Packer Backers and Happy New Year!!

Almost time to ring in the new!  Where did the year go?!!!  I know where this past weekend went....we spent it watching our Green Bay Packers win the division!!

After the high of that amazing game, and the family fun time....back to reality....work, house cleaning, etc.  But also back to some blogging!  I have so many projects I've made and haven't gotten to share this year!!  My new year's resolution is to post to my blog a MINIMUM of twice a week!  We'll see how I do.....but for now, I'm sharing this one:
 

I used Teresa Collins Candy Cane Lane collection....Was a fun and easy Christmas Home Decor project for the LSS as a display.  Love the chipboard in the collection....so pretty!

So next time I will be blogging in 2015!!  Can't believe how fast this year went!  Happy New Year to everyone, and looking forward to a wonderful 2015....hope you are too!!

Makin' it Merry

A Merry, Merry Christmas Holiday to all!!

A wish for joy, peace and happiness in the year to come!!

(Card created using Simple Stories DIY Christmas collection, Trendy Twine, and AC glitter paper).

Quick and Easy Christmas Cards!

Today I'm sharing a few cards I made lickity split....I wanted to try to keep it clean and simple....especially to keep my cards from needing a hand cancel (the PO is getting a little more picky about that!), but these were quick too....because I used journal cards from Simple Stories DIY collection:

I love their enamel dots with this collection and the tags too....fun mix and match for creating cards!

and last but not least:

Again, simple and sweet.

Thanks for stoppin' by today!  More quick and easy cards in the next few days!

Making Merry and a few of my Favorite Things....

Happy Holidays everyone!  Are you ready?  Many have already been celebrating, and I'm in that final few days push before the big day on Thursday.  Still gifts to wrap and goodies to make, including those Christmas cards!  I got a few made last nite, and I have a few more I'd been working on.

Remember you can join us over at the Scrap It Girl blog, we shared some of our favorite gift/wrap items, and we'd love to have you share what you've made too! If you've made any kind of packaging or even a LO or card with gifts (like the one below) you can link up to our "Wrap It Up" challenge....you've got until Dec. 31st!!  Link up HERE.

Here are a couple of my favorites I've made so far:

It was made using Doodlebug's Santa Express goodies and this one as well:

I'm a huge fan of twine....can you tell?!!

Thanks for stoppin' by and have a wonderful day!  I have some quick and easy cards coming tomorrow!

It's About The Journey: Creative Cafe' KOTM

Today if you are already wishing for spring, I have a sweet little floral birdie card over at The Rubber Cafe' using their new Creative Cafe' KOTM for December.  Want to subscribe?  Find them HERE.  The kits are loaded with a full 6x6 paper pad, tons of ribbons/trims, embellishments, bazzill cardstock, and of course, amazing stamps!

Here's my "tweet" little card:

Want the details on how this card was made?  Pop on over to the blog HERE.

Thanks for stoppin' by during this busy holiday season!  I appreciate each and every one of you!

I'm off to a crop/ornament exchange/potluck this afternoon....enjoying some holiday spirit....and making my Christmas cards!!  Yep....I'm all about that last minute holiday creating!!  

Christmas Countdown....IT'S ON!!

Oh my....are you in countdown mode???  I am in a panic....and working retail in a boutique shoppe at this time of year only adds to my stress!!!  And here sits my very sad and lonely blog!!  Unloved....caught up in the rush of Christmas madness!....lol!

Well, it's time to spread the love....and nothing better than this Christmas Countdown Calendar I created using Authentique, Want 2 Scrap, and Petaloo!

To make this I used a wooden easel frame, painted it black, then embellished using Authentique die cuts, American Crafts glitter paper, Petaloo flowers, Want 2 Scrap pearls, and some jute string.

The numbers are created from the Authentique die cuts as well, and get a little pizazz from more pearls, and glitter paper:

There are envelopes on the back of the frame to hold all the numbers.  Did not grab a pic of those....they are just little cardstock boxes I made with velcro closures.

Thanks for stoppin' by today!  And remember to slow down and enjoy the holidays....in all the rush you can miss some of the good stuff!!  For me....that starts today!

Supplies:
Paper: Authentique Joyous; AC POW glitter paper
Embellishments: Authentique die cuts, Want 2 Scrap pearls, Petaloo flowers, AC glitter clothespin, jute string
Adhesive: Scor Tape, Art Glitter Glue

Chase Your Dreams.....

I have a lot of dreams....for my family, for my kids, for travel, for designing....it's important to always have inspiration to keep those dreams going.  The new KOTM from The Rubber Cafe' has me inspired this month!  I'm a fan of hot air balloons....to me they represent dreams taking flight....and funny, the name of this month's KOTM???  Take Flight!  Here is a sneak at a card I've made using this collection:

Yep....just a sneaky tease today!  You can find the complete card and instructions over at The Rubber Cafe' blog today on THIS POST.

I tried a new technique with the embossing powder....love the look!  And got to play with washi tape and Echo Park Paper too!

Thanks for visiting today....and hope your day is filled with inspiration to make YOUR dreams Take Flight!

Wrap It Up Challenge

Hello everyone!  Ready to start some holiday scrapping?  How about holiday decorating?  Or maybe creative ways to gift wrap?  Over at Scrap It Girl....we have a perfect challenge for the month of December--it's our Wrap It Up challenge....it's all about gift wrapping.....whether it's a present on a LO or home decor/altered project, or homemade gift wrap or bags, it's time to wrap up those holiday crafts, and link them up on the Scrap It Girl site HERE. 

To get you started with a little inspiration, here is a gift bag/tag set I've created using the Doodlebug Frosty Friends collection:
 

This is something I love to do....take an inexpensive dollar store plain white bag, and use those extra scraps and embellishments from a scrapbook page to create a one of a kind gift bag that is a gift itself!  It's a great way to use up those odds and ends from different projects......six different manufacturers on this one!!

Here's a closer look at the gift tag:

I used a Tim Holtz stencil pounced on white cardstock using Salty Ocean Distress Ink and a Distress Ink sponge. Silver American Crafts glitter paper give it some sparkle, and a Doodlebug mini clothes pin, twine, and Sprinkles add a sweet touch.

For the sentiment, I used a Prima stamp:

The snowflakes are punched out of the glitter paper, and Queen & Co bling adds some pizazz. The feather is a wispy winter touch....from Bella Blvd.

And did I mention a prize?  Yes there is a prize over on the Scrap It Girl blog....you have a chance to win if you link up!!  Check out all the rules and links on THIS POST.

Thanks for stoppin' by today and join in on the challenge!  Instead of a plain (or expensive!) gift bag....make your own with your scraps and a few extra embellishments!

Time to Start....

I should start my Christmas cards in July.....I know it's true....lol.  But I'll be starting them now....and this is a little inspiration, just in case you haven't started yours yet either!

This card is definitely a "scrap my stash" card.....I've used last years Doodlebug Home for the Holidays collection.....love the stickers, and the patterned papers!  Add a little twine and jingle bells....the little touches that finish it off with just enough holiday spirit!

Thanks for stoppin' by today, and watch for more Christmas soon....including a Christmas Countdown calendar complete with a giveaway! 

Creative Packaging Blog Hop: The Rubber Cafe'

Welcome to the first: 

We've got some great prizes and inspiration for you today!  If you hopped from Michelle's Blog you are in the right place, and if you need to start from the beginning (you've got to if you want in on the prizes....how about a $25 gift certificate, or a free KOTM?!!)....start at The Rubber Cafe' Blog HERE.

Do you have some Creative Cafe' goodies left over from all those gorgeous cards you've made?  We have some great ideas on how to use those leftovers....in honor of Thanksgiving and the holidays!!  If your new to Creative Cafe' kits....enjoy the hop, and check out the subscription program HERE.

I've got two treats for you today:

First some holiday packaging for a little treat to add to a stocking, or hang on a tree, or just to have a basket ready to give anyone a "sweet little something":

 

This uses The Rubber Cafe' KOTM from October: Christmas Behind the Scenes. Perfect for any holiday treats!

Images are stamped in Black Tuxedo Memento Ink, and colored with Copic 

Markers.  These toppers are 3" by 2" (with a score mark at 1" to fold over),

but they can be sized to any goody bag.  A bit of jute string and a little jingle 

bell make a cute finishing touch: 

To attach the topper, staple bag shut and then fold a wide piece of Scor-Tape over the top:

then simply peel off and adhere--and there you have it!

My "bonus" project is a quick and easy way to dress up your holiday table:

This is easily whipped up for your Thanksgiving feast, or for a holiday dinner party.  

They are made using the Whipped Up and Stamping Utensils from the November Creative Cafe' KOTM, and everything is stamped in Black Tuxedo Memento Ink and glued with Scrap Happy Glue.

The little name place card has a personal note inside....letting the person know why you are thankful for knowing them:

And here's a closer peek at the favor bag and menu:

Thanks for hoppin' by today!  Next stop on your hop is Mary-Ann's Blog.....she has inspiration sure to get your holiday gifts all wrapped up!

HOP ORDER:

The Rubber Cafe' Blog

Debbie Seyer

Michelle Pearson

Laura Cox (yes you're here!)

Mary-Ann Maldonado

Somethin's Cookin': Favorite Things Friday

Hey everyone!  TGIF!!!  Ready for a great weekend....and it's supposed to get a wee bit warmer again....wahoo!!

I'm sharing a little sneak of something I "cooked up" over at The Rubber Cafe':

If you want to see the entire card, and would love directions to make it.....stop on by The Rubber Cafe' blog HERE.

It's also Favorite Things Friday (FTF) over at Scrap It Girl.  We are sharing some of our favorite fall projects, and we'd love to see yours!  Link up over there, and share with us!

My favorite is a fall wall hanging I created a year ago at a crop and won a prize for:

It's made with LYB Acorn Hollow papers and chip.  Love the colors in this--I can't get enough of home decor altered item projects!

Thanks for stoppin' by today....always more inspiration to save for another day.....see you soon!

Joyful Banner

If you aren't familiar with Unique Laser Designs.....you should be!!  They sell amazing laser cut wood, chipboard and cork designs, with so many options to choose from!

One of my favorites is their banners.  You can choose shape, and what you'd like to spell out....you don't have to buy a pre-fab kit....love that!

Here is a little sneak of a project I have up over there today.....I used the adorable Doodlebug Design Santa Express collection:

I also used Doodlebug twine, washi, Sprinkles and stickers. 

Want to see the finished project?  Pop over to the ULD blog HERE.

Thanks for stoppin' by today....come back soon! 

It's Still Fall....

I'm NOT ready for snow!!  We've had a bit already, but I love fall and want it to hang around a little bit longer!

Today's share is a couple of cards made with Doodlebug's Friendly Forest collection, and Unique Laser Designs cork leaves:

The edges of the leaf are rubbed with inka gold....love the way it pics up the texture....and also sparkles like the Doodlebug Sprinkles!

This card I left the cork leaf as is:

I love clean simplicity sometimes....especially for a sweet simple thank you.

Thanks for stoppin' by today!  More fall/holiday crafting coming soon!

Supplies Used:
Doodlebug Friendly Forest 6x6 pad and Sprinkles
Unique Laser Designs Cork Leaves
Inka Gold Rub
Trendy Twine/hemp string
Asst. buttons
Anna Griffin sentiment stamps
The Rubber Cafe' embossing powder

Favorite Things Friday: Halloween Edition

It's time for a little FTF....with a belated Halloween Edition!  Scrap It Girl is the place to share your favorite Halloween projects!  Link up in THIS POST, just for fun!

I shared a Halloween Printer's Tray I made this year using the Doodlebug Ghouls and Goodies collection and fun laser cut wooden pieces from Unique Laser Designs:

And another of my faves was this little decorative trio featured over on the Trendy Twine blog:

I love this collection, and I really enjoy making home decor projects for any holiday!  Looking forward to sharing some fall and Christmas creations this week.....stop back soon!

It's a Practical Scrappers Halloween Hop!!!

 
Hey everyone!  It's time for the Practical Scrappers monthly "Scrap Your Stash" hop!!!  You should have hopped here from Wendi's blog.  And need to find the beginning?  Start HERE.  So many great projects....a lot of fall and Halloween inspiration.....you'll have a lot of pics to scrap soon and it's a good time to think ahead for next year's projects too!

This project will be hanging up at my house for Halloween this year:

This was created using Pebble Thirty-One collection.  The stickers and papers are layered up to make these spooky sweet scenes:

The scene along the top shows the inhabitants of "boo street"....haha!

Thanks for hopping by today!  And next stop on the hop is Christine's blog. Make sure to check out her amazing project!!! 

And a little PS....after you finish the hop.....make sure you stop by Scrap It Girl for Favorite Things Friday for more Halloween inspiration being shared with our favorite Halloween projects!  We'd love you to link up your own too!

Just in case you lose your way:


Practical Scrappers http://practicalscrappers.blogspot.com
Monica http://scrapinspired.com/
Wendy C www.stampingrules.com
Wendi http://scrappydayinparadise.blogspot.com/2014/10/hallows-eve-practical-scrappers-use.html
Laura http://scrapaddict4life.blogspot.com/
Christine http://scrappingwithchristine.blogspot.comSuzanna  http://lifestrivialities.typepad.com/
Bobbi http://vintagemusedesigns.blogspot.com/
Majken  http://chocoscrapaholic.blogspot.com/2014/10/so-blessed-practical-scrappers.html
Lyne HTTP://LYNNSEVERYDAYIDEAS.BLOGSPOT.COM
Kristy http://alwaysworldaway.blogspot.com
Jennifer http://livethemoment-jen.blogspot.com Cheryl http://patchesandscraps.blogspot.com
Lee-Anne http://lee-annelovethejourney.blogspot.com

Favorite Things Friday---Belated! And a giveaway!!!

Hey everyone!!!  I have some fun today!!!  First up....a belated FTF for the Scrap It Girl DT!  We are sharing our favorite mini albums.....would love to see mini's you've created too!  You can link yours HERE.

I've done a lot of minis.....one of my faves was this one of my lil' cowpoke!  (who is now 21!!  yikes, how did THAT happen?!!):

And I've been promising a giveaway.....leave a comment.....let me know if you've made a mini album, and if so....what has been your favorite?  I've got a mini album and lots of goodies to go with it to give away!

Thanks for stoppin' by today!  I'll choose a winner on Monday!!

Graveyard Goodies Home Decor

Well, you know I'm a Halloween crafter.....I really love any and all Halloween home decor!  So this piece I created for my last Guest Designer post over at Trendy Twine was so much fun!  They are spotlighting their amazing Halloween twines, and this project uses Orange Licorice twine.  I really think it makes the project "pop"!!

A look at the lid--I started by inking the edges, covering with the Teresa Collins Masquerade Party paper, and then sanding and inking the edges:
 

And here it is all decorated up with chipboard, cut outs and Orange Licorice Trendy Twine:

Here's a closer look at how I used the twine as accents...and also as a border around the washi tape on the lid:

The inside of this treat box is filled with little goodie bags tied up with more yummy Orange Licorice twine:

Thanks for stoppin' by today.....and stop over to the Trendy Twine site to check out their amazing selection of twine!

Spooky Treat Jar with Trendy Twine!

Today I'm up over at Trendy Twine as a Guest Designer!  It's post two of three for the month!

If you are a regular follower....you know twine is my favorite go-to embellishment, and I've never found a better twine than Trendy Twine--colors and quality are both amazing!

My post is all about Halloween treats....this cute little jar to hold a few goodies for a party, or favor, or home decor:

I've used Orange Licorice Trendy Twine wrapped around the jar, and also to hang the cute tags.

The paper and stickers are from the Carta Bella Spooky collection.

Here is a closer look at the tags:

Thanks for stoppin' by today!  And remember to pop over to the Trendy Twine blog HERE and say hi!  And looking for this amazing Orange Licorice Twine?  You'll find it HERE!

EEK!!! BOO!!! It's Halloween Home Decor!!!

Well I've combined two of my favorite things today.....Doodlebug Designs Ghouls and Goodies collection and Lime Licorice Trendy Twine!

This project uses the "Doodle-Pops" and the Doodlebug stickers and Sprinkles with Trendy Twine tying it all together:

Love the Doodlebug mini clothespins too.....super cute tied up with Trendy Twine!

The "boo" is spelled out in Thickers:

Thanks for stoppin' today.....and remember to stop by Trendy Twine's site to see their goodies too!  I'd love for you to stop by the blog and say hi....the post is HERE.