Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Born to Shop - High Hopes Ch#28 - News

I am a little late with this weeks High Hopes Challenge....but I'm here. It's a fun challenge....Amy has asked us to "think outside of a card". Go to the HH Challenge blog to see all the Wonderful projects the Divas have come up with!....A Warm Welcome as well to the very Talented Lacey who is back as a Full time High Hopes Diva!!

The little book I altered here is from Michael's. I bought a few of them after Christmas.....for 50cents each....can't beat that...right?....now I wish I would have bought more..... The High Hopes stamp I used on this is from High Hopes....and is called "Hopeful Ant". The sentiment is a Studio G Clear stamp from Michael's.

I colored the image with Copics, prismacolor pencils (oms) and h20's.

To alter this little book I only added the 2 red pieces of cs in the alternate corners. I colored the image to match the original colors of the cover. I used my new labels 4 die....and just added some accents....ribbon, staples, k&C flower, jute and brad.

My News is that I am stepping down as a High Hopes Diva. It has been Wonderful to be part of this Fabulous and Talented Team! and High Hopes - Tina and Bethany have and are an Absolute Joy to be a Diva for!.......Life is changing somewhat for me though....Hubby is retiring this fall...that will be an adjustment in itself...lol. You may have noticed that I haven't been posting or commenting on your blogs as much. I have a very treatable vision problem....but need to take care of myself and reduce my time on the computer. You will still see me around......and definitely still see me using Fabulous High Hopes stamps...... I am just needing to balance things out a little.

I woke up to about 4 inches of fresh snow and it is still snowing!!....It's not so bad though...I mean...it's not like it's going to stay...right??!!!....

Have a Lovely Day Everyone!......and Thank you for your Wonderful Comments!!!

82 comments:

Nikki Fairbairn said...

Love your altered book Ila, Gorgeous colouring and love the born to shop sentiment, Big Hugs, Nikki x

Pop's Cards said...

Gorgeous creation as always hun, sorry you are stepping down, enjoy your time with your hubby, wish we had snow sulk lol, Hugs Pops x x x

Niki Estes said...

What an adorable notebook, Ila! I'm going to miss you being on the HH team!!

ribenaruby said...

Beautiful altered notebook Ila! Cute HH stamp and so beautifully put together, wishing you all the best! Ruby x

Lia said...

hi ila,
great card I love your coloring and the stamp is cute
hugs Lia

Bastelkueken`s Kreative Welt aus Alsdorf said...

Ila, I don`t know what can I say. Your card is so perfect and your new stamp from High Hopes is great and wonderful. It`s all fantastic

Nikki Fairbairn said...

Hi again Ila, teach me not to read your post! You know I am going to miss you dearly but hope we keep in touch. I will still be stalking your blog to see your beautiful creations, Take care of yourself and enjoy your Summer with your husband. Big, Big Hugs, Nikki x

Joey said...

Hi Ila, this is a gorgeous project, love the colours. Sorry to hear that you are having trouble with your vision, your health is far more important so you take care of you :O), sorry to hear your stepping down as a high hopes diva. Joey.xxx

Michelle said...

Oh, Ila, even though I've known for a while now, I'm still so sad!! Please keep in touch....& enjoy your time with hubby. I hope your vision problems are fixed soon...hugs!

Lacey said...

Ila, you know I am so sad that you are stepping down. Eventhough that allows me to be on the team, I wish you weren't leaving. But your health is the most important thing. I hope you enjoy your time with your husband. My mom just recently retired and she is enjoying it every much. Make sure to kick hubby out of your stamping room every once in awhile so you can have some "me" time!! LOL I will keep your health in my prayers. Big, Big hugs (and tears)!!
~Lacey

Chrissie said...

What a fabulous altered book Ila and such a cute image, how cheeky is he?
I'm sorry to hear your news, I hope your eyes improve soon and that you'll manage to post and visit when you can. I'll miss you!

June Houck said...

Your little book is adorable! I have to say I am selfishly a little happy you are stepping down from HH; the cute stamps are not my cup of tea and I miss the original Ila cards :) That being said, I always LOVED what YOU did with these stamps!!!

Cass said...

Gorgeous card as always Ila.Sorry to hear you're having problems with your eyes.Hope it gets better soon and enjoy the time with your hubby.Family should always come first.
Cass xxx

Danielle said...

Gorgeous card Ila! Really love your colouring of this image and that sentiment is great! Sorry to hear of your vision issues - I hope things improve for you. Please keep posting when you can - I adore your work!
Hugs, Danielle

Tricia said...

Take care of yourself, Ila! Your work is gorgeous as always!!

Nixe-Moni said...

Gorgeous creation Ila!! Love the sweet image and your fantastic colouring.
Hugs
Moni

Yvonne said...

Fantastic book you have done. such striking colours too. and the image, so adorable.

Tab said...

Fabulous creation Ila, love this image and you have brought this little guy to life with your delish colouring! You inspire me greatly!

I wish you well with your eye treatment, and I hope all yours and your hubby's retirement plans go well, been great working with you as a Diva too, even if it has only been for a short time!
Love and Hugs
Tab xxx

BA said...

hi Ila!!
what a lovely card!! the image is too sweet
xoxoxo BA

6 wacky women said...

Oh Ila....this little book is awesome!! Your coloring is so beautiful, love how you did the leaves.
You are such an inspiration to me...I am really going to miss you!!
Take good care of yourself and I'll see you when you have time to post your wonderful creations...

Hugs
Karen x

Tracey said...

This is just adorable Ila! Sorry to hear the news of you leaving the HH team but I look forward to seeing what you will be creating in the future. Your work is gorgeous and I hope to keep seeing lots of it. All the best to you girl!! xx

lasona said...

Ila, well wishes and prayers to you and yours..i think your work is absolutely fabulous and hope to see much more, take care my stampin friend and just know someone in Alabama thinks your work rocks,,,God Bless and take care my stampin friend

Christine Riley said...

What an adorable project! I love the image and colors, thanks so much for sharing!
Hugs, Christine :)

Kristine said...

Hi Ila!! So long...I know *blushing* - Love your new template...it sooo looks like YOU!! :) Love this card--your new Nestie is fabulous and the stamp fits perfectly!! *gasp* OOOOHHH...I see a scrumptious card below as well!! LOVE LOVE LOVE that Butterfly Tilda and your coloring is superb!! Goregeous card.

Donna Baker said...

I love that little ant, cute altered notebook {adore the multi-colored plant!} I'm sure you will be missed on the HH DT, but your health & marriage come first! Wish you the very best with balancing all the areas of your life - congrats to your hubby on retirement!! I cherish all your sweet comments on my blog!

Sandy said...

Hi Ila,

This is a really sweet ant. So lovely coloring and wonderful card. I love all the details. Just perfect my friend. Hugs.

Alina said...

it's lovely, Ila, the image is so sweet!
I'm sorry to read about your vision issues, please take good care of you! And I will always visit you, with or without HH stamps! Enjoy the time with your husband!
Many hugs, Alina

Bastelzauberin said...

What a fabulous altered book Ila and such a cute image, how cheeky is he?
I'm sorry to hear your news, I hope your eyes improve soon.

Silke X

Tammi said...

Love your new blog look, pretty! And your card is so cute, love your coloring and what you did with his cheek...so many fab details! Ack on that snow, stay warm! :) ~Hugs

Alex said...

Cool book Ila! I always like your coloration!
Enjoy your time with your hubby! But I hope we see nevertheless sometimes cards from you!
Hugs, Alex

sandra_w said...

This is lovely, Ila!! I'm sorry to read about your visions issues. Take good care of yourself!

Hugs,
San

Anonymous said...

hiya sweetie, love your creation, such a fabulous image and fantastically coloured. love it..
I am sure that they are going to miss you at high hopes.. but your health always comes first.. big hugs rachxxx

Cheryl said...

I love this Ila,it is so bright and cheerful and your colouring is awesome as usual!!! I am glad you are ok,your health does come first. But, I am so happy you are still going to be blogging,I would miss you and your cards.Some blogging time is better than none.
Hugs xx

DawnMarie said...

Hi Ila, I love your card, the little Ant is so sweet and I love his plant, beautifully coloured. Sorry you are having to step down from your High Hopes DT, but your health is more important. Just as long as we hear from you now and then and we still get to see your beautiful designs. Hugs Always, Dawn Marie.xx

Nicola said...

Such a cute little notebook. Love what you did to it.

Sorry you are having to leave the HH crew. You health is most important. I will still pop by and visit to see what you are creating. Take care.

Hugs
Nic

Jacqueline (Sjakkie) said...

Pretty card Illa. What a pitty that you leave the HH crew.
Jacqueline

Crissy Armstrong said...

As usual, you made my jaw drop with this creation! Amazing how you colored the leaves all differently, and that you made it look like it was supposed to be that way! I love your use of the Nesties and your sweet little highlights.
Ila, you are such an inspiration, with your art and with your kindness. You will be missed, big big time, my dear friend. You have contributed so much to our team at High Hopes and to all of our hearts, mine most especially. I know you have certainly influenced the way I make cards, and you were the first person I ever saw who turned cute images into high class works of art with the way you put a card together. You gained a huge following of fans so fast, not just because of your high quality of art work, but also because you were friendly, and reached out to others, giving comments and attention to so many. That is a testament to the person you are, for people are drawn to warmth and kindness.
I will MISS YOU TERRIBLY! but I think you know that, from the tears I shed on our phone call. Darn it, my eyes are leaking again...
Love you Dear One! You take care of yourself, baby those eyes, and enjoy your retirement. I'll see you in blogland whenever you can post.
Big big hugs,
lots of love,
your friend ALWAYS
Crissy

Sue said...

Oh Ila gorgeous altered book, great image coloured fantastic as always, beautiful creation hun, sue.x

Anonymous said...

Wonderful altered book Ila, your colouring is just outstanding as always.
I always enjoy my visits to your blog...you are a true inspiration to me...I am in awe of your talent.
I hope you have a happy summer...take care.
Thanks for all your sweet comments.
Hugs
Carole x

dpkennedy said...

Aw crap...now Crissy made me tear up too! You will no doubt be missed from the HH team-but so glad you will still be with us! Your hubby and your health are more important right now so ya gotta do whatcha gotta do! And don't worry, we won't let you go that easily anyway! LOL!

Now, for your stunning card! I love the multi colored leaves on that plant! Your coloring is always over the top! Just a wonderful project!

Hugs and kisses!!!!

CraftyC said...

This is gorgeous Ila, love that stamp, just got mine and cant wait to try it out!
Clairex

Tanya S said...

I love this guy!The book is adorable,fabulous as always!i am going to miss you terribly,but take care of yourself and enjoy your hubby!

Sally Cicada Designs said...

What a fantastic notebook! Love the colouring too--just brilliant! Sorry to see you're stepping down but I will still follow your posts so I don't miss any of your awesome creations!!
Blessings and healing for your vision!
Sarah

Beth Norman said...

I agree with what Chrissy said, you turned cutsey images into a following for those types of stamps. I know that I didn't do cutsey until I saw what could be done with them, thanks to you. I know you will be greatly missed, and am so sorry to hear about your eye troubles. Your work is always so good and I love reading each and every post.

scotspanda said...

lovely card Ila, love the image its fab :o) Sorry to hear you're stepping down from the High Hopes DT but taking care of yourself is more important. Hope your eye condition gets sorted out soon. Good luck when your hubby retires as well..........it will certainly be different for you both lol

lotsalove

Amanda x

Tara said...

I love this Ila - I'm really in love with these new creepy crawlie images!
Sorry to hear you're stepping down as a HH diva, but you must look after your eyes as they're very precious! Look after yourself ;o) xx

Kelly Schelske said...

Fabulous creation Ila!! So sad to hear that you sre stepping down from HH, oh my gosh you will be missed, but I love every single thing you do and will be back to read every post you make whether it be daily, weekly or what ever!! I wish you much joy and happiness and enjoy your time together when you hubby retires...although you may have to put up the Do NOt Disturb sign once in a while so you can create some beautiful works of art!!!

Hugs, Kelly

Hugs, Kelly

Maylee said...

Do hope you will continue to inspire us all with your beautiful creations. Take care Ila.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful card! Great colouring!

Thank you for entering my blog candy and good luck!

I will be back later to enter yours. :)

Vanja

Marcea said...

wow, this is incredible hun - your colouring os out of this world. Sorry you are stepping dpwn as a HH Diva but you must look after yourself so I am sure it is the right decision. Thanks for entering my candy ... have a fab birthday too hun
-x-

Fern said...

Ila...
This is amazing.
Your colouring is fabulous.
Love the colours and cute liitle beetle.

Fern xx

Donalda said...

Oh this is a beautiful dear This is my favortie stamp from HH. Just so beautiful dear.

I am so sorry to hear you are leaving HH you will be so missed my dear but I know your heath and family comes first dear. Please take care of yourself hon.
Big Hugs

MichelleO said...

Your card is stunning as they always are! Sad to see you step down from HH but I know you know what is best for yourself, and your family. Take care of those eyes... and adjust to your DH retirement ;0) HUGE HUGS from me and all the donkeys!
MichelleO

Cardmaking Galore said...

Just love it and yes it is really fun! Great job

Carolyn King said...

sweet Ila--You are an AMAZING artist and that will never change. Hugs and good wishes. Saying a prayer for your eyes too....with two children with eye disorders--I know that good eyesight is nothing to be taken for granted.

Hugs!

a portland granny said...

What a cute card. I love the verbage, "born to shop" I know a lot of gals who would love a card like that!

Shazza said...

this is great and your colouring is superb
x

Inge said...

Hi Ila,
I'm so sorry to read about your health issues. Take good care of yourself sweetie!

So sad that your are stepping down from HHRS, I'm always looking forward to see your stunning new release creations with these stamps. (Your latest "born to shop" creation is awesome!!!) But I will still follow your posts, wouldn't miss one of them!

I wish you all the best and happiness when your hubbie retires, enjoy!

Hugs and take care,
Inge

Bev said...

Fabulous detail, darling image and delish papers - just perfect! x

Mira said...

This is so cute! I really love the colouring, it's amazing :)

Maria Jesus said...

Hi Ila
nice ant stamp :), please take care of yourself, and not so much on front of the computer.

Hugs
MJ

Anonymous said...

Hi Ila ,
This is a nice stamp and you make a beautiful cards .
Yes , please give the name and link of the stamps .
Take care of your self and God bless you .
Greetting Erna Tan
[www.papoealadys.wordpress.com]

Alex said...

This is totally stinkin' adorable, I LOVE this!!!

I am sorry to hear your eyes are giving you trouble...the computer CAN be bad for it....take care of them Ila, we will ALL be here whenever you can post!! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex

Rosalien Zwackhalen said...

Sorry to hear about your health problems, take care for yourself now.To bad you had to give up your DT from High Hopes. I love your cards. You are a great cardmaker.Have a great time you two when your hubby retires and I hope you are feeling better soon. Take care.

Rosalien

Michele Kovack said...

You seriously are the best colorer out there! It just blows me away! Hope you feel better soon......

Nadine said...

Hi Ila

that is so beautiful, I love it.

Hugs Nadine

Tracy Wray aka Trak said...

i love it ila its stunning
hugs trak xxx

Crafting Queen said...

Will miss you. You must look after youself. I love your work and this one is no exception, beautiful.

Hugs anesha

Wellnifty said...

Hi Ila, trying to catch up on my blog hopping, sorry to read about your eye problems, best to take it easy and get it treated. Love the altered notebook, just wish I could colour like you. I'll keep following as I love what you do. Thanks for taking the time to pop by my blog and for your comments.
Look after yourself

Chris xx

craftyb said...

Hi Ila thank goodness its treatable! Your vision is so precious so you're doing the right thing by protecting it! Imagine the hubster retiring...you could have sooo much fun together doing all the things you wish you had time to do together...I hope you are both able to make the most of it!

your card as always is fabulous....your colouring is so vibrant...I love it! TFS! bx

Heather "Hev" said...

Love your card Ila :)

Sorry I havent been around much

Have a lovely day
Hugs Heather

Risa said...

Hello Ila,
Your altered notebook is fabulous! I totally love everything about it.. The image is so darling and colored beautifully!
I'm so sorry to hear that you are retiring from your DT post. You were the best artist in my eyes and your creations will be dearly missed. Enjoy time together with your husband and rest your eyes!!!
hugs
Risa:)

Unknown said...

So cute. I just got this stamp in the mail the other day and I cannot wait to ink him up. Thanks for the inspiration!

Linanna DESIGNS said...

Good morning Ila, this is such a gorgeous card hunny i am loving these High Hopes images. Hugs Linda x

Monika/Buzsy said...

Another fantastic project Ila! Cute image and great colors and coloring! Take care of yourself and enjoy your time! I will be happy to see whenever and whatever you post! :o)

Patty Williams said...

OMgosh, that is the cutest image! Adorable!

And, I just love the graphics on the side of your blog! The pots, flowers and birdhouses!

Jeanette said...

How cute Ila! I am sorry to hear that you will be stepping down from HH. You certainly have inspired by with their stamps and your awesome coloring. I am glad that you will continue blogging and am glad that you will also be taking care of yourself!
Hugs Jeanette

Maria Jesus said...

Hi Ila
hope you are doing all right and feel better about your eyes.

Happy Mother's day, i'm sure you've had a very nice day or you celebrate on another day.
take care
HUgs
MJ

Sharon Caudle said...

this is sooo stinkin cute!! I love ALL of your work! What a ton of inspiration! I love your blog! Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!! Take good care of yourself!
hugs!

Andrea said...

He is soo cute .. love your cards and colouring

Maria said...

Oh gosh, Ila your project is gorgeous. You really make any image beautiful, your coloring alone is spectacular and inspire to color as beautifully as you.

I'm sorry to hear that you are stepping down from HH but it's understandable. In the end, blogging and crafting is a hobby and not a necessity. It shouldn't be done at the expense of our family or our health. Well, I'll miss you when you're not around but you didn't say you're quitting completely so we'll still see your lovely creations but not as often!!

Maria

AlienAnessa said...

Oh Ila, that is cuter than the day is long!! Wow!! =)