Monday, January 6, 2025

The Unexpected

As we meander a Path of Positivity, we are challenging you to create something inspired by The Unexpected. Of course, you can share anything positive you like, the theme is always optional.

Now this theme is a bit tricky this month!  The idea is to reflect upon the past and create a project based upon an unexpected event that changed your life in a positive way.  Lisa explains it very well over at PoP; so you might want to drop by for her explanation.  

Remember, you may share any sort of artistic medium over at PoP:  writing, cards, journals, scrapbooking, painting, sewing, baking, needle crafts, etc as long as it is positive.  The theme is always optional.  

*   *   *   

So, here's my "unexpected."  My daughter was very anxious to start a family but was told after several months of waiting, her chances of conceiving were very low.  

Obviously, the family was heartbroken, but we suggested she go back to grad school and finish up a masters.  Then she might be ready to consider adoption.  

In the meantime, she became very ill with asthma and a plethora of auto-immune issues.  For months her asthma was uncontrolled and she was in the ER frequently with breathing problems; doctors were having a very difficult time managing her issues.  

One of her doctors sent her in for a scope on her upper GI since she was now having digestive issues.  The nurse came in to take blood and of course asked if there was any chance she could be pregnant.  She looked up with a sad eye and said, "I can't get pregnant.  There's less than a 5% chance I can conceive."  The nurse apologized for having to take the test anyway.  Katelyn understood.  I did my best to change the subject and move on to other topics while we waited. 

Well, we waited and waited...and waited some more!  Finally, the nurse came back with a perplexed look on her face and said, "I had the lab run this twice to be sure.  I didn't want to any false results on this test!"  She held out the paper for Katelyn to read; the pregnancy test was positive!

Needless to say, there were tears and phone calls.  The surgeon came by and said he couldn't explain many of her issues, but he could probably figure out the GI problems!  ;)  The nurse suggested Katelyn get with her OB/GYN before leaving the hospital to set up the earliest appointment since her health was so precarious.  

Sure enough, it was a long 9 months full of worry, emergency hospital visits, and tests.  Finally, in January 2016, a healthy baby Cass was born.  

Unexpected for sure!

Update:  Katelyn was finally diagnosed with AERD and Dermatmyositis. She has had ups and downs with her condition.  We can't say she is fully in remission; but she is able to work part time, stay out of the ER (for the most part), and take care of her family.   

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Interested in creating a Digital Layout in Canva?  Check out the video below.


Material List:

Photo Christmas 2016
Papers, Tags, and Burlap Ribbon from ScrappyPapers 
Digital Elements from Canva 
Digital Elements from Kitten Scraps (Retired), but you can find her designs here:  My Memories
Programs:  Canva and PhotoScape X

 Sharing with these challenges:  

CRAFT:  New/AG
My Time to Craft:  New ~ I used new papers
Peace On Earth:  AG Christmas
Everybody Art Challenge:  W for Wreathe, Christmas 
The Holly and Ivy:  AG Christmas
Christmas Crafts All Year 'Round:  The Christmas Song
I was inspired by these words ~
"Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
They know that Santa's on his way"

If you are interested in learning Canva techniques, I recommend the videos by Sande Woodson!  Here's a link to her channel.
She is quite knowledgeable about this technology/crafting medium!

Be sure to visit  Anything Goes in a Card Free Zone 
for all the details about the challenge and 
to check out all the creative inspiration from the DT and participants!
  
Thanks for stopping by!  Make yourself at home and feel free to peruse other posts/pages, leave a comment, and/or check out my Pinterest and YouTube Channel.     

Saturday, January 4, 2025

I Tried Something New!



 Time for a new challenge at The Outlawz Anything Goes in a Card Free Zone and the optional theme is... Try Something New!  

I created a paper collection; this is very new for me.  I'm calling this particular collection "Tidings of Joy" by ScrappyPapers and I'm giving it away to the winner over at Anything Goes in a Card Free Zone.  Come try something new and play along for a chance to win!

Catch the video below to see how I used the papers on the layout above.  


I will be showing a 2nd layout with this same paper on the evening of January 6; I invite you back to see that one, also.

Material List:

Vintage Photo circa 1970
Papers, Tags, and Burlap Ribbon from ScrappyPapers (These papers/ephemera are digitally created in Canva, Cricut Design Space, PhotoScape.  I did not use AI; however some images included may have been created in that manner prior to my obtaining them.)  
Digital Elements from Canva (Circle, Font) Free
Digital Elements from Creative Fabrica:  Christmas Wreath https://tinyurl.com/3x95p2d6
Digital Elements from RawPixel: Gold Star https://tinyurl.com/mr3jewdp
Programs:  Canva and PhotoScape X

If you are interested in learning Canva techniques, I recommend the videos by Sande Woodson!  Here's a link to her channel.
She is quite knowledgeable about this technology/crafting medium!

 Sharing with these challenges:  

CRAFT:  New/AG
My Time to Craft:  New ~ I used new papers
Everybody Art Challenge:  W for Wreathe, Christmas
The Holly and Ivy:  AG Christmas 
The Outlawz Sketch:  Circle and Cute
Christmas Crafts All Year 'Round:  The Christmas Song
I was inspired by these words ~
"Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
They know that Santa's on his way"


Be sure to visit  Anything Goes in a Card Free Zone 
for all the details about the challenge and 
to check out all the creative inspiration from the DT and participants!
  
Thanks for stopping by!  Make yourself at home and feel free to peruse other posts/pages, leave a comment, and/or check out my Pinterest and YouTube Channel.     

Friday, December 27, 2024

AG with a Die Cut


 Our new challenge over at Cut It Up is AG, but be sure to use a die cut.  Here is a pic of the inside...


Interested in how this was designed; check out this video below to see how I created this.


 Come share your projects with us at 
Cut It Up.  Remember to include a die cut for this challenge.

Material List:
Spellbinders Embossing Folder
CTMH Cardstock
Adhesives: ATG; Fabric Tac
Cricut Design Space: Design and Cut; Offset; Shapes
Cricut Access: Treble Clef Pinstripe Music Symbols
Font: Bodoni 72 Oldstyle
Cricut Standard Mat Cricut Maker

This is off to the following challenges:  
A Cut Above:  AG w/a Die Cut
Allsorts:  Use you Dies

When you visit the Cut It Up blog, have fun viewing the DT projects. Then be sure to share your project with us ~ don't forget the die cut.

Thanks for stopping by!  Make yourself at home and feel free to peruse other posts/pages, leave a comment, and/or check out my Pinterest and YouTube Channel.      

Monday, December 16, 2024

Hope



As we meander a Path of Positivity, we are challenging you to create something inspired by Quotes about Faith and Hope. Of course, you can share anything positive you like, the theme is always optional.

Remember, you may share any sort of artistic medium over at PoP:  writing, cards, journals, scrapbooking, painting, sewing, baking, needle crafts, etc as long as it is positive.  The theme is always optional.  

I chose this quote from the PoP list of quotes:  “To live without hope is to cease to live.” — Fyodor Dostoyevsky

*   *   *

 Material List:

Quote from the list at Path of Positivity
Digital Background Elements from Canva 
Digital Element from ScrappyPapers
Programs:  Canva and PhotoScape X

 Sharing with these challenges:  

613 Avenue Create:  Any Winter Holiday
Word Power:  AG using words as the main focus

Be sure to come over and see 
what the team thinks about our optional twist.  
You can also find more information about entering the challenge.  

Thanks to Scribbles Designs for sponsoring our Monthly Random Prize.

   

Friday, December 13, 2024

Canvas Gift

Our new challenge over at Cut It Up is More Than One Die Cut.  I chose to go with a canvas for my project.  Lots of die cuts from Cricut Design Space as well as my own shed/barn cut. 

Interested in how this was made; check out the video below to enjoy some tips for building dies and adding texture as I assemble this canvas.


 Come share your projects with us at 
Cut It Up.  Remember to include more than one die cut for this challenge.

Material List:

8" x 8" Canvas Board from Blick https://tinyurl.com/yc8mz55j
Background Paper from Sande http://tinyurl.com/3m6kr9km
Camping Scene Image from Sande http://tinyurl.com/3m6kr9km
Distressed Wood Paper paper from Polkadoodles
CTMH Cardstock
Textured Brown CS from Stash
Barn/Shed - ScrappyPapers
CDS Truck - Just Because Cards
CDS Golden Retriever - Pet Silhouettes
Decou-Paige Matte
CTMH Inks
CTMH Re-inkers
Black Marker
Stampabilities Pigment Silver Ink
Adhesives: Bearly Arts; Double Score Tape; Fabric-Tac
Cricut Design Space: Design and Cut; Offset
CDS Access: Truck and Golden Dies
Cricut Standard Mat Cricut Maker

This is off to the following challenges:  

We Love 2 Create:  AG mixed media
Mix It Up:  AG with optional Paper Piecing
FarmQuest General Store:  AG Country/Farm
Creative Artiste:  AG Mixed Media
A Cut Above:  AG w/a Die Cut
PaperMinutes:  No Christmas
When you visit the Cut It Up blog, have fun viewing the DT projects. Then be sure to share your project with us ~ don't forget the die cut.

Thanks for stopping by.  Make yourself at home and feel free to peruse other posts/pages, leave a comment, and/or check out my Pinterest and YouTube Channel.      

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Light Up the Holiday at CFZ


 
Time for a new challenge at The Outlawz Anything Goes in a Card Free Zone and the optional theme is...Light Up the Holiday!  

 Sharing an old idea that still lights up our holidays.

Material List:

Glass Cube from Menards
Ribbon, ornaments, floral picks all from Michaels circa 1990's
Yes, I have a lot of stuff in storage!
String of lights
Fishing line to tie it all together

My project is off to the following challenges:  

Try it On Tuesday:  Traditional Christmas
As You Like It:  Gold, Silver or Glitter  Although this project includes gold, I love glitter!  I love the way glitter picks up light and throws it around like confetti!  It's so festive.
FarmQuest General Store:  AG Country/Farm
613 Avenue Create:  Any Winter Holiday
Peace on Earth:  Anything Christmas Themed
Christmas crafts All Year 'Round:  Bows, Gifts, Decorations
Classic Design:  AG opt Bells and Baubles
Colorful Options:  Red, Green and Gold
Dream Factory:  Christmas ...Again?!  AG Christmas
Halloween and Other Occasions Crafts All Year 'Round:  AG Birthday Christmas and other Winter Holidays
Merry Little Christmas:  AG Christmas


Be sure to visit  Anything Goes in a Card Free Zone 
for all the details about the challenge and 
to check out all the creative inspiration from the DT and participants!

Thanks for stopping by!  Make yourself at home and feel free to peruse other posts/pages, leave a comment, and/or check out my Pinterest and YouTube Channel.        

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Color Combos During the Holidays

 It's time for a new challenge over at The Outlawz Twisted Thursday and the optional twist is Favorite Holiday Color Combo.  So, how does that inspire you?

I love anything in country colors and that includes Christmas!  As you might know from other posts, I always love combining with brown.  Here I've gone with a country snowflake pattern from Scribble Doodle Designs to back this cute horse image from Hetty Clare.   

The video below is full of Cricut tips like adding a digi to a patterned paper.  Check it out if you like.


Material List 
Digital Image:   Pony Christmas from Hetty Clare  https://tinyurl.com/3c437cfm
Digital Paper: Snowflakes from Scribble Doodle Designs FREE Download Here  https://tinyurl.com/bdhejn6n
Digital Paper:  Nature of Christmas Decosse's Dynamite Doodles  https://tinyurl.com/57ncr44y
Glitter Snowflake from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles FREE Download HERE  https://tinyurl.com/5n86ejmz
Copic Markers
CTMH Ink
CTMH Cardstock
CTMH Gem
Twine from Stash
Gel Pens
Studio G Sparkle Glue 
Adhesives: Fabri-Tac; ATG; Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue https://tinyurl.com/2daf69x2  
Cricut Design Space: Designed, Printed and Cut from CDS
Cuts from Design Space: Shapes
Cricut Standard Mat
Cricut Blade
Cricut Maker

My project is off to the following challenges:

Christmas (or not) BINGO:  Card marked below
CD Sunday Plus:  AG using a Digi, CD, or USB
I Love ProMarkers:  AG with Markers
Krafty Chicks:  Christmas
Critter Crazy:  AG featuring a Critter
The Holly and Ivy:  AG Christmas
Cardz 4 Galz:  Fav color combo ~ I love any color with browns
613 Avenue Create:  Any Winter Holiday
Dragonfly Dreams:  Christmas
Peace on Earth:  Anything Christmas Themed
Stamping Sensations:  AG option of Winter
We Love Stamping:  Winter 
Dream Factory:  Christmas ...Again?!  AG Christmas
Halloween and Other Occasions Crafts All Year 'Round:  AG Birthday Christmas and other Winter Holidays
Morgan's Artworld:  AG with focal image
Pearly Sparkles:  Christmas
12 Months of Christmas:  AG Christmas Card
Crafting Challenge:  Christmas

Be sure to visit
for all the details about the challenge 
and to check out all fun inspiration from the DT and participants. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Make yourself at home and feel free to peruse other posts/pages, leave a comment, and/or check out my Pinterest and YouTube Channel.    

Monday, December 2, 2024

Holiday Card

 As we meander a Path of Positivity, we are challenging you to create something inspired by Quotes about Faith and Hope. Of course, you can share anything positive you like, the theme is always optional.

Remember, you may share any sort of artistic medium over at PoP:  writing, cards, journals, scrapbooking, painting, sewing, baking, needle crafts, etc as long as it is positive.  The theme is always optional.  

I chose this quote from the PoP list of quotes: “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” — J. M. Barrie  

 
Inside of card


 Material List:

Quote from the list at Path of Positivity J. M. Barrie
Designer Paper from ScrappyPapers using images from Creative Fabrica, RawPixel Public Domain and Canva
CTMH Ink
CTMH Cardstock
Adhesives: Double Score Tape and Fabri-Tac
Font: Bluebird Alishanty; Angelinea
Cricut Design Space: Design and Cut; Offset; Print then Cut
Epson Printer
Cricut Access Images: Shapes
Cricut Standard Mat Cricut Maker

 Sharing with these challenges:  
Crafty Gals Corner:  3 + Layers
Creative Knockouts:  Tis the Season
The Holly and Ivy:  AG Christmas
FarmQuest General Store:  AG Country/Farm
613 Avenue Create:  Any Winter Holiday
Dragonfly Dreams:  Christmas
Peace on Earth:  Anything Christmas Themed
If You Give a Crafter a Cookie:  Don't Stop Believin'
Although I have no Santa, I think the sentiment says it all!
Dream Factory:  Christmas ...Again?!  AG Christmas
Halloween and Other Occasions Crafts All Year 'Round:  AG Birthday Christmas and other Winter Holidays
Merry Little Christmas:  AG Christmas
Pearly Sparkles:  Christmas
12 Months of Christmas:  AG Christmas Card

Be sure to come over and see 
what the team thinks about our optional twist.  
You can also find more information about entering the challenge.  

Thanks to Scribbles Designs for sponsoring our Monthly Random Prize.

  

Ooh, Yummy!


I'm delighted to be a guest designer over at FarmQuest Homestyle Kitchen this month and I've baked up a Cinnamon Tea Ring! This layout includes a pic of the tea ring along with the recipe.    

Come play along with Anything Food Related!

Material List:

Focal Image ScrappyPapers
Lacey Background ScrappyPapers
Recipes from Family
Recipe Cards from Cricut Design Space 
Digital Elements from Canva 
Digital Elements from Creative FabricaKitten Scraps (Retired), but you can find her designs here:  My Memories
Programs:  Canva and PhotoScape X

This is off to the following challenges:  
613 Avenue Create:  Any Winter Holiday
Creative Knockouts:  Tis the Season
Double Trouble:  Thing One...It's up to you

Thanks for stopping by!  Make yourself at home and feel free to peruse other posts/pages, leave a comment, and/or check out my Pinterest and YouTube Channel.