Friday, February 28, 2014

Powered by Christmas Spirit

I can't believe it's the last day of February.  I have to hurry post this card since it is for a monthly challenge.  I had the image colored for some time, but due to special circumstances.......just haven't had the chance to put it together.  I kept it rather simple.  I must say, I've had a lack of sleep lately, but needed a little card therapy. It has been rather sad around our house the past few days, and even my cat has tears.

Patterned Paper:  My Mind's Eye
Cardstock:  Core-dinations, Bazzil; Recollections
Stamp:  Digi Stamp 4 Joy - mp245
Sentiment:  TLC, Create - Powered by Christmas Spirit
Spellbinders:  Decorative label twenty eight; label thirty two
Border Punch:  Fiskars
Ribbon:  American Crafts
Embossing Folder:  Cuttlebug
Bling:  Mark Richards

Challenges
Christmas Challenges with a sketch - Ch. 112
Digi stamps 4 Joy - February monthly Christmas challenge
Make it Monday - Ch. 180
Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas - Ch. 165 Use a sentiment
Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Extra - February


Thursday, February 27, 2014

Jeff - my husband



If you have followed my blog for some time, you will know I have talked about my husband, Jeff who has suffered from cancer.  Jeff died on Tuesday February 25th at home with my children, cats and myself.  It was our goal to keep him at home, and I was so happy that it happened that way.  He fought a long and courageous fight, and I'm so proud of him.  I thank of you for your support and loving thoughts over the years.  I truly believe that those kind words helped him to stay longer with us since he survived much longer than ever predicted. Jeff was a great husband, Dad, step-Dad and friend. He was a natural born teacher/mentor to all whether it be music, photography, astronomy, geek ware or life. He was one to use puns and his queen sense of humor to control a crowd. To make people smile always made him feel good.  Jeff didn't mind being unique or a little strange he actually found it "refreshing." He cared about others more than himself and was not ready to leave this earth until he knew everything was in place for his family. Jeff affected so many lives, and will be missed by many, none more than myself. All I can think of is that now he is back to conducting, walking and talking wonderful photographs of the heavens. My only request of him was that since he would be on his own again is that he would pick out clothes that matched, LOL.

Here is the official obituary.
Jeffrey Lee Peronto, age 64, passed into eternal life on February 25th, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with renal cancer. Jeff was born on June 14, 1949 in Milwaukee to Lillian and Leroy Peronto. Educated at Marquette University HS and UW-Madison, he worked as a musician and teacher for 37 years. Jeff was most proud of his career at MATC, where he taught music and directed the Madison Municipal Band, several jazz ensembles and the pit orchestras for the MATC musicals. Also an expert photographer, Jeff loved taking pictures, not only during his travels, but also through the lens of a telescope. He loved to mentor anyone interested in photography.

Some may remember Jeff's appearance on the Today Show with Jane Pauley, where he offered tips on shooting photos of Haley's Comet for the amateur photographer. Jeff later appeared on CNN and Fox, as well.

Disney World held a special place in Jeff's heart with an appointment as Director of the All American College Band in 1979. Jeff returned to the Florida theme park with his family and his college jazz groups in the years to follow. Through Jeff's efforts, Big Band greats Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Count Basie and many others visited MATC to perform and work with jazz ensemble members.
Highlights of his stint as director of the Madison Municipal Band included trips to Paris and Rome, where the band performed for Pope Paul VI. Jeff served as a field assistant for the UW Marching Band and just a few years ago conducted the band during one of the UW football games.

He was a popular teacher and well loved man in the community so I have had an outpouring of support which has been overwhelming.  Again, thanks for all your love and support.

Lisa Lynn

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Life is funner because of you

Isn't this waving bunny just so precious? She is from QKR, and the sentiment is from a great set at TLC

Patterned Paper:  Nitwit - Grandma's Garden
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Recollection
Stamp:  QKR - digi 11407
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Spellbinder: Opulent Oval; Pennant
Embossing Folder:  Cuttlebug
Brads:  Paper Studio
Ribbon:  Michael's
Flowers:  Prima
Pearls:  Recollection

Challenges
Sweet Sketch Wednesday 2 - Sketch 07
Eureka - Ch. 77 - Animal Friends
Make it Monday - Ch. 179
Fab 'n Funky - Ch. 204 Spots or Stripes
Paper Pretties - PWC298 Ribbon
Crafty Ribbons - Ch. 77 Anything Goes
Totally Papercrafts - Ch. 207 Spring


Friday, February 21, 2014

Cowboy Up

I just purchased this image from Doodle Garden that I found so adorable and it went perfectly with this sentiment from TLC.   This guy is just so adorable.  I embossed my background to look like woodgrain, and then used my barbed wire die cuts.  I added Stickles to star on the horse and the sheriff badge and then added some glitter embossing powder also.  I put a few pieces of twine in the corner to go with the western theme.

Cardstock:  Bazzil; Recollections
Stamp:  Doodle Garden - Little Bronco Buster
Sentiment:  TLC, Create - (see above for direct link)
Brad:  Jo Ann Basics
Twine:  Natural Fibers
Stickles
Embossing Powder:  Tim Holtz
Spellbinder:  Deckled Rectangles
Embossing Folder:  Cuttlebug
Die Cuts:  My Favorite Things:  Barbed Wire; Country Charms


Challenges
Digi Sketch Challenge - Ch. Glitter It
Make it Monday - Ch. 179
Melonheadz - For the boys
Papertake Weekly - Lovely layers

Have you been good or bad?

I made this Christmas card using a pre-colored image from Doodle Pantry because I liked the blue non-traditional Santa cap.  I added red Stickles to the berries on the image. The sentiment is from TLC.  I also included some holly leaves from a Tim Holtz Sizzix die as well as the image having holly leaves.



Patterned Paper:  Sweet Shoppe - Counting down to Christmas
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Recollections
Stamp:  Doodle Pantry - Jolly St. Nick Colored
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Spellbinder:  Opulent Ovals
Holly die: Sizzix Tim Holtz
Ribbon:  Michael's
Stickles

Challenges
Doodle Pantry - Ch. 43
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra - February
Crafty Ribbons - Ch. 77 Anything Goes
Digi Stamp 4 Joy - Ch. 86 Use dies or punches
Paper Pretties - PWC298 Ribbon
Merry Monday - Ch. 96 Use holly on your card

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

B is for baby

I made a baby boy for a co-worker who I think might have a boy or at least she is hoping for one since she already has two girls.  I'm hoping this brings her good luck.  Anyway I used an image from Melonheadz and the sentiment is from TLC.  I complain about my lack of sleep; however, at least it isn't due to a baby.  Well, of sorts, my baby is 17.



Patterned Paper:  Paper Studio; Teresa Collins
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Core-dination; Recollection
Stamp:  Melonheadz - crawling boy melonheadz bw
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Spellbinder:  Small and large circles; pennant
Divine twine
Button:  stash
Twine:  Natural fibers

Challenges
Sketch Saturday - Sketch 297
Melonheadz - For the boys
Make it Monday - Ch. 179
Fab 'n Funky - Ch. 204 Spots or Stripes
A Gem of a Challenge - Ch. 113 Spots and Stripes
Creative Knockouts - Ch. 24 Spots and Dots

Moochas smoochas to you

I just love this image from Mo Manning that reminds me of my daughter and her boyfriend.  The girl has both spots and stripes in her outfit too.  The cute sentiment is from TLC.  Hope you have a sweet day!

Patterned Paper:  My Mind's Eye
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Recollections
Stamp: Mo Manning - Bubble heart
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Spellbinders:  Small and large circle; Grand Stately Circle; Pennant
Flowers:  Prima
Embossing Folder:  Cuttlebug

Challenges
Splitcoast Sketch - SC476
Mo Manning - Ch. 221 Love is....
Make it Monday - Ch. 179
Fab 'n Funky - Ch. 204 Spots or Stripes
Paper Crafting Journey - Love is in the air
A Gem of a Challenge - Ch. 113 Spots and Stripes
Digi stamps 4 Joy - Ch. 86 Use dies or punches


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Mojo - Time Heals

I love the Mojo sketches, but just have not had a chance to play the last few weeks so I jumped on this one.  I used a wonderful sentiment from TLC to make a sympathy card.  I still wanted to use some bright colors since I needed to brighten my own mood.  Today we are actually going to have a high of 39 so it is really warm here today! 

Patterned Paper:  Sweet Shoppe - Inside Out
Cardstock:  Core-dinations
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Ribbon:  Michael's
Spellbinders:  Small and large circles
Embossing Folder:  Cuttlebug
Flowers: Recollection; Zva

Challenges
Mojo - Sketch 333
Digi Darlas - Ch. 102 Sympathy
Make it Monday - Ch. 179
QKR - Ch. 75 Sentiment Only
Papertake Weekly - Lots of layers

Let's Celebrate with Lacy Sunshine

I finally colored this adorable Lacy Sunshine image and then inked the sentiment from TLC with some distress ink to give it a more vintage look.  I had these buttons from Jenny Bowlin that I thought matched nicely.

Patterned Paper:  American Crafts; My Mind's Eye
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Recollections
Stamp:  Lacy Sunshine - 1920's winter Lizabeth
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Buttons:  Jenny Bowlin
Ribbon:  JoAnn's Basics
Flower:  Prima
Spellbinder:  Gold Ivy
Ink:  Distress - Old Paper

Challenges
Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Sketch 06
Make it Monday - Ch. 179
Lacy Sunshine - Ch. 27 Lots of layers
Scribble 'n Scrap - Ch. 12
Craft Your Passions - Ch. 201 Girly Girl
Crafter's Cafe - Ch. 51 Create a vintage or shabby chic

Un"bee"lievable

I made this card following the sketch of FMS, but didn't get it done in time.  The sentiment is from a great set at TLC.  I have been fighting a sinus infection for over a month, and I have been on an antibiotic for over a week which just doesn't seem to be cutting it as well as the cough I have with my bronchitis.  I am getting run down.  I should have tried to get some sleep this past night since I did work, but I wanted to do some crafting to try to lift my spirits.  I tried to make some bright cards like this one.

Cardstock:  Sweet Shoppe - Life is Fun; Bazzil; Recollections
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Punches:  Martha Stewart
Divine Twine
Button:  stash
Bling:  Paper Studio

Challenges
Dynamic Duos - Ch. 90
Make it Monday - Ch. 179
Delicious Doodle - Ch. 75 Ribbon and Bling
Brown Sugar - Ch. 81 Use a die cut or a punch
Sentimental Sunday - Ch. 194 Pack a punch
Love to Create - Ch. 103 Make it Sparkle with Bling

WORK

This is another card that I made for a co-worker using a Bugaboo image. I again used patterned paper from TLC.  Paulette just finished a club, but will be having another starting in March.  During the clubs she offers lots of papers along with images and word art.  If you want more information you can check it out here.



Patterned Paper:  TLC, Create - A Happy Family Papers 5
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Core-dinations; Recollections
Stamp:  Bugaboo - WORK Gus
Washi tape - Recollections
Button:  Stash
Divine Twine
Glossy Accents

Challenges
Deconstructed Sketch - Sketch 138
Make it Monday - Ch. 179
One Stitch at a Time - Ch. 200 Use a digi

Hard work

I made this card for a co-worker using a Stella image from Bugaboo and the patterned paper from TLC.  I added Glossy Accents to the glasses.



Patterned Paper:  Inventory Papers 3
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Recollections
Stamp:  Bugaboo - Stella work never hurt anyone
Spellbinder: large scalloped circle; label number eight
Ink:  Memento - London Fog
Die Cut - My Favorite Things
Ribbon:  Reasonable Ribbon
Flowers:  Recollions; Zva
Glossy Accents
Pearls:  Recollections

Challenges
Inky Impressions - Ch. 146 Sketch
4 Crafty Chicks - Ch. 181 Use Pearls
Brown Sugar - Ch. 81 Use a punch or die cut
Make it Monday - Ch. 179
Sentimental Sunday - Ch. 194 Pack a punch



Sunday, February 16, 2014

It's all about the cake

This cute image is from "From the Heart" as the stamp of the month.  He comes with some wonderful sentiments, but I decided to use a great one from TLC.  For this image I used Glossy Accents for the sweat and Liquid Applique for the candle wax.

Patterned Paper:  Carta Bella
Cardstock:  Core-dinations; Paper Company; Recollections
Stamp:  From the Heart - Birthday Candle Birdbrain
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Ribbon:  JoAnn Craft Essentials
Button:  My Favorite Things
Spellbinders:  Small and Large Deckled Rectangles; Small and Large Petite Ovals
Twine:  Natural Fibers
Glossy Accents
Liquid Applique

Challenges
From the heart - Sketch 53
From the heart - Stamp of the month
Crafty Sentiments - Buttons and Bows
MIM - Ch. 179

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Congratulations on your adoption

I have a co-worker who just got a black and white springer spaniel puppy. It is like a baby, and she is checking in with her husband about Louie throughout the evening so I thought a card was appropriate.  The image is from Bugaboo and the sentiment is from TLC.

Patterned Paper:  DCWV
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Core-dinations; Recollections
Stamp:  Bugaboo - Puppy dog
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Button:  stash
Twine:  Natural Fibers
Spellbinders:  Small and large rectangle; pennant; large scalloped circle
Embossing Folder:  Darice

Challenges
Sunday Sketch & Stamp - Sketch 193
Make it Monday - Ch. 178


You're sweet and I'm not Lion

I wanted to make a Valentine that wasn't red, pink or white so I came up with this lion from Bugaboo along with a sentiment from TLC.  The bling hearts are even a tan in color or champagne.  I just needed a break from the traditional.



Patterned Paper:  Teresa Collins; DCWV
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Recollections
Stamp:  Bugaboo - Lion love
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Divine twine
Punch:  EK success
Spellbinder:  Label Three
Bling:  Mark Richards

Challenges
Stella Says Sketch - Sketch 203
Catch the Bug - February theme - Love
Make it Monday - Ch. 178
Fab 'n Funky - Ch. 203 Love/Valentines
Paper Crafting Journey - Love is in the air


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Happy Anniversary pop up card

My parent's Anniversary is at the end of the month and I decided to make a pop up card since I just did one for my son.  They are a lot of fun and actually very easy to make, the directions can be found at Splitcoast Stampers.  I kept it rather simple, I used sentiments from TLC.  I embossed the red paper with a floral patterned.  Then I put some die cut hearts on the inside along with some flowers.  I didn't want it to get too bulky since I need to mail it.


Friends like you

I used this adorable image from Imagine This called Polar Love.  It is for a progressive challenge so it is a lot of fun to see what will be next.  The sentiment is from TLC



Patterned Paper:  TLC, Create - Parade of Hearts Papers 5
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Recollection
Stamp:  Imagine That - Polar Love (see above for direct link)
Sentiment:  TLC, Create - Friends like you
Circle Punches:  EK Success
Ribbon:  Michael's
Lace:  Hobby Lobby

Challenges
From the Heart - Sketch 53
Imagine That - February Polar Love
Papertake Weekly - With a Heart
QKR- Ch. 74 Hearts & Kisses
Cute Card Thursday - Ch. 307 Lots of Love
Make it Monday - Ch. 178

Dear Cupid forget the man

I think the images at A Random Fan are just so adorable.  I colored this cupid and have a sentiment from TLC.  I added some Stickles to the feathers on the arrows.  I have a couple of friends who I know would go for chocolate over men.


Patterned Paper:  Doodle Pantry
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Recollection
Stamp:  A Random Fan - Aiming for Love
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Stickles
Spellbinder:  Heart Circle; Pennant
Heart:  Prima
Divine Twine

Challenges
Sweet Sunday Sketch - Sketch 206
A Random Fan - Ch. 2 Valentine's Theme
Paper Pretties - PWC297 Red, pink and white
Cupcake Inspiration - Ch. 247
Love to Create - Ch. 102 Use red and/or pink
Papertake Weekly - with a heart

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Cupid Valentine for my son

This is one of the images that my son had me purchase for the card for his girlfriend so I know he likes it so I decided to use it for his card.  Who can resist a chubby cupid?  My son has watched me make cards for the past few years, and he actually does well coloring with Copics so he has high expectations.  He will comment on my shading and color choice.  I sent him a text with a picture of his Valentine card for his girlfriend and he said he approved.  I was rather upset, since I have been feel lousy and went to the doctor today and have a sinus infection with brochitis and then he admitted he didn't need the card until Friday he just wanted to make sure I got it done for him.  I wanted to go to school and slug him since I stayed up all night working on it and thought I hacked a lung up with all my coughing.  For his card, I used a sentiment from TLC which I think is a great set.

Patterned Paper:  Sweet Shoppe - Forever more
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Recollections
Stamp:  Whimsy - Cute cupid
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Spellbinder:  Heart Square; Pennant
Bling:  Recollection
Sakura jelly glitter pen

Challenges
Sketch Saturday - Sketch 296
Paper Pretties - PWC296 Valentine/Love
Make it Monday - Ch. 178
Digi stamp 4 Joy - Ch. 85 Hearts
Inky Impressions - Ch. 145 Someone special
4 Crafty Chicks - Ch. 180 Flags and/or banners
Cute Card Thursday - Ch. 307 Lots of love
Totally Papercrafts - Ch. 205 Hey cuties
Creative Corner - Seeing Red
Digi Haven - Valentines Day
Brown Sugar - Ch. 80 Valentines
Love to Create - Ch. 102 Use Red and/or Pink
Glitter 'n Sparkle - Ch. 71 Valentines - add some Red
Tuesday Throwdown - Ch. 182 Roses are red, Violets are blue

Monday, February 10, 2014

Pop up Valentine

As any of my followers would know, I tend to follow sketches when making most of my cards because I just LOVE sketch challenges.  I love my son dearly, but he put me to the biggest challenge I have ever had to make him a Valentine card for his girlfriend by HIS specifications.  Now my son can be a sweetheart yet he can be a demanding child.  He wanted a card with five images, two of which I had to purchase.  One which was difficult to color.  He also drew a schematic for me which I will include to show how specific he was.  He wanted this to be large, and to even have burlap.  I argued that five images would conflict for the center of attention, but he insisted.  So this is what I came up with, so hopefully he will approve of it because I don't have time to re-do any of the images since he wants to give it to her tonight.  I did change it by making it into a pop up card so that it would not have such a competition for the images and I could fit everything in better.  I also put a small burlap heart on the front so hopefully that will do.


Patterned Paper:  Paper Studio
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Recollections
Stamp:  TLC, Create - Flowered Heart
             Random Fan - Aiming for Love
             Whimpsy - Cute cupid
              Milk coffee - a Dancer
             Stamping Bazaar - Josie Hat
Sentiment:  TLC, Create - Be mine vintage ticket; Every thing sweet
Spellbinders:  Heart; Scalloped Heart
Burlap - stash
Ribbon:  TCW
Distress Ink - on ticket

Challenges
QKR - Ch. Hearts and Kisses
Make it Monday - Ch. 178
Paper Pretties - PWC296 Valentine/Love
Digi stamp 4 joy - Ch. 85 Hearts
Totally papercrafts - Ch. 205 - Hey cuties
Glitter 'n Sparkle - Ch. 71 Valentines - add some Red
OSAAT - Ch. 199 - Love
Squirrel and the Fox - Ch. 63 Love
Stampin' for the Weekend - Anything but a card
Catch the Bug - Love

I choo choo choose you

I made this card for my best friend to give to her husband who is into trains.  It is an image from Digital Delights and a sentiment from TLC.  I know she has been super busy with work so hopefully this will help her out.


Patterned Paper: Sweet Shoppe - A Girl's World; This is home; Kraft on the basics
Cardstock:  Bazzil; Recollection
Stamp:  Digital Delights - Love train luvvy
Sentiment:  TLC, Create (see above for direct link)
Spellbinders:  Heart Circle; Pennant
Border Punch:  Martha Stewart

Challenges
Sunday Sketch & Stamp - Ch. 193
Delightful - Anything Goes
Make it Monday - Ch. 178
Color Throwdown - Ch. 278
OSAAT - Ch. 199 With love
Glitter 'n Sparkle - Ch. 71 Valentines - add some red
Creative Corner - Seeing Red
Totally Papercraft - Ch. 205 Hey Cutie
Cute Card Thursday - Ch. 307 Lots of Love