** Happy Memorial Day! ** Fresh Brewed Designs Give-away!

Happy Memorial Day and God Bless America :)


If you are looking for the current Freshly Brewed Challenge: please go here!!

Heather, owner of Fresh Brewed Designs, created this image in honor of Memorial Day. She writes: "His name is Daniel: God Bless America. This little boy is a reminder that freedom is not free. He is what the mother sees when her son leaves for war, what the daddy sees when he returns and his son tries on his uniform and says "Daddy I love you" and he is my way of Thanking every service man and woman for all they do.
She is generously giving this image away to several surprise people this weekend! All you have to do is comment on this post. If you have created a card for the challenge already, have two chances. If you leave ANOTHER comment letting us know you grabbed the challenge badge on the sidebar and have linked it back, you have 3 chances. If you or a loved one is or has been in the military, please share something special with us about it in a separate comment. That gives you ANOTHER chance to win!

((If you do not want Daniel as your prize you are free to choose an image of your choice if you win.))

"I do hope you love little Daniel as much as I do.  Have a Beautiful and Blessed weekend.  You have until Monday night to get in on the fun and win this image.

** Also, this image is part of a set being released in July and WILL NOT be in my shop until then. If you want to purchase the image before then, just send me an email and we will work it out."

Now hop on over and see the creations using "Daniel - God Bless America!"
(mine is still in the works!  This is the last week of school for the kids and final/essays/exams/project over floweth at my house and I'm fighting for computer space this week!)

Happy Graduation - Sugar Creek Hollow style! {Fabulous Friday w/ SCH}

Happy Happy Friday to you!   I hope this weekend brings you lots of wonderful-ness ;)  Today I bring you another card from Sugar Creek Hollow's Fabulous Friday ~ the DTs challenge this week was to make a recessed window card.   My first one!  And I love, love this style card! 

Mine is a little less vintage and more girly ~ I wanted to use the SCH graduation image for this card going to the daughter of a super close friend of mine! Her "little girl" is graduating 8th grade and moving on to High School - pink being her favorite color and school colors are red & white, so I had to give her school colors a little "shout out!" 

And here it is .... Happy Graduation Day! 

{Close up}

Be sure to stop by and see what the SCH DT Recessed Window cards look like!  You will simply adore each and every stunning creation.

 Blessings!
 ~Kelly   

Tracy *  Joseline * Stephanie * Cassie * Kristina * Donna * Nancy *

Cheri * Dani * Linda * Marsha * Loretta * Joan *

May Guest Designer:   Bernadette

Altered Faith Journal/Notebook ~ Psalm 9:1

Happy Wednesday - again!  I'm delighted to bring you another post today - I have meant to post this for since yesterday - no time like the present! :)

This is an altered notebook that I made for Deedee's Digi Blog Challenge ~ this week's challenge is:

And now for this week's challenge! This week we would like you to

make a project featuring a Scripture verse of "praise."

Although I can't wait to craft with the beautiful digi I won on the Opening Day blog hop (take a peek at her digis here), I decided to use the digi that Deedee is giving away for free on her blog - take a peek!  It was PERFECT for the person I'm making this little altered notebook for.  At my son's preschool, there are many "helpers" that are often overlooked and I try to pick up little things here and there to accompany a gift card as a way of saying thank you for all you do!  This is a notebook that I picked up at the $1 bin at Michael which was super cute - I even found matching notecards :)  But I altered it using this fabulous verse from Psalm 9:1, perfect for those who show their love for Him through their work! 

{Close up}

Using lots of ribbon, I anchored the ribbons to the side in a multitude of colors, drawing from the color palette of the DSP.  A little bright and whimsical, but she's a wonderful 17 year old high schooler volunteering her community hours to work with our children. 

{Binder notebook, open}

TFL and blessings! xoxoxo

~Kelly

Deets:  Spiral Notebook from Michaels

DSP:  KI Memories, SU! Cardstock (earth elements)

Basic Grey (image print)

Prima flowers, various ribbons, Aileens, Tombo

Integrity's Hump Day Inspiration #13!

Happy Wednesday!  I had hoped to launch this post last night but ended up doing 15 million projects at the same time .... you all know how that goes!  This is my son's last week of preschool and as Room Mom, the duties are plentiful - plus I'm juggling the other 3 kids who finish the first week of June - ay yi yi!  Bring on the summer!  The party is Friday and I'm not ready!!!  Buckets to fill, back packs to make and decorate, food!  ::: cloning myself :::: ;)


Although it's time to say farewell to Inktegrity where I have been extremely blessed to serve on the DT for two terms ::: squeals and claps hands! :::, there is exciting news from Inktegrity!  The sweet Joni will be taking a little hiatus for the summer to focus on her family and her brand new dot.com store!  She will be back in the Fall bigger and better but not to worry!  Her store will still be open in the meantime and you'll be able to scoop up her generous freebie offerings, but this will be our last challenge - so hop on over to the Inktegrity Challenge blog and play along - she is generously giving away freebies! 

For the DT term ending, Joni makes an image for each of the designers per their request - you met mine, Miami the Seashore, last DT term :)  This was Lelia's request - a beautiful tree in two different styles.  Make sure to check out the blog for some awesome samples!

Here is your sketch for the IHDI#13 ~ a nice, classicly beautiful layout.  Remember you can rotate it, flip it, and make it your own, as long as you stay within the guidelines of this sketch:

And my card :)  I wanted to show case the image which is propped up on 3D dots (should have gotten a side view!  It's poofy!) so I left the embellies to a minimum this time ;) 

Now hop on over and take the challenge!

Love + Hugs + Blessings!

~Kelly

Card deets:  Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, More Mustard

DSP:  My Mind's Eye; Crate Paper

Image:  Inktegrity's Tire Tree

Used:  Cuttlebug, embossing folder (Birds and swirls), Fiskars Twine,

3D dots, Cosmo Cricket Button, Tombo

My son's Joshua Award :))))

Hi!  I hope you all had a marvelous weekend!  Mine was spent mostly making an entire year's worth of pictures scrapbook that my son's teacher handed me at on Wednesday afternoon - eek!  I hope she likes the results as it's off to the printer this afternoon, not much room for change :)

Speaking of my son, this is his last week of Pre-K 4. Next year he moves up to "big boy school - Kindergarten!"  He is going to miss his class, his friends, the blessed teachers and staff that have touched our lives in so many ways.   This morning was their end of the year awards ceremony and you could just hear the excitement and joy buzzing around the big chapel.   I am sooooo incredibly surpried, and humbled, that out of all the students (from 2 y/o's to Kindergarten) they chose a student each year to receive the *Joshua Award* ~ and they called his name!  It was so unexpected, I didn't even have my camera!  My friend, thankfully, took this on her i-phone and everyone gave him a standing ovation and big cheers.  I'm soooo proud of my little guy!

It's a little blurry, but the scripture reads: "Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:7-8

I'll be back tomorrow with a card or two for you to see - lettin' my fingers cool down from my 26 hour scrap-a-thon! *grin!*

Blessings!
~Kel

Fabulous Friday at SCH - Mama's Apron Strings :)

Hi sweet friends!  Happy Friday!  (yup! It's Thursday night, but I have to post early due to many little reasons (pc, blogger, camera, sick puppy, sick dh, etc!)  One of the littlest reasons of all is my son has his preschool end-of-the-year performance and I'll be the first one there to see! I can't wait, and he's sooo excited :)   He has been singing praise songs all week ~ "I will not be afraid, God's always with me and I will not be swamped with fear" ~ can I get an AMEN!! :)


My card for you today is from Sugar Creek Hollow called Mama's Apron Strings.  This week's SCH Challenge was to make a card using our favorite image.   This is definetly tops in my book!  I love, love, love to cook and find my happiest moments with my family center around the kitchen.  And yes, I wear aprons, lol .... saves wear and tear on the clothes and saves on the laundry, ha ha!

                                                                     {Close up}

{Inside of card}

I used the sketch from MojoMonday 139  for the layout inspiration.  Paired it with some delish paper from October Afternoon (Thrift Shop and Fly a Kite) ~ this has to be the yummiest paper I have ever laid my eyes on!  The images is a digi image from SCH, along with a matching sentiment.  I made the flower with left-over papers and my scallop punch :) 

Would you like to see what the rest of the SCH girls have made for you today?

Take a look!  You won't be disappointed!

Tracy (Owner) * Joseline * Stephanie * Loretta * Cheri *

Dani * Linda * Marsha * Joan * Nancy * Kristina * Donna * Cassie *

* May Guest Designer: Bernadette *

Blessings!

Kelly

Card deets:  Kraft, Crushed Curry, Cool Carribbean from SU

DSP - October Afternoon (thrift store, fly a kite)

Image:  Sugar Creek Hollow "Mama's Apron strings"

Ribbon from SU!, ric rac from Fancy Pants, flower from paper & scallop punch, SU button, twine, cuttlebug, nesties, MS punch, Tombo, Aileen's Tac-it-all

Have a Ghoulish Birthday with the BBB - Burtonesque style!

Hello and welcome to an exciting day
at The Busy Beauties Boutique!


Not only do we have some marvelously macabre new images to share with you today on the Blog Hop, but we also have some fun and funky friends joining us:

 The Burtonesque Dolls!


Our new images are inspired by the Tim Burton classic, "THE CORPSE BRIDE", and BBB illustrator Thomas Goins has really outdone himself with these amazing images! We thought they would be right up the Dolls' alley, so we invited them along for the hop *and* are super excited to announce that Busy Beauties will be sponsoring their challenge next week!

I'm Kelly, the beginning of the hop, but if you get lost along the way, click the links below and it will get you back on track!  And you'll definitely love the hop ~ we have prizes so fab, it's freaky! Be sure to hop along and leave lots of comment-love, because there are TWO Secret Beauties or Dolls along this Burtonesque inspired hop… and TWO winners will be selected from their blog comments to receive 5 (yep, FIVE) Busy Beauties images of his/her choice! So whether you are in the mood to be beauty-ful or get funky, we've got you covered.

My card for you actually is the image released during the last hop, but I am bringing it back - ghoulishly fun and eerily yummy!  My mom is a former wedding designer/planner and you know!!  This cake ISN'T that far off, lol ..... she had many requests for Black and White cakes .  In fact, it was quite the trend for awhile!  I would see her baking, then icing the cakes and couldn't figure out for the life of me why anyone would chose B & W (a color combo I admittedly struggle with BIG TIME (instant migraine for me!!)) but when they were done ..... OH.  MY.  WORD.  Simply STUNNING! 

So on with the hop!  You are here, so next you should head over and see the amazing Suzi's blog and see what she has for you to see! 

Kelly {you are here!} 
 Suzi 
Michelle 
 Rachel 
 Debbie 
 Barbara 
 Betty 
Annita 

 Lorie 
 Jackie 
Grace 
Nicole 
 Carolyn 
 Margie  
Catherine 
Kadie 

BBCS Blog

At the end of the hop, which is also your NEXT STOP, the new Busy Beauties Creation Station CHALLENGE is waiting for you. It's a sketch challenge provided by PaperAddict Catherine, who is a member of both the Busy Beauties and The Burtonesque Dolls DTs. We hope you'll play along! You have until 11:59 EDT on June 2nd to link your creation at the Creation Station.


In the meantime, we hope you'll have fun hopping and find lots of other-worldly inspiration! Enjoy the show!

~Kelly

Card entered for consideration in:  Papertake weekly - flowers!

Happy Wednesday with Inktegrity!

It's Wednesday, and that means another week's challenge for you @ Inktegrity!   I hope you've had fun playing along with Inktegrity's Hump Day Challenges ~ if not, here's another one to get you started!  Here is the sketch provided by DT member, Diane :)

And here's my card for you, based on the sketch:

Now head on over to Inktegrity Challenge blog and link up your creation!  Follow the sketch ... you can flip it, rotate it, but keep the basic sketch and play along for your chance to WIN! :)

And for more inspiration, check out the wonderful creations the DT has made!
                   Joni * Diane * Julie * Jacquie * Lelia * Rhonda * Ashley *

                                                                     Blessings!
                                                                   ~Kelly

This card inspired to enter: The ABC Challenge (Unused paper!)

Card deets:  Cardstock:  SU! Kraft, Baja Breeze & PTI White (Image)

DCWV paper: Mainstream

Image:  Purr-fect by Inktegrity

Other:   Bo Bunny buttons, Joann's ribbon, Cuttlebug, nesties, colored with prismacolor markers, light background with watercolor crayon and aquapainter, Tombo

*~*~* I'm stuck on you! *~*~*

::: Got this feelin' down deep in my soul that I just can't lose .... Guess I'm on my way ::::

Remember that old Lionel Richie tune?!!  That was ...... like ........ *the song* when I was in High School!  Eeek!   And in case you forgot it ...  or never knew it {my kids!!} ..... here you go!  You can sing it ALL NIGHT LONG like I did, tee hee! ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEEaueiuu8s

So back to my card!!  Isn't he a cutie!  This digi  stamp image is brought to you by the uber sweet and amazingly talented Heather from Fresh Brewed Designs.   He's Desert Fiesta!  And you can find him here! 

And did you know that FBD is the sponser this week for Stamp, Scrap & Doodle Saturdays?  This week, the challenge is to create a masculine card!  Check out the challenge here!  Heather is generously giving away 3 images of your choice to the winner!  WOW! 

How ya doing with that Lionel tune?  And yes, it was my inspiration for the sentiment of this card, lol.  I sat and sat and sat some more trying to think of something "cactus-y" to say and the only thing that came to my mind was STUCK ... hence, stuck to you, stuck on you, stuck with you (that didn't sound very nice, lol!!)

:::: Oh, I'm leaving on that midnight train tomorrow ..... and I know just where I'm going ::::::

And here's my card!  I made it just for my honey :)   I'm definitely stuck on him, and he's definitely stuck WITH me!    I paired it with some lovely KI Memories 12 x 12 paper pack I found in the clearance section at Target months ago ~ and for .90 cents!   {now that moment was a fiesta, too!}  It's bright and fun and reminded me of this Fiesta digi!   Dh and I have actually visited Mexico probably about 20 years ago and I remember the vivid colors of the clothes and bags that lined the vendors booths.  Couldn't get him in a sombrero, but we did bring home a beautiful loomed Saltillo Serepe :)

Entonces amigas!  I hope you get the chance to play along this week! Click on the links above and they will take you to the challenges and the FBD shop!

*For Challenge Submissions to:  Our Creative Corner - masculine

Con besos y abrazos,

Card deets:  SU! Green Galore, Bermuda Bay, Real Red, Orange (scraps) - PTI white {image}

Image by:  Fresh Brewed Designs "Desert Fiesta", Colored with prismacolor markers, Cuttlebug, nesties, MS punch, KI Memories DSP, Making Memories hardware, Tombo

A-hoy!! Hoist yer sails ~ It's KitCat Sunday!!

Heehee!  Happy Sunday to you ~ it's a happy one to bring you the KitCat from our sweetie pie hostess this month, Michelle!  She sent us this super fun, fab-tastic kit to play with!  Shiver me timbers, it was full of fun-ness!

From the Kit, she sent us some gorgeous dsp from the Basic Grey Ambrosia line ~ one of my very faves!  I chose the the three orange/yellow combo papers to give this a sunset look - originally my card was going in a different direction, then my dh ended up in ICU and well, I forgot where I was going!  I came home to a half card and it's a good thing, since I had a brainstorm a few days ago to use the map!  It was printed on white cardstock but I wanted more of a Sepia look, so using the tutorial from the uber-talented, most amazing Tracy, I dipped it into a vat of fresh brewed tea! :)  Don't you love it!! I am most pleased with the color!  And while it was still wet, I tore/rolled/smudged the paper to give it that "old world" feel ;) 

Michelle also sent us our choice of pirate from High Hopes - Oberto or Peg Leg Pete ... I chose On Guard Oberto since he reminded me of my son (who LOVES him so pirates, arggggggggh!)  And the lil parrot was an add-on that I colored in apple green (per my son's request) and propped him up on OBerto shoulders.  I added the twine to give it more of a "boy-ish" look and used the darling buttons Michelle sent along with the kit, adding some matching twine to those, too :)  And all scurly pirates be lookin' for treasure .... arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh .... I added some sweet bling she sent along ~ so drop yer sails and sit for awhile to see what the other wenches (I mean, kittens!) created for you today!  :P 

                          Michelle * Jeanette *  Lorie *  Susan * Catherine *

                                        And did you know why pirates are so mean?
                                           They just arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! 
                                                            {Tee hee!  couldn't resist!!}


*~* Thanks for stopping by today!  Hugs + Blessings to all! *~*
~Kelly

Card deets:  Bazzill brown, Real Rust from SU!, DSP from Basic Grey - Ambrosia,

Fiskars punch, Images from High Hopes stamps (On Guard Oberto and parrot and map),

tea dying (map), Fiskars twine, Buttons from BG, bling, Cuttlebug, nesties, Tombo

Fabulous Friday with Sugar Creek Hollow's ~ Color Combo!

Hi friends ~ Happy Friday!  Are all anxiously awaiting the weekend? I am! Although around here they are just as busy as our week days ;)   

Today I bring you a card from Sugar Creek Hollow ~ with a color combo!  This week, the challenge was to create a card using these colors:  Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Blue Bayou and Sky Blue (gorgeous combo!!)  

 I used a layout from the archives from SSS45 with a little twist of ribbon & flower.  This gorgeous flower pot image is so versatile!  I paired it with some Parisian Breeze DSP from SU, some blue bayou ribbon (sooo happy to find a smidgen of that in my stash!) and added a row of circular flowers per the sketch.   And how exciting - the store is expanding!!  Thanks to you, our loyal customers, we are growing ~ make sure to stop by and take a look! 

Make sure to check out the DT to see what inspiration they have created!

Tracy (Owner) * Joseline * Stephanie * Loretta * Cheri *

Dani * Linda * Marsha * Joan * Nancy * Kristina * Donna * Cassie *

May Guest Designer:  Bernadette

Submission for: 1. Quixotic Challenge ~ Let your garden grow (Flowers!)

2. PaperPlay Challenge - Brown and .....!

Deets:  SU Cardstock:  Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Blue Bayou

PTI White and Aqua Mist, DSP = SU! Parisian Breeze

Image:  Digital from Sugar Creek Hollow

"Behold! I stand at the door and knock"

Colored with prismacolor markers, cuttlebug, nesties, Kaiser chocolate pearls,

Signo white pen, SU! Ribbon Blue Bayou, Prima flowers, SU button, Tombo

Monsters, INK ......... :)

It's soooooo good to be crafting again!!  How I have missed the creative outlet but nursing duties have kept me out of my craftin' cabana ~ dh is on the mend, getting stronger and healthier every day, and we are certainly feeling so very blessed :)

And it's a Monstah bash - Inktegrity style!  Hopefully you were able to see the release of the new Monster digis from Inktegrity  during their debut week ~ I know I'm certainly happy to bring you this cutie today :)   It's the birthday monster and he {she! notice the PINK toenails! :)-} is ready to par'te!    In addition to this lil cutie, I paired it with this adorable monster paper, a gift from my wonderful friend, Mary :)

But there's more ~ Inktegrity's Hump Day Inspiration wants you to play along!  You could win some free digis!  Here is a sketch for you to play along with ~   link it over to the Inktegrity blog, labeled IHDI#11 ~ remember you can flip it, rotate it, and mostly have fun with it!

Be sure to check out what the rest of the DT have made for you to see ~ enjoy!

                                               **~** Blessings! **~**

                                                             ~Kelly

                                           DT Blogs for inspiration:  

 Joni  * Diane * Jacquie * Julie * Ashley * Leila * Jackie * Rhonda * 

Card deets:  Image and sentiment:  Inktegrity, cardstock by SU! Real Red, Cameo Coral, Bermuda Bay, and G-P White,  DSP = Daisy Bucket, Fiskars Punch, Cuttlebug, nesties, American Craft Button, Bazzill embroidery thread (vanilla), Tombo.

                                                                           

*~* Praise God and Giving Him the Glory! *~*

Look who is up and has a smile!! 

 I'm absolutely rejoicing at the rebirth of health and the progress of recovery!  After a tumultuous trial of heartbreaking illness, we are on the road to wellness!  As of TODAY, his levels are on track, the drs are absolutely astounded at how fast he is bouncing back, 100 times faster than he should and are in disbelief how his body turned around on a dime!  Praise Be to God! 

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart and I can't thank you enough for the prayers,  for your uplifting and encouraging words. I am overjoyed with the support I have had from everyone and everywhere - from friends near and far, local and cyber, I have felt your love and power of united prayer!

In my darkest hours, sitting vigil by his bedside, telling him through the multitude of tears to just keep fighting, I felt His presence and know He is a miracle working God.   Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise (Hebrews 10:23).   And this past week as I was paralyzed with fear and filled with worry to stand strong on the faith in God's power and mercy and grace ~ nothing is impossible for Him and we have this blessed new chance ahead! 

Now to accomplish the next hurdle - eating after 12 days!  23 pounds lighter (of which he didn't have to lose anyway), we are hoping to avoid a PIC Line for IV therapy & antibiotics but know whatever lies ahead is what is meant to be ~ and we'll tackle it together, united. 

During his second surgery, I spent some time in quiet solitude in the chapel.  And  and saw this written on the wall - and share it with you ....... 

But now, O Israel, The Lord who created you says:

"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

I have called you by name; you are mine.

When you go through deep waters and great trouble,

I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not consume you."

                                                                   Isaiah 43:1-2

Be blessed, always, as He has so richly blessed us!

Love you muchly!

xoxoxo

~Kelly and Tony