The Stamping Banana

Home Sweet Home

2012-02-10T12:23:00.004-05:00

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!

2012-02-07T22:15:00.002-05:00

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

2012-02-05T20:38:00.009-05:00

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......

2012-02-03T17:35:00.000-05:00

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

2012-02-02T07:30:00.000-05:00

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

Happy Birthday Skier

2012-01-31T22:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks for visiting!

Here is the quickie card I made for Chester's friend who celebrated his birthday on Sunday. They are both in the Nancy Greene ski program together on Saturdays, so I thought a skiing theme would be appropriate. That got be looking through my cricut cartridges since I was pretty certain I didn't have any stamps that would work. I found this image on "Going Places" and I think it worked great for a CAS card! The boys seem to like it when I keep the birthday cards pretty basic and it works for me as they go together quickly. In fact, I think I may make a couple more of these since I know he has a couple more friends who have winter birthdays and are also into skiing.

Good night,

Shanna :)

Less is More sketch - With Gratitude

2012-01-30T19:09:00.008-05:00

Hello!

It's a good day, because for the first time in what seems like forever, I've found time to enter not one, but two challenges!

The challenge over at Less is More this week is a fantastic sketch! I am super excited about this one as I see lots of opportunity for using up some of that fab patterned paper in my scrap bin to make some quick and simple cards. You will be seeing more of this sketch for sure!

I would also like to share this over at Cupcake where the challenge is to recycle something and use it on your card. This one is easy for me since I do this often. I love using ribbons, twine or tags from packaging over again on my cards - reduce, reuse, recycle! In this case, I reused the raffia from a gift. I am the geek that folds up all the reusable bits of tissue paper and gift wrap when everyone else is ripping open their presents! lol - they all laugh at me, but we all benefit in the end now don't we?

I am also the geek who composts and recycles almost everything in sight. I am currently on the lookout for the red worms that you can use for indoor winter composting. My two outdoor composters are very FULL and I don't relish walking out to it when it's -35, though I've done it several times - it's worth the effort since we put out way less garbage when we get really serious about the composting. Not to mention the benefit to our garden - you should have seen the jungle growing out there last summer! Ahh, well, I think I am rambling now...

I hope you are having a great week!

Shanna :)

A guest album

2012-01-29T17:42:00.005-05:00

Here is the baby shower guest album that Brandi and I put together back in December. We used the invite for the title page. The album is 8x8.

Then created several layouts that will eventually hold photos of each guest with Baby TJ. I simply kept the colour scheme consistent and played around with papers.

I love this snowman one! The spaces above and below the photo spaces are for "tags" - each guest signed their name on one as they arrived and they will eventually be glued in under the corresponding photo.
I only photographed a few of the pages as they are all pretty much the same basic layout, just using different papers and embellishments.
Now that the shower is done and we have the photos, I need to sit down and put this together. I may need to make a few more pages too.

And of course, I had to make the guest album to match the calendar album.

Hope you have had a great weekend!

We have, it has been productive - a PA day, some night skiing for Chester, a few playdates, daytime skiing/snowboarding for Chester and I (and a big wipeout for me - my body is a bit angry today), a birthday party, and several hours spent packing away the holiday decor - yep they were still up!!! Lol - what can I say, the focus has been on other things. So glad to have that job done!

I did make a card today for the birthday party Chester attended. It was a quickie, I will share soon.

Cheers,

Shanna :)

Thinking of you

2012-01-27T22:55:00.006-05:00

This week was a sad one - there were some terrible car accidents that claimed the lives of local children. One of them was seventeen and the other nine. The nine year old attended the same school as my boys and was in the same grade as Chester. This lead to some serious heart-to-hearts in our house and I have been counting my blessings a little more often these past few days. A reminder of just how short life can be and how quickly life can change.....

I've been so busy that I haven't uploaded photos for at least a few weeks. When I did, I found these photos from my little getaway with Danderella at the beginning of the month. I am thrilled with this photo just after sunrise. The view was fantastic, but it was hard to believe that there was no snow! We basically hung out in our fabulous hotel room for the weekend reading, knitting, gabbing & crafting. It was blissfully quiet and relaxing, just what a couple of busy Moms needed! We didn't really shop, except for a visit to the local wool shop - which has almost got me wanting to start clicking those needles myself. I am holding back for now.....

Anyhow, I did manage to make a couple of cards while we were "hiding out". Here is one of them using Bo Bunny's fabulous ETC. line. Stay tuned for more using these papers. I also had some fun using the new fabric tape I got at Christmas.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Now, go hug your loved ones and tell them what they mean to you,

Hugs,

Shanna

What I used:

Bo Bunny - Etc. available at DAT'S

Fabric Tape

Bazzill Basics Paper rub-ons

With Sympathy and POWDER!!!

2012-01-23T20:50:00.000-05:00

Yep, I needed another sympathy card.

Once again, I have turned to my fave quote for these type of cards.

I would like to share this one over at Raise the Bar. I think my card fits the challenge which is "Ring in the New Year" - they are looking for circles on your project. Well, I have polka dots, circular pearl embellishments and many "half" circles around my quote.

I really should make a few more of these to have on hand.

On a fun note, we got to ski in powder yesterday! Whew, that was fun AND really good exercise......I'm feeling it a bit today. Oh and Doodlepants did the best ever faceplant - totally covered in snow - the only thing I could see was his pleading eyes telling me not to laugh at him. If only he could have seen himself!!! Where is that camera when you need it anyhow??? Certainly not in my pocket where I wish it had been! I am so longing to have some pics of us skiing - I've decided I'm gonna do it soon, now that the boys are becoming so independent. I will take the camera up just for a run or two, then take it back to the car. I should mention the big news too = Doodlepants took the chairlift for the first time and learned another new run!!! Yay, now the sky is the limit and the hardest thing will be to keep them off the black diamonds! Not for long though - Chester had me down one (The Main) with him while Doodlepants was in his lesson - yep you heard it a Black Diamond!

Better run, need to get in my craft room and make a birthday card.....or not. Not that I've sat down, I'm starting to get comfy.

Oooops, forgot to say that Doodlepants did not sustain any injuries as a result of his faceplant, except maybe for his pride, since he couldn't understand why his big brother didn't wipeout as well.....it was a very large drift of undisturbed powder!

Shanna :)

What I used:
papers: Kaiser Craft - Up, up and Away
stamp: "Eskimo Folklore" from River City Rubber Works

Sometimes it's the smallest things.....

2012-01-21T22:50:00.005-05:00

And here is the calendar layout I did to go inside the album. (previous post) It was compiled along with twelve others as well as the title page and final page that were submitted by a fantastic group of scrapbookers. See previous post for the album and more details.

You may notice that my stitching is incomplete. I knew I was not going to be able to finish it before the sun went down and it was my only chance to photograph the layout - oh well! I wanted to keep the layout simple to focus on the photo of this cutie, but I think the stitching was just what it needed.

The blank calendar is meant to make recording of special moments and "firsts" easy for the new Mom.

I loved working with these Simple Stories papers again! I love how they have all those fabulous little quotes, words and images. So much fun to play with!!! I used a combination of 12x12 papers and the 6x6 paper pad.

Also, those who know me well know that I love Winnie The Pooh, so when I saw this quote included in the papers, I just had to use is somewhere on the layout.

Trying to make it a quick post for tonight. I am freezing cold and my warm bed is calling my name despite the fact that I was really hoping to play in my scrap room tonight! The snowboarding went quite well today - I actually made my first real "turn" without embarassing myself. I did; however, have a really good "wipe out" following the third or fourth attempt at said turn. I called it a day after that! Will likely have a large bruise to show for it by tomorrow night, lol! We will be back at it again Sunday, but this time on skis!!! The good thing is it is warming up. Only -12 currently with snow in the forecast!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

The Tree

2012-01-20T21:02:00.005-05:00

Hello Friday!

Thanks for stopping by. I did survive all the sore muscles last weekend and I am about to do it again..... Cross your fingers for me though - it is currently -24!! and this is the warmest it has been in a couple of days. This morning it was -39 with the windchill, whew! It is supposed to warm up and SNOW (hooray!) but we shall see....

I have been spending very little time at my computer this last while. I hope to get around to visit you very soon!

Today, I would like to share a project that I finished before Christmas.

A group of us organized a baby album for Donna when her precious little boy was born at the end of October. Generally, we make a two page layout (one side is a calendar page to record all the firsts and special events) for each month of the year, starting the month the babe is born and add one extra for the first birthday month as well as a title page and final page. We decided to try to come up with something unique for the album - we brainstormed a few things, but this was the end result.

Let me just say....I stepped WAY out of my comfort zone here and was so nervous to apply paint to a canvas album! However, I think it was worth all the fretting. I am quite pleased with the result, especially since this is the same tree that is on this little guy's nursery wall! You can check it out here if you like.

Now, never mind the tree, isn't he the cutest little guy?

I'll be back soon with the actual layout I did for the album. In the meantime, wish me luck on my board tomorrow! lol

Shanna :)

Welcome TJ and sore muscles...

2012-01-15T21:30:00.004-05:00

Whew, what a weekend!!! It was fun, fun, fun, but I have sore, sore, sore muscles!!! lol It's okay though since it's all in the name of our motto for the season - "Embrace Winter" - sorta like, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Since we get the cold and snow no matter what we do and how much we complain, we may as well get out there and figure out a way to enjoy it!!!

We spent most of the day Saturday and all of today out at the ski hill. Doodle Pants learned to ride the T bar and went down his first "real run" besides the bunny hill and I got to test out my new snowboard while we both gave up keeping up with Chester! Yep, you heard it, I decided to get one and just do it! As of last weekend, Doodlepants had been reluctant to even think about going up the chair lift and was sticking to the bunny hill. Okay, I thought I won't rush him. Meantime though, the bunny run was getting a bit old for me, so I decided to get me a board and play around with it since I had to be hanging out at the bunny hill anyhow. So, I tried it out Saturday and a few runs again today - I did pretty good all things considered and didn't make a complete fool of myself, but my bottom is just a bit bruised. Since the last thing you want to do on a board is face-plant, you tend toward leaning back a bit and that means that every so often you land hard on your behind!!! Ouch! Just figures that today, Doodlepants declared he was ready for the t bar - he says he is doing the chairlift next weekend - I had figured on a few weeks of boarding on the bunny hill, lol. Okay, so I can do it on skis, but if I ever want to snowboard again I had better get it quick!

On to the crafty stuff! Here is the card I made for the arrival of Donna's little guy - this one was signed by everyone who went in on the group gift we organized. I really enjoyed working with these fun papers!

And here is the inside.

Using the same papers, here is the tag I made to go on the flowers that a couple of us sent when he arrived. I apologize for the "not so good" photos as I was in a hurry and had to take these at work where the lighting was less than adequate.
And here is the back where we signed our names. Stay tuned for more baby-themed items.

I am heading out of town in the AM, but hope to visit you soon!

I hope you are managing to EMBRACE WINTER, whatever that may mean to you!

As for me, I think I'll take a couple of advil and head to bed! Fresh air makes you soooo tired! lol

Cheers,

Shanna :)

What I used:

papers: Simple Stories - Baby Steps

Happy 2012!

2012-01-11T19:41:00.029-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

Yes, I am still here. I did initially take an intended hiatus over Christmas, but it was unintentionally extended because our internet has been down since Sunday, yikes!!!

This post is full of photos, so I will try to keep the text brief.....no promises though.

We spent the first week of our holidays with my family in Southern Ontario. If you want to see a lavishly decorated home at Christmas time, you have to visit my Mom's house! This is the tree in the corner of her kitchen, yep I said kitchen.

Meet "Sport", by brother and Shannon's miniature donkey! Those of you who recall the donkey story here - will know that my boys were thrilled to be able to use the three letter work starting with "A" that rhymes with grass! If you haven't read the story about the "A" word and are in need of a good laugh, click on over.

This came back to haunt me again when we took the boys to church on Christmas eve for a special live Nativity service. It was absolutely beautiful - huge, beautiful pipe organ, a set up drums, brass, beautiful & detailed costumes and of course, live animals. Goats, sheep and yep an a$$. On the way in (we were nice and early because we wanted a good seat), we saw the people trying to encourage the donkey to go inside the building... no boys, let's use the term donkey for tonight okay?.....donkeys are, of course, notoriously stubborn - well when we noticed that there was no donkey for the ceremony, we wondered what had become of her. On our way out, we met up with her in a hallway. Her name was "Isabelle" and she had decided that elevators weren't too cool, lol!

Homemade rhubarb jam all dolled up for gifting.

I love being in the country. There is a farm near Mom & Dad's that has race horses - it is common to see them jogging along the country roads.

I took some time to play with my camera while mounted on the tripod and was able to capture the fantastic glow from the tree in Mom & Dad's rec room. Yep, tree number two, I won't show them all, but there were at least EIGHT!!!

I love the ski toques Mom & Dad got the boys - looks like he is wearing goggles...

The Santa originally made and painted by one of my Dad's Uncles. It has been around for a long time.

Meet Roxy and Millie - my brother and Shannon's team. They provided us with two fantastic wagon rides (sadly there wasn't enough snow for the sleigh.) It is so fun to drive through the village - all the people in the houses wave at you as if you are in a parade, lol! We felt the need to shout "Merry Christmas!" There are always a few people who bring out their cameras as well!

Don't they look like they are having a conversation?
The view from the driver's seat. My brother encouraged me to try driving the team. I was once a horseback rider, so probably should have known better. It is harder than it looks! This team requires a great deal of tension - they would prefer to trot if allowed, especially on the way home!
Chester on the ride. Too bad, we have discovered that he is allergic to horses or hay, or both. He had some pretty nasty hives, watery/itchy eyes and got right stuffed up. We will stock up on Benadryl before our next visit. It was pretty mild out, but we brought along some hot cocoa anyhow!

During our visit, we got one of those snowfalls that sticks to everything and I just had to get outdoors and play with my camera & tripod.....these are the results - most taken at about 1 am, lol!

Trying to capture the beautiful snow laden birch in the front yard from inside - so glad I stayed up way too late to take these as most of it had slid off well before the sun came up.

Keep in mind, I was playing around, there may be some blurr....but I achieved some fun shots I think!

Home Sweet Home

Just had to shoot these lights for some reason, I'm already thinking of a quick and simple Christmas card I can do with this shot...

Okay, tried to keep it brief but it has been 2 and a half weeks after all! After spending a week in Southern Ontario, we flew home in time to celebrate New years at get out skiing! Unfortunately, I had a nasty cold, but I was determined not to let it ruin my holiday. It was great to have the week off with my boys - an entire week to ski and just hang out. I enjoyed myself so much that the Christmas decorations are still up, gasp!!! Oh well, the worst that can happen is they get dusty...

We have managed to get back into the swing of things - back to work and school - without too much difficulty. Three days down of the first week back and two to go. Weekend, here we come! Can't wait to hit the slopes again on Saturday & Sunday -we are crossing our fingers for more snow though, the conditions have not been great as the snow has been pretty scarce here!

How was your holiday? What are you doing to enjoy the great outdoors this winter?

I promise to be back with some crafty stuff sooner than later. I do have stuff made and even photographed, it is a matter of writing up some posts. I even snuck a little crafting in on the weekend as I was beginning to experience withdrawl after two weeks of no crafting whatsoever!!!

Cheers,
Shanna :)

Walking in a winter wonderland!

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays everyone!

This will be my last post before Christmas and today I have a card with absolutely no stamping to share. It is becoming so easy to create cards with some paper and a few embellishments!!!

Here is a shot with the tag pulled out.

And here is the inside!

I would like to share this at Wee Memories where the challenge currently is "Anything goes".

You may remember our house elf "Blizzard" from last year. Well, I must say he has become rather comfortable this year......comfortable enough to get up to some serious mischief!

The first strange thing he did was hang Doodlepants' underpants all over our Christmas tree, lol!!! The next night, we found this on the kitchen table.

I had been baking that weekend and we figure he thought it'd be fun to make a snow angel! He was obviously the culprit since he had flour all over him!!! Geez, this is like having another boy in the house!!! I think I will be relieved when he heads back to the North Pole until next Christmas season!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a very Happy Holiday and Best Wishes for 2012! However you celebrate, I hope you enjoy some quality time with your family and friends.

I will leave you today with a thought from our friend The Grinch.....

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.
"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more."

Holiday Hugs,
Shanna :)

What I used:
papers: 25 Days of Christmas from Simple Stories
Mini Bags from Canvas Home Basics - available at DAT'S - I am loving these - can't wait to play with them more!

Last minute cards and centrepieces

2011-12-22T12:15:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple of last-minute cards. Love these fun images (and sentiments) from Cosmo Cricket - makes for quick cards!

Another version of the vintage Santa card I made awhile back... this one is for my brother Shawn.
I almost forgot, I'd like to share these at:
Paper Sundaes - Celebrate
and
Wee Memories - Anything Goes

I would also like to share over at The southern Institute for Creative Me Monday.

These are the centerpieces I put together for my girlfriend's baby shower last weekend. I made good use of several of the mason jars that were given me.

sorry for the dark pictures. I have lots more baby projects to share, but they will have to wait till after Christmas i think.
Back to the "to do" list! Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

Music to my ears

2011-12-21T18:55:00.002-05:00

Okay, I do have a few things to share, but this one will be real quick!

First up, one more ornament - this was part of the music teacher's gift.

I would like to share this at Wee Memories (anything goes) and Raise the Bar (It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas).

And this is how I wrapped them up. I always have good intentions of using my SU wheels for gift wrap, but rarely get around to it. This time I did and the music note wheel was perfectly appropriate. The "ribbon" is from the fabric stash I picked up when I scored at the "scrap" sale at a quilt shop last spring. I have used these long strips on lots of my gifts this year!

Sorry, the photo quality is not great, I was shooting in a hurry!

Dare I count down the days? Okay, never mind. Whatever really needs to get done will get done and if it doesn't nobody will be any the wiser right?!

Cheers,
Shanna :)

p.s. Check it out - I got a Hoolala over at Wee Memories! How cool is that?

Happy Anniversary

2011-12-18T22:00:00.000-05:00

Yikes, I haven't posted in a whole week! I haven't had time to photograph/edit anything new I've made in the past week, but hope to soon. Meantime, here is a little Anniversary card I made up awhile back. Quick and easy! I really should make up some birthday cards of similar design to have on hand....

Good luck with your "to do" lists!

Cheers,
Shanna :)

What I used:
stamps: CTMH B1368 Baby Love, sentiment SU
ribbon: SU

Ski season is here!!!

2011-12-11T16:23:00.006-05:00

Oh my, it's Sunday already! Thanks so much for stopping by. I have been visiting your blogs only sporadically on account of the big "to do" list....
Here is a fun gift I made up following this Hot Chocolate recipe. I altered it slightly by adding about two tbsp. icing sugar. Then the next time I made it, I put less white sugar and more icing sugar since I found the white sugar didn't dissolve as well. It is very tasty - you could also leave out the candy cane and replace with mini marshmallows.

Mine is certainly not as pretty as the inspiration recipe but next time I will try to pack down my ingredients a little better and wipe with a paper towel to avoid the "mixing".

Anyhow, this little snowman image I had colored happened to match perfectly with my fabric topper. I couldn't help adding this SU felt snowflake that also just happened to match. I plan to make several more of these. I have one half done and want to layer a few more.

I would like to share this over at Wee Memories where the challenge is "Holiday" as well as at Paper Sundaes where the challenge is "Anything Christmas".

I would also like to share over at The Southern Institute for Creative Me Monday.

And finally, a photo of Chester and Doodlepants just before we headed to the ski hill this morning. They were super excited to get started! This was Doodlepants first time on skiis - there were some tears, but he liked it in the end - thank goodness as we plan to spend LOTS of time at the hill this winter! I only lasted until about 2:30 and now have JELLO legs!! OMG - it's one thing to go up the hand tow on your own (even that is hard on the arms), but going up with a 7 year old in tow and skiing together all day is very taxing on the muscles! Don't laugh, I will be crawling instead of walking by tomorrow! Perhaps a warm bath is in order....

Here's hoping you've had a lovely weekend!

Shanna :)

A musical star...

2011-12-07T22:07:00.004-05:00

Hello and thanks for stopping by to visit!

This is one of the ornaments I made for our piano teacher this year.

Adding the jingle bells on top of the raffia and wooden buttons seemed to be just what it needed. I am happy to say that the burgundy raffia has been upcycled!

Here is Chester, the piano man, at his recital and below is another- not so good photo- of me with him. Sorry to say that Doodlepants refused to be photographed...what can you do eh?

It matters not, they both played beautifully - Doodlepants played "Away in a Manger" (one of the ones I used to sing him to sleep with and one he often requested as a toddler - he is a November baby) and Chester played "Angels We have heard on High". We are so very proud of them both!!!

I would like to enter my project in the following challenges:
Paper Sundaes - red, stipes, stitching, dies (hand-made)
Ribbon Carousel - inspiration photo (lots of red & white, candy canes, Santas)
Wee Memories - Free for all!

Better run, it's getting late,
Cheers,
Shanna :)

What I used:
papers: authentique

Vintage ornament Inspired by....

2011-12-06T15:00:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Today I have a quick project to share for Laurel's new Challenge Blog Inspired By. The challenge is to create a project inspired by this photo - LOVE this!!!

I managed to incorporate the green colour as well as the ribbon and I think a bit of the vintage style.

I first saw the idea for these paper ornaments over at the Bo Bunny blog and have been having some fun making different versions with fun papers and a tiny bit of stuffing.

Gotta run,
Shanna :)

Snow Days

2011-12-02T14:55:00.000-05:00

Hello Friday!

It's baking day at my house - trying to get some holiday baking done and stowed away in the freezer - shhh, don't tell hubby where I hid it!!!

We are gearing up for a super busy weekend: Open House at the ski hill (sign up for Nancy Greene), Piano Recital for Chester & Doodle Pants, Parade of Lights and party after, Tae Kwon Do Christmas Party, Driving School Christmas Party and a Birthday Party for both boys! Okay - one thing at a time. Better get back to the baking....

Oh, my card is for the the challenge over at My partner in Crafting Crime - It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
I would also like to share over at Christmas Card Challenges.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Shanna :)

What I used:
papers: Basic Grey - Nordic
copics: B52, R30, 32, 89, G21
SU ribbon, misc buttons

The North Pole Express

2011-11-29T13:53:00.003-05:00

Do I ever love these fab papers from Simple Stories!!! I have had them in my hot little hands for a bit, but hadn't found time to play.

This is one of the cards I was able to make this past weekend.

This is their "25 Days of Christmas" line. Makes for some quick cards! I think I'll be doing a few more using this paper line....

I would like to share this for a couple of challenges:
Crazy for Challenges - snow
The Ribbon Girl - Jingle all the Way to Christmas

Have a fab day!
Shanna :)

Snowman snow, stitched ornaments and life goals?!?!

2011-11-26T19:50:00.001-05:00

So, we awoke to big, fat, fluffy flakes of snow falling this morning and it didn't stop in fact it may still be falling lightly if I go and look. So, after lunch we headed out to make a few snowy friends. Apparently, this first guy is a Leaf fan!

Since today happens to be my birthday, the snow was very fitting. Since I can remember, the Christmas tree was always up at my house on or before my birthday. All those decorations were sorta like my party decor and I loved it!

Thanks boys for a my french toast breakfast! My fave is a toss-up between Daddy's Finnish Pancakes and his french toast. I had mentioned that I was out of body wash so the boys got me a big bag full of it - several varieties - maybe I will have to have a couple of showers each day for the next few just to test them out, lol!

So, we are on the way home from Tae Kwon Do this morning in the car when Doodle Pants (formerly known as Pickle Pants) says to me:

Doodle Pants: "Do you know what my goal in life is?"
Mom: "No buddy, are you gonna tell me?"
Doodle Pants: "I'm gonna be Super Mario and Anna is going to be Princess Peach and we're gonna build a castle! Oh wait, Ari wants to be Super Mario and I will be Luigi. When we are adults, if Anna has babies, I'm gonna ask her if we can turn them into toads!"
Mom: speechless....

So apparently my boy has it all figured out and ummm, yes, Doodle Pants likes Super Mario a lot!!!

And here is what I whipped up this morning while that beautiful snow was falling outside my picture window.....

My inspiration was from here on the Bo Bunny blog and these were so fun to make!

Sorry about the lighting, just couldn't get it right.
I would like to share my ornaments at the following challenge blogs:
The Ribbon Girl - Jingle all the way to Christmas
Little Red Wagon - Christmas
Pollycraft Monday Challenge - Christmas

I think I may whip up a few more of these tonight...

Be back soon,
Shanna :)

What I used:
snowman - Bo Bunny Etc
stocking - MME Holly Jolly

Owl Birthday

2011-11-25T15:20:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of quick birthday cards I put together. They are for the current challenge at Wee Memories - woodland animals.

Back to the "to do" list! Tae Kwon Do tonight, then skate shopping. Tae Kwon Do Sat. am, then shopping for ski helmets and goggles - we need to be ready when the hill opens! Apparently, they had made a bunch of snow but it warmed up and everything melted, boo hoo! I want to be prepared if the weather cools off and stays that way! The boys are anxious to hit the slopes!

Hope you have some fun plans for the weekend!
Cheers,
Shanna :)

Halloween in review.....

2011-11-24T21:10:00.000-05:00

Why does life go crazy when November hits??? I do believe it took me weeks to post Halloween pics last year too....

Life has simply been very busy - special visitors, two birthdays, a whirlwind trip to Sudbury and back for work, etc etc. I am back home again though and trying to catch my breath.

Thought I'd start by sharing a few pics from our Halloween. I was playing around with my camera a bit. Below is our graveyard...

And here are the yummy treats I made a packaged up for the parties at school. I made candied popcorn - yummy - the kind made with white corn syrup and jello! It was orange and green of course. These little brown bags were the perfect size for individual servings.

And here are Pickle Pants and Chester. For the record, Pickle pants has requested to officially change his on-line name to "Doodle Pants" because he is an artist.....once again the inspiration came from Skippy John Jones!
Gotta run but hope to be back soon,

Shan :)

All is bright

2011-11-16T18:00:00.001-05:00

Hello, thanks for stopping by!

Here is another tag for the current CASual Fridays challenge - Tag you're it!

This tree reminds me of the decorations that the Whos put up in Whooville - don't you think? For some reason, I just had to make the tree pink, lol!

I adore the original cartoon version of "The Grinch who stole Christmas". It is on my "must watch" list in the weeks leading up to Christmas! I even own the CD version to listen to.... :) What's on your "must watch" list for the holidays?

Cheers,
Shanna :)

stamp: Tannenbaum CTMH

Snowmen, penguins, pop-outs and moose super heros!!

2011-11-15T22:10:00.001-05:00

First up is my entry for this week's challenge over at CA Sual Fridays - Tag you're it! Love this challenge. I hope to make a few more CAS tags. I am going to be so set with tags this season!

Next up is a fabulous card from Pickle Pants himself! Lately we have been having "card making" parties and doing some crafting together. He is a talented 6 year old artist - should say almost seven - and loves to draw (will share some of his colored drawings later as he took them to school). I told him he could have anything in this little "bucket" of things that almost made it onto cards but were quite right for some reason. This makes for quick card making for my little artist! I have also given him access to my scrap bin...he has been eyeing up my pretty ribbons and buttons though - deep breath - so I need to organize a special station just for him to create and make a rule that he needs permission to use anything outside of the zone!!!

I would like to share this one at Christmas Card creations as Pickle Pants was super excited about entering a challenge!

I just had to share the inside of a different card - check out that POP OUT tree!!! And he doodled some lovely squiggly lines on the inside much like Mom does!

Last but not least, here is the card that Pickle Pants and I worked on together for our friend Keither back home. He has had a very lengthy hospital stay, but we are just thankful that he is doing a bit better now as it was very touch and go for a long time. We sent this hoping it would cheer him up. Riley moose was pre-coloured but had yet to make it onto a card. Pickle Pants pulled the other bits from the bucket and voila!

If you're still reading, thanks for sticking with us! We hope you are having a fantastic week!

Shanna & Pickle Pants

Happy Holidays from Santa

2011-11-13T11:44:00.002-05:00

Hello Sunday!
Where did the week go???

All week I have been wanting to work on this card. I have never pulled apart a book to use on a card, though I've purchased many from thrift stores or yard sales with exactly that in mind. You see, I LOVE books and when it came to actually ripping a page out, it pained me! lol

Well, this week's Textalicious challenge over at Cupcake Crafts gave me the push I needed to finally rip the page out of a dictionary I paid $1.00 for last spring. Only thing was, when I got the page with the Santa Claus entry pulled out of there I was concerned about only having the one page, so I decided to copy it on my printer. Brain wave! This way, if I want to use the same text from the same page again to duplicate a card or project, I can do it!

Okay, enough babbling! Besides the Textalicious challenge, my card is also for Christmas Card challenges and If the Shoe Fits - try something new. The other different and new thing I did on this card (besides ripping apart a dictionary), was to use a ready made image - I picked up a whole big bunch of these "coasters" from the dollar store a few years ago and have used them a few times as gift tags, but never on a card. I found them a few days ago and thought hmmm, these would work on a card...whatdya think?

Oh yes, I did do some ink distressing along the edges of the blue paper and the text and pulled out the Tattered Angels glimmer mist and got inky too!

Hope you are having a great weekend!
Cheers,
Shanna :)

Believe in whooo you are!

2011-11-10T23:45:00.001-05:00

It's almost the weekend! Whooooray!

This card is the for the Pay it forward challenge over at Moxie Fab. For this challenge, you can choose to make a card for: World Hello Day, Sweetest Day, or National Day of Encouragement. My card is for National Encouragement day. There is a new challenge each day this week - you should really check it out - just wish I had more creating time this week! Oh well, maybe I'll find some time on the weekend....

Oh, and since I used a fun paper with text on it, I'd like to share this at Cupcake where the current challenge is "textalicious"! I really want to find time to make another project for this challenge, I love anything with text, words, etc. So fun to play with!

Gotta run, hope to be back soon,
Shanna :)

Most supplies are CTMH - stamp set was the Sept promo

Wishing you....

2011-11-08T04:10:00.000-05:00

Coming to you live this early morning from Geraldton, ON where I am working for a couple of days. My sinuses are driving me crazy and I could not get back to sleep, so thought I would check in here before trying again.....

I have another quick tag to share today. There are more to come as I have been having fun with tags this year!

The challenge at Wee Memories this week is Bags, Boxes and Tags, so I will share over there. I would also like to share over at The Ribbon Girl for their Jingle all the way to Christmas Challenge.

Best try to get back to sleep or tomorrow is going to be a muy long day!
Shanna :)

Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas

2011-11-06T13:30:00.002-05:00

Here is another Christmas card for the stash! I am going to share over at Christmas Card Challenges - there is a great sketch this week that I hope to play with tonight!

I am almost finished putting away Halloween!!! One more tote to go....Hope you are having a great weekend!

Shanna :)

What I used:
stamps: D1492 Christmas Love
papers: CTMH Believe, Holiday Red
embellishments: SU ribbon

Penguins

2011-11-05T15:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks for stopping by! I have a number of empty hot chocolate/coffee containers hanging around just waiting to be "upcycled". When I saw the WRAP it UP challenge over at Crazy for Challenges, I looked at the empty hot chocolate container on that has been cluttering up my kitchen counter for weeks and said to myself, "Just do it already!" Wee Memories challenge this week is for Bags, boxes & tags, so I will share over there as well!

So - here is my first altered project for Christmas!

First the matching tags - I guess I uploaded backwards...

I have plans with a couple of friends to get together next weekend and do up a bunch of these types of projects - bags, boxes & tags so we are ready to go when Christmas gets closer. It promises to be a fun afternoon!

This paper has been hanging about in my stash for a coon's age - I bought it because I love penguins, but found it difficult to use for cards. Glad to finally find a use for it!

Oh, and I almost forgot...I would like to share this over at The Ribbon Girl for their Jingle all the way to Christmas challenge!

I hope you are having a great weekend!

After Tae Kwon Do class and a stop by my LSS to shop for the new Bo Bunny line, my goal is to get eliminate Halloween from the landscape! I've had enough of looking at it (time to move onto Christmas) but have only had time to remove a few things so far. Out with the spooky, in with the festive!
Cheers,
Shanna :)

Dino Celebrate

2011-11-04T22:40:00.000-04:00

TGIF!!!! It has been a very busy week!

Here is my card for this week's challenge at Wee Memories - brads, buttons or bows. I hope I haven't missed the deadline!

I am going to keep it short as my bed seems to be calling my name....

Night night,
Shanna :)

JOY

2011-11-02T19:40:00.002-04:00

Ahhhh November, time to get out the Christmas music! Okay, I confess that I've already had it on a few times while making Christmas cards/projects. But I always feel like it is legitimate to listen openly after November 1st! ( I do wait until after Remembrance Day to deck the halls though, out of respect for our veterans.)

Halloween is fun and my boys love it, but I have to admit it seems like a lot of work for one day! We did have some fun though - I'll try to share pics soon.

In the meantime, I managed to get a card done for this week's challenge over at "Less is More" Challenge Blog where the theme is stars.
And, since this is another card for the Christmas stash, I would like to share it over at Christmas Card Challenges.

Another busy day in our house, Pickle Pants started Tae Kwon Do!

Cheers,
Shanna :)

What I used:
Stamps - CTMH Holiday Magic (Oct som), Winter Joy & Holiday Jingle

Inukshuk

2011-11-01T22:55:00.000-04:00

Hi folks!
Super quick post tonight. I am awfully tired after all the Halloween festivities!
I thought I had photographed my card for the Less is More challenge this week which is stars, but alas I uploaded my photos to find only Halloween shots. I must have forgotten to shoot it! Maybe I'll find time tomorrow...

In the meantime, I'll post these quickies that I made awhile back to have on hand. CAS and quick they were and I had been wanting to play with this fun stamp for ages!

Bed is calling me name, night night!
Shanna :)

It's almost the witching hour.....

2011-10-29T22:10:00.000-04:00

Yes, another Halloween card! I decided to make another card for the Moxie Fab World "Textured to Perfection" challenge.

This is such a fun technique! I simply take my spray bottle and get the edges of the paper wet - once you do this you can shape it just how you like. Leave to dry and you are set to go! Such a fun way to add some dimension! I took one more shot to see if I could capture it better with my camera.

I would also like to share this for the following challenges:

The Ribbon Carousel - inspired by Halloween
Pollycraft Monday - Spooky
Wee Memories - Brads, buttons or bows

I hope you are having a great weekend! Here is what our agenda for Sunday is looking like: finish carving the pumpkins, get costumes organized, bake the witch's fingers (dough already made and chilling), walk past big pile of dirty laundry, make candied popcorn for school parties, leave dishes in sink and move onto next thing on list and finish the spooky decor outside. Hmmmm, it's going to be a busy day! If only I'd been home this past week, perhaps I would have at least go the costumes organized - or maybe not, at least I have that as an excuse, lol!

Cheers,

Shanna :)

What I used:
Cricut Cartridge: A child's year
papers: MME - Mischeivous
embellishments: Making Memories "Spook Alley"

Wishing star

2011-10-28T11:25:00.001-04:00

Hooray, it's Friday!

Whew, that was a busy week!

Today my card is for two challenges:
CAS-ual Fridays - a fab sketch
and
The Ribbon Girl - Jingle all the way to Christmas - and there is a yummy Christmasy prize too!

Be sure to stop by and check out the inspiration at both challenge blogs!

I found this piece of coverstock in my scrap bin from years ago and love how it just worked with this card - must go find me some more of this!!!

Best run and work on my to do list as I've been away all week.
Cheers,
Shanna :)

What I used:
CTMH December word puzzle (retired) & Shining Star & Circle Around

You take the cake!!!

2011-10-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, you may need your sunglasses...............

this card is way bright compared to what I've been up to lately. I don't do it often, but it was FUN to play with these bright, loud, cheery colours!!! And, I dug into my yummy Echo Park Summer Days 6x6 pad - so fun!

Wishing you a cheerful day!
Shanna :)

I Love you

2011-10-25T05:00:00.000-04:00

I made this little card for hubby a few weeks ago - I was away, then he went away for the weekend with the boys and I left on a work trip before they returned, so I thought it might be nice to leave him a little note.

I hope you're having a great week! Thanks for visiting!
Shanna :)

What I used:
stamps: CTMH Baby Love
paper: from my scrap bin again!!!
ribbon: SU

Happy Holidays

2011-10-24T05:00:00.001-04:00

Thanks for stopping by!

I have combined two challenges for today's card:

Christmas Card Challenges
and
Cupcake Craft Challenge - oops missed the deadline.

Would you believe I found this fab patterned paper in my scrap bin!?! Really should visit there more often me thinks! I just LOVE this new ribbon from SU!

If I am mostly MIA the next few days, it's because I am working out of town this week. I will have to play catch up when I'm back. Have a good one!

Shanna :)

What I used:
stamps: CTMH December word puzzle (retired)
ribbon: SU

Perhaps they are not stars in the sky......

2011-10-23T01:00:00.001-04:00

Here is the card I made for the "Textured to Perfection" challenge over at Moxie Fab World. Unfortunately, I've been in need of a seemingly endless supply of sympathy type cards these last couple of months and this is just one of them. Adding texture was was a fun way to add some interest.
If you haven't been over to Moxie Fab to check out the "Textured to Perfection" post, you really should! There are some fabulous ideas over there!!!

I would also like to share this at Wee Memories where this week is a "free for all" challenge!

I hope you're have a fab weekend!

Shanna :)

What I used:
papers: Kaiser Craft - Up, up and Away
stamp: 2022-M "Eskimo Folklore" from River City Rubber Works - this is my standby for sympathy cards

Snowman like you

2011-10-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a quick tag I put together for the challenge over at CAS-ual Friday. I think I will make up a few of these to have on hand for the holidays!

I hope to be back tomorrow with a card for the "Textured to perfection" challenge over at Moxie Fab World.

Have a fabulous weekend!
Shanna :)

Orange & Black

2011-10-21T07:19:00.003-04:00

Orange & Black is this week's challenge at Raise the Bar where I have been asked to Guest Design this week! Thanks for this opportunity! The challenge doesn't indicate a specific theme, just the colour combo; however, I couldn't resist making yet another Halloween card! I've never made so many as I have this year! It must be all the fab lines that are out!!!

Anyhow, thanks for stopping by and Happy Friday! Be sure to stop by Raise the Bar and see what the other girls have created!

I would also like to share this at The Ribbon Carousel where there is a Halloween themed inspiration challenge this week.

Shanna :)

What I used:
Cricut cartridge: A Child's Year
papers: MME Mischievous
Tim Holtz tissue tape
bat embellishment - Making Memories "Spook alley"

Cosmo Cricket Greetings!

2011-10-19T12:45:00.001-04:00

Here is what I've made with my new Cosmo Cricket stash so far - love this line!!! I just had to add jingle bells.
This line makes card-making so easy! Both sentiments are simply cut, trimmed and adhered! I must say that I am please with how this turned out but he does look better in person. :)

I would like to share this at:

Christmas Card Challenges
and
Wee Memories - Holiday Madness

Oh, and check this out! I was featured at Little Red Wagon!!! What a treat!

What I used:
papers: Cosmo Cricket - Dear Mr. Claus

JOY

2011-10-18T06:45:00.002-04:00

Thanks for stopping by!I had lots of fun playing around with this. I had my "Shining Star" set out as well as these non-traditional coloured papers to play with on another project when this card just sorta "happened" - always a happy thing!

Today's card is for two challenges:
Wee Memories - Holiday Madness
and
Cupcake Craft Challenge - buttons & bows

See you soon,
Shanna :)

I brought several stamp sets together to make this card:
All CTMH
D1320 Shining Star
JOY - D1492 Christmas Love
small star streak- C1371 Holiday Jingle
postmark - D1166 - Holiday Christmas
papers: Kaiser Kraft - Up, up and Away

Celebrate

2011-10-17T01:00:00.001-04:00

Hello and thanks again for stopping by to visit!

For this project, I did some "upcycling" and stamped on a large piece of brown paper packing that was used as "stuffing" in a package we rec'd recently. I just couldn't throw it out, I'll bet there was three yards of it!!! Once stamped with some leaf images and tied up with twine, fall leaves and a bit of (also upcycled) ribbon that came from a tag, I think it made for lovely gift packaging. :)

I have LOTS more of this brown paper and you can guess how I'll be wrapping my Christmas gifts......

And here is a better shot of the card. I dove into my stash of fabric and had some fun with these vibrant autumn colours. Still using that wooden button stash I acquired a couple years ago at a quilt shop.

And the inside.
I would like to share my project at:
Papers Sundaes - fall/Halloween
and
The Southern Institute for domestic arts & crafts - Creative Me Monday

Here's hoping you have a great start to your week!

Shanna :)

What I used:
stamps: CTMH D1420 A Little Everything
fabric from my stash
ribbon: SU
embellishments: Making Memories

Celebrate the Season

2011-10-16T16:03:00.002-04:00

Here's another for the stash!

Although I find this a bit plain for me, I LOVE this wreath, love it!

This is for the following challenges:
The Paper Players - CAS Christmas in green & red
Wee Memories - Holiday Madness
Christmas Card Challenges

Hope you are having a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by,

Shanna :)

What I used:
wreath stamp: CTMH C1473 Remarkable Wreath

Our memories

2011-10-15T07:20:00.000-04:00

Hello Saturday! Hello Birthday Sale day at our LSS, DAT'S!!!

I have a quick holiday tag to share. I must admit this one looks better in person. I wasn't sure about the monochromatic thing, but once I put it together and added bling, I was pleased with the results. I made this using CTMH's c1420 Snow Days.

This morning I am heading over to DAT'S Scrapbooking for their big Birthday Sale to celebrate their 8th year in business! Congratulations Donna, Trevor, Amy & Sparkle and thanks for all you do for us local "scrappers"!
I am going to share a bit about what happens to day in case you are local and don't get Donna's emails.....

DAT’S 8^th Birthday Sale!

25% OFF the Entire Store!

(Excluding gift certificates, workshops & already reduced items.)

Saturday, October 15, 2011

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

~ Hourly Attendance Draws

~ Receive a ballot for every $40.00 you spend towards our Main Door Prize

Main Door Prize Includes:

Canon Power Shot A800 Digital Camera (10 mega pixels & 3.3x optical zoom); Making Memories Toil & Trouble Garland Kit; Around the Block 8x8 Suede Chocolate Album; Pebbles Inc. Cream Chalks (10 Precious Metal Shades); Color Box Pigment Brush Pad – Silver and Luminarte Radiant Rain Dauber.

See you at DAT'S!!!

Shanna :)

Let's Celebrate

2011-10-14T09:54:00.003-04:00

Good Friday morning! It's a rainy one here, but no complaining from me, we've had so much beautiful weather that the rain is welcome and needed. :)

I have had so much fun with this Fancy Pants "Beach Bum" paper line! This time I remembered I had purchased the matching ribbon set and incorporated it on my card.

My tag is made using the new Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge and one of the coordinating stamp sets from CTMH! I am so thrilled with this new set and many of the new stamp sets in the catty coordinate with the cartridge - it even tells you the size you need to cut at!!! The ticket stamp is from the November Stamp of the Month - Cherish the Day - a must have!

Today's card is for:
Pollycraft Monday Challenge - Boys, boys, boys
and
Little Red Wagon - Just the ticket!

Have a great day!
Shanna :)

What I used:
stamps: The Greeting Farm, CTMH Cherish the Day S1111 (November som)
papers: Fancy Pants "Beach Bum"
misc embellishments

Shabby Joy

2011-10-12T19:15:00.000-04:00

Hello and thanks for visiting!

My goodness am I ever happy this is a short work week for me, I feel like I've already worked a full week, lol!

I had so much fun playing with the current Stamp of the Month from CTMH. This is the card I came up with. I am going to share this over at Christmas Card challenges. How is your stash coming along?

Enjoy the rest of your week.
Cheers,
Shanna :)

What I used:
stamps: CTMH D1492 Christmas Love, S1110 Holiday Magic (Oct. SOM)
papers: Authentique "Wonder" Collection - did I tell you I LOVE these papers???
embellishments: misc. lace, antique buttons, misc. ribbon

Baby Love

2011-10-11T23:20:00.001-04:00

I have been enjoying my spellbinders lately, especially in combination with smallish images that do not require colouring! Here is a baby girl card I made up using CTMH's Baby Love set. I adore this set!

I would like to share this at Raise the Bar where the challenge this week is "furry friends".

Thanks for stopping by,
Shanna :)

What I used:
stamps: CTMH Baby Love
Spellbinders - Labels Eighteen (my current fave)

So Thankful

2011-10-10T14:00:00.001-04:00

Hello and thanks for stopping by! Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends and family!

For my layout, I have used the sketch over at Sketchy Thursdays for the November Guest Design Team Challenge. Besides the sketch, we were directed to include a list of things we are thankful for as well as at least five leaves. This is such a fantastic sketch and I got to play with my brand new papers and embellishments from We R Memory Keepers. This was such a fun layout to create!
I would also like to share my layout at:
The Ribbon Carousel - Anything Goes
The Little Red Wagon - thanks

Despite the fact that it has been warm enough to wear shorts here all weekend (unseasonably warm!), yesterday, my boys decided it was high time to decorate for Halloween! This is what I worked on while they hung skeletons from the trees and picked out grave sites....

I call this my "potting cabinet" - it's where I stash my gardening gloves, small tools and pots. Would you believe I found it at the curb for FREE?!? I just love it, and it is perfect for stashing all my small garden stuff just outside our side door.
All those crazy and colourful gourds/squash were grown in my garden! The funny part is that I didn't even plant them! We think that they grew perhaps because we compost last autumn's pumpkins etc in the garden, a few seeds somehow survived.....

Best run, we are heading out to the country to spend the afternoon with another family that have adopted us. We are so lucky and so very much to be thankful for!

Enjoy your turkey day, whatever you're up to!

Hugs,
Shanna :)

Shorts and skiis and snow suits....

2011-10-09T11:00:00.000-04:00

Hello Sunday!
Wow - I said we were having a beautiful autumn day yesterday....well actually, it was more like summer!!! It got up to at least 25 degrees - we wore shorts! - would have been way to HOT in pants!!! We actually had to turn the AC on for a bit to cool down the house. It's about the third or fourth time I've told my boys "Put some shorts on today, it will likely be the last time!" They thought I was funny saying it again yesterday, especially considering it was the 8th of OCTOBER! T-shirt weather does happen here in October from time to time, but short weather is mostly unheard of at this point in the proceedings.

So, it was so ironic that we were heading out yesterday (dressed for summer) to the Ski Haus to get the boys geared up for the ski season! I took Chester out a couple of times at the end of last season and he LOVED it, so he will definitely be in the Nancy Greene program this winter. Though we didn't get Pickle Pants out last season, he has agreed to try it out this year, so I took both of them to get set up. There is a fab program allowing you to rent Junior equipment for the season for $100. Since they grow so fast and this is their first season, I figured that would work for us. We also managed to find Chester a flashy new ski suit for his first winter on the slopes. It was just so funny to be trying on winter gear whilst dressed in shorts and tees!

We ended our beautiful, warm day hanging with friends who have entirely adopted us and included us in their family's Thanksgiving dinner once again. Thanks Danderella et famille! The children ran around in the yard after a scrumptious meal until it was dark and it was still warm as a summer's night!

I thought this was an appropriate card to share today for Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenges since we spent yesterday afternoon shopping for ski gear in our shorts, lol!

Thanks for stopping by,
Shanna :)

What I used:
stamps: CTMH Winter Joy C1468

Blue skies, sunflowers and scary skulls...

2011-10-08T10:25:00.001-04:00

We are having another beautiful fall day here! So thankful it's also a Saturday! We are heading to the Farmer's Market this morning to pick up some yummy local eats.

I would like to share my card at Wee Memories this morning where the challenge is Halloween. And here is the inside of my card.

For this one, I had some fun with my Tattered Angels glimmer mist as well as my Tim Holtz tissue tape!

Here are just a couple more shots of my sunflowers. Glad I took these when I did as they are all dead now due to several heavy frosts we've had since mid-September.

Happy Saturday!
Shanna :)

Autumn Days

2011-10-07T11:45:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday! Wow, we have been gifted with some fantastic weather this week! Cool at night, but so sunny and warm during the day - autumn is my favorite season, I just wish it would last longer!

I would like to share my card at SSIC where the challenge is to use fruit on your creation. The challenge at The Ribbon Carousel is "anything goes" this week, so I will share over there as well.

Here is the inside.

Hope you have a great Friday!
Shanna :)

What I used:
stamps: CTMH D1490 Backdrop - charmed
papers: CTMH