Joan's Gardens Tag Challenge

Good morning everyone...We are slowly beginning to get back to normal around here.  Maggie still has a knot on her shoulder, but each day it is a little smaller.  I have been away from my creative desk and decided what better way to get back in the swing of things than to do a little tag and be a part of Joan's challenge.  You can get all the details at Joan's Gardens and you might just want to play along too!  I have been trying to be a part of this because I just love tags and they do not come easy for me so I thought it would be a lot of fun and also increase my stash in the process.  I hope you enjoy this one!  It reminds me of Maggie.....we'll be best friends forever!

Have a great day and remember to take a little time just for you and breathe!

Update on Maggie.....

As you can plainly see, I'm still not being creative!  I seem to be in a slump.  Maggie is continuing to improve, but not quite up to snuff just yet.  I'm continuing to give her aspirin as she still has a goose egg on her right shoulder.  It is getting smaller, but she is still sleeping quite a bit.  Now at her age, she does sleep a lot anyway, but there is a difference here.  Maggie's number one fun game is ball and she tries, but just does not have it in her.  Last night she ran after it 4 times and then just gave up.  Each day it is a little more.  She still brings her ball to play but seems to tucker out quickly.  I'm hoping this will get better soon. 

Until she is over this, I just can't seem to focus on crafts!  I continue to watch and wait.  Life is just in the way right now.  So hang in there with me.  I have not run away, just hanging out  waiting on my little one to get back to normal!

Where is the card?

Good morning ladies...I hope you had a great weekend.  Ours was eventful to say the least.  I know many of you have little ones (the four legged kind) and share my love of the little beasts.  So my story begins.   On Saturday there was a clinic held for Rabies shots by a local Vet and so we took our three little ones to get their shot.  We decided to get 3 year shots since there was a savings and then we wouldn't have to worry about it for 3 years.  Well, all did well except my little MagPie ..... she had an allergic reaction to the shot.  Now I have never heard of this in all my years of having pets, so I'm wondering if I just had my head under a rock or if it is a well kept secret.  Maggie was fine all day Saturday, but on Sunday morning she didn't get up.  I kept going to check on her but she just continued to sleep.  Finally I picked her up to take her out and she yelped...so I just thought she was a little sore from the shot.  I kept feeling around on her and she was swollen across her back and down one side and it was tender.  I started putting ice on the site and watching more carefully.  She started shivering but continued to sleep.  Late in the afternoon she sat up and it was like she couldn't hold up her head.  There were a few jerks and I picked her up and I think she had a seziure.  It lasted about a minute and scared the pee water out of me.  I called the vet we use sometimes when we need them to come to our house (We have some big outside dogs).  He told me this was common and she was having an allergic reaction with fever.  Give her Benedryl and a baby aspirin and then repeat in 8-12 hours.  So we did that and she actually got up on her own this morning and went tripping outside! She is mobile once more. 

I did a little reading on the Internet and it seems this is quite common.  Facts:  No matter what the size animal the dosage is the same.  Allergic reactions can occur quickly or can wait several months before happening.  Many reactions can occur....one like Maggie's or something more intense with death resulting.  Skin problems with hair loss and itching...cancer at the injection site...and the list goes on and on.  Now I know this shot is very important but I could have lost my little one very quickly.    So if you are due to get the shot, please be watchful and mindful of what can happen.  If your pet has difficulty breathing, get them to a vet immediately.  Their airways can close and they can die!  Since reactions can occur at a later date keep this info in the back of your mind and remember.  Sometimes a Vet can miss what is going on since the patient can't tell them what they are feeling. 

So, no I didn't have a card to show you this morning, only a picture of Maggie sleeping peacefully in her bed this morning.   I'm way behind on everything including laundry since this weekend was spent watching and waiting with Maggie.  Hopefully things will get back to normal today.  We are hoping she will take food today.  Keep your fingers crossed!  I'll be back later this week with something new to post.....I hope!

Spring Mini Album.....

Well I finally finished the front and back cover of my Mini Album.  When I went shopping this week, I found these little rings to hold it together.    Now I'm ready to move onto other things.....isn't it terrible how short my attention span is?  I like quick projects and I'm not sure I will ever finish this one, but I wanted to show you the cover.  I plan to put this away and maybe finish it for a Christmas gift later.  I think it is kinda funny....I worked so hard trying to get the covers just right and I kept adding layers of color and waiting for it to dry and then shimmer paint and waiting for it to dry and then Pearl Ex Spray and waiting for it to dry.....all that waiting just totally did me in.  Now I have gone and covered most of that up with flowers and lace and I'm thinking of adding some ribbons and pearls too....but not today. ......... or tomorrow.  I need a rest from this little project! 

I hope you are having a great weekend...It is spitting rain and cool here today...I think it's probably Red Bud Winter.  We have all these little winters here in the spring.  Next will be Dogwood and then Whippoorwill, and then Blackberry winter.  Once we have the little Blackberry winter it is time for warm temps and sunshine....looking forward to that!  OK enjoy the rest of your weekend...and remember whatever you are doing, take a little time for you and Breathe!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday? 94

Happy WOYWW everyone!  It is Wednesday again and here is the picture of my little workspace.  For those of you saying.....What the hey is WOYWW just pop on over to Julia's Blog stamping-ground.blogspot.com and see what all the excitement is about.  Julia lets you post your picture of your workspace on her blog and then everyone can visit and see what you have going on!  It is quite addicting and I look forward to seeing what everyone is doing.  There are so many participants that I struggle to get around to them all but I love trying...

There are the usual things lying in wait here on my desk...some paper, ink, scissors, stickles , glue, paint and a punch way in the back. Oh yes, and a little butterfly that will adorne the front cover of this mini album.  I'll probably finish this album in a hundred years.  I like things that happen quickly and I don't see this being one of those quick things. 

Well that is about it for me today.  I'm off to visit a few blogs and then I'm going shopping!  Have a great day everyone!

Joan's Gardens Card Challenge #10

Good morning everyone!  Spring has officially arrived in East Tennessee and Joan's Gardens is celebrating her Weekly Challenge #10 this week!  You can follow the link and see what all this excitement is about.  Joan has a wonderful shop and the quality of her inventory is great! 

The requirements for the challenge this week are:

Use the colors Pink and Green
Create a thank you card.
Use some kind of stripes
Use something scalloped

Since I now have Spring Fever big time, this was a pleasure for me to create.  I'm taking a little creative license here in that mine is not a thank you card.  Please forgive me, Joan....I just need to celebrate!  The dogwoods are almost ready to bloom in our yard and I can't wait for them to pop on out in all their splendor!  So in honor of the Dogwood Tree here is  my card:
 

My dogwood blossoms are made from flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts.  I just added my own spin on them to make them look like Dogwoods.  I sprayed them with Pink Pear Ex mist and then used Ranger Distress ink in Rusty Hinge and a water pen to add the little bit of color to the edges and the center.  I took cream colored stamen and used a Copic Marker to tint them green to make the centers.  The leaves and rose buds are also Wild Orchid Crafts.....just sprayed them with Pearl Ex mist to give them that little pop.  I cut out my little butterfly from a file on my computer and dolled her up to with little pearls and Pearl Ex mist.  A little bit of lace and everything was placed on a colored doily.  This is my scallop and of course the stripe is in the background paper.  My banner is homemade, I just cut it out of card stock and stamped the word Celebrate on it and shaded with Shabby Shutters Distress Inks.  So with this card, I'm celebrating Spring!
 
Now get outside and enjoy the wonderful temps....I'm going to...I have a flowerbed that needs some attention!  Have a great Monday and remember to take time to Breathe!
 

A New Tag.....

Each week Joan's Gardens hosts a tag challenge.  This is enabling those of us participating to make several tags so that when an occasion arises that we need a tag, we will already have one on hand.  I think this is a great idea and have tried to be a part of this from the beginning.  You can follow my link to Joan's Blog and see what all the excitement is about.  Maybe you will want to play too!

Please forgive my picture this morning.  In trying to get the bottom of the tag to show up I had to do some fancy footwork.  My photo skills are lacking so be kind!    Hope you enjoy! 

Have a great weekend!

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday? 93

Welcome to WOYWW #93!  Now if you are wondering why I'm showing you this messy desk you need to visit Julia's Blog stamping-ground.blogspot.com  and she will explain what is going on.  Each Wednesday we show a picture of our desk and you can follow the links and visit as many desks as you like.  You get to take a little nosey around other people's space and see what they are doing!

I took several angles of this same mess and no matter how you look at it, it doesn't get any cleaner! 
So here it is, in all it's glory.  I have been working on a card and trying to decide what flowers I wanted to add.    There are some homemade pearl-ex sprays and dies out and some flowers (I always purchase white ones and then color them to match my project)  Some flower stamen in a jar, some bits and pieces that are just scrap and glue and a gold leaf pen that I used on a tiny butterfly.  I really need to take a little time and clean up this mess so I can get onto my next card!  I've been doing other things and I'm really needing to make a few more cards and get back in the groove!  (I just need a fix!)

Here is the card I made.  Hope you like it!

Well that is about it for me this morning!  Hope you have a good one and remember to take a little time and Breathe!  Now I'm off to poke around everyone elses blogs and see their spaces!

Just a Note.....

I just wanted to pop in and let you know I did not go running and screaming right over the edge!  I applied to and was chosen to compete in a final round of design for Heartfelt Creations Design Team!  I'm really excited about this little adventure and I have been working on the submissions for this team.  I'm almost finished and will get back to my same ole stuff soon.  I'm trying to stay focused and not get too excited because you just never know...there is so much talent out there and some very talented ladies are also working really hard for the same spot.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!  We will see.

Oh yes, I just need to gloat a little too...we had temps yesterday of 70 degrees.  How's that for an early Spring?  We have mowed the grass two weeks in a row and it is jumping out of the ground.  Flowers are beginning to bloom and I have the sniffles to go along with grass and tree pollen!  A small price to pay for the beauty of green!

Have a great Sunday and we will visit again soon!

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 92

Yes ladies, it is once again Wednesday and time to share what is on your desk!  You can visit Juia's blog stamping-ground.blogspot.com and get all the details.  Mostly everyone takes a picture of their work area and shares; so anyone interested can take a snoop around.  Well being the big snoop that I am, I am quite addicted to this little Wednesday ritual!  There is a little bit of everything pulled out and I have been working on a card.....but I can't show it just yet!  You can see my notes on supplies used and some Spellbinders Dies; several ink pads....some colored seam binding, etc. etc......   I really need to take a little time and clear some of this away.  I have three projects that I need to finish and get mailed, but I'm a little blocked right now.  MoJo is threatening to take a little side trip.  I've tried to explain to her, in my most friendly voice, that this is not the time for traveling.  Buy you know how MoJo can be sometimes....she does have a mind of her own.  So I'm doing all kinds of things to keep her on track and keep her interested.  Sometimes her attention span is just too short!

Anyway, I will clean the mess and maybe with a clean area, things will look better to MoJo and she will decide to stick around for a little while longer.  Keep your fingers crossed!  Now I'm off to have a little snoop around and see what everyone else is doing today!  Have a great Wednesday!

Plant a Little Sunshine.....

Good morning everyone!  I just wanted to share another card using JustRite stamps for the weekly challenge over at  Joan's Gardens   Joan has teamed up with JustRite Stamps and has three different prizes you can win.  You can visit Joan's link above and see what all the excitement is about! 

On this card I have used a  1 5/8" stamp from the JustRite Seeds of Kindness Set.  I just love these little stamps for adding a emblem or as the focal part of a card.  You can purchase JustRite Stamps and stampers from Joan's Gardens.  Joan is a class act and when you order, everything arrives in pristine condition!

Supplies:
JustRite Stamps
Spellbinders Dies
Cuttlebug Corner Dies
Designer Paper From My Stash
Butterfly from My Stash
Scor-Tape

Butterflies and Stuff!

I have had a busy week and now it is Friday and the weekend is almost here!  So I just wanted to share what I have been doing.  On Wednesday, I went shopping and found that our little Hobby Lobby had Pearl Ex in stock!  Well being the sparkle girl that I am I purchased a few jars and I came home and mixed some up and I have been spraying and painting everything in sight.  You know... experimenting.....  Well I have to tell you I just love this stuff!  Glimmer Mist has always been a staple for me in the past but it is quite expensive when you think about it, so I can now make my own for just pennies!  There are videos on YouTube to show you how to mix too....I think you can find a video on anything on YouTube!  I seem to be a visual learner so these are so very helpful for me. 

The darker butterflies were stamped onto black paper and then embossed with Holographic embossing powder from Ranger.  Then I sprayed with my Pearl Ex mist and when that dried I added some Crystal Stickles.  The body is a long black bead that I rolled in embossing ink and then embossed with the Holographic powder also.  If you want a lighter butterfly then just use white cardstock.  I have a friend (Linda Weber) who sent me some crocheted flowers a while ago and I've been hoarding them so I decided to spray one of them with the Blue Green Mist and I think it turned out the prettiest shade with just a little bit of sparkle!   This one is going on a card! 

Well that's it for me today.....Go forth and enjoy your weekend!  Can you believe it....I'm going to mow the grass today, if it doesn't rain!  See I told you, Mother Nature has a sense of humor!

Joan's Gardens Card Challenge # 8 Is a JustRite Blog Hop!

OK ladies, my post this morning is going to be a long one so go get that cup of coffee or tea and sit and visit for a spell.

GREAT NEWS!  It is time for the weekly Challenge #8 at Joans Gardens   This week you have the chance to win an AMAZING PRIZE PACKAGE you won't want to miss out on. JustRite Stamps has so generously donated the grand prize for this week's Joan's Garden's 8th Challenge for 2011.

There are only two requirements for this week's challenge:
• Create a card/project using ONLY JustRite stamps (any JustRite stamps and matching dies are acceptable) Do not use any other brand stamps. You may use any card stock, design paper and embellishments you want.
• You must be subscribed to Joan's Gardens blog to win. This allows you to receive all updates about challenges and sales, etc.

You will have until next Thursday morning (March 10) 6:00 AM EST to link your card/project.

My card was created using the tulips from the Breath of Spring Set from JustRite.  I stamped on watercolor paper and colored with Ranger Distress Inks.  I used some DP from my stash and various dies to make a decorative frame and corners for my image.  Pretty simple really; when you use JustRite stamps you don't need a lot to make a beautiful card!  I loved playing with these stamps and look forward to using them a lot in the future.  They really do make me think of Spring!

This prize package includes the following JustRite products:

•acrylic block set – $8.95

•mini binder box - $9.95
•mothers natures gifts – 16.95
•fancy tags- 19.95
•happy everything -32.95
•nested frame dies 24.95
•nested sentiments dies 24.95
•3 ¼” block -12.95
•Fancy frames 19.95
•Inspires me 19.95

Wouldn't you love to win this grand prize from JustRite stamps, with a value of over $191. In addition to this fabulous grand prize, there will also be additional prize packages from Joan's Garden's to give you 2 additional chances to win.

Selma and Joan have invited 12 guest designers to join them in a Blog Hop featuring JustRite stamps. You won't want to miss all the inspiration in the beautiful cards created by these talented designers. While visiting each of these blogs, you have a chance to win another great prize from Joan's Gardens. In order to be eligible for one of these two prize packages, you need to leave a comment on each blog in this Hop (12 guest designers, Selma and Joan). Out of the fourteen blogs, there are two "mystery" blogs, each with a prize package from Joan's Gardens. For a chance to win, be sure to leave a comment on all fourteen blogs

The winner for the grand prize package from JustRite Stamps will be chosen from a Random drawing and will be announced Friday morning (March 11). This person will also be entered in the End of the Year drawing for a $100 gift certificate from Joan's Gardens. You may enter this challenge more than once, but each card/project must be made with only JustRite stamps.

Guest Design Team:  (Be sure a leave comments on all for a chance to win the two additional prizes)
Carla
Donna
Giovana
Glenda - You are here!
Gretchen
Kris
Lana
Maryanne
Nancy
Selma
Sharon
Sue
Vicki

Joan

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday....91

This picture was taken yesterday morning as I was finishing a tag to enter in a contest.  I had already partially cleaned up my mess when it dawned on me I needed a picture for today.  For some reason I always seem to have a clean desk on Wednesday as I finish one project and start thinking about another.  Trust me there had been Holographic Embossing Powder sprinkles, and glitter, and little snips of paper and puddles of glimmer mist everywhere.  So I decided to clean it up!  So this is the remnants of that little mess.  Not too bad but still quite a bit of clutter to be put away.  One of these days you will see how messy I am actually!

So if you are wondering about these messy pictures of half finished projects every Wednesday you need to go over to Miss Julia's Blog stamping-ground.blogspot.com and you can see what all the flutter is about.  Maybe you might like to join us each Wednesday and visit some of the sites listed there to see how other people do it!

Well that's it for me today...I'm off to visit and snoop!

Joan's Gardens Tag Challenge #8

Today I want to share with you the tag I made for Joan's Gardens Tag Challenge #8  You can follow the link to see what all the excitement is about.  I have been playing along with this challenge and hope to have several tags put away for when I need a little something extra to tuck into a gift bag.

I have been playing with Ranger's Distress Inks, and shimmer paints and this is what I came up with.  I used a large tag that I had stuck away some time ago and covered it with regular printer paper that had been wadded up and then colored with Glimmer Mist and shimmer paint.  I then glued it to my tag.  The colors I am working with this week are...Dusty Concord, Victorian Velvet, Chipped Sapphire and Black Soot.  I just kept adding layers of color and then I ran the tag through an embossing pad and sprinkled Holographic Embossing Powder and embossed.  It just gave it another layer of shine.  My bird and cage are from the Tim Holtz Die and I just added layers of color until I achieved the look I wanted.  I used Wild Orchid Crafts flowers and leaves and just sprayed them with color and glimmer mist until I liked the look of them.  The top ornamental piece is from Marianne's Designs Corners Dies and I did the same technique on it.  This is a little out of my comfort zone as I used lots of purple; but I'm beginning to feel right at home with it.  I hope I haven't overwhelmed you with the color!  This tag was inspired by Selma the designer for Joan's Gardens.  Selma uses quite a bit of purple and just works her magic with it.  Oh yes, my ribbon on the top of the tag is seam binding died to match with Ranger Distress Inks diluted in water and sprayed onto the binding.