Total random stuff… and some giveaways, of course.

11.06.08

Hello!

I am a happy camper.  I am snuggling in on the sofa to watch some TV and catch up on email.  And my belly is full and happy after some incredible gnocchi from Maggiano's with my mom tonight.  And a new dress and top from anntaylorloft.com (super sale last weekend – additional 40% off sale prices) sitting on the table by me.  And tomorrow is Friday.  Don't ya love it?! 🙂

So I have some random stuff to share.  Then again, I am pretty much always random – no deep and meaningful stuff here.

I must must must start out by pointing you in the direction of cardmaker that I truly think is one of the absolute best there is: Lisa Carroll.  Her cards are something that most never achiever: elegant.  She has a classic look that is elegant and inviting.  Well, Lisa was featured on Hero Arts blog today.  (You can see it HERE.)  And she is also giving away a fantastic Hero Arts giveaway on her blog HERE.  Be sure to go check it out and look at her cards.  And, to top it off, she is a delightful, warm-hearted, adorably adorable person.  Don't ya love that?  Anyway, here are some of my favorite cards of her's:  HERE and HERE and HERE.

(Warning: changing gears here…)

Before I forget… the winner of the Basic Grey paper pad is Jenny Brannies! I will email ya.

Let's see.. what is next…

Oh!  A share.  Gotta share something, huh?  This is another oldie from last year.  But it shows two things I love: buttons and Autumn Leaves clear stamps…

Buttons
(c) Autumn Leaves

I really like Autumn Leaves clear stamps for one big reason – they have tons of them and a great variety.  They really are the only non-US-made stamps I use.  There are many I just love! 

So… let's gave a pack of Autumn Leaves clear stamps away, shall we?  :)  Just leave a comment on this post by Friday night at 11:59pmEDT telling me your plans for Christmas/holiday cards.  (Do you send any?  Make your own?  Photo card? etc.)  I will pick a random winner of this fabulous Autumn Leaves stamp set…  (It is two sheets of stamps in there… big letters!)

Prize 

Prize2

OK… I have GOT to catch up on email.  Night!


Leave a Comment

261 thoughts on “Total random stuff… and some giveaways, of course.”

  1. Melinda says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:34 am

    I can’t decide. If I do make them it will be the 20 out of one paper packet from CTMH. But we just got a house and I am thinking about the email christmas letter and picture I know lame but I can’t quite put my head around postage, card, picture and everything. It adds up quick when you have live many different places and many different friends

    Reply
  2. Linzie says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:37 am

    I like making a variety of Christmas cards, using different stamps. For each person on my list, I use a stamp(s) for their personality. I just purchased a 3 sheets of Christmas stamps, for a great price from TCP…candyland, elegant, & deck the halls.
    Time to get busy…

    Reply
  3. ShellyJ says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:37 am

    I always make my own… have no idea what I may come up with this year! better start thinking about it 🙂

    Reply
  4. Angel says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:37 am

    I so Love the Christmas Hoildays…This year it will be a lil Different cause My Sister is due for her baby around that time so depending on his arrival I know whe will have a big family Dinner and lots of Gift openings. I just love this Holiday..

    Reply
  5. Jill says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:38 am

    I make my own cards but now that I’m doing so much digital stuff they turn into more of a photo like card. I’m thinking about including a 2009 calendar with it to allow people to use it beyond Christmas. Still in the planning stages right now.

    Reply
  6. Dayna Johnson says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:39 am

    I will do a mixture of store bought cards and some homemade cards. I have a an idea book full of inspiration so I better get started!
    Dayna

    Reply
  7. Amanda1050 says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:40 am

    Wow, I love those stamps!

    I started making my own cards a few weeks ago, but I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by it. Hopefully I’ll get them all done.

    thanks!
    Amanda

    Reply
  8. Angel says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:40 am

    Ackkk I forgot to tell you about my Cards..lol I make some to those special in my life and buy cards for others..

    Reply
  9. tape says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:42 am

    I’m going to make half a dozen cards and that’s it. No real plans yet except that I won’t be doing photo cards. I do have this fun penguin stamp that I’m thinking of using…

    Reply
  10. Jennifer McGuire says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:45 am

    To make it easy on myself, I’m going to do photo cards this year.

    Reply
  11. Sara Rossi says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:46 am

    Ah Christmas cards… Since I send out over 100 cards, I usually make it painless & upload a pic to Costco & use their cards. Quick & easy!!

    Reply
  12. Nancy L. says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:50 am

    I’m going to make my cards for the fist time this year! Simple but yet nice. I’ll probably add a photo.

    Reply
  13. Shara says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:54 am

    Not to brag, but I am actually finished with my Christmas cards. I have been trying to catch up on all my Christmas scrapbook pages and just got in the mood with all the fun papers I had out. A couple weekends ago I just went crazy and finished them all-they are sitting in a bin waiting to be mailed out. I just need to print my family photos to put with them. Yeah for me!!!

    Reply
  14. JosieK says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:54 am

    My BFF and I are definitely making cards with gift cards for our kid’s preschool teachers. We’re swiping your idea. It rocks. As for regular Christmas cards for relatives and friends, my husband and I are probably going to find an online source for cards with our boy’s pictures on them. I might add a personal touch to them with embellishments or stamps.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  15. Donna S. says:
    November 7, 2008 at 10:57 am

    I always say i am going to make my own cards and then before i know it i am out of time. I do have a nice Christmas card idea that i did for a swap so i could use that. I always send Christmas cards, but it seems every year i get a few less. I think the cost of postage discourages more and more people from sending cards. I won’t stop though, it is the only time we correspond with our oldest friends.
    Thanks for your blog. I love checking it out, especially the videos>

    Reply
  16. Jamie Harder says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:00 am

    I make my own cards every year…a holiday tradition! I am really good about doing my cards early but then I am always late getting family photos taken…

    Reply
  17. Bree says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:01 am

    Random posts are my favorite — and so are giveaways 🙂

    Reply
  18. Amber D says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:02 am

    I am planning on making cards but they are always centered around either a family picture or a picture of my boys. So I must take it ASAP do I can start my cards!

    Reply
  19. Jenn says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:04 am

    Last year I made my own and included pictures in it. I haven’t started my cards yet, so I don’t know what I am doing, but they always include pics!

    Reply
  20. Faith says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:09 am

    Wow, great giveaway!

    I’m planning on making cards this year and this will be my first time. Thank you so much for all the inspiration. I love you work.

    Reply
  21. Tabitha K says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:10 am

    I actually already have my Christmas cards done, I did them in October. Lots of Doodlebug sugar-coated cardstock and snowflakes, stamped and punched.

    Reply
  22. Janice says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:20 am

    I decided to make all my own cards this year for the first time ever! I’m quite excited, as I’m already half finished with them. I’m using the BG Wassail 6×6 paper and stamping and coloring a focal point image for each. It’s such fun to do! Thanks for the great give-away. Have a nice weekend, Lisa.

    Reply
  23. sandra says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:22 am

    im jealous of you on your couch last night…im at work right now and wish i were in bed!!
    anyway…my family doesnt do the big photo on the card thing..my mother sends cards i make for her though. she doesn’t send that many either. my plan for this year though is to make them all the same to make it easier on myself. also, i want to make some to sell. its fun and i need the money 🙂

    Reply
  24. Erica says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:27 am

    We are doing a family photo card! We have a new addition this year so it will be fun! Love your blog! Thanks for all the fab ideas! Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  25. lexi says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:33 am

    I make around 20 or so for family and close friends the rest I sent store bought cards ! I’m headed to Archievers today to get my supplies.

    Reply
  26. Karin says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:44 am

    I am still working on what I want to do for my Christmas cards this year. I have liked some of the examples you have posted on your blog. Just can’t decide which one I like the most. But I have had our family photos taken so I can pick out a picture to send with the card.

    Reply
  27. Tamera says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:45 am

    Maybe I’ll finish the cards I started last year.Boy, I’m behind. I like the use of buttons on your layout.

    Reply
  28. Angela Stewart says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:53 am

    To alleviate a bit of stress, this year I purchased Becky Higgins’ holiday card kit and will be dolling up some fantastic cards with what comes in the kit – I always love to make a kit “my own” work, so we’ll see what I come up with!

    Reply
  29. sher says:
    November 7, 2008 at 11:57 am

    Are these not the most elegant ever ?!?! I would be happy with just the “H”. I immediately thought of adding some Rhonna swirls with a letter and doing my own monogram.
    I haven’t even started to think about what I will do for Christmas cards. UG! You do know now that you have brought it up I won’t be able to forget about it. LOL
    Have a super day
    Sher

    Reply
  30. Julia Carter says:
    November 7, 2008 at 12:07 pm

    Hey there! That page is sooo cute! I have that stamp set but I haven’t really used it much but I really like that idea and I think i may try something similar. I also like those alpha stamps, **hint, hint***
    Seriously though, I really love your work and am sooo inspired by it. Thanks for sharing it with

    Julia

    Reply
  31. Heather says:
    November 7, 2008 at 12:07 pm

    I would love to do Christmas cards this year, however we have listed our house and hoping it will sell by then so everything is packed up for house viewings. I can manage a bit of scrapbooking taking some stuff out but it has to be cleaned up right away afterwards.

    Reply
  32. Samantha says:
    November 7, 2008 at 12:14 pm

    I actually found some nice green cards with a scalloped edge that I am going to use. I try to make my cards every year, but they are all going to be the same this year. I just have to find a design that speaks to me and is quick to put together! Thanks for all the inspiration Jennifer!

    Reply
  33. Tenny says:
    November 7, 2008 at 12:20 pm

    i will make my cards and either print individual photos of my kids or a group shot to include(or maybe put on the front like i did last year). usually a lot of stamping:)

    Reply
  34. MARY BARTOLOTTA says:
    November 7, 2008 at 12:20 pm

    I am going to use a set from Archivers that I got late last year…I am going to start early ( I better get going!) so that I can get them to people before the holiday. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  35. Crafterbeth says:
    November 7, 2008 at 12:25 pm

    I have been making tons of cards this year! Mostly because of the inspiration here and the Hero Arts blog! Thanks so much!

    Reply
  36. angela says:
    November 7, 2008 at 12:44 pm

    First of all…I love Ann Taylor Loft too…especially when I can get clothes on sale! I’m still debating what I’m going to do for Christmas cards. I’ve made them for 4 years. I’m considering using CK’s kit of the month Christmas cards this year. Just deciding if it’s worth the cost or if I just design my own.

    Reply
  37. Linda C says:
    November 7, 2008 at 12:48 pm

    I plan on making my cards this year. It was going to be the last year with my son home, but his wedding date got moved from May 23, 2009 to November 29, 2008 because he is being deployed. I will have to wait until after the wedding to start on the cards as the bride has me making all kinds of things! I’m going to use Stampin’ Up snow swirled stamps.

    Reply
  38. Candy says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:00 pm

    I like photo cards simply because they are quick and easy. Although getting my daughter to sit still this year is going to be hard!

    Reply
  39. Janie T says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:07 pm

    At this point I am planning on making a bunch of Christmas cards. I have the design so all I need is the time.

    That alphabet set is killer awesome.

    Reply
  40. Pia says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:14 pm

    I do send christmas cards every year. Not that many- but around 15-20 greetings. This year will be different because for the first time I will create my own cards. I have not yet decided for the design.
    I just love to receive a card myself – an email can never replace that! Have a fabulous weekend! (thanks for the chance to win)

    Reply
  41. Karen says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:16 pm

    Karen D I make all my own Christmas cards each one is individual no two are alike but i had to finish up early as i am having surgery on my hand joint repair so shall be in a full cast until after the new year bummer i get great inspiration from your blog and look forward to seeing what new ideas you have come up with take care

    Reply
  42. Carolyn E says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:20 pm

    i love making my christmas cards!
    Sometimes i go for the same design for mass production, but this year i’m making them all different but with one thing in common…a tree somewhere on it.
    I made quite a few from the card classes over at 2peas, very inspiring!

    Reply
  43. jen says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:22 pm

    Ooh – I love those stamps. I do a combo – I make some cards and I buy some. 🙂 I tend to send the homemade ones to people who I know will appreciate the effort that goes in to making them … and the storebought ones to the rest. 😉

    Reply
  44. JoEllen says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:23 pm

    Photo cards this year. I want to do special hand made Thanksgiving cards this year. Guess i need to get crackin’!

    Reply
  45. amanda says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:34 pm

    i check in on your blog every once & awhile & I got to thinking—what do you do with all of your cards? You must have friends that get them all the time?!

    Reply
  46. annette abrahamson says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:41 pm

    i make my own cards or newsletter each year with stamping and scrapbook supplies…this year i’m using tree stamps with glitter somewhere 🙂

    Reply
  47. Jenn says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:42 pm

    I do a mix of both, make christmas cards for close friends and family members. I also buy some cards to send out since dh and I both have big families.

    Reply
  48. Welsh Kiwi says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:48 pm

    I’ve made cards every year since we emigrated to New Zealand- 11! It costs so much to buy then send from here so making my own cuts down on the cost- especially when I send nearly 100! I hate making bulk cards but Christmas is the one time you have to do that to save time. So my husband and I usually have a weekend away in a nice hotel doing some Christmas shopping, and I always take my Christmas cards and everything I need to make them with me and get them done in the hotel room while watching tv and eating junk-my husband helps write out the addresses on the envelopes!

    Reply
  49. Kellie N says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:50 pm

    Those are nice alpha stamps! What a great monogram they would make. I am hoping to design my cards this weekend. I think I am going to do something with ornaments and stickles.

    Reply
  50. Michelle W. says:
    November 7, 2008 at 1:54 pm

    I love making holiday cards by hand. Then you can make each card fit the individual and the holiday they celebrate! Besides, it gives many more opportunities to play with paper!

    Reply

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