Dexter and Christmas... Mostly Dexter

10 days till Christmas. Yikes!!!!... I need to get cracking on so many levels.

I haven't blogged in so long... My last entry was nearly a month ago. I've been busy with so many other things. Sadly I've not sat in my little scrappy corner to craft, but I will soon. 

I have made a couple of new Christmas cards, I'll post those pictures later.

Mostly I have to write about Dexter. *Michael C Hall, I love your creepy goodness.*

I am still devastated by the season ending on Dexter. MIND BLOWING ending. I didn't see it coming (and I consider myself a good predicter of endings.) I was duped, which I love. One side of me enjoys the shock. But the other side of me is a little disappointed.

I think the writers could have built up the story to let us anticipate (in “sitting on the edge of your seat” fear) what was to come. Spoiler Alert... Trinity - Arthur Miller - kills Rita. GASP!.... I liked the shock factor but perhaps it would have been more suspenseful if we knew that Rita had returned. Perhaps the most disturbing part – in my opinion – the part that I couldn't get out of my head for two days – was to see little Harrison sitting in a puddle of his mommy's blood, right next to the tub where she lay murdered.

Honestly, I suspected Rita would be killed off this season. Although I thought it would have happened earlier in the story so that Dexter could kill Trinity with anger and revenge. I didn't even like Rita very much. I used to like her, but this season she nagged Dexter too much.

I like when a story gets all tied together in the end. Like the way that one action would have a trickle effect of clarity on other things. YKWIM? The shock factor was there for Rita's death, but I almost feel a little cheated that it wasn’t part of the story that we were following – not really. I watched the ending again to listen more closely to what Trinity said to Dexter. I wanted to hear if there were any clues. The only thing that he said was "it's already over...," which - even knowing the ending - doesn't give me a clue. The thing that I did enjoy watching for the second time was Dexter's reaction to what Arthur said. The look of puzzlement on his face was really good, it’s like he suspected something was off… But didn’t know what. It was subtle though... Very subtle, cause seconds later when Dexter says "now it's over" (as he slams the hammer down to kill Arthur) it ties that little piece together – until the end of course.

Anywho... I'm not a TV writer (but I’m sure I’d be excellent! - LOL) I still love the show, despite my reluctance with the ending. I still love Dexter. I think the story line and the actors are phenomenal. It’s still my favourite show. I still plan to re-watch the entire season from the beginning. Deborah (Jennifer Carpenter) is still my idol (although Jen, eat a cookie girl! You give new meaning to skinny.)

It's funny to think how many of us devoted Dexter watchers are cheering for the killer (but he's a good killer...) I'm really looking forward to next season in September 2010. Yikes!!! Man, how will I endure the winter... The spring... The summer... ??? I guess Nurse Jackie will have to fill the void. : )

Donna

Happy Birthday Mom

It's my Mom's birthday tomorrow.  We're celebrating today, since most of us are around today.  Of course, I had to make some cards for the special occassion.  I'll share them and briefly explain my steps.  Here's the first:

I'm calling it my "Gift Card"...  Get it???  Cause it's a GIFT shaped card.  Te he he.  I used my Cricut with the Pooh and Friends cartridge.  It's a cute present that I turned into a card by cutting a back a little smaller and scoring a 1.5" flap to attach.  This is not my original idea.  I saw a version on the Bitten by the Bug blog challenge.

The second card I used a CC Design stamp.  The paper was from my scrap pile, but I remember it's My Mind's Eye, cause I love this paper.  I added some flowers and Stickles for flare.

 

The final card is also a Cricut cut card from the Pooh & Friends cartridge. I know that my son will love giving this to his Gramma. I've put his hand print on the inside along with a cute "Happy Birthday" cut.

That's it for now. I just want to say that I have the best mom. She is so nurturing to my children (and to her own kids too!) She's loving and giving and she never wants anything for herself. I aspire to be as great a mom and person as she is. I love you Mom.

Thanks for stopping by.

Donna

Looks Like a Wedding Card?

Hi everyone and happy Thursday morning!

My card today is for a friend and coworker.  She's leaving our office for a full time position in another city.  I'm going to miss her fun-loving sense of humour around here (that girl really makes me laugh!), but this move is best for her, so I'm very happy for her.

I'm using the card for the Mojo Monday Challenge Week #112.  Once again, I took the layout very literally and copied it - almost - verbatim.  : )   I like black & white cards; they have such a crisp and clean look.  My only problem here is that it looks a little wedding-like to me. 

The supplies for this card were from my stash.  Here's what I know - one of the sentiments is from SU.  I used the Cuttlebug to emboss.  I sprayed a little Glimmer Mist on one of the sentiments.  I added a glitter brad and some ribbon - and voilà.

Have a great day - thanks for checking me out.  ; )

Donna

REMEMBRANCE DAY - NOVEMBER 11

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing , fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from falling hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders field

A Four-Challenge Card

Good morning,

My post today is for four challenges.  I'm excited to use my new Oliver stamp that I won at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamp Challenge #4 *thanks Kimmie*.  I had fun combining challenges for this card, starting with the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamp Challenge #5 - Stitch It Up.  I gotta say, the stitching on this one was anything but smooth.   Not sure if it was my machine or my technique, but it sure was trying.  Got it finally on my third attempt.  Anywho...  The second challenge is for Crazy 4 Challenges Week 10 - Easel Card.  You should check out the really cute cards from their DT - such great ideas.  The third challenge that I followed was the Friday Sketchers 77.   I love this little snowflake sketch.  The last challenge that I manage to play was for the Cupcake Craft Challenge #65 - Snow Much Fun.

The paper is from Close To My Heart.  I added the sewing and some ribbon, from my trusty ribbon drawer.  I cut out Oliver, popped him up and added some Stickles to his hat and glaze to his cup.  I sprayed the large snowflake and sentiment with Glimmer Mist.  I believe the sentiment is from CC Designs (?)  Oh... And I paper pieced part of Oliver's hat to match the paper.

Here's a look from a different angle.  Hope you like it.  Yay...  My first Christmas card, only 29 more to go!

Have a great day and stay healthy.

Donna

Mojo Monday & Birthday

Good Wednesday morning everyone,

Here's my card for the Mojo Monday 111 Contest.  I had to make a birthday card so I combined my efforts - two birds, one stone.

I bought this cute little Greeting Farm ball player from Scrappin Great Deals.  These stamps are so adorable with their oversized heads.  My son loves baseball (he has a normal size head - LOL.)  It was easy and fun to colour up the large surface areas.  It was also easy to cut him out and pop him up.  The paper and embellishments were from my stash - don't remember those details.

Here's a closer view of Batter Ian.  There wasn't too much fuss with this card.  I kept it simple (I fought the urges to glitter it up!)  I did give the star a coating of glaze, which can be seen in the closer view.  I hope my brother likes it.  It's a little boyish for a grown man, but I know he'll get a kick out of it - and he used to be an awesome ball player, so it fits...  Did I say "used to??"  I meant that he still is awesome!!

Have a great day.  Thanks for stopping by.

Donna

One Card - Three Challenges

Good evening,
It's Monday again.  Where did the weekend go? 

This is my first 3-challenge card! I started with the challenge from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Challenge #4 - Tag You're It.   I'm loving these Kimmie stamps and I'm looking forward to the new November release stamps.  I used the sketch from Friday Sketchers #76, which has quite a few layers.  Finally I included the sweet challenge from over at A Spoon Full of Sugar: Challenge #75 - Kitchen/Cooking cause these sweet cupcakes are a perfect fit.

I actually felt bad cutting little Francesca's feet off...  I did it for the good of the sketch.  I couldn't make it work otherwise.  Sorry little Francesca!

So that's my card for this Monday night.  I'm off to watch Dancing With The Stars now (yay)!   Before I go, I wanted to share pics of my little gruesome brood from Halloween.  Okay...  So maybe they're not all so little or gruesome.  My little Pooh was too tired to pose for pics.  He started with a cute black nose, but soon he just looked dirty.  LOL  My Cowgirl loves to pose any time, any place.  I was especially happy with my Joker's costume.  I made his coat late Friday night and threw the rest together on Saturday morning - not bad for last minute.

Thanks for stopping by.

Donna

Haunted Card

Hello blog friends,

I used this cute little CC Design stamp for the Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge #55 - Hocus Pocus.   This is such a fun challenge blog with the movie themes.  I'm going to check this out more often.  I also used the sketch from Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #88.  I find that I tend to be very "literal" when I'm following these sketches.  I am envious of the wonderful DTs that can take the sample sketch and put there own spin on it.  Maybe some day I'll have a more creative twist.

I drew some angry eyebrows on the little witch.  I really like this look for Halloween.  It reminds me of the line from Toy Story 2 - when Mrs. Potato Head says "I'm packing your angry eyes, just in case."  I love that movie.  I'd actually welcome to watch it for a change.  My son is seriously in to watching Disney Pixar's Cars.  It's a great movie - extremely well made - but no word of a lie, I could quote it line by line, in every scene.  I can't say how many times I've watched this movie, but it's a whole lot!

I added some glaze to her hat and boots, as well as the spider.  I added some Stickles to the ribbon on her hat, to match the background paper.  And I used a Gelly Roll pen to add glitter to her hair.  Cause witches have glittery hair, right?

I enjoyed both these challenges and as much as my sketch was very literal to the sample sketch, I sort of like the way it turned out.  Maybe it's the black cardstock that anchors the card?

Before I go...  Did you check out the sneak peek of the new adorable Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps?  These are so cute, you must go have a look on Kimmie's blog and follow the links to her amazing DT.

Have a good night!  Tomorrow is Friday!  (Yay!)

Thanks for stopping by.

Donna

One Card - Two Challenges

Happy Tuesday everyone,
I'm trying to get my kids ready for Halloween on Saturday.  I still have some sewing to do for their costumes.  Despite the time crunch, I still wanted to do up a card for a couple of challenges.

I used the cutest little stamp EVER - her name is Charlotte.  She's dressed in some pretty fall colours for the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Challenge #3 - Shades of Autum.  I used the sketch from Cupcake Craft Challenge sketch #63. 

I used Copic markers to colour her.  The paper is from the Indian Summer stack from DCWV.  I added some flowers and some Stickles for a bit of sparkle and a ribbon from my stash.  Oh and the flower border is a Martha Stewart punch.

So that's my card...  Hope you like it. 

In closing tonight I just wanted to say that there are lots of scary and very sad H1N1 flu stories out there.  My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those suffering the loss of loved ones.  I can't begin to imagine their pain.  There are also lots of colds going through the schools and workplace - here is hoping everyone is staying healthy through these trying times.

God Speed.

Thanks for visiting.

Donna

Another Kraftin' Kimmie Stamp

Good morning everyone.  It's still dark out and my daughter is getting ready for school, so I'm quickly posting a new card.

I'm using Lillith again by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.  I coloured her the other day and I kind of like how she turned out.  What do you think of her skirt?  I used the paper piecing technique, which is still something new to me.

The paper is, once again, from my stash of many papers.  I coloured her with Copics and added some Frosed Lace Stickles to her bow and petticoat.  The frog got a coating of glaze for a slimmy effect.  The sentiment is from SU.  Finally the ribbon is from the stash pile, and the flowers received a drop of Liquid Pearl in the centre.

Maybe it's the pink & brown combo or maybe it's those cute Kraftin' Kimmie's Stamps - but I'm quite happy with the look of this card.

Have a happy Thursday!

Donna

Mojo Monday & Just Magnolia

I love this little Magnolia.  I really need to buy a few more of these cute stamps.  This card is for two challenges.  The Mojo Monday Week 109 - sketch.  And also the Just Magnolia: Week 27 - Bright and Zingy.  This paper certainly makes me think "bright & zingy."

I love this paper by DCWV from the Citrus Stack.  I also used this paper for a cute summer page scrapbook layout.  I used my Copics to colour her up.  I meant to use a green and a red colour, but I think I got carried away with the orange - I love orange.  As a kid, my brothers and I each had our favourite colours - mine was orange!  Here's a closer look.

Have a good night!
Donna

Say hello to Lillith

What a beautiful Saturday it was here in Southwestern Ontario.  I'm so excited to be posting one of the new stamps by Kraftin' Kimmie's Stamp.  This is Lillith - isn't she the sweetest little thing?  Love her smirk.

This card is for the second challenge over at Kraftin' Kimmie's Stamps Challenge #2 - Buttons.  I think these new stamps are simply the cutest.  The artist Annie Rodrigue is a super talented girl.  I used the sketch from Mojo Monday #108.  I struggled quite a bit with this layout.  I couldn't seem to get the sizing just right.  I still think my card base should have been a little longer to make it work better.  Oh well, there's always next week.

I used Copic marker to colour Lillith and I used some paper from my scrap pile.  I think this cute pink paper was used to do my daughter's baby album - she's now 14.  LOL  I put some pink Stickles on her sash and her petticoat.  The frog was given some glaze to help show his cute sliminess.

I tried to give the froggy some rosy cheeks.  Can you see it?  LOL

Have a great night!  Thanks for stopping by.

Donna

Spooky Friday

Don't ya love Fridays?  It's kind of a busy one in our house tonight, but in a short while I'll be curling up in front of the TV to watch some of my favourite shows that are saved on my PVR.  I think I'll kick it off by watching the season premiere of 30 Rock.  I just LOVE that show!

So my card tonight is for two challenges.  The sketch is from Taylored Expression Sketch Challenge 87.  I recently purchased their stamp set The Places You'll Go.  It's such a sweet set.  The little quotes are great.  The second challenge is for Cute Card Thursday Challenge 82 - Spook Fest.  Make sure you pop over there to check out all the wonderful creations from their awesome DT.

I used the cute stamp CC Designs Sugarplum Mummy Trevor.  Isn't he so spooky?  Okay...  Maybe he's more cute than spooky.

Here's a closer shot of spooky Trevor.  I don't remember the paper products, but the border punch is by Martha Stewart.

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope you have a great weekend.

Donna

Birthday Card

This is my card for the very first challenge (yay!) over on Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Challenge - Anything Birthday.  Since I don't have my KK Stamps yet, I've used this cute little balloon girl.  It's also my submission for the challenge on Cupcake Craft Challenges - Buttons&Stitching.  This is my first attempt to stitch on paper - although I've always liked the look, I'd never done it until now.   Gotta love these challenges to, well...  Challenge yourself.

Here's a closer pic.  I don't have the details of the supplies that I used.  These are all from my many piles of "stuff" that I've accumulated (and continue to accumulate.)

Thanks for visiting!

Donna

MOJO107 - Mojo Monday Challenge

I made this card to give to my Aunt as a thank you for welcoming us to her home for Thanksgiving.  Since I followed the Mojo Monday sketch, I decided to enter in the weekly challenge.  Or perhaps I wanted to do the weekly challenge and then decided to give the card to my Aunt.  Either way, I think it's a good thing.  LOL

This is my first challenge.  I had fun.  Keep your fingers crossed. 

Okay, it's time to tidy up and get some sleep.

Donna

Halloween Card

Good morning....   It's Friday!

We're preparing for a nice long Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada.  So in the Fall/Halloween spirit, here's my card for today:

I used the Little Witchy stamp from Stamping Bella.  The paper is from my many piles of paper - just don't remember the paper company.  I do remember that I bought the ribbon from Michael's and the little bat is from the dollar store.  Here's a quick close up of Little Witchy. 

Gotta make it quick today...  Thanks for stopping by!

Donna

My First Magnolia Cutie

Isn't she a cutie?  My first Magnolia - and she's all coloured up for Spring...  I know, I know... It's Fall.  I'll get the hang of this some day!  LOL

When I saw this little image, I loved her immediately.  I can't remember where I first saw her, but I remember that the artist had coloured her in green.  It was stunning - so now that's how I picture her.  So of course for my first Magnolia post, I had to make her green.  Next time, I'll have to make a point of using a different colour!

Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday

It's a new day with Tom Delay gone from Dancing with the Stars.  I'm happy that he's gone - although he's gone cause he withdrew himself (feet problems) - and not for lack of votes (go figure?)  We also had to say goodbye to cutie Maksim Chmerkowskyi.  His partner was actress Debi Mazar, who was less than enchanting on the dance floor.  I'm going to miss Max, but see ya later Debi.

Tonight I'm curling up to watch the So You Think You Can Dance Canada results.  All the dancers are so fantastic.  I think I like Vincent the best.  Must be the Québecoise in me! Although Kim and Tara-Jean are awesome, as is Jayme-Rae.  And we have a special place in our hearts for Melanie, cause we've watched her dance for a few years at dance competitions in Ontario. 

Last night's show was great - although I had to PVR most of it.  What I did get to watch was fantastic.  I really enjoy Dan Karaty as a panel judge.  I hope we get to see him do choreography again soon.

No crafting last night, other than playing with my computer and figuring out this blogger.  Hopefully this will inspire me to create more - and more often!

Bye for now.
Donna

Happy Tuesday

My official first post!

This cute dog stamp is from Pink Gem Designs. I coloured him up with Copic markers. I'm too much of a Rookie - with both Copic markers and blogging - to have noted the colours that I used.




Don't know if you can see, but on the flowers I used some pink fibers. I recently purchased these from a garage sale, and I wasn't sure how to use them. I really like how they turned out. I also used some Stickles on the dog, flowers and butterflies. I sprayed the grey flowers with Glimmer Mist. The sentiment stamp is from Stamping Bella. Here's a close up.





Okay, off to watch Dancing with the Stars results - thanks to my trusty PVR (which I love.) Hopefully this will be it for Tom Delay & Cheryl. I like Cheryl - I think she's a fabulous dancer - but she's won twice already and I don't think I can watch Tom for another week!

Have a great night!

Donna

Monday

This is my very first post on my very first blog. I'm very excited to have a space to post my thoughts and my creative ideas.