Believe In The Magic....FMS416

Santa looked like he was headed for a crash landing when I tipped the top panel of my card downward like the sketch.  So to save Santa a trip to the ER I tipped him skyward and moved the sentiment as well.  Hope you have time to enjoy the magic of the season!  I will be taking a bit of a blogging break to catch my breath during this very hectic December.  I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2020!  Looking forward to another year of crafting fun!

Amy has a wonderful sketch to close out 2019!  Hope you join us at Freshly Made Sketches!

Stamps:  Santa and Sleigh (Purple Onion), Up In The Air (Ellen Hutson), Winter Memories (Newton's Nook)

Ink: Distress, Versafine Black, Night of Navy

Paper: Whisper White, Copper Foil, Brightly Gleaming DSP

Simple and Sweet.....FMS415

A simple and sweet card for you today.....which is my goal for this holiday season....simple and definitely full of sweets!

Our resident Artisan Narelle designed a sweet sketch for us this week at Freshly Made Sketches!

Stamp Sets: Cup Of Christmas, Candy Cane Season

Ink: Poppy Parade, Seaside Spray

Paper: Poppy Parade,  Whisper White, Shaded Spruce, Santa's Workshop DSP

Best Laid Plans

I will be entering a new decade later this month and the plan was to take a blogging break and celebrate in Florida with Miss Emma and her mom and dad at our favorite theme parks.  I was literally headed out the door with my suitcase when the call came.  My mother had fallen and was in an ambulance.  We rushed to the ER and it was truly bad. She took the brunt of the fall on her face - lots of swelling and bleeding.  I made the troops go on to Florida without me and spent the week with my mother in the hospital.  Luckily I live close to the hospital so I could come home to sleep - in spite of the two day 25 inch snowstorm that raged!  Amazingly no bones were broken but she needed lots of assistance and someone to keep her reassured and calm - which was me!

And what does this all have to do with my card today?  Well I learned a new skill in the hospital.  It is possible to use your left hand to protect an IV drip from being pulled out and still scroll through your phone for Black Friday Sales and place orders with your right hand!  These critters were the first to arrive in my mailbox as a gift to me!  I may have ordered myself a few more gifts......

I am happy to report Gram is back in assisted living - not fully recovered but doing better.  And the travelers?  They had a wonderful time and sent me lots of pictures.

Emma loved the magic of Disney......

But I am not sure if she loved the magic of Beetlejuice....

I used the sketch at Cas(e) this Sketch for my design.

Stamp Set: Furry Christmas (SSS)

Paper: Whisper White, Merry Little Christmas DSP

Ink: Memento Black, Lovely Lipstick, Copics

An Ice Day - or Two.....FMS414

December has started with a blast - of cold, snow and ice!  Yes we had two days of snow resulting in 24 inches of the white stuff.  The snowblower broke - we did lots of shoveling.  My car got stuck twice in the driveway - more shoveling.  And yet the Big Guy just keeps on smiling because he will be skiing before Christmas......



Karren's sketch has great possibilities!  It was perfect to showcase this ice skating giraffe!  Hope you join us at Freshly Made Sketches!
                                                        

Stamp Set:  Giraffes On Ice (MFT), Holiday Home (SU)
Paper: Whisper White, Under the Mistletoe DSP
Ink: Shaded Spruce, Old Olive, Memento Black, Seaside Spray, Copics

Fusion: Christmas

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you watching the Macy's Parade and eating turkey today!  That is on my agenda!  Christmas is oh so close so I am trying to do a card or two every night.  I made a few of these with the sweet simple trees - almost Seuss-like which must have inspired the pink background!

Cooking is not my strong suit so I don't host Thanksgiving Dinner.....and the few times I have the day never turned out as planned.  One year my dad had a stroke and I spent the day at the hospital - guests were on the self serve plan.  Another year the turkey hadn't thawed so it wasn't ready on time. We ate without it and I sent plates of turkey home with everyone when it was finally done.  Then there was the year I literally fell asleep at the table - yep head down and out like a light! The Big Guy made me go to bed and the next morning I woke up totally covered in chicken pox! (That's what happens when chicken pox runs through your third grade classroom and you have never had it - yes I'm an only child!)

But I can bake a mean pie so I am always happy to bring dessert!  Hope you have a wonderful holiday season and that your dinner today is hosted by someone who knows her way around the kitchen!




Always wonderful inspiration at Fusion!  Hope you join us!
                                    

Images from Purple Onion, Sentiment from Newton's Nook
Paper:  Whisper White.Night of Navy
Ink:  Night of Navy, Tranquil Tide, Copics, Distress

Merry Christmas....FMS413

That big cursive Merry die cut was perfect for Cecile's sketch this week!  I taught cursive writing for many years to my third graders.....they loved it!  It makes me sad that it is no longer taught in most schools. Everyone's handwriting is unique and as cardmakers we do appreciate the value of a handwritten note.......and envelope!  I have already started addressing envelopes - now I need to get busy finishing up what goes in them!

I love Cecile's creative sketch this week!  Hope you join us at Freshly Made Sketches!

Stamp Set: Merry Christmas To All

Paper: Whisper White, Gold Foil, Shaded Spruce, All Is Bright DSP

Ink: Lovely Lipstick, Shaded Spruce

First Snow....FMS412

We actually have had measurable snow here - twice already!  A bit early for sure but it definitely made this snowman happy! I used another one of these happy guys from Snowman Season as my holiday card production continues.  Then I embossed the snowflakes in white on Whisper White and brushed some ink over them for the background. 

And it was the perfect weekend for another kind of production.  We headed to the theater to see Frozen!  It was truly magical - the scenery was incredible - and the voices were amazing!  And you know who was absolutely mesmerized.......

I hope you join us at Freshly Made Sketches this week!  Jen Brum's sketch has so many possibilities!

Stamp Set: Snowman Season
Paper: Whisper White, Lovely Lipstick
Ink: Memento Black, Versamark, Copics, Distress

Fusion: Thankful

My mother is in a small assisted living facility and I am very grateful for the care she has received these past four years.  By now I know most of the staff except for the business manager since her department is housed "off site".  Every month I write a note in one of my cards, enclose the "rent" check and drop it off at the main office where it is sent onward through interdepartmental mail.  I have often wondered who reads my cards. Well I am wondering no more!  Last month as I was walking down the hall toward the main office a lady I didn't know walked by and we smiled and said hello.  As she passed she noticed the envelope in my hand and said....."Oh my God you are the card girl!"  

Well first of all I appreciated being called a girl and second of all I was glad to meet the business manager - who told me she had the cards all over her office and looked forward to them every month!  She totally made my day!  I will be sending this card to her this month - wherever she may be...........

Use the sketch or the photo or both to inspire you at Fusion!  Hope you join us!
                                     


The Card Concept has a Thanksgiving theme this week!  I loved the woodgrain, green pumpkin and the trail of flowers and greenery in their photo.

Stamp Set:  Freeform Greenery (Altenew)
Ink: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Pretty Peacock
Paper: Whisper White, Come to Gather DSP

Snowman Greetings......FMS411

Who knew that the scarf from Merry Moose would perfectly fit the snowman from Snowman Season?  So glad I checked my snippets bowl where an extra scarf was hanging out!  It's keeping that snowman cozy while he wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!

 Kim's wonderful design was perfect for my happy snowman!  Join us at Freshly Made Sketches!


                                                     


Stamp Sets: Snowman Season, Merry Moose, Happy Snowman (Pretty Pink Posh)
Ink: Memento Black, Real Red, Copics
Paper: Whisper White, Let It Snow DSP

Season of Feasts......FMS410

So much good food on the horizon for November and December!  Stretchy pants are a must!  We went to a Harry Potter themed feast this past weekend at a local inn.  It was so much fun.  Emma dressed as Hermione and all of the kids got a chance to go through the sorting ceremony.

Emma was hoping for Ravenclaw but was selected for Slytherin.  We sat at long banquet tables for dinner that was served by various characters from the book.  Moaning Myrtle was our team leader!  After our feast we had a gaming competition and Slytherin won!  Miss Emma felt much better then about being in Slytherin as she won a goodie bag that contained a  magic wand!

It was a fun night with my partner in crime!

It is my turn to host this week at Freshly Made Sketches - hope you join us!

Stamp Sets:  Birds of a Feather, Merry Moose, Harvest Sentiment Strips (TE)

Paper:  Whisper White, Come to Gather DSP, Pretty Peacock

Ink: Memento Black, Copics, Pretty Peacock

Stamp Review Crew: Cup of Christmas

The Stamp Review Crew is featuring Cup of Christmas today......but it is "only" November!  So I pulled out some fall colors and created a welcoming trio of mugs.  Nothing better than a warm cuppa with friends on a cold dreary November day!  So hop around and see what my stamping friends have created!  

Ann Schach always has something wonderful to share!

And don't miss Cindy Elam's fabulous work either!

                                                    

I used the sketch from Hand Stamped Sentiments as the basis of my design.

And it is time for another Coffee Lovers' Blog Hop - always a fun event and so full of inspiration!

Stamp Set:  Cup of Christmas

Paper:  Whisper White, Come to Gather DSP, Pretty Peacock, Cajun Craze

Ink:  Cajun Craze, So Saffron, Mint Macaroon

Fusion: Mermaid

I loved the inspiration photo at Fusion this week but there was one slight problem - I don't have one mermaid image anywhere!  Hard to believe but I am just not a mermaid fan.....might have something to do with my strange fear of fish!  But inspiration always abounds at Fusion so I went with the sketch and the color scheme from the photo - a fresh look for Halloween!  And since it is Halloween perhaps those ghosts are actually mermaids in costume to celebrate the day!


Have fun with the delightful inspiration at Fusion this week! 

                                      

Stamp Set: Hallow's Eve (FSJ), Holiday Home (SU), Spooktacular Friends (MFT)
Ink: Distress, Copics, Seaside Spray, Pineapple Punch, Versafine Nocturne
Paper: Whisper White,Purple Posy, Highland Heather
Ghost Stencil Newton's Nook
Picket Fence Die Lawn Fawn

Mad About Plaid.....FMS409

I love all the new plaid paper....and I love apples so I decided to put them together in this sweet simple card.  In the meantime we have been to the orchard for real non-plaid apples. Time to turn them into pies for the holidays!

I always look forward to Jen Mitchell's sketches because she loves square cards!  Fun to change it up!  Hope you join us at Freshly Made Sketches!

Stamp Set: Harvest Hello
Paper: Shaded Spruce, Whisper White, Wrapped in Plaid DSP
Ink: Shaded Spruce

Merry Christmoose.....FMS408

This moose is ready for winter!  No snow here yet but there are some mountaintops that are covered.  Emma and her parents headed to Mt. Washington, NH this weekend and rode the cog railroad to the top......almost....

They had to stop right here as there was too much ice on the tracks!  So close!  Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the Northeast and is known for its wild weather...even in the summer.  The Big Guy is proud to say he once rode his motorcycle to the top - many years ago!

Jen Timko's sketch has so many possibilities this week at Freshly Made Sketches!  Join us!

Stamp Set: Merry Moose

Paper: Wrapped in Plaid DSP,  Shaded Spruce, Whisper White

Ink: Shaded Spruce, Memento Black, Cherry Cobbler, Copics

Fusion: Pumpkin Diorama

I grew up in a small village in a house with a huge yard with lots of trees.  That meant lots of leaves.....lots of raking.....lots of leaf piles....and lots of jumping which led to more raking - it was a never ending cycle of fun!  Eventually the trees were bare and the leaves shriveled up.  Then my dad would burn them - I still love that smell!  We can't burn leaves where I live now so I make the Big Guy wait until the last possible day to rake and bag them.  I may no longer jump into leaves but I'm great at shuffling through them while I play with the dog!  

I love this sweet girl walking through the fall leaves - and I love the inspiration at Fusion!  Hope you join us~!

                                       

Stamp Set: Pumpkin Latte (Newton's Nook)
Paper: Whisper White, Merry Merlot, Come to Gather DSP
Ink: Memento Black, Copics, Merry Merlot

Boo to You! FMS407

I bought this Halloween stamp set with lots of images to create spooky scenes for Miss Emma. But I couldn't let her have all the fun so I borrowed a few stamps to make a sweet simple scene.  My CAS heart just can't get overloaded.  Emma does not have that problem - the more bats the merrier in her world!

Meanwhile she celebrated Wacky Wednesday at school during Spirit Week.....four pigtails, Mom's old glasses and fun clothes......

LeeAnn's sketch is delightful this week at Freshly Made Sketches - hope you join us!

                                                  

Stamp Set: Halloween Eve (FSJ), Mini Strips - Halloween(TE)
Paper: Whisper White, Crushed Curry, Botanical Butterflies DSP
Ink:  Memento Black, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Copics

Cup of Cheer......FMS406

It's a bit early for me to start thinking about Christmas cards.  I think fall and Halloween in October, Thanksgiving and frost in November......and then finally Christmas! I am more of a live in the moment gal than a plan weeks ahead gal. But I think a box of new stamp sets from Stampin' Up! may have caused the detour!  I will return to Pumpkin Land tomorrow......



Jacquie's sketch has endless possibilities this week at Freshly Made Sketches!  Join us!

                                                        

                                                  

Stamp Set:  Cup of Christmas
Ink: Shaded Spruce, Real Red
Paper: Let It Snow DSP, Whisper White, Real Red, Shaded Spruce

Stamp Review Crew: Snow Front

The Stamp Review Crew is featuring is featuring the set Snow Front this week.

It is appropriate that I made a winter scene in honor of the first day we started our furnace for the season!  We had our first frost and I could see my breath last night when I walked the dog.  This morning I heard geese honking and looked up in time to see that perfect vee heading south.  Won't be long before my yard looks like this card!

The possibilities for this stamp set are endless.  I kept my scene oh so simple with just a pop of red.  I brushed Seaside Spray lightly for the sky and kept the mountains and shadows light with Smoky Slate.  There are tiny silver stars in the branches which don't show well in my photo but in real light they sparkle.  I borrowed a sentiment from Merry Moose to complete my card.

Check out Cindy's wonderful work if you missed her blog!

Otherwise head onward to see what my friend Heidi has created!

I used this very interesting sketch from Cas(e) this Sketch as the basis of my design.

Stamp Set:  Snow Front, Merry Moose

Ink:  Seaside Spray, Smoky Slate, Lovely Lipstick, Early Espresso

Paper: Whisper White, Lovely Lipstick. Brushed Silver