A "Pinteresting" Hip Hop Thursday!...

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!

The Tie that Binds...

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:

• Amber Hight
• Arielle Gordon
• Donna Wardle
• Jen Shults
• Jessica Diedrich
• Kadie Ensley
• Lori Boyd
• Pam Varnell
• Sheri Gilson
• Andrea Ewen, Guest Designer
• Tracey Pickersgill, Guest Designer

Thanks everyone!

xoxo,

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

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,

Happy are those...

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!

 

The Deconstructed Sketch Girls

• Amber Hight
• Andrea Ewen - Guest Designer
• Arielle Gordon
• Donna Wardle
• Jen Shults
• Jessica Diedrich
• Kadie Ensley
• Lori Boyd
• Pam Varnell
• Sheri Gilson
• Tracey Pickersgill - Guest Designer

Have fun and check it out!

xoxo,

Made with Love...

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!

• Amber Hight
• Arielle Gordon
• Donna Wardle
• Jen Shults
• Jessica Diedrich
• Kadie Ensley
• Lori Boyd
• Pam Varnell
• Sheri Gilson
• Andrea Ewen, Guest Designer
• Tracey Pickersgill, Guest Designer

Thanks again for stopping by!

xoxo,

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

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,

Puttin' the SMAK down on Deconstructed Thursday...

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:

 

The Deconstructed Sketch Girls

• Amber Hight
• Andrea Ewen - Guest Designer
• Arielle Gordon
• Donna Wardle
• Jen Shults
• Kadie Ensley
• Lori Boyd
• Pam Varnell
• Sheri Gilson
• Tracey Pickersgill - Guest Designer

xoxo,

A SPARKLE-y Sketch today!

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:

 

The Deconstructed Sketch Girls

• Amber Hight
• Andrea Ewen - Guest Designer
• Arielle Gordon
• Donna Wardle
• Jen Shults
• Kadie Ensley
• Lori Boyd
• Pam Varnell
• Sheri Gilson
• Tracey Pickersgill - Guest Designer

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo,

Monday Fun-Day's gettin' sketchy!

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,

DS27: I am THANKFUL...

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

• Amber Hight
• Andrea Ewen - Guest Designer
• Arielle Gordon
• Donna Wardle
• Jen Shults
• Kadie Ensley
• Lori Boyd
• Pam Varnell
• Sheri Gilson
• Tracey Pickersgill - Guest Designer
• 
  

See you soon!

xoxo

...a Deconstructed Snowman?

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

• Amber Hight
• Andrea Ewen - Guest Designer
• Arielle Gordon
• Donna Wardle
• Jen Shults
• Kadie Ensley
• Lori Boyd
• Pam Varnell
• Sheri Gilson
• Tracey Pickersgill - Guest Designer

Thanks so much for stopping by again today!

...a Merry and Magical sketch...

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:

• Amber Hight
• Andrea Ewen - Guest Designer
• Arielle Gordon
• Donna Wardle
• Jen Shults
• Jessica Diedrich
• Kadie Ensley
• Lori Boyd
• Pam Varnell
• Sheri Gilson
• Tracey Pickersgill - Guest Designer

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