sealed with a stamp

Who Knew?

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:32:00 +0000

Who knew that when I received a blog award last week I would spend the next few days feeling like one of those celebrities that DOESN'T thank their adoring family? ( I am SO NOT a celebrity, but you know what I mean)

Who knew that my sweet husband, the "Leaf Nazi," was so sensitive?

Who knew that he would feel so hurt by the fact that I didn't name him as my best friend?

Who knew that I would spend the next few days explaining myself and trying to make up for it?

I SHOULD HAVE. Because I know that ONE word answers never tell the whole story. I am giving myself permission from now on to speak at will:)

As I explained to my husband, there is a very good reason why he isn't my best friend...It's because that "title" doesn't really describe all he is to me. He is so much MORE than my best friend. He is my SOULMATE. He is the other half of me. He is the person that, as cliche as it sounds, completes me. We have so many differences in how we are and that's what makes us great. We look at things in different ways, but always TOGETHER. He has helped me to grow to be a better person. To set goals for myself and to think more seriously about life. While I have helped him to laugh a little more and not be so set on looking to the future...to living in the "now." He is the person I admire the most. I would rather be with him than anyone. He makes me laugh, smile and literally melt inside. He is the person I enjoy growing with each and everyday. Creating this wonderful life we have together. I can not imagine my life without him. It's hard for me to even put into words what he is to me because he is MY EVERYTHING. So I made this card for him and snuck it in his briefcase today.

The inside has the two hearts stamped together. That's what we are...2 hearts that fit perfectly together. Sorry to get all mushy on you, but I needed him to know PUBLICLY why he isn't my best friend. He is so much more! This card could not have come together more perfectly. It is very symbolic of our relationship. All the pieces stitched together, the two seperate hearts that fit and the sentiment. I think it is my favorite card ever. I am so glad I get to give it to him. I used Beate's Weekend Sketch 105 and stole the idea of the punched edge from Laurie Schmidlin.

Thanks for popping in today for my mushy love story. Hope you are having the same fabulous weather that we are here.

What's In It?
Stamps: Hearts Afire (verve), Always
Ink: Choc Chip Craft, Vanilla Craft
Paper: DCWV red, MM Vanilla Love Story, choc chip
Other: Fiskars border punch, dimensionals, sponge, clear EP, Circle Spellbinders, Janome Sew mini, Sizzlet Lots of Tags

Time To Get Sketchy

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:50:00 +0000

WOWZER! Holy Pacholie. Whoa! These are all the things I thought when I saw this sketch challenge. Honestly, it's pretty tough. But, then I started thinking about what I have learned about sketches since participating in so many challenges. You don't have to take a sketch so literally. Think about what else you can see in them. They are really just a creative "diving board." So are you ready to "jump in" over at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge. I think it is going to be so interesting to see what people come up with.

Here's what I saw in that sketch:

This is a little wall hanging that I made with some old chipboard and a new PTI set. As usual, I think it's so much cuter IRL. I added some crystal stickles to the edges of the snow and the snowman, but you can't tell from the picture.

Here it is hanging in my kitchen:

One final close up of the details:

So how creative can you get today with this sketch? You have a chance to win something from

ALL THAT SCRAPS

Here is the prize

Make sure you head on over to see the Design Teams creations and leave them a little love. They are conveniently located on my left side bar.

Have a great Sunday!

What's In It?

Stamps: Holiday Tree (PTI)

Ink: Vanilla Craft, real red, versafine black, always artichoke, vintage photo Tim Holtz, white craft

Paper: Jolly by Golly ( cosmo cricket), Black, Real Red, Vanilla,

Other: CM cutting system, Janome Sew Mini, stickles, PTI vintage buttons, twine, curly label punch, dimensionals, TPS buttons, ribbon (hobby lobby), TH antique linen distress paint, sponge, scalloped edge punch

Resurrection From the Creative Dead?

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:24:00 +0000

Good Morning! I finally finished a card. While I really love this, I'm not sure it means I have my Mojo back. I started this card a few days ago and finally had the gumption to finish it. I think I currently have 4 projects on my desk waiting to be completed. Does anyone else do that? I am so envious of those that can whip up a card in 20 minutes. I don't think I can do ANYTHING in 20 minutes. I'm very slow at everything. It's a family curse. I also wanted to say that I really appreciate the words of encouragement yesterday. I know that everyone goes through a creative slump at times. I am getting ready to go on vacation and I have been trying to get design team work caught up, as well as, projects to show while I am away. I realized that may not happen. My blog may be SILENT for a few weeks. Before it never mattered, but now I KNOW that 64 of you are following my every move..hee hee. The PRESSURE! AHHHH! I don't work well under pressure. I now know that I am my own worst enemy when it comes to that. I decided I will do what I can and then come back with a vengence...refreshed, revived and RAAARING to go. ( The raring part is from Father of the Bride II... Martin Short's character...love that movie)

Ok, enough chatter. This is a card I started for the MOXIE FAB challenge to use PLUM. I only know a handful of people who like purple. I am not one of them. My mom loves purple though. I am missing her. She always reads my blog so she will see her card before she actually gets it. This ones for you MOM!

One of my favorite stamp sets was used on this card. I love the elegance of that "flourish."

I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but I also stamped the little flowers in fresh snow ink and then embossed with iridescent ice. Each is topped with a tiny pearl. They say that "Diamonds are a girl's best friend," but I prefer pearls. This rare beauty encased in a hard shelled creature. There is something very metaphoric about that, don't you think. I know a few people like that. My mom is not one, however. She oozes sweetness.

I also wanted to point out this ribbon rose. Here is a close up...

This is so simple to make. I learned how from my very last demo magazine. I will work on showing you a mini tutorial for next week.

Ok, I'm off to see if I can be a bit more creative. My son has the assignment of "disguising a turkey" for school. So we will be "gettin' crafty " as a family today. Hope you all have a good one. Check back here tomorrow for a Stamptacular Sunday Challenge!

What's In It?

Stamps: Baroque Motif, For You (heidi grace)

Ink: Versamagic Purple Hydrangea, Fresh Snow (PTI)

Paper: Plum Pudding (PTI), White

Other: Plum Pudding satin ribbon, lace, Kaiser pearls, Taylor's Tiny Twinkles, iridescent ice, dimensionals, organdy ribbon, pretties kit, cuttlebug EF, corner rounder

I Have NO MO JO.....

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:53:00 +0000

....no ambition and no time. That equals NO card:( I am trying to be optimistic and say I will be back tomorrow with SOMETHING. Til then my friends. And if NOT, check in on Sunday because I have a project for the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge that took the last of everything I had. I love it though so check back then for sure!

Over the Top!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:00:00 +0000

This is the award that Stacie gave me the other day. I am so honored! Lately I have been called "mean" ( my son), "crazy" (my daughter), "moody" (my husband) and "nuts" ( Tosh). So "Over The Top" is a real compliment.

Now for the rules: I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know I left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word. If you know me then you know one word is TOUGH! I will do it though.
1.Where is your cell phone? Hmmmm?

2.Your hair? WILD

3. Your mother? sweet

4. Your father? silly

5. Your favorite food? Mexican

6.Your dream last night? none

7. Your favorite drink? " Momma's Milk" (Kahlua and milk) I got to 7 before cheating...that's good

8. Your dream/goal? Happiness

9. What room are you in? dining

10. Your hobby? crafting

11. Your fear? lots

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? healthy

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren't? organized

15. Muffins? chocolate

16. Wish list item? time

17. Where did you grow up? Michigan

8. Last thing you did? flyers

19. What are you wearing? smile

20. Your TV? I WISH ( I have kids and a history buff hubby)

21. Your Pets? 4

22. Friends? fabulous

23. Your life? funny

24. Your mood? Cybill-ish

25. Missing Someone? family

26. vehicle? minivan

27. Something your not wearing? shoes

28. Your favorite store? Simply Scrapbooks

29. Your favorite color? green

30. When was the last time you laughed? today

31. Last time you cried? ?????

32. Your best friend? sister

33. One place that I go to over and over? School

34. Facebook? Just

35. Favorite place to eat? My MIL's when we get JET'S Pizza

Ok, so I didn't follow the rules. I am passing this award on to these 5 people:

Kathie....I am amazed by her personally, but WHAT she can do to a lunch note is amazing. I can't even pack my daughter's lunch, let alone make these creations each day. She is OVER THE TOP WONDERFUL!

Liza....I am in awe of her coloring skills. Really, I 'm just horribly jealous.

Carly... She amazes me with her sheer ability to do so many things so wonderfully and with 2 little girls.

PattiJ... I can't believe all the challenges she can accomplish in one day. She also has these little tidbits on her blog that make me giggle everytime.

Travelingmamma....Because her blog speaks to my soul through her stories, her generosity and her photography.

HALLOWEEN PICTURES

Elvis and Priscilla Presley have left the building!

My daughter would not let me cut this hair. Some people thought she was Cher. By the end of the night she wished she had listened to me:)

We had a lot of fun. My son told everyone that gave him candy, "Thank you. Thank you very much," while doing "the lip thing." Some people got it and some didn't. He came home and we got him doing his rendition of Jailhouse Rock on video
.

We also decided to carve only one pumpkin this year. We ran out of time with illness and my hubby's work and school shedule. This also saved us some money. It actually was a really fun family activity. Next year we need a revolving display though so everyone can see all four sides of it.

I wish I had a card for you, but I don't. Hopefully tomorrow. We have had quite a bit of illness here lately. Hope you all stay healthy and have a great Wednesday!

NIKKI

Joy Can Mean SO Many Things

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:10:00 +0000

This is my take on Beate's Weekend Sketch 104. It's a "creative stretch" as far as the sketch goes. I'm not sure it really qualifies at all, but this was the idea I had and I couldn't seem to veer from it. I love this card, but NOT this photo. It seems to me that Raspberry Fizz and Pink Passion don't photograph well. I tried everything to get this to look true in color. Even the buttons are off. So imagine that the true colors of Rasp Fizz, Aqua Mist and Spring Moss are what the buttons really look like. Do you see it? AHA! Then it is indeed "Joy."

On the subject of "joy" I wanted to share something that isn't really craft related. But, this blog is about things that I love. I recently found a blog called, I'm An Organizing Junkie, in my neverending quest to improve myself. One thing that I love on her blog is the Menu Plan Monday. This has been a huge help to me in organizing my week's worth of meals. I am the type of person who thinks at 4pm, "Hmmm, what shall we have for dinner in an hour?" The Menu Plan Monday is a layout of your entire weeks worth of meals. She even has a few printables you can use. This has really helped me so much. I know that sounds like a "no-brainer"...hey, why don't you PLAN what you want to eat for the week, dummy?! For someone like me (an obvious "no-brainer"), I needed this knock to the head. Besides, you can look at what other people are planning and get recipes. You could even just have what she is having each week. I don't know WHO would do something like that though. I mean REALLY! But, it's an option...a back up plan, if you will.

This has also led me to other blogs that offer up some great recipes. One blog is called, Finding Joy In My Kitchen. This lady posts tons of stuff...sometimes twice a day.

I, personally, have never found "JOY" in my kitchen... but I'd LOVE to... REALLY! Everyday at 3:30, when I get home from picking up the kids, I hope that I will find "JOY" there. A big smile on her face, cooking up a dinner beyond belief. She will nod and say, "Hey, I've got it all under control." Then she'll present this beautiful dinner that EVERYONE will eat and she'll leave all the credit to me~~~~~~~~~(insert sounds of waking from the dream).

Yes, I'm still waiting for "JOY". Does anyone know her? I think my husband would like to meet her too.

(Hey...maybe we DON'T need "JOY") Anyways, I wanted to share this little tidbit to making my week run a bit smoother. Now if I could just figure out how to fit the meals I plan into my budget, we'd be that much closer to...well.... BLISS:)

Hope you have a great day! I will be posting pictures of my family tomorrow AND I got a blog AWARD. Thank you to Stacie, aka craft_princess, for giving me an award. I am working on passing it along. I will share details tomorrow. Hopefully a card too. My day is NOT going as planned, so we'll see.

What's in it?

Stamps: Snowflake Serenade

Ink: versamark

Paper: white, Rasp Fizz

Other: silver EP, dimensionals, satin ribbon, PTI holiday buttons, silver cording, MS border punch

Friendship- Stamptacular Style

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Today we are celebrating friendship at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge. We'd love to have you play along and make a card for a special friend in your life.

We have TWO sponsors this week. Our very own Liza is sponsoring THIS:

and Doodle Street by Cassandra is offering:

ONE FREE DIGITAL IMAGE....Winner's choice

My card today has so many different elements to point out. I was really inspired by this Wassail paper I got on clearance. I love the blend of white with cream and tan. I never think to use white and cream together. I only ever use one or the other. It's really kind of an interesting look to combine them don't you think? I layered a sheer, cream ribbon over a white satin one in my attempt to mesh these two colors. That tiny white frame is by Melissa Frances and has a small stamped area that is the same as the main image. I used a new stamp set by Heidi Grace. It is stamped on watercolor paper that was colorwashed with Sahara Sand. I then stamped the image in Sahara Sand and then again using versamark and white embossed. The butterfly is stamped in Vanilla craft and embossed in iridescent ice. It is layered on another butterfly that is clear embossed. Don't you hate when the last thing you stamp comes out CROOKED? I was not starting over though. So this will go to a crooked friend that knows how crooked my life really is and accepts that....My Sister. Boy I miss her. She is my best friend. The person who is most like me, yet different enough to make things interesting. She is the person who gets me and my jokes and I get her. We have our own language. Eventhough she lives far away, I know that she will always be there for me as I will be for her.

Here is a picture of the inside:

So go ahead and get started. Let someone special to you know just how you feel. Make sure you check out the design team's great creations and let them know how you feel too;)

Have a great Sunday!

Nikki

What's In It?

Stamps: Bevy of Butterflies (unity), Because of You (verve), For You (heidi grace)
Ink: sahara sand, versamark, close to cocoa craft, vanilla craft

Paper: Wassail, Sahara Sand, watercolor

Other: TPS buttons, white EP,white linen thread, dimensionals, ribbon, iridescent ice EP, white Kaiser pears, Labels 4 Spellbinders

Who's Got My Hairy Toe?

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

But first, a card!

I made this card for 2 challenges this week. The Mojo Monday 110 and the Color Challenge 242 over at Splitcoast.

I didn't have Mambo Melon so I used Melon Berry from PTI. This card is a 4 3/4 square mounted on a layer of black. I made this for my friend who has been helping me out so much with lots of little things. I don't thank her enough.

Now for the title of my post..."Who's got my hairy toe?" Do you know this story? I went to a Catholic Elementary School that was run by Attila the Hun....I mean... Sister Mary the Nun. The thing that made it better was the art teacher, Mrs. Hambright. Every year she would tell us this story under a black light. It is something I never forgot. She also used to make "Stone Soup" in a big cauldron on the playground. She was so cool. I wanted to be her. A few years ago, I told this story to my daughter's class and then again last year to my son's class. It is a FUN, spooky story. My son requested that I tell it again at his class Halloween party. The problem is I couldn't find the hairy toe from last year. I really am wondering, "who's got my hairy toe?" This is the THIRD time I have had to make one. The first year someone told me it looked like another body part that we won't mention. The second one is lost and I hope this is the last one I have to make.

Here it is:

Can you imagine someone actually FINDING the one I lost last year? Hee hee! That would be so funny. Today I will be spooking the kids in 3rd grade with this Hairy Toe. It's going to be so fun!

I hope you all have a really great Halloween. My kids are going to be Elvis and Priscilla Presley. I promise to post pictures!

What's In It?

Stamps: Floral Frenzy PTI

Ink: versafine black, fresh snow, melon berry, versamark

Paper: melon berry, black, kraft

Other: clear EP, 2 way glue, dazz. diamonds, dimensionals, EK Success scallop punch, PTI ribbon, Signo gel pen, velvet brad, 1 3/4" circle punch, MM brad, paper piercer, black satin ribbon, curly label punch, cuttlebug EF

Something Wicked (and Hairy) This Way Comes....

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:01:00 +0000

.......TOMORROW!

My little guy has been pretty sick, so I didn't get the hairy toe finished yet. It MUST be done by tomorrow though. I will share it then.

For today I was able to make a card before everyone got up. This is for The Cat's Pajamas color challenge. It is a little bit simple don't you think? My attempt at KISS again. I think you could potentially do a version of this card in bulk for Christmas.

It's hard to see in the photo, but I used Tiny Twinkles on the snowflakes, as well as, iridescent ice. I'm going to make this brief. I promised I would play a board game and Dalton's getting impatient:)

What's In It?
Stamps: Snowflake Serende (PTI)
Ink: Enchanted Evening, Spring Rain, Versamark, versafine Black

Paper: Black Enchanted Evening, Spring Rain
Other: Enchanted Eve. satin ribbon, button, rhinestone brad, dimensionals, tiny twinkles, iridescent ice EP

BTW, an injury occured in the making of this card. I sliced my finger open pretty good on the metal filing cabinet that houses my paper. I'm telling you, THIS IS A DANGEROUS HOBBY! I will look pretty cool though tomorrow with a big, white bandaged finger ( maybe I'll add fake blood) AND a hairy toe...giggling evily...MOO..AH..AH..AH..:)

Nikki

I Need A KISS:)

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:22:00 +0000

If you are blowing me kisses right now, thank you. However, that's not the kind of "kiss" I'm talking about. I needed to make a Keep It Simple Silly card. I tried to keep it more simple than this, but I just couldn't help adding a few more things. I then tried to make another card that was simple and I hated it. I'm going to try it again though....maybe:) Why is simple so hard?

I made this for the Color Throwdown this week. The colors were Purely Pomegranate, Certainly Celery, and Taken With Teal. I promise those are the colors I used for the Emboss Resisted image. I cut the image out using a one of the Labels nestabilities and left it in the die while I rubbed each area with color. This was done on Glossy white cardstock. The layer below that is reverse embossed with my cuttlebug and then the corners were punched with a Fiskars corner punch. I added tiny pearl details to all the corners too. It's hard to see but the base of the card has Micro Pearl Ex rubbed all around the edges for added sparkle.

What's In It?

Stamps: Unity June KOTM

Ink: Taken with teal, Pure Pomegranate, Cert Celery, Versamarker, Versamark

Paper: Glossy White, Whisper White

Other: Cuttlebug EF, Labels, Nestie, pearl ex, kaiser pearls, sponge, white EP, white satin ribbon (Michael's), glue dot, dimensionals

I should have another post tomorrow. I think it may be "hairy" if you know what I mean:)

See you then!

October Bonus Fun Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:02:00 +0000

Today is the day for a really fun, very different blog hop. A blog hop like no other! Go check out all the details on the Stamptacular Sunday to find out how you can join in our Blog Hop Scavenger Hunt.

I have an extra special giveaway for you today too. You need to go check out the blog to find out how to get it though! So HOP to it!

It's Fall Y'all

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Today at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge we love to have you join us by making a fall card. I used one of the sketches from the Verve challenges this week. They are perfect to hold on to and use again and again. I used some paper by My Mind's Eye. I'm not so great at following directions since these aren't traditional fall colors. They are more like SOOTHING fall colors. So I hope you can join us in this challenge.

Our Sponsor this week is Funky Fairy's Paper Crafts with this downloadable kit:

Make sure you check out all the cute creations this week and don't forget we are having a special blog hop today too!

What's In It?

Stamps: Great Friend, Artfully Asian

Ink: Choc Chip craft, baja breeze, sahara sand, choc chip

Paper: Soft Sky, Choc chip, Bella Bella, watercolor

Other: May Arts ribbon, lots of tags sizzlets, MS punch, clear EP, Recollections pearls

Fall Leaves

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:54:00 +0000

With the beauty of fall comes the work of yard clean up. Blek! My hubby is a stickler for raking. It's almost insane how much he wants to rake. We have many leaves in our yard. I remember our first year in this house. My hubby raked up EVERY SINGLE leaf. I thought him insane, but said nothing. About an hour later I caught him standing at the window with his arms crossed as gently the leaves continued to fall....on his immaculate yard. Tee hee:) Oh, too be so anal. Luckily, I don't have that problem. He has since then mellowed a bit.

I made this card not for my hubby. That would have been funny though. But, I made it for my brother. His birthday is coming up. I thought I'd share our fall weather with him all the way over in California. I used Beate's Weekend Sketch 103.

This card took me WAY too long, but I would do it all again 'cause it's for my little bro. Well, at least I MIGHT do it all again. I had some troubles with that corner punch. I mean, really, who else can't punch a corner correctly. Do you see why I can't be anal. It just doesn't work in my life. I used a new product (to me) by Tim Holtz. The distress paint is on that big chipboard circle. I have to say I was sooo impressed that the lid is also a paint brush. BRILLIANT! I watercolored those leaves with my inks and a paintbrush. I have to say that I am totally in love with this new K&Co paper called Ancestry.com.

Don't forget to check back here tomorrow for a special Stamptacular Sunday!

We are headed out to the LAST football game for my little guy. BRRRR! It's going to be cold!

What's In It?

Stamps: Autumn Splendor MM, Wishful Elegance Verve

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Baroque Burg, Old Olive, Choc Chip, versamark

Paper: Old Olive, Ancestry.com, vanilla, watercolor, burgundy

Other: hodgepodge kit, jeweled brad, twill, nesties labels and circle, chipboard, dimensionals, fiskars border and corner punch

Shabby Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:36:00 +0000

Hey! Did you guys know that tonight is the release party for Verve? I absolutely adore Verve stamps. I can't wait to see all the new sets. I adore the classy, elegance of Julee's designs. Here is another sketch from the release week challenges. I don't think I 'm going to make the deadline for ALL the sketches. At least not if I want to have food in the house. I must go get some groceries:) As tempting as it is to stay home and craft, I guess that wouldn't make me a very good mom, huh? It's killing me though! I also wanted to make sure that I share the fact that Julee is offering a free digi download HERE!

That link is only available through today so hurry!

I decided to add ruffles of lace and will enter this into the Moxie Fab challenge as well. BTW! That lace is NOT crooked IRL. I don't know why it looks like that in the photo:(

I'm headed out into the dark, cloudy yonder of rainy-ness so that my husband and children may have FULL bellies. Who says I'm not a good mom ( if not bit melodramatic:)? I'll be back later with the deets.

nikki

5 Kids....

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:20:00 +0000

... an hour delay and a cranky baby make for a late post. We had an hour delay for school this morning which means I had extra children and a bit of a rough morning. It is now quiet. Well, except for my husband, who is doing his best to intentionally annoy me at this moment. You don't need to know all that though...moving on...

Today I have a new card to share that is for the Verve release week challenges and the Moxie fab challenge. ( I decided combining 2 challenges was probably the most I want to do again. Otherwise it seems a bit too creatively restricting...at least for me. Anyways, unlike yesterday's card, I (heart) this card. I used my favorite Verve stamp set ever and this paper by MME just called to me at the store....I swear. This card is made with all of you in mind. You could say it is a card made by me, from Priscilla, to all of you.

Here is the front:

And here is the inside:

I have had so many people ask me about how Priscilla's doing. So, I asked her to write a few words to put on my blog. Here is what she sent to me.....

I would like to send out a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has so generously opened up your hearts and sent my family and I your thoughts, prayers, donations and love! Words can't even begin to express how the kindness and generosity of mere strangers has made me feel! I am absolutely amazed at how many people, I have never even met, have so generously jumped up to help us during what has been the most trying times of our lives! Please know that YOU are all appreciated and that I am sending lots of hugs and kisses right back at ya!"

Nikki has also said that many of you have been asking how we are? Well, 2009 has definitely proven itself to be a bit of a struggle but we'll continue to wade through it and learn whatever lessons there are along the way. Many people often say to me, "I don't know how you are able to go through what your family is going through and yet still keep going and always with a smile on your face." The answer to that question is quite simple..."It's because, even though our lives have been turned upside down, we have been reminded of the GOODNESS still left in this world of ours!" We constantly see and are reminded of the horrible and senseless things people do every time we sit down and watch the local news...it's just so sad and makes me feel completely helpless because I have no solutions to make it better! ...But, because of people like all of you I have been able to forget about all the hatred, crime and bitterness of our world and FEEL the love that still exists, even if just for a brief moment...YOU have reminded me to continue to believe and have faith!

I have recently had two more surgeries and continue to go through treatments. Once my body has healed and becomes stronger, I will be scheduled for two more surgeries. (The doctors say they split up my procedures so it's less trauma on my body all at once.) Meanwhile, I'll still get my treatments and be thankful for the small breaks in between rounds.

After Mack's second seizure they put him on seizure medication for the rest of his life and thankfully he hasn't had any other seizures, that we know of for sure. However, I have suspected that he has had at least one more because one evening he was sitting up on the sofa and "appeared" to be sleeping. I tried to wake him and couldn't. Finally, after shaking him and yelling, he opened his eyes. I asked him if he was ok and he was "talking" to me but I couldn't understand a anything he was saying. He started drooling, his eyes rolled back into his head and then, he simply appeared to be sleeping again.

Kaela has continued to see the doctors. Unfortunately, we did not get good news and she will also be on medication for the rest of her life. It's nothing life threatening, thank God, but all the same still hard to deal with! On top of this, she also has to see an orthopedic surgeon for her shoulders and back from the four-car-pile-up we were in a few months ago and will possibly need to have surgery.

So...without babbling on and on forever, that's what's been going on and how we are. Please know, we will be just fine because we have each other AND all of YOU who have so graciously touched our lives! Thank you for your kind words, support, donations and most importantly of all...your LOVE! Please feel free to e-mail me anytime at misscill@yahoo.com. I would love to hear from each of you and keep in touch!

Lots of love,

Priscilla

As you can see, it hasn't been easy for her. Please continue to keep Priscilla in your prayers.

I also wanted to let everyone know that we have having our "BONUS FUN CHALLENGE" on Stamptacular Sunday Challenge this coming Sunday. Priscilla always does such an amazing job of thinking up fun and new things each time. Make sure you join us for that. We always have extra fun and prizes on that day, in addition to our regular weekly challenge. Make sure you pop on over for a visit and join in.

Here are the details of my card...

Stamps: Just Because (Verve)
Paper: Penny Lane (MME), DCWV off white textured, whisper white
Ink: Sahara Sand for distressing, MS green craft, Pretty in Pink (marker)
Other: Vanilla taffeta, TPS button, lace, oval nesties, distress tool, dimensionals, scalloped edge punch, Kaiser Lush pearls, twine, sponge

Hope you have a fabulous Thursday!
Nikki

So Happy!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:44:00 +0000

Just a quick card today and a quick post. First I wanted to share my news. Yesterday I was the featured stamper on Color Throwdown. I am so excited to proudly display this blinkie on my sidebar now.

What made it even more special is that it was for my card from THIS POST. The day we reached the goal for Priscilla. I have had several people ask me about her and I will have a special post tomorrow with some words from Priscilla herself.

My card for today covers several challenges. I made it for a little girl named Bekah. I learned about a card drive for her from my blogging friend Patti J. You can view the details HERE. I also made this using one of the sketches for Verve's release week challenges and a new challenge blog that I learned about through Tosh HERE. I joked that the challenge that Tosh was heading up had too many things for me to remember. FIVE to be exact. I was so proud that I was able to remember them all, but then I realized I missed one. The card is supposed to be square. So squint your eyes and PRETEND 'cause I already had everything adhered when I realized this. I also wanted to participate in the challenge at Paper Maniac LLC which is to use black, white and a pop of color. I somehow managed to fit all these challenges into one card. That is amazing for me.

One thing I wanted to point out is that the Faux Silk technique was to used on one of the challenges. I didn't actually do any stamping because it was a bit too busy for the card. However, the white base of the card does have the tissue paper adhered. That's why it looks wrinkly. This is not one of my favorite cards, but as long as it brings a smile to Bekah's face I'll be happy.

I'm off to the doctor and then to get some Sculpey clay. I need to make a HAIRY TOE:) What's that?...I'll share later:)

What's In It?
Stamps: Digi Stamp Boutique, Back 2 Basics
Ink: Versamark, Brilliance black
Paper: Rasp Fizz, White, Tissue, black
Other: Copics, Prisma color pencils, black brads, dimensionals, glitter, black satin ribbon, black spica pen

Vintage Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:27:00 +0000

I made this card for Beate's Weekend Sketch 102. I love her sketches each week because they aren't as layered and challenging as some sketches can be, yet still so pretty. I also used one of her techniques that she just did a video on a few weeks ago. I kind of played around a bit with it and added a "twist" I guess you could say. It was a Color Wash Tutorial that she just redid into a video tutorial ( at the bottom of the page).

I used my watercolor paper and color washed it with Pretty in Pink reinker. Next I clear embossed the large heart over that color wash AFTER it was thoroughly dry. Then I used more Pretty In Pink reinker, dried with my heat gun, then added a layer of bravo burgundy reinker diluted with water. It kind of pooled in areas and I hit it with the heat gun. I liked the look of it catching in the finer details of the heart. I also color washed the LOVE tag and just stamped with colorbox ink once it was dry. I then added UTEE over the entire thing before punching it out. Another detail to note is my cuttlebug embossed panel behind the heart. I sponged some bravo burgundy ink around the edges of the entire card. I also need to get fray stopper for my ribbon...grrrr.

Hope you are having a great start to your week. The weather is so pretty here, but with the change also comes BIG sinus headaches:( Must...get....medicine.....AHHH!

What's In It?
Stamps: Ever After
Ink: Bravo Burg, Pretty in Pink, Versamark, Colorbox Maroon
Paper: Watercolor, K&Co Classic, DCWV tan (base)
Other: Circle punches, ribbon MS, cuttlebug EF, paper piercer, clear EP, UTEE, dimensionals

Toodles!
NIKKI

Spooky or Just Plain Freaky

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Spooky...

.....or just plain FREAKY....you decide.

In the words of my son, " Whoa! That freaked me out!"

Do you need a close up of the eyes to decide?:)

I hope you can join us this week at Stamptacular Sunday Challenge where we are looking for SPOOKTACULAR Projects.

This week we have TWO sponsors!

Our first sponsor this week is: Digital Stamp Oasis

The Prize is 5 digital images of winner's choice.

Our second sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp
The Prize is....

I hope that you'll play along! Check out some really cute ideas from the Design Team and leave them some love.

My project uses Lauren's My Timeless Template called Around Town Tote. I used the mini version for my little treat bag. My little "skully" was created by stamping the skull twice and cutting out the eyes on one. I just added the googlie eyes after drawing in the bloodshot appearance. I then create a piece that could slide in between the 2 skulls. I put dimensionals where I wanted my little pull to start and stop. The paper is just colored with Copics to resemble the glow of the inside of a pumpkin. I then layered each skull on top of the other. Those aren't the greatest directions. Maybe I'll work on a mini tutorial to show what I mean at a later date.

NOW..... WHAT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR....

The winner of the MAKE A CHILD SMILE Challenge is.....

PATTI J!!!

The winner of the HUGE BLOG CANDY is....

CHRISTINE SERA who left this comment:

I hope you raise more money than your goal! I have sent a donation.

Well Christine, I DID raise more than my goal thanks to so many wonderful people. I have decided to leave the donate button up until the end of the month in case someone wanted to donate and didn't get a chance.

Congrats to the lucky winners. I will be contacting you for some information soon!

Have a great Sunday!

Disappointment

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:36:00 +0000

This is the word that describes a little bit about how I was feeling yesterday morning. I had taken a Copics class on Thursday evening that wasn't really what I expected. While I learned some things I didn't get from it what I was hoping. (YES! I thought I would leave feeling like Picasso...maybe my expectations were a BIT too high:).

Then there was the small feeling of disappointment at not meeting my goal for Priscilla's Medical Fund. While I was so happy that we had still raised around $800, I had a tiny feeling of disappointment that I didn't get to my goal of $1,000. So, with it being the last day I went to check the current balance. I was so happy to find that while still not at my goal, someone had made a VERY generous donation. In fact it was so generous that I felt the need to immediately thank her. Feeling a little better about the possibility of reaching $1000 ,I clicked over to Tosh's blog.

There in BIG, BOLD letters was the title to her post for the day~

"HAVE FAITH"

I swear to you that is what it said. You can see the post HERE. Below it was a beautiful card, but I honestly never read the post. I didn't have to. I got "the message."

I am so happy to say that within 4 hours, with the help of Laurie Schmidlin and Jen del Muro both posting about the my Blog Candy, I had reached the $1,ooo goal. As of this morning we are at $1,130!!!!! I am so GRATEFUL to all of you who helped in anyway to make this event such a huge success. I truly have no words. Just a feeling of sheer joy in knowing there are so many wonderful people in the world.

I did make a card yesterday that was inspired by the way Laurie does her's. She likes to distress things on her cards. While this in no way compares to her talent. It is inspired by her and her lovely post that helped to get so many more donations.

I used the colors from this weeks Color Throwdown Challenge ( Baja Breeze/Sahara Sand/ Chocolate Chip or Black) and the CPS sketch from this last week. Abundant Blessings is a set from Verve and it is the perfect sentiment for how I am feeling today and for what I wish to all of you.

My card is pretty straight forward. I know that it looks like I used Kraft cardstock, but it is actually Sahara Sand that has been distressed with Choc Chip Ink. I ran a layer of it through the cuttlebug first before distressing. I also added some Soft Sky as my background panel for the image which was stamped in Choc Chip craft ink and then clear embossed. I colored the leaves with a Copic marker. That yummy chocolate satin ribbon is from Starlit Studios. Fabulous, quick shipping! Again with my ribbon addiction:)

I almost forgot! I will be announcing the winner of the blog candy AND the Make a Child Smile card challenge TOMORROW. Tune in then as we gear up for another challenge at Priscilla's Stamptacular Sunday Challenge.

I hope you all have a very BLESSED day!

What's In It?
Stamps: Embrace Life, Abundant Blessings
Ink: choc chip craft, choc chip, baja breeze
Paper: soft sky, choc chip, sahara sand, baja breeze
Other: Sizzlet Lots of Tags, Labels Die, cuttlebug EF, Fiskars border punch, baja breeze ribbon, chocolate satin ribbon, button (TPS), dimensionals, distress tool, clear EP, sponge, chocolate twine

Encouraging Words

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:08:00 +0000

I have something to share today that is for 2 challenges. The Jacksonbelle Embellishments Challenge was to use Vellum. The top of the box has a vellum overlay. I also made this as another submission to the Verve Project Parade.

This is a box I started 2 weeks ago and finally had the chance to finish. The theme over at The Verve Project parade is Encouraging Words.

My box says, "It's the little things that make life BIG."

These are encouraging words for myself. I've been feeling a little stressed and bombarded with things lately. I swear to you that when that happens there are little signs to let you know that the words on this box are so true. You just have to be able to stop and recognize them. I'm sure there have been more, but I am going to show you several of the things that I was able to "see" through the haze of distraction.

Bear with me as I reflect on the 2 people in my life who keep me laughing in such innocent ways.

Last week my son came down dressed like this:

Now normally I might be worried that he was turning "Gangsta rap", but he usually dresses like the white Steve Erkell.

Ok, so not exactly like him. He doesn't have glasses and he doesn't wear suspenders. BUT, I bet he would if he knew about them. He is always afraid his pants will fall down. So Dalton tucks his shirt in ALL THE WAY and cinches this belt around his waist so tight that I think it might cut him in half. Therefore, his pants look like high waters even if they aren't. And yes, he always wears white sock. ( I am really not an evil mom, but I must point out the funny things in life.)

Back to the original picture of him all in black with his sunglasses and cap. That day he went out on the front lawn, with black gloves on too, and played football by himself. I was watching him just as the ice cream man was coming down the street. Dalton proceeds to "get down and boogie" with his football to the music the ice cream truck was playing. Just seeing him in his "gangster attire" busting into these moves to some childrens song had me crying with laughter.

Then later this week while I was on the phone he handed me a note. He is not supposed to interrupt me on the phone unless someone is bleeding or dying. For once he actually followed the rule. So he hands me this note:

TRANSLATION:
Can I have hot COCOA? Yes No

Again, I cracked up with the visual of a hot COW COW.

Now my last little thing to share...

I walked into the bathroom on Monday morning feeling VERY tired and immediately smiled.

This is what I found on the bathroom sink greeting me:

This is my daughter's pencil sharpener. It has little suction cup feet. I guess she figured the bathroom sink was the perfect place to put him. How can you not smile at seeing this little fellow at the start of your day in such an unexpected place?

The little things really DO make life BIG. I have a BIG, BLESSED, FUNNY life! My kids always make me smile in such simple, little ways.

Don't waste time waiting for some BIG thing to come along and make your life happy and stress free. Take note of all the little things in each day that should bring a smile to you. They are there if you take the time to notice.

I hope you chuckle today!
Nikki

What's In it?
Stamps: Happy Harmony, Unity KOTM Sept. Making Memories Autumn Splendor
Ink: Tim Holtz Vintage Photo, Choc Chip Craft
Paper: Digi Chick Our Story, white, vellum cardstock
Other: Nesties, button, clear EP, Twine, dimensionals, Martha Stewart boxes, paper piercer, choc chip marker

Season's Greetings!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:06:00 +0000

This is my second card and post for today! I made this for Taylor's Sketch this week. Obviously, I really loved the sketch:) This card was inspired by the little baby I watch. She has THE cutest outfits. This card uses the new ribbon I got from Taylored Expressions. It's a yummy blue/green twill. I really wanted to sew a black stitch through it, but that was too much for my Janome:(

I love this image that is called JACK and the snowman. So far, I have yet to make him MALE. It's hard to see in the photo, but I added stickles to the background to resemble falling snow. I also added it to some of the white polka dots on the base of the card. This also uses my Polar White Flower Soft and a little pom pom for the snowball. I pulled out lots of old things from my stash. Rub ons for the sentiment and the snowflake is a button. I added a Taylor's Tiny Twinkle in the center of the button. This card just makes me smile. I just think that image is so FUN and the colors are so cheery! Go check out Taylor's sketch this week. It's a cute one!

Remember that this is the last week to enter into the drawing for my Blog Candy for a Cause, as well as, the Make a Child Smile challenge. Friday is the last day. I will draw both names on Saturday and announce the winner on Sunday's Stamptacular Sunday Challenge post. I am still about $200 from my goal. So, PLEASE keep spreading the word. A big THANK YOU to all of you who have donated. You warm my heart:)

What's In It?
Stamps: Jack and the Snowman ( digistamp boutique), polka dot background
Ink: Fresh Snow (PTI)
Paper: Raspberry Fizz, Black, White, Baja Breeze
Other: Copics, Polar White Flower Soft, Stickles, Rub Ons, EK success punch, pom poms, dimensionals, oval nesties, twill (TE), Taylor's Twinkles, Copics, button, Taken with Teal marker

Floating on Cloud 9

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:52:00 +0000

I made this card for Taylor's Sketch this week. It's actually the first of TWO cards I made using the same sketch. I love this little Gretel from All That Scraps. AND I love this paper by Cosmo Cricket called Earth Love. I mean, how can you NOT love a paper called Earth LOVE? I decided to add lots of sparkle to this card using several different forms. Dazzling diamonds, Stickles and Taylor's Twinkles.... So sparkly IRL. Thanks for looking!

What's In It:
Stamps: Gretel digi stamp, All About You (Verve)
Ink: Brilliance black
Paper: River Rock, Vanilla, Earth Love, DCWV text off white
Other: Taylor's Tiny Twinkles, dazzling diamonds, sizzix star die cut, dimensionals, copics, chipboard square Technique Tuesday, stickles stardust

Love You Freebie

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

My card today features some free stuff I got in my order from Taylored Expressions. I ordered some ribbon last week ( I am developing quite a problem with this...ribbon. The first step is admitting it. I'm not ready to move on to the next step yet.) and to my surprise this little card kit was included. The only things I had to add were the stamp, coloring and the ribbon. Well, at first that's all I had to add. Then I messed up the sentiment at the top. In order to cover my boo boo I stamped the sentiment again and cut it out with the horizontal slot punch. I also added a pretty flower, button and some twine I colored with Copics. I think it turned out pretty cute and it was soooo quick. That was my favorite thing. So thanks Taylor! You must know how much I love that word...FREE:)

Have a great Monday!

Character Counts

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Good Morning! Hope you all can join us for a fun time over at Stam ptacular Sunday Challenge. This week your card should have a famous cartoon character on it. I decided to do something with Mickey Mouse.

It's hard to believe, but it's been almost a year since our fabulous 10 day stay at Disney. Shortly after our trip, I made a Picture Video using a program called Roxio Creator. I made the DVD to give to my MIL and AIL for Christmas. I also made a copy for us, but never had anything to put it in. So I made this CD/DVD holder. The template was one a found a few years ago by Stephanie B Designs. I decided to alter it a bit by making 2 inside a case of it's own. I have a short tutorial on how to make this at the end of this post.

I know it looks crooked. It's supposed to be that way. It just didn't photograph well. I don't have a lot of stamping on this. The red polka dot background was created using the set Back 2 Basics and Fresh snow palette ink. There is still time to win this set HERE.

The "memories" word is from some chipboard stickers that I colored with a sharpie and sweet Mickey is a sticker. I used a Sizzix star die and layered all the different sizes with dimensionals. I also love adding stickles to the outline of things. You NEED bling when you are talking DISNEY:)

Here is what you could win for participating this week:

Our sponsor this week is Your Next Stamp.

Now a quick tutorial on how to make this super easy CD/DVD holder.

(Please excuse the quality of my photos for my tutorial. Fluorescent lighting isn't the best for photographing. Please excuse the quality of my entire tutorial and project. I had "one of those days" and nothing seemed to go right. You know when you get up in the morning and BOTH bathrooms are out of toilet paper what kind of day you are going to have. Sorry to gross you out, but that is an omen for the rest of your day:)

Here's what you will need:

1- 6x10 piece of card stock
Scor Tape
Cutter with a score blade and cutting blade
bone folder
1 1/2" circle punch

These are the directions to make ONE CD/DVD holder

Score your card in 1/2" on each of the 10" sides. Then turn your card stock and score at the 5" mark. (See Photo. You may click on it for a larger view)

Next cut on the score line UP TO the intersecting middle score line on whichever side you wish. Only do this to one side. I chose to cut the right side. Then fold the other side tabs up (left side for me) on the score lines and add Scor Tape or some other VERY STRONG adhesive. Once the adhesive is in place fold over and carefully adhere the right side to the left. ( I usually prefold all my score marks before assembling using a bone folder)

Next take your circle punch and remove a small half circle. This will make it easier to remove the disc from the pocket. I always line mine up by turning my punch upside down. You can only punch through one layer of card stock at a time.

Ok, so now that we have finished with one CD holder you can decorate it as you wish OR you can make 2 of these and then let's create a jacket for both!

To make the "JACKET" you will need an additional piece of card stock measuring 5 1/2 x 11

The Jacket is really easy to make. Simply measure in and score at 5 7/16 and then again at 5 9/16. Does measuring confuse you? Here's a easier way of thinking about it. You are basically scoring on either side the 5 1/2" mark by one line. See below for a picture of what I mean.

This is measuring at 5 7/16".
After scoring just fold to crease and decorate as desired. I rounded the corners of mine and then adhered my CD/DVD pocket using more score tape.

Here is the inside that is unfortunately not decorated yet. My Google Documents is not working correctly yet. My plan is to put our Disney music on the left and our Disney video on the right.

I hope you all have a fabulous Sunday! Make sure you check out all the design team projects. They are so cute. I have fixed my sidebar to show the NEW DT members. Sorry about that last week:(

The SUN!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki Schmaltz) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:26:00 +0000

I think I see a hint of it for today. I'm so glad that it isn't raining for the football game this afternoon. Our parade got postponed and I was soooo happy. I just wanted to get in my PJ's and "veg out" on the couch last night. Rainy days are perfect for that, aren't they. I fell asleep even before my kids. This morning I feel revived and raring to go! I made TWO cards this morning. However, I am only going to show one today. I decided to try my hand at the MOJO MONDAY SKETCH.

I have had these papers sitting in front of me for a few weeks now. I love the aged look they have. They are from THE DIGICHICK and are called Apple Orchard. (I got it when it was $2:)
My blossoms were stamped twice. I stamped them in Choc Chip and then decided to add some stickles. This caused the ink to run a bit, but I kind of liked it. I cut all those little things out and adhered them partially so that the blossoms curve and it gives it a 3D feel. I also used the TH distress ink to age my Kraft taffetta ribbon. My rounded panels were made with an EK Success large scalloped punch.

On a side note: I would like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to Beate Johns. On Thursday she did a wonderful thing for me. She featured my Blog Candy for a Cause on her blog. Just from that exposure alone Priscilla's fund increased by almost $300!!!!! That is amazing. So thank you to her and to YOU who have so graciously donated. We are less than a week away from the drawing. I still have a ways to go to reach the $1000 I am hoping for. Each day we get closer though:) Please leave Beate a sweet comment telling her how wonderful she is if you get a chance.

Gotta go get ready for the game. Hope you have a great weekend. Check back here tomorrow for a Stamptacular Sunday Challenge AND a tutorial!

What's In It?
Stamps: Embrace Life
Ink: Choc Chip, Tim Holtz Vintage Photo
Paper: Vanilla, Apple Orchard ( TDC)
Other: Kaiser pearls, stickles, EK success punch, lace, kraft taffetta, Janome sew mini, dimensionals, sponge, CM cutting system