HI...I'm functioning!

Hi friends - I really have missed blogging and sharing cards; I've mainly been sharing anything I have created on Instagram; definitely my favorite way to share...but sometimes details are important to some.

But first, let's go backwards in time! I had some dental work done in August and have NEVER experienced pain as bad as that (and I've had 7 bodily surgeries, so I have some room for comparison)...and it never ever stopped. Nothing over the counter worked; switched to opioids, developed a reaction to those which actually intensified the pain - TRUTH! After 5 weeks, I reached out to the #1 pain specialist where we live and they were able to provide some immediate medication for relief. For the next several weeks, we continued to tweak medication to try to bring me additional relief; I would go to my son's football games and not remember ANYTHING. He's a senior, NOT how I wanted to live this season of my life. I would go to work with zero makeup on, didn't care; just tried to survive, couldn't do anything at home, felt like a nightmare! Oh...I failed to mention, I had a total of 3 oral surgeries in about a month timeframe - yep, tis true.

Anyway, I won't take you through the entire nightmare but at the 11 or 13 week mark (I can't remember and don't want to scroll through all the notes in my phone about this situation...), I was granted an appointment with an orofacial pain dentist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I was ultimately diagnosed with Central Mediate Pain...basically mixed wiring of my central nervous system; sending pain messages that are inaccurate. The doctor was pleased with the medication being used to treat this and recommended we find a dosage that allowed me to live my life at the same level I was before this occurred; which to me meant attending my kid's activities and remembering them (duh, slight detail), functioning at home, exercising, crafting, etc. After 6 months and thousands of doctor's bills (oh, I forgot to mention I saw 7 different specialists where we live before going to Mayo - none had a clue), we have finally found a level of pain medication that allows me to pretty much enjoy life. Lack of sleep and increased stress exacerbates the pain, but I'm doing all I can to manage those two items.

We are wrapping up 2018 with a 6-day hospital stay for our youngest daughter which began Thanksgiving Day; then last week my hubby and our son both had surgery. WHEE; I don't mean to wish away time, but I'm ready to say 'see ya later 2018, don't let the door hit you in the you know what' and here's hoping 2019 is a GREAT year!!

So let's move on to why you actually stopped by!! I created an entire card - HA! I have lots of semi-finished projects going but was delighted to have a real reason to finish a card. This is one of Suzy's Snowmen Prints colored with Copics and colored pencils. I cut the panel with this SSS die; layered the focal point on fun foam, used a piece of Reverse Confetti designer paper (Winter Solstice) - which was the inspiration for the colors - and then I added these insanely adorable bulbs from Honey Bee FA LA LA die set. I cut the bulb from vellum so it wouldn't hide any of the image or words and the base from MFT silver shine card stock. The base card is Aqua Mist from PTI.

And sorry; but for now I'm not able to take pictures where I normally do, so the quality isn't quite as good!!

Thanks for stopping by; here's hoping I can get back to some regular creating and posting! Have a great day!

Hugs,


WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: None

Inks: None

Papers: PTI Aqua Mist, Reverse Confetti Winter Solstice, MFT Silver Shine, vellum

Accessories: Honey Bee FA LA LA die, Copics, Colored Pencils, SSS This is the Life die, fun foam, white gel pen, washi tape, twine

Challenges:

Long-term Hiatus

Unfortunately, I have undergone some extremely 'routine' dental procedures with extremely unique/unusual results. This has led to extensive interruption to my quality of life; and the list of doctors I have seen for help is pretty extensive.

We are now pursuing appointments as Cleveland Clinic & Mayo Clinic; I will be unable to create, exercise, or just do any of my normal activities until we find some resolution to the never-ending, extensive pain.

Hope to be back in the future...literally no idea when that might be! Until then - praying for healing and direction.

Hugs,

Make it Monday Card #3

Remember THIS and THIS card earlier this week? Here's take #3...just zoom back to the other posts to get all the deets.

The stamping on this one is identical; however, for the grid background, I used vintage cream ink - I probably should have used white as the vintage cream almost completely disappears. I layered the main panel onto a Hibiscus Burst panel stamped with IO Sketched Roses in Versarmark ink. And added some fun colorful paper to the inside and stamped a few more two-tone images.

Thanks for stopping by again!!

Hugs,


WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: WPlus9 Fabulous, PTI Farmer's Market, RAH Background Grid, IO Sketched Roses

Inks: Altenew various inks, VersaFine, Versamark

Papers: PTI Hibiscus Burst and Smokey Shadow, Neenah 110 lb. white

Accessories: MFT Blueprints, PTI A2 Scalloped Vertical Dies

Challenges:
  The Flower Challenge #24 - Anything Goes

Make it Monday - Card #2

Remember THIS card earlier this week? Here's take #2...just zoom back to the other post to get all the deets.

The stamping on this one is identical; however, for the grid background, I used fog ink - I think this one might be my favorite! Kept the rest very simple!

Inside peek!

 Thanks for stopping by again!!

Hugs,


WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: WPlus9 Fabulous, PTI Farmer's Market, RAH Background Grid, Penny Black Birthday Love

Inks: Altenew various inks, VersaFine

Papers: PTI Hawaiian Shores, Neenah 110 lb. white, misc. black/white paper, SSS Fog

Accessories: MFT Blueprints, PTI A2 Scalloped Vertical Dies, Neat and Tangled Sequins Like Magic 

Challenges:

Make It Monday Inspiration

Recently Dawn McVey did a Make it Monday video for Papertreyink and I just LOVED the cards she made! It really inspired me to grab some stamps and create a few cards all at once pretty much following her foot steps! I highly recommend you check out the video linked multiple places throughout this post!

Of course, it took me a week to finish them due to continued complications from oral surgery, a full-time job and school being back in session; my craft time is a wee bit limited - but hey, I got 'em done!

I thought I'd break them up over the next few days as once the main panel was finished, I completed each card a bit differently. All the floral images are from PTI's Farmer's Market stamp set; I used various Altenew inks and stamped everything in each corner of the main panel using the Misti; turn the card stock, stamp again and then insert the next main panel making 3 overall. Once the panels were finished; I used the RAH Grid Background stamp on each - one with PTI Vintage Cream, one with SSS Fog and one with PTI Hibiscus Burst. The Hibiscus Burst is very vibrant, the Fog is subtle - I REALLY like it and the Vintage Cream just got lost. :-/ I should have tried white!

I then spritzed each panel with shimmer mist and once dry, stamped the sentiment from WPlus9 in VersaFine black ink. Then we got down to making each card a wee bit different! This first one is all about dimension; I cut out the word FABULOUS and mounted with fun foam, added a layer of gold card stock, a dry embossed polka dot panel and some gold splatters for the final card.

I always decorate the inside of my cards (and envelopes) but this time decided to include photos of the inside. More of the same stamps, same inks, just playing and having fun!!

Stay tuned; two more cards coming up!

Thanks for stopping by; hope you have a GREAT week!!

Hugs,


WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: WPlus9 Fabulous, PTI Farmer's Market, RAH Background Grid

Inks: Altenew various inks, VersaFine

Papers: PTI Hibiscus Burst, Raspberry Fizz, MFT Gold, Neenah 110 lb. white

Accessories: MFT Blueprints, PTI A2 Scalloped Vertical Dies, Wplus9 Fabulous Die, gold paint, polkda dot embossing folder, MFT Stitched Scalloped Edges Die

Challenges:

Purple Flowers

Another short post; I think I am turning the corner from the oral surgery I had just over two weeks ago - it has been a long journey; I still have some steps to go, but praying this nightmare is almost over!!

A couple days ago I shared this card in YELLOW, you can see it HERE. This time I colored the flowers in purple, once again going for significant contrast including some extreme shadows - FOR ME AT LEAST. LOL

The sentiment is from Right at Home; I used the same background stamp; just switched up my colors. Simple, yet striking I believe.

Thanks for stopping by; hope you have a great weekend ahead!

Hugs,



WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: Art Impressions, SSS Emma Background, Right at Home Script Greetings
Inks: MFT Extreme Black, SSS Fog
Papers: SSS Fog, PTI Royal Velvet, misc. black/white striped paper

Accessories: Copics, MFT Blueprints, PTI A2 Scalloped Vertical Die, shimmer mist 

Challenges:

Flowers for You

Oh goodness, I had oral surgery on August 7 and have had HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE complications. It's been two weeks today; I have filled 7 prescriptions and had 5 doctor's visits; one including a neurologist - not a single person knows why the excessive pain or what to do... So...this will be very short!

I created two floral panels a long time again, specifically mixing Copics and colored pencils and going for lots of contrast. I "think" the stamp is from Stampendous - sorry, I'm not totally sure and I'm not in a place where I can look; I tried quickly googling it but didn't have any luck. Sorry!

Anyway; I stamped the focal image, masked and stamped the SSS Emma background stamp 2nd generation using Iced Spruce. I had set this one and another one aside for weeks but a friend needed a birthday card so I made this one work. :D

I sprayed the focal panel with shimmer mist then created a smooshed background using Iced Spruce and Squeezed Lemonade; I wrapped on some twine from the stash, stamped a tag with PTI's Enclosed: Present stamp set and embossed with Ranger Liquid Platinum layering all on a PTI Oceans Tide base card. I added a sentiment to the inside from the Penny Black Birthday Love set.

Thanks for stopping by; here's praying I'll feel better soon and able to play in the craft cave again!

Hugs,

Challenges:

Fusion Challenge Inspiration

I love the Fusion Challenge (photo below); goodness, those colors just make me swoon; wish I had a die cut to create my own little wooden basket of flowers. BUT...I don't, but I DID have some wood-grain paper that I thought would work great. AND...I tried my hand at water coloring again. I actually created two cards; I really like this one...the other one? Meh, not so much. LOL But...as everyone says, keep practicing!

Once I colored the image and added some shading with colored pencils, I fussy cut the image and layered over the wood-grain circle mounted with fun foam. The word 'happy' is a Heidi Swapp die and the smaller greeting comes from Right at Home (script greetings) which I embossed on a strip of vellum.

I used the Tim Holtz stencil (3rd one in the group) and sponged randomly using Spun Sugar. Even though it's a pretty simple card, sure took me days to complete!

#hellooralsurgery
#THATwaspainful

BUT...thanks for stopping by; I love when you visit!

Hugs,


WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: WPlus9 Beautiful Bouquet, RAH Script Greetings

Inks: MFT Extreme Black, VersaFine, Spun Sugar Distress Ink

Papers: Altenew DP, SU Pink Pirouette, MFT Gold Shine, misc. black striped, vellum

Accessories: MFT Stitched Circle Die, Memento Tuxedo Black Marker, Tim Holtz Stencil

Challenges:
  Fusion - Rustic Flowers

Graphic Birthday Card

Hi friends!

This will be ultra short and sweet; I had oral surgery yesterday and I am STILL in significant pain...not to mention, I REALLY, REALLY do not like the dentist; not sure I can express how much I dislike dental visits. I love my dentist, he was so good with me yesterday but it was a long (2 hours), difficult appointment. Hoping to begin feeling better soon!

I had a request for a masculine birthday card so I pulled out the PTI Enclosed Present die - I love the stamp set and die! I used lots of graphic paper from Altenew; this has been a go to paper pad like I have never had before; I just love every piece in it!

Making the inside snazzy too

The only stamping was the 'surprise' on the tag; stamped in VersaFine and embossed with clear embossing powder...oh and the faint lid to the top of the gift box. I added glossy accents to the 'for you' and a birthday greeting to the inside. Thanks for stopping by; have a great week!

Hugs,


WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: PTI Enclosed Present

Inks: MFT Extreme Black, VersaFine

Papers: Altenew DP, PTI Hawaiian Shores and Smokey Shadow

Accessories: PTI A2 Vertical Scalloped die, MFT Blueprints, clear embossing powder, glossy accents, twine, PTI Enclosed Present Die

Challenges:

Color Challenge meets Sketch Challenge

Hi friends!

Seems like I haven't had much time to play in any challenges for quite some time - but I LOVE challenges; always such a great jumping off point for creativity! This weekend I decided to combine the Color Throwdown Challenge (#503) with MFT's Sketch Challenge (#395) (photos below).

I stamped flowers and leaves on Canson watercolor paper - I know, even when coloring with Copics, I love using the Canson paper, odd, huh - stamped them a few times using my Misti because the paper is texturized. Once complete I colored with Copics and colored pencils then used a Sharpie to intensify the outline again.

I took a picture of two of the flowers because I decided to thicken the inside of the flower petal just slightly with my sharpie - the lower right flower has the thickened petals. I adhered the flowers to a circle. I then took a piece of Fog card stock and used MFT's Circle Burst Stencil. and sponged with Fog ink; then splattered some red, green and white ink. I adhered the flowers/leaves circle onto the Fog card stock and finally on to a Fog card base using fun foam. I added a vellum strip with a sentiment from Gina K Designs Dazzling Dahlia stamp set stamped in VersaFine ink and embossed with clear embossing powder and finished with some Neat and Tangled Like Magic sequins.

Thanks for stopping by; hope you have a GREAT week!

Hugs,


WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: MFT Doodled Blooms, Gina K Dazzling Dahlia

Inks: MFT Extreme Black, SSS Fog, VersaFine

Papers: Canson XL water color paper, SSS Fog, vellum

Accessories: MFT Blueprints, MFT Stitched Circle die, Neat and Tangled Like Magic sequins, MFT Circle Burst stencil, Doodled Blooms dies, Copics, colored pencils, white gel pen, fun foam, clear embossing powder

Challenges:
  MFT395

  ctd503

Sending Tons of Love

I'm back...said in my best Arnold voice! And this time I'm back with the feminine card which I made at the same time as THIS card. As I mentioned, I've really enjoyed working on a smaller focal point using the A2 Scalloped Vertical dies from Papertreyink (PTI); love the scalloped die which lets you create the fun card base or even just another layer to your cards!

Added some designer paper to the inside

This time I cut additional smaller pieces of both designer paper and vellum as well as cutting the scalloped piece from designer paper and card stock - so much color! Pretty color!! Same papers from Altenew - I just love these papers - and all the stamping, coloring is the same as the previous card! Added some Nuvo glue and chunky glitter to all the balloons.

Thanks for stopping by; hope you have a GREAT Friday and a FANTABULOUS weekend!

Hugs,


WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: Wplus9 Party Animal, RAH Background Clouds

Inks: MFT Extreme Black, Sno Cone

Papers: Altenew DP, Neenah 80 lb. white, Canson XL water color paper, PTI Hibiscus Burst, vellum

Accessories: PTI A2 Vertical Scalloped die, chunky glitter, sharpie, Copics, colored pencils, Doodlebug enamel dots

Challenges:

Hello Birthday Boy

HELLO FRIENDS!!

I told you I colored up several of these WPlus9 giraffes all at once so they are back for two more appearances this week - a more masculine card and a feminine one coming soon! I clearly love this stamp set; those big balloons, the sentiments, the adorable giraffes - lots to love!

I have also loved working on a bit smaller focal point using the A2 Scalloped Vertical dies from Papertreyink (PTI); I used it on both cards I will be showing this week. For this one, I layered the focal point onto another die cut - this one from MFT and then a regular base card. The one later this week, you'll see I used the cute scalloped die for the card base.

The designer paper is from Altenew; I used a portion of 3 different papers to die cut and stamp the balloons. I added glitter to just the bottom portion of the balloons for a fun detail. The clouds are from Right at Home (RAH) and stamped 2nd generation with MFTs Sno Cone; I also colored the sky area with a Copic BG0000; super light! The grass was colored with Copics and I used a nubby rag and Copic Colorless Blending Solution for some texture and colored pencils for the shadow.

Thanks for stopping by; hope you are having a great week! See you again soon!

Hugs,


WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: Wplus9 Party Animal, RAH Background Clouds

Inks: MFT Extreme Black, Sno Cone

Papers: Altenew DP, Neenah 80 lb. white, Canson XL water color paper, PTI Hawaiian Shores

Accessories: PTI A2 Vertical Scalloped die, MFT Blueprints, clear glitter, sharpie, Copics, colored pencils

Challenges:

You Lift Me Up!

While in the craft cave recently, I stamped several of these giraffes from WPlus9's Party Animal set on water color paper and colored with copics. I have a few more cards to share - what a great way to build your stash; I colored the giraffes in one sitting and then have worked on the cards as time has permitted.

I stamped the Grid background (from RAH) with SSS London Fog; die cut the partial balloon from a little floral tag I had. Colored the grass with copics and colored pencils, stamped the sentiment and assembled everything. Once complete, I die cut the scalloped vertical card base from PTI's Berry Sorbet and sponged with matching ink using Altenew's Halftone stencil.

Thanks for stopping by; hope you have a GREAT day!

Hugs,


WHAT'S IT TAKE:
Stamps: Wplus9 Party Animal, RAH Grid Background Stamp

Inks: MFT Extreme Black PTI Berry Sorbet, Memento Rich Cocoa, SSS London Fog

Papers: PTI Berry Sorbet, Neenah 80 lb. white, Canson Watercolor, Misc. Floral Tag

Accessories: PTI A2 Vertical Scalloped die, WPlus9 Party Animal die, sharpie, Altenew Halftone Stencil

Challenges: