Holley's Blog

Happy Valentines!

2012-01-27T08:45:00.000-06:00

Here's a wonderful Sweet Pea stamp from artist Terra Bidlespacher called Rainbow Drear (Plate #182). If you check out the original as colored by the artist, you will see how different the image looks on my card. I colored up this image for a Valentine. Even though she kind of has a ho-hum look on her face, just wait until her Valentine shows up. Her little face is going to light up.
Isn't she so adorable and dressed for the holiday? I added some wonderful glitter adorned paper from K&Co, some beautiful flowers with bling and die cut the image out with a huge circular die cut and adorned it with pink ribbon. Here's a close up of the stamped image, colored in Copic Markers:

Can't you image the smile coming to this little girl's face? I almost have to laugh and think if you have a teenager, you are probably used to seeing this expression a lot anyways! If this is the look on my face on Valentines, you best bring out the chocolate (white chocolate preferred, thanks!!)

Have fun making tons of Valentines for the upcoming holiday, be sure to check out all the wonderful stamps on sale at the website and Feb is going to be a month long blog candy celebration at Holley's Blog with games and fun going on all month long in a huge giveaway to celebrate the two year anniversary of successful brain surgery. Be sure to come by and win some!

Wonderland Gang

2012-01-26T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here's a fun stamp from artist Sandra Caldwell of Queen Kat stamps. She calls this image "Wonderland Gang." It's been so spring-like here in TX that I just had to color up this image in wonderful spring colors including the bright green color. YUM

SO, are you guys ready for some Blog Candy? It's just a few days away now!!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah, Bling); Image (Queen Kat); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Buttons (American Traditional, Doodlebug); DieCut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Fiber (Doodlebug Twine); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots); Color (Copic Markers);

Tilda the Tigeress!

2012-01-25T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here's an adorable new stamp from Magnolia. It's Tilda in a sweet Tiger costume. I used this stamp to make a sweet valentine. If I had my own cute tiger costume, I would dress up and tell my DH "UR Cute" and "Be Mine." But, since I don't, I guess I will just have to give him this card.Be sure to scroll down a couple entries and look at the wonderful blog candy that is coming. HUGE giveaways will be happening throughout all of Feb. I have great prizes from Sweet Pea Stamps, Paper Temptress, Addicted To Stamps, Squigglefly, tons of stamp sets from Inkadinkado, lots of rubber from Kraftin' Kimmie, loads of scrapbooking supplies, it's a real WOW. I am having a huge celebration for reaching my 2 year anniversary of Seizure Free life thanks to double brain surgery. It was a dark time that lead to the most wonderful change and blessings that I never imagined. I am so thankful to all who helped, sent me cards and prayed for me and now I am thanking the whole crafting community back so ALL MONTH in Feb you will be seeing blog candy fun almost everyday on my blog. Are you ready???

Paper Temptress Angel

2012-01-24T08:30:00.002-06:00

Today I am showcasing a great Angel stamp from artist Ava Shwark of Addicted to stamps using wonderful papers that I got from Paper Temptress. This stamp is called Angel 1 (Click here). I colored the image on Neenah paper from Paper Temptress which works great with copic markers.
You can run this paper through your computer printer, so it's perfect for Digi stamps! I got some great die cut tools that have a mix of funky flower shapes and odd circles from Lifestyles (formerly Quikkutz). I chose two sizes that would match my card. For the background of the image I chose a great lightweight blue paper called Blu Raspberry. The card base is a wonderful Glossy paper that I also textured with a sizzix tool and then added color using a colorbox inkpad called Peacock Blue. I added final embellishment with Prima flowers, fun buttons, and Bo Bunny brads.

Isn't she a beauty? Be sure to read a few entries down to hear about the blog hop. Paper Temptress is going to sponser a wonderful gift certificate of $20 during the games in Feb! Woo HOO!! Grab a photo of the prizes and post about it on your blog. Drop me an email and let me know in order to sign up for the first contest (htondre@aol.com)

You're such a doll!

2012-01-23T08:30:00.001-06:00

Here's a wonderful stamp that I got in my christmas stocking this year from my husband John. She's another cutie from Kraftin' Kimmie. Oh, so adorable. I just love these stamps. This card also uses more the wonderful lace that I got on my trip to Turkiye this summer. Such wonderful memories of that.
If you missed yesterday's posting, be sure to scroll down and read it, see how to sign up for a drawing for some early blog candy before the Feb celebration starts!!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah, AC Metallic); Stamps (Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps); Ink (Memento); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilties); Ribbon (JoAnns); Lace (Istanbul, Turkiye); Flowers (Prima); Brads (Making Memories, Basic Grey, Target); Color (Copic Markers); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue, Glue Dots);

Winter Watcher

2012-01-22T08:25:00.002-06:00

Earlier in the week, I posted a Sweet Pea card about Summer, now let's move to winter....we don't have much of a winter here. Temperature does drop down, lol. We don't own real coat,s boots, ever see snow....And I must just laugh and say I have seen snow and been places on jobs and in college where it did snow and I don't care for it. This is a wonderful image from Sweet Pea artist ching chou kuik called Winter Watcher (plate #25.) This stamp is definitely an all time favorite from this artist.
Here's a close up of the Winter Watcher image
Be sure to scroll down a couple of entries to see the amazing blog candy that is coming. Sweet Pea stamps has donated a WHOLE lot of rubber stamps to the contest which will begin on Feb 1st! For now, let's start a little by having a promotion to support the blog candy month of celebration....Take any photo of the blog candy and post it on your sidebar or facebook page, then email me with a link to that...I will put you in a drawing for the first blog candy of the contest!!

Here's an image you can use: So much blog candy you can't even beleive it!!

On your mark, Get set...

2012-01-21T09:00:00.001-06:00

GO!!! Can't you just picture a snail race when you see this funny card? This adorable Digi stamp comes from artist Monica Estill is called "Ladybug on a snail." I am submitting this adorable card to the Squigglefly contest this week. The challenge on their blog is "Button it up" so I added these adorable button brads.Grab your own Squigglefly image and make a card for the contest. If you haven't tried a digi-stamp, download a free one from their website (CLICK HERE).

Project Materials: Paper (Heidi Grace Flocked Metallic Shimmer); Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Digi Stamp (Squigglefly); Diecut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Brads (Making Memories); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Double Adhesive Tape); Ink (Colorbox Chalk); Color (Copic markers);

Think Summer

2012-01-20T08:00:00.004-06:00

Here's a fun Summer Card. As a real Texan (esp a south Texan) that is what you love. Winter is just something we accept here, and what most of you consider "winter" that's something we here in Texas could not live in. This wonderful stamp is called "Kiki with Dolly." She's a dolly herself, huh?

The weather has been really nice now. Mid 70s, great for all that walking. I do enjoy that. Almost as much as I love stamps from Elisabeth Bell!! DO you? Well I have some! They are going to be given away with the wonderful Blog Candy from Sweet Pea stamps....along with a ton of other great images, I also have some adorable Elisabeth Bell ones!! WOO HOO!! Scroll down a couple entries and read about the upcoming blog candy, it's gonna be fun all month long this Feb with contests going all the time. You can win more than once!!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Rubber Stamps (Sweet Pea); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Color (Copic Markers); Punch (EK Sucess); Flowers (Making Memories); Brads (Bazzill, unknown); Ink (Memento); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots);

Violet Wings Get You No Where

2012-01-19T08:30:00.004-06:00

Here's a wonderful image called Violet Wings get you No Where from Queen Kat Stamps. This fun image comes from artist Christina Lynn Myers (Click here). She has some awesome new images. I suppose she's meant to be in violet, but I just love her in blues. Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Stamp(Queen Kat Stamps); Ink (Memento); Ribbon (JoAnns); Bling (Michaels, Recollections); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue); Color (Copic Markers);

Be sure to scroll down to the last post and see the Blog candy that is coming.....here's another SNEAK peak....this is the non stamp goodies, WOW!!! and this doesn't even include goodies like a $20 gift Certificate from Paper Temptress and Digi-Stamps (Your choice from the store!!!) from Squigglefly!! WOO HOO. Here's another peek at what goodies are coming:

wait 'til I post more photos :)

BLOG CANDY COMING!!!

2012-01-18T20:17:00.008-06:00

As announced today, the blog candy is coming!! Many wonderful companies have given wonderful prizes!! Here's a few sneaky peak photos to make you ready for action!!

This is JUST a start...there's SO MUCH MORE!!! You guys won't even believe it. I have a HUGE box of goodies. These great stamps are a prize from Sweet Pea Rubber Stamps! The set shown in Blue Rubber comes from Queen Kat stamps. I also have wonderful prizes coming from The Paper Temptress, Squigglefly, Addicted to Stamps and more.....more photos will come soon......

Contests will be starting on Feb 1st and will go through the month. I will mail prizes all over the world. You are allowed to win as many contests as possible. I will hold all prizes for mailing until the end of the month as usually people will win more than once.

LOL, here's a WHOLE BOX full of goodies.....the stamp set on the box is a FOOT LONG stamp set....just to give you an idea how much STAMPS alone (not even counting the rest of the fun stuff. WOOHOO!!!)

Keep your eyes peeled for goodies from Kraftin' Kimmie, Inkadinkado, The Girls' Paperie, Tim Holtz, Sizzix, Little Yellow Bicycle, K&Co, MAMBI, and more!!!

Tea Party time!

2012-01-18T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here's a wonderful digi-stamp from artist Sherri Baldy of Addicted to Stamps. She's called Lil' Sweeties Tea Party. Isn't she adorable? I added a great saying "You're Tea-riffic!" Be sure to check out the newest stamps from Addicted to Stamps on Wed nights on their Facebook page *around 7pm est. They also have a fun website, Scrapbook Stamp Society, with tons of images in the Gallery and real and digital stamps for sale as well as other supplies.

Are you ready for some BLOG CANDY??????????? well, it's coming. Feb is almost here and I am feeling pretty cheerful. 2012 is a good year so far and 2011 is a year to celebrate. I am about to hit my TWO YEAR anniversary post double brain surgery. I can't begin to say how wonderful I feel and how ready I am to celebrate. I have tons of goodies for everyone!! Feb is going to be blog candy month with great prizes from me celebrating 2 years of seizure free life!! There's also AWESOME blog candy from companies like Addicted to Stamps, Sweet Pea Stamps, Paper Temptress....and more....just wait....I am getting ready to start showing photos of the blog candy, you guys aren't going to believe it!!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah, Hobby Lobby); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); DigiStamp (Addicted to Stamps); Saying (Kraftin' Kimmie); Lace (JoAnns); Punch (Martha Stewart); Die Cut (Quickkutz); Color (Copic Markers); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue);

Meet Christina

2012-01-17T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here's a wonderful stamp that my husband gave me for christmas. Ummm, I mean that Santa John put in my Christmas stocking.....it's a stamp from Tickled Pink. This one is Lil Lolita Perfect Match Christina. I am loving the weather here in TX right now, lower to mid 70s and walking outside everyday, it put me in the spring mood, so I have yellow-ed up this card and added beautiful paper, butterflies, and flowers to embellish it.I topped it off with a great saying "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined." Ahhh, as simple as my day to day life is, I am so happy everyday that I feel like I live the life of my dreams. This card is for the Tickled Pink challenge this week, anything goes. I call it, Be Happy in Yellow :)

Project Materials: Cardstock (Heidi Grace, Neenah); Stamp (Tickled Pink); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Saying (Vellum DCWV); Butterflies (); Flowers (Prima); Brads (Bazzill, Basic Grey, Queen&Co, Target); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue Dots, Glue all); Color (Copic Markers);

Squigglefly Challenge

2012-01-16T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone and Happy Monday! I hope you are ready for the Squigglefly Challenge this week. I know I am. This week is MY FIRST week as the design team leader. I am so proud of my team. They are all super artists and they all were great last week and even did fun cards in last week's challenge. WOO HOO!! So proud of them. This week's challenge is called "Button it Up!" Now that has a double meaning, so you can either use it as a winter theme challege or go the other way and use it to mean adding buttons to your project.As you can see with my image here, called Birdhouses, I have added some wonderful buttons to a great image from artist Sandy Sommerfield. This image actually comes with a great variety of birdhouses too. I am showing you one on this card, but when you buy it from Squigglefly, you get 6 different birdhouse images. TOO COOL. Pop on over the Squigglefly Challenge blog (Click here) and see Holley's Hobbyists cards as the samples for the contest this week. Then make your own card and join in the contest. The winner (if they use Squigglefly image) gets a prize. If you have never used Digi-Stamps, go over the Squigglefly store and get a FREE one (click here).

Project Materials: Cardstock (Metallic Orange, Metallic Gold, Neenah Paper Temptress); Image (Squigglefly); Sewing (Linda W); Buttons (Grandma's Button Bag); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots, Double stick tape); Color (Copic Markers);

Simply Betty Doll

2012-01-15T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here's another fun stamp that I got for my birthday from my husband. This stamp comes from Simply Betty Stamps. She's a cute doll. I added a fun saying from Kraftin' Kimmie stamps (he also got me a bunch of those fun stamps too!!). I can't wait to start showing you those.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill Swiss, AC Metallic, Neenah); Stamps (Simply Betty Stamps, saying-Kraftin Kimmie); Ink (Memento); Borders (Martha Stewart); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots); Color (Copic Markers);

Happy Birthday!

2012-01-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

Wishing My Brother a very Happy Birthday today! Here's a beautiful Fairy card using a great stamp from Queen Kat stamps. Hope you have a special day Larry. Best wishes from Holley and John.Project Materials: Cardstock (DCWV, AC Metallic, Neenah); Rubber Stamps (Queen Kat); Die Cuts (Nestabilites); Corner Punch (unknown); Ink(Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Color (Copic Markers); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All);

Put your big girl panties on!

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here's an adorable image from Stamping Bella. She's super cute and comes with this saying "you can handle it, you have your big girl panties on!" Ahh, the number of times I have had to think about that. Just take care of it and handle whatever life is giving you. And, as it happens, I do just that! Guess I have my big girl panties on after all!Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Rubber Stamps (Stamping Bella); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Die Cut (Lifestyle Crafts); Ribbon (Hobby Lobby); Buttons (American Traditional); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots, Ribbon Glue); Color (Copic Markers);

Wonderland Gang

2012-01-12T09:00:00.000-06:00

Wherefore Art Thou? Through the looking glass, that's where! Here's a great stamp from Queen Kat artist Sandra Caldwell called Wonderland Gang. She just came out with some fun new stamps. Here's one that I used to make a card in lively color for the new year.I added a fun saying that is also from Queen Kat. I just love this artists fun images.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Bazzill Bling, Neenah); Images (Queen Kat); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Flowers (Prima); Brads (Bazzill); Punch (Martha Stewart); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Color (Copic Markers); Ribbon (JoAnns); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue);

Lil Rose

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a wonderful image from Addicted to Stamps artist Sherri Baldy called Lil' Rose. I just loved this image of a little girl all dressed up in her big girl clothes. Check out those full size shoes she has one. So adorable. Special Day today--Happy Birthday Samantha! We mailed a package to you on saturday, I hope it arrived on time. Big hugs from us!

Be sure to check out Addicted to Stamps site, the Scrapbook Stamp Society. They are going to start giving away free stamps to people who sign up and give their bday, so get a digi-stamp on your birthday! WOO HOO! Also, you can check out the Addicted to Stamps Facebook page on Wed nights (around 7ish) to see all the new releases and hear if there is a weekly special!!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill Swiss, Neenah); DigiStamp (Addicted to Stamps); Ribbon (JOAnns); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue); Color (Copic Markers);

You tug at my heart strings

2012-01-10T08:45:00.000-06:00

Sweet Pea just got some amazing new images from artist Elisabeth Bell. I was so lucky to get one of these images to make this adorable valentine. This image is called "Heart Strings" (CLICK HERE). Right now this image and all the other new Elisabeth Bell images are on sale! Stop by the store and check them out.

Here's an enlargement of the stamp, the card above is a 6x6" card, the stamp itself is approx 2.5"x3". The fun embellishments shown are from Prima flowers and K&Co.
Be sure to check out the other Valentine theme stamps at the store. Several of them will work great year round for the ones you love.

Cheers, Holley

A Rocket Banana?

2012-01-09T09:00:00.002-06:00

Lol, a rocket banana? What will you think of next? This image is just TOO funny (Click here to see it at Squigglefly's website). I just had to take this image and use it in the Squigglefly Challenge this week. This week the challenge is to make a thank you card. So, I took this image and my dear hubby came up with a funny saying to turn this image into a great card, "Thank You for making the improbable possible!" Isn't that great? I can think of lots of hilarious uses for this funny image. It's called Rocket Banana. Now, pull out your Squigglefly image and make a thank you card to participate in this week's contest! CLICK HERE to go to their challenge blog and submit your entry. Stay tuned for NEXT week, when MY team, the Holley Hobbyists will be making wonderful sample cards for the Squigglefly challenge.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Digi-Stamp (Squigglefly); Ink (Colorbox Chalk); Color (Copic Markers); Punch (EK Sucess); Bling (Michaels); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots);

Sunday Angel

2012-01-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a very stunning angel from Queen Kat. She's deeply in love, you can see the look on her face. I made this card for my DH. I added a simple saying from another Queen Kat stamp set. This fun lace I got locally, not quite as exotic as the stuff I found in Turkiye, but still pretty.Have a great week! 2012 is now in full swing.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Rubber Stamps (Queen Kat); Ink (Memento); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Lace (JoAnns); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue); Color (Copic Markers);

Paper Temptress Priscilla

2012-01-07T09:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a wonderful card using a fun stamp from Kraftin' Kimmie called Priscilla and beautiful papers from Paper Temptress. This stamp is super adorable and she's got some fun attitude.
I just love the pile of books she's sitting on and reading. It makes me think she's looking up some sort of love potion for Valentine's.

The papers for this project come from Paper Temptress. The background paper is called Black Grandee Feltweave. This paper is a nice heavy weight paper for the card background and has wonderful texture (CLICK HERE). I highlighted mine by adding just a small amount of chalking to the corners. Then I used a Sizzix die cut to create some fun flourishes for the card. For the flourished, I used a textured paper as well, this paper is the Khaki Crepe.

The image is stamped and colored using Copic Markers. Alcohol ink markers work great on Heavenly White, Cryogen White and Neenah Solar white. For this card, I am using the Neenah Solar white. I used a large die cut to trim out the image and dusted the edges with a Colorbox Chalk inkpad.

I hope this card makes you want to break out some gorgeous paper and create a fun valentine card today!

Cheers, Holley

Happy New Year!

2012-01-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here's a great stamp from artist Elisabeth Bell, she's celebrating the new year. I took the blue from her blowing and added wonderful die cut flourishes all over the card as the image of her noise flowing out to the world that the new year is here! Welcome 2012!

Here's a close up image of this adorable stamp, called Party Play, it's sold individually (CLICK HERE), and can be used on wonderful occassion where you need to send out a card to shout out good news to someone.
Wishing all of you a very Happy New Year! I hope we can all have as much fun stamping our lives away as we did in 2011!

Cheers, Holley

Violet Wings

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a wonderful image from artist Christina Lynn Myers of Queen Kat stamps. This image is called Violet Wings. I colored this image using copic markers and added a "Dream" stamp from Queen Kat along with some webbed ribbon that I found from the christmas aisle.Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, AC, Neenah); Stamps (Queen Kat); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Ribbon (Michaels); Bling (Michaels); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue Dots, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities);

Here's my heart....

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

This is an adorable image from Addicted to Stamps artist Sherri Baldy. This stamp is called "Here's my Heart" Isn't she adorable? This artist also has some great new images that she calls "Lil' Sweeties" I just love them! Wait 'til you see those. I got a couple of them. This image here is part of her Lil Ragmuffin line. Check out their facebook page on Wed nights, they often show off their new stamps, and give a special discount for buying from their store Scrapbook Stamp Society.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Crafter's Companion, Neenah, Bazzill); Image (Addicted to Stamps); Ink (Colorbox Chalk); Color (Copic Markers); Lace (Istanbul, Turkiye); Flowers (Hobby Lobby); Adhesives (Glue Dots, Pop Dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue); Die Cuts (Quickkutz);

Angel Prayers

2012-01-03T08:45:00.000-06:00

Here's a wonderful Angel stamp that I got from Lili of the Valley. They have some delightful stamps. I got a great order of them in December. I am just now getting a chance to stamp them and start coloring them up. I am starting with this angel. Isn't she special?Need a prayer? Just leave a comment here....

Project Materials: Cardstocl (Bazzill, Neenah); Printed Paper (Unknown); Stamp (Lili of the Valley); Ink (Memento); DieCut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Saying (DCWV); Bling (Michaels); Cross (Recollections); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots); Color (Copic Markers);

Don't eat the yellow snow!

2012-01-02T08:30:00.000-06:00

Well 2012 is now here. Here's an adorable puppy dog image and a little lesson to learn. Don't eat yellow snow. Guess for us Texans, that's good advice. I must say, I have never actually seen any yellow snow. Can't say I have ever seen much snow--other than the time I spent in college when it snowed on occasion and of course the time spent on trips and such. Snow has just never had an appeal to me and yellow snow...well, that doesn't have any draw at all.Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Image (unsure, think it is Inkadinkado); Lace (Istanbul, Turkiye); Ribbon (Hancock Fabric); Die Cut (Lifestyle Crafts); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue); Color (Copic Markers);

Crafter's Companion USA Contest: January

2012-01-01T08:00:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year everyone!! Welcome 2012! I can't believe another new year is here. Can 2012 possibly be as good as 2011? I hope so. Crafter's Companion USA is starting off the new year with a contest. The theme is open this month, so break out your favorite CC stamp and make a card (or any stamped project) to share!Here's a card I made with one of the newest SWALK sets called "Shop Till You Drop!" Go by the Crafter's Companion USA website and enter your card this month.

Happy New Year everyone! Making some resolutions? I hope it includes to get more crafting done!!

Cheers, Holley

Sunday Angel

2011-12-31T08:30:00.001-06:00

Here's a sweet Angel from Magnolia. This is one of the older designs from this company. I came across a store selling it and just had to get this image. Super sweet. I hope that 2011 has been a great year for all of you. I know despite many things that have happened this year, for me and my DH, 2011 will always be a wonderful year to us. This is the first full year that I have gone with NO seizures, the first year I got to leave the USA on a wonderful trip to Istanbul Turkiye, the first year that my white blood cell count started to return to normal, the first year that my health has amazed all the doctors. I have so much to be Thankful for.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill Swiss, Neenah, AC); Stamp (Magnolia); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Punch (Fiskars); Brads (Bo Bunny); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All); Die Cuts (QuickKutz); Color (Copic markers);

Have a Berry Nice Day!

2011-12-30T08:45:00.000-06:00

This image comes from one of my favorite artists at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps! Oh, I love her work. Her images are darling and too cute, some funny, some beautiful and some quirky. My DH (dear husband) bought me a whole stocking full of wonderful stamps from this company so next year you will be seeing lots of fun stamps from this company!!This cool embroidered ribbon with mirrored decor comes from my summer trip to Istanbul (thanks again DH!!). I spent al last evening mounting up my new stamps so I can get started! Get ready to see the new goodies :)

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Stamps (Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Ribbon (Istanbul, Turkiye); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue); Color (Copic Markers);

Captivated By Silence

2011-12-29T09:00:00.002-06:00

Here's a stunning stamp from Sweet Pea artist Anna Marine called "Captivated by Silence" (Plate #160). This stamp takes my breath away. She's stunning. Be sure to take a look at the artist's coloring, it's very different from mine, so it gives you some idea of the beautiful range of this stamp. I did this card in many wonderful shades of pink. I have really been in pink mode lately, huh? Some of this women are just so beautiful that I just see the pink in them!Here's a close up of the image itself showing the coloring in Copic Markers.

I also added some ribbon and beautiful lace from Turkey. This image just makes me want to go grab more of this artist's wonderful stamps. Be sure to check out the awesome post christmas sale at the store.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, DCWV, Neenah); Rubber Stamp (Sweet Pea); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Bling (Michaels); Ribbon (Michaels; Turkiye); Color (Copic Markers); Ink (Memento); Adhesives (Pop Dots, Glue All, Glue Dots, Ribbon Glue); Butterfly (Imaginations);

Winter Star

2011-12-28T08:45:00.001-06:00

This is the cutest dancing girl! She's from artist Sherri Baldy of Addicted to Stamps. Isn't she adorable? Too cute! I had to cut her out in a flower shape. I also used a new Martha Stewart punch on this card. Be sure to check out Scrapbook Stamp Society's website to see the new addicted to stamps and look up Addicted to Stamps on facebook for their stamp release on Wed nights!Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah, Hobby Lobby, AC Metallic); Digi Stamp (Addicted to Stamps); Ink (Colorbox Chalk); Punch (Martha Stewart); Flowers (Prima); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities);

Little Reindeer

2011-12-27T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here's the super cute stamp from Queen Kat artist Danika Lindsell (Artemiss Creations) called Little Reindeer. This little reindeer here is all tired out after christmas (and those post christmas sales at the mall). He's ready to take a long winter's nap. Think I would like to join in on a long winter's nap myself!Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, DCWV, Neenah); Rubber Stamps (Queen Kat); Ink (Memento); Buttons (Grandma's Button Bag); Die Cut (unknown); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots); Color (Copic Markers);

Super Sassy

2011-12-26T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here's a sassy girl from the Greeting Farm. Doesn't she have some Attitude? I just love stamps with a little character to them. I got some wonderful fun stamps for christmas and I can't wait to start making cards with all them to share with you. You will start seeing all sorts of beautiful cards with the goodies that Santa brought me. I must have been good this year :)Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Stamp (Greeting Farm); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Punch (EK Success); Flowers (Prima); Bling (Queen &Co, Michaels); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue Dots, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers);

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. Here's an adorable card I made with the newest SWALK sets that came out at the end of December from Crafter's Companion. I hope everyone gets gloves to keep their cold hands warm and warm hearts to hug close to them. I know I will.

Here's an enlarged image that shows the wonderful girl. She's super adorable. I stamped her in black memento ink and colored her in alcohol ink markers. Check out the great borders, they are covered with Black Diamond Stickles. Yum.

I hope you all got everything on your wish list this christmas. I already know that my wildest dreams have already come true. Anything more that comes is just a wonderful gift from God. Many blessings everyone.

Holley

A Gift for You!

2011-12-24T08:45:00.000-06:00

Here's a wonderful gift from Fluffles. He's one of my all time favorites, I wonder what he has? Makes me think of this cat, it was outside an office building that I worked at. It was of course a stray, but it got lots of attention from the office and was left food and water from there. Everyday that cat would go to the nearby field and catch a mouse. It would proudly bring that mouse right up to the back (glass) door of the office.It would sit the mouse there for an hour or two. A few hours later you would come back and the mouse would be gone. The next day, the same routine. I guess it was that cat's way of showing that he was doing his job and he wanted you to know. Sweetest cat.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah, DCWV); Rubber Stamp (Fluffles:Stampendous); Ink (Memento); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Color (Copic Markers); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue); Trim (Hobby Lobby);

All Wrapped Up!

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

Howdy all and Happy Friday! Here's an adorable stamp set from Crafter's Companion. This set is called 1st Christmas and uses the cutest images of baby Humphrey! There's several adorable sayings too. On my card, I used "All wrapped up!" but the set also comes with, "Santa's Little Helper," "Handmade By," and "1st Christmas."Both the images on this set are too sweet. I wish all of you a very crafty christmas! Be sure to tell everyone there's a great sale at the Crafter's Companion website so they will all be getting you some wonderful stocking stuffers there.

Cheers, Holley

Color your world...

2011-12-22T09:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a stunning image from artist Anna Marine of Sweet Pea stamps. If you check out this stamp on their website, you will see the artist's depiction of this stamp, "Paint my world black." My coloring of this image makes it look totally different. I used all sorts of wonderful pink colored embellishments in a variety of shades. Here's a great close up of the colored image using Copic Markers. I love the stunning detail the artist gives. She's painting the flower that she's holding:

Be sure and check out all of this artists stunning stamps and watch the store for the weekly specials. I am sure like me you are all getting ready for the holidays. I like to set aside time everyday to sit down and keep my sanity in check. For me, that means at least a half hour of un-interrupted time of stamping. Ahhh, just time to relax and design.

Project Materials: Cardstock(Bazzil, Neenah, AC Metallic, Making Memories); Rubber Stamps (Sweet Pea Stamps); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Ribbon (Michaels, JoAnns); Flowers (Prima); Brads (K&Co); Bling (Queen & Co); Color (Copic Markers); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue, Glue Dots);

Angel Hugs to you

2011-12-21T08:15:00.001-06:00

Here's a wonderful Angel stamp from Addicted to Stamp. She's created by artist Ava M Schwark and is called Angel Heart (Click here). She's hugging a winged heart. I colored her up in red and pink so I did my card layout in the same colors. I hope you are all ready for the holiday. Angel Hugs to you.
Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Hobby Lobby, Neenah); Digi Stamp (Addicted to Stamps); Saying(Sweet Pea); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Stitching (Linda Weber); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Buttons (Grandma's Button Bag); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue Dots, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers);

I'm still dancing....

2011-12-20T08:45:00.001-06:00

I'm still dancing...everyday. Here's an adorable stamp from artist Sandra Caldwell of Queen Kat Stamps. This cutie I just had to show again. I did a card with her a couple of weeks ago that I called "Just Dance." Here's another highlight using this stamp that I call, "I'm still dancing" (yes, put the music to "I'm still standing" in your mind and sing along now...Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill Bling, DCWV, Neenah); Stamp (Queen Kat); Ink (Memento); Bling (Michaels); Die Cut(Flourish-Sizzix; Spellbinders Nestabilities); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots); Color (Copic Markers);

Sarcastic Cheerleader

2011-12-19T09:00:00.003-06:00

With all the stress that the holidays bring, I thought this funny card would bring a laugh to you today. I got this adorable image and the cute saying from Squigglefly. The image, called "Sarcastic Cheerleader" and the funny saying are both from artist Chesney Young.

Lol, I think these two go together well. In fact, I can think of lots of hilarious sayings that would go with this cheerleader, she's got the attitude. Hope I made the start of your week have a laugh. Now we are on a week countdown to Christmas. Best Wishes everyone.

If you haven't signed up for yesterday's blog candy, be sure to scroll down to yesterday's posting and check it out. The winner for that will be announced on the 20th.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Hobby Lobby, Neenah); Digi Stamps (Squigglefly); Ink (Colorbox Chalk); Butterflies(Imagine); Buttons (Unknown); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue Dots, Glue All); Die Cut (Nestabilities); Color (Copic Markers);

Surprise BLOG HOP: Have a magical day!

2011-12-18T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hello! Today's a surprise blog hop for Sweet Pea stamp owner Lynette, so I have made a special card just for her!! Here's a wonderful creation using stunning papers from Paper Temptress and a beautiful stamp from artist Rebecca Sinz of Sweet Pea stamp called "Sweet Demons." I used some beautiful textured papers along with some stunning stitched paisley that I acquired this summer at a ribbon store in Istanbul.

The stamped image is done on the Heavenly white paper, this paper is a wonderful thickness and is great for coloring with Copic Markers. I also die cut this paper using one of the newest Spellbinders. This paper is wonderful for stamping on.

After I die cut the paper, I layered it onto a great layer of black paper called black felt grandee. The beautiful column paper of the card is made from Red Pepper Thick columns.

The base of the card is covered in some wonderful stitched paisley designs. I got this awesome ribbon when visiting Istanbul this summer. There is literally a "ribbon district" that contains store after store after store of places that sell nothing but ribbons and laces. It's amazing. A real crafter's dream. I added the saying "Have a magical day" to the card because it goes so well with this image.

Now, off on the blog hop to Jennifer's blog, CLICK HERE. There will be a prize, so be sure to leave comments on all the blogs!

Happy Hopping!
Holley

Harvest Blessings

2011-12-17T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a great image from artist Sandra Caldwell of Queen Kat Stamps. I just love scarecrow stamps. I colored this one up and surrounded him with gorgeous copper embellishment. Even though winter has now started, I still think of pumpkins. Mmmm, pumpkin.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Making Memories, Neenah); Stamp (Queen Kat); Ink (Memento,Colorbox Chalk); Saying (Hobby Lobby); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Color (Copic Markers); Adhesives (Pop Dots, Glue All);

Simply Betty Stamps

2011-12-16T09:00:00.001-06:00

So, here's what I got for my birthday from my DH, some wonderful stamps from Simply Betty stamps. Not only this stamp here, that I made a card out of, I got my entire wish list!! How amazing is that?!? It was a delightful surprise. I can't wait to make a bunch of wonderful cards to share with you all. Their images are darling and sometime really quirky, just like I like 'em.

I had to get the one with bat of course, as you know, Austin is home of the largest metropolitan bat colony in the world. I adore this image. Just wait until you see all my other fun Simply Betty stamps!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Stamp(Simply Betty Stamps); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Ribbon (Michaels); Words (Heidi Grace); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Buttons (Grandma's Button Bag); Adhesives (Pop Dots, Glue All, Glue Dots, Sticky Tape, Ribbon Glue); Color (Copic Markers);

Flowers for you

2011-12-15T09:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a wonderful image from Stampavie artist Sarah Kay. I just love her girls. I guess this image is kind of spring or perhaps summer-y, but I think we had a little warmth turn up over that last few days. It went from the 40s-low 50s to as high as the mid 70s. That I appreciate. I tell my husband that God knew I wanted some warmer weather for my birthday and he was even kind enough to water the flowers too.Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, DCWV, Neenah); Buttons (Jesse James); Stamp (Stampavie); Ink (Memento); Die Cuts (Spellbinders, Quickkutz); Color (Copic Markers); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots);

Susie has a flower for you

2011-12-14T09:00:00.001-06:00

Here's Susie from artist Heather Valentin of Addicted to Stamps. She has a beautiful flower that she wants to give you. Isn't she adorable? I colored her up in a wonderful combo of blues, greens and browns. I added some shimmery flourishes and elegant lace that I got in Turkiye.

Be sure to check out the Facebook page for Addicted to Stamps, as the often introduce the new product on Wed nights and have specials. You can also see a wonderful gallery of projects as well as check out the store for both digital stamp and rubber stamps at ScrapbookStampSociety.com

Project Materials: Cardstock (Glittery Paper-DCWV; Neenah, Printed Paper-unknown); Digi Stamp (Addicted To Stamps); Die Cuts (Flourishes-Quickkutz; Frame-Spellbinders Nestabilities); Lace (Istanbul, Turkiye); Adhesives (Popdots, Ribbon Glue, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers);

Little Reindeer

2011-12-13T08:30:00.002-06:00

Here's an adorable reindeer from Queen Kat stamps artist Danika Lindsell (Artemiss Creations). He's super cute and looks ready to learn to fly for Santa! This stamp is called Little Reindeer. I colored him up with Copic Markers and added just a little copper embellishment to the card along with some sparkle on his bell.

Hope you are still being good, they say Santa is always watching!

Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah, DCWV); Rubber Stamp (Queen Kat); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Brads (Making Memories); Punch (Martha Stewart); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities);

Roses are Red....

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

Roses are Red...Violets are blue...buy me some Tickled Pink stamps...I will SOOOOOO love you! Hmmm, think Santa would like that? I think Santa already knows that. Lol, I send Santa my wish list straight from the online stamping store. ha! He's a darn good one, that Santa. I must have been a good girl this year.Stamps or not, I will SO love Santa anyways. Here's a fun card using a wonderful Tickled Pink stamp for their Challenge this week. I wish my camera had a better flash on it, but I didn't really have good lighting at the time that I needed to get my photo done. It's using fun Bazzill Swiss polka dotted paper with multiple layers of die-cut background papers, layered punches and beautiful roses. Colored her with Copic markers and she turned out nice.

Have a great Monday.

Holley

Angel Baby

2011-12-11T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here's a stunning image from Addicted to Stamps artist Sherri Baldy. It's for Baby Alex who was tragically taken from his family during a very unfortunate auto-related accident. Sherri made this image just for him. The whole Addicted to Stamps art team made beautiful card of condolensce for the family. Please pray for them.Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill Swiss, Neenah); Image (Addicted to Stamps); Color (Copic Markers); Punch (Martha Stewart); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All);

Meet Bea

2011-12-10T08:00:00.003-06:00

Here's one of my very favorite artists, Sweet Pea Stamp's Terra Bidlespacher and this image is called Bea (plate #179). This card is a super tall card, that is 8"x4"! It's just perfect for those wonderful pads of paper they sell, that are standard 8"x 8". I also have an Ultimate Tool from Crafter's Companion that allows you to make any size envelope to match your cards. Perfect!
Bea is just perfect for this super tall card. She really stands out. I had an adorable die cut frame from Quickkutz. Isn't this stamp great with that? Go look for your 8x8 inch papers and make some tall cards for christmas! It's a unique size that will stand out when you give them.
Here's a great closeup of this stamp. I just love this artist's images. Be sure to check out all her images in the Sweet Pea store. They are having a wonderful sale too. Look at all the Thanksgiving and Christmas sale!

Project Materials: Cardstock(Bazzill, Hobby Lobby, Neenah); Rubber Stamp (Sweet Pea); Ink (Memento); DieCuts (Quickkutz); Bling(Sticko); Color (Copic Markers); Fibers (JoAnns); Adhesives (Ribbon Glue, Popdots, Glue All);

Be sure to check out the Crafter's Companion Blog Hop!! Scroll down to Friday's posting and leave a comment!! There's blog candy available for the winner!!

Have a Crafter's Companion Christmas!

2011-12-09T05:00:00.003-06:00

Today's a wonderful blog hop from Crafter's Companion. There's some great cards and projects being shown by all the designers and blog candy from every stamper along the way! In addition to that, there's a huge prize that's going to be given away by Crafter's Companion--a full set of the wonderful new alcohol ink markers that they are selling-Spectrum Noir! WOOHOO, so join the hop and leave comments at each blog for a chance to win a prize at that person's blog as well as the big prize from Crafter's Companion. Here's a sweet card that I made using Humphrey. This stamp set is called "Let it Snow." Be sure to check out the Crafter's Companion Christmas Gift Shop to see what goodies you can put in your own christmas stocking!!

First, leave a comment here to be eligible for a prize, the prize on my blog today is wonderful Humphrey stamp set called Christmas Angels (CLICK HERE), it may say Christmas, but the set is really diverse and can be used for different holidays other than christmas...it's so cute!

Now, off on the HOP, so CLICK HERE to go to the next Crafter's Companion blogger Lynda's blog called Positive Force. Be sure you are leaving comments on each bloggers site, they all have a wonderful treat to giveaway!

Cheers, Holley

It's a Sweet Pea Christmas Hop!

2011-12-08T05:00:00.007-06:00

Welcome to the Sweet Pea Christmas theme blog hop! Our fun theme hop this year was to pick a stamp that's not christmas related and turn it into a christmas theme card!

So, I took a wonderful stamp from Sweet Pea artist Nikki Burnette called "Bailey". If you check out the image on the Sweet Pea Website (CLICK HERE), you will see that this image is totally not designed to be christmas theme. But, if you check her out now, she sure looks Christmas-y, huh? I think the blueberry that she is sitting on turns into a pomegranite! Too cute. I hope you will see all kinds of fun ideas from all the great artists on the design team today for taking your Sweet Pea Stamps and turning them into Christmas stamps.

Now, off on the hop, the next blog is Karina's stunning work at the Creawitch blog (CLICK HERE). Be sure to leave comments on each blog as you hop, Sweet Pea is giving away a $20 gift certificate! The winner will be announced on the Sweet Pea Stamps Blog. Have fun on the hop!

Cheers, Holley

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah, DCWV print); Stamps (Sweet Pea Stamps); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Stickles; DieCut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Snowflakes (Target); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue); Ribbon (JoAnns); Color (Copic Markers);

I have a gift for you....

2011-12-07T09:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a wonderful Popcorn Bear image from Crafter's Companion. This set is called Birthday Hugs, but colored up in red with wonderful red decor, it works great as a Christmas theme card. Can't you remember as a little kid running out of your room on Christmas morning to that special box that was "Just for you?"
This wonderful set comes with the Popcorn Bear stamp (click here), multiple sayings, different gift stamps and tiny sayings that fit on the tag. It's perfect for birthdays and other special gift giving occasions. It already come mounted up on EZ mount! Here's a close up of the stamped image which has been colored with another new product, Spectrum Noir markers!
They are taking orders for their brand new alcohol ink markers on their website. These wonderful markers work just the same as copic markers and come in a wide range of colors. Currently they are selling 12 different packages of 6 markers per package (click here).
I hope you all get a good package under your tree this year full of great products from Crafter's Companion. Check out the Christmas Gift Shop on the website and get a few freebies with your order!

Cheers, Holley

Just Dance!

2011-12-06T09:00:00.001-06:00

Here's one of my favorite artists, Sandra Caldwell of Queen Kat stamps who draws the funniest characters. This little old lady has decided to take up Ballet. Isn't she adorable? I say, when you want to, "Just Dance!" You are as young as you think you are.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Walmart, Bazzill, Neenah); Rubber Stamps (Sandra Caldwell of Queen Kat, Saying-Kraftin Kimmie); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Flowers (Prima); Bling (Queen & Co.); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Adhesives (Popdots, Glue All, Glue Dots); Color (Copic Markers);

Squigglefly Challenge

2011-12-05T08:00:00.002-06:00

Hello and Happy Monday! Can you believe we are already at the first monday of December? I can hardly believe that. The Squigglefly Challenge this week is a good one. This week the challenge is to make a card that is "Based on a Song." I am sure you can guess what my song is, just by reading my card! This fun stamp is called "Trimming the Tree." But to qualify for the game this week, I call this card "Oh Christmas Tree."
So take a little break, hop on over to the Squigglefly Blog and put on your thinking caps! Use any fun stamp and think up some great song lyrics or names, that go with your favorite Squigglefly stamp. Need a starting idea? How about something simple like maybe...Happy Birthday to You? Jolly ol' Saint Nick? Hound Dog? Dance with me? Did I give you some fun ideas? show me what you got....

Project Materials: Cardstock (Neenah, DCWV); Digi Stamp (Squigglefly); Color (Copic Markers); Punch (Martha Stewart); Buttons (Jesse James); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue Dots, Glue All); Brads (Making Memories); Saying (Self printed); Die Cut (Nestabilities);

Addicted to Stamps Blog Hop

2011-12-04T05:00:00.005-06:00

Welcome to day two of the Addicted to Stamps Blog hop! Here's a couple more quick and cute projects that you can make for your friends and family using the wonderful stamps.

The first project can be used for all kinds of things: a card holder, a letter holder, a dinner table guest name, ....but I made it as a gift card holder! What a cute way to dress up that gift card to their favorite location. I am using a wonderful stamp called Christmas Regency 2 by artist Morgan Fitzsimons. This image shows the XL size paper clip, with beautiful lace added and the stamp image.

I also dressed up this adorable Christmas ornament of a snowflake by adding a fun image called Snow Baby from artist Sherri Baldy. Be sure to scroll up and look at yesterday's project too. Leave comments on all the artists blogs for a chance to win goodies from Addicted to Stamps!
Time to go to the next step in the hop--CLICK HERE to go to Nina the Hot Pink Scrapper!! If you got to my blog out of turn and you want to go to the beginning of the blog hop, CLICK HERE to go to the Addicted to Stamps blog!

Thanks for stopping by Holley's Blog on the Addicted to Stamps blog hop.

Cheers, Holley

Addicted to Stamps Blog Hop

2011-12-03T02:00:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the Addicted to Stamps blog hop! The design team has wonderful projects to show you this weekend and the store will be giving away great prizes. Be sure to leave comments on all the blogs along the way as you check out each artists work.Here's an adorable pillow box that I did using a wonderful image from Morgan Fitzsimons called Christmas Regency 2. It's available at the Scrapbook Stamp Society Store (Click HERE). One of the commentors on my blog this weekend (a combo of today and tomorrow--so comment on BOTH days and you get TWO entries) will win a copy of this wonderful digi-stamp from the Addicted-to-Stamp store. Don't forget to leave comments on all the other blogs too as they have their own prizes!!This project is a wonderful frame that I decorated in winter theme. I put an adorable photo of my sister's children in it. The plastic coating over the photo kept the image from turning out well in this scan, but they are sure cute as well.

Time to go to the next step in the hop--CLICK HERE to go to Nina the Hot Pink Scrapper!! If you got to my blog out of turn and you want to go to the beginning of the blog hop, CLICK HERE to go to the Addicted to Stamps blog! Be sure to come back tomorrow as I will have some more little Christmas gifts made up with some great stamp images!

To be eligible for the main blog candy being offered by the Addicted to Stamp's Company, You need to do 3 things:
1.Become a follower the Addicted-To-Stamps blog
2.Like the Facebook fan page: Addicted-To-Stamps Facebook Fan Page
3.Comment on all the blogs including the main one! And be sure to leave a way to contact you, and in the comment on this main blog if you want you can go to http://scrapbookstampsociety and let us know which digi stamp is your favorite. If you do that you will receive that one in addition to the 3 digis you choose, if you win!

Today we are showing off a small selection of our digi stamps in this hop. We however carry many more digis, clear rubber stamps, molds and other products. We also have another site that carries Fantasy Fabric Blocks. Here are our links to check us out:
Addicted-to-Stamps
ScrapbookStamp Society
When you are at the main page for te Scrapbook Stamp Society, be sure to check out the Fantasy Fabric Blocks and the wonderful Party Supplies and Edible Art!

Tomorrow, I will continue on this blog hop showing NEW projects that can also be used as gifts! Be sure to come back!
Cheers, Holley

Claudia

2011-12-02T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here's a stunning image from the artist of the week, Anna Marine. This wonderful image is called Claudia. She is sold individually or on Plate #186. It's hard to see on the card, but I also used a very light chalk ink to stamp in the words "MISS YOU" on the top and the bottom of the card.Here's a close up of the stamped image colored in copic marker:Isn't she a beauty? I just love how she turned out. Be sure to check out all of Anna Marine's images on the Sweet Pea website since they are on sale this week.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Neenah, DCWV, Bazzill); Rubber Stamps (Sweet Pea Stamps); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Lace (Istanbul, Turkiye); Adhesives (Ribbon Glue, Glue All, Pop Dots); Color (Copic Markers);

Crafter's Companion USA Contest: December

2011-12-01T09:00:00.002-06:00

It's time for the new contest at the Crafter's Companion USA Challenge blog! The contest has started up and this month's prize is going to be the newest Humprey CD full of wonderful images and card ideas PLUS you will get to pick THREE Humphrey stamp sets from the newest holiday stamp releases!! Woo hoo!

My card is using one of the newest stamp sets called "Feed the birds." The challenge this month is to add some sparkle to your card. I did that by using some great flowers and some icicles glue on my snow patches. Hop on over to Crafter's Companion USA for the Contest today!

Dear Santa,.....

2011-11-30T09:00:00.003-06:00

Dear Santa, I have been a good girl this year. Promise. Isn't this kiddo the sweetest? I just love her and colored her up in beautiful shades of yellow. Now that thanksgiving is over and everyone is likely to be making their Christmas lists (a.k.a. I want some craft materials, lol!!) I made this sweet card for all of you who are writing your list to "Santa"

Here's a close up to show some the stunning papers used on this card. Each paper was chosen due to it's weight and lovely texture.
You can click the name of the paper to see a sample sheet at Paper Temptress. Here's a little look at the thought process when I am gathering papers to make my cards:

Vintage Silver Lustre-for this card I am using the text weight since the paper is punched and used in the background. This paper has a stunning texture (see the sample) and absorbs ink very well. You can stamp on it and the ink will sink in. The paper I used was silver, but I changed its color for this card by smearing a coating of black ink! It makes the paper a wonderful shimmery shade that just can't be caught in a still photo.

Yellow Crepe Ruche-I just love the thickness and opposing texture that this paper has to the Vintage Silver paper. You can really see the texture of this paper in the main picture.

Black Felt Grande-wonderful background texture and excellent for card backgrounds. It gives the third level of dimension for the card.

Heavenly White-excellent for stamping on, especially if you want to use Alcohol Ink makers like Copics.

Hope you have a great day today! I must say that crafting paper is always on the top of my list. I have a feeling that Santa will be getting an email with some goodies from Paper Temptress on it. Cheers Everyone!

Fall is in the air...

2011-11-29T08:30:00.002-06:00

I am guessing for much of the United States (and the top hemisphere of the world) that winter is actually in the air, but for those of us in Texas it's fall that is starting to be in the air. Now actually much of last week, it didn't even feel like fall. It was much of the upper 70s even. But the cooler weather is starting to peek around and show up!Here's a great witchy stamp that just came out at the Queen Kat store from artist Regan Kubecek called witchy rubber stamp. She has a bunch of delightful stamps to check out. I made this witch flying over the clouds with the leaves of fall floating with her.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Rubber Stamps (Queen Kat Stamps); Leaves (Recollections); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue Dots, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers);

Fairy Woman

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a wonderful Fairy Woman digi-stamp from artist Sherri Baldy of Addicted to Stamps. Her works are so adorable. She just released a bunch of new images called "lil Sweeties" Oh, those images are right up my alley!! You know you will be seeing them on my blog soon.You can see all Sherri's designs on the Scrapbook Stamp Society website. There's also many other wonderful artists there. I work on their design team. There will be a blog hop event in a few days and prizes will be given out so stay tuned for that!

Project Materials: Cardstock (AC, Bazzill, Neenah); Image (Addicted to Stamps); Ink (Colorbox Chalk); Buttons (Grandma's Button Bag); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Punch (Martha Stewart); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots);

So fairy cute!

2011-11-27T08:30:00.000-06:00

Here's a wonderful image from Kraftin' Kimmie. She's so fairy cute! I love all the wonderful fairy images designed by their artist. I colored her up in wonderful reds with just a hint of orange. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I can't believe we are getting ready for the last month of 2011! Best year ever!Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Stamps (Kraftin' Kimmie); Stickers (Sticko); DieCuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue all); Color (Copic Markers);

Delightful

2011-11-26T08:45:00.001-06:00

Delightful! Isn't she? Here's a stamp from Sugar Nellie of the cutest girl and her bunny rabbit. I colored them up in wonderful fall colors. I can't believe we are now at the end of November. Where has this year gone?
I also can't beleive how warm it was this week. That was DELIGHTFUL! Aren't there so many things to be thankful for? I did manage to get out of the house yesterday during the sales, it was quite quiet where I was. I got a few gifts out of the way, but I am planning a small holiday.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah, Hobby Lobby); Ribbon (JoAnns); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Rubber Stamp (Sugar Nellie); Saying (Heidi Grace); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue); Color (Copic Markers); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities);

Guest Artist: Trish

2011-11-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

I got the most delightful surprise in my mailbox last week. A wonderful handmade card from overseas! One of the prize winners, Trish of Hillside Crafts, from my recent contests received a beautiful stamp from Addicted to stamps and used it to create this stunning card for me! WOW. I wish you could see it in person, the frame is metalic, the roses and ribbons are done with a lustre coating on them and the fairy is painted in metallics. It's stunning. Holding the card at an angle shows a lovely glimmer in all the colors.She also sent me a wonderful treat! a brand new set of rubber stamps and even sweeter--one of the kindest notes. It was such a day brightener. Thanks so much Trish. I hope my blog readers enjoy your card too! If you want to see more of Trish's creations, she has a blog at Hillside Crafts.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Autumn Harvest

2011-11-24T09:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a stunning ching chou kuik image called Autumn Harvest. I just love it. I colored her in rich fall colors of purple and blue and then found matching cardstock to go with it. I had a wonderful fall theme embellishment set with beautiful autumn leaves and pumpkin accents.

It also came with a paperclip with the word "Fall" on it. I clipped it to the top of my colored image and added a highlight behind it. The shimmery papers all sparkle in the light. This stamp comes on Plate #57. Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving this year. I bet you can all guess my favorite. Yep, it's pumpkin. Pumpkin ANYTHING--pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bagels, pumpkin muffins,....ahhhh.

The Sweet Pea store just added NEW images from artist Elisabeth Bell! Yippee!! That's always something that gets me excited. Click here to stop by the store and see the new images. They are also having a huge thanksgiving and christmas sale (click here).

Have a wonderful holiday!

Susie

2011-11-23T09:00:00.001-06:00

Hi again, today features a great Susie image from artist Heather Valentin of Addicted to Stamps. I love Heather's character and the amazing images she sells. She called this image Susie Hippie Chick. They have all sorts of new matching stuff to go with her too including printed ribbons and tags, gift packs and everything! I was watching at the last Wed Night party on Facebook. WOW.You can see them at Addicted to Stamps, new releases often happen on Wed nights around 7pm. They often have store sales at the same time! Check out "Addicted-to-Stamps" on facebook or check their online place ScrapbookStampSociety.com

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Bazzill Swiss, Neenah); Digi-Stamp (Addicted to Stamps); Ink (Colorbox Chalk); Lace (Istanbul, Turkiye); Buttons (Grandma's Button Bag); Die Cut (Quickkutz); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue dots, Ribbon Glue); Color (Copic Markers);

Happy Fall Y'all

2011-11-22T08:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a wonderful Fall theme card using an awesome Scarecrow character from Queen Kat artist Sandra Caldwell. This image comes with sayings and a pumpkin/owl (click here). Her images so funny! Wait until next month, I just got several new ones!Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah, DCWV); Rubber Stamps (Queen Kat); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Punch (Martha Stewart); Ribbon (Hobby Lobby); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue dots, Ribbon Glue); Color (Copic Markers);

Squigglefly Challenge

2011-11-21T07:00:00.001-06:00

It's time for a Squigglefly Challenge! This week's challenge is to follow a sketch. I used a wonderful Digi-Stamp from them called Angel Maisy. She's super cute. On my sentiment, I added a single word brad that says "Faith", but you could also do many things such as handwritten text, a sticker of words, a rubber stamp, digi-stamp, typed up text, or anything thing else you can imagine!Go over to the Squigglefly challenge blog and check out the sketch you should follow. You will notice that I turned the sketch sideways when I did mine. If you use a Squigglefly image, you are eligible for a wonderful prize! If you don't have any Squigglefly images, you can buy one at their store. These images you simply print out on your own computer. They work great and are resizeable! If you would like to try one out first, get one of their free images! You can even use a freebie image in their contest.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill Bling, Bazzil, Neenah, AC); Digi-Stamp (Squigglefly); Ink (Colorbox Chalk); Cutter (Creative Memories); Color (Copic markers); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Adhesives (Popdots, Glue All); Brad (OTC);

Teddy Bear Gift

2011-11-20T09:00:00.002-06:00

Here's a cute gift bag that I made for my cousin's daughter Ayana. She just turned 9 years old last week. I went to visit her and took her a gift in this sweet gift bag. She loved the adorable saying on it.

Here's some more detailed photos so you can see a close up on it.

I had the cutest saying "I love you beary much!" that I stamped as the border and some stunning lace that I got while visiting Turkey that I added as decor to the bag.

If you have been visiting the blog before, then you may recall me sharing some of Ayana's artwork. She's becoming a crafter too!

Project Materials: Giftbag (Micheals); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Stamps (Bear-unknown; Saying- unknown; I think these both come from TAC, but I am not certain); Lace (Istanbul, Turkiye); Flower (Bazzill); Brad (ATC); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Color (Copic Markers); Paper (DCWV, Neenah); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue);

Wonderland....

2011-11-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a fun image from Tickled Pink. I love their animated girls. She looks like she's in Wonderland. I got this gorgeous die cut frame at Micheals. They started carrying the newest Spellbinders recently. I think it goes nicely with this image. Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Stamp (Tickled Pink); Ink (Memento); Lace (Hobby Lobby); Button (Grandma's Button Bag); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Mat (Hobby Lobby); Color (Copic Markers); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue, Glue Dots);

Make your Christmas Packages Special

2011-11-18T08:00:00.002-06:00

Here's a wonderful way to spice up those store bought bags, just add some handmade joy on top of them! If you have time, you can even use your Crafter's Companion Ultimate Tool to cut and create your own mini boxes and bags for your gifts. Here's a quick cutie that I came up with using one of the newest Humphrey Christmas images called Santa and Rudolph.
This stamp set also comes with a wonderful "Merry Christmas" phrase, which I put on the gift tag of this package. The adorable fiber used here is actually string with tiny beads twirls with clear tinsel. It adds a wonderful snow-like effect.

Have fun decorating your Christmas Bags! Pull out those old bags from last year and cover them up with adorable designs from Crafter's Companion to show everyone around you what you can make!

********BLOG CANDY WINNER************************
Huge thanks to everyone for following last week's Epilepsy Awareness Blog hop. The winner chose by RANDOM.ORG was Sharyn Knox. I will be emailing you to get your address so I can send out your stamp set. If you don't get my email, please contact me htondre@aol.com Congrats!
******************************************************

Thinking of you

2011-11-17T08:00:00.002-06:00

Here's a stunning image from artist Conie Fong of Sweet Pea stamps. I just love her work. This image is beautiful and I was feeling very RED when I colored it. She has several brand new stamps coming out at the Sweet Pea store and all week her images will be featured on the Sweet Pea blog by all the different artists.

This image is called "The Arrival of Spring" and it is sold individually or on Plate #185. I used several stunning shades of red copic markers to color her. I also used some beautiful lace that I got in Istanbul, Turkey. The richness of the red so matches the card.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Image (Sweet Pea Stamps); Lace (Istanbul, Turkiye); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Sewing (Linda W); Ink (Memento); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue dots, Ribbon Glue); Color Copic Markers);

All Conie's stamps are on sale at the Sweet Pea stamp store this week. Go check them out!

Beautiful child

2011-11-16T08:30:00.002-06:00

Here's a stunning image from artist Sheila Wolk of Addicted to Stamps. I have this image as a clear stamp. It stamps beautifully. I love the look on this childs face. I think a clean and simple card says it all for this stamp.

Be sure to go and sign up for the blog candy on Friday the 11th's posting!!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah, AC); Image (Clear stamp-Addicted to Stamps); Ink (Memento); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Buttons (Unknown); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue Dots, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers);

Orchid

2011-11-15T08:45:00.001-06:00

Here's a wonderful rubber stamp from Queen Kat artist Kathy Cyr called "Orchid." She's also the artist who makes a delightful stamp line called Francis Mary &Cornelius. I recently made an order from Queen Kat's store and I can't wait to get some new stamps. One of them is from Kathy Cyr. Keep an eye on the blog to see that one!
Be sure to sign up for the blog candy on Friday 11/11 posting. Just leave a comment on that day to be eligible. The drawing will be this coming friday!

Project: Cardstock (Bazzill Swiss, Bazzill, Neenah); Stamp (Queen Kat); Ink (Memento); Brads (Queen &Co); Color (Copic Markers); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilties); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All);

Mushroom Girl

2011-11-14T08:00:00.001-06:00

Here's an amazing image from Lili of the Valley. I love their stamps (I say that a lot, don't I?) This stamp is too cute! It's one of those, the first time you see their website, you know you have to order from them! (Even when they are outside the USA)
I also added some stunning lace that I bought while I was in Turkiye this summer (can you tell what I spent all my vacation money on?) My hubby, isn't he the best? what man is gonna send you half way around the world to visit your friends, see the world's history and come home with a suitcase of laces&ribbons? my hubby, that's who!

Project Materials: Cardstock(Bazzill, Hobby Lobby, Neenah); Rubber Stamp (Lili of the Valley); Ink (Memento); Saying (K&CO); Bling (Michaels); Color (Copic Markers); Lace (Istanbul, Turkiye); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots, Ribbon Glue); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities);

Perfect Layers

2011-11-13T08:30:00.003-06:00

Here's a stunning image using a stamp from Conie Fong of Sweet Pea stamps and some amazing papers of Paper Temptress. This stamp is called Daisy. I did some wonderful die cutting and layering of beautiful papers to make this card have a great look. I used a border punch and two different types of spellbinder die cuts.

This project uses wonderful papers from Paper Temptress including Sunshine Yellow Columns, Neenah Classic Crest (Solar White), Sparkle Vermilion, and Heavenly White. I think all the different shapes and colors in this project all come together very nicely. The brightness makes me smile at a time of year when the outside is looking more and more dreary.

There's a great texture to this card because the columns on the yellow topped by the die cuts and the punched border add layers of depth. The red cardstock also has the most beautiful shimmery accents to it. It's a perfect little touch that makes the recipient go "ooo" and "aaah."

There's wonderful blog candy you can sign up on Friday's posting (11/11/11). If you haven't signed up yet, scroll down a couple of entries and check it out!

Cheers, Holley

Standing Pretty

2011-11-12T09:00:00.003-06:00

Here's one of my favorite Artists, Elisabeth Bell. Sweet Pea stamps has started making beautiful stamps for her. This stamp is called Standing Pretty. I colored the image up in blue and then layered the entire card in blues to go with it.She's just so adorable. I have already ordered the newest Elisabeth Bell stamps they came out with and I can't wait to see more. If you haven't signed up for yesterday's blog candy, scroll down one entry and leave a comment, the drawing is next friday!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzil Swiss, AC Metallic, Neenah); Stamp (Sweet Pea); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Flowers (Prima); Brads (Making Memories); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue); Ribbon (Michaels); Color (Copic Markers);

Epilepsy Awareness Blog Hop

2011-11-11T08:00:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone! Welcome to Holley's Blog. Nov is Epilepsy Awareness Month and today is a blog hop among several artists sharing their stories and their artwork. I know that many of my regular readers know that I have Epilepsy and in Feb 2010 had two brain surgeries. These surgeries stopped my seizures and I am happy to say that I haven't had a seizure since.

I made this wonderful card in honor of the occasion as Purple is the Epilepsy Awareness color and the saying is so true for me "Today is the First Day of Forever."
I started writing up my story and it took several pages to write, since I included my background, I think this will help many people who have seizures now that are uncontrolled. I am sure they can so relate to how my life was and then hear about the surgery and how I am doing now. So here's the link to my full story, just click this link and read my full story about Epilepsy: CLICK HERE

Thanks for coming to the blog hop today. Epilepsy Awareness is near and dear to me. I am giving away some wonderful blog candy today. One prize is a Brand New Inkadinkado Christmas theme stamp set (see photo below). Leave a comment HERE for your chance to win the stamp set. The stamp set winner will be drawn NEXT week on Friday. So please tell your friends to come by the blog hop as well to support Epilepsy Awareness. The next blog on the hop is Ashley, her posting will start on Friday 11/11/11. Here's the next blog: http://www.especiallymade.blogspot.com/
Thanks for stopping by!

Healing Heart

2011-11-10T08:45:00.001-06:00

Here's an awesome image from Lolipop Labs of Queen Kat stamps. Isn't she a cutie? She's wrapped up a broken heart. I added a great Shakepearan Quote to it "The course of TRUE LOVE never did run SMOOTHLY". The Epilepsy Awareness Blog hop will start later on today, so please check back. We'll start off the day with this character is healing a broken heart and end the day with a story about healing my brain!

Be sure to check out Queen Kat on Facebook as she is having her 5th anniversary party and all kinds of contests and freebies. Even I won a contest yesterday! WOO HOO!!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah, AC Metallic); Ink (Memento); Image (Queen Kat); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Bling (Queen & Co); Vellum (JoAnns); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots); Color (Copic Markers);

Addicted to Stamps

2011-11-09T09:00:00.003-06:00

Here's a wonderful image from artist Mitzi Wiuff of Addicted to Stamps. This image is called Tomte 1. S o adorable. There are three images using this sweet character. I can't wait to share the others with you. Be sure to check out the Scrapbook Stamp Society Website where they sell the stamp designs (both in clear stamps and in Digi format) for many wonderful artists (CLICK HERE) as well as checking out their facebook page at Addicted-To-Stamps.

Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); DigiStamp (Artist-Mitzi Wiuff, Company-Addicted-to-Stamps); Mesh (Stampin' Up); Die Cut (Quickkutz); Ribbon (Michaels); Border (Bazzill); Color (Copic Markers); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue);

Tickled Pink Fairy

2011-11-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

Here's my card for the Tickled Pink Challenge this week. One of my favorite techniques is to use a mono-tone theme, which is to take a single color and use every type of that color over and over again. So for a Tickled Pink stamp as delightful as this, why not pinks all over? I used three shades of pink papers, pink ink, pink fiber, five shades of pink copic markers and here we are:Isn't she a beauty? She's the Little Pinkettes Fairy Coraline. Super Adorable! Thanks for stopping by, be sure to stay tuned this week. We are having a special blog hop on the 10th to celebrate Epilepsy Awareness and tell my story with Blog candy and all!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah, AC Metallic); Image(Tickled Pink); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Color (Copic Markers);

Squigglefly Challenge

2011-11-07T08:00:00.002-06:00

This fun guy is designed by Chesney Young of Squigglefly and is called Postulation (click here). The Squigglefly challenge this week is called "No Pattern Papers." The wonderful thing about this challenge is the topic is wide open. You can make any fun card you want as long as you don't add any patterned papers. I chose this adorable guy from Chesney Young. Doesn't he just look like a "know it all?" Well, his "postulation" today is "The difference between try and triumph is a little UMPH!" So, how about it? Hop on over to the Squigglefly blog and make a fun card using any Squigglefly image to play in the contest. Winner gets a prize from the store! You know you wanna play...so add a little umph and try it!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Neenah, Bazzill); DigiStamp (Squigglefly); DieCut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Punch (Fiskars); Border(Bazzill); Buttons (Grandma's Button Bag); Saying (3 Bugs in a Rug Cardstock Stickers); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots); Color (Copic Markers);

Happy Birthday Eric

2011-11-06T08:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Eric. Here's a card I made for my brother in law for his birthday. He's a professional muscian. You can check him out on his facebook fan page under Eric Barnhart. Hope you had a wonderful birthday!Project Materials: Cardstock (AC, Neenah, Hobby Lobby); Stamps (unknown, Sweet Pea); Ribbon (Unknown); Adhesives (Ribbon Glue, Glue All); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk);

My heart beats only for you

2011-11-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

Here's an amazing stamp designed by Addicted to Stamps artist Heather Valentin. Isn't she a beauty? It's one of those images that I know I want the first time I see it and I have to make a card as soon as I get it. I colored her up in wonderful shades of blue and add the most elegant lace that I got on a trip to Turkey this summer with my husband. My heart does beat for him.Check out Heather's stamps at the Scrabook Stamp Society, as well as many other wonderful artists like Sherri Baldy, Mitzi Wiuff, Conie Fong, and more! I have so many great images from them so you will be seeing lots of their cards on my blog!

Project Materials: Cardstock (California Paper Goods, Neenah); Digi Stamp(Addicted to Stamps); Lace (Istanbul, Turkiye); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Color (Copic Markers); Adhesives (Pop dots, Ribbon Glue);

Ivy Beauty

2011-11-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday everyone! Today I have a treat from Crafter's Companion. I recently got several brand new sets from them that are about to be released in their store. These sets are from the Sheena Douglass Paint Fusion line. I did a card here using the "Ivy" set.
First I started on a chipboard flower shaped button and did a crackle background in white. Then I used the Sheena Douglass stamp set to layout my painting pattern. Her paint sets have "practice sheets" so it's very helpful for someone like me (who has NO painting experience). I was able to create this card, i.e. practice painting on the laminated sheet, paint the ivy on my embellishment, and then make the card in no time at all!

I used the great rubber stamps that this set comes with as wonderful background stamps on the card itself. So the stamps sold are very versatile. Several Paint Fusion stamp sets will be coming out in holiday theme, so be sure to check back at the Crafter's Companion store for them.

Crafter's Companion Products used here:
Paint Fusion Stamp Set- IVY
Paint Fusion Video Instructional DVD
Set of Royal and Langnickel Brushes
Green Glue
Inkssentials Non-stick Craft Sheet
Pearlescent Green Paper
White Ink

Have a great weekend!
Holley

OK, one more Halloween card I had to sneak in...

2011-11-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

As a little extra Halloween today, let me show you one more Halloween theme card that I gave out and remind you that there's a bunch of wonderful stamps on sale at the OverStock Sale (CLICK HERE) at the Sweet Pea site. This wonderful image is Terra Bidlespachers Halloween stamp (Plate #155). I added a wonderful saying about black cats to go with the black cats in the image and some fun black cat embellishments. "When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleem, may luck be your on Halloween." I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween season, now we are off to the Fall time!

Cheers, Holley

Crafter's Companion USA Contest: November

2011-11-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

The month is new and so the contest at the Crafter's Companion USA blog! This month's contest is to celebrate your favorite holiday. I am guessing with fall here and cool weather coming in which holiday may be on many people's brain but for me, Love is always in the air at my house, so I chose Valentines. It's not a holiday that's hugely celebrated on its particular day, but a feeling that is there everyday. Of course it is celebrated, but more importantly, it's always celebrated. It's not a day that's calendar marked to remind my husband to tell me he loves me. He always does. It makes me jump for joy and be so happy after more than a dozen years. Hmmm, maybe I should make him a special cake today, just because....Go over to the Crafter's Companion blog and check out the artists examples and then make your card. Best of luck! I hope one of my followers wins the challenge. The prize this month is a set of wonderful stamps, I mean a WHOLE bunch of sets of wonderful stamps, the brand new line-up of Humphrey stamps (there's a pic on my side bar). The winner gets all SIX brand new stamp sets, now this is a contest you wanna play in!!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill); Rubber Stamps (Popcorn Pals-Crafter's Companion); Netting (Hobby Lobby); Buttons (Grandma's Button Bag); Color (Copic Markers); Ribbon (JoAnns); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue Dots, Glue All); Die Cuts (Spell binders Nestabilities); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk);

Happy Birthday Queen Kat!

2011-11-01T08:45:00.000-05:00

Queen Kat Stamps is getting ready for a huge birthday celebration. Woo Hoo. They are going to be having all kinds of contests and prizes and specials too. Here's a card I have made to wish them a Happy Birthday and to show off one of the brand new stamp sets that they have made up just for this occassion. This stamp set will be used a prize during many contests. Be sure to check out their Facebook page and see what is happening, their store, and their website! I will be celebrating right along with them!
P.S. Also--Happy Birthday wishes today to my Brother in law Eric!! I have a special card that was made just for you, I will post it later this week, but wanted to give it a day to arrive to you first before showing it to everyone :)

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill Swiss, AC, Neenah); Rubber Stamps (Queen Kat); Ink (Memento); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers);

Holley's Story

2011-10-31T12:00:00.007-05:00

Hi, My name is Holley.

The cause of my seizures is unknown, however it is suspected that a severe illness as a young child when I was 2 years old was the cause of damage in my brain. The illness gave me a long term and extremely high fever (104-105 F) resulting in partial paralysis. At the time my parents were told that if I indeed lived, I would likely be physically and mentally handicapped. Of course, I healed wonderfully and to every one's amazement, there was nothing seemingly wrong with me. Doctors now think that a young brain is able to just rewire itself, so children can often heal in these cases.

As a young child I was often thought of as a "day dreamer." I can remember telling my parents by at least age 7 that I had "weird feelings" in my head. I didn't know how to describe what was happening to me. Thus, I spent a lot of time in school going to counselors, no one ever thought of it as a medical issue. Academically I was an excellent student often with straight A's.

The only time I encountered a doctor before college was in high school, I finally figured out that what was happening to me was not some feeling, but was a seizure (or so I thought). I said this to my family doctor who shrugged and told me, I would outgrow it and not to worry about it. Shocking when I think about this now, but I let it go. (At the time I would have partial complex seizures for 3-5 days at a time.) BUT, I really didn't know any better and things like the Internet for research just weren't available. The school library leaves a lot to be desired on current medical information. Frankly, I was being given a full scholarship from the USAF to go to college, so if the doctor says it's not a medical issue, so be it at the time.

In college is when the seizures really took control of my life. I went from minor absence seizures and partial complex seizures to full out grand mal (tonic clonic) type seizures. I ended up in the hospital of course, because that is what people always do, and in medical treatment for the Air Force. This was three years into college, so I am almost 20 and still not getting any form of medication for my seizures. Very quickly my body began to shut down and the seizures were taking over as the stress level in college was growing immensely. The military tested me multiple times until I had seizures at the AFB. After that I was discharged and lost my scholarship. Fortunately though, after that I could promptly start going to see a neurologist to be medicated for having seizures. I did not have anymore tonic clonic level seizures, just partial complex seizures. So medication for me was a mixed blessing. It was clearly helping some, but never seemed to make a difference in the day to day seizures that were an issue.

I got funding to complete college from the Texas Rehabilitation Commission. I was already 3 years into my BS in Electrical Engineering. Despite some setbacks due to medical issues and bad semesters physically, I was able to complete college thanks to the funding and the wonderful support of the folks who worked at the TRC. One more horrible incident that hit me in college was a severe level overdose on the epilepsy medication. So much so that I again ended up in the hospital. It's a constant battle for those of us who don't get full control of the seizures from our medication, which causes our medication level to get raised. I woke up with triple vision and loss of depth perception. I had been sick for weeks and again went back to the student clinic at the University. I was immediately sent to the hospital again.

My reason for going through all this is, I still succeeded. Despite the epilepsy and the setbacks, I still did well. Epilepsy doesn't define me. I still completed my college degree. I still got my BSEE. Despite several bad semesters due to health issues and several periods where professors encouraged me to just quit or drop out. I still made it. It was frankly shocking at their calous treatment since one bad semester could be immediately followed by a 4.0 semester. You are still often remembered as the "problem student." My senior semester my final project was "Photorefractive Crystal Curing on Barium Titanate." My university became the 7th place in the world where that achievement occurred. After that, the same professors who were encouraging me to quit and leave the department were now patting me on the back and asking me to stay on for a graduate school scholarship. My final work was nominated to the National Science Foundation that year and received an Honorable Mention in the Engineering Category. Many schools recuited me after that despite my 2.99 GPA. I didn't chose to go back to school. My experience at college was not positive.

So my engineering career got started and I worked as a Test Engineer writing software in LabVIEW with hardware systems for all sorts of military, aeronautics, science and technology projects such as: F/15 E Lauch Box, C5 Aircraft Engine Tester, C-5 Multiplex Box, VXI-DASS, International Space Station Test System, Dell Fan Test Systems, Tensor Automated Calibration System, Energy Star Compliance Testing. Just fast paced work and amazing technology projects. Work often included long days, nights and weekends, high stress and major deadlines. My health was slowing declining, my seizures were increasing and my medications were increasing. I worked companies in San Antonio, at NASA, and Austin, TX.

By 2006 I was maxing out on medications, at three medications per day. The doctor added Effexor XR to control my mood as my dose of Keppra was changing my mood constantly and causing outbursts similar to panic attacks that I had never had before. I was also having excessive sleepiness. I had started to sleep 10-11 hours per day and gained at least 30 pounds over the last 2 years. Days when I would have seizures became horrible. I couldn't have any activity, any tv, radio, anything that my mind would consider stimulating. This could even include art, reading, or walking outside. I had to sit still in the dark during those days. Like a prisoner in my own body. I was starting to get dizzy and vision problems when outside. I would get severe eye pain (like something was stabbing me in the eye).

By 2009 I had declined even worse, the current doctor I had sent me to an Epileptologist, Dr Sami Aboumatar of Austin Epilepsy Clinic. At the time I went to see him, I was taking maximum doses of 5 medications, weighed 195 pounds, slept 12-14 hours a day, was in a pretty strong level of depression (but the previous doctor had been working on my Effexor dosage), and still had regular seizures. I couldn't really leave my house or even sit next to the window if the sun was shining in at times. Of course, it seems so bleak now, but at the time, that was just life to me, so I couldn't see it as bad, or even as sad. It was just life, and so I was making do with it. I still loved artwork, I loved my husband, I loved work, I enjoyed lots of things and I avoided lots of things that would make me sick....

My first appointment with the doctor, we went through my medical history, standard practices, then he's talking about the next steps and starts off with the process for testing. I didn't really understand at the moment what he was talking about. I asked him, he said, "You're very sick. You need Surgery." I guess I knew deep down that he was right and that I did need it, I was just stunned that is what has happening RIGHT NOW. I was not at all suspecting that is what this appointment was for. He kept on with his talking. I stood up and walked straight to the door. The doctor is staring at me now. I turned around, "Excuse me for a minute, I need to get my husband." After that, I can't recall much more of the appointment. I can recall asking my husband in the elevator when we were leaving what was going on. We had an MRI scheduled and a week long EEG scheduled for the following week.

I went home and cried. I called my boss and told him I needed some time off. I called my family and my church. I told them I had always resisted surgery before now, but NOW surgery was clearly my best option and everyone please start praying that testing and pre-surgery trials go well. Surgery was now 100% my goal no matter how afraid I was. It was my opportunity to get better. This I know without the doctor saying anything to me. The doctor knows you are so overwhelmed at the appointment that he doesn't speak about anything past just your first test. I did research; about the surgery, about my doctor, about the surgeon, about the testing, and I did a lot of praying.

I won't go into a lot of detail about the testing done, but going through the testing does make you feel better than just a doctor telling you, "Oh, you need surgery." The testing is extensive and detailed. They are looking at every aspect of your brain, every possible location through tons of tests to determine where your seizures occur, if they occur in the same place, and so forth. There are very specific things they are looking for that make you a good surgical candidate. They also give IQ testing and personality testing to determine your state of mind, your personality and attitude (so you can be tested post surgery and compared). They take detailed MRIs. They test your brain for dominance to determine if you left side or right side is stronger, ensuring that the surgery will be taking place on the less dominant side. It's a lengthy process to go through, but it also adds a small comfort level with the doctor and to see how carefully they are working on your case.

So after all these series of tests, the doctor will actually set you up to meet the surgeon and then you will set up a date and time for surgery. In my case, I was having a mass remove on the left hand side. This area was CLEARLY visible in my MRI. I have had MRIs before and never had a doctor see anything. When Dr Aboumatar showed my MRI, it was shocking. He says, "Do you see it?" I looked at him, stunned and pointed at this HUGE (ok, maybe big as a quarter) and said, "THAT?" of course I can see it! I have had SO many MRIs in my life, how come I have never had that show up?

At any rate, that would be the area removed. Because of it's critical location, the left temporal lobe, extra testing and surgery would be required to ensure that the surgeon would remove the least critical areas. The Temporal lobe is used for memory recall and word association along with several other key features. That increased the amount of time necessary for hospital stay for me including the time in ICU.

Surgery Day, I was so nervous and so ready to get through it. I don't of course recall anything, I was prepped and taken into surgery at 6:30 am and saw my family late that night. It's not an easy surgery. There is a lot of pain. They are working on your brain and they need to ensure you are remaining conscious and lucid at some level so they do give you pain med, but not nearly the amount you probably would want. It's certainly do-able. It's a time when prayer comes in a lot and whatever you use for relaxation is handy.

After my second surgery, I spent another week in the hospital healing and was allowed to go home. In the beginning, recovery can be slow, mostly because of general trauma from a head injury. I spoke a little slower and had to think carefully about what I wanted to say, but it all came back pretty quickly. Most importantly, I didn't have any seizures! Immediately following the surgery or during recovery. That was wonderful and something that I thanked God for constantly. Everyday, sometimes every minute. "Thank you God, for giving me this 10 minutes of pain free, seizure free life."

The real miracle hit me about 2 months after my surgery. It just struck me that I felt better. Not better than yesterday, not better than last week, not better than 2 months ago, better than YEARS ago. Better than longer than I could remember back to. I can remember telling my husband that. I could remember laying there in the hospital bed helpless and hardly able to move being so weak. After healing, I decided that would NEVER be me again. I went outside one day and started walking.

I learned almost immediately that I no longer had eye problems. Before the sun would hurt my eyes. I would get horrible headaches being outside. Now I can go outside without sunglasses. I started walking and didn't stop. I had been a prisoner in my own house for YEARS. Really, for years!! Not anymore. I couldn't wait to jump out of bed, put on my tennis shoes and get out of my house. Initially I was doing about 10 miles per day, 5 days a week. That was 3 hours. That quickly went to 7 days a week.

There's something that walking seven days a week will give you--I dropped SEVENTY pounds! Just from walking. I basically went straight back to my normal size that I was from age 16 to 31. It took me 6 months of walking everyday to go back to my original size. And, I have stayed that size for the year since. Now I do 15-20 miles a day, and it's a joy everyday.

I have also realized a lot of other things I gave up at some point, like concerts. I used to love concerts. Then I stopped going to them because the flashing lights and noise would give me the worst headache. I would dread going to them because I knew I would be miserable half way through it. Four months after surgery I was pushing up to the front of a stage in Austin. I had forgotten how much I love concerts. I stopped doing engineering when I was waitning to have the surgery and then healing from surgery. Afterwards, I started doing the work I love, art! I started designing for rubber stamp companies, now I do what I love. I have learned to just appreciate every wonderful day that I have.

After one year of being seizure free, I got to start the process of reducing my medications. I have reduced the Synthroid I take (due to the weight loss and increase in activity), and three times now-the amount of Keppra); I have also had a wonderful change in my blood tests. My white blood cell count has been abnormal for years. Since surgery, the count has been rising and is very close to a normal level now!! My body is healing. Both photos shown here are me at 1 year post surgery.

Epilepsy doesn't control me anymore. I encourage everyone to take control of their life. Don't be afraid. Talk more to your doctor. TELL your doctor what is going on and what you want. If you need to, write it down and hand it to him. Tell your doctor the truth. If you are not getting help from your doctor, GET A NEW DOCTOR. If you don't understand your doctor, get a second opinion. Your life is so precious. Don't waste a moment more.

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Trick or Treat!

2011-10-31T08:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Halloween everyone! Time for you to go out for a trick or a treat, or perhaps both! Tell me which it is you want, or if it's a day late, which it is you got! I suppose I am looking for a little treat tonight, starting with seeing all the little kids in their costumes coming to my door and ending with a quiet night curled up in the arms of my hubby. Maybe I can find an outfit just like this Tickled Pink Vampire girl.Project Materials: Cardstock (K&Co, Bazzill, Neenah); Rubber Stamp (Tickled Pink); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Embellishments (OTC); Ribbon (Michaels); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue Dots, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers);

I'm gonna make you a potion

2011-10-30T08:15:00.003-05:00

Here's a super cute witch from Whiff of Joy who's gonna whip up a special potion for you to treat you to a Happy Halloween. For me, the potion will be for my nephew Christopher who is turning five. WOW. Happy Birthday! For all those of you who follow the blog I am sure you have heard me speak of him. He's the sweetest boy ever! He and his sister Regina joined our family almost 2 years ago and their adoption was completed this summer. I hope you have the best Birthday ever Chrisopher!! Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Bling, Neenah); Rubber Stamps (Whiff of Joy, Text-Sweet Pea Stamps); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Fiber(JoAnns); Bling (Michales); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Ribbon Glue); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Color (Copic Markers);

Frank says Happy Halloween

2011-10-29T08:45:00.001-05:00

Here's Frank and he's here to say "Happy Halloween" everyone. Isn't he adorable? was a tough choice to decide whether to color him up in orange for the pumpkin or greens, but I think this green card came out wonderfully.
Project Materials: Cardstock (California Paper, Neenah); Stamp (Stampendous); Ink (Memento); Color (Copic Markers); Punch (Martha Stewart); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue dots);

Zoe and Adrianna say Happy Halloween!

2011-10-28T08:00:00.001-05:00

Here's two wonderful images from Sweet Pea artist Nikki Burnette. This stamp is "Zoe" (Plate #120) and she's stunning. I added a wonderful Happy Halloween sentiment from the Halloween Sheet #1. I colored the image in beautiful copic markers and added some lace from Istanbul, Turkey and some adorable felted crows. Doesn't this put you in the Halloween mood?

As if you are not ready for Halloween yet, here's the amazing image that I spoke of last week, Adrianna from Plate #189. Isn't she beautiful? I fell in love with this image as soon as I saw it. It was the first stamp in the package that I had to make a card with. I think she will also be useful for Thanksgiving and given the right coloring, even christmas...when do we all want pumpkin pies? I know I want them all fall and winter season long! YUM.

I added a great saying to the card "When witched go riding and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, 'tis near Halloween." I had to add the perfect little black cat to the card and some tiny black buttons to give it a little highlight. What a fun holiday card!

Who?

2011-10-27T08:30:00.001-05:00

Who says Happy Halloween? This adorable little girl from CC Designs, that's who. She and I want to wish you a happy week and a happy Halloween. Isn't she a dear? I have colored her up and made a sweet card for her to share with you all. I can't believe we are coming to the end of Oct. This means I only have the rest of the week to share all my Halloween theme cards! Get ready....Project Materials: Carstock (AC, Neenah, Bazzill Swiss); Rubber Stamps (CC Designs; Saying-Sweet Pea Stamps); Buttons (Grandma's Button Bag); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Fiber (Doodlebug); Adhesives (pop dots, Glue dots, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers);

Witchy Poo

2011-10-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

Here's a great witch from Tickled Pink! She's wishing all of you a Happy Halloween. Isn't she stunning? I just love Halloween stamps and I have been having months worth of fun sharing all my halloween theme images with you. I had to get a few wonderful newbies from Tickled Pink this year.
Project Materials: Cardstock (Neenah, AC, Bazzill); Stamp (Tickled Pink); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Die Cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Punch (Martha Stewart); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers);

Day of the Dead

2011-10-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

Here's a remake of great image that I used recently, it's called Day of the Dead by artist Melia Newman of Queen Kat Stamps. Day of the Dead is approaching and is an important celebration of those deceased by many cultures. Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Neenah); Rubber Stamp (Queen Kat); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Bling (Pebbles); Color (Copic Markers); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue Dots, Glue All);

Squigglefly Challenge: Saying Thanks

2011-10-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

Here's a fun card for the Squigglefly challenge this week. Saying thanks...I picked a funny image for this theme, a tukey with a message "Eat Beef". Then I added a "Thanks" message in the background using white chalk ink. That's a real Thank You card...this cute image is from Squigglefly Digi stamps and is called Eat Beef.How about playing in the Squigglefly challenge this week? hop over to their blog and create your own Thank You card. You can be eligible for a prize if you use any Squigglefly image. There's several freebies you can get from the Squigglefly store. Try one out.

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Bling, Neenah); Digistamps (Squigglefly); Stamp (Thanks-Studio G); Ink (Colorbox Chalk); Punch (Martha Stewart); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All);

Have a witchy day!

2011-10-23T09:00:00.001-05:00

Here's a sweet witchy card from Stamping Bella. I colored her up in purples and used two sheets of bling in purple and green to create the card. Isn't she full of Halloween? I added a fun saying from Sweet Pea Stamps, "I am batty over you!" You know who you are.Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill Bling, Neenah, AC); Stamps (Stamping Bella; Saying-Sweet Pea stamps); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All); Color (Copic Markers);

Addicted to Stamps Blog Hop

2011-10-22T05:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the October Blog Hop for Addicted to Stamps! This is the company's first official blog hop and the design team has a lot of great projects to share. Please hop along as you may see some extra blog candy thrown in along the way.

Addicted To Stamps will pick a Grand Prize Winner! (Drawn on Monday) The winner will win 3 digi stamps of your choice from our store. To be eligible for the blog candy, you need to do 3 things: (1) Follow the Addicted-To-Stamps blog and become a member; (2) Like the Facebook fan page; (3) Comment on all the blogs including the main one;

Sound good everyone? Here's my card share, it's a wonderful Halloween theme image from artist Sheri Baldy. Isn't she the cutest vampire girl?
The next hop on the Addicted to Stamps blog line up is Jamie.....CLICK HERE...be sure a leave a comment here and then continue through the hop and leave comments on each location. Best of luck everyone. I hope one of my followers is the winner. Be sure to check out Addicted to Stamps awesome store!!

Project Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill, Archivers, Neenah); Stamp (Addicted to Stamps); Ink (Memento, Colorbox Chalk); Ribbons (Hobby Lobby, Michaels); Buttons (Grandma's Button Bag); Trick or Treat (Around the Block); Die Cuts (Spellbinders Nestabilities); Adhesives (Pop dots, Glue All, Glue Dots, Ribbon Glue); Color (Copic Markers);