A little birdie told me.....

Good evening, thanks for stopping by!

My son Chester has a couple of new blog posts up (here) and would love to have some visitors! If you have a minute, please stop by to say hi. He would love to have some "blog friends" so if you happen to know of any 8-12 year olds who have blogs, please leave me a link!

I had so much fun playing with this cute and "punny" stamp set! It seemed to go well with the inspiration photo from the current Tuesday Trigger.

I would like to enter my card in three challenges:

Paper Sundaes - circles

CAS-ual Fridays - Jest for the pun of it!

edit - oops I got mixed up - right stamp set, wrong card!!! I did use a "punny" set, but the card I meant to use for this challenge with the proper sentiment is in a different post (for tomorrow!) - sorry it's too late, I already linked up...will return with the right card for the CAS challenge on Thursday.

Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab world - see inspiration photo in previous post - I just love the fun colours and cuteness and for some reason it makes me think of birdhouses - maybe it's the tiny little bird sitting on the roof.

And hey, did you hear about this week's SALE at DAT'S???

40% OFF

ALL STAMPS!

40% OFF

ALL PUNCHES!

(Including border punches.)

There is a fantastic selection of stamps from Stamping Bella, Kraftin Kimmie and CC Designs to name a few. AND, the new Bo Bunny lines have arrived - I HAD to have both Weekend Market and Country Garden - they are just so me!

I hope you are having a great week! After all that snow we got last Sunday, we are so looking forward to hitting the slopes this weekend!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

What I used:

stamp: CTMH Life is Tweet S1206 (June stamp of the month)

paper: CTMH cardstock (honey), patterned paper I stamped on MME Fine and Dandy - true blue 6x6 pad, other American Crafts I think

nestabilities: Labels 18 - pretty sure this is my fave!

Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab World

Hey, thanks for stopping by!

It was a Snow Day here in Thunder Bay so my boys were thrilled to be home from school - my goodness is there ever a lot of snow out there! Most places it comes up over the top of my Sorrels!

Have you seen the current Tuesday Trigger over at Moxie Fab World?

This is my take...

And here is the inspiration photo...

so super cute and I LOVE all these fun colours!

It was great to take it easy today since three of us have colds. Staying put was a nice treat!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

What I used:

CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge

S1206 Life is Tweet - June Stamp of the Month (CTMH)

papers: American Crafts

Photographic Evidence

Hello Sunday!!!

Warning, this is a long post - you may wanna grab a cup of something hot and steamy! We are in the midst of a winter storm here in Thunder Bay, Ontario - really the first really good one of the winter! Us skiers are jumping for JOY! I know, I know - those who are not skiers or winter sports enthusiasts will be cursing just now - my apologies! It's good for us since we've had very little snow and warmish temps, but are still hoping desperately to be able to do some skiing on March Break.

Anyhow, I have a card to share and lots of photos...

My card is for two challenges:

First - Inspired By - Laurel chose a fab inspiration photo this week and once again it has helped me to step a little out of my comfort zone. I don't have a tendency to be drawn towards florals often, but the roses in the inspiration photo made me pull the rose paper from the fabulous Kaiser Craft Black & White Timeless paper pad the I picked up from DAT'S this week and play. Because I didn't use an actual typewriter on my card, I decided to use the subtle type printed style definitions from the same paper pad.

I combined them with some fabulous blues from my Authentique - Genuine collection as well as a CTMH stamp set I recently acquired "Lived Inspired". So, the second challenge I would like to enter is Moxie Fab World's The cure for the winter blues challenge.

And here is the inside - I almost always finish the inside of my cards, but don't always photograph them. A big shout out to Danderella who helped me create my watermark - something I've been meaning to figure out for a long time now.

When I did some blog surfing yesterday, I noticed that I was the winner of last week's Inspired By challenge! I have been having so much fun trying to keep up with Laurel's weekly challenge! Hooray - thanks Laurel!!!

And here are a few more pics from last weekend - and what a weekend it was! Amongst a variety of other things, I somehow managed to snowshoe, ski, board and skate all in a matter of days! We had so much fun!

Here is Chester at the hill. (don't miss his new blog post here - it is a good laugh - he would love it if you left a comment too!)

It was so nice to have my lil sis around. I asked her to snap some photos for us as I always find this tricky when out at the hill since I usually have something slippery attached to my feet as well. Thanks Auntie Krista!

Here's the proof that I can ride a board, at least sort of - just in case I chicken out and decide not to do this ever again....Here's me again with my youngest, Doodlepants.

Indoors with Chester.
Outside with Papa - this was Papa's first time on skis in approximately 17 years. I sensed that he was pretty nervous, but he did great! The boys were thrilled to have him out on the hill with them. Three cheers for Papa!

It was around this point that Chester decided to play chicken with me - a dangerous thing to do with a newbie snowboarder who possesses limited control, lol! I did manage to narrowly avoid a collision, lucky for him!
Mom and Chester.
Here I am with my two skiers.

And here is the proof that I can still skate. The ice rink down at Marina Park is so cool. You can listen to the music piped through the outdoors speakers as you gaze out over Lake Superior.

Here are my Dad and sister, Krista posing in front of the fireplace/water fountain that is situated in the middle of the rink. A great feature.
Doodlepants is not fond of skating, but we brought his skates along just in case. Well, apprarently it looked like fun since he requested his skates after only ten minutes of watching the rest of us go round and round the rink.

The boys can't wait to go back!

Chester has finally updated his blog - if you are looking for a good laugh, go on over and check out the video he linked up, you won't be sorry! Here is the link: http://chesterbookworm.blogspot.com/

He is also linked on my sidebar along with Doodlepants's new blog "Mashed Bananas by Mega Man".

Cheers,

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: Kaiser Craft - Black & White Timeless 61/2 " paper pad

Authentique - Genuine Collection 6x6

stamps: C1408 Live Inspired - CTMH, Helen Keller Quote - Inkadinkado

embellishments: flowers from stash, CTMH licorice opaques

edge distresser

Moxie Fab's cure for the winter blues

Good evening!

Today's card is for Moxie Fab's Cure for the Winter Blues challenge where they want us to make BLUE the "star of the show." It is also for the current challenge at Cute Card Thursday - winged things.

After using the hummingbird on my last card, I just had to work one of my dragonflies into this design. Once again, I started with a fun patterned paper and worked my design around it. This fab paper is from Authentique's Genuine collection - LOVE these blues!

Quick post for tonight as I need to leave shortly for my piano lesson!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: Authentique - Genuine - available at DAT'S

stamp: CTMH C1272 - Walk with Nature Tags (retired)

CTMH licorice opaques Z1335

Start every day with a smile

Oh my goodness, it's Tuesday already! What a fabulous looong weekend we have had!!! I will have to share more about that later as I want to get this post typed up quickly tonight! We PVR'd The Voice (the only TV show I currently watch) and Hubby is waiting downstairs to watch with me!

Here is the current inspiration photo at Inspired By. Super fun! I only wish I had more time to play for this one!

And here is my card. I love the "doily-style" frame and found that my new MME papers had something similar going on, so I go to work playing with this. I also love the "quote" that was already printed on this fab paper. I hmmed and hawed about the hummingbird, but added it in the end. I think I like it - what do you think?

I would also like to share my card at Cute Card Thursday where the theme this week is "Flower Power".

I'll be back soon with more photos from our family weekend - my sis took some great shots out on the ski hill, it was so great to have her behind the camera!!!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

Exploring the Boreal forest at Kingfisher

On Friday, Doodlepants' class went on a field trip to Kingfisher Conservation area and since we have company, Papa was able to join us. Even Papa and I got to snowshoe with the class. I am pretty sure that the last time I was on snowshoes, they were the big wooden type. These had spikes in them for climbing up hills and digging into ice. We had beautiful weather and got lots of fresh Northern air.

Just thought I'd share a few of the many photos I took.

The tall, tall trees of the boreal forest.

Can you see my Tiki man? The funny thing is, I didn't notice the resemblance until I got home and uploaded my photos. In the bush, it was just an interesting looking log! lol

The way trees can grow out of rocks just amazes me. I thought the way the snow had melted around the trunk in the shape of a heart was really neat!

We saw lots of beautiful birds, including these Pine Grosbeaks.

Doodlepants inside the quinzhee.

Well, these are just the photos from the first day! We have had a full schedule this weekend - Doodlepants had a bday party Friday night after this fieldtrip, we went skiing & boarding Saturday, attended Winter Carnival on Sunday, Chester & Hubby are skiing again today with a skating outing planned for this evening.....will be back with more photos soon and maybe a card.

Happy Family Day!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

Guess what!?!?

I am going to be an Auntie!!! Hip Hip, Hooray!

(If you are looking for my March workshop post - please scroll down......)

We found out on Christmas Eve that my lil sis is expecting! We have been waiting for this and I am so excited! Auntie Krista has been such an amazing Auntie to my two boys (even from so far away!) and I cannot wait to return the favour! Technically, I have one niece and one nephew on hubby's side of the family, but this will be my first niece or nephew!!!

And, my boys are super excited to have cousins on my side of the family! Obviously, this card is for my sister and her hubby to congratulate them on their fantastic news.

True to form, Kris chose a fun and creative way to make the announcement. On Christmas Eve, when it was time to hand out the one Christmas Eve gift (always pyjamas), Krista passed gifts to Chester and Doodlepants, but also to my Mom and I. The package didn't look big enough for PJ's and both Mom and I wondered if maybe it was a gag gift - you know embarassing frilly knickers or something......well, were we in for a surprise - I did not suspect what was coming even for a second! When I opened mine, there was a TINY diaper shirt that said "If you think I'm cute, you should see my Auntie!" - at the very same time, my Mom was opening hers - the diaper shirt said "Good things come in small packages!" and underneath there was an ultrasound picture!!! Well, the timing was perfect, because Mom and I somehow managed to squeal at exactly the same time. It was so much fun, and I am so glad I was there in person to hear the big announcement!

I would like to share my card over at The Paper Players for Anne's colour challenge - to use poppy parade, pool party, soft suede and very vanilla. I don't have the SU cardstock, but I do think my colours are very close.

I am also sharing my card this week for Bellarific Friday - anything goes - that is two weeks in a row I've managed the Bella's challenge! I would like to keep this up as I have so many fabulous Bella stamps, many of which are desperately seeking ink, lol!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Auntie Shanna ;)

p.s. The really exciting part is that my Mom & Dad will soon be on their way with my lil sis for a long weekend visit, so I will get to see the belly!!!

What I used:

papers: My Mind's Eye - Miss Caroline - Dolled up - available at DAT'S - yep this is brand spanking new stuff and I managed to use some already!!!

stamps: sentiment - CTMH, Teddybella

embellishments: SU ribbon, Kaiser pearls

Live inspired......

Happy Saturday! Thanks for dropping by!

Here is the inspiration photo for Laurel's challenge this week at Inspired by. Love it!

This is my card for the challenge. I actually made a very similar card in a different colour combination first, then decided maybe I could pull it off with these colours taken from the inspiration photo. Thanks Laurel, for helping me step outside my comfort zone~this is not a colour combo that I use often!

Here is my first take.

When I was gluing this first one together though, I paused before gluing on the panel to the left and thought hmmm, this may make a nice one layer card. Actually, now when I look at the first one, the patterned paper seems like maybe too much....maybe I like the second one better... What do you think?

I would also like to share this at Cupcake where the challenge is pink and red.

For those of you looking for my March workshop post, I will be back late tonight or early in the morning. It is rather a long post and I still have some stuff to add.

Hope you are having a fantastic weekend!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

Home Sweet Home

Happy Friday!

It is sunny and cold here - I hope they have been making snow out at the hill because that warm weather we've been having cannot be good for the ski conditions!

Just a couple of quick cards today. I wanted to play with some fun patterned papers and this is what happened. :) I just love that little chipboard house!

I would like to share at:

Crazy 4 Challenges - make a scene

The Ribbon Carousel - anything goes!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

p.s. I will be back on Saturday with all the info for my workshop in March.

Let it snow!

You may recognize this sketch, as I made two cards last week using it. It was my take on the sketch theme last week at Less is More and I just cannot seem to get enough of it!

My goodness, my week is going so fast since I've been super busy - can't believe it's already Tuesday night!

I see major potential for many of the poor lonely scraps laying abandoned in my scrap bin. I predict several CAS Christmas cards this year originating from my scrap bin....I don't suppose that sounds very nice, but I don't keep scraps that aren't nice....

I would like to share my card at:

Paper Sundaes - CAS

CAS Fridays - movie theme - mine is "Frosty the Snowman"

Christmas Card Challenges

Cute Card Thursday - Buttons & Bows

Gee, I never manage to combine this many challenges, four all at once!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

p.s. Can't remember where I scored this adorable snowman paper as it's about as old as scrapbooking itself I think, lol! Really though, I'll bet I've had it for going on ten years....no joke! The background paper is a recycled cardstock that I picked up at a local Green store for about 10 cents per sheet. I like how it looks a bit like a snowy background. This stuff is fun to use and I found it in three different shades/textures.

Celebrate

So, I'm not moving so well today as a result of my experiments on the slopes on Friday with my snowboard - have been trying motrin and hot baths with epsom salts but I am afraid only time will heal my poor aching muscles. I can barely lift my left leg without yowling and I finally figured out why - I was using my left foot to hold up the loose end of my snowboard while riding the lift. You see, this old body of mine is not in as good a shape as it once was and letting the board simply dangle like all the young kids out there was making my knee hurt, so I thought I had found a solution by holding it up with the free foot - right? Wrong - now I can barely put my sock on, lol! Having said all that, I did manage to ski for a couple of hours yesterday morning, going on the philosophy that to keep moving was the best "medicine".....at least skiing does not use all the same muscles....

Anyhow, you didn't come by to hear about my aching body, but perhaps to see some artwork. It feels like forever since I dusted off my copics and actually sat down to colour an image. Thank goodness Krista's birthday came up, since I had a specific stamp in mind to use on her card - and it required at least a bit of colouring. I did however, decide it would be fun to paper-piece her dress. Here is the result of pulling out the copics and cracking open a brand new 6x6 Paper pad. This one has such fun patterns and colours!

I thought that bottom corner needed something, so I simply cut out a flower from one of the papers and embellished with rhinestones. I also had some fun with my ribbon treatment - I pleated and sewed it right onto my patterned paper before adhering it to my card base.

The sentiment is stamped on the edge of a nestability and then slid under the main image. The main image is on pop dots to accommodate the bulky ribbon.

And here is the inside. I decided to cut out another flower. I don't often put numbers on birthday cards, but found this sentiment from CTMH to be appropriate since the recipient was celebrating one of the "big ones"! Happy Birthday Kris - it was so nice to see you today!

I would like to share this at:

Stamping Bella - sketch

The Ribbon Carousel - paper-piecing

Inspired By - inspiration photo - you must check this out, it's too fun!

(I think Madison resembles Minnie just a little, though she is wearing more sensible footwear! Madison is enjoying her margarita after a fabulous afternoon of window shopping with her girlfriends!)

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Hugs,

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: Basic Grey - Out of Print

stamps: CTMH, Stamping Bella - Madison has a Margarita

It is not what the world holds for you......

So, I have survived another attempt at learning to ride my board - just barely I think - I will tell you tomorrow once my poor body has had adequate time to react! Err, well I may not have a chance because I am gonna be at it again tomorrow. I said to hubby the other day, I must be having a mid-life crisis or something - what woman in their right mind tries to learn to snowboard when she can already ski quite adequately? Really, I must be nuts!!! I guess that adventurous streak of mine is showing itself, lol!

It was an absolutely gorgeous day out at the hill - I can hardly believe this weather. It is currently plus 4 and sunshiny beautiful! It feels like the end of March or beginning of April rather than the beginning of February. It is quite enjoyable, only I hope it doesn't last too long lest is shorten our ski season. Or, maybe that would be a good thing so far as my poor body is concerned, lol!

I took a nasty wipeout last weekend which made me come to the conclusion that it was time for a helmet. (I make the boys wear them after all!) I didn't grow up skiing with a helmet so I hadn't thought much about it until I took a wipeout last weekend and bumped my head - toque and goggles went flying! Thanks goes out to Holly for loaning me a helmet so that I can "protect my thoughts" - I think I may need them! Well, I took another similar wipeout today and bumped my head, but at least this time my noggin was protected. I still think I need some motrin though...

Enough about slippery boards and snow, my project today is for the challenge at Pollycraft where they would like us to use our favourite things. I have several favourite things right now, two of which are quote stamps and paper with music notes.

I love how my little fleur turned out. I saw Donna do this with rhinestones awhile back and decided to try it. With a bit of ink distressing and playing around with the petals, I love how it came out, it's my fave part of the card.

I think I've been long-winded enough for today! If you are still with me, have a fantastic weekend! Maybe go and try out something new - despite the bodily bumps and bruises, it really can be quite exhilarating!

Cheers,

Shanna

What I used:

stamp: Kraftin Kimmie - Krafty Quotes #2

papers: Bo Bunny ETC. - available at DAT'S

embellishments: flower punch, Kaiser rhinestones

Less is more sketch - Take Two

Good day and thanks for dropping by!

I just had to play some more with this fantastic sketch from Less is More. This is my second take. Once again I used raffia to wrap around the patterned paper strip, but this time I tied on some Bella bling - I am thrilled about this as I love these "rings" but have not often used them effectively on a project. By the way, the little blings are meant to be on an angle to following the line of the sentiment that is also meant to be off-kilter.

I do like how this came out, especially since they will be appropriate for those male card recipients in my life, and made two more very similar ones for my stash. (The best part is that this patterned paper is from my scrap bin!) Thanks Mandi and Chrissie for a fabulous sketch!

Happy Thursday!

Shanna :)

p.s. Happy Birthday Kris! Hope you have a fantastic day - see you on Sunday! Hugs