Oh Mr. Sunshine, where are YOU???

   Please don't hide behind those clouds...we really need you and my new flowers need you even more.  Please come on out and stay around for a new days!!

   Ya, that's me talking kind of silly, but I really am missing the sun and it's been a rather lousy week here, at least as far as the weather goes.  We get some peeks of sun and you think it's clearing off and then the next think you know, the clouds are back.   Just two weeks again, we actually turned on the AC and now we have the heat back on at times....UGH!!   I LOVE Spring and Summer even more, so I really am hoping that the weather will get better, especially for all those who are planning Memorial Day events and those planting this weekend.

   Right now, I'm very content in my craft room and had a HUGE supply of "Happy Mail" that arrived yesterday.  I received my brand new "Stampin' Up" Catalog, which I have already drooled over for hours, plus to two big orders from "Simon Says Stamp", which are all pretty much things from their brand new Pure Sunshine Release, which I totally LOVE!   Needless to say, I've blown my craft budget (and then some), this month and still have the new "Winnie & Walter" release tomorrow, not to mention all the new Hero Arts goodies, I bought from that latest release. at a2z Scrapbooking Supplies  Yup, it sure has been a fun month for shopping!!

    I also have finished up some new card and I have a couple to share now, but the rest you'll have to wait, as they are Design Team projects and those will be coming soon!   Before I show you these, take a peek a my very messy desk -- where you can also see my new "haul" or SSS Exclusives....it's also pretty much what my work desk also looks like by the end of every day, before I clean it all up for another day!   I need to first put all my new stamps and dies, into the clear pockets, which is the wonderful storage system I know use, thank so the very talented and organized Jennifer McGuire.

   My first card today was inspired by the brand new "Cas(E) This Sketch challenge" which I foolishly missed out on again last week, by not posting my card on time.  I had it all done and even had taken my pics, but I was too tired to do a blog post, and when I did finish that the next day, the deadline was over, and I missed out..!  But, NOT this week, I'm ahead of schedule and very happy to be sharing my card today.   I'll start with a copy of the new sketch, which really is FUN!  I know this will be a very popular challenge, as this design is very in trend right now -- 

CTS #77

My Card 

  This card was not only really fun to create, but also very easy!  I started with a pre-cut and pre-folded card base, from DCWV and then used a variety of paper and glittered cardstock along with an array of circle punches and circle dies to created the little circles for my card.   I then took my wonderful new"Stitched Rectangle Mats" set from Lil' Inker Designs (special thanks to Laura for shipping them out super fast for me).  I needed them for a special project (stay tuned) and when I wrote and asked her if she could expedite the shipping, she was happy to do so and that's when we both found out that she and I are both from Massachusetts.  Yes, it truly is a small world!

  And my next card today, was one that I made using one of the awesome water-colored backgrounds that I had started in the wonderful online Watercolor Class, that sadly ended yesterday!   This class was my all time FAVORITE and I can not wait until they come out with a sequel.   For those of you who did not take this yet, I highly recommend it.   And for those who loved the "Stretch Your Stamps" class, their next class coming up is actually going to be "Stretch Yours Stamps 2" and it's one class that I may skip....as it's gong to be running in Mid July, which is such a busy time for me.  Plus, I tend to prefer (and love) classes that are more technique related.  I'm also determined to start using my Silhouette Cameo a lot MORE again and with the new software release I need to some help, so I will be returning the the classes offered at my LSS and am looking forward to that new change!  I also like to spent my Summer outdoors as much as I possible can and HOPE to get the beach this year too!!

  This my my little "Thank You" card that I created today with one of my backgrounds.   I used the brand new "Friendship Butterfly" Dies in this new SSS Exclusive, along with this pretty new greeting, which is from the new "Friendship Messages" set.   I am LOVING so much of the "Pure Sunshine" release and am very excited that the things I really wanted, I was able to order right away, before they are out of stock.  I've learned from the past, if YOU want products from a new release, do NOT wait!  Order quickly for the best selection and be sure to add the others to your wish lists for future shopping.

   I am submitting this card to each of these fun new challenges and invite you go join me.

• The Outlawz Challenge - Paper a la Mode - Anything Goes
• Graftitude - That's Die-Licious -- Must include a die
• Polka Doodles Challenges - Things with Wings
• QKR Stampede Challenge -- Clean & Simple

  And now I'm off for the day!  Time to take the pups out for a bit and then before long, it'll be time to get ready to head out and meet some friends for dinner.  We are celebrating one of my very best friend's Birthday and going out for a wonderful seafood dinner!   Tomorrow, Hubby and I will be heading out to start looking for his new vehicle and we're going to start by going to the same dealer where I bought my new RAV4, which I absolutely LOVE!!   I already contacted the sales consultant that handled my purchase and will happily give him our business.  He was excellent and I could not have been any happier with how things worked out!   

   I would also like to take a moment to say "Happy Memorial Day" and to offer a special thanks to all those who serve our country, especially through who tragically gave their lives to save ours.   If you would like to be part of a very special Blog Hop, please head on over to "Operation Write Home" and you'll be amazed at just how many people are making cards in honor or heroes!   Thank you and God Bless!

The Blog Hop Starts HERE!!