Sweet Autumn

It has been so hot! How hot, you ask? Well, we've seen temperatures in the upper 90's and even 100 one day for the past couple of weeks. Sheesh! We don't even live in the south. It is just way too hot here.

But even with the heat, the neighbors across the street from us have a tree that is changing colors. And we're seeing pumpkins and Halloween decorations on many porches/yards in our area.

Yep, it's Autumn!

Oh, and did you know... Autumn is the most popular of the seasons, according to a recent survey. (Followed by Summer and then Spring.)

Sweet Stampin' wants us to have an opportunity to dig out our Autumn stamps, papers, etc... because the new theme is Autumn.

September 30 - October 6

Theme: Autumn

I hope you'll participate!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Stamps: Stamping Bella Tiny Townie Fay Loves Fall stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Recollections White and  Stampin' UP! Cajun Craze and Sahara Sand CS and all other papers from my scrap file

Embellishments: Hobby Lobby Wooden Leaf and Red Cording from an unknown vendor (I actually purchased it at a yard sale)

Joy Report with Love for Home

It has been a busy week. It's been a GREAT week!

A friend and I are in charge of the craft at our state's children's event this weekend, so we have been working, working, working on this cute pumpkin project. And one day I prepared the refreshments for a meeting. Those who attended sure appreciated it, which made it all worthwhile. I also went to the city one day (to get my new glasses and to shop some, too.... oh and to enjoy Chipotle and Starbucks).

And I made 11 cards.

One of the cards I made is this card that was inspired by Chapter 39 of the book 50 Truths Worth Knowing.

Meaningful Is More Beautiful

Mariska was a self-proclaimed beauty junkie for several years. She chose to live in towns that were considered beautiful - Boulder Colorado, San Francisco, etc. She thought if she lived in these beautiful places, she would have a beautiful life. And it worked that way - for a while. She'd admire the mountains, or stick her toes in the surf and she'd wonder how she got to be so lucky.

She had many friends, but those friends had grown up in the area so they didn't see the beauty around them like Mariska did. They took it for granted because it had always bene there. Mariska longed for someone to admire the beauty around her like she did. She often longed for family members to move nearby, but none of them had any desire to move from the east where they lived. They didn't want to leave their friends; their home.

Then Mariska got married. And, *gasp! - her husband's desire - need - to be with his family was more important than living in the idealic locations that Mariska had called home for a while. So they moved back home. Mariska admits she shed tears when she left San Francisco, but a few months later, during a Sunday dinner with family (there had been many) she began to feel a slow warmth rise up within her chest and she recognized that she was comfortable. She now saw clearly that life was richer by being close to family. She gained so much more here than she ever had in the lonely tourist spots with the fantastic sunsets.

She was home and there was no where else she'd rather be.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Stamps: Unity Grab Bag Collection 1 (the house) and Love at Home (the sentiment) stamped with Gina K Onyx Black Ink

Papers: Recollections Black and White and Stampin' UP! Sahara Sand CS and DP from the Craft Smith Burgundy Rose Paper Pad nd Crate Paper Flea Market Paper Pad

Embellishment: Heart-shaped Brad from an unknown vendor

You Make Me Smile!

Today is the 28th of September, which means it's the day for Challenge Your Stash!

The premise behind this group is we cannot buy anything to create a card based on the theme chosen by the hostess of the moth. This month Terry S is our hostess and she challenged us to use Washi Tape on our cards.

No problem. I own A LOT - a. lot. - of Washi Tape. I use it in my Bible Journaling quite regularly, but rarely use it on a card. But today - thanks to Terry S - my card features several different designs of Washi Tape. I actually used 8 different ones. YAY!

Thanks for a super fun challenge, Terry!

I told the CYS gals in the SCS thread that my card would  bring a smile to someone's face, in a childlike manner. Am I right? Those emoji guys just make me want to smile - all over my face.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Supplies Used

Stamp: Inkadinkado Kids Quotes stamped with Dew Drops Brilliance Mediterranean Blue Ink
Papers: Recollections White and Stampin' UP! Brilliant Blue and Yo Yo Yellow CS
Washi Tape: from unknown vendors
Embellishment: Heart-shaped Brad from an unknown vendor

I'm Thankful for You

I love CC Designs stamps. The images are just way too cute. Take this adorable little girl, for instance - Cinnamon and Sunflower. What a cutie!

And she was a lot of fun to color, too.

In case you didn't know, there's a new challenge at Craftaholics R Us and it's an easy one - Anything Goes. Literally, anything goes. So you can definitely join!

September 27 - October 3

Theme: Anything Goes

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Stamps: CC Designs Cinnamon with Sunflower stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Archiver's Brown and Stampin' UP! Pumpkin Pie CS and DP from the Paper Studio All Seasons Paper Pad

Embellishments: Dollar Tree Washi Tape and Clear Enamel Dots from an unknown vendor

Something New with Rub Ons

Sometimes I try something new and like it... other times, not so much. You've heard me say that before, right?

This time I actually like the new thing I tried on my Bible Journaling page, but I hate, Hate, HATE the page. Okay, maybe hate is too strong of a word. After all, Bible Journaling is about the Scripture and not so much about the overall look. I get that. BUT... every time I try using my own penmanship on my Bible Journaling, I go away with a great dislike of the look. UGH!

The "new" thing I did on this page though was lots of fun and actually looks pretty good, in my opinion. I had this old - very old - package of rub ons that I purchased at a yard sale years ago. I decided to see what they would do on a Bible Journaling page. And those little dragonflies just rubbed right on there and look great.

The artwork on the backside of this page was quite visible though, and I didn't like that, so I used my handy-dandy little plastic card and some added a thin layer of acrylic paint - right over the top of those dragonflies. It worked beautifully.

The theme of this page is "Patience" because that is this month's theme in the Bible Journaling group I'm part of on SCS.

Be still in the presence of the Lord,

and wait patiently for him to act.

Psalm 36:7

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used
Faber Castell Big Brush Marker
Illustrated Faith Pen
Master's Touch Acrylic Paint
Tulip Dragonflies Rub Ons
Washi Tape from an unknown vendor

Reindeer Games

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer just wants to play reindeer games with his friends, right?

I am so excited about the Christmas release at Frantic stamper and this reindeer die is just one of the many reasons I am.

The Large Peeking Reindeer #FRA-DIE-10311 can be found in the Frantic Stamper store HERE.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Frantic Stamper Precision Die: Large Peeking Reindeer #FRA-DIE-10311

Sentiment: CC Designs Reindeer Games stamped with Gina K Onyx Black Ink

Papers: Recollections Black, Brown, Kraft, and Red CS and DP from the Cloud 9 Seasonal Paper Pad

Embellishment: Michael's Rhinestone

Flowers for a Special Friend

Are you ready for some fun? Do you like having an opportunity to win Unity stamps? If so, you are in the right place.

Well... you are in the right place IF you've come to my blog from Jen's blog... because this is a......

BLOG HOP!

If you just happened here, go back to the beginning - HERE - and hop all the way through. Leave comments on the blogs. Two lucky hoppers will win a Unity Prize Package.

We were asked to use our favorite Unity stamp for this hop, but you know me... I have WAY TOO MANY Unity stamps to choose one favorite - no, skip that because one can never have too many Unity stamps, right? But... I couldn't decide which one was my favorite. Shucks. It's just impossible! So I chose my most recently purchased Unity stamp set to use for this card.

Unity "Abundant Blessings"

Here's the entire list for the hop - just to help you out a bit in case you got lost along the way...

Brittany Morgan

Debra Davison

Michelle Domescek

Janet O Harman

Mary Kay Werry

Jen GD

Me - Jeanette Cloyd

Unity Blog

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Don't forget to hop on over to the Unity blog and leave a comment there, too.

Supplies Used

Stamp Set: Unity Abundant Blessings stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers and a White Gel Pen

Papers: Recollections White and Stampin' UP! Summer Sun CS

Embellishment: Stampin' UP! Ribbon

Noel

Today I have another card to show you that features Frantic Stamper Precision Dies from the September release.

Layering Noel #FRA-DIE-10315

and

Star on a String #FRA-DIE-10306

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Supplies Used

Frantic Stamper Precision Dies: Layering Noel #FRA-DIE-10315 and Star on a String #FRA-DIE-10306

Papers: Recollections Black and Red CS, Crayola Stardust Paper, and DP from th eRecollections Stocking Stuffer Paper Pad

Embellishments: Michael's Rhinestones

WOW! What a week!

Oh my goodness! I was thrilled when a friend told me (a week ago today) that I'd been chosen as Customer of the Day at Our Daily Bread.

Thank you Maxine for letting me know... and thanks to Our Daily Bread for selecting my Bible Journaling page (click HERE to see my original blog post or HERE to see it on the ODB blog) to feature on their blog. What an honor!!!

Yes, this has been a GREAT week.

I enjoyed spending some time with dear friends over lunch one day. I had a day of shopping - and Chipotle and Starbucks! I got some wonderful news that for now will need to be kept quiet. I made 16 cards! Oh the list goes on and on.

One of the cards I made was inspired by Chapter 38 of the book 50 Truths Worth Knowing.

The Most Meaningful Legacies Can't Be Measured

Christine wrote fondly of her grandmother Lucy in this chapter. Grandma Lucy "was a housewife, grandmother, crafter, and unparalleled cook." Christine remembers typical Italian feasts for holidays and homemade holiday ornaments and other treasures gifted to her through the years.

She also remembers that is was Grandma Lucy that she called, when as a newly married woman she needed help with various tasks. For instance, Grandma Lucy calmly encouraged Christine as she cooked her first Thanksgiving turkey

But the greatest lesson Christine learned by her beloved Grandma Lucy was to life life to its fullest. After all, that's what Grandma Lucy did... and she taught from example. Not only that, she was always one who generously handed out encouragement to the granddaughter she loved so much.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Images/Sentiments: Mark's Finest Papers Coneflowers stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Colored Pencils 

Special Touches: Ranger Antique Linen Distress Ink and a Spectrum Noir Sparkle Marker

Papers: Recollections Black, Kraft, and White CS and AMuse Studio Polka Dot DP

Embellishments: Sequins from an unknown vendor

Autumn with My Chickie Friends

I love working with kits that I'm given because they allow me - force me - to use items I might never choose on my own. Sometimes they are easy peasy, other times they are a stretch for me. But EVERY time I find something to like about the kit and the process.

Today's cards were made with a kit I received from the hostess of the Creative Card Chicks group - we lovingly refer to her as Kelly 2 (since we already had a Kelly when she joined our little group). THANK YOU Kelly 2!

It was exciting to get the kit - the papers in it are lovely!!! Then I started playing with it and I wasn't able to do those gorgeous papers justice. I tried, and hope Kelly 2 isn't too disappointed in me.

Card #1

Card #2

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Kelly 2's Kit included the following items...

SU Papers: Painted Autumn DP and Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lime Twist, and Tangerine Tango CS

Images (stamped with Memento Ink): Craft Smart Leaf Border & Leaf, Inkadinkado Be Thankful, Michael's Simple Pumpkin, and Studio G Broom Stick

Embellishments: Stampin' UP! Delightful Dijon Ribbon and Tangerine Tango Enamel Dots, and Button from an unknown vendor

The only thing I added to make my cards was some more of the same colors of cardstock.

Halloween Fun

I bought this stamp a number of years ago - at Archiver's. It's still difficult for me to believe that they closed all of their stores and went out of business. I loved going to their stores.

And now it seems so many stamping businesses have closed, causing us to need to do much of our shopping online. I miss being able to go into the store and could literally spend lots of time just perusing the many products.

But, you didn't come to my blog to hear me lament over the loss of shopping opportunities. You came to see my care, right?

I made this card for the Craftaholics R Us Challenge that starts today...

September 20 - 26

Theme: Fall Colors

I hope you'll participate!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!


Supplies Used

Stamps: Northwoods stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Ink for Sponging: Ranger Antique Linen Distress Ink

Papers: Recollections Black and White and Stampin' UP! Old Olive CS and Stampin' UP! DP

Embellishments: Enamel Dots from an unknown vendor
SaveSave

Try Something New with Acrylic Paint

I had such a nice surprise a few days ago. I had  private message from Jessica of JessicaLynnOriginal. You might remember that I was on her design team for a period of time. She is such a kind/generous woman.

Her message was extra special because she gave me a few of her new images to create with. Isn't that awesome. THANK YOU, Jessica!

I decided to use on for today's Try Something New card.

The image is called Spring 2107 Bumble Bee Humble and Kind and can be found HERE. It's a limited edition, so I'm not sure how long it will be available.

The "something new" I tried on this card involved acrylic paint and a plastic card (like a credit card). I first randomly smeared three colors of acrylic paint onto white cardstock letting each one dry before adding a color. Gold. Yellow. Black. Then I decided to add a bit more black by just putting a dab of black acrylic paint on the very edge of the card and lightly tapping that onto the cardstock.

It has a bit of a messy look, but that's okay I suppose.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Supplies Used

Image: JessicaLynnOriginal Spring 2017 Bumble Bee Humble and Kind colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Recollections Black and White and Stampin' UP! Crushed Curry CS

Extra Feature: Master's Touch Acrylic Paint

Embellishments: Michael's Ribbon and Stickles Glitter Glue

Truckload of Apples

LJ is the host of the Mystery Image swap group - and she chose a striking image for us to use. It's a Stampin' UP! stamp... from the Countryside stamp set.

I hope LJ and my fellow sappers like my card.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Image (stamped by LJ): Stampin' UP! Countryside stamped on PTI Confetti CS withMemento Tuxedo Black Ink (I colored it with Copic Markers)

Papers: Recollections Black and Kraft CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishment: Eyelet Outlet Apple Brad

It's a Special Day

Anybody want some birthday cake?

There's a new challenge at International Art & Soul - and the theme is Special Day. That means birthdays (with or without cake), Anniversaries, Births, etc.)

I hope you'll participate!

September 17 - 30

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Stamp: CC Designs Baker Nancy stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers Core'dinations White, Recollections Blue, and Stampin' UP! Daffodil Delight CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishment: Birthday Brad from an unknown vendor

Change The World

I cheated. (Shhh! You didn't hear it from me, but you can, too.)

Sweet Stampin' has what I consider to be an impossible challenge starting today. The theme... *gasp! ... is to use your Favorite Stamp.

How. can. that. be?

I have literally HUNDREDS of stamps. I can't possible choose a favorite.

What to do? What to do!?!?!

I adapted the theme... a.k.a. I cheated.

I chose the most recent stamp I've gotten from one of my most favorite stamp companies - Unity Stamps. This stamp set is actually the one I received for being a Growing in Unity Gal. The stamp set is called Beauty in Everything.

I hope you'll ink up your favorite stamp 

(or cheat a wee bit, like I did) and participate

in the Sweet Stampin' Challenge!

September 16 - 22

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!


Supplies Used

Stamp Set: Unity Beauty in Everything stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Core'dinations White, Recollections Brown, and Stampin'UP! Marina Mist CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishment: Michael's Ribbon