Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Happy 4th of July

Good Morning!  It's hard to believe that we are less than a week from celebrating the 4th of July.  This is always a fun weekend for me.  I get together with friends for a lobster bake on one day and every 4th my sister, my niece and I go to Rockport, a small seaside artist village.  We walk around, shop and admire all the things the talented people make.  It is always a fun day.

Today is the Going Grey with Scrap-Creations Challenge.  The theme this week is Patriotic.  Normally the twist of the challenge is that you need to use Basic Grey paper.  We have decided to lift that requirement this week and you can use any paper you would like.  You should check out the other DT's work.  They are very talented ladies and would love to hear what you think of their cards.  You can find their links on my sidebar.


We also have some great news!  Lori Ames and Jackie Randolf are joining the Going Grey team!!!  These ladies are very talented and we are very excited to have them join us.  Please pop by their blogs and give them a big welcome!


There are other wonderful challenges this week that my card fits.


One Stitch at a Time - Stars & Stripes - I bought this digi from TLC because I liked how it incorporated Stars & Stripes in a heart.  Perfect image for Patriotic cards.

Stamptacular - Stars & Stripes -Great minds think alike!  It is a week for Stars and Stripes.

Crafty Catz - Digi's - Both of my images are from TLC and are digi's.

Crazy for Challenges - Sketch - I thought this sketch fit my papers and images perfectly.  I only needed to add the saying which I loved and wanted to incorporate.


Little Red Wagon - 4th of July - One of the things I like about this day is to see all the Flags people hang out.  I always feel good about seeing them.

Crafty Cardmakers - Inky Fingers - I liked this theme.  You need to ink something up.  I traced the saying on this card to make it pop more. 

Cupcake Inspirations - Red, White, Blue - Perfect!!  Patriotic to me is Red white and blue.


Paper Cutz - Circles, Stars, or Squares - I have all 3 on my card.

Quirky Crafts - Ribbons - When I saw the sketch I knew I would be using my red ribbon.  With all the blue I knew that I would want to brighten the card up with some ribbon.

Fun with Shapes - Distressing - I think this card needed distressing because the paper is the faded blue.  I distressed the Red & Blue CS to give it the aged looked.

Thanks for coming by and checking out my card.  Thanks to everyone who leaves comments.  I appreciate all of them.

Peggy
Supplies:
CS:  SU Night of Navy, Real Red
DP:  Melissa Francis
STAMPS:  TLC
MISC:  Spellbinders die cuts, Recollections Stars

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Friends

Good Morning.  How is everyone doing?  It's been a nice week for me.  This is one of the few weekends that I don't have obligations so it is nice and relaxing.  I hope to get a couple of cards done today.

It's Sunday so that means the Stempeltraume challenge.  This week is Cats.  I don't usually buy any Cat stamps but when I was at a convention a couple of weeks ago I bought this cute one from Motivet.  I think she is so sweet looking.  Don't you?  I think everyone should look through their stamps, pick out a cat and play with us!

The other wonderful challenges this card fits are:

Magical Crafts - Flowers - I love flowers!!!  This was an easy challenge to follow

Ooh La La - Flourishes & Pearls - The flourishes were the finishing touch I needed on this card and I can put pearls on just about any card.

ABC Challenge - X=Xtra Dimension- I popped the image and the layered flowers give this card xtra dimension

Crafty Ann's - Embossing - I think embossing is an easy way to add dimension to a card.  I embossed the lines above the punch and my flowers have embossing on them.

Crafty Creations - Shine - I love glitter!!!!  Instead of coloring the collar and the flowers I put glitter on them.  IRL it really looks good on this card.  I hope you can see it in the picture.

The Creative Cottage - Pearls and Swirls - Both of this add so much to cards and I think they fit perfectly on this one.

S2G - Something New - My Stamp is new and I love it!!

Practical Scrappers - Flowers - This was an easy one for me!  I love flowers.  I have 3 on this one.

Pals Paper Arts - Sketch.  I liked how this sketch worked with this image.  I had 2 pieces of paper picked out so I just needed to add the ribbon and punched edge.

Allsorts - Embossing - I love embossing.  I embossed  the lines above the punch and my flowers are embossed which is one of the reasons I bought them.

The Corrosive - Lots of Flowers - I have the prima flowers, the rose, the flower border punch and flowers on my stamp.  

Thank you for visiting my blog and looking at my cards.  Thank you to everyone who leaves comments.  I love hearing from you.

Peggy
Supplies:
CS:  SU Perfect Plum, Brocade Blue
DP:  Memory Box
STAMPS:  Motivet
MISC: Prima flowers, Roses (forget who makes them), Recollections pearls, Spellbinders swirl die cuts, EK Success corner punch

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Summer Blooms

Good Morning.  Is everyone staying cool?  We are still having very Hot and Humid weather her.  It makes me not want to leave the house. 

Today is the Going Grey with Scrap-Creations challenge.  It is a really easy one this week.  Anything Goes!!  All you need to do is make a card with Basic Grey paper and you can play.  You can also Win!!  Our sponsor this week is Paper Jewels.   You can win a $15.00 Gift Certificate to their store! 


You really need to check them out.  They are where I buy all my Bildmalarna stamps.  The also sell CC Designs and Sweet Pea stamps.  Isn't this one adorable?  I had so much fun coloring her. 

You also need to check out what the other DT's did.  You can find their links on my side bar.


The other wonderful challenges this card fits are:

Quirky Crafts - Summer - Yes it is summer here in the Northeast US.  The think I like about it is my flowers.  I love going out and taking care of them and enjoying the colors.  It relaxes me.
Charisma - All about the bling - Is glitter bling?  I put glitter on the stamped flowers and the flowers I put around the circle are prima's that came with the glitter already on them.  Great huh?


The Townscrapper - Sketch - I really didn't know what to make with this image and I love this sketch.  I think it was perfect for this card.

ABC - W = Weather - The weather here is HOT but it is good to grow my flowers, even if I wilt when I spend too much time outside.

Totally Gorjuss - Sugar & Spice - I like this little lady taking care of her flowers.

The Res-Q - This was a neat theme.  They picked their 5 favorite themes out of the last 49 they have done and you got to pick the one you wanted to use.  I picked Take a Mental Health Break which is to use pastels and an image that makes you smile.  My card is both!

One Stitch at a Time - Seeing Double - I used the MS punch on the bottom and then punched a second one to use on the top.

Paper Sundaes - Pretty as a Princess - I think this little lady is as pretty as a princess.

Drunken Stampers - Coloring and Bling - Wow do they know me or what!  I colored with Copics and my Bling is my glitter.

Cowgirl Sunday - Anything Goes - I like to see some of these themes and I could win prizes!

Practical Scrappers - Use Flowers on your card - I love flowers so this was a very easy challenge for me!


Thank you for visiting me and looking at my card.  Thank you to everyone who leaves comments.  I love reading them.

Peggy
SUPPLIES:
CS:  SU Lavender Lace, Certain Celery
DP:  Basic Grey
STAMPS:  Bildmalarna
MISC:  Stickles, MS Punch, Spellbinders die cuts, Prima flowers, Recollections pearls.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Summertime.....

Good Morning.  I hope everyone is staying cool.  It is in the 90's here and has been for 2 days.  Too hot for me. It is suppose to be in the 80's all week.  I would like it a little cooler or a little less humidity.

Today is the Stempeltraume challenge.  This week it is stripes and dots.  I love both of these so I knew this would be an easy challenge.   I went through this new paper I have from         and thought these colors would be fun.     When I was picking out my stamp this one from Bildmalarna seemed appropriate with the hot weather we are having.  I was hoping that coloring a nice cool image would cool me down.  Didn't work.  I had to resort to Ice Cream.  Stripes and dots are fun.  You should play along with us. 

The other wonderful challenges this card fits are:
Moving along with the Times - Sketch - I liked the simple lines of this sketch.  My middle "square" is bigger than I thought it would be but I really like the sketch.


Handful of Stamps - Water - Yes I want to sit and put my feet in some nice cool water like this little lady.

Pals Paperarts - Summer - Yes Summer has arrived and what better place to be than near some water.

Crafty Creations - It's a stitch up - I love faux stitching and it was just what this card needed.  The polka dot paper just needed something to bring it out.

Spoonful of Sugar - Sunshine  - Who doesn't like the sunshine?  Especially while sitting by the water on a hot day.


The Shabby Tea Room - Summer Fun - Sitting by the water on a hot day just relaxing is summer fun for me.

Simple Doodles - Fun in the Sun - Relaxing and cooling off .....  my type of Summer fun.

Stamp Something - Summer - Great minds think alike.  Summer has arrived and while I love it, I would mind it a little cooler.

Thanks for stopping by.  Thanks to everyone who leaves comment.  I love reading them. 

Peggy
SUPPLIES:
CS:  SU Always Artichoke, Tempting Tourquoise
DP:
STAMPS:  Bildmalrna,
MISC:  Prima Flowers, Boutique Fleur Roses, MM brads

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Play Time

Good Morning.  Happy Tuesday.  I hope everyone is having a good week.  It is a busy week at work for me.  Yesterday I was on a conf call for 6 1/2 hours. The fall out from it means I will be busy until the next call on Thursday.

Today is a new Going Grey with Scrap-Creations challenge.  We have a special theme this week.  We have decided to make a card for a child. All you have to do is to make a card a child would like and use Basic Grey paper.   Kristen posted last week about 2 children who would have their days brightened by some cards.  Ethan who has cancer and is not doing well and Bella, who due to an infection lost all 4 of her limbs.  You can read about them on my earlier post.  I decided to use this image called I didn't do it from Karen's Doodles.  I won the top 3 on her challenge and decided to pick this digi stamp.  I think he is adorable and anyone who has had a puppy knows all too well what they can get in to.

The other wonderful challenges this card fits are:


Your Next Stamp Challenge - Buttons - I thought this card really needed something and I found this bone button.  Perfect!

Totally Gorguss - For the Boys - Boys and puppies...they automatically go together.

Just Us Girls - Digital - Karen's Doodles sell both Digi and Rubber.  Mine is the Digi version.

Sweet Stampin - Doodling - I had already layed the small layer when I decided to put the corners on.  I couldn't pull it off to put brads so I decided to draw the lines on them.  Don't know if I like it or not.  I also wanted to add color to the Play Time so I underlined it.

Create for Fun- Sketch.  I think this sketch worked great with my image and papers.

All Sorts - Lace or Buttons - I chose buttons.  I like my Bone button

Lexi's Creations - Something Old - My button, ribbon (both) and brads are all old. 


Magical Crafts - Male Card - I have alot of girl cards to send to Bella so I wanted to make a card to send to Ethan.  I thought a puppy card would be great for an 8 year old boy.

Cupcake Crafts - One for the Boys - I took this literally and since this card is for Ethan it fit the challenge.


Thank you for visiting me.  Thank you to everyone who leaves a comment.  I truly appreciate all of them.

Peggy
SUPPLIES:
CS:  SU Close to Cocoa, Brocade Blue
DP:  Basic Grey
STAMPS:  Karen's Doodles
MISC:  SU beige ribbon, Misc Brown Ribbon, MM Brads, Spellbinders die cuts, Cuttlebug corner die cut

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Hearts everywhere

Happy Sunday!  I am heading to my LSS for a Yard Sale.  They have this every year.  This year I was lucky enough to get a table with my sister Mary.  I hope to sell all that stuff I don't use anymore.  Wish me luck!  It's amazing how much stamping stuff I have collected over the years.

Today is the Stempeltraume challenge.  This weeks theme is No DP!  At first I went Oh No!  I use DP on all of my cards. I then relaxed because it gave me a great reason to use my new Fiskars punch I bought at the convention last week.  I LOVE this punch.  It is so easy to use.  I also used my new Rose cuttlebug folder.  Isn't it nice.  I bought this from the Crop Stop booth.  I think it was one of the one's that are only sold in Europe.  It is so pretty and they were so nice at this booth.  Mary bought a Europe only folder and she got the last one.  They said if I paid for it there they would send to me Monday.  I got it Wednesday.  What great service!!

The other wonderful challenges this card fits are:

My Time to Craft - For someone special. -  I think with all the hearts on this card I would definitely be saying to someone they are special to me.

A Spoonful of Sugar - Floral Delights - I have my rose, my prima, flowers in my stamp and my rose cuttlebug on the paper.

Tuesday Taggers - All that blooms - I have blooms all over this card.  The primas, roses, paper, and on my stamp


S2G - Pink!  -  I love pink.  As you can see it is half of this card.

Stamp Something - Happy Something - I hope this card makes someone happy.

Crafty Catz - Embossing - I love my new rose embossing folder.

KL Stamping - Girly Birthday - All the hearts and flowers makes this a girly card.  I can give this to any of my nieces for their birthday.

Our Creative Corner - Corners.  I love doing things to my corners.  In this case it is it is my punch and pearls.

Quirky Crafts - Girlie Girl - This is a cute girlie card with the hearts and flowers

Copic Creations - Animals - I love this little gal.   She is so cute amongst the flowers.

Thank you for visiting.  Thanks to everyone who leaves comments.  I love all of them.

Peggy
Supplies:
CS:  SU Regal Rose,
STAMP:  Motivet
MISC: Recollections pearls, Fiskars punch, Cuttlebug Rose embossing folder, Prima flowers

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

BLOG CANDY FOR A GOOD CAUSE



Blog Candy consist of: 1 pack of Basic Grey Green at Heart 6x6 paper

1 pack of Pink Paislee Queen Bee 6x6 paper


1 Penny Johnson's Stampavie Champagne Bears


1 Dee Dee from the Greeting Farm


1 Stamping Ayna from the Greeting Farm


1 Penny Johnson Stampavie bear with flowers


4 packs of Rhinestones: pink, purple, turquoise, green

So, what do you have to do to win this blog candy? it's simple, share Ethan & Bella's story on your blog. You have my complete permission to copy and paste their photos and stories. Once you have posted your blog post come back to Scrap-Creations and leave Kristen a comment that you have shared their story. This is just so important to me, I am praying for a big turn out for them.


Let me tell you about two amazing kids. Ethan & Bella

Ethan Kristen's (Scrap Creations) cousin's son. He is 8 years old .Ethan was diagnosed with Neuroblasto​ma Stage 4 on March 5th, 2005. This devastating news came just days after his 3rd Birthday. The doctors told us that Ethan’s overall chance of survival was only 25%. Who would have ever thought that his leg pain and unexplained fever was cancer.

The worst of the worst…a deadly form of cancer where there is no specific treatment meant just for Neuroblasto​ma. Instead, trial studies and experimental​l therapies were in our future.

Etha​n underwent 6 rounds of extremely high dose chemotherap​y, surgery to remove the tumor in his abdomen, a stem cell transplant and 12 rounds of radiation to the tumor site. This trial study was followed up by an experimental​l therapy at Sloan Kettering in New York called 3F8 Antibody Treatment. Ethan received 5 rounds of this treatments before becoming “Hama” positive, which means his immune system is trained to fight neuroblasto​ma cells.

Today​, Ethan is cancer free and is back to enjoying all the childhood fun and games that was taken from him for over a year and a half. Doctors have also increased his overall chance of survival to 50% (considering​ the high rate of relapse).

UP​ DATE:

In November 2007, a lump was found on Ethan's left shoulder blade...lat​er to be diagnosed as osteochondr​oma, a benign tumor growth in the bone. This is in part, a side effect of having Total Body Irritation for his Stem Cell Transplant.​
Around June of 2008, several benign tumors were discovered on Ethan's liver.

On Nov. 21, 2008, we found out that Ethan's cancer had returned, Recurrent Neuroblasto​ma. MIBG uptakes were discovered in one shoulder, his leg, his spine and chest...alo​ng with in his bone marrow. There were a total of 12 spots at re-diagnosi​s

Ethan underwent 2 rounds of high dose chemo followed by a set of scans. The scans showed that the chemo was not acting effectively.​
Ethan then underwent o​ne round of maintenance chemo before becoming the first patient in a New England hospital to receive MIBG therapy (aka liquid radiation).​ The first round was scheduled the week of Ethan's 7th Birthday (feb 17th). Follow up scans show a HUGE improvement​, leaving residual uptake on MIBG scan and small traces in the bone marrow. Then Ethan underwent a 2nd round at the beginning of May 2009, scan results show "stable with limited improvement".​

At this time, Ethan only had two more spots to take care of. So he underwent more chemotherapy​y, using irinotecan, carboplatin and temodar...followed up by a much needed stem cell rescue. Results "stable with no improvement".​ At that point, we decided to allow Ethan's body to rest and put him on a treatment known for stability called ABT-751 at the beginning of Sept. 2009. However, in November 2009, Ethan's cancer showed 2 new spots of progression and we had to discontinue the use of the ABT-751.

Fro​m there, Ethan began a treatment using Temodar and Thalidomide​, which consists of taking pills at home...ever​yday. Also, at this point, I added Harmazone, a form of"Essiac" to Ethan's daily routine. La​ter, I added the use of a DHA supplement.​ Thus far, the DHA has proven to rid Ethan of his mood swings and temper tantrums.

Af​ter 4 rounds of Thalidomide​/Temodar treatment, On March 18, 2010 scan results showed massive "widespread" progression throughout Ethan's entire skeletal system, from his shoulders down his arms, down his spine and chest cavity, to his pelvis, and down his legs, right down to his ankles.

We then decided to try out a new phase 1 protocol using both IV and oral cyclophosph​omide, with Avastin and Zometa. This treatment is primarily used for bone metastesis.​ Unfortunate​ly Ethan's LFT's remained too elevated to remain on protocol.

Sc​ans were conducted in Vermont, as preparation for a new study. Results show even more progression to several area's in skull and soft tissue mass on spine. Radiation was conducted to the orbital area and spine, along with etoposide and velcade treatments.​ Biopsies were perfomed for DNA and RHA testing for Personalize​d Medicine Study in Vermont.

Well, today we received devastating news. The Brain tumor has more than doubled in size and is now causing focal seizures. They will do radiation for comfort only at this point. Things are not looking good for Ethan and he is in need of prayers and whatever happiness we could give him. Ethan & his sister sierra love to receive cards. If you could find the time to mail them a card, I am sure it would bring a smile to their face. Particularly Ethan, as he is in Boston Children's Hospital continuing with radiation. If you would like to mail them a card you may do so to:

Ethan Smith and Sierra Smith


27 Donna Street
Nashua, NH 03060


If you would like more info and would like to stay up to date with Ethan you can visit is journal here:http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ethansmith
Meet Bella Tucker
Bella Tucker is an 8-year-old girl who attends South School Elementary in Londonderry, New Hampshire and is a member of the Phantom Gymnastics team. Bella came down with a near fatal infection on Easter Sunday. Doctors gave little hope for this third graders’ survival, but after five days in a coma she miraculously survived Streptococcus Pneumonia Sepsis with DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation).

Unfortunately, her survival from this infection was not without significant cost. The infection caused extensive tissue damage, and on April 27, 2010, Bella underwent quadruple amputation surgery and is currently facing an extremely long and hard recovery at Children’s Hospital in Boston with extensive rehabilitation to follow, as she learns to live life without her limbs.

Fortunately, Bella has the love and support of her three older brothers and younger sister during these trying times. The family is suddenly faced with significant challenges, many of which can be eased with financial help. For example, their home in Londonderry, New Hampshire will need extensive modifications to accommodate a wheelchair. Bella's mother, who is also her primary insurance holder, must be by her side during the extensive rehabilitation process and therefore she will be unable to work, causing the family to lose significant income. Since her mother will be with her during this process, the family needs funds for daycare of their other children. Lastly, she will be faced with medical challenges for the rest of her life.
Bella loves receiving cards and they would be sure to make her smile. I am currently awaiting her address, but you may mail her cards to my address until further notice.
Kristen Catalano
c/o Bella tucker
5 Baymeadow Dr
Nashua, NH 03063
You may visit Bella's webpage at :http://www.bellatucker.org/
I know we all have some cards sitting around, it would mean so much if you could get one out to Ethan and Bella. They need all the smiles they can get right now!
Thanks so much

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

A Clowns Birthday

Good Morning.  Hope everyone is having a good week.  This weekend Mary, Kristen, Pia and I went to the Heirloom convention.  We had alot of fun.  This is one of the stamps I bought.  I think this clown stamp is just so cute.  I bought it at the Rubbernecker booth.  This is one of the many things I bought at the convention.  I was really good at not impulse buying and I love everything I came home with.

Today is the Going Grey with Scrap Creations challenge.  This weeks theme is Happy Birthday.  We all need Birthday cards.  Right?  All you need to do is is make one using Basic Grey paper and you can join us in the fun. 

The other wonderful challenges this card fits are:

Sketch Saturday - This sketch was perfect for my little clown.

The Corrosive - Die Cuts - I used 2 of my spellbinders dies (flower and oval) for this sketch

Stamp, Scrap & Doodle  - Make your own embellishment - My card needed something so I looked though the challenges to get an idea.  I thought I would try to do this so I took the circle loop, tied ribbon around it and then attached the flower.  I thought it looked too plain so I added white dots to the flower.

By the Cute and Girly - Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue - You only needed one but I have my DP (old), Stamp(New), Color (Blue), Sketch (Borrowed).

Crafty Angels - Favorite Stamp - Well since this was the 1st stamp I couldn't wait to play with when I got home from the convention I guess this is my favorite from my new favorites!!!

Cupcake Craft - Dazzle us - I have glitter on all the "pom poms" this little guy is wearing!


Pixie Dust Studios - Punch it out - Can I really make a card where I don't punch something?  I assume spellbinders is considered a punch so I used those for the oval and the flower.  I used my EK punch for the corners.

Handful of Stamps - Hats off to you.  - Isn't this clown's hat the cutest!!!

Little Red Wagon - Altered embelleshment - I put dots on my flower because it needed it and I wrapped ribbon around the clip.

Pile it On - Quirky - I think my image is kindof quirky.

Thank you for Stopping by.  Thanks to everyone who leaves me a comment.  I love reading all of them.

Peggy
SUPPLIES:
CS:  SU Real Red, Night of Navy
BG:  Basic Grey
STAMPS:  Rubbernecker
MISC:  Denami Ribbon, Prima Flowers. Recollection dots, CTMH Clip, Stickles.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Soaked In Your Love

Good Morning!  I hope everyone had a good weekend.  If you live in the States then you probably had a 3 day weekend!  I went to a Wedding Sunday.  I stayed close to the reception so I didn't have to drive home.  Yesterday I spend most of the day doing nothing.  Very, Very tired but it was worth it.  I saw a good friend get married and I had a good time.

Today is the Going Grey with Scrap-Creations challenge.  This weeks theme is Color.  You need to use Blue, Pink and Yellow on your card and use Basic Grey paper.  My 1st thought was to go with pastels but then I thought I wanted to do something different so I used Teal Blue, Bright Pink and of course my yellow duck and flowers.

This is an easy challenge because there are so many different shades of Blue, Pink and Yellow.  Play along with us.

The other DT's did a wonderful job.  You should check them out!


Kristen Catalano (Scrap-Creations)
Mary Castonguay
Kim Howard
Crystal Irwin

The other wonderful challenges this card fits are:

Sew Many Cards - Threes a Charm - My charm is the hearts.

Pink Elephant - Fun Bright Colors - I decided to use the brighter shades of Blue, Pink & Yellow on my card.

Magical Crafts - Metal Madness - My Metal is my charm


Your next Stamp Challenge - Border Punch - I used the MS punch on the side of my card.

Annabelles - Ribbon.  I needed something on the middle strip so I put a bow.

Daring Cardmakers - Happy Anniversary - I think this is a cute and funny love card which could be used for an anniversary.

Fun with Shapes - Favorite Colors - I love blue and pink.  In the summer I love putting yellow on my cards.

Thank you for stopping by to look at my card.  Thank you to everyone who leaves comments.  I love reading them.

Peggy
SUPPLIES:
CS:  SU Pixie Pink, Tempting Tourquoise
DP:  Basic Grey
STAMPS:  Sew Many
MISC:  Cuttlebug embossing folder, MS Punch, MM Brads, SU Ribbon, Spellbinders oval dies, Prima roses and flowers, White gel pen