Mel Jen's New Release

This week's challenge at MelJens is a sketch challenge.



I used the sketch to make my card using one of the new images this week called "Squiggy the Alien".He was so much fun to color with copics. I used DP from my stash and cardstock from PTI. I added buttons, string and a sentiment.

I participated in the Creative Belli Challenge. Make sure you check out all the wonderful creations by the DT using all of this week's new images! You can purchase these fabulous images and others from MelJen's new shop

A favor to Ask

I know I have been a sporatic blogger lately. I had some back issues that required surgery and may now need a second surgery. I love dog agility. It is one of those things that get me excited for the day. Creating and training my dogs. Each morning starts the same. I feed the dogs walk the little one for my rehab and play ball with the big ones for their exercise. Then I brush them all and clean their teeth and ears. There is also poop picking up as well. I have five dogs and even though I am verging on becoming a crazy dog lady, I love taking care of my dogs and competing with them.

When my back went south so to speak, I no longer can run. It has been difficult to me. I have had to retire Maddie and Panda from agility. I needed a smaller dog to compete with. One I could keep up with at a fast walk and by using distance. I checked into breeders and was put on a wait list for a corgi puppy that would be born in two years. About two months ago, a friend of mine from agility, Vicki, from Cactus Corgi Rescue contacted me about a dog she got into rescue. I had just been talking to my husband about the perfect dog for me would be an older rescue puppy that would have AKC paperwork. We both laughed at the prospect of finding the perfect dog in rescue. Boy was I picky. Well, Vicki, told me about Pearl, a 9 month old pup with AKC paperwork and a temperment for agility. Sometimes, the universe moves in magical ways. Serendipity is what I call it. We adopted Pearl and she has helped me tremendously with the depression that was creeping in due to the constant pain and the realization of all I could no longer do. She also kept me motivated to do my rehab of walking. I couldn't take my big dogs in the chance they could pull me.

Pearl was chosen by Vicki to be in the Corgi Calendar to raise money for the rescue. We worked on clicker training and the stay command. She did wonderfully. I have an opportunity through the photographer to win a copy of her picture on a 20x24 canvas. Would you please help us by voting for Pearl at this link. Just scroll past all the wonderful corgi pictures and the comments and at the bottom will be a place to comment by saying "I vote for Pearl". Thank you so much.

Hugs,
Lisa and Pearl

Mel Jen's Inspiration Post and Challenge

This week's challenge at MelJens is to use paper piecing on your card.

For my inspiration post, I used one of MelJens older images, called "Pocket Mice" and colored it with Copic Markers. I used DP from Cosmo Cricket and cardstock from PTI. I added a button, ribbon and a sentiment.

I made this card for my friend's birthday. It is rare to find a person who really gets you. Arlo and I have been friends since high school and I have been so grateful for him and his support he is a wonderful person. Please help me in wishing him a very happy birthday!

I participated in the Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge for inspiration. Make sure you check out all the wonderful creations by the DT using all of this week's new images! You can purchase these fabulous images and others from MelJen's new shop.

Mel Jen's Blog Hop

I am so excited to announce that MelJen's Designs is opening her new online shop at http://shop.meljensdesigns.com. What wonderful place. I am sure you will love all the new images this week as well as other inspiration from the DT.

I made my card using an older image called Fall Quilt. I love this image. I live in Arizona and after several weeks of record breaking heat I am ready for the Fall. Even though we will still be in the 100's lol. I love quilting and I love coloring quilts:)

You should have come to my blog from Katja's blog. Make sure to visit Marlena's blog next.


Cheryl
Darsie
Dee
Jessica
Katja
Lisa
Marlena
Melissa A
Nicole
Robbie
Robin

The first MelJen's blog Hop, to celebrate the opening of her own online store, will last for ONE WEEK, till Sept 8th at 8am

There will be four winners!
The Grand Prize winner gets to choose three images of their choice from the new shop!
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner will get to choose one image from the artsy release! The winner will be announced September 8th. Won't you join us:)

MelJen's Challenge

It's a special week at MelJen's Digital Designs. We are revisiting some of the wonderful MelJen's images from the past. I am honored to have been on the DT since MelJen's began. This image called "Dragonfly Fairy" was used to make my first card. I am always impressed by all of the images. The creativity and the color-ability.

Make sure you check out all the wonderful creations by the DT using these images! You can purchase these fabulous images and others from MelJen's Designs at the Whimsy Site.

MelJen's Challenge

I used one of MelJens new images, called "Goth Girl" and colored it with Copic Markers. I used DP from my stash and cardstock from PTI. I added dimentionals and lots of bling. Make your card sparkle for the challenge this week.

I think all of us have some "Goth Girl" in us. My favorite color to wear is black. Wish I could pull of pink but, it just makes me look sickly.

Make sure you check out all the wonderful creations by the DT using these images! You can purchase these fabulous images and others from MelJen's Designs at the Whimsy Site.

Mel Jen's Inspiration Post and Challenge

This week's challenge at MelJens is to use black.

For my inspiration post, I used one of MelJens new images, called "Sewing Machine" and colored it with Copic Markers. I used DP from Cosmo Cricket and cardstock from PTI. I added a scalloped material border, ric rac, and buttons.

I participated in the Tuesday Morning Sketches and Creative Belli Challenge.
Make sure you check out all the wonderful creations by the DT using all of this week's new images! You can purchase these fabulous images and others from MelJen's Designs at the Whimsy Site.

MelJen's Challenge Card

This week's challenge at MelJens is to make a "Back to School" card. I found the perfect inspiration at Sweet Sketch Wednesday to inspire this card.

I used one of MelJens new images, called "Desktop Mouse" and colored it with Copic Markers. I used DP from Cosmo Cricket and cardstock from PTI. Iadded dimentionals and ribbon.

My daughter has already started school. Her first day was Monday July 25th. There is always a empty feeling at our house when she leaves for school. It always makes me a little sad. She is a sophamore in high school this year. Where did all the time go?

Make sure you check out all the wonderful creations by the DT using these images! You can purchase these fabulous images and others from MelJen's Designs at the Whimsy Site.

MelJen's Challenge Card

This week's challenge at MelJens is to use a recipe of one circle, three brads and a bow. I found the perfect inspiration at to inspire this card.

I used one of MelJens images, called "Beardy Gnome" and colored it with Copic Markers. I used DP from Cosmo Cricket and cardstock from PTI. I brads, diecuts, a ribbon and a "thank you" sentiment.

Make sure you check out all the wonderful creations by the DT using these images! You can purchase these fabulous images and others from MelJen's Designs at the Whimsy Site.

Mel Jen's Inspiration Post and Challenge

This week's challenge at MelJens is to use no more than two layers.

For my inspiration post, I used one of MelJens new images, called "Steady Tortoise" and colored it with Copic Markers. I used DP from Cosmo Cricket and cardstock from PTI. I added ribbon, die cuts, and rhinestone stars.

I participated in the Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge. This sketch challenge site always inspires me and is one of my favorites:)

Make sure you check out all the wonderful creations by the DT using these images! You can purchase these fabulous images and others from MelJen's Designs at the Whimsy Site.

I'm Back:)

I have been absent for awhile. I had some health problems that kept me from doing all the activities that I love. About three months ago I noticed a burning in my leg. It happened every once in a while. I also had some back pain. For me this is a common occurance. I started having more burning and pain and soon I could not walk for more that a few feet before the pain was so intense and I was sweating. My usual brisk gait was reduced to a snail's crawl. I went to PT and was told I had sciatica. I started going to a chiropractor and soon was at the Dr.'s office most everyday of the week. I could no longer sit or stand. Soon I could not even take a shower without being in such extreme pain. Childbirth pales in comparison. I was given injections, epidurals and still my once full, busy world was clouded by the constant chronic pain that limited my activities. I was bedridden. I met with a surgeon and told I needed a discectomy. By this time I had lost all reflex in my right leg and had severe nubness and muscle cramping. On May 16th I had the surgery. I was told that 90% of my disc had herniated and was pressing on my sciatic nerve. The intense pain is better. I have been able to slowly resume a life approaching normal. I am having some hope again for the future. Some of the nerve damage I suffered maybe permanent. I am wearing a back brace and going to PT. I am going to resume my DT duties. I am so grateful for MelJen's and The DigiBells for being so understanding during the time I could not post and create. I have learned to be grateful for all I can do. I am hopeful that I can return to dog agility and all my exercising that I engaged in prior to my injury. I am learning to let the little things go and to be grateful for small things, like walking and going outside, sitting, creating, small chores around the house. I am eternally grateful to my family for all their love and support. I could not have made it throught the three months of intense pain and limitations without them. Their love gave me hope when things looked most bleak. Today, I pick up my Copics again and start. My goal is to be more appriciative of what I have and let all the little aggravations go. In the long run they don't mean a thing.

Elisabeth Bell Digi Bells New Release Blog Hop

Hello everyone!!
It is Blog hop time with this month's *NEW* digi !!
Welcome** Choo Choo**
to the Elisabeth Bell Digi Collection







Boy projects are always a challenge for me. I can't use Stickles or rhinestones. I had such fun using this little boy. I made my box from a Chalboard box from Cosmo Cricket that I had in my stash. I added design paper from Basic Grey and cardstock from PTI. I added die cut stars, a tag, buttons, twine and a handle. I used the Sweet Stop Challenge for
inspiration.

NOW isn't he ADORABLE?
This month we also have several chances to win this months digi. There will be 3 winners. Two (2) different blogs from the hop list will pick one winner from the comments left.
SO MAKE SURE THAT YOU LEAVE COMMENTS ON EACH BLOG
for better chances to win!!

For the third winner...... We want you to show us what you've got.
Come and play along with us, we'd love to see what you'll do with this months theme.

"Choo Choo"

Remember ANY Elisabeth Bell stamp or Digi is welcome.
Please make sure to link it back to the company where the image can be bought.

A) Upload your card in the Mr. Linky, linking back to your blog post not your blog!

B) Cards need to be loaded by Friday March 25th by 10 PM Arizona Time.
For your convenience, our clock is in the upper right corner and is set at Arizona Time. We will pick the winners and have them posted on the blog on Saturday March 26th. HAVE FUN!!!

Now let's get you started on the hop........... If you are here you came from Lilian's blog and you will go to Kathy's blog as your next stop!

Lots of eye candy to be seen.......

Digi Bell blog
Patricia
Mary Lou
Renkata
Lynda
Janiel
Jodi-Ann
Lorraine
Lilian
Lisa
Kathy
Digi Bell blog

then be sure to stop back at the Digi Bells Blog and let us know what you thought of the hop, and don't forget, for a fun chance at winning, join us for our Blog Hop Challenge.

Do you want to win this fabulous image? Just join the hop and leave comments and then to make a card and post it on the Digi Bell Blog. **Use your favorite Elisabeth Bell
image**
This challenge will end on April 22 at 9 PM Arizona Time and the winner will be
posted on the
Digi Bell's blog the next morning.

Believe me, the challenge couldn't be more simple.

THANKS FOR HOPPING WITH US this month!!!!!!
XOXOThe Digi Bell's

Mel Jen's Challenge

This week's challenge at MelJens is to use a recipe.
I used one of MelJens new images, called "Pick Me Up" and colored it with Copic Markers. I used DP from Cosmo Cricket and cardstock from PTI. I added buttons,a bow, and lots of layers.

For inspiration I participated in the CPS sketch challenge.

Make sure you check out all the wonderful creations by the DT using these images! You can purchase these fabulous images and others from MelJen's Designs at the Whimsy Site.

Pati's Kisses

There is nothing sweeter than Spring and there is nothing sweeter than Pati's Kisses! I used a fresh Spring pallette of colors and added lots of girly touches, like swirls, ribbon and rhinestones. I colored the image with Copics and placed it upon Cosmo Cricket design paper and PTI cardstock. I followed the sketch challenge at The Sweet Stop and the "girls and swirls" challenge at Stamptacular Sunday.