Pretties Wednesday: Slap it On and Call it Done!

Hey everyone!

Hope you're all getting Prettie for New Year's Eve...whether you're braving the crowds out there (be careful!) or staying in and STAMPING with me (there are some FAB challenges out there today!!!)!

Well, it's Pretties Wednesday and our fabulous DT has outdone themselves again with the cuteness! A few weeks ago, Jackie (aka "Officer Jacque") issued a challenge to the Prettie Girls to create an ATC and then use it on a card. What a fun challenge!

I started with this ATC I made using Tangerine Tango, Baja Breeze and some orange dew drops I've been dying to use! I had an especially fun time creating this card. I am NOT one to venture out and use really bright colors, but I just LOVE this paper from My Mind's Eye so I went for it. Isn't this stamp the CUTEST? I love this little guy. He was one of the very first stamp sets I got from Paper Pretties and he is just too darn cute! After the end of the year, esp., I think we can ALL relate to the "one of those days" right?

Dont' forget, TODAY is the LAST DAY to sign up for the January SOTM! It's the Gliding By Sophia and can be seen on the card I made HERE. You can visit the Paper Pretties Stamp of the Month page for all the info you'll need to get signed up!

Well, speaking of which, I hope your day is wonderful and I will be back here to give you the NYE lowdown on all the hip happenings this evening!

LOTS of parties online tonight folks, so get in your jammies, clear off that table, and join us!!!

Hugs,
Jessica :)

PPS Wednesday: Sit back,Scrap, and Relax!

Hey everyone! I CANNOT believe it's the last day of 2008! Sad to see it go, but I'm looking forward to 2009...I have a fun few things coming up in the next few weeks, especially some stamping ones, so I'm anxious to get started!

Looking back, this was a HUGE year for me in the stamping world though, so I am a bit sorry to see the year go. Lots of new excitement, new friendships, DT stuff...WHAT....a whirlwind! I am SO grateful for it all.

It was fun to wrap up the year with this fun Challenge that the DT girls at Pink Papery Studios are participating in today. A challenge was issued to use TWO different scraps of Designer Paper. What a great way to use up some scraps as ALL the cute new product lines are coming out??? BRILLIANT!

I love this Simply Cocoa digistamp. Whether it's coffee or tea, it's ME! I've had BOTH in my mug already today and while the snow has started to fall again it's awfully cozy in here!

DID YOU HEAR? PPS is having a birthday at the end of this month! We are turning ONE! Be sure to stay tuned for some fun bday plans...you won't want to miss this! Don't forget, too, to stop by and check out what the rest of the DT gals have whipped up for today's challenge...links are on my sidebar. They rock!

Back later with a Prettie Bright card... hugs

Jessica :)

Twinkling Tuesday...Want some Candy???

Hello everyone!


I can't believe it's the Tuesday after Christmas already, can you? Time has been FLYING! I am really enjoying having the kids home from school, sleeping in (well, MY version of sleeping in, but still!), and just sort of hangin' out.


Madelynn really has a cute sketch for us this week! Here it is, MTTSC3! I think DD knew that I needed a break after that criss-cross sketch last week LOL! Isn't this a GREAT sketch?!



I chose to use my new "ContenttobeaBella" stamp from Stamping Bella...now being carried at A Walk Down Memory Lane's store! I have to admit, this card is a SNEAK PEEK from the January Card Kit that is coming out in JUST a few days!!! LOOK at these great colors and papers!

Also, I colored in this cutie patootie with the JANUARY COPIC CLUB selections, all matching the January Card Kit which will be sold seperately! How COOL is that??? I am LOVING this sketch, and was especially happy to be able to use these super cute brads from Doodlebug Designs.


You DO NOT want to miss this brand new card kit premiering on the 1st from A Walk Down Memory Lane! Make sure you check out the Design Team blog this Friday for another sneek peek and some more cards designed by me :) I had a BLAST with this kit and the cards just keep on coming!


Now, onto our featured stamper for this week on The Twinkle Team! She is none other than my friend Bonnie, The Lucky Clucker. Bonnie and I met through being on the Little Paper Shop Design Team together and I just love her. She is sweet, funny, and extremely talented!

Would you just LOOK at this BEAUTIFUL card she made and the unique take on this week's sketch? I "THINK" Bonnie knows that I like butterflies! Don't you? This is just gorgeous, girl! I LOVE the Basic Grey Ambrosia line and that beautiful sentiment from The Little Paper Shop.


Be sure to check out the rest of the Twinkle Team's dazzling creations today, too! Links are on my sidebar!


Once you make the rounds, come back here and leave a comment hooking up YOUR take on the sketch, and be entered to WIN....



...THIS BLOG CANDY! Feauturing a bag of flowers from Imaginisce, 3 spools of SU wire, Rub ons, Merci Me Martini Glass embellies, and Kim Hughes flower brads! ANYONE can enter to win, YES, ANYONE!

Here's how it works:

Leave a comment linking your card here on my blog and it's as simple as that! My FAB Twinkle Team? You guys get to play, too! Make sure you leave your comment here on this post, but please feel free to UL your creations to SCS/PCP using keyword MTTSC3. You have ALL WEEK to play, as the candy winner will be announced here on the blog next Tuesday!


Can't wait to see what YOUR take is on the sketch! Good luck!

Hugs,
Jessica :)

LPS Monday: TWEET! A Little Bird Told Me...

...that Allison had her baby! Congrats to the entire Fillo family on the addition of Avery Judith, born on Christmas Day! You can read all about Avery's arrival on Allison's blog entry HERE. Little Avery had to have heart surgery and is going to be in the hospital for a little while so please send lots of get well wishes and prayers her way! Allison, we are all here thinking about you and can't wait until we hear that you are HOME and all is well. Congrats again on your new little miracle so fresh from God.

Today's card features the cute little birdie from the Flyin By set by The Little Paper Shop. I think I've used this set more than a few times, huh? I just LOVE it. The owl and bird are so cute and the sentiments are just right for RAKs and sort of "anytime" cards. That's why we do this, right?

On that note, I should tell you, so that you can all keep me accountable, but my New Year's resolution is to SEND more cards! I am such a lover of RAK's, but I find myself making card after card and then hoarding them. Selfish girl! (*slaps own wrist*) LOL. How many of us are guilty of this? C'mon...I know you're out there LOL...but then again, there are some of you that are just WONDERFUL about sending them, and to those ladies, well..I wanna be you when I grow up!!

Have a great Monday everyone, and remember, you get FREE shipping on ANY LPS order as long as it's over $45..easy to do since they are ALL so cute! I can't wait to put some of my Christmas cash to good use...hee hee.

Hugs,

Jessica :)

RAK Sunday...and a twinkling welcome to Lucky 13!

Hey everyone!

I have some AWESOME RAK's to share with you today. I am so touched that even in the Holiday craziness that we received such wonderful mail!

First, though, before I do, I would love for you all to join me in welcoming Sandra McLean as our 13th Twinkle Team member!!! (this is a special number as it happens to be the day DD was born!) Sandra and I are fellow stalkers of The Greeting Farm and have met in passing a whole bunch of times on challenges, blog entries, etc. It wasn't until her participation in the first Twinkle Team sketch though, that I really got to "meet" her and I've so enjoyed chatting with her! She is not only super talented, but amazingly sweet and supportive and I am SO happy to have her on the team! Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello! Here is the card she made for last week's sketch, MTTSC2.

I just LOVE that little moose, and look how the whole card is wrapped up like a present! ADORABLE, Sandra! Welcome to the team! You rock!

Now, I have to show you this adorable card from Christi Thorsen, my friend and fellow Prettie Girl. Christi sent this card to my son as a Get Well from his surgery. Isn't it sweet??? He LOVED the ABC chipboard and the cute image of Cooper. Thanks, girl! You are SO sweet!

My next few cards are VERY special. They were also get well cards for my son, and they were made by three VERY special kids! My friend and fellow Prettie Girl Julie Masse's children made the most beautiful cards using Paper Pretties stamps, of course!

Here is one from Ethan, using the Snowflake Kisses Set. I just LOVE how he colored the sentiment, made the snowflake glittery and tied the ribbon. How sweet is this?

His sister Emma made this beautiful and sparkly card using the Little Drummer boy from The Nativity stamp set. She did such a wonderful job coloring in the images and I love that gold glitter! Thank you SO much Ethan and Emma...you are VERY talented...just like your awesome Mom!Eli Ortman, one of the four darling sons of Christie, my friend and Prettie Mama, made this card for my son as well. Isn't it sweet? I LOVE how he colored and cut out the image of this sweet little duck! Another flourishing talent and sweet personality, also just like his Mom! Thank you, Eli!

Last but definitely NOT least is this adorable gift card holder that my cousin, Kim, who happens to be one of my BFFs in the world, made me for Christmas. She and I are very close and mysteriously, we get each other in the family grab bag EVERY year...hmmmmmm..... we have been through lots together...even were pregnant at the same time for my oldest DD and the twins, so our kids are close in age and they have a blast, too. Within the past few years, we have been able to share scrapbooking together which I have enjoyed more than I can explain. Surprisingly we haven't gotten kicked out of any establishments yet, either! We tend to laugh JUST a little bit LOL (although, volume-wise it would totally be MY fault if we did :D) Even more recently, Kim has been getting into making cards and papercrafting and got a Cricut this Christmas so the fun is JUST beginning!

She got me a gift card to (gasp!) Archiver's this year (and last year....and the year before that...) as I requested so that we can go whooping it up scrapping sometime soon...isn't this little gift card holder the CUTEST? I didn't even know she was making these! Thanks, Kim! LOVE it!

Aren't these just the greatest? You guys, AND your amazing kids, really know how to make a mily feel loved! Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers and well wishes, especially for my Nicky the last few weeks. What a blessing you all have been and what a blessing that he 3 weeks away from walking on it!!

Hugs,
Jessica :)

A VERY Prettie Birthday wish...and Blog Hop!

Hey all! Happy Saturday! Everyone rested and relaxed after the Holiday Hoopla?

Well, I hope so cuz you're going to a PARTY!

It is my pleasure and honor to wish my friend and fellow Prettie Girl Jodi Collins (kharmagirl on SCS) the HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS!!!

We are celebrating...Pretties Style! Wanna come? I KNEW you would! We Prettie Girls KNOW how to part-ay! Each time a Prettie Girl has a birthday, the rest of us get together and decide what to "bring" to the fabulous party.

Can you guess what I was in charge of? Yep, PRESENTS! My favorite thing! This sweet little Sophia left her fluttery friend at home today so that she could carry all of Jodi's loot to this swingin' shin-dig!

Now...this party wouldn't be a party unless you got to mingle w/ the rest of the crowd, so make sure you head on down to Christi's blog to see what my sweet friend brought to the party and have fun hoppin' around...pretties style!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JODI! HUGS!

Jessica :)

Pretties Friday...Sit back and RELAX...

...with a steaming cup of Java! Or, hot cocoa...or tea, if you like. Just RELAX. Christmas has come, but I won't let it be "gone" just yet as I relish in the delight of my children, the memories of probably the most fun I've had with my family all year, and the leftovers..yum!

I made this card a while ago using the Look Who's Perky set from Paper Pretties. I LOVE this set. What could be better than sipping hot mugs of soothing beverages after the crazy few weeks it's been? Just like the card suggests, it's better shared times two...so I'm going to hope that my girlies and I who haven't had a chance to "chat" for a few days can enjoy some quality stamp time sometime this weekend, you gals w/ me???

Don't forget, you have a few days left to sign up for the Stamp of the Month club! Til the 31st to be exact! Our January stamp of the month is Gliding By and boy, is it CUTE! Also, the adorable Sending you Love Sophia will be released on January 1st...in PLENTY of time for Valentine's day!

Be sure to stay up to date w/ the latest from Paper Pretties by visiting the Paper Clip, the new Prettie's blog! Lots of fun projects and information there, too! Til next time....relax...and stamp!

Hugs,

Jessica :)

AWAY IN A MANGER...MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008!

Hello and a Merry Christmas Eve to you all on this Prettie Wednesday!

The presents are wrapped, the cookies are baked, and the Christmas cards...well...those went out JUST under the wire LOL! With all the hustle and bustle this time of year, it's so easy to get wrapped up in the stress of it all and I have to say, I was especially guilty of it this year. However, looking at this card reminds me what I need to focus on this Christmas, and be grateful for the celebration of the birth of Jesus and what that means to me and my family.

I will say though, that as busy as it's been, getting wrapped up (heh heh) in all the hoopla of Christmas this year has still not caused me to lose sight of what is most important. My family is happy and healthy. My son's leg is getting stronger every day and that big smile...well, that says it all. We have a job. We have a warm home, and family nearby. We have everything we need and much more, and most of all, we have each other. I can't tell you what that means to me, I really can't. I am so grateful for all that we have and all that we continue to be blessed with. I have so many wonderful new friends, a few loyal old ones, and wonderful opportunities from companies who think I am worthy of working for them. Thinking about all of that really leaves me in awe. As it should...I am one very lucky girl.

Seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child...let alone four...is probably the most awe-inspiring thing about these next two days and I am even more grateful for the four beautiful babies I was blessed with. They know, as do I, that they are truly the best gifts I will ever receive...

My card that I share with you today to celebrate Christmas was made for this week's Prettie Girl Challenge. My sista Jillian issued this week's challenge, which was to "put a hole in it". The rules were, the hole had to be at least 1/8" in size and you can NOT fill it with anything...no brads, no nothin'. LOL. Admittedly, because of that, I was a little stumped! I decided to add to my doily lace border punch and punch 1/8' holes in the center of each "scallop". There ya go! Not one hole, but a few!

I used the new Nativity set from Paper Pretties and I just love this manger scene. Isn't it sweet? This card really put me in the Christmas spirit and I hope it does that for you, too! Be sure to check out the rest of the Prettie Girls' cards today..links on sidebar----------------->

Well, we are left with one tiny order of business...this week is MY week to issue a Challenge to the Prettie Girls! I was going through some new cardstock and these FOUR colors were together:

Kraft

Avocado (or Old Olive)

Ocean Tides (or Baja Breeze)

Dark Chocolate (Chocolate Chip)

Sooooo, my challenge to you girlies is to create a card using this color combo. Have fun with this and I can't wait to see what this talented group of Prettie Girls comes up with!

I will be back Friday with another Prettie Post...however, until then,

MERRY CHRISTMAS and ALL MY BEST Wishes for a Happy, Healthy, and Stamp-Filled 2009!

Hugs,
Jessica :)

PPS Wednesday: Keeping it Simple...

OK, seriously, after the day I had yesterday, this pink, cheery, and CHILL card is just what I needed to make!

I'm not so great at keeping things simple, whether it's with cardmaking or in general ha ha ha, so this DT challenge was good for me! I think I am going to give this card, using the Pink Papery Studios' Simply Bath set, to my Mom the day after Christmas...she is having 33 people for Christmas Day, has 3 houseguests from out of town, and still took time to feed me a home cooked meal tonight and shelter me from the HEINOUS snow storm we had today...all while keeping me sane on the phone after my spin-outs in the snow...Thanks Mom! I really don't know what I would've done today without you...


Hope you guys like it and let's all remember to RELAX and ENJOY the next few days...and the days after we will spend (hopefully) playing with some new goodies ;0)


Before I go, I want to make a VERY special announcement and welcome my dear friends Taylor, Jen, and Heather to the Pink Papery Studios Design Team! I am SO thrilled to be announcing them today and to know that I'll get to work along side them and the rest of our super awesome DT gals...they are all SUCH sweethearts and I've really enjoyed getting to know them better lately. This team is going to ROCK! Make sure to stop by everyone's blog today and see what the rest of the DT cooked up, all the while "keeping it simple". Leave 'em some love!!! (links on my sidebar :)


Be back soon with a Prettie Christmas wish... ;)

Twinkling Tuesday: Criss-Crossed!

Hey everyone!

I am SO excited to bring you our FIRST Twinkling Tuesday sketch featuring our new "Twinkle Team"???? Hooray!

This was so much fun to see my DD's vision come to life...even though she just about STUMPED me w/ this sketch! Without further adieu, I am proud to bring you the Twinkle Team's first creations, based on this sketch:

Can you believe her?

I just about lost it when I saw this one LOL! I'm not really great with the whole criss-cross thing, and I think a few of my fellow team members felt the same, but WAIT until you see their fabulous work! I was BEYOND impressed, and I know that Madelynn will be too! Sooooo, without further adieu, I introduce to you the Twinkle Team:

BONNIE totally rocked this sketch with her "happy cluckin' birthday" card. I recently sent her a link to this set, knowing that her blog is called The Lucky Clucker LOL...but, I should have known she already had it! Seriously, HOW cute is that distressed look combined w/ the shabby chic buttons and ribbon? I LOVE it!

CASSIE created this heart-warming beauty with this really pretty set from Stampin up! I {heart} the little pearls she used both in the heart and on the sides! One of my fave embellishments of all time! I also really like the background script and the warm and toasty colors make me want hot chocolate!

CHRISTI came up with this ADORABLE Sarah Kay card and I love that soft, pretty ribbon. Look how wonderfully the image is colored...and pretty as can be in purple!

DANNI lasso'ed up the fun with this cute cowgirl image and gingham DP. Makes me long to be in the south...where it's MUCH warmer, I'm sure!!! I am LOVING the red boots, too! Reminds me of that Shania Twain song heh heh...

DEBBIE "elfed herself" using this cutie from Close to My Heart stamps. I am loving his sparkly little hat and the Christmas-y ribbon! Perhaps DD will see this and wonder if this same little elf has been spying on her to find out if she's been naughty...or nice.... good thing for her she's been nice because I happen to know that Santa has QUITE the stash for her... ;)

JAMI created total cuteness with the dapper Hello Ian stamp from Pink Poison! LOVE him! I love the embossed cardstock and the beautiful color combo of blue/brown...one of my faves as you guys know. I love how she colored the hat, too!

JANNA aka "the Sketch Queen" created a beautiful winter wonderland scene indeed with this adorable image and maginificent coloring! I LOVE that shimmery DP and the snowflakes, too! So pretty!

JEN shimmers(z) and shines with this Pretty, Pretty Princess Anya and in all my favorite colors, too :) I do not have this Anya yet but I know when DD sees it, it's going to be asked for immediately. Got NO problem with that! Love it!

JESSICA (oh wait, that's ME!) had the best of times and the worst of times making this card LOL! I just got some amazing cardstock and papers from my sweet friend and Prettie Mama, Christie, and when I saw this butterfly ribbon she also sent me, I knew what had to be done! I couldn't wait to bust out my new Alice in Paris from Stamping Bella to create this card...and went a little nuts myself w/ the embellies :D I hope you guys like it! Sentiment is from the Little Paper Shop's A Dream.

Kimmie amazes me with her Copic talents too! I just love all the different shades of purple...look at the shading she did, even right down to Tilda's shoes! SO attentive to detail! Lovin' the purple and that Cloud 9 DP is one of my faves, too! So cute!

REBECCA wasn't monkey-in around when she came up with this cuteness! And in my favorite color! So cute how his little tail wraps around the ribbon, isn't it? Um, and did you SEE there is a butterfly in this card? Gotta love it!

TAYLOR created this gorgeous card using her new Pink Papery Studios digi-stamps...I have a pretty fun announcement about the on Wed. actually, so stay tuned tomorrow! I am LOVING the bottlecap, too! Such a great embellie, isn't it? I'm digging the green chair, too...and love the image of the coffee clutched in hand since we've gotten alot of quality "girl chat" in this week, my with my coffee and Taylor with her tea. Cheers!

Seriously, HOW great are these? I'm so excited and can't WAIT to see what you come up with this week!

I know it's Christmas, but if you find yourself needing to relax and care to play along, just make sure you leave a comment on this post and upload your card to SCS/PCP with keyword MTTSC2 so we can all ooooh and ahhhh together! No time limit this week either :)

Stay tuned for some blog candy w/ next week's sketch...and hey, have a VERY Twinkling Tuesday everyone!

Hugs,
Jess :)

LPS Monday: Still of Winter...

Hello, my stamping friends...

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! This post couldn't be more appropriate today as I write you from a place where it is MINUS 4 degrees w/ a windchill of -24!!!

Ok, now that we got that out of the way, it's Little Paper Shop Monday! Yeah!!! What's more? It's a VERY special one at that! I'll get to that in a sec :) First off, though, I'll share my card with you that I made using the Chirp set. I was looking out my window the other night after the ice storm we had and all the trees w/ bare branches...spooky almost. The next day, my 3 yr. old and I were getting out of the car and she looked down at the snow, stopped, and said "Look, mommy, there's glitter under my boots!" HOW cute is that?!?

For someone who well, kind of despises this white stuff, seeing the freshly fallen snow glittering and glistening through the eyes of my beautifully innocent child made it a little easier to bear the cold:)

Those two things were foremost in my mind when I decided to create this card for my LPS Monday post. I think it does a great job, too, of showcasing how versatile the Chirp set is! I also love this BG Wassail paper...it definitely made for a nice wintery scene. The shimmer White CS I used really glistens MUCH more than in the pictures, by the way. I put some Diamond stickles on as a finishing touch, reminding me of how the branches looked outside my window with the ice on them.

Well, hope you like this still winter scene...now, onto the NOT so still....like the fact that I am JUMPING UP AND DOWN with excitement!!! .......I am proud and pleased as punch to welcome my sweet and dear friend Taylor Usry to the LPS DT!!! I am excited unto BURSTING that we will be working together on not one, but TWO DT's...actually three counting the Twinkle Team! WOOOOO HOOOOO! Taylor ROCKS. Not only is she my friend, but she's an amazing talent, and the fact that we've already become so close and now get to work together just makes me insanely happy...so please join me in congratulating this wonderful spirit by stopping by her blog today! I am so looking forward to what 2009 brings us together!! Yeah!

Okay, that's about it for now...I hope you all are staying warm and enjoying the "gearing up" phase of this week until Christmas is here! What wonderful gifts we are all blessed with, aren't we?

Hugs,

Jessica :)

RAK Sunday....and a few more sketch cards!

Hello all on this FRIGID Sunday...I mean FRIGID! It's -6 here w/out the windchill even!

I feel sorry for my dear brother who is visiting here after almost 2 years from L.A. I am SO excited to see him! I have a feeling though, that he's NEVER going to want to come home again after this! LOL. It is really bad out there, so be careful everyone!

I have some WONDERFUL RAKs to show you this morning. First off, one that touched my heart because it was for my son and you should have SEEN the smile on his face when he opened this card from Jen Greco! Not only do I love the card but how sweet of her to think of my son and send him some happy mail...made my lil' matey's day! Thanks Jen!

Lynn Reaney sent me this BEAUTIFUL bookmark as a Christmas present. Isn't it pretty? The thing that means most is that she knows I LOVE butterflies and used this gorgeous new Ambrosia DP from Basic Grey to make this for me. The back has a scripture verse and I just LOVE it...Thanks Lynn! I can't wait to re-read Twilight and use this :) Christi Thorsen showed this AMAZING creation of hers on her blog not too long ago, and I was in awe. Love the Trim the Tree Sophia and LOVE baubles...as I'm sure you all know. When I opened the mail and saw this card inside I was so tickled that she gave it to ME! Lucky girl, I am! Wow!

Jami Bova sent this adorable Christmas card all the way from South Korea! I still marvel at the fact that when we chat via email, she's usually in the next DAY...strange concept to me. I'm so glad to be getting to know Jami, she is an amazing talent and the kindest soul.

I got a few more sketch cards from last Tuesday's design that I'd love to share with you. The first one is from Sandra. Sandra and I have been bumping into each other a lot on the Pink Poison blog and she is as sweet as can be! Isn't this sweet? LOVE that quote...I think I NEED it!

Last but not least, my sweet friend and fellow Pink Papery Studios DT member Janna made this adorable Lily and Milo card using the sketch. Can I say it again? Rachelle Anne Miller ROCKS my world and so does this card! LOVE IT, Janna! Look at the coloring...gorgeous!

Well, that's all for today! I can't WAIT to show you what the Twinkle Team has to offer you when we release Tuesday's new sketch! This is turning out to be SO, super fun!

Stay warm everyone and I am thrilled to say I'll be staying INSIDE stamping today! Hugs!

Jessica:)

Pretties Friday: Just Glidin' By...

...and glidin' by is RIGHT! Only 6 days til Christmas, can you guys BELIEVE IT???

I sure can't...yowza! I am sooooooo not done...with anything....but nevertheless, looking forward to it, even with all the hoopla!

I have a quick card for you today and can I tell you how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE this Gliding By Sophia from Paper Pretties? She is definitely one of my favorites! (I know, I say that about ALL the Sophias...but she's top 3 for sure!)

A few weeks ago, my fellow Prettie Girl Danielle made THIS card...I loved it so much that I wanted to do something similar, so I decided to case it and switch up just a few key elements to really...make it my own, ya know? You should definitely check out her blog...her cards are amazing and her style is absolutely stunning!

Hope you like my little post today as I continue Gliding on by through my Friday in the hopes of getting some stuff DONE!!! Have a great weekend, everyone...I'm bracing myself for the SNOW...keep your fingers crossed it's not as bad as they say!

Prettie Hugs,

Jess :)

Who, ME???

How COOL is this?

My darling blogging buddy and newest Prettie Girl, Christi, gave me a blog award! This isn't any blog award, either...it's a BUTTERFLY award! How awesome is that?

I'm new to this whole award thing, but I can tell you that narrowing it down to ten is pretty torturous... in fact, it's kind of impossible. There is AMAZING talent all around me, every day. However, there are a few special ladies that not only are amazing stampers, but also that I've become quite close with lately. These are the ladies I'd like to honor today, but remember, you are ALL superstars!

Here are the details:

1. Post the award logo on your blog.

2.Add the link to the person who nominated you.
3. Nominate 10 other blogs and add post their links as well.
4. Let those people know that they received the award.

So, without further adieu, here's a list of just a few friends who I treasure and who inspire me daily:

Taylor

Jillian

Jen

Heather

Jami

Lynn

Kimmie

Danni

Bonnie

Marie

Thanks again Christi! Lots of love,

Jessica :)

How Happy is my DD???

OVER the moon, I tell you.

I wanted to showcase a few cards today that have been rolling in as a result of her VERY first sketch challenge. Now, there is NO limit to when these are "due", unless it's a week that there will be a prize offered. *DID I MENTION* there will be PRIZES???

Anyway, what I will do from now on is at the end of the week, I will feature a link list here of everyone who participated in the sketch. Be sure to watch out for Madelynn's "team", too! It's not too late to join in so just shoot me an email if you're interested. Can you imagine how exciting this is for an 8 yr old? Not to mention her proud Mommy?

Today I wanted to show off what we've already gotten because this is SUCH a big deal to my daughter and she couldn't be happier that people have been playing along! So...without futher adieu...(drums.....rolling....)

This card is from Bonnie. LOVE that gingerbread man...it's good enough to eat!

This card is from Jen. Isn't the glitter on the stocking so cute? It don't mean a thing if you ain't got that bling, ya know... This one is from Kimmie. How fun is the tipped over Martini glass? I could've used one last night! This one is from Danni. Such a great image and love the shadowing she did w/ her markers!

This one is from Cassie. Straight off the runway! She "made it work" (ha ha Tim Gunn!) with some fabulous coloring and look at those pearls!!!
This one is from Jami. LOVE the shimmerz and liquid applique on this beauty of a snow bunny!

Well, that's all for now but I MAY be back with a card.

Two quick updates, first.

1.) My little man is doing awesome. Much better this am and is having a great time watching Crashbox and loves guessing games and the math on that show! He's just finished a nice bowl of Rice Krispies and is right here snuggled next to me. Many thanks again for all your well wishes and prayers!

2.) If you haven't already, please help me congratulate my sweet friend Taylor for being this week's WATCH OUT WEDNESDAY girl on the Unity Stamps blog. She is MORE than deserving and I am totally stoked for her!!! Congrats Taylor...you're the IT girl this week and have been in my book for longer than that ;)

Ta-ta for now, folks. Hugs!

Jessica :)

We are HOME!!!

Hey everyone,

Just a quick update before I get back to my little man...we are home, and everything went beautifully. He is resting right next to me here w/ a nice bowl of hot soup...comfort is key!

I am a big mushball...yep! So, I will just tell you all right now that I have no words that are adequate...and I TRULY mean that, for the amount of gratitude I have in my heart right now for all of you. ALL of you.

It is such a relief and feeling of joy to know that this is over...I know it wasn't even "major" surgery, but when it's your child, well..I don't have to tell you guys that. You get it. I was pretty heartbroken watching him in recovery for the first hour or so seeing him in pain. It was gut wrenching as a Mom, of course, but all the while, in the back of my mind, I thought of a lot of you guys.

So, whether you are my close family, or close friends, my close friends through stamping, or just a kind stamping friend who stops by every now and then to leave a kind word or two, I am so appreciative and can't thank you enough.

Thank you and I will be back tomorrow w/ an update and a card or two... Have a great night and God bless!

Pretties Wednesday: Cuddle Me Criss-Crossed...

Hey everyone!

I'm back with another Prettie Post for the week! Wednesdays are always Prettie, aren't they?

This week's DT challenge to the Prettie Girls was issued by the ever so sweet Jackie R. The challenge was to make a card using PLAID somewhere in the card. Whew...now THAT was going to be a tough one!

Well, I didn't have any Plaid papers, ribbon, not even a sticker in sight...nor do I own the template that you can make it, so I had to put my thinking cap on for this one...and this is what I came up with:

I'm hoping gingham will do just fine!!! Yes, she even had the dress to match! I find myself going back to this adorable Cuddle Me Sophia often..she is just too darling, isn't she? Very cute and works well for many occasions. This card is on its way to the fabulous Jodi Collins...hope you like it, my friend!!! You are too sweet just like Sophia!

In other Pretties news, be sure to stop by The Paper Clip, the blog for Paper Pretties! Our very own Jackie P (aka "Officer J.") has whipped up the SWEETEST scrapbook page and has reviewed some wonderful new goodies available in the Pretties Boutique! Stop on by and leave her some LOVE!

Well, that's all for now, but please do stop by the other Prettie Girls blogs! Links are on my sidebar and they are SOOOO worth visiting!

Prettie Hugs,

Jessica :)

Naughty?...or Nice?

Well, I know I'VE been a good girl this year...heh heh...

It's Wednesday, so time for another fab Pink Papery Studios DT challenge! This week, our challenge was issued by the ever so AMAZING stamper (who also happens to be a very good friend of mine!) Jami Bova. She issued the PPS gals a challenge to create Designer Paper (DP) using PPS stamps.

Now, normally, you go, ok...easy peasy! But, for me, this was a TAD bit more involved b/c I don't have Photoshop and the stamps I wanted to use are digistamps. Have you heard of this new breed of stamps? Well, head on over to the website and you can see how they're offered! Basically, you have the choice at Pink Papery Studios to either purchase an actual stamp set, or purchase a digital download at a much more affordable price.

Be sure to stop by my fellow PPS sistas and check out their take on this week's challenge! Links are on my sidebar! Thanks for visiting their blogs, too!!

Images are printed out on good quality cardstock and then easily colored in w/ Copics or other markers...and no smearing! Anyway, I chose to work with the new Simply Santa set. I bet you DID see Momma kissing Santa Claus...he brought home a 12 set Copics for NO reason the other day LOL! What a guy... what a guy... NO reason. LOVE that!

So, yeah, this card is for my Santa and will be under the tree with...hmmm...guess I should go shopping! Ack!

On that note, shopping will have to wait a few more days.... Please say a little prayer for my lil guy who is having surgery this morning to get the rods removed from his leg. We are a whole month ahead of schedule so that is truly a blessing. What a gift for Christmas! I will update as soon as I can to let you know how it went. It's day surgery so that's good. Thank you for keeping him (and his wreck of a nervous nellie Mom lol) in your prayers and thoughts!

Big Hugs,

Jessica :)

Move Over, Mojo...there's a NEW sketch challenge in town!

Ha ha just kidding...the title of this post was TOTALLY in fun, as I will NEVER stop doing Mojo Monday...cuz I love it! Hugs Julee! LOL. I just really liked saying "Move over, Mojo" because I'm a dork...

...BUT, I'm a dork with some VERY special news... I am trying to start a group of stampers who'd like to participate in something very fun...but first, I want to give you some background on how this came to be born.

So, last night, I was working on project, and my DD who is 8 was doodling in her notebook like she often does. That girl is amazingly creative and imaginative. She reads a TON, writes her own stories, and loves to draw. This is par for the course after dinner in our house. I stamp, she hangs with me until bedtime.

Last night, though, out of the clear blue (ok, grey) sky, she goes "Mom, what do you think of this?" I looked up, and to my total surprise, I see this:


HOW STINKIN' CUTE IS THAT??? She drew her own sketch, and goes "look Mom, it's like your Mojo Monday you always like to do. Is it good?"

IS IT GOOD??? Are you kidding me? The girl is amazing. I, of course, have been running on no sleep, and get emotional with EVERYTHING the kids do anyway, so I got teary-eyed. She knows that's a GOOD thing though...a VERY good thing.

So, I present to you, my darling daughter's very first hand-drawn and absolutely adorable Sketch Challenge. We are going to call it "Madelynn's Terrific Tuesdays". Since Monday is already Mojo-licious and Wednesdays seem to be a big Design Team day, I thought Tuesdays would be perfect...you?

Here's my take on the sketch:



My Wonderland set from Pink Poison (aka The Greeting Farm 1/o9) JUST arrived yesterday and I couldn't wait to ink it up...and YES! That is a smoking caterpillar! I SOOO wanted to write out "whhhooooooo are youuuuu' on the card but I went w/ the cute Hello sentiment for now... Isn't this set the greatest? You NEED it! I know you do!


Well, thanks for reading today and please, if you have time, she'd be absolutely tickled to see your cards. Please include a link on your blog or UL to PCP or SCS using Keyword MTTSC1. Thanks!!!

I am looking to get a "featured stamper" group together for weekly samples and will feature your cards here on my blog if you're interested. Let me know if you are up to the challenge...it will be fun! DD already has plans for next week!!! Isn't that fabulous?


Thanks again and big hugs,
Jess :)

LPS Monday: Flip that Sketch!

Hey everyone!

Happy Monday! Well, it ended up being a TAD busier of weekend then I'd hoped, but it was a really good one. Lots of fun, and not a LICK of shopping done...ut oh....

I had a great weekend, though. Ended up working both days but had a blast and got to hang out with a friend for a bit and catch up. Got a lot of stamping done too...Dad was on duty and did a great job giving me some breathing room the last two days!

Well, today's LPS Monday happens to fall on the 15th of the month, which is also our Little Paper Shop monthly DT challenge! This month's challenge was a simple sketch issued by the AMAZING Laura Frederickson...did I mention she is AMAZING?!?! I am honored to work with her and such great gals on the LPS DT.

I had an idea of what I wanted to do with this pretty wrought-iron type image from the Flourished Dove set. You know how you just get an idea in mind sometimes? Well, it was all coming along beautifully until I realized that if I had kept the sketch the way it was, I'd be covering up the blue tree on that BG Figgy Pudding DP...talk about cooky...yeah, I get like that sometimes. Since my cardstock was blue, I really wanted to show off that blue tree. So, I inverted the sketch, and voila...there's the blue tree! I topped this card off w/ the Peace sentiment, also from the Flourished Dove stamp set.

Be sure to stay tuned to the Little Paper Shop in the coming weeks...as there will be some FABULOUS new releases and lots of fun stuff coming up! I'll be back tomorrow, same wacky channel..so stayed tuned!

Hugs,

Jess :)