Creating with the Heart

Free Bird Blog Candy HERE

2012-01-27T09:37:00.000-08:00

Last week's winner was Sheila aka She's a Sassy Lady. Please email me with your address so that I can mail your prize to you. This week, I have another Free bird paper pad from Authentique to give away. To win leave a comment on this post. For extra entries you may comment on each post until I select a winner in two weeks on February 10.

Have a good weekend!

Sweethearts

2012-01-27T09:20:00.000-08:00

I am almost a month in and am still using my stash. Hope to do a post near February 1 to update you all on how I'm doing and how you are all doing on some of your goals. We all fall off the wagon now and again but we have to remember to pick ourselves up and continue where we left off. As I was looking through my stash for some Valentine like paper...guess what I found. A completely, new never used, 6x6 Bo Bunny paper pad called Crazy Love. I also found some Martha Stewart ribbon that I bought who knows when! So exciting to shop from my stash for these projects.

Now, I will say that I plan on using this paper pack QUITE a bit so be prepared. This cut is from the Sweethearts Cricut cartridge. I totally messed up on some doodling so I covered it with black stickles. The doiley was also in my stash. I had found these in the baking aisle at Joann's and I believe that they are made by Wilton. I just used half of it for this card. So those of you who don't score the dollar spot doilies at Target (I got some of those around here somewhere from last year), check out the cake baking aisle at your craft store. I bought a pack of these for 2 bucks and there are a ton in there.

Recipe:

Sweethearts Cricut Cartridge (cut at 3.5)

Bo Bunny "Crazy Love" 6x6 Paper Pad

Wilton Doily

Martha Stewart Valentine Ribbon

Heart border punch from SU

Dog Gone!

2012-01-26T21:42:00.001-08:00

Here is the card that I am using for this week's challenge at Fantabulous Cricut. The challenge is to use a label. My label is from Elegant Edges and my dog and bowl are from Create a Critter. The paper is retired SU from my stash. The sentiment is from My Pink Stamper. I did a lot of doodling but I think the card needed, thanks for looking!

Recipe:

Create a Critter and Elegant Edges

DP from SU

Ribbon - Paper Trey Ink

Grey, Black, Kraft and White Cardstock

My Pink Stamper

JillyBean Soup Pre-order

2012-01-26T06:52:00.000-08:00

Stop and Scrap is offering 20% off pre-orders of Jillybean Soup today. Use code HEART for an extra 12% off!

Best Fishes

2012-01-25T08:41:00.000-08:00

Wow, two Princess cards in a row. A huge feat considering what a pain these are to cut. This card is for my niece Kayla who just turned 3. She will now be the same age as my Lily for next 5 months. She got a ton of toys for Christmas but since she will be starting to take dance with Lily, I bought her all the dance gear she needs to get started. The fabulous, gorgeous dp is super glittery and is from my stash - I got it when a scrapbooking store was going out of business and at this point, I just have bits and pieces of it.

Recipe:

Cricut cut at 4.0 Dreams Come True

Bazill and SU cardstock

Midnight blue stickles

White Viva Decor pen

Pink Stamper "More Punnylicious" stamp set

Sale-a-bration & a Discount

2012-01-24T01:49:00.000-08:00

Stop and Scrap is continuing their pre-orders of CHA new releases. Today, it's Bo-Bunny. If you decide to order from them, be sure to use code HEART for a 12% discount.

I made today's card for the Cricut Circle blog challenge to create a "get well" type project. I have to say I am so surprised that I havent' used this Once a Princess cart more often. I was intimidated by paperdolls but this was just so easy to cut. She was cut at 3.5 and I used Peachy keen stamps for her face. The cardstock piece she is propped up on was cut with Once a Princess alos. The dp is retired SU and the sentiment was printed from my computer.

Recipe:

Once Upon a Princess Cartridge

DP from SU

Princess Faces from Peachy Keen stamps

Orange stickles

Swirls cuttlebug folder

White gel pen

Marina mist ribbon

Cherry cobbler & Marina mist cardstock

SU Sale-a-bration starts today! For every $50.00 you spend, you get to pick a free gift out of the Sale-a-bration catalog. There are exclusive stamp sets and paper as well as embossing folders and other fun stuff to choose from. Check out the catalog on my sidebar. While you are there, be sure to get a look at the new Occasions Mini catalog.

I am not sure if I will be continuing my SU demonstratorship. I tend to be my best customer and spend what is necessarily in terms of minimums to stay current and I am trying to scale back my spending. So I am offering a 20% discount until the end of sale-a-bration while I mull it over. You have to email me to take advantage of this offer, US customers only and tax and shipping will be on the amount before the discount.

Lie about your age

2012-01-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

I am sharing a card that I made for my bestest cousin's 40th birthday. I can't believe that she's 40! It feels like we were just at school together, playing basketball and talking about boys. Anyway, I didn't want to make an over the hill card. That would be harsh, especially as I am only 18 months away from turning the big 40 myself. Instead, I made this Belle card using the Dreams Come True Cricut cartridge. It was difficult to cut this sucker and I had to cut a couple of pieces more than once and I totally gave up on the eyes and used blue stickles for them even though I know that Belle has brown eyes. I got this fabulous glitter dp from a scrapbooking store going out of business many moons ago.

Recipe:

Cricut cut at 4.25 Dreams Come True

Wow, So Many Candles - My Creative Time Stamps

Stickles in yellow, diamond and midnight blue

Bazzill and SU cardstock

Don't forget I have blog candy. To win an authentique paper pad leave a comment on any or each post and a winner will be selected and posted this Friday.

Easy Mini Book

2012-01-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

Today, I am sharing a super fun and practical idea from Dawn McVey. I have this problem every year of what to do with old Christmas cards, especially the ones with pictures. I hate throwing them away and then they get thrown into a box and are pretty much lost forever. Dawn shows on her blog to make a quick mini book with them. I have to tell you that this project took exactly one hour, maybe a little less, to complete. I used what I had in my stash and was a great way of using up old Christmas DP and embellishments. Some of the cards that I get have letters in them so I made a little pocket to store them. Basically, you hole punch your cards (I used my cropadile) and create a cover using chipboard, cardboard and I imagine that you could use boxes from Christmas for your front and back covers. Cover with you dp (I used a glue stick), then add ribbon or book rings to bind it together and embellish as much or as little as you like.

Recipe:

Ski Slope DP - SU

Medium weight Chipboard

Bookrings from Office Supply Store

Crop-a-dile

Kraft cardstock

Retired felt snowflakes - SU

Thickers - American Crafts

Thank you Girl

2012-01-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

Today's card uses the same layout as the card before, except I used this lace scallop border punch from Martha Stewart.

Recipe:

Greeting Card Kids Stamp set from SU

Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses DP

Border punch - Martha Stewart

White satin ribbon - SU

Square scallop nestabilities

Holly Embossing folder - Sizzix

Cherry Cobbler Cardstock

Copic Markers

Diamond Stickles

Stop and Scrap is offering pre-orders of Prima flowers today! Some really pretty ones in this line. Be sure to use the code HEART for a 12% discount. Also, visit their Facebook page.

Authentique Pre-orders

2012-01-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

Stop and Scrap is now offering pre-orders of Authentique's new line (s). Use code HEART for an extra 12% off.

Penguin holiday thank you

2012-01-17T08:04:00.000-08:00

Today, I am sharing another thank you card using holiday stamps. It's nice to get some extra miles out of these.

Recipe:

Cat's Pajamas - Poochie Christmas

Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses DP

Holly embossing folder - Sizzix

Scallop border punch - SU

Fiskers Pinking Shears

Rose Satin ribbon from stash

Stop and Scrap Discount Code

2012-01-17T07:21:00.000-08:00

I have partnered up with StopandScrap.com so all of my blog readers get a 12% discount using the code HEART. This is on top of the already discounted prices. They are taking pre-orders now for CHA new releases and you can combine your orders so that you don't have to pay shipping for each of the pre-orders! Be sure to visit them and this code is good until they tell me the promotion is over!

Snowman Wishes

2012-01-16T21:51:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! For all of you who were lucky enough to enjoy a holiday yesterday, I hope that it was a good one. We mostly hung out at home but I did go to an Indian casino on Sunday to celebrate my cousin's 40th birthday. Had a total blast but now it's back to the grindstone.

Today, I am sharing a card that I made for the Fantabulous Cricut challenge to make a card with a snowman on it. I used a generic sentiment that I thought I could convert to a holiday card.

Don't forget that I have blog candy below. You may comment on each post until I use random.org to pick a winner next Friday.

Recipe:

Winter Frolic Cricut Cartridge cut at 3.75

SU DP Ski Slope

Cranberry and Baja Breeze Cardstock

Diamond Stickles

Modern Edge & Scallop border punch

Sentiment from PaperTreyInk

Poochie Thank You

2012-01-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

Recipe:

Holiday Style Wrap Pack & DP from October Afternoon

Cherry Cobbler cardstock from SU

Scallop punch from SU

Poochie Christmas from Cat's Pajamas

Scallop rectangle from Nestabilities

Sincere Salutations from SU

Such a Deer

2012-01-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in last week's resolution post. I LOVED reading all of your posts, they were fabulous. I will eventually be getting to everyone and posting Comments, which is one of my goals that I did not list. A lot of us have the same goals so hopefully you all can check in with me now and again and let me know how you're doing. I will be trying to post monthly updates...but...I am happy to report that I did complete the first week of Project Life and read a book. However, I did fall off the eat healthy wagon - totally my husband's fault but I will just have to get back on the horse. I am giving away this fun Authentique 6x6 paper pad called Freebird Poised/Warmth. To win leave a comment on ANY post between now and Thursday, January 26 and I will post the winner on that Friday.

So the winner of the box of scrapping stuff is Lisa's Creative Niche! The winner of the stamp set is Fusiafscrapping. Please email me with your address so that I can mail your prize to you.

Recipe:

Eskimo Kisses by Basic Grey

WE R Memory Keepers textured cardstock

Create a Critter Cricut Cartridge

Rose satin ribbon from my stash

Inksentials white gel pen

Kraft and espresso SU cardstock

"Go Green" stamp set from Pink by Design

You're Tree-rific

2012-01-11T09:07:00.000-08:00

Recipe:

Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses DP

Tree cut at 3.5 from April Showers Cricut Cartridge

Scallop Rectangle Nestability from Spellbinders

Espresso and Pear cardstock from SU

Pink buttons and twine from PTI

Rose satin ribbon from my stash

Scallop punch from SU

Go Green stamp set from Pink by Design

Disney Magic

2012-01-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

Today, I am showing a scrapbook that I made for a co-worker. She has young children and they go to Disneyland often enough that they have plenty of pictures. I used Kathy Orta's envelope scrapbook tutorial from Paper Phenomenon to make this album. I also used my Cricut for some of the character cuts and paper from Creative Imaginations. I am submitting this for a Design Team call at Just a Scrapping.

Recipe:

Creative Imaginations Disney Paper

Red Duck Tape

Black envelopes and cards from Michaels

Mickey and Friends Cricut Cartridge

Mickey Font Cricut Cartridge

Polka Dot ribbon from SU

Snow Bunny Flopsey Thank You

2012-01-07T08:53:00.000-08:00

Today's card uses an MFT stamp set called Snow Bunny Flopsey and the Holiday Style October Afternoon dp.

Recipe:

Snow Bunny Flopsey from MFT

Holiday Style DP from October Afternoon

Copic Sketch Markers R27, E27, E57

Stickles Xmas Red

Cherry Cobbler Cardstock

October Afternon Holiday Style Wrap Pack

Snowbunnybella thank you

2012-01-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

Today, I am pulling out another neglected stamp set a fun Bella Stamp that I haven't used in forever. It was really fun pulling out all of my winter stamps to make these thank you cards. We don't get snow where I live and most of my vacation has been gorgeous spring weather about 75 degrees. Don't hate me but the weather has been absolutely perfect!
Recipe:

Snowbunnybella from Bella Stamps

Eskimo Kisses Paper from Basic Grey

Sincere Salutations from Stampin' Up

Pink Stickles

Copic Sketch Markers

WER Memory Keepers Textured Cardstock

I am linking this card up to the Pink Cricut site. She's asking for us just to link up what we are working on...

Resolutions and Blog Candy

2012-01-04T09:13:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and a time to resolve to do better. My first resolution is to read more. I am a librarian for goodness sake who does not read! It's really ironic because I used to read A LOT! I am talking about reading every single book in my branch library growing up. Working in a book store while going to college so that I could have books to read and then becoming a Librarian because of my love of books. I don't know exactly when it happened but my life really just got in the way, along with crafting, having kids and a husband and taking care of a home. So this year it's getting back to basics. I am challenging myself to read AT LEAST 12 books this year. That's only a book a month and considering that I am an exceptionally fast reader, I hope to read more. I will be taking on some reading challenges to meet this goal.

My other resolution is to use my stash except for basic supplies such as adhesive and I give myself permission to buy Cricut cartridges. However, I have a ton of paper and stamps and other embellishments that I really need to start using. Plus, I went WAYYYY over budget last year on crafts and I really need to rein it it. I hope to last until summer, we will see.

Project Life...I have resisted but I have gotten just so far behind on my scrapbooks that I am missing out on recording these moments that I can't get back. So I am attempting Project Life. I don't expect to take a picture every day but I want to take about 6-7 pictures each week and then do layouts here and there for events that warrant it and do mini albums on vacations or outings that I really want to focus some attention to. I will be using my stash! I have been so tempted to purchase items for this project such as a date stamp - I have a PTI calendar stamp set that has months and dates, plus some Justrite product that I have hardly used and possibly other things in my stash that would work. I was tempted to buy journaling cards. I can very easily cut up cardstock and add some scrap dp to it. Doing it this way makes it easier to journal on the computer and print it out and then cut it up. I am even using my own page protectors - CTMH 12x12 protectors that have broken up into 4x6 pockets which I had in my stash.

A really good way to use up my stash so I can justify buying more stuff! For example, I have two huge DCWV 12x12 paper stacks on Fall - I hardly do anything Fall like here so why the heck do I have all of this paper! I will be using it to make scrapbooks for colleague Christmas gifts and hopefully use it up. See what I mean? Impulse buying to the extreme. I liked it, bought it and now i don't know what to do with it. I will be showing you guys how I am using my stash and my Cricut for this project.

Get healthy which means eating out less, and cooking more. This is a hard one because I drive 50 miles a day for work but I need to just plan better. Also, get out and exercise more. My husband bought us bikes and still hasn't put them together and that would be a fun way to get out and exercise. I need to lose the baby weight from having Lily (um...she's 3!) and those 20 lbs are not going to magically disappear, I know because I've been saying abracadabra for 3 years and it hasn't happened.

So those are my resolutions. How about all of you? Please leave a comment on this post with a blog post regarding your resolutions. If you don't have a blog then leave a comment with your resolutions. I will chose a winner using random.org next Friday and will send the winner a box filled with fabulous crafting supplies. I have a ton of really awesome crafting stuff that I don't have room for and I would love to give some away. That's another thing - I hope to do more spontaneous giveaways for regular blog readers especially since I am moving to bi-weekly giveaways.

If you got this far - then you rock! Thanks for listening and hope this year finds you all healthy, happy and improved!

Winter in the City Thank You

2012-01-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

Today's card is a thank you card and uses some neglected MFT stamps. I used the holiday style paper from October Afternoon and did some paper piecing.

Recipe:

Winter in the City by MFT

Holiday Style DP by October Afternoon

Copic Sketch E27

Cherry Cobbler Cardstock

Sincere Salutations stamp from SU

SU Scallop Punch

Happy New Year's Day

2012-01-01T06:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's! Good-by 2011 and hello 2012!

Scrapbook Pal - Design Team Entry

2011-12-31T08:07:00.000-08:00

Today, I am sharing another card that I made to send to relatives thanking them for the lovely gifts they gave to the kids. I used the 3 Birds on Parade Cricut Cartridge with the bird cut at 3.5. I am also trying out for the Scrapbook Pal Design team so I will be linking the products that I used to their site.

It's New Year's Eve and we are doing something different. Usually, we stay home and I cook which is not really fun for me. Tonight, we are meeting my sister and her family at a Japanese restaurant for Tepan-Yaki. I think the kids will have fun watching the chefs cook the food in front of them. Then we will go home and watch TV and drink sparkling cider. Not too exciting but actually it's the perfect night to me.

Recipe:

3 Birds On Parade Cricut Cartridge

Elegant Edges Cricut Cartridge

Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses DP

WER Memory Keepers Textured Cardstock

Pink satin ribbon from my stash

Pink by Design Stamps "Go Green"

Inkssentials White Gel Pen

Scor-Tape

ATG Gun & Refill

Button and Twine from Paper Trey Ink

Stickles Glitter Glue in Yellow

Winner Winner

2011-12-30T08:54:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody,
Starting this year, I will be offering blog candy every other Friday. To win, you may leave a comment on each post until I post the winner in two weeks. Having blog candy every other week, will suit my busy life.

Last week's winner is DAWN: Please email me with your address so that I can mail your prize to you.

Winter Frolic Thanks

2011-12-29T21:42:00.001-08:00

HI everyone, I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday. My husband bought me a brand new computer, an HP touch screen, Crazy! The computer I have right now is only about a year old so my step-daughter who needs a computer will be getting one. The kids were of course ecstatic to get their presents. We've been doing fun things this week. We went to a bounce house and to an art studio and today, we all played at Grandma and Grandpa's house and went to lunch. We are still debating what to do tomorrow, I would be happy to hang out at home.

The next couple of weeks I will be showing you all the Thank you cards that I made to send to relatives who gave presents to my children. This is a great time to use holiday paper, winter or holiday stamps and Cricut cuts.

I think today's card is so cute! I used the Winter Frolic Cricut cartridge, cut at 3.5 and the Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses paper pad. I used pink stickles on her cheeks and on the buttons of her coat.

Don't forget that I am offering blog candy and you can get a chance to win by commenting on each post until Friday.

Recipe:

Winter Frolic Cricut Cartridge

Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses

Pink Stickles

Olive Satin ribbon from SU

White gel pen Inksentials from Ranger

WER Memory Keepers Cardstock

The Aftermath

2011-12-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

Bear with me, I still have Christmas stuff to share. I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday, mine was full of laughter and happiness. I have some very happy and joyful children right now which is what it's all about!

Day 25 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-25T08:40:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Day 24 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Eve! Today's card uses this super cute snowman from the Creative Memories cartridge 'Tis the Season. I glittered it up and used a PTI sentiment. I think he's so cute!

Today, we are having a big dinner at my mom's with all of the relatives. I can't wait! Be safe if you are traveling!

Day 23 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-23T08:29:00.000-08:00

Today's card uses the Cricut cartridge Art Philosophy by CTMH. I cuttlebugged the base cardstock and I used the stamp set that matches these Cricut cuts. I hope that you all are ready for the holidays! My presents are all wrapped and ready to go. I have to make a Doll house and a scooter on Christmas eve and I have a really bad cold. I went to the DR and got some antibiotics and I think that I will be fine by Christmas!

The winner of the Stop and Scrap GC is Char the Mad Shopper! Please email me so that I can send your prize!

Today's the last day of school before break (finally!)

Day 22 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

Today's card is a fun one and uses this fun snowman from a Cricut cartridge, I can't remember which one, I think Doodlecharms. The sentiment is from PTI and the ribbon is retired SU ribbon.

Day 21 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

Today's card uses the Jolly Holidays Cricut cartridge. I embossed the base cardstock and used retired SU dp. The sentiment is from PTI.

Day 20 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-20T08:05:00.000-08:00

Would you like to win some free money to spend on scrapbooking supplies? Stop and Scrap is offering a $25.00 off $50.00 purchase gift certificate to one of my blog readers. Just leave a comment on this post by Thursday night and I will use random.org to select a winner and will post on the blog by Friday, December 23. If you are one of my followers or become a follower, you may comment a second time for an extra chance!

Also, for today only, Stop and Scrap is offering a coupon for $5.00 off of $25.00 - use code HEART to receive the discount. They are in the middle of a big clearance and so your craft dollars will stretch pretty far right about now. I buy quite a bit of my non-SU paper in pre-orders from this company and I have been very happy with their product selection.

Welcome to Day 20 of the 25 Days of Christmas. Today, I am sharing this cute card that was made with the Create a Critter cartridge. I used stickles on his nose and it is very sparkly. The sentiment is from PTI and the ribbon and paper is SU.

Day 19 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-19T08:10:00.000-08:00

Today's card uses this cute gingerbread man from Tis the Season, a Creative Memories cartridge. I did some doodling around his body and the sentiment is from PTI.

Day 18 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-18T10:04:00.000-08:00

I made about 10 of these giftcards, some for my sister and some for me to give. I found the information to make these on Splitcoaststampers. It looks just like a present and when opened, there should be a little giftcard waiting there.

This is a simple card that uses, I think doodlecharms. I used the swiss dots folder to emboss the dots on the trees for a little texture, almost looks like snow. The sentiment is from PTI.

Day 17 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

Today's card is this cute Santa holding his bag full of presents. The cut is from the Jolly Holidays Cartridge. I did a bit of doodling and added some glitter to the hat and to the wrists. The sentiment is from PTI.

I had to share this cute picture of the kids with Santa. Tyler made sure to introduce himself and his sister and cousin to Santa, including ages. The kids told Santa what they wanted and Tyler was tickled when Santa remembered his name!

I cannot believe that Christmas is a week away and I still have so many presents to wrap. I don't remember buying this much stuff!

Day 16 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Day 16 of the 25 Days of Christmas. Today's card uses this cute cut from the Jolly Holidays cartridge. Look closely and you will see Santa's legs poking out of the chimney. I also used this swirls cuttlebug folder to give a little illusion of snow. The sentiment is from PTI.

Last week's winner is Paper Papier: Please email me with your address so I can mail your prize. This week's prize includes a cute stamp from hanna stamps, a stamp set from Gina K, a gingerbread stamp and a frame stamp from SU. To win, leave a comment on any post between now and December 29. You may comment once a day for extra chances and I will select a winner on December 30.

Today, I will be attending a Pot Luck at lunch. I made chicken chili, Yum!

Day 15 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

Hello, Happy Thursday! Today I am showing a card that was made with I think Doodlecharms cartrdige. I cut the image with kraft and espressio cardstock and used stickles for his scarf. The sentiment is from PTI. A simple card but the reindeer is so cute!

Day 14 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-14T08:34:00.000-08:00

Today, I am showing a fun card that combines stamping and my cricut. The letters were cut with the Plantin cartridge. I used this stamp from the holiday SU mini called Gift Givers. I also used the dimensional foam tape intended to be used for shaker cards. The image is colored with copics. Now I'm off to wrap some presents. See you tomorrow!

Day 13 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

Today, I am showing the Paperbag album that I made for Tyler's kindergarten teacher. Yes, this backpack is a paperbag album. I got the tutorial from Paper Phenomenon. For the pockets, I have some fun pullouts including this one with the bus.

I hopefully will have some time to show you some of the other mini albums that I created this season for gifts.

Don't forget blog candy here.

Day 12 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

Today's card uses the Child's Year cartridge and dp from Stampin' Up. The sentiment is from PTI. It has been a very busy weekend! I took Lily to a birthday party and dance class on Saturday and we went to the Winter Festival at the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach and saw snow and santa and did some crafts. Now, I am trying desperately to finish everything! Who knew, that wrapping presents would take so long!

Scrapbooking for fun is giving away 55.00 in Gift certificates to stop and scrap. If you become a follower on her blog - be sure to leave me a comment and let me know because I get another chance to win!

Day 11 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

Today's post is a gift that I am giving my sister for Christmas. It was intended to me an album with summer memories from last year but since it holds so many pictures, I had to make it for two years. The album is the Ultimate Paperbag Album from Paper Phenomenon, one of my favorite sites. You can see what it looks like with pictures. It only took a few hours to make but it came out really good.

Don't forget blog candy here.

Day 10 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks for visiting today on the 10th day of the 25 Days of Christmas. The squirrel cut is from Jolly Holidays (I think, I used so many cartridges last month that it was hard to keep track). The tale was doodled with white gel pen and the hat and candy cane has red and diamond stickles. The dp is retired SU and the stamp is from PTI.

I am also showing a 2 page layout that I finally got around to making for our visit last year to Sea World. We had gone in August but got free tickets on that visit to come another day so we traveled to San Diego in December and got to visit with Santa and a nutcracker. I am also submitting this layout for a content at Olimpiahunt.blogspot.com.

Don't forget blog candy here.

Day 9 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

This week's blog candy is this stamp set called Happy Moments. To win, just leave a comment on this post and I will post the winner next Friday. Last week's winner is Girlia: Please email me with your address so that I can mail your package to you.

Welcome to Day 9 of the 25 Days of Christmas, where I post all of my holiday projects with daily posts. Above, is a card that I made using retired SU dp and this crow from Jolly Holidays cricut cartridge. I used red and diamond stickles on the hat and the sentiment is from PTI.

Today, I am also sharing my photocard. This is a cute picture of my kids which was printed at 4x6. I then cut cardstock to meet that size and I used PTI die and stamp set in this pretty pink on the bottom of the card. I used Lily's dress to help me decide on the color. I felt that the picture was just so cute that I didn't need to dress it up with too much stuff.

Thanks for looking!

Day 8 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

Today's card is a cute one - I used the Hello Kitty Greetings cartridge. The dp is retired SU. I used this dp on a lot of cards this year. The red cardstock mat has been embossed with swiss dots. The sentiment is Paper Trey Ink. I hope you like my card today, see you all tomorrow!

Day 7 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

Today, I am sharing a card - I used scraps for my DP I believe that it's SU, an SU punch and my Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge from CTMH for cutting out the sentiment. It's a simple card but this time of the year we all need a little bit more simple! I hope to be sharing some of the crafty gifts that I have made very soon. I am still putting on the finishing touches on some of them too!

Also, check out Siehled with a Kiss - the blog is giving away gift certificates to the scrapbook store Stop and Scrap.

So see you tomorrow on the blog!

Day 6 of the 25 Days of Christmas, 2011

2011-12-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

WElcome to DAy 6 of the 25 Days of Christmas. Today, I am sharing a wreath that I made out of paper and a styrofoam wreath. I used a tutorial that I found from Faith Abigail Designs and it came out fabulous! Be sure to visit her site, it's got lots of wonderful ideas. I used retired SU holiday paper and rhinestones from my stash. I covered the wreath in red satin paper first and my glue gun got a workout!

Thanks for looking today!

Day 5 of the 25 Days of Christmas, 2011

2011-12-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the Elf on the Shelf? It's a book that you read to your children about how Santa knows if you've been naughty or nice. The elf gets hidden in a different place each day, and the kids look for him. He disappears each night to report to Santa and then reappears each day. I am hoping that this helps keep my kids' behavior under control. So far, it's working pretty well. My kids are VERY concerned about someone (their dad) touching him and having him lose his magic.

Today's card uses retired SU dp and the ornaments were punched with an SU punch. It's a very simple card but I really like the non traditional colors in this dp and you will see a bunch of cards made with it.

Don't forget blog candy here.

Day 4 of the 25 Days of Christmas 2011

2011-12-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

Today's card uses all CTMH product. The dp is retired and the frame and the ornament were cut with the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge. I used my white gel pen for some doodling and I also used my viva decor pen for the pearls.

Also, I am showing a countdown calendar that I made to help my kids countdown to Christmas.

I used SEI alpine dp. The numbers were cut with the calendar cartridge and the cuts were made from various cricut Christmas cartridges - Holly Jolly, Christmas, Joys of the Season, CM Tis the Season, Art Philosophy, Woodland.

I made holes at the top of the cards and used bookrings to keep everything together.

A very easy project to make - if you want it to go quicker, you could buy Christmas diecuts or stickers for decoration.

Don't forget blog candy here.

Day 3 of the 25 Days of Christmas

2011-12-03T06:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Day 3 of the 25 Days of Christmas. Today, I am sharing a card that I made for a challenge for the Stop and Scrap daily giveaways. I buy quite a lot of items from this online vendor, they do a good job of discounting items and I can get a lot of new stuff from them in pre-orders. This challenge was a sketch challenge and can be found at bochcreations.blogspot.com. The direct link to the challenge is : http://bochscreations.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-cardmaking-contest-sponsored.html
I used the Jolly by Golly papers from Cosmo Cricket. The red satin ribbon is SU and the buttons are PTI. I used my nestabilities for the red scallop oval and white oval cardstock. The stocking was cut with the CM Tis the Season cartridge.

Don't forget blog candy here.

Thanks for looking today.

Day 2 of the 25 Days of Christmas 2011

2011-12-02T05:07:00.000-08:00

Today is my Dad's birthday! Happy Birthday Dad. This week's prize is this stamp set called Cute by the Inch from SU. To win just leave a comment on this post and I will post the winner next Friday.

Today's card uses all CTMH products. The stamp sets and ornaments were stamped with SU inks and I used a gem in the middle of each star. The card base was cut using the Cricut CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge. The dp is also CTMH, a simple card but I like how it all came together.

Today, I am sharing crafty gifts. The first is a Cricut Expression. It runs about 200.00 but it is so versatile and with just a couple of smart cartridge purchases there is endless possibilities. The new E2 model has a few extra features including a WI FI port and a light and an internal memory so you don't need to use overlays, about 250.00

#2 is a Cuttlebug or a Bigshot but I much prefer the Cuttlebug - it's super easy to use and folds up very nicely for a small footprint, plus it's light, my Bigshot is really heavy. The new model has a wider entry so it can fit the larger Sizzix dies as well. I use mine for the metal dies that are now showing up at places like Papertreyink and MFT but I also use it for the embossing folders.

#3 is an Ott-Lite. I have had mine for years. I bought it with a coupon at Joanns and gives wonderful light for your craft table, especially if you are night time crafter like me. They are not cheap but I have had mine for a very long time and have not had to change the light bulb yet. This is the multi task light and it's list price is $79.99.

#4 For budget minded people and those without a lot of time (also a great idea for a teen), consider the smash book and it's related products. It's fun and easy and with this product anyone can scrapbook. It comes with a pen on one side and a glue stick on the other so you can smash and go! Think of all the uses, a journal, an inspiration book, a snapshot of your everyday life. It's from EK Success, $1.99-12.99.

#5 Everyone needs a Scoreboard! There are lots of options and I have a couple here.

First is Stampin' UP's Simply Scored board, what's unique about this one is that is comes with little markers so if you are scoring a lot of items it's easy to find your place., $29.99.

Next, is what I consider the OG Scoreboard the Scor-Pal. Nothing fancy but it changed the way I craft, crisp lines and so easy to score cardstock for cards, $29.99

Also, Martha Stewart has a Scoreboard and you can use your Michael's coupon for it. $29.95

#6 is a binding system. The first is a Yourstory which is a laminator and a binding system that uses heat to bind the books. I have seen bundles that come with covers, laminating pouches and papercutters for around $30-$50 so be sure to shop around.

There is also the Binditall - I have the original blue one but I do love mine - I really should use it more. It's easy to use - you use spiral wire for this system but you can bind many different projects with this system. This runs about $59.99.

I also wanted to mention the Cinch - I have seen quite a few people using this sytem but it looks complicated to me and frankly I am very happy with my Binditall. However, many people swear by The cinch, so it just depends on what you are comfortable with.

#7 is a subscription to a magazine. Papercrafts is a good one and runs about $19.00, Northridge Publishing have some beautiful magazines which are more like books than a magazine but they are very costly and run about $40.00 for a year. Some of their publications including Cards, Cricut, Bead, Sewing and they also have special editions too. Another standby is Martha Stewart Living which I love!

#8 is a Clipit Up. You can use this thing for just about anything. I use mine for my acrylic stamps that come on sheets like from MFT but I have seen people use it for Thickers and stickers, embellishments, ribbon, cards, tons of uses, it has a small footprint and can hold a ton of stuff so it is really a practical organizational tool! It runs about $65.00.

#8 are cool tools. I love punches so they are always nice but something really fun that I came across are these YoYo Makers from Clover. They also sell Kanzashi Flower maker templates too. I have seen Yo Yo's all over the blogs, many people are making them and selling them but with this simple template you can make your own. At only $5.50 these are a wonderful and inexpensive crafting gift. I wouldn't mind having one myself :)

9. Copic Airbrush System, $60.00. I want one! I have seen so many awesome projects using this fun tool - it creates airbrush effects that look uber professional!

#10 is a copout but it's paper! Paperpacks, 6x6 paper pads are wonderful for scrapbookers and cardmakers. It's wonderful to give paper, because we can all use it, even if we have a ton anyway. I like to give paperpads that are not found in stores - when I order online - I always order extras to use as giveaways - because they might be difficult to find for some people if they are not the common variety found in retail stores.

Thanks for hanging out today.

Day 1 of the 25 Days of Christmas 2011

2011-12-01T06:10:00.000-08:00

Today's card is cut with my Cricut and the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge. Most of my cards use one pack of last year's holiday SU paper. I think it was from the mini, it's retired and I can't find the name of it anywhere. The sentiment is from PTI and I used stickles to make my ornament sparkly. Below, find some Christmas ideas.

I'm starting off my 25 Days of Christmas with some Christmas lists as well as some crafty goodness. The first list is the 10 Best Non-Crafty Gifts. Above you see #1 and #2 on my list. #1 is a Kindle Fire. It does movies, apps, games, music, reading and more. This tablet is awesome and at $199.00, half the price of and IPAD.

#2 is a Kindle (or Kindle Fire). Many people predict that book readers will become dinosaurs with the advent of the Tablet and while that may be true, a dedicated reader might be the perfect thing for someone who cannot afford a tablet and the inevitable subscriptions and apps or for someone older who really just wants to read. It's easy to use, stores a ton of books and you can adjust the text size which is perfect for an older adult!

#3 is an Isi Twist and Sparkle Beverage Carbonating System (about $50.00), BevMo, William Sonoma and Amazon all carry this and I am sure many other retailers. I did a lot of research about soda makers and after I got it, I found that it was just perfect for my needs. It literally is a little wand that you put the CO2 cartridge in and this bottle, you put the wand in and twist and voila instant carbonated beverages. My mom uses it for water and we all love putting juice in it, you also can put wine and other alcoholic beverages too!

4. Breville Pie Maker from Williams Sonoma about $100.00. This is on my wishlist and if you watch the video, you will want one too! Super easy to use fast, makes 4 pies in about 12 minutes. I can see savory and sweet pies and would really fun to use with the kids!

#5 is the Flip Ultra HD Video Camera about $105.00. I know we can all use our cells phones to make videos now, but it's nice to have something easy to use dedicated to the task, plus what if you're recording and you get a phone call?

#6 is a DSLR camera and I have chosen the Canon Eos Rebel about $500.00. A splurge, but I love mine - super easy to use, great pics, a nice buy for a beginner's SLR camera which an run you well ove $1000.00 for a super fancy one.

#7 is skincare products - the good stuff. As we get older, we can use all the help we can get. My grandmother has the absolutely hands down , most beautiful skin for 83 years old. She uses Ponds and Oil of Olay but for some of us that stuff is a little greasy. My skin is very sensitive and prone to breakouts when using any kind of product that clogs pores even a tiny bit.

The Skincare Day Moisture protection by Shiseido is about $40.00 but if you have the kind of skin that breaks out easily, this is the best moisturizer ever. It's light non-greasy and is SPF 15. It's like water folks!

A friend of mine swears by Hope in a Jar by Philosophy but it has no SPF and I haven't tried it but it runs about $38.00.

I got a coupon code to try this skincare line called Muvazi. It's a splurge for the whole line at $120.00 but so far I love how soft it makes my skin feel, its made in house with organic ingredients and its suppose to help with age spots and lines, not that I have a ton of those, but I wouldn't mind having my skin look a little younger if you know what I mean.

#8 is also on my list from The Sharper Image, it's a Compact Elliptical Trainer for all of us lazy people. I have no idea if it works great but I love the idea ofbeing able to work out while watching TV and it has a small footprint too!. It's about $130.00.

#9 is a slide and negative converter about $130 from The Sharper Image. If you are as old as me, you have pics from before the digital revolution. This handy gadget captures the image and coverts them to digital format - there is also one that will take scans of your old pictures and convert them into digital format too - that one runs about $150.00.

#10 is a Mommy necklace which I bought one for my mom last year with all of her grandchildren's names on it. You can find them all over on etsy. They run roughly $35.00 and up. A very nice personalized gift.

I hope that you all find today's post useful. It's so hard to buy presents so hopefully this will give you some ideas. Tomorrow's post will be crafty gifts to give or receive!

Very Happy Holiday

2011-11-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

Today's card uses the Art Philosophy Cricut cartridge and the matching stamp set. I also used CTMH paper as well. I have to tell you that I absolutely love this cartridge and I also have the new Creative Memories 'Tis the Season and will be using that quite a bit as well and I cannot tell you how disappointed I am in SU in not getting into the Cricut cartridge scene!

December 1, begins my 25 days of Christmas where I will be posting everyday! Hope to see you all there!

Pennant Trees

2011-11-28T09:29:00.000-08:00

Today's card uses all SU products. The cardstock is kiwi kiss and cobbler red. I used the pennant stamp set for the trees. Today marks the beginning of all holiday and Christmas inspired posts so I hope that you are all ready.

Thinking of You

2011-11-26T09:22:00.000-08:00

Today's card came out of having to make a sympathy card. The dp is SU and I used cobbler for he butterfly and blusing bride. The butterfly was but from an SU die and the mat for my sentiment was a die from PTI. I used my Viva Decor pen for the pearls that you see.
Good luck to everyone attempting to shop this weekend.
The winner of last weeks candy is Arrin. Please email me with your address. I have been so busy this weekend and my shopping is nearly done. Talk to you all soon.

Birthday Girl

2011-11-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

Today's card is very bright and cheerful. I am using the Birthday Girl stamp set from MFT. The dp is from SU and has these fun oranges and greens and yellows. I mostly paper pieced my image with a bit of light coloring with copics. The ribbon is from sale-a-bration from like 3 years ago. It's really a simple card but I love all of the fun colors! Thanks for looking today.

Rock On

2011-11-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

Today's card is another one using some stamps and dies that I had gotten from Paper Trey Ink. I kind of just stamped the background images randomly in white and black on the Pacific Point cardstock. The guitars were stamped twice in black and once in red and I used the dies to cut them out. It's such a simple card but I really like how it came out.

Is everyone ready for Thanksgiving? My family is cheating this year and going out to eat at a restaurant. We are all just so tired and with Christmas fast approaching, everyone just wanted a year off. So no shopping, no cooking and no cleaning up, Yay! The main thing is my family will all be eating together and that's really what it's all about!

Here Comes Trouble

2011-11-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

Todays card uses scraps from retired SU papers and some stamps and dies from PTI. I had these for awhile but haven't used them yet so it was kind of an experiment, you know when you get some new crafty supplies and you just see what they can do. Today, I am leaving for a girl's weekend to Vegas...I can't wait! Gambling, eating and shopping, no kids and no husbands!

Christmas Blog Candy

2011-11-18T09:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! I thought this day would never come! Today, I am showing a card uses retired SU paper and the woody cut is I think from the Dude cricut lite. The background is cut from Wild Card. The sentiment is from the Signatures stamp set from PTI.

To win this week's MFT stamp set, leave a comment on this post. Be sure to check back next Friday to see if you've won.

Celebrate Your Day

2011-11-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

Today's card uses some scraps that I had laying around from a project that I had completely forgotten about. The colors are SU daffodil and tangerine tango. The stamps are from Paper Trey Ink. The butterfly stamp was last year's anniversary stamp set and the sentiment Signatures from Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite collection. The ribbon is Marina Mist. A very simple and cheery card.
Thanks for looking today.

Wicked Cute

2011-11-14T08:47:00.000-08:00

I think my little Wicked card is just too cute! This is the card that I gave my sister for her birthday. The witch is from the Wrap it Up cartridge and is cut at 3.0 in black, orange and green and brown. I doodled a bit with my white gel pen. The dp is from last year's Martha Stewart paper pack and the sentiment is from Pink By Design and the ribbon is SU. There are so many fun cuts on carts that you wouldn't expect. Thanks for looking today!

Stay Young

2011-11-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

I made this card for a friend's birthday. I used scraps for the bacground and cut Snow White from the Princess cartridge at 3.5. I used my stickles to brighten up her ddress and the sentiment is from My Creative Time Stamps. Thanks for looking!

Hello Pumpkin

2011-11-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

Today's card uses a stamp set from Verve that I forgot that I had, it's a little mini stamp set with this cute pumpkin and a couple of sentiments. I used scraps from a DCWV stack that I used to make some gratitude mini albums for gifts. I used my cricut to cut out the mat. Very easy card, getting ready for my 25 Days of Christmas along with all of my other holiday preparation! The winner is NIKKI. Please email me with your address. I am taking a week off from blog candy but will be back next week with more candy so don't forget to visit me!

Peace

2011-11-08T08:54:00.000-08:00

Today's card is one that I forgot to post in the summer. I used my Groovy Times cartrdige to cut all the pieces you see here, along with the shadows for each. I used my white gel pen quite liberally and found these cool papers in my stash that had the colors I was looking for. Have a groovy day everyone.

Don't forget that I have blog candy here.

Announcements

2011-11-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Just a couple of announcements. First, I am having a Stampin' Up Customer appreciation. Spend $100.00 or more and recieve 20% off your order. Spend $150.00 and you receive the hostess benefits. SU is running a hostess special that you can get an extra $35 in hostess benefits if you spend over $350.00.

Also, I will be having an awesome giveaway very soon sponsored by StopandScrap.com so be sure to check the blog for when that will be!

Hello Kitty Mini

2011-11-06T05:29:00.000-08:00

Today, I am showing a mini that I made as a Christmas gift and the timing couldn't be perfect because I am able to use it for the Cricut Circle challenge too. I used lightweight cardstock and the Hello Kitty Greeting cartridge for the shape of album as well as the images.

The dp is retired SU from my stash. It's a few years old and I was so happy to use it! The stickers were found in the dollar spot at Target.

Some of the hello kitty images have been glittered and then can be removed from the plane so the recepient can journal or put a picture.

I made a charm using the HK cart. I cut the image about 3 times and attached them together to make them sturdy. The pink charm is a keychain that I also found in the Dollar spot. I used my Cropadile to punch holes in the side and used binder rings to hold everything together and then put some ribbon from my stash through the binder rings.

Don't forget that I have blog candy here.

Thanks U

2011-11-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

Last week's winner is: Kimberly. Please email me with your address so that I can mail your prize to you. This week's prize is this TEa for Two stamp set from MFT. To win, just leave a comment on this post and I will post the winner next Friday.

Hi everyone, thanks for coming by. Today, I am sharing a card that I do like using similar elements from my card from the other day. I used the pennant punch one again but this time used SU dp and some stamps from the pennant stamp set. I also used some buttong and some white satin ribbon. I think it looks a little better in terms of layout and it's a lot neater! Sometimes its just good to just stamp and put things together and see what works and what doesn't!

Welcome!

2011-11-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

Today, I am sharing a card that I made in the summer when I received my new stuff from SU. The pennant punch was used for the banner and I used PTI stamps for the lettering. The paper is Take the CAKE from SU and the ribbon is also from them. The sentiment is from the teeny tiny sentiment set from SU and I used SU punches there too. I didn't love this card which is why I waited until now to share it. I was just trying to see how some things worked, like the pennant punch. Anyway, thanks for sharing my "misses" as well as the good ones!

Fright Night Part II

2011-10-31T06:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! Today I am showing the rest of my Halloween Fright NIght album. In one of the pockets, I made a little card using the Pumpking Carvings cartridge and Pink Design stamps. A great place for little pictures and journaling.

This page has two tags which can be used for pics and journaling. I also made a pocket using a Martha Stewart fence punch. I cut out a cat and a ghost from my cricut. You also see a Recollections Journaling tag.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy tonight!

Fright Night

2011-10-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Happy Friday. So begins a super busy week! First some business, the winner of last weeks stamp set is Julie E. Please email me with your address so that I can get your stamps to you. This week I am giving away this fun fall stamp set from Hanna stamps. To win just leave a comment on this post and I will post a winner next Friday.

Saturday, Lily has dance and Tyler has soccer and Tyler has his first non-family birthday party to go to. Then on Sunday, my friends and I are taking my sister our for her birthday which is actually on the day after Halloween. Apparently, my mom was supposed to have a c-section since my sister was breach with the cord wrapped around her neck, but the 2 year old me had the royal fit of all fits when my mother took my Halloween candy away which as my mother tells it caused her to go into labor early which is why my sister was born the day after Halloween.

Then on Monday, it's Halloween and we usually all go to my mom's and do our trick or treating there, that way my parents can see the kids and we can all go together in the neighborhood we grew up in.

Today, I am sharing something that I have been working on for awhile, this Halloween mini. First, I have to give enormous credit to Kathy Orta from Paper Phenomenon. This is from her paperback album tutorials. Yes, this album is made using paperbags. On the cover of her album, she used a skeleton and I couldn't find one that I liked but I found this super cute spider which worked perfectly. I used hotglue to adhere it. I also used Recollections dimensional stickers in the album especially on the front cover.

The book has tons of real estate for pictures and large pictures too. There are pockets and foldouts - very cool. Here is a pocket along with some dimensional stickers and a journaling tag also from

It really is a paperback album and so there are pullouts from the bag - I put tabs on the end of these to make it easier to pull out.

I will show the rest of the pics tomorrow. Making these mini albums is getting addicting. They are really fun to make and once you 've made a few, they are easy and quite quick to make! Thanks for looking today.

Best Foot Forward

2011-10-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Today's card was a quick one to put together using the August stamp of the month from CTMH. I stamped all the elements in black and used my glue pen to put black glitter on her dress. The dp is scraps from an SEI halloween paper pad.

Today's post is a quickie!

Halloween High

2011-10-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

Today's card is a fun one. The dp is scraps from an SEI paper pack and the scrap that was left included this moon and stars so it was perfect background for this witch that I cut from the Cricut Martha Stewart Cartridge. The fence is an SU Martha Stewart punch. The sentiment is from Pink by Design.

So Lily is going to be Princess Tiana from the Princess and the Frog. I got her the whole ensemble, shoes, tiara, wand. Robert has to take Tyler to the Halloween store to pick out his costume. He keeps changing his mind.

Have a good day!

Love Bandit Blog Candy

2011-10-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Last week's winner wasLinda Peterson, Please contact me with your address. This week's prize is this awesome SU stamp set. To win just leave a comment on this post and I will post the winner next Friday.

Glittery witch

2011-10-20T06:09:00.000-07:00

Today I am sharing a card that I made using the Martha Stewart cartridge - I think it's occasions. I cut the moon and all the layers at 3.0. The witch was cut with black paper and I then covered it with black glitter. The dp is scrap from my SEI Halloween paper pack from last year and was scraps from my Halloween mini album that I hopefully will be showing you guys at the end of the month. The ribbon is from my stash but i think that it came from Taylored Expressions. It's a pretty simple card but Halloween signals the busy season for my - lots of birthdays and the holidays all rolled into one! Have a good day.

Live life

2011-10-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

Today, I am sharing a project that I will be linking up for a Cricut Blog Challenge to make a project for someone. This project will be given to a colleague for Christmas. This album is from a tutorial from Kathy Orta from Paper Phenomenon and is made of envelopes. The front cover has a welded sentiment using the Gypsy font. The butterfly is from Art Philosophy. I covered the sentiment with red stickles and the butterfly has some pearls from my Viva Decor pen. The binding is a Duck (duct) tape binding.

The paper is from the Blossoms stack from DCWV and here is a pocket with some tags including a fun butterfly tag.

Here are some other tags and journaling spots.

I hope that you like my product today! I am super addicted to making these albums so you will be seeing more of them!

Hats off!

2011-10-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Today's simple card uses scraps - the dp is from an SEI paper pack that I am using for a Halloween mini book I am making and the ribbon is also a scrap that I just found floating around my ribbon drawer. The stamps are from CTMH and were the stamp of the month for August. The stamps of the month this quarter are awesome and many of them coordinate with their Art Philosophy cricut cartridge. The size of the card is 4.25 x 4.25.

Thanks for looking!

Boo!

2011-10-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Today's card is a silly one using the ghost from 3 Little Birds Cricut cartridge. The paper is from Martha Stewart and was inspired by a card from Cardztv.blogspot.com

I still haven't gotten the kids their costumes, I better get started because time is ticking! Thanks for looking!

The Pumpkin Patch & Blog Candy!

2011-10-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

Last week's blog candy winner is Luanne: This week, the blog candy is this Boho Blossoms Retired stamp set from MFT. To win just leave a comment on this post and I will post the winner next week.

Today, I am sharing a layout that I made of our trip to the Pumpkin Patch last year. I finally got around to making a layout. I used retired SU dp and my cricut. I think I used the Robotz cart for the lettering and the pumpking are from Create a Critter. I really did a simple layout but the pictures really were so fun with wonderful colors that I think they told the story. It has been awhile since I posted a layout. I am again so behind! I have only a few short months to get 2011 scrapped! Ugh! I better get to work!

I cannot believe how hot is has been, high 90's and even 100! Last night we ate dinner at the gourmet food trucks they have every Thursday by my sister's house. I had the ultimate taco from the Lime Truck (which one the Great Food Truck Race on Food TV Network), yummy. Today, I am taking the kids to my parents house to go swimming. Yep, swimming in October. I hear it's supposed to cool down and I am looking forward to it because it's just too hot to do anything!

have a good weekend everyone.

Trick or Treat

2011-10-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

Today's card is for the Cricut Circle Blog Challenge to win a Cricut Imagine. It was a sketch challenge and I used the Mini Monsters Cart for the sentiment and the witch was cut using the Pumpkin Carvings cartridge. The ribbon is from my stash and I have so little of it left. The dp is from WE R Memory Keepers. I did a little bit of doodling to make the images stand out a bit.

Don't forget that I have blog candy here.

I have a super busy week! Thanks for looking.

Witch Girl

2011-10-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

Today, I have a card made using a new stamp set that I just got from SU. I think it's called Card cuties or something to that effect. It has cute kids representing the fall and winter holidays. I used this cute little witch girl sitting on a pumpkin and colored her with copics. Her cape and hat have black glitter. I used some more of the scraps sitting on my desk for the background. The dp is SEI from last year. I want to say it's called Spookville.

Only a couple of more days until Halloween. I hope that you are all ready for the ghosts and goblins to pay a visit!

No prize this week, I am using this week to play catch up. Last week's winner was: Please email me to claim your prize. I have a lot of unclaimed prizes so please check to see if you have won. If their are no claims to past prizes than I will be giving the unclaimed prizes away in December. You guys have until next Friday to claim your prizes and then I am moving on. When you email me please tell me what prize you have won.

Thanks to everyone who visits me each week. I hope that you all enjoy the blog candy. Next week I will be back to offering my blog candy...I just need a little teeny tiny week off.

Circles and Coffee...

2011-10-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

Today, I am sharing a funky creation. It was cased from a RAK that I received. First, I punched out circles of different sizes using my punches in daffodil and green and adhered them to the front of my espresso cardstock. I then embossed with the swiss dots folder. The coffee cup and sentiment are from A Muse studio and are stamped in kraft. It's so not my style but I love the funky look of it!

Thanks for looking today!

Fall Candy

2011-10-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Today's card is for another Cricut Circle Blogoversary challenge. The challenge was to use the cuttlebug. I made a card using the Just Cards cartridge. My sheep is cuttlebugged with the dots embossing folder. I doodled on the sentiment part. The paper is pumpkin pie, black and marina mist. The dp is from my stash and of course I can't remember the name of it. The ribbon is celery and it's SU. It was from sale-a-bration a few years ago. It' s a simple card but I like how it came out.

Last week's winner is Suzanne: Please email me with your address so that I can mail your prize to you.

This week's prize is this fall stamp set from MFT. I think that it's retired. To win, leave a comment on this post and I will post the winner next week.

Hello...

2011-10-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

Today, I am sharing a card that I made for a challenge and didn't post in time. In this case, one of the mojo Monday's from August. I used the sketch found there, along with Just Cake dp, espresso and daffodil cardstock and chocolate satin ribbon.

The stamp is from the Posy hostess stamp set. The colors are not my usual colors so that was fun. Have a good day!

Dog Gone It!

2011-10-05T06:04:00.000-07:00

This week the Cricut Circle Blog is celebrating its anniversary. The challenge for this card is to use one of the exclusive circle cartridges. For the challenge I used the Pop-UP Neighborhood cart and cut the dog house at 3.75 and the dog was cut at 2.0. I used my white gel pen and black pen for a little bit of doodling because some of the cuts looked a little stark. The dp is from my stash and was exactly the right size I needed. The sentiment is from Pink by Design stamps. I really like how it came out. Thanks for looking. Don't forget I have blog candy listed below!

Hot Dog

2011-10-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

I have a shaped card for you all today. I actually had made this for a challenge but I didn't get a chance to post it in time. The cuts are all from Create a Critter. The dp is retired and the colors are peach parfait and daffodil. The sentiment is from My Pink Stamper. I used my Cuttlebug for a little embossing. I added a little white stitching. Isn't a fun card for a little kid? Lily loved it and commandeered it.

Have a great day!

World Card Making Day Challenge!

2011-10-03T21:55:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,
Today, I am sharing the thank you cards that I made for Tyler's birthday. It was also the perfect card for World Card Making day and I am submitting it for the Cricut Circle blog World Card making Challenge. The card uses the Mickey and Friends cartridge, cut with all his layers. The dp is EK success and the sentiment stamp is from CTMH. I also used gingham ribbon. I believe that Mickey was cut at 3.5. Thanks for looking today.

Monster Hugs

2011-10-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

Today's card uses the Mini Monsters Cartridge. I have hardly used this and I have had it for awhile but I decided to bust it out for Halloween projects this year so it's been mostly experimenting. This card uses scraps from my Halloween album which I will be showing at the end of the month. This monster is cut at 3.5 and I used my Peachy Keen stamps and some doodling. I think that in retrospect, I should have used some kind of embossing folder on him but I think the doodling help to define him a bit. I used some stickles on his antennae and the sentiment is from Pink By Design.

I'm a little bummed that Halloween is on a Monday this year. That makes for a long and miserable week but the kids are so looking forward to it. Have a good day!

Blueberry Maine Posies

2011-10-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have visiting my blog for awhile, know that I have been working through this Blueberry Maine dp for awhile and I found this card that I haven't posted yet. I used the hostess posies stamp set and olive satin ribbon.

It's really hard to use up all of this paper sometimes. How do you guys get through big (or even small) packs of paper? I'd love some suggestions!

Art Philosophy

2011-10-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

Today, I am sharing a card that I made with the Art Philosophy CTMH cartridge. I so wish that SU had decided to develop a Cricut cartridge instead of partnering up with Sizzix. I got to tell you this cartridge is awesome! The paper is CTMH and the flower and the shaped card are also from CTMH. I added some stitching and a sentiment and it was done. So pretty and easy. The flower was the first that I made and it was really easy to roll. There is a ton on these cartridges and I am so glad that I bought it. Plus, it's just genius having stamps that work perfectly with the cuts.

Thanks so much for visiting me today!

Heidi Grace Candy

2011-09-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks for visiting this week's blog candy. To win just leave a comment on this post and I will post the winner next Friday.

Last week's winner is Marybeth: Please email me so that I can get your address to mail your prize.

My new thing is mini books. I am having so much making them and hope to show you all some finished creations soon. This weekend is soccer and I'm trying to find a dance studio for Lily that offers something besides ballet. She's been asking to go to dance class. Other than that, I hope for a relaxing weekend!

Hope you all have a good weekend!

Flirtatious

2011-09-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

Today, I am combining the new - SU dp Flirtatious Specialty and the stamp set is an older one called Flight of the Butterfly. I like the colors very spring like. The inks used were blushing bride, cobbler and a retired purple.

Thanks for checking me out today. I am trying to figure out what the kids are going to be for Halloween. Lily is pretty flexible. She would like to be Rapunzle which would be fine and since she has long hair, I could just braid it and now have to use a fake blond braid. Tyler is having a tough time deciding but I hate to wait until the last minute...

With a little help

2011-09-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Today's card uses a sentiment from an old SU stamp set and the fabulous florets stamp set. The stamps were stamped randomly on white cardstock using pacific point, pear parfait and daffodil ink. A simple card but fun to make. I forgot how fun it was to stamp randomly! It also reminded me to look at some of my older images and work them in with the new!

Work has been really busy and with Ty's kindergarten homework (read my homework too) and soccer and Lily's dance class and meetings, well it doesn't leave as much time as I would like to work on projects! Have a great day everyone.

Monster Trick or Treat

2011-09-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have two posts today so don't forget to see my other card for the day. Today's card is for the cardztv challenge to make a scary card. This card uses a monster from Mini Monsters Cricut Cartridge. The monster's tummy was run through the small bubbles cuttlebug folder and I used Peachy Keen stamps for the face and used a googly eye. The black mat was cut with elegant edges. The sentiment is from Pink Expressions. and the dp is from Martha Stewart.

Don't forget that I have blog candy also!

Cheers Chica!

2011-09-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

Today's card is for all of us who made it through the first week's back at school. Back to routine, lunches, baths and all that jazz. The dp is from SU and is called Blueberry Maine. The stamp is a Bella stamp. Her outfit is paperpieced and the kiwi kiss dp was embossed with a birds and vines cuttlebug folder. The satin ribbon is old olive. I wish I looked that good! Thanks for looking today.

Blog Candy Giveaway

2011-09-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

Last week's winner is: Josie0602. This week I am giving away this very cute SU stamp set called Bitty Bolds. To win just leave a comment on this post and I will post a winner next Friday.

I have been super busy just getting back into the swing of things. today, I have a professional development day at work and on Saturday I am taking Tyler for his soccer pictures and on Sunday, we are going to brunch and taking the kids to take some professional pictures. Also, my bachelor brother just got engaged! Super exciting, we love our new sister-in-law to be and the kids love her too. Both of my kids will be in the wedding which is exciting but scary!

I hope to do some challenges this week and make some cajun chicken pasta which I saw on the Pioneer Woman! Have a great weekend!

Blue Picnic

2011-09-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! As you can tell, I am still working on using up this SU Maine Blueberry dp. The cardbase is kiwi kiss. The stamp set is the Picnic one from PapertreyInk. I colored in the image using copics. It's a simple layout but sometimes, if you have a messy work space like mine, it's easier to make another card with everything that's out then put it all away!

Thanks for looking.

Happy 5th birthday!

2011-09-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Tyler. He is finally 5! I say finally, because he's been itching to be 5 for months! I finally completed his birthday layout from turning 4 over the summer. I used the Cars cartridge and this fun superhero dp. I love how it came out. That Lightning McQueen is a hard one. Tons of layers that cut out super tiny. I really struggled with it but since it was going on a layout, I was able to cut it quite big! My kids love birthdays, even birthdays that aren't theres. They love singing and blowing out candles and presents. Lily even asks her dad to tell her happy birthday before she goes to sleep, because she just loves thinking it's her birthday. Thanks for checking me out today.

Yellow Bus

2011-09-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Today's card is another school themed card. The sentiment and the bus is from My Community. It looked so plain that I added the lettering on the bus. The ribbon is also SU. The background paper is from a very old CTMH paper pack. I added some stitching around the bus with my black pen. Thanks for looking!

Happy Moments Blog Candy

2011-09-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

Last week's winner is SUZANNE. This week I am giving away this fabulous SU stamp set. I think that it was a Sellabration stamp set. To win just leave a comment on this post and I will post a winner using Random.org next Friday.

Edited to add: Sorry for the delay in announcing the winner but Ty's birthday party is this weekend and I waited until the last minute to get ready!

Little Bookworm

2011-09-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I hope that you've been enjoying the School themed projects the past couple of week's on the blogaroo. Today's card uses Blueberry Maine DP. The stamps are all from First Day from SU. The book is paperpieced and the worm is colored in with copics. As a Librarian, I just love little bookworms. I collect all book oriented stamps, just love them. Have a good day!

School Bird

2011-09-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

Today's card uses a lot of bright and cheerful primary colors. I am not sure what the name of this dp, it's from a super old CTMH paper pack. I used red and yellow and a couple of shades of blue. The little bird and sentiment is cut at 2.75 from the 3 Birds cartridge. The mats were cut from the Elegant Edges cartridge. I added some black stitching around the bird so he would stand out. Thanks so much for checking me out today!