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NOTE:  Changes were made to this post to protect the innocent and those with vivid imaginations!

Today has been a day of hope and daydreams.  The Power Ball lottery is up to 320 million so talk about daydreams...wooowewewe.  What would I do...well with only one ticket the odds don't look that good but what the heck you can't win if you don't play so I think its okay to pay $2 on a dream.

This post will be shorter than normal because I am rather tired.  After working all day, I had to come home and convince my daughter-in-law to take the braids out of my hair when she left work at 9:00 pm, and that took about an hour.  Then into the shower I went to finish up with some hot water running through my hair, and that killed about 30 minutes.  Now I am sitting here in front of my computer wearing a nightie from the 1930s that has been cut to resemble a shirt (someone got happy with the scissors, so there's not much marterial left in my opinion) with the ugliest birds flying on it....where in the Sam Hill did I get this thing, and the bigger question is why did I keep it.  Who put this thing on me? (God I hope my webcam isn't on).  Did I mention that I am also talking to my BFF (Joyce on the phone) with a towel wrapped around my wet noggin as the water drips down my neck and face and I continue to stare at this screen.

Guess I should go and at least blow dry this mess before I get to tired, after all I am expected to go to work tomorrow.  Wonder what outfit I'm going to wear...I mean it has to match this hairstyle I'm fixin to whip up (surprise surprise).

In between everything that I did today I was still able to pull the winner for my mid-month challenge entry draw, so without holding you guys in suspense any further allow me to send a great big

CONGRATULATIONS TO

LISA S.  FOR HER ENTRY #8

YOU ARE THE WINNER OF A SATURATED CANARY DIGI IMAGE OF YOUR CHOICE

(please contact Mema usingthe "email me button" in the right sidebar or just email Lesia at lesia1707@att.net)

Remember you have until August 18th to claim your prize

Now that we've taken care of announcing our winner, I'd like to remind you that we will have another drawing on August 30th so hang around for a while.  Additionally, we might have a grab bag winner should I get 7 more followers so tell your friends to check out my blog and if they like it then join our team.

I never like to blog without sharing something so I am going to post a few scrapbook pages that I did a few months back.  I hope you enjoy them.

They look like sisters but they are actually cousins.  Go Figure.

This is my one of my girls (grans)

This photo is a glamour shot I had taken to celebrate reaching the big 50. 

My grand-daughter and name sake.  She is very versatile in her extracurricular activities.

Well my lovelies, it is now past 10 pm and that is not a good thing for me.  I should be snoring, slobbering, moaning, groaning or yelling at the dog to scoot over or something.  In other words I should be in the bed and close to meeting Mr. Sandman, so I am going to wish you all a good-night and and best wishes for a better tomorrow where ever you are.

Remember to find beauty in all things and then...take time to create your own.





Just For The Men

Hey Out There!! Can you believe that Father's Day is just around the corner and I hope all your crafters have been working away creating those cards for Dad and friends that are dads. Well I certainly have and I have a couple of cards I created for my boys that I would like to share with you so here goes.

My first card was inspired by the very talented Marianne, a lady that I think is absolutely marvelous in her designs. She challenges me with her work and I love it.  Here is another photo showing where your personal message would go.

I used Kraft paper and inked it up a lot and I mean alot. The patterned paper is from a papaper pack I discovered at Tuesday Morning (who knew, right?). I love how this card turned out.
Card Statistics:
The base is 5x7 and the 1st mat was cut at 4.75 x 6.75. The second mat  was cut at 4.5 x 6.5.  The border measures 4.5 x 2 and the straps measure 2 x .75. The personal message insert measures 4 x 7 and its mat is 6.08 x 3.5.

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:
Tammy's Scrapin' Corner - Father's Day/Male
Try It on Tuesdays: Anything Goes
The Kraft Journal-Cards For Him 
Make It Monday - Always Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp and Show - Anything Goes
Cards For Men - Challenge 12 Father's Day

This is the most challenges I have ever entered at one time! Thanks for stopping by.

Fan Cards and Tent Cards

This is starting to be a habit...finding tutorials and trying them out. You've seen my little gift box which wasn't so bad, but for my next test I had to contact the creator of this little fan card. Granted mine is amateurish (is that a word) to say the least so if you would like to see the master creator's version visit Inky Angel's blog for one of her fabulous fan designs. This is my first attempt but I promise you I will try again and hopefully will do better. 
When I tell you that I had to bring out math books, reach out to family members I am not joking! Between radius, diameters, protractors and compasses, I wasn't sure I would get the concept...but now that I have, everyone should watch out.   
This first snapshot is the card laying on its side (It's a bit darker than it really is). The Tim Holtz clip in the upper right corner doesn't belong (that reminded me of the kid's song that says "which of the items doesn't belong", and for some reason I found my words funny...go figure. Anyway as I was saying the clip is there because I made a small mistake that couldn't be corrected so I had to use the clip to keep the card closed. That's how we learn right? Well the next snapshot is the fan standing up.
This snapshot got lighter (but a more true color) and I'm not sure why, but here you can see the little pocket on the front that holds a tag where the sentiment can go.  By the way before you put the pieces together you really must decorate...that was mistake number 2 for me. Yep this little project had lots of mistakes for me...but it sure was fun figuring out things.  Glad I used regular paper and not my paper stash that I have yet to convince myself that it will be okay to cut.  I know you ladies know what I am talking about....be honest.  .    

My final snapshot shows the fan open. Excuse the non-decorations but like I said lots of learning opportunities came with this project. Katie was kind enough to share her secrets with me just so I could get started. Be sure and visit her blog so you can see how lovely this fan can truly be. Here's the link to her  Shabby Vintage Fan Card and the link to fan #2.  She also created a tutorial along with another fan card which is stunning.  Click here for the tutorial and yet another fan card.

The next card I want to share was fairly simple if you follow the instructions correctly. By the way I recommend that everyone have at least one cutter that has measurements in centimeters and inches.  It comes in handy. The next card is another tutorial so I didn't do a lot of planning for it but it turned out okay.  Here you go.

It turned out really cute although my snapshot doesn't show it that well.  I stamped and colored Tilda and then cut her out so she could dangle in the oval cutout. In hindsight the next one I make I will add a scenary behind the oval so it will add an illusion to the card, additionally decide a different way to dangle the image should I use one.  This little card has great potential and has invoked a lot of ideas for me.  I actually excited about creating my next one.  The next snapshot is missing...forgot to take the snap.  It was one from the side so you could see how I put the pieces together to form the tent. I'm adding the tutorial to my blog in case anyone wants to try their hand at it. You would put your personal message on the back of the card and by the way it folds flat to create a 6x6 card. I wasn't going to show the back because it is so unfinished. 

Like I said on the back you would place your personal message and/or greeting.  I was trying to show that but was in to much of a hurry and the camera captured my mistake....my sentiment is crooked...not a little...it appears to be the Leaning Tower of Pisa..(so sad).  But it is what my BFF (Joyce) and I refer to as a demo card, but I broke the rule that states a demo will never be posted.  She is going to talk about me and I can hear her now "what were you thinking" or "how do you plan to fix that." She's a funny gal but she is my BFF and she'll get over it, then proceed to figure it out and show me the error of my ways.  After all in the end she'll love me anyway (at least I hope so).

And to all my followers I love you guys and hope you will continue to

"find beauty in all things, and then go create your own"

Little Gift Box

This week for some reason I have been finding tutorials and trying my hand at them. Rather than chat you up, I think for this post I will just let you see my creations and hopefully get inspired.  So here we go.....

This is the box standing up on it's side.
The paper is from Die Cut With A View and the flowers are Prima. I used a Tim Holts fastener and a few brads to work as hinges.  The pearls are Zva creation.  I left an open space beneath the pearls in the corner to add my sentiment or greeting later.

This view allows you to see the hinged brads that work to allow the top to open and shut.


Not real sure why I took this photo but anyway it shows the box from an angle with it closed.

Here you can see the box opened and filled with the little Ande's mint candies.


Well that's all I have everybody.  Hope this inspires you to challenge yourselves and try new things.  This was a huge step outside my comfort zone but I enjoyed it.


And now I'm going back to YouTube University for another adventure...not Master Level but interesting enough to challenge me, and make throw a few things and maybe even stomp my feet.

I'm think I'm getting sleepy so until we chat again remember...."find beauty in all things and then go and create your own"

Mother Day Wishes

I want to wish all my mommies out there a Happy Mother's Day! I was treated to breakfast/brunch by my grand-daughter and her mom. Actually it was more like brunch with all my breakfast favorites. Then after getting full and feeling quite lazy my boys decided it would be good to take me shopping and it was such fun.  I didn't drain them and I did remind them to grab the coupons out of my bin and off we went to get more stuff for my crafting room...like I really need something else and where to put these things will be a challenge all by its self (laughing right about now). My cards were all gorgeous and I find the words carry such a different meaning for me now that I'm older (empty-nest syndrome..going on 35 yrs) (he he laughing again). 

Most folks when they divorce they don't keep contact with their ex, but my ex and I are the best of friends.  I can count on him to remember all the holidays and sometimes the just because kicks in.  This year he got me once again a Coach purse (my favorite brand), and a pair of diamond stud earrings.  Between the cards, the gifts and the attention I think I cried to hard for make-up so I looked a hot mess and then memories of my own Mom settled in and more tears came.  I did eventually stop crying long enough to say farewell to the youngin's and the phone finally stopped ringing and I was able to just sit back and relax.

It must have been to much for my heart to take because today, is a different story. I didn't get out of bed until after lunch time and was totally starving but could tell that it would not be a good idea to eat what I had in my house but going outside with my allergies was a NO NO so instead I ordered Chinese food and had it delivered.  So now that I've wolfed that down, and made this post I think I will say good-nite to all my lovely followers.

Thank you for taking time to stop by and visit and I hope to see you again real soon.  Don't forget to .............."find beauty in all things and then go create your own."

BTW: If you haven't entered my Bingo challenge scroll down and join us!

Another Challenge

Well it's time for me to post another challenge entry. Since it is kinda late in my neck of the woods I won't waste time.  Here's this week's card.

I thought this little image was just plain adorable.  I had planned to use her in a valentine card but couldn't find her and then all of a sudden there she was so I had to use her.  The image is from Bugaboo Stamps and the paper is DCWV.  I colored her with copics R39, 37, 35, 25, 27, 29 and RV17.

I used paper from the same paper pack to finish the inside.  I added a doily to follow the layout of the front of the card and then added the border.  I am entering this card in the Wednesday Sketch Challenge SC031412 hosted by The Outlawz.

Well that's all folks.....see ya next time.

"find beauty in all things and then go and create your own beauty"

March 2014 Challenge

Yep, it's another challenge and since there are 5 Saturdays and the 15th actually falls on a Saturday, we decided to announce a winner every Saturday and call it the month where "Every Saturday is A Winner!"

Lots of prizes and excitement!  So get your entries in early to have 4 chances to win and you have choices. Just follow one of the sketches below and join in the fun because this challenge theme is...

SKETCH YOUR WAY

(you choose either sketch)

Additionally we are pleased to announce three sponsors this month.

Stitchy Bear Digital Outlet (SBDO)

I'm proud to welcome a new sponsor (drum roll) yeah and a great big thank you to Stitchy Bear Digital Outlet who is offering one winner their choice of 3 digital images from their store.  Stitchy Bear has been in business since 2010, providing a wealth of images created by a group of very talented creators.  If you have visited lately, please do so and see what they have to offer.

Rick St Dennis (RSD)

We're pleased to welcome back Rick St Dennis as a sponsor.  Rick is offering one winner 4 digital images from his array of intricate and detailed images. Rick currently boast of over 600 images that come in a variety of styles to meet your crafting needs.  Be sure and check out his new Zibbet store for more choices.  

7Kids College Fund

Join me in welcoming a new sponsor to our family.  7Kids College Fund is an arts and crafts store that can supply you with all crafting needs. The owner, Tabitha is offering one lucky winner a $25 gift certificate toward any purchase in her store.

**********************************************************************

To get this party started Mema's Crafts has the privilege of introducing two of Rick's own Elite Designers.  Help me welcome our March Guest Designers, Julia and KristyLee, who are graciously sharing their talent with us.

RSD GDT - Julia Vasquez

(sketch 2)

Rick St Dennis - The Original Morning Goddess.

RSD GDT - KristyLee

(sketch1)

Before I continue I would like everyone to say a prayer of recovery for Joyce (BFF), who was recently hospitalized.  We all hope she will recover quickly because we love and miss her.  Leave a comment on her blog "My Enchanted Paper Creations".

Ari

(sketch1-design by Ari;
colored by Mema using Copics & Spectrum Noir)

Rick St Dennis digital Image "Gypsy Wagon"

Ari

(sketch2-colored with Spectrum Noir)

Stitchy Bear Image - Pookie Designs "Flirty Frog"

Joyce
(variation sketch2-colored with Copics)

Stitchy Bear Image-Hope Jacare Doodles "Thistle Cross"

Back of tent card has "The Lord's Prayer" printed on it.

Joyce

(sketch1 colored with copics)

Rick St Dennis "Out-house2"

Joyce

(sketch2 colored with copics)

Stitchy Bear Outlet - "Who's The Boss"

Gabbi

(sketch1-colored with Letraset Promarkers)

Rick St Dennis Image "Lady Hat 1940"

Lesia

(sketch2-colored with Spectrum Noir)

Rick St Dennis "Mailboxes"

Lesia
(sketch1-colored with Spectrum Noir)

Stitchy Bear Digital Outlet - Delicious Doodles Katarina

Supplies used to create these cards and lots of other crafting supplies can be purchased at 7Kids College Fund so make sure you check out this store. 

Designer Papers:  My Minds Eye, Authentique, Bazzil

Flowers and Bling: Prima 

Copic Markers

Spellbinders Dies: Circle, Scalloped Circle, Rectangles, Decorative Labels

So there you have our interpretations and now its your turn to share.  Good Luck!

Triangle Tri-Fold Card

Dawn Olchefske, Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

dostamping@yahoo.com, 612-269-5540

http://dostamping.typepad.com
Supplies:

 4" x 12" piece of Rich Razzleberry Cardstcok

 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" piece of Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper (cut in half diagonally)

 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" piece of Pale Plum Cardstock (for inside panel)

 2-7/8" x 2-7/8" piece of Old Olive (for punched front panel)

 2-3/16" x 2-3/16" piece of Rich Razzleberry (to layer on Old Olive punched panel)

 Scrap of Rich Razzleberry (for cutting butterflies)

 22" Old Olive Satin Ribbon

 Vintage Labels stamp set (FREE with $50 order)

 Scallop Border Trim Punch (FREE with $50 order)

 Scallop Corner Punch

 Scallop Circle Punch

 Paper Trimmer w/Scoring Blade

 Beautiful Wings Embosslit

 Big Shot Die Cut Machine

 Stampin' Sponge

 Stampin' Dimensionals

Instructions:

4" x 12" piece of Rich Razzleberry Cardstock

1. Score 4" x 12" piece of cardstock at 4" x 8"

2. Fold each side into the center

3. Score each side on the diagonal (both in the same direction)

4. Fold each diagonal away from you.

5. Decorate the triangles indicated with an arrow with half of the 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" (which was cut in have on the diagonal)

6. Tie off with ribbon and pull all the way to the right.

7. When adding the decorative panel to the front, only adhere it to one of the "triangles" (so your card will be able to open).