Come sail away . . . bad blogger!

Hi Everyone! Summer is just crazy around here! So much going on and kids running in so many different directions! We also just got home from a extra long vacation - pictues coming soon (I hope) and I am also taking a photography class taught by the ever popular Karen Russell - trust me when I say she's an amazing teacher! Anyway, I wanted to get this little project up that I created using GCD Studios products - this was shared a few days ago on the GCD Studios blog:

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Today's is my turn to show you my take on this month's theme:

When I first saw these images I was drawn to the boats. Summer time for me is all about water, water sports and nice lazy vacations. There is something (for me anyway) just magical about a sail boat. I think on a nice day there is nothing more beautiful then watching a sail boat sail off until you can no longer see it.

Recently, I was at my local craft store and I stumbled across this little unfinished boat I was drawn to it and knew I had to take it home. After painting my little boat white, I paired it with some yummy GCD papers to make the sails.

Here's my little Sail Boat:

Well I wish you each smooth "sailing" today! Have a happy day!

Summer time and the days are busy!!! Father's Day gift idea using GCD Studios

I don't know about you all but the days are just flying around here - I haven't had a minute to even create or post on my blog lately! Summer can be so challenging :) Anyway, here's a project that was shared a few days ago on the GCD blog - I hope you enjoy it :)


With Father's Day right around the corner it's likely that you are wracking your brain trying to figure out a gift for that special guy in your life. If you are anything like me, you're busy and sometimes finding the special gift gets accidentally pushed off until it's a bit too late.

I created this project for all of my procrastination friends :) Here's a quick little "man" gift (equivalent to a man picking up flowers) that with just a few key supplies he'll think you had this planned for days :)

Supplies Needed:
~ jar of nuts - any kind
~ GCD Studios Papers and Embellishments (I used Artsy Urban - it has great colors that are perfect for men).
~ Adhesive
~ Trimmer
~ Scissors
~ Ribbon
~ Printed Digi Stamp (I am sharing the one I created here in this post - so grab it for free!)

Here's the completed altered Jar:

So have you been wondering how you could create your own digital stamps? Well I am going to show you how using Photoshop CS3. Here's how I created the one I used on this little altered can.

Step one: Open a new file in photoshop. Size it at about 2x2 inches.

Step two: In the tool bar on the left hand size click on the custom shapes button and then at the top of your page click on the "paths" (see arrow)

Step 3:

From the pull down menu select any shape you wish. Your stamp will take on this shape - so choose one that you like.

Step 4: (I selected a basic circle) now draw out the shape onto your workspace - it will look like this when you are done.

Step 5: On the left hand side toolbar select your text button and click on the outside of your drawn out shape and start typing.

Step 6: You can adjust the size at the top using the basic sizing tools.

Step 7: (optional): I formed another layer and typed in "Happy Father's Day" in the center. I also drew out a few other circles using the basic "stroke" function to add a bit more interest to my stamp - here's the completed stamp. Now all I have to do is print and punch it out using my spellbinders or hand punch.


Do you like this digital stamp? Click HERE to download it for free!

Happy creating!

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!

*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!

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!

"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!

Click here to download this digital stamp

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!

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.