A card for Nana

Here is my card for Mojo Monday #92. I'm gonna send it to my Nana in FL. I miss her terribly and don't get to see her nearly as often as I'd like :~( I'm sure she'll love it!

CTMH Supplies: Spring B&T (retired); White Daisy & Sweet Leaf CS; Delight in Everything & For Every Occasion SS; clear flower button; embroidery floss; Blush, Sweet Leaf & Black ink
Other: ribbon

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I'm trying to play "catch-up" and get the challenges I missed last week done, so that I only have to do ONE per day LOL Here is Friday's sketch from Taylored Expressions. I am currently working on cards for birthdays in July and August and the Good Times PP is PERFECT for celebrations. I paper pieced and glittered the cupcake from the Good Times SS. The lil sentiment yay! is from the For Every Occasion SS. The scallop edge was created with the Fiskars "threading water" punch. A bit of twill ribbon and a photo clip and this one is DONE :~)

Happy 20th Wedding Anniversary

Another FABULOUS sketch from the gals at Unscripted!!! I really had fun with this one! As soon as I saw the sketch I knew I would use my coluzzle file folder template to make the tabbed accents. Perfect to tuck away precious love letters ;~) I chose the "Silhouette" PP and layered strips of CS on the left side. The "lacy" edge was made with my new Fiskars Lacy Days of Summer border punch (one of the prizes I won in the Scrappy Sunday challenge). I wrapped the ribbon around the page and tied on the "cherish" metal charm with embroidery floss. The title was cut out with my cricut and I used a punch for the scallop circle, making holes all around with my paper piercer. Finally, I stamped the words bliss & treasure from the CTMH Adorable SS and adhered to each tab. Hope you like it!

Amazing!!!

This is something quite special... it's a magnificent series of photos
of hummingbirds I received via email. Click here to view. Keep in mind the egg is smaller than a tic tac and a quarter fits the opening of the nest! It took 24 days from birth to flight. Be sure to click on NEXT PAGE at the bottom of each page; there are 5 pages in all. Because you'll probably never in your lifetime see this again, enjoy and please share :~)

Trying something new...

Here is my attempt at the Mojo Monday sketch this week. I rarely use anything NOT CTMH, but I saw this stamp and fell in LOVE!!! She's from the C.C. Designs Gingersnaps collection-super cute, right? No copics yet :~( so I just used watercolor pencils. I have a dear friend I met while working at the Animal Rescue who moved away, and sadly we didn't KIT. I decided I'd send her this card to "catch up". Thanks for looking!

CTMH supplies: "Let's Get Together" PP; For Every Occasion SS; Black & White Daisy CS; black bitty brads; cranberry brad; Just Blooms paper flower Other: ribbon, silver bookplate

"Next Blog"

Good morning! TGIF!!! The sun STILL hasn't peeked through yet but at least it's not pouring down rain. That's been the case for too many days lately :~(

I just realized there is a "Next Blog" feature and decided to scroll through. Well the very first blog that came up was this, and my mouth is watering LOL I couldn't read any of the text, but WOW the food looked so YUMMY! MMMM...chocolate!!! I must go get myself something to eat and then I'm gonna make something pretty :~)

OMGosh I'm so glad the Father's Day cards are FINALLY finished!!! I have such a hard time creating masculine cards. I can't wait to make something with flowers and ladybugs tomorrow LOL. These cards are for DH's father and stepdad. I hope they like 'em :~)

Fishing Card CTMH supplies: "Rustic Trails" PP; For Every Occasion SS; silver brads; Originals Card Confidence Program. Other: sticker from Sticker-a-Day calendar kit.

Shirt Card CTMH supplies: "Sasparilla" PP; White Daisy button; Love of My Life SS; pattern borrowed a couple years ago from a fellow CTMH consultant on the BB.

"Snappy" Father's Day!

Here is a look at the inside...

I made this card for MY Dad. I know it's corny, but I think he'll get a kick out of it LOL Thanks for looking :~)

CTMH supplies: "Lazy Days" (retired) PP and Stickease; *NEW* It's a Zoo , Fun Times, and Love of My Life (retired)SS; silver brads; Black, Olive & Desert Sand inks; foam tool; edge distresser; Originals Card Confidence Program. Other: Googly eyes

Love at FURst Sight!

Here is my interpretation of Unscripted Sketches #10. Most people did cards, but I am seriously behind in my scrapbooking, so I decided to do a layout. Thanks for looking!

CTMH supplies: Pawsitively Paws PP(retired); Just Blooms paper flowers; Garden Green brads Other: cat themed brads from LSS

What a Great Day!

OK this one is my submission for the Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge. I used the cracked glass technique on the stamped image, and I backed the clear buttons with pattern paper and then threaded with embroidery floss. I used my corner rounder with the guard removed to create the scallops on the semi-circle and tied a length of Chocolate ribbon to finish it off. Hope you like it!

Words to live by...

Here is my entry for Cute Card Thursday #64. The only requirement was to use a quote. If you want to play along and have a chance to win cool prizes, click here.

CTMH Supplies used: "Let's Get Together" papers; Love Bug SS; colonial white crochet ribbon; red sparkles; sketch from Originals.

Girl Power/Scrappy Sunday

Wowsers! This one took no time at all. I think I'm starting to like these sketches where I don't have to fill en entire page LOL I used Life Delights paper (LOVE those butterflies and flourishes!) and cut the title with my cricut. I added some paper flowers with button centers and attached them with dimensional squares for a little extra 'pop'. For the journaling, I simply typed the poem into my computer and cut each line individually-Et voila!

Emmalee LOVES to spend time with big sister Brittany and her friends, especially Felicia. The older girls are really great with her and I'm so glad they let Em "hang out" once in a while (and give Mom a break) ;~)

A Visit with Max

Haven't been creating/posting much lately. My tummy troubles continue :~( BUT I did manage to finish a layout yesterday. The sketch is from Reflections and I used the *NEW* Animal Cookies papers. I created the title using rub-ons and dimensional elements. A few stickease, buttons, brads and a bit of ribbon complete the look :~)

Repurposing My Spice Rack

So I am NOT one of those papercrafters that is fortunate enough to have a separate room or studio to work in :( I have a small space in my kitchen/dining area. Well as I continue to accumulate more & more, it has become necessary to rethink/reorganize this space. Although it took some time, it feels REALLY good to know where a certain tool or paper pack is when I need it. No more searching and subsequent frustration. I gave my father the design for this spice rack several years ago and he built it for me. I painted it and cross stitched the little door panel. While it was cute to look at, the glass jars with hinged lids weren't very convenient for actually using the spices. SO I decided to hang it in my scramp area and put buttons and paper flowers in the jars instead. I like it!!! :~)

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Whew! I am just getting this one done under the wire! It's my entry for the Friday Cupcake Challenge @ Taylored Expressions. The B&T papers I used are from the "Animal Cookies" Level 2 kit. I had a sick doggie and kitty today and was too busy cleaning messes to create anything fancy :( I hope tomorrow will be better!

Summer Fun

I found this week's sketch a bit challenging. I always want to add more and just can't seem to leave ANY empty space on my page. BUT I am trying LOL These summertime diecuts were PERFECT to embellish this layout. Even though they aren't CTMH they compliment the Boom-Di-Ada papers well. Oh and I have to mention that I purchased these diecuts from QVC years ago and did NOT realize they had to be cut out with scissors!!! They really are darn cute, but I'd never buy 'em again LOL Wanna play along? Join our Scrappy Sunday group @ Paper Craft Planet :~)

Meeting Max!

Emmalee and I joined the Summer Reading Program at the library and Max from "Max & Ruby" visited during storytime this AM!!! Emma had a great time listening to the storytellers. She was so cute-at the end of the story, she yelled out "The End!" and everyone laughed. She was a little scared to meet Max at first, but I went up to him with her, and big sister Brittany took her pic. What fun! Be sure to check your local library to participate in fun activities all summer long :~)

Unscripted Sketches 09

I created this card for my daughter who is turning 18 next month. I rotated the sketch, and I used the May SOTM set featuring these chic ladies. I sponged Chocolate ink on the edges of each image to soften the look. The word labels are beautiful, perfect & confident-Brittany is all these things to me and so much more :~)
Other supplies used: CTMH "That's Amore" papers; Just Blooms White Daisies; Hollyhock button and brads; silver bookplate.

Mojo Monday 90

So here is my take on this week's sketch. I needed to make a card to send my nephew who just went into the Airforce. I know it's silly, but thought he could use a laugh at bootcamp! I used the CTMH "Lazy Days" papers AGAIN; I just love these papers and I was sad to see them retire. And yes the froggy embellishment at the top and the grass border are acually stickers *GASP*!!! I have to admit, I've been kind of a papercrafting snob and thought using stickers was "cheating". BUT not anymore! Maybe it's the turning 40 thing and Im reevaluating/evolving LOL Anyhow, I think it turned out just fine and took very little time to create *thumbs up*.

I AM so happy!!!!!

I woke up this AM and checked my messages first thing, cuz I've been anxiously awaiting the announcement of the Scrappy Sunday challenge winner, and there it was-Congratulations, Lisa-you won!!!!! I am THRILLED and so honored that they picked ME!!!! For me there's nothing better than playing along in the challenges, getting cards and layouts done and meeting new papercrafting friends, but getting FREE stuff, too??? That's AWESOME!!!! Jan Bruno @ Scrapadies provided the very generous prize. Thank you, Jan :~)

Well, it's Monday and you know what that means-time for Mojo. I'm off to play-I mean work ;~)

"I am so happy" /Scrappy Sunday Layout

Here is my entry for the Scrappy Sunday sketch challenge on PCP. I must admit, I had a hard time coming up with something at first, but once I pulled out my "Tickled Pink" kit it all came together. This kit was a CTMH special in May and VERY popular. Me thinks it will resurface in a future CTMH Idea Book-at least I hope it does!! It doesn't show up very well in the photos, but the CS is textured, and it really makes a difference in the look of the layout. I used pop dots to create the layered flowers and inked all the edges using the foam distressing tool. I LOVE this tool, (basically a sponge on a handle) cuz I don't get ink all over my fingers-I mean I'm not ashamed of being a papercrafter, but do I really need the blue fingers to prove it??? LOL

Father's Day Card

I made this card for DH for Father's Day. I am entering it in the Mojo Monday #89 challenge (I tried to stay pretty true to the sketch) and also Cute Card Thursday (using die cuts/punches). I've had these Embossible Designs die cuts FOREVER and thought they were perfect for this card. The background at the top was created using the Fiskars "Woodgrain" texture plate.
I have such a hard time creating masculine cards. I tend to gravitate towards the flowery feminine papers and embellies. The sketches and challenges have been a big help :~)

Doughnuts, anyone???

I know it's hard to see the flower accents, but they are darling IRL!

Here is my take on this week's Unscripted Sketch/Sketch it Saturdays. My neice Maribeth was kind enough to share all the pics she took when we had our "family reunion" last month. This one of Emmalee enjoying her chocolate covered doughnut was priceless! She really is just like her Mama ;~)
CTMH Supplies used: "Lazy Days" patterned paper; Buttercup,Garden Green,Bamboo, White Daisy & Lilac Mist CS; White Daisy ink; hemp; buttercup brads. The flower accents were made by stamping with White Daisy ink on vellum. Note* If you try this, make your flowers ahead of time-the ink needs extra time to dry especially on the slick surface of vellum. I usually stamp a bunch and leave them overnight to ensure they won't smear. For the scallops on the border I just removed the guard on my corner rounder, punched along the edge and poked holes with my paper piercer.

I'm 40 today!!!!

Strawberry Jam

Whew! I finally got my strawberry jam made today. My DH has been anxiously awaiting his treat LOL I remember the first year I made preserves and he said, "I HATE preserves" and I said, "Honey, this isnt store bought jam-just give it a chance". Well, he absolutely loves it-eats it right off of the spoon. No matter how much I make, my family goes through it too fast. What a wonderful feeling it is to have your hard work appreciated :~) Anyway I picked the berries on Saturday and the crop was very good this year. If you are local, I recommend Shaw's Orchards. You even get to ride the wagon out to the patch! Fresh strawberries are perfect for pies, shortcake or right out of the bowl . And @ $1.50/pound you can't beat it! If you've never made preserves/jam because you thought it was too hard or time consuming-you MUST try this method. Freezer jam is very simple and you just screw on the lids-no complicated water baths etc. You can find all the details and watch an instructional video here.

Just Beachy Paper Bag Album

Here is a paper bag album with a twist that I taught my workshop ladies last month. I designed it to look like a beach tote. Wanna make your own mini album using ordinary lunch bags? Here's how :~) Note*You need to make a couple of adjustments to each bag in the album so that the openings are on the side, not the bottom, when the album is standing.

1. First, fold 3 paper bags in half.

2. Open up each bag and using scissors, cut out the gutter part on both sides of the bag to the fold line. This will allow your tags to slide in and out much easier.

3. Flatten the bag and place adhesive along the bottom and left side only, forming a pocket on the right.

4. Lay the bags on top of each other alternating the ends and then fold in half.

5. I found it easiest to first assemble and embellish all my pages (including front and back covers), THEN attach them in the album. Be generous with your adhesive!

6. To bind the album, I simply punched holes and set eyelets with my crop-a-dile to thread my tote strap (ribbon) through. Tip: Restrict binding to within 1/4 inch at the top to keep artwork free from holes and make page flipping easier.


Thanks for visiting, and if you make one, be sure to send me a link so I can view your fabulous creation!

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My camera work leaves alot to be desired, but you can almost see the Stickles on the cupcakes-they're much better in person.

OK, I am seriously addicted to the scramp challenges! Here is my take on this week's sketch from Taylored Expressions. I ADORE these little piggies and thought they were perfect for a cupcake challenge ;~)

CTMH Supplies used: Nursery Bash stamp set; "More to Adore" paper packet; White Daisy, Blush, Chocolate & Sweet Leaf CS; Chocolate ink; watercolor pencils; blender pen; glue dots; buttons; embroidery floss; Chocolate grosgrain ribbon

Other: Stickles

A must-have for your papercrafting library!

It's June 1st and I am very excited to announce the release of a brand *NEW* CTMH card making book "Wishes". Chock full of all new patterns including bulk cardmaking, trendy circle cards, tips & techniques, this is a must-have for any paper crafter! Contact me or visit my website to get yours. I have all 3 scrapbooking editions and the Originals Card Confidence Program already. It is definitely $$$ well spent :~)

I really LOVE my kids!

Oh my gosh! I woke up this AM to this CUTE message made out of dominoes from my kids. And the best part is, when I grabbed my camera to take a pic (cuz you know scrapbookers/bloggers document EVERY single moment in their lives LOL) I discovered they were, as always, one step ahead of me and already took a pic!!! Sometimes teenagers can be pretty GREAT :~)

Cute Card Thursday-BLING

Yep, another challenge LOL This one was to use some BLING. I think these flip flops (from the August Word Puzzle stamp set) are so adorable and the rhinestone flowers were the perfect accent! The papers are from the *NEW* Moon Doggie collection. I had some scraps left over from my last workshop, and what better way to make use of them, right? Papercrafters should NEVER throw anything away!

Note*If you want to play along or just see some more fabulous artwork, click on the appropriate "blinky" in the sidebar.