Impressions Are Made

Goin' Fishin'

2011-09-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

Planting Seeds

2011-09-19T06:36:00.000-07:00

Full of Wonder

2011-09-18T06:28:00.000-07:00

Fall Scarecrow

2011-09-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

Alota Fall Bugs

2011-09-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

Fall Friends

2011-09-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

Hi there, everyone!! I hope you are all well! I have been making some new cards and so I will post them here as I can. I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Tulip Tilda

2011-07-08T06:34:00.000-07:00

Exploring Tilda

2011-07-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

On the Right Path

2011-07-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

Gardening Tilda

2011-07-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

Biking Bella

2011-07-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

Fishing Edwin

2011-06-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!

2011-06-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

Good morning, ladies!! I have not posted in so long, it is ridiculous. I promise I have some cards to post, I just need to get my rear in gear and post them! They will be coming soon. Anyhow, I wanted to tell you some exciting news! I am now a consultant for Scentsy!! You should check it out. They have gorgeous products. (This is for my friends in America and Canada.... sorry ladies) If you love candles, please check this out. You will really like what the have to offer. Anyhow, I hope you are all well! I think about all of my blogging friends a lot!! Miss you guys! I know I have been on a long break, but it is just slowing down...I still post occasionally. Maybe it will pick up more in the fall. I just wanted to say hi and tell you all about my new exciting adventure. I am having fun selling this awesome product and have had a great response so far. Hope you enjoy it!

Blue Tilda

2011-04-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

Butterfly Tilda

2011-04-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

Flowers for You

2011-04-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

Watercolor Stripes

2011-04-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

Watercolor Arbor

2011-04-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Here is a watercolor card I made using Art Impressions water color stamps! I hope you like it!

Window Tilda

2011-02-23T05:52:00.000-08:00

Pink and Green Tilda

2011-02-22T05:48:00.000-08:00

For some reason, my picture of this little cutie is very crooked... not sure what I did but still, here it is. :) Hope your day is wonderful!

Birthday Present Tilda

2011-02-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

Birthday Cake Tilda

2011-02-19T05:46:00.000-08:00

Tilda with Ribbon

2011-02-18T05:42:00.000-08:00

Hello there, ladies! I hope you are all doing well. I have been checking out all of your blogs and your creations are gorgeous, as usual. I really do enjoy seeing all of the wonderful creations you make. I hope you all have a blessed day! Enjoy the little things.

Picking Apples Tilda

2011-02-17T13:52:00.000-08:00

Lilac Flower Girl

2011-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Showing Some Love

2011-02-08T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hearts for You

2011-02-07T05:56:00.000-08:00

Heart Tilda

2011-02-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

Blue Valentine

2011-02-03T06:52:00.000-08:00

A blue valentine for you!

Boutique Tilda

2011-02-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

Hi ladies!! I hope you are all well. I have been just fine. Staying busy and enjoying life. Have a wonderful day!

Umbrella Tilda

2010-12-29T05:26:00.000-08:00

Tilda With Flag

2010-12-28T05:24:00.000-08:00

Howdy! I know that this flag looks soooooooooo pink, but it really is not that pink. My camera could NOT get a good photo of this card. (I will blame it on the camera and not on myself. :) Anyway, I love this Magnolia stamp. Too cute.

Dancing Tilda and Edwin

2010-12-27T05:16:00.000-08:00

Hi there everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We are so very blessed and I am so thankful every day for my family, friends, health, and everything else in like that is just fabulous. Have a very nice day!

Lantern Tilda

2010-12-23T05:19:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Tilda

2010-12-22T06:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas BlueTilda

2010-12-21T05:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas Bag

2010-12-20T06:29:00.000-08:00

Sarah Kay Fall Gal

2010-12-19T06:11:00.000-08:00

Christmas Magnolias

2010-12-18T13:15:00.001-08:00

Two Belles 'n Whistle Cards

2010-12-18T13:09:00.001-08:00

A Belles 'n Whistles Cutie!!

2010-12-18T13:08:00.000-08:00

Hi ladies! Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. You will notice I am mostly going to post photos and skip a ton of typing. :) My posts will be short and sweet. :) Hope you are all well! I have a ton of stuff to post. Have a great day and I hope you are enjoying your holiday season.

Hugs~ Andrea

Some New Alota Cards....

2010-12-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hello there, everyone! I hope you are all well. I have been enjoying the holiday season and have been taking an opportunity to slow things way down in life and I am loving it. :) It is so easy to get caught up in the craziness of life. That is why I have not blogged a lot lately. I LOVE being a part of this fun crafting world, but I just needed to slow down a bit. But, I have still been crafting. Here are some cards I have made using some adorable Alota Rubber Stamps!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T19:28:00.000-08:00

Hello my blogging friends! I just wanted to tell you that I wish you all a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving and I hope you all have so much to be thankful for! I know I do. Life is so hard sometimes, but when you take a step back and look at all the amazing, beautiful things in your life, there are so many things to be thankful for.

I have been missing in action for a bit, but I won't be gone to long. I am taking a break. :) Honestly, I am just truly enjoying the things I am thankful for. I will be posting less, but not giving up my blog. I just need to spend a little more time on other things in my life. :)

Anyhow, have an awesome evening!

Hugs,

Andrea

Dodging The Snowball!!

2010-11-18T05:52:00.000-08:00

Hiya peeps! I hope your day is going well! I have made a card today using one of the new stamps from Belles 'n Whistles. I LOVE this collection. It is definitely one of my favorites. Isn't she sweet, hiding behind a snowman so no one can get her with a snowball?? :) I have such wonderful memories of playing in the snow in North Dakota as a child. We had so much fun growing up on our farm.

For my card, I have used some ribbon, ultra fine glitter, MS punch, various snowflakes and some pearls. The image was colored with Copics. I hope you enjoy your day and thanks so much for looking!!

Alota #47~ Cheryl's Christmas Challenge

2010-11-16T05:51:00.000-08:00

Hello there and good morning! Today, we start a new challenge over at the Alota Rubber Stamps blog. The lovely Cheryl has asked us to create a Christmas card! I have used a new Alota stamp on my card. I love these candles. I think they are so pretty. For embellishments, I have added some pearls, ribbon and flowers. The image was colored with my Copics. Please head on over to the blog and play along with us!

Belles 'n Whistles~ Cozy Winter Nights

2010-11-08T05:49:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love cozy winter nights?? I also love the excitement children feel with they know Santa is coming. I have the most adorable picture of my daughter looking out the window just waiting for Santa. It is so sweet.

For our current Belles 'n Whistles challenge, we were asked to create something warm and fuzzy. So, for the fuzz, I have used lots of flower soft on my card. I have also added some flowers, basic grey papers, pearls and ribbon. I hope you like it and I hope you have a wonderful afternoon! Oh, and go and join our challenge! It is so fun!

Alota #46~ Create a Tag for your Project

2010-11-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

Good morning, everyone! How are you all this day?? I am so excited this time of year... I love fall and I love getting ready for winter and the holidays. I think it is so much fun and there are so many things to be thankful for!

I have made this card for the Alota Rubber Stamps Challenge # 46. Frances has asked us to create a project with a tag. I made mine nice and simple. I have used papers from my stash. I also used a corner punch, pearl pen, black gems, ribbon(which I LOVE) and a flower. I hope you all have a wonderful day, my friends!

Belles 'n Whistles Blog Hop Winner

2010-10-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I wanted to let you all know that I have chosen a random winner for the Belles 'n Whistles blog hop!! It is DANNI from Danni's Dreams!! WOOO WHOOOO DANNI!! I am so excited for you. I have sent you a message of how to contact Summer to claim your prize! Enjoy!

Belle Sledding!

2010-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi girls! Today, I have a card I made using a stamp from the NEW Snowbabies Collection at Belles 'n Whistles! Isn't she the cutest? I just love her. She looks like she is having so much fun! I remember when I was a kid growing up on a farm in North Dakota how much fun us kids had playing in the snow. We always had a fire going, so when we came inside, my mom usually had lunch ready for us and we would warm up by the fire. It is such a wonderful memory.

On my card, I have used papers that I bought last year and never got around to using. They are very pretty, I think. I also used some paper snowflakes, crystals and ribbon. The snow is flower soft snow and the image was colored with my Copics and Prismas. I hope you have a warm, snuggly day! ;)

Belles 'n Whistles Blog Hop!! Meet the Snowbabies!!

2010-10-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, and welcome to our Belles 'n Whistles Snowbabies Hop!! I am so happy you are joining us! If you came from Kathrin's Blog, then awesome. If not, please go back to the beginning of the hop here. This is gonna be so much fun! I have lots to tell you.

First, you will notice the breast cancer ribbon on my little Belle. It is in honor of my friends and DT sisters, Elise and Jacque. Elise was just recently diagnosed with this terrible cancer and Jacque has been fighting it for months and is now cancer free! They are such amazing women! So, Summer at BnW has decided to donate 10% of all Snowbabies sales from October 27th to November 27th in honor of them!! Isn't that so cool!? I think it is a wonderful, generous idea. So, be sure to order LOTS!! :)

My card was made with a stamp called Catching Flakes! She is so sweet! I have added flowers, ultra fine glitter, snowflakes, pearls, and I used my Spellbinders for the round border and a MS punch for the rectangle border. Now, I am the last stop on the hop, so I hope you had a wonderful time! Be sure to leave a comment on all of the DT blogs for your chance to win a sweet prize! Also, please be sure to check out our Guest DT work as well! These girls are amazing!!

Alice-Lihsuan Wertz

But wait!!!!! Before you go......

We have also decided to share hot drink recipes with you!! Mine is a yummy Hot Chocolate with Maple!! It tastes like a warm maple bar donut!

Here is the recipe!!

Maple Hot Chocolate

By Darlene Miller

1/4 C Sugar

1 T baking Cocoa

1/8 t salt

1/4 C Hot Water

1 T butter

4 C Milk

1 t Maple Flavoring

1 t Vanilla Extract

12 Large Marshmallows

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa and salt. Stir in hot water and butter, bring to a boil. Add the milk, maple, vanilla, and 8 marshmallows. Heat through, stirring occasionally, until marshmallows are melted. Ladle into mugs and top each with a marshmallow. Enjoy!

Alota Fall Bear

2010-10-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

Hello there, everyone! Today, I have a card for you that I made with a new Alota Stamp! I think this new fall collection is really sweet! I have colored this cutie with my Copics. Embellishments are flowers, leaves, ribbon and buttons. Thanks so much for looking!

I also wanted to let you all know that I will be missing for a couple of weeks. I have my awesome sister in law coming tomorrow!! I can't wait for her to be here, but when she is, we have so much fun I get nothing done. ;) THEN, on the 6th of November, my family is taking a vacation to Hawaii!! So, I will not be at a computer. I have set up several auto posts, and of course, I tried to make them seem like they were posted at a normal time with fun little tidbits of info. ;) Just know that if you comment me or leave me a message, it will take me a while to get back to you. I have also been so busy with making all of these cards before my trip that I have been bad about commenting all of you. SORRY GIRLS!!! Anyhow, I will be back to chat soon!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Hugs~ Andrea

Trick or Treat!

2010-10-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Are you all ready for Halloween?? I know that in the United States, we are all getting ready! We are going to have our first Halloween party for my daughter and her friends over here! It should be a lot of fun. Man, there is a lot of stuff to do to get ready for a party though. So fun.

This card was made for the new Belles 'n Whistles challenge hosted by the fabulous Gini! She asked us to create a Trick or Treat project. Something with a treat for the eyes or a trick on our cards. I am sorry to say, I have no tricks. We are getting ready for a trip to Hawaii and so I have been pressed for time! BUT, I did make a card that is cute to the eyes with this gorgeous stamp! I have used my Copics and Primsas together. Papers are old from last year and I added some flowers and gems! Have an awesome day and if you celebrate it, a wonderful, fun, and safe Halloween!

A Boy and His Best Friend

2010-10-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! Today, it is my turn to post to the Belles and Whistles Inspirational Blog!! It's really nice having the two different blogs now.... our inspirational blog AS WELL AS our Challenge blog! If you have not done so already, please go and check out both blogs. They are so much fun!

For my card, I have used one of the new adorable stamps from the brand new Changabelles Collection! He is so sweet. I have added the fish bowl stamp with him so that he has a friend!

For the coloring, I used Copics and Prismas with OMS. I also like to add a little chalk around my images. Embellishments are ribbon, a metal charm, shells and some silver pearls. I hope you like this little guy and enjoy your day!!

Tilda in Fall Leaves!

2010-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I hope your day is going well! Have any of you been having trouble with blogger when you try to post? I have not been able to align my text right and it drives me crazy! Maybe it is a test of my patience?? Who knows? Oh well, I guess. So, for now, my text is not centered how I like it. Grrr....

Anyhow, back to my card. :) I have used this adorable new image from the fall Magnolia Collection. I LOVE these new images. I have colored her with Copics and Prismas. I love how she turned out, but I think I should have reversed her shadows on her hands and feet. Oh well, she still looks pretty. :) I have used my nesties, flowers and some gorgeous paper from my stash. I have also used a pearl pen and some stickles. See ya soon!

Magnolia Hugging Friends

2010-10-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it is official! I have an new favorite Magnolia image! I absolutely love these adorable cuties. I think they are just so sweet and versatile. You can use them for anniversary stuff, as brother and sister, Halloween, friends... there are so many ways.

I did a little experiment on these two with my Copics. I colored their faces 2 different ways. Which do you prefer? Tilda or Edwin? I personally like Edwin the best and think I have found my perfect Copic face colors. I am really happy with how he turned out.

I have added some rhinestones, crystals, flowers and ribbon for the embellishments. I have colored the image with my Copics and Prismas. Enjoy your day!

Alota #45 Challenge~ October Food and Drink

2010-10-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. I bet you are thinking, "what does this have to do with October Food?? Well, to be totally honest, I was not sure what to use on this card and I know that we eat a lot of pumpkin seeds this time of year and so I thought a pumpkin would be much cuter then a pumkin seed. :) Though I will say, I should have added some for embellishments. :) I hope you head over to the Alota Rubber Stamps blog and enter the challenge! It sure is fun to play! I can't wait to see what you create!

Hugs to you all~

Andrea

Belle Waiting

2010-10-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

How is everyone today?? I am having a wonderful day today. God is good...that is for sure. :) This time of year is always s refreshing to me. I love all of the colors, smells, tastes... everything fall is so warm and wonderful.

My card was made using one of the adorable new Belles 'n Whistles Stamps. Isn't she so pretty and fancy looking?? :) I love her. I decided to just use her alone, though the accessories that you can choose from with the new Changabelles release are amazing and so fun to work with. Materials used are: papers from my stash, MS punch, pearls, ribbon, chipboard, flowers and gem stems. I have colored the image with both my Copics and Prismas. Have a good day!

Sneaky Tilda!!

2010-10-12T05:46:00.000-07:00

Good morning, everyone! I hope today is a wonderful blessing for all of you. :) My day is going on just lovely. I have been enjoying a bit of a break in the weather, compared to a few weeks ago when it was so terribly hot!

For my card today, I have used an adorable new image from the Christmas Collection from Magnolia. I think she is called Sneaky Tilda. She sure is a cutie. She has been colored with Copics and Prismacolors and OMS. I have used some pretty Christmas papers and from Basic Grey and have added lots of flowers and some lace, ribbon and crystals.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Belles 'n Whistles New Challenge Blog!!

2010-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hello there, ladies! Today, we are starting out Belles 'n Whistles challenges at the NEW CHALLENGE BLOG!! Yippee!! You really need to go over and check it out AS FAST AS YOU CAN!! Lynda, one of our DT girls has set it all up and it is gorgeous! She really is so very talented. So, we still have our inspirational blog here. But, for our challenges, please check in with the new challenge blog.

OK, so now for my card.... I have used some of the NEW adorable Belles 'n Whistles stamps. :) They are so sweet, as usual. Summer still has some available, so you should go and check it out! Anyhow, Jodi has asked us to create something using fall colors for this challenge. I hope you like my creation. :) I am still getting used to my Copics and am finding that some colors are much easier to work with then others. Oranges are not my thing just yet. :) Still had fun though. :)

See ya tomorrow!!

Alota October Sale!

2010-10-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

Hello there everyone! I wanted to share this coupon with you so that you can order up over at Alota Rubber Stamps! I am sorry I do not have a card to show you with this coupon, but I have been working on some Alota projects and will post them soon! Please be sure to go and check out the is sale soon! It won't last long and 20% off your order is awesome!

My First Copic Creation!!

2010-10-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! I have some exciting news!! I know I have mentioned on my blog that I have started to do something different.... well, I have been saving my money and overtime have purchased some Copic markers! I know, I know, it is something I said I would never do.... but my husband actually talked me into it. He is my biggest fan when it comes to my cards and especially my coloring. He really likes it and he just thought that I could broaden my skills if I tried these markers out. Well, I decided to give it a go. Here is my first creation. Now, I DID practice a bit with the skin tones because I wanted to get just the right color. I still think this is a bit on the orange side, but not to bad and I like the faces a bit darker anyway. I did use a bit of my Prismas and OMS to do some of the coloring on the face. I like mixing the two color mediums together. Also, this is my first coloring with the markers besides the faces. So, I have to say I love the markers and I am excited to be using them. I do have a long way to go, though!! Enjoy yourself today!!

WONDERFUL NEWS about Belles 'n Whistles!!

2010-10-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hello there, ladies! I just wanted to tell you all that Belles 'n Whistles now has it's very own Challenge Blog! We will still use our other Belles 'n Whistles blog for inspirational posts from the DT, but if you want to have a place to go for Challenges ONLY, then this is just for you!! :) PLEASE go and check out what my amazing DT sister, Lynda has done with the blog. It is amazing. Don't forget to follow it so you can get all our updates about the challenges! Hugs and have a great day...

Magnolia Caroling

2010-10-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it is already almost the 2nd week of October!? Where in the world does the time go? It does not feel like we should be making Christmas cards, but I guess it is that time of year, isn't it? If I don't get a few made now, I will never get them done.

For my card, I have used this Caroling Tilda. I never remember the names for all of these stamps, so I just call them what they look like. ;) Maybe I am right, maybe I am wrong. The papers are from a stack I bought a while ago and I added some ribbon I got from Michael's and liquid pearls. I have also used flowers from Prima and WOC. if you look close, there is a candy cane charm as well. It is kind of hard to see.

The image was colored with Prisma and OMS and I used a bit of chalk to make the yellow glow around my little singer. Have a wonderful day!

Magnolia Fall Raking

2010-10-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Ours was very nice. My daughter is in Softball right now, so we have been enjoying watching her play. It is so much fun. Yesterday, she got a great hit AND made it home, so she was really happy about that. It was so hot here, though. Not very fallish, like my card. ;)

For my card, I have used an adorable Magnolia image that I actually have had for a couple of years and not inked up. I am ashamed to say it. I was looking through my Magnolia stash and saw him and realized the rubber was sparkly clean. So, I just had to change that. ;) I have colored him with Prismas and OMS and I colored the birch tree the same way. I really like how it turned out. These images together are huge, so I had to make a pretty simple card, but I do like it and think it is a nice card for a boy. Well, I gotta go! Have a wonderful day, my friends!

Winner of Belles 'n Whistles Blog Hop Stamp!!!

2010-10-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hiya ladies!! The winner of the stamp from the Belles 'n Whistles Bloghop was chosen by Random.org and the winner is................. Connie!!! STAMPIN FROG!!! Connie, contact me with your contact info and I will forward it to Summer at BnW for your stamp!!

Congratulations, sweetie!!

Alota Robot Challenge!

2010-10-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

Hi there!! I hope you are having a good week! Can you believe it is already October? I am just shocked how quickly the month of September went by. YOWZA! Anyhow, my card today is for the Alota Challenge! Right now, we are doing a challenge where you use Robots.... fun, right?? So, head on over to the Alota Blog and see what's going on!! Have a good one!

Belles 'n Whistles New Release!! The Changables!

2010-09-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Wooooooo Whoooooo!!!! It is new release time for Belles 'n Whistles!! This means blog hop time!! Yeah!! So, if you came here from Lynda's blog, then great.... you are on the right track. If not, please start the hop at her blog!

I am so excited! It has been a while since we have done a new release, so this is really cool! Wait until you see all of the new stamps. They are so cool. They are interchangeable! HOW COOL IS THAT?? You can mix 'em and match 'em up! For my card, I have used 3 images. The cute little Kneeling Belle, the chair in grass, and the tea set. There are so many things you can do with these stamps! What a awesome idea!

I have used papers from my stash, dew drops, a paper doily, flowers and crystal stems from WOC, stickles and ribbon.

Now, your next stop on the hop is Iris's blog!! Have fun, and don't forget to leave comments with us for your chance to win some gorgeous new stamps!

Here is the blog hop order to help you out. Be sure to visit our Guest DT blogs as well!

Blog hop order:

Lynda

Andrea

Iris

Elise

Kathrin

Jodi

Kathy

Anki

Lilian
Audhild

Gini

Rosette
BnW Blog

Guest DT

Liza
Mary Frances

Stephanne

ALSO!!!! Please go and check out our NEW CHALLNEGE BLOG! This blog is for all of our upcoming challenges. They will be held every other Monday from now on. The Design Team will still post our Inspirational Posts to the Belles 'n Whistles Blog!

Magnolia Christmas Cheer

2010-09-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

Hi there, peeps! My post is going to be short and sweet today. :) I have made a Christmas card using this super sweet Magnolia stamp from the 2009 Christmas release. She is one of my faves. Though, I have not used her often. Will have to change that. The papers are from the new Basic Grey stack. Can anyone say, GORGEOUS!? Also, I have used a new die I got from Spellbinders, holly I have had for years, ribbon, crystals, and flowers. Thanks for looking and I hope you enjoy your day!

Belles 'n Whistles Sketch Challenge

2010-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there, ladies!! It is time for a fabulous new challenge. This time around, our host is the fabulous Audhild and she has asked us to use a sketch you can find here! For my card, I have used this adorable Christmas stamp. It is from the 2009 Christmas Collection. I always say "this is one of my favorites" but I guess that is because all of these stamps are just so sweet! I have used paper from the new Basic Grey Christmas pack, and I must say, the papers really are gorgeous! I have added some ribbon, a Santa charm, flowers from WOC, a MS punch, and I have added some fake snow. ;) I hope you all have a very good day! Thanks so much for checking things out in my neck of the woods!

Alota Scarecrow

2010-09-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hello! I hope you have had a good week! Mine has been very busy, but fun. Today, I have a cute image to show you by Alota Rubber Stamps! Isn't this such a sweet scarecrow!? I love this time of year. I am pretty happy with any season, here in Southern California, but I do wish we had more fall colors here. They are just so gorgeous. Anyhow, I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Go check out the Alota store today! It's a perfect day for shopping! See ya soon!

Tilda Picking Flowers

2010-09-24T06:21:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well! I am so sorry I have been missing in action. I have been so busy lately with my daughter's school, softball, housework, (blah) appointments, weekend getaways, :) etc. I have also been playing with some new toys... ;) Something I said I would never do, but I broke down and gave it a go and am practicing LOTS. I will show you all when I feel like I am good enough at it. ;)

I know I have been terrible about visiting all of your blogs, but I promise to be better now. I just have been so busy and needed a bit of a blogging break. I love it, but sometimes there are just other things that need to get taken care of. So, sorry for being gone and THANK YOU for all of your kind comments. They really do mean so much to me and I am so thrilled with all of the bloggin' buddies I have made here. :)

Anyhow, for my card, I have used some adorable stamps from Magnolia. These images fit so nicely together and I love to color them. The papers are from one of my stacks, the flowers are from WOC, and I have used a punch, crystals and markers. I also added a bit of Smooch to the flower centers. Have a fabulous day, peeps!!

Tilda Shopping!

2010-09-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hi there, everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful day! This week has gone by so fast. For our anniversary, my husband has planned a weekend get away for us at the beach and I can't wait! It will be so nice to spend some time together and just enjoy ourselves. Thank God for my parents and sister in law. :) They are on dog and kid duty. :) Anyhow, I have had this image inked up for a very long time, and I have just been so busy, I was not able to finish it until now. I love the way this card turned out. I have also included a side view picture so that you can see how the awning comes out. Pretty simple but I love it. :) Have a wonderful day!

Alota Challenge #43.... DIY Flowers!

2010-09-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

Morning, everyone! Today it's time for a new challenge at Alota Rubber Stamps. It is my turn to host this challenge, so I am asking everyone to make a project using flowers that they made them selves. Or, Do It Yourself flowers. So, please be creative and show us what you've got! Here on my card, I have used lace to make one of mine. It was really easy and lots of fun! We can't wait to see what you make, so please be sure and show us what you come up with over at the Alota Rubber Stamps blog! As far as the image goes, I have used one of the new ADORABLE stamps that Alota is selling in the store. Be sure to go over to Alota and take a look at all of the new stamps. They are so sweet. Many are fall and Christmas themed. Perfect for this time of year! Enjoy...

Hugs~Andrea

Happy Anniversary To My Love!

2010-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

First of all, I can't believe how time goes so quickly. Ten years ago tomorrow, God blessed me in more ways then I can count. My husband, John and I were married on September 16, 2000. This was the best day of my life (well I guess it ties with the day my little angel was born) and I am so lucky to be married to the most amazing person I have ever met. I could not find a better mate. We still have such a wonderful relationship and it gets better every year. I don't know what I would ever do without him. He is my very best friend and truly an amazing person. I am so very thankful he is a part of my life.

The materials on this card are from: Magnolia, DCWV, Viva Decor, and WOC. Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Belles 'n Whistles Lace Challenge

2010-09-13T00:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today! I hope you are all having a wonderful day. Today, we are starting a new challenge over at the Belles 'n Whistles blog. I am the host this week, so I wanted everyone to use some lace on their cards. You can be as creative as you wish with this. Real lace, lace punches, etc. Anything you can think of. It should be fun! On my card, I have used Baking with Grandma, which I think is just too dang sweet. :) I have used some papers from my stash, flowers from WOC, lace, a charm (I have no idea where I got it.... have had it a long time), pearls and ribbon! I would love to see you all enter over at the BnW blog. Remember, if you enter, there is a random drawing where you can win a BnW stamp!! I hope you enjoy your week!

Sending hugs~Andrea

Alota Money Saved!!

2010-09-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hi there everyone!! I am so sorry I have not been on here in a while. We have been super busy and to be honest, I have lost my mojo. I hope to get it back soon. Just in a card making funk, I guess. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that Alota Rubber Stamps if having an awesome sale!! Just use the coupon below for your order. You will LOVE these stamps. Here is one I used from the new release, which have a fall and Christmas theme. Go over and take a look! You have until the 13th to place your order. :)

Belles 'n Whistles Sweet Dreams

2010-09-02T00:56:00.000-07:00

Good morning, everyone! I hope your week went well. :) So far, so good for me. Today, it is my turn to post to the Belles 'n Whistles blog, so I have chosen this adorable image to work with. She is called Sweet Dreams and is definitely one of my favorites. She has been colored with Prismas and OMS. The papers and ribbon are from my stash. Other embellishments used on this card are flowers, a Martha Stewart punch for the heart border and a heart chipboard piece painted with brown paint and crackle paint. The pearls are made with a pearl pen. I hope you enjoy your day and check out our current Belles 'n Whistles challenge. Don't miss out on the fun!!

Alota Fairlytale Challenge

2010-09-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

Hey there!! Today, we start a new challenge over at the Alota Rubber Stamps blog! This time around, Ria has asked us to make something having to do with Fairy tales! So, I thought this Alota stamp was a fitting choice. She is just about to kiss this from to turn him into her dream prince! Lucky, for me, I already have my prince and love him dearly, so there will be no kissing frogs for me. :) I have also used a background stamp from Alota. These are all so gorgeous and can be used alone, with Alota stamps and with tons of other stamps as well. For the rest of this card, I have used the following materials:

Flowers

Misc. Papers

Crackle paint (THICK Crackle paint... does anyone know how to thin it out??)

Buttons

Chipboard pieces

Stickles glitter glue

Enjoy your day!!

Tilda with Fan

2010-08-31T06:28:00.000-07:00

Hey peeps! Today, I have made a card using Spanish Tilda. I have not seen her a whole lot out in blogland.... not sure why.... I think she is darling. Maybe people just have not inked her up yet! Anyhow, I am keeping this post short. Materials used on this card are misc. papers from my stash, MS punch, ribbon, WoC flowers with stickles, pearls, Prismacolors and OMS and a bit of chalk. Have a fabulous day!

Back to School Lunchbox Challenge with Belles 'n Whistles!

2010-08-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

Today over at the Belles 'n Whistles blog, we are starting a new challenge! This time, the fabulous Kathy has asked us to create something for our kid's lunchboxes for Back to School! So, I have to tell you all a really funny story. I have been making cards for several years, but I rarely make altered items. ( I have just started to try this stuff out) So, when Kathy asked us to make a "lunchbox card", I was totally stressed out because I had never heard of one before! YIKES! So, I was trying to figure out what it meant, and realized she wanted us to make a card to go INSIDE our child's lunch box! I was totally cracking up! There are just so many cool things out there that you all create so I figured it was something shaped like a lunch pail. Silly, isn't it? I am such a weeny sometimes. :)

Anyhow, now for my card. I have used this cute Wishing Well Belles Stamp. I thought that she would be perfect for "wishing my daughter a wonderful day". So, that is why I chose her. I have used papers from my stash that are so pretty. I love the old looking papers. :) I also added ribbon, pearls and flowers. There is also a little smooch on her dress, but it does not show up in the picture. Anyhow, be sure to go over to the Belles 'n Whistles blog to join our challenge! It is so much fun and they really are a wonderful group of girls. I am so honored to call them all friends. ;)

Hugs to you all~ Andrea

Stamp Something Back to School

2010-08-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

Hi there girls! Man o man are we having a heat wave! We have had days around 107 this week. YUK! I hope it is cooler where you all are! :)

This week, Stamp Something has asked us to make a card using stamps from Simon Says. They wanted us to make a back to school card! So, for this project, I have used this cute little Edwin stamp. The book stamp is also from Magnolia. These are older stamps, but they work perfectly for this challenge. The images were colored with Prismas and OMS. For embellishments, I have added pearls, a small pencil, ribbon, and books. Have a wonderful weekend and stay out of the heat!

Magnolia Little Mermaid

2010-08-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to say, I was so excited with the way this card turned out! I loved this stamp, and though I could not see myself using it a ton, I decided to order it with the few magnolias that I allow myself from each collection. I am sure glad I got her! She is so fun to color and really there are so many possibilities with her. I got the papers from A Cherry on Top, though I can not remember who they are by. I am terrible at that stuff. I used a Martha Stewart border punch, WoC flowers, pearls, shells, leaves, and a little Smooch on her scales for shimmer. She was colored with Prismas and OMS and I used chalk on the background. I hope you like her and have an amazing blessed day!

The Tide Always Turns Magnolia

2010-08-25T06:15:00.000-07:00

Good day, everyone! I hope you are all having a wonderful week! Today, I am showing you a card I made with one of the new Magnolia stamps from the Bon Voyage Collection. She is really a cutie! I wanted to keep the background papers relatively simple since the stamps are all busy. So, I chose some star paper I had on hand and then just some different card stock for mounting and the card base. I have colored the images with my primsacolors and OMS and added some stickles as well. The embellishments on this card include a charm, flowers, jute, and Viva Decor Pens for the pearls. I LOVE these pens. Sometimes, the pearls are not exactly the same size, but I really think they look nice and the price is wonderful considering what the price of pearls usually are. Anyhow, have a good one, my friends!

Magnolia Fairwell

2010-08-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have a late post today, but that's ok. I have been so busy lately. I need to simplify and make a few changes so that I am not as busy. Geesh! Anyhow, I wanted to show you this card I made a few days ago. I love the new collection from Magnolia. There are so many stamps, (of course, I only chose a few of my favorites because of the expense) but I loved this little Tilda and really thought she would be so fun on a card. My photo is a bit dark, so the colors are not as vibrant as they should be. Anyhow, she was fun to color and I really like the way this turned out. I have used papers from my stash, viva decor pens, flowers from WOC, a corner punch, a paper doily and stickles. She was colored with Prismacolors and OMS. I hope you enjoy your day!

Alota Blog Hop Time!!

2010-08-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

Good evening, everyone! I am so excited to start this hop! It has been a while since Alota has had a new release because of all that goes on in the summer, so this is going to be so fun! You should have come here from Cheryl's blog. If not, please start the hop at the beginning here at the Alota blog! Now, for my card. I have used this cute Trick or Treating stamp! I LOVE it. So cute. This is such a fun time for the kiddos, so I always have really enjoyed Halloween!

Alota is offering a sweet deal, by the way! This awesome coupon for you to use! How can you resist?? Be sure to go and order up your stamps from Alota. You don't want to miss out on these cuties!

Don't forget to leave comments on all the blogs as you travel along … one design team member is secretly given away blog candy!

Now, this is the last stop on the hop is! I hope you had fun and good luck with the prize!

Alota Sneak Peek!

2010-08-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!! Well, I am back from vacation with a sneak peek! Alota Rubber Stamps have released some adorable stamps! They are fall themed. Just wait until you see them! I am so ready for the season to start. I love this time of year. (although we are fixing to have temperatures in the 100s!!) Not quite fall yet, but it's just around the corner! Here is a card I made using one of the adorable new stamps! Also, be sure to join us for the blog hop Sunday at 7P.M. Pacific time! I can't wait to see you there!

Stamp Something Digi

2010-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it's time for another challenge at Stamp Something! We are using digi stamps from MANY different digi companies, so be sure to check out all of the sponsors so you can see the cool prizes up for grabs. I wanted to keep this card really simple to show off the image, so I colored it with chalks, (since I have a bit of trouble with inks smearing on Digis... oops!) added some flowers, ribbon, and pearls. VOILA! Hope your day is wonderful and your weekend great! This is my last weekend with my little girl before school starts, so I am outa here! ;) See you soon...

Belles 'n Whistles Fun Day

2010-08-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Today it is my turn to post a little something on the Belles 'n Whistles blog. So, I have made a card using this cute carousel stamp. I have colored the image with Prismacolor Pencils and OMS. For embellishments, I have used flowers from WoC, strand pearls, ribbon and regular pearls. :) The papers are from my stash and I really like the softness of them. Be sure to join in at the Belles 'n Whistles blog to see what is going on with our challenges. They are so fun and their is always a cool prize to be won! Have a wonderful day!

Belles 'n Whistles Fall Color Challenge

2010-08-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that fall is just around the corner? It is so hard for me to believe, but before we know it, the weather will be changing and I will be in the kitchen baking! :) For this challenge, I have used an adorable stamp from Belles 'n Whistles! I have also used papers from my stash, Prima flowers, Wild Orchid Craft flowers, a Mya Road chipboard piece and distress crackle paint. I have also used a MS punch and some viva decor pearls. Have a good day!

Alota Challenge ~ Fall Colors

2010-08-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Morning, everyone! It is another Alota post for me today! We are starting a new challenge at the blog. We have been asked to make something useing fall colors. This is so fun for me because I love to use fall colors. For my card, I used a really cool background stamp from Alota and I colored it with fall colors using Prismacolor Pencils and OMS. I also added some stickles to the clouds. The papers I have used are from DCWV and then I added some flowers, ribbon, and pearls. Why don't ya head on over to the Alota blog and enter in our challenge?? See you there!

Short Vacation

2010-08-14T10:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies! I wanted to let you all know that my daughter and I are going on a short vacation. We will leave tomorrow and be home on Thursday! So, I won't have a lot of access to a computer and I have set up my posts for auto posting. If you leave me comments, I won't get them until Thursday. BUT I LOVE your comments, so please don't hesitate to leave them. Hugs to you all and I hope you enjoy your week!

Happy Anniversary Alota Rubber Stamps!!

2010-08-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi all!! It is time to celebrate! Alota Rubber Stamps is celebrating their 15th Anniversary! How awesome is that?! It's no surprise to me though.... the stamps they sell are so gorgeous and so fun to play with! For this card, all of the Design Team are using a special Happy Anniversary stamp! Isn't it cute? I have colored with colored pencils and OMS. I have used some papers from my stash (my daughter picked these out for the card!) and I have also added some Viva Decor Pearls, ribbon and WoC flowers. I hope you like it! So, now for something really cool! Alota is offering a really sweet deal! In celebration of their anniversary, they are offering the coupon below! It is 25% off your total purchase! How sweet is that? But hurry! You don't want to miss out on this great deal. Have a wonderful day!

Stamp Something Magnolialicious

2010-08-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there everyone! I hope your week has been a good one. Our new challenge over at the Stamp Something blog is sponsored by Magnolialicious! Pretty sweet, huh? We were asked to create a fairy tale themed card, so I made a card called, "Waiting for Prince Charming". :) I think it is fitting for this little cutie, which is one of the stamps from the Magnolia Fairy Tale Collection. I have used papers from K and Company, ribbon, Viva Decor pearls and Wild Orchid Craft flowers. The image was colored with Prismacolor Pencils and OMS. Go on over and join in on our challenge this week! It should be fun.

Pretty Girl

2010-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello to you all this morning!! This is going to be a short post for me today! I hope your week is going well so far. Ours has been nice. For today, I have a Magnolia card to show you. I think she turned out pretty. :) I have used Peony Tilda and colored her with Prismacolors and OMS. I also added some chalk for the background. I have included some lace, pearls, swirls, and flowers for embellishments.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Purple Princess

2010-08-09T06:15:00.000-07:00

Hiya gals! There is a new challenge starting over at the Belles 'n Whistles blog! This time, it is hosted by the fabulous Rosette, and she has asked us to use purples and/or lilac on our cards! So, I wanted to do something a bit different (I am such a rebel) and chose really dark purple. But hey, it is still purple right? Anyhow, the stamp is of course, from Belles 'n Whistles. The flowers are a mix of Prima and WoC and the pearls, heart doily and ribbon are from my stash. I also added some glimmer mist to this and thank the Lord you can't see it... I was not happy with the results. I will have to try it again and see if I can make it better. The image was colored with Prismacolor Pencils and OMS. I hope your day is a good one.

Tons of hugs!

Andrea

Stamp Something Photo Inspiration

2010-08-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

Hi!! It is challenge day over at Stamp Something! Have you ever done a a photo inspiration challenge? Well, we have a fun one going on over at the blog right now. Be sure to go and check it out!

You can incorporate the photo however you wish. You can make something having to do with birthdays, cake, strawberries, a color scheme... you name it. :) It should be a really fun one.

Our sponsor this week is Paper Jewels and so we are using stamps that can be found in their store. I have used a cute little Bildalarna stamp. (I think that is how you spell it) The papers were from my stash and then I added some crystals and ribbon, and of course flowers. I hope you have a great day!

Brown Belle

2010-08-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I hope you are all well. The week is almost over... can anyone say WEEKEND?? :) For my card today, I have used this adorable stamp from the latest Belles 'n Whistles collection. Isn't she a sweetie?? I love the background paper. I usually use papers that are so girly, and this one is just a bit more subtle.... it is a nice change. So, I used a Martha Stewart border punch for the edges, added some string pearls, rhinestones, ribbon, and flowers for embellishments. The image was colored with Prismacoolor Pencils and OMS, as well as some Twinkling H2O's. I also used chalk to make the background color. I hope you all have a wonderful day and a perfect weekend!

Hugs to you all~

Andrea

Ladybug Letters....

2010-08-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

How is everyone doing today!? Just fine here. :) We have been enjoying lots of sunshine and I have been spending as much time as possible with my little darling girl. School is just around the corner and the summer has flown by!

On this card, I have used a stamp from Ladybug and Friends. They have some pretty cute stuff there. :) I have used some papers from my stash and added some ink to all of the edges. I bent the paper down in a few places to "age" the card. Embellishments include flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, ribbon, and viva decor pearls. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Alota Bees on Flowers

2010-08-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! Today, I want to show you a card I made with this cute image from Alota Rubber Stamps! I always seem to use the little bees. :) For this card, I cut my paper to make little triangles and added the to the card base, leaving enough room so it looks matted. I added the image to the center, dropped on some Viva Decor pearls, (sadly, in various sizes. :) My brown is a bit runnier then the others that I have) Still looks pretty good though. I also stuck on some ribbon and some sunflowers that I have had for a while and there ya have it! Simple and sweet. You can't go wrong with these adorable stamps.

Hugs~ Andrea

Belles 'n Whistles Summerish Challenge

2010-08-02T05:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! (well, hopefully it is a good Monday!) I hope you are all doing well. Thank you so much for stopping by!

I have a card I made for the current challenge at Belles 'n Whistles. Kathrin is our fabulous host this week and she has asked us to make someting Summerish. So, I have used this cute little stamp of Belle intertubing. I think this is one of my favorite BnW stamps. She is just so sweet. I have used papers from an older stack from Die Cuts With A View. I have used my spelbinders to make the oval and have added lots of stickles and flowers and pearls. My usual. :) I also added a little ribbon. I hope you all have a sunny, wonderful day!