I am attempting to maintain a blog filled with random bits from my life and family as well as my adventures in crafting.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Die Cuttin' Divas - Guest Designer!!!

Happy Tuesday!!!

WOW!!! I am so excited to be a Guest Designer
over at Die Cuttin' Divas!!!
I have been following this blog for so long
it's quite the honor to be guest designing
alongside this Design Team!
So THANK YOU for giving me this opportunity!!!


The theme for the week is
Anything Goes!

Here is my project:


I decided to make a Birthday Card, because
really you can never have too many of those on hand!!!

I LOVE this gift image from the Cricut Sweethearts cartridge
so I decided to use it for my card.
My paper comes from Fancy Pants "Park Bench"
6x6 paper pack I picked up at Hobby Lobby.

I used the Paper Studio's Curl Ribbon Embossing Folder
for my blue mat and George for the circle/shadow.

The enamel dots are from Recollections.
My sentiments are from Craftin' Desert Divas
and CardzTV.

I hope that you will join in over at Die Cuttin' Divas
for this week's challenge!!!

Here is a video of how this card came together:

Thanks for checkin' in!!!


Monday, September 29, 2014

BBTB2 - Nuts About You

Happy Monday!!!

Bitten by the Bug 2

Welcome to another challenge over at BBTB2!!!

This week our challenge is themed
"Nuts About You"

So create a card using squirrels and nuts
and all those punny sentiments you have
lying around!!!


I created this card using scraps I found in my stash,
I wanted to see what I could come up with mixing and matching
papers from various paper packs.
So I had fun creating this sketch!

My image is from Stretch Your Imagination
and I cut the silhouette feature, the blackout feature,
and the shadow feature all at 3 1/2".

The acorns come from Art Philosophy
and I cut them at 1", 3/4", and 1/2".

I love this brown ric-rac ribbon from American Crafts
and must find more of it!

My sentiment comes from Craftin' Desert Divas
Punny Stamp Set.
The flat back pearls are from Recollections.

I did do some inking with Color Box Chalk Ink and
Tim Holtz Tea Dye Distress Ink.
The squirrel is popped up on some foam tape too.

I hope that you will join us over at BBTB2 for
our "Nutty" challenge and can't wait to see what you come up with!

Thanks for checkin' in!!!

FCCB #230 - Shape It Up!!!

Hey All!!!

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!!!

Today we have another challenge starting over at FCCB...


Challenge #230 Shape Up
Make a shaped card (any shape but rectangle or square)

This Weeks Sponsor

SVG Attic

$15.00 Giftcard

So here is my card for this week's Challenge:
Shape Up: Make a shaped card


Okay, I REALLY played around with different techniques with this card :)
It turned out kind of crazy I think!

I wanted to make a Halloween card and found this
fun shaped card from the Wrap It Up cartridge.

I just used an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of orange cardstock
and set my machine to "Fit to Page".
It cut out the card at 5 3/4".
Then I decided to just cut the images out at that same size
to layer the front.
I used some fun orange/yellow star paper for the top layer
some darker orange paper for the base,
and some yellow cardstock for the
eyes, nose, and mouth.
But you can't tell that I used yellow paper because
I got my Wink of Stella Glitter Brush Marker in the mail
and decided to play around with that :)
It's a bit sloppy for my first time - oh well!!!
I also INKED up my cuts A LOT,
A LOT more than I normally do!
I added some Trendy Twine to the stem
along with a fun sentiment tag.
The stamp is from Studio G ($1 pack from JoAnn's)

This is definitely a card that I played around with
and it totally looks that way,
but it didn't turn out TOO bad :)

I hope that you will join us for this Shape Challenge
over at FCCB!!!

Thanks for checkin' in!!!




Monday, September 22, 2014

BBTB2 - Use A Butterfly

Bitten by the Bug 2

Happy Monday!!!

Welcome to another fun challenge over at BBTB2!!!

Melanie has chosen our theme for the week and
it's all about Butterflies!

I LOVE to use butterflies on my projects,
although I don't use them as often as I would like :)

So for this week's project I have a Butterfly Themed Jar.


My sister started a new job a couple weeks ago
and she wanted me to make a jar for one of her
co-workers who has a problem with apologizing.
Funny, huh?

So this works like a "swear" jar I guess.
Every time her co-worker says "I'm sorry"
she has to put money in it.
So, maybe this will help.

I used Art Philosophy for all my cuts on this project.
Page 41 of the handbook has a fun butterfly vibe to it :)

I used paper from American Crafts, Recollections, and DCWV.
The black rhinestones and black flowers come from Recollections.
The pink flowers are from Prima.
The black and white twine is from We R Memory Keepers,
and I just had some pink tulle in my stash.

I used my ATG Gun and Glue Dots for the adhesive.

On the tag, will be the "instructions" for the jar.

Here are a few more pics of the jar:








I hope that you will join us this week for this fun challenge
over at BBTB2!

I am also going to enter this in over at Little Scrap Pieces.

Thanks for checkin' in!!!

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Craftin' Desert Divas September Release Blog Hop


Welcome to our seventh Craftin Desert Diva's stamp release blog hop!!!
We're super excited to share with you in full the
CDD September release stamps.

Are you ready for some awesome Fall and Halloween projects?
Well if you are, then you've come to the right hop!!

There are six new stamps that are being released today
in the Craftin Desert Divas Shop and are available now for purchase.
**All stamps with images have a FREE SVG(digital cut file)**

This makes it so easy, you just cut out the image and then stamp on it.
The SVG cut file will be in the CDD Gallery for you to download
or after purchase just send an email to craftindesertdivas@gmail.com
to claim your SVG cut for the stamp set you purchased.
I've also added images and sizes for the SVGs in the CDD Shop.

So without further ado here are the latest stamp sets:
You Can Purchase This Set HERE

You Can Purchase This Set HERE

You Can Purchase This Set HERE

You Can Purchase This Set HERE

You Can Purchase This Set HERE

You Can Purchase This Set HERE

Here are the SVG cut files for each stamp...
  

  

 We have a few specials starting today!!
Every purchase receives a FREE Too Cute by Jessica SVG pattern
made especially for this release.
With a minimum 2 stamp purchase you will receive a FREE mini stamp.
Tara will add it to your order.
Use code: SEPTEMBER to save 20% off your ENTIRE purchase.
The mini stamp & sale will end Sept. 30, 2014.

Here is the free pattern with any purchase:

Here is the free mini stamp with any 2 stamp purchase:
Approx 3 x 2
Tara is giving away one stamp set each day &
Too Cute by Jessica is giving away
$25 gift card to her store (regular priced items).

And now for my project....
For my project today, I created a thank you card using
the Beary Thankful stamp set.
I LOVE how versatile this sentiment is!
I was able to create a card that wasn't necessarily Fall related!

My little bear comes from Create A Critter 2.
All my papers are from Ki "Berry Blast" 6x6 pad.
I ran a couple of the mats through my Cuttlebug
using Swiss Dots and Curl Ribbon.
The twine comes from American Crafts.
I hand cut the sign the bear is holding
and cut around the sentiment mat with
The Paper Studio's "Regal" scissors.
Finally I popped up my bear with some foam tape
and everything worked out great!

Here is a close up of the sentiment:
LOVE it!!!

Next up on the Line Up is the amazing Jessica

Be sure to hop with us tomorrow too!!
Winners will be picked from a different blog each day,
so the more you comment the more chances you have to win.

We'd love you to share your projects using the CDD stamps.

Blogs on today's hop:








Friday, September 19, 2014

Craftin' Desert Divas - Sneak Peek Day 3


We are continuing on with the September stamp release over at
Craftin Desert Divas!!!
We have six new stamp sets in this release.
We will be sharing with you sneak peeks from 2 different stamp sets a day.
This release is Fall and Halloween inspired!
  These images and sentiments will also come with a matching
SVG cut file that is FREE to you .

There are a few specials during this release we want to share with you.
Every purchase receives a FREE Too Cute by Jessica
SVG pattern made especially for this release.
Any minimum 2 Stamp purchase will receive a FREE mini stamp.
Both stamp & pattern will be revealed during the hop.
Also there will be a sale 20% off your ENTIRE purchase using
code: September starting on Saturday.

The free mini stamp & sale will end Sept. 30, 2014.

Welcome to Day 3 of Craftin' Desert Divas September stamp release!
Each day we will be giving you a sneak peek
at two of the six new stamp sets.
Then, on  Saturday and Sunday, we will have a
blog hop with prizes each day.
There are some awesome creations being shared
today during this stamp release.
We also have some special guest designers who will be joining us.

Today we are showcasing the
Hey Pumpkin & Batty For You
stamp sets. 

 6 -  4x6 stamps.
 Made in the USA.
Stamps will be available to order on Saturday.

We hope you will stop by the  Craftin Desert Divas Shop
and the  Craftin Desert Divas Gallery Facebook group.
We would love for you to join us
and share your creations with us using Craftin Desert Diva's stamps.
In this group we first show previews, have giveaways and much more!

Here is my sneak peek project from the Batty For You stamp set....

I found this AWESOME tree on the Celebrate with Flourish cartridge
and wanted to make a "Spooky" scene with it!
My bat paper is from The Paper Studio
and the black/purple polka dot is from ColorBok (Wal-Mart)

I used some black tulle to make a fun border between the two
with a strip of black cardstock underneath.

I inked everything up really good with Slate Ink from CTMH.
The tree is popped up on some foam tape.

Here is a close up of the stamp:

Sneak Peek Giveaway!

All you have to do is leave a comment on each of our blogs!
You are NOT required to comment on EVERY SINGLE blog,
but the more you comment on, the better chance you have for winning!

Tara will announce today's winner tomorrow.
The winner will be picked from a different blog every day,
so be sure to visit and leave comments.

Thank you all so much for joining us today and
I hope you will come back tomorrow for more sneak peeks.

Thanks for checkin' in!!!


Cut It Up Challenges - Breast Cancer Awareness in 3D

Cut It Up
Cut It Up Challenges
Challenge #54

Theme: Breast Cancer Awareness - 3D
Projects must include a 3D element (to promote 3D mammography);
examples: a card that becomes 3D, 3D card such as easel card,
side-step card, or a tri-step card; or a pop-up element on the inside.

Sponsor:
$20 Coupon Code


 My Project:

Hey All!!!
Happy Friday!!!

It's the start of another challenge over at Cut It Up!
And this challenge should be near and dear to all of us!
I am sure we all know someone that has been affected by Cancer,
it's not a pretty disease - my husband has now
been in remission for over a year,
but it still haunts us every month as we go in for his clinic visits
and what his labs might say.

During his treatments, I went ahead and got my first mammogram.
And no matter what the horror stories of getting one may be,
mine was absolutely fine!
There is NOTHING to worry about for the actual exam!
So if you haven't gotten one, I strongly urge you to make an
appointment and get it done!
It will be well worth it!

So for our challenge over at Cut It Up, we want to see some
Breast CancerAwareness projects in 3D!
No "flat" cards on this one ladies :)

I wanted to make a gift box for someone who
is fighting the hard fight!

I pulled out my Pink Journey cartridge and cut the
butterfly box out of some paper from American Crafts.
I also cut the cancer ribbon tag from this same cart.
My stamp is from a Paper Smooches
stamp set called "Flap Happy"
and I stamped it with Studio G Pink Ink.

I wrapped it in some ivory tulle and pink & white twine from
American Crafts.

I am anxious to see what projects you come up with
in 3D!

Thanks for checkin' in!!!



Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Craftin' Desert Divas - Sneak Peek Day 1


Today starts the September stamp release over at
Craftin Desert Divas!!!
We have six new stamp sets in this release.
We will be sharing with you sneak peeks from 2 different stamp sets a day.
This release is Fall and Halloween inspired!
  These images and sentiments will also come with a matching
SVG cut file that is FREE to you .

There are a few specials during this release we want to share with you.
Every purchase receives a FREE Too Cute by Jessica
SVG pattern made especially for this release.
Any minimum 2 Stamp purchase will receive a FREE mini stamp.
Both stamp & pattern will be revealed during the hop.
Also there will be a sale 20% off your ENTIRE purchase using
code: September starting on Saturday.
The free mini stamp & sale will end Sept. 30, 2014.

Welcome to Day 1 of Craftin Desert Divas September stamp release!
Each day we will be giving you a sneak peek
at two of the six new stamp sets.
Then, on  Saturday and Sunday, we will have a
blog hop with prizes each day.
There are some awesome creations being shared
today during this stamp release.
We also have some special guest designers who will be joining us.

Today we are showcasing the
Beary Thankful and Frightfully Cute
stamp sets. 

 6 -  4x6 stamps.
 Made in the USA.
Stamps will be available to order on Saturday.

We hope you will stop by the  Craftin Desert Divas Shop
and the  Craftin Desert Divas Gallery Facebook group.
We would love for you to join us
and share your creations with us using Craftin Desert Diva's stamps.
In this group we first show previews, have giveaways and much more!

Here are my sneak peek projects ....

From "Beary Thankful"...

I used Create A Critter 2 and Simply Charmed for my card.
The faces are from PKS Everyday Character Assortment.
My papers come from DCWV's 
Cafe Mediterranean and Linen mat stacks
as well as some scraps from my stash.
My orange twine is from American Crafts.
I inked around the edges with Tim Holtz
Tea Dye Distress Ink.

Here is a close up of the sentiment:
How fun is this stamp?!?!


I also have a project from the "Frightfully Cute"
stamp set to share with you:

I am usually NO GOOD at Halloween cards,
but this year has been different thanks to Tara's stamps :)
Talk about inspiration!

I used Create A Critter 2 for this card as well.
The Haunted House and Skulls both come from this cart!
I did run the moon section from the cut
through Divine Swirls Cuttlebug Folder
and inked everything up really good with Slate Ink from CTMH.
The AWESOME spider web cut is from the Edge to Edge cartridge.
The b/g mat paper is from Basic Grey's "Fact" paper pack
and the sentiment mat is from Ki's "Birthday" paper pack.
I added some black Enamel Dots from Recollections
to the sentiment mat and
ran some sewing thread around the card,
I liked the thin look to this instead of twine and added a gray
Enamel Dot in the center of the loops.

Here is a close up of this FUN stamp:
LOVE it!!!

Sneak Peek Giveaway!

All you have to do is leave a comment on each of our blogs!
You are NOT required to comment on EVERY SINGLE blog,
but the more you comment on, the better chance you have for winning!

Tara will announce today's winner tomorrow.
The winner will be picked from a different blog every day,
so be sure to visit and leave comments.

Thank you all so much for joining us today and
I hope you will come back tomorrow for more sneak peeks.

Thanks for checkin' in!!!



Decorate To Celebrate - Anything Goes!

Happy Wednesday!!!

Oh, boy! have we had some changes over at

All good, but one very sad (sniff, sniff)...

In case you haven't heard,
all of the challenges from here on out are
Anything Goes!
AND you are allowed to enter cards as long as
they are 3D or Box Cards.

We also have a few new members or our DT!
I am excited to be working alongside
more talented ladies!
So be sure to check out their blogs
and start following them!

Now the sad news,
Lisa, my dear friend and DT sister,
has decided to step down as Co-Host and will no longer
be on our team :(
I will miss her tremendously!

But we press forward and create on, right?!?!

Here is my project:
I am a little late on getting Birthday gifts to
my Mom and SIL, but I finally finished them!

A few years ago, my good friend gave
me a Flower Pot Pen Bouquet
and I LOVED it!
They are proudly displayed in my kitchen
and I ALWAYS know where a pen is :)

So I thought this would be a perfect gift to make and give!

It was SO EASY!!!

I just went to Hobby Lobby and bought
some cute plastic flowers, stem tape, rocks, and the metal pots.
I also bought a super cute paper pack from
Fancy Pants Designs called "ParkBench"
LOVE it!!!
Most everything was 50% off and if it wasn't
I used my 40% coupon.

So basically I made two of these for
SUPER CHEAP!!!

I cut the tag (and shadow) from Elegant Edges and
stamped "be happy" with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.
The stamp comes from Studio G and I am
sure I picked it up at JoAnn's for $1.
I added an Enamel Dot from Recollections
and hot glued the tag to a craft stick.

I added some black and white chevron paper strips
around the pot to add just a little bit more embellishment.

I think they turned out SO CUTE!!!

Here are some more pics...


I hope that you will join us over at the new
for our first Anything Goes challenge!

Thanks for checkin' in!!!