SSS24 Sugar Baby Poppies

I have some fun and exciting news to share with all of you today...I've decided to do something I've often said I'd never do....(Someday I'll learn the meaning of 'never say never')....I've accepted an invitation from Korin Sutherland ( owner of Sweet N' Sassy Stamps) to be part of her Sugar Baby Design Team. This newest team will work with the Sweet Stop Blog -- a Sketch Challenge blog where each Saturday you will find a new and exciting Sketch Challenge along with the sample cards from each member of the Sugar Baby Team!

But,here's the BEST news... you will be allowed to use any stamp product of your choice AND any stamp image from whatever designer/company your sweet little heart desires.... how FANTASTIC is that!

I was so thrilled with this innovative idea that I just HAD to say YES.

Today is the beginning of the first Sugar Baby Design Team. Each week we will design a card or project using the most current Sketch from the Sweet Stop Sketch Challenge. I hope you will join us and participate with the sketch challenges each Saturday. And I'm sure you will find a boatload of inspiration as you visit each blog of the super and awesome design team...you'll find them listed under my right sidebar entitled, 'Sweet Stop Sugar Babies'.

For this first Sugar Baby Challenge, I've opted to use a digital image from Sketching Stampers Digi Stamps, called "Poppies":

http://sketchingstamperdigi-stamps.blogspot.com/

I've printed the image onto Neena Solar White Cardstock and colored it using Copic Markers (I know...do I really have to tell you that again, LOL). The pattern papers are from an 8 X 8 paper pad called 'Poppy Paper Stack' by Sei...they are so gorgeous, I just love them...so much so, that I have been 'hoarding' them for a very long time.

The white layer beneath the main image is embossed using a Cuttlebug Folder. That luscious rose pink ribbon is 100% silk and I used my Bow Easy to make the bow....the Bow Easy is absolutely fabulous and easy to use. Both the ribbon and the Bow Easy were purchased from Sharon Johnson's 'Stamp Simply Ribbon and Tools' online store located on her blog, 'No Time To Stamp'.

(http://notimetostamp.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/)

On another note: Thursday night, my middle daughter and I spent several hours together consoling one another while my son-in-law and one of my grandson's spent their time in the ER.... my grandson had experienced what we thought was 'just a severe asthma attack'. Several hours later and after a couple of breathing treatments, some x-rays, a blood test, a mouth swab and lots of waiting, it was finally determined that our 'little guy' has the swine flu! He was given Tamiflu and observed until 4 a.m. Friday morning. The whole scenario played out very quickly and progressed rapidly...it certainly had his Mom (my daughter) and Me very concerned and praying diligently. If you have young children, please don't assume that a little cough and temperature is just a 'bad cold'....call your doctor and make an appointment to be certain it is nothing more serious. If my grandson's asthma had not been affected, we probably would not have sent him to the ER as soon as we did and his treatment may not have been as effective. The doctors told us that the swine flu can progress quite rapidly, causes the person to feel extreme fatigue, and as my grandson did--begin crying because 'everything just hurts' he said. God was good and my grandson is now home resting.....which will be all he is allowed to do for the first couple of days... he will also be out of school all next week. This was a scary situation and we are so very thankful to God for the positive outcome with this situation. Now, we have to try and keep the other 3 kiddo's well, along with Mom and Dad.

I pray all of you and your loved ones will stay healthy....

Thank you for stopping by today and I pray you will all have a wonderful and blessed weekend.

Until next time,

Take time to enjoy your loved ones and then,

Make time to create but remember to have fun and enjoy the experience!

Barbg(WV)