Holiday Recovery

Season's Greetings Family and Friends,

I apologize for the long absence, but I have recently undergone surgery, and am in the recovery process.  Though progress is slow, there is steady improvement with each day.  I pray that everyone is having a joyous and blessed time with family; and, as time permits, getting the chance to do some fun crafty things!  I am limited in my access to the computer right now, so my posts may be staggered over several days. 

Here's a glimpse of how I've been spending the holiday:

As we approach the New Year, I am grateful for all that I have experienced in 2012; and am looking forward to 2013 with great and holy expectation!! 

Wishing each of you a prosperous New Year!

Lisa (CropDropNRoll)

Thanksgiving and Gratitude

Hello Everyone and Happy Thanksgiving - eve!

I have learned that EVERYday should be a day of thanksgiving!!  As we approach this holiday season, let us reflect on all of the experiences we've had.  Let's not focus on how uncomfortable the situations may have been, but reflect and rejoice that God brought us through them all!!

Yours truly is hosting this week's Jackson's Digital Expressions (JDE) CAS Challenge.  The challenge—should you choose to accept it-- is to complete a CAS card, using either a Robert Jackson image, or an image from our Sponsor for this challenge – Sweet n Sassy Stamps. The twist to this challenge is to use patterned paper.  Be sure to post your creations over at JDE by Monday, at 6:30 pm EST. 

Here's a little inspiration... *Grateful*.  TFL.

Recipe:  DCWV Heirloom Stack (PP); RJ Digi - "Dance and Praise III"; Ribbon

Copics:  YR 12, 14, 15; GR 02, 05; E 23

Stickles:  Silver (Tambourine) and Tangerine Orange (Lady's shoes)

Been Crafting...

Breast Cancer Awareness

In support of BCA month, and in response to a challenge at SOC, I completed this card last week.

I attended an awesome crop about 3 weeks ago in Hagerstown, hosted by Cassie's Craft Cafe.  I had an awesome time, even though I did accomplish all that I set to complete.  Here are a few items that I worked on just before, and during the crop.

Fall is in the Air at JDE!

Greetings Crafting Family,

It's been a while since my last post.  I am hosting my first challenge over at Jackson's Digital Expressions for the Color Team.  The challenge is to complete a card, layout, ATC, or whatever you desire, using the colors BROWN, TEAL & ORANGE.  Our sponsor this month is Bugaboo Stamps. 



So feel free to show us your fall spirit and join our challenge, using either an image from our sponsor, or from our resident artist Robert Jackson.  Be sure to post your projects at Jackson's Digital Expressions.

Here's a little inspiration:

JDE Challenge #22 - Clean and Simple

Greetings Crafting Family,

I've been away on vacation, and have lots of catching up to do!  I can't seem to stop thinking about all those white sandy beaches, and beautiful pools, and all that sunshine... sorry, I got carried away!!  LOL!  Here's my attempt at sharing some of these things with you...

Now on to the real fun stuff!  JDE is hosting another challenge...Clean and Simple (CAS).  What exactly is CAS?  CAS is a design style that uses minimal design elements to create visually interesting and stunning designs.  CAS requires thought and a clear cut design point of view.   When using this style, you should also consider how easily the card, ATC, LO, etc, can be mass produced.  Be sure to pop over to JDE for some inspiration. 

Be sure to post your projects at JDE by Monday, September 17th at 6:30pm (EDT), and link your project using the InLinkz tool.  Please make sure that you link to the URL of your project, not your blog; this will make it easier for the DT to locate your entry!

You do not have to use a Robert Jackson Image, but doing so will increase your chances of winning or being featured.  There is no limit on the number of entries. You can combine your entry with as many other challenges as you please. Good luck!

Here's my interpretation ...

This card was also entered in the Scraps of Color FNC Sketch Challenge #1

Thanks for stopping by.

Sing A Song Card Challenge

Greetings Friends and Family,

TGIF!!  With football and cheerleading season in full swing, I have not had much time to get away to my craft space.  However, I found a small window of opportunity last night, and I jumped right in!  LOL.  Over at Scraps of Color, the Robert Jackson Digi Group is doing a challenge... Sing a Song, It'll Make You Happy.  This challenge has 5 parts - and each one must be completed before moving to the next.  Part 1 -  Participants had to create a card, or something, and the sentiment had to be a song.  So, here's my entry..."Baby Love" (Diana Ross).  TFL.

Recipe:

Paper - Heidi Grace (designer - individual sheet/dbl-sided); DCWV Shimmer Stack
Image - Robert Jackson digi
Copics - (female):  E21/23 (skin); E57 (hair); RV02/04 (dress); RV04/06 (slippers).  (male):  E25/27 (skin); C03/05 (outfit, sock trim); W10/C04 (hair); 100 (watch band)

JDE Challenge #18 - Color

Hello Crafting World!

I'm back to invite you to join the challenge over at Jackson's Digital Expressions.  This week, Anything Goes, but we have a Color Challenge for those of you who like to play our Optional Twists.  Here are the colors:  


Please be sure to show us what you create!  Post your creations at http://www.jacksonsdigitalexpressions.blogspot.com by 8:00 pm on Monday, 8/20.

Here's my interpretation...TFL.

JDE Challenge #17 - Anything Goes

Greetings Crafting Family! 

I'm here to invite you to participate in the current challenge over at Jackson's Digital Expressions.  The Clean and Simple (CAS) Design team is hosting this week's fun challenge with an OPTIONAL Twist using Brads and/or Eyelets.  Feel free to use a Robert Jackson digi, or a digi from this week's sponsor - My Heart Pieces.

Be sure to post your creations over at http://jacksonsdigitalexpressions.blogspot.com  NLT Monday at 8:00 p.m. (EDT).

Thanks for stopping by!

Quick Birthday Post

Hello Crafting Family and Friends,

I have been away for a while due to ... well, life!  LOL!  As a result, I have not been able to partake in this hobby that we all love sooo... much.  I was able to steal away for about an hour - and here's what I came up with.  This is for a good friend, that I haven't seen in a while; so I wanted to let her know that I was thinking of her on her special day.  The digi used for this card is, of course, a Robert Jackson image.  Please be sure to visit his digital gallery - I'm sure you'll find something you just "gotta" have!  TFL.

Patriotic Phebe

Hello Crafting Family,

I hope all is well; and that you had an enjoyable 4th of July - full of fun, friends, and great food!  In celebration of the 4th, I decided to participate in a challenge over at Scraps of Color with the Robert Jackson Digi Group.  The challenge was to make anything - LO, ATC, card, etc - with a red, white, and blue theme, using a Robert Jackson digital image.  Here's my challenge entry... TFL

Design Team Call

Jackson's Digital Expressions is looking for 3-4 designers to join our team.  Prior Design Team experience is not required.  We are looking for fun people who work well in a team environment and are willing to work to help build JDE into a premiere challenge site.

What we are looking for:

1.  The ability to meet deadlines
2.  Friendly, mature, cheerful attitude and good people skills
3.  6 month commitment.  Term Starts on July 15th and ends on December 31st of 2012.
4.  Ability to create one project per week

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work with Robert's exciting Digital Images.
• Four Free Digis Per Month from Fine Arts by Robert Jackson
• Free Digis from our Sponsors
• Working with a group of designers who are committed both to their craft and the promotion of JDE

International applicants are welcome and encouraged to apply.
So, head on over to JDE and show us what you're working with!!

 Call ends at Midnight on July 9, 2012

Contact cmalkah@yahoo.com if you have questions.

JDE - Anything Goes Challenge #7 - What Pretty Colors!

Welcome to another challenge over at Jackson's Digital Expressions!  Please join us this week as the Color Challenge Design Team hosts this week's challenge.

Optional Twist - Use Yellow, Grey and Blue

Make sure that you link to the URL of your project, not your blog

This will make it easier for the DT to locate your entry!

You Can Enter Three Projects per challenge.

Please, no back linking! New Entries Only.  Submissions are due by Monday, June 11.

 

Here's a little inspiration...

 

Color sample provided by JDE Color Challenge DT Host

My interpretation of the challenge.

 

First Baby Shower Decorations

Greetings Family and Fellow Crafters,

It's been a while since I've posted anything here; and that's because life has been happening!  Last week, I was asked to put together some items for a baby shower, by the hostess.  She originally only asked for some labels for the diaper cake; but that quickly turned into labels and a banner!  LOL.  That was cool; but on Friday, I received word that the color (shade of blue) had changed - now we're talking PANIC mode!   Nonetheless, I was able to use the same paper stack that I used for the labels, to make the banner, while sticking with the new color scheme.  When I get the pictures from the shower, I will be sure to post how everything turned out. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Designer Paper:  Twinkle, Twinkle Little Boy - My Mind's Eye; Brown card stock - Recollections; White card stock - Provo Craft 12x24 B&W Stack

Better Late...

Happy Friday-Eve friend, family, and fellow crafters!!

As the weekend approaches, and I begin to plan how I'm going to squeeze in some crafting in the midst of a major house-cleaning weekend, I realize that I still have Mother's Day cards to make.  So, at DH's urging, I made yet another Mother's Day card.  This card is heading either to NC or VA. 

I think I have finally become comfortable with using sketches, too.  The inspiration for the layout of this card is from Mojo Monday 241; and the image is a Robert Jackson digi.  TFL.

JDE - Altered Art Challenge: Anything Goes

Please join us over at Jackson's Digital Expressions for Challenge #4.  Find something and alter it - it's that simple.  It can be a cereal box, or an empty can of corn, we're not picky. Just have fun. And, if you don't have anything to Alter..do whatever tickles your fancy ! And be sure to link your project at http://jacksonsdigitalexpressions.blogspot.com/.

Mother's Day 2012

Greetings Followers and thanks for dropping by my little craft haven!

I apologize for the gap in posts, but I had an urgent dental situation that HAD to be taken care of.  It kept me down for a few days, so my crafting was on hold!  Thanks for your patience. 

Well, in the past, Mother's Day would come and go, and I would find myself with half-done cards.  I had great intentions every year, and ended up in the store! (Not a good feeling for a crafter.)  Needeless to say, inspite of the dental situation, I was able to crank out a few cards - I didn't say they were on-time, though!  LOL.  Unfortunately, I didn't get pics of all the cards.  For most of the cards, I used sketches from Mojo Monday.  TFL.

 

Celebrate the Occasion

As if I don't have enough to do, I decided to participate in the CTO Challenge #60 - Happy Birthday (must use ribbon).  Just dropping off a quick card I put together for one of our musicians at church.  I love the color purple, and apparently so does our drummer!  LOL. 

Hope he likes it.  TFL

Keeping Hope Alive Pays Off!

Greetings Fellow Crafters,

As some of you may remember, I applied for 2 design teams back in March; but did not make either team.  I was sad, but not totally discouraged.  It gave me incentive to push myself to be more consistent and "out of the box" with my crafting.  Well, another opportunity presented itself; and I am now a member of the Jackson Digital Expressions Design Team!  So, no more days of "no crafting" - LOL!!  I have tight schedules and deadlines to meet.  LOL!  I'm grateful to the DT Coordinator for giving me another chance to be a part of the JDE team. 

Here's my first submission for the "Clean and Simple" Team. 
Theme:  Family Matters
Image:  Robert Jackson
Coloring:  Copic Markers - E21, E23 (SKIN TONES), E37, E39 (SUSPENDERS, BABY'S HAIR); BG13, BG15, BG18; W10, W05 (DAD'S HAIR)
Paper:  DCWV - The Guy Stack
Label:  Nestabilities Scalloped Oval
Thanks for stopping by.

JDE Sketch Challenge #1 - Join Me

OK - Those that have known me for a while know that I have a difficult time when it comes to using sketches.  So, this challenge will be a challenge for me!  LOL. 

JDE Sketchy Color Challenge - Use Pastel Colors

Here's my take on the sketch.  I think I'll use this one for the challenge over at Oozak, too.  TFL.









Submissions are due by Sunday, April 22 at  11:59pm (EDT).
NOTE:  If you use a Robert Jackson Image, your project will count as TWO entries.

Thanks for stopping by.

JDE Blog Hop - I Won!

Hello from the land of paper, scissors, and adhesives!

I occasionally participate in blog hops.  I believe my hesitation, in the beginning, was based on the fact that I didn't have a blog.  Then I hesitated because I was not consistent with my updates or I didn't feel my projects were blog-worthy.  Well, I recently participated in the JDE blog hop, and I actually won some blog candy on one of the sites I visited!!  Yippee!!  I won an adorable Robert Jackson digi from FranCine.  I'm so excited!  Be sure to visit JDE, and join me in completing this week's Sketch Challenge #1.

Jackson Digital Expressions Blog Hop and Launch

Hello Crafters,

I created this card earlier today for a guest speaker who ministered at our Women's Fellowship today.  I also decided to use this card as my submission for the inaugural design challenge at Jacskon's Digital Expressions.  Please feel free to join me in celebrating the launch and blog hop, which will introduce Robert Jackson's art work as well as the new DT members for the blog.

I used:  DCWV Rustic Stack; Robert Jackson digi, Yellow stickles, yellow ribbon; and Copic Markers (Y11, Y13, Y15; E21, E25; 100)

Thanks for stopping by.

Better Late than Never

Greetings Craft world!

I have been back from the Spring crop for over a week, and am just getting around to posting pics of the explosion boxes that I created during the crop.  I have not determined who the recipients will be yet, but Mother's Day is the targeted holiday. 

RECIPE:

DCWV Mariposa stack (designer and plain cardstock)
MS Daisy Border Punch
3-D butterfly - Silhouette America cut file ($.99)
Cuttlebug - Swirl and Swiss Dots folders
Flowers - Recollections and Prima
Nestabilities Label Die Cut

Be sure to drop by Oozak for the launching of their new blog and inaugural challenge this week - "Anything Goes" .
Thanks for stopping by.

Spring is in the Air

Greetings from the land of sleepy scrappers!!  I have just returned from a scrapbooking retreat of 4 days of uninterrupted crafting, and am already looking forward to the next one!  I often feel as though I could use just one more day...and another...and another!  LOL.  With only 16 hours of sleep for the total weekend, I feel as though I can sleep for the next 2 days!!  LOL.  I decided to enter a few challenges simultaneously, all dealing with SPRING! 

This card will be used for the following challenges:

Mojo233 (oops!  missed the deadline)
Celebrate the Occasion #55
Bitten by the Bug 2# - "Welcome"
Fantabulous Cricut Challenge - #103 "Spring is in the Air"

RECIPE:

DCWV Mariposa Designer and Cardstock Stacks
Lacy Labels & Gypsy Wanderings Cartridges

TFL.  More updates to follow...

Crop Circles 2012

Greetings from the land of paper, scissors, glue, and everything crafty!  I have always known that I was a slow crafter, so it should NOT surprise anyone that I'm just posting my first finished project since the retreat began on Thursday!  LOL.  Anywho... Here is a card that I completed for a co-worker who recently became a "Greek"!!  Congrats to CJ!  TFL.

RECIPE:
The image is a Robert Jackson digi that I colored using Copic Markers.
Jacket and Pants - R24, 27, 29
Tie - R24 w/Xmas Red Stickles
Hat - R27, 29, 100
Skin Tones - E23, 25
Shoes - 100, W9

CTO Challenge #53

Join me in the CTO Challenge #53 to create a birthday shape card.  I have posted my submission below.   This will be an opportunity for you to build up your (bday) card stash, and to show off how creative you really are??  Submissions are due to CTO by Sunday, March 11th at 11:59pm, EST.

This image is from a free svg cut file that included the vest as a gatefold card w/envelope, and a flat image to be used on a card.  The entire card was made from my stash!!  This card was fairly easy to make. and may be my template for a few Father's Day cards!  The inside reads, "Fishing you a very Happy Birthday!"  TFL.

Explosion Box-Sympathy Card

I was asked to make a sympathy card for a co-worker, who had suffered a recent lost.  That would have been easily addressed with a basic symapthy card; however, her loss was compounded by the passing of 2 sisters within weeks of each other.  This called for something extra special!!!  I loved the e-box that Cassie did, so I decided to try it, with a twist!  I added a sympathy verse, and broke it into 3 parts within the inner sections.  I created some photo mats for the recipient can add pictures, poems, or whatever her heart desires, that relates to the sisters that passed.  She loved it!  Here's the end result...

TFL.

Birthday Bling!

Greetings and Welcome to Taylor-made Creations!  This is my first post on T-MC, and my first post of the new Year!  Those who were following me on CropDropNRoll, please be sure to follow me here.  I will be deleting my previous blog within the next few weeks, as I develop this new blog.  Thanks to all for your patience.

I decided to do something a little different for a friend's birthday card this year, as she loves shoes, and purses.  I grabbed a free purse svg file, and used it for this card.  I added a short verse to the inside of the purse.  TFL