Guest Designer for The Male Room Challenge

I'm so excited to be the guest designer over at The Male Room Challenge where the theme is Feathers.  It's a fun challenge and all you have to do is follow the theme and make it masculine.

There are so many different directions you could go with the word "feathers" but I just went with a single little feather for my masculine card today. I used a very old stamp from Mark's Finest Papers.  This company is no longer in business but you can probably find some of the stamps on Ebay. I stamped the background feather in Hero Arts Shadow ink and then the Indians and sentiment in Obsidian from Altenew.  After that it was a matter of layering the image a couple of times with the black and white.  Some twine from May Arts was added last and then all was mounted on some textured white cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by........and keep smiling!
Lynn

 

New Stuff

 I've been doing so good and not buying a whole bunch of new things since I already have tons of stuff and I won't live long enough to use it all.  However, every so often I just HAVE to make a purchase to give my life a little oomph.  So........here's some oomph!

I follow a blog called My Pinkie is Inkie in Boxertown and have been drooling over the pre-printed paper she was using so what else could I do but go get some.  Check out her blog - beautiful cards!  Anyway, the paper is from Blue Knight Rubber Stamps and is gorgeous!  I already had this stamp from Blue Knight but paired with their paper really gives it that extra something special. 

I assume this is a coyote and if you've ever seen one out in the wild they're just usually pretty straggly looking - but this one is so majestic!  I guess it could be a wolf too.  It really doesn't matter because it's a great stamp!   

I'll enter this in the challenge at Allsorts - Four legged friends or anything goes....and Pammies Inky Pinkies - anything goes......and ..............Jan's Digi Stamps Challenge - anything goes

Thanks for stopping by..........and keep smiling!

                   Lynn

Autumn

 I'm dreaming of cooler weather around here.  All the Halloween decorations are out in the stores (as well as Christmas) and pumpkins are everywhere. If we put a pumpkin out on the front porch right now, it'd probably explode from the heat.  Ah....good old hot Texas weather.........but autumn will be here soon (or we may just go straight into winter).  But here you go with a card for autumn.....

The image is from Art Impressions and I've used watercolors on it.....along with some orange paper, twine, and a tiny "autumn" stamp. Super simple. 

I'll enter this in the challenge at Colorful Options - Outrageous Orange and the challenge at Art Impressions - Falling into Fall.

Thanks for stopping by...........and keep smiling!

Lynn 
 

Sunflower Season

 I had to look up when sunflower season was in Texas because we seem to have them in the spring, summer,  and also in the fall.  It appears the season is in September and October (learn something new every day) so I'm still safe posting a sunflower card I suppose.

I used a sunflower die from Simon Says Stamp - and also a sentiment from there too.  The background for the sunflower is a piece of paper done with alcohol inks from last year that I never knew what to do with after I got it done.  The sunflower was colored with distress inks. 

I'll enter this in the challenge at FarmQuest General Store Challenge - anything goes (sunflowers remind me of country living) 

Thanks for stopping by........and keep smiling!
Lynn

A Bit of White - and Guess Who

 Another very simple card using an embossing folder from Simon Says Stamp (Wildflowers).  It was my intention to maybe use some distress inks over the raised part of this but I just couldn't see messing up something already so pretty.  I love this embossing folder.  It didn't say it was a 3D folder but the embossed area is raised up pretty good on here.  I also sprayed it with a little water before embossing so that may have helped some. The sentiment is a very old one from Stampin' Up.

I completely forgot but National Dog Day was on Saturday - and since I haven't posted a picture of Rambo lately, here you go.  He's aging a little bit faster now (aren't we all) but still gets those bursts of energy at times.  

Thanks for stopping by.........and keep smiling!
Lynn

It's A Daisy

 All the flowers around here are looking pretty ratty now.  It's just been a really hot summer but thankfully we're on the downhill side of that (hopefully) - and fall is around the corner. I even saw mums for sale at the store the other day....no, I didn't buy any.  For one thing, it's still too hot - and also....I kill them pretty quick.  So.....how about a daisy card instead!  

I used a die from Simon Says Stamp and a pre-made strip sentiment....with a bit of distressing on the diecut and also the background.  Not sure why in the world I used pink for that background but they were the colors I grabbed so there you go.

Thanks for stopping by..........and keep smiling!

Lynn 

What's Happening

If you've followed my blog for a while you already know a few things about me - one of them being that I love frogs.  Yes, I do!  The real ones are pretty cute but they're especially cute when they're on a card.  

This one is from Unity and I love the dreamy look in those eyes.  I don't have a dreamboat to send this too anymore - unless I can find George Clooney's address - so, I just used the "Sup" sentiment from the set of stamps and I guess I'll be sending this to my brother - not a very good substitute for George but he'll have to do!    I also used a wave type stencil from Newton's Nook in the background and then mounted him on a circle die of scrap polka dot paper.  

I'll enter this in the challenges at The Male Room (dots and/or stripes - polka dot circle and wavy stripes) and Critter Crazy Challenges (anything goes with a critter).

Thanks for stopping by..........and keep smiling!

Lynn

Sweet Days of Summer

 Ahhhh.......it's the sweet days of summer.  However, if you live in Texas or some of the other states around here,  it's called the "hot days of summer".....and hot it is too!  So, to "cool" things off a bit I thought I'd make a card with this cute little mouse from Newton's Nook hugging that flower.  Even as hot as it is we still have flowers blooming.  I haven't seen any mice hugging them just yet though.

I used one of the images from the Garden Mice set from Newton's Nook stamps...colored in Copics and then mounted on a small piece of patterned paper, with a tiny white frame added.  All of this is mounted on a piece of textured white cardstock.  Now this is where you have to use your imagination because the patterned paper is such a pretty green color - just a bit lighter than the greenery in the image - however, the camera just won't pick up that color good no matter what I do.  

I'll enter this in the challenges at:  Inky Paws Challenge - Summer Lovin',  CAS on Friday - CAS with design paper, and  Allsorts - Anything goes or Mood Board (I used the pink flower the mood board as inspiration.)

Thanks for stopping by..........and keep smiling!

Lynn

                                                  

Howdy-Hoe

 Ok, I realize that "howdy-hoe" is probably a little corny - but if you say it a couple of times you'll start laughing no matter what!  Nothing like a little smile or laugh to start the day........

We're going down on the farm here..........

The Mr. and Ms. are from Art Impressions and I have to smile looking at them.  It reminds me of Jim and I when we had a huge garden....we're talking like 75 tomato plants, row after row of green beans, mounds of squash.....and everything in between.  Lots of work but it sure tasted good.  Now, I have a raised bed area with one tomato plant, about 10 green bean plants, and 3 cucumbers..........plus they're all dead from the heat in Texas.  We've been in a heat wave that just won't let up for some reason.  

I'll enter this in the challenge at FarmQuest General Store - anything goes country and the anything goes challenge at Pammie's Inky Pinkies.

Thanks for stopping by.........

Lynn

Laugh - Don't Laugh

 These you can laugh at..........While I had that Stampin' Up set out the other day with the cat I decided to make a bookmark using it and also one of the other stamps in that set.  Just something to laugh at while reading a book.  I used watercolors on the bowl and cherries.  

These you're not allowed to laugh at..........I've been trying to free hand a little bit with watercolors.  VERY much so a beginner but it's kinda fun to at least try something different.   The stamped sentiment is from Technique Tuesday.

Thanks for stopping by.............and keep smiling!

Lynn

Howdy

As I was stamping this sentiment I couldn't help but laugh out loud.  A tradition at one of the universities in Texas is that every time you pass someone walking on campus, you say "howdy".  Now most Texans really don't speak this way, but if you go to that university, that's how you greet each other.  I really shouldn't say anything bad about it though since my son graduated from there.  It still seems a little strange -  but whatever.......

This card was VERY different for me (and I really don't know if I even like it).   I'm not even sure why I'm posting it since when I make a card that I don't like I usually just toss it in the trash and move on.   It's not awful by any means but I just feel like it needs something added to give it more oomph.   Any ideas?   Then again, maybe it's just different from something I would normally do.  

Anyway...... I had colored the little girl from My Favorite Things in Copics and she was sitting on my desk.  Then I started coloring the background from Blue Knight in watercolors thinking of another card to do.  For some reason I put the little girl on top of the scene and she just seemed to fit perfect.  The sentiment is also from My Favorite Things. 

I'll enter this in the challenge at Farm Quest General Store -  Anything Goes country 

Thanks for stopping by.........and keep smiling!

Lynn

Just a Mouse

 Very simple card today.......Just a little mouse hugging a mushroom.  Or maybe he's peeking around it looking for more mice.......Whatever.........He's from Newton's Nook and is colored in Copics.  Done deal!

Is this not the shortest post ever!

Thanks for stopping by.........and keep smiling!
Lynn

Same but Different

 Quick post using an image and sentiment from Unity Stamps.  VERY simply - and pretty much the same but slightly different too.

Like I said - same but slightly different........and super quick and easy too but think they'll make cute/nice note cards to send out.

I'm going to be missing in action for a few days but will be back around next week and try and catch up on all the blogs next week.  Have a nice weekend.............

Thanks for stopping by..........and keep smiling (just like the sentiment says)!

Lynn

Yeehaw

 I'm popping in with a card for Farm Quest General Store Challenge where I've been asked to be the guest designer for the day!  Yeehaw!  What an honor.  This is a fairly new challenge and is so much fun.  There's still time to enter for this current challenge so check it out!

I got a little bit country here - since that's always the theme of the challenge!  I've used two images from Art Impressions, colored in Copics, cut out, and then mounted on a oval die cut of patterned paper.  All  of this was mounted on the wood looking background paper and then the sentiment was stamped with a very old one from Close to My Heart.  Of course I just had to add that small die cut star and a bit of twine.

Head on over to the Farm Quest General Store Challenge Blog, check out all the rules for the Anything Goes card or project, and join in on the fun!

You probably have to be old for this one - but I can still remember the flying horse (Pegasus) like in the above picture for Magnolia oil company.  Every time I'd peddle my bicycle to town I'd pass the "filling station" where the horse sat on top of the building and I thought it was so cool.  Yes, we called gas stations filling stations back in the day!  

Thanks for stopping by.........and keep smiling!

Lynn

My First Heart-iversary!

 No card today and this post is actually mainly for me!   In a couple of days it'll be my very first heart-iversary and I'm so thankful I'm here to write about it.  I'm thankful to be alive and feel each and every day now is a blessing.  Deep breath.........

Last year in April I went in for my annual physical type deal feeling on top of the world!  I hadn't been sick, no crazy symptoms of any kind, and was in top notch health - or so I thought.  They ran an EKG since I hadn't had one in about (cough) 10 years and they didn't like what they saw.  Next step was the cardiologist.  Long story short ...........

After a couple of tests I was scheduled for an angiogram.  He didn't even get half way through that and threw my butt into a room saying they were going to do open heart surgery/bypass first thing in the morning!  Ugh!  This wasn't sounding good!  Too long to go into all the details but I had open heart surgery/triple bypass that next morning, was in ICU for 16 days due some weird (and very scary) complications, in a rehab facility for two weeks, back home, and then in an outpatient rehab for three months.  

It was a very long road to travel - and still is.  There are really good days and really dark days.  The dark days are the ones where I have to force myself to get up out of bed and move.   Well, DUH!!!!  Of course, some days are dark......I mean come on.......They go in and saw your sternum apart, termporarily stop the heart, slice your leg open to get all kinds of cute little extra veins or something, do all kinds of weird things with that to repair the heart, get your heart beating once again, wire you back up.... and say you're good to go!  Lordy me - but so amazing! The good days are starting to outnumber the bad days a little bit now so that's good I guess.   

It's just a very special time for me so, I'm celebrating for the next few days - and as long as I can after that too!    One day at a time........ but for now.......the beat goes on..........

Thanks for stopping by........and keep smiling!  

Lynn

 

Too Many Froggers

 For some reason - and not just because I really like frogs - I ordered several sets of frog stamps lately.  So.....get ready because you may be seeing lots of frogs in the next month or so.  Frogs really are cute little guys.  Maybe not if you don't like them, but I do.  They feel all squishy and just fun.  Rambo actually hates the little devils. One spit in his eye several years ago and his entire eye swelled up and shut.  He wasn't a happy little dog at all!  Anyway............  

Here's a couple using stamps from Aall & Create (sentiments from Art Impressions).  

On this first one I used some background wavy paper from Paper Studio and then some polka dot vellum.  On the circle I lightly stamped some marks with an old SU stamp, added the sentiment, and tucked in some flowers on the side.  I'll enter this in the challenge over at Sketch Saturday (sketch).

This second one.........ah.......he kinda looks like he's walking on water.  Who even knows what I thought I was doing on this one.  I used a stencil from Newton's Nook for the waves and then perched him on top of them.....why? - I really can't answer that one!  He really does look like I feel on a lot of days though.

Thanks for stopping by........and keep smiling!

Lynn

Oh Pooh!

 Winnie the Pooh that is!  What's not to love about little Pooh - and Piglet too.  I had to splurge not too long ago and got a couple of the Pooh stamps from Unity - and do love them.  They're just so much fun to look at.  This one was colored in Copics and then mounted on some Unity patterned paper.  The sentiment is from Newton's Nook.  I haven't used pearls on anything in a long time and they just looked cute on here so I slapped a few of those on there.

I'll enter this in the challenge at Pammies Inky Pinkies - anything goes

Thanks for stopping by ........and keep smiling!

Lynn
 

Black and White Reversed

 When I saw the Alphabet Challenge a couple of days ago it jogged my memory as far as not having done a black and white card in a while.  Instead of doing one though I figured I might as well do two while I was at it - and sorta reverse some of the black and white.  The flower die is from Memory Box and the sentiments are from Simon Says Stamp.  Oh, and if you stare at the second card long enough with that checkered patterned paper you may start getting dizzy.   I'll enter this first card in the black and white Alphabet Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by..........and keep smiling!
Lynn

Simply White

 Just a little flower (Lawn Fawn), a few die cuts, a sentiment, and lots of white.  What else can I say other than this is a really, really short post............You didn't have to listen to any of my bull today!

I'll enter this in the challenge at Less Is More (Anything Goes)

Thanks for stopping by........and keep smiling!

Lynn

For A Guy

 I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone movie or something.  The plaid paper on this card is green (yes, for real) and tan.  Really, really green - and so pretty too.  However......as you can see, it's not green.  Or maybe it is and you're just seeing something that isn't really there.  Yep, Twilight Zone........Green!

I've taken a picture of this in the house, outside in the sunlight, and just about every place I could think of and yet the green won't show up.  Use your imagination.........The stamp is from a set of Inkadinkado stamps that was given to me a while back.  It's stamped on some patterned paper.  The sentiment, also on patterned paper, is a very old one from Close To My Heart. 

I've been trying to re-organize and go through all my stamping stuff around here and am finding all kinds of goodies - like the silver star.  I have brads, eyelets, and charms, etc. all over the place.  The star just had to go on this card.

I'm going to enter this in the challenge at Farm Quest General Store Challenge Blog.  Horses are on farms you know......along with cows, pigs, chickens, etc.  Maybe not on all farms, but some farms so it'll qualify hopefully.    

Thanks for stopping by….and keep smiling!

Lynn