Home of the Free....

Happy Memorial Day!  Hope everyone not only had a great time with family and friends, but took a few minutes to remember, and be thankful for, those who have served, and still serve to keep America the Home of the Free!

In honor of Memorial Day, I created this patriotic tribute in a card:

The stars and "fireworks" like I call them....are created by punching a strip of cardstock and then using Distress Ink (Festive Berries, here) to stencil onto the white cardstock.  I used one of the Just Imagine Punches (#301 and you can find it HERE).  The papers used are from the Pink Paislee Sweet Liberty collection.

If you'd like to check out more inspiration with the Just Imagine punches, make sure to stop by our blog HERE. 

Thanks for stoppin' by today!  Have a wonderful holiday! 

Oh Baby!!

Hi everyone!  Sharing a little baby card inspiration.....though with a change in sentiment, it could be used for birthday, wedding, thank you.....anything.

The borders were created with Just Imagine Crafts 4 in 1 punch #311.  You can find it in the Just Imagine Crafts store HERE.  Better yet....it's 25% off right now!  Check out the the Just Imagine Craft blog HERE, for more inspiration from the rest of the team using different punches....all on sale!!

Thanks for stopping by today!

(PS....the Sweet Baby die is currently sold out from Just Rite Stampers....they have some other great sentiment dies that would work....a couple of examples...."It's a Boy" and "It's a Girl".  Find them in the store HERE.

Butterfly Blessings

Butterflies are a favorite....I guess very few people would say they don't like them.....so beautiful and so many pretty varieties.   The Just Imagine Crafts DT is sharing projects created with their pretty butterfly die this month!  I've got a pretty shaker card to share with you:

This die is the PERFECT size for shaker cards.  Course there are so many other uses.  You can see more inspiration on the Just Imagine Crafts blog HERE.

Just a few simple card layers....I used the new BoBunny Faith collection papers (behind the butterfly, the green layer behind, and the blessing sentiment).

To make the soft watercolor looking front panel piece, I used punch #901 and the Kreaxions star template to make a doily.  Then I used it as a stencil on white cardstock with Twisted Citron and Squeezed Lemonade Distress Ink.  A few water drips and a little more ink applied added a softness to the background.

Then I die cut the butterfly out of the front panel, and to create the shaker, I used a piece of plastic from sticker packaging I was discarding (up-cycle bonus!), gluing it over the die cut butterfly.  I added foam tape all around the back of this piece and used a slightly larger piece of paper to cover it:

Course, don't forget to put in some Pretty Pink Posh sequins and Queen & Co toppings--believe it or not, I HAVE forgotten before....haha!

And so with a little ribbon, bling and bows, you have this pretty spring card.

And don't forget to save that die cut butterfly....he might just show up in a few weeks.....keep an eye out!  Make sure to check out the Just Imagine Crafts store to find the butterfly die, the Kreaxions butterfly border punch (#901) and so many more goodies!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Enjoy your day!

Believe Clipboard and Tag Home Decor

Hi all!  I've got another project using the ever versatile butterfly border punch from Just Imagine Crafts! It's a pretty tag set with some memory verses, and a clipboard to hold them in place....I used the BoBunny Faith paper collection to create this one!

It's easy to add tags, or other sayings or inspirations I'd like to remember by just making more pretty tags.  If you'd like to see a close up of the entire set of tags, stop by the Just Imagine blog HERE.

The delicate lacy bottom edge of each tag is created using the Just Imagine Crafts Kreaxions punch #901.  I've used this on several projects over the last month.  I've varied how much the punched edge is peeking out from the tag....so it gives a different look.  A little Distress Ink adds a little color too...here are a couple of close ups:

The butterfly punch might just have one more project coming in a week or so....check back to see!  Thanks for stopping by today, and remember you can find this pretty punch HERE.

Springtime Pretty

Hi everyone!  How are you on this lovely day?  Well, yes, we have snow on the ground here in the Midwest again, but I can't help but think about Springtime being right around the corner!  Today on the Just Imagine blog we all are sharing some Spring inspiration and better yet....there is a sale on the punches we used to create them!  Here is the card I'm sharing:

I'm completely in love with this butterfly border punch (#901)....it creates such a perfect Springtime lacy look!  And the pastel palette of the Doodlebug Spring Things is a perfect compliment!

To create the layers I punch out and trimmed the pieces, then glued them to a strip of the pastel background paper from the Spring Things 6x6 paper pad and then glued them on in layers as you see here:

Remember, this is the SAME PUNCH I used on my Springtime card post a few days ago to create this doily:

So are you ready for Spring?  What kind of Springtime crafts are your favorite?  Make sure to stop by the Just Imagine Crafts store....they have so many pretty punches and you can use them so many different ways!

Thanks for stopping by today!

It's Almost Spring!

Here in IL we've had a tease this past week....60-70 degree temps that have us all thinking Spring!  But today....cold, rainy/sleet, gray....I'm just thankful it's not snow!  But after a bout with the flu these past two weeks....I'm ready to turn the corner and think sunny thoughts....so I'm sharing a pretty spring card created using Just Imagine Kreaxions punch #901, and the new Spring Things collection from Doodlebug!

The sweet little doily with the butterflies and flowers goes perfectly with the Spring Things collection, and is super easy with these fun punches!  You use Just Imagine's star stencil octagon template:

....trace on paper (I used plain white cardstock) then just punch each "point" using the "A" guide you get with your punch.  There are several wonderful videos out there that show just how easy this is!

I layered the doily with some of the pretty glitter paper available from Just Imagine Crafts, and then popped a cute sentiment fussy cut from some of the Spring Things paper 6x6 pad in the center of the doily with some foam tape.  A few enamel dots, and it's a simple, but pretty springtime card.

Thanks for stoppin' by today!  If you get a chance, check out all the inspiration over at the Just Imagine Crafts blog.  You can find my post over there today!  While you're there check out the specials (the butterfly punch I used for one!) and the great projects from the entire team!

Sweet Nothings

Today I've got a pretty Valentine to share....and it uses the new Sweet Nothings collection from Fancy Pants, and a delicate pretty Valentine perfect punch from Just Imagine Kreaxions.....punch #916.

The border strips are made with the punch, and so are the little tag sides.  I created them by punching the border and cutting pieces out like so:

The stamps and papers are from the Fancy Pants Sweet Nothings collection and the ink is Memento and the hearts are colored in with Copic markers.

This punch and several others are on sale.....and more inspiration too over at the Just Imagine Crafts blog.... check it out HERE.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look!

New Year....New Crafting!

New Year, new beginnings, right?  I always have so many things I'd like to do....but don't like the whole "resolutions" thing.  Too much pressure?  I don't know....but I do like to push myself every year to improve. 

I've recently had the dubious honor of living with an auto-immune disease.  A huge part of treatment is healthy, clean eating, and after a year of doing amazing...last year I slipped a bit and by the end of the year....a lot.  So this year....back to better choices.

I've also decided to start a home detox....not only the products I use....which I've been working on, but also in just clutter.  So much clutter it's hard to stay organized.  That's a toxic, stressful situation!  I know this is a big movement now, but for me the driving force was helping a friend get her home ready to put on the market.  WOW the stuff we don't even realize when we just live in our home "the way it is" every day.  Now I realize there are many of you that are very organized, but that is not me.  It's always a struggle.  But I've decided to really DO THIS!  So every day I've decided to pick a project....might be large, might be small, but something, to de-clutter.  I've done drawers, closets, cabinets....all in these first few days of the year.  I'm looking forward to a de-cluttered home....even if it takes me a year to get there....I've got this!

Well, ramble ramble....haha!  I'm going to share a project today.....it's been an entire MONTH plus since I've shared....partially the holidays, partially the holidays and working in retail, and partially just feeling poorly because I haven't been taking care of myself.  But this is another on my list of to-do this year....get creating even more!  I've got a lot of fun projects to blog about already, but first up is a project using a Just Imagine Kreaxions #916 punch and a super cute start to some Valentine's crafting:
 

 

To create the borders on the sides, I used the punch with the "A" guide.  Super simple, but a pretty scroll design that makes me think of frilly Valentines.

I've also made a set of circles using the Just Imagine Kreaxions Circle Cutter....this thing ROCKS....such an easy and portable circle cutter....easy to adjust and easy to use.  I've also punched one of the circles around to create a doily effect lining it up like this:
 

It creates a doily effect like this: 

The other two sides are fun also, but no punches....love this Fancy Pants Sweet Nothings collection!

And the finished top with the doily, and some fluffy, glittery tulle:

I suggest getting the Circle Cutter the templates, and a punch or two and play, play, PLAY!!  So many fun and creative ways to use these!  A lot of great video tutorials online to check out too!

Thanks for stoppin' by today!  You can find the scroll punch #916 HERE and the Circle Cutter HERE.

And a quick thanks to Fancy Pants for the rockin' new Sweet Nothings collection!  I'm having a blast creating with this one!
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Just Imagine....Christmas Inspiration Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Just Imagine/Kreaxions Blog Hop So glad you could join us! We’ve kept it short and sweet so hop along to each blog, leaving a comment along the way. One participant will be chosen from the comments for a $10 Just Imagine Crafts gift certificate. The designers have tips, tutorials, and/or prizes so don’t miss out!

Here is the order of the hop:
Just Imagine Crafts Blog (http://justimaginecrafts.typepad.com/...)
Joan Borgelt (http://thegovsplace.blogspot.com/)
Laura Cox (http://www.scrapaddict4life.blogspot.com/...) <<<< You Are Here!
Candy Spiegel (http://www.candyscraps.com/)
Charity Hotrum (http://menemenetekeluniversity.blogspot.com/...)

So if you've popped onto my blog today....make sure to start at the beginning and leave comments along the way to have the chance to win!  And make extra sure you leave a comment here on my blog....I'm sending a lucky someone a little holiday card making goodie bag!

So without further ado.....here's the card I'm sharing today:

I've used the Just Imagine Kreaxions 4 in 1 Snowflake punch (punch #312)....love this one....perfect for holiday cards or wintery scrapbook pages!  I punched this border without any of the guides, and then I trimmed off the bottom edge to leave the large scalloped snowflake.  You can see the trimmed off portion at the top of my card.

The Kreaxions Sparkle Duo glitter paper makes the punched out areas pop too....love that!

Remember, the other gals on the team have some great inspiration as well....so make sure to check them out!  There is that great prize too....so don't forget to comment!

Thanks for hopping along today!

Supplies:
Paper:  AC brown, kraft, Photo Play-Holiday Cheer, Kreaxions Sparkle Duo Glitter Paper 
Tools:  Kreaxions 4 in 1 Snowflake punch 
Embellishments:  Queen & Co pearls, AC hemp twine, jingle bells, Photo Play Holiday Cheer cardstock stickers

Time for Christmas Cards!

Need some quick card inspiration?  If your like me....you really do....because those Christmas and holiday cards need to get done pretty quick!  I've got a quick and easy card to share today....using the ever inspiring Just Imagine Kreaxions punches....LOVE all the different ways you can use them!

This card was just simply punching the border and snipping of part of it to leave the large scalloped snowflake border....super cute!

Make sure to stop by the Just Imagine blog too and say hi!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies Used:
Paper:  Photo Play; AC kraft
Embellishments:  Photo Play ephemera; AC hemp twine; Tim Holtz snowflake; Zva rhinestones
Tools:  Just Imagine Kreaxions punch #312
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Thankfully Blessed

After a tough week around here....I really still have to remember that we are so very blessed.  Which is exactly what this card is a reminder of!

If you remember this card:

Here's the card I promised, where I used the stencil piece.  I cut it down, and added ink to completely cover it.  I also punched the border to frame out the sentiment.  Another great way to use this border punch from Just Imagine Kreaxions!

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to check out all the inspiration today over at Just Imagine in THIS POST.

Supplies Used:
Tools:  Just Imagine Kreaxions punch #310
Paper:  AC kraft cardstock; Simple Stories Pumpkin Spice 6x6 pad
Ink:  Distress Ink-Gathered Twigs
Embellishments:  burlap, Recollections enamel dots

A Little Pumpkin Everything

Yes, I'm one of those Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin truffle, pumpkin everything people!  So I couldn't resist this sweet saying in the Pumpkin Spice (I think there might be a theme here...haha!) Simple Stories 6x6 paper pad.  And spicing it up a little more?  The fabulous punches from Just Imagine Kreaxions!

Now you probably notice there is no punched area.  That's because I used the punched piece on another card (coming soon!) but not before I used this piece as a stencil.

This border was punched using Kreaxions punch #310 and used as a stencil with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink.  Yet another fun way to use a border punch!  You could even make your own patterned paper this way.

Thanks for stopping by.....remember to think outside the box and even off the page, when you use those punches!

Supplies Used:
Tools:  Just Imagine Kreaxions Punch #310; Xyron Mega Runner
Paper:  Simple Stories-Pumpkin Spice 6x6 paper pad; AC kraft cardstock
Embellishment/other:  raffia, Recollections enamel dots, glossy accents, foam tape

Frosty Sparkling Joy

More new release goodies coming at you today from JustRite!  We've got this beautiful new set called Small Oval Christmas Tidings....a big name for a gorgeous big set of stamps!

I used this lovely set full of layering goodness to create this joy-filled card:

The layers on this card were created by starting with a standard A2 base of white cardstock (5&1/2" by 4&1/4") then adding a mat of the swiss dot paper (5&1/4" by 4"). 

The center panel is a 3" by 4&1/4" piece of white cardstock.  I stamped the Retro Sparkle Cling Background stamp from JustRite, using Versamark Ink, then embossed with clear embossing powder.  Next I went over the background with Tumbled Glass Distress Ink.  I added a few drops of water and also roughed up the edges of the piece to give it a more distressed look.  

To add some sparkle on the white dots/stars, I used Stardust Stickles.  I set it aside to dry, then started on the rest of the layers. 

I cut a 2&7/8" circle out of white cardstock, using the Just Imagine Kreaxions Circle Cutter, and 3&1/8" gray cardstock mat. The snowflake was stamped using Tumbled Glass and then embossed in clear.  The edges of the circle were brushed with ink, then glued to the gray circle mat.  The center white/gray mat ovals were cut out using the JustRite Joy Oval Frames, and stamped using the same method.  The word "Joy" was cut out using this same die set, these ovals are foam taped to the center of the snowflake, on the large circle, then sparkled up using rhinestones and enamel dots. 

Before the circle is attached to the card, there is another layer created using the Damask Flourish One die, cut twice and glued together, and a center band of a 1" by 4" strip of striped paper matted on a 1&1/4" by 4" strip of gray cardstock.  Here are all the pieces before the card was completely assembled:

After assembly I added a few more enamel dots to complete the card.

Thanks for stopping by today!  More inspiration soon!

Supplies:
Stamps:  JustRite-Small Oval Christmas Tidings, Retro Sparkle Cling Background
Dies: JustRite-Joy Oval Frames, Damask Flourish One
Paper:  Echo Park Winter Stripes and Dots, AC gray cardstock, GP white cardstock
Ink: Distress Ink-Tumbled Glass; Versamark
Other: Ranger Clear Embossing Powder, Recollections rhinestones, enamel dots; Just Imagine Kreaxions Circle Cutter.

Happy Haunting!

Today I'm sharing more spooky Halloween crafting....ya know I LOVE it!  Hope you do too and can get some inspiration to use these amazing Just Imagine Kreaxions Punches!

This gift bag was created using Square FR Lilly punch #924 and the gorgeous Julie Nutting Bootiful collection by Photoplay Paper.  The borders were created by using a combo of punching with and without the "A" guide.  Such a detailed punch, I added a layer of green patterned paper underneath to make it pop, and I added some enamel dots to the center of the diamond shapes for even more pizzazz....

Keep your eye out for the matching card coming soon to the blog!  You can find the blog HERE.

Thanks for stopping by today!  

Supplies Used:

Tools:  Just Imagine Kreaxions punch Square FR Lilly #924

Paper:  Photoplay Bootiful Halloween; AC purple cardstock

Embellishments:  Queen & Co enamel dots; AC ribbon; Photoplay Bootiful stickers 

Other:  gift bag

I "HEART" Autumn!

Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year, and any crafting time I can get playing with autumn collections or projects only adds to the wonderful!!  I've created this card for Just Imagine Crafts using their punch Kreaxions #304 and their amazing circle cutter!

I've created the top border using:  Punch #304 with the straight edge "A" insert

The bottom border was created using:  Punch #304 with no insert

The center circle was created by using the Kreaxions circle cutter (best circle cutter I've ever used!) and the same punch using the "C" insert and just punching at even intervals around the circle.

Here's a closer look at the different punched sections before I completed the card....it also shows the pretty Kreaxions glitter paper I used to make the punched areas pop for the borders:

If you haven't checked out these punches yet....you should give them a try....they are so fun to play with!  And better yet they are on SALE!!  Check out THIS POST to see more inspiration and which punches are on special (HINT: My fave is one of them!!).

Thanks for stoppin' by today!

Supplies Used:
Paper:  AC kraft and brown cardstock; Simple Stories-Pumpkin Spice 6x6; Kreaxions Glitter Paper
Tools:  Just Imagine Kreaxions punch #304, circle cutter
Embellishments/Ink: DIY enamel dots; Distress Ink-Gathered Twigs