YEAR END BLOW OUT

I wanted to go out with a big bang in 2008 so I am having a BIG SALE EVERYTHING IS $1.00 in my store at Faith Sisters. This will not last long, just a little over 24 hours so don't miss out on this event.

Whew, since a few days before Christmas things have been crazy. What are the odds that out of three family members that all three of you would have car troubles at the same time? First it was our daughter saying she didn't think they would be able to come for Christmas as the part they needed to repair their car would have to be ordered and it was not expected to arrive before Christmas (which turned out to be the case) so we will have Christmas with them later.

Then our son had car woes too, and his depended on how expensive his would be as to weither he would be able to come for Christmas. (He did get to come)

Then on the Monday before Christmas we broke down in our SUV, well I should say we had a smoking, freezing time of it. It was the coldest day we have had around here with -22 wind chills.
We were trying to finish up last minute Christmas gifts, when the car acted up so we turned around to head for home, praying we would make it there. Well we didn't quite make it there before we had smoke poring out of the front of the truck. We are pretty sure that the engine blew or something major.

So on Monday we went looking trying to find something we could afford. We didn't want car payments and because we live in an area where you can expect snow & ice we like 4 x 4's.
So I searched the internet, made calls etc. Finally found something close and in our price range and off we went to look at it. It turned out to be just what we were looking for, YEAH!!
So here are our new wheels, a 1998 Grand Jeep Cherokee and I love it!



We had so much fun with our grandsons at Christmas even though we only saw two of them.
The oldest had a blast beating Grandpaw at shooting at a target, and the youngest takes his aiming very serious as you can see from this picture.



Well maybe things will settle down for a little bit at least I hope so as I need a little recovery time.

Oh, I also learned don't give your dog a ham bone. I made that mistake and payed for it with a sick dog for two days. I guess ham is hard on a dogs liver, well there wasn't any ham left on it. I boiled it getting it clean so it wouldn't be messy. But of course my aggressive chewer ate almost all of the bone the first night. So the next day she spent many trips outside, every woke me up in the night to take her out (which she never does) Thank goodness she seems to be over it today.

Christmas Countdown!

Nine days till Christmas and I can't believe how fast the time goes. I have loads to do yet to get ready and there are still programs we have to get through at church. It is always this way for me, I'm always a last minute shopper, although I do have a bit done due to a store that closed in our area. I have outfits for all 4 of the grandsons so I am a little bit ahead of the game. I have no clue what to buy for my husband this year. Last year I knew what I wanted to get months ahead of time and worked toward that goal, but this year I just don't know.

Well I did a kit Guest Spot for Ella Designs using "Christmas Is Here" what a fab kit this is. You will need to go check out this one there is a little bit of everything in this kit, it is stuffed with goodies.

Breakfast in Bethlehem

I have neglected my blog lately there just hasn't been time to devote to it. Well I am back and I hope to keep up with it better than I have. So to get started the last few days have been extremely busy. Our church hosted Breakfast in Bethlehem today, the neighborhood was invited to breakfast and later pictures would be taken with Santa. Santa arrives as the breakfast in finishing up to tell the true story of Christmas. It was great!


I have to admit the guy in the red suit in my dd playing Santa, he did an awesome job. I even had my picture taken with Santa.

Yesterday evening we spent about 3 hours decorating the area where the children would be for their pictures to be taken with Santa. So today I was the photographer for these sessions, we thought we had everything planned well. We had two fast printers, and extra supplies of ink, paper etc. I had two memory cards and one that was used by our church camera. So you would think all would be well.......................not! My extra memory card wouldn't work with my new camera (I didn't think to check it grrrrrrrrrrrr) and the other extra had the same problem.
So I would take a picture take out the card, they would load into the printer, print and then give it back to me. We did 50 pictures that way but the kids were happy they had lots of time with Santa. Parents were happy they didn't have to pay the mall price for the pictures as they were free so the waiting wasn't so bad after all. My right leg is killing me though, I had planned on using my tripod but with having to take out the card all the time that wasn't working. So to stablilize the camera when I took the picture I was kneeling down and resting my elbow on my knee. Well this Grandmother hasn't done that many deep knee bends in a long time. I hurt already not sure what tomorrow is gonna bring. At least my back held out ok, last week I was having some back issues and had to miss church last week due to that.

My daughter is wanting to become a photographer and recently upgraded her digital camera. She has been experiment trying to build her profolio and learn how to use her camera. It had been awhile since I played around with mine so I did a bit of that this week too. I was really pleased with this one with the ring on the Bible. It even amazed me, I have a nice point & shoot camera that goes up to 12 megapixels. It is by Kodak and I love it.



On this one I love the clarity but I need to experiment some more to see what I could do with the shadow.





Well that is all for today so now I need to see if I can get some creativity going and get a new kit designed for you.

Gonna Fly!

Wow I have been so busy I haven't had time to update my blog!! Since my last update I have turned a year older, but we can forget about that because I have stopped counting, lol.

I have taken on a new store and was busy reading through all the information. My brain has been in a whorl with all the information, a new cart system so I had that to figure out. Anyway my exciting news is I have join the Divine Digital team. Woohoo!!

I have a new kit release, "Joy Noel" Right now through the end of November it will be 40% off.




I also have a "Mini Nativity Freebie" for you that goes along with Joy Noel.





Sorry this freebie is no longer available.

Celebrating NDSD with 60% off Plus Free kit!

I am celebrating NDSD!! I have everything in the store marked down 60% for you plus you can grab, "Mia Casa" free right now at Faith Sisters .

Do You Need REFRESHED?

Sometimes the weekends get so busy with activities that they aren't very relaxing, lol. This past weekend was that way for me. It started off well with a relaxing massage Friday afternoon but that changed on Saturday. I woke up not feeling very well, sinus season is upon us and I hate it. So that started the day off on the wrong foot, I had to lay down putting heat on the sinus area which did help after I slept for about 40 minutes. Our church was having a Fall Harvest Festival that afternoon so I had to feel better because the Worship team was singing for about 40 minutes during it.
I made it through the activities of the Festival and we had an awesome turn out for it. The children looked so cute in their costumes and had so much fun with all the games.
Sunday morning was full as always being a minister's wife, starting with praise practice at 8:30 am and then morning worship. I think with the sinus stuff that I've had going on I ended up with a massive headache that was affecting my vision. So I didn't make it back for the evening service yesterday.
I feel much better today just tired and I need to be Refreshed. Maybe you do too after your weekend. So Come to the Water and be refreshed with these calm and soothing colors in my newest kit.



Everything in my store at Faith Sisters is 30% off thru October 31st.

DON'T MISS THIS AT FAITH SISTER:Get this mega collab kit for FREE when you purchase $10 in products! Get the SECOND Autumn Harvest kit when you purchase $10 more in products.

So you can get BOTH Autumn Harvest Kits for purchasing $20 or more in products from the Faith Sisters store!


You will be all set for doing in kind of fall layout with this mega collab kit that the designers put together at Faith Sisters!!! You won't want to miss the next collab either as it is equally as awesome as this collab.

Wanna Brag a Little??

Face it we all like to brag a bit wither it is about our children, grandchildren or job etc... Well I have been on a kick lately making brag books with my kits. I just love these for gifts and wow did you know that Christmas is just 10 weeks away. So it is never to early to start getting ready with the little gifts. I know I am always running behind in getting the little things done or maybe you just can't afford much but want to give something to someone. Well this go together with not much time involved, just drop in the pictures and print. All of them except the Abby Album are
6 x 4 and can be printed either on your own printer or at the store. I have these all on sale with 40% off now thru October 20th. at Faith Sisters.

Dollar Days $$$$$$$ plus a freebie

This has been a very emotional week for us, our son came and told us they are getting a divorce and it was out of the blue. We had no idea so we weren't in any way prepared for this news. I'm not sure you would every get totally prepared for something like this but maybe you at least wouldn't have been blindsided. So all week my creative spirit flew the coop, I was just really tired and couldn't focus at all on doing any designing. But finally yesterday I finished a collab that I had due for October and that seemed to kick me back in gear.


Wow have I got a bargain for you starting today and going through October 10th everything in the store is $1.00 at Faith Sisters.

That is right just One Buck will buy a whole kit or CU Textures. I also have a brand new kit, "Winter Frost" that will get you all set for those winter pictures of come or maybe you are like me and have pictures that you need to get scrapped.



If you like the new Cosmo Cricket albums I just finished up one of those last week.

Last but not least I have a freebie for you that you can pick up here

And here is preview of it using the kit "Winter Frost"

Faith Sisters Birthday Bash Crop!

Mark your datebooks for this awesome event coming up that you won't want to miss!!


Faith Sisters Birthday Bash Crop! September 26-28 - Challenges, Prizes, Chats, Sales and MORE!

Join Faith Sisters for our Birthday Bash Cyber Crop!

Who: YOU are invited!
When: September 26-28th
What: Challenges, Prizes (traditional and digital,) Sales,
Chats, New Goodies and MORE!
Where: www.FaithSisters.com
Why: To celebrate our 1 year birthday!

Earn points toward winning prizes by doing challenges, purchasing digi kits from our shop, and more! Earn an EXTRA 5 Points for inviting a NEW friend to the crop and have them sign up and participate in the forum!

Sisterly Love Blog Train Collab by Faith Sisters

Ok you are in for a real treat!! The designers at Faith Sisters have come up a collab kit for you but you are going to have to go from blog to blog to snatch all of the kit. Believe me you will not be disappointed when you get all the kit together. It will only be available for free for about 5 days so don't delay in getting it. As you can see my part is pictured at the top and you can pick it up here. (Link Has Expired) If you want the whole kit you can get it at Faith Sisters this collab is to benefit our World Vision Child that we sponser. I hope you enjoy our gift to you and drop by Faith Sisters to see what other goodies we have designed for you. Everything in my store is 50% off thru September 20th.

Here are the links to the other designers blogs.

Amy Sumrall

Kreative Karma

Lifesong Kreations

Boyersville Scraps

Audra's Little Scraps

Meredith Cardall

Willro & Co Designs

Julie's Scraps

Mellow Butterfly

Gretchen Tripp

Journeys with Jamie

Debra Ballance

DigiScrapalicious

Eva

Isyndra

Robin's Printables

Lori

HeartSpa Retreat

I am recovering from being on a retreat this past weekend. It was called "HeartSpa" and I was the director, wow what an awesome experience we had!! We had 26 ladies attending who were treated to pedicures, hand massages, and facials along with Biblical truths to help refresh us in Jesus.
After two busy day of making sure everything was running smoothly I am beat. This was the first time I have every directed a retreat the creators of HeartSpa (Group) makes it so easy to make sure you have everything you need for a successful retreat. Our church camp has a retreat center and that is where we hosted it. We had a great setting and wonderful facilities.

Well I just wanted to update my blog and stay tuned as tomorrow you are in for a treat with a "BlogTrain" collab from Faith Sisters!!

Labor Day Sale

I have sadly neglected my blog lately there just hasn't been enough hours in the day to post here. I have been busy getting the final details ironed out for our "Heart Spa" retreat. We had a test run on Monday with the spa parts with our leadership staff. We had so much fun and laughed so much I know it is going to awesome when we get to the retreat center.
It doesn't take much to get ladies laughing and talking does it? So as of tomorrow the retreat is just 2 weeks away, wow!

Along with the retreat I was working on some collabs and a new kit which I just released. Oh, and in there I also went on vacation. I got to see my youngest grandsons who I hadn't seen since Christmas.

And I have a treat for you starting now thru September 3rd you can get any of my products at
Studio Style Designs for 60 % off.

Tropical Punch Mega Kit - Designer Giveaway @ DSC

This is an event that you don't want to miss I've seen this kit and it is fab!!! I will be hosting a chat with Karla aka Lifesong Kreations by Karla. Our chat time will be 7:00 pm eastern standard time, there will be goodies given out and some other prizes so don't be late. The password will be given for the download at the chat.

Hot Vacation Sale 40% off

I am having a Hot Vacation Sale on all my designs at Studio Style Designs. If you hurry you can get some real bargains I have dropped everything in the store by 40% thru August 20th. This includes all my kits and Commercial textures.

I finally got around to making a fan blinkie if you would like to grab this and I see it you just might get a little appreciation!


That is all I have time for right now as I start vacation tomorrow!!

Hurt'in for Certain!

Oh, ouch! I am feeling my age today as we have had some intensive practices for a concert we are to have on Saturday. Even after all that standing on Sunday & Monday we went to the fair last night and walked around there for about 3 more hours. By the time we arrived home my ankle was reminding of a past injury I suffered to it. So needless to say I did not sleep well last night at all. On top of that I am usually a lady of leisure, (not) well I don't work outside of the home. I am busy designing during the day along with other things I do for the church. Today I had to start filling in for the secretary at church while she is recovering from knee replacement surgery. Well it wasn't to bad since it is only for 4 hours and I will love having that little extra pay. That has pretty much been my day today and my little dog doesn't know what to think as she had to be in her crate most of the day. Hmmmmmm she ain't gonna like the next 6 weeks.

I did finally finish a new kit yesterday for Faith Sisters shop called, "Tropical Visions".



It will be on sale for 40% off as an intro price until August 9th. I was out and took some more pictures to use as textures. I just put these in the store so check them out! And look below for another sample of textures that are free for you.


And if you want to try out my textures I have another freebie for you that you can pick up here at Faith Sisters.

Photos to Pencil Sketches

Whew am I tired this morning!! Our group "Vision" is getting ready for a concert on Saturday so we had a 3 hour practice yesterday after all the regular activities we have a church. We are to have another practice this evening so I will be taking a nap later today for sure. Say a prayer for me as I'm not use to singing for over 2 hours in a concert. We usually have an hour concert so this will be a big day for us on Saturday.


Awhile back I stumbled across "Mama Shan's" video tutorials for photoshop on YouTube. I don't have photoshop but I do have Photoshop Elements so I watched the video about turning a photo into a pencil sketch. After watching it I wanted to try and see how far I could go even though I don't have all of the features that Photoshop has. I couldn't find the exact picture I used on this picture below as my computer crashed awhile back and I lost some items.




I did find the orginal picture of my dog, " Lexie" and below you see what I did using the steps from "Mama Shan's" tutorial to turn it into a pencil sketch. I was fun to try and I learn some more about my program which I didn't know how to do before going through this.






I took the finished pencil sketches and added a few more things to them so I could use them on some cards I was making to sell.

So a fun way to learn your program or learn something new is to go through a tutorial such as these. So I challenge you this week to try something new!

Humming Birds & Moths

I finally bought a Humming Bird feeder and was so excited about getting it set up today. When I got home with it and opened the box only part of the feeder is in there, grrrrrrrrrrr.... So they will have to wait on the feeder until I can take it back across town to exchange it.
Just about every day I have seen a humming bird out and about the flowers in the backyard. I planted a Humming Bird vine last year and it is growing fast but so far it just has one small bunch of flowers so I hope by next year it will have more for them.

Anyway I just found out an interesting fact yesterday that there is a Humming Bird Moth.

This is so interesting that a moth looks at first glance just like a Humming bird. I will have to be on the look out for these now that I know there is such a thing.