Scrappractical

Mario Party

2012-01-30T14:51:00.000-08:00

I'll post the details shorty. :)

Halloween "wreath"

2011-11-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

This is the "wreath" I made for my door for Halloween. I originally found the idea on Pinterest, my new favorite website! The blog with the original idea is Made. This idea can be used for all kinds of things. The author of the blog even made a giant one for her wall. I think next year I will make one in between the columns on my porch. It was very easy and actually quite fun! You could also use all kinds of different colors and styles of yarn and frames. I see an obsession coming on!! :)

Great giveaway for the kiddos...

2011-10-23T15:03:00.001-07:00

This is from The Meanest Mom blog. Very funny. I love to read and feel like I may not be the only slightly crazy parent from time to time. Check out her blog for the great giveaway or click the picture to go to the exact post. :)

A vacation from my vacation...

2011-10-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

We had a truly wonderful vacation. Really. But I have never been so tired!! You need to be a professional athelete to handle all the walking (and sweating) that goes on at Disney World! My DS had the advantage of riding in a stroller. I can't lie. After a couple of days I thought about giving that thing the weight limit test of it's life!! :)

Here are a few pictures from the trip. We also spent two days in Cocoa Beach so that my DS could see the ocean for the first time. As soon as I take out a loan for all the pictures I need to print I will start scrapbooking and posting the results here. :)

To the happiest place on earth...

2011-09-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

So, in one day we will be on a plane flying to Florida for our first real vacation in 11 years. It will be Colson's first real vacation ever! :) We are going to spend two days at Coco beach and seven days in Disneyland. We are SO excited!! I can't even begin to imagine how many pictures I will be taking...(and posting!)

We are a little nervous for Colson to fly. He has some sensory issues with his ears and I am concerned that the popping may be painful for him. I'm am praying it won't be and he'll barely even notice it happening. We are taking suckers and a sippy cup to help with it though. I am just hoping that it doesn't hurt him. I don't think he fully grasps the concept of us flying and then being somewhere other than home. Especially for an extended time. It should all be very intertesting, but I hope tremendously fun. :)

Please pray with me that we will have a safe and wonderful time. Be prepared for lots of photos next post(s). :)

God bless!

Wedding gift - Ornament...

2011-09-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

I saw the idea for this ornament on Pinterest. I don't have the original link, sorry. It was very easy to make and I think it is a wonderfully sentimental gift. I took the wedding invitation and cut it into thin stips. (I cut out each line.) Then I rolled them into curls. I used a poking tool and wrapped it loosely.

Next I pushed the rolled paper into the ornament and filled it up.
The sentiment I stamped onto vellum and layed it over the little flourish that was at the top of the invitation. I then added a large chipboard H and grey ribbon.

Supplies:

-Large plastic or glass ornament. (I used plastic).

-Ribbon

-Embellishments

-Wedding, shower, or other invitation

I also sprinkled a little glitter into the ornament and rolled it around to give it a little bling.

Very easy and lots of fun. There are so many possiblities for how to customize this and different events it could be used for. I'm a huge fan of personalized gifts and using a wedding invitation is a great way to really add a sentimental touch to any gift.

Working on it...

2011-08-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

So my plans to get back to blogging have been interruped by dental drama.

As my friends and family well know I am terrifed of the dentist. It's not just a pain thing. It's a brain thing too. I had some pretty rough experiences with the dentist growing up and I guess I've never really gotten over it. So, the only time I go to the dentist is if I am in horrendous pain. Even then I try to avoid it. :)

So last week one of my wisdom teeth abscessed. Or at least it hurt like an abscess. So I decided I better go and get stuff taken care of. I'll spare everyone the details but 3 hours, 3 pulled teeth, and a filling later I am laying on the couch praying the pain doesn't get too bad. I'm ok right now. I'm still very numb but I'm feeling a few "tingles". My appoinment wasn't painful, but it was rough. Again, I'll spare everyone the details and just say that I may actually be changing my views on nitrous oxide. I may not be that big of a fan anymore. Shoo Lord.

The point of all this is to explain why I haven't gotten anything together to post. I just haven't been up to it. I have lots of ideas jumbled up in my head and I will work on getting some loose and onto my blog. Soon. :)

In the meantime, enjoy a few funny posters I've found online lately. I know I could use a good laugh about now. :)

Let's try this again...

2011-08-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I've not blogged in quite a while. Since the end of January actually. I've had so much going on that my blog was a very low priority. Along with the good I've had my share of bad. This past July 4th we lost our beautiful 5 year old nephew to a tragic car accident. His mother was driving and his older brother was in the car as well. My sister-in-law was thrown out the back window and my older nephew had mild injuries. My dear SIL has understandably suffered so much worse than just physically. Their family is devastated beyond the capacity for words to describe. My brother asked me to speak at the funeral. It didn't work out for me to speak, but I wrote something and I'd like to share it here.
There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to
accept, things we don’t want to know but we have to learn, and people we can’t
live without but have to let go.

Trenton Jaxon Carmack was born on January 27, 2006. A 7 pound
7 ounce bundle of cuteness who completed his family and brought so much
love into this world. A second son for Ricky and Mary, a little brother for
Ashton, and a joy for all the rest of us.

When we found out Monday that his joy would no longer be a
part of our lives, words wouldn’t come. Only tears. We cried for the loss of
such a sweet and loving boy. We cried for a life cut way too short. We cried
for a mother, father, and brother who will always carry the pain of this loss.
Whose hearts will never fully heal.

It’s hard not to question God during times like these. It’s
hard not to be angry, to not cry out that this isn’t fair. That it is
absolutely unacceptable. We want to know why God would take this precious boy
from all of us? How could He allow us to suffer so much? The only answer I have
is:

I don’t know. And until the day I see Trenton again in
heaven I may not know. But here’s what I do know:
God loves us. He loves each and every one of us. And even
though right now our hearts are shattered; He’s standing right beside us
holding the pieces. We have to trust Him and accept the peace that only He can
give. And while we may not understand why He would choose to bring Trenton to
His side, we can always be grateful that He gave us 5 ½ amazing years with an
incredible boy. Trenton Jaxon Carmack touched each of our lives and has left an
imprint that can NEVER be erased. He may have only been with us a short time,
but we are so blessed by every second we had. Most importantly,
if we believe in Jesus Christ and His finished work
on the cross, if we trust Him to take away our sins and give us eternal life,
we have hope that we will see Trenton again.

The bible says; Can anything separate us from Christ’s love?
Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are
persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with
death?....No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through
Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from
God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither our fears
for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can
separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below –
indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love
of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39.

Rick and Mary: There are still so many tears to be shed, so
many memories to be recalled, so many condolences to hear….All I know to say to
you is that in any way that we are able, we hope to walk beside you during this
heartbreaking time and maybe even help you carry your grief for just a little
while if we can. I pray every moment that God will wrap you in His peace and
give you comfort, now and for the rest of your lives. I know that no matter how
much time passes your hearts will always carry a wound that can’t be healed on
this earth. But God loves you and He wants to hold you. While your world is
crumbling around you never forget that God still stands and you never leave His
hands.

I’d like to close by sharing two poems. I didn’t write them,
but they express so much of what I am feeling and I’m sure that most of you are
feeling as well.

Master Weaver
My life is but a weaving between the Lord and me,
I may not choose the colors,
He knows what they should be,
For He can view the pattern upon the upper side,
While I can see it only on this, the underside.

Sometimes He weaves sorrow, which seems so strange to me,
But I will trust His judgement, and work on faithfully,
‘Tis He who fills the shuttle, and He knows what is best,
So I shall weave in earnest, leaving to Him the rest.

Not till the loom is silent and the shuttle ceases to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why –
The dark threads are as needed in the Weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

The Broken Chain
We little knew that day that God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

-Ron Tranmer

I share all this because I feel like the more places I put it the more Trenton will be remembered. He was only here a short time and I want to believe that his memory will live on through us and with those we share it with.

Thanks for taking the time to read all of this. It means so much to me. I will be back to regular blog posts this week. I hope to share my scrapbooking and so much more. While my blog is about crafting I am going to incorporate other things as well, including personal things.

God bless!

One last time...

2011-01-27T23:20:00.001-08:00

This is my last post for the StampInsanity Design Team. :( It's been a lot of fun and I've been able to work with some beautiful art and ladies. Thanks to everyone over at the asylum! It's been great!

This week's challenge at StampInsanity is "Find Your Zen". Make something soothing. :) I could sure use that this week. So, I played up the "chocolate" factor of the new stamp set "Zen Morgan" and made a hot cocoa jar.

I colored the image with my Bic markers.

Well, my leaving can mean only one thing. There is a new DT call out. If you love the stamps you've seen here (and you must) then check out the DT call and give it a shot! You'll be so glad you did!

Party Favors

2011-01-25T11:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a pic of the party favor holders I made for Colson's party.

I don't have the exact measurements on hand but I took a large piece of white CS and then 3 strips of red CS and adhered them. Then I wrapped that into a cylinder shape and taped it together. The brim is a 2 1/2" circle that I fastened to the cyliner. The little star "favor" I made using a large lollipop stick, scallop and circle punch. I'll try to post a demo later.

Colson's Day of all Days

2011-01-22T20:27:00.000-08:00

We decided to do a Dr. Seuss theme for my son's 4th birthday party this year. I had a rough time finding any hand-made ideas for invitations, favors and such. Finally I just sat down with a bunch of Colson's Dr. Seuss books and put a few ideas together. Here is the invitation I came up with.Practically everything was done by hand. I drew the hat and colored it with my Bic markers. I used a ruler and drew the stripes on the base of the card. The sentiment is a stamp I picked up at Hobby Lobby several years ago. It was actually pretty easy and quick to make. I was so glad for that! I also made favor holders. They are the hats, but upside down to hold the goodies. I will post a pic tomorrow.

Now to figure out how on earth I am going to make a Cat in the Hat cake! Wish me luck. :)

Shades of You - Thursday Challenge at StampInsanity

2011-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

The challenge at StampInsanity this week is to use your favorite color and it's shades along with white (if you must). :)

As you can tell, my favorite color is red. I figured this week's challenge would be a nice opportunity to make a Valentine's card since it's a prominent color for the holiday.

The image is from "Holiday Princesses".

I'm not the best with color. I like what I like and it's hard for me to think outside that box. So, I love color challenges. Bust out your favorite shades and head on over to the StampInsanity blog to join in the fun.

Thursday challenge at StampInsanity

2011-01-13T14:58:00.001-08:00

This week's StampInsanity challenge is "Let it all hang out". Which I do all the time! ;)

The flower, butterfly and circle are punch out die-cuts I've been hoarding for years. I drew the lines on the edges of the card and dotted them with silver stickles. The image and sentiment are from StampInsanity. I colored the image with Bic and Copic markers.

Thanks for stopping by. Check out all the other "Groovy Gurls" (listed on the right side of my blog) for their amazing projects!

This week's challenge at StampInsanity

2011-01-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've not been very active lately. The last few weeks have been very busy. Holidays, kid stuff, life stuff....:)

So I joined in with ward 2 over at StampInsanity for this week's challenge.

The challenge this week is Hardcore Hardware. I used a metal ribbon holder and some brads for my metal. I drew the white lines around the base with my gel pen. The image is from the Holiday Princess set and I colored it with Bic markers.

I hope this challenge gives you inspiration to break out some of that scrapbook hardware you've got in your stock. Check out the StampInsanity blog for some more amazing ideas or the store to get this super cute stamp!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-12-25T19:06:00.001-08:00

It's been a crazy year for me, but I have been incredibly blessed. I'm so thankful for all that God has given me. I really felt like this Christmas was meant for me to focus on the greatest gift the world has ever known. The gift God gave us of his son Jesus. I pray you all had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones and that you are blessed beyond measure in 2011. Especially the blessing of knowing God and receiving all that He has planned for you.

Not a card!!

2010-12-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

I am finally posting a project that isn't a card! I don't remember how long it's been since I've done that. (Well, yes I do....Halloween). Still. That's a while. :)

This week's StampInsanity challenge was to make a "happy holiday" themed project. I started off with a card, but quickly found myself making an ornament.

I used my SU Top Note Die to cut the shape/window into my red cardstock. The back of the frame is Chocolate Chip CS (SU). The sentiment is from the beautiful "Holiday Princesses" set (StampInsanity). The flower is punches and a little crystal bling. I drew the squiggles with my white gel pen. The hanger is a string of plastic pearls.

Here's a couple more pictures of my project in action:

Easy. Now jingle all the way over to the challenge blog and submit your stuff! :)

In case I get swept up in all the hoopla of the season I just want to take a sec and wish everyone a wonderful Christmas season. I hope you all get to spend time with the ones you love and you are blessed by the one who loves you most! God bless and Merry Christmas!!!

A little late, of course....

2010-12-03T14:21:00.001-08:00

I am a little late posting this week's StampInsanity challenge, but what else is new? :)

The image is from the Holiday Princesses set which is just too cute!The challenge this week was to use ribbon or fabric. I don't typically use either in my projects so this was a fun challenge for me. All I had on hand was some stark white lace that just didn't go with anything. So I used some black craft ink and "dyed" my lace. I distressed the edges of the blue cardstock w/ black ink as well. The patterened paper is from DCWV. The embellishments I've had for years

Check out the StampInsanity blog. They are giving away the Holiday Princesses set if you submit a card. Easy work for an awesome prize!! :)

What I am thankful for...

2010-11-26T18:33:00.001-08:00

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~W.T. Purkiser

It would take all of the world-wide interwebs and then some to list all that I am thankful for. :) But here is a short list of the things I'm "super" thankful for:

My wonderful husband, my beautiful son, my amazing family and most of all the peace of salvation that comes from Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord from whom ALL blessings flow!!

Black Friday at StampInsanity

2010-11-21T21:40:00.000-08:00

Stampinsanity Stamps is having a black Friday sale. (Sorry I am a little slow in posting this).

Black Friday-Cyber Monday starts today, ends 11/29.

All Day
StampInsanity Stamps will have a 30% off coupon code of: CyberBlack2010

Now is a GREAT time to stock up on those StampInsanity images you've been eye-ballin'. ;)

New Release and Thursday Challenge at StampInsanity!

2010-11-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

That's a long title. :)

I was so excited when I saw these super cute new images from StampInsanity. I love the Renaissance look and to tie it in with Christmas was almost too much! Almost...:)

The challenge this week was a sketch. I like sketch challenges. For me, they are just enough freedom and just enough structure. Here is my project:

The image of course is from StampInsanity. Holiday Princess Maddie 2010. It's a set of two images and some really pretty sentiments. It's beautiful!!

I colored Maddie with my PrismaColor pencils and used Stickles on the flowers in her hair. I used floss to "sew" the holly and more stickles for the berries. I made the border on the left with my Fiskars scallop punch. The border around the image is also floss. I think that covers most of it.

Swing on over to StampInsanity and see what all the fuss is about! ;)

StampInsanity Thursday Challenge - Oh Scrap!

2010-11-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

Oh Scrap!

That's the name of the challenge over at StampInsanity this week. I love this challenge because it gave me an excuse to go through all my tiny little strips of scrap paper and put them to use.

I didn't intend for this project to work out so well for Veterans day, it was a happy accident. I wanted to use more masculine colors this time around and I LOVE the star image from StampInsanity and the outcome seems to fit perfectly for the holiday today.

I used black floss and "stitched" it across the bottom of the card over my scraps. I also made little floss X's to hold my corner scraps in place. I colored the image with Bic markers and then cut and scored along the lines of the star to make it pop a little.

I am so grateful to all the men and women who have fought and died for our country and our freedom. Words just don't seem enough. Thank you all and God bless you!

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

I forgot!!

2010-10-30T00:11:00.000-07:00

This has been such a busy week that I totally forgot to post Thursday's StampInsanity challenge. I'm so embarassed! Here it is, better late than never I guess...:)

Check out the challenge details here: http://stampinsanity.com/2010/10/sisc33its-a-spookilicious-halloween/

The base of the broom/bag is just a brown paper lunch bag. I took a ruler and cut long slits into it with my exacto knife. Then I put a small piece of cardboard in bottom to give it some support. I tied it off with a ribbon and large twig I found in my yard. :)

The image is from StampInsanity (of course). I colored it with my PrismaColor pencils and adhered it to a piece of black cardstock and patterened paper I got a few years ago at Walmart.

Easy enough, but I don't think I'll be using this as a template for my Halloween favors. The slits were pretty time consuming. I think I will use this to put the best halloween costume prize in. It's almost a prize in itself with that image!! ;)

Worry Dolls

2010-10-16T13:21:00.001-07:00

Many years ago while on a school field trip to the Cincinnati Art Museum I had the chance to get a little something from the gift shop. At my age that was the biggest thrill of the trip. :) So as I looked around I saw the cutest little fabric bag. It had a label that read "Trouble Dolls". Inside the little bag were about 8 tiny little dolls dressed in floss and fabric. I loved them! It was so interesting to me to learn about the Guatemalan tradition of taking a doll and telling it one of your worries and then placing it under your pillow when you lay down for bed. Then in the night the little doll would carry your troubles away. I thought it was just the neatest thing. I kept that little bag of dolls for years. As a matter of fact I think I may still have it packed away somewhere.

So, this year I decided to research and find out if I could make some of my own to give out at our Halloween party as favors. Luckily there was no shortage of sites with instructions and background stories. Here is the blog I found most helpful:

http://craftyteacher.blogspot.com/2007/10/make-your-own-worry-dolls-or-toothpick.html

It was surprisingly easy to make. After making one I think that it would be just as easy to personalize or embellish them even. So, for the next few weeks that is what I will be doing. Wrapping floss around toothpicks. :)

What I also discovered was a great way to link these dolls back to an awesome lesson in the bible.

1 Peter 5:7 says:
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

What a wonderful hope to have! No matter what we are facing, God cares for us and He wants to carry our burdens!

I know these dolls aren't intended to teach biblical principles but I think that this verse fits them perfectly. So hopefully this Halloween I can share with my friends and family a little hope and a lot of love! :)

StampInsanity Thursday Challenge

2010-10-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge is "Life Free/Die-Cut". :)

I've been crazy busy this week so I didn't get the opportunity to really experiment with my embossing as the challenge suggests, but I did do a little something unusual to this card. I put a "bite" on it. :) My husband said a buck-toothed vampire must have bit it because the teeth are too close together. I told him that I did not care what he thought and the next time he meets a vampire he can measure his fangs and get back to me.

Image: Halloween Henry - StampInsanity
Coloring: PrismaColor Pencils
Embossing Folder: SU
Ribbon: SU
Paper: Cherry Cobbler & Basic Black - SU

You can find the challenge information here:

http://stampinsanity.com/blog/

Or you can purchase this great little vampire here:

http://stampinsanity.com/store/

Thanks for looking and don't forget to give this week's challenge a try for yourself!

Prayer Request

2010-10-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know this family but I wanted to share their story all the same.

I follow the blog of a wonderful artist named Dustin Pike. Tonight on his blog he posted a link that literally broke my heart. Here is a link to his post:

http://dustinpike.blogspot.com/2010/10/freebie-and-sincere-request.html

This is the link Dustin mentions in his blog about the Payne family:

http://summertimedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/10/easton-kit.html

Here is a link to a newspaper report about the accident. I am only posting it to reassure everyone that this is a genuine story.

http://www.santanvalley.com/news/local/47-three-year-old-jaxon-payne-drowns-in-backyard-pool

The Payne family could use any help you could give. If you can't make a donation you could keep them in your prayers. I absolutely cannot imagine what they are going through right now. To be honest I don't even think I could try. PLEASE say a prayer for this precious family and consider helping them if you can. Dustin is taking donations from a digi stamp set he is offering.

I wouldn't normally post things like this but I couldn't read their story and not do something. Even if it's just spreading the word of their struggle and asking you to join me in lifting them up in prayer.

Thank you.

New Release from StampInsanity...Devil Dolls!!

2010-10-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

For this card I drew/cut the flames by hand and then glittered the edges. The bat is a digital image from StampInsanity and I just wrote out "Wicked" with a white gel pen. I colored the image with my PrismaColor pencils. The border on top is a rub-on and the white lines I drew with my gel pen. The Devil Doll image is from StampInsanity.

I really loved working with this image! You could really use her all year round. But, in my case I used her for this week's StampInsanity challenge. You can get all the details, and join in the fun here.

http://stampinsanity.com/blog/

And even better, you can order the Devil Dolls set here:

http://stampinsanity.com/store/

Check them out:

Too cool.

Speaking of "too cool" here are my fellow asylum girls. They have some amazing blogs you are going to want to see!

Margie (DTC)- http://ohbumbleismemargie.blogspot.com/

Jacquie - http://javablustamper.blogspot.com/

Juanita - http://stampintwilghtmom.blogspot.com/

Alison - http://alisonsrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/

Erica - http://www.inkedupandreadytoplay.com/

Jules - http://goodkardma.blogspot.com/

Sugar - http://sugscardsnmore.blogspot.com/

Jane - http://jcocraft.blogspot.com/

Lynx (Blackdragon) - http://lynsblogger.blogspot.com/

Kapree - http://kc-consultant.blogspot.com/

Dawn - http://dawnsrubberroom.blogspot.com/

Susan - http://susanscraftychaos.blogspot.com/

Rosalien - http://rosalien-cardfun.blogspot.com/

Chelsea - http://www.scraptasticvoyage.blogspot.com/

You can also support a great cause and get some super cute images by purchasing "Katie for a Cure" from StampInsanity. You can get all the info here:

http://stampinsanity.com/katie/

So, if you've got a few minutes check out all the great links above. You are definitely going to find some things you like!

Coffee Cup Flower

2010-10-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

Remember how I was off making a card to post for world card making day? Well, I finished it that day and I finally got the picture uploaded today. So, at least I tried. :) Here is the card I made:

Stamps: Morning Cup, Birthday Banter & Just My Style (for the border along the bottom) - SU

Paper: Chocolate Chip & Bashful Blue - SU

Ribbon: Walmart

Coloring: SU ink and Aqua Painter

World Card Making Day

2010-10-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing people post about this day for a while now but I completely forgot about it! It's funny how there is a holiday for everything now! This one I can appreciate though! So, while I go work on a card to post :), here's a list of other "interesting days you can celebrate in October!

October 2
Change a light day
Phileas Fogg's wager day
Techie's day
World farm animals day

October 6
Mad Hatter day

October 8
Lee's national denim day
National Pierogy day

October 9
National Pro-Life cupcake day
World post day

October 10
National cake decorating day
Clergy appreciation day

October 11
National kick butt day

October 12
International moment of frustration scream day
Free thought day
National face your fears day

October 13
International top spinning day
National bring your teddy bear to work/school day

October 14
Be bald and free day

October 15
Mammography day ** Let's all honor this one!
National grouch day

October 16
Dictionary day

October 18
National chocolate cupcake day

October 19
Evaluate your life day
Pro-Life day of silent solidarity

October 21
Get to know your customers day

October 22
Caps Locks day - I think some people celebrate this every day!!

October 23
Make a difference day

October 24
Mother-in-law day

October 26
Howl at the moon night
Mule day

October 27
Cranky co-workers day

October 28
National chocolates day

October 29
Frankenstein Friday
Internet day

October 30
Checklist day
Create a great funeral day
Haunted refrigerator night
National forgiveness day
International bandanna day
National candy corn day

October 31
Books for treats day
National caramel apple day
National knock-knock jokes day
National magic day
...and of course....
Halloween :)

Now, how many of these are actually celebrated or real, I don't know. I found them on this website: http://www.brownielocks.com/october.html. I just thought it was funny. I guess someone, somewhere is always celebrating something! :)

Guess what??!!

2010-09-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

I made the StampInsanity DT!!

http://stampinsanity.com/store/

Click the link above to see all the amazing stuff you can purchase or click below to see some great things on the blog!! :)

Stay tuned for some "crazy" stuff!! :)

My dad's birthday card

2010-09-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

I made two cards using one of my new SU stamp sets. One will be for my dad's upcoming birthday and the other is for an older gentleman who goes to my church. I love how great this set if for masculine cards!

Stamps: To a Classic - SU

Ink: StazOn Black

Coloring: PrismaColor Pencils

Paper: Chocolate Chip & Pear Pizazz - SU

Ink: Chocolate Chip - SU & VersaMark

Christmas card auditions

2010-09-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

I've been trying out a few ideas for this year's Christmas card. I just got the "Greeting Card Kids" stamp set from Stampin' Up and I am loving it. So I'm leaning heavily toward this card. I would have to modify the flower though. It sits pretty high. It would be a pain to mail. :)

Stamps: Greeting Card Kids and Fundamental Phrases - SU

Ink: StazOn Black and Distressing ink - Tea Stain

Ribbon: Unknown

Coloring: PrismaColor Pencils

Embossing: Textile Texture - Cuttlebug

Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip & Pear Pizzaz - SU

I made the rose by punching a strip of Cherry Cordial CS with the scallop border punch. I then used my distressing ink to age it a bit. Then I crinkled the paper strip, wrapped it around itself and roughed it up a bit. ;) Then I adhered it with aqua glue.

Not too hard. I might have to tweak a few thing for mass production, but other than that I think it might work well as this year's Christmas card!

Blog candy alert!

2010-09-20T20:59:00.001-07:00

Check out this great blog candy giveaway!! ;)

Click on the picture below to go to the blog:

Change of address....again...

2010-09-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

I should become a professional change of address card maker! I always use "Loads of Love" from Stampin' Up! to make them too. Here is my latest installment:

Stamps: SU - Loads of Love
Paper: SU - solid cardstock, Unknown patterned
Buttons: SU
Embossing: Cuttlebug - Distressed Stripes
Coloring: PrismaColor Pencils on water color paper

I've got some great new stuff coming from SU so I can't wait! I am really looking forward to making Halloween crafts. I'll be posting things as I finish them.

Back in the saddle...or on the broomstick, whichever the case may be!

2010-09-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

I finally got to do some card making!! Yaaa!

We have pretty well settled in the new house and every once in a while I get the chance to actually look at my crafting stuff! Then a miracle of miracles. I got the chance to work on Halloween party invites:

I got the inspiration for this card from this blog: Fantastical World of Holidays

The poem reads:

She weaved a web of silver thread,

a doily for her date.

A little fly with big brown eyes,

quickly approaching fate.

--------------------------

Stamps: Inkadinkadoo
Paper: Stampin' Up
Ink: Brilliance
Spider webs: Hand drawn with silver glitter pen
Embossing: Clear embossing powder for spider and webs

I was so happy to get to craft. My next project will be favors and things for the party. So, here's hoping I will have another post very soon with more to come!!

You'll never believe it!!

2010-07-07T15:37:00.001-07:00

I am going to be working on my scrapbook area today. Amid all the boxes and general "moving" debris I am going to carve out a little work area. Who knows, maybe I'll even be able to craft something in the near future. Oh wouldn't that be wonderful!! Hope against hope....;)

It's about time!!

2010-05-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am back and up running! Finally. We still haven't moved, but I've got my computer up and internet too! I miss working on my blogs so I can't wait to get started again. I need to flex my crafting muscles!! Thanks for your patience!!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

Death has no power over Him, the grave could not hold Him!! Praise the Lord, He is risen!!

I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Easter. God bless!!

Here's hopin' (and praying!)...

2010-01-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

We are praying that we'll be moving soon. I cannot wait to get back to crafting! I hate not being able to do anything at all! Keep me in your prayers that everything will work out and we'll be moving in the coming weeks!

Thanks!

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day...

2009-12-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play

And mild and sweet their songs repeat

Of peace on earth good will to men

And the bells are ringing

Like a choir they're singing

In my heart I hear them

Peace on earth, good will to men

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men

But the bells are ringing

Like a choir singing

Does anybody hear them?

Peace on earth, good will to men

Then rang the bells more loud and deep

God is not dead, nor doth He sleep

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men

Then ringing singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good will to men

And the bells they're ringing

Like a choir they're singing

And with our hearts we'll hear them

Peace on earth, good will to men

Do you hear the bells they're ringing?

The life the angels singing

Open up your heart and hear them

Peace on earth, good will to men

-Casting Crowns

God bless you all on Christmas and may you find His salvation and peace for the new year! Thanks for you encouragement, love and support!!

Christmas Time's a-comin'......

2009-11-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

I am going to have to start working on Christmas projects reaaaaally soon. Be on the look-out for my efforts here. :)

I am thinking of making some little candy holders for my Sunday school class. They like candy any way they can get it! Of course I'll be making clay ornaments for my family. I have a Christmas card idea floating around the 'ol noggin so I need to get to work on that.

I don't think I'll be doing quite as much this year b/c of the move. I hate not doing anything though. I miss crafting when I can't do it.

Good luck with all your projects out there!!

Some cute fall frolic...

2009-10-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

I haven't worked on any cards or scrapbooks pages in soooo long. It's sad really. So here's a picture of my little cutie in place of a paper craft. Enjoy. :)

Ooooooh!

2009-09-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

Check out this new post over on the Modern Sugar Blvd blog. You won't believe all the good stuff going on! :)

Sweet new images from MSB

2009-09-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

Modern Sugar Blvd is gearing up for another new release. The good stuff never stops coming from the Blvd!

Here are two projects I made using two of the new images:The first is a snack cake holder/wrapper. It was very easy to make. I just modified the candy holder idea from SU. I thought this would make a cute gift for the kids in my Sunday School class. The second is a folder I made to hold my printed digital images. I have so many loose images that I needed a place to keep them all. Very handy. :)

New and exciting things are always happening on the Blvd. Check 'em out this weekend! :)

Glitter Galore!

2009-09-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

I am really late in posting this challenge for Modern Sugar Blvd! So sorry for that. The most recent challenge on the MSB blog was to use glitter. I mean really use glitter! :)

The image if from MSB of course. The patterned paper is DCWV. I really slapped the glitter on this card. I don't know how well you can tell in the photo, but it is covered!

I love sparkly anything so I loved this challenge! Be on the lookout for the next fun project over at MSB!!

New stuff at Modern Sugar Blvd

2009-08-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

There's a lot going on over at MSB. New releases, challenges, new products.....all kinds of fun things.

I've fallen a little behind in my posting so I want to show you a few of my recent projects for MSB. Some of these are for challenges and some are for new releases. Check out the MSB blog or store for more info!

Sweet smelling cards...

2009-08-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

Yup, you read that right. I said sweet smelling cards! Modern Sugar Blvd has Card Scents!! Click the link for all the awesome details. Even better, today and tomorrow MSB is running a 40% off sale! You definitely don't want to miss that!

Here is a list of the current flavors (with more on the way!):

My Boyfriend's Tee-Shirt: Come on girls... We all know this smell.. His laundered shirt with the smell of his cologne... You smell it and see him...

My Guy: 100% all guy.. The good smelling kind!Ladies Night: Getting all dolled up for a night of fun with the girls.. A splash of this.. A spray of that..

Sweetnilla: Vanilla pure and simple

Cake Batter: Vanilla cake batter

Cupcake & Sprinkles: Vanilla cake with fluffy frosting with sprinkles on top

Birthday Cake: Vanilla Bean Cake with butter cream frosting with a special added touch

Beach House: A day soaking up the sun with suntan lotion.. surf... And sand...

Seaside: A clean and refreshing blend of ocean and sea notes...

Coffee House: Your local coffee shop with the fresh brewing house blends...

Espresso: A rich and spunky in full strength form..

Cotton Candy: Just like your favorite suarlicious pink and blue sweet floss fair treat...

Caramel Apple: Sweet apple coated in caramel on the stick..

Pink Bubble Gum: Just like the old fashioned bubble gum you grew up loving...

Lollipop Swirl: Sugar spun into the multi confections of a sweet old fashioned tutti-fruiti lollipop

Rainbow Sherbet: raspberry, orange and pineapple

Cake Batter Ice Cream: Sweet cake batter with traditional vanilla ice cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: The sweet smell of Vanilla Ice Cream

Strawberry Ice Cream: The sweet smell of Strawberry Ice Cream

Chocolate Ice Cream: The sweet smell of Chocolate Ice Cream

Bubble Gum Ice Cream: Bubble gum mixed in traditional Vanilla Ice Cream

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Vanilla-mint Ice cream blended with chocolate chips

Cotton Candy Ice Cream: Traditional Vanilla Ice Cream with cotton candy

Root Beer Float: Root beer with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Orangenilla- Vanilla with a kiss of orange

Baby Kisses- Sweet baby powder with a kiss of baby lotion

Sweet Baby- The smell of freshly sprinkled baby powder

Fresh Flowers- a fresh bouquet of flowers and greens from your favorite flower shop

Summer Sweetness- sun kissed pineapple and coconut

Fresh Cut Grass- The smell of freshly mowed grass

Honey Bee- 100% honey

Baby Bee- Honey with a soft, light and comfortable blend of a kissable baby

I am SO excited!! There is no way I am going to be able to narrow down my choices. Good thing there is a sale. I think I might have to get them all! :)

Stuff.....

2009-08-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let all my loyal followers...:) know that I am not going to be posting a whole lot for the next few weeks. I will post when I can, but not super regularly. We are in the middle of moving so all my stuff is in transition. Including my computer. Once we get settled I hope to get back to posting daily.

Thanks all! I really appreciate all your comments and encouragement. :)

MSB Weekly Challenge

2009-08-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

This week's MSB challenge Summer Romance:Image: MSB
Flourishes: Quickutz
Bling: Hobby Lobby
Coloring: Bic Markers

Stampin Up all the way!!!!

2009-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

I think this is the first time that I have made a card with solely SU products. I usually have at least one product from another company.

Stamps: SU - Baroque Motifs
Paper: SU - In Colors 2009
Ink: SU - StazOn and VersaMark
Border: SU - Scallop punch

MSB Weekly Challenge

2009-07-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

This week's MSB Challenge:

Big Release at Modern Sugar Blvd

2009-07-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

Great new things at MSB! Check 'em out! :)Cause Bracelets image: MSB
Paper: SU
Ink: White Gel Pen
Pearls and Ribbon: HL

Card of Memories

2009-07-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

Image: Squigglefly
Paper: SU
Twine: HL
Glitter: HL

MSB challenge...two parter....:)

2009-07-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

MSB weekly challenge:
Image: MSB
Paper: SU
Bling: Hobby Lobby
Coloring: Bic Markers
Embossing: Cuttlebug

Rockin' Release from MSB

2009-07-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

LOVE IT!!!I love this new image from Modern Sugar Blvd! Get it at the store or check the blog for other amazing new release projects! :)

MSB Tag-it challenge!

2009-07-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my card for this week's Modern Sugar Blvd challenge. I love this image. I think it's so cute!! It's called Bubble gum...bubble gum. It's one of many cute images you can get at MSB.

Paper: SU
Image: MSB
Coloring: Bic Markers
Embossing: Cuttlebug
Stamps: SU (A Little Love)

Daisy Daze

2009-07-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

I made this card for the SCS "Way to use it" challenge. The challenge was to stamp an image more than once. Simple enough! :)

Paper: SU
Stamp: Inkadinkadoo
Accessories: Scallop border punch (HL), Jewels & Ribbon (HL)
Ink: Brilliance

I like how this turned out. Simple but bold. That's the way to go! :)

Squigglefly Blog Hop!

2009-07-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hey hoppers! I hope you have enjoyed the Squigglefly blog hop!! Can you believe all the talent?? Hopefully you have gotten here from Sue's blog. If not, you will want to check it out. Not only is she an amazing designer, she's super sweet!!

This is the last stop of the hop. I really hope you had fun and got tons of inspiration. Jump on over to the Squigglefly store to grab any of the awesome images you saw tonight and yesterday or to browse through all the other great stuff! Don't forget to stop back by the blog and enter for a chance to win a great prize too!!

Here is my card. What a job to follow all the other crazy-good work on this hop!! :) I used floss on the grass, cloud, and BBQ smoke. I colored the image with Bic markers and PrismaColor pencils. I drew the sentiment by hand. I made this card to match the ATC I designed for this week's Squigglefly challenge as well. Here's a look at it:

Thanks for stopping by!

Squigglefly Blog Hop Starts today!

2009-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today is day 1 of the Squigglefly Blog Hop!!

Check it all out at the Squigglefly Blog.

Oooh, the anticipation!

2009-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Squigglefly two day blog hop is almost here! It starts July first and you are going to love it! Click the badge to find out more and to get started Tuesday! :)

Summer Purse

2009-06-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

I finally branched out and attempted to make a purse. I found the template at SCS. It was much easier than I expected and super cute! I think I will do this project with my Sunday school class.

Image: The Greeting Farm
Template: SplitCoastStampers
Accessories: Scallop border punch & Scallop circle punch - SU
Ribbon: Hobby Lobby
Flowers: Unknown

Cookie Mix Gift

2009-06-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Image: MSB
Accessories: Container (Gladware), Ribbon (Michael's), Crystal Effects
Paper: SU & Archiver's
Coloring: Bic Markers

Big New Release at MSB

2009-06-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Take a peek at some of the brand new images available today over at Modern Sugar Blvd!!

I have to apologize again for the lack of details. I'm still having computer trouble. I will come back and edit this post when I can with all the deets. :)

Sweet Summer Fun

2009-06-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is a card I made for TGF's DT call. They wanted to see summer colors. Orange and yellow specifically. This image is from "Wonderland", one of the few rubber mounted images I have from TGF. I made the "oranges" by punching a piece of CS halfway down. I drew/colored the lines. The little jewels are from HL. I distressed the edges and stapled a small scrap of yellow ribbon to the white CS. I colored the image with my PrismaColor pencils. The sentiment is from the SU set "Very Punny".

Friends and Coffee...

2009-06-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love the "Around The Town" line of stamps from Modern Sugar Blvd. So many cute little shops and so many creative possabilities! I made this card for this week's challenge on the MSB blog. It's a cute sketch and I had a lot of fun making this card. Hope you all like it too! :)

A little birdie challenge

2009-06-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Modern Sugar Blvd weekly challenge:

Scrappractical Storage

2009-06-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a storage idea I came up with recently. In my never-ending quest to make good use out of all the "stuff" that comes along with papercrafting; I am always looking for new storage ideas. Here is a very scrappractical way to reuse Cuttlebug folder packages: I have had a hard time finding proper storage for my EZ mounted stamps. I put my acrylic stamps in a binder on acetate paper. Easy-peasy. The EZ mount stamps (like these TGF stamps) don't stick to acetate. You need a thicker plastic. I was using an old SU stamp set storage case for a while. It was just so bulky.

Then while opening a new cuttlebug folder I had a lightbulb moment. The stamps fit perfectly into the "dip" of the plastic part of the packaging.

Since the plastic part has folds to hold it in place onto the cardstock back it makes a great "sleeve". The cardstock (turned around) also fits the stamp image card.Now when I need these stamps I just grap this package and slide the cardstock up to get what I want. It's also nice because the punch out on top of the cardstock can be used to hang my stamp sets.

I hope I explained this clearly. I am counting on the pictures to do most of the work. You could add paper to the Cuttlebug cardstock to cover the wording. Pretty it up a bit. I decided that I wouldn't bother wasting supplies since this is supposed to help me save money! :)

This may not be a new idea, but I still feel pretty inventive. And frugal! :)

Sorry for the short posts

2009-06-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have been having computer trouble lately so I haven't been using my home computer to post to my blog. Because of that I don't always have all the info I need when I'm auto-posting. So I apologize for the lack of info lately. Hopefully I'll be up and running soon and my posts will be overflowing with details! :)

Another MSB weekly Challenge

2009-06-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post since I am not using my home computer. (Ah, technology!)

Here is the card I made for the upcoming MSB weekly challenge:

I want candy!!

2009-06-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

No, really. I want candy. Here's the jar I made just to house some yummy treats:I made this little good-y holder using one of Modern Sugar Blvd's newest images. Sooo cute! I colored the image with my PrismaColor pencils and then used Crystal Effects on the "candy" part. The CS is from SU. I'm not sure where I got the PP, probably HL. The ribbon is from Walmart and the sentiment is from the SU set "Very Punny".

Now, who wants to send me some candy? :)

New Releases A-Go Go!!!

2009-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

There are so many things going on at Modern Sugar Blvd that you are definately going to want to check it out for yourself! Challenges, new releases...never-ending sugarmania! Here's a little look at one of my creations. Check 'em out, they're placecards! :)These images and many more will be available at MSB this weekend!

I'll have a blue Christmas...maybe...

2009-06-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

I sat down at my crafting table with the SU stamp set "Branch Out", fully intending to make a Christmas card. I thought it might be nice to get an idea for this year's card. This is what I ended up with. I really like the card, I just don't think it makes a good "official" Christmas card. :)

Stamps: SU - Branch Out
Paper: SU - Chocolate Chip & Bashful Blue
Ink: SU - Same colors as paper ;)
Accessories: Corner rounder punch

Who knows. Maybe this will end up being our Christmas card this year. If it doesn't I'm sure I can find some use for it! :)

Sugarlicious Saturday Challenge

2009-06-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at MSB is a super fun one! We were asked to make a wedding card with these elements:

Something Old,
Something New,
Something Borrowed,
Something Blue.

Sound familiar?

Here is my card:You can get the image at Modern Sugar Blvd. Isn't it sweet? I love bride images. I colored her with PrismaColor pencils. The pearls are from HL. The swirlies are from a Quickutz die (flourishes). The paper is SU.

There is so much going on at MSB over the next few weeks. You will definately want to stop by often and join in all the fun! :)

2nd Swap Spot

2009-06-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I made good on the statement in my last post. I took another spot in the Dustin Pike image swap and made this:That's it, just a quick and easy post today. How refreshing! :)

My First SCS swap!

2009-06-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

These are the cards I made for my first evah SCS swap! I've swapped before, but this is the big leagues! :) This specific swap was for Dustin Pike images.

As soon as I saw the thread on SCS I knew I wanted to join. I love DP's images and I need swap practice anyway!! **Keep an eye open for an MSB swap real soon!**

The paper is SU. The sentiment is from the SU set "Very Punny". I colored the image with PrismaColor pencils and stickled the moon. The ribbon is from HL. The image was a freebie on DP's blog, btw! You can't beat that!!

The swap is due July 3, so I am finished with plenty of time. Look at me getting stuff done ahead of schedule! What a nice change of pace! :)

Squigglefly Challenge #4

2009-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the card I made for the Squigglefly challenge #4:This was my first attempt at paper weaving. Well, first attempt since elementary school. :)

Paper: SU
Stamps: Bird (Squigglefly) & Sentiment (SU)
Coloring: PrismaColor pencils
Accessories: Scallop circle punch
Ink: SU

The challenge at Squigglefly this week is to use a provided sketch. You can get all the deets on the Squigglefly blog.

My DH and I are celebrating our 9 year wedding anniversary this Wednesday. So, I'm sure I'll be posting a lovey-dovey card sometime this week. :)

Release Day and Sweet Saturday Challenge!

2009-05-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

When I first colored the image for today's MSB challenge I wasn't sure if I was going to like the result. I don't often use purple. After I finished I decided I was going to start using it more often! :) I colored the boots with Bic markers and added a little bling to the flowers. I stamped the background paper with VersaMark ink using the SU set "Beyond the Basics". All paper is SU. I made the dots with my white gel pen.

Check out this challenge later today on the MSB blog or swing by the store and get your hands on some of the amazing new releases!

Sneak Peak #2 for MSB

2009-05-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are my final two sneak peeks for Modern Sugar Blvd's big release event tomorrow! There are lots of new images being coming out and you can see some of them on the rest of the "Sugar's blogs". So, without further adieu:

Look at this fun gal, sewing seeds of friendship! The sentiment is a stamp from the SU set "The Fine Line". The flower is a Jesse James embellie from HL, which is where the jewels are from too. I colored the image with Bic markers. The ribbon is from Archiver's.

I used the new phone image from MSB to make a cell phone charger box. The DSP is from SU. I colored the images with Bic markers. I used my Crop-a-dile to punch the holes in the back of the box for the phone cords.

Only one more day before the big event over at MSB! I can't wait. There are some crazy cute images being released! There's never been a better time to "go digital"! You can satisfy your sweet stamp tooth with all the amazing stuff going on at Modern Sugar Blvd!! :)

Patriotic Kitty

2009-05-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Image: Squigglefly
Paper: SU
Coloring: Bic Markers
Accessories: Stickles, Buttons, Floss
Sentiment: Birthday Banter (SU)
Sketch: The Pink Elephant Challenge

I made this birthday card for my aunt whose birthday is the 4th of July! :)

New Releases at Modern Sugar Blvd...Lots of them!

2009-05-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

May 30th is a big day at MSB!! There are going to be some incredible new images released. You will definitely want to check them out. So, to get you all geared up here's a sneak peek of two of the images: Check out Disco chic! Isn't she groovy? She was so fun to color! I used Bic markers. The PP is from HL as well as the jewels and ribbon. I printed the sentiment from my computer. This coupon I made using the new washer/dryer images. I would like to make about 50 copies of this coupon and keep them on hand! :) Colored with Bic markers. The flower punches are EK Success. The coupon wording was printed from my computer.

Ok, that covers two of my projects! I'll be posting two more in a few days. You can see some different images being released on the blogs of my fellow DT members. I really think MSB is covering ALL the bases with this release. Cruise by on May 30th and see if they've got something for you!! :)

Sneaky Sneak Peeks...

2009-05-26T06:00:00.001-07:00

Here are some quick, little snippets of what's to come from MSB in the NEAR future! :)

I hope these tempt you to check out MSB! If you're curious for more I'll be posting full views of these projects on May 27th. :) In the meantime hop around the other DT members' blogs and see what they have up their sleeves! :)

Squigglefly Challenge #2

2009-05-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Since I am coming in late to the Squigglefly design team; I *just* missed last week's challenge. It was a recipe challenge. In all the hullaballoo I got my dates confused and made a card anyway. :) I didn't want my efforts to go to waste, so here is my creation:*The inside of the card reads: If that's what the early bird gets, I'm sleeping in!

I colored the cutie image with my PrismaColor pencils and then pop-dotted him. The blue line along the middle is blue floss that I threaded along the curve. The orange dotted paper is from DCWV. The "W" is chipboard.

Here is a link to Challenge #2 over at the Squigglefly blog. While you're there you can check out the current challenge as well. :)

Red, White & Blue...thank you!

2009-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

God bless all the men and women serving in our military. Thank you! With love for all those who have fallen defending our freedoms and protecting us.

Whooo Hooo!

2009-05-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to tell you all that I made the Squigglefly DT! Yaa!! :)

There are some amazing things over there! Check 'em out while you're kicking back and enjoying your holiday weekend!

Modern Sugar Blvd Challenge #3

2009-05-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! Time for a new challenge over at MSB. This week it's a color challenge. Here's my creation: The challenge is to use pink, brown and ivory on your project as well as this sketch:I printed the cupcake onto a couple of sheets of different PP. Then I cut each piece out and in the case of the bottom of the cupcake redrew the lines. I added some sparkle to the candles. The satin ribbon is from Michael's.

Good luck with this week's challenge. You can't go wrong with that color combo. Try it out and see what you think! :)

Dustin Pike, Post Pals and Blog Candy!!

2009-05-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dustin Pike is giving away blog candy! Whoooo! Check out his blog for all the details!

Here's a basic overview. In order to be in the running for the blog candy you need to make a card and send it to Post Pals. Post Pals is an organization that allows sick children in the UK to receive cards from around the world. It's like pen pals on a higher level! :) Here is the card I made:I left this Dustin Pike image blank so that my post pal could color it himself. I thought that would be more fun. :) The PP is from the DCWV "All Boy" stack. I embossed the blue paper with the Cuttlebug "Distressed Stripe" folder.

Even if you don't want to enter for a chance to win Dustin's blog candy, check out Post Pals. It's a great organization and I guarantee you'll be putting a smile on a special child's face when they get a card from you! :)

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #7

2009-05-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

For the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #7 the requirement was to use the colors pink, brown and green. The pink and brown were no problem for me, but the green had me stuck. :) This is what I finally came up with:The image is a digital stamp from Modern Sugar Blvd (Doodler - I'm Here). I colored the image with Bic markers. I embossed the pink CS with a Sizzix flower folder. I can't remember the name of it, but I'm looking around. :) The sentiment is from the SU set "So Many Scallops". All the CS is from SU.

I was able to get a lot accomplished while my DS was napping yesterday. This challenge, my swap on SCS and a card for Post Pals. It doesn't happen very often, but sometimes I am actually pretty productive. :)

New releases at Modern Sugar Blvd

2009-05-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

New release day is so much fun at MSB! The images just get better and better! (Not that the first weren't awesome!) :)

Take a look at two of the brand spankin' new images you can get today at the MSB store!!

Both of these images were so fun to color! I used my Bic markers on the first image and my PrismaColor pencils on the second.

There are plenty more amazing images being released all month! Don't miss all the fun! You can also join in on some of the challenges on the MSB blog. The Create-A-Card contest gives you a chance to win an entire set of new digi stamps! The Saturday challenges are still going on too! Whew!! What an exciting month for MSB!! :)

**Check out the MSB blog today for some "Sugar Sweet Savings" on digital stamps. You gotta hurry though, this special only lasts until tomorrow (5/20)**

Rock-N-Roll!!! (And a tutorial)

2009-05-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

I made this card for the CAS14 Rock and Roll technique challenge on SCS.

The Rock and Roll technique is VERY easy. So easy in fact, that I decided to do my first tutorial. If my instructions don't help, you can click the previous link to get some more details.

It's that easy. I think it makes for a very cool look.

Yaa for expanding my crafting horizons! :)

Cupcake challenge and a birthday!

2009-05-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

I made this card for the Cupcake Craft Challenge 39 - Card for a man or boy. It was the perfect challenge this week since my little cousin had his 1st birthday party Saturday. I was able to make a card for him and the challenge! :)

The image is from Dustin Pike. The patterned paper is from DCWV-All Boy stack and the cardstock is from SU. The sentiment is from the SU set "Birthday Banter".

Don't forget to check out the MSB Create-A-Card digi set giveaway! Two winners will get the entire set of digi stamp images that will be released on the 30th!! There will also be two additional winners that will recieve 3 Free Digi's...so that is a total of 4 winners!! Get all the details on the MSB blog or by clicking the balloons!

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Here are a couple of pictures from my cousin's birthday party. Let's just say he was really into the cake! :)

Happy 1st birthday baby GAR!! :)

Challenge #2 at MSB

2009-05-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

What a great challenge last week at MSB!! The cards were awesome! I hope everyone had a great time creating and getting their hands on some incredible new digi stamps!

Now get ready to do it again! Cruise on over to see this week's challenge. But before you go, here's the card I made for this week's event:I made the "flower" using three different sized circle punches. I then distressed them. The sentiment is from the SU set "A Little Love". The images are all from MSB.

Enjoy today's challenge and good luck!! :)

Card for New Homeowners

2009-05-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Challenge #2 will be up at MSB tomorrow! Check back here for the info and my entry.

In honor of the event, I decided to share a card I made using a super cute MSB digi stamp. I made this card for a friend of mine who just recently moved into a new house. To be honest I never would have thought to make her a card until I saw this image. Here it is:I had to rework this card because my first attempt just looked a little "hectic", if that makes sense. Here is the original: It's hard to tell from this picture, but I had originally stamped the background with the SU set "Sprinkles". It just didn't look right to me. So, in true scrappractical fashion I peeled the image off and slapped it onto the back of the cardstock and started over!:)

I've been trying to get used to embellishing my projects more. It's not easy for me because I am a CAS kinda girl. I think it has to do with the fact that I don't like to spend days working on one card. This one is a good blend. It's embellished but it didn't take me long at all.

Now if I can just remember to mail it out! :)

Mad Hatter Card

2009-05-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

I made this card for the Digital Tuesday Challenge this week. Non traditional folding or non traditional shaped cards.

Stamps: Wonderland (The Greeting Farm)
Cardtock: Black (HL), Purple (SU)
Accessories: Crystal (HL), White Gel Pen (Archiver's)

I just got this stamp set from TGF and I thought it would be great for the DTC. Since Ian is the mad hatter, a top hat card seemed perfect. I made the card shape using clip art that I traced onto cardstock. I had to tweak it quite a bit to get it to work for this project. I drew the white lines to highlight the card a little bit more. I colored the images with Bic markers. I drew/cut the flowers freehand and then distressed them.

Another challenge down and no end in sight! :)

You're My Missing Piece

2009-05-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sappy, I know. That's ok. We all need a little sap now and again!

Paper: SU
Accessories: Felt, Button
Stamps: Fundamental Phrases (SU)
Technique: Die Cutting w/ Cuttlebug (Puzzle die-cut)

So now, go! Enjoy the sappy love this card invokes. :)
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*Updated: Tenia nominated me for the "Smile" award! My first ever blog award. Thank you! You are so sweet! ;)

I would like to nominate Sue and Dee! They are super nice and their blogs are full of amazing stuff!!

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge

2009-05-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Paper: Whisper White & Pumpkin Pie (SU), Black (LSS)

Ribbon: LSS

Sentiment: Fundamental Phrases (SU)

Coloring: Bic Markers

Accessories: Pop Dots

I made this card for the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge blog. Sketches used to make me nervous, but I am really starting to like them now. The flower image I found on the Crafting in Croatia blog. I found it while blurfing one of my commenters. (That sounds funny...) :)

Cuttlebug Wedding Challenge

2009-05-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

This is a card I made for the Cuttlebug Challenge blog's "Be Inspired #30 Weddings Challenge". This is my first try at one of their challenges. Since I am using my 'bug so much I figured I might as well try a few challenges. Get some ideas and see what that bad boy can do!

This is one pop-dotted card! The embossed layer is popped, the bow is "kinda" popped and the sentiment is popped. I think I will have to buy more foam dots.

Paper: Target White Cardstock
Ribbon: Walmart
Embossing Folder: D'vine Swirl
Sentiment: Carte Postale (SU)

Today was a VERY productive day for me so I will have stuff to post all week. Yaa! :)

Easy day!

2009-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Since it's Mother's day (and my DH's birthday) I figured I'd take a crafting break. A little one. :) I thought I'd just share a quick and cute little project I made for a couple of customers. The first bookmark I made using the "Forest Friends" stamp set. The second is "Crazy for Cupcakes"; both from SU. They were sooo easy to make. Here's the quick instructions for the "Friend" bookmark:

1. I punched two circles from chocolate chip cardstock and adhered them back to back on the top of the ribbon.

2. I then punched the little owl out with a smaller circle punch and attached it to one side of the larger circle.

3. The tree was done in the same way except that I rounded the corners with a punch.

See? Easy as can be. I think these make cute little gifts for just about anyone. My sister has already put in a request for a Twilight themed bookmark. :)

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One of God's greatest gifts in this world is to love and be loved by a child. A small reflection of the amazing love God has for us. Happy Mother's day to all you wonderful mama's out there!

MSB's First Ever Challenge and A Mother's Day Card

2009-05-08T21:39:00.000-07:00

Modern Sugar Blvd is hosting their first ever challenge today! Yaaaa! Here is the card I made for the big event! I stamped the turquoise paper using my VersaMark ink pad. I cut the big, pink flower by hand. The smaller green flower I made using the SU scallop circle punch. The jewels are from Hobby Lobby. The sentiment and swirl images are from the SU set "I Like Your Style". The colored the cutie girl with my Bic markers and pop-dotted her. All the paper is SU.

The card is based on this sketch:You can join in too. You don't have to use an MSB image but they are too cute not to have anyway!! And right now the digi stamps are 50% off! You cannot beat that! The sale runs until tomorrow night. Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://passemoncardcompany.com/?code=MamaDay. Get all the details on the MSB Blog.

And just in time for Mother's Day; I finished a card using one of the beautiful new "Mama" images at MSB. The great thing about digital images is that you have your product immediately. So if you still need a card for Mother's Day, grab one of these and you'll have it finished in no time!! If you're looking for some last minute gift ideas or just some fun, check out MSB. You can get some awesome inspiration from the other DT members or upload your own amazing work!! Ok, that's enough plugging for one day! :)

Teacher Appreciation Challenge

2009-05-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

Since my DS is only two I don't have the need for teacher gifts. But, that didn't stop me from entering the Digital Tuesday Challenge this week! Challenge #5 Thank a Teacher.

The challenge was to make a project for teacher appreciation week. I thought this would be a good opportunity to use my "Number Collage" embossing folder. I am trying to incorporate more embossing into my work. Mainly because I bought the Cuttlebug and I want to get my money's worth! :)

Since I don't really have any teacher themed stamps I decided to sketch out this little lightning bug. I thought he would fit the sentiment perfectly. I drew the lines around the yellow cardstock with a black marker. (Marvy) The fibers are from a $1.99 hot spot pack I got at Archiver's. I also wrote out the sentiment by hand. I don't know if you can tell, but I added a little sparkle to his wings with my glitter dust pen.

I don't know if I'll be able to work on anymore projects today, but at least I finished one challenge! :)

Thanks a Bunch CAS13

2009-05-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

I made this card for the CAS13 challenge on SCS. SO simple! I printed the phrases onto SU's Perfect Plum cardstock and then punched them out with a circle punch. The diamond is from Hobby Lobby. I didn't use a single stamp on this card. How's that for easy? :)

Catching Up on my ATC's!

2009-05-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have fallen...slightly...behind on my ATC's for the HHN09 challenge on SCS. You wouldn't believe it if you've ever seen my house, but I hate to get behind (I do make an exception for housework)! :)

When I feel like I'm getting too far gone in crafting, I sometimes lose my inspiration. I felt that way with these two ATC's. I could not, for the life of me, think up designs for them. Finally I just sat down and focused only on the HHN09 challenge. And, what do you know? I actually got them done! Who knew that you could get things done when you worked on them!?

Here they are:
For the Lamb ATC, I made the clouds using the cloud stamp from "Choo Choo" (SU). The verse and title are hand-written. Paper is SU.

For Redeemer I stamped the flower (Carte Postale-SU) onto the ATC once and then again on another piece of cardstock. Then I pop-dotted the second one.

These actually came to me pretty quickly. The most time consuming card was Lamb, and even that wasn't too bad. I think I am finally getting the hang of ATC's. It's only taken me 3 months, but that's ok. Good things come to those who wait....right?? :)