. Anyway, I attached it die to a green background and colored in the negatives with my copics. I loved how this one turned out. Trust me. It looks much better IRL!

Well...I am off to take the girls for haircuts today...we always get them done at the beginning of the summer and then off to get their teacher gifts.

{ Fishy Thank You }

2011-06-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

Someone really needs to come up with a list of post titles for me. Mine are really lame!

Yup, me again! Thought I would pop in tonight as I work all day tomorrow and won't make it back online until Sunday or Monday.

I really like how this card turned out. But you know what? This was NOT at all what it originally started as. I was setting out to make a masculine card for a swap I am doing with an online stamping friend of mine. I found this colored image in my big book of images and was planning on making something masculine with it. Well, this is no way near masculine. But, I still like it. Needless to say, I had to make another card. I will be back with that one later and a story to go along with it! Let's just say it involves Evil Rudy(my beagle puppy)!! I also got to use a new nestie set that I bought at our garage sale at Nancy's a few weeks ago.

Thanks for stoppin' by and have a great weekend!

{ Enjoy the Moment }

2011-06-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

Hey look! Two posts in the same week...hell...in the same month! I am on a roll!

Yes, another Mandala. Guess I should have taken a closer look at this one before I actually took the photo. Seems my bling has slipped a bit. Oh well. I can't remember, but I think this may have been one that I made at one of the last Calgal gatherings.

Thanks for stoppin' by. I will most likely drop in again on the weekend. I have an interview this week for a new job, so everyone cross your fingers and toes for me!

{ Yes! I am still alive! }

2011-06-06T20:06:00.001-07:00

Good evening everyone. Guess what? I actually took some photos of some creations...AND? I actually stamped tonight too! And yes. I really am alive. I have not been feeling like craft blogging for sometime now. I have been blogging, just not here. My book blog has been getting lots of attention! I will try and make an effort to post more...no promises, but I will try!

Here is a creation I made well over a month ago. I had bought this new Fancy Tags set from Nestabilities. I loved it, but when I actually pulled it out to create something? I was at a loss. So I stuck with something fairly simple. I really like how it turned out. I still am not sure whatelse to do with this one. Anyone else made anything with this set? I would love to see your creations and get some ideas.

Well, I am off to read before bed. If you are still with me...thanks! I will try and make it back soon with another creation.

{ The Lazy Song }

2011-04-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

Hey all...sorry that I have not posted in soooooo looooonnnnggg! For one, I have not had much mojo and two, I have been unmounting all my SU sets and ran out of cling foam. So my stamp room is a BIG mess and I have not been able to stamp. I am hoping to get it done in the next week and hopefully get some creating done again very soon. I do have a couple of cards done, just have not had a chance to take pics yet. I will do it this weekend and get a post up tomorrow for you though.

Meanwhile? I will leave you with my new favorite song...enjoy!

{ Just because }

2011-03-15T17:35:00.001-07:00

Me again. Are you sick of these Mandala's yet? Well...this is the last one. Actually this is my last card!! I guess I need to get creative this week. I just have not been in the mood. Just too wrapped up in my book series that I have been reading. You can check it out HERE.

I quite like this one. I know this was a sketch for something...can't remember for what though! Oh well.

I will hopefully get some creative juices flowing this weekend or next week. My hubby is gone all week next week for training in Mississauga. This is the first time we have been apart in 20 yrs!! Yup. The longest we have ever been apart was when I was in the hospital after giving birth to our girls! That was it. Yup! 5 whole days without him! :0( He will have fun though. He will have some piece and quiet...I'm so jealous! ;0)

Thanks for stoppin' by.

{ Feb Calgal Creation }

2011-03-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

and another Mandala. I just realized I forgot to post this week...sorry. So here I am with another creation. This one was from our Calgal night in Feb and it just so happens another Mandala creation. I was not thrilled with this one when I finished it. When I got home I decided to draw in the added corner details with my Copics. It's okay, I guess. I love the Mandala, just not too sure I love the rest of it. Although, of course I love the MS punched border...borrowed from Merlie of course!!

My girls have the last of their dance exams today. My oldest had her first one yesterday and she was very excited and I am sure she did fine. This is her first year of dance and she is doing really well. We got to see her at observation week a few weeks ago and I was really quite impressed at how well she is doing in Tap 1. They have a ton of stuff to remember and I am quite surprised at her level of concentration. Although, it is quite funny to watch her sometimes...the tongue makes an appearance when she is concentrating too hard. ;0)

It looks like Spring may have finally arrived here in Calgary!! Woohoo! The snow is nicely melting and the Sun is shining. So cross your fingers!!

{ My first Mandala creation }

2011-03-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday to you all...and yes. The weather still sucks!

Just a quick note. I posted my first review on my new book blog. Go check it out! Although, sadly its not a very good one. Oh well.

Onto todays creation. Awhile back I was printing off coloring pages for my girls and came across some 'Adult' pages. And no, not that kind of 'Adult' pages, but coloring pages geared more towards adults. It was there that I was introduced to Mandala. I colored a few with the girls and had lots fun doing them. So the other day I thought, why not scale them down and make a card with them. I will admit that they are a bit difficult to color with the copics as some of the details are quite small. I still managed to do an okay job. So I present my first Mandala creation!

For those of you that love to color, these are great! They are very relaxing.

Thanks for stoppin' by and hope it is warmer whereever you are!

{ New Book Blog }

2011-03-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Okay... I did it. If anyone is interested in keep up with my book adventures you can find it over at my new book blog...Tracy's Happy Book Shelf...hope to see you there!

{ Just because }

2011-03-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's another crappy, crappy day here in Calgary. Oh and guess what? It is suppose to be nice and warm tomorrow!! Oh and guess what? Then the cold is suppose to return...once again. Seriously? If this is someones idea of a joke? I don't get it.

Onto better and happier things...

This one was created using a cute little hedgehog image I believe I snagged off of Shannon during a Calgal gathering last year sometime. I can not remember for the life of me what sketch I used for inspiration. My guess is an old MojoMonday, but not sure which one. If you know, please let me know. I like this one. Although, I should have used another color besides the green on the back layer. I should have just stuck with the pink or purple perhaps. Oh well. Like I said, I still like it.

I am at home with a sick kid today. She came home from school yesterday. She has been stuffed up all weekend and sore throat. I thought last night that I would send her today cause she seemed fine. Then I decided to keep her home. She is still really stuffed up, sore throat, headache. So she is drinking some hot chocolate and watching a Harry Potter movie right now.

I am thinking of setting up a book blog today. Since there is equal amounts of craftiness and books. What do ya think? And on that note? I got a very exciting email yesterday. For those of you that frequent GoodReads, there is a section of book giveaways. I have been entering them for awhile now. Just the ones that interest me. I finally won my first one! It is a firstread win. It is called Touch by Alexi Zentner and will not be released until April 12, 2011. I am very excited. So stayed to tuned for my review.

Well, off to clean and maybe read today...and maybe set up a new blog too...who knows.

{ Some happiness in my world of... }

2011-02-28T19:46:00.000-08:00

continual crappy weather!! Seriously?? Whatever... Just thought I would pop in tonight after I posted book #16. Unfortunately, I have no new creations. Well, actually I do, just too lazy to take photos. However, I promise to get them done tomorrow...maybe. In the meantime, I thought I would share something 'happy' that I found this week. I am a HUGH fan of Maggie Stiefvater, author of The Wolves of Mercy Falls series(Shiver, Linger and soon to be released Forever). Maggie posted a little sneak peak from her upcoming book Forever. I love listening to Maggie read. I love reading what she has to say. I want to be her best friend...if only I was that smart. Yes, she is just THAT cool...and yes, I have a crush...well, not in THAT way...well maybe...well, anyway...enjoy...

{ Some Old Mojo }

2011-02-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

Thought I would pop in for a quick post before I head off to bed. I just posted book #15...and an awesome one too! Here is an old MojoMonday that I did not get done in time, but still had fun with. This was MojoMonday #172. This was another old colored image I had sitting around. I am pretty happy with the way this one came together. It always helps having one of Julie's awesome sketches to follow though too.

Well, I am off to our Calgal night tomorrow. Which I need desperately, since this is my last card in my stash to share with you. Well, actually I think there maybe a few more that I have yet to take photos of, but still I need some more!! So wish me luck in getting some actual creating done tomorrow night!!

Thanks for stoppin' by...

{ Cover Reveal and Contest }

2011-02-24T06:58:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to share a cover reveal and contest with you all today. I recently read the book Firelight by Sophie Jordan. Today I found the new cover reveal for Vanish and an awesome contest. So for all fans of Firelight head on over to Books Complete Me for the details. For anyone who has not read Firelight yet...head on over to Goodreads for MY review and others and then head out and grab a copy and give it a read...you will love it!!

{ Ready for Spring...anytime you are }

2011-02-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday Everyone! Okay...just a little complaining from me today...where is Spring? I am so ready!! I am so sick of cold weather and snow!! I know the sun is shinning today, but really? Is it too much to ask for to have some plus temps and no snow? Really? Since the weather is still stuck on winter...here is another Christmas card for ya...

This was another Clean & Simple design...sketch #123. I have had this image sitting on my desk for awhile now too, so decided to cut it out and use it! The photo is not great, but I really do like this one. I added some stickles to his hat for some bling. Very easy, but cute.

Well, I finished off book #14 today and have started on #15 and really looking forward to THIS one...lots of action I think! It's a long weekend here for us this weekend, so hopefully I will get some reading and maybe even some crafting in. Hope you do too!

Thanks for stoppin' by...

{ Week almost over }

2011-02-15T19:20:00.000-08:00

I know. It is only Tuesday. The kids have a short week this week due to Teacher's Convention. Tomorrow is the last day this week and then they are off for 5 days. I still work Friday and Saturday, but no really early mornings, so it kinda feels like a holiday for me too.

So we had the dentist appointments yesterday. Which means I need to vent a little. I really should have been a dentist. The girls appointments went well. The youngest has no cavities...still. The oldest has one tiny one. They will be able to fill it without even freezing it. So they both had checkups and only one had xrays. $420!! Then another $150 to fill the tiny cavity and we have to wait till June for that. Wow! And we learned that our visit to the Orthodontist will start ASAP! I thought we would have another year, but no such luck. Our dentist...who we love, even though I complain...thinks that they will most likely start some small treatments on our oldest one sooner than later. Anyway, both of them will be seeing an Orthodontist. So we have a long road of dental work ahead. So in other words? I am currently looking for a second job. Okay...enough of my whining for one day...

Here is a card I made using up a colored image I had laying around for quite sometime now. It is such a big image, I just never got around to using it. This card is 5 X 7, so much bigger than the norm. Nothing too thrilling, but I still like it.

Thanks for stoppin' by and I will be back again soon as book #14 should be done tomorrow.

{ phew...glad that weekend is over }

2011-02-13T19:39:00.000-08:00

Not that it was a terrible weekend, but glad it is over with. It was our youngest bday on Friday and we had the sleepover, bday stuff and getting ready for Valentines Day. The oldest one sprung that she wanted to take something to school tomorrow. So we had to throw together some cookies tonight. I promised to be more on the ball for Easter though! ;0)

Here are a couple of creations using the same sketch challenge. I got this one over at Clean & Simple. This was sketch #125. It is very simple. Not too sure I love them. I am use to adding bling or something and they just look to blah for me. But they are

certainly an easy card when you need one in a flash! And now I have a couple more cards in my stash.

Hope you all have a Happy Valentines Day tomorrow. We are taking the kids to the dentist tomorrow!! Aren't we fun parents?? Oh well...we are surprising them with a trip to the Fire Escape on Thursday, so I am sure they will forgive us.

Thanks for stoppin' by and see ya soon.

{ Love Is In The Air }

2011-02-08T19:24:00.000-08:00

No you are not imagining things. I am back again. Two days in a row! And yes, I finished book #11 already. It was amazing! If you go to my post regarding my 100 Book Challenge I have links for all the books I have read and you can read my reviews for each one. Just if you feel the need. ;0)

Here is a Valentine's Day card for ya. This was another colored image from 'The Binder'. I used MojoMonday #174 for my inspiration. It turned out okay I guess. I am not overly thrilled with it, but it's okay. Luckily I still have a handful of creations left to keep posting with. I am not too sure how much creating I will get done this week as my youngest's bday is on Friday, so we have stuff going everyday this week. I am hoping to get some more creating in next week though.

Thanks for stoppin' by and see ya soon...cause book #12 is EXTREEMLY short!! ;0)

{ Birthday Wishes }

2011-02-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

Finished up book #10 last night, so here is my next creation for ya. This was #3 of the 3 cards I made at January's Calgal night. I had brought along all my Disney stuff for Nancy to look through, so I thought I might as well use some. The main image is actually a sticker. I love this one. Love the image and the colors. I might use this one for my daughters bday card. It is her 8th bday on Friday and I am not too sure I will have anytime for creating this week. She has already seen it, but she loved it then, so I am sure she would love to have it as her own.

Not feeling all that great tonight, so off to make some tea and read some more of book #11...which I am halfway through and lovin'...and then probably play Harry Potter Lego Board Game with the family.

Thanks for stoppin' by and I am sure I will be back tomorrow or Wednesday with another creation.

{ New Stamp Room }

2011-02-04T15:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone! Just thought I would pop in and share some pics of my Stamp room. It is not 100% done yet. I still want to add a few more sheets of pegboard to the opposite wall, just to finish off the main area of the room. Here is what I have done thus far...

I am so happy to have everything out in front of me but still organized. There were a few things that I never used cause they were stored in a drawer and I never went searching for things. The last photo I took just to show I have all my scraps and DP organized as per color. It is soooo much easier to find paper now! I also have a bin of just Christmas paper and one for all my Disney paper. Love it. All the thanks goes to Shannon. After seeing her stamp room I decided to do this. I love the white shelves on my pegboard too. They are from IKEA...you can find them HERE. Like I said, I just want to add a couple more sheets of pegboard behind my ink storage unit. Just to finish it off and also to have some more area for pegs if I need them. I am pretty happy with it though. :0)

My next goal is to organize my stamps and to make a reference book of all my stamps. A Hugh project but one I have been wanting to do for awhile. Wish me luck. I will share photos after I get it all done.

This last pic had to be taken since I was taking photos. This is of all my books thus far...cause we all know that there will be more before long. ;0)

Hope you all have a great weekend. I am sure I will be back in the next day or two...just about finished book #10. ;0)

p.s. I might be changing the blog template again...still a few things that are bugging me about this one...just to warn you.

{ Best Wishes }

2011-02-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday All! Finished up another book lastnight...book #9...so here I am with another card for ya. This was the second card I made at our Calgal night in January. This pic is not the best, but I Really like this card. Gotta love that border puch that I borrowed from Merlie! This was a VERY simple card, but I love it.

Well, I am off. Thinkin' I might have to make a trip to Michaels today. Merlie is quite the enabler and has alerted us Calgals of some buttons...you can see them here at Allisons blog... in the cheapie area of Michaels. Guess I will HAVE to go and get some too. ;0)

Have a great day and thanks for stoppin' by...

{ Someone Cares }

2011-01-31T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are. January 31st, 2011 already! I can not believe that it is February already. Wow! But on a positive note? I managed to complete my goal of 8 books this month. Woohoo for me. But onto the next creation...

This was the first card I made at the January Calgals night. Nothing too exciting. I originally had put a Chocolate ribbon on the bottom, but it sucked! I changed it up when I got home and this is what I ended up with. I love the sentiment...stamped it off of Nancy and not too sure who makes this one...the card is just okay.

Thanks for stoppin' by...off to start book #9!

{ Holiday Happiness }

2011-01-27T08:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday All! I finished book #7 last night, so here I am this morning with another card for you all. Here is another Christmas card and yes, it was another image that was sitting in my stack of colored images. I just added some stickles to Santa's hat and voila! I quite like this one. I believe the dp in the first layer was some dp that Allison had given all the Calgals at Christmas. I love this image...HighHopes...so, so cute.

If anyone is interested in my book progress thus far, be sure to check out my 100 book challenge post...link at the top...The Maze Runner was a great book and I highly recommend it! You can click on the links and they will take you to my Goodreads page with my reviews on each book.

Well, I am off to hopefully get my pegboard up today and start organizing my stamp room. I am feeling pretty lousy today though...so we will see.

Thanks for stoppin' by...

{ Thank You }

2011-01-24T17:16:00.000-08:00

I really do need help with those post titles, eh? Oh well...book #6 was completed today, so here is another creation for ya.

Again, this is an old image that was in the 'binder' of colored images. I used an old Mojomonday sketch for my inspiration...not sure which one though. I picked up a small notebook recently and hope I can maybe keep track of the sketches I use and supplies too. That's the plan, but whether it actually happens remains to be seen! As far as this one? Fluffles is the main image and I used some old SU dp. A quick and easy one, but I like it.

Well...I am off to begin book #7. I am hoping to read 8 books this month and I think I should be able to finish them.

Thanks for stoppin' by ... happy crafting and happy reading!

{ Surprise! }

2011-01-22T20:56:00.000-08:00

No, I have not finished book #6 yet. I do have a few extra cards done, so I thought I would pop in and post another creation for you. Here is a very simple one, but I love it. This was an old image that was colored and in my big binder of colored images...the Calgals all know about my binder! Anyway...a quick and easy bday card to have on hand.

I had a fun evening out with the Calgals last night...even though we were missing 3 of the girls. I actually managed to finish 3 cards! Shocking for me. I usually have great intentions and then spend the night coloring and not actually creating!

I had a date with my oldest today. We went to see Harry Potter 7 pt1. It was great. I was a little worried that it might have been a bit too much for her, but she did fine. We are both looking forward to pt 2!! I got the series for Christmas and she has started reading them. She should be finishing up book 1 this weekend. I am so happy that she loves to read. I am so thankful for books, like Harry Potter, that have opened her up to a love of reading. Speaking of which...I was wondering if anyone out there with an ereader could give me their recommendations. I have read so many reviews on each and every brand name. I have no idea! I am really looking for a no frills...cheaper...ereader. Something that is user friendly. Any thoughts?

I should be finished book 6 in the next day or two, so I will be back with another card too.

Thanks for stoppin' by...

{ Christmas 2011! }

2011-01-20T15:28:00.000-08:00

I finished book #5 today and here is card #5. My first Christmas card of 2011!!

This is a very simple one, but I had the image sitting on my table and decided to go with it. It is quite a large image, so not a lot was needed. I like it.

Thanks for stoppin' by...onto book #6...;0)

{ Another Change }

2011-01-18T21:22:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone...sorry for changing the template again. I loved the other one, but it was just not user friendly, or at least not Tracy friendly. Hopefully this one will work out better for me. What do ya think? I will stick with this one for the week and see how it works out...

{ Just a Note }

2011-01-16T18:45:00.000-08:00

Me again? This is almost becoming a regular thing again? Almost. ;0) I finished book #4 today, so that means card #4...

I was looking at my wall of cards I have received from other crafters and saw a tent card and decided to make one. This image was sitting on my table, so it was a quickie. I am not thrilled with the flower...needs to be a bit bigger, but it was all I could find. I really need to invest in some more flowers. Most of the ones I have are either small or hugh.

Thanks for stoppin' by...I am off to start book #5...

{ Happy, Happy, Happy }

2011-01-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

How's that for a post title? It's true though. I am 'Happy' with my new blog template. I am 'Happy' with book #3 that I finished today. I am 'Happy' with some of the new online finds I have been browsing tonight. And I am 'Happy' to be papercrafting again. Although, I do need to get crafty this weekend so I have a few on hand...only have one more after this one!

This image was sitting on my table, so I thought I should use her. I am pretty happy with the way this one came together. I used up some flowers that have been sitting in my stash for sometime and now that I have revamped my cardstock and DP it is SO much easier to find something.

Thanks for stoppin' by...I am off to start book #4!

{ Wow...I'm not as dumb as I thought! }

2011-01-13T20:40:00.000-08:00

I actually figured some of this stuff out...all on my own! I am not the most computer savy person in the world...I fake my way through most of it...but I think I got this template figured out...sort of. I still can't get the tabs at the top to work with this header...but I am okay with the way it is now. Hopefully my next post will be worked out as far as the photo placement and size. I don't really feel like going back and fixing any of the old ones...so you will have to deal with those, sorry. I really love this new template. It's called Magic Tree...kinda where my mind is at right now...my own little magical world...

{ New Template and massive headache!! }

2011-01-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let you all know I am working on this new template. I love it...but it is just being a big pain in the butt right now. So please bear with me while I try and figure it out...or scrap it all together!!

{ Card Post #2 }

2011-01-11T14:04:00.001-08:00

Told ya, I would be back...you didn't believe me did ya? Did ya? ;0)

Are you lovin' the post title too...sorry can't much more creative than that today. So here it is...

I know, I know...another book related creation...I happen to like it. What do ya think?
Another new Nestie I got for Christmas and some old DP I had laying around.

Thanks for stoppin' by...

{ some happy music }

2011-01-09T18:14:00.001-08:00

I promise to be back in the next few days with another card. Honest! It's done and photo is now taken, so I promise.

Just wanted to share some music with you all today. I started working out on the treadmill again last week. Here are a couple of my favorite workout songs...and just so happens that these two songs always make me think of a few of my favorite books too!! ;0)

Enjoy!

In Your Light by Ed Kowalczyk

Real Life Fairytale by Plumb

{ Some Happy Finds }

2011-01-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

Good morning all! No not another card...or book...quite yet, but soon...I promise. I do want to share some finds with you though. I have been browsing Etsy again and just wanted to share some cool stuff...well, I think it's cool anyway. I highly recommend taking a look around Etsy sometime. You can find the coolest stuff. I actually got some of the things I found there before Christmas as gifts. Take a look at the yummy prezzies I got...

First off my Clockwork Angel pendant!! I read the books and then found these amazing items. I am still looking for the perfect chain/ribbon to hold her, but I love her...something so completely unique.

Second was my Jace ring! What more can I say, really. The inscription says 'I have belonged to you'.

and thirdly was these cool Mortal Instuments/ Infernal Devices book charms...so very cool.

Yes...I was spoiled. ;0)

Here are some other cool finds that I have found on Etsy in the last little while.

A very cool Fairy Wish Door Lariat Locket...

The Magic Kingdom Art Pendant...

Spiral Design Circle Glass Tile Pendant

Steampunk Owl Book of the Wise...

Be sure to check out the links I provided to see all the other amazing creations by each of these artists. That Steampunk owl may have to find it's way to my finger soon. ;0)

Happy browsing...

{ First card of 2011! }

2011-01-05T17:23:00.001-08:00

See I told you I would be back. You didn't believe me did ya? Did ya? Okay so here it is...the first card of 2011...

Maybe not one of my best. It's okay...maybe a little too much white for me. I used a new Nestie I got for Christmas and the image was an old image I snagged off of Shannon at one of our Calgal evenings. So for those of you that commented. Here is the first card post to go with my first book post...happy? Back soon with some more for ya...hopefully. ;0)

{ 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 }

2011-01-03T20:34:00.000-08:00

As you all read in my last post...I read 71 books this past year. Well, I am determined to read more this year. Today I found this challenge hosted by Book Chick City and decided to join in. So in addition to my list on Goodreads I will be keeping track on this post. So if you want to see what I am reading head back to this post at anytime to check it out. If you want to join in...head on over to Book Chick City to see all the details and join in the fun!

1. Firelight by Sophie Jordan

2. Beautiful Creatures by Cami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

3. Beautiful Darkness by Cami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

4. The Giver by Lois Lowry

5. The Princess Bride by William Goldman

6. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

7. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

8. Fallen by Lauren Kate

9. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

10. Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer

11. Marcelo In The Real World by Francisco X Stork

12. We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson

13. The Dead & The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer

14. This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

15. Black: The Birth of Evil by Ted Dekker

16. Drought by Pam Bachorz

17. Torment by Lauren Kate

{ Welcome 2011! }

2011-01-01T18:41:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to you all! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years. Christmas was crazy busy around here as usual, but New Years was pretty quiet. I just wanted to pop in and say hi. I promise to be posting much more in 2011! I don't have anything crafty to post just yet. I have spent the past few days organizing my stamp room. I got some Pegboard for Christmas and hope to get that up soon and do some more organizing. But my room is now clean and workable, so I hope to have something new to share with you all soon. I have been doing a bunch of crocheting during the month of December though, but sadly I did not take pics of most of it. I will post something new I made for my youngest though.

I do want to post something I saw on someone Else's blog though...not crafty, but book related. You will be seeing craftiness and book related posts in 2011...just to warn ya. ;0) I was shocked to see on my Goodreads status that I had read 71 books this year! Okay not as many as some of the book blogs I haunt...one had posted an astounding 250 books read! Wow! Okay 71 of those were audio books, but still!! Wow! So here is my list with my star rating if anyone is interested and looking for some new reads...you can go onto Goodreads and type in the title to find out more about the book...

1. The Shack by William P Young (5 stars)

2. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (4 stars)

3. Altar of Eden by James Rollins (4 stars)

4. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (3 stars)

5. American Gods by Neil Gaiman (1 star - could not finish it)

6. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott (4 stars)

7. The Magician by Michael Scott (4 stars)

8. The Sorceress by Michael Scott (4 stars)

9. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix (3 stars)

10. Among the Impostors by Margaret Peterson Haddix (4 stars)

11. Among the Betrayed by Margaret Peterson Haddix (4 stars)

12. Among the Barons by Margaret Peterson Haddix ( 4 stars)

13. Among the Brave by Margaret Peterson Haddix (4 stars)

14. Among the Enemy by Margaret Peterson Haddix (4 stars)

15. Among the Free by Margaret Peterson Haddix (4 stars)

16. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin (4 stars)

17. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly (4 stars)

18. Airborn by Kenneth Oppel (3 stars)

19. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (5 stars)

20. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt (3 stars)

21. The Angel Experiment by James Patterson (4 stars)

22. Schools out Forever by James Patterson (5 stars)

23. Saving the World and other Extreme Sports by James Patterson (5 stars)

24. The Final Warning by James Patterson (5 stars)

25. Max by James Patterson (5 stars)

26. Under the Dome by Stephen King ( did not have enough time, but plan to read this one again soon)

27. Lament - The Fairie Queens Deception by Maggie Stiefvater (5 stars)

28. A Member of the Family by Cesear Millan (5 stars)

29. Graceling by Kristin Cashore (4 stars)

30. Fire by Kristin Cashore (3 stars)

31. Marley & Me : Love and Life with the Worlds Worst Dog by John Grogan (5 stars)

32. Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C Wrede (3 stars)

33. Searching for Dragons by Patricia C Wrede (3 stars)

34. Calling on Dragons by Patricia C Wrede (3 stars)

35. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (5 stars)

36. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E Pearson (5 stars)

37. The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha (2 stars)

38. A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick (3 stars)

39. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (5 stars)

40. The Ask and The Answer by Patrick Ness (5 stars)

41. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (5 stars)

42. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (5 stars)

43. Fang by James Patterson (3 stars)

44. If I Stay by Gayle Forman (3 stars)

45. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (4 stars)

46. The Necromancer by Michael Scott (4 stars)

47. The Timetravellers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (1 star, could not finish this one!)

48. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (5 stars)

49. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (5 stars)

50. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (5 stars)

51. Stolen: A Letter to my Captor by Lucy Christopher (4 stars)

52. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (5 stars!!)

53. Life of Pi by Yann Martel (4 stars)

54. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater (5 stars)

55. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare (5 stars!!)

56. Sea by Heidi R Kling (3 stars)

57. Wake by Lisa McMann (3 stars)

58. The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson (1 star, I could not finish this one...horrible!!)

59. Fade by Lisa McMann (3 stars)

60. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting (4 stars)

61. Gone by Lisa McMann (3 stars)

62. Unwind by Neal Shusterman (3 stars)

63. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (4 stars)

64. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare (5 stars!!)

65. The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff ( 4 stars)

66. Ballad : A Gathering of Fairie by Maggie Steifvater (4 stars)

67. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (5 stars)

68. Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness ( 5 stars)

69. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl ( 4 stars)

70. Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride (3 stars)

71. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon ( 4 stars)

Looking back there were some very good reads! I think my most favorites and ones that I would recommend to ALL would be...

1. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare - City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass

2. The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare - Clockwork Angel

3. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins - Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay

4. The Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Steifvater - Shiver, Linger

5. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

6. The Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness - The Knife of Never Letting Go, The Ask and The Answer, Monsters of Men

If you have a list of reads or just some you would recommend, I would love to hear them!!

Back soon with some craftiness for ya!

{ Book Blog Giveaway }

2010-11-09T07:17:00.000-08:00

Nope, nothin' crafty for ya. I have been crafty...just not really interested in bloggin' about it...or just too lazy to take photos!

Just thought I would pop in and let you all know about one of my daily book blog hang outs. I Read Banned Books is having a 250 follower giveaway. Check out Jen's blog and check out Matched. I read Jen's review awhile back and it sounds like a good one!

{ Obsessed? Oh ya!! }

2010-10-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

I know. You are thinking to yourself...I just saw this widget not that long ago. Yes. Yes, you did. I have posted it again, due to the above mentioned obsession. I just finished City of Glass. As, I mentioned in my Goodreads review? I seriously closed the cover and hugged the book...for quite sometime and then put it down and held it some more. I am completely and totally in love with this book and this whole series. I can not fully express my feelings for this book. It is a very personal thing and one I will treasure always. I know it is just a book and I know it is not some literary masterpiece. However, from the bottom of my heart? This is the best book I have ever read. I have recently found some more ways of expressing my obsession. Anyone else out there with a love of all things Mortal Instruments? Have you seen THESE??!! A few of these are at the top of my Christmas Wish List!! I have always said that I would love a tattoo, but would have no idea what I would get. Well, I do NOW...but don't worry...I don't know that I would actually do it...but if I did? Oh ya...100%!!

{ Powerful }

2010-09-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

I was online today checkin' out my blog updates. I have recently added some YA book blogs onto my daily blog route and came across this today. I have not personally read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, but have now added it to my 'to read' list. I found this poem of her's to be EXTREEMLY moving...brought me to tears actually...and just wanted to share it today.

And one more for all you book lovers...

{ May time for something new }

2010-09-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would pop in to say hi. No...nothing new in the creation world for me. Or at least no paper crafting creations. I have been busy with my crocheting. I will be posting some new photos on my other blog later. Quite honestly? I really have lost my mojo for paper crafting. I am not sure why exactly. I think mostly, it was a stale feeling I was having. It just stopped being fun and was more of a pressure to create and that is not what it should be all about. So I my paper crafting will only materialize when I truly feel it. Ya know? Sorry folks. I will still be popping in...this will still continue to be my HappyPlace, but not necessarily paper craft or crafty related. As some of you know, reading has become another passion of mine, so this may become more of a reading/book and just general place of babbling for me. If you decide to stick around...thanks...but if not? I totally understand.

If anyone is interested...on my sidebar I have a list of books I have read for the month. In that list is Book 1 and Book 2 of the Mortal Instruments Series. I must admit, there have only been a few series that can claim 'Obsession' status with me. First being Harry Potter. I was lucky enough not to catch onto the Harry Potter buzz until after all the books were out. This enabled me to read all the books back to back and not have to wait a year in between each one. Then there was the Twilight Series. Again I did not find the series until just before the final book was released. Unfortunately, my new Obsession, I am not that lucky. However? I am not complaining! The Mortal Instruments Series is definitely an Obsession for me. It is always in the back of my mind. I can not exactly explain it. It is a personal thing for me. Something going back to my childhood. Lets just say...this world created my Cassandra Clare? It is my world. Those of you who know me, probably won't get it? Then again, you may. ;0) And yes, even though I am old enough to be his Mom? Jace? Oh Jace...;0) If you have not read this series? I would HIGHLY recommend you do. It has EVERYTHING in it. You can read all the reviews over at Goodreads and see what everyone else has to say too...not just my very obsessive voice! Although, I don't really care what everyone else has to say about this one...I am very content with my obsession, thank you very much! ;0)

{ Yes, Virginia...}

2010-09-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

...there really is a Tracyshappyplace. Hello all. Guess what? I actually have something creative to share with you today!! I stamped! Woohoo! Here is a card I made this week for my Mom's 60th bday. I was actually pleased with this one. I made one other one last week too, but have not taken a photo of it yet.

Well here we are. It is the last official day of summer here at our house. The kids go back to school tomorrow. It is gonna be hard getting up at 6am again, but I am happy to get back to a routine too. The girls start up their dance classes tonight too. Unfortunately, we missed the used gear sale this year. Ouch!! 2 pairs of jazz shoes and 2 pairs of tights...$160!! We will definitely not miss it next year! oh well...

Just thought I would share a new photo of our puppy Rudy with you all. Here he is post camping after we got back from this last trip out to Mt Kidd. It was REALLY hot here when we got back and I think this sums it up...

Also, if anyone else is interested, I have updated my Crochet blog as well. This summer has been filled with reading and crocheting. You can also checkout what I have been reading on my sidebar.

Thanks for stoppin' in and stickin' with me through my paper crafting lull.

{ Still around...}

2010-08-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would check in. It has been awhile, but quite honestly I have not crafted in well over 2 months now. To be honest? I don't really miss it that much. I think maybe I needed a break. Not sure why. Perhaps feeling a bit stale in my crafting and maybe a LONG break is what I need to get the mojo flowing properly again. Who knows. I have been doing lots of reading and have REALLY been enjoying it. My family has been teasing me about my reading actually. I pretty much have a book in my hand at all times!! I have also picked up some crocheting again. I should have something new on my other blog soon. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer thus far. The weather here has been okay...not great but okay. I am hoping the rest of the summer holds out for us. We are heading off to do a few short camping trips over the next few weeks. So everyone cross their fingers we get some decent weather. Hopefully the dog will enjoy himself too...this is his first camping trip. And lucky Mommy gets to sit with him on my lap for the whole car ride...yippy...should be fun!!

If you are reading this...thanks for sticking with me...I promise I will be back with crafty stuff soon...not sure how soon, but soon. In the meantime you are stuck with whatever else is filling up my life. :0)

I also have a quick question. Anyone out there sell stuff on Etsy? How do you like it? I am thinking of selling some of my crochet creations...one in particular which I don't see any of on Etsy...so thinking it might sell as there are no other items similar. Anyway, just looking for some feedback on how you enjoy selling on Etsy. Thanks!

{ More Eddie...}

2010-07-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry folks...nothing crafty...just more EddieK. :0)

Found this video today...and it brought me to tears...just had to share...have I mentioned that this is one beautiful human being...okay...I don't know him personally...but come on!! ;0)

{ Oh Happy Day! }

2010-07-13T09:49:00.001-07:00

It is a dark, windy, rainy...quite frankly...lousy day outside. However, there is always a remedy to that and I have found it!!

I decided to download some new music for the girls today. I checked out some new tunes for me and lookie what I found!! I realize not everyone will be as stoked as I...however, I thought I would share in case anyone has a love like mine!

Not sure if it is just me...Do you have that one artist that just does it for you. You know. You hear his voice...and it just takes hold of you...your eyes close...you have no control...the smile slowly starts to take hold of your face...your head starts to sway and soon the rest of your body follows. You fall into a trance like state...you are in another dimension. Well, for me it is the ED Dimension. I can not explain what this mans voice(eyes, smile, aura) does to me. It is almost a spiritual experience. I once went to a concert that he was the opening act for. I did not like the headliner...I only went to see Live. The 30 mins spent with ED was soooo worth the ticket price!!Okay...enough about me.

Experience it for yourself...drink in all that is Ed Kowalczyk...and then download the cd...love it!!

{ Attention all those who love to read!! }

2010-07-07T11:34:00.001-07:00

One of my new loves is reading and one of my new found authors(loved her book!!) is having a contest. Go on and check out the new trailer for her book The Dark Divine...and then go out and get a copy and read it!! Also go and check out Bree's blog if you want to join in the contest to win some new books...maybe even a signed copy of her new one...and maybe even an ipod(if there are enough viewers of the new trailer)

{ Not how I wanted to start the summer! }

2010-06-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you add one 15 week old Beagle and a 1 1/2" piece of glass? A 2hr trip to the Animal Hospital, one tired puppy and mommy and a vet bill for $460!! Not the way I wanted to start the summer. :0( You don't really realize how much garbage is lying around until you have a puppy that eats EVERYTHING in site!!

{ Welcome Summer }

2010-06-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

And what a welcome it has been. We have had a few thunderstorms and some real downpours!! Hopefully some nice warm weather will be in our near future though. I think today is suppose to be a nice one anyway and a good thing too. The girls have their end of year Pancake breakfast today at school. Although, they will be fighting off the mosquitoes!!

Here is the other project I promised...

Granted this is not just paper crafting. I did use ribbon and cardstock for the backing. I cross stitched it onto linen...not too sure how durable it will be. I probably should have used a vinyl but hey. I started to make one for myself...I should finish that up, so I can use it with all my summer reading!!

Off to work...only 3 more days of school and then no more early mornings for 2 whole months!! Woohoo!!

{ An old one... }

2010-06-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

Surprise! Yup...I am still alive. ;0) Just thought I would do a quick pop-in to say hi. I don't know about the rest of you, but I am soooooo looking forward to summer!! This weather we have been having? It really sucks!! Where is the sun?? I am so sick of cloudy, windy, rainy days!! We had a nice weekend and then poof...it was gone again.

The kids only have one more week of school after tomorrow! No more early mornings...no more gymnastics...no more ballet...2 whole months of freedom...and hopefully between the girls and the dog I don't go insane!! ;0)

Here is an old one that I don't think I ever posted. This was a bday card for my good friend Dianne. She is a HUGH Pooh lover...check out her blog and see her stamproom and you will see what I mean. I also made her something else to go with this. I will see if I can find the pic later and post that too...it was a first for me.

Hope you all have a great weekend. I am hoping to maybe get some stamp time in the next few days...gotta make a Fathers Day card or two and a bday card too...but we will see.

{ Looking for another Christmas Card Challenge? }

2010-06-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

Then head on over to Karen's blog. She has decided to take on my Christmas Card Challenge. However, there will be no prizes...just a fun Challenge. So head on over to Karen's blog to see what she has in store for you all!

{ TCC Winner and a fairwell }

2010-06-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone! First off thanks for being so patient this week. It has been a bit crazy around our household the last 3 weeks. Between hubby's new job, the new dog, end of year ballet season, being sick and my MIL is in the hospital right now...well crazy, ya know? Let's get to this months entries and then for some news.

First off our blogging ladies...

Therese - 1 entry

Karen - 1 entry

Sylvia - 1 entry

Nancy - 1 entry

Melissa - 1 entry

Charmaine - 1 entry

Chris - 1 entry

Merlie - 1 entry

And our non-bloggers...Elaine - 1 entry

And Carol - with 3 entries

Thanks again to everyone for playing along. Now onto my announcement. I have come to a hard decision about this Challenge and my blog. Life is just really crazy right now and I have decided to take a bit of a blogging break and unfortuately that includes the Challenge. I have decided that May will be the last challenge for this year. If there is anyone out there wanting to continue on with the Challenge you are more than welcome to take it over. Just let me know and I will be sure to let everyone know here on my blog. Okay...onto our last winner...drumroll...

Nancy!!!!!!

Nancy...let me know where you want your $25 gift certificate from and I will get it to you this week!

Again, thanks to everyone for playing along in the challenges and for visiting my blog. I am not giving up blogging completely, but I can guarantee that it will be very sporatic as I think I have only stamped maybe once a month over the past few months. Sad I know, but that is just the way it is right now.

Have a great weekend everyone!

{ Back soon }

2010-06-02T05:27:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say that I will get the entries posted up this week...I promise. There is a lot been going on in our house the past week and now I have been feeling really lousy the past few days with some sort of stomach bug. I have not forgotten you all though...promise!

{ TCC #5 }

2010-05-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

Good morning all,

Okay that time again. I have been doing some thinking this week. As you can see blogging is on the back burner right now. Between hubby getting a new job and puppy...well we are still trying to fit back into a normal routine. So needless to say there has been absolutely NO crafting on the home front. I considered stopping this challenge, but have decided to keep it going. But you will all have to be okay with no samples for the next little while. I will try my best to get something done but no guarantees, kay?

Okay...onto this months Challenge. This month is going to be a color challenge. I saw some cards made with Kraft awhile back and just loved them. So I have decided to have a Kraft challenge.

*Red(your choice of any shade)

*Kraft(or as close to if you do not own Kraft)

*Cream/Vanilla

*Chocolate

As per usual all entries are due by 11:59pm MST Monday May 31st, either leave a link to your cards on this post or email a photo of your cards. You must complete 5 cards with this color combo. You will receive one entry for each set of cards completed and once again extra entries can be earned by completing a 3d Christmas item as well.

I hope everyone enjoys this color challenge and can't wait to see all your creations!

{ The reason I may not be blogging much }

2010-05-11T19:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome Rudy! He is 9 weeks today and so very cute! Yes, we have a baby in the house!

{ TCC #4 Entries }

2010-05-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

First off...I do apologize for being late in posting all the entries for this month's Challenge. Let's just say life is getting in the way! ;0)

Thank you to everyone who took the time to play this month. Check them out!

Nancy - 1 entry

Melissa - 1 entry

Sylvia - 1entry

Karen - 1 entry

and Elaine - 1 entry

Thanks again to everyone for playing along this month. Hope you can all join in again in May!

{ Lovin' Spring! }

2010-04-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

Wow! What beautiful weather we have been having this week! A bit windy today and over cast a wee bit, but still a beautiful day. I got the backyard raked and watered today...looks much better.

We had a bit of a stressful day yesterday. Another visit to the dentist. Both girls had checkups and then my oldest had to have 4 teeth pulled! Nothing wrong with the teeth, but we need to make room to get her teeth straightened out and then we will have to work some more down the road...too many teeth and not enough room. Well more like just not enough room. They used some sedation dentistry on her this go around. She was not out, but she was so doped up that she was much easier to handle. I so wish I had had a video camera on her though. Must admit I was laughing quite a few times. ;0) But the actually extraction was easy peasy! I was shocked at how easily those suckers came out! But no more dentist for another year. And hopefully we can keep those teeth clean and then we only have to worry about when it is time for the dreaded braces!

I found a card I had not posted yet. This was another creation from our March CalGal night. Nancy had forced me to work on another sketch after I had done the one Allison supplied us with. It is pretty simple. Not lovin' it, but its okay.

Thanks for stoppin' by...

{ TCC #4 }

2010-04-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. I apologize for being late. My Internet was down most of the day yesterday.

This months Christmas Card Challenge will be a repeat of one we did last year. This month your challenge will be to use DP(Designer Paper) as your main image. You will also need to use at least 2 different embellishments. Once again you are to complete 5 cards(all the same or different...your choice)

Please leave a link to your cards on this post or email me a photo of your cards. The deadline is Friday April 30th @ 11:59 MST. Have fun! And remember...creating a Christmas 3D project will get you extra entries into the next random draw at the end of June! I did not get a chance to complete a 3d project this month yet...I have not found one I like yet...but if and when I do I will add it to this post.

Now here are my samples for this months Challenge...

I can't wait to see what everyone does with this months challenge!

{ Stay tuned }

2010-04-15T05:46:00.000-07:00

...for this months Christmas Card Challenge. I am afraid I am a bit behind on this one. I will have it posted by tonight though.

{ A Calgal Challenge }

2010-04-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

I am somewhat late on getting this one posted. This is actually my card that I made from our March Calgal night. I was not really lovin' this one at all so I was stalling posting it. ;0)

I borrowed the sentiment stamp from Nancy...love this one. I actually don't use Orchid Opulence a lot, but when I do use it I quite like it.

What does everyone think about the new SU color changes. There really is only 1 color that I will miss...Really Rust. I use it quite a lot, but there are a few new colors I can see me using just as much. I like the idea of less colors actually...less money I have to spend!! ;0)

Have a great day and hopefully it is nice and sunny where you are today. Not snowy and gloomy like here!!

{ Where's the Mojo? }

2010-04-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

I think I have lost mine! Sorry for not posting much lately. To be honest I just have not had it in me the last little while. Not sure why. Just not feeling inspired to do much, if any stamping. A little break is not a bad thing. I have been doing other things though. You can check out my Amigurumi blog and I also picked up some stitching(cross-stitch) this week. I have not done any stitching since before my oldest was born(almost 9 years)!

I did realize though that I have a few creations that I had not shared with you all yet. I made this one about a month ago now. I know I used a sketch for inspiration, but can not remember which one I used...sorry.

Well, I am off to Calgals tonight...so hopefully I will find some Mojo and make something presentable!!

{ And the winner is... }

2010-03-31T21:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone for playing along with this months Christmas Card Challenge. Check out all these wonderful creations...

Melissa (card set) Melissa (3d item) - 2 entries

Nancy - 1 entry

Merlie - 2 entries

Therese - 1 entry

Nicola - 1 entry

Chris - 1 entry

Dianne - 1 entry

and for our non-bloggers... Karen G - 1 entry

Elaine - 1 entry

and Carol J - 3 entries

and the winner of the random draw with a $25 gift card for the online store of your choice is...

ELAINE!!!

Elaine please send me an email and let me know which online store you like and I will get your GC off to you this week!

Thanks again for everyone who has been playing along thus far. Hope you can all join in again in April!

{ Check it out! }

2010-03-23T20:32:00.001-07:00

I have started up a new blog for all my crochet creations. Please come on over, check it out and let me know what you think.

You can find me HERE!

{ Guess what I did??!! }

2010-03-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

I wanted to go down to my stamp room and create but did not want to make a card and even though I should make my 3d item...well, I did not feel like doing that either. So... I...ready for it... I scrapped!! Yup, I now have 4 pages done in my scrapbook from our Disneyland trip in '08!! At this rate the kids should be married off before I finally finish it! ;0)

It is nothing spectacular, but I like it. I like simple when it comes to scraping. I also only like my pages to have 1 or 2 photos tops...no more. Why? I don't know, I just don't. I love other peoples pages with lots of photos, but I just can't do it myself...just does not feel right to me. And as you can see...I don't journal either...again, it just is not me. There may come a time on a specific page that calls for it, but in general, I am a no journal kinda girl.

I will be back soon with something new for you. I have been doing some crochet the past few weeks and have decided to make myself a new blog...back soon with the details!

{ TCC #3 - Snowman Challenge }

2010-03-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

Good evening all. It is that time again. This months Christmas Card Challenge will be a Snowman Challenge...we always have to have one of those, don't we?

Once again all entries must be received by either a comment on this post with a link to your creations or you can email me a photo of your cards. You must complete 5 cards all with the same main image. Your creations must be received by Wednesday March 31st @ 11:59PM MST. All entries received for January, February and March will be placed into a random draw for a $25 online gift certificate to the online store of your choice. And once again you will receive an extra entry for any 3d items you make. I ran out of time to get my 3d item done to show you today, but I will get it posted in the next week for sure! For now I will leave you with my samples for this months challenge. These are quite simple, but I quite like them...and lovin' this new image from Jovi...thanks again Jovi!!

I can't wait to see what everyone creates this month!

{ Hello }

2010-03-12T10:22:00.000-08:00

A Happy Friday to everyone. Just thought I would do a quick post before the kids get home from school. Here is a quick card I put together the other day. I used one of my new images from Jovi and some pretty bright colors! I do like the way it came together though. Although, I did have some issues with my sentiment stamp. I used an old clear stamp from Michaels and I could not get it to stay stuck to my block! Of course when I went to stamp it the stamp fell off onto my cardstock...so there is a bit of a smudge...oh well, what can ya do. You can't see in the pic, but I also used some Crystal Effects on the goggles to add some 3dness to it.

Hope you all have a great weekend and I hope that some Spring like weather reaches whereever you may be!

2010-03-08T15:19:00.001-08:00

What a difference a day makes! Yesterday was plus 14 and beautiful and right now I am watching the flakes start to fall!! No more snow!!

Check this out. This weekend I finally did something I have been wanting to do for awhile now. I taught my girls how to crochet. They started off with chains. And here they are in all their glory!

Too cute eh? My youngest actually progressed to single crochet already and is working on a blanket for her Teddy! ;0)

Thought I would share a card I made this weekend with some of my new stamps from Jovi! I love this one. It makes me so happy when a card comes together really quickly and easily and turns out great too! I used MojoMonday #77 for my inspiration.

Well...I am off to make some dinner and finish laundry...my youngest had a bit of an accident at school today...her nose was smashed into another girls shoulder and had a HUGH nosebleed which went all over her winter coat. Thank goodness it washed out...since it is snowing right now...I didn't want to have to replace a winter coat this close to Spring!!

Thanks for stoppin' by.

{ MojoMonday has kicked my @$$!! }

2010-03-06T12:06:00.001-08:00

Yes, indeed! I sat down the other night to work on this weeks MojoMonday. Wow! Looking at it I had this brilliant idea. Then I sat down to do it and I continued for almost 2 hours to put it together and rip it apart and redo it. I finally waved my white flag and gave up and ended up creating this with the salvaged image...

I actually am pretty happy with the way this one turned out. I didn't even use a sketch for this one! Shocking, I know! I used my new stamp from Susie, which I received as my winnings from a EONA Challenge from a few weeks back and I used the flowers from Jovita that I received this week. Did ya notice that I took the pic outside!?! It is a beautiful day out today...the girls are currently playing outside...in the swamp we call a backyard...but I would rather have that than snow!!

Thanks for stoppin' by...

{ Someone please pick up my jaw from the floor! }

2010-03-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

It still amazes me the depth of love and overwhelming eagerness to give that my fellow stampers/bloggers seem to have. Through my blogging I have developed many friendships over the past few years. One such person for me is Jovi. I discovered Jovi's blog a few years back and became an instant fan! Her creations are just amazing and safe to say one of my stamping idols...one VERY talented lady!! Unfortunately, for us fans, she decided to put her stamping on the back burner. However, she continued with her blogging, but mostly just about her and her hubbies bike adventures through Colorado, her adventures in learning the piano and reading. Her photos are amazing and I am still a huge fan even if she is no longer creating on paper. Jovi was actually the one who steered me to the Goodreads website recently too...which I love!! Well yesterday I received an email from her saying that she had sent me a package and it should be arriving soon. Well, I went to the mailbox today and found a nice little box in there from Jovi. I picked it up and thought...'what on earth!'...here is what I found when I opened it up!

I am still in shock! My girls have already staked claim to the kitty stamp by the way! ;0) I can not wait to play with these new images. Thank you again Jovi...you certainly brightened up my day, week, month...;0) You best be expecting a few creations from me soon...like, what...eight or nine? ;0)

{ Christmas Card Entries }

2010-03-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

How's that for a title? Okay...onto this months creations...

Nancy - 1 entry

Therese - 1 entry

Merlie - 2 entries

Melissa - 2 entries

Chris - 1 entry

Nicola - 1 entry

Carol J - 1 entry

and Karen G - 1 entry

Thanks to everyone for playing along this month. Be sure to come back on the 15th for the next challenge. On April 1st I will post the random winner from all the entries from Jan through March...so be sure to come back this month for more entries!

{ Proud to be Canadian }

2010-02-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

Oh yes I am! 14 Gold medals...most ever in a Winter Olympic Games! I managed to get home in time to see the last 10 mins of regular time and then the overtime. Talk about nerve racking!! But they pulled it out in the end.

I just wanted to drop in a do a quick post before dinner and then to watch the Closing Ceremonies. Friday night was Calgal night(see my sidebar for each gals blog) and it was Nancy's turn for a challenge. I suggested to Nancy if she did not have one already we could all try out Julie's color challenge. Nancy decided to go with that. I was not 100% sure she would so I went ahead and did the one in my last post. So when I got to Nancy's I thought...great, what I am gonna do now? But ya know what? I actually like this one better...and it actually follows Julie's Challenge better...I added black to the first one, which was not a color in the challenge, I just add black to almost everything!!

I am very happy with the way this one turned out! That image was a freebie from the Motivet blog and still available. This image was very fun to color. Although, I had printed it on white cardstock, which did not go with the vanilla cardstock...so I decided to cut it out and pop it up. And I used one of my new punches I got for Christmas too! Thanks again for the challenge Julie and Nancy!

Thanks for stoppin' by...

{ A Challenging Day! }

2010-02-26T11:24:00.000-08:00

That about sums it up! First off, I decided to do some baking since we are getting together tonight for our Feb Calgal night. I decided to try out a new to me Banana Bread recipe. First off we have issues with our bread pans...well lets just say they did not come out horribly, just not great either. Then I decided to make a new dip...well I seemed to have screwed that up too! LOL! Just one of those days I guess.

I did manage to get down to my stamp room for a bit and worked on a couple challenges though. This one combines Julie's first Color Challenge and this weeks MojoMonday.

This one turned out okay. I am not in love with it, but it's okay. I guess the main thing that is bugging me about this one is the red panel on the left. Perhaps I should have used a different color. The image is a freebie from Bugaboo Stamps that I picked up this week and very fun to color!

Well, I am off to pick up the kids from the bus soon. I may do some more baking this afternoon, just incase the banana bread isn't a hit. ;0)

Thanks for stoppin' by...

{ Birthday Party invites }

2010-02-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would do a quick post today. We are off bowling today for my DD 7th bday party. Just thought I would share her invites with you. She picked out the stamp she wanted me to use...

Very simple, but it's cute. Wish me luck today. My DD decided to share her cold that she had last week and now Mommy is feeling quite lousy!! Ever felt so lousy with a head cold that you feel as though you will burst into tears at any moment...that's me today. It will be a miracle if I make it through the day...feels like my face will explode! At least tomorrow I can hopefully rest most of the day and get rid of this.

Thanks for stoppin' by...

{ TCC #2 }

2010-02-17T13:42:00.000-08:00

This month's Christmas Card Challenge was inspired by the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Every time I am watching the Olympics I keep thinking...'I love those colors!' This month will be a Color challenge and a NO Designer paper challenge. You ready??

And here is my sample...

This one is very simple, but I do like it. This was one of those stamp sets that I had to have and then once I got it, didn't know what to do with it.

Once again you will also earn extra entries for any Christmas 3d items you create and here is my sample for this month...

This is a Triangle Box and I was inspired by a few samples I found on Splitcoast using this template. I added a ton of Stickles to this one...which too all night to dry, but I think it turned out cute.

As always you must complete 5 cards with the above color combo and using NO designer paper. All entries are to be received by 11:59PM MST February 28th. You must either leave a comment with a link to your creations or email me a photo. You will receive one entry for each set of cards and for each 3d item you complete. Have fun and I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with this month!

{ Happy 7th Birthday Elizabeth }

2010-02-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

It's my youngest's 7th Birthday today! She loves turtles as much as I do, so I knew she would love him...and she did. ;0)

We are off for lunch at ChuckECheese today.

Hope you have a great day!

{ EONA Challenge #4 }

2010-02-08T21:04:00.000-08:00

I decided to play along with Allison and Sue's Everything Old is New Again Challenge this week. I really liked the sketch. So I started to look at my old stamps that were 'MUST' haves back when and I decided to pick my Hanna - But I want it... set. When Hanna stamps first came out I loved them. I just thought Hanna's hair would be so much fun to color. Well... quite honestly I think I only used this stamp once or twice. One of the reasons may be that she is so big. I never realized how big this image was until I made this card. Well, I guess maybe just for this sketch. I could not use a regular sized card, so this one is HUGH... 5.5 X 8.5...yup...a big one. And kinda lousy. I am not thrilled with this one. It is just so big...maybe not the best choice in DP for this image and that flower?!? Then again the pic is not the best either! ;0) I don't know...what do you think? Oh well...at least I got the challenge done, right?

Okay...I will be back soon with pics of all those Valentines we made this weekend and my youngest bday invites and her bday card which I finished tonight!

{ MojoMonday #124 }

2010-02-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

Wow! Look at me. I actually got this weeks MojoMonday posted on time! Woohoo for me! ;0)

I decided to look through my already colored images for this one. The image...Pretty Head Lily by TGF... is a little big for the sketch, but I think it still works.

I am off this weekend, but have a busy one planned. My youngest turns 7 next week. So I have bday invites to get done up for the party in two weeks. Then I have about 3+ dozen Valentines to get done...the youngest has a bday party to go to tomorrow, then take her sister out for lunch and shopping to buy her sister a bday present...and of course clean the house at some point this weekend...maybe...I know, I know...not that busy...I just like to whine!

Have a great weekend!

{ Calgal Challenge }

2010-02-03T20:15:00.000-08:00

2 posts in one day! Must be feeling guilty for not posting in awhile!

Just thought I would share my Calgal challenge from Friday night. Although we did not get a lot accomplished on Friday, I did manage to color this image and then I finished the card using Allison's sketch earlier this week. You can see Allison's sketch and my original creation HERE...now here is my newest creation using the sketch...

I love this image from TGF. This one is from the Hope & Grace line, called Sing. She is too cute. Not too sure about this card, but it is okay.

I am off to read a bit before I head off to bed. I started reading a new series...finished the first one this week and started on #2 today. I have number 3 on hold at the library and thought I better look up #4 to see how many holds are on it. I could not find it! So I went back to my list on GoodReads. OMG!! It does not come out until April!! Ahh Man!! I hate that! Oh well...at least it is not like another year until it comes out. If you are interested...check out my sidebar and see what I'm reading. I do recommend it...very fun read!

{ TCC #1 Entries }

2010-02-03T19:49:00.001-08:00

Good evening everyone. First off, I want to apologize for being late on posting these. I have been feeling a bit off this week...that's my excuse, so deal with it. ;0)

Okay, now onto all the wonderful entries for this years first round of Christmas Card Challenges...

Therese - with 1 entry

Chris - with 1 entry

Nicola - with 2 entries(1 set of cards and 1 3d item)

Melissa - with 2 entries(1 set of cards and 1 3d item)

Dianne - with 1 entry

Merlie - with 2 entries(1 set of cards and 1 3d item)

and for our non-bloggin' gals...

Carol J - with 2 entries(1 set of cards and 1 3d item)

and lastly Karen G with 2 entries(2 card sets)

Thanks again to everyone for playing along this month! I look forward to a great February Challenge, so stay tuned. And if I did manage to miss anyone...please do let me know...with the way I have been feeling this week anything is possible!!

And lastly, here is my sample for the 3d part of the challenge...finally...I did have it done on time, just never got around to getting a pic of it!!

It is nothing spectacular, but okay. It will look better once it has some yummy Christmas candy/chocolates in it!