Barbara's World of Whimcees

In Memory Of Andrew

2012-02-16T00:00:00.002-05:00

You Will Always Be Missed

Love,
Barbara and Jim

WOYW Wednesday

2012-02-14T20:10:00.002-05:00

Hello!

Time for another What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday!

Those of you who follow my blog know that recently we lost our good friend Andrew - he was only 28 years old. It still is difficult to accept that there will never again be the four of us together.

Thank you for stopping by today to visit my blog and for your kind comments! Go to visit the Stamping Ground http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ to see all of the wonderful entries. So many early birds this week!

Barbara Diane

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T14:48:00.004-05:00

Wishing You A Happy Day!

Barbara Diane

Playing Bingo With JoJo

2012-02-13T18:12:00.005-05:00

Hello!

This week the challenge on Mo Manning's Challenge Blog is to play "Bingo" and I have used her digital image 'Jo Jo' to create my card. For the challenge we were given a bingo card with different options to chose from and I used the diagonal down left to right of 'gems/glitter/dry embossing' as my 'bingo' choices.

The star is a gem - the designer paper hearts, the heart buttons on her pants and the small cut out heart beside her are the glitter - and the pink on white layered die cut is dry embossed. This was a fun image to color and I drew little stitch marks around the embossed layer and the image to match the stitch marks around the hearts on the designer paper.

Go to http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/ to see all of the wonderful entries.

Thank you for stopping by today to visit my blog - tomorrow is the big day and I am sad to see this holiday end as I was just getting started on my Valentines! Next is Easter already - the months are flying by! Wishing you love.

Barbara Diane

A Wonderful Word Card

2012-02-12T20:39:00.037-05:00

Hello!

From the moment I saw this card on my friend Beate's blog I wanted to MAKE ONE! I watched her 'video for the visual" (which I love because I am one of them!) and I was off and running! I LOVE this card! It is called a Word Card and you can find it on Beate's 2/2 post http://beate.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/page/2/ and there is a also a great tutorial available on the Splitcoastampers site at http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ to help you to make this wonderful fold-out card.

Here are some of the Valentine cards I made in this wonderful style. Those of you who follow my blog know how much I love fussy cutting and detail and I was in heaven piecing from the designer papers to create the flower patterns on the solid hearts and letters! So much fun - I can shut out everything when I am cutting and piecing. It took hours and hours to create these cards and I loved every minute!

This was the first one I made and my favorite.

And now, some butterflies!

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope you liked the cards - try this style, you'll be hooked!

Barbara Diane

Snowman And His Bowl of Valentine Hearts

2012-02-10T00:00:00.005-05:00

Hello!

The theme on Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog for their current challenge is "Be My Valentine" and this is my entry card. I used one of Cheryl's digital images called 'Coffe Break Snowman" and I filled his coffe cup with glittery Valentine hearts and he is one happy guy!

Go to http://sassycherylschallenge.blogspot.com/ to see all of the wonderful creations by both the designer team and the blogger entries! Valentines are such fun to make!

Thank you for stopping by today to visit my blog and a huge thank you to all who have left a comment or sent an e-mail with your kind thoughts of our loss of our friend Andrew. Your thoughtfulness helps more than I can say. I hope that you have a happy weekend!

Barbara Diane

A PB "Case It" Challenge

2012-02-09T00:00:00.002-05:00

Hello!

Today's card is my entry in the Penny Black Saturday Challenge. This week they have a "CASE IT" challenge with a wonderful card for inspiration. There are two great prizes this challenge - a Penny Black image and a ribbon bundle from The Ribbon Girl.

Go to http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ to check it out and join in the fun!

Thank you for stopping by today to visit my blog! Wishing you a happy day!

Barbara Diane

WOYW Wednesday

2012-02-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

Hello!

We are at mid week already - time for What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday. With all the sadness here with the loss of our friend Andrew I wanted to lose myself in a project with lots of detail and repetition. I have been wanting to make the fold out valentine cards that I had seen earlier on a blog I was visiting and that seemed to be the project. I worked all day yesterday and into the evening and will post the information of where to find the tutorial and the completed cards.

Thank you for stopping by today to visit my blog! To see what Julia and all of the other bloggers have been creating on her workdesk go to http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ Wishing you a happy day!

Barbara Diane

A Very Sad Time

2012-02-06T09:00:00.001-05:00

Hello,

A very sad time for Jim and I. Our good friend Andrew died on Saturday - he was only 28 years old. He was one of my kids to me and to Jim he was a brother. We have been praying so hard for him to recover and everything was done that could be done but he lost his fight to live. My heart is broken for him and for his mother Anna. No mother should have to watch her child die. I can't seem to get my mind around that I will never see him again - for Anna's pain there is no word to describe. What a tragic loss.

I will be back posting soon, but for now I am going to take a break. Jim and I have lost so may close friends this past 6 months - all suffered so much and the losses all so unexpected. Thank you for coming to visit my blog today. Give all your loved ones a hug today and tell them how much they mean to you - that opportunity can be lost so quickly.

Barbara Diane

Shy Nessa

2012-02-02T21:23:00.007-05:00

Hello!

Today's card came together so smoothly - the opposite of yesterday's! It was time consuming, but not because I had to redo anything - a truly enjoyable time spent creating. This cute digital image is one of Mo Manning's and she is called "Shy Valentine Nessa" - she is so sweet! I fussy cut and layered the heart and the ruffles on the dress and her stockings and the little hearts in her hair. Then I used Stickles on the ruffle and ribbon trim of the heart to add some sparkle and create a contrast between the green colors. The flowers were made using various punches and everything was outlined in black marker to give it added dimendion.

http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.com/ The challenge at the "fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge has a theme of "Polka Dots" which is a favorite paper pattern of mine. Looking at all of the card entries and the creative way the dots were used is awesome! Check them out and enter your own dots!

http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/ The challenge at Mo's Challenge Blog has a theme of "Anything Goes" w/a Mo Image and there is also a sketch which is unusual for this challenge blog to have. I love sketches and so this was great fun! The challenge has just begun so why not enter your creation?

I am happy that you came to visit me today! Wishing you a happy weekend!

Barbara Diane

The WYSCWI Card

2012-02-02T00:00:00.002-05:00

Hello!

Well, here is the "Why You Shouldn't Create When Ill" card. I decided to post it as I had made it for two challenges and it has been such a long time since I had something to share because of feeling so ill with that wicked virus. So, after making a new image 3 times and changing the patterned paper twice and the stars a ridiculous 4 times, here it is. I used one of Sassy Chery's digital images called 'Winter Birds In The Trees' which I love - and that is the good part of this card! :<)

The theme at Sassy Cheryl's Challenge is to "use a punch and something shimmery". I used Crystal Lite on the trees, bird houses and birds and also put a drop of it on each star. A star punch was used to punch the 3 individual stars from the patterned paper. Go to http://sassycherylschallenge.blogspot.com/ to see all of the awesome creations.

The 2 Sisters Challenge Blog provided a sketch for this challenge and you can see all of the great entries using this fun sketch at http://2sisterschallengeblog.blogspot.com/ Using sketches is something new for me and I am really enjoying it.

I am happy that you came to visit my blog today! We are having very warm temperatures here in this part of WI - it was 48 degrees yesterday! I love this kind of winter but I think we need some very cold weather to kill all of these virus germs.

Barbara Diane

This WOYW Wednesday is a WYSCWI Wednesday

2012-02-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

Hello!

Well this 'What's On Your Workdesk Wesnesday' turned out to be a 'Why You Shouldn't Create When Ill' day for me! I have been making and re-making this card all day - and the end result it not pretty! I will post it tomorrow simply because I am too weary to make another but I think I best not try this again until I feel much better! You can see my tissue and cough drops and bottle of water and they helped but it is just too much yet. The worst is over but this was one wicked virus and I hope to never get it again!

Thank you for stopping by today to visit my blog - I hope that all is well with you! I may decide not to post the card tomorrow - we shall see! :<) What a way to start a new month! Go to Julia's blog at http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ and check out the wonderful creations that were made this week.

Barbara Diane

Amaryllis In The Early Morning Sunshine

2012-01-29T00:00:00.004-05:00

Hello!

No cards to share - today is 10 days now fighting this viral nastiness. I have not been this ill in many years. So with no cards being made I thought I would share some loveliness with you - photos of my blooming Amaryllis in the early morning sunshine. The colors are so beautiful!

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope to feel well enough soon to get back to creating! Wishing you good heath and sunshine this week!

Barbara Diane

Play It Again Sam

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Today's card is showcasing one of Sassy Cheryl's digi images "Play It Again Sam Snowman" and he is putting so much love into the playing of his song. I am entering the card into Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog where the theme this challenge is "Something Bright and Cheery to Chase Away the Winter Grey". Go here to check it out http://sassycherylschallenge.blogspot.com/

I'm happy that you have stopped by to visit me today - I hope that you like the card. I have been ill these past few days with a severe cough and sore throat - wheezing - cold symptoms with fever. I may not be posting for a few days until I feel better. Going out in the cold and snow to clean and move the car every day and then no heat here in the building on Saturday hasn't helped the situation.

It is snow/rain again here this morning - icy road conditions - supposed to snow all day into evening. I can't think about going out again to do the clean off and move the car thing - want to just stay on the couch under my blanket with my Puffs with lotion, Vicks, cough drops, Tylenol and my library book. But no, it will be coat, hat, gloves, boots and snow brush - coughing non stop, eyes watering so I can't see because of my glasses and trying to use my Puffs to wipe my nose and eyes with my gloves on and not drop the stupid brush. :<)

Wishing you a happy day!

Barbara Diane

Final Response To Questionnaire - Question #9

2012-01-21T00:00:00.003-05:00

A huge thank you and a big hug to my blogger friends Carol, Valita, Carla, Linda, Anne, Emily, Heaney, Zlatina, Lisa, Neha, Helen, Diane, Duendes, Dorcas, Rhonda, Paola, Kimberly, Jill, Megha, Maggie and Jamie for taking the time to respond to the questionnaire!

Hello!

Today's responses are to the final question of the Questionnaire - #9:

Do You Leave A Comment Each Time You Visit A Blog?

I will leave comments on pages that wow me or if they have visited my blog. I leave comments on several entries in the same challenges I enter. I try to word my comments with some interest and not just the normal short reply, but that can be time consuming.

Yes, most of the time.

Not each time (internet connection is slow). However, every time I see something inspiring or a creations that I love I will always comment on it.

I am not leaving a comment every time I visit a blog because I follow over 250 blogs so that takes a lot of time. But I try to comment as often as I can. Maybe when everybody has no word identification on their blogs, I will comment more because then it’s easier to leave a comment.

Mostly, not always.

Hmmm – I try. Especially if the post is about something that really inspires me or catches my eye. It’s like peeking into someone’s house without letting them know you are there, quite rude IMHO. BUT if the site is covered with ads or things they are selling, then I feel it’s really a store and I don’t always acknowledge each visit. Same as when I walk into a brick and motar store. If I find nothing to buy, I don’t usually run over to the clerk and tell them they are doing a great job, KWIM. If I stop to watch a video or follow a tutorial I always let the blogger know I did and thank them.

No, only occasionally as I read blogs from Google Reader.

Always if I have the opportunity.

No, in fact I seldom do. (sorry)

No, not each time.

Most of the time I did leave a comment when I visited a blog.

Only when I think “WOW” with something I have seen.

Yes, I think it is very important for the owner of the blog to know of my friendship and the affection I feel for her and her work.

No.

Most of the time. Sometimes, when I’m rushed, I’ll look ad run, but I try to come back later.

Sad to admit that because of time constraints I don’t always leave comments, however I like to try as I think this is what keeps people posting.

I don’t always because of time constraints, but I do let them know when I really like something.

Not each time. I leave comments if a project really stands out to me. I follow over 50 blogs (managed through Google Reader) and comment only when something touches me.

Yes, sometimes when they ask.

I usually try to, unless it is something I really hate.

Not always, because I visit so many blogs. However, if I’m really inspired or just really impressed with something I definitely leave a comment.

So ends the Blog Candy Questionnaire. Thank you again to all of you who took the time to respond - your input was wonderful and I was happy to be able to share it with everyone! We have LOTS of snow here in this part of WI - snow falling all day and I just now cleaned off my car and moved it for the last time today! Wishing you a happy weekend!

Barbara Diane

We have no heat in the apartment BUILDING – all 3 floors. This should be an interesting day. I have my birds in the bathroom where there is a small electric heater – I have been ill with a cough and sore throat so this is not too good for me either. Management just put in a new furnace this summer – guess it doesn’t work. The temperature here this morning is -6 degrees. The high for today is to be 23 degrees – think we will get down to that inside? People started calling at 5:00 am and it is now 8:30 and no one here yet.

Questionnaire Response To Question #8

2012-01-20T00:00:00.003-05:00

Questionnaire Response To Question #7

2012-01-19T00:00:00.007-05:00

A huge thank you and a big hug to my blogger friends Carol, Valita, Carla, Linda, Anne, Emily, Heaney, Zlatina, Lisa, Neha, Helen, Diane, Duendes, Dorcas, Rhonda, Paola, Kimberly, Jill, Megha, Maggie and Jamie for taking the time to respond to the questionnaire!

Questionnaire Response to question #7:

What Do You Look For When Visiting A Blog?

Inspiration/Beautiful cards/a personal glimpse.

How people have used tools and supplies in a way that is creative and different.

I’m looking for beautiful cards that will inspire me to create my own beautiful cards. I like it when bloggers post regularly as I love to get lots of inspiration from my favorite bloggers. I like to find out how they did certain things on their cards (such as a tutorial), but I prefer photos and written instructions instead of videos (only because my internet connection is slow and it takes a ridiculous amount of time to download and watch a video).

I love to see what other people create, because often you can see the love that they put in their creations. I also am inspired by other blogs.

Exciting and different work, someone creating something different.

Some I check for new ideas, some for inspiration, some for the personalities of the blogger. I have found some fantastic blogger friends whom I know I will probably never meet but we cheer each other on. Great cyber buddies!

I look for tutorials, beautiful and inspiring creations, candy.

Interesting creations that can inspire me.

Inspiration and tutorials (or at least good photos as I’m fairly good at copying on my own with out spelled out directions). I also like variety.

I look at blogs for inspiration – techniques – versatility, etc.

I love 3D and I always look for 3D projects and any unique creations.

Fab ideas!!

I like to see the imagination of people and also their creativity. It is wonderful to make new friends.

Instructions, a pretty project, a clean layout (not too busy).

I mainly look for inspiration. I love to get new ideas and learn new techniques.

This is a hard one to answer. I think when I visit a blog there has to be something that catches my eye, a project that isn’t the norm. Perhaps a 3D item that I haven’t done before, or someone making something with a specific die, but turning it into an item you would least expect.

Imagination! Pretty ideas that help my imagination come to life.

Unique project ideas and ways to create that I haven’t thought of before. Also, simple cards and projects are good too!

I look at creation, read about personal information, try to learn from it.

Like minded friends, who show their ideas very generously, in a clear and readable manner. I also prefer an uncluttered layout that is easy to read.

Ideas for cards, scrapbook pages and 3D items. I really like Clean and Simple WOW cards as well as the more detailed work. It’s obvious to me when someone has put a lot of thought and effort into their creations.

Tomorrow's responses are to the question #8:

What Keeps You Returning To A Blog?

I am happy that you have come to visit my blog today! We are getting ready here in this part of WI to be hit with another snowstorm on Friday - at least 6 inches! It is so cold here - 1 degree and 25 below wind chill!!!! I don't even want to think about going out tomorrow morning!

Barbara Diane

Questionnaire Response to Questions #4, #5 & #6

2012-01-18T00:00:00.004-05:00

A huge thank you and a big hug to my blogger friends Carol, Valita, Carla, Linda, Anne, Emily, Heaney, Zlatina, Lisa, Neha, Helen, Diane, Duendes, Dorcas, Rhonda, Paola, Kimberly, Jill, Megha, Maggie and Jamie for taking the time to respond to the questionnaire!

Questionnaire Response to a combination of questions #4, #5 and #6:

Do You Sell Your Work/Tutorials On Your Blog?
Do You Create Videos?
Do You Advertise?

(work/tutorials) No. I wish I could. I need to learn more about that.
(video) No– would like to but I don’t have the necessary technology.
(advertise) No, does it help?

(work/tutorials) Yes.
(video) Yes.
(advertise) Yes.

(work/tutorials) I don’t sell any of my work on my blog. Nope.
(video) Don’t have the time. (I have 2 boys, aged 4 ½ and 2 ½ - I say no more!) (advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) I am not selling on my blog, but I have my own website and there I sell my creations.
(video) No I don’t.
(advertise) No I don’t.

(work/tutorials) No.
(video) No.
(advertise) I link to companies but don’t advertise as such.

(work/tutorials) No. I don’t sell anything or charge for teaching, but I love to help anyone who asks for it.
(video) No.
(advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) No.
(video) No.
(advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) Yes, sometimes.
(video) No.
(advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) N/A
(video) N/A
(advertise) N/A

(work/tutorials) Well, I would love to sell. I have posted tutorials as well (to date only one).
(video) Not yet.
(advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) I sold my finished creations at craft shows.
(video) I did not create a video and will not create a video.
(advertise) I don’t advertise.

(work/tutorials) No.
(video) No.
(advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) Yes, when people ask me – but I do not live this work.
(video) Do not create videos.
(advertise) Do not.

(work/tutorials) I have an Etsy shop, but have only sold one item. Again, I don’t have enough confidence. I think that there are millions of crafters out there that can make beautiful things on their own, so why would anyone want to buy mine? (video) No.
(advertise) I have an FB page.

(work/tutorials) I have a link to my Etsy store on my blog where I sell some of my cards.
(video) No.
(advertise) I occasionally advertise things like blog hops and events for stamp companies.

(work/tutorials) I don’t sell anything on my blog. However I do have a few shops that do sell handcrafted items and they take a lot of my work.
(video) I have a few DVDs that I provide for local crafters in SA as well as I do a few workshops a month.
(advertise) No I don’t advertise. Mostly people know about me by word of mouth and since I had a shop and have been working in the industry a number of years, they know me. I also have been a guest on a few TV shows locally.

(work/tutorials) I don’t sell on my blog, but I sell on my website – only my work, no tutorials.
(video) No, I don’t know how to do that yet.
(advertise) I tried but it’s only costing me money and not generating work so I’m stopping.

(work/tutorials) I have used my blog to show people the kits I have for sale and have sold kits that way.
(video) I created a few videos, I would like a tripod before attempting this again, as my homemade “camera holder” crashed a few times.
(advertise) No. I think it’s a good idea tho.

(work/tutorials) No.
(video) I’m trying to learn – it’s tough.
(advertise) Nope,

(work/tutorials) No. Anything on my blog so far is free for anyone to try. All I ask is that they give me credit for anything that I created.
(video) Not for my crafting.
(advertise) No.

(work/tutorials) No, but I’ve thought about it.
(video) No, but I’ve thought about it.
(advertise) I have a Facebook page, but other than that, no.

Tomorrow's responses are to the question #7:

What Do You Look For When Visiting A Blog?

I am happy that you have come to visit my blog today! Thank you!

Barbara Diane

Questionnaire Response to Question #3

2012-01-17T00:00:00.001-05:00

Questionnaire Response to Question #2

2012-01-16T00:00:00.003-05:00

A huge thank you and a big hug to my blogger friends Carol, Valita, Carla, Linda, Anne, Emily, Heaney, Zlatina, Lisa, Neha, Helen, Diane, Duendes, Dorcas, Rhonda, Paola, Kimberly, Jill, Megha, Maggie and Jamie for taking the time to respond to the questionnaire!

Questionnaire Response to Question #2

What Motivates/Inspires You To Create?

Anytime I have available I want to play with all my tools and supplies.

Looking at other people’s creations and everyday objects.

I love sketches and challenges. I love cardmaking and I have a lot of supplies that have been sitting in my desk for ages that I need to use! I hate purchasing cards from shops, I think it’s much nicer to create something for people.

Everything inspires me, sometimes it’s something that I see or hear that gives me an idea. But sometimes I go to create and I don’t know what to make and then my hands create something by themselves.

OK – how long do you have for me to answer this one lol! My surroundings and the changing seasons, other people’s work and blogs, themes, challenges, the need for a card for a reason, sometimes just to try to keep my sanity.

I have always liked paper and glue glitter so it wasn’t a far stretch to get into paper crafting. I enjoy the hobby just for the sheer pleasure I get from it and not necessarily to give.

Beautiful projects by bloggers, manufacturer’s websites, challenges sites.

Making cards calms me and gives me great pleasure.

Seeing lovely things that others have made.

Hmmmm – anything which matches my taste inspires me.

Comments that are left by lovely people like yourself and inspiration from other’s creations.

Many, many other creative crafters who have blogs. I never tire of seeing other’s work.

I have many ideas in mind and a great imagination.

I see crafting as a therapy of sorts. I am a homey type of person. My children are still little and we don’t get out too much, but crafting makes me happy. To see something made out of nothing is so much fun. I love to blog hop and get inspired by others and try to recreate stuff that they’ve done.

Everything, holidays, my kids, birthdays, DT responsibilities, trying new things.

I love to be busy. I come from a family of hobbyists, is there such a word, so it was inevitable that I should have a hobby. I started out as a scrapbooker and was teaching for quite awhile as I had a shop, then it developed into this passion for all things paper related. I am inspired by the everyday things in life, color as you walk down a street on a summer/autumn day. Where I live in Africa we have such a vast canvas for inspiration, so every day just taking in the wonders of creation I guess inspire me.

Looking through blogs online, or when I have a card order, or a friend/family member’s occasion.

Other people’s creations and special occasions (birthday, Christmas, baby, wedding).

Everything that I see around me.

I love playing with crafty things of all kinds. I also enjoy creating something special for others.

Usually something I’ve seen on someone else’s blog, Splitcoaststampers or Stampin’ Connections.

Tomorrow I share the responses to Do You Enter Challenges?

I am happy that you stopped by today! Wishing you a happy one!

Barbara Diane

Blog Candy Questionnaire Responses

2012-01-15T12:00:00.002-05:00

Know What Day IT IS!

2012-01-13T13:07:00.001-05:00

Hello!

I LOVE this image! LOVE it! From the first time I saw it I wanted to use it on a card but until today I did not know how to do it other than in the "I forgot" sense. It was this morning when I realized it was Friday the 13th - that I knew that this was the card I would make using this image. This cutie is called "Whoops!" and is one of Sassy Cheryl's digital images. Isn't she great?

I saw on a challenge blog that they were doing paper piecing and as I love detail and 'fussy cutting' as most of you know, I started with the idea to enter this challenge using this sweetheart as she was a perfect image to use for this technique - BUT today when I went to enter my card on that blog I saw that it had 'expired 78.5 minutes ago'! Oh No!

Well, I missed that one - but it was great inspiration for my card and I still could enter it in the other two challenges that I had created it for! Sassy Cheryl's Blog "Show Me" was one and Simon Says Stamp! challenge of "Spots &/Or Stripes" was the other one. I had such fun making this - as I was in my element! I started out to just make the one card but of course could not waste the reverse images when I could cut out more pieces! So here it the second creation.

Isn't it amazing how the identical image can look so different with a change of colors/papers? (Good thing to keep in mind that one printing of an image on your patterned paper can be used to make two different looking cards!)

You can see Cheryl's challenge blog here: http://sassycheryls.blogspot.com/ and you can see Simon's challenge here: http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/ Have fun looking at all of the wonderful entries and be sure to enter your own creations! I forgot to tell you that last Thursday, January 5th, I was one of the lucky winners on Cheryl's blog! It was so exciting to see my name and I can tell you that I lost no time at all collecting my image! :<)

Wishing you a great weekend! We have snow and more snow here in this part of WI - as do so many states with their first real snowfall. I am late today because of the cleaning off my car, moving it, etc. but we are to have some warm days next week! After a very gloomy morning (explains dark photos) we now have sunshine so that is good! Take care!

Barbara Diane

Clean & Simple with a Super Simple Sketch

2012-01-12T12:00:00.002-05:00

Hello!

It's a new challenge at Mo's Digital Challenge blog with a theme of "Clean & Simple" and that fit in perfectly with the "SUPER SIMPLE sketch" challenge at Just Us Girls! So I entered this card in both! I used Mo's digital image 'You're My Best' and she is so sweet!

Mo's Digital Challenge at http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/
Just Us Girls at http://justusgirlschallenge.blogspot.com/

I am happy that you came by to visit today! We are having SNOW here in thid part of WI - 2" so far and another 2" to go. It was 52 degrees yesterday! I just came in from cleaning off my car, moving it for the plow and then moving it back. Here we go again! I'm getting too old for this!

Barbara Diane

WOYWW Share - A Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Entry

2012-01-11T18:00:00.001-05:00

Hello!

Today my WOYW Wednesday share is a card that was created using the sweet "Sally And Her Bluebirds" - a Sassy Cheryl digital image. I submitted the card on the Sassy Cheryl's Challenge Blog, where the challenge is 'Let It Snow with a SKETCH' - which was great fun! I have discovered that I love having a sketch for inspiration! Go to http://sassycherylschallenge.blogspot.com/ and add your card! And don't forget to check out the Stamping Ground blog to see all of the wonderful creations on What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday at http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/

I'm happy that you stopped by today! It was 52 degrees again here in this part of WI and beautiful - BUT - we have snow and wind expected tonight and a winter warning for the next 24 hours! When I was at the grocery store today it was packed with shoppers! Parking spaces were few and far between and everyone getting supplies 'before the storm' - is it really supposed to be that bad or are we a bit spoiled after all the nice weather? I'm hoping for the best!

Wishing you good weather where you are!

Barbara Diane

Have A "Micey" Nice Day!

2012-01-10T13:00:00.004-05:00

Hello!

Today's card is my entry into the "Penny Black Saturday Challenge" - the first challenge of 2012 - where we are asked to CASE-IT from the design team member's card. I love having a sketch to go by or some direction given, especially if I am needing the push. This sketch was great fun to follow and the entries are great! Go to http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ to see for yourself and enter your card!

I'm happy you stopped by today! Wishing you a happy one! We are having unbelievably mild weather here in this part of WI - in the 40's every day and it is January! I guess in a day or two it is to end and snow flurries and colder weather are forecast. I look at the photos I took of past blizzards and it seems unreal.

Take care. Please do come back again! Hugs and Thank you! to all of you who leave me your comments! I know how difficult it is to have the time to do this and I appreciate the kindness!

Barbara Diane

Sophie in Colored Pencil

2012-01-09T16:00:00.002-05:00

Hello!

My sight is really bad today so very late in getting a card posted. I have not used my colored pencils for months so decided to create this card with them today. I used a marker to make the dots and outline the papers but the coloring of Mo Manning's "Sophie" is done with the pencils and will be entered on Mo's Challenge blog http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/ where this week it is "Anything Goes" - see you there!

I am happy that you stopped by today - wishing you a happy evening!

Barbara Diane

Make A Tag and Love And Hearts

2012-01-05T00:00:00.003-05:00

Hello!

This week on the "Penny Black's Saturday Challenge" blog the challenge is to "Make A Tag" - so check it out at http://pennybfriendssaturdaychallenge.blogspot.com/ the designer team's creations are awesome!

On the Penny Black "Allsorts" blog the challenge is "Hearts and Love" and the Design Team has some wonderful creations! Go to http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/ for inspiration!

This is my entry into both challenges. I love this little guy from Penny Black's "Critter Party" transparent set - he is so cute! How could anyone resist him!

I'm so happy you stopped by today! Wishing you a happy day!

Barbara Diane

WOYW? Wednesday - The Finished Stationary Set

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello!

It's the first What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday share of 2012.

I can finally show you the photos of the finished stationary set as it has been received by the person it was created for - so I no longer have to keep it secret! When asked for her preferences she sent me her color choices and said that she is often late with her correspondence. She sent me Mo Manning's "Sorry Shanna" image to use and she is perfect! This little cutie says so sweetly, "Im so sorry to be late!"

The stationary set includes four 5 1/2" x 8" cards with envelopes, four 3" x 3" cards with envelopes, four bookmarks and a address book.

Thanks for stopping by today! It's time again to see all of the creations on work tables everywhere! Go to http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ to check them out and add your own link to what you are working on!

Barbara Diane

Set of 3" x 3" Thank You Cards

2012-01-03T09:00:00.001-05:00

Hello!

I have been making sets of little 3" x 3" thank you cards using different designer papers. Easy to make and look great! This is one of my favorites.

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a good one!

Barbara Diane

My Five Favorite Cards of 2011 Challenge Entry

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello!

My friend Debby of Scrap Journey fame is having a "Best Five Cards of 2011 Challenge" on her blog with an option to win some great blog candy. She will be drawing a winner on Friday, January 6th, so you still have plenty of time to add your link to the list! So many wonderful creations by all of you over the past year - let's see your best five! Be forewarned, it is very hard to choose just five - even Debby found it difficult! :<) http://debby4000.blogspot.com/

Here are my five choices - they all have special meaning to me.

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a great first week of 2012!

Barbara Diane

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-12-31T00:00:00.007-05:00

Hello!

Entering challenges is pretty much a new thing for me but I decided to start taking advantage of this opportunity to share my creations and to find additional inspiration and ideas. I love looking at other's creative ideas - so much talent out there in blogland!

Today's card with Sassy Cheryl's "Click Your Heels Snowman" is an entry into three challenges: the "Snowman with a Die Cut" challenge at http://sassycherylschallenge.blogspot.com/, the "Party, Party, Party" challenge at http://ceschallenges.blogspot.com/ and the "Anything Goes" challenge at http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by today! What do you think of challenges? Do you take part in them? Have you been a winner? Let me know what you think!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and all good things in the coming year!

Barbara Diane

Thinking of You

2011-12-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hello!

I love the little House Mouse images - they are all so cute! After making so many holiday cards and an overload of red/green, it was so nice to work with a low key color combination. I used the "Jumping for Joy", "Oh Happy Day" and "Mudpie Wonders" stamps on this card.

I entered the card into two challenges: The "Warm Fuzzies" challenge at the House Mouse and friends Monday Challenge Blog http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/ and the "Blue & Brown" challenge at Allsorts Challenge http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by today! Give a call to someone you're thinking of today!

Barbara Diane

Excitement In The Fairy World

2011-12-29T01:00:00.004-05:00

Hello!

When I was creating the card that I posted yesterday, I printed Mo Manning's "Tea Cup Fairy" digital image 6 times in order to have the one I used for the card and the others so that I could cut out the extra flowers needed for the corners of the card and the double layer on the tea cup. After I had cut off the areas with the flowers, I had all of these sweet little fairies and I couldn't just throw them away! So I came up with the Valentines Day poster/card below to showcase them. I drew the cloud and then used Mo's "Guilty Bert" and "Smith" to complete the scene.

There is excitement in the fairy world - Bert has been found out! She knows who left the valentine in her book and he can act as cool as he wants but it is too late now - she's heading his way! What's going to happen next!

Thanks for stopping by today! I will have the results of the questionaire to share soon!

Barbara Diane

Mo's Challenge Entry Is WOYW Wednesday Share

2011-12-28T02:40:00.002-05:00

The theme of the current challenge at Mo Manning's Challenge Blog is "Punches and/or Dies" and we are asked to use at least one punch or die cut on our project. I have used Mo's sweet little "Teacup Fairy" with a double SU Bigz Top Note die cut.

I learned a new term this week - one that describes so well what I often do with images. It's called a "fussy cut" - I love that phrase! That is exactly what it is - detailed, fussy cutting! I am always cutting out images and adding them to the card with dimentionals as I like the look and as it is very time consuming and "fussy" - from now on I will be using this phrase. :<)

This card has lots of fussy cutting! And as I am still caught up in the dazzle of Christmas card making, it of course had to have Stickles for sparkle - on the wings and highlighting the flowers.

Thanks for stopping by today! Because Mo's challenge changes every Thursday, my entry had to be combined today with my post for this week's WOYWW share. Be sure to check out each of these awesome blogs today - Mo's challenge blog entries are at http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/ and Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday at http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/

Wishing you a happy day!

Barbara Diane

My Favorite Five Christmas Cards of 2011

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello!

I wanted to join Debby on her blog "A Scrapjourney" in showing my five favorite Christmas Cards of 2011 - and it was a lot harder than I thought it would be! For me, this was the year of sparkle and glitter and I used Stickles everywhere on my creations! Here are my five choices - starting with my very favorite vintage Santa.

This vintage image was from "Digital Two For Tuesday" and I made over 30 cards using this image. Color was only added to the wreath and berries and Stickles was added on the berries and around the frame of the card.

In this poster/card I used Mo Manning's digital image "Tattered Santa" with her "Christmas Lamp Post" image to create a scene. Stickles was added to the light in the lamp and the bow on the wreath, the trim on Santa's outfit, the ribbon and clapper on the bell and the snow. I also added it to the center of each snow flake in the background paper. I used this Santa alone in many more cards variations.

This sweet digital image is from Phindy's Place and she is called "Miss Chrissy Tree". The Stickles was added to the tree lights and the star.

These delightful "Double Skating Snowmen" digital image is from Sassy Cheryl's and I used Stickles on the scarves, hats, and coat trim in addition to adding it to the center of each snowflake in the background paper.

And my final - not my least favorite - choice was made using the fun digital image "Merry Christmas" from Just Ink Lined and I am also using this on my New Years cards. The Stickles was used on the scarves, hats and drinks in adition to the snow and in the center of each star in the background paper.

Those are my five favorites of 2011 - it was a year of being overwhelmed with card making as I took on too much. So next year I will have to re-think this again and either make less cards (can't leave anyone out), make simpler cards (no fun) or start earlier (guess that's it)!

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a good one!

Barbara Diane

Birthday Card For My Brother

2011-12-26T08:00:00.004-05:00

Hello!

We have a beautiful sunny morning here in this part of WI - very little snow on the ground, just small patches here and there. It was very strange for us to have a non-white Christmas but also nice to not have to fight the weather. I hope that you all had a happy weekend!

I made this card for my brother's birthday using Sassy Cheryl's cute digital image "Birthday Lift" which you can find here http://www.sassycherylsdigis.com/ I love this image and have used it for many birthday and/or celebration cards in the past. I am also entering it on her "Show Me Thursday" blog at http://sassycheryls.blogspot.com/

After being so late with so many cards this past year, I wanted his to be on time! It arrived at his home even before his birthday, which is tomorrow. Happy Birthday Dick! I send you wishes for all good things to happen to you in the coming year - you deserve them!

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you some sunshine where you are!

Barbara Diane

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:30:00.002-05:00

Hello!

It's finally here - it's Christmas! Merry Christmas everyone!

This is my very favorite of all the images I used this year for my cards and card/posters. It is one of Mo Manning's digital images called "Ragged Santa" and in this large card/poster I used it with her "Christmas Lamp Post" image to complete a scene. The background designer paper has stars and I used a drop of Stickles in the center of each star to add some sparkle. I also added some Stickles to Santa's fur trim, to the snow at his feet, to the light in the lamp, to the bow on the lamp post and to the ribbon and clapper on the bell. This was the season of using glitter in my cardmaking, that's for sure!

In this one I used blue as my main color and I loved the results! I also used this wonderful shiny silver designer paper with stars that changed into multiple colors depending on how the light hit the paper. I love it!

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas Day!

Barbara Diane

Christmas Eve Is Here!

2011-12-24T08:00:00.002-05:00

Hello!

The day of Christmas Eve is here! This cute little guy is called "Santa's Hat" and can be found here at Mo Manning's site http://www.mosdigitalpencil.com/ I colored in the snowmen's scarves on the background paper to bring a little color in from the image and the solid colored cardstock.

This funny little dog is the "Dog In Stocking" and can be found at http://www.justinklined.com/

Thanks for stopping by today! For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I hope that the chaos of last minute preparations today is limited for you and that your Christmas Eve is a fun time with your family. For those who don't, I wish you a lovely evening!

Barbara Diane

Cards Using Vintage Images

2011-12-23T00:00:00.004-05:00

Hello!

Last year I was one of the guest designers on the "Digital Two for Tuesday" blog during the Christmas season. Cora posts vintage images that are free to use as artwork in projects and cards. Those of us who took part were given a number of different vintage images as options and were to choose one to create a card around. I chose the one in the photo below, but there were so many great images I saved them in a file and this year I chose to use two of the other images to make the additional cards in the photos that follow.

This is last year's card. I used water color pencils to color the image to stay with the vintage look. The leaves and berries in the border were punched out individually from red and green cardstock and I drew the lines on each leaf and and then outlined both the leaves and the berries in black ink and attached them to the card with glue dots.

One of this year's cards. This image reminded me so much of when I was a child in the 1940's - I loved it when I saw it. This version is without glitter . . . . .

and this version has a red Stickles glitter border outlining the green card stock and glitter also on the scarf and the trim of the outfit. I made one of these for my 92 year-old mother this year.

This was the second image I used this year and this wonderful Santa is my very favorite of them all. I loved the bit of color using the green and red with the rest of the image left in black and white. This version had Stickles red glitter on the berries and on the border all around on top of the red card stock layer. After the first 5 cards I continued to add glitter to the berries but I had to stop doing the border as it took so much time and I made many multiples!

Here are 24 of the cards I mailed out yesterday. You can see why I had to stop adding the Stickles to the border and apply it only to the berries!

You can see all of the great vintage images from this year and check out the December 2010 posts to see those from last year and the awesome cards that were made by the other guest designers at http://digitaltuesday.blogspot.com/ I love the vintage images. Thank you Cora for your kindness in sharing!

We had snow again Wednesday night but it is almost all gone. It seems hard to believe but with the expected forecast for the week days ahead, we may have a Christmas with NO snow. In this part of WI that just does not happen!

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope that you have a happy one!

Barbara Diane

Sparkling Smooth Sledding!

2011-12-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello!

This wonderfully fun image of Mo Manning's is called "Toboggan" and just makes me smile! I love coloring this happy pair and below are two variations that I made this year - the first is a card and the second one is a mini poster/card that includes that includes "Snowy Pines" - a Just Inklined image. As this has become my "Stickles Sparkle" year, they both of course have glitter!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Wishing you a day of smooth sledding and sparkle as you head into the holiday countdown! Only a matter of days now! I mailed the last 25 of my cards yesterday morning and hand delivered one. I am finally done - yeahhh! I am so relieved - next year I need to rethink this!

Barbara Diane

WOYW Wednesday - Candy Legs Elves

2011-12-21T09:08:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Early morning in this photo and it was time to send out this batch of cards now that the glitter has dried overnight and start to assemble the project that Jim and I were making for everyone who lives in his group home and the staff, in addtion to a few others. We made a total of 18 of these little guys - took 2 days into late evenings. Jim did most all of the paper punching of the different shapes, thank goodness, and I put them together.

I wanted to do a tutorial but ran out of time - so I thought I would still share some of the photos with you as they are pretty self explanatory. If you have any questions please do contact me and I would be happy to help. Many of the punches I used were SU with other miscellaneous punches. I drew the pattern for the pants and used ideas from other bloggers in addition to my own to complete my little elf. A huge thank you to everyone who's ideas I used! I looked at so many videos and blog postings that I am sorry to say that I can't give individual credit.

Head - SU Ornament Punch
Ears - Petal of Paper Shaper's 2" 5-Petal Flower Punch
Nose - SU 1/2" Circle Punch
Hands - SU Heart to Heart Punch - altered large heart
Feet - SU Butterfly Punch - altered 1/2 of butterfly wing
Neck - SU Modern Label Punch - cut in half

Hat - SU Full Heart Punch
Brim of Hat - SU Label Punch
Tassle on Hat - MARVY Small Flower Punch
I used a white Signo Gel Pen to make border stitches on the hat

Body - SU Round Tab Punch
Collar - EK 1" Scalloped Circle Punch
Google Eyes

Pom Pom on Shoes - SU 1/4" Circle Punch
Trim on Arms and Legs - SU Word Window Punch altered to size
I used a white Signo Gel Pen for to make border stitches on shoes.

All the pieces ready to assemble.

I used candy strips in cello bags that I purchased at The Dollar Store for the legs and arms - using 2 of them taped together for the legs. Even with 4 bags of the candy I did not have enough to make the long legs on all of them and when Jim walked to the store for me they were all sold out so I made the elves for the staff with short legs! Thank you Jim for the effort!

The front and back of the pants were each drawn on the cardstock and cut out by hand. The stitching is again made with a white Signo Gel Pen.

Buttons On Pants - SU 1/4" Circle Punch

You might notice that on this photo I have added a flower at the base of the neck on each of the elves. That is because I used ribbon to make hangers for them and a couple of hours after I had hung my prototype elf up and was working on the assembly of the others, I heard this loud crash and it was my elf! The weight of the candy had caused the neck to pull away from the collar (even though I used a double layer of Score Tape) and down he went! So I stapled each one at the base of the neck (it didn't hurt them!) and added another of the flowers that I had used to make the tassle on the hat to cover the staple. (like a band-aid) "<)

So cute! Well worth the time and effort! I love them and Jim was very happy with them - but I was relieved when this project was finished and they were ready to be delivered! :<) They won't be given until Christmas but I hope they make them all smile! Plus the candy is chocolate!

Thanks for stopping by today! Be sure to visit http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ to look at all of the wonderful entries and add your own photo of the creations you have been working on!

Wishing you a happy day!

Barbara Diane

2011-12-20T08:05:00.003-05:00

Hello!

Two different card versions today using this great image from Just Inklined - love this pair of happy snow people - persons - snow man and snow woman? You can find this wonderful "Merry Christmas" image at http://www.justinklined.com/

This one has sparkle on the hats and scarves as well as the background - Stickles again!

This one is a LOT more glittery!

Thanks for stopping by today! The last week before Christmas is here!

Barbara Diane

'Real' Fabric vs 'Fake' Fabric

2011-12-19T08:32:00.002-05:00

Hello!

The theme for the current challenge on Mo's Challeng blog is "The Fabric of Our Lives" and we are to add fabric to our project. I used Mo's image 'Ragged Santa' which is I think my favorite this year. I have made many versions and in various color combinations and I love them all.

This is 'real' fabric . . .

and this is 'fake' fabric (designer paper).

You can see all of the beautiful project entries at http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/ and all of Mo's new images on her blog at http://www.digitalpenciltoo.blogspot.com/ "Ragged Romeo is going to be perfect for Valentines Day - have to plan ahead!

Thanks for stopping by today! We have sunshine here in this part of WI and although it is still cold, the sun has melted most of the snow! Wishing you a good Monday!

Barbara Diane

I Received My Diploma!

2011-12-18T21:17:00.001-05:00

Hello!

I received a diploma from Duendes for completing my SALT Santa! Thank you Duendes! What fun this little guy was to make and I loved being a part of this group!

I am so inspired now to do this with one of my patterns!

Barbara Diane

My "SALT Christmas" Santa Is Finished!

2011-12-18T08:26:00.001-05:00

I have finished my Santa - and I love how he turned out!

On my November 16th post I wrote that my sweet blogger friend Duendes was offering a tutorial on her blog "Land of Elves" to make this wonderful little Santa. It was free to those who would leave a comment that they would like to create one for her 'SALT Christmas'. Duendes explained to me that SALT "means to do something together in the distance but with a single purpose". The instuctions were sent to those participating through e-mail in 3 steps. We sent back a photo of our dolls at each stage of construction and then received the next set of instructions. The tutorial began on November 26th and the deadline to send photos of the finished doll is today.

If you have not visited Duendes' delightful blog and met all of the wonderful characters who live in her world you are missing out! Her little ones who live in her world are perfection. The red headed one - Ferruccio - he has my heart! To see all of the wonderful entries from so many bloggers in many different countries, that so far have completed the first two stages of construction, visit her at http://terradeduendes.blogspot.com/ - it will bring a smile to your face and a lift to your spirit!

I can't wait to see all of the end results!

I love this guy! Thank you Duendes for the opportunity - it was great fun!

Thank you for stopping by today! Be sure to check out the entries. It is such fun to see all of the different dolls with each person's personal touch and interpretation! That is art in any form!

Wiahing you a day of creation!

Barbara Diane

2011-12-17T08:14:00.005-05:00

Hello!

Well, the day I've been trying to not think about is finally here - it snowed! Waking up to the sounds of the snow plows in the parking lots and the snowblowers on the sidewalks, it took me a few moments to think what the noise was about. I looked outside and Oh No! snow was everywhere - everything covered in white! So get dressed, get out the boots and gloves - and off to clean the car, move it, wait for plows to finish the parking lot, move it back. I just can't believe it is all here again. To have a white Christmas is wonderful - it is the rest of the long winter - from now into April in this part of WI - that is getting more and more difficult.

My card today is a Penny Black stamp - the guy on top of the tree sort of images my mood this morning. Another Oh No! kind of moment - and nothing one can do about it but deal with it! But he has his friends to give support!

You can see the Sparkle better on this photo I think. The photos do not show how pretty this card actually is and now it has been mailed so too late now!

Wishing you a wonderful Saturday! If you like snow I would be happy to send you some!

Barbara Diane

For Troy and Lou

2011-12-16T00:05:00.002-05:00

Hello!

I made this large poster-card for my middle son Troy and my daughter-in-law Lou who live in NH - such a long way from WI. They both love and collect Disney so when I saw Sassy Cheryl's image "Boy and Pull Toy" I thought of them right away. I love this image - the funny sticking up in front hair looks just like Troy's did when he was a little boy and the mouse of course made it a given that I would have to have this image for my own. Troy is now grown and has children of his own - and grandchildren! I am soon to have my third great-grandchild - doesn't seem possible to me! But the memory of the little boy he was makes me smile.

I combined this image with Mo Manning's "Tree Decorated" to create a scene for this Christmas poster-card. The photos don't show the glitter on the tree - I guess it was too dark when I took the photos. Too many late nights working to finish my cards and still so many yet to make! I hope they like this one when it arrives at their house.

You can see Cheryl's image at http://sassycheryls.blogspot.com/ and Mo's are to be found at http://www.mosdigitalpencil.com/ So many wonderful images to chose from!

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you good memories of your own!

Barbara Diane

Two Little Santa Guys

2011-12-14T00:05:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Dustin Pike's images are so much fun to color! I love this little Santa guy! He may be short but he is sweet! Visit Dustin to see his great characters at http://dustinpike.blogspot.com/ You will feel a smile coming on!

Thanks for stopping by today! We are having rain here in this part of WI - but still not any you know what! I know - it is coming soon, but no cleaning off the car, moving it, cleaning off the car, moving it back, etc. yet!

Wishing you some sunshine and happy Christmas spirit!

Barbara Diane

WOYW Wednesday Is Here and I Am Busy!

2011-12-14T00:01:00.002-05:00

Hello!

It is WOYW Wednesday again already - and it seems I am making cards 24-7. So many cards have been made and so many cards yet to make! The photos below were taken late at night as I was stopping for the day so the photos are pretty dark.

The cards drying on my work table (Stickles) are those I made this year for everyone here in my apartment building who I exchange Christmas cards with. I LOVE receiving cards so it is worth the work in the end but during the creation it seems to take forever. I am not a person who likes to make multiples of anything - I would rather make each card using different images. I am making those also but when I need this many I stick to one or two images. I made the two variations using Penny Black images and I had to make 20 of them.

These are the main supplies I need when I am creating - markers, colored pencils, card stock, water and fresh fruit! Or chocolate. :<)

Be sure to stop at The Stamping Ground http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ to see all of the creations and share your own! Thanks for stopping by today! I hope that the week is going well for you!

Barbara Diane

What A Great Present!

2011-12-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hello!

The wonderful snowman on today's card is one of Sassy Cheryl's digital stamps. It is the "Windup Santa" image and this guy is SO focused, concentrating on the little Santa as he walks back and forth, back and forth - rewinding him every time he stops. Ah, what a great present he got this year!

You can see more of Cheryl's great Christms images and more at http://www.sassycherylsdigis.com/

Thanks for stopping by today!

Wishing you a fun and focused good day!

Barbara Diane

WINNER OF BLOG CANDY IS . . . . . . . .

2011-12-12T00:10:00.000-05:00

The winner of the blog candy is Carole Sweeny of Carole's Creative Critters. Congratulations Carol! Send me your address and I will get the supplies in the mail as soon as I can.

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the questionaire - I will be sharing the answers with you in the near future.

Christmas Door Poster 2011

2011-12-12T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hello!

I finally have my Christmas poster for 2011 hung on my apartment door! I combined quite a few images for this holiday scene. I began with Mo Manning's lovely "Tree Decorated" and added the baby from her "First Christmas" image and the wonderful little elves "Kim", "Pippa", "Mim" and "Finn" and the wreath from her "Door With Wreath" image to complete the scene.

Dimensionals were used to attach the tree, wreath and the baby to the background paper. I also printed a second Christmas tree image and cut out the candy canes and ornaments and used dimensionals to apply them over the ones in the tree. The elves were also attached to the tree with dimensionals. Many hours of cutting and I used LOTS of dimensionals on this poster - and LOTS of Stickles glitter! At the bottom of the poster I added a section of cardstock to give an illusion of a "rug" and a base for the baby to sit as well as to give it some depth.

It took a long time to make this poster but I was pleased with the result - and hearing voices through my door saying "Look at this!" as people stop to comment on it makes it all worthwhile. Please excuse the photos as they aren't the greatest but the lighting was very poor. If you click on the photo to enlarge it you can see the glitter better.

You can see the glitter a bit better on this photo - there is a LOT of glitter and it makes it all sparkly and Christmasy!

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you some time to create!

Barbara Diane

Be Happy

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello!

This week's theme on Mo's Challenge Blog is " Banners or Tags" and I decided to revise my card that I created for last week's challenge - which I forgot to enter until the last day, when it was too late! I loved this happy little girl so much and it took some time to create the card so here she is again - all new and revised. :<)

This week I am early! I love this challenge and the inspiration from looking at all of the different creations. Check it out at http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by today! I love reading all of the questionaires that I am receiving in answer to my blog candy and will be posting the information next week. The drawing is tomorrow and I will be posting the winner on Monday. Thank you all for taking the time to send me your thoughts and experiences with your blog! You are all wonderful! :<)

Wishing you a happy day! It is cold, cold, cold here in this part of WI but still sunshine and no you know what! I don't want to jinx it - Christmas Eve is soon enough for me!

Barbara Diane

Such Happy Snowmen!

2011-12-08T08:52:00.001-05:00

Hello!

Aren't these two just the happiest snowmen! I love this image of Sassy Cheryl's - it is one of my favorites! I again cut the images out and using dimensionals attached them to the paper and used a bit of Stickles on each snow flake design to give a bit of sparkle. You can purchase this wonderful "Double Skating Snowmen" at http://www.sassycherylsillustrations.com/ and be sure to check out her blog at http://sassycheryls.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by today!

Wishing you a happy one!

Barbara Diane

WOYW Wednesday Time!

2011-12-07T08:02:00.005-05:00

Hello!

I have finally completed the stationary box set! I will be mailing it soon and then can post the photos. It took me a long time to make - lots of coloring and cutting involved! I hope I got the colors right and that she will like it! It is WOYW Wednesday again, so be sure to check out the great projects that are being created by everyone http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a good one!

Barbara Diane

Miss Chrissy Tree

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hello!

I love "Miss Chrissy Tree" from Phindy's Place - she is the cutest little girl and a fun holiday image to color! You can find many wonderful images on their site - check out the rest of the kids and holiday images at http://phindysplace.com/

Thanks for stopping by today and thank you to all who have completed my questionaire so far! There is still time to send one as the winner of the blog candy will be picked this Saturday and announced next Monday and I will also share the results on a later post.

Wishing you sunshine - it is cold and cloudy here in this part of WI today!

Barbara Diane

Unhappy Santa's Helper

2011-12-05T10:00:00.002-05:00

Hello!

Today's card has one of Sassy Cheryl's images - one of my Christmas favorites! I love this little guy and the expression on his face. I had a great time with the Stickles - even put a dot of glitter inside each snowflake on the background paper! You can find this "Unhappy Santa's Helper With Gift" and many more wonderful images at http://www.sassycherylsdigis.com/

Thanks for stopping by today! We have a bit of snow here in this part of WI today and it is much colder! We have been so lucky with a long and pleasant Fall that I think that it seems like Christmas is here all of a sudden because we have had no winter weather yet to ease us into the season.

Wishing you a happy Monday!

Barbara Diane

WOYW Wednesday Is Here Again!

2011-11-30T07:00:00.003-05:00

Hello!

I can't believe how fast it was Wednesday and then became Wednesday again! :<) The weeks just seem to fly by - it is time once again to share what you are creating at your workdesk. So go to Julie's blog http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ to add your projects and see all of the fun holiday creations being made this week. I love visiting the blogs to see what is new!

Now that I have completed the box for my stationary set I have started work on the items that are to be put inside the box to complete the set. I hope to finish it this week and have it ready for mailing early next week.

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope that you have a day of happiness.

Barbara Diane

Santa's Helpers

2011-11-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Before Mo Manning's wonderful elves Kin, Mim, Pippa and Finn were created - there were "Santa's Helpers" and I still love this image! This team of five little guys are all having a great time and with them all together in one image is great! You can find them and all of her new elves at http://www.digitalpenciltoo.blogspot.com/

I have entered this card into this week's challenge on Mo's challenge blog. The theme is "Elves, Fairies, Santa, or Snowmen!" so check out http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/ to see what wonders have been created this week and add yours to the list!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Barbara Diane

Working On The Stationary Box

2011-11-28T07:18:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Last Wednesday I posted the photo above for WOYW Wednesday to show that I had finally started my stationary box set! I have been working on it this past week and thought you might like to see the results as I go along.

I forgot to take a photo while making the top of the box, but you can see it to the left on the photo below sitting next to the other pieces I have started to assemble. I have learned after making many of the boxes to decorate the individual pieces first before I put them together.

The back wall of the box with the long pocket added.

Here I have added the two short pockets in front of the long one. (You can see the two pieces in the first photo.)

The inside of the box is decorated.

The box with the front folded up and the decorated top over the box.

The assembled pieces to decorate the front and sides of the box. (I had also made one for the back of the box but decided not to use it at this point.)

Here the pieces are added to the front of the box.

The basic decorated box is completed and waiting for accessories - inside and out.

You can find a tutorial by Jackie Topa at http://jackietopa.typepad.com/Stationary.pdf I will be working on the cards, etc. that go inside the box and the coordinating finishes that go on the outside of the box.

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a good Monday!

Barbara Diane

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your kind comments! I have some blog candy coming up soon - I am thankful for all of you who are my inspiration to keep on blogging!

Barbara Diane

WOYW Wednesday

2011-11-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

When I saw this wonderful tutorial on "Stamping Together At Monika's Place" I knew that I had to make this guy for everyone who lives at Jim's group home and the staff as their Thanksgiving treat. I love him! I had to make 17 of them (I also made 2 more today) and it took Jim and I all weekend - he was my strong arm with the punches - but it was so worth it! I changed a few things but here is my version.

Isn't he the cutest guy you've ever seen?

Wow! We get filled with these?

So cool!

Thanks for stopping by today! You can find this tutorial and many, many more wonderful creations at Monika's blog at http://monikastamp.wordpress.com/ Then go to Julia's "Stamping Ground" http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ to add what you've been doing and see all the other's great creations!

Wishing you a good day before Thanksgiving!

Barbara Diane

A Belated Birthday Card For A Guy

2011-11-22T08:20:00.001-05:00

Hello!

This is the last of my late birthday cards - and as you can see, I was REALLy late! I love this cute image of Mo Manning's and I used it again in this card.

We have had such great weather here in this part of WI - Thanksgiving Day it is to be 56 degrees! I know that the snow and cold are on the way, but this has been such a nice delay!

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a happy day!

Barbara Diane

Another Late Birthday Card

2011-11-21T09:45:00.001-05:00

Hello!

Happy Monday! Here I am again with another LATE birthday card! Good Grief! It's not that I don't remember the birthdays - I have my birthday calendar - but I remember and then I forget and then I remember again and then I forget to SEND the cards! I know, that is a poor excuse and doesn't help matters but . . . . .

This image is another version of the rabbit from Alice In Wonderland by Mo Manning - the silly "March Hare" and can be found here http://www.mosdigitalpencil.com/

Wishing you a good day today - where everything is on schedule!

Barbara Diane

FREE "Santa's Magical Sleigh" Template

2011-11-18T14:58:00.001-05:00

Hello!

One of my favorite sites to find great templates is Card Carousel. So many beautiful projects to create! You can now get a free "Santa's Magical Sleigh" card making template from Card Carousel. Just visit www.cardcarousel.co.uk/free/sleigh.html for the information on how this wonderful gift can be yours!

Wishing you all a happy weekend!

Barbara Diane

Hope For Hannah

2011-11-17T18:32:00.005-05:00

Can you Spare £1 to help give Hannah Hope

If you can, your donation will help this brave young woman get the medical help she needs.

Belated Birthday Card

2011-11-17T09:44:00.001-05:00

Hello!

No matter how I try I seem to always be late in sending out my birthday cards!

This image is Mo Manning's appropriately named "Late" - he looks how I feel when I realize that I am late once again! You can find him at http://www.mosdigitalpencil.com/

Wishing you a day of when all goes as planned!

Barbara Diane

WOYW Wednesday

2011-11-16T20:53:00.003-05:00

Hello!

So much going on in my life right now - I almost forgot to post my WOYW Wednesday entry again! So here it is!

I am finally starting to create a stationery box set for a friend that has been put aside so many times that I was determined to start this and no more delays! Her color choices are Periwinkle Blue, yellow and 'another color that compliments the first two'. I had no idea how difficult it was to find a true Periwinkle blue paper and especially a printed paper! So wish me luck!

Go to http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ to see all of this week's cool entries!

Thanks for stopping by!

Barbara Diane

Free Santa Tutorial at The Land Of Elves!

2011-11-16T09:55:00.001-05:00

Hello!

Would you like to make this wonderful Santa for your very own? I do!

My sweet blogger friend Duendes is offering this tutorial on her awesome blog - it is free to those who leave a comment that they would like to create one on her November 9th post - 'SALT Christmas'. Duendes explained to me that SALT "means to do something together in the distance but with a single purpose" and the instuctions will be sent to you through e-mail in 3 steps - the 2nd one to those who finish the 1st, etc. The tutorial is to begin on November 26th, so visit her today and let her know you want to make one! It will be such fun!

If you have not visited her blog before you will be in for a lovely surprise! Her little ones who live in her world are perfection - I am in love with them all, especially the red headed one - Ferruccio - he has my heart! Go to http://terradeduendes.blogspot.com/ - it will bring a smile to your face and a lift to your spirit!

Wishing you a happy day! Thanks for stopping by!

Barbara Diane

Love Never Leaves

2011-11-15T08:44:00.000-05:00

Hello!

I have one brother - and he is a special brother. So when he lost his buddy and friend I wanted to send a special card to honor this memory and rememberance that love is never lost. The memories are always there. Dick is a computer guy and spends countless hours on his computer both at his work outside the home and his Internet work at home. What better place to have the memory-company of his buddy than during those long hours.

Thanks for stopping by today! I wish for you the experience of knowing the love of a pet.

Barbara Diane

Christmas Money Holder Knit Hat

2011-11-14T12:23:00.003-05:00

Hello!

I saw this cute tutorial on Splitcoaststampers for a Beanie Cap Gift Card Holder and I had to make one right away - I love it! I embossed my DP using the Cuttlebug dotted swiss folder and then used a piece of foam to distress the edges of the hat pieces with ink and also brushed it across the raised dots to highlight them. I cut 3 of a flower punch, distressed the edges and layered them with a circle in the middle on a dimensional. The flower is attached to the hat with pop dots.

The image I used of Mo Manning's is my favorite dog Bronte that I cut from the 'Bella and Bronte at Easter' image and then cut out and layered some Christmas ivy from the reverse side of my DP at his collar and added a bit of Stickles for sparkle. Bronte is also on dimensionals so the card can be opened and closed easily at the hinge. I will be using this card as a money card this Christmas season and the greeting is behind the money.

Almost forgot - too many things going on here today! You can find the Beanie Cap Gift Card Holder tutorial at http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/beaniecap/ and you can see all of Mo's wonderful images at http://www.mosdigitalpencil.com/. Also, this is my entry for this week's challenge on Mo's Challenge Blog - theme this week is "Fancy Folds" and you can see all the creations at http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by today! We have sunshine today in this part of WI - hope you do too!

Barbara Diane

Thankful for Katie

2011-11-09T20:43:00.004-04:00

Hello

Due to health issues I am dealing with I almost didn't get my card finished for this week's challenge on the DP2 Challenge blog and tomorrow a new challenge begins. This week's challenge theme is "Give Thanks" (Thank You or Thanksgiving). My card is for Katie - I will be forever thankful to have known this beautiful and brave young woman. Her smile brightened the room.

God bless her and Kevin and the children.

Thank you for stopping by today and a big hug and a huge thank you to all of you wonderful bloggers who sent cards to Katie and left comments of kind and encouraging words. Take care and tell someone you love them.

Barbara Diane

I WIll Miss You Friend

2011-11-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

This is Kevin's post of today:

Peaceful End to a Beautiful Life

Hello All,

It is with great sadness that I must report that Katie passed away at about 5:10 this morning. The final days of her life were pain free, peaceful, and surrounded by family and friends. We were never able to fully wake her again following Thursday nights battle with pain and nausea, but I know she was able to hear what was going on around her and was aware that she was surrounded with love. I will be making arrangements for Katie's memorial service and will post the details as soon as they are finalized. Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support through this entire journey.

Peace,

Kevin

Please Pray For Katie

2011-11-02T09:53:00.002-04:00

Katie is now in Hopspice. Her husband Kevin is now updating her condition through her blog.

I believe in the power of prayer. Please pray for Katie. Send her an e-mail and let her know that you are thinking of her and sending good wishes! Kevin said she loves looking at the cards sent to her - if you have a moment won't you send her a hello?

http://katiespaperhaven.blogspot.com/

Katie Renz
PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

Thank you for your kindness.

Barbara Diane

I Love Valentines Day!

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

Hello!

I know that Valentines Day is a long way from Halloween . . . . . . but the challenge this week on Mo's Challenge Blog has a theme of "Any Holiday or Celebration" and I know that I LOVE the celebration of Valentines Day so here is my entry using Mo's 'Bella Hearts Bronte'.

I am sending this to my SIL-like-my-sister Bonnie as she loves her little dog - and I hope that she doesn't decide to look at my blog before it gets there!

Thanks for stopping by to visit! Check out the entries at http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/ and find some inspiration - as there is lots of it there!

Barbara Diane

Happy Halloween!!!!

2011-10-31T08:08:00.001-04:00

Hello and Happy Halloween!

I created this card for my friend Verda, but after it was finished I knew that this wouldn't work as she has very poor eyesight and I could see that the image and the background would all blend together when she looked at it! She uses a magnifying glass to look at the cards I make for her and has her visiting nurse describe the detail to her. I needed to fix this problem - what to do?

I knew I needed a lighter color behind the little witch to create a contrast between her and the background paper - but nothing I tried gave me the answer to the problem and also looked like it was part of the planned layout of the card. I tried different colors and shapes of CS, different stamp images - nothing worked. I had almost given up and accepted the fact that I would have to make her a different card (I could have made two cards in the time I spent stamping, cutting and then discarding in trying to solve this problem.)

Then I found this little ghost stamp that I had never used and forgotten I had. Could that work?

It did! To give some balance to the white of the little ghosts so it didn't look top heavy I added some grass with the lighter green CS and then a narrow stip of black - and I was very happy with the results.

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you lots of good Halloween treats!

Barbara Diane

A Quick and Fun Halloween Card

2011-10-31T00:26:00.002-04:00

Hello!

I very seldom use a purchased accessory but these fun little ghosts were just too cute to pass up and combined with this great paper and black CS created a quick and fun card!

Thanks for stopping by! I can't believe that Halloween is here already!

Barbara Diane

Dustin Pike Challenge

2011-10-28T09:18:00.003-04:00

Hello!

Those of you who visit my blog know that my oldest son Jim lives in a group home and loves all kinds of arts and crafts. He is very artistic and creative and has his own style in which he makes many creations for me and for family and friends. He loves glitter - loves it! I have to keep my Sickles supply filled for when he comes to visit and works on his projects. He also loves bright colors - the brighter the better - red, yellow, orange and purple are some of his favorites. He loves coloring with markers and is a detail person as his mother is. I keep a box of markers here for him to use when he comes to visit and he also 'borrows' mine. :<)

This Halloween he asked for a "Spooky" card - one with scary Halloween characters. And because he loves the posters I make, I thought I would make him a small poster card using a 81/2 x 11 CS as the base. I recently landed on Dustin Pike's blog and fell in love with his whimsical style of art and knew that his Halloween characters were perfect for Jim's card as I could color them with all of the bright colors Jim loves! Dustin has a "All Things Shiny" challenge currently on his blog so I also used the card as my entry as I used LOTS of sparkly for Jim!

I gave the card to Jim yesterday and he loves it - I hope that you also enjoy. Drop over to Dustin's blog to see all of his wonderful art work and great card samples! He is most generous with his freebies images and I have taken advantage of this gift! Thank you Dustin!

Jim's 1st Favorite

Jim's 2nd Favorite

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a great weekend!

Barbara Diane

More Photos Tomorrow!

2011-10-27T14:38:00.004-04:00

hello!

I jumped the gun today and entered this in a challenge without thinking that I of course had to put it on my blog! This was to be Friday's post Soooooo I will have more photos tomorrow.

Sorry! It seems either I am behind or ahead!

Barbara Diane

A Witch and Bats Are Added To My Door Poster

2011-10-27T09:29:00.004-04:00

Hello!

Today I have added my favorite witch and some bats to my door poster. I had so much fun making her for my friend's poster yesterday that I had to add one to my poster. I just love coloring her!

This is before:
The Witch of the West by Mo Manning:
Add her and some flying bats to the poster - and this is now.

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you some smiles today!

Barbara Diane

WOYW Wednesday

2011-10-26T07:59:00.001-04:00

Hello!

Today my photo of What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday is pretty lame and not at all what I was planning to post! I had taken photos that also showed part of my work area as well as my desk and when I went to post this morning all I had was this close up. I must have deleted those photos from my camera when I took new ones without checking first. Lesson learned! So here is all I have today but you can see on my post from yesterday what one of my finished projects was.

Thanks for stopping by today - be sure to check out the other many wonderful WOYW entries at The Stamping Ground http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ Wishing you a good one!

Barbara Diane

A Halloween Poster and Mo Manning Challenge

2011-10-25T16:18:00.000-04:00

Hello!

Better late than never - again! I wanted to post this yesterday but these posters take a long time to make! I get in the zone when designing one and then with the coloring with markers!

The theme of Mo's Challenge this week was "Favorite Mo image PLUS a sentiment" and as there is no way that one can pick ONE 'favorite' from Mo's wonderful images, I used three of my favorite Mo images - the Witch of the West, Mummy and one of the Tall Houses - and the pumpkins are from Twick or Tweet. I love making the posters - hope that you like it!

Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a good evening!

Barbara Diane

Two of the Greatest Qualities of Life

2011-10-25T09:03:00.001-04:00

Hello!

My friend Anna sent me this. Love it!

Two of the greatest qualities in life are: PATIENCE and WISDOM

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a day filled with both of the above!

Barbara Diane

Another Mix 'N Match Halloween Card

2011-10-21T15:29:00.002-04:00

Hello!

It is Friday again! I lost most of this week with appointments and issues and where do the days go! It was very cold here in this part of WI this morning but the sunshine has warmed it up quite a bit. I think tomorrow is to be nice, in the low 60's again and then rain on Sunday. I dread the morning that will soon be here when I have to scrap the frost from the car windshield and start that routine all over again! I love Spring and Fall and without Summer heat/humidity and Winter cold/snow I couldn't have them so I guess I best just shut up about it! :<)

My card today is another mix of stamps and supplies that I have. It turned out cute and I will soon have all the cards that I need to send this year. Then on to the Christmas cards!

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a safe and happy weekend!

Barbara Diane

Fun Halloween Thank You Cards

2011-10-20T14:08:00.001-04:00

Hello!

Two fun 'thank you' cards I had to make and deliver this morning - each with a small bag from the bakery with a Halloween cookie inside. They are a combination of different stamps I had on my work table and easy to make - I stamped them last night so the glitter could dry and then cut out and assembled this morning. The bakery smelled so good - it is so cold outside and windy today!

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a bakery treat! I purchased a glazed cake donut for myself - couldn't resist my favorite!

Barbara Diane

Oh, We're Off To See The Wizard . . . .

2011-10-17T13:09:00.002-04:00

. . . . . the wonderful wizard of Oz!

Hello!

The theme this week on Mo's Challenge Blog is "Inspired by a Song" - and as I have been wanting to use these wonderful images of Mo's for a long time now and had them sitting by my work table - this song immediately came into my mind. And has been going through my mind since then I might add! The images are so happy and so is this song! I had a great time making this poster using one of the backgrounds from the movie. I hope you enjoy!

You can find all of these awesome characters at http://www.digitalpenciltoo.blogspot.com/ I know that I will be using them many more times in the future! I absolutely love them all! Be sure to check out the amazing challenge entries at http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/ and enter YOUR creation!

Thanks for stopping by today! For all of you who e-mailed me or left comments of prayers for Katie - thank you! Big hugs to you for your kindness.

Barbara Diane

Katie Needs Your Prayers

2011-10-15T20:29:00.001-04:00

Please pray for Katie. She is fighting so hard now! She needs a miracle and I believe that prayers can help to bring this about. Her husband Kevin is posting updates on Katie's blog and you can read them here http://katiespaperhaven.blogspot.com/

One of the artists who donated their work in the first fund raiser for Katie was Lori Boyd and it was of Katie's 3 boys - the youngest are twins. It is one of my favorite images and was one of the first I used to make the card above to send to Katie. You can read of a fund raiser now being held by Lori on her blog LORI Designs at http://byloridesigns.blogspot.com/

Thanking you in advance for your prayers for this special young woman.

Barbara Diane

My 2011 Halloween Poster For My Door

2011-10-14T09:51:00.002-04:00

Hello!

Well, our sunshine is still out today in this part of WI but it is very cold! It is only 47 this morning and the high today is to be 58 - a far cry from the 80's we had been enjoying! Yesterday we had rain and it was cold and wet but today it is the perfect Fall day - beautiful sunshine, leaves still colorful but falling everywhere and a nip in the air. It makes me think of Halloween weather for the first time this year.

And this is my Halloween 2011 poster for the door of my apartment. Last year I made my poster featuring the Owl Forest and added a little owl trick or treater every day all month long but this year I loved Mo Manning's image "Witches Trick" so much I had to make my poster centered around her! Mo's "Tall Houses" were perfect for the setting for this scenerio and I used two of them as background in this scene. I once again used the leaves and vines from the image "Katie's Love Swing" from Make It Crafty to create the grasses and bushes around the houses.

The two trick or treaters are Mo's "Mummy" - who isn't quite sure what to make of this old woman - even if she is holding a large gingerbread man cookie! His big brother, who just leaving the house they were just at, is from Mo's "Twick or Tweet" and he is also sizing up the situation - the old woman's house does look a bit creepy. The witch's cat lying on the front stairs is Mo's "Cheshire Cat' and looking out of the window upstairs is the little cat from Mo's "Alli Wants In. The moon is from her Wynken, Blynken and Nod" - what a wonderful combination of images these made for my poster!

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you sunshine!

Barbara Diane

Prayers For Katie

2011-10-12T08:28:00.004-04:00

Hello!

Today I am just asking for your prayers and good thoughts for our fellow blogger Katie. She is having a difficult time now in her battle. If you could send her a card to help keep her spirit up and keep fighting.

You can read her updates here:

http://katiespaperhaven.blogspot.com/

Katie Renz PO Box 5913 Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

Thanking you in advance and wishing you a good day today.

Barbara Diane

New Challenge

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hello!

The challenge theme this week on Mo's Challenge Blog is "Patchwork" and this card became VERY time consuming! I have had this wonderful "Cinderella" image of Mo's for a long time now and have been wanting to use paper piecing for her clothing in place of coloring with markers. This took a long time to print the image on the different patterned papers and then cut them all out. The card also has many CS layers in addition to the cutting and piecing of the patchwork pattern papers so it took me most of one day to complete the card. But I love how Cinderella turned out and now I am hooked on this fun way to do the clothing!

Have a look at all of the great cards that have been made for this challenge - I am always so inspired by the creations and find more new bloggers that I want to follow! I wish that there were more hours in the day that I could just look at it all! I love seeing all the different styles and ideas! Go to http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/ to see them and enjoy! Join in the fun and add your entry - the new challenge starts every Thursday.

Thanks for stopping by today! We continue to have the most beautiful Indian Summer weather here in this part of WI. I guess that rain is on the way but it has been so wonderful to have the sunshine and warm temperatures! Wishing you a good day today!

Barbara Diane

Blog Hop Fund Raiser For Katie

2011-10-10T08:48:00.008-04:00

Hello and Happy Monday!

There is a fund raiser blog hop for Katie Renz happening now!

I have written of Katie many times, but for those of you who are not familiar with Katie's story, she was diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer shortly before Christmas last year. With no warning but stomach pain, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. From Katie's first post after the diagnosis:

"Life has thrown me the hardest, sharpest, quickest curve ball that I could have ever possibly foreseen. It has been exactly 7 whole days since I was told that I had a cancerous ulcer in my stomach. Lots of tests followed with lots of Doctors to visit and the end result is quite grim - Stage 4 Gastric Cancer."

Her fight over this past year has touched the hearts of bloggers everywhere. Katie has been fighting the fight with bravery, a positive mind set and a willingness to do whatever is asked of her. But she is having a difficult time now and can use our help.

You can find the details of the blog hop on Beate's blog http://beate.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/ along with Beate's own beautiful creation. This is where I first saw it this morning. There are SO MANY wonderful bloggers taking part in this blog hop - you won't believe how many - you need to check them out!

If you would like to make a donation, go to Information Central at http://www.iheartpapers.com/content.php?content_id=1019 Of all donations 100% of the profits go to Katie’s fund to help her and her family - her husband Kevin and her three young boys. Katie's blog is My Paper Haven and you can read her posts and follow her journey here: http://katiespaperhaven.blogspot.com/ Katie also loves cards and you can send her some love and prayers in one at this address:

Katie Renz
PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

Thanking you in advance for helping Katie. She is in my prayers every day.

Barbara Diane

This Year's Version of Halloween Card

2011-10-06T11:28:00.001-04:00

Hello!

Another day of fantastic weather here in this part of WI - it is summer here again!

The photo below is one of the Halloween cards I made last year that I mentioned yesterday in my WOYWW post. It was one of my favorites and requested by others again this year.

The next photo is this year's version. I changed it a bit by adding stars and a fence and made it in different color combinations with the dots on the borders a bit farther apart for variety as I had quite a few requests for this card again.

Opps, I missed the windows of the house on this one!

For my son Jim's card I made it a little more detailed by giving the moon a profile, making the fence go up the hillside and in front of the house, adding a second bat, more stars and making the wings of the bats upright and bent. I also colored the windows of the house green instead of yellow.

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a happy day!

Barbara Diane

Another WOYW Wednesday!

2011-10-05T07:00:00.001-04:00

Hello!

It is Wednesday already! Another week is flying by! We are having the most beautiful weather here in this part of WI - near 80 degrees every day - it is wonderful! Storing up for the winter months. Yesterday when I went to leave for an appointment my car battery was stone dead - what a shock! I not only have a new battery but it was 80 degrees outside! I had to have someone come to start my car and although it was nice waiting in the sunshine for that person I was reminded of the winter months ahead.

Sometimes we create a card that not only do we really like but so do others. This card I am working on at my workdesk this Wednesday is such a card. It is a favorite from last year and I have had requests for this card again this year so I am making it in various colors with a little variation to make it a bit different this time around. I will post them tomorrow.

I hope that you are having fun working on something today. Check out all of the great creations being made at Julie's blog http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/ I am always amazed and inspired by what is being created as well as the great workspaces.

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you sunshine and fun creating!

Barbara Diane

A Card For Katie

2011-10-04T12:00:00.004-04:00

Hello!

I posted a card using this image from Day For Daisies a few days ago but I love this image with the sweet little fairy so much that I had to make another card with it! You can visit their blog to see great images and cards at http://adayfordaisies.blogspot.com/

I made this card for our blogger friend Katie. She is one of the bravest and most positive people I know but she is going through some difficult times right now with her chemo and treatments. If you would send a card to say hello and send good wishes I know that she would love that! Her address is:

Katie Renz
P.O. Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

You can visit Katie and see her great creations on her blog at http://katiespaperhaven.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by today! It is like summer here in this part of WI - only a summer without humidity! Today the temperature is to reach 75-80 degrees! I love it! Wishing you a happy day!

Barbara Diane

Kai and Furry Friends

2011-10-03T09:05:00.002-04:00

Hello!

Another Monday already! We have a beautiful and sunny day here in this part of WI today! It is supposed to be nice all week and with the fall colors all around us it will be lovely!

My card today is my entry for Mo Manning's challenge for the week. This time the challenge theme is for "Furry Friends" and in this card I have finally used the full image of 'Kai', the digital image that I have been using the leaves from as seen on a few of my last cards. This time I have included Kai along with all of the leaves and added his 'furry friends' - a cat from "Fall" and a dog from "Fall Pup". They are having a wonderful time playing in the leaf pile!

Check out all of the great entries at Mo's challenge blog at http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/ I am always so inspired by all the many layouts and combinations that have been created!

Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a beautiful day with sunshine where you live!

Barbara Diane

Northern Ligts In Wisconsin

2011-09-30T13:08:00.001-04:00

Hello!

Isn't this the most beautiful photo? My friend Doug has sent me another awesome photo - it is of the Northern Lights over Cayuga, WI. Doug has a cabin in Northern Wisconsin and he told me that this was taken just up the road from him a few miles. All summer I am so jealous of his trips up to the cabin in the land of wonderful lakes and forests! But he always shares these beautiful photos with me and I love to see them. Thank you Doug!

Thank YOU for visiting me today! Wishing you a beautiful weekend! When I return on Monday it will be October already - with Halloween just around the corner!

Barbara Diane

Toad-ally Fun Halloween

2011-09-29T12:00:00.001-04:00

Hello!

The card I finished last night uses images from the Inky Antics 'Halloween Frog' HoneyPOP Clear Set. I love making these pop-up inserts from the Honeycomb Pads. I keep forgetting I have this fun product and so will be making more of these!

Thanks for stopping by today! We have another beautiful sunshine day here in this part of WI. It is so nice to have the fresh air in the apartment!

Barbara Diane

A Late WOYW Wednesday Entry

2011-09-28T23:20:00.000-04:00

Hello!

My 'What's On Your Workdesk?" Wednesday is late - but I made it! Doesn't this card I have been working on look interesting!? Hopefully it will be finished for tomorrow's post!

And two more waiting to dry for the me to start the next steps.

Thanks for stopping by! I am late - but better late than never!

Check them all out on the Stamping Ground blog http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/

Barbara Diane

The Fall Colors Of Wisconsin

2011-09-28T07:12:00.002-04:00

Hello!

No card today, but I have a wonderful photo to share with you that was sent to me by my good friend Doug - of the beautiful Fall colors in northern Wisconsin. God's beauty is all around us this time of year, the colors are amazing to see!

Thanks for stopping by today! And thank you Doug, for sending me this great photo! Wishing you all a happy one! The week is half over already!

Barbara Diane

Walking In The Forest

2011-09-27T08:42:00.004-04:00

Hello!

The challenge this week on Mo's Digital Challenge blog is "Autumn Colors" and we were given this beautiful photo for inspiration. The Fall colors have just started to show here in this part of WI. I love to drive in the countryside and look at all of the trees in different shades of red, orange, yellow, brown and green. It make me happy to see such beauty!

My card this week uses one of Mo's wonderful dwarfs - this guy is 'Number One Dwarf" and he is walking through the fallen Fall leaves in the forest before leaving to work in the mines. Thinking and thinking and enjoying his morning in the sunshine and fresh air.

The dwarf was attached to the card base with dimensionals and once again I have cut out the leaves from Mo's "Kai" image and attached them to the card using dimensionals also. The markers and CS are all SU. The new challenge always begins on Thursdays so you still have time to enter your card creations and join in the fun at http://mosdigitalchallenge.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by today and wishing you a happy one!

Barbara Diane