SPARKS Designer Draft

Happy Monday everyone. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Mine was super busy and tiring. I helped my girlfriend moved to a new place and then helped organized her place. I was so tired, that on Saturday night I went to bed early and went to sleep the moment my head hit the pillow. And thank goodness that our doggies decided to behave well and didn't make a peep at all till 6 AM! Thank you doggies. :)

Anyway, today we have new Paper Smooches SPARKS designer draft challenge. 

And, here's my interpretation of the sketch:

I used the Warm Hearts set. Love the egg shaped snowman. Heh... You have one week to play along. Please check out Paper Smooches SPARKS blog for more inspiration. Thank you so much for stopping by here.

Caring Hearts Report & Winners

At first, I truly debated whether I should do Caring Hearts Card Drive again or not for this year. The past few months (prior to making that decision) been so hectic and I was worried that running it again by myself would totally overwhelmed me. But, at the end I am so glad that I decided to do it.

With your participation, I received over 1500 cards. Yes, it was overwhelming, quite a few of my other stuff get neglected, our guest room was turned into mailing room, and I even dream of counting cards! I think for each package I had to recount several times. Poor hubby, trying to talk to me and I was in the middle of counting and I'd lost my count and he'd get the dirty look from me for making me lost count. Hah...

And, it's all been worth it whenever I think of how this little gesture will brighten so many elderly holiday season. I am happy to report that all the cards been shipped out to the people who's helping me in distributing the cards around. So, by this week, your cards will be on the hand of the people at the nursing homes and brighten their day. I requested for some pictures if possible, so hoping to get some back so I can share them with you here.

Special thank you to all the people and companies who's been so generous in their support by offering prizes. Thank you to those who kindly included some fund to help with shipping. You know who you are (I am not sure whether they want to keep it private, that's why I am not mentioning name). Please know how much I appreciate your help.

Each time, I do this I am humbled by everyone's kindness. Many of you wrote such wonderful & encouraging notes. And, I know this year has been a tough year economy wise for many of us, yet you all still generously contribute. Even after hurricane Sandy affected some of you, you still find the time to mail me some cards. It's humbling and it reminds me that despite all the crazy stuff that going on in the world, there are still many good, kind, helpful people. Thank you for enriching my life and the recipient of your cards with your act of kindness.

Now, it's time to reveal some winners! You will be hearing from me over the next several days…

• Avery Elle $20 GC: Joanne Cabling
• Avocado Arts Gobble Till You Woble set: Kristin Streiliein
• Becky Oehler's You Say Goodbye I say 'Ello set: Laura Jane
• Bella Blvd package:  Chapel Card Makers
• CAS-UAL Friday $30GC: Maria Fischer
• Hero Arts 4 cling stamps of your choice: Joyce Mehrberg
• Lawn Fawns $30 GC: Carol Longacre
• Mama Elephants $20GC: Karen Milone
• May Arts 3 spool of ribbon of your choice:  Linda Patti
• Neat & Tangled $30 GC: Terry Bajorek
• Online Card Classes (from Jennifer McGuire) 2 free classes: Deb Steinberg
• Paper Crafts 5 special edition: Leesa Berry
• Paper Smooches $25 GC: Gina D'Urso
• Penny Black 1 clear & 1 cling stamp of your choice: Amy Hansen
• Simon Says Stamp Holiday Apocthary Label Stamp & Dies set: Cheryl Yamashita
• Some Odd Girl $25 GC: Pai Meng
• Technique Tuesday Jingle All The Way set: Darnell J. Knaus
• The Twinery Sampler Twine: Marylou Shephard
• Two Peas In A Bucket workshop of your choice $25 value: Mary Ann Venginickal
• Wplus9 $20GC: Ann Kikuchi

Again thank you so much to everyone for making this card drive a successful one. You are awesome!! May your holiday be filled with many wonderful moments.

Not Quite Cross Stitch Bear

How's that for post title? I am stumped and that's the best I can come  up with. Today is the last day of Some Odd Girl Hol-odd-day hop and I want to show this cutie patootie one more time.

This time, I used my aida cross stitch fabric and back the bear with a cushy tick felt, so when you touch the bear it kind of cushiony. :)

The yummy background is the herringbone background from Becky Oehlers (for Gina K. Designs) You Say Goodbye, I Say 'Ello set. Love, love, love that background and especially in this color combo, swoon... And, I think by making the scarf & hat in neon colors it really pop the bear and make this card a super happy card. I am entering this card to Moxie Fab Keen on Neon challenge.

Only the bear part is made of cross stitch fabric. The rest is paper. Love it when I get to combine material like this. Am also entering this card for Paper Crafts December holiday challenge. 

Sigh... this bear cute face reminds me of my sweet  trouble maker, Eli. I know, he's a pug, but as his mama, I think he's cute just like the polar bear. Hah... Enjoy your Thursday, peeps!

Paper Diet

This past weekend, I was so thrilled to have my creative mojo back. I feel like I've been in the slump for the longest time and I wasn't even sure if I even want to try to submit anything for the latest submission call. Anyway, as I am forcing myself to sit and actually create, slowly that excitement coming back and I ended up making 16 projects from Saturday to Monday.

Of course after that my room looks like a tornado went through it. So, yesterday I started the cleaning process. My mind can only take so much messiness before it gets irritated. ;) 

Cleaning for me is also therapeutic. Like they say clean space reflect clean or peaceful mind. Well, my mind was peaceful until I start organizing my papers. Oh word... I actually feel a bit disgusted with myself at the amount of papers that I have. Granted my stash is not anything like those you've seen in the magazine and for many crafters what I have is not a lot, but it's a lot to my standard.

So, I am determine that for the next 6 months I am on paper diet. No purchasing new paper or cardstock. And to use more of my papers and cardstocks! I tend to use only white cardstock, so that will have to change.

Okay, enough rambling. I have this woodland Santa card to share using the gnome Jerome from Paper Smooches. The cute hanging stocking are from Avocado Arts.

I love how the bright colors stand against the white. Now, I get to start working on our family Christmas cards. Yep, I am behind. As usual. :) Have a fabulous day crafty peeps!

Holiday Bear

Hi everyone. Happy Monday. Some Odd Girl is having their 3rd Annual Hol-ODD-day hop December 3-6! Its one big Linky Party and you’re invited! 

All you have to do to hop with us is to create a post using a new or old holiday themed project using a Some Odd Girl digi or stamp and invite your friends to come hop by linking back to the hop in your post then just LINK UP! Hoppers will be featured a few times a day on the Some Odd Girl Blog and linked up Hoppers will be entered to win some great prizes! Link up early for your best chance to be featured AND win!

Here's my card using one of my favorite set from Some Odd Girl called Winter Friends. This bear and his sweet smile makes me happy.

I made the polka dot card using my loyal Mister Q (my oldies but goodies Silhouette SD). I have it for 4-5 years now and I couldn't quite justify buying the new Silhouette Cameo (although I really love  the sleek look) when this one still working. I am also entering this card for Simon Says Stamp anything goes challenge.

Anyway, more updates on the card drive. So far I have collected over 1500 cards. 2 boxes already been shipped and I am still working on sorting & packaging the rest. I know this week I probably still receive some late shipment especially the one that come from abroad. I am hoping to finish organizing everything soon and be able to announce winners for the card drive by Friday. Again thank you to everyone for your participation. 

Now, if you have any Some Odd Girl stamp, I hope you will link up and join us for  the hop. Can't wait to see your creations. Cheers.

You Warm My Heart

Happy December! Ah... season of joy. And cold weather. But in my opinion, cuteness can always warm your heart. :) Here's my card using the newest set from Avocado Arts "Smitten With You".

The penguin actually come with feet. But, I kind of liking the look without the feet.  It has its own charm this way. Here's a look at the full set:

                                                         

Please check out what the Pit Crew has created using this set.

Aj Otto

Ashley Harris

Becky Oehlers

Latisha Yoast

Pinky Cristal Hobbs

How's your weekend shaping out? I have pretty long to do list for this weekend. Our washer kind of crappy and we've been pushing our luck with it. Today, we're finally getting a new washer. So, we'll be waiting for it to be delivered and installed. Then we'll get to try out the new washer of course. Have a couple loads of laundry waiting. Next a visit to post office to pick up more cards for the card drive & swinging by the library across the street. Hubby and I love our library and they have their book sale this weekend. I want to pick up some book for paper crafts projects.

Also, I have to organize, sorting and packing the cards. For those of you who sent out your cards this week, no worries, your cards will go to my local nursing home. What else. Hm, working on submission, cleaning up the house, working on CHA stuff for May Arts, etc., etc., etc. I have 48 hours to accomplish all the stuff on my list. :) Over achiever syndrome or simply nuts? Hope you all have a great weekend.

Penguin Snowglobe

Yikes... it's the end of the month already! I am so behind on so many things. Between works and Caring Hearts Card Drive, I am spread thin. I haven't even start on our own family Christmas card. And, I guess as card maker, I feel guilty if I buy ready made cards. Do you feel that way?

Anyway, the card drive will end soon. I know quite a few just mailed out their card this week and no worries, I'll wait for your cards. I am amazed and humbled by everyone's support for the card drive. Chapel Card Makers group sent 120 cards!! And quite a few individuals generously sent in 40 to 65 cards each. And a couple get their kids involve and my friend from Sweden Karin Akesdotter had her students joined the effort and their messages are so sweet & touching.

I wish I can send thank you note to everyone! Please know how much I appreciated your support, generosity, and kindness. When I started this 3 years ago, I wasn't even sure if I will received a response. And our crafty community showed me that I should have more faith. As we're reaching 1200 cards (which I am sure we'll passed soon), I am filled with so much gratitude. Thank you. 

Now, let me share another card I made for the card drive. This one using the latest set from Avocado Arts called Smitten With You. PS: in case you don't know, today's the last day for free shipping on any order over $30 from Avocado Arts.

Now, who wouldn't love a penguin and snow globe? I love both and collect them both. I am crazy about penguin. In fact on my last trip to Chicago's Shedd Aquarium with my mom, I ended up with this cute li'l fella. Yes, I am one those people that still collect stuff animal even though I am on my 30s. It's love at first sight. With his pom-pom beanies I know he has to come home with me the moment I saw him.

                                                         

With this cuteness, I am sending you over to my team mates. Check out what they have created using this new set.

Aj  Otto

Ashley Harris
Becky Oehlers

Pinky Cristal Hobbs

Latisha Yoast

SOG Everyday Smiles

Today's card makes me happy. It's CAS, cute, and I finally get to use my flair present from Joscelyne Cutchen. It's my first time using flair on my card and I think they're fun.

The fab sentiment is from this fun "Everyday Smiles" set from Some Odd Girl. I am loving their new style very much. :)

                                                   

BTW, just want to say a quick thank you to everyone who's participating for Caring Hearts Card Drive!! I have reach my goal of collecting 1000 cards and we're not even done. There's still a few days left and I am excited that we get to brighten many people's holiday thanks to your generosity. Thank you!

SOG Make A Statement

** For Paper Smooches SPARKS post please scroll down. **

I am so thrilled when I saw Some Odd Girl newest clear set! Yes, they release two sets that are totally different than their usual style, but they're pretty awesome in my opinion. Let's take a look at the set, shall we?

And, here's my first card using this set. Simple and to the point. :) 

Of course, I can't just stop at one card with set. I decided to make another card. I usually don't keep many black cardstock in my stash, but I might have to change that. Love how the color pop.

For more samples from this new releases, please checkout Some Odd Girl blog.

SPARKS & Card Drive Update

Hi everyone. How was your Thanksgiving weekend? We had a lovely one at  my SIL place and of course as usual eat way too much! My SIL is such a good cook and I am very lucky that I do not have to cook anything. Hah... for our part, hubby made his famous seven layer salad that's always a hit.

Anyway, I was slacking big time in keeping my blog up-to-date. This week should be a busy one with new challenge from Paper Smooches SPARKS, SOG new releases, card drive update, etc.

Let's start with the new Paper Smooches SPARKS picture perfect challenge.

Here's the inspiration picture.

                                                   

I used the color combo from this pic for my inspiration and here's the result. 

You have one week to play along. You can check all the details and find more inspiration HERE.

Now, how about some update for Caring Hearts card drive. First, a little re-cap. This card drive goal is to collect holiday cards for the elderly that lives in nursing home. As you might remember, this card drive is the result of my mom's suggestion. And now the card drive is on its 3rd year. Last year, I was blessed to have Jennifer McGuire as my partner on this. This year, I am back to running it solo again and my goal is to reach at least 1000 cards.

So far, I have collected 839 cards. If you need more information on the card drive or would love to participate, simply click on the card drive logo on the upper right corner. Even if you can only send 2-3 cards please send them in. 

And, here's pic of my lovely mom with some of the cards that we have received. She's the reason and the inspiration for this card drive and since she was here, of course I cannot pass the opportunity to have her pose with the pile of cards. ;) She and I thank you for your kind and generous support for the card drive.

As always, if you have any last minute question about the card drive please email me: wirianta at hotmail dot com.

Have a wonderful day everyone and may your week starts off in a fabulous way.