Armadillo love!

Hello friends!

I am officially on summer break! So happy to have some time off and enjoy the summer.  

I have a quick post today sharing a new stamp set from Whimsy Stamps called Arma-delight.  I colored this cute little critter with Copics and added a bit of shading with a black colored pencil.  The frame is from the Mix and Match Scallop Rectangle dies.  They were inked in pink and orange. A little bow and tiny heart were added as a finishing touch. 

Off to do a bit of gardening today and celebrate my 33rd wedding anniversary tonight!

Enjoy your day!

 

Sweet Ivy Turns 2!

I can't believe that my sweet granddaughter, Ivy is 2 today!  

The time moves way too fast for me!

I sent a birthday box down to Georgia and included this card I created for her. 

It uses Whimsy Stamp's Candle Numbers stamp set. I used liquid applique to create the frosting.  I cut the image out using the Spring Ovals Die set. The plaid paper is part of the Pastel Plaid paper pack. I added a little pink bow and tiny flowers from the Field of Flowers die set. 

I will get to see this sweet nugget in May! I can't wait to see her!

Thank you for stopping by today!

 

STAMPtember!

 Hello friends!

I am excited that today is the release of Whimsy Stamp's STAMPtember stamp set in collaboration with Simon Says Stamps! 

This stamp and die set are so fun!

I was so glad I had some crafty time and ended up making 3 cards. 

My first card used the Boo stamp and die. I used a jewelry tag for the sentiment and branches from the Bat Branch Die set.  They were colored with Copic markers.  I wanted some texture for the background, so I also used the Bats Galore Slimline folder.  

My second card uses these adorable ghosts with the Boo stamp and die set.  I added some tombstones from the Build a Graveyard die set.  Cobwebs from the Witch Broom set were stamped on the tombstones. I also added a circle for the moon. The background was inked with Distress inks.  

My last card I decided to make a fun shaker card! I used the Mitered Frame set and some acetate. This Boo was so cute with her little pink bow. ;) I added some pink sequin leaves and a sheer black ribbon. 

Be sure to check out Simon Says Stamp to get your exclusive set! 

It's been so much fun!

Thanks for stopping by!

Howdy!

Howdy friends!

It is such a gorgeous weekend here in Chicago! My sister is spending the day with me and we are heading to a large craft fair near my home.  I am excited to spend some girl time with her and do one of my favorite things....shop!

Today I am sharing this adorable stamp set from Whimsy, called, Barnyard Friends.  This little cow is darling! I colored the image with Copic markers. I did some masking to place this little nugget in the bucket using the Barnyard Elements stamp set.   I added a sweet little tag, a flower from the Hibiscus die set, and some twine to the bucket.  For a finishing touch I added this wide striped ribbon. 

Enjoy your weekend friends!

 

You're a Treasure!

Hello friends, 

I have a quick card to share with you today using Whimsy Stamp's Mermaid Boy.  The image is so cute and comes with such cute accessory stamps to create a scene.  Everything was colored with Copics.  To finish off the card, I tied rustic twine and some dyed mummy cloth to the top.  Simplicity is my friend these days as crafting has definitely taken a back seat at the moment.  

My sweet MIL is in her final days of life and will soon meet Jesus. It has been a long emotional summer and she needs peace with no more pain. 

Thank you for so many of you who reached out with words of support and prayer. 

 

Shine On!

Hello friends!

Just a quickie card today showcasing this adorable set from Whimsy Stamps called, Bear 

Bubbles. I kept the card pretty simple by just coloring it with Copics and doing some machine stitching around the edges.  I added a few hearts and a sweet pink gingham bow. 

Life update:

My MIL was in the hospital for almost 2 weeks and was diagnosed with kidney failure and congestive heart failure, on top of her dementia diagnosis.  Since coming back from the hospital she has not been eating.  My husband had to make the difficult decision to place her on hospice.  2025 has not been a very kind year for us.  But in the midst of this storm, family and friends have shown up. They've been there for us, and that has made a huge difference for us. 

Thank you for hanging in there with me, my sparse posts and such.  

I hope life is treating you well!

 

Trying to get my Mojo Back!

Good morning!

If you are still a visitor here, I am truly grateful. I mentioned a couple of months ago that life has been a bit messy and emotional and just plain 'ole tough.  My MIL was placed in memory care and has had a difficult time transitioning.  My FIL moved in with us, but shortly after moving in, got COVID pneumonia.  He was in the hospital and then rehab.  He has now been back home for a couple of months and it has been quite the transition for us empty nesters.  Giving up our master bedroom and bath on the main floor, worrying about what he is going to eat, therapists coming in and out of our house, and just having an extra person in the home. My husband is an only child, so there is no one else. Just us. All the while, trying to sell his parents' house, work our regular jobs, still see Cortney, worrying about Kyle who is currently deployed, and me throwing my back out.  (MRI pending) 

But through all this, we did celebrate 32 years together, Cortney selling her first painting at Artist in All, me finishing my 30th year of teaching, and the start of summer break. 

I guess that's life huh?

The good, the bad, the ugly. ;) 

I am not complaining, as I have learned a long time ago that everything is fleeting and enjoy even these tough moments. So we have resolved to make this time with his dad the best we can for him. Make some memories while he is with us.

Anyway, on to my card..... which is really why you stopped! 

This bearded dragon is so cute peeking out around this wall! Another adorable set from Whimsy Stamps! I used the brick stencil to create the wall. I had some left over leaf and flower die cuts in my stash and used them here for the top right corner.  I added a bit of hand stitching, which on hind sight probably didn't need.  (Since it IS hidden! LOL) but.....it's there! A bit of twine and a small clothes pin finished off the card.  

Thank you for being patient with me and still checking up on me!

 

A Couple of Hippos Doing Yoga!

Hello friends!

I hope you all had a blessed Easter!

Mine was busy and hectic as usual, but a good one.  Unfortunately, my son is deployed, my DIL and granddaughter are in Georgia.  So Facetime had to suffice this year.  My FIL is back living with us after a 6 week hospital/rehab stay.  He is doing pretty well, but a huge adjustment for all of us. 

It has been difficult to find some "me" time lately.

I did sneak in these two cards using Whimsy Stamp's new Hippo Yoga set.  You may or may not know that I have been doing yoga for the past 13 years.  So yoga is a huge part of my life! But a hippo?  Now that's a new one! ;)

I colored the images with Copics.  I added a "floor" using the Mermaid Scales Stencil.

The second card uses the same stencil and Copics.  I added some fun ribbon from like a million years ago!  

These cards make me smile, which at this point, I could use a lot of! :)

Thank you for stopping by!

At some point, I will get my life together again, and hopefully find more time to craft and post!

 

Whimsy Stamp's New Release

Hello!

Today is Whimsy Stamp's new release day!

Back in May I had to say goodbye to my sweet boy, Skippers.  He was 18 and lived a long healthy life.  Unfortunately, he crossed that Rainbow Bridge. 

This past October we got a new pup and named him Bourbon.  He is a bundle of energy and pretty mischievous.  But he has added some life to our house and I love him to pieces!

For those of you who have lost fur babies or need to send a card to someone who just lost theirs, this set, Rainbow Angel is perfect.  I stamped her on Copic friendly paper and fussy cut her. The paper is part of the Rainbow Bridge collection.  I cut the frame using the new Rainbow Bridge Die set. 

My second card uses the same products, but instead of using only Copics, I stamped the angel on the rainbow paper and cut her out.  I love that her wings and dress are bright and colorful.  I added a touch of glossy accents and glitter to her wings.  

My lil' Bourbon guy. 

Be sure to pop by Whimsy Stamp's for their full release! 

 

Post Christmas Penguins!

Hello there!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

This year our Christmas wasn't as joyous as Christmas's past. We are dealing with aging parents and their health is declining. Some difficult decisions are being made, and it is stressful to say the least.  

My son was unable to make it home for the holiday, which meant I couldn't celebrate my granddaughter's first Christmas. Thank goodness for Facetime at least. 

Anyway, my lack of posts is due to my life being a bit hectic lately.

I made these cards awhile ago but never got to posting them.  This set, Penguin Winter Holiday, from Whimsy Stamps, is so cute I had to make a card for each of them. :)

Each image was colored with Copic Markers and cut out using a basic circle and scallop die. Liquid applique was added to their hats and glitter sprinkled over it while it was still wet. 

Each background was done with Tim Holtz Distress spray in Picked Raspberry.  I did some machine stitching to finish it off. 

Thank you for hanging in there with me!

Have a wonderful week and Happy New Year!

 

Whimsy Stamp's New Release!

Hello friends!

Not sure how many people actually come here for a visit, but I am hoping a few still do.  ;) Today is Whimsy Stamp's new release.  Their new stamp set called, Cow Crazy is adorable! I colored this CC (Cute Cow) with Copic Markers.  I cut the image out using the new Loopdidoos 3 die cut.  I added the word Yikes as part of the sentiment.  To add just a bit of interest to the background, I used the Brick Pattern Stencil.  

If you haven't yet seen the new release, be sure to pop on over to Whimsy Stamps! 

Thank you for coming by!