Magic of Christmas ...

Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. ~Calvin Coolidge, 1927

Good morning!

Winding down the week and sad to see that this is my Day 4 as a Unity Gal!

Sometimes all you need is the perfect sentiment to create a wonderful card! For my card today I am using some scraps from another set of cards I made and a wonderful sentiment that can be found in the sentiment set “Love at Christmas” .

Supplies:

• Sentiment from “Love at Christmas” from Unity Stamp Co.
• Cardstock from The Paper Studio (base), American Crafts and Stampin Up!
• Design Paper from my Stash
• Embossing folders from Stampin Up!
• Ink from Stampin Up!
• Snowflake die from Sizzix

Unity Stamp Company is a small family-owned business and although they ship world-wide, their high-quality rubber stamps are proudly made in the U.S.A. They even offer custom stamps! So, check out their store. You’ll be hooked if you aren’t already!

Here are links to the Unity Stamp Company Store and Social Media Sites!

Go check them out! You won’t be disappointed!

Unity Stamp Company, So much Pretty in one place!

Pinterest

Facebook: UNITY {show & tell}

Instagram

YouTube

Don't forget to leave me a comment for a chance to be one of two people I get to pick who will each win a $20 gift credit to the store.

Thank for stopping by and good luck!!

Cara

Puppy Hugs ...

A dog is so often the answer — when you're lonely and need company, or when you're tired of company and need lonely. ~Robert Brault, rbrault.blogspot.com

Good morning!

Today we are at the midpoint of the week and it is my Day 3 as a Unity Gal!

For my card today I am using the cute Full of Happy Hugs …

This is actually my 2nd attempt at watercoloring this image as the paper I am using is an unsealed version and sucks up any moisture almost immediately causing some challenges if you want to bleed and blend.

Using a water pen, I added color using my distress inks. Not as bright as I wanted but I’m still really happy with it!

Supplies:

• Image “Full of Happy Hugs” from Unity Stamp Co.
• Cardstock from my Stash
• Distress Markers from Ranger
• India Ink from Memories
• Sequins from my stash
• Water pen
• Watercolor paper from my stash

Unity Stamp Company is a small family-owned business and although they ship world-wide, their high-quality rubber stamps are proudly made in the U.S.A. They even offer custom stamps! So, check out their store. You’ll be hooked if you aren’t already!

Here are links to the Unity Stamp Company Store and Social Media Sites!

Go check them out! You won’t be disappointed!

Unity Stamp Company, So much Pretty in one place!

Pinterest

Facebook: UNITY {show & tell}

Instagram

YouTube

Don't forget to leave me a comment for a chance to be one of two people I get to pick who will each win a $20 gift credit to the store.

Thank for stopping by and good luck!!
Cara

Bountiful Blessings ...

Oh how we love pumpkin season. You did know this gourd-ish squash has its own season, right? Winter, Spring, Summer, Pumpkin... We anxiously anticipate it every year. ~Trader Joe's, Fearless Flyer, October 2010

Good morning!
Today is my Day 2 as a Unity Gal!

So many things to be grateful this year! 

Today I am sharing a Fall card I created using the cute Bountiful Pumpkin set which consist of a pumpkin image and sentiment.

Since the design paper I used is two sided it allowed me to create card using the same layout but giving different looks.

Supplies:

• Image set “Bountiful Fall” from Unity Stamp Company
• Cardstock from Stampin Up!
• Design Paper from American Crafts
• India Ink from Memories
• ProMarkers
• Sequins from the Dollar Store
• Layout from Sheet Load of Cards
• #SUYSOCT2020
• #loadsofcards
• #Showusyoursheetloads

Unity Stamp Company is a small family-owned business and although they ship world-wide, their high-quality rubber stamps are proudly made in the U.S.A. They even offer custom stamps! So, check out their store. You’ll be hooked if you aren’t already!

Here are links to the Unity Stamp Company Store and Social Media Sites!

Go check them out! You won’t be disappointed!

Unity Stamp Company, So much Pretty in one place!

Pinterest

Facebook: UNITY {show & tell}

Instagram

YouTube

Don't forget to leave me a comment for a chance to be one of two people I get to pick who will each win a $20 gift credit to the store.

Thank for stopping by and good luck!!

Cara

Hug in a Mug! ...

Serious question: back in the days before coffee, did people just basically die? ~Keith Wynn, @ravenrhapsodies

Good morning!

Today is my Day 1 and I cannot tell you just how excited to participate this year as a Growing in Unity Gal! It’s tough to get spots and I seem to manage about every other year but that’s ok! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to share my cards made with Unity Stamps!

I made 4 cards today using a fun sentiment set called It’s a Mug Hug … so many great sentiments along with a fun mug image which is perfect for paper piecing!

I did leave the fluff on mine plain because I have still trying to decided it I want to enhance it with white flower soft or liquid diamonds ... 

Also, I did manage to get all 4 images from one 6 x 6 sheet of design paper. I just used my stamping platform and turned to cardstock for each image. Worked perfectly!

Supplies

Sentiment set: “It’s a Mug Hug” from Unity Stamp Company

• Cardstock from Pen+Gear
• Design paper from Unity Stamp Company
• Memories India Ink
• Red Manga Pen
• Sequins from Close to My Heart (silver) and stash

Unity Stamp Company is a small family-owned business and although they ship world-wide, their high-quality rubber stamps are proudly made in the U.S.A. They even make custom stamps! So, check out their store. You’ll be hooked f you aren’t already!

Here are links to the Unity Stamp Company Store and Social Media Sites!

Go check them out! You won’t be disappointed!

Unity Stamp Company, So much Pretty in one place!

Pinterest

Facebook: UNITY {show & tell}

Instagram

YouTube

Don't forget to leave me a comment for a chance to be one of two people I get to pick who will each win a $20 gift credit to the store.

Thank for stopping by and good luck!!

Cara

Crochet fail ...

"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul." -- Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Today I’m sharing a crochet project that frankly I’m none too happy with. My daughter asked for what they call a cocoon. The item itself is actually not complicated. However, I found a pattern that she liked and I purchased it! (GASP!)

I should have just made it from scratch like I’d originally planned.

I bought the same yarn. Used the same needle and checked my gauge constantly. However, I had to do several modifications and buy more expensive yarn to make what turned out to be a heavy, bulky (and in my opinion) awkward looking garment. It looks nothing like the image presented with the pattern. So much so that I rechecked everything I used - again to be sure I had everything right. (sigh)

My daughter was still kind and appreciative as she works from home and though it is heavy, it is loose enough that she can work without it restricting her movements, but I am going to see about making another one for her using a different yarn.

I feel I need to share it because I have been crocheting for years and sometimes beginners need to know and understand that even people with experience can create something not so great. The trick is, not to give up, learn something from it and move onto your next project with joy and confidence!

Thanks for stopping by!
Cara

Happy Holidays ...

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867–1957)

Good morning!
Today I am sharing two new images for Sandra!

How exciting!

These have just been released and you can purchase them. along with several more new releases in her ETSY SHOP for 50% off when you order in the next 24 hours!

#3703 – Gnome Gift Wrapper

Supplies

• Image printed on Stampin Up Whisper White Card Stock
• Design Paper from Stash, unknown
• Cardstock from The Paper Temptress, Stampin Up! & The Paper Studio (Base)
• Dr. Ph. Martin's Pen White
• ProMarkers
• WRMK Corner Punch
• Sketch: Mojo Monday 121

#3391 - Minion Reindeer

Supplies

• Image printed on Stampin Up Whisper White Card Stock
• Cardstock from Stampin Up! & The Paper Studio (Base)
• Design Paper from Stash, unknown
• Embossing folder from Stampin Up!
• Ink from Rangers
• ProMarkers
• Sentiment from Stampin Up!
• Sequins from the dollar store
• WRMK Corner Punch
• Sketch: Sketches by Me CCBC12

Don’t forget to visit her Facebook page where there is always something happening!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1643440135938124/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/192920250808985/

http://babycakesmerrywhatever.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

(Hugs) Cara

Lift up your eyes ...

Faith is the bird that feels the light
and sings when the dawn is still dark.
~Rabindranath Tagore

Today a new Sunday Song & Rhyme Challenge has started at The Outlawz Challenges and will run through October 2, 2021

Our sponsor this month is: Createful Heart Designs with a prize of 3 images from her shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Createfulheartdesign

Come check out the challenge to see the current Song/Rhyme and all the wonderful cards/projects from the Design Team!

Always good to have some faith-based cards around for those friends struggling right now.

• Supplies used
• Image Spring Time Birds - on a branch printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White Cardstock
• Cardstock from Pen+Gear (Base) and Stampin Up!
• Liquid Silk from Fun Stampers Journey
• Manga pens for accenting
• ProMarkers
• Sentiment from Unity Stamps

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to stop by The Outlawz Challenges for more challenges and Inspiration!

(Hugs) Cara

CHALLENGED ENTERED

CD Sunday Plus Challenge, Anything Goes!

Little Patch of Crafty Friends, #166, Anything Goes

Pixie's Crafty Workshop, Challenge #412

From our Gnome to Yours ...

As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, then Christmas is. ~Eric Sevareid (1912–1992)

Good morning!

We have a new Crash your Stash Challenge starting at The Outlawz Challenges which will run through October 14th

Our generous Sponsor this month is Alex Syberia Design with a prize of a $15 gift card to the Etsy shop so please make sure you check out her images … they are stunning!

Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlexSyberiaDesign

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/alexsyberiadesign

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/pg/alexsyberiadesign/groups/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexsyberia/

Instagram2 (my new account where I'm sharing my stamp designs): https://www.instagram.com/alexsyberiadesign/

Our cue this month is Embossing powder

I have quite a bit of this stuff and frankly, While I love the way it looks, I don’t use it a lot because it’s a pain to dig everything out, carefully heat the image then have to clean up all the straggling bits of powders that got blown everywhere.

It is great for these subtle hints of something on a card … like snowflakes.

This card was done using clear EP, then using a soft brush to add the background color, which will cause the snowflakes to pop once you wipe down with a soft tissue.

Supplies:

1. Image, Christmas Gnomes Digi Slimline Card Panel Stamp
2. Cardstock from Pen+Gear (Base) and Stampin Up!
3. Embossing Powder from Stampin Up!
4. Ink from Stampin Up!
5. ProMarkers
6. Snowflake Image unknown
7. Twine from American Crafts

Now come on over to The Outlawz Challenges to play along with us or one of the other challenges that are always in process!

(Hugs) Cara

BLOG CHALLENGES JOINED
Mirtillamente Challenge, Anything Goes

Watercooler Wednesday, Occasions

Crafty Creations Challenge #425, Anything Goes

Flocker Tribe ...

I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends. ~Nancie J. Carmody

Good morning!

Today I am sharing a card made from one of the many images from Sherry West Designs “Flockers” set. This particular image will be coming out as a rubber stamp at Stamp Addicts!

I absolutely love this image and think its great for those cards from everyone, or a large family or well, just because!

I don’t make slim line cards often but this image is perfect for that!

The ground was created using Distress markers and a water brush.

The sky was sponged using Stampin ink.

The Stencil from Rabbit Hole Designs comes with separate little clouds that I secured with masking fluid. Once set I was able to go over them with the ink. Then I carefully removed the stencils and rubbed off the masking fluid.

Supplies

• Image printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White Cardstock
• Cloud Stencil from The Rabbit Hole Designs
• Distress marker pens
• Ink from Stampin Up!
• ProMarkers
• Sentiment from Studio G

Please visit Sherry’s shop and blog sites. We love to see what you're up to!

Sherry West Art, Artist, Author, Illustrator:

https://www.facebook.com/SherryWestArt

Etsy Shop:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherryWestArts

Sherry West Art WordPress Blog site "Happy Art for A Happy Heart!":

https://sherrywestartsblog.wordpress.com/

Rubber stamps of Sherry West Art images available through Stamp Addicts:

https://www.stampaddicts.com

Stamp Addicts' FB page:

https://m.facebook.com/stampaddictsuk/

Thanks for stopping by!

(Hugs) Cara

BLOG CHALLENGES JOINED
Mirtillamente Challenge, Anything Goes
Crafty Creations Challenge #425, Anything Goes
Through the Craft Room Door, Anything Goes

Dreaming of Dragonflies ...

Is not each and every baby the sweetest, best, and most delightful little darling that ever did or ever will exist? ~Eliza Cook, "Prize Babies," 1854

So, I’m one of those people that can’t sit still for long periods of time. I HAVE to be doing something so I generally have a piece of crochet by my chair to fiddle with when watching a movie or TV with my husband.

For this post, I’m way behind as I made this afghan in 2019 for the baby girl of some dear friends of ours! It has been so long I can’t find the pattern I used to make it. I can tell you the design has dragonflies in it.

According to the Internet, The Dragonfly has been a symbol of happiness, new beginnings and change for many centuries. It means hope, change, and love. Which is what I want for this special kidlet.

Anyway, here is. If I locate the pattern and yarn information, I’ll update the post!

Close up - can you see the dragonflies?

Thanks for stopping by!

Cara

Batty for you ...

Do you feel the cool wind coming softly,

And see the young moon in the sky?

The clouds sailing over the sunset,

The bats flitting silently by!...

~Emily Huntington Miller (1833–1913), "Going to Sleep"

Good morning!

Today I am sharing another one of Sandra’s new images just released and you can purchase this one and many more new releases in her ETSY SHOP for 50% off in if you order in the next 24 hours!

This image is #3693- Blind as a Bat and I absolutely adore this image! When I get my new printer, I will be printing some more to play with!

I based my card on a sketch I created...

• 
  
• Supplies
• Image printed on Stampin Up Whisper White Card Stock
• Bat brad from stash, unknown
• Cardstock from Stampin Up!
• Circle punches from Marvy & Stampin Up!
• Design paper from stash, unknown
• Inks from Stampin Up! and Ranger
• ProMarkers
• Sentiment from Stampin Up!
• Sequins from dollar store
• Silver Gel pen from Artista
• Star stencil from Stampin Up!
• Sketch: Sketches by Me CCBC#3

Don’t forget to visit her Facebook page where there is always something happening!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1643440135938124/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/192920250808985/
http://babycakesmerrywhatever.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by!
(Hugs) Cara

Another Halloween card ...

Gnome and elf and fairy,

Witch and ghost make merry

On this last of dear October’s days.

~Lettie C. Van Derveer, Halloween Happenings, 1921

Hi! Today I am sharing a card I made from some scrap pieces of paper I had left over from the Halloween doggo cards I made for my doggos day care.

Supplies

• Bottle image from Graphics 45
• Cardstock from The Paper Studio (base) and Stampin Up!
• Design paper from Stampin Up!
• Ranger Archival Ink
• Sentiment from Inkadinkado
• Sequins from Close to My Heart
• Sketch by me CCBC17

Thanks for stopping by!
Cara

Magic of Prayer ...

In addition to the magic of love which moves the human heart, there is yet another magic which can remove mountains. That, of course, is faith. Lucky is he who has both, and this is especially true in age. ~Cid Ricketts Sumner, "I believe, yes, I believe," A View from the Hill, 1957

Hi All,

I dug through my scrapbinder and decided to use this panel with the cat which was salvaged from another card that was damaged and unusable. I rifled through my other binder which holds matched papers/cardstock pieces and found some bits that I thought worked well with the image.

Supplies

Cardstock from The Paper Studios (Base) and Stampin up!

Banner punch from Stampin Up!

Design Paper from Cartabella

Die from Spellbinders

Image from Onyx Expressions

Ranger Archival Ink

Sentiment from The Angel Company

Sketch: Mojo 496

Thanks for stopping by!
Cara

Cuppa of Hello ...

[C]olor is an infinite thing... ~F. Schuyler Mathews, "Comparative Colors and their Relation to Flowers," 1894

Today a new Sunday Song & Rhyme Challenge has started at The Outlawz Challenges and will run through September 18, 2021

Our sponsor this month is: Createful Heart Designs with a prize of 3 images from her shop

The current challenge was selected by Jen

I took my inspiration from all the colors listed to create a fun patchwork picture on the coffe cup. After I finished coloring, I fussy cut it out aded to the card. I then added the sequins and highlights to the saucer and the sunflowers on the cup with a bit of Pen white ink.

Supplies used
Image Friendship Tea printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White cardstock
Cardstock from The Paper Studio (base) & Stampin Up!
Design paper from Scrapbook Wizard
Embossing folder from Cuttle bug
Sentiment from Unity Stamps
Sequins from Close to My Heart
Based on Mojo Monday Sketch 73

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to stop by The Outlawz Challenges for more challenges and Inspiration!

(Hugs) Cara

Many Happy Hellos ...

Someone remembers, someone cares;

Your name is whispered in someone’s prayers.

~Author Unknown

Good morning!

Today I am sharing on last card (for now) made from one of the many images from Sherry West Designs “Flockers” set.

This guy is so cute! I love his polka dot belly!

He’s perfect for any occasion in my opinion!

I used another Mojo Monday Sketch for this card as well

Supplies

• Image printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White Cardstock
• Border punch from EK Success (I think)
• Cardstock from Pen+Gear(Base) & Stampin Up
• Design Paper from ColorBok
• Eyes from Fun Stampers Journey
• ProMarkers
• Ranger Archival Ink
• Sentiment from Stampin Up!
• Twice from Stash
• Sketch: Mojo Monday 183

Please visit Sherry’s shop and blog sites. We love to see what you're up to!

Sherry West Art, Artist, Author, Illustrator:

https://www.facebook.com/SherryWestArt

Etsy Shop:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherryWestArts

Sherry West Art WordPress Blog site "Happy Art for A Happy Heart!":

https://sherrywestartsblog.wordpress.com/

Rubber stamps of Sherry West Art images available through Stamp Addicts:

https://www.stampaddicts.com

Stamp Addicts' FB page:

https://m.facebook.com/stampaddictsuk/

 

Thanks for stopping by!

XX Cara XX

Twerking nerd bird ...

Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been. ~Mark Twain, Following the Equator, 1897

Good morning!

Today I am sharing another card made from one of the many images from Sherry West Designs “Flockers” set.

Isn’t this one hilarious! I have some more ideas on what to do with this guy but my printer broker and I’m waiting for the new one I ordered to come so I can print him out!

I used another Mojo Monday Sketch for this card.

Supplies
Image printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White Cardstock
Banner punch from Stampin Up!
Cardstock from Pen+Gear(Base) & Stampin Up
Design paper from Echo Park
ProMarkers
Ranger Archival Ink
Sentiment from Unity Stamp Co
Sequins from the dollar store
Sketch: Mojo Monday 149

Please visit Sherry’s shop and blog sites. We love to see what you're up to!

Sherry West Art, Artist, Author, Illustrator:

https://www.facebook.com/SherryWestArt

Etsy Shop:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SherryWestArts

Sherry West Art WordPress Blog site "Happy Art for A Happy Heart!":

https://sherrywestartsblog.wordpress.com/

Rubber stamps of Sherry West Art images available through Stamp Addicts:

https://www.stampaddicts.com

Stamp Addicts' FB page:

https://m.facebook.com/stampaddictsuk/

Thanks for stopping by!

(Hugs) Cara