Dueling Divas-November

Its that time again!!! I do love dueling it out with the Dazzlers!
This months kit was sent by Kelly (MiamiKel4), and she sent the best hodge podge hot mess of a of a kit ever!!! So many mismatched items for us to pick and choose from, it was SO hard to decide what to actually use!

So here is what I came up with. I know you said the Gingerbread Man and striped twine was your favorite Kel so I was sure to use both! I took apart the strands of the twine for the Gingerbread Man's embellies.

The last part of our challenge this month was to post a pic of ourselves wearing  "What Not To Wear."  Unfortunately, over the years I have lost a great many of my pictures and of course any I had of my younger days burned when my Mom's house caught fire a few years ago. So, I'm sad I can't play along with this part of the challenge.

October Duel

Hello All,
  Here we are again, not only is it time to duel but it's also the end of round 2! Wow, the time has flown by!!
This month's hostesses are Tami for the Divas (my team) and Darlene for the Dazzlers. Tami sent the cutest kit with all kinds of goodies for us to use. Our image is from Stampin' Up's - Sweet Season, various yummy DSP's, Ribbon from American Crafts, Embroidery Floss, Sticko Tiles, a leaf brad by Recollections, and gems by Darice. As always I had a hard time trying to decide what to use for my card. So many choices! lol

  Anyways, here is what  I came up with. I am looking forward to Round 3 of dueling!

 

Tami also requested that we share our favorite fall recipe. I have alot of favorites, but I think my most favoritest is Squash Soup. My Mom has made it for us for years now so it's a signal that fall is here!

Squash Soup

Ingredients

• 6 cups (about 2 large squash) seeded 2-inch wide chunks butternut squash
• Melted butter, for brushing
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus 1 teaspoon
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper, plus 1/2 teaspoon
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 4 ounces heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Brush the flesh of the squash with a little butter and season with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper. On a sheet pan lay the squash flesh side up. Roast for about 30 to 35 minutes or until the flesh is nice and soft.
Scoop the flesh from the skin into a pot and add the stock, honey, and ginger. Bring to a simmer and puree using a stick blender. Stir in the heavy cream and return to a low simmer. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

School Is Cool

It's that time again! Time for the Divas to duel with the Dazzlers. April and I were hostesses this month and we decided on the School Is Cool theme. Now that the kids are back in school and things are settling down, I'm so glad for some peace and quiet!

So I decided to use images from Recollections. I felt they fit the theme perfectly, not to mention I just LOVED the backpack image along with the pencil. I sent along several quotes pertaining to school and education that were computer generated and several different ribbons, buttons and brads.

Along with the kit I asked that we all share a school memory. I was one of those kids that school just wasn't for me. I was good at some subjects and totally inept in others and it always seemed like the hard subjects that I wasn't so good at overshadowed the ones I was good at. Needless to say I made it to the 11th grade and couldn't stand it anymore so I quit. As an adult out in the real world I now see what a fatal mistake that was and even with a GED feel that some doors remain closed to me in the working world. With those realizations it has helped me as a parent to push my children to excel in school and to never ever quit or give up when it comes to their education.

Ok, so here's my card for this month!

Dueling Divas Round 13

It's that time again!!! Let the duel begin! I will be on my trip when it's time to post, so yayy for blog scheduling! lol I am going to Chicago to see my son graduate Navy Basic Training and then on our way home we are detouring home through Iowa so we can visit with my big brother for a few days.

Anyways, now for the duel! This months kit was sent by Judy... my oh my... I could not decide what to use (this is a usual thing I know)! Judy sent us so many goodies to choose from. I just love the DSP by American Crafts Margarita collection. So many buttons, ribbons and brads, along with flower buds....my goodness, it was a delightful smorgasbord of supplies.

Our challenge this month is to share our favorite way to cool off in these "dog days" of summer. I have to admit, I am not into the heat and my favorite way is to stay inside in the a/c! lol

Dueling Divas Round 12

So here we are again! Another duel.. woo hoo! This is totally fun. 

This month's kit was sent by LJ (LauraJean on SCS). She included this awesome image Gardening Flopsey by MFT, super cute DSP by October Afternoon and numerous embellishments. She also sent us die cuts from fabric using the SU Fun Flowers die (which I LOVE too!) out of some super cute polka dot material.

The extra this month is to share a story about friendship. I like most of us have met many many lovely people on SCS. It's nice to talk with people who share the same passion as myself and there are many of you that I consider close friends even without meeting in real life and I am truly blessed to be able to know and communicate with such awesome people. There is one person whom I met on SCS that I have actually met in real life. Jen has got to be one of the most giving people I know. Not to mention she cracks me up on a daily basis. I am SO happy to have her as a friend and hope our friendship can continue for years to come across the miles.

Christmas in July

This is my card for the Creation Station Challenge - Christmas In July on SCS. This my first attempt at the Center Step card and I can already tell you I LOVE the technique. Take a peek below and let me know what you think. Have a great evening.

All supplies Stampin' Up (unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: Winter Post & Christmas Greetings
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip & Jolly Holiday DSP (retired)

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze, Basic Black & Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Sweet Buttons Embosslits, Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine, Scalloped Ribbon Border Punch, Scoring tool, Dimensionals & Two-Way glue pen

Vintage Vogue Birthday

I made this for my son to give his Godmother for her birthday on Monday.

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Word Play (from MDS)

Paper: Garden Green, Peach Parfait, Very Vanilla, Crumbcake, Marina Mist, Cherry Cobbler

Ink: Soft Suede, Garden Green, Peach Parfait

Accessories: Beautiful Wings, Small Heart Punch, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Basic Jewels, Misc Jewels, Dimensionals

Dueling Divas Round 11

Woo Hoo! It's that time again!!! I have had a lot going on this week, but it did me good to sit down and do some paper crafting.

This months hostess was Barb and she sent us an awesome kit to work with this month. All about the outdoors! My family and I are campers and in fact are planning a camping trip for sometime in July.. can't wait.

There was a challenge to our duel this month, to share a camping story either good or bad. Uughh.. worst camping memory ever.... first time we went camping, we had a Dodge Caravan at the time. My husband had packed everything, but we had bought a new table for the camp stove to sit on. Well, he decided to strap the BRAND NEW table AND new tent on the top. (rolling my eyes) Apparently  he was not paying attention to what he was doing or something and he didn't tie the stuff down good, so we are rolling down the highway on our way and all the sudden the stuff on top falls off! In the middle of the freeway only about 2 miles from home!!!!! We had to park on the side of the highway, mind you our NEW stuff is in the middle of this same highway. Dodging traffic, he got the table and I got the tent.  Safely, thank goodness. Talk about getting your blood pumping. The rest of the trip was GREAT though. :D

 

I made two cards and I still have enough supplies left over for at least 2 -3 more cards! Thank you Barb!

A is For Artichoke!

Woo Hoo .... another Alphabet Challenge. This week's letter is A, as we are starting over from the beginning now.

 (All Supplies Stampin' Up -- unless noted*)

Stamps: Homegrown, Sentiment (computer generated)

Paper: Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Real Red & Very Vanilla
Ink: Always Artichoke

Accessories: Wax Paper*, Crystal Effects, White Crayon*, Sponges, Linen Thread

U = Underwear!

I made this card for the Weekly Alphabet Challenge on SCS hosted by the lovely DaniDells. Each week she picks a letter and the challenge is to make a card with something on it that starts with the featured letter. This weeks letter was U and I couldn't resist making underwear. hee hee hee

Stamps: n/a

Paper: Bo Bunny & Whisper White
Ink: Wild Wasabi

Accessories: Wild Wasabi Striped Ribbon & Round Rhinestone Brad

~Friends~

This is a card I made today for the SCS Sketch Challenge 335. I am also a quilter, so this grabbed my attention right away the way you had to piece the background. I really wanted to stitch it, but after I ran it through the Big Shot, the stitching would have been mute. It's hard to tell in the picture, but the F has a bit of glitter on it.

(All Supplies Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Vintage Vogue

Paper: Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Whisper White, Sunny Garden DSP, & Crushed Curry DSP (retired)

Ink: Poppy Parade & Peach Parfait

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Dinmensionals, Square Lattice Embossing Folder & Dazzling Diamonds

Razzleberry Paper Button

This is the card that I came up with for tonight's downline meeting. We're going to try a new technique --making paper buttons. These are really easy to make and very versatile. You can use any punch/shape to make a paper button cover them with the Crystal Effects and voila, you got a button!

(All Supplies Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Sincere Salutaions
Paper: Rich Razzleberry DSP, Old Olive & Naturals White

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: 5/8" Rich Razzleberry Ribbon, Linen Thread, Boho Blossoms Punch, Crystal Effects, Glue Dots & Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch

Happy Memorial Day!

Since today is Memorial Day, I would like to take a minute to thank all of our men and women fighting for the freedoms and liberties of our great country. My son Malcolm will be joining those ranks of men and women in less than two weeks now, when he heads to the Great Lakes for Naval Basic Training. While I am so so proud of him and am glad he's going out into that big wide world to find his place, at the same time I am sad to see him leave. I am going to miss him SO much but I am truly proud of the fine young man he has become.

I made this card to send to Malcolm's best friend who just graduated from Air Force basic training (with honors!) and is in Wichita Falls,TX  for his tech school. I am also proud of the road John has chosen overcoming alot of hardship in his life. Like Malcolm he is an awesome young man and will go far.

 

(All Supplies Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Liberty For All, Service & Sacrifice

Paper: Real Red, Night of Navy & Naturals White

Ink: Real Red & Night of Navy

Accessories: Stars Embossing Folder (non-SU), 1/4" Night of Navy Ribbon & Dimensionals

You Make Me Smile

This is a card I made recently for a SCS Sketch Challenge.

 

(All Supplies Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Insprired By Nature & FYI

Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Peach Parfait & First Edition DSP

Ink: Old Olive & Basic Black

Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder & Scallop Trim Border Punch

Emerging Colors

I recently was turned on to the Emerging Colors Technique and love the look so I had to try it for myself. This is what I came up with.

 

(All Supplies Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Eastern Blooms, Medallion, Sincere Salutations & Baroque Motifs

Paper: Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip & Whisper White

Ink: Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie & Concord Crush

Accessories: 1/4" Daffodil Delight Grossgrain Ribbon, Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Boho Blossoms Punch, Basic Jewels-Rhinestones

Pretty Peacock

This was for today's Sketch Challenge on SCS.

(all supplies Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Pretty Peacocks

Paper: Concord Crush, Whisper White, In Colors DSP

Ink: Concord Crush

Accessories: Concord Crush Poly Stitched Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals, Bottle Cap, Circles # 2 Die, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder & Basic Jewels-Rhinestones

It's About Time

This is for today's Color Color Combo Challenge on SCS. We had to create a card using Baja Breeze, Soft Suede and Pale Plum (that I had to dig out of the retired bin!) 

I also wanted to say that I'm so glad that April (Aprilo) decided to join me!!!! She says I inspired her, but it was her that inspired me. I saw a beautiful Shutter card she had made on her website and since I had never made one before decided to give it a try. You can see April's card  ---> here. So now then, my card is below. 

                                   (all supplies Stampin' Up)


Stamps: It's About Time
Paper: Baja Breeze, Perfect Plum, Soft Suede & Very Vanilla
Ink: Soft Suede
Accessories: Swirls & Scribbles Sizzlit, Floral Fusion Sizzlit, Little Leaves Sizzlit, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Cogs XL Punch, Basic Jewels-Pearls, Vintage Brads, Tombow Adhesive & Metal Accents (non-SU)

Loads of Wildflowers

I made this card for the Musical Card Challenge on SCS. This weeks song for inspiration was Wildflower by the JaneDear Girls. I have had this set for quite awhile and never had a need to use it until now. The challenge was to make a card inspired by the video/song. In the video the girls have an older truck like this one (only red) and they're singing about flowers.

                                                         (all supplies are Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Three Little Words & Loads of Love

Ink: Not Quite Navy
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake & Naturals White
Accessories: Watercolor Wonders, Texturz Plate Kit # 4, Crystal Effects, Smooch (Moonlight), Victoria Lace Trim & Button Bouquet Buttons

Dueling Divas - Round 10

We are on our second go around with the dueling and I am having so much fun! I love love love all the kits we've been getting.

This month's hostess was Carol (momcgw). She sent all kinds of lovely goodies for us to create with and I especially liked the cofee bean printed ribbon! I was able to come up with two different creations and still have plenty left for at least 2 more. Thank you Carol for the awesome kit!

Lastly, this months theme was "The Perfect Blend." The theme was centered around coffee in honor of our fabulous team leaders (they both love their Starbucks coffee!) -- Kelly (MiamiKel4) and Jeanette (Forest Ranger). So with that said I would like to give a shout out to the Divas team leader , Kelly! Kelly is an awesome person and very supportive. She always has something nice to say no matter what. Thank you Kelly for being such a great leader!

I would also like to send a high 5 to the Dazzler's team leader, Jeanette! Jeanette like Kelly always has nice things to say about and to everyone and she always make me laugh! She is also a very generous and caring lady. Thank you Jeanette!

Altered Hand Sanitzer

I found these little bottles of hand sanitzer at Target for a $1 and got a couple just to mess around with. This is what I came up with. I thought they would make nice little birthday or thank you gifts for the kids' teachers at school.

 

                                                        (All supplies are Stampin' Up)

Cardstock: Peach Parfait
Stamps: Tiny Tags
Accessories: Jewelry Tag Punch, Jewels Basic Pearls, Early Expresso Bakers Twine, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon and Corner Rounder Punch

Happy Earth Day!

Not sure if you know it, but April 22 is Earth Day. A couple of years ago when my daughter first went to college in Miami (far way from Texas!) I made her an Earth Day card and sent her the money to go see Disney's Earth movie. I did the same for last year for her to see Disney's Oceans. I don't think there is an Earth friendly movie this year, but I still made her a card and will send her a few bucks. Like me, she is amazed at all the fantastic wonders our beautiful Earth has to offer and truly wish more people could see this and help preserve it. For now, Jasmine and I are doing our part in our little corners of the world. 

                                                          (All Supplies Are Stampin' Up)

Stamps: Go Green
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Real Red & Basic Brown
Cardstock: Early Expresso, Naturals White, Crumb Cake, Old Olive & Garden Green
Accessories: Dimentionals, Early Expresso Baker's Twine, Basic Pearl Jewels & Small Heart Punch

Dueling Divas - Round 9

This month's hostess was Miss Joan. I so so loved this kit, mostly for the colors. I won't even mention all the goodies that Joan sent us to use. I had ideas popping all over the place the minute I opened the envie. The ribbon was to die for along with the DSP.  :D Thanks Joan!

                                                                              (front)

(inside)

Dueling Divas - Round 8

This month's kit was once again put together by Kelly. I just love this image as Riley is one of my favorites. This month was cool because Kelly also sent us a mystery item to use. It was a puzzle piece! So, here's what I came up with.. (thanks Kelly!)

Dueling Divas - Round 7

Woo Hoo!!! This month was my month to host our duel and it was so so much fun deciding what to put in the kits. (Sorry Kelly & Jeanette for all the confusion). I just love these little duckies from the Inkadinkado Animal Hearts set. I hope everyone has as much fun as I did this month.

Dueling Divas -- Round 6

This months Dueling Diva kit was supplied by Judy. I just love this image and sentiment and I know exactly who I'm sending the finished product to. :D Thanks Judy for an awesome kit.