Notes From Home

My blog post today is more on a personal note instead of craft related.  I was on my way to bed the other night and thought I'd share my discovery with you...

As I walked into our dark bedroom I could hear snoring...  my husband was still out in our living room watching t.v.

I quietly slipped out of the room and got my camera...

Oh Maxine you are so busted, lol.  

She was happily sleeping on my husbands pillow, after all it is almost 11:00 PM - past her bedtime.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Notes From Home

 Hello blog friends!

I don't have a card to share with you today just a cute picture of Maxine and Michael watching t.v. together on her dog bed.

Thanks for visiting today -

K n K Designs Little Sheep

Hello and Happy Labor Day weekend!  I hope you are enjoying a peaceful holiday weekend where ever you might be.  We live in a very small resort town in western Arizona and are over run with tourists this weekend!  It's a good time to stay in and craft I'm thinking...  

My card today is a sample for the Operation Write Home Sketch #85.  Julie is our sketch artist and she asked a few of us on the OWH team if we'd like to make sample cards with her sketch for today's challenge.  We are celebrating Operation Write Home's second birthday as an org. the entire month of September and have K n K Designs as one of our first prize sponsors! We'll have lots of other fabulous sponsors and fun stuff going on too!

I've had K n K Designs Little Sheep for awhile now and thought this sketch would be the perfect opportunity to bring it out and use it!  I made a scene and colored everything with Copic markers B0000, B04, V000, V01, V12, R22, R24, R27, YG03, YG61, YG63, YG67, T3, T2, T1.  I used a Spellbinder Mega Oval die and matching scalloped die for my computer generated sentiment.

Be sure to stop by our Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps blog as often as you can this month, you won't want to miss out on any of the fun!

On a personal note I have a fun photo of Maxine for you today...

She'd been singing along with Michael while he practiced playing his saxophone and she looks like she just can't take it anymore.  I've been trying to get a good video of Michael and Maxine while he practices, one day...

Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting my blog today -

challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Sketch #85
Whimsie Wednesday - Favorite Image/Stamp
Jelly Park Friends - Gettin' Punchy
Inspired Stamps - For Operation Write Home - Love You/Miss You

Penny Black Mimi

Hello blog friends I have a just for fun card to share with you today!  At our last crafty get together one of my friends brought this cute Penny Black Mimi stamp and asked if I'd like to use it and of course I said YES! 

I've been playing with fancy folds and decided I'd like to make a "Joy fold" card with Mimi.  She's colored with Copic markers R0000, R59, R39, R37, R21, R81, RV10, BG0000, YF24, YR21, Y21, E74, E71, E42, E41, E00, E000, E0000.

The patterned papers I used are from My Time Made Easy, the Fresh Flowers collection and are digital.  The cardstock is Cranberry by thepapermill.com and Neenah Solar White.  I stamped the Mimi image with Tuxedo Black Memento ink, used some of my Spellbinders dies to help create a fun card. 

Hey!  I have some news for you about the cloud tutorial some of you have asked me to do using Copic markers.  I've ordered myself a neat little video camera so after it arrives and I practice a bit I'll be making that "Coloring Clouds Background With Copic Markers" tutorial for you!  I'll be sure to practice with the video camera first on Maxine...

 she's usually into some kind of mischief!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Happleigh Scrappin' - Shaped or Special Fold
Stamp With Fun - Friends

  Top Tip Tuesday - Make It Girlie
Amber's Crafts & Stuff - Use Patterned Paper 
Little Darlings - Girlie

Papercraft Star - Anything Goes
Inspire Me Friday's - Anything Goes

Doodle Pantry Garden Hose Ants

I have a cute card and a fun story to share with you today.

First things first, my card...  I used Doodle Pantry's Garden Hose Ants in the pre-colored version, sized and printed it to fit the card layout I wanted to use (I love that about digital stamps!) and got busy.  The layout is a sketch I've used before and really liked and could picture in my mind the finished card, I love it when that happens too. 

The cardstock colors are Via Vellum Black, Mohawk Bright White, Sorbet Lemon, Stampin' Up Brilliant Blue.  For the dots on the Brilliant Blue I used a stamp from Papertrey Ink.  The sentiment is cut out using Spellbinders Mega Ovals and Scalloped Mega Ovals dies.  

My card is for our newest Midweek Throwdown challenge at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps, the challenge theme is "water".  

And now for the funny story-

Last Saturday my husband was watering the grass in our yard and had to leave for a few minutes.  Maxine our dog was outside and I was inside at my desk when I heard a strange sound.  I got up to look out the window and discovered the hose and sprinkler at the front door spraying the front window and door.  I also realized that for me to do something about this I was going to get really wet!  

So I opened the front door and ran out to pick up the sprinkler and hose to put it back in the grass.  Luckily it was around 105 outside so I dried pretty fast.

Maxine thought I'd come out to play too...

I did go back in the house for my camera

and then she picked up the hose again and ran toward me!  

But stopped to play with the sprinkler a little more

and then ran toward me again as I ran away trying to keep my camera dry!  lol

It's really too bad we didn't get this all on video, but I still laugh looking at the pictures and remembering.  I suppose that's entertainment in a small town in Arizona!

I hope you enjoyed my story, Doodle Pantry card and will play along in our "water" themed challenge at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps this week!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home - Water
Fussy & Fancy - Summer
Creative Card Crew - Animal Antics
The Pink Elephant - Fun In The Sun
Order of the Opus Gluei - Beat The Heat
Paper Sundaes - Beachy or Summer
Craft Your Days Away - Summertime
Easy Craft Projects - Summertime
Divas By Design - Summer

Notes From Home

Do you remember this mess?

I can almost say me either...

I went out to check the mail yesterday and as I turned to walk back into the house this caught me eye.

Sometimes after a project is finished you forget to stop and appreciate the beauty of the creation.  

We started this project back in April 2011 and I forgot to take pictures of after we put the plants in around the end of May.  I wish the stucco around the front window was looking a little better but that's from the project of replacing old windows July 2010.  The inside is done but the outside is a work in progress now.

Our planters along the sidewalk filled with Vinca's don't look so much like the mausoleums at the cemetery anymore. The purple Lantana are thriving in the 110+ degree heat.

Here's a view looking across the driveway.  The planter the farthest away has lipstick red Hibiscus that will one day grow up and be a hedge.

I hope you enjoyed my "notes from home" on a Sunday afternoon.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Notes From Home

Just a moment to share some pictures of Maxine and Jenny.  

Jenny thought she'd go relax on Maxine's dog bed and share some texts with her friends.

Maxine thought that was a great idea and got comfortable with Jenny.  Look at those velvet lips on that dog, lol.

Enjoy your mid afternoon nap Maxine...

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Stamps R Us Challenge

We have a new challenge starting at our Stamps R Us challenge blog, the challenge is to make a card using 1 image, 2 patterned papers & 3 embellishments!  I've been busy playing with other crafting goodies so I didn't get a card done in time but...  you really should stop by the Stamps R Us challenge blog to see our fabulous design teams creations!  

I have a couple of fun pictures of Maxine to share with you for now -

I was leaving yesterday to go meet one of my crafty friends, Maxine usually looks out through the kitty door into the garage to say goodbye.  I remember when she fit through the kitty door not so long ago!

I took both pictures with my phone so they are a little grainy.  Maxine is almost 7 months old now and has decided she likes our bed.

Thanks for visiting my blog today!  I'll be back soon with a new card!

K 'n K Designs Boxer Pup

Happy Saturday - it's my daughter's 11th birthday today!  I'd really like to turn back a few years because as she grows up we both get older.  We are celebrating all weekend, she had sleep over company last night and I'm sure there will be some video games to be played today.  Happy Birthday Jenny!

My card today was kind of a scary one for me, I so wanted this pup to look like Maxine our almost 6 month old boxer.  Her coat is a dark brindle and I'd never tried that before, I think it turned out pretty good, I'll post a picture of her below so you can judge for yourself.  

This is digital stamp set is a new release at K 'n K Designs today!  I asked Katlyn if she'd ever drawn a boxer before and she said she'd give it a try.  I sent her some pictures of Maxine for her model and I think she did a fabulous job!  

Maxine on the card is colored with Copic markers T7, T5, E44, E43, E42, E41, YG67, YG63, YG61, YG11, BG0000.  The patterned paper is digital and I found it at Sassy Designs, it's called Paws 2.  The best part about finding the digital paper pack is it's on sale for 80 cents, I couldn't believe my good fortune so I felt free to go shopping and collected about 10 paper packs in all - score.  The sentiment is from Raindrop Echo Designs.

I hope you'll stop by Katlyn's K 'n K Designs store to have a look around, she has a free with purchase set this month. 

I also have a "Scrap Card" that I C.A.S.E.d from Andrea Walford, she did a tutorial on how to use your designer paper scraps on her blog.  I thought it was a wonderful way to use up all of the digital papers I've been printing. 

Challenges:

Sew Many Cards - Anything Goes
Stamp Something - Anything Goes
Stamping Vacation - Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats
Inspire Me Fridays - Anything Goes
Crafty Creations - Anything Goes
Divas By Design - Anything Goes

Conrad Construction by Dude Time Doodles

We have a new challenge starting today at Stamps R Us sponsored by Dude Time Doodles, our theme is masculine.

For my sample card I used Conrad Construction and colored him with Copic markers B99, B97, B95, B93, B91, E30, E31, E44, E50, E51, C00, C1, C2, T1, T2, YG0000, YG01, YG03, YG05, R21, Y15, Y13, Y11.  My layout is Splitcoast Stampers SC#312, cardstock colors Neenah Solar White & Desert Sand, Papertrey Ink Enchanted Evening, Stampin' Up! Green Galore & Brushed Silver.  I printed the sentiment from this digital stamp set on the Green Galore layer after I cropped it so I could use part of the sentiment on the outside and part on the inside of my card.  I used the Cuttlebug Diamond Plate embossing folder on the silver panel, added a couple of silver brads and my card was complete.

I have some pictures to share today speaking of "liking to play in the dirt".  I didn't get any pictures of the guys working yet though!  Maybe later today -

New planting beds in front of the block wall, down both sides of the sidewalk and beside the driveway are going in.

I cannot believe all the unexpected company we've had since the front is all torn up.  It's usually very quiet at our house.

It's going to be nice when it's finished!  We just need to figure out what kind of plants will withstand our 115 degree plus temperatures that are coming soon.

I had to include a silly picture of Maxine on the other side of the fence since I'm showing some personal pictures today!  She came down with Parvo April 1st, a month later you'd never know she's been sick.  Thanks for all your prayers and support during that time.

Challenges:

Stamps R Us - Masculine
AI Factory - Anything Goes
One Crazy Stamper - Boys & Men
One Stitch At A Time - Emboss It
Sparkles Forum Challenges - Anything Goes
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - One For The Boys
The Crazy Challenge - Cards For Men
Cupcake Craft - Something That Starts With a "C" - Construction!

Thank You From Maxine by MelonHeadz

I have a fun thank you card to share with you today from Maxine.

I e mailed Nikki at MelonHeadz during the weekend and asked if she'd draw Maxine and color her for me and attached a picture.  It wasn't long before I had an e mail from Nikki with this cute colored digital image of Maxine - thank you Nikki!

I wanted to be able to send Carolyn who took care of Maxine while she was in the animal hospital a thank you card what ever the outcome would be.  I'm happy to say this thank you card can be from Maxine and family.  

I used Operation Write Home sketch #27 for my card, the cardstock colors are Stampin' Up! Rose Red & Rose Romance as well as Neenah Solar White & The Paper Mill Nut Brown.  The rubber stamps I used were the foot print from Stampin' Up! Canine Capers, the thank you is from Sweet Pea Stamps and I used a Sizzix large dots embossing folder.

I have a picture of Maxine for you today too.

There's no place like home...  and Mom's bed.

Maxine has wanted to be very close to us since she's returned home.  We were watching t.v. last night and she joined us on our bed.  Right in the middle with her head resting on Rick's shoulder and back side touching me snoring softly.  

This is where I found her this morning when I went to get ready for the day.  Comfort security and the smell of her people.  Speaking of smell... she doesn't smell very sweet but I can change the sheets and she can have a bath tomorrow after the bandage from her IV site comes off.

Thanks for your prayers she's getting better!

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - K-9
Claudia & Co. - Monochromatic
Tip Top Tuesday - Thank You

A Good Update On Maxine Parvo Day 3

My picture of Maxine today is from mid February, she likes to sleep with our daughter sometimes.

And now for our after church update:

Carolyn from the animal hospital called about 9 AM, she said Maxine had more energy today with a laugh.  The good report is she hasn't vomited for 48 hours now and hasn't had any of the expected dreaded diarrhea but has been very gassie.  I'm not sure who to feel sorry for there...  

They've been offering her food and water but she hasn't eaten or drank anything yet, they'll keep trying to get her to eat today and see how it goes.  If she will eat she can come home tomorrow afternoon, if not she'll stay till she starts eating again.  

It sounds like the worst is over and we can't wait to see her again and have her home with us.  The prayer request today is that Maxine feels good enough to eat and drink so she can come home soon. 

Tiddly Inks Girls Best Friend & TLC Creations Meet OWH

It's Wednesday and time for a new Midweek Throwdown challenge at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps.  Our challenge this week is a K-9 challenge, you need a dog on your card to play along.

For my card I used this cute image from Tiddly Inks called Girls Best Friend.

She's colored with Copic markers E18, E09, YR09, YR07, YR04, E11, E00, E000, E44, E43, E42, G82, G40, B99, B95, B93, B01.  For my layout I used Sunday's OWH sketch, I'm a little obsessed with it...  Do you ever have a sketch or layout that you keep making over and over?  

The papers used are Neenah Solar White & Desert Sand, Discount Cardstock's Royal Blue and Thepapermill.com Light Pine.  I also used a couple of embossing folders made by Sizzix and Cuttlebug.  The circle sentiment is by TLC Creations.

I also have a fun K-9 family photo for you today.  My daughter has told me to stop taking pictures of her while she's sleeping but sometimes I just can't help myself.

Maxine our 4 month old boxer pup has started sleeping with her because she has a nice big bed.  The other night on my way to bed I peeked in on them and found Maxine asleep on Jenny and thought it was just cute.

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - K-9
Southern Girls - Use an Animal on Your Card
Creations By Gill M - Pets
Pile It On - Cute 
Digital Tuesday - For The Kids

Bug A Boo Stamps Winter Birds

 It's Oldie But Goodie Thursday at Bug A Boo Stamps Catch The Bug, my favorite day of the week!

I made my card for today with a group of friends, we were trying out the "out of the box" technique and as I was talking with them the image I was working with had ears that got lopped off in my Spellbinders die, yikes!   My daughter Jenny had started to color the body of this cute Bug A Boo Stamps Winter Birds image and it was in my box of goodies so I picked it up and finished it.   The color scheme Jenny started would save my card!    This lucky bird still has a tail as I was successful with my "out of the box" technique.

I also have a couple of pictures for you today, Maxine (the dog) just turned 4 months old and she's sitting with Jenny.  They are both growing up too fast!  They were playing and I thought it was so cute the way Maxine was leaning against Jenny.

 

I hope you'll stop by the Catch The Bug challenge blog to see what all our fabulous design team members have created!

Challenges:
Fun With Shapes & More - No Designer Paper
Sugar Creek Hollow - Anything Goes 
The Crafty Pad - Use A Digi 
Paper Sundaes - Embossing
Amber's Crafts & Stuff - Use A Die Cut

They Grow Up So Fast!

I thought I'd pop in here quickly with some photos of Maxine and her kitty friends.  

January 3, 2011

January 25, 2011

February 14, 2011

February 14, 2011

Inky still keeps a watchful eye on Maxine 2 14 11 

What happened to our puppy?

Maxine The Wonder Pup

My husband and I went on an unexpected trip last Wednesday to Prescott Arizona to check out a litter of boxer puppies we'd seen an ad for.  We've been thinking about adding a new family member for a little while now and came home with "Maxine The Wonder Pup".

We named her Maxine The Wonder Pup because we had quite an adventure acquiring her.  Living in Arizona you don't normally expect to get caught in a snowstorm but that's what happened the day we went to meet her.  

The weather was cloudy when we left our house in Parker that morning and we came across some drizzling rain but nothing major.  We arrived in Congress at the bottom of the mountain and it was raining, by the time we reached Yarnell it was snowing and as we kept driving we really wondered if we were going to make it into Prescott.  

In our area of the country we don't use snow tires or chains so we were totally unprepared!  After picking up the puppy we went home through Phoenix instead of trying to make it back down the mountain.  Our kids were in Wickenburg staying with Grandma and Grandpa, it was fun to walk in at Grandma's with a pup in my arms and surprise them.  They were so excited!

Maxine is 6 weeks old, the 9th boxer dog we've owned in 30 years.  We haven't had a dog now for about 5 years and we're looking forward to watching her grow up and getting to know her.

I'm sure there will be more pictures of her as she grows bigger and bigger.  Have a blessed day!