Christmas Photo Block

Ok, this is the cutest little My Creations item!  It's a 3x3 block, only $3.95, and it's full of possibility!  In this Idea Book, they are shown as a perpetual calendar - what a great idea, right?  I decided to turn mine into a photo block using Pear & Partridge paper.  As you can see, I've attached our smallest (2x2) flip flaps on each side of the block and then slid a photo mat into each pocket.

I created this using the much the same techniques as I used on my Noel card the other day.  I cut poinsetta blooms using the Artiste cartridge and stacked them together.  I can't get enough of that Almond Glitz Gel for accent - it's just so Christmas-y!  I sponged color ready ribbon with Cashmere ink and that gave it a very nice gold appearance.

It was such a pleasure to create for Operation Smile, and thoroughly enjoyed every single minute!  If you would like to learn more about Operation Smile and what they accomplish for children around the world, please click on this link.  All the items used to create this box can be found on my website.

At the time you are reading this, I am on my way back from St. Louis.  Oh, I can't wait to share what I've learned and all of the fun artwork!!

Recipe/Card Box

This is one of my favorite My Creations items.  (Did I say that yesterday about the Display Album?)  It is so versatile, and I have used this for many things.  I have one for my vitamins, one for cards from my team members, and I have one for photos.  I can think of many other uses, too!  Well, for this one I used the delicate fall floral pattern of Clementine.

One of the wonderfully unique cuts from the Artiste cartridge is the yo-yo flower.  I love making these will all of the different scallops and cuts.  I added floral doily from the Bohemian Assortment and then a rolled flower on top of that.  I tucked some burlap under the flower, and I am going to give you a tip about this.  You need to make sure that the flower and ribbon are really secure because you will be opening and closing the box often.  I used Liquid Glass to put together the flowers together, and I also used it on the burlap.  I'll tell you, that flower and ribbon are not moving!

As you can see, I turned this into a card box for the Operation Smile auction.  I cut the file tabs using the Artiste cartridge and simply stamped them with the November Stamp of the Month (mark your calendar -you will like that one!).

All of the items used to make this box can be found on my website!

The Love of Family

I was asked to create for the Operation Smile auction that we have at Corporate Events.  First of all, what an honor!  I pour over the artwork that is contributed, and I am very humbled that I was asked.  So being the over-achiever that I am, I made three items that I will be sharing with in the next few days.

This first one is one of our My Creations display albums.  I love it because it has 12 page protectors (6x6) bound into the album.  A lot of my customers purchase these for parent and grandparent gifts.  You can create a calendar and display photos.  Well, just let me show you what I did with the pages.

I used the Family Love stamp set on the cover for the sentiment, and I also used it to stamp the flourish and decorative rectangle.  These pages would work for a calendar, written thoughts, or photos.  This album is made with the beautiful Florentine paper.  I added one of the Florentine Timeless Charms to the cover and finished it off with yummy dark chocolate striped ribbon.

All of the items I used to make this album can be found on my website.  Be sure to stop in tomorrow to take a peek at my twist on a recipe/card box!

Love and Hugs

I am on my way to St. Louis for the Regional Celebration today!  Yippee!!  Travelling to Corporate Events is one of my very favorite things to do.  I can't tell you how much I learn every single time I go to one of them!

This is the card that I made for my roommates in St. Louis.  I had so much fun making that criss-cross card last week, that I had to make another one!  This time I used Clementine paper with matching embellishments.  instead of placing a tab, I thought that the burlap ribbon gave the card a unique twist.  The sentiment is from the Words of Comfort set.

Of course, I cut the flowers from the Artiste cartridge and added a little color ready ribbon that I colored with a Creme Brulee alcohol marker.  Give me any excuse to roll some flowers, and I am a happy woman!

All of the items used to make this card can be found on my website.  Thanks for stopping in today!

Spellbound Workshop on the Go

I think you are going to love this video!

Noel

It's been some time since I posted - I am so sorry about that!  I have been teaching classes, went on a weekend scrapbook retreat, and I have been getting ready for the Close To My Heart Regional Celebration in St. Louis.  Whew!  I have posts scheduled for the next few days, too, so keep checking back often!

Today, I am bringing you a Christmas card inspired by three different challenges:

• Cardz TV - Bling it Up!
• Got Sketch? - awesome sketch - be sure to check it out!
• Heart 2 Heart - Christmas Time

This card was created with Pear and Partridge paper and the Cricut Artiste cartridge.  I really enjoy making 6x6 cards, so when I saw Valerie's sketch at Got Sketch?, I knew I had to do a larger card.  These colors from the paper packet lend themselves well to the shabby chic look and old world Christmas.  Let's look a little closer:

I've got 6 layers of poinsetta cuts from the Artiste Christmas key.  I used Almond Glitz Gel to add sparkle to the leaves, and then I tucked in some metal flourishes and a button from the Antiqued Gold Mini Medleys collection.  

You will see more of the ornaments next month when I introduce the October Stamp of the Month.  So that's just a sneak peek!  I hope that you are having a great week and that you're having plenty of time to craft!

Cut it Up Challenge #2

Did you have fun playing with the first challenge at Cut it Up?  I sure had fun looking at all of your work!  Time for the next challenge!  We'd like to see you create something with a die cut using this photo as your inspiration:

Here is what I created for you as an example:

I used the Cricut Artiste cartridge to cut this CUTE little box with Moonlight paper.  It reminds me of animal crackers - what do you think?  I made a border strip for the box using the September Stamp of the Month, Fall Favorites.  I colored the images using the CTMH alcohol-based markers honey and autumn terracotta.  I added a little twine from one of our sponsors this challenge, Trendy Twine, and the button and flower finished off the box.  Quick and easy!!

Trendy Twine and My Thoughts Exactly have put together this prize package for the winner of this challenge:

I hope to see you play along at this fun fall-themed challenge!!

I am entering this into the following challenges:

• Party-Time Tuesdays - photo inspiration
• Inspired By - photo inspiration
• Papertake Weekly - autumn theme

Snowy Days

I am not a fan of winter, but I love creating winter pages.  There is something about working with Studio J snowflakes that makes me really happy!  You can drop as many snowflakes as you want - and they can be all kinds of shapes!  Well, just take a look....

This was a happy winter retreat with my husband, and this layout is the perfect start to those pages!  Want to know how long this took me?  I timed myself, so I could tell you - LOL!!  It took 31 minutes from the start to when I had the jpg file in my e-mail box.  That's uploading the photos, picking the paper and pattern, adding all those snowflakes, and even journaling!  Not too bad, huh?

Do you have some catching up to do on your pages?  You just might want to give Studio J a try!

New "While Supplies Last" Items!

Are you looking to pick up some paper crafting supplies for a great price?  Then head over to my website for some new items that were just put on clearance!  Here are just a few of the things that you can pick up for $1.00!

Happy Shopping!!

Winners!

I so happily kept putting names into a basket for my 500-follower giveaway!  Thank you all for your kind words and comments, but most of all for following me!  Usually late at night, I am busy reading your blogs and you inspire me greatly!!

But you didn't come here to hear me talk.  You want to know the winners!!

So without further ado, the winner of the "I Believe" stamp set is:

NJ Stamping QueenSeptember 14, 2012 8:08 AM 

And the winner of the cute little Thirty-One carry all bag is:

LindaSeptember 18, 2012 9:24 PM

Congratulations, ladies!!  Contact me and I will get your prizes to you right away!!

Family

I am going to a scrapbooking weekend with two of my sisters, two nieces, and my mother-in-law.  I love spending family time together, and that's what I was thinking about when I made this card.

I love the exclusive colors in Avonlea - Avonlea Off-White, Avonlea Teal, and Avonlea Green.  I woke up this morning thinking that I hadn't made a criss-cross card in awhile, so I knew I wanted to create one today.  (Now don't tell me you don't wake up thinking about paper crafting some days because I wouldn't believe you!!)  The sentiment from the Family Tree stamp set is perfect for this card, and those Brocade Charms that match Avonlea are just gorgeous!  Of course, it was easy for me to add some rolled flowers, ribbon and bling!

Even when we're busy, it's really important to take a minute to stop and craft for absolutely no good reason. If you are anything like me, creating makes your soul feel good, and it recharges you for the day.  I love that about this hobby!

Come back this evening to find out the winners of my 500 follower giveaway!

Close To My Heart Colors

I want to share this fabulous video created by Close To My Heart  . It does a great job of explaining our new 40-color palette and the new trend colors found in some of our paper packets.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions!  (Don't forget to click on the giveaway button on the right sidebar!  I'll be drawing a name tomorrow!)

ScrapFIT Workout #76

Navy, Gray, and White - what a beautiful and soft color combination created by the Creative Trainer, Diana, at ScrapFIT!  We would love for you to play along!  Here is what I created for you using theTeresa Collins Everday Moments collection.

Paper Issues is offering up a Low Cal Fit Kit as the prize for this Workout.  I'd love to see what you can do with these colors!  

Express Studio J Layout

I recently delved into the Express Collections of Studio J.  Have you been there?  When you go into the Express Collections, you simply choose the pattern you want, and add the pictures.  From there, you put in your journaling and you are done!

I copied the flourish to add one to the top, and I copied some stars to put by Lacey's name.  This really was done in almost no time at all!  Isn't she about the prettiest catcher you've ever seen?  And she's a sweetie, too!

Don't forget to click on the photo on the right to enter my 500-follower giveaway!

September Card Kits - SOLD OUT

Just a quick post this morning to let you know that the September Card Kits are SOLD OUT!  Thank you so much for your purchase this month!!  Be watching for the October Card Kit soon!!

Best Day Ever

One of the things I like the most about the new papers in the Fall/Winter Idea Book is that they are so interchangeable.  On this card, I've mixed Scholastic with Clementine.

The canvas sticker from Clementine was a perfect sentiment for this card.  I just added a little creme brulee twine from the Paradise Collection and a few twilight buttons,  Such an easy but pretty card.

Don't forget to enter to win my 500 follower giveaway!  Just click on the photo on the right!

Merci, 500 Followers, and a Giveaway!

Even though I can't mail this to each and every one of you, I had a lot of fun making this card for you today.  Yes, I made it just for you!  While I was creating it, I was thinking about all the friendships I have made just because I blog. I was also thinking of all I've learned because one day (almost 4 years ago!), I dared to put my thoughts and art on a blog.  I've learned from you, your artwork, and your incredible writing on your blogs.  I've learned about myself and what courage it takes to share artwork - and gasp! - enter challenges.  YOU make me a better blogger and person, and I appreciate you!!

Today I reached my 500th follower!  WOW!  I feel very honored that I have had over 100,000 hits on my blog and that 500 of you are choosing to follow me!  I can't even express what that means to me.  So I decided that I need to do a giveaway because I feel so blessed!

I am going to have two drawings!  First, one lucky winner will win this fabulously cute and wonderful Close To My Heart Christmas stamp set (and it will come with some great embellishments):

Recently I had a Thirty-One party, so I decided to use some of my hostess rewards for one of my blog prizes, too.  My next winner will receive this awesome and very handy Little Carry-All bag in Organic Poppy (it's going to have some embellishments in it, too!):

There are only two little "rules" for my giveaways:

1. Be a follower, and 
2. Link up your blog or Facebook page to Mr. Linky.  (If you don't have either of these, leave a comment with your e-mail address).

I will randomly draw two lucky winners on the evening of Wednesday, September 19th, and I will post the winner and notify them by e-mail so that I can mail these out right away!

Dream Big

I am taking part in the Big Idea Festival over at Big Picture Classes.  For 14 days, there are inspiring videos to watch from some of the most creative minds in the scrapbooking industry.  I am so thoroughly enjoying these challenges and the thought process behind them.  I think every once in awhile it's good to be reminded why we scrapbook, and this series is definitely helping me remember!

The challenge from Courtney Walsh for Day #3 was to focus on dreams.

My layout is done completely without photos, and I enjoyed completely this focusing on the imagery of the dream and the story behind my dream.

I was gifted with some Bo Bunny Weekend Market paper some time ago, so I used this opportunity to pull it out and create.

The Cricut Artiste and Cricut Art Philosophy did most of the work for me, and all I needed to do was bring it together.

This is an unusual layout for me - and not one that I accustomed to creating.  But I think I will really like looking back on this layouts and reminding myself of this dream that makes me very, very happy!

Gift Box

It dawned on me this evening that I haven't shared any artwork with you this weekend.  I didn't even realize that because I have been creating all weekend!  So with the help of the Cricut Artiste cartridge, I whipped up this little box for you!

I have seen photos of this box used for cupcakes.  Now wouldn't that be a pretty way to give someone a cupcake?  What I was thinking when I made it is that it would be a great party favor box at a wedding shower or evening the reception.  I wish this had been around 22 years ago!!

Truly, it took me minutes to make once the pieces were all cut from La Belle Vie.  The Artiste cut the box, lid, butterfly, and yo-yo flower.  I save transparency pieces from packaging, so I just used a little Liquid Glass to adhere that to the inside of the lid.  I simply added some bling buttons with a little black waxy flax, a hat pin, a sparkly embellishment from the Slate Mini Medleys, and a few bitty sparkles for good measure.

I cannot believe how easy this cartridge has made it to make my packages look pretty!!  I will be entering this into the Anything But a Card Challenge which is anything goes this week!

Cut it Up Challenge #1

You've been waiting for the first challenge from Cut it Up, and now it's time to reveal it!  Our first challenge is ANYTHING GOES.  How easy is that to play along with? So I am going to be looking for a lot of your projects over at Cut it Up!  Here's what I created for you using the Cricut Artiste cartridge and Flirty paper:

Flirty has a couple of exclusive colors in the package - Flirty Raspberry and Flirty Yellow.  They are unique to that paper packet, and I truly didn't know what I would think of that.  But guess what?  I. Love. It.  What a fun way to mix things up!!

Let's see, I should tell you everything that I cut with the cartridge - magazine file (perfectly holds standard cards!), flowers, leaves, card"bases, envelopes, and "thanks."  Awesome right?!  You can do so much in so little time with this cartridge, and this would make a lovely gift for someone's desk.  I added one of the wooden shaped birds, a little bling, and a little piece of ribbon.  That's it - otherwise my Cricut did all the work for me!

This challenge will end on Wednesday, September 19th at Noon EST.  There's a lovely prize up for grabs, so be sure to play along!

I am going to enter this project into a few challenges:

• Bitten by the Bug 2 - Shaped Cards
• Shopping Our Stash - Wood
• {PIN}spirational Challenge -Photo Inspiration

Hip Hip Hooray!

I've had some Dakota scraps sitting on my desk, and I have been mulling over what to do with them.  I've the colors of the papers, but no ideas were coming to me.  Finally today, I sat down and put a card together - yippee!!

Along with Dakota paper, I used a couple of stamps from the Cricut Artiste collection.

I cut three of the medallions to stack them and the bottom one is stamped.  There really isn't much to this card, but it all came together quite nicely.

Come back tomorrow for the 1st Cut it Up Challenge!  I can't wait to show you what I've made!!

My Pick O' the Patch

Fall photos are some of my favorite to scrap.  I think it's the rich colors of autumn that just make me happy!
I wanted to show you today how easy it is to use the September Stamp of the Month, Fall Favorites, on a layout.

Where did this little boy go?  As the mother of an adult child, I am so glad that I was never a chronological scrapbooker.  I really enjoy going back, looking through these memories, and putting them to paper now.

I know many people are hesitant to incorporate stamping into a layout.  Let me tell you about all the stamping I did on this layout.  The leaves at the top are from the stamp set Harvest Happiness.  The rest of the stamps - border, scarecrow, pumpkins, "fall," jounraling spot, and "pick o'the patch," are all from the September Stamp of the Month.  Because of all the coloring that I did with the awesome alcohol markers, there wasn't a need for printed paper or even a lot of matting. (If you'd like to see the coloring a little better, just click on the photo to make it larger.) The burlap ribbon lends itself well to this stamp set, don't you think?

I think you might see a lot more of this stamp set.  It's just so cute and a lot of fun to use!!  I am going to enter this into a challenge:

• Shopping Our Stash - wooden element

Life is Good

I'll be sharing more about the September Specials tomorrow, but I wanted to bring this card to you today.  It  our combines both the September Stamp of the Month (Fall Favorites) with the National Stamping Month special (It's Your Day).

I can't get enough of this scarecrow!  He is just so cute!!  I can't wait for you to try our new markers.  They are just so much fun to work with, and they colored this card simply and quickly.

I created this card using Kraft cardstock, a little Clementine strip, and a circle of Indian Corn Blue cardstock.  I've stamped the circle with the grid pattern from Universal Backgrounds.  Let's see, the markers I've used in both base and shade are Autumn Terracotta, Honey, Indian Corn Blue, Olive, and Smokey Plum.  I finished the card with a little piece of Burlap Ribbon and some hemp.

I hope that you've had a wonderful Labor Day weekend.  It has been just beautiful here in my neck of the woods in Minnesota.  Labor Day plans include an afternoon on the boat, so I am looking forward to that!  Thanks for stopping by and visiting!

La Belle Vie Star

This is one of the new Close To My Heart My Creations items.  I loved that we have such a large star to decorate!  It is 12", flat on the back, and hangs beautifully on a wall.

I pulled out some La Belle Vie (it's never far away...!)  The first thing I did was sponge all the edges with Slate ink.  After I was all done, I thought that my brayer would have worked nicely, too.

I cut the flowers with the Artiste cartridge at 2-3/4" and before I rolled them , I sponged the edges with Slate ink. Even thought this project uses dark colors, it still has a very romantic feeling to it, so it will go on our bedroom wall.

I hope that you are having a blessed holiday weekend!  I so appreciate that you took the time to visit!!

ScrapFIT Workout #75

Time for another challenge at ScrapFIT!  During this next two weeks, we want to see what you can do with twine.  Sometimes I wonder what we did without it!  There are so many colors of twine, and they are all so beautiful!  Even a little piece here or there adds a whole lot to a page.

Today, I want to show you a few different things I did with twine on this layout of my son taken 17 years ago!

There is nothing particularly special about this layout, but it is one of my very favorite layouts.  You know, as our children grow older, it's hard to watch them go through difficult things.  All those monsters of life are just terrible, and all we can do is to entrust them into God's hands and remember that what they face today is what will shape them for tomorrow.  Here is my journaling up close:

Our prize this week from the Paper Issues store is the Eclectic Slide Fit Kit.

I look forward to seeing what you do with twine!!