*Comment Moderation*

Sorry folks... have been getting several spam comments a day over the last few days so I guess I'm going to have to turn on the stupid "type this captcha before you continue"....  I hate that....

I will turn it off again in a few weeks

Please don't stop commenting!!!!

*Last day of Deep Freeze...*

... at least for now.  One more cold day to endure before our temperatures warm up to seasonal averages tomorrow and then above seasonal (and above the freezing mark) for at least a few days.  Our snow packed roads are going to be some kind of ugly later this week....

But I can live with that.

I will just be happy to lose the cold cold weather!  Makes it really tough to get out of my warm, cozy and comfy bed in the mornings!  And it seems like the furnace is almost running non-stop.

I created this card for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge last week....  I think that there should have been more going on with my top white layer, but I don't know what that would have been.  Again, it's an OK card....  at least in my opinion

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  PaperTreyInk White; Stampin' Up! Basic Black
*Patterned Paper:  K&Company; Imaginisce
*Images:  unknown
*Ink:  Gold Brilliance embossed with detail gold embossing powder
*Tools:  Corner Chomper
*Embellishments:  Kaiser Pearls
*Challenges:  MTSC51


Be sure to check the link in the side bar to see the other entries for Mercy's challenge.

*Late On Sunday*

It's been a busy but fun weekend around here... CalGals on Friday night, Alex's Christmas piano recital Saturday afternoon, UFC night at a friends' Saturday night, a qualifying round for a bowling tournament this morning, and my regular league bowling coming up tonight.  It's very very cold here and all I really want to do is curl up with a blanket, a good book, and hot chocolate with Bailey's in it.

Maybe all of that will happen after bowling tonight.... but I'll substitute CSI from Thursday night for the book.

This is the card I created on Friday night using the challenge that Tracy provided for us.  I'm not thrilled with my card, but it's not that bad.  Be sure to click on Merlie and Tracy's names in my sidebar to see what they created using this sketch from the Inspiration in Action sketch challenge....

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Riding Hood Red; Coredinations
*Patterned Paper:  Imaginisce
*Images:  PaperTreyInk Signature Christmas
*Ink:  Stampin' Up! Riding Hood Red
*Tools:  Stampin' Up! Scallop Border punch
*Embellishments:  Doodlebug Sugar Coated brads; grosgrain ribbon

*A Night of Fun*

Half of the CalGals met at my house last night for the last time in 2009.  It was too bad that Shannon, Dianne and Allison were unable to make it, but Merlie, Tracy and I had fun.  We spent the first hour and a half just chatting, and then it got quiet in my craft cave when we all started crafting.  Tracy had a challenge sketch for us to try which I will show you once I can take a photo (the window I take photos near isn't bright enough yet).

Instead I will share a card I made on Thursday for the Tuesday Morning Sketch for this week.

Items Used:  
*Cardstock:  PaperTreyInk White; Stampin' Up! Garden Green, Riding Hood Red
*Patterned Paper:  American Crafts
*Images:  PaperTreyInk Signature Christmas; Great Impressions
*Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black; VersaFine Onyx Black; Stampin' Up! Markers
*Embellishments:  Kaiser Pearls
*Challenges:  TMS23


The hardest part of this card was finding a circle to use to shape the patterned paper piece.  I ended up in my kitchen with tins and bowls and plates until I found one that would work.

We're off in a bit to listen to Alex (and a bunch of other kids) play in a Christmas piano recital.  I think Alex should have practiced a little more as he's still stumbling over a few spots in "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch", but as long as he's happy with what he's doing, we're happy.  I like this proud mom moments!

Enjoy your Saturday!

*Ho Ho Mojo*

OK, maybe not the right title for my post today since there is no Santa on my card.  But it is a Christmas card, so it almost counts.

Just a quick post from me this morning...  once we know that Alex is on his bus and on the way to school (by this I mean that the bus showed up), we are off to the gym.  2nd time this week for me....  2nd time in a month too.  I *need* to get back in the habit.  Should have waited until after Christmas LOL

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Riding Hood Red, Close to Cocoa; Paper Trey Ink White
*Patterned Paper:  Imaginice
*Images:  AMuse
*Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics
*Tools:  Big Shot; Nestabilities; Snowflakes Cuttlebug embossing folder
*Embellishments: Stampin' Up! ribbon
*Challenges:  Mojo116


I really really like this sketch now that I've done one....   I might have to create some more in this style... maybe try it as a non-holiday card!

Enjoy your Friday!

*More Freakin' Snow*

Because the snow we got this past weekend (along with some wonderful (sigh) drifts) wasn't quite enough, Mother Nature gave us more snow overnight.  Things are a slick mess outside.

Thankfully it wasn't more than a few centimeters, but seriously?  I'm done with the snow!

We had such a beautiful November and we are paying for it in December!

The forecast is for bone chilling temperatures later in the week (weekend).... and more snow over the next few days.

I wish we had a tropical vacation planned and paid for!

I made this card the other day following the sketch for this week's challenge over on Beate's Blog.  It didn't turn out quite the way I saw it in my head, but it's not a bad card.  Just not quite what I had envisioned.

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Whisper White; Bazzill Bling
*Images:  PaperTreyInk Signature Christmas
*Ink:  Mediterranean Blue Brilliance
*Tools:  Marvy snowflake punches
*Embellishments:  Stampin' Up! grosgrain ribbon; Kaiser Pearls; Kaiser Rhinestones
*Challenges:  WSC109

*Been Busy!*

As promised, I'm back for a second post today.

I've been busy.... I went to the gym, came home and got cleaned up, have made 4 dozen whipped shortbread cookies, 1 dozen more cinnamon buns, wrapped a bunch of presents, run out to do a few errands, fed Shannon's cat...

But I promised to come back and share another card with you, so here I am!

I wasn't sure I was going to do the Splitcoast Sketch Challenge that was posted last Wednesday, but I finally decided to just sit and play with it the other day.

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red; PaperTreyInk white
*Images:  The Angel Company Little Penguins
*Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black; Copics
*Tools:  We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper (yup, I got a new toy!)
*Embellishments:  Stampin' Up! Black Brads
*Challenges:  SC257

*I Can Explain*

Yes, I know I missed another day of blogging... perhaps I'll give you two posts today to make up for it.

I can explain...

Really...

I got up yesterday, got myself cleaned up and made beautiful and then I was off....  I ran a few little errands and then it was off to complete my Christmas shopping.  I spent 3 hours searching for the items on my list.  Then it was off to Staples to discuss a problem they're having binding a project I took to them on Monday.  Then it was me looking for a pair of black dress pants for an upcoming Christmas party.  I got home after 2 sometime and honestly didn't feel like doing much of anything.

The good news is that other than a gift for on person on our list, I have almost everything.  I still need one small thing for Alex but I know where I'm getting it so it is just a matter of going there.  And if I can find any stocking stuffers for Bruce and the boyz, I will pick those up as well.

Otherwise, I am done.

My plan for today is to hit the gym once the kidlets are safely off to school, home to get cleaned up, and then I'm going to start baking and wrapping.  I hope to put a good dent in both of those projects today.

I created this card on the weekend for Mercy's sketch challenge from last week.  I really like how it turned out.

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  PaperTrey Blue and White; Stampin' Up! Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red
*Patterned Paper:  Imaginisce
*Images:  Imaginisce
*Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black; Copic
*Tools:  EK Success Border Punch; Big Shot; Nestabilities
*Challenges:  MTSC50


I haven't crafted since then....  maybe I'll reward myself after a little wrapping is done today...

See ya!

*Chilly Chilly Chilly*

Brrrr!

Winter is definitely here in Calgary....

It's freakin' cold outside

But at least the snowing and blowing has stopped.

There are still buses and cars trapped in snow drifts throughout the city.  Five families lost their homes in a massive fire on Friday night.  It was an ugly winter storm.

So glad that all my friends and family are safe and sound after trecherous road conditions etc...  makes you thankful, that's for sure!

I'm not sure why I missed posting yesterday.... it just completely slipped my mind.

Call it a blonde moment...  or perhaps my brain was too cold to think straight?

But I am back this morning with a Tuesday Morning Sketch card.  I am too late to enter the draw (should have posted it yesterday) but at least I did it.  I wasn't sure I was going to as the sketch didn't really "speak" to me, but I'm kind of happy with how it turned out in the end.

I did alter the sketch just a little bit as I kept looking at the finished card and knew I had to add something to it.

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Coredinations; Stampin' Up! Whisper White
*Images:  AMuse
*Ink:  VersaFine Onyx Black
*Tools:  Big Shot; Snowflakes Cuttlebug folder; Stampin' Up! circle punches
*Embellishments:  snowflake brad
*Challenges:  TuesdayMorningSketches#22

*Snowin' and Blowin'*

According to the news, the city averaged about 15cms of snow in the last 25 hours (about 6 inches), but the wind is what has caused the city to pretty much shut down.  There are snow drifts everywhere, and some are HUGE!

You can see what I mean in this photo of our backyard, taken from one of the upstairs bedrooms.

There is no snow on the ground in front of the shed, but right beside it the drift is getting close to 5 feet high!  There is a garden swing that is completely buried.  On one part of the deck there is a patio chair completely covered by snow, but a few feet over there is just a light dusting of snow.

We've had to dig a path off the deck three times now so that Milo can get out to do his business!

We enjoyed a nice evening at home, decorating the house for Christmas, watching a little TV... staying warm and safe.  Apparently things aren't much better out there yet so it might be another day spent at home.  Alex has a party to go to at 3... wonder if he and Bruce will make it there OK?!

I think I will spend my time in the house doing laundry and a little card making.

This card was created when the CalGals met at my house in October.  We were playing with glitter and double sided tape.  I was amazed at how different the glitter looked when I burnished it (used the backing from the tape as protection and rubbing it hard with my bone folder).... the glitter got brighter and more vibrant.  And I think it sparkles more!

Unfortunately, I didn't write down what I used on this card... no idea on the ink colour I used, but I know that the stamp is by Impress.  I added some of the Michaels bridal flowers and some Swarovski Crystals in their centres.  The glitter I used was Doodlebug (the blue) and Glitter Ritz (the silver).

A pretty simple card....  but I think I like it!

*Blizzard.... Blech*

Well, it came true.  The weather forecast was for blizzard conditions today...  last night they were forecasting that it would start in Calgary just before the morning rush.  I heard the wind pick up about 4:40 this morning (it woke me) but the snow didn't start until after 8 this morning.

And it's snowing

And it's blowing

And it's not a nice day for being out of the house!

I will have to leave the house later as three of us have eye appointments at 2:30.  Bruce says it's not so bad out so I'll let him drive (he's out and about).

But otherwise I plan on spending my day inside... I've pulled out some of the Christmas decorations, we're going to decorate the whole house today.  And I'm making bread machine cinnamon buns (you make the dough in the machine).  I've got one batch of 12 out of the oven and the other batch of dough has about an hour left to go before I can roll it and get it going.

And if there's time there will be crafting... and maybe a movie, hot chocolate and a warm blanket!

I created this when the CalGals got together at my house in October.  I've done cards like this one before but this is the first time I've used the Michaels flowers instead of a stamp.

Have I mentioned lately how much I love these "Bridal" flowers from Michaels?  I have them in white and I make them whatever colour I want by colouring them with markers (I use mostly Copic, but any marker will work).  They take colour wonderfully!  And the best part is that they keep much of their shimmer when they're coloured...  the shimmer comes through the colour you add to the flower.

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Melon Mambo
*Images:  Stampin' Up! Baroque Motifs
*Ink:  Copic Marker; Stampin' Up! Kiwi Kiss
*Tools:  Stampin' Up! Corner Rounder
*Embellishments:  Kaiser Pearls; Michaels Bridal Flowers

*More Crappy Weather*

For the last week or so, we've had three bouts of crappy weather.  Last Friday it snowed and got the major roads really really icy (we're talking you could see your reflection on the road!).  The 5pm rush hour turned into 3-6 hour trips for most people as there are lots of hills in Calgary and cars weren't getting up the icy hills.

Then Monday it turned cold and the snow was blowing like you wouldn't believe... we got another few inches of snow in a short period of time late in the afternoon and the wind was howling.

And now we're looking at another Winter Storm Warning for Friday... up to 20 cm could fall tomorrow... that's almost 8 inches.

Blech

Thankfully the kids both have a day off school tomorrow so other than appointments with the optometrist for three of us, there is really no reason to leave the house.

Three storms in one week...

How is that fair?
I played for a little bit this morning ...  I decided to play with the MojoMonday sketch for this week.

I don't love it, but I like it enough...

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  PaperTreyInk White; Coredinations
*Patterned Paper:  BoBunny
*Images:  PaperTreyInk Signature Christmas
*Ink:  Brilliance Rocket Red
*Tools:  Big Shot; Ornaments Cuttlebug Folder; Nestabilities
*Challenges:  Mojo115

*Wanna Win?*

Go check out the blog candy that Jennifer is offering up!!

*Combining Challenges*

I woke up this morning thinking it was Tuesday.  I'm not sure why.  Just did.  Was happy to realize that it truly is Wednesday and that there is only one more day this week with an alarm clock.  Neither of the kids have school on Friday (Matthew has tomorrow off too) so we get a nice long weekend.

Our plan is to decorate the house on Friday since we will all be home.  I am looking forward to it looking a lot like Christmas around here!

After a November of beautiful weather, we are now in to winter weather....  it's -13 right now.... about 9F.... brrrrr  Definitely time to pull out the winter jackets!

I shouldn't complain... it could be A LOT worse!!!

I crafted for a bit last night while Bruce was off with Alex at an information night about choices in programs for grade 10 students.  They came home with lots of information.  I just enjoyed having some time to craft.

I decided to combine two challenges in the card I created last night...  the sketch from Beate's Weekly Sketch Challenge and the requirement to use a punch from the Crazy4Challenges blog.

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Coredinations; Bazzill Bling
*Patterned Paper:  Imaginisce
*Tools:  Marvy Snowflake Punches
*Embellishments:  Stampin' Up! Grosgrain Ribbon; Karen Foster brad
*Challenges:  WSC108; CSC13


I am very happy with how this card turned out.  I wasn't sure about the sketch when I first saw it, but the more I looked at it I realized that a patterned paper with words on it would be perfect for the left panel.  So I started digging through my Christmas patterned paper stash until I found this piece... which happens to have the mitten pattern on the other side.  What could have been easier?  I love the matchy matchy papers!!

Enjoy your day!

*The Countdown Is On!*

Yup, the countdown is on!  It's December 1st, Christmas is 24 days away, and of course, there is still lots to do!  I have a bit of shopping to finish (mostly little stuff), presents to wrap, a house to decorate, baking to start, Christmas cards to write and mail....  and I love it all!

I plan on doing the shopping next week.... will finish wrapping what I have here in the next few days... the house will be decorated on Friday as the kids have the day off.... will bake in the next couple of weeks.... and maybe I'll start writing the Christmas cards tonight.

I don't remember when or why I created this card...  was it at a CalGals gathering?  It wasn't when my sister was here.  I have no clue at all.

But, here it is, all the same.

It was quick and easy to put together....  one stamp, five flowers, five Dew Drops and a Copic marker.

*It's Not Easy Being Green*

Today, it's not easy being green....

My Canadian Football League team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Green and White, lost the big game last night in the final moments of the game due to an extra player on the field.

Such a sad turn of events.

It was such a good game, though!

Just too bad that they lost for such a stupid reason.

So today, it's not easy being Green!

I created this card a while back, following a card I had done earlier this fall, which you can see HERE.  This is just such a fun layout to play with!

Items Used:
*Cardstock:  Stampin' Up! Whisper White, Real Red, Certainly Celery
*Images:  Stampin' Up! Small Script; unknown for the Ladybug
*Ink:  Memento Black; Stampin' Up! Real Red
*Tools:  Big Shot; Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder; Stampin' Up! square punches
*Embellishments:  Stampin' Up! Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon

*It's Almost Game Time*

In just over 90 minutes, my favourite CFL football team will be taking to the field to do their best to win the Grey Cup (Canada's version of the Super Bowl).  I am in my Green and White and ready to cheer for the Riders!

We had a wonderful time at the Gala Concert last night.  Great Big Sea was amazing as usual... I was signing the entire time they were on the stage!

I love Great Big Sea!

Thank you thank you thank you to Merlie and Laurier for inviting us to join you!  Despite Matthew falling asleep during the concert (how on earth did he do that???), we had a wonderful time!

This is the last of the cards that I created in my two day card frenzy last week.  This one uses the Splitcoast Sketch Challenge.

Items Used:
*Cardstock: Bazzill Bling; Coredinations; Stampin' Up! Whisper White
*Tools:  Big Shot; Nestabilities; Snowflakes Cuttlebug folder; Marvy snowflake punch; Making Memories sanding block
*Embellishments:  Karen Foster silver glitter brads
*Challenges:  SC256