Creative Antics

Birthday Treats

2011-08-05T00:00:00.003-05:00

Hey, all! Sorry I've been so quiet here on the blog. Not only have I been busy with fun summer activities, but every time I sit down to craft, the mojo is nowhere to be found.

On a good note, I've been focusing on my health, & I've lost 25 lbs. since the end of March (almost 50 lbs. since my heaviest a few years ago). Woohoo!

Anyway, on to the craftiness. My buddy, JoLynn, is celebrating a birthday tomorrow, so I threw together some treats for her.

I was inspired by this cute paper sack, so I used similar colors & a polka dot theme.

JoLynn & I are Zumba buddies, so I wanted to give her some healthier snacks.

I started with a pack of watermelon gum...

and added some Crystal Light packets. I also threw in some 100-calorie pack snacks for good measure.

Here's the glittery card I paired it all with.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Tart & Tangy, A Little Birthday Cheer (SU), Pucker Up (A Muse), Feelin' Fruity? (My Favorite Things)

Paper: PTI white, Raspberry Fizz, Echo Park & American Crafts pp

Ink: Only Orange, Pixie Pink, Yoyo Yellow, Green Galore, Taken with Teal, Basic Black

Accessories: SU circle punch, Martha Stewart glitter, dimensionals, American Crafts flair, Michaels ribbon

Temping with the Girl Fridays!

2011-07-21T23:01:00.003-05:00

Fun news: I'm today's guest designer over at CAS-ual Fridays! I LOVE designing CAS creations, & I'm so excited to be joining the Girl Fridays this week!

Our sponsor for this challenge is EAD Designs! They make the CUTEST rub-ons, stickers, & vinyl wall art. Just wait 'til you see what they have for the winner this week!

In keeping with our sponsor, the theme for this week is "Here's the Rub." Use rub-ons on your creation; if you don't have any, you can use stickers, too.

Talk about an awesome sponsor! Not only did EAD provide the DT with rub-ons to play with, but they sent some along to me, too! Yay!

I chose this adorable deer & coordinating sentiment from the Sweet Nothings kit. I kept the overall design very CAS but chose a fun color combo to keep things fresh.

So, ready to play along with us? Just link up your *new* CAS creation using rub-ons or stickers to the CAS-ual Fridays blog. You have until 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, July 27 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Paper: Pretty in Pink, Basic Gray, PTI white, Hawaiian Shores

Accessories: Sweet Nothings rub-ons (EAD Designs)

Wee Memories Challenge 62

2011-07-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone! I'm back with another Wee Memories challenge!

This is a bittersweet post, as this will be my last challenge as a Wee Memories DT member. I've been with the team for a year now, & I felt it was time to move on. I have LOVED working with Jenny & the team of designers. What an amazing group of ladies to work with!

Enough chatter...on to this week's challenge. Our sponsor this time around is The Stamps of Life, & our winner will receive one of their awesome stamp sets!

Our challenge for you this time around is a theme near & dear to my heart...clean & simple (CAS)!

I chose to make a quick get-well card. That's definitely one of those unplanned occasions that requires an immediate card, so it's nice to have some in the stash ready to go.

I focused on the stamped sentiment & image. I cut out my flower & added some pearls for more emphasis. I embossed the base of my card to add some texture as well.

So, ready to play along with us? Just link up your CAS creation to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Aug. 5 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps:Blossom Art (Hero Arts), Healing Touch Sentiments (PTI)

Paper: Sweet Blush

Ink: Raspberry Fizz

Accessories: Polka Dot Basics II Impression Plate (PTI), Recollections pearls, Fiskars upper crest punch, dimensionals

Wee Memories Challenge 60

2011-06-18T07:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Saturday! Are you ready for another Wee Memories Challenge?

This time our sponsor is Eat Cake Graphics! Our winner will receive a $25 gift certificate! Woohoo!

In keeping with our sponsor's name, we thought it'd be fun to do a "party time" theme. Think birthday cards, invitations, gifts, etc.

I created a masculine birthday card using the Little Boy collection from Echo Park. My favorite part is the birthday candle I made using patterned paper & a bit of twine. Fun, right?

So, ready to play along with us? Link up your "party time" creation to the Wee Memories blog. Remember, now that it's summertime, you have TWO weeks to play along. The deadline is Fri., July 1 at midnight PST.

I can't wait to see your party ideas!

Stamps: Simple Sentiments (PTI)

Paper: Aqua Mist, PTI white, Echo Park pp

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: The Twinery twine, PTI ribbon, Fiskars Upper Crest punch

You Are a Treasure

2011-06-12T23:21:00.000-05:00

Hey, all! Hope your summer is off to a great start! Mine is busy, busy, busy so far with no signs of slowing down. So much for the lazy days of summer, huh?

Just wanted to pop in with my card for this week's CAS-ual Fridays Challenge. The ladies are playing Tic Tac Toe...I chose the middle row--ribbon, dies/punch, & felt for my card.

I love this dress form die from Papertrey. I dressed up my felt with a rhinestone necklace, & I scored the gray panel with my Scor-Pal to add some texture.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Dress Form Mini Stamp Set (PTI)

Paper: Basic Gray, PTI white

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: PTI felt & Signature Series Dress Form Die, SU ribbon, Kaisercraft rhinestones

Wee Memories Challenge 59: Blog Hop Time!

2011-06-04T07:00:00.004-05:00

Hey, all! It's time for the Wee Memories blog hop! You should have arrived here from Anita's blog. You can always start at the beginning over at Wee Memories.

This week we are being sponsored by the awesome Amber Ink!

Our challenge is simple...anything goes! I want to see you ALL joining in on the fun!

The DT was fortunate to receive some free digis to work with. I chose Bunny Hug from the Love Bunny line. Isn't it adorable? I added some pearls to make a girl rabbit...

& some Fun Flock to make their bunny butts nice & fuzzy.

So, I hope you'll join us for our anything goes challenge. Just a note: Starting this week, Wee Memories challenges will become two-week challenges, so you'll have more time to play during the busy summer months. You can see all the details at the Wee Memories blog.

Now, head on over to Giovanna's blog!

Stamps: Bunny Hug (Amber Ink), Love Always Wins (Technique Tuesday)

Paper: Real Red, PTI white, PTI pp

Ink: Basic Black, Real Red

Accessories: Fun Flock, Kaisercraft pearls, SU heart punch

Wee Memories Challenge 58

2011-05-28T08:32:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday! You know what that means...time for another Wee Memories challenge! This week's fabulous sponsor is May Arts! Yay for ribbon!

Our winner this week will receive a ribbon prize pack!

We have a super fun challenge for you this time: Use Pinterest or Etsy as your inspiration! I am OBSESSED with Pinterest lately, so finding inspiration there wasn't hard.

I chose this chair for its colors & mix of patterns.

And here's my card! When I saw the chair, I immediately thought of these PTI patterned papers, & using the On My Couch set seemed like a no-brainer. Hope you like it!

So, ready to play along with us? Search for inspiration on Pinterest or Etsy, then link up your finished creation to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., June 3 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see your creations!

Stamps: On My Couch (PTI)

Paper: PTI white, PTI pp

Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black

Accessories: PTI ribbon

Brighter Days

2011-05-24T21:08:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone! Hope your week is going better than mine. I've missed a day & a half of work due to illness...not a good thing considering this is the last week of school...TONS to grade & final exams to prepare my kids for!

Anyhoo, I wanted to get this card in before the deadline for this week's CAS-ual Fridays Challenge to use bling on your card. Those of you who follow this blog regularly know how I love to bling out my butterflies!

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Healing Touch Sentiments (PTI)

Paper: Sweet Blush, Echo Park & PTI pp

Ink: Raspberry Fizz

Accessories: Martha Stewart butterfly punches, PTI Signature Series butterfly, Kaisercraft rhinestones

Wee Memories Challenge 57

2011-05-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Saturday! It's time for this week's Wee Memories Challenge!

Our sponsor is the amazing Market Street Stamps! They have adorable clear stamps, & this week's winner will receive a gift certificate to buy some of those cuties!

So, what's our challenge? With Market Street Stamps as our sponsor, "stamp it" is our theme...be sure to use stamps somewhere on your creation.

Market Street Stamps provided the design team with some of their stamps; I chose this ADORABLE set, Computer Cutie. I paired it with a fun color combo & some playful polka dots...you like?

Ready to play along with our stamping challenge? Just link up your finished creation to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., May 27 to be eligible for this week's prize.

So get stamping! I can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps: Computer Cutie (Market Street Stamps)

Paper: PTI white, Taken with Teal, Close to Cocoa, Regal Rose, SU pp

Ink: Close to Cocoa, Fresh Snow

Accessories: Nestabilities circles, EK Success embossed curve slim edger punch, Michaels ribbon

Reach for the Sky

2011-05-16T19:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! Just popping in with my entry for this week's CAS-ual Fridays Challenge.

This week's challenge is to use buttons & twine on your project. I used mine to accent the sentiment, which I think goes very nicely with the clouds & the Echo Park paper.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Up, Up, & Away Sentiments (PTI)

Paper: Real Red, Hawaiian Shores, PTI white, Echo Park pp

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Polka Dot Basics II Impression Plate, Cloud 1 & 2 Collection, buttons (PTI), The Twinery twine

Wee Memories Challenge 56

2011-05-14T07:00:00.005-05:00

Hey, all! Time once again for a Wee Memories Challenge! This week's fabulous sponsor is SRM Stickers! They have really cute images & TONS of awesome sentiments for you to choose from!

Wouldn't you love to win a bunch of their stickers? Well, you can't win if you don't play!

So, in keeping with our sponsor, we challenge you this week to get sticky...use stickers or rub-ons on your project!

The DT was lucky to receive a bunch of fun SRM Stickers to play with. I used a sentiment from the Life is Good set on my card.

So, ready to join us? Link up your "sticky" creation to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., May 20 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Paper: PTI white, PTI pp

Accessories: Life is Good (SRM Stickers), Prima flowers, SU Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch

Caring Thoughts

2011-05-10T16:24:00.001-05:00

Hey there! Long time, no see! I've been SO busy lately, my poor little blog is feeling neglected. With the end of the school year fast approaching, I'm hoping I will be back to frequent posting soon.

So, what have I been up to? Well, school this time of year is always crazy, but I've also been busy with family & friends, pinning (you can follow me on Pinterest here)...AND, on an exciting note, I've lost 10 pounds & counting!

Anyhoo, on to today's card. It's been ages since I've had time to play along with challenges, so I chose two--one a long-time favorite & one that's brand spankin' new! I'm playing along with The Play Date Cafe Challenge 80 & CAS-ual Fridays Challenge 1.

This first CAS challenge is to use text in an interesting way. I chose to emboss my background with text, then use the negative space from the die-cut butterflies so the text can peek through. It's subtle, but I like the way it turned out. What do you think?

Stamps: Healing Touch Sentiments (PTI)

Paper: Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, PTI white

Ink: Fresh Snow (PTI)

Accessories: Signature Series butterfly (PTI), Butterflies Die (My Favorite Things), Book Print Impression Plate (PTI), Kaisercraft pearls

Wee Memories Challenge 54

2011-04-30T07:00:00.002-05:00

Hey there! Time for Wee Memories Challenge 54! Are you ready for a fun one?

This week's sponsor is Tiffany Doodles! They have lots of adorable digi stamps to choose from, & this week's winner will receive a $15 gift certificate!

So, what's our challenge for you this week? One of my favorites...

Paper piecing! It's such a fun & easy technique to do with both digi & traditional stamps. Plus, I'm a huge fan of paper piecing because I'm not the world's best colorer. With this technique, I let the cute patterned paper do all the work!

Tiffany Doodles provided the design team with some fun digis to work with. I chose this adorable bird & sentiment from the Birdies Housework set. I paper pieced my bird with a blue gingham pattern & paired it with some red ribbon...one of my favorite color combos.

So, ready to play along with us? Just link up your project to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., May 6 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see your paper pieced creations!

Stamps: Birdies Housework (Tiffany Doodles)

Paper: Real Red, Aqua Mist, PTI white, unknown pp

Accessories: PTI ribbon, dimensionals

Wee Memories Challenge 53

2011-04-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone! Thanks for stopping by for the latest Wee Memories Challenge! This week's sponsor is a fun one...Magnolia-Licious! They are offering our winner 3 mini Magnolia stamps!

So, what's our challenge? "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!" (Are you singing the song yet?) We want you to create girly projects this time around. So think about the girls in your life, & get creating!

I had my 10-year-old niece in mind when I created my card. She's a competitive dancer, & because of that, she's very into hair, make-up, costumes...and let's just say she has a flair for the dramatic.

She loves hot pink, & I figured I couldn't go wrong with glitter, rhinestones, AND pearls! Fun, right?

So, ready to play along? Create a girly project, then link it up to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Apr. 29 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see all your girly, fun creations!

Paper: Basic Gray, PTI white & pp

Accessories: American Crafts Thickers, Kaisercraft rhinestones & pearls

Wee Memories Challenge 52

2011-04-16T07:00:00.002-05:00

Hey there! Time for Wee Memories Challenge 52!

Our awesome sponsor is Your Next Stamp! They are offering our winner a stamp set for this week's challenge.

Our theme goes perfectly with our sponsor's adorable stamps..."All Things Adorable!" We're challenging you to crank up the cuteness factor on your projects!

Your Next Stamp provided the DT with some super cute stamps. I was fortunate to play with Mini Day Dream Fhiona for my card.

I wanted to make a little something different than a standard card, & this sweet image of a girl sitting on a giant flower inspired my idea.

Check out what's inside the mini envelope...

a pack of flower seeds! Don't you think it'd be a fun little surprise for a friend so she can start her own butterfly garden? I think it'll make a sweet thank you or even a "just because" card.

So, ready to play along with us? Just link up your adorable project to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Apr. 22 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see your adorable creations!

Stamps: Mini Day Dream Fhiona (Your Next Stamp), Garden of Life (PTI)

Paper: PTI kraft

Ink: Adirondack Espresso

Accessories: mini envelope, seed packet, PTI button & ribbon, Copic markers, Spica glitter pen, SU linen thread

Wee Memories Challenge 51

2011-04-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

Hey there! I'm back with the latest Wee Memories challenge! This time we're asking you to "get tangled up in twine!"

Now if you don't own any twine, feel free to use thread or whatever similar material you may have on hand.

Bet you can guess who our AMAZING sponsor is this week...

The Twinery! Their twine is awesome to work with, & they've even added new colors recently. Our winner this week will receive a nine-color twine sampler pack.

The DT was lucky enough to receive a huge sampler pack to play with.

I went with a simple design, using twine as the string on my kite. I love the sentiment, too: "Imagination is the highest kite one can fly."

I think it makes a cute spring card, don't you?

So, ready to join us? Link up your twine project to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Apr. 15 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps: In the Park (Taylored Expressions)

Paper: PTI white

Ink: Regal Rose

Accessories: The Twinery twine, dimensionals

Wee Memories Challenge 50

2011-04-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone! It's time for another Wee Memories blog hop!

We have an awesome sponsor for this challenge...Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker! Our winner will receive an awesome paper pack!

AND...in honor of this being our 50th challenge--can you believe it?!--our founder, Jenny, is offering another special surprise to this week's winner...buttons! YOU know you wanna play!

Our challenge this time is a color inspiration...use the colors in the photo to inspire your creation.

The design team was lucky to receive some sweet papers from our sponsor to use on our cards. I used these fun papers from the Tree Love collection. I cut out the tree from one of the papers to use as my main image, then accented it with the fun trees in the background.

So, ready to play along? Link your color-inspired creation to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Apr. 8 to be eligible for the prizes.

I hope you liked what you saw here. Head over to Giovanna's blog next to see what she's created for this week's challenge!

Stamps: Garden of Life (PTI)

Paper: Mellow Moss, Bravo Burgundy, Nikki Sivils pp

Ink: Bravo Burgundy

Accessories: Nestabilities circles, dimensionals

Pucker Up!

2011-03-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday! Hope your weekend is going well. Today is the last day of my spring break, & I'm sad at the thought of going back to work...BUT only 43 more school days 'til SUMMER!!! Woohoooooo!!!

Today's card was inspired by Tuesday Trigger: A Citrus Celebration over at the Moxie Fab World.

I immediately loved the bright green & the polka dots, but the word "citrus" is what really inspired my card...

I used some fun polka dotted paper from Jillibean Soup to paper piece these limes, then added the fun sentiment to finish it off. I used FTL133 as my sketch.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Feelin' Fruity? (My Favorite Things)

Paper: YoYo Yellow, PTI white & kraft, Jillibean Soup pp

Ink: Adirondack Espresso

Accessories: Polka Dot Basics II Impression Plate (PTI), dimensionals

Wee Memories Challenge 49

2011-03-26T07:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Saturday! It's time once again for a Wee Memories challenge! This week's FABULOUS sponsor is none other than My Favorite Things! They have super cute stamps, of course, but also lots of great accessories, including their fun die-namics line.

Our winner this week will win a gift certificate to My Favorite Things! Cool, right?

Our challenge this time around is an easy one: "Free Your Creativity." All you need to do is create a NEW project this week, & you're in!

Kim (the owner of MFT) is amazing, & she generously gave the DT our choice of goodies to play with. I used Start the Day with Whee! on my card, along with some of their Puff Cloud White felt. I paper pieced the girl's dress & gave her glittery shoes a la Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. I snipped the "grass" with my scissors to add a little extra dimension. I think it makes for a fun little spring card, don't you?

So, ready to play along? Just link up your finished creation to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Apr. 1 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps: Start the Day with Whee! (MFT)

Paper: Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, PTI white, SU pp

Ink: Adirondack Espresso

Accessories: Nestabilities circles & scalloped circles, MFT felt, PTI cloud dies, Copic & SU markers, Spica red glitter pen

Hey, Peeps!

2011-03-25T15:56:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone! Sorry I've been so quiet here lately. As some of you know, I was very busy with my school's musical for the past couple of months, & when things finally settled down, I had NO mojo. None. Not even the desire to stamp. The only stamping I've done was for the Wee Memories challenges, & that kind of "have to" stamping rarely helps with creativity. I haven't even felt like visiting any crafty blogs...hoping I get out of this funk soon!

Anyhoo, I am trying to get back into the swing of things, so I played along with a challenge today, using this inspiration pic from Jay Gee's Nook Challenge #5.

I was inspired by the lovely colors; they're so fresh & springy. Spring makes me think of flowers, butterflies, & birds...which is what led to my card.

Nothing earth-shattering, but it feels good to at least make something I don't hate.

Stop by tomorrow for another fun Wee Memories challenge! Have a great weekend!

Stamps: Everyday Button Bits (PTI), Favorite Peeps (A Muse)

Paper: Aqua Mist, Kraft

Ink: Adirondack Espresso

Accessories: PTI button, The Twinery twine, Die-Namics Dainty Dots Border (My Favorite Things)

Wee Memories Challenge 48

2011-03-19T07:00:00.006-05:00

Hi, everyone! We have a SUPER special Wee Memories Challenge for you this week!

Our awesome sponsor is Lawn Fawn! You have TWO chances to win a Lawn Fawn stamp set this week. Why?

Because we are co-sponsoring our challenge with the Lawnscapings Challenge!

We are asking you to focus on cute and/or cuddly creations this week...perfect for any Lawn Fawn sets you might have!

As part of this special challenge, we have TWO guest designers: Kelly Marie, owner of Lawn Fawn (& one of the sweetest girls you will ever meet!), along with Kathy from The Daily Marker!

I pulled out my Critters in the Sea set for this card. I just love the adorable whale image, & I couldn't resist paper piecing him with some polka dotted paper. Who doesn't love a hot pink whale?

One neat thing about clear stamps is that you can curve the sentiment like I did here. It's a fun little twist that can be the perfect finishing touch to your creation. And check out my ocean...it's actually FABRIC from American Crafts. Cool, right?

So, are you ready to play along? Just link up your finished creation to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Mar. 25 to be eligible for the prizes.

I can't wait to see your cute & cuddly creations!

Stamps: Critters in the Sea (Lawn Fawn)

Paper: PTI white, PTI pp, American Crafts fabric

Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black, Raspberry Fizz

Accessories: dimensionals

Wee Memories Challenge 47

2011-03-12T07:00:00.001-06:00

Hi, everyone! I'm back with another fun Wee Memories challenge!

This week's sponsor is Annabelle Stamps! They have super cute stamps & lots of other fun stuff in their store. Be sure to check them out!

Our lucky winner this week will receive a free stamp set from Annabelle Stamps!

Now that it's March, we're inching closer & closer to spring every day, so our challenge this week is to create springtime or St. Patrick's Day creations!

The DT was lucky enough to receive some stamps from our sponsor, Annabelle Stamps, to play with for this challenge. I used this adorable stamp called Lil Bee's Big Flowers. I used a combination of Copics & SU markers to color it, then I added some sparkle to the bee's wings & the centers of the flowers.

So, ready to play along? Link up your spring/St. Patty's Day creation on the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PDT on Fri., Mar. 18.

Stamps: Lil Bee's Big Flowers (Annabelle's Stamps)

Paper: Sweet Blush, PTI white, Echo Park pp

Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black

Accessories: Copic markers, SU Certainly Celery marker & ribbon, Spica clear glitter pen

Wee Memories Challenge 45

2011-02-26T07:00:00.004-06:00

I have a very special Wee Memories Challenge for you today! This week's theme is "United We Stamp" because we are asking YOU to join us in making cards for Operation Write Home! This organization helps soldiers keep in touch with family members back home by providing them with handmade cards. You can learn more by visiting their website AND the Wee Memories blog.

Our awesome sponsor is one of my personal favorites, Unity Stamp Co.! (Just ordered from them yesterday as they are always having awesome deals...not to mention their adorable stamps! I'm in love with their Itty Bitty collection!) Our winner will receive one of those amazing stamp sets!

Unity generously gave the DT some stamps to play with. I received this cute little tree, so I made a simple thinking of you card.

Operation Write Home prefers flatter cards, & thinking of you is one of the general themes they are requesting. Be sure to read their guidelines & current needs before you make your card.

So, ready to play along? I hope you will! Link up your finished creation on the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Mar. 4 to be eligible for the prizes.

Hope to see YOU playing along for Operation Write Home!

Stamps: Beauty Tree (Unity), Everyday Messages (Hero Arts)

Paper: Aqua Mist, My Mind's Eye pp

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: SU markers

Etsy Inspired #128

2011-02-26T02:00:00.002-06:00

This marks my last post as a guest designer for the Etsy Inspired Challenge. The month has flown by, but I've had tons of fun! I want to thank Ashley & all the EIC gals for welcoming me into their little group.

Onto our featured shop for this week...The Hidden Alphabet, where ordinary objects and architectural elements are turned into original, photographic art that resemble letters of the alphabet. It is a very cool shop, & their pieces are amazing! The artist is based in Illinois, so I've been lucky enough to see the work in person, & it is impressive! They are offering one winner an 8x10 personalized LOVE print!

Our sponsor for this challenge is Paper and Roses. They are offering one winner a prize pack that includes a set of 6 vintage gift tags, 6 paper posies, & a set of 8 flower gift tags.

I was immediately inspired by ALL of The Hidden Alphabet, but I ultimately came up with my project idea when I saw this letter A.

I've had one of those wooden letter A's for the longest time...I bought it on clearance with the intention of decorating it, then displaying it in my craft space. I never seemed to get around to actually doing it, though, so I took this opportunity to finally work on it.

And here's my final product. I kept it clean & simple, just like my card making style, & used some of my favorite things: glitter, butterflies, polka dots, turquoise & pink, & rhinestones.

Here's a close-up of a couple of the butterflies. Glitter & bling? YUM!

Be sure to check out the rest of the DT to see how they were inspired:

Angi
Ashley
Carole
De
Emily
Jackie

Joy
Kerry
Ruby
Savannah
Sherry
Virginia

So, are you ready to play along? Head over to The Hidden Alphabet shop to gather inspiration. Then link up your finished creation to the Etsy Inspired blog. If you are posting your creation to an online gallery, please use the keyword EIC128. You have until noon on Fri., Mar. 4 to be eligible for the prizes.

Hope to see you playing along in my last week as guest designer!

Paper: PTI pp

Accessories: wooden letter (Michaels), white acrylic paint, Martha Stewart glitter & butterfly punches, PTI butterfly die, Kaisercraft rhinestones

Papertrey February Blog Hop Challenge

2011-02-25T08:59:00.001-06:00

TGIF! It's time for another Papertrey blog hop! This month the focus is on scallops.

I made a scalloped butterfly using a edger punch & a PTI butterfly die, then added another scallop to the bottom of my card.

Tip: I recommend using patterned paper rather than cardstock to create your butterfly. I found (at least with my Cuttlebug) that the butterfly becomes too thick for the die to cut through. I also used a thinner generic white cardstock to attach the patterned paper to (again to diminish thickness).

Hope you like this! Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Cupcake Collection (PTI)

Paper: SU textured cardstock, Bitty Dot Basics pp

Ink: Fresh Snow

Accessories: PTI butterfly die, SU scallop edge punch, PTI button, Michaels pearls

For the Birds

2011-02-23T08:00:00.002-06:00

Hey, all! Happy hump day! I'm in the midst of another crazy week here. The musical is in less than 3 weeks, so I'm knee deep in rehearsals.

BUT I did squeeze out a bit of time to play along in the latest Embellish magazine color challenge...this time the focus is on birds.

I pulled out an old stamp set for this one, along with some unloved textured cardstock & this shade of blue which I rarely use, so this was a good challenge for me.

I used Tiff's Sketchy Sunday 008 as my layout.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Birds Galore (Inkadinkado), Birthday Basics (PTI)

Paper: Close to Cocoa textured, Brocade Blue, Naturals Ivory

Ink: Adirondack Espresso, Brocade Blue

Accessories: SU Square Lattice embossing folder, SU ribbon

Hello, Friend

2011-02-21T10:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday & a woot! woot! to all my fellow teachers here in the U.S. who are lucky enough to have the day off.

Today I'm playing along with two FUN challenges...have you heard about this week's "Combined Grind" challenge over at The Play Date Cafe? They have teamed up with CASE Study to bring us ONE fabulous inspiration! Now I'm ashamed to say that I have never played at CASE Study before (Sorry, Aimes!), but I am super excited to join in on the fun this week!

We were to use not only the colors, but anything from the inspiration card (courtesy of CASE Study's February muse, Eva Dobilas). I was inspired by the mix of patterns, the butterfly (including the text, which I used as a background), & the button tied with twine, so I incorporated all of those into my card. I sometimes find it difficult to CASE someone whose style is much more elaborate & detailed than mine, but I think I stayed true to me. What do you think?

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Friend Definition (Hero Arts), Framed, Mega Mixed Messages (PTI)

Paper: Basic Black, PTI kraft, PTI pp

Ink: Versamark, Adirondack Pitch Black

Accessories: PTI butterfly die, Basic Grey button, Ribbon fX ribbon, SU linen thread, dimensionals

Birthday Cupcake

2011-02-20T15:58:00.001-06:00

Happy Sunday, all! Hope you're having a good weekend. I have the day off tomorrow for President's Day, so I will be a busy little bee in my craft room. Hoping to catch up on some DT work as well as whip up a few things for some pub calls. I'm getting behind with all the work I'm doing on my school's musical...three-hour rehearsals 4 nights a week! Forgive me if I don't make it around to your blog as often as I usually do.

It's rainy here today...perfect for crafting...so I got busy with a few challenges. I combined Papertrey's Make It Monday #2 (use a vellum sentiment strip) with JUGS72 (aqua, melon, & kraft) & the Totally Stampalicious challenge to add glitter or bling. I glittered the frosting on my cupcake...I figure if you can't eat it, at least I can make it pretty to look at, right?

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Cupcake Collection, Simple Sentiments (PTI)

Paper: Berry Sorbet, Cool Caribbean, PTI kraft & white, white vellum

Ink: Berry Sorbet, Cool Caribbean, Adirondack Espresso

Accessories: Nestabilities circles, PTI buttons, Kaisercraft pearls

Wee Memories Challenge 44

2011-02-19T07:00:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Wee Memories Challenge #44! This week we have an awesome sponsor--Oh My Crafts! They are generously offering our winner a $15 gift certificate!

Our challenge this week is to use a papercrafting magazine or catalog as inspiration for your project!

I used a card found on page 29 of the current SU mini catalog as my inspiration piece. I used the layout & similar colors to create my card.

And here's my finished card. I tried to make my card a little more masculine (the inspiration card had birds & flowers) since I always need more guy birthday cards.

So, are you ready to play along? Get busy on your papercrafting project, then link up your finished creation on the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Feb. 25 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see what inspires you!

Stamps: Turning a New Leaf, Birthday Basics (PTI)

Paper: Old Olive, Taken with Teal, PTI white & kraft

Ink: Old Olive, Taken with Teal

Accessories: Fiskars upper crest punch, PTI button, SU linen thread

Etsy Inspired #127

2011-02-19T00:00:00.001-06:00

Hey, everyone! Time for another Etsy Inspired Challenge! This week's featured shop is Claylicious, home of functional & decorative handmade pottery.

Claylicious is offering this handmade ceramic owl desk buddy as a prize to one winner this week!

Plus, you can use the code "INSPIRED" to receive 10% off your purchase at Claylicious!

Our awesome sponsor is Your Next Stamp, who offer a unique variety of fun and whimsical rubber stamps for every occasion! They are offering one winner a $10 gift voucher!

I chose this fun little plate as my inspiration piece. The tree immediately reminded me of some stamps I own but haven't inked up, so I pulled them out & got to work.

I paper pieced my tree & added a simple sentiment. This will go into my masculine birthday card stash.

Be sure to check out the rest of the DT to see how they were inspired:

Angi
Ashley
Carole
De
Emily
Jackie

Joy
Kerry
Ruby
Savannah
Sherry
Virginia

So, are you ready to play along? Head over to the Claylicious shop to gather inspiration. Then link up your finished creation to the Etsy Inspired blog. If you are posting your creation to an online gallery, please use the keyword EIC126. You have until noon on Fri., Feb. 25 to be eligible for the prizes.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps: Funky Foliage (WPlus9), Birthday Basics (PTI)

Paper: PTI Kraft, SU pp

Ink: Adirondack Espresso

So Thoughtful

2011-02-15T00:00:00.003-06:00

Happy Tuesday! Hope your week is off to a great start!

Today I'm playing along with PDCC68. I was SO busy last week, I didn't get to play along, so I made sure to squeeze out some time to participate this week.

Aren't these colors pretty? I was a little intimidated at first, since the pics seemed vintage...& I am NOT a vintage girl.

BUT, that's why they call it a challenge, right?

Here's what I came up with. I started with the patterned paper (some old October Afternoon) & then pulled out this book reader image.

I ended up making a thank you card for a parent volunteer at my school. She helps me out in the library twice a week, so I'll give this to her with a little giftie at the end of the year.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: All Booked Up, Signature Greetings (PTI)

Paper: Sweet Blush, PTI Kraft, October Afternoon pp

Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black

Accessories: PTI ribbon, Nestabilities circles & scalloped circles, Michaels pearls

Love Ya!

2011-02-14T00:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope you are celebrating in a sweet way with your loved ones!

Today I'm playing along with Embellish magazine's color trends challenge...with hearts. Perfect for Valentine's Day, right?

Here's what I came up with...absolutely no stamping on this one. I used some new stuff--PTI heart dies, patterned paper from Echo Park, & some May Arts ribbon--then I dug into my stash & pulled out some old AC flair for my sentiment.

Hope you like it!

Paper: Real Red, PTI white & kraft, PTI pp, Echo Park pp

Accessories: American Crafts flair, PTI hearts dies, May Arts ribbon

Think Big

2011-02-13T00:00:00.002-06:00

Hi, everyone! Hope you're enjoying your weekend. I went to see The King's Speech last night. It was SO good; the acting was amazing, the storyline was inspiring (& quite funny in parts, which I wasn't expecting)...plus I got to stare at Colin Firth for two hours!

It was a busy week for me at work, & I've been disappointed that I haven't been able to participate in many of the anniversary festivities over at Papertrey Ink. BUT, I found a little time to play along with the Think Big challenge to incorporate something big into your project.

Since I am just itching for some springlike weather, I decided to make a big WARM sun for my card! I used a bunch of PTI stuff on this one...including an Impression Plate to give my "grass" some texture. The only things that aren't PTI are the ink & the Nestie I used to make the sun.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Scattered Showers (PTI)

Paper: Hawaiian Shores, New Leaf, white, Bitty Dot Basics pp

Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black

Accessories: Nestabilities Lacey Circles, PTI cloud dies, PTI ribbon, PTI Linen & Canvas Impression Plate

Wee Memories Challenge 43

2011-02-12T07:00:00.002-06:00

This is my second post for today. Please scroll down to see my project for the current Etsy Inspired Challenge.

Happy Saturday! It's time for this week's Wee Memories Challenge!

Our AMAZING sponsor this week is Penny Black! They offer some of the cutest rubber stamps around, along with fun stickers & specialty papers. Penny Black is generously offering clear & wood stamps to TWO winners this week!

Our theme this week is Live, Laugh, Love. Feel free to create anything that represents life's big moments, reflects love, shows humor...or all three!

I chose to combine a love theme with a little humor. I LOVE a good pun, so I inked up this cute salt & pepper shaker set with the fun "What's Shakin'?" sentiment. I colored the hearts on the shakers with a glitter pen for a bit of sparkle.

So, are you ready to play along? Get busy on your papercrafting project, then link up your finished creation on the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Feb. 18 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps: What's Shakin'? (Unity)

Paper: Aqua Mist, PTI white, unknown pp

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: PTI ribbon, Spica red glitter pen, dimensionals

Etsy Inspired #126

2011-02-12T02:00:00.003-06:00

Hello! I'm back again with another Etsy Inspired challenge!

This week's shop is Glow Girl! They offer coupon organizers, tote bags, & sandwich baggies that are both eco-friendly & ADORABLE! Glow Girl is offering a mega or regular sized coupon organizer to one lucky participant this week!

Our awesome sponsor this time around is The Stamping Boutique! They offer both digital & red rubber stamps that are SO cute! You can also visit their blog for fun challenges & inspiration.

The Stamping Boutique is offering a prize of 5 digis to one lucky winner!

I chose this coupon organizer with Japanese umbrella fabric as my inspiration. At first I thought about doing something quite literal with some umbrella stamps, but then I started to look at the umbrellas as simple circle shapes.

So I created this graphic masculine birthday card.

Be sure to check out the rest of the DT to see how they were inspired:

Angi
Ashley
Carole
De
Emily
Jackie

Joy
Kerry
Ruby
Savannah
Sherry
Virginia

So, are you ready to play along? Head over to the Glow Girl shop to gather inspiration. Then link up your finished creation to the Etsy Inspired blog. If you are posting your creation to an online gallery, please use the keyword EIC126. You have until noon on Fri., Feb. 18 to be eligible for the prizes.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps: Birthday Basics (PTI)

Paper: Old Olive, So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Hawaiian Shores, PTI Kraft

Ink: Adirondack Espresso

Accessories: Nestabilities circles

Sweet Sentiments

2011-02-11T00:00:00.003-06:00

Hey all! TGIF! I've had a crazy busy week around here...& unfortunately, I've got a busy weekend planned AND another busy week next week. Hoping I can hang in there for a little while longer...

Just wanted to pop in & share my card for Papertrey's first Make It Monday. This week we were challenged to use our sentiment stamps.

I started with one of my favorite sets--Everyday Button Bits. Once I chose the cherry image, I decided to gather up all of my "sweet" sentiments to make a little thank you card.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Everyday Button Bits, Cupcake Collection, Signature Greetings (PTI)

Paper: Old Olive, Sweet Blush, PTI white

Ink: Real Red, Sweet Blush

Accessories: Nestabilities Lacey Circles, PTI buttons, The Twinery twine

Under the Weather

2011-02-07T17:29:00.000-06:00

Hi, all! I am home sick today, & I think it's catching. Hubby said he isn't feeling well either, & even the dog has an upset stomach!

Just popping in to share this little 3 x 3. It was a pub reject from a while back, but I thought it was fitting for the way I'm feeling today.

Hope you like it!

Stamp: Under the Weather (A Muse)

Paper: Basic Gray, Spring Rain, Echo Park pp

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: PTI could dies, dimensionals

Party Time!

2011-02-06T00:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! I'm heading over to my brother's house today to watch the big game. He just bought a new 50" flat screen, so those commercials will look ah-mazing!

Today's post is all about parties, but not the Super Bowl kind...Papertrey Ink is celebrating their 4th anniversary! As part of the festivities, Nichole Heady has asked us to look back over our PTI creations from 2010 & post our favorite. She will also be choosing one winner to receive a HUGE prize pack worth over $700! Woohoo!

Now I had a tough time narrowing it down...I made a LOT of Papertrey cards last year...BUT I finally decided on this little number that I made for a shoebox swap back in August. It uses one of my favorite sets, On My Couch, along with 3 of my favorite PTI colors--Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores, & Raspberry Fizz, AND it has polka dots & a button...no wonder I love it!

Hope you like it, too!

Stamps: On My Couch, Polka Dot Basics (PTI)
Paper: Kraft, Aqua Mist, Raspberry Fizz pp
Ink: Versamark, Adirondack Pitch Black
Accessories: PTI button, corner rounder punch, dimensionals

WMC 42: It's Blog Hop Time!

2011-02-05T07:00:00.009-06:00

This is my second post for today. Please scroll down to see my Etsy Inspired guest designer post.

Welcome to another Wee Memories challenge! This week we are welcoming our new DT members--Giovanna, Stephanie, & Wendy--with a blog hop!

You should have arrived here from Anita's blog. If not, don't worry...you can start the hop at the Wee Memories blog so you don't miss a thing!

For this week's challenge, we are asking you to dust off those scraps! YOU know you have plenty, so pull them out & get creative!

Our amazing sponsor this week is Michelle's Scrapbooking & More! One lucky winner will receive a $15 gift certificate to use in their store!

Do you have any organization to your scraps? I have a plastic basket filled with them, so it's easy to grab & search for just the right scrap.

My card was inspired by the plaid scrap I used for the middle of the flower & the border at the bottom. I am almost embarrassed to say that scrap is at least 5 years old! Once I selected it, though, the rest of the scraps were easy to choose. It still needed a little something, so I finished it off with a button in the center.

So, ready to play along? Use scraps on your creation, then link it up to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Feb. 11 to be eligible for the prize.

I hope you liked what you saw here. Head over to Jinny's blog next to see what she's created for this week's challenge!

Stamps: Up, Up, & Away Sentiments (PTI)

Paper: PTI kraft, various pp

Ink: Raspberry Fizz

Accessories: SU scallop trim border punch, SU Fresh Cut Notes, SU linen thread, PTI button

Etsy Inspiration Challenge #125

2011-02-05T02:00:00.014-06:00

I am SO excited to be guest designing throughout February for the Etsy Inspired Challenge! This

week's shop is Daisy Petal Designs! They feature gorgeous headbands, earrings, brooches, & more!

One winner will receive a pair of vintage glamour earrings (in a color of shop owner's choice).

Daisy Petal Designs is also offering 10% off to all shoppers! Use the coupon code "INSPIRED" at checkout.

We also have a fabulous sponsor this week--Shannon's Sentiments! One winner will receive a stamp set of their choice.

Here's the inspiration piece I chose from this week's shop. After the blizzard the other day, I was in the mood for something springy, so I selected these flower earrings.

And here's my finished card. I wish you could see the embossing on the white panel. It's subtle, but lovely IRL. I also thought the sentiment was fitting: "No winter lasts forever. No spring skips its turn."

Be sure to check out the rest of the DT to see how they were inspired:

Angi
Ashley
Carole
De
Emily
Jackie

Joy
Kerry
Ruby
Savannah
Sherry
Virginia

So, are you ready to play along? Head over to the Daisy Petals Designs shop to gather inspiration. Then link up your finished creation to the Etsy Inspired blog. If you are posting your creation to an online gallery, please use the keyword EIC125. You have until noon on Fri., Feb. 11 to be eligible for the prizes.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve)

Paper: Basic Gray, Lemon Tart, Summer Sunrise, PTI white

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: Nestabilities scalloped circles, Labels 4, Lacey Circles; PTI Linen & Canvas Impression Plate, SU flower punch, Kaisercraft rhinestones

Deer Friend

2011-02-03T13:28:00.000-06:00

Hi there! Today is snow day #3 for me. We managed to dig out our driveway yesterday, which means I finally have time for crafting! Yay!

I played along with three challenges: CR84FN13--red, turquoise, & brown...

The Kraft Journal's Make-It-Monday challenge #4--furry critters...& kraft cardstock, of course...

And Tiff's Sketchy Sunday #5.

Here's what I came up with. I love a good punny sentiment, don't you?

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Forest Friends (SU), Deer friend (A Muse)

Paper: Hawaiian Shores, PTI kraft & white

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: PTI Polka Dot Basics II Impression Plate, The Twinery twine

Too Sweet

2011-02-02T15:44:00.002-06:00

Hi, everyone! I have been busy digging out of the HUGE blizzard we had yesterday. We had about 15 inches of snow with tons of drifting...opened the garage door this morning only to come face to face with a giant drift, & we've had to dig out the back deck several times so the dog could go out. We also briefly lost power a couple of times & had no cable or Internet this morning. We've had no school the past two days, & we're all wondering if they'll be school tomorrow...there's still many roads to be plowed, plus we're expecting -20's wind chills in the morning!

After all that shoveling, I'm exhausted, but I wanted to sit down & make a quick card for this week's Etsy Inspired challenge. The featured shop is called Too Cute Kawaii, & I chose these sweet doughnuts as my inspiration.

Here's what I came up with. I paper pieced the frosting on my little doughnut, then added the googly eyes to his face. My layout is based on cardabilities sketch #24.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Sweet Kawaii (My Cute Stamps), Feelin' Fruity? (My Favorite Things)

Paper: Spring Rain, Pure Poppy, PTI kraft, SU pp

Ink: Adirondack Espresso

Accessories: Nestabilities Labels 4, PTI ribbon & blue button, green button (stash), googly eyes, dimensionals

EIC Guest Designer!

2011-02-01T10:40:00.001-06:00

Great news! I am the guest designer for the month of February over at Etsy Inspired Challenge! Check out my feature here!

One World One Heart 2011

2011-01-31T02:00:00.006-06:00

I'm SO excited I'm able to participate in this year's One World One Heart event! (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you can read all about it here.) This is my second year participating, and I'm looking forward to meeting a bunch of new bloggers and reconnecting with familiar ones.

If you are new to my blog, WELCOME! I hope you'll take a look around and come back to visit me again! Here's a little bit about me: I have been a paper crafter for about 6 years & a blogger for 2 years. I mostly make greeting cards, but I also enjoy making the occasional gift or special gift packaging. I have a very clean & simple style, & I believe one can never have enough ribbon or bling.

As part of this event, I'm offering up some goodies. My giveaway is open to EVERYONE worldwide (whether you are an actual participant or not) with an active blog only.

My giveaway includes 12 handcrafted note cards with a variety of sentiments, including birthday, love/friendship, thank you, and thinking of you. I love cardmaking, and I made these especially for my winner! I think you'll love them, too!

To be entered in this giveaway, leave me a comment ON THIS POST. You MUST leave a way for me to contact you, either by linking to your blog or leaving an email address. This giveaway will end at midnight CST on February 17. I will randomly choose a winner on February 18.

Good luck! I'm looking forward to meeting all you awesome bloggers out there!

Dreams Come True

2011-01-30T16:01:00.001-06:00

Happy Sunday, everyone! I'm still recuperating from my back injury...it's making it hard to get creative. Hope my mojo returns soon...got lots of work to do!

I did manage to make one card I'm somewhat happy with...only took me the whole weekend to finish it, too.

I played along with PDCC66...not a big fan of purple, but I think this lilac shade is pretty.

And here's what I came up...can never have too many birthday cards in the stash, can you?

I used my new Square Lattice embossing folder...blame Laurie for using it on so many gorgeous cards...I had to break down & get it.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Birthday Basics (PTI)

Paper: Basic Black, Lavender Lace, PTI white

Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black

Accessories: PTI butterfly die, SU Square Lattice embossing folder, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Kaisercraft pearls, button (stash)

Wee Memories Challenge 41

2011-01-29T07:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Saturday! It's time for the weekly Wee Memories challenge!

This week's sponsor is the always fabulous Simon Says Stamp! Our winner will receive a $10 gift certificate. With over 100,000 items in stock, I'm sure you'll have no problem spending it!

I really hope you'll join us this week, not only because we have an awesome prize, but also because we are doing a sketch challenge! Sketches are my FAVORITE kind of challenge. I really enjoy seeing all the different interpretations of the same basic layout.

Here's the fun sketch Jenny came up with...

And here's my interpretation of the sketch. I have a standing order for birthday cards for all the faculty & staff at my school, so this will go into that stash.

So, ready to play along? Show us your interpretation of this week's sketch by linking up your finished creation on the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Feb. 4 to be eligible for the prize from Simon Says Stamp!

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Stamps: Scattered Showers (PTI), The Birds & The Bees (WPlus9)

Paper: Lavender Moon (PTI), Echo Park & PTI pp

Ink: Adirondack Espresso

Accessories: Fiskars upper crest punch

Just Wavin' Hello

2011-01-28T00:00:00.002-06:00

Hey there! TGIF! I've been sidelined with some severe muscle strains in my back this week...I've missed three days of work & have done zero crafting. Hoping I will be on the mend soon. Until then, I may be quiet, both here on the blog & with my visits to you.

I do have something new to share though. This little 3x3 is a pub reject, but it still makes me smile. Thought it'd be a fun one to share for your Friday!

Have a good one!

Stamps: Critters in the Sea (Lawn Fawn)

Paper: Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores, PTI dp

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: SU scallop edge punch

Papertrey January Blog Hop Challenge

2011-01-25T08:58:00.001-06:00

It's the 25th of the month, which means it's time for the Papertrey blog hop! This month Nichole challenged us to dust off an old stamp set or use a set that has never seen ink.

I chose to use my Everyday Button Bits set. When I first got this set, I used it all the time, but I haven't used it much lately...AND I think I've only inked up these hot air balloons once, so I figured it was time.

Since I was using something old, I also pulled out some new (to me) products--the Up, Up, & Away sentiments set & the cloud dies.

Tip: For perfect placement of your dies, simply place them where you want them on the cardstock, then cover them with a Post-It note. Your die will stay in place, & the Post-It is easily removed.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you like it!

Stamps: Everyday Button Bits; Up, Up, & Away sentiments (PTI)

Paper: Spring Rain, white

Ink: Adirondack Espresso, Real Red

Accessories: Cloud dies, ribbon, buttons (all PTI)

Twine Giveaway Winner!

2011-01-24T14:30:00.008-06:00

Thanks to everyone who left congratulatory wishes on my recent success. Now for the winner of my twine giveaway, chosen by random.org...

Ashley Nguyen Newell!

Congrats, girl! Send your mailing address to cox_cchs@hotmail.com

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to see what I created for the Papertrey blog hop!

Grateful for You

2011-01-23T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hey there! Hope you're having a fabulous weekend! Today is the last day to enter my twine giveaway. I'll announce the winner tomorrow.

I'm gearing up for the BIG game this afternoon...Bears vs. Packers...such a huge rivalry anyway, but now they're playing for a spot in the Super Bowl! I can't wait! GO BEARS!

Today's card is for two challenges: The Play Date Cafe Challenge 65 & Card Patterns Sketch 99. I was a little scared of these colors at first, but I love the way it turned out!

I made the flower with my Nesties, then flicked the edges of each layer with my fingernail until they began to peel apart. I thought about adding some leaves, but then I found this gorgeous green silk in my ribbon stash, so I used it instead.

Hope you like it, too!

Stamps: Signature Greetings (PTI)

Paper: Orange Zest, PTI white, PTI pp

Ink: Old Olive

Accessories: Nestabilities blossom, silk ribbon (unknown), Michaels pearls, EK Success embossed curve edger punch

Excuse the Mess!

2011-01-23T00:09:00.000-06:00

I'm in the process of redesigning my blog. If you notice anything weird & wonky, it's only temporary. Thanks!

Wee Memories Challenge 40

2011-01-22T07:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Saturday! It's time for another Wee Memories challenge! This week around everyone can play...because ANYTHING GOES!

That's right! All you have to do is make any kind of paper project, & you can play along with this week's challenge!

So, I bet you're wondering what prize is up for grabs...

Check out our fabulous sponsor...

iCopic! Our lucky winner will receive a Copic marker prize pack!

In honor of our sponsor, I decided to dust off my Copic markers & go to work coloring...yes, me coloring...on my card.

Now I'm not the best when it comes to shading...I've tried, others have tried to show me, I've visited some of the best Copic tutorial blogs out there...but my brain just can't wrap itself around the idea.

SO, I took a different route & tried some two-tone woodgrain on my cuckoo clock. I think it looks pretty cool, don't you?

Now, are you ready to play? Get busy on your papercrafting project, then link up your finished creation on the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Jan. 29 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps: Cuckoo (Hero Arts)

Paper: Bermuda Bay, PTI white

Ink: Berry Sorbet, Adirondack Pitch Black

Accessories: Copic markers, PTI ribbon, Kaisercraft pearl

Hang in There

2011-01-21T08:00:00.005-06:00

TGIF! SO glad it's the weekend! I am ready for some relaxation!

First, some more fun crafty news: My card was featured on the CREATE blog yesterday!

Today I'm playing along with the Bright & Bold Color Challenge over at Moxie Fab World AND All Things Unity mini cards challenge.

I came up with this little 3x3 using Unity's Nothing But Blue Skies set. I figured it'd be a cute little pick-me-up for a co-worker...winter is always tough, & even spring can seem long when you're hanging on 'til summer break!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for another Wee Memories challenge! We've got a fun one and an AWESOME sponsor for you!

Stamps: Nothing But Blue Skies (Unity)

Paper: PTI white & pp

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: The Twinery twine, Me & My Big Ideas rhinestone, dimensionals

Time to CASE Kelly!

2011-01-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hi there! Just a quick reminder to enter my twine giveaway if you haven't already.

Today's card is a fun one...I'm playing along with Lawnscaping Challenge #2...I get to CASE my good friend, Kelly Alvarez!

I wanted to choose a pre-Lawn Fawn card & CASE it using Lawn Fawn stamps. Here's the one I chose...

And here's my CASE! I used the adorable whale from Critters in the Sea & paired it with a sentiment from Hero Arts. I think it'll work well as a birthday card for either a man or a woman.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Critters in the Sea (Lawn Fawn), Elephants (Hero Arts)

Paper: Tempting Turquoise textured, PTI white, SU pp

Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black

Accessories: SU ribbon, dimensionals

Vintage Valentine

2011-01-19T08:00:00.001-06:00

Happy hump day! Hope your week is going well...we're halfway to the weekend! Woohoo!

Today's card is for a bunch of challenges:

CR84F--red, kraft, brown

Card Patterns Sketch 98

Paper Issues--Valentines

A Passion for Papertrey--outside your comfort zone (I used cardstock & buttons from PTI.)

Paper Crafts January Gallery Challenge--Valentines

I went with a vintage look, which is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I like the result. I started with my new Hero Arts stamps, then found this paper in my stash & thought it was the perfect background for the typewriter.

A fun tip: As I was putting this card together, I realized the bright white of my ribbon really didn't go with the creamy cardstock, so I sponged some Creamy Caramel ink on top to age it a little. Can you see the difference in the photo? It's a small thing, but I think it adds to the overall vintage feel.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Type (Hero Arts)

Paper: Real Red, Very Vanilla, PTI Kraft, Pink Paislee pp

Ink: Adirondack Espresso, Creamy Caramel

Accessories: Bazzill Basics ribbon, PTI buttons, SU linen thread, Nestabilities circles & scalloped circles

Let's Celebrate with a Giveaway!

2011-01-18T10:00:00.001-06:00

Well, last week was a BIG one for me. I was named Moxie Fabber of the Week, found out I will be published in Paper Crafts magazine for the first time, & learned another bit of crafty news that I'll share with you Feb. 1.

SO, all that excitement deserves a celebration...and what better way to do that than a giveaway? That's why I'm offering YOU the chance to win a twine sampler pack from The Twinery!

Leave a comment on this post with your answer to the following question: When you hear good news, what's your favorite way to celebrate?

You can earn a second entry by blogging about this giveaway OR posting it on Facebook OR tweeting about it. Leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

This giveaway will remain open until midnight CST on Sun., Jan. 23. I'll announce the winner on Mon., Jan. 24. Good luck!

Your Heart's Desire

2011-01-17T11:56:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday, especially to those of you who have the day off (like I do...woohoo!). Strap yourselves in...I did a MARATHON of challenges for today's card!

I started with this week's Etsy Inspired Challenge. The featured shop is Modern Bird, & I chose this heart necklace as my inspiration.

Here's a close-up of how I translated the heart into my creation.

I also realized this piece would work perfectly for The Gray is the New Black challenge over at Moxie Fab World.

Once I started working on the rest of the card, the challenges started to pile up, so I figured I'd enter this in the Pile It On challenge--anything goes. (If you're not familiar with Pile It On, the idea is to complete as many challenges as you can with one project.)

My other challenges include:
Dare to be Sass y--something old (my ribbon)
Delicious Doodles--use 3 colors
Totally Papercrafts--happy birthday
Simply Create--use punches (my flower)
Scrapbook Sisters--hearts desire (my sentiment)
Really Reasonable Ribbon--hearts & ribbon

Whew! That's a LOT of challenges for one card. Perhaps tomorrow I'll take a break & just do a blog candy giveaway instead... *wink*

Stamps: Signature Series Dress Form (PTI)
Paper: Basic Gray, Aqua Mist, October Afternoon pp
Ink: Basic Gray
Accessories: SU flower punch, Kaisercraft pearl, Cuttlebug Distressed Stripes, American Crafts ribbon, dimensionals

Everything Wonderful

2011-01-16T11:07:00.000-06:00

Hi, all! Happy Sunday! I'm enjoying my three-day weekend...getting ready to watch some football & cheer on the Bears. I'm also making this soup in the Crock Pot. Mmm!

I played along with several challenges today:
PDCC64--aqua, gray/silver, kraft
FTL123
CARDS--use butterflies
Stamp Something--anything goes

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Birthday Basics (PTI)
Paper: Cool Caribbean, PTI kraft, silver & textured kraft (unknown)
Ink: Basic Gray
Accessories: PTI butterfly die, SU Beautiful Wings, Maya Road stick pin, Michaels pearls, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots

Wee Memories Challenge 39

2011-01-15T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hi, everyone! It's time for this week's Wee Memories challenge! Our fabulous sponsor is May Arts! If you are a ribbon addict like me, you'll love their awesome products!

This week we will have TWO winners who'll each receive a ribbon prize pack.

So, considering the sponsor, you can probably guess our challenge this week...use RIBBON on your project!

My ribbon is the first element that I chose, & I designed the rest of the card around it. The colors, heart, & sentiment all quickly fell into place to make a sweet little Valentine.

So, ready to play along with us? Link up your finished creation to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Friday, January 21 to be eligible for the prize.

Get creating! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

EDITED TO ADD: Wee Memories is having a DT call for TWO new members! Check it out here! Hope to see you apply!

Stamps: Inside & Out (Unity)
Paper: Cool Caribbean, Regal Rose, PTI kraft
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: American Crafts ribbon, felt heart (stash), Cuttlebug Swiss Dots

Fresh & Fruity

2011-01-14T10:00:00.002-06:00

Hello! Hello! Are you ready for the weekend? I'm heading out with my work crew for drinks tonight as we head into the three-day weekend! Woohoo!

Today I played along with this week's Tuesday Trigger over at Moxie Fab World. Don't these bright colors bring a smile to your face?

The bowl of oranges led me to this fruity stamp, & I was inspired by the colors & circles on the garland, too.

I don't know if you can see it in the pic, but I glitterized the fruit slices with Mod Podge & Martha Stewart glitter. It's SO sparkly fun IRL!

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Tart & Tangy, A Little Birthday Cheer (SU)
Paper: PTI white
Ink: Only Orange, Pixie Pink, Yoyo Yellow, Green Galore
Accessories: SU circle punch, Martha Stewart glitter, dimensionals

A Card & BIG News!

2011-01-13T17:20:00.000-06:00

Hey, all! Today was an AWESOME crafty day! I just found out I'm being published in Paper Crafts magazine! You have no idea how many times I've been rejected...I am grinning ear to ear right now!

I also found out some other fun crafty news, but I can't share yet...soon though!

Before I go, I want to share a quick card I whipped up just for fun. I thought it might make a good valentine for my hubby...just a touch of feminine to it, so I hope he won't mind!

Still smiling...

Stamps: Heart Owls (Hero Arts), Love Owl-ways (SU)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Naturals Ivory, PTI kraft
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Cuttlebug Distressed Stripes, Nestabilities circles, The Twinery twine, Copic marker, Kaisercraft pearl

Warm Fuzzies

2011-01-12T15:00:00.002-06:00

Hey there! Have you been getting any snow in your part of the world? We got several inches yesterday, but not enough for a snow day...just enough to be a big pain in the butt!

With the wintry weather outside, I was in the mood to make something warm & snuggly. I made this cute cup of hot chocolate using some felt, & I couldn't resist pairing it with this fun sentiment. I pulled out some brown twine from The Twinery to finish it off. Speaking of twine, have you played along with this week's Wee Memories challenge? You have until midnight PST on Friday to enter.

I played along with a BUNCH of challenges for this one:
CARDS--cards with felt
Craft Your Passion--anything you can tie on
Papertrey Paper Dolls--simplicity
Delightful Challenge--buttons
Paper Play--clean & simple
GCA119--hearts
My Time to Craft 123--chocolate
Fab 'n' Funky--warm colors
ICS97

Stamps: Everyday Sayings (Hero Arts)
Paper: PTI kraft
Ink: Close to Cocoa
Accessories: PTI Warm Happiness Die, PTI felt & button, The Twinery twine, dimensionals

Quite the Pear

2011-01-11T15:00:00.001-06:00

Hey, all! I'm back with a card for this week's Etsy Inspired Challenge. The featured shop is called La Pomme...a great shop with lots of eye candy to inspire you!

I chose these pears as my inspiration.

I used these super cute stamps from My Favorite Things...love the look of the paper pieced pears (say that 10 times fast!) against the kraft.

Hope you like it, too!

Stamps: Feelin' Fruity? (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, PTI white & kraft
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black

Woot! Woot!

2011-01-10T17:02:00.000-06:00

Look who's Moxie Fabber of the Week!

One World One Heart 2011

2011-01-09T21:53:00.000-06:00

This year marks the fifth (and final) One World One Heart, an event for bloggers worldwide to meet & share their creative passions. Last year over 1000 bloggers joined in, sharing a bit of themselves & offering a giveaway on their blogs.

Think of it as a GIGANTIC open house allowing you to travel the world without ever leaving your home...going from blog to blog, seeing the beauty everyone has created and meeting all the fabulous people behind those blogs.

This year's event runs from Jan. 30-Feb. 17. I'm participating...Are YOU?

Wee Memories Challenge 37

2011-01-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Saturday! It's time for another Wee Memories challenge!

This week's sponsor is The Twinery! Twine is one of the hottest papercrafting accessories out there, & The Twinery offers some of the best--100% cotton, made in the USA--with vibrant colors & a soft feel, so it's easy to work with. This week's winner will receive a sampler pack that includes 120 yards total in 8 different colors.

So, I'm sure you can guess what our challenge is...use some twine on your project!

My inspiration came from some Creme Savers candy I had lying around.

I filled a kraft box with them as a little gift for a "sweet" co-worker.

I used some Caribbean twine to tie up the box, then made my own piece of hard candy using Pink Sorbet twine. I even tied the ends of the "wrapper" with some more Caribbean twine. I think it turned out really cute, don't you?

So, ready to play along? Just link up your twine creation to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Fri., Jan. 15 to be eligible for the prize.

I can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps: So Very (SU)
Paper: Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, white
Ink: Raspberry Fizz
Accessories: The Twinery twine, Nestabilities circles & scalloped circles, kraft box, dimensionals, circle punch, plastic bag

Quick & Easy Thank You Cards

2011-01-04T21:26:00.001-06:00

Hello, everyone! How's your week going so far? Today was my first day back from Christmas break. I'm very tired, but it's nice to see the students once again.

Tomorrow we are holding auditions for the school musical, Oklahoma! It's always a fun time working on the choreography, but it's also my busiest time of the year. Pray for my sanity!

Today's cards are ones I made a while back & never got around to posting. Both use the same stamp sets & LOs...just playing around with the colors.

Oh, and before I forget, I was chosen as a Spotlight Designer over at 365 Cards for this card! Yay!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Stamps: Insightful Meadows (Unity), Signature Greetings (PTI)
Paper: Berry Sorbet, kraft, white
Ink: Fresh Snow, Raspberry Fizz, Versamark
Accessories: Martha Stewart butterfly punch, dimensionals

Love You

2011-01-02T13:04:00.003-06:00

Hello again! Hope you are all fully recovered from New Years Eve celebrations...and that you haven't broken your resolutions yet!

I've got another challenge card to share today. This time I played along with two: PDCC62 & Lucy Abrams' Sketch Week Day 1.

I went very CAS for this card...punches, pearls, & a stamp made for a quick one, too.

Whatcha think?

Stamps: Short & Sweet (SU)
Paper: PTI kraft & pp
Ink: Fresh Snow
Accessories: SU Heart to Heart punch, Kaisercraft pearls

Happy 2011!

2011-01-01T10:40:00.001-06:00

Happy 2011! Hope this year is your best yet!

I thought I'd kick things off with a challenge card (of course): A Passion for Papertrey's Background Basics. I used Text Style II to stamp my background, then used the Framed set to frame it & add my sentiment.

I chose the word "Joy" because it fits with my overall goal for 2011: HAPPINESS. It was an idea I've been playing with for a while. In November I posted "30 days of thankfulness" on my Facebook wall, which got me thinking about all the things that make me happy...then Dawn McVey posted this yesterday...& then I stumbled across a book (& website) called The Happiness Project.

SO, I am ready to face 2011 with this goal of happiness in mind. What are YOU hoping for in the new year?

Stamps: Text Style II, Framed (PTI)
Paper: Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet, vellum
Ink: Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet
Accessories: PTI butterfly dies, pearls (unknown)

Toot! Toot!

2010-12-30T17:06:00.003-06:00

Woohoo! My card is being featured over at the CARDS challenge gallery today!

A CAS Card AND a Toot!

2010-12-30T14:47:00.001-06:00

Hey there! I thought I'd start with some fun news: I made Fab 4 at The Play Date Cafe for this card! Woohoo!

I'm in the middle of a MAJOR (and long overdue) cleaning of my craft space, but I wanted to pop in & share a quick CAS card I whipped up yesterday.

I played along with this week's colors over at Colour Q. I thought they'd make a great masculine card...

So here's what I came up with. I love this chair from PTI, & I paired it with this sentiment from A Muse.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: On My Couch (PTI), Relax it's Your Day (A Muse)
Paper: Old Olive, Basic Gray, PTI Kraft & white, SU pp
Ink: Basic Black

You Simply Shine

2010-12-29T15:33:00.000-06:00

Hey, all! We're halfway through the week, which means my Christmas break is quickly flying by! Waaah! I don't wanna go back to school!

It's a d-r-e-a-r-y day here, so I thought I'd make a happy little card. I played along with today's 365 Cards challenge--1 image, 1 sentiment, 1 embellishment, & plenty of white space. Pretty simple...I paper pieced the lamp & added a rhinestone to the sentiment.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Shine On! (Unity)
Paper: PTI white, pp from stash
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Kaisercraft rhinestone

You Warm My Heart

2010-12-28T15:53:00.002-06:00

Hey, all! Happy Tuesday!

Thought I'd play along with this week's Tuesday Trigger over at Moxie Fab World. These cute mittens were the inspiration.

I immediately thought of playing in the snow...and once you've played in the snow, you've got to come inside & warm up with hot chocolate...

SO, I made a hot cocoa holder! Fun, right?

I used PTI's Warm Happiness Too & the coordinating die, then finished it off with some twine from The Twinery.

Here's a peek at the inside. I simply cut a piece of cardstock to 4 x 11, then scored it lengthwise at 5" & 10". I folded up the end & secured it with some sticky tape to make the pocket.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Warm Happiness Too
Paper: Aqua Mist, Garden Green, PTI white, Cosmo Cricket pp
Ink: Raspberry Fizz, Versamark
Accessories: Nestabilities circles & scalloped circles, PTI Warm Happiness die, The Twinery twine

Desires of Your Heart

2010-12-27T15:26:00.001-06:00

Hi, everyone! Since I'm on vacation this week, I have time to play in my crafty space...yay! (Psst...don't tell anyone, but I should really be CLEANING my crafty space...but what's the fun in that?)

I thought I'd start with a couple of challenges...

I loved the colors at The Play Date Cafe this week.

And it's CPS Year in Review Week...I chose sketch 161.

And here's what I came up with. I went for a cozy, homespun look...seems fitting with all the cold & snow we've had here.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Dress Form (PTI)
Paper: PTI Kraft, SU pp
Ink: Brilliant Blue
Accessories: Offray ribbon, Heidi Swapp clear heart, Kaisercraft rhinestones, button (stash)

Papertrey December Blog Hop

2010-12-26T09:00:00.002-06:00

Hi, everyone! Hope you had an amazing Christmas!

I'm joining in on the fun with the Papertrey Blog Hop...my first time...amazing considering how much PTI stuff I own!

This month we were asked to use up some holiday leftovers...scraps of wrapping paper, bits of ribbon, leftover tags, etc.

Here's a peek of the gorgeous Christmas card I used...and only a peek, because I forgot to take a picture of it before I started cutting into it. Oops!

And here's what I came up with. I incorporated some of that gorgeous red velvet damask from the original card.

I used my new butterfly die...

And since I added pearls to the body, I'm also entering this in A Passion for Papertrey's pearls challenge.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Signature Greetings (PTI)
Paper: Basic Black, PTI white, PTI pp
Ink: Adirondack Pitch Black
Accessories: PTI butterfly die, Kaisercraft pearls, Fiskars upper crest punch, recycled Christmas card

You Light Up My Life

2010-12-23T14:24:00.000-06:00

Hi, everyone! Just wanted to share a quick card I made for 365 Cards "Think Cute" challenge. I used the deer from SU's Forest Friends set, added a red pearl to turn him into Rudolph, then used the rays & a sentiment from Lawn Fawn's How Delightful to make him the shining beacon he needs to be on Christmas Eve.

I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas! Thank you for lighting up my life with your kind words this year!

Stamps: Forest Friends (SU), How Delightful (Lawn Fawn), Polka Dot Basics (PTI)
Paper: Real Red, Aqua Mist, PTI white
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Real Red
Accessories: Bazzill Basics ribbon, SU edger punch, Kaisercraft pearl

Last Minute Gift

2010-12-21T14:03:00.001-06:00

Hey, everyone! I'm sure you're as busy as I am with last-minute Christmas prep!

Just wanted to pop in & show you a CAS card set I made for my sister.

I went with happy birthday, thinking of you, & thank you sentiments...I figure those are probably the ones she'll use the most. I added pearls & rhinestones for a bit of sparkle...yet still easy to throw in the mail.

Have a good day!

Stamps: Nothing But Blue Skies (Unity), sentiments (SU, Hero Arts)
Paper: Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, Bashful Blue, PTI white
Ink: Basic Gray
Accessories: Kaisercraft rhinestones & pearls

Wee Memories Challenge 36

2010-12-18T07:00:00.003-06:00

Hello & welcome to the last Wee Memories challenge of 2010! This week's sponsor is Pink Cat Studio! Our winner will receive 5 digital stamps of their choice!

Our challenge this time around is to use the colors of the season--think Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, winter--whatever colors remind you of this time of year.

Due to the holidays, this challenge will run for TWO weeks, so you'll have until Dec. 31st to play along.

Our design team was fortunate to receive some Pink Cat digis to play with. I chose this adorable image, Birds on a Wire, & I used red, aqua, & white as my colors. I think they work well for Christmas & winter in general. I added some musical notes & the Christmas note sentiment to fit with the cute little birdies, then used this sparkly red trim for the wire.

Are you ready to play along with us? Just link up your finished creation to the Wee Memories blog. You have until midnight PST on Dec. 31st to be eligible for the prize. I can't wait to see what you create!

Stamps: Birds on a Wire (Pink Cat Studio), Signature Christmas (PTI), The Birds & The Bees (W Plus 9)
Paper: Hawaiian Shores, Real Red, PTI white
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Copic markers, Spica clear glitter pen, Making Memories trim

List of Fours

2010-12-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hey, all! TGIF! I'm busy with final exams, but I wanted to pop in with a fun non-crafty post. Michele tagged me to do the list of fours. It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers a little better.

1. Four shows that you watch:

Glee
30 Rock
The Amazing Race
Just about anything on HGTV

2. Four things you are passionate about:

Teaching
My family
Paper-crafting
Reading

3. Four words/phrases you say a lot:

Seriously?
Sweeeet!
SO cute!
Stop!/NO! (I’m a teacher...'nuff said.)

4. Four things you've learned from the past:

It doesn’t matter what others think of you…& they’re probably not thinking of you anyway. They’re worried about themselves.
Don’t wait ‘til tomorrow; tell/show others you love them NOW.
Happiness is a warm puppy (stolen from Charles Schulz).
Never say no to dessert!

5. Four places you would like to go:

Back to Ireland
Switzerland at Christmas
Australia
Alaska

6. Four things you did yesterday:

Graded papers
Wrapped Christmas gifts
Worked on Christmas cards
Shoveled snow

7. Four things you are looking forward to:

The weekend
Christmas break
Choreographing my school’s musical
Announcing some crafty news in January

8. Four things you love about winter:

Watching snow fall
Snow days!
Hot chocolate
Snow angels

9. Tag four people to play along:

That's all for today. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the last Wee Memories challenge of 2010!

Fun Giveaway!

2010-12-16T07:30:00.000-06:00

My buddy Jenny over at Wee Memories is giving away this awesome Color Cubbie, courtesy of Studio 3 Solutions! Head on over to Jenny's blog for all the details!

Kind Snowman

2010-12-15T06:00:00.004-06:00

Hi, everyone! Hope your week is going well. Can you believe Christmas is in 10 days?! Yikes!

Today's card is for multiple challenges:
Caardvarks monochromatic challenge
Sweet Sunday Sketch 96
Paper Playtime 29--snowmen

I just adore this little snowman from Unity. I paired him with PTI's Melon Berry...not a color I would normally choose, but I thought it'd be fun to go with a non-traditional color. This will be another Christmas thank you card.

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Snowbody Warms My Heart (Unity), Thankful Hearts (Verve)
Paper: Melon Berry, PTI white, PTI pp
Ink: Snow White
Accessories: Nestabilities circles & scalloped circles, SU scallop edge punch, PTI ribbon, Kaisercraft pearls, dimensionals

Christmas Thank You

2010-12-14T06:00:00.001-06:00

Hey, all! Happy Tuesday! I wanted to pop in & share another creation I made during my snowy weekend.

I played along with several challenges for this one: PDCC59--bright blue, turquoise, & purple
CPS197
Freshly Brewed 26--sparkle & shine
Glitterbabe's 24--Christmas with no green or red
Totally Gorjuss 60--snow
Order of the Opus Gluei--anything goes
Totally Stampalicious--CAS

I figured I better get going on some Christmas thank you cards...never seem to have enough!

Hope you like it!

Stamps: Signature Christmas (PTI)
Paper: PTI white, PTI pp
Ink: Brilliant Blue
Accessories: SU snowflake punch, Offray ribbon, PTI button, Michaels and Me & My Big Ideas rhinestones

Uber Moxie Fab

2010-12-13T06:00:00.001-06:00

Hey, all! How was your weekend? We had some crazy winter weather yesterday, so I stayed inside and crafted all day.

I'm doubling up on the Moxie Fab-iness today by playing along with TWO of Cath's fabulous challenges over at Moxie Fab World: Card Creations: Favorite Occasions Congratulations Challenge AND the Glitter is Glam Challenge.

I used stickers for the "congrats" & added the "to one of my favorite peeps" stamp. I just love this sentiment paired with the little chicky from PTI's Everyday Button Bits...cute, right? And I glammed up her up with some glitter & rhinestones.

Here's a close-up of all that glittery goodness.

I also used Card Patterns Sketch 94 for my layout.

Have a great week!

Stamps: Everyday Button Bits & Framed (PTI), Favorite Peeps (A Muse)
Paper: Hawaiian Shores, Aqua Mist, PTI white, PTI pp
Ink: Taken with Teal, Raspberry Fizz, Adirondack Pitch Black
Accessories: My Little Shoebox stickers, Martha Stewart glitter, Kaisercraft rhinestones, PTI button & ribbon, SU scallop edge punch

We Have a Winner!

2010-12-13T05:52:00.000-06:00

Thanks for all the comments this weekend! I loved reading them all. The winner of the $25 gc to Two Peas is...

Karen B.!

Woohoo! Congrats, girl! I will be contacting you soon via email.

DeNami Tag Blog Hop!

2010-12-12T10:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks for joining me for the DeNami gift tag blog hop!

You should be arriving from
Amy's blog,
but if not, you'll want to start at the
DeNami blog
so you don't miss any of the fabulous projects
OR
your chance to win a DeNami shopping spree!

TWO very lucky commenters will win $20 gift certificates!

Are you getting inspired by all the awesome creations on the hop? Hopefully, my little tag will inspire, too!

I used the Snowman Block stamp as the focus of my tag. I added some rhinestones for a little sparkle & a simple to/from sentiment. I finished it off with a jingle bell & some twine from The Twinery.

I bet you're itching to get crafty with us, but don't go just yet! The next stop on the hop is
Annette's blog!

And before you hop away, be sure to leave a comment here to increase your chances of winning one of those shopping sprees!

Thanks for visiting! Happy hopping!

Stamps: Snowman Block (DeNami), Tag Time (SU)
Paper: Real Red, PTI white
Ink: Real Red, Taken with Teal
Accessories: hole punch, jingle bell, The Twinery twine, Kaisercraft rhinestones