The Paper Garden

Set Your Sails

2012-01-25T06:34:00.000-06:00

another Inky Antics card with lots of pencil coloring and Gamsol. Ü

Discover Treasure

2012-01-22T07:23:00.000-06:00

images by Inky Antics

OCL 101 Zig Zag

2012-01-20T05:00:00.001-06:00

Birthdays are Best

2012-01-18T06:26:00.000-06:00

Inky Antics

Yee Haw!

2012-01-16T05:06:00.000-06:00

Yee Haw!! I'm going to CHA in 2 weeks and I've been busy creating for the classes I will be teaching. Can't show you anything yet, but here is a card I made for Inky Antics CHA a couple of years ago. Never then would I have imagined how soon I would really get to go!

OCL 100 All About Numbers

2012-01-13T05:00:00.001-06:00

My Heart Skips

2012-01-10T05:00:00.003-06:00

What did you all think of the new Pantone color of the year last week shown on Tombow's blog? I love the tangerine color. This week we have another color challenge that was Pantone's color of the year 2011...Honeysuckle. This color matches Tombow's Dual Brush Pen 743 (hot pink).

With Valentine's Day sneaking up on us, I thought this color would be perfect for a candy box. I found this tutorial here. The tutorial shows to use Hershey Nuggets, but I had some raspberry Ghiradelli's on hand and they fit perfectly! I can get 2 into each little matchbox. The matchboxes were cut with SU!'s die that my friend had and I cut a bunch of them over a year ago. They are now coming in handy as I plan to make more of these boxes for friends and family.

One of the wonderful things about markers and rubberstamps is that the markers are less expensive and you can have so many more colors. I colored Our Craft Lounge's new Every Heart Beat stamp set (the zig zag image) with the 743 Dual Brush Pen and stamped it on a label that also was on the die that I cut. I then stamped the sentiment with black ink.

I used Mono Adhesive Power Bond to put the whole box together. I prefer using a stronger adhesive for projects like this.

Full Quiver

2012-01-09T16:53:00.001-06:00

The Bible talks about having a full quiver and Bruce's g'ma left behind a wonderful legacy to 7 children (and their spouses), 20 grandchildren (and their spouses, the 20 grandchildren all below), 26 great grandchildren (some with spouses) and 7 great great grandchildren! How awesome is that?! I told my (2) boys that they needed to have 10 kids each. LOL!!

OCL Sponsorship

2012-01-06T02:00:00.000-06:00

Today Our Craft Lounge is sponsoring Lily Pad Cards for their color challenge this week. You will want to be sure to come and play along with us for a chance to win some goodies! There will be two opportunities for people to win ~ on Our Craft Lounge's blog (a $20 gift certificate) & a $20 gift certificate for OCL from the Lily Pad Cards blog.

Goodbye G'ma

2012-01-03T11:23:00.000-06:00

Yesterday early in the morning Bruce's grandma passed away. Our farm is connected to hers and we farm her farm. We are going to miss her very much. It is not only sad to losed her but we are now grandparent-less. If you still have grandparents, be sure to hug them and let them know how much you love them. They are truly very special people! I have learned so much from mine and from Bruce's.

G'ma Fisher loved doing word puzzles and I will miss her phone calls asking me to help her solve a puzzle she couldn't figure out.

Bruce's g'ma LOVED poems. She even wrote a special one of my boys. Here is the last poem e-mail she sent me on Dec 7 (she loved sending e-mails!)
Hello God, I called tonight
To talk a little while
I need a friend who'll listen
To my anxiety and trial.

You see, I can't quite make it
Through a day just on my own...
I need your love to guide me,
So I'll never feel alone.

I want to ask you please to keep,
My family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence
For whatever fate they're bound.

Give me faith, dear God, to face
Each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things
I can't change in any way.

I thank you God, for being home
And listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice
When I stumble and fall.. !!!!!!!

Your number, God, is the only one
That answers every time.
I never get a busy signal,
Never had to pay a dime.
So thank you, God, for listening
To my troubles and my sorrow.
Good night, God, I love You, too,
And I'll call again tomorrow!

(G'ma doesn't have to "call" now as she is in God's presence....even better!)

Then on Dec 8th, she sent me this recipe that she said a gal that works at the assisted living home made her and was really good. I will have to make it.
(I am copy and pasting it just like she sent it to me.)

Corn pie
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 tablespoon flour
1/2 pound shedded cheese
1can corn drain
1/2 can evaperated milk
1 egg
1 onion chopped fine

Bake in regular crust ina glass pie plate to see if bottom is brown
it doesnt give the timebut like pumpkin pie MY guess
There are sveral recipes and a cracker crust fr come.
One has hamburger and tomatoes
One ir Philadellfa [sp]
and more

Only 1 spoon sugar , i have't tried it may be calorie wise, the corn ia sweet, too.

Pinterest Candy

2012-01-02T09:08:00.000-06:00

When we meet with my cousins for Christmas we do a food/candy exchange. This way kids of all ages can participate.

This year I made candy found on Pinterest for my gifts. I made homemade Butterfinger Candy for DH's contribution and it only takes 3 ingredients! It is chewier than crispy, but was a huge hit.

For my gift, I made Brownie Peanut Butter Balls. Yummy! It too only took 3 ingredients, but I added a 4th.

Here are the recipes:

Candy Corn ButterfingersTaste of Home forums
(Printable Recipe)

1 lb. candy corn
16oz jar peanut butter (I used Peter Pan Honey Roasted peanut butter)
16oz pkg. chocolate candy coating

Melt candy corn in microwave on high 1 minute. Stir and continue cooking in 15-second intervals til melted, stirring after each interval. Stir in peanut butter. Spread mixture in an 8x8 pan lined with parchment. Cool completely. Cut into squares. Dip in melted chocolate candy coating. Lay on waxed paper to set.

**note: I read on a blog that if you keep them in the refrigerator they will get crispy. I have a few left to try that with.

Butter BallsChocolate Peanut Butter Covered Brownie Bites

1 brownie mix such as Pillsbury
2 Cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 Cup peanut butter
1. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Bake until toothpick comes out nearly clean from center but still slightly undercooked. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes. When you are able to touch brownies comfortably, scoop brownies with a medium cookie scoop, roll tightly into a ball and place onto a wax paper lined baking sheet. Continue rolling until brownies are gone. Freeze brownies until very firm, a couple hours or overnight. No worries if your brownie balls aren’t perfect, once frozen reshape them. They are easier to handle when chilled.
2. Place chocolate chips over a double broiler (or heat in microwave until smooth) to melt, then stir in peanut butter until creamy smooth. Roll each frozen brownie ball into chocolate and place onto wax paper to dry. Enjoy room temperature or chilled.

note: the only thing I did different was to melt a little white almond bark and a little peanut butter to it and then "fling" it all over the tops of the balls.

New Cutting Cafe winner

2012-01-02T07:45:00.000-06:00

I never did hear from the first person whose name I drew, so the new winner is:

Glenda Joy said...

Such a great box. I love owls and all
of the dimensional details are so pretty.

Glenda, please e-mail me by Wed morning to receive your prize. (debbiedeefisher@yahoo.com)

Just Do It!

2012-01-01T05:00:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year! I want to wish each of you a very Happy & Healthy 20212. My word(s) for 2012 are Just Do It!

My goals this year are:

1. Just Do It!: Get Organized! It's time for things to go that I don't absolutely love...in my home and my studio.

2. Just Do It!: Create: now I know you are thinking "duh" with all the creating I do with my blog, but I want to be MORE creative and create with a purpose...create for a reason and give it away or for the home...make those things I see on Pinterest or other blogs that inspire me instead of just saving ideas...create things that are lovely for my home, family and friends.

3. Just Do It!: Lose: having goals to lose weight are usually failures, but I am going to strive to lose 15 lbs this year and keep it off. I need to lose more, but I want to be realistic and set a goal that is doable.

4. Just Do It!: Scrapbook more: I have really let my scrapbooking slide and Aaron keeps wondering when I am going to continue to work on his. For a teenage boy to ask this means I need to get busy with it.

5. Just Do It!: Sew more: Okay, there is a story behind this. I used to vendor in lots of craft shows and stores BK (before kids esp) and even when Benjamin was little. Then after Benjamin was born, I would make little blankets and clothes for him and do a few shows and stores. Then when I was pregnant with twins, I just "knew" one was a girl and was making a little doll. For those of you who know me, I lost the twins due to a car accident when I was 5 months pregnant (and one was a little girl) and I quit sewing. I don't know how to explain what happened inside of me, but I wasn't able to finish sewing the doll or on fabric for years. I got to where I could sew on paper, but still not fabric. Fast forward 15 years (the twins would have been 15 on Dec 22) and I was able to make a sweater pillow for my son's girlfriend. It felt so good to sew something pink and girly. I believe God brought Kassy to our lives not only for my son, but to heal my heart wholly. This doesn't mean I will ever forget my babies, or will ever stop missing them, but it was so freeing and therapeutic to sew on something other than paper and I have seen so many lovely ideas on Pinterest and the internet that I would like to create, but just haven't been able to make myself do. (this story is NOT for sympathy comments, but for healing for me to tell it and make myself real).

By not setting too many goals, I hope I can carry thru on each of them.

What is your word(s) for the new year? I would love to have you share them with me.

Here is a picture of the pillow I made for Kassy. She loved it and I even bought some sweaters to make pillows for us for our couch. I saw this idea on Pinterest and bought the pillow and sweater at Goodwill. The pillow had a Christmas theme to it, but was very firm. I measured the pillow, cut the sweater and sewed on 3 sides. I then fit the pillow into the sweater and handstitched the 4th side shut

Here is a close up of the flower. I made a rolled flower with the cream (some fancy lacy stuff from JoAnn Fabrics) and a smaller rolled flower from ribbing off a pale pink sweater.

Cutting Cafe Winner!

2011-12-31T06:29:00.001-06:00

*** If I don't hear from the winner today, I will draw another name in the morning.

The winner for the pillow box file and hearts border file is:

Crafty Lady said...

Owl-ivia (love the name) is just the cutest gift holder! Young and old would love this sweet gift filled with a special treat.

Crafty Lady, please e-mail me and I will get them forwarded to you.

thank you everyone for your kind comments!

Altered Mini Comp Notebook

2011-12-27T05:00:00.003-06:00

**go here for my Cutting Cafe drawing
]
Did you all have a Merry Christmas? If you have a large family like I do, you may still be celebrating. We have one more gathering at my cousin's New Year's Eve day. It is such a bittersweet day as G'pa and G'ma are no longer with us and this summer my uncle passed away, so there will be another empty spot. I am so glad that we still get together as so many families seem to quit when grandparents/parents pass away, but us cousins have decided we aren't doing that, that we are going to keep the tradition.

and...Aaron's birthday is tomorrow, so we will be having a party then as well. I have something really fun planned and hope all my ideas work out. Benjamin's girlfriend will be here too, so it's going to be a great day!

With all the Christmas projects I've made lately, I decided to share with you a non-Christmas looking project, even though I made these as gifts. They are so quick and easy to do...altered mini composition note pads.

**A timesaver tip: I stamp a bunch of images onto cardstock, cut apart and keep in an envelope. I take them to work when I'm going to stay at school over my lunch break and color (we only get 30 minutes for lunch, takes me 5-10 minutes to eat, so I have plenty of time to color Ü). Then when I have time, I just match the colored images to paper and create whatever.

For this particular project, I just covered the notebook with papers using Mono Adhesive Power Bond and colored the images with Irojetin Pencils. These are so handy to have extra on hand so that you have a little something for someone when you need it.
I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy project. I would like to wish you a very Happy New Year! We have some fun things to share with you next year on Tombow's blog starting just next week. Be sure to come back and invite your friends too!

**this was entered in the Tip Top Tuesday challenge

Pillow Box Owl & Give-a-way

2011-12-26T13:51:00.004-06:00

I am back with something creative to share with you. I have seen these owl pillow boxes on blogs and Pinterest (my new addiction for awhile now) and have had them saved in my favorites to make. I first saw them here on Lynn's blog and then here, here, here, here, and here. So I just took a little from each to create my own.

This week on Cutting Cafe, the DT gets to pick their favorite set/files to give away and Regina let me choose 2 files to give away as I am using 2 for my project. I am using the Assorted Pillow Box set and Assorted Heart Borders set.

Is this cute or what?! I love how it turned out. I named her Owl-ivia. Ü Now she just needs her tummy filled with chocolate and she is ready to give as a Valentine gift.

A few details:
I glued the bottom end shut with Tombow's Multi Liquid Glue so that I would have to worry about goodies falling out.

Next time I will make the "wings" a bit bigger. I used an oval punch, but think they need to be a bit bigger and this was the biggest one I had.

I scrunched the ends of the heart border up to give a little dimension.

The beak is the bottom of a cut heart.

Love how my crocheted flowers worked for the eyes! The "eyelids" were attached with Tombow's Foam Tabs. The tiny foam tabs were the right size for going around the outside edge.

I want to thank Regina for letting me be a part of her awesome DT! I had a blast and am sad to leave, but I won't be a stranger to her blog and have a TON of files that need played with.

Now for a chance to win the 2 Cutting Cafe files I used. All you need to do is leave a comment. I will draw a name Saturday morning.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T15:32:00.002-06:00

I want to wish all of my readers a Very Merry Christmas! Thank you for sticking with me even when I am quiet. We have a lot going on this week, but I will be back with a creative post and a give away from Cutting Cafe.

OCL 97 Sketch Challenge

2011-12-23T05:00:00.004-06:00

OCL Holiday Treats

2011-12-21T05:00:00.002-06:00

Today I want to share some Holiday Treat ideas with you as Christmas is sneaking up on us soon.

Here is one that I love from Kendra’s blog. These would make great gifts for the the mail carrier, school nurse, librarian, some of those special people in your life that you may have forgotten to get a little something for to say thank you. Kendra used Merry Wishes and the new Every Heart Beat sets.

This one from Lori is perfect for a home baked ginger snap (or even boughten and dip half into almond bark for a semi homemade treat). She used the Gingerbread Fun Set.

And don’t forget about the teachers. Here is a non food treat to give. This darling notepad holder is perfect by Cambria. Cambria created this gift using the Bookworm stamp set.

I hope these fun Holiday Treat ideas. I wish each of you a very Merry Christmas!
Debbie Fisher

Elizabeth Craft and Tombow

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

This week Tombow is partnering up with Elizabeth Craft Designs. I first learned of this company at CHA and I LOVE their stickers! They are open images that you color in. You can even remove the sticker after coloring in to leave a white border, but I liked the raised image on my card.

I colored the image with Dual Brush Tip Pens and adhered the layer with Mono Adhesive Permanent. We were sent so many lovely designs. For my card I chose Christmas Ornaments. These come in gold, silver and black.

The colors of pens I used were 847, 098, 993, 452, and blender.

Feel Better Soon

2011-12-19T18:28:00.002-06:00

Rain, Rain, Go Away is the set the Cutting Cafe is showcasing this week. I was needing a card for one of my youth group girls who has been sick and in the hospital and I hope she likes this card.

If you would like to see more lovely designs with this digi stamp image, be sure to stop by the Cutting Cafe later Wed as Regina will have the rest of the DT's posts up.

Boo Boo

2011-12-18T07:12:00.000-06:00

I have another new image from Our Craft Lounge to share with you called Boo Boo. This card uses somr scraps from patterned paper that I had left over from a CHA project I will be teaching in Jan.

Here is a peek at the inside:

Fred She Said Christmas Challenge

2011-12-16T05:00:00.009-06:00

** This is my second post today, the OCL Blog Hop is posted below, so be sure to scroll down to see it.

Fred She Said is having a fun little Christmas Challenge! The theme is " Make a Christmas Tag OR Share a favorite Holiday Recipe "
The PRIZE is a $25 GC to the Fred She Said Store. There will be one winner chosen randomly. Entries will be accepted until Friday DEC 30th midnight EST. ... more details at the Fred She Said BLOG :)
I have a fun coaster I created using a new image called Hat Tipping Snowman. I am out, but will be covering the front with clear contact paper to protect the image.

Here is the cork back

I'm going to look for a cute mug to wrap up with this as well as some home made hot chocolate.
Before I share the recipe, I want to let you know this is my last post for FSS as a DT member. I am sad to leave. Tracey has been great and I love her images and you will continue to see me use them on my blog. Thank you so much Tracey and DT for a great ride!
Here is the recipe:
Creamy Hot Cocoa (from Allrecipes)
Ingredients

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup half-and-half cream

Directions

Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.

Here are some other to try:
Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate
Hot Cocoa Mix

Valentine Sneak Peek Blog Hop Day 2

2011-12-16T02:00:00.003-06:00

Today I have THREE cards to show you. Ü I love the new OCL stamps. I'm going to have so much fun creating Valentine goodies this year.
I have created with stamp sets Smooth Sailing, Love Potion and Molla Cutie.
Smooth Sailing: This set is perfect for guys and gals! I created a paper bag gift card holder.

inside: (gift card fits into flap

Molla Cutie: It's hard to see, but I used Rock Star Red Sparkly Stuff on the hearts.

Love Potion: I also used Sparkly Stuff on the hearts

Be sure to click on the names of the sets to see the rest of the images in each set. AND if you enter the code "checkusout" you will receive 20% off your entire purchase! WOOHOO! Can't beat that!

Blog Candy & Drawing:
Prizes: 4 prize bundles - one full set and one single

You can leave comments on all blogs and on Facebook on Thursday & Friday to enter for a chance to win the blog candy prize bundles.

The blog candy will end on Friday, December 16th at MIDNIGHT Pacific time/3am Eastern.

On Saturday, OCL will randomly pick 5 comments/winners from the OCL Blog and the DT's blogs. Winners will be announced on Sunday or Monday on the OCL Blog and the OCL FB page.
ALSO... Don't forget about our "13th Day of Christmas" sale on the OCL Website.
Buy one in stock Christmas set in our CHRISTMAS category, and the second set (in that same category) is 50% off!

* You'll need to use the Coupon code ~ 13daychristmas
Promotion runs today through December 18, 2011.
Here is a list of all the players today and tomorrow. Have fun hopping around.
OCL Blog ~ http://www.blog2.ourcraftlounge.com
Kendra Wietstock ~ http://kendrawietstock.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Craft%20Lounge
Lori Tecler ~ http://inkingaloud.blogspot.com/search/ ... t%20Lounge
Tammie Edgerton ~ http://onehappystamper-tammiee.blogspot.com/
Broni Holcombe ~ http://bronih.typepad.com/splashesofwat ... ft-lounge/
Debbie Fisher ~ http://debbiedee.blogspot.com/search/la ... t%20Lounge
Carolyn King ~ http://myblogbycammie.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Craft%20Lounge
Lori Barnett ~ http://www.loribarnett.blogspot.com/
Debbie Corbari ~ http://doodledesignsonline.com/
Lisa Eisner ~ http://craftingwithprincesslisa.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Serrano ~ http://stephaniesstampinspot.blogspot.com/
Amber Hillman ~ http://ambersantics.blogspot.com/search ... t%20Lounge
Meredith Winston ~ http://www.papercanteen.com/
Joy Stagg ~ http://daiseyfreak.blogspot.com/search/label/OCL
Michelle Pearson ~ http://www.inspirationblooms.blogspot.com/
Dawn Barrett ~ http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Craft%20Lounge
Melissa Cash ~ http://inkclinations.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Craft%20Lounge
Latrice Murphy ~ http://latricemurphy.blogspot.com/searc ... t%20lounge
Deb Felts ~ http://withastampandasong.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Craft%20Lounge

Valentine Sneak Peek Blog Hop

2011-12-15T02:00:00.013-06:00

I know it's not even Christmas yet, but Our Craft Lounge has some wonderful new Valentine stamps sets that they are excited to share with you! This hop will be a 2 day hop with the DT showing you all of the new Valentine sets that are coming out.

Today, I am showing a sneak peek of Bug Hugs. This cute mini stamp set is perfect for making those school Valentine's or for any age. I created this card using Our Craft Lounge's Bug Hugs, My Mind's Eye paper, and Tombow's Dual Brush Pens. I added one of my crocheted flowers with a button center.

Today you will see projects made with Love in the Air, Every Heart Beat, Spilling Over, Mr. Knight?, and Bug Hugs.
Blog Candy & Drawing:
Prizes: 4 prize bundles - one full set and one single
You can leave comments on all blogs and on Facebook on Thursday & Friday to enter for a chance to win the blog candy prize bundles.
The blog candy will end on Friday, December 16th at MIDNIGHT Pacific time/3am Eastern.
On Saturday, OCL will randomly pick 5 comments/winners from the OCL Blog and the DT's blogs. Winners will be announced on Sunday or Monday on the OCL Blog and the OCL FB page.
Here is a list of all the players today and tomorrow. Have fun hopping around.
OCL Blog ~ http://www.blog2.ourcraftlounge.com
Kendra Wietstock ~ http://kendrawietstock.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Craft%20Lounge
Lori Tecler ~ http://inkingaloud.blogspot.com/search/ ... t%20Lounge
Tammie Edgerton ~ http://onehappystamper-tammiee.blogspot.com/
Broni Holcombe ~ http://bronih.typepad.com/splashesofwat ... ft-lounge/
Debbie Fisher ~ http://debbiedee.blogspot.com/search/la ... t%20Lounge
Carolyn King ~ http://myblogbycammie.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Craft%20Lounge
Lori Barnett ~ http://www.loribarnett.blogspot.com/
Debbie Corbari ~ http://doodledesignsonline.com/
Lisa Eisner ~ http://craftingwithprincesslisa.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Serrano ~ http://stephaniesstampinspot.blogspot.com/
Amber Hillman ~ http://ambersantics.blogspot.com/search ... t%20Lounge
Meredith Winston ~ http://www.papercanteen.com/
Joy Stagg ~ http://daiseyfreak.blogspot.com/search/label/OCL
Michelle Pearson ~ http://www.inspirationblooms.blogspot.com/
Dawn Barrett ~ http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Craft%20Lounge
Melissa Cash ~ http://inkclinations.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Craft%20Lounge
Latrice Murphy ~ http://latricemurphy.blogspot.com/searc ... t%20lounge
Deb Felts ~ http://withastampandasong.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Craft%20Lounge

The Gift that Keeps Giving

2011-12-14T05:00:00.001-06:00

This is the other Tombow challenge I was telling you about that had me stumped. The only thing I could think of was organ donation and Sharron said "no" to that. Ü So it was back to the drawing board....what to do.

I came across these free printables and thought that this gift "keeps giving" (fresh breath for every mint) LOL! Well, it works doesn't it? Ü

For the front I wrapped cardstock around the Tic Tacs and used Tombow's Mono Adhesive Permanent. I colored the image with Dual Brush Tip Pens: 977, 856, 905, & 491. To make the polka dots on the hat and scarf, I made the dots with the glue pen and let it dry then colored the images. The glue acts as a resist and is fun to add designs to an otherwise plain image.

Here is the cute saying on the back:

Merry Shoebox Swap

2011-12-13T05:00:00.001-06:00

I entered another of Carrie and Monica's Shoebox Swaps and again received a GREAT partner! Peggy Witter was my partner and it was fun getting to know her. Click on her name to go to her blog. We found we had so much in common and she even used to live in NE.

Here are the wonderful goodies that she sent me.

These YUMMY meringue mushrooms:

Homemade notepads which made me smile, because I sent her some too.

Lots of CHOCOLATE!!

and these yummy homemade peppermint marshmallows in this brown wax paper that I love!

Thank you so much Peggy!

Amazing Blog Candy

2011-12-12T17:07:00.003-06:00

Can be found here:
http://keepsakesbymelissa.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-annual-end-of-year-christmas.html

The Christmas Singing

2011-12-09T17:29:00.001-06:00

I loved this book by Cindy Woodsmall and wanted to share a couple of links with you. The first is the first chapter in the book:

http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/69473983?access_key=key-rgtk38e2713pbbb4tc2
and the second a video trailer
http://bit.ly/vvg9mc

There is also a 30% off and free shipping on The Christmas Singing (and any other title) when you use promo code CHRISTMAS11 at checkout on WaterBrookMultnomah.com. The coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011.

Inky's Wrap It Up Blog Hop

2011-12-08T04:00:00.013-06:00

Welcome to Inky’s “Wrap It Up” Blog Hop! If you’ve come from Keri’s blog, you are in the right spot in the hop. If not be sure to start at Inky Antics blog and follow along so as not to miss out on some wonderful wrapping ideas. I used X1-0020 Gift Bag Template and 10450 Snow Girls cube to create this project, which you can find on this page: http://www.inkyantics.com/december2011hop.htm

I stamped the bag template image onto my patterned paper and cut out. I used a strong adhesive to put the box together. These stamps are so nice because all you have to do is stamp, cut and fold on the lines provided in the stamped image. One tip: stamp in a color close to the color of your paper if you don't want the lines to show much.

This bag measures 3 3/8" x 5 1/8" x 1.5" deep when finished and you can fill it with all kinds of goodies. Of course chocolate is usually best. Ü

The blog hop starts today and ends on Sunday, December 11^th at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their projects and leave a comment for each designer. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please). Two people’s names will be drawn at random to receive a surprise Inky prize pack. The winners’ names will be announced on the Inky Antics (insert link) blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won.

Your next stop will be Trudy’s blog.

BFB The Pirate Queen

2011-12-07T19:20:00.000-06:00

I tried something new and read an e-book. While I liked the book, I do NOT like having to sit in front of the computer to read a book! I don't own a Kindle, so it was the only way for me to read.

The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman was a very good book however. The story is about Saphora Warren who seems to have it all. She plans to run away and the very evening of her "escape", her husband comes home to tell her he is dying. The story is one that keeps you wanting to read more and is full of twists and turns.

The story is one of joy and sorry, hope and love and one I think you will enjoy.

I received this e-book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Recipe Card Challenge

2011-12-06T05:00:00.002-06:00

Welcome to a new challenge week! This one had me stumped for the longest time (plus another one coming up, Sharron really keeps the DT on their toes Ü) and was suppose to be posted by last Thursday and I just didn't have a clue what to do until an e-mail I got Sunday with gift ideas. The challenge is a recipe card gift. I knew I could print cards from the internet, but was stumped by how to showcase Tombow products. Then Friday I received some goodies from Walnut Hollow to alter for CHA coming up and they sent me an extra goodie and it was perfect! I love how things come together like that. So, I bet you all want to know what it was huh? LOL!

I received an e-mail showing how to make these fun blocks of wood and using them for recipes, photos, whatever you can think of. PERFECT!!

There weren't really any instructions, but here is what I did. First I sanded the wood and spray painted with black (I was in a hurry to get this posted and spray paint is becoming my friend. Ü). It dried fast and I added another coat. Then I sanded the edges.

I cut some patterned paper a bit smaller than my wood size because I wanted a bit of the wood to show. I adhered the stripe to the flower using Mono Adhesive Permanent. Then VERY liberally add Mono Aqua Liquid Glue to your paper, you want adhesive ALL over the paper or it will bubble up when it dries.

Adhere the paper to the front of the wood piece and smooth it out and let dry. I added a clip thingy with 2 Power Tabs and that baby isn't going anywhere. I would have liked to have had a black one, but I didn't have one on hand and I live in the boonies, so I used the white one I had and added the ribbon so it wasn't so stark. Then just add your recipe card and you have a fun recipe card holder. (here is the link to where I printed the recipe cards, it is a free site)

This ended up being a perfect project because I needed a gift for next week for a gal who is getting married and these are her colors. I haven't decided if I'm going to give her the blank cards to use or ones with some of our favorite recipes. Maybe a mix of both.

Cutting Cafe's Cyber Monday Sale

2011-12-05T06:26:00.000-06:00

Regina has a new sale today. Be sure to go HERE to check out

1st Snow

2011-12-03T08:28:00.000-06:00

We are getting our first snow today and it is so pretty. I am so glad that I had already planned to spend the day inside, but had to go out early this morning and get a few pics for the December Daily I am working on. I will try to show you the page I create with my photos next week when I get them developed, but for now here are some pics I took while it was still a bit dark outside.

This is a trike of the boys that I had sitting out that I plan to decorate with for winter.

Design Team Opportunity

2011-12-02T05:00:00.006-06:00

If you would like to work for one of the best people ever, Regina Easter (designer of the Cutting Cafe) has a DT call out now. Go here for more details. she is one of the best people to work for and you will have a blast!http://thecuttingcafe.typepad.com/the_cutting_cafe/2011/12/d.html

Caterpillar Cottage

2011-12-01T05:00:00.003-06:00

One more day to enter the FredSheSaid blog hop, go here

I have a couple more projects to show you using Inky Antics' 0797H Caterpillar Cottage. I think this image is so cute! My projects today show you how you can get totally different looks with one stamp just by changing the colors.

This first one is a card to look like a bug. Even though the name of the set is "Caterpillar...", I went with more of a ladybug look. Imagine the bee on top is a ladybug angel giving the caterpillar its wish.

This is a totally funky look. I colored the image (with colored pencils and Gamsol) to match the paper. Open this up and inside is a sticky note pad. Perfect to carry around in your purse.

Stamps for Sale

2011-11-30T09:16:00.002-06:00

I listed a new page above where I will keep stuff for sale listed. I will let you know when it is updated as well.

Be sure to scroll down to see 2 creative posts I made today.

Two Penguins and a Reindeer

2011-11-30T05:01:00.001-06:00

I have 2 more cute Our Craft Lounge penguins to show you and a reindeer notepad.

I LOVE these adorable penguins from Penguin Fun! This card also uses the tree from Under the Mistletoad and the sentiment from Merry Wishes. More Sugar Sparkly Fluff for the tree and penguin's hat. The snowflake paper is from Basic Grey.

For my next penguin project, I made a sticky note holder. This could sit by the phone or hang on the refrigerator. I also used the "snowballs for sale" image from Under the Mistletoad and Sugar Sparkly Fluff.

For my last project today, I created a notepad holder using Reindeer Games and sentiment from No Peeking. Papers from Basic Grey.

Merry Turtle

2011-11-30T05:00:00.003-06:00

If you are here for the FredSheSaid blog hop, go here

Card using Inky Antics 0064G Waving Snow Turtle

Fred She Said

2011-11-29T20:49:00.000-06:00

I have another Emma the Skating Elf Christmas Planner that I made. I really like the colors in this one. I love how the Basic Grey papers match the precolored image perfectly!

My next FSS image is from I Love You This Much precolored digi set. The sentiment is from Our Craft Lounge's Tweet Winter Wishes.

Bug House Notepad

2011-11-29T05:00:00.002-06:00

If you are here for the FredSheSaid blog hop, go here

I am a big note taker. I have a terrible memory and am always writing things down (usually on scraps of paper that I then lose from time to time). I decided to make some fun note pads for myself and others.

This size is 4.25" x 5.5". I cut computer paper and then cut cardstock for the front and back. I have a coil machine that I used to coil the top.

I stamped the image in black and then colored with Irojiten Pencils and Gamsol. I adhered the image to the front with Mono Adhesive Permanent.

Peppermint Candy Box

2011-11-28T18:37:00.002-06:00

This week is going to be full of fun creations by the Cutting Cafe DT. Regina challenged us to create a Christmas Treat Box. I chose this Peppermint Candy Box template. Be sure to stop by the Cutting Cafe Blog on Wed to see all the other fun treat boxes the DT designed for this week's challenge.

I filled a cello bag with Strawberry Creme Savers and tied off with ribbon. I also added glitter around the pink of the candy pattern and around the circle edge. It's very pretty and sparkly in person.

Gift of Happiness

2011-11-27T05:00:00.009-06:00

If you are here for the FredSheSaid blog hop, go here

Christmas card created with Inky Antics' Cube-0686 Hobby Girls Cube stamp.

Joy Snowman

2011-11-26T05:00:00.004-06:00

If you are here for the FredSheSaid blog hop, go here

The challenge this week on Designed2Delight is to use your favorite snowman image. Debbie Standard is our hostess. We would love to have you play along with us.

I have a cute new image to show you from Designed2Delight. This image is called Joy Snowman and you can pick it up now in the D2D store. I colored it with markers and then mounted it onto red cardstock and then on a patchwork card using up some of my Basic Grey scraps.

Scroll down if you missed my Thanksgiving pics

Thanksgiving Pics

2011-11-25T18:22:00.001-06:00

Here are a few Thanksgiving pics...

DH getting my nephews ready for a ride. If you notice Tytus hands, he would not let go of the Croquet mallet and ball. Ü

boys enjoying the ride and Trevor telling Bruce to "go faster"

cute little monkeys Tytus did NOT want to stop for a picture.

Tytus would keep picking up the phone. When left off the "hook" long enough, a person would tell him "if you would like to make a call, please hang up and try again" and he thought it was fun that someone was talking to him. Ü He would hang up and then pick the phone up again.

OCL 93 Cute Critters

2011-11-25T05:00:00.004-06:00

If you are here for the FredSheSaid blog hop, go here

I chose a penguin from Penguin Fun for my critter for this challenge. I also used a sentiment from OCL's No Peeking stamp set.

I layered scraps onto an A2 sized card and zig zag stitched for a patchwork look. I used Our Craft Lounge's Sugar Sparkly Fluff for the earmuffs.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T05:00:00.016-06:00

If you are here for the FredSheSaid blog hop, go here
This is the beautiful sunrise I watched as I made cinnamon rolls early this morning. The picture does not do it justice as there was lots of red and orange that the camera didn't capture.

I missed the deadline yesterday for Cutting Cafe's December Daily Challenge. Here is the front to the book I am creating.

I am using a BUNCH of Cutting Cafe files for my daily book and will be posting the pages throughout the month of December. I have seen where it seems everyone makes the book and then fills it. I can't do that. Wish I could, but I will have to go day by day. I want to do a snowman page, but if we don't get snow, then it won't be in the book. See what I mean? AND I don't know what I am going to do on each day. Ü
For my book I cut cereal boxes using 2 of Cutting Cafe's files for my pages (Mixed Shapes Album and Tabbed Organizer Set ). For the front I used a printable image from December Christmas Daily Printable Set.

Be sure to stop by the blog to see the rest of the DT's creations this week.

Happy Turkey Day!

2011-11-23T05:00:00.003-06:00

If you are here for the FredSheSaid blog hop, go here

This is a gift bag made with a lunch sack. I just cut the lunch sack down and then made a front and back and adhered to the cut lunch sack. Punched "handles" at the top and decorated the front with designer paper and Inky Antics images you can find here.

I colored with colored pencils and Gamsol.

Walnut Hollow Card Box

2011-11-22T05:00:00.004-06:00

If you are here for the FredSheSaid blog hop, go here

The Tombow DT received a wonderful goody from Walnut Hollow to alter. I rec'd their Card Keeper Box and got busy covering it with yummy paper by My Mind's Eye.

First I painted the edges with white paint. Then I used Tombow's Mono Aqua Liquid Glue to adhere the papers to the box. I cut the letters with my Cricut and adhered them to the front with Stamp Runner Dot Adhesive. This adhesive is perfect for small areas because you can rub the excess adhesive off.

For the top I added a large flower from Hobby Lobby and adhered it with Power Tabs (as well as the SU! felt flowers on the front).

Don't forget to stop by the Tombow blog this week to see the other alterable goodies the rest of the DT received and how they decorated them.

Fall Inky Gift Bags

2011-11-21T05:00:00.004-06:00

If you are here for the FredSheSaid blog hop, go here

Years ago I purchased a huge bundle of mini paper bags from my pharmacy. I still have a few of them left and created some fall gift sacks. I just cut the bags down and then cut cardstock to cover the front and back. (you want the cardstock to be taller than the bag)

For the first two I used Inky Antics' Cube 0686 Hobby Girls

For this one I used 10987MC Bumbly Bees Clear Set

Winter Kitten Pocket

2011-11-20T05:00:00.002-06:00

If you are here for the FredSheSaid blog hop, go here
if for the Inky Antics blog hop go here

Today I have a pocket card to share with you. I adhered an old library pocket onto a 4.25" x 5" patterned paper piece. Colored Inky Antics' 10434H Bundled Kitten with colored pencils and Gamsol, tied ribbon around the pocket and adhered the kitten to the front.

For the insert, I created a pull out tag that fit inside the pocket.

D2D Anything Goes

2011-11-19T05:00:00.002-06:00

If you are here for the FredSheSaid blog hop, go here
if for the Inky Antics blog hop go here

I love challenges like this and this week on Designed2Delight, Anything Goes is our challenge this week. I used a new image called Trimming the Tree. How cute is this mouse? I don't thing the real things are cute, but this one is.

I used some old Basic Grey Christmas papers I had in my scrap stash (trying so hard to make a dent in my scraps!) and the lovely wired ribbon is by May Arts.

FSS Christmas/Winter Blog Hop

2011-11-18T00:01:00.018-06:00

Welcome to the Fred She Said Christmas/Winter Blog Hop. We have lots of lovelies for you today! If you just arrived from Anne's blog you are right where you should be. If not, please start at the FSS Blog as you will be collecting words along the way to create a secret phrase.
I created a card and Christmas Planner using the precolored Emma the Skating Elf images. I just love these images and they are perfect for making quick and easy projects.

And here is the planner I created. I love how this colored version of Emma the Skating Elf matched some CTMH patterned paper I had from a year or so ago.

(you can go to this post of mine to see how I created it and get the link for the free printable inserts)

PRIZES: 3 random winners. 1 winner for each prize below:
$30 GC for www.cropstop.com
$30 GC for Fred She Said
$30 GC for Fred She Said

SECRET phrase is in play, collect each word/s from each hop stop. Entry instructions will be at the FSS Challenge BLOG. Entries will be accepted for 2 weeks - until Friday December 2nd midnight EST. Winners will be announced Saturday December 3rd.
The word you need to collect from me is "peaceful".

Now it's time to hop over to Vicki's blog to see her lovely creation.

Inky’s Homemade Holiday Gifts Blog Hop

2011-11-17T04:00:00.005-06:00

Welcome to Inky’s Homemade Holiday Gifts Blog Hop! If you’ve come from

Bev's Blog you are right on track. If not be sure to start at Inky Antics blog to start from the beginning. You won't want to miss one bit of wonderful inspiration!
For my gift idea I used 4543-3K Candy Cane Crock to create a Christmas Planner, which you can find on this page: http://www.inkyantics.com/november2011hop.htm

I used a manilla folder, cut off the tabs, folded the bottom up and then accordian folded it and covered with papers. The folder was 50 cents, the papers $1.25 (got on sale for 25 cents each at a scrapbook sale) and then the printed papers for the inside. So for $2-ish a nice fun gift.

I used a Tombow Fastener Tab to make a closure.

Here is the inside:

The pages for the inside are free printables from www.organizedchristmas.com. They have all kinds of wonderful printables. The 'Christmas Planner' is printed from Cutting Cafe's Holiday Planner Printable Stamp set.

The blog hop starts today and ends on Sunday, November 20^th at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their projects and leave a comment for each designer. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please). Two people’s names will be drawn at random to receive a surprise Inky prize pack. The winners’ names will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won.

This is the end of the blog hop. Your next stop will be back to Inky Antic’s blog.

BFB Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

2011-11-16T17:55:00.000-06:00

This was a quick read and fun to read. This is the first time I've read anything by Donita K Paul.

This book was filled full of fun surprises as Cora and Simon both receive tickets to a Christmas ball from a bookstore they both had visited. There is lots of whimsical mystery involved and it just makes for lighthearted reading this time of year.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Happy Birthday Kitty

2011-11-16T06:30:00.000-06:00

I was going through my files and saw that I hadn't shared this on my blog. Kitten image is Inky Antics' 10434H Bundled Kitten. Papers are retired by Stampin' Up, I think I've finally used all of them now. I colored the image with colored pencils and Gamsol. Happy Birthday is a SU! stamp.

Welcome Fall Wallhanging

2011-11-15T06:00:00.004-06:00

This week at Tombow the Design Team will be sharing Thanksgiving/Fall home decor ideas with you.

Besides my love of papercrafting, I love to create wood art. This wallhanging is a fun quick project to make. I have my own band saw, so I am able to cut out my own projects.

After painting the pieces, I then used Tombow's Power Tabs to adhere to the scarecrow head and hat brim. These tabs are super strong! I love them!

I used Mono Multi Liquid Glue for adhering the raffia on the hat.

Be sure to stop by the blog every day this week for decor inspiration! While there, why not like us on FB and become a follower to the blog?

Thanksgiving Day Turkey

2011-11-14T06:22:00.001-06:00

Using Cutting Cafe's Thanksgiving Day Printable Stamp Set is the DT's challenge this week. This set is HUGE! I chose to paper piece the turkey in the set.

I used up some scraps left over from my Halloween projects and added one of my crocheted flowers to finish it off.

Don't forget to stop by the Cutting Cafe blog on Wednesday to see all the other DT's lovely creations.

So Very Grateful

2011-11-11T02:00:00.001-06:00

Today OWH (Operation Write Home) is having a 11/11/11 blog hop with 11 companies whose DT's created Thank You cards for the soldiers.

Those companies are:

1. Bazzill

2. Copic

3. Hero Arts

4. May Arts

5. Prima

6. Ranger

7. Sizzix/Ellison

8. SRM Stickers

9. Studio Calico

10. Tombow

11. Tonic Studios

For my card I used Cutting Cafe's So Thankful Circle Word Printable Stamp Set and Circle Shaped Card file that I cut with my Cricut to create a circle card.

I cut several layers of K & Co. designer paper with my Nestibilities Dies and adhered them with Tombow's Stamp Runner Dot Adhesive.

Here is more info about the hop:

The event

The 11.11.11 bloghop, will go live on Veteran's Day, Friday, November 11th. Our main OWH creative blog, http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org, will be the start of the party for our donors - we'll link to each company that day, and have each of you link to the next in the order (we'll figure out the order later). We'll offer a "grand prize" on our blog for a random drawing from comments left on the start post, but the fun of the party will be going to see each one of you!

So be sure to go to OWH and get in on the fun!

Jot It Down Challenge

2011-11-09T06:48:00.000-06:00

Cutting Cafe's Jot it Down Printable stamp set is the DT's challenge this week. This set is HUGE with 43 images to choose from!

With so many to choose from, I had a hard time choosing, but ended up choosing the Take Note (play on words for the musical notes in the patterned paper) and the top part of As I Remember It image (because we have to take notes or we forget) for one of my notebooks that I like to make. I have a BUNCH of these made up, but not decorated on the front, so this was perfect to get another one finished.

Don't forget to stop by the Cutting Cafe blog later today to see the rest of the DT's creations.

Give Thanks Jar

2011-11-08T06:22:00.000-06:00

"How do you get ready for the holidays?" This was the question asked of the Tombow Design Team this week. Be sure to stop by the blog every day this week to see the wonderful creations by the team.
I love to make altered gifts of all kinds. This jar is one of MANY that my mom had saved from some fruit that she buys in them. I love the size and shape and have altered many of them.

I used some older fall Basic Grey papers, punches, my Cricut, rubberstamp, button, and ribbon to create a fun jar that can be used as a treat holder or throughout the year, you could write down things you are thankful for and put them in the jar and then read them at Thanksgiving. We have done this and it's fun to reminisce over the year and remember things that we had forgotten.

A tip for adhering the paper to the jar. I used Mono Adhesive Power Bond to adhere only one short end to the "back" of the jar and then the same adhesive to the other short end to overlap. This seems to keep the paper from "buckling" especially if the jar isn't perfectly rounded. I also used the Power Bond adhesive for adhering the ribbon to the lid and papers to the top of the lid. I used 1/4 of a Power Tab to add the button.

Christmas Planner

2011-11-04T06:35:00.003-05:00

Okay, this is weird. I set this post up to go live early Saturday morning while I'm at my brother's for the weekend. Checked it Saturday from their computer and it was up and then now notice it is gone. I heard of one gal that lost her blog. One day it was just gone. Sure hope that doesn't happen to me!

I am the hostess for this week on Designed2Delight. The theme is to make a Thanksgiving gift for a hostess having the dinner or anyone else you can think of that you want to say "thank you" to.

I know this looks more like Christmas, but I am giving Christmas Planners to the female members of my family when they come to our house for Thanksgiving dinner. Some of them start their shopping the next day on Black Friday, so I thought this would be a great gift to give them so they can keep track of their purchases.

I used D2D's Christmas Snowman to decorate the front and typed the words Christmas Planner with my computer. This one is made using a file folder. Later this week I will be showing you two different ways I made these. If you want you can google 'Christmas Planner' and see all kinds of tutorials out there.

Please come on over to D2D and play along with us this week!

Huge Circle Words Inspiration

2011-11-03T06:26:00.000-05:00

HERE is the link to Cutting Cafe's DT inspiration using Regina's Huge Circle Words. Oh my!!!! You don't want to miss out, head on over and check it out. Also while there be sure to go here to see the New Release Christmas Special going on.

Thankful Hearts Gather

2011-11-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

Now that Halloween is over, it's time to share some Thanksgiving ideas. Here I created a couple of cards for Inky Antics. I used Inky Antics 10875G Thankful Hearts.
I made one simple and then using the same papers +, I created a second card to show how you can change it up. I colored the images the same and used the same ribbon.

For the second card I added a 3rd designer paper and punched one edge with a scallop punch. Stitched around the edges and added crochet threaded buttons.

Tombow's ABC Challenge

2011-11-01T05:00:00.003-05:00

For this week's ABC (Anything But a Card) Challenge, I decided to finish this album I started 3 years ago!! Unfortunately, since it didn't have the wrapper I do not know who it is by. It is a chipboard album that came blank. I altered it with papers that I had precut (so don't know who they are by either!...if anyone knows, please let me know and I will add it to my post).

I used Mono Adhesive Power Bond to adhere the papers to the chipboard on the outside as well as on the inside. To adhere the Fall letters (cut with Stamped Cricut cartridge) I used Stamp Runner Dot Adhesive. I love using this adhesive for letters, because I can rub off the excess adhesive. Marie did a tipnique on this last week. You can go here to see it. I've been doing this for a long time. The dot adhesive is perfect for those smaller pieces.

Be sure to stop by the blog all week to see what projects the other DT created for you.

One Hour Bread

2011-10-31T05:01:00.001-05:00

**This is my second post, so be sure to scroll down to see my candy corn pocket pouch.

I haven't shared a recipe with you all in awhile, so thought it was about time. I read on a blog about One Hour Bread. That is the TOTAL time it takes to make from start to finish. When I first read about it, my thoughts were "yeah right" and "it probably doesn't take very long".
Well, I was wrong on both accounts. It really truly does only take ONE hour start to finish, makes TWO loaves of bread and DOES taste good! It also makes VERY good sandwich bread. My other bread recipe is yummy, but falls apart unless you slice the bread very thick. This is a denser bread.
Here is the blog whose recipe I followed. The first time I made it, I formed it on a cookie sheet like she did, but also did an egg wash on top and added sesame seeds. This time I just did the egg wash and left off the seeds. MMMMM can't you just smell it? Ü

Now that I can make bread in an hour, I will probably never buy any again. It is so quick and easy, tastes much yummier than boughten AND costs much less as well.

Bizarre weather: Today we are to have 70* weather, Tues nite and Wed 70% chance of snow!!!!

Candy Corn Pocket Pouch

2011-10-31T05:00:00.002-05:00

Here is the 3rd paper sack pocket pouch I created using Fancy Pants Oct 31 line. I think this one if my favorite. I love candy corn and love to decorate with it as well.

As you can see peeking out, the front pocket has a Reese's and the back pocket has this mini notepad.

I am linking this up to Top Tip Tuesday's challenge.

Bad to the Bone

2011-10-30T05:00:00.004-05:00

Regina challenged the Cutting Cafe DT this week to use any of her Huge Circle files. You can find most of them here.

I chose to use the Bad to the Bone image from her Halloween All Around Printable Stamp Set.

I applied Tombow's Mono Adhesive Clear to the skull after coloring it with their Dual Brush Pens and then rubbed in clear glitter. I cut it out and mounted it onto the cross bones, then cut them out and adhered them to the patterned paper circle with Foam Tabs.

I cut the circle images with my Nestibilities dies.

Don't forget to stop by the Cutting Cafe on Wed as Regina will have a master post with all the DT's lovely creations.

Pumpkin Girl

2011-10-29T16:05:00.001-05:00

**This is my 3rd post today, be sure to scroll down to see the others.
Today's challenge on Designed2Delight is pumpkins! I love fall, love to decorate with pumpkins and to eat pumpkin pie, bread, etc. Ü

I used another of my crochetd flowers and the orange button is tied with some yummy brown and white twinery my friend Pam sent me this week! You will be seeing it used a lot on my fall projects! Ü Thanks again Pam! (if you would like some, just let her know. She has lots for sale. Ü)

I hope you can come along and play with us this week.

FREE DECEMBER DAILY SET...FOR A LIMITED TIME

2011-10-29T10:02:00.000-05:00

December Daily's are the rage now. Just Google it and you will see all kinds of wonderful inspiration. The first time I had heard of it was when Ali Edwards posted one she had done. And then I started seeing Heather post them and I've been wanting to make one and never got around to it. This year I AM making one. Stay tuned later for a post on my blog about the one I am working on.

Well for a short time (Nov 2) Regina is offering free images for you to get started on your own. Be sure to head over HERE for all the details.

BFB the Christmas Singing

2011-10-29T05:00:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite type of books to read are about the Amish. I have had a fascination of them ever since I was blessed one Thanksgiving to eat at an Amish family's table in IN. I have read MANY books about them since.

The Christmas Singing is written by Cindy Woodsmall, one of my favorite authors and she didn't disappoint in this book either.

Gideon and Mattie have been childhood friends and fallen in love. After she finds him hugging an Englischer, Mattie moves from Penn. to Ohio to open a business called Mattie Cakes.
Three years later Mattie is forced to return to Penn. because of an unfortunate event. While in Penn she learns the truth of Gideon's rejection, but she is involved in another relationship.
This story is wonderfully written and I give it a "10".

**I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

OCL 89 Going Pink

2011-10-28T05:00:00.002-05:00

For my Think Pink project, I decided to make a mini notepad. This could be for any kind of notes, or for a breast cancer survivor to write down her thoughts from her experience.

I used Our Craft Lounge's You Make Me Happy stamp set. "Memories" is from their Pins & Needles stamp set. Paper is by My Mind's Eye.

We would love to have you come and play along with us in this challenge. You can go here for the details.

Halloween Paper Bag Pouch #2

2011-10-27T06:41:00.001-05:00

This is my second post today, so be sure to scroll down for the first one.

Here is another pocket pouch I made. Black paper sack from Wal-mart in card section. I folded the bottom up and stitched around the edges then filled with goodies. Papers and embellisments from Fancy Pants again.
I made a belly band for 2 pkts of fruit pdr drink and used rub-ons.

In the back pocket is a mini notepad

I am linking this up with Top Tip Tuesday.

Ribbon Bear

2011-10-27T05:01:00.001-05:00

This darling digital image is from Bugaboo. I have not only had this image since they put it out, but have had it colored (1-2 years!!). I am just now getting it onto a card. Good grief!! I need to get more stuff done instead of letting it sit around.

I just love their images and have several in my files that need to get printed and colored. I colored the image pink in honor of this month being Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Papers are by My Mind's Eye, doily I rec'd from my friend Pam and ribbon is vintage rayon seam binding.

FSS Catch Up

2011-10-27T05:00:00.019-05:00

I was thinking I had posted more FSS cards than I had this month. So now I am playing catch up.
Okay, I lied....I have another hydrangea card to share with you. I was working on Halloween projects and this lonely hydrangea image was mixed in right on top of this purple paper and I just HAD to create another hydrangea card! (I PROMISE the next projects are not with the hydrangeas. Sentiment is SU!

My next two cards use paper bags. The tutorial was on Whimsie Doodles awhile back. I loved the idea. You insert a gift card inside. I know I'm going to give one to dad because he likes to go to a coffee shop in town. I used precolored truck images from Fred She Said's Old Truck Digi and Colored Set.

I made mine different in that I decorated the inside top. I will stamp a sentiment there. I also did not score at the 6.5" mark. My paper bag must be a different size than hers. I scored at 1/2" and at 2.5" and then just folded in half from there.

Inky Autumn Critters Blog Hop

2011-10-26T04:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Inky’s Autumn Critters Blog Hop! You’ve come from Bev's blog (if not be sure to go back to her blog as she is the beginning of the hop). Don't you just love her Scarecrow card? I used the same stamp set (11065SC Scarecrow & Friends Clear Set) to create this gift bag.

I just cut down a paper lunch sack and created a front and back for it and decorated the front. Then I adhered them to the sack and punched a handle with the Jumbo Oval Punch that you can find in the accessories section on Inky's website.

The blog hop starts today and ends on Sunday, October 30^th at midnight Central time. Please visit each DT members’ blog to view their projects and leave a comment for each designer. The more you comment, the better your chances are to win. (Limit one comment per blog, please). One person’s name will be drawn at random to receive both of the clear sets used in this hop. The winner’s name will be announced on the Inky Antics blog next Monday, so remember to stop back and see if you’ve won. Here is a link to all the sets that we are using on the hop.

Your next stop will be Crystal’s blog.

Halloween Paper Bag Pouch

2011-10-25T05:00:00.005-05:00

I have been admiring the pouches I've seen on blogs, esp Michelle Wooderson's. When I saw these black paper sacks in the Walmart card section, I decided to get a few and try my hand at making them.

This week Tombow is teaming up with Fancy Pants, so with all the goodies they sent us (THANK YOU Fancy Pants!), I had just the supplies I needed to create one with a Halloween theme.

I folded the bottom up and sewed around the edges to creat a pocket. (You actually get two pockets: the one created by folding up the bottom and one from the top opening.)

Using goodies that Fancy Pants sent us, I decorated the front of the first pocket, with their patterned papers, diecuts, rub ons and chipboard accents. I adhered the pieces with Tombow's Mono Adhesive Power Bond. The ribbon is not from FP, but rayon seam binding.

In the back pocket, I created a mini notepad made from the pieces I had cut for the pocket front.

Here is a look at the candy bag that I tucked in the front pocket:

Be sure to stop by the Fancy Pants blog to see what their DT created as well.

I am also entering this in Top Tip Tuesday's Trick or Treat Challenge

Thinking of You

2011-10-24T02:00:00.011-05:00

Today our Designers are having a blog hop and we will be giving away some great OCL products as blog candy ~ how about a Granny's Support Team stamp set and 2 jars of Sparkly Fluff ~ in shades of PINK!!!! So leave comments along the way today and we will pick a winner tomorrow morning.
For my card I used Dandy Days for the front and Nature's Note for the inside.

There will be blog candy on the OCL Blog for a stamp set and 2 jars of Sparkly Fluff. All comments left on the OCL blog and hop blog posts on Monday, Oct 24th will be included. Drawing will be held on Tuesday morning and announced on the OCL Blog.

Here is the list of players:

Kendra Wietstock - http://kendrawietstock.blogspot.com
Amber Hillman - http://www.ambersantics.blogspot.com
Carolyn King - http://myblogbycammie.blogspot.com/
Deb Felts - http://withastampandasong.blogspot.com/2011/10/ocl-breast-cancer-awareness-blog-hop.html
Debbie Fisher - http://debbiedee.blogspot.com/
Lori Tecler - http://inkingaloud.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Serrano - http://stephaniesstampinspot.blogspot.com/
Tammie Edgerton - http://onehappystamper-tammiee.blogspot.com/
Michelle Pearson - http://www.inspirationblooms.blogspot.com/
Dawn Barrett - http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/
Lori Barnett - http://www.loribarnett.blogspot.com/
Cassie Trask - http://www.cassietrstamping.blogspot.com/

Hope

2011-10-23T05:00:00.001-05:00

This week I am going to dedicate all my cards to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I will be posting lots of PINK cards for this week. There will be some double posts as I finish up my Halloween cards and goodies as well.

Regina challenged the DT to create a card for cancer and mine is in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness. This cancer has hit our family thru my g'ma, DH's aunt and friends. I used sentiments from Cutting Cafe's You Gotta Have Hope Printable Stamp Set.

Here is a peek at the inside:

Be sure to stop by the Cutting Cafe blog Wed to see the rest of the DT's projects.

Dancing Mouse

2011-10-22T05:00:00.001-05:00

Cute Critters is the theme this week for Designed2Delight's Saturday Challenge. This cute image is one from D2D's Dancing Mice set. I colored it with markers and then cut with a Nestibilities Die. My friend Gail gave me a new SU! catalog and I got the idea for the sketch from the catalog.

I used My Mind's Eye designer papers, a crocheted flower by me and added the Basic Grey button with Tombow's Power Tabs (love how strong they are!) and then some vintage rayon seam binding for ribbon.

We would love to have you come over and play in the challenge.

OCL 88 Color Challenge

2011-10-21T05:00:00.000-05:00

Our Craft Lounge's challenge for you this week is to use black, orange, purple and green. I had some of this paper left over from a couple of years ago and it was perfect. I knew I wanted to use it, but wasn't sure of what image to use. Then I was inspired by the froggie cupcake and decided to see if I could copy it some way using a cupcake from OCL's Summer Sweets stamp set.

I added googlie eyes and hand drew the face to match the one in the designer paper. I think it turned out pretty cute. The "happy day" is a rub on sentiment.

Since I had some scraps left over, I made a notepad as well.

Purrrfect

2011-10-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

This is an older image from Stampin' Up. I've been playing around with my Tombow Dual Brush Pens. I wish I could color like Karen!! Click on her name to go to her blog to see what I mean. Ü

I used paper from 3 different companies: SU!, Basic Grey and I'm not sure who the dots are by. I stamped and embossed on watercolor paper, then colored and blended with Tombow's markers and blender pen.

Thought of the Day

2011-10-18T05:00:00.001-05:00

There are so many quotes out there that I love that I had a hard time choosing one to create with. Since this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I decided to choose one of my favorites that I could make a card around honoring this month. My g'ma, 2 friends, DH's aunt, as well as others we have known, have courageously battled this cancer.

I can only imagine the amount of faith it takes to deal with cancer and each on the ones we know had to take that first step, even when they couldn't see the whole picture.

The card I chose to create uses a new image from Designed2Delight to honor Nat'l Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is called Hope 2011 Cancer Awareness Set. The nice thing about this set is that you can color the ribbon to match the cancer. Here is a link that tells you which cancer each color represents.

I used My Mind's Eye papers, Tombow's Glue Pen to add Cotton Candy Sparkly Fluff(from Our Craft Lounge) to the image ribbon and dots, Foam Tabs to raise up the butterfly image, and Dual Brush Pens (761 & 800) for coloring and Mono Adhesive permanent.

Frankie Candy Box

2011-10-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not big on Halloween, but for some weird reason, I really like Frankies. This week Regina challenged the Cutting Cafe DT to use a box from her files. Right away I thought up this idea. I have not seen anything like this on line and think it turned out pretty cute. It took me awhile to go thru her files to find a box that would work. At first I was thinking of using this pattern without the cutout (and still may try to create one), but didn't want to wait to get the file and I already had the Divider Box with Handles file, so used it instead. (I just didn't use the handle)

It is hard to tell in the picture, but the hair is a deep purple. I used real bolts and nuts and love the whimsical look it gives this box.

I filled a cello bag with 2 taffy flavors of apple and chocolate brownie and then tied off with ribbon.

I hope you enjoyed this box as much as I did creating it. Be sure to stop by the Cutting Cafe blog on Wed to see all the wonderful box creations the DT came up with.

Yellow Hydrangeas

2011-10-15T05:00:00.001-05:00

Okay, I really need to use a different image and will, but here is one last hydrangea card from FredSheSaid.

I used up more scraps and punched a white scallop border as well as cut a scrolly Nestibilities die of white to go behind the image.

Scarecrow Notepad

2011-10-14T05:00:00.001-05:00

I have another fun notepad to share with you today. Again, using scraps from fall projects I've been working one. Most of these papers came from this project.

A great way to get even more out of your stamps is just to use a part of the image. This gives a fresh new look to any image. Here I stamped the scarecrow from OurCraftLounge's Fall Scarecrow, colored with Tombow's Irojiten pencils and Gamsol and then punched with my circle punch.. I layered it onto a punched scallop circle and adhered to the front of the notepad.

Felt Flower Notepad

2011-10-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

As I work on my projects, any little pieces I have left over that are at least 2.5" wide, I adhere them to white strips of 2.5" 8" pieces of cardstock for fronts to these notepad covers that I make.

The papers are a mix of SEI, My Mind's Eye and I'm not sure about the top piece. I came across these SU! felt flowers in my stash that I've had for at least a couple of years and probably longer. The colors are perfect for the colors in the floral paper.

I also had some SU! rub ons that I hadn't even taken out of the pkg and decided to dress it up a bit using them. I really like how it turned out.

Falling Leaves

2011-10-12T05:00:00.003-05:00

**LAST DAY TO SIGN ENTER: Go here for a chance to win the files to make my fun acorn box

Falling Leaves is the challenge on Designed2Delight this week. We would love to have you come and play along. To play, just create a projects that has leaves in it.
I created this card using an older D2D image called Oak Wreath. The sentiment is from OurCraftLounge's Fall Sunflower.

The Crossing by Serita Ann Jakes

2011-10-11T17:13:00.000-05:00

**Go here for a chance to win the files to make my fun acorn box

Oh my goodness! This is an awesome book! I love how it was written and it kept my attention, so that I didn't even want to turn it down.

On the back it says:

On the way home from a football game, a decade earlier, a masked gunman opened fire on a Texas school bus. Cheerleading coach B.J. Remington was killed, but her murderer was never found. Claudia, who had a close friendship with the young, spirited teacher, constantly relives the anguish of that day, caught in one moment in time. When her husband, the assistant district attorney, becomes determined to uncover the mystery of that tragedy, the secrets buried over the years threaten to tear their family apart.
Officer Casio Hightower will never forget the day his dreams were destroyed. A star quarterback with a promising future, Casio was on top of the world—until one bullet changed everything. He is eager to help Victor Campbell find B.J.’s killer, the man who shot him. Maybe solving the case will help silence the demons driving Casio to hurt the woman he loves.

Each chapter opens in italics with BJ's thoughts as she is dying and then the story continues. I never would have thought that I would so enjoy a book written in this format, but I loved it. Until the very end, you don't find out who the killer is. It keeps you guessing all the way and I like that about a story as well.

It is also a story of love and forgiveness and there is something everyone can take away from it.

The only downer is all the misspelled words. There were enough of them, that it started to bug me, but I still loved the story. Ü I received a copy that is not yet for sale and hope there is going to be another spell check before it is published for the public. So if misspelling doesn't bother you, you will love this.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

Black Bird Party

2011-10-11T05:00:00.003-05:00

**Go here for a chance to win the files to make my fun acorn box
This week on Tombow the design team is creating items for the challenge them "It's My Party". When I think of Halloween, I think of it as a time for small children to dress up and go out and trick or treat. But I thought it might be fun to design something for your girlfriends. Maybe a night out with fun, food, and laughter.

I wanted to create something a little more "mature" and came up with this "Happy FALLoween" card (could be an invite or maybe even a "thank you" to send out after the gathering to thank those who attended) and a treat holder. It is so much fun to create a little thank you for the guests to take home with them as a reminder of the fun times had that evening.

For my card, I used a SU! punch to punch the bird and branch in black. I punched 3 of the wings and adhered them together with Mono Adhesive Dots. A little tip for using adhesive on small pieces is to lay the piece that you want to add adhesive to on a scrap piece of paper. Add the dot adhesive all over the piece and then lift up. When you apply it to where you want it, just rub away any extra "dots" that may be on the edges. I have been doing this a long time and I love how I can get adhesive all over little pieces to get them to adhere.

I also used the dot adhesive for adhering the page from a book. It adheres well to old book pages, where the stronger adhesives can sometimes separate the paper.
I printed the Happy FALLoween from Designed2Delight onto designer paper and then cut with a Nestibilities die from Fancy Tags 1.

To create my treat holder, I cut designer paper to fit a toilet paper tube. Then along the outside ends, I applied a thin spiral of Mono Multi Liquid Glue along the edge. After it dried clear, I scrunched and gathered crepe paper along the edge to create a ruffle. After the glue dried I zig zag stitched and then decorated. The 3 panels behind the bird are cut with my Cricut using the shape from Accent Essentials cartridge. The panels are adhered to the tube with Power Tabs, so that they stay on since the tube is rounded.
I cut the end off of a gusset cello bag and tied off with rick rack. Then I inserted it into the tube, added corn candy flavored taffy and tied off the other end.

I love to decorate and have a theme when I have friends over. I found this blog with a fun party themes and thought this and/or this link would also be so much fun to decorate for a "FALLoween" theme.

Acorn Treat Box and a prize

2011-10-10T19:32:00.003-05:00

I have a treat for you!! I love the cutting files that Regina designs at Cutting Cafe. My Cricut is getting used soooo much more. Ü If you know me, you know my brain is always whirling with ideas and when I saw THESE and remembered that Regina had an Acorn Shaped Card pattern, I just had to create a box.
I used the medium box from her Nesting Box template. There are 3 sizes and they also have lids (I didn't use the lid option for my acorn box though.

I changed the shape of the acorn a bit with my Make the Cut file to fit the front of the box. Before putting the box together, I stamped it with cocoa ink and Canvas SU! stamp. then I put the acorn together, inking all the edges first and then adhered to the box panel before adhering the box sides together. It was much easier than trying to adhere the acorn after the box had been created. I used Tombow's Mono Adhesive Power Bond for the whole assembly of the box and their Power Tabs for the buttons.

I created a tag "Treats for You" from the Halloween Mini Words digi set.
Here is a peek at the donuts that I filled in a cello bag. I bought some donut holes from the bakery, dipped 1/2 in almond bark and sprinkled with the brown sprinkles. I plan to make more of these and think I will make homeade donuts. I think they will last longer...that or buy cake donut holes.

Now here is even a sweeter treat...go HERE to comment on my box and Regina will enter you in for a chance to win the box and acorn sets I used to create my box! Hurry, you only have til Wed to enter.

Candy Corn Gift Box

2011-10-10T05:00:00.003-05:00

The challenge this week on Cutting Cafe is Halloween. I created this fun Candy Corn Box and tag from Regina's Candy Corn Treat Box Template and Cutting File.

I cut the box with my Cricut using my Make The Cut (MTC) file with white cardstock. Then I cut the candy corn pieces with colored cardstock, did my machine stitching and adhered it all together with Tombow's Mono Adhesive Power Bond.

The brad you see on the side is a decorative accent. Ü I planned to make a handle and didn't like it, so just inserted the brad to cover the hole.

I then added a cello bag with some corn candy flavored taffy, tied it off with ribbon and added the tag.

Be sure to stop by the CC Blog Wednesday to see all the fun projects the design team created for Halloween.

Autumn Mums

2011-10-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

This pretty image and sentiment is one from D2D's Autumn Mums digi set. I used some fall papers I had in my scrap box and the felt flowers are from SU! a few years ago? Forgot all about them and they matched the colors perfectly so had to use them. Ü

OCL Challenge #86

2011-10-07T05:00:00.001-05:00

I decided to make a "treat" of the non fattening kind for this challenge. I had scraps left over on my desk from other projects I had been working on, so grabbed an already cut jr. legal pad and created a "Monster Wishes" notepad.

I used the cute monster and sentiment from OCL's Monster Hugs stamp set. (Have I mentioned lately how much I love this set? LOL!!). I stamped the image on the notepad cover front and then stamped again on the green patterned paper and again (just mouth) onto white. I colored the mouth and cut out and pieced to the green patterned paper and then cut it out and paper pieced onto the stamped image on my notepad front. Added googlie eyes and sentiment to finish off.

Come and play along with us at OCL for a chance to win a stamp set of your choice! You get to choose the set. It's okay if you don't have any OurCraftLounge stamps, but if you do, we would love to see what you create with them.

Boo!

2011-10-06T06:31:00.000-05:00

I created this card from one I had seen on PaperCrafts. Great way to use up scraps.

Ghouls Just Want To Have Fun!

2011-10-05T05:00:00.000-05:00

This cute little monster and sentiment is part of Cutting Cafe's A Bunch of Monsters Printable Stamp set and the challenge for this week's DT.

I used some paper I've had in my stash for awhile. I thought the purple circles kinda looked like eyes and went well with the image. I colored with colored pencils and gamsol, added a movable eye and some fun ruffle of some stuff I collected from Benjamin's Jr. prom that they were going to throw out. Just created a ruffle with Tombow's Multi Liquid Glue.

Be sure to stop by the Cutting Cafe Blog today and see what the other DT created with this fun Monster Set.

Trick or Treat

2011-10-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

The theme for this week on Tombow is Halloween. Be sure to stop by Tombow's blog every day this week for some fun holiday ideas.

I created a fun little treat container using a toilet paper tube. These are so fun and easy to make and I love to recycle whenever possible. Here is how it is created:

1. Cut patterned paper the length and 1/2" extra for the width and adhered to the tube with Mono Adhesive Power Bond.

2. Cut a strip of the orange stripe and cut a scallop edge on one long side. Adhered it with the same adhesive.

3. I covered the border edge with dark purple ribbon using Mono Adhesive Dots.

4. I finished decorating with some Halloween stickers that I have had for quite some time.

5. For the bottom, I cut a scallop circle with my Nestibilities die that was a little bit bigger than the tube and applied Mono Multi Liquid Glue around the edge of the tube and centered it in the scallop circle. (note: this is really a decorative feature as the cello bag is tight enough that it doesn't fall through)

6. Insert a cello bag into the finished tube and fill with candy. Tie the top with decorative ribbon.

Falloween Cat

2011-10-01T05:00:00.002-05:00

I have another Falloween Cat image to share with you today. This week's challenge on Designed2Delight is to use colored pencils. I LOVE coloring with colored pencils and blending with Gamsol.

It's hard to see in the photo, but I added glitter with the Tombow Mono Glue Pen to the spider web.

We would love to have you come and play along in this challenge with us on the D2D blog.

OCL Challenge #85

2011-09-30T05:00:00.004-05:00

This is my second post today, so be sure to scroll down to see the first card I posted this morning.

For this week's challenge on OurCraftLounge I made a fall notepad. This notepad is created by cutting a jr. legal pad in half and then creating a cardstock cover and then decorating the front.

I used OCL's new Fall Sunflower single and colored with Tombow markers. We would love to have you come and play along with us.

FSS Gratitude

2011-09-30T04:00:00.001-05:00

Another card made with the precolored hydrangeas by FredSheSaid. The 'gratitude' sentiment and purple polka dot paper is from Designed2Delight's Autumn Mums' set and Fall Fun digi paper set.