Tea riffic

Well, Adrienne is in Mexico for a week on a mission trip to build a home, so I have both boys..... I am determined to get a bit of playing done and this is the first effort. I am going to send this to the woman that organized the retreat ( I know I am a bit late but going with the better late than never theory of things) I am going to enter it into two challenges the first is Getting Cricky Sunday challenge Tea Time. I absolutely love Kristal and her blog, the sentiment on the card is from her stamp set Coffee and tea for you and me. The second challenge is a sketch challenge over at Made Especially for You This is a new challenge blog so this is the first time I have entered anything there. the teapot and cup are both from files that I downloaded from the MTC gallery.

All the papers bling and ribbon are just things that I dug out of my stash.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.

Live the life that you imagined!
hugs, Brenda

I am finally able to do a challenge!!

I have been so busy since the grands moved in that I can not seem to find any time to play...(sniff sniff) But things are beginning to settle down to a loud roar so took a few minutes this morning to actually complete a challenge! WOOHOO!! This was designed for the Getting Cricky Sunday challenge. the challenge was to use the colors orange and black and only one other color. I chose to use yellow as my "other" color.
This is a treat box that I designed in MTC (Love that program!!)I used a coloring book page and basic shapes to complete this way super simple project.I then embellished with the cuttelbug floral screen folder and some yellow stickles.

If anyone is interested in the MTC file please let me know. I have never shared one before and I guess it is time I figure out how to do that LOL.

Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my work.
May you take the time to enjoy today as if it would be your last.

hugs, Brenda

Wow! Has it been 6 weeks?

I have finally finished the 28 prayer boxes that I was making!! I volunteered to make these for a women's retreat at my church This is the biggest project I have ever attempted. I must say that I am happy with the results. There are lots of imperfections if you get to looking but overall pleased. I could not find a template that would work so had to make one in MTC. My cuts were a little off so that was the beginning of the imperfection LOL. Of course I did not discover it until they were all cut, so went with it. My daughter committed to help with the project but was not able to devote as much time as we thought, UGH. All in all it was a great learning experience for both of us. And they are done!
Now I can get back to what I love (fingers crossed) and will be making some cards.
This is the first of three different papers.

This is a (lousy) shot of the trim, which was also done in MTC.

And this is the finished pile. All those hours reduced to this........

Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my project. Keep your fingers crossed that the recipients of the boxes will be pleased.

Live today as if it will not return.
Brenda

Memory game

I am so happy that I thought of this idea. As you already know, I have my 2 and 3 year old grandsons with me right now. They are a handful!! Though their lives are just beginning their start has been rough. So I am trying after 4 1/2 weeks to figure out ways to get them "caught up." The biggest problem at this point is lack of discipline, which makes for total chaos at my house. I have been so busy trying to get things a little settled and get things in my life totally rearranged that we are just now getting to a routine. (and of course we are leaving for the beach for a few days there goes the routine). So hoping that the understanding discipline will follow (soon I hope!!) The other really big problem is that the boys have not learned at all how to sit still and read or play games. Therefore they are behind in a lot of areas. So my answer was to make this memory game for Skyler. He loves Dora and Diego so thought I would start there. I only made 8 pairs so that he would be able to handle it. I am thrilled with how it came out! I packed both of the boys backpacks for the beach trip (4 hour car trip ugh) and this is in Skyler's.

I used cereal boxes for the base.
The white paper was surplus DH brought home from work
I found images on google and imported and sized in Word.
Paper from scrap box
Used MTC basic shapes for all the rest.
The most expensive part was the ink used.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog and thank you all for the kind thoughts and prayers for my family.
hugs, Brenda

Making lemonade!

Life has certainly thrown me a couple of curve balls lately. 4 weeks ago I had to drive 600 mile to "rescue" my daughter and her 2 boys (ages 2 and 3) and load my car with what we could and bring them back home. My precious daughter is a wreck physically, emotionally, financially and most importantly spiritually. She has not been able to really help out with the care of the boys much at all. So to say that my house and life have been turned upside down is an understatement. We have been trying to cheaply gather what we need to take proper care of the boys and childproof my home, as at this point I have no idea how long they will be here???? I am truly hoping that she will stay a long time but I am not in control. On top of this I had volunteered to work a ton of hours to have vacation money (ha ha what vacation?) so life is a bit crazy at this point. My DH is helping me get a space set up in the office for crafting (the 2 year olds crib is in my craft room)so hope that I will be able to play some very soon. I know that this is going to be what holds me together so anxious to get back to it.
I am currently working on a very simple memory game with Dora and geometrics for Skyler to play with. We have very few toys anD it is suppose to rain the next 3 days hope I get it done soon!! Hopefully I will add pics today!

Thanks for all your prayers and hoping to get my creative mojo rocking SOON
hugs, Brenda

Just checking in

WOW!! life has been crazy busy!! I started taking week ends off to do things with DH and man he is taking advantage. Right now I am just waiting for the call to say all is ready to go spend the day at the lake. It is going to be a hot one too!! Have hardly had a moment to even check in. Going to have my granddaughter this week and have my daughters 3 dogs while she is studying abroad sooo Hoping to be back in the groove soon.

In the meantime I wanted to share this wedding card. the wedding was kinda a mix of vintage and bohemian. so tried to catch that in the card. It was fun to be able to in cooperate a pic from their special day.

Have a blessed day!
will be checking in soon with a 250 follower giveaway
hugs, Brenda

Food for thought

I am entering this in the Getting Cricky Simply Sunday challenge. This weeks challenge is titled food for thought. You should jump on over to her blog and see lots of awesome creations and even get a bit of inspiration.
I know this is not very "thoughtful" but I am figuring that all the pineapples put it in the food category. My youngest grandson is turning 2. I can hardly believe it. I would really like to know the science behind the truth that grandchildren grow up faster than your children do.Flying Un
I am also going to enter this is the Die cut challenge at the Flying Unicorn forum. If you have not visited this forum I highly recommend you check it out. The beautiful things that are in the gallery make my jaw drop! I am thrilled to be able to learn from these incredible artists.
I am making 2 banners for his birthday party. And of course he has to have a birthday card!! Here is the banner that I did for the party theme.

This is a close up of one of the pineapples. I had no idea that Spongebob lives in a pineapple! This was the part that I had the most fun with. I cut the pineapple out of plain brown and wrapped it with goldish organza. Then added some yellow stickles.The port hole and door are two different silver papers with some faded jeans stickles.

Sponge bob is a file from the MTC gallery and Patrick is a coloring book page that I imported into MTC and created a cut file.

Now here is the card that I created for him for the special day.

I am so excited that I will be flying out tomorrow to go to his party! WOOHOO!!

Thank you for taking the time to visit me today.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1Peter 5:7

hugs, Brenda

What a give away

Abby at My Scrap Stuff is giveaway a BUNCH of stamps, You need to head on over and check them out. Just a comment gets your name in the running. Whle you are there look around she has some really adorable scrapbook pages.

fashion-ista

This card was done for the Simply Sunday challenge at Getting Cricky. . I have so much I should be doing before the next 2 trips (more about that later) but was inspired by the card that Lisa the guest designer did for this challenge, so just had to play. I just found out yesterday that I am going to be able to attend my MIL's 91st birthday party and a bigger fashionista never existed. So, this is her card.

This is the front

This is the inside

This was hard to photograph because of the acrylic windows and the glitz but I hope you can get an idea.
I designed the french doors in MTC
I used the Sewing materials svgs from Shery K Designs for the white dress and the clothes hangers.
The red and zebra shoes are from a file in the MTC gallery.
All other cuts are from the Forever Young cartridge.
Both of the stamps are from Kristal Andrew.
The outside is from "Positive Thoughts"
The inside is from Fashionable Friends"
I just love her stamps and the fact that for each set sold a dollar is giving to a charitable organization. Bless you Kristal.

Thank you so much for taking a look.
This day will never return so make the most of it!
hugs, Brenda

A quick card

I really should be cleaning my house. After my week away and hubby and puppy at home it is a desperate situation but.... I missed my crafting sooooo much just keep coming back in the room and cannot leave. So here it is the sketch challenge at OWH n

And here is my card

I am also going to enter this in the "Slice of summer" challenge at Paper This And That. Run over and check it out the prize is a really cute mini album.
The digi stamp is from scrappydew

Thank you for sharing your day with me.
I wish you many blessings.
hugs, Brenda

Fourth of July

Okay can it be I did a scrapbook page!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thought they were going to be just a memory for me. I took 616 pictures on my recent road trip with DD. We had SO MUCH FUN. I am very thankful for the experience. So I really felt like I had to do something with them. I am challenging myself to get a scrapbook of the trip done in 30 days. I am happy to say I have started. I am going to enter this in 2 challenges. Getting Cricky Simply Sunday challenge was to do a summer project, not much more summery than the Fourth of July. Cooking with Cricut was anything goes as long as it has a cricut cut... that was easy. Everything in this layout was cut with my cricut.

the fourth of July title and the firecracker were both from a set that Kristal at Getting Cricky gave as a Friday Freebie this week. Thank you Kristal!! The firecrackers say Navy Pier Chicago... this had so much glare it was a difficult piece to photograph.

Thank you so much for stopping by and remember you only get to live today one time.
hugs, Brenda

Totally obsessed!

I am leaving in a couple of hours for a week long trip. Things are not ready and I am making another challenge card..... Can we say obsessed. At the last minute I will be staying with the brides grandmother on this trip. Of course I have never met any of the brides family..... So I threw together a gift basket of things from Georgia to take as a hostess gift. The wedding is in Wisconsin

Went to make the card and had the Peachy Keen sketch stuck in my head so here we are.Why I decided to get inspired and do more challenges 2 days before a big road trip not sure but truly hoping my inspiration comes home with me!

Thanks for looking and will see you when I get back. looks like a 250 follower giveaway will be soon!!
hugs, Brenda

Sympathy card

this is the same gate card I have made before as a sympathy card. I just really like the peaceful look. So today's twist was that I alcohol inked some paper for the " garden" This wa in response to the Tuesday tutorial at OWH. I have tried this before but not quite the way she did it. My results were not quite as cool as hers either but I decided that this one actually looked like I wanted for this card.

Thanks again for stopping by.
Have a most blessed day.
hugs, Brenda

Hambo Hoedown

I found this website Hambo Hoedown while looking at challenge submissions at the OWH site Came over and love the digis so snatched myself a free one and entered the challenge. Don't you just love this "cool cat"!
The challenge was to use twine no ribbon(yep that is hard for me lol)

Thanks for letting me play! My granddaughter is going to love this card!!

Live today as if it is your last!
hugs, Brenda

OWH sketch challenge

It has been so long since I have done anything as a challenge (I know with the exception of Getting Cricky) But I am trying to work on my confidence level and sharing things that I make. I love this organization and truly want to get some cards made for them. Every time I think I will make some I see everyone else's cards and can not bring myself to send mine. But if you have been following you know that I am working on this issue slowly but surely.
So I decided to start with a sketch challenge to get moving in the right direction.

I did this first one and had not paid attention to the sizing on the strips. So mine does not quite meet the requirements but I really like the way it came out. Jeff has been bringing me papers from work that were slated for the trash and there is quite a bit of metallic in them. I love it and really like the way it looks on this card. I had a bit of trouble photographing it without making a shadow....

This second card follows the dimensions a bit better......lol

Thank you so much for stopping by.
Remember to Enjoy the process.
hugs, Brenda

Another Simply Sunday Challenge

This week Kristal at Getting Cricky really wrote an inspiring blog post to accompany her Simply Sunday challenge. If you are not a follower of hers you should head over and check it out. Kristal always inspires me to not only be a better crafter but also, and much more importantly, to be a better person.
I am still trying to get the hang of doing some simpler cards. I am just now getting to the point where I have enough confidence to send a card to someone that I do not know i.e. shareacard etc. I get so caught up in making something elaborate that I either only do one or often none at all. So really trying to pay attention to others work and try some things that would make my cards a bit simpler to make but also to convey that they were made with love.
This week the challenge was to use pen somewhere on the project. That is an easy one for me as I rarely make a card without using the pens in my cricut. I have seen cards where they mounted two different papers on a card and made it work so that was the technique I wanted to use. So here is what I came up with.

The papers are from the first smaller paper pad I have ever bought. I really like having these smaller pads so thinking that I will end up with some more in the near future.

Paper from Martha Stewart mat pad brights
The sentiment was drawn on with my Cricut using Amy Chomas gel pens and MTC
The font is brush script mt
The butterflies I bought yesterday at Hobby Lobby on sale so I knew they MUST go on my next card. They are Paper Studio bubble- a- bilities.
The ribbon is also from Hobby Lobby.

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog.
Remember that today is only going to be here once so LIVE IT.
hugs, Brenda

Simply Sunday challenge at Getting Cricky

This weeks challenge at Getting Cricky was to make a card that has a "face". I actually pulled out my Create a Critter cart for this one.
My SIL is going through a rough time so I wanted to send her a cheery card. This little zebra just made me smile so hope it will bring a smile to her face too.

Thanks for stopping by.
hugs Brenda

Misc cards from the last few days.

Still really struggling with getting myself in gear and getting into the craft room and getting some things done. I tend to want to plan out the entire project and then go to work. When the reality is that I spend way to much time thinking and not enough time doing. I do not enjoy the thinking part so I need to do a little less of it! When I actually do go and get started I rarely end up with a finished product that is anything like I thought it would be...... thus all that thinking was a waste. What a vicious circle I put myself in.
This first card is for my daughters boyfriend. He is young and a techie so really struggled with what to do.

I really liked the affect of the holographic papers. These were pieces that my hubby rescued out of the trash pile at work. I am so glad he did because it really made for a fun card.

This is a get well card for a friend in my Sunday school class who is having surgery this week. This is a free digi stamp from Birds cards I discovered this blog recently when I decided that I really like working with digi stamps and wanted to get a few free ones to play around with as I am trying to learn to color a bit better. The paper is a bit ragged not sure what is going on with my paper cutter have changed the blade but still ragging the edges I am beginning to think it is yuck paper and high humidity that is the problem. Next payday I am investing in some better paper!

This is one of the four graduation cards I got done. These are the ones that have really left me in a quandary and kept me out of the room. THEY ARE DONE...This is not even close to what I thought I would do but going with it anyway! So hoping tonight I will get myself back on track??
I used a file from the MTC gallery for this card.

Thank you so much for stopping by.
hugs, Brenda

Link up love party with K Andrew

Kristal Andrew of Getting Cricky has a monthly link up party. This is a way to get to know each other and to get inspired through the work of others.... and of course to share a little love! I always love seeing what all you creative folks come up with. So everybody join in because we can all use a little inspiration and a lot of love!
Kristal has asked that I share one thing that I am grateful for. It is so hard to narrow it to one thing but I will follow directions. I am grateful that I was able to cut my work hours for the summer so that I can spend more time with my family and especially my hubby. I am so thankful that he is healthy enough to actually go and do a few things this year. I am thankful that we can have this time together. I am thankful that not only has God restored his health but that he is providing for us while I am working less. Our God is truly an awesome God!

Thank you for taking a few moments to visit me.
Have a truly blessed day and share the love!!
hugs, Brenda




This is the first vinyl I have ever cut for the wall. There a mucho mistakes but I love it. It is on the wall right in front of my computer in the craft room. I learned a lot doing this project and though I see it's imperfections it makes me happy!

Fathers Day

I am so happy with both of these cards. I am blessed to have 5 wonderful grandchildren. I am so very proud of the man that my son has become! It makes my heart dance whenever I am fortunate enough to get to watch him in his role as Daddy. And Chris is absolutely adored by his boys. What greater thing can be said about a man than his children call him hero.
I know that I am not great at "coloring" but I am determined to learn...... These cards used digistamps from Karens Doodles.there is really some cute ones in her store and she currently has a sale going on, so run and check her out.
sorry about the lousy pictures. I left my camera at my daughters so having to use my phone for a few days.

I used MTC to cut and write the sentiment on the tags.
I used bic mark its for the coloring.
The striped paper is a recycled shopping bag.





I absolutely love the versatility of digi stamps!!
I am entering this in the anything goes challenge at Getting Cricky

Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my cards,
hugs, Brenda

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Made it my self Monday

I had wanted to post this last week for made it myself Monday but just could not get it together. My son had been up for the week end to help paint the living room and here it is a week later and I am just starting to feel like I am somewhat caught up. So back to the craft room I go!!
I recently posted these on my blog because I was just so happy with them.I had been to a local farmers market and someone was selling some of these tumblers.I had 3 extra at home and all the vinyl so whipped them up to take to the grands. They were just so much fun and a super simple project. They loved them and so has everyone else. I just ordered a case of 30 tumblers!!! I just absolute love it when something so simple will bring out a smile (especially in my my grandkids!)

I used the Curlz font.


Thank you for stopping by.
Live the life you've imagined.
hugs, Brenda

Simple but really pleased.

Had to make yet another sympathy card. The woman it is for is quite dear to me so I wanted something that was a little nicer than what I have been making recently. I used the garden gate card from the MTC gallery. Thank you user 4348! The background paper I printed a floral (Monet ish) I found in google search on a semi gloss paper, the picture does not do the background justice. The roses are from my stash. But what really makes me happy is that I found a simple sentiment that I really like and am sure that it will be used many times (unfortunately)

Thank you for sharing your day with me.

hugs, Brenda

Double duty

Okay fellow crafters I need an opinion before this hits the mail...My hubby said it was just too weird. I kinda like it but then again I am a little odd myself, therefore I ask for your true opinion. I am not asking for critic on the cards themselves but the concept. My fathers birthday coincides with Fathers Day so I wanted to make a dual purpose card. Somehow this evolved out of that thought. I have included sentiments for both occasions going in the corresponding direction. There is no back to the card just 2 fronts with one opening on the side the other longways. Not sure if that is a decent explanation or not.

front of card happy birthday

back of card happy fathers day

this is the card open

Hope the pictures make my question clearer. I really do value your opinion as I have no "touchable" crafty friends. Thank you for taking the time to look and tell me what you think.

Live the life you've imagined.
hugs, Brenda

Great job

Well, I am back again...lol. Just seem to be muddling along but not sharing much. I have been working on making some simple card fronts that are multipurpose and I am only using scraps. Will share a pic soon, as they are too much fun. My work schedule has changed and I will now be able to actually share a week end with my DH. So more time for him equates to less time in my craft room. So better get a bit more efficient.
This card is for my precious granddaughter. We recently made a trip down and attended her honors day. She is in the fourth (opps now fifth) grade and this is her first year in school. She has been home schooled up to this point so this was her first honors day experience. Jeff and I were so blessed to be able to share that with her. This is the fun card I made for her. I am pleased with the kite shaped banner! Yikes, just noticed that you can see the pop dot....(she will forgive me there is money in the card!!LOL)

I am entering this is Getting Crickys Sunday challenge


Thank you for spending your time with me.
Live the life you've imagined.
hugs, Brenda

Soooo Simple but love it

If you have followed me for long you know that I really struggle with KISS (keep it simple silly). I am able to keep things simple in most aspects of my life but when it comes to crafting I fall in to the "trap." everything has to be perfect and over the top to count.

I went to the local farmers market this morning and there was a vendor there with tumblers done so simply and I loved them. And they were proud enough of them to offer them for sale!! Of course I came home and went straight to my nice neat craft room and got to work. Wow, it was great to not only know where everything was but I had a clean surface to work on!!

I had bought 3 tumblers for another project and ended up getting a different brand for that project, so these were just hanging around waiting for me to bring them to life! We are going to see Jeremy and the grands tomorrow so whipped these up for each of the kids.I am so happy with them. Hope the kids like them.........

Thank you for sharing your day with me.

hugs, Brenda

Birthday Card

We are going to see Jeremy and crew for his birthday. I am so excited. This is the card that I am giving him for his birthday.Can you guess where he went to college?.. snicker snicker....I am going to enter it into KAndrews challenge to make something with a masculine or retro theme. If you have a minute stop over and check out her blog; you will be glad you did.

I used a coloring book page to design the chef and Andy from MTC designed the grill. I thought it had a retro feel to it.
I used the gel pens from Amy Chomas for the sentiment.

I spent the last 2 days totally revamping my crafty space so hoping to really get my mojo going. Will let you know lol!

Thank you for taking a moment to spend with me.
Have a day filled with blessings.
hugs, Brenda

Link up love party with K Andrew

This is going to be so much fun!!! I love visiting other blogs and getting great ideas to "lift." Visit K Andrew and link up some love of your own. If you have not met Kristal you are in for a treat. She is a very creative, generous all around sweetheart of a person!! I am so thankful cyber world brought her in my life!! While you at her blog look around it will be time well spent! I guarantee you will be inspired.
Hmmm my favorite project...... Kristal linked a project from 5 years ago....5 years ago I had heard the word scrapbooking but had no idea what it really was. The term papercrafting was in my distant future.I did not join this 'subculture" until about 18 months ago, So my volume of work is not vast. My favorite tends to be my last layout that involves grandchildren. But I think I am going to share a card I did recently for my daughters birthday.

The reason I think this is a fav is because I did something a little different for me. The background paper is a photo I took while laying in the hammock in my backyard. I am a lousy photographer and am trying to get better so I was playing with different settings on my camera. I actually got a few cool pictures! I was happy with the way it worked in the card.
The panda bear is a file from Scrappydew
The font for the sentiment is from Lettering Delights


Thank you so much for sharing a part of your day with me.
hugs, Brenda

Live the life you've Imagined

Card for a sick child

This is not what I originally planned to post for my first link in Monday but felt that even though this is not one of the pieces I am the most proud of, the cause is worth sharing. This card was made for Dylan
Actually the picture depicts it as worse than it was lol. I used puff paint for the collar and sleeves and messed it up when I went to take the pic....rest assured before I sent it to Dylan I fixed it and a few other flaws (but forgot to take another picture)

I used MTC and a coloring book page to cut the BYU football player (Dylan's favorite team) Also used MTC and gel pens for the Touchdown. I love this awesome silver cardstock, my hubby found it at work, they were going to put it in the dumpster. Oh no, I think I can save it from that fate LOL. I put the football player on an action wobble so he can "throw" the football.
I want to invite everyone who has not already joined in to have a go at Made it myself Monday!
Brenda
Live the life you've imagined.

Making DIRT

I made this layout for a challenge on Dustin Pike's blog I just found this blog a few days ago on the MTC forum and I LOVE the digis. This one is a freebie that had to be used in the project. This is Dudley and the power wheels. I had these pictures from my last visit with my precious grandsons and just knew I wanted to do a layout with Dudley. It is nothing fancy but Skyler will love it and that is good enough for "NeNe." I made the dirt by rubbing together two styrofoam balls and adding paint. I was pleased with the results but DH just looked confused and shook his head when I showed him the layout. Oh well!
I could not get the lighting right for a good photo but I will try again later and hopefully can replace this one.

Thanks for looking at my work, i am humbled.
Live the life you've Imagined.
Brenda

Miss Emme is 101!!!

This is the first tent card I have ever made. What a fun EASY card! I think my grandchildren will really like these. I made this for the MTC extreme crop, I also entered it in the Pink Stamper NSD challenge.

Mothers Day

This is for the National Scrapbooking Day challenge number four at The Pink Stamper The challenge was to make something with a Mothers Day theme. I made this card for my precious daughter in law Ashlie. God truly blessed me and my family when she came into our lives. I could not ask for a better mother for my amazing grandchildren. And it warms my heart to see her and Jeremy together. I am the luckiest Mother in
Law around!!!!!!

I hope that each one of you has a fantabulous NSD!!

Happy Mothers Day.

Live the life you've imagined.
Hugs, Brenda