Wow..talk about a Blog Hoppin Weekend!

I hope everyone had a chance to participate in all the fantastic blog hops this weekend! I spent most of the weekend running back to my computer at 15 min intervals to go from one fantastic blog to another gathering up phenomenal gift and decorating ideas. The talent out there is amazing!! I am so jealous. I can copy ideas, follow directions but I'm not one of those that can just come up with my very own amazing techniques or ideas. I participated in the Helmar Blog Hop yesterday and didn't I win a HUGE prize!! Check out my winnings!! WoooHooo...tell me that isn't one generous prize!! I have heard amazing things about their products and now I get to try them out for myself. As I use them I will review them on the blog and I am going to try to locate them locally as I have not seen them in my area yet. I felt like Christmas had come early! Don't you just love to win? It doesn't even matter how big it is..or what it is...it's just the act of winning something that is so darned fun! One of the blogs I was on asked for a Christmas wish...I asked that my blog would reach a following of 25 by Christmas . Today I am at 29....yes Kathie, there is a Santa Clause! Welcome to all of my new followers. I am so excited to have you with me and so VERY honored. So....now I will make a commitment. I will have my very first giveaway when I reach the 100 mark.
Thank you to all of the participants of the following Hops this weekend:Rocking around the Christmas Tree, Helmar Holiday Hop, 12 Days of Christmas (still going until 12/10 so jump in if you haven't already!), Winter Blog Hop, 'Tis The Season Blog Hop and the Snowy Winter Hop for sharing all of your talent and really kicking my inspiration and Christmas Spirit into high gear! I feel like I am missing a hop and if so I am very sorry, there were so many out there! You are all so AMAZING!!
I hope to be back today or tomorrow with information and pictures of my latest project, my Christmas ornaments so stay tuned!!
Later!!

So Exciting...and a Very Simple, but Elegant Christmas Card(Bog Hop Updates Too!)

Beginning a blog is a very slow....painful process. For weeks now I have felt like I am talking essentially to myself. NOT that I don't do that mind you...but never publicly! Everyday I check...no comments, no new followers then suddenly I noticed some newcomers and low and behold some comments. WooWooo,,,...was I ever excited! Thank you, each and every one of you and welcome. Please comment...I love constructive criticism and I really thrive on praise. If you have a blog, please leave me your addy and I will follow! Look at me....as excited as a little kid at Christmas!
Wow, there are some really great blog hops out there this week. I've noticed that there were many participating that had never done so before. I just completed one that took me almost all day to complete! But they are so much fun and so inspirational. Amazing the creativity and raw talent out there!
Well, I set my own record this week. My creativity does not come easy. I really have to work hard at it so it takes me forever to complete a project however yesterday I designed and completed a Christmas Card in less than 2 hours....and I liked it! It was simple, rather plain but elegant, Take a look....

It is a simple 5.5x7 card with a white cardstock base, a second layer .25 inches smaller and the 3rd layer  cut another .25 inches smaller and embossed with a Cuttlebug Flourish Folder. I love that folder..it is so classy looking. The stamp is one my mother picked up at a yard sale a few years ago. It has been sitting in a box until the other night, untouched. The image was stamped using clear embossing ink, sprinkled with gold embossing powder and heated with my heat gun. The emblem was cut from Spellbinders Nestabilities Label Sixteen and mounted on foam squares for added dimension. The Gold bow (I think I'm finally making some progress in bow making 101!) gives it a little extra pizazz. A pearl embellishment is sitting where originally a snowflake was to sit however it it refused to co-operate so,,, That's it...nice and fast but very formal and elegant looking don't you think? Love the white and gold together too! So.....what are you doing this weekend? If your snowed in, need a break from Christmas shopping or need a fantastic creativity boost visit the following blog hops AND if you know of any...share the info! The 12 Days of Christmas,'Tis The Season,Rockin Around The Christmas Tree, Helmar has a giveaways going on Sunday, 12/05 and if you check Taylord Concepts she is having a humongous giveaway in celebration of her blog-aversary. This is worth checking out...trust me!
Have a super great weekend and go forth and create!