tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55643118704690398652024-03-13T05:43:01.890-06:00Scrapping, Card Making and Living with FibroAmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-52052061905538436232016-07-15T08:35:00.002-06:002016-07-15T08:35:55.684-06:00New Spiritual Blog Is Up!Hello Dear Crafty Friends!<br />
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My new spiritual blog is up and running should you have any interest! Please pop over and take a look! Linda Simpson, so nice to hear from you yesterday. :) <a href="https://spiritualreadingshealinginsight.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Spiritual Readings and Healing Insight</a><br />
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Love to you all!!!<br />
Amy JoAmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-38944989698253793652016-07-14T03:55:00.000-06:002016-07-14T03:55:02.417-06:00New Blog Coming SoonHello Dear Friends and Followers,<br />
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I am sorry it has been so long since I have posted. My illness had gotten the better of me for a very long time and I simply lost my mojo for writing and crafting in general. I have missed you all and missed blogging so much! I am in the process of starting a new blog, for those interested, about my life and about my spiritual journey towards healing. I am not giving up on this blog and will get back to it so please stay tuned, but in the meantime keep an eye out for my new blog and please become a follower. I will post it here as soon as I get it started. Thanks for staying with me! Your friendship and feedback mean the world to me. I hope all is well in your worlds and please do comment with any fun craftiness going on!<br />
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Thanks!<br />
Amy Jo XXAmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-86693631497659135252012-11-23T06:00:00.000-07:002012-11-24T20:47:06.405-07:00Forever Night Challenge #55<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Forever Night Challenge #55 - Use the Color Purple</b></div>
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Hello sweet friends! I hope everyone (in the US) had a good Turkey Day, yesterday. My hubby and I just stayed home (as usual) because I'm currently too ill to go anywhere until I can get some of my health issues taken care of. I'm still waiting to get an approval to even make an appointment for the Mayo clinic in Minnesota, and in the meantime, I'm still having serious bladder issues and can't get in to see a urologist until the 28th, so pretty much miserable over here. :p I wanted to thank all of you that left such wonderful comments on my last post, and please know that I plan on visiting everyone's blog who left me such kind words. I'm sorry I haven't been able to get to everyone quite yet, but I want you all to know how much it meant to me to hear from you and to have your support. I really love you gals (and guys)! It really lifts me up to hear from you. :)<br />
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Now for some good news...<br />
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A long time ago I got accepted as a member of the super fun <a href="http://forevernightchallenges.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Forever Night Challenges</a> team, but I was on hiatus as you all know, so I never really took up my term. The lovely ladies over there decided to give me another chance and join for the upcoming term so I am here today with my first post!!! You have no idea how good it feels to be part of a DT again and to actually push myself to get out of bed and be creative! :D I would absolutely LOVE it if everyone would pop over there, tell them Amy Jo sent you, and become a follower. <br />
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For those of you who don't know, it's a blog that takes on a bit of the darker side of things. ;) I really enjoy the challenges they have and I've found some really creative people over there! Please join in our challenges. We'd love to have you! <br />
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This week we were sponsored by <a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans</a> and I just <i>love</i> the image I got to work with! At first I was going to start a mini album for all of my colored Dilly Beans images that I've worked on, but when I finished with this project I just had to hang it on my wall instead! It looks so cute up there against my pink walls! I still plan on making a mini album, but for now, here's my cute 8x6" picture.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dK_8-M5f5sI/UK75XwsiASI/AAAAAAAABWY/h2cJB4Lj_-k/s1600/2012-11-21+23.38.01+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dK_8-M5f5sI/UK75XwsiASI/AAAAAAAABWY/h2cJB4Lj_-k/s320/2012-11-21+23.38.01+(Medium).jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to get a better view</td></tr>
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For my project I started with a cereal box that I cut down to 8"x6" and covered with paper from Recollections Ravenhead Manor paper stack (purple background). Then I added a spiderweb patterned paper from DCWV Ghosts & Goblins mat-stack that I inked and border punched along one side with the Martha Stewart (MS) scallops & dots border punch. <br />
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I used the "Cori" image from Dilly Beans, as well as on of the sentiments from "artist quotes", both available for purchase at Megan's <a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">store.</a> I just loved the head-shot, but I wanted to do something different so I made her a body from some fussy cut bottles (from that same DCWV mat-stack) that I glued together and then stuck her head on top. I think it turned out pretty neat and totally "out of the box" for me. ;) Look closely to see the spider crawling up her. I colored her with Copics (4 different shades of purple -- even her skin is purple, with green eyes) and a white gelly pen for details. I also added an earring, which has purple, black, and green! It's actually an epoxy eyelet charm from Making Memories. I popped her up off the page with pop dots. I printed the sentiment on blue cardstock and fussy cut the words out.<br />
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Lastly I added two potion bottles from MS (love those!) and how perfect is the tombstone that reads "Mrs. Anita <i>Newbody"</i>??? I was thrilled to find that, cause essentially that's exactly what I did...gave her a new body. :) The cute tombstone button is from <a href="http://www.dressitup.com/" target="_blank">Dress It Up</a>. As always, I inked all my edges with Colorbox Cat's Eye ink in "Blackbird".<br />
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I hope you all enjoyed my project as much as I enjoyed making it! Please join us this week at <a href="http://forevernightchallenges.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Forever Night</a> for our challenge <b>"Use the Color Purple"</b>. I would love to see you there!<br />
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In addition, I will be entering this project in the following challenges:<br />
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<a href="http://ladyanneschallenges.weebly.com/3/post/2012/11/stamp-challenge-anything-goes.html" target="_blank">Lady Anne's Challenges</a> ~ Anything Goes (used digi stamps)<br />
<a href="http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/2012/11/r99-midnight-magic.html" target="_blank">Crafts 4 Eternity Recipe Challenge</a> ~ R#99 - Midnight Magic (nighttime theme using stars, <b>moons</b>, beds, etc.)<br />
<a href="http://pausedreamenjoychallenges.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/ch-47-anything-goes.html" target="_blank">Pause, Dream, and Enjoy Challenges</a> CH# 47 - Anything Goes<br />
<a href="http://toffchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/11/words.html" target="_blank">The Octopode Factory</a> - Words<br />
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XO ~ Amy JoAmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-41612800319781930062012-10-15T12:39:00.001-06:002012-10-15T12:41:02.892-06:00I'm Back!!!Oh my friends, my wonderful crafty friends, how I have missed you all! I am so happy to see that most of you are still following me and I thank you deeply for that. I apologize for going on hiatus with absolutely no notice or reason. To be honest, I wasn't expecting it myself! <br />
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Since all of you here know about my condition, I feel no reason to hide why I've been gone... I've been struggling. Struggling with the fibro, the lack of relief from the pain, the depression that goes along with it, the extreme exhaustion, and especially the weight gain that goes along with the use of painkillers. I am also going through addiction. Let me just say, when you have a chronic pain condition it is IMPOSSIBLE not to get addicted to the pain meds. I am proud to say, I am almost off of Oxycodone, which was a major addiction for me and I didn't even realize it until I would wake up in the morning with the shakes and the sweats and couldn't even move until I had some in me. Now, don't get me wrong...I am still on pain meds and probably will have to be unless by some miracle, my fibromyalgia goes away, but I am trying so hard to work through it with less addictive (at least in my opinion) medications.<br />
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To boot, I now have possibly another chronic condition Interstitial Cystitis, which is <i>beyond</i> annoying! I don't know if you all know what that is, but for those of you that don't, it is a chronic condition in which your bladder is constantly irritated. Basically it feels like you have a UTI, but you can't get rid of it! I have what feels like pressure on my bladder all the time and OMG, it's extremely frustrating! This is new... Just started about three weeks ago and I have yet to see a urologist, but my doc says there's a good chance this is what it is and for those of you with fibro, you likely know that once you have fibro, a whole onslaught of other chronic conditions may arise or go hand in hand with it. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! Yes, I feel like screaming most of the time!<br />
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Ok, and one more complaint or rather, update... Pain meds (opiates) can ruin your teeth!!! I had no idea about all of these horrible side effects before I started taking it. As far as the weight gain, within two years of being on opiates most people will double their weight!!! and I did! and the fact that it's like using methamphetamine or heroin. It will rot your teeth. I have always had strong, albeit crooked, ;) teeth, but now they are starting to decay! I couldn't believe it when I went to the dentist. He's like "You must eat a lot of sweets" and I'm like "No, actually, I don't, why?" and then I said I'm on pretty heavy duty medications and he told me that they are affecting my teeth. Amazing that no doctors told me this before getting on it right?<br />
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So that, in a nutshell, is what's going on in my life and why I've been absent for so long. I haven't done much crafting but I did get a custom order from a friend for a baby shower so I will share with you, that creation! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhvgLC3NZ_8/UHxVg7OmFSI/AAAAAAAABVI/QnJbgCEymvw/s1600/2012-09-13+20.23.18+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhvgLC3NZ_8/UHxVg7OmFSI/AAAAAAAABVI/QnJbgCEymvw/s320/2012-09-13+20.23.18+(Medium).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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First off, I started with the cutest SVG file from <a href="http://www.paperpiecingsbynikki.com/" target="_blank">Paper Piecings by Nikki</a> (you may remember I was on Nikki's DT for quite a while). I was so excited to see she had <i>exactly</i> what I was looking for!!! How cute is this cut??? <br />
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The paper is DCWV Lemon Berry stack (I think that's what it's called), the sentiment is from Crafty Sprouts and I punched the ticket shape from an EK Success punch. I used some pop dots to pop up the silhouette and the sentiment (inside) and that super cute silver/clear ribbon is from <a href="http://flourishes.org/" target="_blank">Flourishes</a>. I inked the edges with a Cat's Eye brown ink and used my ATG for the glue. I also added some Stickles Pearls to the dress to make it a little fancier. ;) <br />
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There you have it! My first project in <i>ages</i> and I sure hope you enjoyed it! It's good to be back and it would mean sooooo much if you would leave your comments. I would love to catch up with everyone!<br />
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XO ~ Amy Jo<br />
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<br />AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-77354026865498536752012-06-11T00:31:00.001-06:002012-06-11T00:34:29.457-06:00High Park Fire - Fort Collins, COHi Friends!<br />
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I'm so sorry it's been so long since I've posted! I have just been battling with my illness and depression as well as weaning off my medications, which is hard. I am hoping to be back in action this week and hope to make some new projects to share with you all.<br />
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Right now, we are in the middle of the 2nd largest fire ever in Colorado history and unfortunately it is somewhat close to where I live. The air has become very poor and it's really getting to us! We have headaches, my nose and throat hurt and my and my hubby's eyes are itchy and painful. We are not close enough to be in direct danger of the fire, but I will share some photos with you that were taken literally right outside my door. Keep in mind, what you see here is all smoke NO CLOUDS!!! That bright red ball is the sun! It was blood red and huge! Wish I had better pics to showcase it. Click on the pics for a bigger view. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qvR6TGtODi8/T9WM4u4d6CI/AAAAAAAABR0/--LAckgxsT0/s1600/2012-06-10+19.29.59+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qvR6TGtODi8/T9WM4u4d6CI/AAAAAAAABR0/--LAckgxsT0/s320/2012-06-10+19.29.59+(Medium).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgrBbU-J_Fo/T9WNy2MmOuI/AAAAAAAABR8/AmcyOI0TK4c/s1600/2012-06-10+19.31.26+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgrBbU-J_Fo/T9WNy2MmOuI/AAAAAAAABR8/AmcyOI0TK4c/s320/2012-06-10+19.31.26+(Medium).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Smoke & the sun</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u86u_D5QA0s/T9WNzG4cjFI/AAAAAAAABSE/LJnb9XXVY_c/s1600/2012-06-10+19.34.13+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u86u_D5QA0s/T9WNzG4cjFI/AAAAAAAABSE/LJnb9XXVY_c/s320/2012-06-10+19.34.13+(Medium).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Smoke as seen from outside our front door, over the neighbor's house</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGbW4hZkHcA/T9WNzUkh96I/AAAAAAAABSM/WndzYOpuyyU/s1600/2012-06-10+19.36.17+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGbW4hZkHcA/T9WNzUkh96I/AAAAAAAABSM/WndzYOpuyyU/s320/2012-06-10+19.36.17+(Medium).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Look at the color under those smoke plumes - the whole sky was lit up with orange</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0zdd_-YFJ4/T9WNzm1sXzI/AAAAAAAABSU/iBIcnq9c2xM/s1600/2012-06-10+19.36.49+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j0zdd_-YFJ4/T9WNzm1sXzI/AAAAAAAABSU/iBIcnq9c2xM/s320/2012-06-10+19.36.49+(Medium).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pretty Colorado sunset? Not quite! Again, this is FIRE <i>not</i> clouds! Crazy huh?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctcv_u_AakE/T9WNz4ulxbI/AAAAAAAABSc/0nVlmN_sB-M/s1600/2012-06-10+19.36.57+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctcv_u_AakE/T9WNz4ulxbI/AAAAAAAABSc/0nVlmN_sB-M/s320/2012-06-10+19.36.57+(Medium).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6g0Je4jps2Q/T9WN0Al9YVI/AAAAAAAABSk/s02wAMPkBac/s1600/2012-06-10+19.40.42+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6g0Je4jps2Q/T9WN0Al9YVI/AAAAAAAABSk/s02wAMPkBac/s320/2012-06-10+19.40.42+(Medium).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jehfs2UBqSc/T9WN0q6XZLI/AAAAAAAABSs/wru6oSJuEBI/s1600/2012-06-10+19.45.23+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jehfs2UBqSc/T9WN0q6XZLI/AAAAAAAABSs/wru6oSJuEBI/s320/2012-06-10+19.45.23+(Medium).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Thanks for popping in today and let me know what you think about the pics! Say your prayers for all of the people that had to evacuate and all of the poor animals affected by this 20,000 acre fire! Some people have already lost their houses, but it's too hard to tell how many have actually been burned. The fire grew from 2 acres to 20,000 acres in a matter of 36 hours!!! Inside our house it smells like a campfire. Our windows are shut, but it's still coming in. We may have to go somewhere else tomorrow if it gets worse because the air is very potent. It's like being at a bonfire, but it smells like that inside and outside our house! <br />
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I'll check back in soon!<br />
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XO ~ Amy Jo<br />
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P.S. - If you want to help please click <a href="http://helpcoloradonow.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-62212810118010539552012-05-18T22:50:00.006-06:002012-05-19T00:33:44.924-06:00Dilly Beans Friday Challenge - Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RetkhsPzjUM/T385RtukxXI/AAAAAAAABJc/kbmUE0_JgV0/s1600/Dilly+Beans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RetkhsPzjUM/T385RtukxXI/AAAAAAAABJc/kbmUE0_JgV0/s1600/Dilly+Beans.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Hello Fabulous Friends and welcome to another Friday challenge with <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans</a>! This week's challenge is <b>"Flowers"</b>. Easy peasy, right? ;) I am thrilled to be Guest Designing again for the month of May!<br />
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For my project I used the <a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/2012_02_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Crinkles Daisy Framed #362</a> store. I just love the Dilly Beans' Crinkles line!!! So darling! :0)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-LzO1t_e9Q/T7ch87VEBhI/AAAAAAAABRA/SJCCL7C3914/s1600/DSC05663+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-LzO1t_e9Q/T7ch87VEBhI/AAAAAAAABRA/SJCCL7C3914/s320/DSC05663+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of Card</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPSF2Mjnv94/T7ch91zirHI/AAAAAAAABRY/Iy9AYYFVDYM/s320/DSC05667+(Medium).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of Digi Stamp</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Deets: </b>For this project I used my Copic markers in four different shade for Crinkles, three different shades for the flower, and to make the sky I used a lovely light aqua color and added the colorless blender to spots that weren't completely filled in to make it look more like a sky with some clouds. Click the pics for a closer view of that. I'm happy with the subtle effect. :0)<br />
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</div><div>The background cardstock is from Recollections and the two patterned papers are from different Basic Grey 6x6 stacks (one is Olivia). All other cardstock papers are from my scraps. I used Bo Bunny brads for the center of the three large flowers, which were created with an awesome EK Tools layering punch. I've had it for at least a year now and this is the first time I've gotten to use it! Behind those three flowers is a strip of peach colored ribbon from my stash.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The two fabric flowers were part of a kit I purchased from <a href="http://creativecharms.com/" target="_blank">Creative Charms</a>, as were the pinkish pearl adhesive gems. Love this store!</div><div><br />
</div><div>To finish everything off I inked around all my edges with my Cat's Eye Colobox ink in Dark Brown and used my white gelly roller for some little details throughout.</div><div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you all so much for stopping by today and keep those comments coming! We would absolutely LOVE for you to join this challenge at <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans</a>! Also, be sure to check out the <b><a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">STORE</a></b> as once again, there are some new AMAZING digis that I'm totally in love with and I'm sure you will be too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I will be entering this card in the following challenges:</div><div style="text-align: left;">Card Makin' Mamas - <a href="http://cardmakinmamas.blogspot.com/2012/05/challenge-45-may-flowers.html" target="_blank">Challenge #45 - May Flowers</a><br />
Crafty Ribbons Challenge - <a href="http://craftyribbonschallenge.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/challenge-19.html" target="_blank">Challenge #19 - Flowers</a><br />
LEJ Designs - <a href="http://lejdesignschallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/lej-designs-challenge-3-lots-of-layers.html" target="_blank">Challenge #3 - Lots of Layers</a> (the flowers I punched have four layers including the brads, I used two layers of patterned paper for the background and the image is popped up, creating another layer) ;)<br />
Hooked on Craft Challenges - <a href="http://hookedoncraftchallenges.blogspot.com/2012/04/challenge-20.html" target="_blank">Challenge #20 - Flowers</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">XO ~ Amy Jo</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPSF2Mjnv94/T7ch91zirHI/AAAAAAAABRY/Iy9AYYFVDYM/s1600/DSC05667+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPSF2Mjnv94/T7ch91zirHI/AAAAAAAABRY/Iy9AYYFVDYM/s1600/DSC05667+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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</div>AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-41268071348821391462012-05-11T06:00:00.000-06:002012-05-11T06:00:07.524-06:00Dilly Beans Friday Challenge - Bling it On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RetkhsPzjUM/T385RtukxXI/AAAAAAAABJc/kbmUE0_JgV0/s1600/Dilly+Beans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RetkhsPzjUM/T385RtukxXI/AAAAAAAABJc/kbmUE0_JgV0/s1600/Dilly+Beans.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Hey Sweetie Pies! Hope everyone's doing well. So sorry I've been behind on my postings/blog candy drawings/life, etc... Honestly, been in bed with a horrible flare up and still those darn migraines (hmm...deja vu here or what?)! Idk what is going on, but I know a <i>ton </i>of my friends are getting them!!! Again, just want to make sure that you all know how much I appreciate all of the amazing comments I have been getting lately! I have sooooo many of you that I want to get back to and repay the favor so please just know I am so grateful to all of you and don't mean to ignore or deliberately not respond to anyone...if it takes me forever to get back to you, I apologize, but I will do my best to do so! ;) LOL<br />
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Alrighty then! On to today's matter at hand... It's another awesome Friday challenge over at <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans</a>! Yep, I'm still guest designing and oh so happy to be doing so! I don't know if I've mentioned this (LOL), but I LOVE Megan's digis!!! :) No matter how sick I am (for the most part anyways), I can usually grab a digi and color in bed, which is <i>perfect </i>for getting my crafting fix in when I can't get up! I have lots of images colored, but I need to actually make them into something, so for today I have only one project to show you so far. <br />
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This week's theme is <b>"Bling It On"</b>. To be honest, I had created this card for an earlier challenge, but didn't quite get it done in time so I took it out today and added some more bling to make it appropriate for this challenge. :) I just LOVE the way it turned out, and I hope you enjoy it too! Notice the flowers have rhinestones, and Stickles around those rhinestones, and I added some Stickles to the butterflies to make them a bit prettier. I doodled on the image (as I almost always do if there's a plain background) and I thought about adding bling to that part too, but I was happy with the two toned method I had used so didn't want to cover it up. I used a black Zig pen and a really light aqua colored Copic. More deets below! As always, click on the pics for a better view. ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yA6jQDXhffo/T6yKpCfLWxI/AAAAAAAABQ0/VmgrZ7HeBeE/s1600/DSC05662+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yA6jQDXhffo/T6yKpCfLWxI/AAAAAAAABQ0/VmgrZ7HeBeE/s320/DSC05662+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Spring card - front of card</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGtI_o4iglU/T6yKoJUGg5I/AAAAAAAABQk/WAocvG-Ca3c/s1600/DSC05655+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGtI_o4iglU/T6yKoJUGg5I/AAAAAAAABQk/WAocvG-Ca3c/s320/DSC05655+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Hard to tell here, but her hair is two different colors, the butterfly is three different colors,and the swirls I added are actually black with aqua-ish shadows. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JhJjFxVSkro/T6yKotjPkuI/AAAAAAAABQs/RqyREsj8UBM/s1600/DSC05661+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JhJjFxVSkro/T6yKotjPkuI/AAAAAAAABQs/RqyREsj8UBM/s320/DSC05661+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love the way using Stickles around the rhinestone stickers looks in person. Sorry so washed out here, but I would suggest trying that for a more dramatic effect. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Deets: </b>In addition to what I had mentioned above, I used the <a href="http://www.sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Amalia%20Collection" target="_blank">Amalia & Butterflies Framed #351</a> digi from the Amalia collection at the Dilly Beans store. Isn't she darling??? The papers I used are Recollections (background cardstock) and Stampin' Up (patterned paper & flowers). I actually fussy cut the flowers from a patterened page. I used a Paper Smooches stamp for the "Happy Spring" sentiment and rhinestones from <a href="http://creativecharms.com/" target="_blank">Creative Charms</a> collection. The blue twine I added is also from Stampin' Up. If you need a good rep, let me know as I have a super sweet lady who takes care of me. ;) As always, I inked around everything with my Cat's Eye ink in Dark Brown. If you are interested in all the Copic colors I used, hit me up and I'll get you the info! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't forget, this is a <i>challenge</i>, meaning, we would LOVE to have you join in!!! Head over to <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans Friday Challenges</a> and help us <b>Bling it On</b>!!! Let them know who sent ya. ;) Thanks to all the lovely gals over there for letting me join in the fun!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">XO ~ Amy Jo</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">P.S. Join me this weekend in a great Mother's Day blog hop!</div>AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-43628875409308362282012-05-04T23:17:00.001-06:002012-05-05T03:32:32.368-06:00The Dance Blog Hop - May 5th, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Az1VC1VaMI/T6R4L_X8uPI/AAAAAAAABPs/UmSrabQ6oq0/s1600/The+Dance+-+May+5,+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Az1VC1VaMI/T6R4L_X8uPI/AAAAAAAABPs/UmSrabQ6oq0/s1600/The+Dance+-+May+5,+2012.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Good morning friends and thanks so much for joining us today for Gill's blog hop, "The Dance". If you arrived here from the lovely <a href="http://www.jamielindstromdesigns.com/" target="_blank">Jamie</a> then you are in the right spot! If you just happened upon my blog today and want to start at the beginning (a very good place to start), then you'll want to click <a href="http://creationsbygillm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to check out her blog. <br />
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For today's project I decided to go a little off-kilter. I had this really cutsie Cricut ballerina card designed, but then I got tired and didn't want to fuss with all those layers so instead I chose this super cute stamp from <a href="http://www.kraftinkimmiestamps.com/" target="_blank">Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps</a>. OMG, I just LOVE their stamps and bought a bunch last time I went shopping. So happy to get to finally use this one! ;) Hope you enjoy! As always I do a photo with flash and then one without so you can see the depth of the colors. I made this card with scraps around my craft room that I just grabbed! I wanted to see what it would be like to make a card quickly without too much thought (which is where I usually get hung up) and I must say, I'm pretty content with how it turned out!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEvIxdDaIko/T6S3nHFVxKI/AAAAAAAABP4/Qf1TP2bm990/s1600/DSC05645+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yEvIxdDaIko/T6S3nHFVxKI/AAAAAAAABP4/Qf1TP2bm990/s320/DSC05645+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Click the pics for a better view</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu_7He2XOqM/T6S3n40MJSI/AAAAAAAABQA/cxAW7BbaYjc/s1600/DSC05646+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nu_7He2XOqM/T6S3n40MJSI/AAAAAAAABQA/cxAW7BbaYjc/s320/DSC05646+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elN4b4AS18E/T6S3oUOnZUI/AAAAAAAABQI/Qda4oAZeURU/s1600/DSC05648+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elN4b4AS18E/T6S3oUOnZUI/AAAAAAAABQI/Qda4oAZeURU/s320/DSC05648+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
If anyone wants any details on products I used let me know and I'll post 'em, otherwise, I'm pooped!<br />
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Thanks so much for stopping by today! I'm your final stop on this hop ***(oops, looks like we may have a last minute addition - please go to <a href="http://lisagarrow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lisa's Blog</a> to see her project for this hop)*** and would be so honored if you would leave a comment and become a follower if you're not already!<br />
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XO ~ Amy JoAmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-16500950701783460772012-05-04T08:00:00.001-06:002012-05-04T08:00:06.177-06:00Dilly Beans Friday Challenge - Texture<div style="text-align: center;">***For the Save the Earth FCCB Cricut Crawl, please click <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/2012/04/save-earth-fantabulous-cricut-crawl.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.***</div><br />
Hello to all my new and old followers alike! So happy to have you on board! :) It's time for another Friday Challenge over at <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans</a>! I am so super duper excited as Megan has kindly let me stay on as Guest Designer for the month of May!!! I'm still hoping to be a part of her amazing team and am soooo honored that she is letting continue this month! :0)<br />
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Today's challenge is <b>Texture</b>. For my project I created a card with lots of texture, featuring the <a href="http://www.sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Ragdoll%20Ruby%20Collection" target="_blank">Ragdoll Ruby Digi (#297)</a>. I just love the way this turned out and I hope you do too! Be sure to check out the <a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">store</a> because Megan has added lots of new adorable digis recently!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FR1_K2VyWPs/T6NKBhpuwTI/AAAAAAAABPM/SU6zowdiaQc/s1600/DSC05643+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FR1_K2VyWPs/T6NKBhpuwTI/AAAAAAAABPM/SU6zowdiaQc/s320/DSC05643+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Closeup of Ragdoll Ruby</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xeoeh-nWM4U/T6NKB5D6QsI/AAAAAAAABPU/RQ8x3Dv6oHo/s1600/DSC05644+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xeoeh-nWM4U/T6NKB5D6QsI/AAAAAAAABPU/RQ8x3Dv6oHo/s320/DSC05644+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Full card (be sure to click on the pic to see the texture)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Deets: </b>For this card I used black Recollections cardstock that I embossed with the Seeing Spots Cuttlebug Folder, using my Big Shot machine (for all textured items on this card). I used some Ranger Ink Distressed Stain in White Picket Fence to give the black a more grungy feel. Then I sanded over the dots with an emery board to make them really noticeable. Next I took two three inch squares of patterned papers from the Basic Grey 6x6" Stack, Marjolaine. I embossed the arglye one with Swiss Dots Cuttlebug Folder and the Lime Green Patterned Paper was embossed using the Mesh Cuttlebug Folder. I then added black ink across the swiss dots to make them pop up a bit and I added distress stain (same as above) to sink into the "impressed" pattern on the lime green paper. Afterwards I ran my silver Creative Memories pen over the top to add even <i>more </i> dimension and I sprinkled some lime green glitter over this piece before it completely dried. I wish you could see it in person! So much better than in the pics! ;) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I used my Copics for Ragdoll Ruby in two shades of blue/green and lime/olive green, as well as a touch of gray for the bow. I then fussy cut her. I love how she turned out! I popped her off the page with 1/4" pop dots. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I cut a small tag from a tag making punch I have (Marvy I think) and used a Paper Smooches stamp for the sentiment. Then I inked around the edges with Black Cat's Eye ink. To finish off the card, I added several layers of paper and fabric flowers with large silver brads as their centers. Then I used that same silver Creative Memories pen to doodle around the whole card and voila! There you have it! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks so much for joining me today and if you would like to take part in the challenge and see what the awesome DT has created please hop on over to <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans</a>! C'mon...You know you want to! ;) *nudge, nudge*</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Since you're here, leave a comment! I love getting them! :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">XO ~ Amy Jo</div>AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-16879538377728679452012-04-30T04:00:00.001-06:002012-04-30T04:00:00.498-06:00Save the Earth Fantabulous Cricut Crawl<center><a href="http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img alt="Fantabulous Cricut" src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d199/hav2create/WebSet%20Stuff/CricutCrawlApr30_2012_.gif" /></span></a></center><br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Welcome to and the <strong>SEVENTH</strong> <strong>Fantabulous Cricut Crawl</strong>...Fantabulous Cricut's version of a Blog Hop!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">In honor of our Home Planet, Mother Earth, we're having a <strong>"Save the Earth" Crawl</strong>...each Design Team member will be featuring an original <strong>Upcycled-Themed Project</strong> that includes at least one Reuseable/Recycled Item along with at least <strong>ONE Cricut Cut</strong>.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">I'm the first designer on the hop today and want to thank you all for joining us today!!! If you came here from <a href="http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">FCCB</a>, you're in the right place! If you've just happened across my blog and would like to play along with our Fantabulous Cricut Crawl, start with <a href="http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">FCCB</a> so you can catch a sneak peek of all the projects as well as to see how to win some great prizes along the way!!!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Make sure to check out each DT member's blog for some awesome inspiration! There will be <strong>PRIZES</strong> along the way at our DT members' blogs, AND there will be a <strong>Grand Prize up for grabs at FCCB</strong> for one participant that submits a "Save the Earth" project at FCCB!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">How fun is that?</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">For my project I decided to <i>finally</i> make the dog treat holder that I've been saving this plastic beef jerky bin for, forever! I have lots of pics and I'm sorry to bore you with them, but I couldn't find an easy way to photograph a cylinder! ;) LOL I have pics from start to finish so I will post them here and list the details below for anyone who's interested. If you want to get on over to the next stop on the hop, I don't mind, but be sure to read about how to win some <b>blog candy</b> from me! ;)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8teXAa5LXJQ/T55N5gwyrqI/AAAAAAAABNM/ps9V03V4jPE/s1600/DSC05603+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8teXAa5LXJQ/T55N5gwyrqI/AAAAAAAABNM/ps9V03V4jPE/s320/DSC05603+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> Top of Jerky Bin to be converted to Dog Treat Holder</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-9nBejHrXw/T55N52bYQ5I/AAAAAAAABNU/o9IJEJIjuPk/s1600/DSC05604+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-9nBejHrXw/T55N52bYQ5I/AAAAAAAABNU/o9IJEJIjuPk/s320/DSC05604+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> Yep, been meaning to make this project for about a year now LOL </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mT8jy-QbM0c/T55N6rqkviI/AAAAAAAABNk/UkIRunqOshM/s1600/DSC05616+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mT8jy-QbM0c/T55N6rqkviI/AAAAAAAABNk/UkIRunqOshM/s320/DSC05616+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> Karen Foster paper, cut down to size</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv_1omeCZvk/T55N7a3bvlI/AAAAAAAABN0/Nr4xailXlgk/s1600/DSC05623+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv_1omeCZvk/T55N7a3bvlI/AAAAAAAABN0/Nr4xailXlgk/s320/DSC05623+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> Closeup of label - Tim Holtz Coredinations Cardstock w/Kraft Core from Nostalgic Collection, Quickutz Embossing Folder, sanded down with emery board to show the polka dots (notice the Kraft core peeking through?)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mdr50K8nSzY/T55N7ohLbVI/AAAAAAAABN8/ZOlgqO9GACI/s1600/DSC05624+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mdr50K8nSzY/T55N7ohLbVI/AAAAAAAABN8/ZOlgqO9GACI/s320/DSC05624+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Full shot of label with paw prints from This & That Cricut Cartridge, Font from Martha Stewart BDay Cake Cartridge </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9wwxrCg4dk/T55N7_AVPZI/AAAAAAAABOE/ZMgUR1cYMM4/s1600/DSC05627+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O9wwxrCg4dk/T55N7_AVPZI/AAAAAAAABOE/ZMgUR1cYMM4/s320/DSC05627+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> Notice the cute texture behind the "Doggy Treats", used A2 Quickutz Polka Dots embossing folder</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTQ5Zcyq95I/T55N8fvT1dI/AAAAAAAABOM/4tkNWcSEN38/s1600/DSC05632+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTQ5Zcyq95I/T55N8fvT1dI/AAAAAAAABOM/4tkNWcSEN38/s320/DSC05632+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tf_pfM6lPNg/T55N8v6icrI/AAAAAAAABOU/FzPPgiJYdH0/s1600/DSC05633+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tf_pfM6lPNg/T55N8v6icrI/AAAAAAAABOU/FzPPgiJYdH0/s320/DSC05633+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"> Added a couple of paw prints</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ic2-b0fZm4/T55N83e6xJI/AAAAAAAABOc/McLOthBW3yg/s1600/DSC05634+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ic2-b0fZm4/T55N83e6xJI/AAAAAAAABOc/McLOthBW3yg/s320/DSC05634+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">I left a space in the back to see how full the treat bin is at all times so we don't run out! ;) </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MlMlxrPwIA0/T55N9YsZNCI/AAAAAAAABOk/oZAR5FKBaIU/s1600/DSC05635+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MlMlxrPwIA0/T55N9YsZNCI/AAAAAAAABOk/oZAR5FKBaIU/s320/DSC05635+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gaCizKuZRE0/T55N9gToc8I/AAAAAAAABOs/MQjnRTNRm9I/s1600/DSC05636+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gaCizKuZRE0/T55N9gToc8I/AAAAAAAABOs/MQjnRTNRm9I/s320/DSC05636+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2VeicuJ8EmY/T55N91aYRwI/AAAAAAAABO0/Pwc7PsWpseE/s1600/DSC05639+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2VeicuJ8EmY/T55N91aYRwI/AAAAAAAABO0/Pwc7PsWpseE/s320/DSC05639+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">I just had to add ribbon to the top and then I thought this adorable dog collar sticker from Karen Foster went perfectly with it! The "newsletter" stickers for my dogs names are also from Karen Foster.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><b>Full Deets: </b>I used Karen Foster Designs Dog Scrapbook Kit for the background doggy treat paper, and all of the stickers (dog names (Oso, Lexi, and Bella) and collar). For the first time in a long time I did NOT use pop dots because I wanted this to be pretty, but practical and pop dots would cause hangups. I did decide to add some nice deep red ribbon from Stampin' Up to finish off the sides of the lid as well as using Offray ribbon in black for the top and bottom of the 3 1/2" x 12" label that has the paw prints and "Doggy Treats" on it. I loved distressing the Tim Holtz Kraft-Core Coordinations card stock with my emery board from Basic Grey. The Kraft core came through so nicely! Sorry for the dark photos there... It's 2:00 AM and I couldn't find the right lighting. :p I inked the edges of <i>everything</i> with Cat's Eye ink from ColorBox in Dark Brown and/or Blackbird. I used red tape, ATG, Craft Essentials Glue (Joann's), and Adhesive Tech for my adhesives. I was really wanting to use my glue gun (for the first time), but I was too lazy to get it out and mess with it. For the paw prints, I didn't cut them deep enough on my Cricut, which worked out well because it gave me a guideline instead to color in the paw prints and add some details with my black Zig pen and white gelly roller. I also used my black Zig pen to outline the "Doggy Treats" letters because they just weren't popping against that red background. I used the other side of the Tim Holtz paper for the letters themselves and I used Cricut Craft Room to design them, moved them til they were touching and welded them. Much easier than adding letter by letter, right? ;) Ok, now that I've bored you with all the details, on to the good stuff! :)</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><b>Blog Candy: </b>I will be offering some <b>blog candy</b> today and all you have to do to win is please become a follower and leave a comment. In your comment please note if you are an old or new follower and leave a way for me to contact you please in case you are the lucky winner! I only give candy away to people who take the time to become a follower and hopefully a friend!!! ;) Winner will be randomly drawn. I will give everyone a full week to enter so I will post the winner next Tuesday!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWq9karEUqo/T55TKOlukLI/AAAAAAAABPA/PZcKA6HBK7k/s1600/DSC05615+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KWq9karEUqo/T55TKOlukLI/AAAAAAAABPA/PZcKA6HBK7k/s320/DSC05615+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">You will get these five stamps if you are the winner! :) Aren't they cute? Of course, I got a set for myself too! ;) LOL </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Now it's your turn! Let's see your Upcycled-Themed projects! Make sure to include a Cricut Cut somewhere on your project and please note what cartridge(s) you used so we can count you in for the prizes!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Next stop... Amy's blog, <a href="http://redheadedcrafter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Redheaded Crafter</a>. Go see what she has in store for you today... And when you're done, make sure to link up your project to FCCB's Fantabulous Cricut Crawl post to be entered into the contest!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Happy Crawling!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">P.S. I will be drawing winners from my St. Patty's Day hops this week. So sorry for the delay, my friends!!! I just got some new goodies in to share with you so i hope it was worth the wait!!! ;)</span></div>AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-29475532216613478892012-04-28T02:20:00.000-06:002012-04-28T02:20:05.179-06:00Dilly Beans Friday Challenge - Pastel Palette (A Little Late)Hi Sweet Friends,<br />
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</div><div>It's time for another Friday challenge from the awesome <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans Challenge Blog</a>! I'm sorry I'm so late in my posting. I am going to put the projects I've made here as I finish them up. I have one to share with you right now and will have either one or two more later today! Since I am late in my posting, Megan might not have these up yet on the challenge blog, but I would encourage you to go there anyways and see the amazing projects the DT has created. They are seriously pretty! (I've already peeked.) ;0) I would also highly suggest visiting the <a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">STORE</a> as Megan has lots of darling new images for sale <i>and </i> a great <b>SALE</b> going on until May 1st!!! OMG, I can't wait to get all the new ones! Wish me luck on becoming a DT member! I'm still pushing for it. ;)</div><div><br />
</div><div>The first project I have is one that I had given you a sneak peek of during the Easter challenge for Dilly Beans. I have it all finished up finally and it fits our Pastel Palette challenge perfectly! :)</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-it-5O8iXlm4/T5ul1speAsI/AAAAAAAABNA/vWYZjowDASs/s1600/DSC05601+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-it-5O8iXlm4/T5ul1speAsI/AAAAAAAABNA/vWYZjowDASs/s320/DSC05601+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">#392 Amalia Easter Bunny</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For this project I used the Amalia Easter Bunny from Dilly Beans, an egg cut from Doodlecharms (Cricut Cartridge), butterfly brads, an adhesive pearl gem, and purple polka dot ribbon from <a href="http://creativecharms.com/" target="_blank">Creative Charms</a>, paper from Stampin' Up and my stash, twine from <a href="http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Craft Spot</a>. I colored my image with colored pencils and finished off the project by inking the edges with dark brown Cat's Eye ink. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you all for stopping by today! I hope you enjoy my project. It was super fun to create, now I'm off to the next one! ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">XO ~ Amy Jo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S. Since you're here, leave a comment! ;)</div><div><br />
</div>AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-32580996662495991822012-04-25T03:23:00.002-06:002012-04-25T03:32:13.992-06:00FCCB Challenge Me Monday's #107 - April Showers (LATE POST)Hello my sweet and wonderful friends! Thank you all so much for hanging in there with me and leaving such nice comments for me. :) Sorry I've been so out of touch! Same ol' Fibro stuff going on and just hanging on over here by a thread, but your support truly keeps me going! I appreciate all my new followers too and thank you for following! I apologize to my friends for not keeping up with responding to your comments and emails. Please know, I do receive and read every single one and I will be getting back to everyone slowly, but surely. ;O) It is super important that you know how much I love you all!<br />
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I have a fun, albeit late little project for you today that was actually supposed to be for last week's <a href="http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">FCCB</a> challenge, April Showers. I got it done a few days after it was due and just decided to post it on the Wednesday Winner's post instead. I am going to go ahead and enter it into a few challenges since I've posted it now. :) I hope you enjoy it and I apologize for the crummy photos. Without the flash it looked too dull and with the flash it looks too glossy, but I will post all the pics anyways, but keep in mind, it's much cuter in person. ;) I actually made this for a friend of mine who is going through a very rough time. I'll post the deets below for those that are interested. ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_eDoExB0C4/T5e_z7TuOoI/AAAAAAAABMc/2Y6EFpQZraE/s1600/DSC05582+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_eDoExB0C4/T5e_z7TuOoI/AAAAAAAABMc/2Y6EFpQZraE/s320/DSC05582+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Cricut Cartridges: April Showers, A Child's Year, and 3 Birds on Parade</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCDccEhhFR8/T5e_0LXHkhI/AAAAAAAABMk/twlHIUP2tSM/s1600/DSC05585+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCDccEhhFR8/T5e_0LXHkhI/AAAAAAAABMk/twlHIUP2tSM/s320/DSC05585+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sentiment stamp is from CTMH and punched out with a Creative Memories double-punch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BOnHFFHI2Q/T5e_0m4x8ZI/AAAAAAAABMs/NQ_Vxly5GP8/s1600/DSC05587+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BOnHFFHI2Q/T5e_0m4x8ZI/AAAAAAAABMs/NQ_Vxly5GP8/s320/DSC05587+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> With Flash</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFaV-e-c_zk/T5e_1KOfBHI/AAAAAAAABM0/oWk3VPTprg8/s1600/DSC05588+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFaV-e-c_zk/T5e_1KOfBHI/AAAAAAAABM0/oWk3VPTprg8/s320/DSC05588+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Glossy Accents and Stickles</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>DEETS: </b>I was super excited to use A Child's Year for the first time, for the background shape of this card. There's some great shapes on that cartridge! I used 3 Birds on Parade for the bird/umbrella/raindrops and April Showers for the clouds that I welded. I designed it all in Cricut Craft Room.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">All cardstock used was from my stash and most were from scraps! For the background I really wanted it to look like rain coming down and found an <i>awesome</i> stamp in my collection that was perfect for this! Notice all the white swirls in the background? I don't know the stamp set off-hand, but if anyone wants to know what it is just leave a comment and I'll look it up for you. ;) I also used a CTMH stamp set that I bought online and I am in love with this set!!! I'm in bed at the moment and can't remember the name of it either, but again, am happy to look it up. ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I did a lot of little doodles and extras on this card with gelly rollers, ink, Glossy Accents, and Stickles. I decided the bird looked too plain so I gave him a funky little 'do and some eyelashes too. ;) I popped things up with foam dots to add some depth and there ya have it! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks so much for stopping in today and since you're here, why don't ya leave a comment? I'd love to hear from you! :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">XO ~ Amy Jo</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Challenges I'm entering:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Victorine Stamps - #32 <a href="http://vostamps.blogspot.com/2012/04/victorine-originals-challenge-32.html" target="_blank">Anything Goes</a><br />
Papertake Weekly - <a href="http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/april-showers-or-water-water-everywhere.html" target="_blank">April Showers</a><br />
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</div>AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-64193810034861056532012-04-15T00:17:00.000-06:002012-04-15T00:17:47.682-06:00Teacher Thank You Gifts Blog Hop - April 15th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>***For my latest Guest Design post for Dilly Beans please click <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/2012/04/dilly-beans-friday-challenge-shades-of.html" target="_blank">HERE.</a>***</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--scHiyQAnWY/T4j6Pvd_D0I/AAAAAAAABKo/l0cr373wMsk/s1600/Teacher+Thank+You+Gifts+-+April+15,+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--scHiyQAnWY/T4j6Pvd_D0I/AAAAAAAABKo/l0cr373wMsk/s320/Teacher+Thank+You+Gifts+-+April+15,+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Hello my lovely friends! Thanks so much for stopping by today and joining us for the Teacher Thank You Gifts Blog Hop hosted by the talented and lovely Dena of <a href="http://missdjones.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Unknown, Entertaining Mind of Miss Dena Jones</a>. If you've arrived here from <a href="http://thesassyprincess.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jamie's Blog</a>, then you are in the right spot! If you just happened upon my blog today please start at the beginning with Dena so you don't miss out on any of the fun and prizes!<br />
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Teacher Appreciation Week this year begins on May 7th and ends on May 11th. If you're looking for some teacher thank you gift ideas, you've come to the right place! Each of the designers in today's hop is sharing a wonderful gift idea for a teacher. We hope you have fun hopping with us while picking up some great ideas!<br />
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For my project today I decided to make an altered composition notebook to go with a card that I had posted last year (shown below) so I can sell them as a set! I have no kids and no teachers so I have no need for these items, but nonetheless I had so much fun creating them! If you are interested in purchasing them, please let me know. They will be added to my <a href="http://amyjrockstarstore.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">STORE</a> if I don't hear from anyone. ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WpUCTTDglRw/T4j8lBAwovI/AAAAAAAABKw/QFij-LQbVaE/s1600/DSC03656+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WpUCTTDglRw/T4j8lBAwovI/AAAAAAAABKw/QFij-LQbVaE/s320/DSC03656+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Card from last year's FCCB post.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoIufLMfKZQ/T4j8ldRHV0I/AAAAAAAABK4/_d5B38JuOJo/s1600/DSC03657+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoIufLMfKZQ/T4j8ldRHV0I/AAAAAAAABK4/_d5B38JuOJo/s320/DSC03657+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Inside of card.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">For details of the card please go to <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/2011/05/challenge-me-monday-59-teacher-feature.html" target="_blank">THIS POST.</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For the notebook, I thought the background of the notebook could actually look pretty cool without having to cover it with paper so I just added to it rather than covering it up completely. Please click the pics for enlargement. I used the Makin' the Grade Cricut cartridge as well as the Imagine More Cards cartridge (for the notebook paper). I was <i>stoked</i> to find out that Imagine More Cards had a perfect notebook paper print because it comes in handy for so many projects! I will post further details below the pics if you are interested.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TtDEwTzvCW0/T4pioPyP85I/AAAAAAAABLg/OkZAT5DVluw/s1600/DSC05569+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TtDEwTzvCW0/T4pioPyP85I/AAAAAAAABLg/OkZAT5DVluw/s320/DSC05569+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Full Cover</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFmji07ruRs/T4piouSG2CI/AAAAAAAABLo/DQ3oMLhyMKg/s1600/DSC05571+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFmji07ruRs/T4piouSG2CI/AAAAAAAABLo/DQ3oMLhyMKg/s320/DSC05571+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Vellum tag in bottom right corner</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ShJeFcpDFk/T4pio4luxCI/AAAAAAAABLs/QS7ALvUjp_w/s1600/DSC05574+-+Copy+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ShJeFcpDFk/T4pio4luxCI/AAAAAAAABLs/QS7ALvUjp_w/s320/DSC05574+-+Copy+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mYsMVbSjniY/T4pipAuh-1I/AAAAAAAABL4/9Hy3EDQDp4M/s1600/DSC05575+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mYsMVbSjniY/T4pipAuh-1I/AAAAAAAABL4/9Hy3EDQDp4M/s320/DSC05575+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVLmfnuzPHQ/T4piprwhu7I/AAAAAAAABMA/XQqACYzQCLs/s1600/DSC05577+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVLmfnuzPHQ/T4piprwhu7I/AAAAAAAABMA/XQqACYzQCLs/s320/DSC05577+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQriGAFoFVY/T4piqJ2g_uI/AAAAAAAABMI/0rGLVYZt55A/s1600/DSC05578+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQriGAFoFVY/T4piqJ2g_uI/AAAAAAAABMI/0rGLVYZt55A/s320/DSC05578+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>Details: </b>Wow, I used a lot of little elements here. Let's see if I can remember where they all came from! ;0) LOL - I used several elements from this package I won from Julie at <a href="http://jk-littlebitofbling.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Little Bit of Bling</a> (note the stickers on the left.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrkRw6p9bxc/TnLKnANkLZI/AAAAAAAAAYw/5Gu-qq24HAY/s1600/P1020835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jrkRw6p9bxc/TnLKnANkLZI/AAAAAAAAAYw/5Gu-qq24HAY/s320/P1020835.JPG" /></a></div>From my stash I used, an apple & class notes sticker from Sandylion, a scrap of ribbon, shiny red brads and blue and red cardstock. I used Lime Green Stickles for the leaf and stem of the apple, Colorbox Blackbird ink for the edges, Bo Bunny buttons and Doodlebug twine. <br />
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Thanks so much for joining us today! Now you are off to <a href="http://hawaiipaperparty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cely's Blog</a> to see what she has created for us today.<br />
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XO ~ Amy Jo<br />
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P.S. If you're here, please leave a comment! I love to hear from you all!AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-78631098118969553902012-04-14T03:53:00.000-06:002012-04-14T03:53:05.274-06:00Kristin's $100 Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Since you're here, I'd love it if you would scroll down one post for my latest Guest Design creations for <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans</a>. Thanks!!!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1AHS-lelRCs/T4lICEWTIJI/AAAAAAAABLM/EYRVzlRwRQs/s1600/Kristin+Wilson+Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1AHS-lelRCs/T4lICEWTIJI/AAAAAAAABLM/EYRVzlRwRQs/s320/Kristin+Wilson+Giveaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">$100 giveaway??? I know, right!!! OMGoodness, well this is what drew me to <a href="http://kristinwilsonhandmade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kristin's Blog</a>, but once I was there I was AMAZED at her work! She has some major talent and wicked skills! ;0) Seriously friends, check out her blog, become a follower and post about this giveaway to be entered to win. While you're there scroll over some of her previous posts. Trust me, you'll be happy you did! I know I'm inspired! Thanks Kristin for the chance to win and for sharing your amazing creations with us!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">XO ~ Amy Jo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S. Tell her who sent ya! ;)</div>AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-77937712922502221552012-04-13T08:00:00.007-06:002012-04-14T01:16:05.603-06:00Dilly Beans Friday Challenge - Shades of Pink and BlackHi Friends,<br />
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I am so sorry I haven't been able to do a whole lot of anything this past week. I have had a migraine since Easter and it is just not letting up!!!<br />
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I'm super excited about my 2nd Guest Design post for <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/">Dilly Beans Challenge Blog</a> and actually got two cards created late last night!!! Just in time for the challenge. ;) Our challenge this week is <b>"Shades of Pink & Black"</b>. For this challenge I have used the <a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/search?q=heart+flower">#352 Heart-Flowers Border</a>, <a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/Amalia%20Collection">#348 - Amalia's Daisy</a>, <a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/search/label/words">#374 Flowers & Love</a>, and <a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/search?q=263">#263 Zombie Girl with Bow</a>. I hope you enjoy my cards and will join us on the <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/">Challenge Blog</a>!<br />
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Click on any of the links above to go to the Dilly Beans Store! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_1xK0OMdbg/T4eu1k-lVkI/AAAAAAAABKM/4E0vcgzf_cI/s1600/DSC05558+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_1xK0OMdbg/T4eu1k-lVkI/AAAAAAAABKM/4E0vcgzf_cI/s320/DSC05558+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Zombie Girl with Bow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4oXDJGZ1Qgc/T4eu159NgCI/AAAAAAAABKU/CESqDJRRB-w/s1600/DSC05562+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4oXDJGZ1Qgc/T4eu159NgCI/AAAAAAAABKU/CESqDJRRB-w/s320/DSC05562+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 different digis used here - Amalia with Daisy, Hearts & Flowers Border and Flowers & Love (the words)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For my projects today I used a few different mediums; Copics, colored pencils, Zig pens, Stickles glitter glue, Creative Memories pens and my white gelly roller . The first project is made with two different zebra print cardstocks from Recollections. I used the black/white zebra print for the background to frame Zombie Girl and the pink on pink zebra print for the main part of the card. It's nice because when it opens, it's a solid pink inside so you don't have to put another layer on the inside of the card if you don't want to! I used two strips of ribbon from my stash to put behind the framed digi stamp and then added some Making Memories gunmetal brads for a little "rock 'n' roll" bling. ;) I also added some black rhinestones to polish it off. For the image itself, I used several shades of pink, along with silver, black, gray tones. I drew the little spirals with my zig pen and added a little shading to the bow with a silver Creative Memories gelly pen. I added some more eyelashes to her upper lids and added some doodles to the heart hanging down from her. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For Dilly Beans images I don't like to clutter up the card with lots of embellishments and additions because the images are so great that I don't want anything to detract from them. That's why these cards seem more simple than some of my other creations. The images are so much fun to color and for a while I was trying to be so perfect with it, then I decided to just PLAY!!! That's one thing we should all remember from time to time. ;) I've decided that my imperfections make it my own, you know?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you haven't been to see the team's projects yet, OMGoodness you are in for a special treat. These ladies are so talented and I always get inspiration from their projects. I would also like to say a quick thank you to the teammates who stopped by to say "hi" last week. I really appreciate it. ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For my second project I used a hot pink cardstock from Recollections as the card base and added a polka dotted background from Echo Park. I inked my edges with Blackbird Cat's Eye ink. I had colored my Hearts/Flowers border with Copics and my white gelly roller and placed it next, using a Zig 2-way Glue Pen. Then I decided to use Stickles on the Amalia's Daisy image rather than coloring the flower traditionally. I used Fruit Punch and Silver Stickles for her flower and used a combo of Copics/Zig Pens for coloring her hair, face and adding polka dots to her dress. I decided to pop her up off the border and added the sentiment "Love Grows in my Garden" with pop dots as well. I'm very pleased with the combination of these digis. I thought they were perfect together! ;) Hope you enjoy them as much as I have. :0)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you all so very much for stopping by today! Since you're here, please leave a comment. I'd love to hear from you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks again to the lovely ladies of <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/">Dilly Beans</a> for letting me join in on their fun! Don't forget to check out the challenge and link up your projects too!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">XO ~ Amy Jo<br />
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Challenges I'm entering:<br />
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TPE - <a href="http://thepinkelephantchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/04/pink-elephant-tpe-143.html" target="_blank">#143 - Flowers</a> (Card #2)<br />
Use It Tuesday - <a href="http://useittuesday.blogspot.com/2012/04/challenge-29-anything-goes.html" target="_blank">#29 - Anything Goes</a> - Everything listed in the details (body of the post) is from my stash! <br />
Forever Night - <a href="http://forevernightchallenges.blogspot.com/2012/04/freaky-friday-13th-wicked-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Freaky Friday Wicked Challenge</a> (Card #1)<br />
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</div>AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-33722772857626771182012-04-08T01:16:00.000-06:002012-04-08T01:16:19.411-06:00Hippity Hoppity Easter's On Its Way! - Blog Hop April 7 & 8th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>*PLEASE CLICK <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/2012/04/all-sports-blog-hop-april-7th-8th.html">HERE</a> FOR THE "ALL SPORTS BLOG HOP"*</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>*PLEASE CLICK <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/2012/04/dilly-beans-friday-challenge-easter.html">HERE</a> FOR MY GUEST DESIGN POST & CHALLENGE FOR DILLY BEANS*</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Y2QsGmK0XU/T31I2nZd_6I/AAAAAAAABIA/QObfoEtKzvk/s1600/Hippity+Hoppity+Easter%2527s+on+its+Way%2521+April+7+%2526+8%252C+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Y2QsGmK0XU/T31I2nZd_6I/AAAAAAAABIA/QObfoEtKzvk/s320/Hippity+Hoppity+Easter%2527s+on+its+Way%2521+April+7+%2526+8%252C+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Happy Easter everybody and welcome to <b>Day 2</b> of the Hippity Hoppity Blog Hop by Lisa of <a href="http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HoneyBearz Designs</a>! You should have arrived here from <a href="http://www.cindys-greencricut.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cindy</a>, but if you just happened upon my blog today be sure to go back and start at the beginning, as this is a 'HOP' after all! ;0) We are so happy you could join us today!<br />
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I'm super egg-cited to show you some of the Easter projects I have been working on. Everyone that knows me, knows how much I love a great holiday just for the excuse to make some more cards or crafts. I found some great inspiration on the hop yesterday and decided to try out my very first <b>side-step card</b>. OMGosh, I had soooo much fun making this! I wasn't feeling well and almost didn't do it, but I had an image in my head and just <i>had</i> to go through with it. I'm so very happy I did! :0)<br />
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Details for this project are below the pictures. (Click the pics for enlarged images.) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96KaPxZlZD0/T4E4_Mz0h0I/AAAAAAAABJ0/kEOpCNIkP90/s1600/DSC05550+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96KaPxZlZD0/T4E4_Mz0h0I/AAAAAAAABJ0/kEOpCNIkP90/s320/DSC05550+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yK_t3x3Dby8/T4E4_qVG66I/AAAAAAAABJ8/gnBcDYdde9Q/s1600/DSC05551+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yK_t3x3Dby8/T4E4_qVG66I/AAAAAAAABJ8/gnBcDYdde9Q/s320/DSC05551+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--S-CUOHRZ-g/T4E4_zCPWzI/AAAAAAAABKE/5LdxMFticUU/s1600/DSC05554+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--S-CUOHRZ-g/T4E4_zCPWzI/AAAAAAAABKE/5LdxMFticUU/s320/DSC05554+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Fort this card I used the <a href="http://www.cricut.com/craftroom/default.html">Cricut Craft Room software</a>. I love that program when it works! ;) I have no problem on my Expression, but my Imagine is another story. ;p I used Create-A-Critter, Doodlecharms, Ultimate Series Creative Sampler, and Kate's ABCs (for the first time!). I think I need to get a Jukebox for the Cricut because switching out four cartridges and waiting for them to load takes a while. Not all of them can link to the Cricut Craft Room for some odd reason. Does anyone out there own a Jukebox and if so do you like it?<br />
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All the papers and cardstock are from my stash so I don't know the paper lines, unfortunately. I used several layers for everything and I'm so pleased with the effect. I decided to try out a bit more doodling than usual too and I think it turned out well. I used a brown Marvy Memories pen. I inked the papers with my Cat's Eye ink in Dark Brown and stamped the "Hoppy Easter" sentiment (Making Memories) with Basic Black by Stampin' Up. Of course I added lots of pop dots and some blue/white twine from <a href="http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/">My Craft Spot</a>. I cannot believe how quickly this card came together! Normally it takes me forever to make a simple card and with this being my first side-step, I was amazed! I hope you all like it as much as I do. ;)<br />
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Thanks so much for joining us today, sweet friends and be sure to head over to <a href="http://kccroppers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shelly Lynn - KC Croppers</a> as she is the next stop on this bunny hop! If you get lost, I have posted the entire lineup below.<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Lisa Pontious ~ <a href="http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Kristy - <a href="http://scraptasticalkreations.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://scraptasticalkreations.blogspot.com</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Scrappin Madge - <a href="http://www.scrappinmadge.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.scrappinmadge.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Ashley - <a href="http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Haidee- <a href="http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">6.Cindy - <a href="http://www.cindys-greencricut.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.cindys-greencricut.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. Amy Jo - <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com</a> - Me</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">8. Shelly Lynn - <a href="http://kccroppers.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://kccroppers.blogspot.com</a> - Next</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">9. Liz - <a href="http://scrapiliciouslife.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://scrapiliciouslife.blogspot.com</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">10.Jamie - <a href="http://thesassyprincess.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://thesassyprincess.blogspot.com</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">11. Diana - <a href="http://daisylovecreations.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://daisylovecreations.blogspot.com</a></div><br />
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Happy Easter Everybody!!!<br />
Amy Jo<br />
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P.S. I will add the challenges I am entering later...AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-22862018420241166652012-04-07T01:25:00.000-06:002012-04-07T01:25:23.708-06:00All Sports Blog Hop - April 7th & 8th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>***PLEASE CLICK <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/2012/04/hippity-hoppity-easters-on-its-way-blog.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> FOR THE HIPPITY HOPPITY BLOG HOP***</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>***PLEASE CLICK <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/2012/04/dilly-beans-friday-challenge-easter.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> FOR MY GUEST DESIGN POST FOR DILLY BEANS & CHALLENGE***</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cAokpzZwgE/T1VQ4jevd8I/AAAAAAAABCo/CB07dZebPkw/s1600/All+Sports+Blog+Hop+April+7+&+8,+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7cAokpzZwgE/T1VQ4jevd8I/AAAAAAAABCo/CB07dZebPkw/s1600/All+Sports+Blog+Hop+April+7+&+8,+2012.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Good morning fabby friends and sportsters! Welcome to <b>Day 1 </b>of the All Sports Blog Hop hosted by the talented Carla of <a href="http://racincrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Racin Crafts</a>! If you've arrived here from <a href="http://sweetbirdmemories.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lluvia</a> then you are in the right spot! If you just happened upon my blog today, be sure to go back to <a href="http://racincrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Carla's Blog</a> as you don't want to miss out on any of the awesome projects and prizes for this hop! <br />
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This is a two day blog hop so please come back tomorrow to see all the projects the talented ladies in this hop have made. Make sure that you comment on everyone’s posts and follow everyone to be eligible for the Candy that was donated by our fabulous sponsor <a href="http://www.gingersnapscraps.com/">Ginger Snap Scraps</a> make sure you hop over and say hello there too.<br />
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First off, I must tell you, I don't have a sporty bone in my body and neither does <i>anyone </i>in my family! Ok, well, maybe my oldest brother, but that doesn't really count. :p LOL My hubby (thank goodness) and I are simply not sports fanatics; however, if there is a live game in Denver, of any type, we'll pretty much go to it just for the beer and food! ;) Ok, well, maybe not the beer so much anymore, but hey! It's fun anyways! :0) My favorite sport is figure skating with hockey being the next one. I still can't figure out all the rules of football and I'm certainly sports-challenged! At this point you're probably asking why I'm in this hop... Just because I'm not into sports doesn't mean I don't like making projects that are sporty! I have tons of awesome stuff in my stash so I figured this would be the <i>perfect </i>reason to use it! :0)<br />
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For my project today I have created a altered notebook for my father-in-law. Apparently he loves all sports so I thought this would be perfect for him! I used a notebook that I won as blog candy from the lovely Ellen, of <a href="http://www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Card Monkey</a> and a kit I received (for FCCB originally) sponsored by <a href="http://boysrulekits.com/Kits.html" target="_blank">Boys Rule</a>. Friends from Canada, that site is for you! The owner is awesome and her kits are super generous! If you have boys or any men in your life, these kits truly do <i>rule</i>!!! :0)<br />
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My project is super simple, but I think it's quite fun and perfect for Dad-in-law! I cut out the star-badge thingy (it's 2:00 AM, brain isn't working) on the Cricut previously and then I used two chipboard dies that were included with the kit. The paper for the badge thing is from the kit as well and so is the awesome brown twine. It's like leathery, not fabricy. Hmmm...like my adjectives here? Whew, it's been a reallllllyyyyy lonnnnnnnggggg day! :0) LOL Forgive me... ;) The "Dad" letters are from an awesome shiny brown alphabet from the same kit. I love how puffy they are! I inked my edges and there you have it!<br />
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Thanks so much for bouncin by to see me today! Now you're gonna roll on over to <a href="http://mincedpaper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laurie</a>! Don't forget to come back tomorrow!<br />
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XO ~ Amy JoAmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-605206090241928102012-04-06T23:55:00.001-06:002012-04-07T01:30:33.943-06:00Hippity Hoppity Easter's On Its Way! - Blog Hop April 7 & 8th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>*PLEASE CLICK <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/2012/04/all-sports-blog-hop-april-7th-8th.html">HERE</a> FOR THE "ALL SPORTS BLOG HOP"*</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>*PLEASE CLICK <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/2012/04/dilly-beans-friday-challenge-easter.html">HERE</a> FOR MY GUEST DESIGN POST & CHALLENGE FOR DILLY BEANS*</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
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Happy Easter everybody and welcome to <b>Day 1</b> of the Hippity Hoppity Blog Hop by Lisa of <a href="http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HoneyBearz Designs</a>! You should have arrived here from <a href="http://www.cindys-greencricut.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cindy</a>, but if you just happened upon my blog today be sure to go back and start at the beginning, as this is a 'HOP' after all! ;0) We are so happy you could join us today!<br />
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I'm super egg-cited to show you some of the Easter projects I have been working on. Everyone that knows me, knows how much I love a great holiday just for the excuse to make some more cards or crafts. I've been piddling around with digis as you all know and I bought some of the <i>awesome</i> limited digis from <a href="http://simplybettystamps.com/" target="_blank">Simply Betty Stamps</a>. For those of you that do not know Betty, she can use all the support she can get right now, as she is struggling with a teenage son diagnosed with and fighting cancer. OMGosh, can you even imagine? I know how expensive cancer treatments are and every sale we help her with goes towards her son's treatment. Ladies, this is a great way to help out a wonderful person with an amazing heart and amazing talent. I am a HUGE fan of Betty's and I'm sure you will be too! I ask that you go to her store and check out all of her amazing designs. A lot of these are limited edition digis and once they're gone, they may not come back! Get 'em while you can & while you're there, sign up for her newsletter and check out her blog/Facebook Fan Page. It's the best way to keep up with the sales and knowing what's coming out and going back into the "vault". I just happened upon there and was soooooooo lucky as the digi I used for today's project was only available for two or three days!!! I couldn't resist! <br />
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I hope you will enjoy this project as much as I did, making it! ;) I used Zig pens and colored pencils, notice she is holding a chocolate bunny with his ears bitten off! ;) Click the pic for an enlarged picture. I also used a white gelly roller for some highlights. :)<br />
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For this card I welded two oval shapes together with my Sure Cuts A Lot 2.0 software and used a scalloped oval from <a href="http://www.clearlyistamp.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Clear Dollar Stamps or Clearly I Stamp</a>. I used a deep purple cardstock from my stash for the card background and the scallop, along with background paper from <a href="http://www.jillstamps.com/" target="_blank">Stampin' Up</a> (if you visit Jill, please let her know Amy Jo sent you). I used pearls from <a href="http://creativecharms.com/" target="_blank">Creative Charms</a>. They're having a HUGE sale right now! I inked the papers with my Cat's Eye ink in Dark Brown.<br />
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Thanks so much for joining us today, sweet friends and be sure to head over to <a href="http://kccroppers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shelly Lynn - KC Croppers</a> as she is the next stop on this bunny hop! If you get lost, I have posted the entire lineup below.<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Lisa Pontious ~ <a href="http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Kristy - <a href="http://scraptasticalkreations.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://scraptasticalkreations.blogspot.com</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Scrappin Madge - <a href="http://www.scrappinmadge.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.scrappinmadge.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Ashley - <a href="http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Haidee- <a href="http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://created2bunique.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">6.Cindy - <a href="http://www.cindys-greencricut.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.cindys-greencricut.blogspot.com/</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. Amy Jo - <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com</a> - Me</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">8. Shelly Lynn - <a href="http://kccroppers.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://kccroppers.blogspot.com</a> - Next</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">9. Liz - <a href="http://scrapiliciouslife.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://scrapiliciouslife.blogspot.com</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">10.Jamie - <a href="http://thesassyprincess.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://thesassyprincess.blogspot.com</a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">11. Diana - <a href="http://daisylovecreations.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://daisylovecreations.blogspot.com</a></div><br />
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Happy Easter & please come back tomorrow for new projects!!!<br />
Amy JoAmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-16792820387473326352012-04-06T12:10:00.002-06:002012-04-06T20:06:42.833-06:00Dilly Beans Friday Challenge - EasterGood morning all my wonderful and thoughtful bloggy friends,<br />
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How much I love you all - old friends and new friends, alike. I have been overwhelmed by your kind words and honest replies to my posts lately. Bless you all. I still want to write a follow-up post, but have been very happily busy actually crafting a little more lately so that comes first for now. I haven't forgotten I need to draw a blog candy winner for the St. Patty's day hop as well. Sorry for my tardiness! To my friend, Leanne, I have not forgotten about you either and to several of my friends, I have cards to get out to you as well. It's all here on my mind, I just haven't had the cooperation with my body yet, but I'll get there and want you all to know I never forget the kindness you have all shown me in so many different ways, be it cards and gifts or comments and emails. I appreciate it all. :)<br />
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First off I just have to say thank you to Megan for her sheer awesomeness and amazing talent that inspires me to no end! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to join your team for the month of April and possibly more. ;) And thank you for being so incredibly sweet and understanding when it comes to my Fibro.<br />
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Today I am super excited as it's my first Friday Guest Design spot for the lovely Megan and the talented gals at <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans Designers & Friday Challenge Blog</a>. As I mentioned in my earlier post, Megan had said I could do up to four projects for each challenge and believe it or not, I have actually accomplished that task (at least for this first challenge, still working on the others)! ;0) My first two projects for the <b>Easter</b> <b>Challenge</b> are some of Dilly Beans' (DB) cute country style images. The second two projects are some of the darling people images that are available in the <a href="http://www.sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">STORE</a>. Okay, well one is actually not quite a person, it's a zombie bunny, but she has a personality all her own. ;0)<br />
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Let's get on to the projects, shall we? Don't forget to click on the pics to see them in a larger format for better details. Project details are listed below each individual project.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VyX7ckjosPk/T358CfZ4xAI/AAAAAAAABII/v6Mfp6SO57k/s1600/DSC05534+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VyX7ckjosPk/T358CfZ4xAI/AAAAAAAABII/v6Mfp6SO57k/s320/DSC05534+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Project 1 - Outside of card</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-a5LuwU6eE/T358ED6DWtI/AAAAAAAABIQ/qWDcObrgCT0/s1600/DSC05535+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-a5LuwU6eE/T358ED6DWtI/AAAAAAAABIQ/qWDcObrgCT0/s320/DSC05535+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Project 1 - Outside Closeup</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKtFYc8dpos/T358EUimGyI/AAAAAAAABIY/gmDfoVOLGmc/s1600/DSC05537+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKtFYc8dpos/T358EUimGyI/AAAAAAAABIY/gmDfoVOLGmc/s320/DSC05537+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Project 1 - Inside of Card</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">For <b>Project 1</b> I used the <b>Posie Bunny</b> digi stamp from DB, colored with Copics. I'm very happy with the way this turned out. I just decided to kind of play around with them and see what I could do. I made the bow a peachy color with some lovely peony colored polka dots and I am just loving the way the floral bouquet turned out. I had so much fun with this image! I purchased a lot of my Copics from <a href="http://flourishes.org/" target="_blank">Fluorishes, LLC</a>. They have great sets of three or four Copics that won't cost you an arm and a leg, and it's a wonderful way to build your collection! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The card itself, is cardstock from Recollections and the printed papers are from my stash. I used a random basket rubber/wood stamp that I had on hand and stamped the image onto patterned paper, which I also used for the background of the inside of this card. I then fussy cut around the basket and also the inside of the basket. I wanted the bunny to show through, so I cut out a window in the purple cardstock as well. Then I popped up the basket with some pop dots. I used a clear Easter egg stamp (all over) to make the background on the front of the card. I stamped it, using a rainbow pad from Joann's. The "Happy Easter" scroll stamp is one I found in the $1 bin at Michael's, inked with Stampin' Up Basic Black. Perfect for many projects! I then added a bow to the basket from <a href="http://www.reasonableribbon.com/" target="_blank">Really Reasonable Ribbon</a>. I always love buying my ribbon from them. Fabulous company with great prices! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For my second project, I decided to make a card that went with Project 1, so I used many of the same elements. Again, please click the images to get a better idea of the details/colors. The background of this card is actually a minty green from Recollections.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9JxeA4ty6E/T36DkzbbCYI/AAAAAAAABIg/rJ5qPjIv-Po/s1600/DSC05527+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9JxeA4ty6E/T36DkzbbCYI/AAAAAAAABIg/rJ5qPjIv-Po/s320/DSC05527+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Project 2 - Outside of Card</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UF0xA9RU41g/T36Dl7sCICI/AAAAAAAABIo/3IT5Tex5LYY/s1600/DSC05528+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UF0xA9RU41g/T36Dl7sCICI/AAAAAAAABIo/3IT5Tex5LYY/s320/DSC05528+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Project 2 - Inside of Card, Left Side</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh2Iheup9DA/T36DmSfl0DI/AAAAAAAABIw/4xxXIMUCsfQ/s1600/DSC05530+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh2Iheup9DA/T36DmSfl0DI/AAAAAAAABIw/4xxXIMUCsfQ/s320/DSC05530+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Project 2 - Inside of Card, Right Side</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6L5ctQViEdU/T36Dm9kyj1I/AAAAAAAABI4/neW7YvAse_8/s1600/DSC05532+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6L5ctQViEdU/T36Dm9kyj1I/AAAAAAAABI4/neW7YvAse_8/s320/DSC05532+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Project 2 - Inside of Card</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">For <b>Project 2</b> I decided to use the <b>"Hatching Chicky"</b> from DB stamps. I printed it out on white cardstock and OMGosh I was soooooo amazed at the line thickness and quality of these (all DB) images when I printed them! I used my Copics again to color the egg and the chicky and used several different colors in the same family for both the egg and the chick, with a touch of gray for some shadowing. This is a <i>perfect</i> image for Easter, as well as for many other occasions if you want to use it for one of those "Hey Chick" or "Popping up to See You" type of cards.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For this one, I used a green patterned paper from my stash to stamp the basket on and then I outlined it with my black Zig pen (did the same for <b>Project 1</b>) just to make it look a little sharper. I fussy cut the basket and the window again with a craft knife (mine's from Doodlebug) and it surprisingly wasn't nearly as difficult or time-consuming as I thought it would be! I popped up the basket again and then I added some orange Offray ribbon for the bow to finish it off.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Again, I stamped the background of the front of the card with that same clear egg stamp and I used two different shades of Martha Stewart ink. Love the way it looks in person. Sorry the pics don't quite do it justice. I also inked around the edges of the card with the MS ink as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For the inside of the card I wanted to create my own sentiment so I used some darling stickers from Bo Bunny. Can look up the exact sheet if you would like. ;0) Behind the chicky I used a gorgeous paper from Stampin' Up because I just really wanted the yellow chicky head to stand out. I love the combo of those colors together. I inked my edges and then added the same Michael's stamp and the Dilly Beans Hatching Chicky image.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The <b>3rd Project</b> was created using the first image I fell in love with from Dilly Beans, the Zombie Bunny. OMG, I just LOVE her so very much!!! I am so incredibly happy with the way this one turned out and I hope you will all love her as much as I do. :0) This is so out of my normal realm of images that I use for my projects and this is just the beginning of this style. I have many more that I'm working with from DB and I have finally decided that it's ok to create things I love, without having to have a specific person in mind to send them to. It took me a while to grasp that concept! LOL </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I decided to keep this project super simple and just let the image shine. I went over paper after paper and layout after layout and decided that simple was <i>simply </i> the best. ;) Again, click the pics for a large image! The colors are soooo fun!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2EGpsy5zus/T36L_b4byvI/AAAAAAAABJA/1IOVhatoYEY/s1600/DSC05524+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2EGpsy5zus/T36L_b4byvI/AAAAAAAABJA/1IOVhatoYEY/s320/DSC05524+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Project 3 - Outside of Card</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gg3D8rXvqr4/T36L_9yiQ0I/AAAAAAAABJI/yDwti4MPACM/s1600/DSC05525+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gg3D8rXvqr4/T36L_9yiQ0I/AAAAAAAABJI/yDwti4MPACM/s320/DSC05525+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Project 3 - Closeup of Image</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Alrighty, for this lovely little Zombie Bunny I just had <i>the</i> best time coloring her! I used a lavender/grey tone for her face, with olive green eyelids. I used yellow and orange shades on her hair and her jacket is pink with purple. The carrot has two shades of orange and two or three shades of green. Her background has two shades of green and I used the colorless blender to give it a fun effect. I decided to leave the black/white border as is and I fussy cut around the whole image. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't want to do anything to detract from the image so I chose papers that bring out <i>every </i>color. I was <i>stoked</i> to see that I had papers that, to me, were so perfect for this project. The three strips are all from <a href="http://www.jillstamps.com/" target="_blank">Stampin' Up</a>. (SU) I tell you, I just adore their paper lines! Stop over and say hi to Jill and please tell her Amy Jo (Courchaine) sent you!!! She is a wonderful consultant!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The background of the card is again, that same mint green cardstock from Recollections and the layer on top of that is another green print I had in my stash (note it is the same line as the yellow from the <b>Posie Bunny</b> card and the green from the <b>Hatching Chicky</b> card). I decided I wanted to distress it a bit so I used my emery board and roughed it all up, as well as inking it with my Martha Stewart ink. I inked the actual cardstock as well. The strips of SU paper were inked with Rust SU ink.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The inside of this card is still in progress... I need some help here. I want to make up a quirky "Little Bunny Foo-Foo" type of poem/sentiment, but haven't quite figured it out yet. Doesn't she look like a perfect Little Bunny Foo Foo? I mean, she was a little demented right? ;0) LOL Thing is, I couldn't decide if this darling Zombie Bunny should be Little Bunny Foo Foo or if the Amalia Easter Bunny in the next project would make a better Little Bunny Foo Foo. I'm almost thinking the Amalia one is too sweet to be dubbed that title though. Help me decide friends! I would LOVE to get your input and then I'll show you the inside after <i>WE</i> decide. ;) Check out this next project and let me know what you think!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sorry friends, got in a flare before I could finish <b>Project 4</b> and decided instead to use it for one of the upcoming Dilly Beans challenges. Look forward to that post later this month!!! Here are the details (a teaser for you) of the project as well as a picture of the image I will be using for this project that way you can help me decide still for the Little Bunny Foo Foo question. :0)<br />
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For <b>Project 4 </b>I used the brand new <b>Amalia Easter Bunny</b>! OMG, did I squeal when I saw her in the store!!! I'm not kidding, I emailed Megan immediately and said I MUST have her! LOL Oh, I just fell in love with her darling little bunny body and I hope you all will too. I did this one in colored pencil and I am very happy with the simplicity of that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKwEHECQoUI/T382r-3VxiI/AAAAAAAABJQ/tiIbK33B7yo/s1600/DSC05539+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKwEHECQoUI/T382r-3VxiI/AAAAAAAABJQ/tiIbK33B7yo/s320/DSC05539+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Again, I decided to "match" her to the Zombie Bunny card and will likely use the same paper lines and general colors for her. I colored her in colored pencils and by no means, do I have <i>any</i> idea when it comes to shading and highlighting, but I still love her just the same. (Hence the need for some classes here.) ;0) I decided I didn't want to fussy cut her as close as I have been doing the other images because I thought she would look lovely with just a small border around her so I cut her with my scissors and just eyeballed the distance. I'm very pleased with this effect!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Alright friends, now it's your turn to link up your projects at <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans Challenge Blog</a> for your chance to win some free digis!. I thank you all so very much for stopping by today and please do leave your comments. Don't forget the Little Bunny Foo Foo conundrum! Also, even if you don't enter the challenge at <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans Challenge Blog</a>, I would love for you to stop by there and check out the amazingly talented designers work and leave some love there too and become a follower if you like what you see. Tell them I sent ya! One thing you really don't want to miss is the <a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans Store</a> so you can purchase some of these awesome images. Megan's store is <i>huge</i>! She has so many images, I was truly stunned! Can't <i>wait</i> to hear what you all think & please come back here and tell me what you purchase if you do make a purchase! Maybe, oh just maybe a little tiny bribe here I will do... ;0) -- If you purchase something from Dilly Beans and come back here and leave me a comment telling me what you bought, I will choose one or two random winners to pick out a card I have made that they would like to have. It doesn't have to be these, it can be any one from my blog postings (as long as I still have them - or I can make a duplicate if you find one you really want). How does that sound? :0)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have fun shopping and creating, my Darlings!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">XO ~ Amy Jo<br />
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Challenges I'm entering:<br />
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Zombie Bunny Card - Beyond the Burtonesque Dolls - <a href="http://beyondtheburtonesquedolls.blogspot.com/2012/04/rotten-eggs-for-wicked-easter.html" target="_blank">Rotten Eggs for a Wicked Easter Challenge</a></div>AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-37286738395510450102012-04-02T11:27:00.004-06:002012-04-05T01:49:23.880-06:00FCCB Challenge Me Monday - #105 EGG-ceptional EasterGood Morning my beautiful, wonderful friends,<br />
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Today is another Fantabulous Challenge Me Monday at <a href="http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog (FCCB)</a>. For this week's challenge we (you as well) were/are to create a project with an egg on it and of course you must always use a cut on your Cricut machine. Now, if you used an SVG like I did today, just be sure to note that. Please be sure to note any cartridges you may have used as well if you would like a chance to be chosen for the Top 5 or as our random weekly winner. :0) <br />
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I had so much fun with this project. I actually had a fairly decent day on Saturday and got to watch movies all day with my wonderful husband, while working on my crafting. Such a blessed day for me and so rare. :) For my creation I used the <a href="http://www.paperpiecingsbynikki.com/item_103/Quacky-Beans-PatternImage-Set.htm" target="_blank">Quacky Beans Pattern Set</a> from my darling, Nikki (of Paper Piecings by Nikki's) <a href="http://www.paperpiecingsbynikki.com/index.htm" target="_blank">STORE</a>. I just <i>love</i> this set, as I love all of Nikki's sets. ;) She's just the best and has so many adorable new sets and even aps for your Android-based cell phone now. I would be <i>thrilled </i>if you would visit the store, as well as her <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nikkicalmes" target="_blank">Facebook Fan Page</a> as that's where all the action happens over there. :0)<br />
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Without further ado here is today's Challenge Me Monday project! I like to use two pics, one with flash, one without so you can better see the details of certain elements. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc5DS6d-wiw/T3nf2HPiRXI/AAAAAAAABHc/6Tm6h-di4zI/s1600/DSC05495+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc5DS6d-wiw/T3nf2HPiRXI/AAAAAAAABHc/6Tm6h-di4zI/s320/DSC05495+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPlbrZT_QwI/T3nf2tafU0I/AAAAAAAABHk/Hp0TfKZuwCo/s1600/DSC05497+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPlbrZT_QwI/T3nf2tafU0I/AAAAAAAABHk/Hp0TfKZuwCo/s320/DSC05497+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmAEQ4OrwKY/T3nf3O3yVvI/AAAAAAAABHs/VD0vlfJfFUc/s1600/DSC05499+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmAEQ4OrwKY/T3nf3O3yVvI/AAAAAAAABHs/VD0vlfJfFUc/s320/DSC05499+(Medium).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gCcfCV5MPA/T3nf35FDyEI/AAAAAAAABH0/1F317uXQde8/s1600/DSC05503+(Medium).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5gCcfCV5MPA/T3nf35FDyEI/AAAAAAAABH0/1F317uXQde8/s320/DSC05503+(Medium).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>For this card, I used my Cricut Expression to cut my SVG file. All colors of cardstock and patterned papers are from my stash. I two colors of jute twine that I purchased online and some stickers from Recollections (I believe). I cut the bottom and top of the pink cardstock with "Peaked" scissors to make them look sort of like the crack in the egg shell. I also doodled on the inside of the card to match that as well. Will have to post that pic a little later as my camera is not handy.<br />
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I inked the background of the pink cardstock with pink ink and loved the watermark effect it had so I stamped my little egg stamp with the same ink and used it as a background behind the chick.<br />
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I'd love it if you'd leave a comment and feel free to ask questions if you have any! Thanks so much for stopping by today and don't forget to head to FCCB to enter your own project for <a href="http://fantabulouscricut.blogspot.com/2012/04/challenge-me-monday-105.html" target="_blank">Challenge Me Monday</a>!<br />
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XO ~ Amy Jo<br />
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Challenges I'm entering this into are:<br />
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My Craft Spot - <a href="http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/2012/04/monday-challenge-50-easter.html" target="_blank">#50 Easter Challenge</a><br />
Simply Create Too - <a href="http://simplycreatetoo.blogspot.com/2012/03/challenge-10-eggs-bunnies.html" target="_blank">Challenge #10 - Eggs and/or Bunnies</a><br />
More Than Favors - <a href="http://morethanfavors.blogspot.ca/2012/03/wacky-wednesday-68-easterspring-theme.html" target="_blank">#68 Easter/Spring Theme</a><br />
Word Art Wednesday - <a href="http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/2012/04/time-for-challenge-22.html" target="_blank">Challenge #22</a> - Thank you so much, Karen, for inviting me to link up even though I did not use the sentiment. I will be certain to do so for the next challenge. I appreciate your encouraging words. You seem like an incredibly sweet person and I'm so excited to get to know you and your challenge blog better. :0)AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-67918348273608400702012-03-31T00:17:00.000-06:002012-03-31T00:17:59.178-06:00Guest Designing for Dilly Beans for the Month of April, maybe more??? ;)Hello my Dearest Friends,<br />
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First off, I just want to mention that I have read all of your comments and emails and am <i>extremely</i> grateful and touched. I will be writing an update post next to talk more about all of that, but just had to mention it so you all would know that I've been reading what you've written. ;)<br />
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The reason I'm posting today is because I have some SUPER exciting news! Well, for me it is anyways. ;) I've kept this secret for a while. Behind the scenes over here, I have simply fallen in love with Megan's amazing designs from <a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans</a> and I actually got a wild hair and decided to contact her and ask her if there's any way that I could design for her and promote her digis in exchange for some. Sooooo, as wonderful as she is, she said yes! So I get to start with being a guest designer for the WHOLE month of April!!! Now I'm going to be honest here and tell you that I <i>may</i> be allowed to be on her team if all goes well this month so I'm asking a HUGE favor of all my friends... Please, please go to her store (link above) and her <a href="http://dillybeanschallenge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Challenge Blog</a> and become a follower there (tell her I sent ya). Maybe, just maybe you could put in a good word for me? ;) I'll post here as soon as I do the designs for the next challenge so you all can join in and see what I've been doing while I'm up at night in bed. Thank GOD for digis to color in bed!!! I have found a new passion and I will be taking Copics coloring classes online to develop better skills. <br />
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I want to give you a little personal tidbit here...When I came across Megan's stamps, the first ones I fell in love with are a genre I've never personally worked with much before -- kinda goth/creepy, yet still cute. Well I do LOVE Tim Burton and her work reminded me so much of Tim Burton's that I just couldn't resist contacting her and telling her how much I simply <i>adore </i>not only her digis, but her amazingly beautiful artwork (that she sells no less) as well!!! OMG, I don't want to share this because I want to buy everything she does, but I feel it's only fair to share with my loving friends so here's her Etsy store, as well - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mycreativebliss" target="_blank">My Creative Bliss</a>. I hope you know, I'm only kidding about the sharing. ;) I just love her work so much that I bought a bunch of it after spending about three hours searching through every single digi stamp and all of her artwork! LOL I have to mention to you that she has <i>tons</i> of other styles as well. She ranges from Americana/Folk to the Goth/Cutie/Creepy style and I love every single bit! I am sooooo excited to share with you, my creations using her digis. I have been having a blast with them!<br />
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Now, I'm fairly new to Copics and don't have any formal training yet, but I hope you will still like them and realize the awesome potential there is working with digis. I honestly thought I would never want to work with digis because I am the type of person who likes to hold something in my hand, be it catalogs, stamps, books, etc. I've always found it kind of strange to purchase digital items because you don't actually have the item stored physically somewhere. LOL Now, I've realized that OMG, it's a <i>great</i> way to <i>not </i>have to store so much stuff!!! My craft room is soooo crowded as it is that I don't know where to put half of my things. ;p So, with that being said I now <i>love</i> digi stamps and especially <a href="http://sillydillybeans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dilly Beans</a>.<br />
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Alright friends, thank you so much for sharing my exciting news with me today and for your amazing support. I will be guest designing for four challenges so far so look for those posts coming up! :0)<br />
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XO ~ Amy Jo<br />
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P.S. I know a lot of you have heard of Dilly Beans before, but I must have been under a rock (or well, maybe in bed too much). LOL ;) She has some new designs and they are so darn perfect, I'm just ecstatic to work with them and work with the lovely team on the challenge blog! *squeals*AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-67843609653895596412012-03-27T04:05:00.000-06:002012-03-27T04:05:48.242-06:00Fibromyalgia Reality Check - Updates For My FriendsHello my Dear Friends,<br />
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NOTE: Long personal post, if you only have a moment, please read the bolded text at the bottom. Thanks! ;)<br />
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You are probably wondering where I have been lately and I must say I feel like I've fallen down the rabbit hole. ;0) Ok, well the reality of it is I have been weaning off my medications for the last month and a half and I'm doing well pain-wise (for the most part), but I have EXTREME exhaustion and along with that, some major depression. I really don't know if it has anything to do with the meds or not. Literally, I was out of bed about 3 hours total for the entire past week, maybe up to ten days now? I don't know, my days are blurring together with each other and each night. I have been sleeping through the night (so unusual for me), but instead of feeling rested the next morning, within about an hour of waking up I am so tired that I have to go back to bed...and so on and so forth throughout the days. <br />
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I've been having some pain off and on and over the weekend, I walked to my craft room and my low back went out!!! I finally had the energy to work on organization and my back goes out! Ugh. I'll give you a funny little piece of history here...about 10-12 years ago, I used to go to crop nights with my brother's GF (at the time) and I ended up having to buy one of those HUGE rolling totes...The biggest one they make. LOL -- Anyways, one night after a crop, I lugged the big tote into the back of my Chevy Tracker (still have the same vehicle, btw & the same tote), and I ended up slipping a disc, pinching a nerve and permanently messed up my back! How embarrassing, while wearing a back brace, to explain I threw my back out because of my scrapbooking tote!!! I was around 20 or 21 (and this is before scrapbooking really was a big thing) so not exactly a "hip" reason to hurt my back. So my point is, for years I've had trouble with it and actually just the past two years it has stopped being a pain (no pun intended), ;p until this weekend. I am sooooo mad!!! It's rare that I have energy, and the first time I have some in weeks, I end up throwing it out again just by WALKING into the scrapbooking room! If anyone ever gives you grief about scrapbooking/card making being a girly thing, you tell them it's a dangerous sport and sometimes hazardous to your health! LOL ;) So here I am, in bed again... I have 10 Easter cards to make and get out by Wednesday and I'm so hoping to get to them tonight, but I'm having a super duper killer headache. <br />
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Originally when I started this blog I honestly thought it would be more about Fibro and less about crafting, but as you all know, it has turned out quite differently than what I expected (and that's a good thing)! But, I do want to pop in now and again and explain a bit about what I am going through on a daily basis because I feel this illness <i>needs</i> to be talked about. Friends who are here just to see my craft posts, I'm perfectly fine with that too; however, I would love it if everyone would just take a little time out of their day to reflect and realize how blessed each of us is, all for different reasons, but bless-ed, nonetheless ;) <br />
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So I mentioned above what has been going on with me for the past ten days or so, but I haven't really gotten down to the <i>real</i> stuff. Here goes...Depression associated with Fibromyalgia is <i>almost</i> inevitable and from the get-go I was put on anti-depressants, not only for "supposed" help with pain, but for the obvious reason as well. What I'm dealing with right now, my close bloggy buddies are mostly aware of, but I want to share with everyone just what this illness does. Someday, if you don't already, you are <i>bound</i> to know someone with this illness (not just me, online). ;) <br />
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For me, these are just a <i>few</i> of the changes that have occurred since developing what I call full-blown or full-on Fibro. I have had symptoms since I was a child, but it always went away until about four years ago, maybe five now...I can't even remember, which is one of the lovely effects of Fibro, BTW. Yes, I used to have a <i>super </i>sharp memory, now I can't remember what happened yesterday and I'm not joking here. It's one of the many things that gives out in your body. One of the biggest things (no pun intended) that I'm struggling with right now is my weight. Hence the major depression. My <i>entire</i> life I have been extremely thin by nature. I have never weighed much more than 105 lbs., usually rounding out at about 95, which for me was normal and healthy. I was never able to gain weight, in fact, I was relentlessly teased all throughout my school years and I <i>hated</i> it until I got older. I had finally learned to accept my body and love it just how it was. It only took me about 25 years or so. LOL But I was...Happy, that is. When I first developed "full-on" Fibro I went into a program for healing and unfortunately I was put on a restricted diet and dropped down to 85 lbs., which of course, was too small. <br />
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I couldn't gain weight to save my soul! I could eat more than anybody I had ever known, including my big brothers who had voracious appetites. I was this way all through high school as well. In fact, I once won a free dinner from a restaurant on a bet from the waiter who didn't believe I could eat all the food I had ordered. Well I did eat it all and then some! LOL I was soooooo proud of that free dinner and so was my dad...but I digress... Anyways, I got kicked out of the program I was in b/c I was losing weight. Then, just as suddenly as my weight came off, it started piling on. I remember the exact time it started...two Halloweens ago I went to a friend's party and she served these delicious tiny cream puff pastries. OMG, I fell in LOVE!!! I had <i>never</i> liked sweets and <i>hated</i> chocolate my entire life, then suddenly I started craving it, and loving it, and <i>needing</i> it. You can guess how it went from there... In less than <i>one</i> year, I gained 65 lbs. I'm up another 5 - 7 lbs. as of now and I am <i>miserable</i>. I can't STOP gaining weight! <br />
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Honest to God, I'd rather have the severe pain that I had before the weight gain <i>instead</i> of the weight gain. I'd trade it in a minute. I have never ever been so unhappy with myself in my life and I can't <i>begin</i> to figure out what is wrong and why I'm gaining weight constantly and never losing an ounce, even when I don't eat. :( I went from a size 00 to 12/13 currently and still stretching. Most of the weight is in my belly and in fact, several months ago (when I weighed about 15 lbs less than I do now), I got asked when my baby was due!!! I was mortified although I can't blame the lady who asked me b/c my belly is huge and yet <i>another </i>lovely problem with either the drugs or the Fibro (not sure which), is I sweat CONSTANTLY, and profusely! I'm sure she thought it was my hormones from being "pregnant". :p OMG, seriously, how embarrassing!<br />
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My appetite has slowed wayyyyyy down, but so has my metabolism. Ok, this is a little personal, but I had a SUPER fast metabolism and was very regular -- like three times a day regular. Now, I am lucky if I go<i> </i>once every three <i>days</i> and when I do, every single time, it is sooooo painful that I dread going! I rip and bleed and tear and cry every single time I go to the bathroom now! I am on softeners and laxatives every single day and I'm still having severe issues; however, doctors have been NO help in this arena. They can't figure out why I'm gaining the weight and why my system is acting the way it is. So I have made a decision...The one thing that's changed more than anything are the amount of heavy duty narcotics (prescribed of course) that I take just to bear the pain associated with Fibro. So without any better ideas, I have decided to get off of all of my medications -- detox. Yes, it would be treated like a drug addict's detox, except for the fact that I decided to do a very slow wean, controlled by my pain management specialist, so I wouldn't have to go in to a clinic and be put on Saboxone (another form of methadone) to help me with withdrawals. <br />
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As far as the horrible, embarrassing, disgusting, uncomfortable sweating goes, here's what happens...I get up. Within one to three minutes of getting up, no matter what the temperature is or what I do, I start sweating...and I don't stop, until I am lying in bed fairly still. I get in the shower and within one minute after showering, I am <i>dripping</i> and not from the water. My face drips, my hair gets soaked, my clothes get soaked so by the time I'm dressed, I feel exhausted and utterly disgusting. I also get the horrible night sweats at least 2 or 3 times a week and I wake up, drenched, and usually freezing cold. And yes, this adds to my depression incredibly. I am a lover of clothes, fashion, makeup, all things girly and since the weight gain and the sweating I can't even <i>wear</i> clothes b/c it's not worth it to get dressed if I don't have to go to the doctor's that is...so my hubby says I should change the name of my blog to "The Naked Crafter". LOL! :0) It's so bad that it's honestly laughable sometimes!<br />
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So friends, this is what I've been up to lately. I spend my days in bed, trying not to sweat, refusing to go anywhere b/c of the exhaustion & sweating that happens after getting dressed. Oh yeah, did I mention how <i>tired</i> Fibro makes you? It's so weird! Some days I can't sleep but for 2 or 3 hours and then some days I can't wake up for more than 2 hours at a time, sometimes sleeping up to 18 hours a day!!! It's so random, I can <i>never</i> make plans b/c I honestly have no clue how I'll be feeling at that particular moment. How I feel physically changes literally at least every five minutes. I haven't seen friends in months. I have gotten out of the house (other than for doctor's) probably a total of 5 times in 6 months or so. I haven't been able to craft for weeks and that is another thing that <i>really</i> depresses me. I miss it soooo much! When I'm gone for more than a day or two I feel so left out and like I'm missing out on so much in bloggy land. I LOVE blog hops and challenges and everything, but when I feel like I do, it's all I can do to just keep my head on straight. <br />
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My poor hubby has to deal with so much. As I've mentioned, my best friends in the world have ceased to be what best friends should be, so much of the burden goes to my hubby. He's the one who has to listen when I'm in pain, when I'm mad at being fat, when I'm sick of sweating, when my friends don't call anymore. It's hard and he's a trooper.<br />
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I want you all to know that the first few years of this I was very positive and optimistic, but <i>anyone</i> who develops this level of health issues is bound to lose some of their positivity. And that's what's going on right now for me. Now don't get me wrong...I thank God every day for the wonderful blessings in my life and for making my pain less severe than it was, but the one thing (ok several things)<b> I really want people to know about a person who suffers from Fibro is telling that person things like "well, it could be worse" or "at least - blah, blah, blah" or "if it makes you feel better, I've gained five pounds too" :p does NOT help. Sometimes, we need friends who will just go along with the bitching and say "OMG, this sucks" or "I'd be pissed off too"! Is that so much to ask? Of course we know things won't always be this way, or things will get better, but sometimes, dang it, why can't we just be real about our feelings???</b> Now normally I would start to apologize here and say to my readers, yes I really do have a good life in spite of the illness, but you know what? This time, I'm not going to say that because that is, honest to God, not how I feel right now and pretending it is, is getting old. I need friends who are going to let me be me and I need to be able to be myself, especially here on my blog.<br />
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Now the ONE positive thing I <i>will </i>say right now is that I <i>do</i> have some amazing friends here and I <i>never</i> forget that. I thank you all for being there for me and listening to me and still loving me. <i>That</i> is what keeps me going! <i>That</i> is what true friendship is about, to me anyways. For those of you reading this ridiculously long post, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please do leave me a comment. I love to hear from my readers and I will be back in to tell you all some super fun news and post some more creations! ;)<br />
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With much appreciation and gratitude,<br />
Amy JoAmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-79091188439061763892012-03-20T00:01:00.000-06:002012-03-20T00:01:00.662-06:00My Memories Tutorial - Uploading Your Photobook<div style="text-align: left;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/v00FcEFQENI" width="560"></iframe>AmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-17889097749619596792012-03-18T01:40:00.002-06:002012-03-18T01:40:29.619-06:00St. Patrick''s Luck Day Blog Hop - March 17th & 18th, 2012 - Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Top O' the Morning to ya! Thanks so much for joining us today in the St. Patrick's Luck Day Blog Hop hosted by the lovely Angela of <a href="http://creativecraftin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Creative Crafting</a>. This is <b>Day 2</b> of the hop. You should have arrived here from <a href="http://deliteful-gifts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Misty</a>, but if you just happened upon my blog or are here for the <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/2012/03/lucky-leprechaun-blog-hop-march-17th.html" target="_blank">Lucky Leprechaun Blog Hop</a> please be sure to go back to the <a href="http://creativecraftin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">beginning.</a> You don't want to miss out on all the fun and prizes along the way do ya? ;)<br />
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I hope you had a super fun St. Patty's day! I would honestly <i>love</i> to hear what you did yesterday or what you're doing this weekend to celebrate. I have to live vicariously through my friends since I don't really get to go out and celebrate since my Fibro started up (going on 5 years I believe). So give me some details! ;) If you missed out on yesterday's post, you can check it out <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/2012/03/st-patricks-luck-day-blog-hop-march.html" target="_blank">***HERE.***</a> You can leave a comment on yesterday's post, as well as today's for a chance to win my blog candy, but you must be/become a follower to win! I am giving away a surprise pack of goodies. :0) On to today's project! <br />
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I'm super sorry, but I don't have a new project for you today because I was sooooo tired that I didn't get anything done. Along with my Fibromyalgia, I also suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but to me they go hand in hand so I don't really mention that part. It is horrible! Makes me tired all the time and I have zero energy even though my brain really wants to craft. :( So, since so many of you are new since last year, I have decided to repost two of my old projects that you likely haven't seen. If you have, I apologize and I'll have some new projects this week! :0) Enjoy!<br />
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Cricut Cartridge Designer's Calender was used for both projects. I used Stampin' Up paper (same line as my projects this year!!!), along with Recollections card stock, metallic green cardstock from my stash, and ribbon, alphabet stickers, and buttons from my stash as well. Don't forget to click on the pics to get a better view!<br />
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I hope you have enjoyed my projects today! Please be sure to leave a comment and I would LOVE it if you would like to become a follower and a friend. That would make this a LUCKY day indeed! :0) Hmm...speaking of luck....how bout a little blog candy from me? Ok, well the catch is in order to win you <i>must</i> be/become a follower. If you have Facebook and/or Pintrest and/or Twitter, I'd be thrilled for you to join me there as well, but <i>that</i> is not a requirement to win. I will be giving away a surprise blog candy present to one lucky follower. Be sure to leave me a way to reach you!<br />
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Next stop today is the super talented <a href="http://www.timeweavers.com/" target="_blank">Melissa</a>! <br />
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Thanks again!<br />
XO ~ Amy JoAmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5564311870469039865.post-77735464036831716512012-03-17T00:02:00.000-06:002012-03-17T00:02:58.811-06:00St. Patrick's Luck Day Blog Hop - March 17th & 18th - Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Top O' the Morning to ya! (Okay, really?) LOL Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! Thanks so much for joining us today in the St. Patrick's Luck Day Blog Hop hosted by the lovely Angela of <a href="http://creativecraftin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Creative Crafting</a>. This is <b>Day 1</b> of the hop. You should have arrived here from <a href="http://deliteful-gifts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Misty</a>, but if you just happened upon my blog or are here for the <a href="http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/2012/03/lucky-leprechaun-blog-hop-march-17th.html" target="_blank">***Lucky Leprechaun Blog Hop***</a> please be sure to go back to the <a href="http://creativecraftin.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">beginning.</a> You don't want to miss out on all the fun and prizes along the way do ya? ;)<br />
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*Side note: While I'm writing an Irish accent keeps popping into my head, however, I keep getting it jumbled up with a pirate's accent! LOL --Yes, I think I've had too much caffeine! ;)<br />
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Obviously, this hop is about St. Patrick's Day! I just LOVE this holiday! I usually make a corned beef and cabbage dinner, as long as I'm feeling well. I've had to skip it the last few years, but I'm gonna give it a try again today. No green beer for me anymore though. I think as I've gotten older (and sicker) my body just can't tolerate it. :( So instead of that, I'm gonna celebrate by crafting today! That's pretty much how I celebrate every holiday now. :) Not a bad thing at all, right? :0) Ok, well that's enough yimmer yammer... On to today's project! <br />
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For today I have created a cute lil card. ;) Betcha never would have guessed it! Boy, I had a hard time coming up with something for my post for the other hop today, but once I got started, I was on a roll! This one just came to me in literally a few minutes! Love when that happens! See if you can guess how I made it before you scroll down to the details. ;)<br />
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I made a huge four-leaf clover balloon for the cute leprechaun to carry! Be sure to click on the pictures to get a better view! Can you see how I made it?</div>
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Closeup to show you the dimension.</div>
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<b>Deets: </b>Alright my Irish and non-Irish friends... Did you guess how I made this? Well, let me give you a little background here...my hubby was updating my Gypsy and Imagine so I couldn't use my computer or my Cricuts so I had to come up with something else! I used my awesome new Fiskars XL Heart Punch and punched four (4) hearts out. Then I inked them with my Cat's Eye Dark Brown Ink and decided I didn't want them to just lie flat on the background paper so I put a little fold in the center (not all the way down to the tip though) and put glue on just the two top rounds of the hearts. I squished them together a bit and that made them pop up a bit like a balloon! I thought it would be cute to have the leprechaun holding the "balloon" so I used some Offray ribbon and looped it under the hearts and glued it to the leprechaun hand with some red tape. I added a little stamped (leftover) clover to the middle of the balloon to finish it off. The leprechaun is from one of my newest favorite stamp stores, <a href="https://www.gourmetrubberstamps.com/" target="_blank">Gourmet Rubber Stamps</a>. They have fantastic red rubber (mounted on cling foam) quality stamps! I just LOVE the unique variety! You will see more of their stamps used on my cards for sure. The sentiment stamp is from Stampin' Up, as is the ink I used, and both the background paper and the paper for the hearts. Check out the other blog hop I'm in today for a coordinating card!</div>
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I hope you have enjoyed my project today! Please be sure to leave a comment and I would LOVE it if you would like to become a follower and a friend. That would make this a LUCKY day indeed! :0) Hmm...speaking of luck....how bout a little blog candy from me? Ok, well the catch is in order to win you <i>must</i> be/become a follower. If you have Facebook and/or Pintrest and/or Twitter, I'd be thrilled for you to join me there as well, but <i>that</i> is not a requirement to win. I will be giving away a surprise blog candy present to one lucky follower. Be sure to leave me a way to reach you!<br />
<br />
Next stop today is the super talented <a href="http://www.timeweavers.com/" target="_blank">Melissa</a>.<br />
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Thanks again!<br />
XO ~ Amy JoAmyJRockstarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04424291831458018022noreply@blogger.com13