September Stamp of the Month

How does a month go by so quickly? I suddenly realized that I only had a couple days to complete my challenge. Don't want to stop now, only a few months to go.
Here's my card featuring my free digital Stamp for my Monthly Progressive Challenge from From the Heart Stamps.

Here's the digital set that I had to work with....

Litttle Red Wagon has a challenge this week to use a Fall theme so I'm going to hook up with them as well. It's been awhile since I did any challenges other then my monthly one. Too much time on dog/cat production, I guess.Hoping to get back into the swing of things again soon.

One Sheet Wonder

Since I make a lot of cards for donation, I figured it was time to try something a little less labour intensive ie. stamping and colouring and putting together a card. There are so many nice doggie themed lines that just came out. I picked up this one sheet wonder from Authentique and managed to put together 11 cards from one piece of paper! I loved how they all coordinated. Maybe I will put them into sets.

 I kept the designs simple because a designer I am NOT! Love the teal and orange cardstock too. So fall-like. And while putting them together I burned my delicious Bath and Body Works Cinnamon Caramel Swirl candle so now my house smells delightfully and not at all dog-like.

But manufacturers, we need some more cute dog accessories. I'm using up all my carefully hoarded buttons and brads.

Here's where the idea started for the sets....

PS. I got the cat line also.

The Farley Foundation

Fall is a busy time. I haven't been posting much but that doesn't mean I haven't been working on a few projects. October is Farley month and my Vet asked if I would help out their campaign. Of course, I said yes as The Farley Foundation was one of the charities that we have supported in the past. They are overseen by veterinarians and help seniors, people on fixed incomes and others by defraying some of the costs of veterinary care so these people can keep their pets and provide for them.

So I've been working on lots of doggie themed cards and will likely do some baking as well to contribute to this year's campaign at Kingsdale Animal Hospital.

The assembly line....

Using the Silhouette

So one of my goals in my 15 in 15 was to use the Silhouette more. I know, you're probably saying; What goals?" since I havent given any updates lately and may have counted them up and realized that there isn't even 15 but that's ok. This personal mission has NO rules.

I think I've been doing pretty well with my number of blog posts, I've kept up on the monthly challenges at From the Heart Stamps and while I haven't read quite as much as I would like, I'm about halfway there.

One thing I've already accomplished is make 100 cards. I have been doing lots of card making lately for my various charitable groups and its been so much fun.  I got a little push from a friend of mine, to get together and try making a couple pop up cards. After a couple errors and a frantic search through the Internet for ideas on how to complete the folding, we made a couple of these....

They look pretty impressive so I'm glad we persevered and figured them out. It's been fun playing around with different colour combos.

Billy Bars

Billy Bars (also known as Belly Bars) for obvious reasons are a welcome addition to any square platter.
I recently made these for a special friend who really enjoys them and was an excellent hostess to me during a weekend stay at her vacation property. I felt it was the least I could do to repay her for her hospitality.

These would best be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea as they are quite rich but delectable all the same.

Billy Bars
Crust
2 cups All Purpose flour
2 cups Oatmeal (I used Quik Oats)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup butter, melted

Topping
1 300g pkg Chipits, milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
1 cup slivered almonds
1 225g pkg Chipits Skor bits
1 1/3 cups caramel sundae sauce
1/3 cup All Purpose flour

Crust- Combine first 4 ingredients in mixing bowl. Add melted butter, Mix well. Reserve 1 1/4 cups of the mixture for topping. Press remainder into greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350F for 12-15 minutes.
Topping- Combine baking chips, almonds and toffee bits. Sprinkle evenly over base. Mix together sundae sauce and flour until smooth. Pour evenly over crust. Sprinkle reserved oat mixture on top.

Bake for 20-25 minutes longer, or until golden. Cool completely, then cut into squares.

Flowers

I was at a baby shower on the weekend and I won this beautiful arrangement put together by my talented cousin, Beth. So bright and cheerful. I loved the sunflower, mums, freesia etc and her clever use of greenery from around the home. She used some hosta leaves and wound a couple spider plant leaves around the inside of the bowl to hide the stems. I managed to snag a second arrangement and passed it along to brighten up someone else's day. I know where I'm going for decor help for the next Fundraising Crop.