Creative Candy.....It's a sweet thing

Winner....sorry it's so late

2010-07-31T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!!!

I am so sorry I am late with this post...It's been a hard week and I am glad everything has settled a little so I can sit and catch up...

Drum roll please.......

The winner of my blog candy this week is...

WOOOHOOO!!!! That makes critterbugg365 my lucky winner...

Congrats! Please contact me with your addy so that I may send your goodies your way :)

Thanks to everyone for participating...see you soon

Hugs

It's a girl... A few challenges

2010-07-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

IF YOU ARE HERE FOR THE BLOG HOP PLEASE SCROLL DOWN :)

I am so happy to have yet another card to share with you today... I created this card with a few challenges in mind...

The Pink Elephant - Sketch

Charisma Cardz- Anything but a square

Digi Doodle Shop's Best - Anything goes

Daring Cardmakers- Layer it up ( paper pieced my digital image)

Allsorts Challenge- BABY

Stamp Scrap and Doodle- Use a digital image ( those adorable paper pieced baby converse)

Thanks for stopping by....Don't forget to scroll down and enter my giveway for our BBTB2 Blog Hop..Hugs

Marina

BBTB2 Blog Hop...Ice cream cone Challenge

2010-07-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to everyone :)

It is the end of the month and that means BBTB2 Blog hop and Blog candy...WOOHOO!!!

And boy do we have some sweets for you this week...

Our challenge this week came from our sweet DT sister Krista...She has challenged us to use the ice cream cone cut from the Stretch Your Imagination Cartridge... Such a yummy choice :)

I made my card with DS...I used a rectangle shape and stretched to about 10 inches..I then welded the cone shadow to one end and flip the image on the other end (not welded) to create the cut out for my card base...You will see what I mean in the next pictures :)

Supplies:

Stretch Your Imagination Cartridge

Bazzill Paper

Stardream Paper

Pebbles- Twitterpatted Collection

Rhinestone Swirls & Adhesive Pearls

Nesties

Chalk Ink

Satin Ribbon

AND NOW FOR THE BLOG CANDY.... :)

One lucky winner will receive a Tim Holtz Idea-ology "VINTAGE SHABBY" Paper Pad

I LOVE THIS PAD!!! It has some of he most beautiful papers I have ever seen...

I have also included a set of Friskars Clear Stamps " For the Birds"

All you have to do is leave a comment :) It is that EASY :)

On Thursday I will use Random.org to choose my luck winner..Good Luck !

Please NOTE: You must contact me within 48 hrs after the draw...Prizes that are not claimed within that time frame will given to another lucky winner... Please make sure to leave me an email addy to contact you too if you don't have a blog. OH, one more thing, my wonderful followers will get an extra entry...HUGS

So now that you are done here, HOP on over to super sweet and talented LORI

for a chance to win more wonderful blog candy...and if you get lost along the way just click back to our BBTB2 site and you will find the list of all the designers on the hop...Good luck :)

HUGS

Marina

Anyone for Anya Challenge.... Sketch

2010-07-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hello,
I am excited to be able to share my first card for my new DT spot on Anyone for Anya... If you are a fan of "The Greeting Farm"or CC Designs stamps as I am, you MUST join us for the challenge..
This weeks challenge is to create a card following this sketch...

And this is my card...

Those of you that know me well, know that I love Pirates...I have a terrible habit of hoarding pirate papers, embellishments, stamps...you name it :) When I saw this stamp from The Greeting Farm "Matey" I just had to have it....I must confess I have had it for over two weeks and have done nothing with it....
I would have to wait for a special occasion...so what better day than today as I celebrate my first card for Anyone for Anya...I am super excited to be part of such a great team.. And I am hoping you will drop by for some great inspiration and to join us in the challenge...

Thanks for stopping by my blog today :) I hope to see you tomorrow for our BBTB2 Blog hop and challenge... HUGS

Marina

BBTB2 Hinge Challenge and Shelly images

2010-07-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!!!

I am so excited today :) I couldn't wait to share my BBTB2 project for this week...

Our challenge this week is to use the hinge cut from the Fabulous Finds cartridge and in addition we were to use our choice of Digital stamp from our sponsor for the week, Shelly's Images...

Click HERE to visit the site...

My digi choice was " Pamper Yourself"

A close look at the details on my digi stamp.... I added seed beads to create bubbles :)... The pictures don't pick up the dimensional gloss on the tub (looks real) and the gloss finish on my tile..
I cut up a cheap white (one dollar) hand towel to create my rug and towel...Oh, I almost forgot to mention that if you are having a hard time finding my Cricut hinge cut, look closely at the room divider..I loved those cute little hinges cut at 1/4 "...

This was so much fun to put together! I love digi stamps :)

If you have never used a digi stamp or you don't know what it is, let me explain...

A digital stamp is a "digital image" that you can print any size you want and as many times as you want... The wonderful thing about these stamps is that you store these on your computer...no need to find space for them..no stamp pad needed and no clean up..How cool is that?

Supplies used:

Fabulous Finds Cartridge- Hinge

Story Book Cartridge- Frame

Shelly Images- Pamper Yourself

Shabby Paper Pad (Tim Holtz)

Stardream Paper

Dimensional Gloss

Damask Stamp

Seed Beads

Hand towel

Silver beads

Copic Markers

Before I go, I wanted to share some wonderful news with you... I am happy to announce that I have been invited to join the DT for one of my favorite challenge sites "Anyone for Anya"...I am thrilled and look forward to be part of such amazing talent... I have also been invited to be Guest Designer for "Anya Ink Challenge Site" I will give you more info on that later... for now make sure you click on those sites and join in on those amazing challenges...

Thanks for stopping by... Don't forget to click on over to BBTB2 and take a look at the wonderful projects the DT made using Shelly's Images digi stamps...

Have a great day :)

Happy Birthday Little Lady

2010-07-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

I am back again today to post a card made with some adorable Digi stamps I just bought....

The adorable little girl image is from CC Designs called Lady Bug Nora...Isn't she cute?

The second image is a cute little Cupcake Digi from Digi Sparkle Stamps...I colored the cupcake to match the little girl's outfit and added the polka dots...

I made this card with a few challenges in mind....

Crazy 4 Challenges C4C45.... Red, White and Black

Craftalicious Challenge... CUTE

Caardvarks... Birthday Card

Thanks for stopping by..see ya soon

Marina

BBTB2 Challenge... Owl projects (picture heavy)

2010-07-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to all!!!
I am back to work today :( BOOOO!! lol I will miss spending all that time with my sons...It was a perfect week with no work and all play :) I need more weeks like that LOL...
The only reason I am happy today is because I have my BBTB2 projects to share...I have been waiting to share all the work I've been doing while missing in action on my blog...
This weeks challenge was to create a project using the owl cut from the Storybook Cartridge...I must confess that I do own this cartridge however used the Happily Ever After cartridge for my owl...I will explain... A few months ago I put together a few samples of Owl invites for a special first birthday....Remember these?

My sweet friend and neighbor chose two of the three samples I made her..this top picture is one of them....I had promised I would create a matching banner for the birthday party (next week) and it reads "Hoot For Harlow".... (sorry for the bad pics I tried a million times )

The banner is a bit long so I took pictures of it in sections.....

These are close ups of the owls on the ends and the flowers between the words (all matching the invite colors)

The next pictures are of Baby Harlow's gift... I decided I would use the same technique I use on my cards (piecing and dimension) to make Harlow a blanket for her bed (her room is decorated with owls) and I also wanted to make her something unique, special and personalized... I fell in love with this blanket.......

The blanket measures 72"X60"....I used a machine to sew it together and then hand stitched a blanket stitch all around each layer....My thumb is still numb :) LOL... It truly took HOURS to complete but so worth the time...These pictures don't do it justice :)

Here's a closer look at my owl....

A closer look at the flower....I added the "H" for personalization...

How did I make this? I used the Cricut markers to draw the pattern pieces on a transparency...I then used my overhead projector to enlarge the pattern...I used kraft paper to trace and then cut each of the pieces of different fabric patterns... I loved the dimension all those fabrics create and the look of fabric piecing with fleece...If you look closely you can see the layers and all the blanket stitching around each one....It turned out to be a pretty thick blanket (sooooo warm )....I want one for me :) but I think I will wait till I can feel my thumb again LOL...

The banner was created using my Nesties...I cut the letters with my Storybook cartridge and popped them up for dimension....the owl is from the Happily Ever After Cartridge and the flowers are from a Sizzix die...I used a Cuttlebug Folder for texture and chalk inks for added color...Super simple but simply adorable :)

Thanks for stopping by.... Don't forget to visit BBTB2 and join us in the challenge... We would love to see your creativity...Hugs

Marina

Princess #2

2010-07-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

Hi again :)
I am back with my second post today :) I have another card created with The Greeting Farm stamps...This second card image was also altered by combining Anya Princess and Dressy Joy...Isn't she adorable? I love her :)

I made the carriage with my Happily Ever After cricut cartridge and all bling paper :) She is quite a little princess with lots of bling :)

I also made this card with a few challenges in mind....

Club Anya- Monday Mania Princess Party

Anya Ink - Make a scene

Anyone for Anya- Anything goes

The Shabby Tea Room- Make an impression (embossing)

Digi Doodles shop's best - Texture Challenge

Thanks for stopping by...see ya soon :)

Hugs

Princess Fairy ...The Greeting Farm

2010-07-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hello, Happy Friday!!!

It has been a short week for me as I have been on vacation with my boys all week....We have had a blast at Water parks,bowling, fun restaurants etc.... I sure needed that :) And I also needed this :) I have been away from all of you tooooo long...I will need lots of time to catch up on all my favorite blogs...
Today I have sweet little card that I created with a couple of Challenges in mind...Here is my card...

To create this card I used a few stamped images from The Greeting Farm...I altered Flutter Anya and combined her with Princess Anya and created a Princess Fairy... I used the Tinkerbell Cricut cartridge to create those beautiful flowers and used a nestie for the frame behind her....

These are the challenges I used...

Club Anya- Color Challenge Orchid Opulence/Lavender, Kiwi Kiss/Olive and Pretty in Pink
Club Anya - Monday Mania create a Princess Card

Anyone for Anya- Anything Goes
Digi Doodles Shop's Best- Texture Challenge

Thanks for stopping by, I will be back later today for more of these princess cards..Hugs

Cutting Cafe and The Greeting Farm Stamps

2010-06-28T21:01:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to be back today with yet another card to share...I really needed this therapy :)

I put together this card using some awesome Digital Stamps from the Cutting Cafe and some of my favorite stamps from The Greeting Farm...I also created this card with a few challenges in mind...

A closer look...

Did you notice my skull paper behind the girls? I used the skull digital image from the Cutting Cafe "Ahoy matey" set to create my on paper... I used one of my programs to randomly place the skull images on a 8 x 10 sheet of paper...The images were then colored and shaded with Copics to match the color scheme of my card...I instantly fell in love with the paper and process of creating my own papers.... It's really hard to see all the details :(
The sentiment is from the Cutting Cafe "Hey Girlfriend" set...too cute huh?
The sentiment actually sparked the idea of making a set of bestfriends... And of course, all three of them would have to have matching outfits :)lol.... The hard part of that was the images don't come with matching out fits SOOOO...I stamped the body of Ebony ( stamp in the middle) and added the head to two other Greeting Farm stamps...I was thrilled with the outcome and I will be showing you more of these stamps with different outfits...such a cool trick :)

These are the challenges I had in mind when I created this card....

Digi Doodle Shop- Anything Goes
Anya Ink - Add Bling
Pixie Dust Studios - 2 or more images on your project
Crafty Catz - Go Digital

Thanks for stopping by...I hope to be back soon with a few more cards and projects :)
Hugs
Marina

BBTB2 Challenge.... Genie Lamp from Paper doll Dress U[

2010-06-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, it seems like forever since the last time I posted.... I've been extremely busy at work, finishing off a school year and doing registration for the next year...this really kills us... My boys are on vacation but I'm not :( so when I get home I try to spend time doing fun things with them... but the main reason I've been gone is I lost my mojo for a while...I been feeling sick mentally (stressed, sad, you name it I had it) I sat in my workroom countless times only to find I couldn't put together anything and it only made me feel worse...For a while there I thought I might not want to do this anymore :( I am here today to apologize for thinking that... this is my therapy and I need all of you... I am slowly feeling better and I expect to be very myself soon...If you find my mojo, could you please send it back to me :)

Ok enough of that :) (onto to happier thoughts)

Today I have my take of our BBTB2 challenge and this weeks challenge was to use the Genie Lamp cut from the Paper Doll Dress Up Cartridge. I LOVE THIS CUT :) I think this would make a perfect invitation for a Jasmine/ Aladdin Party, don't you?

I made a pull out birthday card with 3 wishes...

Supplies:
Paper Dolls Dress Up and Dreams Come True Cartridge
Stardream Paper
K and Co DP
Cuttlebug and Sizzix Embossing Folders
Adhesive Pearls and Gems

Before I go, I wanted to remind you that we have our BBTB2 Blog Hop going on this week...please make sure to stop by and take a look at all the wonderful creations with this cut and also hop along the blogs for a chance to win some great prizes.... Thanks for stopping by...
Have a great day :)

BBTB2 Challenge...Sweet and Sassy Sponsor

2010-06-07T03:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to all!!!

I am here today with our BBTB2 Challenge of the week. This week we had a double challenge.. we were sponsored by the awesome Sweet and Sassy Digi/Acrylic Stamps (and they were so nice to us DT girls by offering some of their great stamps) and we were also challenged to use the Sun cut from the Doodlecharms Cartridge...
Here is my card..

Can't find the sun? LOL ...Well I turned my sun cut into flowers by cutting out three suns in the same size but turned them and curled the rays to form my flowers...Wasn't too happy with the outcome but it doesn't look so bad to me now LOL... I loved this color combo though :)

I used the Pur-fect Friend digital stamp set on my card...click HERE to see all of it... I loved this set the moment I saw it...That kitty is just too cute and I have the Purrrrfect Friend to give this card to :) I actually colored a few of them..couldn't quite decide what color I wanted my kitty to be :)

Sorry...Gotta run, not much time to chat today :( Thanks for stopping by...don't forget to join us for the challenge this week.. Hugs

Blog Hop Ribbon Winner

2010-06-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

First of all I want to Apologize for being so late with this winner post.... I have been extremely busy with work and my oldest son Graduated from Middle School... I am so proud of that boy :)

Actually, both of my sons are amazing scholars and athletes ...Great job boys...you make your momma very proud :)

Okay onto my winner....Because I am sooooo late on this post, I will be adding an additional 25 yards of ribbon to this prize...so my lucky winner of the 125 yards of ribbon is....

WOOOHOOO RONI you are my winner!!!!

Please contact me with your snail mail addy so I can send you all that ribbon and the card I created for this challenge.

A big thank you to everyone who left such lovely comments...have a great weekend :)

BBTB2 Blog Hop...Bless this Nest

2010-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!!! It's BBTB2 Blog Hop time :)
You should have arrived here from the super sweet and super talented CAROLE... If this was your first stop then just hop along to the next designer on my post and make sure you visit all the DT blogs for a chance to win great candy :)
This week we were challenged to use the Bless This Nest cut from the Sweethearts Cartridge... this cartridge is one of my favorites..the possibilities are endless :)
Here is my take on the challenge...

I created a shaped card with the tree cut (also in the Sweethearts Cartridge)... Actually, all the cuts for this card are from the Sweethearts cartridge... Don't you just love those birdies ? lol

Now for the Blog Candy.... This week I am giving one lucky winner 100 yards of ribbon and the Card I created for this challenge :)

All you have to do is leave me a comment (tell me your favorite ribbon color choice) and I will use random.org to choose a winner on Thursday morning... All my followers will get a second entry :)

Oh, and please make sure to leave me your contact info if you don't have it on your blog :)

Now don't stop here...Make sure you hop along to Heather's Blog ...this lady has wonderful creativity and is amazing at taking pictures :) Go check it out :)

Thanks for stopping by...don't forget to come back on Thursday to see if you're my lucky winner :)

Good luck and have a great week

Hugs

Dress Form...BBTB2 Challenge

2010-05-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to all of you :)
The only reason I like Mondays is because we get to share our BBTB2 Challenge of the week.... Let me say I LOVE this weeks challenge.... I think I say that every week LOL...

This week our challenge was to use the Dress Form cut from the Forever Young Cartridge....
I was so happy to finally break in my "Linen" Pad by DCWV....I love the colors in this pad and I think I will be using it quite often :)

For a few weeks now I have been trying to join in on some challenges out there...like I said, all those challenges make my head spin with ideas...I tried to combine some of those with my project this week...

Paper take Weekly - Say it with Flowers ( I cut a few flowers to create the bottom of the dress)

Charisma Cardz Challenge - 3D ( used lots of layers an pop-ups to create my card)

Thanks for stopping by....Don't forget to visit BBTB2 a take a look at all the wonderful creative projects from our DT...and if you have a chance, join us for the challenge...we love to see your creativity :)

Hugs

You Rock...and a few Challenges

2010-05-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday :)

I have another Rock card to share with you today...this time it was inspired by this adorable little stamp from The Greeting Farm (Ebony)... I love the cute little skull on her blouse and her lacy shoes :) It is also my second attempt at the Easel Cards :)

I made this card with a few Challenges in mind...

Anyone For Anya - Don't be square

Charisma Challenge #20 - 3D project

Supplies for my card:

Cricut Cartridges: Accent Essentials, Indie Art , Hanna Montana

Stamp: The Greeting Farm "Ebony"

Papers: American Crafts & Doodlebug

Others: Ribbon, bead ribbon, adhesive beads, Copic Markers

Thanks for stopping by :)

BBTB2 Ready to Rock Challenge

2010-05-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

It's BBTB2 Time!!!
This week we were challenge by our sweet DT Sister Enfys ...She has challenged us to use the Ready to Rock cut from the Hanna Montana Cartridge. This was a fun project for me, I love the cute cuts on this cartridge :) All the cuts on my card are from the Hanna Montana Cartridge :)

Supplies:

HM Cartridge

Papers: Heidi Swapp, American Crafts, Stardream

Other: Adhesive Pearls, Silver Skull Charm

Thanks for stopping by.... Don't forget to stop by BBTB2...the Design team made some wonderful cards with this cut.

Have a great day :)

Dino-mite Birthday Card

2010-05-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone, it's good to be back!!!
My migraines took over my mojo this week....I just couldn't create:(
But although I'm not 100% migraine free, I feel my mojo coming back and I have a card to share.

I created this card for an adorable little friend of mine that will be celebrating a birthday this month. I also created it with a few challenges in mind...

Cute Card Thursday - Someone Special

Stamp Something - Celebrate Something

Allsorts Challenge - Birthdays

Anyone For Anya - Don't be Square

Supplies for this card:

Cricut Cartridge:Paper Dolls Dress Up

The Greeting Farm Stamp: Happy Day Set

Paper and Cardstock: Bazzill, DCWV, Basic Grey

Other: Copics, Nestabilities, Adhesive Pearls, Ribbon

Joining these Challenges for the last few weeks have been so much fun...I've won a Guest Designer spot and top 5 at the Cupcake Challenge two weeks in a row.. :) It's been fun :)

Thanks for stopping by .... Don't forget to stop by tomorrow and take a look at the awesome BBTB2 Challenge...See you then

Winner of the Cutting Cafe Giveaway

2010-05-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone...sorry for the late post on the winner :(
Not with it today..battling those darn Migraines again :(

Ok...drum roll please......

The winner is..

Terriavidreader....WoooHoooo!!!!

Congratulations!!!

Please contact me with your email address so that I can send you this wonderful sets right away :)

To everyone else, thank you for being part of the Cutting Cafe Giveaway...I truly wish I could give it to all of you :( But make sure to check back often for more giveaways :)
I also want to thank you all for leaving such nice comments...it's always great to visit all your blogs and find such great inspiration :) I love finding new blog friends :)
Hugs

Cutting Cafe Giveaway....and a couple of Challenges

2010-05-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday to Everyone!!

I am here today with some exciting news...The Cutting Cafe is having a Giveaway...Wooohoo!!!

Who doesn't like free stuff? If it's free..it's for ME!! lol

I created a card with one of the wonderful files from the Cutting Cafe called "All about boys"...this set is one of my favorites because I have two sons and I can use these in so many ways ... This set includes 55 printable stamps ...WOW!!! Best of all One lucky winner will get this great set for free ...All you have to do is leave me a comment and I will be pick a winner on Thursday morning :) Easy Peasy!!

CLICK HERE to see the entire set

Take a look at the card I created with this set..

I put this card together with a couple of Challenge Blogs in mind...

CUTE CARD Challenge - Boys to Men (create a card for a boy or man in your life)

PIXIE DUST - Use Kraft

OCC Sketch OCCSC14 - Use this Sketch

CRAZY 4 CHALLENGES C4C36 - Snips and Snails and Puppy Dogs Tails (create a project with that rhyme)

I have to say that I am loving those Challenge Blogs...My head is spinning with so many ideas..all I need is more time to create :(

Anyway, before I go..I just want to add that Regina over at the Cutting Cafe will be have a post on Monday with all the designers that will have a Giveaway on there blog so don't forget to check The Cutting Cafe on Monday and have more chances to win some of her wonderful sets...

Thanks for stopping by :) Oh , and if you are one of my followers, I will throw in an extra entry for this great giveaway :)

I also want to send a warm wish to all the Mommies out there...Have a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day...Lot of love and Big Hugs

Happy Birthday....Card made for a couple of Challenges

2010-05-03T23:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies :)

Today I have a card I created with several challenge blogs in mind.....

Copic Coloring Challenge - Using YG03, BV02, B02

Stamp, Scrap Doodle - Create an Easel Card

Anyone for Anya - Layers

Daring Card Maker - Create an Easel Card

Cupcake Challenge- 3 Flowers, 3 Ribbons, 3 Papers (oops I used 4 papers)

This is my card...

This is my first easel card...it was so much fun to put together..I think I am hooked lol...

Supplies to create this card:

American Crafts Paper (all paper used)

Nestabilities

Sizzix Embossing Folder

Ribbon

Rhinestones, Adhesive pearls

The Greeting Farm Stamp - Oliver and Amelia "Happy Day"

Stickles

Prima Flowers

Happy Birthday Digital Stamp from The Cutting Cafe set called "Baby Girl First Birthday"

Thanks so much for stopping by ...Will try to be back tomorrow with another card in the works ..

Hugs

Life's a Beach...BBTB2 Challenge2

2010-05-02T22:18:00.000-07:00

Here I am again, happy to be sharing another great challenge for BBTB2. This week was the "BBTB2 Followers choice of Cartridge"....it's a new challenge we have added to the site that will be featured the first week of every month and the challenge is chosen by YOU!!! So, if there is a cartridge you want us to use or a special cut please leave us a comment or email Heather with your request. This challenge will be a great way to break-in those cartridges that might be sitting in your craft room unopened...Don't feel bad, I am guilty of that too :)

So this week our viewers/followers chose the Life's a Beach Cartridge and Heather picked out the leaf cut on that cartridge.

This is my take...Everything on my shape card was cut using the Life's a Beach Cartridge....I actually bought this cart with for this tropical drink cut and this is the first time I make it :) The papers are all from the Citronella Paper Pad by K and Co...Only other items used were Copics, Rhinestones, Adhesive Pearls and Glitter....super easy but lots of layers :)

Now that you are done here, click on over to the BBTB2 and take a look at the amazing projects from all those talented ladies...I love them all :)

Thanks for stopping by :) Have a great day!!!

Hugs

A Big Thank You....Happy Birthday to me :)

2010-05-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone !!! I am here today to share with you the reason I have been MIA this week...

First a BIG NOTE: To Celebrate National Scrapbooking/Crafting Day...TODAY ONLY...Regina over at the Cutting Cafe has a great offer you just can't pass.... CLICK HERE to see for yourself....It's a BOGO Free sale...Boy do I love those LOL...Buy one set and get one of equal or lesser value FREE....GO QUICK!!!!!! SHOP SHOP SHOP lol

Ok, now for the details of my week :)

Last Thursday I celebrated my thirty-something Birthday LOL (won't share the something)

I wanted to thank everyone who made this day extra special...including my blogging friends :)

Have you seen this cards?

If you did, you saw them on BBTB2 or the wonderful creative designer's blog Donna Mundinger.... Donna (my DT sister) is so incredibly talented and I LOVE her work...the greatest gift from her is to receive one of her amazing masterpieces....and I got two...WOOOHOO!!! Thank you sweet Donna for these beautiful Birthday cards...I love my cards and will treasure them forever :)

The next card I want to share is from another amazing and creative designer, Jeannie Phillips. Jeannie (also my DT sister) has some amazing creativity and is such a sweetheart...She also sent me one of her Masterpieces that I will treasure forever...Thank you so much Jeannie..hugs

I was treated like a queen at work lol...birthday crown and everything...so cute !

And at home my darling sons gave me a beautiful gift and card that made me cry (I am a big cry baby when it comes to expressions of love) the boys laugh every time...

Now for one of my gifts from my sweetheart...

This was my first gift..

What is it? (that's what I thought)

It is called the Square Perfect Platinum Photo Studio....I really wanted one of these...If you still don't know what it is..it is a set of tents, lights and backgrounds to create the best lighting for taking pictures of my cards (actually of anything) NOTE: I haven't used it yet so don't think the pictures on this post were taken with it....I will let you know when I do so you can tell me if you can tell the difference. LOL

My second gift from him was a trip to the Scrapbook Expo....where I was bad :) I bought a lot of things I needed LOL...ok, things I wanted :) Now I can't wait to have some time to play :)

Once again, Thanks to everyone who made my day EXTRA special...many Hugs to you all :)

I will be back soon to post some projects...I'm still celebrating so I don't know how soon LOL

Hugs

Once Upon a Princess Butterfly Anya

2010-04-26T22:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!!!

First I want to wish some one very special a very Happy Birthday....Happy Birthday sweet Donna Mundinger :) May all your dreams come true girlie {{{HUGS}}} and may you receive lots of crafting goodies :) Click Here to stop by her blog and wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY :)

I have a cute little card I put together last night using one of my favorite stamps from The Greeting Farm...you have seen this stamp from me already a few posts ago..sorry I just can't stop coloring these cuties ..lol
The card was created with two challenges in mind...

COLOR ME HAPPY....at Raise the Bar (make a card using different hues of your favorite color)

DON'T BE SQUARE....at Cupcake Craft Challenge (create any shape card besides a square)

What do ya think? Don't you just love that cute little stamp? lol

Card Supplies:

Once upon a Princess Cartridge (Butterfly)

Paper: Bazzill Bling, Coredinations, and DCWV paper

Stamp: Flutter Anya

Others: Prima Flowers, Polka dot Ribbon, Glitter, and a Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Thanks for stopping by...Have a great day!!!

BBTB2 Challenge....Bee from Sentimentals Cartridge

2010-04-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!!!
It is BBTB2 challenge time :) This week we had the Super sweet and extremely creative Donna Mundinger hosting our challenge. Donna has asked us to use the Bee cut from the Sentimentals Cartridge (actually if you don't have this cartridge you can join in by using any Bee cut from any cartridge) So NO EXCUSES LOL...
Here is my take..

This week was quite a challenge for me...I had an idea in my head about my card and it didn't quite come out that way...after a lot of thinking I came up with this one but it was not my original idea :(

To create this card I used the Sentimentals Cartridge for the Bee and the Storybook Cartridge for the card base and letters... Papers are Bazzill Bling, Black Flocked and Me and My Big Ideas...I added a few flowers, rhinestones and some ribbon and it was done :)

Before you go, please make sure to stop by BBTB2 for our monthly Blog Hop (CLICK HERE) we have a long list of designers this month giving away some great prizes...also make sure to stop by and take a look at all the great takes on this Challenge.. and remember you don't need to have the Sentimentals Cartridge to join in...just use any Bee cut you have :)

Thanks for stopping by and Have a great day :) HUGS

Once Upon a Princess Teapot

2010-04-21T23:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday Everyone!!! Happy Earth Day!!
I have a quick card to share with you today that I have put together for a special person who will be having a birthday soon :) I hope she likes it :)
I made the card using my Once Upon a Princess Cartridge and another stamp from The Greeting Farm...Isn't my Alice cute? That's not the name of the stamp but I wanted her to look like Alice LOL

Here is a closer look..

And the best part of the card....

I created this card with a couple of Challenges in mind...

Cuttlebug Spot.....At the Movies/ Show

Creative Card Crew.....Happy Birthday Project

Sorry for the lack of info on this card...It's pretty late and I have to get to bed....I will be back to post my supplies tomorrow :)

Thanks for stopping by...Hugs

Coffee Cup made with "Just Because" Cards

2010-04-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!!!

Today is day 6 with this migraine of mine :( Ughhhh

On my last post my sweet friend Donna Mundinger even sang for my migraine to go away...that was so awesome :) Big Hugs Donna :) However, my migraine must be deaf because it didn't quite listen LOL... Anyway, life must go on, right?

I am here today to post a quick little card I made using the "Just Because" Cards Cartridge...Now WAIT, don't go looking for it it in the cartridge because its not in there....what I mean is I used some shapes in the cartridge to create my own design in DS... It was sooo easy!!! And if you have this cartridge and would like the file..I will gladly share :) (file is only for the coffee cup)

Supplies for my Card:

"Just Because" Cards Cricut Cartridge

Cutting Cafe:Got Coffee? Digital Stamp

Papers: Me and My Big Ideas, K and Co Citronella, Bazzill

Others: Sheer Polka Dot Ribbon, Glitter, Prima Flowers, Adhesive Gem, Copics

Thanks for stopping by.... Have a great weekend :)

Another Cutting Cafe and The Greeting Farm stamp

2010-04-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday Everyone!!!

Not too happy for me as I am trying to fight off a pretty bad Migraine :(
I hate those ( who loves them? LOL) I seem to be getting them more often and for longer periods of time UGHHH :(
Anyway, I am happy to be here posting yet another card I have created with awesome stamps from the Cutting Cafe and The Greeting Farm....I am addicted...Yikes :)
To create this card I used:

Rain Rain Go Away stamp set : Cutting Cafe

Umbrella Shaped Card : Cutting Cafe

WS Rain Rain Digi Stamp : The Greeting Farm (partial paper piecing)

Paper: K and Company Citronella and Lovely

Others: Brads, Ribbon, Prima Flowers, Punches and Cuttle Bug Folder and COPICS of course lol

Once again I made these cards for a few Challenges...

Allsorts Challenge....Petals and Pearls

Crazy for Challenges c4c32 - 1, 2, 3 One ribbon, two brads, three punches

Cupcake Craft Challenges- Childhood Memories ( Loved the rain and getting to wear cute outfits)

Digital Tuesday Challenge - Paper Piecing Digital Stamps

Thanks for stopping by...will be back soon with lots more to share :)

Hugs!!!!!!

Cutting Cafe and Flutter Anya

2010-04-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!!!

I am so happy to finally be able to post a card with the stamps I have been practicing my Copic coloring on... This time I chose the Flutter Anya..isn't she cute?

I created this card for a few Challenges:

Allsorts Challenge : Petals and Pearls

Crazy 4 Challenge ...1,2,3....1 ribbon,2 brads and 3 Punches

Pixie Dust Studio Challenge.... Things with Wings

Card Supplies:
The Greeting Farm Stamp: Flutter Anya
Cutting Cafe Stamp: Beautiful Blooms Stamp Set
Tinkerbell Cartridge (fancy Frame)
K and Company Paper
Pearls, Brads, Prima Flowers and Stickles
Copic Markers

I've always wanted to join in some great challenge sites out there...The true challenge for me is finding the time to do them LOL....

Thanks for stopping by... Hugs

Going Bananas?... Plantin SchoolBook BBTB2 Challenge

2010-04-11T23:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!!
It seems like forever since my last post...Baseball season is here and that gives me little to no time to play :( But I must say, I love watching my boys play baseball :) They are so big now and time sure did pass by fast so I try to enjoy them as much as possible :)

Anyway, here I am with another BBTB2 Challenge. This week our challenge was chosen by our SUPER SWEET and TALENTED Carole. She chose the Rick Rack cut from the Plantin SchoolBook Cartridge.... Can you find it on my card ? LOL

I used DS to stretch it out and turn it in to vines for my monkey to hang on to....

The inside of my card reads...
I love this cute little monkey...I found him on the Everyday Paper Dolls Cartridge, I cut leaves from Life is a Beach and added the Rick Rack vines and...It was done :)

Ok, maybe not that easy :) I did a lot of Copic Coloring and shading to give life to my cut outs but it was very easy to put together. It's amazing the difference coloring your image makes ...I love it :) but still learning LOL

Thanks for stopping by... Please make sure to stop by BBTB2 and take a peek at all the wonderful creative ideas with the cute Rick Rack cut...please make sure to join in on our challenge and if you have a chance, help us welcome our NEW Designers...we are so thrilled to have them :)

New Arrival BBTB2 Challenge

2010-04-05T17:30:00.000-07:00

I am a little late with this post... :( oops

This weeks challenge on BBTB2 was picked by our sweet DT sister Carla. Carla challenged us to use the delivery cut from the New Arrival Cartridge...such a cute little cut :)

My card was quick and easy to make with few materials needed...

Cartridges: New Arrival, Storybook and DS

Paper: Basic Grey "Lily Kate" Bazzill Bling and Coredinations

Other: Polka dot satin ribbon, Adhesive Pearls, Copics and VersaMagic Inks

Thanks for stopping by...Don't forget to stop by BBTB2 and check out all the great takes on this challenge by our AWESOME DT...Hugs

Miss Anya Stamp...Chic Boutique Shopping :)

2010-04-04T20:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Everyone..I hope you had a wonderful day with family and friends..

All I did today is help my son with his homework..these projects they give them are truly for us parents..it was a really long day if you know what I mean LOL... Good thing is, we are done and it turned out pretty cool (their teachers always want to keep their projects lol..good thing I guess)

Well, I am a little behind on my paper crafting this weekend..I have been working on some projects I was hoping to finish but just couldn't find all the time to do it..I guess I will be working late today :)

I wanted to share this card I finished today...It was created around those adorable little "Miss Anya" stamps from The Greeting Farm, I have been practicing my Copic coloring on...I have a few I have colored and as soon as I have a chance I will post them for ya :)

I am having a blast with these stamps and my Copics...I am addicted...Yikes!!

This stamp is so adorable and I LOVE that she is carrying some shopping bags...talk about Retail Therapy LOL... So with the shopping bags in mind I thought I would create a Store Front with my Cricut...This is my card...

I colored Miss Anya with Copics and paper pieced her bags with scraps of paper...Gosh, now I know I can't throw away any scraps 'cuz every bit can be used...oh Geez...lol
Here is a close up...

List of Supplies:

Cartridges: Jubilee, Walk in my Garden, Home Accents, Accent Essentials, Plantin School Book and a lot of DS

Papers: Fancy Pants, Bazzill, Doodle Bug Papers

Others: Transparency Paper, Copics, Adhesive Pearls and Cuttle Bug Embossing Folders

It was a fairly easy card to make...I created my own Design on Design Studio and if you are interested I would be willing to share but you need to make sure you have all the Cartridges... Give me a couple of days to clean up my DS file and I would be happy to email it :)

Thanks for stopping by...I am off to work on my BBTB2 project...I hope to finish in time....

wish me luck :)

Hugs

Cutting Cafe...Rain Rain Go Away..C4C31

2010-04-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday to all...
Boy do I have a special card to share with you today. There are some awesome things happening over at the Cutting Cafe this week... Regina has invited some new Designers to not only create wonderful projects but to put together videos to show you how make those projects... It is truly awesome :) If you have never used one of Regina's printable stamps or templates, you will want to now...These ladies will show you all the great things you can do with all of the Cutting Cafe sets...I am so excited :) And remember, even if you have used these before, there is still so much to learn and so much you can do with them..

Well, I don't have a video...Gosh, I don't think I could do it.. But I do have a card I made with a popular set from the Cutting Cafe called "Rain Rain Go Away"...I just love the cute little rubber boots in this set... take a look..
Do you know where I could find a cute little pair like this for me? LOL ...

The "Rain Rain Go Away" set includes my cute little boots, the umbrella and the perfect sentiment AND many more cute designs too...Isn't this adorable?

I printed out all my designs twice for dimension (on Fancy Pants paper)..I colored them in with Copics for shading and detailing. I used Versa Magic chalk ink to shade and add some color to the Kraft paper, Bazill and Stardream papers... So easy!!!

Thanks for stopping by...Don't forget to check out this set along with all the other great sets at the Cutting Cafe...If you already have this set, make sure to take a look at all the great projects made with this set in the Cutting Cafe Gallery...possibilities are endless :)

Have an awesome weekend...See you soon...I might be back later today to share yet another Cutting Cafe card :)

Hugs

BBTB2 Blog Hop Winner....

2010-04-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone... just a quick post to announce my Blog Hop winner....

Drum roll please.....

And the winner is

WOOOHOOO!!!! Lisa you are my winner :)

Please contact me with your 3 favorite files from the Cutting Cafe ....Click HERE to take a look at all the awesome printable stamps and templates Regina has to offer...

Thank you to all of you who left such awesome and sweet comments to all the DT... It was so much fun to read everyone's idea of Retail Therapy...good to know I am not alone :) LOL
Thanks for all you support on BBTB2...please remembet to join in on our challenges...we love to see your ideas...Hugs to all...Have an great weekend :)

Queen for a Day!!!....Copic Coloring

2010-03-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

Hello!!!

If you are here for the Blog Hop please scroll down :)

I wanted to post a quick little card I made...Gosh, something about pink lately..all my projects seem to been in pink :)

Anyway, this card was made for my Greeting Farm Princess stamp I bought this last Friday. I finally took my first class in Copic Coloring and this is one of my images I have been practicing on.... My copic instructor was awesome and extremely talented :) thanks Randi...I told her I would be back soon for class #2 :)

I LOVE these adorable little stamps...I have been coloring like crazy LOL...I will be back to post more cards this week, along with a cute and fun card with great images from the Cutting Cafe...make sure to come back :)

Card Details:

Cartridges; Home Decor for that beautiful Crown... Sentimental for the Frame .. Storybook for the card base

Papers; Basic Grey, Stardream, American Crafts

Others; Copic Markers, Pearl Swirl Embellishment, Satin Ribbon, lots of pop-ups

Sorry, not much time to include all the details....Gotta go...Thanks for stopping by :)

BBTB2 Blog Hop... Paisley Purse Challenge

2010-03-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Everyone... It is close to the end of the month and that means Blog Hop TIME!! Woohoo!!! I love Blog Hops :)

This week over at BBTB2 our DT sister Lori chose our cut for the week. Her challenge choice was any Purse cut from the Paisley Cartridge. This happens to be one of my favorite cartridges so I was thrilled with the challenge...thanks Lori :)
Here is my take...

I named my card "I love Retail Therapy"....I love shopping and it does wonders for me ...lol..... Who doesn't love Retail Therapy ?

So onto my card details..

Cartridges used: Paisley and Forever Young (DS)

Papers: Bazzill Bling and Chic Bebe by Teresa Collins ( I LOVE THIS COLLECTION)

Embellishments: Satin Ribbon, Sheer polka dot ribbon, rhinestone clasp, adhesive pearls

This was such a quick and easy card to make...I think I will be making several of these for Mother's Day :)

Now for the BLOG CANDY...

This week I am giving away your choice of 3 Cutting Cafe Files... Have you been there lately?In case you've never been there, the Cutting Cafe is a great site for printable digital stamp sets and AWESOME templates too... Regina has so many new and awesome sets, I promise you will have a hard time choosing just 3... Click HERE to take a look and make a list of those 3 sets you would like to have...Good luck!!

What do you have to do to win?

Leave me a comment and tell me what you like to buy that is great therapy for you...On Friday I will use random.org to pick the winner...Easy Peasy!!!

NOTE : All my followers will get an extra entry for the Blog Candy...

But remember the fun doesn't stop here...HOP ON OVER TO my Super Sweet DT sister PENNY's Blog for an opportunity to win her awesome blog candy...and if you get lost somewhere along the blog click back to the BBTB2 and visit the designers you missed..

Thanks again for stopping by...Happy Hopping :)

Hugs

Winner of the Cutting Cafe file...and a birthday card

2010-03-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

I want to THANK everyone who stop by my blog this week and left me such sweet comments along with your choice of Coffee...I am a big coffee lover so I will have to try all of the ones suggested by all of you...

And now what you have all been waiting for......the winner is........

Number 25? ...lol...the luck winner's name is.....

WOOOOHOOO....Congratulations Kelly!!!!!

And thank you once again for stopping by....Please contact me to claim your wonderful sets from the Cutting Cafe :)

Before I go, I wanted to share a card I made for a great friend of mine. Lisa is one of the sweetest ladies I know...She is always there when I need her...she bakes cookies for my family, always has a Coke ready for me when my migraines are killing me and even shares her lunch with me at work ( I never have time to eat)... Her birthday is coming up and I thought I would make her one of my "Special Cards" lol..what does that mean? All of my cards are made with lots of love but my "Special" cards have lots of great details along with choosing a theme or design I know the receiver would love...Lisa loves dogs so this is what I created for her...

Think she will like it? I hope so...It was a loooooong process to create this and so worth it too :)
There is a long list of supplies but I am truly out of time...will try to be back to fill you in if you were interested lol...Thanks for stopping by...Hugs!!!!

Cutting Cafe Giveaway

2010-03-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

I am back again...this time I have a great Giveaway from the CUTTING CAFE.

Yes, you read right!!! Regina from the Cutting Cafe has given us the opportunity to giveaway one of her great sets. So this week make sure you stop by the Cutting Cafe and take a look at all the great projects from the Design Team AND visit everyone of them for an opportunity to win each set.

What am I giving away? Well, my project was created using two great sets: Coffee Cup Shaped Card Template and Got Coffee? printable stamps...
This is what I created with these sets....

All you have to do is leave me a comment...tell me about your favorite choice of coffee...check back with me on Thursday and I will have the name of the winner of these TWO great sets :)

Easy, right?

So go on, check out all the great project from the DT... Click here to visit the Cutting Cafe :)

See you on Thursday... Thanks for stopping by :)

Hugs

Birthday Bash at BBTB2...Sweet Treats Cake

2010-03-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

This week on BBTB2 we have a special celebration...Our DT sister Susan in celebrating a special Birthday...HAPPY HAPPY Birthday, Susan!!! Susan is also our host this week and her cut choice was the cake cut from the Sweet Treats Cartridge.

My cake has a big special "S"on the top for Susan.

To create this card I used:

Tie the Knot, Sweet Treats and the Weddings Cartridge

Papers are from My Minds Eye and Stardream

Embellishments: Satin Ribbon, Polka dot ribbon, adhesive pearls and Swarovski Crystals

Thanks for stopping by...Don't forget to stop by the BBTB2 and check out the great takes on our Birthday Bash Challenge...And if you have this cartridge, please join us by linking your project to Mclinky...

Birthday Background Stamp...Cutting Cafe

2010-03-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!! So happy we are almost half way through the week...Can't wait for Spring Break Vacation...not going anywhere :( But I am off for a week from work YIPPEY!!

Anyway, I am here today to post a card made with an awesome Background Stamp from the Cutting Cafe... the set is called "Assorted Colored Birthday Celebration Background Stamps" The thing I love about these fabulous background stamps is that you can print them a millions times...on different paper every time (if you want) and every time you do it is a whole new look... I used Pretty Please paper from My Mind's Eye and printed the digital stamp on it in black...Doesn't it look like I bought the paper like that? Awesome, huh?

The present and scalloped square were cut with my Cricut ( Joys of the Season and Winter Woodland) Other papers used are from Me and My Big Ideas and Luxe Designs...

Before you go...Make sure to stop by the Cutting Cafe by clicking HERE and check out this great set along with all the awesome new sets Regina has added...

Thanks for stopping by... Hugs

BBTB2 Flourish Challenge and Technique Tuesday

2010-03-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday!! It is BBTB2 challenge time and I have special project to share with you. This week our Challenge was to use the Flourish cut from Stretch Your Imagination Cartridge. Along with the cut , we were to use a set of adorable stamps by Technique Tuesday. Technique Tuesday is our sponsor this week, all of the designers on the BBTB2 received the "Oh Deer" stamp set. This stamp set is so sweet and the possibilities are huge..you have to stop by and check out all the wonderful creations by the DT...And guess what? Having a sponsor at the BBTB2 means we will be having a challenge with a prize this week..Yippey!!!! So make sure you check back this week for the challenge :)

So here is my take on the challenge

The cute little deer and sentiment are from the wonderful "Oh Deer" set...Cute huh?

The card base was created using two cartridges, Songbird and Stretch Your Imagination

These simple bg images and flourish were welded together to create my card base....Extra layers were cut for each piece to create dimension on my card..I know its hard to see it in the pic, sorry :(

I used my nesties to cut out the several layers in the middle of the card and used lots of pop-ups for dimension...Easy peasy :) lol

Well, gotta go... need my sleep...Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to visit us on the Bitten By the Bug 2 site. Hugs

Awards for some great People :)

2010-03-13T16:25:00.000-08:00

Over the last few weeks I have received a couple blog awards from some wonderful people...I have been so busy to post them...sorry. So today I thought I would catch up on that and Thank them all along with passing these awards on to wonderful blogging friends I know....

The first award I received was from Joanna over at Scrap-Making and from Carolyn from Scrapping Cat... Please click on their Blog names to visit these two wonderful and creative ladies... Thank you both for bringing Sunshine to my blog :) Hugs

Now the rules for this award are as follows:

--Pass the award onto 6 bloggers.
--Link the nominees within your post.
--Let your followers know that you are giving them this award by commenting on their blog
--Share the love and link to the person for whom you received this award

But before I do that...on to the next award...
I also received this Beautiful Blogger Award...The award came also came from the sweet Joanna over at Scrap-making...super nice of her to give me two :)...thanks girlie :)

Now the rules for this award are a bit different....

I must share 7 exciting things about myself....yikes:)
I must also share this with award with 15 wonderful bloggers....

But before I do that ..... I will share the next award....

This next award I received from Kalia...I am sad to say she emailed it and therefore I have no link to her blog...Kalia if you are reading this PLEASE respond so that I can link you to my blog....Thanks again girlie :)...Isn't this award beautiful?
Now for the rules:
I must share 5 things about myself
I must pass this on to 5 sweet blogs
I must link back to the blog that gave it to me...lol (wish I could)

Okay I guess I must share 12 things about myself (OMG)

1. I am a single momma of two super awesome teenage boys and engaged to a wonderful man
2. I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas and moved out to San Diego when I was 19 yrs old
3. I work for an awesome Preschool with over 750 preschoolers...I love working with parents too
4. My favorite author is Stephen King...love horror stories and movies
5. I love Amy Butler stuff...fabrics, papers, bags...LOVE IT...
6. I LOVE dark chocolate....anything dark chocolate
7. I am a Pj freak...I change into my pjs as soon as I get home...
8. I love jackets too...not shoes or purses...just jackets lots of them
9. I hate when things don't match...LOL...everything has to go together...drives me nuts
10.I love giving... I put together a Holiday Families program for our school...with great donations from lots of wonderful people, we were able to make X-mas bright for 25 families..100 kiddos...The smiles on those babies were my biggest x-mas gift....
11.I love watching my boys play sports....I am the loudest fan out there...
12.I love to share what I know...cardmaking, crafting, computer...anything, I love to help if I can

WOW...that was a lot...hope I didn't bore you..LOL
Now for the good stuff...I am passing on ALL 3 awards to a total of 26 super blogs...

All these wonderful ladies I am passing it to have inspired me to:
Keep creating....Thanks for the comments ladies :)
Think outside the box...I have learned so much from all of you
Be a better person...reading stories of your lives connects me to so many different worlds

So here they are....

Donna Mundinger
Regina Easter
Sharon Caudle
Carole Lowe Beath
Joanna
Enfys Cashmore
Nikki
DeeDee Campbell
Susan Edwards
Krista Norman
Amy Duff
Peet Roeven
Penny Shuberg
Mona Pendleton
Winter Wonderland
Danni Reid
Lea L
Kelly Lunceford

Tessa Wise
Paloma Gomez
Sarah

Okay ladies, make sure you take all three awards for your blog..you all deserve all of them...Thank you once again for all the inspiration..you are all truly wonderful :)

Big Hugs

Three Owl Invites....I need your help

2010-03-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

I'm back....
As promised I have three invite samples to share with you....
These invites will be for a very special little girl who will be turning one pretty soon. The color scheme for the party is pink and a hint of green...the theme, not sure...Owls maybe :)

I also wanted to join some challenges out there so these first two are for the EBTKS Challenge...The Challenge was to use fabric on the project...
My flower on both of these cards were cut out of beautiful fabrics using my Sizzix...

This first owl in from the new Sentimentals Cartridge. Papers- Basic Grey, Stardream, Bazzill Flowers- Made of Fabric and Tulle cut with Sizzix Flower Die...Card cut is from Accucut (it pulls out from the top)

Second Card ....

This owl is from the Happily Ever After Cartridge.... Papers- Basic Grey, Bazzill Flower- made out of Fabric and cut using Sizzix Flower Diecut... Card cut - Accucut Flower Petal Card Cut

This next card is for the Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger....This is the color scheme challenge..

This is my card...

For some Funky colors....This owl was created using Scrapnfonts and SCAL (and my Cricut) Papers- Basic Grey, Bazzill Bling Embossed with Cuttlebug Folders

Okay, so here is where I need your help....Which one of these would you choose for a 1yr old sweet baby girl...First tell me what your favorite paper combo was...then which one of these owls would you chose...I love all three but they are all so different :) Please help!

We are not sure on theme anyway so these are just some ideas that popped in my head today...let me know what you think...Your input is appreciated :)

Thanks for stopping by again :)

Cutting Cafe... love you a latte!!!

2010-03-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

Hello!!! It's great to finally wind down after two difficult weeks at work...Nothing major...I truly love my job but sometimes I let people get to me :( Oh well, that is life, right?

Anywho, I am glad I have my room of therapy waiting for me at home...I love creating things and it seems to be great therapy for me... I am all better now :)

Now for my project...
I have been waiting for some time to play with some great new printable stamps Regina has at the Cutting Cafe...The one I used in this project is from the GOT COFFEE? set...It is my favorite set ever :) The set includes 24 coffee related stamps...perfect for any occasion :)

I used the Love you a Latte stamp on my card...isn't is cute? I printed the image three times to give is some (paper piecing) dimension....I love the contrast of the black on the sweet lavender and light mustard yellow...What do you think?

Card ingredients...

Cardstock- American Crafts

Patterned Paper- Basic Grey, My Minds Eye

Tools- Nestabilities, Circle and Scalloped Circle

Embellishments- Satin Ribbon , Bling by Want 2 Scrap

Thanks for stopping by...I will be back a little later to share some invites I am working on and I really need your opinion on all three...So make sure to check back and share your input :)

Hugs

BBTB2 Cupcake Challenge

2010-02-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! It is BBTB2 Challenge time :)

This week the BBTB2 was hosted by our sweet and extremely creative designer, Carole. Her challenge for us this week was to create a project using the Cupcake cut from the Celebrations Cartridge (or Doodlecharms Cartridge) I chose the cupcake from the Celebrations cartridge for my card. This is my take on the challenge...

I created this card with a special person in mind that happens to love Damask, loves cupcakes and is a super sweet person too. Hope she enjoys it :)

So here are the details on this card...
Cartridges used: Sweethearts Cartridge, Celebrations, Song Bird, Home Accents (DS too)
Papers : My Minds Eye, Stardream, Amy Butler, American Crafts, Bazzill Bling
Ink:VersaMagic (Midnight Black)
Cuttlebug Embossing Folder (not sure of the name)
Diamond Glaze ( I know you can't see it but the frosting is super shiny )
Ribbon: American Crafts
And lots of pop-ups :)

I forgot to take a picture of the way this card opens...sorry...You have to untie the ribbon and swing the cupcakes/stand open..I will try to take a picture tomorrow to show it ...

Guess what ? It's the end on the month and that means BBTB2 is having its monthly Blog hop....I wasn't able to join in this week but I would still like to have a little give away:) For my giveaway I am offering the file to create this card...If you would like a copy of the Design Studio file to create this card, email me at gialesi@cox.net and I will send it as soon as I can :) Just a friendly give away since I didn't join the hop this week :(

Now that you are done here, make sure to stop by BBTB2 and join the Blog Hop for opportunities to win great prizes from all the fabulous designers ....Click Here to go there.... And speaking of great prizes, this week on BBTB2 we are giving away a great prize sponsored by Everyday Cricut.... All you have to do is stop by and leave a comment and become one of our followers and you will be entered to win a SEI Paper pack and a Sweethearts Cricut Cartridge...How awesome is that?
So go on, there is lots to win out there...good luck and thanks for stopping by
Hugs

Cutting Cafe Tree...Think Spring

2010-02-25T20:48:00.000-08:00

I am back today...as promised :) to share yet another adorable Cutting Cafe Printable Stamp. This stamp is from the Beautiful Trees Set...the set contains 25 awesome printable stamps....I LOVE this set...so much so that I will be posting a few more tree cards soon...

Take a look at the card I created...
I colored the image in with my Copics and paper pieced the tree trunk...What do ya think?
What I love about these images is that you can color them in any way you want...I just wanted something bright and springy :) and I think I got that LOL (maybe just a bit much)

Anyway, thanks for stopping by...I am so glad tomorrow is Friday..it's been a long week and I hope to share some pics of what's been happening at my work that has put me under so much stress this week... Will be back tomorrow to share :)
Hugs

Happy Spring

2010-02-24T21:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, maybe it's not Spring yet...but wouldn't we be happy if it was?
I love the colors of spring and couldn't wait to start using them again. So here is my first project for spring...

This cute little tree is in the Sweethearts Cartridge...it is so easy to put together! I used the Basic Grey Lilykate (again) and cut the tree out twice in both the green and brown. I used the shadow cut to create the card base (welded in DS).... And I used several different designs from the Lilykate Set to cut the leaves....It's that simple :)
For my embellishments.. I stamped that wonderful little owl (Inkadinkado..I think) and colored him to match using my Copics. I added the cute little sentiment from the Cutting Cafe set Trees in a row and a swinging tire...and VOILA!!! It was done...it may not sound simple but trust me it really was :)

Well, gotta run...I haven't been getting enough sleep and I am really tired..I will be back tomorrow with another tree card I made using the another great set from the Cutting Cafe....see ya then....thanks for stopping by..Hugs

BBTB2 Elephant Challenge

2010-02-21T21:43:00.000-08:00

Today on Bitten By the Bug 2 our challenge was hosted by the super talented Sandi. She has asked us to create a project using the Elephant cut from Paper Dolls-Everyday People Cartridge. This elephant cut is so cute and the designers created some wonderful cards...you must stop by BBTB2 and check it out yourself...Amazingly talented ladies, I tell ya....

I made two cards for the challenge..First one is for a baby boy..

The second card is has the same layout but was made for a baby girl :)

Recipe for these cards....

Cardstock and Patterned Paper.....Bazzill and Basic Grey Lilykate

Cartridges......Everyday People, Celebrations (DS)

Others....Copic Markers, Satin Ribbon, Adhesive Pearl

This card was so much fun to put together...I love how my balloons look so cute in any shape..AND I love how my Copics gave this Elephant some life and personality....have I told you how much I love my Copics :)LOL

Thanks for stopping by....Hugs

My first Copic Card and Cutting Cafe Digis

2010-02-18T22:18:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!!!! It's almost Friday... Yippey!!!!
It's been a long week and I am looking forward to some time at home :)
I wanted to post a quick card I made this afternoon.... It's my first card made with
my new Copic Markers... My sweet hunny gave me a 36 marker set for Valentine's Day...
These are so much fun and I had to find the time to try my first stamped image...
Here is my first attempt ... (please don't laugh:)

Okay...you can laugh :) I know I have a lot to learn...but I am in love with them and will continue to try til I get it right :)

Along with my stamped and colored image, I have used two wonderful digital stamps from the Cutting cafe... The first one is those awesome little Background polka dots that were the perfect color for my project (yes, I cut them crooked but just decided to leave it that way...oh well) The second stamp used is the Happy Birthday circled stamp from the Baby Boy Toppers set..this set is great too...it is a perfect embellishment for any project.. Stop by the Cutting Cafe and take a look at these great sets and all the new ones Regina has just added :)

Thanks for stopping by...if you have any suggestions for me on how to improve my Copic skills, please help me :) It will be greatly appreciated..HUGS

BBTB Hearts Challenge...Weddings Cartridge

2010-02-14T21:03:00.000-08:00

BBTB2 Time!! It's so good to be back...

This week on BBTB2, the lovely Rene hosted our challenge. She has asked us to use the Double Hearts cut from the Weddings Solutions Cartridge. In addition to the cut, we have all used one of the fabulous printables from the Cutting Cafe. We will be having a contest this week and you will have the opportunity to win some of printables from the Cutting Cafe...how cool is that? So remember to check back and make sure to join in for a great prize
Ok, now about my project....It took me quite a while to decide what I wanted to do with this cut. I mean, it's a cut that can be used for just about any theme/holiday but I was thinking of ways to use it other than just a heart cut...does that make sense?

Then it hit me....If I turned the image on it's side and joined two, it could look like a butterfly...maybe?..well you decide...

I really really love the way this card turned out....I love these papers and colors...oh so pretty! What do you think?

Not only did I like design but I also LOVE this printable stamps from the Cutting Cafe...I love how quick and easy it is to print these in ANY color you need...The stamp I used is called UR so Adorable and it is only 99 cents ...YUP, you read right....isn't it adorable? Click HERE to check out all the fabulous printables and cutting files from the Cutting Cafe.

Gotta run...Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to stop by BBTB2 and check out all the fabulous projects from the creative designers...a world of inspiration :)

Hugs

Valentine's Day Cards...catch up :)

2010-02-13T16:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!!! Am I ever so happy to finally be back...Did you notice I was gone? LOL
Let me tell ya...Last Sunday, Superbowl Sunday, I started to feel ill...Actually I had been feeling ill all week...my horrible migraines ughh...anyway, on Sunday things changed for worse and by Monday afternoon I was in ER laying in a hospital bed, an IV stuck in my arm and feeling awful...about 8 hrs later they let me go home but I was out of work till Thursday..YIKES!!! I am just now feeling back to my old self and am extremely happy to be back here...I haven't forgotten about you all and will do my round of visiting blogs in a few minutes Yippey!!! I truly missed you all :)
Ok, now that I am feeling better, I have so much to catch up on...my poor girlfriends got no goodies from me this Valentine :( too sick to make any :( Sorry girls!!!
But, I was able to create something fun for the three men in my life....let me rephrase that, my boys and my hunny...wouldn't want you to think wrong of me :) LOL
These are the cards I made for my boys....

This first card is for my son Giani...these boys love their ITouch and IPods and I wanted to create something my Teenage boys would think is cool...you know it's hard nowadays to be cool around them LOL....I immediately thought of an IPod and I remembered seeing one in the Paisley Cartridge.... with the help of the Design Studio and a few other cartridges I was able to make him a shaped card and more importantly a card that he would think is cool LOL (I hope)
Anyway...the sentiment on the card is .. You Are Music To My Ears, Valentine :)
The next card is for my oldest son Alesi...

My oldest is always on his phone texting his friends....typical teenager right? Well, I knew his card would have to be a cellphone...And guess where I found the cut...Yup, it was in the same Cartridge..Yippey!!! The sentiment on this card is...Lets Hang out Valentine :)
I hope it is cool enough for him LOL

This next card I made for my Hunny......

My hunny is a MAJOR car/Nascar/racing FAN...he only needs one channel on his TV, there rest are a big waste ...Really!!! No kidding LOL...

His card was created using several cartridges; Wild Card, Jubilee, Everyday People,and My World (and of course DS) ....sentiment on this card is " You make my heart Race Valentine :)

This card took a long time to put together but worth every minute..more so cuz my Hunny is a big fan of my work..probably my Biggest :) I had to wait to post this card because he is always on my blog reading my blog posts and comments Lol...luv ya babe ;)...He will probably see this here before I give it to him...Oh well..

Wow, that was a long post...I still have a few more cards to share but might come back a little later to post them...Thanks for stopping by...

Hugs

Free Cutting Cafe Sets...Please Read

2010-02-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

Free? Yes, you read correctly...the wonderful Regina Easter owner of the Cutting Cafe, is giving away Two free sets.....These set will be available until Monday February 8th...so hurry hurry hurry and click on the links below ...

But first, let me share the card I put together using one of those sets....(also used in this card is the Cutting Cafe set called Bingo Card)

I used the pink polka dots from the set COLORED MINI POLK A DOT BACKGROUND SET OF 12 PRINTABLE STAMPS (click on this link to take you to the Cutting Cafe)

The second set she is giving aways is...

COLORED FLOWERED SET OF 12 PRINTABLE STAMPS (click on the link )

These sets are awesome..the possibilities are endless:) BUT WAIT, there is more...if you want to win more free sets from the Cutting Cafe, stop by the Cutting Cafe and submit a project using one of these sets...click HERE for all the details.

Hurry on to get your free stuff and craft away :)

Thanks for stopping by..HUGS

And the winner is.....

2010-02-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

Drum roll please.....
The winner of the Big Bite is...
KLw520
Woohoo..Congratulations!!!
KLW520 said...
I dooo love the pink & brown combo!! And your DS border....amazing! When I first saw your card, I thought, I bet I can make that in DS!! haha How awesome! :) Thanks for the opportunity to win!
KLW250 please contact me so that I may send your candy on its way :)

A big THANK YOU to all of you who participated and stop by to show the BBTB2 Design Team some love....Big Hugs

Embellish Magazine Color Challenge with Ribbon

2010-02-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

Hi there!! If you are here for the BBTB2 Blog Hop please scroll down....

The card I am sharing today was inspired by the recent Embellish Magazine Color Challenge. The color scheme is brown, pink and turquoise and you have to use ribbon on your project ...here is pic of the challenge...

Here is a pic of my project...

The sofa is a doodlebat from Scrapnfonts called DBGood Company...isn't it cute? I love this set of doodlebats and couldn't wait to use it...The doodlebats are silohuettes and I wanted to add more detail so I cut the image out 3 times(using SCAL) in brown Stardream paper and embossed it with a CB folder...then I cut it out twice using Turquoise Fancy Pants paper and layered layered layered :)
The frame behind the sofa was cut out of Fancy Pants rose paper using the Storybook Cartridge. The card base is made with Daisy D's brown paper over Stardream Cardstock. The "Thanks for the Hospitality" sentiment from the Cutting Cafe set "For my Neighbor" is printed on white cardstock and layered onto the turquoise paper....Last but not least...the curtains were made out of Pink Satin ribbon (ironed to create the folds) and tied back with brown satin ribbon and a pearl embellishment....

A closer look....

So what do you think?

Thanks for stopping by...don't forget to check back tomorrow for the winner of the Blog Candy :)

HUGS

Marina

BBTB2 Blog Hop...Bunny from Winter Woodland

2010-01-31T22:03:00.000-08:00

OMG!!! Where did January go? I can't believe we are at the end of the first month in 2010...Yikes!! The good thing about that is....Our monthly BBTB2 Blog Hop is here!!! Yippey!!

You should have arrived here from the sweet and creative PENNY SHUBERG....

Hosting the blog hop this month is our Super talented DT sister Melissa Kirwan...She chose the bunny cut from the Winter Woodland Cartridge. This adorable bunny cut is a great way to get started on those Easter or Spring projects...
So here is my take.....

Don't ya just love pink and brown together?....such a yummy combo, right?

Have you seen the Martha Stewart border punches? I just love them to pieces...but can't always find the ones I like or can't buy all the ones I want :) So, I decided I would create my own version of some of those borders by using Design Studio. I created this simple border on my card by welding all the bunnies to a plain square...it takes some time to put together but you could create these in several sizes and have them ready to go when needed...not as quick as just pulling out the punch but sure does the trick right?

Ok, here are the supplies I used....

Winter Woodland Cartridge

Basic Grey "LilyKate" Paper

Bazzill Cardstock (white and pink)

Pearl Jewel, Prima Flowers, Satin Ribbon, White Pompom

AND MY PRIZE FOR THE BLOG HOP IS.......

Crop A Dile BIG BITE!!!

All you have to do is leave me a comment (my followers will get an extra entry) and on Friday I will use Random.org to pick the winning number ....Easy Peasy !!!

But guess what? The fun and gifts doesn't stop here... Hop on over to sweet Carole for a chance to win more great Blog Candy....GO go go!!!

Thanks for stopping by...Hugs

Baby Bottle Shaped Card...Cutting Cafe

2010-01-26T19:20:00.000-08:00

Have you been to the Cutting Cafe lately? Regina has some adorable new baby sets you must see... I know I will be using these sets all the time!!!!

To create my card today, I used the Baby Bottle 2 Shaped Card template and the All About Babies set..

This baby bottle template can be used as a card, and invitation or even a decoration for baby shower favors...cute don't you think?

Well, I know these papers and colors are not the traditional baby colors but I love these Amy Butler papers and I love Amy Butler baby stuff.....Many of my baby gifts are wrapped in her paper or made with her fabrics....ohh I just love babies :)

Thanks for stopping by...Don't forget to stop by the Cutting Cafe...new stuff is popping up almost everyday :)

Hugs

Sweethearts Love Stamp...BBTB2 Challenge

2010-01-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday Everyone!!! It's Challenge time!!

I am so happy to announce that I was the host for the BBTB2 Challenge this week. And being that love is in the air and everywhere you look, I decided to pick a cut that would get our minds ready for Valentine's Day...Gosh, wasn't it just Christmas? Well time goes by so fast and I truly love Valentine's Day but never seem to have enough time to finish all my projects :(

Anyway, this week I challenged the Design team to create a project using the Love Stamp from the Sweethearts Cartridge....love love love this Cartridge....And you have to see the wonderful projects these awesome ladies put together.....WOW!!!

Here is my take on the challenge....
Here is a closer look at my favorite part of the prisoner of love... the cute handcuffs LOL
And the inside....notice the love attached to her leg? It's is my version of a ball and chain :)Materials used:
Sweethearts, Everyday People and Storybook Cartridges (Design Studio)
American Crafts Cardstock, Fancy Pants Patterned paper
Chain
Puffy Letter Stickers (not sure on the company)
Rhinestones (heart and on handcuffs)
Love sticker by (K and Co)

Hope you enjoyed the challenge, please join us by posting your take on the BBTB2 site...Thanks for stopping by...

Embellish Magazine Challenge

2010-01-20T20:08:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!!! I am happy to finally have my project for the Challenge on the Embellish Magazine Blog. If you haven't been there you have to check it out.... They have great challenges and the creativity there is incredible.
This is the current challenge...

The colors are Kraft, Brown and Purple ( and you have to use stripes)
And this is my take on the challenge....

Not a great pic..I know..but it's been raining so much these days that an outdoor picture is impossible...
Don't have much time to post the materials used or the instructions...I promise to be back soon to post that info...
Thanks for visiting... Hugs

Cutting Cafe Winner

2010-01-19T06:48:00.000-08:00

Sorry so late.....My Cutting Cafe winner is.....

Bytesprite
said... Wow! You made these Cutting Cafe items sing. Very inspiring. I have to admit. I want to win these files bad!
January 15, 2010 9:22 PM

Congratulations Bytesprite!!! Please contact me to claim your wonderful Cutting Cafe Sets. (Sweet Stuff Shaped Cards and the Pencil Box Template)

Thank you to everyone that entered...Please make sure to stop by the Cutting Cafe and take a look at the adorable brand new baby sets...you can scroll down to see a sample of the Duck Shaped card ...Hugs

Doodlecharm Snowman....BBTB2 Challenge

2010-01-17T21:32:00.000-08:00

This week, our super sweet and talented Krista Norman hosted our BBTB2 challenge. Her challenge this week was to create a project using the Snowman cut from the Doodlecharms Cartridge. Yikes, I thought!!! I love snow and snowmen but it is hard to picture that when I am living in San Diego and we have Sunny 70 degree weather. If I want to see snow I have to drive out to it or have it be man made LOL....
Anyway, I thought it would be fun to give my Snowman or Snowmouse(hehe) a bit of a California personality....

This was fun to put together and I have just the right Disney Fanatic to give it to...maybe her Christmas card next year lol...
Supplies for the Snowmouse..
DoodleCharms and Mickey and Friends Cartridges
Bazzill Bling (white) Bazzill Cardstock (black, red, tan)
Mickey Paper
Glitter

Well, I hope you enjoyed....please stop by the BBTB2 and check out all the other real snowmen LOL...The girls did an awesome job..they are all soooo adorable....
And if you have a chance make sure to join us in the challenge....we love to see your work :)

Baby Duck Card from the Cutting Cafe

2010-01-16T12:04:00.000-08:00

Are you here for the Cutting Cafe Giveaway? Please scroll down to the next post :)

I love creating baby cards and invitations so my project today was so much fun to put together. Regina has some beautiful new card templates and baby sets over at the Cutting Cafe that I had to find some time to create with them...

The first template I decided to use is the Duck Shaped Card....

Wouldn't these be adorable little invites or a perfect little card for a baby gift?

To create this card I used Bazzill to cut the folding card. I cut the second layer duck and wing on yellow patterned paper from the Gypsy Baby collection from K and Co. I used ink to shade around the duck and give it some dimension. I used a brown pearl for his eye, added buttons to turn him into a pulling baby toy, and curled some twine for the toy pull. I stamped the word Baby and cut it using Nesties. I finished him off by attaching a brown polka dot bow and ....Voila he was done :)

Think he is cute? Make sure to stop by the Cutting Cafe and check out new baby sets...you will fall in love :) I did....

Cutting Cafe....Giveaway

2010-01-14T22:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone!!!!

So happy it is the end of the week...I am truly looking forward to some time off this weekend :)

Well to start off a great weekend boy do we have a treat for you....Regina (owner of the Cutting Cafe) is letting us give away two of her Fabulous sets to one lucky winner. How cool is that?

Before I let you know what you have to do, take a look at what I created using some of those wonderful templates and digital stamps from the Cutting Cafe....

I used the Cupcake from the Sweet Stuff shaped cards and the sentiment from Happy Valentine's Day Huge Circle set on my notepad cover . Then used the Pencil Box Template for that cute little box that holds matching pencils.

Now, wouldn't it be great to win these wonderful sets?

Well all you have to do is leave me a comment and check back on Monday to see if you are the lucky winner.....Easy peasy!!!! But don't stop here...click HERE to take you to the Cutting Cafe and make sure to visit all the other designers....we all have great prizes....

GO GO GO!!!!

A Child's Years....BBTB2 Challenge

2010-01-10T22:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday Everyone!!! It's Cricut Time!!
This weeks challenge was hosted by the lovely Jennifer Wuthrich. Jen is feeling a little under the weather so first of all I want to wish her the best and hope she feels better soon.
Well, our challenge this week was to use the Valentine's cut from A Child's Years Cartridge. In addition we would be sponsored this week by Expressions Vinyl, with some awesome sheets of vinyl to be used with our Cricuts....How cool is that?
I will admit, I was a bit afraid of using that particular cut on vinyl...so many little details. But am glad to say I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was sooooo easy :)
I chose to use the Matte Brown Vinyl (i know it looks black) and attached the image to a 8x8 acrylic square.
Here is a pic.... I had a hard time taking a picture of this project because the light would reflect off the image....sometimes the scenery around the image would reflect on the acrylic square too... I added this next picture to show you what I mean but also to show you a little more detail on the project ( can you see the background has some writing that you couldn't see in the first pic...

To create this project I used a 8x8 Acrylic square, I then cut a transparency to fit perfectly behind it and attached it using clear glue. I used Stazon in Matte white to ink the edges and hide a bit of the glue...it worked perfectly. I used a rub-on to decorate the bottom and attached the vinyl image to the center. I used the word Adore from the Cutting Cafe's Valentine Big Stuff collection and printed it in brown and colored in the hearts in pink and added some Stickle sparkle. I cut the word using my Nesties and inked it with a bit of pink chalk ink. I embellished the project with a polka dot brown bow...some tiny prima flowers for the children and a bow for the little girl's head. To finish it off and turn it into a wall hanging, I punched out holes using my Big Bite and added a Pink Satin ribbon.
I really love how this came together and how extremely easy it was too. I have other projects I created using some vinyl that I will be sharing with you this week....
If you have used vinyl on projects that you would like to share with us please do so...and if you have this cartridge please join us for this weeks challenge...we would love to see your creativity.
Don't forget to visit the BBTB2 site to enjoy all the wonderful projects these great ladies put together...They Rock!!!
Ok, that's all for tonight...I have much work to get done and it is getting late....
Have a great week :)

Starting the New Year with Good News

2010-01-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!!! I am so happy to finally have a project for you so I can share my good news.
I am happy to announce that I have now joined the Cutting Cafe Design Team. I am absolutely thrilled to work with such wonderful templates/stamps and a group of wonderfully talented ladies. Thank you Regina, for allowing me to play/work with your awesome files :)
Hope to make you proud :)
For my first project, I chose the Post It Note Box Template you can find here.......The template includes the box, lid, wrappers and labels. It is a quick and easy project that anyone would adore.
Here are some pics...

The Happy Valentine's Day tag was created with Valentine Big Stuff (also from the Cutting Cafe) click here to see this beautiful set of Valentine Words.
Materials used:
"Lovely" Paper Pad from K and Co
Satin Ribbon
Prima Flowers
Button
Rhinestone Heart (placed on the button)
Flourish Stamp Inkadinkado
Nesties
4 Post Its

So, what do you think? Isn't this just too cute?
Thanks for stopping by....I will see you again on Sunday for my project Challenge for BBTB2...
Hugs

BBTB2 Challenge...In STYLE

2010-01-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2010!!!!!

Wow, this week went by sooooo fast....it's now time for me to go back to work :(
I had a great time spending time with my loved ones, eating yummy food and even got some
deep down cleaning time in my workroom :)
I hope you all had a wonderful time too and are starting a New Fabulous Year...

And speaking of new.....
Before sharing my first project of the year with you, I would like to share some news with you.
Before ending 2009, Regina Easter from the BBTB site, sadly informed us that she could no longer host the Bitten By the Bug site. Starting 2010 Regina wanted to focus on her other wonderful site , The Cutting Cafe, because we all now even running one site takes lots of time and effort (she has three YIKES). Regina then suggested to turn over the site to any one of the Designers that would love to take it. And so....the BBTB2 site was born!
Heather Binnie, one of our wonderful designers has offered to continue the wonderful source of creative inspiration and will now run Bitten By the Bug 2. We are extremely excited and grateful that she has stepped in to continue the site. Please remember to follow the site and join us in our weekly challenges.

Regina...We wish you all the luck in the world....we will miss you...we love you and make sure to join us every time you can...HUGS

Ok, so onto my project this week. Hosting our first week, is the one and only Heather Binnie.
She has challenged us this week by asking us to use the In Style cut from the Graphically Speaking Cartridge. Style to me meant....shopping, clothes, shoes etc. FUN FUN FUN!!!
This is my take on the challenge.....

I used several cartridges, DS and SCAL to put this together....I loooove it!!! I wish I could wear all this stuff LOL
In Style was cut using Graphically Speaking
The High Heel is from Wedding
The purse is from Everyday People (modified by DS)
The Bag is from Celebrations
The boot is from SCAL
Papers used
Me and My Big Ideas, Doodlebug, K and Co

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do....I wanted to focus on making cards I would put to use this year....BUT I don't think I could separate myself from this one LOL :)
Well, I look forward to a great New Year of lots of papercrafting... I hope you can join me and the BBTB2 site and post your take on the challenges. TFL...hugs

Cookie Exchange Box

2009-12-22T07:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays Everyone!!! I hope you are all having a great time with Family and Friends!

I wanted to make a quick post and share a picture of a cute little box I decorated for the cookies I made for a Cookie Party. It's my first cookie party so I wasn't sure what to expect (besides cookies LOL) I had a great time baking my cookies, decorating my boxes and being able to share it with people who appreciate my extra details :)

I came home with lots of cookies...super yummy calories ;)

Here is a pic of my little box....

I made Black Forest Cookies.....chocolate cookies with walnuts, chocolate morsels, and dried cherries...OH SOOOO YUMMY!!!
I made a tag for my box using the apron cut from the From My Kitchen Cartridge. I loved this little apron and was waiting patiently for the right opportunity to use it.
Here is a closer look..

Well, I'm off to work....running a little late now..
I want to wish everyone a Wonderful Christmas...may it be Merry and Bright :)
HUGS

Proud Momma...Go Chiefs!!!

2009-12-01T07:15:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!!! It's good to be back.....I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends. And I hope you all ate more than your tummy could handle...I know I did :)
I'm sorry I don't have a project to share this week...I was traveling with my family for Thanksgiving. My son Giani's Football Team joined the NYFC competition in Las Vegas, Nevada. Every year we get to travel during this time of year...the team loves to win competitions all over the US... And guess what? The WON Again!!!! Go Chiefs!
This is a pic of some of the boys...My son in #3 top center of the pictures.... So proud of you son!!!

Well after a long trip, we are finally back and getting ready for another competition in Los Angeles, CA. That trip will take up the rest of this week so I will me MIA again!!!

I do have a small project to share....

My son Giani loves art and papercrafting...he always like to put together a door decoration or wall decoration for every holiday. This year we decided to work on a wall decor using the Cricut. It's a great way for him to practice..PATIENCE!! He did awesome and the project is super!! Great Job Babe!!! I love to see my passion rub off on these kiddos.

Running late for work....Don't forget to visit the BBTB and check out all the wonderful projects using the Phone cut from the Kitchen Cartridge...I will have to join in some time this week...if possible :)

BBTB Cornucopia Challenge

2009-11-22T19:22:00.000-08:00

Challenge Time!!!! Happy Sunday everyone!

This week on Bitten By the Bug, the one and only Donna Mundinger hosted our Challenge. She is one of the most Outstanding Creative Ladies I KNOW!!! Her work is amazing and she is so sweet that she often shares her cut files for us to use...you must visit her blog HERE

Well, this week Donna challenged us to use the Cornucopia cut on the Paper Doll Dress Up Cartridge... wow now that was a challenge!!! To be quite honest...I had a hard time using this as it was suppose to..LOL (what ever that means)

What it looked like to me was...a Santa/elf hat. And that's what I did.....
I think it turned out kinda cute...What do you think?
The cute little dog is from Everyday Paper Dolls, the Cornucopia is from the Paper Dolls Dress Up and the tag was created using the Cutting Cafe printable stamps Regina was giving away last week and cut using my Nesties.
Have you been to the CUTTING CAFE?
I just love everything there...stamps, templates, etc...IT'S A MUST!!! The possibilities are endless!!! To go now click HERE
I want to say that although I didn't make a Cornucopia for Thanksgiving, I am very grateful for all the wonderful people in my life... My deepest Thank YOU to all of you who make my life that much sweeter....Lots of HUGS...If I don't get a chance to come back this week...Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving..lots of love

BBTB Grass Challenge and Scrapnfonts....

2009-11-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!!! It's Monday and that means the BBTB Designers have a new challenge for you. This week Bitten By the Bug was hosted by the SUPER Talented DeeDee.... please make sure to visit her site by clicking HERE....
DeeDee chose the Grass Cut from the Walk in My Garden Cartridge...to be honest I couldn't find it because the grass looks a little different than what you would think...and actually can be used in soooo many ways ( as you can see on all the Design Team Projects).
In addition to the grass cut, we could use some wonderful Doodle bats from Scrapnfonts.com being that they are sponsoring a contest for us this week...You MUST join in..its a great prize!!

If you have been to my blog before, you know I love Scrapnfonts and use them on my projects quite often. So I was thrilled to hear that we would be using some of those fabulous fonts.

The doodle bat is called DB Mulberry Lane and the font is called LD Outline Curl...and I used both. All of the little designs on there are adorable and choosing one was quite difficult :)
That cute little owl I used is from the Doodle bat collection DB Mulberry Lane... I used my SCAL to cut out all the pieces and gave him lots of dimension. If you are a SCAL user you must take a look at all these great Doodle bats.
I printed Guess Who? using the LD Outline Curl font and cut it using my nesties for the perfect little tag.

After putting him together I thought it would have been nice if I would have picked some fall or winter paper. I guess I will make that my next project :)

Thanks for stopping by! Make sure you head over to the BBTB site and take a look at the wonderful creative projects by the Design Team...truly talented ladies :) so proud to be part of them :) I learn so much from them everyday :)

Oh, and don't forget to join the challenge and share your project! HUGS!!!

BBTB Storybook Bird Challenge

2009-11-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hi!!! I know I am SO late with my post for this challenge but I had to make some time during this week to finally complete it and jump in with the rest of the Fabulous designers.

This weeks challenge was brought to us by the OH SO talented Carole. She chose the bird cut from the Storybook Cartridge (my favorite). I've been so busy working on a large invitation order that I had no time but promised I would be back to post my project.

So here it is....

Not a great picture...I know :( but I couldn't find the camera that makes it look better hehe )

I love Christmas and for some reason I seem to stay away from the traditional Christmas colors. I love walking around Michael's and looking at the "IN" colors for the new year. This year it seems to me that Aqua and lavender are the popular colors so I decided to make my stocking with those colors in mind. I also found some beautiful little glittery birds and tried to replicate that on my card... So what do you think?

I loved this project so much I think these will be my Christmas card for some of my closets friends. Thank you for stopping by and see ya this Sunday with our next challenge. You won't want to miss it! ;)

BBTB Penguin Challenge

2009-11-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

Ready for another BBTB Challenge?

This week the challenge was a bit different...One of our wonderful talented designers will be the host this week. This means they get to choose the cut/cartridge we will be using that week and they also get to present the challenges to you.

Carla was our designer this week...this lady is sooo super talented ...I love her work!!!

Well, she chose a adorable little penguin cut from the Joys of the Season Cartridge and you have to stop by the BBTB Site to see the cutest projects with this cut.

Here is my take on the Challenge....

I created my project around a long Christmas note pad I found at Target in the $1 spot.

I thought it was so cute so I decided to build a cute cover around it.

This is a side view of all that dimension....

And a pic of the note pad inside...
Hope you enjoyed the Challenge this week....Don't forget to join us and add your project to the BBTB site.
Moving on to a nice treat I received yesterday from a super talented lady I know....Donna Mundinger.... She is a fabulous designer for the BBTB and does wonders with her Design Studio....I am in awe every time I visit her site....you want to see for yourself?
Click HERE...
Well, yesterday I opened up my email to find a beautiful award from her...THANK YOU DONNA!!!
I truly think she is over the top so an award from her is quite an honor :)
As part of receiving the award, I must complete the following questions/statements....
1. Where is your cell phone? Under my pillow

2. Hair? Brown
3. Mother? San Diego
4. Father? Texas
5. Favorite food? Sushi
6. Dream last night? None
7. Favorite drink? Strawberry Soda
8. Your dream/goal? Own a business
9. What room are you in? bedroom
10. Hobby? Card making
11. Fear? Illness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here
13. Where were you last night? Passing out candy
14. Something you aren't? unhappy
15. Muffins? Banana nut
16. Wish list item? Accucut dies
17. Where did you grow up? El Paso, Texas
18. Last thing you did? BBTB project
19. What are you wearing? PJ's
20. Your TV? on the World Series
21. Your pets? None
22. Friends? Many
23. Your life? Comfortable
24. Your mood? Stressed always
25. Missing someone? Not sure LOL
26. Vehicle? Volkswagen Jetta
27. Something you're not wearing? Makeup
28. Favorite store? Michaels
29. Favorite color? Black
30. When was the last time you laughed? Earlier today
31. Last time you cried? 2 days ago
32. Best friend? Several
33. One place you go over and over? Michaels...4 today
34. Facebook? No
35. Favorite place to eat? California Sushi...could eat there everyday

I would also like to pass this award to some super talented ladies out there.....

Nathalia Castellon

Be sure to click on the names I just posted and you will be in for a great treat.
I hope you enjoyed the challenge this week and stay tuned for our next challenge.
Thanks again Donna for the wonderful gift!!!

Happy Halloween...Pics of our Pumpkins

2009-10-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

I want to wish everyone a Happy Halloween and hope that you get more treats than tricks :)

As promised, I am posting pictures of the pumpkins we have carved for several years now....It is now a tradition to add a few more each year.NOTE: these are foam carvable pumpkins bought at Michaels.

First pumpkins were carved for my sons... Sports Fanatics here!!!

Next pumpkins are mine....I love Disney Princesses!!
Next pumpkin is my son Giani's...he loves Mario!!
Last two pics are spooky/cute Halloween designs...

That's all folks :) I hope you have a wonderful evening...I will be back tomorrow with a wonderful blog award to share with some of my favorite bloggers out there...

Blog Hop Winner & sweet treats

2009-10-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the Blog Hop is......Carrie!!!!
Congrats...please email me with your addy and I will send you some goodies...
I want to Thank you all for being part of the BBTB Blog Hop and hope that you come and visit us often to see the wonderful projects created by the Design Team and our wonderful followers.

Now, to share with you the other little gifts I gave my friends this week.....

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory....Caramel apple with Pecans. I loved how beautiful it is displayed in that clear box.
Next project was so much fun to put together...M & M filled Potion Bottles. I created the potion labels using the tag set from Scrapnfonts. I asked my boys for help on cute/gross names for my colored M&M's. I added some ribbon, lace and a few spiders. Cute and quick!

I have had fun all week and really look forward to passing out candy to all those cute trick or treaters. My boys are big now and don't like to dress up :(
Thanks for stopping by.....I will be back to post pictures of all eleven pumpkins we carved...

Another Spooky Treat..

2009-10-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

If you are here for the BBTB BLOG HOP click HERE......
As promised I have a quick pic of the second treat for my dear Friends :)

A clear long box holding Lindor Truffles (YUMMY). Box is decorated with a beautiful rub-on a cute skeleton and some black satin ribbon... I made the tag with my CB die and embossing folder and tied with a bit of fuzzy yarn..simple but cute! See ya tomorrow!!

Spooky Treat...BBTB Tag Challenge Blog Hop

2009-10-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!!! This week will be a fun week for me & you... I will be working on a Spooky Treat everyday this week and am thrilled I will be able to share them with all of you...

To begin the week I am sharing my project for Bitten By the Bug. Regina asked us to use the Tag cut from the Stretch your Imagination Cartridge ( and use it in a Halloween theme) I knew exactly what I was going to use it on. This week I will be surprising 5 of my dearest friends with a spooky treat everyday until Halloween.
For my first treat I created this....

I bought Starbucks gift cards and requested a cup for each card. I decorated the cup and placed a bag with cookies inside. I used Design Studio to create the tag (mummy) card. It is a tri-.fold card that starts off like this....

Then opens up to the second flap....

And finally opens up to reveal the gift card treat...

I love this project soooo much I wish I could keep one for myself :)

I have added a couple more pics of the cup...it has so much detail to try to explain...

Let's see... I doodled a spider web all around the lid and added some CB spiders with pom poms on their bellies...I bought those cute straws at the dollar store ( 5 for 1$) and added a bow.

The sleeve for my cup was cut out of Bazzill Bling and embossed with CB folder. I cut a strip of Halloween paper from MME for some color and sandwiched a bit of lace between both papers. I cut my orange tag with Nesties and added a sticker with pop-ups.

The finished product...Sorry such a long post but I think the detail is worth explaining :)

SOOO..on to the good stuff.....

The Happy part of the challenge this week is the BBTB Blog Hop...

One lucky winner will get...

7 Cartoon Character Dimensional Stickers...

All you have to do is leave me a comment (and your email if you don't have a blog)

and on Friday I will use random.org to choose my lucky winner...

If you are one of my followers I will throw in an extra entry for ya :)

AND if I reach 100 followers I will throw in 3 more packs of stickers..

Easy right?

BUT better than that...You will have more opportunities to win by hopping along to all the designers blogs...Your next stop is with the incredibly talented HEATHER...you have to see the amazing stuff she puts together...

You're still Here? GO GO GO...Don't forget to check back tomorrow for yet another Halloween Project :) and come back Friday to see if you won...Good Luck!!

Halloween Sign...BBTB Challenge

2009-10-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Another Halloween project? Yup, I will continue to put up as many as I can until the 31st. I love Halloween and I always work on tons of projects....gifts, treats, cards and yummy baking treats... I just love Halloween!

This week our BBTB Challenge was to use the Sign from the Christmas Solutions Cartridge and we had to use it with a Halloween or Fall theme. Well, I was working on this paper mache skull this week and thought it would be great to use it on my card. Although a bit heavy I thought it came out pretty cool...

The dimension on this is so spooky...I took a picture of the side of the card so you could see a bit of the layering I did...... but I had a hard time taking a good pic with all that shiny paper I used...I think I need a new camera :)
Can you see how the skull looks like he is coming out of the sign? I love it!! But it was quite a bit of work and don't think I will do it again :)

Thanks for visiting and don't forget to stop by the BBTB site and check out the great projects by the other designers...see ya soon

Pirate Skull...Paper Dolls

2009-10-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!! Just a quick post to show you the card I created for a birthday party I am going to tomorrow. The birthday boys LOVE pirates (so do I) and I wanted to create a cute card that the boys would keep...I hope :)

I made them one of my famous hand-tied fleece blankets...I found the fabric with the pirate print and it was just perfect ( forgot to take a picture before I wrapped it :(

Anyway.... I used the Paper Dolls Cartridge and the Design Studio to create this shaped card....its has a lot of layering and looks so much better in person :)
I also took a picture of the cake I made for the party...It's not a great pic cuz the lighting is so bad sorry....
I just love this theme...
I had a pirate party for my sons several years ago and I would totally do it again :)
Click HERE to see another post I did on that party...Enjoy!!

Chandelier Challenge

2009-10-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, I just noticed its been almost a month since my last post...My boys and I were really sick..High Fevers, many visits to the doctors and no desire to do anything!!!YUCK!
I am so glad that is all over and my boys are back to being themselves :) I will take the fighting anytime :)

Before I move on to my challenge this week, I want to share a bit of good news with you. About 8 weeks ago, I decided I would start dieting and exercising so that I may look for a smaller wedding dress :) To help my weight loss I joined the Biggest Loser Game that we do at work. Every month you pay $20....half of the money will go to the person who loses the most percentage of their body weight at the end of each month....the prize this month would be $150...the other half of the money goes into a pot...that money will be the big prize at the end of our four month game :) $600.....
So guess what?
I TIED!
I lost a total of 12.6 pounds in 4 weeks making my total to date 18 pounds :) SOOOO Happy!
I only won $75 dollars but I was so happy to see all my "new clothes" fit me again!!
My goal is to loose a total of 35 pounds and I am more that half way there!!! Yippey!
I am doing so well and better yet...I feel great! And I want that money too! LOL

Ok, so on to my project....
Our challenge this week was to create a project using the Chandelier from the Home Decor Cartridge.....I looooove this cut!!!

My Chandelier is a bit different from the one in the Cartridge because I used the Design Studio and welded two Chandeliers together to make a fancier one and It was SOOO easy too!

I created a layered one for my Napkin decor, I used the Cricut Color Ink Cartridges to draw one on the invite....

I wish I could plan a Halloween Party...this design would be stunning and elegant :)

I used a chandelier graphic to create the tag for my Ghoulish Favor filled with Black M&M's...too cute...Will come back this week to post all the info...sorry out of time

Don't forget to check out all the other wonderful projects those BBTB talented ladies create...

Hugs

School Desk....BBTB Challenge

2009-09-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

Ready for the next challenge?
It's been a long week for me and I am not looking forward to heading back to work tomorrow...I need more time off :) Okay enough of the complaining and on to my project.

Regina challenged us this week to create a project using the Desk from the Locker Talk Cartridge. What a cute little desk! I had the perfect little project for this cut.

This week my sons (both junior high schoolers) came home with their first report card...They have always been the perfect students :) Proud momma here!!! I will admit that watching them reach junior high school made me worry a bit about how they would do....But boy have they excelled...I now it is tough work but they have pulled it off...no problem!!! So I decided to revolve my project around that...I made each one of my sons this card and inside I will be placing a gift card to their favorite dessert shop. Good job boys...momma is so proud!!!
lol they would probably be so embarrassed if they read this LOL
I used Design Studio to weld the desk to a long rectangle to create the card base. Then I made several layers from all the different patterned papers to give this a lot of depth. I didn't take a side view picture, I wish you could see all the layering.

Don't forget to visit Bitten By the Bug to see all the projects the incredibly talented design team created. TTNF!

Spookacular Present....BBTB Challenge

2009-09-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend....hopefully most of you will have tomorrow off too :) I'm so glad I do...I need the rest!
This week our BBTB Challenge is to use the Present cut from the Pooh and Friends Cartridge. The wonderful thing about these Disney Cartridges is that they include so many extra cuts. I took this challenge and turned it into a Spooktacular Birthday card for a special friend of mine. Her birthday is the day before Halloween...so it fits perfectly!

This was so easy to put together....And because I have a few other birthdays coming up, I think I will use this same cut over and over...the choice of papers and theme will make this a completely different card.
Don't forget to stop by the BBTB and check out all the other wonderful takes on this challenge and I would also recommend stopping by the Cutting Cafe, Regina has some wonderful Halloween stamps to get you in the spirit...
Have a good one :)

Halloween Invitation...BOO!

2009-08-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

I knew I would be back this week to post yet another Halloween themed card. The only problem I see is that I really didn't use any of my Halloween stuff LOL. The card I am posting today was created using some beautiful doodlebats I bought on Scrapnfonts...I love them!! Thanks Regina for sharing your creations using fonts/doodlebats from Scrapnfonts...I am hooked!! I love all the endless possibilities :) click here to see the apple Regina used from this site plus the cute project she created.
Here is my new card...
The card was cut with a Tri-fold Accucut Die on Black Stardream Paper. I cut the layered wrap from Green Bling, Flocked Black paper and orange satin ribbon. I used the Home Decor Cartridge to cut the swirl flourish from black cardstock. I used my nesties to cut the tag. The design on the tag was created with the Doodlebat/font Fright Night from Scrapnfonts. The have an awesome collection for Halloween...I added more of the designs for the inside of the card...
The information for the invitation is laying on two more of the designs from the set...the spooky tree and flying bats...beautiful right? I took a closer picture so you could see it better...

I love these...oops I think I said that already :) My head is spinning with ideas and I can wait to have some time to put more together...
Have a great day!!

Cricut Halloween Owl.. BBTB Challenge

2009-08-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

This week on the BBTB, Regina challenged us to use the Owl cut on the Wild Card Cartridge.... And although I think the owl is cute I never thought I would use the cut too often. Thinking of what to do with it just couldn't come to me.
And then...it hit me!!! LOL
Halloween happens to be one of my favorite Holidays. I tend to buy a lot of stickers and paper during this time of year...I love the combination on purple,green, orange and of course black. So I decided to take some of those goodies out and put together my Owl Halloween card...
The first picture shows the owl card and the envelope that comes with the card. I changed the look of the tree, the grass and even added some clouds to make it look more like a Halloween scene. The tree is from the Paper Doll Dress Up Cartridge and everything else is from the Wild Card Cartridge.... TOO CUTE!!!
Here is a picture of the front part of the envelope...

And a close look....

I feel so bad for doubting this cut...It is simply adorable!!! And even more so if you stop by the BBTB and check out the projects by all the other designers...SO ADORABLE!!! I love being part of such a wonderful talented group of ladies...
Well I hope this is only the beginning of my Halloween cards...I really have sooooo much paper and I need to put it to use :)

Tinkerbell Yellow Envelope...BBTB Challenge

2009-08-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

OMG...Where does the time go? All work and no play...makes me a sad girl :(

This was probably the most stressful week at work...School starts Monday and the fun begins :) Preschool is a lot of fun but the first weeks are hard...800 preschoolers...some cry..others kick and the rest are just fine...FUN FUN!!! :) The funny part about all that is that they cry when they start school and we cry when they leave :)

Anyhoo, I was able to work on the BBTB Challenge for this week and actually worked on it last minute....really I have had absolutely no time...and the worst headaches ever!!!

This week we were challenged to use the Envelope cut from the Walk in the Garden Cartridge. We were to use this cut anyway we wanted as long as we used the color "Yellow"

Yellow? Yikes, not one of my favorite colors but I just happened to find a beautiful paper with a beautiful design and of course it was Yellow :) Thank goodness...and it proved to me...Yellow isn't so bad after all ;)

OK so here is my project..

The papers I used are from the Beautiful Collection from K and Co called "Gypsy Baby" I absolutely fell in love with their paper pad and was waiting for the perfect project to use it. Like I said I am not much of yellow lover but this collection has some beauties in yellow. The flower like accent that I attached on the bottom flap of the envelope is also from the same collection and is just a portion of one of the beautiful papers in the pad. I placed the Tinkerbell rub-on as if she was sitting on the flower petals....

My project does not close like a regular envelope and the card part does not pull out....I used a Velcro type button to keep it together and I attached the information to the inside of the envelope...making it more like a card...as you can see here..

I love the fact that these papers are double sided and so beautiful on both sides :)

I love this cut...the possibilities are endless!!! So go on and try it and make sure you share it with us on the BBTB. See ya soon :)

Celebrations Tag and Teddy Bear Challenge

2009-08-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

It's that time again....Ready for a Challenge?

This week our BBTB Challenge was to use the scalloped squared tag from the Celebrations Cartridge. In addition, we were lucky enough to work with some cute teddy bear dies from the company Go Kreate. I received the Baby Boo Teddy and she/he is sooo cute!! It was fun to put my project together and so simple too.

I used the tag and teddy bear die to create a candy favor for a Baby Shower. I used quite a few pop up dots to give this project some dimension..isn't that teddy just too cute?

Here is a closer look....

Make sure you stop by Bitten By the Bug and take a look at the wonderful projects the designers put together...And don't forget to take a look at the other wonderful Teddy Dies at Go Kreate...
See ya soon..

And the winner is....

2009-08-01T19:43:00.000-07:00

So sorry for the delay on this info....So here it is...
Random.org gave me number...22
Beth you are my winner!!!!!

Beth said...
that is an inspiring card..that was very well done. And who doesn't have enough ribbon right? :) I store mind in drawers keeping colors together. I don't like having them on the dowel idea because I am always comparing colors and changing my mind :)
July 27, 2009 10:32 AM

Beth please contact me with your addy and I will have these ribbons out to you!! To everyone else thanks a million for being part of our BBTB Hop...thank you for all the wonderful comments and ideas in storing ribbon... see ya soon!!!

BBTB Challenge and Blog Hop

2009-07-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share this weeks challenge because along with the challenge we have a blog hop for great candy and other free stuff...will explain in a bit.

This week the sweet and fabulous Regina from Bitten By the Bug challenged us to use the Man and Woman cut from the Going Places Cartridge. Several ideas popped in my head immediately but one really stuck...I pictured the world, people holding hands, and the word HOPE. So, when I finally sat down to work...it just came naturally. It took a lot of planning on my DS and about 7 pages for this card but it was truly worth every minute. Here it is...

Heal the World....let's make it a better place. I loved it!!! (yes, it is from the Michael Jackson song I just added the "let's") This happens to be one of my favorite songs from Michael and it was perfect wording for this card. It is up to us to make this world a better place, right?

Along with that, I wanted to share with you a wonderful post from the creator of the BBTB, Regina. On her page Hand to Paper Regina shares a inspiring story and shares one of her greatest gifts...her creativity. For a limited time Regina is giving away a beautiful set from the Cutting Cafe. A set of 12 great stamps for free!!!! Please make sure to stop by her blog for the free candy.... I promise you won't regret it :)

To add to that great news...This week the BBTB is having a BLOG HOP and a few of the designers are giving away some awesome blog candy....yummy!

So here is my blog candy...

OVER 100 YARDS OF RIBBON!!!!!
(Satin, Velvet, Organza, etc..)

All you have to do is leave me a comment and tell me how you store all your ribbon.
All my followers will get and extra entry and if you join our challenge I will add and extra little prize.

You will have until Thursday Night to leave a comment and on Friday I will use Random.org to pick the lucky winner!!! Easy, right?

Most importantly...Keep going!!!!

Make sure you hop on over to the OH SOOOO TALENTED JENNIFER and check out her great couple card and the yummy blog candy... Remember, if you get stuck along the way you can always go back to the BBTB and get the list of designers in the hop. Good luck!

HAPPY HOPPING!!! :)

So Sweet....BBTB Challenge

2009-07-19T22:15:00.000-07:00

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Ice Cream!!!!
Okay, here's the scoop (LOL) Our BBTB Challenge this week was to use the Ice Cream cone cut from the Indie Art Cartridge. How fun is that?
The hard part was choosing the flavors for my scoops of ice cream...so here it is...pistachio and cherries jubilee on a chocolate cone...yummy!

To make this card I used my Accucut machine to cut the tri-fold polka dot card...love these double-sided papers :) I cut the insert out of opal Stardream Paper and the whole ice cream cone is cut out of Bazzill Bling. I added some brown satin ribbon, a green prima flower and a glittered epoxy "So Sweet" sticker.
The best part of these challenges is using cuts I probably wouldn't use much...then I put them together and find out I will be making plenty of ice cream cone cards LOL....I actually cut out quite a few already :)
Don't forget to stop by the BBTB and check out all the yummy creations from the super talented designers....luv those girls :)
Have a great week!

Gone too long

2009-06-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

Just dropping a quick note to let you all know why I've been gone too long....I have so much to share with you and will try to update this week with all the good news in my life :)
I received a touching email today from a follower who was concerned with me being away...and no post for so long....and I just wanted to say I am ok I have just been very very busy....
But I will add that I was sick for over a week.... It started with what seemed like a pretty bad stomach ache....then some sort of stomach flu....but the pain was extreme. It seems I had a stomach Bacteria...
what is the difference?
Well, a bacteria can come from food that is not properly cooked, or sat at room temperature too long....it actually can come from millions of places but it seems that what I had came from food...yuck!!! Anyway, I was out of work for too many days...ended up going to ER.... I finally realized that what I was going through was too much....(vomiting blood) YIKES! It took me over a week to eat anything besides soup and ginger ale. It was soooo painful that I swore I would never eat again...LOL but that didn't last....I am now back to normal and eating everything LOL I guess I didn't learn a thing...

Anyway, I have so much to share with you all but will have to come back and do it soon...I need to take some pictures and then post my good news... :) take care... see ya soon

AND THE WINNER IS ...

2009-06-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!!! Thank you , Thank you, Thank you for all the beautiful comments and for being part of our BLOG HOP. It was so much fun and rewarding to have all of you join us.

Okay, so on to the good news....

After a long hour of putting my list together....giving an extra entry to those who participated in the challenge...and all my wonderful followers....the total number on my list was 172 ( I actually had to print it out to figure it out)LOL (took forever).....But I used random.org and the winnner is .....

NUMBER 80

Janis....you are my winner...WOO HOO!!!

Please contact me with your snail mail and I will send the candy your way :)

To everyone else...I wish I could send you all some candy :( but I am afraid I spend alot on crafts as it is LOL... A million thanks to you all and don't forget to check back with the BBTB this coming Monday for our new Challenge and for updates on more BLOG CANDY... HUGS TO ALL OF YOU...HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

Tinkerbell Mushroom and BBTB Blog Hop

2009-06-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Two exciting things to share with you today....a Cricut cut and a BBTB Blog Hop. I am so excited to share this weeks project with you because I really enjoyed putting this together. Our challenge for the BBTB was to use the Mushroom cut from the wonderful Tinker Bell Cartridge. I chose to do a shape card ...
Supplies used:

Tinkerbell Cricut Cartridge for Mushroom and Butterfly cut

My Mind's Eye Pattern paper "Pretty Please"

Swarovski Crystals

Prima Flowers

Buttons
I loved the colors in this paper collection and had it sitting on my work table for the right project...I think this was it..right?

Well, on to more exciting news...BBTB is having another great BLOG HOP with lots of goodies offered by the talented ladies from the design team. You should have arrived to my blog from
the wonderful DEEDEE...if you didn't make sure to click on her name and take a look at her wonderful project and blog candy.

Now, to share my blog candy with you.....

One lucky winner will win:
Cricut Embossing Sheets
Cricut Deep Cut Blades
And a Princess Acrylic Book

All you have to do is leave me a comment (don't forget to add your email address) and on Friday June 5Th I will use random.org to pick the lucky winner. NOTE: If you create a project for the BBTB Challenge I will give you an extra entry and ALL of my followers will also get an extra entry for the blog candy!!!!!

OKAY so now that you are done here.....DON'T Stop the HOP....Make sure to HOP on over to REGINA'S BLOG to check out her wonderful project and her blog candy.... Remember, if you get lost somewhere along the HOP click here and it will take you to the BBTB Blog that will have a list of the Designers in the HOP....
Plus you also want to make sure to stop by BBTB and enjoy the wonderful creations by the design team.

Good Luck to all of you...make sure to check back on Friday to find out who the lucky winner is....

Animal Kingdom Bookmark Challenge

2009-05-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a great 3 day weekend :) I know I really need the time off.

Guess what tomorrow is? BBTB Challenge day...YIPPEE!!!

This week our Challenge is to use the Bookmark cut from the Animal Kingdom Cartridge. I chose to stay within the Animal theme with my project. I love the Safari/Jungle theme and took it a step further than just a bookmark.

This is what I created....

I found a couple of goodies at Joann's that fit this them perfectly....the animal print pencils....a note pad and a journal. A bit of paper and embellishments and this turned into a cute little stationery gift set.

Here are a few close-up pictures....

First, we have the bookmark.

This is the cover I created for the notepad.

Here are the cute animal print pencils.

And last, we have a cute little journal.
This project was so much fun that I think I might be putting together some of those cute little bookmarks for some little friends of mine. It's a great little gift idea for that Safari lover in your life....I have just the right person for this little set.

I will try to comeback this week and post the list of supplies for this project. The list is pretty long and I want to make sure I give credit where credit is due :)

See ya later...

The Winner Is.....

2009-05-23T20:50:00.001-07:00

First, I would like to send a special "Thank you" to all the BBTB followers for leaving wonderful comments on my blog.

It is with great pleasure that I announce the winner of the Cutting Cafe Candy....

And the winner is.....
LEXI you are the lucky winner of the card folder from the Cutting Cafe!!!!

Lexi please send me your email address so that I may send you this great prize!!!

FYI....we will be having another HOP on June 1st please make sure to check back for the chance to win blog candy from some of the BBTB Designers...

Have a great weekend!!!

BBTB Blog Hop

2009-05-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to announce we are having another BBTB Blog Hop. This Blog Hop is extra special because one lucky winner will get Blog Candy sponsored by the Cutting Cafe. Our challenge this week was to pick one of Regina Easter's designs from the Cutting Cafe and create any project we wanted. In addition to the project we would also be using the Accent Blackout Frame from the StoryBook Cartridge. The hard part about this challenge was choosing from all the wonderful stamps and templates from the Cutting Cafe(don't forget to visit the site). BUT the best part about this challenge is that the winner of the Cutting Cafe Blog Candy will receive the file I chose for my challenge.
My project is the Greeting Card folder...
The folder has to pockets inside that hold the greeting cards.

One pocket holds the greeting cards and the other one holds the envelopes.Well, How do you win this wonderful blog candy?
Just leave me a comment and on Saturday, May 23 I will use random.org to randomly generate the number of the lucky winner.

BUT, the fun doesn't stop here...
HOP on over to JEN'S BLOG and check
out her wonderful project and blog candy from the Cutting Cafe.

Don't forget to visit the Cutting Cafe to see the projects the designers created using the same Greeting card folder. Lots of beautiful creative ideas....the possibilities are endless....

Happy Monday!!!

More Baby Shower projects

2009-05-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!!! I apologize for taking such a long time to post. Things have been really busy around (I mean REALLY BUSY) and its been really hard to post all the things I've been working on. I am hoping after three very busy weeks I will now have time to read my favorite blogs and catch up. Wishful thinking :)
On my last post I mentioned I would be busy putting together some presents for another Baby Shower (for the same friend). But before you go on to looking at my pics I do want to mention that I am grateful to have pics of these items but they are not the best quality (NOT AT ALL) It is very hard to get good lighting at three o'clock in the morning when I was trying to put these together...

The first item I want to show you is the fleece blanket I made for her.... I love to give these blankets and people looooove to receive them too. They are super easy to make and the best blankets ever!!! well I think so :)

The second project is a set of 5 wood letters that spell out the Baby's name "ALEXA"
I absolutely fell in love with these letters and the color combination too. This is a picture of the complete set of letters but if you continue to scroll down you will see a close up picture of each letter. Again, I apologize for the picture quality.

The first picture of this set shows the bottom part of the box I created to display the letters. It was pretty simple to make and it adds such a wonderful touch to the project. The next few pictures are of the outside of the box and the embellishments I used.

The third project I was working on last night was a Diaper Cake. I love putting these together and personalizing them by color scheme or nursery theme. These are so much fun but truly time consuming. The picture below was taken before the cake was wrapped with cellophane...I ran out of time for picture taking and I was unable to take a picture of the completed project...sorry

Ok after all this hard work I am happy with the outcome and happy to get it over with :)

I am hoping to get other projects posted soon that are not baby related LOL...just kidding

I really need some time to create for fun...I got lots of new cartridges, embellishments, dies , etc that I would love to work with....so come back soon I should have more to post this week...

Baby Shower Pictures

2009-05-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I hosted a Baby Shower in honor of a very good friend of mine, Ivette.
A while back I posted a picture of what I had in mind for her Baby Shower invites.
Here is the picture...

This is a picture of my backyard before anyone arrived...I am bad at taking pictures when the party is actually going on...can't do everything on my own. My hunny usually does that for me and well this was a girly event and he couldn't be there.
These are the centerpieces for the tables....My mom put these together, she loves to sew...I get the creativity part from her.

We had a complete sugar buffet... (that's my brother looking at all the yummy treats)

I put together a candy buffet (create your own party favor)...

We also had a dessert buffet...(pudding cups, cheesecakes, flan and rice pudding) Very Yummy!!

Ivette's mom brought these....(made out of marshmallows)

A good friend of her family, made these...

I didn't want to post any pictures of the guest because I don't have permission to do so :) but I did want to share what we put together. I didn't have a chance to take pictures of the things I made for her baby but we will be having another Baby Shower for her (at work) next week and I have a few cute things to share.
Baby Alexa received so many outfits...that she will have to wear three or more outfits a day to go through all that...LOL

A gift for mom...BBTB Challenge

2009-05-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are ready for Monday....

I like Mondays now because it means the BBTB Challenge will post and I will get to see the wonderful creativity from the designers and the BBTB followers.

This weeks challenge was to use the flower and vase cut plus the "mom" cut from the Beyond Birthdays Cartridge. I decided to make another gift for mom project. My inspiration for this box were those three Victoria Secret hand creams you can see inside.

I created the box template using my ScorPal. Measurements for the box are 8 1/4" X 7 1/2" X 2 1/4 ". It also has an insert with 3 holes that hold the 3 creams.

Supplies used:

Basic Grey - Urban Prairie
Stardream cardstock
Ribbon
Gems
Clear acetate sheet
Cuttlebug embossing folder
prima flowers
gem brads

Hope you enjoyed... see ya tomorrow as I will be posting a few pics from the Baby Shower I hosted for a friend of mine this weekend. Cute stuff you have to see...

And the winner for the Blog Candy is....

2009-05-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

After using Random.org ....
The true random number generator gave me the number: 76

Nancy Sanders you are the winner!!!!

Please send me your snail mail so I can get these goodies off to you ASAP :)

I want to send a special Thank you to everyone for showing the BBTB lots of love. We all loved the idea of this hop and can't wait to do it again. Thank you to everyone for posting wonderful comments on my blog and wishing me good luck with my new adventure on the BBTB team.
This was such a fun week!!!

My first Bitten By the Bug Challenge + Blog Candy Hop

2009-04-26T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone....The time is finally here...I can share some exciting news with you!!!!

As you know, I entered a contest over at Bitten By the Bug last month. Not only did I win the contest for the beautiful necklace but it opened a wonderful door for me.

Regina (creator of BBTB) has offered me the opportunity to be part of her group of very talented designers...Isn't that exciting? I am truly honored to be part of her team and look forward to these great challenges we get all a month.

Well, to start of my new adventure with the BBTB design team I will show you my very first challenge today AND I will be giving away some BLOG CANDY.....Yes, you read right...one of you lucky bloggers will get some fun blog candy.

So let's start with the challenge over at BBTB...

Regina asked the team to use the Border feature on any cut from the DoodleCharms Cartridge. I chose the "bag" cut and this is what I created....

My head ran around in circles with this challenge... I thought of many things I could do and at one point couldn't decide what I should put together..lol
Then I thought that it would be nice to create something for Mother's Day...a card + the gift...

Each one of those little gift bags holds a nice little gift card for mom...how cute.. don't you think?Wouldn't it be nice to get one of these with gift cards to our favorite places to shop? This particular card is holding a Starbucks card...a Nordstroms card and a Borders Card....I think I would prefer Michael's and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Michael's....LOL yes I meant to put M's in there twice..

To make my project I used a sheet of Black Bazzill cut twice with the bag border design. I used the sewing machine to join them together and create the pockets. The pattern paper is by BoBunny ( Alissa Look At Me). Lots of ribbon (Dots and Dashes) I bought at M's. I added quite a few prima flowers, and lot of bling (swarovski crystals) and a button or two. I added some tissue paper to the gift cards and my project was done. It was truly easier than it looks :) I really like that I can use this cut/project for so many different occasions.

Now for the BLOG CANDY...yummy

One lucky blogger will win:

BoBunny Purse Board Book (great to decorate with pics for mom)

Soft Spoken Embellishments -MOM

Phrase Cafe epoxy stickers - MOM

Versa Magic Dew Drop Chalk ink set-Pastels

Basic Grey 6x6 Gypsy Paper pad

Inkadikado Clear Stamps- Chelsea Alphabet

If you would like to enter for the Blog Candy giveaway you need to:

Leave a comment on my blog (under this entry) Pretty easy right?

BUT guess what? The fun doesn't stop here...Please head on over to Shelly's blog here for a chance to win more BLOG CANDY.

Then head on over to BBTB and check out all the wonderful projects these creative ladies came up with for the weekly challenge... Are you still here?...Go,go, go!!!!
The winner will be chosen by random using Random.org and will be announced on my blog this coming Saturday (May 2nd)
Good luck to all of you!!!

Crazy for Ladybugs

2009-04-24T00:25:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy busy...that's what I've been. I ran around all week non stop and I still have sooooo much to do. But I wanted to post one of many things I have been working on this week.

I created two samples (working on the third) for a customer of mine that wanted ladybug invitations for her daughter's 1st birthday. I always try to create at least 3 samples to give them options on styles and price range. The colors were black, white and red so this is what I came up with...

The customer had the idea of what she wanted it to look like...ladybug shaped card with wings that would open to display a picture of her daughter...and the information to be placed in the back part of the ladybug...
I wish had a picture to place in there to show how it would look all done....and I forgot to take a picture of the back part...sorry

I created the ladybug using the Design Studio, Doodlecharms Cartridge and Home Decor Cartridge. The Doodlecharms cartridge has a ladybug already but I wasn't to sure that's what I was looking for so I made my own. I simply merged a circle and oval together for the body and added the flourish swirls on the ladybugs head....very simple. I cut a circle in red for the wings and trimmed the off the top. I cut the red circle in half and embossed using the Cuttlebug embossing plate. The spots were cut with a punch and embossed with the Cuttlebug plate. A couple of brads, some prima flowers and crystals and the project is done....oh and the scalloped circles.
The second card is completely different... It was created using my favorite diecut template from my Accucut machine. Here it is....

Maybe a bit fancy for a first birthday but I really like this card and it was very easy to make. Like I said, the cut is from Accucut...the scalloped rectangle inside is from spellbinders. The red swirl was cut using a Storybook Cartridge swirl (altered a bit on DS) The papers used are Stardream and Doodlebug. To finish off a bit of ribbon, a diecut flower (2 times) and a diecut ladybug....easy!! LOL
I will be back tomorrow with the third sample and I will let you know which one she chose...Which one did you like?

Well, off to bed I go...it's time for me to get some sleep...Yikes its 1:00 a.m. here...and I wonder why I am so tired at work...lol..goodnight!!

Another BBTB Contest

2009-04-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!!! I hope everyone is having a wonderful day full of family and friends.

After a whole week off it is with great sadness that I go back to work tomorrow....just kidding!!! I truly enjoyed my week off with my kiddos. Not much time for crafting but I did have lots of time with my boys :) I did spend some of my week working on baby invites and wedding invites and a cake or two...but not much to post. Sorry :(

BUT today I worked on a card for the next contest up on BBTB..you can see it here...

The rules stated to use a cut from a Cricut cartridge and some ribbon on the project and this is what I came up with..

I am in love...with my hunny of course...but also with my Design Studio..OMG...I just couldn't believe the endless possibilities with it.

I took too many pictures of this card and couldn't get one that would captures all the bling on this card so.... I took it outside and took some pics outside too....not much better... you have to see this IRL :(

It will be hard to explain how this all came together but I will try my best...

Cartridges used:

Happily Ever After (crown welded to the scallop border upside down)(horse)

Joys of the Season ( tree welded to the scallop border)

Paper Doll Dress up (princess accessories)

Plantin SchoolBook (scallop border)

Home Accents (pole for carousel horse)

Paper used: Tiffany's by We R Memory Keepers

Other items: Ribbon, Prima flowers, swarovski crystals (lots) Memento Inks

I love this project but don't think I could ever pull it together again...it took a loooooong time.

I really enjoy these challenges/contest given by BBTB it really puts my brain to work.

I hope you enjoyed and I really hope you have a great rest of your weekend...See ya later