Naughty or Nice - Create/Northridge Publishing

Just poppin' in for a quick post.....just had to play this week with Paige at Create - Northridge Publishing.  This week's challenge is to create a card using a Christmas Tree as your focal point.

DP's from Authentique (just can't get enough of these DP's), vintage trim from Prima, buttons, twine, cardstock from PTI, resin frame from Melissa Frances, pin from Tim Holtz, misc. vintage image and Christmas Tree embellishment.

Thank you for taking a peek - have a super weekend! Cathy xx :)

Believe - Simon Says Stamp and Show

I know...I know...I said that I was going to stop for the day, but I wanted to squeeze one more in before I hit the stores with all the madness - who knows how long that will all take!! :)

This card was created based off of this week's challenge at Simon Says Stamp and Show....elements of time.  Something not many of us have this time of year! :)

DP's from Authentique, chipboard piece from Tattered Angels, paper flower from Prima, diecut and glitter from Martha Stewart, rubberstamp holly and berries from Crafty Secrets, misc. rhinestone adhesives, crocheted trim, ribbon and decorative pins.

Thanks for taking a peek - Happy Holidays!  Cathy xxx :)

Winter Wonderland - TSTR91

Happy Saturday!  A busy day here.....more shopping, wrapping, baking and a quick trip to the post office.  How about you?  Are you almost done with all of your holiday preparations?  Or are you like me......never enough time!!

I so wanted to join in on this week's challenge at The Shabby Tea Room.  I set my alarm earlier than normal for a Saturday, and off to create a card based off of this week's inspirational photo - and what a lovely one it is! :)

DP's from K&Co., paper flower from Prima, misc. trim, rhinestone adhesives, seam binding ribbon, decorative pins, etc.

Thanks for taking a peek - off to run my errands!  Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Holidays!  Cathy xx :)

Joy to the World - JUGS111

Good Morning and Happy Sunday!  It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is 4 days away and Christmas is right around the corner!  Where does the time go?

This card was created based off of this week's color challenge at JUGS - red/green/white.

DP's from Authentique, felt and cardstock from PTI, misc. button, vintage bell and seam binding ribbon.

Off to post my card - thanks for taking a peek and have a
wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!! Cathy xx :)

Holiday Hugs - CP141

My first Christmas card for the year!  I don't know where the time has gone, but with Thanksgiving right around the corner, it only seemed appropriate to go with a Christmas themed card! :)

This card was designed based off of this week's sketch at Card Patterns.  What a great sketch - so versatile.

DP's from The Girl's Paperie, stamped images/sentiment, felt, dies, buttons and twine from PTI. 

Thanks for taking a peek - it's been awhile since I've had a moment to myself to create, and I do say...it felt darn good.  Have a great week - Cathy xx

Best Witches - PDCC102 and CFC23

TGIF and Best Witches to you!  I spent the day with my "lil buddy" - my Grandson, Trevor Patrick.  It was such a beautiful Fall day here in Chicago, and we went shopping and out to lunch. We got back home around 12:30 p.m. and I put him down for a nap.  I said "night night" and he laid right down.  All was quite for about 15 minutes and I thought "Wow....that was quick, he must have been really tired."  All of a sudden, I heard the door knob rattling to his room.  I jumped up and opened the door, and he looked up at me and said "hi".  The little guy climbed out of his crib! LOL

This card was created based off of this weeks color scheme at PDCC and CFC's challenge to create a clean And simple project using the quote as your inspiration OR use the quote as your sentiment.

This week CAS-ual Fridays is participating in a very special benefit blog hop for Julie Ranae - Operation Julie's Smile.  You can read more of Julie's story at the link given above.  Julie has given so much to the crafting world with her inspiration and kind words - if you can, please help Julie smile again. :D

Cardstock PTI and Bazzil, stamped image from Stampendous, Copics, and Baker's Twine from The Twinery. 

Off to post my card - thanks for taking a peek and have a super weekend!  Cathy xx :)

Happy Birthday - TSTR82 and The Ribbon Reel12

Happy Monday!  Here's hoping, we fly thru the week, and head for a warmer weekend in Chicago!! :)

The Ribbon Reel

This card was created based off of this week's challenge at TSTR - inspirational photo with an autumn/fall theme and The Ribbon Reel - Autumn Elegance - ORANGE, NEUTRALS AND FLOWERS. The sketch was based off of this week's sketch challenge at VLV.

DP's are from Paper Salon, flowers from Petaloo, button, twine, cardstock and handstamped sentiment from PTI, misc. ribbon, vintage trim and rhinestone adhesives.

The Shabby Tea Room

Thanks for taking a peek - off to post my card.  Have a lovely evening!!

Cathy xx :)

Just Thinking of you - TSTR81

Happy Sunday!  Last night my Sister's and our DH's all celebrated my youngest sister's birthday - her 40th!!  We went to an absolutely delicious Italian restaurant - one of the best that I have ever experienced.  I came home so full - and decided to create this card for The Shabby Tea Room.  It has been a long time since I have played along - and I certainly had fun with this one!! :)

This week's challenge was Chevron Stripes and the color's BLUE, GREEN, ORANGE, CREAM AND BROWN.

Cardstock, diecuts, buttons, felt, twine and sentiment stamp from PTI, paper from Prima, misc. DP's, paper doily and chipboard.

Thanks for taking a peek - off to post my card!  Have a great day!  Cathy xx :)

Watch Out! - Kraft Outlet - Witches, Ghosts or Goblins

TGIF - I am so happy the weekend has finally arrived!  I have a date with my Grandson, Trevor Patrick today and dinner plans with my siblings and their spouses tomorrow night to celebrate my youngest sister's 40th birthday! :)

This card was created based off of this week's challenge at The Kraft Outlet.  This week's theme is Witches, Ghosts or Goblins.  Halloween is so much fun!!

Thanks for taking a peek - off to post my card and get ready for my lil' pumpkin! Have a great weekend - Cathy xx :)

Candy Apples - PTI's September Blog Hop

Just a little something for this month's Blog Hop at PTI. I chose to go with the colors as opposed to the pattern - just a little too busy for me! :)

I wish I could remember where all these DP's came from, but for now......my scraps!!  Cardstock, twine, stamps, ink all from PTI.

Thanks for taking a peek - off to post my card and watch the end of the Bear's game!  Cathy xx :)

Happy Fall - CR84FN39

Happy Sunday! What a beautiful Fall day here in Chicago!!  A perfect day for a football game - Go Bears! :)

This card was created based off the lovely color scheme at
CR84FN.  It has been awhile since I have had the opportunity to play along - and I couldn't pass on these gorgeous Fall-like colors! :)

DP's from American Crafts, cardstock, twine, ink, mason jar, acorn and banner stamp from PTI, squirrel stamp from SU, misc. crocheted trim and button.

Thanks for taking a peek - have a great Sunday!  Cathy xx :)

Happy Fall - PDCC100

Well folks - it's finally here......Fall!  Much cooler temps here in Chicago, and I even thought about turning my heat on once or twice just to take the chill out, but I just can't bring myself to do so!  One month of a lower gas and electric bill would be nice! :)

It's been a long time since I have had a chance to play along with PlayDate Cafe, but these colors scream Fall and what a milestone for a fantastic challenge blog!  Congratulations! :)

DP's paper from Imaginice, cardstock, stamps, button and twine from PTI, misc. crocheted trim and diecuts.

Thanks for taking a peek - I have a date with a little guy (Trevor Patrick - my Grandson) for the weekend so there will be no creating for me! :)

Have a great weekend!  Cathy xx :)

Spooky Style - MOJO205

Happy Saturday!  It's been awhile...and it's nice to be back!  I've been busy travelling on business, and I have had a hectic two weeks with family business as well.  So, it's been good for the soul to sit down in my studio and create! :)

This card was created based off of this week's sketch at Mojo Monday.  What a fun sketch and perfect for a Halloween card! :)

DP's are from Authentique, diecuts from PTI, paper doily from Martha Stewart, button from jenni bowlin, misc. bakers twine, seam binding ribbon, rhinestone adhesives and vintage image.

Thanks for taking a peek - have a wonderful weekend!  Cathy xx :)

P.S.  For those of you in the path of Hurricane Irene - you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Hi - WMSC58, CR84FN35 and Simon Says Stamp and Show

It's Sunday!  Where has the weekend gone?  It's been over a week since I last posted, and I haven't had any time to create this past week due to my SIL passing away from a long fight with Lupus.  Debbie was diagnosed at the age of 13 and passed away at the age of 41 years old and left behind a son, Matthew age 13 and my DH's brother John.  She was way too young to bury, and she will be missed. 

On to a lighter note.....this card was created based off of this week's sketch challenge at WMSC, Mona's lovely color challenge at CR84FN, and Simon Says Stamp & Show - anything goes.  It's been along time since I have been able to play, and it felt good!  Thanks ladies!! :)

DP's are misc. scraps that I was able to work in and all stamps are Waltzing Mouse Victorian Frippery.  Seam binding ribbon, vintage buttons, decorative pins, Liquid Pearls, white paint, paper flower, appliqued trim from my darling friend Stella, paper heart from Martha Stewart and a swatch of burlap.

Off to post my card - thanks for taking a peek!  Enjoy the rest of your day!! Cathy xx :)

School Days - PDCC91

Good Morning and Happy Sunday!  It's still hot and humid, but we awoke to thunder, lightening and pouring rain once again this morning.  Hopefully, it will clear up soon so that we
can get some outside yard work done today! :)

This card was created based off of this week challenge at PDCC - black/white or cream with a splash of color.

Lot's of scraps used.....DP's from Simple Stories, KaiserCraft image, K&Co., Crate Paper Grade Card, Creative Imaginations journal spot, Graphic45 clock sticker, Martha Stewart doily, ric rac, seam binding ribbon, pearl adhesive, and a vintage button.

Off to post my card.......

thanks for taking a peek and enjoy your day!  Cathy  xxx :)

I Like to Ride my Bicycle - Flower Power - TSTR70

TGIF!  It's been a long week after the terrible storms that moved thru here on Monday - power outages everywhere.
We were one of the lucky ones and only suffered for less than 24 hours, but still ended up throwing away alot of food.
The weather prediction for the weekend is hot and steamy.  I only pray that the electric is up and running soon for those without!

This card was created for this week's challenge at The Shabby Tea Room - Flower Power.  Have you ever noted just how many different types of flowers scrapbookers and cardmakers use?  Each and everyone of them unique and beautiful! :)

DP's from Graphic45 and American Crafts, cardstock, and felt from PTI, misc. seam binding ribbon, decorative pins, vintage image, flower and vintage button.

Thanks for taking a peek - have a great weekend and keep cool!  Cathy xx :)

Enjoy the moment - Sassy Cheryl's #71

One more before bed.......this card was created for this week's challenge at Sassy Cheryl's - show us your scallops challenge.

I used this sweet little image - Skating...sweet, huh?  :)  DP's from Little Yellow Bicycle, cardstock, ink, stamp and twine from PTI, ribbon from Offray, and misc.button.

I paper pieced her little top and colored the remaining image with Copics.

Thanks for taking a peek - have a great week!   Cathy xx :)

Lighthouse - PDCC89

Happy Sunday!  Where did the weekend go?  We had our Grandson for an overnight on Friday and just enjoyed every minute with him until he left on Saturday. I taught him the answer to "who's Grandma's little boy" and he answers "me" giggles and claps! :)

This card was created based off of this week's gorgeous colors at PDCC.  My immediate reaction to these colors, was something soft, serene and relaxing - much like the ocean. 

DP's from Webster's Pages, chipboard frame and bird from Tattered Angels, paper flower from Prima, little message in the bottle from Making Memories, misc. doily, burlap, rhinestone adhesive and seam binding ribbon.

Thank you for taking the time to sneek a peek - enjoy your day!  Cathy xx :)

Grandson - Mojo191 and TSTR69

TGIF - thank goodness the weekend has arrived!  I don't know about you, but..........although this week was shorter after the holiday - it was tough getting back into the swing of things!  I'm more than ready for the weekend!

This card was created based off of this week's sketch at Mojo Monday, and a little Red/Wh/Blue at The Shabby Tea Room.  I tried a new technique that I found browsing other's blogs.  Using a scalloped circle - I inked the cloud image that I used in the background.  Isn't that neat?  I apologize because I certainly would like to give credit to this person, but I searched again and couldn't find it.  Whoever you are - thank you!  I love it and it's so easy to do and I will certainly use it again! :)

I made this card with my Grandson Trevor Patrick in mind - he just loves the water!  We have a pool in the backyard and he and Grandpa like to play while Grandma takes the pictures! :)  I love this picture - this was the first time he had swimming goggles on and he was in awe!  It was so funny!

DP's from Webster's Pages and other misc. scraps, sweet digital image from Mo's Digital Pencil, cardstock, star die, button, twine and stamped sentiment from PTI, Copics, and misc. burlap.

Thanks for taking a peek - off to post my card!  Have a great weekend!  Cathy xx :)

Vintage Garden - CR84FN33

Happy Tuesday - tough getting back into the swing of things at work after a wonderful loooong weekend, but one good thing it's half over for me - two more days! :)

This card was created based off of this week's color challenge at CR84FN.  Did you see the color's this week or the gorgeous inspiration from the DT?  Make sure you stop by and give it a whirl - it's good for the soul! :)

DP's from The Girl's Paperie and October Afternoon, cardstock, diecuts, stamps, button, twine and ink from PTI, misc. doily, seam binding ribbon, paper doily, pearl adhesives and ricrac.

Off to post my card and a run to the store - we're having a potluck tomorrow at work and I'm making my Chicken Grape Pasta Salad.  Sounds good, huh?  Have a great evening - Cathy

Queen of the Kitchen - Sketchbook Saturday Challenge #18

It's me again........I snuck one in before my company arrives! The house is clean, the food prepared and I have yet to shower - but hey.....that's next! :)

This card was created off of this week's sketch at Chupa's Sketchbook Saturday - go visit.....soooo much inspiration!

DP's and chipboard sentiment from Melissa Frances, cardstock and twine from PTI, paper flowers from Prima, crown stamp from Cavallini Papers, paper doily from Martha Stewart, misc. eyelet trim, seam binding ribbon, buttons and rolling pin that I painted and sanded to give it a more shabby look.

Thanks for taking a peek - off to shower!  Cathy xx :)

Bonjour - VLVJUL2011 - Week 1

Happy Sunday!  How is your holiday weekend going so far?  Any early barbeques?  I am having my in-laws today - so this post will be short and sweet.

This card was created based off of this month's first sketch at VLV.  A great sketch with so many possibilities, but I chose to fill my squares with little trinkets.  I have to point out the gorgeous button on the lower right.  My friend Joanne's elderly aunt passed away sometime ago, and Joanne knowing how much I love vintage buttons brought me a huge bag of buttons her aunt had collected over the years.
This is just one of the beauties! :)

DP's and little frame from Melissa Frances, felt, cardstock, twine and ink from PTI, misc. paper doily and other little trinkets.

Thanks for taking a peek - enjoy your day!  Cathy xx :)

I Love you this much! - Sassy Cheryl's Color Me #29 - JUGS91

Happy Saturday - hope you're all having a great start to your holiday weekend!  It's a hot one here.....so hot that when I go outside to take my photo's my camera steams up on the inside blurring most of my images.  I had to work fast to even get this photo! :)

This card was created based off of Sassy Cheryl's Color Me Challenge and JUGS sketch.  The image that I used is "I love you this much - girl".  Isn't she just the sweetest!  I just find myself smiling when I start to color Cheryl's sweet images and seeing them come to life - thank you Cheryl for giving us the sweetest images to work with!

DP's from 3bugs, flower from Prima, buttons, cardstock and twine from PTI, bakers twine from The Twinery, misc. chipboard frame.

Thanks for taking a peek - have a super weekend!  Cathy

my Friend - Red, White and Blue

TGIF..... the start of a long holiday weekend for most of us!!  I have my fingers crossed that the weather will hold out for the weekend, but today already looks like another storm is brewing! :(

This card was created with the 4th in mind.....lots of patriotic - red/wh/blue challenges out there!  I decided to keep with those themes, but to make a card that could be an all occasion card as well.

DP's from Webster's Pages, decorative pin from Maya Road, cardstock, stamp and twine from PTI, vellum butterfly from K&Co., misc. rhinestone flourish, paper doily, vintage button, burlap star and embellishment behind my ribbon.

Created for the following challenges:
Cupcake Inspirations - Red/Wh/Blue
Tuesday Throwdown - Red/Wh/Blue
Paper Issues - Red/Wh/Blue
OTWC - Red/Wh/Blue
Celebrate The Occasion - Red/Wh/Blue
Party Time Tuesday's - Red/Wh/Blue  - and I'm sure there are more out there!!

Thanks for taking a peek - off to post my card! Have a great weekend and stay safe!  Cathy xx :)

celebrate - My Favorite Things - TSTR68 and DYSU26

What fun I am having off today - a real treat to be in my studio creating away! :)

This card was created based off of this week's challenge at The Shabby Tea Room - My Favorite Things and DYSU - squares.  It was tough narrowing down what exactly is "My Favorite Things", but I narrowed it down to a few - Webster's Pages, Prima flowers, doilies, rhinestones and pearls. :)

DP's from Webster's Pages, flowers from Prima, cardstock, twine and stamped sentiment from PTI, misc. paper doily, vintage lace, decorative pins, rhinestone and pearl adhesives.

Thanks for taking a peek - off to post my card!  Have a great day!  Cathy xx :)

Fresh Squeezed - PDCC88

Happy Thursday!!  I'm finally feeling like it is Summer here - it's going to be a HOT one the next couple of days - upper 80's today and 90's tomorrow.  I love the heat- just not the humidity that goes along with it here in Chicago.

Anywhoo.....here is my card created based off of this week's color challenge at PDCC.  So with heat....comes Lemonade.

DP's from Kaisercraft and October Afternoon, diecuts, stamps, cardstock, twine and ink from PTI, misc. flower, trim and paper doily.

Thanks for taking a peek....keep cool and enjoy your day!
Cathy xx :)

Smile - CardPatterns121

Happy Wednesday, and happy it is!!  I have started my 4th of July weekend early and have the rest of the week off - yippeeeee!  So, you know how I started my weekend - with a card of course for this week's challenge at Card Patterns. :)

A lovely sketch to work with was given, and this is what I came up with.

DP's from October Afternon and MME, stamps from Waltzing Mouse and PTI, diecuts from PTI and Spellbinders, cardstock, ink, twine and button from PTI, misc. seam binding ribbon, rhinestone and pearl adhesives, ricrac, doily and pins.

Thanks for taking a peek - have a super day!  Cathy xx :)

You're berry sweet - The Ribbon Reel #5 - Summer Fruit

Happy Monday!  Happy it is.....although, I am working today - I decided to take Wednesday and Thursday off this week and give myself a longer weekend with the holiday!  Yippee! :)

This card was created based off of this week's challenge at The Ribbon Reel - Summer Fruit.  I just love Summer fruit, and strawberries are one of my favorites! :)

DP's from MME, cardstock, button, stamped image and sentiment from PTI, paper doily from Martha Stewart, Baker's Twine from The Twinery, misc. rhinestone adhesives, shabby seam binding ribbon, vintage crocheted trim and decorative pins.

Thanks for stopping by - have a great week!  Cathy xx :)