Feelin' Blue?

Well, I sure am....but in a good way. Blue is the 'color of the week' for the new Challenge at MelJen's Designs.
I love this cute lil 'Cozy Winter Wolf Pup' image from Melissa. Just perfect for a Christmas Thank You card.

So c'mon and join us at MelJen's in Singin' the BLUES for Challenge #90.

Thanks for stopping by and hope your day is filled with Blue Skies no matter what your weather...

Ring Out the Old;Ring In the New

It's an End of Year Mini Release and Sale at Doodle Pantry. 50% off all Digital Images (excludes watermarks and Custom) and a Free Adorable Hummingbird Image, 'Lil Hummer', with any purchase, Dec 29-31. You will definitely want to go see her new images, especially the with purchase Freebie.
These cute lil Caterpillar Friends, 'Caterpillar Hugs', are one of the new images offered. This set comes pre-colored and B/W with several sentiments and the 2 coordinating digi papers used here.

Laurie has a great new Jan 1st Release and Challenge planned with more of her great images at THE DOODLE PANTRY.

Thanks for Stopping by and Hope you Have a Safe, Happy and Healthy New Year's Holiday.

Here We Go A Caroling . . .

I think the music of Christmas is just about my favorite way to celebrate the Season of our Savior's Birth. Music  is the Highlight of the festivities, whether it be listening to my CD's or singing in the Choir. It's just not Christmas without the music. I was working in the Middle School Cafeteria yesterday and heard a young man humming, "Deck the Halls" quietly to himself. Nothing brings the joy of Christmas to our hearts like Christmas Carols. That being said, the design team at MelJen's was ecstatic to find out the new release and challenge this week  is 'Christmas Carols'.

Away in a Manger is probably one of the very first Christmas Carols a child learns or recognizes. I teamed up Melissa's new digital image, Away in a Manger with the Nativity Stable from last week's release. I paper-pieced the Stable and added lots of festive glitter to the hay, stars and here and there. The background 'sheet music' is exactly that...I found it on the Internet, saved on the computer and then imported and resized before printing to use as a background. .99 musical note punch from Walmart was just perfect for this I thought.

You can find the entire set of Christmas Carol Word Art at Meljen's Designs and all the Challenge details at the Design Team and Challenge Blog.

Well, I liked the way the card turned out and hopefully it was worth it ... I did a 'dummy' and screwed up my laser printer when I accidentally got adhesive on the drum while doing the paper piecing. Now everything I print has a black smudge down one side. I hope we are able to fix it. Grrrrrrr--I hate it when I do something stupid....especially 'expensive' stupid things, but generally I do go above and beyond when I do stupid things....Just ask my Dad, I've always been an over-achiever in that department. I'm the reason he always had warranties on things around the house. Even brand-new lawn mower blades take exception to running over a concrete pipe sticking up out of the ground.

Thanks for Stopping By and May Your Days Be Merry And Bright . . .

It's Autumn Time

I love this new fall image Pumpkin Crow from Melissa at Meljen's Designs. I combined it with something my Grandpa Wade always said each year as the temperatures became more brisk and the leaves started to fall. I think Fall is one of my very favorite seasons of the year. I love the feel of a brisk autumn morning and the beautiful gold and russet colors.

You can find all of this week's new images and the new challenge at the Meljen's Design and Challenge Blog.

Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY FALL Y'ALL....

Heads UP! - Doodle Pantry September Release and Sale

It's September 5th and does Doodle Pantry have some fun for you....lots of Great New Images and a special 30% off Labor Day Sale September 5-7. Be sure to check out the Specials Page at the Store.

I just love Laurie's line of Quirkies. This month brings several new additions, one of my favorites is this new Quirky Ostrich. I think she is just too too cute! That long elegant neck, lush eyelashes and those ever fashionable knobby knees....This set comes with Pre-colored and B/W Outlines Images, Great Sentiments and 3 Digi Papers. I chose to use the Precolored images,make use of the 3 gorgeous Digi Papers and of course I used one of the included sentiments.

These precolored Quirkies are so fun to make 3-D and the Ostrich is no exception, I adore the colors in this set. I cut out those cute knobby knees, fun feet, beautifully bright wing and her beak, Popped them up and then added lots of 'Glossy Accents'.

This month's Treat, and it's no Trick to get, is this fun set of Spooky Wreath Images and Digi Paper. This too comes with Precolored and Image Outlines and 1 matching digi paper. This Boo-ti-ful Image is Free for a limited time with any purchase. I used the Precolored Image, with the Spook or Treat Sentiment and the Digi Paper. Added a bit of 'Stickles' Glitter to the leaves and 'Glossy Accents' to the bats and pumpkins. Not so sure I was as successful in making this look like a wreath on a door as I wished.....

Thanks for dropping in, Don't forget to check out this month's DPDC16 Challenge which will run from the 5th-24th of Sept, with the winner being announced on the 25th. You will want to go to the Blog to find the details.

Happy Labor Day!

Meljen's Designs Grand Opening and Blog Hop

Wow! A blog hop and exciting news from Melissa Jenkins of MelJen's Designs. Melissa has a new in-line store for her Adorable Digital Images and is celebrating with a Blog Hop and a 50% off sale Sept.1-8th. YEAH!!!!!  If you've been hoppin' along you will have come here from Nicole's Blog..... If not and you just stopped by you may start at Meljen's Main Blog or Cheryl's. You will want to HOP on over to see all the wondeful creations from the talented creative ladies that make up the Meljen's Design Team. The Grand Opening Blog Hop will proceed in this order.

Cheryl

Darsie

Dee

Jessica

Katja

Lisa

Marlena

Melissa A

Nicole

Robbie (you are here)

Robin

I found this wonderful quote and knew I had to use it with this cute lil Painter Bear and mount it on an Easel.

So True....It's easy to be critical of life around us, but much more rewarding to live what life we have to the very fullest and find that bit of joy or gratitude in every day.

You can find the rest of Melissa's New Releases at her New Digi-Store. The new challenge for this week, (don't use patterned paper), can be found at the MelJen's Design Team Blog.

Thank You for stoppin' by and be sure you HOP on over to Robin's blog to see her wonderful creation. I promise you won't be disappointed. So enjoy and leave her a lil note.... After Visiting Robin's Blog she will direct you to the main site where if you leave a comment on the BLOG HOP POST with your favorite Meljen's Designs image or an image that you would like to see Melissa possibly design, will \enter you into the drawing for the goodies. 

Thank You again and hope your day is painted in Life, Love and Sunshine....

Got Attitude?

Well, these new images from MelJen's Designs have Attitude aplenty and to spare. They totally grew on me. Reminded me of my 2nd son's desire to dye his hair his Sr. year in his high school colors, Hay Baler Red, while running track. Then let's see ... there was Purple to match his track shoes for a regional meet and we must not forget Royal Blue to match his date's dress for the Winter Formal and all the colors in between as it faded out. He was an awesome kid, good student, Eagle Scout so yes, we his conservative parents relented and said OK. Go figure... my sloppy dresser is now serving in the Air Force and was recognised in Basic for his superior grooming and is also the very strict but loving father of 2 gorgeous lil girls with his lovely wife, who also went through a bit of a goth period herself. Take heart....Teen Years do not last forever and it is amazing how smart and wise parents become once their children reach their mid to late 20's. That said enjoy these fun new images.

This card utilizes both Little Goth Girl Face 1 and Cutie Skull. I used a small size of the Cute Skull for her headband and popped it up with dimensionals. Also added a bit larger skull to the sentiment. The other images in the new release are uber cute as well. I love the cute lil skirt and stripey leggings on the image Lil Goth Girl. She looks alot like one of my lil granddaughters and I am looking forward to coloring her up in some neon brite colors with blond hair and layer a flower or something over the skulls on her shirt and headband, making it age appropriate for a 3 year old.

You can find the new 'Sparkle, Shine and Glitter' Challenge at MelJen's Blog. Come join the fun and WOW! everyone with your Glitz and Bling. 

Thanks for stopping by and remember, 'Attitude Is Everything'...

Don't Worry....Be HOPPY!

Some days I just feel a little Quirky and the other day was one of those...This lil Quirky Kangaroo from Doodle Pantry immediately hopped  in to bring a smile and a laugh to my day.  

This fun and quirky set is complete with B/W outlines, precolored images and the 3 digi papers shown here in this project. I printed several of the precolored images and went 3-D with the head, pocket, leg and arm. Making the pocket allowed me to tuck in a lil flower tag with a tiny message on the back.

Currently Doodle Pantry has a great 'QUIRKY BUNDLE', at a reduced price through the 19th, which includes the 4 new August quirky releases, a kangaroo, skunk, crab and lizard. Enough to satisfy even the quirkiest of days. You can find all the New Releases for August, as well as Sales, Specials, and Bonuses at Doodle Pantry and don't forget the new Challenge with a special surprise for participants.

The Corn is as High as an Elephant's Eye.....

...an' it looks like it's climbin' clear up to the sky.....Since I now reside in the Corn Husker State of Nebraska (and absolutely love it, there is just something about America's Heartland.) Laurie of Doodle Pantry's new image 'MAIZE' immediately caught my eye and I knew I just had to do something with it. Browsed around the Internet for a good 'corn' quote and then I was well and truly hooked. Nothing better than fresh sweet corn right out of the field. A burst of sunshine in every bite. My husband's favorite thing to grow in the summer, that and watermelons. I am such a  lucky woman.

I used 2 of the images out of the set 'MAIZE' , so much fun to color up and work with...just keep a napkin handy for they are guaranteed to make your mouth water at the mere thought of fresh, sweet corn on the cob.

If that wasn't enough to whet your appetite, Doodle Pantry has a wonderful crop of new images ready for you to 'Harvest' and several Specials, Sales and Bonuses to 'sweeten' the deal. You can find all the particulars at their site and blog including the new challenge. Each participant who follows the guidelines will receive a selected set of FREE images. WOW! How is that for a end of summer DEAL!

If since reading this blog entry the lyrics from "Oklahoma' keep running through your head, join the club....just thought I would share the 'LOVE'. I've found myself singing or humming them since I started working on this post several days ago.

Thanks for stopping by and may your day be filled with sunshine and laughter, no matter what the weather...

Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's back 2 School they go....

It's almost that time again, Back to School Time. My boys are already mourning the end of summer, especially my ingoing Freshman. When school starts he will have to be out of the house for a 6:15 early morning religion class....Oh yeah, drat...that means I have to get up at 5AM too....

Meljen's Designs is sponsoring a fun 'Back 2 School' Challenge and has a fun new release with some great School Daze images. I used both Checkered Apple Frame and Desktop Mouse for this card that I will send to my lil sister who teaches younger elementary age children in Escondido California. 

I cut out and layered Desktop mouse and used 3-D tape to pop him up printed a second image to pop- up the top piece of paper, same with the stars and the apple. The paper-clip is real. Glossy accents on the stars, apple (of course), stamp, mouse tail and as a bit on the pencil top. White Gel-Pen for the chalk on the chalk board. Tip: For nice crisp edges when I 'fussy cut' an image I run a matching sharpie marker around the newly trimmed edges, works with Digi Paper too after cutting the size you need- no more white edges to distract from your project.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the last few weeks of summer....In truth I enjoy having the guys home for summer, they keep the days eventful to say the least. Guess I am in mourning too for the end of summer, ....Bummer... Hope these images bring a smile.

Scatter Seeds of Kindness...

This sweet lil 'Hop Along Bunny'  from Melissa, at MelJen's Designs, brought the phrase "Scatter Seeds of Kindness All Along Your Way' to mind. I am so grateful that this was something I saw practiced every day of my childhood by my mother, grandmothers and Great Aunt. No child could ever ask for a greater example. It is my hope to live in such a way that their legacy is passed through me to my children, grandchildren and future generations.

I followed the Recipe Challenge at MelJen's Designs for the coming week of 1 Bow, 3 Brads and a Circle. No new release of Images this week, it was beyond time for Melissa to take a wee break, but she'll be back next week with something super spectacular I am sure. In the mean time, join us for the current Challenge and if you haven't already, pick up this absolutely adorable freebie DANDELION MOUSE image that she is making available.

Don't forget to check out all of Melissa's Digital Images at Whimsy Stamps and through the month of July all of her image are 25% off.

Thanks for stopping by and May Your Way  Be Filled with Sunshine and Blossoms of Kindness.

The Sweet Serenity of Books - The Sequel

I really enjoyed making the last bookmark and when I found this Lighthouse/Book quote knew just what image to choose. Little Lighthouse from Laurie at Doodle Pantry was just right. This is a precolored image and lots of fun to work with. It also incudes 2 coordinating digi papers (which I used) and the B/W outlines as well.  (Hopefully the layout was successful in my intent to make it look like the front cover of a Book) I embossed the back panel with my Cuttlebug and added a bit of 'Glossy Accents' and Crystal 'Stickles' since the person I made this for Loves Sparkly things and Lighthouses.

I decided to add the tassle so the bookmark itself would be protected inside the book. Kind of a BookMark/BookThong cross I guess.

Don't forget to stop by the Doodle Pantry Blog and get the details for the new Stock the Pantry Challenge which will begin on the 20th.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading....

The Sweet Serenity of Books

The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,
And all the sweet serenity of books.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

One of the most precious gifts I received as a child was the Love of Reading. I grew up in a home where books and the site of adults reading was commonplace. I remember my parents reading to my sister and I, as well as my grandmother, aunt, great aunt, sitters....everyone fostered a love of reading. Visiting with my Great Grandmother and having her show me one of her favorite books as a young girl the same age as I was at the time, Little Lord Fauntleroy, is a treasured memory. She gave me my great grandfather's copy that he had received in the 1890's as a gift from his Aunt to read and allowed me to keep it.
The image Book Girl from Melissa at MelJen's immediately struck a chord with me and brought back fond memories of story time at home and dragging home books from the Library. It was there I fell in love with Paddington Bear, Bread and Jam for Francis and so many others. I still have a corner in the front room for the stacks of Library books we drag home.  I found this Chinese proverb and decided to make a 'BOOK' book mark. I had been racking my brain trying to come up with something for the MelJen's Challenge this week of no more than 2 layers in your project. (I didn't count the cut out image as a layer). I decided on this layout that hopefully looks like a the front cover of a book with a bookmark.

 One of the things I have most enjoyed with the three lil granddaughter's that are currently staying with us is reading stories to them and being able to take them to story time at the Library. The kids favorite part of the program is when George and Gracie, the Library's resident puppets, take a few minutes to introduce the theme for the day.

Sage was still in school when this was taken. Miss Jade is the lil girl in blue with the fun giggles and Rane is the lil one in purple. Love the face on the lil guy in the back, he's a corker for sure.

You can find Melissa's new releases HERE  and the scoop on this week's challenge HERE.

Thanks for stopping by and may your life be filled with many wonderful books and stories....

What does an Alligator like to cook in?

A Croc-Pot!  I was working on this fun card using  Doodle Pantry's  'QUIRKY ALLIGATOR' when my 4 yr old Granddaughter asked me to read this riddle printed on the side of her Popcicle Stick...timing is everything. We both shared a laugh and I was able to show her the fun and quirky lil alligator Easel Card I was working on. And the BEST part of all....this guy is FREE with any purchase from Doodle Pantry, just add him to your cart. How totally cool is that?

Seriously, who could possibly find it in their heart to insult this adorable lil Gator? This precolored image comes with 2 matching digi papers, the B/W outline and some great sentiments. The precolored images are just too much fun to play with, giving you the freedom to take a bit more time with cutting and layering for different effects. If you haven't tried one, give em a whirl.

You will want to check it all out along with all of the other amazing new July Releases at Doodle Pantry, be sure to see if any specials are running and also check out the DIGI GRAB BAG, from the 5th - 19th selected images are on sale 50% off. I'm sure you will find something you just gotta have and what a great price to take advantage of.

Look for the new Doodle Pantry Challenge at the New Release and Challenge Blog.

Thanks for stopping by and See ya Later, Alligator........

RUFF DAY? and Let Freedom Ring Sale

A get well card for my Nephew who just had surgery. This QUIRKY DOG is a precolored image from Laurie Wilson at Doodle Pantry. This set comes with the dog in 2 color Palettes and 4 digi papers, 2 of each,  B/W outline for personalized coloring and sentiments.

Precolored Digital Images are beyond FUN to work with, so many options. This little guy I printed off several images and then cut-out the whole image, then body except ears and tail, then just the head and front legs portion, and finally the muzzle and the scarf and lastly the nose. Each layer is then stuck to the previous with a foam mounting tape. For a bit more 3-D effect add Glossy Accents on the tongue, nose, his star and stripe patches as well as his tummy and ear spots.

Laurie is also having an Independence Day Sale from July 1 - 5th, 25% off your entire cart. Check for the details and coupon code HERE.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Creating...

Friendship brings us closer to Heaven

This card for a special friend features on of my very favorite images from Melissa at Meljen's Designs, Little Girl Bear Hugs. Such an adorable image.

Be sure to stop by MelJen's corner of the Whimsy Stamps store for a Christmas in July Sale 25% off July 1-31st and also to see these fun new releases. They're totally SWEET and Di has an awesome Sketch cahllenge for you this week at the Design and Challenge Blog.



Thanks for stopping by and Happy Creating....

Home is Where the Heart Is

My Dad and Mom just purchased a home in Mesa AZ to retire to. This card is for them to congratulate them on this big step and the beginning of what I hope are happy and enjoyable years ahead. They've earned it and glad they will finally be able to enjoy the fruits of all their hard labors. It will seem odd not to have them still at the home they have lived in for the last nearly 35 years, but home is not found in a place but with the people you love. Gonna seem weird to have to memorize a new address though.

This Easel Card features the precolored image, Little CASTLE,  one of the new June releases from Doodle Pantry. I also used one of the digi papers included with this set. It is also available in a B/W outline also.

This was a really great image to work with for a 3-D effect. I printed out multiple images of the castle and then cut out and popped up, the turrets, balconies  and tower roofs. I have found that running a matching sharpie along the cut edges gives my cut out pieces a sharper, crisper look where at times after cutting the printed outlines flake.

You can find the current Doodle Pantry Stock the Pantry Challenge#3 at the Challenge Blog.

Thanks for Stopping by and Happy Creating...

BBQ- It's not a skill....

It's his SUPER-POWER!  My Husband does the world's best BBQ and this BBQ-Apron card was made for him. Hate to say one of my favorite things is to make him blush, it doesn't take much and it's especially fun in front of the kids and grand kids. He's a good sport about it, so all in fun! I think he secretly enjoys it when the kids say, "Gross....That's just Wr-ong..." Always amazes me, he can watch things get blown up, mayhem and murder on TV, but the Hero leans over to land a virtuous kiss on the Heroine and he is soooooo out of there....Has to get a drink, a bite to eat....This card features one of the new images this week from MelJen's Designs, "Smokin Hot". It's a Pocket card and the BBQ Spatula pulls out and says, "I Flip 4 You!" on the handle.

The card opens up to read:

The BBQ and BBQ Mitt were paper pieced using the  pattern, 'BBQ GEAR' and 'BACKYARD BBQ',from My Scrap Chick. Smokin' Hot was a fun image to work with as are all the additional images in this weeks release. Don't forget the weekly challenge, this week's theme is Stripes and/or Plaid. You can get all the details and see some fabulous samples of this week's images on the MelJen's Design Team and Challenge Blog.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Creating..

God Bless the USA

These newest images from MelJen's Designs are perfect for the upcoming 4th of July Holiday or to thank a service member.

You'll want to check them out at MelJen's  and /or her corner of the Whimsy Store and also pick up the coordinating sentiment Freebie at the Challenge and Design Team Blog. Join us for a fun Red, White and Blue Challenge and check out the great projects made by the Design Team using these images.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Creating....

PANDA POWER

We love PANDAS at our house....Jade, Granddaughter #3 really loves them, they are her favorites. This new set from Laurie at Doodle Pantry was perfect for a set of Thank You cards. I used the pre-colored PLUSH PANDA image and it worked up quick and fun. The bamboo digi paper in some of the cards is one of two papers included in the color set.  My favorite of this group of cards is this first one. We love the movie Kung Fu Panda and it features our family's favorite line of the movie spoken by Po.  "There is NO charge for Awesomeness or Attractiveness." After we saw the movie the boys used it constantly whenever I said 'Thank You' to them. 'Why you're Welcome Ma'am...There is NO charge for Awesomeness or Attractiveness'. Yeah, at almost 13 and 15 the last two at home think they are pretty clever and their older brothers only encourage the delusion.

And the inside of the card continues the thought...

I actually got a 2 thumbs up from my teenage boys with this one. Well Ok, it went something like this...."Hey Mom I like this card better than some of your others....it's actually funny.."  Gee guys, I love you too.... Actually the 'ok, that was Awkward' phrase I borrowed directly from my youngest of 5 sons who is almost 13. These days everything is awkward as far as he is concerned, including complimenting your Mother.

This image is just so cute I made several for my granddaughter to send out following her Birthday as Thank You Notes.

You can check out Plush Panda, all of Doodle Pantry's New June Releases and the current Challenges at the Doodle Pantry Blog and Store .

Thanks for droppin in and Hope you enjoyed it Bear-y much.