Christie's Cards

New Sketch to Try!

2010-10-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hello My Friends!

Well, I'm happy to say I did not blow away in these gale force winds we've been having in Northern Illinois! They sure made for scary sleeping hearing lawn chairs, decorative pots, patio tables and the occasional trampoline blow down the streets and across the fields! Luckily, most of our stuff stayed put!

So I found this new blog, Lord Have Mercy! and just love the gals over there! Many of them use Copics so if your into those markers and looking for techniques and inspiration, it's a must visit blog! They of course have a sketch challenge too! I must admit, this is the first time I'm participating in the challenge, and love the opportunity to use my new Papertrey Ink Vintage Ornaments set! Love LOVE LOVE it!

The Dazzling Diamonds kinda got all over the place...but I kinda like it thatta way! What's your thoughts? Love to hear from ya~

Have a wonderful day!

Christie

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Vintage Ornaments Cardstock: AC Patterned Paper Christmas, SU! Marina Mist & Whisper White, PTI Spring Rain. Ink: Marina Mist (stamp off technique). Accessories: Offray Straight and Narrow ribbon White Paperstudio Crystals, SU! Dazzling Diamonds

And the 3rd today!

2010-10-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

Guess MoJo Monday has really gotten my MoJo goin!

Clean and Simple is another fav site for my cards. They are perfect to keep the sketch as simple or as over the top as you like!

Here's Clean and Simples sketch:

And here's Mine:

The color of ink is somewhat faded out...I'm using this new laptop, and I'm not fond of it's editing...Oh well.

Don't you just LOVE Papertrey Ink stamps??!! I DO! The Coi is from Masculine Motifs, and I again used the Handwritten Notes and Background Basics: Woodgrain. Cardstock and inks are from SU!.

This is the first time I've used this set and love it's versatility.

I hope you have enjoyed all the cards I've posted. I know it's been a long time, but hope you will all visit me again soon!
Enjoy the day!
Christie

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

2010-10-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hello again! I know! 2 Cards in 1 day? Well, it'll be 3 actually! What is my world coming to??!! Check back for a third post in a bit!

So over at Nichole Headys blog, she has a blog hop every month. And this month is supposed to be Winter Holidays, and considering where I live, I think Halloween qualifies!

This sketch I combined Our Creative Corner Color Challenge with Oz-somestamps sketch. I just love Heather Scott! She GIVES you all the measurements for her sketch! Guess you could say Heather's Oz-some! lol~ Had to stick that one in there.

So, Here is Heather's Sketch & CCCC's Colors:

And here's Mine:

So, I've really gotten into Papertrey Ink. They sell photo polymer stamps, and I just love them! For this card I used Recipe Box, (I KNOW! Since they are clear, you can take any of their sets and turn it into a background stamp!), Background Basics: Woodgrain, and Hand Written Notes. For the cardstock, I used SU!'s Pumpkin Pie, Early Esspresso, Certinly Celery, Almost Amethyst. Inks are Pumpkin Pie, Pear Piazza, and Elegant Eggplant. I used Rich Razzel Berry ribbon. I loved this card as I made it just in time to "Boo!" my neighbor...now I hope she dosent check my page before I get her Booed!

If you've never been Booed! check it out here! Ton's of fun!

Christie

MoJo Monday

2010-10-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hello my long lost Friends!

How have you all been? I know, it's been quite a while since my last post. It's amazing how busy you can get when you don't have a job! To jump start me back in the paper crafting mood, I thought I'd turn to one of my fav's, the MoJo Monday Blog! Everyone should visit this blog at least once a month! There is so much talent and inspiration it just ooses from the pixels on my screen! :)

Here's the sketch:

And here's Mine:

I've always wanted to be a Shabby Chic Chickie, but it's just not in me! So, I put extra effort in this one, and am please with the result! Whatdya think?

Papers are all SU! the button is Papertrey Ink, and the ribbon is a scrap I had left from long ago.

Winks and Wishes on the Windy Monday!
Christie

Meet Rosie....continued!

2010-06-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

Wow! I first want to say a huge "Thank You!" to all the kind and sweet comments about my Rosie! I cant tell you how that makes my heart so happy and grateful for you! As I touched on with my original post, I haven't painted in a very long time and it was such a boost to my ego with all the nice and so thoughtful comments! Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!

Rosie raised a grand total of $125!!! WOW! And for such a great and worthy cause! I wish I could find out how much money was raised over all, but haven't found that information out yet! I'll keep you posted when I find out. I had never been to Sycamore's Ladies Night Out before, and let me tell you, it was a sea of pink up and down both sides of the street for a straight 4 hours!

Next year I hope to get more involved...and maybe I will have my own booth!

Thanks again!
Christie

Rosie FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!

2010-06-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! I have some EXCITING NEWS to share with you all! About 2 weeks ago, I was selected to design and paint a HUGE piggy bank for the Annual Ladies Night Out in downtown Sycamore! I was thrilled to be selected for this! This is an annual breast cancer awareness night for women in our area. There are tons of stuff to do, eat, see, and there's a silent auction, witch is where my Rosie will be! For more information, visit Discover Sycamore's web page here!

The inspiration for Rosie was the 1950's WWI poster, Rosie the Riveter. I just love the pout-y lips of the 50's painted bright red!

This was such a fun project! And it also showcases my other talents which I hadn't showcased in quiet a while! It will be fun to see how much money Rosie raises as she is part of the silent auction. All proceeds go towards the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Research fund. I am so Proud of my girl Rosie! I hope you enjoy her as much as I do!

Rosie's INK

Me & Rosie

Well, I hope you have enjoyed meeting Rosie! She was such a fun project! I hope to see some of you at the auction! If you are in town, stop by NB&T and say hello!

Winks & Wishes!

Christie

Happy Birthday Jules

2010-05-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

My good friend Julie has the same birthday as my sister who passed 8 years ago...seems like yesterday at times, while at other times it feels as if she's still just a phone call away. So anyway! Jules birthday was looming over head and I do so love her, but could she have picked different day to be born????!!! lol~ We went shopping a week before and we found this baking dish that matches her china! What a find! First, because it was her long ago retired pattern. Secondly because it was a 9X13 baker??!! As some of you know, I am the best shopper when it comes to finding that strange thing-a-ma-jig you once remembered from your grandmothers house in Oklahoma or where ever your grandmother's from! I've gotten steals on Guardian Service Ware, long ago retired china, chairs, tables, hutches, jewelry, crystal, and even a chandelier! My designers eye provides me the ability to see the hidden gems in the mist of all the junk.

So I've had her gift, and her birthday came and went...I called her and wished her the best day and joked that I hadn't gotten her gift wrapped (I now have had the baker for 2 weeks! shame on me!) She laughed and said to give it to her for Christmas..she's so funny and knows how hard that day is for me.

If I had to sum up Jules personality into one word it would be, well...I can't in one word! But she's always singing a song with a smile on her face, and her bright blue eyes sparkling with love and laughter. And she knows every word to every song you throw at her, but one. One year, I got her! You've seen those singing cards. The ones that have songs from the 50's that are big band, and loud, and have got a beat that you can just picture yourself swing dancing to? Well this card had the song "Your The Top" by Ethel Merman. And she didn't know it! Lucky me! We had such a blast watching her memorize all the words...opening the card over and over again so she didn't miss a word! And now Jules knows all the songs!

This card I made for Jules. She's so 50's and her kitchen was yellow and blue for many years. Every time I think of Jules, I think of a bright blue sky and the most sunny summer day, and sitting at her kitchen table chatting the morning away!

This is not an SU! snob card like my previous ones posted. I say that in only the most endearing way! And I can only say that because I was a SU! snob for many years. I just needed to leap out of the SU! box and explore the great big world of paper crafts out there! The stamps are Papertrey Ink, For the Graduate, and Hero Arts, Paisley. Cardstock is SU! and I made the DSP rosette from a scrap 12x12 paper I had. It's simple, but pretty I think! And though I just made it, and Jules birthday was in April, I'm sure when I give it to her next week, she'll love it even though it's late!

So how late is too late to send a card? Let me know your thoughts!

Winks & Wishes

Christie

Happy May Day!

2010-05-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I'm a little late with that! Actually, I've been MIA for over a month now! Wow how the time flies! And I've been so busy! Mother's Day, a Stamping event where I caught up with my friend Linda Hansen, and of course my J.O.B.. Well, so much to show, I'll just get started!

This is a card I created using STAMPIN' UP! ONLY stuff! I know! Can you believe it?! And let me tell you, that was hard! I haven't been a SU! snob for a while now, and it took some digging in my stash to find current stuff and not add some other products that weren't SU!.. But I did it! And I did it THREE TIMES~! (gasp! I know!:)

I love them both! Don't just hate cutting things out? I do! But it does make all the difference!

So here's the recipe for the Butterfly card.
CS: DSP Cottage Wall, Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss, Orchid Opulence.
Inks: Rich Razzelberry, Orchid Opulence.
Stamp Set: Great Friend.

Blue Card:
CS: Bordering Blue, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Ballet Blue..
Inks: Markers, same as card stock
Stamp: Le Jardin Botanique Embillies are buttons, & grosgrain ribbon, and the new SAB punch.

So you may be asking, where's the third card??? Never Fear! It is HERE!

The colors are way off on this. I'm not sure why...could it be the rainy day we are having in NI toying with my camera? Most likely! It is beautiful though. I used the Hostess level 2 set Asian Artistry and used SU! Markers and inked up the stamp. It is really pretty! Guess you'll have to take my word for it! ;)

These cards were created for the Stampin event I went to in Crystal Lake. It was such a good time! I met several great people and learned some really cool techniques! One of my favorite was when Beckie Cox showed us how to use a fork to tie a PERFECT bow! And let me tell you! IT was perfect! Maybe I'll try my hand at making a video.....maybe . I will definitely be showing how to make it at this months Stamp Camp!

This was the same event I got to catch up with my ol friend Linda. I first met Linda at my first and sadly only SU! convention.... And I don't even remember how long ago that was! She is such an inspiration to me! It was fun chatting and seeing her since her surgery. If you have ever considered gastric by pass surgery, I highly recommend you visit Linda's blog. Sure there will be much more than just information on her surgery! She is a crafter, mother, grandmother, friend, successful motivational speaker, friend, and wife...you could say she's one talented, busy lady!

Well, I have so much more I should share. But this post shouldn't take 2 hours to read and enjoy! You'll just have to check back tomorrow to see the pretty I made this morning!

Winks & Wishes!
Christie

Hello again my Stamping Friends!

2010-03-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had the opportunity to simply stop, look around you, and feel such a sense of accomplishment and at that very same moment, feel like there's still that mountain to climb? I must admit, that is exactly how I feel!

I promised to post about the project we made at the February camp, and about my progress on my studio. Unfortunately, my time was eaten away by the time monster, aka house keeper, grocery shopper, & short order cook! I have been so busy doing a mini make over on my studio, that I haven't had time for much of any thing else!

So to update you on the progress of my studio:
Paint, new (to me) furniture, hanging beloved pictures and projects, board games with the family, and snuggling up with my Bitty Girl seem to be the joys of my busy days. Not to mention, dusting, vacuuming, patching walls, scaling ladders, changing light fixtures, and quickly cleaning up paint spills, drips, and smudges! But it was all so worth it last night! Well, not just last night. Snuggling with Bitty Girl and playing board games with Travis are what makes it all worth while. On a stamping note, having everyone in my studio where all my supplies were with in an arm's reach was FANTASTIC! I even had 90% put away before the last guest left! Oh what joy that was! And this morning, my son came down to, well the same stuff that was left on the table from last night. The only difference was it was his laundry and not my stamping stuff! :) So happy!

Though much of my "stuff" now has a neat (that's a relative term ya know!) new home, I'm still looking for better storage for 12X12 paper.

I stole Dawn McVey's idea for button storage, and it is PERFECT! Just like the buttons from Papertrey Inc. I've chatted a million times about what a great deal these buttons are, so if you haven't checked them out yet, you are truly missing out on one of the best deals in the crafting industry!

One topic that often comes to mind when creating a studio space is storage. I have almost always had a hutch of some type or other for the bulk of my supplies. This ol...well maybe considering it was made just 3 short years AFTER I was born ol isn't exactly the term I should be using! This lovely retro, doesn't sound any better :), hutch houses all my card stock, stamps, punches, adhesives, heat guns & powders, and anything else I can manage to stick in it. I love how the shelves are glass as the light can shine down through it and can spot light the projects on the upper shelves. I also love how it give vertical height in this short ceilinged room. Yes, the designer in me is coming out! It's a huge unit, with tons of storage. Perfect for all my supplies, and stylish enough for added character :)

This wall unit is from Making Memories...it's a love hate relationship...Love that it's cute, and white, and houses my PTI buttons. Hate the ribbon storage. In order to get an empty spool off, you have to take all the spools off in between. Not fun! In addition, it won't hold the SU! ribbon spools.

Don't you just smile a sly little smile when you actually use some thing your hubby has tried for years to get you to pitch? Yep! this old frame (I can say that considering I haven't a clue how old these frames truly are:) I picked up at an estate auction at least 10 years ago. They have made their way in every room of my previous house and now several rooms in our current home and have landed here. Nothing original about this idea. The fact that I completed the project is what's original!

Well, I could go on and on about my little finds and mini make over. I'd love to hear your questions and suggestions for improvement!

Until next time,
Winks & Wishes!
Christie

PS.
Oh yes, I know! I am a designer and though I would love to shop all the trendy, expensive stores and have everything the second I want it, in the color, size, and shape that would fit perfectly into a cute little magazine. The reality is, I'm as broke as it gets. And just like you, I'm doing what I can with what I have to make my house a home. I love my eclectic finds and each of them have made their way into my home, and heart for a reason. So, no not much is "new". And yes, I do have a cheap white bookcase mixed with a vintage chair I reupholstered, next to a newer cherry pub set with an old "this wood isn't so good" hutch. But I love it. ;) Christie

Mojo

2010-01-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

Though today is Tuesday, all day I have thought it was Monday! First, I was late to class. Only 10 minutes so truly not bad...read on! Secondly, I forgot my hair appointment. I realized that about 30 minutes later. And finally, to top off my day, I missed the trash guy because I went to set the trash out today, thinking it's Monday, only he came yesterday! A whole 24 hours late! These days off are really nice, for those of you who can handle them! :)

For this card, I seem to be stuck in fall. I am so enjoying earthy colors and falling leaves. We have about 3-4 inches, maybe more, of snow on the ground. One would think that after a month of the white stuff I would be diving into summery blues, reds, and yellows! Nope! I'll stick with SU!'s earth elements, and PTI's terracotta tile! I tried my best to add pinks to the mix this time. I do like it, but I dont LOVE it. That's ok. You can't LOVE every project.

Don't you hate when you start to write about the deets and realize, you havent a clue what they are! Ok, lets think.
Papers: Choc. Chip, Close to Coco, Bravo Burg. Very Vanilla, Rose Red.
Stamps: Print Pattern, French Script, Le Jardin Botanique
Markers: a mix of Copics & SU!
I think I just impressed myself lol~

Winks & Wishes!
Christie

Punched Flowers

2010-01-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

Today I finally got around to making Punched Flowers! I LOVE! LOVE! LOVE them! And they are easy peasy to make. Yes! We will be making them at the February camp so no worries that you're gonna miss out on one single thing honey!

In this card I used Dawn McVey's method of making punched cards with buttons. I just love them...did I say that AGAIN?! Ok, so I used SU!'s scalloped circle, 1" circle, 3/4" square and their boarder punch.
I found an old book at the SalVal with pretty yellowed pages (kinds smelled so I punched the "petals" and let them air out on a paper towel) After they were refreshed, I used Creamy Carmel to further age them. For the centers, I used another fav, Papertrey Ink's buttons. (oh how I should do a card themed around my favorite things!)

As many of you know I also love to participate in sketch challenges. I was so caught up in making my little flowers that I created this card all on my own! I know! With out any help! One of the reasons I love to participate in sketch challenges is because they give you the layout. Most of the sketch challenges I participate in are well designed...a good indicator of a well designed sketch is weather or not it comes together easily. If not, and you fidget and fret 4-ever on it, it's probably not a well thought out sketch. I ENCOURAGE you to step out of the sketch box! I'm sure you will be more pleased and will have more success when you do! Go ahead...take the leap!

Now, something else ya'll may or may not know is I have a BFA from a design school in Chicago, one of my fav cities ever! While I love how quick this card came together, my designers eye is a lil twitchy...I have happily ever after married my design theory to the 1/3+1/3+1/3 rule and yes the Golden rule aka the Golden Triangle. If you know either of those, your eye is a lil twitchy too! :) Hopefully in furture posts, I will have the opportunity to further explain these theorys. For now, here are couple quick tips I use EVERY DAY!

1. graduate the size of the focal point in a cluster.
    This creates interest.

2. Keep it A symeterical, and odd numbered.

3. Use repitition of the same focal point. (3 mirros on the wall, 3 flowers on a project)(I must admit, I have 9 mirros on my wall!)
     The repitition creates a more modern, clean, & simple finished project.

4. Less is more when using a modern sketch. I have a really, REALLY, hard following this rule.

5. Daddy Bear, Momma Bear, & Baby Bear.
   Graduate patterened papers large, medium, and small. The patterns will not compete with one another if the scale of the patterns are graduated in size. Use this rule when quilting too!

So there are some tips I use all the time...yes, all the time. Think it's because I'm in desigern mode 24/7. I hope you find them helpful! Let me know what one if you fav or if you have a fav rule, share it with me!
Winks & Wishes!
Christie

SALE-A-BRATION STAMP CAMP!!!

2010-01-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

January seems the perfect time to do the "TRIPPLE D's" (diet, decluter, detox), its also the perfect time to evaluate your stampin supplies! This is prime SALE time for SU!. If you didnt know, for every $50 you spend in January, February, and March, you will receive a FREE stamp set from the Sale-a-bration catty! I know...$50 seems like alot. Look at it this way..

1. Organize that cardstock!

Note what you are low on, what colors you have had on your wish list, or what colors you need to complete a color family. Do the same for inks. Order what you are missing and earn a FREE stamp set!

If you order 4 inks, and 5 pkgs of card stock(cs) you will earn 1 free stamp set and you will be stocked up on supplies! Ready for a whole new year of stampin!

2. Beating yourself up because you dont have the punches you want?

Order 1 3/8" Circle

1 1/4" Circle

1" Circle

1/2" Circle

Pop up glue dots

And earn the Designer Series paper pad FREE! OR the Scallop trim boarder punch FREE! (both from the SAB catty)

3. Are the memories from Christmas already starting to fade?

Don't let that happen!

SCRAPBOOK!

Order 1 6X6 Scrap book (Real Red $19.95 pg. 203)

1 Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin Kit ($19.95 pg. 165)

1 Craft archival quality stamp pad Chocolate Chip ($7.50)

1 Stamp & write marker Real Red ($3.50 pg. 156)

Earn the matching stamp set Tree Trimmings FREE! (pg. 28)

So as you can see there are lots of ways to earn a FREE stamp set! Plus who know's what's on your wish list! You may even earn 2, 3 or more! To see the SALE-A-BRATION catty, click here!

Camille and I are going to switch things up a little and move the dates to TUESDAYS! Yes, Tuesdays! So Tuesday, February 2nd will be the FIRST SALE-A-BRATION camp. We will hold another, and final SALE-A-BRATION camp in March.(date yet to be determined ).

Don't forget to RSVP! Let us know if you can attend! Or if you would like your very own private camp with a group of your best gal pals, let us know and we would be happy to accomodate!

Winks & Wishes!

Christie

Sale-A-Bration!

2010-01-07T18:08:00.000-08:00

Why is it that every post I start out with Ok, or So? Can you tell I have to explain ALOT in my house?

So, yes here it is again, I thought I would put a little bug in ya'lls ear about Sale-A-Bration!!! Guess I yelled that huh:) Yep! Stampin' Up!'s biggest sale of the year started a day or two ago! And they now have CLEAR MOUNTED stamp sets!!!!!! I just want to shout that from the top of my snowy, Christmas lit roof!!

And to beat, I found a super great tutorial on how to mount and prepare you clear mounted stamp sets! I can't wait to get mine! So jealous that I have to wait! Mary Fish has the cuttest little blog I've seen in a long time! She has made a video and posted it to YouTube. Here is a link to her blog! Check out her stamping studio! Amazing what she has done with a hall way!

To see a copy of the Sale-A-Bration catty, click here.

Come back and visit me. I'll be posting new Stamp Camp Dates!
Wins & Wishes!
Christie

It's January....and Julie & Julia

2010-01-04T06:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it's January 4th and the kids are back to school, and I soon will follow. What to do in my few short days left before everything gets back to "routine"...? Many of my friends are posting about detoxing, decluttering, and dieting. I could use all 3 of those! lol~ So here are a couple things I'm going to put at the top of my to do list for the next 7 days:

TO DO LIST
1. cut out hot coco! My one true vice! I drink it all year long, which explaines why I've gained so much weight!
2. orgnize all my cs. Man! Don't know if 7 days is enough time! Any tips on how to orgnize 12x12's?
3. Take down all my trees. Yes all 8 or 9 of them...I've lost count and bought 2 more at the Target 75% off sale~! GEEZZZZZ!
4. Do the MoJoMonday sketch
5. Do the Sweetest Thing Sunday Sketch...which isnt up yet so that can be moved further down the list lol~
6. Use the eliptical, though I HATE IT, for 15minutes twice a day. I can do that! Right?
And finally
#7. stick to the list!

I watched Julie & Julia and like many, could totally relate to starting something and never finishing it. The last think I actuall started with purpose and finished was my BFA in 2006. One of my most proud moments in life (right up there with my babies & hubby). I have set out for a much larger goal for the next 3 years of my life, my MFA, ED. And while the above list is small and confined to 7 days, the movie made me realize I need smaller goals that are easier to acheive. I can use those success, or failures, to help me take the next steps to the bigger picture.

And I like Julie in her blog, wonder if there is anyone out there in blog land. I'm sure there is, as I have fav blogs I frequent. So, if you stop and visit, leave me a note. Let me know about your successes and failures in life and cs orgnization lol~ You, like me, are not alone! ;)

Winks & Wishes,
Christie

Clean & Simple

2009-12-29T12:18:00.000-08:00

So they are a little different, but the idea is the same. I have a few weddings coming up this year, and like most things in my life, they will get here before I am prepared. Thought I would get a head start and work on another challenge. I just love this DSP by Me & My Big Ideas! The stamp set if a retired SU! Sell-a-bration Happy Harmony. Card stock is SU!'s Whisper White and Basic Black. I used Stazon ink and embossed with clear embossing powder.

MoJo Monday on Tuesday

2009-12-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

Since the end of year is just around the corner, I thought it is high time I got back into one of my favorite hobbies! Card Challenges! No, I never expect to win, expecially since I have sucha limited amount of time I can dedicate to my fav hobby. I simply enjoy the friendly comments left by other challengers and seeing what they have created. I hope you enjoy this Mojo Monday challenge! I used some of my new Papertrey Ink stamps and the felted paper technique.

Supplies:
Inks: SU! More Mustard, Old olive, Chocolate Chip. Papertrey's Terracotta Tile

CS: SU! More Mustard, Choc. Chip, Old Olive. Papertrey's Terracotta Tile

Technique: Felted Cardstock

Winks & Wishes!
Christie

Joy, Joy, Joy!

2009-12-29T11:14:00.000-08:00

These are the hand crafted gifts I made for friends and family this CHRISTmas. I just LOVE! LOVE! LOVE my Big Shot, Spellbinders, and the Quickutz Mary Jane alphabet I got! The cookie cutter alphabet is a little difficult to figure out the foam. But then again if I had read the instructions better, it would have went much more smoothly I'm sure :)

So this is the fist one I made. The perfectlly square frames were bought at the dollar store in town, and yep they were a dollar lol! The large snoflake is snowflake #2 from Sizzix in Tempting Turquois...where is that spell check anyway???!!! Ok, the J & Y are in Papertrey Ink's Raspberry Fizz while the Green Glore and Whisper White cs is from SU! along with a few of the ribbons and Dazzling Diamons (of course!). I just cant say enough about Papertrey's BUTTONS! You simply MUST check them out! $5 for a large assortment of the cutest buttons ever!

Now for another look at Joy! I love this one too! SU!'s Cold Play was retired a few years ago, and I like many got rid of my set! I know! I can't believe it either! And of course I needed it for this so luckily my good friend E let me borrow hers! Shes the best and this is actually who I made this for!

Again the dollar store frame. Papertrey's buttons, SU!'s ribbons, and some DSP from Michael's. This was so stinkin cute! I guess I should have spelled SNOW, but my friend brings so much JOY to my life, I thought it would be more appropriate!

I have several trees in my house at CHRISTmas time...8 to be exact! No, they all arent huge. Some are smaller, taller, skinny, fat, on the kitchen counter, and even in the hall up stairs! Each tree is "themed". I have a bronze, copper, and brown in the entry. A fun tinsil tree with hot pink in my daughters. A formal red one in the family room down stairs. and the list goes on. :)\

This next Joy, is missing the J & Y. The font seemed too simple for this JOY frame. The dollar store frames are white and in the bridal section. I used camo paint found at Wally World for a few dollars a can to paint the plastic, it sticks better than regular spray paint and dosent run as easily. Yes the crafter in me dosent discrimnate against anything in the manly home improvement stores! (strange, bridal and camo in the same description!)

Ok, I used Spellbinders Fleur delis. This is not a simple run thru the motions project here. It takes time & patients for it to become what it is. I also used Martha Stewarts glass beads...I'm a little disapointed in this. If you have any suggestions on how to better adhear them, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

Here is a detailed tutorial on the snowflake by Becca Feeken. This gal is very good at giving step by step instructions on how to make this. Her blog is filled with tons of information including COPICS markers. I think you will truly enjoy Becca's talent!

These are just a few small gifts I made for gifts. I hope you find inspiration in them and enjoy them as much as I.

Winks & Wishes!
Christie

Merry CHRISTmass & Happy New Year!

2009-12-29T06:50:00.000-08:00

So it's been quite a while since my last post...guesst ime has gotten away from me with birthdays, CHRISTmas, family & friend gettogethers, and the joys of being a working mom!

I thought I would share some of my favorite pictures that I have taken so far this season. I was so sad to see how FEW I actually took at my sisters! Next year I will have to remember to put in extra, extra batteries! Seems like I go thru thoes like 2 sided sticky tape! lol~

These are my beautiful children! Candace is so photogenic while Trav likes to hide! Someday I'll get a good pic of him :)

Just between the two of us, I think she will be bald for many years! Poor baby Girl! She's so sweet and her personality is really starting to shine! I wish I lived closer so I could see her more often! It is amazing how fast she is growing!

This is a photo of a few of my bestest friends! We went out for dinner and small gift exchange and let me tell you! Everyone in the resturant knew we were there! Many other dining parties gave us best wishes and a lifetime of friendship! One guy even took our picture for us! So thoughtful! I must admit, it was one of my highlites this holiday season!

So there is a story of why my dear friend C got a rusty looking, but not really rusty, dutch oven for her gift. C collects Guardianware and had been looking for the dutch oven for a long time. One early Sunday, my friend J and I went to the county flea market and stumbled upon this fine treasure! So, we bartered and after a few hours of letting the vendor ponder, we got it! C was so surprised! To add to the story, I needed to cook 3 turkeys for Thanksgiving. I was using my roaster, & E's roaster and thought I would use my smaller dutch oven (with no lid). So it was Thanksgiving eve and I was preping all the birds only to find the last turkey was too large to fit in my small d.o.! What was I going to do! I had to cook this last bird, but it would'nt fit in anything I had! So, I washed up the good ol Gaurdianware d.o. and let me tell you, that turkey was FANTASTIC! What a funny story to share with my friends over dinner!

J (holding the framed pic) is so full of life and has a song, AND knows all the words to every song you could ever imagine! She always brings a smile to my face, no matter how down I am! I made this sparkly, bright little, or actually large ornament for J. It was so cute and fit J's personality to a T! Bright, shiny, sparkly, PINK (she's always looking or wearing something pink!) and a JOY in my life!

This is E. So smart, caring, and ever so purposeful, if that is such a word. When you think a good steward, E would be the picture perfect person! And as a mother of 2 teenage boys, so there is little girly time for her. This is a super cute necklace C got her for CHRISTmas. What was even more funny was, C got all of us necklaces this year, and knowing us all so well, each of us could have worn the necklaces she bought us that night as they matched what we were wearing!

I could ramble on and on about my wonderful CHRISTmas this year! As you can see I have been quite busy and I hope that makes up for not posting much, or at all these past few weeks! :)

There will be a few posts coming up as I would love to share the gifts I made my friends for CHRISTmas! They are so cute, easy, and fun!

Winks & Wishes!

Christie

SO MUCH TO SHARE!

2009-10-27T06:57:00.001-07:00

I have so much to share with you! Since I've not posted since the Christmas Camp, I guess I should start there!

Christmas Camp was a HUGE success! Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves stamping, chatting, & snacking! The projects were fun, and some were a little more challenging than others but fun was had by all! And it's always good to have a little challenge now and then! Oh I wish I would have gotten a picture of all the bags and projects everyone brought in! They were GREAT! So unique and really pushed the envelop! I felt like such a proud mother lol! Time flew by so quickly that day! Maybe we will have another HUGE camp at Sell-a-bration!

The November camp is NEXT WEEK! NOVEMBER 4TH~ My house, 7:00. Where has the time gone to? I must admit though, I am so excited about this camp too! I have 2 great ornament projects to share with you and Camille has a beautiful fall card perfect for the quickly approaching Thanksgiving holiday! Don't forget to RSVP! Here is a list of items you will need to bring to this camp: snail, 2 sided sticky tape, or other adhesive & if you have a Fiskers cutter/scorer you'll need that too. We will be making another rosette! (see snowflake pic? Yep! We're making that!) Cost: $5

December is right around the corner, and with holiday parties, family gatherings, and the REAL reason for the Season, Christ's birth! We don't want you to forget the December Camp! Camille will be hosting this event in her beautiful home! Not to out shine the projects, but... Camilles home is decorated from top to bottom with all the bells and whistles! She adds her magical Christmas touch in every room! If you arent in the Christmas spirit when you get there, you surely will be before you leave! We will email directions directly to your email and they will be available to pick up at the November camp.

Also, January is a buy month...yeah I've been picking up my football guys lingo! lol~ January is a no camp month. Camille and I like to take January to spend time with our families, catch up on cleaning, and catch our breath! Because Sell-a-bration is right around the corner! That dosent mean the blog will go slient...or at least I hope not! I will post information about up coming camps, projects, and other fun stuff I find! So be sure to check back!

So that's the news! Hope to see you next week!

Winks & Wishes

Christie

Oz-Somestamps

2009-09-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

Yep, I have found yet anoter awesome, or should I say Oz-Some sketch challenge from Heather at Oz-Somestamps. Love, love, love it's simplicity! I have been wanting to participate for almost 3 months or so, but with all the changes that have taken place since August, I havent had time! So carpe diem!

Papers: Su! Always artichoke, Morning Marigold, Choc. Chip, Very vanilla, and don't remember the orange one, but is it my absolute FAV of all time! If you know it, please tell me!
Ink: Choc. Chip by Su!. Hard to believe, but there is NO ribbon, buttons, glitter, brads, hardware or anything on this card. BUT, it has a timeless simplicity that is great for men or women alike. AND because of it's simplicity, it is beautiful. Sometimes you don't need all the frills.

Another reason I love love love Heather & Oz-Somestamps sketches is because she gives you all the measurements! Yep! every cut you will make to create this card is given to you! Isnt that Oz-some?! I know, lame...but I like it! Anyway, I hope you take a quick 5 mintues to try one of Heather's sketches. Along with all her great sketches, she's got a great blog for tips, tricks, and even more ideas for you to enjoy!

Heathers Sketch My Creation

Sorry about the fuzzy picture...been kind of hard on my camera these days. Hopefull I havent ruined it!

Winks & Wishes!

Christie

Christmas Sneak Peak!

2009-09-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Thought you would enjoy a peak at one of the many projects we will be making!

This set is Winter Post, Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, and Confetti Cream card stock and inks. We will be using a Faux Stitching technique that can be used on many different projects!

Winks & Wishes!
Christie

Christmas Camp CONTEST

2009-09-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

Yep, I did say CONTEST. This is something new to our Christmas camp that will help spark that creativity prior to coming to the camp. So stand on your tippy toes and peak over the edge of your comfortable little box! The waters fine out here so take the leap and jump right in!

Ok, so here's the details~!

Holiday Gift Bag Contest

Requirements:

1. The bag must be no smaller than a lunch sack, and no larger than an 10x14 gift bag.

2. All work must be original. (don't go buy a premade gift bag!)

3. There must be a minimum of 2 embellishments (buttons, ribbon, glitter, get the idea?)

4. You can use anything you want to decorate your bag. (not limited to SU!)

5. Bag must be complete when you arrive.

There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for this contest. This is a fun, push your creative thoughts contest. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

Creative Project Contest

This contest is to show off your work and win a great prize! Simply choose a category, remain anonymous, and vote! Yes, this contest will have the winners chosen by everyone in attendance. The best project in each category will win a great prize!

There will be 3 categories

Best craftsmanship

Most creative

Christmas

I cant wait to see what everyone brings! Contest is not limited to cards, so bring in those scrapbook pages, gift ideas, and all other projects! This should be a great addition to our Christmas Camp!

(on the right is an example of a display board that you will post your projects on)

Winks & Wishes,

Christie

Christmas Camp UpDate

2009-09-10T12:18:00.001-07:00

RSVP's

Dasher

Ginger
Sharon

Alyssa

Margie

Nikki

Jane E.

Jane M.

Renae

Simple Snowflake

Erica

Pam

Renee

Terese

Kathy

Last minute RSVPs
Mary
Carol

Please be thinking of what stamp you would like to order!

Christmas Camp

2009-09-10T11:36:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone!

This is the camp that everyone has been waiting for! And as Camille and I have brained stormed endlessly, we have come up with a great camp for you!

Date: Sunday October 4th

Time: 1:00 till we all are finished!

Place: Santa's Holiday Camp (aka: my house:)

Cost: $20

SPECIAL SALE: FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed that day!

We will make:

4 Holiday Cards

1 Decorative Tin FILLED with tags

1 Gift Card Box

2 Ornaments

& a couple other small items.

In addition to providing all the supplies for the projects, snacks, and Holiday cheer you will be able to choose from one of the two stamps shown below, Dasher or Simple Snowflake! All of this for $20!

Since we will be ordering the stamp you choose in advance, so you can use it while at the camp, it is HIGHLY IMPORTANT to RSVP by SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH. It is just around the corner I know! If you do not RSVP by the date above, your stamp will be ordered on October 4th after the camp and will be delivered to you later. So be sure to RSVP and let us know what stamp you prefer! We will only have ONE EXTRA OF EACH stamp to use at the camp.

Yes, we will be having door prizes & a CONTEST too! Check back for more information! I will be posting Sneak Peaks on the projects we will be working on & details on the CONTEST soon!

This is the biggest camp Camille & I have. It is important to RSVP, not only so you have your stamp to use, but also due to the prep time involved. We require all RSVP's to be in no later than OCTOBER 2nd. Payment for camp is due at the camp. Inviting friends is encouraged and welcomed! To RSVP and let us know your stamp choice, Dasher or Simple Snowflakes, reply to this post, or email me at ccarter25@gmail.com.
Winks & Wishes!

Christie

MIA

2009-09-02T07:00:00.001-07:00

Yes, I've been MIA. Football, gymnastics, kids school, my school, work, and a husband and my third child, Holly the golden retreiver, all are beggging for much needed attention. SO, as things start getting back to some type of routine, so will I :)

Would like to up date everyone on some very important dates! Get your calendars!

September 9th Back to School Camp

October 4th CHRISTMAS CAMP & Party

Nobember 4th Give Thanks Camp

December 2nd Holiday Camp

I found some of the local school calendars on line and have tried to pick dates that do not interfere with school events. I am the WORST when it comes to picking dates for camps! I hope after reconciling all the calendars, everyone can make it! In addition, I have set dates thru the end of the year.

Not to make life more complicated, I have decided to reclaim a space in my basement for my studio/hobby room. Yes, it's always been in my basement, but it has been shared with my son, the home gym, storage, and arcade. With my design background, you would have thought that I would have better utilized my already finished basement. BUT hey! It is ME we are chatting about~! So hopefully by October/November I will debut my newly designed studio at one of the camps. I'll have to post some pics to show my progress. Along with any craft projects that I manage to get done in that time too:)

Feel free to become a follower! We will be having some extra contests for "followers" of my blog. More to come on that too!

Winks & Wishes!
Christie

Baby Celebration

2009-08-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

My sister is due to have her first bundle of joy on September 7. Ironical that is Labor Day! ;) Don't think she will last that long, so we (my other sister and I) have decided to have a Baby Celebration a few weeks after her due date. Hopefully the baby won't fool us all and show up in October!

Here are 2 Baby celebration Invites I have designed for her. Let me know what one you like best!

My sister has always loved butterflies, so I added a cute little one on the foot card. I further embellished the card by adding one of my fav accessories, a flat pearl.

This card isn't as cutesy...as I was informed she didn't want anything cutesy. Don't know if this fits the bill or not...but I like it too. Just a different option.

Natalie, as of today and yesterday, is going to be her name. I hope she has blond ringlets and the brightest blue eyes as that would make the cutest baby! (of course out side of my two lol~)

So what one do you like better???? Can't wait to see who likes what!

Winks & Wishes,
Christie

Helllllooooooooo There!

2009-07-24T17:23:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I have been totally missing for a while now. Summer has passed me by while I look out the window and wonder where the warm weather has been?... In addition, I had to take a J.O.B. Yes! A J.O.B! So in addition to everything else I do, I now work a the local bank. Which really is good as I will never work an evening or Sunday!

It amazes me how little time I now have to get all my stuff done. In addition to my new work schedule, Trav was going to a football camp at NCC (an hour from our home) last week. Twice a day I would make the trek! What a time sucker! Luckily, a couple trips were avoided as my SUPER GREAT neighbor took him! This week hasn't been much better as my Bitty Girl has had Hot U and I've been taking her to another SUPER GREAT friend at 7:00 in the morning! (Bitty Girl is SO not a morning person!)

What means the most to me is still right here, it simply takes the stage when it comes to other things that are not as important. I love my babies more than the air I breath and because of this, I needed to get a J.O.B to help out. Funny thing, now I need more help than ever just to keep up. And fall sports haven't even started yet. I know God will provide. Faith is a life saver!

So that's what I've been up to. Work, kids, more work, laundry, groceries (btw, Jewel is NOT open 24 hrs on Peace Rd. They are only open till Midnight!), and sleep somewhere in there!

My apologies for not posting some great cards I actually do have done. Maybe next week I'll get them up. I have to decide if posting them is more beneficial (as soon as they are done) or if making another is the better route to take. I always pick to make more:)

Baby Natalie's shower is in the near future. No the quilt is not finished. I hope to work on that next week...hope is the key word here :) I have to have it finished by the 26th, so let's all PRAY! lol~

Hope that updates you all with the goings on in my life. Would be great to hear from you too soon!

Winks & Wishes!
Christie

The Mystical Magic 30 Second Box

2009-07-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

SO, just what is exactly The Mystical Magic 30 Second Box??? Stay tuned for more information!
I'll post after the camp tonight!

Winks & Wishes
The Mystical Magical Christie :)

Stamp Camp! FRIDAY!

2009-07-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Campers!

No need for bug spray, sleeping bag, and leaky tent. Just bring your snail or other adhesive cause it's STAMP CAMP!

Here's the details!

Where: My house

When: FRIDAY 7:00 or if you can make it, 6:30

Theme: NEW IDEA BOOK & CATTY!

We will be using the New In Colors! Arnt they pretty! I LOVE Sued! We are going to make 2 cards and one picture holder. Yep! picture holder. You'll have to come or wait till I post it to see it!

Cant wait to see ya'll~!

Winks & Wishes,

Christie

The Paris Market

2009-07-08T00:17:00.000-07:00

While on my girls trip to Savannah & Hilton Head I asked a good friend of mine what I should do. As I had 5 hours between the time my friends needed to be at the air port and when I needed to be there. Reese gave me SEVERAL suggestions, and though I had visited Savannah previously, this time was different.

I was alone. Yes, all by my lonesome...not a chance! I LOVED it! I only wished my gal pals could have stayed and walked the squares, markets, eaten pie, and sipped sweet tea with me! Next time I hope they will join me on my adventure.

Reese made mention of The Paris Market. I LOVE Paris, though I've never been there. Truth be told, I love any where new. It's all such and adventure and I'm like a kid in a candy store when it comes to seeing and trying new things!

Back to the Paris Market...So much stuff and all I had was my beach bag. My bestest friend E took my carry on as I would have had to lug it around all day all over Savannah. Not fun, and E knows I LOVE to go and do and see and touch...you get the picture. So I had this small beach bag with my jacket, small blanket for the chilly plane ride home, my camera which I almost NEVER leave home with out, and my purse. So shopping was going to be either small, or pay to have it shipped. I hate to ship stuff when you are right there, so I opted for small, easy to transport.

And what a great small easy to transport find I FOUND! Check these out! These are place card holders that are also napkin rings! LOVE IT! And though I do love to dress my table to the Nines for guests, my first thought for these beauties was CARD HOLDERS! Don't you just LOVE them too??? If you love them as much as me, you can buy them online at The Paris Market.

I also brought home some other small treasures. Sea shells, millions of pictures, blisters on my feet, and I think I gained 5 pounds. And it was all worth every second of it!

Winks & Wishes

Christie

Clean & Simple...just keep saying that!

2009-07-07T23:54:00.000-07:00

I had to laugh when stumbled across this blog! Clean & Simple. So NOT me. I'm so NOT...well organized is a better word than "clean". And simple...nothing simple about this country girl trapped in a sub burb of Chicago! lol~

When I went into my studio, I just kept saying clean & simple, clean & simple, clean & simple. And you know, when you start out with the impossible, it is impossible! ;) But after much RESTRAINT and chanting those 3 little words, I CREATED SOMETHING CLEAN & SIMPLE! I am still in shock!

Of course, I had to break the rules a little! It was a nearly impossible challenge, as I mentioned before. And the only way I was getting it to work was to use this calming DSP. Now how do you find an image you already own that goes seamlessly with this paper??? Well, I got to thinking about a saying or phrase I could use...Thank You is perfect...clean & simple right? Yup!

So thanks to my handy dandy lap top, I used charcoal ink and printed the phrase on SU! cs. I found some coordinating SU! paper, ribbon and a button I cut off a coat of mine that I threw out last year due to a hole from a rake. Perfect match, clean & simple :)

I so love this card and feel that every element on this work of art contributes to its success. It is just as it needs to be, clean & simple! LOVE IT!

Winks & Wishes

Christie

Raspberry Suite Color Challenge

2009-07-07T23:35:00.001-07:00

Well, I was so excited blogging about getting my Mojo back, that I missed the dead line for Dawn McVeys Raspberry Suite Color Challenge! :( That's ok! It was TOUGH this week! Took me a while to figure it out, and though it's done, I'm still not 100% happy with it.

As you can see from here ad, she loves bright colors & photography. She gives great beginners tips on photographing people. It will take your family vacation snap shots to the next level...now if I could only get the hang of photographing my creations!

I CASED this layout from my bestest friend Camille! She gave me the most perfect birthday card! Thank you Camille! The sketch is great if you need to incorporate MANY colors as in Dawns challenge. I used Garden Green, Real Read, Pixie Pink, Basic Black, Going Grey and Whisper White. Inks are Garden Green, Real Red, Pixie Pink. I didn't have the gray ink so I used my Color Wonder Crayons in Charcoal. Ink probably would have given me a more saturated print, but sometimes you do what ya havta do!

Keeping with the SU! theme I used Baroque Motif, a FAV of mine I don't use nearly enough! The ribbon is not SU!...don't remember what it is actually! The card size is on the small size..again I like things that are different. It measures 3 3/4" X 5 1/2". I like to call it Fun Size :)

I have so much to post! Cant wait to share even MORE!

Winks & Wishes~

Christie

Last Weeks Mojo, Jewelry Color, & CPS sketch

2009-07-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, Now I know I'm a week late. I have a good REASON! (no excuses here, only REASONS lol!) So here it goes:

Um. well I forgot, but I know it was good! LOL~ Oh yeah...I remember my DH was too-da-ling around on his dirt bike and pancaked it. Yep! That was it! It's all coming back to me now. 5 or so hours in the ER, yep remember that. No broken bones...check! Bruised entire left side of his body, Check! Check! Check! Yep! I REMEMBER~! Yea me! So here's my entries for last week. I made this super cute poem for my daughter's Valentine's Day card exchange years ago. It sprang to mind when I saw the colors from Stacy's Jewelry Color Inspiration challenge. Though the colors she suggested were Kiwi Kiss, Yoyo Yellow, and P-something Pink, I improvised and used Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink and Yoyo Yellow.
The poem is:

Roses are Red

Violets are Blue

Lemons were sour

Till I met

YOU!

Yep, came up with that one all on my own! Can you believe it???

And anytime I get to use my Big Shot it's a marvelous day! AND I used it several times in this Mojo sketch. I love MoJo...I hope I have time this week to get the sketch done! Time will tell!This was a sketch from CPS. I love it's simplicity. I am one of those stampers who LOVES to embellish. And layer. And crimp, wrinkle, glitter, button, fray, antique....you get the picture!

I love this sketch because it is a very long card. It's measurements are 3 1/2" X 8 1/2". Unusual. I like that...I'm a little unusual! :)

I'm fighting with my camera tonight. Pictures seem a little fuzzy...hum...will work on that tomorrow! But for now, enjoy!
Winks & Wishes!
Christie

FINALLY!

2009-07-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

I know! I KNOW! FINALLY I have found my Mojo! No, not a MoJo challenge. I did do last weeks, but with an accident in the family, and the holiday weekend I didn't have time to post it. I'll add it though as it's a super cute card!

So this is one of my fav challenges, Jewelry Color Inspiration by Stacy. I just LOVE her blog! If you haven't checked it out yet, now is the time! So much information on it and if you LOVE jewelry, then Stacy's challenge is a MUST!

The colors this week are very fall like to me. And I love the organic feel of the Real Rust & Mustard beads. This necklace is so me! And only mother nature could put Perfectly Plum, More Mustard, and Real Rust together with such harmony! Who would have thunk?!

I did double duty again. I found another great blog, CPS Card Positioning Systems. They have a sketch that you can use and post on their blog. It's fun, no matter what blog, sketch, or challenge you try, to see every ones interpretation. The creativity that flows from each artist is inspiring!

I hope you enjoy this card. It was good to get back in the swing of things again!

Winks & Wishes

Christie

My Crazy Life!

2009-06-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I haven't had time to stamp or create in a few weeks now...and I think I'm gonna explode if I don't get a chance soon!

With my long weekend, my birthday, (yes I did admit I had a birthday, but you'll NEVER get my age!:) And a spattering of kids games, pool, laundry, and constant grocery shopping, I simply haven't had time. That will change!

Today, at some point, I hope to clean up my studio and prep for next weeks challenges! Mojo, OCC, Diva Coffee break, Raspberry Suite, and Stacy's Jewelry challenges WATCH OUT! Cause here I come! (at least that's what I keep telling myself!) Hope to post some new creations soon. I'll post as soon as I get something done!

Winks & Wishes
Christie

The Girls Trip 2009

2009-06-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

After much deliberation, rearranging, finagling, worrying, and excitement I finally purchased my ticket for the 1st Annual Girls Trip! And here's how the story goes!

We went to a destination wedding, swam with dolphins, had an all access pass to the set of the New Hannah Montana Movie, had a birds eye view of Hilton Head beach from the most amazing sky deck. As my friends left to catch their flight to Atlanta, I walked along the haunted and historic places in the most beautiful city, Savannah. My friends LOVED Atlanta so much they decided to extend their trip an extra day. And as I left this beautiful place from my cozy aircraft I gently fell asleep and dreamt of my return.

Isn't this the most incredible vacation???!! Ok, so here's the real story :)

There was a wedding on the beach, so pretty-we just happened to be there! Dolphins swam in the distance as we frolicked in the ocean. How cool for us Northern Illinois girls! We went to the same beach, that new movie Hannah Montanan is making, though we only were able to see the heavy equipment, bathrooms, and set. Sorry! No Hannah Montana!:(
We did have a birds eye view of Hilton Head as we climbed the 178 stairs of the oldest, tallest Light House in South Carolina, and it was amazing! Yes! Me who is TERRIFIED of heights made it to the top!

I walked all but 3 of the squares in Historic Savannah and have tons of pictures & blisters on my feet! I'm an architectural junkie so I was so at home there! My friends did leave to catch their flight a few hours before mine, but they are still stuck waiting on a flight! :( Atlanta airport is awful! Nice people though!

My flight was cancelled, so I was sent to Hilton Head Airport 45 minutes before my flight was to leave in this tiny 2 prop plane that road like a 4-wheeler on a washboard road! Luckily, I made it home safe and sound this morning around 2:20. (yes a.m.)

This was a trip I will NEVER forget! I spent time with a hand full of my nearest and dearest friends, relaxed, ate sushi (YEA YELAX), and did one of the things on my bucket list. Returned to Savannah to stroll the streets enjoying one of the things I love most in life, design.

Winks & Wishes

Christie

Sunday, Sunday! And the Sun is Shining!

2009-06-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Today I am combining 2 challenges in one. I use to grumble when "others" would do this. But now I realize it is fun and on days like today, when the sun is shining & it's the day before my 13th Wedding Anniversary, I simply don't have enough hours in the day today!

First, the sketch. This is a wonderful sketch from Jen , http://iheart2stamp.com/. She posts a new sketch challenge every week. I LOVE this one! So much you can do with this and I knew what I'd do the second I saw it!

I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to use the Great Friend stamp set from SU! since I got it. One problem...a lot of people have it and use it A LOT! It is the quintessential perfect set. Great image, cute frame, & words. Simply Perfect! If you don't have it, think about getting it. You will continue to go back to this set for many different occasions!

I hope you enjoy this card, and I had a really fun time using my "new", old set :)

Paper: SU! Basic Black, Mellow Moss, Whisper White

Embellishments: SU! Black Grosgrain, Pearls

Stamp Set: SU! Great Friend

The second challenge comes from Dawn, http://dawnmcvey.typepad.com/. If you ever want a really good tip on taking photos, color combos, or want to become a world traveler I'd first check with Dawn!

Dawn has created the Raspberry Suite Color Challenge. This week was great as I SO LOVE these colors together, but very few appreciate them together. Yea Dawn for being a courageous leader for the less thought of colors:) lol~

Well, gottago! Making a special dinner for tonight since we are both working tomorrow. Shrimp, oysters ;), steak & baby bellas, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Should be a great night with my beautiful family!

Winks & Wishes

Christie

Make a WISH!

2009-06-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

It's a cool rainy day here in NI. Good thing Kristina has pick some Super Summery colors for her Color Inspiration Challenge! Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal, Bashful Blue, Green Galore, and Whisper White are the chosen color for this challenge. And I couldn't LOVE this combo MORE!

Here is my first attempt at on of Kristina's Challenges. With the money crunch on all of us, I have decided to get frugal and attempt making more of my own DSP, embellishments, and utilizing more of the tools I have rather than running out to buy the newest, latest and greatest. Besides! Once upon a day or so ago, my stuff was the newest, latest, and greatest! So why not rekindle the romance that I felt when I first bought some of my basic tools and supplies and fall in love all over again. It's possible right?! YES! And with these color challenges, all the more reason to!

I so LOVE the stamp set She's All That! Even though it reminds me of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" characters, I still so love it! I also used Riveting stamp set. Both are retired by Stampin' Up! You know, I never even noticed the She's All That set until I found a great card on someones blog. (too bad I don't remember who's it was!) Then, I had to have it...but couldn't find it ANYWHERE...

Well, I found it alright. Ebay! But why over pay on Ebay? So I went to another great stamping forum Split Coast Stampers (SCS). If you haven't checked out their site, DONT WALK! RUN! They have EVERYTHING a stamper, paper crafter, scrapbooker could ever dream of! http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ Check it out! You'll be so EXCITED you did!

I found a super nice gal, Denise @ http://geekgirl415.com/ thru SCS's selling/buying/trading forum. She was having a retired sale and I got it at an unbelievable price! (lucky me!)

Hope you enjoy the Color challenge by Kristina. You can find her and tons of tips, tricks, inspiration, and a weekly quick Finally Friday card at http://www.kwernerdesign.com/blog/.

Winks & Wishes!

Christie

Wanna FREE Big Shot?

2009-06-09T17:05:00.001-07:00

I know sounds too good to be true...BUT it's TRUE! Check out this blog and follow the directions! http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/2009/06/blog-candy-anyone-big-giveaway.html

Winks & Wishes!

Christie

Me & Bitty Girl

2009-06-08T18:25:00.001-07:00

Quilts are as much a part of me as the blood that runs thru my viens. I can remember my mother filling sacks full of scraps from our clothes to take to my grandmothers for her to quilt. The stories of love, heartache, births, and marriages were just a sprinkling of conversations my mom would have while visiting with my grandmother.

My grandmother would often scold my mother for not quilting. She would say "what a waste all the scraps you have from sewing 5 kids clothes! You otta be a shamed of yourself!" I can still see my grandmother shaking her finger at my mom while my mom rolled her eyes.

It's not that my mom didnt try quilting. It's that when you have 5 kids, you dont have much time for anything other than cooking, cleaning, switching (in todays terms, spaking), and the always present laundry.

My mom passed November 2007. She never truly had the opportunity to quilt and besides, when you have a mother who is by far the worlds best quilter, why do you need to learn? lol~ Sure she gave it a try. But, just like me, my mom always had to pick the most difficult quilt for a first try. She pretty much gave up just after a square or two.

Bitty Girl, my daughter, has been itchin to sew. Sew anything...pj's, pot holders, you name it shes willing to try it just to get her hands on my sewing machine!

My sister is having a baby girl this September. I'd love to surprise her with a quilt, I'll keep you updated on how that goes:)

So I bought a kit with perfectly matching fabrics and INSTRUCTIONS. It seemed easy enough, till my Bitty Girl decided it was the most perfect time to learn to sew. Truly, it was great! She did an awesome job...till we matched up all the squares. It's alittle off, but beautiful for a first try.

Now that I have that one under my belt, I'm ready to give it a real shot. I'll post more pictures later of how it turns out:)

Winks & Wishes,

Christie

Jewelry Color Inspiration & Mojo!

2009-06-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

What is this you may ask? Well it's home made DSP! I LOVE color challenges, but always feel like I have to run out and buy some DSP to match the challenge...that is if I'm lucky enough to find some!

Well, I decided not to run out and buy it, but MAKE it! I'm crafty, or so I tell myself~lol. And I love plaid, and the colors in Stacey's Jewelry Color Insp. Challenge. And I have several friends expecting girls this summer and fall so this was the perfect challenge for me to try!

Feel free to visit Stacey's blog to participate in this fun challenge. This is my first, but I can tell I will be checking Stacey's blog often for inspiration, information, and fun too! http://stampinwithstacey.blogspot.com/

Using some of the left over DSP I made, I decided to add a rosette and further embellish it with a punched flower, pretty in pink button, and a pearl. I just love these rosettes! So easy to make too!

I'm falling in love with SU!...AGAIN! Which is great considering the new catty is out next month. I can't wait to get my hands on one of those babies! Feel FREE TO SEND ME SPOILERS!

I used the SU! set I'm Here that retired, oh a few years ago. Love it though and simply can't part with it. As part of the challenge, Stacey picks a piece of Jewelry that has a great color combination and turns it into a challenge for stamping. What an incredible concept! She's so smart that Stacey!

Stacey picked Garden Green, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, and Certainly Celery. I hope you enjoy visiting my blog and Staceys too!
Winks & Wishes!
Christie

Oh Yeah! I nearly forgot! This is also the MoJoMonday Sketch for this week! (and it's only Tuesday and I've got it posted! yea me!)

A little MoJo a lotta late:)

2009-05-31T18:24:00.001-07:00

Ok, so this is the sketch for Mojo Monday. Yep, it was LAST weeks sketch. Had it done by Wednesday I think, but no time to post it. So yep, it's a whole latta late!

After much consideration, I decided to try my hand at the accordian flower. Now I know why you should use SU!'s POP UP GLUE DOTS! They make life SO much easier! I tried another brand, and it worked, but was so time consuming and I had to use SEVERAL! Needless to say, this is one of those mental notes you make about using what the recipe calls for :)

Also, sorry about the pictures! I guess I have a hair on my lens! I'll have to clean that too I guess. And it sure is crooked! I must confess, it was a long hard day of yard work. After tilling up a garden, my arms and hands are still shaking!

So I used Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Gable Green, and the DSP is from M@#$%'s. Don't know why I just cant say Michael's since I say SU!. So there! I said it!~ Buttons are SU! too.

The "flower" is quiet large and would be nearly impossible to mail. So I would say this is a great card to give in person w/o an envelope.

With work winding down, I hope to post more often and participate in more challenges. If you have one that you are fond of, please share it with me and I'll give it a try!

Winks & Wishes,

Christie

Stampin Campin Dates!

2009-05-20T15:36:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! I've set the dates for June and July!

Monday June 1st

Friday July 10th

Winks & Wishes!
Christie

And the WINNER IS!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

We had our May Stamp camp tonight and boy was it fun! Everyone got to play with my new Big Shot! The oohs and aahs were nearly as good as on the 4th of July! I must say, it's quite addictive and I have played with it nearly every day. I will try to post some pictures in the next few days for those of you who couldn't make it.

AND THE WINNER IS!!!!
Jane! Jane, you must be the luckiest gal in town! Jane won a FREE Classic Ink SU! ink pad for visiting my blog (aka blog candy).

From the feedback, it was a fun game. A few glitches I need to work on, and will have them taken care of soon. Thank you to all who played. Keep checking back as I will be adding camp dates, tips and techniques, and other stuff as I come across it.

Well, I'm plum worn out! So glad to see all who could make it! Also, I forgot to ask what techniques you would like next. Just shoot me an email with your ideas, questions or concerns and I'll answer best as I can. ccarter25@gmail.com

Winks & Wishes
Christie

The Sweetest Thing....

2009-05-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

WOW! I actually was able to post the sketch too! I'm so proud of myself lol~
My Card:

Sweet Sunday Sketch.

I seem to have a bad habit of layering too much, adding too much bling, too many dimensionals. Look at past posts and you'll get the picture :) I'm the perverbiable kid in the candy store! That is why I LOVE Sweet Sunday Sketches. Karen does an excellent job in designing simple sketches that can easily be modified to your taste, ability, supplies, and desire. And in my case, a chance to tone it down. A teacher used to say to so many students, but never me :), "Use the Art of RESTRAINT". Now I'm FINALLY listening! lol~

The recipe for this sketch is as followes;
Night of Navy, Brocade Blue, Bordering blue, and Whisper White SU! card stock. Using the coordinating inks, I distressed the Brocade Blue and swiped my Classic ink across the Bordering Blue for a nice simple texture effect. I used the retired stamp set Beautiful Beach (I think that's the name?). I kept the dimensionals to one layer, can you believe that? It is a perfect Father's Day card, manly birthday card, or really when ever you need adult card.

I hope you enjoy my posts. I have been busy today! Three challenges in one day, and I am so happy with the results! For more information on Karens challenge, visit her blog at http://kgiron.blogspot.com/.

There are still 2 other challenges and sketches I would like to try this week so check back. You never know what I'm up to these days!

Winks & Wishes

Christie

Diva Coffee Break Challenge

2009-05-13T21:07:00.001-07:00

I'm back with another great blog to check out! Diva Coffee Break Designs, http://divacoffeebreakdesigns.blogspot.com/ are somewhat exclusive to SU! products which is great! Because they have LOTS of followers who participate in the weekly challenges who know multiple techniques for all that SU! has to offer! So if you don't know how to use it, chances are someDIVA on the blog will! And who doesn't want to know how to multi purpose all their craft products?

Here's my card for their challenge.

Well, I have more challenges to try, cards to make, and sleep to fit in somewhere tonight!

Winks & Wishes,

Christie

My First Our Creative Corner Challenge

2009-05-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

This week there are many firsts. I somehow stumbled across several great blogs that offer challenges. This great blog, Our Creative Corner just happened to be one of them! They have a different sketch every week with a great design team that is sure to inspire!

At the present time, I am drawn to talented artists that use Copic markers. Loretta Lock, http://lovetocreate.blogspot.com/, has a really cute card she colored with Copics. I will have to further browse her blog for tips and tricks!

The recipe for this is so a jumbled mix of things...Spellbinders (my new tool i just got!) nestibilities in oval and scalloped oval. Pearls and the stamp are from HL. And staying true to my SU! roots, the DSP is Raspberry Tart with Cameo Coral,(a color I've never used), Whisper White, Basic Black with Basic Balck ink.

I have a couple other challenges I will be posting. Check back to check out what I've been up to!

Winks & Wishes!

Christie

Campin at My House!

2009-05-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Ok, not your typical in the woods with all the creepy crawlers and bite-ems kinda campin! Stamp Campin! The BEST possible kind of campin!

THE DETAILS
Where: My house

When: Friday 15th OR Monday 18th

Time: Friday @ 7 OR Monday @ 6:30
Please leave me a comment to let me know if you'll be there!

I have decided to play a little game this time, sneaky I know! If you check my blog, read this, AND post a comment in the comment box,

you will be put into a drawing for a FREE CLASSIC STAMP PAD from Stampin' Up! (color of your choice)

Can't wait to see who posts!

Winks & Wishes!
Christie

MoJo Monday....on Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T13:41:00.001-07:00

A Wise Ol Owl once told me...to do a MoJo on Mother's Day! So, who am I to argue with that! This is my little Owl card for Monday's challenge. Seems like this week came and went before I even realized it. Not surprised though, anytime we have sunny weather, the time seems to fly!

Thru these challenges I have found I LOVE to layer! Seems the more layers I can get on a card, the happier I am. this card has 12 layers! Whoot new? ( little owl humor there~sorry:)

I would love to be able to tell you the name of this set, however I can not. Bought it at a big box store real cheap as I have never used clear stamps before. I'm not sure I like them as well as rubber. I did like being able to see exactly where I was stamping. My biggest issue is that the ink doesn't stick to the plastic very well and the image seems like there wasn't enough ink for a solidly stamped image. Does this make ANY SENSE? If you know why or can give me some tips on how to stamp a more saturated image with these type of stamps, let me know! I'd love to be schooled on it!

I just found Copic Markers, well not really. I have been "deciding" on if I should purchase some or if the good ol SU! markers will do. The SU! markers just don't produce the same results I have been looking for, so I have invested some cashola into quality markers again.

I love Copics, but I'm not happy with the results of this card. Again I think it's because of the type of stamp I used.

So, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, Brown, and Ivory SU! card stock. The DSP is from DWSP Green Stack (70% recycled paper. YEA EARTH!:)

Lot's of dimensionals were used, again 12 LAYERS! Gotta use LOTTA dimensionals! Um, yep used a punch by Fiskars. Love that too! :) Let's see...missing something I'm sure....Oh! Ribbon, Apricot Appeal grosgrain ribbon.

Alrighty then! This was MoJo Mother's Day Style! Hope you enjoy reading a little of my madness. I'd love to know I'm not in the madness alone!

Winks & Wishes!
Christie

So many great things, So little time!

2009-05-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well, It's Monday....again. And I am wondering when am I going to find some time to make some projects this week. Mojo Monday was just posted and it has a great sketche! Cinema Saturday posted Saturday, (and I guessed the movie right YEA ME!) and would love to make something for that one too! Then theres the Sweet Sunday Sketch....a simple sketch that I can really push myself on.....BUT WHERE IS THE TIME I NEED???

Baseball started up and with games and practices 3-4 times a week, I'm gone nearly every night. Gymnastics will start soon too, not to mention yard work, the holiday weekend, family commitments, oh yeah and that thing called work (which I truly love as it's another creative outlet)....make the time tick off faster than a mouse fleeing for his life from a cat!

So, what shall I do????? Hum...any suggestions?

Winks & wishes!

Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge

2009-04-29T05:44:00.000-07:00

"To Catch a Thief" was the theme and I thought o flowers? Hum...how did I come up with that? Well, we used to live across the street from a lady who planted nearly every flower imaginable. Her flowers would bloom from mid January thru mid November in all the colors of the rainbow! (which is quite a feat considering we lived in southern Pennsylvania) Travis wouldnt stop at picking those lovely dandelions in our yard, but would venture to Miss Sandys yard and pick tulips, daisys, hydrangeas, mums, and what ever else he could wrap his chubby little fingers around. We moved many years ago, but the memory of Travis stealing flowers is truly what inspiried me to make this card. And in honor of Sandy I had to make it pink!

So, as part of teh Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge is to layer. Many layers...So I have 10 on one card! I really enjoyed this challenge as it makes the card more of a work of art for the lucky person who gets it!

The recipe is as follows: cardstocks are all Su! in Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Mellow Moss, and Always Artichoke. Using the same colors in markers, I colored the stamp (from a big box store) and stamped it on Whisper white. French script was inked with Mellow Moss and stamped on MM cs for added texture.

I prefer Su! edges as they are much easier to use. However, I love the shapes of the Fiskars punches best for this more elegant card. Pink grosgrain ribbon, and a few buttons finish off this card beautifully! Perfect for Mothers Day which is right around the corner!

Winks & Sweet Wishes~

Christie

Copic Markers....hum...

2009-04-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hello,
Well I went to HL (hobby lobby) on a quest to further investigate the infamous COPIC SKETCH MARKER. These are pricey and though I have gone many times to buy them, I have never had the courage to spend $7 on a marker...and I went to design school and would spend $10-$20 on a marker. So what's the big deal with $7 right??? Well, there are many big deals lol~

First I don't really know how to use them. That's probably the biggest issue. I believe in buying quality products. And I don't mind waiting for them to go on sale even it that means waiting 6 months or more. If the product is good, then it is worth it to me to wait to get it on sale. So I have been waiting for 4 months and they just went on sale at HL this week!

Second, I spent way too much money on art supplies that I never used while in school. And spent even more money on the products I used on a daily basis. I need to be able to pick it up, and use it to it's fullest ability quickly to justify the cost.

In addition, I have nearly every stamp pad Su! has made in the past 5 years. By using a water color brush, that I already own, and a cup of water, that I get from the tap in a cup I already own, I have all the colors I need without having to buy additional supplies...right???

Lastly, Some stamped images simply do not lend themselves to marker use. I have only a handful of stamps that I can use these markers with. (But boy what a difference it would make! lol~)

Ok, so now you have read the reasons why I shouldn't buy them...yeah, I still got a hand full of them to play with! Don't expect me to post anything too quickly as I am really fumbling with them...I hope to have something presentable soon. I'll keep ya posted!
Christie ;)

Sweetest Thing Sketch

2009-04-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I found this new blog, http://kgiron.blogspot.com/ aka Sweetest Thing. It is SO fun! I love how simple the sketches are. It allowes you to take the sketch to the next level, whatever level that is :) I really encourage you to visit the site and try a sketch. It will open your horizons to new possibilities! And like I always say, the hardest part is the layout so if I don't have to come up with one, then what have I got to loose? Mine is simple, but I LOVE it!

I nearly always make a girly card... so I tried something new...Do you like it? :)

This is the first card, in a long time, that I have made using nearly all SU! stuff. The card stock and inks are brilliant Blue, Real Red, and Summer Sun. The one item that isn't SU! is the ribbon. Picked that up at a big box store. I really wish SU! had more ribbons...think I'm turning into a ribbon head!

The stamp set is Circus Train, and the Alphabet Wheel. I have had each of these sets for at least 2 years and just now used them tonight!

I have missed out on the Mojo Monday challenges lately. With over 200+ entries, it gets overwhelming! I totally enjoy looking at every ones creations! So, maybe if I have time at the end of the week you will find another posting for the Mojo Monday challenge.

My card: The Sketch:

Ok...I must confess...I dont know how to upload the sketch image...I've tried several times to no avail....any pointers?

Winks & Sweet Wishes,

Christie

"My Fair Lady"

2009-04-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

I simply love Audry Hepburn! So when I stumbled across this challenge, I thought I just had to try it! And yes, again with the pearls! But everyone should have at least one set of nice pearls lol~

Here is a link if you are interested in playing along or simply checking out everyone's cards for inspiration! http://cinemasaturdaycreativechallenge.blogspot.com/lenge.blogspot.com/

When I think of Hepburn and My Fair Lady, I think of pink, of course, black, beautiful architecture, spring time, and flowers. From the moment I saw this challenge, I knew exactly what I wanted my card to look like and I am ever so pleased with the result! This is my first time making a card challenge for Cinema Saturday Creative and I cant wait to see what everyone else comes up with!

The pink paper I used has a strong scroll pattern embossed on it remind me of iron gates from long ago. And with embossing part of the challenge, it was a perfect choice. I have heat embossed SU!'s Print Pattern onto the black card and feel the layered textures work well with the layers of lace on Eliza's dress. For even more texture, and a bit of bling, I accented the embossed patterns with the pearls and added "Yes Dear..." from my printer framed with SU!'s Hodge Podge kit.

Just as My Fair Lady, and the leading lady Audrey Hepburn will never go out of style, nor will silhouettes! I picked up an open stock stamp from a bog box store, and I truly love it. I know I can use this stamp in many different applications and look forward to another challenge where I can try it out again.

I hope you have enjoyed this card as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with you.

Winks & sweet wishes,

Christie

Mojo Monday...I think I'm hooked!

2009-03-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Yes, it's another Mojo Monday! I must admit, I'm hooked on the challenges at the blog http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/ . It pushes me to use papers, stamps, and other embellishment that I just haven't been inspired to use! Not to mention they give you the card lay out! Sometimes that is the hardest part.

I was a SU! demo, as previously mentioned, and I am glad I have opened my horizons to new possibilities in crafting. I find myself looking forward to the Mojo challenge and trying new products I find all over the place~!

Staying true to my roots, I am using SU! card stock, stamps and ribbon. At Christmas, I found this awesome product which if you haven't used them, you should really try them out! They are pearls with adhesive backs. They come in an array of sizes and in rhinestones too! I have seen them used many times. After Christmas, I thought I'd never use them again. Wrong! If you look closely, you will find I have dotted the flowers on the DSP papers and added them them to top. (really hard to see in the bigger picture) I switched the layout a little because once I stamped the French Script BG stamp, I noticed the words were going the wrong way!

I thought this would be a good time to just go with it! (not typical of me) So I layed out the card, several times, without any satisfaction! The harder I tried to make the French Script work going the wrong direction, the more twitchy I got! :) So, I decided to shift the card elements around just a tiny bit to accommodate the BG stamp I had used. Funny thing, you probably wouldn't even had been able to tell the words were sideways if I had kept it going the wrong direction! But like I said, it was making me twitchy!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this card as much as I do! It was fun to use my new stuff that my demo dropped off along with some stuff I already had.

Blessings,

Christie

Mojo Monday

2009-03-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

So, I attempted to cut the flower, stem, and leaf to create a more dimensional look. Not so sure how it turned out...I love the color combo, and this is the first time in several years that I have used the tulip stamp set!. It is raining with typical Chicago winds, so a pretty sunny yellow tulip is a perfect little ray of sunshine for my day!

The more I look at this card, the more bland it seems to look to me...maybe I need a whole bunch of yellow tulips!

Please leave comments if you like. Encouragement is always appreciated!

Blessings,

Christie

2009-02-24T10:03:00.001-08:00

Ok, so now I'm hooked on makin cards again! Made this card for my girlfriends prayer breakfast last week. So pretty! Would have been PERFECT for on of them for their 25th Anniversary, but didnt find out about her anniversary until AFTER breakfast! :)

Mojo Monday

2009-02-23T13:22:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to participate in a Mojo Monday challenge, but have never felt I am worthy. Well, as part of my "News Years" resolution, I am telling myself I AM WORTHY! So here was my attempt at my FIRST Mojo Monday Challenge!

I have been a SU! snob for many years, and continue to be a SU! card stock snob, but have found some really cute and pretty paper and accents at the local big box store. So, though I still prefer SU! due to their color coordination and great stamps, I'm finding all sorts of REALLY NEAT stuff other places too! I hope you enjoy this card. It took me all day, but I think it's worth it!

Blessings!

Christie

Blessings Abound!

2009-01-27T05:46:00.000-08:00

I was so surprised, shocked more like it, when a friend of mine recently announced they were adopting again! If you enjoy a true story that should be aired on Hallmark or Lifetime, then please read this blog! http://www.fillingthequiver.blogspot.com/

It is an amazing story of how two people have been richly blessed because of their unwavering faith to God. Most importantly, with children. When I think of a bible verse that used to give the feeling of nails on a chalk board, they have given me a new reason to love the meaning behind the verse.
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and he will never turn from it." Proverbs 22:5-7

Doug & Mary are a true testament to God's ability to make the impossible, possible.

STEELERS VS CARDS

2009-01-21T07:36:00.000-08:00

Ok, So I hate to be an I told ya so kinda gal, but I TOLD YOU SO! Steelers & Cards Super Bowl! What a game that will be for the MO & IL fans! For those of you who don't know, the Cards were in St. Louis before they flew the coup to warmer days in sunny Arizona.

I understand their excitement as the Rams have left a bad taste in their mouths for quite some time now. Not that the Bears have been all that great either this year. But atleast they made the playoffs!

To justify MY team, the Steelers, I will let you in on a little known Christie factoid. Back in the 90's when the Steelers LOST the Super Bowl, I was a huge fan then and still am today. So I was SO EXCITED when we lived in PA for a few years. Gave me more of a reason to stand by the Steelers in time of famine! lol!~ In addition, my son Travis has been a HUGE Steelers fan his whole life! For a more in depth story, read the previous blog.

So, It has been ridiculously COLD here. Last week with wind chills, I think we bottomed out at -45. Yep! -45! Still have frozen toes! Luckily, this week we have managed to stay above the 0 mark, only by single digits I think!

Well, Not a whole lot of other news. Will update you when I find some. :)
Christie

Super Bowl 2009!

2009-01-09T16:21:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

So! Who's going to the Super Bowl? Travis says the STEELERS! He's been a fan since birth I think. Somethin about being born on the east coast and living in PA that has a strong hold on him. Not to mention his fav colors, black and gold. LETS GO SPARTINS!

Weather your watchin for the half time show of BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, or actually watchin the game, don't forget to bring one of my famous BUFFALO CHICKEN CHEESECAKES! It starts with grilled all white meat chicken spiced with a secret blackening seasoning. Then I slather on my buffalo sauce. The seasoned chicken is then folded into the cake along with garlic, onion, and other spices and herbs. After a nice bake in the oven, it is then topped with a blend of the seasoned chicken, blue cheese, buffalo sauce, and bacon. Cause everything is better with bacon! Now tell me your NOT droolin?!

If you're like me and enjoy somethin sweet, please that cravin with one of my Gourmet sweet varieties! With an incredible selection of flavors, your sure to please even the most particular eaters in the group. And don't forget they're GREAT for Valentines Day. All cute and HEART shaped! (Not to mention quite YUMMY!)

Superbowl orders must be placed by January 30th. If your lookin to give a little somethin sweet to your sweetie, call me by February 11th.

LETS GO STEELERS!

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

I know I just posted yesterday...but wanted to wish you all a very safe, prosperous, and blessed New Year!

Celebrating the Season

2008-12-31T09:29:00.001-08:00

Well, these past few days have been a whirl wind of the 3 F's: Family, Friends, & Food! All of which means new memories to cherish for years to come.

The weather outside was frightful, so my in-laws couldn't make the trek up for Christmas Day, but never fear! Friends are near!

Christmas Eve was spent with close friends who were our old neighbors from Malta. But lets face it they're family now! Bruni's sisters and brother were there with incredible Puerto Rican food, holiday cheer, and welcomed us with open arms! After indulging in the feast, a few card games and lots of chatter among us, we headed back home.

With a fresh dusting of snow on the ground, we woke up to squealing kids running up and down the stairs the next morning, CHRISTmas morning! Sleepily we opened gifts and somehow managed to eat breakfast.

Our neighbors Mike & Pam and their daughter and grandson came over for CHRISTmas dinner, which is really a late lunch. Again, neighbors that are more family than friends! It was such a blessing to have them! The laughter that filled my home, the smell of CHRISTmas dinner, and the tree that glowed were great memories that I will cherish as my First CHRISTmas in our new home.

Later that evening, Javier & Bruni and their family joined us for a new tradition. Homemade Pizza CHRISTmas night! I found the easiest pizza dough recipe and turned out 8 pizzas in about an hour and a half! Incredible and YUMMY! We have a mini arcade in our basement and played air hockey, foosball, and skee-basket ball for hours! Was such a great time! I'm already ready for next year! Well, maybe not yet! :)

A few days later we drove to Alton to my little sisters for the Wells Family CHRISTmas. What a blessing to have nearly all my family in my sister new home for CHRISTmas. Another great feast, laughter, and memories were made! My favorite part of the Wells CHRISTmas this year was the White Elephant gift exchange. It includes EVERYone, even my Dad. What ever did happen to the Bronzed Spartan with the 6 pack abs??? After an exciting day we traveled to my in-laws for one last CHRISTmas celebration.

Michael's Dad greeted us at the door with the excitement of a child. He nearly couldn't wait to open gifts and Travis wasn't even in the house yet! We tore open presents and snacked on cookies and finally after a very long day of fun with family we tucked ourselves into bed for a long winters nap.

Michael and I also spent a day at my Dad's house painting and priming. I hate to say it but I don't think my Dad will get into his newly remodeled home before his birthday in February. So much to do, with little help. It's not all fun living 5+ hours away.

Well, that's my CHRISTmas in a nutshell. I hope you were blessed with the same 3 F's as I was!
I pray you have a blessed New Year full of the 3 F's!
Christie

Christie's Cheesecakes

2008-12-18T14:12:00.000-08:00

Gourmet Sweet Varieties

The Classic
This is your classic, rich cheesecake with a gram cracker crust.
8" $20
Topped with fresh fruit or fruit glaze
$25

White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl
Fresh raspberries and fine white chocolate swirled into yummy goodness on a chocolate crust
8" $25

Chocolate Decadence
Fine dark or milk chocolate on a chocolate crust
8" $23

Kona Mocha
CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE.
Can make with standard Colombian coffee
Hawaii's finest Kona Coffee and premium dark chocolate garnished with dark chocolate Kona beans. YUMMMM! What else can I say???
8" $30
Colombian 8" $25

Key Lime
Fresh Key Limes and gourmet whipped cream. Refreshing treat for the Winter!
8" $25

Pumpking No not a typo, Pumpking cause i cant seem to type "in" without adding the G!
Pumpking cheesecake layered on top of The Classic. Topped with fresh homemade REAL whip cream! (not fattening at all!)
8" $25

Candy Cane
Peppermint cheesecake topped with rich dark, milk, and white chocolates. A real holiday pleaser

Turtle
Chocolate, nuts, chocolate ganashe, carmel, more chocolate, rich, yummy, gooey, do I need to go on??
8" $30

Gourmet Savory Varieties

Maryland Crab
Not your typical cheesecake, but then again, none of them are! Fresh jumbo lump Maryland crab baked into a savory blend of gourmet spices and herbs. Served warm with bread.
5" $20

Buffalo Cheesecake
Christie's take on Hot Wings! All the goodness of Hot Wings baked into a savory cheesecake. It starts with grillled all white meat chicken spiced with a secret blackening seasoning. Then I slather on my buffalo sauce. The seasoned chicken is then folded into the cake along with garlic, onion, and other spices and herbs. After a nice bake in the oven, it is then topped with a blend of the seasoned chicken, blue cheese, buffalo sauce, and bacon. Cause everything is better with bacon!
5" $20

Gourmet Sets

The Tartlet
cant decide on what you want? The Tartlet is perfect! Bite size cheesecakes in any combination of 4 from the Gourmet Sweet Varieties.
40 Tartlets $25

Cupcakes
Choose one kind or up to 3 kinds of the Gourmet Sweet varieties.
24 cupcakes $25

2008-12-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

WOW! I just added a photo! Yea me! This is Holly, my 4 legged daughter! She was my constant partner in crime when I decorated the house for Christmas in -2 temps!

Heeeellllllllllllooooooooooooo Out thereeeeeee!!!

2008-12-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

Heellllooooooooooo Out thereeeeee!!!!!!!!!

Is there really anyone out there going to read this?? Am I sending out my thought to the space of the WWW to no one who is interested in what I have to say? Hope not, but maybe so!

My hope is to write funny Christie-isms on my life and my families life. We are like no other family one earth as we are NOT dysfunctional! And if you believe that, then youre not dysfunctional either!

One of my most well know Christie-ism is...I dont know. I dont know......I....dont know..... (with random head shaking in between.) Another is I can not spell. So maybe it could be a fun game where you try to figure out how many spelling errors there are. You can tell me, help me, yell at me, but it wont work. I will continue to misspell every word possible with out remorse. AND I'll still love you!

So I'm going to try to post some pictures and other stuff. Dont know how yet, but hopefully some of you out there will send me "self help" letters to get me started. I will appreciate it a whole lot!
Until I figure out how to do more stuff on this, I hope you have a great day!
Christie