Snug as a Bug

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!!

2012-01-18T14:25:00.002-06:00

Well....I have not been so good at squeezing in my crafty time but I have been busy! I have decided to open up an in-home family child care and have been working on plans and paperwork for that....which takes up much of my free time right now. But I did manage to squeeze a little scrappy time in for myself and I have created these cards. I think I need to go back to scrapbooking because the card thing....well....I am just not feeling it right now. I do have to make up some samples for my sister in law as she is getting married and I am making her invites.......I need the mojo to get going on that project! LOL

Here is what I have created in the past week or so:

The stamps are all Unity!
The paper I am not sure off most of it....I have been on a crafty spending freeze so I am using up my stash of paper which is just not appealing to me right now....but I must use some of it up before I can allow myself to buy more! LOL

I used the sketch from over at Card Patterns for this card:

The sketch over at Card Positioning Systems inspired this card:

Now off to a few projects I need to complete for a friend and some vinyl projects I need to complete for my children (they have been asking for awhile).

Thanks for stopping by! Don't be shy...take a moment to leave a comment and say Hi! Who doesn't love making happy crafty friends? :)

Hugs,
Sara

A little challenge love!

2012-01-05T14:50:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to be back in the challenge scene. I love a good scrappy challenge!

This card is for both the Unity Stamp company facebook challenge (use an itty bitty) and also for the Mojo Monday sketch challenge.

I used the Calendar itty bitty from Unity Stamp company along with the sentiment stamp from the February 2011 Unity kit of them month club. I love how simple this card is but yet looks fabulous.

I started with a piece of Kraft cardstock and stamped the calendar image directly onto the card.

I then went around the card with some distress ink (Walnut Stain and Festive Berries).

A little touch of Washi tape (love that stuff!).

Then I threw together a couple of flowers and this fun brad. (I took some walnut stain distress ink after the metal brad to give it a little bit of a worn look to it. It was such a bright shining silver that just didn't go well with the feel of the card.....a little distress ink did the trick ;) ).

With a couple of pop dots; I added a few pins behind the flower and attached to card.

Throw on a few gems for that extra touch of bling.

Stamp the sentiment and voila!

Thanks for visiting and don't be shy! Before you leave please take a moment to say hi! ;)

Hugs,
Sara

Peachy Keen Stamps Let's Face it Friday challenge

2012-01-02T15:52:00.000-06:00

Hello! Today I have a card for you that I threw together (actually two cards). I was visiting the Peachy Keen Stamps blog and saw their new challenge and the color scheme was perfect for this cute patterned paper I have been sitting on. It is a pretty simple card....but sometimes that is better that way.

I used Create-a-Critter Cricut Cartridge for the cute little sea creatures and the Critter Faces Peachy Keen Stamps set for the faces.

The happy birthday sentiment is from Stampin' UP!

Thanks for visiting! Don't forget to take a minute and leave to comment to let me know you stopped by! :)

Hugs,

Sara

On a roll!

2011-12-31T12:55:00.000-06:00

Woot woot.....I am on a roll so far...2 for 2!

This layout is another idea from the Magic book by Jeanette Lynton. Don't be intimidated by the amazing pages displayed in this book......most of them are so much easier to create than they actually appear at first glance.

I love how these photos turned out. my 4 year old (at the time - she is 5 now) was suppose to be in the wedding but chickened out at he last minute and my 8 year old (now 9 year old) was happy to take her place....good thing the dress fit both of them! ;)

The "magic" in this page is in the following images. I created a flip book with two hinges to nicely fit all of the great photos I wanted to add to the layout. I created the flip book by taking two pieces of cardstock (4 1/4" x 6 1/4") and matted three of the photos with them. (One piece of cardstock has a photo and front and back and the other just has one on the back). I then attached the two pieces of cardstock with a couple of hinges and brads. Then I attached the backside (without a photo) to the base page. The page protector will need to be cut to allow the pages to be turned in the album. (HINT: If you do not have hinges you could also cut a piece of cardstock at 8 1/2" x 6 1/4" and score to create a mini book.)

Thanks for stopping by to visit my blog. I hope to have a new layout to share with you tomorrow. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Back into the swing of it! Button Slide (Magic page)

2011-12-30T08:12:00.000-06:00

I am so happy to be back into the scrappy swing of things! It has been so long since I worked on any of my own personal projects. Here is a layout I just finished about my daughters first year at Camp Rosholt. It is a camp for children with Diabetes and she just loved it. It was great for her to have a whole week where everyone dealt with the same things she deals with everyday. Seeing that she is not alone and really not that different. She learned a lot and had a great time - she can't wait to go back again this coming summer.

I picked up a super fun book this summer called Magic interactive scrapbooks by Jeanette Lynton and it has so many fun interactive techniques I can't wait to try. This is one of them. It is called the button slide. It really was very easy!

Here is the layout I created:

You can see the button slide in the two following images. To create there are just a few simple steps to create a really fun interactive page.

1. Create your page as you normally would.
2. Cut around 3 sides of your stationary photo that you will be sliding your hidden photo over.
3. Create your hidden photo by backing it with cardstock that is 1/2" taller and 1/4" wider than your photo. Keep the left edges flush but center the top and bottom edges.
4. Sew a button on the left edge of the matted photo. (Tip: Sew the button as close to the edge as you can. I stitched mine a little bit too far to the right and now the photo doesn't quite hide like I would like it to).
5. Create a track on the backside of the layout using foam tape. Be sure to extend the tape the full length of both photos and not any longer and also make sure it is flush with your sliding photo.
6. Place your hidden photo under the stationary photo.
7. Cut a backing out of cardstock that is twice the width and 1 1/2" taller than the stationary photo. Apply adhesive to the back of the stationary photo along the 3 cut edges. Attach the backing to the stationary photo and the track you created with the foam tape.
8. Then you cut a slit in your page protector for the button to slide.

(I think I will do a tutorial for the next magic layout!)

Thanks for visiting and I hope you come back again soon! I can't wait to create my next page!!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Time to get back into the groove!

2011-12-28T14:24:00.000-06:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you are gearing up for the best New Years ever! Time to make those resolutions and vow to be a better person in 2012 (we all have something we can improve on)!

I am so excited because my hubby surprised me with a mini scrapbox for Christmas. We found it on craigslist near us and he was able to get a great price on it. I have been wanting one of these babies for awhile and now I have one - can't wait to get back into the crafting groove! I have SO MANY photos to catch up on. One of my New Years resolutions is to scrap a page everyday.

Check out my new toy (it is missing a couple of the bins but the gal said she is in the process of moving her scrap room and she will let me know when she finds them - for now I just have some containers in their place):

Off to spend some time with the kiddos and then later today I will be creating my layout for the day - woohoo!!!!!

Christmas gifts - Hot cocoa cones

2011-12-27T20:02:00.001-06:00

For teacher gifts this year I made up a bunch of the super cute hot cocoa cones. I picked up the cone bags from Hobby Lobby in the party goods section. I used two bags for each cone to help separate the cocoa from the other goodies and keep it looking pretty. I also found the peppermint marshmallows at walmart that added that little something to them to make them that much cuter!

Recipe:
3/4 cup hot cocoa mix
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini marshmallows

I used distress inks and the snowflakes background image from the 2011 November Unity Kit of the Month for the tag. I printed labels for the back with instructions.

Lipogen PS Plus - BzzAgent product review

2011-12-03T07:25:00.001-06:00

I don't know about you but my memory has been awful since I can remember. I can barely remember what I did yesterday and ask me about last week and it will take me a little while to think about it. AND, if you want me to remember anything beyond a year or so.....forget it! LOL

I was just asked to try Lipogen PS Plus and I am so excited to see if it will help improve my memory.

Tell me...have you tried a supplement that helps with memory?

Here are a few tips to remember when taking Lipogen PS Plus:

Get 'R & R': Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep every night. Your brain repairs itself at night while you sleep. And it eliminates harmful chemicals produced right in the body during waking hours.
Eat the right fats: Get trans-fatty acids out of your diet. Labeling laws now require food manufacturers to list trans-fatty acids on labels. What's best? Polyunsaturated fats feed and nourish our brains.
Laugh, meet up with friends and have fun! Countless studies show that a life full of friends and fun is good for your brain.
Don't forget to take your Lipogen PS Plus™!

I will be back with my review of the Lipogen PS Plus after I have received my sample and tried it out for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference.

Thanks for visiting!

Hugs,

Sara

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I am a BzzAgent and receive samples or coupons in return for my honest opinion of the product or service discussed in this post.

A little challenge to get my crafty mojo going.....

2011-11-28T12:56:00.001-06:00

Hello crafty friends!

Just popping in to share a quick card I made. I needed to take a brake from craft fair projects and found a new online store with a fun blog and thought I would jump in on their current challenge. It is using a fun technique using dryer sheets. Check it out here: Flourishes LLC

I just ordered some stamps from them too and can't wait to get them. I am hoping to get them in the mail today! I have been searching for an image like this for a short while and was so happy to have found it!

Here is my take on the technique:

Materials used:
Unity kit of the month ~ November 2011
Cuttlebug embossing folder ~ Diving Swirls
Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink
Xyron Sticker Maker
Glitter
Ribbon
Memory Box Pearl Stickers

Wow! Hunger Games!!!!

2011-11-19T19:17:00.001-06:00

Wow! I just finished reading the Hunger Games. I received the book as a BzzAgent for my review. I am not typically much of a book reader as I usually have so many thoughts going through my mind that I can't remember anything I read. This book proved to be different! It was the opposite way around...I couldn't take my mind off the book and putting it down was no easy task either. The Hunger Games is action and suspense from the beginning through the end. The author does an amazing job painting a picture with words and I was easily able to create a picture in my mind as I read the book. I love that the author was able to create such a great action packed adventure without the use of vulgar language. The end of the book is leaving me wanting more and I can't wait to get my hands on the second book. The movie is going to be awesome when it comes out early next year! Can't wait!

I am a BzzAgent and receive samples or coupons in return for my honest opinion of the product or service discussed in this post.

Custom T-shirts

2011-11-17T15:49:00.000-06:00

Check out my newest creations! I love how they turned out! If you are in need of a great gift give me a call!!! ;)

Christmas cards ~ Craft Show prep

2011-11-16T12:43:00.000-06:00

Hello There! Sorry I have been MIA!!! I have been spending all my free time getting ready for my first craft show coming up this weekend. I am no where near as ready as I wanted to be.....but life just got in the way of my plans :(

Here are some of the cards I have made for the sale.

Thank for looking!

Have you heard of about.me? Get 50 free MOO cards today!

2011-11-15T08:24:00.001-06:00

Have you heard of about.me? Do you have a facebook page? A twitter account? One or more blogs? Email accounts? I could go on and on...... About.me is a way to share who you are and where people can find you. About.me gives you one location to send people to rather than choosing between all or any of the above. It is basically your personal homepage, online business card, or call it a hub for all of your social activity.

All about about.me from about.me on Vimeo.

I just received my free about.me cards in the mail and they rock! They will be perfect for handing out at craft shows and to potential "customers." They would also make great playdate cards; crafty sharing cards (like for fiskateer or cricut meet ups).....endless uses! You too can receive your own set of 50 free about.me cards! Just sign up at about.me today and you will receive an offer for 50 free MOO business cards.

Here is a link to my about.me page:

Check out my about.me profile!

I am a BzzAgent and receive samples or coupons in return for my honest opinion of the product or service discussed in this post.

Halloween Project - Cricut Happy Hauntings Cartridge

2011-10-30T21:46:00.000-05:00

Hello Crafty friends! This weekend my son had to create a "background" for a poem he had to write for school. He needed to turn the Twelve days of Christmas into the Twelve days of Halloween. He started describing what he wanted to do and I told him about the 3D Haunted House on this cartridge. He was very excited and we set off to work on it (it was suppose to be a day of crafting for me to get cards made up for an upcoming craft show I am signed up for.....but this was so much more fun!!!)

It turned out so awesome; especially after his idea to add lights to it.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Hunger Games

2011-10-25T12:44:00.000-05:00

I can't wait to receive my copy of The Hunger Games to review as a Bzzagent! My 11 year old son is reading it for school and he really enjoys it. He asked if we can get the book and the sequel as well. It will be so fun to read it with him and be able to discuss it with him. Stay tuned! As soon as I get this book and get a chance to dig in you will be sure to hear about what I think about it.

Have you read it? What did you think about it?

Cleaning out craft room - Scrap/Stamp rummage sale

2011-10-21T21:07:00.005-05:00

I started cleaning out my craft room and need to get rid of some items that have been sitting around unused and need a good home to be loved in. If you are interested in anything you see please email me at:

mommyfink at hotmail dot com

Most stamp sets are new or used once or twice only.
Shipping not included in prices.

STAY TUNED! NEW ITEMS MAY BE ADDED AS I GO THROUGH MY STASH ;)

Stampin Up!

Favorite Teddy Bear $7

Big Blossom - $5

Sweet Centers (used once) - $10

Sweet Dreams - $7

Sentimental Journey - Brand New - $12

Spring Solitude with matching wheel - $7

Yummy - $5

(Not sure of the name of this one and the stickers are currently MIA) - $7

Office Accoutrement (some are still unmounted) - $12

~~HOUSE MOUSE STAMPS~~

~~Brand New!~~

~~Catnip - $4~~

~~Kitty/Suds - $6~~

~~Medicine - $4~~

~~Stocking - $4~~

CHARMS

Brand New!

Great for embellishments in scrapbooks!!!
I have lots of these so if you want more than one bag of any kind let me know.

6 charms per bag - $0.75/bag

Themes: Sea Animals; Flowers; Fall Friends; Lady bugs; zoo animals; Fairy tale; On the Farm; Save the Planet; Easter; insects; sock monkeys

UNITY STAMP COMPANY

Brand New! I ordered a goody bag and most of them were doubles of ones I had.

2/$1

~~Quilt~~

~~Sending Thanks~~

~~Where you are I want to be~~

Bees

Star

~~Flower~~

Cute

~~On this day~~

~~Flower~~

~~You Rock~~

~~Lady Bug~~

~~From Us~~

~~Bike - Forever Moments~~

~~Flowers~~

~~Do all things with love~~

~~Made Especially for you~~

Genuine

Growing in Unity winner (attempt number 2)

2011-10-19T07:06:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately Dee has not gotten back to me and I have not contact information to let her know she won. Just a tip....whenever you comment on a blog give-a-way you need to leave a way to contact you.

I have randomly selected a new winner. I clicked on her blogger profile and found her blog so hopefully she will find my comment and contact me or I will need to choose yet another winner for the Unity give-a-way.

Joni Kix you win the choice of one of the following stamp kits sponsored by Unity:

Sending My Love
Bitty Backgrounds
Little Me
Bella Fiori
Homegrown
Hugs & Kittens
Handmade Holiday
Bella Trees
Imagine It

Hugs,
Sara
mommyfink at hotmail dot com

Please contact me by Friday morning to claim your Unity goodness! :)

Growing in Unity week Winner

2011-10-16T16:28:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope you have had a wonderful weekend. We sure did but it is great to be back home with the kids as well.

I have randomly selected a winner and the lucky person is:

Dee in N.H.

Dee email me with your address and your choice of the following Unity kits and I will forward your information to Unity and they will get it right out to you. Please contact me by Wednesday evening to claim your prize. My email is: mommyfink at hotmail dot com

If I do not hear from you by then I will choose a new name.

Here are the kits you may choose from:

Sending My Love
Bitty Backgrounds
Little Me
Bella Fiori
Homegrown
Hugs & Kittens
Handmade Holiday
Bella Trees
Imagine It

Hugs,
Sara

GUI - Day 5 - Last Day :(

2011-10-14T07:09:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday! Today is the last day for my as Growing in Unity girl. I have had so much fun and you have all been so wonderfully sweet to me! Thank you for all the generous comments!

On a happier note....today is October 14th!!! What does that mean? It means today I have been married to my amazing husband for 11 years today. AND...that means that around 3:00 this afternoon we will be leaving the house with no children in tow....just the two of us heading off to spend a couple of days together alone. Woot woot!!!!! (In all honesty....I kinda miss my kids already...but is good for all of us ;) )

So....forgive my rambling....let'st get to what you are really here for. Tee-hee!

Today I created a mini paper bag album for you. A friend of mine is talking about creating Christmas cards out of the paper bag mini albums and she asked if she could borrow one that I had on display some time ago. Talking to her made want to attempt the same thing. This would be quite a job to do for everyone on your Christmas card list....and quite bulky to mail. But maybe to a few special loved ones. I thought I would leave a page for a photo for each of my kids along with a family photo and then a journaling spot to go along with each photo. It is pretty simple....but once I add some photos I think it will look very nice. I can't wait to see what my friend comes up with....she said she is not doing it as an album just a card......

Here is mine:
I used a mixture of different Unity Stamps for this project.
Sentiment on the front and the cross on the back are from "Something Within"
"Family every moment counts" is from the "May 2011 KOTM"
And the snowflake stamp is a random stamp I received when I purchased a grab bag from the most recent Unity Grab Bag sale (those are SO FUN!!!)
(forgive the photos...hubby took the camera so I was stuck with my phone camera again :()

I hope you have enjoyed visiting me this week as much as I have enjoyed having you! I would love it if you would follow me and stick around for more fun projects to come!!!!

Remember to leave a comment on each post from this week. I will be choosing a winner on Sunday afternoon to win their choice of the following Unity kits sponsored by Unity Stamp Company:

Sending My Love
Bitty Backgrounds
Little Me
Bella Fiori
Homegrown
Hugs & Kittens
Handmade Holiday
Bella Trees
Imagine It

Have a great day!!!!

Hug,
Sara

GUI - Day 4

2011-10-13T06:28:00.002-05:00

Good morning! I want to thank you all for the kind comments.....they all warm my heart!!!

Today I created a pretty simple layout for you using the Unity stamp 'Tis Near Halloween

I fell in love with this image the moment I saw it! Woohoo.....Halloween layout done....now to figure out what the kids want for costumes. LOL (I little backwards...but this is how I roll ;) )

(sorry for the poor quality photo....poor lighting this morning when I took the photo....my usual place I take photos is cluttered with my crafty mojo mess so I used the kitchen table with horrible lighting and it is still dark outside so no help from the sun either LOL)

I can't believe I am saying this....but can you believe this paper is from the dollar spot at Target? I was picking up some fun things for my preschool classroom because they had lots of fun stuff in their dollar spot and came across these packs of paper. Too cute! You HAVE to ink the edges and it is super thin....but when you layer it and add it to a good heavy cardstock backing...it works out fine (and I didn't have any halloween paper and have not had time to get into any crafty stores lately :( )

I used my alcohol inks again on some photo paper for the background for the stamped image. I am loving playing with my Alcohol inks!! Tee-hee ;)

I am so glad you came to visit me today! If you are liking what you see....I would love it if you would become a follower although it is not necessary to do so to win the give-a-way!!! Remember to leave a comment for your chance at choosing a free AWESOME Unity kit sponsored by Unity Stamp Company.

Winner will choose from the following list:

Sending My Love
Bitty Backgrounds
Little Me
Bella Fiori
Homegrown
Hugs & Kittens
Handmade Holiday
Bella Trees
Imagine It

I will be randomly selecting a winner on Sunday afternoon. We are leaving Friday afternoon and coming back Sunday :)

Happy Crafting!

Hugs,
Sara

GUI - Day 3

2011-10-12T07:02:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Today I really like how this card turned out. I LOVE this stamp from the August 2011 KOTM kit. I love Unity's Kit of the Month club. Each month for only $35 shipped you receive a 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of fabulous rubber. It is so much fun getting happy mail each month :) If you are sign up please tell them who sent you....referrals are rewarded!! ;)

For todays project I created a card for my fabulous husband. Our anniversary is October 14th - can't wait for our upcoming weekend get-a-way! A quick background - he is a 5th generation carnival owner/operator and when I saw this image in August kit and it was just perfect for so many things in our family.

It has been a LONG time since I participated in any online challenges and I love to do so...so I found one to get me started on this card. I used the sketch from CPS current challenge.

I used the Swiss Dots cuttlebug to add some texture to the patterned paper. I then added some ribbon and adhered it to the card. Then I stamped the ferris wheel onto some white cardstock and freehand cut the shape around it. I then used my Creative Memories decorative trimmer to cut the curvy tag. I stamped the "You are Amazing" sentiment (also from the August 2011 KOTM) - what a fun and perfect font! I sponged some ink around the edges of each and adhered the tag and image. I then added a fabric button and sprayed the card with some Tattered Angels glitter mist. Just a simple piece of the green patterned paper to the inside of the card and voila.

Thank you so much for sharing this fun week with me! Remember to come back each day and leave a comment for your chance to win your choice of one of the following Unity kits sponsored by Unity Stamp Company:

Sending My Love
Bitty Backgrounds
Little Me
Bella Fiori
Homegrown
Hugs & Kittens
Handmade Holiday
Bella Trees
Imagine It

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

HUGS,
Sara :)

Growing in Unity week - day 2

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope you are enjoying the lovely weather. It looks like here (In Wisconsin) we have one more day of beautiful weather and then the temperatures are going to drop and it is going to rain. I just hope it is nice for the weekend. Hubby and I are taking our 2nd annual anniversary weekend and I am hoping to see some beautiful fall splendor since it is suppose to be peak weekend for all the glorious colors in the Baraboo area. A nice walk through the woods would be ideal!

In celebration of the beautiful fall weather I created this card:

First I created the focal piece of the card. I took a piece of photo paper (4x6) and stamped the leaf shapes (some stamps I received from one of the super amazing grab bags that Unity offered a short while ago) randomly around the card using a Momento ink pad. I then used ranger alcohol inks to add the colors. A few drops of Red Pepper, Sunset Orange, and Sunshine Yellow on the felt pad and some random rubbing on my photo paper resulted in some beautiful effects. Just a bit of black ink along the edges to help the paper blend into the card base and this element was done.

I then stamped the sentiment around the leaf from the Something Within Unity set.

I then took my black card base and I used my score board to create the score lines around the front of the card. I placed the card in the top left corner of my martha stewart score board and then scored from 1/4" over and down - down to about 1/4" before the edge. I did this all the way around the card front creating a square.

A simple cream colored paper for the inside (trying to write a note on black is a bit difficult ;) ) with a bit of black edging and another stamp of the leaf. For this image I used the Sunset Orange alcohol ink and added it directly to the rubber stamp. Just touch the tip to the rubber and it comes out in the perfect amount - no need to squeeze the bottle. I stamped the leaf image directly onto the cream colored paper. Then I used the Momento black ink pad to stamp the image atop the Orange.

A little touch of ribbon and voila. Another simple card but I LOVE how it turned out.

Thank you for visiting me today and remember to leave a comment for your chance to win your choice of one of the following Unity kits sponsored by Unity Stamp Company:

Sending My Love
Bitty Backgrounds
Little Me
Bella Fiori
Homegrown
Hugs & Kittens
Handmade Holiday
Bella Trees
Imagine It

Growing in Unity!!!!! (GIU) Day 1

2011-10-10T17:54:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday everyone! WOW!!!! Today really got away from me. I have had a handful of extra people (my in-laws and a couple of other helpers) at my home for the past week and a half. We rent out a house next to us and the tenants needed to be evicted and left the place an absolute disaster. A week of cleaning and repairs and now they have moved on to our house and are re-roofing and painting and I got sucked into all the work today ;)

So....now that I gave you an excuse for posting this so late :( Here is my card for todays GIU post.

For this card I used images from the June 2011 Kit of the Month (KOTM). Unity is an AWESOME company and I love their KOTM club!!! I stamped the sweet cupcake image using a versamark ink pad onto a small piece of cardstock and then I used my brayer and my Spun Sugar Distress Ink pad to cover the entire piece of cardstock. The versamarked image resisted the ink. I cut out a tag using the Preserves Cricut cartridge and layered as so: stamped image; ribbon; tag; patterned paper. Then a quick stamp of the "a sweet birthday wish" in a white craft ink and voila...a super cute and simple card.

I am so sorry for the quick post but I promise the rest of the week will greet you with more detail!

Don't forget to leave a comment! At the end of the week I will be randomly choosing one lucky winner to win the choice of one of the following Unity kits :

Sending My Love
Bitty Backgrounds
Little Me
Bella Fiori
Homegrown
Hugs & Kittens
Handmade Holiday
Bella Trees
Imagine It

Thank you for visiting and I would love you to become a follower if you like what you see!!!

Hugs,
Sara

NEW CAMERA!!!!!

2011-10-01T17:40:00.000-05:00

Woohoo...we just picked up a new camera yesterday to replace our old which does not work anymore. Hubby took it with him for the weekend but I can't wait to play with it. I should be able to have some pretty nice photos for my blog and I can't wait to start making some more videos for you crafty followers! Stay tuned...

Cricut in the Classroom contest - please vote!

2011-09-28T06:52:00.000-05:00

Hello! I have entered into the Cricut in the Classroom contest and I would greatly appreciate your votes! You can vote once a day through Friday when they announce the winner.

Here is the link:
http://apps.facebook.com/cricut_classroom/contests/150663/voteable_entries/31445447

Thank you so much for your support!!!!

If i win I think I will have to do a give-a-way in celebration!!!!! ;)

Where have I been?

2011-09-25T21:27:00.000-05:00

Hello! I have been MIA around here lately and I am hoping to grasp a hold on things here and get settled into the school year routine. The weeks are just flying by it seems! I have started up a new blog to post my projects for my preschool classroom. Many will be made with the Cricut. Come check it out:

IMAGINE DREAM CREATE LEARN
http://idclworkshops.blogspot.com/

I NEED to be back here soon with some cards and layouts as well. In a couple of weeks I am guest designer for Unity Stamp Company so be sure to stay tuned for that as well!

I will be back later this week with some fun projects!!!!

Hugs,
Sara

Squirly Girl Creations

2011-09-11T18:00:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone. I just wanted to share the cute card that my friend Becky created over at Squirly Girl Creations. I think the cuts are so cute!!!! If you like her work she would love it if you would become a follower. AND.....she is one follower away from 200 and in celebration she is going to do a giveaway. Go over and be number 200!!!!!

PKS winner

2011-09-04T09:24:00.000-05:00

Thank you everyone for your sweet comments this past week. I had lots of fun and I hope that if you have enjoyed my projects that you will become a follower of my blog. :)

I did receive a comment asking me to create a video/tutorial about how to create the desk. I had intended to do this but ran out of time so I will work on this and get something posted in the next week or so...so be on the look out :)

Finally...what you have all been waiting for.....the winner of the Wide Eyed Kids face assortment sponsored by Peachy Keen Stamps is:

JEEPGIRL

Please send me your information via email at mommyfink at hotmail dot com.

Have a great Labor Day weekend and I hope you visit again soon!!!!!

Hugs,

Sara

Final Day as PKS Guest Designer ;(

2011-09-02T10:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome friends and thank you for visiting me on my final day as Guest Designer for Peachy Keen Stamps. I had so much fun.....who doesn't have fun using the cute Peachy Keen stamps?

Today is a Let's Face it Friday challenge day and the theme is Back to School (hence the theme I took on for the week ;) ) My project for today is a special Back to School gift for a very special person in my daughters elementary school career. Mrs. Guerard is the school nurse and with Madison having type 1 diabetes.....Mrs. Guerard and Madison have gotten to know each other quite well. I am so blessed to have Sandy at school taking care of Madison.....I know that she is in good hands and is well taken care of!

I spent some time playing with my Gypsy over the past month or so and created this desk that I am a bit proud of. I just love how it turned out. I used the Cricut cartridges: George and Basic Shapes and Designer Calendar (optional) to create the Gypsy file. If you would like the .gypsy file click here.

I used the cricut and gypsy to cut the pieces out of thin chipboard and then I used Walnut Stain distress ink to give it that school desk color. I then folded and adhered the pieces together using red tape. When creating the drawers I added some metal clips and brads I picked up at a rummage sale this summer (I believe they may be close to my heart brand). I created a card to fit atop the desk using the same ink and I stamped the cute little apple from Peachy Keen Stamps Faceless Fruit and added a cute little smile using Peachy Keen Stamps Everyday Character Face assortment. I then used my mini sharpies with the sharpie holder for my cricut from Chomas Creations; to create the little calendar for atop the desk. Afterwards I realized I really should have made a yearly calendar stapled together so she could peel off each month....but....next time ;)

I then filled the little drawers with goodies for Mrs. Guerard. Some paper clips, staples, post it notes, hard candies, and some quarters (Madi borrowed a few quarters from Mrs. Guerard last year for cool treats on Fridays.....I figured I would give her a stash of them back ;) )

Thank you so much for joining me during this fun Peachy Keen Stamps week! I hope you have enjoyed the projects that I have shared with you! Don't forget to leave a comment here and also on the Peachy Keen Stamps blog for your chance to win the Wide Eyed Kids stamp set sponsored by Peachy Keen Stamps.

Thank you so much everyone for the lovely comments you have left me this week! I will be randomly choosing a winner from among them and posting one lucky person by Sunday morning. Thank you Peachy Keen Stamps for this fun opportunity!!!!

PKS Guest Designer Day 4

2011-09-01T05:30:00.003-05:00

Wow! Only today and tomorrow left of this fun week as guest designer for Peachy Keen Stamps!

Today I am sharing a hair bow holder that I created for my girls along with a few handmade bows. My friend Kristi makes adorable bows (you can find her website here: http://bcouturebows.blogspot.com/ And she told me they are so easy to make that I should make some for my girls....well....she was right! These are only my first few attempts but I think they turned out pretty cute!

I picked up a wooden plaque from Hobby Lobby and just altered it a bit with some alcohol ink. I had some off white lace that I wanted to use and wanted it to blend in so I used some alcohol ink on it and it magically turned into the perfect color that I needed (I love alcohol ink!) I then clipped out a section of an old dictionary that I picked up from a rummage sale. The selection are the words "beautiful", "beauty", "beautify". I then inked up my Peachy Keen Laughy Taffy faces and stamped some faces in the background. Then, with a few embellishments and some ribbons to hold the bows; my holder was complete.

Now to make the bows.....pretty simple! I found this website while searching for some good tips. She has some great tutorials! Make Hair Bows and More

Just a little ribbon, some fun brads, some thread and some hot glue, and some alligator clips...and voila....cute hair bows.

For this cute bow I cut a paper doll and some clothes using some clear acrylic sheets and the Paper Doll Dress up cricut cartridge. I painted with some acrylic paints and added a cute face stamp from Peachy Keen Stamp set Everyday Character faces. The hair is just some doll hair I picked up earlier this summer with this project in mind.

I hope you enjoy my project for today! Please come back tomorrow for my last day as PKS guest designer. I am so excited about tomorrows project! (Hint: fire up your Gypsy if you have one ;) )

Don't forget to leave a comment on this post as well as over on my post over at the Peachy Keen Stamps blog for your chance to win the Wide Eyed Kids stamp set sponsored by Peachy Keen Stamps!

Peachy Keen Stamps Guest Designer day 3

2011-08-31T05:30:00.006-05:00

Welcome back to day 3 of my week as guest designer for Peachy Keen Stamps! First...let me apologize for the quality of the photos....my camera is acting up and wont let me take any pictures so I had to use my camera phone and it just doesn't show detail as well as the camera does :(

Anyway....I am loving how today's project turned out! I have created a homework station for my kiddos. They each have a slot to keep their important papers and folders that I created using shipping boxes. I cut and covered the boxes with this fun faux wood contact paper. (I didn't even plan for it to match the shelf I put it on LOL) I made a little box in the front to hold things like pens, pencils, dry erase markers, ect. to be ready when needed. Then I cut out some cute faces with my cricut using the Paper Doll Dress up cartridges and used the Laughy Taffy face stamps by Peachy Keen Stamps to add the perfect little faces!

I used the same faces (but smaller ;) ) to create some magnets for the kiddo calender above. I will use this to keep track of all things kiddo related (dr. appt. , tests, sporting events, etc.)

The kids really like how it turned out too!!!!

Remember to leave a comment on this post and over at the Peachy Keen Stamps blog post for your chance to win the adorable Wide Eyed Kids assortment sponsored by Peachy Keen Stamps.

Materials used:
Peachy Keen Stamps Laughy Taffy Faces
Paper Doll Dress up Cricut Cartridge
Cardstock
Shipping boxes
Faux Wood Contact paper
cardstock
Chipboard stickers

Peachy Keen Guest Designer - Day 2

2011-08-30T05:00:00.017-05:00

Welcome back my crafty friends for day 2 of my Guest Designer week with Peachy Keen Stamps. I have a quick layout for you today. Every year I take a photo of my kiddos at the end of our long driveway waiting for the bus and I just love it.....new backpacks, new clothes, standing so nice in a row waiting for the bus! Here is a photo from last year and the year before.

So...this year I am ahead of the game and I have my page done and ready for the photos to be placed upon it. My kiddos start school on Thursday! For this page I used the Faceless Fruit set to add that final touch to my layout. I love how just that simple little image completes the page!

That is the last of my "flat" projects for this week as Guest Designer for Peachy Keen Stamps. I am so excited to share my projects for the rest of the week. Come back tomorrow for the first of my altered projects of the week! Remember to leave a comment here and over on the Peachy Keen blog for your chance to win these cute face stamps sponsored by Peachy Keen Stamps:

Wide Eyed Kids Face Assortment

Peachy Keen Stamps Guest Designer week - Day 1

2011-08-29T05:00:00.018-05:00

Hello my crafty friends! I am so excited!!!! I am finally home today after a long summer of travels for our family business...and what an awesome way to celebrate! I am so in the mood to get crafting away and so happy to have the opportunity to be a guest designer this week for Peachy Keen Stamps! I have had the chance to meet the Peachy Queen Kathy and she is just as sweet as her stamps are!

My kids go back to school this week and I am following along with the other awesome designers and going with the unplanned theme of the month....BACK TO SCHOOL. :)

Today I have a fun shaker card for one of my children to share with their teacher. I was at a small Bulk food store a couple of weeks ago and found a bag of Alphabet noodles and knew exactly what I wanted to do. I love how perfect the Critter Face stamp worked along with the apple from the Faceless Fruit set. I think it is just adorable!

I cut out the ABC border using the Graphically Speaking Cricut Cartridge and used the plastic packaging from a recent cartridge purchase to create a window for my ABC pasta. A small bag of pasta goes a LONG way! (TeeHee...I see lots of similar cards in the near future) A few pieces of foam tape along the edges of the frame and we have created a box to house the ABC's. Then I threw together a quick little sentiment tag (I was thinking on the lines of "HAPPY NEW YEAR" when I wrote "HAPPY SCHOOL YEAR!" My son doesn't think so as he is going into 6th grade....but my little girls are excited for another amazing school year to begin.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again tomorrow. Have a Peachy Day!!!!

Materials used:
Faceless Fruit by Peachy Keen Stamps
Critter Faces by Peachy Keen Stamps
White and Red Cardstock
Paper "Apples on Black" by The Paper Studio
Graphically Speaking Cricut Cartridge
Alphabet Noodles
Foam Tape
Brads

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again tomorrow. Remember to leave a comment here and over on the Peachy Keen blog for your chance to win these cute face stamps sponsored by Peachy Keen Stamps:

Wide Eyed Kids Face Assortment

.

Have a Peachy Day!!!!

Materials used:
Faceless Fruit by Peachy Keen Stamps
Critter Faces by Peachy Keen Stamps

White and Red Cardstock
Paper "Apples on Black" by The Paper Studio
Graphically Speaking Cricut Cartridge
Alphabet Noodles
Foam Tape
Brads

Getting back into the swing of things!

2011-08-28T11:03:00.000-05:00

Hello all of my crafty friends! Another summer has come and gone. We have been busy as usual traveling the state to a new town each week with our family run carnival. I am so happy to say that tomorrow the kids and I will be going home! I am looking forward to getting back in back into the school year schedule and into my comfort zone where it will be easier to find time to craft again!

In celebration of being back home (and to jump start the beginning of my crafting season).....I am so excited to be a guest designer for Peachy Keen Stamps. Come back and visit me everyday this week (starting Monday) for a fun Peachy Keen week of projects!

Have a great day!

Squirly Girl - Give-a-way!!!!!

2011-06-05T17:03:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Sorry I have been MIA but this is the busy time of year for us and I just have not had much time to get much crafty goodness accomplished :( I do have a couple of things to take pictures of and post in the next couple of days and then Friday we leave for our long summer travels! I hope to be able to hop in here and there with a few cards and projects to share (cross your fingers!)

I do have a fun give a way to share today though. My friend Becky over at Squirly Girl Creations had just recently announced that she is a new member of the Getting Cricky design team. I am so happy for her!!!! Becky is giving away a stamp set so go check it out and get in on your chance to win!!!!!

Unity Stamp Company - Recipe Page

2011-05-08T18:23:00.003-05:00

Happy Mothers Day to all of you wonderful mothers out there!

Today I was able to create a layout for an awesome challenge over on the Unity Stamp Company blog. They are giving away $200 in product to one lucky winner! You have to create a 8x8 recipe layout. I have never created a recipe layout but I thought this would be a good time to start. Teehee!!!!! I think a recipe album of my kids favorite dishes would be nice to have on hand.

So the page that is going to start my recipe album is one for a yummy lasagna dish that I received the week after I had brought my first baby home from the hospital. Our church has a group of ladies that bring meals to new mommies. I had never had lasagna before then (I know....crazy right?) but it was so delicious. She had brought me the prepared meal ready to be thrown into the oven. The recipe is now a favorite in our home! I can't find the original recipe card right now but I never use it anymore....I just throw it together as I go. :)

Here is my layout:

I used a sketch from practical scrappers for this challenge. I really like how it turned out. I have been wanting to stitch on my projects for awhile but just didn't want to get out the sewing machine and she and I have not gotten along well the last few times I pulled her out. We had our challenges last night when I decided to pull her out but after some playing around with her and my husbands help (he was very helpful when he saw how frustrated I was getting and was surprisingly very handy at helping me figure it out! Thanks hon!!!!) I think the sewing machine and I are learning to like each other and I am excited to try some of the fun stitches she has to offer in the near future....I think you will be seeing more of her!!!!

I used a portion of the "Be the Change" sentiment stamp by Unity Stamp Co. The spiral circles that you see scattered around the page are from that stamp. I just simply colored that portion I wanted with a marker and stamped it. Easy peasy and a great way to give versatility to your stamps!

I love the Perles brad by making memories that I used on this layout! It just adds a little bling to my layout :)

I added the title with some Tiny Type letter stickers by Cosmo Cricket!

In the top right and bottom left corners of my layout I used the Quiet Essence kit from Unity Stamp Co. I first inked the stamp with versamark. Then I inked it with distress ink (Barn Door Red) and then stamped it on my paper. I then sprinkled on some embossing powder and set it. I love this! No need to have lots of different colors of embossing powders!!!!

Here is the recipe. It is hidden behind the photo. I used a flip flap (by ~~creative memories~~ Close to My Heart). I think it works perfectly. The flip flap attaches to the outside of your page protector. This way you can add more photos/layers to your layout. The front of my flip flap is the photo of my recipe and the back is some details about how I came upon it.

Thanks for stopping by and good luck to all those who enter this AWESOME challenge! Unity rocks!!!!!

(If you think Unity rocks and want to check out the Kit of the Month club - leave a comment when you order and tell them I sent ya! I guess Unity gives back to those who spread the word! How awesome is that? AND you don't want to miss the May KOTM! It will be my first kit and I can't wait to paly with it.....it is AMAZING!!!!!)

http://www.unitystampco.com/product/13-kit-of-the-month.aspx

Materials used:
Patterned paper - Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety
Stamps - Unity Stamp Co. (Be the Change and Quiet Essence)
Washi Tape
Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type stickers
Embossing Powder
Distress Ink (Barn Door Red)
VersaMark
Perles Brads K & Company
Flip Flaps by ~~Creative Memories~~ Close to My Heart

Sewing machine

Do you use up your scraps?

2011-05-05T16:58:00.000-05:00

One goal of mine is to do a better job using up my scraps. For these card challenges I used only scraps (other than the card bases of course :)).

This first card is for the challenge over at http://cardabilities.blogspot.com/

I used some scraps for the We are Family line by Heidi Grace. I adhered the large flower to the card and ran it through the cuttlebug using the embossing folder. I added a little lady bug charm to the center of the flower and attached a chipboard sticker that I stamped the sentiment on using a stamp out of the Stampin' Up! All Holidays set.

Here is one of my cards I made for mothers day. This card is for the challenge over at http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/ I used some scraps of Stampin' Up! DSP for this card. I also used stamps from the With Sympathy kit by Unity Stamp Co. I used the butterfly off of a larger stamp and the with all my heart stamp. I really like how this card turned out!

This third card is for the challenge over at http://cardpatterns.blogspot.com/ I flipped the sketch upside down and I am not sure if I like how it turned out or not - I am not good with "white space" LOL I used some scrap paper again for this card and I used a stamp from the Quiet Essence kit by Unity Stamp Co.

I am super excited about a mini crop that will be going on at My Unity Place this weekend for National Scrapbooking Day! It is going to be lots of fun!!!! I am also super excited that I am now a Unity KOM member and I can't wait to get the May kit. It is absolutely fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!!!!

Another Unity Tweet Tweet Challenge card

2011-04-29T12:21:00.000-05:00

Here is another card I created with my yummy Unity stamps. Over at the Unity blog this months challenge is using birds. I just threw this card together with some scraps I had lying around. The "birdcage" in the background was a leftover from some tags I had made this Christmas season. It was the background of a window. I used some scrap paper sitting on my desk and a fabric brad. I threw on a little ribbon that I received from http://www.ellenhutson.com/ I would defineatly reccommend this site....I picked a stamp set I was searching for and they packaged it so carefully and sent me a free yard of this pretty ribbon as a simple thank you....they definitely care about their customers!!!
I used the i-rock to throw on a little bling to add a little somethin' somethin' to finish off the card.

(I did add some patterned paper to the inside too but I forgot to take a photo of that - maybe later this evening I will have a chance...but it isn't anything fabulous...your not missing much! LOL

Thank for visiting me! Hugs!!!

My Unity Place Challenge - Outside Inside

2011-04-22T16:52:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone. Here is a card I put together quick last night for the My Unity Place challenge - Outside Inside. For this challenge you need to decorate the outside as well as the inside of your card. Here is my version:

Materials Used:
Unity inspiration stamp
DSP - some old Stampin' Up scraps that I had in my stash
cardstock
ribbon
chocolate chip ink

I also cross challenged this card with the Tuesday Trigger challenge over at Moxie Fab World :) I was inspired by the colors in the trigger photo. :)

Unity Stamps! (A bit obsessed at the moment!)

2011-04-18T13:40:00.000-05:00

My friend Becky has been a very naughty girl! She has enabled me into the world of Unity and there is no turning back...LOL! I am loving everything Unity! I love how the stamps all have a vintage look to them. Here are some cards I created this weekend with my new stamps.

I had so much fun making this card. I LOVE alcohol inks! The brown lace started out white and with just the slightest amount of alcohol ink it magically changed to this beautiful brown lace! LOVE IT! The butterfly ribbon is from Hobby Lobby....while strolling through the aisles I spotted this roll along with some owl ribbon and grabbed them both....just had to have it! :)

This card is for my SIL's graduation gift. I used the tutorial from SCS for the Diagonal Double pocket card. Too fun!!!! I used the envelope for the card on the Plantin Schoolbook Cricut cartridge to create the envelope for the gift card holder. Then I just threw together a simple journaling card and threw a clip on it.

I also created this card with the Unity monthly challenge in mind: BIRDS

Here is another picture showing the inserts.

Here is a card created with a stamp I just had to have!! This "It's a good day" set was a must! I LOVE the little tricycle! I used a piece of corragated cardboard and stamped the image on it. Then I punched out some buttons out of this awesome wood veneer I picked up at The Memory Bank in Baraboo. I used a button punch that also embosses to create the buttons....love how they turned out! I created this card using the sketch from over at iheart2stamps.com. Here is the sketch:

Here is my version:

Here is a quick card I threw together last night. Super simple but sweet. I created this card for the sketch challenge over at All Things Unity. Here is the sketch:

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you didn't mind my obsession with Unity for the time being and I hope you enjoyed my creations for today!!!!!

HUGS!!!!!

DCWV Warehouse giveaway

2011-04-17T18:26:00.001-05:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE warehouse sales but now that Fiskars isn't having one here in WI anymore there are not many left to be had. But DCWV is offering a give a way on their blog for those of us who cannot make the sale. Check it out:

http://dcwvinc.blogspot.com/2011/04/warehouse-sale-giveaway.html?showComment=1303082626764#c8435965342637785886

Love Link Up Party - Share the love!!!!! (kind of long winded :{)

2011-04-08T22:34:00.000-05:00

While visiting a friends blog I discovered a party that struck a nerve....in a good way. LOL

Over on the Getting Cricky with K Andrews blog she is hosting a Love Link Up Party. This is the one thing that has been bugging me about blogs for a long time now. So many of us visit lots of blogs with beautiful and inspiring projects but we don't take the time to share the love and appreciation. I love to share my creations and files but it is very frustrating to me when my .gypsy files are downloaded but there are no comments to just say thank you. It takes less time to post a quick thank you than it does to download a file. I try my best to drop a quick thank you for posts that truely inspire me and if I am going to use something from that blogger; I try to let them know. I know sometimes I am in a hurry or get distracted from the computer and can't do it.....but....I think we all need to take a little time to put a smile on the bloggers face and simply drop a few words of kindness.

OK...so...I will get off my soapbox now. :)

Another part of K's post was to share a little about ourselves in our post. Get to know the Unique individual behind all of these inspiring posts....

hmmm.....what can I share about myself........

This time of year is always a very busy time for my family and myself...but this year seems to be overwhelmingly busy.....

My husband and his family own and operate a carvnial that travels throughout the summer. They are busy all year long....but come April....things really get busy. Time to make sure all the trucks and rides are ready to go for the season. My husband is rarely seen during these couple of months and then come June (when the kids are done with school for the year) we are all gone for 3 months straight - traveling from town to town. It is A LOT of work....and leaves very little time for crafting.

A couple of weeks ago; I excitedly accepted a job as the preschool teacher at a near by church. My youngest daughter is in my class and it is a real joy to be a part of her day. Now my mornings are filled with teaching and much of my time is spent creating lesson plans - which has REALLY cut into my crafting time. :(

I am also putting together some make n' take classes that I will be offering a few times a year starting this coming fall. These classes will be for teachers to create fun learning games and activities and this is helping me to make sure that I have some crafty time in my schedule.

So......needless to say....I have not had much time for the scrapbooking and card making that I truly love and need for my sanity. But....that is just this time of year for me and my family......

Sorry for the long post.......

If you are interested in joining the Love Link Up Party here are all the blogs joining in. Go visit them and add your link to the list as well!

Blog Awards!

2011-03-29T16:36:00.000-05:00

I am so grateful to friends of mine who have nominated me for the following blog awards. I have not taken the time to return the favor but I wanted to quickly pass on the kindness. Thank you ladies for sharing these awards with me. I hope you all visit these lovely ladies on their blogs. They all create such beautiful work!!!!!

I have received this award from two lovely bloggers:

Dawn at http://scrappyrn-scrappyrn.blogspot.com/

and from

Lisa at http://lettersandlace.blogspot.com/

I also received this fun award from:

Liza at http://hooscrafty.blogspot.com/

Rules:
Thank the blogger who gave this award to you and link back to them
Give this award to 4 bloggers that you think rock!
Leave them comments to let them know.

I'm passing this award onto:

Becky at http://squirlygirlcreations.blogspot.com/
Norma at http://frommycraftroom.blogspot.com/
Jennifer at http://creativequilledcreations.blogspot.com/
Kellie at http://craftybaskets.blogspot.com/

Please visit these crafty ladies as they certainly do rock and I am often inspired by them!

Scrapbooking Weekend Get-away!!!!

2011-03-29T15:36:00.001-05:00

Oh I had so much fun with the girls last weekend! We went down to Baraboo and scrapped at the Memory Bank all weekend! I think I spent more time chatting and having fun than crafting....but that is really what it is all about anyway right?!

Here are the layouts I created over the weekend:
I created these two cards with some scraps I used over the weekend. I intended on using up more scraps but the time just flew by and it was time to go before I knew it on Sunday :(

Lucky -

Book Buddies

Each Child is a Unique and unrepeatable miracle. (I used the Chomas Creations mini sharpie holders on my cricut to print the words on clear acetate. You can't read it very well on the photo. I wanted the title to kind of melt into the page so I used a color of marker that did just that.)

Sick Day - this page ended up so simple and plain....I am not happy with it...but I was losing my crafty mojo for a moment here. Time to stop and eat some lunch ;)

fa la la - I like how this page turned out!!!!

Moments

Winter Visitor

These little wood accents were cut from a sheet of wood veneer cut with the cricut. Pam (owner of the Memory Bank) came up with this idea and brought it to CHA where Creative Imaginations picked it up. AWESOME idea Pam! I love this stuff!!!!

Pumpkin Patch - this page was fun to do as well! The pumpkins were quickly made with some oval punches.

The Maize - another quick page with some fun embellishments made with the wood veneer sheets and my cricut.

The Sassy Ladies - Me, Becky, Amy, and Pam

The beautiful bed and breakfast we stayed at in Baraboo. Such a sweet and adorable place to stay!

Goofing around! Pams store the Memory Bank has a cute little prom dress store just across the hall. We had to take some time to try on some dresses and be princess for a day (or at least a few minutes). Too fun!!!!!

Can't wait for another weekend with the girls! It was so much fun!!!!

Paper Pieced girl and bear .gypsy files

2011-03-22T11:57:00.001-05:00

What a rainy/snowy/sleety spring day it is today :( What great weather for spring break don't you think? NOT!!!!! But the good thing is while the kiddos watched a movie I got some scrappy time in :)

I created this layout for the Chopped challenge over at challenge masters. I love me some good fun competition and this Chopped challenge is right up my alley! There is some fierce competition too....lets see how long I last!!! LOL

This weeks recipe is:
Yellow, scallops, and dimensional flowers.

I used paper from the Material Girl line by Cosmo Cricket. It was perfect for this challenge! To create the scallops I used a Creative Memories decorative trimmer that I just picked up. These are super sweet to use and sadly they have discontinued them....if you can find one GRAB IT AND RUN!!! I was lucky to find that a friend of mine who is a CM consultant had an extra one that she used for demoing and she was happy to sell it to me!

I was happy to use up some of my dimensional flowers I have had in my stash for a long time. I don't use orange and yellow often and those little orange and yellow polka dot flowers on this layout never seemed to be right for any project....well.....they must have been waiting just for this because they fit perfectly with it!

I have been seeing some super cute projects with paper pieced bears lately and I knew I could create my own patterns with my Gypsy and some of the cartridges that I have so I set to work on doing so. It isn't perfected yet...but I think I have a good start. I created the little girl on this layout along with the teddy bear below. I used peachy keen stamps for the faces....I think I need to try to draw the faces for my bear as I am just not quite happy with it yet. I have added the .gypsy files for the child and the bear (the file is for the whole body of the girl but I didn't use the legs for this project). Feel free to grab the files:
Child: http://www.box.net/shared/h5eze124r8
Bear: http://www.box.net/shared/9ueslaiy03

Thanks for stopping by!!!!!!

Blog Hop prize winner

2011-03-21T09:15:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone and Happy Spring! I want to thank all who visited all of the wonderful blogs along the "What it means to Love" hop over the weekend. I have used random.org to select a winner for my prize package and the lucky recipient is:

Tamara

Congratulations Tamara I will be sending out an email to you shortly :)

WHAT IT MEANS TO LOVE Blog Hop

2011-03-19T07:00:00.007-05:00

Dawn wanted to do some layouts that show "WHAT IT MEANS TO LOVE YOU". I am so happy to be joining her and so many other talented ladies for this hop!

Love comes in so many shapes and forms......I had so many things come to mind when I first saw Dawn's request. Needless to say I couldn't come up with just one layout. So here are a couple layouts that display what it means to love.

The first layout I threw together was just fate. LOL I sat down at my crafting table and sitting on top of my drawers of paper was a new pack of My Minds Eye - State of Heart paper just screaming to be used. So I threw together a super quick layout.

For my second layout - I was thinking about the them " What it means to love you" and the song "Love grows; one by one; two by two; and four by four......." kept playing in my head. So...I went to the computer and printed it out on paper and went from there. I new I wanted to use up this that has been sitting in my drawers for a couple of years now. I picked it up at the Fiskars sale for dirt cheap (I miss that warehouse sale :( )

Anyway......Another quick layout thrown together (I have been doing that lately....so much to do so little time to do it!)

This layout is using the We are Family line by Heidi Grace. Just cut and plop the paper together and you have a quick layout (I know...great tutorial right? LOL) I added a little red twine and a charm to the song mat. I used Create -a- Critter for the cute little ladybugs and the word Love and I used the Gypsy to transform the hearts to fit perfectly over the hearts on the love cut. A few heart pins and some foam dots to pop it up and voila.....a quick, simple and cute layout!!!!!

I decided that one of the ways to share a little love is to share a little give-a-way! Who doesn't love that?

1 random winner will recieve 3 Cosmo Cricut kits!
Material Girl; Garden Variety; and Joy Ride

To get your name in the drawing for the give-a-way you need to show a little love yourself.

1.Visit all the blogs along the hop and give them all a little love. You know....leave them a comment.
2.Come on back here and leave me a comment letting me know you have shared some love!

I of course would love you to become a follower of my blog but it means absolutely nothing if you are just a follower for a chance to win a prize. If you like what you see and want to follow to be able to find me again easily...that is wonderful!!!! (But it is not required to win)

Thanks for stopping by!!!!!

Below is a list of the bloggers taking part of the hop, if at anytime you get lost along the way, just click on the blog button (which will be appearing later) to bring you back to here and you can find your way back to where you were headed :)

Dawn http://scrappyrn-scrappyrn.blogspot.com/
Roberta http://somethingformee.blogspot.com/
Liza http://www.hooscrafty.blogspot.com/
Vicky
Kymberlee http://papermidwife.blogspot.com/
Sue http://www.lifesgr8whnbugged.blogspot.com/
Bobbi Jo http://sweetsassydiva-gspot.blogspot.com/
Michelle http://paperaffair.blogspot.com/
Sara http://www.snugasabugdesigns.blogspot.com/ <------------------you are here
Misty http://www.abusyplace.blogspot.com/
Kate http://www.sassyandscrappykate.blogspot.com/
Liz http://liz-lavendarandroses.blogspot.com/
Laura http://lauras--piece--of--paradise.blogspot.com/
Michele http://greengirlscraps.blogspot.com/
Shawn http://shawnsfiresidecraftingroom.blogspot.com/
Mary http://www.marebearscraps.blogspot.com/
Cindy http://www.scrap-obsessed.blogspot.com/

"Cropped" Challenge and items for sale!!!!

2011-03-17T10:21:00.001-05:00

Top O' the mornin' to you all on this beautiful St. Patty's day! :)

I have a quick layout to share this morning. It is for a challenge I found over at Challenge Masters. It is a 3 week challenge and it is called "Cropped". It is based around the tv show Chopped. Terri gives us the ingredients to have on the layout and they will be voted on at the end of the week. The last one standing is the winner. I loved how this layout was going until I attached the photos and it just feels like it is missing something. But....I have a handful of projects I HAVE to get done today so for now I will have to call this page done.

The ingredients for the first challenge are: Lime Green, circles, paint

I used some lime green acrylic paint and some bubble wrap to create the background paper. The paper is from the Carnival line by Scrap within Reach)

(I think it just needs an awesome title....I will have to get on that later today ;) )

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I found some brand new items in my craft area that I need to get rid of. If you are interested you can email me at mommyfink at hotmail dot com. (Prices do not include shipping)

Cricut Sampler cartridge - Brand new - $10(pending)

Cricut Companions embossing folders - coordinate with Mini Monsters cartridges - $9

Cosmo Cricket Crafting Kits (I was working on a "business" idea with someone that fell through and I ended up purchasing all of these.....my loss is your gain! ;) )

Material Girl (4 kits available) - $9 each
Material Girl Ready-Set-Chip Chipboard Stickers(4 available) - $4 each
Garden Variety (4 kits available) - $9 each
Joy Ride (4 kits available) - $9 each

Scrapbox Give-a-way!!!!

2011-03-17T07:51:00.001-05:00

I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to win one of these awesome scrapboxes. I know my chances are literally 1 in 10,000 but someone has to win right? And you can't win if you don't play!!!

Scrapbox is giving away a Workbox or a Sewbox to one of their lucky fans. As soon as they reach 10,000 friends on their facebook page (they are currently just over 9,000).

Just click on the photo below to go to their facebook page. Good luck!!!!

Upcoming blog hop "What it means to Love you"

2011-03-16T06:54:00.000-05:00

Hello all....sorry I have been MIA...I have been getting paperwork and such ready for my new job as a preschool teacher at our local church. I do have some projects I have been working on and I am participating in a blog hop this weekend (March 19th) so be sure to come back on Saturday and check out all the fun blogs along the way!

This weeks crafty goodness ;)

2011-03-04T21:19:00.000-06:00

This week has been a pretty crazy week. I have been offered a fun opportunity but I have to wait for the final confirmation before I announce and really begin planning (this is going to cut into my crafty time slightly...but it is a good thing!)

In my crazy week I managed to cram in a tiny bit of crafty time and I managed to complete these cards and I combined a boat load of challenge blog sites into these few projects as well. :)

So.....

For the first card I created a tri-fold card for the challenge over at Pile It On. It was a simple challenge...just create a tri-old card. I used some of the gorgeous Once Upon a Springtime paper by Graphic 45. I really wanted to make this card pop more and have some 3d fairy's on it but I was not able to find any in my stash or during my visits to the resale shops this week so I had to do without :( I started to create some quilled fairies....but there is just not enough time in the day for everything. ;)

This next card was created for the challenge over at Totally Gorjuss to create a card using only black and white. I also combined the challenge over at The Sisterhood of Crafters and that was to use ribbons and brads.

I used more Graphic 45 for this card from their Le-Romantique collection. This is just a simple of patterned paper 5 1/2 x 11 scored and folded in half to create a pocket to hold the inside of the card. A simple way to create an elegant card.

This third card was created with the challenges from The Shabby Tea Room and Stamptacular Sunday in mind. The Shabby Tea room challenge was to create a card using red/white/black and Stamptacular Sunday's challenge was to use a frame.

So...I used paper from the Le Cirque line by Graphic 45 (and this is pronounced without the k sound at the end.....I have been pronouncing it wrong...whoops).

I used my most recent discovery on this card.....Japanese Washi Tape. You can get it at various online stores and etsy shops. Here is the link to one fun online vendor - Cute Tape

This is so fun and I can't wait to make more projects with it. As you can see it is slightly transparent so you can see the patterned paper behind it. Use it to bind the edges of books, as faux ribbon, embellish your project with it.....endless possibilities......

And the last card I created this week was for challenges on Stamp Scrap and Doodle Saturdays and for the sketch challenge over at Cardabilities.

I used paper from the Halloween in Wonderland line from Graphic 45. These easel cards are so fun to make!

Well.......I hope that you enjoy my projects as much as I had fun making them! I have a list of projects that I hope to get done soon and of course another list of projects I want to get started....never ending! Hopefully I will find a little more time next week to make a dent in my list.

I am excited to check out the challenge tomorrow over at a new blog I discovered called Counterfeit Kit Challenge. They post a kit and then you recreate that kit using your own stash. Then you work through that kit throughout the month. They post a few challenges throughout the month as well. I think it sounds like lots of fun and a great way to use up some of your stash. I am game!!!!!!! Bring it on!!!!!!

Have a great weekend!!!!!

Graphic 45 Halloween in Wonderland Acrylic Album

2011-02-25T16:28:00.002-06:00

Here is an acrylic album I just finished using the Halloween in Wonderland collection by Graphic 45. I ordered some 12x12 acrylic sheets from Amazon.com and have done some fun projects with it. This is the first album that I have made with this specific material; and I have also cut some pieces with the Cricut from it as well.

I just love this collection from Graphic 45 and it is what brought my eye to the company and now I am in love with all of their lines! :)

I had so much fun making this album! There is not a whole lot of explaning to do....I started with the paper on the front page and I knew I wanted to cut out that keyhole and create a window with it. I trimmed the paper and cut the first acrylic page to fit and went wild and followed the path that the paper led me. ;)

I hope you enjoy it!

Don't forget to create something with vinyl for the February Vinyl Challenge. Click here to go directly to the challenge post! Newly created projects must be submitted by midnight on February 28th to be eligible to win your choice of vinyl donated by www.craftvinyl.com

Great giveaway :)

2011-02-25T07:25:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to share a great give-a-way over at Pinky's Blog - Much Ado About Nothing. Check it out here: http://blueyecicle.blogspot.com/

I will be back this afternoon with a Mini Album that is just about finished using Graphic 45 Halloween in Wonderland :)

Graphic 45 spree -PKS Challenge

2011-02-23T15:04:00.002-06:00

I just had to have the Le Cirque collection when I saw it released and when I stopped in at Archivers the other day (with my 30% coupon ;) ) I was so excited to see that they had it in! I picked up the Le Cirque pack along with some of the Once Upon a Springtime sheets.

Here are a couple of cards that I put together. With the Le Cirque collection:

Thank you Card
I really like how this card turned out. I used the tutorial from splitcoast stampers for the recessed window. It is hard to see in the photos but the inside square is slightly recessed.

Materials used:
Cardstock
Bohemain Floral Patterned paper from Graphic 45 Le Cirque collection
Black Soot Distress Ink
Glitter flowers
I-rock and heat set gems

Birthday Wishes
PKS Challenge

For this card I wanted it to look like a circus tent (my kids knew what it was as I as creating it so it must be close LOL - my 4 year old said "It's a show!")

I used the tutorial from splitcoast stampers for the Shadow Box Card.

Materials used:
Cardstock
Circus Parade and Le Cirque Tags patterned paper from the Graphic 45 Le Cirque collection
Black lace ribbon
adhesive pearls by the Paper Studio
grommets from Stampin Up!
black twine
red mulberry paper
Black soot distress ink
A Child's Year Cricut Cartridge (the label where I stamped the sentiment was cut using this cartridge)
Stampin' Up! Sincere Salutations

Upcoming G45 projects:
I have an acrylic album started using the Halloween In Wonderland line (the album is all put together I just need to embellish the pages :) ).

I have a large printers drawer that I picked up awhile ago and when I saw the Le Cirque collection I knew I needed to use it to alter the drawer as a gift for hubby - he loves Circus memorabillia!

I have a Easter tree in mind with the Once Upon a Springtime collection. I started making the tree the other day :)

And lots of other little ideas stewing in my little ole melon. I can't wait to find the time to complete some of these projects. I am so inspired by Graphic 45 at the moment! Loving the vintage look :)

Come back and visit soon.....I would love to share these projects with you!!!!!

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to create something with vinyl for the February Vinyl Challenge. Click here to go directly to the challenge post! Newly created projects must be submitted by midnight on February 28th to be eligible to win your choice of vinyl donated by www.craftvinyl.com

Sweater card

2011-02-19T20:35:00.003-06:00

Here is a simple little card I made combining challenges My Sketch World challenge #17 and Shabby Tea Room challenge #49.

I used a sweater cut from Everyday Paper Dolls Cricut Cartridge. I added a little liquid applique to add a special little touch to the sweaters :)

A stamped sentiment from Stamin' Up! and a little bling with my irock and a touch of ribbon completes this card.

Thanks for looking :)

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DON'T FORGET!

JUST OVER 1 WEEK LEFT TO ENTER THE FEBRUARY VINYL CHALLENGE HERE AT SNUG AS A BUG. PLAY ALONG FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN SOME VINYL FROM CRAFTVINYL.COM. COME PLAY ALONG:

FEBRUARY VINYL CHALLENGE

REMEMBER....SUBMISSIONS MUST BE PROJECTS NEWLY CREATED FOR THIS CHALLENGE!

PKS card - MSW challenge #12

2011-02-19T17:58:00.001-06:00

Here are some cards I threw together for the 12th MSW challenge and I combined it with the PKS challenge.

I used the Happy Bird and phrases Peachy Keen stamp set. For the first card I colored in the image using Sharpie markers and the second card I colored the bird in with some watercolor crayons. (~~sorry for the quality of the images....having lighting issues :(~~ .....I found the problem....for some reason the settings on my camera got changed and the auto focus was turned off.....I took new pictures ;))

My Sketch World Sketch-a-Thon continued

2011-02-17T08:44:00.000-06:00

I am working on catching up to the 20 sketches over at MSW. We are at day 17 and you have until March 3rd to submit if you want to come play along. :)

www.mysketchworld.blogspot.com

Day 1 - Birthday theme

Day 3 - Distress something

Day 7 - Handwritten Journaling

Day 9 - Specific Theme (I did birthday again)

Two more layouts I want to work on today and some cards and I should be caught up :)

Soo..........

2011-02-11T15:22:00.000-06:00

I found this blog hop today and oh my goodness......all the give-a-ways and all the blogs.......YIKES!!!!

It is Cricky across 50...yup...50 blogs in 3 days. Can you do it?

Here are some of the blogs along the way (some of the qualifications for some of the prizes are to post about it on your blog so I am doing it all in one ;)

http://www.createncraft.com/

My World Sketches - 20 days of sketches

2011-02-10T18:05:00.000-06:00

I am trying to catch up with the 20 days of sketches over at the My Sketch World blog for their 5th anniversary sketch-a-thon. I am all caught up on cards and now I have to get some pages done. :)

I apologize for the poor photos but I cannot find the charger for my camera and I had to use my cell phone :(

DAY 4

DAY 6

DAY 10

DAY 8

DAY 5

Winner winner Chicken Dinner -

2011-02-07T07:42:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all who donated and participated in the Blog Hop for a Cure. The winner of my challenge is Lisa West! Congratulations Lisa!!!

Also - I just wanted to share this:

My Mind's Eye and Cricut are partnering up for a giveaway.

If My Mind's Eye reaches 500 new Newsletter subscribers they are giving away a cuttlbug and if they reach 1000 new readers they are giving away a Cricut Expression.

Here is the link if you would like to subscribe:

http://www.mymindseye.com/Newsletter-Subscribe.asp

My Sketch World Sketch-a-Thon

2011-02-06T17:13:00.000-06:00

I just found this fun Sketch-a-Thon that is going on through February 20th. I printed out the first 6 sketches and can't wait to get started working on them!!!!

Gypsy file fix

2011-02-04T20:16:00.000-06:00

It was brought to my attention that in my Gypsy Files tab the cupid link went to the wrong file. I just fixed it - sorry for any confusion!

The big Crop out Diabetes fundraiser that I have been organizing is tomorrow. Can't wait! So much fun to be had!!! And then......I can relax and get back to some crafting I have been dying to do! My list of challenges and sketches is sitting here screaming my name!!!! LOL

If you are looking for the Crop out Diabetes Blog hop post click here.

If you are looking for the February Vinyl Challenge please click here.

February Vinyl Challenge - Jan. winner

2011-02-02T09:50:00.002-06:00

IF YOU ARE HERE LOOKING FOR THE CROP OUT DIABETES BLOG HOP CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BLOG HOP POST.

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Sorry I am a day late on the challenge. I spent my "blog time" yesterday registering my daughter for camp this summer. It is a camp just for kids with diabetes and it is her first year - HOLY PAPER WORK!!! I knew there would be a lot of paperwork but I didn't realize I would have to fill it out in order to register her. I thought I could pay to register her and save her spot and fill in the paperwork later. NOPE! I spent about an hour filling out paperwork just to register her LOL

So....ANYWAY..... the winner for the January Vinyl Challenge(selected using random.org) is: Jean from Jean's Crafty Corner

Jean created a great binder to organize all of her challenges and Design Team projects. What a great idea!

Jean - send me an email and I will tell you how to go about ordering your vinyl :) mommyfink at hotmail dot com

Alright - onto our February Challenge. February is one of my favorite months. My birthday is the day before Valentines day. (Hubby gets the two days confused every year LOL) Of course we have to revolve this challenge around the theme of love. Whether it is a saying that includes the word love or a cupid and some hearts to decorate for Valentines day......just revolve it around the word LOVE.

I have been NEEDING to change my photos in my living room. I still had our most "recent" family photo up which has Hubby, Myself, my son who is now 11 and was then 2 and my now 9 year old who was then a new born.....guess it is time we get a new famliy photo taken - we have added two beautiful little girls to our family since then....I know....BAD MOMMY!!!!!! LOL

So....I created this saying using the Elegant Cakes cartridge and Home Decor with my Gypsy. Remember to use the kiss setting when cutting your vinyl so you do not cut through the backing paper. Blade:6 Pressure:2

(I will have to take a photo tonight or this afternoon when glare is not so bad on my photos)

You have until February 28th at midnight to post your project.

Vinyl Challenge Rules:
1. Create a new project. (projects must be newly created for this challenge - you may combine other challenges with it)
2. Post your project to your blog with a link back to our blog: www.snugasabugdesigns.blogspot.com
(If you do not have a blog you can load your photo to an online gallery)
3. Link to your direct blog post/photo for this challenge (we don't want to have to search for your project)
4. Please leave a comment!

The winner will be randomly selected using random.org and he/she will receive 10 12x12 sheets of vinyl (your choice of colors) from our sponsor Craft Vinyl!

Paper note box and some reminders :)

2011-01-31T09:29:00.002-06:00

The Hop for a Cure Blog hop is going on all week! Come play along for great prizes and help to support a great cause!

Click here to go to the Blog hop post:
http://snugasabugdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/hop-for-cure.html
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DON'T FORGET!!!! TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SUBIMT A PROJECT TO THE JANUARY VINYL CHALLENGE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN VINYL FROM CRAFTVINYL.COM
Click here to go to the January Vinyl Challenge post :
http://snugasabugdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/01/january-vinyl-challenge.html--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello! I found this super cute paper note box on a blog FROM MY CRAFT ROOM and I just had to make one. I love it and can't wait to make more!

Here is my first try at it. I am going to make some for teachers and fill them with treats for Valentines Day.

I am also submitting this project for a few challenge blogs:
Anything goes challenge over at The Sisterhood of Crafters blog
What you like challenge over at Totally Gorjuss Challenge blog

(It seems like a lot of challenge blogs have a free for all challenge for this week- works for me ;) LOL)

I used paper from my DCWV Valentines Day stack from last year and cuts from the Creative Memories Cricut Cartridge Reminisce

Hop for a Cure

2011-01-28T06:53:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the 2011 Hope for a Cure blog hop!

If you have come from

http://cropoutdiabetes.blogspot.com/

you are in the right place :)

I am excited to put a new spin on the blog hop and share this opportunity with the online crafting community to do what we love for a cause that is near and dear to my heart!

I asked the ladies to create a challenge that has something to do with what they think of when they think Diabetes. What came to my mind right away (with Valentines Day closing in) is how much more aware I have become of all the sweets our children receive in school. I don't think I would be quite as aware if we were not micromanaging it as parents of a child with Diabetes. This year has not been as bad; but our school nurse is awesome and has really done a great job taking care of our kids. But....K-3rd grade I received calls at least a couple times a week from the school nurse describing to me the treat that was being served to the children and I needed to guestimate how many grams of carbohydrates were in it. I refused to let Diabetes be a reason for Madison to miss out on all of the goodies the other kids were getting and feel left out and we just simply treated her with insulin for whatever she consumed. I guess my point is.....our kids get way more junk at school than what they need. Every birthday; special celebration; etc. We really don't think about all the other birthdays when we send in a special birthday treat for our own child. But it all adds up!!!! So.....anyway.........

My challenge for you is to create a Valentines Day treat(s) that is non-candy related. Now...I realize that candy is much more inexpensive then other items, but there are a lot of other options out there. Pencils, stickers, erasers, those crazy shaped bracelets that the kids are going crazy over, tattoos, etc.

One person who participates in this challenge will be randomly selected to win:

Aladin (1001 Nights) Stamp Kit by Whiff of Joy

I created some very simple goody bags. We have 79 goody bags to make between the 4 kids and I want them to help; so I made it pretty kid friendly :)

I picked up some little baggies in the craft section at Walmart. 100 bags for $2.00. Then I found some goodies at Target and the grocery store (stickers, erasers, crazy bands).

For the toppers I just cut up some of those white pieces of low weight cardstock them comes in the sleeves of albums. They are cut down to 3 1/2" x 4" and scored at 2".

Then I inked the edges with a sponge and some Real Red Stampin' Up! Ink.

The heart balloons were cut out using the Create-a-Critter cartridge. I used my gypsy and fit all 79 on one sheet of red cardstock. Woohoo!!!!!

Then I used basic black Stampin' Up! ink and sponged the edges of the heart balloons and I used a stamp from Peachy Keen Stamps Laughy Taffy face assortment to add a cute little face to the balloons.

I used a real red marker and added some X's and O's to the sides of the toppers.

I stamped a hugs & kisses stamp from Stampin' Up! All Holidays set.

A little adhesive to attach the balloon heart.

A staple here and a staple there and one goody bag is done....now......to make 78 more. Good thing I have 4 little helpers ready to make goody bags for their friends ;)

My Challenge for you is to create a

Your next stop on the hop is:

http://thinkingwithink.blogspot.com/

Hop for a Cure blog hop details:

When: Hop starts Friday, January 28th at 8:00AM and ends on Saturday,February 5th at midnight.

Where:The hop starts here at www.cropoutdiabetes.blogspot.com. Follow along the hop to visit the particpating blogs and join in on the challenges.

How it works:
1. Donate to JDRF using our donate button which can be found on all participating blogs. (A minimum donation of $5 is required to be eligible for prizes)

2. Start at www.cropoutdiabetes.blogspot.com and follow along the hop. If you get lost each blog will have a list of the participating blogs so that you can get right back in on all the fun!

3. Complete the challenges and take a photo of your completed project.

4. Link a photo of your completed project to the linking tool at the bottom of each corresponding blog hop post by February 5th at midnight.

5. Winners will be chosen randomly using random.org and be posted by February 12th, 2011.

HOP FOR A CURE BLOG HOP ROLL

http://cropoutdiabetes.blogspot.com/

http://www.snugasabugdesigns.blogspot.com/

http://thinkingwithink.blogspot.com/

http://blog.psiloveyouscrapbooking.com/

http://sweetsassydiva-gspot.blogspot.com/

http://thecozycraftcloset.blogspot.com/

http://cricutcraftyclare.blogspot.com/

http://through-my-is.blogspot.com/

http://amychomas.blogspot.com/

http://paperprettiesblog.blogspot.com/

http://www.scrapality.com/

Back to the beginning (remember to tell us you completed all of the challenges!):

http://cropoutdiabetes.blogspot.com/

Cricut Circle Weekend Challenge

2011-01-24T15:21:00.001-06:00

Here is a card I complete for the circle weekend challenge.

I used the Preserves cartridge and paper from the Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety collection. I also used stickles and I inked the edges of everything with SU Chocolate Chip ink. I popped up the fruits with pop dots as well.

Here is the sketch:

Here is my take on it:

It is a very simple card (not at all what I originally was going for) but I like the results. :)

1 WEEK LEFT TO ENTER THE JANUARY VINYL CHALLENGE HERE AT SNUG AS A BUG. PLAY ALONG FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN SOME VINYL FROM CRAFTVINYL.COM. COME PLAY ALONG:

JANUARY VINYL CHALLENGE

REMEMBER....SUBMISSIONS MUST BE PROJECTS NEWLY CREATED FOR THIS CHALLENGE!

Tacky Tuesday Challenge

2011-01-22T17:40:00.001-06:00

Here are some cards I created today for the Tacky Tuesday Challenge. This weeks theme was to use Whale from Create-a-Critter. (This challenge is also for the Get Sketchy Card Challenge but I am a bit behind on my sketchy to-do list :( )

For this card I used Create-a-Critter, Life's A Beach, George and Basic Shapes, Accent Essentials.

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8 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER THE JANUARY VINYL CHALLENGE HERE AT SNUG AS A BUG. PLAY ALONG FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN SOME VINYL FROM CRAFTVINYL.COM. COME PLAY ALONG:

JANUARY VINYL CHALLENGE

GYSO sketch challenge

2011-01-22T08:15:00.004-06:00

Here is a layout I completed for the GYSO challenge over at the Get Your Sketch On blog.

Last summer at one of the fairs we were at they had this awesome "attraction" called "You Be the Band". It is really awesome and the kids just loved it. Here is a short video of how much fun they had:

Here is the layout I did and I absolutely love how it turned out. I used the Cricut Cartridges Accent Essentials and Rock Princess. I used Flip Flaps from Close to my Heart to create the flap. Flip flaps are so inexpensive and such an awesome product! The paper I used I picked up at Tuesday Mornings awhile back and don't remember the brand name. I inked the edges with black soot distress ink. (Sorry for the lighting...I had to photograph it in the page protector to show you the flip flap but the flash and light I had on left reflections).

8 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER THE JANUARY VINYL CHALLENGE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN SOME VINYL FROM CRAFTVINYL.COM. COME PLAY ALONG:

JANUARY VINYL CHALLENGE

A sketch challenge - Get your sketch on

2011-01-17T18:20:00.000-06:00

I had this layout finished last night except for the title and didn't get a chance to cut it out and attach it until now. Busy day :(

This is a layout for the sketch at http://getyoursketchon.blogspot.com/

I love their sketch for this week! Can't wait to find time to do that one soon!!!!

Finally - some personal scrapbook time :)

2011-01-13T14:29:00.001-06:00

I have not scrapped my own photos in awhile. (projects for work; projects for others; etc.) So today I printed out some sketches and sat down and completed a layout.

This layout is for the sketch over at http://scrapbookcreationscorner.blogspot.com/

These are photos from last spring during my daughters field trip.

Materials used:
Cardstock
Graphic 45 Playtimes Past Collection Hopscotch.
flowers from making memories.
IRock and some heat set gems
Distress Ink (Barn Door and Brushed Corduroy)
Stampin' Up! scalloped edge punch
Storybook cartridge for the title

Don't forget -

JANUARY VINYL CHALLENGE - DUE JANUARY 31ST AT MIDNIGHT

The cutest cupid ever!!!!!

2011-01-13T09:26:00.002-06:00

Hello ladies. I am so excited. I created this cute little cupid with my Gypsy! I have been working on this cute little guy for awhile and I cut him out today and he is so cute!!!! I wanted him for this banner that I made and I didn't want to purchase the Sweethearts cartridge just for that (although I did now purchase it because it was $9.99 at Michaels :o) lol)

To Create the Banner I used a Maya Road chipboard pack and used YES paste to attache the paper. I used the following cartridges:
DoodleCharms (heart on O flag)
Mini Monograms (Scalloped Circles)
Once Upon a Princess (Font)
(see below for the cartridges I used to create the cupid)

I used the cupid from the Sweet Hearts cartridge as a template and then used shapes from other cartridges to recreate it. The cartridges I used are:
George and Basic Shapes
Indie Art
Paper Doll Dress Up
Walk in My garden

Here is the .gypsy file if you would like it. Enjoy! (In return for my sharing....just show me a little love and leave a comment :) ) http://www.box.net/shared/kgmm9ki4xr

I will be offering a class at Scrapbook and Stamping Creations in Appleton, WI on February 21st from 5-7pm. Learn how to create images using a template on your Gypsy. Sign up today!

Don't forget about this months Vinyl challenge!

Check out this new sketch challenge blog! Awesome give a way!

2011-01-13T04:18:00.004-06:00

I am up early this morning and can't sleep so I am looking for new sketch blogs and I found this brand spankin new one! I love starting out at the beginning of blogs and watching them grow! Check it out...they are even giving away a $100 gift certificate to a store of your choice. Come play along!

(If you visit please let them know who sent you and be sure to post on your blog for 5 extra entries - if you do could you leave me a post here so I can create another entry to win - thanks!)

Check back later today - I have an AWESOME .gypsy file I am going to share....just have to upload the file a little later this morning and then I will post. :)

Don't forget -

JANUARY VINYL CHALLENGE - DUE JANUARY 31ST AT MIDNIGHT

Scrap n Easel

2011-01-11T15:15:00.001-06:00

Check out the new Scrap n' Easel -

I am excited for this product. I can see myself using it...I have added it to my birthday wish list for next month!!!!

It is available for preorder right now and get 10% off if you use the code: IHEARTSCRAP'NTOTE

Check it our here:
Scrap n' Easel

January Vinyl Challenge

2011-01-01T01:00:00.015-06:00

Do you love playing with vinyl? Been wanting to try it out? Well....there is no better time than now!

Welcome to our first Vinyl challenge. We will be running this monthly vinyl challenge all year! The challenge will be posted on the first of each month and you will have until Midnight on the last day of the month to post your project. I will select a winner using random.org and post the winner along with the new challenge on the 1st day of the new month.

CraftVinyl.com has graciously offered to be our sponsor for the entire year! How cool is that? Craft Vinyl offers high quality vinyl in many great colors and they also have some really fun vinyl like Chalkboard and glow in the dark. And....at a price that can't be beat! CraftVinyl guarantees that you won't find it at a better price anywhere. In fact; here is their promise (taken directly from the Craft Vinyl website):

"I am the ONLY merchant online who will promise this: If you find a lower price on ANY other website on the planet offering a lower price for cricut vinyl sheets I will beat it! or, If I cant beat it, I will send you 10 sheets of cricut vinyl absolutely free, no questions asked! I will even pay the shipping!"

CraftVinyl.com will be giving the winner of each monthly challenge 10 sheets of 12x12 glossy vinyl; you choose the colors.

So...lets get started!!!!!

January Challenge

Have you made your New Years Resolution(s) yet? Let's help ourselves stay on task with this challenge. Create a vinyl project that will help remind you of your New Years Resolution(s). Whether it be a quote on the wall; an inspirational message on your bathroom mirror; or a Vacation fund jar.

One of my resolutions is to be more crafty...keep up with this blog and other crafty commitments. I created some fun vinyl wall art for above my crafting table.

I cut the swirl on pink vinyl from the Picturesque cartridge.
The word Create was on the Wall Decor and More cartridge.

Create your project and post a link to it here on this post by midnight on January 31st.
(Projects must be newly created for this challenge)

A fun and Exciting Announcement

2010-12-28T20:02:00.001-06:00

I am very excited to announce that I will be starting a monthly challenge on my blog and I have an awesome sponsor too!

Come join me in some vinyl fun!

Each month I will post a challenge using vinyl. You will have one month to create a fabulous project and link it to the post. At the end of the month I will randomly choose 1 winner to receive 10 pieces of 12x12 glossy vinyl from CraftVinyl.com

Come back on January 1st for our first challenge!

Christmas Vacation crafting with the kids - Day 2

2010-12-28T19:50:00.002-06:00

Today the kids enjoyed the project we made. We created glow in the dark pillow cases. I had some glow in the dark t-shirt vinyl from Craftvinyl.com and it was so fun to do. The kids picked an image that they each wanted and I selected a font for their names. We cut it in the Cricut and they were so excited when they took it in a dark room to see it.

I didn't take pictures of the process; but I will next time. It is super easy!

I can't take a picture of it :( The glo in the dark is so cool but the pictures do not capture it very well.

Here are photos of my youngest daughters pillow case:

Crop out Diabetes - Hop for a cure blog hop

2010-12-28T07:11:00.002-06:00

We are looking for 5 or more blogs to join us for the 2011 Hop for a Cure. If you would like to join us contact me today for more information.

Visit our blog at: www.cropoutdiabetes.blogspot.com

Christmas vacation crafts Day 1- Shrinky Dinks

2010-12-27T19:22:00.000-06:00

I wanted to do some crafty things with the kids over Christmas vacation and the first days project was a hit. We made key chains. Mine is for my work key and the kids are putting theirs on their backpacks.

Materials needed:
Shrinky Dink plastic
Stamps or Cricut machine with Mini Sharpie holder
Colored Pencils or Sharpies
Crop-a-dile (or hole punch)
Heat tool
tweezers
string (we used fishing line)
beads
key chain rings or similar

1. Stamp your image or use your Cricut and Sharpie Marker holder (http://amychomas.blogspot.com/) to draw your image.
2. Cut out your image using your Cricut, scissors, or punch.
3.Color in your image with Sharpies or colored pencils.
4. Punch a hole in the top of your image.
5. Use your heat tool to shrink the image. Use a tweezers to hold the shrinky dink plastic down so you don't burn your fingers.
6. String the fishing line through the hole in your image. Place the image like a necklace pendant; in the middle of the line. Bring together the two ends of the line and start beading.
7. When you are done beading; tie the line to the ring/clasp of your choice.

I am excited for tomorrows project! The kids are going to love it!

Using Design Studio to create a blog header tutorial

2010-12-23T13:44:00.002-06:00

Are you ready? I discovered how easy it is to do this and I know you are going to love it too!

First you need to have Design Studio installed on your computer. If you do not have the Design Studio; you can download the FREE TRIAL here: http://www.cricut.com/CDS/DesignStudioTrial1.aspx
You will also need to have a screen capture software on your computer. I use Screen Hunter. You can download it for free here: http://wisdom-soft.com/products/screenhunter_free.htm

Now...to the fun part. Open up the Design Studio and start designing.

The First thing you want to do is create a rectangle (for blog header) or square base (for a blog button). For a header you are going to want to be working on a 12x24 mat. To change the mat size go to the top of the screen and click on VIEW ~ MAT SIZE ~ 24X12

To create an image that is going to fill the header space on your blog you will want to make the rectangle as large as you can fit in the screen. It has to all be visible without scrolling in order to create a screenshot of the image.

Now place your mouse pointer on the cutting mat and right click. A window will open and you will find the option to set preview color. This is going the be the background of your image so choose a color accordingly. You can also add a title to this page to help you keep track of where everything is.

Now you need to open a new page (click on the top image on the left side of the screen with what looks like a piece of paper and a star on it). Add another image to this page. And title your page and choose the color of the image. You will need to change the page order as you go to ensure the correct images show in the correct order. To do this right click on your cutting mat and select page order. Then select where you need this page to be.

Continue creating pages (a different page for each color that you are using. Do not overlap images. If they need to overlap; you need to create a new page/layer.)

Now...click on the preview button (the little eye on the left) and you will see the image. Click on the differnt page layers to get a little different image until you find the one you like. Now adjust as you see fit.

When you are happy with your image you will need to capture it. Open up your Screen Hunter (or screen capture software). Go to the Cricut Design Studio page and click on the eye to preview your image. Use the F6 button on your keyboard to open up the Screen Hunter cursor. Use your mouse to put the cursor (red box) to the top left corner of the image you want to capture. (Stay to the inside of your background color so that you don't catch any of the cutting mat in your image). Click and hold the left mouse button down and drag the capture window to the right to include your entire image. When you release the left mouse button it will click and it will have captured the image (mine goes right to my desktop). If you like the image go put it on your blog.

-------------------
To add to your blog in blogger:
1. Open your blog and click on the Design tab at the top of the screen.
2. Click on edit in your header (the first dotted box)
3. Find the image on your computer and add it.
4. Hit save and enjoy your header!!!!

If you create one come back here and post a link to your blog....I would love to see what you create!!!!

I JUST THREW THIS TUTORIAL TOGETHER QUICK...SO IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ASK AND I WILL UPDATE THE TUTORIAL IF NEEDED!!!!!!

New Blog Header!!!

2010-12-23T09:43:00.003-06:00

I have been wanting to do this for awhile but didn't know how to do it. Then I was told you could do it on the Design Studio software and Oh My....how easy was that. It only took me about a half hour to design it last night. I played around with it a lot more this morning because I just didn't like the way the flowers were looking. But...I am happy with it now. How fun!!!! Do you want one? I am having so much fun with it...maybe I could make one or two for someone else....who wants one?

UPDATE: I WILL BE CREATING A TUTORIAL SOON TO SHOW YOU HOW YOU CAN DO THIS. IT IS SUPER EASY!!!!!!! YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE IT!!!!

Exciting News!!!!!!

2010-12-21T09:16:00.000-06:00

I am so excited! I have been one of the lucky crafters chosen to be a 2011 guest designer for Peachy Keen Stamps. My week is not until the end of August....but I am still ecsatict! That gives me lots of time to come up with some fantastic projects!!!!! ;)

Big congratulations to all of the wonderful designers and I can't wait to see what everyone creates. This is going to be a fun year at Peachy Keen Stamps!!!!!

Here is the list of all the amazing guest designers for 2011:

Week	Name	Blog
01/10 - 01/14	Theresa	http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com
01/17 - 01/21	Jessica M.	www.KinderStampO.com
01/24 - 01/28	Erika	www.cricutlove1.blogspot.com
01/31 - 02/04	Joy	http://www.joyslife.com
02/07 - 02/11	DoBea	http://dobeaalberts.blogspot.com
02/14 - 02/18	Kimmy	http://scrappinwithkimmy.blogspot.com
02/21 - 02/25	Cindy	www.mrsbscraftroom.blogspot.com
02/28 - 03/04	Raven	www.love4stamps.blogspot.com
03/07 - 03/11	Tifany	http://inkblotsbytrd.blogspot.com
03/14 - 03/18	Saundra	http://www.luvscrappingtogether.blogspot.com/
03/21 - 03/25	Stephanie	www.stephcreates.blogspot.com
03/28 - 04/01	Mandy	http://stamping4u.blogspot.com/
04/04 - 04/18	Liz M.	www.lizspaperloft.blogspot.com
04/11 - 04/15	Sandra	http://www.365daysofcricut.blogspot.com/
04/18 - 04/22	Kristal	www.kandrewdesigns.blogspot.com
04/25 - 04/29	Courtney	http://CourtsCrafts.blogspot.com
05/02 - 05/16	Alison	http://www.stretchnbubbles2.blogspot.com/
05/09 - 05/13	Abby	www.scrapbookaholicbyabby.com
05/16 - 05/20	Irit	http://iritshalom.blogspot.com/
05/23 - 05/27	Jessica U.	http://www.denimglittercreations.com/
05/30 - 06/03	Iris	http://cocoacards.blogspot.com/
06/06 - 06/10	Liz N.	http://skittles-and-scrapbooks.blogspot.com
06/13 - 06/17	Linda L.	http://cardsbylinda.blogspot.com
06/20 - 06/24	Ellen	http://lifeatwalnuthill.blogspot.com/
06/27 - 07/01	Diane	http://capadiadesigns.blogspot.com/
07/11 - 07/15	Amy	http://www.scrappingmommy.com
07/18 - 07/22	Lauren B.	www.laurenscreative.com
07/25 - 07/29	Cathryn	http://inthepinkcathryn.blogspot.com
08/01 - 08/05	Michelle	www.scrappinwithmybug.com
08/08 - 08/12	Gaby	http://www.gabycreates.com
08/15 - 08/19	Linda K.	www.krazyquilling.com
08/22 - 08/26	Glorajean	http://glorascrafts.blogspot.com/
08/29 - 09/02	Sara	http://snugasabugdesigns.blogspot.com/
09/05 - 09/09	Cristina	http://www.craftingwithcristina.com
09/12 - 09/16	Lauren D.	http://laurenscraps.blogspot.com/
09/19 - 09/23	Jane	http://polkadotgypsy.blogspot.com/
09/26 - 09/30	Ashley	http://myscrappinpalace.blogspot.com/
10/03 - 10/07	Jessica K.	http://thecreativestamperspot.blogspot.com
10/10 -10/14	Kristin	http://lilsweetpeasplace.blogspot.com/
10/17 - 10/21	Heather	http://housesbuiltofcards.blogspot.com/
10/24 - 10/28	Jamie	http://jamie-thegreenefamily.blogspot.com/
10/31 - 11/04	Piali	http://touchofcreation.blogspot.com/
11/07 - 11/11	Stacy	http://www.mycraftingtime.com/
11/14 - 11/18	Cathy	www.sniptuck.blogspot.com
11/28 - 12/02	Julie	http://juliescraftyspot.blogspot.com/
12/05 - 12/09	Lynda	http://positive-force.blogspot.com/

8 days until Christmas - Yikes!!!

2010-12-17T10:35:00.001-06:00

OK...I missed yesterday...sorry....the day just got away on me.

Today I am working on Teacher Gifts. I am altering these photo boxes from Cosmo Cricket. My intentions are to get them all altered (I have 6 to make) and then create some all occasion cards to put in them because who couldn't use cards right?

So here is the first completed box:

I used papers from My Mind's Eye Holly Jolly collection and cut them to fit each side of the box. I used YES paste to adhere them to the box. YES paste is so easy to use and holds wonderfully!!!! I just spread it with my finger where I need it and I keep a bowl of water next to me and dip my finger in every once in awhile to help spread the paste around. The paper doesn't wrinkle like it does with Mod Podge. Then I cut out some flower shapes and misted them with water and scrunched them up into little balls. Then I opened them up and had these wonderful distressed flowers. I layered them and added some brads.

Now...I have 5 more to make. They are all covered and I have cut out the holes....just need to finish embellishing them.

This afternoon we are heading up north to visit my Dad for the weekend. Have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!

Christmas Countdown - 10 days til Christmas!!!!!!

2010-12-15T13:49:00.002-06:00

Here is a simple ornament you can make.

1.Take some patterned paper and cut it into strips of 2" x 12".
2. Score the entire length of each strip every 1/2"
3. Cut off one rectangle from one of your strips.
4. Attach the two strips together with some adhesive.
5. Cut out 2-2" circles and set aside.
6. Accordion fold the strips and they will fall into a circular shape automatically.
7. Use some fast drying liquid adhesive (such as Zip Dry) and adhere the circles to the front and back of the ornament and hold in place until dry.
8. Decorate as you wish. I simply added a Peel off sticker from Best Creations. (You could also stamp on a 1 3/4" circle, add a sticker; etc.)

-You could also do a second layer by cutting 4"x12" strips and doing the same.
-Another fabulous effect would be to use an edger punch to add some detail to your ornaments. (I ran out of time today....otherwise I indended on doing this....maybe I will get a chance later tonight to add another layer to this ornament :) )

I have some SUPER exciting news to share but I have to wait for the OK.

Can't wait to share....I am super excited!!!!!!!!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!

Have a great day!!!!!!!

11 days of Christmas - Have you sent out your Christmas cards yet?

2010-12-14T10:58:00.001-06:00

I always think I have all this time to get things done and then before I know it....the time just sneaks up behind me. Well....I just have to pick up a little more ribbon to finish the rest of my cards and them I will get them in the mail and off to my family and friends.

This paper has been sitting in the store and so many people pick it up and want so badly to create something with it but just don't know what to do with it. So......I just had to take on the challenge. I really like how the cards turned out.

I used:
My Mind's Eye Bohemia Christmas "Believe" Reindeer Paper
EK Success Dotted Scallop edger punch
Mini Monograms Cartridge
Saying stamp from Stampin' Up! (I forget the name of the set...I will post this evening with it)
Reindeer Stamp - Reindeer Silhouette from Memory Box
Acetate
Cardstock
Ribbon

See you tomorrow with only 10 crafty days left 'til Christmas.

12 days of Christmas (Can you believe it?)

2010-12-13T15:45:00.001-06:00

I can't believe that there are only 12 days left until Christmas. YIKES!!!!! I have my shopping done.....now I just have to wrap it all. I wanted to do a 12 days of Christmas on my blog this year....so here goes.......

I created this fun Christmas countdown with a pizza pan. So easy and so cute. Plus a reason to play with some vinyl!!!!!

The Cartridges I used were: Christmas Noel (Solutions); Storybook; Plantin Schoolbook; Just Because Cards
I used the Santa face from the Peachy Keen Santa Set (so cute!).

See you tomorrow with 11 days left till the big day and another great Christmas project!!!!

Mini Maya Road Chipboard Stocking album

2010-12-10T12:32:00.001-06:00

Here is a mini album I threw together with a Maya Road chipboard album. I used the following Cricut Cartridges to complete this project:
Mini Mono-grams
Storybook

I used some acrylic paints to paint the front and back of the cover and I also painted the sides edges (about 1/2" in all around) of each stocking on both sides so wherever my paper may not cover....it would still look nice. I filled in the snowflake with some crystal effects and added a jem in the center. Then I justs adhered some fun ribbon to the front. I also faux stitched around the front of the stocking to add a final touch.

I used the Mini Monograms cartridge to cut out some scalloped circles and rectangles for photo and journaling mats.

I used created a stencil with some plastic and the Storybook Cricut Cartridge and then used the stencil; glue; and flower soft to add some dimensional accents to some of the stockings.

Here is just used some stickles to create some hand drawn holly and then I added some rinestones to add detail to the polka dot stocking on the right.

I used my white gel pen to add some faux stictching again here to "trace" around some of the reindeer and around the scalloped circle.

Just a touch of some matching pearls here around the scalloped circle.

This stocking seems so plain to me but I didn't want to add a photo on the back of the book. I used a gel pen to add the date.

Check out more fabulous minis at the Cricut Mini Albums blog.

Christams Tags

2010-11-18T07:52:00.000-06:00

I was recently asked to create some Christmas tags and I had a lot of fun designing them. I now need to make up the kits that have been ordered and I think I might do a class at Scrapbook and Stamping Creations next month too. I will post instructions later today or tomorrow once I get them written up.

Here is what I cam up with:

Did you ever see a paper line and instantly be inspired?

2010-10-26T07:54:00.000-05:00

I saw this Theresa Collins line when I went to work one day and immediately envisioned a Christmas Banner and quickly went to work. I still think it is missing something...but I am pretty happy with it.

Theresa Collins - NOEL
Stickles
Maya Road mega bottle cap
Gypsy
Cricut Cartridges - Plantin Schoolbook, George and Basic Shapes

Gypsy owners - Current and future!!!! If you were thinking about it...buy it now!!!

2010-10-16T07:32:00.000-05:00

NEW GYPSY PROMOTION

Buy and register a Gypsy by Cricut by October 31 and receive 6 (SIX!) free cartridges downloaded to you Gypsy - including the exclusive, all-new "Smile Cards" cartridge (and don't forget about Gypsy Wanderings and Gypsy Font cartridges that come pre-loaded on the machine). It's a $419 value!!

FREE CARTRIDGES INCLUDE:
~ Smiley Cards (new and exclusive to this promotion)
~ Tags, Bags, Boxes & More (not available in retail)
~ Christmas (not available in retail)
~ Blackletter (not available in retail)
~ Printing Press (not available in retail)
~ Indie Art (not available in retail)

All current Gypsy owners are INCLUDED!! Simply register your Gypsy by October 31, 2010 and get access to all downloads. Register at www.cricut.com/gypsy.

Downloads will be available through a special update to your Gypsy starting November 1st!!

New Gypsy cartridge downloads are easy! Just connect your Gypsy to your computer and you'll automatically be prompted how to start. In just a few steps, you'll be able to download all six cartridges containing thousands of images! And with the Gypsy, you'll have all the cartridge artwork and keypad overlays on your Gypsy screen, so there's no actual cartridge, handbook or packaging.

You only have a few weeks. Don't miss out!

(content copies and pasted from www.cricutcritters.blogspot.com - Thanks Tammy!!!!)

Yay!!! Some projects finally!

2010-10-08T07:04:00.000-05:00

I was at work a couple of days ago and walked past this paper and just had to have it! Isn't it adorable? I think I have to pick up more cause I used it. LOL It is Prima's Jack and Jill collection. I plan to take a photo of my 4 children together and softening it on the computer and adding it to the layout. And then I have to journal of course!

Here is a super simple card I made as well. I went to Challenge Masters to pick up some challenges for inspiration. The layout was for the one little word challenge, using the word blessed. This card is for the Manufacturer challenge - use 4 of 7 (My Mind's Eye, DCWV, Cosmo Cricket, Prima, Kaiser Craft, Heidi Swapp, Jennie Bowlin)

I am picking up a canvas today to do the altered challenge. This should be fun! I just picked up a 3 pack of Making Memories paint in halloween colors from Tuesday Mornings for $1.69 (can't beat that) It will be fun to make some Halloween wall decor....it seems we have very little Halloween decoration in our house for some reason. Maybe I should pick up 5 of them and let the kids each make one too. I might need more paint!!!! LOL

Have a great day!!!!

Support a Great cause! Crop out Diabetes!

2010-10-07T15:37:00.002-05:00

SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE!

2010-10-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

We have a little visitor that runs around the yard every morning collecting food for the winter. I love watching him carry that big cob of corn throughout the yard. He is just so cute...and you just can't help but smile when you see him!

Today my 4 year old is feeling a bit under the weather......since she is sleeping now...I think I will sit down and get some much needed craft time in!!!! Hopefully I will have some projects to post soon!

Woot Woot!!!!! I got me a happy scrappy job!!!!

2010-09-24T19:04:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone!!! I am so excited to tell you that Becky at Scrapbook and Stamping Creations in Appleton, WI hired me this afternoon!!!!! (see me grin from ear to ear) I can't wait! I start training tomorrow! It is a part-time position but that is exactly what I need. Just a little time to get out of the house every once in awhile and maybe make a buck or two....and to do it in a scrapbook store....what could be better?

I am really looking forward to the opportunity to offer classes at the store as well. Look forward to some cricut classes coming soon!!!!! ;)

-----------------------

On another note my son has 3 friends over tonight and they are wound tight. I thought my 3 girls were a handful......4-10 year old boys....YIKES!!!!!!! They are outside now yelling and running around.....what was I thinking? LOL At least they are having fun!!!!!!

Tomorrow afternoon we are going to go out to eat for my Father-in-laws 50th birthday. I guess the family is planning on doing something else as well....but details have not yet been finalized. LOL I said just let me know and I will be there.

I do have some crafty projects I need to work on this weekend. They are small...but need to get done...so hopefully tomorrow night or Sunday I can find some time to do that.

What are you plans for the weekend?

Peachy Keen stamps/My Pink Stamper challenges

2010-09-23T20:56:00.000-05:00

It has been so long since I had a chance to participate in a challenge! I am so excited to get back into the game. :) I created this cute little card with the sketch from Peachy Keen Stamps Challenge #37 and I also incorporated My Pink Stampers challenge to create a project with a bird on it. This is a really simple card but I love how it turned out. I used the Create a Critter cartridge for the bird; Peachy Keens stamp set "Critter Faces" and DCWV Natural stack.

Thanks for stopping by Snug as a Bug!

Starting on Christmas cards

2010-09-23T13:45:00.000-05:00

Ok...who of you has started on your Christmas cards? I never start until last minute and I am attempting to make a card or two each week so it is not such a daunting task come November/December. So...here is my first one for the 2010 Christmas season. I really like how it turned out. I don't have the Carousel cricut cartridge and I didn't want to purchase it just for this one image so I used my gypsy to create it.

Design Team Call - Cricut Mini Albums

2010-09-19T13:21:00.001-05:00

Cricut Mini Albums Design team call
We here at Cricut Mini Albums are looking to add to our Design Team!

Design Team Requirements:
1. Having a blog
2. Committing to 3 months (2 projects a month. If you miss two scheduled projects in a row you will be removed from our team)
3. Option to do at least one tutorial a month
4. Weekly communication with Team Leader
5. Must promote Cricut Mini Albums on your blog and must link back to Cricut Mini Albums when posting your submissions to your blog.

Compensation:
At this time we cannot allow physical compensation; but.....we who doesn't love lots of positive feedback? We expect to see lots of viewers comment and be inspired by your beautiful creations!

To apply:
Visit Cricut Mini Albums (www.cricutminialbums.blogspot.com) and check us out. If you like what you see and would like to help us build up our little ole' blog; add a link of your favorite mini album creation to the link under the Design Team call post. Our Design Team Call runs from September 17th – September 24th. The design team will be announced on October 1st.

Bring on the mini albums!

Happy Halloween Treat holder

2010-09-19T01:12:00.000-05:00

Hello! Today I went to our local scrapbooking store (Scrapbook and Stamping Creations) because Kathy Jacopovich from Peachy Keen Stamps was there doing some demos. I had a little personal Copic class while I was there and learned a lot....I think I should try my hand at some copic markers!!!

Well...I picked up a couple of the Peachy Keen face sets. I was trying to decide between the Monster Mash faces 1 1/8" size or the multi size pack. I figured the 1 1/8" size would be suitable for me as that is the size I work with the most. Well....I started this project and realized I made the wrong choice. LOL I had some other plans for this project but that included some smaller people/monsters and I didn't have the faces for them so I changed it up a bit. I am a little disappointed and will probably try to make another tomorrow that is closer to my first envision.

Here is my halloween treat holder:

Faux leaves

2010-09-16T12:40:00.000-05:00

Hello! Here is a card I created for my hubby. We are coming up on our 10th anniversary and are so excited to be going away for 3 days by ourselves for the first time ever! I love how this card came out...the leaves look really cool! Here is a quick video showing you how I made them (since I have had a few people ask ;) )

(I am pretty new to making videos.....so don't be too harsh :{