Death by Chocolate

Hi!

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. And actually the next couple of posts may or may not be new craft projects.

My life is really crazy right now. And my emotions are ALL over the place.

Since the beginning of the year, I was given a calling as a Sunday School Teacher for the 4 year olds in my Ward. Then I was given a Visiting Teaching route, I haven't had one of those in a couple of years and the sisters on my route are really knowledgeable, so I'm kind of intimidated by them.

Then in my regular life, I've got school, which is going well. I made it as a Finalist in Sizzix's Who Are You? contest. And, I'm a housewife and mom to our three dogs, which means I'm definitely not bored.

And then, there's my family life, not my home life with my DH, but the family I was born into. My step-brother, which some people seem to be confused about. If this is something that confuses you, basically, he's my brother. He's been diagnosed with Leukemia (Stage 4) and throat cancer. He's not going to undergo any treatments, (his decision) and had has 2 months left.

With all this craziness my blog has been lacking in content. So I will attempt to fix that when I am able to.

For today's posting I'm going to share a card that I made for HYCCT (Hope You Can Cling To), which is something that an online crafting community I belong to hosts every October, to help raise awareness and donate cards to the Cancer patients at MD Andersen in Houston, TX.

Stamps: CTMH A Chocolate AffairPaper: SU! Festival of Prints, CTMH Colonial WhitePaper Size: A2Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, CTMH ChocolateAccessories: SU! Ticket Corner Small, CM Square ShapeMaker

Personally, if I had to choose the way I would die, it would have to be by chocolate. ;)

If you would like to purchase any of the items you see here. Most of them can be purchased at my CTMH shop.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Sending you

Hi!

Today begins a new Midweek Papercraft Party! It's actually the first papercraft party of 2014!

For this week's party the theme is Pink or Blue!

I chose to go with pink for my creation. What do you think?

If you have a chance to play along with your digital stamps, we'd love to see what you create.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Multi purpose card

Hi!

I think the best thing to do to close out this year is to make the perfect card. And just what makes it the perfect card?

Well, it would have to cover several different occasions.

and a close up of the sentiment

Of course, the problem with the perfect card is that the sentiment stamp is a pain to stamp with. Not only because of it's size, but also because of how well it takes the ink.

So, I guess there's not really a perfect card. But, if there was it would be this one.

For the sketch on today's card I used Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #36.

If you have a chance to play along with us over at AHSC. We'd love to see what you create.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Love at Christmas

Hi!

I hope y'all are having a wonderful December.

Today's card is a reminder of what truly matters at this time of the year.

For today's card I used the AHSC Sketch 34.

Also, they are doing a design team call at this time. Some of the lovely ladies on the team will be leaving in January. So if you've ever wanted to be on a design team this is your chance to try out.

Stamps: Unity Love in the Room at Christmas
Ink: Tombow ABT
Accessories: QuicKutz Deck the Halls Tree

If you have a chance to play along with us at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge. We'd love to see what you create. And don't forget that if you do play along with us, please mention that Mary Ellen sent you.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Music and beauty

Hi!

Today begins Midweek Papercraft Party (9) over on the Handmade Harbour blog. This week's theme "Something Pretty".

In addition to create "Something Pretty", I was also inspired by the Hope You Can Cling to Challenges over on Splitcoast Stampers, specifically HYCCT1301B. The Challenge Title: Courage and Strength and the challenge was to create a card that shares courage and strength with either the color red or orange or a mixture of both.

For these challenge, I combined two of my favorite things, music and nature. Along with my favorite color RED.

Stamps: Stampabilities Composer's Dream, Handmade Harbour 140 rose digital stamp
Paper: CTMH White Daisy
Ink: CTMH Ruby, Palette Noir Black

I love how music can be used to convey so many different things. In fact, one of my favorite shows is "Music and the Spoken Word", it plays on BYUtv.

The program shows the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing hymns.

For your enjoyment, this is one of my favorite hymns that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings.



If you have a chance to play along we'd love to see what you create for this week's Midweek Papercraft Party.

If you would like to create something for this challenge using the beautiful rose stamp from Handmade Harbour, you can find 140 rose digital stamp HERE.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Floating waterlilies

Hi!

This weekend and this week I'm playing catch-up when I can with the Hope You Can Cling To Challenges.

We are asked not to use scriptural sentiments on our cards.

And for the specific challenge I made this card for we were asked to, "make a card that's full of Peace & Quiet. NO WORDS on the front. Let your image(s) do the talking and get your message across."

I choose to go with this peaceful tranquil nature scene. But I feel that our Heavenly Father speaks to us through nature.

For as it says in Colossians 1:16-17
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Our Heavenly Father loves us and only wants good things for us so he has provided us with a wonderful planet that can not only take care of us, but we must care for it so that the balance is equal.

Stamps: smARTworks Floating
Paper: CTMH White Daisy cardstock
Paper Size: 4 Bar
Ink: Palette Noir Black
Accessories: Offray Simply Grosgrain

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

My friend

Hi!

Welcome to a new week and a challenge over at the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.

Can you believe it's already October?

If you are on SplitCoastStampers I hope you are playing along with their HYCCT (Hope You Can Cling To) challenges. I certainly am trying to.

You see for me the C word (Cancer) is something really personal in both my life and my hubby's life. As both my mom and his dad are survivors. We know we are blessed to have them in our lives and that they were able to beat cancer.

And for me that 's why I play along in the HYCCT challenges.

So this week I encourage you to play along on SCS and maybe if you have a chance you could use our sketch for one of your cards.

Plus, there will be prize drawings on SCS for the HYCCT participants. Last year, when I played along I won some fun stamp sets from Taylored Expressions.

Stamps: CTMH For a Friend
Paper: CTMH White Daisy
Ink: CTMH Archival Black
Accessories: Spellbinders Shapeabilities Foliage Two, Cuttlebug Birds and Swirls

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Eye of Newt

Hi!

Today we started Midweek Papercraft Party (7) over at the Handmade Harbour blog.

This week's challenge theme is Halloween!

I don't know about you. But here at my house we LOVE Halloween. It's not that we're pagan, although I once was. It's just that it's one of those super fun celebratory days. Kinda like Valentine's Day except the hearts and lace aren't quite so pretty. Also my DH celebrates his birthday that day although it does actually fall on the Day of the Dead which starts on November 1st.

But his mom's not a big fan of skeletons so DH always got a Halloween themed party instead.

This week's theme was right up my alley.

For today's card I combined two digi stamps: 211 digital stamp - witch's or wizard's potion shelf for Halloween and the sentiment from 209 digital stamp - witches with cauldron humorous halloween image

Stamps: Handmade Harbour 211 digital stamp - witch's or wizard's potion shelf for Halloween, 209 digital stamp - witches with cauldron humorous halloween image, Unity Stamp Company {Insta-live, love, dream}
Paper: Teresas Collins Masquerade Party paper pad, CTMH White Daisy
Ink: CTMH Archival Black, Pear
Accessories: Recollections washi tape
Techniques: sponging, masking

What do you think?

If you have a chance to play along with us on the Handmade Harbour blog we'd love to see where the Halloween theme takes you.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Elementary…ERR PRIMARY…Dear Watson!

Hi!

Today is a sad day for the Can You Digi It? Design Team.

It is the last challenge for the Can You Digi It? blog.

Our final challenge is CYDI Final Challenge # 45 – Elementary…ERR PRIMARY…Dear Watson!

And for this challenge were going back to basics and using primary colors

And this is what I was inspired to create with those colors.


Stamps: Recollections Script, Hero Arts Brush
Paper: CYDI? Star Jeans Paper Pack, Gingham Paper Pack, Neenah Bright White
Ink: CTMH Archival Black
Accessories: Bazzill Basics Ribbon Black Dashed, Recollections washi tape, SU! Scallop Edge border punch, QuicKutz USA Collection Cookie Cutter Dies, MFT Die-namics Star Stax


How will the primary colors inspire you this week? We'd love to have you play along with us for our LAST challenge over at the Can You Digi It? blog.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

AHSC Sketch 22

Hi!

Today is the start of a new week and that means a new sketch over on the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge blog.

This is today's wonderful sketch over at AHSC.

And here is my interpretation of it

Stamps: CTMH Perfect Fit - Holidays Holiday
Paper: SU! Festival of Prints
Ink: CTMH Archival Black
Accessories: CM Circle Shapemaker, QuicKutz Ginger Boy, Deck the Halls Tree, Regency Baker's Twine, Buttons Galore and More Grab Bag

As you can see I went a little overboard with the circles. But that's the fun of doing a sketch challenge. As long as you can tell that the sketch was used you can go a little crazy with it.

Also I've been trying to come up with Christmas card ideas and ways to use more of that designer paper I have. Trust me, it's definitely more than some people have. And rather then being afraid of using it or having it so long that it's out of style. I figure I may as well try to use it.

So what do you think. Do you like my take on today's sketch?

Do you have a stack of designer paper that you need to go through?

What do you do with the designer paper that you're tired of or that is too old?

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Witches Brew

Hi!

Today begins a NEW Midweek Papercraft Party.

The challenge this time is to create something using the theme "Happy days".

And with All Hallow's Eve just around the corner. I couldn't think of a happier day then Halloween.

Witch(is it a typo?) brought to my mind witches.

And what make witches happier then casting a spell together?

Especially under a bright and shining moon.

Well, maybe being naked under the moonlight casting spells. But I try to run a clean blog here so no nudity.

Stamps: Handmade Harbour Witches with Cauldron Humorous Halloween image, Unity Stamp Company {Insta - live, love, dream}
Paper: CTMH White Daisy
Ink: CTMH Archival Black, Buttercup, Slate
Accessories: CM Custom Cutting System Circles, Sandy Lion Tape Works, CTMH Round Sponge

I accomplished the look of this card with a post-it, my CM Custom Cutting System, and a CTMH sponge.

What do you think?

If you have a chance to play with us this week over at the Handmade Harbour blog. We'd love to see what the "Happy days" theme inspires you to create.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Peace, Faith, Joy

Hi!

Tonight we are kicking off Virtual Stamp Night(VSN) over at SplitCoastStampers(SCS).

And I'm the first hostess. Yay!

It's my first time hosting one of the challenges. And I'd love if you joined in.

This month the VSN theme is Opposites Attract.

And specifically my challenge theme is Yin-Yang. As part of this challenge I'm asking everyone to do the Split Negative Technique. You can find all the info about my challenge HERE.

The reason I came up with this challenge is because recently my hubby has been traveling to China on business. So when the call came out for VSN hostess' and themes, Yin-Yang came to mind.

Stamps: Hero Arts Starburst Lace, SU! Symbols of SolicitudePaper: CTMH White DaisyInk: CTMH Archival Black, White DaisyAccessories: Memory Depot Embossing Powder White Detail, Clear High Gloss, CM Custom Cutting System Circles, SU! Heat Tool

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Dragonfly in the Sky

Hi!

Just one more week to go until I attend CKC (Creating Keepsakes Convention).

I've got my wishlist ready. And I've tried really hard not to shop this month.

And one of the booths I'm really hoping will be there is the Cheery Lynn Designs.

Last year, while I was at CKC, I picked up the Luminarte Radiant Rain Shimmering Mist. The problem with it is that it didn't come with a spray nozzle. So to be able to use it I had to use a sponging technique.

Paper: Basic Grey - Offbeat
Ink: Luminarte Radiant Rain Shimmering Mist
Accessories: Cheery Lynn Designs Tiny Things with Wings, SU! Scallop Edge Border punch, Crayola Washable Glitter Glue
 

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

September 11th

Remember to take time out for your family and friends.

Stamps: SU! Carry On, #HSP51 Patriotic
Paper: CTMH White Daisy
Ink: CTMH Cranberry, Pacifica

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

1 Corinthians 13:8

Hi!

What with school starting in ten days for me. And juggling three design teams I'm trying to get caught up before I get bogged down with exams and holidays. Plus, for me it's been almost eleven years since I've been a student so I want to be sure to fulfill all my commitments.

I will try my best to continue to bring the same great content y'all have come to expect from my blog.

Today, I'm so happy to be able to share with y'all this weeks wonderful sketch from Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.

Here is the sketch, which was created by Anna-Carin.

The minute I saw this sketch the idea of quilts came to mind. As you can tell by my version of this design.

Paper: My Mind's Eye Quilting Bee
Ink: CTMH Archival Black
Accessories: Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Inverted Scalloped Square SM, Square Swatches

As I was working on this card I had a couple of errors happen. And with all that's going on in my life I just felt as though this was not just the best sentiment for this card but for this portion of my life at this time.

I'm not saying that my life is any more or less need of God's love. Compared to last year things are looking really bright and cheerful. Just a bit busier then normal. But that's a good thing I think.

I hope y'all are doing well and that God is shining his love down upon you.

Happy crafting,
M.E.

Honey Bee

Hi!

I'm so excited that CKC is just two weeks away.

I missed the Cheery Lynn Designs booth last year. And am hoping they will be back this year.

Cheery Lynn made the bee die cut you see on my card.

I did get a chance to pick up the wonderful Spellbinders Hexagon Nestabilities, which is also on this card, while I was at CKC last year.

And I know I will probably feel like I'm in a beehive while I'm at CKC.

Have you ever been to one of Creating Keepsakes Conventions or Creating Keepsakes University event?

They hold this event a couple of towns over and I'm grateful that we get one so close by.

Of course, I wish they would hold it in Austin. But that's OK.

Really the primary reason I'd like them to hold one of these events in Austin is because I'd like to attend a class. But maybe someday I'll be able to take a class.

So on with my card.

Paper: Basic Grey - Basics - Scroll, My Mind's Eye On The Bright Side "Brown Stripe" paper, SU! Orchard Harvest
Accessories: Cheery Lynn Designs Tiny Things with Wings, Spellbinders Nestabilities Hexagons, Martha Stewart Drippy Goo edge trimmer, Crayola Washable Glitter Glue

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Live Each Moment

Hi!

Today begins a NEW challenge over on the Handmade Harbour blog.

The theme of our challenge is - Smile (or laugh!)

Now I don't know about you but when I think of smiling cameras come to mind.

Which is what I used for inspiration of today's card.

Stamps: Handmade Harbour Camera Digital Stamp, Unity Stamp Company {Insta - live, love, dream}Paper: CTMH White DaisyInk: CTMH Archival BlackAccessories: Queen & Co Trendy Tape, Scotch Expressions Washi Tape

I know that this card is a bit CAS but I think it is very dramatic. And if you've been reading my blog for a while you'll recognize that CAS is totally my style.

And I just LOVE this camera stamp from Handmade Harbour. I've got so many different ideas of what to do with it.

What do you think? Do you like this card?

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Skinny Chocolate?

Hi!

I wanted to let y'all know that CTMH: A Chocolate Affair is available until the end of August. Which is just two days away.

Stamps: CTMH A Chocolate Affair
Paper: SU! Chocolate Chip, DCWV Everyday, CTMH White Daisy
Ink: CTMH Chocolate, Archival Black
Accessories: Bazzill Basics Ribbon Brown Gingham, CM Square ShapeMaker, CTMH Round Sponge

If you'd like to see additional projects made with this stamp set please check out this post from the August blog hop HERE.

If you are interested in receiving this stamp set for FREE. You should definitely check THIS deal out.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.

Cherry on top for you

Hi!

It's time for another Midweek Paper Party. We are continuing with the theme of Anything Goes.

I wanted to get back to some of my roots. Basically the techniques that I learned when I first started paper crafting as a hobby.

So I went about doing this by using the following techniques:

• paper piecing
• coloring with my Bic Mark-it
• applying Liquid Applique and a heat gun
• and to use my software other then to apply my watermark

I've been neglectful of my Liquid Applique. I have three tubes of the stuff. Granted their tubes aren't very big but still to have three and this is the first time I've used it since I don't know when. 

Do you have a craft tool that you loved and it's been a while since you used it? If so, what is it?

I challenge you to go into your craft room and use it. And if you can't use it I challenge you to pass it onto someone who can or do discard it. After all, there's no sense in having something in your craft room that you're not going to use. 

Now for those of you that follow the link below this picture to see the stamp used. It's actually a portion of a much larger stamp. I just happened to go into my paint.net application here on my computer and edited the larger image to separate each individual stamp design. 

Normally, I just use my paint.net application to apply a watermark onto my creations. So this was a lot of fun. My DH even helped by showing me a quicker way to edit the pics. 

Stamps: Handmade Harbour 069 digital stamp - tea and cake
Paper: SU! Sweet Always
Ink: Bic Mark-it Rambunctious Red
Accessories: Liquid Applique, Craft Heater, Celebrate It Harvest ribbon, Fiskars Threading Water punch

If you have an opportunity to play along this week over on the Handmade Harbour blog's Midweek Paper Party. We'd love to see what you create. Keep in mind if you use one of Handmade Harbour's images you'll be eligible for a prize of three free digis.

Happy Crafting, 

M.E.

Very Vintage

Hi!

Today begins a new challenge over at the Can You Digi It? blog.

For the next two weeks the challenge will be Very Vintage.

Here is the inspiration board:

And this is what I was inspired to create.

Stamps: LilyPink Designs Corset Catalogue Ad
Ink: CTMH Chocolate
Accessories: Jolee's Boutique Brown Ribbon Lace Flowers, Celebrate It 360 ribbon

If you have a chance in the next two weeks to create a project using digis featuring a very vintage feel we'd love to see it. So please visit us on the C.Y.D.I. blog.

Happy Crafting,
M.E.