Friday, December 27, 2013

The Outlawz Alcohol Markers Anything Goes/Christmas Twist Challenge

I'm back with my second and last post today. Although I have made several Christmas cards lately, and Christmas is over for another year, I decided to use this opportunity to get a head start on my cards for next year. I am tired of not having enough cards to distribute in December. So, if I can make a couple a month from here until December 2014, I should be in much better shape than I was for this year.

And isn't that just the pits--we are already at a new year. How is that possible? It seems like just yesterday that we were saying hello to 2013. Oh, my. The older I get, the faster time goes. And I don't really want to rush headlong into the end of my life. So, if someone could please slow down time for me, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

Since Gary isn't feeling great, we are watching TV instead of going out and about. And he got us started on another series, called Damages. It ran for five seasons and ended last year, but we never saw an episode until this week. It is really convoluted, but we made it through season one and are already watching episodes from season two. Crazy show--it jumps back and forth from the past to the present, and makes it a bit confusing for a couple of old farts. We will soldier on, though, and keep watching. Especially since our regular shows are on holiday hiatus.

We are really excited about next Friday! That's when our espresso machine is to be delivered. We need to arrange for some plumbers to come in and connect the machine to our refrigerator water line. They need to install a water softening system first, though, as we don't want hard water to muck up the machine right away. We'd best get in gear and make our arrangements, huh?

OK, for this card I found a darling image to use: Make It Crafty Scruffy, which I printed on MICBC and colored with my Copics:

Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20
Hair: Y21, YR24, YR27
Bells: Y11, Y15, Y26, Y28
Outfit: B32, B34, B37, B39, BG70, BG72, BG75, T0, T1

My DP is from the Bo Bunny Elf Magic collection. I paired it with Stampin' Up CS. I used several dies in making this card:

Spellbinders Circles
Cheery Lynn French Flair Classic Stackers
Cheery Lynn French Flair Scalloped Stackers
Cheery Lynn Bow and Bell
Cheery Lynn Holly Corner
Memory Box Jolly Jingle Bells

My design comes from the Make It Crafty Facebook Sketch Challenge, so I will enter this into that challenge and into the CMC Copic Holiday Themed Challenge as well.

 

Please stop by The Outlawz to see the fabulous cards by my talented teammates, Carla, Dawn, and Linda. And then please join us this week. We are looking forward to your entries!

Have a great weekend! (We'll be at the Cardinals/49'ers game, screaming like banshees for a Cardinals' win. We'll need help from Tampa Bay, though, in order for us to get a play-off spot. New Orleans needs to lose to them. Keep your fingers crossed for us, OK?) And then I hope you have a safe and Happy New Year!


Friday Sketch Challenge #59 Reminder/Cindy's Sympathy Card

Good Friday morn! Hope your Christmas was as lovely as mine was! Our weather was a bit cool, but beautiful. And we had a simply wonderful dinner at our daughter's home--the family Italian spaghetti recipe, (although we are not Italian). Loved it! The granddaughters were such a delight to be with--they are getting so grown-up! So the conversation was wonderful, the food was divine, and we received some lovely gifts. What more could you ask for on Christmas? Well, perhaps good health! We seem to have suffered a bit of a relapse--Gary's cold is worse today than it's been for two weeks. But, we'll survive...

Did you get out in the crazy crowd yesterday to shop the bargains? I did not. We've already established that I am an on-line shopper. There was one year where Gary and I got out early the day after Christmas to get decorations at Dillard's. What a mess! I think we got some nice things at great prices, but I was stepped on, shoved around, and over-all ticked off. That's no way to spend the day after Christmas in my mind's eye. So I just stay home in my nice warm lounging clothes--reading or watching TV or making cards. Much safer.

On to today's card. Our sketch this fortnight is #59, sponsored by All That Scraps, which is offering two digis to our lucky winner:



My nephew's mother-in-law passed away on Thanksgiving, so I wanted to send a sympathy card to Craig, his wife, Cindy, and their family. I chose Saturated Canary So Sorry for my image, printed it on MICBC, and colored it with the following Copics:

Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20
Hair: E43, E44, E47, E49
Balloon/Clothing: BG70, BG72, R00, R01, RV52, RV55, B34, B37, B39

The DP is from the Carta Bella Wildflower collection; I Zutterized it and paired it with DCWV CS. I finished the image with Some Wink of Stella Brush Silver and Stardust Stickles. I added a Stampin' Up Always in My Thoughts sentiment, a corner cut with an SCACD Classic Corner die, and some ribbon I dyed with Copic ink. And that's it!

Please check out our sketch challenge and the beautiful inspiration by my teammates. And then you have another week to join us. Hope you are having fun crafting during this holiday season!

I will be back with another post shortly. 


Friday, December 20, 2013

The Outlawz Alcohol Markers Happy New Year Challenge

Yup, it is Friday again. The last one before Christmas--EEK! I. am. not. ready. Let's be clear about that. It didn't help that Gary and I caught colds this past weekend, so I have been really sluggish for a few days. I missed out on three parties, darn it all anyway. Was looking forward to all of them, so: bummer, bummer, bummer. Pfffffffffft!

Needless to say, that new car is not being driven much of anywhere. But I am driving it today as I am going to lunch with sister, Merrilyn, after mailing my Christmas cards. I am now O-U-T of cards. Yup, didn't make enough again this year. So what else is new? If you didn't get one from me, I am so sorry. Will try to do better this next year. I wonder if I should start sending Christmas letters like my cousin does every year. Only mine would have to be funny. Like my aunt's was the one year she sent out a letter. It was hilarious; everything bad in the world was happening to them that year, but she managed to make it all sound very humorous. Of course, she had a good sense of humor--it helps to start with that. Perhaps I should just forget it.

Today is the 20th of December, 2013. Which means that our granddaughter, Brynn Elizabeth, is now 10 years old. I ask you, how is that possible? It was just yesterday that she was banging her head on the wall during her baby temper tantrums. How could 10 years have flown by that quickly. (Btw, she no longer bangs her head against the wall. Or the floor. At least that I know of. Perhaps I should ask Angela. Or not. Maybe I don't really want to know.)

So, for those of you who are wondering, and I am almost positive that maybe one person out there cares, I am in the finals in one of my four Fantasy Football leagues. Woohoo. Of course, it's not in the league that I was in first or second place for the entire season, with a 10-4 record. Oh, no, hubby had to beat me in the first round of the playoffs in that league, the dirty dog. But, if I had to lose to someone, I guess it was best that it was Gary. No, I am in the finals in the league where I came in fourth, with a paltry 6-7-1 record. Gag me. I don't expect to win; I am, after all, playing my son-in-law, who led his division the entire season and ended up with an 8-6 record, and has a really good team. Much more respectable than mine. (In the first playoff game, I managed to beat the guy in my division, who had an 11-3 record--best in the league. Knowing he was pi**ed, lol.) If I should win this league, it will be my third time in five years, which isn't half bad. OK, enough of that.

In case you were wondering, and I am sure that you were not, we finally decided on an espresso machine. It took hours and hours of research, which should have been much better spent on making Christmas cards, but, oh well...

Anyway, we picked out the Izzo Alex Tre, which has been slowly making it's way to New York from Italy. Very slowly. Like for a couple of months slowly. But, I got the email yesterday that the machine is finally in and they are shipping it out to us. Whoooopeeeee! This I am really excited about! We are also getting a Mazzer Mini grinder and a whole bunch of accessories that are needed to make espressos and cappuccinos. However, they did not have the milk wash, nor the demitasse spoons, so I had to order those from Amazon. They arrived yesterday, much in advance of the machine, but at least they are here.

So how long do you think it is going to take me to become a proficient barista? I would wager it'll take several pounds' worth of coffee, don't you think? Hope I don't break the machine before I master it! I am almost afraid to get really good at it; Gary will probably send me to work in an espresso shop after he retires. (Good luck with that!)

Well, I've wasted enough of your time today. On to my card. I chose the image that Jo, from Time for Tea Designs, so graciously supplied to our DT. Another cutie, don't you think? I printed her on MICBC and colored her with my Copics:

Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20
Hair: E11, E13, E15, E18
Stockings/Eyes: YG91, YG93, YG95
Dress/Shoes: G000, BG32, BG34, E40, E41, E42
List: E40, E41, E42

I chose DP from the Basic Grey Aspen Frost collection and Zutterized it, (distressed it with my Zutter). Yeah, I thought I'd coin a new word. Whatev. I paired the Zutterized DP with Stampin' Up CS. I added cheesecloth, lace and braided trim to my design, as well as some die cuts, (now there's a shocker for ya). I used the following dies:

Cheery Lynn Snowflake Mesh Border (cut apart)
Cheery Lynn Snowflake 2
Cheery Lynn Pinwheel Doily
Memory Box Frosty Border
Whimsy Mini Ticket (stamped with Holiday Mini Ticket sentiments)

That's it. That's the end. That's all she wrote. Oh, not quite. Almost. I don't expect to see a lot of entries this week, since it is Christmas week. But I hope, if you have a chance, you will stop and see my teammates' cards: they're so cute! And maybe that will inspire you to color up something this week after all. If you have time. 

As I won't be posting again until after Christmas, I want to wish each and every one of you, who celebrates it, to have a very Merry Christmas. And for those of you who don't, have a lovely holiday week! See you again next Friday. In the meantime, I will catch up on your fabulous blogs!


Friday, December 13, 2013

Jellypark Friends Christmas Challenge Reminder

Hey, everyone, this is my last post today! (I bet you're happy about that! Or not.) Anyway, we have a month-long challenge going on at Jellypark Friends. Due to the busy holiday season, we thought it best for just one challenge this month. And by the looks of it, you are happy we chose Christmas for our theme! Great to see so much participation! Thank you all for that!

Jellypark Friends had exciting news to share at the beginning of the month! We had some wonderful, creative people join our DT. Be sure to read the post from the November 29th to acquaint yourselves with these talented gals. I am looking forward to working with them starting in January!

Our winner for the month will receive 3 digis as their prize! And there are so many cute images to choose from. For my card I chose a darling Christmas tree from Claire's collection, as I definitely needed more Christmas cards to give out. (I am still woefully short. What's an old lady to do? Buy the rest? Bite your tongue!)

My DP is from the Bo Bunny Silver and Gold collection; it was distressed with my Zutter and paired with Stampin' Up and Bazzill CS. My image was printed on MICBC and then colored with Copics and Twin Touch Brush markers:

G24, G28, TTBG51, E08, E09, Y23, Y26, TTBR104, C4, C5

I added some Wink of Stella Brush Clear to the stars and lights on the tree. Then pearl stickers were added for ornaments. A bit of ribbon and some die cuts finished my card. I used the following dies:

Cheery Lynn Merry Christmas
Cheery Lynn Snowflake Mesh Border
Cheery Lynn Holly Corner

If you haven't joined us yet this month, I do hope you get the chance to do so. I am looking forward to seeing more Christmas creations! I want to wish you all a very happy holiday season and a Merry Christmas. And have a great weekend!


Friday Sketch Challenge Reminder

And now for my second post today. This is a reminder for our Friday Sketch Challenge. We are sponsored by 2 Cute Ink this fortnight. If you are not familiar with them, do go and check out their darling images. Cute as a bug's ear. Actually, I have never seen a bug's ear. But take my word for it, these images are very cute!


And here is our current sketch, which is a fun one to work with. So please, take time out of your busy schedules and create a card using this sketch!  


For my part, I chose Reindeer Lights. I printed him on MICBC and colored him with the following Copics and Twin Touch Brush markers:

E55, TTBR101, G00, BG32, T1, E08, E09, E40, E41, E42

I added a bit of Wink of Stella Brush Clear to his nose and the lights, and added some Frantage to the image. I selected my DP from the Pink Paislee Snow Village collection, distressed it with my Zutter, and paired it with Stampin' Up CS. My die cuts were made with Spellbinders Circles, Marianne Designs Doily Round #168, and Whimsy Mini Ticket. The sentiment is from the Whimsy Holiday Mini Ticket collection. Some ribbon and a reindeer button finish off the card.

Do check out the creations by my talented teammates, and then join us this fortnight! We are looking forward to seeing all of your creations! 

(I'll be back with just one more post.)


The Outlawz Alcohol Markers Color Challenge/Brynn's Birthday Card

Hey, it's Friday again: ergo, time for a new challenge at The Outlawz Alcohol Markers group. All levels are welcome and encouraged; you just need to use alcohol markers of any brand to be eligible for our challenge and prize. We have a really good one this month. Our new sponsor is Time for Tea Designs; our winner will receive 3 digis from this shop--and they are cuties, believe me! So much fun to color up!


Our challenge this week is a color challenge--otherwise known as a colour challenge. Now I cannot say that Americans spell this correctly, as we took our language from the English. So their spelling should be correct. But, here it is not. (It's so confusing, and I am so easily confused.) Suffice it to say, just follow the palette you see below. 'K? 


And before I get to my card for the week, I have to apologize to those of you whose blogs I have not commented on for days. I will catch up this weekend--promise! I have been otherwise engaged the past few days--you know, making cards, going to football games, (yay, Cardinals!), buying a new car. Yes, you heard me correctly. I got a new car for Christmas. How about that? 

It's a funny story, at least to me. Gary took my TL in Saturday to get a tire replaced, which had been punctured by a nail. (That makes three of them for this car. What's up with that?) Anyway, to make a long story short, he looked at new cars at the Acura dealer, got a quote on a trade-in, then took me to look that evening. And on Sunday morning we went back a bought a really pretty TSX. Before we went to the football game. Really? Yup, pinch me, but it's real. And that hurt--you didn't have to pinch so hard...

So, here is a photo of my new car, which I just might name Tessanne. You know, for the Jamaican gal on The Voice, (I 'heart' her voice, btw). Tessanne for TSX. Get it? No. Well, poop on you then. (Oh, sorry. I am a little giddy right now.)


Yup, there she is, in all her glory on the showroom floor. With a big red bow on her hood. Boohoo, I did not get the bow. Of course, it would have flown off the car once we got her on the freeway. So there's that.

Anyway, the moral of the story is: send your hubby to the dealer when you have a flat tire on an eight-year old car. He just might find you a new one! (Wink!)

And now to my card, which just happens to be my granddaughter's birthday card this month. Poor Brynn, born on the 20th, and forever sharing her birthday with Christmas looming. Kids with birthdays so close to Christmas always seem to get the short end of the stick, don't they? (So glad my birthday is halfway through the year! I get more toys that way. Snort.)

I needed a sketch to get me motivated for some reason. So I chose this one from Seems a Little Sketchy


I picked Time for Tea Designs Happy Birthday for my image. Another cutie, isn't she? I printed her on MICBC and colored her with the following Copics:

Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20
Hair: Y21, YR23, E33, E35
Dress: YG91, YG93, YG95, YG97
Shoes: R32, R37, R39, RV06
Cake: YG21, Y04, Y06

A bit of Copic Spica Lipstick was added to her dress trim, hair bands, and frosting. 

My DP is from the Basic Grey Hello Luscious collection; it was distressed with my Zutter and paired with Stampin' Up CS. I added one SU brad and some Hero sparkle gems after added my die cuts--which were made with the following dies:

MFT Double Scallop Border
Doohickey So Wrapped Lovely Heart
Doohickey Doily Flower
Whimsy Ticket and Mini Ticket

Sentiments came from the Whimsy Treasured Moments Tickets and Celebration Mini Tickets collections. And that does it for this week's edition.

My design teammates have made some fab cards this week--do stop to check them out. Then, get out your markers and "color" up something using our palette above. We do understand that everyone is busy at this time of year, but if you have time, we'd really love to see your creations.

I'll be back with two more cards today. Yes, it is that week again! (Sorry.)


Friday, December 6, 2013

The Outlawz Alcohol Markers National Put on Your Shoes Day Challenge

Happy Friday! And once more we venture into the abyss. Whaaaaat? Oh, never mind; I'm just a little weirded out today. Hey, before I get to The Outlawz Alcohol Markers Shoe Challenge, I am going to catch you up on my holiday week--for those who are interested. For those who aren't, well just never-you-mind--go directly to my card, do not pass GO and collect $200. 'K?

Before I started writing this I had a large coffee. And I am buzzed. Wildly so. So if none of this makes any sense, chalk it up to the caffeine. I was thinking about all sorts of things I could tell you before I sat down to write. And they all sounded really good in my head. (They had good company with all the little voices in there.) But now, for the life of me, I can't remember what I wanted to tell you--or how I wanted to say it. So I will just meander...

We spent the week of Thanksgiving in San Francisco. And I left my heart there. Truly. Can't figure out why that city drew me in so much. It has a lot of tall buildings, which I could not leap in a single bound. And it has a lot of hills. Not so sure about the dales. We did lots of walking while we were there. We had a car for Tuesday only--so we could drive down to Prunedale, (yes, there is actually a town named that--north of Salinas), to visit Tom and Vicki, friends from the days of showing cats. Long time ago. And hadn't seen them in years. We had a delicious Dungeness crab dinner at their beautiful home and much fun visiting for a few hours. Have to remember to send a thank-you card. Keep thinking about it when I am not near my craft room.

Excuse me for a second...ok, I just put a note on my craft desk to send that thank-you card to Tom and Vicki. Now, I will remember!

We flew into SF after going to the Cardinals/Colts game. Which we won. In fine fashion. To promptly lose the following week at Philly. Drat! We had hopes for playoffs this year, but not so much now. Oh, well...at least the Cards have improved on last year's record. Which, when you think about it, wasn't really hard to do. I digress, as I am wont to do when buzzed by lots of caffeine. So sorry.

We stayed at Le Meridien San Francisco, which is in the Financial District. Right next to the Embarcadero shopping district and a couple of blocks from Chinatown. And, if you walk through the four blocks of Embarcadero shopping, you wind up across the street from the Ferry Building, with lots more shopping. Fun. So many shops! Great cappuccinos at the Blue Bottle. And there is a mushroom shop with mushrooms I have never heard of nor seen before. If I lived there, I would be buying lots of mushies for salads and steaks as I sipped my Blue Bottle cappuccino. Heaven. In a fun-gus sort of way. (Sorry, I couldn't help myself--it's that darn coffee.) There were so many shops and kiosks open at the Ferry Building the day before Thanksgiving. But we didn't even stop there on that Monday. We just walked, and walked, and walked, down the Fisherman's Wharf to get to Pier 39. Which is a tourist trap of sorts. But fun to check out anyway.

We had lunch at Pier 39--some fish, of course. It was good, but I have had better in Hawaii. (Snarky, aren't I?) We did a bit of shopping in the gift shops for peeps back home.  Oh, and there are a bazillion noisy sea lions at Pier 39. Not sure what they were saying, but since they were crowded on top of each other on the docks, it probably wasn't a very nice conversation. Pier 39 sits pretty much across from Alcatraz, which we wanted to visit. But we were not aware you had to make reservations weeks in advance, so no Alcatraz for you, (or us, as the case was.) Next time. And I do want to go back, because we didn't get to the Coit Tower, either, though we walked all the way around it on the "Streets of San Francisco". Little play on words there. If you are old enough, you will get the reference. If not, I envy you your youth.

After lunch and shopping we walked to Ghirardelli Square, which was much ado about nothing, really. But we did walk there. By now my dogs were complaining. (My feet, for those of you who don't understand the slang). And yet we walked a few more blocks to get to the cable car. Had to ride one. And now that I have, I will never need to again. You stand in a lonnnnng line to get on one, pay a lot for the ride, and it is noisy and very bumpy. And a bit scary to get off, as they let you out in the middle of the street. With traffic coming. Oh, and speaking of that traffic, it is insane! I have never heard so much horn-honking in my life. People drive like maniacs, parking is impossible, and everyone's vehicles are really banged up. Nope. I don't plan on driving in SF ever. But I will be happy to walk there again.

We had to transfer to get on another cable car to get back to our hotel. Hmmmpf! At least we were told we could transfer by the first cable car operator. Ha! Not so much. We had to pay again. It was OK--cheaper than a taxi, and believe me, there was no way I was walking down that mountain hill back to the hotel. Talk about steep! The cable car guys were standing on the brakes the whole way down. The cable car was worth trying once, though, and now I can cross that off my bucket list.

We ate at the hotel twice the first day, and I must say their food was great! So was the service. And the accommodations were fabulous! Beautiful big room with modern furnishings and a wonderful view of the bay. If not for the ugly crane in the distance. But hey, I just blocked that out, for the most part. The night-time view was really pretty with all the lights.

I think I am crashing after my caffeine high. Things are starting to slow down for me. Including my typing. Pardon me if I start to make sense now. We also walked to the downtown shopping district. Holy moly, Rocky! Their stores are HUGE!!! I couldn't believe it. Went to Macy's to get some new tennies, and the shoe department is as big as our whole Macy's store in Gilbert. What's up with that? I would hate to work in that department! You'd need skates to go get shoes for people. And a little red wagon. Hey, that actually sounds like fun...

We did see some cool designer stores. Like Jimmy Choo's. His shoes are really gorgeous, but I would never buy a pair--too expensive. And I'd break my neck trying to walk in them. Besides, I think you need to be frisked by the guy at the door before you can walk in. We did go into Barney's. First time I have been in one, though there is one here in Scottsdale. Might be the last time, too. It was obvious we aren't Barney-shoppers. They could tell by looking at our clothing. So they chose to ignore us. Which was OK with me--I didn't have to tell them I was "just looking". Anyway, it was fun to see San Francisco's gargantuan stores. Next time we go I will do more "window-shopping".

And we spent some time in Chinatown. Now that was an experience. I really enjoyed our time there, except for the street guy who cursed us out when we walked by him. Hopefully, he was mentally deranged. Otherwise there was just no excuse for that verbal bashing. I took a photo of him from across the street. 'Cuz that's the way I roll.

Anyway, we did a bit of shopping in a couple of the stores there. And then spent two hours with the funniest Malaysian/Chinese guy in a tea store called Vital Tealeaf. (The store, not the guy. His name was Kenny. Not really, but his Chinese name is unbeknownst to me, and he called himself Kenny.) They do tea tastings, and sell loose tea. But you don't go in to buy a cup of tea. Just so you know. We had a blast with this dude. He was hilarious. Some gals came in asking for a weight-loss tea. He said you could buy any tea, drink it and lose weight. Just as long as you exercised and ate the right foods. I don't think these girls were impressed with his answer. But I laughed my butt off. (If only. Wishful thinking on my part.) We had some wonderful tea. And we bought a lot of it. Just not the one that costs $800 per pound, even if it was really delicious.

Our Thanksgiving dinner was at One Market, an elegant restaurant down near the Ferry Building. We were given a table next to the window, but, more importantly, it was near a waiter. And a very clever waiter, as he talked us into a bottle of Pinot Noir. A really delicious Pinot that went with both of our entrees. We didn't know it was $98 until we got the bill! Like I said, we had an efficient and very clever waiter. To start the meal, there was an amuse bouche--which, truth be told, didn't do much for either of us. It had duck liver pate, which I didn't try, but Gary did. And he didn't like it. It also had a tabbouleh salad, which was really moist and perfectly seasoned. Then there were some pickled veggies, which were meh. So much for that.

For our first course, Gary had a Golden Lentil soup with cauliflower, puffed rice & yogurt, which he said was pretty good--a compliment, coming from him. I had a fabulous Warm Quince & Pt. Reyes Blue salad with baby wild, (or wild baby), arugula and toasted pecans. I almost licked the plate, it was so flavorful. (Plus, I was hungry.)

We had different main courses, too. He had the Roasted Willy Bird Turkey with mashed potatoes, cornbread-sausage stuffing, root vegetables, and a shallot-thyme gravy. He pronounced it "OK", not exactly a ringing endorsement, hey? I was smart and had the Grilled Mahi Mahi, with shiitake mushrooms, bamboo rice, and coconut milk nage. All I can say is OMG! I wanted to finish it all, because it was beautifully scented and delicately flavored. But I had to save a bit of room for dessert. So my entree was super-delicious, and I would order it again in a heartbeat. Or a New York minute. Whichever came first.

For that favorite course of mine, dessert, Gary ordered the Sonoma Apple Dumpling with brandy-cinnamon sabayon, apple cider raisins, Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream and apple-caramel jus. Well, that was pretty good, but we both agreed that I had the far-better dessert. I had the Sweet Potato-Pumpkin Tart, which was served with butter pecan ice cream and a maple-mascarpone mousse. You can bet your bippy that I finished every bit of it--well, except for the bite that Gary tried. Fabulous, fabulous. Wonderful tender crust, yummy filling--not too rich, but just right. Kind of like Goldilocks and the three bears. For me, the meal was really worth the cost, and I would eat at One Market again anytime.

Another tidbit: people keep telling Gary that he looks like Heisenberg, or Walter White, on Breaking Bad. (I think he secretly loves that.) At one point a waiter told him that the Goorin Hat Company just made a Heisenberg pork pie hat for retail shopping. Gary has been searching for a pork pie hat to wear. Well, we ordered him one. And they sent us two. Why, I am not sure. But both of them were mediums and too big. (Gary has a large brain in a small head--plus he is bald so that makes his head circumference even smaller.) So we sent the two mediums back today and ordered a small. Hopefully only one will be sent, and it will fit when he gets it. The Goorin company made the actual pork pie hat that Walter White, "Heisenberg", wore on the Breaking Bad series. Kewl. Merry Christmas, Gary.

I am really crashing now. I need to finish this up so I can collapse. Or go have some tea. Perhaps a bit of caffeine would help. Before I get to my card, I have to tell you that we also went to the Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park. I had been there as a child--right before my twelfth birthday. It certainly brought back memories, especially the curved bridge that I am pretty sure I climbed as a kid. I wouldn't now--I'd probably fall and break my neck. But I took photos of it anyway. And I got a shot of my ding-dong hubby, doing what I'm not sure. Here he is in all his glory. And then there is the bridge. I like it.



Oh, and just FYI--we did have tea and cookies in the Tea Garden. That, for both of us, was a no-brainer. Let me just say, "Yum!"

So, I actually used a shoe image for my card this week. I chose Jellypark Friends Summer Flip Flops for my image and printed them on MICBC. Then I colored them, and my clouds, with my Copics and Twin Touch Brush markers:

YG61, YG63, G000, G00, C00, C0, R02, E07, E18, TTY44, TTY49

I set up a scene--why, I don't know. Apparently, it seemed like a good idea at the time. I made several die cuts, using the following dies:

Memory Box Big Splash Border
Memory Box Oceana Border
Memory Box Loopy Rings
Marianne Designs Sea Shells
LaLa Land Palm Tree
SCACD Alice's Clock Statement Corner
MFT World Traveler
MFT Fishtail Flags Stax
MFT Grass Border
MFT Cloud Trio

I finished my card with some Washi tape, some rhinestones, and a bit of Wink of Stella Brush Clear. Oh, and my cardstock is from Stampin' Up. 

We have a new sponsor this month: Time for Tea Designs. And the winner will receive 3 digis. The digis I've seen are really cute! And please do check out the fabulous cards by my talented teamies! They are really great inspiration for you. So, get out your markers and color up some shoes. Looking forward to seeing what you create! 

Have a fabulous weekend! (And, if you read this entire piece, consider yourself a fan, or a nutcase. You deserve a reward either way. So, go have some coffee. Or tea, if you prefer.)


Friday, November 29, 2013

Friday Sketch Challenge Reminder/Nicole's Birthday Card


Aha! I killed two birds with one stone! I made a card for the Friday Sketch Challenge reminder and turned it into a birthday card for Nicole, the dessert chef at The Deli. Pretty smart, huh? Especially with the darling Saturated Canary Have Your Cake and Eat it Too image. Appropo, right?

Oh, speaking of dead birds...how's this for a segue? I let Don out in the yard for his early morning piddle--how do you say that nicely? Anyway, he took much longer than usual, so I looked outside to find out why, and saw a slew of bird feathers in our grassy area. (Yes, we do have a bit of grass; the Midwest in Gary came out with this house, and he couldn't do a completely desert landscape again. Bummer, but at least he does the mowing.) Anyway, something moving caught the corner of my eye. And man, that hurt!!! (Just kidding.) Lo and behold, I had a hawk sitting on my fence. Yes, he was eating the remains of the dead bird. So I did get a couple of pictures of him, gross as this is. If you have a sensitive stomach, don't look, OK? Remember, I gave you fair warning!





I took the photos through the window, (at my highest zoom), as I didn't want to "spook" the bird while he was consuming mass quantities. And, if you look at his crop, you can probably tell that he did eat pretty much an entire bird. This guy is not going to go hungry any time soon. Shortly after I took the last photo, he flew away, leaving a bit of dead bird on the top of my fence and a yard full of feathers. Gary flatly refused to clean it up, so I let the recent rains take care of it. Men.

OK, now that I have completely grossed you out, I will get on with my card. Here is the sketch we are using this fortnight:


This was a fun one to do. I printed my cute image on MICBC and colored her with my Copics:

Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20
Hair: Y21, YR23, E33, 35
Hat/Sweater: R20, R21, R22
Cake: E25, E27
Icing: R20, R21, R22, R43, R46, BG10, BG11, BG13, BG15
Piping Bag: G0000, G000, G12, W0

I added a bit of Wink of Stella Brush Clear to the stars and sparklers on top of the cake. 

My DP is from the October Afternoon Farm Girl collection; I distressed it with my Zutter and paired it with Stampin' Up CS. I used the following dies:
SCACD Fancy Key Corner
Cheery Lynn Happy Birthday
Spellbinders Labels 1 and Decorative Labels 1

My card was finished with WOC flowers & crown pin, some flat-backed pearls, and some lace. And that's it. Like I said, two birds with one stone. Hope Nicole likes it! 

Do check out all the fab inspiration by my talented teammates. And then, please join us for this sketch challenge! Have a great weekend!


The Outlawz Alcohol Markers Anything Goes/Christmas Twist Challenge

Well, are you all out shopping? Or are you going to do it mostly online like I do? Saves gas, wear and tear on the tires, and, oh yeah, my frayed nerves. I rarely venture out on Black Friday. Just the thought gives me the heebie-jeebies.

And did you all have a lovely Thanksgiving? I certainly hope it was filled with love, family, and food. I will blog about mine on a future post.

So let's get to my card for this week. I again chose the Christmas twist because I need more cards to send this year. And I am running out of time. Help?!

I chose Saturated Canary Ugly Christmas Sweater, as I think she is just the cutest. I have had this image for quite a while, and it was high-time I used it! I printed her on MICBC and colored her with my Copics:

Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20
Hair: E11, E13, E15, E18
Christmas Sweater: R05, R08, E19, YG91, YG93, YG95
Blouse: E70, E71, E74
Knit Shirt: YG91, YG93, YG95
Skirt: BG11, BG13, BG15, BG18
Tights: E70, E71, E74
Socks: BG11, BG13, BG15, BG18
Shoes: E70, E71, E74
Bag/Candy Canes: YG91, YG93, YG95, R08

To finish my card, I adhered the image to Stampin' Up CS, added a bit of Liquid Applique to her sweater, added some Washi tape and a little arrow clip. That's it--should be easy to mail, since I don't have layers upon layers on this one, huh? 

Have another post coming today. Please be sure to stop in and check the wonderful creations by my very talented Outlawz teamies. Then get into your coloring groove and join us, won't you?



Friday, November 22, 2013

The Outlawz Alcohol Markers Universal Children's Day Challenge/Tristan's Birthday Card



This week we are challenging you to make a card for a child, for any occasion. This was an easy one for me, since my great-nephew, Tristan, is celebrating his third birthday next Saturday.

I used a darling LaLa Land image, Outlaw Luka, for Tristan's card. I printed him on MICBC and colored him with my Copics:

Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20
Hair: E33, E35, E37
Shirt/Jeans: B32, B34, B37, B39
Vest: G20, G21, G24, N2
Shoes: W2, W4
Trike: G40, G43, G46, N2
Tires: W4, W6, W8

I chose a sketch to use from Seems a Little Sketchy:


And I used DP from the Bo Bunny Zip-a-Dee-Doodle collection, distressed it with my Zutter, and paired it with Stampin' Up CS. Then I added some Prima Tiny Junkyard Findings, my own sentiment, and die cuts made with:
MFT Fishtail Flags Stax
MFT Chevron Stripes
Memory Box Vintage Bicycle

That does it for me this week. Only one card and one post. Amazing, isn't it? Be sure to stop by The Outlawz and check out the wonderful cards made by my talented teamies. And then, please join us this week! 

Have a great weekend!


Friday, November 15, 2013

The Outlawz Alcohol Markers General Thanks/Thanksgiving Challenge

Whew! At last, my third, (and final), card for Friday, November 15, 2013, as it were, or is, or whatever. (I just wanted to see how many commas I could squeeze into a sentence. As it turns out, quite a few. Even if the sentence makes no sense. Thank you for bearing with me.)

And it's now time for another Outlawz Alcohol Markers challenge. Apparently, I am getting slap-happy on my third post of the day. Can you tell?

Before I get to my card, which I forgot to put a Thanksgiving sentiment on--oops, I will catch you up a bit. And, if you don't want to be caught up, just jump on down to my card deets.

Let's see, since last Friday, we have gone out to eat four times; met Cara, (member on Outlawz CAS DT), and her hubby, Nate, Malmrose; gone to see another Cardinals victory, (barely); and lived through Gary's oral surgery. It's been quite a week.

Last Friday night Gary and I met Cara and Nate at Joe's Farm Grill in Gilbert. It is a fun place to go eat, with mostly outdoor seating. (Eat your hearts out, everybody in the cold and snow.) So we had a fun conversation while we chowed down on some decent food outside in the dark. It was really nice to meet another member of The Outlawz DT, and the Malmroses are very sweet people!

Oh, and then Gary and I went to the Liberty Market in downtown Gilbert to try some espresso and cappuccino. Which turned out to be a mistake. I thought the coffee was horribly bitter, although Gary assured me it wasn't compared to Starbucks. Well, nothing is as bitter as Starbucks. That is the essence of their coffee, and I, for one, don't like it--unless it is diluted by flavorings and milk. Anyway, I found that the original espresso E61 can make really crappy coffee, too. So that was no help in our quest for an espresso machine. Still searching.

Saturday evening we met our football friends, Andy and Amy, for dinner at Binkley's in Cave Creek. We had told A & A how wonderful Binkley's is, so they wanted to have dinner there for an evening together. This was the longest meal I have ever had. And also one of the best, if not the best. I opted for 5 courses and Gary chose 6. Not that we are gluttons or anything. Much. (To be fair, when you do the tasting menu, all of the courses are much smaller portions.)

My first course, a cold Duck appetizer is described as: cinnamon breast, rillettes, horseradish crepe, sugar snap peas, Asian pear, mango. (Who dreams up these combinations? I am lucky If I remember to add cheese to macaroni.) Well, knock me over with a feather. This was unbelievably delectable! In fact, I could describe my entire meal that way. It was all over-the-top fantastic!

Second course, a warm appetizer, Pumpernickel Rigatoni: pancetta, quince, pistachio, rapini, saffron creme fraiche. Well, that slid down as easily as the first appetizer. OMG! 

Third course, Nantucket Bay Scallops: scallop gnocchi, zucchini, squash blossom, cippolini onion, pine nuts, yuzu-prosciutto broth. What? It just doesn't get any better than this! Or does it? Well....

The fourth course could have been a ribeye steak, but I opted for the Wagyu beef replacement special of the evening with butternut squash and leek gratin, Brussel sprouts, and chantarelle mushrooms. Holy moly, Rocky. Stop the presses! Did I just die and go to heaven? I must have, because I have never tasted anything like that on earth! How can meat literally melt in your mouth? I have no idea, but it did. It was an extra $19 per ounce, but so totally worth it! (I had a two-ounce portion.)

So my last course was dessert. Which was Sweet Potato-Oatmeal Bread Puddin'. Yup, that's what they called it, and they described it with plums, caramelized figs, oatmeal cookie, maple creme fraiche. Boy howdy, that was just what the meal needed for an ending. How spectacular!

Now I must mention a couple of other things about this meal. Firstly, Gary and I opted for the wine pairings. And they were perfectly matched to each course. WOW! Secondly, I must mention that, although I got five courses, there were a total of 17 things delivered to eat. That's how many extras you get at Binkley's. Just a few little amouse bouche to start, and palate cleansers served between courses. And then, of course, the tiny macaroon to end the evening. Literally, a four-hour dining adventure! (Yes, I said four hours!)

So, if you are ever in the Valley of the Sun, and really, really want to splurge for dinner, I can now recommend two of the best restaurants in the area: Kai and Binkley's. They are truly a cut above the rest. Un. be. liev. a. ble. 'Nuf said.

I do have photos, but have not downloaded them yet from my phone. I may add them in a future post. We'll see.

And hey, after the football game on Sunday, we went to St. Francis for some more really good food. Love their Roasted Salmon Superfood, with quinoa, avocado, spinach, and a sweet chile vinaigrette. So totally yummy and good for you! Oddly enough, I didn't have dessert. After Binkley's, I guess I didn't need that much food the next day!

Gary had oral surgery Monday. He needed an apical root canal, just like I had last March. It went really well, although he needed an extra shot before it was done. After the anesthetic wore off, he did opt for a couple of doses of narcotic pain reliever, (the wuss!), but by Tuesday he was fine, just sore. Which was a good thing. As we had a wine dinner that night at Roy's with friends, Bob and Connie.

Now, I gotta tell ya. The food was so spectacular Saturday night, that not much of anything could touch it. But, we did have a really, really good meal at Roy's, complimented by some wonderful wines. Here's the scoop:
Amuse bouche
Maine Lobster Dim Sum
Petite Shiso, Yuzu Miso Sake Beurre Rouge
served with Domaine Chandon "Blanc de Noirs"

1st Course
Hawaiian Caesar
Furikake Ahi, Sous Vide Hearts of Palm, Baby Romaine, Caesar Dressing
served with JUSTIN Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast 2012

2nd Course
Georges Bank Sea Scallop
Caramelized Carrot Ginger Puree, Brussels Sprouts, Kaboucha Squash, Lobster Creme
served with Landmark "Overlook" Chardonnay, Sonoma County 2011

3rd Course
Prime New York Strip
Truffle Roasted Mushrooms, Fingerling Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Shaoxing Shiitake Pan Sauce
served with JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles 2011

Dessert
Black Bottom Chocolate Banana Torte
Oreo cookie crust, Banana Pudding, Blackout Cake, Caramelized Bananas, Cashews
served with JUSTIN Obtuse Red Dessert Wine 2011

I loved every bit of it. And ate everything, with the exception of a couple of potatoes--I wanted to make sure I had room for dessert! This was about a two-hour meal. Pretty fabulous, and I will be happy to go there for another wine dinner. Roy's is another favorite of mine: here in the Valley and in Hawaii. (Oh, I took photos Tuesday, too, but somehow forgot to get the steak portion. It was so flavorful, a bit chewy, but wonderful flavor! Of course, these photos are also still on my phone.)

Now to my card for this week's Thanksgiving challenge. I chose LaLa Land Crafts Pilgrim Marci, because she is so cute! I printed her on MICBC and colored her with my Copics and a Twin Touch Brush marker:
Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20
 Hair/Basket: E55, E57, E59
Hat Trim/Cuffs/Apron: C00, C0, C1
Hat/Dress/Shoes: BG13, BG15, BG18
Bread: E50, E51, E53
Apple: E04, E07, TTR1
Grapes: YG61, YG63

My DP came from the Bo Bunny Forever Fall collection; it was distressed with my Zutter and paired with Stampin' Up CS. The rest of my card is comprised of die cuts--what a surprise! I made them with the following:
Cheery Lynn Birch Tree with Cute Critters
Cheery Lynn Winter Neighborhood Border
Memory Box Resting Birds
Memory Box Flying Birds
Memory Box Rounded Fence
Memory Box Country House
Poppystamps Frenchy
Poppystamps Walking Cat
MFT Fresh Cut Grass

So, that's it for another edition. I hate to mention this, but I am terribly behind in commenting on your blogs. I have been too busy eating, drinking, making cards, or sleeping. Honestly, that's about all I have done for the past week. So...I will try to catch up with comments this weekend. But not until after I go to lunch today with my sisters. And refresh our spices at Penzey's--the best place for spices in town. (Not that I cook, but it is nice to have the spices here when Gary does.)

Please check out the fab creations by my talented teammates. And get your coloring on and join us, please! We'd love to see your creativity! And have a great weekend!


Friday Sketch Challenge Reminder/Jon's Birthday Card

Yes, this is the midpoint reminder for our Friday Sketch challenge. We'd love for you to join us and use our Sketch #56 for your creation. We are sponsored by Flonz Craft. They are offering a $20 gift certificate to our lucky winner.


Here is the aforementioned Sketch #56:


It's a really classic sketch, which can be simple, as above, or embellished, (as I am wont to do). Yes, for some strange reason, I cannot leave well enough alone, most of the time. Have no idea why. Perhaps some childhood trauma, of which I am not aware. So, hey, Sisters and Brother of mine, do you know why I tend to overdo? If so, please enlighten me. Thank you. 

This is my second post of the day, (and the week, for that matter). I will keep this one brief and leave my last post for blabbing.

I chose Make It Crafty Crazy March Hare for my image and printed him on MICBC. He was colored with my Copics:

Rabbit: E42, E53, E44, E47
Tie: E42, E53, E44
Shirt: E40, E41, E42
Jacket: W5, W7, W9
Vest: W1, W3, W5
Watch: W0, W1, W3
Coffee: E43, E44
Cup: W0, W1, W3

My CS is from Stampin' Up, and I chose DP from the Prima Engraver collection. Then I went crazy with die cuts, using the following dies:

Whimsy Ticket
Memory Box Cups of Cheer
Spellbinders Circles, Lacey Circles, and Grand Circles
Cheery Lynn Steampunk Pocket Watch
Cheery Lynn Gears
Cheery Lynn Steampunk Gear Mesh Border

And I went even crazier and added several metallic embellies from Tim Holtz Mini Gears, Tim Holtz Sprocket Gears, and Prima Vintage Trinkets. (My SIL, Jon, will get a work-out from just lifting this card--it is heavy!) I added my sentiment, (which Jon should appreciate, as he is a coffee aficionado), to the blank outline from the Whimsy Ticket Sentiments collection.

Be sure to check out all the wonderful creations by my talented teamies at Friday Sketch. And then please join us this week!  


Jellypark Friends New Release/Thanksgiving Challenge

Oh, my, it's time for another one of my freaky Fridays--I have three posts again today.

But there's nothing freaky about our new Jellypark challenge, which is Thanksgiving/Give Thanks. And in recognition of that, Claire designed a darling new release--this adorable scarecrow--I love him! He's so much fun to color!

I printed him on MICBC and colored him with my Copics:

Face: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20, E15
Scarf: B91, B93, B97, W3, E13, E15, E18
Shirt: W0, W2, W4
Jeans: B91, B93, B97, B99, W3
Straw: E50, E51, E53
Hat: Y21, YR21, YR23
Wood: E23, E25, E27
Mouse: W0, W2, W4
Patches: E13, E15, E18
Bird: W5, W7, W9
Clouds: W0, W2, W3, W4
Sky: B0000

Yes, yes, I did use a lot of markers; why do you ask? 

I finished the card, (with Stampin' Up CS), by printing out my own sentiment, cut with a Whimsy Ticket die. Then I added some grass with my MFT Fresh Cut Grass and Poppystamps Grassland Border dies; and I die-cut some clouds with my MFT Cloud Trio and colored them with a bit of W's as above. That's it. For me a CAS card, right? 

Do check out the fab creations this fortnight by my talented teamies. And be sure and enter our new challenge!

I'll be back with more later.


Friday, November 8, 2013

The Outlawz Alcohol Markers Tickle My Funny Bone Challenge/Ron's Birthday Card

Yes, this week we would like to see your sense of humor. (In my case, it is a lack thereof, as you well know.) So get coloring something funny and join us, 'K?

I chose a Bugaboo image, because so many of them are really funny. And I love this one for my BIL's birthday. He should appreciate the humor--I've known him for 50+ years, so I'm pretty sure he'll like this. Especially the fart part. Sorry, but that's the truth. So help me, Hannah. (Who is Hannah, anyway? I don't know her--do you?)

Yes, this is Gus Birthday - Old Fart. I wondered, when I was young, why they called old people "old farts". I have since grown old, and I now understand the concept. Puzzling that people use the expression as a term of endearment. And, by people, I do mean me. Yes, I call Gary "you, old fart" quite often. I could tell you that he's really earned the name, but that would be disrespectful--something I never am. (And, yes, he has earned the name, but then, what person over 50 hasn't?) OK, I guess I should get off the topic before it becomes odiferous.

I printed the geezer on MICBC and colored him with my Copics:

Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20
Hair: T0, T1
Hat/Robe: BG11, BG13, BG15, BG45, BG49, BG72, BG75, BG78
Pipe/Slippers: E40, E42, E44

I added Diamond Glaze to his glasses. And then, of course, I had to make several die cuts. I used the following dies:

Spellbinders Circles
Cheery Lynn Steampunk Clock
Cheery Lynn Steampunk Pocket Watch
SCACD Alice's Clock Statement Corner
SCACD Classic Timepiece

I finished the card with a bottle cap, two chipboard clocks, Tim Holtz Game Spinners, a Tim Holtz Long Fastener, and a clock charm. My DP is from the Basic Grey Oliver collection and is paired with Stampin' Up CS. 

Before I go, I have to tell you that we are in search of an espresso machine. Which I keep wanting to call "expresso". 'Cuz I am a dork. An uncivilized one at that. Anyway, we have looked high and low for the perfect machine. On the internet, that is. I am getting blisters from typing in so many searches. Egad! I have no time to read, make cards, sleep, exercise, or  eat. (I always make time to eat.) I am too busy learning about all the different machines there are available. At the present time, it appears we will be purchasing a semi-automatic heat-exchanger. I would prefer a double-boiler, but they are more money, and Old Moneybags doesn't think that we need two boilers. Yes, I could push him, but it isn't a battle I deem necessary to win, if you get my drift. So, if any of you could enlighten me on the "perfect espresso machine", please feel free to do so. And soon, as I feel that Gary is about to make the leap. 

Do check out all the fab creations by my always-talented teamies, and then color up something funny and join us. (No, you don't need anything with "potty humor" like mine. Which reminds me, did I ever tell you about the time I passed gas in fourth grade and blamed it on the kid in front of me? Too bad. It was a funny story. At least at the time.)

Have a great weekend!


Friday, November 1, 2013

The Outlawz Alcohol Markers Pumpkin Challenge

Yes, this is my third post for today. But, I promise, it is my last. This week we are looking for pumpkin-themed entries, colored with any brand of alcohol markers. I used a fun image by Rick St. Dennis, called Priscilla Pilgrim Mouse.

Before I get to the deets on this card, I want to mention a couple of things. One, we did have a football game at home last week, unlike I thought. Good thing I happened to look at my calendar on Saturday to see that we had the game on Sunday, or we would have missed seeing an actual win! No kidding, the Cardinals won; and it was the best-played game of theirs all season. Who would have thunk? Not me, oh fair-weathered fan that I am. Needless to say, we enjoyed the game thoroughly and stayed until the very end.

And another thing I wanted to mention to you is that my sister, Barbara, and I are going to the annual stamp show in Mesa tomorrow. So I can spend some more of Gary's hard-earned money. Oh, yes, I am. And I know he expects that. I would hate to disappoint him, you know what I mean? (Snort.)

Donovan, the ding-dong dog, went nuts again last night. As he does every year on Halloween. Barked his head off in my lap, while Gary handed out the candy. I think I got the short end of the stick on that one--my ears are still ringing. Gary wanted to go out for the evening and avoid the trick-or-treaters, but I said Donovan would be upset hearing the doorbell. So we stayed home and gave out treats. Didn't want to be tricked. That can be downright dangerous.

OK, now for my card this week. I printed Priscilla on MICBC and colored her with Copics and Twin Touch Brush markers:

Hat/Apron: E40, E41, E42
Shoes/Bow/Leaf/Dress Collar: E84, E87, E89
Dress: TTBR104, TTBR107, TTBR109, E57
Mouse: E35, E37, E39, E29
Pumpkin: TTYR21, TTYR23, TTYR24
Acorns: E44, E47, E49

The face turned out so dark that I highlighted a bit of it with a white gel pen. My DP is from the Echo Park Reflections Fall collection; it is paired with CS from Stampin' Up and DCWV. I made die cuts with two dies: Cheery Lynn Fall Pumpkins and Memory Box Acorn. My finishing piece was a Tim Holtz Adage Ticket. All done.

Be sure to check out the other creations by my talented teamies. And then color up a pumpkin and enter our challenge! Be sure to have a safe and happy weekend. See you next week!


Jellypark Friends ABC Challenge

Hey, how are you today? Did you survive the little gremlins & goblins last night? Honestly, Halloween is not my favorite holiday. I loved it as a child, but those were the days where you could go get a caramel apple from your neighbor and not worry about eating it. Well, other than it pulling out your fillings. And, now it would pull out my crowns, which would leave me toothless. Perfect for Halloween. But that's over, and now we look forward to Thanksgiving.

Before we get to Thanksgiving, we are doing an ABC challenge here at Jellypark Friends. And that means "Anything But a Card". I have trouble with that because I am addicted to card-making. Sometimes I make a tag, but decided to do a little gift bag instead this fortnight. 

I chose "Girl Dressing Up" for my gift bag. Isn't she cute? Love her! I printed her on MICBC, and colored her with my Copics:

Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20
Hair: E50, E53, E55, E57
Hat/Purse/Shoes: B91, B93, B95
Dress: YG61, YG63
Hat Band/Scarf: R12, R14, R17
Flowers/Gloves/Stockings: Y21, Y23, Y26

I added Pearl Pen Ice White to her necklace. My die cuts were made with the following dies:

Memory Box Avenue Shopper
Memory Box Gift Bag
Memory Box Typewriter Upper and #'s
Lifestyle Gift Bag

A bit of tissue paper was added and the bag is done. Be sure to check out the inspiration by my talented teamies, as well as our darling new release images. Then do join in the fun. I'll be back with yet another post today. 
 

Friday Sketch Challenge Reminder Card

Yup, we still have another week to go on our current challenge. So this is a reminder that we'd love for you to follow our sketch #55 and show us what you created. Here is our sketch:


We are being sponsored this fortnight by 2 Cute Ink, and our winner will receive two free digis. Luckily for us, we were given some darling images to use. I chose Sewing Cat for my card.


I printed this cutie on MICBC and colored it with my Copics:

Thread: T4, T6, T8, T10
Shadow: T2
Cat: E40, E42, E44

I selected DP from the Basic Grey Little Black Dress collection, and paired it with Stampin' Up CS. My die cuts were made with the following dies:
Memory Box Simple Needle & Thread
Memory Box Thread Spools 
Whimsy Ticket
Spellbinders Labels 1 & Decorative Labels 1
Cheery Lynn French Flair Doily Stacker

I finished my card with a spool button, a cat button, a couple of safety pins, and a chipboard dragonfly. 

Hope you join us this next week. Be sure to check out all the inspiration by my talented teammates! 

I'll be back with two (I'm sorry!) more posts today.


Friday, October 25, 2013

The Outlawz Alcohol Markers Anything Goes/Christmas Theme Optional

It's Friday and time for a new Alcohol Markers challenge at The Outlawz. Again, we have an Anything Goes theme with an option to do a Christmas project. And I am all for making Christmas cards year-round. It sure beats trying to get them all done in December, which for me is an impossible task!

So are you looking forward to the weekend? I hope to make a couple more Christmas cards to add to my meager stash. And, of course, there is always football. And the Arizona Cardinals Pop Warner team. At least they are playing away this week, so I don't have to witness the carnage first-hand.

Gary got his bandage and brace off his wrist yesterday. They actually had to fix a large tear, not a small one, as he pointed out to me twice. And they went in through the back of his hand and wrist--weird, that. He has three holes, just like when he had his shoulder repaired last year. Remind me to never get any joints fixed--three holes for the price of one is at least two too many. Seriously.

So onto my card for the week. I chose another darling image; this one by Lacy Sunshine, called Eleanor & Pickles Jolly Holly Elves. I printed this on MICBC, and colored it with my Copics and Twin Touch Brush markers:
Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20
Hair: Y21, YR23, E33, E35
Eyes: E40, E42, E44
Holly: YG95, YG97, YG99, R24, TTBR91
Pickles: YG91, YG93, YG95
Clothing: YG91, YG93, YG95, YG97, YG99, E40, E42, E44, R24, R27, R29, TTBR91 
Shoes: E40, E42, E43

I added Frosted Lace Stickles, Wink of Stella Brush Silver & Clear, and Stampendous Frantage to my image. My DP is from Simple Stories Handmade Holiday collection, distressed with my Zutter, and paired with Stampin' Up CS. My die cuts were made using the following dies:

Memory Box Jolly Jingle Bells
Memory Box Snowflake Corner
Whimsy Ticket and Mini Ticket
LaLa Land Crafts Holly Flourish

My sentiments are from the Whimsy Holiday Mini Tickets set and the Holiday Ticket Sentiments set. My finishing pieces were a couple of Martha Stewart gem stickers. And that's it for this week.

Do stop by The Outlawz to see the pretty creations by my talented teammates. I hope you join in the fun this week. And have a wonderful weekend! 


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Anniversary Card for Jon and Angela

Well, I suddenly realized that I hadn't entered the anniversary card I made for my daughter and SIL into any challenges. Silly of me, don't you think? So I am rectifying that right now, before the challenges close. Before I list them, here are the deets:
Saturated Canary Puppy Love printed on MICBC and colored with Copics:

Skin: E000, E00, E21, E11, E04, R20
Eyes: B91, B93
Hair: E31, E33, E35, YR20
Stockings/Petticoat/Apron/Shirt/Shoes: E40, E42, E44, E47, E49
Bow/Dress/Stockings: V12, V15, V17
Jeans: B91, B95, B97, B99
Stockings/Belt/Petticoats: R11, R14, R17

The DP is from the Prima Engraver collection; I distressed it with my Zutter and paired it with Stampin' Up CS. I added Tim Holtz Alpha Tiles, Stampin' Up Vanilla Flower Trim, a key charm, twine, a chipboard clock, burlap, cardboard, cheesecloth, and a chipboard dragonfly. And, of course, there are die-cuts. These are the dies I used:

Poppystamps Bookcase & Attic Keys
MFT Chevron Stripes
MFT Fishtail Flags Stax
MFT Mini Film Strip
MFT Mini Tabs Foursome
Memory Box Typewriter #'s
Cheery Lynn Italian Flourish and Mini Italian Flourish Doilies

We had the granddaughters for Saturday night and enjoyed their company. My, they are growing up fast! And Jon and Angela stayed overnight at The Boulders and had dinner at Binkley's. What a great celebration for them! And, yes, they did love their meal! (How could you not at Binkley's?)

So here are the challenges I am entering with this card:


I'll be back tomorrow with a DT card.