3 and 8 - Have Faith in Shopping

LOL!!! okay, sorry about the title.. couldn't think of anything else at this very moment... although it's a short week at work, it seems like i've been there forever, 24/7.... maybe it's the fact of knowing that we are only days away from the new year... =D are you excited?!?!? i know i am!! can't wait to start somewhat fresh and walk along a new path of adventures...

we'll be ending this year with a little gathering with some close friends... more than likely reminiscing about the year and our plans for the upcoming new year... stuffing our faces with yummy food and some bubbly... and then we'll line the street (one house up and down from ours) with fireworks and blow out the old and bang in the new... it's tradition... my friends know that besides our chosen dress code, they must bring a favorite dish and a roll of firecrackers (each person, children included) to line the street at midnight... my poor neighbors get smoked out every year... =D our fireworks are usually the last to blow out on our street... LOL...
yah, yah, enough bambling right?! hehehe.... okay so, i finished sketch 3 from the 12 days of sketches at TGF... somehow i managed to skip that one and i'm not sure why... but here it is... i LOVE shopping Anya as i'm a shopaholic... haha! so i knew i was going to use her for atleast one of the sketches... played with an orange and brown combo, which i'm starting to love... but after coloring her, i couldn't find any pretty orange DP to use... so, i stuck with a brown... i did mat the brown DP with orange CS though... i stamped the bags a 2nd time and colored and cut them... added some tissue paper to the first stamped image and then ovelapped/popped on the colored bags... added buttons and rhinestones for embellies and the blank panel will carry a sentiment when i figure out who to give this to... i just love the way this one turned out... i think my fave of my complete ones so far.... hmmm, i wonder what's in he bags?! LOL

here is sketch 8.... i'm not so sure i like this one and have been trying to decide if i should redo this sketch... if time permits, i just might... i like it, but then i don't.. LOL, silly me... i love Angel Anya because she is so versatile... remember seeing her a lot for Christmas?! i just can't put her away... very simply done... rounded up some DP from DCWV... all in green... added both diamond and christmas tree green stickles to Anya... use the sentiment for the Shepard Boy set, and added rhinestones to the flower middles... see, now i'm liking it again... haha!

Well friends, it has been a fabulous year in 2009... i am blessed to have met all of you... Thank you for being such awesome supporters and best of all, outstanding friends who've shown me lots of happiness and love... i look forward to all of our new adventures in 2010... May we be blessed with love, friendships, happiness, great health and life!! as this may be my last post of the year, wishing all of you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! be safe, take care and i LOVE you all!!

Dare to say "Happy New Year!"

{{Please scroll down for my Flutter by Wednesday post. Thank you very much!}}

Back again for our last Whimsical Wednesdays - Diedrich Dare Challenge of 2009... Do you Dare to play along with the Diedrich Dare #16?!?!? I sure hope you will....

Before we begin, there is some exciting Dare news...

THE DIEDRICH DARE will be SPONSORED each month beginning in January! We are SO excited that we will now be able to offer a MONTHLY PRIZE beginning in January 2010!

Our GENEROUS SPONSORS will be offering a prize the FIRST week of each month and we are so grateful for this! We will be announcing the first sponsor of 2010 next week so stay tuned!

Isn't that just fabulous?!?!?
Hop onto the Dare blog and see what our featured stamper, Rebecca, has awaiting for you... Nicky dared us this week with his fabulous sketch... and here is what i've done with it.... Using the free digi, Toby, over at TGF, he was a wonderful image to use this week as we head into the new year, he's here to help me wish you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Isn't he such a cutie?!? using copics, i colored him in dark and light blue colors... used a metallic sakura gelly roll pen to give a silver touch to his drink and confetti... silver brads and dark blue ribbon for embellies... i think he's ready to paaaaarty!

Also entering this card into a few challenges:

LPSC - Color Challenge ~ navy blue, light blue and silver

Cute Card Thursday #92 - Happy New Year Theme

Go and check out what the other Daredevils have created for you and leave them some love... links to each team member is located on my left sidebar... Cassie, Heather, Debbie, Valerie and Jessica are unable to join us this week but will be back next week for our 1st Dare of 2010...

You don't want to miss a thing next year... so be sure to visit us often... we'd love to have you join in on all the fun... don't forget to link your creation to Mr. Linky on the Dare blog... when uploading to SCS/PCP/Gallery, use keyword DDSC16 so we can find you...

i leave you with another "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!" See you at the Dare!

FBW #90 - Butterflies Galore

Happy Wednesday! it's time for another Flutter by Wednesday Challenge! The last challenge for 2009.... Don't forget that beginning next year, Flutter by Wednesdays will have a new permanent home... hop on to the blog here and follow so you don't miss a thing...

This week, Flutter by Wednesday #90 is OPEN, which means anything goes... be sure to INCLUDE a buttery, fairy or Angel on your creation.... and don't forget to link up with Mr. Linky on Danni's blog.... if uploading to SCS/PCP/Gallery, please use keyword: FBW90 so we can fly on over to your creation...

Before we head down to my creation, a sad announcement needs to be made... this will be the last week that one of our team members will be posting with us... please join me in sending hugs to Stef, as she makes her journey on new adventures... maybe she'll be back as a guest designer in the new year.. Stef is always one to brighten someone's day with her bumper sticker quotes and all around love she shows everyone... Stef, you will surely be missed but i'm sure we'll still "stalk" your blog (LOL).... Will miss you on the team!! big HUGS to you!!!
This week, i was finally able to ink up Sassy Suzi from TGF.... created by Kim Yu for the Wild Sprout line... Kim sent this to me as a Christmas gift, and i've been waiting for the right time to use her... Thanks Kim, for being a great friend and sharing your creation with me... i LOVE her... back to the deets... found this colorful butterfly paper by American Crafts at the local craft store... tried to match the colors on Suzi... fun flocked the fluffy part of her coat... punched out butterflies using my MS punches, and again tried to match the CS to the DP... i've used the TGF 12 days of sketches - Sketch #7 to make this card... i left the bottom panel blank, as i'm not sure what occasion this card will be for...

Please visit the rest of the Flutter by girls and see what they have flying your way... links to the members are located on the left sidebar... be sure to leave them some love... Heather and Karen are unable to join us this week, but will be back for the new year!

Hope to see you spreading your wings and joining us at Flutter by Wednesday!!! We wish you all the very best for the 2010 New Year!!!

Sweet Princess

Wow! is it Tuesday already?!? Thank goodness for a short week.... is everyone getting ready for New Years?!?! it will be here before we know it...

as said, here's my card for the TGF 12 days of sketches #6 and FFF....
a quick post, since we're heading to visit Grandma... she's doing better but we had word she won't be coming home for New Years.... =( a little sad on that note, but i'll manage to stay in the spirit...

Used TT Ava for this creation.... she is surely a Princess indeed! found some pretty princess DP and knew she was perfect for this card... kept it simple as the DPs shows wonders already... the word and crown DP has sparkles in the paper already... it really glitters IRL... was going to add some embellies but then it might have looked over done... ah, i'm satisfied with this one... =D

Please come back tomorrow for my Flutter by Wednesday and Diedrich Dare posts... lots of exciting news to share with you... so until then, have a fantastic day and i'll be back soon!!!!

Together Forever...

I'm back with another creation for you... are you all still with me?!?! =D

Using sketch #5 from the TGF 12 days of sketches challenge and the ROP #28 - Favorite Medium challenge, i've come up with this darling, sweet card...
Cake topper Anya and Ian is one of my ALL-time favorite sets... and i was SUPER happy to have gotten the set for Christmas... aren't they just loving?!?!? ahhh! okay, so my wedding theme had an Asian/Oriental twist to it... and our colors were red and black... so i knew after seeing this DP (sorry can't remember the company) this is what i was going to create... all 3 panels are coordinating DP... the image is colored with my favorite coloring medium - COPICS... ever since i've gotten them, i haven't used anything else... =D gave Anya some eyeshadow that glitters... her beautiful dress is sparkling with frosted lace stickles too... OMGosh, they are so perfect for eachother... on the sketch, there was a circle that i replaced using some flower buds to match those in her hair... i'm so happy with the way this card turned out... and i hope you like it too!

i showed this card to my GF, who came to visit this weekend and she turned to her BF and said, "this is our wedding invitations!" LOL... told her okay maybe not, don't think i'd be able to do 150+ handmade invites (exactly like this)...

i'm finishing up more creations that are still in the works... (did you notice i skipped TGF sketch #3?!? LOL, playing catch up on that one) i should be all caught up in a few days... come back tomorrow for sketch #6 which is a combination for the 12 days of sketches and FFF... Thanks for coming by today... i've missed ALL of you while i was semi-away!! Looking forward to all the great things you've been creating... this week is another busy week with LOTS of exciting things in blogland... Wow-wee!! can't wait... have a beautiful night!!! Hugs!!

TGF Sketch 2....

Happy Beautiful Monday!!! wow, can't believe i've been away from blogland... Miss seeing everyone's creations on a daily basis... but, family comes first... i think i'm back in the game on a regular basis now... (keyword: think)... LOL... Hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas (weekend for those that do not celebrate)... but the holidays aren't over yet... one more will be quickly approaching in a few days... thankful for taking today off, as it's my last vacay day... need to catch up on household things and i'm suppose to take the tree down but i think i'll leave it up until after the new year...

i do have a creation for you today.... Yay! one that i've waited to post, but now i know my GF got it...

This is an entry for the 12 days of sketches going on right now at TGF.... Sketch #2... you've already seen sketch #1... my blue Lolli Anya made for my December OCS partner...

using "Edward" dressy digi, i made this Christmas card for my GF Jamee.... Jamee is a huge Twilight fan and just LOVES Edward... so he was the best to send her some greetings... found a stash of some Christmas papers and saw this beautiful poinsietta DP that was perfectly paired with Edwards dressing... the Christmas sentiment is embossed onto the DP... if i just stamped it, it would have blended in with the paper... hope Jamee liked this one... =D

sorry so short, need to finish up some house chores... i'll be back later with a few more..... finally got some craft time in... just need to add the final touches to a few... Lots of things have occured which took me away from visiting you all and leaving comments... hopefully i'll have a little bit more time to come and stop by now that the last major holiday is over... so bare with me as i get back into the groove of things... =D Have a beautiful Monday!! Hugs!!

What a day!

Christmas day has come and gone... and i'm sure it was fabulous for all of you! our Christmas turned out great, spent with family and close friends... and the girls had a joy opening all of their presents... now what am i going to do with all those toys?!?! the living room is filled with toys and still a few presents under the tree... tonight is round 2 of celebrating Christmas, with the in-laws... so more presents for the girls to open...

Despite the turn of events that i tried to overcome before Christmas, i managed to enjoy it all around... especially seeing those huge smiles on my DDs faces... Santa brought DD#1 all that she asked for... her brand new sparkling bracelet and a ukulele... and although DD#2 doesn't yet understand the concept of Santa and asking him for a present, she was quite happy that Santa brought her a mega blocks wagon and a Tinker Bell quad (power wheels)... hahaha! and the cutest thing DD#1 said when she opend her bracelet, "Mommy, Santa went to Kay's!" LOL...

I don't have any crafting projects for you today... i have a few finished for the 12 days of sketches at TGF, but i'll show case that later... with all the shifts of running between home and the hospital, we didn't carry out our traditional decorating the gingerbread house the night before Christmas, so we did it last night... and here is what the girls created...
mmmmm, it's so yummy!

the DH and I, the morning of Christmas day... prepping ourselves before the girls actually dug in to retrieve their surprises.... (yes, i have those diamonds on!) eew, what a ugly picture... this is what i look like after being up at 2:30am and this picture was taken at 8:30am.... LOL... sorry for the blindness... hehehe

can you believe these girls woke up at 5am to see what Santa brought them... OMGoodness.... the excitement...

my family to yours... we hope you all had a magical Christmas...

now i know i haven't been around blurfing your blogs, i'm trying to catch up slowly... as well with my crafting... i've mainly done some clean up with some coloring, but not much finished pieces... there are some challenges that i've been wanting to play... i just hope i have some time today to catch up on it...

Thank you all for the Christmas wishes, the family blessings and for being apart of my crazy life... another quick status update on Grandma.... she has been downgraded to a regular room as of yesterday and doing quite well... that news was the greatest gift for Christmas... hoping to bring her home before the new year so we can start the year off right... together with family... Thank you to those that have showered us with gifts, the girls were excited to receive their treats... and another HUGE Thank you to ALL of you for gracing me with the biggest gift of all... your LOVE and FRIENDSHIP... =D Have a beautiful day and i'll be back soon!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!!

May the season fulfill your heart with lots of memories and love.

From my family to yours, with lots of love!!!

The Palakiko family

For Grandma...

For Grandma...

The Angel lays among her bed, her eyes gently closed.

and we stare at her, this angel we love the most.

she whispers very softly, we barely hear her speak.

strong in heart and mind, yet her body is fragile and weak.

"hush, my dear angel, no need for sound.

for everyone is rejoicing you all around."

Lay still my dear love, we stand by your side.

no matter how much we hurt, no matter how much we've cried.

we pray for your blessings, you will get through this path.

it's only an obstacle that we will strive to attack.

be strong for us now, we need you here.

God will watch over you and keep you near.

it's not time for you to go, so fight with all your strength.

we're hoping this is one challenge, our love can help prevent.

"Now hush, my darling Angel, lay still and get some rest.

this will all be over soon, we will help you pass the test."

she opens her eyes and extends her hand, it touches the deepest depth of my heart.

she smiles sweetly, divine and grand, i know it is not time for us to be apart.

Don't worry sweet Angel, you'll soon be home.

We'll wait for you, we will never leave you alone.

**Although we cannot be together, in the comfort of our own home, know that we carry you in spirit and deep in our hearts and we'll be with you real soon! Get better soon Grandma, we await for you here. There's more for you to look forward to, and we need you by our side. With all my heart and love, Merry Christmas Grandma! We miss and love you!!**

December OCS, RAK & Presents

Merry Christmas Eve one and all!!! we are only hours away from the big day!! can you believe it?!?! Wow!!

This post has lots of pictres and sharing for you all... but first thing is first... THANK YOU to all my dear friends who have kept my grandma and i in your prayers and thoughts... i'm deeply grateful for your support and kind words... you have helped me keep in the Christmas spirit regardless of her status and it truly means a lot to me... i have been down and out the last few days, and it's a very diffucult time to not have her home with us for the holidays... but i do THANK YOU and i do THANK the Lord, for giving us another day with her... i LOVE you all for helping me get through!!! Thank you, Thank you!!

on to this post... Teri hosts these awesome monthly one card swaps... and through this i have met some wonderful and talented gals... if you haven't participated and would like to, keep an eye out from Teri's post on the monthly swaps... it's lots of fun!!!

my December OCS partner was Lorna... and she has beautiful creations on her blog... if you have a few minutes, please show her some love...
here's the card she sent me.... we both are blue lovers, so it was great for her to create this for me.... isn't this sooooo pretty... i'm not so sure how she did this, but it feels embossed and it's very gorgeous with all the sparkles... the design is very beautiful and i love the mixture of color... Thank you Lorna, for a beautiful Christmas card...

here's the card i've made for her... based on the very 1st TGF 12 days of sketches sketch... again, Lolli Anya is giving up some sweet Christmas wishes... done in blues with lots of glitter... hehe, you know i had to add snowflakes... =D

my darling sister Linda, sent me yet another Christmas RAK.... with a few more things i LOVE... COPICS... ahhhhh! LOL, she snuck in a few other things like glitter and dew drops in my FAVE color... and look at the gorgeous Vivi card... perfect image with the perfect gift... =D i just love the snowflakes on the card base.... Thank you Linda, for all the goodies... me loves it all! =D

ha! what you all were waiting to see... oh wait, that was my diamonds... LOL... here is DD#1's Christmas gift from Santa... {excuse the blury and not so well taken pictures...} her hawaiian name is on this bracelet.... Ka'ulawena... meaning the rosy glow of dawn... the letters are raised versus the traditional black enamel you see on most...

here's a picture of around the bracelet... DANNI, you'll LOVE this one.... it has butterflies all around... with flowers in between... DD#1 chose this pattern... an all around creation chosen by her... so sorry the pictures aren't better and that darn glare is on it...

and here you go ladies.... my perfect Christmas gift.... my DIAMONDS..... diamonds are a girls 2nd best friend.... LOL... no, it's not my first... gems rank higher than diamonds for me... because you all are a gem of a friend in my life... =D hubby said said not to wear these with my wedding ring because these diamonds are bigger... so in response, i said "then i guess you have to buy me a bigger diamond for me to wear on my finger!" LOL.... i think i'm pushing it a little too much... =D my mom called me SPOILED... and so i told her, "i'm not spoiled, i'm just well taken cared of!" hehehe!

Thank you for spending a looooong visit with me today... in all the ups and downs of life, i still have the Christmas spirit in me and would like to share the magic with all of you.... i believe things happen for a reason and it's only to better ourselves... so again, THANK YOU, for all your LOVE and SUPPORT... your comments put a joyous smile on my face and i really take all of it to heart...

in case i don't come back later here's a little something to end tis post with....

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all my dear, loving friends! May the season bring you lots of wishes to brighten another day... Let us be thankful for the blessings of family and friends... When you open your gifts, let us be grateful, for someone in this world may not have a gift to open... and wish someone you may not know, a Merry Christmas, for your kindness will put a smile on that person's face... i LOVE you all, have a safe, loving, magical Christmas!!!

Merry, Fairy Christmas to all...

Wednesday is here!! and now we are at only a day away from Christmas! i sure hope you are all well done with your Christmas shopping... i think i am... Quick post today as some unfortunate events have left me drained to the bone... my FBW Team has not let me down, regardless of the situation and so in return i will not let them down... commitment is a big thing for me, so i am as committed to my words as i am to my family... Thank you FBW Sisters!!! BIG HUGS to you all!!!

So here is a new week and a new challenge... Flutter by Wednesday #89.... this week the challenge is OPEN, meaning anything you create goes, as long as your creation INCLUDES a butterfly, fairy, or angel... don't forget to leave a direct link on Danni's blog using Mr. Linky... if uploading to SCS/PCP/Gallery, please use keyword FBW89, so we can flutter by and find you...

With Christmas approaching very quickly, i've used this week's challenge as an opportunity to create one more Christmas card.... and easily said, "We wish you a Merry Christmas!!!!"

Made this card especially for the DH from his 2 little fairies... a truly inspired card by the DDs... it's fun and colorful and brings the magic of Christmas... using Fairy Chloe and Fairy Eva from TGF, i've colored both in the DDs favorite colors... Stickles were used to sparkle their wings... glossy accent on their dresses, for a bit of shine... all the DP you see here are coordinating papers... the snowflakes are punched using scraps of the various papers used on the card...

Can't help but add these fairies to a few challenges...

1. TGF - 12 days of sketches... Sketch #4

2. Anyone for Anya - Last Christmas (card of the year)

Please take some time and visit my FBW sisters... see what they're up to in this week's challenge and be sure to leave them some love!! (links to the team members on my sidebar)

Now i need to get ready for another busy day, but i do THANK YOU for joining me on this post... and i surely hope you can come and play along with us...

With many of you traveling away for the holidays, i'd like to take the time to say... "Have yourself a Merry Christmas! be safe, celebrate, and keep all your family memories of the season close to your heart!"

A little alteration...

It was a beautiful weekend spent with family!! and a much needed one too... there was absolutely no crafting on Saturday and Sunday, which i think the DH was a little relieved by it...

OMGosh, i have to share this story with you... Saturday we went to the mall because DD#1 was meeting her halau there for pictures with Santa... so while there, i managed to sneak away to the store to pick up DH's Christmas gift... i asked the lady to wrap it extra good because the DH likes to open his presents and then re-wrap it... LOL... i'm serious, i saw him do it once... so i come walking out from the store with the bag in hand and DD#1 says to me, "Mommy, is that Kay's bag for me?" LOL... i started laughing and told her, what in the world do you want from Kay's? her reply, "my bracelet!" she has her eye on this Hawaiian bracelet for Christmas and she chose the design and everything... but what she dosen't know is Mommy and Daddy already got it for her a few weeks ago... i'll have to take a picture to show you before i wrap it... anyway back to my story... so i told her, we didn't get you your bracelet and that she should ask Santa... so she ran over to Santa and said "Santa, i would like a Kay's bag for Christmas!" everyone thought it was so cute that we all giggled... funny how Santa was stationed right outside the Kay's store... so what was in the bag i had that day... DH loves his money clips, and i saw one that i thought he would love... and guess what??? he opened it! =D so in exchange, he let me open mine... and i almost dropped dead when i opened it! inside a tiny black box held the most beautiful diamond stud earrings! OMG!!! i've had my eyes set on this one but never had the courage to pick up a pair... and now, i have one!!! =D yes, i was a bad girl and opened my present before Christmas... but wow! now i can wear it for Christmas!!
Oops! i kinda rambled on that story.... sorry!! now onto my creation... i actually finished this project on Thursday... excuse the blob of pink... i had to edit the name because i know this sweet gal didn't get it yet... anyway... I used Lolli Anya from TGF for this one, as the recipient is just so sweet and i'm glad she's a friend of mine... i wanted to post this so she could see how to put it together... i took a clear CD case and popped out the inside... it makes a shallow container to hold scraps of paper for notes or whatever will fit inside... then i took off the cover and flipped it around to make it an easel.... just like the picture above... i actually wanted to make this into a calendar but could not find my calendar template... so i added some post-its on it instead... not much creating room on this so i added a few butterflies and bling and personalized it... the best part is, it's interchangeable and if she wants, she can make her own and slip this out and slip her's in.. i wish i thought of this earlier, it would have been a nice gift to give all... and i really hope she likes it... =D

okay my friends... i finished cleaning the craft room at 3 this morning and now it's ready for me to craft away again.... but not until i finish some errands... Have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping by to share in with my little story and creation!! I LOVE that you can take some time to visit... =D

DD#1

Is it Sunday already?!?! wow hoe the weekend flew by... well, hello friends!! i hope you all enjoyed or are still enjoying your last weekend before Christmas... We finished up the last of our Christmas shopping... wrapped majority of the presents last night... the kids were excited to wake up this morning and discover that there is mounds of presents under and around the tree... i am so happy and relieved that all the packages that need to go out yesterday was completed as of 5am saturday morning... LOL, yes, it was another ALL nighter friday... but it needed to be done so i had to do it...

Nothing crafty to show today since i took a break yesterday... no crafting at all yesterday.... just a joyous day with the family shopping, visiting Santa, playing on the farm and just being together... it was lovely...

today consists of cleaning up the craft room before i can even think about creating again... i'm less than 1/2 done... LOL... needed to take a little break... we're having dinner with my Dad tonight, so i probably won't end up crafting until late... which is okay since i'll be off tomorrow...

well, as i said on friday's post, i was going to take a pix of DD#1 with her hairpiece on... so here it is....
sassy lil' Miss Hula girl! it was fun to see what everyone else created for their hairpieces... some kept it simple just by placing a single plumeria in their hair, others had cut real poinsiettas to put in theirs and some used lots of greenery... DD#1 came in 2nd place for their little contest of who had the prettiest hairpiece... of course Mommy was super excited to have heard that...

off to get back to cleaning folks... hopefully i'll be back laaaaater with a crafty project!!! Enjoy this beautiful Sunday... and count your blessings daily.... =D

Hairpiece and Christmas RAK

Phew!! i can't tell you how good it really feels now that the weekend is here... it's been another loooong week and i'm just excited that's it's a 3 day weekend for me.... Yay for weekends... LOL... have a lot on my plate this weekend... most important thing is DD#1's special hula day tomorrow at the mall... i was told to have her dressed in her practice clothes with a flower in her hair... any kind of flower, real or fake... they will be having a contest on who's hairpiece is the nicest or something like that... we don't know all the details until we arrive there tomorrow but from what i heard, they'll be singing Christmas carols to Santa.... how sweet! anyway, me being so last minute, i finally finished it tonight... =D
picked up a bush of poinsiettas and some branches with flocked snow, all fake from the local craft store... bought a decent size barrette from Wally world and made this...

with my handy dandy glue gun i stuck everything on the barrette...

to showcase what it looks likes in your hair i played guinea pig and put it in my hair... so yes, that's me, i just didn't take a pix of my face... LOL.... i'll try and get a better pix of it in DD's hair tomorrow....

and i just have to show you what i got in the mail yesterday....

i've been meaning to make one for myself to hold my favorite recipes.... but i guess if you really wish on it, your wish will come true... a big THANK YOU to 1LuvnMama for sending me this beautiful recipe box... ain't it just pretty?!?!? she does amazing work.... her creations have a lot of heart... if you have a moment, go and check her blog... lemme know if your jaw drops at her door...

here it is with the top off... wow girl!! you put a lot of work into this... it's beautiful!

here's a few of the tab dividers... look how she matched it to the label.... CUTENESS!!! Thank you so much girl!!! this was well needed... i've already added some of my fave recipes (mainly desserts because it's sweet like that).... =D another great Christmas gift!!!!!

As we count down the last days to Christmas, sometimes we are so caught up in the whole season, that we don't take a moment for ourselves.... i'm taking a moment now, to reflect what made this Christmas even merrier this year.... i've grown quite a bit, emotionally and mentally... and i have been one to doubt myself often... but getting back into crafting and meeting all you wonderful people, i can now say i'm beyond that point in life.... in the beginning of this journey, i never had thought i'd be a name you all recognize or even a person that would inspire you.... where i am at now, back then, it was never foreseen i'd make it this far... i'm ever so grateful to all my friends/supporters/fans for giving me a chance to show my style, my creations... i am over the top for the 2 teams i now design for, for believing in me and giving me a chance... 5 months ago, i could have only dreamed of this... i am proud of my accomplishments... but i could have not done any of this without all of you.... so, THANK YOU ALL for making this Christmas EXTRA SPECIAL... i am so blessed to have amazing friendships in each and every one of you.... to my biggest supporters... DH and DD1 and DD2... i LOVE you with all my heart, and i THANK YOU for the huge support through this new found happiness in life... {tear}

For you...

Happy Friday!!! Yay, the weekend has just about finally arrived!!! Lots of excitement happened this week and i'm thrilled to have been part of some... =D the whirlwind begins today as i rush to get a few more things on my list and finish up some goodies... oh and i cannot forget the wrapping i still have to do... but in all the craziness that's been happening,i snuck in some craft time to play a few challenges....
i kept this really simply sweet... using Chef Ian (who is perfect for baking up some sweetness) from the TGF line, i colored him up in red and brown... i'm not sure why, but when i think of Christmas baking, i think of this color combo... i was so happy to have found some 3D stickers and this cake sticker fit the platter perfectly... used some extra peppermint candy buttons that i found and glued these cute little gingerbread men buttons on top... the sweet Christmas wishes sentiment was a great addition to this sweet card... at first i thought this really came out plain, but then it grew on me and now i really like it... truly brings out the image and menaing to the card...

so yes, i'll be entering this sweetness to these challenges:

1. LPSC - Honey, you baked! - Baking theme

2. MMSC #32 - sketch with a baking theme

yummy yum yums!!! have a no calorie SWEET day!!! and thank you for stopping by to visit... I enjoy reading all your "Sweet" comments... really keeps a smile on my face... =D

More to share....

Hello Thursday!!! I hope you all are enjoying the week... i'm looking forward to another 3 day weekend, trying to use up some vacay... so i'll be off of work on Monday to finish up my LAST Christmas happenings... no creation for you today... i have some in the works.... i don't know about you but i'm STILL hanging for the CA hop on Monday... and well, i'm trying to play catch up the rest of this week.... finshed all the goodies for DD#1's class last night and wrapped up her givings to her teacher and A+ leader and now i can get back on track with finishing up my mailings...

just a few reminders... click here for my Flutter by Wednesday post... we have a great challenge going on and would like to see you play along... and after you fancy that, i Dare you to click here and play along with our Diedrich Dare... this challenge is running for 2 weeks, so there's more than enough time to play...

I just can't leave you hanging today without a post... so i'm sharing another round of Christmas goodies...
Look at these HK goodies for my sweet friend Brenda... I was blessed to have Brenda as my November OCS partner and now she's another great friend i've made through Teri's OCS... Be sure to check her blog out because i deem her as the Punch Art Queen! it's punches to a whole new level...

so i was extremely excited to see a package from her and ripped it right open... these are the goodies that were in there... a cute HK holder that was stuffed with some images and dew drops... ain't it CUTE?!?! OMGosh Brenda, where did you get those HK stamps?!?!? i LOVE it... and then there was this gift bag that was in there too... and yes, i was naughty and opened... Sorry Brenda, i was TOO curious... LOL... and to my amazement, she had wrapped up this AWESOME circle recipe book that she put together... it's the cutest... a few recipes in there that i'm thrilled to try soon... THANK YOU Brenda for the grace of your friendship and for the wonderful RAK this season... =D

after opening that, i had yet another box to open.... this one from Kim Y. Kim is another gal i say you should most def check out... i know i've mentioned this before, but she does some amazing 3D and jewelry creations... {Congrats on your BIG win at the CA Holiday Hop girl!!} uh-huh, she wowed the CA team with her beautiful creations...

Look at how gorgeous this card is... 2 of my most fave things... shades of blue and snowflakes!!! i adore this sweet image and LOVE all the sparkly... simply gorgeous....

and stuffed inside was this mound of goodies... Wow! Do you spy Kim's stamp??? Sassy Suzi was created by Kim for the TGF wild Sprout line... and i'm so happy to have my very own... =D Lots of other goodies include a stamp from Lala and Inky Impressions, stitch punches that i'm curious to use, and lots of wonderful embellies... THANK YOU Kim for a big surprise!! i'm so joyed to have met Kim here.... We've become great friends.... and i Thank her for being a part of my journey!!!

Thank you again girls for the wonderful Christmas RAKs... You have blessed me this season with your kindness and i am ever grateful for your friendships!!!!

Thank you to all who support me, give me the extra push, the extra encouragement and the extra LOVE... i'll say this again, you ALL hold a place in my heart!!!!!!!! Have a wonderful day!!!

A Fluttering Sketch...

{{Please scroll down for a DARE you don't want to miss... Thank you!!}}


I'm fluttering that you could come and visit today... Thank you for joining us each week at Flutter by Wednesdays... I hope you're checking up periodically as we have lots of new things happening in the weeks to come...


Welcome to Flutter by Wednesday #88.... we have another fantastic addition to our challenge... besides our ongoing use of a MUST have butterfly, fairy or Angel, we want you to step it up and here's how...



created especially for our Flutter by Wednesday challenge by (i say) the Sketch Queen, Mercy Kerin.... i'm sure you all remember Mercy, she has her very own Tuesday Sketch Challenge and she was our December Guest Designer... lookie at what she has whipped up for us to use...

bring out your best butterflies, fairies or angels and use this sketch and play along with us...

i came up with this... used one of the darling girls from the Miss Anya Dressy Collection from TGF.... the colors are a little out of my normal comfort zone but today, i wanted spread my wings and be COLORFUL... hmmm, i think i like it colorful... =D I added a hint of stickles only to the flower in her hair... i punched out some butterflies using my MS punch and some scrap of my butterfly DP base by DCWV... and prima flowers with a dew drop center...

Please visit the rest of the Flutter bys and see what they have for you...

Ann
Cassie
Chris
Christine
Danni
Harriet

Heather
Jodi
Karen
Kimberly
Kris (me)
Kristie
Lelia
Michelle - Team Leader
Nancy
Nicola
Pam
Stef

Show us what you created by linking up with Mr. Linky on Danni's blog... If uploading to SCS/PCP/Gallery please use the keyword FBW88 so we can find you... Now spread your wings and create!!!

A DARE you don't want to miss!

It's Wednesday and you know what that means..... time for another DARE... Whimisical Wednesdays - The Diedrich Dare... Brought to you by one of the Diedrich kiddies - Jack!


Thank you to all that played last week.... we LOVE seeing your creations... This week, you don't want to miss the challenge as we have a prize being offered by one of the Daredevils... Randi... so please join us... i DARE you... I'll show you what's up for grabs in a bit... so what's the DARE you ask??? DDSC #12 - by Jack... I think he kept it pretty simple for all of you to follow this week... so tell me, do you DARE?!?

Voila! here's my creation... with some pretty paper, ribbon, bling and a great sentiment, i've kept this sketch simple... this sentiment is created by Jessica herself for the TGF line... and i was so happy to have finally gotten it... ain't it just great?!?

Now what's the prize you ask?!?!? Randi is going to sweeten someone's day with this:

*A single unmounted image from the Sweet Pea Fantasy Art Collection by Ching-Chou-Kuikplus and one of her GORGEOUS cards...*

Here's a sneak peek of the beautiful Sweet Pea collection.... isn't she Fairy Beautiful?!?

Don't forget to check out what the rest of my Daredevil Sisters have made for you today...

Cassie

Darla

Debbie

Heather

Jacqueline

Jacquie

Jessica

Kim

Kris (Me)

Randi

Rebecca

Sandra MacLean (will join us for the next challenge)

Valerie

Just a heads up... This week's challenge will run for 2 weeks.... with Christmas quickly approaching, we won't have a Dare for you next Wednesday as we'll be taking a break for Christmas... with that said, We wish you ALL a very Merry Christmas, from our family to yours.... We'll see you back at the Dare on Dec. 30th, and a WINNER from this challenge will be chosen randomly then...

Be sure to link your creation to Mr. Linky on the Daredevil blog by Tuesday, December 29th at 11:59PM CST... If uploading to SCS/PCP/Gallery, please use keyword DDSC12 so we can find you... Have fun sketching!!!

RAKs for Christmas

Back again to share some goodies... hope everyone had a wonderful Tuesday...

First up is a Christmas RAK from my dear sweet friend Joy U.... She's always thinking of us around the holidays and gives lots of sweet treats... "Thank you Aunty Joy and Taelyn for our Christmas gift... Mommy made us put it under the tree! =D"

Haha! yes, the kiddies were disappointed they couldn't open their gifts... i even got scoldings for opening mine... LOL... Thank you Joy and Taelyn for thinking of the girls... and OMGoodness that Critters clear stamps are a must use... they are so darn adorable!

Look at her cute box! i just love her treat holders... don't you?!

and to show you how big this box is, look what was inside..... Joy fit all these goodies inside... Wow! i need to get me that box die too... hehehe! Lots of yum yum in this box... Thank you so much Joy!!! Love the gifts and i can't wait to use them.... =D

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Next RAK is from Colleen... This one is actually a Thanksgiving RAK...

more yum yums in this one.... she gave me an assortment of memento dew drops, clear stamps and a card she made.... yummy sweetness...

This is also from Colleen... a Christmas RAK.... She also sent something for the girls, which again i made them put it under the tree! =D "Thank you Aunty Colleen, Uncle Benson, Zachy & Kylie!!!"

how darn cute is this musubi ornament.... i so LOVE it...

and here's the yummies that was in my package.... how stinkin' cute and wonderful is that HK ribbon??? OMGosh, i don't even want to use it because it's so pretty! She also sent Clear Smirks Christmas stamps... and the 35th Anniversary HK collectible.... Thank you Colleen for all the goodies.... That was sure a surprise!!

Thank you ladies for the wonderful showers of Christmas gifts for me and my family!!! I am so blessed to have such giving and sweet friends!!!

Alrighty, that's it for today.... Please come back tomorrow for another DARE and Flutter by Wednesday Challenge....

Stocking of Goodies and a Sweet Lei

Happy Tuesday Friends!!! Wow!!! did you all enjoy the Club Anya Holiday Blog Hop last night?!?!? i'm still dizzy from it all.... talk about a non-alcoholic hangover... LOL... If you haven't checked out the hop, head on over to Club Anya and check it out... you still have time to enter one more contest.... and check out the winners too! fabulous creations.... after all, everyone that participated showcased great ideas and beautifully done projects...

well, i was super surprised to have seen one of my creations in the Winner's Circle.... Woohoooo! i can't believe it!! Wow-wee, i'm flying high... and before i continue, i wanna give a huge shout out to ALL THE WINNERS!!! Congrats everyone!!! and another one to THANK the Club Anya team for a wonderful holiday hop!!! =D
this project here was chosen for a title of Candy Cane Crown... Wow! last Christmas i purchased a bunch of mini Christmas stockings that were on sale, because i knew i would use them for something... that something was this.... whipped up 21 mini stockings for DD#1's classmates.... I used the ever so sweet Elf Anya from TGF.... however, Elf Anya was a limited edition and is not available anymore...

the deets... I printed 21 Elf Anyas to fit on the stockings.... cut it in squares.... ironed on some wunderunder (sorry, mispelled it yesterday)... then cut it with my oval scallop nesties, and then ironed it onto the stockings.... from there, i colored each one individually and filled it with some Christmas treats... i wasn't sure how the copics would react with a hot iron being placed directly over the image so i waited until i had it securely on before coloring... DD#1 can't wait to pass these out...

Like i've mentioned, this is fast and simple... i purchase garland when it goes on sale after Christmas to whip up these cuties... using garland as my base, i cut up lots of curling ribbon... i normally use Nip candy but because it's Christmas, i used peppermint nougats... anything that is wrapped with twisty ends will work... starting at one end, i tie one end of the candy with the curling ribbon to the garland... and you repeat until you reach the other end... once complete, you tie the 2 ends together... and there you have your lei..... this can be done for any occasion... i've done some for graduations and birthdays or for those just because moments... with different colored curling ribbon you can make it fit your need... i sure hope DD#1's teacher likes this festive creation to wear...

I'll be back later to share some Christmas RAKs from some dear sisters!! Thank you for taking a moment to share the spotlight with me.... and a incredibly huge Thank you for all the wonderful comments yesterday... I'm so happy you all liked my creations as i was so happy to have made them... i enjoyed reading ALL of the comments.... you all know how to put a smile on a gals face!!!

Club Anya Holiday Blog Hop

Hi there!!! Welcome to the Club Anya Holiday Blog Hop... Hope you all are enjoying yourselves...

If you've started on my page without going to the main page, please go back to the Club Anya Blog and start there... you don't want to miss a thing... If you got to my page from the master list, then hooray, you're on the right path... Remember, there are no individual links on the hopper's pages, you'll need to hop from the master list on the CA page as there is a HUGE number of participants... let's get started... =D

I'm keeping my deets simple as i know you all have more hopping to do... I will post complete deets on the projects individually throughout the week... so if you fancy something i've created, please check back...

Welcome to my Sweetville.... greetings from Santa and Mrs. Claus... colored up in traditional colors complete with white glittery hair... these 2 cutesies are ready to show you some goodies... {{i've combined some photos so this post won't be as long... click on the photo to enlarge... some have 4 photos to 1 picture... Thank you!}}

Here is my sweet Christmas tree centerpiece... I wrapped a foam cone with aluminum foil and stuck Christmas candies all around it.... Angel Anya was perfect as the tree topper... and the gang came along for the show.... my base is a round foam piece that i covered with white glittery Christmas drape... i used some garland to cover the sides...

Elf Anya will be bringing some goodies to some kids this week...

Here i printed out 21 Elf Anyas... colored each one... used some underwunder and adhered it to the mini stockings... of course we can't forget the goodies inside...

This is a card with a secret CD case holder... the top picture is the front of the card... altered Lolli Anya a little... instead of the lollipop, i gave her a candy cane to match this yummy DP... The second photo is the inside... all ready to add a personal Chrismtas greeting... and the last photo is showing the CD half way out of the card...

This is an easy and quick gift... a sweet candy lei... garland is my base and i've used some peppermint nougat candy... you can actually use any type of wrapped candy... this is a great idea for any occasion... simply sweet... when the garlands go on sale after Christmas, be sure to stock up on some...

a little tag that i've made to attach to the lei... I thought sweetie Anya was perfect to give away this sweet treat!

Well Friends, this is the end of my post for the hop! I hope you enjoyed what you saw here as i was super excited to finally be able to show you my projects... Super fun and great for whipping up Christmas gifts... Thank you for hopping over to my blog... Now, go to the Club Anya Blog to see who's next on the list and conitnue your hop! Have fun!!