Christmas in July WINNER

And the winner is....(thanks to random.org)....VERONICA from Mommy's Crafty Creations!!!!  This is what she had to say:

Mommy's Crafty Creations said...

Hi Dorcas, Wow all your projects look great. I love htem all TFS Im a new follower.

Veronica
mommyscraftycreations.blogspot.com
mommyscraftycreations at gmail dot com

I'm gone today for a much needed week of rest and relaxation.  I will email you next week to get your address and to mail out your Christmas Village Cricut Cartridge.  

Cards for Princess Leah and Madison

My friend, Debbie has a special niece.  Her name is Leah, named after her aunt Debbie (Leah) and after Princess Leia from Star Wars.  Leah is very sick.  She's only 5 months old and has spent most of her life at UCLA Medical Center.  A few weeks ago, our friends asked for us to make cards for their families.  OF course...count me in.  This is what I came up with.

I used Sweet Treats for the watermelon and MPS for the sentiment.  The gingham paper is Stampin Up and the first layer is certainly celery.  The base is Kraft paper and the ink is  Melon Mambo also by SU.  I also used Melon Mambo cardstock on the watermelon.

If you'd like to read Leah's story, you can visit her blog at The Princess Leah Diaries.  It's truly heartwrenching.

I'm a Guest Designer - PINK BLING CRAFTER

Hi my friends,

I am very excited to be the very first Guest Designer for my friend Norma.  She's my Stampin' Up Demonstrator and an amazing person.  Let me tell you...we've become friends through the love of this amazing craft.  You can check it out on her page by visiting Pink Bling Crafter.  She is going to be inviting guest designers once or twice a month to showcase the Stampin Up products that she loves!

For this invitation, I created an elephant themed Happy Birthday card.

The Elephant was stamped with StazOn Jet black and 

I then colored the adorable elephant with water color pencils. 

I used Stampin' Dimensionals 

to pop up the adorable elephant. 

I used Crystal Effects on the  Elephant for some added dimension. 

The base is Soft Suede and Wisteria Wonder embossed with 

the Stripes Emboss Folder.  I also used the Happy Birthday from the Curly Cute Stamp Set on top of Whisper White and Crumb Cake card stock.

• Whisper White Card Stock #100730
• Crumb Cake Card Stock #120953
• Soft Suede Card Stock #115318
• Wisteria Wonder Card Stock #122922
• Elebration Stamp Set #121175
• Curly Cute Stamp Set #120510
• Stripes Emboss Folder #123128
• Water Color Pencils #101879
• StazOn Jet Black In Pad #101406
• Crystal Effects #101055
• Stampin' Dimensionals #104430
• White Gel Pen #105021

  

From My Kitchen

Good morning everyone,

I wanted to share a very quick card made using the From My Kitchen cartridge.  I used Kraft cardstock for the base and Calypso Coral from SU for layer 1.  The DP is from Bazzil.  The coffee pot is cut at 3".  I also used My Pink Stamper for the sentiment and Calypso Coral ink.

I have been making two of each card lately, just to have in my stash...and because I'm working on a set to give as a birthday gift soon.  The sister card is for my sis, Dee, who loves coffee.  :)  I sent it to her with a DD gift card.

Have a blessed day!

Rainbows

There has been a lot going on in my family and surroundings lately. Soooo much uncertainty on many levels.  Thankfully, our family is intact and God continues to show us his faithfulness each and every day.  In the Bible story of Noah's Ark, God gave Noah a rainbow to tell humanity that the worst was over and the best was yet to come (at least that is my interpretation of it).  As I surfed tonight, I came across a blog by a woman named Crafty Kate.  She created this card that I had to recreate.  I didn't have a stamp to go with it, but I used WordArt and made my own.  Hope you enjoy it and hope she likes it.  You can link to the original HERE.

Recipe:
Designer paper on both is My Mind's Eye Lemon Twist paper pack
The baker's twine is We R Memory Keepers Sew Easy Fancy Floss
The base is kraft paper from Recollections
The first layer on the A2 card is Stampin Up..not sure of color.  Certainly celery most likely.
The first layer on the 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 is Marina Mist by SU
Corners on the A2 were cut using the Martha Stewart corner punch.

Havana Nights Party

Hi friends!

My friend asked for help planning her husband's surprise birthday party.  I created these cute Guayabera invitations for her.  The party decor will be these colors. We'll use burlap table runners and will decorate with cigar boxes and mini areca palms.  I can't wait!

Recipe:

• A2 size - Kraft cardstock 
• Layer 1 - Stampin Up Not Quite Navy - 4 1/8 x 5 3/8
• Guayabera was folded from a 4 x 6 ivory linen quality piece of paper.  I used the cuttlebug folders to emboss them.  It was hard work getting them to line up correctly, but they look so cute.  The cigars are Early Espresso. I just cut them free hand. 
• The sentiment was on my computer, printed on a taupe colored cardstock from my paper stash.  I used pretty brown brads to add interest.  The mat around the sentiment is Crumb Cake from SU.  I just cut it freehand. 
• I wanted to add a ribbon, but wasn't sure how to do it without putting a bow, so I took a piece of ribbon and cut it, pasting it with my ATG gun.  

I really love the way this looks in person. So pretty.  I hope she likes it as much as I do. 

Christmas in July!!!

Hi crafty friends!  I was thrilled when Giselle asked me to participate in this event.  Then, I was a ball of nerves!  After all, this is the first time I have been asked to be part of such a great group.  I wanted to make sure I rose to the challenge of making something fun for you all, hoping to inspire everyone and spread some Christmas cheer. I decided I would make several different handmade projects. 

Project One is a simple bookmarker.  I thought that using silver and blue would be a good blend.  I used the 2” scalloped circle punch by EK Success to cut out the silver paper from a Walmart paperpack.  The second circle is my 1 ½” circle punch by EK Success.  I used a Stampin Up stamp from the Two-Step Stampin’ Riveting set and used Navy Ink It Up ink.  I am a big Stickles fan, so I used stickles to add a little sparkle in dark blue.  The beads and ribbon are from the Michael’s dollar bin. 

 

Project Two is an altered wooden clothespin that I found on ebay.  I painted it red.  I actually had to take it apart to get all the little crevices.  I added black ribbon and added a belt buckle which was cut by hand.  Finally, I hot glued some white buttons as a final touch.   Doesn’t it look like Santa?

Project Three – Christmas Clutch and Coordinating Tags.

I learned how to make these several weeks ago on www.thediydish.com. Kris and Kim are amazing and I love to visit their blog.  I made three variations of the clutch and the project was so much fun!!!

First I selected 2 fabric patters and cut at 9 x 12. 

1.       I used fusible interfacing on the wrong side of one of the fabrics following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

2.       Placing both fabrics right side together, I pinned the ribbon between the two and sewed all around the rectangle, leaving a 3” opening at the base as well as a ¼” seam all around. 

3.       I turned the fabric inside out and carefully pushed out the corners.  I also ironed it to keep the lines crisp.

4.       I then sewed around the entire piece again, closing up the opening after carefully placing a ribbon to serve as my closure. Be sure to sew over the ribbon several times so that it is nice and secure.

5.       I folded it in to the 8” mark, approximately…kind of like in thirds.  This is when I determined the size of the actually pocket of the clutch. Once I decided, I sewed the two sides together, forming the pocket and leaving the top flap open. 

6.       I ironed it again and again to make sure it stayed and added a button closure and embellishments, where needed.  

FINALLY – I have a giveaway for one lucky winner.  Please leave a comment on this post and a way to reach you for a chance to win a very appropriate prize – Cricut Christmas Village Cartridge!!!  Winner will be selected using random.org on July 31^st.  

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Cassie's birthday

I know you've read that my kids are 11 1/2 months apart...so for a couple of weeks they are both the same age.  My daughter just turned 7 on Friday.  She didn't want to have a party because she wants to go on a trip (boy am I in trouble)...but Saturday we invited the family over for dinner and cake.  It was so much fun!

I bought some sugar-free cupcakes, but they were so plain I just HAD to do something to spruce them up.  Not a big deal...only took a few minutes...but they came out cute, especially for having been done on such a spur of the moment.

Christmas in July begins tomorrow!!!!

Please remember to check out the talented lineup for this week's Christmas in July event hosted by Giselle and Nadia.  Head on over to Cross My Heart Paper Crafts for more details.

Counting Blessings

I do admit I have a lot to be thankful for.  Even in the midst of uncertainty and hard times, I am thankful that God is faithful to my family and I.

As I was working on a card for the MPS Design Team, I came up with this one...which I opted not to enter.  I still think it's a pretty card, though, and I wanted to share it with you to remind you that there are people in our lives that are blessings..and we should let them know from time to time.

Sentiment:  MPS Everyday Life stamped in Island Indigo by Stampin Up

Flowers are from Beyond Birthdays...but I added flowers to it. It looked too simple with three.  I cut the stems freehand.
I used brads in varying colors for the center and stickles (my daughter HAD to have them)

Background paper is from $1 bins at Target. The quality is not that great, but the paper is pretty.  IT tears easily, too.
Orange base is PTI Oranze Zest and the second layer is Stampin Up In Color (Pool Party)

My Pink Stamper Design Team 2011 (2) Submission

Well, you all know how much I love Robyn and My Pink Stamper stamps.  Robyn is an awesome person. She is fun and she is kind...and she is truly these things both on and off the blog world.

MPS has a design team call for the second term of 2011.  You can check out the Design Team Call HERE.  For the first term, I got Honorable Mention which I was thrilled about!!!  This time I'm trying it again.  Winners will be announced on Saturday.   I really do love her stamps.  I own many of them...some I've purchased and some were gifts from Robyn after I helped her with her Spanish sets.  I created two projects, but since I can only use one, I'm going with the Foxy Rock On!  it's my daughter's favorite.

The challenge was to create a project using the colors orange, brown, green and turquoise and an optional color of your choice.  I used pink...for My PINK stamper.

*I used this angle so that you could see the shimmer on the star.  It really is pretty paper.

Recipe

• Standard A2 card base (4 1/4 x 5 1/2).  Cardstock is Stampin Up Lucky Limeaid (2011 New In Color)
• Star is a turquoise shimmery from Bazill (on sale at Big Lots for $1 for the pack!!!)
• Fox is cut at 3 3/4 from the Birthday Bash cartridge in Orange Zest from Papertrey Ink
• The details on the fox are Sahara Sand by Stampin Up
• Guitar is Chocolate Chip (my favorite color)
• Black details are generic cardstock from Recollections
• The sentiment is from My Pink Stamper's Every Day Life set stamped in Island Indigo (also new this year from SU)

I don't usually do the cards so simple, but I think this one came out super cute.  I added a little stitching with my SU marker in Chocolate Chip and Mr. Fox was good to go!  I hope Robyn and Karlee like my card!

My Craft Channel

Have you guys heard?  I'm sure you have...maybe I'm just late.  There is a new Craft Channel coming to the net!  I just heard they are giving away 20 Cricuts in 20 days!  Head on over there for details. My Craft Channel. 

Christmas in July!

I am thrilled, thrilled THRILLED to be participating in this great event!  We are going to have a wonderful time.  Christmas in July Blog Hop is the link that will list all the details, the guest designers, sponsors and all of the fun!!!  We are ready for lots of inspiration and ready to meet plenty of new crafty friends!  Hope you'll join us!

Blue Thank You!

I had a tough day today. I'm not getting much sleep lately...lots of changes and uncertainty around me.  I really like to sit at my computer in the late evenings after the munchkins are in bed and create, blog surf, or whatever to unwind.  Tonight I made a simple card.  It's all Stampin' Up designer paper and bashful blue cardstock.  The stamp is also Stampin' Up Elegant Thank You and the ink is Chocolate Chip by SU.  I used a Martha Stewart edge punch for the design on the blue and cinnamon stickles.  I'm going to give this card to someone who was helpful to me very recently.

I might add some color to the edge of the solid cardstock.  Hmmm.  maybe I'll sleep on it.  

Awesome Giveaway by Melissa

Thanks to Miranda who told us about this awesome giveaway by Melissa at Creating from the Heart.  Head on over there and check it out.  She's celebrating her 3rd blogaversary!!

Independence Day Thank You!

Two posts in one day.  Yikes!

Today, we went to my friend's house for some fun in the South Florida sun. She is always very kind and gracious with my family.  She bought the kids a ton of pool toys and water games and they went all out with burgers, hotdogs and a yummy red velvet cheesecake.

I wanted to thank her formally for a great day, so I created this card.  The stars are from Plantin Schoolbook.  The small ones are cut at 2" and the large one at 3".  I put the red layer through the cuttlebug Thank You folder.  I wanted to add ribbon, but not a bow, so I used red, white and blue 1/8" satin ribbon to form a diagonal streak...kind of like a shooting star. It actually reminded me of the Olympics!  I wish the photos were clearer. The starts are glittery.  This card turned out very cute.  I hope she likes it.  Oh!  The overall card is 5 1/4 x 5 1/4.  Each layer is cut at 1/8" intervals.   Also, I put a white piece inside for writing.  I hope you like!

Gumball Machine - Fun!!!

Recently I purchased the Stampin Up Treat cups.  I have been dying to use them since I got them.   It took me a little while thinking about it before I came up with this little gumball machine card.  I have to say, however, that I need some pointers on the sentiments.  I am not doing a very good job lately.  The white was not white enough for the cardstock and I had to go over it with a white gel pen.   This one might be just one of those for the shelf or for the kids.  The little raised drops are Reflections. I actually won them in a blog hop!

serious stamping issues.  Any suggestions?

Get Well Abuela!

My wonderful Mother-in-Law had surgery last Thursday.  I had to make her a card, of course, for the kids to sign for her.  I originally wanted to use the Stampin Up Fleurettes on the cover, but it didn't look right.  I don't have an oval punch, so I went to my gypsy and found some scalloped ovals on Create a Critter.  I played with the sizes until I found some that would work well.  The base is SU Chocolate Chip and the layer is SU Designer Series Paper from last year.  I did manage to put the fleurette inside.   The sentiment is from TPC.  I am not sure if it's the paper or operator error (I vote for operator error), but the ink tends to bleed sometimes.  I need serious pointers.  It was too plain, so I took SU Chalk and added a little brown to the edges of the scallops.

I don't understand why these photos come out this way..sideways.  So sorry.

Happy 6th birthday to my baby boy, Bryan Andrew!!!!

I don't have a project to share, but do want to wish my baby a wonderful 6th birthday.  Amazing that six years ago, I gave birth to a 10 lb 3 oz baby boy that looked like a little pink piglet.  He was such a cutie pie and still is to this day!!!  Hard to believe that for the next two weeks I have TWO six year olds at home.  Cassie will be turning 7 on July 15th.  Irish Twins!!!