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Sunday, December 26, 2021

Celebrate Everyday Things ...

Every man should be born again on the first of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle, if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but, on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take interest in the things that are and are to be, and not in the things that were and are past. ~Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887), "A Completed Year," 1882 December 31st, quoted in Plymouth Pulpit: A Weekly Publication of Sermons Preached by Henry Ward Beecher in Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, Vol. V, Printed from Mr. T.J. Ellinwood's Stenographic Reports

Running a bit behind ... but a new Sunday Song & Rhyme Challenge has started at The Outlawz Challenges and will run through January 8th, 2022.

Our sponsor this month is Alex Siberia Designs with a generous prize of $15.00 to her Etsy shop which can be found HERE.

Our Song/Rhyme this month was selected by Jen

NEW YEAR’S WISHES

What shall I wish you?
Treasures of earth?

Songs in the Springtime,
Pleasure and mirth?
Flowers on your pathway,
Skies ever clear?

Would this assure you
A Happy New Year?
What can I wish you?

What can be found
Bringing you sunshine
All the year ‘round?

Where is the treasure,
Lasting and dear,
That shall assure you

A HAPPY NEW YEAR?

New Years Wishes.
What do you wish for yourself or for someone else?

I think my sentiment says it all … Celebrate everyday thing … I would wish we all took the time to do this. I’m just as guilty as the next person to have blinders on. We get so caught up in the actions of the day – work, home, school etc. that we overlook the everyday things and people that make our lives easier, happier, brighter.

I believe in setting up realistic goals, but I don’t really make New Year resolutions. I feel we set ourselves up for failure and disappointment when we do (because its expected) and then fail to meet those goals.

But I do think I am going to strive to stop and celebrate and say thank you out loud to someone or something that is a part of my everyday.


Supplies used (5 x 7 card)
  1. Image “Lisa’s Garden” printed on Hammermill Color Copy
  2. Banner punch from Stampin Up!
  3. Cardstock from The Paper Studio (Base) and Stampin Up!
  4. Momento Ink
  5. ProMarkers
  6. Sentiment from Unity Stamp Co.

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










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#172, Anything Goes
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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

The Outlawz Crash your Stash Challenge: All Year long!

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness, and riches
Today, tomorrow, and beyond.
~Irish blessing

Good morning!
We have a new Crash your Stash Challenge starting at The Outlawz Challenges which will run through January 14th

Our sponsor this month is Me!
This is my Birthday month so I decided to sponsor the challenge with a $10.00 gift code to Alex Serbia Designs

The challenge for this month:
ALL the challenges from the past year. Your choices are:
Corner punches
Doilies
Felt
Flocking
Heat Embossing powders
Mesh
Old Design Paper
Ribbon
Twine
Washi tape

For my card I am using several different Washi tapes I have. Cards like these are so fast to make I don't know why I never think to make more of them!


Supplies (5 x 7 card)
  • Cardstock from The Paper Studio (base)
  • Crayola markers
  • Image & Sentiment from Unity Stamps (Butterfly Kisses)
  • Ink from Ranger
  • Rhinestones from my Stash
  • Washi Tape from Parklane, Close to My Heart & Stash
Now come on over to The Outlawz Challenges to play along with us or one of the other challenges that are always in process!

CHALLENGES ENTERED
NOTE: Found that all my links were disabled, They should all be working now

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Monday, December 13, 2021

A Tisket, A Tasket, a bunch of kitties in a basket!

To be remembered on one's birthday is a thrill to know others are saying
With cakes, cards, and good wishes,Thanks for being born into our lives!
~Terri Guillemets, "Keepsake," 2013

Good morning,
Today I am sharing a Birthday card I made for my niece who recently celebrated.

She loves cats but since she lives with us and we just sent our 17ish year old kitty over the Rainbow we are just not ready for another feline at this point in time. Someday, just not right now.

So, for now, I put this cute card together using a cat stamp of mine I know she loves and the color pick. Which she also loves!

I used ProMarkers to shadow the basket pieces after I cut it out but it really does not show up very well. Thinking I should have used a darker brown, but by the time I figured out the ink I used was too light I’d already put it together so I just left it.

I stamped the kitty on 3 different color scrap pieces and fussy cut leaving some length for layering.

I did some die cutting of the flowers using a scrap of the pink matting cardstock. Used a darker pink ProMarker and blender pen to create the centers. Once done, I added the rhinestones to the centers.



Supplies for 5 x 7 card
  • Banner punch from Stampin Up!
  • Cardstock from Pen+gear (Base), Americna crafts and my scrap box
  • Cat stamp from Stampabilities
  • Design paper from Scrapbook Wizard
  • Flowers & border die (Flower field) from Spellbinders
  • Memento Ink
  • Pen white ink from Dr. Martins
  • ProMarkers
  • Rhinestones from my stash
  • Sentiment from Whimsy Stamps (Kitten Balloons)
  • Woven basket die from Gina Marie Designs




CHALLENGES ENTERED
NOTE: Found that all my links were disabled, They should all be working now

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Sunday, December 12, 2021

Symbols of a Blessed Day ...

Mistletoe and gleaming holly,
Symbols of a blessed day...
~Louisa May Alcott, "Merry Christmas," in The Horn of Plenty, 1876

Today a new Sunday Song & Rhyme Challenge has started at The Outlawz Challenges and will run through December 25th.

Our sponsor this month is Alex Syberia Designs wit ha generous prize of $15.00 to her Etsy shop which can be found HERE.

Our Song/Rhyme this month was selected by Susan

Christmas by John Betjeman

The bells of waiting Advent ring,
The Tortoise stove is lit again
And lamp-oil light across the night
Has caught the streaks of winter rain
In many a stained-glass window sheen
From Crimson Lake to Hookers Green.

The holly in the windy hedge
And round the Manor House the yew
Will soon be stripped to deck the ledge,
The altar, font and arch and pew,
So that the villagers can say
'The church looks nice' on Christmas Day.

Provincial Public Houses blaze,
Corporation tramcars clang,
On lighted tenements I gaze,
Where paper decorations hang,
And bunting in the red Town Hall
Says 'Merry Christmas to you all'.

And London shops on Christmas Eve
Are strung with silver bells and flowers
As hurrying clerks the City leave
To pigeon-haunted classic towers,
And marbled clouds go scudding by
The many-steepled London sky.

And girls in slacks remember Dad,
And oafish louts remember Mum,
And sleepless children's hearts are glad.
And Christmas-morning bells say 'Come!'
Even to shining ones who dwell
Safe in the Dorchester Hotel.

And is it true,
This most tremendous tale of all,
Seen in a stained-glass window's hue,
A Baby in an ox's stall?
The Maker of the stars and sea
Become a Child on earth for me?

And is it true? For if it is,
No loving fingers tying strings
Around those tissued fripperies,
The sweet and silly Christmas things,

Bath salts and inexpensive scent
And hideous tie so kindly meant,
No love that in a family dwells,
No carolling in frosty air,
Nor all the steeple-shaking bells
Can with this single Truth compare -
That God was man in Palestine
And lives today in Bread and Wine.

Besides the fact that I absolutely adore Christmastime, I also love holly so I am using that as the inspiration for my card.

I am using a newly released image called “Vintage-Collection-Warm-Wishes”. Isn’t this one stunning? I just don’t know how you can go wrong with this beautiful frame of Holly, berries & pine cones!



Based on Mojo Monday Sketch 463

Supplies used
  • Image “Vintage-Collection-Warm-Wishes” printed on Hammermill Color Copy
  • Banner punch from Stampin Up!
  • Border punch from EK Success
  • Design Paper from Unity Stamps (Holiday Intrigue)
  • Momento Ink
  • ProMarkers
  • Rhinestones from my stash
  • Sentiment from Unity Stamps (Let’s be Jolly)
  • Based on Sketch Mojo Monday 463
Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to stop by The Outlawz Challenges for more challenges and Inspiration!

CHALLENGES ENTERED
(NOTE: Found that all my links were diabled, they should be working now)

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Jolly Holidays

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in a living room where eight or ten people have just opened their Christmas presents. It should not be cleaned up too quickly. ~Andy Rooney (1919–2011)

Hi All,
I dug through my this and that box and pulled out an unfinished Christmas card I’d started a while ago. So I finished it up!


Supplies
Border bunch from Martha Stewart
Cardstock from The Paper Studios (Base) and Stampin up!
Design paper from my scrap bin
Glitter tape from Close to My Heart
Ink from Stampin Up!
Rhinestones from Recollections
Stamp & die from Sizzix

Thanks for stopping by!
Cara
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Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Happy Mooooooo Year!

Many years ago I resolved never to bother with New Year's resolutions, and I've stuck with it ever since. ~David J. Beard (1947–2016), tweet, 2009 December 31st

Good morning!
Today I am sharing another card made from one of the many quirky images from Sherry West Designs! Please note that image is not yet in her shop so if you want to purchase it you may contact her via or ETSY Shop or message her on her Facebook Page, Sherry West Coloring. Links are below

Loving this celebrating cow! Isn’t she great?

I don’t send out many New Year cards but this one will be going to a friend that does lives in a Country that does not really celebrate Christmas.


Supplies
  • Image from Sherry West Designs printed on Stampin Up! Whisper White Cardstock
  • Cardstock from Pen+gear (base), American Crafts and Stampin Up!
  • Die from Gina Marie Designs
  • Embossing folder from Darice
  • Gems from Close to My Heart
  • ProMarkers

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


Thanks for stopping by!
(Hugs) Cara

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Monday, November 29, 2021

Retro, Vintage, aka Old Rubber Stamps...

One swallow will not make spring, nor one bee honey. ~Proverb

So whilst putzing around the internet one day I stumbled across a blog challenge that requires you to use those old stamps you have hanging around!

I am so excited I found this blog!

See, I am on several Design Teams and every one of them require the use of digital images. Don’t get me wrong, I’m getting used to using them but I so love my rubber stamps which are being horribly neglected these days because of it.

My 2022 resolution (one of none I make) is to create more cards using my rubber stamps and I love that I found a blog that will encourage me towards my goal.

That being said, I fingered through my oh --- so --- many --- Retro, Vintage, Old stamps and decided on using this set from The Angel Company called “Happy Bugs”. I’m sure many of you out there in blogland remember that company. Great stamps. Was so sad when they closed down.

The card is a little cleaner than I think it should be but I could think of what else to do with it so I added some googlie eyes (which helped) but then left it alone.


It's also based on sketch currently in play at Retro Rubber Challenge Blog



This really is such a great set for that bug lover in your life or in my case when I purchased the set, small children!

4.25 x 5.50
Supplies
  • Cardstock from The Paper Studio (Base) and Stampin Up!
  • Embossing folder from Darice, Solid Clouds
  • Googlie eyes form my stash
  • Indian Ink from Memories
  • Stamps from The Angel Company, Happy Bugs)
  • Vellum from my stash
  • Key word RRCB172


CHALLENGES ENTERED







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Sunday, November 28, 2021

Great Blessings

Thanksgiving Day would be a side-play
Minus the golden Pumpkin;
No feast is complete, if they have not to eat,
A circle of yellow Pumpkin.
Oh! the Pumpkin pie will ever out-vie,
Johnny-cake, pone, or corn dodger,
You don't need to chew, it melts like the dew,
When the sun shines bright on the clover.
~Mrs. May C. Hanks (b. 1842), "Pumpkin is Queen"

Today a new Sunday Song & Rhyme Challenge has started at The Outlawz Challenges and will run through October 11, 2021

Our sponsor this month is: Makenna Kroulik with a prize of the two images used by the team.


Summer's flurry
Of green is over,
Apples are ripe,
Mown is clover.
Colors, ablaze
On mountains, burn,
Smolder, and flame
As the seasons turn.
Harvest moon
Comes up at dusk,
Gold as a pumpkin
Or corn in the husk...
~Harry Behn (1898–1973), "Autumn," The Golden Hive, 1966

Supplies used
  • Image printed on Hammermill Color Copy
  • Archival Ink from Ranger
  • Cardstock from Pen+gear (Base) and Stampin Up!
  • Design Paper from my stash
  • Dies from Lawn Fawn (banner), M&C Boutique (scalloped circle), Sizzix (Classic Circle)
  • Embossing folder from Stampin Up!
  • ProMarkers
  • Sentiment from Unity Stamp Company
  • Tag punch from Stampin Up!
  • Sketch used: January 2014 PageMaps
 

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

(Hugs) Cara

CHALLENGES ENTERED








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Friday, November 19, 2021

Dancing with your Spirit! ...

For dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is no mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself. It is the only art, as Rahel Varnhagen said, of which we ourselves are the stuff. ~Havelock Ellis, "The Art of Dancing," The Dance of Life, 1923

Good morning!

Today I am sharing a new image from Sandra Caldwell, aka Babycakesdnd! These have just been released and you can purchase this one and several other new releases in her ETSY SHOP for 50% off if you order in the next 24 hours!

#3773 Sweating to the Oldies ... Isn’t she fun?


Supplies, 5 x 7 card
  • Image #3773 Sweating to the Oldies printed on Hammermill Color Copy
  • Card stock from The Paper Studio (base) and Stampin Up!
  • Design Paper from Darice
  • Embossing folder from Spellbinders “Music”
  • Ink from Memories
  • ProMarkers
  • Rhinestones were a gift
  • Sentiment from The Angel Company “Dance with your Spirit”
  • Sketch: Mojo Monday #8
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Monday, November 15, 2021

The Outlawz Crash your Stash Challenge: Flocking

When baby smiles in his sleep, an angel kisses him. ~Ouina (Cora L. V. Scott Richmond), given through her Medium "Water Lily," Ouina's Canoe, 1882

Good morning!
We have a new Crash your Stash Challenge starting at The Outlawz Challenges which will run through December 15th

Our generous Sponsor this month Oddball Art
Prize is a $10 gift code

Our cue this month is Flocking

Flocking. Something else I forget I have until a challenge comes up! Luckily enough, I have a box of tiny vials filled with this stuff that I bought so many years ago from The Oriental Trading Company so I don’t have a lot of money invested in something that literally sits in a drawer with my glitters.

I though about covering the whole image but realized I would also cover up the detailing for this sweet little lamb so I opted to flock highlines.


Supplies:
  • Image, No Drama Llama from Oddball art, printed on Hammermill Premium Cover Card Stock
  • Design Paper from Colorbok
  • Flocking powder from The Oriental Trading Company
  • ProMarkers
  • Sentiment from Inkahootz! (Out of business)
  • Sketch used: Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #280

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




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Sunday, November 14, 2021

Growing in Unity Bloghop 2021

It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it. ~Eileen Elias Freeman, The Angels' Little Instruction Book, 1994

Good morning!
We are starting the day off with a quick Blog Hop sponsored by Unity Stamps! If you comment on all the blogs in the hop, you will get a chance to win one of two amazing prize packages from Unity Stamps!

Today I am sharing two sets of cards I made for a friend as part of her Christmas gift this year. Usually, I make a gift box for the cards but this year I decided to change it up and created matching gift bags that the cards could be stored in. I then made matching gift tags so that she could use the bags later for gifting purposes when the cards were gone.

This is a set of Christmas cards

Christmas card supplies:
  • Stamp set: “A Child is Born” from Unity Stamp Co.
  • Cardstock from The Paper Studio (base) and Stampin Up!
  • Design Paper from my Stash
  • Ink from Stampin Up!
  • Rhinestone from my Stash

Matching Gift Bag & Tag


Matching Gift Bag & Tag supplies
  • Sentiments from a grab bag from Unity Stamp Co.
  • Card stock from The Paper Studio, Bazzill
  • Design Paper from my scrap bin
  • Embossing folder “Snowflakes” from Darice
  • Ink from Stampin Up!
  • Label punch from Stampin Up!
  • Paper lunch bag from my stash
  • Tag dies from Creative Dies Plus
  • Twine from my Stash
  • WRMK Corner Muncher
  • WRMK Hole Punch

This is a set of Any Occasion cards
Any Occasion Card supplies:
  • Miscellaneous sentiments from a grab bag from Unity Stamp Co
  • Archival ink from Rangers
  • Banner punch form Stampin Up!
  • Cardstock from The Paper Studio (base), Stampin Up, American Crafts and my scrap box
  • Design paper from my Stash
  • Embossing folder from Stampin Up!
  • Tag corner punch from Stampin Up!
  • Sheet load of cards December 2019

Matching Gift Bag & Tag


Matching Gift Bag & Tag supplies
  • Sentiments “To/From” from a grab bag from Unity Stamp Co
  • Card stock from The Paper Studio
  • Design paper “Striking Stripes: from G.C.D. Studios
  • Gross grain ribbon from my stash
  • Ink from Stampin Up!
  • Paper lunch bag from my stash
  • Tag dies from Creative Dies Plus
  • Twine from my Stash
  • WRMK Corner Muncher
  • WRMK Tag Hole Punch

I hope you have enjoyed these projects as much has enjoyed making them! Don’t forget to visit the other Unity gals' blogs below and comment on each one for a chance to win one of those two prize packs from Unity Stamp Company! Good Luck!




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!

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Thanks be for thee!

But whether we have less or more,
Alway thank we God therefore...
~Author unknown, "Sir Cleges," a French metrical romance, or Fabliau, c. 1300s

Today a new Sunday Song & Rhyme Challenge has started at The Outlawz Challenges and will run through November 27, 2021

Our sponsor this month is: Makenna Kroulik with a prize of the two images used by the team.

We have a beautiful poem from Margaret this Challenge called Autumn Serenade. Lots of cues that could take you in any directions, but of course, Autumn was mine!

This is such a fun image and can be colored to go with any Season. For mine, I used Fall colors as I always seem to be short cards for Thanksgiving!


Autumn Serenade

Through the trees
Comes Autumn with her serenade
Melodies
The sweetest music ever played
Autumn kisses we knew
Are beautiful souvenirs
As I pause to recall
The leaves seem to fall like tears
Silver stars
Were clinging to an Autumn sky
Love was ours
Until October wandered by
Let the years come and go
I'll still feel the glow
That time cannot fade
When I hear
That lovely Autumn serenade
Love was ours
Until October wandered by
Let the years come and go
I'll still feel the glow
That time cannot fade
When I hear
That lovely Autumn serenade
Serenade
Serenade

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Sammy Gallop / Peter De Rose
Autumn Serenade lyrics © Sammy Gallop Music Company


Supplies used
  • Image printed on Hammermill Color Copy
  • Archival ink from Ranger
  • Cardstock from Pen+Gear (Base) and Stampin Up!
  • Embossing folder from Darice
  • Gold gems from Close to My Heart
  • ProMarkers
  • Sentiment from Stampin Up!
  • Sketch used: Seize the Sketch STS#22


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

(Hugs) Cara

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Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Hippity Hop ...

It is the hour to rend thy chains,
The blossom-time of souls...
~Katharine Lee Bates (1859–1929), "A Song of Waking"

Good morning!
Today I am sharing another card made from one of the many quirky images from Sherry West Designs! Please note that image is not yet in her shop so if you want to purchase it you may contact her via her ETSY Shop or message her on her Facebook Page, Sherry West Coloring. Links are below.

Isn’t this bunny cute? I love that it is holding an egg so big you can’t see his face!


Supplies
  • Image from Sherry West Designs printed on Hammermill Color Copy Paper
  • Design Paper from Colorbok & Cartabella
  • Embossing folder from Darice
  • Flowers from stash
  • ProMarkers
  • Rhinestones from Say it with Crystals
  • Sketch used: Unknown, I found this on Pinterest. It was uploaded by Nutz about Stamping
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