** It's the Chichiboulie Blog Hop! **

It's Halloween!

And that means a treat for you! :) The Stampingbella blog hop is HUGE, so to thank you for taking the time to stop by, I'm giving away the card here today along with some little treats to one person at random today! Just leave me a comment and become a follower &
and I'll have my kids pick a random name this evening!

So, let me offiicially welcome you to the Chichiboulie Blog Hop sponsored by Stamping Bella. You should have arrived here from the fabulous Terri's blog .... If you've just happened upon my blog, you can CLICK HERE to start from the beginning at Bloggabella. Also, for one lucky winner ( In addition to the fabulous eye candy) SB has decided to hide a prize somewhere along the hop! One pre-selected blogger will draw a random winner from the comments on her post, and the winner will receive a $25 Gift Voucher to Stamping Bella!!! The fun part is...we're not telling you who it is! So as you hop, make sure you leave comments on every post so you have a chance to win!! We will announce the winner on Friday in the Splitcoast forum. MWAH! Next, hop on over to visit Kerri.

Card deets: SU! Tempting Turqouise + GP White, Basic Grey DSP, SU: Ribbon (bermuda bay)
Stamp: Chichiboulie from stampingbella, sentiment: stampingbella, Scallop punch (SU), Flower Punches, bling, Martha Stewart Glitter, Stickles, colored with prismacolor markers

Happy Halloween!

Wow, it's Friday! And I still haven't stopped! LOL! What a week ...... I should be sliding into home plate of this busy life saying "WOOHOO" by Sunday and finally stop to rest! But not before I bring you the beautiful bride digi on a couple of Halloween scrapbook papes ~ she's so versatile, you can use her on cards, scrap pages, etc!

I finally had a chance to get these couple of pictures scrapped from my daughter, Victoria's, Brownie Troop Haunted House they did as service work. It turned out to be a little too spooky and many children were afraid to go in, but what a wonderful old historic building we found while setting up, now a South Florida Landmark! It was built in the 1800's and apparently has a lot of history, which was unique and fun all on it's own. DD was a vampire (EDWARD!!!!!!!) and I was a witch ;)

TFS - off to party with ds's preschool class, make sugar cookies into gloopy pumpkins and carve a punkin to learn about what's inside - fun stuff! Blessings to all and STAY SAFE!

Please make sure to stop by the other DT blogs for our impromptu little "Bride" blog hop today!
TFL!!

Flight of the Butterflies ..... :)

This is my 2nd entry for the SSCC Challenge #10 ~ 1 Choronicles 16:34 ...... I have many, many people to thank :)

I used this delicious premium paper from Amy Butler, shimmery and shiny (and a little hard to photograph!) Paired it with a digi butterfly from SNSS & a sentiment from SU. I hand colored the images to kinda match the dsp but propped them up so they would stand out. TFL!

Card Deets: Bazzill Green, SU - Bermuda Bay, Kiwi Kiss ~ DSP = Amy Butler, Stamp = digi image, from SNSS & SU: Sentiment from Angel Blessings set, CB circle nestiesKaiser pearl strips, Tombo, Prismacolor markers, 3d dots

SSCC #10 ~ 1 Chron 16:34

Good Monday Morning! This was one incredibly busy but blessed weekend - I dont' think we stopped to rest from Friday night til late last night! Dh says "did we have a weekend?" LOL!

One of the wonderful events we were able to help host/attend was the church Fall Festival ~ although our booth required wayyyy to much bending up and down for 2 hours in the blazing heat and humidity (the rain had just stopped, PTL) The wonderous gal who organized this year did an outstanding job and having done that in the past, my hat goes off to all she did for it takes a mighty lot! I was grateful to see the SSCC this week because it was just the inspiration I needed to send a small thank you her way - this card from me and some flowers that I will pick from the backyard garden :*) The challenge is: {Make a card that expresses your thankfulness for someone or something they have done, or that encourages someone to be thankful.}

The verse this week is: I Chronicles 16:34 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (NIV)

I am forever thankful for the friendships that I've made and for the wonderful people that bless my life! In my daily walk, I strive to remember Him first in everything and be grateful for everything around me - saying a prayer for someone in need, the sun peeking through the clouds, my children's smiles, blessing those around me + sharing His Word, just to name a few :)

Blessings to you!

Card Deets: CS = SU, DSP = K + CO, Stamp = Stampendous

Ribbon: SU, Oval Nesties, Momento Black Ink, Vintage buttons, Tombo Adhesive

KKChallenge #3 - Shades of Autumn

KKSC #3 - Use the Shades of Autumn theme of brown, rust and either yellow or green, and mine has all 4 ;) I used the KK puppy stamp with some Real Rust, Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun from SU and some yummy Fall DSP from Heidi Grace. I propped up the sunflower on 3d dots to make it stand out more ;)

Deets: Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Real Rust, Summer Sun & GP White (Image)

Kraftin' Kimmie puppy stamp, DSP - Heidi Grace Designs, ric-rac from Joanns,

Oval punch, Scallop punch (SU), 3d dots, prima flower, MFT button, AC Ribbon

Winter ..... is for the birds! =D

I'm such a snow buff!! Some of my fondest memories ever are revolving around Winter and snow :) The only snowmen we can build here consists of the wettest sand we can find at the beach, rofl! When in Rome, right? ;)

For a little bit of winter, my card is using this adorable stamp from Peachy Keen Stamps for Challenge #14 ...... using the colors Pink and Brown, PSK or other stamps, ribbon (I chose ribbon + lace) and glitter! All the fun stuff a girl could want, right! :)

**Updated pictures, hopefully in the natural light they look a little better! =P

It's a little hard with my reallllly bad camera to capture the glitter, I will try again tomorrow in the natural light. The little bird's scarf is full of glitter (snow) =) TFL! Sentiment inside reads: "Winter .... is for the birds!"

Details: Chocolate Chip by SU, Pink (unk) PTI White, DSP = Glitter Stack DCWV "Garden Party", PKS WInter is for the birds, colored with PCM, Prima flowers, 3 D dots, Tombo, MS Glitter, BG Buttons,

lace & ribbon

Introducing ....... Lolita!

Good Morning! It's Lolita Week! Sorry for the quick post but I'm off to take ds to the dentist :(

This lil beauty is from the new digi line from Busy Beauties Boutique and she is called Strawberry Lolita. You can find her here ==> {Lolita} This is Lolita week on the DT blogs so make sure you stop by to see all the gorgeous creations!

Deets: CS = Real Red & Pixie Pink, DSP = KI Memories (Summer), KI Alphabet letters, digi image Strawberry Lolita from the Busy Beauties Boutique, prismacolor markers, Ice stickles, MFT Buttons, Organza from AC, Tombo, KI Brads

** It's the Hanna Fans Blog Hop! **

Didja know that October is Hanna Stamps 2nd Hanna versary! In honor of the soon to be released new Hanna stamps, they are having a Hanna Fans Blog Hop! So welcome to my blog - you should have arrived here from Janet's blog and if not, it's okay -- hop on over to France's blog and start from the beginning!




It's absolutely DELICIOUS here in Florida! The weather turned chilly and we had to break out some light jackets and are enjoying every single second of the few minutes of *chilly* weather we get here, lol ..... so in honor of the crisp feel to the air, I bring you Ski Bunny Hanna, dressed in her finery to hit the slopes! Have fun with the hop, and remember! Should you get lost, just head over to the Hanna forum at SCS to find your way along. Thanks for *hopping* by & Happy Stampin!

I hope you can stop back by tomorrow since I'll have my 4th card to show you from the Busy Beauties collection - Miss Lolita!

Deets: Cardstock = Pacific Point, Bermuda Bay & PTI White; DSP = I think Reminsce (tossed out that small strip!); Stamps = Hanna Stamps, Ski bunny & Let it snow sentiment; colored with prismamarkers, Tombo, snowflake punch, scallop edge punch, 3d dots, SU Pacific point ribbon; circle nesties & glaze (goggles)

Halloween Anniversary Card :)

Happy Halloweenaversary :)



While blurfing one day visiting some friend's (some new, some old!) blogs, I happened upon this lovely blog with the most beautiful couple and their anniversary photos that just tugged at my heart! LaToya had a small challenge to create a Halloween related anniversary card to celebrate the time they met :) I took the time to go through her blog and the warmth and love and beauty that eminates from her scrapbook pages and words really brings home what finding true love it all about! It was enough for me to create a little card for her using some Halloween candy corn "just as sweet as can be!" from PKS and well, here it is! Happy Anniversary to you both and wishes you many more years of blessings ahead :)

































Deets: SU Cardstock (Black, Pumpkin Pie) DSP = Halloween by ..., stamps are PeachyKeen Stamps Halloween & sentimet from TGF, Colored with prismacolor markers, CB nesties, Ice Stickles, oval nesties, BG buttons & AC ribbon

KKSC #2 - Buttons

Oh Happy Day! My stamps arrived from Kraftin' Kimmie today and I was so excited, I don't think the mailman had pulled out of the driveway before the ink was already wet on this little cutie, lol! Today's challenge over at KKSC #2 is to use buttons on your card, another favorite of mine! This stamp is Francesca ~ I paired her with some floral paper and added buttons , coordinating cupcake stamp & sentiment for a very *sweet* birthday card :) TFL!

Deets: Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Summer Sum & Whisper White

Dsp = Basic Grey & KI Memories

Stamp: KK Francesca, colored with prismacolor markers, Scallop edge, scallop punch, BG Buttons, Tombo, 3d Dots

The Sky's the Limit! {AFA - Paper Piecing}

This week over at Anyone for Anya the challenge is paper piecing. I love PP - it's always been a favorite of mine so this was especially fun for me! I chose Miss Anya shopping and used this sentiment just to have fun with it! Can you imagine - shopping bags that size full of stamps and embellies and "the sky's the limit!" :) Woohoo! The image is colored with prismamarkers but I paper pieced her hair bow, matched it to the shirt & socks & PP'd her jeans :) TFL!


Have a blessed Friday! Be sure to stop by this weekend for another sneak peek at the BusyBeauties stamp line!





Deets: Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, DSP = Amy Butler,
Miss Anya stamps from TGF, sentiment = TGF, Basic Grey Button, SU! Twine, e. flowers & K & Co brads, Tombo

Birthday celebration for KKSC's Challenge #1

Turtalicious Birthday! :)

Have you seen the new stamps in town? Absolutely GORGEOUS!! I fell in love the second I saw the banner pop up on SCS and had to order a few of these darling girls (and pup!) :) Head on over to Kraftin' Kimmie's blog and see for yourself all the yumminess! This week's challenge #1 is to create a birthday card or scrapbook page or project.

As part of our church mission, we do outreach with a local women's shelter with moms & children who are trying to get back on their feet again after leaving home ..... it's really amazing to see and hear the struggles, and triumphs, that they have overcome and it's a blessing to be able to witness and really get to know these courageous women and children. One little girl in particular caught my eye a few weeks back and is just as precious as can be! A little birdie in the office told me her birthday was coming up, and she loves the color green, so I wanted to make a little card for her ....... so this is what I drummed up today :) These little turtle guys had sadly never been inked until now and they are a ton of fun! I think they are Inky Antics, but not 100% sure, paired with Berry Sweet paper. TFL!

Deets: CS: Bermuda Bay from SU, Green = unk, DSP = K & Co Berry Sweet & Blue Polka Dot = SU

Stamps: Inky Antics?, sentiment by Elzybells, Image colored with Prismamarkers, ATG,

Basic Grey buttons, SU Bermuda Bay ribbon, Star punch ...

SNSS #25

It's SNSS challenge time! This is my card I made for challenge #25 which is a sketch I'll definitely use again :) I went with the beautiful blutterfly digi, paired with some Basic Grey paper and the SNSS sentiment. I put the sentiment paired on the front and the inside. TFL!

Deets: CS: Chocolate chip, crushed curry, PTI white ... DSP = Basic Grey Ambrosia

SNSS and sentiment, K & Co Harvest brads, Dusty Durango ribbon, prismacolor markers,

nesties, oval punch, lace scallop punch, ATG

PKS Challenge #13

Okay, so please don't laugh, lol! This is a ....... holiday card, lolol! *grin!* I have long since been an admirer of PeachyKeen stamps since the uber talented Lorie asked us to hop along with her on a challenge and was lucky enough this week to save some time to play along! I can't wait for my PKStamps to get here that are already on it's way (YAY!!) and in the meantime, I had to make do with a star - ROFL! (left over from a H'ween/Harvest challenge! Tee hee!) Since the challenge called for snowflakes, that left me with a Christmas/Winter idea so The Halloween Star Frightened became the Shining Star that Sings ...... lol!

The challenge calls for:
Make a card
Use colors Blue and Purple in your design (can be subtle or bold)
Use a stamped image
Must include at least 3 snowflakes (can be more)
Must include a Greeting

And this was my take! I actually loved putting the and purple together - the combo actually worked and the hard part was changing the dsp (only x3!) and this one finally fit the bill :) For the 3 snowflakes I used a large one wrapped with a ribbon and then smaller ones from a punch to adorn the star. For the hat, I had to use half of one from a PB frog and cut & paste some cs to make it complete ;)

I tell you, I want to start singing "Oh Tannenbaum" every time I look at this lil star, ROFL! So, Merry Christmas! :) Tee hee!!! TFL :)

Deets: Pacific Point by SU, Purple by Bazill, Whisper White (image), DSP = DCWV winter

Stamps: PeachyKeen Stamps

Snowflakes embellie, Snowflake punch, K & Co brads, prismacolor markers, Ice Stickles, glitter,

ATG, & CB nesties.

SSCC #8

This week's verse for Challenge #8 is Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." (NIV) and our hostess this week, Kathy Winter, writes: This scripture is about the call of Jeremiah to become a prophet of God. He was chosen. God knew His plans for Jeremiah before he was even born.Each of us is chosen by God, too, for a special purpose. He knows us intimately, and He wants us to know Him intimately. Each of us has special gifts and talents that we need to share with others. When we do this, we truly experience the heart of God. And what a tremendous feeling that is!

So the challenge this week is to make a baby card or a card for an expectant mother, which is perfect for me since I really needed to congratulate my friend who found out they are having a little baby girl in February :)

I used the baby set from Hanna stamps (first time I've inked it up!) and love how this turned out. Hopefully she will, too! TFL!

Blessings!

Deets: CS = Pink Pirouette from SU, Sweet Always DSP

Hanna Stamps, PTI white CS (image) colored with prismamarkers,

ATG, Kaiser pink pearls, CB nesties, MS Lace scallop punch, sheer ribbon

AAM {Challenge #3} - Pigeon-holed ....

This month's AAM Challenge #3 really had me stumped! But that is the true beauty of a challenge ~ making you think and stretch beyond what is the norm. The challenge asks us to do a little soul searching and come up with a creation that's from the heart. Do you ever feel as if you are pigeon-holed? Categorised? Labelled? Misunderstood? Have you changed yet no one else seems to see those changes in you? Is it for the better or maybe not so good? Who does everyone think you are? Who do you think you really are? After some careful reading and lots and lots of thought, I stopped and realized, yes ... that's me, too. I was digging thru the digi-cam to see if I happen to have a picture and stumbled on this one - someone playing around with the camera but I happen to be in ONE, lol. I can't even begin to express how I awful I feel when I see it - how tired I look, how sad I seem to be ...... though I promise I wasn't sad ;) As my dad would have said, "you are aloof." But it's the only one I had and I really view these challenges are a learning process (#1 rule - scrap THE MOM, your kids will appreciate you for it later!!) I look back through so many of the photos albums and there are years, yes, YEARS, that I am missing. I refused to take pictures and was always behind the camera. One day my oldest daughter asked me "Mommy, where were you when I was little?" and that just broke my heart. I was there, just too insecure to be photographed :( What a life lesson! So, back to pigeon-holed ...























Definition: Pigeonhole:
1. A small compartment or recess, as in a desk, for holding papers; a cubbyhole.
2. A specific, often oversimplified category.
3. The small hole or holes in a pigeon loft for nesting.
Pigeonholed:1. Placed or filed in a small compartment or recess.
2. claissified mentally; categorize.
3. Put aside and ignored; shelved


For me, just as I journaled, I have a very good life and I am very blessed. But it is a very busy life and being a busy mom of 4 and not a lot of "me" time, I can often be worn out by noon! There are times I feel the wind whip through my hair and I get a longing deep inside that stirs my soul to see what's left out there to discover in the world. There are so many things I want to see still and I doubt my family has an inkling that rather than drive to the PTA for one more meeting, I'd rather steer a kayak through the raging rapids and hike through the brush of a brambling trail. I'd pass up baking yet another plate of brownies for scouts and climb the side of a mountain just to propel down the other side! I have a big sense of adventure, ready to burst, but I stiffle most of it because, well, it's not the time or place right now :) One day -- I'm earmarking all the adventurous things still waiting out there for me because I tell ya, baby ..... I'm ready to SOAR!

Blessings!
~Kel

Deets: Bazzill Midnight Blue, DSP: white out collection
ATG, puffy letters by K & CO

Busy Beauties Boutique Grand Opening & Blog Hop!

*Update* Random number chose marysanders123 as the winner on my blog .... congratulations! Please contact Carolyn for your prize! **

Hello friends!! What an exciting day and a super joyous post to write about -- the wonderful new venture of the most amazing Carolyn Bounds! If you love digi stamps, you are going to love what she has in store for you at her brand new ...... STORE!! That's right!

Go here! ---> Busy Beauties Boutique is now open!

And Carolyn's beauties {stamps!} are being previewed in this blog hop! Make sure to stop by and see each blog so you don't miss the dazzling creations made for you! In case you find your way here first, please stop by Catherine's blog to start at the beginning. If my links don't work for any reason, please head over to Carolyn's blog to start at the beginning and find your way back. Don't forget to leave a comment on each blog as you hop through because there is a GIVEAWAY as a special treat! You will fun some fun and whimsical and true beauties along the hop today!

I chose these three images to get you started :) They are so easy and so versatile to work with and a delight to paper crafting. First (card above) starting you off is the Pink bubbly goodness called Bubbly Beauty! She reminded me a glamorous Marilyn so I went with a platinum blonde look with some hot red lips ;) She's jazzed up with some pearls and lace for that feminine touch and some ice stickles to bring out her bubbles ;) The fun with this stamp is that there is also accessories for her, like champagne bubbles and brush!

Next up is the adorable image called "You call this a Halloween costume" - isn't it the sweetest with his bunny suit on! This image reminded me so much of my little son and had that sort of look on his face when he's patiently trying to wait like a big boy to leave ...... hence, the "Is it time for Trick or Treating?" came into mind!

And last up is the Back to school beauty who was so much fun to ink up! She is on her way back to school and has the sweetest face!

Make sure you stop by and Grace and see the wonderful things she has in store for you!

Thanks for stopping by today and don't forget to head on over to the Busy Beauties Boutique!

Blessings!

~Kelly

AFA Week #3 ~ I'm Rockin'!

This week at AFA Sketch 3 is I am Anya!

This one was a little hard for me since I'm a beach girl -- flip flops, a good book and a lounge chair is what I'm all about! :) But I love love love music - in almost every genre. It's not uncommon for me to be toolin' around in my car and crank up some Top 40 tunes! Music stirs the soul and can transform just about any day into a brighter one ..... so I chose Rockstar Anya *smile!*

Lucky me, I realized that this also meets the criteria for the Mystery Monday over at TGF so I went ahead and entered it there, too! 2 challenges in one - yay! (I saw a blog yesterday where a lady met 6 challenges in ONE CARD - gahhhhhh! Wow!!)








































Deets: Cardstock: PTI Black, white (image), DSP: DCWV, Scenic Paper Route
Handmade star: Bermuda Bay, Teal, Red ......
Stamp: Rockstar Anya
Scallop SU punch, Prismacolor markers, MM Brads, Basic Grey Button, ribbon, felt, buttons, 3D pop ups

SSCC #7 - Psalm 97:1

Happy Wednesday!

It's only noon here but already such a full day ~ I managed to squeeze in some time to meet a wonderful friend for coffee this morning - yay! We find out tomorrow is the new baby for my friend is a boy or girl! I am notorious for being wrong, lolol, and I get a girl vibe which means it's probably a boy! :) I also had to run across town to a planning committee meeting for upcoming events at dd14's school and a meeting tonight for another dd10's end of year luncheon. And bring a huge art center/painting station that we brought for a friend's son's birthday party to ds's school (since we can't take that mammoth thing to the play place on Saturday) and realized I didn't have enough wrapping paper ..... so what's a creative mind to do .... use Christmas paper! LOL! I turned it inside out and doodled on it - oh the shame! I haven't met too many 5 year old's that love the paper that much, so I'm hoping to be off the hook, tee hee!

Todays' card is for the SSCC Challenge #7 - the verse of the week is from Psalm 97:1 "The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the oceans be glad." Amen! So, my card reflects the earth rejoicing, with an apple tree that grows and bears fruit, beautiful blossoms and is a constant reminder of His goodness always around us. One of my favorite memories of childhood is walking through rows and rows of apple trees in Germany and reaching up to one of the trees in the orchard, picking a fresh apple from the tree, lying underneath is and hearing the wind rustle through the tree leaves. Such simple and beautiful moments in life! God is good - All the time! May today bring you many, many blessings!

TFL!


Deets: SU Melon Mambo, DCWV dsp (Garden Party), Image: Su Summer ....dsp
Stamps: Taylored Expressions
Ink: Stazon
Brads, scalloped & oval nesties, flower punches, Kaiser pearls

A real CUTE TROOP! ;)

Today's post is extra, extra special :) This is my Ode to Kadie post!




















I am truly honored to have met some wonderful friends in this journey of crafting and meeting Kadie on the SCS last year is certainly no exception :) My daughter, Victoria, is a Girl Scout and when I saw TGF's Cute Troop pop up at the farm, I was so very excited! I knew instantly I wanted to make some scrapbook pages for my daughter and hoped to *borrow* some images from Kadie {tee hee!} ...... and then next thing I know, the stamp set showed up in my mailbox!! Kadie!! Oh my :*) Her kindness and generosity truly know no bounds and I think we can all attest to her sweetness just being a wonderful part of who she is :*) Ok, I am getting all teary! Thank you so so very much, Kadie! It meant the world to me! So let me show you what MY Cute Troop made for her :) My little trooper, Victoria, is holding the card and yes, they have white noses from suntan lotion - rofl! We did a little sunshine state relay race ;)
















Now, all I did was bring some cardstock and stack of dsp to the table and let them go to town! My only interjection was that she likes the colors green & orange and has yellow hair (they DID ask, lol!!) They went bananas in learning that she was a Girl Scout, too :) I am so thrilled with what they came up with (that is one seriously neat dsp!) and showed them how to run the paper thru the CB, and voila! Some pretty darn tootin' coloring, too! (I know Victoria pays attention but the other girls - wow! Future DTs!) Hee hee! They signed it for her on the inside as a great big thank you and I promised that I would bring some images to them later on in the year to work on some cards and scrapbook pages :) So stay tuned! :) TFL - love ya bunches!

















I'm so proud of them - they "did a good deed daily" :)

Thank you, my wonderful friend - seriously, your generosity and your friendship mean the world to me! *muah!*

Deets: Kiwi Kiss Cardstock, Baja Breeze, Red (reverse of dsp), PTI white (image) Dsp = American Crafts & Basic Grey
Stamps by The Greeting Farm - Cute Troop
Colored with markers, Tombo, Doodlebug letters Kadie ;), flowers are e. and Prima