Happy Birthday to me!

I woke up this morning to lots of facebook birthday wishes...so fun!! But I had a special treat...the stampin' kind. My card from last weekend (for my husband's birthday) was selected for an award from the Paper Players Challenge!! Each design team member chooses someone as A Cut Above. Thank you, Anne Marie, for choosing my card as your fave in the color challenge! I'll be playing again soon... I promise!!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Stylish Again!

I am so excited, because I have been given the...




WooHoo! With so many GREAT blogs out there,and so much talent on so many design teams, this makes me feel pretty special!! Now, as a recipient, I need to do a few things. First, I need to thank the stamper who gave me this award...thank you Angel, of "Make Something Cute!" I first found her blog from a list of SU demo blogs...and does she have talent!!

Now, I need to share 8 things about me...
1) I am 4' 10-1/2" tall... 4' 11" on a good day!
2) I graduated with a degree in Music Liberal Arts from Illinois State University; emphasis in Music Therapy; voice was my "instrument"
3) I am allergic to cats...and a little bit to dogs, especially when they lick my face!
4) I LOVE public speaking, especially about my faith and dignity of life issues!
5) I have 2 older brothers and one younger sister
6) I love early espresso...but could easily live without river rock!
7) My hubby and I were foster parents for 8 years
8) I love singing in Latin and Italian...struggle with French...and sound awful trying to sing in German!

Now, I need to pass this blog on to 8 fabulous Stylish Bloggers! I have recently started following bunch...this could take a while...

1) Pauline at The Pursuit of Stampi'ness
2) Jennifer at Welcome to Paper Tramp Stamper
3) Dale at Dale's Designs
4) Kelly at Sandcastle Stamper
5) AnnMarie at AnnMarie's Stamping Adventure
6) Elaine at Create & Stamp with Elaine
7) another Anne Marie at Stampin' Anne
8) Holly at HollyBeary Creations


So there it is! Loads of Stylish Inspiration out there...check it out, and USE it!!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}

Stylish Blogger Award!!

WooHoo!!!

Yesterday, I received a fun award...the "Stylish Blogger Award"...from one of my favorite stampers, Anne Marie Hile!! I was quite shocked and oh so happy! I first found Anne Marie through the Color Dare, because she has also been a Featured Stamper. I LOVE her projects, and her blog Stampin Anne! I know my blog has a small but faithful following...but who knew I'd get special recognition?! Thanks, Anne Marie!

There are three simple rules for this blog award:

1. Thank the person who gave the award, and include a link to her/his blog. Check
2. Share 8 things about yourself
3. Pass the award on to 8 Stylish blogs, and let them know!

So....here are 8 things you mayor may not know about me:

• I have lived in Illinois my entire life, despite trying to move south many times!
• My absolute favorite embellishment for my cards is RIBBON!!
• I am a Chicago Cubs fan, no matter how bad they are! Wrigley Field is a FABULOUS place!
• I wear children's shoes still...Size 2-1/2 wide. I have several pairs of Stride Rite Mary Jane's with velcro straps. Sigh
• I have always had a neuromuscular disorder...diagnosed as Dejerine-Sottas when I was 29. You can learn about it on the MDA website...but don't dare call me one of Jerry's Kids! Blech!
• I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Illinois State University...Music Therapy was my field of study
• I have 2 older brothers and one younger sister...none of whom stamp ;-)
• My crafty side comes from my mom, who makes lovely scrapbooks and beautifully decorated cakes from time to time. I LOVE her bunches!

Now, let me share with you some Stylish Blogs where I often find creative ideas!! It is hard to limit the list to 8...trust me, there are many more! (If you have received this award before, just kick back and enjoy it again!)

• Michelle Zindorf's Freedom in Creating... I think Michelle is the Queen of Brayering!
• Stampin' & Dancin' with Riley... Riley hosts the Color Dare each week, and you know I love that!
• So, let me recognize the Color Dare!
• Marla's Stampin' Spot...Marla says she is new, but she has a great look to her projects already!!
• Running w/ Scissors Stamper...Heidi has some very unique cards, using tools in ways I never would have thought of on my own!
• Stampin' & Scrappin' with Karen... I love the 3-D projects, and keep telling myself I am going to try them myself!
• Not a Stampin' Up site, but Dawn's Sunnyside Up blog is always filled with whimsy! She is one of my first and best cyber-stampin' friends!! Mwah!
• Holly's art is well known on splitcoasstampers, and I love stopping by her gallery and blog Toy's Haven. Like Dawn, she is a Challenge-Chaser cyber-stampin friend. I hope to meet her in person someday!
  

So...have fun checking out some pretty cards and projects from all over the place! Just make sure you don't stay online looking too long...get to your craft table and create something with STYLE!!

Inky {{{HUGS}}}