It's a Citrus Celebration

I know it's Thursay...or is it?  ;-)  DH had a day off yesterday (I use that term loosely...he mowed and sprayed the lawn, cleaned our big wooden front entry doors,  installed the new keyboard for the desktop (in our office, it requires yoga moves) and grilled the chicken for dinner! Is he a sweetheart or what?)  I lose track of the days when he has his mid-week day off. 

Since we live in citrus country, I couldn't resist this week's Moxie Fab  Citrus Celebration Tuesday Trigger.

Isn't this orange, lemon and lime combo refreshing and fun?  I love those polka dot cupcake liners!

Here's my interpretation....

I started with a base of PTI Lemon Tart then layered it with some DP from one of my favorite paper packs, DCWV Citrus Collection.

The bird is cut out and popped up on dimensionals.

A bit of stitching, some hand gathered ribbon, a few fun buttons, and some distressing with scissors and ink to soften the edges and done. 

Supplies:

Paper - PTI Lemon Tart, SU Orange, Neenah Solar White

DP - DCWV Citrus Collection

Ink - Versafine Orange, PTI Chai

Stamps - PTI Everyday Classics, Impression Obsession bird

Accessories - sewing machine, PTI buttons, dimensionals, ribbon, glue dots, scissors

Thanks for stopping by my paper playground...don't forget to comment for the blog candy here.  It's good to be back!

I'm baaaaack!

Finally...thanks to a techy friend who spent this evening getting us up and running (he works for food!) and the brace came off (until the next time) :-(

This new computer will take some getting used to and of course, some of my programs don't work anymore on this new version (do you think they plan that?).

Time to catch up... first Teapot Tuesday which is a super simple CAS card for young man named Kim who was diagnosed just 3 weeks ago with prostate cancer that has spread to his bones.  You can read his story here.   Kim lives in Ontario, Canada and loves Fords, food and sports...sounds just like a guy. 

I kept this super CAS using the sketch challenge from SCS324 except that I shortened the sentiment panel to keep my borders balanced.  I've also entered this in the Less is More CAS Masculine Challenge.

Supplies:

Paper - PTI Kraft, Black

Stamps - Tim Holtz Visual Artistry

Sentiment - computer generated

What's on my workdesk for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday?  (WOYWW94)  Not much!  I haven't been able to stamp but did get some new red rubber from Impression Obsession.  They always have great clearance sales so I picked these up for a song...well, maybe not a song because I can't sing...but pretty cheap!

And finally, for those of you who so patiently and kindly hung in there (if you hung around to read this far!)...a little blog candy is in order to thank you!

Here's what I've got...2 sets of Fiskars stamps
                                 5 yards of natural twine on a kraft tag
                                 5 yards of ivory twine on a kraft tag
                                 several yards of assorted May Arts Ribbon
                                 3 boxes of mini brads, stars and rivets
                                 3 piercing templates - 2 sizes of round and a star (you can't see them but  they're there!)

I'll draw the winner by random number selector on April 1st.  (no foolin'!)  :-D   

Feel free to post the candy picture on your blog if you'd like but you don't have to have a blog to win it.  Just leave me a comment.

Thanks much for being there...your comments keep me going.  I've also added some new ribbons to my Etsy shop.  More to come!

A little update

First of all, thank you to everyone who offered prayers and good wishes for my hand recovery.  It is getting better each day with rest.  It's just something that comes and goes and when it comes....I'm disabled for a few days.

Secondly, BOTH of our computers died...Murphy's Law, right?  First the laptop, then the ancient desktop.  The desktop has been replaced but we don't have it fully installed yet.  We need a 12 year old to help out!!   The laptop will have to wait until the budget recovers.

Thanks for hanging in with me....in the meantime, head over to the May Arts blog.  They are hosting a "Best of" week featuring all the favorites of the designers.  You're sure to find a project or technique you can't wait to try.

                                                        

Teapot Tues., WOYWW, Cutting Cafe DT Challenge Giveaway

So sorry I've been AWOL for a few days.   My thumb joint has decided to act up again so this is what's on my workdesk for WOYWW (What's on your Workdesk Wednesday93) at Julia's Stamping Ground .

Back into the brace.  It's so annoying and oh so not attractive, but it helps keep the pain to a minimum.  What we do when we're young, comes back to haunt us when we're old....er. 

Once the pain subsided somewhat, I was able to complete a couple of small projects.  First up is the Background Challenge from The Cutting Cafe.  Regina challenged the DT to use her awesome background stamps this month. 

I decided to use the fun Assorted Colored Birthday Celebration Background Set to create a Chocolate Book.  You can find more details on the Chocolate Book here.

 I also used the Everyday Greetings Set 1 for the sentiment.   The sweet little girl is from Pure Innocence.  Her balloon is covered with Crystal Effects.  

                                      

If you've read this far, there's another treat in store!  In addition to all the lovely DT projects, 

this month not only can you win ANY 3 SETS from The Cutting Cafe by leaving a comment, but also for every BACKGROUND PRINTABLE STAMP you order from today until Friday at midnight (Pacific standard time) March 18th, you can choose a background set of equal or lessor value for free...NO LIMIT...

You have to go to the link to leave the comment.

This week's Teapot Tuesday Destination is a sweet little 6th grade girl named Haeli who is undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.  If you have a minute, please read Haeli's story here.   Haeli loves art so our challenge was to make our creations "framed". 

The challenge teapots featured a variety of cute little critters and flowers in teapots.  I had these wooden frames I picked up at Michael's on clearance a while ago so thought I'd literally frame Haeli's card.  I have no idea where the image stamp came from because I purchased a set of 4 years ago in unmounted form. 

That's it for me...typing cramps up the hand and our computer fan is making strange noises so I have to take it into the shop for repair so I may be awol for a few more days.

Thanks for stopping by!  I love your comments.

Tweet Spring!

Oh, Spring...how we long for you...even in the deep south we're walking around in our cold weather gear.  We can't wait for your green grass and warm breezes, singing birds and graceful blooms.  We thought maybe you needed a hint......

Come join me on the May Arts blog for all the details.  Hurry Spring....we're waiting for you!

Foodie Friday - Lowfat Carrot Cake - Honest!

I adore Carrot Cake!  Just make mine 3 layers,  filled and frosted with Cream Cheese Frosting and garnished with chopped walnuts.  Oh my....sigh!

Alas, my DH's place of employment is on a "healthy" food kick and they're having a contest for different categories of healthy food.  The latest category was healthy desserts.  I tried to tell DH that my favorite carrot cake was healthy but he didn't think the cream cheese frosting would make the cut.  Humph!

I have lots of "healthy" cookbooks so I spent a bit of time searching for something that not only had healthy ingredients but also sounded like it might be yummy tasting.  I actually found a carrot cake is full of lowfat ingredients and guess what?  It's yummy!!  Ok, I had to pass on the cream cheese frosting but a dollop of lowfat whipped cream would be perfect.  It's moist and delicious and it tastes pretty good for breakfast too!

                                                            
Another bonus is that it's one bowl, one pan and no mixer so you whip up this tasty treat in no time.

Lowfat Carrot Cake (8 servings)
Adapted from Jane Brody's Good Food Gourmet



1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 cup warm water
1 1/2 cups finely shredded carrots
1/2 cup plain lowfat greek yogurt (reg. plain lowfat yogurt would be fine too)
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup canola oil
1 egg (or 2 egg whites if you're watching cholestrol), beat with a fork until blended
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  (if using glass pan, 300 degrees)

In small bowl, combine the baking soda and warm water.  Set aside.

In large bowl, combine carrots, yogurt, sugar, applesauce, oil, egg or egg whites, spices and raisins.

Stir in whole wheat and all purpose flour just until combined.  Add reserved  baking soda mixture.  Stir in gently.  Pour into a greased 8 or 9 inch square baking pan.

Place in hot oven and bake for 35 - 45 min or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. (may take more time depending on your oven).  Don't overbake.

Let cool in pan on a rack 10 minutes.  Turn out onto rack to cool completely.  If desired, sift confectioner's sugar over top or top with lowfat whipped cream before serving.

Enjoy!!

                                                 

Happy 40th Denise & May Arts Giveaway...again!

If you participate in the CAS challenges on SplitcoastStampers than you know Denise aka resqbarbie.  Denise co-moderators the challenges with Jen.   Denise celebrates her 40th birthday this week.  Woo, Hoo...oh to be 40 again!  I think we just come into our own at that age. 

I think this sentiment is perfect!  Happy Birthday, Denise!  Hope you celebrate "in full bloom"!!  I paperpieced the hat, dress and bunny.  Little pearls accent her hat and shoes and did you see the bunny's tail?  The carrot was placed in her hand by cutting around the hand then re-gluing (is that a word?) it down agin.

Supplies:

Paper - Neenah, Papertrey Ink

Stamps - My Favorite Things

Ink - Copics, SU

Accessories - border punch, pearls, tiny pom pom, button, twine



Now, head on over to the May Arts blog.  It's Pink Scrap Can Giveaway time!  Check out the details on how you can win all of these yummy ribbons!

Ribbon LOVE!

                                                      

May Arts, Cutting Cafe and and WOYWW

A jam packed blog post today...first, I have a tutorial for you over at the May Arts blog.  Here's a little sneak peek.  ;-)   Any guesses what this is?  Oh, go ahead and peek!

 

We have several friends who have purchased new homes recently.  I used the colors from the Off the Wall Craftiness challenge #48 to create a card for one of them.

                                                  

The scalloped base, circles, house and sentiment (Welcome Home) are from The Cutting Cafe. Be sure to pop over to see all the new Easter sets Regina has designed for this year.  The colors look off here but they're much better IRL...I took this late at night...too late!

Finally, here's a peek at my workdesk for WOYWW over at Julia's Stamping Ground.  I printed out a cool background from the Cutting Cafe.  It's next up on my list of things to do.  Those Hershey bars are for a Chocolate Book...not for eating.  Good thing I'm not crazy about chocolate or they couldn't stay there too long.   My friend, Sabrina, sent me those gorgeous pearl accents a while ago and I've been hoarding them.  I thought maybe if I put them ON the desk, I might get the courage to use them.  Those yummy dots are Martha Stewart that were on clearance at Walmart a while ago.  I got a couple of sets...hmmm, maybe one will turn up in a blog candy.  The unmounted stamps arrived to day from Impression Obsession.  I love that they have so many options for purchasing to save $$



Teapot Tuesday - Jammin' & Jivin" for Roxie

If you've ever used or played along with the Card Sketch Challenges on SCS then you're familiar with the talent that is Rox71 or Roxie Glaza.  The fabulous Roxie is our Teapot Tuesday Destination this week.  Roxie had created well over 300 sketches since she became moderator of the Sketch Challenge every Wednesday.

Here's my card for Roxie.  I used SC22 from any years ago.  There is a master list of all the sketches.  It's a wonderful resource when you're stuck for an idea.

Our challenge was based on dance themes from the movie Night at the Roxbury....  Roxbury/ Roxie.  :-D
I don't have many images that portray dance but I did have this adorable image from Mo's Digital Pencil called Mary Tapping.

Doesn't she look like she's having the bestest time?   It's hard to see in the photo but she has patent leather tap shoes compliments of a bit of Crystal Effects.  The bg is embossed with the Swiss dots Spellbinders folder.  Colored with Copics (still trying to figure those things out),  all paper is SU, ribbon is from the Michael's $1 spot as is the sentiment stamp.

Off to clean the grill and the pool....I'd rather be stamping!

                                                

Clean and Simple Monday - Bad Hair Day?

Two cards today...one sublime, one ridiculous...on purpose!  The CAS challenge on SCS today is Humor.  We were to design a CAS card to tickle your funny bone.  There's a story behind this one:

I can soooo relate!  I computered generated the sentiment right onto the cardstock then stamped this cute image from Stamps by Judith (Frazzled Cat I-40).  Poor kitty!

Supplies:

Stamps - Stamps by Judith

Paper - Papertrey Ink Kraft

Ink - Chocolate Chip, Copic markers

Accessories - computer for sentiment

Ok, now for the story...I thought I would get to bed a bit early but wanted to try to get a jump on the CAS challenge first.  I did a search on SCS and success...someone posted their card early with the challenge details to use punches as the main focal image.    I went to my studio, whipped out my card, went to post it and DUH!!!  It was the correctly numbered challenge alright...from 2009!! 

I'm glad I did it though because I think I'll make a few more of these as gifts.   Yep...bad hair day!

Supplies:

Stamps - Hero Arts

Paper - Neenah, Papertrey Ink DP

Accessories - Spellbinders rectangle die, Martha Stewart butterfly punch

                                                    

May Arts Ribbon Giveaway

Love this ribbon?  May Arts Ribbon is giving it away!  Head over the blog to find out how you can win it.

                                                        

May Arts Tutorial

Two posts today so if you're looking for Foodie Friday...just scroll down one.  It's worth it, I promise.  ;-)

So is this quick, easy and inexpensive little gift.  Head on over the May Arts Blog to see the whole project with a tutorial.

Shine, sparkle, pearls, lace, ribbon....have I got your attention yet? 

Foodie Friday - Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cream

Chocolate and Peanut Butter...mmmm!  I think it should be a whole food group by itself.  You know...antioxidants, protein, fat, carbohydrates...it's got it all!!  ;-D

In case you're not convinced, they say a picture is worth a thousand words....

What do you think? 

I make my cupcakes from scratch but you can use a mix if that's more your style.  If anyone wants the cake recipe, let me know and I'll post it later. 

This frosting is TO DIE FOR!  Seriously!!  I didn't have any creamy peanut butter in the house so I used crunchy.  My sweet hubby prefers his that way.   Be forewarned...you will be tempted to eat this with a spoon.

Peanut Butter Frosting (This makes enough to fill and frost a two layer cake or 24 cupcakes)

2 cups confectionner's sugar

2 cups creamy peanut butter (crunchy works!)  Use a brand like Peter Pan or Skippy not all natural

1/2 cup plus 2 T. unsalted butter, room temperature

1 1/2 t. pure vanilla extract

1/2 t. kosher salt

2/3 c. heavy cream

Place all ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer except for heavy cream.  Mix on low speed until creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl.  Add the heavy cream and beat on high speed until the frosting is light and smooth. 

Due to the heavy cream, this frosting should be refrigerated until ready to serve.  Remove from refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to soften.

 Mmmmmm.....

                                               

Pink Magnolia

I had so much fun making the Cherry Blossoms for yesterday's card that I decided to make more flowers.  I love shaping and shading these beautiful blooms.  Sure they take a bit longer than using a pre-made flower but the satisfaction factor can't be matched.

                                  

My inspiration?  This Tuesday Trigger photo from Moxie Fab World.

I loved the yellow and white with a touch of black, but I was most intrigued by the pink in the flowers, the view through the window and even on the floor.  Instead of black, I used PTI's Smokey Shadow.  Achieved the same pop but with a softer look, I think.

Ah, Spring!

Supply List:

Paper - Neenah, Bazzill, Papertrey Smokey Shadow, Lemon Tart

Stamps - Flourishes Flourished Words

Ink - Versafine Black, PTI Smokey Shadow, Copic Y13

Accessories - Spellbinders label die, PTI ribbon, Punch Bunch punches

                                                           

WOYWW and Cherry Blossoms

The final round of the CAS Spring DT search on SCS is underway.   The final field is an amazingly creative bunch of ladies.  Be sure to check out the gallery and see what they've been doing. 

I decided to play in the final round just for fun.  The theme is Spring Flowers.  I think cherry blossoms and dogwoods are the perfect harbingers of spring.  Beautiful flowers, no leaves to get in the way of their beauty.

I took a side view so you could see the layers in my cherry blossoms.  Remember you can always click on the photos to make them larger.

Supply List:

Paper - Neenah, PTI, Bazzill

Stamps - PTI 2008 Holiday Tags
Ink - Versafine, Copic marker
Accessories - punches, seam binding, MS stickers

Now for WOYWW Wednesday #91 over at the Stamping Ground.  Here's what my workdesk looked like when I started...we won't talk about what it looks like now! 

Happy Creating!!

Teapot Tuesday - It's All About Sports

This week's Teapot Tuesday challenge go to a young man severely burned over most of his body in a gasoline fire.  He loves sports so our cards are to be sports inspired.  I don't know how da Mudder comes up with an appropriately themed teapot each week but she's done it again!

Here's my card for Bobby...not a single sports stamp in my stash so had to resort to stickers that I happened to pick up at a markdown sale (in 2007!).   The second one is a holographic sticker so it's not your eyes ;-)

Supplies :

Paper - Neenah, Cosmo Cricket Embossed, SU DP

Sentiment - computer generated

Accessories - stickers, dimensionals

This second card is for our granddaughter who made her first ever field hockey goal and tied the score!  She was so excited and I'm excited for her.  How lucky I had some hockey holographic stickers.

I had to take the second photo from above so you could see how the image changes.  She's a girly girl but she loves sports, too so I tried to incoorporate a bit of girly bling and bows along with the sports sticker.  I mounted the sticker onto a vellum metal edge tag for some extra shine.

Supplies:
Stamps - Michael's $1 spot
Paper - Neenah, SU DP, vellum
Ink - Versafine (it took awhile to dry!)
Accessories - ribbon, vellum metal tag, stick on bling, sewing machine

Thanks for stopping by today!

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Clean and Simple Monday

Life is slowly returning to some semblence of whatever "normal" used to be...is there really such a thing?  What is "normal" anyway?  If you know...please tell me.

At any rate, DH is out of town so that means I can eat when I'm hungry, shop with a friend without an eye on the clock, and not worry about preparing dinner daily.  I actually enjoy that part but a break now and then is delightful too.

I told you that I love the colors in the Jones Design Company giveaway post.  So when I saw the Featured Stamper challenge on SCS this week honoring Corie Foster, I knew right away what colors I wanted to use.  Here's the card I cased from Corie's gallery

                                        
Supplies:
Stamps - Papertrey Damask Designs, Simple Somethings
Paper - Neenah, SU
Ribbon - grosgrain

               

The SCS Clean and Simple Challenge is "Outdoors" .  Now there's a wide open field of ideas for you.  I always need card for guys and they're so hard sometimes. 

I decided to go one layer and grabbed a Fabriano notecard, some unmounted rubber and a Memento Tuxedo brown ink pad and done...I got those images in a grab bag years ago from Cornish Heritage Farms so I have no idea who made them.

Thanks much for dropping by...is your life "normal"?