Thursday, July 31, 2014

You're a Hoot!

 
 
Hi there!
 
I'm just popping in quick to share with you a card I made for the challenge over at City Crafter!  The theme this week is animals.  The above photo with the mouse hanging onto the flower just makes me smile, so I thought I'd play along!:-)
 
My crafty friend, Nancy, and I love to send each other cards with owls.  We just love the furry little animals...so cute!:-) 


 
 
 The owl stamp set is from Hero Arts.  The card is self-explanatory and all supplies are listed below.  Well, that's all for now.  I'm working on some other projects, which will be posted soon.  Thank you for dropping by!  Take care and have a wonderful day!
 
 
*Please don't forget to comment on my four-year blog anniversary post for a chance to win some goodies.  The winner will be announced on 8-10-14!*
 
Hugs,
Maria
 
Supplies:
 
Paper:  Kraft Outlet, SU
Stamps:  Hero Arts
Ink:  SU-Soft Suede
Buttons:  Jo-Ann Fabric
Twine:  Doodlebug
Copics
Postage Stamp Punch:  SU
Emboss Folder:  SU
 

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Four-Year Blog Anniversary!!!!


Hi Friends!

How are you doing on this fine Sunday morning?  I was hoping to be here sooner with posting the goodies regarding my blog anniversary, but work and other things got in the way.  I'm sure you know how that goes!:-)  Anyways, my four-year blog anniversary was last Thursday!  Whew, how times flies when you are having fun!  And, I'm ever so grateful for all the blog friends that I have made!  It is such a pleasure visiting your blogs and always being inspired by such wonderful creations!  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for always giving me support and taking the time out of your busy schedule to give me lovely comments!  Just as the stamp says in the photo...You are so kind and beautiful...thank you!!! 


Here is a complete list of the prize package to one lucky winner...

(2) Paper Pads:  Authentique 6x6 Latest & Greatest
                           Prima           6x6 Botanical

(3) Note Cards with Envelopes:  Carta Bella(1), Echo Park(2)

(2) Flowers:  Paper Studio 

(2) Stamp Sets:  Prima, Little Yellow Bicycle

(1)  Tag Set:  David Tutera 24pc. orange, green blue, pink

                                                   
Just for fun while you are commenting, I'd like you to say what your favorite summer vacation or memory is.  I will announce the winner on 8-10-14.  Take care and have a wonderful day!:-)

Hugs,
Maria

Monday, July 21, 2014

Need Hugs?


 
 
Hi there!
 
How is your Monday going today?  I just thought I'd share with you a tag that I made for a new challenge Tag You're It!  I can't even remember the last time that I made a tag.  I should make more for they are so quick and easy!  We were to follow the tag from Laura Bassen for inspiration.  What a lovely tag she made! 
 
And, here is my tag...
 
 
 
 
The fun lizard is from the stamp set Paper Smooches.  And, who doesn't need hugs?:-)  I started with a cream card base and used distress inks.  I then added black ink while using a honeycomb stencil.  The lizard and sentiment were embossed and colored with an orange copic marker.  Dots ribbon and twine to finish off the tag.
 
Well, that's all for now.  I have the oven preheating to make some cookies to take into work tomorrow.  I've been on vacation for two weeks and today is my last vacation day...sighhhh!:-)  Thanks so much for dropping by!  Have a great day!
 
Hugs,
Maria
 
 
Supplies:
 
Paper:  Kraft Outlet
Stamps:  Paper Smooches
Ink:  Distress Ink(Tim Holtz):  Spice Marmalade, Fired Brick, Mustard Seed
        Versa Mark
Die:  Sissix(tag)
Stencil:  Tim Holtz-Honeycomb
Dots:  Recollections
Twine:  American Crafts
Ribbon:  Jo-Ann Fabric
Copic

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Yosemite...


 
 
Hi there!
 
Hope you are having a great weekend!  I just thought I'd pop in and share a few pics from our Yosemite vacation.  True peace and beauty surrounds this majestic area of our country in California...amazing!  It is such a blessing!  We very much enjoyed our trip there!
 



We had a wonderful surprise before we got off the shuttle and the driver said..."Look...there's a reindeer...hehehe!"  He's such a cutie, too!:-)



Walking amongst these trees was so calming and peaceful.  It is not autumn yet, but I agree with John Muir's words..."Nature's peace will flow into you.  While cares will drop off like autumn leaves."


This bird is called the Sterling Jay.  Isn't it a gorgeous blue?  We had to try many times before we got a great pic of this lovely bird.  But, it was so worth it!


It was a long way to hike up to Vernal Falls.  My husband made it all the up to the top.  But, before he reached the highest point, he took this fabulous pic of the falls.  I stayed back by the bridge to rest...hehehe.


I hope you enjoyed our pics of Yosemite.  We also made it to
Napa Valley and San Francisco, but I won't give you pic overload...lol!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,
Maria

Friday, July 18, 2014

Stamp Scrap Art Tour Show!



Hi there!

Just letting you know that if you are in the area of Winston-Salem, NC, Paper Sweeties will be there this weekend for the SSAT show!  Today, Debbie will be teaching at the Make IT Take IT Friday Night Party...how fun!  The show begins today and ends 7-20-14.  So, if you're in the area, go on over and check it out!  Have a wonderful day!

Hugs,
Maria

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Woodland...


Hi Friends!

I'm back home from a glorious vacation!  We had a wonderful time in California.  Our first stop was at Yosemite National Park...so majestic!  We took in the beauty and thoroughly enjoyed our short time there.  I'm entering this pic over at Our Beautiful World.  The theme is "Woodland". 

The other stops we made on vacation were to Napa Valley, Sacramento, and San Francisco.  I met with a friend, Cheryl, and we had a nice lunch at Joe's Crab Shack.  We went to nursing school together, and I haven't seen her in many years.  We caught up on things and the conversation flowed just like it always does.  She is a dear sweet friend!  I also got a chance to meet her parents, too.  Now I know why Cheryl is the "special" person she is!:-)



Ok, well, I have lots of laundry to do and all the other usual things to do after one returns from vacation.  I have tons of fabulous pics, but I'm still editing them.  My husband loves to click away on the camera and then I edit them...hundreds...lol!  But, that's ok, he enjoys it!  And, you never know when you might get that perfect pic!:-)  So, more pics for later.  Thank you for viewing my pics here today!  Take care and have a great week!

Hugs,
Maria

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Paper Sweeties July Release Rewind!


Hi there!

Have you enjoyed the July release stamp sets?  I know that I have had lots of fun creating with these darling stamp sets/dies this month!  Today I'd like to share a card with you using a *new* set of dies released Sweet Cuts-Home Tweet Home.  They coordinate with the stamp set that was released last summer Home Tweet Home!  You can create a sweet summery scene with this set!  I just love the little bird, bird house, fence, flowers, and sentiments!

I started with an Echo Park card and paired it with PTI paper.  I colored the bird and sentiment with copics.  The flowers were stamped with SU-Daffodil Delight ink with gems added.  Some stitching added for the final touch.

Don't forget the Inspiration Challenge going on until the end of the month!  The winner will receive a $20 gift certificate and an invite to be guest designer for the following month!  Come and join the fun!  I can't wait to see what you create!  Here is the Inspiration Challenge photo...


Hop along with the list below for some creative inspiration!



Amber Kroening
Annette Allen
Annette Witherspoon
Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties
Kerin Sylvester
Kristi Schurr
Lesley Croghan
Maria Patrick--that's me
Michelle Bala
New Products & Links:

Firefighters
Sweeties Pets

Sweet Cuts - Home Tweet Home


Thanks so much for dropping by!  Take care!
 
Hugs,
 
Maria

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Paper Sweeties July Release Party!

 
Hi Friends!
 
Today is the day to purchase those awesome new stamps/dies from Paper Sweeties...yeah! 
 
I'm highlighting the Firefighters stamp set once again, and Jake is in his firefighter outfit standing at the fire station ready for duty!  I wanted to make this special project for my friend's daughter, Kendra and fiancée, John.  They will be getting married next April.  John is a volunteer firefighter here in town and what a sweet couple they are!  They want to have a display at their wedding with a firefighter theme.  And, any donations to be given to the fire station.  I thought that is a fabulous idea!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that they like what I came up with!:-)
 
Ok, for my project, I started with a paper mache house and painted the roof black and the windows brown.  The windows were covered with acrylic.  The rest of the house was covered with brick paper.  Jake was colored with copics along with the dog and fire hydrant.  Sweet Cuts-Jake die was used to cut out Jake. The stamp set used for this project is from the stamp set Firefighters.  The sentiment was embossed and brads added.  The fire/rescue emblem is from Me &My Big Ideas.
 
You'll want to see more projects from the rest of the design team!  Hop along and have fun!
 

                                        Amber Kroening
                                         Annette Allen
Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties
Maria Patrick--that's me



New Products & Links:



Firefighters
Sweeties Pets

Sweet Cuts - Home Tweet Home

 
 
Thanks for taking time to view my project today!
 
Hugs,
Maria
 
 

Monday, July 14, 2014

Paper Sweeties July Release Countdown!

Hi there!
 
Welcome to the countdown for Paper Sweeties!  Tomorrow will be the day to purchase some awesome *new* stamps/dies!  Do you have a firefighter that's in your life?  These stamps would be perfect for that awesome firefighter!  My niece's husband is a firefighter and my friend's son-in-law to be is a firefighter, also.  Stay tuned for tomorrow I have another project using these wonderful firefighter stamps!
 
I started with a polka dot card from Echo Park.  I then added black glitter paper from Coredinations.  Jake and his firefighter outfit was colored with copics.  I used the Firefighters stamp set for Jake's outfit, dog, fire hydrant, and sentiment.  Abigail was colored with copics and her outfit is from the stamp set Sweetie Pie.  Coordinating Sweet Cuts dies were used to cut out the sweeties...Sweet Cuts-Jake, Sweet Cuts-Abigail.  Washi Tape is from Queen&Co.  The hearts were colored with copics and punched with an EK heart punch.
 
Please follow the blog list to see what my fellow team members have come up with....
 

                                        Amber Kroening
                                        Annette Allen
                                   Annette Witherspoon

Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties

Maria Patrick--that's me
 
 
 
New Products & Links:


Firefighters
Sweeties Pets

Sweet Cuts - Home Tweet Home
 

 Drop back again tomorrow for another firefighter project!  Thanks for visiting here today!
 
Hugs,
Maria
 


Sunday, July 13, 2014

Paper Sweeties July Release Sneak Peeks!


Hi there!

Welcome to Paper Sweeties July Release Sneak Peeks!  Cute fun stamps this month with darling little pets!  Do you have a sweet pet that leaves paw prints on your heart?  I sure do!  He is a German Shepherd, Shadow.  And, he just had his birthday last month.  He is now eight years old.  Here's a pic of the sweetie...

 
 
For my card, I started with a kraft card base and added paw print paper.  The sky was made using distress ink.  I colored the dog and cat with copics.  They are from the new stamp set Sweeties Pets, which will be available on July 15th!  The heart border die is from TE.  And, the grass die is from MFT.  I made the sun using punches and button with floss.  An aqua bow added for the final touch.
 
For more awesome inspiration, please take a peek at what my fellow teammates created!  Here is the blog list...
 
 
                                                       Amber Kroening
                                                         Annette Allen
Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties
Maria Patrick--that's me


New Products & Links:


Firefighters
Sweeties Pets

Sweet Cuts - Home Tweet Home
                                                             
 
Thanks so much for dropping by today!
Hugs,
Maria
 


Monday, July 7, 2014

Life's Sweet!





Hi Friends!

I hope that you had a wonderful 4th!  I'm grateful and proud to be an American living in the land of the free!  I thank all the brave men and women who serve and protect to keep us safe...thank you!

And, I'm just popping in today to share a quick card I made.  I'm entering this card over at Sugar Pea Designs



Here is my card...



 I wanted to use this fun summery Doodlebug paper before summer was over.  The summer always flies by.  I think we wanted it to get here due to the harsh winter, and I certainly do not want it to end!:-)We will be out and about enjoying the nice weather on our vacation this week.  I'll be back soon.  In the meantime, I have some Paper Sweeties projects that you'll be able to view soon.  Ok, that's all for now.  Take care and thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugs,
Maria

Supplies:

Paper:  PTI, Doodlebug
Stamps:  Fiskars
Ink:  Memento-Tuxedo Black
Twine:  Doodlebug
Brads:  My Stash
Stickles:  Ranger
Copics

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Paper Sweeties July Inspiration Challenge #21-Patriotic Prints!

 
Happy July!
 
How are you?  Another sweet challenge for Paper Sweeties!  Don't you just love the colors of red, white, and blue?  I sure do!  And, I especially love red and aqua together!  Some lovely prints in the inspiration photo, don't you think?  Today is my sister's birthday.  She always takes vacation at this time to her cottage on the lake.  My sisters and I will be at her cottage this evening for her birthday celebration.  I'm looking forward to the birthday fun!
 
And, here is my card...
 
 
 
For my card, I started with a white card base and paired it with some MME and Authentique papers.  I colored Emma with copics and cut her out with coordinating die Sweet Cuts-Emma.  Her dress is from the stamp set Jelly Bean Time.  The sentiments are from the stamp set Happy Everything.  And, the flag with pearl is from Bella Blvd.  You will want to hop along and view more wonderful creations from the team.  Please follow the list below...have fun!
 

 

                                                       Amber Kroening
Maria Patrick--that's me
July Guest Designer:  Bethie Johnson

I'm also entering this card over at Colour Q Challenge.  These are the wonderful colors for inspiration...


Supplies:

Paper:  PTI, MME, Authentique
Stamps:  Paper Sweeties:  Emma and coordinating die
                                          Jelly Bean Time-dress and shoes
                                          Happy Everything-sentiments
Ink:  Memento-Tuxedo Black
         SU-Real Red
Ribbon:  Really Reasonable Ribbon
Pearls:  SU
Die:  Sweet Cuts-Emma
Doily Border Punch:  Martha Stewart
Copics


Dies R Us July Challenge (Team A) "Christmas in July"


Hi there!

It's time for Dies R Us Challenge!  The theme this month is Christmas in July!  I really don't want to think about Christmas for we had a very rough winter with lots of snow and cold temps!  But, it was fun getting out some fancy dies and playing with them for my Christmas card.  I really do love the poinsettia die!  You have until July 13th to enter the challenge.  The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to the Dies R Us store!  So, bring out those dies and create some Christmas fun.  Many of you may have Christmas cards done, but this is my first one for the year...yeah!

For my card, I started with a white card base and die cut scalloped circles.  I stamped the image and added glitter.  The poinsettia die was used to cut the foil paper for the flower and leaves.  The tag die was used to cut gold foil paper and placed behind the sentiment.   I wish you could see the card with the foil die cuts in real life for the photo doesn't capture them as well as what I'd like.  Gems, ribbon, and bells to finish off the card.

The dies used on my card can be purchased at the Dies R Us store.  And, the list of dies used today are the following...



 
 Would you like more inspiration?  Check out some amazing creations from my fellow teammates...
 
 

                                                         A Team Members
                                                         Theme:  Christmas in July
 
Thank you for taking time out to visit here today!  Take care and have a wonderful day!
 
Hugs,
Maria
 
Supplies:
 
Paper:  PTI, Recollections
Stamps:  SU
Ink:  SU(Real Red)
Stickles:  Ranger
Gems:  Recollections
Ribbon:  Really Reasonable Ribbon
Gold Thread, Floss:  Jo-Ann Fabric
Dies:  Spellbinder's