Wednesday, August 31

**Simon Says Stamp-Tember Blog Hop**

For the second year in a row, Simon Says Stamp and Show & The Simon Says Stamp Challenge are joining forces to bring you a SUPER hop and treasure hunt to celebrate the approaching fall and winter holidays.
To help celebrate we will be giving a BIG BASKET OF CRAFTING GOODIES tothe winner of this hop! PLUS 3 $25 VOUCHERS to the Simon Says Stamp Store ! The vouchers will be the hidden treasure on 3 DT blogs and you have to find them. You MUST enter the challenge and link your creations with the Inlinkz on the Stamp and Show Challenge to be able to win the Grand Prize or any of the $25 vouchers :-) 
The theme for both challenges this week will be ANYTHING GOES. You can make anything you like … a card, an ATC, a Scrapbook layout … the possibilities are endless!
The last stop on the hop is the Simon Says Stamp and Show Challenge blog. You will need to leave a comment there with the names of the 3 blogs with hidden treasure. The comments will be moderated so you will not be able to see the answers.
You do not HAVE to comment on all the DT blogs but we would appreciate any comments you would like to leave. If you lose your way at any time a full list of all the participating blogs with links will be available on Simon Says Stamp Challenge and the Stamp and Show Challenge blogs.
If you arrived here from Heather's Blog then you are going in the right direction ... the next blog you want is Simon Says Stamp and Show.

For the anything goes theme ... I thought I would go for a lot of Grungepaper ... a lot of Wendy Vecchi stamps ... a lot of Ranger product ... and a tatty old discarded and unloved hardback book! Of course ... I used a Lord Tim of Holtz die too ... you know Tim ... the man that can walk to the North Pole in his bare feet just  to build a shelter for several hundred Polar Bears with just a Distress Stain and a splodge of Glossy Accents!
So ... wanna know what else I have been up to ... well ... I have just finished designing my next set of classes ... been out boogeying at a couple of Motown do's ... and ... get this ... I am on DAY NINE ... day nine of what??? I hear you ask ... well ... drum roll please ... day nine of not smoking! There is a fabulous lady at Boots the chemists helping me ... gave me a bit of a shock she did when she got me to blow into her little machine and I lit up every single Carbon Monoxide light on there!!! Well ... went back on Friday and ... only two lights ... which is apparently completely normal for a non smoking type person such as me! Apparently there is Carbon Monoxide present in the air ... not a lot I hastened to add ... but a little bit! So ... Have I found it easy??? Have I heck as like! Oh My Goodness ... I may look calm and serene on the outside ... but on the inside my body is screaming ... GIVE ME A CIGARETTE! At one point ... I was wearing Nicotine patches ... chewing Nicotine gum and puffing on a Nicotine Inhaler wotsit and still nearly crying because I wanted a cigarette so badly!!! Still ... no pain ... no gain ... I intened NEVER to put myself through this again ... so the 21st of August was definitely the last time I will ever smoke!
I think that is about it ... well all I can remember for now ... don't forget ... if you are on the hop ... you want to go here next!!!
laters!

138 comments:

Sarah said...

Way to go Linda and I can even sense that fresh air wafting off this fabulous Wendy artfulness! Absolutely love it it bits. Breathe in a new day, new gusto and fresh thoughts...and think of all those gold pennies you have saved too...! Go Linda...go Linda....go Linda (I'm shaking my pom-poms you know...)
x Sarah

Joy said...

This is stunning Linda, I really love the vibrant colours and all the elements that you have added...hugs

Helen said...

Good on you! Keep it up... think of the money you'll save, never mind how much healthier you'll be!
Love your grungy work.... have missed you in blogland.

Heather said...

Wow, love your project :)

Dan said...

Wonderful piece Linda, am loving the zingy colours on this! :) Good luck with the Boots collaboration too, keeping my fingers crossed for ya! xx

Nancy Wethington said...

OMG those flowers just pop off that book cover. I have to try this . . . and how can you say this is an old discarded book? You've turned it into a work of art - and a keeper!

snazzyoriginal said...

Fabulous project, the colours are just what's needed on a grey August day. Best advice I was given when leaving the weed behind was to plan what you are going to do with your hands instead of gripping the ciggies. That was 25+ years ago and the start of my addiction to stamps lol!

Brigitte said...

Such a bright and happy project!!!
Brigitte

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Well done Linda, I know from my family how hard it is to give up but you will see so many benefits especially on the money front, you can buy more crafts LOL. Love your altered book Linda, it's lush and I love the warm tones too. Tracy x

alethea said...

Beautiful project!! Love it!! Hugsxx

wendy vecchi said...

as usual...pure PERFECTION!
This is sooooo cool!

Teresa said...

Hi Linda,
Just blog hopping around all your wonderful blogs today, what a gorgeous project you’ve made,it’s beautiful. Hugs Teresa xx

Candy C said...

Good morning, Linda. Love your wook! The Wendy flowers are just amazing! Love the cheery colors and all of the delicious layers. The snap centers for the flowers...darling! Love your design! <3 Candy

newfiecrafter(Marilyn) said...

Love your project !!!!
Marilyn

Lorraine A said...

fantastic work of art Linda :-) I love the bright colours and all the pretty flowed and butterflies ,, gorgeous !! :-)

Well done you for stopping smoking ! woot woot !!! :-) I am sure you will keep it up ! ,, not easy though but you seem very determined ,, mind over matter and all that :-) Good Luck xx

thanks for all your help too xx

luv
Lols x x x

Lorraine A said...

flowed ?? oops ,, flowers ,,,, :-)

Claire said...

WOW love this and the vibrant colours are just gorgeous. Lovely work Linda. Hugs, Claire x

lolo said...

love your altered book, the flowers are amazing. I also enjoyed seeing Tim pop in to look too lol

Andrea said...

just perfection at its best Linda, a great piece of art and well done on the quitting of the dreaded weed xx

Rene said...

Wow! Just amazing!
Rene ;D

Lori said...

I love it when Tim pops out of the corner to say hi...LOL!
This is spectacular, Linda, I totally love the colors and all the Wendy-ness!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful project love it. Thank you for sharing it.

Romina Nahata said...

OMG !!this sure takes my breath away !!!

Linda Coughlin, the funkie junkie said...

Woohoo, looks like they saved the best for last! What a fabulous riot of colors and textures - reminds me of a sun drenched tropical island! So glad you are kicking the smoking habit - stay strong - you can do it! Sending good thoughts your way!

Hope you are enjoying the hop!

Hugs,
Linda

Lisa R. said...

Fabulous project! Congrats on not smoking. Best wishes. TFS joy4umetoo at hotmail dot com

Jeanette M. said...

Very pretty, Linda.

Peggy Lee said...

Eye Candy!!! love the bright colors...so cool, I love how Lord Timmy keeps peeping in on me.!!!! lol

Unknown said...

This project is wonderful I love all of this.
Francy

Kathy Eddy said...

This is amazing! I love the bold colors you used here and all of those scrumptious flowers!

Babette said...

Really beautiful whit all those flowers and butterflies.
Hugs,
Babette

ursula Uphof said...

Love your project. The colours are quite magnificent.

Suzi Mac said...

First, many congrats on you now non smoking status, Well done you. Next of course is you adorable creation. I love grunge paper but not too confident with it as I've only started collecting TH bits n bobs. This is gorgeous. Thanks for a lovely hop.
Hugs
Suzi x

jengd said...

Beautiful book! Congrats on joining the world of non-smokers!!

deesdesigns said...

This is no longer an unloved book - it is now a book of art! Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with all of us. I off to finish the hop...

SusanK said...

This just takes my breath away! If it needs a new home I can give you my address....lol!

Tigriswillreign said...

Such a gorgeous, dimensional project! Love those coors!

Shaunery said...

Excellent! So love this project and really enjoyed snooping around your blog. My favorite is seeing Tim "pop" in to visit... LOVE THAT. (Yep, he IS king!)

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh, what a lovely project!

Маги said...

What gorgeous project!
Maggie

DeeDee Catron said...

First of all.. Wonderful bright and earthy piece! Secondly.. CONGRATULATIONS ON DAY NINE WOMAN! Keep it up!!! We'd all like to see you around as long as possible ;) We enjoy your work and the inspiration that you give. And that's from someone who doesn't even know you :) Fab work, lady, x2!!!

Lori said...

What a treasure!

jintyoo7 said...

Congratulations and hope you manage to keep it up! Love all those glorious colours :)

Heidi Brawley said...

Gorgeous looking book! Great Job!
Hugs, Heidi Brawley

candi said...

Love your project! very nice! Congrats on making it 9 days, its super hard at first but it does get easier. Just think how good you will feel in a year w/ clean pretty lungs :)

Kym's Crafty Cards said...

Linda, what a gorgeous and bright project you have made here. Thanks for sharing. Off to finish the Hop. Best wishes, Kym xxx

Linda Carson said...

My 70 year old Mom stopped cold turkey & doesn't miss smoking a bit! You CAN do it!! Love your book! too cool!

Ginger Hanchey said...

So pretty - love your work!

KWaltemathDesigns said...

WOW! Those colors are absolutely gorgeous! I just love how they all compliment one another! Fabulous job!!!

XoXo,

Katie

sandra said...

Amazing creatin
on!
Love bright colors!
Hugs!
Sandra!

Unknown said...

You go girl! Been 6 years for me - you can do it!

Love your creation, stunning colors!

email: Steph@SimonSaysStamp.com said...

I just love how BRILLIANT the red is in this piece! Wow! Amazing! I really love the flowers too :)

*mwah*
Steph
Simon Says Stamp!

LaJanette said...

Wow WoW WOW! Love this creation of yours! It is so fun and bright yet has that comfy feel of distress!

Congrats on your day 9!

Hugs;
Janette

Anita said...

Stunning!

Mary Lou said...

Hi there Linda~~This journal made with grundge paper etc is Stunning!!!!! Love the bright cheery effect it gives~~~~~most off dear~~I AM PROUD OF YOU!!!! HANG IN THERE--this is the hardest thing you will ever have to do in life!!! Hey girl think of all the monies you will have for crafting now :D
Love and hugz

jude said...

Gorgeous creation love your altered book absolutely stunning.Loads vibrant colours too.
Keep up the no smoking
hugs judex

Hlora said...

Love this creative project. It is amazing!

Meme said...

Linda this is beautiful, however it is really hard to concentrate when you have tim peeking in every few seconds! OMG! there he is again! That is just to funny!

Karla said...

WOW love this and the vibrant colours are just gorgeous. Lovely work.

Joey said...

WOW Linda I love this, lovely and vibrant. Joey x

Dragonlady said...

Stunning creation, love the depth and texture.
Please keep it up - not smoking that is. You will not only be healthier but think of all the extra money you will have to spend on crafty stash!!!!

All the best

Hugs Ali x

hellerlittle said...

Will not go away without leaving a comment ;o)
Tfs these wonderfull kind of artwork
cu hellerlittle

gila said...

das buch sieht wunderschön aus
lg gila

Laura said...

Looks to good to use now!

Lisa said...

I love the bright colors and the pretty decorations!

Marianne said...

This is awesome; what a lovely colours. Lovely!! xxx Marianne MW

Gio said...

Oh love the combo and every tiny details!

Larisa said...

Excellent! Very beautiful!

Daisychain said...

Great book, love the colours. Hugs Christine x

downrightcrafty said...

totally stunning love the rich colours
Hugs Kate xx
Thanks for the hop :)

cristina said...

amazing,,,,beatiful
cristina

Glennis F said...

Stay strong with the cigarette issue - you won't regret it.
Gorgeous work Linda

Jo Nevill said...

Absolutely stunning Linda !

Good luck with no smoking !

Hugs,

Jo x

Unknown said...

Great project Linda, love the colours. Congrats on the non smoking, way to go. I have just passed my three months smoke free. Will NEVER smoke again. Suzanne

mtscrapgal said...

Love your embellished book. The color combo is delicious. Good luck on stopping smoking.Hang in there. You can do it.Love your Tim Holtz King.

Tracy said...

WOW! Love all that grungy goodness. :-) TFS!

JLJ Designs said...

Beautiful! I love the fall colors.

Jen

Lynda Nielsen said...

WOWEE, this is awesome. I absolutely LOVE seeing what people do when they alter books. This is spectacular. =)
And Congratulations on being on Day 9... Way To Go.... =)
Hugs,
Lynda

Nona said...

Wow this is absolutely gorgeous, Linda! TFS! :)

Sharon Peele said...

Wow your colors are awesome!! I love all the beautiful flowers and butterflies on your card!!

Dawnll said...

AMAZING COLORS!!!
Congrats on stopping smoking...I REALLY know how hard it is. I have tried it all.
Hang in there sweetie

Randi WS said...

Beautiful creation, I love the bright colors and all the embossed elements :)
And congrats with the non-smoking days, I'm proud on behalf of you!! ;)

Hugs,
Randi WS

Louise said...

Absolutely stunning!! what beautiful colours and creation
Louise

3treescreations@gmail.com said...

Gorgeous!!! I quit smoking 3 1/2 years ago - you can do it too!!

Deanne :)

Anonymous said...

Your project is lovely! Don't you just LOVE studio 40 stamps??? I've taken a number of classes with Wendy (when she comes to my area) and each one was great!
Congrats on quitting the ciggies. I did it 6 yrs ago for the same reason...so I'd NEVER HAVE TO QUIT AGAIN!!!! So far, so good. Hang in there!!!

Fiona said...

wow stunning creation.

Fi
x

ribenaruby said...

Hi Linda, what a beautifully decorated notebook... definitely a keepsake! Ruby x

Caro said...

Gorgeous colours and flowers. Just love it!

Chrissie said...

Such a gorgeous and original creation Linda, just what we've come to expect from you.
Good luck with the no smoking, I gave up about 8 years ago after smoking for about 35 years, it's not easy but it's definitely worth it, keep strong Sweetie!
lol Chrissie xx

Karen McAlpine said...

Great job turning an old book into a work of art! So cool.

Karin said...

Stunning artwork Linda
BTW it does get easier the longer you give up for and you're right in thinking that you don't want to go back to that first day again ever, so never be tempted no matter what.

Erin said...

Great work and so colorful! Good luck on not smoking - it's a terrible habit to break but you CAN do it!! (I'm happily a 7 year non-smoker after smoking 13 years).

Lorraine said...

This is really lovely Linda, don't give up on the smoking xx

Lorraine said...

fabulous xx

Lorraine said...

this is amazing you have so much talent xx

Kirsty said...

Hi What stunning flowers and design so inspiring ! Love the colours too ! Way to go on the non smoking front you must be so proud of yourself !! Kitty ;0)

Mary said...

This is beautiful!

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

Congrats on quitting! And beautiful work, thanks!
Lisa

Scrapycandy said...

Very nice! It helps to see how folks use these products.

BarbaraW said...

Amazing book cover. Gorgeous

Yulis Kartika said...

what a stunning idea !!!

Shirley N said...

Beautiful book, great techniques and so inspiring!

sparklingblackrose said...

Aww stunning :-) Good luck with carrying on giving up :-) Elaine-xxx-

Helen said...

Beautiful - love the rich autumnal colours!
Helen x

Joanne Leddy said...

WOW! The colors are outstanding! Thanks for sharing!

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

Super stunning!!

NanaConnie said...

Congrats on not smoking! It gets easier, I promise. I quit almost 5 years ago (how can it have been that long?) after smoking for more years than I care to admit. Hang in there!

Shazza said...

congratulations on being a non-smoker Linda, that's brilliant!! Love what you made here x

Tracy said...

What a great hop and fabulous creations from all the DT members
Happy crafting
Tracy x

Justyna Cieslinska said...

Great project!
Hugs,
Justyna x

Steph said...

Amazing project, love all the colors! Congrats on the quitting smoking :)

Sue D said...

Fabulous creation!

CCC said...

Love the layers on layers. Gorgeous.
You are doing the right thing-give up the cigarettes-Mom died too young at 68. She was diaginosed and 1 1/2 yrs later died of lung cancer. Do whatever you have to? Call friends-do crafts just keep it going.

Tere Azua said...

OMGoodness... before I forget... I LOVE yout Tim Holtz king, what an awesome tribute to him, and so fun!!!!
Now, your project is so amazing, you are a very talented lady!

Cor* said...

LURVE the cover re-do! So much detail! Wonderfully put together! (ps- good job with the no smoking program! chin up)

E. Marie said...

This is a great project. Love all the deep colors and flowers.

Rene said...

Love the flowers you made for your project!
All the best with your non-smoking project! Take it a day at a time! Well done!

Erin- said...

Your book is beautiful.

Congrats on non smoking. If I could stay on my diet as long you've quit smoking, we'd both be in good shape. LOL. :) Good luck.

PJ said...

amazing decoration !
Stopping by from lightboxcreative.blogspot.com
for the treasure hunt !
Love
pooja

Mervi said...

Fabulous creation;-))m

Brenda Brown said...

Fabulous work as always Linda.
luv and hugs {brenda} xoxox

Tini A. said...

Your blog is so nice and your works are beautiful... very talented. Love your ideas.

Heidi said...

AMazing project, love this colourful creation. hugs heidi x

Heidi said...

AMazing project, love this colourful creation. hugs heidi x

Heidi said...

AMazing project, love this colourful creation. hugs heidi x

Karen said...

Great book! Funny that I picked up several from our local library yesterday: They were being thrown so I thought I'd give them a new life someday soon. Thanks for sharing this one.
Well done on quitting smoking! Think of all the money you'll be able to spend on crafting goodies instead!

Isha Gupta said...

Stunning creation. Love it. TFS.

mgoll88 said...

What a great creation...love the way you do!!

LG
Michaela

Pauline C said...

Fabulous artistic creation Linda - and what a brilliant blog hop! Thanks so much to Simon Says Stamp & SSS & Show for such brilliant challenges and prizes every week - they reallya re the best!
I have entered my card for the challenge which is on my blog here - and am just off for a marathon hippety-hop!
Hugs
pauline x

Stephanie said...

This is gorgeous!! I love the colors you chose.

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

Fabulous project Linda, love the details and the stunning colours...and TH as a king!!!!

Hugs
Maarit

Dawn said...

Wonderful project! Love the vibrant fall colours. Congratulations on quiting! Stay strong - it will get easier.

Ali said...

Ooh this is gorgeous! I love the warm, vibrant colours. :)

THERESA said...

This is so stunning, what a treasure to carry with!!
You hang in there girl, got lot more guts than me, lol...........:))
ps: love Tim popping in.......hehehe
TFS and lotsa luv

Suzanne Bouchard said...

WOW! What a lively sight! The colors you used are so vibrant, vitaminized, bold and this just gives me the urge to grag the object, but it is a picture.... Congratulations for your creation.!

Kathleen said...

lovely project! beautiful bright coolours.
kathleen mc x

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful project! and congratulations on quitting the cigarettes!!! Now THAT's a challenge.

Muriel said...

nice project linda!

addicted pornography said...

What a wonderful flowers and ordering is perfect. Arranging green leaf is peerless idea. Your book cover is full of beautiful flowers collection.

Twitter

A Crafting Journey