Sherberts Creations

#TwitterRoadRace 5k

2012-01-21T21:19:00.000-05:00

Twelve races for 2012...at least one per month. Seems like an easy goal that has a nice ring to it: 12 for 12. Other than the fact that January and February have the tendency to be a bit snowy and cold. Like...today. Never mind that Central Indiana has just finished several weeks with temperatures in the 40's-50's. Today was the day of my TwitterRoadRace 5k. Mid December I signed up for the virtual race that Doug Cassaro set up using Twitter.

Last night the freezing rain, snow, and ice arrived to cover the roads. Also awoke to a 4 degree windchill. Driving to Muncie to join a running group was not going to take place this week. So, after waiting for the temps to rise to a nice 19 degrees this afternoon, and being very excited to see a snowplow come down my road, I started to bundle my layers and prepare to trudge through the snow.

How does one run on a snowy, slushy, and possible icy road? With Yak Trax! But I don't have those. Wait! I do happen to own an "off brand" called Winter Trax!! Received these as a Christmas present several years ago. They are fantastic for walking across icy parking lots and my driveway. Found out today that they do work for running on the road.

This was a real road race with a bib, and over 700 participants around the globe. Support came from all of those tweeting at #TwitterRoadRace and from race director @Seedouglasrun. Even Bart Yasso ran!

Sherberts was my Dad's nickname for me when I was a kid

Look at me go, speeding down the lane

Must have the cheeser moment!

The road before me.

Who made this print? Crazy runner girl wearing winter trax on her shoes.

What made this print? Horse pulling the Amish buggy down the road. Just as I headed out the door, saw the Amish neighbors heading home. Only vehicle encountered was a neighbor driving a tractor. Had to step off the plowed section of the road into a drift to let him pass.

At my finish line

The run was not a speedy venture as I did my warm-up walking as part of the 3.1 miles. There were also pauses along the route to snap several pictures. Found out there are a different set of muscles used when running in the snow & slush. It was akin to running in sand. Overall, I enjoyed my time on the road today (even if the family thought it was nutty) and am happy that I took that step out the door.

Miles go by in 2011

2012-01-04T17:52:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, I began walking this year and progressed to beginning to run mid summer. Because my parents used to run & compete in road races, I knew all about tracking mileage and speed. Runkeeper is an interesting freebie app I have on my phone. It uses the GPS to track distance, speed, and route which I can view on the phone or on the website with more details. I had downloaded it soon after the phone purchase to use when we walked the trails at the park. I used it a few times, but that was it.

Somehow I remembered this app when I began walking. I would use it most times I ventured out, but not everytime. Occasionally when there was a certain type of cloud cover it did not want to get a gps signal. Then, there were times I just didn't have any pockets to stash it while I was moving. Most of the summer running shorts only come with a little "key" size pocket...nothing big enough for a phone. I bought a handy dandy Spibelt which is just big enough for the phone, driver's license, and car keys to solve this problem. Still, there were plenty of times I went out and did not keep track of the miles. During several of my races, the days I went out for the mail or paper and went to the corner and back, hiking around in the fall...or just didn't care about time & distance.

Runkeeper was my main tracker with Endomondo as a second app used to track when I walked with family. Their walking pace is slower than my running pace. Wanted to keep my average up :-). Both of these apps have made improvements and upgrades this past year...gps locating works the same on both for me. Both have web sites available to review stats, etc. One advantage I like about Runkeeper is I can put in "notes" for the activity on the phone before I save. Little things like it was windy, my shoe came untied, I did walk/run intervals, hot enough to melt... Runkeeper was my exercise log for the year. One feature recently added is the option of audio cues. It can be set at a distance of your choosing to "voice" your speed, pace, etc. This is handy when running a new area, but not wanting to look at the phone every so often to check time & distance passed.

I had not even planned on adding up my miles until many of my Daily Mile & Twitter running buddies started posting their totals. This made me curious. And that is the point of this post, to state how far I went this year.

Okay, so my total of TRACKED miles for 2011 is 313.83. This includes walking, running, hiking, and biking miles.
Total tracked running miles is 130.3. Not too shabby for taking up running at the end of June.

In case you were wondering, there is no particular mileage goal for 2012. The goal is one special big race, and many smaller ones. And possibly the 12 for 12 (at least one race each month).

Here is to a year of improvement in my times and to continue on the quest of fitness.

Jazz hands!

Seasons on the Greenway

2011-12-28T14:38:00.000-05:00

March 2011...the realization that I was easily getting out of breath during various activities and when running in the school gym with my preschool classes hit home. I needed to get into cardio shape. My weight...it is a decent number, I don't worry about it. The number has stayed within a nice 5 pound range over several years. It was all of that huffing & puffing that needed to change.

Friends on Facebook would post about their exercise adventures, and I had been paying attention. If they could do it, so could I. Walking is the way it began.

Cardinal Greenway has a trailhead two miles and a bit from my house. This is the area I have logged most of my exercise miles. It is smooth, no pot holes, scenic in the areas I visit, and not very busy out my way. Bikers on long training rides swoope past, but I see more birds than other walkers/runners.

March 19, 2011

March 19, the first foray on this "get into shape" adventure on the Greenway. I just happened to take a picture. It is something I often do...take pictures. Spring was around the corner. Wouldn't it be cool to take pictures every few days or weeks to show the progress of nature "greening" up?

I have somewhat managed to remember to snap a shot every now and then. These are all taken with my phone, and most shots are looking Southeast toward Losantville. This is at the trailhead entrance from the parking lot. Notice the short roundish bush on the left...it is in most of the pictures. A few are at other points along the trail.

March 26, 2011

April 6, 2011

Time of day and cloud cover really make for a difference in the pictures.

April 13, 2011

Click the pictures for a larger view...notice that there is more green along the edges of the path...green beginning to pop out in the trees on the left.

April 25, 2011

Even though this is looking SE, I almost always begin the exercise routine headed NW toward Muncie.

May 7, 2011

Wow! What a change.

May 21, 2011

May 30, 2011

Oops...no pictures for June and July. What can I say, the deer fly were horrid!!

August 12, 2011

This was the first official day back to work for me. And one of my first evening runs. Taken looking SE just before Stony Creek bridge.

August 20, 2011

One misty, moisty morning when foggy was the weather.... beautiful dew drops on what had been hidden spider webs.

September 26, 2011

This is looking NE toward Muncie. For a warm-up, I walk from the parking lot to this spot, right at the end of a section of fence. This is where I begin my timing on running days. Oh, beware of fallen walnuts along this section.

No pictures for October or November...oh well...maybe next year.

December 23, 2011

December 28, 2011

The path well traveled is ever changing.

Happy 2012!!

Ramblings

2011-12-18T21:40:00.003-05:00

Add caption

Just a ramble or two as we get closer to the changing of theyear. It seems as if many people makethose grand New Year Resolutions (or at least the media leads us to believethey do). The most touted resolution:lose weight. Watch the ads at the end ofDecember and beginning of January. Exercise equipment for sale…gym membership trials 50% off…"diet" foodsavailable.

You do not need January 1^st to take the firststep toward a dream or to begin making positive changes in your life. You canbegin today! Yes, start right now. You are more likely tostick with your goal if you begin on your own terms.

What is your dream?

When I was younger, I had several diaries. These were the dated books that started onJanuary 1. There was so much pressure to put something down on paper every daythat often I would write, “Nothing to say but need to write.” Then in Fourth or Fifth grade I read Harriet the Spy. Here was a character I admired, and justloved the idea of having a “spy book” like she kept in the story. I found an old three-ring binder, addedpaper, and started writing away about things that took place at school andhome. Little did I realize at the timethat this could be considered journaling or writing. I just thought I was “spying”. Through the rest of elementary, middle, and beginning of high school I wrote. And somewhere in the house I still have those papers.

Writing is one of those activities that I have done off andon over the years. Paper listens withoutcomment or judgment to the words that need spoken. It is during the re-readsthat it answers back. No guilt for not doing it every day.

Getting back to the New Year’s resolution part of things, don’t. Start today, start next week, start mid-March.

March was a good time for me to start walking. Then laterthe running began. And now, people are trying to talk me into doing more thanthe fall half-marathon I have planned.

It all started with the first step.

What is yours?

Frostbite 5k

2011-12-03T22:47:00.001-05:00

Oh what fun I had at this race in Glen Miller Park in Richmond, Indiana. The Frostbite 5k on December 3rd was the final race in the Wayne County Challenge series. I work in Wayne County, and it was fun seeing people I recognized at these races. I did four of the eight...did not know about them until after the first two, and was injured/sick during two others.

Since this was a December race, I decided to sport a fun Santa skirt. I was honestly surprised that there were only a few Santa hats and reindeer antlers to be found. I had sooo many complements on my skirt, even during the race. I talked the most ever during this run saying, "Thank you!"

I set a new PR (Woot woot!!). Fun since I'm still at the "getting into shape" stage of things. Time was 33:18. There were 341 finishers and I was 236th. Here are a couple of shots right before the finish. The other runner is one year younger than my mom...managed to pass her at the very end.

I thought it was funny that our strides were matching in these shots.

Mid-pack for my age group... 13th out of 22.

Happy running & crafting!

Oprah Magazine

2011-11-25T14:53:00.001-05:00

Very excited to hear fantastic news from my crafty friend Jessica. Her companies, JessicaLynnOriginal and JLMould Etsy will be featured in the February issue of Oprah's "O" Magazine! It will hit newsstands on January 15th.

Thrilled to already own many of her fabulous stamps...she is about to get swamped.

Run with the Wolves

2011-07-17T11:41:00.010-04:00

Saturday July 16...IU East in Richmond...Run with the Wolves 5k. My first running race in 20 years. I know this because I still have the dark blue t-shirt from Butler with a July 1991 date. Age 22 vs. 42...would have enjoyed knowing my time for the date many years ago. As I was searching through some old papers, I did find a time for a 5k race I ran in Auburn at age 15. It was completed in 29:21. Wondering if that time could be repeated again someday.

So at at the race, I was nervous before the start, but not as much so as at the younger ages. Wisdom of time? Plus, I kept telling myself the little phrase used frequently in preschool: You get what you get (and you don't pitch a fit). I knew my time would be what ever happen...that I would not be last...that I could walk the entire distance and still not be last. I had run/walked the 3.1 mile distance twice before Saturday with times between 41-43 minutes. My hope was for a 40 minute time. Had no idea that I would exceed my goal on the first attempt. On the overcast but humid morning I finished the race in 37:53. When I run, I normally use my phone as the timer keeper and distance tracker. For the race, I chose to leave the phone with the hubby & daughter. Therefore, was not able to check my time as frequently as during a workout run. The race staff had splits called at the 1 and 2 mile markers, and I knew from those I was ahead of pace. Now, could that be kept up for the final mile? Yes!

This race was part of the Wayne County Challenge series. They offer a race each month at various places throughout Wayne County, and I think I might like try the rest of them.

It was fun seeing so many people that I recognize from the WW & Hagerstown area. What was really cool, was knowing the overall female winner...Hayley Rogers. Her mom worked at the daycare my daughter attended, and she was young enough at that time that she attended the after school program. Hayley has also been a helper in some of Emily's dance classes over the years.

Yes, a six year old beat me, as did Pat Bower's who is my Mom's age. Had I known how close to the finish I was, might have been able to pass her. My knees liked running on the ground rather than pavement. I started out sticking behind the friend who invited me to try this, but eventually passed and pushed myself a bit more. Enjoyed the course, and was even with it just enough to notice a spot with Black Eyed Susan's and other wildflowers blooming. The trail went through mostly field area, but also had a nice stretch in the woods. Rolling slopes, flat spots, and a few touches of shade made up the course. The worst spot for me was right at the beginning with the Queen Anne's Lace that everyone had to walk through to get to the start line...that stuff makes me sneeze!

I have been walking since mid-March, but the race was only the 12th time I had done any running, so I don't think I did too bad. There are short term goals for this year, a goal for next September, and a possible goal for further on out. Naturally, all of this is dependent upon my joints holding up!! I generally run/walk two days, do just a longer walk, then a day off.

And on a sillier note, I really like the race shirts!

(Me in the white shirt just before the finish line)

Emily's Cards

2011-01-16T16:54:00.006-05:00

While I took a trip to Nashville in November, my daughter decided to have some fun and get into my stamp/craft area. She just happened to pick all stamps by Jessica Lynn Original. (Oops...the little girl was a digital I had printed out. Maybe she is by Victoria Case?) The following below is all Emily's typing.

These are the cards I made when my mom went to Nashville. The cat one was the easiest to make.The cookie one was fun. I like the little girl one the best.

The popcorn one was ok. I liked making the Thanksgiving one.

Jessica Lynn Swap

2010-02-16T15:11:00.004-05:00

So yes, it's been two months since I've made a card! Remembered yesterday that I signed up for a Jessica Lynn Original swap. Since I'm snowed in, I was able to get down to it and make these up real quick!

I used paper from Papertrey Ink, the "Strider the Dog", an older style from JLO, and some Hobby Lobby ribbon. Colored the dog with Copics and cut him out with a rectangle nestie (on sale now at i {heart} papers!).

We've had snow, then more snow, and yet again...more snow! Been able to have several 2 hour delays, and an early dismissal...but still have missed six days of school! But, I have been able to stay up later than normal to watch Olympic events on TV.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Blog Candy & New Web Site

2010-01-25T20:29:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone!! One of my favorite artist's is getting ready to launch a redesigned web site for her stamps. Can not wait for this!! (maybe I'll get busy and make something!!! Haven't touched any of my stuff since making Christmas cards!)

Go visit the Brentwood Blog for more details!!!

Christmas Cards

2009-12-19T17:59:00.005-05:00

I think it should be a rule that no one is required to blog in December!!

Here is a shot of what my Christmas cards look like. Finally finished and they are in today's mail. The card is a total case of one Nicole Heady made back in September. Blue is my favorite color, so I fell in love with it right away!

I used my labels one nestability cut in half for the front sentiment, and a paper crimper to make the textured strip along the bottom. I have the ribbon, but decided not to put it on my cards (and it made it a touch faster to complete them!). Cute little crystals are in the center of the snowflakes.

As I was working on putting these together today, I was totally having fun singing along with my new "Glee" CD! Good thing no one could see...or hear me!

In case I'm not back before...Have a Merry Christmas!!

Sharon

Mojo #115

2009-12-02T20:54:00.006-05:00

Hi there! Hopefully I'm back in action with the crafting. I've been sick (and tired) the last few weeks, and also lost my voice. I then noticed how much I talk out loud to myself while doing things around the house!

I used the Mojo Monday sketch for my card. A nice one to get things going again. I used Papertrey cardstock, and Basic Grey Lime Rickey for the design paper. My image is Ruby from Jessica Lynn Original. I colored her with copic markers, and cut her out with my Creative Memories circle cutter. The matting was cut with a circle scallop nestabilities and some silver stickles were added for some sparkle. Sentiment is stamped on a ribbon tag nestability.

My November guest spot for i {heart} papers is officially over, but since I was out sick and did not make as many things as planned, I'm going to be like the guest that hangs around a bit longer! There are still a couple of items that I haven't used in a post and I want to be sure to highlight those products also!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Sale!

2009-11-26T16:27:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone, starting at Midnight i {heart} papers is having a fantastic Black Friday sale, that lasts for the entire weekend.

FREE SHIPPING on US orders $25 or more ($75 or more for Canadian orders) PLUS…

*For every $50 spent, you will receive a $10 gift certificate towards a future purchase. That’s like an automatic 10% off coupon ON EVERYTHING – even new and sale items! Orders do not combine however they are incremental, meaning, a single order of $50 earns you one $10 gift certificate and a single order of $100 earns a $20 reward certificate. You cannot however place one order for $20 and another for $30 and qualify for the gift certificate. Additionally at $45 order and $55 order does not qualify for you for a $20 reward.

*Qualification amount does not include shipping total – it is merchandise total only.
Following the sale, on December 1, you will receive a one-time use $10 gift certificate for every $50 order you place during the qualification period. Minimum order amount for qualification is $50.

*Gift Certificate purchases are not included in the sale.

*Rewards certificates are valid for redemption beginning December 1, 2009.
*Reward certificates are transferable.
*Sales runs 12:01am (EST) Friday November 27 – 11:59pm (EST) Sunday November 29
*You must enter the Coupon code from the banner ad at the time of ordering. This is how we track our advertising.
*Can not be redeemed for cash or combined with any other discounts/coupons.
*Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this sale.

Swap card

2009-11-24T21:25:00.004-05:00

Been under the weather for quite a bit, and not up to standing to make anything. However, I have a "Winter in the Forest" swap due next week. Went with a very simple design and used all Papertrey products on this one.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

JLO Challenge #5

2009-11-18T21:17:00.006-05:00

Brentwood the Owl is just so adorable, love to make cards with him! I knew I needed to use this stamp from the Thanksgiving launch before the actual day so it could be mailed out to someone!

My papers and brad are from Target Dollar Spot, and base is Papertrey kraft. Brentwood was cut out using my largest rectangle nestie...oh yeah, this is a large 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 card. Both the image panel and sentiment tag were distressed with a dull steak knife. Very dull as it slipped and I didn't cut myself!

I used the sketch from Jessica's challenge #5. Sigh...as I was going all along, card made, photographed, working on this blog entry it was then noticed that she also mentions that "Winter Holidays" would be a great theme for the layout. Well, just might make another since there's almost a month before the winner is drawn. Lucky person gets a $20 gift certificate to the store!!

There is gong to be a launch for a new website look on Saturday morning November 21 from 10am-12 for Jessica Lynn Original Clear Stamps. There is normally a chat room open for these events and some surprises! I'm guessing this will be Central time, as she's in Wisconsin.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Sketch to try #2

2009-11-15T21:54:00.007-05:00

I liked the sketch so well on Saturday's card that I used it again, but with a different color scheme.

I used design paper and "pops" stickers from Eskimo Kisses line. Easy, easy since I'd made one in this style already! Papertrey Ink cardstock of Plum Pudding, Scarlet Jewel, and Sweet Blush were used in the layers.

I {heart} papers has a new release from Chicken Girl Designs today! Aren't these little critters so cute? Even though this is a birthday set, there is much versatility to the images. You can visit Kate's blog to see some wonderful samples, and DT members are listed on her sidebar. Cuteness abounds!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Sketch to try

2009-11-14T14:21:00.006-05:00

Another November day that's to reach the upper 60's! I think we've normally had some snow flurries by now, but none yet this year! Since it's a warm and sunny day, I went with some bright cheerful colors! A large standard nestability tag was used to cut paper from Basic Grey Lime Rickey for my stamping spot. The bird design paper is also Lime Rickey.

My "Thank you" is from Hero Arts. Bird by Imaginisce (sounds like the ladies on the CMA red carpet Wednesday night: Dress by....) There is a little stickle touch on the bird's flower, and I used my Bow-Easy again. Cardstock from Papertrey Ink.

I used Jen del Muro's Sketch For You To Try and my brand new Tonic 12x12 paper cutter! It sliced like butter!! Notice I have more layers than normal?? I measured stuff out! (but still did some eye-balling!).

Have a crafty day!

Sharon

Oh deer!

2009-11-10T21:05:00.011-05:00

I will admit, I cased a card by Dawn McVey for today's creation. Love her style and use of color! She is one of the first blogs I found when I discovered the blogging world.

What a cute little deer from Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses! I matched him up on some Papertrey Ink card stock cut out & embossed with Labels One nestabilities. I layered some Eskimo Kisses design paper onto New Leaf cardstock. "Noel" is from Dawn's Signature Christmas (finally got it out of it's packaging!) Sparkle added under the sentiment.

While putting this all together, the card base under the deer needed a little something more, and I did lots of playing around to come up with this look. I stamped Versamark ink onto the Impressabilities Snowflake, put that on top of the base and ran it through the cuttlebug. Then, sprinkled with "Bridal" embossing powder. It gives a shimmery, iridescent look to the snowflakes.

Many of the goodies on the card today came in my November guest designer prize package from Kate at i {heart} papers! She has hundreds of items for sale, so be sure to take a look-see!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Snow business

2009-11-08T11:41:00.013-05:00

There's no business like snow business, unless it's a warm November day that's predicted to reach 70°! No, that is not normal for the mid-west at this time of year, but I went ahead with my snowman card!

I used Splitcoast sketch 252 along with stamps from Inkadinkado to decorate the outside and inside. Both the rectangle and scallop nesties were used to make the image panel. I used brown ink to sponge along the image panel. Snowman was colored with Copics & pencils. Icicle stickles were added to the snowflakes and the curve of the snow for some sparkle.

Design paper from the Memory Box Dewfrost collection was used along with PTI cardstock. I was very happy to read that the Memory Box paper is from a certified sustainable forest program. Do you recycle your paper scraps?? I have a bag for little pieces in my work area. Makes me feel a bit less wasteful.

My card was finished, but felt like it still needed a little something. I used my Bow-Easy to make the little bow in the corner. How happy it is to be able to make one with the "flat" side on the front! I could never get my bows to turn out pretty until now!!

Well, I had the card and post done this morning, but when I went to preview it...I found out it hadn't autosaved, and lost most of my work! It had to wait until I was back home this afternoon to re-write everything! And it did reach 70 degrees today.

Happy crafting!
Sharon

Fast Birthday card

2009-11-07T12:41:00.004-05:00

My daughter has a birthday party to attend this afternoon for a classmate who is turning nine. Originally, she was going to make a card, then decided last minute that she wanted me to do it: no pink, no ribbon, no bows, and nothing fancy were her requests since it is for a boy.

I just cut several squares using nesties, did some doodling around the edge, and my daughter helped hammer for the eyelets.

While she is at the party, I'll visit a craft fair in the same town, and wish I could be at home making something! We've had something every evening this week, and my at home time has been minimal!

Sharon

Brentwood finds a tree

2009-11-04T20:47:00.003-05:00

Those little Charlie Brown trees...standing by themselves at the tree farm. You think how cute they could be in some small corner of the house, or a little room. Brentwood thinks the same thing, and brought home this little beauty, plus a wreath.

He is colored with Copics and has some fun flock added to his hat to help keep his ears warm. It does not show in the picture (of course not, because it's very sparkly in person) but I used my clear spica glitter pen on the ornament, the ribbon tag, and words in the sentiment. It reads: Trimming the tree with happy hearts, that's the way the holiday starts. I had used some silver/glitter embossing powder, and it had lots of sparkle & shine, but was harder to read, as it "bled" some. For another small touch of "sparkle" Christmas red (how appropriate!) stickles were added to the berries in the wreath.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Thank You

2009-11-01T16:41:00.005-05:00

This is a cute little thank you note to have on hand for when an occasion pops up unexpectedly. The little frog was colored with Copics and cut out with my Creative Memories circle cutter and scalloped nestie. His eyes have some bling for some sparkle. I used Lime Rickey Basic Grey DP, against some PTI New Leaf.

The "Thank You" on the ribbon tag nestie is from a Hero Arts set full of "thank yous" in many different fonts and styles.

This card is also a 'thank you' to Kate for all of the wonderful goodies she sent me for the November Guest Design spot for i {heart} papers.

Happy Crafting!

Sharon

Brentwood goes Trick or Treating!

2009-10-27T22:30:00.003-04:00

Brentwood loves to wear silly costumes, so Halloween is a fun time of year for him. I happen to have this Brentwood in digital form, so I was able to play around with size and positioning. I was able to combine two different digital images into one picture.

How did I do it? By watching this video on Card Universe. I took me a bit of time to find where my version of Word is hiding everything, but I figured it out! I inserted my Spookville Lane image first, then added, resized, and moved Brentwood into position.

It does not show up real well, but I used stickles along the bottom border of the roof. Paper is Basic Grey Mellow, spider ribbon from Target Dollar Spot.

The card also uses the sketch challenge from Jessica Lynn Original. There is still time for you to enter!!

Oh my, couldn't forget this bit of information...remember all the Birthday Bash creations I made? I won one of the November Guest Designer spots at i {heart} papers!! I have a box of goodies heading my way! Looking forward to finding out what's in there!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Final Birthday Bash card

2009-10-25T19:57:00.004-04:00

Presents have been opened, cake eaten, guests have taken goodie bags home. Now what should you do? Write a thank you note for any gifts received and to the guests who attended the birthday party.

My card uses the same Doodlebug paper line and color scheme that was used for the invitation and table place card. I stamped a Verve "Thanks" in Jardin Moss on a Lablels one nestie. The challenge for day three was to use embellishments. This stumped for a bit, as I messed with some flowers, but they just weren't doing it for me. I decided the Hero Arts pearls were a nice touch.

Below is a picture of the invitation, thank you, and table place card all together. I could have made my goodie bag with the same paper & colors, but I really wanted to put up something that looked different! Most of the party elements have parts that my little helper could assist with, should we do something like this for a real party for her sometime in the future (her birthday was just a couple of weeks ago). I know she would like to help with stickles! She's gotten into them before!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Place card name tag

2009-10-25T15:53:00.006-04:00

There will be two posts for today, as I have two final projects for the i {heart} papers birthday bash.

This is a little table place setting name card for the challenge to use papers or stamps that feature food and/or drinks. I used my scalloped nesties to create the place card. I needed a bit more, so I dotted with Magenta Stickles and white Inkssentials pen along the cardstock. I also used the stickles to spell out the name.

You can see how I have the place card standing. I was a bit stuck, and thinking about just leaning it against a stuffed animal, when hubby suggested "making one of those things like on the back of a picture frame". Super idea honey! Thanks! Sometimes when I'm stuck, I use him or the little daughter as sounding boards.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Birthday card

2009-10-24T18:43:00.006-04:00

Today's challenge is to make a special birthday card for the i {heart} papers birthday bash.

I used these beautiful Basic Grey Indian Summer design papers paired with some PTI Scarlet Jewel cardstock. They go so perfect together! A pretty little brad with some Martha Stewart pine branch punches. Can you believe I bought the punch last December, and this is the first time I ever used it??? The sentiment was cut out using the regular and scallop nesties.

This is a picture of leaves on my forsythia bush. Don't the colors coordinate with the card above so well? I snapped a bunch of "for fun" pictures late Thursday afternoon around the yard before the winds and rain came to visit.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Designer Paper + Ribbon

2009-10-23T19:13:00.004-04:00

Can you guess what today's challenge is for the i {heart} papers birthday bash?? My title says it all! Use some design paper and ribbon on a project for a birthday party.

I made little goodies bags for the guests to take home. No need to send more sugar with the kiddos, try some trail mix! Those little cubes of dried fruit are just as sweet and a tad more healthy. I used my Labels 1 nestabilities along with some Basic Grey Sugared paper to create a little bag topper. The sentiment says, "Smile" as I would want everyone to smile thinking of the fun times they had at the party.

Yards and yards of ribbon will be given away for today's prize! Visit the i {heart} papers blog for further information on how you can win!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

i {heart} papers color challenge

2009-10-22T21:28:00.006-04:00

I'm back with another birthday bash challenge for i {heart} papers. Be sure to check it out. There are prizes for each day's challenge, and also a grand prize and a guest design spot for November.

The colors to use for this challenge were: rose, celery green, light blue, and black. I embossed both the Inkadinkado butterfly and the "Happy Birthday" sentiment. Sentiment is up on a foam dot. The butterfly is from a set called Beautiful Fairies. It was purchased last year at IHP, but is no longer in the store (fyi in case you're searching). But Kate does have other Inkadinkado sets available. Paper is all PTI.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

i {heart} papers

2009-10-21T22:10:00.005-04:00

Kate at i {heart} papers is celebrating one year of being in business. I must have discovered her within a month of her opening, as I know I made a November purchase! One of the challenges (I'm not doing them in order) is to create a card using a non-traditional fold.

I created a square gate fold card by trimming my card stock 8x4, then scoring at 2" and 6". The design paper is from Doodlebug. I use my Labels One Nestability behind the cupcake. I also used my Spica Clear Glitter pen to add some sparkle to the sprinkles on the cupcake. The butterflies I picked up last spring at Hobby Lobby in the Easter section. They were just opened today for the first time! But for 75 cents, I knew I should grab them even if it took a bit before they were used.

First time for using the fake stitching on a card...it seems to really add a little some extra!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Cards for Heroes

2009-10-20T22:14:00.005-04:00

I found a simple but nice look and ran with it while creating my "Cards for Heroes". JessicaLynnOriginal is having a card drive for soldiers. Create something in either the holiday or birthday category. If you send at least five, you will receive an adorable digi Brentwood, and will be entered to win a gift certificate to her store. There is still time to make some cards for soldiers to send home to loved ones. You can read all about this organization here... they recently changed the name to Operation Write Home.

I've had these colored for quite awhile, and picked the paper before coloring so things would coordinate. Unfortunately, my craft "space" has been all a jumble, and then sickness hit :-( We have a back porch/laundry/store it area where I make my cards. I don't have much counter space, and use the top of the dryer to keep things and it was over flowing. The cat knocked the dryer vent loose and I had to move everything so I could wiggle the dryer out to re-attach the vent. You know how it goes...move one thing, then another...and things get out of hand.

The bottom two cards my daughter made. Images attached at an angle on purpose. She wanted them that way :-)

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Magazine submission

2009-10-18T20:29:00.004-04:00

This is the card I submitted for Embellish Magazine. Kraft, brown, red, and blue were the colors to use on submission creations, along with some twine. Unfortunately, mine was not one of the lucky picks, but I've taken that next step of starting to submit to magazines. Man oh man, writing down every little thing I used, and the "how to" part took more time than making the card! (At least it felt that way).

Happy crafting!
Sharon

"Warm" cards

2009-10-14T10:03:00.004-04:00

This card was for the GinaK color challenge to use Pumpkin, Chocolate, and Vanilla on a card. I used all GinaK StampTV items in this card. The image and sentiment are both embossed and up on pop dots. Even though it looks almost black in my picture, I did use the "Pure Luxury Chocolate" cardstock.

This card is the final WCMD that I have to show you. This was a Gratitude, Chocolate, and a Sketch challenge at Splitcoast Stampers.

I've not finished anything new yet this week, so I better get cracking so I have something to post!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Use a quote

2009-10-09T20:13:00.003-04:00

This was for the Unity WCMD challenge to use a quote. The stamp is from Verve and embossed on Basic Grey DP. I used an older Mojo Monday layout for the layout.

Well, the rain held off for my field trip! It started two minutes after we got on the bus to go back to school. Good timing!!

Happy crafting!
Sharon

Think Pink

2009-10-06T08:45:00.000-04:00

Here is the next of my World Card Making Day challenge cards. This one was sponsored by My Favorite Things on Splitcoast Stampers. They really wanted you to use one of their images if possible, so they were giving away this free digi image.

The challenge was to use pink, black, white, and bling. I have rhinestones on each corner of the image panel, and each side of the sentiment. The ribbons on the ladies tops have stickles.

My class is scheduled to go on an outdoor field trip today, and there is a 70% chance of rain! We are to do a fall hike and make apple cider. I'm hoping the rain holds off...as it's been a few years since I've done this trip!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Paper Garden WCMD Challenge

2009-10-04T20:28:00.004-04:00

The challenge from Paper Garden Projects was to make a project inspired by some of your favorite things about fall. Well, I love my new Brentwood stamps from Jessica Lynn Original that just arrived Thursday (happy mail!).

I colored Brentwood: Thanksgiving Turkey with Copics & Bic Mark-it pens. The sentiment is also from the same set. The DP, burlap swatch, and pumpkin spice cardstock are all from GinaK Designs Signs of Autumn StampTV kit. Base is PTI.

So....did anyone else make several cards Saturday for World Card Making Day? I worked on challenges on Splitcoast Stampers (along with this one), and will be posting those throughout the upcoming week. I was really on a roll...which made me happy since I'd been on such a dry spell!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Blog Candy & WCMD

2009-10-03T11:08:00.004-04:00

Good morning! Is everyone all geared up for World Card Making Day? I'm ready to go and the mojo is flowing today! There will probably be several postings over the next several days with WCMD cards.

To start the excitement, one of my favorite artist's (Jessica Lynn Original) has blog candy for today's event. So what will you win? New Brentwood & Friends Stamp Set: Adam the QB. You will also get a handmade JLO card for Halloween and three small adorable stamps by JLO: Mini Brentwood, Cat, and Cake! Just for posting this on your blog!! She also has all stamps 25% off until midnight Sunday.

Go visit her blog so you can sign up for the candy!

Happy crafting!!

Sharon

MSB Digi Day

2009-09-27T16:06:00.003-04:00

Hi there! This little cat from Modern Sugar Blvd is the freebie for Digi Day at SNR Cardiverse. You still have several hours left to make a Halloween something using this cat. You can also get 40% off today if you're a member of the group. MSB has some fantastic new releases for the fall season up in the store. I already bought some for myself!!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Kid Swap

2009-09-23T21:26:00.009-04:00

My daughter made these cards for a kid swap over at Splitcoast Stampers. She has seen me do several swaps, and was excited to do one of her own! I did help her a bit with the measuring of paper, but she did the picking out on her own. She used an owl from Jessica Lynn Original and the rest are digi's from Victoria Case Stamps. She said she wanted to be able to color! She will be nine soon!!

MSB Work From Home

2009-09-19T19:23:00.003-04:00

Feet up, laptop busy, and a cup of tea beside me is how I start my "don't go away to work" days. I first take my daughter to school, and once I arrive home my routine is to check emails, blogs, and do some surfing around for at least half an hour (many times more!) before getting busy with the day.

I really thought this paper from Basic Grey: Recess worked well with a "typing" sort of activity. The numbers & letters inside the circles remind me of the keys on an old-time typewriter. Sentiment from Papertrey Ink reads, "You're in my thoughts today".

Work From Home will be released on Sunday from Modern Sugar Blvd. Be sure to check out other sugar's on my sidebar to see what they have created for this mini release!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

MSB Friends

2009-09-16T12:30:00.004-04:00

Chocolate...a girls best friend! Who other than a best friend would you be willing to share some with? I had to get this little box made, so the picture could be taken before I ate all the filling for it! Who knew how many little pieces could fit this container. Luckily, there were enough left to pack it up! Modern Sugar Blvd will have some new images released on Sunday (9/20) including this new one, MSB Friends.

The sentiment reads, "Friends to the end" from Papertrey Ink. What a great way to send some encouragement or congratulations to your BFF!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

JLO Challenge #2

2009-09-13T12:01:00.004-04:00

Here is a sweet kitty from Jessica Lynn Original Stamps to go along with her sketch challenge. The fish & paw print strips are from a package of scrapbook borders. The design paper has a nice "texture" that makes it look like a piece of fabric.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

StampTV Kit

2009-09-10T21:35:00.003-04:00

Short and sweet post here! Stamps are from the "Signs of Autumn" StampTV Kit. Top image is up on foam dots. Ribbon from Hobby Lobby last year, but I think I saw the same thing in there the other day. The layout was from StampTV's sketch challenge a couple of weeks ago.

Stamp Sale!!

2009-09-05T21:01:00.003-04:00

Whooooo has a new release and sale going on? Whoooo could it be? It's Jessica Lynn Original Stamps! New sets are filled with Brentwood the Owl & Friends...they are football & cheerleading stars, they are dressing up for Halloween and looking for treats. Six new sets of dogs, plus one special breast cancer ribbon stamp. All other stamps are on sale for 40% off!! (I'm pretty sure it's all) Wow! Stock up! The sale continues this weekend through Monday 11:59pm JLO time (central time zone...clock on-site).

My card this evening uses a digi image that will soon be available. I inked the edges black and roughed it up. DP is Basic Grey: Offbeat and also has inked up edges. The felt ric-rac I just picked up this morning at Hobby Lobby...on sale of course! The "Boo!" was printed on the computer.

Have a great weekend!

Sharon

JLO Challenge

2009-09-02T12:17:00.004-04:00

Hi there! This card was made for a sketch challenge on the Jessica Lynn Original blog. There are just so many cute stamps from the JLO line to choose from, that I went back and forth between many! I think I'll use this layout to make up some more, perhaps for the "Cards for Heroes" drive. I will pick a different DP, as no glitter is allowed..."Cards with glitter pose a problem because glitter can be seen with night-vision goggles". The paper is from a pack of Martha Stewart Christmas paper that I bought last year once it went on clearance.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Fall Swap

2009-08-31T10:38:00.006-04:00

With cooler temperatures this weekend and the opening of a nearby orchard for the season, today seemed like a good day to share the card I made for a "Fall is Fun" swap over at Splitcoast Stampers. It's getting to be the time of year where my daughter and I (and occasionally hubby too) visit all the fall activity places!

My image is from The Digi Shack and was colored mostly with Bic Mark-it pens. DP is Basic Grey: Mellow (12x12).

Do you remember this card? ------>

It was one of my swap cards for the Jessica Lynn Original swap at SCS. It is now up for voting for "Favorite Card" on Jessica's blog. So please, please, please go vote for me!! :-) Have your friends vote for me! I would love to win the $25 gift certificate and be able to use it with new stamp release coming up on September 4th. Vote Here

Happy crafting!

Sharon

From Courtney's Closet #54

2009-08-26T19:16:00.007-04:00

It's time for some adorable inspiration from little Courtney, Stampin' Libby's daughter. She's wearing the cutest little jumper this week, with cherries. No cherry DP here, but I did find some old gingham from Creative Memories. I think it came in my first ever order! The cherry is part of the digi group Crystal's Creations from Modern Sugar Blvd.

I used Glossy Accents on the cherry. I found it very interesting the difference in color with the before and after. These two are colored the same, but the GA turned the red much brighter. I was proud of myself that I thought to take a side by side comparison before adding attaching with the pop dot.

Thanks for stopping by again, as this is my second post of the day.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

VC sketch challenge

2009-08-26T13:39:00.004-04:00

Hi all! I'll have two posts for you today, as my cards are both for challenges that are due today!

The first challenge is a sketch from VC Stamp Challenges. The mouse was colored a month or more ago, so I picked out paper to go with the flower that's being held by the mouse. Papers are from Basic Grey Recess. Sentiment reads: If friends were flowers...I'd pick you! from Sweet 'n Sassy.

This little mouse is cute. The ones in our barn/garage that are chewing on car wires are not. Ug! We've had several car issues in the past month due to bad mice! Because of this, we are getting 3 new outside kitties on Saturday. Hubby is the one who suggested this, and my daughter jumped with joy! Our outdoor kitty is 11, and doesn't go running around as much as she used to.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Fairy Luncheon

2009-08-24T21:35:00.004-04:00

On Saturday my Aunt visited from Cincinnati and we had a fancyish lunch and invited the fairies to attend. I used Lily Fairy from Pink Cat Studios to make little place setting cards for us. I had planned on adding sparkle and more to them, but ran out of time.

Here we are right before eating: my daughter, myself, and my Aunt Glenda.

Happy Crafting!

Sharon

MSB Saturday Challenge

2009-08-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

It's a sweet polka dot challenge on the Modern Sugar Blvd. blog!! Garden Girl looks fresh and cool as she waters her container gardens. (Why do I always look pink & hot after doing that chore??) Use polka dots on your card, and enter over on the MSB blog to win a free digi image! All papers are from Papertrey Ink.

I am one tired person, and my staying up late to read or play on the computer has come to an end (at least until I adjust). Students started back this week, and me the week before that. My group of preschoolers is going great, but I don't like getting up sooooo early.

Happy crafting!
Sharon

More MSB release images

2009-08-17T17:46:00.005-04:00

Hi all! A hot, steamy day here in Indiana! My daughter started third grade this morning, and the preschoolers I teach begin tomorrow. With all my back to school meetings, open house, and getting the classroom ready, I goofed up on the date of new releases. I truly thought it was Saturday the 15th, but it's today!! They will be up in the store by 6pm Mountain time.

Today's cards show two more new images that you can get over at Modern Sugar Blvd. How "sweet" they are! And now I'm ready for dessert before supper! Tummy's rumbling, so it's off to make some food!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Modern Sugar Blvd Release

2009-08-14T19:31:00.003-04:00

Ahh....the wonderful scent of a Chai Latte (or coffee if you like that) in the morning! A gift card to a local coffee house is a great little "thank you" to those helpers in our lives. This image is "Precious Coffee" from Modern Sugar Blvd. and will be released on Saturday.

Now, can you image opening up this card and getting a wonderful whiff of a coffee shop? MSB has fantastic new scents available in the store...I'm so looking forward to the arrival of mine! Mmmmmm.....

On this card I cut the cup wrapper from a local coffee stop. The bottom reads: Serving one of life's simple pleasures! A simple card or gift card holder for a great taste!

Enjoy your day!

Sharon

Gate Fold

2009-08-11T23:01:00.004-04:00

Hi all, my posts will be few this week. School starts back up, and I'll have some early mornings/late work days for bit, then things will settle into a routine!

I made this card for a challenge to make a gate fold. First time for trying one, and it was easy! I think next time I'll do a regular long card rather than a square. I used the tutorial over on SCS to figure out what to do. The image tucks behind the sentiment to keep the card closed.

My image is from Victoria Case, and colored with Copics and Bic Mark-it's. I used distress ink around the image, because it was just too much bright white for the old fashioned feel of the designer paper (Basic Grey-Wassail). The top picture looks as if there is yellow...but there isn't. Gold stickels were used on the star, and Papertrey Ink sentiment.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

MSB Saturday Challenge #13

2009-08-08T07:51:00.004-04:00

Good morning all! I was very excited to see that I was the featured stamper this week for From Courtney's Closet! Since Libby was running late, she excepted "late" cards, too. The card I made for it is here.

Today's challenge for the Modern Sugar Blvd blog is "Simplicity". This week use a single image on a note card and add a word.. We want to show that even the simple cards are cute. I picked out my image first, decided she looked "fall like" with the hat, scarf, and long sleeves; then went looking at my ribbons and found this one with little leaves that I picked up last year from Target $ Spot. (long winded sentence there!) An embossing Cuttlebug border was use along the bottom.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

From Courtney's Closet #51

2009-08-06T20:23:00.005-04:00

Day late, and many dollars short (haha), but I wanted to complete the challenge for this week! Libby's son Carter is the model for this week...Libby takes pictures of her adorable kids in cute outfits for card making inspiration!

I do not have any dinosaurs, but figured a dragon would be a close go at it! He's available over at The Digi Shack. Happy Birthday is from Studio G, and the paper is last years "Summer Stack" from DCWV.

Happy crafting!!

Sharon

Color challenge

2009-08-03T22:57:00.004-04:00

Hi all! Just a quick one here. My card tonight is for the Victoria Case stamp challenge of dark blue, light blue, and ivory.

Be sure to vote for my swap card, at the point in time I'm writing this, I'm in second place! See yesterdays post for what to do! Thanks!

Sharon

Swap Cards

2009-08-02T23:47:00.003-04:00

Here is a shot of all the beautiful cards I received in my swap for Jessica Lynn Original stamps. All of the ones that came back to me happen to be from "Brentwood" stamps...love that series!

There is voting for your favorite card from the swap, with the winner getting a $50 gift certificate. I would love to win! If you could, please vote for one of mine (I have two in the swap). Right now..."Happy Bee by Sherberts" is my top vote getting card, so pick that one if you could!! Thank you so much! It is about 1/2 way down the list. Here is the link to vote: Vote for JLO swap card .

Happy crafting!

Sharon

MSB Saturday Challenge #12

2009-08-01T09:54:00.003-04:00

A beautiful Saturday morning here in Indiana! Not too hot or humid. I might even pull some weeds in my flower area in a bit!

This gate opens to a garden full of relaxing flowers! Our challenge this week was to use 2 of the 3 items... flourishes, flowers and bling with any MSB image! I water colored the Welcome to my Garden from the Life's Simple Pleasures line. I then stamped a flourish image in the corners of my design paper. The winner has a choice of a free digital image, so be sure to play along!

Tomorrow I'll be checking out some real life beautiful gardens. My daughter and I are going on a tour of six gardens presented by Master Gardeners. I'll be taking my camera so I can remember ideas for my yard!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Jazzy Inspirations #16

2009-07-29T20:50:00.004-04:00

Ahhhh....some cool thoughts to send your way, or at least a picture of "cool"! The Jazzy Inspiration this week is to use the colors Teal/Turquoise, Black and White from The Three Trumpets poster. I wanted to be sure to keep the "3" element and used snowflakes from a Wal-mart set I picked up last year. The sentiment reads "Warm Winter Wishes" and is from Papertrey Ink, as is the ribbon. The DP truly fades from a darker to lighter blue toward the bottom...not bad photography!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Courtney's Closet #50

2009-07-27T11:21:00.004-04:00

WooHoo! I got a "Courtney's Closet" card made this week, and before the deadline! Every week, I plan on playing along, and it just never seems to happen. Like last week...I found some Hello Kitty stickers that would work (Courtney had on a Hello Kitty shirt) and never got to it. Hopefully you can click on the picture of her to see a larger view of the owls, raspberry colored flowers, vines, etc.

My owl, vines, and "thinking of you" are all from a Hero Arts set. The chocolate background is cuttlebugged with a swiss dots folder (Libby likes polka dots!). DP is Raspberry Fizz from PTI, along with the chocolate and ripe avocado paper.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

MSB Saturday Challenge #11

2009-07-25T11:10:00.000-04:00

The challenge for this week on the MSB blog is to make a shape card. I tried out a onesie card, with instructions here from Lauren Meader. Now, it took me more than ten minutes to make, but I also don't have some of the punches she has, but was able find some other things to work. I also did a "trial" with just the cardstock to figure out how it all worked.

I used a popsicle image from the Fresh Picked Whimsy line and paired it with the Papertrey Ink phrase "Sweet Baby" found in Mixed Messages.

For this weekend, you can use this link to receive 30% off over at Modern Sugar Blvd. http://passemoncardcompany.com?code=30%off

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Release Day cards

2009-07-23T09:15:00.004-04:00

Today a group of new images will be released over at Modern Sugar Blvd. Look for them later this afternoon or evening.

Hoodie Mama is dressed for comfort and a busy day. It might be running the kids to practice, grocery shopping, or doing some yard work. I distressed the sentiment tag, roughing up the edges, wetting and crinkling up, and distress ink all over. It was just too bright of a white all by itself.

My daughter did dance for four years, with a break from it this past year. She's decided to take it up again this fall. I made a name tag for her bag (of which is somewhere in her room...couldn't find it in time for picture purposes). Her name is on the backside of the tag.

Visit the other Sugars to see what they've created!

Happy crafting,

Sharon

New image release

2009-07-21T19:18:00.003-04:00

Pucker up, because Thursday will be a release day for Modern Sugar Blvd. The lipstick tube is a single image, and I just copied it a couple of times. The sentiment is up on foam dots and reads, "Every girl deserves to feel beautiful!"

Here is how I made the bow look decent. One strip across the top, trim edges. Tied a bow by itself and used a glue dot to attach. White inkssentials pen to "make some shine" on the lipstick tubes. Copics & Bic-Mark its.

Not much going on here. DD has been sorting through the books in her room. Some to keep, and some to give to the library book sale, and some for a new teacher in my building.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Color challenge

2009-07-19T17:55:00.004-04:00

The challenge this week for Victoria Case is to use hot/dark pink, orange, and white. Love the "hot" summer colors! But, I had to search hard to find some orange DP. The only other that I could find was a sheet of #20 Tony Stewart paper for a scrapbook page. Saving that for some pictures from a race, and of his cars at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.

The pink paper is all from Papertrey Ink, as is the pink DP. I used a white Inkssentials pen to make the dots around the cat, and to try some highlights on the bow. Sentiment is from Sweet 'n Sassy.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

MSB Saturday Challenge #10

2009-07-18T11:08:00.000-04:00

Crazy weather...it is only supposed to reach 67 degrees or so today...and the normal for this time of year is about 85+ ! Oh well...with the cool weather, I've felt a bit energized and have done a few things around the house, and taken a nice walk this morning.

Today's challenge from the Modern Sugar Blvd. blog is to use purples! Dark, light, in-between, any shade! There can also be some black & white. To go along with the color challenge, a sketch is also posted for you to use.

I also went with a bit of a polka dot thing, too! Even though it looks pink in the picture, the DP is Lavender Moon From Papertrey Ink. In fact, all paper on the card is from PTI. Ribbon is American Crafts, and the sweet baby is Twinkle Butterfly from MSB. Stickles are on the circle parts of the image.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Brentwood & Triceratops friend

2009-07-17T11:49:00.003-04:00

Here's Brentwood with his buddy the triceratops! This is my card for the second set for my JLO swap. I really wanted to use ribbon, but didn't have enough brown for all the the cards....what to do?? Hmmm, the edge from using the border maker is just the right size!

Next Friday night (July 24th) will be a new Brentwood release...Christmas Eve in July! Visit for some chatting and possible prizes! You can get to the chat from Jessica's site. It is so cool to be able to "meet" the artist!

Tomorrow sounds like a great hiking day...high is only supposed to be 65 degrees! I guess it's only good if the pesky black flies aren't buzzing about! I might get myself up in the morning and head over to the park for some exercise.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Brentwood Bee

2009-07-14T18:42:00.003-04:00

Ah...the joys of summer: bug bites all over! I have several that are having a bad reaction this time, and have blistered up-ouch (sensitive skin kiddo here). At least there haven't been any bee or wasp stings yet!

Well, cute little Brentwood Bee won't sting, he'll just buzz around to say, "Hi!". This little guy is set one for a Jessica Lynn Original swap that I'm participating in. I'll share the other set another night. I've just not been too productive craft wise this summer, so I'm trying to spread out some of what I have made.

Going to a friend's house for lunch tomorrow, and pool time if it's not storming! Last time I was there, I tried getting on the floaty lounge raft...what a site! I kept flipping off. I provided giggles for everyone :-)

Happy crafting!

Sharon

MSB Saturday Challenge

2009-07-11T20:32:00.003-04:00

This is also known as my "chocolate" card! I had been eating a chocolate bar right before working on this card. I had checked my hands, and all clear...but there must have been a touch of chocolate left on a finger, as I made a smudge on the image panel. What to do??? Ah-ha! Use some distress inks around the edges. Hides te chocolate smudge! Love the way it turned out! Papertrey Ink DP & cardstock.

The challenge this week on the MSB Blog is to use a tag anywhere on your card. I stamped "Hi there" in chocolate (ink). Doodler Girl was colored with Copics and Bic Mark-its. Head on over to the MSB blog and enter your "with a tag" card for a chance to win!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Modern Sugar Blvd Release

2009-07-09T22:31:00.007-04:00

We took a mini trip to Cincinnati for a couple of days, and all of us slept in late this morning! We visited Newport Aquarium on the Kentucky side of the river, and then the Cincinnati Zoo the next day. Lots of walking but much to see. We didn't make it through the whole zoo...it is huge!

Here are several new images available over at Modern Sugar Blvd.

You can color up this Momma's hair in so many fun colors! I cut out and used Glossy Accents to make a shiny guitar.

This Momma is relaxing after a busy day at work or chasing the little ones around!

As I was coloring this image, the song, Peanut, peanutbutter...jelly...jelly was running through my head! Cute for an anniversary!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

WINNER!

2009-07-08T19:40:00.002-04:00

The winner of the blog candy is.....

Chrissy!! You can see her work over at Christine's paper play place
.

Please send my your address I'll send out your goodies!

My daughter enjoyed helping cut out the numbers and pull a winner from the basket. I'll have a much bigger give away in December for my one year blog-o-versary.

Sharon

Friendly Mouse

2009-07-06T23:09:00.005-04:00

This card totally morphed into a clean & simple card as compared to the fru-fru creation I had in my head. Once I got out some supplies...and things were laying about and on top of each other, I decided to not use any designer paper, and go for a simple look!

My mouse is a sweet digital from Victoria Case Designs. And (surprise, surprise) I'm using it for this weeks challenge of red, black, and kraft over on the VC Challenge blog. I had colored a mouse image last week, but the flower had shades of orange, and I wanted red to go with the challenge.

This is a large 5x5 card, and the mouse image is up on foam dots. It's colored with Copics and Bic Mark-it pens. I used Creative Memories circle punches, and Papertrey Ink cardstock and sentiment.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Funky Chickens

2009-07-06T17:02:00.003-04:00

Did everyone enjoy the July 4th blog hop?? I know I did! It was raining here, and gave me something fun to do.

Tee hee hee....these chickens just crack me up! They say, "I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you!" A great thing to give a friend after a less than graceful moment. Sounds like something I would be receiving!

The chicken image is from The Digi Shack, the DP paper is Basic Grey Recess and the cardstocks (kraft & chocolate) are from Papertrey Ink, heart felts from American Crafts.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

July 4th Blog Hop

2009-07-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome!!! I'm so glad you stopped by today for the SNR Card Universe Blog Hop! If you came from http://craftycamille.blogspot.com you are on the right track! If you didn't you may want to hop to SNR Card Universe and start at the beginning. You don't want to miss any of the fabulous blogs on the hop!

My card uses the Doodler USA image from Modern Sugar Blvd and is colored with Copics. The sentiment that says, "Thank you!" is from Sweet n' Sassy. As the U.S. celebrates many freedoms today, I thought this would be a nice card to send to a service man or woman. I also used the sketch from this weeks Mojo Monday!

Here is a closer up view of the card. My background papers were made with digital papers from Gina K. I've been trying out some of these, and am learning a tad more on how to layer using an old version of Photoshop.

We are hoping to do some sparklers this evening, but there is a 90% chance of rain! As you're busy hopping all over today, you might want to come back later to visit this post: Mini Blog Candy. I'm offering a few goodies and explain how to win in that post.

Thank you for visiting today! Isn't so fun to see what everyone is creating with a red, white, and blue theme! Next on the hop is Jamie Pope . Be sure to stop by visit.

Happy crafting!
Sharon

Mini Blog Candy

2009-07-03T21:47:00.000-04:00

This will (hopefully) stay at the top until July 7th....scroll down for new posts.

Time to celebrate!! I've had over 100 posts and 5000 visitors (even if the counter isn't working at the moment!) since beginning my blog in December. And most of all, my daughter really wants me to do one!! This is just a small one, as I plan on something bigger in December for the one year anniversary.

I'm including some goodies from American Crafts: rub-ons, plastic punctuation pieces (more included than shown in picture), fuzzy felts (once again, more included than in picture). I am also going to have some images from Jessica Lynn Original, Victoria Case, and Modern Sugar Blvd. Note: the stamps are in this shot for pretty picture purposes only. You will receive the stamped or printed image...not the actual stamp.

How do you win???? Just leave me a comment on this post, and my daughter will draw a name from a basket on July 8th. No following or joining of my blog required! Just a comment!

Thank you so much for visiting!

Sharon

Big Thoughts

2009-07-03T21:06:00.006-04:00

Here are several cards I made all using the same stamp. These are some of the ones a co-worker asked me to make awhile back. Papers are all from Basic Grey, and the stamp is from Artful Inkables!

I used up some scraps, and also tried out the new embossing borders for my Cuttlebug.

Tune in tomorrow...I'll be part of the SNR July 4th Blog Hop!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Simple Sweetness

2009-07-01T21:33:00.003-04:00

Here is a sweet & simple card using mostly Papertrey Ink products. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up!.

My daughter and I went to Kings Island yesterday and had lots of fun. Even though she was just tall enough, I couldn't talk her into trying out The Racer. It's one of the smaller "big person" size coasters. She did enjoy the two smaller coasters in the kid area (big enough for adults to ride). We rode those multiple times.

Happy crafting!
Sharon

Modern Sugar Blvd Challenge

2009-06-27T16:01:00.003-04:00

It's Saturday again and time for a MSB sketch challenge. You can use any image you have for a chance to win, but of course we'd love it if you did play with a Modern Sugar Blvd. image! These popsicles look so cool and refreshing for this hot weather!! Yum! Wish there were some hiding in my freezer right now.

Stay cool!

Sharon

Victoria Case Challenge

2009-06-26T15:56:00.005-04:00

This cute frog couple are a digital image from Victoria Case. I'm imagining the half circle behind them as a setting sun...or a pink moon! Anyway, the card uses the sketch from the VC Challenge blog. I'm making sure I get this in right away...missed last week! Paper is from Basic Grey, and the flowers are Prima.

Sharon

Release Day

2009-06-25T16:01:00.005-04:00

First, to answer a couple of questions.... Yes, I took the picture in my blog header. It's from a nearby state park, taken last summer following an afternoon thunderstorm. No editing of colors or cropping of shot was done...what you see is what I took! On that same outing, I saw three fox pups, one deer, and a rainbow!

Okay, on to the cards for today! Modern Sugar Blvd. is releasing quite a few images and "accessories" today in their store. Here are two more using new stuff. The first one is another gal for the "Doodler" line. I went with a clean & simple look for this card. The image panel is up on foam dots (I'm using those a lot, lately!). Sentiment is "Live your bliss" from PTI Mixed Messages.

The second card uses the gal, tanning lotion, and beach umbrella. I colored the image with Copics and Bic Mark-its'. The "relax" was printed from the computer.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Fun in the Sun

2009-06-23T17:30:00.009-04:00

It sure is warm in my neck of the woods! It has been right around 90 degrees the past several days, and looks to be that way the rest of the week!

Well, this new gal from Modern Sugar Blvd. is visiting the beach to cool down. She (and some accessories) will be released Thursday evening. I thought a stair step card was the perfect thing to make a beach scene. The sand and water paper are some I just picked up at Hobby Lobby yesterday!

ETA: Whoops...forgot to put in that this is also for the DU2DS challenge of "make a scene". Told you blogger was acting wonky, and I'm forgetful! :-)

(home stuff)

I wanted to share some delicious stuff that is taking place at my house...raspberries are almost ready to pick! Well, a few are and were popped in the mouth right then & there! We never get enough to bake anything with, but a nice amount for eating "as is" or for adding to some ice cream. These were "planted" by the birds when we moved here.

We also have peas that are ready to be picked, and my little helper was out with me this morning.

As always, you can click an image to view it larger (don't the berries look wonderful in a large view?!)

Sharon

P.S. As I'm working on this post...my font option has disappeared...sorry!

Mr. Fuzzybutt

2009-06-22T14:41:00.005-04:00

What a great name for a fluffy cat! I made this card up for my daughter to use as a thank you. She spent several days at my sister's house, and I thought it would be nice for DD to send a note. My sister has several cats, so this is perfect (or should I say: purrfect!) for her. The stamps are all from the Jessica Lynn Original "Spring Cats" set.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

MSB Saturday Challenge

2009-06-20T00:17:00.004-04:00

Yeah!! It's a Saturday again!! Today's Modern Sugar Blvd. challenge is a sketch (love 'em). Be sure to enter, as you could win your pick of free digital images!

I used the Ice Cream Shop from the Around the Town line from MSB. Check out what the other Sugars have made...located on my sidebar. The awning of the ice cream shop is up on foam dots, and has some nice dimension. Most of the coloring was done with pencil, with a bit of Copics thrown in on the store.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Award Time

2009-06-19T17:06:00.004-04:00

Here are two awards that I have received...one from way back at the beginning of May, and one here recently.

I would like to thank Tina: Scrapintime and Sue: Suessentiments for these awards. I am rotten at getting these passed back out, but will some day. For now, visit these two lovely ladies and leave them some love!

I have been messing with the settings of the blog, and have made the view columns a bit wider. Am also hoping that when I post pictures, they will appear a bit larger. Let me know if things are looking wonky on your end!

Sharon

Tara

2009-06-17T12:31:00.003-04:00

This little fairy with some attitude is one of the newest digital images from Victoria Case Designs. Oh...did I mention she is free?! I used Tara for the VC Stamp challenge this week, which is a sketch challenge--love those!

After I had the image matted, I realized I had grabbed the wrong shade of cardstock...I wanted Berry Sorbet, and grabbed Melon Berry. I also had wanted to do some piercing, and remembered once it was all together. I'm good at that, thinking of things "after the fact"!

There's always next time!

Happy crafting,

Sharon

Baby Dragon

2009-06-16T22:48:00.005-04:00

I colored this sweet little dragon with pencils & baby oil for the Digi Shack sketch challenge over at SNR Card Universe. Such a cutie! Very pleased with my

coloring on this one :-)

I popped up a second head on a foam dot, and curled the wings a bit.

We are supposed to have more rain tomorrow...DD and I were hoping to visit a nature area tomorrow while out for a haircut. It's been raining each time we've been near it the last several weeks! Maybe we'll get lucky...there's only a 40% chance of rain.

Thanks for visiting!

Sharon

Floating in the sun

2009-06-15T23:18:00.003-04:00

Happy birthday to a co-worker this past weekend! I know she's received the card so now I can show you (she's the only one from there ~that I know of~ that visits me here on the blog).

This cool cat is having a glass of lemonade and just relaxing, and enjoying the summer! The happy birthday I printed out was too big, and I didn't have much more time before mail pickup, so I placed it on the inside. Image is a digital from Hambo Stamps, DP from DCWV summer stack 08.

Thanks for visiting!

Sharon

Flower Friendship

2009-06-13T19:58:00.005-04:00

Good evening all!

I love the way this card turned out! The bold red and the simple look of the kraft cardstock...nice. Phrase is from PTI Floral Frenzy set, flowers from Stampabilities. I can see doing many similar cards like this, but with different color schemes.

Sharon

MSB Saturday Challenge

2009-06-12T19:03:00.004-04:00

Doesn't this look like such a relaxing place to visit?? Ah...the place to be on a summer day.

The challenge this week is to make a card that will fit in a #10 envelope, and to use the Potting Shed image. I have never water colored for a card, and these images just ask for a soft touch. Sooooo, I found some of my daughter's water colors, and grabbed my little 12 pack of water color pencils, and fiddled away. Oh yes, I did use water color paper and it went through the printer with no problem! My sentiment reads: Flowers feed the Soul. So true...it is so refreshing to drink in a flower scape. I sort of did a wash of green and purple on that panel. Head on over to the MSB Blog to check out the challenge and have a chance to win a free image!

Bingo Night!

2009-06-11T20:26:00.003-04:00

Be sure to come visit the Modern Sugar Blvd release party over at Paper Craft Planet at 9pm EST tonight. Come chat even if you didn't fill out a Bingo card (still have a bit of time left--until 8:55pm!! Click on the side bar button).

Here is one last item for you...GI Jane! She is decorating a box that says, "United We Stand" on the top. I thought this would be very sweet to fill with goodies for someone serving in the Armed Forces.

You can chat with me on our group at PCP tonight!

Sharon

Flag Girl

2009-06-09T23:15:00.003-04:00

I totally learned how to do something new while making this card...I expanded my limited knowledge of Photoshop! The stripe paper and star paper are both free downloads from StampTV, and I learned how to layer with the free "canvas" paper also from StampTV. You may not be able to tell from the picture, but when looking at the card in person, it looks as if the stars & stripes are printed on fabric! Pretty cool, huh!

My flag girl is one of Thursday's new releases from MSB. I used the layout from Mojo Monday this week. Moved the ribbon button so my girl's head wouldn't be covered. Image panel is popped up on foam dots. I tried my hand at water coloring today, and you'll get to see that on Friday or Saturday!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Kitty's

2009-06-09T21:22:00.006-04:00

Here is the new kitten, Patty Patches, and the card she helped inspire! And below, is a better view of the card!

The Victoria Case Stamp Challenge this week is black, white, and pink. I decided it would be okay to make the kitty into my daughter's new kitten, rather than just a black and white kitty. The rhinestone heart is actually one that I won in a Victoria Case contest several months ago. And, to top things off, DD has been begging me to use lots of pink, and this card was perfect for it! DP is from last years DCWV Summer Stack. Image colored with pencils and baby oil.

One more kitty view...

Thanks for stopping!

Fresh Picked Whimsy

2009-06-09T14:26:00.004-04:00

These yummy looking popsicles are one of the new images you'll find in Thursday's release from MSB. They are part of a line called "Fresh Picked Whimsy". I picked up one of those wood picture frames from Hobby Lobby, painted it a cheerful yellow, then added my cut out popsicles using Mod Podge. The picture is of my daughter on a visit to Fun Spot Park several years ago. It was a tiny amusement park that mostly had little kiddie rides...just the right size for her at age 5!

Speaking of Fresh Picked Whimsy, here is another project I made using an already released image, Miss Angel Food Cake. I made a belly band for a plastic container where I have my 6x6 swap recipes located.

Still trying to get some good pictures of the new kitten!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

BINGO

2009-06-08T23:25:00.004-04:00

Yes, because I teach preschool, when I hear, "Bingo," I immediately think: There was a farmer had a dog and Bingo was his name-o!! No...not the song...the game! On Thursday evening Modern Sugar Blvd is having a Bingo release party over on Papercraft Planet at 9pm EST. Be sure you get your card turned in before 8:55 pm on the 11th to play along. For details and all the info, visit MSB Blog.

I will have examples for the new release the next several days! I'm looking forward to sharing those with you!

Today there was a mini release from illustrator Pam West with the "Life's Simple Pleasures..." line. What gorgeous pictures...you just want to go out and stroll through a lovely garden with spot of tea! (Pam is from the UK!) Don't these evoke thoughts of watercoloring?! I just might have to get into m daughter's kiddo school water color set the next time I try one of these images!

Kitten update: We now have a new little kitty in our household, and there will be pictures forthcoming!

Thanks for stopping to visit!

Sharon

Looky at my Happy Mail!

2009-06-07T22:50:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I was in a bit of a mood yesterday, but it sure brightened up when I went to the mailbox!

My fellow Sugar, Tenia, sent this blog candy prize for being "Jazz Cat of the Week" for her Jazzy Inspirations several months ago! These papers are gorgeous!! They have a lovely distressed/vintage look about them that I love! And look at those cute as can be critters!!! They sparkle!

Thank you Tenia!!

Jazzy Inspirations #13

2009-06-06T12:51:00.003-04:00

Good afternoon everyone! Meow, Meow...I'm a Jazz Cat again this week! Our colors to use from a Paul Chambers CD were: dark green, dark purple, white, and gray. Come and join in over at Jazzy Inspirations. Tenia will soon be have call-outs for design team members!

(Personal stuff here...click away if you wish) Daughter and I are very bummed out...we were not able to pick up the kitten this morning. We had filled out application at the shelter yesterday, and they said to call before coming in to see if it was approved. Well, I called but no answer, so we headed on in (25-30 min. drive). Get there and they say application not approved because all current animals in household not current on shots. They said the vets said '08 for the cat and '03 for the dog. Wrong-O!!!! The cat was just there two months ago (figured out later they had the date for a different cat...who then ran away). Um, we know the dog has been there since '03 because there is dog hair in our current truck, which wasn't even built in '03! (I'm a bit peeved). Now granted, we can't remember if it was last summer or summer '07 that we took her in....but still, it hasn't been that long!! If the shelter had answered the phone, I would of had time to run the dog to the vets this morning for shots (close by) and made it to the shelter before they closed at noon. So, at one on Monday we'll run to the vets, run dog home, then go to the shelter and hope the kitten DD has her heart set on is still there. If it weren't for that, we'd find a free one, but really wanted to "save" animal from the shelter. Also wish that when we were there yesterday they would have said they check current rabies shots, as I would have called the vets myself to make sure. I know I tossed some of those "record" papers from the vets when I last cleaned on my desk...never thought we'd need them for something. Okay....rant is over...thanks for listening!! DD has been waiting since March to get a kitten, and the extra days are tough for her. We had said she had to wait until school was out for the summer so it wouldn't be home alone.

MSB Saturday Challenge

2009-06-05T20:14:00.003-04:00

Well, it's the weekend (!!!) so that means it's time for a sugarlicious Modern Sugar Blvd challenge! There will be a winner or two picked to win a free digi image, so be sure to enter. All of the details will be on the MSB Blog after 1pm Eastern time Saturday.

The design team were given two different images to play with, and I chose the champagne glasses. The image is very versatile (I've noticed this is a magic word in the stamping world!) The image could be used for: wedding, anniversary, New Year's Eve, engagement, Valentine's, special celebration...you get the idea!! We were also to use the wedding mantra of Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue!

Old: paper for card base; New: pearls & image; Borrowed: the marker I used to color the glasses; Blue: the shading in the image panel.

We are more than likely picking a kitten up for my daughter at the animal shelter in the morning. She is very excited, but I bet our 12 year old cat won't be!!

Happy Crafting!

Sharon

Graduation Time

2009-06-04T13:19:00.005-04:00

Seems like I made quite a few of these graduation cards in the last few weeks! They all kept the same basic layout, and just school colors changed depending upon the recipient! I also found some graduation paper that I used on some rather than the embossed white panel.

Brentwood the Owl from JessicaLynnOriginals got a work-out attending so many graduation open houses...he is happy for a rest.

Happy crafting!

Sharon

You Go Girl!

2009-06-03T11:32:00.004-04:00

Here is another retro girl for your groovy cardmaking moods. Go-Go-Girl was just released this weekend at Modern Sugar Blvd. Handwritten sentiment reads: You Go Girl! I've already used this card and mailed it to a co-worker who is making a change in her career and I wanted to make sure it arrived before showing on the blog. Go-Go-Girl is cut out and popped up on foam dots with more bright & bold papers from Target $1 Spot. I'm working on projects for the next release, which will be on June 11th. I'm so excited with the images I'll have to share with you!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Willy the Worm

2009-06-02T14:14:00.005-04:00

Free Willy!! (snort snort) You can get your own Willy the Worm for free if you head over to VC Stamp Challenges. I have a couple of Victoria Case images/stamps, but decided to use this little worm for the challenge. I'm really pleased with how my colors turned out using mostly Copic markers.

Happy stamping!

Sharon

Modern Sugar Blvd Release

2009-05-30T15:43:00.005-04:00

A huge image release is happening today over at Modern Sugar Blvd!! 18 new images are available, along with a 25% off sale for this weekend! Gotta be a bargain hunter since gas prices just went up again! To get the sale price, visit the MSB blog and there is a link for the discount code. You will also be able to see a thumbnail of all the new images. I'll share a couple today....

First up is this pretty called Precious Maid. I typed the sentiment on the computer and she says, "Wanna tickle feathers?" A cute one to give your guy! wink wink! Anyway, I didn't have any black brads, so I colored them with a black marker and waited a bit for them to dry before putting onto the card.

My second card uses the Just Because image One Load at a Time. This one says: You make my heart spin!

Happy crafting!

Sharon

Jazzy Inspirations 12

2009-05-29T22:42:00.005-04:00

Some great colors for this weeks Jazzy Inspirations! Love my blues & greens! They are the colors I wear the most and that you'll find in my closet. Thanks Tenia!

Tomorrow (Saturday afternoon) over on the Modern Sugar Blvd blog, your challenge will be to make what ever you like!!! Pick your colors...pick your sketch...pick your fav Sugarlicious image! How easy can it be?! I used a new image that will be released tomorrow, along with many fantastic gals!!

Paper & ribbon are from Target $1 Spot, and the "Yipee!" is from Hero Arts.

Ahhhhh, hear that sound??? Wait, what sound? I don't hear anything. Right! No alarm clock on the weekdays!!! (at least not too often) School is out and I am done stripping down my classroom and don't need to go back next week!! Woohoo!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Sharon