Plantin' Seeds for an EXCELLENT 2010!

{{{Thank you SO much for SCROLLING DOWN to see my Greeting Farm PREVIEW and a special ANNOUNCEMENT!}}}

Hi everyone!

Plant a seed of KINDNESS....isn't that a wonderful sentiment?   Just like the tiny seed and small act of planting one within the ground...a whole lot of BLOOMING can happen from it, and that just makes me smile!

Some of the BEST sentiments and quotes for stamps can be found right within the Kits of the Month from UNITY STAMPS!  I love them!   They're so diverse and full of super fun images and sweet sentiments that if you're ever in doubt of what to use, just turn to a kit or two and you're sure to find SOMETHING that will work beautifully!  That's just ONE reason why I {heart} UNITY so much!

Today we are hoppin' along to preview some SUPER fresh and fun images from the January KOTM!  You'll be able to see the ENTIRE kit tomorrow on the UNITY website, but for now the DT has some AMAZING sneak peeks for you!

What's more?  Have you SEEN the TEN sale at UNITY?!?!  To RING IN 2010 we have released TEN new sets for $10 each...and TODAY is the last day to get them at that price and also FREE SHIPPING on any order of $25 more!   Just click HERE for all the deets :)

For now, be sure to visit these UBER talented ladies to see what they have in store:

• AJ Otto-DT Coordinator Extraordinaire
• Amber Hight
• Angela Magnuson-Owner Extraordinaire
• Brooke Lien
• Christi Snow
• Jen Ericksen
• Jennifer Buck
• Jimmi Mayo
• Julie Campbell
• Kimber McGray
• Maren Benedict
• Natalie Dever
• Renee Dezember
• Robyn Weatherspoon
• Wendy Chang

Thanks for stopping by again today and for scrolling down for my TGF Preview...there is SO much going on....lotsa BUZZ...it's gonna be a HECK of a fun NEW YEAR's!

For now, I leave you with some beautiful thoughts I found as I thought about planting seeds today... ;)

"Think small.

Planting tiny seeds in the small space given you

Can change the whole world or,

At the very least, your view of it."

-   Linus Mundy

"All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today."
-  Author Unknown

"A person who sows seed of kindness enjoys a perpetual harvest."
Anonymous

STELLA-r Previews at TGF and Club Anya!

Howdy again!

I CANNOT believe that we're almost there....our preview countdown, the 12 Days of Sketches, and tons of sneak peeks have ALL led up to tomorrow....when The Greeting Farm launches FIVE new releases, the NEW Club Anya and Friends Blog, and an ENTIRE Day of challenges on the hour!   I am excited, exhausted, and elated as we are nearing 1/1/10!

On that note, I have a special announcement to make.  As of January 1st, I have been hired by The Greeting Farm as Creative Coordinator and am officially an employee!   What does that mean, exactly??? Well for you guys, everything will remain the same!  I will still be coordinating the Design Teams and bringing you preview after preview of all of Marie's AMAZING work!   What's more, I'll just be doing a little more behind-the-scenes stuff and as you all may have noticed I've tapered down a lot of my DT work as it's been coming to an end.  I will still continue with Unity Stamps as I am LOVING my Guest Spot for Dec/Jan. and my CHALLENGE blogs as well, but the rest of my DT stuff has pretty much tapered off.  Although, you DEFINITELY won't be seeing any less of me on my blog as designing for TGF, Unity, and 3 Challenge blogs is still a VERY full schedule, LOL!   And, I'll have time for lots more TGF stamps as we've decided to go back to 1 release per month instead of  two...so I'm excited to share even MORE cards with you!

Another SUPER fun and exciting bit of news is that The Greeting Farm will be going to WINTER 2010 CHA in Anaheim!  I am REALLY excited about this opportunity and can't wait to meet some of you who are going.    Hit me up if you are...it's gonna be a WILD ride!

Now, speaking of WILD, here is our FOURTH and final Wild Sprout preview...STELLA.  Isn't she amazing?  She is also styled by our Team Anya Designer, Amy Young and I adore her!  Well, both her AND Amy, LOL.

Be sure to check out the TGF Blog today for the 11th sketch out of the 12 Days of sketches, which I used on my card along with my new FAVE DP-Be Loved by My Mind's Eye.  Isn't it delish?

Also, be sure to catch an EXTRA SPECIAL preview of a few cards that will be on my blog tomorrow...I am SUPER stoked about all the new happenings as Club Anya becomes Club Anya & Friends and you MAY just catch something AMAZING today over there...besides all of the DT's hard work and gorgeous previews!

The Greeting Farm's JANUARY release goes LIVE at 9AM tomorrow, CST!  Spend your NEW YEAR's with us as we will have Challenges on the NEW Club Anya & Friends blog EVER HOUR from 9am CST to 8pm CST!  LOADS of fun is waiting to be had!

Cheers!
Jessica :)

Retro Fabulous...

Hey everyone!

I'm back with another retro-fab preview from The Greeting Farm!  Our week is JUST  gearing up...it's gonna be a CRAZY one...all leading up to the AMAZING New Year's BASH we are having on the 1st with an all-day partay chock-full of challenges, fun, prizes...you name it!

Meet GIGI, our third out of FOUR new Wild Sprouts all styled by my friend and fellow Club Anya Teammate Amy Young!

Gigi is fun, fab, and floral and I just adore her!  I used Sketch #10 from The Greeting Farm's 12 Days of Sketches, and it's a bit retro as well!  This was the FIRST Pink Poison sketch I ever played in, back before TGF was even, well, The Greeting Farm!  Can you believe it?  Talk about sweet nostalgia!

Oh, and ha, I should post a disclaimer that there is quite a bit of RIBBON PLEATING going on this week...LOL!  That is because these cards I've been previewing are part of a set that I'll be showing the end result of on our Release Day, 1/1/10...so I got a little crazy with the ribbon this week but hey, sometimes we find a technique and run with it, right?  I LOVE it!

Be sure to check out what's going on over at Club Anya today as well as The Greeting Farm, and check out all the samples by my FABULOUS  and HARD-WORKING teammates!!!

Be back tomorrow with some SUPER sweet surprises...you're gonna FLIP for them!

xoxo
Jess ;)

A Gem of a Preview...

Hello all!

{{{{THANK YOU SO MUCH for scrolling down to see my MERCY's Tuesday SKETCH Challenge card and a FUN new UNITY STAMP set!}}}

I'm back for another real GEM of a preview at The Greeting Farm/Club Anya today!

Meet Ruby!  She's FUN..FUNKY...and FASHIONABLE and will be available at The Greeting Farm on January 1st!!!

I used Sketch #9 that I happened to draw, LOL, from the TGF 12 Days of Sketches to create my card today:

Isn't Ruby adorable!  She's one of the FOUR new Wild Sprouts styled by our own Team Anya member Amy Young!   I think she's totally fun and adorable and I'm sure you will too!

Be sure to stop by BOTH the TGF Blog and also the Club Anya blog as the two DT's are joining forces this month for an AMAZING release!

Just in case you missed some of the announcements from yesterday, here they are again:

*Our HUGE "IN WITH THE NEW at TGF" BASH will begin at 9am CST on Friday, 1/1/2010 and run through 8PM with challenges, prizes, and FUN!  Each challenge winner will receive a new Sprout of their choice, so be here to party with us!  Live overseas?  No problem!  Challenges will be open through SUNDAY, 1/3/10 at 8pm CST.  WINNERS will be announced on the TGF blog and CA blog on Monday, 1/4, along with the winner of the 12 days of Sketches contest.   That winner will win the ENTIRE Jan. release. 

In addition to each individual challenge, ANOTHER prize pack of the ENTIRE Jan. release will go to a random winner who completes ALL of the New Year's Challenges!

*Don't forget that the 12 Days of Sketches are still well underway on the TGF Blog!  Everyone is having a great time and there are more fun sketches to be used today!  This contest will also run through Sunday 1/3/10 at 8pm CST to complete them and upload them to the appropriate galleries) will be entered into a drawing to win the ENTIRE TGF JANUARY RELEASE!!!

SO many prizes....SO many chances to WIN!  All to celebrate our NEW YEAR, NEW Club Anya & Friends Blog...and NEW RELEASE with ALL your friends at The Greeting Farm!

Sweet Strawberry Sketch...

Howdy Y'all!

It's Tuesday and you know what that means!  It's time for another SWEET Sketch by my friend Mercy!

Thanks so much for scrolling down and for stopping by again to see the FABTASTIC MTSC54:

Isn't it awesome!  Now, I know you're all shocked, but I flipped the sketch again today for my card, using the BRAND NEW UNITY STAMP CO.  Kit "Berry Good Life"!  This was one of a few exclusive kits that was released for a limited time last month and will be available after CHA at UNITY!  Isn't it adorable?  I seem to have a thing for strawberrry stamps...I dunno why!  I just think they're super cute and fun to color!

We hope you'll play along with us this week!  Be sure to stop by Mercy's blog and link your creation using the trusty Mr. Linky if you do!   For now, be sure to stop by and leave some love for all the Muses:

• Cindy Haffner
• Crystal Birr
• Julie Lacey
• Mercy Kerin
• Pam Speidel
• Pam Varnell
• Shannan Teubner
• and for one more time, leave some love for our WONDERFUL December Guest Muse, our girl Jessie Rone!
  

Thanks for stopping by today, everyone!  Have a wonderful Tuesday!

YOU+Me...Under a Shady Tree...

Doesn't that sound nice?

I only wish that was possible on this chilly, chilly day!  Oh well, while I am definitely still in the Christmas spirit, who DOESN'T look forward to Spring?!?  I know I do!

On that note, check out this SUPAH cute sneaky peek from the January KOTM from UNITY Stamps:

Isn't it sweet!?

I was OVER the MOON when Angela asked me to stay on as a Guest Designer for another month...I am SO excited!   Between all the cuteness of the January Kit and the AMAZING CHA releases, you guys will be floored!

I'll leave you with a little sample of today's sneak and want to say THANK YOU to everyone for your support and encouragement through Unity.  We really are like a big family here and I am so happy to be getting to know some new faces, too!  

Thanks for all you do to put a SMILE on my face!
xoxo
Jess :)

One ROCKIN' preview...

Hey everyone!

How was your Christmas and nice long weekend?   Mine went by WAY too fast of course, but we had a WONDERFUL time!

I am SO excited today as for the first time EVER, TGF and Club Anya are JOINING FORCES and previewing our new releases together for the HUGE JANUARY RELEASE BASH that's only days away!

We are SO excited to be previewing FOUR NEW WILD SPROUTS....ALL styled by our very own Team Anya member AMY YOUNG!  WHOO HOO!!!!!!  Congrats Amy!  Today's little cutie is named Chelsea ...I followed the TGF "12 Days of Sketches" Sketch #8 today to create my card using this SUPER fun Sassafrass Lass 6x6 pad:

In addition, the TGF DT has another sneak peek at a SUPER fun new set called "Talk Loud", a word-art sentiment set that is new, totally fun and something we've never done before at The Greeting Farm!  I used the fun "Girls Rock" sentiment as it went PERFECTLY with miss Chelsea!  Be sure to check out samples from ALL of the TGF DT and Club Anya as you'll be nothing short of amazed!

I'll be back with another cute sprout design tomorrow, but first, I have a few announcements for the week:

*Our HUGE "IN WITH THE NEW at TGF" BASH will begin at 9am CST on Friday, 1/1/2010 and run through 8PM with challenges, prizes, and FUN!  Each challenge winner will receive a new Sprout of their choice, so be here to party with us!  Live overseas?  No problem!  Challenges will be open through SUNDAY, 1/3/10 at 8pm CST.  WINNERS will be announced on the TGF blog and CA blog on Monday, 1/4, along with the winner of the 12 days of Sketches contest.   That winner will win the ENTIRE Jan. release. 

In addition to each individual challenge, ANOTHER prize pack of the ENTIRE Jan. release will go to a random winner who completes ALL of the New Year's Challenges!

*Don't forget that the 12 Days of Sketches are still well underway on the TGF Blog!  Everyone is having a great time and there are more fun sketches to be used today!  This contest will also run through Sunday 1/3/10 at 8pm CST to complete them and upload them to the appropriate galleries) will be entered into a drawing to win the ENTIRE TGF JANUARY RELEASE!!!

SO many prizes....SO many chances to WIN!  All to celebrate our NEW YEAR, NEW Club Anya & Friends Blog...and NEW RELEASE with ALL your friends at The Greeting Farm!

HUGE Unity SALE...10 NEW Releases...$10...GO there...NOW!

Hey everyone!

I am SOOOOO excited about the 10 new releases from UNITY STAMP CO. that are available beginning TODAY!

From NOW through the 31st there are TEN new kits for TEN dollars each (normally $23 retail)...and what's more?  You can get FREE SHIPPING over $25 by using this code: NEWYEAR

GO....GO NOW!....you won't BELIEVE how awesome they are!

I'll be back with a sample for y'all in a bit ;)

We have a WINNER!

Congrats to MARGIE C!

You are the random winner of my BLOG CANDY and win the BUTTERFLY WISHES set plus TWO Anyas and/or Ians (in stock) of your choice from THE GREETING FARM!

Thank you to everyone who entered and mostly for being such loyal readers/followers.   I am so glad to have met so many awesome people this year and can't wait to meet more!

Anyone going to CHA?!?!?  Give me a shout out if you are!

xoxo,
Jess :)

A VERY Merry Blog Hop...with Die Cuts R Us!

Hey everyone!

A VERY Merry Christmas Eve to all of you!

We have a special celebration to kick off all of the fun this weekend will bring and put YOU in the holiday spirit....our VERY FIRST Blog Hop at Die Cuts R Us!

If you are just getting to my blog, be sure to back up and start at the beginning, on the DCRU DT Blog.   Starting from there, each of our wonderfully sweet and talented DT members has a KEY WORD for you today.  They'll be scrambled, but eventually you'll see that they have a special message for you to figure out!

Remember to comment on the blogs and gather all the "key words" from the DT blogs! You will get to unscramble them at the end of the hop and email the "phrase" you come up with for a chance to win a prize from DCRU!

There are so many items on my Christmas Wish List from Die Cuts R Us!    This is especially true now that Claudia has PRISM CARD STOCK in the store!  I LOVE it-it's my favorite cardstock and I was THRILLED when she said she was going to have it at the store!   I used it on my card today in Rose Medium and Frosted Teal, one of my FAVE color combos!

I made this card JUST for this hop using Sketch #6 from The Greeting Farm's 12 Days of Sketches, and couldn't have done it without my fave Nestabilities which are also available in the DCRU Store for the fab price-lower than most stores I've seen!   Seriously, all the DCRU prices are so good, Santa should be relieved that I'm going easy on his wallet....sorta ;)

Now, for my Key Word!!! (Be sure and write these down!!) THE

Off you go to the next stop on this Holiday Blog Hop! The talented and super sweet CARA!

Oh, and as an EXTRA Christmas present?  Our good friend and AMAZING DT Coordie Sammye Jo has a TRAVEL ANYA to give away on her blog!   Make sure you check it out!!!

Have a wonderful Christmas, everyone!  I'll be back on Saturday but in the meantime, enjoy the magic.   I am so blessed to know all of you blog friends and I wish you all the joy, peace, and wonder of the Season.  I love you all!

Get Well Soon...

Hi there!

Can you BELIEVE it's Christmas Eve EVE????   I cannot!   Today also happens to be the 5th day of The Greeting Farm's 12 Days of Sketches contest!  Hooray!  Here is today's sketch:

My father in law was supposed to be going into surgery today so I made this card for him using one of the very first Anya's created, Nurse Anya.   Turns out that because of some complications he won't be going in today, which I guess is a blessing and a curse because it won't put him coming home on Christmas Day and miserable, you know?  Bad thing is he needs the surgery, though...Coincidentally my cousin is also have surgery today so I'd appreciate you keeping a few members of the family in your prayers!

Today we are going to the Gaylord Opryland Resort to see the Peanuts Ice Sculptures.   I'm SO excited.  This hotel seriously goes ALL OUT with their Christmas decorations so it'll be fun to see!  It's SO beautiful there!

My brother, aunt (whos' also my Godmother!) and uncle are in town from CA and FL too so I'm really excited to be hanging out with them today as well!   Oh, and one last request, if you would...please also keep DH's travel plans in your prayers.  He works in Chicago tomorrow and Friday a/m (unfortunately airline peeps have to work holidays, but hey, he has a job, right?!) and there is supposed to be TERRIBLE weather so I'm a little afraid he won't be able to get home in time for Christmas dinner...but we will stay positive and hope for the best!

Thanks for stopping by and I'll be back tomorrow with a special Christmas Eve post :)

Hugs!

Jess :)

A quote that speaks VOLUMES...

Hey all!

I can't believe it's Tuesday again and time for another Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge!  I  am happy to bring you another sample using an AWESOME quote from our December Sponsor, StampInsanity.

This quote comes from the stamp set, "Morgan's Star".   When I saw this quote I was actually with my good pal Mercy and the quote actually brought a little tear to my eye.  What a beautiful sentiment:

"Love is what's in the room with you at CHRISTMAS, if you stop opening presents and listen..."  ~7 year old Bobby

Can I just TELL you how moving that is?   I love it, and had to use it as Christmas is only FOUR days away!  I can't believe it.

Here's the awesome MTSC53:

I hope you'll play along with us this week!  Just be sure to visit Mercy's blog and link up your creation w/ the wonderful and cheery Mr. Linky :)   Here is my sample:

My stitching is CRAZY crooked, I admit.   I am still a heck of a novice on the sewing machine and well, the only way I'm gonna master it and not ruin/waste a TON of paper is if you guys keep putting up with my ridiculousness...but I'll get it some time.   I guess I have off and on days, cuz if you look at THIS card it was a lot better, LOL!!!   And, I used an oval instead of a circle cuz you know me, I'm always bending the rules :)

Want to see MORE inspiration?   Check out the wonderful samples from all of the Muses:

• Cindy Haffner
• Crystal Birr
• Julie Lacey
• Mercy Kerin
• Pam Speidel
• Pam Varnell
• Shannan Teubner

and our DECEMBER Guest Muse, my girl Jessie Rone!

Well, I'll be back tomorrow with a card from The Greeting Farm's 12 Days of Sketches!   See you back here then!

xoxo
Jess :)

"You Can Learn a lot of Things from the FLOWERS"...

Hee hee...that's from my FAVORITE movie of all time, Alice in Wonderland :)

You can also learn a lot of things from your 4th grade teacher, and on that note, I have some cards to share with you today, using this awesome flower from the December KOTM, {Delightful Moments}.    I made this set as a teacher gift for my 4th grade DD's teacher, Mrs. Tate.

This time of year it's so hard for me to come up with a teacher gift that means as much as I credit these teachers for doing.  We are SO blessed with such a wonderful school and the teachers are especially wonderful.

So, in addition to going in on a class gift, I wanted to make her something special; something from the heart.   I asked my DD and found out that she loves earthy, organic things and bright colors....so I came up with these.  I used the Basic Grey Nook and Pantry line of DP-LOVE IT!  The fun fabric brads came from BG Nook and Pantry line as well.

I left the notecards blank so that she could use them for almost anything, included some envelopes, and also created a box to put them in.

For the box itself, I used the sentiment "You Make the Good Times GREAT".  DD picked it out herself  from my Because of You stamp set from IPPITY! and I think it really says a lot about how her teacher takes a normal day or lesson and turns it into something memorable.

Again using the Basic Grey Nook and Pantry DP, I covered this cute card box (from Taylored Expressions) and brightened it up with some fun ribbon from PTI.  The BEST part came in the form of My DD's little note inside to her teacher:

Isn't this the SWEETEST?   LOVE handmade gifts.  LOVE when they're given to a teacher from a child....LOVE this time of year!  It just puts a big, sunny smile on my face and I hope it makes you smile, too :)

Be sure to check out the UNITY blog for more info on this card and to check out what's going on at UNITY today!  I am having the BEST time as their Guest Designer this month and if you're new to them, you'll see why with just ONE click on their website! See you back tomorrow, peeps!  Thank you SO much for stopping by!!!

Camouflage and Christmas Lights...

Hey everyone,

I normally don't post on Sundays, but today I wanted to thank GOD and send up a special song and prayer.  TODAY my cousin will set foot on US soil for the first time in year since he was deployed to Iraq.  Today he will hug his wife and his two boys and that is A MIRACLE.  On Christmas Day he'll be reunited with his Mother, Father, Sister...it's just A MIRACLE.  We are a very close family and I am just so happy to be posting this today.

I just wanted to thank our SOLDIERS and also the people that do so much for them to volunteer, boost morale, send care packages, etc.   My cousin has a picture on his Facebook page of him and some other soldiers smiling from ear to ear because someone sent them a huge box of Girl Scout cookies.  So whether you've sent a card, a box of cookies, or even just said a PRAYER, I thank you today as the PROUD cousin of a US Army Soldier who is returning home today.  WHAT A BLESSING!

Yesterday I was up in my stamp loft listening to the radio and a song came on by Rodney Carrington called "Camouflage and Christmas Lights".   It couldn't have touched my heart at a more appropriate time and I wanted to share it with you in honor of all the brave soldiers who aren't as lucky to be coming home this week:

Another Year has come and gone,
And I'm still here holdin' on,
To this rifle and a picture of my kids,
They're sayin' its a holiday,
Sure as hell don't feel that way,
I don't think Jesus meant for it to be like this.

A paper star on a plastic tree
Cotton snow in a manger scene
We do the best we can to make it feel like home.
Turkey dinner on paper plates
Sargent bows his head to pray
Boombox playin' silent night
Camouflage and Christmas Lights.

There probably up on the hill by now
Bundled up and sleddin' down
Catchin' snowflakes on the edge of their tongues
Standin' up at the top would be
The prettiest girl I've ever seen
Whispering a quiet prayer for all of us.

A paper star on a plastic tree
Cotton snow in a manger scene
We do the best we can to make it feel like home.
Turkey dinner on paper plates
Sargent bows his head to pray
Boombox playin' silent night
Camouflage and Christmas Lights.

Some say I'm a hero
But I'm just a Dad
Who's trying to protect
The most precious thing I have
Someday I'll be home again
And our world will be right
But for tonight

A paper star on a plastic tree
Cotton snow in a manger scene
We do the best we can to make it feel like home.
Turkey dinner on paper plates
Sargent bows his head to pray
Thank God it's a silent night
Camouflage and Christmas Lights.

Much love...and GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!!!

Jessica :)

Crazy for Candy?!...

My kids are!  Do you ever find that the LAST day of school before Christmas break that everyone just kind of lets loose and the kids come home from their Christmas class parties on a MAJOR sugar high?!?  LOL!  Oh man, we had some wee ones FLYING HIGH this afternoon!   Unfortunately, my oldest DD, along with Dad AND Mom were all sick in bed for most of the day yesterday, but the boys came home with QUITE the loot-it was almost as bad as Halloween!

On that note, how funny that this week's CRAZY 4 CHALLENGES challenge is to create a TREAT HOLDER of some kind?!  Perfect timing! 

I am especially excited about this project because I was able to recycle some old containers for it.   I used an old PRIMA FLOWER tube and it became the base of my project.   I colored up this SUPER SWEET VIVI ELF from The Greeting Farm and cut her out as the main image, also using MERRY TAGS to create this super fun gift tag that I embellished with ribbon on the top of the tube.

After filling up the tube with some M&M's, I added some cotton balls to make it look as if Sweet Vivi is walking upon the snow!  What do you guys think?  I think I've altered more items this year than ever before and it feels good to get out of my comfort zone!  

Be sure to check out the rest of our CRAZIES this week to see what sweet treats THEY have for you:

• Barbara Anders
• Cindy Haffner
• Frances Byrne
• Jessica Diedrich
• Jessie Rone
• Joanne Grzelak
• Jocelyn Turner
• Lori Boyd
• Lynda Benden  (will be back next week!)
  
• Mercy Kerin
• Robin Willis
• Vicki Garrett

Have a SWEET weekend, everyone!
~Jess :)

Friends w/Flair Friday: It's what's on the Inside...

Hi all!

HOORAY for Friends with Flair Fridays!  As promised, I'm back today to show you the inside contents of the box I made yesterday for our UNITY Thursday as we were hoppin' around w/ the DT!

Today for Friends with Flair Friday, I have a few SUPER simple cards to show you that made up the contents of one of the boxes I made for teacher gifts.   I spent SO much time on the boxes themselves, but didn't want to give them empty, of course, so I came up with these super simple notecards using both the December KOTM and also the "Because of You" set from Ippity!  that I purchased from my friend and Ippity Chick Randi Wall!

I really love the images and sentiments I chose for the notecards-I think they make a great, everyday set, and SIMPLE is key!

Here is the box up close again in case you missed yesterday's post.  I LOVE the hot air balloon image from the December Kit of the Month, {Delightful Moments}, and used Cosmo Cricket "Girl Friday" DP (available with the December Scrapbooking Kit!) to decorate it.   Hope you like it as much as I do!  (oh, and yeah, I went  crazy on the buttons ;)

Be sure to check out the UNITY BLOG today for a complete list of who's hoppin'...there's lots of FLAIR in the AIR today, folks, so grab a chair, get comfy, forget about all the errands you still have to run, and hop with us!

Later guys!
Jess ;)

The BEST things come in small packages...

...and 'tis the season to remember this, indeed!

Well, it's official.  One week from tonight is Christmas Eve...the start of all the festivities for our family, going to church, setting out the cookies for Santa...etc....hard to believe it will be here and gone so soon.  I want to relish in it this year because it might very well be the last year that our oldest DD thinks that guy in the red suit is someone OTHER than well....you know.   Such a heartbreaking, bittersweet milestone that will be....

Speaking of DD and the kiddos, this is a busy, busy time for school.  We have a LOT going on the next two days.  I will be helping 26 4th graders make hand-stamped Christmas cards this afternoon, and then tonight is the BIG production of "A Christmas Carol" put on by the school.   My girl has been going to play practice 2x a week for the last 2 months and last week was awarded a SOLO during the performance!   I am sure that I will be a puddle when I hear them sing.   Even when she practices I get teary-eyed....oh man...wish me luck for SURE.   I grew up my WHOLE childhood through high school singing....so not only is this nostalgic for me, I couldn't be MORE beaming with pride.  I will try to post pics of tonight during the coming week!

Another big project this week is the finishing up of teacher gifts.   I can't stress enough how WONDERFULLY BLESSED we have become this year with not only the wonderful school, but the teachers the kids have.   To have three kids in three different classes and love ALL the teachers as much as I do is a beautiful, beautiful thing.  They have not only made the transition of our move better for the kids but my children are flourishing this year in ways they weren't able to last year because of the difference in the education here.   I am just overjoyed, and wanted to put a lot of heart into our teacher gifts this year.

So here is one of the card boxes I made (boxes are available at Taylored Expressions!) for this year's teacher gifts.   I absolutely ADORE the December KOTM from UNITY Stamps!   I am so stoked to be the Guest Designer this month because this kit is seriously  one of my FAVES!  This SUPER sweet kit, called {Delightful Moments}, is as you can see, full of awesome sentiments and images that are right up my alley!

I took the hot air balloon image from the kit and stamped it onto cream cardstock, but then I stamped it again onto this DARLING COSMO CRICKET "Girl Friday" DP that is actually part of the UNITY SCRAPBOOKING Kit for DECEMBER!  Have you guys seen it?   LOVE me some Cosmo Cricket!!!   I cut out the flowers from the balloon and popped them up onto dimensionals to give it some texture, cuz yanno the buttons weren't enough, LOL!!!!

I did make some cards for the inside of this card box, but you'll have to come back tomorrow for Friends with Flair FRIDAY to see them ;)  For now, if you haven't yet checked out all the PERKS of becoming a Unity KIT CLUB member, check them out HERE!  A few of my friends signed up and have been really happy so far and I know you will be too!

Check out what the rest of the UBER fab Unity DT gals has to show you today:

• AJ Otto-DT Coordinator Extraordinaire
• Amber Hight
• Angela Magnuson-Owner Extraordinaire
• Brooke Lien
• Christi Snow
• Jen Ericksen
• Jennifer Buck
• Jimmi Mayo
• Julie Campbell
• Kimber McGray
• Maren Benedict
• Natalie Dever
• Renee Dezember
• Robyn Weatherspoon
• Wendy Chang

Thanks for stopping by and make sure you check out the UNITY BLOG cuz there's a GARAGE SALE TODAY!!!  Lots of select sets at 50% off AND a free gift for signing up for the Dec. Kit today!  So, if you're thinking about it, now's the time!!!  Treat yourself, it's Christmas ;)

We'll see you back here tomorrow....HUGS!

Do I DARE to tell you about these PRIZES?!?!?

Hey everyone!

WOW, TONS of info today....  I am SO excited that today is Wednesday, cuz it's time for another DIEDRICH DARE!!!!

This week, we had a sketch by my adorable DS Jack who actually kind of stumped me this time!  I am SO not used to super-thin main "panels" so I took one look at this and thought....oh MY.    But, I was happy with the end result, I think...check out this Gift Card holder I made....and the best part?  It took me about 10 minutes!

TODAY happens to be another sort of "milestone" for me...I don't know HOW it happened, but I seem to have reached over 300 followers! WOW YOU GUYS!!!!!   I am really proud of this.  I have never had a contest or candy in which I require anyone to follow my blog.  I didn't even KNOW you could "follow" blogs until this past January, so about a year ago, when I switched to gmail and discovered the sheer JOYS of Google Reader :)  I also have just always made the personal choice that I want people to follow me because they WANT to, and so I am REALLY surprised that it's grown to such a huge number!

SOOOO, as an appreciation of you guys being the BEST cyber friends and fellow bloggers EVAH, I am having a little present giveway today:

ONE LUCKY READER who leaves a comment on THIS POST will win this GIFT CARD HOLDER...and tucked inside, well?  A GIFT CERTIFICATE for my BUTTERFLY WISHES stamp set, and TWO Anya/Ians of THEIR CHOICE from THE GREETING FARM!

That's RIGHT!   ONE LUCKY READER will be chosen via Random.org on DECEMBER 25th and announced the 26th...MERRY CHRISTMAS...and THANK YOU for being such loyal, awesome and SUPPORTIVE readers!  I appreciate each and every one of you MORE than you know!!!!

Speaking of PRIZES, be sure to stop by the DIEDRICH DARE BLOG where our featured stamper, Debbie has some more FUN info on another GIVEAWAY!   ONE lucky participant in this week's DARE will receive a SWEET PEA stamp and a handmade creation from our own RANDI WALL!  Be sure to play this week, because that is ONE opportunity you won't want to miss out on!!!

Be sure to stop by the other Daredevils' blogs too...they all have a sweet take for you on Jack's sketch:

• Cassie Larson
• Darla Wilson
• Debbie Lee
• Heather Schlatter
• Jacqueline Nordaune
• Jacquie Peifer
• Kim Ross
• Kris Palakiko
• Randi Wall
• Rebecca Ednie
• Sandra McLean
• Valerie Urtiaga

Thanks for stopping by today and THANK YOU for stopping by every day!  I {heart} you guys!!!

"Mercy" Me...LOTS going on this week!...

Hello again! 

Whew!  How about that CLUB ANYA blog hop last night?!  WOWZA!  Talk about a hoppin' hangover!  Not to mention the fact that I've been spending a lot of time here on my blog this week, and it's ONLY Tuesday!  You know what that means?   It's time for Mercy's TUESDAY sketch Challenge!..and it's a GOOD one (ok, are there ever NOT good ones?  No, but...you know what I mean ;)

Here is this week's MTSC52:

For my card today, I used the NEWLY released (and I mean NEW as in...TODAY!) Miss Anya LOVE set.  I {heart} this set like you wouldn't believe...in fact they just MIGHT be my fave Miss Anyas now and you guys KNOW I don't say that lightly!  You can check out Miss Anya LOVE along with the other Anya releases, available today at The Greeting Farm!  YAY!

I used some really fun DP from Imaginisce and the paper is SU-Riding Hood Red and Old Olive.   This deliciously BLINGY snowflake is from K&Co.  Isn't it FABBY????

I'm gonna keep this short today, but I do hope you'll stop by and visit Mercy's blog and the rest of her AWESOME Muses:

• Cindy Haffner
• Crystal Birr
• Jessica Diedrich
• Julie Lacey
• Pam Speidel
• Pam Varnell
• Shannan Teubner (won't be playing today)
• Jessie Rone-our FABULOUS friend and December Guest Muse
  

One more TEENY weeny thing....  ;)

I FINALLY took the plunge and opened my own SHOP.   I have been asked to do this by a few people and just didn't really have the time to sit down and plug everything in.  Before I started blogging and designing for stamp companies, I had my own website and it actually did pretty well, all things considered.   However, I want my Design work to remain the focus of my blog and stamping, so this is a happy medium, I'd say.

Anyway, I found an AWESOME site called SHOP HANDMADE that my friend Joni uses and I thought I'd give it a try!   I'll be adding as I go along but figured, why not, right?  So thanks for all your support and we'll see how it goes!  My Mom's friends will be happy, if anything ;)  Thanks for stopping by today, guys!  ENJOY this day!

HOP into the Holidays with Club Anya!...

Hey everyone!

{{{Thank you SO much for scrolling down to see my UNITY STAMP CO. post-there are some FUN ideas to see how you can use up your scraps and make way for fun new stuff in 2010!}}}

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT!   It's time for our ALL-Customer Club Anya BLOG HOP and we are TOTALLY stoked to be here!   Be sure to "hop" on over and say HI during our PCP chat from 7pm CST to 9pm CST tonight, too :) 

ALL the action starts on the Club Anya blog where you can find the COMPLETE LIST OF HOPPERS!  And be sure to make those rounds!  IN ADDITION to the fun awards that will be given out to a few lucky participants, ONE lucky commenter who completes the hop and then returns to Club Anya will be eligible to win tonight's ENTIRE RELEASE!  Good luck-there are prizes GALORE tonight!

For my card tonight, I used one of the SUPER cute new Miss Anya Love Anya's, and made my project into a money holder.  Perfect gift for this time of year, right?  And beats the crowds, LOL!   Nah, I'll still be getting out there, but I couldn't resist this quick and easy gift idea-hope it helps some of you get your holiday crafting done!

Thanks so much for stopping by tonight and ENJOY our ANYA RELEASE!  Everything will be available at MIDNIGHT CST at The Greeting Farm!  It's not too early to shop for yourself, you know :)  hee hee...had to throw that in there!  

HAVE FUN TONIGHT!  I LOVE the HOLIDAYS!!!!!

Turning Trash into TREASURE...

Hey everyone!

{{{PLEASE SCROLL DOWN for my LPS Monday post and an ANNOUNCEMENT...thank you so much!!!}}}

I'm SO excited that it's Monday again and it's time for me to hang Unity peeps again over on the UNITY BLOG!  as your happy Guest Designer and de-clutter-er extraordinaire :)  Ok, well, at least this weekend I was!  LOVE de-cluttering!

If you are like me, you probably try to measure out your cardstock, DP, etc. in the hopes that there isn't a lot of left-over.  Right?   Nevertheless, by December, the fury of holiday card making is well under way and I find myself BURIED in scraps!  Too big to just throw out..but definitely NOT something I want hanging around?    PLUS, there's that Christmas wish-list that I am not afraid to admit is ever-growing and well, I guess I FEEL better knowing I can make room for new stuff when the old stuff actually gets USED.  Again, am I right?

Well, I put together a few projects for you using this beautiful pile of sCRAP ;)

Yikes!  That's a lot of paper, cardstock, etc.   You'd never know it, but I made THIS card using the December KIT OF THE MONTH, {Delightful Moments}, all by using up some scraps.  What do you guys think?   Are you signed up for the KOTM?  You know, I was "bit" by the UNITY bug starting with the August Kit and I can honestly tell you it's one of the best decisions I made.   It's fun, it's something for me, and it's a HECK of a lot of RUBBAH for only $24!  A few friends of mine told me recently that they are really glad they joined and if you're thinking about it, just hop over to the UNITY Forum on SCS to chit chat with us!  Everyone was so welcoming and helpful to me when I first started my collection...eh hem..obsession..with Unity :)

Well, after this card, I was on a roll, and decided that there were a few other things worth assembling out of this pile of paper scraps.   It just so happened that yesterday, my 9 year old DD came up to me and showed me that she had been happily using the bookmark I made her not too long ago.  This prompted my twin 7 year old boys to say "HEY!  We want a bookmark, too, Mom!"

Well, let me tell ya there is NOTHING more satisfying than being able to make TONS of bookmarks...out of scraps!  So here's what I did:

I cut a bunch of strips of cardstock, 2 1/2" by 6 1/2 ".   Three are shown here, but I cut about 20 because I am in the process of making them for our 1st grade book exchange on Friday.   I figure what a great add-on, right?

First and foremost, though, for my kiddos: I used this AWESOME tree stamp, also from the DECEMBER KOTM and embellished them with some Basic Grey embroidered brads and added a Prima to make my DD's a bit more "girly".   I thought the sentiment was perfect...because THAT is how I want my kids to see the world, for sure!

Well, I hope this inspires you to go and do something w/ those scraps that have been buggin' ya...and really, it's the perfect time of year to do so!  Even though we're SO busy with the holidays upon us, you never know what kind of awesome project that might come out of our trying to make way for what Santa brings :)   GOOD LUCK!

Last but not least I was thinking as I did these projects that tea and books are a few of my favorite things...and while I had NO confidence that I'd be able to find a cool quote or two regarding the focus of BOTH my projects today, I was pleasantly surprised:

" You can never get a cup of TEA large enough or a BOOK long enough to suit me..."  ~C.S. Lewis

"Tea and books-TWO of life's exquisite pleasures that together, bring near-bliss..." ~ Christine Hanrahan

Awwww, Honey, you Baked....

Ok, I confess...I've seen the movie Clueless a time or two :)    If you've seen it, then you know what line I am talking about, LOL!

However, whether you've seen it or not, today's challenge over at Little Paper Shop's blog is a SWEET one...and Baked Goods are the theme!

Today is actually a bittersweet post for me, as it is my last as a Design Team Member for Little Paper Shop.   {deep breath...}  I am really excited about some things to come in 2010, but in order for me to make room for a few of those things, I sadly must say goodbye to this team of girls who I totally admire and respect, and to Julia, the owner, who I ADORE.

Julia was the VERY FIRST stamp company owner to take a chance on me as a Designer.  My blog had MAYBE 20 posts, I was designing for a very small store team and had only DREAMED that one day I'd be designing with the women I've had the privilege to.  Let's just say I was STUNNED when Julia had me start out as a Guest DT and back then Laura Fredrickson was on the team.  I felt like I had hit the "big time"....and I had.  I was totally floored when she asked me to stay on as a permanent DT member and then even moreso when she entrusted me with the role of DT Coordinator a little less than a year ago.  It's a lot of work and organization, but the payoff was delightful and I thank you SO much Julia for all that you have done for me, and I know that a lot of doors have opened up for me because of Little Paper Shop.

Yikes..I'm getting a little choked up here, guys.  It's one of those moments I guess :)  Anyway, my card today uses the Basic Grey Nook and Pantry DP and I did some paper piecing and added that super fun embroidered brad as the "cherry" of the cupcake.  The sentiment simply reads, THANK YOU.   This card is for ALL my LPS girlies.  I know this isn't good bye thankfully as I will definitely keep in touch with them, but still, I want to thank:

• Julia Betemps
• Allison Fillo
• Ann Kranitz
• Bonnie Sharp
• Cindy Haffner
• Heather Lee-Reppen
• Jennifer Greco
• Julie Lacey
• Pam Varnell
• Silvia Mabie

Well, I'll be back later with the Club Anya blog hop so stay tuned!  I am SOOO excited about this month's release and our hop is HUGE!  You won't want to miss it!

Cheers, tears, and heartfelt hugs,
Jess :)

What's in STORE for you from UNITY?

Hey beautiful people!

Today I'm SO super excited to be a part of today's Blog Hop with the UBER-amazing UNITY DT to show you a peek of the December Stampin' STORE Kit!

I am having such a wonderful time as Guest Designer for December I am seriously in LOVE with these stamps....and LOVE seems to be the theme of my card...AND this new kit!   Introducing {Sweet Affections}, the December Stampin' STORE KIT from UNITY STAMPS!

This kit is ONLY available at online and retail stores that carry UNITY.   You can't order it from the website directly, but you can view the COMPLETE LIST of retailers HERE!!!

My card today uses a few images from this kit and I JUST adore it...no WONDER they call it {Sweet Affections}!   This kit is perfect for Valentine's Day, but even sooner than that, there is NEVER a wrong time to tell someone you love them!  Add to that, my anniversary is in January so I'll be using it then too-but some of the images, the ADORABLE little bubble trees, the Teapot, etc., are TOTALLY VERSATILE and can be used ANY time!  This is seriously one of my FAVORITE kits from Unity and I'm so happy to get to work with it!

I also really like this brand new DP from My Mind's Eye, "Be Loved".  What a perfect themed paper for this kit and actually, you can purchase the paper from your friendly Ippity Chicks!  I bought some from my girl Randi and I am seriously in need of more already!  This is going to replace my Jolly by Golly as my new favorite DP, just you watch!  ;)

Make sure you stop by the UNITY blog today to see the complete list of DT that are hoppin' with us today....

• AJ Otto-DT Coordinator Extraordinaire
• Amber Hight
• Angela Magnuson-Owner Extraordinaire
• Brooke Lien
• Christi Snow
• Jen Ericksen
• Jennifer Buck
• Jimmi Mayo
• Julie Campbell
• Kimber McGray
• Maren Benedict
• Natalie Dever
• Renee Dezember
• Robyn Weatherspoon
• Wendy Chang

ALSO, there is a WEEKEND SALE going on-25% off and even some opportunity to earn FREE stamps, so check it out when you have a chance!

Thanks so much for stopping by today-I am so glad you did and hope you enjoyed our little HOP! 

Friends who have FLAIR together ,SHOP together...

Hey everyone!

{{{Thanks for scrolling down again this week for another FAB preview from The Greeting Farm!  I am SO in awe of your support that you've show me day after day even with more than one post.  You guys are the best and I'm soooo grateful!}}}

I am in the HOLIDAY SPIRIT alright...and I'm also in the mood to SHOP!

Granted, MOST of my holiday shopping experience this year has been online, which has actually worked out QUITE well and really helps beat the crowds, right?  Nevertheless, my DH and I have our big "shopping date" next week, where Grandma and Grandpa watch the kids and we go get everything in one fell swoop so I'm getting a little excited!

So, another thing I must admit that I love even MORE than shopping is carrying a cute handbag!  I think this cute purse was the first image I gravitated towards in the November kit, and the sentiment "A Day without SHOPPING is a day lost" just tickled my funny bone!  I definitely dont' have the stamina (ha! OR the funds!) to go out and indulge in retail therapy every day like I might have used to, but I still do love a deal!

So, UNITY has an AWESOME 25% off sale through this weekend and that includes a few ways to earn a free stamp or two..so be sure to check out ALL the deets on the UNITY BLOG, including a full list of today's FWF Participants!

Have a wonderful Friday, but before I go, I have to tell you that I'm REALLY excited about tomorrow's STORE KIT Blog Hop with the DT!  Have I told you that I am having the BEST TIME as the Dec. Guest Designer for UNITY???  I really am having so much fun, and I just know this amazing DT will have eye candy galore so be sure to stop back here tomorrow to see the December STORE KIT REVEAL!

Love and stuff!
Jess :)

" I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet...."  ~Carrie from Sex and the City

 

"  If I don't stop shopping, I'll end up a bag lady; a Fendi bag lady, but a bag lady.....  " ~Carrie from Sex and the City

 

and my fave of the day...this one made me giggle:

"  We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops."  ~Henny Youngman

Gimme some LOOOOOOVE...

Miss ANYA LOVE!

I am SO excited to let this one out of the bag you have NO idea!   I have been in LOVE...BIG TIME...with this new set ever since I saw it and these adorable, sassy lasses are FINALLY being released on the 15th-this Tuesday at The GREETING FARM!

Introducing...MISS ANYA LOVE!  Aren't they FABULOUS?  I seriously think this is my favorite in the Miss Anya series, yet!  And that's SAYIN' SOMETHIN'!  Seriously!

So, today also happens to be Farm Fresh Friday over at The Greeting Farm blog, so it's kinda fun that I can combine my Club Anya preview today with my FFF card.   Today's challenge is our "K.I.S.S. Challenge: Keep it Simply Shaped!"

This time of year we have ENOUGH to deal with so we figured, let's throw a relatively easy challenge into the mix.  No muss, no fuss, NO DIE CUTS.  Only cut shapes that you can cut with a trimmer, i.e. squares or rectangles. 

I have to admit that for a relatively simple layout, a few added touches and she really is sweet, isn't she?   CAN'T WAIT to see what you create with this tremendous new trio!

Well, be sure to check out the rest of the Team Anya DT and see what burnin LOOOOVE they are radiating, over on the Club Anya blog and also leave them some LOOOOVE on their own blogs:

• Amy Young
• Kelly Booth
• Kim Costello
• Pam Varnell
• Suzi McKenzie-Guest Designer

Last but not least, make sure you head over to The Greeting Farm's blog, too for our K.I.S.S. challenge and for some SIMPLY amazing samples from the TGF DT:

• Cheryl Walker
• Cindy Haffner
• Kadie Ensley
• Lisa Futch
• Lynda Nielsen
• Mercy Kerin
• Sandra Maclean

Thank you SO much for stopping by-I LOVE it when you do!  I will be back tomorrow with a SPECIAL SATURDAY POST...thank you as always for being here for me!  You guys are the best!