Katie Skiff

Simon Says Card Kit + January Life Updates

Hey friends!! 

Can you believe we are starting February this week?  Glory Be, time is flying!

I wanted to share a couple cards I made for fun and for weekly challenges today.  And I also wanted to share some Life Updates each month, so those are at the end of today’s post.  This is a big post, so grab your cuppa and enjoy!

 

First off, both cards are made from this month’s Simon Says Card Kit.  I love this kit!! 

So the first card is for the Coffee Lovers Blog sketch challenge.  You can find it HERE. 

 

The papers are so fun and they really did a great job coordinating the papers!  This pink patterned paper is awesome!!  YAY!!

 

 

For this one, I played with the sketch at Paper Players  .  I loved with Amy Rysavy did with her stickers so I did a similar things with them on the kraft cardstock.  I die cut the hearts from vellum so they were faintly there.  

I love how this card turned out!!  I really need to get some more of this patterned paper!! 

 

January flew by for us!!  While we didn’t have basketball taking up our weekends, we were able to enjoy more time at home! 

January marked a whole year since mom had her stroke and it’s crazy to me how quickly that time flew by.  Thankfully, she is doing well.   In January Dad also got the all clear from his cancer that took over their fall.  It was a crazy time for them, so seeing them both flourish now in January has been great!!

And speaking of the spry ones.  January brought Aunt Gene’s 98th birthday.  We celebrated with her a couple times at the Nursing home.  She loved it and was up and moving. 

I snapped this photo of her and my Grandpa who is 94.  (She is my mom’s Aunt, this is my Dad’s dad.  ) 

Weather has been typical of MT.  Cold and snowy in the am, warm in the pm.  LOL…  Thankfully, we’ve missed the major storms and right now, we hardly have any snow.  But we did enjoy it while we could. 

I used spray paint to paint on my spring flowers. 

We were able to finally meet our sweet Great Niece this last weekend.  She has some fiery red hair and it’s adorable.   She looks just like her big brother.  It was really fun to snuggle and visit them all. 

I am still hoping to get a trip to Billings in next month and more snuggles. 

 

I also thought I would add a couple Origami Owl Updates to my Monthly Updates post.   If you want regular updates, join my VIP group on Facebook.  Otherwise, I will only share what’s going on in my Monthly Life Update posts. 

This special for joining O2 ends this week, but there will be another if you join in February.  CLICK HERE to learn more.

 

I am also starting Live Facebook Jewelry Bars, so if that is something that you might be interested in, email me. This is the February Hostess Exclusive. 

And all of the new Spring Line is now available!!   Plus the Limited Valentine’s goodies!!

 

Coffee & Friends | Simon Says Stamp Kit

TGIF!!  And it's about the end of the day now too!  YAY!!  I love Fridays so much!!  It is coffee day, however I've been cutting sugars from my diet so it's just black ole coffee for me.  And I'm ok with that too!!  Coffee is coffee, even without the fluff!

 

So this year, I really wanted to find a monthly CARD KIT.  I loved my Clique Kits so much, but they were geared for scrapbookers and that just isn't me anymore!  So I searched around and found a couple that I was comparing, when Simon Says Stamp released their February kit! Uh, duh... that one was the winner!  It is all about Coffee and I needed it. 

And I am so happy I did.  This stamp set it worth it to me.  It's so full of perfection!! 

 

So I jumped right in and made a couple quick cards.  I found the sketch for Mojo Monday and started off in that direction for the first card. 

I also pulled out a second card using the cutie-patootie die that came in the kit. 

 

I think this sentiment is pretty much perfect and might be one I use on Greg's Valentine.  Seriously, I think I'm done with his card and then I create something else and want to make him another!!  lol...

Here is today's video:

 

 

Thanks for the visit today dear friends!!

 

Tomorrow, I will be sharing a video for the Scrapbook Blessing Video Hop, so stop back in to visit!! 

Enjoy your weekend!!

 

DIY Washi Holder

Hi Friends!!

Today I have a fun DIY project for the craft room.  This came to me when I was at Stamp Club last month.  I was telling the ladies about how you could use an old Tin Foil box to hold your Washi Tapes.  As I was talking, I thought how fun to wrap some washi around the box so you could see what you had. 

And this happened….

Enjoy the video.

 

 

Thanks for checking in with me today! 

I've been busy on a couple new projects for this week.  Lots going on in the craft room and I can't wait to share it all with you guys!! 

Have a great Monday!!

National Scrapbooking Day | YouTube Hop

Hi everyone – I wanted to give you a head’s up.  I am taking part in a YouTube hop on my YouTube Channel.  It’s a 3 day hop with some AMAZING ladies!  My day is Saturday, so pop back here for the link.  OR visit my YouTube channel and Subscribe. 

There are some awesome sponsors too!!  All you need to do is watch and comment!! 

Clique Kits Spring Card Kit | Unboxing and a Card Video

Hi guys!! 

I snuck in some time to work on a project to help out my friends at Clique Kits!  They are some sweet ladies I knew from my DT days with Memory Works and they started their own lil Scrapbooking Kit club.  And it’s always so, so cute, but I’m really not scrapbooking.  (I haven’t even started 2016’s Project Life.  Like at all!!  *Gasp*) 

So I got to play with their Spring Card Kit.  It’s so pretty!! 

I will be sharing more as this month goes on, but I wanted to share a couple things today! 

I shared an Unboxing Video of the Kit Contents  - check it out on YouTube too.

 

 

 

 

And I created a super cute card that I’m sharing over on their blog today!  Check it out HERE.

And here is the video for the card. 

 

 

 

On Saturday, I did a Vendor Show here locally and unloaded a lot of cards.  But I still have quite a few left, so I might add them to Etsy.  Like I said I was awhile back!!  lol 

The rest of this weekend has been rainy  and we've been huddled up enjoying our 3 day weekend!  Now, we count down 22 days left of school!! 

Thanks for the visit today!

Easter Peeps | Simon Says Stamp Card Kit

Hi guys!  I hope you all enjoyed your weekend.  We were busy with basketball, and up and down the highway. 

I wanted to share some Easter themed cards that I’m sending out this week. 

I think I might call this Peeps Week. 

I recently picked up the Simon Says Stamp Card Kit for March.  It took it’s sweet time getting to everyone who ordered it, but I am happy I got one.  I love the Peeps “things”, especially stamps, but I’m not a Peep eater.  Uck.

So these are just a few of the cards I created with this kit and some of my own supplies.  Enjoy!

 

 

For this fun card, I used one of the MFT stitched border dies to cut out the main panel.  I die cut and stamped all the peeps ahead of time so I just grabbed a couple.  I did add some Wink of Stella to make them sparkle!!

I love this font/handwriting on this sentiment.  I tried to color it with my Copic and because I used the Versafine, it’s smudged!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one might be my FAVorite!  I think I would eat chocolate peeps.  YUM!  I paired the browns/kraft with the polka dot yellow here and it’s working awesome!  I also added some enamel dots to finish it off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I got to this one, these three lil Peeps were what was left and I thought of my nieces’ lil family.  So I created her lil Peep family.  I just popped them up with foam dots on kraft.  Then I added the lined paper and some ribbon. 

Ribbon?!  That’s been awhile!  HA!!

 

 

 

 

And finally, I added peeps to my envelopes and used my new Boscey Joscie address stamp. 

Tomorrow, I will have a video for you for Easter week. 

Faith Friday | 3.18.2016

Hi friends!!

Thanks for the visit today.  I do have another video and page in my Journaling Bible for you today.  I am using the new Created to Create kit from Illustrated Faith to share with you today. 

You can also watch the video on YouTube.

 

 For the details, I used my new to me, Zig Kuretake Gansai Tambi 12 COLOR SET that I am falling in love with.  I used the Created to Create stamp set from IF, and some copics to color them.  That washi tape was also in that kit, and the random glasses were in my stash! 

 

 

I only briefly discussed why I choose the verse I choose with you in the video, but I wanted to touch more on it here. 

I am currently doing a Bible Study with some ladies called I know His Name by Wendy Blight.   I admit I was scared to be going into all of these NAMES, but I am pleasantly surprised by how interesting it is. 

Week One discussed a lot of Creation and one area touched on being created with a purpose.  This really struck a cord with me.  Often times, I feel that we are trying to keep up with the worldly ways and not remembering who created us and why.  It’s easy to get sucked into looking like someone else, or trying to be someone else.  When in fact, God created us to be US.  Unique.  The only one. 

Wendy says God did not create us from the same mold.  This is an amazing truth that we need to remember. 

I feel that this is one area where I’ve grown in the last 10 years.  I struggled (and honesty, I still do some days) with why my hair won’t behave a certain way, why my teeth weren’t straighter or whiter.  I could go on and on, and I’m sure you could as well.  But I’ve found truth in the fact that God created me to be this way.  He had a plan. He knew what He was doing.  He created beautiful sunsets, amazing landforms, billions of different types of creations, and yet He took the time to make each and every detail about me. 

He created me Beautiful and with a Purpose.  Not to look like you or Beyoncé.  But to look like me.  To be me.  To fulfill the purpose He set for me.  More important than looks and hair and teeth, He wants us to be like Him.  To be in his image, while not literally to look like Him, but to be a reflection of Him.

 

I appreciate you stopping in today! 

We are off for the weekend to play basketball.  I hope you enjoy your weekend! 

Sweet 16, New Stamps and Turkeys

Happy Saturday!! 

I wanted to jump on and share this card today to make sure I got it in in time for The Muse Challenge this week. 

When I saw the challenge, I knew I wanted to create something with the colors and Watercolors.  So I watercolored the paper with greens and yellow and let them sit.  It wasn’t until I was looking for the right die that I decided that I would make it a birthday card.  I used PTI’s Big Number Dies to cut out the numbers and I just grabbed a sentiment set for this one. 

My oldest baby is turning 16 on Monday.  Insert sad eyes!!  He’s currently on the other side of the state Skiing with a youth group trip. 

Check out The Muse Challenge. 

 

I also placed an order for some new Bossy Joscie stamps this last week and they came yesterday.

I had the top one that you see in my photos that I use on the back of my cards.  I had some stamps with just my name on them for addresses, but I decided to get one that was for all of us.    

Also, I had previously seen this Hashtag stamp via Stampin Up!  and when I saw that Joscie had it, I added it to my cart.  Unfortunately, SU’s stamps were back ordered right away.  So I am happy that I picked this one up.  And Joscie had three different styles to choose from. 

Check out here Store HERE.

  I added this to the back of David’s card, and plan to on my my 2016 birthday cards!!

Finally, you may be wondering what the heck turkey’s have to do with the heading.

My dad got me three lil Bronze Turkey’s yesterday.  It was totally last minute, he said he wanted some, so I said grab me some too.  We had some a few years back and they are so friendly and fun to watch.  I’m excited.  So they are currently living in this cardboard “house” (McKinley had previously decorated it for her dolls.) in our guest bath off the mud room. 

I will keep you posted on them as they grow and move out to the Chicken House. 

Enjoy your Saturday!!

Life Updates

Hi there friends!!

 Happiest of Fridays! 

Family Updates

We are still in mid season of regular high school ball... but NO GAMES this weekend!  Praise!!  Tonight we are celebrating my great Aunt's 97th birthday.  Tomorrow I am hosting my Card Buffet and we might head to town for another birthday party. But otherwise, I feel so free!!  HA!! 

Both RC and McKinley are starting up their travel teams, and are excited, even if it's just beginning. 

I do think, that by mid April, I might have a free weekend of EVERYTHING sports related.  Tis the Season of life, right?  I wouldn't want anything else. 

I do have to say, tho, it's really cut into my watching of The Walking Dead and being caught up on the series before the new episodes air.  HA.  I am hoping for some Netflix and Crafts tomorrow.  HA!! 

Have you all found the Adult Coloring books?  I picked up this one at Walmart and I have to say, it's fun to have.  This particular night, RC was working on a lot of homework, and rather than play on my Kindle, I colored.   

 

Speaking of Netflix, have you watching Making a Murderer?  Thoughts?  We have two episodes left, and while I know it's from HIS point of view, it's still got me fired up!! 

 

 

Healthy Living Update

As I shared at the beginning of the year, I kicked things up in 2015 regarding my weight and health.  Since the New Year, our school group joined up with the Shape Up MT program.  Last year, even though I helped little, we won the weight loss group for the whole state!!  Plus, I got to know some of the other staff that I didn't know as well, due to our get togethers!    So I am looking forward to that.  One of them is currently doing the Sugar Detox I did this summer, and I planned to do that along with her but I wasn't very good the first week.  This week has been A LOT better!  Phew!

So not much to share as terms of loss or anything, but I want to keep updated on this on here.  I am also contemplating doing a Facebook Challenge group on the benefits of detoxing from Sugar.  I think after Super Bowl.  HA!  And I'll post here.

 

 

 

 

McKinley and I made these cute Fairy Jars thanks to Pinterest.  Now she is addicted!! 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for the visit.  Have a great day!! Have an amazing WEEKEND!!  BE FREE!! 

2015 Reflections

The New Year is here.  I hope that you all enjoyed your holiday break!!  

   

 

 

I wanted to just share a few things today.  I do not make resolutions, but I've always set goals.  And I thought I would share some of the things from 2015  and how I will move forward in 2016.  

I think the first place to start is with my personal growth this year.  I think this has been the biggest growing year for me.  Maybe it's just been maturity.  Maybe the things that had happened made me see the big picture better, but all together I think this has been a good year for personal growth.  I know where I really want to be, and I've done a great deal to get myself there.  I see what really matters in life and I'm making sure that the little stuff doesn't get in the way.  

I have read two books this year that really spoke to me.  First, was For the Love and I knew that it was written for me.  Each page had me saying YES, that is what I am thinking!!  It was refreshing to read it and know that I was on the right page.  Pun intended.  LOL  

The other one was the Fringe Hours, which I finished over the break I took.  

 

 

Another goal I was really happy about is my Health.  I've struggled with my weight for awhile, and by struggle I mean, I would think I need to do something about it, and then I would say, Naw, I'm good.  This summer, Greg and I took part in a Sugar Detox.  And it wasn't as scary as it's sounds.  In fact, it was the best thing I've done!  I didn't have the rotten stomach feeling, I wasn't as tired, and I didn't have any more heart burn.  In fact, I didn't think I had really felt that bad, until I was actually feeling so good.  

The other great part was the 20 lbs that just fell off!!  

I've struggled now since the fall to keep up the lifestyle.  Between work, and running after kids, it's super hard to keep up with good eating.  But I am trying.  And I've been able to stay below that 20 lbs that I lost.   I've completely abandoned ship a few times, and OH.... I feel so gross when I do.  So I know that there is something there that is really working for me!!

I think that I will share more of this as the year goes on, and keep you all updated on my progress, as well as share some tips.  I am hoping in doing that it will keep me motivated.  

 

  

In the craft department, which is what I share mostly here, I'm really happy that I have made it a priority again.  I still don't have the time I would love to spend on here, but I am hoping to get back in the swing of things now.  There is so much fun stuff to share with Close to my Heart.  And I've been making a list of fun things to share with you all both here and on YouTube!

This is what my room looked like for most of last week.  HEAVEN!! 

 

 

I hope that you all join me often.  As this week goes on, I have posts ready to share.  Make sure you check them all out.  

Thanks for the chat!   Tomorrow, I'm sharing my new Planner System, and later in the week, I'll share what's happening with CTMH this month! 

I hope that you are all ready for a brand New Year!!