Riding By

The big man in the red suit will be stopping by everyone's house tomorrow.  The little guy in the brown fur (Newton's Nook) is stopping by today!

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Thanks for stopping by.....
Lynn

From the Family

I guess this is our family photo for the year.  Can't decide if I'm the mouse or the bear though!  Jim would probably say I'm grumpy as a bear sometime but I see myself as the little mouse - besides that, she's cute!  Rambo looks pretty dashing in that red sweater and Santa hat too.

The mouse and bear are stamps from Jane's Doodles and the little doxie stamp is from There She Goes.  I used distress ink on the sky background and then splattered some Frost White for snowflakes. 

I'll enter this in the challenge at Pixie's Crafty Workshop (lots of snippets on this one). 

This will be my last post for a little while.  The kiddos are coming - in waves - and I plan to spend as much time with them as possible since I haven't seen them in a year.  I'll try and schedule one more card next week but doubt if I'll have time to visit anyone's blog.  I'll see everyone again soon.
Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  At times, it's been a pretty rough year for Jim and I but we're hoping for a better 2016.  Thanks to everyone for your support, love, and comments through the year.  It means more than you'll ever know.

Thanks for stopping by..........
Lynn

Peaceful

Every year at Christmas I use this stamp from Impression Obsession for at least one Christmas card.  I'd actually forgotten about it this year and then remembered I needed a card for the vet's office.  The vet is very special to all of us.  Rambo wouldn't be as healthy as he is without that wonderful man.  Very CAS and not much coloring at all - which makes things go quick too.  It's just a beautiful peaceful image to me though.  I added a snowflake die from Lawn Fawn and stacked it about 4 times.

I followed the sketch at Sketch Saturday so will enter it in their challenge.  I'll also enter it in the challenge at Moving Along with the Times (A Special Person), and Pixie's Crafty Workshop (snippets - of card stock and layers of the snowflake).

Thanks for stopping by..........
Lynn

Froggie Fun Friday and Something Weird

I really debated whether to put this on here or not, but then figured - what the heck!  After all, it's Fun Friday so just had to share this little guy.  Doesn't it make you want to break out into that Creedence Clearwater Revival song "Jerimiah Was a Bullfrog"!  Um.....Creedence may be a little redneck-ish for some (and too old for others), but if you ever heard the song you'd get my drift here.  All he needs is a bottle of wine sitting beside him (as in the song).  In fact, when I was posting this I was singing it at the same time and Jim hollered in here wanting to know if I'd dipped into the wine bottle again or something!  Yes, my singing is that bad!

Using some leftover pieces that were sitting on my desk......Kraft card stock, some unknown patterned paper, sentiment, twine, stitched circle, and of course the star of the show - little frog from Penny Black.  On the patterned paper I used a Whimsy border die for the 'stitching'.

Since I used some snippets, I'll enter this in the challenge at Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  It's a fun challenge.


Now, not everyone has one of these.  In fact, I'd venture to guess that no one has one!  About 30 years ago I was rushing out of the house to drop the kids at school and head to work.  I raised up the garage door (not like I did the week before and tried to drive through it) and this 'thing' was sitting there!  Yikes!  I reached down and picked it up and it was as stiff as a board.  I showed it to the kids who thought it was the most interesting thing ever and so I decided to take it to work with me.  It was the hit of the day!  Since it was around Christmas, one of the ladies was working on some type of felt project and whipped up a Santa hat for it.  I've never given the little guy a name but he's kinda like Elf on a Shelf and gets pulled out every year at Christmas to watch over the decorations.  I think he's mummified - or something.  Weird!  He really needs a name........any ideas?

Thanks for stopping by........have a great weekend and remember to SMILE!
Lynn

From the Heart Gift Card Baggies

A couple more quickies - but these are gift card holders for the grands.  Since they're both girls I had to add some sequins and the sparkle of Wink of Stella too.  One has a tiny heart charm on it.  The baggie die is from Lawn Fawn.

The one on the right is for the progressive challenge at From the Heart Stamps.  If you played along last month you got this cute image of the little bear and his presents, free this month.  If you didn't play along, you can still purchase it in the shop.  I colored the image with Copics and added patterned paper.

The one of the left is for the weekly challenge at From the Heart Stamps.  I just love that cute little snowman and it fit perfect for their sketch challenge (with a twist of a gift card holder) this week.

Thanks for stopping by.........
Lynn

Huff and Puff

It's been a long time since I did that 'huff and puff' business on a stamp - but tried it once again on this card.  The stamp is an old one from Stampin' Up and I dragged out my SU markers.  I colored the leaves in green and the tree part in brown - then huffed and puffed (several times).  Still had to go over it with the markers though.  Guess I just don't have enough hot air in me........Um........

I also used a snippet of some patterned paper, stamped the sentiment, and added the snippet of twine.  We always need this type of card even though I don't like having to make them.  It makes me sad but hopefully the person it's going to will know I'm thinking of them.

I'll enter this in the challenge at Pixie's Crafty Workshop (snippets).

Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn

Joyful Wreath

Blogger threw me for another loop yesterday so you may have already seen a little sneak peek of this card.  No matter though - it's just one more card for Christmas.

I always look for one design/stamp to use for Christmas cards and make several of them.  This was what I was going to use for this year - however......

I stamped out the Stampendous wreath, took 48 hours to get it colored, and then realized I didn't have any gold paper.  Did some heat embossing around the edges of the panel to make it gold and mounted the wreath on that.  Of course, during the process I got gold embossing powder all over the Versmark ink pad!   Stamped the sentiment, smeared it, and started over.  Finally got the sentiment right, added some Wink of Stella to the wreath and it's a done deal.

Needless to say after working on this one card for approximately 5 days I ditched the great idea for mass production.

Thanks for stopping by..........and have a great weekend.
Lynn

A Couple of Quickies

Just thought I'd share a couple of really quick cards for Christmas.  It's that time of the year when you have to do a few 'git 'er done' cards for sure - or at least I do! 

The first one is using an old stamp from Stampin' Up and a snowflake die from Impression Obsession.  I love that cute snowman so will make at least one card with him every year.  I do notice I forgot to color his 'buttons' but it's ok since they match the dots on the scarf.    The second one is super clean and simple!  I understand that plaid is "in" this year but to me plaid is always "in" because I love it.  Another IO snowflake and a sentiment from SSS and it's a done deal.

Nothing special and nothing fancy, but I do have two more cards for Christmas completed.

Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn

Have a Beary Christmas

I'm back........or did you even know I was missing!  Had a good week of getting some things done that needed to be taken care of and also re-charged my batteries somewhat.  They were running out of juice pretty quick around here. 

The challenge at Newton's Nook is all about Kraft and sparkle so I used Kraft as the card base for this and added a piece of red glitter paper and some sparkly snowflake sequins.  Of course I had to add some Wink of Stella on the presents too.  The image is from Winston's Home for Christmas set.

Thanks for stopping by...............
Lynn

Penguin Polka (Dots)

There's just something about penguins that always put a smile on my face.....I mean, I was the one that couldn't wait for the movie Happy Feet to come out and can still watch it over and over again.  Move over grandkids, this movie is for ME!   Penguins make me smile - but then of course, polka dots too!  So why not combine both and have double the happiness!

Once again I used the Winter Wishes stamp set from Jane's Doodles making a small winter holiday scene.  I perched the Santa hat on his head, added an Impression Obsession pine die, stamped a few snowflakes in the background, and added the fun polka dot paper!   Originally, the sentiment was added directly on one of the 'hills' - but if you stamp something like that and then rub your hand over it too quick, it really will smear!  Duh!!!!  A quick fix though by adding the strip with the sentiment on it.

I'll enter this in the challenge at Pixie's Crafty Workshop (snippets).

After today I won't be around for a while but will see everyone after Thanksgiving sometime.  If you celebrate Thanksgiving I hope you have a wonderful day.

Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn

Almost Time to Deck the Halls

It's almost time to deck the halls and this little birdbrain can be found at From the Heart Stamps to help you along.  I'm on a roll getting Christmas cards completed since I usually try to mail them out soon after Thanksgiving.  You notice I say "try"!  Maybe this year I'll actually do it too.

This was a free image if you played along last month in the progressive challenge at From the Heart.  If you didn't play along you can always find it in the store.  I used a swirly type embossing folder, scrap of patterned paper, and red cardstock.   I just had to add those sequins and twine with this little guy too.

Let's see.....I took mice over to the Playground for Pixie's Crafty Workshop on Monday - and now I'm taking a birdbrain for my snippets card.  Um.....I wonder what's going to be next?

Thanks for stopping by.........
Lynn

Twin Mice

I discovered a new (to me) stamp store about a year ago and had been following their blog for all that time.  Even though I loved all their stamps and images I never bought any.  Finally caved in because I just couldn't resist a stamp set they had for Christmas.  Oh my.......Great service, clear stamps that stamp perfect every time, and a very sweet and generous owner.

Jane's Doodles has so many wonderful stamps.  The set I used is called Winter Wishes and not only has the mouse, but also some other images that are equally as cute and fun.  I colored the 'twins' with Copics, added a couple of pieces of patterned paper, and then topped it off with a snowflake die from Impressions Obsession.  Very CAS and an easy mailer for the holidays.

I'll enter this in the challenge at Pixie's Crafty Workshop (snippets).

Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn 

Ho, Ho, Ho Times Two

It's Friday - so you know what that means!  Yep, it's Fun Friday!  Of course I had to pull out one of those crazy birds for Christmas too.

I found that if I stay off the computer for a few days I can actually get some cards made so that's where I've been and why I've been in and out with commenting and posting.  Trying to catch up but it may take a while.

Ok, back to Fun Friday - this is one RED BIRD!  What else would you expect at Christmas anyway.  Not much shading done but I colored him with Copics, added a 'happy' sentiment, twine, and some candy cane stripe paper.  The 'Ho, Ho, Ho' sentiment is probably older than I am (no way!) and since I already had it out, used it on another card too.

For my second card:  that little Santa is one of the smallest stamps I own!  I've never been able to figure out how exactly to use it but when I saw the challenge at The Crooked Stamper, I knew.  It's a fun challenge and Leslie always has great sketches.  He just seemed to fit on that strip of card stock along with the sentiment.  I added some patterned paper, ribbon, and an embossed panel.  Another card for Christmas completed!

Thanks for stopping by........and have a great weekend.
Lynn

T Day Is On The Way

As you can see, no sentiment needed on this one!  All you have to do is look at this guys face and know he's totally dreading Thanksgiving Day.  He's tried to disguise himself as an ugly turkey in hopes that he'll  be passed over and not end up on someones plate this year.  Good luck little guy!

The image is from QKR and I love it!  I used a few scraps of paper, did some embossing, and tied the bow.  That's about it.

I'll enter this in the challenges at Simon Says Stamp (Thanks/Thanksgiving), Pixie's Crafty Workshop (snippets), QKR Stampede Challenge, and Classy Cards n'Such (Gobble, Gobble).

Thanks for stopping by...........
Lynn

An Indian But No Cowboy

We don't ever put any type of costume on Rambo for Halloween - or any other time of the year for that matter - but about a month ago I got him a little cowboy hat.  The cutest thing you've ever seen - but do you think he'd leave that on his head for one second while I was trying to take a picture!  Not even!  So, all you get today is the Indian!  I WILL get that shot of Rambo one of these days though so stay tuned.

The stamp is from I Brake for Stamps and sentiment from Mark's Finest Papers....all stamped on Kraft card stock.  A couple of pieces of some very old patterned paper and a clip were added and I called it done. 

Thought I'd give this one to Jim since he loves reading about the old west and Indians and would have loved living back in those times.  Not me so much since I don't think I could handle buffalo tongue or something like that to eat.  UCK!

Thanks for stopping by.........
Lynn

Bear-y Christmas

I realize I'm way overdue for a fun Friday and I will attempt to work on one of those this coming week!  In the meantime, just a little bear-y fun way to tell someone to have a wonderful Christmas.

I used a Newton's Nook stamp from the set Winston's Home for Christmas.  A little layering, snowflake embossing folder, patterned paper, and a big snowflake from an Impression die helped it all seem to go together.

I'll take little Winston over to the challenge at Pixie's Crafty Workshop (snippets). 

Thanks for stopping by........and have a great weekend.
Lynn 

White on White

I can't even remember the last time I used ribbon and a bow on a card!  I didn't know if I'd remember how to still use the Bow-Easy but finally figured it out.  I also don't know when, or if, I've ever created an all white card before either.  Scary!

This is for the House Mouse and Friends challenge to make something all white.  We are allowed to color the image though so I did a tiny bit of coloring.  The stamp I used is called Mouse Drops and think it's perfect for a get well card.  I also used a Cuttlebug embossing folder and an oval stitched die.   Hopefully this will cheer up someone.

Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn

Owl on a Branch

I'm on a roll trying (once again) to finish all my cards for Christmas.  Every year I say I'm going to do better and then end up rushing around trying to finish them.  I did start a little earlier this year though so that's good.

I guess this is called one layer - on a layer!  I used a red Wink of Stella on the berries and paper pieced his hat.  The sentiment is from Stampin' Up and the owl and branch are from Hero Arts.

I'll enter this in the challenge at Less Is More (sketch).

I forgot all about entering this in the challenge at Rudolph's so will pop it over there too for their anything goes Christmas challenge.

Thanks for stopping by......
Lynn

Ghoul-y Friends

I know I posted a Halloween card a week or so ago and said it was the last of the litter - but I forgot about this one.  Since I don't have anything else made up to post today, thought I'd let you take a peek.

I used a set of stamps from Lawn Fawn called Booyah along with a couple of rectangle dies, sequins, twine, and some patterned paper.  That about sums it up.  Oh, and I added a rhinestone to the poofy hair on the middle image.  I actually used to have poofy hair almost like that - and yes, it was pretty spooky looking too!  A non-spooky but fun card for a dear, dear friend.

I'll enter this in the Lawnscaping Challenge (Too Cute to Spook)

Thanks for stopping by.........
Lynn

Hello Fall

A couple of cuties for the fall type weather we finally started having around here.  In the 80's now and feels so good.  I'm not looking forward to winter even though it doesn't get that cold here, but sure am glad all that hot weather is over with - hopefully!  Now, we just need a little rain!

When I was growing up, it was hammered into my head by my mother that I could not never, ever, not going to happen, buy something like a strip or plaid shirt if the stripes didn't match exactly perfect on the side seams.  You can't image my happiness when I saw those little gingham checks using the Hillside Borders dies (for the grass) lined up like that!  Made my heart happy even though I didn't do it on purpose!  It's the little things in life that make us smile.

Thanks for stopping by.......
Lynn

Just a Deer

Using a very old stamp from Stampin' Up (Noble Deer), I created this card for one of the young grandsons that loves to go hunting.  Sad to think of something as pretty as a deer being hunted though.

In addition to the stamp, I used some Old Olive, Kraft, and Very Vanilla card stock and also some camouflage looking paper.

I'll enter this in the challenge at Pixie's Crafty Workshop (snippets).  

Thanks for stopping by..........
Lynn

Four Legged Friends

I really, really, REALLY wanted to slap a few sequins on here - but since this will be the card that Rambo gives Jim for his birthday later this year I was told (by Rambo of course) that was NOT a guy thing and not add them!  We always do what our little four legged friends want!

I used a recently purchased Hero Arts image on this along with some textured blue card stock, strips of patterned paper scraps, and a Simon Says Stamp sentiment.

This is my take on the sketch from the challenge at Sugar Pea Designs and I'll enter it in their challenge.  They really have some cute stamps. 

Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn

Pumpkins are Orange

Jumping into fall with an image that can be found at From the Heart.  This is for their progressive challenge.  I thought my pumpkins were a little bit too orange-y but it is what it is.  They still look pretty tasty if you're going to use it for a pumpkin pie.  I, for one, would probably just use a can of pumpkin.  Laziness kicks in once again.

Thanks for stopping by..........
Lynn
   

Cats and GROAN - Another Bird

Two more clean and simple cards.  First off - cats!  This cute little guy is from Newton's Nook and he's going to be perfect for a birthday card for my sister-in-law.  She is very involved in the rescue of cats/kittens.  A very special lady!  The second card.................

There's that damn bird again!  Yikes!  It's ok though......I shot him!  Actually, he promised to leave me alone and I promised to leave him alone for a while.   This is pretty well exactly like a card on my previous post except he's decked out in purple this time.....and yes, there's a reason for two cards with purple on them today!

It's called The Hop To Stop!  This is to help raise awareness for Domestic Violence.  Domestic violence knows no boundaries - it can happen to men or women and be either physical or emotional.  Having worked in the court system for many years, I saw domestic violence on a first hand basis and believe me....it's not pretty.  You can find out all about the hop on Becca's blog.

Thanks for stopping by.............
Lynn

Gone to the Dogs - and Birds

I know y'all thought you'd finally gotten rid of me......but I'm back (somewhat).  I won't be around every day but will do what I can, when I can.

Seems like everyone was born in September, October, and November in our family so lots of birthday cards need to be made.  I'm keeping them super simple and finally able to get a few done.  The first one, using those Crazy Birds from Tim Holtz is for my brother - who considers himself a birdwatcher.  He likes to sit in the comfort of his home and look out the window at the birds!  LOL!  On the second card I used a stamp set from Newton's Nook (Touchdown Tails).  This will be for one of the grandsons.  Like I said - super simple.

Thanks for stopping by......and I'll get by your blog soon.
Lynn

Last of the Liter

This is the last of the liter on Halloween cards for this year.  I actually made two more but doubt if I'll post them.  It's not even October yet and I'm already tired of Halloween!  Yep!  Not my favorite time of year but I do like to make a card to send to the grands.  I got them done early this year too!  Whoop!!!

I know this is terribly clean and simple but it just is what it is.  I used a Penny Black stamp (that I think is entirely too cute) and a scrap of Halloween type patterned paper.  A bit of twine, the sentiment, and it's a done deal.

Also going to try something a little different around here too.  I'm spending more time looking at everyone's blogs, commenting, wishing I could do that, and not attempting to do any crafting!  So, it's time for a change. I'm busy enough as it is with Jim most days and things that have to be done around here, so I'm going to pull a disappearing act.  Maybe I'll get some mojo and make a couple of cards in the next few days then.  I'll see everyone when I see you again.  I know I'm going to miss some wonderful creations, but feel I just have to do this for myself.  It's all just gotten a little overwhelming.  I've tried to keep up with everything but it just isn't happening any more.  Hope you understand.

Thanks for stopping by.......
Lynn

A Bag of Treats

Since all the grands are far away I never do treat bags for Halloween.  This year, however, I thought I give one to Jim.  Figured he needed a 'pick me up' anyway.  Oh, and by the way......he's doing pretty good I guess.  About the same but we're making it from one day to the next so what more can you ask for.  Some days are VERY long but we keep rocking along.

Using the Goodie Bag die from Lawn Fawn and a cute FREE image from Newton's Nook, I created a small treat bag.  I colored part of the image with Copics and then also did some paper piecing.  We've got lollipops, butterscotch, and two Hershey bars in the pumpkin.  I'll put a real Hershey bar in the bag before giving it to him.  If I do it now, he'll eat it!  The little ring thingy on the sentiment is some type of wire clip I found hiding with my brads.

I'll enter this in the Inky Paws Challenge at Newton's Nook (Halloween Theme).  I'd also like to enter it in the challenge at Whimsy (Anything Goes or Halloween) and Die Cuttin Divas (Pumpkin or Scarecrow).

Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn

Those Birds

I've pretty well decided that you either love those Crazy Birds from Tim Holtz - or you hate them.  I, for one, love the little guys.  They're just so cute with their funny expressions and I really think I get some of the same expressions from time to time - especially with Jim!

This witch-y bird is grounded and won't be flying on Halloween night and by looking at the expression on his face, he's really having a hard time understanding that.  I personally think he could be a little too chubby to get in-flight.

He's colored with Copics and then I added some spots with the Colorless Blender and also some dots with a Gel pen to his wing that has been popped up.  I used the Polaroid die from Lil Inker along with embossing on part of it.  The sentiment is from Paper Smooches.  Sequins, patterned paper, and some Baker's twine finish up the card.

I'll enter this in the challenges at Really Reasonable Ribbon ("Orange" you glad it's Autumn), Whimsy Stamps (Anything goes or Halloween), and Pixie's Crafty Workshop (snippets).

Thanks for stopping by.......
Lynn

A Bit Of Boo

A little bit of not real scary boo today!  I'm the worlds worst when it comes to making Halloween cards and then getting them mailed on time.  I usually wait until the week before and then rush around trying to do them for the grand kiddos.  Most of the time I just say to heck with it and save them thinking I'll send them next year.  Of course when 'next year' finally gets here I forget I have them and then rush around again trying to make more.  Ah......such is life!  So.......this year I decided to make them early, get them stamped and addressed, and maybe even stick them in the mail before Halloween! 

I used an 'older than dirt' CTMH  Halloween stamp (Hocus Pocus) on this doing a little masking in order to get the fence in there too.  The clouds were sponged in with some Hero Arts Shadow ink.  The ghosts were stamped, cut out, and popped up.  I love the smiling faces on the ghosts - and that makes it a not real scary boo card.  They remind me of Casper the friendly ghost!  I just loved that little guy.

This will be my third and final entry in Darnell's NBUS challenge.  A fun challenge with already a slew of entries!  Although I've used the ghosts and house before on a card I've never used the fencing - mainly because I never could get it to stamp right.  Enter the Misti, and the fence was a breeze!

Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn

The Colors of Fall

I love all the colors of the seasons, but Fall has to be my very favorite.  We don't see very much Fall type temperatures around here - but maybe we will this year. 

This cute little image can be found at From the Heart Stamps for their monthly progressive challenge.  I added some patterned papers and a leaf die from Impression Obsession that was sponged in distress inks.  Also did a little sponging around the image after coloring it with Copics.

I'd also like to enter this as my second entry in the NBUS challenge that Darnell is having.

Thanks for stopping by........and have a great weekend!
Lynn

Butterfly Thanks

On the wings of a butterfly.......Sorry I haven't been around much the last couple of days.  I'll catch up soon with everyone.

I did this card a while back but never got it posted.  I used a new stamp recently purchased from Stampendous and also a newly purchased Sizzix leaf die.   I sponged in some distress inks inside the masked off square and also on the "thanks" die.  A few pearls were added and it was a done deal.  Of course, looking at it now I wish I'd added another die cut of the leaves in green on top of the white one and also wish I'd stamped the butterfly again and popped it up a little.  Oh well...........That's typical of me to re-think my cards when I get them finished.  It just is what it is though.

Since Darnell is having her 5th NBUS challenge I think I'll scoot this card over there and I'd also like to enter it in the challenge at Pixie's Crafty Workshop (snippets).

Thanks for stopping by......
Lynn

Shake a Birthday

Ok, blues are actually green, and pink is something else besides this....and would someone please tell me how to take a picture of a shaker card and not have the glare! 

I finally made a card I halfway like and then can't get a good picture of it.  Too much glare entirely.  The design paper is also the same color as the green in the balloon and that pink that's appearing is just down right nasty looking!  Oh well....  It was a fun card and think the granddaughter will like shaking it.  Probably going to like the money inside better though!!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and thanks for stopping by.........
Lynn

A Double Doxie Christmas

A doxie and a doxie.....This first one is from Newton's Nook and the set of stamps is called Holiday Hounds.   I used a Sheena Douglas snowflake embossing folder and lots of white!!  I wanted that cute image to really pop out on the card because I love it so much.  I also added some torn paper in slightly different color white for the 'snow' on the ground, some punched out snowflakes with gems in the center, and then of course, the sentiment.  Don't you just adore the look on this little guys face.

The second doxie.......well, is Rambo of course!  Maybe they're brothers....or brothers and sisters.  No matter since I love both of them!   I may have posted this picture of the little man before but if I did, you just get to see it again!

My card is for the Inky Paws sketch challenge at Newton's Nook.  I'd also like to enter it in Pixie's Crafty Workshop (snippets).



Thanks for stopping by........
Lynn