Looking Back on 2014...

Hello Friends!

Any special plans for this evening?  We will most likely take in a movie and dinner and come back home to quietly ring in the new year.  Whatever your plans are...stay safe and have fun!

I'm sitting here looking back on 2014 knowing it had lots of highs and lows.  My work being the most dominant change in my life.  I worked at the hospital as a nurse for seventeen years.  It was a big part of my life.  I worked med surgical, mental health, and pain management.  Well, my job came to an end shortly before Christmas.  And, it was my choice.  In the last seven years, we have had seven doctors, three nurse practitioners, and two physician assistants.  Change was so apparent with this job.  Some of the change was good and towards the end not so good.  When I saw that I could no longer be a good patient advocate, I decided to leave.  My heart was no longer in it.  It is such a big business now to give health care.  And, believe me some things suffer with it.  I won't go into any more details, but I will definitely miss my co-workers!  Only God knows the right path for me.  And, I will give myself time to explore my options.  A Time for Everything....Ecclesiastes 3:1-22.

Thank you for staying with me if you are still reading this.  I pondered on whether or not to share the above, but I'm sure we can all learn from each other's experiences.  And, you, my wonderful followers, have given me lots of strength and encouragement through so many things.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Whew, OK...onto a lighter note.  I had some fun this year with two vacations, which was to California and Vegas...

 

I met up with my friend, Cheryl, who I went to

 nursing school with.

 

We had our son, Jeremy, go with us to Vegas.

My husband worried about being away at the time of the Ohio State v. Michigan
game, but we found some awesome Ohio State fans and truly had a marvelous time!  And, we are looking forward to the big game against Alabama...go BUCKS!

Well, I thought I'd save a few of my favorite cards made in 2014 for the end of this post.  And, here they are...

 

 

OK, friends, that's all for now.  Thank you so much for visiting here today!  I truly appreciate all your support!  Take care and have a happy healthy New Year!

Hugs,
Maria

Happy Birthday!

 

 

Hi there!

 

I hope your Christmas was wonderful!  It was filled with great memories and a delicious dinner.  Quite small compared to years past, but still a time to treasure!

 

 

On Christmas Eve, we went to the midnight candlelight service.  Our son, Jeremy, played his song "Winter Solstice" before the service.  It's a song he composed when he was a sophomore in high school.  He also played a song on the organ after the service, which was "Toccata in F Major" by Bach.  We are truly blessed with so many musicians in our church.  At the end of the service, we all have a lit candle and sing "Silent Night".  It is the most peaceful amazing tradition each year.  I wouldn't want to miss it for it is so very special!

 

 

A small family dinner with Randy's Mom.  Most of his family is now living in Arizona.  Maybe one day we will go there for Christmas!:-)  My husband was so helpful with the dinner and made a delicious turkey.  He even set the table, but he forgot the table cloth, but that's OK. :-)  My family doesn't get together for Christmas dinner for there is just so many.  But, my sisters did get together on 12-14-14 for Christmas and to celebrate my one sis's birthday on 12-13-14.  Here is a pic with my sisters...

 

 

OK, are you still with me?  Are you wondering where my birthday card is for the challenge?:-)  Thank you for reading my long post.  Here is my card, which I made for a lady at our church who will soon be turning "90"!

All stamps used are from Paper Sweeties...Party Time (cake, balloons) with coordinating dies Sweet Cuts-Party Time.  Alphas-Upper Case (numbers 9,0) stamp set used for numbers on the cake, border, and banner.  The banner die is from the set Sweet Cuts-Be Happy.  And, the sentiment is from the stamp set Occasions.  The border punch is from Martha Stewart and the ribbon is from Jo-Ann Fabric.  I'm entering this card over at Seize the Birthday. 

Thanks so much for dropping by today.  Take care and have a great week!

Hugs,
Maria

Merry Christmas!

 

Hi there!

 



Merry Christmas to you all!  I just want to share with you a sweet surprise that I received in the mail today from my friend, Patty!  She was the winner of my blog candy a few weeks ago.  You can see her wonderful creations here...Creating with Paper and Bows!  She really brightened my day today for I'm down with a respiratory infection.  What a time to come down with something, huh?  Anyways, this card is just too CUTE!  She even made a tag with a darling snowman tucked inside...

 

I can't wait to show this awesome card and tag to my MIL tomorrow!  She loves seeing handmade cards.  Well, I better start some laundry.  I have things pretty much under control for the Christmas dinner tomorrow.  Tonight I will made the pies and cranberry salad.  My hubby is in charge of the turkey.  I hope things are going well at your house and that you and all your loved ones have a blessed Merry Christmas!  Thanks so much for taking a peek at my nice surprise today!:)

Hugs,
Maria

Dies R Us Challenge#16-Team B- Anything Goes!

Hi there!

Just another Christmas card I thought I'd share with you for a fun challenge going on over at Dies R Us!  The dies that I used, which can be purchased at the Dies R Us Store are...

 Frantic-Stamper--Dies--Pine-Bough

Little-B--Dies--Holiday

 

So, please join in on the Dies R Us Challenge that is going on right now until December 28th at midnight!  Look through all your fabulous dies and choose any one them to enter this challenge.  Team B has come up with some awesome inspiration and the theme is "Anything Goes".  It can't get any easier than that!  The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to the Dies R Us Store! 

 

For my card, I used PTI, SU, and Simple Stories papers.  The sentiment is from PTI. The layered poinsettia is from Spellbinders.  And, the gems are from Queen & Co.   A short and sweet post for now.  I hope all is well in your crafting world!  Please view some wonderful creations from Team B by hopping along with the list below...



B Team Members

Alicia

Diane

Mikha
Robin
Sherri

 

 

Thanks so much for dropping by!  Take care!

 

Hugs,

Maria

 

 



Paper Sweeties December Release Rewind!

 

 

Welcome to Release Rewind for Paper Sweeties!  Today our projects combine the *new* with previously released stamps/dies.  Did I say how much I LOVE these little birds with the Santa hats?  I used the same little cuties on my card posted on 12-13-14.  Debbie designs the cutest images!  I have double the fun today with a gatefold card using the birds and holly from the *new* stamp set Deck The Halls.  I used the coordinating dies Sweet Cuts-Deck The Halls.  The wreath is from the stamp set Season of Love.  And, the sentiment is from the stamp set Occasions.  Just a few more things added to the card from Paper sweeties are the seam binding ribbon (Green Apple), twine(Strawberry), and  candy canes.  Would you like to take a peek at the inside of the card?  Sure you do!  Here it is...

 

 

 

The  fun sentiment for the inside of the card is from the stamp set O' Christmas Tree.  Ok, well, this wraps up the Release for this month.  I so hope that you enjoyed it!  For more inspiration, please hop along following the list below.  I know that you'll love all the creations from my fellow teammates!

  





                                                         Amber Kroening

Annette Witherspoon
Char Cundy

Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties

Julie Tucker-Wolek

Larissa Heskett 
Lysa Rohrer 
Mackie Robertson

Maria Patrick--that's me

Michelle Bala
Mynnette Kitchen

Nancy Penir

                                                       
 

                                                           What's New

 Snow Time

 Deck The Halls

                                                     Sweet Cuts - Snow Time
                                                  Sweet Cuts - Deck The Halls

Thanks so much for visiting here today!  Take care!

Hugs,
Maria

Supplies:

Paper:  PTI, Doodlebug
Stamps:  Paper Sweeties-Deck The Halls-bird, holly
                                         Season of Love-wreath
                                         Occasions-sentiment(Merry Christmas)
                                         O' Christmas Tree-sentiment(inside of card)
Ink:  Memento-Rich Cocoa
        SU:  Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede
Ribbon:  Paper Sweeties:  seam binding-green apple
Candy Cane:  Paper Sweeties
Dies:  Paper Sweeties:  Sweet Cuts-Deck The Halls-bird, holly
Twine:  Paper Sweeties-Strawberry
Stickles-Ranger
Copics

Paper Sweeties December Release Party!

Today is Release Party for Paper Sweeties...woohoo!  The *new* stamps/dies are now available to purchase!  If you saw yesterday's post, you will remember that I used the same darling snowman on the coasters that I made.  I couldn't resist using him again for this card.  I think this cute little snowman is trying to catch a snowflake.  Or, he's waving to you and wishing Happy Holidays!:-)

I started with a white card base and used the Sweet Cuts-Snow Globe for the cut out.  I stamped the background with a stamp from the coordinating stamp set Snow Globe for the appearance of snow.  The little guy from the same stamp set is on a snow drift, which I cut using the die Sweet Cuts-Thanks Snow Much.  The sequins(Robin Egg)  and twine(Strawberry)  are also from Paper Sweeties.  And, there you have it an easy shaker card.  Hop along and see what the other designers have created.  I'm sure it'll be fun! 

                                                          Amber Kroening

Annette Witherspoon
Char Cundy

Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties

Julie Tucker-Wolek

Larissa Heskett 
Lysa Rohrer 
Mackie Robertson

Maria Patrick--that's me

Michelle Bala
Mynnette Kitchen

Nancy Penir

                                                       
 

                                                           What's New

 Snow Time

 Deck The Halls

                                                     Sweet Cuts - Snow Time
                                                  Sweet Cuts - Deck The Halls


Please come back tomorrow for Paper Sweeties Release Rewind!  Thank you for stopping by!

Hugs,
Maria


Supplies:

Paper:  PTI
Stamps:  Paper Sweeties-Snow Globe
Ink:  Memento:  Tuxedo Black
        SU:  Bashful Blue
Pearl Beads:  Jo-Ann Fabric
Sequins:  Paper Sweeties-Robin Egg
Dies:  Paper Sweeties-Sweet Cuts-Snow Globe
                                    Sweet Cuts-Thanks Snow Much
Twine:  Paper Sweeties:  Strawberry
Copics

Paper Sweeties December Release Countdown!

 

Welcome Back!

 

It's Release Countdown for Paper Sweeties today!  I had lots of fun coloring the snowmen and trees for this project!  Yep, if you haven't guessed already, those are coasters. 

 



Wouldn't these make a fun quick affordable Christmas gift?  I made them all the same except for the background paper.  The *new* stamp set is Snow Globe with coordinating dies.  The sentiment is from the Occasions stamp set.  The star was cut using the Sweet Cuts-Be Happy die.  The snow drift was made using the Sweet Cuts-Thanks Snow Much die.  I gave each coaster a couple of coats of mod podge to seal them.  And, the seam binding(Green Apple) for the final touch.
                                                
                                                        Amber Kroening

Annette Witherspoon
Char Cundy

Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties

Julie Tucker-Wolek

Larissa Heskett 
Lysa Rohrer 
Mackie Robertson

Maria Patrick--that's me

Michelle Bala
Mynnette Kitchen

Nancy Penir

                                                       
 

                                                           What's New

 Snow Time

 Deck The Halls

                                                     Sweet Cuts - Snow Time
                                                  Sweet Cuts - Deck The Halls

Supplies:

Paper:  MME, Doodlebug, PTI
Stamps:  Paper Sweeties:  Snow Globe, Occasions
Ink:  Memento:  Tuxedo Black
Dies:  Paper Sweeties:  Sweet Cuts-Thanks Snow Much-snow drift
                                      Sweet Cuts-Be Happy- star
                                      Sweet Cuts-Snow Globe-tree, snowman
Ribbon:  Paper Sweeties:  seam binding-green apple
Copics
Misc:  Mod Podge

Paper Sweeties December Release Sneak Peaks!

 



Hi there, Friends!

Today I'm sharing a sneak peak for Paper Sweeties!  More new stamps/dies will be released on 12-15-14 for your crafting pleasure!  Christmas will be here before you know it!  Only twelve more days!:-)  Today I am highlighting the new stamp set Deck The Halls and coordinating dies.  What a sweet set it is to decorate with for any project!

I started with a white card base and added Doodlebug paper.  The background sky was made using distress inks.  I embossed the snowflakes and added white center dots.   I used the Sweet Cuts-Thanks Snow Much for the snow drifts.  I wanted some texture for the snow, so I added gesso with a paint brush.  Hopefully, you can see it better with the photo below...

I just love those sweet little birds with the Santa hats, don't you?  The final touch was strawberry twine, which is also from Paper Sweeties.

For more inspiration, please hop along to view more creations from the talented design team...have fun!

                                                        Amber Kroening

Annette Witherspoon
Char Cundy

Debbie Marcinkiewicz – Paper Sweeties

Julie Tucker-Wolek

Larissa Heskett 
Lysa Rohrer 
Mackie Robertson

Maria Patrick--that's me

Michelle Bala
Mynnette Kitchen

Nancy Penir

                                                       
 

                                                           What's New

 Snow Time

 Deck The Halls

                                                     Sweet Cuts - Snow Time
                                                  Sweet Cuts - Deck The Halls

Supplies:

Paper:  PTI, Doodlebug
Stamps:  Paper Sweeties:  Deck The Halls
Ink:  Memento-Tuxedo Black
         Distress Ink-Ranger:  Broken China, Tumbled Glass, Stormy Sky
Twine- Paper Sweeties:  Strawberry
Dies:  Paper Sweeties:  Sweet Cuts-Deck The Halls
                                      Sweet Cuts-Thanks Snow Much
Copics
Misc:  Ranger-Gesso

Tags...

 

Hi there!

 

Just popping in quick to show you a few tags that I made this evening.  They were

easy peasy with a deer die and copic markers.  I colored with various colors

and then went over the colors with a blender pen.  I was hoping

to get sort of a water color effect...not sure...maybe?  But, anyways,

it was fun to just play around with them.  I turned the deer into Rudolph

by added a red pearl.  The tag punch is from SU and the deer die is

from Little B.  I added yarn to finish

off the tag. 

 

Ok, friends, that's all for now.  Hope all is well in your crafting world.  

  I'm waiting on a test result due tomorrow.  I'm hoping

and praying that it's a good result!  Please keep me in prayer...I'd appreciate it!

 

*Edit:  My biopsy for my thyroid was negative...yeah!  Praise the Lord!* 

Thank you so much for your prayers!

 

Thanks so much for dropping by...take care!

 

Hugs,

Maria

 

Winner...Winner!!!

 

Hi Friends!

 

As promised, it is time to announce the winner of those who commented on my post on 12-2-14 regarding the Visions of Sugarplums Blog Hop!  I hope that you were able see all the wonderful creations from the talented designers!  I thank Lori for inviting me to participate!  She always has amazing creations with tutorials, kits, and freebies.  You must take a look at her blog!:-)

 

OK...I had my hubby choose a name.  He did it with a smile while watching the Ohio State game!  And, of course, our dog, Shadow, just had to be in the photo, too!  Thank goodness Ohio State is playing a great game...yeah!  And, without further delay...the winnnner is.........

 



The winner is Patty!  Yeah...congratulations and Merry Christmas!  If you could please send me your address, I'll be mailing your goodies out to you next week!  Take care, my friends!

Hugs,
Maria

Merry Christmas!

Hi there!

I hope you're having a good start to the weekend!  How's all those Christmas preparations going for you?  This is certainly a very busy time of year for everyone.  The tree is up today as are many decorations.  This evening I made chex mix and made cookie dough to chill in the fridge overnight to bake for tomorrow.  I needed to take a break from the hustle and bustle, so I decided to make a card for City Crafter Challenge.  I knew exactly what stamp to use, which is from Close to My Heart.  The sentiment is from PTI.  The glittery bow is from Crate Paper...love those pretty little bows!  And, here is my card...

 

 

Well, that's all I have for now except to remind you that I'll be drawing names tomorrow regarding my post on 12-2-14 Visions of Sugarplums.  Below is the collection of goodies for one lucky winner...good luck!

 



Thanks so much for dropping by!  Have a great weekend!

Hugs,
Maria

Visions of Sugarplums Blog Hop!

 

Hello there, friends!

 

Woohoo!!!  It's time for some Christmas fun!!!  Lori is hosting the Visions of Sugarplums Blog Hop!  Lots of fun and wonderful prizes over the next few days.  Come and check it out!  Start the season with fun, food, and frolic!

 

I bet the sweet little kiddos in your life are dreaming of sugar plums dancing in their heads!  The latest little kiddo in our family is Carter Alan, my great nephew.  He was born last June.  And, he has a sister named Adaleigh.  Here are photos of the little darlings...

 

Carter Alan

 

Adaleigh

 

Carter is a bit young to voice his sugar plum dreams, but Adaleigh would certainly tell you all about hers...hehehe! 

 

But, back on topic here for I want to share with you a project I made for the hop.  And, I have a giveaway...yeah!:-)

 

 

For my project, I started with a wood circular gift box and painted it with red paint.  I decorated it with a cotton doily(Amish Country-Berlin, OH).  I stitched the felt stockings and added little gingerbreads.  Buttons were sewn with gold thread and added to the cotton doily trim.  Rusty bells from Paper Sweeties, Maya Road pins, and ribbon from Verve to finish off the gift box.  I added vintage lace(Amish Country-Berlin, OH) all around the outside of the box as seen below.....

 

 

And, one more thing...

 

A lucky winner will receive this selection of goodies from me...Merry Christmas!  The winner will be announced on December 6th!

 

 

 

 

 



There are daily giveaways.  To participate in the shop giveways and ChouxChoux Paper Art giveaways, you need to comment on Lori's blog letting her know that you want to win. 

She'll add your name to the "hat."  You will also get your name added for every comment you leave on the participating blogs.    

Store Giveaways:

     Vintage Bella     

      Moonlighting by Mary

      Studio Shine

      Kitty Bee Designs

 

Please hop along and view more Christmas inspiration from the following!  Take care and have lots of fun...good luck!

Char

 Regina

  Mitra

  Maria--that' me

  May

Hugs,
Maria

Supplies:

Wood Box:  Hobby Lobby
Paper:  Paper Studio
Stamp:  Sweet 'n Sassy
Ink:  Versa Mark
Embossing Powder:  Tim Holtz
Ribbon:  Verve
Metal Dots:  Mark Richards
Felt:  Taylored Expressions
Rusty Jingle Bells:  Paper Sweeties
Gingerbread, Pearl Cotton:  Jo-Ann Fabric
Pins:  Maya Road
Doily,Lace:  Amish Country-Berlin, OH
Buttons:  Paper Studio
Misc:  red paint

House of Cards DESIGNER'S HOP...

Hi there!

 



The Paper Sweeties Design Teamies have been invited to join the House of Cards Design Team and participate in their end of term BLOG HOP December 1st - 15th. 

Challenge winner will receive a $20 gift certificate to the Paper Sweeties boutique!

 

 

 

 

For my card, I was inspired by the reindeer.  Debbie designed a CUTE rockin' reindeer

 from the stamp set Homespun Holidays!  This is one of my favorite go to sets for Christmas!  I used the coordinating die Sweet Cuts-Homespun Holidays to cut out the rockin' reindeer.  I colored with copics and added google eyes.  A couple of punches were used for the circles and vine garland.  Silver thread and yarn to finish off the card.

 

Have some great fun and join in on the challenge!  And before you do...

 

please follow along and view some awesome inspiration from my fellow teammates!

 

Char Cundy
Debbie Marcinkiewicz

Jinny Newlin 
Larissa Heskett
Mackie Robertson
Maria Patrick--that's me
Michelle Bala
Mynnette Kitchen (HOC owner)
Nancy Penir
Jill Norwood  
Annette Witherspoon
 

Thank you so much for stopping by today!

 

Hugs,

Maria

Paper Sweeties December Inspiration Challenge #26-'Happy Holidays'

 



Hi there!

 

How are you?  I hope all is well in your crafting world!  This is my second post for the day.  Please scroll down to see my creation for Dies R Us.

 

Isn't that a wonderful inspiration photo with a sweet gingerbread?  I was inspired to get out my Paper Sweeties gingerbread stamps, which is from the stamp set Ho Ho Ho and coordinating dies Sweet Cuts- Ho Ho Ho. to make this card...

 

 

 

For my card, I started with a natural card base from MFT.  I added a Christmas bulb and sentiment from the stamp set Homespun Holidays and coordinating die Sweet Cuts-Homespun Holidays.  I used up several scraps of paper and sewed them together.  The rusty jingle bells and seam binding ribbon-green apple are also from Paper Sweeties.  Twine and buttons to finish off the card.

 

I hope you have some fun creating a card or project this month for the challenge for one lucky winner will be awarded a $20 gift certificate.  And, an invite to be guest designer for the following month!

 

Please follow the blog list below of my fellow teammates for some fabulous inspiration...have fun! 

 

Amber Kroening

Annette Witherspoon

  Char Cundy

Debbie Marcinkiewicz
Julie Tucker-Wolek 

Larissa Heskett 
 Lisa Elton
Lysa Rohrer
Mackie Robertson

Maria Patrick--that's me

Michelle Bala
Mynnette Kitchen

Nancy Penir

December Guest Designer:  Diane Hover 



                                             

 

 

Thank you so much for taking time out to view my project today!  I hope to see your creation at the challenge site...happy creating!:-)

Hugs,
Maria


Supplies:

Paper:  MFT, DCWV
Stamps:  Paper Sweeties:  Ho Ho Ho
                                           Homespun Holidays
                                           
Ink:  SU-Soft Suede
Ribbon:  Paper Sweeties:  seam binding-green apple                   
Bells:      Paper Sweeties:  Rusty Jingle Bells
Dies:       Paper Sweeties:  Sweet Cuts-Ho Ho Ho-gingerbread, candy cane
                                           Sweet Cuts-Homespun Holidays-Christmas bulb
Twine:  PTI
Misc.:  Gesso-Claudine Hellmuth-frosting on gingerbread
Copics
Buttons:  SU

Dies R Us December Challenge (Team A)-"Winter Wonderland"

Hi Friends!

Oh, my...wow!  It's December and you all know what that means....Christmas!  I wish for all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Today, I'd like to share with you a card I made for Dies R Us Challenge!  The theme this month for Team A is "Winter Wonderland"!   

 

Ok, friends, get out those lovely dies and make a project with the theme...winter wonderland! You have until December 13th to enter.  The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to the Dies R Us store!  So, come on over and join in on the fun!

For my card, I started with a white card base and used several wonderful dies! I added gems, pearls, ribbon, and a vintage button from my stash to "pretty" up the card.  Here is a list of the dies, which can be purchased from the Dies R Us Store....

Taylored Expressions-Snowflake Border

Darice Embossing Essentials

Little B Dies-Holiday

Elizabeth Craft Designs

 

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

 

 



                                                      A Team Members
                                                       Theme:  Winter Wonderland

Barbara
Jenny
Maria--that's me
Vicki

 

 

 

Team B will post their creations on the 15th!

Theme:  Anything Goes

B Team Members

Alicia
Diane
Mikha
Robin
Sherri

 

Thanks so much for visiting here today!

 

Hugs,

Maria

 

 



Supplies:

 

Paper: PTI, Bazzill
Stamp: 

Dies:  See listed above
Die:  Spellbinders Nestabilities Decorative Labels Eight
Ribbon:  Really Reasonable Ribbon
Pearls:  SU
Gems:  Darice
Button:  My Stash
Pearl Cotton:  Jo-Ann Fabric