Oh what fun....

...I have had one of my best days in ages!   And that's because I pretty have spent most of my day creating to my heart's content.  Oh how I love to spend time being creative and with the week I've had, it's awesome to have a day to do nothing but relax and enjoy this wonderful hobby.

   Today's cards were all inspired by challenges and that's another thing I had really been missing lately.  I really love to play and it's also the best way I know that I can practice creating cards and the challenges also provide me with all kinds of new inspiration.   This is a a long post, but I have so much to share, so sit back, relax and enjoy!!

   My first card today is one that I started yesterday and it's a fun new Christmas Card that I created for two new Simon Says Stamp challenges.   One is the new "Watercolor" themed challenge posted over on their Wednesday Challenge blog and the second is for their newest challenge site, which is over at their Flickr Group, where the theme is  the "Trendy Tags", something that I truly find to be a hard challenge for me.

SSS Flick Group Challenge

  The first thing I did was pick out one of my MANY new SSS Excluives, and with so many awesome new sets, that in itself was a challenge.  I finally decided to go with this adorable set, which I just love!!

   I started with some Ranger Watercolor Paper and some black archival ink and stamped both the sweet trees and then water-colored both using my Sakura Koi Watercolor set.  Love love love this set and owe thanks to Kristina for sharing it in one of her videos.  While my trees were trying, I used my Lawn Cuts-Stitched Banner dies to cut my "Tag" also from Watercolor paper.  I used a combination of Blue Distress inks and blended them with water to create the background. Next I cut the adorable little "Hills" with another new die set from Mama Elephant and added that to the bottom on my tag shape.  I added my water-colored trees and decorated them with red and green Gems, and added some sparkle with a Wink of Stella Marker and some ultra fine glitter.  I then added red and white baker's twine and had my little tag all done.   Because my tag really bled through with all the inks and such, I decided to make it into a card and did that easily, by creating a card base with the fabulous SSS Woodgrain Cardstock that I totally LOVE!!

  Next, I have another challenge inspired card and this one was created for the latest "SFYTT" Sketch For You to Try Challenge at Reverse Confetti.  Today, was also the perfect day to play, after receiving my latest order from Reverse Confetti!  Have you seem the latest release....it's awesome and of course I had to buy a couple of new goodies, including this adorable stamp set, which I used on my card, an also these two new amazing die sets, that I think are going to be super fun use!  

The Sketch

My Card

    This card went together very quickly, and most of the die cut pieces were all leftover scraps from the last few cards I have made.  I stared by picking my stamp, which is from the set called "Round About Additions", once of the two new sets in the recent Mini Release.  It was designed to go the the awesome new dies, also part of the release!  I bought both of course, and think that I'll be having fun using the "Envie Wrap" which I think is one of the coolest and unique dies I have seen hit the market!  Check out the projects the Reverse Confetti Design Team, created with this new die over on the blog  HERE!   After seeing that post and so many fabulous ideas, I knew I had to add it to my collection!    I plan on using it with my Christmas Cards this year, but the possibilities are endless! Don't ya think?

   Moving on, my next two card were both inspired and created for the latest challenge over at FUSION !   When I first saw the image, I knew right away that I had the perfect background stamp "Everything Flowers" which is one of my all time favorites from Hero Arts.  On top of that I also had the perfect die and stamp set to create a card based on that sketch, and that's another of the fabulous Simon Says Exclusive, this is the die I used, and this is the sweet matching stamp set.   So, I quickly headed back to my desk and created two cards to submit, one based on the lovely flowers ad the second based on the sketch.  I thought about "fusing" them together, but in the end really like the idea of two cards!    Below is a copy of the challenge Inspiration Board!   Don't you love it!!!  

Card One

Based on the Photo

  I started off with some Hero Art Watercolor Paper and inked up my stamp in Versamark and then heat embossed it with the "Sparkle Embossing Powder".   I then took my watercolors and painted the entire card, using all these pretty shades or purple, lavender and blue!   I dried it a few times in between coats and added a find mist of homemade Perfect Pearls Mist to the last coat.  I trimmed that piece down and then using this new Craft Frames Die set, also from SSS I added the white scalloped frame and tied on some matching ribbon.  I added that to a deep purple card base and completed it with a pretty purple flower, along with some of my homemade black enamel dots and the "Thanks" sentiment, one of my favorites from Winner and Walter's fabulous "The Big, The Bold..."  stamp sets!   I will also be sharing this card over at their blog - here!   

  Card #2 

Sketch Inspired

  Just like the other day, I found myself very much creating again with my "Signature Color", which in case you don't know - is Purple!  But, I'm guessing most of you already know that or had guessed that by now.   This is my sketch card and as you can see using the wonderful Simon Say Stamp Die and matching stamps, made this card work out perfectly for me.   I just love the sweet lil' pup and have been thrilled to see SSS creating so many new dog themed sets.  If you have not seen them, just go here and check them out!   Adorable - Thank you Heidi and little "Simon" too who I am sure, helped inspire these sets!!  

  My final two cards for today were both created for today's new Scramble hosted over the the Hero Arts Flickr Group!   Our hostess, Arlene being on the West Coast had planned to have her 90 minute scramble start at 11 p.m. (PDT) tonight, but that was a bummer for many of of East Coast gals, who would have at that time (2 a.m.) been sound asleep.   However, it was a good time for many of the other members, who are from all over the world.  Then, Charlene, came up with the great idea of changing the challenge, (for today), into a 24-hr challenge so that everyone could play.  We still are only allowed 90 minutes to create, photograph and upload our cards, as always.  But, instead of us ALL playing together, we can play at anytime in 24 hours, and we'll all be certain to adhere to the 90 minute limit, based on the "Honor" system, which I feel very confident will be no problem with this awesome group!   Once I realized the challenge was on - I posted that I was going to play and started my card(s) at 3:30 p.m. EDT.

   The theme was the challenge was to create either a "Fall" themed projects or a "Spring" themed project, our choice and as always to be sure to use Hero Arts projects, including at least ONE main stamp.   I knew right away that I wanted to make a "Spring Card" and I quickly went looking for the stamp (set), I wanted to use.  I picked a pretty flower image, which is this wooden stamp  K5571 Pom Pom Flower.

   I quickly pulled out some white Neenah Cardstock and my Black Memento Ink, knowing that I planned to color the flower with my Copics, and also submit the card to the Gallery over at the "Copics for Card-Makers" Class, which will be ending (sadly), this week...sigh ---it's beem AMAZING!!  

   Once I had the flower stamped, I colored it up in pretty shades of violets and blue violets, using my Copic Markers!  I then added a little extra details using a white Signo gel pen.  A fabulous look that Kathy Racoosin  shared with us in class and something she does often on her blog --- she's one of my favorite Copic Coloring Designers!  I also have been using these white gel pens for some time and the are by far, the best I have used!  Love them 

  

  

  Once I had my coloring done, I stamped om my "A gift from my Garden Sentiment" and pretty much ruined my card, because it smeared -- but in a Scramble there is NOT much time to fix mistakes, so I did the fastest thing I could and re-stamped the sentiment, cut it out and placed it on top of the "OOPS" version!   I always hate when this happens, and to me, it seems to happen too much and ruins your card!  But, I do love the rest of this card and want to keep it and use it, and will plan on trying a better fix tomorrow!!  Do you have any suggestions -- if so, please leave me a comment!  To give my panel a nice look, I trimmed it down a but, using one of the Stitched Rectangles Dies from Lil Inker Designs!    I love this set and am so happy I bought it.    Speaking of Lil Inker Designs, while I was on the plane to San Diego, I was chatting with the gal who was sitting in the same row and we were talking about Hobbies etc.,  I was telling her about my card-making and she asked me if I had ever heard of  "Lil Inker Designs", to then go on to tell me that she and, Laura Pryor, (The owner or Lil' Inkers), are cousins!  She was so excited to learn that I knew the store and had also shopped there.  I told her that I had even chatted a bit with Laura about us both being from Massachusetts, when I bought my first set of dies. What a small world we truly do live in and it was really fun to find out more about Laura and how excited and proud her family is with her wonderful venture!   How fun to learn this 'out of the blue" and all from some who just happened to be on the same plane in is not even a crafter! I love when you meet people in that way and she was also a great person to sit with!   We both lucked out and the seat between us, was empty, so we happily shared all that wonderful extra space.  I had that same good fortune on my flight home too, another flight not sold out and with an empty seat in the middle with another really sweet young guy, who was so kind about putting my Carry on up in the overhead bin for me. I hope you enjoyed that fun little share, just goes to show that there are some great people to fly with and that in some way, we all seem to connect to each other!  

    Once I had my panel die cut, I simply added it to a deep Purple card base and had happily finished my "Spring" Scramble card and it was only 4:25 p.m., which meant I still had plenty of time for a second card and that's when I decided to use the same Pom Pom Flower stamp, and change the colors to make a "Fall" Card.

  To make it more seasonal I started out with a "Wet Cement" card base and stamped directly to that in more Black Memento Ink, only this time, I use my Heat Gun to quickly heat set the ink, so I could color it fast.  I used a variety of Yellow and Yellow/Red Copics for the flower and then added a touch of sparkle with a Yellow Wink of Stella Marker and Gold Enamel Dot.  I used greens and yellow greens for the leaves and added a little detail with a black fine line Sharpie.  The sentiment for this card is also by Hero Arts and is from the "Making the World a Better Place" - CL775 Clear Stamp Set.  NOTE:   This card would also be perfect for our October challenge over at the a2z Scrapbooking Blog, since I used two different Hero Stamps, which is our theme for this month!

   Phew!! -- What a long post - but such an enjoyable day for me!   I have not had this much time crafting in ages, and I LOVED every minute!  Tomorrow, I need to work more on organization in my new room, plus moving the rest of what I want to keep -- into the new space!    I love how sunny and bright this room is and feel good about how much we have done, since I've been home, especially on top of this miserable Fibro flare!   

  On the upside, I am starting to feel that the change in one of my medications is starting to work.  I am also extremely impressed with the all the new data, research and information I've found through the Wellness Center at my Hubby's' workplace, which is now open to all employee family members -- a huge plus for me as well as so many cost savings, much needed with the horrible health insurance coverage we've had this year!    I've been in three times this week and yesterday met with the onsite Chiropractor after he reviewed several of my xrays/reports and history.  I'm excited to find with this extra resource, I may have some  new options for care!  It's beem amazing tofind out just how  up to date they are on the latest research and treatment trends that are now available to help treat Fibromyalgia.  I was highly impressed in how well-educated they are in knowing just how complex this illness is and how difficult it is to find the best care providers!   He's already provided me with a wealth of new data and new treatment options etc., which so impressive and gives me new hope that I can again start on a new healing process and get this illness and the pain back under control!    As he noted, my case is very complex because of the Fibro along with the Joint Disease all on top genetic issues with my spine, all of which make my illness and options even more challenging!   Even so, I'm optimistic and think this team is going to be just what I need!   Wish me luck!!

   

Woohoo! More new cards.....!!

   If you came by to see my Design Team post for a2z Scrapbooking, please scroll down to the next post!  I'm so excited to have found some time to create again that I am actually sharing a second post for today!  WooHoo!

   The majority of my regular followers know that I've been battling a rather long and annoying Fibromyalgia flare and between that and my recent trip to San Diego, it's seem like 'forver' since I have had lots of time to create.  But, today has turned out to be a wonderfully creative day for me and I'm excited to be sharing some new cards.

    My first card is another one of the super easy and fun "Hybrid" cards I had started on long before the flare hit me and it's one I created using this Digital Kit- Swirl Christmas, which is from Hero Arts and now sold exclusively at the a2z Scrapbooking store.  I love this image and have used it on other cards, but tried some new looks this time and really loved the end result !!

    At first I was going with an all Black and White them, but in the end, I decided I needed some "Purple" and accomplished that by adding some Purple Dots and also by slaying my printed digital images onto some Lavender Layering Paper, which then was adhered to a Black Notecard.   I then coated the entire star with a layer of 3d Crystal Lacquer, which added lots of shine and dimension!  I love how it turned out and know I'll use this technique again!   It's even prettier in person and the extra shine, really makes the gems pops!   It'll be really unique to use this one other color combinations too!  This card will also be entered into the current "Holiday Card" challenge at Hero Arts, under the "Anything Goes" category!!  

    And speaking of challenges, that is exactly what I had in mind when I went to work on the new two cards.  I have missed out on the last few weeks at all of my favorite challenges, and today I'm thrilled to be entering two more.  The first is the newest challenge over at the MUSE Challenge Blog where we have this lovely card, by Vicki, are our inspiration this week.

Vicki's Muse Card

My Card

  As you can see I'm back in my "Purple" creating mode and super excited to be working with some of my newest stamps.   One thing I realized when I was sick, is that it did NOT deter my craft shopping and if anything, I think I did more shopping than normal!   But, with so many awesome new releases just out, I certainly did enjoy buying some new goodies!    The first new set I used for this card is one of the newest "exclusive" from Simon Says Stamp and it's another set that was created by Kristina!  This set is called "Presents and Ornaments" ad I used a variety of the circular stamps for my card.  I stamped each in Versamark and them heat embossed them all in Ranger's Liquid Platinum embossing powder, which I one I know "love", thanks to Jennifer McGuire.  It's a really unique color, and almost has hints of gold and silver, and looks fabulous on dark card stock.  I then added a variety or Purple and Clear Gems to accent my images and completed my card with is fabulous little "Sentiment" which is from this awesome new stamp set by Julie Ebersole.  I'm so happy and excited for Julie and her wonderful new exclusive line "Ellen's Essentials" that you can find HERE at Ellen Hutson.  I bought a few of her sets and LOVE the fantastic packaging that they came up with for her die and stamps.  It's Perfect !! 

   My next card was also inspired by another favorite challenge and that is the brand new "Cas(E) This Sketch" challenge was I found in my inbox this morning.   This is the sketch we have for our inspiration this week and it's one I liked right away!  

CTS # 96

My Card

  Yup, I'm very much in my Purple mode today and really had fun putting this card together.  I stared with a simple white card base and a piece of left purple cardstock from the card above.  I used one of my new Stitched Border dies from "Pretty Pink Posh" to create the banner that runs down the right hand side of my card.   Next, using the same new set from SSS, I inked up the smallest snowflake stamp in Versamark and stamped it down the entire banner.  I them coated those with some new "Sparkle" Embossing Powder from Hero Arts, and Heat embossed them.  The sparkle is really nice, subtle, and it also gives your images a tone on tone look!  I like it!   I added a Purple Dot to the center of each and then Hero's Grape Juice Shadow Ink, I stamped on the "Believe" sentiment, which is from the "Brushstroke Christmas" stamp set also created by Julie, a second stamp set I just had to have!   This photo is a closer view that shows the "sparkle" embossing a bit more, it's nice!

   I am also submitting this card to the new "Clean & Simple" Challenge being hosted over at Virginia's View!  Come on over and play along -- it's a fun challenge and Virginia always comes up with such great ideas and wonderful inspiration!!

Virginia's View

October Challenge  - CAS

   My last card of the day is one that I have to keep secret for a bit, as it's for the October Card Chain swap that is hosted every month by super sweet and very talented Deborah Nolan over on her blog -  "Society of Stampaholics".   If you love to send and also receive handmade cards, this card exchange is one you'll love!   It's hosted every month and Deb also comes shares a sketch, color combos and other inspiration for each of the swap!   This month we have some brand new members and I hope you'll be next!    I love receiving cards in the mail and since joining the swap, I have an awesome new collection from all over the world!   I hope you'll stop over and sign up to join us this month.  You'll find all the details on the October Swap HERE!   We even have a super sponsor this month -- Simon Says Stamp!  Yippee!!!

   For my card this month, I used the sketch along with the "color combo" and put both those together to create a nice little "Friendship Card".   I'll share it later this month, once it know it's been received! 

   That's it for today my friends -- thank you for stopping by.    Tomorrow, I'm hoping to hit my desk again and create some more new cards.   As for my new craft space, oh do I LOVE it!   It's a long project and at this point I will be thrilled to have it all done.   But, I'm taking it slow and easy so that I'm sure that I want everything we move in and to also keep things MUCH more organized than I did when we first put together my first space.   I ended up rushing and in the end, it was not well-organized !   NOT good!   I do NOT want that to happen again and it's not a rush, at all.  Before you know it the cold of winter will be here, so I have no issues with having lots of time to work on this then!  I do plan to share some pictures soon.  I am also working on ideas for the room I am moving from with a goal of making that room into a little upstairs den and a room for the dogs to sleep and play in !

      Have a great night and for those who celebrate it a nice long and relaxing "Columbus Day" Weekend, a very popular time to see the gorgeous Fall Foliage here in New England.  

   

I love Mistletoe....

....and I also love the idea of hanging it around the house during the Christmas season and sharing extra love and kisses with my dearest friends and family.   Today, I am inviting you to come on over to the a2z Scrapbooking Blog to see a fun card I created with a wonderful new Hero Arts stamp set!. This also happens to be one of my new favorites, from the latest Hero Release!.   It's a clear set called "Under the Mistletoe -- CL797" .   It's also been a set that everyone seem to love and has been selling out fast.  Happily, I am delighted to tell you that it's back in stock now over at the a2z Scrapbooking Store!   If you have been waiting on this set, hurry on over now, as we never know how long these will last or when we will have them back in stock again, should they sell out!  

CL797 - Under the Mistletoe

    Here is a little sneak peek of my card, which I created as inspiration for our new October Challenge.   To see the second Hero Arts product I used for my card, you'll have to head on over to the challenge blog.  

    Our theme for October is all about Hero Arts main products, as this month we want to see your fabulous creations using a minimum of TWO (2) Main Hero Arts products -- We consider Hero's Main products to be --  Stamps, (and/or Stamp Sets), Stencils and Die Cuts/Frame Cuts or Die/Stamp Combo sets.   To view the inspiration and more details for the October Challenge , please Go HERE! For the complete list of a2z's Challenge Rules and Requirements, please go here!   We can't to see what you put together for your chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to the shop in our wonderful Etsy Store!

    On top of that you still have a few more days to play in any or all of the (3) Challenges we hosted in celebration of World Card Making Day on Saturday and you'll fine those challenge HERE!   As always be certain to use at least one main Hero Arts product on all your a2z challenge submissions!   You'll find all the details for each of these challenges on the three October 4th posts and there is a

$20 Gift Certificate drawing to be held for each of the three.   Each challenge also has it's own theme and it's own Inlinkz Gallery!   Please be sure to upload your projects to each Inlinkz Gallery by Midnight EST on October 12th!!  Have FUN!!

   If you love to create and also love working with Hero Arts products, then you may want to submit your application to join the "a2z Scrapbooking Store Design Team" for our new term which will begin on November 1st.  You can find all the details for the Design Team call - HERE and you have until October 20th to submit your application!    

  And lastly, please remember that all my blog followers are eligible to use my Design Team Promo Code any time you place an order for $25.00 (or more - exclusive of shipping fees).  Simply enter - LISAH15 - during the checkout process and you'll see the deduction automatically applied once you have added a minimum of $25 of store products to your Shopping Cart!  Any and ALL store products are eligible for this discount!   ENJOY !!

    Happy Shopping and Happy Crafting!!   Good luck in ALL the new challenges -- there are already some fabulous projects in the Inlinkz Galleries, as well as some awesome new inspiration from our Design Team! 

Happy World Card Making Day!!

   As a paper-crafter who absolutely LOVES to create cards,  I always enjoy this special day with those in the craft world host a variety of fun games and challenges, all to help inspire us to continue to create and to celebrate "World Card Making Day".  

    And this year, I am excited to invite you all to join us over at the a2z Scrapbooking Blog, where we are hosting three fun challenges all with a chance for you to win a $20 Gift Certificate for your shopping pleasure at the a2z Scrapbooking Store!   You'll find all the details of each challenge on the blog starting with our first challenge which goes live at 8:00 AM,  with more to follow throughout the day!   I hope you all take time to enter and have some fun celebrating!   As always, please be certain that your entries contain at least one Hero Arts main product (stamp, die, stencil), to be eligible to win.   Projects that do not meet the specific challenge requirements, will not be eligible to win a prize.

   I'm also thrilled to finally be feeling a bit better, so that I was able to make a new card to share with you today.  Here is a little "sneak peek" of a card that I created for the this morning's first challenge.   You'll see the entire card over on the blog along with more from out Design Team.  These gals are all so talented and I totally enjoy creating with them.

   I also want to share a very SPECIAL Promo Code  in celebration of World Card Making Day! any and all orders of $25.00 (excluding shipping) placed at the  a2z Scrapbooking Store, beginning now and ending at Midnight EDT, Monday, October 6th!   With this special Promo Code you'll receive a special 20% OFF!   Simply enter the code during your checkout -  WCMDSALE

    And, after Monday, you can still save by using my personal Design Team Code -  LISAH15 which will always save you 15% off of any and all orders of $25.00 and up (excluding shipping). You can my code on more than one order and can also use it for everything we sell, including all the sales goodies, the brand new Hero release and even Hero's Digital line that is now sold exclusively by a2z Scrapbooking!

   Have a wonderful day, enjoying the World Card Making Challenges, and as always --- 

  Happy Crafting

and

TGIF...and guess what??

    I am finally feeling somewhat "better" and have had some time to actually sit down at my craft desk and make a few new cards --- WooHOO!!   Special thanks to those of you have emailed me or left me comments to wish me well.  It's been one of the longest and worst Fibro flares I have had and it's really been brutal.  But, I've now been back to my doctor and will now be off to see an Orthopedic MD for a consult on the increased pain in my left hip and the fact that my Fibro seems a bit out of control.   I also went in for two chiropractic adjustments this week and saw a new Chiropractor who was covering for mine, who sadly broke her wrist and is currently limited on what she can do!  Happily, she is doing well and was expected to back back in the office starting today! It was not a big shock when Dr. "Jo" told me that my back and neck were also in rough shape and that I needed to really get back on track of going in for regular adjustments.  Of course, the only reason I stopped was because of the horrible health coverage we have, or more like don't have this year.  We have a huge deductible and have had to pay for every visit, prescription, and chiro visit I have had so far this year.

   The only good thing is that with all these visits, I will finally meet the $2,500 deductible this week! And you can be sure that I'll be taking full advantage of having no deductible for the rest of this year. I'm planning to get as MUCH medical care as I can in between now and January 1st and I'm also going to be sure to order all my medication refills at the end of December and to also see my eye doctor and order my contacts too!   I'm also hoping Hubby's employer will re-think the awful options they've offered us this year, and maybe have something better for 2015.   They have superb coverage for their California employees, but we here in Massachusetts, have the worst insurance I've ever had...and with you have a chronic health condition that sucks!   Not fair...not fair at ALL!!   --   Okay....now that I have that of my chest ....

   On to happier things --  I'm so excited to be here sharing a couple today and want to also invite you all to stop back by tomorrow, where I'll be inviting you to take part in some really fun new challenges that we are hosting over on the a2z Scrapbooking Blog to celebrate "World Card Making Day"!

   Let me first start with a cute card I colored up today for a celebratory event we'll be attending on Sunday.   I'm so happy that the son of our best friends has finally achieved his goal of becoming a member of the local Fire Department.  This all on top of spending six year in the Air Force as a Fire Fighter and being deployed twice to overseas to serve and protect our country during the horrible war with Iraq.  Jason, is also a super family man, and a Dad to three amazing children.  He grew up wanting to be a Fireman all his life and follow in the footsteps of his Grandfather, which makes this even more bittersweet.  The only thing that could make us all happier is that his Grand Dad had lived longer to enjoy this wonderful achievement!   I'm so honored and proud to know Jason and known he'll be a great EMT and Fire Fighter and a valuable assets to the Gloucester Fire Department.

   I colored up this cute little digi image, which is a favorite from Bugaboo Stamps.   I happen to love that in this case the Fireman has rescued a small puppy and that makes this image extra adorable to me.  I also used used some of the new hints and tips I've learned the past two weeks while taking the fabulous "Copics for Cardmakers" class that I have totally loved.  Only wish I had more time to color, but I'm thrilled we still have another full week!   I used two colors that are often considered some of the hardest colors to use and those are red and black.   I hope Jason will enjoy the card and think he'll get a kick out of this cute image!  I do pretty well with red, but still have trouble, with black, but practice will help and I really want to start coloring a lot more often!!

    The other two cards I have to share were done for Christmas and I was excited to try out some new products for each.  This first card features an adorable die cut tree that is another of the awesome Simon Says Stamp Exclusives that I had purchased before I was on vacation.  I had a bunch of left over Gelli Prints and decided to use one of the teal and white designs to create my die cut tree.  I also love that this die came with the matching sentiment, although I chose to use one of my new Hero Arts Sentiment Sets - Winter Wonders, for this card.   I also used a fun new "Snowy Hill" type die from another new die set, I ordered from Mama Elephant!   I then took a circle die and cut out a gold foil circle which I used as a Moon for this card!  I really wanted "Silver" but since I'm in the middle of my craft room move, I could not my silver foil cardstock?   And yes, I will have picture of my new room soon, if I ever finish getting thing moved in.  I'm loving it, but it is smaller, so now I'm in the process of making sure I have what I want and then putting together a huge donation for "Little Paws Dachshund Rescue" who will use it for a Fundraising yard sale, being held next weekend!   I love helping out the pups and it's good to be scaling down!  

  This card is being submitted to the new Holiday Challenge being hosted over at Hero Arts.  I'm submitting this one to the "Mad at Metallics" category!   I have so many amazing new Hero Arts stamps that have been arriving daily.  I will be looking forward to sharing more Hero Holiday cards with you and also to their fun new challenge!

 And now to my last new share and this too was a card I created with another new die set that I had purchased from Simon Says Stamp.  I must admit, I am a huge fan of the Simon Exclusives and every month when they come out with the newest releases, I have a really hard time, trying to pick just one of two new sets.  But, my goal for 2105 is to USE what I have and NOT to add ANY new craft things, unless I also am giving away or donating something in it's place!  This will not be an easy goal, but it's something I really want to do, so I don't end up overwhelmed with so much "stuff" in my craft room again.   As you can see I also used a second "Merry Christmas"sentiment die and cut that from the same patterned paper I used behind my die cut trees.  I was in the aqua/teal frame of mind again and really seem to be drawn to these colors lately.  The little snowflakes were stamped in Hero's Silver Shadow Ink are also from one of my older Hero Arts Snowflake Stamp sets.   

  And that's it for today my friends.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed having some energy and time to create and I'm hoping that this is just the beginning of feeling better every day and getting myself back on track with creating and keeping my blog updated!

  I also want to once again recommend you consider signing up and taking the amazing "Copics for Cardmakers" class that is currently ongoing at the Online Card Classroom.  I admit that because I had already take numerous "Copic" classes and workshops, I almost passed on this, but boy am I ever happy that I took it.  Turns out I learned something new every single day and also found a whole new love for my Copics again.  The designers all have so many awesome ideas and share them all with you in class.   It ROCKS!!  

    I am also very much looking forward to getting back to playing in my favorite challenges, which I have also missed.  I find that another great way to practice my card making and have seem some awesome challenges go by in the past few weeks.   It will be a JOY to be back on track and playing again.  Card making is such a passion for me and almost like my own form of therapy, so not having that outlet has really sucked and I'm so pleased that I'm healing and that happier and healthier days are ahead!   I wish ALL my friends and family the very best health, as it's so important in life and something we all take for granted until you lose it.  How I wish I could have all those days back and totally savor in feeling great!   

    I also want to remind everyone that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!   And, as the daughter of a two time Breast Cancer Survivor, I am asking all my friends to please call and Schedule your annual Mammogram today! -- I had mine on Tuesday and it was a breeze.  I am also very happy that it's behind me for this year and that every thing was fine!  Mammograms save lives and I know that for a fact, because the early detection has already saved my Mom, and two dear friends, not to mention thousands or other women!  

  

   Wishing you all a wonderful Friday and please be sure to stop by tomorrow, where I'll be sharing more information on how you can join me in celebrating "World Card Making Day"!!