inkingpink

Bridal Tea Shower Favors

2012-01-27T10:13:00.001-05:00

I thought I would share one of the projects that I have been working on for Meagan's bridal shower tea. This was really a collaboration of efforts. Meagan came up with the idea of the wax bag, and the sweet vintage sugar spoons, she also picked up these pretty printed tags at Michael's Several yards of ribbon and a few tea bags later we ended up with these gorgeous favors for her guests.

These took a little bit of time to assemble, but once we got chatting, and working an assembly line...poof! They were done! I have no way to express the joy in my heart that sharing my craftiness with my daughter has given me. It was so much fun to stamp, cut and repeat for such a happy occasion! And you know since she came up with this idea on her own...she may have a future in crafting after all!

If you plan to make a basket full of these for yourself, my best advice is to add a rectangle of cardstock just slightly smaller than the wax bag , placed inside of the bag for support { for both the ribbon and the spoon} otherwise the bag is just too "floppy" We inserted 3 flavors of tea,chosen more for their matching colors than anything else! :) we debated on adding pretty sugar cubes but decided to stick with tea.

The shower is being held at an adorable little English tea room, so we don't need a lot in the way of decorating, a saving grace for my busy schedule! I'm so pleased with the way these pretty favors turned out, and I'm sure the guests will be thrilled to receive such a useful, beautiful little thank you gift.

Happy creating~

Special Delivery of love

2012-01-24T22:29:00.000-05:00

I'm starting to feel a little "Valentine-y" ...I even made a list of Valentine projects I hope to work on in the next couple of weeks...pretty ambitious! {pats self on the back...as the brain is already laughing and saying good luck chick!} But hey this Valentines marks 24....count 'em twenty four years that Mr. Wonderful and I have been married! That gives me a whole year to plan for our big two-five! That has put me in a very "want to Valentine-ize everything in sight" frame of mind!

I love this circa 1934 collection by Cosmo Cricket, such yummy ,richly patterned papers! The little stamp is from Studio G and is colored with a copics, I used a teeny weeny love stamp from Stampin'Up! lots of love all stamped in a row. Now I think I will go paint my toenails in glossy red...or maybe I will work on that project list! :D

Happy Creating~

A Little Get Well Soon Treat

2012-01-23T22:42:00.001-05:00

Howdy! I have a totally Cricut created card for you today, its rare that I don't use at least one stamp on a project...but here it is! Bright colors and contemporary prints are almost the star of the show, but when you have chocolate involved ...lets face it, its always the winner! When I don't feel well chocolate is my best friend for sure! Who wouldn't love this little get well soon treat?!!!

This chunky yellow glitter makes the center word pop, I love the phrases cartridge for its vast number of sayings, and the cool way the layers are designed.

I used the Cricut Craft Room to cut the card base, the circle opening for the treat cup {Stampin"Up!} If you are a Cricut owner CCR is an amazing tool to get the most out of your Cricut! Its free, and easy to use...whats not to love?

I have been working feverishly on my daughters upcoming wedding, plus all of my DT assignments, and running our small business...and managing the house....and....well you know! you all are crazy busy and have hectic lives too...so thanks for not deserting me when I don't post every day.... or get all loopy on you! It means a lot to me that you take the time to visit! big hugs ~ and as always happy creating!

Antique Affections

2012-01-23T09:33:00.000-05:00

Last week Meagan and I loaded up the truck with a cart, put on our walking shoes and hit the antique extravaganza in Mt. Dora Florida. We shopped, we talked, we oooohhhhhed and ahhhhhhhed over vintage jewelry, stacks of bowls, and massive collections of furniture.

We happened along a vendor that really has an eye for detail and a wimsical uplifting sense of style. At fisrt glance you may mistake it for a hodgepodgery of items, but a closer look reveals vignettes of carefuly and cleverly selected items. Chosen for their beauty, charm and nostalgia.
She allowed me to snap a few pictures,but I could have spent hours discovering alcoves of hidden treasures.The name of her business is Zen Cowgirl, but if you ask me she is more glitter girl than cowgirl! A sweet girl with a big smile and a beautiful booth of wares, that was unlike anything else at the extravaganza.

I was so inspired to decorate for valentines day! I can't wait to break out the heart shaped doilies and make a few glittered hearts! What ever you do today, make it happy! Talk to you soon!

You Really are Fabulous

2012-01-20T06:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday A long list of yummy new Cricut cartridges were released, along with dozens of inspirational samples on the official Cricut blog. I was lucky enough to get to work with one of them this go round. My Quiet book is a fun cartridge filled with shapes, and faces, and cuts that are perfect for a children's book or room decor. Of course I had to challenge myself to see if I could use this cartridge in a non- childish way, and this is the end result. A hip nerdy girl, and a fun card!

Hop on over and soak up all of the goodness, and if you are a Cricut circle member there is even MORE on the Circle blog! yeah!! Want to sign up to be a Cricut circle member? Here is where you need to go to get all circled in!

I want you to know that you really are fabulous, thank you for the touching emails and uplifting comments, I love being connected to you!

Monogram Doily Tutorial

2012-01-18T10:43:00.000-05:00

Adding a personal touch to your projects, gourmet food gifts, and letters has an opulent, unforgettable impact.I love monogrammed items I have as long as I can remember, they are classic and charming. Although they were once reserved for only royalty and the wealthy a raised monogram is now just as attainable as chocolate or coffee!

First things first: you will need a handful of paper doilies, these are sold in packs of 12 and are from the Martha Stewart crafts collection, if you have a Cricut you can cut them yourself {there are several cartridges that contain lacy images}

You will also need a Cuttlebug, the all in one 6x9 folder, and the Cuttlebug all in one embossing set, the letter "F" that I used here is from the songbird set.

Place letter {or letters} of your choice into grid platform where desired, for this project placement is not important as long as the entire doily will fit onto surface.

Place doily in between the clear upper letter and green lower letter piece of embossing plate, and run through the cuttlebug using both B plates {one on top one on bottom} even if if feels "loose" it will emboss, don't worry!

The doily may appear to be slightly wrinkled when you first open the all in one platform, but that will smooth right out when you attach it to your project. I made 30 of these in a matter of minutes, and all of them are just as perfect and beautiful as a vintage hand embroidered one! You will be thrilled with them I'm sure!

This is a cost effective way to add your initials, or a sweet little image to a doily. Have fun with it, and as always happy creating!

Yippee- I have fun news to share!

2012-01-16T08:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday to you all! Its a very happy day for me indeed, because today is the day that the 2012 SRM design team has been announced....and yipeee!!!!!! my name is on that list! I am over the rainbow to be working with such a great company especially because I love {LOOOOOOVE} SRM products!

There is nothing better than working with goodies that you really believe in, and already love! Did I say woot woot yet? No? Wooot woooot!!!!

Thanks for letting me gush in excitment,you are so good to me! Be sure to visit all of the new SRM sticker design team members, you are sure to see familiar names, and discover new blogs that are destined to be on your favorites list!

Happy Creating~ Shantaie

She is young and sweet only Seventeen

2012-01-12T23:30:00.000-05:00

My beautiful daughter is seventeen! Happy Birthday Chelsea! I hope today is one she will remember always. She requested the song dancing queen by ABBA to be her wake up call this Friday the 13th instead of the usual beep...beep...beep of the alarm clock, what a great choice! Her favorite color is...."clear" {did I mention she is quirky and her own brand of awesome?} So my challenge was to make a clear card that used no papers, I chose to emboss the front of my acetate card with a birthday sentiment and sponge a little wisp of white ink along the edges.This card was designed using the Cricut Craft Room and cut with the Expression 2 If anyone out there would like the file, just leave me a note and I will post it or send it to you!

I single candle and a make a wish sentiment flag provide just enough embellishment to make the card even more special but not take a way from the fun "clearness" of it all *giggle* Its sad that seventeen kind of gets overshadowed sandwiched between the hubabaloo of sweet sixteen, and the fan fair of eighteen. I really want to make the day and the year memorable. If you are looking for creative and easy ideas for your seventeen {or future seventeen} year old dancing queen {or king} here are a few that I put together for Chelsea.

Start the day with 17 kisses, how sweet is that? Its super affordable, and its a fast yet sentimental gift or party favor.{ and its in a clear container} :D

I had this tag leftover from a previous project and it was perfect for adding stickers to....really quick!

Of course now you need seventeen hugs to end the day, a little midnight snack perhaps! I have to give credit for this fabulous idea to my friend Debbie.{thanks Debbie} I'm sure you will come up with all sorts of container ideas for this adorable little gift!

Seventeen roses and their unmistakable scent will fill her room for days. She adores flowers, but I ask you what girl doesn't? If you have a teen boy try 17 cookies or a lollipop bouquet.

What would be any more perfect than a subscription to seventeen magazine? This was one of my favorites, and I'm so excited that its still around for her to enjoy!

I picked up a copy of the movie 17 again, she will love this corny nod to her new seventeen year old status! Of all of her gifts I'm pretty sure this will be the one that makes her laugh!

I ordered these knowing that they are 3 ft tall...but not really thinking about just how HUGE that really is, and I had a grand time shoving them in the back of my Yukon....I'm pretty sure I caught the sound of laughter from a couple walking past me as they watched a 5foot 4 inch woman wrestle the number 17 into submission! hahaha

Of course a seventeen year old can now go to a rated R movie, one of the joys of growing up..is not needing your mom to buy your ticket! A movie gift card is always a winner, but especially at 17!

Seventeen...ahhhh so much still ahead of you! May you forever be a dancing queen! Happy Birthday Chelsea...I love you forever!

Home is where you hang your heart

2012-01-11T08:04:00.000-05:00

What else can give you the warm and fuzzies like the familiar icon of love -the simple heart?! It's a shape that can say a thousand words, and they all lead to"love" Now add a coat of mica flakes, bits of lace, and a smattering of buttons and you have a sweet Valentine to greet everyone who enters your home.

I picked up this paper heart at my local craft store for the ginormous sum of one dollar! I painted the heart a pale lavander and used Martha Stewart glittering glue to coat the heart and sprinkled Stampin' Up! mica flakes over the entire heart. {this was a sticky -shimmery mess} but so fun to make!

I tucked a few paper hearts in between buttons, and gems, added a flag shaped sentiment stamped in plum ink. A few pearls, some twine and a hand dyed crochet flower and its ready to hang! I have the perfect spot for this 3D valentine in my living room, and its sure to stand out because it is the one and only purple thing in my home! I really like how it turned out, and I may just display it all year long!

Happy creating out there! Talk to you soon~

The Measure Of Love

2012-01-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

As a crafty girl, I truly appreciate the fact that I can create things my own way....say a blue and gray valentine for example! I'm not ready just yet for the velvet red hearts, and cupids arrows.I give you permission to break as many holiday color rules as you wish, its actually a little fun !
There is so much going on in my little world right now...... the Wedding planning, Chella turning 17 this Friday,work, and tons of projects due...I need a little dose of calmness to sooth my frazzled senses.

These serene shades and a spritz of lavender home spray in my craft room have done a world of good! I feel incredibly blessed to have so much activity and happiness in my life, but I do get overwhelmed at times!

I used a Gray Stampin' Up! marker and the spritz tool to create this slight spray of gray mist on selected areas of the card. I think it makes the sentiments look less stark and a bit aged.

It was love at first sight when I found this measuring tape twill ribbon...it was hard to cut it ,but I was brave and snipped off several inches to make a bow! No point saving it, after all despite it's fabulous-ishness it didn't make my ribbon drawer look any prettier!

I know you are dying to know who won the Imagine Christmas Wish cartridge giveaway sponsored by provocraft from last week, so I will stop gabbing and tell you......

The Winner is:

jcinokc said...

Love that card. The papers are so pretty. I don't have that cartridge yet. Thanks for the chance to win it!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! jcinokc!!! I know you are going to love the Christmas Wish cartridge!!!

The other little fun announcement is a new addition to InkingPink called "thinking Pink" and is on the right hand sidebar at the top of the page, I will be featuring a thought, quote or tip of the day.So each day stop in and see what is new...my goal is to keep it fresh, fun, {or funny}, and informative or maybe a little inspirational. This is an idea a friend asked me to start doing almost a year ago, and I'm finally ready to give it a try, what do you think?

Fab Finds

2012-01-06T23:27:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of my favorite items in shades of black, cream and white that I spotted { and fell in love with} while on a recent shopping trip to Sam Flax in Orlando. This is one of the best....OK in my opinion THE best art supply store in central Florida, and make no mistake the gift shop is by far one of the most fun to peruse! We could spend hours there...and we usually do!

I always leave the shop filled to the brim with inspiration, joy and heavy shopping bags! Hope you are inspired to create something fabulous, or maybe take a trip to one of your favorite happy places!

Happy creating~

Tea Time Pretty

2012-01-04T08:37:00.000-05:00

The chilly weather has finally made its way south and a hot cup of tea sounds like a great idea this morning! I'm typically an ice tea or ice coffee kind of girl, but a warm mug of delicious steaming tea is always a luxurious treat! Can you believe my daughter chose an English tea room for her bridal shower, with the complete afternoon tea experience? For such a trendy girl, she really has a traditional and maybe even and old fashioned spirit! {but don't tell her I said that!} *wink*

I used this weeks Mojo Monday sketch as my springboard for this card, the papers are all from Christmas wish Imagine colors and patterns cartridge, and the tea cup is cut from Love you a latte. I held back on the glitter and added pearls and a cork accent. I love mixing materials that you may not see together in other circumstances....one of the best things about being a crafty rule breaker!!! :)

Now I'm pretty sure I mentioned a giveaway..... so..........

As you all know I LOVE my Cricut Imagine, and the Christmas wish cartridge is really one of my top picks! {check out pages 82-85 of the January Cricut magazine to see my other projects using this cartridge} I love it so much I want to give one away to one of you! Just leave me a comment with a way to contact you and I will choose a winner on Monday! Good luck everyone!

A Winter Flight

2012-01-03T17:19:00.001-05:00

This winter white glitter encrusted butterfly is one of my favorite projects from last year, it happens to be one that I originally created for the Cricut circle blog last January. I'm happy to be sharing it with you, as the new year takes flight! I had planned on making one for each season, but truthfully I displayed this one almost all year...I just couldn't bring myself to pack it away when winter was done! I do get attatched to some of my projects that way! I bet you do too!

Each delicate layer of this lacy butterfly is glittered in a different color and coarseness of glitter, it is a sparkling shimmery blanket of white and silver against the black background, don't you just love the dramatic contrast of black and white? Yes me too!!!!

I still have a great deal of leftover Christmas spirit, so pop back in tomorrow for a giveaway! See you then!

One Little Word Can Mean So Much

2012-01-01T15:09:00.001-05:00

{Photo Google images}

As I searched for my one little word to guide and uplift me in 2012 several words seemed to almost fit. To almost tell the story of where I am at this stage in my life, but one word stood out and I could not ignore the impact it had on me. This word encompasses so many of my wants, goals, dreams, and ambitions. This string of letters is not your typical heart stopping, emotion tugging word...not at first anyways. But if you care to continue reading, and allow me to be very open with you, maybe I will change your mind about this one little word: connected

Definition:	combine, link
	affix, ally, associate, attach, bridge, conjoin, consociate, correlate,couple,equate, fasten, get into, hitch on, hook on, hook up, interface, join, join up with,meld with, network with, plug into, relate, span, tag, tie in, tie in with, unite, wed, yoke ,align, balance, bring into line, calibrate, connect

So what does this word mean to me? What do I want to be connected to? In a word... ME. The real me.The me that seems to get lost in a sea of "Meagan and Chelseas' mom", "Davids wife" "The boss" "designer" "pet owner" "lady of the house" and the endless array of hats that many of us wear on a daily basis, I need to reconnect with who I am and what I love, the things and people that make life a wondrous and fulfilling journey.

If I have any regrets lingering from 2011 it is the accidental neglect of my friendships, I need to reconnect with these amazing people that I adore.....my friends, my extended family. I'm not sure when or how I became so distracted and disconnected, but the desire to connect and be close again is strong and unwavering.

I want to be more connected to YOU, to be a blogger that interacts with my readers in a whole new and exciting way. To share, listen, learn, give, and teach. I want you to be more connected with me. We live in an amazing time where people from all walks of life and all geographical locations can connect and interact in one place....what a wonderful world!

I need to reconnect with my love of interior design, party planning, and fashion. Cooking, sewing, organizing, and yes even cleaning! I hope to bring these elements forward here on Inkingpink, and represent a more true picture of who I am and how I have created my life and lifestyle. minus the blunders, spilled glitter, and hangnails!

My daughter is getting married in 3 months.....* thoughtful sigh* and I want to soak up every minute of it all......the preparations, the joy, the work, and the process, to feel the connection that only a mother and a daughter can share at this time. Especially since I did not have a wedding! we were young, broke and already parents...there was no way we could afford a real wedding........ shoot we were happy that we could afford a slice of cake for dessert!

I also want to feel more connected to nature, oh how I love the beach, the flowers, and the birds singing. The outdoors provide a happiness that nothing else compares too...not even a good hair day! :) { seriously folks with curly hair a, good hair day is huge!} I want to be connected to a more vibrant healthy lifestyle. To connect with my sense of adventure and try something new and potentially embarrassing if it were caught on film!

I love the idea that I'm already connected to my future, I have to cross the bridge that connects the journey of the present to what lies ahead. I plan to allow the path to unwind in the direction it is meant to be, and steer myself ever forward. right foot, left foot, right foot................

My goal is to stay connected to the one and only Mr. wonderful, we have been married for almost 24 years......pretty much my entire adult life. It has been a lot of work and a lot of effort over the years to stay connected...to not drift apart, as happens so often.

My family is my world, designing a decorated life is my passion, being connected to every facet and every dimension of who I am is my desire.To connect with other like minded people my goal. To embrace business opportunities that connect all the dots, is my ambition.

One little word can mean so much.

As always, happy creating! Shantaie

Shabby Little Butterfly

2011-12-30T23:25:00.000-05:00

Have you ever taken a vacation that left you feeling like you needed to take a rest to recover from your vacation? No I'm not speaking in riddles :) it's just that as much as I have cherished every single moment of the Holidays, and the crafty break that came along. I have to admit, it all left me rather drained. My creative juices withered away,my mojo as dry as the desert, and I struggled to get back into the groove. Whats a girl to do?
I did what I have done many times before, I turned to one of my favorite sources of inspiration......Victoria magazine, specifically an issue from June 10 years old!!! The pages of the issue were like a hug from an old and dear friend, and scattered with butterflies. I took my cue from the winged beauties and scoured my stamp shelves for a lacy image...and the spark to create was ignited!

That butterfly stamped in tea dye distress ink uplifted my spirits and the rest of the card just kind of "happened" on its own! I used a mojo sketch that I turned sideways from a few weeks ago, it is helpful for me to have a blueprint so to speak when I need a little boost, if you visit me very often I'm sure it comes as no surprise to you that Mojo monday sketches are my favorite!

The delicious papers are a combo of my little shoebox and Bella Blvd. The scrunched doily was a happy accident...I left it and a glass of diet coke on the counter, and it got wet, so I crumpled it and sponged it with walnut distress ink and it is the perfect amount of imperfection for this card! If you love the hand dyed ribbon, give my friend Kristen Swain a visit and pick some up for yourself.

I wanted to make this a thank you card because a) I always need them, and b) I'm pretty thankful that my creative wings are in full swing again! The fab sentiment is a clear SRM sticker {if you ask me} one of the best and quickest ways to add just the right thing to a project! I'm smitten with the clear stickers for sure!

I have been pondering my "one little word" for 2012 I haven't narrowed it down yet, but I think I have a few pretty good candidates! How about you?

A Toast to 2011

2011-12-28T20:28:00.000-05:00

This is a card I made for the Cricut Circle last year, I used the Cricut Imagine to create a fun and vibrant "toast" to the new year! If you would like to become a circle member or just want to learn more about the circle click here.

I love a humorous card, this one is maybe even a little tongue in cheek! But what is better than putting a smile on someones face? After all that's part of why we do what we do!!
One of my favorite things to do with the Cricut Imagine is to isolate image sections and use them in unexpected ways, like printing this image section and using it as a shaped card. This adorable toaster can be found on Kate's Kitchen Imagine art cartridge by Cosmo Cricket..is he cute or what?!!!

Why not treat your love with breakfast in bed on New Years day and really "toast" the New year!

Cleaning it all up

2011-12-26T19:55:00.000-05:00

The gifts have all been opened,the smiles of our loved ones have been captured in our hearts and for most of us in digital memory. The aroma of holiday dinners are only memories,{except to our waistlines} and cookie crumbles on empty cake plates are all that remain of the baking marathons......ahhhh how I love Christmas, but now.........

......now it is time to clean up! Time to pack away our precious Christmas mementos, the glass baubles, and glittered snowflakes. Time to carefully wrap up each ornament made by the tiny fingers of children with big hearts and big dreams. Lets not forget it is also time to box up our 50% off wrapping and tissue paper that we fought down the aisle to get to and stood in that long line to buy.......or was that just me? *giggle*. Yes it's time to tuck away strands of lights and tinsel, and Santa adorned linens.

..........This time of year also brings forth a different kind of feeling of needing to clean up. Not just the tidying up of my home, but of loose ends, stray thoughts and long forgotten ideas. .

It's time to think about cleaning up my bad eating habits, and goodness knows my friendships could use a little polishing up..... they have been far too neglected as of late! Maybe like cobwebs its time to clear away the fear that stops me from pursuing all of my wildest dreams.

Time to soak in happiness, relax, and renew!

A clean slate, to get the ball rolling! Time for stripping away doubt, and jumping in with both feet!

Its time......to get my hands dirty, to work on things that matter to me!

Its time to clear a path for a new year, a new unwritten journey of creativity, hope and adventure. Imagine the possibilities that lie before me, and to know that real life is messy and no matter what kind of mess I make, I can always clean it up................

Outings

2011-12-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

In the midst of standing in lines to buy gifts, wrapping packages, mailing cards, and engaging in the general hustle and bustle of the Holidays my family has taken out some time this past week to enjoy something that says Christmas to us each day. Like taking a drive to Christmas Florida for lunch, and a visit to jungle adventures. Maybe a tour through an alligator swamp and zoo is not on your Christmas outings list, but it was a great day!

It was a sun in your eyes, squint at the camera kind of day! *giggle* It was a fun adventure, the kind with no plans, no schedule, and no clocks! We took over 250 photos and laughed even more than usual! I treasure such a rare and magical occasion. I know these days are the glue that bonds our family and gets us through the hard times.

The following day Mr. Wonderful surprised me with a trip to see the 2 story gingerbread house at the grand Floridian Disney resort. You could smell the aroma of sugar and ginger the moment you walked into the lobby, and let me tell you this house was impressive!

I'm thinking Disney magic needs to be listed as the first ingredient!

The cookie shingles were my favorite detail on this massive Maison, each one so perfect and golden brown! Yummolicious!

This is the view of the cottage from the second floor, we were in awe! The best part of this outing is that it was free to go in and enjoy! And enjoy we did!

Spell it Out, Wrap it Up

2011-12-14T06:28:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a great way to wrap up your gifts and express yourself at the same time? We all love to put our own personal touch on the Holidays, with the Cricut and some pretty papers you can turn recycled paper bags into gorgeous gift wrapping! To download all of the CCR and gypsy files for these packages hop on over to the official Cricut blog!

Gingerbread Land

2011-12-13T10:56:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to introduce the Fowler Family Gingerbread house community of 2011

We all had a wonderful, sticky, sugar coated grand time building our gingerbread houses this year. The best part for me, is the laughter, conversation, and special time together. Having a candy village to show for it afterwords is pretty fabulous too! Take a tour through our little cookie haus land, hope you can pick up an idea or two for your own festivities!

Happy Creating~

If Walls Could Talk

2011-12-12T11:43:00.000-05:00

Well actually they can! With Cricut cuttables vinyl and a quick how to tutorial you can turn your walls into a message for all to see!

To get started, plan on the size and color you want to put onto your surface. The hardest part of the project is deciding what you want to say! there are so many possibilities! For this project I chose raven vinyl cut at 11" for this you will need a 12x24 mat and a 24" piece of vinyl. Cut your phrase using the instructions in the vinyl package or use the kiss cut on your Expression 2. After you cut is complete, peel away the negative portion of the vinyl leaving the cut and paper backing on the mat.

Apply transfer tape over entire cut, and burnish with the wooden stick or a credit card. Its very important that the entire image is burnished to the transfer tape as this is what you will use to apply the phrase to the wall or other surface.

Now that the transfer tape is properly adhered to the phrase, slowly peel the transfer tape off of the mat leaving vinyl paper backing on the mat. Carefully apply image to the wall, and begin burnishing image with stick. When image is securely adhered to wall, peel away transfer tape slowly. If you have any area that is not adhering to the wall, simply burnish a little more and peel transfer tape away again.

When the cut is completely attached to the wall it will have a "milky" look under the transfer tape.

Now you have a statement that will greet all who walk in the front door...or through the chimney too!

I chose the phrase winter wonderland from Winter frolic because its my youngest daughters favorite song, when she was three I read a book to her over and over again,that included the lyrics. She knew every word of the song and would sing along in the car at the top of her little lungs! Oh how quickly that song became my favorite too, and its a special little bond between the two of us. I know that someday all too soon she will be off to collage, and I will be in the car alone, singing as loud as can be smiling at those fond memories! For now I will cherish each and every moment she is still at home!

I made these stockings about 5 years ago, and even though Meagan now has a home of her own, she will get a stocking full of goodies from Santa here!

I hope you will give your walls the chance to say something new! If its your first time using vinyl, don't be scared, its easy, just take your time and follow the instructions! You will be hooked on a new way to express yourself!

Happy Creating!

Gifted

2011-12-11T08:25:00.001-05:00

The Holiday season is in full swing, as these next few days fly by we will be shopping, wrapping, baking, and shipping. Most of us will also be attending a party or two and a hostess gift will be in order! I have a fast and beautiful gift sure to impress! Almost everywhere you go candles of all shapes sizes and colors fill the shelves of stores, they are a great gift choice especially when they are on sale! However a blob of wax thrown in a bag seems to fall a little short in the "thoughtful" category so take a pretty candle to the next level without spending a ton of time or cash!

Cut a pretty snowflake and wrap a satin ribbon around the candle you can even tuck a box of matches wrapped in a pretty paper in the box or gift bag, and now you have a gift that truly lights up the room! Happy Creating!

For this project you will need:
2 decorative candles
white card stock
Cricut expression 2
Winter lace cricut cartridge Digital winter lace cartridge {or any cartridge with snowflakes}
alternative :hand cut snowflakes
1 1/2 yards 3/4" satin ribbon

Random Crafts Of Kindness

2011-12-09T14:09:00.001-05:00

Provo Craft is offering you and crafters like you the chance to win a Cricut Expression 2 and to help others through crafting! Please visit the Random Crafts of Kindness facebook page for all contest details. To download the gypsy and Craft room files for my baby ensemble jump on over to the official Cricut blog. Come on crafty friends, Spread the word and lets make this Holiday season a season of giving!

This ensemble will be donated to a local center for pregnant women, the center provides help to countless women and their babies.They provide many services that these women would otherwise have no way to obtain. We may forget that these organizations need the support of the community to stay open and to help those who truly need assistance all year long. I urge you to use your talents and open your heart to shamelessly commit a random craft of kindness! :)

I wish you all good luck in the contest, and know that when you give you already a winner!

Party Planning

2011-12-08T08:46:00.001-05:00

Some of the Holidays best gifts can't be wrapped up with papers and ribbons, they must be built together...no I'm not talking about putting together a bicycle in your garage at midnight on Christmas Eve! I'm talking about a gingerbread house decorating party! It's far more fun, and yummy too! Gather your loved ones and build a village of sweet memories! For all of the how to and tips to host your own party, visit the Cricut blog where you can also download all of the cut files for these projects!

My family will be putting together our houses tonight, and next week my dear friends will be coming over for lunch and candy construction! Ahhh the scent of gingerbread hangs heavy in my home, the simple joys of Christmas!!!!

Santas Stache

2011-12-07T06:22:00.001-05:00

Are you in the market for a fun card that is sure to bring a smile? You are in luck! This version of the Santa's suit card also sports a velvety flocked mustache :) super fun!

This stache was cut with the Cricut expression 2 and the billionaire cartridge, you can also use the Stampin'Up! mustache stamp set! The belt buckle was cut with the Funky squares cuttlebug die, and can also be done with square punches. of course no Santa card would be complete without a little "ho ho ho"

I think its time for me to get started on my Christmas card stacks! But first I have to head out to the paper store to buy bulk paper and get started on wedding invitations, oh and Bridal shower invitations! Santa please send me a little elf to help me get it all done!! Until then Starbucks Mocha peppermint frapacinnos will be my little helper! :)

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Hello Kitty Ballet

2011-12-06T09:08:00.001-05:00

Oh who doesn't love that sweet Hello Kitty face? I first fell in love with Hello Kitty when I was 16. I had the markers, the sparkly toothbrush, and a wee pink wallet! Its no surprise that Meagan, my girly girl loves her even more than I do! My girls and I go to the Nutcracker ballet every Christmas, it's one tradition that is just for the magic of it all! When the snowflakes take the stage in all those silver and white tutus and snow drifts down in glitter form....ahhhhhh I cry every time!!! Its one of the most beautiful sights ever!
I thought it would be fun to present her ballet tickets in this pink whispy card!

And its so exciting for me to be able to share this cartridge with my lucky winner today!!!

SIS PATTERSON!!!

I love your pink and steel gray combo - it's so Florida winter.

I can't settle on just a few colors - my tree is very diverse. But lately while crafting, I have been drawn to kraft brown, white, red, and turquoise.

Congratulations Sis!!!!

Please send me your mailing address and I will send out your new cartridge right away!!! frougirl3 @gmail.com

And as a bonus gift I have a pink gypsy cover for my new follower:

ADELE!!!!

"Love your quick card
I'm a new follower :)
I love the bright vibrant reds/greens/golds of Christmas, they just make me want to craft :)
Hugs
Adele"

Congratulations Adele, and welcome to InkingPink!!! Please send me your mailing address and I will mail out your pretty pink gypsy cover!! :)

Thank you to everyone who shared their favorite colors at Christmas, it was fun to read your comments, and I now have a few new combos I want to try!!! :) Check back often I have lots more gifts to give during the 25 days of Christmas!!!

Paper Garland Tutorial

2011-12-05T11:47:00.001-05:00

There is something so pretty about a simple paper garland. Timeless, charming, and festive, and quite easy to make! Gather a few supplies and make one for yourself or as a gift! Select the papers you want to use, I chose shades of pink, red, green blue and white. Try a vintage combination of newsprint, paper bags, and magazine pages mixed with silver and blue or pink! {I just talked myself into making another garland!} *wink* For my garland I went with circles in various sizes, of course you can use just about any shape you like, the construction will be the same regardless of shape or size.

If you desire a specific color pattern, lay out your pieces and stack them in the order you want them to appear along the garland. Choose a straight stitch on your sewing machine and with an all purpose thread and stitch length of 2 or 2.5 just sew down the center of your circle, allow a few stitches between pieces of paper as shown below, I randomly picked up the circles, and allowed varied lengths of space between them, I didn't need the spacing to be perfect. {you know how I feel about perfection} Not in my vocabulary!

You can also try a zig zag stitch, but that uses quite a bit more thread. Spice it up with a metallic thread or add rhinestones to your garland, or tie ribbons between images for a little frill, just have fun with it!

I love the classic and whimsical look of this garland, it reminds me of a simpler time, when all decorations were handmade! Hey I may even string some cranberries this year! {I'm much more likely to cook them than string them truth be told!}

Here I have hung the garland across a double doorway, but its the perfect size for a Christmas tree! Try making smaller sections for wrapping around a gift, or stringing from the ceiling!

Are you convinced yet that this simple project should be on your "to do" list? If you do make one I would love to see it! put a link to your photo in the comment field, or shoot me an email frougirl3 @gmail.com
As always happy creating~

P.S. you still have time to enter the Hello Kitty cartridge giveaway! Winner will be announced Tuesday morning! Good luck!

Lights are Shining Brightly

2011-12-04T12:08:00.001-05:00

When the girls were younger, we would all pile in the land cruiser and drive around looking at the Holiday lights, sing our favorite Christmas songs and stop for a hot chocolate. These days we take a drive down to Hollywood Studios and bask in the radiant beauty of the Osborne famliys' display. We share this joy not only with each other, but with hundreds of other awe stricken light show lovers all around us.

This display is truly magical, and even though we are surrounded by strangers all snapping photos, and singing carols I am transported back in time. As a little girl I would sit in front of the tree, multicolored lights blinking on and off, and to my fathers dismay never all at the same time! :) Silver strands of icicles glimmering, and a few wrapped gifts under the tree. I could spend endless amounts of time sitting and looking at those lights, and when we are strolling through this light show I remember just how much I loved those wintry Christmas nights.

The lights change color and "dance" with the music, the songs change from fast to slow and the lights follow suit.

This snowflake is so pretty and a row of them decorate a fountain in the street center.

sparkle and shine!

This is a ceiling of lights along a walkway, its one of the most gorgeous areas of the display!

Now that is what I call traveling light! *snort*

I never miss a chance to show off my goofy side, it comes naturally! But how could you not feel giddy when encircled by all that humming electricity and falling "snow" ?!!!!!

Santa and his sleigh, my favorite!!!

Peace on Earth, peace and joy, that's a wish I wish for this Holiday season. I hope that you slow down in the midst of all of the "go go go", and rush of the season to take time to enjoy the things that matter to you most. Watch those Rudolf specials, bake a few cookies with the kids, and drive around to see the lights, let the magic of Christmas fill your hearts.

Lets Let It Snow

2011-12-03T10:53:00.001-05:00

Let it snow , Let it snow, let it snow....Not likely here in sunny Florida, but a girl can still make cards about snow!! In fact I have all the snow I need lined up on my glitter shelf! As you may remember I hosted a little Holiday get together a couple of weeks ago, this is one of the 5 cards we made {if we were not too busy talking and eating candy} Ahem...yep you guessed it I did not get anything done that day! :) Anyhoo....this card was inspired by a card my daughter fell in love with in the papercrafts Holiday cards issue by Beth Opal. I used the gypsy to create my own word art "snow" that would fit perfectly on a standard 4.25" X 5.5" card with a layer. For a copy of that gypsy file click here.

A tag with let it snow stamped in gray says it all! I added a sheer snowflake ribbon and a "snowball" to embellish the card but not take away from the real design element. Now For me I would coat the word in glitter or mica flakes and use foam tape to pop it up, But I like this version for mass production!

I really like the pink and steel gray for a surprise Christmas color combo, its so pretty! I promised a giveaway this weekend, and I have a cute cute cute cartridge for a lucky winner!

Hello Kitty Font! This cartridge will go out to one of my followers, just leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite Christmas colors! How easy is that? Plus I love learning more about you!!! I will go first, I honestly love the golds, creams, silver and white, my tree has all white lights and glittered pine cones, snowflakes, and gold and coppery brown glass balls. I love the metallics of the season mixed with natural elements and icons, like birds, and mushrooms. I'm sure it comes as no surprise to you that I like shiny things! LOL

I can't wait to hear from you! Don't forget to grab that gypsy file here and leave a comment to enter into the giveaway, if you are not an inkingpink follower yet, take a second and sign up, let me know you are new....and I will have a special gift for a new follower too! Winners will be announced Tuesday AM...Good luck and happy creating!

Simple Style

2011-12-02T08:27:00.001-05:00

I rarely make clean and simple cards, but the truth is ...I adore a pretty card with clean lines and a simple style. The trick to a simple card is to make it look great without adding lots and lots of stuff, and this card is just right! If you need to whip out a stack of cards this layout is the way to go! When designing your Holiday cards remember "K.I.S.S." Keep it simple sunshine!!

We got our tree yesterday, and its mammoth! By far the biggest tree we have ever had, it makes the room look tiny {it is a small living room} but wow!! I will share it with you again when its all decorated and the room is cleaned up! :)

Be sure to stop back in tomorrow for a Christmas weekend giveaway!! I'm in the mood to give! :)

Watercolor Wishes

2011-12-01T08:36:00.001-05:00

Happy December!!! Welcome to the 25 days of Christmas, I hope to post a new project, idea or thought each and every day of December. A way for me to share my holiday journey with you and what I discover along the way! Today I feel like a spring coiled up and ready to bounce! I LOVE Christmas I love most everything about it!I'm pretty excited that it is finally here!!!
I have a few holiday icons that I hold dear to my heart and the snowman is in my top 3 {I know- I grew up in Florida what do I know about snowmen?!!!} Let me tell you....I did get the chance to make one or two when I was a kiddo, and it was so much more fun than building sandmen on the beach!! :) I have never forgotten how proud I was of that lopsided snowman with stick arms, and rocks for eyes! Sigh...good times! :)

This charming tall white and handsome snowman is in the Stampin'Up! "snow much fun" stamp set. I stamped him on watercolor paper and embossed him with clear powder over black craft ink. I have water colored the image with SU markers and an aquapainter. The gentle cascade of pearls look like 3D snowflakes!! I just love this card, and its bold pop of orange!

A teeny layer of mica flakes makes a sparkly snow covered ground, and a tag adorned with bitty jingle bells is one of my favorite details on this card, those bells are just adora-belle! *giggle*

I'm on my way to pick out a Christmas tree!! Mr. Wonderful likes to shake out the tree, and make sure there are no bare spots, and he has to get a Douglas fir..... its the Fowler family tradition!!! I tried talking him into a flocked tree this year....not going to happen LOL "See" you tomorrow!

Happy Belated Birthday Betty

2011-11-29T19:43:00.001-05:00

Have you ever made a mistake that there is just no way to fix? Let me tell you about my recent blunder { I warn you its a doozie } * deep breath* OK here it is, I forgot my sisters birthday!!!! Wait, let me explain!!! I did not actually forget her special day, I just lost a day and thought her birthday was a day later.... and that I had a whole extra day to plan my surprise gift to her....I realized all too late that I was mistaken. *sigh* Can you imagine the sinking feeling of knowing I had let her day go by without any fanfare or confetti? Gulp...I told you it was a doozie!

My sister lives a very green lifestyle, she goes above and beyond to do her part to both clean up and save our planet. With that in mind I pondered for weeks what to give her that she would appreciate and enjoy, a handbag may be my idea of the perfect birthday gift, but that would not be hers! So I had a tree planted in her name, her new married name! Of course I still had to make a card to accompany her certificate, and the Olive tree on the New Testament Cricut cartridge seemed like the most perfect image I could ever think of for her card!

I used Echo Park's Summer Days paper collection and the Mojo Monday sketch 217 to use as my starting point. I did take a few detours with the sketch, but that is always fun! An oval tag with the sentiment "grow" is a nod to the future of the tree, as well as her growth as a person. I always reflect back on the year when my birthday rolls around. I hope all of her wishes come true, I hope she celebrates her day all week long, and I hope she knows that I love her! Happy birthday little sister!

Fall Wreath

2011-11-22T11:23:00.001-05:00

Its always nice to greet your guests with a welcome even before you open the door! We still have a few more days until Thanksgiving is here and this quick fall wreath can be done in an afternoon!

Get started with a grapevine wreath and strips of pretty fall fabric, I have used the Stampin'Up! Spice cake fabric. Cut a circle of double sided sticky paper or try Cosmo Crickets glubers. To create flowers simply gather fabric and stick down in a circular ruffle. The round yoyo's are strips of twisted fabric, just twist and adhere starting from the center working outward.

Add buttons, raffia, and a stamped image, hang it up and enjoy!

*NOTE* Use hot glue to adhere flowers to wreath, and use a cardstock circle as a base for your sticky page adhesive! Happy creating, Happy fall!

Fall Felt and Fabric

2011-11-18T09:10:00.001-05:00

There are many things I enjoy, but there are few things that thrill me as much as decorating ....well everything! I absolutely swoon over tables capes and relish the opportunity to set the dinner table during each Holiday! I have an extensive linen collection in all shades, shapes, and textures, mmmmm love hunting for vintage linens....ahem...sorry you lost me there for a minute! OK OK back to this table..... These crisp white napkins were trimmed with the GORGEOUS spice cake fabric from Stampin' Up! The napkin ring is fashioned from a combination of kraft cardstock, spice cake paper, and those yummy spice cake buttons. A thick felt leaf, and my favorite fall "ribbon" raffia.

I think is nice to make each family member and guest feel welcome, so quick and easy to make a place card with a warm felt leaf, and a button accent! To get a multicolor stamped image like this one, simply stamp image in lighter color ink, and color in darker color with a marker and stamp. Be sure to clean stamp between uses so you do not get brown ink on your lighter ink pad.On the inside of card add a little gift or sincere message telling your guest why you are thankful for them.

Rustic wood charger plates are perfect for a relaxed Thanksgiving table, less formal than gold and just as pretty when the dishes are piled up with the comforting fare of a traditional Thanksgiving. In our line of work we do not get many Holidays off, and Thanksgiving is no exception, we work until around 5PM so dinner must be simple, delicious and planned ahead of time. Each year I ask each family member what they really want and make each one of those items. The one thing I always make just for me is a big bowl of brandied cranberries! What is your must have?

Happy creating!{ no mustaches were harmed in the making of this photo!}

Fringe Flower 50th Birthday!

2011-11-17T08:44:00.001-05:00

Today in my craft group { The hen house crafters} we are celebrating our sweet friend Simone's 50th Birthday!!! I know these girls, and trust me there will be plenty of the typical "over the hill" gag gifts and lots of teasing today, and usually I would be the leader of the pack when it comes to cornball fun at the expense of someone else . But I wanted to make a beautiful card for her, after all she has been alive for 50 years!! :) hee hee!!!!

The flowers were made with the new {and oh so fabulous} fringe flower cuttlebug die. The cards layout inspiration is from this weeks Mojo Monday sketch!{ Mojo 215 }The papers are My Minds eye Stella and Rose, and the stamp is Stampin'Up!

These flowers have lots of dimension, and are easy to make. I even snipped the pink one a little shorter to create a smaller flower. OK time to go....I'm headed to meet the girls and have a little {probably a lot} of Birthday fun, some cheesecake, and maybe even a little crafting will get done today.....maybe!

Happy Birthday Simone!!!!

Pocket and Tag Advent Calendar

2011-11-16T08:19:00.001-05:00

Advent Calendar With a Twist

We all love to countdown the days to Christmas, and with this special advent calendar you can check off the days in a whole new way! You can see the Calendar and all 25 unique tags and pockets on The official Cricut blog! Learn what makes this Advent calendar different from any other and download the gypsy file to make your own! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Are you signed up to receive email updates when I post? Click here to get started and never miss a thing!

Happy creating!

Altered Sled Ornament

2011-11-14T16:52:00.001-05:00

This past weekend at my annual Holiday Hoopla crop we had a handmade ornament exchange, this altered sled was my offering! I love the way it turned out, and the hardest part was painting the sled because the dimensional flower was created with my Cricut Imagine!!!!

So let me give you the rundown so you can make them for yourself, or if you are looking for a gift to make, these would be gorgeous as a package tie...kind of a gift with a gift!!! The sled was picked up at Michael's, then painted red and brown with craft paint.

To create the flower with Snow Angel Imagine art cartridge and the Cricut Imagine, print and cut the flower at 2.7" and cut the layers separately at 2.7" on white card stock. Ink edges with red and green ink, and curl with a bone folder. Layer with foam tape, and add a few little micro beads with a glue dot in the flower center. Add seam binding {Stampin' Up!} in a big crinkly bow and cut label with cuttlebug, stamp sentiment, adhere to sled, and you are ready to decorate!!!

Happy creating!!!

Exciting News to share!

2011-11-11T22:08:00.001-05:00

Well its exciting to me anyways, and I hope you will do a little happy dance with me! *wink* I have been holding my breath for a while with such jump up and down for joy news, and finally I can tell you all about it! I have joined Northridge publishing Cricut magazine as part of their design team! { click on the link to meet the rest of this super talented team}

Now I have to tell you when I got that invitation, I did scream......and jump for joy...and then had wonder if it was real!

I am beyond being shocked that I ever learned to craft my way out of a paper bag! Hello seriously! I have middle school art projects that just about squashed any hopes and dreams I ever had about having a creative bone in my body....but life is funny that way and when you really love something, you just keep trying no matter how much your dad laughs at your sad sorry kitty sculpture! {yes it was bad...very very funny...and oh so bad} LOL ......To be in this moment, is just amazing! I can't claim to be an artist, but there is happiness in all that I do!

Thank you for your support, for your friendship, and for the inspiration you provide me, and the future crafty souls out there! Thank you for doing a happy dance with me, and letting me gush in my little moment is the sun! Much love, and as always happy creating!

Paper Pieced Pumpkins

2011-11-09T11:12:00.000-05:00

Setting a fall table for company or just a family meal, is one of the joys of the Autumn season. These paper pumpkins are as easy as pie to make, with rich papers and felt leaves they will bring a cozy feeling to any room!

This table was one of our vignettes at Stampcation back in September, I will be sharing each of the elements as the week goes by! To make a patch of these pumpkins cut strips of paper 1" wide by 6" or 8" or even 10" depending how big you want your patch to be! Cut about 10 pieces per pumpkin. To add dimension you can emboss the strips with your favorite folder.

Try mixing up the patterns you have on hand...this is a great way to use up some of your scrappy leftovers! Pierce a hole in the top center and bottom center of each strip, now insert a brad in the first strip adding all 10 and close the brad, now add a brad to the top and fan out the strips, and "squash" the paper gently to create a squatted circle. cut leaves from felt using your cricut or cuttlebug, add rolled strips of cardstock for stems, and curled strips of thin paper make beautiful tendrils!

Place your pumpkin harvest on the table, on a dresser or with a bowl of scented potpourri. Hang them with fishing line along your drapes, ore use them as place settings, with a little chocolate turkey or pumpkin inside each one! Happy creating~

Happy Blessings

2011-11-02T07:20:00.001-04:00

Fall is such a wonderful time of year, I think that other than Pumpkin spice flavored coffee, and the earthy scent of cinnamon that fills your lungs every time you walk into the grocery store, my favorite thing about Fall is the abundance of rich color. Oranges creams, and reds, and my all time favorites greens,curries, and browns are gracing the storefronts and landscapes all around us! I welcome the Holiday season with open arms, and have visions of Pumpkins pies dancing in my head! {yum}

This card was made with lots of layers, stitching, and rich fall color. I used my Cricut to create this pumpkin, and leaves. The tendrils are twine, and bitty strips of paper curled up with a quilling pen { I'm sure that is not the correct name for that tool} but you get the idea! Dig out those Autumn papers, dust off your best china and trusty family cookbooks, its finally time.....fall is here!

Happy Creating~

Cricut Couture

2011-11-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

During CHA last January we were introduced to the plush Cricut, there is s little plush, and a big gorgeous green huggable size. Provocraft had a fun game where people tool pictures of their Cricit all around LA and uploaded them to win prizes and share stories. But you know we love our bugs so much, that many Cricut fans kept up with the fun! Dressing Cricut up and taking him {her} out to scrappy events, field trips and....well just about anyplace!

This is my Cricut in his natural habitat.....the craft room! Now he hangs out and munches on paper scraps and keeps watch over my ribbon, and keeps me company all day long. This diet coke bottle flew home with him from LA and has a fun and memorable meaning for me. While at CHA the DT leaders and a few of us DT girls went out for dinner and chatted for hours, munching on yummy food, wine and diet cokes. When our bill came we were shocked that our diet cokes cost more than a glass of wine! Racking up 7.00 per little bottle....and yikes we each had several! LOL we still giggle {in a painful but funny recollection} about breaking the bank with diet cokes!

This is my bitty baby Cricut snuggling up with my Stampin'Up! Build a bear, they are best friends, and get along perfectly just like my Stampin'Up! stamps go together with my Crciut cuts like "peas and carrots"!

These little cuties were also introduced at CHA and are now available on Crciut.com! Aren't they adorable! I want the whole series!!

This is one of the charms that you could buy at the Cricut Circle meet ups, I wear mine with all of my Circle meet up charms, and this one is by far my favorite! I love my Cricut!

I recently met these two fabulously fun ladies at the Scrapbook Expo in West Palm Beach, they have their bug-a-boos all decked out! This is Janna, and Seanna, they have been friends for a long time, and scrapping is the glue that binds them, like so many friendships forged in the paper craft community! They love to dress up their Cricut babies and have even started a blog about the adventures they and their companions enjoy! {Is that fun or what?} Check out some of these tooooo cute ensembles! And be sure to visit the adventures of Cricut Babies blog
As a thank you to Janna and Seanna for sharing their story and all of these fun photos with us, I will be sending them some fabulous cuttlebug folders! {thanks girls}

Every Girl needs satin jammies! Especially in hot pink, for an all night crop!

Trick or treat!

Way tutu adorable!

We all know you have to bring snacks and chocolate to a crop! I love that Cricut is wearing a seat belt! *giggle* Always smiling, Cricut lends a hand and gives scrappy advice!

Just hanging around at the Cricut Circle Orlando crop back in April...looking a little naked and in need of some Cricut Couture! If you need a Cricut of your own click here to order one!

I want to see your Cricut antics! Do you dress up Cricut, take your bug on outings, have a cute story to share? Add your photo to the linky tool below, or leave a comment with your story! I cant wait to see what adventures you have had! I will choose one winner to receive a Holiday goodies kit, filled with scrappy supplies!

3 Birds on Parade Winner!

2011-10-31T23:59:00.000-04:00

Trick Or Treat!

Winner!

Thanks for ringing my "bell"

I had such a wonderful time reading your stories, some were just funny, some were silly, and many of them were touching stories of handmade costumes and good memories! Thank you so much for sharing, I laughed, and giggled {sometimes snorting} and smiled so much my face hurt! I LOVE LOVE giving away prizes, its fun for me to give you a gift, but even better is what I get in return! Imagine my surprise and joy when this giveaway winner turned out to be a faithful blog follower and friend:

Court said...

Trick or treat! Yay for this treat! My favorite costume was the one my mom dressed me up in when I was 3... A strawberry! I am a redhead and it was Just so cute (if I do say so myself)! Thank you SO much for the chance to win this!

YAY!!!! Congratulations! Happy Halloween!!! :)

Candy Corn Cones Tutorial

2011-10-28T23:19:00.000-04:00

This Fall give treats and trinkets in one of these adorable Candy Corn Cones! Whether you love those sugary triple colored triangles or dislike them, these Candy Corn Cones are sure to be welcomed and kept for years to come.......Hmmmm......just like the real thing! LOL

You will start with a paper mache' cone of any size, keep in mind the bigger they are the more you can stuff inside them! these are 15" tall. I picked them up at Michael's in the Holiday section for 1.79 each. Measure about 3" from tip of cone and draw a light pencil line all the way around. Now repeat this process on the open end or "mouth" of the cone measure 3.5 or 4" depending on how wide you want your yellow area to be. Generally the orange portion will be the largest {just like the real thing}!

Using a foam brush and craft paint apply 2 coats of white paint to the pointy section of the cone, allow to dry completely. Then apply 2 coats of yellow paint to mouth of cone, again allowing to dry. Craft paint usually dries quickly, so if you are impatient....like me....you won't have to wait very long!

Now clean your brush and dry it, or get a new one and paint your orange area, overlapping the paint just slightly to insure all pencil lines are covered thoroughly. I personally did not mind a wee bit of the natural color of the cones to bleed through, I like a vintage look. But if that's not your cup of tea you can paint a third coat, or use a primer at the beginning of the process...its your project, so do whatever feels right to you!

All of my paint is dry {including the paint on my fingers} I'm a messy painter! Are you ready to be scared? Yep now I get to play with tools! No worries Im failrly handy and mostly just a danger to myself.....no fingers were harmed in the making of this tutorial...... For best results use a heavy duty hole punch like the cropodile to make 2 holes one each on opposite sides of cone.

To add a decorative touch as well as adding strength and stability to the punched hole I chose antique brass eyelets. {not the teeny weeny size, a larger is the way to go} here I have used the 5/16 size.

Cut about 12" of sturdy but pliable wire. I used a black painted wire I found in the jewelry department of my craft store......but its so thick I can't imagine using it for jewelry!!! A pair of wire cutting pliers will snip the wire like buttah!

Twist ends together {wire coat hanger style} be sure to twist and squeeze the very end to make sure no sharp edges will poke anyone! {reminder this is NOT appropriate for a small child's toy}...I know it looks like a fun hat...but please do not try to wear it! LOL

So this is what you should have when they are finished.....oh yeah! Now for the fun stuff it's time to fill them up with something yummy!

A custom fall crunch mix is always a big hit....and so good! This is a simple mix of toffee butter popcorn, candy corn {how could I NOT put it in the mix?} :) and chocolate and yogurt covered peanuts and raisins....try M&M's coated pretzels, etc...have fun with it!

Bag up your mix in clear bags and tie them up with pretty fall hued ribbons, and unforgettable treat you can make and share this Fall, or all year round, just change the colors for a different theme! Try a princess cone, or upside down party hat, or for the boys a "dragons tail"

As always happy creating!

3 Birds on Parade Cricut Cartridge Giveaway!

2011-10-27T07:35:00.000-04:00

Trick Or Treat

Giveaway!!!

I thought it would be fun to play a game of Trick or Treat blog style! So this is how it works...you ring my doorbell {follow my blog or subscribe to my email feeds} and say "Trick or Treat" by leaving a comment on this post telling me "what was your favorite Halloween costume?" And I will announce a winner of this super cute Cricut Cartridge on Halloween{ Oct 31 2011} at 11:59 PM

No Tricks!!! Now that's a treat! :)

Scary Movie Party For Halloween

2011-10-25T16:27:00.000-04:00

Looking for a fun party theme this Halloween? Skip the costume party and throw a scary movie party instead! This is the perfect time of year to watch those creepy crawly zombie films that both terrify and thrill! We throw such a party every October, here are some of our ideas, decor and treats!

What is a movie without popcorn? We pop it up fresh and hot and serve it in mini cauldrons! Of course add a few cobwebs help to create a little more macabre scenery!

Movie sized candies are dressed up for the event with papers from Martha Stewart and sinister treat bags. Have a nice variety for the gang to choose from, just like the theatre!

These fabulous tubes from SRM stickers are one of my all time favorite ways to present goodies {ghostly and otherwise} Here I have filled them with mini oreos and peanut butter cookies! We named them vermin vertebrae! EEEEKKKK!

The tags were cut with the Cricut E2 using a child's year cartridge, white layered onto black, and stamped with the new Stampin'Up! "It's a wrap holidays" stamp set. The super cool fabric brads are Martha Stewart.

In addition to Pizza and the girls beloved Ramune drinks from Japan {world market} these murderous cupcakes were a big hit! Really easy to make too! Start by piping a generous amount of red buttercream into the center of the cupcake with a piping bag and round tip.
The Ice the cupcake with white buttercream, and spread a puddle of "blood" {red gel icing} and place candy knife by Wilton into puddle. Add drops of blood one at a time. Place on a try and watch the crowd go wild! :)

My favorite quick and easy buttercream recipe is from Wilton and can be found in all of their cake decorating books, I do add a touch of butter flavoring and use a really good quality vanilla for the best flavor!

Make your own despicable doilies with your Cricut! They are fast and super easy, just cut image using fit to page for the largest and size down as needed to cover your trays, platters, and coasters!

I picked up these Martha Stewart skulls at the craft store not really knowing what I was going to use them for. I ended up making these "spirit sticks" to ward off evil spirits! I drilled a hole in the bottom of each one, and inserted a black dowel. Tie several ribbons at base of skull, and add bells {to scare away the spooks} and pom poms for fun!

The teenage girls were shaking the sticks all through the movie! That was so funny! I really wondered if they were maybe a little too old for wands even if they were creepy...turns out you are never too old for a wand! :)

Re purpose your candle lamps and large vases by adding rocks, moss and spiders!

A pretty birdcage is altered to house loose bones and a skull...the effect is quite scary!

If blood pooling on a cupcake is not your style, try simple paper picks!

Add liquid food color to the center of a caramel apple to look like its bleeding from the puncture of the stick, red for vampires, and green or blue for zombies! Easy, fun, and a total twist on the classic Halloween party!

You still have time to try some of these haunting holiday ideas....creepy creating yall'!

New Cricut cartridge release!

2011-10-23T21:24:00.002-04:00

If you ask any Cricut fan, they will tell you that without a doubt, Hello Thursday is the best day of the month! What is Hello Thursday? That is the day that Provocraft reveals the upcoming cartridges being released! Now I have to say that having the pleasure of working with a selection of these cartridges is nothing short of wonderful! Its exciting to design a few projects to share with you and get the release party started! To see all of the amazing cartridges and all of the un.believe.able. projects the team put together this month please visit the official Cricut blog! That is THE blog to visit for all the Cricut news!

One of the cartridges I got to work with is Santa's village, its an Imagine art cartridge filled with nostalgic images and a full array of papers! Wow what a fabulous cartridge, this will make you want an Imagine if you don't already have one! Sure to be an all time favorite!!

This 3D treat box was a snap to whip up, let the Crciut Imagine print and cut it and you assemble, fill, and embellish! That's what I call user friendly! I personally love the vintage and classic look of the art images on this cartridge!

I added a generous dash of glitter to the snow topped box, and there is a whole page of tags to print and cut! What a great tool for your gift wrapping this Holiday season!

This card was made using the new Cricut stencil sampler! This cartridge is great for everything from home decorating to card making! The fact that you can make your own stencils in any size you need it really gets my brain buzzing with ideas!

I used a small cut and stenciled onto watercolor paper with inks, but I would love to see this as a large stencil on a wall with a welcome greeting above it!......may give that a try! :)

For a friend that is "all that and a bag of chips"

The new fast food lite cartridge really filled a void in the cartridge world! All of us have a love affair with everyday food items like hot dogs, and soda...you know you do..admit it!!! :) so how great to have the images to add to scrappy pages and fun cards like this one! I know this will bring a smile, and sometimes that's the greatest part of being a paper girl...giving a smile to a friend! :)

Small groupings of chunky glitter take on the appearance of sea salt, can you tell I had fun with this one? *giggle*
I hope you are as excited as I am about this months cartridge release! Did you pop over and look at them all? which one is your favorite?

The Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-20T22:53:00.002-04:00

The simple pumpkin, in all of it's bumpy ribbed perfection. A sure sign that fall has arrived, the pumpkin patch ablaze in vivid shades of orange calls us to come choose our family jack-o-lantern.

We decorate them, we decorate with them. Pumpkins, gourds and squash are gorgeous. They are the icon of Autumn, what better speaks for fall than a pumpkin pie?

Pile them up on your front porch, carve a jack-o-lantern, or bake a batch of pumpkin muffins! Visit your supermarket or pumpkin patch today and stock up!

Owl-Oween

2011-10-19T22:59:00.000-04:00

For the first time in a few weeks I had the chance to play along with the Mojo monday sketch, and I had so much fun! I had almost forgotten how much I love working with the Mojo sketch!

This super adorable "owl-oween" hooter is from the Out on a limb stamp set by Stampin'Up! and the "to Die For" papers are from My Minds eye and are call Mischievous...fabulous prints and slightly distressed colors! *swoon* The teeny clip was painted with a black marker, and the crochet ribbon was dyed with reinker.

A double helping of scallop rectangles with a distressed layer sandwiched between them makes a cozy perch for this too cute to spook owl and branch. and the tag is a cherished leftover from my days of designing children's clothing.

Love to embellish the inside of my cards with the papers I used on the card design, this is the perfect way to use up the scraps! If you need a jump start for your mojo, give this sketch a try! and as always happy haunting ....ahem I mean creating! :)

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Meagans Halloween Mini Album

2011-10-18T20:59:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited and proud to share this mini album made by my oldest daughter Meagan, she is not a scrappy girl but {hello} I think she has a future in papercrafting after this {her first project!} I know you are wondering ..... yes I did guide her and show her a few things, but many of these pages were made without me at all! She rocked it!!!

She chose a color combo of black, orange, purple, and a bit of green. I love the overall look of the album! I also love that its a fun mix of spooky, silly, and subtle elegance too! Check out all that bling! She loves glam....Wonder where she gets that from? *giggle*

Velvet flocked bats and a funny layered sticker make a great journaling page!

She used papers from Stampin'Up!, American crafts, and Martha Stewart...as long as they were in her colors they work!

These Pumpkins remind me of totem poles or tribal tattoos, they are goofy and the googlie eyes just amp up the silliness factor!

I really like the simple layout of this page, and that pop of green is fabulous! {good job Meagan} :)

The framed area is a journaling tag from the Boo collection by American crafts, its perfect for a photo too!

Another page just perfect for a nice size photo, and it can slip right under the black crepe paper ribbon treatment!

I have a real fondness for the traditional Black and orange Halloween color combo. Quite often I like to mix things up a bit and go for unusual colors at Holiday time, but Halloween will always be "all about black and orange"!

Look at that yummy row of Teresa Collins blingage! perfect!!!

This is my favorite page in the album, and Meagan designed this all on her own {All I did was tie the bow} super gorgeous!

That big Teresa Collins key looks like eye candy on this page, Trick or treat....definitely a treat!!!

Ghouls and Guys! Too fun!!!!

a fun trio of tombstones made with tag punches! Cute and clever! Are you as hooked on Glimmer mist as we are? She had so much fun spritzing that I had to check her purse to make sure she wasn't trying to confiscate it! LOL

I hope you are having fun working on all of your Halloween treats, tricks, and terrors!

Now Mind your "Mummy" and go make something today!

Tsunami

2011-10-13T21:35:00.000-04:00

Allow me to introduce you to Tsunami my hot pink and black velvet dress form. Lets first address why we call her Tsunami, its not a weird long story really like you may be guessing! When we purchased her, Chella and I were in a giggly goofy mood and gave her a back story and a personality, and thus the name was given and it stuck! Now the funny story is how the day we brought her home, Chella and I went out for dinner and returned home to see a dark shadowy figure looming in our living room and truly scared us half to death! Of course afterword we laughed til we fell on the sofa, and decided to park her in the garage! LOL

Many of you may not be aware that my crafty journey actually started with a sewing machine, and slowly evolved into paper crafting. I do not sew as often as I would like to, but when I do I really love every moment of it! This apron is so cute a flirty, and it looks a lot better on her than it does on my hips!!!

These big billowy flowers were made from the flower folds sizzix die, several layers and foam tape give them incredible dimension and fullness!

A hand stamped locket and bracelet, in shades of pink and gray compliment her "outfit" and give her some sparkle! Tsunami is a triple decker example of some of my favorite projects, paper crafts, sewing, and stamping!

Whatever you love to do...keep doing it! Happy creating!

Hope Today

2011-10-11T08:05:00.000-04:00

Its been a while since I uncapped my copic markers. Confession time....I colored my first ballerina and tossed her out, then came back and started over. My point is -that its OK to "practice" if things don't work out the first time, try again! I do it all the time!

This little charm has been in my box of trinkets for years, just waiting for the right project to give it a new life. Its not all shiny and new, but frankly that makes it even better if you ask me! To answer the question "YES" I did mix cream and white, and yes I did mix silver and gold, I am after all the creative rule breaker...and I have a reckless reputation to uphold! LOL

I only added a touch of glitter because I wanted the foil star confetti to shine without too much competition.

This sweet little mouse ballerina is from under the big stop stamp set by Stampin'Up! The inside sentiment reads " I hope today tickles you pink" {isn't that cute?}

I used my digital studio to enlarge and print her out.I for one LOVE my digital studio! Check it out if you like saving space and printing your own images. She is colored with copics, and layered with nestabilities. The embossing folder is from the fancy frames Cricut companion set.And the patterned paper is from the Pink Paislee Soiree collection. Now that I have been bitten by the coloring bug again, I will no doubt be digging out all of my line art stamps!

Happy creating yall'

Crossroads

2011-10-10T19:40:00.000-04:00

What is your immediate reaction to this old weathered sign? Do you think of watching a train with seemingly endless cars all rusted and lettered going by at top speed, or maybe long exciting walks along the train tracks when you were a kid. Perhaps it brings to mind the sound of a whistle long and loud with its clear warning, fading into echo. For me the word "crossing" jumped out at me, and I wanted to buy this big crackled sign for my craft room. I saw in it the beauty of the idea of change, of crossing over those bumpy rails and traveling down a new stretch of road.

Each day we proceed with caution through the intersections of our lives, moving forward to see whats on the other side of the tracks. There are times when it feels I'm driving along with no map,or compass but with the intention to enjoy my journey.I crave the energy that change brings, just saying it sparks my imagination!

So I ask you this: what changes do you want to make in your life? What would make your journey more enjoyable?

A Pink Hello

2011-10-07T08:40:00.000-04:00

I have to say that October is one of my favorite months for many many reasons, not the least of those reasons is that everyplace you look is pink! It gives me a thrill to see NFL players sporting pink shoes ans bandages, pink pizza boxes, and rubber bands! The support of National Breast cancer awareness month has become a part of our culture in a way that brings us all together in a way few other things have!

Now I did not make this card for that purpose, it was made as an example of stamping images in unexpected colors, like pink mushrooms! For me that leads to thoughts of everything pink! Each year I get a pink hair extension and all proceeds go to a charity. I also tend to buy all manor of pink items as well, {like I need an excuse to shop} Target has a section of pink goodies in their dollar area, I picked up several tin buckets and other trinkets, that's the kind of shopping I can feel good about!

What do you do to support the fight? I really want to hear what you have to say!

Holiday Hoopla!

2011-10-05T21:28:00.000-04:00

Want to get together for some fun Holiday paper crafting?

An all day crop, door prizes, you will make 3 each of 5 unique holiday cards, and 1 12x12 scrapbook layout designed by yours truly! An optional tag swap, and handmade ornament exchange, light snacks and plenty of chocolate!

A table of tools, stamps, inks, and Cricut available to use! Put on your favorite Holiday sweater and start humming those Christmas tunes! We are getting ready for the season paper crafting style!!! For all details and to register click on button below! See you there!

If The Hat Fits!

2011-10-03T12:28:00.000-04:00

Are you a good witch or a bad witch? Either way this hat has all of the glittery goodness, and just a touch of scary spookiness to fit the bill! I love Halloween, and decorating the house with fun macabre displays! I originally made this pointed chapeau for our Halloween corner st Stampcation, it now adorns a spot on a bookshelf next to all of our "horror" fiction. To be honest I find the daily news a lot scarier than anything I have read....but I digress...back to the witches hat! The hat itself is paper mache' it was painted black and coated {every inch of it} in black fine glitter...oh yeah its sparkly!!!! The center oval is encrusted with mica flakes, and has a gorgeous bat image. That stamp is from the Stampin' Up! set from the crypt.

The fringe I picked it up at my local party store and have it in almost every color! I LOVE using it on packages and .........well anything I can glue it too! {tell my dog not to stand still for too long} ...*insert evil witch cackle here!*

I have decided that I would kick off my October reading with a witchy story. even though it has been out for a long time, I'm just now getting around to it! What are your reading right now?

Triple layered glitter cake!

2011-09-27T07:44:00.000-04:00

It feels like its been such a long time since I posted a card to share, but it also seems as though I make a zillion cards...so where do they all go? LOL This powdery soft hued card is not your standard size, its a fun 3.5" X 5.5" I love the taller narrow shape. We forget that we are allowed to make different sizes {its OK really} this will still fit in an A2 envelope, no trips to the craft store needed to find a special size.This punch art cake was inspired by this card over at the Paper Punch Addiction blog. I really wanted to tap into the Marie Antoinette trend, and added lots of shimmer, texture, and a crown pin.

What birthday {or any day} celebration would be complete without cake? So grab your silver forks and lets eat cake! Well how about grab your glitter, lace and feathers and lets make a cake card! Now that's a plan :)

Stampcation Saturday Morning!

2011-09-24T13:47:00.000-04:00

Well we have wrapped up the morning session of Satmpcation, and wow have we already had some serious fun! The attendees each got a souvenir pin proclaiming the love we all have for our special weekend of stamping!

Our theme this year is bring out your inner artist, here is a teeny tiny peek at our green color gallery!

My very dear friend Toni helping out with the registration.....she looks wide awake so early in the morning especially since we stayed up in my room chatting and laughing until late last night! :)

The girls were ready for the line to get long, and did such a great job!!!!

Smiles everywhere as the doors finally opened!!!

Janet was maybe a little surprised as I snapped a picture when she came strolling in! :)

Me and my Stampcation partner Linda Heller { a rare moment that we get to pose for a pic} we are having a blast so far!!!

Yep....channeling my inner Bob Ross inner artist..... I did a watercoloring demo in this fun wig, never let a chance to be goofy pass me by!!! :)

Oh but there is so much more to come!!!!! Lets keep this stampcation party going!!!

Let Them Eat {paper} Cake

2011-09-20T16:31:00.000-04:00

Well of course you can't eat paper ....not really eat a paper cake anyways , but it is a feast for the eyes! This has all of the sweetness and none of the calories of a real triple decker birthday {or unbirthday} whatever the case may be, cake! The set of nesting boxes can be filled with all sorts of goodies for the celebration!

It may look like a towering confection of frosting, but smooth cardstock, and a variety of borders make up the icing on this cake!

Orange is THE HOTTEST color for fall in 2011 and it looks as good in the paper aisle as it does on the runway! Orange is always a vibrant happy color, and its gorgeous as a stack of gift boxes dressed up to give!

The frosting roses are always my favorite part of the cake, so I piled them high! This paper pastry will make its grand debut at Stampcation this Saturday.{ so you are getting a special sneak peek} I can't wait to see all of our displays in one place all together! I will be sure to take lots and lots of pictures to share with you!

Winner!!!

2011-09-16T11:00:00.000-04:00

Drumroll Please!And The Winner of the Cuttlebug Goodies Giveaway is.........

Miriam Prantner said...

There are so many great ones, I'd say Swiss Dots and Divine Swirls because they are so versatile.

Congratulations Miriam!!!! Please send me a note at frougirl3@gmail with your contact information and I will get your package of goodies right out to you!!!

Mat Hatter Midnight Tea Party

2011-09-15T20:33:00.000-04:00

What could be more fun than a midnight Tea Party? How about a Mad Hatters Midnight Tea Party!!! My Cousins oldest daughter is having the Tea party of a lifetime this weekend, complete with Flamingo croquet!!! I made these pretty tags for the cupcakes she ordered, of course they can be tied to cookie packages, or candy bags as well.

A small scalloped oval with tea dye inked edges looks vintage with a modern twist.

I have to say that I love LOVE these tags!!! These will be tied to pretty glass bottles and handed out at the party. But how fab would these be as wine bottle tags for a hostess gift!! Yes I am thinking of the Holidays already, but you can never start too soon!

I'm sure The girls will have an amazing party, my cousin is the best party throwing diva ever!!! If you are planning a Mad Hatter tea party, or an Alice in wonderland themed shin-dig these tags are the perfect addition! as always Happy creating~

Falling Leaves Tree

2011-09-14T09:06:00.000-04:00

It will be a long while before Autumn shows itself here in Florida. That however will not hinder me from longing for crisp sunny days, and cool breezes. Even here in the Sunshine state signs of the impending season are all starting to pop up in clothing and home decor shops. Trading my hot pink pedicure for a rich brown, and drinking pumpkin spice coffee puts me in the fall mood even if it is still hot outside. A great way to welcome fall is to add a few touches into your home! I found this tree at the craft store and altered it with oversize leaves and a punch owl.

You may recognize this punch from Stampin'Up! Such a cute owl, but if you don't have the punch get your cricut fired up and cut one from the create a critter cartridge one of the best owls ever {if you ask me} I had to fight every urge to glitter every spec of him, and settled for just a shimmery blue heart....took some serious self control I tell ya' I have the willpower to turn down ice cream, but glitter? nope- no willpower at all! *giggle*

This delicious paper with an even more delicious name is called Spice cake and is brand new from Stampin up! If you MUST get your hands on some visit my good friend Linda and she will help you out! I embossed several of the leaves and inked them up a bit to add color and a that fall shabbiness that makes us love leaves so much. In addition to the expected brown on the edges, I also added the unexpected of vanilla ink on some of the darker leaves, I love how it muted them as well as highlighted some of the embossing.

What about trying a squirrel or a turkey, a pheasant maybe? Of course you could also grab a branch from your yard {or your neighbors yard if need be} LOL and decorate that with cut leaves? that would be gorgeous too!

I would love to hear from you, and see your version of the falling leaves tree, so if you make one drop me a line and let me know!

Don't forget about the Cuttlebug Goodies giveaway happening right here on Friday! Enter right away for your chance to win!

Have a wonderful day, and as always happy creating!

Cuttlebug Goodies Giveaway!

2011-09-10T11:08:00.000-04:00

As promised I have a giveaway for you today that is sure to be pretty exciting!

A total Cuttlebug accessory gift package!

Includes TWO Embossing plus folders, the wall decor and more companion set, and a brand spankin' new set of plates for your bug!

To enter: be a follower of my blog, and leave a comment on this post listing your favorite cuttlebug folder or die...easy as pie! I will announce the winner of this 75.00 value prize pack on Friday September 16 at 8:00AM Good luck to you! :)

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Pillowbox Ornaments

2011-09-09T10:25:00.000-04:00

As you can see I'm still working on Christmas ornaments, well actually I have been crafting up a storm but I will have to share a little at a time :)Its been an eventful week!

I also had a double root canal this week, and signed a new and exciting contract......its hush hush for now but as soon as I can spill the beans consider yourselves to be the first to know! :)

Stampcation is quickly approaching and we have so much fun in store for our attendees, I can't wait to see all of the ornaments and displays in our new location!

Mixing fun elements and a lot of sparkle are great ways to make unique and unforgettable handmade ornaments.

The beat thing about these pillowbox trinkets is the fact that you can tuck a little gift inside them and they make a perfect gift card holder too!

I love the unexpected pairing of pink and red for a Holiday other than Valentines day!

Continuing the snowflake theme, while also adding glittery hearts!

Large stamped elements work great to create a focal point!

With a masculine edge this is one of my favorites!

Tune back in tomorrow for a non Christmas post, how about a giveaway??? Yes I thought that might get your attention :) Its been a while since I have given away any gifts, so I think I will give away something pretty fabulous!.....See you tomorrow!

Snowflake Vintage

2011-09-02T18:28:00.000-04:00

I know its a little {OK a lot} early for snowflakes! I have a trio of vintage inspired snowflake ornaments to share with you, they are all cut with the sizzix snowflake die and embellished in total retro style! I'm working overtime on displays for Stampcation, and these ornaments will be part of the Christmas decor1 Don't you just adore the glitter, and recycled magazine pages?

This ornament is pretty enough and big enough {6"} to be a gift! Just make a sweet vintage gift box to match and you are in business! {the business of giving gifts that is ;) }

This one is smaller, measuring 4" the soft pink snowflake and espresso printed paper are so pretty when a glittered winged bird is added to the mix. I can see this on a tree in a little girls room, or as a package tie, dreamy!!!!

Its fun to see what words from the magazine page end up on your punched bird, I love that the word "collection" randomly shows up on this confectionery ornament.

scaling back the size of the rosette, and placing it in the center of a Riding hood red snowflake, is simple, sweet and quick! Just looking at it makes me drool for candy canes and hot chocolate...I know, I will have to wait, but a girl can have visions of sugar plums early right?!!!

Dust off your scoring tools, and break out the snowflakes, its time to stock up on vintage themed paper handmade ornaments!

Happy creating~

Elements of Thanks!

2011-08-29T21:18:00.000-04:00

Well as you all know, I have been busy getting ready for our second annual Stampcation this card is just one of the hundreds of samples that will be displayed at this fun filled event. I utilized this weeks sketch from Mojo Monday..a little modified but that's what sketches are all about, you take the basic idea and run with it! This stamp set is from Stampin' Up! and is called Extreme Elements, The spritz is log cabin and one of my favorite color spritzes ever!

I roughed up the edges with a distressing tool, and decided to stitch on only one section...its kind of different, but I think its just enough!

Just a minimal panel on the interior of the card, plenty of room to write a sweet note of thanks!

Make sure to play along with this weeks sketch, its a lot of fun! Happy creating~

An Apple A Day!

2011-08-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

Its back to school time, and I could not resist the chance to make a card with an apple theme and a little bit of back to school goodness. It would be perfect as a morning "pick me up" for a student or for a special teacher { most of my best friends are teachers} actually I seem to gravitate towards educators of all kinds!

Back to school is always a bitter sweet time of year for me, even though Chella is now a junior in high school, I miss hanging out with her when she is out of school for the summer. I love late night dinners, and midnight movies. Resuming the school schedule means getting up early, homework, and packing lunches. But it also brings new friends, family meals, the start of fall, and so many fun school functions! Go Titans!!

I followed this weeks Mojo Monday sketch, a fun mix of shapes on this one! Curves and zig zags, and a super interesting ribbon treatment. I'm so happy I had a chance to play along this week!

I love this pretty paper collection from My Minds eye {Stella and Rose} the number patterned paper is by Pink Paislee, its one of my favorite number papers ever! Decorating the inside of the card, makes it sturdy, and I love how it continues the fiesta for the eyes!

Glitter brads, add to my never ending need for glitz! I have had that little pencil button in my stash since I used to design Children's clothing...and that has been more than 10 years ago {at least} but you have to hoard the good stuff....you never know when you will need it! :)

La- La- Land Crafts Birthday Blog Hop

2011-08-24T02:00:00.000-04:00

Its Birthday time for Marci and Luka at La-La-Land Crafts, and to celebrate this special occasion the Design team and Design team alumni are having a very special Birthday blog hop! Are you ready for some Birthday fun? In addition to a fabulous hop filled with amazing designers and their creations, La-La-Land Crafts is giving away HUGE prize package!

I chose Mermaid Marci for today's hop, I love how fluid her hair looks, and that sweet face! I colored her with a combination of copic markers and Prisma colored pencils. I added few little highlights with a white gel pen and some sparkle with sakura glitter pens in green and blue on her fin as well. These bitty pearls were the perfect to adorn her bikini top.

A shell shaped card seemed the only way to go! I cut the shell with the Cricut and embossed the pink shell layer with the musical flourish folder, a sprinkling of pearls and a swirl of rhinestones add shimmer and dimension to this soft colored card.

Thank you so much for stopping by, I hope you have had fun on Marci and Luka's Birthday blog hop so far. If you are just getting started, hop on over to Becca's blog to begin, if you have hopped along the way than your next stop is Arlene's blog.

A big Happy Birthday to the ever sweet Marci, and the always adorable Luka!And Congratulations To La-La-Land Crafts for a year of fun and inspiration with these amazing stamps!

Disney Mini album

2011-08-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

We are big BIG Disney fans, in fact hanging out with Mickey and Minnie is one of our favorite ways to spend our free time { as little of it as there is} :)

I used the Tinker bell and friends cartridge for the cover of my mini album, the entire album was made with my your story book binding system by Provocraft. I love how easy it is to use!

A few cuttlebug dies and embossing folders also made this album quick to embellish!

Meagan is the biggest Cheshire cat fan of all time! She collects anything and everything she can find!

Disney treats are always the best!

I can say with absolution that the castle at Holiday time all lit up and ever changing is one of the most breathtaking sights to ever see! I felt like I was in a fairy tale dream!

Tired smiles...hee hee we go and go until we are to tired to drive home *giggle*

We have annual passes, so maybe we will see you there!

If you are a Disney Lover or have a kiddo that just can't get enough of Disney magic, there are several Cricut cartridges that will fit the bill for scrapbook pages, parties, and everything in between! hop on over to http://www.cricut.com/ and check out all the fabulous fun Disney goodness!

Happy Creating~

Stampcation Registration

2011-08-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Are you a rubber stamper who loves to gather with friends old and new, do you need a little weekend getaway? Than Stampcation is the place for you! We only have a few more openings and if you are planning on attending Stampcation, now is the time to get registered! We have been working on our ideas and plans, ordering goodies and getting geared up to have a great weekend! visit http://www.stampcation.com/ to learn more, and to register.

Friends gather at Stampcation, old friends reconnect, and new friends are made! we have an all new location this year with a larger floor plan, bigger screen, and better than ever sound. Linda and I { and a few surprise guests} will be on the stage and the big screen showing you each step of your 8 unique make and takes and fabulous demos!

We put the treat back in the word retreat!

Sunday shoebox swap, and play day, come and enjoy our massive big shot and stamp stations!

Hundreds of project sample to thrill and inspire you! And so so much more! See you at stampcation this September! http://www.stampcation.com/

Border Line

2011-08-11T22:03:00.000-04:00

A little straight talk about borders and the difference between border punches and Cricut cut borders. Lets start by saying there is no right or wrong, but there are distinct benefits to both. We all have become border obsessed in the last couple of years, and as far as I can see there is no sign of this trend going away anytime soon. So that begs the question....what is the best way to create gorgeous, unique, and crisp borders?

Punches are handy, and can create delicate sharp cuts from small strips of paper, best used for thinner papers. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and are readily available at all craft stores and direct order companies. Punches can also be costly and require a fair amount of storage space.

Cricut Cut borders can be cut in various lengths and widths, many cartridges offer a wide variety of borders. While size and papers are much less limited, it does take a bit more paper, and a bit of planning to create a border cut with the Cricut.

While I do own several border punches, once I discovered the virtually unlimited border options with my cricut, I have been hooked! It is so much more cost effective, and if I cut a whole sheet of borders, I always have a stash of pretty and crisply cut borders on hand. I cut them in my most used colors and have my favorites saved on my gypsy. All of the above borders were cut using the damask decor cartridge.

You can save the negative sections of some border cuts to use as confetti or little decorative touches. No matter what you choose, punches or the Cricut, borders are a fabulous addition to your projects. Have fun with these little paper delights!

Happy creating~

The faces of Summer

2011-08-08T19:56:00.001-04:00

Summers are busy, beautiful, and frankly over way too quickly.I will be heading back to my home in Florida in 2 weeks and I will miss our little cottage and the nonstop activity of our work schedule and buzzing house full of people. Here area few snapshots of our summer days. One of my giant and heavenly perfumed lavender plants!

We enjoy a number of animals that visit our property all summer long- we even had a black bear hanging out in our barn......I named him destructo the bear! :)

I should have taken a few shots of the guys taking turns on the tractor cutting the grass...there is a lot of it!

This sweet baby bird landed on the deck railing during his first flight, and was there for quite a while before he had the strength and courage to fly off again, what a special treat for me!

Oh how gorgeous some of our work locations are! We spent the day dreaming of being on the water, but had to work instead. I will say it was a stunning view!

The Fowler gang having a little fun while manning a light up toy booth at the fireworks show, From left to right is Meagan, Chella, Me, and David

No summer is complete without fireworks!

Fowler's famous cinnamon Candy apples...... I wrapped more than a few of these this summer!

and I made more than a few of these this summer too!

I feel pretty lucky to be able to work with my hubby and our girls, and we have the best crew of all time!

Kevin being a wee bit goofy, {OK maybe just a bit more than usual!}

Smores by the campfire! that's what summer is all about!

A silly string war, oh yeah that was seriously fun, and the perfect ending to a weekend of hard work!

Chelsea, Kevin, Nate, Meagan, Ralphie, David, Drew

Bite size brownies, um...those lasted for about 3 minutes! :)

The best thing about our "always on the go" summer, is that there is always so much to see, always a new chance to find joy and beauty in our surroundings, we may be busy, but not so busy that we don't stop to embrace the little things that make life so worth living. Family, friends, smiles, and a little time off make it all worth while.

What has your summer been full of?

Laughs in Flowers

2011-08-03T21:20:00.003-04:00

A perfect combination of my two papercrafting loves...the Cricut and Stamping. Many times a paper crafter falls into one category and rarely if ever ventures into other arenas. This is a real shame! If you are a stamper, its OK to scrapbook, if you are a Cricut fanatic it is OK to mix it up with some stamping too! This card is comprised from Cricut cuts using the paper lace cartridge, and stamped flowers.

The flowers were stamped on patterned paper with versamark ink and embossed with white embossing powder. The background is coated with clear embossing powder, and a stem was embossed in antique gold.

The tag was cut with the cuttlebug embossing plus folder.

A bit of stitching, and a bow of white satin topped with a button and twine add some softness. I love the sentiment in this stamp set {fabulous florets} by Stampin'Up! Isn't that pretty? Well it was certainly nice to make something more "grown up" after all the adorable kid stuff!

Happy creating,

Birthday Take Two

2011-08-02T10:53:00.002-04:00

Welcome to day two of my little nephews Birthday celebrations! Yesterday I made a little helicopter shaped card for the one year old, and today this whimsical car is zooming along with a birthday greeting for the two year old.

This shaped card was cut using the boys will be boys Cricut cartridge, and I used my gypsy to weld the tops of the card together in shadow mode to create the car shape. its cut at 3.21" and I added an extra "body" layer to pop up with foam tape. { you know how much I LOVE dimension!}

This flag was not a part of the original plan, but it just kind of happened, and boy is it ever cute! super quick and easy with a greeting from SRM stickers. Its not clear as a bell in this pic, but I used a piece of cellophane from a package wrapper to insert behind the windows, so not only does it have a window appearance, but it crinkles when you touch it! FUN!

Another SRM sticker on the interior of the card, and that's a wrap! I bet he will love this card, it may not survive the two year old playing with it, but what card would?! :)

Happy Creating!~

A Little Helicopter

2011-08-01T11:50:00.002-04:00

My goodness it feels like its been so long since I have chatted with you, and a family celebration is as good a reason to get back on track as any I can think of! My darling baby nephew is turning one, and his brother is going to be two....{but you will have to wait until tomorrow to see that project} I love to give gifts, and a themed gift is my favorite of all!

A fun helicopter shaped birthday card, that even got a thumbs up from Mr. Wonderful was inspired by a cute toy I found for little Christopher to play with. I used the boys will be boys Cricut cartridge and cut it at 4.5" The letters are stickers from Bella Blvd. and the twine is by Pink paislee. The stamp is from Stampin' up!

I also found an adorable set of bibs with.....THE cutest helicopters and some teeny little socks too, plus a few other goodies for baby Chris and his big brother to enjoy. I'm off to wrap the gifties and get them in the post before the day is over, but before I sign off I want to remind you that registration is still open for Stampcation, and filling up fast....don't delay!

Summer Camp project On Cricut Blog Today

2011-07-27T14:41:00.001-04:00

Here is a sneak peek at my project on the Cricut blog, for all the details hop on over to the Cricut Blog and check it out!

Happy creating!

Good Times

2011-07-21T09:33:00.005-04:00

Hello and happy day! I'm still traveling for work and have not been home in 2 weeks, its been HOT and the days are long- I will be so happy to sleep in my own bed in a few days! :)

I have a quick five minute card to share with you today, perfect for those occasions that you need a card on the fly!

By using the Imagine to create the entire card, I had no cutting, no stamping and no fussing to do in order to make a fast and super adorable shaped card! I added layers and glitter, a few vintage buttons and twine and that's all it takes!

If you still have not embraced your Cricut Imagine, or have not taken the leap to get one, i promise you this, it is a great tool that can really take your crafting in a new and wonderful place, get it out of the box plug it in and play! :)

See you soon~ Happy Creating