MIA

Hey there Blogland Friends,

Just popping in here to let you all know the reason I have not been around to post or visit.

On a planned yearly Birthday-Destination trip with three of my friends (we all share a June birthday), I fell and injured my right arm ~ I did this on the first day (Fri 6/3) upon arrival at the resort in Cancun, we were booked to stay until Thurs 6/9.  There are some very high curbs from the walkways at this place, not realizing that and being my first time there, I was not looking down while walking.  We were on our way to see our accommodations and my left foot went off one of  these high curbs---the right foot stayed on the walkway.  I lost my balance and hit the pavement hard~very hard!   I was not quite sure how much damage I had done to my upper arm, but the sharp pain of trying to move it away from my side was clearly an indication, I did something bad and needed to have ex-rays taken.  :-o  

I stayed there  Friday night, hoping I would feel better in the morning.  On Saturday, the arm didn't feel any worse, but I still couldn't move it away from my side and continued to wear the sling the EMT at the hotel gave me when I fell. Through the day, a black and blue was spreading from my shoulder to my elbow. The concern that I had broken a bone was becoming more evident.  I checked out flights for Sunday morning to get me back to FL.  Thankfully, I was able to arrange for a friend to pick me up at the airport and drive me directly to the ER of my local hospital.   Thankfully there were no other patients waiting and I was taken right away.  The ex-rays showed a fracture of the Humerus (yeah, not so funny!) bone up by the shoulder socket. I was fortunate enough to get an appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon on Monday and he said the only thing I could do was keep the arm stationary, then follow up with him in three wks for another ex-ray...he will then prescribe the next course of action.

The absolute WORST part of this is that I cannot drive myself and hate to bother my wonderful friends for rides everywhere :-( 
I am managing to do just about everything with my left hand and getting pretty darn good at it, however, everything takes three times as long to do it!

I'm having severe withdrawal symptoms from not posting and making cards, so maybe I will attempt stamping with my left hand.  :-) 


Sorry for this not-so-brief explanation!  

Hope to see you soon~
Hugs,  Helen

April Fool's Day Hop

 


Darnell is at it again!  

She is hosting a one-day-only Blog Hop

today ~ April 1st.

Check out her blog for rules and guidelines HERE.

I really didn't have to look very far to find my most recent blooper.   I had just about everything on this stamped image colored in and then added my sentiment.   Yep, that smudgy ink by the lid of my cup is from my fingers which got onto the ink pad somehow...ever happen to you?  No?  Huh, I say!   ;-)

Click on photo for more details

Well, I was running short on time, so fast thinker that I am,  I came up with a "fix" (yeah, that was about an hour later).  In hindsight, it definitely would have been less time to re-color the image!

Click on photo for more details

I fussy cut the Sweet 'n Sassy image  To-Go Cup and Mouse, used PopUp tape and glued it atop yellow/white check PP.  The flowered PP was cut with Spellbinders 'Postage Stamps' die to create a window and glued on top.

Happy New Year

WISHING ALL MY BLOG LAND FRIENDS 

A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY AND CRAFTY

NEW YEAR!

Click on card for more details

 

Autism Awareness Blog Hop

This morning I was visiting some of my favorite bloggers and came across this: 

I wanted to make a card and join in with Veronica Zalis  and Tenia Nelson, the two uber talented and gracious ladies who have organized this Blog Hop for Autism Awareness Day which is near and dear to both of their hearts.  You can go to their blogs for photos of two of the cutest little guys and links to learn more about Autism.

Click on photo for more details

I am adding my card here:  
 Light It Up for Autism Awareness Blog Hop.  
Please be sure to check out the Blog Hop and all the wonderful cards that everyone is making in support of this very worthy cause. 
Also, sending huge HUGS and many THANKS to Veronica and Tenia!

Liebster Blog Award

Paying it Forward . . . Liebster Blog Awards!

My sweet friend Jill Norwood of Greenwood Girl Cards, nominated me for a Liebster Blog Award. Jill let me know in a blog comment last week, which I just found today because I have not been spending as much time on my Blog as usual and missed it ~ thank you so much, Jill!

To accept the award, you need to thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.  Post the award on your blog. Give the award to five other bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Write a comment on their blog to let them know they have been nominated. 

Here are the five creative bloggers that I am nominating:

Maureen ~      Watermarks Designs
Shay ~            Verdigris Hall
Leigh ~          To The Full
Jen~               JENerally Speaking 
Luanne~        He Golfs...I Stamp

 
I hope you find as much inspiration visiting these fabulous ladies as I do. Time often gets away from me while I am on my cyber journey from blog to blog,  but it is such a fun 'trip' to see the amazing talent and never ending creativity :)

Thanks again, Jill for nominating me!  
XOXO, Helen
 

House Mouse Challenge #70-Goodbye and Farewell

Happy Saturday afternoon, everyone! Did a little gardening this morning, but now it is way too hot out there to do much of anything so I am in my craft room keeping cool and creating...which is really more fun!

House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge is having their first ever BLOG HOP with some awesome prizes and great inspiration along the way. Check it out here:
http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com
They are adding some very talented ladies to their fabulous team and always have such fun challenges using House Mouse stamps. I think of entering every week and then ......
well, you know how that goes :-P
But, anywho, today's the day and here's my first entry for their "Goodbye/Farewell" card challenge.
Click on both images for more detail, the large image shows how shimmery "Shimmerz" paints are and the small photo shows off the vibrant colors better.

My Card~
Stamp: House Mouse "I Give You My Heart" ~ this image makes me think of someone leaving cause a piece of my heart goes with them
Cardstock: The melon colored mat is from DCWV: the base card is actually a note card front from "Colorbox"
Ink: image was stamped with "Ranger" coffee and colored in with Shimmerz paints
Tools & Embellishments: The border punch is Martha Stewart and the shimmery yellow ribbon is from Michaels

Thanks so much for stopping by ~ if you leave me a comment, I will return to your Blog and say Hi! :) :)

Fussy and Fancy Friday Challenge

Good Wednesday Morning to you! Hope your week is going well. Our Florida weather is warming up a tad, so by the weekend we should be in a "normal temp range" of 70~ Whooo Hoooo!

Just a note about how this card started out to be pretty "simple" in my head, however it took on quite a different persona down on paper. it has lots of patterns in the alpha stamps and add the ribbon, layers of dp and punches ~ I thought I would post it to Fussy and Fancy's Challenge #1.
The theme is--NEW! That is: new year, new stamp, new product, new baby, new home, new anything! The DT thought it would be fun to use Fussy and Fancy blog colors in their creations, which I think I have covered here too :o) Whadda ya think?
My card~
Cardstock: Base pale pink from Royal Langnickel; Raspberry pink from Recollections Butterfly Wings; Patterned pink from DCWV
Stamps: L,V,E from Anita's Alphabet Set
Ink: Cranberry from Stampabilities
Ribbon: Pink Satin with sheer edges from Offray
Punches: Squares and Heart from Marvy; Diamond border from Fiscars

Cuttlebug - Be Inspired #59

Cuttlebug Challenge's has my "Mojo Attention". We are to create a project with glitter, bling and a Cuttlebug folder. Three of my favorite card elements :o)

I made this thank you card for my Thanksgiving Dinner helper and think it fits the bill, so I'm in!

My card ~
Cardstock: Chocolate brown base card, and white are from American Crafts; the Raspberry Jam, Early Grass and Brass Mesh are (various companies) scraps.
Stamps: "Blessings" is from Papertrey Ink's Fall Elegance, Tree from Michael's dollar bin
Ink: Trees were stamped with Brilliance "Moonlight White" and embossed with "Hologram" powder (it has glitter in it) from Stamp Cabana
Tools: Swiss Dot from Cuttlebug, Fiscar's "Diamond" border punch, EkSuccess corner rounder punch
Embellishments: Glitter Flower and brad from Fiscar's Heidi Grace, Shimmer chipboard leaves from Making Memories

EBTKS- First Challenge

WOW~bet you thought I fell off the face of the earth, huh? Well it's been almost two months since my last blog and these are my .... Oh, wrong venue :o) Actually, I've been on a couple of trips since my last post and will have to add some amazing photos of Alaska, Hawaii and California later.

For tonight I wanted to get in on the first sketch challenge over at Everything But The Kitchen Sink's blog.
It's really hard getting your mojo back after two months, so I was scouting around for some inspiration and really found some good stuff from all of you talented ladies!
THANK YOU, blog friends ~

This is the sketch I am using as my 2009 Thanksgiving Day cards (and probably lots of other occasions), love the ease of mass producing cards like this cause I usually have to reinvent the wheel each and every card I make ughhhh!

My card ~ Stamps: Sentiment from Papertrey Ink's "Fall Elegance", Pumpkin from Michael's dollar bin
Cardstock: Natural Parchment from Xerox, Chocolate Brown and Orange from American Crafts, Yellow w/polka dots from Colorbok
Embellishments: Shimmer flourish chipboard from Making Memories, "Holly" green glitter from Stickles,
Tools: Corners punched by EKSuccess rounder punch, 8 different Cuttlebug folders cut out by 1 1/4" EKSuccess punch

Hope you (and my family/friends) like how it came out. As always, a huge thank you for looking and leaving comments :o)

Cuttlebug Challenge #42 and Raspberrry Suite #13

Wow, this is the last post of the evening for me. I am probably getting in just under the wire (not so unusual for me :o)
This is for two challenges. Dawn McVey has the most fabulous color combos and always put us to the test ~ in a fun way, of course!
The second challenge is from Cuttlebug --it's their final one for the month of July and they have some very inspirational projects and great giveaways ~ you should check them out.
The card challenge is a Gatefold Friendship Card. I had no clue how to create this beautiful card, but had a few ideas and thought I would try it. As luck would have it, Michelle have a wonderful "how to video" which really made the task easy peesy.

My Card: The white base is matted in "Berry" and then the "Moss" flower patterned and glittered paper from "DCWV Citrus Stack" is glued on top. The Butterfly stamp is from "Inque Boutique" clear stamp set. It is inked with SU's "Rose Red" and etched with Stickles "Candy Cane Red" glitter. The "Moss" paper is cut with my Marvy scallop oval punch and adhered to the front with Glue Dots. The red flower is off a silk hydrangea bush from Michael's.
Inside Card: "Berry" and "Moss Green" card stock from DCWV were cut and taped inside. The sentiment was printed on my computer in "Red" ink and the Moss card was embossed with "Birds and Swirls" from Cuttlebug. Rounder corner punch from "EK Success" also used to soften the look.

I think this is a project I will definitely tackle again ~ now that I don't have to "over think it to death" ~ Thanks for the Gatefold Card tutorial, Michelle!

Would love to hear what you think, have a great weekend.

Cuttlebug Challenge Scketch #40

Hey there! Happy Firday to everyone!!!!
This is another Cuttlebug Challenge for the month of July. Hop on over there at http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com and check out all the neat prizes you can win each challenge. This is number 40 with a little different twist ~ there is a sketch! It actually made my New Baby Boy card easier to design.
My card ~ There are no stamped images here only a cute elephant sticker totally glittered up from Victoria Elizabeth. White base card is embossed with the "Textile" folder as is the grey/white card stock under the ellie. The blue polka dot and striped pattern papers are "Zoophabet 2" by Cathy Heck. The purple button brads are "Making Memories" (I think). The Sweet Boy metal stickers are by "Miss Elizabeth". the blue/purple Hydrangea flower and the baby bottles ribbon are from Michael's.

Cuttlebug Challenge #41

Cuttlebug Challenge #41 was to create a project with 'recycled' items.
Hmmmm, I had a gift bag that I bought with another image on it. I wanted the bag to match the Birthday card I made so... I used a wide flower wallpaper border which was left over from a guest bedroom in another house. Why do I still have this, you ask ~ well, you never know when you are going to need such an item - LOL

I cut out a portion of the flower and glued it onto my card stock. Added "Anita's Outline Sticker" for my Happy Birthday and just rounded the corners...done!

Not sure if I'm too late for this challenge or not, but I'm posting it and hope it will give someone an idea or two :o)

Caardvarks and Truly Scrumptious Challenge #12

Wow! Here I am with another card challenge actually two of 'em! Caardvarks has a "Baby or Wedding" card challenge which is just what I needed to get me going on 2 baby cards I've been procrastinating on. Need a baby girl and a baby boy cards, but I only completed one ~ oh, well maybe I can post the other card before the Challenge is over ;o) The sketch I used is from Truly Scrumptious Challenges, which I just happened upon in a blog hopping spree this afternoon. I'm not sure I got all of this sketch done right, it seemed to take a very long time but anyway, here's my entry.
Card Details: The White card is an embellished note card pack from Michaels. The plaid paper and giraffe sticker is "Victoria Elizabeth" from Target. Pink ribbon also from Target. The hydrangea flowers are off the flower in the background is from Michael's Floral Dept. Sewed on the pink buttons with pink thread and the gold outline stickers "Baby Girl" are from Anita's Art Stamps.
NOTE ~ I altered the original card today cause it just wasn't 'perfect' enough - you know what I'm talkin' bout, don't chya?
Added the lace and the ribbon around the giraffe's neck to make it look more like a pull toy ~ which was my original thought when I sewed the button on....okay, I'm done, this is going in the mail today before I change it anymore!
Have a good night and let me know your thoughts...so I can decide to make the Baby Boy card similar to this or go in another direction all together :o)

Mojo Monday #96 and House Mouse #47 White on White

Two challenges tonight! Mojo Monday and House Mouse White on White.
I liked the idea of the "panels" on Mojo's sketch and will definitely use this again~probably with a patterned paper next time. They have a fun Monday challenge to get your week going. I found the House Mouse Challenge site a couple of weeks ago and this is my first post there. I resisted these little critters for quite a while, but NOW I can't stop buying them~sooooo cute!!

You wouldn't think it was hard to create a white on white card, but for some reason I was wanting to add pink or orchid or green color mat under my stamped image :o) But, didn't do it and I really like the way this Anniversary card came out. What do you think?

Card: I used "Coffee" Archival Ink to stamp my image and water colored the House Mouse stamp called "I Give My Heart"
White card stock is embossed with Cuttlebug folders, "Divine Swirl" on the base card and "Swiss Dots" on the three panels.
Embellishments ~ "Jolee's Boutique" photo corners and "Bridal Elegance" white sheer /satin edges ribbon.

Cuttlebug Challenge #39 & Mojo Monday Madness

This week Cuttlebug has a very fun challenge-- it is to create a woodsy outdoor project, card, layout or whatever strikes your fancy, using woodsy animals and anything from nature such as twigs, pebbles, leaves, etc. They also included a great color combo as an added component this week. Head on over to get in on this one! http://www.cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com
Although I knew what stamps and elements I was using, I needed a little help with a layout for my card. So I hopped on over to Mojo Monday and... whalah! Check out the sketch and contest going on there too! http://mojomonday.blogspot.com

This is a Birthday card for a very dear friend, who is a retired high school teacher. The inside sentiment is: ... to a wise old bird!

Card Details ~
Stamps: Owl from "Studio g" at Michael's and Leaves from "Big Lots"
Ribbon: Lime green grossgrain and Turquoise felt butterflies from Michael's
Cuttlebug Folders: "Swiss Dots" and "Birds & Swirls"
Card stock: Solid colors from"Meadow Fashion Colors" from Michael's and the Patterned Orange is from Note cards in my stash.
Brads (owl's eyes) from "Special Moments" and the sprig is from a dried flower arrangement

Thanks so much for stopping by and I love hearing what you think :^) Have a great weekend!

Caardvarks Shape Card Challenge

Caardvark has come up with some fun challenges in the past, but really loved this "Shape" card challenge~head on over to check out all of the talented entries on their site, they're awesome!
My card is actually a gift tag for a birthday gift. I stamped the tea cup (from Stampin Up) onto white card stock and used "Memories" Ink for shadow stamps on pink marble card stock for the inside of the card with the sentiment. I punched out a 'tag' with my large Marvy Punch and added a ribbon 'string' to look like a tea bag tag hanging out of the cup of tea.
This was a fun project and will definitely use it again (probably casing some of the fab ideas from you creative ladies out there ;)
Thanks for checking out my entry...hope you are enjoying your weekend!

CPS 114 Sweet n Sassy

Had to use the sketch over at Card Position Systems 'cause it is really a very kewl one.
This is for my niece Ava's 8 year old Birthday.

Card details: Bright stripe card is from my12X12 stash (I think purchased at ACM?) The cupcake is cut out (the paper cup is crimped and glued on top of the image), it is outlined with glitter gel pens and has Stickles "Crystal" glitter on the flames - it's a Dollar Tree stamp(!).
I cut out the number 8 freehand out of DCWV "Textured Mat Stack"and embossed it with Cuttlebug folder "Devine Swirls". Added seven more candles that I cut out of different colored papers and stuck them on the "honeydew Polka Dot" card stock back, which is plain and not polka dotted like the circle behind the "8"~"Crystal"glitter lights the flame on each one. I used my Marvy corner puch on the top part of the card and outlined the sentiment with cupcake with my Fiscars "Scallop blade. The inside paper is white with polka dots (see it under the card in my photo?) matching the colors of the stripes on the outside of the card.
Hope you all are enjoying your weekend. And, as always, thank you so much for stopping by!

Caardvarks - Don't Quote Me But... & Card Patterns #13

This is a card I made for my friend who adopted a sweet puppy yesterday. He's a mix of German Shepard and Golden Retriever and just a cute as can be.

I am entering two card challenges~
Caardvarks "Don't Quote Me But..." and Card Patterns Sketch #13, a great site I just found from perusing some one's entry (don't remember who, sorry :( but when I find it again, I will mention her name here).

Card Details: Base card is "Honeydew Polka Dot", the green & white stripe scalloped mat is a note card from Victoria Elizabeth. The flower patterned paper is from AC Moore. The puppy stamp is from See D's 262 Stamp Set. If you zoom in on the dog's collar, you will see 'studs' I added (cute :o) The black & white gingham ribbon is American Crafts , the silk flower from a bunch also bought at AC Moore. The inside paper is white with various sized green and pink polka dots. Sentiment written on my computer with the dark green ink same as quote on the outside of the card. I think this came out really cute, whadda ya think?

Cuttlebug - Be Inspired #29

This is my entry for the Cuttlebug's Mother's Day Card challenge.
My Card: Lavendar and White Cardstock from 'The Paper Company'. I embossed the base card and matching envelope with Cuttlebug's 'Heart Blocks'. The flowers stamp from 'Stampendous is colored in with chalks. Sentiment from my computer andthe Violet silk flower from AC Moore.

Thanks so much for looking~

CPS 111

Good Monday Afternoon everyone! Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.
This is my take on the CPS Challenge . I needed a Congratulations card for my brother-in-law and sister-in-law who are about to become Grand Parents for the 4th time. Very exciting news!

Card Supplies ~ Stamps are Hero Arts, "Baby Pram" and "Baby Booties" Colored in with Tombow markers, outlined with glitter pens and dotted with Stickles "Crystal". The Martha Stewart "Butterflies" are punched out of pink and blue printed card stock and have a little bling on each from Nail Jewels ... yes, that would be manicure nail jewels :)
The green mat is embossed with Cuttlebug's "Devine Swirl" and the matching green ribbon is from Michaels.

Thanks so much for stopping by.