Smudges in Time

One Little Word Blog Hop

2012-02-01T10:00:00.048-06:00

I'm stepping out and doing something for the very first time here on my blog! As you've probably noticed, the majority of my posts are about cards I have made. This year, one of my resolutions is to expand my horizons a bit and do more scrapbooking & journaling type projects. That said, I am all signed up for Big Picture Classes One Little Word with Ali Edwards.

Today, it's time for the One Little Word (OLW) February Blog Hop and I thought I'd share what I've created so far with my word for 2012.

This word had been on my mind a lot toward the end of 2011. With three little ones to care for on a daily basis, it's really been hitting home how much influence a mother has on her children. I decided one day that I really needed to focus on nurturing my little family. I find myself sitting and wondering what it is exactly that I'd like to nurture in them & in myself. This first assignment was to explore our chosen words and I think I've come up with a few ideas, although, I'm sure these will quickly expand as the year goes on!

Below is my first page for this project.

Project Notes:

1. I wasn't sure I wanted to use my own handwriting at first, but I decided this was a personal study and, to me, personal handwriting is so unique that I just couldn't ignore using it!

2. The butterflies came to mind as I was trying to think of something that could represent my word. They have such a delicate beauty, don't they? Nurturing, if done right, can bring out such beauty in a person and I want to see that revealed in myself and my loved ones!

********************

**Now head on over to Karen's blog for more One Little Word inspiration!**

Here is the order of today's Blog Hop if you get lost along the way:

Sharyn

*Melissa* (You are here.)

Sam

Junelle

Valentine Challenge

2012-01-31T06:30:00.007-06:00

It's time for a new challenge over at The Stamping Boutique Challenge Blog! This time, it's a Valentine theme! As usual, there are free digital images to be won!

I used the Whimsy 2 Umbrella for my Valentine creation, but there are lots more Valentine images in the store to choose from!

Supplies:
Stamps - The Stamping Boutique (Whimsy 2 Umbrella - digi), misc. sentiment
Paper - SU Real Red, Basic Black CS, Paper Trey white CS
Ink - SU Basic Black
Accessories - Cuttlebug embossing folder, baker's twine
Coloring - Copic markers

Lovebirds

2012-01-30T06:30:00.016-06:00

For today's Prickley Pear creation, I found myself reaching for those adorable little lovebirds again! Last time I used them, it was for a winter card. This time, I made a sweet and simple valentine! I just got an order of My Mind's Eye decorative paper in the mail Friday, so had to use it! I'm really liking SU's Basic Gray this winter too, for some reason!

Supplies:

Stamps - Prickley Pear (Small Winter Lovebirds)

Paper - My Mind's Eye DP, SU CS (Basic Gray, Rose Red)

Ink - SU Basic Gray

Accessories - SU Basic Gray ribbon, circle punch, misc. button

Happiness is...

2012-01-29T06:30:00.001-06:00

...a game of Scrabble.

...a fresh blueberry scone.

...a relaxing massage at the end of a stressful day.

...a solution to a problem.

...kind neighbors.

...a giggle attack.

...sunshine after a cloudy day.

...fond memories of loved ones.

2 Cute Ink New Release Blog Hop: Week 3

2012-01-28T09:00:00.021-06:00

It's time for January's final Blog Hop over at 2 Cute Ink! Three more Valentine's Day digital images are being released today, so join in the fun and hop along with us! Leave a comment on the DT blogs for a chance to win all three of today's new releases!

Here is the order of today's Blog Hop:

2 Cute Ink Blog

*Melissa (You are here!)*

Suzanne

Sandy

Jenn

I chose to use the adorable new fish called Best Fins for my project! With little ones in my house, I immediately thought of those popular kid snacks (I like 'em too...), Pepperidge Farm Goldfish! The preferred flavor in our family is the Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar. I'd bought some little buckets from the Dollar Spot at Target a little while ago, and thought I'd use one to make a little snack gift for a child! I colored the image with Copic markers, creating the little dot pattern on the bigger fish with my colorless blender. I used some strong sticky tape to adhere the pieces to the bucket. The sentiment on the top says, "Big Hug." After putting this together, I realized I could have put some Hershey's Hugs in the bucket instead. Next time.

Supplies:
Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Best Fins - digital), SU (sentiment)

Paper - Copic Blending Card, SU Melon Mambo CS

Ink - SU Melon Mambo

Accessories - SU oval punch, Nestabilities (oval), SU Melon Mambo polka dot ribbon
Coloring - Copic Marker

**Now head on over to the oh-so-creative Suzanne's blog for more fun and inspiration for the new digi stamp release!

Sweet Love

2012-01-27T06:11:00.001-06:00

It's Friday and time for some 2 Cute Ink cuteness!

Today, I used of the newest digital releases called Cherry Love. With snow in the forecast again, I was more than happy to work with something other than the usual winter themed stamps! Honestly, after the ice we had a few days ago, I am officially done with winter. Too bad winter doesn't know it can leave now!

Supplies:
Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Cherry Love - digital), SU (sentiment)
Paper - Paper Trey white CS, SU Real Red CS
Ink - SU Basic Black
Accessories - Nestabilities (circle, scalloped circle), red gemstone, SU Real Red polka dotted ribbon
Coloring - Copic markers

Happy Birthday!

2012-01-24T06:30:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was the birthday of Tracey, the talented artist behind the adorable images over at The Stamping Boutique! In celebration, the design team put together some birthday cards for her as a little surprise.

Here is mine:

Supplies:
Stamps - The Stamping Boutique (Happy Birthday Car - digital), SU (sentiment)
Paper - textured white CS, SU Basic Gray & Melon Mambo CS, Copic Blending Card
Ink - SU Bashful Blue, Basic Black
Accessories - SU Basic Gray taffeta ribbon, gemstone, foam dots (popped up the car)
Coloring - Copic markers

The Journey

2012-01-23T06:30:00.005-06:00

It's Monday...again! A new week. A fresh start. Opportunity is knocking! Hey, gotta make Mondays sound good, you know! :)

I spent Saturday afternoon decluttering and organizing our office/playroom and, boy, let me tell you, that is a job! That is where I store the kids' art supplies, library books and toddler toys, so you can about imagine what it looks like after a while. Add to that the fact that I haven't really organized properly in that room since we moved into the house a little over a year ago, and you have quite the eyesore before you! I'd finally had it and dug in while DS3 was napping, DH was working on the laundry room project and the other two DS's were happily playing. I made a dent in things, but I still have more to do. For now, I'm just enjoying walking into the room and feeling like I can breathe in there!

I then played with my Prickley Pear stamps a bit to create something for today, putting aside my valentine ideas and making something a little less bold than what I've been making the last few days.

Supplies:

Stamps - Prickley Pear (Journey Awakens, Gears Clock Face)

Paper - SU cardstocks (Kraft, Basic Black), Basic Grey DP (Out of Print)

Ink - SU (Basic Black)

Accessories - linen thread, circle punch, butterfly punch (Martha Stewart), SU vintage brad, paper piercer, distressing tool, foam dots (popped up the clock face)

Happiness is...

2012-01-22T06:30:00.002-06:00

...simplicity.

...purity.

...sincerity.

...never giving up.

"Paralyze resistance with persistence."

-Woody Hayes

2 Cute Ink New Release Blog Hop

2012-01-21T09:00:00.004-06:00

It's time for another 2 Cute Ink Blog Hop! Today, three more Valentine's Day images are being released and they are cute as ever! Go check out the digital shop! While you're here, follow along the blog hop, leaving comments on each blog, and you'll be entered in the drawing to win all three of today's new releases!

The Blog Hop order is as follows:

2 Cute Ink Blog
Suzanne

*Melissa (You are here)*

Jenn

Sandy

Here's my card for the hop:

Supplies:

Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Seacret Admirer - digital), SU (sentiment)

Paper - SU cardstocks (Real Red, Daffodil Delight), Basic Grey DP (Sweet Threads), Copic Blending Card

Ink - SU (Lucky Limeade, Basic Black)

Accessories - SU heart punch, Nestabilities (Labels 14), gemstones, Sizzix embossing folder, baker's twine

Coloring - Copic markers

**Now head on over to Jenn's blog for some wonderful inspiration!!**

2 Cute Valentine

2012-01-20T06:30:00.009-06:00

I'm going to be doing my 2 Cute Ink posts on Fridays now, so if you wondered about the absence of a post this week, it's just delayed!

Today, the weather is delivering more fluffy white stuff to our doorstep and I'm in a stamping mood. I have a feeling that I'm going to be baking cookies and providing some hot chocolate with marshmallows to some little boys instead!

Here is a little 4.25 in. x 4.25 in. valentine I whipped up with one of 2 Cute Ink's latest digital releases:

Supplies:

Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Owl You Need is Love - digital), The Stamps of Life (sentiment)

Paper - The Paper Studio DP, SU CS (Basic Black, Whisper White)

Ink - SU (Basic Black)

Accessories - heart gemstone (colored with a Copic marker), Nestabilities (circles), Stickles

Coloring - Copic markers

Stamping Boutique Challenge: Die Cuts

2012-01-17T06:30:00.009-06:00

It's time for a new challenge over at The Stamping Boutique! This time around, we're to use Die Cuts on our creations! If you win, you'll get to choose 3 images from the store for FREE!

For my challenge card, I used one of the fun Princess Jennifer Latte stamps. She is never without her coffee! There is a whole line of Princess Jennifer Latte stamps in the shop and all are too cute! I figured this was a good choice for an image this time of year since we're all working on our New Year's resolutions! One of mine happens to be to exercise more...is that any big surprise?!

Supplies:

Stamps - The Stamping Boutique (Princess Jennifer Latte Work Out - digital), Amuse (sentiment)

Paper - SU Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Crumb Cake CS, 7 Gypsies DP

Ink - SU Chocolate Chip

Accessories - Quickutz die, baker's twine, brown marker, SU small oval punch, foam dots (popped up coffee cups)

Coloring - Copic markers

Prickley Pear Monday

2012-01-16T06:00:00.004-06:00

We've been busy at Prickley Pear lately! Today is Prickley Pear Monday, so I'm sharing another Prickley Pear creation, a valentine using the new Love stamp! I used one of my favorite color combos: red and turquoise. I just love bright colors on valentines!

Supplies:

Stamps - Prickley Pear (Love)

Paper - My Mind's Eye DP, SU Whisper White, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise CS

Ink - SU Tempting Turquoise

Accessories - SU Real Red polka dot ribbon, gemstone flower, Cuttlebug embossing folder, sponge

Prickley Pear Sketch Challenge

2012-01-15T17:10:00.001-06:00

It's time for a new sketch challenge at Prickley Pear! Here are the details:

Make a card using the sketch provided using any products, not just Prickley Pear, by January 31.

One winner will be drawn randomly and will receive a $15 gift certificate at the Prickley Pear Web Shop and will be announced on the Prickley Pear Blog February 1!

Below is the new sketch:

I used the Heart Key Crown Clear Stamps Set for my card. I chose to create a clean & simple card again, stamping three of the same heart stamp in three different colors, cutting them out and popping them up on foam dots. I placed three gemstones for visual interest. At first, I wasn't sure I liked them being off center, but the more I looked at it, the more I decided it was okay. That's the fun thing about art. There are no rules!

Supplies:

Stamps: Prickley Pear (Heart Key Crown Clear Stamps Set)

Paper: SU Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Sahara Sand CS

Ink - SU Pool Party, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red

Accessories - SU scallop border punch, paper piercer, gemstones, foam dots (popped up hearts)

2 Cute Ink Blog Hop!

2012-01-14T09:00:00.023-06:00

It's time for a 2 Cute Ink Blog Hop to celebrate the new Valentine's Day images that are being released today! Hop along with us, leave a comment on each blog on the list and you'll be eligible to win a free digital image of your choice!

Here is the blog hop order:

2 Cute Ink Blog

Sandy

Jenn

Melissa (You are here!)

Suzanne

For my card, I used the oh-so-cute Bugs and Kisses digital stamp. There are two other new Valentine digital stamps being released today, so be sure to follow along the hop to check them out! Also, there will be 3 more Valentine digital stamps released a week from today (Saturday), so stay tuned!

Now head on over to your next stop on the Blog Hop and see what Suzanne has created!

Supplies:
Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Bugs & Kisses - digital)
Paper - SU Basic Black, Real Red CS, Paper Trey white CS, Doodlebug DP (Love Letter)
Accessories - Stickles, (applied to pink hearts on main image) black marker (dots around edge & letters in sentiment), SU 1-in. circle punch, SU Heart Punch, Nestabilities (oval, scalloped oval), foam dots (popped up sentiment circles & main image panel)
Coloring: Copic markers

Prickley Pear Blog Hop: January 12-14

2012-01-12T08:00:00.019-06:00

It's time for Prickley Pear's new release of Valentine and Steampunk themed red rubber stamps!

To celebrate, we are having a three-day Blog Party with loads of inspiration by the Design Team and a give away! One happy participant will win a $15 gift certificate to the web shop! All you have to do is leave a comment on each of the participating blogs (there will be a new list of blogs to visit each of the three days) and tell us what you think about the new release. Last day to enter is Sunday, January 15, at midnight EST. The winner will be drawn randomly at one of the participating blogs and will be announced on the Prickley Pear Blog on Monday.

Here is today's blog hop schedule:

Prickley Pear Blog

Melissa (you are here)

Angelica

Tesa

**Be sure to check back at Prickley Pear tomorrow and Saturday for more blog hop stops full of inspiration so you can go leave a comment on those blogs!

Here is my card for the Blog Hop:

Supplies:

Stamps - Prickley Pear (Branch with Hearts, My Funny Valentine - sentiment)

Paper - My Mind's Eye DP, SU CS (Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla)

Ink - SU (Riding Hood Red)

Accessories - pearls, circle punch, heart punch, SU vanilla ribbon, foam dot (popped up sentiment)

How've You Bean?

2012-01-10T06:00:00.008-06:00

I've been wanting to create a CAS (Clean & Simple) card. I really do love CAS cards! Everyone has their own card style and, though I'm not completely sure what mine is, I'm thinking it tends to be at least clean in design. Not too much fluff. Clean lines. I play with color, shapes and patterns more than embellishments, I guess. Style evolves though, so who knows what my cards will look like five years from now.

I played along with this week's Clean & Simple Challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers. The challenge is to use die cuts. With the new year arriving and the cleaning/organizing/decluttering spell it tends to cast on me, I've been digging in my stash. Let me tell you! If there's a good way to cut your spending way down, just go through what you already have once in a while! I have so many goodies to play with that I didn't even remember putting in the box! I'm humbled, yet excited to dig into them!

Supplies:

Stamps - Fiskars

Paper - SU textured CS (Whisper White, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake)

Ink - SU Early Espresso

Accessories - Quickutz die, Nestabilities (ovals), linen thread, brown pearls, foam dot (popped up coffee cup)

Always

2012-01-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday! I hope you had a good weekend and are ready for a new week of opportunity. I spent my weekend deep cleaning the kitchen/dining floors and just plain tidying up! It desparately needed done, but being gone on vacation for a week didn't help that! It feels so good to have the fine drywall dust from our building project out of the corners and little unseen areas! It was beginning to drive me crazy just knowing it was lurking there! I've still got more things on my to do list, but that was one of the bigger tasks! Now I've got a busy week ahead with creative projects, but that's a fun busy! Stay tuned as there will be some new stamps making their appearance this week! Get ready for Valentine's Day!

For today, I created a card using an image from Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps. Be ready for a Prickley Pear Blog Hop this Thursday through Saturday! :)

Supplies:

Stamps - Prickley Pear (Heart Key Crown Clear Stamps Set, I've Fallen in Love - sentiment)

Paper - SU Basic Gray, Whisper White CS, My Mind's Eye DP

Ink - SU Basic Gray

Accessories - gemstones, Nestabilities (circle, scalloped circle)

Happiness is...

2012-01-08T06:00:00.002-06:00

...hot chocolate with marshmallows.

...a back rub.

...the smell of lemon.

...a fresh start.

...a visit from old friends.

...children's laughter.

...progress.

Coffee Fix

2012-01-06T10:29:00.000-06:00

It's Friday. For some reason, however, I was in need of some caffeine this morning! One of my New Year's goals is to cut back (again) on the soothing brown liquid and replace it with more green tea. I haven't done too badly this week, but this morning I needed a full cup of the stuff! I'm thinking that maybe it's the fact that it's taken me most of the week to recover from vacation! It's amazing how long unpacking, laundry and getting back into routines takes with little ones running around! I think I'm almost back on two feet. Almost.

This morning, I also made myself take some time to create a little CAS (clean and simple) card for good measure. I haven't had the time to stamp very much these last two weeks and it felt so good to get back into it! I made a coffee themed card to play along with this week's theme over on Splitcoast Stampers Clean & Simple Challenge: Beverages!

Supplies:

Stamps - TPC Studio (Coffee Cafe)

Paper - SU (Very Vanilla & Early Espresso CS)

Ink - SU (Early Espresso)

Accessories - foam dots (popped up main image)

Card size: 4.25-in. x 4.25-in.

One Little Word

2012-01-04T14:42:00.000-06:00

With the beginning of 2012, I am stepping out on a journey with Big Picture Classes (one of my favorite online creative learning sites) called One Little Word by Ali Edwards. I had wanted to follow along with this class last year, but life got away and I fell behind after the second monthly prompt, realizing how many other things were on my plate already. This year, I am ready to start fresh and have chosen my word for the year:

Nurture

I love this quote I found today:

"And while it takes courage to achieve greatness, it takes more courage to find fulfillment in being ordinary. For the joys that last have little relationship to achievement, to standing one step higher on the victory platform. What is the adventure in being ordinary? It is daring to love just for the pleasure of giving it away. It is venturing to give new life and to nurture it to maturity. It is working hard for the pure joy of being tired at the end of the day. It is caring and sharing and giving and loving…"

Marilyn Thomsen

As a wife, mother, daughter & friend, I want to learn to make this word more a part of my life. So many times, I get caught up in "doing it all." I'd like to learn to slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy this part of my life, nurturing my body, my spirit, my soul, my family & my friends in a way that will bring out the best qualities in myself and others. I want to be a quiet, positive, encouraging influence without having to think much about it...to have it flow naturally and easily from my life. I'm thinking I'd better start with what's in my heart.

Here's to taking that first step on the One Little Word journey! I'll share a little as I go along and, if you think you'd like to join in this year, go on over and sign up for the class!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T06:30:00.001-06:00

I'm back! I'd forgotten how busy the end of the year can be! We took a week's vacation to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee last week and just got back late Monday night! We were reminded why we love those mountains so much...

Today is the beginning of a new challenge over at The Stamping Boutique! This time, the challenge revolves around the number Twelve since 2012 has arrived! You can either use the number 12 or twelve items on your card (including cardstock, layers, images, etc.)! I chose to use the number 12. After completing my card, I discovered I would have also included twelve items if I'd just added one more! If I counted the foam dots I used to pop up the main image ovals, I suppose I could say I had twelve items, but I don't really know as though those count since you can't see them! :)

Supplies:

Stamps - The Stamping Boutique (KK Winter - digital)

Paper - SU Basic Gray CS, Paper Trey white CS, green glitter CS

Accessories - SU white grosgrain ribbon, white number stickers, Nestabilities (oval, scalloped oval), Stickles (on falling snow), Sizzix embossing folder, gemstones (on coat buttons), foam dots (popped up main image panel)

Coloring - Copic markers

The Making of a Snowflake

2011-12-26T06:30:00.004-06:00

I thought I'd share a little tutorial I made recently using two of Prickley Pear's wonderful dies. I am finally ready to think about winter now! Here's a very simple way to make a 3-D snowflake:

1. Round up your basic supplies:

Prickley Pear's Scalloped Circle and Victorian Ornament 2 dies

two shades of glitter paper (I used silver and white)

adhesive tape

foam squares or dots

1.75-in. circle punch

embellishments (if desired)

2. Start by cutting out six (6) Victorian Ornaments & one (1) Scalloped Circle. Create one (1) 1.75-inch circle using the punch.

3. Punch out one (1) 1.75-inch circle from a piece of cardstock to use as a base. Apply a line of adhesive across the center of the circle.

4. Begin assembling your snowflake by attaching two of the Ornaments to the base on top of the adhesive.

5. Add more adhesive and adhere two more Ornaments, overlapping the first two and spacing evenly on the circle. Repeat with the remaining two Ornaments.

6. Apply a line of adhesive to the back of the Scalloped Circle shape (I used a stronger adhesive, Sticky Strip, for this) and adhere to the center of the snowflake.

7. Apply foam squares or dots to the back of the 1.75-inch circle shape and attach to the center of the Scalloped Circle.

You have a snowflake!

Embellish it as you'd like or leave it as it is and use it to make a card or on a scrapbook page! You could also hang it up using silver or gold colored cord/thread. If doing this, you would want to cut out double the number of die shapes and circles, adhering the Ornament shapes back to back before assembling the snowflake. This will ensure that the back of the snowflake is a mirror image of the front!

Here is a card I made using the snowflake:

Happiness is...

2011-12-25T06:30:00.007-06:00

...the aroma of a home cooked meal.

...a warm fire on a cold day.

...anticipation.

...receiving a genuine smile received at just the right moment.

Inspiration Challenge

2011-12-20T06:30:00.007-06:00

It's time for a new challenge over at The Stamping Boutique! This time, it's an inspiration challenge using the image above! Can you believe that's a cake?!

I was inspired by the shape and colors on the cake, so chose the Birthday Hot Air Balloon digital stamp for my clean and simple card. I have to tell you, this particular image was so fun to color! I placed a star shaped gemstone on the center flag and added some sparkle with a Copic Spica pen on the circles just above the banners/ribbons. Though the photo doesn't show it very well, I fussy cut the balloon and popped it up with foam dots to give it a little dimension!

Supplies:
Stamps - The Stamping Boutique (Birthday Hot Air Balloon), SU sentiment
Paper - Paper Trey white CS
Ink - SU Regal Rose (sentiment)
Accessories - star gemstone, foam dots (popped up main image)
Coloring - Copic markers

Happiness is...

2011-12-19T22:32:00.000-06:00

Oops! I discovered this post in my drafts folder! So...here it is a day late! :)

...a fresh coat of paint.

...a good friend.

...a thankful heart.

...patience.

...a quiet end to a busy day.

Who Needs Martha Stewart?!

2011-12-16T09:41:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday!

The sun is shining and it's a beautiful day here! After yesterday's gloominess, it's a very welcome sight!

Yesterday, I met up with a good friend for lunch and it was so nice to sit and chat (between keeping two of my little monkeys in check) over a hot meal. I don't know about you, but I don't do that often enough! There's something refreshing about sitting with a friend and just talking about whatever is on your mind. It's like taking a deep, calming breath in the middle of life's craziness.

Speaking of friends, do you have any that have a knack with crafty things? I made this card using one of the newer cooking themed sets from Taylored Expressions. It's a fun one! I paper pieced the apron with papers from one of my favorite companies, My Mind's Eye.

Supplies:

Stamps - Taylored Expressions (What's Cookin')

Paper - SU Crumb Cake, Pool Party CS, My Mind's Eye DP (Blink of an Eye)

Ink - SU Basic Black

Accessories - pearls, SU scalloped border punch, SU white grosgrain ribbon, Taylored Expressions die (Apron & Pocket)

Card Size - 5 x 5 in.

Lovebirds

2011-12-15T06:00:00.002-06:00

It's time for a new sketch challenge over at Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps! This is the sketch:

You don't have to use Prickley Pear stamps to join in the fun! You can use any of the stamps you have in your stash and you'll be in the running for a gift certificate to the store! The deadline is December 31.

I used some rather non-traditional colors on my card for the challenge. I really like orange and gray together, so put them to use on this sweet little card. I've been wanting to use these cute lovebirds for a while now and finally found a home for them on these pine needles from the Holly and Berries Clear Stamps Set! I added clear Stickles to the pine for some winter sparkle and fussy cut around them. These little birds will be used for cards after the holidays have passed! They're just so sweet!

Supplies:

Stamps - Prickley Pear (Small Winter Lovebirds, Great Little One, Holly and Berries Clear Stamps)

Paper - SU Basic Gray, Very Vanilla & Tangerine Tango CS, My Mind's Eye DP

Ink - SU Basic Gray

Accessories - gemstones, Stickles, linen thread, foam adhesive (popped up birds and pines)

Coloring - colored pencils, blender pen

More Cookies & Milk

2011-12-14T06:00:00.012-06:00

It's time for a 2 Cute Ink creation today! 2 Cute Ink, formerly 2 Cute Rubberstamps, has been undergoing some exciting changes and more excitement is in store for the new year! I'm sharing one of the new winter images called Cookies and Milk Cat. It's one of the images from the Cookies and Milk Cat and Dog Digital Stamps set (see below).

I made a scalloped circle card this week because it reminded me of a cookie! I was thinking of Oreos, of course, as I created this! It may just be time to go get a package of those Mint Oreos. Or maybe not!

Supplies:

Stamps - 2 Cute Ink (Cookies and Milk Cat, digital), Sweet 'n Sassy (sentiment)

Paper - SU Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake cardstocks, My Mind's Eye DP (Signature Christmas)

Ink - SU Chocolate Chip

Accessories - SU Crystal Effects (on milk glass), baker's twine, foam adhesive (popped up two of the circle panels and the image), Nestabilities (circle, scalloped circle)

Coloring - Copic markers

Prickley Pear Monday

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

It's time for another Prickley Pear creation! I am loving their stamps and every time I browse their store, I find more stamps that I add to my wish list! Thank goodness for wish lists! :)

Today, I'm sharing another simple holiday card using a pretty wreath stamp from the Birdcage Winter 2 clear stamp set. I chose my decorative paper first and then colored the wreath stamp with markers before stamping the image. I then cut it out with my favorite little fine pointed scissors. I used a circle punch to punch out the middle, making it easier to cut out the inside of the wreath (...rather than injure myself with my scissors while attempting to pierce through the middle to get started...lol!).

I used clear and red Stickles to add some sparkle and then popped the wreath up on foam adhesive pieces to give it dimension.

Supplies:

Stamps - Prickley Pear (Birdcage Winter 2 clear stamp set)

Paper - SU Certainly Celery & Garden Green CS, My Mind's Eye DP (Holly Jolly)

Ink - SU Garden Green (sentiment)

Accessories - SU Real Red grosgrain ribbon, Stickles, foam adhesive (popped up main image)

Have a Happy Monday!

Happiness is...

2011-12-11T06:00:00.002-06:00

...brownies, warm from the oven.

...an uplifting tune.

...when the end is in sight during a trying experience.

...a hug.

...a shiny kitchen sink.

Blog Hop!

2011-12-09T00:09:00.004-06:00

It's time for The Stamping Boutique's Thrifty Christmas - Making Handmade Gifts Blog Hop! I hope you'll join in the fun! It will run all weekend, ending on Sunday, December 11th (11:59 pm CST) to allow you plenty of time to hop.

**If you have come here from Sandy's blog, then you are on the right track. If not, please head over to Christy's blog to start at the beginning (You can also see the complete blog hop order at end of this post).

You will want to be sure to visit each design team member's blog and leave a comment as each one will be giving away one TSB image!

If that isn't enough to entice you to hop with us, maybe this will: 1 random person (who comments on all the DT blogs and leaves a final comment on the Stamping Boutique blog) will be selected to win a $25.00 gift certificate for the store! How fabulous is that?!

Since I can't resist giving the gift of coffee and chocolate, I decided to make a cute little gift package using a brown paper sack folded in half to create two pockets: one for a home made chocolate brownie and one for a Starbuck's gift card! The perfect combination! I'm thinking this would be a great little gift for co-workers, friends or neighbors!

(Image used: Cupcake - bakery)

Now head on over to Sue's blog for more Thrifty Christmas inspiration!

*******

Here is the blog hop order in case you get lost along the way:

Christy D- http://www.christyszaneycreations.blogspot.com/

Jen S- http://justcoffeepleasestampsribbonspaper.blogspot.com/

Rhonda- http://bluepoohbear753.blogspot.com/

Stacie- http://hestiashelper.blogspot.com/

Ali (Dragonlady)- http://craftydragons.blogspot.com/

Sandy- http://scribblesbysandy.blogspot.com/

Melissa- http://www.smudgetime.com/ **You are here**

Sue- http://confessionsofapaperhoarder.blogspot.com/

Audrey- http://hippieaud.blogspot.com/

Julia- http://paperandscrapscreations.blogspot.com/

Jessica- http://canyoupixelthis.com/

Lawren- http://ahobby-holic.blogspot.com/

Miranda- http://mirandascardcreations.blogspot.com/

TSB Challenge Blog- http://thestampingboutiquechallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Simple Joy

2011-12-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

It's 2 Cute Rubber Stamps day! I made a clean and simple card this week since I know the holidays are fast approaching and simple is good when time is running low!

Supplies:

Stamps - 2 Cute Rubber Stamps (Girly Tree - digital), Unity (sentiment)

Paper - SU Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade CS, Copic Blending Card, My Mind's Eye DP (Be Merry)

Ink - SU Lucky Limeade (sentiment)

Accessories - gemstone, SU Real Red polka dot ribbon, Nestabilities (circle, scalloped circle)

Coloring - Copic markers (including red Spica pen on garlands)

Be Jolly

2011-12-06T07:27:00.002-06:00

It's time for a new challenge over at The Stamping Boutique! The theme this time is Non-traditional Christmas Colors! Head on over and play along for some free images of your choice! Also, don't forget to come back and follow along with The Stamping Boutique's Thrifty Christmas (Handmade Gifts) Blog Hop this weekend, starting Friday (Dec. 9-11)!

For this challenge, I created a cookie sheet shaped card using a normal 4.25-in. x 5.5-in. card. I cut handles on the ends and then rounded the corners.

Supplies:

Stamps - The Stamping Boutique (Gingerbread Man with Buttons - digital), Unity (sentiment)

Paper - Bazzill textured white CS, SU Daffodil Delight, Basic Gray CS

Ink - SU Basic Black, Daffodil Delight (sponging)

Accessories - silver pearls, SU Basic Gray taffeta ribbon, SU gemstone brads, Stickles (Diamond), foam dots (popped up main image), hole punch (handles of cookie sheet), SU corner rounder punch

Coloring - Copic markers

Dr. Seuss Christmas

2011-12-05T06:00:00.002-06:00

I hope you had a good weekend! I finally got to do laundry after going almost a whole week without a washing machine! We're in the middle of an addition to the laundry room and have had to unhook the washer and dryer for a few days. DH finally took pity on me Saturday afternoon and hooked them back up so I could get five people's worth of laundry processed for the week ahead! Whew! There's nothing like clean laundry all washed and put away!

Between loads of laundry, I was able to stamp a card and today is Prickley Pear Monday! I just love this sentiment, a quote from Dr. Seuss! He is one of my favorite children's authors and, as silly as his books are, he has a way of getting a point across! I felt like using both traditional and not-so-traditional holiday colors for this card, but used bright hues just for fun! The cat makes me smile in his hat and when I cut him out, his tail naturally spiraled outward in a cute curl, making him that much cuter!

Supplies:

Stamps - Prickley Pear (Holly & Berries Clear Set - cat, It Came Without Ribbons - sentiment)

Paper - My Mind's Eye DP, Bazzill textured white CS

Ink - SU Basic Gray, Lucky Limeade (sponging)

Accessories - Nestabilities (circle), red gemstones, SU Real Red taffeta ribbon, Stickles (Diamond, on hat), foam dots (popped up cat image)

Happiness is...

2011-12-04T06:00:00.003-06:00

...a warm cup of coffee against cold fingers.

...Lego creations.

...clean laundry.

...progress.

...a good book.

Rainbow of Sweetness

2011-12-01T06:00:00.002-06:00

I needed some bright, cheerful colors to work with this week due to a lack of sleep on my part. It seems like we have so much going on here at home lately and, for parents of little ones, the best/easiest time to get a good number of things done on projects is after all the kids are in bed! Needless to say, I've had a few too many late nights and need to get some extra sleep somehow as we head into the weekend!

I used a fun lollipop digital stamp from The Stamping Boutique to create one of those rainbow lollipops that all kids drool over in the candy store!

Supplies:

Stamps - The Stamping Boutique (Candy Land Winter Lollipop - digital), Pink By Design (sentiment, Say it Sweet)

Paper - SU Real Red, Daffodil Delight CS, misc. DP, Copic Blending Card

Ink - SU Basic Black

Accessories - SU button, baker's twine, SU Crystal Effects (for shine on lollipop), foam dots (popped up lollipop)

Coloring - Copic markers

Milk & Cookies

2011-11-30T06:00:00.010-06:00

Today is 2 Cute Rubber Stamps day and I'm sharing another of the adorable new winter images that are now available! This little dog looks so happy eating his cookies and milk! Looks like he may have picked Oreos too (one of my favorites)! Which reminds me, I had some Mint Oreos a couple weeks ago and was reminded again just how good they are! Sigh.

Supplies:

Stamps - 2 Cute Rubber Stamps (Cookies & Milk Dog - digital), Taylored Expressions (Betty, sentiment)

Paper - My Mind's Eye DP (Blink of an Eye), Bazzill white textured CS, Copic Blending Card

Ink - SU Chocolate Chip (sentiment), So Saffron (sponging)

Accessories - gemstones, SU So Saffron grograin ribbon, Nestabilities (circle), foam dots (popped up main panel), SU Crystal Effects (on glass of milk)

Coloring - Copic markers

I am submitting this for this week's Splitcoast Stampers' Clean & Simple (sketch) Challenge.

Tis the Season

2011-11-28T06:00:00.008-06:00

Time marches on! Thanksgiving has come and gone and now we're off and running toward the end of the year! We'll probably be sledding toward it here shortly and that is something I am not looking forward to! I think the older I get, the less I like snow. Maybe I just need to go out and play in it more often! :) Driving in it is just something I'd rather not do, but this school year that's not going to be an option as I am the bus this year for our kids!

Today, I'm sharing my first winter card using some of the newest stamps from Prickley Pear! I just love this image! I added some glitter to the pine cones for some winter sparkle and then popped the whole main image panel up to give this clean and simple card a little dimension.

Supplies:

Stamps - Prickley Pear (Pinecones ATC & Tis the Season)

Paper - SU Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla cardstocks

Ink - SU Chocolate Chip

Accessories - SU Chocolate Chip & Always Artichoke markers, SU Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, brown pearls, SU Dazzling Diamonds glitter, foam dots (popped up main image panel)

Happiness is...

2011-11-27T06:00:00.002-06:00

...sunshine on a cold, windy day.

...a good run.

...the warming effect of a cup of tea.

...peace within.

...a loving family.

...seeing kindness & compassion in your children.

...Thanksgiving with family.

Very Merry

2011-11-23T08:43:00.001-06:00

It's 2 Cute Rubber Stamps day and today I'm sharing a card that I made using one of the 6 new stamps that are now available! They're the cutest winter/Christmas images! Go take a look!

Have a very happy Thanksgiving! I'll be back after the holiday with my first winter card of the season!

Supplies:

Stamps - 2 Cute Rubber Stamps (Holiday Tree - digital), SU sentiment (Short & Sweet)

Paper - Recollections textured CS (Jolly & Bright), SU Real Red & Whisper White cardstocks, Copic Blending Card

Ink - SU Basic Black

Accessories - Stickles, Cuttlebug embossing folder, foam dots (popped up 3 panels)

Coloring - Copic markers

Thanksgiving Thanks

2011-11-22T06:00:00.004-06:00

I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that Thanksgiving is just two days away! We're celebrating the holiday with DH's family this year for the first time in quite a few years. We usually spend time with them around Christmas time, but this year we decided to change things up a bit!

Today is the beginning of a new challenge over at The Stamping Boutique! The theme? Thanksgiving! Come join the fun and the chance to win some free images!

Supplies:

Stamps - The Stamping Boutique (AJ the Pilgrim, Verve Stamps - sentiment)

Paper - Bazzill white textured CS, SU Pumpkin Pie textured CS, Copic blending card

Ink - SU Basic Black

Accessories - Nestabilities (pumpkin & oval), black gemstones, foam dots (popped up main image)

Coloring - Copic markers

A Simple Thanksgiving Card

2011-11-21T06:00:00.002-06:00

It's Prickley Pear Monday and since Thanksgiving is this week, I decided to make a Thanksgiving card! The weekend ended up being a rather eventful one for us, so I made a clean & simple design. That will be good for making those last minute Thanksgiving cards!

Supplies:

Stamps - Prickley Pear (Oak & Maple Leaf Clear Stamps Set)

Paper - SU Pumpkin Pie, Bazzill white textured CS

Ink - SU Pumpkin Pie

Accessories - orange gemstones, Prickley Pear Oak & Maple Leaf Die, foam dots (popped up main image and square panel behind it)

(Finished card = 5 in. x 5 in.)

My Memories Software Giveaway!

2011-11-18T06:00:00.020-06:00

I'm excited! I'm playing with digital scrapbooking for the very first time! It's always been something I've wanted to try, but had never gotten around to it! Until now!

Drumroll, please............My very first digital page!

I've been asked to try out a wonderful scrapbooking software called My Memories Suite! In doing so, the company is also offering to give you, my readers, some coupons to give it a try yourselves (see the code below)! In addition, I'm giving away a free copy of My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software (a $40 value) to one lucky reader here on my blog! :) If you're anything like me, you have quite a few photos setting around either on your computer or in photo albums. This software makes it easy to create scrapbook pages and albums! It will even take a group of photos and put them in an album for you! How easy is that?! Here's what you need to do to qualify for the giveaway:

1. Become a follower of my blog if you aren't already.

2. Go visit My Memories and check out all they have to offer!

3. Come back here and leave me a comment under this post telling me what digital kit you liked the best or would use for some of your photos if you won the software!

4. Check back here Monday, November 28th to see if you've won!

Here are some more links to take a look at:

My Memories Blog: http://blog.mymemories.com/

My Memories on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mymemoriessuite

My Memories on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MyMemoriesSuite

Code: STMMMS49511

***My Memories is also providing my readers with a coupon worth $10 off the software and $10 to use in the store (a $20 value)! Just use the code above!

Turtle Sundae

2011-11-16T05:30:00.009-06:00

It's 2 Cute Rubber Stamps time today and I'm sharing a clean and simple card I made using the adorable Turtle Sundae! I know it's not ice cream weather anymore, but some days nothing but ice cream will do!

Supplies:

Stamps - 2 Cute Rubber Stamps (Turtle Sundae - digital), Pink by Design (Say It Sweet - sentiment)

Paper - Bazzill textured CS, SU Pretty in Pink CS, DCWV DP (Glitter Sweet Stack)

Ink - SU Basic Black (on sentiment)

Accessories - red gemstones, Stickles, foam dots (popped up main image)

Coloring - Copic markers

Thank You Would Suffice

2011-11-15T05:00:00.005-06:00

There's a new sketch challenge starting today over at Prickley Pear (see sketch image at bottom of this post)! Bop on over and check it out! You no longer have to use Prickley Pear stamps to join in the fun! You can use whatever stamps you have on hand as long as you follow the sketch provided! A $15 gift certificate to the online store will be awarded to the winner, so you can choose your own goodies! The deadline is Wednesday, November 30.

Supplies:

Stamp - Prickley Pear (Thank You Would Suffice)

Paper - Basic Grey DP (Mellow), Recollections textured CS (Jolly & Bright), SU Lucky Limeade, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla CS

Ink - SU Chocolate Chip

Accessories - misc. buttons & ribbon, Nestabilities (circle, scalloped circle), foam squares (popped up entire decorated panel), baker's twine

Blog Hop Winner!

2011-11-14T11:27:00.001-06:00

And the winner from my blog from The Stamping Boutique's weekend Blog Hop is...

Briannasmom

Congratulations, Mandi! Please contact Christy at micahzane@yahoo.com with your image choice!

Not a Creature Was Stirring

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

It's Prickley Pear Monday again! Today, I'm sharing a gift card holder I made. This little house could be decorated for any theme you wanted: new home, welcome to the neighborhood, new baby, birthday, etc! I found the original idea here and then modified it a bit.

Supplies:

Stamps - Prickley Pear (Buster, Birdcage Winter 2 - windowsill, Victorian Ornament Clear Set - sentiment)

Paper - SU Ski Slope DP, SU Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip CS, white glitter CS

Ink - SU Whisper White, Chocolate Chip

Accessories - vintage brad, gemstones, glitter snowflake brad, Nestabities (square, scalloped square), SU Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, foam dot (popped up the mouse & windowsill), SU circle punch

Happiness is...

2011-11-13T06:00:00.014-06:00

...the beauty of a rose when all other flowers have wilted.

...Chewy SweetTarts.

...clean laundry.

...content children.

...peace within.

Blog Hop!

2011-11-11T00:01:00.115-06:00

It's time for The Stamping Boutique's Blog Hop! I hope you'll join in the fun! It will run all weekend, ending on Sunday, November 13th (11:59 pm CST) to allow you plenty of time to hop.

**If you have come here from Stacie's blog, then you are on the right track. If not, please head over to Christy's blog to start at the beginning (You can also see the complete blog hop order at end of this post).

With any hop, there has to be something to win, right? You will want to be sure to visit each design team member's blog and leave a comment as each one will be giving away one TSB image!

If that isn't enough to entice you to hop with us, maybe this will: 1 random person (who comments on all the DT blogs and leaves a final comment on the Stamping Boutique blog) will be selected to win the entire set of the newest line of images called the Smoochies! How is that for a great prize?! There are currently 11 images in the Smoochies line! (You can see them HERE.)

I chose to use this adorable image called Nesting Doll 2 for my card. I used pinks, purple, green and yellow on her, but I can envision her in Christmas colors too! Isn't she sweet?! The Sweet Threads paper from Basic Grey was just perfect for creating a background for her!

Supplies:
Stamps - The Stamping Boutique (Nesting Doll 2 - digital), Hero Arts (sentiment)
Paper - Basic Grey DP (Sweet Threads), SU Melon Mambo, Regal Rose CS, Copic Blending Card (main image)
Ink - SU Melon Mambo (sentiment)
Accessories - pink gemstones, yellow mulberry paper mini roses, foam circles (popped up sentiment & main image)
Coloring - Copic markers

Now head on over to April's blog!

*******************************************************

Below is the hop order in case you get lost along the way:

Christy D <----Start Here

Jessica

Sandy

Ali (Dragonlady)

Lawren

Rhonda

Miranda

Stacie

Melissa - You're here!

April

Julia

Ali (Aqualeiga)

Rene'

Jerusha

Arielle

Sue

TSB Challenge Blog <---- Final Stop

Cat Knit

2011-11-09T06:30:00.000-06:00

It looks like the weather is going to cool off enough to shake some of that cold fluffy stuff on us in the next day or two, so I'm starting to think about warm, cozy things!

It's 2 Cute Rubber Stamps day and this image makes me smile, thinking about knitted things! I want to learn to knit again this winter. The last time I did was as a child. I'm curious to see if any of it will come back to me once I sit down and try it again! I've got a couple instructional books from the library to follow, so hoping that will be enough to get me started on some simple things at least.

Supplies:
Stamps - 2 Cute Rubber Stamps (Cat-Knit, digital), Inkadinkado (sentiment)
Paper - Gina K white CS, SU Pacific Point CS
Ink - SU Basic Gray (sentiment)
Accessories - Stickles, gemstones, SU 1-in. circle punch, Nestabilities (Labels 10), SU Basic Gray ribbon, Cuttlebug embossing folder, paper piercer
Coloring - Copic markers

Home of the Brave

2011-11-08T06:30:00.000-06:00

Today is the beginning of a new challenge over at The Stamping Boutique! The challenge theme is "Home of the Brave." Friday is Veterans' Day here in the U.S.A., so I was ready to dig out some patriotic stamps! If you'd like to play along, you have two weeks to do so! Also, remember to mark your calendar for this weekend (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) for The Stamping Boutique's November Blog Hop!

I chose to use the Star digital stamp for my creation and, being a patriotic card, I just had to add glitter somewhere! I used SU's Glitter Paper for a frame. Love that stuff!

Supplies:
Stamps - The Stamping Boutique (Star - digital stamp), SU sentiment
Paper - Gina K white CS, SU Red Glimmer Paper
Ink - SU Basic Black
Accessories - Sizzix embossing folder (Tim Holtz), baker's twine, star brads, SU word window punch, foam dots (popped up star)
Coloring - Copic markers

Catching Up

2011-11-07T18:55:00.000-06:00

This is my second post for today, but I really wanted to play along with the Hambo Hoedown and the challenge closes in just a few more hours! I can't say I'm extremely happy with the way this card turned out. I'm going to be brave, though, and post it anyway. I think I'll try this technique on a future card, but using a silhouette image instead.

This week at the Hoedown, we were to use a technique from Splitcoast Stampers Resource page. I chose the Bouncing Brayer technique to create the background on my card. I had a fall colored spectrum pad that had never been touched, so dug it out and put it to work! Hooray for using something in my stash!

Supplies:
Stamps - Hambo (Snail Rake - digi)
Paper - Gina K white CS, SU Old Olive CS
Ink - SU Kaleidacolor Spectrum pad (Pumpkin Patch), SU Old Olive (sponging)
Accessories - Cuttlebug embossing folder, orange gemstones, Nestabilities (circle), brayer, baker's twine, foam dots (popped up main image)

Victorian Ornament

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday!

After another busy weekend, I'm ready to jump into the comfort of the weekday routines! It feels like there are so many projects going on around here that I'm thankful when I can find a little creative time to unwind!

Today, I thought I'd share a card I made for Prickley Pear. It's time to start thinking about holiday cards now that Halloween has come and gone! I used one of the clear stamps sets and the coordinating die as well as a die to create the leaves (see specifics in Supply list below). I really like color combinations that include grey! There's something so soft and comforting about the color! I combined it with SU's Wild Wasabi for a Christmas card.

Supplies:
Stamps - Prickley Pear (Victorian Ornament clear set)
Paper - SU Basic Gray, Brushed Silver & Wild Wasabi CS, white glitter CS
Ink - SU Basic Black, Wild Wasabi
Accessories - Prickley Pear Victorian Ornament Die, Holly & Berries Die, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, EK Success border punch, gold elastic cord, red gemstone, foam dots (popped up leaves and ornament), SU Basic Gray ribbon

Happiness is...

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

...autumn goodness.

...gratitude.

...an extra hour of sleep.

...peanuts and candy corn mixed together.

...a big hug.

Hello?

2011-11-04T10:00:00.002-05:00

I don't really like talking on the phone. I'd rather talk face-to-face with someone than try to communicate over the telephone. I'm a people watcher, body language reader, sensitive kind of gal and if I can't see someone, I feel very uncomfortable talking to them. I want them to see my face too so they don't take things I say in the wrong way. With emailing, I feel a little more comfortable simply because I have time to really think about how what I'm going to say will sound to the other person before I hit that send button. I'm more comfortable with expressing myself in writing to an unseen person, I guess, than talking out loud to them! Am I goofy, or what?!

Today I'm sharing a card I've made for the new challenge over at Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge. The theme is Anything Goes, so I used this cute telephone image from The Stamping Boutique! I used the current sketch from Tuesday Morning Sketches to help me get started!

Supplies:
Stamps - The Stamping Boutique (Telephone 3 digital stamp), SU sentiment
Paper - My Mind's Eye DP (Blink of an Eye), SU Basic Gray & Pumpkin Pie CS, Gina K white CS
Ink - SU Basic Gray (sponging, sentiment)
Accessories - SU brads, SU circle punch
Coloring - Copic markers

**Mark your calendar!**

Friday, Nov. 11 - Sunday, Nov. 13

Simply Thinking of You

2011-11-03T13:20:00.000-05:00

This week's Clean & Simple Challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers is to use Chocolate (colored paper, of course), Ivory and Red. I also found a fabulous sketch to follow over at Freshly Made Sketches (see sketch below card image), so I was all set to create a card! Getting my mojo back is beginning to look hopeful, so starting out with this clean and simple card is a good thing! Little by little...

Supplies:
Stamps - SU Circle Circus, Trendy Trees (sentiment)
Paper - SU Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Very Vanilla cardstocks
Ink - SU Chocolate Chip, Real Red
Accessories - SU scalloped circle & 1-inch circle punches, smaller circle punch, SU red gemstone brad

Turtle Post It

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

It's 2 Cute Rubber Stamps day here today and I'm sharing another little Post It Note holder using the Kindergarten Turtle. I wanted to make another for DS1's teacher since DS2 had given one to his teacher near the beginning of the school year. I just love simple little gifts that will get used in the day-to-day activity of the classroom!

I know I've been a bit quieter here on my blog the past few days, but to be honest, my mojo is not flowing and I've got this idea that if I clean up my craft space (again) it will return! Amazing how that works! There are a few too many piles on the floor and my work space right now preventing me from really relaxing enough to create. That said, I'll be back creating a bit more enthusiastically within another day or so and, yes, as embarrassing as it is, I have taken a "before" photo to show you just how bad it was becoming!

This Just In

2011-10-31T17:00:00.000-05:00

It's a Newsprint Challenge over at the Hambo Hoedown this time around! We were given Newscaster for our free image and were to use newsprint on our creation. I chose to use some newspaper for a frame on the television I created and also cut out the word "ON" for an ON button! The red gemstone is all lit up so I know there's power! I colored the newscaster with Copic markers, giving him some grey hair so he can seem like a credible source (you know...with age comes wisdom...)!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T08:04:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween, everyone! Our boys went trick-or-treating last night in our old neighborhood, so they have enough candy for a year, but it never lasts that long! Tonight is trick-or-treating here in town, so we'll be bringing out our stash of goodies to give to the little cuties that are brave enough to come ring our doorbell!I made some last little Halloween treat projects for teachers and classmates over the weekend. This one is a Triangle Treat Box using Prickley Pear stamps and the tutorial can be found here. I'll add another little treat gift later this morning as I need to run DS1 to school shortly! Be sure and check out the Design Team creations on the Prickley Pear blog today! Lots of inspiration to be found! Also, today is the last day to submit your Prickley Pear creations for the current sketch challenge!

Supplies:
Stamps - Prickley Pear (Pumpkin Clear Stamps Set 2, Circles Clear Stamps Set Fall)
Paper - SU Basic Black & Pumpkin Pie CS
Ink - SU Basic Black
Accessories - Prickley Pear Pumpkin Die, Nestabilities (Square, Scalloped Square), SU Pumpkin Pie button, black twine, foam dots (popped up pumpkin)

Happiness is...

2011-10-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

...obeying.

...serving.

...loving.

Introducing...

2011-10-28T23:35:00.000-05:00

The newest member of my craft tool family. It's been patiently waiting to be taken out of its box now for a good month and today I was brave enough to do just that! Being a no school day, I had the willing help of two little boys! It's a Cricut Create that I found in the clearance section of Wal Mart a while back! What a steal! I was excited when I found it, but I'm even more excited now that I've tried it out! What can I say? WOW! It's the smaller version of the full-sized machines, but I think it's just perfect for my needs! It's very portable and I like that since I tend to drag my craft things out to the kitchen when I'm in the middle of a project. I can see myself using this little gem for so many things! The boys have informed me they think it will come in handy for their own creative projects too! Guess I'd better store it in a safe place...