I Can't Decide!

Ok... so I am tired of looking at the 5 year old picture of me on my blog and on other blogs that I follow. I should really be in the bed right now. I have to get up early and meet my co-Sunday School teacher at church to do a little room cleaning/planning. Anyway... instead I decided to do my own photo shoot! :) Ha...

I already replaced the old picture with this first one but I can't decide between this one or one where I am actually cheesing a little more! Not that it really matters which one I use. They are all pretty much the same but... I like how shooting them at night, not knowing how to use my camera on manual, and the lamp right beside my head gave the pics an almost sepia/cool look. So... thought I would post them and see if anyone would answer me.... Which one do you think I should use? If you don't like any and think I am the ugliest thing you have ever seen.... please don't comment and ruin my day! :)

By the way... this is like my 4th post tonight/this morning so scroll on down to see the latest Christmas/button card, some pics of my cute kiddo, and info on a blog award!

The Card That Almost Wasn't

This is the card that I mentioned a few posts ago. I had an idea, to make this card, but happened to see a similar card on a company blog I visit. It may have been Paper Crafts... I can't remember and am too lazy right now to look it up.

Anyway... after seeing it, I felt like I couldn't make mine anymore. I was upset for not getting it done when the idea first came to me. Then I thought... oh... just do it! Mine is quite different but the same as far as the buttons in place of ornaments. And... that is the main idea. I guess it just wasn't as original as I thought and that was discouraging! :)

However, I am glad that I went ahead and made it. I don't know how many of my ideas are 'original' anyway... I am sure most of them are inspired by someone elses ideas and I just don't remember it!

I really like this card and is probably one of my favorite Christmas cards that I have made thus far! Really simple but... that seems to be what I am best at! I drool at all of the layering done on cards but am just not good at doing it myself! Maybe one day and with lots of practice...

Well... thanks for listening :) and for visiting!! Hope you have an awesome Friday!

Oh... and by the way.... what is up with all the spiders? Anyone having a spider problem outside of Middle TN? I HATE spiders! Michael's grandmother was talking to me about it the other day so I at least feel better that my house isn't being specifically targeted! I can't walk outside without seeing 15 spiders all around me... freaks me out!

Supplies:
Stamps - Take a Bough, Holiday Wishes (both PTI)
Paper - Kraft (PTI)
Ink - Dark Chocolate, True Black (both PTI)
Buttons - New Leaf, Scarlet Jewel, Enchanted Evening (all PTI)

God is Good!!

Blog Award

I was visiting a new blog friend of mine, Karen, the other day and saw that she has awarded me this wonderful award! I was very excited and honored to receive it! Thank you Karen! I look forward to what will hopefully be a long blog friendship! :)

Here are the Deets of the award:

- Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

- Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I received my first blog award this month... this is my second. What I realized with my first award was that they are bitter sweet.... especially if you want to give one to all of your blog friends! I am so excited when I receive it but... almost upset when I have to pick who to give it to. If I visit your blog... it is because I enjoy your blog.

Anyway... With the first award, I was only able to give it (according to the 'rules') to 8 people. This award says 15 but I have limited myself to 5.

I am fairly new to the blog world (as far as having my own) so all of the blogs I visit (except for the PTI girls blogs) are still what I consider 'new' to me!

I have found some very new blogs recently but am choosing to give some of the older - new girls some love. :) Does that make sense? I have been visiting these blogs for a little while and thoroughly enjoy every minute that I spend on their blogs!

Kelly Marie - Lawn Fawn Cards

Dana - Paper Daydream

Kristina - Itty Bitty Pieces of Me

Lynnette - Netter's Notables

Stephanie - Papercraftersthoughts

Thanks again Karen! It really does mean a lot to me! :)

Raspberry Suite #13

I love love love these colors together! I don't think I would have ever put them together on my own but luckily... Dawn made me! :)

Michael's aunt, Marie, is currently in the hospital after having some surgery. I thought these would make great colors for a get better soon card. I pulled out one of my newest PTI sets and got to work! I embossed the background with the SU Small Dots Texturz plate. I sponged Certainly Celery all over it in hopes the dots would stand out more. I think you can see them in the pic... if not... just use your imagination! :)

I also had an idea to make a card from Carver. I may just give Marie this card from all of us and keep the 1st one on hand for use later. I think she is going to have a long recovery so she might appreciate another card down the road.

I have seen something similar to this somewhere before but can't remember where. It was either a child's artwork or their hand print used on a card. I loved it and haven't forgotten about it.

My nieces and nephew (and Carver) call Marie... Aunt Ree. There was a lot of blank space because of the spacing of little C's fingers. I added some thickers to spell out Ree to help take up some of the space. Not a perfect card but... hopefully she will like it! I would!!

Hope you all have a wonderful Thursday! It is almost time for the weekend.... woo hoo!

Supplies (for first card) :
Stamps - Everyday Button Bits (PTI)
Paper - White, Pure Poppy Bitty Box, Berry Sorbet Bitty Dots (all PTI), Certainly Celery (SU)
Ink - Certainly Celery (SU), Pure Poppy, Chamomile Tea Dye (both PTI)
Other - Berry Sorbet Buttons (PTI), Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, Clear Rhinestones, SU Dimensionals, Scallop and Classic Square Nestabilities, SU Small Dots Texturz plate

Supplies (for Carver card) :
Stamps - Everyday Button Bits (PTI), Carvers hand (God, Michael and Kelley)
Paper - Pure Poppy, White, Berry Sorbet Bitty Box (all PTI)
Ink - Whisper White (SU), Berry Sorbet (PTI)
Other - Pure Poppy ribbon (PTI), Spring Moss button (PTI), SU Eyelet Border Punch, American Crafts Vinyl Thickers, Making Memories Celery Scrapbook Paint

You're The Inspiration...

you give meaning to my life... you're the inspiration!!

I think those are the words to the song anyway!! Chicago? I don't know.... it's late and I am tired! :)

This is one of my fav button cards that I have made! I call it my Jar O' Buttons card! I saw this mason jar stamp a while ago and HAD TO HAVE IT! I didn't get it right away but it stayed in my head and heart. :) Since I have been on a button binge lately... I had to get it. I love love love it! I love the old Ball jars!! Anyway...

My grandmother gave me the jar, in my inspiration picture, and the buttons. Of course, I add to the button stash as we get new clothes with extra buttons, etc. I haven't dug into this jar yet to see what kinds of buttons are in there. I just hate to use them. I think I have enough PTI and misc. buttons to last a while and maybe I won't have to. They are special to me because my grandmother gave them to me. I will have to use them on something that I will keep for myself.

Hope you have a great day! Thanks for stopping by and saying hello!!

Supplies:
Stamps - Handwritten Notes (PTI), Jar (Inkadinkado)
Paper - Spring Moss bitty box, Kraft, Rustic Cream (all PTI)
Ink - Dark Chocolate, True Black (both PTI)
Other - One of all available colors of PTI buttons, Rustic Jute Twine (PTI), SU Eyelet Border Punch, SU Dimensionals

Going to the Bank

Yesterday, Carver and I were going to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. Wal-Mart is in my hometown (one town away from where we currently live) and when we go there, we always visit my mom at the bank. The ladies at the bank (including my mom of course) always look forward to Carver's visit and are ready with chips, etc to bribe him to do his tricks! :) Anyway... when I told Carver where we were going, I went to my room to get ready. While I was in the bathroom, I heard change jingling around in a jar. This could only mean one thing. When I ran to Carver's room, this is what I found....

Carver had cleared off the top of his bookcase, stood on his chair, stood on his bookcase and got his change jar off of the shelf on the wall. I am telling you... that boy keeps me on my toes all day long!

When I got to him, he was saying "I want my money Mommy"! So... we took his $10 that my grandmother had given him and deposited it in the bank. It doesn't take them long to know what money is. Anytime you get money out of your wallet, he says "My money... I want money" ! I guess he gets that from me! Ha...

Carver has also noticed at the store that there is sometimes a little cup with change (you know... leave a penny... take a penny type thing) and he always asks the cashier if he can have one! :) I have had to tell 2 different cashiers "no thanks" when they try to give him one!

This is Carver saying, "Cheese"!!

Christmas Crazy!

Ok... so I have made like... a bunch more Christmas cards. I am having issues with Christmas and buttons!

Anyway... I made this a few days ago. I should probably post more than one card at once since I have been making so many. However, there are weeks where I don't craft at all so .... this helps me be able to post a card everyday! You will be seeing a lot more Christmas cards from me over the next couple of weeks but I have made a few non-Christmas cards to post as well!

Have a great Tuesday!

Oh... I had intended for the bottom rows of buttons to look like garland. Not sure if I accomplished that or not!?!?!?

Supplies:
Stamps - Faux Ribbon, Polka Dot Basics, Holiday Wishes (all PTI)
Paper - Kraft, Scarlet Jewel, Dark Chocolate Bitty Dot, Rustic Cream (all PTI)
Ink - Dark Chocolate, New Leaf, Scarlet Jewel for edges (all PTI)
Other - Scarlet Jewel, New Leaf, White/Cream buttons (PTI), SU Dimensionals, Classic Square Nestabilities

Happy Birthday to you!

My nephews wife, Kayla, will celebrate a birthday in August. I made this card for her!

I found this tutorial on how to make these flowers. This was my first attempt. I think I will be making more in the future! Too cute!!

Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!

Supplies:
Stamps - Mod Squad (PTI)
Paper - Kraft (PTI), Early Bird (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink - True Black (PTI), Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)
Other - Button from stash, Bazzill floss

For Lisa

My sister-in-law, Lisa, celebrates her 39th (plus 1) birthday this week! I have seen several cute cards using the recycle theme with a 39th again birthday. I knew this is what I wanted to do for my sister-in-law. I hope she thinks its cute. It has to be better than a Happy 40th birthday card, right? :)

Thanks for checking in! Hope you are having a great Sunday!

Supplies:
Stamps - Eco Friendly (The Paper Co. Studio)
Paper - Garden Green (SU), White (PTI)
Ink - Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger), VersaMark
Other - Recycled cardboard packaging, Green emboss powder (Hampton Art), EK Success Circle Punch, SU Dimensionals, SU Top Note Die, Making Memories Tiny Alpha, Making Memories Waterslide and Red Wagon Handwriting Alpha Stickers, AC Chipboard Thickers

More Christmas Buttons

Hope you all are having a great Saturday so far! I haven't been out of bed too long. I am going to get ready to go get my son in just a few but I wanted to go ahead and do my post for the day so I could, hopefully, make something while he naps!

This is another button card and another Christmas card. I don't know why but I am feeling the need to make all of my holiday cards. I guess that is a good thing, right? Hopefully by the time Christmas rolls around, I will have them all done. I wanted to make my cards last year, but I waited too late to start. I should have NO excuse this year!! :)

I had another idea to use this stamp set by PTI to make another Christmas/button card but then I saw my idea... made by someone else... on one of the company blogs that I visit. I guess the idea wasn't as original as I thought! :) Ha... I may have to make it anyway!

So.... date night!?!? Well... Michael did computer work all day yesterday and was not feeling well all day. I was fine until the afternoon and then I started having a sinus headache. Michael got home around 7:45pm (with our dinner) and by 8:30 we were both laying in the bed watching a tv show. After that show went off, I rolled over to close my eyes for a minute. When I woke up it was almost 10pm and Michael was out! :) I got up to feed the dogs and then got back in the bed. We are pretty fun people, huh? :)

While we were awake, Michael kept laughing at us and how boring and pitiful we are! I had to take some ibuprofen for my back this morning. It was so stiff and hurting this morning... I guess from all the laying down! :) I am old!! My body feels much older than what I am. Years of sports have damaged my body!! :) anyway... guess I am chatty this morning! Thanks for checking in on me!! I am going to go visit all of your blogs before I go get my boy! Have a great weekend!!

Supplies:
Stamps - Mega Mixed Messages, Take a Bough (both PTI)
Paper - Kraft, Ripe Avocado Bitty Dot, Scarlet Jewel (all PTI)
Ink - Scarlet Jewel, Ripe Avoc, Chai Tea dye (all PTI), Silver (Hampton Art)
Other - Vintage Cream/White Buttons (PTI), Clear Emboss Powder (Joann)

Wishing You Peace

This is another one of the button cards that I have made recently. I still have a few to share. I made this one a few days ago.

I haven't made anything the past two nights. We had a bday party Wednesday night and then I went to bed early. Last night, I went to eat with my good friend, Kim! I don't go out with friends often so I really enjoy it when I get out for a few. I always feel guilty about leaving the guys behind but it is really nice to just have some 'me' time that doesn't involve running errands around town! I love my friend Kim!! I always enjoy spending time with her!

Anyway... tonight my little man is going to spend the night with his grandparents so Michael and I are going to try to go to a movie or something. I don't think I will be getting anything crafty done tonight either. I hope I don't lose my mojo!! I always worry if I don't do something crafty everyday that I am going to lose all the ideas that float around in my head. Even if I write them down... they just don't have the same urgency to complete if I can't craft for a couple of days! I end up just staring at all my stuff for a couple of nights before I can come up with something!

Well... I hope you all have a wonderful Friday! Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:
Stamps - Snowflake Serenade (PTI)
Paper - Enchanted Evening (PTI)
Ink - Enchanted Evening (PTI), Whisper White (SU)
Other - White Vintage Buttons (PTI), Clear Emboss Powder

CPS 125

I was able to run outside yesterday, while the sun was shining for a full minute, and take a couple of pictures of cards I had made! The coloring is still a little dark but it looks better this way than trying to fix it in Picasa. Anywho.... here is my CPS card.

I was able to use some of my new and wonderful Cherry Hill by October Afternoon paper that I won from Ann's blog!! I love love love this paper!! I was also able to use one of my new PTI stamp sets.... woo hoo! I love this set! I can't wait to play with it some more.

So... we went to my nephew's birthday party last night and guess who was worn out when we got home!?!?! All of us!! :) Michael and I got in the bouncy things and acted like we were teenagers! :) When we got home, I started noticing that I was already sore. I had some bouncy thing burn on my elbow, I hurt my hip/butt, and I am just sore all over. I am so out of shape and in need of some serious exercise!! Oh... Carver was tired too! He had a big time. Carver really got into things this year... he was so cute!

I don't know how long it has been since I have done this but.... I went to bed at 10:30 last night. I finally thought... "this is so stupid.. i am fighting sleep like i am a kid..... just go to bed Kelley".... So... I did. It was nice. Still tired today after getting up with Carver several times in the night but not as tired as I would be if I hadn't gone to bed early (for me)!

Well... enough rambling! Hope you are all having a great Thursday! Thanks for checking in on me! :)

Supplies:
Stamps - Everyday Button Bits (PTI)
Paper - Ripe Avocado, Kraft, Scarlet Jewel, White (all PTI), Cherry Hill DP (October Afternoon)
Ink - Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger), Ripe Avocado, Scarlet Jewel (both PTI)
Other - Marvy Circle Punch, Clear Rhinestones, Scarlet Jewel and Hibiscus Burst Buttons

Sweet Pea

I have been on a button kick lately! I have several more cards to share later using buttons! This is the first one I wanted to share. I had planned to post a card that I made last night, for the CPS challenge, but it is raining and too dark outside to take the picture. So.... here is my little 3x3 sweet pea.

Since the release of the new PTI set, Everyday Button Bits, I have been digging through my other stamps to see where I could use buttons. I thought this would make a cute new baby girl card!

Anyway.... I want to say "Thank you" to all of you who left suggestions on how I could use my loved grid paper! Seems that I am not as weird as I thought! :) Or... all of you are weird too! :) I got some great suggestions and now I feel okay about hanging onto it for a while and using it for something.

Hope you all are having a great Wednesday! Carver is napping right now and we are going to a birthday party for my adorable nephew, Rex, tonight! It is going to be at Pump It Up! Rex had a party there last year but Carver was a little too young to get into it. I am anxious to see how he does tonight. I think he is going to have a great time and hopefully come home worn out and ready for bed! Ha...

Supplies:
Stamps - Green Thumb (PTI)
Paper - Sweet Blush, Polka Dot Parade, Ripe Avocado Bitty Box, White (all PTI)
Ink - Ripe Avocado, True Black, Chai Tea Dye (all PTI)
Other - Classic Square and Scallop Square Nestabilities, Raspberry Fizz buttons (PTI)

Unscripted Sketches 15

I got a new bat punch at Joanns the other day with a 50% off coupon. I thought this sketch would be a good opportunity to use it. I love the sketch but.... not so much the card. It is ok but just not one of my favs. I thought I would post it anyway! Hopefully I can come up with something better with my new bat punch... I am totally into punches these days.

It is hard to see because of the text on the bats, but I added some clear rhinestones for the eyes. I am pretty sure that bats don't have eyes or that they are blind but... they don't have text all over them either so I figured... why not!?!?! :)

Not sure why I am posting this either but I went to throw it away and just couldn't. This is a loved piece of grid paper. I have gone through several of these over the past couple of months but I think this is the most colorful one. I usually end up getting glitter or glue, etc. on it and part with it before it looks this pretty! I think I am going to have a hard time getting rid of it! I know... I have issues! Maybe I can find something creative to do with it!

Hope you are having a great Tuesday!


Supplies:
Stamps - Martha Stewart
Paper - Kraft (PTI), Halloween w/ glitter dots (Heidi Grace), Making Memories Halloween, Tangerine Tango, Summer Sun (both SU)
Ink - Dark Chocolate for edges (PTI), Tangerine Tango (SU)
Other - EK Success Circle and Bat punches, Clear Rhinestones, SU Dimensionals, SU Corner Ticket punch

Play Pictures

These are some pictures I took of Carver, playing in his room, a few weeks ago. Carver loves his trucks and he likes to stand with his legs spread so the trucks can roll under him.

Carver has started this new thing when he is sitting down. He likes to stick his finger in between his toes! (I have since cut that toenail... ha) I think it is cute!

I love him!!!!

The New Black

Here is my second Moxie Fab card. Again... very simple... no stamping! I was trying to think of a couple of clever cards. I don't know if I accomplished that or not! I really really really liked them right after I made them but then I started second guessing myself. Oh well... I think everyone does that so... no biggie!

Hope you have a great Monday! Thanks for visiting!! :)

Supplies:

Paper - Kraft (PTI)

Ink - Chamomile Tea Dye (PTI)

Other - American Crafts Playroom & Vera Thickers, Making Memories Tiny Alpha

Moxie Fab Green Challenge

I had almost forgotten about the latest Moxie Fab Challenge until I saw Stephanie's card on Friday night. Thanks Stephanie for the reminder!

I made two cards for this challenge. I am going to save the second one to show tomorrow. I started so late that these will be the only two I make... ha. Remember last challenge I made like 7 cards? :) I don' t know what it is about the Moxie Challenges that get me all fired up!

Anyway... both are super simple... no stamping at all! I prayed about it and both ideas just hit me so I went with it. I like them... I don' t know who I will ever send them to but maybe I can find something creative to do with them. Maybe I can take a picture of all of my recycling out in the garage to make a scrapbook page and somehow incorporate those cards!?!? :) ha...

Enough rambling!! Hope you all have a great day!

Supplies:

Paper - True Black (PTI)

Ink - Signo White Pen

Other - American Crafts Cucumber Sprinkles Thickers, Making Memories Tiny Alphas

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #12

Last night I made 3 cards... whoo hoo! I won't tell you how late I had to stay up to do it but... maybe I can get in bed a little earlier tonight!

Here is my card creation using Dawn's latest color challenge. The camera didn't pick up the sentiment very well... it is stamped in Raspberry Fizz ink. I had to play around with the coloring of the picture again... that Scarlet Jewel is so dark that it washed out all of the spring moss color of the background paper. Speaking of Scarlet Jewel... has anyone else had trouble using punches or embossing on that paper? I am sure not complaining but man... that is some tough stuff! I don't know what it is about that color but it is a whole lot thicker than the normally thick PTI cardstock!

Hope you are having a great weekend so far!

Supplies:

Stamps - Background Basics Text Style, Birthday Basics (both PTI)

Paper - Vintage Cream, Spring Moss Bitty Box, Scarlet Jewel (all PTI)

Ink - Scarlet Jewel, Raspberry Fizz, Chai Tea Dye (all PTI)

Other - SU Beautiful Butterflies Die, SU Eyelet Border Punch, Raspberry Fizz button (PTI)