Valentine's Day/CAS(E) this Sketch! #353

Here is my take on this week's sketch over at CAS(E) this Sketch!   

I decided to make a Valentine's Day card for Mark <3 

I'm gettin in at the tail end this challenge, but if you wanna play 

along, check back tomorrow for a brand new sketch :~) 

There are some seriously talented designers there 

and plenty of inspiration!!!Thanks for visiting.

  

A Return to Paper Crafting

A dear friend has recently inspired me to return to paper crafting....

A lot has happened in the last five years and when you have so many hobbies, AND a child dancing more days than not, inevitably one or more has to take a back seat.  I really enjoyed my years as a CTMH consultant and a Design Team member for Scrap & Stamp..creating  cards and layouts were in the forefront. And then I discovered a new creative outlet in knitting and crocheting. I found it easier (especially with my fibromyalgia) to sit in front of the tv curled up with a yarn project rather than standing at my workstation or seated at a table for long periods of time. It  was more portable as well. A pair of socks (like those pictured above) thrown in a bag and I was off  ;~) 

BUT I MISS paper n stamping! I have been blessed with a very understanding spouse who has graciously supported me converting my youngest son's old room to a knitting space and our dining room to my paper crafting studio. I've felt guilty leaving this space unused and all my beloved tools and supplies just gathering dust. SOOO I've spent some time these last few days cleaning & reorganizing. I will attempt Project Life and maybe join a few card sketch challenges.

I'm excited to play with paper once again and maybe make a few online friends along the way!! Woohoo!

Chocolate Chip Mini Bundt

My kids and husband complain because I am always making special goodies for OTHERS and they don't get treats often enough LOL So today I decided to make a lil something just for them :)

Our pantry is overflowing with cake mixes from my coupon adventures so I just made a basic yellow cake and added some chocolate chips  My husband LOVES chocolate chips...he eats them by the handful right out of the bag! And to make it seem like I made more of an effort than I actually did *shhhh dont tell* I baked the cakes in these super cute mini bundt pans I purchased ages ago and have NEVER used *insert embarrassed smiley*

I think they turned out quite nicely and as they are all gobbled up, I would say my family agrees!

Thanks for visiting...now go make something yummy for someone you love :)

Crochet Coaster Set

Happy New Year!!!

I have so much I want to accomplish this year, and getting back to crafting and blogging are in the top 5 :) 

I noticed there is a craft fair coming up locally in April.  I'm creating NOW so I can hopefully get some things made to sell. While searching the web for QUICK and EASY patterns I found a few I think I can manage.

First up, is this super cute set of coasters  I whipped up last evening while watching TV. 

Thanks to The Hippy Hooker for sharing this FAB pattern :)

My First Crocheted Doll Outfit

Emmalee asked for more clothes for her "daughter", Carlie. I saw some cute outfits in Michael's, but then decided to search for knit/crochet patterns online. I found the slouchy beanie hat pattern here and the "Just Like Me" shrug pattern can be found on the Red Heart website here. There is even a pattern to make a matching shrug for your child. Both pieces were fairly easy to work up, and Emmalee just  LOVES them! Thanks for looking :)

**Note:   I have been trying to use up yarn I already have in my stash, so I used Lion Brand's Cotton Ease in this pretty Berry color and I added the lil flower embellie with a bit of white fingering weight yarn.

Crochet Cover for BBW Hand Sanitizer...Seriously Cute!!!

I just cannot get over how stinkin' CUTE this is! If you can't tell, this is a crochet cozy for those lil Bath & BodyWorks Pocket Hand Sanitizers. I carry them in my purse and in my car and now they are not only functional, but stylin'....AWESOMENESS!!!!

Thank you to CrochetDynamite for this adorable FREE pattern! This was so easy to create and would be great as stocking stuffers, party favors, lil gifties for a bestie, etc. And hey, you will be making the world a cleaner place by sharing ;) Thanks for looking.

Coffee Mug Cozy (crochet)

 

Okay so I've kinda been on a crochet kick lately and while browsing the web last nite, I came across this yummy pattern. Thanks Micah for offering this to us for FREE!!!I was searching for something that would work up quickly AND use a bit of my leftover yarn.  I wasn't sure about the color combo at first, but now I really like it! Not only will these lil cozies keep your fingers from getting burned, they eliminate the need for a coaster. Thanks for looking and happy hooking ;)

Paperback Book Cover (crochet)

 

BEAUTIFUL day in Red Lion! Spring finally found us here in PA :)

My mother-in-law is an avid reader like myself, and when I was contemplating a Mother's Day gift I decided I'd make a cover for her books. It protects your paperbacks, and if you happen to be reading something a bit naughty, like the novel seen below, no one will be the wiser LOL

After a bit of searching, I came across this FAB crochet pattern. I love that it comes with a clasp and a built in bookmark as well. I whipped this up in just a couple evenings watching TV. It's very easy to follow. The original pattern called for just a button closure but I added the flower cuz well, I add flowers to just about ALL my projects ;) Thanks for visiting.

So Tweet!

We moved into our new home in December 2011, and when spring arrived, we discovered Mourning Doves  had taken up residence underneath our 2nd-story deck. It was wonderful to watch them prepare a nest, hatch their eggs, care for the babies and eventually teach them to fly.They did kinda make a mess, but we honestly didn't mind :)

I am submitting this layout to Frosted Designs. The current challenge is to use 'chevrons' on your layout/project. If you want to join the fun, and have a shot at winning a $20 gift cert from The Paper Trail, you must enter before noon on Thursday 3/14.

The sketch I used is from Pamela's World of Scrap. The FABULOUS challenge prize there is a cute paper and embellies collection from Fancy Pants Designs.   You have until Friday 3/15 to enter this one :)

***I apologize for the photo...we have an absolute dreary day here in PA!

Project 52 Weeks: Layout 6

For this week's layout I used the 'Pink Print' over at The Pink Elephant. I rotated the sketch to better accommodate my photo. I picked up this adorable kit from Colorbok at Christmas Tree Shoppes last year for just a few dollars...I do love a good bargain! Thanks for looking :)

Project 52 Weeks: Layout 5

The challenge this week at The Pink Elephant is called LIFT it. Simply recreate a previously seen layout. My creation was inspired by the layout found here. I prefer clean and simple lines on my pages, so this one was perfect :) 

I am also submitting this to the Frosted Designs Fabulous Friday Challenge. You have to use the word LOVE  + at least 1 heart somewhere on your project. I used a LoveU word stamp and a heart button. Thanks for visiting :)

That's Amore paper pack (CTMH)
Unity SS (CTMH)
Garden Green CS (CTMH)
Just Blooms paper flower (CTMH)
2 " scallop punch (SU!)
flower punch (Marvy)
brad, ribbon and buttons from my stash
Tulip, Chocolate & Cocoa inks (CTMH)
Fiskars border punches
foam word stamp

Project 52 Weeks: Layout 4

Post # 200... woohoo!!! This is my LO for week 4 of the challenge.  Almost all caught up :) This is a pic of Emmalee taken at the dance studio in her costume for the June Jubilee. This was her first year taking ballet. Her instructor was Miss Heidi and the girls danced to "Somewhere over the Rainbow". My heart was full watching her up on the stage doing something she LOVES!

Tickled Pink paper pack and die cuts (CTMH)
Just Blooms paper butterfly (CTMH)
Blush, Sweet Leaf and Crystal Blue inks (CTMH)
clear butterfly sparkle & button from my stash

Project 52 Weeks: Layout 3

Since coming down with the flu last month and then falling in my bathroom last week, I am just trying to play catch-up. Here is my LO for week 3 of the challenge.  We really enjoyed hatching our butterflies, and this year we may order lady bugs :)

Bella paper pack (CTMH)

square brads (MM)

buttons from my stash

Creme Brulee ribbon (CTMH)

Just Blooms paper flowers and butterfly (CTMH)

clear sparkles (CTMH)

George and Basic Shapes Cricut cartridge

Project 52 Weeks: Layout 2

Well I WAS off to a good start this year, and then BAM! our family came down with the flu! Haven't been sick like that for YEARS! And just when I was feeling better, I slipped and fell in my bathroom :( I have some scrapes and nasty bruises as a result, but could have been much worse. UGH, I am just a mess LOL

Anyway, I am doing my best to get caught up. This is my LO for Week 2 of the Project 52 Weeks Challenge. I love this pic of Emmalee with Santa. She is wearing the ruffle scarf I made for her recently :) Thanks for looking!

pattern paper and textured CS(DCWV)
silver and snowflake brads (MM)
red sparkles (CTMH)
tree and santa images (Persnickety Prints)
December Word Puzzle SS (CTMH)
Olive ink (CTMH)
loopy border punch (Martha Stewart)
All Mixed Up Cricut cartridge
2" scallop punch (SU!)

Project 52 Weeks: Layout 1

Woohoo! It's only Wednesday and I've gotten my first layout for the new challenge completed! I RARELY get to see my son Tim dressed up, so these occasions are precious indeed :) His girlfriend broke up with him JUST BEFORE the dance and, I was so happy when Leah agreed to go along as his date. They have known each other since grade school, and Tim has always been sweet on her. Hallelujah for happy endings!

365 Cards: Home Tweet Home

I finished updating my blog after a long hiatus from papercrafting and decided to check out what was going on around the blogosphere. The first challenge of 2013 at 365 Cards is to create a card celebrating something new...a new baby, a new home etc. My DS has a friend who just moved into a new home and I made this lil card for her. Thanks for visiting :)

Cardstock: Juniper, Cranberry, Blush, White Daisy, Cocoa (CTMH)
Pattern Paper: Jingle (CTMH)
White Daisy grosgrain ribbon (CTMH)
Live Simply Cricut cartridge

Project 52 Weeks 2013

Among my resolutions this year is to get back to scrapbooking. I realize I must specifically carve out time in my day to do the things I enjoy most. To help keep me motivated, I decided to join a challenge. The ladies over at Scrapbook.com started a thread called Project 52 Weeks. I will be held accountable for completing one layout per week. If I can't accomplish this, then I may as well hang it up for good! :) I REALLY was tempted to join the 365 pages challenge, but I woulda been settin myself up for failure. Can't wait to get started!!!

Strike a Pose LO

I was feeling creative today and decided to scrap these pics of Emmalee from last year. She was playing with her bubble machine and hamming it up for the camera :) In honor of Earth Day, I used some supplies I've had in my stash for quite a few years. The design is not a Lisa Babcock original, but rather a borrowed sketch from my Reflections book.

Thanks for visiting and leaving your kind comments. As always they are greatly appreciated and totally make my day :)

patterned paper (My Minds Eye)
Just Blooms paper flower (CTMH)
Hollyhock button (CTMH)
Baby Pink embroidery floss (CTMH)
Ribbon (Making Memories)
silver hinges & heart brads
All Mixed Up and George Basic Shapes Cricut cartridges
rub on letters (Making Memories)
clear sparkles (CTMH)

Ruffle Purse

It's Crochet Month and to celebrate, I decided to finish a project instead of starting yet another new one :)

I found the pattern for this ADORABLE bag on Lionbrand.com. I made one minor change...I thought it didnt really need to be felted, so I used some acrylic yarn I had in my stash instead of buying wool yarn. The only thing I didnt like about this project was the sewing :( Usually I choose patterns that work up in one piece, but all in all this wasnt too bad.

Thanks for visiting :)

Unscripted Sketches #144

I'm so excited to be able to participate in a challenge today!!! I have been wanting to give the dryer sheet flowers a go and decided one would make a nice embellishment for this card. The picture was taken at night and doesn't quite capture the yumminess, but you get the idea ;) And BONUS, these flowers *smell* great! lol Note: I rotated and flipped the sketch to better accomodate my embellies.

Wanna play along? Visit the talented gals at Unscripted Sketches for some terrific inspiration and to enter for your chance to be chosen in the Top 3. Thanks for stopping by :):):)

You Melt my Heart!

After a long hiatus from crafting(since buying a new home and moving just before Christmas), I finally found time to work on some layouts today. I borrowed an archived sketch from Sketchy Thursdays as inspiration for this one. I just love these pics of Emmalee enjoying one of her favorite sweet treats...a frozen juice pop :)

Coffee Cup Cozy

Life has gotten in the way again :( First, I started couponing last month, and it has taken a while to get my binder organized and figure things out. Now that I have gotten into a groove, I think it will require less of my time :) You can follow my shopping adventures and discover many *awesome* FREEBIES on my new blog, Less with Lisa.

Also, I'm cyberschooling our daughter Emmalee again this year. First grade requires alot more of a time commitment than Kindergarten, but again, now that we are on a schedule, I should find more tome to craft. Of course I have so many hobbies, I have to divide time between them.

Last night, while catching up on my stories, I crocheted this lil cozy for my coffee cup.

It's a very simple pattern, that I kinda just made up :) Here is what I did if you want to give it a go:

G hook and medium weight yarn (I used Sugar 'n Cream Smokey Wine cotton yarn)

Chain 32 or whatever will fit snugly around YOUR cup. Join with a sl st to form a ring.

Row 1: Chain 2 and HDC in each chain around, joining with a sl st to top of beg chain 2.
Repeat Row 1, 5-7 times to reach desired height.

To add the ruffle:
Do 1 row of SC, joining with a sl st to first SC.

Ch 1, SC in same st, *Ch 3, sc in next st, repeat from * around. Join with sl
st to first SC. Finish off and weave in ends.

Have a great day :):):)

Scrap & Stamp Challenge: Back to School (no artwork)

First off, I want to share that today I'm celebrating my 23rd wedding anniversary!!! I am truly blessed to have such a loving, caring, giving soul to share my journey with <3<3<3 Plans include a bit of shopping, take-out and a movie, complete with XOXOXOXO :):):)

So it is Saturday and that means another FAB challenge at Scrap and Stamp. Although it is my week off, please take a moment to visit and check out the wonderful artwork submitted by my fellow DT members. We hope you will find some inspiration and play along with our "Back to School" challenge :)

Freebies/deals for today's shopping adventure include:

*Fashion Bug...a super cute re-usable shopping bag FREE, plus 10% off whatever you can stuff in that bag!
*Bath & Body...With a Q, spend $10 and get a Signature Collection item of your choice FREE! Plus, with any purchase of Paris product you can get a FAB cosmetic bag full of product($20 value) for only $10!!!
* Payless Shoes...BOGO50%off PLUS an extra 30% off with a coupon

Note: Although retailers often make Q's available to print from their website, it is a good idea to sign up to receive emails, cuz often times you will get special deals/offers for members only :)

Carpe diem!!!

Scrap & Stamp Sketch Challenge

Wow...cannot believe how FAST this summer is flying by! We have made alot of great memories, including a trip in July to Ocean City, MD. My brother got a place on Division Street and invited us to come stay for a few days. This is the closest we've ever stayed to the boardwalk, and it was soooo nice to be right where the action/fun is!!! I have so many pics to scrap, but chose just a few faves of the girls and DH at the beach to feature on this layout.

We have another terrific sketch challenge for you at Scrap & Stamp this week. Thanks to Vicky for providing this *awesome* 2 pager. I only used the left half, but feel free to use either side or both for YOUR layout. Just remember to use at least one stamp somewhere on your project. I used the images from 2 different CTMH stamp sets to decorate the mats and create a couple embellishments. Aren't those flip flops just TOO CUTE???

I must say, one of the best parts of my day is visiting blogs and seeing what FAB creations y'all come up with. Have fun with this one and don't forget, a yummy prize is up for grabs as well...good luck and have a splendid weekend :)

Crocheted Halter Top

I am so pleased with how this top turned out! I found the pattern here on Crafty Crochet's blog. The pattern is for a 4 yo size, so I decided to just follow the pattern as written and use a larger hook. It fits my 6 yo perfectly :) This is the first time I've used the Caron Simply Soft yarn and I LOVE the feel of it. The acrylics can sometimes be a bit too scratchy/rough on sensitive skin.

Here is a look at the back:

And here is a closer look at the stitching and the ruffle:

I do realize my last few posts have been non-papercrafting, but tune in this Saturday and I will be sharing a brand new layout for the Scrap & Stamp Challenge. Thanks for visiting :)

Crocheted Cloche Hat

I have been wanting to crochet a hat out of some yarn I had left over from a scarf project, and I finally found a pattern I liked. It is a cloche hat, a style that was popular in the 20's. Isn't that big flower yummy??? This hat was intended for me, but my daughter Emmalee is modeling for me today :) The EASY pattern can be found here on Lionbrand (dot) com. You can sign up FREE to gain access to all their FAB patterns. Thanks for visiting!

Americana Bears

I am just sharing another non-paper creation. I have so many crafting hobbies, I decided I should blog those projects too :) This is a cross stitch kit that I finished awhile ago, but just found a frame for...got a bargain on it as well...reg price $5.00, used my 55% off one item at AC Moore, I paid only $2.25!!! I usually use my coupons for scrapbooking supplies, but the punches and such were already on sale 40% off. I did find a big stack of My Mind's Eye PP though, only $10, so that made me happy :)Thanks for visiting me today!

Scrap & Stamp Saturday: Photo Inspiration Challenge

Hiya, friends! My gosh it has been a SUPER busy summer...LOTS of fun outdoors, but not alot of time for creating I'm afraid.

My family spent a few days last week at the beach in Ocean City MD. It was a great time, but nice to come home! Also, my DD participates in the summer reading program every year at our local library, and this year they teamed up with Get Outdoors York to encourage kids to get outside and exercise...WONDERFUL idea! We are very fortunate here in Southern PA to have LOTS of fabulous parks. The more parks you visit and obtain rubbings for, the more chances to win prizes including camping equipment and an XBox Kinect. We have visited 12/30 so far :)

But I digress ;) The challenge over at Scrap & Stamp this week is to create a LO using the photo below as inspiration, and of course, at least one stamp. I decided to use the fan colors blue, pink and white. I thought this combo was perfect for these ballet pics of my youngest DD, Emmalee. To get started, I used a loose interpretation of an archived sketch at Sketchy Thursdays. I would have loved to use this week's sketch, but I couldn't make it work for this page :(

Hope you will visit and check out the rest of the DT members' YUMMY creations. TTFN!

*All supplies CTMH unless otherwise stated*
Topstitch Level 2 PP
Just Blooms paper flowers
Typewriter SS
Amore lowercase SS
Chocolate and Sky Blue inks
lace from my stash
white embroidery floss
silver brads
pink buttons
staples
Opaques pearls
"George and Basic Shapes" Cricut cartidge
circle punch (CM)

Scrap & Stamp Saturday: Lots of Buttons Challenge

OMGosh...I totally messed up and thought I had this scheduled to post automatically, but it ended up as a draft and never posted *insert embarrassed smiley* Oh well, here is what I created for the "use lots of buttons challenge" over at Scrap & Stamp.

I also must admit that I got so wrapped up in creating these handmade crochet flowers, that I kinda, sorta lost site of the actual challenge of using buttons. BUT if you notice, the pattern paper actually looks like buttons, so we're just gonna pretend, OK ;)

Anyway, please take a moment to visit us and see what *awesome* LOs the rest of the DT members dreamed up!!! Hope you'll play along...TTFN!

*All supplies CTMH unless otherwise stated*
Reflections Scrapbook Program for the sketch
Let's Get Together Level 2 PP
Cobblestone SS
Cranberry ink
Buttercup brads
Colonial White & Cranberry buttons
border punch (Fiskars)
cotton yarn (Lion Brand)

Knitted Dishcloth

I know I post almost nothing but paper creations here, but I have many more craft hobbies and decided to share :) I have been knitting afghans for several years now after learning from a dear neighbor (thank you Miss Jane!)who has since passed away :( I taught myself to crochet last year with a very ambitious baby layette set for my cousin. It turned out pretty adorable if I do say so myself ;) Anyhoo, I receive emails from Lion Brand Yarn and they always feature the cutest projects, so I decided to give some a go. This is one of the MANY dishcloth patterns and it uses the "star" stitch, which was new to me.

I love how it turned out and it will surely be more durable than the cheap cloths I buy at Walmart...BUT I'm so afraid of messing it up after all that work, I believe it will remain a decoration in my kitchen LOL Hope you are inspired to knit/crochet something of your own now. Thanks so much for visiting!!!

Scrap and Stamp Challenge: Independence Day

Our challenge this week at Scrap & Stamp is to create a layout celebrating Independence Day. For those of you not residing in the USA, you can still play along...just use the color combo Red, White & Blue :) Don't forget to use at least one stamp. I random stamped stars on blue cardstock to create my own B & T paper on my layout. Have a happy and safe 4th of July everyone, and I hope you will play along with us!!!

Pillow Box

I think these lil boxes are so darn cute and just *perfect* for tucking a gift certificate or other small goody inside.

The directions and template can be found over at PCP. The flower embellishment was created simply by wrapping ribbon, securing with a brad and separating the loops.

Thanks for looking:)

Scrap & Stamp Sketch Challenge

Yep it's Saturday and that means another FUN challenge at Scrap & Stamp. This week, Vickey has provided an *awesome* sketch for y'all to play with!

I decided to scrap some pictures I took last month of our family at a Fairy Tea Party. It was so much fun!!! I wanted to include more than a couple photos, so this 2-page sketch was perfect :) The papers and embellies from Tim Coffey have been in my stash for years. LOVE using up old stuff! Hope you'll find some time to play along...Lisa F is offering up a prize this week.

Scrap and Stamp Challenge: Use LOTS of something!

If you weren't already aware, we have had some "technical difficulties" over at Scrap and Stamp these last few weeks. As we understand it, Regina has had a family emergency :( Lisa F has finally gotten in touch with her this week and will be taking over in her absence. Thank you so much, Lisa!!! If you are owed a prize from recent weeks, we do aploogize for the wait and appreciate your patience and understanding as we have all kinda been in the dark! Please contact Lisa F to claim your goodies. Let me assure you we have things under control now and are happy to be moving forward!!!

Now onto the good stuff :) Our new challenge this week is to create a layout using lots of something...could be ribbon, buttons, photos etc. Here, I punched a bunch of lil flowers and stitched them onto my page. I took alot of pics of Emmalee at halloween last year and already created a mini album, but I wanted to include a 12 x 12 page in the family album as well :)

I hope you find time to play along. Remember, although we introduce a new challenge every Saturday, our challenges are open for TWO weeks and we just require that your project be a layout and use at least one stamp.

Thanks for visiting :)

*All supplies are CTMH unless otherwise stated*
Reflections scrapbook program
Bella Level 2 PP
White Daisy CS
Playful Flourishes and Typewriter Keys SS
Hollyhock ricrac
pewter brad
scallop punch (SU!)
1/2" circle punch (CM)
flower punch (Marvy)
embroidery floss
staples

FYI Challenge #6

This is my first time entering a challenge at For Your Inspiration. Steph C. and her amazing DT have some BEAUTIFUL artwork to inspire you, so if you haven't visited yet, check them out :) Your creation just might be chosen and in addition to winning the coveted Lovely Lotus award, you could take home some YUMMY candy!!! *cool*

For MY card, I decided to use the rich, warm colors of the balloon in the front of the photo. It kinda reminded me of autumn, but I wanted to stamp these flowers, so I used a brighter yellow to make it seem summer-y :) Thanks for visiting today!!!

*All supplies CTMH unless otherwise stated*
Cranberry, Buttercup, Cocoa and Colonial White CS
Friendship's Garden SS
Cranberry, Buttercup and Cocoa inks
heart brad and ribbon from my stash
edge distresser and sand paper
Fiskars border punch

Scrap & Stamp Challenge: Color Combo

It's a color combo challenge at Scrap & Stamp this week. Brown, cream and any third color of your choosing. I used pink :) Sure hope you will join us...remember to use at least one stamp. Our "using up old supplies" challenge will still be open this week as well. I've used a bit of oldies but goodies on this LO. The patterned paper, stickers and Adorable SS were in the CTMH consultant kit I received over 4 years ago! It has been a fave and is just about all gone now :(

To help get me started, I found a TERRIFIC sketch over at Stuck On U Sketches. Lots of great artwork and inspiration there, so if you haven't visited them lately or at all, you must check 'em out. An assortment of chipboard will be awarded to one lucky participant this month! Thanks for visiting :)

*All supplies are CTMH unless otherwise noted*
More to Adore Level 2 PP
More to Adore Level 2 My Stickease
Adorable & Playful Flourishes SS
Chocolate & Blush inks
Colonial White CS
Just Blooms paper flower
Fiskars border punch
flower punch (Marvy)
copper brads
clear sparkles
button,ribbon & embroidery floss from stash