Season's Greetings!!!

It's Ellie's first Christmas...and we are all so Excited!! It's going to be lots of fun!!...Filled with family, giggles and toothy smiles...LOL. As you can see in the photo....Ellie has 2 bottom teeth!!

I'll be taking a little Christmas Break....

I wish you all a Very Merry Blessed Christmas and a Healthy Happy New Year!!

Take Care Everyone!!.....Big Xmas Hugs!!...Ila

Season's Greetings!!...

I created this card using the sketch at Crazy4Challenges C4C66. I am late for the challenge but I enjoyed using this fabulous sketch.

I've used another High Hopes Cutie here. These gingerbread sweeties are another design created by Laurie Furnell

The image is colored with copics as a base...and then prismacolor pencils on top. I used a few h20's to deepen the shading.

I received the circle stamp from my good friend Dorte..and don't know where it is from. I used a flower nestie underneath it.

Ink - memento ink, barely banana, creamy caramel, olive, vintage photo. Paper - Georgia pacific, bazzil kraft, The patterned paper is Daisy D from my older stash.......actually my hoarded paper stash...lol. I decided its time to start using these Gorgeous papers. Accessories - white paint, glitter, glossy accents, gold embossing, candy cane brad, pearl bling, ribbon, MS border punch, stitching and snowflake punch.

We are right in the middle of a snow storm. Lots of snow and wind. It feels very good to be inside right now and Buddy does his business outside super fast...lol.

Have a Great Day!!...and Thank you all so much for your lovely comments!!

More Tags!!...Vintage Cute - High Hopes!

Well they are kind of Vintage looking...aren't they?...and for sure this High Hopes snowman is Cute! I just love making tags lately!!

Lots of glitter and gold embossing. Glossy accents on the carrot noses.

Even a couple pieces of paper doilies. These little snowmen ...again created by High Hopes artist Laurie Furnell are fast and easy to color using prismacolor pencils and H20's.

I'm betting everyone is very super busy. I haven't started any baking yet....or wrapped any presents. But it is all on my list of to do's. I had better get a move on.

Thanks for looking everyone....and your Kind and Wonderful comments!! Happy Holidays!!!

Xmas Tags!!!..High Hopes Cuties!!

I've managed to find some time to create some special Xmas tags. I couldn't resist using these Cute High Hopes stamps. The designs were created by Laurie Furnell ..one of the Fabulous new High Hopes artists. After the tags are used on a special gift...I am thinking they could be added to a scrapbook page as a keepsake...or even hung as an ornament on a tree. They sure were fun to make! I've added Shiny White Scribblers for the icing and topped it with some fine glitter. The berries are covered with Glossy Accents.

The to and from are a SU stamp I had hanging around.

Lots of glitter, gold stickles and glossy accents on the snowmen as well.

All the images were colored with copics as a base...and then prismacolor pencils on top. I used a few h20's to deepen the shading.

You can find a list of the retailers that sell these stamps by clicking on this High Hopes page. Don't forget to check out all the HOTP fabulous new High Hopes stamps.

I'm hoping to be back soon with some more Xmas creations. Life has been very busy. We babysat our little granddaughter this last weekend. What fun!!...She is such a sweetie...and we discovered...she already has a ton of energy...lol.

I'm off for now. Have a Wonderful Day Everyone...and Thank you for visiting!!!!

High Hopes New Release Blog Hop!!

Is about to begin!!....Click on the Photo below to learn more details and info on how to win some Fabulous New Release stamps!!!!

Happy Halloween!!!..and...Little Spooks!!

Back to wish Everyone a Great Weekend!!...and to show off our little granddaughter Ellie. I think she is just the Sweetest little Butterfly Spook....but....not the happiest....lol...We simply could not get a smile out of her in this costume and usually Ellie smiles all the time. Aren't these wings just the Cutest???

Halloween isn't complete without a Buddy photo on my blog either....So here he is... "Mr Buddy Bee".....

The photo says it all....Have a Great Weekend Everyone!!...and Thank you for visiting!!!

The Boo Crew..and Happy Halloween!!..2 cards!!

I have shocked myself....it is one thing for me to have 1 card...but 2??? I tell ya' these little High Hopes Halloween images are just the Cutest and I've so enjoyed playing with them. The above card is a Tent card...(tent cards are one of my favorite to make). The images are from High Hopes created by one of their new fabulous artists Laurie Furnell. The stamps I have used on this card are - Boo Family in Frame, The Boo Crew sentiment, Pumpkin Treat and Happy Halloween sentiment. The fence is a Martha Stewart punch. The High Hopes images on this card are - Boo Crew in Frame, Happy Halloween sentiment and Broom. Another Martha Stewart punch for the fence. I've colored all the images with copic markers as a base only..prismacolor pencils and h20's. Please remember not to use copics over prismacolor pencils as the copic tips will be ruined. The patterned papers are My Minds Eye and Basic Gray. If you have any questions ...feel free to ask!! We have just had our first winter storm of the season. It started the night before last. What a mess!!....over 15 cm of snow...low temps and a horrible wind. It is just starting to clear up now...and Hubby is outside shoveling. Looks like it may take a few days to leave...I say it will leave and hubby says it won't. I sure hope I'm right..lol. I'll be back to wish a Happy Halloween. Have a Great Day Everyone and Thank you so much for visiting and your lovely comments!!!

Trick or Treat!!...High Hopes, Stamp with Fun and Magical Monday Challenges!

Wow!!...Thanks so much Y'all for visiting and all your Lovely comments!! I am making my way around to visit everyone...so I should be coming around soon...if I haven't been there yet. I can't get over all the Gorgeous Halloween and Xmas creations everyone is making!!! This last Saturday we babysat our little grand daughter Ellie...(short for Elisabeth). What fun we had...she was so good.. all smiles and chuckles. She has her own special language going on right now too....and it is Super Cute!! Can hardly wait to see her in between visits!! On to my card.... This is my first Easel Card!!! I've always so admired everyone else's and decided it was time to try one. What a fun card to make!! I'm entering it into the High Hopes Challenge which is a recipe this week...1 circle, 2 squares and a scalloped edge. Since.... Stamp with Fun and Magical Monday Challenges are Halloween themed...I'm entering there too!!

I've used High Hopes Fabulous Stamps on this card from their Newest Release..."Witchy Poo Stirring Brew", the bat from "Batty Boo" and "Trick or Treat Greeting"

I've colored the images with copics for a base, prismacolor pencils (oms) and twinkling h20's. As always..remember...never use copics over prismacolor pencils..or tips will be ruined!!

The DP is from last years Halloween Recollections. The punched borders are MS punches.

Have a Great Day Everyone...and Thank You so much for visiting!!!

Hello and Spooky High Hopes Luminaries!!

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!!!

I can hardly believe myself how long I have been away from blogging...I have to wonder who ever said life slows down on Retirement?? It seems like we have been busier than ever!!

We just got back from a very long trip a few weeks ago. We travelled in our old RV through the US to Niagara Falls ON. Then back again slowly travelling through the US again.... New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. We had a Fabulous time.

There were many high lights of our trip...and I have to share a few of the very special ones....
While we were in Petrolia Ontario (on route to Niagara Falls)..I stopped in at a Fabulous little store called The Towne Scrapper and met Phebe ...who I have known for ages..online. In fact she sold me my very first Magnolia stamps! What a lovely gal! Not only did we have a nice visit I got some great deals...and she sent me off with warm hug and a pkg of gorgeous flowers. Thank you so much Phebe!!

While visiting Phebe also told me Tina from High Hopes lived close by...kindly gave me a phone # and said that I shouldn't leave without giving Tina a call. I couldn't resist a chance to meet Tina and Bethany so I gave Tina a call...and she insisted we drop in for a visit. Oh Wow...what a Wonderful visit!! My husband and I both enjoyed it! Not only is Tina a kind and lovely person...she has a fabulous family as well. In fact her hubby works at the same railroad my hubby just retired from. I don't think there was ever even a lull in conversation. It was truly a highlight of our trip. And..oh my Gosh...I was sent off with more warm hugs....and a bag of the most fabulous new High Hopes stamps!! We would so love to visit with them again...and are hoping they will grace us with a visit if they ever come holidaying this way.

Now on to show you a few projects I've made using a few of these new High Hopes Stamps. The talented artist that created these Cute and Fabulous stamps is Laurie Furnell. I used a Splitcoast tutorial to make these luminaries. You can find the tutorial right here. Battery operated tea lights are used inside for lights. Please be careful...regular candles would not be safe to use in these boxes.

The images I've used on the above box are "Boo Family in Frame" and "Batty Boo"

For the sides and back I just glued on little bats. I used a Martha Stewart punch for the bats and the web trim.

This little box is triangular..using only 3 coaster to create it instead of 4. The stamps I used are "Silly Spider" and "Angel Bear Ghost Costume"

The stars punched out of glitter paper. The candy corn just cut out of designer paper.

All the images are colored with copic markers as a base only..prismacolor pencils and h20's. Please remember not to use copics over prismacolor pencils as the copic tips will be ruined.

I'm hoping to be back soon. Thank you all so much for still stopping by and the wonderful and concerned comments I've recieved.

Take Care Everyone...and Have a Great Weekend!!

Here She Is!!

Thank you again all so much for your thoughts and prayers. I got permission to show you a photo of this little Sweetie. This photo was taken just a few hours after she was born. Elisabeth continues to do well. The heart murmur she was born with is gone. Her collar bone is healing nicely. She is still having a bit of trouble getting rid of jaundice and is continuously going in for tests...but hopefully soon that will be cleared up too. Did you notice her second name?????...I am totally Tickled Pink that it is Ila!!!! She is So Sweet!!. We spent a few days at my daughters place helping out. Now we are just going in and out to see her and help if needed be. The only live in the next city which is only 25 minutes away...but I have to admit...I wish they lived even closer!!...like next door..lol..but I suppose most grandparents feel the same way. Have a Wonderful Day Everyone!!....Big Hugs!!....Ila

Good News!!

Little Elisabeth is doing well...and will be on her way home soon!! She was born with a broken collar bone (healing nicely) and a not so rare baby heart defect which has been checked out and will go away by itself. Thank You ...Thank You all So Much !!for your prayers and support!!...You are all So Wonderful!!!!...it was so comforting to have you kind and loving people praying for her from all over the world!! Big Big Hugs from all of us!!! ...Ila

Prayer Request!!

Hello Everyone.... I have a little something to ask all of you. We became grandparents to the most beautiful little girl in May. She is experiencing some health problems at the moment. Would you and could you say a little prayer for little Elisabeth and her parents. Thank you all so much!! Hugs to all!! Ila

Happy Birthday Pirate!..Magnolia Ink

Here is one of the cards published in the Fairy tale Spring Edition of Magnolia Ink. It has been a while since I made this card...but I will try to list what I can. The stamps used are as follows... CC09 Happy Birthday VA07 Edwin some pirate VA07 Sjorovar banner VA07 Mini Doskaller HW09 So Spooky Label Ink - memento, bashful blue, creamy caramel. Paper - GP, Su Kraft, Basic Grey. Accessories - brads and charm (Magnolia), glitter on wings, raffia, ribbon, metal clip, bling star, button, floss, gold embossing and stitching. Color tools - Copic markers (for skin), Prismacolor pencils, Mona Lisa odorless mineral spirits, Twinkling h20's to deepen the shade and add glimmer. Delta Acrylic white paint for detail dots I stamped a skull on the little pirates shirt. I also embossed a little bit of gold on the edges of the sentiment. The pirate is popped up on foamy's. The weather here is Wonderful!!....my tulips are peeking out of the ground. I can hardly wait to see them bloom!! Have a Great Day Friends! and Thank You so much for all your Lovely comments!

Happy Easter!!

Hi Everyone.... Just dropping in to wish you all a Happy Easter and Thank you all for your Lovely comments and well wishes. You are all Totally Wonderful!!! I'm doing fine and will be dropping in more often now. I will be posting my cards that we're published in the Magnolia Ink #2...in the near future....(after Easter). The weather here is fairly warm. The snow is almost completely gone...and it is so nice to be able to go for a walk. I love spring!! Take Care..and....Have a Wonderful Weekend!!

Taking a Blog Break!!

Hello Everyone....

I'm going to be MIA for awhile....I am taking a well needed Blog Break. Nothing serious going on. Life is just going in a different direction for awhile. I have resigned from my Design Teams and want to Thank both "Magnolia" and "Motivet" for having me on their teams. They have both been Wonderful to me...and it has been a Great Experience to design for them.

I also want to Thank all of you for visiting my humble blog. Your wonderful comments and support these last few years have always given me a happy heart. I don't want to sound too dramatic here though as I may be back from time to time to update.

Take Care Everyone!! and Big Hugs to you all!!!

Ila

Happiness Always - Motivet DT

This card follows the Motivet week # 4 Sketch Challenge. Join in for a chance to win some Fabulous stamps!!

The So Cute stamp I've used for this card is called "Doraline & Dexter - Bride & Groom" The sentiment is SU.

Be sure to check out the Motivet site.....to see all the Wonderful New Stamps!!

For Coloring - I used copics for base only ...under the prismacolor pencils and h20's to color this image. *(be sure not to use copics over your prismacolor pencils or your copics tips will be ruined)*

Ink - memento black, bashful blue. Paper - GP white, treasures cs, basic grey perhaps Accessories - shimmerz, glitter, cord, button, pearls, lace, stitching, diamond glaze. The lovely flowers are a gift from my dear friend Tina....Thanks Tina!!

We've been having another cold spell here. It sure would be nice to have an early Spring. I'm going to have to reduce the treats I give to our "little Buddy"...It's been too cold out to take him for a walk as often as he's used to...he's starting to to look like a chubby little bear...lol.

Thanks for visiting and for all the Lovely comments!!...Have a Great Day Everyone!!

Winter Card...Let it Snow!!

The details for this card are as follows.... Supplies: Stamps - HV08 Waiting Tilda, HV08 Sled, ("Winter Collection 2008"), TO08 Winter Frost (Santa Collection 2008) Paper: - Cardstock - Bazill (green), Magnolia (red) Georgia Pacific (white), Scraps of metallic CS for snowflake. Patterned Paper - the Paper Studio Ink: - Memento black, Stampin' Up - bordering blue, creamy caramel. Accents and Accessories: - Spellbinders snowflake die, Martha Stewart - snow and fine glitter, American crafts - star button. Queen & Co - large snowflake brad. Imaginisce - white glitter brad, Magnolia - raffia, Sewing machine - stitching. Foam pop ups for dimension. Coloring tools - Copic markers (for skin), Prismacolor pencils, Mona Lisa odorless mineral spirits, Twinkling h20's to deepen the shade and add glimmer. Delta Acrylic white paint for detail dots. I used copics for base only ...under the prismacolor pencils and h20's to color this image. *(be sure not to use copics over your prismacolor pencils or your copics tips will be ruined)* This card was also published in Magnolia Ink #1. I understand Magnolia Ink #2 is totally Fabulous......I can hardly wait to see it!! Have a Great Day Everyone!!...and Thank You for your Lovely comments!!

Motivets New Stamps are Now Available!!

Go here to see them all and start shopping right here......Motivet. I'm sharing a little Peek at one of my favs.....Colored so Beautifully by the very talented Aija!!!.......

Have a Great Day Everyone!!

Sneak Peek of Motivet's New Release...and Award

Motivet has a New Stamps coming out next week.....Here's a Peek!! The Motivet Inspiration Blog has a Sketch Challenge going on right now....Check the Motivet Blog to see the lovely samples ...join in for a chance to win some fabulous stamps!!!

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I recently received this lovely Award from Christine (click on her name to visit her blog and see her lovely creations!!)

The conditions with this Award are to tell you 10 things that give me pleasure. 1. My Loving and Supportive Hubby 2. My Wonderful Children 3. "Little Buddy"...our Sweet Furkid!! 4. Crafting 5. Good food 6. gardening, exercise...being outdoors 7. a good movie or book 8. taking photos 9. red wine 10. music

There are just so many things...I could go on and on....lol...... I am passing this Award on to everyone that visits!!

Have a Great Day Everyone!!...and Thank you for visiting!!

Published!!....Merry Christmas!!

Here is another card that was Published in Magnolia Ink #1. The details are as follows...

Supplies: Stamps - TO08 Christmas Stars, TO08 Sled with Presents, TO08 Santa wit Lantern - All from the "Santa Collection 2008", HV08 Ticket - A Merry Christmas (Christmas Collection 2008)

Paper: - Card stock - Bazill (green, golden brown red scrap for MS punched leaves), Georgia Pacific (white), Patterned Paper - Magnolia (red), Basic Grey Figgy Pudding (green). Light brown - the Paper Studio Ink: - Memento black, Stampin' Up - barely banana, bordering blue, marigold morning, creamy caramel, cranberry crisp. Accents and Accessories: - Maya road chipboard snowflake, Martha Stewart - leaf punch, snowflake punch, star border punch, snow and fine glitter, American crafts - star button. Spellbinders snowflake die, Atyou Spica Pens, Scribbles 3d paint. Magnolia - Ribbon, raffia and lace, Stampin' Up gold cord, Sewing, Dollarama Crafts - metal believe charm. Color tools - Copic markers (for skin), Prismacolor pencils, Mona Lisa odorless mineral spirits, Twinkling h20's to deepen the shade and add glimmer. Delta Acrylic white paint for detail dots. Finished card is 6x6" I used a soft dry brush and bordering blue to create the background. Dots of acrylic white paint was used to create the falling snow (thinned a little with water). A dry brush was also used for the yellow on the stars for the glow. The sleigh was cut out and glued on the background. Santa is cut out and attached with foam pop ups. It is so beautiful outside here..it is hard to believe it is January....(usually our coldest month of the year). I just came back from a little walk with my Buddy...I think we will go out again tonight. We've got to enjoy it while its here..lol....the weather could change in a blink! Have a Wonderful Day Friends!!...and Thank You for your Lovely comments!!

Joy!!...Published - Magnolia Ink #1

Magnolia Ink #2 is now available. It should be okay to start showing the cards I submitted to the Magnolia Ink #1 that did get published....Yay!!..I was so excited to see my cards in print!!

Color tools - Copic markers (for skin), Prismacolor pencils, Mona Lisa odorless mineral spirits, Delta Acrylic white paint for detail dots. Finished card is 6x6"

Stamps - CH07 Tilda with Wreath (2007 Winter & Christmas Supplement) This stamp is also availble at "the little stamp shoppe"...right here.

Paper: - Cardstock - Bazill (blue, red), Georgia Pacific (white), Patterned Paper - Bo Bunny "Tis the Season Treasure", Best Occasions - white glitter paper

Ink: - Memento black, Stampin' Up creamy caramel and bashful blue

Accents and Accessories: - Spellbinders nestabilities (labels 4), Sizzix snowflake die, Ek success snowflake border and small single snowflake punch, Martha Stewart Joy punch. Martha Stewart snow and fine glitter, Sewing machine - stitching. Making Memories- gold brad, Gold cord - (Magnolia)

The wreathe was stamped separately...colored, cut out and is popped up with foam dimensionals. The joy is a MS punch.

Thank you so much for looking and for your Lovely comments!!..Have a Lovely Weekend!!

Motivet Sketch Challenge Week #2

The new Week #2 Motivet Sketch is up.....you can see on the right of this post. Be sure to drop by the Motivet Inspiration Blog to see all the Beautiful samples the DT has made.....join in the challenge for a chance to win some Fabulous Motivet stamps!!! Have a Great Day Everyone!!!

High Hopes Blog Hop and New Release!!

High Hopes has a Talented New Artist ..."Dustin Pike"!!. and a New Release of stamps Wednesday Jan 20th.

Sneaks peaks will begin on the High Hopes Blog and the Design Teams blogs this coming Sunday.... continue Monday and Tuesday... then explode with a blog hop on Jan 20th!!! ...Be sure to check the High Hopes Blog out for more info and learn how to enter for a chance to win a huge pkg of these brand new stamps!!

Motivet DT - Week 1 Challenge!!

The Motivet Inspiration Blog has another Fabulous Sketch to follow this week. Be sure to drop by the Motivet Blog and see all Beautiful samples made by DT. Join in the challenge to have a chance to win some wonderful Motivet Stamps!

The Cute Motivet stamp I used for this card is called "Morris on skates" and you can find him right here. I think this little fella is just the Cutest....and would be great for a hockey player, (birthday), coach or congratulations on someone making a team.

For Coloring - I used copics for base only ...under the prismacolor pencils and h20's to color this image. *(be sure not to use copics over your prismacolor pencils or your copics tips will be ruined)*

The sentiment was made with a Label Maker. I drew and cut out the stars and used a paint brush and white acrylic paint to make the #1....very easy!!

Ink - memento black, bashful blue. Papers - GP white, bazill, me & my big ideas, basic grey. Accessories - brads, string, eyelets, label maker, acrylic white paint, glitter, stitching.

It has finally warmed up here a little. We manged to go for a walk yesterday and today! The weather for the rest of the week looks good too!!...Yay!!..

Have a Great day Everyone....and Thank You for all your Wonderful Comments!!

Quick xmas cards and Happy Mail!

Bet you're all getting tired of seeing these....This is the last couple of Quick Christmas cards that I have left that I haven't posted. The top one is a image from High Hopes. I think this little Santa mouse is such a Sweetie!! The Season's Greeting sentiment is a stamp I received from my good friend Dorte...Thanks Dorte!!

Look at the Fantastic Goodies I won!!...Thank you so much Sheena!! Be sure to check out her blog... "Sshh....Creations!"...her creations are Gorgeous!!

I will back very soon with my card for this weeks Motivet Challenge....

See ya later......

Motivet DT - Sketch #53

I couldn't help but use this older but favorite Motivet stamp for this sketch. She just fits for perfectly!! This cute stamp is called "Doraline with ladybug"

Check out the # 53 sketch challenge at the Motivet Inspiration Blog. to see the DT's Beautiful creations. Join in the challenge and you will have a chance to win some Gorgeous Motivet stamps.

The image is colored with copics under the prismacolor pencils and a touch h20's to deepen the shade and add a little sparkle. *(Please remember.....do not use copics over prismacolor pencils or the wax from the pencils will ruin your copic tips!)*

There is glitter on Doraline's collar, cuffs, tiny flowers and the white button heart. I've used Shimmerz on the larger flowers. I also got a chance to use my lovely MS heart punch..(what a lovely punch!)... The sentiment is cut from an SU stamp set.

Ink - memento black, bordering blue. Papers - GP white, Treasures, Basic Grey Bittersweet, dcwv. Accessories - flowers, roses (from my good friend Tina), ribbons, button, pearls, glitter, embroidery floss, tulle, angle wings shimmerz, stitching.

It has been freezing cold here....our usual January weather. It is suppose to warm up by the weekend...but we'll see. Most of our long range forecasts are just something hopeful to look forward too...but ya' never know.

Have a Great Day!!....and Thank You so much for your Lovely comments!!!

More Quick Christmas cards! - Motivet Sketch Challenge!!

Just a few more Christmas cards I made for my Mother's Birthday for her to send out this year. The bases are pre folded My Minds Eye Christmas Card Pack....(50 pre-folded cards - textured heavy - printed CS bought from Hobby Lobby).

Today starts a New Sketch Challenge at the Motivet Blog. Check out the Gorgeous samples the DT has made...join in the challenge and you could win some Fabulous Stamps!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!