Homegrown Hospitality

Winner..Winner

Thanks for all of your "promoting on-line" the past few days!  I appreciate all the love and comments you have been leaving on the launch of the new stamps!  I spent a few many hours coloring this weekend and am working on my skills....

Meet Ben, the reindeer boy..always ready to wear his uniform.  Everyday is "Crazy Sock Day" for this little dude because he can NEVER find matching socks...it is okay, his feet are warm regardless of whether or not his socks match.

and many of you have shared your love for the "Hometown" collection!  Thank you...each of the buildings were inspired for my love for Pennsylvania and there are lots more coming so make sure to watch here and Purple Onion for the releases!

Now before I announce the winners, take a minute to hop over to Jennifer's Blog to see how to make a really cute card using "Pete in a frame"..it is really cute and simple and it TIME time to start on your holiday cards.. and then go on over to Donna's blog to check out the "Framed Trees"

okay now for the rubber stamp packs winners...

 Sally K

Laura Bowden

Anna

Karen Snyder

Beth @ simply B

Congratulations girls...please email me your mailing address at homegrown1(at)att(dot)net

If you ask me....

These might be the cutest kids in the whole wide world...and I am kinda sorta pretty proud to tell you that I drew them...eek and they are going to make your holidays brighter with the silly, surprising, sneaky & sassy things they do!

Meet Ginger...she is confident, brave, academic and does not have an athletic bone in her adorable little figure..and she wears rain boots with every outfit because she wants to!

                                                                                 BEAUTIFULcard created by Joy Taylor
Meet Barry...sweetest boy ever with a heart of gold for serving, just ready to help with whatever you need help with...and in the off season, puts his "santa" garb away, takes off those silly elf shoes and like to downhill mountain bike, wake board and get tattoo'd..told you they were sassy!

                                                                               BEAUTIFUL card created by Joy Taylor
Now..I happen to have A LOT of extra red rubber stamps around here...and I really really really do not need all them..so I am going to give a few sets of past stamps away to you..but you need to pass on the word that "the new kids are in town"..

First..go on over to Purple Onion and check out the "sweet deal" they have" for a few sets...

http://www.purpleoniondesigns.com/newstamps2.html

Then start spreading the news....

facebook it...

tweet it..

post it...

share it..

send it..

whatever..just help me get the word out...and then leave me a comment here...on my facebook..email me...and from all of the entries, I will pick FIVE names..yes five (I told you I have a lot!) on SUNDAY NIGHT...

and I want to send a shout out to the AMAZING Purple Onion Team for making these and all of  my designs look so so good!!!!!! 

Ready..set..go!

Do You See What I See?

I am working on a bunch of kits and projects to sell at a local boutique coming up in a few weeks and as I create, I find myself really thinking more about what I am doing and most importantly, why.

I have a hard time creating things that do not have a real purpose and as I stamped my simple little Christmas tree on muslin this morning, it dawned on me that this tree reflects our lives these days.

When I first designed this stamp a few years ago, I did not pay to much attention to anything but the details.  Trunk, branches, tree stand, a few ornaments and of course a star...but now, a few years later, as I have been "cultivating" and being more intentional, I see so much more.

I would LOVE to know what you see...What do you "see" when you look at the little yet strong tree???

EDITED ...I love reading your comments...I honestly did not see the cross until now!!!

FAQ: Markers

Number two most asked question I am asked is

Q: "What kind of markers do I use to doodle with??"

A: You do not think I am going to have a real simple answer, now do you? That would be way to easy, and because I am so dang "Simply Complicated"...well, anyway, the markers I use those "most" are the Prismacolor Art Markers.

Don't ask me any "scientific" questions about the ink, the alcohol, the hues..stuff like that..because I do not know.  What I do know is that I love the way to work on canvas (although, in the photo, THE NEW Pete (hint hint) seems to have a little bit of a dirty face..that is okay, I still love him)

and I love the way they color on manila tags

and my favorite colors, especially at this time of the year are : Crimson Red, Muted Turquoise, Cinnamon Toast, Goldenrod, Dark Olive Green and Light Olive Green...and sometimes a splash of Light Aqua (the color in the background of THE NEW trees)

and I get them here (just Click on the Blick...and on the home page, click Markers...and have fun!)

 

 

did I mention there are new pumpkins, too???

Faith & Bravery

I see that my sweet little "Faith the Chicken" doodlebird is being featured over at Brave Girls today so I saw it fitting to talk about what "she" means.

 
She is me (and maybe you)...growing and being tested in "faith",standing (not hiding) eyes pointed forward and focused (not down or closed) ...but very much a big "chicken" about many things (and being honest and open about those things).

Being a "chicken" is not a bad thing, sorta...as long as you fall back on that "faith" to help you do what you need to do....to be faithful, strong & brave.

"I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the LORD your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (CEV)

I know you might be thinking that it says "do not ever be afraid or discouraged" and I am telling you the opposite by admitting that I am a chicken about somethings....

well, yes, I am often afraid and/or discouraged..because I am human, duh! BUT (dang big but!) I do not let my fears prevent me from doing things...It just makes things a little tougher, I am a little more anxious and uncomfortable..but those things make the outcome of doing something that I may be chicken about much more beautiful.

whew.

My faith is the "wind beneath my chicken wings" (sorry in advance if you sing that song all day!)  to help me fly .

Yes..I know that "chickens don't fly"....but just play along..She's a doodle for the love of Pete! oh..and she is a stamp too...

 
http://www.purpleoniondesigns.com/newstamps.html

Thanks to Mel & Kathy and all of the Brave Girls for helping me develop stronger wings for flight!! 

Enjoy & Celebrate

I just finished up the last of A LOT of new stamps that will be out soon from Purple Onion Designs and I am excited to share them with you...

soon.

Can I say "they are REALLY cute" and I think...my favorite...

ever???

For now...just a look at a cute little card I made with the banner stamps and some fun colors of Prismacolor markers..

 
Today..regardless what is going on in your life..FIND something to enjoy..and celebrate it!

It could be a clean counter top..a full tank of gas..an empty laundry basket..a clean bill of health...a blooming flower...rain in the forecast (I love rain) big puffy clouds...whatever..just find some happiness (because it is there) and just enjoy and celebrate it!

Sam & Olive

I am excited to introduce Sam & Olive... 

They are part of a little mid-release by me over at Purple Onion Designs TOMORROW and the sample shown above was created by PO Design Team Member, Jennifer Roach. I kinda really LOVE these two little bears..especially in the colors she used!!! Go over and check out the rest of the peeks by the team..the love bugs are also kinda super cute...

I guess the cuteness of  "Sam & Olive" eases my fussy-ness of not having a computer yet. I am "REALLLLLYYYYYYY" trying to find the "bless in the computer mess" and I think Sam & Olive are it!  Right now I am typing from my laptop (which is a blessing that I have one) but the thing is, it does not have ANYTHING on it, so while things could be wayyyyyyyyworse (meaning I did not even have a laptop) I sure would like my ol' trusted steed back.  I will continue to practice patience...and design new stamps (which, I have done this week without my attention being on the computer...hmmmm, what a concept!?)

P.S, this little "love bug" should be named Elliot.  He just looks like an Elliot to me...

                                                                                         Created by Jennifer Holmes 
Thanks again to the amazing team over at Purple Onion..you girls are amazing!!!

Random Creative

in between chopping Cilantro for salsa, making cake pops, folding laundry and getting ready for our annual 4th of July Block party that STARTS today...I have been randomly creating with Prima...Purple Onion and Paint....

 
 
 
 and loving the outcome...stay tuned!

STAMP of approval...

yippeee..look what I am seeing out there...

 Jenn Biederman
                                                                               Joy Taylor
 
http://www.moxiefabworld.com/2011/06/moxie-fab-stamp-of-approval-purple.html

 
http://carlyrobertson.typepad.com/paper-in-bloom/2011/06/a-little-fun-with-wall-art.html

http://purpleoniondesigns.typepad.com/my_weblog/

 Here is another look at some of my "works-in-progress":   
They make me happy...and I hope they make you happy toooooo!

OH...

Check this project out...http://rondapalazzari.typepad.com/helpmeronda/2011/06/a-loving-heart.html#comments

it is amazing..and she is using one of my older fav's..which is awesome..USE WHAT YOU HAVE...

 
a HUGE thank you to the Purple Onion Design Team for creating AWESOME projects and for making my heart smile!!!!

Happy Friday!

p.s. make sure to leave a comment at Moxie Fab..they are giving away some stamps!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

 
Felt+burlap+Prima+canvas+fabric+paint+ink+Helmar+stitches+Christmas

=Happiness!!!

I am 99.9% done with the TWO projects for my return visit to Groves in July...and there are so many things we are going to be doing..it is going to take TWO sessions to get 'er done...

that was my impression of a redneck!

Oh..Speaking of Rednecks...did you see the HILLARIOUS video on Liz's blog...HOLY COW..life with that Collin, I mean Cletus, has got to be a hoot! I might have to go watch the video again...okay, just watched it...too much...

okay, so anyway...I believe Grove's is going to list the class in the next day or two but you can call the store anyways and let them know you are coming....

have I mentioned that I LOVE Pennsylvania.....dreaming of the possibility of having a farm there, where we farm..create...stitch..farm..garden/crop......hey..a girl can dream...and you never know...dreams do come true, duh!

 
Hope to see you in PA!