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

Unscripted Sketches # 106: Some bunny loves you!

Happy Sunday, fellow scrappers & stampers! I have been searching for a sketch to use for this photo of Emmalee taken on Easter this year and, I thought this week's sketch at Unscripted Sketches was perfect! I usually make cards with their sketches, but once in awhile the sketch will scream LAYOUT to me. If you join their challenge, you just might be chosen in the Top 3 and get a *super* cool badge to display proudly on your blog :)

I also dragged out some old supplies to use so I could play along with the Scrap and Stamp challenge. Of course, I'm always buying new papers and stamps that catch my eye, but it's nice to use up some of my STASH as well. Hope y'all will dig in and play along with us...remember all you have to do is create a scrapbook layout and use at least one stamp. In addition to old supplies, I used an old technique...cracked glass. There is an excellent tutorial at SCS if you wanna give it a go. Thanks for visiting!

*All supplies CTMH unless otherwise stated*
Sweet Pea PP
White Daisy & Sweet Leaf CS
Bunny Love SS
Chocolate and Lilac Mist inks
watercolor pencils
UTEE (clear),versamark & heat tool
buttons from stash
Just Blooms paper flowers
Spring Harmony sassy strands
Fiskars border punch
pop dots
mulberry paper (Paperbilities)

NSD: Scrapbook Challenges is HOPPIN'!!!

Happy NSD, everyone!!! :):):):):):):)

This weekend, Scrapbook Challenges is celebrating and having a HOP :) You can find out all the deets and begin hopping on Brynn's blog. The HOP ON board with links to members' blogs and inspirational artwork is HERE. There are several ways to participate and some FABBY prizes up for grabs, so I hope y'all get a chance to join in the fun!

I have just finished MY layout. I do apologize for the quality of the pic...I have the WORST time taking photos at night in my scrap room :(

This is the sketch I used...#220 which was from a previous blog hop at SC...LOVE this one!

I'm so glad I got a chance to create today, despite Emma's crazy rehearsal schedule. Emmalee is performing in a ballet/dance recital in June and the students are expected to be in the studio alot more.

Thanks for looking!

Scrap & Stamp Saturday: Women in Your Life

Hiya, friends! It's Saturday and for the challenge this week at SSS, we'd like to see a layout featuring the women in your life. It can be moms, sisters, friends, daughters...any of the special women in YOUR life. Don't forget to use at least one stamp :)

For my layout, I chose a pic that was taken just a few months ago when I got together with my Mom, Aunt Lauretta, my cousin, Ellen and a dear family friend, Sue for lunch @ Red Lobster. We haven't seen Sue in years and it was so nice to visit and catch up! Girlfriend time is the BEST!

I started with this week's sketch over at Pencil Lines, and the little journaling block was a FREE printable from Ella Publishing. It was sorta like playing Mad Libs...ya know those lil books you'd buy and your friends would help you fill in the words to make a funny story? Do they even make them anymore? Yeah, I know I'm old LOL I HATE journaling in MY handwriting, but I just decided (this once) to go with it :)

Hope y'all find some time to play along at SSS...remember you have 2 weeks to enter and win a prize!

Have a great day :)

Hallelujah...He is risen!!!

Resurrection Day

Slowly walking to the tomb,
To see Him one last time,
We carried ointments and perfume
To anoint our Lord sublime.
With trembling steps we struggled on,
Our hearts were breaking so,
And then we saw the empty tomb,
Oh, who would stoop so low?
To rob us of one final glimpse,
And strike yet another blow?
Then He stepped out from the shadow,
With a smile upon His face,
A peaceful calm fell on us there,
In the overflow of grace!
I fell to touch His garment,
And praise His Holy Name!
My precious Savior lives today,
I will never be the same!

Copyright @1999 Thom Tapp

Scrap & Stamp Sketch Challenge: Give Thanks

A *new* challenge is up at Scrap and Stamp...it's a sketch!!! All you have to do to be eligible to win a FABBY prize is create a layout based on the sketch AND use at least one stamp. For my layout, I random stamped some leaves in the background :)

I hope y'all find some time to play along with us...remember, although we introduce a new challenge EVERY Saturday, our challenges are open for 2 weeks! Have fun and Happy Easter, everyone!!!

TLC scrapbooking kit(won at a Scrapbook Bingo..woot!)
A Summer's Wave SS (CTMH)
Olive ink (CTMH)
twill Ribbon (SU!)
pewter photo hangers and brads (CTMH)
Just Blooms paper flowers (CTMH)
button (Stickopotamus)
White Daisy CS (CTMH)

Scrap & Stamp: 2-pager

Found some time to play in my craft room this morning...YAY! I designed this LO based on a PageMaps sketch last week, but never got around to the final assembly. One of these days, I'll learn...I have 5 very naughty kittehs that LOVE to hang out on my table and bat all my little bits around *insert annoyed smiley* I had to hunt down several ricrac pieces and missing brads this morning LOL

I am submitting this one to Scrap & Stamp's 2-pager challenge. You still have one more week to play along with this one. Be sure to visit Scrap & Stamp tomorrow...my fellow DT members and I will be revealing a brand NEW challenge, a cool prize and lots of inspiration as well! Thanks for looking :~)

CAS Easter Cards

As usual I had intended to create Easter cards with a WOW factor, but time got away from me and I found myself scrambling at this late hour just to put SOMETHING together to mail out in time :( Considering I got all of them done this morning, I think they're quite nice after all :)

Here is a look at the inside:

Now I must get some shopping done for the upcoming holiday and celebration. Emmalee needs shoes yet and I havent gotten the ham or candies to fill baskets. Must visit the bunny at the mall as well...aghhh...no time to play in my scrap room I'm afraid. Although, I will definitely be back Saturday to reveal my creation for the *new* Scrap & Stamp challenge. Good afternnoon all!!!

CTMH goodies from my AWESOME upline!!!

I am a proud member of the Close to my Heart DREAM team and truly fortunate to be a first downline of FABULOUS Karen Morris :) She is such an inspiration and does so much for her team...even those of us who live across the country. I actually got to meet her AND get a pic when I attended my very first CTMH convention in Orlando FL in 2008. I felt like I was in the presence of royalty LOL She is so darn sweet :)

The last few weeks, she has been posting discussion questions so that we may share ideas and gain inspiration from each other. This is a great tool in and of itself, but in addition, Karen sends goody bags to randomly selected lucky participants. This week, I was a winner!!! I received my goodies in the mail today, and I am so THRILLED...cannot wait to play in my scrap area :) Thank you, Karen for all that you do for us...you ROCK!!!

GYSO #14: Dinner Theater 2009

I just discovered a new scrapbook challenge blog...Get Your Sketch On, aka GYSO! *happy dance* What a great sketch and the DT samples are beautiful!

I've used the last bit of my CTMH Everlasting paper :( I really like the vintage and elegant feel to these papers. The photo is DH and I just before going to see the Christmas show at the Rainbow Dinner Theater in Lancaster. Several years ago we gave my parents tix as a gift. They raved about the food and the acting, so we got season tix. The shows are all comedies and we really look forward to getting out of the house and having a good laugh :)

I wanted to try a little something different on this LO, so instead of just gluing on my beloved paper flowers that I ALWAYS use, I decided to try my hand at some rolled paper flowers. I've seen them everywhere, loved the look, but just never took the time. Here is a closer look...I think they turned out pretty well for my first attempt :~)

Other supplies used:
Opaques/pearls(CTMH)
Fiskars Apron Lace border punch
CM circle cutter
tag punch(Marvy)
silver brads (MM)
Cranberry ribbon (CTMH)
Holiday buttons (CTMH)
twill ribbon from my stash

Scrap and Stamp Saturday: Scrap a Silly Moment

Although we introduced a new challenge today, there is still another week left to play along with our 'Silly Moments' challenge at Scrap & Stamp. My fellow DT members have some amazing artwork and a few giggles to share :) We'd be so pleased to have you join us. I wasn't able to submit a LO last week as I was ill, but thankfully found some time to play today. To help me get started, I used a PageMaps sketch. I LOVE sketches like this one where I can make good use of scraps. Thanks for looking :)

Animal Cookies pp (CTMH)
Animal Cookies sticker borders (CTMH)
Sweet Love SS (CTMH)
Tulip and Black inks
Dutch Blue and White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Tulip marker (CTMH)
date stamp (Provocraft)
flower brads (MM)
felt flowers (MM)
buttons and embroidery floss from my stash
mulberry paper(Paperbilities)

Scrap and Stamp Saturday: TAGS!

It's Saturday...time for another FAB challenge from my peeps over at Scrap and Stamp! This week we are asking you to use tags on your layout and of course, use at least one stamp :) MY SSS DT members have some AWESOME artwork to inspire you PLUS we have a terrific prize up for grabs, so I hope you'll join us!

I began my layout with a sketch I found in my CTMH how-to book, Magic. My tags are put together with a brad forming a lil mini book right on my page... brilliant, right???

Here is a closer look at the tags:

I've had this "Fruit Stand" scrap kit from SEI for years and thought it was perfect to feature photos of my yearly strawberry jam making :) I can't wait till JUNE arrives to make my annual trek out to the field and make some more yummy preserves to spread on my toast...we are completely out now...Agghhh! LOL

To dress up the strawberry diecut tag, I added a bit of prisma glitter and stamped the sentiment, 'You make life sweet' from the CTMH Love of My Life SS.

Other supplies:
Flower stamp from Adorable SS used to create pattern on my yellow tag (CTMH)
Buttercup and Black inks (CTMH)
Autumn Terracotta, Sweetleaf, Crystal Blue CS (CTMH)
Just Blooms paper flowers (CTMH)
ribbon, buttons, brads, yellow CS from my stash/scraps
Fiskars Apron Lace border punch
corner rounder used to create scallop edge (CTMH)

Unscripted Sketches 100th Sketch!!!

Happy blog-iversary to Unscripted Sketches! There is still time to join the fun...hop and play along. You have until midnight tonight to comment, answer the riddle and/or link a project for a chance to win a prize from their terrific sponsor, Sparkle Creations :)

Here is my take on this week's AWESOME sketch. I used the April *freebie* over at The Creative Cottage. This shoppe has such super cute papers and kits, and all this month you can enter a project using any of their products for a chance to win your choice of TWO kits...WooHoo!!! Thank you so much for another FABULOUS Freebie, Tracy :)

Other supplies:
ricrac (CTMH)
Chocolate CS (CTMH)
buttons from my stash
Cuttlebug 'circles' embossing folder

Emmalee Turns 5!

The challenge over at Scrap and Stamp this week is 'Anything Goes'. It doesn't get any easier than that! The only requirement is to make a scrapbook page and use at least one stamp. The prize this week is an *awesome* acrylic stamp set. I hope you will play along. For my layout, I decided to start with this week's sketch from Sketchy Thursdays.



I usually take a literal approach, but this time I rotated the sketch and altered it just a bit to better accomodate my photos.



Recipe:
*all supplies are CTMH unless otherwise stated*
Life Delights pattern paper
Colonial White CS
Celebration SS
Blush, Chocolate & Liliac Mist inks
Scrabble letter stickers(EK Success)
Fiskars butterfly punch
Fiskars border punch
clear sparkles
George and Basic Shapes Cricut cartridge
vellum
sparkle brads(MM)

wish-shoe a happy day!

My Nana's birthday is coming up later this month... this card is for her. She lives in Florida in an assisted living facility, and REALLY loves the handmade cards I send. She always calls to tell me how much she appreciates them, how incredibly talented I am *blush* and that she shows 'em off to all the other residents. Grandmas are just *SWEET* like that :)

I made this card using an archived sketch at PCP and the February FREEBIE @ The Creative Cottage. There were 6 different papers and these cute lil shoe images. The sentiment is from the SU! Celebrate in Style SS-perfect for my card. If you haven't yet visited The Creative Cottage, you must! The FREEBIE for March is an adorable birthday mini set. I was honored & beyond thrilled to have the card I made using that kit featured on their blog this week...woohoo! :) Thanks for looking.



Other supplies:
White Daisy grosgrain ribbon & CS (CTMH)
black ink (CTMH)
clear sparkles (CTMH)
watercolor pencils (CTMH)
border punch (Fiskars)
flower punch (Marvy)
silver brads (CTMH)

Make A Wish, Mark!

This week's sketch over at Unscripted Sketches is PERFECT for a scrapbook LO! And the challenge from last week @ Scrap and Stamp was to use punches and at least one stamp on our page. Although we introduce a new challenge every Saturday, you always have 2 weeks to enter and win a prize. I hope y'all will check us out and play along :)

I decided to do a page of my DH's birthday, which we celebrated just last week. Our 6 yo daughter, Emmalee, had the best time helping with the planning of the party and in case anyone is wondering why a 47 year old man has a pink cake with sprinkles, that is the reason LOL Good thing my husband likes strawberry :) It was REAllY nice to have our older children present...it's a rarity these days for all 6 of us to be in one place at the same time.


















*All supplies CTMH unless otherwise stated*
"Good Times" pattern paper
Chocolate, Colonial White, Buttercup, Sweet Leaf,
Twilight CS
Doodle Alphabet SS
Typewriter Keys SS
Rustic Alphabet SS
Playful Flourishes SS
Twilight, Sweet Leaf, Chocolate inks
clear sparkles
pewter photo hangers
twill ribbon
alpha stickers (EK Success)
paper crimper
border punch (Fiskars)
Boho Blossoms punch(SU!)
3/4 " circle punch (CM)
sandpaper
cupcake paper piecing pattern by Jodi Sanford @ Scrapbooks Etc.

Reflections of You NOW

It's Saturday and you know what that means...another AWESOME challenge at Scrap & Stamp :) This week we want to see everyone's layouts with the theme, "Reflections of You NOW".

I must admit, I had a hard time with this one initially, because I am rarely in front of the camera and never the focus of my LOs. Although I usually don't do alot of journaling, this time I purposely took time to share some of my thoughts and musings with my family and friends. So here I am at 41! :~)



I sure hope y'all find some time this week to play along...my fellow DT members have some FAB artwork to share, and as always there is a prize up for grabs :)

Note: all supplies are CTMH unless otherwise stated
"Veranda" pattern paper
Creme Brulee, Garden Green, Juniper, Colonial White CS
Atomic Lowercase stamp set (for the title 'self-portrait')
Garden Green ink
Colonial White edge anchors & brads
Garden Green spiral clip
Creme Brulee grosgrain ribbon
vellum quote (JoAnn)
orangy paper flower & buttons (MM)
hemp
corner rounder(to create scallops around circle mat)
Fiskars border punch
Just Blooms paper flowers

FREEBIE @ The Creative Cottage

Taking a wee break from scrapbooking today to get some cards made. Here is a simple birthday card. It went together fairly easy using this month's FREEBIE over at The Creative Cottage. They have a terrific assortment of papers and toppers that coordinate beautifully! Unbelievably, I didn't use a sketch or a challenge to create this one *gasp*...just whipped it up on my own LOL



And here is a closer peek at the layering I did using pop dots:



Thanks for looking :)

Recipe:
pattern paper, sentiment and images (The Creative Cottage)
White Daisy CS & grosgrain ribbon (CTMH)
felt flower and button(MM)
red sparkles (CTMH)
border punch (Fiskars)
embroidery floss (DMC)

CELEBRATE!!!

Today is a total day of celebration for me...I am officially joining the Scrap & Stamp DT!!!!! *happy dance* This was my very first application, and I was absolutely THRILLED when Regina emailed to say that I was chosen as a new member of the DT. I'm not usually one to toot my own horn, but I just had to share my joy/excitement :~) I hope y'all will play along. New challenges are posted every Saturday and you have 2 weeks to create your LO using at least one stamp and have a chance to win a great prize!

As if all that weren't enough, today I am celebrating my 4 year anniversary as a CTMH consultant...woohoo!!!! Anyone who isn't familiar with our FAB products or if you just want to see what's new, check out the Spring/Summer Idea Book here.




It seems I have finally beat the ickies that have plagued me all week, and when I return from DD ballet class and an afternoon birthday party, I plan to get some scrappin' done. Have a blessed day :)

FBD Blog Hop and Rubber Stamp Release Today!

I spent the morning convalescing on my couch, so no artwork to share today :( I caught a NASTY cold/cough/flu thingie and not feeling very well. However, with my laptop,tissues and a warm beverage in hand, I was still able to hop/visit all the uber talented DT members from Fresh Brewed Designs. The NEW rubber stamps are AWESOME and the cards made with them are simply STUNNING!!! If you get the chance, take some time to visit and comment. As if the eye candy weren't enough, Heather is offering a very generous prize and there is a chance for at least one other along the way. Are u ready? The blog hop begins and ends HERE. Have fun :)

**Note: If you are one of my blogless friends(you know who you are *wink*), contact me to get details on how to get in on the fun.