You Are Never Alone

Happy Sunday !

I'm just popping in today with a card I recently made

to { hopefully } bring a smile to my mom.

I recently shared that she was diagnosed with lung cancer

and while she is going through treatment, I want to

make sure she knows how much I love her

and admire her strength.

 

She does read my blog from time to time, so hopefully

she will not 'peek in' for a few days so I can

make sure this card gets to her : )

 My mom has loved gardening since I was in high school.

She turned most of our backyard into the most

beautiful flower garden over 30 years ago and to this day, still has

the most beautiful blooms from Spring to Fall around

her entire condo.

 

I recently picked up these fabby vellum pages by Heidi Grace

and was so anxious to use them.

I used my Lacey Circle die from Spellbinders to create the frame

and placed it on top of yellow cardstock so the design

would stand out more.

I also created the base using the Swiss Dot EF from Cuttlebug.

The sentiment is from a beautiful set called 'Inspired by Audrey'

designed by Karen Baker for The Craft's Meow.

I simply embellished the flowers & umbrella with pearls & gems.

It's important she knows this sentiment is true and I hope

she enjoys it once she receives it.

 

Don't forget. . .

There's a terrific color challenge going on over at

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today.

I'll be back on Monday with a very special event

with The Twinery and Imaginisce !

Project Recipe:

 Cardstock: Recollections & Bazzill

Vellum: Sunshowers Quotes by Heidi Grace
Stamps: Inspired by Audrey by The Craft's Meow

Tools:  Lacey Circles die by Spellbinders

Lg Swiss Dot EF by Cuttlebug, Big Shot Embellishments: gems from K&Company

pearls from Recollections

Celebrate with The Craft's Meow!

Happy Monday and welcome in to The Open Window !

If you are just stopping by, you picked a great day

because it's Day #2 of the New Release Previews over at

We are on the countdown to TCM's 2nd Birthday Celebration

and release of our March images !

Today's preview is of a 'sweet'

{ I couldn't resist }

new stamp set designed by Mabelle R-O called

'Sweet Birthday'

I immediately knew I wanted to use fun, bright colors for my card

and the balloon in this set was so fun to play with.

I did a little simple 'masking' to make my bouquet using vibrant

ink from A Muse Studio (to order, see link below)

and stamped the sweet daisy on each balloon.

Prima's Doodle Deux made the perfect backdrop for the colors.

The sweet little double bow was made using yummy baker's twine

from The Twinery in 'Ocean' & the 

brand spankin' new 'Iridescent Blossom'

What I love about this set is there are so many fun & surprising elements

you can play with, right down to the little 'swirlys'.

To celebrate this week, TCM will be giving away not one but . . .

TWO of the FEATURED STAMP SETS EACH DAY

Simply visit the TCM blog, leave a quick note to say hello

by 8pm PST each day & you just might win !

I'm so very glad you stopped by.

Make sure you let me know you were here and fingers

crossed that you'll be a winner !

Project Recipe:

 Patterned Paper: Doodle Deux by Prima
Stamps: Sweet Birthday by The Craft's Meow
Inks: Ocean, Bellini & Orange by A Muse Studio
Tools: Lacey Squares die by Spellbinders, Big Shot
Embellishments: baker's twine in Ocean & Iridescent Blossom by The Twinery
silver pearls by Recollections
 

Baby Love in Baker's Twine

Hello and welcome in to The Open Window.

I'm covering a couple of MAJOR things with this post

as it's NEW RELEASE BLOG HOP DAY over at

and it's my day to post for

I am thrilled to have my project based on these fabulous

colors because the stamps I chose to use worked

perfectly with these colors.

Before we get too far, I want to make sure you came by

way of my very talented friend

Jessica Fick's blog

If not, we would love for you to start over at

The Craft's Meow blog

because as you know, our hop includes a grand prize

of all five sets to one lucky commenter!

Our team over at The Play Date Cafe all played with

baker's twine from The Twinery in

Stone . . . Buttercream . . .Denim

I chose to use TCM's beautiful 'Baby Shelf' stamp set to create this card.

I thought the images with the colors for this color challenge worked well.

I recently picked up a few new collections while on a little trip

to the Chicago burbs and picked up paper from Authentique & BasicGrey.

I simply layered my pieces & created a bookmark as an addition.

I used Liquid Pearls in Buttercup & Baby Blue

and of course the beautiful baker's twine.

Here is the set I used . . .

Don't forget, you can get 'Soaring High' for a limited time

as a FREE GIFT w/$50 purchase too!

It's time to get you on your way to the very creative

Lin Brandyberry's blog

Make sure to leave a note saying you stopped by

and please take time to check out all the

beautiful creations from the designers of

The Play Date Cafe.

We would love to have you play along!

Project Recipe:

Patterned Paper: Renew by Authentique & Fiction by BasicGrey
Stamps: Baby Shelf by The Craft's Meow

Embellishments: pearls from Zva Creative

Buttercup & Baby Blue Liquid Pearls by Ranger

baker's twine in Stone, Buttercream & Denim all from The Twinery

Tools: Lacey Squares by Spellbinders, Big Shot

 

 

Rejoice! {with} The Craft's Meow

It's another beautiful day here at The Open Window

as we celebrate New Release Previews over at

Today, we share two beautiful sets with you.

The first is 'Rejoice'

designed by Kaitlyn Ord

We are also happy to present

our FREE w/$50 purchase set

'Soaring High'

designed by Nina B Designs

I really love this quote and have been a fan of AW Tozer's writings
for a long time.  This is a perfect sentiment for graduations this spring.
I used Authentique's 'Renew' collection { how appropriate } for my
'wallpaper' and punched a twig border using one of my
favorite Martha Stewart punches.

Of course, pearl flourishes from Zva Creative are always a good touch.

How would you like a chance to win one of these sets ?

All you have to do is stop by the TCM blog and leave a note

to say you stopped by for a visit.

You have until 8pm PST, February 21st to comment to be eligible.

Thanks so much for coming by.
I'll see you tomorrow for our New Release Blog Hop.

Rejoice Project Recipe:

 Patterned Paper: Fact & Fiction by BasicGrey
Stamps: Rejoice by The Craft's Meow

Tools: Labels 18 by Spellbinders, Big Shot
Embellishments: 
brown multi pearl flourish (CR-05CA-125)
small taupe pearls (CRW-04CB-139)
taupe rose (FL-04CA-135)
all by Zva Creative

Let Your Heart Soar Project Recipe:

 Patterned Paper: Renew by Authentique
Stamps: Soaring High by The Craft's Meow
Ink: Teal Zeal & Espresso Truffle Memento by Tsukineko 

Tools: Twig border punch by Martha Stewart
Embellishments: 
pearl flourish (CRB-04CB-108) by Zva Creative
Stardust Stickles by Ranger

  

Celebrating the Day!

Gosh...it's been waaaay too long!

Last week, I was a welcome overnight 'guest' in one of our

hospitals and I've found it difficult to be on the computer much.

I am happy to say that after many, many tests related to my heart

(including an induced stress test which was simply 'unpleasant' at best)

my heart was declared in "perfect" condition.

It turns out that I have some torn ligaments in the chest wall

near that area and did you know . . .

it's pretty darned painful and can totally fool ya !

Of course you KNOW I now have very few excuses for not

adding a little exercise to my life.

But it's a very content feeling knowing I can do it with confidence.

Anyway . . . I am back at it and glad to be able to share a couple

of projects with you today featuring beautiful bling from

I really enjoyed making this card.

The colors, the bling, the stamps . . .

it all made me happy !

The colors are perfect for the current challenge over at

 

I simply created my wallpaper with these beautiful papers

and then determined where each element should go.

The bling is beautiful jet black crystal flourishes from Zva

and they really do stand out on this card.

The die frame is Spellbinders Labels 18 and the stamped sentiment

is from Avery Elle.

How about some more bling ??!!

This time, I added a BIG punch with Zva's beautiful bold flower.

This card does have a lot going on.

An embossed panel on the bottom with a panel created

using Martha Stewart's Deep Edge Geometric Medallion punch.

Then I layered the beautiful pink/lavender flourish just under the flower.

The stamped sentiment is from The Craft's Meow.

I am so very glad you stopped by today and hope that you found

a little inspiration along the way.

I'd love to hear from you, so please let me know you came by.

I always appreciate your visits !

Happy Valentine's Day Project Recipe:

Patterned Paper: Rosarian by Prima
Stamps: Lots of Love by Avery Elle

Embellishments: black crystal flourish CR-04CA-125

from Zva Creative
seam binding from Sugar Lump Studios on Etsy & Hug Snug

Tools: Labels 18 by Spellbinders, Big Shot

So Grateful Project Recipe:

Patterned Paper: So Sophie by My Mind's Eye
Stamps: Many Thanks by The Craft's Meow

Embellishments: pearl flourish CRB-05CA-122

white flower all from Zva Creative
Tools: Geometric Medallion Deep Edge punch 

by Martha Stewart

large swiss dot EF by Cuttlebug, Big Shot

 

Heartfelt Thanks with The Craft's Meow

The day has finally arrived !

It's The Craft's Meow January Release

Team Blog Hop

I hope you stopped by from my friend

Jessica Fick's Blog

If not, I would love for you to join us from the start at

The Craft's Meow Blog

because someone is going to win the

entire collection of new releases and it could be you !

I created today's card using

'Happy as a Lark' and 'Many Thanks'

I laid down my 'wallpaper' base using paper from Lily Bee Design.

I wrapped the seam with binding & baker's twine from The Twinery.

I stamped the lark on the top half.

 

On a separate piece of cardstock, I stamped another lark, cut it out

and shaded it with color.  I adhered it just off-center from the one

on the base card so it would bring a little dimension.

I die cut the vine and gave it some dimension with Stickles.

I stamped the sentiment on a Spellbinder's die cut frame

and embellished it with black gems & Liquid Pearls.

Don't forget . . .

'Lark Additions' is this month's FREE GIFT w/$50 purchase.

It's the PERFECT compliment to the set I featured today.

The sentiments are simply beautiful.

To have the BEST CHANCE TO WIN the entire collection of new releases,

pay a visit to our designer's blogs,

leave a comment where you can and cross your fingers

all by 9pm PST, Wednesday January 23rd.

One random winner will be chosen from one of the blogs

on the hop.  

Speaking of the hop, it's time to send you on to

Karen Baker's Blog

She is the illustrator behind the beautiful lark designs

and I know she will have beautiful inspiration for you !

Thanks so much for coming by . . . I look forward to hearing from you !

Project Recipe:

Patterned Paper: Lily Bee Designs

Stamps: Happy as a Lark & Many Thanks 
by The Craft's Meow

Tools: Grommet Tags by Spellbinders, 
Season's Greetings Phrase by Sizzix, Big Shot
Embellishments:  baker's twine in Ocean & Platinum Shimmer
by The Twinery
seam binding from Sugar Lump Studios Etsy Shop
gems by Recollections
Stickles & Liquid Pearls by Ranger

 

Countdown to a Celebration!

Please Scroll Down for the

EAD DESIGNS BLOG HOP

Hello !

I'm back again with an uber-quick post.

I didn't have a chance to share the card I created for the current

challenge over at The Play Date Cafe due to a minor accident

involving my husband Paul last Wednesday evening.

I chatted with several of you over on Facebook, but long story short . . .

We were at Home Depot searching for some finished wood to use

as a base for our brand new 60-gallon freshwater aquarium.

The clerk asked Paul to help him move a few of the sheets

and on sheet #2, Paul lifted his head and cut it open on a metal

bracket above.  Needless to say, stitches were put in and the

evening got away from me.  Well, the rest of the week into

the weekend got away from me.

He is doing well now and I thank you for your kind

thoughts, messages and prayers, both on facebook

and via email.  It is always such a blessing to know I am

in a community of caring folks.

So here is this week's challenge

and here is my interpretation

I love this new paper from Prima's Rondelle collection.

As soon as I got my 6x6 pad in from StopandScrap.com,

I knew I wanted to use it for this challenge.

I created my frame using a Spellbinders die & matching

pearl Nestabling from Want2Scrap. I used a fab tiny print

stamp from Glitz Design and stamped it on the diagonal.

The sentiment is from PTI.

I really hope you will make plans to join us this Thursday, October 18th

as The Play Date Cafe celebrates it 3rd Anniversary.

We will party for FIVE days with . . .

alumni designers

 fabulous sponsors

and

great surprises

We are working hard to reach a milestone

2,000 follower mark

and prizes will be involved !

So I hope you will stop by and sign on to follow

{if you aren't already}

because we'd love to have you !

Project Recipe:

Cardstock: Gina K Designs & American Crafts

Patterned Paper: Rondelle by Prima

Stamps: Glitz Design & PaperTrey Ink

Tools:  Fancy Tags Two die by Spellbinders, Big Shot

Embellishments: Nestabling by Want2Scrap

gems by KandCompany

Egg-Citing!

Hey hey everybody!

I am so glad to be back here at The Open Window.

I've been W.A.Y. under the weather for about a week

and have missed being creative, so it's perfect timing

for a brand new color challenge from

This week, we are sponsored by the great folks over at EAD Designs.

Our design team was able to play with collections from EAD

and I chose to use 'Just Chicken In'.

I was so happy to find this week's colors in the beautiful fall

paper from FarmHouse Paper Company purchased from

StopandScrap.com

I cut 'eggs' using my Spellbinders Standard Oval dies

and it was all pretty simple.

Here is the fun set I used . . .

and here is some GREAT news . . .

So come check out all the fun designs from our team

and play along! We would love to have you!

Project Recipe:

Patterned Paper: Sugar Hill by FarmHouse Paper Company

from StopandScrap.com

Embellishments: Just Chicken In Stickerz by EAD Designs

Tools: Standard Oval dies by Spellbinders, Big Shot

Just 'Chicken' In

Hey there !
It's certainly a busy day here at The Open Window
and an inspirational one as well.

The designers of EAD Designs

are getting together with the designers of

Hopefully, you came by way of
Crazy About Cricut's Blog
so you can hop right along with us.

If not, we would love for you to join us a few stops back at the
EAD Designs Blog
because we always offer a fabulous prize to a lucky winner!

I absolutely adore this set of Stickerz from EAD called 'Just Chicken In'
I used one of Martha Stewart deep edge punches to create the fun
border background using paper from Cosmo Cricket.
I then cut two Lacey Circle frames using my Spellbinders dies
and placed the Action Wobble spring between the two.
It was difficult for me to capture the actual 'wobble' with my
little camera, but take my word for it . . .
When you 'flick' the fun little chicken,
it TOTALLY wobbles !
You can sorta see it below where the shadow is . . .

Here is the set I used today

and the best news is . . .

You can place your order HERE

I'm so glad you stopped by today.

Make sure you leave a short note 
before you go so you'll have a 
chance to win 
the terrific prize on the hop.


It's time to get you on your way to
Trisha's Blog 
Little Scraps of Heaven Designs


Project Recipe:  
Cardstock: Pure Luxury by Gina K Designs

Patterned Paper: Tea for Two by Cosmo Cricket

Embellishments: Just Chicken In Stickerz by EAD Designs

black pearls from Recollections

Tools: Celtic Loop border deep edge punch by Martha Stewart

Action Wobble Spring, Big Shot, Lacey Circles die by Spellbinders