Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Greeting from beautiful, sunny rainy Florida!!!  I was hoping for 82* and sun for Christmas, but we're getting a high of 76* and thunder storms.  At least we're not getting snow or ice like so many places are.  We'll have to go to the beach another day though. :)

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas!!! Happy birthday Jesus!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Light Up Your Holiday

I have a few more Christmas cards to show before the year is over.  My favorite part of this card is the sentiment - "Light Up Your Holiday with God's love!". 

Here's a close up that shows the Crystal Lacquer on the large lights and the glaze pen on the small lights.

Blessings

• We watched our friends' two youngest kids tonight.  It was such a joy to have little ones in the house.
• I think I'm finished with all of the Christmas gift and card preparation!!!!  I wouldn't be if Mark hadn't done most of the wrapping for me.  Thank God for my loving husband.
• A phone visit with my mom. In the new year she's going to visit in person!!!

I hope you have been able to find time in all of the hustle and bustle of the season to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas - Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Wow! I won!!!!

I've won several awesome digital images recently.  I was waiting to announce that I had won them with hopes that I could show a card made with the images along with the announcement.  But with holidays and the time I lost due to my fall I haven't been able to get the cards made.  So I decided I would announce the images I won and show cards at a later time.

I was very excited to win the digital image of my choice from In Style Stamps.  I chose Ava Leaning.  I can't wait to make a card with this beautiful image.  Watch for one coming in the future.  Thank you very much, In Style Stamps.

I won the digital image of my choice from the blog hop for Busy Beauties Boutique.  I was so excited to win an image from this great new store!!!  I chose Baking Beauty.  I have fun plans for her. :)  Watch for a card in the future when I get caught up from the holidays.  Thanks so much for the fabulous image, Carolyn.

I feel very blessed and spoiled to have these special new images to play with.

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Another Sneak Peek!

It's time for another sneak peek at the new stamps that will soon be coming out at My Paper Moon.  I'm having so much fun playing with these stamps.  For this project I used the sweet cupid stamp and the Love stamp.  This calendar page fits in a 3 1/2" x 5" clear acrylic frame with a magnet on the back.
*** You can print free calendars at Red Castle, Inc.  You can choose the size, format, font, etc.  It's very user friendly. ***

Here's a closer view of the stamps.  Aren't they beautiful?

Here's  a picture of my grand dog, Caesar, wearing his wiseman costume.  I don't think it put him in the Christmas spirit to wear it. lol  Poor little guy is very shaggy.  He has a date with the groomer this weekend.

Blessings

• My husband's student's gave their Christmas play last night.  It was so good and had a great message about the true meaning of Christmas.
• Christmas cards and letters from friends and family that I don't hear from often.  It's nice to stay in touch.
• My niece helped me out in a small way last night, but it meant so much to me, because of her thoughtfulness.
• God shows me that He is there for me time and time again in my life.  It makes me think of the song, "Great is Thy Faithfulness".

Have a terrific day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Wow! I won!!!!

I'm thrilled to be one of the winners of this wonderful Christmas blog candy from Denise at KC242 Designs by Denise. Thanks so very much, Denise. I'm so excited and am really looking forward to playing with my awesome new goodies from you.

Inky hugs!
Shelly

It's Red Friday!!!

 I'm screeching in here at the last minute to post this after a good, but very busy day.  I had planned to post it earlier, but some things came up and this is the first chance I've had.

I saw this video in the Homefront Blog and just had to share it with you.  Let's remember to pray for our troops and their families over the holidays.  It must be an extra hard time for them to be apart.



No card today. It was too overcast today to get a picture by the time I remembered that I needed to. Sorry about that. I'm a bit scatterbrained with the extra holiday stuff going on and then to add to it I ended up with a knee brace and a cane yesterday. That is sure slowing me down. But hopefully it will help my knee injury.

Operation Write Home is a great organization that collects handmade cards to distribute to the troops to send home to their families and friends.  They need more cards to send.  Please help if you can.  They send cards all year long.  You can find more info here.

 Blessings

• A really nice phone visit with my mom.
• A special family time tonight.
  
• Good health care.
• My loving church family.

Have a wonderful day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

There's Magic in the Air Recipe Blog Hop

Don't forget about the recipe blog hop going on through December 13th to celebrate the opening of Nina's new online store.  There are some terrific recipes along the way that I know I'll be using for holiday treats, beautiful cards, a whole bunch of great prizes, and a recipe challenge.  Come join in the fun!!  You start at There's Magic in the Air.

The sentence is: Paper cupcakes where the main ingredient is love.

Inky hugs!
Shelly

My Christmas Candy Winner!!!

I enjoyed hearing about what makes Christmas special for each of you.  Thanks for sharing. :)  As usual,  I wish I could send something to everyone, but that's not possible.  So I went to Random.com and let it choose the winner of my Christmas Mini Candy.  The winner is........

#2 gucanucksgo of Crafty Creations!!!!   Congratulations!!!!  Please contact me at
webe34him(at)bellsouth(dot)net with your mailing info.

Inky hugs!
Shelly

There's Magic in the Air Recipe Blog Hop

The recipe blog hop for There's Magic in the Air started today and lasts through December 13th. The hop is celebrating the debut of Nina's new online store, Paper Cupcakes. Each blog will be showcasing a new image and sharing a delicious recipe. There will be prizes, a recipe challenge and a chance to be the Guest Designer for the Month of February. Go on over and join the fun! The hop starts at There's Magic in the Air.

Time for Some Christmas Blog Candy

This post will remain at the top until my blog candy is given away.  Please scroll down to see today's post.
I'm giving away some mini candy to celebrate Christmas.  It's such a special time of the year for me.  Most importantly, because we celebrate Jesus' birth.  And also, because we spend extra time with family and friends enjoying traditions and making new ones.

My Christmas candy is a set of stamps by Inkadinkado called Peppermint Twist.  I chose a set that doesn't have too many sentiments in case English isn't the language of the winner.  I don't want you to end up with a bunch of stamps that are useless to you.

What do you need to do to be in the drawing for this candy?

1. Leave me a comment telling me what you like best about Christmas.If you don't know how to comment, email me at webe34him@bellsouth.net and I'll add your name in.

2. Please tell others about my blog candy.

3. Optional: Become a follower if you want.  You don't have to be a follower to win my candy.

The candy will be open through December 8th.  I'll announce the winner on December 10th.

My candy is open to everyone in the world.

Inky hugs!
Shelly

A Snowy Flight

No card today. Instead I have a calendar page for you.  My friend, Martha, made a calendar for me last year with a new page for each month that slides into a 3 1/2 x 5 acrylic, magnetic frame.  I have enjoyed it so much that I'm working on new 2010 pages.

This image is a free digital image from There's Magic in the Air.  Every Monday Nina gives away a free image and issues a fun challenge.  This week's challenge was "Anything but a Card".   Be sure to check out the fabulous projects that the DT members made.  I made my calendar page for a second great challenge also.  Easy craft Projects - Challenge is having their very first challenge!!!!   The challenge is to "Make Something Using Turquoise".  Stop by and see the wonderful projects that the DT made.  The colors in my photos aren't quite true, but they're the best I can do with only a camera on an overcast day. I miss my photo editing program.

Here you can see the dimensional snow.  I used USArtQuest Artist's cement for the snow.  It isn't a true white, so I added the glitter.  I used my glaze pen on the eye and buttons and Stickles on the hat trim.

This photo shows the frame (R) that the calendar fits in. 

There's Magic in the Air is having a recipe blog hop Wednesday, December 9th to celebrate the debut of Nina's new online store, Paper Cupcakes. Each blog will be showcasing a new image and sharing a yummy recipe. There will be prizes, a recipe challenge and a chance to be the Guest Designer for the Month of February. Sounds like a ton of fun! The hop starts at There's Magic in the Air.

Blessings

• A friend had a very special answer to prayer today.
• The joy that crafting brings.
• Enjoying quiet talk with Mark over lunch.

Have a terrific day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Dreaming of Summer

It's a cold, wet day here in Florida.  A bit unusual for us.  It's a perfect day to be inside crafting.  Today's card is for Challenge #48 called Dreaming of Summertime at Charisma Cardz Challenge Blog.  I thought it was a very appropriate challenge for today. :)  My summer card is a beach card.  I live on the coast of Florida and this image makes me think of lounging on the beach on a scorching warm summer day. lol  We actually go to the beach in the early evening during the summer most of the time to try to beat the worst of the heat.  I've been on an orange kick with cards lately.  Maybe it's all of the overcast days we've had. 

This view shows the texture on the card.  I used Crystal Lacquer on the toenails and waves and real sand on the beach.

Blessings

• Soft, cozy pj's on this cold evening.
• A husband who cares about even the small details of life that seem important to me.
• Our medical insurance. 
  
• More rain!!!
  

God made each of us one of a kind - just like snowflakes.  You're very special.

Inky hugs!
Shelly

It's Red Friday and A Sneak Peek

If you're going out somewhere this evening, why not wear red to show your support for our troops?  I have Red Fridays on my blog to show my support for our troops who are serving our country so that we can remain safe and free.

Another way I show my support for our troops is by making cards for them.  I make cards for them to send home to their families and friends and I make cards with notes in them for the heroes themselves.  I send my cards through a great organization called Operation Write Home.  Operation Write Home is always looking for more handmade cards to send to the troops.  Please consider helping out.  This is a wonderful project to do with kids too.  Below is a photo of some happy heroes that have received cards from Operation Write Home.

The two main stamps on my card today are a sneak peek at some of the new Valentine stamps coming soon at My Paper Moon.  Aren't they fabulous?  It's a privilege to be able to play with them before the release date.  I'll let you know what the release date is as soon as it's ready for announcement. I love this sentiment.  The little heart stamp is from My Paper Moon also.

Here's a close up of the fabulous Queen of Hearts image.  This image was fun to color.  I used my clear glaze pen on the roses and my clear stardust pen for the card border and accents on the crown.  The white part of the card is painted with Angel Wings Shimmerz.

Blessings

• It has rained all day here!!!  It's literally showers of blessings for us since we are having quite a drought.
• A fun family evening planned.
• Friends - they sure do enrich life. :)

Have a marvelous day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

See It Shimmer

Hi friends.  It's an overcast day here on the Treasure Coast of Florida.  I had a hard time getting a photo of my card.  It's not the best picture, but you get the idea. :)  This card is made with a technique I learned from Becky at My Adventures in Stamping.

Blessings

• A wonderful online radio station with Christian Christmas music - this station offers that and so much more. And they broadcast in many different languages - you choose.   http://www.bbnradio.org/   
• Mark added another light to my craft area.  Wow! I feel like I went from a cave to a sunny beach. :)
• Happy mail :)
• The fun, teasing moments that happen every day around here with my family.

Be open to what God wants to do through you today.

Inky hugs!
Shelly

A - Maze- ing

A card at last!!!  Between a flu bug and the holiday I just haven't been able to get many cards finished.  I'll warn you in advance that I am very much a hit and miss blogger during the holidays.  I like to cherish every bit of family time we can get and I get busy with preparations.  And in the midst of all that I try to make sure that I take time to remember the real reason for Christmas - the birth of Jesus.

This card is for my niece, who just turned seven.  I wanted to make something fun and I remembered seeing this maze in a Paper Creations magazine that Mark bought for me several months ago.

Blessings

• A super, special husband.  Mark cooked Thanksgiving dinner, because I was still feeling really sick.  We're still enjoying the yummy leftovers.
• My mil brought us cornbread dressing and apple dumplings for our dinner.  She's a terrific cook too.
• Back to my special husband - he surprised me with some warm pajamas and remembered the style, the fabric and size I like without asking.  And they're pretty too. :)  What a fabulous guy!!!  The pjs have felt so good during this cold snap we've had. 

Please pray for my daughter, Lydia.  She's sick now.

Is there anything I can pray about for you?  If so, leave a comment or email me at webe34him@bellsouth.net.

*** Watch for a bit of blog candy coming soon. :)

Have a marvelous day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

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Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Wishing you and those you love a blessed Thanksgiving!!!

Inky hugs!!!

Shelly

 

Let's Say Thanks

I'm sorry I've been absent without excuse. :)  I've had several appointments and in between I've been either busy or not feeling too well.

I want to encourage you to take part in a great program that Xerox has called "Let's Say Thanks".    It's site where you can choose a post card to print with a message and they will send it to a member of the military in Iraq for you to sat thank you for their service.  How awesome is that?  The Xerox Let's Say Thanks site can be found here.  Please take a moment to let a member of our troops know how much you appreciate their service.

Blessings

• The freedom we have in our country.  That's something we should never take for granted.
• A date with my husband yesterday. :)
• Awesome happy mail!!!
• We had rain last night!!!

Have a wonderful day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

A Special Birthday Card & Candy Winner

I'm still hoping to hear from my blog candy winner, Doris from The Stamping Tower.  Please email me with your address, Doris.

This is the card that I made for my daughter, Lydia, for her birthday.  The card is blue, because that's Lydia's favorite color. :)

The "sugar" on the cupcake is vintage glass glitter that my friend, Becky, gave me.  It looks so real for things like this.  The tulips are 3-d'd on double stick tape.  Tilda's hair bow is paper sculpted to make it puffy.  Tilda is 3-d'd on double stick tape.

Blessings

• Some good news at my doctor visit today.
• Happy Mail - I know you see this one often, but I do love to receive mail. :)
• Our friend's birthday is the day after Lydia's.  Our friend turned 99 this year!  This dear lady still plays the piano for our Sunday morning church service.  

Have a fabulous day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Blog Candy Winner

Thank you everyone for taking part in the Veterans Day Blog Hop.  The winner of my blog candy chosen by Random.org is......
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#10  Doris from The Stamping Tower   

Congratulations Doris!!!!  Please email me with your address so that I can send your stamps to you.

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Veterans Day Blog Hop

Welcome to the Veterans Day Blog Hop.  If this is your first stop, you may want to start at the beginning of the hop which is here at the Home Front Blog.   Today's blog hop is being hosted by Operation Write Home.  Operation Write Home is a wonderful organization that collects handmade cards to send to our nation's deployed heroes (troops) to send home to their families and friends.  They also collect Any Hero cards to send to heroes that aren't getting much mail or just need a lift.  I'm proud to be a card maker for Operation Write home and our nation's heroes.  I hope you'll join us in making cards. Operation Write Home makes it so simple to get the cards to the troops.  Their web site contains all the info you need to get started.

With Veterans Day in mind, I'd like to give a heartfelt thank you to the many people who have served and are still serving our country.  We wouldn't have our wonderful USA if it wasn't for you. 

My first card is an Any Hero card.  Any Hero cards are sent with a note written in them and the envelope is addressed to "Any Hero".  Upon reaching their destination these cards are handed out to those who need them the most.  I apologize for the poor photo of this card.  It came out dark looking no matter what I did. 

My second card is a Valentine for a hero to send home to family or friends.  Valentine's Day is the holiday that we're making cards for at Operation Write Home at this time.  This is a fun little shaker card.  I thought it might be something a bit different to send.

I'm offering this set of Inkadinkado Patterned Birds and Bugs clear stamps for my blog candy on this blog hop.  All you have to do to win is leave me a comment.  My candy is open to everyone.  My blog candy will be open through Monday, November 16th.  I'll announce the winner in the evening on Tuesday, November 17th.

Thanks for hopping by today. Your next stop on the hop is Maryellen's blog.

Inky hugs!
Shelly

It's Red Friday!!!

Hi friends.  I'm just popping in here for a few minutes to remind you about the Veterans Day Blog Hop tomorrow - Saturday November 14th.  It will start at The Home Front Blog and there will be 75 blogs to hop through.  Come show your support for our nations heroes, see some great cards and enter to win some blog candy along the way.  I'll have blog candy here, so be sure to stop in.

Sorry I don't have a card today, but I'll have cards and candy tomorrow and another card on Sunday.

Blessings

• Yesterday was my daughter's birthday.  A good time to reflect what a precious gift from the Lord she is.
• A too short haircut has proven to be a blessing in saving time when I'm getting ready to go somewhere.
• A really nice visit with a friend.
• Happy mail :)
  

Have a terrific day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Christmas Preview

Christmas is getting all too close and I don't have very many Christmas cards made yet.  Here's one that I do have done.  I painted the image with Twinkling H2O's.  I used Star Dream card stock to go along with the shimmery paint.  I dry embossed the black card stock with my Scor Pal to frame the image.  This is such a beautiful image that I kept the card simple to keep the focus on the image.

Blessings

•  Mark & Lydia are always willing to lend a hand when I need it.
• Time to spend in prayer despite my busy schedule this week.  I need the prayer time to keep going.

Have a marvelous day!!!

Inky hugz!
Shelly

Thanks Sis

A big thank you to my sister, Sheila.  I wanted the above new header for my blog, but it had writing on it and I didn't know how to erase the writing and add what I wanted.  Sheila surprised me by doing it for me!  And then when I couldn't upload it on to my blog from the email she sent it in, Sheila even put it on my blog for me.  Thanks for the surprise, Sheila, and for still helping me out even though we're grown up now. :)

Hugs,
Shell

Let Us Give Thanks

Hi friends. Today's card is for the challenge at There's Magic in the Air.  Every Monday Nina has a free digital image on There's Magic in the Air and then Nina or one of her DT members issues a challenge using the image.  This week's challenge is to use buttons on your card. I really enjoyed coloring this beautiful Fall image from Nina.

I added Crystal Lacquer to the jar, Stickles to the candle flame and matte PPA to the candle to give them some realistic texture.

Nina also gave away two different sentiment to use this week.  This one was my favorite.  I made my buttons using a Sizzlet button die.  I coated the buttons with Crystal Lacquer, tied thread through them after they were dry and adhered them to my card with double stick foam tape.

Blessings

• A phone visit with my sister.
• Happy Mail!!!
• A husband who does the shopping due to my health problems.
  

Have a blessed day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Spread the Love

Today's card is for an 11 year old girl named Jaimie.  Jaimie and her mom were attacked in their home while they were sleeping.  Jaimie's mom was killed and Jaimie was left for dead.  The Spread the Love Blog Hop is going on to get people to send cards to Jaimie.  You begin the blog hop here at Katharina's blog.  You will also find more info about the whole situation there.   I hope you will send Jaimie a card even if you don't have time to join in the blog hop.  The address is:

Jaimie Cates
c/o Mont Vernon Fire Station
Main Street
Mont Vernon, NH 03057

You can also visit the main blog, which is Stamp Something for Jaimie. 

Jaimie is very into sports, so I decided to use this surfing Tilda.  Obviously Jaimie doesn't surf in NH, but I like this surfer Tilda, because I'm sending my cards from Florida.

I added real sand and shells to the card for a fun touch. The sun and the surf board are popped up with double stick foam tape.

Blessings

• Mark made it home safely from a business trip that included evacuating his 5th floor hotel room in the middle of the night for a fire alarm.
• Lydia just finished up a good dog sitting job.
• Happy mail :)

Happy a terrific day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

I'm so excited!

I won some fabulous blog candy from Loretta at Stamping with Loretta!!!  I am so thrilled!  I've been doing a major happy dance. :) Thank you so much for this very generous candy, Loretta.

Inky hugs!
Shelly

It's Red Friday

Hi Friends.  I apologize for missing Red Friday on my blog last week.  I had prepared for it, but life doesn't always go according to plan. :)  First of all, don't forget to wear red today to show your support for our troops.


Big news!!!  The Veterans Day Blog Hop is coming up on Saturday, November 14th.  Please come hop along in support of our nation's heroes.  There will be great cards to see along the way and some yummy candy to win. Operation Write Home would love to have more participants in the hop.  If you want to be a part of the hop, you can find more info here.

I have another Valentine to share with you this week.  Many of the cards I send in my next batch to OWH will be Valentines as that's the next holiday coming up on the Operation Write Home Calendar.  If you're new to my blog, Operation Write Home collects handmade cards and sends them to our nations heroes (troops) so that they have nice cards to send home to their families and friends.  If you'd like to become involved you can find more info here.

Blessings

• Friends - both in person and online.
• A wonderful answer to prayer that I can't share the details of without breaking a confidence.

Have a marvelous day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

A Good Reminder

This card is for Flutterby Challenge #82 at Danni's Dreams and for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #11.  Danni is letting us have an open week for Flutterby Challenge as long as our card has a Flutterby on it.  I hope Danni is feeling much better.  Danni and her kids have had the flu.  Last I heard the kids had bounced back, but Danni still wasn't feeling too well.

The verse for this Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge is Deuteronomy 31:8, "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)  We were challenged to create something about when God is unseen.  Something that will remind us that God is with us.  This is subject is such a great reminder that God is always with us.  It was a real blessing to my heart as I worked on this card.  The verse on my card says, "He will never leave you or forsake you". The center of the silk flower is a glitterly faux brad to match the Stickles I put on the image flower centers.
 

Blessings

• A friend who has been sick is doing much better.
• It was so nice out today.  Cooler and breezy.  I had to spend some time outside just for the sheer joy of it.
• The gift of laughter.  We've been chuckling over a humorous incident for two days.
  
• A visit from my daughter today. 

Have a fabulous day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Life is Full of Surprises!

I love the fun image on this card.  The sentiment inside says, "I hope your birthday is filled with surprises!". :)

Here's a close up view of the image.  Isn't the dragon adorable?

I'm hobbling a bit. Monday evening I tripped coming over the dog gate in a rush and landed with all my weight on my knee. Ouch!  I think I learned my lesson to open the gate. lol

Blessings

• My fabulous husband.  There aren't many men out there to equal him.
• There are butterflies fluttering around outside as I write this.  So beautiful!
• Living in Florida where I can see butterflies in November. 
  
• Happy Mail!  That always makes my day. :)

Have a wonderful day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Happy Fall Y'All!

Today's card is shimmery in person.  I used Star Dream card stock, Brilliance Ink, and a foil leaf embellishment.  My favorite part of the card is the background paper that I stamped.  I layered 3 different stamps and 3 different colors of ink to make it.  Fun stuff!

***Several people have asked me what I'll do with all of my brads and other embellishments now that I'm trying to make flatter cards.  They will still be put to good use.  I'll use them on cards occasionally, but mostly I'll use them in my scrapbooks and on gifts and other dimensional projects. I can't give up embellishments. :)

Blessings

• Someone I know, who needed a job, got one!
• My brother's new baby girl arrived safely and as cute as can be. :)
• We were able to get some furniture that we no longer needed moved out today.
  

Have a fabulous day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

The Winner!!!

Thank you all for signing up for my blog candy and for your sweet blogaversary wishes.  I wish everyone could win some blog candy from me, but there can only be one winner. Watch for some mini blog candy coming in the future.

I used random.org to choose the winner.  I tired to show the results, but couldn't get the little random gizmo to upload.

The winner is......
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.    Kristie from Kreated by Kristie    Congratulations Kristie!!!!!  Please send me your address so that I can mail your candy to you.

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Time for Some Blog Candy!!!

My first blogaversary was in September while I was still recovering form my surgery.  Mark surprised me that day with a card, a scrapbooking magazine and some Jelly Bellys.  Wasn't that sweet?  Anyhow, I want to give away some blog candy for my blogaversary even though it's late.  Here's a photo of the goodies.

• Clear Stamp Set from Inkadinkado
• Wood Mounted Stamp from Inkadinkado - I've fallen in love w/these kid's saying stamps. :)
  
• Package of KandCompany Florals and Swooshes Chipboard Shapes
• We R Memory Keepers Flocked Lace
• Natures Collage Butterfly Ribbon
• Creative Imaginations Bare-Elements Daisy Mini Book
• Flora Doodles Handmade Jeweled Flowers
• KandCompany Butterflies
• Clear Mini Stamps Admit One
• 3 Packages of Basic Grey Bling It

I based the theme of my blog candy mainly on flowers and butterflies, because they are two of the things that I really enjoy seeing out my windows as I craft.

To win the blog candy, please leave a comment for me and mention my blog candy on your blog.  If you don't have a blog, please tell me what group or friend you will be sharing news of my blog candy with.  I want everyone to have a chance to win. :) If you don't know how to leave a comment, email me at webe34him@bellsouth.net and I'll be happy to type one in for you.  I realize that not everyone is familiar with how a blog works.

You can leave comments through October 31st.  I'll announce the winner on November 1st.
***This blog candy is closed.  The winner will be announced later today.***
Inky hugs!
Shelly

Just Fluttering By

This card is for Flutterby Challenge #81 at Danni's Dreams.  This week is an open theme, so we can do any kind of card we want as long as it has a butterfly, fairy, OR angel on it.  Danni is adding angels to the Flutterby Challenge for the Christmas season.  Notice that the faux brads on my card are glittery today.  I used Stickles, rather than Crystal Lacquer on them. I wanted to draw out the glitter in the background paper.

Today is the last day to sign up for my blog candy if you haven't had a chance to.

Blessings

• Phone visits with my mom and sister yesterday. :)
• Happy Mail.
• Our friend, Lloyd, is continuing to progress well after his accident.
• Fresh apples in season. Mmmmmm........

Have a wonderful day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly

Faux Brad Instructions

I've had several people ask me about how I made the faux brads for the card in my last post, so I figured I better get busy and share the instructions.  It's very easy. For those of you who missed my last post, I make the faux brads, because they don't add extra weight or thickness to an envelope when mailing.  Thank you Lydia for "posing" so I could take photos for this little demo. :)

Materials Needed:

Card Stock
Small Round Punch
Crystal Lacquer, Aleene's Paper Glaze, or like product
Non-Stick Craft Sheet or Wax Paper

Instructions:
1. Punch circles from card stock with a round punch.  I use either 3/16" or 1/4" size punches, depending on what I'm doing.

2. Place circles on a non-stick surface.  Coat circles with Crystal Lacquer. Make sure you get it all the way to the edges.

3. Let dry.  It's humid here and usually takes overnight.
4. Using paper adhesive, adhere the flat side of the faux brad to your craft project where you would normally use a brad.

***Helpful Hints:

• Metallic or textured card stocks make very pretty faux brads.
• Thin sheets of craft metal can be punched & made into faux brads.
• I make up extra faux brads each time I make them, so that I have them ready to use when I need them.
• To make glittery brads use Stickles or adhesive and glitter, rather than Crystal Lacquer.
• Use shaped punches to make shaped faux brads such as hearts, stars, etc.

Edited to add: Several people have asked me what I'll do with all of my brads and other embellishments now that I'm trying to make flatter cards.  They will still be put to good use.  I'll use them on cards occasionally, but mostly I'll use them in my scrapbooks and on gifts and other dimensional projects.  I can't give up embellishments. :)

Here's the card I made with the faux brads shown being made in the above photos.  Wouldn't you know that these faux brads didn't turn out as nice as usual! But I used them anyhow seeing I wanted to get this on my blog for those who are interested.  So please don't let these faux brads make you decide you don't want to try this. Look at some of the ones I've used on past projects and you can see that they do look better. (In fact there are faux brads on the card in my previous post.) You can learn from my mistake today's post.  I put the Crystal Lacquer on way too thick and it dried with a dimple in the center of each faux brad.  :(

I wasn't sure if I liked the red brads on this card, so I just laid them on the card for my first photo.  Here's the card without the brads.  Which one do you like best?

Blessings

• Mark found a winter coat for me today at the thrift store.  I'm all set for cold weather & it's still in the high 80's each day. 
• Happy Mail :)

Have a terrific day!!!

Inky hugs!
Shelly