Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

A huge thank you for all the wonderful comments you left me this past weekend during the Christmas Cards Blog Hop!  Also welcome to all my new followers.  I am so glad you all stopped by.  I will be trying to get all of your blogs over the next week or so.  Bear with me!  It's getting to be that time of year and finding time to be leisurely surfing the net isn't easy to come by!  Enough of my babbling on... that's not why you stopped by right!

On to the winner of  the candy from the blog hop!  I used Random Org and the lucky gal is #6 Tonya from Itty Bitty Lady Bugs.  Congrats Tonya!

Please email me your details  -  cau0617 at yahoo dot com

Hope everyone has a great rest of your week and be sure to stop back on Sunday for the last challenge of the year at Dream Valley Challenges.

Hugs
Carrie

It's a Blog Hop!!!

Good morning my bloggy friends!   I am so excited today because I am a part of the Christmas Cards Blog Hop over at Creations with Becka . We have an exciting line up of ladies who have all created Christmas cards to give you ideas of homemade cards you can all make to send to your friends and family this holiday season. So to start off, if you came from Gloria, than you are in the right place. If you just stopped by to say Hi, please start from the beginning of the hop over at Creations with Becka. Make sure you go through the whole hop and comment on each blog so you are eligible for the grand prize blog candy Becka is giving away.


WOW, can you believe it is December already? This year seems to have flown by. Christmas will be here in 4 weeks, crazy right! I still have so much to do, buy gifts, decorate the house, hang lights and then the baking. But at least I am ahead on one thing, Christmas Cards…and hopefully after finishing the blog hop we have inspired you and have given you ideas on your Christmas cards you want to make for you family and friends this year.

I always get Christmas cards in the mail up until Christmas and even some after Christmas from the late senders, but most of the cards I receive are store bought, none of them have the special feeling when you open them like “WOW someone really put a lot of time and effort into this” and that is why I like to make my own cards. I think it just adds that WOW factor and gives the person you are sending it to the feeling of you really care and you took the time to make the cards.

Without further ado, here is my card for the hop:

 Now for the details...

The card is 5.25" square

That super cute penguin and his igloo are from Create a Critter cricut cartridge.  The penquin was cut at 3" and the igloo was 2.5".

The background paper of trees is from Bella Blvd

The green hill was just a free had cut to make the igloo standout a bit better. 

Sentiment is from My Sentiments Exactly and the set is Handwritten.

Last but certainly not least the light string is from TPC Studios.  I wish I could tell you for sure where I got it but I would bet money it was Michael's or JoAnn's.

I do have blog candy.  I do not have a picture of it yet but I can tell you that it is a fabulous grouping of butterfly embellishments including bling and charms.  I'm sure you'll love it!  They are some of my favorite things. To be eligible just leave a comment on this post.  I'd also love to have you as a follower but it is not required to win the candy!

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today, your next stop is Julie K. Talk about blog candy- and how to win it. Don’t forget to leave a comment on every post to be eligible for the grand prize blog candy.


In case you get lost along the way here is a complete list of the stops

1 Becka http://creationswithbecka.blogspot.com/

2 Oma Gloira http://omascrafts.blogspot.com/

3 Carrie Uhing http://paperglitterstamps.blogspot.com/ - You are Here

4 Julie K http://jk-littlebitofbling.blogspot.com/ - Your next Stop

5 Heather Howard http://handmadebyhh.blogspot.com/

6 Sherry http://macybella.blogspot.com/

7 Tracy http://owlbecraftin.blogspot.com/

8 Dana Tarchala http://danascraftycorner.blogspot.com/

9 Beckie Woodall http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/

10 Tanya Adams http://nonnascraftcorner.blogspot.com/

11 Melissa Todd http://createdbymissie.blogspot.com/

12 Jamie Larson http://babyjaydensmommy.blogspot.com/

13 Lisa Grave http://lisa-scrappingspot.blogspot.com/

14 Anna Bee http://annabeedesigns.blogspot.com/


Hugs
Carrie

I'm finally getting into the Christmas spirit!

Just in time for a new challenge at Dream Valley Challenges.  The new challenge is "Sparkle".   Who doesn't love some sparkle this time of year!  I bought some super cute little digital stamps of elves over at Make it Crafty.  Aren't they just adorable!

I tried to get a close up in that last one of the sparkly lights but it's not very clear.  I also colored the bells on his hat with a glitter pen over the grey marker.  I colored the image with copics.  I also used misc cardstocks.  The sentiment is a clear stamp from My Sentiments Exactly.

Can't wait to see your sparkly creations.  Go check out the rest of the creations by the DT and link up  your creations!

Lastly make sure you check out the DT call too!  Are you interested in joining us?  Link up your name on the DT call post!

Hugs and hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Carrie

DT call

Interested in being on a great design team?  Dream Valley Challenges is having a DT call now.  We love crafts of all types, stamping, scrapbooking, jewelry making just to name a few.  We are an eclectic group of crafters.  Head over there and link up for the call.

Hugs and Happy Thanksgiving should I not post again before then!
Carrie

Red and White

It's time for another DT creation for the newest challenge at Dream Valley Challenges.  Challenge #20 is Stitching.  Now I will be the first to admit that sewing machines and I don't see eye to eye.  I was taught to so when I was a kid and a few years ago got a sewing maching for Christmas.  I can do simple mending but putting paper to it just doesn't work.  My mom and sister have the sewing gene.  Both are quilters but there's not a chance you'll see me taking up that hobby anytime in the foreseeable future.  I'll stick to my paper, thanks very much.  I do plan to take over a different room for my scrapbooking.  My son is off in college and comes home maybe 1x per month.  I think I am going to move his furniture to a smaller room so I can have the big one.  It is my intention once that happens to keep the sewing machine out all the time on it's own table.  Maybe if it is looking at me I'll be forced to practice.  Until then, this will have to do.  I love the sparkling red thread.  I haven't yet decided if I want to use this for a wedding or Christmas so I haven't added a sentiment yet.

This card was handstitched using a brass template that had areas you could emboss and others you could pierce and then go back and stitch.  The dots are hard to see but they are made with a glitter pen pushing it down thru a hole in the template.

You'll have to excuse the crappy pictures.  It seems that unless I get a card done between 11am-1pm it's dark out.  I really dislike these short days!  I snuck away to do some shopping today while DH and DD were both working.  It was so nice to shop alone at my pace and look at what I want without sighs coming from behind me.  That made my card late getting done, hence the bad pictures.

I'd like to also enter this in the following challenges:
2 Sisters Challenge Blog - anything goes
Creative Inspirations - Stitching
Creative Belli Challenges - Paper Piercing
Incy Wincy Designs -Stitching

I did find several things while out.  I picked up a few pieces of 12x12 paper, a new craft mat, a Martha Stewart punch around the page set and some wonderful Rachel Ray ramekins.  I can't wait to use them tomorrow.  For those not familar with Rachel Ray she has a cooking show on the Food Network here in the states called 30 minute meals.  She has a line of very fun casserole dishes.  I didn't have any individual baking dishes and these were on sale 20% off and I had another 30% off on top of it.  I couldn't say no!

Enough of my babbling.  Head on over to Dream Valley Challenges to see the rest of the wonderful creations from the DT and check out the prize up for grabs.  I can't wait to see all your stitching creations.

Hugs
Carrie

Cricut Couple is celebrating 500 followers

In case you haven't heard, the Cricut Couple is celebrating 500 followers this month.  To celebrate they are giving away some prizes including a Cricut Cake Mini.  Be sure to go check out their blog.  They are very talented and posting lots of ideas thru November 17th.

Hugs
Carrie

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge

Great sketch this time around at The Sweetest Thing (ok they always are) so I had a go at it with using one of my steampunk digi's from Sassy Studio Designs.

Patterned papers are from the DCWV Stack Black Currant.  I used a Stampin' Up set (Artifacts maybe?) to stamp some background image on the white cardstock.

Would love to hear what you think.  I really am starting to like this steampunk look.  Very unique!

Hugs
Carrie

Last one for tonight

but check back tomorrow because I have at least one more to post.  I've had this Acorn stamps for a long time.  It's part of a Unity Stamp set.  This is one of the smallest stamps in the set and I was excited to finally ink it up.

A different angle so you can see the shadow box or frame effect.

This fits severals different challenges:

Craft Your Days Away - Autumn/Fall
Just Us Girls - Decorated/Altered Frame
Card Makin Mamas - Die Cut (green leaves)
Basic Grey Challenges - Anything Goes (patterned paper - Mellow)
Stamptacular Sunday - Borders and Frames

Past my bedtime.  Talk to you all tomorrow.

Hugs
Carrie

Ruff Day

Gosh I was so busy yesterday making cards for challenges which never seems to be something that I have time to do.  Of course, by the time I was done it was much too dark to get any pictures hence the postings a day later.

This cute little image from Kenny K is again one I've had for eons and never used.  It took me a bit to come up with a sentiment but I think this works.

I colored the image with colored pencils.  Poor puppy!

I'd like to enter this at The Sweet Stop  SSS132. 

Hugs
Carrie

Old Timer

I've had this image for a long time and finally decided to put it to work.  I created this for a certain gentleman that isn't getting any younger these days.

And the inside

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:

Birthday Sundaes - Birthday Card
Sunday Sketch and Stamp - #79 Sketch

I did make a small adjustment to the sketch but the basic concept is there.  I do hope it is acceptable :)

Happy Halloween!

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenge #19 - Anything Goes

Yes you heard me right!  The current challenge at Dream Valley Challenges is "Anything Goes"  Head on over and link up anything you make this week be it a card, layout, jewelry, home decor project, etc.  Now remember there is a 3 entry limit to help the DT not get too overwhelmed with projects to look thru!  Here is the card I made.

*All patterened papers are from the Black Currant paperstack by DCWV

*Steampunk Amelia in Frame Digi Stamp is from Sassy Studio Designs - unfortunately she is no longer available.  She was a freebie for their 500 follower celebration at Paper Craft Planet.

*Happy Birthday Ticket was a freebie image that I accidentally saved without the name of the place I got it from.  Darn it!  If anyone recognizes it please leave me a comment so I can give them credit for it.

I'd also like to enter this at:

Charisma Cardz - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamps - Anything Goes

Head over to Dream Valley Challenges to check out the rest of the wonderful creations from the rest of DT.  Have a wonderful Sunday!

Hugs

Carrie

Fussy & Fancy Friday Challenge

Happy Sunday evening!  This card was created using on of the free Steampunk Frames from the celebration that Sassy Studio Designs had last week for reaching 500 followers.  I promised to show more and here is Steampunk Victoria in a frame.  I created this for the Fussy & Fancy Challenge, 3 B's.  The challenge was to use Black, Bling and a Border punch.

Obviously you can find the black.  The border punch was used on the pink dot cs.  In addition to rhinestones outlinging the border punch, the pink cs is foiled and the cogs on her hat/brooch are colored with a glitter pen for plenty of bling!  This is my first time at this challenge blog but I liked the challenge so thought I'd give it a try!

Hugs
Carrie

Sassy Studio Designs Progressive Challenge - #4

It's the last leg of the progressive challenge.  This challenge was to use Steampunk Vivian in Anything Goes.  Before I get to my card, I just want to say "Thank you" to Sassy Studio Designs.  All 8 of this images were free to celebrate 500 followers.  How incredibly generous of them.  They were available thru their group on Paper Craft Planet.  This is the 4th Steampunk that you have seen here but there were also Steampunk ladies in frames too.  I have been creating with them and you'll start seeing them this week.  Without further ado, let me introduce you to Steampunk Vivian.

Here is a close up of my embellishment.  They are little washer things (something out of the garage).  Inside each I placed a black rhinestone. 

I'd like to enter this in these additional challenges:

Paper Sundaes #92 Sundae Bar - I used black, sparkle and distressing around my image
Birthday Sundaes #32 - Color challenge using purple, green, black and white


Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs
Carrie

Sassy Studio Designs Progressive Challenge

We are on Sassy Steampunk #3 and her name is Victoria.  The challenge this time at Sassy Studio Designs is create a Victorian card.  That is a toughy.  I hope this will be considered Victorian.  I created a shape card using Cricut Cart Sophie.  I thought it felt the part.  Did a little inking and added a bow and flowers.

Hope every one has or had a great Friday evening depending on your location!

Hugs
Carrie

New cardmaking record

So I had Sassy Steampunk Amelia to work with on the progressive challenge at Sassy Studio Designs.  Thankfully I had her colored last night.  At 20 min. to deadline I started on the card and this post.  I got her linked up with 3 minutes to spar.  Whew.  Wasn't how I had it planned but I had to make 48 cupcakes tonight that I forgot about.

Lavendar paper is has a sheen to it, not quite glitter but very pretty.  The requirements in addition to using Steampunk Amelia was to include a clock and/or cogs.  There is a clock on the bicycle which was a freebie from, Beyond the Fringe.  There are cogs in the corner, well actually they are some kind of washer from the garage.  Don't tell DH.  As you can see I cut out Amelia and pop dotted her.  Oh, I also got brave last night and tried out the Copics on her.  Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be :) 

Hope you enjoy my card.  I'll definitely have more time for the next one!

Hugs
Carrie

Sassy Studio Designs Progressive Challenge

Sassy Studio Designs is celebrating 500 followers by giving away images if you participate in their progressive challenge.  The 1st image is called Steampunk Josephine.  There is still time left.  You have until 8pm PDT to download the image and create a project using metal embellishments.  There will be a new image for those that participate in this challenge, 4 images total and a random drawing for SSD images.  Love this image.  I am just getting my 1st exposure to steampunk and it's so much fun.  Here is my take on Miss Steampunk Josephine

 Lighting is not very good so I also took a couple of close up pics too.

These metal embellishments are ancient.  They have teeth on the back to push thru the paper and then bend down to hold in place.  They seemed to fit the card though and I used up stash :)  Yeah for me!  DH would be so pleased to know I used up what I had and didn't buy more!  Patterened paper is also and old scrap.  Used TH distress ink (old paper) on image so it wasn't such a stark white.

Image was colored with colored pencils.  I don't trust myself with copis yet on something this detailed.  Just not there yet.  It's hard to see but the hardware in the image (buckles, buttons, etc) were touched with a glitter pen for a little extra pop.

I'd also like to enter this in Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - anything goes

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs
Carrie

Halloween Mini - Pic heavy!

I have been on a make my own album kick.  My sister has a 4yo son (my nephew) so she ended up getting the albums that I'll be posting this week.  My kids are 15 and 18yo so not much use for these particular styles.  I will be making more and more age appropriate for my kids!    The 1st mini this week is for Halloween since it is just around the corner.

.

I see a few of the photos have shadows from my big head!  Sorry about that.  I'd retake them but the album has already move to it's new home in Missouri. 

Paper collection that I used for the whole album was Recollection - Midnight Magic.  Other products used are paper bags, cardstock, chipboard and duck (yes duck) tape.  There a several cricut cuts from Happy Hauntings also included. 

This album is made from paperbags but not in the way most would think of .  I learned a new technique from Kathy at Paper Phenomenon.  She creates some amazing projects.  You need to check out her blog if you haven't already.

There are so many nooks and crannies to add pictures and journaling.  It's very difficult to capture with a camera.  Almost need to video tape the walk thru but I don't have a camcorder.  Sorry!

Hope you enjoy the album!

Hugs
Carrie

Pumpkin Magic

Good Sunday morning everyone!  It's time for a new challenge at Dream Valley Challenges.  The new challenge for the next fortnight is Halloween.  Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday!  My kids are older now so no more trick or treating.  I do have a 4 yr old nephew that lives in another state that I get send gifts to.  The card I made goes with his package.

Recipe

Image - Robyn's Fetish

Orange CS - Bo Bunny dot

Purple CS - scrap

Copics

Our sponsor for this challenge is Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps.  One lucky winner will get 5 digital images.  Now everyone get to work on those Halloween cards and don't forget to pop over Dream Valley Challenges to see all the other creations from the DT.  They are all wonderful and creative!

I'd also like to enter this in the following challenges

Paper Sundaes - Halloween
Craft Your Days Away - Halloween colors
Freshly Brewed Challenges - Pumpkin
Card Makin Mamas - Halloween
Simon Says Stamps Challenge - Halloween/Goth


Thanks for stopping by and please check back later this week.  I'll be posting 3 different mini albums that I created.  They are pretty cool if I do say so myself.

Hugs
Carrie

 

Challenge #17 - Monochromatic

It's time for a new challenge at Dream Valley Challenges.  This fortnight the challenge is to create a monochromatic project.  This challenge is being sponsored by One Stop Card Crafts.  I choose to use green for my card.  Green has been quickly fading away around here with the colder fall temps.  I wanted to hang on to it just a bit longer!

My picture is a bit grainy I see.  Sorry about that.  My camera battery is dead and I was running late and had to use my phone.   I'll get my battery charged and get a better pic up in a little while.

Pop over to Dream Valley Challenges to see all the rest of the details and start on your creation!  There also quite a few DT creations to check out  for inspiration.  All the ladies made wonderful creations in varying styles so there is something to appeal to just about everyone!  Have a great Sunday!

Hugs
Carrie

DT call - check it out

Crafty Cardmakers is under new management and looking for DT members.  Head over to Crafty Cardmakers to check out all the details.  Lin is great to work with as I am on the Dream Valley Challenges DT with her.  Good luck if you submit!

Hugs
Carrie

Button Button Who's Got the Button.....

The challenge this fortnight at Dream Valley Challenges is buttons.  Yep, just incorporate buttons into your paper creation and link it up.  I decided to use my new cricut cart called Sophie to make my card.

 I layered some plastic purple flowers in varying shades over top the flowers on the cut.  The tiniest little purple flowers are buttons as is the glittery butterfly.  The butterfly had a shank on the back that I had to clip off. 

Details
Purple cardstock - Archivers
Green Dot cardstock - BoBunny
buttons and flowers - my stash, had forever so could say who made them
Stamped Sentiment - MSE, Handwritten
Punch - EK Success (deco flower?)


And here is a picture of the inside using the punch.

  Be sure to head over to Dream Valley Challenges and see all the other creations that the DT put together for you.  I can't wait to see what you all create!

Hugs
Carrie

I received the Butterfly Award

I received the Butterfly Award from Laura at PVCreations 2010.  A big Thanks to you Laura!  There are several questions that I have to answer about myself and then share the award with 10 other fabulous bloggers.

1) Name your favorite color?  - Navy Blue

2) Name your favorite song? - It's My Life - Bon Jovi

3) Name your favorite dessert? - ice cream with my homemade chocolate sauce

4) What wizzes you off at the moment? idiot drivers, you know the ones that can't go the speed limit, don't know what a turn signal is or my favorite the ones that cut you off.  Thankfully I live in a small town but hate going to the city anymore.  I'm getting old

5) Your favorite pet? - Brownie the chocolate lab I grew up with

6) Black or White? - Depends.  They both have their place

7) Your biggest fear? - I'm not the best mom I could be

8) Best Feature? -  my hugs

9) Everyday attitude? - another day another dollar so I have toys to play with when I come home :)

10) What is perfection? a freshly mowed lawn, 78 degrees, sun, a good book and a lounge chair.  oh and definitely NO mosquitos

11) Guilty Pleasure?  - purses

12) When you're upset you, Shop or Eat?  depends on where I am.  Not much shopping in this small town so if I am out and about shopping.  If I'm home then eating.

Now on to 10 of my favorite bloggers to visit
 
Sara - Daisy Dreams
Diana - Daisy Love Creations
Cherly - Dragonfly Designs
Tracey - Garden of Grace
LMD - LMD Stampin
Linda - My Creative Playground
Candace - My Passion for Scrappin
Shannon - My Scrappy Creations
Maquel - Paper Maine-iac
Shari - Pickled Memories
 

You ladies are all wonderfully talented and your projects serve as an inspriration to me!

 

Hugs

Carrie

 

Remainder of the Christmas Planner

You may remember several weeks ago that I made a Christmas planner for a blog hop I was in.  I was asked about finishing the inside and finally had some time to do that.  Visit this post to see the finishing touches!

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenges #14 - Color Challenge

Challenge time at Dream Valley Challenges.  This time the challenge is a color combo and boy I found this one to be tough.  The colors are yellow, orange and green.  I really had to work for this one.  I went thru all my papers and couldn't find any with just those colors.  I think I pulled it off in the end.  I made this as a pep talk card for DD.

The image is from Stitchy Bear Stamps and is called Steampunk Fairy.  I thought the image was stunning though I was a bit intimidated to color it.  Dotted cardstocks are Bo Bunny.  Sentiment is by MSE.  I used me EK Success punch on the orange cardstock under the image.  I believe it's called Deco Flower.

I'd also like to enter this in Flutter By Wednesday #167 - punches

Be sure to stop over at Dream Valley Challenges to see the rest of the DT's creations and then get to work on your entry!

Hugs
Carrie