JUGS " Holiday Color Challenge"

Just Us Girls Challenge 115 has a Color Challenge from this image:

I made quite a few Holiday Tags this year for family and friends. One of my favorites is using the small Vintage Images.

I distressed some corragated card board cut to size, layered several as they say "Bits & Bobs" from my Little Treasures stash,  a snowflake, glittered stars, a bell, wired ribbon, and lots of scrap pieces of colored trims.
I usually stamp a sentiment and sparkle up the back of my tags, date and sign them.
This particular one was made for my Mother and Dad, Mom loves Vinatage Santas, and Dad he mavels at all the layers.  I usually share all my designs with them, they enjoy the seasonal variety.

Stop over to Just Us Girls and enjoy all the "Pretties" the Design Team has up for inspiration.
Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the countdown to Christmas. 

May you and yours have a delightful Holiday Season.

Mixed Patterns and Color Trends

The Embellish Blog has a Challenge to create with  Mixed Patterns and Color Trends
from this Inspiration photo:

I needed a quick "Thank You" card and this looked like some great things to work with. A little break from the "Holiday" papers.

The core card stock was embossed with a plaid design, then sanded, 3 layers of patterned papers  in the Olive, Brown, Golden Yellow, and by adding a butterfly, a tiny heart stamp, the sentiment, "Thank You",  a  patterened ribbon and bow in Navy it completes my card.

Actually quite quick and simple. Stop by Embellish and enjoy the great inspiration the Design Team has presented for this Challenge.
Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the countdown to Christmas. May you & yours enjoy the Holiday Season.

Little Christmas Tidbits

I love Graphic 45's Christmas Papers, the postage size images are great for so many things.
I have several seasonal things of Crafty Secrets that really are so fun to work with also, so while going thru the "Little Treasures" I collect throughout the year, I put a few quick things together.

I crocheted these little circles long ago and just found them in with some cross stitch  items. 

Found several of these little frames on clearance for a quarter.

and these were 2 for a quarter!! Little Vintage Images are so cute.

Then the creator I am, I saved a top from some purchase, removed the staples,  opened it up and cut out the Santa with a Spellbinders die and popped it in a cross stitch frame, will add some ribbon for a tie.

Well, thanks for stopping by, I'm enjoying my free time as I know Thursday I'll be in a panic preparing foods for our Friday, Saturday and Sunday guests. I started putting things together by receipes for each day, just so I know I have all the ingredients.  Had to organize the freezer just to make sure I have enough vegatables, cool whip, etc. 

Enjoy the count down

Hark the Hearld Angel

The Play Date Cafe PDCC111 has a Color Splash Challenge  and Inspiration comes from this beautiful photo

This Santa image has long been a heart throb for me. Just so Vintage and the Memories of Years gone by always come to mind when I see it.

I've been doing "Tags" for family and friends this year, so the Little Angel image was great to use for this challenge. I die cut the little snowflakes and the tag, glitter sprayed the white with soft aqua, and I put my Sentiment and a few embellishments and signature on the back before I finished up the front. 

Stop over to the Play Date Cafe and see the beautiful inspiration the DT has created, and there are lots of great entries to see also. 

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the week, the countdown is on.  OH I so hope you are enjoying the beatutiful Winter Weather we are...40 some and beautiful sunshine. Really unusual for Iowa.  Will make for a SHORT winter if it keeps up.

Quick & Simple

Over at Joan's Gardens the Challenge #14 is a Quick Christmas Card.  Whew!! I hardly know what that is. But I intend to do quite a few more, besides they are much easier to mail.

I used an embossing folder, highlighted with some gold chalk, added the cute little image and a simple scunchy bow at the top and  whalla its done!!   So glad this was a challenge or I wouldn't have done it.  Why I don't know, but it is a good thing. 

Thanks for stopping by and truly enjoy your week, the days are counting down quickly.

Fun with Tags

Believe!     it or not..I actually had some extra time to play around with more "Tags".  Over at
The Ribbon Reel Challenge #17 they are having a color challenge, Silver/Cream-White/Blue-Aqua and what a beautiful inspiration photo:

My Tag was so fun to create with this adorable image

I made a few die cut snowflakes, used some glitter spray on the distressed corrigated cardboard tag
base, also used a silver spray on the next layer, added some different silver ribbon, the adorable little
image, some items from my stash for embellishing the snowflakes, some beads to the silver string of beads at the top.
I usually add my sentiments, stamped images  etc, and signature to the back BEFORE I start a tag, as quite hard to do when it is finished with all the layers.
Once I started the "Tags" my list kept growing, so off to do a few more.
Thanks for stopping by, I am hoping you are enjoying some wonderful winter weather!!! in the 40's, bright sunshine, oh it makes for a much shorter winter.  Enjoy your week the countdown is on.

Fun with Tags

I love Tags and ATC cards.   I've created a variety this week, I love the layers and variety of goodies I can use at Christmas. Lots of glitter and glitz.

will enter into the following Challenges
Sugar Creek Hollow  Vintage Christmas Tag
Incy Wincy Designs   Challenge #124 Christmas +Brads  ( I have a little silver star on the gold star)
Cupcake Craft Challenge #172 Don't Look at the Light- - -use Shiny

Thanks for stopping by and my you enjoy preparing for the seasonal holidays. Always lots to do and the time just flies by.

Happy #132 WOYWW Wowers

The STAMPING GROUND  hosted by Julia Dunnit comes around quicker than my Friday night evening out.  If you are not familiar with WOYWW stop over she has it all explained and the Peepers are about half signed in as we have time differences around this world.

The little felt designs I got a few yrs back for a dime. I think they are the remains of a Christmas countdown. So trying to come up with an idea for their use.  The holly stamp and stencil I hope to finish a few more tags.  On Sunday this area was complete kaos, got a phone call from my son they plan to be here THIS  Saturday...a week earlier than expected.  I was so excited...as I have not yet seen their new baby "Summer Rose".   But I've been none stop cleaning, cooking, baking and organizing ever since.  Cooked a 20lb turkey for Christmas Day, have him cut up and in the freezer, have some grocery shopping to do for last minute meals etc.  And I can relax somewhat.! ! !

I have been working on this for a week. The little image looks so much like my granddaughter Camryn who is 6.   I wanted it to be her Christmas card.  But nothing seems to be easy with it coming together.  I made 10 other tags and still stumbling with this.  I've had gold paper doily heart layered in the background, numerous other things, tried it in an open antique frame, and time is fast disappearing and still not settled on its design.   I am open to ideas.

Well, I must get ready for the day, have to help my folks with a few things and finish addressing some cards.  I've done the Christmas Letter,  & address labels  so they are almost finished. My DH helps with signing and stuffing...  He also wrapped ALL the gifts, and labeled them. One job I really don't enjoy, so I was very grateful.

We are so thankful, it is REALLY raining here.  This is a much needed rain, almost none since August and with the warm 40 degree temps, it will not turn to snow and ice.  Enjoy your visits,  and have fun preparing for how you celebrate the Holidays.

PS:   I was so excited to have been a day 3 winner in Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas. I took time to enjoy all his posts and I learned a lot.  

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #131 or WOYWW

It's the day to share your work space:

Julia at the Stamping Ground has well over 100 participating in this event, so if you are new to this stop over and get the details. Lots of fun to meet new people, and peep about their projects.

Above I've been working on little bits and pieces. Tags, Decorations, and some Cards. I regret the little gold pods I had last week cannot be shown today. After loading the pictures here the 3rd item said my E drive needs to be formatted????  Why work for 2 and Now what is formatted for the same process...Its a photo disc not a CD or a Floppy...so will try for next week. They turned out quite cute as decorations.

The top row of trees and Santas here are ones I cut and painted. The bottom row is a set I bought at a craft fair and intend on cutting out and painting some and making little villages. It might be my winter project and be done by next year!!!  I've a lot yet to do with gift wrapping, my cards and Christmas letter, and some baking. I think all the house has been decorated, even though I've  a few more boxes untouched, I think I'm quitting.

Beautiful snowfall Saturday (4/5 inches) and now highways are cleared and a bright sunny day prevails. Very cold but bundled up you don't really notice it.

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy WOYWW and remain sane..this should be a time to enjoy and have fun in the process. Seems we go to far and wear ourselves out

WOW...A WINNER in the 12 Days of Christmas

WOW..I am so excited..I am following TIM HOLTZ's 12 Days of Christmas and I was a winner on Day 3.  The man is amazing. His products are amazing. And he said Arizona has SNOW..AMAZING

He shared a beautiful photo of an old wagon, wagon wheels covered in snow to show us all.

this was the photo he took out in front of his house today - so peaceful...

Stop by  his blog to see all the great things he has been sharing  TIM HOLTZ  in the 12 Days of Christmas.  He has over 55,000 views a day and over 3000 comments left each day.   So I feel very lucky to have won.  Thanks Tim you are wonderful inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by, we also have some snow 4/5 inches maybe?   So will be a good day to stay in and do my Christmas letter,  enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and spend time on http://pinterest.com/
love the ideas there!!!!!  Enjoy your day.

IT'S #130 at WOYWW

Wednesday ! ! What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday...over at the Stamping Ground, created by Mrs. Dunnit.  It's a day to Peep about others Creative desks, and be snoopy, make friends and find out what more than 100 people have to show you and Ms. Julia. So pop on over and see what the excitement is all about. 

Our road ditches are steep so I asked my DH if he'd cut the 3 stems of pods for me and being the GOOD man that he is he did just that,  and I at once sprayed painted them Gold, so he could see I really WAS going to use these  "Weeds" as he calls them.  They've been laying here for a week, as well as the unfinished cookie cutters.  But I started Christmas decorating and I guess that had priority.
It takes my 3 to 4 days just to do my trees. This year 3 trees had 1/2 of the lights burnt out  So another 1/2 day taking them off and restringing new.  And I have to keep at it as I simply HATE the mess of rubbermaids and things cluttering the way for daily living.

I am now pretty much done and in control of things back in order.  I decorate "everyroom" with at least 1 tree, 1 Nativity and  other accents, (greenry above the windows, collections of Vintage this and that, big red snowflakes hanging in the windows). 

This is no doubt my most feminine tree, adding little glimmering lights to our spare bedroom.  Even little Bailey gets in on the action and it made him so tired.  He had to get right up on the Christmas afaghan and take his nap before big brother Baxter took it over.

Peaceful dreams my little friend.  Plans today after making my visits, will be completing the PODS!!!
I made an ATC for a Christmas exchange in my preivious post and hope to get the cookie cutter decorations done too.
Thanks for stopping by, enjoy your WOYWW visits and have a wonderful week.

A Merry Christmas ATC SWAP and Stamp Simply Metallics

I am hoping you are all recovered from TOO MUCH turkey yesterday!!! It was a Thanksgiving Day Holiday here in the states. And many have Friday off as well.  They call it BLACK FRIDAY. I do not participate in BLACK FRIDAY shopping.  If you do I hope you are all in one piece and got all great prices in your challenge to shop, park and drive.  Me, I've Enjoyed a quiet, creative day here at home.
Savoring some luscious flavors my sister created from our Thanksgiving Day meal. Wow..she is the best cook. Turkey, dressing, green bean casserole, relish, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, wild rice and a sweet potato casserole that was out of this world.  More like a desert.  Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream.  And she sent left overs.!!!   My 2 Sisters are Heavenly...always there, always friends.

I've always wanted to play along in an ATC swap and in November I saw that Kimberly of ArtJoyStuff  was doing having A Merry Christmas swap and I was early enough to participate.
What Fun!!! 

Well today I received my ATC from Kimberly



Isn't it adorable?  The flower is so satiny soft and lovely.  THANK YOU KIMBERLY.

It is the one with the white background, and big white flower, she packaged it in the pocket with the little tag tied on the front..  a Truly Cherished Trio.

Earlier I sent her my ATC. I love the challenge of creating on a tiny space.




Some layers of snowflakes topped with a button , a paper doily topped with delicate silver ribbon, a little Graphics 45 image, red felt ribbon, and some wired gold beaded trim. At the bottom more gold trim and a little Be Merry sentiment from my stash. 

I have to mention too that all of the trim on this little ATC were products I won over at

No Time To Stamp   This is a BEAUTIFUL sampler collection of METALLICS that Sharon has for sale at the Stamp Simply Ribbon Store
She definitely has quality items to offer for your crafting needs.

Well, thanks for stopping by, Again Thank You Kimberly for the fun and the beautiful ATC trio.
Enjoy the weekend

IT'S WOYWW #129

It's here Wednesday.. and at Ms. Julia's STAMPING GROUND we have the chance to visit over 100 creative desks.  Somehow "LIFE" and "TIME" get in the way of making ALL the rounds.

My desk hasn't had much attention, a quick card using the Old Press letters DAD...95, as we celebrated my DH dad's 95th birthday Sunday.  WOW..he is an amazing man...still in his own apt., walks a lot each day no matter the type of weather, keeps up on current events, and really enjoys people.  I found these various sized wood pieces in a sale bin and keeping them close as I have a few little ideas for wood crafting while the garage is still a little warm but have to get the dremmel saw out and have some TIME..  otherwise mostly Christmas. 

but here in the US most of us have a 4 day weekend. and today don't count unless you take it as a vacation day to travel or prepare. We need it....from all the today preparations that are happening...packing to travel to family or friends houses to enjoy tomorrow, cooking LOTS of FOOD
for the BIG meal on Thanks Giving Day, and no doubt watching football, parades, and lounging around in PJ's til midmorning!! Friday of course is "BLACK FRIDAY"...shopping at midnight, 6AM etc for some great gift or sale items. (Not me..I don't like the crowds, waiting in lines, unavailable parking, crazy drivers etc)... Saturday, and Sunday back to some normalcy...more food it you have visitors, and driving many miles if you are the visitorreturning home.  Whew...Just enjoy, travel safe and be so thankful for all we have.

Thanks for taking time to stop and visit.  Enjoy WOYWW,
HAPPY THANKSGIVING and may your BLESSINGS be MANY.

It's #128 at WOYWW

Each week I say WOW..it's Wednesday already, and that means 1 thing on my list to do is the What's On Youar Workdesk Wendesday post and photo my desk.  This comes about by Ms. Julia over at the STAMPING GROUND. I and over 100 others get involved in peeping about other peoples desks.
Yep, my husband would say "Crazy", but I won't ask any questions"

I have a few cookie cutters, I plan to make into decorations, glitter glitzed  some papers. The little plastic containers, my sister had from some babyfood her daughter left and she thought I could use   them for drawer storage with all the little things I collect.  And she was right, I just have to have         time to organize them.                                                                                                                              

   I am feeling better, I have created a few things I cannot show you, but had to leave the desk and prepare some food and make a sympathy card.  We have a funeral on Thurday, and it is our Circle to serve the dinner. Wonderful family, and the mother 73 yrs died from cancer.  It's a wicked killer. We will miss her great smile and all the volunteer work she has always been involved with.
   Our fall weather is still wonderful, no much needed rain in the forcast.
   Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful WOYWW week and enjoy the fun WOYWW visits.

It's #127 at WOYWW

Oh it's time to share Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday with all of Julia's friends at the
STAMPING GROUND. 

After almost 2 weeks of being under the weather, I went to replish some meds (seems funny to leave the house) and stopped at an Antique Shop only to find a few things I hope to make into Christmas Ornaments.  And I couldn't resist the Patriotic Crocheted Pot Holder.  I've been working on  a few Patriotic cards I'm getting ready to mail off as Friday is Veterans Day here in the US and with my Son, a nephew, serving and a special brother in law and father in law who are Veterans I have to say Thanks for the Sacrifices they've made so we can remain free.

Little by little I am getting back to cleaning, creating, and thinking of Christmas. Still not much of an appetite, I've lost 8 lbs so if the appetite stays at bay maybe I can keep it off when I resume using the treadmill, as I think our outside activities are coming to an end.  SNOW is the word in the weather report today.  But by Sat back into the 50's which is wonderful for our area at this time of the year.

I found a sawed off wire shelfing piece in the garage and guess what it fits on top of my paper rack perfect. The hooked on tray I also got at a used shop and made extra space. I am using this area for the CURRENT holiday stuff. Stamps, papers, stickers, etc. So now if I can keep my interest up in making SOMETHING I should be all set.  My mojo has been gone for so long, I am hoping it will come back with the SNOW and I can get back to being creative.

I apoligize for not making many visits last week. The day I felt good the computer was having problems and then blogger wasn't posting and I was to frail to persist finding out the problems.

Thanks for stopping by, hope to see what all you've been up to.  Enjoy a wonderful week ahead.

Thank You Beary Sweet and HeartWarming Vintage

I was so excited to see that I was a Winner at HeartWarming Vintage  and  a Top 3 Choice at The Beary Scrap Design Blogspot for my little Halloween Treat Gift Bag.

Thank You to all at HeartWarming Vintage for chosing my design as the Winner in the Facebook Contest. I will truly enjoy my $40 Gift Certificate and the New CD from Crafty Secrets. Their products are the most fun to work with. 

Thank You to all at Beary Scrap Design too for selecting me as one of the TOP 3. You always have fun challenges and lots of great inspiration for us. 

I love to recycle things and The Heart Warming Vintage  offered us:   Design Team Gift Bag/Envelope Challenge created from this cool DIY video she found at
increditblethings for turning any envelope into a gift bag with pleated sides! 
There can be so many uses for this. And it is quite simple.

IT'S WOYWW #126

Hello Everyone. Just a quick WOYWW post today, Julia at the Stamping Ground has Wednesday set aside for anyone who loves to be creative to take a bit of a break and peep about Others creative workdesks.  Quite the fun...

I had to quickly make a little great nephew a #1 Birthday Card and thats been it

since Thursday, I've been out of commission with Bronchitis and a Sinus Infection. After spending Sat and Sun with a sore throat, I ventured to the doctor. So hoping the meds start to work as I am not a good patient. Poor way to lose weight, but thats whats happening, I could barely swallow liquids and have no appetite.

So I hope you are all in good health, eating 3 squares a day with desert and enjoying your favorite beverage and some sunshine.  Rain is forcast and no one is objecting we need it badly. Mid 40's so shouldn't be snow as yet.

I have one little picture to end with, my son sent from Halloween night, a little bumble bee:

 or two

Made my whole day a little brighter.  Thanks for stopping by and enjoy WOYWW.