The Whimsical Butterfly

A "Pinteresting" Hip Hop Thursday!...

2012-01-26T00:01:00.000-06:00

Yeah, so I'm a little in LOVE with Pinterest.
Are YOU?

Seriously, every time I turn around there is something I want to cook or make or buy...it is dangerous that way, although since I can't buy any of it I am content window shopping... much more fun online than having to get out to the mall and then not spend money, right? LOL

What started out as this teeny little "invitation only" group has blown up into one of the highlights of MANY of my friend's days...and I can't say I'm not a huge fan, myself!

So today, at UNITY STAMP CO. for Hip Hop, we are getting PIN-spired...Pinterest Inspired!

I'm using this week's Deconstructed Sketch to kick off my creation today:

LOVE this one- Jen is crankin' out some of my fave sketches to DATE this month and next- so stay tuned!

Today I found a pin that I re-pinned 36 weeks ago... very early in my Pinterest days. Here it is:

...and HERE is the Unity Stamp Co. stamp set, "The Time is NOW", that it totally reminds me of!

Be sure to check out the UNITY BLOG today where our girl Jen E. (from the block) is kicking off HIP HOP and definitely check back later today too because Unity has some SMOKIN' new releases- SOOOO many it's a Virtual CHA party!

Last but not least, please send some shout outs and leave some love for our fabulous Deconstructed Sketch team! Links are on my sidebar this week for this talented bunch of ladies!

A Non-Traditional Valentine...

2012-01-24T15:14:00.001-06:00

Hey, everyone!

Today I'm here w/ a fun post using NON-Traditional Valentine's colors for Ribbon Carousel.com's challenge today brought to you by our fabulous DT sister, Suzanne!

I love this challenge and think you will, too!

Today we are combining forces with Paper & Such and a $15 gift certificate is up for grabs to a luck winner this week! Paper & Such JUST opened in May 2011 and they have some SUPER cute stamps so check them out!

I made this card for my DH for Valentine's day using some pretty Authentique paper and the words couldn't be more true. We have been through everything together and just like I feel towards the kids- I don't think I could love him more and then I do. The sentiment is from Verve Stamps and the rose trim I think *may* be out of stock right now at RCC but check out all the other fabulous things I found here! ;)

sorry for the bad pic- I am rushing through my day but wanted to get this posted! Shhhh! don't tell DH ;)

Well, your day just won't be complete until you visit the Ribbon Carousel CHALLENGE for the rest of the deets on today's challenge- and also, PLEASE visit the amazing group of ladies that make up our Ribbon Carousel DT. I can't even tell you how much I enjoy these girls and their lovely creations...they have heart and soul and they just plain rock! Links on my sidebar... seriously- go see what I mean- I adore them <3

See you back here on Thursday, everyone!

xoxo,

My Little Girl...

2012-01-22T15:35:00.001-06:00

Hi, everyone!

Just a quick post this quiet Sunday to let everyone know that there's still a bit of time left to play in The Greeting Farm's Customer Challenge & Chit Chat night challenges from this past Friday night!

What FUN we had!

I have to thank our lovely hostess Rachel Parys once again for putting a FABULOUS night together for us and for whipping up some pretty amazing samples too!

Our theme was "A Night at the Bookstore" and there are THREE challenges...I used the "Favorite children's book" theme.

I had NO idea that Tim McGraw had written a children's book a few years ago, titled after his song "My Little Girl". I absolutely love this carefree story about a girl and her Daddy and how they spend the day together and how sometimes..OFTEN times, actually, doing nothing is doing EVERYTHING.

Seriously, check it out- it's the sweetest book and I read it to the girls quite often :)

For my card, I used Make a Splash Amelia's head/arms and Creeper Sasha's body and boots- the combo totally reminded me of little Katie here in the book :)

The challenges are all listed HERE and they're open until NOON tomorrow, so if a crafty afternoon or Evening is in your future...you know where to FIND us!

xoxo,

Lollipop, Lollipop...a Key Ingredients Blog Hop!...

2012-01-20T10:01:00.002-06:00

Hi, everyone!

Have I mentioned HOW EXCITED I am about today's Key Ingredients Blog Hop with the DT?

Well, I must admit- VERY excited.

The best part about my project is hearing the amazement and getting that "you're the coolest Mom EVER" look from my 6 year old ( who still has baby hands and I really, really love that, by the way ;) ...but we'll get to that in a bit...

HOW is everyone today?

I have a fun project to show you using the January Key Ingredients Kit from Taylored Expressions and I love this kit SO much. I just want to tell you guys too- if you're new and thinking of subscribing, please check out my post HERE and the valentine's I made for my little one's class. Not only was I able to make all of that, but when you see today's project, too, you'll know JUST how much supply is in this kit- it's a CRAZY good deal! There are lots of perks for members too, so you can check all of that out HERE.

I wanted to make some coordinating treats to go with my Valentine's for Ava's classroom and it just so happened that the theme for our Key Ingredients DT blog hop is "Classroom Treats!" Perfecto!

I started by die-cutting some card stock using a Spellbinders die. I had one here on hand that reminded me of the AMAZING new Taylored Dies I have been wanting and am going to get as soon as they're back in stock! I wanted one to look like the Medium Layering Doily Die- LOVE it! Once I was done, I punched out some designer paper included in this months kit and punched out a circle in different coordinating papers for the front of the lollipop cover. I stamped the "Handmade with Love" sentiment from the "From the Heart" stamp set on each piece.

I needed to decorate 20 suckers so I die-cut 40 of the "Heart Circles" (Spellbinders), 2 for each one to adhere to the front and back. The suckers have a square label so I taped down the label so it wouldn't peek through the card stock circles I cut out:

After I stamped them, adhered the punched out circles of patterned paper, I stamped a bunch of the hearts from the "From the Heart" stamp set onto Choice Snow White card stock (included in kit) and cut out 20 hearts. I used a dimensional to "pop" them up on the circles and then I got a little sparkly ;)

...ok, YES, I'm obsessed LOL! So, I grabbed some Stickles in Star Dust, Ruby Slippers, and Fruit Punch and went to town :) Thankfully we had dinner plans so I left while they were drying or I might have gotten antsy as this was a little "Extra" step I didn't see coming, ha! Gotta have a little sparkle, right? Here's a close up of the fun front cover:

Here are the finished products in a little tin:

...and here's one more close-up of the finished products!

Hope you like them! Ava was SO excited she came barreling around the corner and said "Oh. MY. Gosh, Mom....those. are. SO. CUTE." When she found out they were for her class for their Valentine's party, her eyes were dancing with excitement and THAT is what it's all about, isn't it?

I let her put the final touch on these fun Classroom treats:

Voila! All of the paper, card stock, and ribbon came from the January Key Ingredients kit.. So now, after seeing these and the other projects from this month, you should know JUST how much comes in these awesome kits -so go, subscribe! If you do, please let me know because I would LOVE to see what you do with the Key Ingredients!

º Store Discount. Subscribers will be given a special discount code to save 10% on any order placed between the 10th - 13th of the month to be combined with your subscription shipment. Subscribers in the US may combine your additional items with your KI Subscription shipment for no additional shipping fee. Subscribers outside the US will pay additional shipping costs to combine your additional items with your KI Subscription shipment. You'll receive a reminder e-mail on the 10th of each month which will also include a list of other products that will coordinate with the kit being shipped to you that month. This list is incredibly helpful for those who want to stretch the use of a KI with even more supplies!

Last but not least, my amazing team mates have LOTS more inspiration to bring you so be sure to visit:

- Corinna McGregor
- Debbie Carriere
- Jessie Rone
- Lea Lawson
- Monika Davis
- Thanks so much everyone!

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

xoxo,

The Tie that Binds...

2012-01-19T00:49:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone!

I'm here today with another awesome "installment" of the Deconstructed Sketch! Here is Jen's latest and greatest, DS35:

I love this one, but I think my memory failed me a TEENY bit when putting this together (I didn't have any printer ink, LOL so I committed it to memory...sorta ;) How funny is that? Oh well, I'm actually kind of digging on my little variation- check it out:

The papers are all Crate Paper "Portrait" DP and that awesome sentiment is an Authentique die-cut.

Speaking of Authentique, I'm over on the Helmar DT blog with a fun project featuring our Helmar/Authentique week so hope to see you over there!

For now, please stop by:

Thanks everyone!

xoxo,

You Are...

2012-01-18T00:23:00.001-06:00

...getting sentimental!

Wait, no, I am!

That's cuz this past Monday's "Monday Fun-day" challenge on the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog was to "get sentimental", so I did just that ;)

I LOVE this sentiment (and such a pretty font!) from the re-released "Lucky Bunnies" set by The Greeting Farm. I love it and have been thinking it's way too awesome of a sentiment to be tucked away on the inside of a card, don't you agree?

I used some Crate Paper "Emma's Shoppe" DP I had leftover and added a few Prima spray roses and a little bling ;) I added the "It's Your Day" sentiment which could be used for birthday, a special congrats or celebration, or in this case, maybe a dance competition or two ;) We shall see!

Be sure to check out all the details of this week's Monday Fun-Day! Thanks for stopping by, everyone!

xoxo,

My DIRTY. little. secret....

2012-01-15T12:10:00.000-06:00

REVEALED!!!!

ACKK!!!!!!

For those of you that know me well, it is VERY hard for me to keep a secret. Now I'm not talking about confidences, my friends know they can trust me. I mean when ***I*** have a secret- especially a happy one. Kind of like when I find a really great gift for someone and want to tell them what it is...or when I get some really great news that would just be sooooo much more fun if I got to share it..to SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS maybe???

Well..... WOWZA.

Today is THAT day!

I have been invited to the Splitcoaststampers DIRTY DOZEN Design Team!

I wish I had more words right now, but I am so, so, so excited that it's been hard to type even this short blog post. I am HONORED, humbled, HAPPY, still in shock, and well, you could say this gives a whole new meaning to the "Whimsical Butterflies" that have been residing in my STOMACH for the past, oh... LONG time, lol!

Thank you so much for letting me share my DIRTY little secret with you today...and WELCOME also to Charlene Merrick, my Dirty sista!

Well, it's been a weekend that I can hardly comprehend. SO much happiness. My boys won their basketball game w/ a record score, and the best part? When my son Jack scored his first basket of the game (it was a pretty cool shot, I must say ;), and the boys were running back to the other side of the court, Nick jumped around his back and put his arms around him and hugged him. I wish I had that on film...my heart about burst and of course I burst into happy tears along with my mom ;) Then, last night, my daughter's first competitive dance "Showcase" was amazing and brought me to tears again watching her dance...now this.

Life is good...even better being able to share it with YOU!

xoxo,

2012: a year of Faith...hope....LOVE...

2012-01-12T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone!

Today I have a card for you for our Unity HIP HOP Thursday that also uses the Deconstructed Sketch and I think this is one of my all-time favorite sketches...check it out:

Isn't it SUPER cool? Jen outdid herself on this one- I seriously LOVE it!

It's also the 1st HIP HOP of 2012 for me since last week wasn't my week and we have a theme this week:

NEW YEAR. NEW BEGINNINGS...

I'm not much of a 'resolution' girl. I think maybe it's only because the word resolution when mixed w/ New Year's just has too many connotations of great beginnings w/ not a lot of follow-through...not just for me but for a lot of people I know, too.

Another thing I see a lot of people doing is that "one little word" for the year. Ummm, hello! I can't even do Twitter because they cut me off at 140 characters, LOL! So narrowing down my wishes, goals, hopes and dreams into ONE word? For some that may be powerful but for me it just isn't easily done.

...anyway, there are lots of things that I have my sights set on for 2012. There are new ventures...there are continued goals, and increasing faith in God. There is hope that the one yet unresolved situation in my life will be resolved...hope that through the depths of what seems like much unhappiness/unrest for someone I used to know, hope that enlightenment will find them..and that they will decide to stop living in the past even though they don't even realize they still are...hope that they can peacefully move on... but most of all, there's just love.

There is so much love, growing love, for my family and friends. There is love I didn't know that could grow any bigger or root itself any deeper and yet, with each passing year, it does, and that's a miracle. I'm really looking forward to a year of growing Faith, Hope, and LOVE, and hope you all are too :)

My card today uses the "Faith, Hope, Love" sentiment (I'm sorry, I can't remember what kit it's from!) and also the butterfly from "The Time is NOW" stamp set. I thought this was significant because it's 2012, a NEW Year. Time for those new dreams to be chased, new ambitions to kindle a flame, and time to get started. now. The TIME IS NOW.

Thanks for coming to visit today!

Be sure to check out the UNITY BLOG for the HIP HOP order, announcements, etc.

See you soon!

xoxo,

This lil' creeper is Lucky in Love...

2012-01-11T12:01:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone!

We are getting LUCKY today on the Farm Fresh Challenge blog!

LUCKY IN LOVE, that is!

This month's "RETRO-FRESH" challenge is up and ready to go on the Farm Fresh Challenge blog and this little Creeper Abbey is blushing she's so pretty in pink...not like her normal 'punky' self ;)

CC Abbey was released at The Greeting Farm in May 2011...can you believe it was that long ago? See? It's not hard to find a "retro-fresh" TGF stamp....and you'll want to play along this month because a 4x6 OR Clear stamp set of YOUR CHOICE is up for grabs to a lucky winner!

...and talk about laid back! You have ALL MONTH to play along!

Check out the rest of the details on the FFC blog and be sure to visit my teammates:

See you tomorrow, everyone!

xoxo,

It's that time again....

2012-01-10T09:41:00.001-06:00

{{{Please scroll down for my Ribbon Carousel challenge post...thanks!}}}

....for a NEW Key Ingredients kit from Taylored Expressions and some fun announcements too! Check out this fun sneak peek:

Want more?

Head over to The Key Ingredients blog and check out the announcement there too-we are welcoming 2 AMAZING new designers and I have a fun little announcement over there, too ;)

Have a happy day!

2012-01-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! It's Tuesday and time for another fun Ribbon Carousel.com challenge!

This week, Laurel is inspiring us with this gorgeous Pinterest photo:

And to make it even more fun, our sponsor this week is Whimsie Doodles!

Here’s a little about our sponsor:

Whimsie Doodles is so excited to be sponsoring the new challenge! In March of 2009 Melyssa Connolly, artist and owner, began turning her whimsical hand-drawn images into digital files for sale online. Whimsie Doodles' digital stamp line features images that range from cute little boys and girls, to punny stuff, and everything in-between. We enjoy sharing lots of samples on our company blog, where we also post challenges and tutorials.

We are huge fans of Melyssa here at the RCC! And can you guess why? Aside from the fabulous designs and amazing artwork from the Whimsie Doodles team, Melyssa is the designer of the carousel in our logo! The prize this week is One (1) winner will receive a $10 Gift Certificate to the Whimsie Doodles Online Store.

And just for participating, Whimsie Doodles is giving a special offer to you! Use the discount code (Ribbonrocks) at the Whimsie Doodles online store and receive 10% off your next order! Code is good until February 8, 2012.

SO, here's my card today using this fun Snowman Cocoa image:

I didn't have any dark brown cardstock so in keeping with the inspiration photo, I used kraft and aqua :) I added some fun liquid appliqué for the hat and marshmallows ;)

Be sure to check out the RCC blog for all the details on how to play, and visit the Ribbon Carousel STORE, too! I used the awesome May Arts Jute/Burlap Twine in NATURAL and you can get that for an AWESOME price at the RCC store!

See you tomorrow, everyone!
xoxo,

My 365: 2012...

2012-01-09T10:38:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone!

I am SO excited about our May Arts/Helmar collaboration this week. Whew! So awesome! May Arts is one of my favorite ribbon companies and when I found out they were a preferred partner with Helmar I was pumped!

This week we are bringing you a TON of inspiration every day here on the Helmar DT Blog and I've got one that I'm really excited about. As many of my Facebook friends and blog followers know, I have been studying photography and recently began a "Project 365". It's a huge commitment to take a photo EVERY DAY for a year.

Well, I've also been getting down on myself with my scrapbooking and lack of time for it lately but hey, we can't do EVERYTHING, right? Or can we? I decided that scrapbooking doesn't HAVE to be fancy and that Smash books were the perfect thing to document my 365 this year. I started out with some gorgeous Orange Sheer Woven Rosettes and I knew that HAD to be my border :) I glued down some Helmar 450 Quick Dry which is SO perfect especially for Sheer ribbon. It dries clear and you'll never know it's there :)

Then I painted the outside of my book before it was time to glue down some of my favorite leaf satin cut outs from May Arts. I have seen Tracy use these SO many times on some gorgeous canvasses and other projects and I was shrieking with delight when I saw these in my Design Team box. Shrieking I tell ya!

I used Helmar 450 Quick Dry on the leaves as well and the Helmar nozzle makes it so easy to get some glue down even in a really thin space. I love that!

After I attached the stems, I cut out a few rosettes from the Orange and Red Sheer Woven Rosettes and used that for my smaller flowers. I then took a gorgeous piece of purple ribbon from the Silky Crush line and began to roll/twist it into a ribbon rose:

I added a button and some felt clouds that my DD cut out for me and attached them with some ACID FREE Glue and here is the finished product:

I am so excited to have this book ready as I'm just about to print off my first week of 365 photos! This is going to end up being sucha special keepsake memory for my family- I cannot WAIT!

Thanks for stopping by today and thanks so much to MAY ARTS for being so generous...be sure to check out more details today over on the HELMAR DESIGN TEAM blog...thanks!

xoxo,

Jess :)

Happy are those...

2012-01-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone!

Miss me? haha well.....

I took a little break this week to hang out with the kids before they went back to school and also to edit some photos and work on my photography business that I'm trying to get off the ground! I'm really excited about it but man, editing takes FOREVAH!

All that in due time, but today I've got a Deconstructed Sketch to show ya! Here is DS33- love this one:

I used the BRAND NEW {Ippity} stamp today, "Happy are those". Could this sentiment come at a better time for me while I'm pursuing some new dreams in the next few weeks? Don't think so <3 Love that about Unity...they always have a quote to fit my life and/or feelings and I love being a designer for them even more because of this.

Here's my card using this cute new stamp:

"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come TRUE..."

Have I mentioned I.LOVE. THIS?!

I'm really inspired by this and hope you are too!

Now, for a little 'business'...there are some {ippity} announcements today!

We are VERY EXCITED about the NEW YEAR CHANGE with {ippity} stamps by Unity!

Starting this weekend {ippity} will be available on the UNITY WEBSITE!

Once the WEBSITE IS READY and all tuned up for this change over - All YOU will have to do is CLICK ON the photo of YOUR Favorite {ippity} CHICK - and BUY your favorite {ippity} stamps from there...HERE is something MORE LOVELY! ...if you would like to add UNITY STAMPS to your order YOU CAN!

ALSO - Starting SOON - ANY Unity DISCOUNT CODE used in combination with your order of {ippity} WILL WORK, including Unity Kit Member 25% discount codes.

It is going to be UNITY SIMPLIFIED - making our {ippity} line available through your favorite {ippity} chick - RIGHT on the Unity website and SHIPPED TO YOU directly through Unity! :)

So there ya have it for now- EXCITING changes with {ippity} and it's going to be SO much more convenient to order! I'm thrilled about it and think you guys will be, too!

Be sure to check out the UNITY BLOG for all of the happenings today and also my DECONSTRUCTED Sketch girls have lots more inspiration on Jen's fun sketch today and the DECONSTRUCTED SKETCH blog is sponsored by Scrappin' GREAT DEALS and there is a $25 gift certificate up for grabs for playing along this week!

Have fun and check it out!

xoxo,

NEW Year, NEW RELEASES, NEW DT...Lots of TGF NEWS!...

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hello friends!

HAPPY. HAPPY. HAPPY.

2012. is. here.

I personally LOVED 2011, but we are welcoming 2012 with some pretty FUN NEWS here at the Farm.

Today our SIX new stamp sets are available, and what better way to kick off the year than with a

HUGE PRIZE!?

One lucky winner who hops today will win the ENTIRE January release!

ANOTHER lucky winner will win a 4x6 set of choice from the new release or a clear set of choice!

Here's my card today, using the awesome "Miss Anya Garland" set:

Our PREMIERE Farmers are the girls who will normally be bringing you the release day fun, but TODAY we've invited some very special guests to join us on the hop....

our EIGHT new SHOWCASE DT members!

Please begin the hop here and WELCOME:

More to come on these talented ladies tomorrow....We are SO excited! For now, keep on hoppin' to:

and

WHEW!

CONGRATS! You have officially RUNG in the NEW YEAR with The GREETING FARM!

You have until 11:45PM TONIGHT CST to complete the hop, so brew some coffee, pop open some bubbly- whatever your time zone and HAVE FUN starting on the TGF BLOG!

See you back here tomorrow with the WINNER of the Blog Hop prizes and a proper introduction for these EIGHT new showstoppers!

xoxo,

Jess and Marie <3

Note to self...Part 2.... ;)

2011-12-30T11:42:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone :)

I'm back today with "part 2" of the post I started HERE.

{{{if you're looking for my Lucky Bunnies preview, please scroll down, thanks!}}}

Today marks week 23 and the last week of our "heART Journaling" project at The Greeting Farm. I am SO grateful for this project. I will admit, there were a few weeks when I was seriously wondering how I was going to get a page done...squeak out some form of 'art' because I was tired, pressed for time, sick, busy...whatever... but I am SO glad I finished it.

I now not only have my first completed art journal (you can see the beginnings of it HERE), I also have been inspired to keep going because I realized that art is only how I see it....and I'm making memories for a lifetime...for myself and most of all, to pass down to my kids.

Here is my 23rd entry and first completed journal, with this week's "Letter to Me" project (cue Brad Paisley ;)

You'll see that the 1st page is what I showed you on Thursday during Unity's Hip Hop...the rest is actually taken from a "brave girls club" email that really resonated with me, especially because of some awesome personal things that have happened during this time period while I was working on my first art journal.

I know that art journaling is very personal, so I applaud anyone who has been sharing. It really is bearing your soul on a whole different level...and even if you haven't posted publicly, if you're art journaling at ALL...congrats. Cuz it's really kind of a beautiful thing, isn't it?

xoxo,

You're about to get LUCKY!...

2011-12-30T00:01:00.000-06:00

...LUCKY BUNNIES, that is!

The Greeting Farm is at it again with some serious cuteness...and we're back on the TGF Blog with another FUN preview today and we're SO excited to share it...the RETURN of TGF's "Lucky Bunnies" in CLEAR form.

For those of you who have been fans of The Farm for a while, you'll recognize this as one of the FIRST sets ever.

For our newer friends, rest assured this is a good one :) I know I have 3 little "Easter bunnies" that have March birthdays so I'm ALL over this for their cards this year. In fact, here's one I was playing around with and made last night:

Head on over to the TGF BLOG for more awesome previews from our PREMIERE team of Farmers...and we'll see you SUNDAY for release day!

I'm also playing along w/ the Farm Fresh Challenge "Spyday" today so head over to check out today's challenge!

xoxo,

Note to self...

2011-12-29T00:01:00.001-06:00

Hey, everyone!

(if you are looking for my GREETING FARM preview & giveaway, click HERE)

Today is the last HIP HOP of 2011...can't believe it! The end of 2011 is bittersweet for me... I really loved this year for the most part. I learned a lot, felt a lot, grew a lot as a person in some ways, and watched my children accomplish a lot. so very much actually.

I can only hope that 2012 will be an even better year- or at least as good as this one :) That's my prayer, anyway :) I really, really found a lot of truths this year whether it be what's good for me in the people who I surround myself with, the goals I set for myself and my family, and what's important.

This project I'm showing you today is actually a sneak peek of a project that will be fully revealed tomorrow having to do w/ my art journal... for now....here's a look at it, using the "Note to Self" Itty Bitty stamp by UNITY STAMP CO....

I can't wait to reveal more of this special project tomorrow....but for now, head on over to the UNITY BLOG for all the HIP HOP details and to catch the 1st stop on the hop in case you missed it!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

xoxo,

Makin' some TGF {hearts} flutter...with a GIVEAWAY!

2011-12-28T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone!

Marie and I have some SUPER fun previews of a new set, "Flutter Heart", releasing on January 1st at The Greeting Farm!

This new set is REALLY original and different and I love that it's releasing JUST in time for Valentine's day- you guys are gonna LOVE it! I made two tags and a CAS card using this new set and Marie has some previews on the TGF BLOG as well as mine.

This first tag is going to be featured on a Ribbon Carousel tutorial tomorrow so be sure to visit to see how easy you can create these fun ribbon flowers:

The next tag I created using the "JOY" sentiment as well as the and I really love the red gingham ribbon on this one as well:

Finally, I created a fun CAS card and I LOVE this super cute boy/girl image:

Want to WIN this set today?

Just leave a comment here letting me know your thoughts on this fun new set and we'll announce a winner on FRIDAY on the TGF BLOG! (you have until Thursday at 8pm CST to comment :)

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone!

xoxo,

Simply Adorable....

2011-12-26T00:01:00.000-06:00

Introducing...

SIMPLY ANYA!

I couldn't resist creating a little sneak peek today for an upcoming project I'll be featuring on the TGF blog and Helmar Blog....

so today....here's a little sneak :

For more about SIMPLY ANYA, head over to the TGF Blog today to find out how you can WIN this new cutie who debuts on the Farm January 1st! Also debuting today?

Our FOURTH and final TGF PREMIERE Farmer...Maria Therese Hatloy!

Please head over and give her a warm welcome!

Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas!

xoxo,

A Christmas Story...2011...

2011-12-23T18:24:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas, my friends!

I am getting SO excited about this magical time of year...the real reason for the season, and spending time with my family!

I wasn't sure if I should share this story because it's kind of long, but in talking to my cousin/bff Kim yesterday, she told me that she would share it if I didn't, haha ;)

************************

This is a story about a 3rd grade boy...a story touched me so deeply I am glad to have made the decision to share it with you.

This sweet 9 year old boy was seated in his class next to a girl who was a bit newer to the school. He was put there because his teacher considered the boy to be so kind and helpful that she wanted the student to sit by him. Last Friday, before Winter Break began, the boy's mother visited his classroom as they were doing an ornament craft. The boy's mother noticed that the little girl sitting next to him looked just as any other child, but that her clothes were a bit more soiled than the average kid- even a messy third grader playing with paint. The boy's mother asked him: "is that your new classmate?" and he replied yes. The boy's mother then said, "well, that must make you feel good that she is still placed next to you because you are so helpful", but the boy had a puzzled look on his face.

"Why? Doesn't that make you feel good?" his mother asked. He looked a bit troubled and responded very quietly, "Mom, she actually makes me really sad". The boy's mother asked why, and he proceeded to tell her a story... "Mom? You see those shoes she is wearing?" The boy's mother looked down and noticed that the girl was wearing a very sparkly pair of brand new purple and silver Nike basketball shoes. "Wow, " said the boy's mother, "those are some sparkly shoes!" She smiled.

The boy replied, his face dropping a bit... "She told me that the school bought her those shoes because her family doesn't have any money." The boy's mother's heart sank a bit. "And, mom..." continued the boy, "remember yesterday when we all came to school in our pajamas for Pajama Day? She didn't come in them and when I asked her if she forgot, she said no, that she didn't really have any pajamas to wear to school. I know it's Christmas, Mom..and that you and Dad say that this time of year is hard because of all the money you have to spend, but I wish we could bring her some pajamas. "

The boy's mother was fighting back tears. She hugged her young son and told him how nice it was to feel compassion for someone and that they would say prayers for her family. Eventually the conversation was all but forgotten as they crafted, had snacks, and did story time together. His mother left to go to her other child's class party and it ate at her the entire time.

Later that day, while her kids were still in school, the boy's mother was at Target and couldn't believe her eyes when the HUGE sign as soon as you walked in read:

ALL SLEEPWEAR Friday and Saturday only 40% off.

Surely this was one of those "God things". You know the term...or maybe, no? In their house, they didn't say coincidence because NOTHING is a coincidence. This was a "God thing". God couldn't have set this up more perfectly and/or written it on this Mother's heart. The mother chose a purple and white pajama set with peace signs and then spotted a pink, fuzzy robe.

Complete w/ a gift bag, the boy's mother returned to school. She quietly knocked on the classroom door and thankfully got the teacher's attention before her son's. Through tears, she knew the teacher probably couldn't give out any info about the girl, but she didn't have to. The gentle "nod" that she understood was enough and her own eyes welled up with tears. The boy's mother didn't want to cause a scene- as this was a delicate matter. She wasn't sure if the class knew or just her son. She asked the boy's teacher if she should just leave it for her or if her son should give it to her and his teacher said "oh, no- he HAS to give it to her- that was the sweetest idea!" She hugged the boy's mother and then went to call the boy out of class.

The boy's mother and teacher showed him the bag and although she may not remember her son's exact face, she'd never forget it either. His face expressed more happiness than even when he had opened his own gifts in the past. They then explained to the boy that in a few minutes the lights would go off and the "Polar Express" movie would start. His teacher said that would be a good time to quietly hand the girl the bag. His mother then just made sure that when he handed it to her, he wouldn't say "here, because you don't have any..." or anything that a 9 year old might mistakenly say... "When you give this to her, you don't have to say anything except "Merry Christmas". Such a sensitive child understood this without any further explanation.

As the boy's mother was about to leave, the teacher looked at the boy and said to him "I want to tell you this in front of your mother. My boys are in their 30's and when I get home today, I am going to tell them that even though they are grown, when they grow up, I wish they were just like YOU."

The boy's mother couldn't fight back the tears anymore, but contained them until she got to the parking lot, thankfully. As she was leaving, she turned to her son and put her hand on his cheek and said to him "YOU are Christmas for that girl. I will never forget this moment for the rest of my life and I know you won't, either... I love you. I am so proud of you."

Moral of the story? Well, I'm sure we can all figure that out, LOL. It's a beautiful story, a beautiful thing to witness so many random acts of kindness this time of year...and I have seen and heard many this year. It makes me so happy to know that there are people who know that doing even the SMALLEST thing can make a ripple effect... and it's so beautiful to see it especially through the eyes and heart of a child.

..and why am I sharing this with you all today?

Because that boy....that beautiful, sweet, compassionate, sensitive boy... well....he just so happens to be

my son Jack.

*****************************************

Thanks for reading this today. While I have those "proud mama" stories about all of my kids, today's Jack's turn. I am so proud of him and the person he is becoming. So many proud mama moments and I really do appreciate you letting me share this with you... I guess now I don't know why I was hesitant to begin with except for the fact that there isn't any paper crafting involved...but hey, there was ornament making, LOL!

Christmas 2011 truly began for me on that day and my heart has been pretty full ever since...

I stumbled upon this passage and I absolutely adore it....it reminds me of the above story:

"Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to be put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself..."
~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

Merry Christmas to all- sending you LOTS and lots of love... and remembering those less fortunate this Christmas season. One small gesture truly does make a difference and I hope you'll share your Random Acts of Kindness stories with me...leave a comment if you wish- I love hearing them!

xoxo,

Someone new is CREEPIN' up on the Farm...

2011-12-23T00:46:00.000-06:00

...and her name is CREEPER Madden!

I LOVE this new design from The Greeting Farm- I think she had me at her hair. Love it!

Marie has an AMAZING January release planned at TGF and if you check out the TGF BLOG today you'll also see that we've welcomed the 3rd of 4 new "TGF Premiere" Farmers today, too!

Welcome to SIMONNE CLAY!

I ADORE her designs and was so happy she accepted our invitation!

Here is CC Madden:

Isn't she SUPER creepy-chic-cool?

Check out the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog today too for a FUN Friday "Spyday".

I had the BEST time yesterday with one of my favorite people in the world, Pam. We had a blast!

The best part was getting the kids and hubbies together too- what a WONDERFUL way to kick off the Christmas festivities. LOVE this lady!

Have a happy weekend, everyone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!

Made with Love...

2011-12-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone!

I'm back today with another awesome Deconstructed Sketch:

I have really been enjoying the December Kit of the Month from Unity Stamp Co. and this little "made with Love" stamp was perfect for today's creation. Here is my card using DS32:

I want to say how appreciative I am that you've all stopped by today...I know how crazy busy this time of year is and it's hard to get to blogs, leave comments, etc. I know I haven't been around as much as I'd like to between being down for the count all last week and prepping for FUN times this week! The highlight is definitely the friends and family that I get to see.

In fact, today my husband, kids and I are venturing a few hrs south to spend the day and pass along some Christmas cheer with my sweet friend who just so happens to be my Deconstructed Sketch teamie, too, Pam Varnell. I'm so excited for our hubbies to finally hang out- I think that might be the best part. Even our little Kekipu is going with, LOL.

Have an awesome day, everyone! Don't' forget to stop by the rest of the Deconstructed Sketch girls, too!

Thanks again for stopping by!

xoxo,

NOW Premiering at The Greeting Farm...

2011-12-20T10:01:00.002-06:00

Hey, everyone!

If you're here for my Taylored Expressions Blog Hop post, please scroll down :)

If you're here for The Greeting Farm BLOG HOP, please scroll down 1 more post, thanks!

I'm here today with some AWESOME news at The Greeting Farm!

Not only are we premiering ONE of SIX new stamp releases for January, we are also revealing TWO new DESIGN TEAM MEMBERS over on the TGF Blog, so please help me welcome

CORINNA McGREGOR

and

WENDY RAMLAKHAN to the

TGF Family!

I couldn't resist making a card using the new MISS ANYA GARLAND set either, so here she is:

How cute are her braids? I just love the new hairstyles that Marie comes up with!

That's just ONE of the sneak peeks I have coming up in the next 10 days or so, so stay with me for lots more fun on the Farm...for now, please head over to welcome the two new team members and stay tuned for more team members to be revealed soon!

I'll be back in a few hours with a FUN Key Ingredients Blog HOP post from Taylored Expressions- and I'm also over on the UNITY Blog today...thanks for stopping by during my busy, busy week!

xoxo,

Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients BLOG HOP...

2011-12-20T10:00:00.001-06:00

Hey, everyone!

I have a TON of posts today...so if you're here for:

The Greeting Farm Customer Blog Hop, click HERE.

...and now...THANK YOU for stopping by to celebrate the DECEMBER KEY INGREDIENTS kit with me from Taylored Expressions!

Today is the 20th of the month, and all the Key Ingredients kits for December subscribers should be arriving on doorsteps all over stamp land...and that is FABULOUS, just like December's kit!

Are you new to Key Ingredients?

I have been a fan for SUCH a long time. Not only do I love Taylored Expressions stamps, but from the very first "Key Ingredients" kit, Taylor has been putting together just the right mix of card stocks, patterned papers, ribbon, and embellishments to make creating CUTE cards super simple and FUN!

Christmas is right around the corner too, and a Key Ingredients subscription is the PERFECT gift for any stamper! Find out how you can subscribe yourself or get one for a friend HERE.

This month, we have some super fun papers from Bella Blvd's Christmas wishes collection, so this kit was awesome in the sense that I could create Christmas cards and finish up my mailing list but also use the cute, versatile papers to create NON-Christmas cards as well!

Here's my card today using the "Life's a Dance" set:

January is going to be a BUSY month for us Diedrich's. My oldest daughter is enjoying her first competitive dance team season and competitions begin the end of January. I made this card for her to give to her on her 1st competition day- might as well work ahead right? I am SO so proud of her. The minute I saw the "Life's a Dance" stamp set I knew I had to have it for her!

There are LOTS more ideas on the hop today, so be sure to check out everyone's creations, and go visit:

Thanks for stopping by again, today!

Hugs to you all!

xoxo,

TGF's 3rd annual Holiday BLOG HOP!...

2011-12-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and WELCOME to The Greeting Farm's 3rd annual Customer BLOG HOP!

I'm so excited about this year's hop...we have a HUGE list of hoppers and TONS of inspiration today, so be sure to START on the TGF BLOG!

We are ending another FABULOUS year on the Farm, and tomorrow marks some NEW excitement beginning with the reveal of the 1st of SIX January previews and the reveal of TWO of our four new TGF Premiere Farmers! There is LOTS going on... but for now, I'll get to why you came here with a fun HOLIDAY ANYA card for today's hop:

I cut out the sentiment from the Crate Paper "Peppermint" DP I was working with and tied it all up with a Jenni Bowlin button. I love the sentiment- "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a Good night!"

I am SO looking forward to Christmas this year. I'm so excited to celebrate the many, many gifts in my life with my favorite people...my family. My cousin is home from his 2nd year-long deployment and we are all excited to celebrate that too! What are you celebrating this Christmas? I'd love to hear!

Be sure to go back to the TGF BLOG now too because I believe I'm the last stop today! Thanks so much everyone for your awesome support of TGF this year and Merry Christmas from all of us on the Farm- hope you have a GREAT time and that you'll join us in some chatter on our SCS Forum today, too! The hop goes from 10am CST to 10pm CST- enjoy!

xoxo,

Lettin' it Snow and lettin' it ROLL...

2011-12-15T00:02:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone....

{{{please scroll down for my GREETING FARM post today, too- thank you!}}}

Thanks SOOOO much for all your emails, Facebook posts and comments wishing us well. I wish I could say we are totally out of the woods but I am hoping that will be the case soon. There were 4 confirmed cases of influenza at school as of yesterday and I'm pretty sure what we have isn't just the common cold. My sweet little Ava baby finally went back to school today after being sick for 3 days and Nicky came home from school on Tuesday with a 101 fever as well-it seems to be making the rounds and FAST. I guess I'm just happy that it's the week before Christmas, right? Still, so much to do and so much going on this week... so with that.... I realize, I gotta let it ROLL.

I'm NOT going to be able to get 'everything' done. And that's ok. I'm GOING to forget something. And that's ok. It has to be, right? So thankfully, I am not letting it snow (yet!) in sunny TN, but I am definitely going to let it ROLL this week. So not worth getting frustrated, especially given the Reason for the Season. <3

Today I created a card for UNITY Thursday using the November KOM and also the adorable "Christmas Wishes" set co-branded with Bella Blvd. Have you SEEN this cute set?

There is SO much going on at Unity I don't even know where to start- so make sure you check out the Unity Blog because there will be more details there. There are AWESOME sales going on this week too- really big sales and great offers so definitely check out our FACEBOOK page as well!

I used the Deconstructed Sketch today for my card:

Love this one! I had a hard time "visualizing' it at first but that is probably due to the medicine head I had while creating it, lol. be sure to stop by the DECONSTRUCTED Sketch girls today too- links are on my sidebar and they'll be waiting for you!

xoxo,

Taggin' it on Throwback Thursday...

2011-12-15T00:01:00.001-06:00

Hey, everyone!

I'm back with another fun post for The Greeting Farm today. Thanks so much for scrolling down to be here :)

Today we have a fun "Throwback Thursday" post on The Greeting Farm blog and we are all using older holiday sets to bring you fresh, fun ideas today.

I also wasn't able to make anything for this month's "Retro Fresh" challenge which debuted yesterday either and that was to create a tag-themed project, so I combined the two ideas and here's what I came up with using Cheeky Christmas set:

These tags would be super fun to make for all my gifts this year- I may have to make a few more as time allows ;) Do you guys make a lot of your own gift tags?

Be sure to stop by the TGF blog today for the rest of the deets on how you can WIN a set today, and for now, be sure to visit:

Thanks so much for stopping by!
xoxo,

When you just have to say....

2011-12-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

TODAY STINKS.

ha!

Well, not really...however, the flu bug has hit the Diedrich house and so far it's Mom and Ava down for the count :( Little peanut had a 102.4 temp under her arm yesterday (which, are we still adding a degree these days? I think we are- but nevertheless- it was HIGH!) and Mom has chills.

This is going to be a CRAZY. busy. week.

SO bear with me- cuz I might be here and there until next week. The kids seriously have like 5 parties this week between school, dance, etc., a basketball game, Girl Scout cookie kick-off party, and oh yeah- I gotta get better ;) Yikes!

Today's RCC33 challenge on the Ribbon Carousel blog made me pull out some twine and I have to say the sentiment makes me SMILE. Today our teammate Danielle Daws (LOVE her CAS style, btw!) has issued us a SUPER fun Twine Challenge today and Divine Twine is sponsoring a prize of 2 full spools to a lucky winner!

Be sure to check out the RCC blog for all the details. Here's my card...and the story behind it today:

I made this card for a friend of mine that I met at the beginning of this year. Her daughter is in Ava's kindergarten class and she's our Girl scout leader and also is the reason I signed up to be a 31 consultant :) She is a consultant too and also happens to make the CUTEST headbands, neck warmers (which is totally nuking waiting for me as I type!), ornaments, all kinds of cute personalized stuff. Her name is Elizabeth and I am so, so excited that I finally met someone here in the neighborhood to hang out with who actually crafts, too! Seriously- her stuff is SO cute- check out her Facebook Page and you might even recognize one of her little models ;)

We had to reschedule plans TWICE last week due to work stuff, sick kid stuff, etc. and then it just so happened that Friday we were talking on the phone and she said "are you busy"? Well, we both are busy. Crazy busy. But stir crazy too- LOL So I said "hmm, no?" LOL and then the "let's do lunch" idea bloomed. (oh, and a spur-of-the-moment trip to Hobby Lobby where you 'accidentally' pass a Starbucks on the way ;)

Anyway- as soon as I grabbed my UNITY Kit from November I knew it was the perfect card and tried to honor Danielle's CAS (Clean and Simple) style.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and seriously- check out not only the Ribbon Carousel store but also my friend's "Bees Knees" page! See you soon!

xoxo,

Puttin' the SMAK down on Deconstructed Thursday...

2011-12-08T00:01:00.001-06:00

Hey, there, friends!

{{{if you are looking for The Craft's Meow BLOG HOP, click HERE. Thanks!}}}

So....
I AM...

(just as this card suggests ;)

...puttin' a little SMAK down today for the Deconstructed Sketch :)

I have been itching to get inky with Unity's new "SMAK" Kits (a monthly scrapbooking/mixed media/art kit- you HAVE to check it out!) and this sketch was the perfect jumping off point. Here's DS30:

My card today uses stamps from the NOVEMBER and DECEMBER SMAK kit:

Like the star? I had soooo much fun pouring some chunky glass glitter from my sweet friend Lydia -couldn't have been a more perfect embellishment for this project today :) Kinda fun, right?

Unity has a TON going on today. My Hip-Hop group isn't hopping this week but I have to give you the low-down cuz it's too good to miss:

BRAND NEW Phyllis Harris stamps release today- they are SOOOO stinkin' cute, OMGosh. I know that I'll be in a coloring mood this weekend and this will be the first thing I reach for ;)

Oh- and check out THIS set- "You're the Ticket". LOOOVE IT!

..and I NEED this one "Christmas to all" by the sweet Lesley Langdon!

There is a TON of NEW, NEW, NEW going on so be sure to check out the UNITY blog today to find out all the happenings...I love it!

Last but not least, check out the rest of the Deconstructed Sketch crew to see their take on today's awesome sketch:

xoxo,

The Craft's Meow BLOG HOP and release day!...

2011-12-07T02:00:00.001-06:00

Is it the 7th already???

I can't believe how fast this week has flown by! Granted, it's only Wednesday but STILL!

I've had a BLAST of a time being a Guest Designer for previews with The Craft's Meow, and today we welcome you to the Release Day blog hop! If you're just getting here from JEAN MARTIN's blog, you've come to the right place! If you're just now landing on my blog, be sure to start at The Craft's Meow store blog because there are SEVEN SETS UP FOR GRABS Today!

YES! I said SEVEN! One lucky person who makes the rounds, leaves a comment here and on the store blog will win all SEVEN stamp sets.!!! The best part? You can do it at your leisure as you have until Friday, December 9th at 9:00 pm Pacific to do so!

One of my favorite sets from this release was designed by Jenny Suchin, "Happy Owlentine's Day". I love it! Here is another card I Created with this set:

Hope you have a blast today during this release and that you find lots of inspiration- I have a feeling you will... :)

Last but not least, in addition to the new sets, there is a HUGE CLEARANCE SALE at The Craft's Meow today- check out the sales:

LaBlanche Stamps - 25% off!!

Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads, Re-inkers and Stains - 25% off!!

Maya Road, Pink Paislee, Echo Park and My Mind's Eye - 50% off!!!

Little Frieda & Friends stamp sets - 50% off!!!

Crate Paper and Graphic 45 - 60% off!!!

That's a TON of savings! So, I'll leave you with that, and now it's time for you to head to the sweet and talented JESSICA FICK's blog-she's your next stop on the hop!

Thanks for visiting!

xo,

Warm Winter Wishes...

2011-12-06T02:01:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone!

I'm back today with a fun card from another A-DORABLE stamp set from The Craft's Meow! This one gives me the warm fuzzes and is perfect for this time of year although I have to say I was happy w/ my 60 degree day yesterday even though it rained ;)

Still, you can't go wrong with a cute pair of fuzzy mittens and a fun hat! Here is my card for today's preview of Warm Winter Wishes:

I used Our Craft Lounge's "Sparkly Fluff" in Sugar with some Helmar Premium Craft glue to add some warm fuzzies to my card :) I really love this set and can't wait to ink it up again!

Be sure to visit The Craft's Meow blog today to find out how you can WIN this set- and also stay tuned for the December Release BLOG HOP which is coming TOMORROW, December 7th!

Warm winter wishes, everyone!

xoxo,

OWL be using these stamps again VERY soon!...

2011-12-05T02:01:00.000-06:00

Hello!

Welcome to another preview day for The Craft's Meow, a store owned by my sweet friend and former TGF alum, Lisa Hjulberg!

I am SO excited to preview today's sneak peeks! The Craft's Meow store blog is FULL of amazing previews today! I'm so excited to be bringing you previews from Jenny Suchin and Katelyn Ord. Both sets are just darling and I'm so honored to be getting to play with them!

Here is "Happy Owlentine's Day":

...and "Love is All You Need":

I can't tell you how easily creating came w/ these sets. I feel like I've been in a slump lately but after seeing this December release from The Craft's Meow I'm feeling renewed and excited! SO happy to be asked to Guest Design this month- couldn't have come at a better time :)

Thanks again for stopping by and I'll see you tomorrow with another Craft's Meow preview, and then on WEDNESDAY, December 7th with a RELEASE DAY blog hop you won't want to miss! Find out how you can win some sets this week too by stopping over at the TCM Blog for more details!

xoxo,

Look Mom....NO Embellishments???

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

Oh, Joni, my dear team mate..if I didn't love you so much.... LOL!

Happy Monday, folks!

Today is just another "Monday FUN-day" on the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog and our sweet Joni all but killed us with a NO EMBELLISHMENTS challenge. Ok, Ok, I'm TOTALLY exaggerating...it actually wasn't that bad!

I took the chance to pull out my Helmar Liquid SCRAPDOTS and decide just how valuable a tool they are especially for an occasion such as this ;) ...but you can visit the HELMAR Design Team blog for more details on that too!

I have to say if not for these handy dandy Liquid Scrapdots, it might have taken the wind right out of little Miss Flutter Anya's wings! Be sure to visit Helmar to check out all of their awesome adhesive products and for now, be sure to say hi to the Farm Fresh Challenge team, too:

Thanks for stopping by!

HELMAR HOLIDAY BLOG Hop!!!

2011-12-03T02:00:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone!

{{{I am SUPER excited to be previewing December stamps as the Guest for The Craft's Meow today, too- so PLEASE scroll down to check it out- thank you!}}}

It’s that time of year where we all start thinking of the holidays so what better way to get your Holiday spirit than a great Helmar Holiday Hop? Filled with so much Holiday cheer and some amazing projects featuring all the different Helmar Adhesives.

That being said, WELCOME to my stop on the Helmar Holiday Hop. If you have been following along, you should have hopped here from CHERYL’s blog. If not, you just have to stop at the Helmar Blog and start from the beginning. There are goodies along the way and we don’t want you to miss a thing!

Today I am showcasing a few of my favorite HELMAR "All stars"...Acid Free Glue, 450 Quick-Dry adhesive, and Zap Dots!

I decided that since Toffee is one of my favorite treats, I might be stuffing a few stockings with this amazing Nashville Toffee that hubby brought home the other night!

However, this orange box will NOT due for Christmas so I decided to grab some Authentique paper (a Helmar preferred partner!) and some ACID-FREE glue and decorate!

Once I was done gluing the paper down, I wrapped it with a big satiny bow and then it was time to add these cute felt snowflakes. I layered two of them using a Zap Dot.

Once this was done, I used some 450 Quick Dry to glue down the bling and also the button on the ribbon/bow. I also glued down the felt snowflakes w/ the 450. This stuff is the BEST for ribbon/fabric as it doesn't bleed or buckle and dries SUPER fast. It's miracle glue, I'm telling ya!

Here's one more shot of the finished product- a little sweet for the sweet :)

Thanks so much for stopping by, and make sure you leave a comment at every stop because the elves of Helmar will be giving away prizes to some lucky Helmar fans. Now hop on over to TRUDY's blog to see another amazing Helmar Holiday project. The Holiday Hop will be open for comments until 11:59P.S.T December 4^th , so take a look and enjoy a little holiday spirit from all of us on the Helmar Team. Thanks again for stopping by today and MERRY CHRISTMAS, everyone! Tis the season- it's beginning and I'm getting excited!

xoxo,

December Previews begin for The Craft's Meow!...

2011-12-03T01:59:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone!

Happy Saturday! I'm looking forward to the weekend- what a crazy busy week!

My daughter started dancing competitively this year and we were at the studio pretty much every day this week. Karate, girl scouts, and other activities ran as scheduled for my other kids and then a VERY exciting first Basketball game of the season for Jack and Nick! They WON their first game- ohhh my gosh was it exciting. My boys made every basket but one in their 18-13 WIN against the reigning championship winners from the season prior. I think my little guys are STILL on cloud 9 and so is this proud mama! Can't wait to do it all over again today!

Last night, Madelynn attended her first "lock-in" at the dance studio with the entire competitive team. They had pizzas, we all pitched in appetizers, snacks, and drinks and there were 30+ giddy girls and one very cute little guy ages 4-16 twirling about. FUN times!

Enough about all that, though- that's maybe not why you're here! Did you see this FUN ANNOUNCEMENT on The Craft's Meow store blog yesterday? I am SO excited to be their December guest. Lisa Hjulberg, the owner, and I met years ago in cyberspace here and finally got to meet in person at CHA in the winter of 2010. She is just as sweet as can be and I cherish not only the face-to-face time we've had but all of the heartfelt emails. Lisa also was on the Club Anya team as a Guest for TGF and is super talented! I'm so excited to be joining a fabulous team of designers for the month of December!

Today we have TWO NEW SETS to preview, both by the super talented Nina Brackett!

I bring you:

Lovely Labels 18:

and Sent with Love:

Both of these GORGEOUS sets will be released on December 7th in the TCM store during a SUPER fun DT blog hop and I'm really looking forward to it!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and I'll be back on Monday w/ More TCM previews!

Be sure to stop by the Craft's Meow blog now to check out MORE previews and fun info!

xoxo,

HELLO! :)

2011-12-01T00:02:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone!

{{{PLEASE SCROLL DOWN for my DECONSTRUCTED Sketch post- it's a "SPARKLE-y one ;)}}}

HIP to the HOP and HELLO, Unity peeps!

I'm here today with a fun card I can't wait to show you.

It has nothing to do with the holidays.

Nothing to do with new releases.

It's just a HAPPY little HELLO that I want to share with you :)

This time of year can get so crazy and with all of our obligations, it's nice to just sit and say HI to someone who makes ya smile ;)

I think that sometimes it's a welcome break in all the hustle and bustle of this time of year and also it's nice to not make EVERYTHING red and green if ya know what I mean! :)

So here is my creation, using the MY Little Shoebox Co-branded set "Pretty Little Things":

...and again, HELLO friends- I can't tell you how much I appreciate you still coming by after all this time!

So now...let's get to the FUN stuff- the NEW stuff...and let's talk a little SMAK:

LOVE these new "SMAK" kits- oh do I ever! Check out the new December Kit:

For those of you NEW to SMAK, it's a new Scrapbooking/Mixed Media Kit of the Month club working very similar to the Unity KOM club. and speaking of which....

It's DECEMBER 1st- so stay tuned for pics of the NEW KOM!

Last but not least?

GIFT CERTIFICATES.

I hate to tell you this, but you have like, maybe 23 shopping days left! ;)

They are available in several denominations- so get your friends and fam and fellow stampers together on a list- check it twice- and you're golden :)

Well, I think that's it for me, but make sure you stop by the UNITY BLOG because I'm sure Ang has a few announcements as well!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

xoxo,

Jess

A SPARKLE-y Sketch today!

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hi guys!

I'm back today with this week's Deconstructed Sketch and a familiar and FUN stamp company is sponsoring us today... SPARKLE CREATIONS!

I enjoyed being a guest designer for Sparkle a few months ago and was so excited when I found out she was sponsoring this week's Deconstructed Sketch!

Here is DS29:

...and here is my card using the brand new HOLIDAY EMILY- isn't she darling???

I have to giggle at my stitching. I just changed out a white thread spool and was in such deep thought about a phone call I was on that I had NO idea the stitching came out all whacked and backwards! HA! Well, as time wouldn't permit, I kept it this way but it's kind of funky and growing on me, LOL!

I'm such a dork sometimes ;)

The PRIZE for this week's random winner is AWESOME! TWO beautiful stamps, Charlotte with a Rose and Scooter Chloe are up for grabs this week! Love them both!

Be sure to stop by SPARKLE CREATIONS and check out the super cute stamps for sale! Also, you won't want to miss my Deconstructed team mates' creations for the week too:

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo,

RCC 31: Gettin' colorful on the Farm...

2011-11-29T00:48:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone!

I'm back with another fun RIBBON CAROUSEL challenge today!

The fabulous Stephanie Muzzulin is challenging you to Color our World! Neutrals can always be used, but be sure to keep with Stephanie’s palette of Kraft, Red and Brown as your inspiration. I threw in a little neutral blue and some fun DP just for fun and attempted to keep it clean w/ the HUGE red glittery star but ended up w/ a little bit all over myself as well, LOL!

This week we are honored to have The Greeting Farm back as our sponsor!

The Greeting Farm will be giving one lucky random winner a choice of 4x6 rubber stamp set or one of their fabulous new clear acrylic stamp sets!

I used the ever-so- awesome "Ebony" and in continuing with my Breaking Dawn spirit, she sure does remind me of Alice and her little "Twinkling' personality :)

I used some satin ribbon and cinched it up using Helmar 450 Quick- Dry....GOOD stuff....

...and that's it for me...know why? Cuz you are gonna FLIP when you see how my AWESOME DT friends out did themselves this week using TGF images! I'm SO excited and proud to be a part of this team!

Talk to you all soon! Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo,

Mixed Media and MOTHERHOOD...two of my favorite things...

2011-11-27T12:00:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone!
I am up today on the UNITY BLOG with a Mixed Media project focusing on Motherhood and I thought I'd share it with you guys, too.
I had some special help w/ today's project and am very proud of the little hands that helped with it!   I am participating in a 24 week Art Journaling course through The Greeting Farm and this week's assignment was "mother/Motherhood." I LOVE that subject.
Becoming a mom of my 'fab four' as I always refer to them was the best thing I ever did. They are my greatest accomplishments and although I have some wonderful childhood memories and wonderful teen/early adult memories that I wouldn't trade for anything, I feel as though my life didn't even begin until the day my first child was born.
My twin boys were upstairs playing in their room last night and the girls noticed me getting out all of my paints/ markers, mixed media 'schtuff' and said "can we help?" It was my first instinct to say "not this time, guys.." but you know what? What better assignment to have them participate in than one surrounding my FAVORITE quote by Elizabeth Stone:
"Making the decision to have a child is MOMENTOUS...it is to decide FOREVER to have your heart go walking around outside your body"....
Isn't . that. the. truth.

I started by stamping the flowers and butterfly from the "A Mother's Love" set and watercolored the background using some Gelatos by Faber Castell (LOVE these- you have to try them and they are totally washable/cleanable!)
The girls were beyond excited to be able to help color in the flowers with my copies. I did the butterfly but they helped w/ everything else. They also helped stamp the dots from an Ippity set, "Love in Return". By this time, the boys had come downstairs so all 4 of them took turns stamping some all over the page in pink ink ;)
I can't think of anything better to share with you this Sunday afternoon, especially after Thanskgiving because I am so grateful for these four amazing little human beings and the wonderful people they are becoming with each passing day. No better thing to share, either as we embark to the theatre to have my baby girl's (ok, she's 6...but I can still call her a baby, right? ;) birthday party -we are seeing the Muppets!
Have a HAPPY Sunday, everyone!Thanks for letting me share w/ you!xoxo,Jess :)

Twilight Thursday on Thanksgiving Day!

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I have so, so very much to be grateful for, I don't know where to start...but all I can say is that I look forward to today for soooooo many reasons. Every day, really, for those same reasons..most of all, the family that I have...and the fact that they understand the TRUE meaning of family, unconditional love, and that they are able to embrace how very special all of the above really is <3

So....while we will all be busy with food, family, and feasting today, we also have a little bit of fun for you today over on The Greeting Farm Blog!

We are doing a special "TWILIGHT THURSDAY" mini-Blog-hop and with the celebration of Breaking Dawn's release and the big vampire/human nuptials taking place...we have some inspiration for you!

Here's my card:

My card reminds me of Rosalie Cullen. I used her because I think she came the furthest throughout the story line, beginning with Twilight (the 1st book and into Breaking Dawn (the 4th and last). She always had issues with Bella, perhaps some personal and some concerning her family, but in the end she recognized the TRUE MEANING OF FAMILY when she set her differences aside, even while maintaining her spunky personality, but really did the right thing in the end and rallied around her brother and his wife and well...that's a beautiful thing ;)

I thought the movie really personified all that and really loved the character that was portrayed in Breaking Dawn. And..yeah...I saw it! Of course I did, I went opening day!

In fact, here is a picture of me and my BFF Pammy getting ready for our 4-movie marathon, ending with the midnight premiere of Breaking Dawn this past Thursday:

LOVE this lady...she always has my back and we have the best laughs! Oh- and see our cute slouchy beanie hats? She makes them! You've gotta check out her blog and see all the cute stuff she has for sale!

...and don't forget to head back to the TGF BLOG to leave a comment and enter to WIN one of the two "I do" stamp sets up for grabs this weekend to celebrate the Breaking Dawn movie :)

Well, last but not least, I'd like to just take a minute to tell you all how grateful I am for the friendships forged and what wonderful support we all are to each other here in blog land. I know I haven't had much time these past few weeks to come by and I really hope to relax this weekend...but it definitely needs to be said that I think this community is pretty darn awesome :) Love and hugs to you and yours...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Monday Fun-Day's gettin' sketchy!

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone!

How were your weekends?

I had a BLAST ringing in my baby girl's 6th birthday on Saturday with the family. We spent all day together and then wrapped up with dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's with some cake and presents!

Yesterday we hung out after church on a rainy Sunday and had a great lunch, ran some errands, and had leftovers from Saturdays dinner at Grandma's watching the American Music Awards...and I got some crafting in, too!

I made a card for today's Monday Fun-Day on the Farm Fresh Challenge blog at The Greeting Farm using this awesome sketch by our sweet Margie:

Here is my card using Holiday Anya:

Be sure to check out the Farm Fresh challenge blog and see who else played along today...it's a great one!

Happy Monday....only TWO days until I get to see my sister- I am SOOOOOOOOOO excited!

xoxo,

Market Street Stamps/Twinery BLOG HOP!

2011-11-18T07:00:00.041-06:00

WELCOME to the Twinery/Market Street Stamps blog hop!

I'm so excited to be here today because I just adore both products and happen to work with a REAL sweetie of a soul, Angelica, who is the owner of Market Street Stamps and also on the Twinery DT with me. Hooray for FUN collaborations!

If you're just getting here from BRENDA's blog, you've come to the right place! Today I have a card set using 4x4 sized notecards, Twinery Twine in Honeydew and the beautiful "Simple Joys" stamp set from Market Street. I Think these sentiments are the perfect theme to tuck a little card in to a teacher's note, gift, or anywhere you might want to sprinkle a little extra Christmas cheer with these three awesome sentiments I used:

Believe:

Joy:

Peace:

Hope you enjoyed them!

There are also some FUN prizes being given away if you participate both days of this two-day event! The Twinery is giving away One ULTIMATE SAMPLER pack (retails for $25!)

and Market St. is giving away at $25 gift certificate- just THINK of how fun that shopping event will be!

So just make sure you comment on each and every post some time before November 25th! Winner will be drawn at random on Saturday the 26th and announced both on the TWINERY blog and the MSS blog too! :)

Hope you had fun here today, and last but not least, be sure to visit the beautiful STEPHANIE next to see what she has up her sleeve!

Thanks again and be sure to check out both of these awesome companies...happy shopping! :)

"Chillin'" with the2Peas&Unity Holiday Cardmaking Event and the Deconstructed Sketch...

2011-11-17T00:01:00.002-06:00

Hey, everyone!

It's a little before midnight Thursday and as I write this I am trying to ignore the fact that my throat is a bit scratchy. Grrrr. Do you guys know the "rule of Pam?"
Yeah, pretty much EVERY time I get ready to go to one of my dearest friends in the world, I get sick. Is it the excitement pummeling my immune system? HA! I'm not sure...but I am really really hoping for some good juju as my BFF and I are about to embark on the Breaking Dawn train, baby!

But that is enough of that for now...I'm back to bring you a new card using the "Christmas Wishes" stamp set by Unity Stamp Co. featuring these adorable little pengys:

I LOVE Christmas penguins, don't you?

My layout follows the Deconstructed Sketch this week, as well:

Love this one....it's a GREAT sketch and we would be honored if you played along this week! Just click HERE for details and be sure to visit the SUPER talented ladies on the team- links are on my sidebar :)

Boy am I glad that there was green in the DP today because as it turns out, I committed the unthinkable and RAN OUT OF WHITE THREAD tonight! Say WHAT? Hopefully that won't happen again, HA!

Today we are also on day four of a five-day "Holiday Cardmaking Event with 2Peas"! Make sure you stop by and spy some of their DT and our very own DT members as well as they show you how to use one stamp set several different ways and man, are the ideas and mojo flowing! You definitely won't want to miss stopping by! There is also a prize up for grabs featuring the BRAND NEW Unity/My Little Shoebox stamps so check it out and find out how YOU could win!

Last but not least, be sure to stop by the Unity Blog to see what's happening today for "Hip Hop' Thursday and have a blast getting into the Holiday spirit with us as most of us have created something festive today :)

That's it for me for now...but your positive thoughts are appreciated today as I am trying to kick this thing to the curb! Thanks as always for stopping by!
xoxo

Time Flies...

2011-11-16T00:01:00.001-06:00

Hey, everyone,

I'm back with a special post today as I've been asked to be the Guest Designer this week for my friend Danni's "Flutter-By Wednesday" challenge :)

Thanks so much, Danni for having me today! The challenge this week on her blog is an open challenge to just use a butterfly, fairy, or angel on your projects. I have had these adorable Butterfly 3D stickers from my cousin/BFF Kim for a while and they were calling to be used for today's special card!

The sentiment is from Unity's November Kit of the Month.

TIME FLIES.

I also used the RCC (Ribbon Carousel challenge) sketch today by Laura to make today's creation:

My card has a special meaning today, too. One of the reasons I love butterflies so much and why they've always been so important to me came at a young age. Tomorrow will be the 20th anniversary of my childhood best friend's death as a result of a senseless and tragic accident. While time surely does fly, I guess I can't believe it's been 20 years.

Unfortunately, any photos I have of my friend and I together are in storage from when we moved and I realized where I had put the three photo albums i have-both of our photos together and also the newspaper clippings from the accident that claimed her life 8 days after it occurred. She had a smile that could light up a whole block, didn't she?

I miss you, Meg...and I thank you for helping me to be the responsible teenager I was and pray that my children will make the same sound decisions one day when faced with what my friend was faced with. She wasn't drinking but got into a car with people who had been. I posted about it a few years ago and the whole issue of drinking and driving will forever be a crusade of mine whenever I can pursue it and admonish others to really think before they make a foolish decision that could take a life...or more than one. I am so grateful that her mother and sister are still in my life today. Meggan and I met in Children's choir. I attended the Catholic school within the church but Meggan went to the public school but came for choir practices. We became fast friends and loved to sing together. One day during choir practice as we were sitting in our chairs listening to Sister Bernadette talk (I don't' think she was supposed to do this then-but she couldn't' wait, lol), she gave me one of those 'broken heart' Best Friends necklaces and had our names engraved on the back. I remember feeling like the bees knees that day. I'm so grateful for that. For tennis in the street. For piano playing and singing and for the fact that she accidentally slammed my finger into my swing set playing tag when I was 12 and it broke and has been crooked ever since :) Makes me think of her whenever I look down at it :)

While retelling these few stories makes me smile, I often wonder what it would be like if she was still here, and relive the tragic events each year not really for me, but as a parent I can't help but think of her wonderful mother losing her baby and as a person who is super close with my baby sister, I just ache for my friend Jen who longs for her little sister back.

I've learned so much over the years, and 20 of them really have flown by. Life has always been more precious since I was 15 years old and won't ever forget getting that phone call.
Life is precious.
butterflies are free.
Novembers are hard..but hope lives and I think Meg lives through that hope- that if even one person tells her story and prevents another senseless accident...well...that would be nice.

Thanks so much to DANNI for having me as the Guest designer today on the Flutter By Wednesday challenge blog...and thanks, everyone, for reading. Hug your loved ones a little tighter today :)
and EVERY day <3
xoxo,

Saturday Creative Imaginations Showcase...

2011-11-12T09:04:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone!

So excited to be showcasing some "Creative Imaginations and Unity" projects today!

I am a huge fan of Marah Johnson AND Samantha Walker and am blessed to be able to design for Unity who manufactures BOTH these awesome stamp lines!

Here are a few cards I made using Creative Imaginations paper lines (featuring some fun Samantha Walker paper) and the first card also uses the "Embracing Hope"-Marah Johnson stamp set (this set is ON SALE for only $8 right now!!!!)

2nd card:

Be sure to stop by the UNITY BLOG today and also TOMORROW for our last day sharing

Unity & Creative Imaginations projects!

Make sure you leave a comment on today's Unity Blog post,

then head on over to the Creative Imaginations blog

and leave a comment there too for the chance at some awesome prizes!!

PRIZES:

*Creative Imaginations Paper packs (valued at $25.00)

*Creative Imaginations stamps

That's a WHOLE lotta fun!

Be sure to stop by to see the beautiful creations of my teammates Karen and Eva, as well!

Thanks and have a "Creative" Saturday!

xoxo,

DS27: I am THANKFUL...

2011-11-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone :)

TGIF! Well, sorta :) It' TGIT today since the kids don't have school tomorrow and I'm here today with a Deconstructed Sketch card that I am really excited to show you.

I have to admit, I was a little crazed as my week has been so busy and I was faced with the Wednesday night "what to do?" question for today's sketch...check it out:

I'm telling you- this is a FUN one! I was so tired today I wasn't sure if my mojo was going to return but in talking to my good friend Jen last night on the phone, she reminded me that when I stop thinking about it, it just kinda happens! Yeah, she's right. Here is my card using the sentiment from Unity Stamp Co's "The Time is Now" set:

What do you think? I really like the way the patchwork-y stuff came out using papers from My Mind's Eye (Stella/Rose collection) and the sentiment is not only pretty but so poignant for my life right now, and for the month of November.

I. am. thankful.

Be sure to visit the rest of the Deconstructed Sketch girls today to see their version of this FUN sketch:

The Deconstructed Sketch Girls

See you soon!

xoxo

...a Blue/Berry RETRO-fresh Wednesday...

2011-11-09T00:01:00.002-06:00

Happy Wednesday to all of you out there in blog land...and thanks for all your sweet comments on the Clear Stamp Showcase yesterday at The Greeting Farm!

Today I'm back w/ another TGF post as it's time for our monthly "RETRO-fresh" Challenge on the Farm Fresh Challenge blog.

This month, we are going Blue/Berry!

You may have noticed that anything aqua/berry is my favorite color combo lately :D For a while now, actually.

So, I'm challenging everyone to bring these colors to life this month by using any shade of AQUA and BERRY (think berry pinks, berry sorbet, melon mambo, etc. ) this month along with a RETRO TGF Stamp! (for a list of qualifying releases 6 months or older, click HERE.)

I'm using Flutter Anya and some Crate Paper DP for today's creation:

Thanks so much for stopping by today and be sure to check out the rest of the Farm Fresh Challenge Team today, too!

April Davis
Joni Wilson
Lisa Gobea
Margie Cortina-Team Captain
Sharette Smith
Don't forget that the DECEMBER Guest Designer contest ends 11/10, so make sure to get your entries in to me before the big reveal of Phase 1 on our Facebook page on Friday, 11/11!

What's more? Please join us at 7pm CST on Friday, November 11th in our SCS Forum for our First-EVER TGF "Customer Challenge and Chit-Chat" night! Our first night will be a MOVIE THEME event so pop some popcorn, grab your favorite candy, and join us for LIVE chatter, trivia, and a challenge with our first Customer Hostess to be revealed shortly! :)

If you're not able to join us for the live chat no worries- we will be doing these at different times of day to include our overseas friends when we can. Challenge will be open ALL weekend, too, so there will be time for EVERYONE to play! We'll wrap up about 10pm CST or whenever we conk out- but for now, get ready to join us for a night at the movies!

See you tomorrow, everyone!

xoxo

Clearly Smiles are needed today...

2011-11-08T00:01:00.001-06:00

Hello, friends!

Thanks so much for your kind words and emails from yesterday's post. I really love how this community can pull together to support each other. SO much gratitude I'm feeling today.

As promised, we are here today with a special CLEAR STAMP SHOWCASE and a ONE-DAY only SALE! For today only, all clear stamp sets are only $12 each! We want to make your holidays as stress-free as possible and who doesn't love a little online shopping to save from bearing the crowds and crazy limited quantities out there?

We are so excited to bring you our "CLEAR STAMP SHOWCASE" today at The Greeting Farm!

In addition to our one-day sale, we have a few prizes along the way! Not one, but TWO LUCKY WINNERSwill win a clear stamp set of choice just for hopping with TGF today!

Our clear stamp sets are made from high-quality photopolymer and we are very happy so far with the feedback we've received from both our design teams and customers alike! We asked everyone to be very candid with us to make sure that we were bringing you the same, quality TGF product you'd expect from us. I have to say that I have come to love the quality of TGF Rubber so much that when Marie told me she was going to do a few clears, I was skeptical. I've had great experience with clears and also some really horrible clear stamps, LOL. I can definitely tell you guys these are of the BEST quality in the industry. We love being able to bring you such fun and versatile lines of images and our clears are no exception! While we won't be going all clear, we do enjoy the versatility of this new line and really hope you do, too!

Here's my card using Tea-riffic:

With our newsletter coming right around the corner on the 15th, we'd love to offer a Clear Stamp Showcase: Newsletter edition to get our customers even more acquainted with our Clear line and would love to see YOUR submissions! Please email me at yeahshestamps@gmail.com by November 12th to submit your entry for consideration with a short write up of your project. Showcased projects will WIN a free stamp!

For now, we have a great lineup planned for you today with LOTS of creativity and fun ideas from clean and simple to stunningly colored and embellished- and don't forget to leave comments along the way and then come back here to comment and enter to WIN one of the TWO prizes! We hope you gain tons of inspiration today and can't wait to get started, so without further adieu, here is today's line up:

Thanks so much for joining us today as we CLEARLY can't wait for you to enjoy this special event! Don't forget that the DECEMBER Guest Designer contest ends 11/10, so make sure to get your entries in to Jess before the big reveal of Phase 1 on our Facebook page on Friday, 11/11!

What's more? Please join us at 7pm CST on Friday, November 11th in our SCS Forum for our First-EVER TGF "Customer Challenge and Chit-Chat" night! Our first night will be a MOVIE THEME event so pop some popcorn, grab your favorite candy, and join us for LIVE chatter, trivia, and a challenge with our first Customer Hostess to be revealed shortly! :)

If you're not able to join us for the live chat no worries- we will be doing these at different times of day to include our overseas friends when we can. Challenge will be open ALL weekend, too, so there will be time for EVERYONE to play! We'll wrap up about 10pm CST or whenever we conk out- but for now, get ready to join us for a night at the movies!

See you soon!

A long post about the all-too-often shortness of this one PRECIOUS life.

2011-11-07T20:02:00.002-06:00

Dear friends,

I write to you this evening because Heaven has gained another angel.

Our stamping friend Katie Renz is now safe and pain-free in the arms of Jesus.

I can't stop thinking about the three young children and doting husband Katie leaves behind. There is relief in the fact that Katie isn't in the agonizing pain she has been in, but so many questions and so much left to understand when we realize a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and so much more has been taken from so many who loved her...

Shortly after the news of Katie's passing today, I received an email from Kate at I {heart} papers with some info I'd love to pass on to you. Most of you remember our "SWIMMING FOR KATIE" event that we had a few weeks back to raise money for her husband Kevin and the boys. To read more about the initial event, please click HERE.

Katie's family needs us now more than ever. Her dear husband Kevin's birthday is the 17th of this month. Her twins share my sweet baby Ava's birthday on the 19th of this month...they will be 6 just like my baby girl will be. Katie and I used to chat about all we had in common in that regard. We both have twins, and had kids who shared a bday, shared the fact that we were both adopted, lots of things. I shared a story of how I "met" Katie on that post, but as I've been following her journey, especially as of late, I realized that if it hadn't been for Katie's encouragement, I might not have ever gone out for a design team.

Three years later, looking at where I am now, it's due in large part to Katie's encouragement. I used to ask her tons of questions about being on DT's and she would always tell me to go for it! She helped me grow some confidence in submitting my first DT application and I remember getting emails from her after I started posting announcements here and there saying "Look at you go, girl!" I don't think I will ever forget that. Boy do I wish I had saved more of our emails. I will always have those memories etched o my heart though.

Sweet Katie, your light shines through so many crafters who have been sharing stories today on how they knew you....even the ones who don't know you have your strength, courage, and all you were so willing to share with us, both personally and creatively, indelibly etched on their hearts as well.

Life is so short.

I remember thinking when my Father in law passed away from cancer last year and accepted God shortly before he died that miracles really do exist. I have spent so much time praying for miracles that didn't happen the way I prayed for them too...for his life to be saved, to reconcile with someone who I really care about that just doesn't get it...and jut recently for Katie to be saved....but the truth is, there are still miracles that have occurred. A man who never really had peace, who I never thought cared much for me, thanked me for taking care of him and told me he loved me and although there was constant upheaval in the process, there was peace and understanding in the end. There was love and the true meaning of family in the end...and the greatest gift was that he accepted God before he passed onto Heaven. I didn't know how my husband was going to get through such a deep, painful loss but he is working through it and our marriage is so strong now. That, too, a miracle.

We think we can make decisions, and sure, we have free will, but we don't know how our stories are going to pan out regardless of whether or not we think we do. So much of our life is written for us and most of us never realize that until it's too late.

"We make plans...God laughs."

I think it goes something like that. As for our Katie girl, what a miracle to see the love she spread and the whirlpool effect it will have for years to come. Although in this life, I will never understand why a young mother has to leave three young children and the love of her life to this awful disease, I see so many tiny miracles in the kindness of her...of the people coming together who know her...and it renews my faith even when I want to doubt things.

How can I doubt what I see when a community of strangers comes together to rally around a family they barely know with amazing tributes, cards, donations and most of all, strong prayers.

How can I doubt when I have witnessed the acceptance of a kind and merciful God by those who have spent years...sometimes their whole lives even, denying Him?

There is so much we don't understand...but for now, I will leave you with a huge note of thanks. Sure, my family thought I was crazy when I began forging what I believe to be life-long friendships with people I met online. People who came together with a common thread or two that wind up so much a part of your daily life you don't know what you ever did without them. Even the ones who touch your heart from time to time that you don't speak with on a regular basis.

There is one thing about this community that I know. No matter what you might hear or think, we are bound together by a golden thread and that gold is 24 karat. It's kindness. It's heart and soul, and it's love. It's you, it's me, it's Katie....and so many others who have and will continue to touch our lives.

Farewell, to our friend...Katie. I'm wearing the above bracelet for you today...because paradise is where I believe you are. I believe you are safe in Heaven and am sending so many prayers to lift your family up at this time when they need it most. God bless your family and may you finally rest after such a long and courageous fight.

For those of you wishing to send sympathy cards, birthday cards for the ones I mentioned coming up, etc...please send to:

The Renz Family
PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

Birthdays:

Kevin - Nov 17

Will and Nate (will be turning 6) - Nov 19

Hunter (will be turning 12) - Dec 1

Keeping it simple for Monday FUN-day...

2011-11-07T00:01:00.003-06:00

...and we all know how 'good' I am at that! HA!
Well, I must say that although CAS cards aren't my thing, this one was a really FUN challenge and worked out well with the new "Clearly Christmas" set from The Greeting Farm!

Today's challenge for "Monday FUN-day" on the Farm Fresh Challenge blog is to use NO DP and at least 1 ribbon. Um, excuse me? NO DP? Yikes! Even our precious Lisa who is issuing today's challenge said she looked at her huge stack of 6x6 pads and wondered if she had made a mistake, heehee. Alas, the challenge came out quite well over on the FFC blog so I hope you'll all check it out!

It literally took 10 minutes to make this card, start to finish. I'd probably tweak it a bit, but for mass-production of Christmas cards, this one could work! I used the Clearly Christmas set, stamped it and outlined the stars with a light yellow Copic before using Stickles in Crystal. I used some Ribbon from Ribbon Carousel.com ( I love this gingham pattern!) and tied it off with a button and voila! done :)

Be sure to check out the Farm Fresh Challenge blog for all the rules and to enter your creation this week to WIN a single stamp of choice! Our RETRO-fresh monthly challenge is also coming up this Wednesday so be on the lookout for that as well! In the meantime, won't you please stop by these lovely and talented ladies who make up our Farm Fresh Challenge team?

See you tomorrow with another creation using the new Clear stamp sets from The Greeting Farm!
xoxo,

Farm Fresh Friday Spy Day featuring my Flutter-by friend...

2011-11-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone!

I'm back and can I say both TGIF and HOW is it already Friday? Does that give you any indication of how crazy busy we've been this week? Sheesh!

I'm so looking forward to some 'down time' (ha!) this weekend, although I'm not sure when it will happen. Tonight, Ava and I have our very first mother/daughter event at Girl Scouts. She is a "Daisy" this year and just loves it. I am in the process of finishing 50 bag tags for S'mores tonight- I will be sure to post pics! Then Saturday, Madelynn has another extra dance practice and it's a few hours long and I believe the boys have basketball practice somewhere in between....cra-zay! ALL good though- we are really enjoying our activities this year.

Sooo...TGIF!

Today on the Farm Fresh Challenge blog, Sharette is posting her choice of "Case'd" card today and she just happened to choose my friend Danni! Many of you know Danni as the owner of the Flutter-By Wednesday challenges-in fact, TGF has even sponsored this challenge in the past! Danni is sweet, energetic, and I'm excited she's being featured today!

Here is my card casing THIS card in the TGF Gallery on Splitcoaststampers:

I used Blush Bonnie- haven't pulled her out in a while and am not thrilled w/ my coloring on her but I did have a lot of fun making this card based on Danni's layout. Her card was a stair-step card which I didn't do but tried my best to stick to the layout and design...

....and if you're just getting here, you're JUST getting started with a TON of inspiration today, so be sure to check out the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog and my awesome DT members there, too!

See you Monday, all!

Getting Cozy w/ Brandy and Emma...

2011-11-03T00:02:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone!

{{{If you're here for the Deconstructed Sketch, please scroll down. If you're not, please scroll down anyway because it rocks ;) }}}

Today we are HIP-HOPPING into the end of the week (which is insane because the last time I checked it was Halloween?!) with UNITY STAMP COMPANY and a brand new line of SUPER cute new storybook-style stamps, "Brandy and Emma!"

You may have seen this adorable new line debut late last month- and people are falling in love with them..FAST! I mean, really, how can't you? Phyllis Harris is the designer, and she is a wonderful artist who designs for Highlights magazine. I personally adore this tidbit of info because I always had a subscription to Highlights growing up. My dad would often come in and read it with me before bed when I was a kid and I really love it to this day!

My kids now have a subscription from my aunt and it's still so much the same as I remember from when I was a kid. I love that!

Please help WELCOME this adorable NEW line with a card today I whipped up:

So, can you even BELIEVE it's NOVEMBER yet? Have you seen the total CUTENESS that is the November Kit of the Month? Check this out:

Is that sentiment calling your name? HA! Love it! and have you been talkin' some SMAK? I am IN. LOVE. with the new MONTHLY Mixed Media/Scrapbooking kit...or shall we say, "Scrapbooking Mixed Media Art Kit"! Check it out:

There are TONS of happenings, special deals, and what not over at UNITY today so be sure to check out the BLOG and find out what Ang has going on! You won't be sorry you did because the deals keep getting better and better and they go FAST!

Talk to you all soon- HIP HOP!

xoxo,

...a Deconstructed Snowman?

2011-11-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Not really...no one is picking him apart although in this awesome 70 degree weather we're having here in Nashville...he could just melt away!

It's challenge time again and the Deconstructed Sketch and this week we are sponsored byWhimsie Doodles. Here's a little bit more about Whimsie Doodles:

Whimsie Doodles is so excited to be sponsoring the new challenge! In March of 2009 Melyssa Connolly, artist and owner, began turning her whimsical hand-drawn images into digital files for sale online. I got to work with Melyssa personally during her DT term with The Greeting Farm and she is MEGA talented! Whimsie Doodles' digital stamp line features images that range from cute little boys and girls, to punny stuff, and everything in-between. We enjoy sharing lots of samples on ourcompany blog, where we also post challenges and tutorials.

A special offer for Deconstructed Sketch fans - use the discount code Decon10 at theWhimsie Doodles online store and receive 10% off your next order! Code expires 30 days from today.*

YAY!!! Thank you so much to Whimsie Doodles for sponsoring us today and for offering such a special treat to all of our fans!

Now here's the sketch for today's Deconstructed Sketch challenge:

...and here's my card using this CUTE snowman!

Be sure to stop by the rest of the DS girls' blogs today including our FAB new Guest Designers- Andrea and Tracey!

The Deconstructed Sketch Girls

Thanks so much for stopping by again today!

RELEASE Day and Ribbons and Twine, Oh, my!

2011-11-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone!

I can't believe how quickly the past few days has gone by, can you? I have to say that we had the BEST Halloween on record yesterday. Not only was it pretty warm (sunny and about 65 I think), but it was the most FUN we've had on Halloween since I can remember! I have over 200 pics to go through and edit, but we had an absolute BLAST!

Not only did my kids look fantastic, but my Mom and aunts dressed up too and I, of course, dusted off my 10/6 hat for the occasion along with some pretty fab (but short lived) eyelashes ;)

In other news, we certainly hope you've been enjoying all the new previews we've shown you and WAIT NO MORE- release day is here!

You can now add Holiday Anya, Matilda, and Creeper Saturday and Sunday to your TGF collection! While you're enjoying the NEW releases on the DT's blogs today, be sure to leave a comment on each one because

ONE.

LUCKY.

WINNER.

gets..... ALL FOUR new releases!

Here's one of them, showcasing the new CREEPER Saturday:

Here's the list of our amazing DT for when you have time- you'll have until 10pm CST tonight to comment and be sure to stop back here letting us know you DID! Thanks!

Kris Palakiko-November Guest

Jessica Diedrich <-you are here!

Kim Yu

What's more? Join us over on our SCS forum today throughout the day for random chatter...and if we're not around? Make your own chatter, too! We LOVE watching the way our customers have been interacting on the SCS site. SO fun to see and just what we wanted to see happen, too!

On that note? There will be prizes throughout the day and ANOTHER Release PRIZE PACK JUST for going to say hello at some point or another before 10pm CST!

As if that weren't enough...all the FUN guest designer happenings, our FIRST live stamping event on SCS, and MUCH more is just around the corner in November...we are JUST getting started! See you around the Farm today!

I also have a FUN announcement about where else you might be seeing more of me around. I was absolutely THRILLED when Corinna McGregor asked me to serve another term on the Ribbon Carousel Design Team and there is a HUGE announcement about some new additions over there on the RIBBON CAROUSEL blog- I myself am pretty darn excited to get to know some of these wonderful ladies and continue on with some wonderful ones, too! Our FIRST challenge of the new term is:

ANYTHING GOES!

My card uses some fun TWINE and it just so happens that Ribbon Carousel has a HUGE giveaway today regarding some AMAZING new reusable spools for sale in the store today for the VERY FIRST TIME!

Be sure to check out the Ribbon Carousel Blog for more details and also the Ribbon Carousel STORE to see the awesome new products plus a new 8-post carousel that would be PERFECT for holding full=sized spools of twine too- I know my wish list is growing- is yours? ;)

Thanks everyone!

xoxo

CREEPIN' by with a Halloween Hi!

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone!

HAPPY Monday...and Happy Halloweenie!

We had SUCH a crazy busy weekend and so much fun I hope to catch up on some fun Diedrich happenings here soon...for now, I've got some last minute rainbow eyelashes to adhere for my own costume today so I'm gonna make this short and sweet!

We are welcoming TWO new CREEPERS at The Greeting Farm today and they're BOTH boys! Check out the TGF blog today and say hello to Creeper Saturday and Creeper Sunday!

Here is my card featuring Creeper Saturday:

My daughter Madelynn insisted that he have blonde hair w/ blue tips....so that is exactly what he has, LOL! Did I do ok? ;)

Be sure to check out the rest of the Farmers in action because ONE OF US has Creeper Saturday AND Sunday hidden on our blogs and ONE lucky winner will take home BOTH! Other than that, stay tuned and visit The Greeting Farm for FOUR NEW RELEASES tomorrow and a ton of fun over on our SCS forum throughout the day, too!

See you soon and stay safe out there today...TRICK or TREAT!

Sweet Sprout Matilda...

2011-10-27T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hi again!

{{{PLEASE scroll down for my DECONSTRUCTED sketch post and another Farewell to Stamper's Dream!}}}

I'm back with another preview today from The Greeting Farm!

We couldn't help but notice a new little someone “sprouting” up this November...and have a sweet sneak preview for you today!

Introducing...

WILD SPROUT MATILDA!

Matilda is sassy, sweet, and everthing in between and will be released on NOVEMBER 1^st, so grab your wish lists and check them twice!

In addition to all of the FUN going on around the Farm this coming week, The Greeting Farm would like to invite you to come and hang out with us on Release Day for FUN chatter throughtout the day on our SCS Forum and hopefully we'll run into each other live at some point!

Last but not least, and you'll hear more about this on RELEASE day too- mark your calendars for November 11th- our first live “virtual stamp event' on our SCS forum with a themed challege, prizes, and our very first customer hostess of the evening. This is something we are planning on doing once a month so if there are any potential hostesses out there, stay tuned!!!

For now, be sure to visit the TGF BLOG for more details on how you can WIN WS Matilda today and thanks for coming by!

...a Merry and Magical sketch...

2011-10-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello, friends!

Thanks for coming by today for another fantastic 'installment' of The Deconstructed Sketch!

We have a few exciting announcements too- I'm REALLY excited about them actually! Please welcome:

TRACEY PICKERSGILL and

ANDREA EWEN

as our two newest Guest Designers! I'm a huge fan of both of these ladies and I know you'll give them a warm welcome, too :)

Today we present DS25 to you:

My card today uses the Merry Snowman set from Stamper's Dream!

Did you HEAR THE NEWS? Sadly, Stamper's Dream will be closing its doors soon and there is a big sale right now, have you shopped? There are all kinds of deals over there and that includes this super cute "North Country" paper that I used.

EVERYTHING in the store is 20% off the lowest price. Just use coupon FAREWELL2U.

Be sure to check out the rest of the Deconstructed Sketch team, today too:

That's it for me today! Thanks so much for stopping by and see you SOON!
xoxo,