Swimming for Katie

Today, we are holding a special blog hop to raise awareness for a fellow crafter who is definitely going through some difficult times.  Katie Renz is a mother of three young boys, who is currently battling inoperable gastric cancer.  Her heart-moving story can be found  here, on her blog.
The exclusive stamp I've used on my card below, was designed by Becky Oehlers and is one of the many special items available for purchase, of which 100% of the profits go to Katie's fund to help her and her young family.

If you would like more information on how you can help, with a donation or the purchase of one the exclusive stamps, please go to this site here.  

Or, for a complete list of the different items available for purchase...please go here.

The blog hop order is as follows:

Mina

Alice

Cathy

Debbie

Heidy

Jane

Jeni

Joyce (you are here)

Julie 

Karen

Kerttu 

Lori

Tammy

Toni

Bottoms Up!

Well, it's now Friday evening and tomorrow the weekend is upon us.  I'll be a bit busy with my grandkids this week, so I'm not sure how many cards I will be able to make....but you never know....

This little card is sure to bring a chuckle.....or not!  That depends how one feels about needles, and whether or not they are on the agenda!  This is a Just Inklined image, but only available through the Help for Katie fundraising benefit.  Tomorrow, Saturday, is the last day that it will be available, and the button is still on my sidebar if you are interested.

I have followed the sketch at Wags and Whiskers, but oops....that was for last week!  So I'm off to a good start!

Here are a few challenges I've found, and they provide lots of inspiration.  Be sure to check them out.

Paper Sundaes - #56 - Pick Your Sundae Toppings! (Flowers and lace paper ribbon)
Incy Wincy Designs - #81 COLOR ME WONDERFUL (copics and Prismas)
Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - #70 One for the Men (this image has to be for a Guy!!)
Fairie Fun Fridays - #46 All In The Fine Print (used a script stamp)
Digital Tuesday Challenge - #98 Use a Die Cut (Nestie Die)
Digi Doodle Shop - #57 Anything Goes
Totally Papercrafts - #54 Do It With Digis
Stamp Something - Something Funky
PaperPlay Challenges - #7 Add Shine (glossy accents on needle, stickles)

Special Post - HELP FOR KATIE

Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by!  Today I would like to share with you, a special message.  As one of the DT for Just Inklined, I am helping to support Jak's fundraiser event for her friend Katie Renz.  Katie is a fellow crafter, a loving wife and mother to 3 young boys, who now faces a major life challenge...stage 4 stomach cancer.  Katie tells her story on her own blog, here.  Be sure to drop by and leave her some love and encouragement.

A number of  talented artists and crafter friends have put together an awesome collection of prizes and digi stamps for this fundraiser event, in order to raise money for Katie and her family.  These are a couple of cards that I have made using two of these images.

using the Magnolia image from Just Inklined

using the Nurse Daisy image from Just Inklined

Additional card samples can also be found at my team members' sites, as they make their posts during the day.

Mina, Debbie, Cathy, Jeni, Lydia, Peri, Karen, Toni

Below is the list of stamps that you will receive, for a donation of just £15. All Donations can be made over at Jak's web site.

There are also some prizes

firstly Letraset have donated a full set of 148 markers over £200 in value.

Paper Temptress has donated

5 Silver Lustre Packages and 1 $25 Gift Voucher

Every time a donation is made you will be entered into a draw for the prizes.   If you donate twice you will get 2 chances to win one of the prizes.

The draw for the prizes will be made on February the 10th

Have yourself a great day...your support is much appreciated!