Christmas Already!

Call me silly but I made this card a few weeks ago and never posted it on here because I wanted the recipient to get it first. the problem with that is every time I look at the card and realize I didn't post it yet it never dawns on me that I never mailed it yet!  DUH!  What a goof I am.  So I am doing both today.  Here is the first card I made with this new set from the Holiday Mini called Bells and Boughs.

Stamps: Bells and Boughs
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red
Ink: Basic Black
Other: markers, ribbon, glue and glitter, embossing folder, scallop oval die

Hope you are having a wonderful week.  As usual it is going to fast.  How the heck can we slow these days down?!
Mary Jo

Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 141!

I don't know about you but the time is just flying by around this house.  I swear yesterday was Tuesday and it is already Monday again!  What the heck!  Well at least that means it is time for a new sketch challenge.  I hope you can play along this week.  Here is the sketch....

And of course my sample....

I seem to be hooked on Fall right now.  I just love this stamp set and I am always glad when it don't retire.  Sure hope you consider playing along this week.  Don't forget to head back here and post your creation below so we can all see it!  Thanks so much for visiting today!

Mary Jo

Top Three for Sketch Challenge 140!

I thought this was a fun sketch and the samples were great!  Thanks to everyone who played along.  Here are my top three picks for the week.  Remember you can view the entire card and leave a comment for the creator by clicking on the preview picture!

Great cards huh?!  Thanks again for playing along.  Feel free to add my top three winner badge to your blogs.

  Here is the HTML code.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3N078M5G9-huSpLKlt3kaZVaDOt23WakDimAMmNxTZfDwbBYrppjjcAjsgjaUrfpZps0Y89XaqfHUUtSw_XVASL9GnC6K-H75oW7vXgOMwquB3HaHRJD50N0XGc061MmeDkIVgZX04dy/s1600/blog+button-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="15" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3N078M5G9-huSpLKlt3kaZVaDOt23WakDimAMmNxTZfDwbBYrppjjcAjsgjaUrfpZps0Y89XaqfHUUtSw_XVASL9GnC6K-H75oW7vXgOMwquB3HaHRJD50N0XGc061MmeDkIVgZX04dy/s200/blog+button-001.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>

Be right back with the new sketch!
Mary Jo

More fall samples for the Latenightstampers challenge!

I really do love to work with fall colors and fall textures.  I am always pulled to the stamp sets with leaves and pumpkins.  Here are two more samples for the Latenightstampers group challenge!  Fall theme!  The first one is using an old stand by set that I haven't used in a while. The puffs of smoke were  inspired by a card that Robin Messenheimer did...

Stamps: Loads of Love, Loads of Love accessories, Thoughts and Prayers, Bright Blessing Jumbo Wheel
Paper: Peach Parfait, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, In Color DP pack, Blueberry Crisp DP
Ink: Basic Black
Other: markers,  Top Note Die, jumbo eyelets, brads

This next card is one of my favorite fall sets.  I just love this set. And these colors are perfect!

Stamps: Autumn Harvest, Bright Blessings Jumbo Wheel,  Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Peach Parfait
Other: markers, decorative label punch, oval punch, ribbon

Hope you enjoy your weekend.  It is pretty gloomy looking around here but that is ok--since it is all what you make of it and it IS going to be a wonderful day!

Mary Jo

Blogger's Challenge -- Going Green

This week Lisa was being good to our earth by asking us to Recycle or Reuse something.  I decided to did in my bin of cheap finds that I can't pass up (usually under one dollar).  I found this cute little metal frame thingy--it was twenty five cents.  Thought it would be fun to make a new Christmas Decoration for my door to the studio (basement, lol).  Here is the before....

And the quick and easy re-do...

I think these snowmen are too cute.  Such a fun and easy project.  Thanks Lisa at least that is one thing out of my bin--only a couple thousand more to go!!!

Stamps: Holiday Lineup
Paper: Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Other: ribbon, markers, rub on sentiment

Off to do some clean up outside--it is a beautiful day!
Mary Jo

Kind of the same but different too!

This is much like the last card I posted for my sketch challenge but different.  I used the same colors and stamps but it is just a different layout and different papers.  This is such a fun set.  I created this card for two challenges.  One being the Latenightstampers challenge which is a fall theme and the other being the featured stamper challenge on Stampin Connection. 

Stamps: A flower for all seasons
Paper: Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, In Color DP pack
Ink: Basic Black
Other: markers, ribbon, rub on,

Hope you are having a great week!  We are half way though!
Mary Jo

Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 140!

Here we go again, week number 140!  I love the sketch this week, I hope you will too.  Here it is...

Here is my sample...

I am so hooked on the new in colors.  They are so pretty.  This also kind of fits the Latenightstamer's challenge for the week, Fall cards.  Sunflowers always remind me of fall.  How about you?


Stamps: A flower for all seasons
Paper: Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, In Color DP pack
Ink: Basic Black
Other: markers, ribbon, tag corner punch, rub on, top note die

I hope you find time to play along this week.  If you do don't forget to head back and leave a link below so I can see your sample.  I really do love to check them out and see what you do with my sketches.  It makes my day!


Here's to a better week than last week, lol.  But if not don't worry, it's all what YOU make of it. And in my mind--it's ALL GOOD!

Happy Monday
Mary Jo

Top Three for Sketch Challenge 139!

What a fun and easy sketch we had this week.  There were some awesome designs, be sure to check them out.  Here are my top three. Remember you can click on the mini previews to see the full card and the creators original post.  And of course leave them a comment.

Aren't those fun!  Thanks ladies.    Feel free to add my top three winner badge to your blogs.

  Here is the HTML code.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3N078M5G9-huSpLKlt3kaZVaDOt23WakDimAMmNxTZfDwbBYrppjjcAjsgjaUrfpZps0Y89XaqfHUUtSw_XVASL9GnC6K-H75oW7vXgOMwquB3HaHRJD50N0XGc061MmeDkIVgZX04dy/s1600/blog+button-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="15" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3N078M5G9-huSpLKlt3kaZVaDOt23WakDimAMmNxTZfDwbBYrppjjcAjsgjaUrfpZps0Y89XaqfHUUtSw_XVASL9GnC6K-H75oW7vXgOMwquB3HaHRJD50N0XGc061MmeDkIVgZX04dy/s200/blog+button-001.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>

Be right back with the new sketch!
Mary Jo  

Honestly if it's not one thing it's another around this house.

Uh yea, we have had quite the week again!  It seems if it can break or go wrong it will around here, lol!  We have had water line breaks and then when the town tried to fix the mess from that they broke the gas line and had to turn it off and re do all of those!  There has been more but believe me I don't want to re-live it, nor will you want to hear it.  So I decided I really needed to make a card today!  I actually made two, one I love and one is ok.  Unfortunately for you today's post is the ok one, lol.  I actually like it much better in person but the colors look really dark on all the pictures I took.  Anyway, this is for this week's Blogger's challenge.  We are to use the colors blue, brown and green.  Great combo!  I was determine to work from my scrap pile so I was kind of forced into the shades I could use but I may have chosen these anyway.

Stamps:  Just Believe
Paper: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze and Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive
Other: markers, nestabilities, ribbon brads, embossing folder

So what do you think?  Is the chocolate chip too dark for that layer.  I swear it looks better in person, lol.  Hope you have a great day, and before you get finished surfing why not check out what the rest of the Blogger's challenge crew did by clicking HERE.

Have a fabulous weekend.
Mary Jo

Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 139!

Here we are again.  Another Sketch Challenge for you! 

I hope you have time to play along this week.  Don't forget to come on back and leave your link at the end of this post so that we can all see what you come up with.   Here is the sketch....

I am loving this week's sketch...my card on the other hand --not so much, lol!  I was unhappy with the picture but am too tired to re-take it.  I also was frustrated with the image quality, but again I was too tired to fix it.  Sorry, it has been a long week.  Hubby is STILL sick and I over booked my self, as usual, lol..  Always something ya know.  Here is my card...

I love the idea of this card, and the colors, so I may have to fix it tomorrow and take another picture. 

Stamps: Uppsy Daisy, retired sentiment stamp
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Concord Crush, in color DP pack
Ink: Concord Crush
Other: circle punches, scoring blade, embossing folder, retired rub ons.

Hope you have a great day and that you play along this week!  Don't forget to come on back and leave your link below!

Off to bed!
Mary Jo

Top Three for Sketch Challenge 138!

This was a bit harder of a sketch this week and I was truly impressed with the great samples.  Here are my top three. Remember you can click on the mini previews to see the full card and the creators original post.  And of course leave them a comment. 

Fabulous cards ladies!  Feel free to add my top three winner badge to your blogs.

  Here is the HTML code.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3N078M5G9-huSpLKlt3kaZVaDOt23WakDimAMmNxTZfDwbBYrppjjcAjsgjaUrfpZps0Y89XaqfHUUtSw_XVASL9GnC6K-H75oW7vXgOMwquB3HaHRJD50N0XGc061MmeDkIVgZX04dy/s1600/blog+button-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="15" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3N078M5G9-huSpLKlt3kaZVaDOt23WakDimAMmNxTZfDwbBYrppjjcAjsgjaUrfpZps0Y89XaqfHUUtSw_XVASL9GnC6K-H75oW7vXgOMwquB3HaHRJD50N0XGc061MmeDkIVgZX04dy/s200/blog+button-001.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>

Be right back with the new sketch!
Mary Jo

Featured Stamper on Stampin Connection

This week's Featured stamper on Stampin Connection is Kathy Baffone.  Each week I pick a person and we visit their gallery and CASE a card.  It is so fun to check out different galleries that you may not normally see.  This group is for US Stampin Up Demos only.  (sorry, but you could join my team and join the fun too, lol).  Anyway here is my card for the challenge.  I loved the colors so I kept them the same.  Just changed the size of the card and the sentiments and embellishments.

It was a fast and simple card done with reverse masking.

Stamps: Autumn Days, Occasional Quotes
Paper: So Saffron, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White
Ink: So Saffron, Rich Razzleberry.
Other ribbon, sponges, copy paper, pearls

Thanks for stopping by today.  See ya later with the new sketch challenge~
Mary Jo

A HAPPY card.

This card just makes me happy, it is bright and fun.  And I even pulled out my liquid applique which I have not used in who knows how long.  So fun. I created it using the circle punch for the scallop so that it fit in with this week's Latenightstamper's Challenge to use punches

I as actually inspired by a card I seen on another stamp company site.

Stamps: Itty Bitty Bits, Pun Fun
Paper: Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz,Whisper White, Sunny Garden DP
Ink: Basic Black
Other: circle punches, rub ons, markers, three pack mini punches

I hope YOU have a HAPPY day!
Mary Jo

What your teacher is a male???!!!

My son has a male teacher this year for the first time ever!  He is so excited but I keep thinking what the heck do I make for all the little gifts I send in every year, lol!  So I started off basic with a set of note cards.  I used the circle punches on this and retired paper since I thought it fit the male theme I was looking for.  I have a bunch of these clear boxes so I made an insert to hold the cards and have extras spots for extras--pen and kudos bar.  If you have any ideas on what to make for male teachers, please share them by commenting on this post! 

Hope he likes it.  Have a great day, I am off to find out how today went at school, day two!

Mary Jo

Have you guys seen this!

I just ordered mine and can't wait to read this. I have seen previews and it looks fabulous.I have been wanting to sell stuff on Etsy for a while so I can't wait to start leaning!
Click here to view more details

Mary Jo

Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge 138!

I love having a holiday on Monday, don't you.  It is always great to have three days off seems to create a much more relaxed weekend.  I hope that you enjoy your extra day and that you find time to play along with my sketch challenge!  If not today, sometime during the week.  I am combining my sketch challenge with the Latenightstamper's challenge for the week --as usual.  This week we are using our punches on our projects.  Can't get much easier than that, it seems that almost every card I make uses at least one punch.  I chose to work with the adorable Owl Punch.    First I will share the sketch....

And of course my card...

Stamps: Cheep Talk, Vintage Labels,  Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Early Expresso, Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, In Color DP Pack
Ink: Basic Black
Other: circle punches, owl punch, scallop circle punch, little leaves sizzlet, googly eyes, brads, marker

These really are cute little guys, I have another idea for these for tomorrow--I hope, lol.  If you play along be sure come on back and add you link below.  I am excited to see what you do with this sketch.

Mary Jo

Top Three for Sketch 137

Here we go again!  Wonderful samples!  I wonder how I would pick if I hundreds of players, lol.  Would be fun to find out some time.  Anyway, as always here are my top three picks for this week.  Each picture is just a tiny part of the card.  If you click on the image you will be brought to the creators blog and their original post.  Please be sure to leave a comment for them.  They really did a great job-as everyone did this week!

Fabulous cards ladies!  Feel free to add my top three winner badge to your blogs.  Here is the HTML code.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3N078M5G9-huSpLKlt3kaZVaDOt23WakDimAMmNxTZfDwbBYrppjjcAjsgjaUrfpZps0Y89XaqfHUUtSw_XVASL9GnC6K-H75oW7vXgOMwquB3HaHRJD50N0XGc061MmeDkIVgZX04dy/s1600/blog+button-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="15" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3N078M5G9-huSpLKlt3kaZVaDOt23WakDimAMmNxTZfDwbBYrppjjcAjsgjaUrfpZps0Y89XaqfHUUtSw_XVASL9GnC6K-H75oW7vXgOMwquB3HaHRJD50N0XGc061MmeDkIVgZX04dy/s200/blog+button-001.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>

Be right back with the new sketch!
Mary Jo

Blogger's Challenge -- Sketch

This week Lisa, our list mom, gave us a sketch to work with.  I love sketches.  And this was an easy one.  I kept my card pretty "flat" so it can be used for our church ministry and not cost more to mail.  Here is the sketch.

And of course my quick, cute and flat card....

I love these new in colors.  I have never seen flowers like these but I did I know I would love them.  What beautiful colors, nice and bold.  And Daisies are my absolute favorite flower! 

Stamps: Every Moment, Just Believe
Paper: Peach Parfait, Whisper White, Sunny Garden DP
Ink: Basic Black
Other: markers, word window punch

Thanks for stopping by today--hope you have a fabulous weekend.  If you still have time to browse why not click on he link on the top right hand corner of my blog to see what the rest of the Blogger's Challenge players did with this sketch!

Mary Jo

More with the Big Shot--Halloween Treats!

The challenge this week on the Latenightstampers group is to create something with the Big Shot--anything works, cards, 3-d, embossed items, you name it as long as it uses the big shot.  My first two samples were for the sketch challenge this week.  I used the embossing folders and the top note die.  If you missed that you can find them here.  I thought I would make a cute little candy treat holder for Halloween.  I do not do much for Halloween, but I do generally send something stamped for my son's class.  I also need items for classes and clubs.  I thought this turned out pretty cute, tried to keep it kind of simple as they would be made in multiples. 

I used the baskets and blooms die for the basket --with a little altering.  The bat is made with the owl punch.  Hubby says his eyes are too big but I thought he was cute.  What do you think???

Stamps: All Holidays, Autumn Harvest
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, In Color DP pack
Ink: Basic Black
Other: markers, watercolor pencils, gel pen, word window punch, owl punch circle punches.

Hope you are having a great week!  Thanks for all the well wishes for my hubby.  Seems he has shingles.  Quite painful I am told.  Hopefully he will be feeling better soon!

Thanks for stopping by,
Mary Jo