a little sneak peak from the sampler (GIVEAWAY!)

its almost that time again and i've been playing and playing with the May kit from the sampler and i just cannot hold back anymore, so how about a sneak peak and a giveaway!?



we have some spare baubles from prima that will be included in may's kit and i'm going to give them to a couple lucky winners. leave a comment below and a winner will be picked randomly. comments open through May 1st!

also, dont forget to check out The Sampler's current sketch challenge which is up HERE!

getting back to "normal"

we're back home. i am so tired its all i can think about. there is just so much to do between getting back to normal and prepping for a holiday and husband's grandma's 90th (!!!) birthday and even more... oh well, for now, i just wanted to say hello and wish everyone a happy easter! have a lovely weekend!

sunshine&bunnies,
holly*

SLS: April21st Edition

A new sketch is up over at Sassy Little Sketches!



For my take on the sketch, I wanted to use some photos i already had printed from my SIL's baby shower and the darling 5&dime from October Afternoon!



i've also been trying to get more use from my Sizzix dies. they're great for classes and make&takes and even the occasional mini album. BUT, i want to use them even more.

so, i dont know if you can tell but i used two different dies on this layout. I used the Tim Holtz On The Edge "Scallop" Die for one of the "ruffles" at the bottom and the "Tattered Banners" for another. I really like how they combined with the ribbons. I cut them from pieces of cardstock from the ephemera pack from 5&dime as well.

Head over to Sassy Little Sketches to play along this week! Also, don't forget to check out Sassy Little CARD Sketches as well for some quick and tasty card making inspiration as well!

sunshine&bunnies,
holly*

The Sampler's April2011 Sketch!

The Sampler is hosting a sketch challenge this month, but we are still working on the challenge page over at SBSRUS sooooo its still a challenge, just not how we typically host.

Instead, we're going to use this post to enter the challenge! So lets get busy! Here is April's sketch:



i loved using the pieces from The Sampler's April kit to piece projects together including my take on this sketch! Loads of bright, bold colors, but not too intense for spring.



To enter this challenge, just leave a comment with a link directly to your blog or gallery where you posted your take on this challenge! You have until 10pm(central) on May 20th, 2011 to leave your comment to be eligible to win an April kit from The Sampler!



can't wait to see what everyone creates!
sunshine&bunnies,
holly*

SMASH!

ok, we're in houston...

it was a little last minute. but, with things under control at the store, i snuck off... i snuck off alright with no crafting supplies with the exception of this:



the SMASH book freebie i got back at CHA that fortunately landed in my bag and a couple gelly roll pens that i would die with out! now i'm flipping through magazines and shreading most anything i get my hands on. i looked into ordering a full sized smashbook after i watched the adorable youtube...



and they're not any where on their listen vendors yet! coming spring i know. but its spring... or is it? it is! well, idk that i will get one since its really just a semi fancy pants journal that i could make myself and use some of the boatload of goodies i already have... boooooooooooo

1st thing in the morning i'm calling mort back at the store to ship me a box. i cant handle no crafting. just unacceptable. period.

sunshine&bunnies,
holly*

pizza anyone

not my crafty bit, but i had to share! hey! jen renee made herself a scarf, but not just any scarf. its a pepperoni pizza scarf!



love not only her craftiness, but the sense of humor in a piece like this just makes me smile!

sunshine&bunnies,
holly*

moving along...

Lately I've been torn between bursts of productivity and a general feeling of sloth. I did just finish watching Hot Tub Time Machine (will not recommend, but i cannot say that there were not highly amusing parts. and some boobies...)

but alas, here i sit. listening to hair bands. drinking my coffee. piles of product for classes and giveaways. laundry is at least going. and, in my defense, during the spurts i've had i've done some deep cleaning from floors and ceilings. literally. now i need to just get a burst of energy in the boy's bedroom.

in other news, my family back home seems to be doing well and moving along. the funeral is over, but there is still lots of ends to tie up. thank you for all the thoughts and comments through facebook and here on my blog. it means a lot to know there are people out there who still have such amazing hearts within them.

in my crafty spectrum i've been coloring! its so very therapeutic. i've always been intimidated by copic markers, but very talented Diana recently posted a simple coloring she created and framed. i was completely inspired. That and a few Memory Box spring greetings stamps I had around made this:



quick and simple and i'm imagining a few gifts in the works from this idea.

i've also been rocking to the sketches lately. i just finished my take on the latest sketch over at Sketchy Thursdays.

Here is the sketch:


and here is my take:



I seldom use a sketch as it is. I always flip it or move something or who knows. BUT, not this time. Every detail was in just the right place! The outer space line i was playing with in this layout has to be in my top 5 favorite "boy" lines. but, tbh, i'm really ready for the october afternoon "boy" line to ship! ok, enough words. i'm hoping for another burst to happen here and i should be ready for it.

sunshine&bunnies,
holly*

In spite of it all...

a happy 5 year anniversary from and to husband. I never thought I could feel this way about another person whom I didn't give birth to.

heart pains and joys

Its hard to feel all party time right now despite how much i do love the new lines from Pink Paislee. This morning I got the call from my grandmother than my step dad passed away this morning after a relatively short battle with pancreatic cancer. Its not a complete shock that this is the outcome, BUT we just thought we had more time. while i feel loosing Sheldon hurts and i do wish i had the chance to know him better, i feel incredibly bad for my mother and his family. his children. my mom cant seem to catch a break in living a happy life. every time she gets on the right path, life happens in big and bad ways. she has been amazingly strong through the past month of knowing what the inevitable would be. now she has the struggle of getting back to normal. life goes on even when we wish it wouldnt...

since i had these planned to post today no matter, i have a couple layouts i did using the new Soiree Collection from Pink Paislee's House of Three. the bold colors really lift me up even when things are down. and i cant begin to tell you how much i adore the new goodies from prima. the perfect vivid colors to match this line and tons of the other releases out there!




if you get a chance to day, make a few phone calls and give a few extra hugs today. just to let people know you care.
<3, holly*