Swiss Pixies Santa Birgitta

Here is my card today for KL Stampin n Scrappin. I just adore these pixies and to me, she looks like she's wearing cute jammies. Though it's a week old by now, I also used Eat Sleep Stamp Sketch #61 for this card.

Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: CC Designs, sentiment is PTI
Snowflake Punch, PTI Button, Crystal Stickles, Nestabilities, and Copics

The Blind Side was a great movie. I want to read the book now, as I'm hoping it'll tell more about what happened to him as a child. I heart Sandra Bullock, so I'll see anything with her. Brent isn't so much a fan of her, but it was a sports movie, lol. He total enjoyed it too regardless. New Moon was good, but exactly the way the book was. I hated this book because Bella was so depressed and it totally dragged on, lol. But the next book of the series was my favorite, so I'm excited for all the action to come in Eclipse.

I hope you all have a great Monday! It's back to work for me...though I wish I could have 4 day weekends all the time. :)

Christmas Card Challenge Week #52

This image of Santa pulling Ruldoph always cracks me up! I got this image from Wish RAK last year. I started this card out with Jen del Muro's Sketch For You to Try, but didn't quite make it there. I know it's kindof a busy card, but I hope that whoever receives it will enjoy the humor in it.

So, since this is my last challenge for 2009, again any Christmas, Holiday, or Winter card is good for this challenge. I have already made a list of challenges for 2010, so starting next Sunday, I will start my Christmas cards for 2010! I hope that you will all play along with me!

Paper: Making Memories Misletoe
Stamps: High Hopes, sentiment is PTI
Snowflake Punches, Copics, PTI Buttons and Crystal Stickles

Mr. Linky Note: Please link directly to the blog post or gallery page where we can view/comment on your creation and not just the generic link to your blog. To get the full url, click the title of your blog post (which will load a page that has just that post on it), then copy and paste the URL into the Mr. Linky form. Thanks and please still post a comment so I know you added a card!

I hope you all have a great Sunday! Brent and I are going to see the Blindside!

Henry Celebrating

Here is another card I made for my co-worker Yvonne. Since her granddaughter is turning one, I thought this would be an adorable cupcake image to use. Though its a little modified, I also used Amy's sketch (Sarah's daughter) for this card.

Paper: SU Razzleberry Lemonade
Stamps: Whiff of Joy, sentiment is Amuse
CTMH Brads, Copics, Crystal Stickles, Nestabilities, Prima Flowers, American Craft Buttons

I do all of my Christmas shopping on Black Friday and I always get excited for the crazy day. Since I'm not capable of sleeping early, each year my recovery time from lack of sleep gets longer and longer, lol. But I'm happy to say I am completely done shopping and I got some great deals. I was a good girl...didn't buy anything crafty for myself. :) I was really tempted with the Walmart ad for the Cricut stuff.

It's Nona's birthday on Monday, but we're celebrating a little early. A group of us is going to dinner and then crafting at Nona's. I will be addressing all of my Christmas cards. Every year my brother and I helped my parents seal all the envelopes and stamps with a wet sponge. That was back when they didn't have self-sealing envelopes and stamps. Gosh, that makes me sound old. :)

Everyone have a wonderful Saturday!

Howdy!

I hope you all (Americans) had a great turkey day! I'm still in the mist of working on cards and haven't had time to photograph anything. I'm one of those crazy Black Friday shoppers, so by the time you see this, I'll be mad dashing between people and carts, lol. I promise to have some artwork for you soon! Maybe after my shopping nap...

Hockey Riley Card

I tend to make more girly cards, but I have to remember that Brent still has a few bachelor friends. So, here's my attempt at more of a manly card. I know, I know, there's still glitter on the snowflakes, lol. :)

Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: Riley and Company, sentiment is PTI
American Craft Brads, Nestabilities, Snowflake Punches, Crystal Stickles, Copics, and PTI Buttons

I know I'm probably the last one to...but I'm going to see New Moon tonight! I'm really excited! I don't have a card done for tomorrow, so I'll be back on Friday with a new post. Everyone have a wonderful and safe holiday!

Miss Anya Autumn Easel Card

I fell onto the easel card bandwagon, lol. And as fun and cute as they are, they are hard to photograph! I'll appreciate any tips! I tried from each side and I finally gave up. So sorry you're stuck with this mediocre pic. I truly had the intent to do the Fresh Farm Friday challenge this week, but I wasn't feeling the no designer paper. So, instead, this is for Diedrich Dare Challenge #11. :)

Paper: My Minds Eye
Stamps: The Greeting Farm, sentiment is PTI
Prima Flowers, PTI Buttons, Pearls, Copics, Crystal Stickles, EK Success Border Punch, and Nestabilities

I hope you all have a great Tuesday! I'm so excited we're almost to the finale for Biggest Loser!

My Pink Turkey

The thing I admire the most about Cindy Haffner is that she rocks the color pink. I've seen her do every holiday in pink, even Halloween! So, this is my attempt at doing Thanksgiving in pink and brown. This is my card for KL Stampin n Scrappin today and I also used M's Sketch #4.

Paper: Basic Grey Indian Summer
Stamps: High Hopes, sentiment and border is PTI
Prima Flowers, PTI Buttons, Crystal Stickles, Nestabilities, Copics, EK Success Border Punch

Yesterday was my co-worker's birthday and today we're going out to eat lunch to celebrate. Guess where we're going?!? I'm getting another yummy meal at Mizu! :) I hope you all have a great Monday! Yeah for a short work week!

Blog Candy Winner and Christmas Card Challenge Week #51

It's been fun reading all of your comments. I hope you all get those Copics! :) So far, I have narrowed my list to a photo light box, the copic airbrush system, and a Janome mini sewing machine. I considered some of the Cricut stuff...but I honestly haven't used my Cricut since I packed up my apartment.

Out of the 80 comments, Brent chose #38 as my winner for the blog candy. Congratulations Catherine! Email me your address to sparklingapple17@hotmail.com and I will mail your goodies to you.

Paper: SU Cardstock, Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: Riley and Company, sentiment and border is PTI
Snowflake Punches, PTI Buttons, Crystal Stickles, Nestabilities, and Copics
I'm not really too happy with this photo, so I'm gonna try to take another one in the morning. Since I'm coming to the end of Christmas cards 2009, any Christmas, Holiday, or Winter card is good for this challenge! Next week will be my first whole year of making Christmas cards!

Many have asked about my Snowflake punches. The ones I have are the Marvy punches. They come in 5 sizes and Papertrey Ink made two stamp sets last year, Snow Fall and Snow Fall Additions, that match 4 of the sizes of the snowflakes. Martha Stewart also has a few snowflake punches out and they're next on my list.

Mr. Linky Note: Please link directly to the blog post or gallery page where we can view/comment on your creation and not just the generic link to your blog. To get the full url, click the title of your blog post (which will load a page that has just that post on it), then copy and paste the URL into the Mr. Linky form. Thanks and please still post a comment so I know you added a card!

Everyone have a great Sunday!

Cuppycake with Huggabugg on Top

Yvonne works in Accounting and last week she asked if I could come talk to her. She sounded so serious, I thought I was in trouble, lol. I walked into her office and she asks, "Do you sell any of the cards you make?!?" I sighed in relief!

Her granddaughter is turning 1 on December 11th and she asked for a cupcake card. I told her I would make a few and she could pick out which one she liked best. Isn't this Huggabugg just the cutest? I also used Jen del Muro's Sketch For You to Try from last week.

Paper: Basic Grey Nook and Pantry
Stamps: Stamping Bella, sentiment is PTI
CTMH Brads, MS Border Punch, PTI Ribbon, PTI Buttons, Twine, Nestabilities, Copics, and Crystal Stickles

So, the Canada thing...I can't really say specifics until later, but I will speak generally. By Summer 2010, Brent and I could have some great career opportunities in the Vancouver metro area. Of course, Brent and I just bought a brand new house this year and it would be silly/hard to pack up and move once again.

But, I think it would be so wonderful up there and we could go to Canuck games all the time. Hockey is Brent's favorite sport, so it's a good lure to use on him. A girl can dream, eh?

Everyone have a great Saturday!

Skiing Riley Card

I broke my ankle when I was 8 on Thanksgiving. I've always been scared of breaking it again and since I can't stand the cold, skiing is just not the sport for me. :) I'll go up to the mountain, but I'll be the one reading and eating at the lodge by the fire. I also used Mojo Monday 112 for this card.

Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: Riley and Co, sentiment is PTI
Basic Grey Brads, Rhinestones, Copics, Nestabilities, Snowflake Punch, PTI Buttons, and Crystal Stickles

Everyone have a great Friday! I've worked 12 straight days, so I'm excited to just have a day off. I'm not complaining since the Managers Conference is always a blast, but I'm exhausted. I need to clean, do laundry, and get my house together. I also need to get some major crafting done. I hope to finish tons of stuff over my Thanksgiving weekend, since Brent and I have chosen not to go home this year.

We're going home for Christmas and New Years, so we'll see our families in due time. My In-laws are going to Vegas and we couldn't afford to go with them. Otherwise, we'd be celebrating with them! :) And since Anna (my step mom) isn't American-ized enough, she doesn't do the whole turkey thing.

Plus, we have to save some of our vacation time for the Olympics in February! I seriously can't wait. For other reasons...I want to move to Vancouver, BC! Another topic for another day, lol. Yeah, it's almost the weekend!

My First Bella Snowbunnybella

This is the one stamp that changed my stamping career. As soon as I saw her, I knew I had to have her and that's what started my Bella collection. There's only 2 stamp collections that I have every one of. Bellas and Rileys. What an odd couple, eh? :) Now, I don't have every stamp Stamping Bella makes, but I do own every "Bella."

I call her my love/hate relationship. :) Through the years, Bella has gotten me popular and she has also gotten me into alot of trouble, lol. Regardless, I don't regret the journey she's brought me on and I'm happy where I am now.

Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: Stamping Bella, sentiment is PTI
CTMH Brads, Nestabilities, Copics, Crystal Stickles, Snowflake Punches, and PTI Buttons, MS Border Punch

I hope you all have a great Thursday! Yeah for Grey's and Private Practice.

It's a Jolly Day

Today is Brent's birthday...and unfortunately I don't have a birthday card for him. With our conference, I just didn't have time to create anything and I didn't get the stamps I wanted in time either. But, I do have another Christmas card. Kindof out of my comfort zone, since it has no stamping, lol.

I'm a little late, but I did use Get Sketchy #13 for this card. These Thicker letters are left over from Shannon's Baby Album and I didn't have any more e's. I really wanted to spell jingle, lol.

Paper: Basic Grey Jingle
American Craft Thickers, Snowflake Punches, PTI Buttons, CTMH Brads, and Crystal Stickles

I hope you all have a wonderful hump day! I will be taking Brent out to dinner to celebrate his big 2-8. We're going to eat at Mizu, a Japanese restaurant. This is the first time ever that Brent and Scott aren't actually spending their birthday together. In the past, Brent has either gone home or Scott has come to visit us. And just in case you have no idea what I'm talking about, my hubby is an identical twin.

But with their birthday being on a Wednesday and right before the big Turkey week, it just didn't work out. Birthdays aren't that special to Brent, so honestly, I think I'm more excited about going out than he is, lol.

Blog Candy

Sorry I don't have anything crafty for you today. I had hoped to get back home earlier on Sunday from the conference and craft a little. But I got distracted with chores, grocery shopping, and just being tired from working all weekend. Now that I have over 200 Followers, I am going to be giving away some fun blog candy.


I tried to think about what I wanted to give out. I thought it would be fun to give out what my "basics" are. I wanted to give out some Copics, but since I don't know of anywhere to buy the Sketch ones locally, I'm sorry I don't have any to give. The picture above, I created with photos I found on Google and some of the stuff I'm including isn't pictured.

- Mixed stack of Basic Grey 6x6 paper
- 4 mini stamp sets from There She Goes
- Pearls
- Mixed bag of ribbon

To enter for the blog candy, all you have to do is comment here by Saturday, November 21st. I will give you all until midnight and draw my winner on Sunday.

{So, the big question is, what are you asking for Christmas this year?} Can be crafty and non-crafty.

Brent just asked me that over the weekend and I really don't know what I want this year. Last year ALL of my family and Brent's family chipped in to get me the rest of my Copics. Best Christmas ever last year, lol. It was like when I was 5 and I got a 100 crayon pack out of my stocking. :)

Ebony Card and Department of the Year

I was inspired by many other bloggers who have been using their Eerie paper for the gothic style. Though Twilight isn't my most favorite...I am very excited for New Moon to come out and Alice is my favorite character. What am I going to do when Razzleberry is no more? I also used Diedrich Dare Challenge #9 for this card.

Paper: Basic Grey
Stamps: The Greeting Farm, sentiment is Stamping Bella
CB Embossing Folder, Nestabilities, Copics, Crystal Stickles, and CTMH Star Brads

As you can tell from my title, my team won Department of the Year! :) We were all very excited and so happy to finally win! Tamara got the flu, so she wasn't able to be there. She trains our Branch Managers. Below in the picture are the Regional Trainers (train new employees), Training Curriculum (which is what I do), and our fabulous leader and Director of our department.



I hope you all have a fabulous Monday! It's back to work for me...

Christmas Card Challenge Week #50

Okay...I know this card looks almost the same as yesterdays, lol. But I am loving the red and green! Again, there's no extra challenge this week...so any Christmas, Holiday, or Winter card is great!

So, I was really sad to hear that Kristi from Hanna Stamps sold Riley. The new store is called Riley and Company. I'm also very disappointed that they raised the price of unmounted Riley's from $4.25 to $5. I guess I'm glad I already own them all, so I only have to buy a couple each time they release new ones.

Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: Riley and Company, sentiment is PTI
CTMH Brads, Nestabilities, Copics, Crystal Stickles, Snowflake Punch, PTI Buttons, Pearls, and MS Border Punch

Mr. Linky Note: Please link directly to the blog post or gallery page where we can view/comment on your creation and not just the generic link to your blog. To get the full url, click the title of your blog post (which will load a page that has just that post on it), then copy and paste the URL into the Mr. Linky form. Thanks and please still post a comment so I know you added a card!

Everyone have a fabulous Sunday! My fabulous department is hosting a fun game today at the conference that we've been keeping top secret. It should be lots of fun and will post pics later!

Chilly Flopsey Card

Sadly, they started playing Christmas music at work this last Monday. I've always been one of those "not until after Thanksgiving" people. Of course, this year with making Christmas cards year round, I kindof through that out the window. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas music, but I still think it's too early, lol. Doesn't Flopsey just make you want to curl up with a nice mug of cocoa? I also used Jen Del Muro's Sketch For You To Try from Halloween.

Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: MFT, sentiment is PTI
Rhinestones, CTMH Brads, Nestabilities, Copics, PTI Buttons, Snowballs

I hope you're all having a fabulous weekend. Even though I will be working today, our conferences are so much fun! Dorinda, the trainer here in Seattle is celebrating her 15th year with Moneytree and we're so excited to see her get her award tonight!

The last 2 years we've (the Training Dept.) been nominated Department of the Year. Hopefully, third times a charm and we'll come home with the win this year! Cross your fingers for me! :)

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

This is my last Pink Gem card. I just love how this card turned out and it makes me want a lovely pink jacket too! Since Brent grew up playing hockey, he's much more of the ice skater. I can skate okay, but not a fan of the coldness. :)

Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: Pink Gem Designs, sentiment is Amuse
Rhinestones, Copics, Snowflake Punches, PTI Buttons, and Crystal Stickles

Everyone have a fabulous Friday! It's almost the weekend! Is everyone ready for the holidays yet?!?


November is always an exciting time, because that means it's time for our annual Manager's Conference. I will be in Bellevue all weekend, but I do still have posts for while I'm gone. I won't have time to comment or answer emails, but I will be back in full swing on Monday! If you don't hear back from me until then, you know why!

It's a Pink Christmas! with Yoko and Ono Kettos

Finally getting around to using this cute duo of Kettos. They're not really a Christmas or Holiday stamp, but they do look cute in red and pink, lol. I hope you're all not getting sick of the Eskimo Kisses paper. I still have a lot more to get through. I also used Jen del Muro's Sketch For You To Try for this week.

Paper: Basic Grey
Stamps: Stamping Bella, PTI Vintage Labels, sentiment is PTI
Copics, Snoflake Punch, Crystal Stickles, PTI Buttons, Nestabilities, Rhinestones

While I was making this card, I realized that my Marvy Snowflake Punches are the tools that I have used the most this last year. But oddly enough, I bought the PTI Snow Fall and Snow Fall Additions stamps to go with them and have only used the stamps a couple of times. I think I will try to use them more once I start my batch of cards for next year. :)

I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday! I'm excited for Grey's and Private Practice!

Not the Typical Sympathy Card...

Some of you probably have already seen or participated in this. My friend Sarah lost her 3 year old son, Henry, last week. I've never met Sarah in person, but I've been blessed to have been on design teams with her. She's the one with the funny Bella comment that I posted right before Halloween.

My other friend Lorie, has been organizing a way to donate for a memorial for Henry. Henry loved his local zoo and visited it almost every day in the summer. As a memorial, trees will be planted there in his honor. Melissa at Pink Cat Studio has created a digital stamp to help raise funds for a tree for Henry. All proceeds from the sale of the digi stamp, minus Paypal costs, will go towards the tree. If you would like to donate towards the tree, please click here to purchase the digi stamp.

Paper: Basic Grey Offbeat
Stamps: Pink Cat Studio, sentiment is PTI
Pearls, American Craft Brads, Copics, Prima Flowers, PTI Buttons, Crystal Stickles, and Nestabilities

Katie at Paper Makeup Stamps has also been so generous and created a Henry angel stamp. This stamp is available now in digital and rubber form. You can purchase them here. $2.50 from each sale of this stamp, will go directly to the Anderson family. This will help to build the memorial at the zoo or for any other means the family needs it to keep little Henry's memory alive and well for his little brother Jack.

Paper: My Minds Eye
Stamps: Paper Makeup Stamps, sentiment is PTI
Snowflake Punches, PTI Buttons, Crystal Stickles, CTMH Bigger Brads, Copics, and Rhinestones

As you can see, I purchased both and made cards for the Anderson family. I don't have kiddos, so I can't even begin to understands that kind of loss. But I know they will appreciate all of the good thoughts and kindness from everyone. Have a wonderful hump day!

Mr. Snowman Winter Wishes Card

I had planned a totally different post for today, but I forgot my camera...and didn't all of my photo editing done in time. So, it will have to wait until tomorrow. This is another Christmas card I made with my fabulous Paper Makeup Stamps Snow Happy set. My friend Shaela, who I met last Thursday, actually designed this set! This card started out as a sketch, but got too far from it for me to call it anything, lol.

Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: PMS, sentiment is Amuse
Snowflake Punches, Nestabilities, American Crafts Brads, Crystal Stickles, PTI Buttons, Snowballs, Rhinestones, and MS Border Punch

I hope you all have a great Tuesday! They're back to singles...so I'm rooting for Rudy all the way! Though, week 1 I picked Alan...so go Alan, lol. At the beginning of each show Brent and I watch, we pick who we think will win. The only time I've actually been right...was when I picked "Ed" to win Bachelorette. I thought I'd blown it though when he went home the first time, lol.

Strawberry Tilda

Here is my card for KL Stamping n Scrappin. This Tilda reminds me of the Strawberry Shortcake dolls that were made in the 80's. I was super excited to pair her up with my Basic Grey Nook and Pantry paper. I've been on a kraft card base thing for a bit, but decided to ink the edges with some chocolate chip. I also used Beate's Weekend Sketch #105.

Paper: Basic Grey
Stamps: Magnolia, sentiment is Amuse
Pearls, Copics, Crystal Stickles, Prima Flowers, PTI Buttons, and Nestabilities

A few have asked how many Christmas cards I've made so far and right now I have made 98 cards. I have about 15 more to make. I didn't originally plan on making any for my Etsy, but I may make about 10 more for that, depending on how I feel and how much time I have. Before I mail them all, I will take a picture of all my cards together. :)

Usually when you look at stuff you made a year ago you cringe, but I still love my cards I made last December when I started this journey. My coloring skills have gotten MUCH better, but without another card to compare, my non-crafting relatives will have no idea, lol.

Everyone have a great Monday! It's back to work for me...

Christmas Card Challenge Week #49 - Stella Card

Since I'm trying to get all of my cards done, there aren't going to be any more extra challenges. Just make any Holiday, Winter, or Christmas card(s)! Isn't Stella just a bundle of fun? I also used one of Jen dul Muro's Sketch For You To Try. I'll admit that it drives me batty that Jen doesn't number these, lol. Maybe I just need to start using the dates.

Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses
Stamps: Stamping Bella, sentiment is Amuse
CTMH Brads, Snowflake Punches, Crystal Stickles, PTI Buttons, Copics, and Nestabilities

Mr. Linky Note: Please link directly to the blog post or gallery page where we can view/comment on your creation and not just the generic link to your blog. To get the full url, click the title of your blog post (which will load a page that has just that post on it), then copy and paste the URL into the Mr. Linky form. Thanks and please still post a comment so I know you added a card!


Well, I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday! I am getting my hair and nails done! Next weekend is Moneytree's annual Manager's Conference and I'm so *excited* to have my acrylics put back on! :)

Willow Holding Baby Card

Yesterday was my friend Shannon's birthday and she finally had her baby a couple weeks ago. This is a baby and birthday card all in one, lol. I've only seen pictures on Facebook, but her baby is just darling! I won't be going home to Portland until Christmas, but I'm very excited to meet Alex (guess Lexi didn't suit her, lol).

Paper: My Minds Eye
Stamps: Whiff of Joy, sentiment is Amuse
Pearls, Copics, Crystal Stickles, Prima Flowers, and PTI Buttons

Since I don't have kiddos...and Shannon is the first one in my group of college/sorority friends to have one...I need to start investing in baby stamps, lol. Jenn bought this stamp when LaTraya had her baby and gave me some images. Thanks a million! I also used Sweet Sunday Sketch #42 for this card.

I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday! I will be crafting! :) And cleaning...and doing laundry, lol.

Snowman and Riley Card

Isn't this Riley just adorable?!? I actually made this card a couple weeks ago while we were watching the Ducks game at Cody's, one of Brent's college friends. Kendall, Cody's girlfriend, asked me for this card...so I have to remember to save it for them.

Paper: My Minds Eye
Stamps: Hanna Stamps, senitment is Amuse
Snowflake Punches, Crystal Stickles, PTI Buttons, Copics, Nestabilities, CTMH Ribbon, and MS Border Punch

I hope you all have a fabulous Friday! It's almost the weekend! Anyone have any fabulous plans?