High Hopes Stamps - Fisherman Fred

Howdy -

First let me thank each and every one that reads here for all the thoughts and prayers. We are fine here. I do send all my prayers to all those in Texas effected by Hurricane Harvey. He has really left an impact on Texas. So many friends, family and fellow Texans flooded out. My thoughts and prayers to all.

Now for my card today for High Hopes Stamps - I wanted a guy card for a friend. And this image of Fisherman Fred just seemed to perfect.

Such a fun image! I colored up Fred with my Copics (colors below) then I cut out with an oval Spellbinders Nestie, making sure to cut out the fishing rod of course. The edges are inked with Rangers Distress Ink Tea Dye ink.

My papers are fun Paper Studios Beach papers with a Kraft card stock all sewn together. Inked the edges as well and then added just a few Enamel Dots... just a few. Topped off with a great sentiment from High Hopes Stamps "Dropping A Line"

Inside more of the same papers.

Copic colors used -

There are so many PERFECT images to have fun with at High Hopes Stamps - HERE

Thanks so much -
Hugs and

Animal Crackers - Bracing for Harvey

Howdy -

I am writing this early Friday Morning, and for the last couple of days we have been bracing for Hurricane Harvey. Now first - we are 130 miles from the coast, I pray for those closer and on the coast. Here we worry about tropical storm strength winds and flooding in our area. Our home is on a small hill, we will stay dry, but we may be stuck here while creeks and low water areas go down. And hopefully we not loose power. They are predicting 10-15 inches here... and tropical storm strength winds. With so many large older trees, and so many small barns that wind is what really keep a watch on. I would love to bring all my "children" inside... can you believe Hubby won't let me do that???  Could get crowded though.

Just after the sun was up Friday Hubby was out feeding... I followed with my camera.

The three stooges, our standards get a small flake... they don't need it as they have acres to graze. But well they are spoiled rotten and because others are being fed hay they believe they "need" breakfast too. So a small flake is shook out and made to look like a big pile just to make them happy. And that is all that is important right? That they are happy. We won't discuss the fact that they are so fat they are lumpy...

Darlene was very happy. The ladies don't get fed every day either. As they have a 10 acre pasture to graze. But with the heavy rains coming, they are probably going to get in the shelters and not spend much time out in the wind and rain. So "Dad" gave out some hay to make sure they have full bellies before it all settles in and starts raining.

We did have one girl in big trouble! And we were not happy with her!

With all that is going on around here. Macie decided to go missing. Second time this old lady has done this. But not what we needed right now! Oh she showed up... finally! After lots of yelling out and Hubby out walking and looking for her. We believe she has found her own little hiding spot and gets "lost" in her private time. Possible a small hole in the neighbors fence. So after the storm Hubby will have to brave the bushes and find her "spot". Bad Macie! Thrilled she finally did show up. I do love her to pieces!

Now the other donkeys were not concerned at all that she was missing... this look from Bella...

And this from Jazz...

 These were watching "Dad" witih the cart with the hay bale on it making sure that he was making his way to them. Such concern for their missing friend.. yea right! That just meant more hay for them!

We do have one little friend that I feel sad for. Just a little bit...

Olive Oyl is really missing her Momma, Paintbrush. She finally has bonded with one of her 1/2 sisters, Vera, and is hanging with her and "moving on", as well she should!! This "baby" is over 5 years old! Time to grow up Miss Olive! Life is tough!

Well better get back to work and getting prepared. Was thinking I might make some cookies today so we have them over the weekend. We all have to do our part right?

I send prayers to all of those dealing with Hurricane Harvey and all the First Responders. Stay safe!

Bless you all -
HUGS and

Whimsy Stamps - Kitten Halloween

Howdy -

Today I have a very cute little Kitty to show off! This is from Whimsy Stamps and is called "Kitty Halloween" by Lee Holland.

Such a sweet little kitty!! I colored with my Copics (colors below) and found a pattern paper from Simple Stories. For my card stock I used a brown for the base and then an orange from coredinations as the mat. I sanded the edges a bit. For my sentiment I used Whimsy's Dies Brush Script Uppercase Alphabet, and spelled out "BOO" Love these letters! Then a couple of Whimsy's older retired Leaf Vine dies.

Inside of the card all the same papers.

Copic markers used -

There are just so many cute stamps at Whimsy Stamps - if you are trying to get your Halloween cards started and out in plenty of time... Visit the Whimsy Stamps Store HERE and I promise you will find so many things you just have to have!!

Hope you have a blessed day!
HUGS and

High Hopes Stamps - Happy Pigs

Howdy -


Another new stamp from High Hopes Stamps and who doesn't love "Happy Pigs"

And two little piggies playing in the mud is really adorable! I colored up with my Copics (colors below) Love to color up that they are a bit messy in the mud. I used paper from Simple Stories, with Green and White card stock. I used a zig zag stitch to attach everything. A fun heart doily from Whimsy Stamps and the High Hopes Stamps sentiment "Hogs and Kisses" from the new release! How perfect is it? Three pearl dots in the corner to finish it off.

Inside the same papers -

Copic colors used -

Just love these new stamps from the new release "So Much Cuteness" It is one of my all time favorites!

Have a blessed day -
HUGS and

Animal Crackers - A little Moving Around

Howdy -

Old age really is not fun. Now you see this week I had a birthday.. the big 5-0. Not that number really bothers me.. that much... LOL Well my furry babies have the same issues with age... just wish with me it was getting skinny like them. That I could use a bit of! But for them it isn't healthy at all. We worry about our older kids as they age.

A few months back Black Jack was needing a bit of help with some added nutrients and well.. fattening up. So Black Jack was put on some really yummy, at least he likes it, special feed for aging equine. It has done wonders for him. He looks amazing, coat is shiny and he is more active and not to hurt his feelings but he is much fatter and healthy.

What a stud! We are both counting down the days until it cools off and fall is officially here so we can move in some pen-mates for breeding. I pray that we can get more solid black babies from Black Jack before he is retired. Such a sweet good-looking guy!

Now already retired is Paintbrush, our oldest goat. She is in need of a bit "more" and in with all the girls she just isn't getting in there and getting her share much less a bit more. And honestly Frankie our first and old buck is aging and getting a bit thin as well. So we decided that despite the fact that Annie and Frankie love being in the same pen and live happily together that maybe we should move Annie out, put Paintbrush in and then we can control and add some fat to out older generation. Annie tends to take more than her share so this gives the two that need the feed the chance to eat in peace.

Paint or Annie were not super thrilled the first day. Oh Annie has some fun bossing around all the girls and being in the larger pen, but I think she was missing Frankie. Paintbrush was not happy about being apart from her baby Olive (I say baby loosely as she is long been an adult) But now I think things have calmed down and Paint is liking the "retirement" pen. It has more shade, and well... that extra and much yummier food... 

The goats get Alfalfa a couple times a week along with their daily Coastal Hay. But the retirement pen is getting it much more often and even some added grain for dinner a few nights a week. A plus for sure! Hopefully they will show the same improvements as Black Jack.

Here Annie has settled down, but I think that is a bit of the jealous eye she is sending over to Paintbrush.

Just kidding.. she was asleep here.. LOL

Thelma wanted to say Hi this week...

Wish you could hear her.. really she was chatting up a storm. LOL

Now here is one that has the best of both world.

We all know Kitties love laying in warm windows... Gato loves laying in which ever window has the morning sun coming in. But she has found a spot that has the warmth, while under the fan and air conditioning. Now this is the spot people! Smart Kittie... LOL And might I say pretty kittie too!

Hope you all have a wonderfully blessed weekend, and that we gave you a little smile to start off the weekend -

HUGS and

Whimsy Stamps - SweetLil'Chef

Howdy -

Another great image from the Whimsy Stamps August Release! This is "Sweet Lil' Chef" by Kirsten Winkelbauer

Isn't she cute? I thought she would make a great Thank You card to put with some baked goodies. I colored with my Copics (colors below) and then cut her out with a small border around her. My papers are from Paper Studios. Love the baking theme of the papers. I sewed all the layers down a kraft card stock. A Thanks die cut for the sentiment. And three Enamel dots in the top corner.

Inside more of the same papers -

Copic colors used -

There are so many great goodies to see at Whimsy Stamps August Release - see it all HERE 

Can't wait to play with more of these images!

HUGS and
 

Whimsy Stamps - August Release! - Piggy Birthday

Howdy -

Time for a new Release at Whimsy Stamps!! More great fun to craft with!! For my first card with the new releases I am playing with "Piggy Birthday" from Lee Holland!

Isn't he a cute little piggy? I colored with my Copics (colors below) and found a piece of fun pattern paper from Webster. I sewed down all the layers down with a zig zag stitch, with bright green, dark rose pink and white card stocks. For my sentiment I used Whimsy Stamps "Happy Sayings" Die Cut. With a stamp from Whimsy Birthday. I dotted the scallops with Viva Decor Rose Pearl Pen.
Fun card!

Inside same papers.

Copic colors used.

Love how cute this card turned out and now excited to work on my next new card to show off tomorrow! See you then.

HUGS and

High Hopes Stamps - Puppy Pals

Howdy -

Puppy Pals - such a sweet little image. And perfect for a little note card for a friend.

This is a small 4x4 inch card. I colored up Puppy Pals with Copics (colors below) Then I found a piece of scrap pattern paper from Websters. Brown card stock for the base and mat. A part of die cut from Desire's. Three sequins, with dots of Viva Decor Cream Dots. Then the great new sentiment also from the new release "Life without Dogs... I don't think so"

Great little card to tie to a little gift bag or present. Perfect for what I needed!

The Copic colors used -

To see all the new release click here > "So Much Cuteness"
To see all High Hopes Website and all the yummy items click here > "High Hopes Stamps"

Love my High Hopes Stamps~!!

Animal Crackers - How did he do that?

Howdy -

Last week I casually mention to Hubby that I have been trying for weeks to get a good photograph of our little chickens Itsy and Bitsy for the blog. Every time I go out they run towards the fence panels and push up against me, sweet for sure but not great for photographs! So he starts sending me photographs.. like lots of different photos of the two little girls! Now they do run towards him too... but somehow he snuck out and got some great shots! This one was my favorite! A bit jealous of his skilz!

Oh my they are so cute! These two are the home hatched and raised chicks and they are like Hubby's special kids. He is so attached, and it is really cute the way they run up and jump on him and eat out of his hands.

Now my baby boy Autie. I know I show him chillin' most of the time. But this one was so funny. You see he had a bath last night, so he is all clean and fluffy... and after going out yesterday morning he ran in and legs went straight out, he hit the cool floor and he sighed... My boy...

I went out earlier yesterday about lunch time to take photographs and it was already getting steamy hot and almost everyone was hiding! I was so upset I just couldn't get out in the morning yesterday... next week I am going to have to get up and go out before I get working while it isn't as hot. Or with Hubby's luck with photos maybe just let him shoot next week! LOL

Heard a little high pitch sound from Peso while walking by. This guy is just too funny. Big tough guy... and he has the highest pitch voice that sounds like a little girl. LOL He was hiding under his deck of his hut.

I am sure it is cooler, but I think we are going to have to talk to Dad to make his next deck just a few inches taller... then he could stand up under it.! LOL He loves his deck most all year and jumps up on it and over sees all the ladies in their pen, but in August... too hot up there! Oh.. maybe Dad should build him a patio cover for his bachelor pad! Yea... I will put that on the to do list! He will love that!

Hank was down in his pen chillin' in his hut. Was quite a way from me, and he really wanted to come to me for a little attention. But that would mean walking across his entire pen in the sun...

He just said a few things to me from a distance and stayed right where he was... Don't blame you Hank I am heading in pretty quick myself!

One photo of a donkey this week, The men were the only ones out this week. Jorge came for some head scratches... Sergio for his kiss on the end of his nose. And then I even got a rare head scratch for Pavo!!

He is such a calm sweet donkey. Just like his Mom Darlene and his older brother Diego. But he is even more cautious. Likes attention, but only when no one else is hogging up the fences. But I got a rare few minutes with him just the two of us and some sweet loving.

I have to brag on loyalty... Miss Moxie

I so adore this girl. Even with the heat she stayed right with me in my rounds to all the pens and taking photos. We got in a nice walk, some chit chatting, and of course lots of head and belly rubbing. To her not me..... LOL  Love her so much!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend planned. I don't know of anything major for us this weekend. Things around here I am sure, but just quite weekend. Like that plan myself!

Hugs and hug someone furry or feathered!

Published fun!!!

Howdy -

I am so excited to share! I have been published in Rubber Stamp Madness Magazine!! Now available is the Fall issue and if you check out their article on Birthday Greetings you just might see a card by little ole' me!!

I used Whimsy Stamps Dragon Party by Crissy Armstrong. With lots of other Whimsy Stamps products. The Whimsy 6x6 Pattern Paper "It's A Party", Whimsy Corner Dies, and believe it or not those swirls are the Whimsy Funky Christmas Tree Dies.. upside down. Then lots of those fun Whimsy Enamel Dots!  The sentiment is part of the Whimsy Digital Dragon Sentiments Set.

There is lots of great inspiration in Rubber Stamp Madness Magazine. If you haven't seen it in your local craft store or book store.. check out their website HERE 

Its been awhile since I have been published.. I think I am going to give it a try again real soon it was so much fun to join in and then to see my card in print!

Have a blessed day!

Whimsy Stamps - Penguine Baker

Howdy -

Yum Yum... Who doesn't love pie? Whimsy Stamps by Crissy Armstrong "Penguin Baker"

I colored up this little baker with my Copic markers (colors below) I went with a background coloring of a very light purple so I could match up with my pattern paper. Whimsy Stamps Digital paper "Tranquil Turquoise Papers collection" I love digital papers, never run out and no storage issues! LOL Sewed down the layers with a straight stitch on my sewing machine.

Die cut out the Whimsy Stamps Cherry Blossom Panel. Love this die.. I added some Ranger stickles to each of the flowers, and then decided that the top of the pie needed some "sugar" so I added more stickles to the pie.

For my sentiment I used the Whimsy Stamps Brush Script Uppercase dies and spelled out "Sweet As" with three dots of Whimsy Stamps Enamel Dots.

Love how cute this one turned out.

Here are the copic colors used -

Have you seen all the cuteness at the Whimsy Stamps Website? Check it out HERE and see how much fun there is!

See you tomorrow to share some fun!

Hugs and

High Hopes Stamps - Goat Your Back

Howdy -

Now when I saw the new release from High Hopes Stamps we all know the new Donkey stamp was the first to jump out at me and made my heart sing. But then I saw these cute little goats! "Goat Your Back"

Oh my they remind me so much of my Momma Goat Rhett and her babies! I decided that they needed a farm to have fun in... so I stamped off first "Goat Your Back" Masked that off and stamped the "Farm Fence" Masked that off with the goats. And then stamped the background "BARN" I love how they all came together and have a scene you have fun coloring! I colored with my Copics. (colors below) and then went to find papers for my card.

I decided to just work with one pattern paper and keep things a bit simple since the image deserves the attention. My papers is from Graphic 45. I sewed all the layers down and used a Core'dinations dark red card stock for mats and the base. The sentiment is perfect "Furever in my Heart" Then three red enamel dots to finish it off.

Inside the same papers -

Copic colors used -

Can you say ADORE for the new release "So Much Cuteness"! Having so much fun with it! To see all the new Cuteness click HERE.

Hugs and