Friday, April 29, 2011

We Have Winnners!

WE HAVE WINNERS!

First I want to thank all of you that have become followers and left such wonderful comments on my blog and the Blog-Anniversary Candy Page.  I  know I haven't been able to get around to visit all of you yet but I will be there soon..  YOU are what blogging is all about, sharing inspiration, kind words, and being there for each other without having met in person.  I am so lucky to have you as followers and to have corresponded with so many of you from different cultures and countries.  Art, crafts, and kindness is world wide and that is something we all share.

Okay, okay, I know, did you win?????

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!

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CONGRATS TO THESE TWO MARVELOUS CRAFTERS!!!

First prize goes to Amelia of South Africa - If you will email me your addy Amelia I will get it out in the mail to you early next week. Amelia has some fabulous creations on her blog and is such an inspiring crafter.

The second prize goes to Libby Streed - Please mail me your addy Libby so I can get your prize in the mail early next week.  Libby has a new blog so if you would like to see some of her wonderful creations please stop by, welcome her to blogland, and leave some love.
I am truly blessed to have you all in my life.
"Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Rains Came and The Flowers Are Blooming

Gosh, can you believe it's April 28th already! Spring has finally sprung, the trees are leafed, the rain has stopped for today at least, the flowers are beginning to bloom and I've finally turned off the furnace.  I've made this card to share that I think fits the following 3 challenges:
1.  SCAD Friends With Heart (The color blue & Flowers)
2.  Simon Says Stamp Challenge (Anything Goes) They are having a blog hop too
3.  Stamp With Fun (Sketch)

The image is the adorable Hey Birdie from SCAD and the new Peekers set by Elizabeth Bell.  Just click on the link to see the complete set. She is just one of the sweetest and cutest images in the new set.  She was colored with Copics, masked and the blue sky stamped with Colorbox Chalk.  The DP is from K&Co Julianne paper pack and the silver matting is from my stash and I have no idea where I got it.  The flowers and lace are from Wild Orchid Crafts with the flowers having a touch of Star Dust Stickles on them. Oh I love those SD Stickles...........lol  A Spellbinder's scalloped circle die and a MS Branch Punch also used.  The flourish was cut on the Cricut and smothered in those wonderful SD Stickles.  I added Diamond Glaze to the water in the birdbath and when dry Viva Decor Hologram Glitter. The Copics that were used are: E21, 00, 000 - R39, 37, 35 - YG67, 63, & G20 - B95, 93, 91, 000 - C6, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 - YR24, 31, Y21, 11, 0. 

Thanks so very much for stopping by and I really hope to see you again soon.  If you have the time to leave me a comment I'll be sure and pop over to see what's new with you and your blog.

My 2nd Blog Anniversary comes to a close at midnight tonight and I will be drawing 2 lucky winners tomorrow morning.  The winners will be posted no later than 6 pm here on my blog, so stay tuned you may be one of the lucky ones.
"Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

CCAYR Inspiration Post

This is my last post as guest designer for Christmas Cards All Year Round Challenge Blog.  The challenge for April was something oval (rememberance of Easter) and ribbon.  I've loved being a GD for CCAYR and will continue to play in their challenges.  I have a good head start now on Christmas Cards and hope some of you got the chance to play along with us.

Here I used papers from CM (metallic gold) and from Imaginescue.  The image is colored with Copics and is an Elizabeth Bell image purchased at Whiff of Joy a few years ago.  The snowflakes were cut out with an MS snowflake punch and covered in Star Dust Stickles  The center medallion is a Spellbinder's die with ribbon from stash laced through the openings in the die.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have the time to join in on the challenge blog at CCAYR this month.  I know it's not close to Christmas and spring has just sprung BUT Christmas will be here before ya know it and yes, the cold weather will then be upon us again......EEK
"Hugs" Carol

Monday, April 25, 2011

Multi-fold Card Challenge at TMIA/PCC



















The challenge this week is brought to us by Jenn, DT sister at TMIA/PCC.  Jenn wants us to make a multi-fold card of our choice.  I chose the Criss Cross Card. This is my first CC card and I loved doing it. Thanks Jenn for challenging me to try something different.  Now head on over to the challenge blog to see those fab creations and variety of multi-fold cards by the DT.

This will be my last post as a member of the design team for PCC. I've loved being a part of this team and working with Nina. She is the BEST!!!  The new DT is awesome and bring so much inspiration and creation to the challenges I know you will love what they have to share.  My term is up and I've decided I need to complete some projects I've taken on, like my 3 classes, getting my eyesight back to normal (whatever that is), and playing in more challenges. I've made some fantastic blogging friends though this challenge blog and for that I am so thankful.  I'm also a little sad because I will miss working with everyone and with Nina. Thank you to Nina for giving me the chance to design with her images and to the very supportive past and present design teams sisters. 

The image is by Nina and named "Sunny Stroll" and colored with Copics.  Just an adorable image for an Easter card.  The sentiment is from ODBD "I Am The Way" set stamped with Archival Purple and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  DP is from my paper stash drawer, flowers and lace from WOC and stickles on the umbrella.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have the time to leave me a comment so I will be sure and stop by to see your awesome creations and what's new on your blog.
"Hugs" Carol (Granny)
PS: Anniversary candy ends at 12:00 pm April 28th.  You still have time to enter here

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Happy Easter & Tag for Joan's Tag Challenge

Everything on this tag for Joan's Tag Challenge is from my stash and the sentiment is from Our Daily Bread Designs.

We hope that  your Easter is bright with the light of His love.
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
What a comfort this is to Christians.
May Jesus' love for you stay with you every day.
He is our very best friend and always with us.
Have a very Blessed Easter!
"Hugs" Carol & Family

Friday, April 22, 2011

A R T Challenge at SCAD

Finally got back in the craft room to play in the ART Challenge over at SCAD today. 
A= any stamp from SCAD
R= ribbon
T= Two Patterned/Designer papers

Be sure to stop by the SCAD challenge blog to get all the deets amd some inspiration from the DT.

Think I may have gotten a little too far out with this one but it I kinda like the way it turned out.   That's what not being able to craft for a week does to you, all kinds of crazy things come to mind......lol

The stamp is an Elizabeth Bell Stamp from the EB Spring Sampler Set at SCAD is titled Letter To A Friend and colored with Copics.  I added Cinnamon Stickles to her buttons for a touch of shine and Grape stickles to the center of the wee flowers.  The DP is by K&CO and the solid papers are Bazzill.  Tried to accent the colors in the DP yellow, and brown solids.

Cut out a Doily Die from the opposite side of the dp in faintly patterned blue and used a Spellbinders die for the center in yellow, embossed with (I think) vintage embossing folder and sanded the embossing a little.  Then I cut out an oval in Old Olive and covered with Pine and Sage Fine Flower Soft and adhered the cut out image to the little grass patch of grass.  Oh, I almost forgot, that's Fun Fur which you can find in the yarn department of almost any craft store.  It's from a skein that I had left over when we modified flip flops a couple of years ago for a fun look.  You can barely see the doily die for all the yarn...

The coordinating blue pattern paper was cut with an MS border punch, ribbon added above it, a Tim Holtz embellie (thank you Joan), MS Monarch butterfly punch with gold stickles added and the yellow heart sentiment is heat embossed.  Flowers are from WOC with some gold stickles.

Whimsical and fun card to make!  Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have time to leave me a comment so I be sure and stop by to see what's new with you and on your blog.
Have a very Happy Easter and a wonderful weekend!
"Hugs" Carol

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Thank You, Top 3, New Blog

First, I want to thank all of you for being so patient and supportive and let you know I'll be around within the next day or two to see what I've missed these past few days. Surgery went MUCH BETTER than the last one and followup today was good. I've gotten 2 pair of magnifying glasses, one for reading and computer work and the other for driving.......May 5th go back to get a prescription for a new pair of glasses as all should be healed and normal by then. Boy, I can't wait.........

NEWS
I was so excited that I did manage to have my DIL put my top 3 blinkie badge on the blog the other day from SCAD. It's been almost 2 years and this is my first top 3 award. You have no idea how surprised and excited I was to receive it. Jumping for joy!!!!

My son and daughter-in-law came in last Wednesday and this afternoon we spent setting up a blog for her as she loves to craft and make cards. It's still under construction but it's live so if you get a chance please hop over and welcome her to the wonderful magic of blogland.. I did add a few things to her blog but pooped out before we got a lot of links added so we will work on it again tomorrow.

Hope all is well with you and I'll be around to visit soon.
"Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Friday, April 15, 2011

10,000 Hits (Blessings) Winner

A big congrast to Cheryl from She Stamps for winning this surprise candy package.  Please email me your addy Cheryl so I can get your surprise package in the mail to you Monday.  My son will be here and making a trip to the post office for me after my eye surgery as they aren't open by 6:30 am.
Since I don't have Mr. Linky or Random Org, and to be fair to everyone, I had my husband pick a number from 1-38 and he chose #17 which is Cheryl.  Now he doesn't know Cheryl and has no idea why I asked him to pick a number, plus he didn't even bother to ask me why I wanted him to pick a number, and still hasn't.........LOL  I hope you will take the time to stop by Cheryl's blog to congratulate her and see some of her awesome creations.

Thank you so very much to all of you that entered. If I haven't gotten around to visit you lately I will be doing so later this evening.  If you are reading this it's you, all my followers, and visitors that have made these 10,000+ blessing a possibility.  I cherish your visits, comments, and the opportunity to visit you and share your wonderful talent of creating.
"Hugs" Carol

CCAYR Inspiration Post

Here is my 3rd post as GD for Christmas Cards All Year Round this month and though some of us are probably not into doing Christmas cards with spring here, it's never too early get a head start on making those many cards we need for the holidays.

The card is an oval shape cut out of CM Cranberry card stock, stamped and gold embossed using a stamp from Our Daily Bread Designs.  I've added poinsettias from Wild Orchid Crafts and tiny green bows made with ribbon from my stash.

The challenge this month is to use an oval on your projects and ribbon.  I hope you will play along with us and enter this fun challenge at CCAYR.

Thanks so much for stopping by and if you'll leave me a comment I'll be sure to pop on over and see what's new with you and your blog.  Have a wonderful weekend!
"Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Update, Thank You, & BFB Award for YOU

Think I've finally gotten around to visiting everyone that left a comment on my last 3 posts so if I missed you I sincerely apology.

The doctor visit yesterday went okay and I've decided to go ahead with the right eye on Monday. Actually, the procedure is really no big deal once you get the first one done, it's all the frustration afterwards......lol  I do have floaters in my left eye that will probably never go away and is caused from some of the gel being pulled away from the retina but does not affect the retina.  This also happens to a lot of people that never have cataract surgery as they age.  I'll adjust!  The lens they put in is not strong enough and unless they change out the lens I'll still have to wear glasses.  NOT going there......lol

All the blurriness, headaches, twitching, and being worn out are from my right eye carrying all the load of sight.  Once the right eye is done and I get new glasses everything will be fine.  Well, that's about 3-4 weeks off before I get the glasses. Not sure how much creating and posting I'm going to be doing for awhile but there will be some.  At least I think I can get some cheap magnifying glasses to use until my glasses will be ready, at least I hope so.


Well, that's all about the eyes and onto something much more exciting and memorable. My very dear friend Olga has given me this award and I want to share it will all of you. Thank you Olga!!!

I consider each and everyone one of you my best blogging friends so I hope you will grab this image, put it on your blog with a link to where you got it and share with all of your blogging friends.  After all, what in the world would we do without each other and the inspiration and kindness that is shared through crafting and blogging.  We not only share our love of crafting but our lives, special moments, and stories with each other.  So if you are here please grab it and know that it given with lots of love and sincerity.
"Hugs" Carol

Monday, April 11, 2011

Fabric and Stitching at TMIA/PCC

The challenge at TMIA/PCC this week is brought to us by Chelsea and she wants us to incorporate "Fabric and Stitching" on our projects.  You can use fabric on a covered brad, make a flower out of fabric, or just use a piece of fabric instead of a patterned paper.  So have fun creating your project this week and be sure to post it on the Paper Cupcakes challenge blog.  Can't wait to see what awesome creations you make.

The DP is from BG Sugar Rush paper pack and matted with SU Old Olive.  The image is by Nina of PCC titled "Bunny & Butterfly" and was colored with Copics.  Don't you think he's got the cutest little face.  I can't draw a straight line with a ruler so it's for sure I can't stitch a straight line either..LOL   Used a stitch on the machine that was hoping would cover up any of my goofs.....  The butterfly was cut with an MS punch and covered in multi-colored stickles. Pine Flower Soft was used for the grass under the bunny & flowers. Brads are from my stash jar.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Hope you have the time to leave me a little comment so I won't miss stopping by your blog to visit and see what's new.
"Hugs" Carol (Granny)

PS - You still have time to enter the 10,000 hit candy by clicking on this link.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Easter Tag for Joan's Challenge

Just finished one of my assignments of creating digital scenes so I'm entering this tag in Joan's Tag Challenge. Believe me, it takes as long to create something digitally as it does to color and make by hand, if not longer.  I'm going to use this on a tool box I'm making for Easter and thought it turned out pretty cute. I hope you like it.  All of the digital images on this tag are from Cool Scraps or from Cajoline

Hope you have the time to leave me a comment and let me know what you think and if you would like to see more digital projects or if you would prefer that I not post these projects.  Believe me, you won't hurt my feelings if  you say "nay"...  I'll be sure to stop by and say hi and see what's new with you sometime Sunday evening.  Thanks for stopping by!!!
"Hugs" Carol (Granny)

Friday, April 8, 2011

Bunnie for Bells'n Whistles & SCAD Challenges

Happy Friday!
This is one of my favorite cards to date and I hope you like it as much as I do.  This year I had promised to participate more in the challenges that require you to use an EB image and have fallen way short from my goal so I'm going to pick up where I left off.  I have a lot of these stamps and I'm ordering more so I really need to get them inked and ready to share.  Don't you just love Bunnie and so appropriate for this time of year.  I've had her sitting on my desk for 2 months, waiting patiently for me to bring her to life.

The challenge at Bells'n Whistles is "Shiny, Sparkly Glitter!"  Ya all know how I love all the glitz and glimmer so just could not pass up the chance to play.  You still have time to join in so hop on over to B'nW to see the great inspiration by the DT.  They are an awesome group of designers and you will be inspired beyond belief.

I am also entering this card in the new challenge blog at SCAD

Card Deets:
  • Elizabeth Bell - Bunnie image from SCAD, Sampler Edition #3
  • DP Basic Grey Porcelain Pad - SU Old Olive for matting
  • MS Branch and Double Edge Punches
  • Spellbinders Lacy Squares
  • WOC Flowers with Star Dust Stickles added
  • Flower Soft Raspberry Ultra Fine for flowers
  • Gems from stash
  • Of course, colored with my favorite, Copics
Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope I've inspired you to check out some of Elizabeth Bell's stamps that can be purchased at Bells'n Whistles, SCAD, and EB's blog where you can purchase her digi's and start creating right away.  I hope you have the time to leave me a comment as I love reading them and then visiting your blog to see what's new with you.  Have a wonderful weekend!
"Hugs" Carol

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Birthday Card Challenge at Joan's

This is the card I am submitting for the challenge at Joan's Gardens this week. 

Here is the challenge:
• Window Top Card ( an opening in the top of the card with the design on the inside)
• Add three colors of flowers for the focal point.
• A Birthday card

Card Deets:
  • K & Co DP - CM Matting and rose papers
  • Decorated gold corners
  • Center rose made with punches from Joan's Garden and Selma's Rose Tutorial- edges sponged in Sepia Color Chalk
  • WOC accent roses with MS Branch Punch leaves, rose leaves and Stickles
  • New Italian Doily Die from Joan's - I love this die, especially cutting it out on the Vagabond which doesn't require a second run through.


Just barely finished this card tonight and did not get the sentiment on it but it is a birthday card.  My trip back to the eye doctor this morning left me pretty uneasy and a little upset.  Seems the cataract was pretty dense and hard to get out plus I must not have been able to lay still even with the anesthesia....leave it up to me to always have to be moving and doing something.  I could not read the letters on the wall, everything was blurry with the left eye and a little too much pressure according to the nurse.  I now have 2 floaters in the eye and just what all that means I'm not sure.  Have to continue the eye drops and go back again next Monday unless something occurs before then.  So much for my thinking this was a piece of cake......lol  At least things are much brighter with the left eye and the right eye now does all the reading......In all honesty, I've been pretty tired the past two days and not able to stay awake for over 2-3 hours so I'm posting this before I head to bed.  Another view showing the opening on the front of the card and part of the inside.

I'm not too happy with the way this turned out but didn't want to miss out on the challenge so here it is and it is what it is.  My daughter's favorite saying....lol

Thanks for stopping by and if you have the time to leave me a note it will be more than appreciated.  I may not get back with you for a few days but I will get back with you when the eye situation is a little better here.  It's sore and scratchy.
"Hugs" Carol

Christmas Cards All Year Round - 2nd Card

Here is another card I created as GD for Christmas Cards All Year Round this month.  I hope you like it and that it inspires you to enter the challenge this month which is something oval (for Easter) and ribbons somewhere on your card.

I've scheduled this in advance as I am having cataract surgery on Monday and not sure just when I will be back so I hope it goes live as scheduled. 

Card Deets:
  • DP - Webster Pages
  • Image - Lily Of The Valley stamp colored with Copics
  • Spellbinders scalloped and classic oval dies
  • Polar White Flower Soft for the snow.
That's it from me for now.  Hope your day is blessed and I'll be catching up with you as soon as I get back to blogging.  Don't forget to leave me a little comment so I don't miss stopping by to visit when I do get back.
"Hugs" Carol

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Blog Candy Update

Hi Everyone,  Just wanted to let you all know that some of you have not signed up for my 10,000 hit blog candy.  In fact, there are only 12 that have left comments so far.  The drawing is April 16 and the last time to leave a comment on that blog is April 15 at midnight.  No restrictions apply for this candy and will be a surprise package I don't think you'll want to miss out on.

Here is the link to the 10,000 Hit Surprise Candy

My 2nd Blog-Anniversary candy is strictly for followers and open until April 28 at midnight.  If you are a follower and have not signed up, please do so, only 57 so far.  If you would like to become a follower I'd love to have you but not just for the candy.  So all you 140+ that are followers, I hope you'll join in. 

Here is the link to the Blog-Anniversary Candy

I am adding 2 NEW flower punches (snowflake and Cosmo) from Joan's Garden to the Anniversary Candy.  And, a slightly used Cuttlebug with all new plates for the second drawing.  This second drawing will ship only within the US.

Hope you are having a blessed weekend and that the weather is as beautiful where you are as it is here right now.  Of course, it's only April so I'm sure it will change soon......LOL

I am having cataract surgery in the morning so I probably won't be around to comment or visit for a day or two but I'll be checking in ASAP.  Hubby is staying home with the babies (dogs) and a friend is taking me. OMG I have to be up at 5:30 am and leave at 6:45 am.  That's an unGodly hour of the  morning anymore....lol  I do have some posts scheduled for next week just in case I don't get back as soon as I think I will.  This should be a piece of cake!!!!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see YOUR name on one of the candy giveaways.
"Hugs" Carol

Friday, April 1, 2011

April Guest Designer for CCAYR

I am so honored to have been asked to guest design this month for Christmas Cards All Year Round.  The challenge is to use an oval (shape of an egg for Easter) and ribbon somehow on your card. Now it can't get much easier than that and you'll have a fantastic head start on your Christmas Cards for 2011.

Card Deets:
  • DP Webster Pages and CM Cranberry
  • Cardinals are HFC candy from Olga (I've been dying to use these stamps and dies) Thanks Olga!
  • Copics for coloring
  • MS Branch Punch and Spellbinder's oval scalloped die
  • Sentiment is a JustRite Stamp
  • Ribbon and HollyBerries from stash
I debated about putting all 4 cards in one post then decided I'd just share one with  you each week in the hopes it will inspire you to get a head start on those Christmas cards.  Now head on over to the CCAYR blog to see the fab designs by the DTs and other guest designers.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have the time to leave me a note so I don't miss out on seeing your wonderful creations and to find out what's going on at your blog.
You're always an inspiration to me!
"Hugs" Carol (Granny)