Monday, May 31, 2010

Happy Memorial Day - and a few projects to share!

Happy Memorial Day everyone! I hope you are enjoying some quality time with those you love the most!

So far we have had a super fun day. We headed out really early this morning so that my hubby could run in the Bolder Boulder which is a 10K race. He reached his goal coming in well under an hour - so proud of you honey!

This race was CRAZY - and so crowded so I only was able to capture this one photo of him after the race:




Afterwards we headed over to a BBQ with some family and now we are finally home. I wanted to share a quick post of a few projects using Momenta products.

Here's a digital layout: (this digital kit will be available in the store soon):

Cards are super simple to put together using Momenta pre-folded cards, cardstock and embellishments:



My son and daughter will be having a swimming birthday party in just a few weeks - I used some product to alter some soda bottles and make some invites:







I was also lucky enough to get to play with their new Valentine Line that is coming out - here's a sneak peek of this upcoming line:




Well we are going to wrap up the night watching a movie together - enjoy the week everyone!


Saturday, May 22, 2010

*Update* I have received several emails about where I purchased this little house and it looks like there are a few postings wondering about it too - so I thought I should answer right here on this post.

I purchased this little house in the unfinished wood section at my local Michaels craft store - I painted it black - I hope that clears it up :)

Miss me? Wow life has been nothing but a whirlwind lately! My kids are finally out of school and I am looking forward to some long relaxing summer days!

It was my turn to share over at the GCD Studios blog today - so if you missed my project over there here it is :


Inspiration comes in so many different forms! One of my favorite things about crafting and the sharing communities about crafting is the fact that each artist has their own twist, spin, or flair even when they are given the same inspiration piece.

This month we were asked to draw inspiration from these little nested dolls:

There is so much to be inspired by here: patterns, textures, colors, materials, etc. The first thing that came to my mind was just how much fun these little dolls are to play with and how many different sizes are inside the main doll.

I decided to create a project that:
1. Used a lot of fun color and texture.
2. Had a lot of pieces or in this case compartments.

Here’s what I came up with:






What do you see when you look at these little dolls? Why not sit down and create something amazing today.
Have an amazing weekend everyone!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

My turn over at the GCD Studios & another quick gift idea

Today was my turn to post over at the GCD Blog - if you missed it here's my project!

As another school year draws closer to the end I am reminded about all of the last minute things I need to get done! There are book reports, field trips, performances, kindergarten graduation, I could go on and on but I will spare you. The end of the school year is a crazy time at my house and I am sure for you it is too.

As the end of the school year gets closer I start to think about clever little gift ideas, something that will let my kids teachers know just how much we appreciate them without breaking the bank.

This year I also have been trying to re-purpose various items and do my part to be a little bit more green, because heavens knows around my house it seems we waste way to much. Today I have a little treat container that I am going to share with you made out of an “up” cycled food can. With just a little bit of supplies, you too could create one!

Supplies Needed:
1. Crop-a-dile
2. Pliers
3. Paper Trimmer
4. Gauge Wire
5. GCD Pattern Papers, embellishments, etc.
6. Food Can (wash and sanitized)
7. Ribbon, filler
8. Adhesive
9. Pen, etc.

Step 1:

You need a recycled food can. This one happens to be a green bean can but you can use any can that you wish. Make sure that you do not have sharp edges on your can – my can opener cuts the entire lid off of the can so there are not any sharp edges exposed. Remove food and sanitize. I sanitize mine in my dishwasher - I actually have a sanitize cycle so that is what I use.

Step 2:
Cover the inside and outside with pattern paper. Also, cover the round bottom by cutting a circle either with your die cutting machine or paper punch. Note: when you cover the inside I found it works best if you apply your adhesive and then roll up your paper like this:



Step 3:
Using your crop-a-dile punch two holes into your can on opposite sides.


Step 4:

Cut off a good about of gauge wire (I purchased mine at Home Depot- click here to see the wire online) and wrap it around a pencil or pen to make some curls in it. Attach it into each hole and secure it by using your pliers.


Step 5:

Embellish and fill with candy or a small gift.

Here's my finished project:


I hope you will give it a try! Have a super crafty day!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

"Snicker" all you want....it's Teacher Appreciation week!

Happy Wednesday! This week is just flying! So much going on with my kiddos getting out of school in just 2 weeks! It's crazy time around here!

Teacher appreciation week is this week and as I mentioned earlier in the week I have a few more simple gift ideas to share with you this week.

Today I have a quick and easy gift idea if you are in a time crunch! I even created a free digital stamp for you to use! How fun is that?!?

Anyway, here's my little gift idea using some bite sized snickers bars, the cute digital stamp that I made (and am giving out for free here), along with a little acetate box that I made: (sorry about the photo it's tricky to photo acetate).


If you want to make this cute little box - check out this tutorial over at splitcoast stampers (click here to be directed). While I followed this tutorial pretty closely, I did change it a bit by tying my ribbon around the entire box. This saved me some time since I was making a few of these.

Here's the free digital stamp - enjoy! Click on the link just underneath it to get the full size image. Use your punch or spellbinders to cut it out and you are set!


I have another quick idea that I will be sharing tomorrow - so stay tuned if you are looking for more ideas.
Have a super day everyone!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Scrapstreet & Couture Cardstock



So if you haven't heard the newest issue of Scrapstreet Magazine is ready to be viewed. If you haven't check it out yet, why not? It's free! Yes, it's true FREE! and chalked full of AMAZING projects that will get your mojo flowing for sure. This magazine keeps getting better and better - so head on over to www.scrapstreet.com to check out the latest issue or click here to be directed.

Now before you run off on me - when you get over there make sure you check out my monthly column "showroom" this month it's all about the essential in your scrapbooking wardrobe . . . Cardstock. I love cardstock - and I need it in every shade - so imagine how exciting it can be to get to work with Couture Cardstock! I LOVE Couture Cardstock and I think you will too - their product, prices and service just can not be beat! Check out what the designers did this month with the Couture Cardstock product - you will be amazed!


Here's a few projects that I have in this month's issue using Couture Cardstock:

Here's a little chalk board frame that I altered - I will be giving this out this week to my daughter's teacher for teacher appreciation.


Here's a layout about my son Gavin - Did I mention he loves ORANGE?

Here's a couple of quick cards using Couture and Unity stamps - I have finally given into unity stamps and decided I needed them in my life ;)


Did you know that scrapstreet also has open "calls" for submissions? Click here to check out all of the current calls!

What are you doing this week for teacher appreciation? Do your kids have a special teacher that you want to do a little something for this week? I have a few more quick and easy ideas that I hope to share in the next couple of days - so stay tuned if you are looking for a last minute give idea.