Warm Hugs & Kisses ...

Hey You's!  Time is flying by right?  Hope you've all been well!

It's nearing December, and I can't believe the weather we've been having.  It's quite warm for this time of year .. we were in the high 70's for quite awhile .. and only now dropping to mid 60's.  And those who know me well .. know I love my chilly weather.  So I wish the cold weather would hurry up and swoosh in any minute now.  ;)

I made this Christmas card over a span of about a month.  Let me tell you, the struggle is real.  LOL.  Why is it when I would like to get a whole lot more Christmas cards done ..the motivation is just .. gone?

This sweet little girl is by the fabulous Elisabeth Bell, and I rec'd her when I was on the Belles n' Whistles DT years ago.  I couloured her up with Distress Reinkers, Twinkling H2O's and watercolours.  

Thank you so much for visiting me even though I don't post as often as I'd like to.  I wish you a most WONDERFUL day!!  :)

Hugs,

Elise

Love Every Day ...

Hello there!  Hope you are all doing well and staying nice and cool now that it's Summer?

We've already reached 115 degrees F here in town .. lemme tell you .. it is dis-gus-ting-ly gross!  blaugh!  Thank goodness for air conditioning right?  hehe!

So I've been digging around in my old supplies and decided to colour another darling Elisabeth Bell image with a combination of Distress Reinkers, Prisma Pencils and Watercolors.  

I just love looking at her and feeling like she's reflecting on the past, present and thinking of the future .. and being grateful for every single day ...

Well, thank you so much for visiting me and I wish you the most beautiful day!  Hope to see you again soon!

Hugs,

Elise

Wish You Were Here ...

Hello You's!  Hope you're all doing wonderfully and the sun is shining on you!

Okay, seriously .. it's going to be June.  Ummmm .. where in the world does the time go?  I honestly can't take it!  My "little" Bodhi is not so little anymore!  I remember telling you all about his Kindergarten singing .. moving his little hands in the air whilst he sang.  Now .. he's ending his Elementary days and will be entering Middle School in the Fall.  uggggh!  Nooooooo!  Please can I have him little once again?  hehehe!

Well, this image from Elisabeth Bell reminds me of many days ago .. a time when Bodhi was still little .. and remains to be one of my faves.  I've also used some Lili of the Valley stamps on the sides of the image .. I truly love LOTV images as well!

I coloured this image with Distress Inks and watercolors, and beautiful flowers from I Am Roses.

Thank you so much for visiting me ... it is much appreciated!  Hope to see you again soon!

Wishing you a most beautiful day and giving lots of big hugs!

Elise

In the Sweetness of Friendship ...

Hey Ya's!  It's been quite awhile since my last post and I hope you've all been doing wonderful!  Hopefully enjoying your Summer (or Winter if you're on the other side) .. and making tons of memories every day to be stored in your forever memory bank.

We've been enjoying our Summer here .. Bodhi's been so happy there is no school for the time being!  I've been having fun with a couple new things .. one of them is cooking all sorts!  oh goodness .. who would have thought?  Not me for sure!   lol!  I'm finding so many new recipes on the internet and can't resist trying them.  So much fun!  The other new interest is different makeup lines and skincare .. sigh .. not the cheapest of things to get into either.  haha!!!

But annnyway .. I had this card I finished back in the beginning of June .. and wanted to share it with you.  :)  This one is an Elisabeth Bell image I received when I was on the Belles n' Whistles team many years ago .. I still love her.  I've coloured her with distress reinkers and watercolors.

Thank you so very much for stopping by to visit me ...  I truly appreciate it and I'd love to know how your days are going!  :)

Until next time .. 

Hugs,

Elise

My Sunshine ...

Hey Ya's!  Hope you are all doing very well!

I've been going through my stash and looking through a lot of my "older" stamps that I have .. and I have to say that I love each and every one of them.  They all bring back a lot of different memories .. of different times .. all very sentimental.

So, when I came across this precious image, I immediately knew I wanted to colour her up once again.  I got her when I was with the Belles 'n Whistles DT .. and she is called "Sushine and Apples" .. which sadly is no longer available.  :(

Papers:  Graphic 45

Mediums:  Distress Inks, Watercolors and Twinkling H2O's

Twinkling H2O's and pretty seed beads were gifted to me by a special friend .. thank you so much dear!

Thank you so very much for visiting me and I wish you a wonderful day!  Hope to see you again soon!

Hugs,

Elise

Adore

Hello there!  Hope you are all doing well!

It's time for another CLP challenge with a great sketch, here's my card:

I've used "Sweet Dreams" from Belles 'n Whistles Store.  Sadly, Belles 'n Whistles is closing it's doors and everything is on clearance right now.  I have such fond memories of these images, I fell in love with them back in 2009 when I first started blogging and they still tug at my heart when I look at them.

Papers:  Lili of the Valley  "Bonnets and Bowties"  (isn't it soOOoO sweet?!!)

Medium:  Distress Inks

Thank you for visiting me today and I hope you'll come and join us at CLP!!

Hugs,

Elise

Thank you Belles 'n Whistles

Hey Friends!  For today, I made a tag that I wanted to put on a goodie bag for a friend of mine. I planned on making her those Chocolate Pretzel Rods and placing them in the Martha Stewart bag with this little tag on the top. I used Pizza Time .. yes yes yes! But I covered up the pizza with sprinkles of little colored beads to make it look like she was baking little donut cookies or something of a dessert straight out of the oven. :)

Also, I wanted to thank ALL of the ladies at Belles 'n Whistles for being such lovely SWEETHEARTS!  I have decided to step down from Belles 'n Whistles to make time for a new crafting adventure.  I've enjoyed my days with you, loved being a part of your family for a year and a half .. you've brought so many smiles to my lips and laughter to my heart!  Thank you thank you thank you for welcoming me into your family, I love you and I do hope we will keep in touch!

With Love,

Elise



Belles 'n Whistles Challenge

Hello Friends!  Okay, I've totally spaced out on my post that was supposed to be up first thing today .... acccck!  We have a new challenge over at Belles 'n Whistles hosted by Anki using "Warm Colors".  :)

I've used this adorable image Jam Jars from Belles 'n Whistles Store.  Have you checked out the sale going on there?!  You gotta hurry on over and place your order!

I hope to see you at our Belles 'n Whistles Challenge!

Thank you so much for visiting me .. I love it when you do!  See ya soon!

Hugs,

Elise

Belles 'n Whistles Advent Calendar Day 13

Hello Friends!  Hope you're all doing very well!

For today I created a card with the image "Angel's Grace" and added Liquid Pearls around her to look like snowflakes floating around her.  I really love her ... she looks so peaceful and comforting.

Also, a reminder .. have you all been checking back at the Belles 'n Whistles Store every Thursday?!  If you haven't .. then click here to see what's going on all through the month of December.  I'll give ya a hint ... "HUGE SALE".  lol!

Thank you for visiting me .. I love it when you do!  I'll see ya again soon!

Warm Hugs,

Elise

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

Hello Friends!  Today is Day 4 of our Belles 'n Whistles Advent Calendar and I'm sharing with you a "Yum Yum Holiday Recipe" .. and if you're like me .. a lot of times I want something quick and easy yet tasty.

I've decided to make something that I know we'd all enjoy at our home .. with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee or even a glass of cold milk.  And it's SO easy to do .. and FUN for my little boy to help with also.  He actually helped me make these.  And those little round things at the bottom of my Starbucks cup is something my hubby decided to do.  lol.  He did the recipe with marshmallows.

Here's a little recipe card that I made using Little Light

I realize the font is too small to see, so here's the recipe .. hehe ..

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods

Ingredients:

Pretzel Rods

Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Assorted Toppings:  Sprinkles, Crushed Cookies, etc...

1.  Melt semi sweet chocolate in microwave or on stove.

2.  Ladle chocolate over 3/4 of each pretzel rod and tap off excess chocolate.  Roll in toppings such as sprinkles or crushed cookies.

3.  Dry on cooling rack until set.

4.  ENJOY!

Don't forget about the sale all through December at Belles 'n Whistles Store!!!

Thank you so much for visiting me .. I love it when you do!  I'll see ya again soon!

Hugs,

Elise

Performance Goodie Bag

Hello there!  Today is Day 3 of our Advent Calendar Celebration on our Belles 'n Whistles Inspiration blog and I am using a couple cuties to decorate a "Gift Bag & Tag".

My little boy performed in his very first Christmas play for school as well as sang in Chapel, and I decided to make him a little goodie bag for after his "performance".  lol!  I used Andrew's Christmas Stocking at the base of the bag and I used Angel's Song for the tag.  One of my little boy's favorite things is Hot Wheel cars, so I put one in there (it was a bit too big for the bag .. hehe) and then I'll put a little money in there as well.  :)

The goodie bag is from Martha Stewart and the Christmas papers on the tag was given to me by a sweet dear friend.  :)

Also I have more good news to share ...

Just want to let you all know that Summer is having a progressive sale in the BNW store starting today!

See also the store page for details!

December 1st - 7th customers will get 15% off with check-out code: DECEMBER15

Each Thursday in December, the savings will increase! (how much it will increase is Summers secret

and the you have to go back each Thursday to see the new sale)

Excluded from the sale are Christmas 2011 stamps, digital products & Gift Certificates

The sale will end December 31st.

Availability is limited. Once an item is out-of-stock, it's gone till next year!

Thank you so much for visiting me!  I truly appreciate all of your sweet comments .. I'll see ya again soon!

Hugs,

Elise

Celebrate

Hello Friends!  Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the beginning of yet another week. 

For today, I've made a card using Pepper with Gift.  Isn't she so delightful?!!

Papers:  K&Co

Medium:  Distress Inks

I've used non-traditional Christmas colors and I love how this image can be used year round.

Also in a few days, we're going to be starting our Belles 'n Whistles Advent Calendar at our Inspiration Blog!  We have lots of things in store for all of you lovelies!

And right now we have a "Christmas" theme over at our Belles 'n Whistles Challenge Blog that we'd love for you to play.  Pop on over for some fabulous inspiration from my sweet DT sisters and awesome GDT!

Thanks for visiting and I'll see ya soon!

Hugs,

Elise

Belles 'n Whistles "Christmas"

Hello Friends!  Well it's time for another Belles 'n Whistles Challenge and our Lovely Lilian chose the simple theme of "Christmas"!  :)  Can you believe that Christmas is right around the corner once again?  Gosh, the older I get the faster the years fly by.  I remember when I was younger I wanted to be older.  Now that I'm older I want to be younger.  LOL!

So here's my card using Brooke's First Christmas .. she's a cutie isn't she?! 

Papers:  MME

Medium: Prisma Colored Pencils with OMS

Have you gotten your order in at Belles 'n Whistles store?  Summer has restocked all the "older" releases as well and they are SO adorable!

I hope you'll come over and join us over at Belles 'n Whistles Challenge Blog!

Thank you so much for visiting me .. I love it when you do!  I'll see ya again soon!

Hugs,

Elise

New Belles 'n Whistles Release

Hello hello hello!  I have some exciting news to share with all of you who don't already know ... Belles 'n Whistles has a brand new release out and it is DARLING!  Each and every stamp is absolutely precious!  There are 8 Christmas stamps and 5 all year round stamps .. ahhhh!

I am showing you Christmas Angel Daniella .. isn't she as sweet as can be looking into her stocking?!  I love her!

AND!  Belles 'n Whistles store has also brought back previous Christmas stamps too!!!  Click here to go directly to those images .. oooooh I love those too!  You HAVE TO check them out!

Here's a sample an "old" Christmas image that is restocked.  I made this card using Baking with Nana back in February I think .. so this image can be used all year round!

Anyway ... I hope you'll go and place your order for any of the Holiday Collections, both new and old .. they're going pretty fast!

Thank you so much for visiting me .. I'll see ya soon!

Hugs,

Elise

Swinging by to say HI

Hello there!  Hope you're all doing well out there and enjoying your Autumn days.  It's getting quite chilly here in Vegas and ooooh it feels so good!  :) 

Well, it's time for another Belles 'n Whistles Challenge!  This time, our lovely Audhild chose "Anything Goes" ... sOoOo easy!

I decided to make something VERY simple and easy since this week has been busy ... a simple tag.  And I love doing tags sometimes because it's so handy when you have a gift to give ... something already done to just tie on the bag you know?

Image:  Country Ride from Belles 'n Whistles Store

Medium:  Prisma Colored Pencils with OMS

One more quick thing to add in ... Summer has all the previous Holiday stamps re-stocked at Belles 'n Whistles Store!  They are so DARLING!!!

Hope to see you over at Belles 'n Whistles Challenge Blog and thank you so much for visiting me .. I love it when you do!  I'll see ya soon!

Hugs,

Elise

Happy Birthday

Hello Friends!  It's time for another Belles 'n Whistles Challenge by our sweet and lovely Iris .. and her theme is "Pearls and Pins" ... oooooh!  Gotta tell ya .. this is a right perfect love for me!  :)  Love pearls and love pins!!!  Thank you Iris!

Here's my card using one of my most FAVORITE images:

The Fun Stuff:

Image:  Cupcake

Paper:  MME, Colorbok

Medium:  Distress Inks

And look what is enjoying the nice weather here in town .. the roses are all popping up with lots of buds and blooms .. here are a couple of them.  Can I just tell you how much seeing the sprinkles of color in our backyard gives me so much joy?!  :)

I hope to see you over at our challenge at Belles 'n Whistles .. and take a look at my DT sisters creations.. they are just FABULOUS! 

Thank you so much for visiting me .. I love it when you do!  See ya soon!

Hugs,

Elise

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Hello Friends!  It's my turn to host a challenge over at Belles 'n Whistles .. and so I've chose a quite simple theme .. "Use Your Favorite Elisabeth Bell Image".   I have so many favorite images, so I just chose which one I wanted to play with next.  And I chose this cutie ... Planting Some Love.

The Fun Stuff:

Image:  Planting Some Love from Belles 'n Whistles Store

Paper:  MME, Colorbok

Medium:  Distress Inks

I hope to see you over in our Belles 'n Whistles Challenge!  :)  My DT Sisters have created some GORGEOUS things for you to inspired by!  Thank you so much for visiting me and I'll see ya again soon!

Hugs,

Elise

For You

Hello Friends!  Hope you're all doing very well!  I decided to make a tag with this adorable Sweet Apples.  I decided to make her black/white with dashes of pinks on there.  And then I also added some flower soft that I have around the edges since it contained pinks and greens like on my image.

The Fun Stuff:

Image:  Sweet Apples

Papers:  DCWV

Medium:  Prisma Colored Pencils w/ OMS

Thanks for visiting me and I do hope to see you over at our Belles 'n Whistles Challenge Blog too!  Right now the challenge is to "Use Your Favorite Color Combo" ... sweet and simple and FUN!  :)

See ya soon!  Have a wonderful day!

Hugs,

Elise

Invention of Hugs

Hey all!  It's the start of another new Belles 'n Whistles Challenge and this time our lovely Iris has given us a sweet and simple theme .. "Use your favorite color combo"! 

For me, I have lots of favorite color combo's .. lol .. so I just decided to go with whatever came onto my card.  haha!

Here's my card:

The Fun Stuff:

Image:  Bellinda with Teddy

Papers:  K&Co

Medium:  Distress Inks

I sure do hope you'll come over and join in this easy and fun challenge at Belles 'n Whistles!  Hop on over there and check out my awesome DT sisters creations .. they so rock!

Thanks for visiting me .. I always love it when you do!  See ya soon!

Hugs,

Elise

So Chic

Hi Friends!  It's the start of another Belles 'n Whistles Challenge .. and this time the fabulous Lynda is giving us the theme of "Use the colors Blue, Yellow and Red".  I've never tried that color combo before, and I must say ... I rather enjoyed it quite a bit!!!!  Thanks Lynda!

Here's what I came up with using this Sass 'n Class girl, I think she's just so cool!  hehe!

The Fun Stuff:

Image:  Sass 'n Class from Belles 'n Whistles store

Papers:  MME

Medium:  Prisma Colored Pencils

Thank you so much for stopping by and I do hope you'll join us at Belles 'n Whistles Challenge!  As always .. I enjoy your visits and I'll see ya again soon!

Hugs,

Elise