Maggie and Mable

You know, I never expected to meet such wonderful people through blogging. I am overwhelmed with the kindness shown here because often, I will be in a store and find that many times, people won't even smile at you, let alone look at you. It's a different world these days so it warms my heart when I meet delightful people and I've met quite a few.

Earlier this week, a package came from my friend and sis, Lisa. I opened it to find an array of lovely crafts that you just would die for - it was like Christmas all over again. But what really touched me was the cute little doll inside with a certificate saying her name: Maggie - and she had a twin: Mable. It made me cry because I thought of how as a little girl, I had an imaginary playmate who would play "dolls" with me. We would be laughing and having pretend tea...would scare my mom because she thought I had someone in the room with me until she learned it was me "pretending" - should have seen her face! *giggle*

Isn't Maggie adorable? Lisa also made me a beautiful card which I'm going to add to the scrapbook I'm going to make, courtesy of Jude who sent it to me as part of a Christmas RAK. Another lovely darling who brought tears to my eyes with her generosity.

Lisa ROCKED my world! Thank you sweetie! ;-)

Sweet....

Today is Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge and Arlana has crafted another delightful sketch (#34). Did you notice the sweet background there? Don't you just love it?!

This time I was able to play around with one of Digital Pencil Too delightful digitals, entitled "Mary, tapping." When you enter this challenge, you'll have a chance to win a $10 gift certificate. These are really awesome images, see for yourself.

Isn't she adorable? I cut out circles and embossed them using my cuttlebug. I ink distressed the doily and added blue card stock for layering. The sentiment was ink distressed as well. I know you'll love the designs the crafty ladies on the design team with me have made. Each week, you can plan to come away with incredible inspiration. They are all so talented - it is just a blessing to be able to create alongside with them.

Come on...come play with us today. I'd love to see what you do with this fun sketch!

A Blog Hop

Good day everyone!

Here's just a quick post to remind everyone about the blog hop happening at Tellen's Place tomorrow.

I'm excited to have a new home for Tellen Designs images. Look how cute our signature characters, Edward and Ally are. They will have new friends joining them, so come see. We will also have new cards that the design team has already created and is ready to showcase. Tellen's Place will be giving away prizes and these will really be fun as they are centered around the new products that will be available on the new website.

Tellen...Tellen...Tellen...it really isn't a common name, is it? That's because without the "T", it is my middle name. With both together, it is a common name my mom used when she couldn't get my attention. *smile*

Happy crafting y'all --- hope to see you hopping tomorrow!!

Love Your Own Handwriting

Did you know today is National Handwriting Day?

To honor this wonderful day, Glue, Scissors, Papers is having a challenge to showcase your handwriting. I know, if you're like me, you aren't really crazy about your handwriting but isn't it always interesting how you can find someone else's handwriting that you like?

Here's my sample that I submitted. My oldest, who draws those awesome images at Tellen's Place. He came up for Christmas and helped out - it was really nice; a big difference from being a child pooping in his drawers! *lol!*

I love being a part of this design team because they challenge you to do things more than just gluing things together - they make you think. The thing is, you don't have to think too hard, thankfully! ;~)

Why not join us in this challenge and create a card, a scrap page or anything you like that showcasing your handwriting? Take a look over at GSP and see what my sister design team has created for inspiration. These are some gorgeous layouts and there's even a card! These ladies did a fabulous job! You can check out their blogs individually as I have them listed on my side bar.

Thanks for looking. Have a scrap, hap-happy day!

Guess what's coming up...

Good morning lovely ladies!

The sun is out and I swear I hear birds chirping. The rain is nowhere in sight right now. I'm lucky that my craft table is right in front of the window and though my view is of the trees, power lines and sky, it is always great to see the beautiful blue sky and rays of sunshine!

Guess what's right around the corner? You guessed it - Tellen's Place FIRST blog hop. That's right, on Wednesday, January 27th, instead of our weekly challenge, we are having a blog hop. Tthis blog hop is going to get straight to the point - to introduce a new website (bye-bye Etsy) and to show you our new images....wanna take a peek?

She's a newbie in our Diva collection. The new web site is also going to feature some really cool new products that new crafters or "too busy" crafters will want to have a hand at! We are going to have giveaways at each blog in the hop and a GRAND PRIZE winner and a runner-up.

If you aren't already a follower at Tellen's Place, you'll want to be. The card above features just one of many freebies posted each week for challenges. Look at her day dreaming about Mr. Gorgeous! ;-P

We are almost at 100 followers and if you've noticed, "followers" are key to blogs. The thing is, they get prizes too! So tell your friends and if they become a follower, let me know and you'll be in a drawing for an extra special prize during the blog hop. Mark your calendars for January 27th and let's get to following! ;D

ATC Monthly Swap

Good morning!

Would you be interested in joining an ATC Swap based in the US? This new blog is the sister to ATC Swap, which is primarily UK based.

What is an ATC? ATC is short for Artist Trading Card. They can be as simple or as extravagant as you would like. The only rule is that they measure 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. You can use them portrait or landscape, round off the corners, patterned paper, plain cardstock, add brads, eyelets, ribbons - ANYTHING, use your imagination.

The complete piece of art is then traded (not sold) with another person. Contact details and information such as your name, title of the ATC, date and a series number are written on the reverse.

If you would like to join, just visit the ATC Swap US and once we get a few people, we'll get started!

Another Hannah Belle...

Good morning y'all,

I know, I know...I love girly digital images and rubber stamps. I told you - it's like when I was a kid, playing with paper dolls. Now, you know I only had the one from that McCall's magazine and when Mom didn't keep up the subscription, I didn't get anymore. So, I'm making up for lost time (and the fact that I had all boys and no daughter)!

Look at sweet Hannah Belle...I love the papers I used. These came in a pack and I forget by whom - a few years ago. The flowers are Prima Marketing and I punched the leaves out, added a simple bow from Michael's (50 cents) and ink distressed the edges.

So today is the last day of Heather's blog hop. You can find Hannah Belle and other lovelies in her store. You're gonna love them like I do!

Happy Friday! ;D

Here She is...Hannah Belle...

As you know, Heather is having a sweet little blog hop and new image release which started Wednesday of this week. Check previous posts to determine where the starting line is and all the other delicious details! ;-p

Here's another card I made featuring lovely Hannah Belle. She's got the cutest little face, doesn't she? Isn't it great that you can color these images in so many different ways? Again, I paper pieced the pj's - thought it would be so cute on such a cutie. I added some bling that matched the colors of the jammy jams. I posted a doily in the background with some cute little flowers. The boring card stock matches the color in the clothing and makes for a cute little card, I think.

So, check out Heather's store and see all the cute new images and the rest because they all are cute. :-P

Introducing...Hannah Belle...Heather's Blog Hop...

Good morning everyone!

Welcome to Heather's Coffee Break's new release blog hop. I would like to introduce you to Hannah Belle, the latest sweet image from our lovely Heather. The hop starts today and will last until Friday (1/22) --winners will be chosen by Heather on Friday. Here's how to play:

First, if you came here from Jenn's blog, then you're headed in the right direction. If not, you might want to start at the beginning at Rhonda's blog just so you don't miss anything! Once you hit everyone's blog with a comment, you will be entered in for a prize from each blog. That's right, each blog you hit, you will be entered into that drawing.

Now we have a sketch drawn by Heather and if you follow it, upload it to her blog, you will automatically get a FREE image from Heather's store! How cool is that?!

Here's my card following the sketch...pretty cool, isn't it?

Okay, here's my sneak peek I had up the other day. I paper pieced the little cutie. Even the hair bows. Check out the tea pot and cups - yep...fun time paper piecing! See the tablecloth - well, you'll see another Hannah Belle image with that tomorrow. ;-p Can you tell I was having too much fun or what? ;D

To recap: There will be one winner for each blog, a GRAND PRIZE winner (you'll get 3 free images of your choice) and a RUNNER-UP winner (you'll get 2 free images, your choice). Anyone following this sketch and uploading to Heather's blog automatically gets a FREE image! Woohoo!

Just in case you get lost, here's the route you should be following below. After me, your next stop is with the talented and lovely Sheri, who has an awesome craft to show you!

Rhonda
Michelle
Carolyn
Kelly
Jenn
Terry (that's me)
Sheri
Catherine
Stacy
Norma
Kadie
Heather

Remember now, you can see all of Heather's delightful digi images in her store. Now don't forget to come by tomorrow because I'll have another goody with sweet little Hannah on it! Have fun y'all! ;D

Sweet Sketch Wednesday

Today is Sweet Sketch Wednesday! Well, my first card as a DT member for SSW is following this sketch (#33) and isn't it sweet?

You know how I love sketches and this one was sweet! This week's challenge is being sponsored by Digi Stamp Boutique, a fabulous place to get the digi above and more! There's even a monthly freebie!

I colored Becky and Suki with Copics - isn't she just a doll with her little kitty beside her? I used papers from DCWV Crafty Stack. See the sewing machine? Heehee...I thought it was so cute - goes well with the buttons, doesn't it? The Digi Stamp Boutique has more images of this little girl and you can have her for your very own! Just click here and see. BTW, Sally-Ann is the artist and you'll love her blog! ;-p

Don't forget to check out the rest of my design team sisters because they really know how to rock these sketches! You can find their photos that link to their blogs - just some really beautiful talented ladies! Why not join in on the challenge for a chance at a great prize! :) You're gonna love it!

Have a sweet day! ;D

Let's Go to the Hop...

Today is a lovely day, isn't it? It might have been cloudy and the rain splashed a little but all in all I would say, it's a lovely day.

So....let's go to the hop....my friend Heather (Heather's Coffee Break) is having a new release of her sweet little Hannah Belle image and I have a sneak peek for ya:

This is cute little Hanna Belle, Heather's latest creation but I can't show you all of her. You'll have to come back on Wednesday, January 20th when the hop begins! There'll be prizes, so don't miss it. But I can show you little Angel Cake with balloons.

Isn't she just adorable with that curly hair? I inked her up with Copics - reminded me of when I was younger, playing with paper dolls or drawing my own dolls and coloring them with my broken crayons. ;) You can find more of Heather's digital images at her store. I used paper from K&Company, added some lace and a bow, popped on a butterfly I bought from Wild Orchids online (a company in the UK), inked the edges of my pink paper with Versa Magic Hint of Pesto ink - you barely see the pink. I did the same with the paper that I used the MS lace punch on (probably should have put that paper on top so you can see how pretty is).

This card fits two challenges: Crafty Catz (birthdays) and Bee Crafty (favorite color combo - pink and green for me). At Bee Crafty, you must use a digi, which I did - cute little Angel Cake. Blue and green dominate my card due to my lack of Copics but a nice combination at that! ;D If you get a chance, check out these two blogs and join in the fun. The DTs have created lovely samples to inspire you. Don't forget to check back here for Heather's blog hop to show the new digi's she's releasing on Wednesday! ;p

Another Design Team

Hey y'all!

Doesn't that sound like the delightful Paula Deen from The Food Network? I just love her! Well, I have that same excitement she has when she's cooking!

Guess what! I have joined the Sweet Sketch Wednesday's Design Team! ;D Woohoo! I'm so excited about it because it involves sketches! Now you know how I love a sketch. This is a great challenge blog that has a weekly sketch and some of the most fabulous creations from the design team! Check my sidebar and you can see all of the members listed with a link to their individual blogs. It's worth checking them out because you'll be inspired beyond belief!

I can't wait to get started! So be prepared to see a sketch here every Wednesday and it'll be great if you could join in on the challenge! ;-)

The Digital World

Good morning everyone,

I have to tell you I am loving doing the digital dance these days. I've been working hard on a new website for Tellen Designs and needed a break, so I went to The Creative Cottage after reading about their wonderful sale: Buy One, Get One Free. I purchased the new Hattie digi set and the new digital kit, "Just For You" which features my favorite teddy bear, Sherbet.

I have found that I can do so much with digital images AND papers. The kits at The Creative Cottage are beautiful; you will love their colors and it is really so easy to do. I simply downloaded the kit, opened up a Word document and inserted my "pictures." I was able to resize them for my standard card size (4 1/4 x 5 1/2) so there is no waste of paper. I even resized the ribbons that come with the kit so that they are wider - was so easy. I sized my image (3.5") and set up the layout. This time, I combined it with metallic buttons, fabric lace, tule (knotted) with a paper rose and pin - it was the perfect setting.

I just couldn't find the appropriate challenge to enter it in. No worries. I can just print off some more stuff to make another card later. :-P

Stay tuned for more digital fun at The Creative Cottage right here on this station. ;D I think the freebie is still up for you to grab. Now's a good time to go shopping with their BOGOF. ;b

Going Green

As a new member of the design team for Glue, Scissors Paper, we were challenged to create a product using 50% recycled materials. I'm a paper lover from the word go and using recycled paper was not ideal BUT I have to tell you, it can be done and still be beautiful.


Remember, the challenge is to create something 50% recycled, so I started with this breakfast sausage package. I was determined to stick with the challenge and to make it pretty. I cut the package up so that I would have the paper and tags instead of chipboard and card stock.

My sister's birthday was January 6th and truth be told, we always forget about her. Most of us are trying to find a nickle after Christmas let alone buy her a birthday gift. This mini album measures approximately 3.5" x 3.5" - the package was not really big.

So, I decided to make something she talks a lot about - inspiration and affirmations.

When I gave this to her, she never noticed the background papers were all advertisements from our local Lucky's supermarket.

I did use some pretty scraps and flowers to add some cuteness.

But as you can see from the apples being advertised, I still had to keep it recycled 50%.

I let her last page (opposite the advertised page) be a folio. I put photos of us, our parents, her kids and her grandbabies with room for her to add what photos I didn't have.

She was so thrilled, she didn't realize it was created on recycled paper. I hope you like it too.

You should see what my design team sisters made - so many awesome projects that you won't believe they were recycled! These ladies really shocked me at such beautiful creations. Why not go check them out - just click here to get to Glue, Scissors, Paper -- join the challenge! It'll be fun! ;D

Something...

Ahh...the weekend is here. 'How you doin'?' ---in my best Wendy Williams' voice impersonation.

I thought I'd enter the Stamp Something challenge, as it is a sketch and I do love sketches! ;D

I colored my digital image with Copics and my papers are from DCWV - my favorite pack. Later, I'll be going to JoAnn Fabrics to see what sales they have so I can use those coupons! Don't you just love coupons - a marketing tactic to get us in there y'all - don't fall for it! HA! ;D

Over at Tellen's Place...

Ahhh...tomorrow is the first challenge of the year at Tellen's Place (my challenge blog) and if you haven't signed up to follow, you might consider it because all followers get in a special drawing each month - just for following. ;D

The design team has been busy preparing for the new year challenge. We're also gearing up for a new release of Tellen Design images (some will be freebies throughout the month to use in challenges) and we'll have our first blog hop soon to celebrate those new images! How sweet is that? Last month, we had a drawing for all who entered the challenges throughout the month, a drawing for all that made Top 3 and a drawing to all that had won a challenge. We also gave away prizes just for the heck of it - so stay tuned....YOU could be a lucky winner too! ;D

I'm entering this card at The SophistiCat's challenge where you just need to add your fancy borders to your project. The design team really came up with some great projects to inspire you, so head on over and get a feel for some sophiticated designs! ;p

Hearts A'Plenty

I guess you can tell by now how much fun I've had with Heather's sweet heart images for her release these past few days. If you haven't checked out her blog to see her creations and the others that have made things, you might want to take some time and check it out. Or, take a shortcut and head on over to the store to see all of the newbies. In fact, Heather has a nice variety of digital stamps for every occasion.

Heather is such a wonderful person. We've never met but don't you just love when you connect with a blogger and she becomes your friend? She's just such an adorable little lady.

I love the heart images because they don't have to be used just for Valentine's Day. I was thinking about the color purple and wanted to use it on a card for hubby. I thought I would put up a bunch of hearts and tell him I have a lot of heart for him - even when he's acting like King Mufasa! ;D I even popped on some bling in different colors. These were a lot of fun.

Happy Crafting everyone! ;D

Turtle Love...

"I'm in the mood for love...simply because you're near me..".--those are the lyrics to a song back in the '30's and though I wasn't born during that time, I love those black and white movies with the men dressed to the nines and the ladies elegantly fashioned all romantic with each other.

Heather's Coffee Break has released new images and I couldn't help but ink up to keep up with that time frame - her release and FREEBIES end Sunday, so head on over and get yourself some! Don't forget to stop in her store and check out her digi's - she is really fabulously talented. I just love her cute images. Look at my turtle card with a basket full of hearts. Don't you just love his visor.

I'll have another card tomorrow using one of her free images she's offering up. Check it out and look at the prizes she's giving away - such a lovely way to bring in the new year - fun stuff y'all! ;d