Sunday, October 31, 2010

And the WINNER IS......

Post Number 14 ~
marilynprestonn said...

Judi, you know how much I enjoy getting lost into novels. I just love those "page-turners" the most. I have read a book called Lost & found, by Jacqueline Sheehan. It's about a widow that decides to move to a place where nobody knows her and struggles with her grieving, and finds more than love on the way to it.

It was quite interesting to read the "internal dialogue" she has about the whole thing. If you love stories with dogs, there is one cool one in there too.

Thank you Judi, for this fun idea and different kind of Candy! Hugsxo

I looooooooooove you!

BLOG CANDY!!!!!!!! LOOK!! 40.00 GC!!

Hi All!! Seems like I may be back online so what better way to celebrate than with some blog candy! This is going to be a bit different. First in order to enter I do ask that you be a follower of my blog. :-) Then all you have to do is leave me a comment on this post and let me know what the title and author was of the last book you read. That is it! If you want to link my blog candy to your blog I would be honored but it is not required. And on October 31 by midnight there will be a random drawing. Ok...so you want to know what you are playing for? A 40.00 Gift Certificate to Amazon.com! Sound like fun? You may enter more than once but will have had to read and shared another book. Reading is such an integral part of our family. My only problem is finding enough hours in a day but I have come to realize some things are worth making the time for. So lets get started and pass the word on to others!! The gift certificate logo will stay to the top right and you can click on it to get to this post. Good luck everyone!!
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

So what have I been UP TO???

So some of you may not have noticed me missing...others yes. To those wondering what I have been up to...the picture pretty much tells the tale while I recline and keep my feet up going INSANE!!!!!!!!!! Yes...I love to read, look at new doll catalogs, do word searches (and note this one is indeed in LARGE PRINT), and crochet dishcloths while Andrew Zimmern eats a snail or entrails from some exotic animal. I have made salads (in my head) with Giada, Julia Child, and Rachel Ray. I have also watched every Halloween movie there is and dreamt to those that haven`t been made yet!! LOL And I have talked on the phone with Peggy Elms, my little friend from Canada who truly has restored my sanity...we seem to do that for each other. We seem to know when a long conversation is in order and ramble on about this and that and laugh a WHOLE lot. My sister too has helped with this and called to check on me along with my husband who asks...Can I get you anything on the way home? (this man is unbelievable...girls you should be jealous on this count as a dearer or more thoughtful man is not to be had in this world or the next!) A son from Wilmington...whats up Mom? he says and always makes my day.We have another son...and no I have not heard from him but I guess when he is ready he will give us a call...we love them both just the same and all the same.  :-)
I am fortunate to have 2 sweet furbabies staring up at me with such unconditional love and concern it nearly breaks my heart. They care not that my hair is mussed this way and that (although that is a hairdo I really do wear!) or that my eyes are bloodshot and sagging from late nights and too many without sleeping.
But I am truly not complaining. There are always so many worse off than me that I won`t go there right now as depression is too easy a thing to sneak up on us. I have a wonderful life and feel very fortunate to be me.
Planning cards in a sketchbook and will have something for you soon! Even truly signing up for those painting classes which excites me!!
So until next time....hugs to all!! Judi
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Featured Stamper Card!! 10/24/10

Hi! This card was made and inspired by today`s Featured Stamper LynniePoo! Congrats Lynette! You are so deserving. You have such a clean style that I just adore! You had so many choices to case but I finally settled on this gorgeous card .I kept the same basic lo but changed my matting from pink to Bermuda Bay. I changed your flowers to a blue spruce tree and added snowflakes rather than a butterfly. I also changed my sentiment. I feel like this card could either be used as a sympathy card or a Christmas card! And it is an easy one to produce many of. I hope you like it! Thanks for looking and have a fabulous Sunday!
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Innovative Stamp Creations!! Stamp Release!! Day 4!! 10/24/10

Sunday 10/24/10

Day 4:

Are you ready Christmas?

The talented Creative Architects’ were given a different ISC Christmas line to create a card! Have you started Christmas shopping yet? How many handmade Christmas cards have you created? Do you buy store bought Christmas cards instead?
Hope my New Year`s card will inspire you today!

My card is CAS. I embossed half of a white cs panel and popped it up. Used a MS Corner Punch on one corner. Stamped the beautiful tree trio and sponged in some bg color and added ultrafine glitter for a bit of snow. Added the Happy New Year sentiment and Basic Grey DP to the inside. Easy peasy! I think it is nice to receive New Year`s cards after the hustle and bustle of the holiday`s!! Hope you like my idea and have a fabulous day! 
Please be sure to visit our Talented group of Creative Architects’ and become             
                     inspired!





Saturday, October 23, 2010

Innovative Stamp Creations Release!! Saturday 10/23/10 Fall in New England!!

Saturday 10/23/10

Day 3:


As many of you know Betsy, owner of ISC, resides in New England and the inspiration for this Line was from her back yard! She says; “Fall in New England is truly gorgeous, especially further north of Manchester, New Hampshire. “
 Thought this image on this fabriano notecard would be perfect for any man. Added a bit of gingham ribbon but that was truly the only embellishment other than the cute owl charm in the tree. Image stamped on Basic Grey DP and colored with Copic Markers. Added the word friend included in the release.
I used black textured cs for my base and gold for the accent panel and punched out dots. Once again I used Basic Grey DP and colored and shaded with Copic Markers and Distress Inks. The leaf was colored and cut out and is from yesterday`s Foliage release. Did some distressing and added the dewdrops. Hope you enjoyed today`s samples. Please come back tomorrow for more!


          Please be sure to visit our Talented group of Creative Architects’ and become             
                     inspired!

 Have a wonderful weekend!! Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Innovative Stamp Creations Release!! NEW!! Foliage 10/22/10

Friday 10/22/10

Day 2:


Do you agree, leaves are truly mesmerizing and breathtaking?! Take a look at the Inspirational image I used to create my design! Consider using earth-tone colors on this beautiful realistic image!





I stamped this beautiful image in Versamark and embossed with Judikins Rustique Tin Can EP. I then colored with Copic Markers and sponged in some bg color. Matted it and put it on an embossed card base. The thanks image is on the inside of the card. I added the twine and pumpkin charm.
This time I went very CAS. I started with a white base and popped up a white panel. I stamped the leaves and colored with Copic Markers and Distress Inks then cut them out. Stamped the word Journey and cut it out
and adhered. Basic Grey DP is on the inside of my card. I hope you enjoyed my samples today!

Please be sure to visit our Talented group of Creative Architects’ and become inspired.            
                    

Thursday, October 21, 2010

YUMMY! Banana Bread Recipe

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas  Which actually equals 5!!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees  Lightly grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan. In large bowl combine flour, baking soda, and salt. In separate bowl cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture just to moisten. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack. Enjoy! This one won`t last long!!
I was reminded of my own bread recipe when I ran across this one on a blog...can`t remember which one! The only change from mine was the brown sugar rather than the white. YUM!

Innovative Stamp Creations New Stamp Release!!! Fall is Near

Thursday 10/21/10

Day 1:


Depending on where you live Fall may or may not be part of your season, yet, imagine all the possibilities with this lovely image. How about blending various mediums on your craft sheet and created a unique background? Fall is Near simply, allows your creativity to flow! Fall is Near, lovely as a card or consider putting it in a frame! With Christmas right around the corner, can be used as a manly gift for that special someone in your life!

I chose to do Emboss Resist with this image. I stamped in Versamark on glossy CS and used Clear Detail EP. I then sponged in my colors using sponges and Distress Inks. I added the word Serene (included on this sheet) and added it to a CS base and popped it up. The bg DP and the inside is from Prima. Added pearls and hand dyed seam binding for a bow. Could not have been easier!
Thanks for looking and have a fabulous day! Please be sure to stop by tomorrow through Sunday for more examples and wow stamps!


          Please be sure to visit our Talented group of Creative Architects’ and become inspired!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Innovative Stamp Creations Release ~ Fast Approaching!!

Hi Peeps! I have not abandoned you. Life just sometimes throws us lemons. I have a few medical problems I will not bore you with but has made my crafting a bit more difficult. So I end up being slower ~ which I am having to adjust to like it or not!
Wanted to give you a heads up at what a fabulous release Innovative Stamp Creations will have for you this Thursday. Been working away on that so see you then!!
Hugs, Judi
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Mark`s Finest Papers Blog Hop!! 10/15 FRIDAY Snowman Country!!

Welcome to the MFP October Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added TWO MORE STAMP SETS!!!
We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released : Seasonal Poinsettias, Time to Chill, A Walk in the Woods, Greetings of the Season, Thankful for You, Snowman Country
For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (October 16, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!)
If you miss a day,
you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!
Isn`t this the cutest snowman? My little guy is spreading Joy. :-) Thanks for looking and have a fabulous day!!
Be sure to visit the following design team members blogs for our final day of this month`s blog hop and another chance at winning Blog Candy!!
Judi (you are here!)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Fan Club Gallery!!!!!!!! Time Is Drawing Near!!!!

Wow! I cannot believe another month has gone by since I became a dirty girl. The excitement is mounting to find out who the new girls are!! Lisa and Dawn can I just say how amazing you both are and how much you will be missed. If you are not a Fan Club member...this month would be a fabulous time to join!! Hugs, Judi :-)

Mark`s Finest Papers Blog Hop!! 10/14 THURSDAY Thankful for You

Welcome to the MFP October Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added TWO MORE STAMP SETS!!!
And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!
We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released today: Seasonal Poinsettias, Time to Chill, A Walk in the Woods, Greetings of the Season, Thankful for You, Snowman Country
For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (October 16, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!)
If you miss a day,
you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!
Today my cards are on Mark`s Finest Papers Blog but I thought you may want to see them here as well.
An easy peasy card using this pretty Autumn set.
So why a Pink Thanksgiving you may ask? Well as you probably know by now its Breast Cancer Awareness month. And Splitcoast is doing a marvelous thing this year with a month full of challenges where we then donate the cards. Read about it here . I did this for the challenge ~ Pink Holidays.
Hope you enjoyed my samples. Below is a list of design team members just waiting for you to see their creations and by leaving a comment you can have a chance at winning blog candy.
I will be back tomorrow for the final day of this month`s blog hop!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Mark`s Finest Papers Blog Hop!! 10/13 WEDNESDAY: A Walk in the Woods and Greetings of the Season

Welcome to the MFP October Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added TWO MORE STAMP SETS!!!
And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!
We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released today: Seasonal Poinsettias, Time to Chill, A Walk in the Woods, Greetings of the Season, Thankful for You, Snowman Country
For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (October 16, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!)
If you miss a day,
you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!
10/13  WEDNESDAY: A Walk in the Woods and Greetings of the Season
I must say I love this stamp set...it is my favorite from this month`s release although they are all fabulous! I chose to do a CAS card. This truly was a 10 minute card. I let the gorgeous tree and powerful sentiment say it all. I stamped using 2 colors of Distress Ink, added twine and a sun charm, and used Basic Grey DP inside and on the envelope...all available from Mark`s Finest Papers .
 
This is another favorite set as I love watching the beautiful cardinals in our yard. I used another white panel on my card base and added the 3 panels of Basic Grey DP and popped it up. Added the dp to the envelope and inside the card. Cut out the bird using a Nestabilities Circle and colored with Copic Markers. I did add Spica Glitter Pen to the pinecones and leaves but the photo did not capture it. I hope you enjoy my samples and I thank you for looking! Please come back tomorrow for more!
Please be sure to check out all the design team members cards below...you truly won`t want to miss them!
 
Judi (you are here!)
Mark`s Finest Papers          

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Mark`s Finest Papers Blog Hop!! Seasonal Poinsettias and Time to Chill

Welcome to the MFP October Blog Hop! This month, we’ve added TWO MORE STAMP SETS!!!
And…LOOK for a NEW LINK LIST TOMORROW!!!
We have 6 New Stamp Sets Released today: Seasonal Poinsettias, Time to Chill, A Walk in the Woods, Greetings of the Season, Thankful for You, Snowman Country
For your convenience, all 6 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

For your chance to win BLOG CANDY, (a set that will be released NEXT month), visit and comment on each of the following design team members' blogs TODAY. On Saturday, (October 16, 2010), a winner will be chosen from those participants who visited all the blogs listed for today. (There will be four different winners, one winner for each day of the blog hop. You DO NOT have to comment every day. However, the more days you comment, the more chances you have to win!)
If you miss a day,
you can go back and comment on each day's blogs, as the winners will be chosen Saturday morning!
 
10/12  TUESDAY:   Seasonal Poinsettias and Time to Chill
I chose to do a CAS card using the beautiful poinsettia wreath. I added a flower and green rhinestones for the flower centers. Hope, Peace, and Love were added as well as Baker`s Twine. Basic Grey DP is on the inside and I used a MS Corner Punch and Snowflake Punch on the envelope.
My second card uses the deer from the Time to Chill stamp set which is colored with Prismacolor Pencils and Gamsol. The background was watercolored by me and I added Ultrafine Glitter to the snow. Distressed, matted in black, and popped it up. I love the old fashioned font of the Merry Christmas greeting. The deer on the envelope is a MS Punch. Inside the card is Basic Grey DP.
Versatile sets which can be easily adapted to anyone`s style whether it be CAS or elaborate!
Thanks for looking an have a wonderful day! Please stop back by tomorrow for more great sets!
Below is a list of talented design team members who you won`t want to miss! 
Judi (you are here!)

Monday, October 11, 2010

CAS88 Challenge Card

Hi! Today`s CAS challenge was to be inspired by the word crinkle. I thought of the crinkled stem and leaves on this paper pieced pumpkin I cased from a swap from long ago. The original is in a scrapbook of mine. Read about it here .
The sentiment is from a set from Mark`s Finest Papers called Thankful for You and will be released this Tuesday! Thanks for looking and have a wonderful day! Isn`t that crinkled pincone too funny? And yes..it is real!
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

UGH! Intermittent Internet Connection!!

Hi All! Just a quick message to say I have been busy making projects and can`t wait to post some...including blog candy! We are working diligently to fix my problems. Computers are great...when they are working!! I will return as soon as I am able to. Keep your fingers crossed its sooner than later!! Hugs to all, Judi

Friday, October 8, 2010

BLOG CANDY POSTED LATER TODAY!!!!

Finally! Another chance at some blog candy. So please be sure to check back later today. Working on some special projects today and hope to get some All Hope You Can Cling To Challenge cards going as well. Click on the pink Blinkie to the right to read about this great cause. Have a great day everyone!!
Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

MMTPT114 Teparty Challenge Card! 10/6

Hi! Well its about time I returned to the teaparties!! I have just got back from vacation (where we received 24.5" of rain in 2 days! LOL) and had to do this card as it is going to a very brave man named Kyler who just happens to be Lisa Lara`s son! Please read about it here and send him a card if you have the time!No story from me other than to say a huge thank you to those serving this country of our`s! We so do appreciate each and everyone! Kudo`s to Kyler! YAY! Sending you and your mom hugs!
Thanks for looking at my CAS card! My sentiment is a sneak peek of a sentiment included in a stamp set called Thankful For You from Mark`s Finest Papers which will be released in October! I hope you have a beautiful day!

Hi Sis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, October 4, 2010

New Blog Award~ Thank you Emily Keaton and Peggy Elms! Updated to include recipients!

As I said I have just returned from vacation and have still not caught up with emails and blog posts. I did catch this lovely posting by Emily Keaton who is passing this lovely blog award to me!

 Thanks again GF!! Please stop by her blog My Little Slice of Bliss . You won`t be disappointed! I will be passing this on to some other deserving bloggers tomorrow. Hugs to you Emily!!
 Ok so the 7 people I am passing this award on to are:
1.Jojot aka Joanne who always inspires me with her delicious designs and piercing skills!
2.Lynne who is not only talented but has a heart of gold.
3.Gale who does beautiful work in different areas and is one of the sweetest people I know!
4.Charlene who does fabulous work and it is such a joy to visit her blog on a regular basis.
5.Emily who has a whimsical flair to her cards that always make me smile.
6.Wanda who does such gorgeous and unique cards...good place to go to get your mojo going!
7.Harriet who is the most giving person and beautiful blogger
I know!
Please pick up your awards ladies. Those who choose not to...no bad feelings here! I know it is not everyones thing. :-)
I am honored to receive this lovely award from you both Emily and Peggy!

 I have also just discovered my dearest friend Peggy Elms has also passed this on to me!! YIPPEE! So please visit The Nutty Cardmaker .I know you will enjoy her blog as well.Thanks Peggy!!
Love you girls!! Sharing our blogs and discovering new ones is what this is all about. Will be sharing this one with others tomorrow as well. Nitey nite!!

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Finally home after 24.5 " of RAIN!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Peeps! Did anyone miss me? This past week I was gone on vacation with dh, my sister, and her significant other. We rented our favorite oceanfront house in Oak Island. The weather started out good but come Wednesday and Thursday we had a total of 24.5" of rain!! Can you believe it? All kinds of records were broken and we could not even get off the island for flooded roads!! It was amazing watching the winds, rain and high surf. So we actually only had 2 days that were complete wash outs. We still had a terrific time. We got to visit with our son and his wife as well so that was nice. And this year both our dogs got to go with us and they were little ladies the entire trip and so loved the beach!! So one more day visiting with my sister before they head home with a 14 hour drive back to Massachusetts. Then I will be back in my craft room creating my heart out. YAY! I think its always good to take a break from hobbies even those we love so much! Gives us a new perspective. So I will return sometime on Tuesday in between doing loads of laundry and straightening out. I have truly missed each and every one of you!! And it is time for some Blog Candy this week to celebrate my number of posts, being a dirty girl, and bringing much needed rainfall to the coast!! LOL So please be on the lookout! I have some pretty cool things to give away!!
Have a great week and I will see you all soon!!
Hugs, Judi :-)