Oh where... oh where have I been?!?!

Hello stamping friends.  Wow... I've been gone for ages!!!  I'm so sorry I didn't even provide an explanation post for you all.  I've just come through something I never thought I would encounter.  An absolute creative black-out!!  I just had zero, yes zero interest in creating cards or projects!!  Isn't that amazing??  I thought it would be a very short-lived ailment, but, as you can see, it's been nearly eight months, almost to the day.  I was starting to wonder if I'd ever get my mojo back!!  Yeesh, it's kinda scary when you don't want to do one of the things you love the most.  But, I decided to just ride it out and not push myself to do anything I wasn't ready to do.  Now, I'm ready again, although I may not be back full force for awhile.  I see I've lost a couple followers and to those who have been loyally sticking around, I treasure you.  I do hope you'll come back now and then and check out my blog.  I love having you come by.

Sooo... after such a long time, I've created another card for my granddaughter, Madeline...

TADA!!!  {smile}  You don't know how good it feels to share my creativity with you again!  {smile again}.  This is a fabulous Sassy Cheryl's image I just had to have.  It's called 'I Love You This Much (girl)'.  Madeline doesn't like pink, so I chose these papers from My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Two - Sunshine paper pad which I just love!  And I decided to add some shock value with a limited number of red hearts and button.  Did it work to provide a bit more interest??  Love you Madeline!!

The L O V E stamped on the top left, is from a small clear stamp collection called Smooch from Technique Tuesday which I bought from one of my visits to my fave store... Archiver's.  So during my hiatus from crafting and blogging, the shopping didn't stop!!  hahaha!  Although it was grrrreatly reduced.  I kept thinking maybe the next purchase would inspire me back into it.  But, what I really needed was just time.

I guess that's all for today my friends.  I know I'll be back sooner than eight months now.  Do come back, 'K?  You're all the greatest!!  Now... I think I'll go see if this fits into any challenges!!  Oh yes... there are a few...

Simon Says Stamps - 3 different papers
Paper Sundaes - circles (i hope my polka dots and buttons qualify!)
Just Some Lines - girly girls
The Poodles Parlour - card for a female
Mami Doodles - use 3 patterened papers (their very last challenge)
Joyful Stamper - anything goes
Frosted Designs - shape it up x 3
Paper Crafting Journey - make it cute
Craft Us Crazy - favorite color (soft blue/green)/favorite embellishment (buttons)
Crafty Catz - I spy... something beginning with B (buttons)
PaperPlay Challenge - for a Mother (or other female)
Moving Along with the Times - lots of layers
Charisma Cardz - love is in the air
The Crazy Challenge - anything goes

Stamps:  Sassy Cheryl's I Love You This Much (girl), Smooch, computer generated sentiment
Papers:  MME Lost & Found Two - Sunshine, Gina K. pure luxury
Ink:  Memento tuxedo black
Supplies:  Bazzill Basics Paper flowers, BG buttons, chipboard hearts, TPC Studio mini jewels, Stampin' Up crystal effects (on chipboard hearts)
Techniques:  Copic markers and prismacolor pencils