Top Ten Blog Hop 2017

ETA:  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  Congrats to the winner of my prize pack.....Random Generator picked #12.....Nicole!  Please pop me an email at lauracox@lycos.com!!  Again Congrats.....and thanks for all those who left a comment and participated in the hop!!

Welcome to your next stop in our Top Ten of 2017 hop!!!  You should have hopped over here from Marcia Dehn-Nix's blog and your next stop will be Irit Shalom!

I'm so excited to be blog hopping with these talented crafters.....make sure you visit everyone!  A lot of talent, a lot of giveaways, and soooooo much inspiration!  See the bottom of this post for the entire list to make sure you don't miss anyone!

And here we go with my Top Ten of 2017:


#10: BoBunny, Blessings, and Kreaxions

This shaker card combined stenciling, die-cutting, bright cheerful distress inks with BoBunny papers for my #10 fave....more info.....check THIS POST.


#9:  Halloween Blocks.....Carta Bella is always a fave....and you can see that in several of the projects I've created this year....these blocks were one of my fave projects.....and on display at Hannah's (local scrapbook store and gift store in Antioch, IL)....this one with the Haunted House collection.

#8: Christmas Blocks....Carta Bella for the win again....their Very Merry Christmas collection (also live and in person at Hannah's)

#7: Fall Flip.....

This home decor project was a two-fer.....fall on one side, and Halloween on the other....and all made with the Pebbles Midnight Haunting collection.



#6:  Cozy Winter LO....more Carta Bella love....the Cabin Fever collection....
 

 
Ok....had to share this one even tho my pic isn't perfect (this one is on display at Hannah's also, and the lighting was sub-par that day)....but I'm anxiously awaiting some snow so I can fill this one with pretty snow pics....it's SO fun....right down to the sparkling copper gold deer ribbon border. ;)


#5:  Home is Where the Heart Is.....and where home-made home decor is....

Carta Bella's Welcome Home Collection and a little creativity = adorable every day home decor.....this collection is one I have more projects in mind.....just LOVE.


#4:  He Pulls at My Heart Strings....and even more of a fave since it's this little guy that has just left for college....time flies!  Perfect with the Fancy Pants Sweet Nothings collection.

More info on this post HERE.


#3:  Julie Nutting Halloween Home Decor

I'm a huge fan of these doll stamps....and seldom get the chance to play.....so this project was a fun one to do at one of the crops I attended this year!

#2:  Believe and BoBunny

This memory verse clipboard with it's twine and tags and bright colors....love....more info HERE.


and drum roll for my #1 of 2017.......

My first try at mixed media/art journal creating.....a combination of Color Burst, Distress Crayons, stencils/paste, stamps, black ink, and a Julie Nutting doll ended up in a colorful bold statement that reminds me every day and in every way that:  I. AM. BLESSED. 


Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I have a fun little giveaway....I'm kinda into the buffalo plaid craze this year.....are you?  If you are, make sure to leave a comment today....you'll be entered to win a sweet little buffalo plaid set of goodies, and a few fun scrappy/paper crafting goodies too.  Not going to spoil the surprise, but will be a great prize pack--so make sure you comment....will post a winner on January 1st to start 2018 with a bang!

Blog Hop List

Christine Meyer

Kathy Skou

Kathleen Graumüller

Teri Anderson

Susie Bentz

Janice Daquila-Pardo

Giorgia Rossini

Laurel Seabrook  

Aimee Kidd

Mary Ann Jenkins

Keren Tamir

Lee-Anne Thornton

Heather Leopard

Tifany DeGough  

Sue Eldred

Melissa Elsner

Laura Whitaker

Anita Mulcahey

Ashley Smith

Simone Schermann

Shelly Kurth

Monique Liedtke
Suzanna Lee

Marcia Dehn-Nix  

Laura Cox

Irit Shalom

Nicole Martel

Carolyn Johnson

Tenia Nelson

Samantha Taylor  

Rebecca Keppel

Judy Hayes

Isha Gupta

Traci Penrod

Tracy McLennon

Karen Hunter

Lyne Blodgett

Anna Sigga

Lisa Moen
Kat Benjamin
Wendy Antenucci  

Summer Reading....Just Look Up

One of my "guilty pleasures" of life has always been reading.  As a kid I used to immerse myself in the world of hobbits, or hidden wardrobes and I was able to escape, and forget about everything in the "real world" for just a little while.  If you can lose yourself in a book, you have truly been given a gift and a blessing!

I'm sharing something a little different on my blog today--as you might have figured out!  It's related to the crafting world....today is release day for Courtney Walsh's new book "Just Look Up".  Why is this related?  Well, read on.....

Courtney has been a part of the craft industry from the early days of scrapbooking....first time I met her was at CHA years ago!  Her first series of books (aside from her original scrapbooking titles) had scrapbooking woven into the stories (if you haven't checked out the Sweethaven Series....they are such a fun read....you can find them HERE).

So back to Courtney's new release.....Just Look Up is about a small town girl, Lane, that leaves behind the sometimes painful memories of small town life, to head to the "big city and big dreams".  This big city is Chicago....so right in my backyard!  But what really hits home with this story, is the reminder that the title reflects, to....."Just Look Up".....to take a minute and realize what life has to offer outside our comfort zone.  The book takes it one step further, into thinking about that world we've built for ourselves, and maybe when we really take a look, we realize just how UNcomfortable we really are.  Sounds deep?  Well, it's all wrapped up in romance and drama, with a backdrop of summer sunsets and taking time to relax.  PERFECT summer read.....right?!!

This book is truly quote worthy, but one of my favorites is Lane thinking: "....it wasn't what she did that made her important, special or worthy.  It was simply who she was."  This book spoke to some of my own struggles....but in a thought provoking,  positive way.  It left me wanting another book to continue the story of Lane, Brooks, and Harbor Pointe....to me that's the hallmark of a great story!

So if you are looking for a great summer read that has a little romance, a little self-discovery, and a little, yes, guilty pleasure.....today is your day!!!  You can find Courtney's book in bookstores today as well as on Amazon (both print and kindle) right HERE.

Thanks for stopping by today....and remember to take some time for yourself today.....take some time to "Just Look Up"!

Inks....Distress and Shadow

Ahhh.....love playing with inks....do you?  I pulled out my lovely Distress Inks (Ripe Persimmon, Dried Marigold, and Salty Ocean) and JustRite stamps, to create a dramatic background for this card:

Using the Woodgrain Background stamp from JustRite....it's stamped Versamark Ink on white cardstock,  then embossed with Ranger's Weathered White embossing powder.  Salty Ocean Distress Ink was applied using a foam applicator.   I roughed up the edges a bit with a distress tool.

To give the center panel an ombre look, I started with the lighter Dried Marigold, then blended into the darker Ripe Persimmon.  I went over the entire piece with Dried Marigold to blend.  The flowers and sentiment are from the JustRite Create a Flower Garden, Multi-Step Flower Garden,                     Small Oval Wishes stamp set, and stamped in Memento Black Tuxedo Ink.

Thanks for stopping by today!  It's summertime....and there's a heat wave....stay inside, stay cool, and get inky! 

Flowers and Watercolor

One thing I love the look of is watercolors.  I don't often take the time to do this, but with a waterbrush, some Distress Ink and a heat gun at your side....it actually can be a pretty speedy process that gives a big impact.

This was started by stamping the Brick Wall Background stamp from JustRite in Fired Brick Distress Ink, then using the waterbrush to "spread" the ink I stamped.  I went back and added in here and there with some extra ink, and also brushed the edges of the piece with Pumice Stone ink and then brushed it with a little water to spread it out as well. 

The edge of this piece was distressed, then all just layered up on a white cardstock base with some coral/red cardstock.  The flowers were die cut and layered using the gorgeous Floral Trio One dies.  I added basic pearls as the centers and stamped the sentiment and frame from the JustRite Large Oval Celebration stamp set.  The leaves were stamped from the stamp set and fussy cut out.

Thanks for stopping by today!  More coming soon!  Make sure to stop by the JustRite Stampers store to check out the new stamps! 

A Simple Thank You

Do you love background stamps?  I will admit, they were not my favorite once upon a time.  But now I've so enjoyed using the for mixed media projects as well as finding how wonderful they are for a quick card!

One of the new releases from JustRite Stampers is this gorgeous Dalia Background stamp:

You can emboss it, color it with markers, or do as I have here.....stamp the background once (first stamping off to make the image lighter), then stamp again with the full ink color.  To soften it even more....I added a layer of vellum. 

The Thank You sentiment is die cut from black cardstock using the JustRite Best Wishes Sentiments dies.

Thanks for stopping by today....want to find the newest stamps from the JustRite release?  Check it out HERE.  More inspiration to come soon!

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! 

New Stamps...Means Playtime!

Hi everyone!  It's been a whirlwind few weeks....we've got a new High School graduate in our house!

So proud he's headed to the University of Iowa school of engineering!

And now that all the graduation hoopla is behind us, I was so excited to have some playtime with some brand new stamps!  Some of the gorgeous new background stamps from Just Rite!

My first share is using the new Woodgrain Background stamp:

The border was created by stamping around the edges with the woodgrain stamp to create a frame.  I layered up papers from Photo Play to create the center panel.  The tree was stamped using the Multi-Step Seasonal Trees (I used different shades of Distress Ink tapped directly onto the stamp) and the sentiment and it's border are stamps from the Congrats Card Basics set.  The border and sentiment was stamped with Rich Cocoa Memento Ink and colored with Copic Markers.  Trendy Twine and enamel dots finish this one off. 

Thanks for stopping by today!  More of the new stamps coming up, so stop back soon!

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.

Mixed Media Monday

I dabble in mixed media....but rarely post....don't know why!  Thought I'd share this LO today using mixed media goodies from UmWow Studio, and there's also some Pretty Pink Posh sequins in there!

If you aren't familiar with it.....UmWow Studio has some of THE best chipboard around for mixed media!  I used acrylic paints, distress inks and archival ink (to stamp) these pieces.  They don't warp, and they dry super fast.  Love them!  

Gotta love those Documented Hashtag Banners too:

All of the UmWow confetti chip pieces are fun too--give you a lot of options....I used the circle confetti on this LO...painted it with Weathered Wood Distress Paint, then added some Picket Fence, then stamped with black Archival Ink, and finally brushed the edges with Distress Black Soot Ink.  

Thanks for stopping by today!  Enjoy some crafty time today!

Layered Love

Layers are something that a lot of people see....love, but think, I can't do that.  It's so very easy when you break it down!  Here's a layered up card I made using JustRite Stampers stamps and dies:

I've used papers from the Julie Nutting Belle Vie collection from Photo Play Paper.  The background lattice is cut from pink pearl cardstock. 


Here is the lattice layered over one of the patterned papers from Photo Play to start the card base:

The other layers are die cut out of black, light and dark pink pearl cardstock, and the swirl patterned paper from Photo Play.  The gray oval on the bottom was stamped using the swirl from the JustRite Large Oval Sympathy set:

I've used from left to right, top row to bottom: JustRite dies--Hello Decorative Frame Oval, Damask Flourish One, Vintage Labels Eleven, Hello Decorative Frame Oval (again for both ovals), and Love Sentiment.

These pieces are also in the order (left to right top to bottom) of how they were layered to create the card. I used some foam tape for dimension between layers. 

The flowers are a sneak peek of something that may come along from Just Rite....time will tell....I used the basic flowers and added stamping with the JustRite Text Background stamp, then coated them with glossy accents and a sprinkling of clear Rock Candy glitter from Tim Holtz.  A few enamel dots and a bit of tulle make for some pretty finishing touches:

Thanks for stopping by today!  Take some time to get creative (especially if you are snowed in!!).

Home Decor Sweet Nothings

Sharing my last project with the Fancy Pants Sweet Nothings collection (for now!).  I created a set of blocks as a kit for the LSS (Hannah's in Antioch IL) so they were out as a sample for the store....I've now gotten to take pictures to share!

Because this project is so wide.....over 2 feet....I took pics of the individual blocks so you can see the details up close!

Here is the complete project as it would be displayed:

Thanks for stopping by today!  Might stick with the love theme this week....check back soon to see ;)

PS: You can find all the Sweet Nothings collection HERE (I used the ephemera and most of the papers, and some bling and hearts I had). 

Sweet Memories--Sweet Nothings

Playing catch up this week.....with our nasty flu bug we were knocked completely out for a few weeks here!  Hope all of you are staying healthy!!  I had so much fun on a crop weekend creating with the Fancy Pants Sweet Nothings collection!  I've shared a card I created, and today, it's a LO.....because I found this picture while looking for a baby photo of my now 18yo for his Senior Night as he graduates High School!

He was a cutie!  Still is ;)  I absolutely love all the layering pieces here.....I used the Sweet Nothings Ephemera set, the Puffy Designer Stickers, Color Coated Clips, and Tags.  The pop of yellow is brilliant....it brightens up the usual pink/red/black and makes this collection great for much more than Valentine's!

Thanks for stopping by today!  I've got a great home decor piece coming....stay tuned!

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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