Pretty Pastels

Hello & happy Friday to you! I hope you're all gearing up for a fabulous weekend! My stepson, his girlfriend & our 18-month-old grandson are all coming over on Sunday to go swimming & just hang out. Our pool is still in the creation phase, but my parents have a pool & they live just over the hill from us.

Anyway, moving on to today's card....I love this cardstock & how it goes perfectly with the ink colors. I absolutely love soft pastels & I'm pretty happy with how this turned out....

 

Inside

SIZE:  5.25"
CRICUT:  Expression, Gypsy
CARTRIDGE:  "Art Philosophy"
PAPER:  Core'dinations (base), Jillibean Soup "Southern Chicken Dumpling Soup" pad
STAMPS:  CTMH "Just For You" set
INK:  Tim Holtz Distress Ink "Black Soot", VersaMagic Chalk Ink "Pixie Dust", "Aloe Vera", "Sea Breeze"
OTHER:  Stickles "Star Dust", Ranger Liquid Pearls "White Opal", Martha Stewart pearls

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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday August Linky Challenge, anything goes
Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #12, anything goes
Paper Playtime -  Challenge #17, pearls
Craftin Desert Diva's -  Linky Party #13, anything goes
Die Cuttin' Diva's -  Challenge #130, "Just Because"
Exploring Cricut -  "Cricut Choice", use at least 2 cuts
Pink Cricut -  Link Up Tuesday, anything goes
Simon Says Stamp -  Anything goes
5 Simple Things -  Inspire Me Fridays #118, anything goes
Happy Campers -  Challenge #21, use a stamp
Little Scrap Pieces -  Fun Friday Linky Party, anything goes

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Thank you for visiting me & I hope you have a spectacular holiday weekend!

-Diana :)

Anniversary Cuties

Hello friends! I can't believe that another week is just flyin' by! All the Christmas In July challenges really freaked me out - realizing that Christmas will be upon us before we know it. Really?? Please make it stop! Anyway, today's card is one I made for my parents' anniversary. They're celebarting 45 years of marriage! I'm so grateful to them for being such awesome role models for me & my brother. And, of course, they are wonderful grandparents to all 4 of their granddogs :)

Inside

SIZE:  5" square
PAPER:  Basic Grey "Max & Whiskers" collection
EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug with Darice "Paws & Bones" folder
STAMPS:  My Pink Stamper "Itty Bitty-licious" set, CTMH "For Every Occasion" set
INK:  Tim Holtz Distress Ink "Black Soot", CTMH Distressing Inks "Chocolate"
OTHER:  Basic Grey "Max & Whiskers" chipboard embellishments, Recollections dog bone brads, Fiskars corner punch, Shibata ribbon, foam tape

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Challenges:

Mojo Monday -  Sketch Challenge #304
Paper Playtime -  Challenge #15, patterned paper, 2nd entry
Pink Cricut -  Link Up Tuesday, anything goes
Die Cuttin' Diva's -  Challenge #126, anything goes
Simon Says Stamp -  Wednesday Challenge, anything goes
Cute Card Thursday -  Challenge #280, anything goes
Crafty Ribbons -  Challenge #55, circle(s)
DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday August Linky Challenge, anything goes
5 Simple Things -  Inspire Me Fridays #114, anything goes
Frosted Designs -  Fabulous Friday Challenge, embossing
Creative Corner -  Challenge #30, polka dots

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Thank you for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your weekend!

-Diana :)

Christmas In July

Hello my crafty friends! I hope you are all having a lovely weekend. I guess I spoke too soon in my last post when I said Lexi was doing so well. A couple nights ago she collapsed while we were going for our nightly walk through our vineyard. I was able to lift her back up on her feet after a brief rest & then she was fine, but it scared me to see my big strong girl so helpless & not able to control her body. I know that her leaving me is eminent, but I just can't seem to wrap my mind around the idea of losing her. I keep saying I'm not ready, but I guess I'll never really be ready.

Anyway, let's move on to a happier topic.... my "Christmas In July" card! I didn't have a plan of attack when I started it, but I guess my mojo kicked in because I'm really happy with how it came out. I love how the tree is just 3 triangles layered over each other.... super simple! The colors really don't reproduce well in this photo, so they are much prettier in person!

SIZE:  4.75 x 6"
CRICUT:  Expression, Gypsy
CARTRIDGES:  "George & Basic Shapes", "Art Philosophy", "My Quiet Book"
PAPER:  Martha Stewart, CTMH cardstock "Colonial White" & "Slate"
EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug with "Swiss Dots" & "Distressed Stripes" folders
PUNCHES:  Martha Stewart "Aspen Snowflake" edge punch, Fiskars corner rounder
STAMPS:  K Andrew Designs "Winter Wishes" set
INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Slate"
OTHER:  rhinestone flourish, star & brad from my stash, foam tape

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Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday July Linky Challenge, anything goes, 2nd entry
An Inky Situation -  Linky Party #1, anything goes, 2nd entry
Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #11, anything goes, 2nd entry
Krafty Girls -  Challenge #22, anything goes
Paper Playtime -  Challenge #15, patterned paper
Pink Cricut -  Link Up Tuesday, anything goes
Frosted Designs -  Fabulous Friday Challenge, "The Great Outdoors"
5 Simple Things -  Inspire Me Fridays #113, anything goes
Hiding In My Craft Room -  Challenge #108, "Christmas In July"
Totally Gorjuss -  Challenge #194, "Christmas In July"
Little Scrap Pieces -  Fun Friday Challenge, "Christmas In July"
Jo's Scrap Shack -  Fun-Day Friday Challenge, "Bling It Up"
Creative Corner -  Challenge #29, "Christmas In July"
Love To Create -  Challenge #75, "Hugs & Wishes"

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Thank you so much for stopping by & enjoy the rest of your weekend!

-Diana :)

Birthday Window Card

Hello friends! My gosh, it seems like forever since I've posted! I can't believe how fast time flies by. I've been busy & preoccupied spending as much time as I possibly can with my Lexi girl. I'm happy to report that she's doing well & hasn't had any major symptoms yet - thank God! I cherish every single day with her that God gives us.

Anyway, today's card isn't for anyone in particular, but I always seem to need birthday cards, so I like to keep a stash on hand. I much prefer to make a custom card for each individual, but sometimes birthdays just sneak up on me & I don't have time. I'm sure y'all can relate!

Inside

SIZE:  5.25" square
CRICUT:  Expression, Gypsy
CARTRIDGE:  "Art Philosophy"
PAPER:  Bo Bunny "Surprise!" Collection, Core'dinations
STAMPS:  CTMH "Joyful Birthday Occasions" set, Anna Griffin "Essential Sentiments" set
INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Holiday Red"
PUNCHES:  Martha Stewart "Geometric Frames", Fiskars corner rounder
OTHER:  Recollections gems & stars, Stampendous embossing powder "Kaleidoscope", foam tape

**********************

Challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday July Linky Challenge, anything goes
Hiding In My Craft Room -  Challenge #107, "Freestyle"/anything goes
Five Simple Things -  Inspire Me Fridays #112, anything goes
An Inky Situation -  Linky Party #1, anything goes
Pink Cricut -  Link Up Tuesday, anything goes
4 Crafty Chicks -  Challenge #151, "Let's Hear It For The Boys"
Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #11, anything goes
My Creative Moments -  Word Play Saturday - July Challenge, Birthdays

**********************

Thank you so much for visiting me today & have a fabulous weekend!!

-Diana :)

Tweet Wishes

 Hello crafty friends! I know it's been a while since I've posted, but life just takes over sometimes :) Anyway, I'm back with a new card today. It is part of a set I made for one of my Aunts....

Inside

SIZE:  A2
PAPER:  Graphic 45 "Secret Garden" Collection, Core'dinations
EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug with "Swiss Dots" folder
STAMPS:  My Pink Stamper "Itty Bitty-licious" & "Punny-licious" stamp sets
INK:  CTMH  Exclusive Inks "Desert Sand" & "Chocolate"
PUNCHES:  Martha Stewart, Fiskars
OTHER:  CTMH Liquid Glass, Stickles "Patina" & "Eucalyptus", Ranger Liquid Pearls "White Opal", Fiskars Paper Edgers "Clouds", Offray ribbon


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Entering in these challenges:

Animal Friends -  Challenge #2, at least 1 animal & checkers, plaid or stripes
Celebrate The Occasion -  Challenge #110, anything goes
Crafter's Cafe -  Challenge #16, Mothers or for a female
Crafting Musketeers -  Challenge #1, anything goes
Crafty Ribbons -  Challenge #44, anything goes with ribbon
Cute Card Thursday -  Challenge #267, "Come Fly With Me"
DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday Challenge/Linky Party, anything goes
Dream Valley -  Challenge #56, no squares
Five Simple Things -  Inspire Me Fridays #101, anything goes
Hiding In My Craft Room -  Challenge #96, "Name Your Colors" (pink, green, brown)
Love To Create -  Challenge #63, dies and/or punches
Paper Playtime -  Challenge #9, embossing
Party Time Tuesdays -  Challenge #118, anything goes
Pause Dream Enjoy -  Challenge #9, "Outdoor Critters"
Pink Cricut -  Link Up Tuesday, anything goes
Scrappy Frogs -  April challenge, "Think Spring"
Simon Says Stamp -  "Happy Mail" (just because, no specific occasion)
Sister Act -  Challenge #5, anything goes
Sisterhood Of Crafters -  "Free For All" (anything goes)
Stampin' For The Weekend  -  Die cuts or punches
The Perfect Sentiment -  Challenge #77, feminine
Twisted Tuesday -  Challenge #49, anything goes


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Thank you so much for visiting me! Have a fabulous day!

-Diana :)

Peacock Card

Hello my crafty friends! I hope you are all having a wonderful Wednesday! We have been enjoying some absolutely fab whether here in our little corner of the world. Anyway.... I'm happy with how today's card turned out, but it really doesn't photograph well for some reason. The colors are much brighter in person & you can see that she has Stickles on the ends of each feather. Oh well, I wanted to share it with you anyway, so you'll just have to trust me that it's much prettier in person....

SIZE:  5 x 6.5"
CRICUT:  Imagine
CARTRIDGES:  "French Manor" & "Spring Chic"
PAPER:  Core'dinations
EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug with Lifestyle Crafts folder
INK:  Tsukineko "Platinum Planet"
PUNCHES:  Fiskars corner punches
OTHER:  Stickles "Star Dust", Viva Decor Pearl Pen "Ice White", foam tape


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Entering in these challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday Challenge/April Linky Party, anything goes
Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #8, anything goes
Hiding In My Craft Room -  Challenge #93, "Super Scraps Saturday" (I used old paper scraps, printed on my Imagine months ago)
Make It Monday -  Challenge #136, anything goes
Pink Cricut -  "Link Up Tuesday", anything goes  
Scrappy Frogs -  April Challenge, "Think Spring"
Simply Create Too -  Challenge #35, "Use Your Stash" (I used old paper scraps & my "Spring Chic" cartridge for the 1st time)
The Sisterhood Of Crafters - Animal(s)


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Thank you so much for stopping by to visit me! Have a spectacular day!

-Diana :)

Snappy Birthday!

Hello my fellow crafty peeps! Happy Tuesday! Today I'm sharing the card I made for my Dad's birthday last week (he loves jazz), using my new Cricut Circle exclusive cartridge, which I absolutely love!....

SIZE:  4 x 6"
CRICUT:  Expression
CARTRIDGE:  "Animal Antics"
PAPER:  DCWV
EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug machine, Darice "Reptile" folder
PUNCH:  Martha Stewart
STAMP:  My Pink Stamper "More Punny-licious" set
INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Dutch Blue", Tsukineko "Galaxy Gold" & "Cosmic Copper"
OTHER:  CTMH Liquid Glass, Fiskars circle punch, Stickles "Black Diamond" & "Xmas Red", Creatology googly eye, foam tape


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Entering in these challenges:

Card Makin' Mamas -  no patterned paper
Crafty Catz -  Challenge #177, anything goes
DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday Challenge/April Linky Party, anything goes
Dream Valley -  Challenge #54, "Happy Birthday"
Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #8, anything goes
FCCB -  Challenge Me Monday #155, use yellow & triangle(s)
Paper Playtime -  Challenge #7, use a pun
Simon Says Stamp -  "Happy Birthday" or celebration
Simply Create Too -  Challenge #34, animals
Totally Gorjuss -  Challenge #178, anything goes + sparkle
2 Sisters -  Challenge #138, anything goes


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Thank you for visiting me today!!

-Diana :)

Hap-bee Birthday

Hello everyone! I hope you are all enjoying your weekend. It's sprinkling off & on here but it's 62 degrees & quite pleasant. The birds & frogs are out singing & croaking so it's a happy day! The card I have to share with you today is for my Aunt's birthday (she promised me she wouldn't peek at my blog until after she received it, lol). She lives in Connecticut so it's going to take a few days for it to make its way across the country. I hope she likes it & I hope y'all do too!.....

 

Inside

SIZE:  3.5 x 7"

CRICUT:  Expression, Gypsy

CARTRIDGES:  "Walk In My Garden" (card feature), "Garden Soup" (text)

PAPER:  Echo Park, Core'dinations, Colorbok

EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug with "Honeycomb" folder

PUNCHES:  Martha Stewart, EK Success

TWINE:  The Twinery "Charcoal"

INK:  Tim Holtz Distress Ink "Black Soot", CTMH Exclusive Inks "Sunny Yellow"

OTHER:  Stickles "Black Diamond", Scrapp'n Supplies rhinestones

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Entering in these challenges:

BBTB2 -  Use any Cricut card feature 

Card Makin' Mamas -  No patterned paper

Craft Junkie Too -  TGIF Linky Party #89, anything goes, 2nd entry

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday Challenge/Linky Party, anything goes, 5th entry

Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #7, anything goes, 5th entry

HIMCR -  Challenge #91, freestyle/anything goes

My Sheri Crafts -  Challenge #107, "Spring Has Sprung"

Paper Playtime -  Challenge #6, use a bee 

Party Time Tuesdays -  Challenge #113, anything goes, 2nd entry

Pause Dream Enjoy -  Challenge #6, anything goes, 3rd entry

Shop Pumpkin Spice -  Challenge #13, Spring animals/insects, to shop click HERE

Simon Says Stamp -  Anything goes, 2nd entry

Use It Tuesday -  Challenge #52, "All About Spring", 2nd entry, my hoarded supplies: cardstock & punch

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 Thank you so much for stopping by & I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend! 

-Diana :)

Crazy For Daisies

Hi friends! I hope you are all having a lovely week so far. I got the idea for today's card from a similar one I saw on the Martha Stewart website. I actually bought this punch specifically so I could make this card. It was originally done in all very light pastels, but I decided to brighten it up a bit & go with these rainbow colors. I also made some other changes & additions to make it my own....

Inside

SIZE:  5.25" square
PAPER:  Recollections cardstock (card base), Lawn Fawn "Bright Side" Petite Paper Pack, My Minds Eye "Dwell" paper pad
PUNCHES:  Martha Stewart "Daisy Chain Trim" double-edge punch & "Mini Daisy" punch-around-the-page
STAMP:  CTMH "Say It In Style" stamp set
INK:  Tim Holtz Distress Ink "Black Soot", VersaMagic chalk ink "Spring Pansy" & "Pixie Dust"
OTHER:  Viva Decor Pearl Pen "Ice White"


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Entering in these challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday Challenge/Linky Party, anything goes, 4th entry

Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #7, anything goes, 4th entry

Party Time Tuesdays -  Challenge #113, anything goes

Pause Dream Enjoy -  Challenge #6, anything goes, 2nd entry

Red Carpet Studio -  Challenge #29, "The Secret Garden", use flowers

Simon Says Stamp -  Anything goes

Use It Tuesday -  Challenge #52, "All About Spring", my hoarded supplies: cardstock & Pearl Pen

Craft Junkie Too -  TGIF Linky Party #89, anything goes

**********************

Thank you for stopping by! Have a wonderful day!

-Diana :)

Hexagon Birthday Card

Hello my sweet crafty friends! I have to say that I'm kind of oblivious when it comes to following trends, but I am really liking this recent hexagon craze. Now that I've caught on, it's probably old news already, lol. I've also been obsessed with decorating the insides of my cards lately. I keep it pretty simple, but even a little bit of detail on the inside can really make a difference. Anyway, here's my card for today....

Inside

SIZE:  A2
CRICUT:  Expression
CARTRIDGE:  "My Quiet Book"
PAPER:  Lawn Fawn "Bright Side" Petite Paper Pack, CTMH
EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug machine with "Honeycomb" folder
STAMPS:  CTMH "Say It In Style" (sentiment) & "Nature's Delight" (butterfly)
INK:  Tim Holtz "Black Soot"


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Entering in these challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday Challenge/Linky Party, anything goes, 3rd entry

Dream Valley -  Challenge #52, Mother's Day or for a female, 3rd entry

Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #7, anything goes, 3rd entry

Hiding In My Craft Room -  Challenge #89, use 3 designer papers

Use It Tuesday -  Challenge #51, "Diecuts, Punches & Cutouts" (used old papers/cardstock), 2nd entry

Pause Dream Enjoy -  Challenge #6, anything goes

Craft Junkie Too -  TGIF Linky Party #88, anything goes

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Thanks for visiting me today & happy Friday to you!

-Diana :)

My First "Creative Cards" Project

Hello all! I hope you are all having a lovely week so far. We are certainly enjoying some beautiful weather here in northern Cali! I'm so excited because I recently acquired the new "Creative Cards" cartridge & am loving it so far! Here is the first project I made with it, which is one of the tri-fold cards....

Front 

Opening front flap

Inside

SIZE:  5.25"

CRICUT:  Expression

CARTRIDGE:  "Creative Cards"

PAPER:  CTMH (card base), Echo Park, Debbie Mumm (scraps)

EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug machine, "D'Vine Swirls" & "Swiss Dots" folders

INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Sunny Yellow" & "Orange"

OTHER:  Stickles "Black Diamond", CTMH Liquid Glass, Tombow velcro fastener tabs (to hold front flap closed)

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Entering in the following challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday Challenge/Linky Party, anything goes, 2nd entry

Dream Valley -  Challenge #52, Mother's Day or for a female, 2nd entry

Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #7, anything goes, 2nd entry

Hiding In My Craft Room -  Challenge #88, "Super Scraps Saturday", 2nd entry

Joyful Stamper -  Inspire Me Fridays #99, anything goes, 2nd entry

Paper Playtime -  Challenge #5, anything goes, 2nd entry

Use It Tuesday -  Challenge #51, "Diecuts, Punches & Cutouts" (used old papers/cardstock)

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Thank you for visiting me today!

-Diana :)

Cricut-less Thank You Cards

Hello my friends! I hope you are all having a fantastic March so far! Yes, I actually ditched my Cricuts (gasp!) to make these cards. Sometimes it's refreshing to re-visit the old school ways of crafting, before Cricuts & such. Anyway, here are a couple of simple cards I made the other day....

 

SIZE:  A2

PAPER:  My Mind's Eye "Lucky In Love" paper pad, Colorbok (scraps), David Tutera (card base)

STAMPS:  CTMH "A Little Everything" (D1408) & "For Every Occasion" (D1187)

INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Holiday Red" & "Crystal Blue", VersaMagic Chalk Ink "Pixie Dust"

OTHER:  Fiskars Paper Edgers "Ripple", foam tape

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Entering in the following challenges:

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday Challenge/Linky Party, anything goes

Dream Valley -  Challenge #52, Mother's Day or for a female

Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #7, anything goes

Hiding In My Craft Room -  Challenge #88, "Super Scraps Saturday"

Joyful Stamper -  Inspire Me Fridays #99, anything goes

Paper Playtime -  Challenge #5, anything goes

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Thank you for stopping by & have a glorious Sunday!!

-Diana :)

Back In The Saddle

Hello everyone! I hope you are all having a fabulous week! Wow, I haven't posted in almost a whole month. If you read my last post then you know why I've been MIA. Here's a quick update on my Lexi.... she had her CT scan which revealed that her tumor is too big & too spread out to safely remove it. So, now we pretty much just wait for her to start having symptoms, which could be 6 months or 3 years. Although there's no way to remove the tumor, we are exploring other avenues of treatment that may be able to at least slow down its growth. We have started giving her some natural supplements & will be taking her to an acupuncturist & an energy healer. May as well try everything, right?

Anyway, onto the crafting segment of my crafting blog, lol. I made this card for a dear friend of mine & former client who is due to deliver a little baby girl any day now. She had a baby shower a couple weeks ago, which I wasn't able to attend, but I was able to get her gift to her & this is the card that went with it....

 

Inside

SIZE:  A2

CRICUT:  Imagine

CARTRIDGE:  "Nursery Tails"

PAPER:  My Minds Eye, David Tutera (card base), Anna Griffin, Colorbok

STAMPS:  Joy's Life "Everyday Occasions", Scrappy Moms Stamps "Special Delivery"

INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Desert Sand", VersaMagic "Pixie Dust" & "Aloe Vera"

OTHER:  Martha Stewart threader punch, Fiskars Paper Edgers & corner punch, Smooch, Stickles "Vintage Photo" & "Star Dust", Viva Pearl Pen "Ice White", ribbon & gems from my stash, foam tape

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Entering in these challenges:

Paper Playtime -  Challenge #4, use a sentiment stamp

DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday Challenge, February Linky Party, anything goes

Joyful Stamper -  Inspire Me Fridays #96, anything goes

Dream Valley -  Challenge #51, ribbons & bling

Simply Create Too -  Challenge #31, Mother's Day or for a female

Craft Junkie Too -  TGIF Linky Party #86, anything goes

Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #6, anything goes

**********************

Thank you so much for visiting me today! It feels great to be back in bloggie land!!

-Diana :)

2013 Off To A Rocky Start

Hello my friends! I hope everyone is having a wonderful 2013 so far! The reason I haven't posted in a while is because my new year has been quite challenging thus far....

First, my Grandpa has been quite sick & was hospitalized with pneumonia earlier this month. He is doing okay now but I'm having to face the reality that he probably won't be with us too much longer, due to a number of other health issues.

Secondly, my husband went in for a routine check up & was found to have issues with his carotid artery being partially blocked. We have since found out that surgery is not necessary, but we do have to watch it carefully. Of course, this gave us quite a scare, but the silver lining is that it got him to quit smoking! This is a huge deal & I'm so proud of him for finally doing it.

And last but certainly not least, my eldest child (I consider my dogs my children), Lexi was found to have a huge mass in her liver. Some routine bloodwork indicated a problem in her liver, so her vet did an ultrasound, which revealed a tumor the size of a grapefruit. We took her to see a specialist/surgeon, who believes the tumor is most likely not cancerous, which is great, but he also says the probability of removing it is pretty low. So, our next step is to do a CT scan, which will tell him whether or not it is operable/removable. If he believes he can remove all or part of it safely, then he will proceed to surgery immediately after the scan. However, if it's not removable or too risky to attempt, then there will be no surgery. In that case, he says it will probably take about 6-8 months for her to become symptomatic & eventually succumb to the effects of the tumor. At some point we would then have to make decisions about quality of life & ultimately put her to sleep when the symptoms become unbearable.

Her CT scan & possible surgery will be taking place this coming Tuesday, the 29th. I'm trying to just focus on this next step & not be discouraged by the odds. I try my best not to think about the worst case because I know she senses it when I do. I don't want to get ahead of myself & get upset over what may or may not be the outcome, because I know God has a plan & that's what's meant to be. However, that's all very easily said but not so easy to do. I'm so scared & she has been my best friend & guardian angel for over 12 years & the thought of losing her or having to watch her suffer is unbearable. We have been praying constantly & I would graciously welcome anyone's prayers, as I really do believe in the power of prayer.

Obviously, this will be consuming my life, at least until we know what we're faced with. I haven't had much time or inclination to do much crafting lately, but I'm not going anywhere! I love crafting too much to ever give it up & I absolutely love blogging. I just wanted to check in & let you know that I will continue to blog & create, but I'm just not sure what my time frame will be. I hope to catch up on all of your blogs as well, when time & energy permits, because I know I'm missing out on some fabulous projects from y'all! Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read/listen & please don't give up on me!

Big hugs to all,
Diana :)

Lexi Annmarie (June 2009)

Just A Little More Christmas....

Hello friends! I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season! I haven't posted in a while because I was just too busy with getting ready for Christmas, as I'm sure many of you can relate. My Christmas was awesome & I wanted to share my most favorite gift, which my husband gave me....

Yes, it's the new teal Cricut Expression 2! Isn't she beautiful?! It's a Michaels exclusive & it comes with the "French Manor" cartridge. Of course it also comes with the 2 pre-loaded cartridges: "Cricut Alphabet" & "Cricut Essentials". Since I already have 3 Cricuts in my craft room, I have to do some rearranging before I hook it up. I'm in the middle of remodeling my craft room so I just have to wait to find the perfect spot for it, but I can't wait to try it out!

Anyway, I do have a card to share with you today. I made it before Christmas, but haven't had a chance to post it until now....

SIZE:  5.5" square
CRICUT:  Imagine
CARTRIDGES:  "Mr. Frosty", "Art Philosophy", "Create A Critter 2"
EMBOSSING:  Cuttlebug with "Distressed Stripes" folder
PAPER:  Core'dinations white cardstock
OTHER:  Stickles "Star Dust" & "Xmas Red", CTMH Liquid Glass


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Entering in these challenges:

Card Makin' Mamas -  Christmas or New Year's
Craft Junkie Too -  TGIF Linky Party #78, anything goes
Cute Card Thursday -  Challenge #249, anything goes
Die Cuttin' Divas -  Challenge #95, "More Holiday Spirit"
Divas By Design -  Challenge #66, anything goes
DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday Challenge/Linky Party, anything goes, 2nd entry
Dream Valley -  Challenge #47, Christmas, 2nd entry
Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #4, anything goes, 2nd entry
Go Fish -  Challenge #31, anything goes
Hiding In My Craft Room -  Challenge #78, "Freestyle"
Little Scrap Pieces - Fun Friday Challenge, "Winter"
Party Time Tuesdays -  Challenge #100, anything goes
Pause Dream Enjoy -  Challenge #52, anything goes
Simon Says Stamp -  Anything goes
Simply Create -  Linky Party #15, anything goes
Stuck On U Sketches -  Die Cut Challenge, "I Deer-ly Love Christmas"
Totally Gorjuss -  Challenge #164, "New" ("Create A Critter 2" cartridge is new)


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Thank you for visiting me & have a fabulous day!!

-Diana :)

Thoughts & Prayers

Hi everyone. I just want to do a quick post to express my condolences to the victims & families in Newtown, CT. It's so hard to accept that one very ill person could cause so much heartbreak to so many. There's really nothing I can say to make it better, but I want to offer my prayers & love to those affected by this tragedy.

It's times like this when our faith in God can be challenged, but it's times like these when we need Him most. I wish for everyone to have faith & know that prayer does work & God can ease the suffering if you let Him into your heart. My love, prayers & thoughts go out to all the dear people suffering from heartbreak tonight & always. May God be with you....

-Diana :)

Giveaway Winner!....

Hello friends! I hope you are all having a lovely week! I apologize for not doing this earlier today, but I have a winner for last week's CTMH Inspirational Wednesday giveaway. And the winner (selected using random.org) is....

LISA (A Mermaid's Crafts)

Congratulations Lisa!! Please email me at: leeleecarddesigns@gmail.com with your mailing address so I can get your CTMH Idea Books right out to you :)

One more thing.... We will be taking a short break from our CTMH Inspirational Wednesday posts until after the holidays. We will resume our normal posting schedule on 1/9/13. Of course, I will still continue to have regular posts during this time. As usual, you may shop for CTMH products anytime at my online store by clicking HERE or the icon at the top left of this page. 

Thank you for stopping by & have a fabulous day! 

-Diana :)

Fabulous "Folk Art Festival"

 ***To check out my current giveaway, please click HERE ***

Greetings crafty friends! I hope everyone is surviving the holiday madness, lol. My biggest challenge around this holiday time is to stop buying stuff for myself & start focusing on others. I know it's really selfish, but is it still bad if I'm confessing it? I know - clearly I have issues, but who doesn't, right? I'm just sayin'....

Anyway, enough about me (at least for right now). I have a Christmas card to share with you today, which I'm very excited to say that I made with my new "Folk Art Festival" cartridge. I saw this cartridge when it first came out on "Hello Thursday" & I have been obsessed with getting it ever since. So, after going to 3 different Michaels stores (it's a Michaels exclusive), I finally found one! And it was on sale for $34, so merry early Christmas to yours truly! So, here is the first card I've made with it....

 

SIZE:  4.5"

CRICUT:  Imagine

CARTRIDGES:  "Folk Art Festival" & "Mr. Frosty"

PAPER:  Core'dinations

INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Hollyhock"

OTHER:  JoAnn glitter, Zig glue pen, foam tape

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Entering in these challenges:

Crafty Friends -  Challenge #12, CAS
Cricut Cardz -  Challenge #122, "Tis The Season"
Die Cuttin' Diva's -  Challenge #94, "Holiday Spirit"
Divas By Design -  Challenge #64, "Let It Snow"
DL.ART -  Thankful Thursday Challenge/Linky Party, anything goes
Dream Valley -  Challenge #47, Christmas
Every Day Is An Occasion -  Sunday {Fun}day #4, anything goes
Go Fish -  Challenge #30, Christmas
Joyful Stamper -  Inspire Me Fridays #88, anything goes
Little Scrap Pieces -  Fun Friday Challenge, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"
Scrappy Moms Stamps -  Terrific Tuesday Challenge, "Christmas Time"
Simon Says Stamp -  Snowflakes
Totally Gorjuss -  Challenge #161, "Oh No Snow"
2 Sisters -  Challenge #121, Snowflakes
Use It Tuesday -  Challenge #45, Christmas/Hannukah, (stash item is "Mr. Frosty" cartridge, which I haven't used in over a year)


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Thank you so much for stopping by & have a fabulous day!

-Diana :)

CTMH Inspirational Wednesday #4 ***With A Giveaway***

Hello & happy Wednesday to you! It is, once again, raining like mad here & we're anticipating more power outages, flooding, washed out roads & fallen trees. I love the rain & winter is my favorite season, but it scares me a little when we have this much rain. I hope everyone is managing to stay safe & at least somewhat dry!....

Today's post represents the 4th week of a new venture that two of my CTMH sister consultants & I are doing. We're calling it CTMH Inspirational Wednesday & it is simply us showing you projects we've made with some of the fabulous Close To My Heart products.

For some more awesome inspiration, please check out Patti's projects HERE & Linda's projects HERE.

To see all the wonderful products CTMH has to offer, please click HERE to visit my store.

Today I have another card I made using the CTMH card kit "Around The Holidays"....

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And now.... onto the giveaway!....

These are CTMH Idea Books (Autumn/Winter 2012 & Spring/Summer 2012). These are so much more than just a catalog! Each 144 page book contains tons of inspirational project ideas, tutorials & tons of pictures of amazing cards, layouts, home decor, etc.

All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment on this post by 12/11 at 11:59pm PST. I will use random.org to pick the winner, which I will announce on my next CTMH Inspirational Wednesday post on 12/12.


Thank you so much for visiting me & have a fabulous day!

-Diana :)

Fun With New Stuff

Hello everybody out there in blog-land! I hope you are all surviving the madness that is December, lol. We had some outrageous storms over the weekend, which left its mark on our property with washed out roads, flooded vineyards, fallen trees, etc. I am very grateful that it's all fixable stuff & I know I'm so lucky compared to so many who had real life-changing damage from Superstorm Sandy. I don't even dare to compare, but being in California my whole life, this storm was definitely a big deal for us!

Moving on.... I do have this "Thank You" card to share with you today. I recently acquired some Anna Griffin & David Tutera items & have been having a lot of fun playing around with them....Here is one of the first cards I've made....

Below is the inside of the card, which is hard to read due to the glare from the gold embossing, but it says "You're The Best".....

SIZE:  A2

PAPER:  Anna Griffin, David Tutera, Core'dinations

STAMPS:  CTMH "Kudos" set, Inkadinkado single stamp

EMBOSSING:  VersaMark watermark stamp pad, Recollections embossing powder "Clear Gold", Marvy Uchida heat tool

PUNCH:  Martha Stewart 

RIBBON:  Anna Griffin

INK:  CTMH Exclusive Inks "Desert Sand"

OTHER:  Fiskars Paper Edgers "Victorian" & "Clouds", adhesive gold dots from my stash 

Thank you for visiting me!!

-Diana :)