Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween y'all!  Wow, it's been a while since I last posted anything or been around blogland for that matter.  I've been really busy with life, but trying to get some Halloween projects done too.  Here is a creation that I sort made up.  I made 12 of these to give to my hubby's 7 secretaries, my DS's teacher, my DD Tiny Tots teacher, and some friends.  It all started when I saw my sweet blogging friend, Kris' post about her lollipops.  Click {HERE} to see her post!  I changed up the dimensions of the lollipop wrapper to fit a Dum Dum Lollipop instead of a Tootsie Roll Pop.  Some of you know that I was an elementary school teacher before becoming a SAHM.  I remember singing "5 Little Pumpkins" with the kids thus coming up with this project.  I cut the houses with Tim Holts Townscape die and the tree with Tim Holtz Branch Tree.  I used EK Success Pumpkin punch as well as MS Grass and Iron Fence punch.

Here's a closer look.

Sorry for the bad photo.  Here is the song/poem, 5 Little Pumpkins attached to the back.  The Haunted House is from the Lawn Fawn Happy Haunting set. 

On a very sad note, we recently lost a very dear and wonderful human being last Wednesday, Dean Harvey.  Dean is my hubby's cousin and they were extremely close.  Some of you know the story behind how my baby boy, Asa, got his middle name.  Click {HERE} to read a previous post about my story.  Anyway, here is a picture of Dean and Asa meeting for the first time last December (2010).   Asa was only a month old.  

Click {HERE} to read an article written about Dean weeks before he passed away.  The article tells of his CJD and the journey he's taken living with this most terrible disease.

I luv this picture of Dean with the sunset behind him.  This day last August, he and his wife Kathi, renewed their vows at Maili Beach in Waianae.  With family surrounded them, the day was perfect. 

We miss you so much Dean!  You are now in the presence of the Lord.  You now have your strength and your winning smile! 

Thanks everyone for sticking with me through this post.  I have another project that I made for Halloween.  Hoping to share it this week.  My Asa is turning 1 soon and I'm trying to get all the details done for his 1st birthday party.  Yep, crazy Mama trying to do everything myself and I really, really don't have the time.  Plus, Dean's funeral service will be 2 days before Asa's party.  Boy, our family will be so busy but just happy that we can all be together supporting each other during this time of loss and this time of celebration.  So, if I'm not around to check you out, you know what I'm doing . . . family stuff and party stuff!  Urgh . . . once the everything is done, I'll be relieved.  Okie dokie . . . catch ya laters!

September C.A.T.S. - Flowers

Good morning!  This post is long overdue . . . notice that my title says "September C.A.T.S.".  I know, it's almost half way through October.  So funny 'cause my C.A.T.S. partner, Enjoli, and I emailed each other to say that we will be late in making our deadline.  She's so busy with work, caring for her kids, and her new venture with Sugar Shack Crafts.  For me, I had a lot on my plate too.  Anyway, we finally got around to completing our card and tag set for one another.

Here is what I received from Enjoli.  She created an easel card using Ayako from Sister Stamps.  I really luv the washi paper Enjoli used with the pattern of cherry blossoms scattered throughout the paper.

Now here is the tag that came with the card.  Cute, cute, cute!  :)  Thank you so much Enjoli!

Since the theme for September was FLOWERS, I decided to make my own flower out of felt.  Wanna know how I made that flower?  Check click {HERE} for a video tutorial by Beate Johns.  Whenever I need ideas or inspiration, I head on over to Beate's blog.  She's so creative! 

The image on the belly band of this card is from the CC Designs Laugh Lines called Flower. 

This is what the insert looks like.  The sentiment is from Purple Onion Designs called Flower Quotes.

Here's my tag.  Doesn't look like much, but hang on.  This is how it works.

This is a Telescope card/tag.  I first saw this on Creations by Patti's blog and then on Jenny's blog, Crazy for Papercrafting.  It must've been a sign for me to try it and I luv'd the idea.  When you slide the middle layer over, the largest piece is revealed.  There she is!

Here's when you slide the smallest layer over to reveal the middle layer.  I created another insert for this pocket tag to write a little message.

Well, that's it for me!  I've had so much fun participating in my GF Joy's C.A.T.S.  If you want to participate, check out her blog for more information.  Have a great weekend!

An ODD Trick or Treat . . .

Hey all!  :)  I think my brain, my hands, and my being has been on a vacation.  I must say, I really needed it though.  It got me to wanna ink up something and color. 

Well, I took the plunge and got me SOME ODD GIRLS!  What did it was seeing that SOG Kimono Kaylee and I had to have her . . . then I got me more!  Some in digi and some in clear stamps.  For today's card, I used Gwen from the clear stamp set, HollyDay Gwen.  The set comes with a couple of sentiments and some holly berries including Gwen.  Since Halloween is just weeks away, I thought I'd tackle my first Halloween card for this year. 

I colored her with copics and stuck to the purple and black theme.  The background behind Gwen was inked with one of my new Tim Holtz Distress Ink Fall Limited Edition set, Seedless Preserves.  I slightly distressed the edges with Black Soot.  Behind that, I punched 7 Spiderwebs with my MS punch and adhered them to the back of the circle.  Added a few spiders, twine and a tag . . . voila!  Done!  :)

Here's a close up of Gwen and her spidey friends.

I decided to enter her in some challenges.  Boy, it's been ages since I've actually done that.  Well, that's it for me.  Thanks for stoppin' in today!

Challenges:

Some Odd Girl Blog - Sketch Challenge

Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Halloween or Goth

Pixie Cottage Challenge #91 - Dark & Spooky

Truly Scrumptious #67 - Distressing

Cupcake Craft Challenges 163 - Halloween

Lollipop Crafts #52 - Critters

Winner!!!

Helllllooooooo!!!!   Boy, my brain and my body has been on a break!  Then again, what's new?  :)  Seriously, my family and I have been fighting off a cold and it's still lingering.  The baby has a bad cough and runny nose, my DD still has the sniffles, and I have the bad cough.  I hope you're all staying well and healthy.

Anyway, just wanted to pop in and announce the winner of my Week #4 giveaway.  I so enjoyed all your creative answers throughout the past 4 weeks and this past week was no exception.  DREAM JOB?  As a little girl I've always wanted to be a teacher.  Guess what?  It was my job up until I had my firstborn and then became a SAHM.  But, I think my ultimate dream job would be . . . a Forensic Scientist.  I luv the mystery, the gross-ness, the blood, the "everything" involving a crime/murder scene.  Yes, I enjoy watching CSI, NCSI, The Last 48, Hawaii 5-0 . . . oh, that's when I have the time to watch them.

Ok, I think I've shared too much.  I did receive a couple of emails to enter the giveaway which I included in the random draw . . . the winner of my Week #4 giveaway is . . .

Creative Grammie!!!!

Congratulations Creative Grammie!  Please email me with your mailing info. so I can get your goodies to the post office.  Thanks again everyone for participating in the giveaways and mahalo much for always stoppin' in to visit!  :)

Boohoo . . . It's a Wrap!

Happy Friday my sweet dear friends!  I'm torn in my emotions today as I write this post.  Today is my last post as a DT member for the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog.  I still can't believe 6 months have passed since I started with the team.  It was such a refreshing experience and I had the opportunity to meet some of the most wonderful, talented ladies through this experience.  I'm definitely sad, but happy that there will be a whole new team to carry on creating with Marie's cute images! 

Now that my term is done, I can sorta take a step back {take a break of sorts} and just visit everyone on the blogs more often and create when I want and if I want.  hee, hee!  :)  Asa's 1st birthday is soon approaching as well as the holiday season so I'll be pretty consumed in taking care of "business".  Don't worry, I'll be around!

For my last post, the team was instructed to CASE another DT's card.  What our team decided to do was surprise Rachel, our wonderful Team Captain, by CASE'ing one of her cards!  This is a tribute and a HUGE thank you to her for all that she did during this term (believe me, Rach is so on it when it comes to organization).  Here is Rach's card that I chose to CASE:

I used Miss Anya . . . oops, I mean Miss Anyas'!!!!  :)  I chose 1 Miss Anya from each set (Miss Anya Collection, Miss Anya Love, Rain Snow Shine, Miss Anya Dressy, Miss Anya Lounge, Miss Anya Hats Off, and Miss Anya Bags), but only colored the one image in the middle. 

Notice that all the six Miss Anya's are stamped in Memento Desert Sand on Kraft cardstock?  This represents the Design Team - - - Jess, Sparkle, Leanne, Emily, Tasha, and myself.  The one colored represents Rach!  :)  Too corny, but thought it was fitting for my last card. 

Here's a closeup of Miss Anya Bags . . .

Please upload your project in the Galleria under the FFF section.  Thank you so much for all your support!  I so appreciate you stoppin' in to visit me . . . this is not a farewell, just a "I'll-see-ya-around-blogland"!  Have a great weekend!

Week #4 and a winner . . .

Well, well.  Can't believe it's Week #4 of my giveaway.  Before I announce the winner, I wanted to share my answer to my own question.  What would I giveaway to the audience if I were Oprah? 

1.  I'd pay off every single person's debt . . . in these tough times that we're living in, having a new start would be refreshing and stress-free!

2.  A vacation to the most happiest place on earth . . . Disneyland!  :)  I haven't been there in years---I'm looking forward to the day when my hubby and I can take our kids.

3.  The camera of your dreams to capture each and every precious moment! 

Ok, now let's get to the winner of Week #3 . . . the winner is:

MIMI!!!

Congratulation Mimi!  Please contact me with your mailing address and I'll be sure to get the goodies to you.

Now to Week #4 giveaway.

I have a MS Doily Lace Border Punch, a Papertrey Ink Flower Fusion set with a coordinating die, and a Miyono from Sister Stamps.  These are all companies that I luv!  :)  Want this?  All ya gotta do is comment below answering this question . . .

What is your dream job?

It doesn't have to be craft relate but if it is, I'd luv to know what it is!  :)  Again, PLEASE DO NOT POST OR LINK THIS GIVEAWAY ON YOUR BLOG.  You have till Tuesday, October 4th to comment and I will pick a winner using Random.org.  Catch you laters!

Be Thankful . . .

I am so, so thankful for all that I have.  I'm thankful for my family and friends . . . I'm thankful to be alive!  :)  I'm blessed!  Well, over at the Farm Fresh Challenge Blog, we have a fall/autumn themed going on for Which One Wednesday (W.O.W.).  Here's a photo inpiration to help you get your "Fall/Autumn" juices going. 

Ok, so here's my entire card that I made.  The Fall season here in Hawai`i is pretty much the same as Winter, Spring, and Summer.  No difference.  I wish I could experience seeing the leaves turn colors . . . all I see are green leaves turning brown!  :)  LOL!  I used the Clear Fairy Princess set.  The fairies were small enough that I could fit two of them on the card.  They are just fluttering through the leaves. 

The W.O.W. challenge is open until Tuesday; entries are due by 12 PM CST.  The winner is chosen by random draw and wins a free digi of choice!  Please upload your challenge cards/projects to TGF Galleria > Farm Fresh Challenges 2011 > Which One Wednesday > Photo Inspiration #4.  That's it for me.  I'll be back on Friday to share my last card as a Farm Fresh gal! 

Week #3 and a winner . . .

Well, it's Wednesday!  That means it's time for week #3 of my 2nd blogaversary giveaway!  Before I get to the goods, I need to announce the winner of the Christmas goodies.  The winner by random draw is . . .

ldemello!!!

Congratulations ldemello!  Please email me your mailing information and I'll get your goodies out to you.  Let's see, what is my Christmas wish?  That I'll make it through another year next year!  LOL!!  Seriously, life is CRAZY and I think I have more white hairs on my head now then I did a year ago!!!  :)

Now, for this week's giveaway, Week #3!  What's up for grabs?  Check it out!

Since I've gotten the Halloween and Christmas goodies out of the way, {bells ringing, bells ringing} it's time for some of my "Favorite Things" . . . Oh, how I miss Oprah!!

I am such a big fan of C.C. Designs and of course, Sweet November Stamps!!!  :)  Wanna win this?  Just leave a comment here and answer this question by Tuesday, September 27th and I'll be back to announce a winner the next day.   Remember, DO NOT POST OF MY GIVEAWAY.  These giveaways are for those that have come by my blog and supported me along the way.  What an adventure I tell ya!

If you were Oprah, list 3 of your most FAVORITE THINGS that you would give away to your audience?

Thanks for stoppin' in today!

THANKS for the MEMORIES!

Good Monday Morning peeps!  Today is our Farm Fresh MM Challenge and guess what?  It's my turn to pick a card from the Gallery to CASE!  I found this card by Tracey and thought it was fitting for my last post on the FFC Blog.  Here's the card that Tracey created . . .

Well said Tracey!  Perfect in every way since I'm from Hawai`i.  I have one more week after this week then my term will come to an end.  Can't believe Marie and Jess had enough confidence in me to stick it out for 6 months!  I luv'd every minute of this experience and I've made some wonderful friendships along the way.  Plus, I get to work with a bunch of gifted, talented gals too!  You have all inspired me!

Here is my CASE'ing . . . I've used HG Sing.  Yep, she's strumming that ukulele, singing her heart out with a farewell song . . . Aloha `oe.  

Aloha `oe, aloha `oe (Farewell to you, farewell to you)

E ke onaona noho i ka lipo (The charming one who dwells in the shaded bowers)
One fond embrace,
A ho`i a`e au ('Ere I depart)
Until we meet again.

  

Here's a close-up of Sing.  I think that sentiment was perfect for this card.  Many memories made . . . many more to experience!  :)

Well, that's it for me today.  I'll be back soon to share some more!  :)

The Mystery Monday contest runs until Sunday, entries are due by 12 PM CST.  The winner is chosen by random draw and will win a free TGF single stamp of choice, so good luck!  Please post your cards in the TGF Galleria - Home > Farm Fresh Challenges 2011 > Mystery Mondays > TWilson1424.

Don't forget! You now have two ways to play! You can either CASE the card OR you can use it as an inspiration piece. Meaning that you can make the same style of card, use the same colors, etc, just as long as we can tell that you got your ideas from the showcased card.

White Out!

This week for the FFF challenge we want you to go "White Out" or in other words to do an all white or mostly white themed project. Can't wait to see all the beautiful and clean creations!

Here's my white on white.  Ok, not entirely white, but close enough.  The only color I added was to the stamped image of CC Lula.  She's quite a sassy kind of gal and couldn't see her without a splash of COLOR!

I used my Spellbinders Curved Rectangles to create the card and cut out a frame for it.  Popped it up with Pop Dots for added dimension.  The background was embossed, added some flourishes, and some white pearls. 

Here's CC Lula up close.

The FFF challenges runs until Thursday, entries are due by 12 PM CST.  The winner will receive a free single TGF stamp of choice!  Please upload your challenge cards to TGF Galleria> Farm Fresh Challenges 2011> Farm Fresh Fridays 2011> White out.  Also, upload to the InLinkz on the challenge blog.

Thanks for stoppin' by today.  I'm bracing myself for another full weekend  . . . soccer games, a 1st birthday party, and a Yakudoshi party . . . oh, time, oh, time, where are you?  :)  Have a safe and fun weekend! 

Week #2 & a winner . . .

Before I get on to the 2nd week giveaway, I just wanted to say how I enjoyed your answers to the Halloween question.  For me, I remember being dressed in a Babushka type costume with a mask.  The mask came with yellow blonde hair, a far cry from my black hair.  :)  I haven't seen old pictures in a long time . . . I think it would be nice to see them the next time I'm at my parents house.

Ok, the winner of my 1st week giveaway is . . .

DENICE!!!

Congratulations Denice!  Please email me your address and I will get your Halloween treats right over to ya!  :)

Now for Week #2 of my giveaway.  Here's what I put together.  All you have to do is comment below and answer this question:

What is your Christmas wish for this year?

Comment here by Tuesday, September 23rd and I will pick a winner using Random.org and post the winner on Wednesday.  PLEASE, PLEASE . . . do not link my giveaway on your blog or post about it.

Roar! Simply Gorgeous!

Hope you're having a purrr-fect Wednesday!  I'm back with our WOW Farm Fresh Challenge.  Today is Sketch Wednesday and our fearless leader, Rachel, has come up with this sketch:

Well, who do we have here?  She's Cheeky Kitty!  Oh, Marie has created this beauty in digi form and is ready for purchase tomorrow, September 15th!  Purrr-fect for the Halloween season!

I made a little treat bag and she crawled her way right on!  Cheeky Kitty looks hot wearing her leopard skin outfit with black net stockings.  ROAR!  Simply gorgeous!

If you are not aware, the Gallery has been down and Marie is doing her best to get it back up so you can play in our challenges, upload your pictures, browse around for inspiration, and what not.   We have added the InLinks to the last couple challenges and to this one as well.  Just upload on the challenge post.  When the Gallery is up and running, you can upload there {TGF Galleria > Farm Fresh Challenges 2011 > Which One Wednesday > Sketch 11.}

The W.O.W. challenge is open until Tuesday; entries are due by 12 PM CST.  The winner is chosen by random draw and wins a free digi of choice! 

Thanks for stoppin' by today!



August C.A.T.S. Swap

Hey y'all! Today I have a lot to share with you so brace yourself . . . THIS IS A LONG POST WITH TONS OF PICTURES!!!!  :)

I am participating in Joy's C.A.T.S. swap (card and tag swap).  It's a 3 month commitment . . . if you want to participate and join in on the fun, check out Joy's blog for more information regarding this C.A.T.S. swap.  For the month of August, I was paired up with Cami.  OMWord!  She is so creative and so detailed oriented, I nearly crapped my pants!  Well, check this out you'll see why . . .

This month's theme was to use RIBBON.  Ok, don't you just adore this?  She used a bright fuchsia-ish ribbon like seam binding.  I can't believe it!  Cami made beautiful handmade flowers out of the ribbon and also added a bow to the hair of Candy Pip (Sugar Nellie).  I'm just in awe!

Now let's take a look inside the card.  Can you say, WOW!  What a luv-ly scene from the blades of grass to the white picket fence to the cute house Cami created!  Cherry Pip is one lucky girl to be a part of this scene.  I luv how Cami created the roof sidings with velvet pink ribbon.  So, so clever!

Now this is the tag using Cherry Pip.  Absolutely luv the soft pinks (ahem, one of my fav colors)!

The front swings sideways to reveal or write a little message.  Neat-o, I really need to snake this idea using a brad to do that!  Aren't you just floored?  And guess what?  They are MINE to keep!   :)  Cami's coloring is out-of-this-world!  THANK YOU SO MUCH CAMI . . . I'm so honored to have these in my possession!  You amaze me!

Now, receiving this made me a bit weary and I had sweat pouring out of my skin!  I needed to come up with something special for Cami.  What to do, what to do.  Well, I saw a triple easel card made by the talented Pam Sparks.  Click {HERE} to see Pam's card . . . gorgeous!  I completely CASE'd her card.  Oh, Pam has a wonderful video tutorial on how she photographs her cards.  Click {HERE}.  I'm always curious about how others photograph their work.  Since viewing Pam's video, I have built my own light tent . . . yes, ALL BY MYSELF!  Couldn't wait for the hubs to do it 'cause it'll never get done.  Thanks Pam!  You are a true inspiration!

For the front, I colored up Twirl Anya and created a background for her.  The scalloped border, which is a scalloped velvet ribbon, was attached to the back of the image piece.

After coloring Twirl Anya, I decided to add a Maggie to the scene.  Cami is an absolute Maggie fan and couldn't give her a card without it.  I also added this cute Fairwee Josie to the scene.  She is created by the very talented Amy Young.  The mushroom Josie is sitting on is from the new clear set by TGF, My Fairy Princess.  There's my attempt at making a flower using the scalloped ribbon.  My flower just doesn't cut it compared to Cami's flowers.

Here's a side view of the easel card.

This is what it looks like laid down flat.

Now on to my tag.  I used the Lacey Circle nestie to create my tag and again, I've colored up Twirl Anya.

Here's the back side of the tag.

Phew, you made it to the end of this post!  Thanks for stoppin' by today.  I'll be back tomorrow with a FF Challenge . . . you won't want to miss this!  :)  A sneaky peek coming your way!