Freedom Isn't Free

We so often in America romanticize war.  There is nothing romantic about war.  Just talk to someone who has experienced trauma in war.  My dad is one of those people.  He saw friends die, he was critically injured, spent over a year in the hospital, and has suffered physically, and emotionally since that time.  This sacrifice was his choice.  He lied about his age, and got his parents to sign for him to enter the US Marine Corp.  This he did after the US was attacked by Japan.

He will not talk, read, or watch any kind of television show or movie about WW II.  It is just too painful.  He is 87 years old and time still hasn't healed those injuries.  It never will.  So I say to our government, think long and hard before committing our men and women to the horrors of war.  Unfortunately, many of those so eager to involve us in war, are the ones who will do anything to avoid it personally.

Here is a card I made to say Thank You to our veterans.

This is a triangle fold card.  The card base is white card stock.  The blue paper is DCWV.  I added ribbon on the diagonal and made a tea bag fold medallion.  The medallion has a red glittered brad in the center.   

To make the medallion, I downloaded an American flag image from the internet.  I copied and pasted it into a word doc eight times.  The flag was 2" tall.   I then cut the flags into 2" squares, and then began the folding.    

And now, here's a look at the inside of the card.

The patterned inside paper is from My Mind's Eye.  The sentiment is one of KAndres's from her Freedom Isn't Free set.  $1.00 from the sale of  the stamps goes to the Intrepid and Fallen Heroes Fund.  

And to finish the card, I added a few glittered  stars.  

I am sending this card to Rebecca of the Crafting Misfit  to hand deliver to the Run for the Fallen event in Maine.  If you would like to know more about this group go to Rebecca's blog  and read how you too can make a card for the event.  

Challenges

Getting Cricky Simply Sunday   Freedom Isn't Free  Thank You

Whimsical Wednesday   Fun With Folds

Happy 85th Birthday.

Today, my mom celebrated her 85th birthday.  My cousin John, who lives out of state came by to celebrate.  Jack, Magnolia, Ruby and I went to visit her and my daddy.  We took birthday presents and a beautiful birthday cake.  We all had a nice lunch and a birthday celebration.  Happy Birthday!!!

Carrot Cake... Just for You

Today i had lunch at a wonderful little German place that I like to frequent.  It is also a bakery and they are always giving out samples of bakery items.  Today it was carrot cake.  So, that little bite of cake got me to thinking about making a card that includes a carrot cake.  I knew I wanted to use the cake cut from the Celebrations cartridge.  But i had no idea what else to do.  

Well, as I was visiting some of my dear blog friends, i saw that the chefs at Cooking With Cricut are celebrating Bugs Bunny's Birthday!   They want everyone to create a project that includes a bunny.  Well, what better idea than bunnies and carrot cake.  So that is how my card came to be.  

The bunnies and grass are from Gypsy Wanderings.  The cake os from the Celebrations cartridge.  And the carrots are from the Just Because cartridge.  All of the papers came from my scraps.  I Added some Stickles to the cake.  And then added some baker's twine and an old button from my gradnmother's button box.  The little " Just for You" stamp is from Inkadinkadoo.  

Happy Birthday Bugs Bunny!!  And eat carrot cake!  

Challenges

Cooking With Cricut   bunny 

Winner of the Blog Candy

The winner of the blog candy, (your choice of Kristal's stamp set) is Lynda.

Lynda said,   Your card is gorgeous!!!! It is absolutely stunning! Kristal is going to love it!!! She is such a kind and sweet person!!! I am a new follower and I'm looking forward to visiting you often!


Congratulations Lynda!  I have sent you a message.  I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

CTO Challenge 23

I am thrilled to be a member of the Celebrate The Occasion Design Team.  I am on design team  #2.  But this week, design team #1 is celebrating any occasion with the colors blue and white.  I decided to join in the celebration because I found some beautiful blue and white paper at Michaels yesterday.  And I couldn't wait to use it!

The tea set was cut from the Heritage cartridge and then embossed.  The label was cut from the Lacey Labels cartridge.  The sentiment Sweet Hello was created using two stamps from the "Food for Thought" set by KAndrew.  The ribbon I used on the card is a wired ribbon I found at Hobby Lobby during the Easter season.  I am sending this to one of my oldest friends who I had dinner with last week. I just want to remind her how much I appreciate her friendship through out the years.  We have known each other since we were babies in the nursery at church.  And that's a long time. 

I hope you will go to  Celebrate The Occasion and see the wonderful things the design team made.  But, even more, i hope you join in on the challenge and show us how you would celebrate with blue and white.   

A Sweet Summer Card

This week my mom is having a birthday.  She will be celebrating her 85th birthday.  She is very good health with the exception of macular degeneration.  As of now she is still driving and very independent.  She goes non stop every day. She probably does more work in one day than I do in one week.  She also likes fashion and does not dress like an old lady.  One of  her favorite places to shop is Anthropologie.  I love it that she is still so young at heart.

Now, on to the card.

All of the papers I used to make the card are from my stash.  The watermelon was cut from the Simply Charmed cartridge.  The flowers and leaves were cut from the Mother's Day  Bouquet cartridge. 

 The stamp is from Scrappy Moms Stamps.  The lace is from my sewing stash, and the ribbon is from Hobby Lobby. 

 The presents are bought and a beautiful cake has been ordered, (from my friend who made the baby shower cupcakes). I cannot wait to see it, or taste it!  

Challenges

Whimsical Wednesday   use scraps

The Shabby Tea Room   yellow, pink, green and neutral 

Paper Cutz   anything goes
Fantabulous Cricut Card Challenge   melon time
My Craft Spot   emboss it
Penny's Challenge   watermelon world

"Operation Owl Thank You" Blog Hop

Welcome to the "Operation Owl Thank You" Blog Hop!!

Today the Getting Cricky design team and some special guests are coming to you for a special blog hop "thanking" Kristal for all she has done for us.  We will each be featuring special "Thank You" cards to be mailed to Kristal.  

The Design Team term is coming to an end and we just want to be sure to let Krilstal know how much she has meant to everyone oner the last 3 months.  Wow, how tine flies when you are having fun.  If you are interested in participating you can add you card to the link below and then mail them to the address here.

If you've hopped along from Becky, then you are inn the right place!!  If you are just joining me from your dashboard, or reading this via email, please be sure to CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Brenda's blog. (I wouldn't want you to miss a THING!!)...  

We have some Blog Hop CANDY for one lucky WINNER!!!

Amy Chomas has graciously donated a mini gel pen set and holder as our grand prize, and some ladies have donated to the pot surprise package.

You must go to each blog and leave a comment, (following would be nice also) to qualify for the grand prize.  Brenda will be picking one lucky winner Wednesday, July 27th.  So make sure to go back there and see of you won!!  

I also have some blog candy for a lucky winner!  I will be giving away a set of  Kristal's Stamps  The lucky winner will choose the set!!  How great is that!!!

Just leave a comment with your contact information and become a follower of my blog to be eligible to win.  I will l announce the winner Wednesday!  

And now I would like for you to take a look at the card I made for Kristal.

This card measures 6"x6".  The card base is made with paper from the DCWV Lemon Flower stack.  The wrought iron gate is cut from the Ornamental Iron cartridge.  I just love this cartridge because it is so versatile. 

 I made a ribbon wreath and added little glittered flowers to it.  The label under the wreath is cut from the Lacey Labels cartridge.  I blingged it up with some rhinestones and a jeweled flower. 

 The sentiment on the label says, "Today is your day!"  It is a stamp from Kristals Positive Thoughts stamp set.  I just love her stamps!!  They are the highest of quality and $1.00 from every set sold goes to charity.  

The inside of the card carries the same look.

I used another cut from the Ornamental Iron cartridge.  And I added a bow and some glitter flowers.  I am going to write Kristal a personal note on this page.  I sure hope she enjoys this card as much as I enjoyed making it for her.  As I was making it, I though about all the many inspirational things she has said and done for others.  That is what I am going to thank her for.  

Now, don't forget to leave me a comment telling me what you think of my card, and also how Kristal has inspired you.  

Well, now just head on over to Julie's Blog, and check out what wonderful things she has in store for you.  And if you get lost along the way, here is your lineup.  

Brenda

Amy Chomas

Jess

Kathy T

Lisa

Becka

Kathy P

Ro

Amy

Becky

Charlotte  that's me!

Julie

Rebecca

Erika

Brenda

You may link your card that you have made for Kristal by clicking on the button below. Don't forget to mail it to address given in this post.  We really want to shower Kristal with loves of creative, crafty love!! ENJOY THE HOP!

   

A Super Fun Blog Hop Coming Your Way!

This will remain at the top of the page.  

You wil not want to miss this event!  There are going to be fantastic projects, great blog candy, and a super grand prize.  Mark your calendars for this fun event and spread the word to all your creative friends!!

Hey Cupcake

Yum, Yum!!!  How fun would it be to be in a sweet shop right now! Especially one with ice cream in this heat.  I just do not want to go outside unless I absolutely have to.  I made the ice cream cone, cupcakes and cake stand using the Sweet Treats cartridge.  I embossed the ice cream cone for a little dimension, and love the look!  

The ice cream sundae was cut using the Birthday Bash cartridge.  And the lollipops were cut from the Mini Monsters cartridge.  They were wrapped in clear plastic wrap and tied with wold wired ribbon. 

The stamps are from the Pink By Design Sweet Somethings' set.  

Challenges 

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge   I scream for ice cream

Cooking With Cricut   Lollipops 

Getting Cricky   Food for Thought 

Die Cuttin Divas   Sweet Treats

A Scary Moment

This evening, my sweet little Magnolia had a seizure.  This was not her first, but it was very scary.  I started timing it,and it lasted over 6 minutes.  I just sat and held her and tried to stay calm as she got through it.
Magnolia has now had 4 seizures in her life.  My vet does not seem to be overly alarmed.  His mother has a dog that has a seizure every Christmas day.  Isn't that crazy.  He told me that dogs are so effected by the energy around them.  When i took Magnolia in to be checked out after her first, he said that it had to be the energy level of the people around her that helped to cause it.  Her first one took place during the kick-off of the Alabama-Texas national championship game.  Well, as a die hard Alabama fan I could see that could have cause it.  There was a house full of Bama fans all pumped up for the game.

The next two, also came at times when there was a good bit of stress going on around her.  But, I have no explanation for the one today.  I was just watching television and all of a sudden, she made her way across the sofa to me crying.  And then it began.  Tomorrow we will be at the vet to get her checked out.  She seemed fine but tired after it was all over.  Even Ruby knew something was different.  She went and sat next to Magnolia while she was resting.  This never happens because Ruby is scared of Magnolia.  Magnolia, is a typical, territorial long haired Chihuahua, and will sometimes stalk Ruby.  She recognizes that Ruby is so passive and will take advantage of it.Here they are together.

Oh, and not to leave Jack out, here he is, fat, happy and snoring.

Well, now it is 2:00 am. And I am exhausted, so I am headed to bed.  

Celebrate The Occasion Design Team

I am thrilled to announce that I am a member of the Celebrate The Occasion design team.  It there is an occasion, I am ready to celebrate it!  Join us next Tuesday, July 26th for a new celebration challenge!

For all of you who are celebrating a birthday this month, Happy Birthday!  This card is made using the Cricut Lite Bloom cartridge.  The  topiary was embossed with the divine swirls folder.  And then green glitter glue was added for a little sparkle.  The papers are from Recollections and My Mind's Eye.

Happy Birthday!

So Charming and Inspired

Here is the photo for the inspiration for my card.  It is for a challenge over at The Shabby Tea Room. 

Now here is my card.  It is full of these beautiful colors in the photo inspiration and also contains a sweet little charm.

This little card is for a friend to express a big thank you for being such a good friend with such a big heart.  I cannot remember what cartridge I used to cut the frame from.  I used the Gypsy Wanderings to cut the cupcake.  The base mat was embossed with a heart folder and then inked with a darker shade of pink chalk.   The photo makes the card appear to be more orange than pink.  But actually the colors are just the same as the inspiration photo.   The patterned papers are all from the My Mind's Eye Summer Song stack.  This is such a happy stack of papers.  I have so enjoyed using them. I added a sweet little butterfly charm from my stash and a little tag that is from  Studio 112, (dollar bin at JoAnn's).  The entire set of tags is really cute.  And of course the card would not be complete without some sweet, and pretty ribbon.   

Challenge

The Shabby Tea Room   

Girls Night Out!

The first time I went camping, I took a pink polka dot sleeping bag, pink backpack, (full of M&Ms and Diet Coke) and a butane curling iron.  All my friends fell out laughing at me.  But the other girls sure did like my curling iron the next morning when it was time to get dressed.  And while we were rafting  down the river, I was popular again because I had M&Ms.  We still laugh about that trip.  It was so much fun.  I liked it so much I have never been camping again!

It was not my style.  If there had been electricity, or hot water, I may have had a better feeling about it.  But other than that I loved that weekend, because I was with some great friends having a lot of fun.  Now when someone mentions camping, I just say, "Been there, done that".

Last week I saw a good many cards about camping and I wanted to make one too.  But I struggled with the idea because, it is not my thing.  Tonight after church, some of us were talking about some of our "good old days" and the camping trip came up.  It was at that very moment that I knew just what kind of card I would do.

This is a 5 x 61/2 card.  I made it with the Camping Critters cartridge and used DCWV paper for the moon, and the tent.  The sleeping bag was mad with K&Company paper and all other paper is from the Paper Source.  The sentiment I created on the computer with the Stary Nights font.  I am going to send it to one of my friends who was on that trip.  She will get a good laugh out of it!

Challenges

Paper Cutz   The Skies the Limit

Paper Playtime   Summer

Die Cuttin Divas   Summer Fun

Walking The Dog In Style

How fun it would be to be walking the dog in couture fashion while strolling through the streets in Paris.  Well, I am not walking a dog in Paris at the moment in couture clothing.  But I am watching a movie that was filmed in Paris and wearing jeans and a t-shirt, with two dogs sitting next to me and one sitting at my feet on the floor.  So i guess I have it pretty good here anyway.   But I can still dream...

I made this card using K&Company paper for the base.  I just adore the pretty soft colors.  It is from a collection designed by Brenda Walton.  The papers are double sided and both sides are beautiful.  The Eiffel Tower poodle and the sun are cut from the DCWV collection called Lemon Flower. All of the papers, patterned and solid are just wonderful.  

I used glitter glue on the poodle and the lady's dress just to bling it up a little more.  

I used a Studio G rubber stamp to create the tag on the label on the card.  I found it earlier this week at Michael"s.  it was part of a set of three and on clearance!!  I just love all the new stamp sets from

  K Andrew.  The quality is excellent.  they are made in the USA, and $1.00 from the sake of each set will go to a designated charity.  I used two of the stamps from the Fashionable Friends set.  If you have not seen these stamp sets, you should check them out over at Kristal's blog, Getting Cricky .The ribbon I found at Hobby Lobby last summer and just knew I would use it for many projects.  I love that it has a thin brown thread stripe running through it.

I used the Forever Young cartridge for the lady, the Nifty Fifties cartridge cartridge for the poodle.  And I also use the Going Places cartridge for the sun.  And lastly, the Summer in Paris cartridge for the Eiffel Tower.  

Love your pets and walk them in style!  (Even if you are not in Paris).

Challenges

Getting Cricky Simply Sunday   Fashion-ista!

My Sheri Crafts   Faithful Companions

Cooking With Cricut   Pen or Marker Work, or a Sun

More Than Favors   Fun in the Sun

Grooming Day

Today was Ruby's first trip to the groomer.  So she and Jack went at the same time.  I love the doggy spa that I use.  They only take dogs by appointment.  And only take two at a time.  I dropped them off and then picked them up in i 1/2 hours.  It is wonderful because they are never in a cage, just sitting and waiting.  Also there is no confusion  as to who's dog is who's.  Three years ago I was using another groomer and my greatest nightmare took place.  Jack was sent home with someone else.  It is a long story, so I will leave it at that.  The best part is that the person he went home with was picking up his two little white dogs, (Sugar and Spice).  A groomer employee walked them to his car for him.  So when the man got home and let the dogs out of the car to potty, he realized something was wrong.  He called the groomer back and told them that "Sugar is a girl and this dog just lifted his leg".  He quickly returned to the groomer to make the switch.  The next week, I had my dogs micro-chipped and changed to the new dog spa, Generation Dog that just opened.  No more of those worries.

When we got home, Jack did not want his picture taken.  So after one, he turned his back on me. LOL

Magnolia did not go to the groomer, but she did get a bath at home. And she wanted to be in all the pictures.

I am just so glad that Ruby is well and groomed and feeling all the love, after her terrible neglect in her past life.She is so sweet, quiet, polite, and now beautiful!!  

Pink and Pretty

This week The Shabby Tearoom has a beautiful photo for inspiration.  Don't you just love this beautiful wreath!

Well, after taking a good look at the photo, I knew exactly what I wanted to make.Pretty pink flowers make a pretty pink wreath.  I just love the soft shades of this paper from The Colorbok and K&Company.  This beautiful wreath was made by using cuts from the Simply Charmed cartridge. 

  After creating and layering the flowers, I used foam tape on the back on them to assemble them into a wreath on the card.  I added some medium and light shades of pink glitter glue to the flower petals, gold to the flower centers and green to the leaves.  To finish the card a sheer pink bow was added.

I decides not to add a sentiment to the front of the card.  I wanted to have it available to used for any occasions.

Challenges
The Shabby Tearoom   Photo inspiration

Let's Get Cricky Blog Hop Honoring Fallen Heros

I am looking forward to the blog hop this Friday.  It will feature projects to honor our fallen heros.  I can't think of a better cause than to honor those who have made the greatest sacrifice for our country.  I am sure you too will want to join the hop.  I hear there will be great blog candy too.

Baby Shower Part 2

Today was just so much fun!  Old and new friends gathered to shower the mom to be with sone love!
As I had stated in the previous post.  The shower was for the daughter of my good friend who teaches in the room next to mine.  I not only had a gift and card for the mom to be, I also had a Grandma's Brag Book and card for my dear friend.

I cut the word "Grandma" with the Heritage cartridge.  The circles were cut from the Lacy Labels cartridge.  I embossed and inked the top  circle.  The rocking horse is from the Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge.  

I used and EK border punch and a sheer aqua ribbon to add some detail to the card.  And the card was finished off with the sentiment, "life is grand", a stamp from K Andrew's Positive Thoughts  stamp set.

Here are a few photos from today.