Decisions....decisions

Hey there blogging friends! I have been MIA for quite some time now......had some issues with Goggle and multiple accounts (I couldn't get signed in to update my blog). Not that there has really been anything to show. My mojo has been completely in the toilet as of late.... and I have been seriously thinking I may just give up this whole blogging thing.

My life is just getting busier and busier. My work load is ever increasing and my 8 year old son is getting involved in more activities than ever (karate and swimming lessons just in the past 2 weeks) ....which leaves me even less time to create and do a blog post. You might all think I'm crazy but honestly I have always thought posting on my blog was kind of a "pain in the rear"  (awfully time consuming) with all the linking that one has to do to enter challenges or show products used and uploading pictures etc. We are supposed to enjoy all this blogging business- right?

I guess I have not really enjoyed blogging as of late...that's why you only see me post once or twice a month. I think what I really enjoy most is seeing all of your creations and stopping in at your wonderful blogs. 

I must confess I am officially hooked on Pinterest now too...spending way too much time over there!!

 What to do......what to do?

If any of you have had a blog and closed it down let me know if you really miss it and if it is a good decision to just let it go. I know I'm not the only busy wife/mother out there.  Honestly I don't know how the rest of you all manage to get it done!! 

I'm really on the fence over this .... but leaning towards shutting it down. 

Inky Hugs........Anne

Lily Pad Patterned Paper Challenge

Entering 2 cards in the current Lily Pad patterned paper challenge sponsored by Simon Says Stamp.

I picked up some yummy Basic Grey paper last week at Archiver's and just got my first ever PaperTreyink stamps a few days ago. I thought I would combine them and some favorite Hero Arts stamps for the challenge at Lily Pad Cards. 




This one combines the Hero Arts newspaper tulip stamp (K5576)  with a sentiment form the "simple sentiments" set from PTI and a bit of Basic Grey paper (Hello Luscious).





This card uses the Hero Arts stamp "Large Flower" ( CG134) and paper from the Basic Grey line "Out of Print". Used a different stamp from the same PTI sentiment set and added a brad to the center of the flower. I am still trying my hand at creating more CAS type cards- hope to gosh I am getting a bit better! Here is a funny story about this card. I had intended to have the "whole" big flower on the card......but as luck has it.... my stamp wasn't "clinging" so well to my acrylic block and happened to fall right on the edge of the paper. Arghhh- hate it when this happens.....but I salvaged it anyways! :)

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a great day!

Inky Hugs.............................Anne

Casual Fridays Challenge #36

The theme this week over at Casual Fridays is Penguin Suit! In honor of Penguin Awareness Day on January 20th, we are to create a Black and White CAS project. Well...........I'm all over it!! 

                                                          
                           
                This is what I whipped up last evening using some "oldie but goodie" Hero Arts stamps. 

Supplies used:
Hero Arts stamps- K4887, LL165, CG139
Provo Craft embossing folder
Spellbinders Mega Ovals dies
Versafine Black, Colorbox Frost white ink
Black gem, pop dots


I pulled out an older "card art" Hero Arts wooden stamp that has a lot of different things going on (collage style). I decided to add a few polka dots for some more interest along the bottom and cover up the "thanks" that is on the botttom of the stamp with another HA sentiment on black paper. I stamped the flower again and fussy cut it and popped it up for some dimension. I felt compelled to emboss the BG as it needed a bit more texture. I really like black & white cards....I usually struggle with these.....but I really am pleased with the way this turned out!! 

Thanks for stopping bye and have a great day!

Inky Hugs............................Anne

Love U!

Hi everyone! It's been ages since I posted but today I finally found some time and inspiration to get a quick Valentines day card made today.

I made this for the wonderful new challenge over at Lily Pad Cards. Virginia provided us with this wonderful photo....don't you just LOVE the fabulous colors?


                                               Here is what I came up with for the challenge.



Got out the distress inks and found some scraps to play with. Used a few different heart punches and stuck with a simple black-white and "pop" of color combo. I looked for some vellum....but I must be out- darn! I was hoping to make vellum hearts like in the photo. Thanks for the great inspiration Virginia! I must admit it feels great to participate in a challenge.....it's been quite some time since I've done that.

Supplies used:
Hero Hues Snow layering paper
Waltzingmouse label stamp
Spellbinders label #6 die
sentinment by TAC
EK Success & Provo Craft heart punches
Distress inks
Embossing folder by Provo Craft

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a great crafty weekend!

FYI- Jenny over at Wee Memories is having a HUGE giveaway.......go see what is up for grabs! 

Inky Hugs.....................................Anne

Guest designer today!

I'm very, very excited to say that I am a "Guest Designer" over at Lily Pad cards today!
Wohoo- how fun and such an honor for little old me.

I was tickled pink when I was approached by Deb.......after getting over the total shock of it all!

Here is a little peek at what you will see over at the Pond! Come take a look and let me know what you think- I'd love to know!

I have been uber busy with work and of course the holidays and haven't crafted in a few weeks....but hope to get crafting again soon- I really miss playing with my rubber and inks!




Thanks for stopping by and I  hope you all have a FABULOUS day!

INKY HUGS.............................Anne