Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge and a BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

This is pretty exciting!

I'm one of two guest designers for the Sketch Challenge at Taylored Expressions today!

The sketch is above, along with my take on it. It was definitely a fun sketch. I used a Sizzix original die to make the pink border, and the stamp set is "Chillax" by Taylored Expressions. The "Happy Birthday" is from the TE set "It's a Banner Day 1". I started this card with the idea it would be for Eric's birthday, since today he celebrates his 35th!!! Happy Birthday, honey! Eric loves to test out new and different mixed drink recipes with his Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker I got him for Christmas. However, the color scheme didn't really fit a masculine card, so I opted for a different card that I will post later (at least after I give it to him!)

Please come to Splitcoaststampers and play along with the challenge!!! Here are the details about the challenge (and the potential prize!) from Taylor:


1. Create a card using the sketch as inspiration. Feel free to switch up the shape or size of your card. As long as your project follows the general sketch, you’re good to go! You may play as many times as you want. Each upload will be entered into our weekly drawing, so the more you create - the better chance you have of winning the PRIZE!

2. Upload your project to Splitcoaststampers before 8pm PST on Thursday, May 26th using keyword TESC138. Feel free to come back to this thread and link your creation, however, make sure you’ve uploaded it using the correct keyword as that’s how we’ll choose the winner.

3. You’re not required to use TE Stamps on your project, but I love it when you do! And if you’re drawn as our weekly winner and you’ve used TE Stamps on your project you’ll get a little sumpin’ sumpin’ extra (see below)!

The PRIZE!!

1. We will randomly select one person from all of the challenge uploads to receive a $10 gift certificate to the TE Store!

2. If you used predominantly TE Stamps on your project you’ll receive an extra $10 bonus for a total $20 gift certificate to the TE Store.

Also, remember to use keyword tayloredexpressions whenever you upload your TE creations. This will include you in the TE customer gallery here on SCS!


Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and please check out the following blogs - my card absolutely pales in comparison to these ladies and I'm so honored to be included with such a talented group!

• Dawn Easton http://treasureoilerdesignz.blogspot.com/
• Jami Sibley http://jami.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
• Lisa Hjulberg http://lisahjulberg.blogspot.com/
• Lori Craig http://loricraig.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
• Melissa Sauls http://www.instampingmode.com/
• Monika Davis http://stampnmad.typepad.com/mad_stamper
• Rachel Sztonyk http://www.gingerbreadgallery.blogspot.com/
• Taylor VanBruggen http://www.tayloredexpressions.blogspot.com/
  
• Tracy Clemente http://www.eatsleepstamp.typepad.com/
• Guest Samplers: Molly Joly, (hey, that's me!
• Iwona Palamountain http://ipalamountain.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much to Taylor for letting me play along!

Another Scrapbooking/Crafting Friends project!

Hello again!

I've got another card using a digi stamp collection designed by Sarah Paris. The collection is entitled "Clocks and Watches." This was quite an interesting set to work with! I can imagine lots of cute tongue in cheek birthday cards for my Father and Grandfather, and other older guys.

I hope you enjoy it!

It's been awhile!

It's been quite a while since my last blog post. I've been such a bad blogger! Since my last post, I've been very busy! Summer road trip, lots of crafting, lots of family time, and some ME time!

Here's a card for the Scrapbooking/Crafting Friends DT using a Chi Chi Memories digi stamp set called "Summer Fun." What an adorable set! In addition to the Chi Chi Memories stamp, I used Basic Grey patterned paper and Thickers.

Enjoy!

More Cards

Well, I spent Saturday in Lennox with the TLC gals. Had a great time as always!

I managed to finish a dozen cards. I used the new Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety stamps from Unity which coordinate with the Cosmo Cricket paper line of the same name.

I just love the bright colors!

I also broke out my new PaperTrey Ink stamps. My design is not original by any means - I think I found it on one of the design team members blogs and fell in love with the Up, Up and Away set! I also used the cloud and hot air balloon dies and am thrilled with the result.





The Papertrey Ink "Take Three: Summer" worked beautifully for me, too. I was into the blues and reds Saturday, I guess! Once again, this was a design I came across on one of the DT's blogs, I'm sure.





On a funny note, when I was leaving for the crop on Saturday, I commented to Eric that I felt guilty I hadn't been scrapbooking much lately, that I'd only been making cards. His response?

"It's a hobby. How can there be guilt in your hobby?"

Well said, baby, well said.

Happy (early) St. Patrick's Day!

Since I haven't blogged in such a long time, I thought I would share a few cards I made and sent out for St. Patrick's Day.

The patterned paper is from the Reminisce "Lucky Me" line from this year. The leprechaun stamp and "Happy St. Patrick's Day" stamps are from a Stampin' Up set, while the Miss Anya and Mermaid Anya are from The Greeting Farm. The images from The Greeting Farm are perfect for using copic markers - especially for someone like me with less than pefect coloring skills!

Watch out, Clark Griswold!

Okay, so Clark doesn't really have anything to worry about, but I am so excited:

OUR HOUSE HAS OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!!

Strange, you say? Doesn't everyone?

I have NEVER had outdoor lights and it is something I've always wanted to do - I just never knew where to start. So, after seeing pictures of my "little brother" Justin putting up HIS lights, I asked him if he'd be willing to help out. We went to Wal-Mart to get all the fixings - the lights, clips, timer, etc, etc. All the things a seasoned outdoor light decorator knows, but something of which I had no clue.

Justin and Brian stopped by last night, ready to decorate.

And decorate they did!

I almost wanted to cry by the time they were done because the lights look so beautiful! Those two toughed it out in the cold so I could have my outdoor light display.

Check out that "J" of lights in the tree!

I would still love to find an outdoor Nativity scene. Maybe next year. Maybe I'll find one on clearance at the end of the season. Hey, maybe I'll find a big inflatable or two to put out next year, too. Or one of those signs that flash "MERRY CHRISTMAS" or the projector to shoot images onto the garage.

Maybe Clark does have some up and coming competition...

As long as Brian and Justin will do it all again next year!

So Thankful.

Dear God, thank you for blessing me with a wonderful family - a loving, devoted husband, three beautiful, healthy children. May I never take the blessings in my life for granted.