Wednesday, December 30, 2015

12 Kits of Occasions - Walking in a Winter Wonderland!

It is hard to believe that another year has simply disappeared before our eyes, isn't it?  But we're ending the year of 12 Kits of Occasions on a delightful note!  Lindsey's December kit was truly a "Winter Wonderland" of darling supplies ... thank you Lindsey!



I know you all have parties to prepare for, so I'll get right to the cards - but before I go ... my wish for the New Year undoubtedly is shared by all:  Peace to you and yours!




Be still my wood-grain loving heart!

 
I'm so happy that Lindsey included the negative/positive die cut snowflakes:  we've got to accentuate the negative when it's this gorgeous, right?  A few drops of Stickles in all the right places makes it all good!






We have TWO guests this month... Anita, and Bhvana - welcome ladies!!  So be sure to check out all the fabulous team cards, and those of our guests, too, at the 12 Kits of Occasion home page.

Thanks, so very much for all your visits this year.  I so adore this wonderful blogging community, and each and every one of you keep my heart happy ... I'm so blessed by your friendship!


Cheers to a happy, healthy, New Year!
 
=]  Michele


Thursday, December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas, to you all!

Just popping in quickly to send you my pun-y Christmas card... oh I have many favorites - but you all know me by now!  Well it is my mission in life to make a few smiles happen!

Thank you all for stopping by for visits - it really does make my day!!!

 
You make my pants want to get up and PRANCE!!!
 
Merry Christmas!!!
=]  Michele

Friday, December 18, 2015

Cheers to the Holiday Coffee Lovers Bloghop!

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My final installment for the Coffee Lovers' Holiday Bloghop!!Hasn't it been a blast?!  Thanks to Amy T. and her fabulous designers - and to each and every card-maker who participated, and every generous sponsor who share their time and products!

Merry Christmas - and let's not forget - Happy New Year, too!

Verve: Coffee, and Get Together.  W&W Sparkle.  W+9 New Year.
 
=]  Michele



Curtain Call: Milk & Cookies and a Freshly Made Sketch

I just love it when two different challenges seem to be meant for one another!  Today I had that happen in a very cute way.

Here is the Curtain Call: Milk & Cookies inspiration photo:


And here is the darling FMS217 sketch from Linda:

 
Together with a few never-before-used goodies from Ellen Hutson, I give you my card:
 
 
Was I right about those challenges?  Yes.  Just like milk, and cookies!
 
Thanks for the visit!
 
=]  Michele
 


Thursday, December 17, 2015

Inkspirational: Challenge #97 - Flake!

Don't even get me started on where my mind first took me for this post ... a photo of ME=flake, came to mind, if truthful!

 
 
I have a little card that is heading to a neighbor, along with a big jar of Chex Mix, which is our most favorite treat during these chilly days ... albeit a flake-less season so far, there's hope for it in the forecast today!
 
Merry Christmas to all of the fab members of the Inkspirational team, and to all of you:
 
Reverse Confetti snowflakes, and a last bit of wood embossing -
oh, who am I kidding... it will probably be used again soon, right?
 
Happy holidays!
 
=]  Michele


CAS[E] This Sketch #153 - You feel like home to me!

How many of you are all finished with your Christmas cards?  Me! ME! 

So today, armed with a very interesting sketch from Chrissy Larson, I set out to make a special card, for my special guy.

 
 
Inside sentiment:
"You feel like home to me ... Merry Christmas!"
 
My card started with a 5x7"die cut card front from Heidi Swapp- "MY HAPPY PLACE" was pre-cut!  All I added is a few special words from PTI, and W&W's precious HOME.
 
This is our final challenge until after the holidays.  You have a few weeks, until January 7th, to create your magical cards!! 
 
Merry Christmas, everyone!!! 
 
=]  Michele 
 
 
 


Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Happy International Tea Lovers' Day!!!

You know I am all about card-making - HOWEVER!  I've been saving a little project just for today, just for the
 
It starts out with a lovely little tea from Tea Forte - you've seen these darling little packets, right?  I've found some large ones that are for brewing iced tea.  Who could resist? or discard it?  Yes.  Always repurposing!  This time just the package =] 
 


 
After carefully opening it up, I gave it a wipe, then a good coat of repositionable tape. 
 

 
I chose a paper - one that takes a good creasing without tearing - ask me how I know?  I adhered the pattern down, and did a simple cut around with scissors, or a craft-knife.
 
 
 
A bone-folder and a ruler worked great to score the fold lines.  Then did a good crease on the folds.
 

 
 
 
 


I've used a bit of wired raffia for my tea bag string, and added a tiny little perfect sized wooden embellies,  and a tag from Concord&9th, with perfect sized Winnie & Walter sentiment on it:


 

There's no place like Gnome for the holidays!!

Happy International Tea day, everyone!  I'm running over to the Holiday Coffee Lovers Blog to see all the wonderful tea cards ... won't you join me? 

=]  Michele

Monday, December 14, 2015

Fusion Season's Greetings and Addicted to CAS: Joy

I'm joining in on the fun at Fusion again this week!  I love the image - it is perfect for the PTI set I recently picked up ... here is their lovely inspiration - the photo where my heart leads me:

I was drawn to the shape of the leaves on their tree, too!   Here is my little card:

PTI Winter Woods - Cardinal and branches
Technique Tuesday Geo tags- retired
Metal accents by Heidi Grace
 
Next up?  I have fallen head-over-heels with a new Winnie & Walter Cutaway I received in the mail over the weekend ... get ready folks - you may be in for a whole heap of JOY from this blog!!  This one is headed over to Addicted to CAS: Challenge #78- JOY!!  Convenient isn't it? 
 
Why does she have that little tea light handy?
 
Voila!
 
Of course it is battery operated =]
If you follow me on Instagram, you'll see it flickering!!
 
I hope to have a few more days of crafting before the holidays!  I have another new cutaway, and have been inspired [by a little friend of mine in Australia] to use some of my favorite patterned paper!  
 
I'll also be back tomorrow with a bit of fun for the Tea Lovers!!! 
 
Thanks for the visit!!
 
=]  Michele xx
 
 
 

 
 


My Merry Christmas Wish for Muse #146

I must admit, I'm super excited about my Muse Christmas edition for 2015!  Tomorrow marks my 1st anniversary as a Muse design team member!  I'll never get over my surprise at the announcement.  It has really been so much fun getting to know all of you fabulous card makers who join us each week - I am looking forward to 2016 and to even more Muse players!

Now - drum-roll please ~ hope you love this little guy, with the 'big guy' ~ what?  You don't see him?  Look again...

 
Because I KNOW it takes a lot of elves to get your presents ready for delivery, I've made this little guy a few helpers:
 
 
Here is my wish list for this week- of course these are always just for fun - go ahead and just do what your heart tells you to:
  • a bit of coloring, and embossing always makes me happy
  • a fun character, or two?  A set of three - only if you please!
  • and tons of fun had by every one!  I cannot wait to see your creations in the Muse #146 gallery!!
Merry Christmas, everyone! 
Wishing you joy, and peace at Christmas,
and throughout the New Year!!
 
=]  Michele xo


Sunday, December 13, 2015

LOco for COCOA!! @CoffeeLover'sBlogHop

A quick little cuppa for you Cocoa Loving hoppers today!!!  Oh, I LOve a thick, rich, hot cup of cocoa on a cold Winter's day ... and if you like chocolate, too?  Why not a few chocolate marshmallows?  =] =]

 Winnie & Walter JOY cut from PTI Pure Poppy, cocoa cup from Verve,
MFT for the cover-up cut from KONA cardstock from SSS! 
oh! and the sentiment? 
 Stamped with SU Close to Cocoa!! But of course!
 
Happy Cocoa Day, everyone!!  I'm off to see what you have linked to The Winter/Holiday Coffee Lover's Bloghop!
 
=]  Michele
 

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Edited to send over to Addicted to CAS: Challenge #78: Joy!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Muse ChristmasVisions #32



I'm trying to sneak in a few more Christmas cards ... I am going to miss this season =[

I have one for Kimberly, who presented us with a very beautiful, and glittery gorgeous card to play with this week.

 


This one's for you, Kimberly!!!  Somehow between floors, I might have forgotten about the creamy loveliness of yours!

 
But!  I did remember the glitter!!
 
SSS Ornaments and dies; Coats silver thread


Thanks for the lovely inspiration to make one more card, Kimberly!!!  See you all in the Muse ChristmasVisions gallery!

Thanks to you all, always, for stopping by for a little visit!

=]  Michele

Thank you, everyone! 

Friday, December 11, 2015

2015 Winter/Holiday Coffee Lover's Blog Hop!!!

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I hear those coffee pots brewing, the frothers frothing,
and cups, they're clinking!!! 
Oh yes, it is time for another coffee/tea/cocoa celebration!!! 
All the fun began this morning at the official blog here so, after you take a looky-loo at my card, dash over there for a peek at all the fabulous sponsors, and the start of the Holiday Coffee Lovers gallery!

I can hardly wait to share the card I've made - yes, it is in the mail to our fierce and talented leader, amy T. =]  It all began with a little trek to Toronto in November, a few visits to Starbucks, and nice baristas who were happy to share a few extra bags!

 
Card size:  5x7 inches;  embossed.
and a little #Winnie & Walter Cheers cut from a sleeve... perfect!

Holiday cheers to all my coffee loving friends - you tea girls will have to wait until the 15th to see how I've honored you but, I promise,  it is going to be fun!

=]  Michele

Muse Challenge #143 - Joan Bardee

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Joan Bardee has been a fantastic Muse during her time with us... we will miss you, Joan!  I have truly been inspired by your gorgeous, fresh creations.... and this final beauty!

Here is Joan's fantastic Muse #145 finale:

So soft, feminine, and sparkly!
 
I've added a few sparkly snowflakes, and my Christmas wish!
 
 
I really couldn't resist this pretty in pink patterned paper from Hampton Art.... do you see those tiny birds?  I created a few MFT Snowflakes, and dusted them with WOS, then added a few drops of Stickles in the background.  Perhaps you can see them here:
 
 
Enjoy life, Joan!  Please visit us on occasion?
 
=]  Michele