Card and Page

Go-to Gal Designer Challenge: a•muse studio

2012-01-25T06:10:00.004-05:00

Hello! Welcome to another installment of a Go-to Gal Challenge. Today we are joining Paper Crafts Connection and Moxie Fab World in celebrating Paper Crafts new & really cool special issue Stamp It! 3 Ways.

Stamp It! 3 Ways is a great issue because it shows 3 different designer's take on one stamp set. Yes, 3 people... using one stamp set (or stamp in some cases) to create 3 vastly different cards. Its really cool, but you'll have to pick up an issue yourself to see how cool it really is!

Today my fellow Go-to gals and I are all using the same two stamp sets to create 6 different cards for you... so be sure to hop along to see how versatile your stamps can really be:)

Using a•muse studio's Harlequin Background and Essential Sentiments and here's what I created...

I started by stamping the harlequin pattern in a very light ink color and embossed it with clear embossing powder. I then cut the embossed paper with label die template and layered it over a card made form patterned paper. I then embellished the pattern pearls, flowers and ribbon. Lastly, I stamped and cut a sentiment tag and adhered it to the card.

Don't forget to visit each of the Go-to Gals blogs today. Everyone has created something fun and inspiring for you!

And stop by the Paper Crafts Connection blog this afternoon for your chance to win both of the a•muse studio stamps that we shared with you today.

Enjoy!

Spellbinders Abilities and Beyond! Blog Frenzy Day 8

2012-01-18T22:00:00.000-05:00

The entry window for theSpellbinders Paper Arts contest on this blog has ended.

Welcome to the 8th day of the Spellbinders Abilities and Beyond BlogFrenzy!

Spellbinders™ Paper Arts isabsolutely thrilled to bring you our largest product releases ever! These newcollections are some of the most innovative and beautiful die cutting andembossing templates in the world! The SpellbindersAbilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy allows you a sneak peek of ourintroductions for the 2012 Winter Craft and Hobby Association trade show later this month.

Win today’s new Spellbindersproducts!

Be eligible to win the Grand Prize by entering each day, see the schedulebelow!

Enter my Blog Frenzy from 12:00am Eastern Standard Time (EST) January 19, 2012 until 11:59 pm January 20,2012.

Today’s participating BlogFrenzy includes my blog Tina McDonald, Gloria Stengel and Nina Bracket’s blogs.

You can enter yesterday’sblogs, Linda Duke, Sherry Cheeverand AJ Otto's through January 19 at 11:59 pm EST.

See the Spellbinders Blog forthe complete schedule of designers and contest rules.

Thank you Spellbinders PaperArts for sponsoring this contest!

Today I'm pleased toshare with you two projects that I created with S4-357 Spiral Blossom Three and SpellbindersM-Bossabilities™ folder EL-005 Splendid.

Spellbinders Products: GC-001Grand Calibur Machine, GC-003Grand Raspberry Plate, M-Bossabilitiesfolder EL-005 Splendid and Die Template S4-357 Spiral Blossom Three. See below for a full list of supplies.

Here are the new releases that I introduced to you today:

Sku Name S4-357 SpiralBlossom Three 

MSRP: $19.99 

PRODUCT SIZES:

Flower: 4 3/8"

Sku Name EL-005 Splendid  

MSRP: $9.99 

PRODUCT SIZES:

5 x 7"

I am so excited to featurethe new and innovative Spellbinders M-Bossabilities folders! These are uniquereversible folders, with 2 separate yet coordinated embossing patterns fortwice the designs and double the value! The folders simply flip over, soeasy to use! There are 20 new folders, each with 2 designs, and they come in 2sizes, 5 x 7” and 4 ¼ x 5 ½” for all your paper crafting needs!

Watch thisintroductory video!

See how to use the newSpellbinders M-Bossabilities in this video!

So are you excited about M-Bossabilities now? Want to see how I used M-Bossabilities™ folder EL-005 Splendid on my project?

1) Remove hardware and handle frombox.

2) Cut kraft cardstock to fit sidesof box (sizes will vary depending of size of box you select). Cut enough to coveronly the front, back and two sides of your box.

3) Emboss cardstock pieces in theSpellbinders Grand Calibur machine using EL-005 Splendidembossing folder. Create a sandwich with A-Base Plate, folder with cardstockinside, and Grand Raspberry Plate.

4) Adhere cardstock to box. Ink face and edgeswith Distress Ink.

5) Apply a thin layer of MicroGlaze to surface ofbox. Buff with rag to remove excess glaze. Allow box to dry and buff again topolish box.

6) Cut old book pages with S4-357Spiral Blossom Three. To create this box, I cut 24 flower dies; howeverthe number of flowers will vary depending on the size of box being embellishedand how tight flowers are made. Tip: cut multiple sheets at one time.

7) To create the spiral flower, roll the outside end of die cut around athin stick … here I used a paintbrush.

8) Add hot glue to the base of the flower die and allow rolled flower tounwind into the adhesive.

9) Paint flowers.

10) Adhere flowers to the top of the box. Re-attach hardware and handle.Tie on bow and tac in place with hot glue.

You can also create elegant cards using these twonew releases. Here is one that I made by stacking three felt flowers cut with S4-357 Spiral BlossomThree over ribbon that is tied onto cardstock that isembossed with EL-005 Splendid embossing folder. Note: Notice how you canincorporate patterns from both sides of the M-Bossabilities folder into yourproject.

Spellbinders Products: GC-001 Grand Calibur Machine, GC-003 Grand Raspberry Plate, M-Bossabilities folder EL-005 Splendid and Die Template S4-357 Spiral Blossom Three, S4-328Foliage, and S5-028Nested Pennants. See below for a full list of supplies.

By entering the SpellbindersAbilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy you agree to the Official Rules. For questions on the Spellbinders Abilities and Beyond Blog Frenzy, send an email to contestquestions@spellbinders.us; noentries will be accepted at this email address.

TO ENTER:

My blog is open for entries from 12:00 am, January 19 2012, until11:59 pm, January 20, 2012, EST.

1) Send your Blog Frenzy email entry to: Reveal25@spellbinders.us

2) The subject must be S4-357 Spiral Blossom Three and EL-005 Splendid

3) Send!

Be sure to visit all the Designers on their Blog Frenzy dates!

Daily winners will receive an email within 24 hours of the blogfrenzy’s closing. The winners will have 72 hours to reply to that email toclaim prize. If a winner fails to respond within 72 hours, a new winner will bedrawn.

To be eligible for the Grand Prize, enter each and every Blog Frenzy within itsdesignated time period, send your entries from the email address for eachentry. The Grand Prize has a retailvalue of over $1900 and includes the complete Spellbinders line of diecutting and embossing templates releasedat the 2012 Winter CHA show, and a Spellbinders Grand Calibur® Die Cutting andEmbossing Machine!

I love your comments! Unfortunately your comment does not count as an entry, sobe sure to enter as stated above, and then leave a comment!

Thank you for visiting and good luck!!

To receive information andannouncements from Spellbinders, sign up for the Newsletterand subscribe to the Spellbinders Blog. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube and Pinterest. Thank You!

Spellbinders and M-Bossabilities are trademarksof Spellbinders Paper Arts, llc.

Grand Calibur is a registered trademark ofSpellbinders Paper Arts, llc.

FULL SUPPLY LIST

Floral Cigar BoxPurse

SpellbindersProducts: GC-001Grand Calibur Machine, GC-003Grand Raspberry Plate, M-Bossabilitiesfolder EL-005 Splendid and Die Template S4-357 Spiral Blossom Three.

Adhesive:3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue by Beacon Adhesives

Box: CigarPurse Box by Darcie

Cardstock:kraft by Bazzill Basics Paper

Ink: WalnutStain Distress Ink by Ranger

Paint: Pink Grapefruit & Ginger Flower LuminarteRadiant Rain Shimmering Mist by Creative Imaginations

Ribbon: 7/8”Rose Satin Ribbon by Schiff Ribbons

Other: Vintagebook pages; MicroGlaze by Judikins

BestWishes Card

SpellbindersProducts: GC-001Grand Calibur Machine, GC-003Grand Raspberry Plate, M-Bossabilitiesfolder EL-005 Splendid and Die Templates S4-357 Spiral Blossom Three, S4-328Foliage, and S5-028Nested Pennants.

Adhesive:3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue & Fabri-Tac by Beacon Adhesives

Cardstock:kraft by Bazzill Basics Paper; soft white by Paper Source

Felt: ecru by Felt on the Fly on Etsy

Ink:Blackbird Chalk Ink by Clearsnap

Ribbon: Blue5/8” Satin Ribbon by Michaels Stores Inc.

Stamp: SS096 Taglines Clear Stamp by Flourishes

Other:Vintage book pages

Wednesday Wisdom: MLK Jr.

2012-01-18T18:10:00.001-05:00

Remember when I used to post a bit of admirable wisdom every Wednesday?... you know... great quotes... poems... excepts from literature? What happened to that? I think those were the days when I scrapbooked more, as I always use great quotes (or what I consider to be life's wisdom) on my pages. I'm a big believer that as we are all put on this earth to learn from each other... so quotes are something that I always try to incorporate in the pages and artwork that I create for my children.

Ah... life. How busy we get. Anyway. Here are a few of my favorites from an honorable man that we celebrate this week, Martin Luther King, Jr.

Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.

At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.

I am not interested in power for power's sake, but I'm interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'

Take care & happy Wednesday!

Source Brainy Quote.

Hello 2012!

2012-01-17T00:39:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm back. It looks like my week off after Christmas turned into three... actually (as my 1st grader always says). My how time flies!

Hopefully you all had a great holiday & I wish you the best for 2012! Hope its off to a good start!

My start to the new year has been busy. Busy with life. Busy with school. And busy being creative. Busy making my first mixed media canvas (if you are pondering making one... go for it! ...very liberating). I have already made more cards than I care to count... more so far this month than I probably made in total in 2010. It always amazes me, what just a year will bring.

Last year was truly an amazing year... from my first trip to a CHA show (and to the west coast), to joining the Spellbinders Paper Arts Design Team to becoming a Go-to Gal for Paper Crafts Magazine... wow! Talk about mind blowing. Words just don't describe it.

The year only got better as I started working for Anna Griffin (who is just one of my all time favorite designers... EVER) to becoming the Design Team Coordinator at Zva Creative, a manufacturer that I have the upmost respect for. Yes... one amazing year that I will always be eternally grateful for.

So I thought I'd start off the year and end this post by sharing my top three favorite projects from 2011.

Happily Ever After Card created for Zva Creative

Sweet Gift Box created for Paper Crafts Magazine's 350 Cards and Gifts

Wings layout created for Spellbinders Paper Arts

Be sure to stop back on Thursday when I get to share a project that I recently created for Spellbinder's Abilities & Beyond Blog Frenzy! If you haven't checked out the frenzy yet, you can see today's reveals HERE. Take care!

Merry Christmas To All!

2011-12-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you all have the most wonderful holiday. I wish you many blessings for the new year! I am so grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you so much for being such wonderful supporters of my work... I sincerely love you all!

Image source: The Graphics Fairy

Clear the Way...

2011-12-22T00:30:00.000-05:00

Hello! I hope your holiday preparations are going well and that you all are feeling jolly and excited about Christmas! We are headed to the Nutcracker tonight to kick off our "official" Christmas activities which will include a trip to our zoo's light show, visiting cousins on Christmas Eve Day and Grandma & Grandpa's on Christmas Eve... then it will be home for Santa and Christmas morning and to Grandma & Grandpa's for Christmas dinner. Whew! It wears me out just thinking about it, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

So in light of my "to get ready for" list, I'm going to quickly share a batch of elegant holiday cards that I made for Anna Griffin using her Foil Cardstock pack.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Vintage image source: The Graphics Fairy

December Zva Blog Hop Winners Announced

2011-12-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

Zva Products Used: Bulk 3-D Sweet Rose and Mini Roses, 1.5" White Graceful Roses and Pearl Lovely Flourish

We'd like to congratulate the FIVE December Zva Blog Hop winners! Their names will be found on the following blogs:

One winner from each of the 5 blogs will receive a Zva prizepackage worth $30.00. Congrats winners!

Skipping Stones Design Sketch 107

2011-12-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello & happy Tuesday!

I'm back again with another sketch from Skipping Stones Design!

And here's my card...

Want to play along? Just hop on over to Skipping Stones Design for this weeks details. We'd love to see your take on the sketch:) Take care!

Cooking Up Cards Winner Announced

2011-12-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

Random Integer picked comment #3...

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-12-20 05:24:46 UTC

Congratulations to Ashley Harris for winning a spot in Big Picture Classes: Cooking Up Cards Class!

Zva Creative December DT Blog Hop!

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

ZvaCreative and our talented Design Team welcomes you to join us for ourDecember Design Team blog hop!

As you know, Zva offers many beautiful colorgroupings for pearls, flowers and crystals. We want to make sure thatthey shine bright for you, so each designer was asked to share a creation usinga specific color or color combination on their blog hop project. If youlike what you see you can find a list of stores and online retailers that sellZva HERE.

The Blog Hop begins here at my blog. Here is a complete list of all the other participating blogs in case there is a glitch alongthe way.

If you would like to play along, just follow along the blogpath. I am linking to one of the Zva designers and that designer islinking to the next and so on. Be prepared to be inspired along the way!

Hidden on FIVE of the blogs is a Zva Creativeprize package! Winners will be randomly chosen after the hop is over, so it'simportant to leave a comment on as many blogs as you can along the way.

The Blog Hop starts today, December 19th andruns through midnight US Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, December 20th.

The 5 winners will be announced on Wednesday, December21^st on each of the five winning blogs. The full list will be found here as well. We will do our best to notify eachwinner, but it's best if you can pop in to all of the blogs once again onWednesday... plus, you never know what kind of inspirational creation that you mayfind there.

All you need to do is leave a comment on thisZva Blog Hop post... you do not need to leave a comment on each and everydesigner's blog post to qualify. However, the more times you comment along the bloghop path, the more chances you will have to win.

We also thought it would be more fun to add evenmore chances to win our blog hop prize! To increase your chances ofwinning:

* Comment to let us know that you posted on yourFacebook page about our hop (link to any of the blog hop posts)

* Comment to let us know that you"tweeted" about our hop (link to any of the blog hop posts)

* Comment to let us know that you asked yourlocal store to carry Zva creative products. If they already do, that'sfantastic, maybe you can suggest other products that they don't carry.

So you have FOUR chances on each blog towin one of our FIVE prizes! That's a lot of chances to win!

Zva Product used: CR-04CB Lovely Red Crystal Flourish

The blog hop begins here at my blog and your next stop is NicoleMartel's blog.

Thank you for joining us!

P.S. Mark your calendar to join us again on January 30^thfor our next Zva blog hop!

Cooking Up Cards Class Give Away

2011-12-18T19:35:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Did you see that there is going to be a fun card class offered at Big Picture Classes? My friends Kim Kesti, Allison Landry, Betsy Veldman, and Teri Anderson are teaching this self-paced class. Trust me, you can't go wrong when those gals are involved.

Here's a bit of information on the class...

Interestedin card making, but don’t know where to begin? What if four experts in thefield gave you their very own "recipes for success?" Our card chefsare ready to provide the dash of inspiration you’ve been waiting for, and we’rebetting you already have all of the ingredients you need: some paper, a fewembellishments and a pinch of glue.

In CookingUp Cards! you will not only get a great introduction to card making, you’llalso meet expert chefs Allison Landy, Betsy Veldman, Kim Kesti and TeriAnderson. Each chef brings something different to the table, and will sharewith you their own unique Signature Dish, including step-by-step instructions.Then, watch the magic happen as they "swap recipes" and each createsthree new cards. That’s a total of twelve additional cards to fill your platewith inspiration.

Sound fun? You can find a full class description here: http ://www .bigpictureclasses .com /cookingupcards .php and its available for instant download for just $15.

--Contest Closed--

Here's the best part, they have very graciously provided me with a give away of a spot in the class for one of my blog readers. Yeah! So if you are interested, leave me a comment here by 11:00pm EST tomorrow night (Monday, December 19th). I'll announce the winner on Tuesday, December 20th.

Skipping Stones Design December Blog Hop

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Sketch Challenge #106 and a Blog Hop to feature many of the wonderful Texture Sets from Skipping Stones Designs! If you just came from Kandi Phillips' blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened along my blog today, start at the beginning of the hop at Skipping Stones Design. The entire hop order is there and you can hop from blog to blog with ease.

Be sure to hop along and leave comments on all the fabulous designers’ blogs. This month Skipping Stones Design is welcoming Tosha Leyendekker, Kendra Sand and myself to the team as Guest Designers! Jen Del Muro will be providing all the fabulous sketch inspiration this month including the sketch we're using in today's hop!

Here is my card using Jen's sketch (which I flipped upside down) and Skipping Stone's Timeless Textures set.

Want to see more? Head over to JoAnn Valderama's blog for some more Skipping Stones Design inspiration!

I hope you all are doing well:) Enjoy the hop!

3-D Paper Hearts Deck Out Holiday Cards

2011-12-08T00:30:00.000-05:00

Happy December!

Here's an easy idea for a card that you can mass produce (because its quick and easy) and mailable (because it folds flat).

All patterned paper from GCD's Scandia Jul collection.

1) punch or die cut shapes

2) score a line down middle of shape

3) adhere shapes together

4) continue to join shapes until you reach the desired fullness and adhere to the face of your card

And if your in the gift making mood, you can take this idea and make ornaments that coordinate with your cards.

Products: Patterned paper (GCD Studios), ornament die (Spellbinders), stamp (Hero Arts), twine (Divine Twine), ribbon (Bazzill Basics), punch (Marvey).

Skipping Stones Design

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hello. I'm happy to share that I'll be hanging out over at Skipping Stones Design this month as I've been asked to be a guest designer for the month of December. So every Tuesday I'll be sharing a stampy creation based on a sketch by this month's guest Sketch Artist Jen Del Muro.

Here's today's sketch...

... and my card...

On the card I used Christmas Song to stamp the tree and sentiment tag and Timeless Textures to stamp the background directly under the tree and the red/cream rectangle that is in the upper left hand corner.

You can hop on over to Skipping Stones Design Blog for more fab card ideas using this sketch.

Well... that's all I have to share today. I'll be back later in the week with a few holiday cards! Have a good one!

Card Creations: Get Inspired

2011-12-01T00:30:00.001-05:00

Hi all! Card Creations: Get Inspired is Paper Crafts newest special issue and it is now available on newstands! If you don't want to battle the holiday crowds you can order it over at Scrap and Paper shop!

Here's what you are going to want to go out an look for...

... be sure to check it out! At only $5.99 you can go ahead and buy yourself an early holiday present;)

Paper Crafts Connection and Moxie Fab World are featuring it all week long so you can learn more about it before going out and getting one of your own. Or you can try to win a copy. That is... if you can wait.

Here's one of two cards that I had in the issue... it was one of the easiest card I've ever made... almost too easy! But hey... who says pretty cards have to be difficult?

Life's a Journey Card, pg. 58

Products: Kraft cardstock (Papertrey Ink), patterned paper (Roughin’It patterned paper & Postcards, Great Outdoors collection by GCD Studios), brown chalk ink & cream ribbon.

November Zva Blog Hop Winners Announced

2011-11-30T10:25:00.000-05:00

We'd like to congratulate the FIVE November Zva Blog Hop winners! Their names will be found on the following blogs:

One winner from each of the 5 blogs will receive a Zva prize package worth $30.00. Congrats winners!

Zva Creative November DT Blog Hop!

2011-11-28T08:45:00.031-05:00

Zva Creative and our talented Design Team welcomes you to join us this November for a blog hop that we feel is always extra special because it is the first hop for many of our new 2011-12 team members! We also thought it would be more fun to add even more chances to win our blog hop prize! See details below.

As you know, Zva offers many beautiful color groupings for pearls, flowers and crystals. We want to make sure that they shine bright for you, so each designer was asked to share a creation using a specific color or color combination on their blog hop project. If you like Zva’s products you can find a list of stores and online retailers that sell Zva HERE.

The Blog Hop begins here on my blog so you are in the right place if you want to start from the top! Here is a complete list of all blogs that are participating in case there is a glitch along the way.

If you would like to play along, just follow along the blog path. I am linking to one of the Zva designers and that designer is linking to the next and so on. Be prepared to be inspired along the way!

Hidden on FIVE of the blogs is a Zva Creative prize package! Winners will be randomly chosen after the hop is over, so it's important to leave a comment on as many blogs as you can along the way.

The Blog Hop starts today, November 28th at 9:00 am US Eastern Standard Time and runs through midnight US Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, November 29^th.

The 5 winners will be announced on Wednesday, November 30th on each of the five winning blogs. The full list will be found on here on my blog as well. We will do our best to notify each winner, but it's best if you can pop in to all of the blogs once again on Wednesday... plus, you never know what kind of inspirational creation that you may find there.

All you need to do is leave a comment on this Zva Blog Hop post...you do not need to leave a comment on each and every designer's blog post to qualify. However, the more times you leave a comment along the blog hop path though, the more chances you will have to be one of the lucky winners.

To increase your chances of winning:

* Comment to let us know that you posted on your Facebook page about our hop (link to any of the blog hop posts)

* Comment to let us know that you "tweeted" about our hop (link to any of the blog hop posts)

* Comment to let us know that you asked your local store to carry Zva creative products. If they already do, that's fantastic, maybe you can suggest other products that they don't carry

So you have FOUR chances on each blog to win one of our FIVE prizes! That's a lot of chances to win!

This month my color focus was pink, so I naturally made two girly Christmas cards for my girls! I can only imagine that one of these will make my pink obsessed four year old very happy. What's better than pink bling?

Zva products used: CR-04CB-121 Lovely Pink Pearl Flourish, CRW-03CB-123 Rosy Basic Crystal Lines,

Cream 3-D Roses

Zva products used: CRW-03CB-123 Rosy Basic Crystal Lines, CRW-04CB-115 Pink/Rosy Small Flourish, and Pink & Cream 3-D Roses

Your next stop is Carole Maurin’s blog. Enjoy!

Thank you for joining us!

P.S. Next month’s blog hop will be happening one week early so mark your calendar to join us on December 19^th for another inspiring Zva hop!

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

A Vintage Gift Card Holder

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hello and happy Wednesday! Hopefully you are enjoying a little time off before Thanksgiving tomorrow. The girls and I plan on hanging out and watching the Curious George movie marathon that will be on PBS kids before heading out to the grocery store to pick up ingredients for Daddy to make his yummy dutch apple pie.

Today I'm up on the Paper Crafts Connection blog sharing this tri-fold gift card holder. You can hop on over to see it inside and out. While you are there be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win the collection I used, Anna Griffin's Twinkle Bright Christmas collection... its a beauty!

To create it, simply follow this pattern.

If flat, the whole thing fits into a standard A2 envelope. Because of the bulky embellishments, I'd place the one I created above in an A6 sized envelope (and when I mail cards like this, I stick them in a padded photo mailer).

Here are a few other cards that I made from Anna's collection...

With Thanksgiving one day away and so many wonderful holiday projects out there in the blogosphere, are you ready for the holidays yet? I hope so!

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends! May it be filled with many blessings and great memories that you will hold dear for years to come:)

Products: all paper products (Anna Griffin Twinkle Bright Christmas collection by Anna Griffin), ribbon (Schiff Ribbons), buttons (Jenni Bowlin), doilies (Wilton), color medium (gold Perfect Pearls by Ranger), baker's twine (Divine Twine), bells (vintage).

Fall Gratitude Layouts

2011-11-18T13:34:00.001-05:00

Hello all! How is your week going? This one flew by for us... its hard to imaging that it is the Friday before Thanksgiving. But I'm starting to get into that relaxed holiday"ish" state of mind. Hadley (4) is so excited about Christmas this year that we've already visited with Santa (yes... he's already at the mall) and put up our Christmas tree. Yep! We are ready for Christmas.

But before we get too deep into Christmas, I wanted to share a few fall layouts that I've created recently. As many of you know, I'm a lover of all things fall, so creating fall layouts is by far one of my favorite things about this hobby.

Find Fall Gratitude

Journaling: Happy, Sweet Joy, Unconditional Love, Blissful Beauty, Find Gratitude

Remember

Journaling: You are one lucky little girl to have the best father in the world… one that treats you like a little lady and loves you endlessly. Here we are taking you on a trip to the pumpkin farm one day and then on a day trip out in the country to ride a horse the next… and to think, you are not even one yet. As rich as your daddy feels when he holds you in his arms, all of that love will come back to you ten fold. Remember that your daddy will give you the world, the moon and the stars. No one else will ever work as hard as he does to give you that… for a father’s love is truly awesome.

2005

Grateful for Grandma

Journaling: GRANDMA’S HOUSE. Nothing beats playing in the leaves with Grandma at Grandma’s house! 2010

All of the instructions and supplies can be found by clicking the title of each layout. Have a wonderful weekend!

Fall Sneak Peek Blog Hop for Crafters Home Day Three

2011-11-16T00:00:00.039-05:00

Join Spellbinders™ Paper Arts and Crafters Home as we celebrate a Fall Sneak Peek!

Spellbinders and participating stores in the Crafters Home Buying Group are excited to introduce three new die template sets sold exclusively through Crafters Home stores through January! You’ll have to wait until February to find these die template designs in non-member stores.

These new dies are in stock! Get yours now at a participating Crafters Home store!

Visit the Spellbinders Blog November 14 - 16 to see a new Spellbinders die template revealed each day! Visit designer blogs to enter the daily contests and see inspiring projects using the new releases. Comment on Designers Blogs and the Spellbinders Blog count as entries into daily drawings. Daily winners receive all three of the new designs!

Today's new die is
S4-350 Nested Tea Cups

Price
$19.99

Dimensions
Small Cup: 1 ¼ x 1 1/8”
Small Handle ½ x 5/8”
Medium Cup 2 1/8 x 1 7/8”
Medium Handle ¾ x 1 ½”
Large Cup 3 x 2 5/8”
Large Handle 1 1/8 x 2”
Here's the card that I made using these beautiful die templates. To create it I embossed, stenciled, stamped, and glittered the tea cup dye to make a supportive card for a classy girlfriend.
Ready for more ideas?

Visit these Designers Today!

Christine Emberson
Kimberly Crawford
Beth Pingry

Contest Details

Participants wishing to be included in the daily drawing for the Spellbinders Fall Sneak Peek contests adhere to all of the following rules.

The Fall Sneak Peek starts November 14, and ends November 16, 2011. It consists of three individual contests, one each day.
Each Fall Sneak Peek Bog will accept comments as entries from 12:00 am until 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time, on its scheduled day.
Each comment counts as one entry. One entry per person, per blog please.
One winner each day will receive the three new die templates available exclusively at Crafters Home stores.
All three winners will be announced on the Spellbinders Blog on November 17. The winners will have 48 hours to respond to the email address on the winning post to claim their prize. If a winner fails to respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be drawn.
By entering, you allow Spellbinders to publish your first name, city, state, and country of residence and a quote from you, on the Spellbinders Blog, website, and in promotional materials.
Spellbinders Designers, contractors, employees and immediate family members are not eligible to win.
The invitation to the Fall Sneak Peek Blog Hop is extended to all, we are happy to ship prizes worldwide.

Any questions regarding this contest should be sent to ContestQuestions@Spellbinders.us

Paper Crafts Magazine Presents: 365 Cards Blog Hop

2011-11-11T06:00:00.049-05:00

Hello & happy Friday! I hope you are enjoying Paper Crafts Magazine's blog hop to launch the new special issue 365 Cards.

Welcome to the wonderful month of AUGUST.... a month full of fun celebrations such as National Girlfriends Day, Book Lovers Day and National Dog Day (you can find a full calendar of other holidays like these HERE).

Here's my card for August... which celebrates another fun day in the month... Sister's Day.

Sisters by Chance, Friends by Choice Card

I didn't have a sister growing up so the 365 Cards call alerted me to such a holiday. I love to teach my daughter's about days like this to see how they celebrate it. They used it as a reason to dig into my scrapping supplies and make cards for each other... how fun would it be if they did that every year? 365 Cards helps us celebrate something everyday. That is what makes this issue so fun and wonderful.

Want a copy of 365 Cards? You'll be entered in to win one by leaving a comment on my blog (all comments must be posted by midnight (MDT) on Sunday, November 13th). Or you can hop over HERE to purchase one online.

Want to win an even bigger and really cool prize? Stop by Paper Crafts Connection and leave a comment there too! Its a fun one... I promise:)

Lastly, don't forget to check out all of the other talented designers on our hop...
Chan Vuong (January)
Kalyn Kepner (February)
Carly Robertson (March)
Cristina Kowalczyk (April)
Kelley Eubanks (May)
Amber Daigre (June)
Vanessa Menhorn (July)
Laura Williams (September)
Betsy Veldman (October)
Teri Anderson (November)
Julia Stainton (December)

Thanks for stopping by today!

And a big and most sincere thanks to all of our veterans on this Veteran's Day and everyday!

Products used: cardstock (Vintage Cream by Papertrey Ink), patterned paper (Red Light Green Light: Sidewalks collection by October Afternoon, Red Beans & Navy Beans from Homemade 6 Bean Soup collection and Sauerkraut from Sweet & Sour Soup collection by Jillibean Soup); stamp (My Sister by Technique Tuesday), die templates (Blossom One and Labels One by Spellbinders).

A Few Fall Cards

2011-11-04T00:30:00.004-04:00

Hello friends!

Today I've got a few cards to share with you that I made for Anna Griffin with her Fall Paper Kit. Check it out here on HSN... it is by far one of my favorites. I'm a sucker for those lush warm colors that appear in the fall and this kit has them all in fabulously elegant designs.

Gorgeous paper huh?

So what are your plans for the weekend? I hope they are good ones! I'm hoping to stay home... all weekend. Wish me luck!

Fall Floral Mini Album

2011-11-03T00:30:00.001-04:00

Hello all! I hope you all are having a wonderful week! The end of October brings us a busy end to our daughter's soccer seasons...

Here's my little one's big drive in her last game of the season to score her first goal. Talk about hard work paying off to those who stick with it.

And my defensive specialist driving around her dad who also happened to be her assistant coach. I'm so grateful to have such a great soccer program in our community... grateful for the family time, the lessons and the experiences that it provides us.

Here's a photo from Halloween with the girls starring as Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West.

I just love them... their costumes were completely their own idea. I hope they do related themed costumes again next year... it was a fun and a memorable holiday for them.

Ok, on to a crafty project... a fall inspired creation that I've had the opportunity to design for Spellbinders™. This mini album is embellished with multiple layers of flower die cuts. Paper, burlap, Premium Craft Foil, all cut/embossed in the Spellbinders™ Grand Calibur® machine with Spellbinders die templates. You can find a complete supply list HERE.

I really enjoy designing for Spellbinders because I get to not only make cards, but also scrapbook pages and mixed media projects too. If you would be interested in trying out for the 2012 design team you can find the call posted HERE.

Happy Thursday!

Zva Creative Design Team Announced

2011-10-26T15:48:00.000-04:00

Hi all! I just wanted to drop in a share the good news that Zva Creative has selected their 2011-12 Design Team Members. We are proud to present the Zva Creative Design Team for the term of Nov 2011 - October 2012:

Windy Robinson – US (DT Coordinator) 

Andrea Ewen – US

Sarah Gough – New Zealand

Lisa Gregory – US

Christin Grönnslett – Sweden

Lisa Johnson – US

Susan Lui – Singapore 

Nicole Martel – US

Carole Maurin – France

Jolanda Meurs – Netherlands

Yukiko Ochi – Japan

Fabi Oremerod – Brazil

Tara Orr – Canada 

Karen Shady – Australia

Robin Shakoor – US

Lisa Somerville – US

I am honored to be a part of such a talented team! Please visit Zva's gallery regularly to see their incredible designs using ZVA Creative products. And stop by for our first team blog hop on November 28th!

(I've also linked each designer so you can visit their personal blogs, as I'm sure you will find much inspiration at each of them!)

I'm eager to collect the kiddos from school because tonight is pumpkin carving night for us:) Have a great Wednesday!

GCD Studios: October Technique

2011-10-19T00:30:00.001-04:00

Hello! It Windy here with a little technique that I use to make my gift tags a little more interesting. If you search inspiration sites like Etsy or Pinterest you see that tags are very popular and trendy right now... especially tags that are die cut. So I thought I'd take that trend and make a recessed spot on a few tags that would serve as the perfect home for these embellies...

I love that look... want to see how I did it?

1. Start with two tags, a chipboard circle, a circle punch, foam adhesive and a transparency shape.

2. Punch a hole near the bottom of the tag.

3. Place foam adhesive on the tag.

4. Layer with the second tag.

5. Place chipboard circle in the center of tags.

6. Embellish rest of tag.

That's it... a new twist on tags. Have a nice one!

Unity Stamp Co. and Spellbinders 2-Day Blog Hop

2011-10-17T08:00:00.006-04:00

Welcome to our TWO-day event!

You should be joining me from the start of the hop beginning on the Unity Stamp Co. Blog.

With all the blog-swaps that are happening out there lately, I can't think of one more exciting than when the amazing women of SPELLBINDERS™ get together with the rock stars of UNITY STAMP COMPANY!

We can't wait to show you a special line of coordinating products featuring SPELLBINDERS dies and SAMANTHA WALKER for Unity Stamp Co. rubber stamps!

Not only are we thrilled to be collaborating on such a special 2-day event, but ONE of you will win ALL of the coordinating stamps and dies from the Samantha Walker collection! We will also have 1 winner each day from the comments that will receive 1 Samantha Walker stamp set and coordinating dies.

So be sure to enjoy our hop both days, leave comments on all of the blogs each day and check back to see if you won! (Winners will be posted on Wednesday, October 19^th on the Unity Blog and Spellbinders Blog)

To create this card I paired Spellbinder's S5-070 Ornate Artisan Tags and Accents and Unity's Ornate Artisan Stackers. Here are the instructions to make it:

Make card base. Layer cream paper onto patterned paper (both from Crate Paper's Random 6x6 paper pad) and adhere to card.
Stamp the outter bracket onto the face of the card.
Stamp yellow patterned paper (also from Crate Paper's Random 6x6 paper pad), cut and emboss with die template. Color inside of flourishes with gold ink. Fill in dots with black pen and ink around outside edge of die with gold ink. Adhere to card with foam tape.
Cut/emboss F-012 Premium Craft Foil with die template and lightly sand surface. Ink surface with gold ink. Adhere to card with foam tape.
Stamp sentiment and frame, cut and emboss with die template. Adhere to card with foam tape.
Stamp, color and cut/emboss flourishes. Adhere to card.
Embellish with flower (made with S4-351 Spiral Blossoms One), ribbon and decorative pins.

Now head over to Stephanie Muzzulin’s blog, she is a very talented stamper and I can't wait for you to see what she has created!

Thanks for hopping today!

Swimming for Katie

2011-10-11T01:32:00.000-04:00

From October 10-12 some of the best stampers are joining together to support and encourage our friend and fellow stamper, Katie Renz, who is currently battling inoperable gastric cancer. If you're not familiar with her, Katie’s cancer story started just before Christmas last year. This young, beautiful, healthy, vibrant mother of 3 with her infectious smile was suddenly diagnosed with an inoperable cancer, virtually overnight. A few tummy aches and then stage 4 gastric cancer. Her first post about it is here. The idea of “Swimming for Katie” came from her recent post here.

This exclusive stamp used in my sample, designed by Becky Oehlers is available as a clear stamp, as well as a digis or a dig and SVG cut file.

In addition to the Keep Swimming Octopus, Marianne Walker and True =D Doodle Designs both also donated digis that are for sale.

Click HERE for all the items available for sale.

Direct donations are also being accepted.

100% of the profits go to Katie's fund to help her and her young family. Her husband Kevin and her three young children need our help and support.

I hope you will join me in supporting Katie through a purchase or donation.

The following is a list of everyone who has projects posted today. I hope you will be inspired by them and moved to purchase or donate.

Karen Maldonado

Karen Hunsaker (Rubbernecker Stamps Designer)

If you would like to send Katie a card, her mailing address is:

Katie Renz
PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

Information central is HERE. This is a permanent page that will stay active at i {heart} papers with current information and the full 3 day blog hop listing, as well as the donation button.

Thank you!

World Card Making Day

2011-10-01T01:38:00.001-04:00

Hello & Happy World Card Making Day! I hope you all are well & enjoying the big blog tour... if you are just hearing about it, you can find the list of blogger, card makers who will be celebrating with something special on their blogs HERE.

I'm keeping it simple today because frankly, the last week's activities on this blog have worn me out. So I decided to share a favorite recent creation...

Simple... elegant & easy! I'd give you directions, but you've probably already figured them out;) I hope this does give you some inspiration though. My motto is beautiful and elegant doesn't have to be hard.

Now don't forget to stop by the World Card Making Day website to join in on the festivities that are happening there.

So how are you spending the day? Leave me a comment & I'll select a winner to receive a big surprise box of paper crafting making goodies!

- - - ETA- contest closed. Winner has been notified. - - -

Thanks for stopping by today... and if you've visited earlier this thanks so much for doing so and leaving such kind words here. It is greatly appreciated:)

Products: patterned paper (Webster's Pages); bling (Zva Creative); cardstock (Papertrey Ink); stamp (A-Muse Studio); ribbon (American Crafts).

Paper Crafts Magazine Presents: 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-09-30T06:00:00.064-04:00

Hello! Welcome to Paper Crafts Magazine's 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop. Today we are celebrating the new issue of Holiday Cards and More, Vol. 6 and World Card Making Day which is tomorrow (yeah!!!) & the start of the holiday card making season (double yeah!!!).

I am thrilled to be participating in this blog hop because it truly is my favorite time of the year... what could be better than having your scrap space full of beautiful Christmas & holiday product and having your house full of the smell of pumpkin spice? I had a friend in college who always referred to a great blend of food as the "perfect bite"... this brew of fall time & Christmas card making is the "perfect bite" for me.

Today 12 designers from Holiday Cards & More will be sharing new quick n' easy holiday cards. Quick 'n easy cards are often the way to go when making holiday cards in mass. My favorite part about working in this issue was putting together the Super Scraps Card (p. 156) and step-outs to show you how you can use your scraps to make quick and easy cards by the dozen.

My card design for today's hop is one that I will most likely give to my girl friends when we get together before Christmas. I like to make all my gal pals the same card, so I need a design that will quickly translate to 8 or 10 cards. And when I say quickly I mean... oh no!, its 4 o'clock and I need to make the cards before I leave at 6:30 pm... and feed the kids, and wash the dog... that kind of quick.

To create this card:
1) make card from cardstock
2) adhere decorative paper to face of card
3) stamp sentiment
4) tie on bow and embellish bells

My tips for making quick & simple cards is to use products that you are comfortable with and love working with, for instance my top 2 go-to products are satin ribbon and patterned paper. So I started by finding a patterned paper that I loved and made that the focus of my design along with a big bow. Lastly I try to add one novel item to add which in this case is the silver bells.

So... do you want a copy of the new Holiday Cards & More? It is fabulous... chock full of cards & projects that are just genius & totally doable. This issue is a must! You can leave a comment here for your chance to win it, or you can order yours on line HERE. All comments must be posted by midnight (MDT) on Sunday, Oct. 2.

- - - ETA- contest closed. Winner has been notified. - - -

Lastly, don't forget to stop by Paper Crafts Connection today for your chance to win a festive holiday prize and visit the 11 other designers for even more inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by today... enjoy the hop!

Products: decorative paper (ANW Crestwood), ribbon (Schiff Ribbons), bells (Creatology by Michaels), stamp (Very Merry Christmas by Hero Arts), cardstock (Papertry Ink).

Spellbinders and Core’dinations Blog Swap

2011-09-29T08:00:00.006-04:00

Welcome to the Spellbinders™ and Core'dinations® Blog Swap!

This week Spellbinders™ has teamed up with our Core’dinations Color Core Cardstock® to showcase the wonderful ways our products work together! 

Here's a gift box that I made for the hop featuring Spellbinder's S4-351 Spiral Blossoms One Die Template and Core’dinations Core Impression Jenni Bowlin Studio Collection: Everyday. I thought I'd make a great little catcher for all of my daughter's pencils that she leaves laying around the house no that school is back in session:)

Sophistication, value and maximum versatility make Spellbinders™ die templates #1. Beautiful Details Inspiring Creativity…Spellbinders unique triple function die templates allow you to cut, emboss, and then stencil through the die template for unlimited possibilities. The Spellbinders Grand Calibur® machine and Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities™ die templates cut and emboss up to 11¾”, taking die cutting to grand proportions. Follow  Spellbinders on Facebook, Twitter and the Spellbinders Blog!  

Core’dinations ColorCore Cardstock is the only sandable cardstock with a color core. Sand it, tear it, emboss it and so much more! The Core Essentials line comes in over 160 colors with matching color families.

Or maybe you are looking for something a bit more contrasting like the Black Magic or Chocolate Box collections. The sandable core will shine through the unique black and brown colors once it is sanded.

Core’dinations has also teamed up with industry leading companies such as Pink Paislee, BasicGrey, Graphic 45 and more to create new and unique pre-embossed cardstock that perfectly accents their patterned papers.  

But there is more! Check out Core’dinations website for the new Cardmaker Series, Kraft-Core and various other wonderful cardstock lines.   And Visit the Core'dinations Blog to see today's Core'dinations Blog Swap Designers!

Want to win?

Spellbinders is offering TWO winners, drawn from the comments left on the participating Designer's blogs, each a $24.99 value die template of their choice.

Stop by each Designer’s Blog and leave a comment to enter to win! (You can find a link to all of the blogs HERE). Spellbinders will randomly draw winners at the end of the week from all the comments posted on the designers blogs, so be sure to check back on their blog.

- - - ETA- Winners from blog hop have been announced HERE - - -

Core'dinations will be giving away prizes too so be sure to visit their Scrapbook Blog for details.

Have fun and good luck!

Go-to Gal Designer Challenge... World Card Making Day

2011-09-28T12:00:00.030-04:00

Hi all & welcome to the Go-to Gal's Designer Challenge!

On the last Wednesday of the month Paper Crafts Magazine's Go-to Gals take turns picking a manufacturer and then we challenge each other to create something using those products. Its a fun little hop to see how we put some of our favorite goodies to use. There are really no rules... some times we all play, some times we don't.

Today everyone's playing along so you are certain to see some fabulous cards along the way. A little holiday inspiration... because World Card Making Day is just 3 days away...

...and World Card Making Day is the kick off for the holiday card making season. So put on your favorite holiday music & and enjoy the hop!

Today we are all using Hero Arts - BasicGrey's Nordic Holiday collection of stamps and we all have give-a-ways! Yep, you'll find that we are each giving away a different stamp/set from the Nordic Holiday collection... all you have to do is hop & leave a comment on each blog.

Here's what I've got for you...

To create this card start by making your card from cardstock and cover the face with patterned paper (I used BasicGrey's 6x6 Nordic Collection pad). Stamp image on kraft, cut down to smaller size, mount on cardstock and adhere to face of card with foam tape. Stamp image on kraft (using red ink), cut into tree shape and ink edges & adhere to card with foam tape. Lastly, embellish with ribbon, bells and a sentiment tag.

Ok.. want to win this stamp that I've used on my card today?

And (if that's not enough to get you ready for World Card Making Day) the awesome folks over at Paper Crafts Magazine have thrown in a copy of Holiday Cards & More, Vol. 6. Can't beat that for holiday paper crafting inspiration! Comments must be received by Thursday evening at 5 PM MDT.

- - - ETA- contest closed. Winner has been notified. - - -

Ok, so what are you waiting for... go visit Betsy, Julie, Jennifer, Kim & Teri:) Have fun!

P.S. If you want more ideas for you WCMD party... Jump over to Paper Crafts Connection & Moxie Fab World because they are celebrating both World Card Making Day & the new issue of Holiday Cards & More all week!

Sept. Zva Blog Hop Winners

2011-09-28T06:00:00.034-04:00

We'd like to congratulate the FIVE June Zva Blog Hop winners! Their names will be found on the following blogs:

Nancy Doren

Windy Robinson*** That's here... yeah!

Camilla Ekman

Jillian Deiling Cassity

Susan Lui

April W.... you are the winner from this blog! Here is the comment that you left:

What a gorgeous card! LOVE the colors...
- April W

SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 12:15 PM

Congratulations! Please send your mailing address to me at windyrobinson@gmail.com.

One winner from each of the 4 other blogs + April will receive a Zva prize package worth $30.00. Congrats winners!

Zva Products: Supplies Used: FL-04CA-125 (Dual Frosty Flowers/Soft Blue), FL-04CA-138 (brown graceful rose), PE-03CA-113 (Soft Blue Double Flourishes)

Zva Creative Sept. DT Blog Hop!

2011-09-26T09:00:00.002-04:00

Zva Creative and our talented Design Team welcomes you to join us this month for a blog hop that we feel is always extra special! We thought it would be more fun to add even more chances to win our blog hop prize! See details below.

The summer trade show was in July, which means brand new Zva Creative products. So please keep an eye out for them at your local craft stores.

As you know, Zva offers so many beautiful color groupings for pearls, flowers and crystals. We want to make sure that they shine bright for you, so each designer was asked to share a creation using a specific color or color combination on their blog hop project.

The Blog Hop begins at Kim Hughes' blog. She will have the complete list of all blogs that are participating in case there is a glitch along the way. If you would like to play along, just follow along the blog path. I am linking to one of the Zva designers and that designer is linking to the next and so on. Be prepared to be inspired along the way. Hidden on FIVE of the blogs is a Zva Creative prize package...YAY! Winners will be randomly chosen after the hop is over, so it's important to leave a comment on as many blogs as you can along the way.

The Blog Hop starts today, September 26th and runs through midnight US Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, September 27h and the 5 winners will be announced on Wednesday, September 28th on each of the five winning blogs. The full list will be found on Kim Hughes‘s blog as well (linked above). We will do our best to notify each winner, but it's best if you can pop in to all of the blogs once again on Wednesday...plus, you never know what kind of inspirational creation that you may find there. All you need to do is leave a comment on this Zva Blog Hop post...you do not need to leave a comment on each and every designer's blog post to qualify. The more times you leave a comment along the blog hop path though, the more chances you will have to be one of the lucky winners.

To increase your chances of winning:

* Comment to let us know that you posted on your Facebook page about our hop (link to any of the blog hop posts)

* Comment to let us know that you "tweeted" about our hop (link to any of the blog hop posts)

* Comment to let us know that you asked your local store to carry Zva creative products. If they already do, that's fantastic, maybe you can suggest other products that they don't carry

Sooo, you have FOUR chances on each blog to win one of our FIVE prizes! That's technically OVER 50 chances :)

The card that I'm sharing today uses Zva's Lime Crystal/Pearl Flourish (CR-04CA-132), one white sweet rose (FLBK-03CB-133) and two rosy transition mini roses (FLBK-03CB-144). It is my farewell to summer... a commemoration of the last round of blooms that are now starting to bud on my rose bushes.

The blog hop begins here: Kim Hughes if you want to start hopping from the start. Your next stop is here: Tara Orr's blog (you are going to love what Tara has to share today).

Thank you SO MUCH for joining us!

The life of a project...

2011-09-24T00:30:00.000-04:00

So I'm here today to share how projects are often birthed, changed and purposed in my creative life. The mini album that I'm about to share was initially made as a project for Donna Salazar as a design team requirement for GCD Studios. We were given some inspiration photos to serve as a source for our monthly projects. I fell in love with and selected this one...

Wow! As I look at it, I think... everything in it inspires me... from the color palette to the dimension and texture of the flower to the opaqueness of the lace of the class candle holders. All of it stunning.

So here's my project that resulted from this inspiration...

To create this mini album I used Donna Salazar's One Sheet Wonderful, Spring Blooms, and Spring Skies patterned papers from her Spring in Bloom collection by GCD Studios. All of those papers are perfectly suited to imitate this inspiration piece. To create the flowers I used Spellbinder's die template LF-005 Grand Peony Creations (which are also designed by Donna). After cutting multiple dies on my Grand Calibur™ die cutting machine, I inked crumpled and layered them the flowers and leaves.

I added some linen tinted tape from Vintage Street Market to mirror the candle wraps.

Ultimately, this project ended up sitting on my desk for a few weeks waiting for its purpose... and then along came the need for a baby gift and luckily something pink was just what I needed. So I added a few mini letters to personalize it...

That's it... how this project came about. It started as a project for a design team assignment and turned into a darling baby gift. Some times I'm so glad that I'm crafty....its fun to give these kind of gifts.

Well, I'm signing off for the weekend. Next week will be pretty busy around here so be sure to stop by... I'll have lots of new projects and give-a-ways to share. Take care & thanks for stopping by!

Inspired by...

2011-09-22T16:00:00.000-04:00

this...

Image via Nursery Notations

... to create this...

I'm keeping it short & sweet today. The patterned paper is from My Mind's Eye, stamp by Hero Arts, flowers by Petaloo, pearls by Zva Creative and pink domes by Mark Richards. I'm hoping to get a linking program up and running here on the blog so I can link products for you & make it easier for you to find anything you may love:)

Have a fabulous day!

A little enabling...

2011-09-20T17:19:00.000-04:00

... because my all time favorite stamp set is now available at 2 Peas in the Bucket. Its a little one... but the price is little too... only $6. I first got it in a kit for a stamping class that I took from Technique Tuesday a few years ago & used it to create these chipboard frames for my husband's desk at work...

... love them! He did too because they were gone the next day & he never takes his stuff off the table that fast...lol. The stamps are a clear set called Live in the Moment by Technique Tuesday. Here's the image...

My favorite part if the set is that decorative flourish... stamped multiple times it really make an impact (both of these frames are fairly large measuring around 8" x 8" and 5" x 7"). The sentiments are cool too! It may be a small stamp set, but its mighty!

That's all I have for today... hope you are having a good one!

A Busy Mom's Sampler

2011-09-19T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hello! I'm dropping here today to share a technique that will help you simplify those ever so trendy samplers that all over the internet right now. Here's an example of one of those extremely detailed, gorgeous samplers...

Image via Rosy Little Things

That beauty makes me yearn for life before kids... for the days when I had the time to do needlepoint... strike that! Reverse it. I'm having too much fun as a mama to my girls, so I'll just skip the authentic sampler making for now and use my scrapbooking supplies to create a "Simplified Sampler."

How about this?

I still get my trendy sampler fix, but I can finish it in one evening and give it as a gift for a girl friend who's expecting a little girl.

Here's how I made it:

1) Start with a pre-made canvas and lay down letters from Animal Crackers for Girls collection rub-ons.

2) Use a clear ruler to make certain that letters line up straight.

3) Use rub-on tool to apply rub-ons to surface of canvas. Note: place a book under the canvas so you have a hard surface to work on.

4) Embellish with stickers, ribbon or other embellishments that you may have on hand.

And that's it... easy but doable! Thanks for stopping by today:)

Products used: rub-ons (Animal Crackers for Girls collection by GCD Studios), sticker (Funhouse collection by GCD Studios), ribbon (Michaels Inc.), canvas (Canvas Corp.)

World Card Making Day 2011

2011-09-17T21:34:00.004-04:00

World Card Making Day is just a few weeks away! Any one have any plans yet? I'm thinking of hosting a little card making night for my girlfriends on Friday. My 13th wedding anniversary is on October 2nd so I'm hoping to be on a date night on World Card Making Day:) But I will be participating in Paper Crafts World Card Making day blog tour & you can too... check out the details HERE. Its always tons of fun!

Indian Summer

2011-09-15T18:44:00.001-04:00

Indian Summer by Emily Dickinson

These are the days when birds come back,

A very few, a bird or two,
To take a backward look.

These are the days when skies put on
The old, old sophistries of June, --
A blue and gold mistake.

Oh, fraud that cannot cheat the bee,
Almost thy plausibility
Induces my belief,

Till ranks of seeds their witness bear,
And softly through the altered air
Hurries a timid leaf!

Oh, sacrament of summer days,
Oh, last communion in the haze,
Permit a child to join,

Thy sacred emblems to partake,
Thy consecrated bread to break,

Taste thine immortal wine!

Love this poem... it inspired this card. It's a simple card to make...

make card from cardstock and cover face of card with patterned paper
adhere band of coordinating cardstock to face of card
ink edges with ink & foam blender
apply pearl flourishes
adhere flowers

That is it for today... I love how Zva's bling and flowers make a simple card stunning. Thanks for stopping by today!

Source for poem. Products: patterned paper (Webster's Pages), pearls & flowers (Zva Creative).

Want to make it Fabulous?

2011-09-09T10:00:00.052-04:00

Want2Scrap™, Spellbinders™ Paper Arts and JustRite® Stampers Designers have teamed up to bring you an amazing four day Blog Hop Event Sept 6 -9, filled with fabulous designs that are sure to inspire all!! Each day we will be sharing a link list with you for the featured designers!

What would a blog hop be without prizes? Yes, we will also be giving away prizes!!

Want2Scrap will be giving away 2 $25.00 Gift Certificates.
Spellbinders Paper Arts will be giving away 2 Die Template sets with a value of $24.99 each.
JustRite Stampers will be giving away 2 Stamp Sets of the winner’s choice.

The winners will be drawn from the blog commenter so be sure to visit them all and leave a comment on each to increase your chances of winning. The contest for the prizes will be open until midnight Saturday, September 10th. Winners will be announced on Monday September 12th on the company blogs.

SO here is the card I made using fabby products from each manufacturer...

Products: LF-251 Grand Big Scalloped Ovals and S4-114 Standard Circles Large by Spellbinders; Nestabling Fancy Tags Two Pink Pearl and Nestabling Lacy Ovals Silver/Black by Want2Scrap; You're So Sweet and Kindness Set by JustRite.

Are you new to Want2Scrap, Spellbinders Paper Arts or JustRite Stampers? Here is a little information about all three of these amazing companies. Each company offers a unique line of products that work wonderfully together to make some fabulous designs.

Sophistication, value and maximum versatility make Spellbinders die templates #1. Beautiful Details Inspiring Creativity… Spellbinders unique triple function die templates allow you to cut, emboss, and then stencil through the die template for unlimited possibilities. The Spellbinders Grand Calibur® machine and Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities™ cut and emboss up to 11¾”, taking die cutting to grand proportions. Follow Spellbinders on Facebook , Twitter and the Spellbinders Blog !

Want2Scrap™ manufacturers rhinestone lines including the specialty Nestabling™ line along with the newly released Nestaboard™ chipboard line that coordinates perfectly with the Spellbinders Nestabilities® die templates. Want2Scrap also manufacturers their own line chipboard albums and accents, acrylic albums, and multi-layered laser designs and other fine scrapbooking products. Want2Scrap brings ease of use and flexibility in their product lines by offering products uniquely tailored to its customers’ needs. Follow Want2Scrap on Facebook and the Want2Scrap Blog!

JustRite Stampers entire collection of stamps are designed to be compatible with Spellbinders die templates. JustRite Originals interlocking stamp system allows you to mix and match borders and centers to create dozens of design possibilities. Since the spring of 2008, JustRite Original stamps have been designed to coordinate with the Spellbinders Nestabilities, Decorative Elements and Basic Shapes. In January of 2011, JustRite began introducing Cling Stamps Sets designed to coordinate with Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels. JustRite Cling stamps are deeply etched pre-cut red rubber mounted on Static Cling Foam made in the USA . Cling sets come on a colored 8 1/2 x 6 1/2" Storage Panel for easy storage in our Cling Mini Binder Box. For thousands of ideas on projects using JustRite and Spellbinders die templates visit the JustRite Design Gallery and the JustRite Blog. You can also follow JustRite's blog by following on Facebook and Twitter .

Subscribe to each company’s blog!

Today’s featured bloggers are:

Mona Pendleton
Heidi Blankenship

Thank you, we hope you enjoy the Blog Hop. Your comment will count as an prize entry!

Card Making 101/ BoBunny Designer Challenge

2011-08-30T06:00:00.003-04:00

Hi all. Happy Tuesday and thanks for stopping by for the Paper Crafts Go-to Gal Card Making 101 Blog Hop! If you are here for Pleating with Paper 111 then you have reached the right blog:)

Today's post is a modified version of our monthly designer challenge... modified because this month we are coming to you on the last Tuesday of the month (instead of Wednesday) and in addition to featuring a favorite manufacturer we are also sharing a technique as a part of Courtney's Card Making 101 Class.

My technique for today's class is making a paper box pleat which can be used as an embellishment on a card. Pleats are basically folds formed by doubling a material (traditionally fabric) back on itself and tacking it into place.

Here's an idea for how you can use paper pleats on a card...

To make paper pleats:

1) Start with a strip of paper that measures 12" x the desired width of your pleat. Mark 1/4" or 1/2" increments on the back side of the paper. Note: the pleated paper on the card above was made by marking 1/2" increments. The pleated paper on the second sample card below was made with a 1/4" pleat.

2) Fold paper over at the first mark.

3) Then on the third mark fold the paper back toward the first fold. And on the fourth mark fold the paper in the opposite direction of the third fold. This is called a box pleat.

4) Continue folding alternating pleats in this manner across the entire paper, using your marks as a guide or fold lines.

5) Here you can see the paper folded. The green side is the backside (you can see the marks or guide lines) and the brown is the front.

6) Lastly, tack the pleat to itself with adhesive and then adhere it to a card.

Here's another example. Both cards use BoBunny's Welcome Home Collection/embellishments paired with kraft cardstock. I think that collection is just gorgeous! The colors perfectly suit a vintagy elegant style and the metal embellies are simply stunning.

I hope you enjoyed your time here in Pleating with Paper 111. Don't forget to stop by Betsy, Jennifer, Julie & Kim's classrooms today. I'm certain they have some great things to share as well. Thanks for visiting today!

Products: All products used are by BoBunny with the exception of kraft cardstock by Papertrey Ink, ribbon by Michaels and sentiments stamps by Stampin' Up (top) and Technique Tuesday (bottom).

Tessa's Birthday Blog Hop

2011-08-29T09:00:00.024-04:00

Hello & happy Monday! Today I'm happy to be participating in a Birthday Blog Hop for my sweet friend, Tessa Buys. Tessa is one of my favorite scrapbookers and also runs a super cool Etsy shop, Precocious Paper. She is celebrating her 30th birthday by sponsoring a blog hop and along the way she is giving away over $100 in product from her shop!

There are 20 very talented designers sharing projects in her honor along this hop so you don’t want to miss it!

Interested? Start at Tessa’s blog HERE. If you’ve been hopping along and just came from Sara Zenger’s blog, you are in the right place.

Here’s what I have to share today featuring goodies from Precocious Paper.

It is so easy to add Tessa's handmade flowers to any type of paper crafted project. Here I covered an ugly old pencil holder with some stamped and inked kraft cardstock and simply embellished it with a satin ribbon and one of Tessa's fabric and felt flowers (check out her shop... she has so many fun options for these types of flowers).

And since I'm constantly sketching card layouts, I grabbed a Post It grid pad at the store, added a cardstock cover and embellished it with a fabric and felt flower, a lolipop flower and a cupcake poppy from Precocious Paper.

Lastly I added a tag to serve both as a label and a closure.

Would you like some Precocious Paper goodies to work with? If you complete the entire hop, leaving a comment on every designer’s post, you will be entered to win the grand prize – the September, October, November and December Samplers! That’s a $54.00 value and dozens upon dozens of hand-crafted scrapbooking embellishments.

Want to win more?

Follow Tessa’s blog to be entered to win a $20.00 credit to the shop.
Follow Precocious Paper on Facebook and you could win another $20.00 credit.
Tessa is also giving away surprise credits to blog hop participants, so be sure to leave as many comments as you can.

Your next stop is the talented Lisa Andrews.

Don't forget to check out Precocious Paper Etsy Shop. I'm certain that you'll find some goodies & if you use this code during check out WRBBHFREE you will receive FREE SHIPPING and a free thank you gift.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I'll be back tomorrow with the Paper Craft's Go-to Gal Designer Challenge... we're hosting it a day early this month, but we'll be featuring a technique along with some fun BoBunny products. See you then!

Sweet Summer Smiles

2011-08-25T23:29:00.001-04:00

Hello! Wow! Is it really near the end of August? Where did this month go? I guess it went where every other summer month has gone...lol.

Well, I've been busy running with the kids and squeezing in every last bit of summer, how about you? We've been so lucky to enjoy a lot of family time. Truly enjoying that. I love the fact that my kids are young and that they still want to spend every bit of their time with me and Brian. I LOVE that! It makes me smile. Hopefully it won't change soon.

We've taken one last trip to Kings Island... spent as many afternoons at grandma's pool as we could... and even took the girls on their very first airplane ride to Washington DC. Its amazing that the airplane, taxi, subway and hotel stay can be so exciting to a child. And it is so fun to relive things with your children that you take for granted... what a blessing!

Anyway, I know I've neglected this blog, but now that school's started, I'm back and excited to share a couple of projects that I created for Spellbinders. Here is a layout made for a photo that I snapped of Campbell last August.

You can find a complete list of supplies and instructions HERE. And here's a card that was inspired by the layout...

You can find all instructions and a supply list for this one HERE. There are such lush colors in Anna Griffin's Carmen Collection. So lovely!

Well, I'm off to bed... just watched Sweet Home Alabama for the 20th time (I love that darling movie), and I'm worn out... the 1st day of 1st grade has exhausted me.

I hope you all have a super nice weekend! I'll be back on Monday because I'm participating in a very special blog hop to celebrate a sweet friend. See you then friends!

Card Ideas for Paper Crafters

2011-08-23T08:32:00.000-04:00

Card Ideas for Paper Crafters is being highlighted all week long over at Paper Crafts Connection blog, so if you want a chance to check it out this is the week! Today you'll find a few non card projects that a couple of us made that are inspired by the cover sketch. Plus Jennifer is giving away this awesome prize...

Yes, if you haven't picked up a copy yet.... today could be your day to win one:) Have a great Tuesday!

GCD Studios August Color Inspiration

2011-08-11T00:17:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! It's Windy Robinson here to share a few card ideas based on this sunny and bright color inspiration photo...

...I was immediately drawn to its vibrant hues of orange and yellow. I love the contrast they have to the stark white and kraft colors that accompany it. To me, this combination screams... AUGUST!

The festive and celebratory feel of the photo first made me think of making a wedding card and the Soul Food collection provided the perfect palette for my card. I can't wait to send it to a young couple, full of hope and beginning life together.

And this one is a reminder to myself... if I get down, frustrated... or just plain stressed. Its just not worth it to sweat the little stuff because I choose happy. I hope you do too!

Happy day all!

All paper products from GCD Studios, ribbon by Michaels Stores Inc.

Ahh... I missed

2011-08-08T01:00:00.002-04:00

...Sister's Day yesterday, but I made this card to share for the holiday so here it is... a little late but still just as fun:)

Variation: This would be an easy design to use with any of these cute tags from We R Memory Keepers. I'm sure you've seen them in your local scrapbook stores... they are all over the stores we have here. Just add satin & bling to dress it up, or leave it all off to make a clean and simple card.

Here's a card I made last year using a Halloween tag and a similar sketch. Just another idea...

Have a nice Monday!

Products: Patterned Paper (American Crafts, SEI and We R Memory Keepers); tag (We R Memory Keepers), blink (Zva Creative).

Inspired by...

2011-08-07T20:14:00.000-04:00

...these guys in my garden.

Just a quick post today. We are busy living out the last few days of summer:) I had fun playing with this beautiful paper by Authentique, this fab stamp by Hero Arts, this elegant flower by Bazzill Basics, and this darling paper by Papertrey Ink.

I hope you all are doing well... I will be back soon with some more crafty posts! Happy end of summer:)

Quick & Simple... Gift Wrap

2011-07-30T09:00:00.050-04:00

Hello, I'm here today to share a few GCD Studios projects! Can you believe that it is nearly August? Time is just flying by in the Robinson house with a vacation, weddings, neighborhood parties and birthdays. Since it seems like I've been gifting a lot lately, I'm going to share a wrapping technique that utilizes your scrapbooking stash. Its quick and a great way to make gift giving a little more manageable for the pocketbook.

1) Start with a coordinating piece of 12x12 patterned paper and an inspiration card from one of Melody Ross' collections.

2) Cut paper to fit size of gift.

3) Score paper at width of object. Make sure that this section is centered

4) Fold at score marks.

5) Fold down four corners.

6) Fold up around gift like a pouch and staple at top.

7) Embellish...

And here is another wrap that I made for a couple of photo CDs that I made for a friend...

That's it... easy & effective! Take care.

Supplies: Patterned Paper (Fun House & Soul Food collection), Inspiration Cards (Soul Food collection), Embellishment butterfly & clips (Soul Food collection), twine (Divine Twine), ribbon (Michaels Stores)

Go-to Gal Designer Challenge... Cosmo Cricket

2011-07-27T07:59:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! How is your Wednesday going? Thanks for stopping by today for our Go-to Gal Designer Challenge.
On the last Wednesday of the month the Go-to Gals take turns picking a manufacturer and then we challenge each other to create something using products from that manufacturer. Its a fun little hop to see how we put some of our favorite goodies to use. There are really no rules... some times we all play, some times we don't.
Today Betsy, Julie, Kim, Teri, Jennifer & I are playing along and we are sharing projects made with products from Cosmo Cricket. So here's what I've got to share you today...

I layered this darling image of children playing at the beach from Cosmo's Salt Air Elements with papers from the Salt Air Collection 6x6" paper pad. Then I stamped a hi sentiment and embellished it with some Bling Bling from Cosmo's Social Club collection. Lastly I embellished the card with strips from the Salt Air paper pad that I folded into wave-like paper ribbons.

I hope you enjoy the hop! Have a nice day:)

If you are stopping by to find what blogs you can find Zva's blog hop winners, please scroll down to the next post or you can click HERE.

July Zva Blog Hop Winners announced

2011-07-27T05:45:00.000-04:00

We'd like to congratulate the FIVE June Zva Blog Hop winners! Their names will be found on the following blogs:

One winner from each of the 5 blogs will receive a Zva prize package worth $30.00. Congrats winners!

And here's another Zva Creative card for you today, this one uses the new Flourish III in Rosy Crystal (CRS-04CB110).