A gift for Jaimie and a treasured note......

Today I had the chance to take Sophia to school....usually hubby's task as I am normally heading off to work. I treasure these rare mornings when we can chat a few extra minutes on our drive....though today's drive was different.....after dropping her off I reached for my wallet and discovered this note underneath.....

Her words: "Thank you for your love, you 'tace' care of me, you have "leed" me to goodness in the world and you are 'sow' fun".....can you imagine my heart as I read this....I cried then and as I write this I cry yet again.....she wrote these words to me....her mom......Jaimie will never ever have the chance to slip a love note to her mom and it breaks my heart......

......though I planned to create a card for Jaimie instead I'm sending her a journal....in hopes that it will be a place where she can share her thoughts…her heartaches….her wishes and dreams…..that it will offer a bit of comfort…..and perhaps a venue where she can chat with her mom….even if just for a moment….

I am a true believer in fate....the sort of fate planned by GOD....and in my heart I believe this journal is part of his plan.....you may remember some time ago I shared a story about my good friend Anne sending me a box of beautiful gifts….this special box included two journals with the loveliest images of fairies sprinkled about the pages. So beautiful in fact that I could not bear to write in them nor part with them….so I stored them in a special place….unaware of what was to come…. In an instant it has become clear….one of the journals was destined to be Jaimie's and I was merely its keeper for a little while….

…..it will make its way to her accompanied by a journaling pen....and especially with good wishes from me and my good friend Anne.....

To send Jaimie a card and learn a bit more about her story see below:

Cards are to be mailed to:

Mont Vernon Fire StationMain StreetMont Vernon, NH 03057

Here is a link to the town's website. Donations for the Cates family can be made online with PayPal (link provided on town website). The information for mailing donations is also on this site. http://town.mont-vernon.nh.us/index.php3

And here are links to some stories about the case.

http://wbztv.com/local/newhampshire/mother.murdered.mont.2.1230017.html

http://www.theunionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=%27Brave%2c+courageous%27+Jaimie+Cates+is+back+home&articleId=4eef9b77-677e-44c0-8140-d7792c2f39f5

Pockets of love....

Hello friends...another quick post...sadly I'm working with one good eye, sniff sniff.....a scratched cornea and eye infection have me reluctantly crafting in little bits through out the day....

Have I told you that I'm IN LOVE with the newest member of my stamp collection....Royal Birds from Layers of Color....it has me dreaming of so many lovely ways to create. For now I seem drawn to introducing them as subtle characters within my creations......so tranquil and elegant.....makes me feel so grateful to Laura for asking me to be a Guest Designer for LOC.....

Today's creation is the first among a few pocket inspired cards I hope to sprinkle along the way....a perfect home for a gift card.....or perhaps to tuck in a secret place where a loved one will discover it when least expected......I so love little surprises....and wouldn't this be the perfect way to say I love you.....I'm thinking of you....or just to say a simple hello.....

....a few of my other favorites among my stash also joined together to create this special card....Webster's Pages from one of my favorite shops...BlueMoon Scrapbooking....the dangling heart which you'll discover among Bizzy Bec's selection of the perfect little trinkets.....vintage ribbon from Angela Harris' store....a special lady who takes the time to raise money for those less fortunate...and a button from my vintage finds.....and for a bit of added fun I've entered my little creation in OCC's vintage inspired challenge.....

.....and now I'll leave you with a sneak peek at another creation I'm working on....

Have a wonderfully blessed weekend!

Guest Designer for LOC

Happy Halloween....

...from my fam to yours!

Treasure those you love.....

A sympathy card is one I wish to never ever have to create….none the less it must be done. So today I find myself sharing an unexpected card….made especially for a family member whose father recently passed….a man who although elderly and ill was her heart…her family….her ‘dad’…..

….in my search for some inspiration and to lessen a bit of the somberness of the theme I played along with the Moxie Fab World which is all about ruffles….

….perhaps because of the occasion I found myself inclined to add touches of black....though not a heavy, gloomy black….but an elegant, graceful black….and for a bit of a light-hearted touch a few soft colors, polka dot designer paper and lovely ribbon…....and while most of the card was created using some of my everyday stash some bits and pieces are from a few craft sites that are quickly climbing to the top of my favs….

…….. first the majestic birds you'll discover sprinkled about the card and envelope are from the Royal Birds stamp set courtesy of Layers of Colors..….and can I tell you they have the most elegant, regal, sophisticated stamps you’ll ever see….you don't want to miss the big reveal party featuring their autumn stamp selection on November 14-15th…..

…the vintage cream ribbon adorning the edges of the peach ruffled ribbon and the removable tag….along with the lovely velvet leaves and the pearls are from A Kiss on the Chic…a fabulous site with gorgeous kits that will make you drool......

....and lastly the black pom-pom ribbon along the edge comes from BlueMoon Scrapbooking….a site with not only one of the dreamiest selections of crafting goodies but also the kind of staff that takes the time to call you just to say “thank you” for your purchase…a rarity in this day and age…..

....now I must say good night for now....my eyes are heavy and tomorrow I'm off to work.....be sure to treasure your family while they're with you......have a good one!

Guest Designer for LOC

You're invited.....

Hello friends, just a quick post before I get back to a little afternoon crafting. My friend Laura from Layers of Color is hosting a release party and you're all invited! I am completely enamored with her gorgeous selection of stamps and am lucky enough to have received a set this week. So while I return to my little project (featuring a few stamps from the set) I leave you with a few words from Laura....

**WOO HOO!!**
We’re throwing a huge party and you’re invited!
November 14th – 15th, 2009
Layers of Color
is celebrating their
*Autumn 2009 stamp release*
and revealing 9 new fabulous clear stamp sets
totaling over 70 original art stamps!
Everyone who joins us will get FREE DIGIS party favors!
With a drawing and contest offering $250 in PRIZES,
blog hopping with Faith Perspective,
a unique challenge from Stamping Sisters in Christ,
mingling with over
one dozen talented stamp artists,
including Layers of Color Design Team
you won’t want to miss this fun event!
The more the merrier! So invite all your stamping friends to join in the festivities! Please grab this beautiful party badge (featuring a sneak peak of some of our gorgeous new art stamps!) and post it all over blogland, give it to your friends, and come back soon for FREE DIGIS and details about this exciting party! (Feel free to copy and paste this post)
I’m so excited and am looking forward to meeting you and many more creative people at the party!!
See you there!

Here's a sneek peek at what I'm creating.....

Have a great weekend!

~ Creatilicious Challenge 3 ~

My scraps and I….we go way back…years in fact….and this month's Creatilicious challenge to use scraps has offered me a chance to reminisce with the remnants of my old friends……my past creations…..

Today I'd love to share a new idea that's been living in my sketch book for a little while...a few bits and pieces sweetly gathered to form a beautifully romantic dress. Its body…..a vintage bottle that’s been patiently waiting to play its role in my creative dreams....and its companion…..a lovely card …it too made of scraps…..

….some snippets you may recognize.....while others were sadly residing in the scrap bin many, many moons ago….

.....I seem to have rekindled my love with a few remnants that I had forgotten….crepe paper in the loveliest shade of pink….gems I considered giving away…..tulle that I kept from a wrapped gift….a sweet cameo stored among other trinkets….and of course strips of ribbon…..

…..I am certain that without this challenge they may have remained in the ever growing scraps container for a very long time….

I adore having created a companion for my little dress....they seem to compliment each other perfectly......and shall I admit.....this was my first attempt at creating my own little rose buds.....it was indeed a challenge but I am crazy about the touch of romance they've added to this dreamy duo......

I'd also love to introduce you to a new love in my life......Webster's Pages found at one of the best on-line shops on earth BlueMoon Scrapbooking....they are truly the most magnificent, delicious, romantic, beautiful designer paper I have ever seen.....my heart ached when I had to cut the paper to create the beautiful box envelope.....Webster makes me smile with delight.....

I must share that although I love my little creation I find myself wondering….is it too “out of the box”….does it make sense…will others see its beauty? My sweet Sophia says she’d stare at it for days….hubby says he doesn’t get it….tell me…..what do you think?

P.S. I've also entered this creation into the fabulous PaperCraft blog Moxie Fab World's ruffle challenge....as you all know...I love, love, love, ruffles:) If you have the time you must pop on over there and give it a go too!

Quick post...several challenges.....

Hello my friends...hope you're enjoying the ends of a fabulous weekend. This will be a very quick post...have family visit from out of town in a couple of hours....

I must tell you I'm in love with chip board...especially these large tags by K & Co....so much to create with them....this one is all about Halloween...one side featuring a folded pocket ahold of a few tasty sweets and the other side a spooky sky's scene.....with a few shimmering pumkins, a black cat, and fence awaiting to hold mini tags....perfect for fun Halloween wishes....

I've entered it into a few Halloween challenges in blogland: Simon Says Stamps, All Sorts Challenges, and 2 Red Bananas. Take good care....

Be still my heart.....

I could barely contain my excitement after finding these vintage beauties….buttons, buttons, and more buttons…too many to count…every hue of white….every size and shape….some still with their original thread barely hanging on….my entire being is smiling with joy…..

My love affair with vintage finds began many moons ago….though at times quieted by life’s everyday matters. It is only in recent months when I have felt the desire to introduce this old love with another of my loves…crafting……

….and so begins another chapter in my creative journey…..can’t wait to see where it leads me……

Blessings,

A 'Thank You'....simplified.....

Today a good friend requested a ‘Thank You’ card for someone who extended a helping hand during a trying time in her life….pressed for time I discovered it was the perfect moment to create a little something simple yet elegant ….free from intricacy.....a thought that’s a bit foreign for me…..for if you ask hubby he’d tell you that when I'm creating I’ve been known to accompany the night’s moon much later than I should and greet the morning's rise much sooner than my body would like........

....challenged with the hands of time I reached for a few of my familiar friends among my stash....K & Co designer paper, nesties, Martha Stewart ribbon, and thankfully a rose bud and a couple leaves from Bec's Store which added the final touch.....

....shall I admit that even when fighting with that darn clock above my head I still could not resist creating the envelope to match.....for it is the home to a wonderfully handmade card.....and part of the story.....

For me this was a personal challenge that begs to question…..does this “quickie” say “Abby’s Garden”….I’d love to know what you think….

Have a wonderfully blessed day….

~Creatilicious Challenge 2~

Blessed in my life.....I am reminded of this every day.....when I see my sweet Sophia's smile every morning...feel my husband's hand on mine....witness the change of seasons...so many reasons to feel blessed.....

This month's challenge at Creatilicious is to use the colors pink or plum along with green and burgundy and a bit of ribbon or other fiber...a lovely combination to create a beautiful tag embellished with deliciously feminine touches like sheer ribbon and rose buds, pearls and romance.....

.....its companion.....an open-style envelope box with a bit of ribbon and dp draped ever so lightly along the edges........

.....the tag began as a blank canvas beckoning luscious layers of designer paper...a pocket folded effortlessly...offering an untailored, shabby chic feel.......

.......it is the home to a gift...a magnet with the word BLESSED...a simple yet powerful word that causes one to pause at times and be thankful for God's little gifts.....

.....and for an unexpected surprise....the back of the tag offers another beautifully embellished pocket with mini tags that await for the perfect words to share with a loved one....

I hope my creation has inspired you to come and join us on our Creatilicious journey.....can't wait to see what beauties you'll create with this wonderful combination......

......now don't go just yet....many of you have gotten to know my style and it didn't take long for Bec to discover that as well...she sent me a box full of lovelies from her store....you'll discover a few have made their way into this creation....the tiny rose buds that seem to have been kissed with the perfect shade of burgundy.....the sheer ribbon that offers a bit of elegance....and the pearls that add the finishing touch to the back pocket....to find these and other fabulous products visit Bec's store.....where you'll discover a line of great products for your beautiful creations!

Vintage finds and a cherished memory.....

While strolling hand-in-hand with Sophia during a morning of antiquing we noticed a young couple clearly in the early stages of their courtship….his hand gently holding hers….gazing stares in each others eyes…..soft giggles as he whispered in her ear. It was then when Sophie looked up at me and said “I’m never getting married or kissing a boy…I am going to live with you forever” I couldn’t resist responding…”can I get that in writing?” he he…her response….”I pinky swear mommy”….oh how I love that sweet girl of mine….her innocence is irresistible.

I’d love to share a few photos of our finds from that memorable morning…an antique mirror and matching brush that will adorn my dresser…and some day Sophia’s.....
a few vintage glass jars begging to be embellished with baubles, ribbon, and romance….

and my favorite treasure of all….vintage pins that will find there way into some of my future creations......

Have yourself a fabulous, memorable, joyful, and all around awesome weekend my friends!

Happy birthday friend....

It was my dear friend Deda's birthday this week...and a time to share a lovely dinner at our favorite restaurant....where three kindred spirits meet once a month...our place to catch up...laugh a little...at times cry a little...a time to share a bit of what's on our mind....a time to be us. I created this little slice of heaven just for her......
A touch of ribbon and pearls....layers of designer paper and one perfect candle with a flame kissed with just a touch of glitter.....

A little something to wish a special friend a very Happy Birthday.......

....a keepsake that I hope she'll cherish for years to come...have a wonderful weekend....

A gift for a friend....

Hello my friends......how are you today? I hope you are well.

Are you blessed with wonderful, faithful, supportive, "there for you" friends? I am grateful to have a few that fill different areas of my life and heart...one in particular is a friend I made on-line....her name is Anne. She was my very first customer when I began a new venture in selling my creations on Ebay.....a new girl with no feedback history yet she gave me a chance.....I gained a great customer but more importantly a friend who 'til this day continues to cherish many of my "little works of art" and lends an ear when I need some advise. I recently received a package of gifts from Anne that included all sorts of lovelies that tugged at my heart...so today I'd love to share a little something I created for Anne....a special lady.....a special friend......
Anne noticed my altered case posted some time ago which featured a notepad on one side and a pocket on the other.....a little something pretty where one can create a grocery list, Christmas list...or whatever one fancies.....basically a chic way to keep track of your life:)

This version is ultra feminine, shabby and chic with vintage inspired details like satin pulls to open, vintage lace, buttons, and a few pearls along a backdrop of gorgeous designer paper of roses and defined words like BELIEVE, MEMORY, and CELEBRATE....all words to love and live by......

.....a little something special I hope she'll carry along her travels through out her day or perhaps keep on her night stand.....

...and once the notepad has fulfilled it's duties with notes bursting about the pages and is ready to be filed away the case is ready for it's new role as the keeper of a few treasured items....perhaps a few love notes, a photo or two...trinkets and jewelry.....or a few handmade cards.......

I'd love to know.......do you have a treasured on-line friendship that's touched your life?

P.S. I've entered this card in a few challenges I found in blogland:

Etsy Inspired Challenge #50

Whimsy-Touch of Sparkle

ABC Challenge- B is for buttons

A bit under the weather....

Hello friends I hope you are all well and have enjoyed a glorious weekend....I unfortunately have been sitting on my sofa for over 2 days fighting a really bad head cold....sniff sniff. I had hoped to create a little something to share with all of you but alas my fate was to have my sweet Sophie baby me a bit....hmmm....not a bad trade off after all.

I'll be back soon.....

~Creatilicious Challenge 1~

Here we are....finally the launch of the much anticipated Creatilicious Challenges where anything and everything goes! This was indeed a tough challenge for me....I found myself venturing into uncharted waters....a Father's Day card featuring shades of brown and metal.....hmmmm me....Abby...the girl that's all about florals and femininity, oh my! It was a bit of a scavenger hunt searching for all things masculine among my stash. With a bit of bravery, my Stampin' Up image, my trusted K & Co dp, brads, twine, and tons of patience I created this card. I hope you like what I've created and that I've inspired you to also venture into your own uncharted waters and create a little something for a special man in your life......

A few details about the front.....the image was stamped, water colored, cut and layered 3 times to offer a 3 dimensional effect. For a bit more height and dimension I placed the image on layers of nesties....while a bit of twine in a criss-cross design offers a sort of nautical feel.....finally the simple word "Dad" stamped on organic ribbon adds the finishing touch.

Through out the card you'll find torn layers of K & Co dp for a continued organic, natural feel....while inside a pocket ahold of a lovely removable card offers the perfect avenue for a little note that can be tucked between the pages of a book.

As you all know I always create an envelope to match my cards....well I must admit time ran out and it's not complete but here a two pics to share of what I have so far.......

Thank you so much for stopping by and joining us on this wonderful journey with Creatilicious! Be sure to visit the rest of the DT by clicking on their names on my sidebar.

Have a wonderful day!

Sophia's treasured friend.....

Sophia requested we create something very special for her best friend’s birthday…something with a butterfly or two….a few flowers….no pink...no purple…and the most important ingredient….her favorite picture of her and Nora.

So together we sat on the floor among a sea of ribbons, designer paper, and embellishments….her selections: a soft peach ribbon, yellow and blue roses and remnants of my gingham DP that were still scattered about my craft room floor. I love that she appreciates soft, timeless colors…..another glimpse at her little being becoming her own person…..another special memory to tuck away in my mind…...

We created a little something Nora can hang on her bedroom wall and be reminded of their special bond for hopefully many years to come. Thankfully the layout was easy with the help of Midnight Madness' 13th sketch challenge....so without further ado here's our creation......

Well, I'm off to spend some time with my fam....have a wonderful day!

A new DT journey begins.....

I woke up to the most exciting news today....I have the honor of being one of the first DT members in the new challenge blog Bizzy Becs Creatilicious Challenges! I am super excited to be part of a team again and look forward to sharing my creations with all of you.......hopefully they will inspire you to give them a try too!

See you soon....gotta do the happy dance now, he he......

Gingham, tulips, and a few challenges.....

If you’re like me you find at times you suffer from “crafter’s block”…you know those times when your mind is blank, vacant, bare….just can’t seem to find your Mojo. The solution…..a few splendid challenge blogs. You’ll find them scattered about this wonderful world of paper crafting….a virtual mall of delight…. in an instant your creative juices are flowing and you’re back on track….ahhhhh……..

I've entered this card in a few fun challenges:

Challenge 1: As many of you know I was on the design team for The Next Level which at the moment is at a halt. I’m feeling a bit of DT withdrawal and discovered the launch of a new challenge blog offering the best of both worlds….one challenge per month…perfect for a working mom juggling life and a passion for crafting. It's Bizzy Bec's Creatalicious Challenges and I’m hoping this card is good enough to win one of their much sought after DT spots…..wish me luck!

Challenge 2: When I stumbled upon the new challenge blog Let’s Get Shabby it was like discovering a group of old friends…all with an appreciation for those things shabby and chic, vintage and timeless…..my very favorite style. Needless to say I’m hooked! This card is for the Gingham and Floral Challenge which requires the use of gingham and flowers. You like?

Challenges 3, 4, and 5: Along my travels in “blog land” I managed to find a few more awesome challenge blogs where this card hopefully fits the bill:

Jacksonbelle Tuesday: use Martha Stewart punches...and as you can see it's every where on my card and envelope:)

My Time to Craft: Use something neglected or forgotten...the tiny envelope punch was the very first punch I ever purchased about 4 years ago and this is the first time using it!

PaperPlay Challenge: Dimension...make your project as 3D as possible....hmmmm I think I managed that right?

Stamp Something: Paper Piecing....the tulips are all paper pieced...tedious but love the end result.

As always I can't stop myself from finishing the inside

I decided to try yet another envelope design I had brewing about this brain of mine...it's all straight lines instead of triangle points.

And it continues the theme beautifully with more gingham and loveliness....just untie the 3 adorable ribbons to discover what's inside.

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week!

An unfolding plan....

I was a passenger in a car today…..a chance to take in the scenes of wild flowers and lush green trees along the highway….a moment to reminisce along the pages of my sketchbook….creations that begin with a simple inspiration poured on to a blank slate….arrows pointing, notes sprinkled about, drawings that only make sense to me. My trusted friend, my sketchbook....tattered and worn…it holds my thoughts…my visions.

While I'm working on my latest inspiration I’d love to share a glimpse of where it all begins….a page from my sketchbook…..my mind at work….

Do you recognize what the sketch depicts or do your eyes deceive you.....it's my very 1st attempt at a 3D rose card....and 'til this day one of my favorite creations.

Tell me…where do you find your inspiration?

The fate of a few bits and pieces....

I was not quite ready to move on to my next inspiration…..the remnants of my gift bag scattered about my craft room beckoned to become another Victorian inspired creation…..the plan to store the buttons and beads, pack away the designer paper, file the scraps and ribbon fizzled…..I succumbed to their request and created a little something special with them…..

Is it a tag, a card, a bookmark….hmmm…..I don’t know…..

I do know it’s perfect for my dear friend and poet Deda who I’m certain will find the perfect words to fill the bare space….words she will cherish and hopefully share with me some day…..

Have a blessed day and be sure to cherish your closest friends....