Stampin' Up! In Full Bloom Simply Scrappin'

Welcome to our Operation Write Home Sticker Skip, if you've arrived here from Erica's blog you're on the right track.  If you'd like to start at the beginning click here.

Sticker skip, sticker skip, sticker skip...  I can't say that three times without messing up!

There's been some discussion lately at OWH TV about "Sticker Sneeze" so we challenged each other to make cards using stickers - no sneezing allowed!

My goal today is to show you how I used stickers to make a collection of cards for Operation Write Home.  I started by searching my stash of goodies for some stickers, my kids offered to share theirs with me and I did look them over.  They were all too small for what I was thinking.  I did find a few Stampin' Up! Simply Scrappin' kits that were partially used and thought they'd be a fun challenge to play with.  

Here's a picture of what I started with.  You'll notice I've printed a few sketches to refer to as well.

This is one of my first cards, my layout is Splitcoast Stampers SC#327.  I used one of the largest flower stickers in place of my stamped image, I tried to use the cardstock in the kit and the "Mom" is a digital sentiment from a Clear Dollar Stamps set.  For a little added interest I used the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder on the Sage Shadow panel.

This next card I put the flower stickers on 1 1/8th" punched circles that I matted with 1 1/4" punched circles.  My layout was most likely a sketch but I don't remember where I saw it.  I used a Spellbinders ribbon slide for the Miss You sentiment which is also digital by Create With TLC.  

For this card I used OWH Sketch #27 for my layout.  The flower and strip beside the sentiment are stickers.  Happy Mother's Day is a rubber stamp.

Here's OWH Sketch #30, the flower and patterned strip are stickers.  I added embossing under the strip using the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder on just part of the panel.  

This is Splitcoast Stampers SC#327 again.

Can you tell after I got started this became a fun challenge?

And a picture of the work table (kitchen table).  I tried to use my old Stampin' Up! punches and keep the tools to a minimum.  I like the look of the embossed panels so the Cuttlebug came out.  I love the Spellbinders dies and couldn't resist using a couple of those as well.

I hope you enjoyed seeing how I used the stickers from a retired Stampin' Up! Simply Scrappin' kit to make some cards today.  Don't forget to leave a comment at each stop to be in the draw for a prize!

The next stop on our Sticker Skip is the fabulous Sherry at Bits Of Cheer!

OWH Stars and Stamps
Barb at Paper Therapy Ponderings
Erica at Creative But Messy
--> You are here :) - Jan at Jan's Gone Stamping
Sherry at Bits of Cheer
Julie at Handmade by Julie
Velda at OldStamper Musings
John at John VM's Cards
Steph and Robin at SR Cards
Paula at Handmade by Paula
Samantha at Expressions of a Craftaholic

Challenges:
Daring Cardmakers - Spring Fling
Totally Paper Crafts - Spring Time 

Bug A Boo Stamps Bunny Squares

I have a clean and simple card for our new challenge at Bug A Boo Stamps Catch The Bug to share with you today.  Our theme is Easter so I used Jodie's Bunny Blocks and colored them with Copic markers YG11, YG13, RV00, RV02, T2, T1, B23, B21.  

My layout is so clean and simple it almost looks naked to me.  I used 2 of the Bunny Blocks, the blocks on the outsides are the same I just flipped one of them so it mirrored the other side.  The Easter Blessings is a font from my computer.

I hope you'll visit our Catch The Bug challenge blog and join us for our Easter challenge!

Challenges:
Bug A Boo Stamps Catch The Bug - Easter
Digi's With Attitude - Easter

Clear Dollar Stamps New Release Sentimental Fruit

Clear Dollar Stamps is releasing new digital images today!

I chose to showcase the Sentimental Fruit digital set using the colored Cherries image and wouldn't you know I got a little carried away!  I just couldn't stop at one card using just the cherries the whole set is so cute!

I used an Operation Write Home sketch as my layout and changed the proportions ever so slightly.  The cardstock colors are Stampin' Up! Garden Green, The Paper Mill Cranberry, Neenah Solar White, Sorbet Ice Blue and the fun patterned paper  & sentiment come in the digital stamp set.

My apple card uses the same layout, I just had to see what the apple and matching digital paper would look like!

And then there was this cute pear and sentiment that inspired me...  

Since I used three panels for the pear image I had to see how three cherry panels could look.  I know, I know I'm a nut.  But it's a fun kind of nutty! 

I think this digital stamp set will be perfect for making cards for Operation Write Home.  Here's a picture of everything it includes below.

Ahhh, I do have the orange and coordinating digital paper printed I just haven't got the card made yet.

Challenges:
Inspire Me Friday's - Anything Goes 

Bug A Boo Stamps Stella

I wanted to title my blog post Stella The Stalker by Bug A Boo Stamps but don't want all the SPAM comments that come with it to moderate!  Have you noticed you have to be careful with that?  A little innocent fun and we get all the weirdo spammers...

It's Oldie But Goodie Thursday at Bug A Boo Stamps Catch The Bug!  One of my favorite days of the week!  For my card today I used Stella, she was printed and waiting to be colored.  I used Copic markers B28, B24, B23, C6, C3, C1, C0, YG11, YG13, YG17, E0000, E000, E00, E01, E02, R27, R24, R22, R21.  My layout is sketch challenge #78 from Just Us Girls a few weeks ago.

I really like this sketch with the circle going off the page.  If I would have planned this out I would have taken my Stella image and flipped it in my Publisher software before I printed her so the circle would be on the same side as the sketch.  But... sketches are supposed to be used for inspiration so I adapted it to work for my fun image.  

The sentiment that's printed on my red panel comes with Stella, I stretched it just a little to fit my sketch layout.  The cardstock used are Via Vellum Basic Black, Via Vellum Leaf Green, Neenah Solar White, Neenah Red Linen, Stampin' Up! Brilliant Blue & Blush Blossom.  I used round Spellbinders dies to cut Stella out and also used the "out of the box" technique then added a row of black metal dots to the SU Blush Blossom strip.  Oh, I added a touch of crystal lacquer to her glasses for some shine/glare.

I hope you'll stop by  our Bug A Boo Stamps Catch The Bug challenge blog today to see all the fabulousness our design team has come up with for Oldie But Goodie Thursday! 

Challenges:

Hannah Lynn Forever Rose

I recently discovered a challenge blog called Crafts & Me, they also have a store where I found this beautiful image by Hannah Lynn called Forever Rose.  I've colored her 4 times now with different colored hair and eyes and every time I'm finished I have to say, wow...  she's beautiful!  

She's colored with Copic markers:

Hair:  E79, E74, E71, E70

Eye:  B97, B93, B91

Skin: E01, E00, E000

Rose:  R85, R83, R81, G28

Our Midweek Throwdown challenge at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps is "layers".  I think she qualifies!  I used OWH Sketch #62 (again) turned up side down.  The cardstock colors are Nut Brown, Stampin' Up! Rose Romance, Discount Cardstock Royal Blue, Neenah Desert Sand and Solar White.  The "miss you" is a stamp from a Papertrey Ink stamp set.  I thought she'd be a nice miss you card for my OWH stash. 

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Layers
My Partner In Crafting Crime - Layers
Digital Tuesday - Little Women
Anita B Stampin' - Anything Goes
Sweet Stamps - For The Ladies
Stamp-N-Doodle - Girly

Doodle Pantry Sheep

Here's that sketch again, it's OWH sketch #62.  

I have a few Doodle Pantry cards to share with you today, I feel a little behind.  I've had this cute Lucky Sheep image printed but hadn't used it yet.  One of the sentiments that goes with it says, "Have A Happy Go Lucky Day", I used it for the inside of my card.  The shamrock paper is digital and comes in the stamp set, I was lucky enough to have one sheet of Pop Tones green cardstock that matched and I also used Stampin' Up! Garden Green and Papertrey Ink Spring Rain.

My second card uses the same sketch and the Doodle Pantry's Easter Sheep digital stamp set.  I used the matching digital Easter egg paper that comes in the set as well as Sorbet Ice Blue & Stampin' Up! Orchid Opulence cardstock.

Challenges:
Cardmadfairy's - Easter
Fun At Fairy Knoll - Eggs or Ovals 
Floweret - Easter 
Paper Cutz - Lamb, Chicks or Easter Eggs 

Sunflower Friends Bunny

My card today is made with a colored digital image made by Sunflower Friends, this bunny comes in a set called Easter Cuties, the paper is also digital and comes in the Easter Collection 102 set.  A quick and easy card to make using Splitcoast Stampers Sketch #300.  I also used a Sizzix embossing folder and Spellbinders oval and scalloped oval dies.  The cardstock colors are Nut Brown, Royal Blue & Bright White.

I like the chocolate bunny she has with her Easter eggs in her basket, I'm going with her!

Challenges:
Digital Tuesday - Easter
Paper Play - Critters Galore 
Fussy & Fancy - For A Child 

Easter Bunny by Rubbernecker Stamp Co.

I've been playing with acetate report covers again!

I borrowed this cute bunny stamp made by Rubbernecker Stamp Co. and just had to make a fun tag.  I used an old Sizzix tag die, I cut it twice so I could make a long tag.  It's pieced together under the panel that the bunny sits on.  I covered the back and the front so no one but you and I will ever know...

I had to re ink my long neglected Stazon White & Black ink pads before I could do any stamping.  I stamped the swirls on the acetate using a Hero Arts background stamp and White Stazon ink.  After the white ink dried I stamped Happy Easter from a Papertrey Ink acrylic stamp set in Black Stazon and let it dry.  

The Bunny is colored with Copic markers BV0000, BV01, YG01, YG06, YR15, YR16, YR18, R02, R05 cut out and mounted using foam tape.  I added three black half pearls and ribbon to finish my tag.  

It fits in a legal sized envelope and I gave it to my friend who I'd borrowed the bunny stamp from.

Have a blessed day!

Challenges:
Aly's Sunday Challenge - Bunnies 
Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes 
Oh La La - Easter 
Paper Playtime - Anything Goes 
The Pink Elephant - Easter 
Fun With Shapes & More - Easter 
Mami Doodles - Use a Punch or Die Cut 
Stampin' For The Weekend - Easter

Bug A Boo Stamps Spring Stuff Collection

Happy Saturday!

We have a new challenge starting today at Bug A Boo Stamps Catch The Bug, the theme is "layers".  The challenge is to use 4 or more layers on your card or project.

For my card I colored the cute bee and flower from Jodie's Spring Stuff collection with Copic markers Y18, Y15, Y13, T5, T3, BV0000, BV000, BV01, BV02, G20, G24, E44, E43, BG10, BG0000.  My layout is Splitcoast Stampers SC#327 flipped.

The reason I flipped it was to add the tag in the bare spot by the stem of the flower.  I could have added three black half pearls to the bottom like the sketch but chose not to.

I used my Stampin' Up! color wheel again for my color choices, after I'd colored the image I realized the Basic Grey Kioshi paper pad has those tones and I found an old (really old) Stampin' Up! 6X6 sampler DP pad to help pull everything together.  I don't think I've ever used two different manufacturers designer paper pads together before.  The sentiment I picked up as a freebie the other day at the Scap-a-licious Times blog by linking off of the Free Digi Stamps blog.  A little Stickles Ice on the bee wings covered with crystal lacquer and a button for my tag to finish my card.

I hope you'll join in for our challenge at Bug A Boo Stamps Catch The Bug this week!

Challenges:

Bug A Boo Stamps Catch The Bug - 4 Or More Layers
Crafty Ann's - Raise A Smile
If The Shoe Fits - Spring
Pattie's Creations - Easter or Spring

Hannah Lynn Ladybug Love

I decided to do a second blog post today so I could share a "just for fun" card that I made recently.  I came across a challenge blog called Crafts And Me which also has a store.  Some of the design team used these beautiful images and I just had to find out more.  I discovered Hannah Lynn stamps and digital images at the Crafts & Me online store.  I've purchased three digital images so far and each time I color them I sit back and think, "she's beautiful"!  I don't buy "real" stamps anymore because I don't want to store them but these are really tempting!

I tried a new skin color combination for this beauty and I'm not really happy with it.  It's E53, E51 & E50.  I think the E53 makes her face look dirty instead of shaded and I couldn't blend it out.  I also grabbed the wrong marker for her cheeks R85 so I kept moving forward and blended the best I could.  Her hair color is E79, E74, E71, E70 and the other Copic marker colors are R39, R37, R35, RV34, RV32, BG01, BG05, BG0000, BG10.

I printed my image quite large so my card turned out very simple, I decided beautiful girls really don't need much extra anyway.

Have a good weekend!

Challenges:  
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Kaboodle Doodles - Lets Get Girly 
Crafty Catz - Embossing 
Stamp Something - Sassy or Circles or Something... 

Clear Dollar Stamps Bunny Slippers

My cards today were made using the pre-colored digital images from the Bunny Slippers set by Clear Dollar Stamps.  This is another one of those Clear Dollar Stamps digital stamp sets I've been so inspired by that I made card after card after card...

They are both pretty simple layouts.  The first card I used Cream textured cardstock along with Neenah Solar White, Basic Black and one of the digital papers that comes with the set.  

My second card uses Basic Black, Neenah Solar White, one of the fun digital papers that comes in the stamp set and when was the last time you saw anyone use Stampin' Up! Mint Melody?  I have a couple of sheets left.  

I thought you might like to see what all comes in the set.

I've added a Stamps 4 Sale page to my blog if you're in "need" of any wood mounted rubber stamps at bargain prices!

  Look for the tab in the upper right corner of my blog.

Challenges:
Shannon's Sentiments - Use An Oval On Your Card
Stampin' Sisters In Christ - A Card For A Child 
Creative Inspirations - Punches & Dies 

Bug A Boo Stamps Ladybug Scene

It's Oldie But Goodie Thursday once again at Bug A Boo Stamps Catch The Bug challenge blog!  The image I used for my card today was a freebie last Friday, maybe we should re name Oldie But Goodie Thursday to I can't keep up Thursday!  

Lets face it, I'd like to color almost every image that comes my way but don't have time so I have a pile of printed images that I want to color and hope to get to before something else catches my eye.  Do you have that problem too?  I've tried to stop buying images unless I'm going to color them right away, maybe we should just start a 12 step program for ourselves.  

I had so much fun coloring Jodie's Ladybug scene with Copic markers.  I wanted to be a little nontraditional and also use some different Copic marker colors again. I pulled out my trusty Stampin'Up! color wheel to choose a color palette.

I also thought purple ladybugs would be fun.  My Stampin' Up! color choices are Orchid Opulence, More Mustard, Mellow Moss, Mint Melody & Bliss Blue.  My cardstock choices were Mellow Moss & Orchid Opulence but since I didn't have those I used Sorbet Grape and The Paper Mill Deep Pine because they were close.

I used Copic markers V17, V15, V12, Y26, Y23, Y21, YR14, YG91, YG93, YG95, YG97, B21, B23, BG10, BG11, BG13, E43, E44, E42, T5, T3 my layout is very simple to showcase Jodie's fabulous image, "Mom" is a digi from a Clear Dollar Stamps set punched out and matted using Stampin' Up! oval punches.  I also found the cutest sentiment for the inside about ladybugs at Create With TLC.

I hope you'll stop by our Catch The Bug challenge blog and check out what all our fabulous design team has for you this Oldie But Goodie Thursday!

And...

Bugaboo Stamps is hosting an Embellishment challenge over at CDAC and we hope that you'll join us. Not only are we hosting, but we're also giving a freebie away! You can see it below on the wonderful card that Joy Stagg, one of our amazing DT members, created. If you go to the challenge, you'll be the proud owner of this adorable image. It's perfect for the upcoming holiday! This challenge will last 2 weeks and the prizes include our normal 7,4, 2  free images. Please join us!

I've added a Stamps 4 Sale page to my blog if you're in "need" of any wood mounted rubber stamps at bargain prices!

  Look for the tab in the upper right corner of my blog.

Challenges:
Tuesday Throwdown - Spring

The Crazy Challenge - Just Add Flowers
Paper Cupcakes - Use Flowers
Fresh Brewed Designs - Flowers
Daisy Doodles - Spring
 Paper Crafting Journey - For The Ladies In Your Life

OWH Father's Day Challenge

I have three Father's Day cards to share with you today for the Operation Write Home Midweek Throwdown challenge.  The new challenge starts today and our theme is Father's Day.

My layouts are the same, I started with Operation Write Home sketch #27 but my images were too big to follow it exactly.  It was a nice jumping off point for me though.  

My digital images were freebies that came from Digital 2 For Tuesday and the second two I colored with Copic markers ever so slightly just to see what it would look like.

The deadline to have our Father's Day cards in our shippers hands is May 21, 2011.  I thought I'd get as early a start as possible because masculine cards are challenging! 

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Father's Day

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

Floral Hats by the Doodle Pantry

It's new release day at the Doodle Pantry! 

Did you notice I'm one of their guest designers this month?  

I'm excited! 

My card today uses the new Floral Hats colored digital stamp set.  I printed the green hat, Mother's Day sentiment and one of the yummy digital papers using the HP OfficeJet 6000 printer, looked around for a fun sketch to inspire me and got started.  

My card doesn't look like the sketch anymore but I like it!  I used a corner rounder on my white panel a Stampin' Up! scalloped border punch and a piece of green dotted May Arts ribbon to finish my card.  The cardstock colors are Neenah Solar White, Via Vellum Leaf Green, Astrobrights Solar Yellow and the plaid paper is one of the fabulous digital papers that comes with the set.

Did you know that there's a sale going on at the Doodle Pantry?!  Laurie's birthday is coming up and it's the Doodle Pantry's first anniversary so to celebrate from April 5th - 10th she's giving 40% off on all her products! 

There's also a new challenge that starts today at the Doodle Pantry blog, the theme is to use a Doodle Pantry image on your creation and there's also a give away for you for entering into the challenge.  I hope you'll join us for that too!

Challenges:

Doodle Pantry - Use Doodle Pantry Images
Daring Cardmakers - Daisies or Sweet Peas
Delicious Doodles - Something For Mum
Res Q Challenges - Use A Corner Rounder
I Did It Creations - Anything Goes
Kaboodle Doodle - Lets Get Girly
Make It Monday - Anything Goes

Update on Maxine - She's Home!

I have good news!  Maxine is home from the animal hospital, yea!

Carolyn called this morning and told us Maxine was eating like a little pig and was ready to come home can we come and get her?  You bet!  

We had a consultation with the vet (we asked, the vet is Carolyn's husband) and got directions on how to care for her while she recovers and had a wonderful reunion with Maxine in the parking lot.  She's still a carrier of the Parvo virus for two weeks so they didn't really want her back in the building. 

She has a case of special dog food for while her stomach heals, we came home and all had lunch together outside on the patio.  She's not happy about us not sharing any people food with her but will have to endure till she's fully recovered.

 I think she's happy to be home.  She and my husband have settled in to nap for awhile now.  

Thank you so much for your prayers, it's been a long weekend and you all have certainly helped our family get through it.

TLC Creations & A Free Coloring Pages Anime Girl

The other day I was at Marianne Walker's I Like Markers blog and linked to the Copic blog where there was a post about Anime Expo Artists.  It was really inspiring I added a link to the name so you can go look.  I "googled" anime art uncolored and landed at a coloring page site.  My image today is from the coloring page site. 

She was for my Copic coloring book but I couldn't resist using her on a card.  The scraps beside my paper trimmed were perfect for it!  I've been practicing hair colors and experimenting with different color combinations because I tend to reach for the same markers all the time.

I really like the color of her hair and plan to use it a lot.  I used E79, E74, E71 & E70.  Her jacket is colored with R14, R12, R11, skirt B21, B23, gift YG11, YG13, YG17 and her face is E11, E00 & E000.

The sentiment is from TLC Creations, I love the round sentiments and thought this one would be appropriate for birthdays.

Challenges:  
Paper Playtime - Anything Goes with a digi
Stamp Something - Use Something Digital 
Wee Memories - Favorite Color Combination 
Crafty Ho's - Birthday Card of Scraps 

Toby by The Stamp Fairy

I have more than one blog post today!  

This is my first one though...  We have a new challenge starting today at Stamps R Us, the theme is Easter and our wonderful prize sponsor is Gerda of The Stamp Fairy, I just love her cute digital images!

For my challenge card I used Toby, I thought he was so cute coloring Easter eggs with a paint brush.  I tried some new Copic color combinations with this image.  Toby's body is E11, E13 & E15.  The blue "paint" is BG01 & BG05, the green is an old stand by for me but got kind of darker than I was planning YG11, YG13, YG17.  

I kept my layout very simple to show off Toby.  When I use Toby in the future I'll print him a little smaller I think.  The cardstock colors are Via Vellum Leaf Green, Astro Brights Turquoise, Neenah Solar White & my striped paper is a digital that was in the pile beside my paper trimmer.  Clear Dollar Stamps maybe? 

I hope you'll join us for our Easter challenge at Stamps R Us and I also hope you'll be inspired and go visit Gerda at The Stamp Fairy to see all of her fun digital images!

Challenges:

Stamps R Us - Easter

Bee Crafty - Easter

Little Claire's - Spring Celebrations

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. 

Angel Bear by MelonHeadz

I have a fun card to share with you today!

This cute Angel Bear is by Nikki at MelonHeadz, it comes as a pre-colored digital image as well as a line drawing for you to color yourself.  I chose the pre-colored to make a quick fun card for Operation Write Home.  

My layout is one of the sketches from last Sunday's OWH Stars & Stamps Sunday sketch.  I must warn you I had lots of fun making a variety of cards from this sketch, I hope I have it out of my system now and will be able to move onto something new. 

I chose cardstock to match the colors of the image, Stampin'Up! Close To Cocoa, SU Garden Green, Papertrey Ink Spring Rain & Neenah Solar White.  I also used Spellbinders dies for the sentiment that is made by Create With TLC and a Cuttlebug & Sizzix embossing folders. 

Have a blessed day!

Challenges:
Fun At Fairy Knoll - What Ever
Polka Doodles - No Designer Papers 
Create With TLC - Show It Off Sunday 

Update On Maxine Parvo Day 2

I have an update on Maxine this morning.

Carolyn from the Animal Hospital called to let us know Maxine was doing pretty well this morning.  She'd had a quiet night and was a little more energetic than yesterday.  

She doesn't want to eat anything yet as her stomach is still gurgling and hasn't drank any water but has an IV so she's hydrated.  Carolyn said she was going to run to the store for some baby food to try on her.  They've been giving antibiotics and medications for her stomach to try to keep her comfortable. 

She seems to think we're in the early stages of the Parvo and let me know that Maxine could still take a turn for the worse but was hopeful that we caught it early enough.  I do understand that they cannot guarantee an outcome for her so we'll keep on praying and asking for your prayers too.  

Thank you so much for praying for our family and Maxine, it means a lot to us.  Your comments bring us comfort too.

Edited to add:

In a comment today Tami asked what the expected time period for Parvo to run its course would be.  The vet told us as soon as she would eat and drink on her own she could come home.  She'd still need care but we could provide that for her.  It sounded like Monday could be the soonest depending on how she does.

Bug A Boo Stamps Spring Stuff Collection

Happy Saturday, I have a fun project to share with you today!  

My friend Carole sent me home with a book I'd been looking at when I was crafting with her last week called Clearly Cards.  I kept seeing clear tags made with this tag die by Sizzix and I kept thinking I have that and the acrylic sheets too.

When I had a little free crafting time I went to work...

I cut the acrylic report covers with my Sizzix large tag die, stamped polka dots on it using Stazon Ink and a very old Stampin' Up! polka dot background stamp.  I considered running it through my printer and kept hearing Carole say, "why don't you use a stamp on it" so I did.  I next cut a panel of Neenah Red Linen and added small black ric rac that I cut with a Papertrey Ink die.  I did this for both sides.  I'd printed the ladybug from the Bug A Boo Stamps Spring Stuff collection a few times so I cut one out with the Spellbinders circles dies.  The cute ladybug is colored with Copic markers.  After attaching the ladybug I went to find some ribbon in my stash.  

I couldn't make just one...

And here's a picture of my Spring Stuff Ladybug collection using acetate report covers.

I saved my tags for today because there's a new challenge at Bug A Boo Stamps Catch the bug that starts today, it's an Anything Goes theme.  I thought my tags would be perfect for it.  Be sure to stop by and see what our fabulous design team has made and I hope you'll be inspired to join in our challenge too!

Challenges:

Bug A Boo Stamps Catch The Bug - Anything Goes
Digi's With Attitude - Anything Goes
Card Ideas - Spotty Dotty
One Stop Craft Challenge - Spots & Dots

A Prayer Request

We took Maxine our 4 month old pup to the vet this morning because she started not feeling well about 4 AM and just wasn't herself.  We came home from the vets office without her.  He did some tests and diagnosed her with Parvo virus.  

We asked what we could do for her and took his recommendation to leave her in the animal hospital.  They will put an IV line in her so she remains hydrated and they can also give her needed medications as the virus runs its course.  They can't guarantee she will live through it but they can't guarantee she won't either.  We got her into the vet as soon as possible, we're hopeful she'll be okay so please keep our family in your prayers.  The kids are in school right now and I don't think they're going to take the news very well when they get home.

I pray our cute, energetic, lovable character and friend makes a full recovery so she can grow up into a healthy strong adult dog.

Thanks for your prayers-

Clear Dollar Stamps Triple Chicks

It's time for the Clearly Inspired Challenge at clearly istamp!  Our theme for the challenge is Clean & Simple.  Did you know I struggle with clean & simple?  This is my second card, the first one had too many layers I felt to qualify as CAS.  I'll add a photo of it below.

My layout came from a sketch at the Clean & Simple Stamping blog. The cute little chick and patterned paper is a Clear Dollar Stamps digital stamp set called Triple Chicks.  You could win the Triple Chicks digital stamp set if you enter into the Clearly Inspired challenge #25!  I also used a Stampin' Up! scalloped border punch as well as Spellbinders dies to cut out and mat my chick.  Clean & Simple (if you don't over think it like me)... 

This was my first attempt at the CAS sketch.

And, here's the Triple Chicks set so you can see everything you could win if you enter into the Clearly Inspired challenge #25!  It's also for sale at the Clear Dollar Stamps store.

Challenges:

Clearly istamp - Clearly Inspired Challenge CAS
Make It Monday's - Anything Goes
AI Factory - Bright As Day
Colour Create - Pastels Easter optional
Craft Us Crazy - Easter/Spring
Pals Paper Arts - Punches
Shelly's Images - Gettin' Punchy
Southern Girls - Add An Animal