Mo's Sadie Meets Sketch Saturday #122

I just LOVED this image from Mo Manning when I saw her - she called 'Sadie with Apples' and is available from Mo's store HERE. I could almost smell the freshly picked apples she's carrying and imagine the juice dripping down my arm as I bit into one. I used this week's Sketch Saturday sketch to help me with the layout - I was having a bad day with my crafting and it's amazing how a good sketch can get you right back on track! I'm really pleased with how Sadie turned out after the initial frustrations. I'm also hoping to make the deadline over at Mo's Challenges for this week which is Bling, bing, bling

The DP and sentiment are from K&Company, while the flowers were made with my MS hydrangea punch. The leaves are from my SU bird and leaf punch - I love these leaves for my floral arrangements and one day will use the bird too - LOL. The corner was cut using a cuttlebug die.

Now For Something a Little Special

We will be celebrating 1 year as the Dream Team for Mo on 21st October in our Blog Hop and we would dearly love it if you could join in. The theme that were are working on is ...

Frogs and snails and puppy- dogs tails, that's what little boys are made of.

So If you would like to join in by making a card we will add an Inlinks on Mo's Dream Team Blog on October 21st so that you can add your link to it and then your card will be on display. We think with so many of you following Mo and loving her designs we could end up with a feast for the eyes of wonderful projects but we need you to make it happen. Hope you can join us!

xXx

All About Betty Blog Hop

The lovely Eulanda came up with the idea for all of the gals from The Burtonesque Dolls, Simply Betty Stamps and Simply Betty Challenges blogs to put together a surprise blog hop of our very own to honour our wonderful Boss Lady SIMPLY BETTY.

Eulanda is kicking off the hop for you but if you're already on the hop you should have arrived here from the amazing Nicole's blog.

This hop is ALLLLLLLLLLLLL about Betty and since October is Betty's favorite month and there are sooooo many exciting things happening, we decided to be a step ahead of the game and do it just before?!! This way we can get things warmed up for the whole October and Halloween theme - in case you haven't gotten into the mood yet - LOL. We also decided to only use the Emo Betty images from Simply Betty Stamps to make sure the spotlight was all on BETTY.

Betty is a super generous lady who I have gotten to know through my computer - we've shared laughs, frustrations and deadlines together. When I actually got to spend the afternoon with Betty a few weeks ago in California it was one of the highlights of my trip - she's just as much fun IRL as she is on the other side of my keyboard.

For my card I decided to go with a lighter and brighter feel - to match Betty's bubbly nature. I know she loves Halloween but I just wanted to make this card a little more upbeat!

I know the rest of Betty's DTs feel the same affection for our leader as I do - which is why I know there will be some AMAZING Betty creations along the hop. But please note because this is an appreciation blog hop there are no prizes - it's just a little bit of fun and to let Betty know how we feel about her.

So LET'S KEEP HOPPING!! Your next stop is the lovely Patricia's blog.

xXx

Burtonesque Dolls Challenge #20 - Edward Scissorhands, Cutting Edge Design

This week at The Burtonesque Dolls we have a fabulous sketch for you - created by our very own past Doll PaperAddict Catherine. Since the film we are channeling is Edward Scissorhands I knew exactly which image I wanted to use - Freddy Kruger Boy from Simply Betty Stamps Punky Teens collection. I used some K&Company DPs and embellishments to amp up the funky feel and make it look like Freddy was busy carving up pumpkins for Halloween. A computer generated sentiment finishes it off.

Hope you can play along with us this week - after all - everyone LOVES a good sketch don't they?!?!?!

xXx

A Bit of Chocolatey Fun

Apart from my family and my crafting one of my other passions is cooking - a passion which my kids share with me! I bought  a fabulous Brownie cookbook and some funky chocolate moulds home from my trip and yesterday my son and I spent some quality time together in the kitchen cooking up some delicious brownies! If only he'd enjoy making salads I may be able to spend time with him AND not gain weight - LOL.

And this is the result of putting my 2 purchases together - how fun is THAT - LOL. And not only did they look good but they were delicious - the brownies were all soft and gooey on the middle - YUM.

Now if you're looking for some fat-free eye candy this is my second post for the day - I have a card using a Just INKlined image just below.....

xXx

A Wishing Well to Wish You Well

Over at Just INKlined there are some fabulous images that can be used for all sorts of occasions - this is the Wishing Well and it can be found instore HERE. There's something very appealing about wishing wells - you can't help but want to throw a few coins in and make a wish. At least most of the ones around these days have the money collected going to some worthy cause - so at least someone's wish may be granted - LOL.

Sorry this is a short post - have spent the morning shopping for a dress for my daughter to wear to the Spring Racing Carnival - am exhausted - LOL.

xXx

Magnolia Down Under Challenge #65 - Lace and Flowers

This week over at Magnolia Down Under Challenges we have a challenge after my own heart - lace and flowers - two of my favourite embellishments! I decided to take the opportunity to get another Christmas card made and I used some of the DPs I bought in America - but they weren't in a pad and I threw the packet away without writing down the manufacturer - will blame jet lag for THAT stupid mistake!!!!

I've used one of my favourite Tilda's from the 2009 Christmas release and also managed to play with my new Magnolia Doily DooHickey Die that just arrived from Tickled Pink Stamps. I know there has been some frustration that it's only half a die but it made me think that it could look great as a partial doily - even though Magnolia have put out a tutorial on cutting a full doily - which you can find HERE. I loved being able to cut my own doily out of DP. I did back this with a white piece offset slightly as it needed to stand out a little more.

I hope you can come along and play this week at MDUC - we have some amazing new DT members on board so the rest of us have had to crank up our own work and the inspiration from the girls is truly GORGEOUS! Check it out at our blog HERE.

xXx

Mo Helps Me Say Thank You To Someone Special

I made this card to take away on my trip for my special blogging friend Lisa Hjulberg from The Craft's Meow. Lisa was one of my very first cyber buddies and it's been a friendship that has lasted the test of time and distance. I was lucky enough to be able to stop over in Los Angeles for a few days on my way to Washington DC - and Lisa and her family were just wonderful to me during my stay. For a couple of gals who'd never met IRL before it was like we'd always been friends - Lisa's poor husband Paul found it hard to get a word in once we started chatting, and that took all of 2 seconds - LOL.

While I was in LA I also managed to meet Betty from Simply Betty Stamps - one of my U.S "bosses" and Alicia Garcia - one of my fellow SBS DT gals who took time away from wedding preparations and a new job to have lunch with me - she was married 3 days later and had family and friends arriving in town too! It was soooo great to meet these gorgeous ladies. Lisa, Betty and I went and did a little craft shopping together after our lunch - here's a pic of the 3 of us in front of the Halloween display! (from left to right - Me, Betty, Lisa). This is Lisa, Betty and Alicia's local scrapbook store.

I used Mo Manning's mermaid Melia on my card for a very special reason. A few months ago Lisa and I were suffering similar work stress issues and I sent THIS card to her as a "pick-me-up" - but unfortunately it never got there. I know Lisa was upset when I told her I'd sent it and it hadn't arrived so I decided my Thank-You card had to have the image I'd used before. I wanted card to have a different layout though - so some swirly "waves" were just the right touch.

If you love Melia too you can find her over at Mo's store HERE. You can't tell from the picture but Melia is quite sparkly with mini rhinestones and glitter - one day we'll be able to photograph it properly!

xXx

My Dog Holly

When I saw this image from Just INKlined I knew I had to have it - why??? - check out this photo of my son and our dog Holly - yup she's a Cavalier King Charles. Holly is very much a part of our family - in fact I think she believes she's no.2 in the pecking order - she knows I'm no.1 - LOL. She loves to have a chair pulled out for her at the table so she can be a part of whatever is going on. I'm not quite sure what computer game she and Toby are enjoying but they look like they're having fun!

You can get this gorgeous image from Just INKlined HERE - even if you don't have a cavvy of your own - LOL. And there's a spooky new limited time freebie up for grabs at our blog too.

Now apologies for still being a little MIA - I forgot how much jet lag can knock you around and I'm trying to catch up with some DT work that's happening soon and I think my mojo is still in baggage claim somewhere - but I'm getting there - LOL! I'm itching to do some blog hopping to see what you  lot have been up too!

xXx

Burtonesque Dolls Challenge #19 - Trick or Treating

It's coming closer to the time of year when our American friends are thinking about costumes for Trick or Treating - I went into a store while I was there and was AMAZED by the choices!!!! I very nearly bought a cute little costume for my dog Holly - didn't think the kids would be interested but thought Holly would look kinda cute all dressed up - LOL.

Our challenge this week at The Burtonesque Dolls is to create a project for Trick or Treating in Burton's neighbourhood. I used the gorgeous Evie from Tickled Pink Stamps, the sentiment is from TPS too. I combined her with a door to knock on from Darkroom Door and a Doo Hickey lantern die from Magnolia. The DP is Bayberry Cottage.

Now I've had a sneak peek of what the other Dolls have come up with for this challenge and I must say it's an honour to work with these talented gals! If you want to check out what they've done pop over to our blog HERE. So happy Trick or Treating!

xXx

I'M HOME!!!

Hi Everyone - I'm home after a wonderful 2 weeks in The US of A! I didn't have much time to spend on the internet but I did manage to check up on my emails from time to time and make sure my scheduled posts popped up - now to catch up on everything else - LOL. What makes it even harder is that by flying from LA to Melbourne I manage to lose all of my Saturday - 23 hours of travel plus crossing the international date line - my poor body clock is a little messed up!

But it was sooooo good to get home Sunday morning and see my kids again - this is the longest I've ever been away from them and many cuddles were shared as I tried to stay awake during the day - LOL. They seem to have grown up sooo much - they were looking after themsleves while I was away and my 12yo was telling me he was making himself some AWESOME lunches. My 18yo now knows how to use the washer and has tried some new meal ideas out which they both liked - think I may just have to let them KEEP some of their newly found skills - hahahahaha.

I don't have too many photos to share - I didn't take many! My time was spent craft shopping - gotta LOVE that - LOL, meeting some of my blogging friends (more on that later) and catching up with friends I haven't seen since we moved home to Australia after living in Virginia 18 years ago. During my shopping I found some fun new crafting tools which I am itching to play with - although with Halloween and Fall in full swing I was a little disappointed there wasn't a lot of Christmas stock out yet. I'll be back soon with some eye candy for you - but it's school holidays here now so I plan to catch up with my 2 kids a bit too... One day soon I'll get back on top of everything - but first there's that mound of washing awaiting me in the laundry - LOL.

xXx

Mo's Dream Team Blog Hop - CAS

I LOVE the third Thursday of the month because it means it's Mo's Dream Team Blog Hop and there is always such wonderful eye candy on offer by the team - and don't forget you can always check out more of the team's work at our blog HERE. This month our host is the incredibly talented Lori, and she has asked us to create a CAS (Clean and Simple) design with Mo's image being the main focus.

You should have arrived here from the amazing Peri's Blog - but if you didn't you can always pop back to Lori's blog to start at the beginning.

Now anyone who knows me knows I LOVE to add flowers and panels of DP and anthing else I can think of to a card - so this month's theme was a tough one for me. My answer was to make my image as big as possible so there would be no room to tempt me to add a little something - LOL.

I used one of Mo's gorgeous Christmas images "Christmas Fairy Mint" and she's available to purchase HERE. I LOVED colouring her flowing tresses - boy do I wish I had hair like that!!! She's all sparkled up for the Festive Season too - but it's a bit hard to tell from the photo.

Your next stop on the hop is the Marvellous Mina's blog - but if you get lost here's the complete blog hop list and you can find all the links on my left sidebar under Mo's logo.

Lori, Kerttu, Jak, Liza, Peri, ME, Mina, Shell, Elaine, Rosette

xXx

SBS Halloween Release Day Blog Hop

YAY - it's release day blog hop time over at Simply Betty Stamps with the newest kids on the block - the Halloween Emos. You should have arrived here from the ultra talented Cheri's blog - but if you didn't you can always start back at the beginning and at the Simply Betty Stamps Blog HERE - you'll find a full list of participants over there too.

For my card I've used Franken Millerstein - isn't he cool! Some black elements using my dies and punches add some ghoulish interest.

Check out all of the new releases now available at The Simply Betty Stamps Shop HERE.

Now what's a SBS release day hop without prizes and special offers?!?!?! There's a LOT of information so pop over the the SBS Blog and check out what Betty has on offer today!

Your next stop on this hauntingly fun hop is the Freakishly Fabulous Eulanda's blog.

xXx

It's Preview Time for Simply Betty Stamps Emo Halloweenies.

YAY it's nearly release day for Simply Betty Stamps new line of Emos - the Halloweenies! These guys will all be available on September 15th in rubber AND digi format - with the exception of London who will only be digi.

This guy is Christian the Vamp and he's pretty creepy with his blood red eyes. I've used a tree silhouette I cut using my craft robo and my Martha Stewart cobweb punches to add some creepy interest. The rest of the SBS DT gals have been working hard on with these images too and we have some fabulous creations to share with you - and we have a blog hop on release day with the chance to win prizes and get some specials at the SBS store - you can check everything out at our blog HERE.

xXx

Burtonesque Dolls Challenge #18 - School of Ghouls

This week over at The Burtonesque Dolls we are celebrating back to school for our American friends - but in true Burtonesque style it's back to the School of Ghouls for us - LOL. We have our wonderful sponsor Simply Betty Stamps on board this week too.

For my card I've used School Emo Lola from SBS along with a fabulous blackboard from Tiddly Inks. To embellish I used my Magnolia Doo Hickey lace flower die, a sentiment from Tickled Pink Stamps and a skullie available from SBS and made by the wonderful Creepy Glowbug. My DP is from 7 Gypsies.

I know the rest of the dolls will have some amazing inspiration for you too - so pop over HERE and check it out.

xXx

Just INKlined Halloween Competition

The team from Just INKlined have decided to have a bit of fun and run a little Halloween competition. There are some FABULOUS Halloween images available from Just INKlined and the DT have all used different ones to inspire you - you can check out what the rest of the team have done at our blog HERE. We hope they inspire you to join us too! Now here are the rules...you must use one of the Just INKlined images - and there's a limited release freebie available for you if you like! You must also add the link to the challenge on your blog entry - SIMPLE!!!

Now here's my project for you....

I used 2 different images to create a little set  - I've used "Misfire" - available instore HERE - and "Hat and Shoes" - available instore HERE. These images worked soo well together that I had originally planned to use them both on my card - but then I spied the tin in my stash and had an idea for my "trick or treat" set. I created an "oops" of a trick on the card and a tin for your treats.

The DP I used is by Kaisercraft if I remember rightly - I'm actually typing up my post while I'm away on holiday so I don't have my supplies in front of me to check! The letters were cut using my cuttlebug alphas. The black flower on the card was made by rolling and layering Kaiser flowers together - I had seen this online and wanted to try it out - it was sooo much fun and easy to do! I'll try and find the link when I get home from my trip if anyone wants it.

We would love to see you all join in with the chance of winning some HELLish Just Inklined Stamps. The prizes include a 1st Prize £10 of Just Inklined Store Credit, 2 runners up will win one Just Inklined Digital Stamp.

xXx

Magnolia Down Under Challenge #63 - A Sketch

A few weeks ago the MDUC DT had a bit of fun doing a "sketch off" and you get to enjoy the fun of using the sketches we came up with - woohooo! Our sketch this week comes from the amazingly talented Kathrin. Kathrin LOVES her layers - LOL. I decided to use the opportunity to get another Christmas card made as I seem to have been doing a lot of Halloween cards lately - with more to come. Not bad for someone who doesn't celebrate Halloween! But I'm currently on a trip in The USA so I have been stocking up on Halloween papers and getting into the fun of the season.

But Christmas is on it's way and I decided to pair this snowman with some of last year's DPs from Magnolia. - did I tell you I LOVE snowmen???? Must be because they make me feel a little cooler when it's the middle of Summer over Christmas here in Australia - or maybe it's just because they are CUTE - LOL.

I'm sure the rest of the Magnolia Down Under gals have come up with some AMAZING inspiration for you using Kathrin's sketch - hop over HERE to check it out! Hope you can come along to play - it was such a great sketch to work with!!!

xXx

Tickled Pink Stamps Preview Day 2 - Going Batty

Today I'm showcasing Tickled Pink Stamp's Halloween sentiment set designed by Heather Rolin - it's called Going Batty. I've merged 3 of the images with Lil Lolita Lilith - and the sentiment is part of the set too. I've been using the sentiments on many of my recent Halloween cards recently - they are soo fabulous! This set is a limited time digi Halloween set and Kellie plans on taking it down mid November 2010. It will be available from 6pm AEST tomorrow.

If you pop over to the TPS blog HERE you'll be able to see some more fabulous creation using this set by my fellow DT.

Apologies for the short post post - am heading out the door...

xXx

Tickled Pink Stamps Preview Day 1 - Let it Rock

Tickled Pink Stamps have something new to show you - some marvellous sentiment sets designed by the amazing Heather Rolin. Recently you may have seen some sneak peeks of these sets - but now it's release time. Here I've used the new Let It Rock set - and you'll find some fabulous creations from the TPS DT on our blog HERE to showcase this set.

Thise sets will be in digi format and will be available instore from 6pm AEST on September 11th. It will also be available in rubber sometime next month.

I decided to make something a bit different. I've had some inkjet printable shrinky film for some time and I finally pulled it out and gave it a go. The good thing with this film is that you can print pictures and images you've already coloured and then cut them out and shrink them. GREAT for coloured images, photos etc. The bad thing is that my printer won't let me print on it  - but thanx to Kristy for letting me use her printer.

I CASED the lovely Charms by Kylie by my fellow DT Kylie C for the idea of making some bag bling - but mine isn't nearly as pretty and is probably more suited to a school bag - LOL. I've used 5 of the images from the set here.

xXx

Tickled Pink Stamps Monthly Sketch Challenge

It's time for a new sketch from Tickled Pink Stamps Monthly Challenges. Kellie has come up with another fun sketch and I've used it to make a Halloween card using this gorgeous little witch designed by our very own Amy Young for Sweet November.

The DP I've used is from Stampin' Up's Halloween set from last year - but I believe it's retired now. The sentiment is from Tickled Pink Stamps - I've merged two elements from the set being released tomorrow! Some texture was added using a Tim Holtz embossing folder, some Sizzix swirls and some Halloween ribbon.

Knowing how talented the rest of the TPS DT are I'm sure you'll be in for a visual treat if you stop over at our monthly challenge blog HERE and check out the rest of the inspiration from the girls - I'm heading over there now too!

xXx

Just INKlined Monthly DT Blog Hop - Buttons and Bows

Have you noticed it's September and I'm still here at Just INKlined??? Well I couldn't be happier to let you know that I've been asked to stay on - woohooo - thanx gals! And to kick the month off in style we have our DT blog hop. This month our theme is "Buttons and Bows" and we needed to have at least one of each. We were honoured to have Fantastic Ribbons supply us with some gorgeous ribbon and buttons.

You should have hopped here from Lydia's blog - but if you haven't you can start the hop at Toni's blog.

For my card I've used "Turbo 3000" - I seem to have a bit of a Halloween pre-occupation happening on my blog at the moment - funny since we don't celebrate it here in Australia - LOL. But I loved this wacky witch and her poor ol' puss when I saw them - too funny. You can find her to purchase HERE.

Your next stop on the hop is Peri's blog - but if you get lost here's the hop list and their links are all on my left sidebar under the Just INKlined banner.

Toni, Mina, Karen, Lydia, ME, Peri, Cathy, Jak

xXx

Simply Betty Stamps Halloween Release Blog Hop

Woohooo - today over at Simply Betty Stamps we have a Double Whammy Release! Betty LOVES Halloween... dressing up, the Fall weather, taking the kids out Trick Or Treating... the whole thing! So get ready for an overload of Halloween Images! Today we are starting with two... yep 2 new releases - and there's more fun to come!!!

First up we have The Punky Teens ... funky, fun, and very different kids! The artist is Alexander Landa! His art style as you will see, is very unique and different... right up Betty's alley! He was super fast in turning the images around so Betty just had to release them at once!

Meet Tootsie from The Punky Teens - isn't she FABULOUS!!!

And then we have the more cutsie Halloween range -  Jude and his Shenanigan Crew

Betty's son Jude is an very active toddler and Betty thought it would be really fun to have a line made just for him... Matthew Synowics is the new artist on board who came up with Jude and Crew! He was so fast at turning these around Betty was able to release them along with the Punky Teens!

This little guy is Mikey from the crew...

You should get to see ALL of the fun new images as you hop along, and they are now available at SimplyBettyStamps. And all the Original Emo Kids cushion mounted rubber is on sale over at SBS too.

Now you should have arrived here from the amazing Catherine's Blog - but if you didn't you can always head back to the start at awesome Barb's blog.

For those hopping along you know Betty always has prizes on offer - this time four lucky winners will receive three free digis of their choice from these two lines! All you have to do is leave us some loving over at the Simply Betty Stamps Blog as the four winners will be chosen from there!

Your next stop on the hop is the extraordinary Eulanda's blog - but if you get lost along the way here's the entire list - the blog links are on my left sidebar under Simply Betty Stamps and The Burtonesque Dolls banners.

Good luck and have fun!

Barb, Calie, Catherine, ME, Eulanda, Gloria, Kim, Linda, Lisa, Nancy, Nicole, Suzi, Vicki, Betty

xXx