Friend

I haven't played with Karen's Sweet Sunday sketches for awhile and thought that this would be a good time to get back into them. I love her sketch this week. This card is also for Creative Inspirations which is to make a friendship card, ABC Challenge where C is for circles, Pile it on which is anything round plus at least 1 other challenge, and 2RedBananas for rub-ons.





***Supplies***
Patterned paper: CTMH Key to my Heart
Stamps: PTI Everyday Button Bits
Other: Nesties, PTI Buttons, Cuttlebug, Making Memories rub-ons

I suppose that Monday morning is upon us. I don't know that I'm quite ready for it. I've had a 3 day weekend, which makes it all the harder. We've had a lot going on this past weekend and I do have some pics to share at some point. Thanks for your visit. Blessings to each one of you.

My first Card Patterns card

I've been checking out the sketches over at Card Patterns for some time now but haven't had a chance to play yet. I had some time yesterday and went to work. My card is also for Sparkle's weekly Christmas card challenge. Have you started making your cards yet? I'm up to almost 40 for the year all ready to send out in December.

I had found some really old paper in my stash and thought that I should use some of it. I think that influenced how the rest of my card went. I'm really not that thrilled with it and everything I did just wasn't working for me. But, it is another Christmas card for my stash, even if it's not what I had envisioned.


***Supplies***
Patterned paper: CTMH but very old
Stamps: CTMH Holiday Warmth
Other: Nesties, CTMH buttons, Cuttlebug

Thanks for stopping by and have a glorious day.

2 more blog awards

This is my second post for the day so be sure and scroll down to see my Unscripted card.

I received a couple of awards the past week and wanted to share. First, Kelley gave me this one.

The Karma Award: "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award."

And then Kim gave me this.

Here are the rules of this award.
*pass this on to bloggers who you feel are honest in their blogging
*list 10 honest things about yourself

Hmmm. 10 honest things about myself. Here goes, in no particular order. And these are just the first things that popped into my head.

1. I hate all bugs
2. I love all things sweet and sugary
3. I own all 10 seasons of Friends on DVD
4. I have no rhythm
5. I play the piano
6. Christmas is my favorite holiday
7. I would never survive in a super hot climate. I'm sure I would melt
8. I drive a car that is more than 10 years old
9. It took me 15 years to graduate college
10. I absolutely love and adore Bon Jovi

Well, there you have it. Maybe you learned something new about me. Due to time constraints, I will have to forego passing these awards onto specific individuals. Thanks again Kelley and Kim. I so appreciate these.

I hope you all have a great Saturday.

Unscripted Sketches #21

I'm so glad it's Saturday because that means I can show you my card for my first week with the Unscripted design team. It's a great sketch and I had a lot of fun making this card. I'll be sending it to a long-distance friend who I don't get to see hardly ever and because of our busy lives, don't talk to nearly as much as I should.


***Supplies***
Patterened paper: CTMH Twitterpated
Stamps: PTI Everyday Button Bits
Other: Marvy scallop punch, Fiskars punch, CTMH Buttons and brads

Okay, now it's your turn to head over to Unscripted Sketches and play with this great sketch. Be sure and check out what the rest of the design team has come up with for you. There's a lot of talent over there and you won't be disappointed. Have a great Saturday.

Penny's challenge #4--flourishes

My card today is for Penny's challenge #4. The challenge is to use flourishes. I also used this week's sketch from The Pink Elephant. I'd love to see what you come up with using flourishes. I thought about getting out my cricut and finding a cute flourish to cut but then ran short on time. It's something that I still want to do, though. Maybe one of you will try it?


***Supplies***
Patterend paper: CTMH Emporium
Stamps: CTMH Playful Flourishes, Happy Birthday
Other: CTMH Vineyard berry grosgrain ribbon

I hope you'll go over and check out Penny's Challenge blog and see what the rest of the DT has created. You can either go to Penny's blog or check out my links on my sidebar. And with that, I bid you farewell. I'm hoping to get back before Saturday's Unscripted sketch but we'll see. Have a great hump day!

Woo Hoo!

I can now tell you that I've been chosen as a design team member for Unscripted Sketches. I am SO excited to join the other talented ladies. New sketches are posted each Saturday. I've also added links to all the other design team members blogs. Be sure and check them out. There's a lot of talent on the team.

In other news, I survived my test. Now the even more fun part comes. Waiting, waiting, and more waiting. It will be a few weeks before I will probably get my result. Thanks to everyone's well wishes, thoughts, and prayers for a passing score today. It means a lot and I'm hoping that I'm now 3/4 of a CPA. I'll be taking the rest of this week off and then will start studying for the (hopefully) final part next week. It's the biggest and hardest part out of the 4, which is why I saved it until the last.

So how are you liking my 3-column blog? I had intended for it to be set up with a column flanking either side of my blog posts but it didn't turn out that way. I'm not sure what I did wrong but for now, this will work.

Devin starts his class tonight and with me not studying this week, guess what that means? Yep. I'm heading down to the craft area. YEAH! Thanks for the visit and have a terrific Monday.

Merry Christmas

Reynna wanted me to stamp with her and I decided I could use a small break from studying so this card was born.

I started with the sketch from Unscripted Sketches. I also knew that I wanted to play in Sparkle's weekly Christmas card challenge. I haven't gotten to play the past couple of weeks and want to keep building my Christmas card stash. This card also fits the bill for Creative Belli for water based markers, ABC Challenge for buttons, and Creative Inspirations for spots, dots, and circles. Woo Hoo. 5 challenges.


***Supplies***
Patterend Paper: CTMH Jingle
Stamps: CTMH No Peeking, Seasonal Thoughts
Other: Nesties, CTMH white waxy flax, PTI buttons
Well, tomorrow is the big day. I take my exam in the morning and then have the rest of the afternoon off for the day. My work pays us for the days we sit for the exam and then doesn't require us to come back, which is so nice because I am definitely fried after sitting for a few hours taking this brutal exam.

I've studied hard the past few weeks. The section I am taking tomorrow focuses a lot on tax. I'm so sick of taxes. Anyway, I'd love any happy vibes and prayers you wanted to send. If I can pass this part, (remember that last time I got a 74 and a 75 is needed to pass), I will only have 1 section left until I get my CPA license. YEAH! Well, I must get back to my studying. I hope you have a great day and thanks for the visit.

Blog Candy Winner

The winner of my blog candy is Kathleen. Congrats Kathleen and please contact me at alannamoses@aol.com to give me your shipping information. I'm sorry that there couldn't be more winners.

Penny's challenge #3--a sketch challenge

This week, Penny's got a sketch for you to try. I've got a simple but fun birthday card for you. The animals were originally on squares of the patterend paper. I used my circle punch to cut them out. Don't you just love the sparkle on these cute animals? The whole paper stack is so much fun with cute prints for both boys and girls. I'll be keeping this card in my stack for a nephew's birthday.

***Supplies***
Patterened paper: DCWV Safari Kids
Stamps: CTMH Happy Birthday
Other: CTMH cocoa grosgrain ribbon

So now it's your turn to go check out Penny's challenge blog to see what else the design team has created (see my sidebar for links to the DT blogs), and to participate yourself. I'd love to see your take on this sketch. Happy Wednesday everyone!

Celebrating 300 posts

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED---I'LL BE BACK LATER WITH THE WINNER!

This is my 300th post and I'm also nearing 15,000 hits so I thought I'd celebrate with some blog candy. We all love candy, right? I love actual candy as well but what I'm going to offer shouldn't put any extra pounds on our hips and thighs.

Okay, here's what you need to do. First, comment on this post answering the following question. How long have you been paper crafting and what do you like the best--cardmaking or scrapbooking? Second, spread the word on your blog, if you have one. If not, word of mouth is fabulous. Third, check back on 8/18/09 to see if you won. Easy peasy, right?

Now, onto the goodies. Here's what's up for grabs.

2 unmounted rubber stamp sets by Amy R --Love Sentiments & Wedding
1 jar lime green Prima flowers
2 packages of Prima Fancystix flowers
Rob & Bob Clipease Dispenser and refills
Stampin Up Magic Mesh
K&Company adhesive ribbon
Brilliance Platinum Planet ink pad
Paper Studio Chipboard shapes
CTMH adhesive rhinestone flowers

For every 25 comments, I'll add extra goodies. Thanks to everyone for making blogging so much fun.

Phase 6

As promised, here is a picture of my finished countertop. I'm so in love. In case you missed it earlier, here's what it looked like after Devin ripped everything out.
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There's still lots we want to do in the bathroom, like give it a fresh coat of paint, put new cabinet faces on and redo the floor but for now, we've run out of time. Devin has to go back to school on Monday so summer break is gone. Hopefully we can get back to the bathroom before next summer break. LOL.

Merci

Happy Saturday. Thanks for your anniversary wishes. Because of some things going on, it was very low key. We plan on celebrating sometime in September.

I realized that I had a card uploaded that I hadn't shared yet. It's a real, real simple card and one that I duplicated and put into my auction basket for my event last week. It's simple but I love the colors and the pop of red.

***Supplies***
Stamps: CTMH
Other: Ribbon from my stash, Cuttlebug

I'll be back later today to share some pictures of our finished countertop in our bathroom. I'll be quite honest, it's taken me quite awhile to get the bathroom cleaned up from all the construction going on in there. Lots of tools everywhere and junk. I just need to spruce up the sinks and then it might be presentable. Until then, I hope you have a fabulous Saturday. Enjoy!

Happy Anniversary

Now every so often, my husband pops on my blog to see what's going on. So I thought I would shout out Happy Anniversary to him. Yep, today is our 11th anniversary. I honestly can't believe it's been so long. Where does the time go? Anyway, I love you Devin and am so happy to have you for my eternal companion.

I've missed paper crafting. Making 1 card over the past week or so just hasn't cut it but I must stay the course and choose studying over crafting at the moment. I'm also sorry that I haven't had much of a chance to come visit everyone and leave the comments that I typically do.

I hope that each of you has a great Friday and a terrific weekend. Until later.

A fabulous blog candy sighting

Steph from Where'd all my Money Go?! is celebrating 25K hits and has an awesome blog candy giveaway going on. Click here to find out all about it. Trust me, you won't be sorry for entering.

Creatalicious Challenges

There's a new challenge blog, Creatalicious Challenges, and it's offering up some yummy candy. Go check it out now. Challenges start this weekend.

You make life sweeter

My card today is for Penny's challenges this week. This week, participants are to use photo hangers. Now I have to admit, I think this is only the 2nd time I've used photo hangers so I was glad for the challenge.
***Supplies***
Patterned paper: Unknown source
Stamps: PTI Cupcake Collection
Other: CTMH white photo hangers, nesties, Cuttlebug

So now it's your turn to go check out Penny's challenge blog to see what else the design team has created, and to participate yourself. I'd love to see what you can come up with using this fun embellishment. Penny is also offering up one of her great digi stamps as a random prize to 1 lucky participant.

This and that

There's a lot to mention in this post-- a little of this and a little of that. Christina, an awesome CTMH consultant, gave me this fun award this week. Thanks so much Christina.

Second, I'll be designing for Penny's challenges. I'm so excited to join her and the other members of the design team. Check back on Wednesday for that. She does have a current challenge going on right now which you can find here. Also, be sure and check out her other blog here. Such great art there.

Third, Devin is at his second sleep study tonight. He then has an appointment with the doctor on Tuesday which is where he will get the prescription for the CPAP machine. I'm not sure if it's something that has to be ordered or if he will come home with the machine that night. I'm hoping it's the latter so that he can start getting good sleep and stop not breathing 90 times an hour.

Fourth, my firm's United Way BBQ/fundraiser went very well. I bought a bit too much food but hey, I don't want to be known as the hostess whose party ran out of food. Never a good thing. We raised a good chunk of money for our campaign, almost $450. I think everyone had a good time but boy, am I glad it's over. It's going to take a while to recover from this week. The basket I won had a gift certificate in it for a 1-hour massage plus lots of other fun items. It was an accountant's survival guide. I wish I could get the massage right now.

Fifth, my next CPA exam is on the calendar now in just a few weeks so my blogging time will be pretty limited until then. I wish I was super woman and could do it all, but alas, my super powers never arrived. LOL. Do check back now and then though as I don't intend to completely fall of the face of the earth.

Sixth, if you've made it this far, kudos to you. Also, thanks to each one of you for taking the time to come here and visit my spot in the world. It truly means the world to me and I wish you all the very best this weekend.

Sparkly pink and brown

So I have been creating but haven't been posting much art this week. I've got a big event for work on Friday that I'm in charge of that is taking quite a bit of time. We're having a picnic/silent auction fundraiser for United Way. I'm really actually excited for the night but will kind of be glad when it's over. There's definitely a lot to plan.

Anyway, my card is one of a few cards that I've made up multiples up of to put in my crafty gift basket for the silent auction. I'm hoping that somebody will want some handmade, albeit simple, cards.

Isn't this paper so divine? I love all the sparkle on it. Such great texture and the colors are some of my faves. I'm sad that I only had 1 sheet of it and it's mostly gone now. :( And what a great punch that Martha has. I totally love the button look. I can have buttons in any color I want.

***Supplies***
Patterned Paper: unknown
Stamps: CTMH Thanks
Other: Nesties, cuttlebug, Martha Steward button punch, CTMH white waxy flax

I'd like to thank everyone for their well wishes about our van. It's the craziest thing but when we looked at it after church on Sunday, it started right up. Devin looked at me like I was crazy. I assured him that it was acting up and that the second it started, it stalled. So far, no other problems. So, I'm not sure what the problem was but at the moment, it only cost me a missed hour at church.

I hope that each of you are doing well and enjoying your week. Thanks for the visit.

An award

Over the past few days, I've been lucky to receive this blog award from Carla, Iona, Laurel, and Sarah. I have been blessed by the blogging world and the friends I've made. Thank you ladies for thinking of me.

Here are the rules:
Nominate 5 other bloggers you feel have become part of your circle of friends.
Link to your nominees within your blog post.
Include these instructions on how to pick up the award in your blog post.
Link back to the person who gave you the award in your blog post, to show your appreciation. Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award .

There are many people I could nominate for this award, including each of the ladies who gave me this award but I'll try to narrow my list down.

Aaron has such a great style and comes up with fabulous templates.

Jeanne is such an amazing and talented lady. She is multi-faceted and her girls' barbies are the best dressed ones out there.

Kelley is a newer blogging friend to me and she makes the best cards using buttons as the focal point.

Kathi is the best example of the grandma I'd like to be one day. And her art is always fabulous.

Sparkle has the cutest artwork and colors magnificently.

O Christmas Tree

I had a chance before church this morning to make my weekly Christmas card for Sparkle's challenge. Her only challenge this week was to pick something from her very cute card that inspired us. I chose the tree from her card.

Now I wasn't going to post it until after church because there was no more time. However, when I went to our van this morning, it started but died immediately. I tried a couple more times with the same result. Devin had an early morning meeting at the church so we were going to meet him there. He's probably sitting in the sacrement service wondering where his family is. I'm sitting here waiting for him to either call or come back home to check on us. So, I thought I'd blog while I wait. Okay, onto the card.

***Supplies***
Patterend Paper: The Paper Studio
Stamps: CTMH O Christmas Tree
Other: Nesties, PTI Buttons, Cuttlebug

Devin's sleep study went fairly well. He was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. He needs to have another one done where he will be fitted for a CPAP machine and sleep with that on. I'm hoping that this will help be more rested and that his snoring will be under control.

Our marble countertop is done with one sink in. The other sink just needs to go in and then we're in business. I showered in my new shower for the first time this morning. There was so much room because of the curved rod. It was great. Once Devin gets the other sink in, I'll be posting pictures.

Well, I hope you're having a great Sunday. Thanks for the visit and blessings to you all.

It's Your Day

It's that time of the month again. The CTMH Stamp of the Month blog hop, that is. This month, we've got more than 60 participants showing you what can be done with this fabulous August stamp of the month, It's Your Day. This set is so cute. The possibilities are endless.


If you've come from Deb's blog, you're on the right track. If you'd like to start at the beginning of the hop, then go back to Jena's blog. Okay, onto my project.
I was looking at this stamp set and decided that it could be suitable for Christmas cards as well, rather than just birthday cards. And since I'm trying to build my Christmas card stash slowly throughout the entire year, I decided that's the direction I would take.



The sketch for my card was inspired by Marie, another fabulous CTMH consultant. I started with a 6x6 card and then folded one half of my card front back onto itself so that the actual card front only measures 3 inches now. The back of the card was left alone. I then adhered the two pieces of the card front to each other. Now, it was time for a focal panel. I stamped the present 3 times and then matted it. The buttons in the lower right are positioned as to keep the card closed but the focal image piece can easily be undone from it.
Because I covered the entire back piece of the card with paper, I decided that writing on my card wouldn't be an easy task. So I cut another mat from my nestie and adhered it in the exact same position as the focal piece was on, so it wouldn't be visible when first looking at the card. I then stamped my sentiment on this piece.
Okay, have you made it this far? I really enjoyed making this card and know I'm going to be reaching for this card design again. I hope you've enjoyed.

***Supplies***
Patterened Paper: CTMH Evensong
Stamps: CTMH It's Your Day and Say it in Style
Other: Nesties, CTMH Holiday Buttons, CTMH white waxy flax
Okay, now hop on over to Paige's blog to continue the fun and to see some more eye candy done with the August Stamp of the Month. Don't forget that August is the only month that this set is available. Email me or contact your local CTMH consultant to find out how to receive this set for free.
If you get lost on the hop or find links that aren't working, here is acomplete list of participating blogs:
Jena DeVries http://www.livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/
Kristie Horness-Herdener http://www.goofyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Carla Ironside http://www.carlacreates.blogspot.com/
Deb Young http://www.scrapbookczar.blogspot.com/
Alanna Moses http://www.damoses.blogspot.com/
Paige Dolecki http://www.paigespaperparadise.blogspot.com/
Wendy Kessler http://www.myscrapbookingblog.com/
Heather Painchaud http://www.twindragonflydesigns.blogspot.com/
Helen Onulak http://www.hookedonstamping.com/
Barbra Otten http://barbraotten.blogspot.com/
Haley Dyer http://www.inkyscrapper.blogspot.com/
Nona Davenport http://www.nonapearl.blogspot.com/
Michelle Robinson http://www.amaizenbluelady.typepad.com/
Cindy Leek http://www.paperspadsandpictures.blogspot.com/
Melissa Laverty http://www.fancymelissa.blogspot.com/
Katy Donaldson http://www.scrappinkaty.blogspot.com/
Amy McVey http://www.clearlystamping.blogspot.com/
Tammy Lea Pinchard http://www.creativeimpressions-pinchme.blogspot.com/
Leslie Markland http://pandascrapper.blogspot.com/
Judy Burger http://makingtimeformemories.blogspot.com/
Laurie R Newton http://scrapsfromthebeach.blogspot.com/
Kami Welter http://www.scrappin4memories.blogspot.com/
Tracy Oleksak http://www.mamaolie.blogspot.com/
Karen Norman http://www.gettinscrappywithit.blogspot.com/
Chris Shouse http://www.houseostamps.wordpress.com/
Cibele Glazer http://www.flowerfoot.blogspot.com/
Debra Van Patten http://memoriesoftheheartbydeb.blogspot.com/
Terrie Dodd http://www.my-life-in-real-time.blogspot.com/
Jamia Bankhead http://www.papermadnessinc.blogspot.com/
Anne Beck http://www.anniemuses.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Patrick http://www.roxybonds-scrappin.blogspot.com/
Laurie Levnik http://www.creationsbylaurie.blogspot.com/
Lori Miller http://www.clearlyfromtheheart.blogspot.com/
Brae Montgomery http://thebrae-er.blogspot.com/
Dawn Ross http://www.iamahappystamper.blogspot.com/
Dawn Slipcevic http://dawnscrapsalot.blogspot.com/
Barbara Harrishttp://www.paper-creations117.blogspot.com/
Carol Taggio http://craftycarol55.blogspot.com/
Jill Lucas http://scrapwench.blogspot.com/
Chris Green http://www.createwithchris.blogspot.com/
Nancy Ball http://www.ballisticdesign.blogspot.com/
Dawn Heuft http://www.stamptildawn.blogspot.com/
Kelly Triggs http://www.stampinallday.blogspot.com/
Beth Naumann http://www.bethscreativeblock.blogspot.com/
Antoinette Herrin http://www.godblessyourart.blogspot.com/
Jessica Booth http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/
Jen Rubio http://www.jenrubio.blogspot.com/
Misty Jackson http://www.misstscraps.blogspot.com/
Adeline E. Brill http://adeline-brill.blogspot.com/
Lori Leng http://www.pinkcloudscrappers.blogspot.com/
Pam Klassen http://eimmap.blogspot.com/
Pamela OConnor http://www.cherishyourmemories.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Royal http://www.craftroyalty.blogspot.com/
Caren Goldsein http://www.scrappycaren.blogspot.com/
Shannon Pelletier http://www.mycolorfulworldinvt.blogspot.com/
Sherry Thompson http://www.picturespatternsandpaper.blogspot.com/
Maricar Harris http://www.maricarharris.blogspot.com/
Traci Godbee http://createwithtraci.blogspot.com/
Laura Dame http://www.thecroppersconnection.blogspot.com/
Miranda Kurz http://www.scrampinwithmiranda.com/
Leisa Hubley http://www.bigredscraps.blogspot.com/
Julia Menssen http://www.ralphandjulia.blogspot.com/
Jan Moxey http://scrapandstamp4ever.blogspot.com/
Jody Gustafson http://www.cre8nmemories.blogspot.com/