EBTKS challenge

HI Gang,

It’s that time again. Time for another around the house challenge. We’re to use box tops (or other parts of a box) on our project.  This is the first challenge that we have a sponsor! Kelleigh Ratzlaff at The Digichick Is sponsoring this challenge.  She has an amazing selection of templates and other goodies. I was overwhelmed when trying to decide on template for this challenge. In fact, I see myself purchasing some others… She is offering a discount to all our challenge participants and the winner will get a $15 gift certificate to her shop! Wahoo.  (I would have no problem finding $15 worth of merchandise to purchase).

I ended up using the cookie wrap template.  I love to bake and just thought it made sense to get this one.  After using it, I see so many other possibilities…candy, jewelry, favors, etc.   So CUTE. 

I incorporated the box top into my butterfly. I essentially used it like a piece of chipboard. I adhered some of the patterned paper to the box and then die cut it with my Sizzix Big Shot, and voila I had a sturdy butterfly.

Be sure to check out the other girls templates.  (We all picked different ones and didn’t even plan it that way). You can find all the details and the other EBTKS girls’ creations at the EBTKS blog.

Have a great weekend!

Nette

Brrrrrrr

Hi Friends,

I hope you are all surviving the winter. I don't know where you are all located, but here in Indianapolis, we have had a blast of very cold air come through and appears to be settling in at least for the next few days.

Of course, the night before last, our furnace decided to die. We knew it would happen but had hoped it would make it through another winter, but it was not to be. So yesterday, I stayed home from work to take care of it. Let me tell you, our house was COLD. Sleeping Tuesday night wasn't bad, we were in bed, fully covered. But during the day, it was COLD. I had planned to work from home, but I couldn't type because my fingers were so cold. I kept making so many typos. Thankfully, by 4:30 yesterday, we had a new energy efficient furnace installed. By 7:00 or so the temperature was back to normal.

I have to tell you that the whole day made me really appreciate how blessed I am. I thought of the people who do not have homes and are far colder than I was for far longer periods of time. Once again, I am continued to be amazed at how the Lord has blessed me.

Needless to say, I didn't do any crafting, I was bundled up and trying to stay warm. However, I think I've mentioned that I've had 2 upcoming baby showers. I thought I'd share the invitations I made for those two showers.

This first one is for my best friend's daughter-in-law's shower. (Let me tell you that you would never believe my friend, Kris, was going to be a grandma, but that's another story). This card is super simple because I had to make 30 of them. She wanteed a lion theme because her grandson is going to be named Leo.


The second card is for a friend of mine who is going to have TWINS!!! In hindsight, I guess maybe I should've made it with two of something, but I just loved this little hobby horse. I only had to make 15 of these, so I added a little more to the card (scalloped backing and ribbon), but it's still super simple. Both this stamp and the lion came from the same Hero Arts set which has lots more cute images in it!

Thanks for stopping in today. I hope you have a very blessed day and stay warm!

Hugs

Lynnette

Tuesday

Hi Friends

It’s a cold Tuesday morning here in Indianapolis. We are all still excited that our boys in blue (aka the Indianapolis Colts) will be heading to the Super Bowl.  I have to make sure to schedule that Monday off because no matter how the game turns out, I won’t be sleeping much that night;)

I’ve really been enjoying the posts from those friends attending the CHA.  I had contemplated going and am now sad that I didn’t.  Oh well, there’s next time. 

Today, I thought I’d share another reject (I have plenty).  I just love this Papertrey Set Blooming Button Bits. It was so fun to make patterned paper with and to cut out. Anyway, hope you like!

I hope wherever you are that you are staying warm!

Hugs

Lynnette

Embellish Stripes

Hi Friends

I decided to play in the latest Embellish challenge. This is a stretch for me because I don’t do a lot of purple. I need to step out of my comfort zone more, so I decided this was a good challenge to work on branching out. This was the inspiration photo. (so pretty).

I love stripes, but I struggled with how to incorporate them into my card. Then a light-bulb went on in my head…. Use my Scor-Pal. Here is what I came up with:

I also dusted off my old crimping tool to put some stripes/texture on the brown strip of cardstock.

Thanks for dropping by!

Lynnette

Baby Shower prep

Hi There,

Thank you all for the kind comments on the reject :)  That was very sweet of you.  As I submit more for pub calls, I am coming to realize that a denial may not necessarily be a reflection on the quality of your card, but more of what they are looking for.  They have a particular style in mind, or they may have already selected too many cards similar to yours, etc.  While it’s hard to work so hard on something, I am learning not to take it personally.  And if you are interested in getting cards published, just go for it!!! You have to give it a try,  it is so fun when you do get one accepted and then see it in print. 

Okay, enough of my babbling, onto today’s card. I have two baby showers upcoming in February.  I have busily been working on invitations as that is part of my gift.  Thankfully, I already have some baby cards made. Today, I’m going to share one of them with you.  Hope you like!

You can see there is absolutely no stamping on this card.  I just love LOVE this paper.  The little animals are just so darling.  And the sparkly letters (Me and My Big Ideas) are so yummy.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful day.

Lynnette

Thanks

Hi there friends

Just wanted to share a thank you card that I’ve made recently.  To be like my dear friend Kelley, I thought I’d tell you that this is a publication reject.  Oh well, you can’t win them all.  Besides, I always need thank you cards, so I’ll have it on hand and ready to go when I need it.

Well, dear friends, I’ve not been feeling all that great, so I’m going to turn in.  Before I sign off, I wanted to remind you that you can still participate in the EBTKS challenge, so get those creative juices flowing :)

Have a great evening!

Lynnette

Hi Friends

I hope your weekend was wonderful. Ours was (see previous post---Colts won!) It went by fast though as they always do.

This is a quick post as I need to get moving. Our dogs got us up 3 times last night, so I'm running really late.

I don't know about you, but I'm always needing thank you cards. So this is one that is going into my stash to have on hand.

I hope you have great day!
Hugs

Nette

Go Colts

Hi Friends,

I wanted to pop in to say and tell you about how Carlin and I spent our Saturday night. We went to the Colts play-off game against the Baltimore Ravens. We had such a great time. I was so nervous. I couldn’t believe how loud that stadium was. We’re pretty revved up that we won and are ready to take on the Jets next week (EDTA: new photo of Carlin and me and who the Colts play next week.)

Of course, I took my camera and snapped some piccies.

YAY! Go Colts.

Have a goodie friends

Lynnette

EBTKS Sketch Challenge

Hi Friends,

Well, it’s that time again… It’s time for the monthly EBTKS Sketch challenge. And, this month, it’s a sketch from my humble abode. Here’s what the sketch looks like. I just know you can come up with some really great ideas using this sketch.

Also, this month, we’re doing something special. We’re asking you to focus on Valentine’s day cards in honor of the St. Jude’s card drive our dear Winter is organizing. Please check out the EBTKS blog for the deets (there are prizes involved in addition to just cheering up some kiddos)

Just so you know, the sketch is based on our television stand. As you can see, the television stand is nothing special, but it’s functional. It holds our Wii, XBOX 360, Playstation 2 (my hubs loves his video games), cable box and most importantly our flat screen tv. Let me digress for a second, we had vowed for awhile that we were going to get a flatscreen before the 09-10 football season started (our tv was old and the color was starting to go in and out). Well, being the procrastinators that we are, we ended up running out the night before the Colts first game to get our television. When we watched it the first time, it was amazing. Then we got an HD box, and HOLY MOLY what a difference. But let me say this, I do not want to be on TV with all the details that can be seen on HD. Mercy.

Sorry about that… I bet you are interested in the prize package. Since this month’s challenge is focused on Valentine’s day, this package has a lot of craft items for Valentine’s goodies in it. Some of the prizes include:

• Practicing Creativity Key to My Heart stamp set (which I cannot seem to quit using)
• Paper Crafts Magazine
• Stampin’ Up Patterns Paper pack
• Stampology stamp pad designed for clear stamps
• Cardstock, buttons, ribbon and brads!

And before I forget, I need to upload my card that I made for the challenge. I have to be honest, I’m not crazy for this card which is ironic since I am hosting the sketch, so I encourage you to go visit the EBTKS blog and look at some of the amazing inspirational cards that the rest of the team made.

I know that this has been a long post, but thanks for hanging with me. Check out the EBTKS blog for all the info on the St. Jude’s card drive and see some of the wonderful inspiration by the EBTKS gang.

I am so excited to see what you come up with. Each time, you all amaze us. It’s always so hard to pick a winner and the domestic divas.

Have a great day!
Netter

Embellish Hearts Challenge

Hi Friends,

I thought it was time to play along with the Embellish challenge. I know I’m getting it in on the last day, but better late than never, right??? 

Here is the inspirational photo.  Doesn’t Ashley do such a nice job putting these together.  And I love M&Ms!! How could I not play along?!

So here is my entry.  Unfortunately the pink doesn’t show as vibrant in the photo as it is in real life.  And I am not figuring it out in Photoshop.  I’m getting a little frustrated, so I’m going to leave it as it is. 

Check back in tomorrow for the next EBTKS challenge.

Bye!

Lynnette

EBTKS winner

Hi there Friends

Well, another round of the EBTKS challenge, has wrapped up (hehehehe---we had to use gift-wrap, sorry bad joke).  Anyway, here’s the winner and Domestic Divas.  Congrats to Heather P. our winner and the Divas, Brandi, Maureen, Stephanie and Tanis!  I know we say it with  each challenge, there were some really amazing entries.  Please stop by the EBTKS blog to check out the other entries and to find the links to our winner and Divas.  AND be sure to check in on Friday for the EBTKS sketch challenge. 

I also have a card of my own to share today.  

I got these embossing folders from Sizzix, and like when I get any other new toy, I have to try the out right away.  And I love it!! I love using these things to add texture to my cards (and I love texture), and these Sizzix folders work amazingly.  For the rest of the card, I used Cosmo Cricket Girl Friday patterned paper for the strip and for the flowers.  I used the Stampin’ Up three hearts punch to make the flowers and then just added buttons with some hemp twine through them.  Hope you like

Have a great day!!

Lynnette

More bright colors

Hi Friends,

Another bright and cheery card for the winder blues. I don't know about where you are, but it's cold in Indiana. From the weather maps I see, most of our country is in a deep freeze. So I thought another bright and colorful card would be welcomed to brighten things. I just adore this stamp from Hero Arts. (Thanks to Kelly Marie for enabling this purchase awhile back).


I hope your week is off to a great start. I have to admit I was dragging most of the day. For some reason, I was and am so tired. I am hoping to get to bed at a relatively decent hour.

Hugs!
Nette

Supplies:

Paper: Papertrey Ink, Stampin Up

Ink: Memento

Stamps: Hero Arts

Other: Scallop punch, corner rounder---Stampin Up!, Embossing folder---Provocraft (Swiss dots), ribbon--Stampin Up, Gems--Hero Arts, Marker--Copics, Crystal Effects

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge

Hi Friends,

I’ve not really played in a color challenge recently, so when I saw Dawn’s, I figured it was time to get back into it.  I really liked the colors she chose (Papertrey Ink: Lemon Tart, Aqua Mist, cream, and Chocolate).  Yummy!

Here’s what I came up with:

I embossed the leaves with Zing chocolate. And I tell you it was so difficult. There were so many stray particles that if I hadn’t been cutting it out, it wouldn’t have been useable.  Oh the frustrations of embossing powder.

Now, indulge my love of football for a second, or just sign off or skip down… I was thrilled to see Peyton Manning selected as the league MVP for a record 4th time!! Woohoo.  We love our Colts and are excited/nervous for the playoffs. We do know that we’ll be playing the New York Jets which I am quite excited about. They gave the Colts their first loss (after the Colts put in their JV squad!)  We were so frustrated that the coaches/owners decided to throw the game to rest the players… Grrrr.  Well, now there will be a chance for retribution.

Enough of my football speak.  I need to go to bed, gotta get up early to worship the Lord!  Have a blessed Lord’s day tomorrow.

Lynnette

Happy Friday!

Hiya Friends

Well, the first week of 2010 is behind us… I survived the first week back to work after being off for over a week.  I cannot believe that it’s already January 8th, but on the other hand, this week seemed to last forever.  At any rate, I’m looking forward to the weekend and spending some time in the old craft room!

Today’s card is one that I made awhile back.  I’ve been creating lots of stuff lately but not photographed anything yet, so I also hope to get to that this weekend.

I thought something nice, bright and “sunny” would be nice considering a large portion of the country is under a major cold spell, and a blanket of snow.

I’m continuing to experiment and learn to color with my Copics. I keep hoping that there will be a Copic certification in Indy, but I’ve not seen anything yet.  Thus, I am relying on looking at blogs and playing.

Have a great Friday!

Lynnette

Supplies
Stamps:  Hero Arts

Ink:  Stampin Up

Paper: Papertrey Ink, Stampin’ Up

Other:  Copic Markers, Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provocraft), Stampin’ Up scalloped border punch

Inside and out

Hi Friends

Happy Wednesday, and release day for Practicing Creativity. I don't know about you, but I've placed my order already :) These are seriously cute and versatile stamps. And I only played with a partial set, so I'm really excited to get the full set and play with all of the stamps. See yesterday's post for some ideas with these stamps.

Today's card is one where both the inside and outside are decorated. While I don't do this nearly enough, it is such a nice touch to your cards. Hope you like it.

Have a great day!! And go check out those amazing stamps at Practicing Creativity.

Practicing Creativity Stamps

Hiya!

I am so excited today. I get to share some cards using a soon to be released stamp set from the brand new Practicing Creativity line. That dear, sweet, uber creative Courtney has developed her first set of stamps called “Key to My Heart,” and when she asked if some of us would try them out and help preview the, I jumped at the opportunity.

Let me tell you that I haven’t gotten to play with the full set yet, but what I have seen and gotten inked up is amazing. I think the creative possibilities with this set will extend well beyond Valentine’s day.

Without further delay, here are some of what I’ve come up with so far….

I have so many other ideas floating around in my head to use these stamps for that I am really looking forward to creating some more cards with them. And since they are Valentine’s themed, they will be PERFECT for Winter’s St. Jude Card Drive. Please check it out, it’s for an awesome cause, and she’s giving away some really great prizes (that are being added to frequently).

Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to get your order placed with Practicing Creativity beginning tomorrow, 6 January. This amazing stamp set is going to sell for just $12.99!! What a deal!

Lastly, I want to thank Courtney for giving me the opportunity to play with these and be included in previewing her stamps. She is an amazingly talented stamper, but more than that, she's just a sweet person. I hope that these stamps sell out on the first day!! (But not before I get my order in!)

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out the other bloggers who are previewing her stampline.

Bye friends

Lynnette

First publications

Hi Friends,

Today, I’m really excited to share a couple of cards that are in the January issue of CARDS magazine.  These are the first two ever cards I’ve had published, so this was an absolute thrill for me.  I really hope you like them.

This first one was for the Quick and Easy category… It truly was very quick and easy to make…. Just need some Cosmo Cricket paper, a Sizzix with some die-cuts, a button, some floss and a couple of stamps and you are done

This second card was for the heat embossing category which I did on the white medallion and the damask alone the side.  I threw in some embossed swiss dots too.

 

Thanks for stopping by today, and be sure to come back tomorrow. I get to be a part of something really exciting, and I cannot wait to share it with you!!

Have a goodie!

Lynnette

Cards for St. Jude

Hi Friends,

Happy New Year. I hope your 2010 is off to a great start.  Today, I’m very excited to tell you about an opportunity to use our craft to help out some sick kiddos.  That dear sweet Winter is organizing it, and here is what she says along with instructions to participate.

A year ago this January 14, I started my blog. So for my blogversary for whole month of January, I have decided to do something for others.My family and I are going on vacation in February and as I was making plans for that, the Lord showed me that St. Jude Hospital was right on our way, and He laid on my heart to make cards for the patients there! I felt a little overwhelmed at first, because they see about 200 patients a day, but I soon felt that the Lord will provide the cards. If we all pull together, we can make this happen.
It is so sad to think of all the sick children there. So I am hoping that it will bring a smile to their face and a little more love in their hearts, when they receive their card on Valentine's Day. My family and I will be dropping off all of the cards to St. Jude Hospital, so please send them to me.We have been supporters of St. Jude's for many years, so I am really excited about this experience, and I hope you will join me in this card drive!

* Cards need to be a Valentine theme.
* Cards can't have anything about 'Get Well Soon', 'Feel Better', or anything reminding them of being sick. (Only Valentine Cards)
* Please make cards that can be used for any gender or age.
* Cards must be able to fit into a 4 1/2 X 5 3/4 envelope. (I will provide clear envelopes for each card, so there is no need to send one with it.)
* Please send all cards to me:
Winter Sims
Cards for St. Jude
P.O. Box 754
Warren, TX 77664
* You can include a message in the inside, but please remember, nothing reminding them of being sick. (Maybe just a Valentine sentiment.)
You can also sign your name and where you are from.
* I will be excepting cards for the whole month of January. At the end of the month, I will pick random winners for the prizes.
I will be adding more prizes, often. The more cards you send, the more times your name goes into the drawing.
* Please send a piece of paper with your name, address, email address, and the amount of cards you sent. (It will help, when I have the drawing.)
* If anyone wants to donate a prize for the drawings, please email me with the details at marcussim@aol.com .
I want to Thank everyone for your support in this card drive, I couldn't have done it with out you!  I really think, the patients will love the cards!

I sure hope that you will join in supporting Winter.  To get you started, I made the following card that I’m planning to contribute. (I will be making and sharing more)

 

I made this with some new Hero Arts stamps (Christmas Presents using an Archiver’s gift card---yippee!)

I really hope you join in for this great cause. 

Have a great day!

Lynnette