Happy New Year...or is that Halloween?

Sorry for the absence. Between the holidays and the fact that my computer gave up the ghost so I was without access to any photos or software for awhile, I apologize. The family got an early Xmas present...new computer...and I'm back in business! Now that the holiday crazies are over, I promise to be a better poster :-)

This Halloween card was made for a recent pub call, but didn't get the love. I love bright colors, so I was happy with how this card turned out. The embossed cardstock is Bazzil, the paper and die cut are Doodlebug, the brad is Paper Studio and the sentiment sticker is SRM. I was at Archiver's recently and loaded up on their sentiment stickers, so you'll be seeing a lot in future posts I'm sure.

I'll also be back tomorrow with the January Creative Charms Kit and Deal of the Month. Have a great New Year's Eve and stay safe!

A Bit of Everything...

Here are some more cards I've made recently. I hadn't felt like I've gotten much created lately, but then realized I had a bunch I need to get photographed, written up and posted, so apparently I have been more creative then I thought.

This has Bazzill ribbon, Creative Cafe buttons, Fancy Pants Frosted papers, Jillibean Soup journaling spot, EK Success border punch and SRM stickers - Hello Quick Card collection.

On this card I used Bazzill embossed cardstock and buttons, October Afternoon Very Merry paper, Doodlebug sticker and American Crafts rubons.

This card has Bazzill cardstock and ribbons, Creative Cafe buttons, some more Fancy Pants Frosted paper, EK Success border punch, Doodlebug frills and an SRM sentiment sticker - Thinking of You collection.

Here is some more October Afternoon Very Merry paper and a variety of Doodlebug stickers.
*This card will be featuring in Scrapbook Trends Stamping Idea book in the summer 2010*

I went a bit shabby on this one. I used my Heidi Swapp edge distresser and Clearsnap chestnut roan ink for the shabby, Bazzill embossed cardstock and ribbon, Fancy Pants flower rubon, Queen and Company pearls and a Jillibean Soup sentiment stamp.

Creative Cuts and More Mega Recipe Blog Hop - Day 2

Welcome to the second day of the Creative Cuts & More Mega Recipe Blog Hop which features the Apron Holiday Treats Recipe Kit. There are 24 designers who will be showcasing wonderful pages and yummy Holiday Treat recipes. As part of the celebration CC&M will be having a great sale. For the next six days, they will offer 20% off the entire store. But act quickly as this sale will end on Nov 14th. Make sure you enter this code recipebloghop2009 during checkout. As a continuing part of the celebration, CC&M will be giving away one of these awesome kits. Here is the twist – go through the blog hop and leave comments for each designer. After you have finished the blog hop, return to the Creative Cuts and More blog and instead of leaving a comment, you need to share a recipe to have a chance at winning the kit. Share the recipe on your blog and link it back and get another chance to win the kit.

A little bit about my Apron Kit album I created. I am a simple crafter and an even simple baker, so I kept my project and recipes just that...simple! I put all the recipes on tags, which tuck into the pockets of the apron. I took a picture of how one looks in the apron pocket and then took pictures of each recipe outside of the apron, so you can see the recipes better (click on the picture if needed for a better view) If your recipes are more complicated and need more space, you can always use the back of the tag. This kit was very easy to use and I completed in only a few hours. The only extras I used were a few brads, a couple more pieces of ribbon, some ABC stickers and a Martha Stewart border punch to make the ruffle. My favorite recipe in this book is Granny's Fudge. I used to spend a lot of time with my Great Grandma (Granny), I was even named after her, and she would often let me help her make this fudge. Now head on over to Lisa's blog to see her cute Apron Kit album. If you started at my blog first, please head to the Creative Cuts and More blog to start at the beginning of the hop. If you get lost, I have also listed the blogs of everyone at the end of this post. You can also see who was on the blog hop on Day 1 and used the Treasured Family Recipes Kit, by reading my previous blog post.

Die Cut Diva http://www.diecutdiva.com/

Pam Smerker http://paperaskew.blogspot.com/

Nathalia Castellon http://funkyphreshpapierkreations.blogspot.com/
Dawn Lusk http://dawnanewday.blogspot.com/
Stephany Zerbe http://stephzerbedesign.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Hansen http://www.jenniferhansenscrapgallery.blogspot.com/
Lisa Somerville http://www.lisasomerville.com/
Lila Holgate http://lilascreativecorner.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/
Kazan Clark http://nunutoolies.blogspot.com/
Rachel Hope Baird http://www.hopestampseternal.blogspot.com/

Ellen Sosnoski http://www.closeyourears.blogspot.com/
Cecilia Stricklin http://http://www.thethreadgatherer.blogspot.com/
Cambria Turnbow http://www.cambriaturnbow.blogspot.com/

Angie Pearl http://www.gemstonecreations.blogspot.com/
Laura Davis http://www.adayinthelifeofthepaperpoppy.blogspot.com/
Noelle Reese http://http://www.noellescrapsalot.blogspot.com/
Holly Brown http://http://www.glitterstampsandink.blogspot.com/
Rachel Sztonyk http://www.gingerbreadgallery.blogspot.com/
Deb Felts http://www.withastampandasong.blogspot.com/
Jen Johnson http://www.justmejenifer.blogspot.com/
Amber Hillman http://www.ambersantics.blogspot.com/
Carla Mayfield http://www.paperpastorale.blogspot.com/
Cindy Lawrence http://www.onehappystamper.typepad.com/
Chris Dickinson http://www.chrissyd723.blogspot.com/
Die Cut Diva http://www.diecutdiva.com/

Creative Cuts and More Mega Recipe Blog Hop - Day 1

The Treasured Family Recipe Kit is being featured today during the Creative Cuts and More Mega Recipe Blog Hop. To start on the blog hop, click on the Die Cut Diva link at the top of the list below. As you go through the hop, you will see albums made by 24 different designers. You will also find a lot of great recipes to add to your collection. You even have a chance to win one of these kits! Tomorrow there will be another Blog Hop featuring the Holiday Treats Apron Recipe kit. Here is a sneak peek at my Apron Kit album I will be posting tomorrow.

Die Cut Diva http://www.diecutdiva.com/

Jen Johnson http://justmejenifer.blogspot.com/
Lori Renn http://www.lorirenn.blogspot.com/

Michele Kovack http://chelemom.blogspot.com/
Ellen Sosnoski http://closeyourears.blogspot.com/

Kayla Dupont http://dream-bielieve-imagine-mustangkayla.blogspot.com/
Courtney Holgate http://www.courtneylikestocook.com/
Sharon Harnist http://www.paperfections.typepad.com/
Eva Dobilas http://evafromca.blogspot.com/

Noelle Reese http://www.noellescrapsalot.blogspot.com/
Joan Ervin http://stampingwithapassion.blogspot.com/
Suzanne Blickenstaff http://www.oscrappyday.blogspot.com/

Angie Pearl http://gemstonecreations.blogspot.com/
Cathy Tidwell http://www.catdidit.blogspot.com/

Holly Simoni http://www.hollysimoni.typepad.com/
Lila Holgate http://lilascreativecorner.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/

Kendra Wietstock http://www.kendrawietstock.blogspot.com/
Chris Penaflor http://creativejourney.typepad.com/
Holly Brown http://www.glitterstampsandink.blogspot.com/
AJ Otto http://www.thewillowgarden.blogspot.com/
Stephany Zerbe http://stephzerbedesign.blogspot.com/

Lisa Somerville http://www.lisasomerville.com/

Chris Dickinson http://www.chrissyd723.blogspot.com/

Stacy Cohen http://www.stacycohen.blogspot.com/
Pam Smerker http://paperaskew.blogspot.com/
Die Cut Diva http://www.diecutdiva.com/

Is It Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas?

It is at The Scrappy Shack! They have all kinds of seasonal die cuts in the store, including this fun All I Want For Christmas diecut. It is actually an entire circle, but I cute off part of it so that it would fit onto my paper holder. I plan to hang this up for Christmas cards this year. Ours generally just end up piled up on the counter, so although I got a WEE bit crazy with the bright colors, shiny stuff and stickers on this project :-), I think it'll do the card holding job just fine! (Papers, gems, sequins, stickers are Doodlebug and the paper holder is Creative Imaginations.)

Some Spooky Die Cuts from The Scrappy Shack - BOO!

Here are some Halloweeny type things I made last weekend while cropping with my sisters. These all use the Halloween Die Cut Frames from The Scrappy Shack. They are available in any color! On this one I even recycled a bit. The green dotted and spiderweb papers, are actually packaging from some Making Memories sticker packages. And I'm a girl that loves my gems, so I added a few to jazz things up.

This one I may have gotten a "little" crazy with the Doodlebug glitter. I honestly am still wearing some of that glitter! As if the glitter didn't make it sparkly enough, I added some bling.

I generally don't make a lot of tags, but I thought these frames were the perfect size for that. I used Scenic Route papers and some Making Memories stickers.

GIVEAWAY! I wanted to remind everyone that The Scrappy Shack is giving away 20 die cuts at the end of September, so be sure to stop by their blog to get your name entered!

The Scrappy Shack is Moxie Fab!

I thought the Doodlebug Christmas pack would be perfect for the different Christmas Card Challenges going on over at the Moxie Fab blog. Last week I received a variety of die cuts from The Scrappy Shack including these gorgeous Holiday Frames (available in any color and size) that I thought they also went pefectly with this line. The little brown clay Rudolph is from Creatively Green's Reindeer Fun Trio that I received as one of my prizes last month from ScrapNWin. I'm terrible at categorizing my creations - I would say they all fall under Fun and Cute, the Reindeer card has a hint of Classy and Elegant/Clean and Graphic and even the presents card has a bit of Clean and Graphic too? Help!

P.S. Don't forget about the die cut giveaway over at The Scrappy Shack :-)

"The Scrappy Shack" Shares

My room is as done as can be at this point, so today I sat down and got creative with some of The Scrappy Shack die cuts I received in this month's package. Here is what I have made so far. It was such a nice feeling that when I knew I wanted summer themed stuff I went to the summer tub...bam! When I needed school stuff, went to the school tub...bam! I am not used to that!

This first card is made with the Palm Tree Circle Die Cut, Cosmo Cricket Snorkel papers and chipboard and some flocked brads from Doodlebug for the coconuts.

This card is made with the Alphabet Circle Frame, some Scenic Route and October Afternoon papers and a We R Memory Keepers grommet. I thought this die cut fit in perfectly with the School challenge over at Scrap N Win so I entered this card over there as well.

This was a quick and easy wall art (picture frame) I made for Emma to put in her room using the Blah Blah Blah Word Balloon. She has already mastered the eye roll and the door slam and I've heard Blah, Blah, Blah out of her mouth on occasion. She is 6 going on 16! I bought a cheap 5x7 black frame at Walmart, cut a piece of textured paper from The Paper Company, added some Doodlebug chunky glitter to the die cut and I was done. I love when I get the chance to make home decor!

Some Recent Pubs

Featured in Paper Crafts Magazine's September/October 09 issue - also as an online project.

There two were featured in CARDS magazine's July 2009 issue.

There two were featured in Crafts N' Things September/October 2009 issue.

I have been procrastinating on getting my new scrap studio organized and I have decided this month it is happening and am even taking a couple days of work to tackle it. (I'm embarassed to admit that it was finished being built this spring). I will eventually post some pictures, but then I'm admitting to world I'm spoiled because the room is huge and I have way too many supplies (oops). Because of Operation Organize, I don't have anything new to share this week, but am sharing some cards that were featured recently in various magazines. My plan is to tackle my desk today - I have been sorting embellies, papers etc already) , so I promise you I will have new things to share by the end of the week!

Family Pics Mini Album - Clear Scraps/Pebbles Inc.

Acrylic Mini Album – Clear Scraps Flower Tab Album - won this on their blog!
Papers: Pebbles Inc. Skipping Along
Chipboard Pieces: Pebbles Inc. Chips - they came in a chip bag - too cute!

Gems: Darice, The Paper Studio
Glitter: Doodlebug, Tree House Studio
Foam ABC Stickers: American Crafts Thickers
Ribbon: Maya Road
Glue Pad: Martha Stewart
Glue Pen: Sakura
Size: 8x8

The acrylic album had a piece of the petal on each page. I used a glue pad to apply different glitter colors to each petal. I also added glitter to some of the papers and chipboard pieces using my glue pen. The album came with jump rings, but I used a piece of ribbon instead to tie the album together.

I apologize for some weird shadings. The neighbors probably think I'm a nutcase as I'm trying to put tissue paper out in our front yard with rocks during an extremely windy day and then trying to take pictures of it...lol...

This was a BOB (Best of Blogosphere) over at Card of the Week!

Sunglasses Required?

Warning: These cards came out a little bright!

This was made for a sketch challenge over at Paper Trey Ink. I have some of their products on my wish list! The textured cardstock is Dotted Swiss from Bazzill (I just got it last weekend and am loving it!), some Tinkering Ink paper, Hambly transparency, Kaiser gems, and a Colorbok sticker.

This card was made for a challenge over at the uber talented Melissa Phillip's blog. It was based on a bright colored, fun and funky purse. I love bright colors so this was right up my alley. Doodlebug flocked blue paper, some older Creative Imaginations green paper, Around the Block sentiment paper, Prima, Imaginisce and Making Memories flowers, blinged out with some MAMBI gems. P.S. Thank you Kim for the Imaginisce goodies!

2 Sketches 4 You - Laura #7

Here my take on this week's sketch over at 2 Sketches 4 You. I deviated a bit! I got together with my two sisters and my two friends (who are also sisters) at Archiver's last night. I started on this one at the crop and then finished up with the glitter at home today. Bringing glitter to a pretty packed table at a crop...not a good idea!!!

I used some Doodlebug glitter/embossed paper and a Heidi Swapp chipboard flower that both fell into my basket last night. I also used a Hambly transparency, Paper Studio bling, Archiver's cardstock and Doodlebug glitter and rubons. To apply the glitter I used Modge Podge and then added a second layer of glitter on top of the first using more Modge Podge since I wanted a little more color. Tip: my favorite way to get the glitter back into the tiny little Doodlebug bottle is to use one of those cheapy paper plates from Walmart - you know the kind where you need 5 just to have it support a hamurger! I then fold the plate to get it to funnel back in. I also hid the glue dots for the transparency behind the flower and in the corner behind the swirl. Card size is 4 1/4 x 5 1/2. This card is brighter in person.

Don't forget I'm drawing on Monday for my RAK!

CPS Sketch #76

(Click on pic for a better view)

I was digging thru one of my paper stacks and came across this poodle paper from the Girly Girl line by Reminisce. I'll probably be nice and share some of it with Emma! In addition to the paper, I used Doodlebug glitter cardstock and ABC rubons and some Paper Studio bling. I pop dotted the middle poodle to have it stand out some more. Size 3 1/2 x 8 1/2. You can find the sketch here.

Helpful tip: It is really hard to adhere things to the glitter cardstock, so I used staples where it wouldn't show. Glue dots will sometimes work too.

2 Sketches 4 You: Laura #5

Here is my take on this week's sketch. I had some trouble getting started. I'm thinking it wasn't so much the sketch, but the mess on my scrap table that I was trying to make the card on! I made this with Rusty Pickle Pirate Princess - paper, stickers and chipboard sword. I painted the sword with Apple Barrel white and pink paint and then used Doodlebug glitter. (I'll be wearing that for the rest of the day now!) I inked everything with Ranger Black Soot ink. (I'll be wearing that too!) Also cut some flowers off Prima ribbon and used Darice and Paper Studio jewels. Size is 5x7.

2 Sketches 4 You - Kazan #5

(click for a better view)

I just got these cool butterfly clips from Making Memories the other day and was itching to use them. Also pulled out one of my faves - Doodlebug glitter paper. I also added some Joann's felt ribbon, K and Company paper (I cut out the butterfly) Making Memories white Spring stickers, American Crafts ribbon, Paper Studio bling and some Bazzill Bling and regular cardstock. Size is about 5 x 5 1/2. Very fun sketch this week!

Whale Done Card - Melissa Phillips Sketch Challenge/Lime Tart

(click on picture for better view)

I made this for a sketch challenge at Melissa Phillips' blog. I stalk her blog quite regularly. The stuff she makes is just amazing! I love the way she layers things and pays attention to the smallest detail. When I try to layer embellishments or try something shabby chic, it just turns into a disaster! Be sure to stop by for some great inspiration!

Size of the card is 4 1/4 x 5 1/2. I used Bazzill cardstock, paper and sticker is once again from K and Company's Berry Sweet line, ABC rubons and glitter cardstock are Doodlebug, Brads are Paper Studio, ink is Clearsnap and the oval/square stamp is from Apple Blossom Studio. I won this stamp along with some others from her blog and they rock! I like that they are a bigger size and also take ink great. I'm planning to use on more projects so be sure to check back for more stamp stuff!

Thanks Card - Butterflies, Butterflies, Butterflies!

*Removed for publication in Cards January 2009 issue.

I made this yesterday at the crop and this was probably my favorite of the day. I used kraft cardstock, a piece of KI Memories Lace Cardstock (love that stuff!), used a Martha Stewart butterfly punch (this fell in my cart at Michael's yesterday) on some Doodlebug glitter cardstock and added some Darice gems and Doodlebug ABC rubons. Size is 4x8.

Use Your Stash July Challenge - Use Your Stamps!

Using Clearsnap Chestnut Roan (my all-time fave ink) I stamped the turtle onto Scenic Route Asheland Avenue from the Ashville line, added some bling from The Paper Studio and then cut him out. I adhered him to a quote card I cut from Fancy Pants Sweet Spring line - I love those cards! I stamped the Bazzill card base and the Prima flower with a flower from KI Memories Blooms stamp set. I adhered the flower with a pop dot and added bling to center as well. Turtle stamp is from the Kim Hughes Collection of Cornish Heritage Farms. Size is 4x6.

I stamped Hot Off the Press Flight of Fancy butterfly stamps onto embossed swirl Doodlebug paper to add some texture. I then bent the wings slightly and added pop dots for more dimension. The other stamp I used was the sentiment and that is from the Kim Hughes Collection of Cornish Heritage Farms. Paper is Rusty Pickle Pop Star and bling is from The Paper Studio. Size is 5x7

I made these for the July Challenge over at Use Your Stash. The turtle and the sentiment stamp I got in a RAK (along with some other cool goodies) from Kim Hughes. Be sure to check out her blog. Her stamps are so adorable and I see that she is coming out with a cool paper line as well. I wish I had one teaspoon of her talent!

I've already got some other ideas for that turtle floating around in my head including a card that says - You're a Hero in a Half Shell!