Here ye, Here ye! It's a ROYAL BALL!

Here Ye, Here Ye!  By royal proclamation …… I welcome you all to the Calendar Girl's Ball!  I'm the lucky hostess this month for the CG's and I invited each of the beauties to be Belles of the *~*ROYAL BALL!!*~*   

My challenge for them this month included these 3 things :)

1.   What's your style?   Make a card showing what they will "wear" to the ball, not using a dress stamp, and the card should speak for itself using color and style!
2.  Show off your true colors!  They had to add their favorite color somewhere to their card, even if it’s the smallest of a brad or a little tiny flower – it might not match your “dress personality” but that’s the whole challenge!  In the words of Tim Gunn, “Make it work!”
3. Shape up for this ball!!   Use a SHAPE somewhere on the card!  Any big-shotted, Cuttlebugged, hand cut out shape, etc will work! 

I was so excited when the Royal Court  accepted their invitations and I quickly thought of an idea for my gown!  I actually did a prototype, ditched it, made another card in a completely different style, then came back to my original idea and reworked it :)   To be honest, I would not wear a shimmery gold gown to a ball - not only do I not have the figure, confidence or sense of style to pull it off, but it seemed to work for my card, hee hee!   But I would love to wear a sweetheart style, poofy ball gown with a tiara if I could!

Challenge 2 - True Colors!  I added some beautiful green glazed brads - they look a little yellow/green but IRL they are a vibrant gorgeous light emerald!

Close up of the dress "Trim" - I used gold ric-rac and delicately glued it to the shimmery paper ~ The waist has a matching belt, but it's covered up with my gold sash ;)

 

I hope you get a chance to stop by the other Calendar Girls and see what gowns they will have on at the Royal Ball!  Take a peek!

Jeanette - Miss January

Kelly - Miss February {you're here!}

April - Miss March

Terry - Miss April

Barb - Miss May

Carol - Miss June

Michelle - Miss July

Debbie - Miss August

Paola - Miss September

Tami - Miss October

  Thank you so much for stopping by today - I enjoy your visits!

    Blessings!
~Kelly

Card deets:  GKD - Black Onyx; S.E.I Gold Lame; Cuttlebug, spellbinders; Gold Ribbon, Gold Ric-rac; Glazed brads from Basic Grey, MM Trimmer, Tombo, Aileens

Card entered into these challenges: 
A gem of a challenge -- bows, brads
Sweet Stampin Challenge - Girly Card
Stamps R Us - For the Girls!

Share a smile :)

And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, ‘The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor ” ~ Judges 6:12

Such a incredible tough couple of weeks it's been here ~ from poor Brandy's terminal cancer to my stolen purse and subsequent havoc they are wreaking on our banks with stolen checks, etc  and about 50 other things that all felt so insurmountable... you know, those days upon days when nothing goes right.  The frustration, the sadness ....  one day last week I just sat down and said "that's it!  I just can't take one more thing!  I'm beat! I'm tired! My heart aches!"  And not even an hour after that, my Jeep - new, perfectly working - breaks down and left me stranded with my little son.  This Jeep has NEVER, EVER broken down + was just back from it's check-up.   As much as I wanted to toss up my hands and scream, I thought of the scripture that Pastor read to us not too long back ........  Judges 6:12.   I put my head into my hands and  just asked Him to shelter me, guide me.   Sometimes life challenges us whether we are ready or not ~ we won't always know how to handle it but if we trust in our Lord, He will see us through.

Now ... I'm no Gideon delivering the Israelites from the Midiantes ;)  But just as he saw himself as meak and not qualified, the Savior reminds us that we are strong and confident.  He reminds us that no matter what the circumstances look like ~  dig your heels in and know that by His spirit we will overcome!

Which brings me to my card for today :)  Our challenge this week at the Happy Monday Challenge is to create a card of fellowship and "share a smile!"  I recently read on a good friend's blog that she, too, was suffering greatly last week and my heart ached reading the news of  her loss.  I knew instantly who I wanted to make a card for ...  no matter what is happening in our lives, what an awesome reminder that someone else's troubles may be greater than our own.  For that, I am humbled and grateful for His awesome love and grace!

I created a card using this super sweet bunny image from the "First Peek of Spring" set - you can find it here in the shop!  It's perfect for Easter cards, Spring, and the beauty of flowers is so versatile.  I colored this image before having any idea what paper I'd pair it to, so it's a bright bouquet of flowers! 

And did you know that you can try  a Deedee's Digis for free before you buy?!  You sure can! There is so much inspiration, come on by - we'd love to see what you create this week! 

 And as Pastor told us, let today be a miracle for you.  Sometimes doubts will happen - you'll have those "toss your hands in the air and scream" days ~ that's just all part of the journey.  You might doubt, have hestitancy, stall, struggle ... but those are the times you need to draw closest to Him.  Let Him take the reigns of control and show you the way!  Because, after all is said and done, there is only one direction to turn - towards Him!


 
Blessings to you!
~Kelly

Claudia and Company's 1st Customer Blog Hop!

Hello and Welcome to Claudia and Company's 1st ever Customer Blog Hop!   I'm truly humbled and blessed to be part of this amazing line-up of inspiring crafters and awed by the sheer talent of these lovely ladies!    Today Claudia and Company is celebrating all of US; their dear friends and customers and that includes YOU!  If you’ve just joined the fun, be sure to pop over to the Claudia and Company Blog  to start the hop and get all the deets and if you are hopping on the right track, you should have arrived from Margie's blog! 


Here's the card I made for the hop using the absolutely delightful Noah!  The second I saw him in the shop, I had to scoop him up - he reminds me so much of my own little son and his puppy, Buddy :)  In fact, he saw this nearly finished card on the table and said "is that me!?!" So cute!  I have quite a few pictures so this post will be a wee big long - thank you for peeking!  I decorated the inside as well since I realized after making it, I will keep it for my son and put it on his little bookshelf :)

Side View

                                                                           Inside of card

Close up of inside :)

Close up - front

                            My little traveling FOXY friend, visiting me this week + enjoying the Miami sites! ;)

Be sure and leave a comment on each of today’s fabulous posts, to be eligible for the prizes that are up for grabs! You'll have until Monday, February 28, 12pm EST to comment. Winners will be announced on March 1, during their Release Day Showcase.


Here is the complete list of stops on the Hop! Thanks for joining us and happy hopping!

Lori http://byloridesigns.blogspot.com/
Tracy http://eatsleepstamp.typepad.com/
Sheri http://papercraftyscreations.blogspot.com/
Sandra http://paperfuntastics.blogspot.com/
Krista http://craftylittlepigtails.blogspot.com/
Kadie http://mymindseyecreations.blogspot.com/
Piali http://touchofcreation.blogspot.com/
Joni http://astickysituation.blogspot.com/
Gwen http://www.gwensbusylittlehands.blogspot.com/
Sheng http://livelaughlovetomorrowmaynevercome.blogspot.com/
Margie http://ohbumbleismemargie.blogspot.com/
Kelly http://sandcastlestamper.blogspot.com/   (You are here!)
Jeanette http://creativeplayischeaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/
Cara http://carasscrapnstampart.blogspot.com/
Kimmarie http://kimmarieskorner.blogspot.com/
Arielle http://snappystamper.blogspot.com/
Hannah http://hbbug.blogspot.com/
Beverly http://sugarstamper.blogspot.com/
Sharette http://scrappernthemaking.blogspot.com/
Joy http://daiseyfreak.blogspot.com/
Susan http://pinkflannelpajamas.blogspot.com/
Carol http://lostinmycraftroom.blogspot.com/
Nicole http://gottahavepaper.blogspot.com/
Paola http://paola-sama.blogspot.com/
Mary J http://maryjdesigns.blogspot.com/
April http://aprilsalley.blogspot.com/
Barb http://inkingintoretirement.blogspot.com/
Lorie http://www.thethinkinspot.blogspot.com/
Sarabeth http://www.chroniclesofsarita.blogspot.com/
Catherine http://paperaddictcatherine.blogspot.com/
Veronica http://lk2thestarz.blogspot.com/
Jessica http://chick-n-scrap.blogspot.com/
Judy http://paperhugsandkisses.blogspot.com/
Taylor http://taylorusry.blogspot.com/
Lysa http://lysaq.blogspot.com/
Jen http://deconstructingjen.com/
Jess http://thewhimsicalbutterfly.blogspot.com/
Pam http://stampingpam.blogspot.com/
Heather http://heathersheavinlystampations.blogspot.com/
Mary http://alatteinkinfun.blogspot.com/
Claudia http://claudiaandcompany.blogspot.com/

Blessings to you!!   Thanks for stopping by this spot on the hop + Happy Hopping! :)
~Kelly

Card deets:  Stampin Up:  Night of Navy, GKD Turquoise Sea, PTI white;  DSP = Echo Park "Little Boy"; Image: Claudia and Company "Puddle Jumpers: Noah!"; colored with prismacolor markers; PTI scallop border; Cuttlebug, nesties, SU! Ribbon Old Olive, Basic Grey Buttons; Basic Grey Brads; Tombo, MM Trimmer, 3D Dots


Entered for consideration into these Challenges: 
  Paper Pals - Use Scallops!
Digi Doodle Shop - Dots and Spots!
Stamping Sisters in Christ - Green
Crazy 4 Challenges - Use a Die Cut
Kraftin Kimmie - Scallops

FBD loves ribbons and bows!

Happy Wednesday!  Wednesdays =  a brand new Fresh Brewed Designs Challenge for the week!   And the DT brings you another delightful cache of paper goodness!   Heather, the sweet owner + designer of FBD, gave us a wonderful challenge to use ribbons and bows.

For my card, I'm using Vine Cross, a beautiful image created by Heather.  This lovely image will soon be available at FBD so keep checking for it!    I was in the need of a cross for a dear friend of mine that treasures everything "crosses and angels" and the moment I saw this one, I knew it was perfect :)   Although the paper is brighter than what the image might call for, my friend's favorite color is orange so I paired it up with blue sky and orange (kinda like a Florida card! LOL!)  Lastly, did you see I played with the Tattered Angels again?  I tell ya, this stuff is messy and moody!  It's so neat and beautifully done if you know what you're doing - clearly I do not, rofl, but it only took me one try this time!  Overall, I'd say the jury is still out on this TA unless I take a class or learn from the pros ;)

Blessings to you!   Be sure to check out the Challenge Blog and play along and  see the DT's yummi cards and REMEMBER - the NEW RELEASE blog hop is right around the corner, March 1st!   Stay tuned!!  x0x0

Blessings!
~Kelly

 Card deets:  Stampin up:  soft Sky, Peach Parfait;  GP White:  DSP - My Mind's Eye;  Image:  Vine Cross (upcoming release); Artsylicious lace ribbon; Fiskars border punch; Big Brad, Prismamarkers; 3D tape; Tattered Angels - Bahama Blue; Flower punch; Aqua bling

Gettin' sketchy this Monday Morning!

Good morning!  Rise and shine! :)   First, thank you for all your sweet comments, especially about my texting blunder!  I, too, can laugh at myself ... now!  

Second, how about a wee sketch challenge this holiday Monday to get your creative juices flowing!  If you check out the Happy Monday Challenge this week, you'll see a fun sketch to work with, which I inverted to make it work better for my card layout :)  

My bff's baby daughter is turning 1 this Friday so I made this little card to attach to her gift.  And I cannot stop touching, looking at and (yes, petting!) the Echo Park Little Girl and Little Boy paper collections - gahhhhhh!  Delightful!!! 

 I gave this card a bit of unusual fold to break up the monotony a bit :)  I left a small writing space so the girls and lil Tony can write their names on the birthday note to Emma :)

And that's it for me -- we have a busy day ahead with the kids being out of school - YAY! My favorite time - when my babies are home! :)

Hugs and Blessings!

Card entered into these challenges:

  My Sheri Crafts - Girly

Simply Create - Bright cards

Do you Stack Up? - Dots

Paper Pretties - Cards for a Child

Totally Paper Crafts - Do it with a Digi

Cute Card Thursday - Shiny, Happy Cards

Fairy Knoll - Birthday

Card deets:   Cardstock:  GKD = Passionate Pink, Innocent Pink;  DSP = Echo Park "Little Girl",

 image and sentiment:  Deedee's Digis; trimmer, prismamarkers;

Ric rac die cut; brads, cuttlebug, nesties, tombo

Coffee to go! :)

Wow, what a week .....  as a mega Starbucks aficionado, I've been there more than I can count this week just to keep up with my own self!    I think my favorite blooper of the week was my car.  My absolutely wonderful husband always fills up the SUV each week :)   I can't remember the last time I pumped gas.   I had driven quite a few extra miles this week and he texted to ask if the car needed to be filled or if I was okay - naturally, I texted him back having only a second to do, quickly saying  "I have gas."

Except I sent the text to the wrong person.  I mean, it's easy to do -- He's in the T's - easy to click the names above or below it .......  except when it's a lady I barely know from church and in my Sunday contact list!   oops. 

Yeah.  It was embarrassing.  At least she was sweet about it and said "Oh.  I'm sorry to hear that!"

Cafe-mocha-vodka-valium latte anyone?!  I thought this stamp was hilarious when I saw it!  I just had to have it and finally inked it up.   And, true to fashion after a really bad week, how about that lovely dsp that I glued UPSIDE DOWN ...... priceless.   This is also my first attempt at using my new tattered angels - what fun stuff!  Except it's messy as all get up and I got "splotches" on my first 5 tries even though I shook and shook and shook that bottle - how do you all avoid those small splooches and drops?  I practiced (a lot!) and they came out fine - went to use it on my immie and splat!  Not to mention my craft room floor has a lovely over spray of Rum Punch *grin!*

Have a blessed weekend!
~Kelly

Deets: Dusty Durango; Cameo Coral, PTI White; DSP - S.E.I.,  Stamp - Riley and Company; Scallop punch; Misc ribbon (stash!), e. flowers; Basic Grey Big brad; Tattered angels Rum Punch; trimmer, tombo

Sharing the Love with Dueling Darlings!

Good (late!) afternoon!  It's time for another round of friendly, sweet dueling with the Darlings - that's the Divas and the Dazzlers "dueling" with a love theme! :)   This month Jamie was our hostess for us, the Divas,  and she sent us a card kit with this Inkadinkadoo stamped image and a kit full of wonderful papers, ribbon, bling, hearts and pearls to embellish our cards with - yummy!  :-)

I made a simple candy holder with my paper - I found some Real Red cardstock in my scrap basket and paired it with two sheets of the dsp from Jamie to the front top and center.   I added a ric rac trim, heart shaped brads and overall, this is pretty simple.  The tag was an after thought - also from my stash, and I just matched it to the dsp and added the lovely embossed heart she sent to us.  And the tiny pearls in the water -- did you notice those? I was on the phone yaking away and didn't even remember adding them, ROFL!  Now that's interesting crafting!

My son brought home a lollipop in his huge stash of Kindergarten Valentines so I use it for a prop *grin*  I just think it's the sweetest thing ever when you see the cute little Valentines they bring home from friends and their adorable little scribbled names - CUTE!!!

Entered into:  Tuesday Throwdown - pockets

Be sure to stop on in and see what the other Divas have created for you with this identical image and paper, and then hop on over to see our dueling sistahs - the Dazzlers - and what they've crafted, too!

Barb  *  Carol  *  Jamie  *  Joan *  Judy *  Kelly {you're here!}  *  LJ  *  Tami (GDT!)

And you can find the Dazzler blog roll starting here with their Fab hostess, April! :)

Blessings to you,
~Kelly

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Blessed Valentine's Day to you all!   I hope today brings you wonders and love and lots of hugs :)  My dh and I have been through so much in the past 6 months, so much that has  flown at us directly from all sides but our faith, and our love, still remain grounded and firm and strong.  He surprised me with some beautiful  charms for my Pandora bracelet after we specifically said no exchanges this year - silly man!  Today launches another busy start to the week -  In a few hours, I will be starting the zoom zooming around to Valentine's parties for the kids, delivering baked goods and cheering on the Kindergarteners at a Spelling Bee :)

And Monday's mean a brand new Happy Monday Challenge at Deedee's Digis!  You can find the challenge blog here and we'd LOVE for you to play along!  This week's theme is Buttons as embellies.  I LOVE me some buttons!!  They are my absolute favorite embellishment and I have literally jars full of buttons in all shapes, colors and sizes.   I'm a very tactile person and love the feel of them, moving them around on my cards and pages {and why I'd never be a very good digiscrapper!}

For today's challenge, I made a recipe card :)   I couldn't wait to use this lucious new SU! paper called Springtime Vintage paired with Deedee's Digi from the Lovin' from my oven digi set.  I won these sweet little vintage 6 x 6 DSP squares in Diane's Blog candy - thank you!!  The little friendship recipe is one I found at a christian site (alas, without an author, but I'm blessed you shared it with us!)  and of course I blinged it out with some of my buttons from my stash - I was happy as a clam making this recipe card! :) 

and ....... some exciting news! **  Deedee has a brand new store!!  **  Come check it out, meet the new DT that have joined us, and be sure to check out the Crafty Challenge blog with your Button themed submissions this week!

LOVE you all!
x0x0
~Kelly

Entered into:  Really Reasonable Ribbon - Ch. #17 Pink, White, Red
                                 Stamping with the Dragon - Anything Goes
                         Dare to be Sassy - Pink, white, red
                         Paper Pretties - Colors of Valentines
                         One Stitch at a time - Make it pretty :)
                        Corrosive Challenge - Buttons!
                        Tuesday Throwndown - Buttons!



 Card Deets:  Stampin Up:  Poppy Parade, Blushing Bride;  PTI white - DSP = Springtime Vintage;  Baking Image from Deedee's Digis ~ "Lovin from my oven" - Recipe poem from the internet;  Gingham ribbon, buttons from several manufacturers, felt flowers, Cuttlebug, Nesties, 3D tape; prismamarkers, twine ...

Oh the weather outside is frightful .......

 But the craftin' inside is delightful!  Hee hee! 

 What a positively  crazy Miami day -- raining, cold, winds, cold some more ......... and I'm LOVING it!  I love rainy days ...... especially when I'm home!   Until I get a new Driver's license, I'm grounded to the house ..... rofl ....... I'm sure my tweenagers are having quite a blast with that one!

So I took the time to clean up my entire craft room - it was a disaster!  I am a neat freak and cannot take messes.  Disorganization in any form just drives me mad and my own craft room was in such a state of disarray that I"ve been moving things to the dining room table - scandelous, I tell ya!  But it's all organized again and I even moved some furniture around and lovin' the new arrangement.

My 6 year old son came to ask me if he could make a Valentine for "someone."  It was so cute!   :)  I asked if he needed any help and he said "No, I got this!"  I printed out this gorgeous Deedee's Valentine for him and he got to coloring, something he just dislikes so much ... but he really got into it, asking for safety scissors, his Prang markers  and some glue :)  I love how it turned out considering he's a wonderful little boy but arts and crafts?  Not so much!

My dd12 also wanted to make her stacks of cards for her Girl Scout cookie customers :)  She sent everyone that bought from her in our family, friends and neighborhood  a personalized card with a sweet thank you note inside.   She made this whole card by herself and colored the Girl Scout Anya with her crayola colored pencils.  :)

How funny - while I cleaned, my kids were crafting! LOL!  I also promised them I'd put them up on my "day off" blog posting - TODAY!    I'll be seeing you all back on Monday with another post and send you big craftin' hugs for the weekend!

xoxo
~Kelly (and Victoria and little Tony!)

*~*~* It's a SURPRISE BIrthday Party for Deedee! *~*~*

Welcome friends! It's a SURPRISE virtual birthday party for Deedee, owner and designer of Deedee's Digis!

*~*~* HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Deedee!! *~*~*

It's such an honor to to celebrate this special day with Deedee and all of you! Deedee's Digis DT are hosting a virtual Surprise Birthday Party! Woot, woot! Get your party hats! Today is her special day and we are blessed to give her a birthday shout out! And how about a Birthday Blog Hop to go along with it?! You should have arrived from Melissa's wonderful blog .... if you are just joining the hop from here, you'll definitely want to start at the beginning!

And ........ since it's a birthdday party, we wanted to share some birthday goodies! For one lucky winner, a $20.00 Gift Certificate for Deedee's Digis will be given away to a lucky commenter on the Challenge Blog! How sweet is that!

We hope that you can hop along with us on this surprise birthday hop and see what some of the DT have created ~ here are the hoppers and of course, make sure to stop HERE, too, and to send your greetings to the birthday girl! :)

For her birthday card, I used the adorable set called "Lovebug" - isnt it sweet, nestled under this sweet little flower!  The sentiment inside is also from Deedee's, from the set "Beary Happy Birthday."

Crafty Challenge BlogThank you for joining me in this birthday blessing for Deedee today - we so appreciate your support, inspiration, creations and your ♥ !!
April
Jeanine
Helen
Darsie
Michelle
Lawren
Sandy
Kathy (It's her bday, too!)
Jerusha
Robin
Melissa
Kelly {you're here!}
And stop by The Crafty Challenge Blog!!

Card entered into:  Karber's Weekly Challenge - Movies (Mine is Ladybugs w/ Rodney Dangerfield, lol!)




XOXOXO
~Kelly

Charmed, of Course ..... ;)

Hi friends ~ Just a quick post today to bring you this week's Fresh Brewed Designs challenge card to use charms.   My card is using the image "Coffee Talk Standing" and it's available in the store here.  I paper pieced her dress in matching dsp to the card ~ I also paired this coffee cutie with pink and brown papers from Basic Grey and adorable fleurettes and big brads added to the centers and a Miami palm tree charm, of course :)

Would you like some charms, too? 
All you have to do is leave a comment so I know where to find you and I'll send this pack of new, colorful K *I Memories softies charms to one random.org winner! 

I also wanted to share with you this generous offer by Heather, owner/designer of FBD.  The new stamp release will be on March 1st - I can hardly wait!  And did you know ..... if spread the word by adding it to your sidebar and linking it back to Freshly Brewed Challenges.   If  you add the badge, head over to the challenge blog, email Heather and let her know ~ she will add you to a drawing for a special prize that will be announced after the March 1 hop!  Woohoo! 

Thanks for stopping by today -

Blessings!
~Kelly

Card:  Close to Cocoa, Pretty in PInk by SU!  White by PTI; DSp = Basic Grey; Image from Fresh Brewed Designs "Coffee Talk";  Fleurettes from SU!, big brads from SU!, Tombo, prisma markers, pewter charm.

Just one of those ..... weeks! :)

Afternoon!  I'm so excited on this Superbowl Sunday -- not for the game (shhhh!  You didn't hear that from me! Tee hee!) but because it's Kit-Cat Sunday!!   This month, our hostess was none other than the fabulous Michelle who sent us the yummiest card kit to play with!  I tell ya, this was so dreamy, I petted it and drooled over it and probably even talked to it!  She sent us a choice of Kraftin' Kimmie stamped images to work with - which have been a fave of mine since KK came onto the market!  And did I  mention a kit chalk full of yummiest from gorgeous papers, ribbons, flowers, beaded pins and more?  It was hard deciding what to use, and Michelle was so generous, I have plans to make a second card with my other image :)

For this card, though, I went with this hilarious Angry Ballerina as her face pretty much says it all, lol.  I colored it with my prismas to match the yummy Jack and Jill Prima paper and paired it with some cardstock I had on hand from SU.   I have no idea why I chose this layout, it looked good in my head when I planned it out, rofl!  

Be sure to stop in and see what the other kittens have made with this identical kit!

Michelle

Jeanette

Lorie

Susan

Have a most blessed day!
~Kelly

Card entered into:  Claudia & Co  - Fancy Fold

If the shoe Fits - Use Pink

CCCC Act 68 - Color Combo

Tip Top Tuesday - Girly

Card materials:  Cardstock from SU!:  Certainly Celery, Pink Pirouette, White:   DSP - Jack and Jill from Prima; Stmped image + Sentiment :  Kraftin Kimmie; Prima flower; Ribbon, Rhinestones, Stick pin from Jillibean soup;  Prismacolor markers, white signo pen, Tombo