Inspire Me Fridays 39 - Anything Goes!

Happy Friday!

Happy New Year!  Be safe & Enjoy!!

Can't wait to see what you've been up to...come share your creations!  If you missed last week's party, check it out HERE!

Now here are this week's featured crafts...

Aud Sentiments - Open theme & DT CALL! (12-28)

Good Wednesday Evening!

Aud Sentiments is having a DT call.  If you're contemplating joining a team, let me just say, Aud is a treasure to work with, so kind, thoughtful & very organized...I love that!!!  

There's an OPEN theme this week @ Aud Sentiments!  I hope you'll play along!

I used a very classic design here but added a bit of interest with the score lines around the image panel!

HOPpy BirthDAY!

Stamps: Sassy Cheryl (nature boy lover) digital stamp

Sentiment - Joy's Life Stamps (lots of pun) clear stamps

Papers: BasicGrey dp

Ink: Copic/Prisma markers

Other: cotton string, button

piercing tool, scoring.

Thanks so much for stopping by, wishing you a safe & Happy New Year!
Blessings!


I shared today's creation with -

Rainbow Lady's, Scrapbook Sisters, Simon Says Stamp, Crafty Boots, Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge, The Cutie Pie Challenge, BasicGrey, Secret Crafter, Clearly Inspired, Delicious Doodles, Inspire Me Fridays, Fairy Tale.

Thank You SNOW Much! (12-28)

Happy Wednesday!

So much to be thankful for during this holiday season,  I wanted to be sure to let others know how grateful I am for their thoughtfulness and hospitality!

This card gives thanks & a small detachable 'gift' that can be tucked away for next year's tree decorating, if so desired!

Stamps:  Joy's Life  (Wintery Puns) clear stamps

Paper:  K&Co dp, watercolor heavy cardstock

Ink: SU! ink pad

Other: Offray ribbon, gold cord, paper doily,

The Graphics Fairy image, CM cutting system (circle),

Stampin Up dazzling diamonds, The Craft Lounge chunky crystal

Cricut: Accent Essentials snowflake page 44, shift <Accnt13s>

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  Wishing you a very safe & Happy New Year!
Blessings!

I created this project while
designing for Joy's Life!

I shared today's creation with -


Crafty Creations, Friendship's Garden, I Brake For Challenges, My Mum's Craft shop, Paper Shelter Challenge,  Penny's Paper-Crafty, Scrapbook Sisters, Simon Says Stamp, Digital Tuesday, Incy Wincy Designs, Make it Monday, Paper Pretties, Stamps & Fun = Creativity, The Cutie Pie Challenge, There She Goes, Creative Inspirations Paint, Gingerloft, 2 Sisters, Marks Finest Papers, Inspire Me Fridays, Crafty Creations, Fantabulous Cricut, Cooking w/Cricut .

The Royal Digi Challenge - Anything Goes! (12-26)

Good Monday Morning!

This month the Queen's Royal Digital Challenge has a theme of Anything Goes!  Hope you'll play along!


Here's a fun way to share your recipes with a friend OR give it as a gift for a friend to share her recipes (that's what I plan to do)!

 (left space for a name at the top)

Stamps: Prairie Fairy (chef Gillian)

Paper: SU! kraft cs, Sei dp
Recipe cards by Elle

Cricut: alphabet letters from Billionaire & Plantin Schoolbook carts.

The design is simply two cards attached to each other.  One inside the other, I cut off half of the back flap to form a pocket.  let me know if you need more info!

This was so much fun to make, there are tags included in the back pocket to attach to some homemade goodies!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings!

I shared today's creation with -

Craftastic, Making the World Cuter, Just Something I Whipped Up, Making Monday Marvelous Day, Motivate Me Monday, Skip to my Lou, Market Yourself Monday, Craftomaniac, Life Made Lovely, Sew Crafty Tuesday, The Creative Spark, The Inspiration Board, A Little Birdie Told Me Tues, Too Cute Tuesday, Sugar Bee Crafts, Tip Junkie, Get Your Craft On, Whatever You Want Wed., Show and Tell, Whatever Goes Wed, Hoo's Got Talent, Wow Me Wed, Crafty Soiree, Strut Your Stuff, Transformation Thur, Friday Flair, Show Off your Stuff, Hook Up with House of Hepworths, Beyond the Picket Fence under $100, Making It w/Allie, The Answer is Chocolate, Tickled Pink, Frugal Fridays, Show and Tell Fri, Frugalicious Friday, Flaunt It Friday, Tidy Mom, *Inspire Me Fridays, Feature Yourself Fri, Pity Party, Tatertots and Jello, Show and Tell Saturday, Saturday Night Special, Think Pink Sundays.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, 2011

.


From our family to yours...

Inspire Me Fridays 38 - Linky Party!

Happy Friday!    Merry Christmas!

Party time!

Last week's party was very inspirational, if you missed all the wonderful link-ups, click HERE!

Here are the featured crafts...

Packages of Gold & Bronze! (12-21)

Happy Wednesday!


Only four more sleeps 'til Christmas! 
  
Here are some packages I decorated in Gold & Bronze!

I used Joy's Life stamp set, Wintery Puns,

Bronze cardstock, Nesties, gold Encore ink pad, 

Ranger's enchanted gold embossing powder,

Offray's shimmery bronze ribbon w/gold trim,

 to create these beautiful tags for my festive packages!.

Enjoy your day!

Blessings!

I created this while designingfor Joy's Life!

Tile Coasters & Trivet! (12-20)

Happy Tuesday!

Here's a fun inexpensive gift giving idea, tile coasters.   So easy to personalize using your stamps & Stazon ink!

Pin It

Stamps: SU! (noble deer), Sentiment:Joy's Life clear stamps (Wild Life Puns)

I had my hubby make a holder for the tiles to be used as a trivet also!

Pin It


There are many tutorials for stamping on tiles, here's one from SCS by GinaK.!  You can also ask at your local home improvement store for tips.

I encourage you to give it a try, it's not hard, but you will need a bit of patience...each step needs to dry well before proceeding!

Merry Christmas!


Enjoy your day!
Blessings!

I posted to these sites -

Inspire Me Fridays – Link Up Party
Make it Monday - Link Up Party
and these fine parties!

You're Soda-lightful! (12-19)

Good Monday Morning!

Only one more week 'til Christmas!  My cards are done, my shopping is done, only a few more presents to wrap, time to relax and enjoy it all!

So today, I have a fun 'non-Christmas' card to share!

"You're Soda-lightful"

Stamps: Joy's Life Stamps (Yummy Puns) clear stamps

Paper: Echo Park (happy days)

Ink: Memento ink pad, SU! gray craft ink

Other: Offray ribbon, CM corner punch.

Lovin' these funny punny stamps by Joy's Life!  How perfect is this soda cap paper with this sentiment?!  too fun!


Off to do some fun baking with the family!
Enjoy your day!
Blessings!

I created this while designing for
Joy's Life!

I shared today's creation with -

Paper Playtime - use any sentiment.

Corrosive Challenges - Anything BUT Christmas 

Sparkles Forum -Anything BUT a Christmas Card 

The Crafty Pad -Anything But Christmas

Really Reasonable Ribbon - anything goes

Sunday's Random Thoughts (12-18)

not many random thoughts today!

instead...I have visions of sugar plums dancing in my head, along with every kind of holiday cookie imaginable.  We will be baking this week, yum!!

I'm still waiting for the Candy winners to contact me with their addresses.  I posted about them HERE!

We will be making Christmas visits this week, so I really don't need to have a menu planned for the entire week, but I rec'd some encouraging emails about building a list of menu ideas for the month so here we are...

• sausage quiche 
• Spaghetti w/meatballs
• Salmon patties
• Stromboli
• Grilled Chicken breasts (marinated with Gazebo Room dressing).

I promise to share recipes soon!!

Here are some challenge reminders...

• Digital Tuesday - winter wonderland w/a digital element.
• Aud Sentiments - any holiday w/sentiment
• Royal Digi - Christmas/winter.
• Paper Playtime's new challenge starts tomorrow, Dec 19th.

As the end of the year draws to a close, I always feel a need to re-evaluate my daily schedule & habits, I wonder what changes I'll make in the new year.  I believe Simplicity & Joy will be over-riding themes!

Do you have any resolutions for 2012 yet?

Thanks for stopping by, 

be Blessed!

Inspire Me Fridays 37 - Linky Party!

Happy Friday!

Wow, this week flew by, didn't it?  It's Party Time already!  Can't wait to see what you've been creating!

If you missed last week's party, check out all the inspiration HERE!

This week's featured crafts...

We wish you a Merry Christmas! (12-15)

Happy Thursday!

Hope you're enjoying this most wonderful time of the year!   

Stamps: Prairie Fairy (caroling Gillian) digi

Sentiment: Joy's Life Stamps (Everyday Occasions, Holiday Occasions)

Paper: Dovecraft dp

Ink: Copic markers, Memento ink pad.

The ongoing challenge theme @ Aud Sentiments is to use Any Winter Holiday Sentiment...I hope you'll join us!!

Praying Peace, Joy and much Love over you!

Blessings!

I shared today's creation with -

4 Crafty Chicks - Christmas Card
AiFactory - Christmas 
Paper Crafting Journey - Christmas
Paper Play - Christmas 
Southern Girls - Lets Celebrate
Crafting for all Seasons -Christmas
Crafts and Me - Christmas
Creative Belli -winter/Christmas 
Digistamps 4 Joy - Christmas
Divas by Design -  Christmas
Freshly Brewed - Christmas
Little Darlings Challenges - Christmas
Little Red Wagon -  Christmas
My Mum's Craft shop -cute and funky  Christmas
Penny's Paper-Crafty -Merry Christmas 
Sisterhood of Crafters  - Christmas
Digital Tuesday - Winter Wonderland
Paper and Such Design - Last Minute Christmas Card CAS 

Simple Joys (12-13)

Happy Tuesday!

Taking a breath today!

Remembering the simple joys that come everyday.

Stamps: Prairie Fairy (snow friends) digital image

Sentiment: Joy's Life (Everyday Occasions) clear stamp

Papers: SU! cs

Ink: Copic markers

Other: white embossing powder, CB emb. folder,

baker's twine, Cropadile punch.

Join us @ the Digital Tuesday challenge with the theme of winter wonderland...our last challenge of 2011!

Praying you all see the simple joys in your 'everydays'!
Blessings!



I shared today's creation with -


Heart Song Inspirations - Snowflakes
Karens Doodles -Clean and Simple
Addicted to Stamps Snowflakes 
Come and Get It Challenges -Red, Green
Corrosive Challenges -  Anything BUT Christmas 
Gingerloft -  Winter 
One Stitch At A Time -  Use a Digi
Cupcake Inspirations - Photo Inspiration
Craft Your Days Away  -  Snowmen
Creations by Gill M - Red & Green
My Sheri Crafts  -  Let it Snow
One Stop Craft - Traditional Christmas Colours
 Paperworks  - Recipe
 Simply Create Too -  Embossing
Crafts 4 Eternity Recipe Challenge -Colour

Warm Decembrrrr Wishes! & Home-made Cocoa Mix

Good Monday Morning!

I am so enjoying this winter weather we've been having!  Of course, I'm enjoying it from inside my toasty, cozy, wood-burning stove warmed home!

So I thought I would share the warmth...how about a recipe for home-made cocoa mix!

Sentiment Stamps: Joy's Life Stamps (Wintery Puns) clear stamps

Paper: K&Co dp

Ink: Memento ink pad, marker

Other: twine, googly-eyes, fuzzy buttons, Stickles, 

Mason jar, CM cutting system.

Cricut: Stretch Your Imagination - pg 57, snowman/layers.

...nicely packaged, of course.  I used paper to top my jar in place of fabric & pleated it a bit. easy peasy!

Home-made Cocoa Mix

2  cups nonfat dry milk (powder)

3/4 cup  sugar

1/2 cup Hershey's cocoa powder

1/2 cup non-dairy creamer powder

dash of salk

Mix well.

Single serving: 1/4 cup mix, 3/4 cup hot water.

After making the first batch, you will probably need to adjust the ratio of sugar & cocoa to your taste.  Personally, I add a little more sugar & a bit less cocoa than called for because I have a sweet tooth and like my hot chocolate sweet!  But this is definitely a good base to start!!!   

Enjoy!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Blessings!

I shared today's creation with -

*Paper Playtime - Cricut project with buttons!

Challenge Up Your Life - Box or Packaging
Craft Your Days Away  - Snowmen
Crafty Calendar - December Cold and Frosty
Just Some Lines - Hand made gifts
 Bloggers - Frosty and Friends
 Fairy Tale - Gift / Gift Packaging
 Totally Papercrafts – Anything but Christmas
Crafty Purple Frog -  "It`s Cold Outside" 
Paper Play - Snowman
Hanna & Friends - Winter Card
Cutie Sunday - Christmas presents

I created today's project while on the Joy's Life DT!

Sunday's Random Thoughts (12-11)

...some random thoughts...

Can you believe there are only two weeks until Christmas?  oy!

I still have so many ideas floating around my brain that I wanted to do or try for this holiday season.   Most of which I've gathered from Inspire Me Fridays parties!  You all are so inspirational!!!    too many fun ideas, so little time!   

Have you entered these current challenges?
Paper Playtime - create a Cricut project & add buttons.
Digital Tuesday - theme "light" & add a digital element.
Creative Belli - theme Christmas.
Aud Sentiments - theme: winter holiday sentiments.
Royal Digi - theme: Christmas or winter, with a digi.



Do you 'pin'?  I've been collecting/pinning Christmas party dress ideas, check out my boards!

A big congratulations to Joy @ Joy's Life.com for reaching 2 million hits on her blog!  too cool!  No surprise, she's talented & so creative and I feel blessed to be part of her DT!   wtg Joy!!!



meal thoughts for this coming week, meals that can cook on the woodstove!

• Turkey feast
• Stuffed Cabbage
• Chef Salad w/leftover turkey
• Clam Chowder & homemade bread
• Chili con carne w/cornbread

found a variety of 2012 calendar printables...

source

I have some candy winners to announce!    Thank you all for playing along!
Joy's Life DT had a Holiday blog hop & I offered up some Aqua Markers HERE!
The winner of the markers is...CLM-cindylu2u
AND
I offered an Elisabeth Bell stamp & some goodies HERE during the Here We Come a Caroling blog hop!
The winner is....Luanne.
Congratulations ladies, email me your addresses and I ship your goodies!


I'll have another candy offer after Christmas!  stay tuned!


Enjoy the remainder of your weekend!  I'll be back tomorrow with a quickie gift idea & money saving recipe!
Blessings!

Inspire Me Fridays 36 - Linky Party!

Happy Friday!

Are you ready to party?  I'm so enjoying all the wonderful inspiration linked up every week, I hope you are too!

If you missed last week's party, check it out HERE!

Now here are the featured Bloggers & their projects...

A Holly branch Star wreath! (12-7)

Happy Wednesday!


I'm lovin' the newest stamp set from Joy's Life, Wintery Puns.  One of the stamps in the set, Happy Holly days, just makes me smile.

Pin It

Stamps: Joy's Life Stamps (Wintery Puns) clear stamps

Paper: SU! kraft cs

Ink: SU! white craft ink

Other: white embossing powder

I created this star 'wreath' with holly & holly branches.  A very easy project.  

1. Try to find somewhat straight branches when trimming your holly bush/tree.
2. arrange branches in star pattern, I used a bit of hot glue to keep them in place
3. wrap each intersection with twine
4. tuck in the holly leaf stem, wrap with more twine or add a bit of glue if needed!

Hope my project inspire you to bring a little nature in for the holidays!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings!

Light the Way @ Digital Tuesday! (12-6)

Happy Tuesday!

I have something a little different to show you today.

We have a new challenge today @ Digital Tuesday.  Our lovely Michelle has chosen the theme of "Lights"!  Interpret how you wish, just be sure to add a digital element to your creation.

I created a vintage-y Christmas ornament...

 vintage postcard from The Graphics Fairy,

sentiment by Joy's Life Stamps (Wintery Puns)

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Blessings!

I shared today's creation with -

Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes PLUS Glitter
Crafty Boots - Anything Goes 
Crafty Bloggers Network - Shades of Winter
Creative Stamp Friends - Scene 
Hooked on Crafts - Winter Wonderland 
Make it Monday - anything Goes
Ooh La La Creations - Lots of Sparkle
Paper Creations Ink - "Bling It Up!" 
The Crazy Challenge -Anything goes
The Pink Elephant - Snowflakes and Sparkles 
The Ribbon Reel -  Anything Goes
Victorine Originals - Ribbon 
Whoopsi Daisy  -Snowflakes

Dream Valley Challenges -Sparkle

Gingerloft -Winter OR Christmas

Pile It On - "Bling It Up!" 

The Hybrid Chick Card Caravan -Glitter 

Crafty Calendar -December Cold and Frosty

Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas - Mainly Monochromatic

Drunken Stampers - Monochromatic
Marks Finest Papers -Use your favourite embellishment  (glitter)
My Sheri Crafts  - Decorate for Christmas

 Bloggers -Anything but a Card

 Crafty Catz - colours of Christmas with sparkle

 Culture Shock – Do It Yourself..........new challenge for me!

  Stamp Man -  make an ornament

  Stampin With The Dragon - Anything Goes for Christmas

Creatalicious Challenges -  Christmas and make sure it SPARKLES

Scrappin Chic Challenge -Christmas themed

CCEE Stampers - Snowflakes and Bling
Just For Fun -Winter

I Brake For Challenges -vintage

A Holiday House! Cricut Basics (12-5)

Good Monday Morning!

We have a new challenge for you today @ Paper Playtime...make a Cricut holiday creation & add BUTTONS!

Stamps: SU! (To you & yours) stamps.

Papers: SU! cs, Pink Paisley dp

Ink: SU! craft white ink pad for sponging, Memento

Other: button, baker's twine, CM cutting system,

Cricut - Handyman cart (house/trim)

I added a rectangle for the chimney.

This card goes into a sweet hand made crate with some Christmas goodies for a hostess gift!

Sweet fellow DT Amy has some yummy Candy on offer too, pop over for a visit!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings!

Sunday's Random Thoughts (12-4)

...random thoughts during halftime with the NY Giants & Green Bay Packers...

Have you entered my two newest blog candies??

• Elisabeth Bell rubber stamp & papers HERE.
• A set of Aqua Markers HERE.

And are you wondering who won the PSA Essential Stamper & stamp sets?
Congratulations to Mary of My Scrap Happy Life, contact info is here!


Challenge reminders...
Digital Tuesday - use the color green & something digital.
Aud Sentiments - enter any & all your holiday creations.
The Queen's Royal Digi - enter all your Christmas digital cards.
Creative Belli - thank you theme.
Paper Playtime will issue a new challenge tomorrow, Mon, Dec 5!
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Well, Christmas season has officially started in the Matter household...

 the kids have set up the Nativity!
That always comes first...remembering the Reason for the Season!

What comes next?  The watching of the Muppet's Christmas Carol, of course!

yep, young & old(er) enjoy this one!
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Although I'm normally an online shopper, I do need to pop by a few shops this week.  I'm kinda looking forward to hearing the holiday music and seeing all the stores dressed up for Christmas!

Speaking of shopping, do you have a regular grocery shopping day?  I can't seem to stay on track with that, every day brings its own adventure so nothing is ever 'etched-in-stone'!!

Here are the meals I'm planning on this week...

• Pork Chop & winter vegetable roast,
• Tacos,
• Tuna noodle casserole (a family fav),
• Kielbasa stir-fry w/rice,
• Beef stew.

I'll try to remember to take some photos & share recipes when I can.
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I also wanted to share a blurry photo with you!  My oldest son, the Rock Star, is the one on the left (above my name/watermark).  His band had a big 'gig' the other night, we are SO proud of him!  He's very talented!!!  I took a bunch of pictures but they're all blurry...obviously the floor where I was standing was VIBRATING from the loud music!  lol

sorry so blurry!

Thanks for stopping by, I'll be back tomorrow with a simple Cricut creation for gift giving!
Blessings!