My Sweet Girl

Hello Everyone. Yes, it's been a long time. I have been creating away though. I made more cards than usual, however, I have such difficulty parting with them...especially those that live up to my dreams. This one was given to my dd for her to give to someone worthy...as in who won't throw it in the trash before a yearis up! I know, silly, but one can get quite attached to a piece now and then.

So, this little gal is a digi from the The Cutting Cafe. On my PC, I have not yet mastered the world of digi stamps, but I got this one printed out 6 to a page and I was elated. I carefully colored them with all manner of markers, copics spectrum noir, etc. I'm even happy with the skin coloring. Then I cut them out and decided she was worthy of an easel card. This is a twisted one. Of course, she got the royal treatment...lots of pretty dsp, die cuts and a fitting sentiment. I just love her. I hope I find time to treat her to another speciality card, uh, but not this year.

I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas season with family and friends. I'll be with just my immediate family and that's how I like it best.

Blessings,
Erica

Less Is More...Red and Green

Good Sunday Morning.
At Less is More, the challenge is in keeping with the approaching holiday...red and green.

I've been making Christmas cards like a mad-woman. I'm not quite sure why but I do know there's more inspiration in the card-making world than ever. I didn't even break out my stamps from years past. Instead, I made a few (ahem), purchases this year and have been making them work overtime. So, I adore aperature cards, but rarely make them, so I did for LIM.  Images used are both from a retired  Close to My Heart set and my coloring is not nearly as bright as it should be, but I got the aperature right. And to balance things a bit, I added the baking twine.

Go play along with the LIM challenge before the holiday scene just doesn't leave you any time.

Blessings,
Erica

Challenge no. 27 at Simply Create Too

Evening all. I was supposed to be here posting early this morning. I am unexpectedly baby-sitting my youngest grand. All grandparents know that if you want to make God laugh, you have only to plan out your day...particularly when one is babysitting.

Sienna is 4 yrs. old and demands lots of attention. She is interested in all things paper, so that's fun.

At Simply Create Too, we are finishing out the Thanksgiving holidays with a card. So here's mine. It's called a stair-step, I think. I got the how-to from YouTube. These are fun to make. Try one someday...maybe for our challenge.

More Christmas cards tomorrow.

Blessings, Erica

Mice...so cute

Hi Stampers...almost T-Day...have you planned your menu? I'm winging it a bit this year. I bought plenty of veggies, ham and, of course, the bird, but I'm not quite sure how I'll be fixin' those veggies. One thing to be sure, there are so many food blogs and IPhone apps to choose from that it can end-up being a bit overwhelming. So, I will rely on old stand-by recipes clipped from mags and newspapers decades ago.

And the card...mice...so cute. I wish I had more of these adorable images. Unfortunately, I have only one friend who appreciates these sweeties.

So, enjoy your T-Day with family and friends.

Blessings,
Erica

Simply Create Too Challenge...Use Your Stash

Hey Stampers, we're using our stash at Simply Create Too. That's never difficult for me as I have quite the stash...ahem'. So I kept it simple, starting off with a DCWV 'dots, stripes and plaids', pre-made card. These boxes of cards (50 ea.) are a real time-saver. And if you don't like the card front, you can cut it up for use as various sized mats, etc. Dots make me happy. My fave dress as a little girl was a navy blue and white polka dot dress. I cried when it no longer fit me.

I stamped in Memento danube blue ink on a white mat with a large Stampendous sentiment that could easily also be used on the inside of a card.   A scrap of pink ric rac I had in my stash finished it off. I'll be duplicating this card when I start making my sets for friends' presents this holiday.

Come along and play with us in this easy peasy Simply Create Too challenge, won't you.

Blessings,
Erica

Birthday Punching

OK, stampers...so I'm rushing about getting ready for T-Day. I plan to shop at three grocery stores in order to save as much as possible. I'm dreading the cost of a "turkey dinner," and have already eliminated two of the more costly dishes I usually prepare...no crab cakes this year.  In addition to that we're getting the house ready for showing and our new house is coming along nicely. I have started to take my  morning walks around the new neighborhood which has landscaped winding paths and a beautiful view of mountains to the west. I am loving it. Thank goodness I've squeezed in a massage for tomorrow. It will be welcome.

 I've feverishly been making Christmas cards, but I managed to get a few B-Day cards done too. This uses all SU products. Luv the banner punch and the stamp set that matches it. SU was quite innovative with this set, as you can also make a Christmas tree with it. I'll be posting a card showing this idea soon.

Well along to bed I go.

Blessings,
Erica

Simply Create Too Challenge #25

Hi Stampers. I tried to post my card for the Simply Create Too challenge on the weekend and kept running into PC issues. It turns out I've been living with PC malware and a possible virus for several weeks. My sweet SIL got tired of hearing me yelling in my craftroom, and came to my aide. He said he'd have come sooner, but he thought I was yelling at the news media and all the politics. I am now up and running quite smoothly. Unfortunately, I really don't have an excuse to buy that IMac I've been wanting. So there's nothing much to post...SU cs, a single flower stamp from Stampendous, stamped in Memento tangelo, and a sentiment from CTMH stamped in Memento Tuxedo black.

So, my card came about in 5 minutes. I had forgotten it was due and I had to hussle while keeping it clean and simple. My new found Nestibilitie dies that cut perfect mats helped me keep it all nice and even.  Although I do prefer this style anyway, I like having time and options.

Please consider joining us for the Simply Create Too challenge no. 25 in black, orange and yellow.We still have a week to go. Check out the mid-posts from our talented design team too.

Blessings,
Erica