This is Michelle-JoAnna's neighbor.

JoAnna asked me to hijack her blog and let you all know why she isn't posting. On Sunday morning she had a kidney stone attack. She waited until this morning(Monday) to go to the doctor and they have put her in the hospital.

DON'T PANIC!!!

She is ok, they just wanted to be able to give her lots of liquids and pain meds, and they thought it would be easier to get her better if she were in the hospital.

They have done tests to see how big the stone is and see if she will be able to pass it on her own. She is unsure how long she will be in the hospital. So it may be a few days before you hear from her again. I will be sure to update you with any changes.

She is in great spirits and can't wait to post more on those cards she was in the middle of making.

We all hope you get better real soon JoAnna!

"Slowpoke Card"

I made this 5x5 card using a stamped image from the set Cute Critters by Clear Dollar Stamps. There are four 'critters' in all, so I'll be posting cards using the other images soon.

I like how the turtle turned out. I colored the image with my Prismacolor pencils and blended with gamsol and a stump. I love the saying I was able to add to the front using my word window punch. A total of 14 sayings come with the critters in this set, so it's an awesome set!!

For the inside of the card, I used another stamp set from Clear Dollar called Christian Critters. (It, mainly, is additional sayings that can coordinate.) The saying inside reads: Take time to slow down and feast on God's Word.

"Arts & Craft Day"

I had such a fun day at my neighbor, Michelle's, house today! She fed me lunch and I took stuff to do arts & crafts with the her and the kids! We had a blast and took lots of pictures!

I wanted the crafts to pertain to the 4th of July, so the prepared projects to make today were a star celebration wand; a Popsicle stick mini American flag; a color by number American flag; candy covered with decorated Avery labels; fun 4th of July shakers; and, a magnetic American flag.

I've posted fun pictures below! Thanks, Michelle, Jacob, Amber and Nathan for letting me spend the day with you crafting! I had so much fun!!

"Notecards, Envelopes & Holder"

This is a card and envelope holder that I finished up this evening. I loved, loved, loved this project the moment I saw the tutorial for it here! So, I thought I'd give it a whirl! I used my sheet of patterned paper by Scenic Route to guide my color scheme for the project and I think the colors worked well together!








Here is a photo of the inside of the holder:










And, here's a photo of the four (4) notecards I made with coordinating envelopes:









Many thanks goes out to Dannie for her great tutorial on this. She did a great job! If you are interested in making one yourself, I would definitely recommend checking out the tutorial -- she makes it seem as easy as pie!

"My Sweetie Pie"

Here's a photo I was able to snap today of my sweetie pie, Alyssa, in the K Mart parking lot when we did a quick meet and clothes exchange. She's been with her grandmother in Jackson since last Wednesday, but is 'actually' leaving town in the morning.

So, my sweet neighbor, Michelle, and I drove to Jackson for me to meet up with her so I could get those hugs & kisses before she goes and, of course, to send more clothes....you'd think she was moving...NOT! heehee

She has already had such a blast at her Uncle Andy and Aunt Mon's house that she was talking 90 miles a minute! I know she'll have just as much fun at DG & Mary's!!

"Vacation Time"

Just a quick note -- my mom, sister and niece, Lauren, have arrived in Cancun and are enjoying it rather nicely! (This trip was Lauren's graduation gift -- pretty neat, huh?)

Anyway, with my daughter off one way for 2 weeks and the rest of my gang hangin' out at a resort in Cancun for 7 days, I'm hoping to create, create, create! However, I would not have minded putting my toes in the sand abit! *wink* But, right now, I'm lovin' the quiteness around here.

"More Birthday Wishes!"

Good morning! I wanted to wish my gal pal, Rochelle, a big 'ol happy birthday!!

Again, I chose a photo of a cake from "Ace of Cakes" -- only, this one is a little more whimsical!!

Rochelle, even though your sweet hubby and Katie are both gone, I know you'll still have a blast with Sarah and Molly! Just have a girls day and celebrate!!

Best wishes from Alyssa and I!

"Summertime"

Well, summer is here! So, to celebrate it's arrival, I thought I'd use some fun 'summer' themed paper by Doodlebug and create this post-it note holder. It turns out like a little book -- really neat! The inspiration for this holder came from Angie at Chic 'n Scratch. Angie has a great tutorial on her site with all the how-to on these!

Oh, by the way, my dear daughter is leaving in a couple of days to go to East Tennessee to spend two (2) weeks with her grandparents. So, I'm making her little things like this to take with her. She's going to have a blast and I'm so excited for her! However, we've never really been apart that long and I must say it seems that I am the only one kinda sad! heehee

Anyway, back on track. . .I've posted a smaller photo below of the inside of the holder.

"Patriotic Tin"

This is another great idea I got from the gallery at Clear Dollar Stamps. With the 4th of July coming up, I loved the idea so much that I absolutely had to do it!

I started with a band aid tin from Provo Craft, and decorated it with some fun patriotic patterned paper by Doodlebug, layered on top of red cardstock. I attached a Jolee's star embellishment on front and adhered a red 'raindrop' center by Cloud9 Design. I then tied miscellaneous red, white and blue ribbons/ric rac on the handle.

Now, on to the fun!! The stamp set I used by Clear Dollar is called Patriotic Nuggets. It is wonderful! It is everything you need to decorate your nuggets for anything patriotic!! I used white Avery mailing labels to stamp my images on, then all you have to do is peel & stick! How great is that -- quick & easy! For my images, I used SU's Real Red; Brilliant Blue; and Summer Sun.

For most of you that know me, I usually wrap my nuggets in decorative paper, instead of using the mailing labels. But with this set, using the mailing labels is the way to go, and the results are great! (You know I'm excited to find something else that holds decorated nuggets!) heehee

I've posted a smaller photo with the lid opened on the tin, showing how I adhered a stamped label to the inside lid.

"Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!"

I really want to thank my very dear friend, Linda, for taking care of me yesterday! I had a kidney stone attack, while I was at home alone with my 11 year old. My mom was still at work, so I called Linda, and she didn't hesitate one minute!

She got me to Convenient Care, and after getting one of those 'special' shots, I believe I ended up being a handful for her! *wink, wink* Nonetheless, she got me home, safe and sound!!

Linda, I appreciate you tons for tending and putting up with me! I am so glad you were at the other end of that line when I called yesterday!!!

This gorgeous pansy photo is from: http://www.pbase.com/missy_gardenwhimsy/favorite_flowers

"3rd Annual Stamp Extravaganza"

Hi, everybody!! There is a new contest at A-MUSE-A-PALOOZA and I really need your help to win!! I am to refer my friends, (that's where you come in *wink*), to register and list my full name (JoAnna Goodman) in the "referred by" box on the online form. They are going to award prizes for the top 3 referrals and also have a random weekly winner. So, I'll really appreciate any of you that can take a minute or two and hop over there and register!

Also, I wanted to let any of my local gal pals know that this 'stamp extravaganza' is scheduled to be at Eclectica in Memphis the week of July 7th - July 13th. What fun! Each day is scheduled with a great event! I can't wait!

"Hook, Line & Sinker. . ."

I so meant to post this last night in honor of Father's Day. I decorate this lunch sack for my neighbor's kids to give to their Dad. He was in a fishing tournament yesterday after church, and this was going to be part of his Father's Day gifts after dinner.

I covered the front and back with 'outdoorsy' paper, then cut out the lettering with my Cricut, before adhering on the front. Michelle had dug around in his tackle box one day (while he was at work) to get me the "supplies", so I had to figure out how to incorporate a hook. . .a line. . .and a sinker on this bag. So, I did the best I could! heehee If you can make it out, I attached the hook and sinker with the line to the top right corner of the bag. So the front reads: We love you hook, line and sinker!

I filled the insided with his favorite treat -- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. (Maybe that will help him forgive us for messing with his fishing gear!) Happy Be-lated Father's Day, George! You're One Terrific Dad!!

"Scripture Tin"

I decorated this tin as part of my neighbor's birthday gift. The inspiration for this came from the gallery on Clear Dollar Stamps. I loved the idea when I saw it, and was excited to make it myself!

The tin, itself, came from Oriental Trade, and I covered the top with layered, solid cardstock. (I printed the title off the computer) For the inside, I made six (6) individual scripture cards, using the stamp set "Beautiful Scriptures" by Clear Dollar, on the same layered cardstock. I really liked the way it turned out!

**Added Note: Here are the measurements for the scripture cards - Outside piece of cardstock is 2.6" x 4" and the inset piece is 2.4" x 3.6".

"Happy Father's Day"

I hope everyone is enjoying some extra 'dad' time today! I ate out last night with my Dad and stepmom, along with my sister and her family, at a great restaurant called Cajun Cookers in Jackson. The food was really good, however, as always, I think we all ate too much! heehee Nonetheless, we were able to treat the 'dads' of the family to a dinner out.

Here's a picture of my sister, Dad and I, last night after dinner:













Then, today after church with my Dad and stepmom, we enjoyed a great lunch at home. Here's a photo of my Dad at the grill, finishing up lunch. (Pretty much a mainstay for him. . .the grill!)





Last, but not least, while I was visiting with my Dad, I snapped this picture of his neighbor's front yard. I thought it was pretty cool!! Whatcha think?

"Birthday Wishes"

I wanted to post a picture of a beautiful cake to represent my birthday wishes for my sweet neighbor, Michelle, who's birthday is today!!! I hope you have a very relaxing and enjoyable day with your family today!!

p.s. Oh, by the way, as you've probably guessed...I couldn't make this cake, even if I tried! (Sorry, Michelle) However, I love the show "Ace of Cakes" on the food network, and this is a picture off of their website -- www.charmcitycakes.com.

"Church Scrapbooking"

This is a photo of three of the ladies involved in the scrapbooking class at the Church. They are great women of our Church. Standing from left to right is Ms. Ruth Ann & Ms. Loraine, and sitting is Ms. Opal. This morning we made great progress! Our topic for this month was on the "Church", so our goal was to get our pages prepared with a picture of the front of our Church and then leave journaling space for each to express what the church means to them. Next month's topic is on Rest.

They all liked their lamb I made for them. Now, I've got to decide what I'll make next month!

The guidebook I'm using for these classes each month is from Gifts from God. It is amazing and I am blessed to have the opportunity to do this with these ladies.

"Little Lambs"

I decorated these lambs for the ladies in my scrapbooking/bible study class at church.

I took each wooden lamb and adhered a mini clothes pin and magnet to the back, so that it can go on a filing cabinet, refrigerator, etc. and the clothes pin on back can hold messages.

I tied each lamb up in a cello bag with black & white checked ribbon, and attached a tag that reads : "Behold the Lamb of God" John 1:36

**I wanted to add a note: I bought the lambs already painted at Hobby Lobby**

This first picture shows how the back of the lamb looks, with the clothes pin and magnet adhered:


This picture is of the supplies I used. The glue is Liquid Fusion; magnet strips and small clothes pins:

"Nugget Tin With A Twist?!?!"

As most of you know, I absolutely love the hinged tins by Papertrey, because they hold a perfect dozen Hershey's nuggets. Well, I decided for Father's Day, I'd put a little twist on the tin and fill it, instead, with 4 fun size Kit Kat bars. They also fit perfectly!! How fun!!

I wrapped each Kit Kat bar, (just like I do the nuggets), with some fabulous 'dad' patterned paper by Flair Designs that I found at Archiver's. Then, I wrapped some dark olive Offray ribbon around the tin to keep it closed. Lastly, I painted this chipboard heart with Making Memories sunflower paint; let dry; and, then lightly inked the edges with SU's Close to Cocoa before adhering to the tin.

I've posted a smaller picture below to show a better view of just the paper on the bars, before I added the embellishments. This was an easy and quick project to do and will make a small addition to any Father Day's gifts!

"Another Completed Order!"

Here's another completed order for my gal pal, Anndrea, that I should've posted last night, but I was fighting one of those horrid headaches.

These are those adorable popsicle cards she wanted to use to send the kiddos as a 'thank you' card for giving her an end of the year teacher gift.

I think they are such cute cards! You could do them in just about any color and they would make great party invites, too!!

"My Ramblings?!?!"

Ok, I just had to add this quick note! My dearest friend, Linda, and I were shopping and looking at stamps the other day and she came across the cutest one!

I could kick myself for not buying it, because I've had it on my mind ever since! (In all honesty, I will have to go back and get it)

I'm not sure who makes it or anything, but the sentiment read something like:

"Dress by Ralph Lauren, body by chocolate chip."

Ok, is there not anyone else out there that just loves that, or what?

"Completed Relay for Life Order"

I know I've not posted in a couple of days, but I've been getting Anndrea's Relay for Life order finished up. She needed it for tonight's festivities, at our local park.

So I snapped a quick photo of all of it before I boxed it up for her. We decided not to add the chocolate bars to the pouches until later, and just keep them in a cooler, so they would not melt.

She had me do a mixture of pink things for breast cancer awareness and purple things for relay for life, in general.

What I did for her was 10 gum holders; 10 chocolate pouches; and, 5 nugget tins. I hope it is a successful night!! (Now, I've just got to finish her popsicle thank you cards....wink, wink)

"More Pink!"

These are examples of a couple more items I'm doing as part of Anndrea's Relay for Life order.

I've done a chocolate pouch holder in the darker pink cardstock and layered the white & pink scalloped circles on top before adding the awareness ribbon in the center. I, again, used the K&Company adhesive paper ribbon on the flap. I am loving the adhesive ribbon!

Next, I've done a Trident slide out gum holder. I went with the lighter pink cardstock on this one. Once again, I just layered punched squares, with the awareness ribbon on top. I also used a sheer, light pink polka dotted Offray ribbon as the "pull out" for the gum.

I'm using different color pinks on all of these, just to mix it up abit. I'm also doing some of the same items using the Relay for Life logo. I'll be posting those, as well.

"Think Pink!"

This is part of another order I'm working on for my dear friend, Anndrea, for Relay for Life. I'm making her nugget tins representing both, Relay for Life and Breast Cancer Awareness. This is the first one I've done in the pinks!

As most of you know, I love these hinged tins from Papertrey -- they hold a perfect dozen Hershey's nuggets. I wrapped each nugget with pink dotted paper by Marcelle, before filling the tin. In closing the tin, I wrapped a strip of solid petunia Bazzill tightly around the tin, securing it with adhesive on the bottom. I, then, layered K&Company adhesive paper ribbon on top of the Bazzill. Finally, I adhered a circle punch and a scalloped circle punch together in the center and was then able to add a pink awareness ribbon that I cut from my Cuttlebug. (I was so thrilled to find the Cuttlebug Awareness Ribbon die at Hobby Lobby! Not only was it the last one, I had a 40% off coupon! Whoo Hoo!!)

Anyway, I think this one turn out great! I've got several more of these to make and I'll probably have them all look a little different from each other.

"Stuck in my Head!?!"

Men showed up at the house at dawn to repair the roof. It sounds more like the are destroying the roof and are going to come through the ceiling at any minute!! So, between all the chaotic noises and the dog on the verge of having a nervous breakdown, I cannot get any crafting done this morning!

However, I've got this wonderful song stuck in my head by Hillsong, called Potter's Hand. So, I thought I'd share the lyrics with you -- they are really great!

Beautiful Lord
Wonderful Saviour
I know for sure
All of my days are
Held in Your hands
Crafted into Your perfect plan

You gently call me
Into Your presence
Guiding me by
Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord
To live all of my life through Your eyes

I’m captured by
Your holy calling
Set me apart
I know You’re drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray

Take me, mould me
Use me, fill me I give my life to the Potter’s hand
Call me, guide me
Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter’s hand

"Popsicle Card"

Every since Rochelle posted her popsicle cards (HERE), I've been dying to make one! I do not have SU's Tart & Tangy set yet, so my sweet gal pal, Rochelle, is so graciously sending me some of the stamped images so I can make some of the different colors.

However, my dear friend, Anndrea, placed an order for some of these style cards for 'thank-you's' to the kiddos that gave her end of the year teacher gifts. (She had requested an apple on the front, but did not insist on one, but her order gave me an excuse to go to Hobby Lobby to buy me an apple stamp *wink, wink*)

Anyway, this is an example of one of the cards for her order. I used my new apple stamp by Stampabilities; colored it with my Prismacolor pencils; and, then blended with Gamsol and a stump. I've posted a smaller photo below of the inside. The 'thank you' was stamped with SU's real red, and the stick was tied off with sheer polka-dotted Offray ribbon. These are so fun to make!

I hope Anndrea likes these! I think these are really cute and would also work great for kids' birthday invitations! They are just fun!!