Designs by Nanny

Girly Girl Card

2010-11-12T11:59:00.000-06:00

Our granddaughter Sarabeth is having her birthday party tomorrow. She is going to be 7 years old! Sarabeth is our girly girl and I wanted to make a card for her with glitter and sparkle. The challenge this week at Delightful Challenges is to Glitter It Up so this fit right in with what I wanted to do for Sarabeth. I used this week's sketch #128 at Friday Sketchers for the layout of the card. The sparkley paper is from a DCWV All Dressed Up stack and I used the Hannah Montana cartridge to cut the guitar.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Cindy Loo Flourish

2010-11-06T14:53:00.000-05:00

The challenge this week at Bitten By The Bug 2 is to use a flourish from the Cindy Loo cartridge. The challenge called for the flourish on page 30; however, I love the flourish on page 40 and decided to use that one instead. The paper came from my scrap paper stash and I used two different Cuttlebug embossing folders to emboss paper to give some dimension. I added a Prima stack and the sentiment was cut using the Wild Card cartridge. For the card design inspiration, I used a card in the Papercrafts The Best of Card Creations that I just got this week.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Unscripted Sketches #77

2010-10-17T16:35:00.000-05:00

Saturday's challenge at Unscripted Sketches was a piggyback challenge -- use the color pink as the main color on the card created using sketch #77 to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here is my card which I will be sending to a cousin who is recovering from major surgery.

Unscripted Sketches also had a blog hop for Breast Cancer Awareness this weekend. There were lots of great projects created by the participants.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Red, Green and White Challenge

2010-10-12T12:51:00.000-05:00

The current challenge at Delightful Challenges is a color challenge using the colors red, green and white. I don't normally use stickers but a couple of months ago I happened upon a sale at Michaels of a value pak of Jolee dimensional stickers. The price was too good to pass up so I bought a pak for myself and one for my daughter. There are some really great Christmas stickers in the pak and I decided to use a couple for this challenge. This card was super quick and easy to make but I really like the way it turned out.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Saturday Projects

2010-10-09T15:08:00.000-05:00

I started my Saturday off by doing the Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Blog Hop. Lots of great projects and some super blog candy up for grabs. The hop lasts thru Monday so hop on over and check it out here.

When I finished the blog hop, I finally had my inspiration for the Bitten by the Bug 2 challenge. This week's challenge is to use the pointed hand cut from the Graphically Speaking cartridge. I don't have this cartridge so I used the pointed hand cut on Everyday Paper Dolls cartridge to make a Think Pink card.

Challenge #45 at Cricut Cardz Challenge is to make a Thanksgiving card using any cartridge and any colors. I combined this challenge with sketch #76 at Unscripted Sketches. I used the Create a Critter cartridge for the turkey.

This is my creative Saturday. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Cricut Cardz Challenge/Delightful Challenges

2010-10-03T15:38:00.000-05:00

This past week is the first time that I have visited Cricut Cardz Challenge. The weekly challenge is to make s-fold or z-fold card for Halloween using any cartridge and colors. I have never tried making a card using one of these folds so I was definitely working outside my comfort zone when I started working on my card. The weekly challenge at Delightful Challenges is a color challenge using purple, green, and black. Since these colors lend themselves to Halloween I decided to combine the two challenges.

I don't have any Halloween paper so I used cardstock which has a very light texture to it from a Paper Studio paper pad. I then embossed using two different Cuttlebug embossing folders. I used the Happy Haunting cartridge for the ghost, pumpkins and sentiment.

I am pleased with the way the card turned out so maybe I'll try some more folds like this.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

BBTB2 & Papertake Weekly Challenge

2010-09-30T20:33:00.000-05:00

The challenge this week at Bitten By The Bug 2 is to use the sewing machine on the Heritage cartridge. I got excited about this challenge because I actually have this cartridge and could participate. I love this sewing machine cut...it reminds me of my wonderful vintage Singer Featherweight sewing machine that I was lucky enough to buy at an auction last year. I combined this challenge with this week's sketch challenge at Papertake Weekly Challenge. It has taken me all week to get my card made but I finally have the finished product.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Fabulous Blog Candy

2010-09-27T06:14:00.000-05:00

Digital Delights is giving away some awesome Blog Candy -- Nursery Rhymes Cricut Cartridge and a complete Nursery Rhyme Set of Digital Stamps. Check it out here.

Have a great week!

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Card Patterns #83 and Unscripted Sketches #74

2010-09-26T14:11:00.000-05:00

Some cards that I made this weekend for sketch challenges.

Card Patterns Sketch #83

Recipe:

K & Company Que Sera Sera Specialty Paper and Card Stock

Scallop border punch

Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder

Cricut Stamping Cartridge for circles

Prima Flowers

Brad

Self stick gems

Grosgrain Ribbon

Unscripted Sketches #74

Recipe:
K & Company Happy Trails Specialty Paper pad and cardstock
Cricut Plantin Schoolbook, Accent Essentials, and Stamping cartridges
Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder and flower border embossing folder
Recollections mulberry paper flowers
Bronze brad
Self stick gems

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Friday Sketchers #121

2010-09-25T13:56:00.000-05:00

I decided to do a Halloween card for this week's sketch at

Friday Sketchers.

The ghost was cut on my Cricut using the Happy Hauntings cartridge.

I got my new Cricut Design Studio software installed this morning. I'm looking forward to finding the time to see just what all I can do with it.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Friday Sketchers #119

2010-09-13T07:09:00.000-05:00

Here is the card that I made this weekend using sketch #119 at Friday Sketchers. The coordinating paper is from a "me & my Big ideas" paper pad. I used a Stampabilities stamp for the sentiment and added Primas, brads, and self-stick gems.

It's Monday and back to work. Weekends are just not long enough. Have a good week everyone.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Unscripted Sketches #72

2010-09-12T12:05:00.000-05:00

Here is the card that I made using this week's Unscripted Sketches sketch #72. I wanted to use colors that reminded me of Autumn and I teamed paper from a K & Company paper pad with dark brown cardstock. I used my Stretch Your Imagination cartridge to cut the leaves, then used a Cuttlebug embossing folder to give them some texture and inked the edges with Tea Dye distress ink. Lastly, I added mulberry paper flowers fastened with bronze brads. I am very pleased with the way the card turned out.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Card Patterns Sketch 80

2010-09-09T16:06:00.000-05:00

For this card using Card Patterns sketch #80, I once again went thru my scrap paper and used embossing folders on the solid cardstock. The K & Company butterfly sticker is stacked on top of a flower frenzy.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICS81 and Friday Sketchers

2010-09-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

This card was made using Inspirational Card Sketches sketch #81. The paper came from my stash of scrap paper. I added a Prima flower stack fastened with a brad and some grosgrain ribbon.

For this card, I used Friday Sketchers sketch #118. It was a perfect design to use scrap papers from my scrap stash. The sentiment was computer generated

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

2 CUTE 2 SPOOK Halloween Challenge

2010-09-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

This week's challenge at Delightful Challenges is to create a card using this challenge -- 2 CUTE 2 SPOOK. Here is my card. I used the following to make the card: solid color cardstock from my stash; Cricut Happy Hauntings cartridge; Cuttlebug embossing folder; Halloween ribbon; and hot fix crystals.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

One Card -- Three Challenges

2010-08-31T20:01:00.000-05:00

For this card, I used Card Patterns Sketch 79. It also satisfies the challenge at Delightful Challenges -Girly with pearls and lace and The Papertake Weekly Challenge which is a recipe of 3-2-1. I used 3 flowers, 2 papers and 1 lace.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Friday Sketchers Challenge

2010-08-22T09:15:00.000-05:00

For this card using Friday Sketchers Challenge #116, I used a cameo cut and corner accents from the Heritage cartridge. The paper is plain cardstock from my paper stash and I embossed the red circle with a Cuttlebug embossing folder. Then I added paper flowers and pearls.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

BBTB2 and ICSketch

2010-08-21T12:04:00.000-05:00

The challenge this week at Bitten by the Bug 2 was to use the cup on the Joys of the Season cartridge. I had a hard time coming up with a way to use it; finally decided to use it as a small vase for a bouquet of flowers. For the card design I used this week's Inspirational Card Sketch #79.

One of my friends at work has a birthday in just a few days and I plan to give this card to her.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

BBTB2 Dinosaur Challenge & Unscripted Sketches #67

2010-08-08T03:06:00.000-05:00

The challenge this week at Bitten by the Bug 2 is to use the dinosaur cut on the Paper Dolls Dress Up cartridge. I combined this challenge with sketch #67 at Unscripted Sketches and came up with this card. The sentiment is from the Calligraphy cartridge.

Luck, Love and Laughter,

Judy

White and Bright Challenge and Card Patterns Sketch 76

2010-08-07T15:21:00.000-05:00

This week's challenge at Papertake Weekly Challenge is to have some white on the project and at least one lovely bright color. I used this color challenge to create a card using Card Patterns sketch 76. The adorable mouse that I used can be found on the Cricut Create a Critter cartridge. The felt flowers are Jolee dimentional stickers.

You need to check out this fabulous back to school blog hop going on this weekend. There's lots of nice blog candy up for grabs.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Project of the Week

2010-08-03T20:07:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited.......I got an email today telling me that my card had been picked as project of the week on the Bitten by the Bug 2 site. Click on the blinkie and it will take you to the site.

We're sweltering in the heat here in Arkansas. It's 8:00 at night and the temperature is still above 100. Forecast for the next couple of days is for 105 or thereabouts. Just way too hot.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Card Patterns Sketch 74

2010-07-26T20:33:00.000-05:00

Here is the card that I made using Card Patterns sketch 74. I used a cut from the Cindy Lou cartridge for the image, did some embossing with the Swiss Dots embossing folder, and added flowers and pearls.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Delightful Challenges

2010-07-25T14:07:00.009-05:00

This week's challenge at Delightful Challenges is

Its So Simple~

No Designer Paper or Embellishments

Have you thought about making a card using only cardstock -- no designer paper, flowers, buttons, brads, ribbon, stickers, etc? It can be a challenge and really test our creativity.

I sat down with solid color cardstock, my Cricut, and my Cuttlebug and came up with this card.

The owl and frame were cut using the Cindy Loo cartridge and the "Hello" sentiment is on the Stamping cartridge. I used an embossing folder on the background paper. I'm pleased with the way it turned out and may just try some more "simple" cards.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Kazan's Sketch #57

2010-07-25T09:11:00.003-05:00

I didn't make the Friday deadline for entering a card in the challenge at 2 Sketches 4 You but I decided to go ahead an make a card using Kazan's sketch. I came across this one sheet of double sided paper while sorting some paper and thought it was so bright and happy. I used the Accents Essentials cartridge border cut and embossed it with Swiss Dots. The addition of flowers and self stick gems completed the card.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Two for One

2010-07-22T18:35:00.003-05:00

The challenge this week at Bitten by the Bug 2 is to use the hinge cut on the Fabulous Finds cartridge. For my card design, I used Inspirational Card Sketches sketch #75. I decided not to use an image on the card, just let the focus be on the paper which is from a Me and My Big Ideas paper pad. I did use an embossing folder on some cardstock and the border cut from the Accents Essential cartridge in additional to the hinge cut.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Papertake In the Garden Challenge

2010-07-18T10:06:00.002-05:00

The theme for the Papertake Weekly Challenge is IN THE GARDEN :-) so anything outdoors really ,,, flowers, birds, trees :-). I decided to use the bird cut on the Cricut Create a Critter cartridge for my garden theme. Isn't she just adorable? I lifted the basic card design and sentiment from a card in the July/August PaperCrafts magazine by Maren Benedict.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

BBTB2, Card Patterns 73, & ICSketches 74

2010-07-17T18:38:00.004-05:00

The Bitten by the Bug 2 challenge this week is to use the Storybook Owl cut. My daughter Robin just got this cartridge and she brought it to me to use when she came to visit today. I did a two for one and used today's Card Patterns Sketch 73 for the design of the card. The paper came from my scrap paper stash. I love the look of the stripes placed on the diagonal.

For this week's Inspirational Card Sketches sketch, I used a cut of the sun from the Create A Critter cartridge. The paper on this card also came from my scrap stash.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

All Star Card

2010-07-10T11:07:00.003-05:00

Our grandson Jesse will be 14 years old on Monday. Jesse is our baseball player, playing on a tournament team in the Spring and Summer. This Spring he tried out and made the Freshman Baseball team at his school. With this in mind, I wanted his card to have a baseball theme. So using Friday Sketchers sketch #110 as a basis for the card design, I cut a silhouette of a ball player at bat using the Cricut Baseball cartridge and mounted it with foam dots to give it some dimension. I also cut the phrase "All Star" and used Stickles on the star for some sparkle. Then added grosgrain ribbon and silver brads.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketches #72 and Card Patterns Sketch #71

2010-07-04T07:20:00.004-05:00

I used this week's sketch at Inspirational Card Sketches to make this card. I really like the layering effect of the sketch. The butterfly was cut using the Cricut Stamping cartridge and I used some distress ink on it and added pearls.

This next card was made using Card Patterns Sketch 71. I really liked the simplicity of the sketch and it was quick to put together.

Happy 4th of July. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

ICSketch #71

2010-06-27T20:56:00.004-05:00

I made this card the middle of the week but just haven't had a chance to take a picture and post it. As always, Dawn at Inspirational Card Sketches had another great sketch posted on Tuesday and I used it for this card.

I haven't made any cards this weekend. My Hubby has decided that we need to get back into selling on eBay which we haven't done in quite some time. He went to an estate auction on Thursday and came home with some very nice things including several lovely Fenton pieces. We have spent the entire weekend working up listings. He has turned my craft room into a photography studio to take the pictures and I have been writing listings and scheduling them. We listed 4 items this weekend and have another 12 listings scheduled to upload to eBay throughout the week. And he is not finished yet!!!! We are listing almost everything as Buy It Now rather than an auction due to the lower listing fees for 30 day Buy It Now listings. I was shocked that a Fenton vase we listed Saturday sold within 2 hours of listing it. We should be so lucky with all our listings.

I am going to head off to bed....I am rather brain dead after so much eBaying. I hope everyone has a great week.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketches #70

2010-06-21T06:04:00.003-05:00

Here is a card that I made using another of Dawn's great sketches at Inspirational Card Sketches. In honor of the first day of summer, I decided to try my luck at making a very summery looking card.

Happy Monday everyone and have a great week.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Saturday Night Crop

2010-06-20T11:06:00.005-05:00

I joined my daughter Robin and several of her friends Saturday evening for a scrapbook crop. I had an absolutely wonderful time visiting with these ladies. While there, I made three cards using sketch challenges.

This first card used Laura's sketch 54 at 2 Sketches 4 You. I used paper from a My Mind's Eye paper pad and cardstock. Also used some cuts from the Cricut Accent Essential cartridge. I always love a red and black color combo.

The second card was done using Card Patterns sketch 69. I used paper from a K & Company designer pad and also a K & Company butterfly sticker. The ladies last night said this was a very elegant card.

I used Unscripted Sketches sketch # 60 for the last card that I made. Paper is from My Mind's Eye paper pad.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Unscripted Sketches #59

2010-06-18T19:53:00.003-05:00

While surfing for new (to me) blogs the other day, I found Unscripted Sketch It Saturday. The sketch posted last Saturday is really neat and I used it to make this card.

For some reason (probably due to my camera skills or lack thereof), the paper does not show up nearly as pretty as it actually is. But I am pleased with the way the card turned out.

I'll be visiting this blog again tomorrow for a new sketch.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Card Patterns Sketch 68

2010-06-17T20:17:00.004-05:00

While surfing blogs the other day, I came across a new, to me, weekly sketch blog called Card Patterns. I really liked the simplicity of this week's sketch and decided to use it to make a card. Here is my interpretation of the sketch.

Sketches are posted on Saturday and I will definitely be back to see the new sketch.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Friday Sketchers Challenge #106

2010-06-16T21:33:00.003-05:00

Here is a card I made tonight using sketch challenge #106 from Friday Sketchers.

I used several coordinating papers from My Minds Eye Complete Boy paper pad that I got over the weekend at Michaels. The sentiment was done on the computer and printed on vellum. I added a K & Company dragonfly, paper flowers, and brads.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Our Baby Robins

2010-06-15T19:38:00.005-05:00

Mama robin decided to build her nest on the top of a grapevine wreath hanging on our front door. We now have baby robins................................

Luck, love, and laughter,
Judy

Card Challenges

2010-06-12T19:43:00.007-05:00

No my friends, I did not drop off the face of the earth. I've just had a break from paper crafting, sewing, machine embroidery, and blogging. But the craft mojo is returning. I got a new Paper Craft magazine in the mail this past week and it worked wonders. This morning I got up, blogged for card challenges, and started making cards! Made two this morning then decided I really needed to make a run to Michaels. Came home and made two more cards. Here's the fruits of my labor today so it will be a long post.

Sketch Girl #19

The inspiration and sentiment for this card came from a card by Connie Vogt in the May 2010 CardMaker magazine. I incorporated her concept with the Sketch Girl sketch and I just love the way it turned out.

IC Sketches #69

I've always loved to use Dawn's sketches at Inspirational Card Sketches. I used her sketch this week to make this card.

Kazan's Sketch 54

I really like Kazan's sketch this week at 2 Sketches 4 You and I used it to make this Fathers Day Card which I will give to my hubby.

Bitten by the Bug 2

The challenge this week at Bitten by the Bug is to use the Sun cut from the Doodlecharms cartridge. Since I have the cartridge, I was able to take part. Here is what I came up with.

My next project will be to do a machine embroidery design on a shirt. I have lost weight and am having to build a new wardrobe.

Have a great rest of the weekend.

Luck, love, and laughter,

Judy

ICSketches #52

2010-02-07T12:11:00.004-06:00

Dawn has another great sketch this week at Inspirational Card Sketches and I used it for the layout for our great nephew Jonah's birthday card. He is turning 5 this week. I used paper from my paper stash, added brads for embellishment, and did the sentiment on the computer. The cowboy was cut using the Cricut Paper Doll Dressup cartridge.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

3 Product Challenge

2010-01-31T14:38:00.003-06:00

I'm just a little late with this one but the January 22nd challenge at Challenge U 2 was to use cardstock, patterned paper, and buttons. Here is the card that I made.

I lifted the idea for the positioning of the paper from the Smooches card in the January/February Paper Crafts magazine using red and black cardstock and two different patterned papers from my paper stash. I did some zig zag stitching and added Primas and buttons.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Delightful Sketch #15

2010-01-30T18:18:00.003-06:00

Today was my first time to visit Delightful Sketches and Challenges and I decided to play along using sketch #15 to make a card. The inspiration for the theme for the card came from the Hello Honey card in the January/February 2010 issue of Paper Crafts magazine. I used cardstock and the patterned paper came from a K & Company Carolyn Gavin designer paper pad. The cute bee was cut using the Cricut Paisley cartridge. The sentiment was done on the computer and I added self stick gems to the bee and a foam heart.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Laura's Sketch #44 & Friday Sketchers #87

2010-01-29T11:35:00.004-06:00

Today's a pajama day -- we are having freezing rain and sleet and they are saying we could get up to 3/4 inch of ice before turning to snow later today. We've got a little lull right now but they are saying that is going to start up again. That much ice can wreck havoc on trees and power lines. I just hope we don't wind up losing power. Needless to say, I am in the house for the duration.

I used Laura's sketch #44 (2 Sketches 4 You) for this card. This cute monkey is on the Cricut Paisley cartridge. The paper is from a K & Company Carolyn Gavin designer paper pad. I added some ribbon , flowers, and self stick gems for his buttons to finish it off.

For this next card, I used Friday Sketchers sketch #87. Jeanette provided this great sketch. The paper is also from the K & Company Carolyn Gavin designer paper pad. And don't you just love this frog that is on the Paisley cartridge? I mounted him with foam to give some dimension on top of a red heart doilie and added a foam heart to his chest.

It's almost time for the noon news and I am going to see what the latest is on the weather.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketches #51 and Papertake Weekly Challenge #33

2010-01-27T18:51:00.004-06:00

I got the Cricut Paisley cartridge last week and it has two adorable owl cuts which I used for the images on these two cards. Paper for both cards came from K & Company paper pads.

I used the Papertakes Weekly Challenge sketch #33 for this first card. Isn't this owl just the cutest thing?

For the second card, I used Inspirational Card Sketches sketch #51. This owl is so fat and sassy looking.

This cartridge is just wonderful...full of adorable dogs, monkeys, frogs, elephants, etc. I know that I will be using it a lot.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Pretty Pink Papertake Challenge

2010-01-23T15:37:00.005-06:00

Today was my first time to visit the Papertake Weekly Challenge and I decided to take part in this week's challenge which is a color challenge using the color pink. Other colors may be used as long as the card is predominately pink. I have some red heart doilies that I have been wanting to use so I mounted one on bright pink cardstock. I then stacked pink flowers on top of the doily and mounted with brads. Added some Valentine ribbon that I got at Michaels and some pink self stick gems. Even though this was a very simple card to make, I really like the way it turned out.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

BBTB2 Snowman & Friday Sketchers #86

2010-01-23T09:31:00.003-06:00

The Bitten by the Bug 2 challenge this week is to use the snowman on the Doodlecharms cartridge. I had lots of fun making him. I added hot fix crystals for his eyes and buttons and added a hat cut from the Paper Dolls Dress Up cartridge. For the card layout, I used this weeks's Friday Sketchers sketch #86. The paper is from a s.e.i. paper pad and I cut the oval on my Cricut. Then added some primas, brads, and self-stick gems.

I bought the Paisley cartridge this week at Michaels (on sale...yeah) and hope to have time this weekend to play around with it. It has some cute owl and frog cuts that I want to try.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. We're suppose to have rain and storms this afternoon.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketches #50

2010-01-21T20:51:00.003-06:00

My son-in-law Bill has a birthday in a few days. Dawn at Inspirational Card Sketches has a sketch this week with neat layering of paper and I decided to use this sketch for his birthday card. I always have a difficult time deciding on paper and embellishments for masculine cards but I searched my paper stash and found this paper in a K & Company Sea Glass paper pad and some cardstock in coordinating colors. The sentiment was done on the computer and the car is from the Cricut My World cartridge.

Follow up on Addie's broken thumb. Robin took her to the Orthopedic hand doctor at Children's Hospital yesterday for followup to Saturday's ER visit. She said her thumb was still pretty swollen. She is in a cast, a camo cast no less, and has to go back in 3 weeks for more x-rays.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Magical Monday - RGB'S

2010-01-18T18:45:00.006-06:00

Nina at There's Magic in the Air has an adorable free digital image today just perfect for a Valentine card. The challenge this week is to use the image on a card and add red ribbon, buttons, and glitter or something that sparkles. Instead of red ribbon, I used red rick rack. Then added red buttons, red self stick gems, and added sparkle with Stickles. All in all, I am pleased with the way the card turned out.

I've enjoyed my holiday from work today but unfortunately it will be back to work tomorrow.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Check This Out

2010-01-18T08:37:00.002-06:00

You need to hop on over to Norma's blog and check out the fabulous blog candy that she is offering. You can see it here.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Card Challenges

2010-01-18T00:09:00.008-06:00

Hurray! I got some mojo back Saturday night. I went to a small crop with my daughter Robin and her friends.

Here I am hard at work. I made three cards using challenges. I used Nina's freebie digital stamp image (There's Magic in the Air Magical Monday - Stripes). The challenge was to use Miss Kitty and to use stripes somewhere on the project besides Miss Kitty. Then I used Dawn's sketch #49 (Inspirational Card Sketches) for the layout. Love it when I can combine sketches!

Bitten by the Bug 2 has a contest right now. The challenge for the contest is to make a Valentine project using any Cricut cut that you want but there has to be purple somewhere on the project. I made a card using cuts from the Accent Essentials and the Stamping cartridges.

For my last card, I used Sketch Girl's sketch #10 and made just a basic thinking of you card. As soon as I finished with it, Robin told me she needed it to send to someone at work who had had surgery. I made her take a picture of it for me before letting her have it.

I'm looking forward to seeing the sketches that are posted this week and hope to get some more cards made.

Robin had to take our granddaughter Addie to the emergency room at Children's Hospital Saturday morning. It turns out she broke her thumb in PE Friday. But it didn't seem to be slowing her down any. She came with Robin to the crop and had a big time.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

I'm Still Here

2010-01-09T11:15:00.001-06:00

Wow, I can't believe how long it has been since I have posted to my blog......and how long it has been since I have done anything creative. I guess you could say that I have been in a real blue funk. The exercises that I have to do at cardiac rehab keep my degenerative lower back problems and my arthritis acting up all the time. I hurt quite a bit and am not moving around very well. I'm ready to see the light at the end of the tunnel so I can start water aroebics for my ongoing exercise program.

On a happy note, however....I got a very good report at my cardiologist appointment yesterday. He told me he is very proud of me. My cholesterol level has gone down so the Crestor and strict diet are working. The ultrasound of my heart shows that there has been improvement...it's not up to normal yet but I am no longer in the range of needing a defibulator. Yeah!!!!! I no longer have to worry about having to have that procedure done. And I have lost 20 pounds.

I hope to start getting creative soon. It is hard to find the time since I have cardiac rehab two times a week after work and I also try to get to my chiropractor at least one day a week after work. This makes for long days and I am usually ready to crawl in bed early.

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year....much health, wealth, and happiness. I will be visiting your blogs very soon to see what everybody has been up to.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

ICSketch #44

2009-11-27T06:35:00.003-06:00

My granddaughter, Sarabeth, had a birthday this week. I can't believe she is six years old!!! I used Dawn's sketch (Inspirational Card Sketches) to make her birthday card. Minnie Mouse was cut on the Cricut using the Mickey and Friends cartridge.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T11:05:00.003-06:00

May the bounty of the season fill your heart and your home.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketch #42

2009-11-15T12:11:00.003-06:00

I needed a birthday card for a young man in my office who will be 39 tomorrow and decided to use Dawn's ICSketch #42 to make the card.

I know I have been MIA from blogging recently. I went back to work on November 2nd and that was an exhausting week for me. Then last Monday my dear mother-in-law passed away and her funeral was on Wednesday. There was a lot of family in town for her funeral and needless to say, it was another exhausting week.

And according to my doctor, my lack of interest lately in cardmaking, machine embroidery, sewing, and blogging (all things that I love to do) is a natural part of the depression that I am expierencing after my heart attack. He says it will take me at least three months to work through it. So please bear with me and my erractic postings.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Goodbye to Mollie

2009-11-11T07:39:00.003-06:00

Today we will lay my dear mother-in-law Mollie to rest beside her beloved Don. She gave up the hard fight early Monday morning and is at peace now.

My sister-in-law expressed it beautifully. She said she could picture her Daddy waiting there, holding out his hand for Mollie so they could go dancing.

Mollie on Valentine's Day, 2009

Judy

Tiger Girl

2009-10-29T14:11:00.003-05:00

I have finished Addie's tiger costume for Halloween. She will wear a long sleeve shirt under the sleeveless top -- she says she is wearing an orange top. Robin found a cute headband and tail set to complete the outfit.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Autumn Splendor and Happy Chanukah

2009-10-28T08:56:00.004-05:00

Nina has another wonderful free image this week at There's Magic In The Air and I used it to make a Thanksgiving card. I colored the image using Copics and Sharpies and added just a little bling to the flowers with Stickles.

The Nov/Dec 2009 issue of Scrapbooks Etc has a Chanukah card that I just had to copy. The candles in the menorah are scraps of ribbon. I cut small hearts on the Cricut for the flames and glittered them with stickles, then added a couple of really neat Star of David brads.

I received a desperate phone call from my daughter Robin last night. Could I make a Tiger costume for Addie for Halloween? They were at the store and had found some material. Naturally, Nanny said "Yes, of course I will make her a costume." Robin dropped the material off this morning on her way to work and that's what I will be working on today.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

IC Sketches #40

2009-10-27T14:49:00.003-05:00

I needed to make a birthday card today for the manager of our Little Rock production office. He will be 60 on Friday and since I won't be back to work until next week, I need to get it in the mail. Dawn's sketch today worked out just perfect for his card. You can see her sketch here. The patterned paper came from a K & Company Carolyn Gavin designer paper pad and I did the sentiment on the computer.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Happy Mail

2009-10-27T09:31:00.007-05:00

I was so pleasantly surprised with some happy mail from my friend Carol, ScrapMomof2. Carol, you really made my day shine on what had been a rather bleak day. Here is what she sent me.

Yesterday was a teacher workday at Addison and Sarabeth's school so the girls spent the day with Ronny and me. We had lots of fun and some rousing games of tic tak toe. Here's a picture I managed to get of them.

I have finished one Christmas tote made with quilt blocks pieced together and am working on a second one.

The doctor has released me to go back to work next Monday, Nov. 2nd.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

ICSketches #38

2009-10-19T10:34:00.004-05:00

My creativity mojo has up and left me this past week. I just haven't been able to settle down and get much done. I did manage to finally finish a card using Dawn's sketch #38 at Inspirational Card Sketches. I used paper from a Recollections Autum designer mat stack, primas, brads and buttons.

I also embroidered a couple of shirts for Addie and Sarabeth but didn't get pics of them before I gave them to the girls.

This morning I have been sitting in my craft room looking at the mess that seems to have taken over. I'm going to have to take some time to sort and organize (especially my fabric). I've got several projects in mind that I would like to work on while I am off work so I need to get myself organized and motivated.

I am feeling pretty good...just need to work on getting my strength back.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Magical Monday, Sketch Girl, 2S4U, & ICSketches

2009-10-07T07:41:00.007-05:00

Again, thank you all so much for your well wishes. I am feeling good but find I tire easily and get a little depressed at times. I have spent some time in my craft room the past couple of days and made some cards for challenges.

Nina has come up with another adorable freebie digital image this week at There's Magic In The Air. This one is titled Mouse Candy and I fell in love with it when I saw it. The challenge this week is to make a card using the image and the colors black, orange, and a third color of your choice. I decided combine two sketches into one card and used the Sketch Girl sketch #6 for the layout of the card.

This is a card that I made using Laura's sketch 36 at 2 Sketches 4 You. This was a very easy card to make. I used scraps from a DCWV All That Glitters paper pad and added a flower stack and some gems.

This last card was made using this week's Inspirational Card Sketch. Once again, this was an easy card to make and places emphasis of the selection of paper.

For a change in pace, I am going to try to get some machine embroidery done today. I'll see what I have in my stash to work on.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Thank You for Your Prayers

2009-10-04T17:20:00.002-05:00

Thank you for all your prayers and good wishes. It has meant so much to me to know that I have such wonderful friends who were pulling for me while I was undergoing a very scary medical event.

As Robin told you, I started experiencing chest pains while I was getting ready for work Wednesday morning. In a matter of minutes the pain kept intensifying. I woke Ronny up and told him I was having chest pains and asked him to call 911. You have to understand that, for me to do that, the pain was really bad and I was really scared. The fire department was the first to arrive and that was probably within 40 minutes of when I first started having pains. Then the EMT's arrived, started working on me, and transported me to the hospital.

According to my doctor, I had a massive heart attack which on the scale used to measure severity peaked at 64. Anything over 50 is considered massive. The good news is that it peaked at only 64, he was expecting it to peak at about 90. By mid morning he had me on the way to the Cath Lab and did a heart catherization which showed 100% blockage in an artery. While he had me on the table he put in a stent. Once that was in place, the pain finally went away.

I came home from the hospital yesterday and it was so good to be back home. I am slowly moving around the house as I feel like it but also taking it very easy.

The ultra sound showed that my heart is weaker than the doctor thought it would be so I need your continued prayers that medication and life changes strengthened it. And I do have some major life changes to make with diet and exercise. I will start cardiac rehab in a couple of weeks.

So for now, I am looking for appetizing low sodium, low cholesteral recipes, making grocery lists for Ronny, taking short walks throughout the house, and waiting for my concentration to return full force so I can sit in my craft room and make cards. I am blessed that I have a lot of extended leave time accrued at work so I don't have to worry about a paycheck while I recuperate.

God bless each and every one of you. And thank you for your continued prayers.

Love,
Judy

Update on Mom

2009-10-02T17:42:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts. We greatly appreciate everyone of them. Mom is doing well. She gets to come home tomorrow. I know she is ready to get out of the hospital. I am sure she will update when she feels like it. Again, thank you for all of your prayers!--robin

Prayers for Judy

2009-09-30T21:15:00.002-05:00

Hi, this is Robin aka robindiane, Judy's daughter. Mom had a massive heart attack this morning. She was having chest pains while she was getting ready for work. She woke up my dad and had him call 911. Fortunately, she did not wait any longer than she did. She had 100% blockage in one of her arteries. The doctor was able to put in a stent. She is in CCU but she is responding well. Hopefully, she will be moved to a regular room tomorrow. I will keep you updated. Please say an extra prayer for Judy!

Dancing Hearts

2009-09-28T18:04:00.003-05:00

Today's Magical Monday free image at There's Magic In The Air is called Dancing Hearts and the challenge is to make it sparkle. When I saw the image I immediately thought of an anniversary card. I knew I didn't want a red and white Valentine color scheme so started looking through my stash for something different and a little offbeat. I found some stripe paper that I liked and solid cardstock to go with it. This then gave me my color scheme for the image which I colored with colored pencils. Since the challenge was to make it sparkle, I went over portions of the image with stickles. The sentiment was cut on the Cricut using the Stamping cartridge. I added some more sparkle with gems and one flower stack. And here you have the results which can be used for an anniversary or even a non-traditional Valentine's card.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

BBTB Blog Hop

2009-09-28T11:37:00.002-05:00

I have the day off today and what better way to spend some of my down time than taking part in the Bitten By the Bug blog hop. I must admit that this is the first time I have ever done a blog hop and what fun it has been. So everyone, hop on over to Bitten By the Bug and see what the DT has done. Go visit their blogs -- they all have some wonderful blog candy up for grabs.

How do you like my Halloween look? My daughter Robin did it for me.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Friday Sketchers #71 and More

2009-09-26T08:45:00.007-05:00

I challenged myself this week to use at least two cuts from my Cricut on each card that I made. I decided that this is the only way that I am really going to become more comfortable using it.

Jeanette is the host this week at Friday Sketchers and she has a really wonderful sketch. The DT has some really wonderful cards that you need to check out. I decided to make a Christmas card using the sketch. For my image, I used the gingerbread man on the Stretch Your Imagination cartridge. I gave him a red bow tie and used red mini brads for his buttons. The sentiment was cut from the Beyond Birthdays cartridge. The patterned paper is from a Provo Craft pad.

I made this card for a cousin's birthday next week. The paper is from a K & Company Que Sera Sera pad. The butterfly was cut from the Stamping cartridge as was the sentiment. I cut the butterfly out of solid color paper and then cut a shadow out of patterned paper. Gems were placed down the back. I used stickles on the wings to give a little glitter and then did some distressing with Tea Dye distress ink after the stickles had dried. Ribbon and flowers were added.

This card was also made using paper from the K & Company Que Sera Sera pad and the Stamping cartridge. This is quickly becoming my favorite cartridge. I used the butterfly cut again adding gems to the back and mounted it on the card with small foam dots. The sentiment is also on the Stamping cartridge.

I couldn't get a very good pic of this last card. It looks much better than the pic shows. The frame was cut using Accent Essentials, the sentiment is on the Stamping cartridge as are the small butterflies. I lifted an idea from my friend Carole for the flower. I cut several flowers which are on the Walk in My Garden cartridge increasing the size 1/2 inch for each cut. I then embossed the flowers with the Swiss Dots embossing folder.

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. We finally have some sunshine so it should be a great weekend.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketch #35 and BBTB

2009-09-22T21:02:00.004-05:00

As always, Dawn has come up with another great sketch this week for the Inspirational Card Sketches challenge. I decided to combine her challenge with the dragonfly challenge at Bitten by the Bug. The challenge calls for using the dragonfly cut from the Camp Out cartridge and the wings have to be polka dot. Well, I had to fudge a little bit 'cause I don't have this cartridge. But there is a dragonfly on the Doodlecharms cartridge. Granted the dragonfly is shaped a little differently from the one on the Camp Out cartridge but I think it adds a nice touch to my card. Here is the finished project.

One of my friends at work has a birthday next week and I plan to give this card to her.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Magical Monday - Eldon with Flower

2009-09-21T20:44:00.003-05:00

Nina has done it again with another cute free image at There's Magic in the Air just waiting for you to snag. This image called Eldon with Flower is an adorable caterpillar perched on an overturned flower pot. For my card using Eldon, I colored him using colored pencils and lightly went over some of the coloring with blue stickles so give him a little umph. The plaid paper is from a big box of K & Company paper that I got on ebay. Pop on over here and see the wonderful cards that the design team made using Eldon.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Another BBTB Contest Card

2009-09-20T13:06:00.004-05:00

Here is my second card that I have made for the great contest at Bitten by the Bug. As I told you in yesterday's post, there is a great contest where you use a vintage image from Peggy Loves Vintage along with at least one cut from any of the Cricut cartridges. For this card, I cut a frame for the image using the Accents Essential Cartridge and then embossed it using the Swiss Dots embossing folder. I cut the sentiment using Beyond Birthdays cartridge. I love Peggy's vintage images...they are so sweet.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Friday Sketchers #70

2009-09-20T12:44:00.004-05:00

It seems like I have been on a card making frenzy this weekend. The arthritis in knees and hip has really been acting up with the low pressure and damp weather that has been sitting on top of us for days so I have spent most of my time staying off my feet. And what better way to do that than crafting. I even took the time to get my flowers, brads, and buttons organized.

My Cricut jukebox that I ordered came Friday and oh wow, I love it. It makes using the Cricut so much more convenient. I have probably used the Cricut more these past two days than I have in the last six months.

Friday Sketchers has a great sketch this week by Jacque. I used it to make two Halloween cards. On this first card, the ghost was cut using the Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge and I used the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge to cut the oval. The ribbon is some that I got last year at Hancock Fabrics. Flowers, brads, and gems completed the embellisments.

For the second card, I flipped the sketch and once again used the Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge to cut the fence and black cat. I added some Halloween ribbon from Hancock Fabrics, flowers, brads, and gems.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

BBTB Contest

2009-09-19T17:25:00.003-05:00

OMG.......you have to check out the latest Bitten by the Bug contest sponsored by Peggy Loves Vintage. Create a project of your choice using one of four adorable vintage images provided and use at least one Cricut cut from any of the many cartridges. Two lucky winners will get to choose three sets from Peggy's two Etsy shops. You can submit two projects. I have finished my first card for the contest.

I cut the frame for the image using the Accents Essential cartridge and also cut a swirl using the same cartridge. I inked edges, added gems and Primas. Isn't she a sweet little angel?

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketches #34 and Just Christmas & Birthday #45

2009-09-17T21:15:00.005-05:00

I got a new Cricut cartridge today, Stamping, and decided to use it for this weeks Inspirational Card Sketch. The owl and the sentiment were cut using the cartridge.

Here is the card that I made using this week's Just Christmas and Birthday Cards sketch #45.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Friday Sketchers 69

2009-09-12T18:11:00.001-05:00

I decided to do another Halloween card this afternoon and created this one using this week's sketch from Friday Sketchers.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

2 Sketches 4 You Sketch #34

2009-09-12T14:26:00.004-05:00

It's been a long time since I took part in the sketch challenges at 2 Sketches 4 You and I decided to use Laura's sketch #34 to make my first Halloween card of the season. The paper came from my stash and I used a K & Company demensional sticker of a witch. The spider and lettering were cut on the Cricut.

I also made a card using Latisha's bonus sketch. I used paper from a K & Company Marcella pad. The image was stamped using a stamp from Hot Off the Press Vintage Ladies set. I colored her with Copics and then used pink stickles very lightly over her dress for a little sparkle. Then carefully cut her out and mounted her. I think she is just marvelous.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Sketch Girl #4

2009-09-10T21:06:00.004-05:00

I put together this card this evening using sketch #4 from Sketch Girl using paper from a DCWV All Dressed Up paper stack. I added a flower stack fastened with a brad. A very simple, quick to assemble card.

I spent all day in the truck today riding along with hubby. We headed out up I-40 about 8:00 this morning and stopped at the Hanes Brand plant in Clarksville to shop in the employee store. Found a few good bargains there. From there we cut over to Greenwood where he conducted a foreclosure sale at the courthouse at noon. When we left Greenwood, we headed to Van Buren so he could announce a postponement of a foreclosure sale scheduled at 1:15.

We found a scrapbook store in Van Buren just down the street from the courthouse and stopped to browse before heading back home. I picked up a few things there. Got back home about 4:00 and was very glad to get out of the truck.

Tomorrow afternoon we are going to an ice cream social honoring grandparents at Sarabeth and Addison's school.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketch #33 & Magic in the Air

2009-09-09T14:24:00.007-05:00

Nina has another adorable freebie image for you to snag this week at There's Magic in the Air. Her challenge is to make a card using the image on a sketch she has provided. Here is my take on the sketch.

As always, Dawn at Inspirational Card Sketches has another wonderful sketch this week. I used one of Nina's free images from a couple of weeks ago on this card.

And lastly, my son-in-law Danny has a birthday Friday. Here is the card that I made for him. And yes, I used another of Nina's freebie images from August on this card.

As you can tell, I have played catch up this week using Nina's freebies that I didn't have time to use during the week that they were posted. I must say I am getting more comfortable with coloring images. I have found if I use several different coloring techniques on one image -- copics, brush tip markers, ink, stickles, etc --that I wind up with a finished product that I am much happier with.

I am taking vacation days this week. I spent Monday and Tuesday trying to play catch up on some things in the house. I'm not worth very much today...feeling the effects of too much work for this old body along with bad allergy problems. I am going to ride along with hubby tomorrow when he heads to Northwest Arkansas to hold some foreclosure sales. We plan to stop in Clarksville at the Hanes Brands plant so I can shop at the employee store which is open to the public. You can get some really good deals there.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketch #32 and There's Magic in the Air

2009-09-02T19:19:00.003-05:00

Oh my gosh, it seems like forever since I have done a card challenge. Sewing projects have kept me busy and you can check my last post to see the latest one.

This week I have combined two challenges to make a card. I used Dawn's wonderful Inspirational Card Sketch #32 to use There's Magic in the Air adorable free digital image of Gigi. The challenge is to use Gigi on the card and also do some paper piecing.

I printed the image out twice and colored the first printout using Copics and dual brush pens. Then I colored the umbrella on the second printout, cut it out and mounted it on top of the first umbrella using foam dots. I used a foam makeup pad to spread blue ink for the water and then went over it lightly with blue Stickles. I very lightly chalked with blue for the sky. Overall, I am pleased with the way it turned out.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Cheerleading Uniforms

2009-08-30T18:17:00.004-05:00

I haven't had time the past week or so to be creative with card making. All of my spare time has been spent working on cheerleading uniforms for my five year old granddaughter Sarabeth and her friend Kelly. Both of the girls are taking cheerleading and are "mascots" for a cheerleading squad that cheers for one of the Future Panthers league teams in their town of Benton. This league is made up of 4th through 7th graders. Anyway the moms didn't really want to spend $125 on a uniform for a kindergartener so Joy asked me if I would make Sarabeth and Kelly's uniforms.

This turned into quite a project trying to get them to match as closely as possible the big girls uniforms. Now you know that I like to sew for fun but at some point working on these uniforms ceased to be fun. I think it was when I had to rip a zipper out because I had stitched it too close and it wouldn't open. These old eyes had a terrible time seeing the navy stitches on the navy material.

We took the uniforms to Joy this afternoon and I got a pic of Sarabeth in her uniform.

I was so happy that my new embroidery lettering software has some sports fonts and I was able to copy the style of lettering that the big girls uniforms have on them. I used ribbon to mimic the tri color braiding on the skirt and the top yolk.

I am so glad that this project is finished.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

First Day in Kindergarten

2009-08-19T17:10:00.002-05:00

Ya'll pop on over to my daughter Robin's blog and check out her wonderful post on my granddaughter Addison's first day at Kindergarten. She has posted some wonderful pics.
You can view it here.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

IC Sketch #29, Birthday Sewing, & Magical Monday

2009-08-11T20:28:00.012-05:00

Our little great-niece Raegan turns two years old this week and her birthday party is Saturday. I knew that I wanted to use Minnie Mouse on her card so I used the Cricut Mickey & Friends cartridge and cut and assembled her and also selected some paper that I wanted to use with her. I then decided to wait for this week's Inspirational Card Sketch to see if it would work for Raegan's card using Minnie. The sketch is perfect and here is my card.

Now for the reason that I wanted to use Minnie Mouse on the card. My new embroidery machine is a Disney machine so I have all these wonderful Disney designs to use. For her birthday present, I made Raegan a denim jumper and embroidered Minnie Mouse on it. I added ribbon trim and decorative stitching at the hem line. I also made her a matching hair bow. I 'm not sure she has enough hair yet for a bow but we will see.

While rummaging through my stash of sewing things, I found that I still had a child's pink ball cap. I embroidered Raegan's name on it and added a bow and some hot fix crystals to give it a little bling.

You need to check out this week's Magical Monday at There's Magic in the Air. Nina has another free digital image that you can snag. The challenge this week is to made a card using the image and a sketch that she has provided. Here is my take on the sketch.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Another Orson with Cake Card

2009-08-08T09:55:00.009-05:00

I love this printable stamp from There's Magic In The Air so much that I just had to make another card using it. I used a totally different color combo for this card and I think it really changed up the look. Check out my zig zag stitching -- it is straight!!!!! My new Duetta 4500D is fabulous stitching on paper. I even sewed the buttons on using it.

I am going to give this card to one of my co-workers who has a birthday next week. Here is the sentiment that I did on the computer for the inside of the card.

Time is running out for you to snag this adorable printable stamp freebie. So you need to pop on over here to get it while the getting is good. I can't wait to see what Nina will be offering on the next Magical Monday.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketch #28 and Sketch Girl #2

2009-08-06T19:15:00.005-05:00

Dawn's challenge this week at Inspirational Card Sketches was to make a Christmas card using her sketch. I rummaged around and found a me & my Big ideas pad of Christmas paper left over from last year and used paper from the pad for my card. I stamped and colored a couple of Christmas trees using a stamp from a Paper Studio set of Christmas stamps. I then added a couple of gems and used some Stickles.

This next card was done using sketch #2 at Sketch Girl. I love the black, white and red color combo -- I think it looks very elegant. The black and white paper is from the DCWV The All Dressed Up stack. I then used the Accents Essential cartridge to cut the black and red flourish and background for it. A red flower stack finished it off.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Orson with Cake

2009-08-05T05:51:00.004-05:00

My blogging friend Curt, Curt's World, has been selected to be on the design team for a new card challenge site. This is a well deserved honor as Curt's talent and creativity is truly amazing. This new blog is There's Magic in the Air. This week there is an adorable free printable stamp called Orson with Cake. The challenge is to create a card using the printable stamp with a theme of "celebrate". Here is my card which really was a challenge for me to create.

As I said, this card was quite a challenge for me. I rarely use colored images on cards as this is way outside my comfort zone. It took me 3 tries to come up with one that I would use. First, I tried using colored pencils and did not like the way it looked at all. Then I used Copics. I liked the look but had difficulty staying within the lines so it was very messy looking. Finally on the third try, I had a colored image using Copics that didn't embarrass me. I then gave the icing and flame a little punch with Stickles. The wonderful Celebrate stamp is by That's Jazzy Stamp Dreams.

I hear thunder rumbling outside so I guess we're in for more rain today. According to the weather on TV, we must have had some storms during the night. Thankfully, I slept through it.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Mickey Tote and Monogramed Towels

2009-08-01T20:21:00.010-05:00

I finished the Mickey Mouse tote this morning. As I said in an earlier post, my daughter, Robin, laid claim to this tote bag when she saw the embroidery work finished earlier in the week. I think he turned out cute.

I also monogramed a set of towels today. My hubby went through the fonts on my new embroidery lettering software and picked out this font to use on the towels. He also selected the thread to use.

My new super duper machine.

The finished product.

I've still got lots of sewing projects to work on. I spent my lunch hour yesterday at Hancocks with my daughter Joy. She got material for several projects for Mom to do -- mini flags, cheerleading costume for Sarabeth, tote bags, etc. Plus, I have some that I want to do for myself.

But, I think I'll do a couple of card challenges before I do any more sewing/embroidery.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

New Machine - Quilted Tote Bag

2009-07-30T21:23:00.004-05:00

I got a new embroidery/sewing machine on Monday -- Brother Duetta 4500D. This is one fantastic machine. Push a button to thread it, push a button to raise or lower the pressure foot, push a button to cut thread, etc. You name it, it has lots of bells and whistles! Now there is nothing wrong with my ULT2001; it was serviced just last month and is in excellent condition. But hubby made up his mind that I should be upgraded to a newer machine so he started looking for the best deal that he could find. My Brother ULT2001 is for sale.

I just finished my first project tonight using the new machine. I have been wanting to take a baby step with quilting by making a quilted tote bag. I have been working on this tote all week whenever I had a little time to spare...getting the blocks cut and sewed together, then quilting it using fusible fleece for the backing, and finally actually making the tote. For my first attempt at quilting, I think it turned out pretty good.

I have a second project started, another tote bag and have the embroidery done on it. Since my new machine is a Disney machine, I embroidered Mickey Mouse. Robin has already staked a claim to it so I will finish it for her this weekend.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Friday Sketchers #62

2009-07-25T17:24:00.009-05:00

My boss has a birthday in a couple of weeks and I decided to use this week's sketch at Friday Sketchers to make a birthday card for him. The paper is from a K & Company designer pak. I used the old time car on the My World Cricut cartridge and used some Tea Dye Distress Ink to give it a more distressed or vintage look. Then completed it with a few buttons and a strip of grosgrain ribbon.

My boss and I are of the same Baby Boomer generation, although I think I have a "couple" of years on him. With that in mind, the verse that I used on the inside of the card says "Birthdays are good for you, the more you have, the longer you live."

I've got to spend a little time tonight straightening and putting up paper supplies in my craft room so I have space to work on machine embroidery and sewing projects. Plan to devote most of my time the next week or so working in that medium. So I may or may not be posting cards for a few days.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Sketch Girl Sketch #1

2009-07-24T06:41:00.006-05:00

My friend Carol (ScrapMomof2) mentioned a new sketch site on her blog. I just had to pay it a visit and check it out. This site will be posting a new sketch on the 15th and 30th day of each month. Ya'll pop on over here and check it out.

Here is the card that I made using the site's very first sketch.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketches #26 and Just Christmas & Birthday Cards Sketch #40

2009-07-22T19:19:00.005-05:00

Both of these sketch challenges had great sketches this week.

I decided to use the sewing machine on the card using Dawn's sketch at Inspirational Card Sketches. I zig zagged around each of the blocks and also sewed the buttons on. I don't know why I have such a problem keeping my stitching straight when stitching on paper; I don't have that problem when stitching on material. Anyway, I used some coordinating paper that I got at Tuesday Morning, added some buttons, flowers, and brads.

Guess what? I won the drawing for last week at Just Christmas and Birthday Cards. I get a Forever Friends paper set and stamp. I'm excited 'cause I rarely win anything. For this week's sketch, I decided to do a Christmas card using cardstock and patterned paper from my scrap paper stash. I added a swirl cut on the Cricut and some self-stick gems for a little bling.

Today was my Friday at work. I am taking vacation days tomorrow and Friday and really looking forward to my extra long weekend.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Paper Popsicles Card Challenge #9

2009-07-19T19:41:00.003-05:00

I happened upon Paper Popsicles Blog today and decided to make a card using the sketch for card challenge #9. I love these bright summery colors in the paper that I used which I thought really lent themselves to the simplicity of this sketch.

I hope everyone has a great week ahead. It will be a short work week for me as I am taking vacation days on Thursday and Friday. Yeah!! Thursday morning I am going to an OESD seminar on machine embroidery hooping and stablilizing. It will be a refresher course for me but I always learn something new when I go to one.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

One Very Spoiled Dog

2009-07-17T05:56:00.005-05:00

This is Annie hugging a pillow while she sleeps!

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Another Mickey & Friends Card

2009-07-16T19:43:00.005-05:00

Last week Joy told me that I needed to start sending my 5 1/2 year granddaughter cards in the mail. She said Sarabeth told her that she never got any mail and that it had been a long time since her Nanny had sent her a card. Talk about putting a guilt trip on Nanny!

I found the patience this evening to do another cut using the Mickey and Friends Cricut cartridge and believe me it takes a lot of patience to work with all the tiny pieces that have to be layered. I made a Mickey and Pluto and used it to make this card to mail to Sarabeth just to tell her that her Nanny and Pawpaw love her.

I am using the Mickey card that I posted yesterday for Addie's birthday card. She will be 5 years old next week.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

ICS Sketch #25

2009-07-15T05:54:00.004-05:00

Dawn has another wonderful sketch this week at Inspirational Card Sketches. Check it out here.

I just recently got the Mickey and Friends Cricut cartridge and used a Mickey cut on my card along with cuts from a couple of other cartridges. I am so pleased with the way the card turned out. Here is my take on her sketch.

Have a great day!
Judy

Card and Totes

2009-07-11T16:49:00.008-05:00

Wow, I didn't realize that it has been two weeks since my last post. I guess the dog days of summer are getting to me. But I have a few new things to share with you today.

Tomorrow is my youngest grandson's 13th birthday. Jesse is our baseball player and I wanted to make him a baseball themed card. I took my inspiration for his card from this week's Inspirational Card Sketches sketch #24. I found some K and Company baseball themed stickers and combined them with solid cardstock to come up with a card for him.

Next is a card that I made using Just Christmas and Birthday Cards sketch #39.

My last card was made using Friday Sketchers sketch #60.

My sister-in-law asked me to make her two tote bags for gifts that she needed so I carved out some time to do the machine embroidery and make the bags.

Hope everybody has a great rest of the weekend.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Friday Sketchers Sketch #58

2009-06-27T17:04:00.007-05:00

I absolutely fell in love with this week's sketch at Friday Sketchers, so much so that I made three cards using the sketch. I used the same stamped sentiment on each card but used a wide variety of color combos.

For the first card that I made, I used patterned paper from the DCWV Pocket Full of Posies Stack. I embossed the background cardstock with the Swiss Dots embossing folder. To make the different papers stand out and pop, I inked the edges. To finish it off, I used Mulberry paper flowers fastened with some really neat brads. I wish I could remember where I got these brads because I sure would like to get more.

Then some orange Primas caught my eye and I decided to do the same card using bright colors. The paper for this card is also from the DCWV Pocket Full of Posies Stack. Once again I did some embossing with the Swiss Dots embossing folder and inked paper edges to help the different papers stand out. Then I added the Primas and brads.

Was I finished with this sketch? Oh, no! I then decided I wanted a distressed or vintage look. So I selected paper from a K & Company designer paper stack. I distressed the edges and inked with Tea Dye Distress Ink. Then I finished off with Primas in coordinating colors topped with a button.

My embroidery machine has been in the shop for its annual service. So I took a ride to Benton this morning to see my granddaughters and pick up my machine. I am always so lost without it...just knowing it's not here if I want to use it.

It is hotter than blue blazes here in Little Rock today. I haven't heard the official high for today but I know it topped 100 degrees. That's too hot!!!

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketches #22, Just Xmas & B'Day Sketch #37 & Friday Sketchers #57

2009-06-25T05:53:00.005-05:00

I have made cards this week using sketches from three sketch challenges. For all three cards, I used cardstock, patterned paper from the DCWV All Dressed Up stack, flowers, and brads. Sentiments were done on the computer.

The first card used Inspirational Card Sketches sketch #22. As always, Dawn has another wonderful sketch this week. This color combo is a little outside of the box for me and I am really pleased with the way it turned out.

The second card used Just Christmas and Birthday Cards sketch #37. I love the black, red, and cream color combo.

I happened upon a new sketch challenge site (new for me) over the weekend, Friday Sketchers, and I decided to give their sketch a go. This card was done using sketch #57.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketch #21 & Just Christmas & Birthday Cards #36

2009-06-17T11:58:00.005-05:00

For this week's Inspirational Cards Sketch, I made a Father's Day Card to give to my hubby this Sunday. Ya'l be sure and check out Dawn's site and look at all the beautiful cards made by the design team.

I made a birthday card using this week's sketch at Just Christmas and Birthday Cards. I love this beautiful double sided paper that I got on sale at my LSS.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

Embroidery Machine Projects

2009-06-14T18:08:00.007-05:00

I have been working on some machine embroidery projects. I embroidered a shirt for Addie. Doing any kind of embroidery for her is such a challenge since she doesn't like anything that looks girly girly. So I wind up with designs more suited for a little boy and then try to work with girly colors to stitch out the design. I used a Designs by JuJu embroidery machine applique design for this shirt and used fabric scraps for the applique in pastels.

Several months ago my hubby bought a Honda Rebel motorcycle. He has been working on it to get it restored and street worthy. He found this embroidery machine design and asked me to put it on the back of one of his lightweight jackets. So today I worked on it (with him hovering over the embroidery machine the whole time).

I also have done a couple of tee shirts for myself but no pics of them.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Judy

BBTB Challenge and Contest

2009-06-12T20:06:00.005-05:00

I have never tried doing one of the Bitten by the Bug challenges or contests. Usually they involve using a cartridge that I don't have for my Cricut. So this is a first for me.

For the current contest you must use at least one flower from any of the Cricut cartridges and base your project on a sketch provided by Shortcuts. Check it out here. Each participant is limited to two entries and I made two cards using the flower cut on the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge for each card.

Here is my first card.

And my second card.

Luck, love and laughter,
Judy

Guest Designers

2009-06-10T18:32:00.008-05:00

Sarabeth and Addison spent the day with me and we had a mini scrapbooking crop this morning. Each completed two layouts and they did really good selecting paper and embellishments. I helped them use the Cricut and cut the paper for the mats for their photos. They did everything else. It was a really fun morning for us.

This is Addie.

And this is Sarabeth.

Here are Addie's layouts.

And here are Sarabeth's layouts.

I'm really proud of my two little ones. I think they did a remarkable job for their age.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

ICSketch #20

2009-06-10T07:04:00.003-05:00

Dawn at Inspirational Card Sketches has a really great sketch this week. Her sponsor for this week is Whimsie Doodles who is offering visitors to her site a really cute free digi stamp. So I popped on over and downloaded the stamp and used it on my card. I did have problems resizing the sentiment that goes with the stamp but I set it up on the computer using the Curlz font. This was a fun card to make.

I'm taking a vacation day today and my granddaughters are going to spend most of the day with me. We are going to scrapbook. Sarabeth is 5 1/2 and Addison will be 5 next month. It is going to be fun to see what these two little ones come up with. Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post.

Luck, love and laughter,

Judy

I'm Excited

2009-06-08T05:59:00.005-05:00

I answered Susan's May-June sketch call on Card Sketch a Day and received sketch #$281 to use to make cards to be featured when the sketch was revealed. The sketch call is like a mini design team. Today is sketch #281 and my two cards are featured. You can check it out at here. These are the two cards that I submitted.

Hope everyone has a great week.

Judy