Paper, Glitter, Stamps

My very first Saturated Canary Card

2012-02-05T14:31:00.000-06:00

I am super excited for this post. I love, love all the cards I have been seeing using images from Saturated Canary. They are the sweetest images! I was on Etsy last night shopping for some and some other fan bought the last one she had posted that I wanted for my daughter's birthday invites. This morning Krista added more so I purchase several. She also has a free one posted so that is what I played with last night. It's available here! She's my first and I really like how this card came out. Challenge #10 at the Saturated Canary Challenge blog is the colors "red, pink and white".

No patterned paper on this one. I added splashes of red to her skirt and also the twine. I don't think I've ever used lace on a card before but you can see it peeking out on this one. Flowers are Prima and Spare Parts. Pearls are also Prima. Sentiment is MSE and reads "You Thrill Me!". She's colored with Copics. I think she turned out pretty well.

I'd also like to enter this in the following challenges:

2 Sister's Challenge - #77 colors red, pink and white
Addicted to Stamps Challenge - #23 Valentines/Love
Sentimental Sundays Challenge - #88 Feel the Love
Card Positioning Systems - Day 4 sketch for their Anniversary celebration

Would love to hear what you think! Off to do some cooking for the Super Bowl party at the neighbors house! Have a wonderful Sunday evening!

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenges has love in the air!

2012-02-05T05:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Sunday all! The challenge this fortnight is Valentine's Day. That's right we want to see your projects full of love. Our sponsors this fortnight are One Stop Card Crafts and Joanna Sheen. I choose to use a stamp from a Stampin Up set that reminds me of the Valentine's from when I was a kid. I also added a couple of non traditinoal colors. Punch is MS punch around the page but I dont' know the name of it. Card size is 5 1/2" square.

Thanks for stopping by! Now go get crafting so we can see all your wonderful creations!

Hugs

Carrie

Paper Storage

2012-01-23T21:12:00.000-06:00

It only took about 12 hrs to tear down/reconfigure but my paper racks are up and ready to be loaded (just not tonight). They are a 13" wire mesh squares coated in plastic. I use handy dandy zip ties to hold it all together. Let me tell you that my fingers are in pretty sore after 300ish zip ties. Tomorrow night I'll load paper. I'm always looking for storage ideas so thought I'd share one of mine.

Hugs
Carrie

A New Hip = A New Life

2012-01-22T20:02:00.000-06:00

I've had these pictures for awhile from when my husband had his hip replaced. I knew I wanted to document it as his life was pretty miserable for many years. His hip was bone on bone. I can't imagine how he survived the pain. I didn't share all of the pages with you because most folks don't want to see the incision and staples. It was pretty ugly.

I'd like to enter this at Frosted Designs. The challenge was to use vellum, acrylic or transparency. I've used several smaller transparencies. On the cover of the album is a butterfly, around the hospital bed is a green vine frame and in the last pic is a transparency with brackets. Had lots of fun on the blog hop. I only wish Blogger had been more cooperative as I couldn't leave comments on everyone's pics. Everyone had fab creations!

Time to wind down and get ready to start another week at work. Have a great one everybody!

Hugs
Carrie

Nuts About U

2012-01-22T05:00:00.005-06:00

I have been talking for a while now about moving my scrapbooking/crafting room into my son's bedroom that is much larger. He's in college and only home for holidays and maybe every other month for a weekend visit. Well, I finally did it. I moved him to a slightly smaller room that I had been using as a spare room for when my 4yo nephew comes to visit. My nephew got moved to my old scrapbook room. Needless to say I've been busy rotating furniture. Last weekend I got a new tv and mount that DH put up for me. I'm getting close and it feels good to be able to sit down and craft. Tomorrow I move the paper rack and that's about it til DH builds me some shelves in the closet. Enough of my ramblings on to the rest of the post.

It's time for a new challenge at Dream Valley Challenges. I hope you all had fun last week with the Anything Goes Challenges! This time around the challenge is Animals. The prize this week will be a "suprise" from our founder Melly. I have no doubt it will be wonderful. I decided to combine my animal with Valentine's Day. No stamping this time. I have my cricut setup again after the move so I put it to work.

I used my gypsy to weld the background and create a shape card. I used my white gel pen to jazz him up just a bit. I think my little nephew will like this one. I thought he turned out pretty cute.

I'd also like to enter this in the following challenges:
Whimsical Design - Anything Goes
Send a Smile 4 Kids - Anything Goes
Phindys Place - Shape Cards
Craft Us Crazy - Valentine's Day and Animal

Now off with you to get crafting. Can't wait to see all your wonderful Animal creations at DVC. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!

Hugs
Carrie

Happy New Year!

2012-01-08T08:07:00.000-06:00

It feels like I have been gone forever! It was a busy holiday season and I stepped away to devote all my time to my family! We are back today with a new challenges at Dream Valley Challenges with our 1st challenge of the year. This fortnight it's Anything Goes. I haven't done a scrapbook page in what seems like ages so that's what I choose to do.

I just hate winter time and having to get a good picture inside. I'm gonna have to break down and get some kind of lightbox I do believe. I digress. This is a school pic of my DD from 2 years ago. I am working on her album so it's ready for graduation in a couple of years. I used my Cricut for the lace background in lavendar and the word Beautiful. There's some Prima flowers and bling. I love the sparkle. It shines like she does!

Thanks for stopping by and make sure you go link up a creation at Dream Valley Challenges because "Anything Goes"! Have a great Sunday and can't wait to see all of your wonderful creations!

Hugs
Carrie

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2011-12-05T20:20:00.000-06:00

A huge thank you for all the wonderful comments you left me this past weekend during the Christmas Cards Blog Hop! Also welcome to all my new followers. I am so glad you all stopped by. I will be trying to get all of your blogs over the next week or so. Bear with me! It's getting to be that time of year and finding time to be leisurely surfing the net isn't easy to come by! Enough of my babbling on... that's not why you stopped by right!

On to the winner of the candy from the blog hop! I used Random Org and the lucky gal is #6 Tonya from Itty Bitty Lady Bugs. Congrats Tonya!

Please email me your details - cau0617 at yahoo dot com

Hope everyone has a great rest of your week and be sure to stop back on Sunday for the last challenge of the year at Dream Valley Challenges.

Hugs
Carrie

It's a Blog Hop!!!

2011-12-03T10:06:00.002-06:00

Good morning my bloggy friends! I am so excited today because I am a part of the Christmas Cards Blog Hop over at Creations with Becka . We have an exciting line up of ladies who have all created Christmas cards to give you ideas of homemade cards you can all make to send to your friends and family this holiday season. So to start off, if you came from Gloria, than you are in the right place. If you just stopped by to say Hi, please start from the beginning of the hop over at Creations with Becka. Make sure you go through the whole hop and comment on each blog so you are eligible for the grand prize blog candy Becka is giving away.

WOW, can you believe it is December already? This year seems to have flown by. Christmas will be here in 4 weeks, crazy right! I still have so much to do, buy gifts, decorate the house, hang lights and then the baking. But at least I am ahead on one thing, Christmas Cards…and hopefully after finishing the blog hop we have inspired you and have given you ideas on your Christmas cards you want to make for you family and friends this year.

I always get Christmas cards in the mail up until Christmas and even some after Christmas from the late senders, but most of the cards I receive are store bought, none of them have the special feeling when you open them like “WOW someone really put a lot of time and effort into this” and that is why I like to make my own cards. I think it just adds that WOW factor and gives the person you are sending it to the feeling of you really care and you took the time to make the cards.

Without further ado, here is my card for the hop:

Now for the details...

The card is 5.25" square

That super cute penguin and his igloo are from Create a Critter cricut cartridge. The penquin was cut at 3" and the igloo was 2.5".

The background paper of trees is from Bella Blvd

The green hill was just a free had cut to make the igloo standout a bit better.

Sentiment is from My Sentiments Exactly and the set is Handwritten.

Last but certainly not least the light string is from TPC Studios. I wish I could tell you for sure where I got it but I would bet money it was Michael's or JoAnn's.

I do have blog candy. I do not have a picture of it yet but I can tell you that it is a fabulous grouping of butterfly embellishments including bling and charms. I'm sure you'll love it! They are some of my favorite things. To be eligible just leave a comment on this post. I'd also love to have you as a follower but it is not required to win the candy!

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today, your next stop is Julie K. Talk about blog candy- and how to win it. Don’t forget to leave a comment on every post to be eligible for the grand prize blog candy.

In case you get lost along the way here is a complete list of the stops

1 Becka http://creationswithbecka.blogspot.com/

2 Oma Gloira http://omascrafts.blogspot.com/

3 Carrie Uhing http://paperglitterstamps.blogspot.com/ - You are Here

4 Julie K http://jk-littlebitofbling.blogspot.com/ - Your next Stop

5 Heather Howard http://handmadebyhh.blogspot.com/

6 Sherry http://macybella.blogspot.com/

7 Tracy http://owlbecraftin.blogspot.com/

8 Dana Tarchala http://danascraftycorner.blogspot.com/

9 Beckie Woodall http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com/

10 Tanya Adams http://nonnascraftcorner.blogspot.com/

11 Melissa Todd http://createdbymissie.blogspot.com/

12 Jamie Larson http://babyjaydensmommy.blogspot.com/

13 Lisa Grave http://lisa-scrappingspot.blogspot.com/

14 Anna Bee http://annabeedesigns.blogspot.com/

Hugs
Carrie

I'm finally getting into the Christmas spirit!

2011-11-27T06:00:00.001-06:00

Just in time for a new challenge at Dream Valley Challenges. The new challenge is "Sparkle". Who doesn't love some sparkle this time of year! I bought some super cute little digital stamps of elves over at Make it Crafty. Aren't they just adorable!

I tried to get a close up in that last one of the sparkly lights but it's not very clear. I also colored the bells on his hat with a glitter pen over the grey marker. I colored the image with copics. I also used misc cardstocks. The sentiment is a clear stamp from My Sentiments Exactly.

Can't wait to see your sparkly creations. Go check out the rest of the creations by the DT and link up your creations!

Lastly make sure you check out the DT call too! Are you interested in joining us? Link up your name on the DT call post!

Hugs and hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Carrie

DT call

2011-11-20T21:18:00.000-06:00

Interested in being on a great design team? Dream Valley Challenges is having a DT call now. We love crafts of all types, stamping, scrapbooking, jewelry making just to name a few. We are an eclectic group of crafters. Head over there and link up for the call.

Hugs and Happy Thanksgiving should I not post again before then!
Carrie

Red and White

2011-11-13T06:00:00.007-06:00

It's time for another DT creation for the newest challenge at Dream Valley Challenges. Challenge #20 is Stitching. Now I will be the first to admit that sewing machines and I don't see eye to eye. I was taught to so when I was a kid and a few years ago got a sewing maching for Christmas. I can do simple mending but putting paper to it just doesn't work. My mom and sister have the sewing gene. Both are quilters but there's not a chance you'll see me taking up that hobby anytime in the foreseeable future. I'll stick to my paper, thanks very much. I do plan to take over a different room for my scrapbooking. My son is off in college and comes home maybe 1x per month. I think I am going to move his furniture to a smaller room so I can have the big one. It is my intention once that happens to keep the sewing machine out all the time on it's own table. Maybe if it is looking at me I'll be forced to practice. Until then, this will have to do. I love the sparkling red thread. I haven't yet decided if I want to use this for a wedding or Christmas so I haven't added a sentiment yet.

This card was handstitched using a brass template that had areas you could emboss and others you could pierce and then go back and stitch. The dots are hard to see but they are made with a glitter pen pushing it down thru a hole in the template.

You'll have to excuse the crappy pictures. It seems that unless I get a card done between 11am-1pm it's dark out. I really dislike these short days! I snuck away to do some shopping today while DH and DD were both working. It was so nice to shop alone at my pace and look at what I want without sighs coming from behind me. That made my card late getting done, hence the bad pictures.

I'd like to also enter this in the following challenges:
2 Sisters Challenge Blog - anything goes
Creative Inspirations - Stitching
Creative Belli Challenges - Paper Piercing
Incy Wincy Designs -Stitching

I did find several things while out. I picked up a few pieces of 12x12 paper, a new craft mat, a Martha Stewart punch around the page set and some wonderful Rachel Ray ramekins. I can't wait to use them tomorrow. For those not familar with Rachel Ray she has a cooking show on the Food Network here in the states called 30 minute meals. She has a line of very fun casserole dishes. I didn't have any individual baking dishes and these were on sale 20% off and I had another 30% off on top of it. I couldn't say no!

Enough of my babbling. Head on over to Dream Valley Challenges to see the rest of the wonderful creations from the DT and check out the prize up for grabs. I can't wait to see all your stitching creations.

Hugs
Carrie

Cricut Couple is celebrating 500 followers

2011-11-11T20:16:00.000-06:00

In case you haven't heard, the Cricut Couple is celebrating 500 followers this month. To celebrate they are giving away some prizes including a Cricut Cake Mini. Be sure to go check out their blog. They are very talented and posting lots of ideas thru November 17th.

Hugs
Carrie

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge

2011-11-01T21:18:00.000-05:00

Great sketch this time around at The Sweetest Thing (ok they always are) so I had a go at it with using one of my steampunk digi's from Sassy Studio Designs.

Patterned papers are from the DCWV Stack Black Currant. I used a Stampin' Up set (Artifacts maybe?) to stamp some background image on the white cardstock.

Would love to hear what you think. I really am starting to like this steampunk look. Very unique!

Hugs
Carrie

Last one for tonight

2011-10-31T22:24:00.000-05:00

but check back tomorrow because I have at least one more to post. I've had this Acorn stamps for a long time. It's part of a Unity Stamp set. This is one of the smallest stamps in the set and I was excited to finally ink it up.

A different angle so you can see the shadow box or frame effect.

This fits severals different challenges:

Craft Your Days Away - Autumn/Fall
Just Us Girls - Decorated/Altered Frame
Card Makin Mamas - Die Cut (green leaves)
Basic Grey Challenges - Anything Goes (patterned paper - Mellow)
Stamptacular Sunday - Borders and Frames

Past my bedtime. Talk to you all tomorrow.

Hugs
Carrie

Ruff Day

2011-10-31T22:05:00.000-05:00

Gosh I was so busy yesterday making cards for challenges which never seems to be something that I have time to do. Of course, by the time I was done it was much too dark to get any pictures hence the postings a day later.

This cute little image from Kenny K is again one I've had for eons and never used. It took me a bit to come up with a sentiment but I think this works.

I colored the image with colored pencils. Poor puppy!

I'd like to enter this at The Sweet Stop SSS132.

Hugs
Carrie

Old Timer

2011-10-31T21:53:00.000-05:00

I've had this image for a long time and finally decided to put it to work. I created this for a certain gentleman that isn't getting any younger these days.

And the inside

I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:

Birthday Sundaes - Birthday Card
Sunday Sketch and Stamp - #79 Sketch

I did make a small adjustment to the sketch but the basic concept is there. I do hope it is acceptable :)

Happy Halloween!

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenge #19 - Anything Goes

2011-10-30T07:00:00.005-05:00

Yes you heard me right! The current challenge at Dream Valley Challenges is "Anything Goes" Head on over and link up anything you make this week be it a card, layout, jewelry, home decor project, etc. Now remember there is a 3 entry limit to help the DT not get too overwhelmed with projects to look thru! Here is the card I made.

*All patterened papers are from the Black Currant paperstack by DCWV

*Steampunk Amelia in Frame Digi Stamp is from Sassy Studio Designs - unfortunately she is no longer available. She was a freebie for their 500 follower celebration at Paper Craft Planet.

*Happy Birthday Ticket was a freebie image that I accidentally saved without the name of the place I got it from. Darn it! If anyone recognizes it please leave me a comment so I can give them credit for it.

I'd also like to enter this at:

Charisma Cardz - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamps - Anything Goes

Head over to Dream Valley Challenges to check out the rest of the wonderful creations from the rest of DT. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Hugs

Carrie

Fussy & Fancy Friday Challenge

2011-10-23T19:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday evening! This card was created using on of the free Steampunk Frames from the celebration that Sassy Studio Designs had last week for reaching 500 followers. I promised to show more and here is Steampunk Victoria in a frame. I created this for the Fussy & Fancy Challenge, 3 B's. The challenge was to use Black, Bling and a Border punch.

Obviously you can find the black. The border punch was used on the pink dot cs. In addition to rhinestones outlinging the border punch, the pink cs is foiled and the cogs on her hat/brooch are colored with a glitter pen for plenty of bling! This is my first time at this challenge blog but I liked the challenge so thought I'd give it a try!

Hugs
Carrie

Sassy Studio Designs Progressive Challenge - #4

2011-10-23T19:25:00.001-05:00

It's the last leg of the progressive challenge. This challenge was to use Steampunk Vivian in Anything Goes. Before I get to my card, I just want to say "Thank you" to Sassy Studio Designs. All 8 of this images were free to celebrate 500 followers. How incredibly generous of them. They were available thru their group on Paper Craft Planet. This is the 4th Steampunk that you have seen here but there were also Steampunk ladies in frames too. I have been creating with them and you'll start seeing them this week. Without further ado, let me introduce you to Steampunk Vivian.

Here is a close up of my embellishment. They are little washer things (something out of the garage). Inside each I placed a black rhinestone.

I'd like to enter this in these additional challenges:

Paper Sundaes #92 Sundae Bar - I used black, sparkle and distressing around my image
Birthday Sundaes #32 - Color challenge using purple, green, black and white

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs
Carrie

Sassy Studio Designs Progressive Challenge

2011-10-21T18:03:00.001-05:00

We are on Sassy Steampunk #3 and her name is Victoria. The challenge this time at Sassy Studio Designs is create a Victorian card. That is a toughy. I hope this will be considered Victorian. I created a shape card using Cricut Cart Sophie. I thought it felt the part. Did a little inking and added a bow and flowers.

Hope every one has or had a great Friday evening depending on your location!

Hugs
Carrie

New cardmaking record

2011-10-19T21:54:00.003-05:00

So I had Sassy Steampunk Amelia to work with on the progressive challenge at Sassy Studio Designs. Thankfully I had her colored last night. At 20 min. to deadline I started on the card and this post. I got her linked up with 3 minutes to spar. Whew. Wasn't how I had it planned but I had to make 48 cupcakes tonight that I forgot about.

Lavendar paper is has a sheen to it, not quite glitter but very pretty. The requirements in addition to using Steampunk Amelia was to include a clock and/or cogs. There is a clock on the bicycle which was a freebie from, Beyond the Fringe. There are cogs in the corner, well actually they are some kind of washer from the garage. Don't tell DH. As you can see I cut out Amelia and pop dotted her. Oh, I also got brave last night and tried out the Copics on her. Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be :)

Hope you enjoy my card. I'll definitely have more time for the next one!

Hugs
Carrie

Sassy Studio Designs Progressive Challenge

2011-10-17T19:12:00.002-05:00

Sassy Studio Designs is celebrating 500 followers by giving away images if you participate in their progressive challenge. The 1st image is called Steampunk Josephine. There is still time left. You have until 8pm PDT to download the image and create a project using metal embellishments. There will be a new image for those that participate in this challenge, 4 images total and a random drawing for SSD images. Love this image. I am just getting my 1st exposure to steampunk and it's so much fun. Here is my take on Miss Steampunk Josephine

Lighting is not very good so I also took a couple of close up pics too.

These metal embellishments are ancient. They have teeth on the back to push thru the paper and then bend down to hold in place. They seemed to fit the card though and I used up stash :) Yeah for me! DH would be so pleased to know I used up what I had and didn't buy more! Patterened paper is also and old scrap. Used TH distress ink (old paper) on image so it wasn't such a stark white.

Image was colored with colored pencils. I don't trust myself with copis yet on something this detailed. Just not there yet. It's hard to see but the hardware in the image (buckles, buttons, etc) were touched with a glitter pen for a little extra pop.

I'd also like to enter this in Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - anything goes

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs
Carrie

Halloween Mini - Pic heavy!

2011-10-17T06:00:00.003-05:00

I have been on a make my own album kick. My sister has a 4yo son (my nephew) so she ended up getting the albums that I'll be posting this week. My kids are 15 and 18yo so not much use for these particular styles. I will be making more and more age appropriate for my kids! The 1st mini this week is for Halloween since it is just around the corner.

I see a few of the photos have shadows from my big head! Sorry about that. I'd retake them but the album has already move to it's new home in Missouri.

Paper collection that I used for the whole album was Recollection - Midnight Magic. Other products used are paper bags, cardstock, chipboard and duck (yes duck) tape. There a several cricut cuts from Happy Hauntings also included.

This album is made from paperbags but not in the way most would think of . I learned a new technique from Kathy at Paper Phenomenon. She creates some amazing projects. You need to check out her blog if you haven't already.

There are so many nooks and crannies to add pictures and journaling. It's very difficult to capture with a camera. Almost need to video tape the walk thru but I don't have a camcorder. Sorry!

Hope you enjoy the album!

Hugs
Carrie

Pumpkin Magic

2011-10-16T09:52:00.002-05:00

Good Sunday morning everyone! It's time for a new challenge at Dream Valley Challenges. The new challenge for the next fortnight is Halloween. Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday! My kids are older now so no more trick or treating. I do have a 4 yr old nephew that lives in another state that I get send gifts to. The card I made goes with his package.

Recipe

Image - Robyn's Fetish

Orange CS - Bo Bunny dot

Purple CS - scrap

Copics

Our sponsor for this challenge is Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps. One lucky winner will get 5 digital images. Now everyone get to work on those Halloween cards and don't forget to pop over Dream Valley Challenges to see all the other creations from the DT. They are all wonderful and creative!

I'd also like to enter this in the following challenges

Paper Sundaes - Halloween
Craft Your Days Away - Halloween colors
Freshly Brewed Challenges - Pumpkin
Card Makin Mamas - Halloween
Simon Says Stamps Challenge - Halloween/Goth

Thanks for stopping by and please check back later this week. I'll be posting 3 different mini albums that I created. They are pretty cool if I do say so myself.

Hugs
Carrie

Challenge #17 - Monochromatic

2011-10-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

It's time for a new challenge at Dream Valley Challenges. This fortnight the challenge is to create a monochromatic project. This challenge is being sponsored by One Stop Card Crafts. I choose to use green for my card. Green has been quickly fading away around here with the colder fall temps. I wanted to hang on to it just a bit longer!

My picture is a bit grainy I see. Sorry about that. My camera battery is dead and I was running late and had to use my phone. I'll get my battery charged and get a better pic up in a little while.

Pop over to Dream Valley Challenges to see all the rest of the details and start on your creation! There also quite a few DT creations to check out for inspiration. All the ladies made wonderful creations in varying styles so there is something to appeal to just about everyone! Have a great Sunday!

Hugs
Carrie

DT call - check it out

2011-09-22T16:20:00.002-05:00

Crafty Cardmakers is under new management and looking for DT members. Head over to Crafty Cardmakers to check out all the details. Lin is great to work with as I am on the Dream Valley Challenges DT with her. Good luck if you submit!

Hugs
Carrie

Button Button Who's Got the Button.....

2011-09-18T18:56:00.000-05:00

The challenge this fortnight at Dream Valley Challenges is buttons. Yep, just incorporate buttons into your paper creation and link it up. I decided to use my new cricut cart called Sophie to make my card.

I layered some plastic purple flowers in varying shades over top the flowers on the cut. The tiniest little purple flowers are buttons as is the glittery butterfly. The butterfly had a shank on the back that I had to clip off.

Details
Purple cardstock - Archivers
Green Dot cardstock - BoBunny
buttons and flowers - my stash, had forever so could say who made them
Stamped Sentiment - MSE, Handwritten
Punch - EK Success (deco flower?)

And here is a picture of the inside using the punch.

Be sure to head over to Dream Valley Challenges and see all the other creations that the DT put together for you. I can't wait to see what you all create!

Hugs
Carrie

I received the Butterfly Award

2011-09-03T20:00:00.000-05:00

I received the Butterfly Award from Laura at PVCreations 2010. A big Thanks to you Laura! There are several questions that I have to answer about myself and then share the award with 10 other fabulous bloggers.

1) Name your favorite color? - Navy Blue

2) Name your favorite song? - It's My Life - Bon Jovi

3) Name your favorite dessert? - ice cream with my homemade chocolate sauce

4) What wizzes you off at the moment? idiot drivers, you know the ones that can't go the speed limit, don't know what a turn signal is or my favorite the ones that cut you off. Thankfully I live in a small town but hate going to the city anymore. I'm getting old

5) Your favorite pet? - Brownie the chocolate lab I grew up with

6) Black or White? - Depends. They both have their place

7) Your biggest fear? - I'm not the best mom I could be

8) Best Feature? - my hugs

9) Everyday attitude? - another day another dollar so I have toys to play with when I come home :)

10) What is perfection? a freshly mowed lawn, 78 degrees, sun, a good book and a lounge chair. oh and definitely NO mosquitos

11) Guilty Pleasure? - purses

12) When you're upset you, Shop or Eat? depends on where I am. Not much shopping in this small town so if I am out and about shopping. If I'm home then eating.

Now on to 10 of my favorite bloggers to visit

Sara - Daisy Dreams
Diana - Daisy Love Creations
Cherly - Dragonfly Designs
Tracey - Garden of Grace
LMD - LMD Stampin
Linda - My Creative Playground
Candace - My Passion for Scrappin
Shannon - My Scrappy Creations
Maquel - Paper Maine-iac
Shari - Pickled Memories

You ladies are all wonderfully talented and your projects serve as an inspriration to me!

Hugs

Carrie

Remainder of the Christmas Planner

2011-08-21T18:46:00.000-05:00

You may remember several weeks ago that I made a Christmas planner for a blog hop I was in. I was asked about finishing the inside and finally had some time to do that. Visit this post to see the finishing touches!

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenges #14 - Color Challenge

2011-08-21T07:00:00.002-05:00

Challenge time at Dream Valley Challenges. This time the challenge is a color combo and boy I found this one to be tough. The colors are yellow, orange and green. I really had to work for this one. I went thru all my papers and couldn't find any with just those colors. I think I pulled it off in the end. I made this as a pep talk card for DD.

The image is from Stitchy Bear Stamps and is called Steampunk Fairy. I thought the image was stunning though I was a bit intimidated to color it. Dotted cardstocks are Bo Bunny. Sentiment is by MSE. I used me EK Success punch on the orange cardstock under the image. I believe it's called Deco Flower.

I'd also like to enter this in Flutter By Wednesday #167 - punches

Be sure to stop over at Dream Valley Challenges to see the rest of the DT's creations and then get to work on your entry!

Hugs
Carrie

Project B.A.M. (Book About Me)

2011-08-20T14:16:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you how excited I am to finally be able to post this project. I stumbled across this project over at Paper Phenomenon and absolutely fell in love. I debated for a long time before purchasing the kit. It was a chunk of change, then it sold out. I was in a panic til Kathy decided to do some preorders to put together more kits. I was fascinated to learn how to make my own albums and unique page configurations. I've you've never been to Kathy's website you definitely need to check it out. It has links to her UStream and YouTube videos. This post is going to be picture heavy but I really wanted you to be able to see it.

This is the box that hold the album. The box is partially created using a Tim Holtz configuration box. Essentially the lid is the configuration box.

This is the box open but with the album out of it.

This is the front of the album. Isn't it beautiful?

Here is the album spine made from Duck Tape (not Duct Tape but the kind for crafts). I put some bling on it to jazz it up.

Here is a close up of the cover and charms that are part of the toggle closure.

This is the box with the album in it.

Below are random shots of the interior. So far I've only put some opening comments in the pocket on the inside of the cover.

It stands about 3 inches thick and I haven't even started filling it.

This will be a lifetime project and it will be a joy to leave this behind for my kids when I am gone.

Again be sure to go check out Paper Phenomenon. Coming up soon is an album that is stored in a suitcase. Can wait to see how she creates the suitcase.

Hugs and have a wonderful weekend!

Carrie

Dream Valley Challenge #13 - Distressing

2011-08-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

Hi there! It's been 2 weeks already and it's time for a new challenge over at Dream Valley Challenges. This fornight the challenge is "Distressing". We have 2 sponsors this week, Digi Doodle Shop and One Stop Card Crafts.

I used an image from Digi Doodle Shop called Daisy Girl. I thought the image was absolutely precious. I colore her with copics. The daisy petals are colored with a white gel pen and then I distressed the edges with Range distress ink. The patterened paper is from Basic Grey and the ribbon, flowers and bling are from my stash. Be sure to head over to the Dream Valley Challenges blog and see what the rest of the DT members created. Can't wait to see what you distress and link up for the challenge.

Hugs

Carrie

Christmas Planner update

2011-07-27T08:09:00.000-05:00

I've received several questions about finishing off the inside of my Christmas Planner. Well I just happen to be off work today so I'll see if I can finish up the inside and provide an update with how I did it. Stay tuned...

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenges #12

2011-07-24T07:00:00.003-05:00

I was on vacation for challenge #11 but I am back now. The challenge for the next fortnight is "Suprise - a hidden flap, popup, etc." This was a fun one. Our sponsor is Digi's with Attitude and the prize is $10 Canadian. They have some fun images. I chose to use Disco Tween.

I did not make a card but my project does have a surprise. I made for my DD cause she's been doing a great job saving all her babysitting money this summer.

And the suprise:

I sent hubby to the store to get me a candy bar for this. I told him I didn't care what kind as long as it was flat like a Hershey's bar. It didn't occur to me that I need to clarify the size. He brought home a king size candy bar. Needless to say this is a pretty large project.

I started with a 7.5" square. I probably should have made it 7.5"x8" to allow just a little extra because the larger bar is thicker. I scored it at 1", 1.25", 4.75" and 5". I ended up being a bit short on sealing it so I add a narrow piece so there was more overlap to glue, hence the 7.5"x8". I cut my mats to fit the front, colored my image and started assembly. The glitter ribbon was from Michael's $1 bin. It's not sealed so glitter comes off of it whenever you touch it. This was a good way to use it up and DD could careless if she has glitter all over her. The roses are from Recollections, purchased on clearence at Michaels. The flower rhinestones are Kaiser. Use a nice long piece of ribbon around the candy bar and push it into the sleeve. Tie you bow and you have a something to pull it out with. Works like a charm.

I'm sure DD will enjoy this. Be sure to go over to Dream Valley Challenges and see all the other wonderful creations by the DT and then get to work making your own creation. Can't wait to see what everyone creates. I really love getting ideas from all of you!

Hugs

Carrie

Christmas in July Blog Hop Day 4

2011-07-21T08:00:00.002-05:00

As promised, the rest of the planner details are added to the bottom of this post.

Happy Thursday everyone! If you came here from Giselle's blog then you are in the right place. If you stumbled here by accident be sure to go over to her blog to see all the planners created for day 4 of her hop.

I choose to make a Christmas planner. I found this little planner at Michael's for $1. I would have described it as kinda ugly but my 15 year old daughter was mad that I covered it up. Go figure. They say there is no accounting for taste right.

It had a nice mangetic closure and I like the edge on the flap. I covered it with a very antiqued looking sheet of cardstock that had an old santa image in the corner. I love this look for Christmas. I positioned santa on the back because that was the only place I could fit the full image. Beside the back needs some personality too.

The front of the planner has a bit of a story behind where I got the image. Our county museum is 2 beautiful homes. Every year at Christmas the Museum asks for volunteers to decorate all the rooms in different themes. One year a library group decorated a tree with photocopies of vintage Christmas cards. I was speaking with someone from the group about how much I loved the old images. When they took down the decorations she mailed me the copies. This is just one of about 30. I trimmed it and glued it to the front. I had a scrap of ribbon that matched well. Letter were cut out with my Cricut with the Alphalicious font.

I added a receipt pocket with accordian sides to the inside of the cover using the same paper I covered it with.

I still need to make my divider pages that include: gift list, grocery list, gift ideas, parties and Christmas card list. For those that might be curious the overall size of the planner is 5"x7".

I carry a pretty good sized purse so it will fit with no problems. I hope you enjoyed my little planner. I pretty pleased with it myself. Have fun checking out everyone's projects.

To add dividers to the notebook, I measure a page and add a 1/2" to the width. Score on the 1/2" mark and fold. I glued the divider in on the strip that is folded under. Then decorated with some more of the vintage Christmas postcard copies I had. My dividers are Cards, Gifts, Food and Events. I've also included a picture of the back since I somehow managed to miss it the 1st time.

Below you will see the strip that I glued into the book. The book is a little stiff so it is hard to get a picture without it closing up on me.

This is the backside and the whole reason I used the paper I did. Love this old Santa!

Hugs

Carrie

Christmas in July - Day 1

2011-07-18T08:00:00.009-05:00

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome to Christmas in July!

It's nice to be in crafting mode again. We were on vacation 2 weeks ago up in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It was perfect. Temps ranged from 75-80 degrees and there were almost no mosiquitos. It was so nice to get away. We have no cell phone service at the cabin so the kids were forced to be unplugged for quite awhile. Unfortunately, when we got back, temps in Nebraska were pushing 100 degrees and the humidty's killer. It's supposed to hoover around 95-100 degrees for the next week. Yuck, but a good excuse to stay inside crafting!

I was originally going to use the Christmas Card solutions cart, that I won last spring. I had good intentions and the card isn't a complete bust but it just didn't turn out as cute as I was envisioning. I used an aqua cardstock for the people and reins and they just disappeared into the white background. In person it's cute but doesn't photograph the best. I think I just need to spend a bit more time with this cartridge. You'll see it again down the road.

So, I switched up and used the Winter Woodland cartridge.

I used the card function on the Winter Woodland cartridge. I also used my gypsy to size an ice skate to go over the silhoutte of the card. You can't just cut an ice skate at the same size as your card because they aren't made to line up with each other. By using the gypsy I could line them up til the skate fit over the silhoutte with just a smidge of trimming. I really do love my gypsy for a # of reasons. I never got into the Design Studio. I love the portability and seeing what I am cutting on the mat before cutting. It also enables me to let my sister use the cartridges for projects in her school libraries. She doesn't have any kind of budget for that type of stuff. If you work in a public school system you know what I'm talking about.

I used AC cardstock for the card base. DCWV silver glitter paper and a scrap of pale aqua cardstock. Normally when you use the card function you would have a very plain card. I added all these extra layers so that the silhoutte would be the dimensional ice skate. This ice skate does have a ribbon that is part of it but I cut that piece off so I could make my own. I used my crop-a-dile to add eyelets for lacing the skates and then a piece of red/white twine for the laces. I think this one turned out so cute and I love how I really made this one my own by adding the eyelets and laces!

I'm sure that at least some of you looked at the picture of the inside and are wondering about the sentiment. I left it blank on purpose. I've got some stamps ordered that haven't arrived yet. No worries, it will be stamped before I use it.

Hope you enjoy it and take a minute to look at some of your carts in a different way!
Hugs
Carrie

Christmas In July Blog Hop

2011-07-17T10:01:00.000-05:00

I am particpating in an awesome blog hop beginning tomorrow and running thru 7/24. Giselle over at Cross My Heart Papercrafts has a complete line up and details of all the wonderful sponsors. Please go check it out. You won't want to miss this one!

Be sure to stop back tomorrow to see the Christmas cards I made for day 1 of the hop.

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenge #10 - Ribbon

2011-06-26T05:00:00.005-05:00

I can't believe 2 weeks have already flown by and it's time for a new challenge over at Dream Valley Challenges. This time, your challenge if you choose to take it, is to use Ribbon on your next project. The DT have some awesome projects to share if you pop over and have a look. Hope you join us, we would love to see your creations.

This image came from Arthurs Clipart. I saw quite a few other images that I really liked. I'm going to me downloading some others. Cardstock is Stampin Up and the yellow ribbon was a 10yd roll that I got on sale at Michael's for $.99. The sponsor for this challenge is Crafty Ribbons.

Hugs
Carrie

Scrappers Delight Summer Blog Hop

2011-06-24T09:00:00.035-05:00

Welcome! In honor of Summer Vacation we are having a Summer themed Blog Hop. This hop is open to everyone including our International Friends and runs thru July 8! There are 3 ways to win. You can win blog candy by following the blog hop and collecting letters from scrapbooking elements along the way. Once you have reached the last blog and collected all the letters, some blogs may have 2 scrapbook elements so make sure you check the blogs very careful, unscramble the letters to reveal a well known Summer Theme Song. If you wish to be entered into the Summer Theme Blog Hop Draw make sure you post your answers onto the main blog page at Scrappers Delight and link back to your blog so we can contact the lucky winners who will be announced July 11. Be sure to sign up to the Scrappers Delight Group as they have many give always and monthly swaps and challenges going on throw out the year.

If you came from Paper Compulsions you are in the right place. If you stumbled upon this post by accident and want to participate please go start at the beginning at Scrappers Delight. I decided to make a scrapbook layout. I got Campin Critters recently and have been dying to use it. We like to go camping so this is what I came up with. I hope you like it!

Last one for tonight

2011-06-22T22:56:00.001-05:00

Operation We R Grateful #6 at Inking It Up Crazy was for a Get Well card. I hadn't used this cut yet on Damask Decor but thought it fit the bill.

I welded the background cut to create the card. I added some prima flowers and I don't remember where the metal flowers came from. I've had them forever. I thought it turned out pretty cute!

Hopefully tomorrow I can go back create cards for the challenges I missed, Happy Birthday, Miss You and Thanks.

Be sure to visit again on Fri for the Summer Blog Hop that I am particpating in. It should be lots of fun!

Hugs
Carrie

Operation We R Grateful #5

2011-06-22T22:51:00.000-05:00

Ok challenge #5 in the challenge at Inking It Up Crazy was for a love card. I really thought the monkey was too cute. I used my cricut for the vines and monkey. Stamps are from Stampendous.

Hugs
Carrie

Operation We R Grateful #4

2011-06-22T22:44:00.000-05:00

I didn't follow the order of all the challenges at Inking It Up Crazy. Next I went to Challenge #4 which was a Hello card. I used my cricut to create the shape card and I've had the image colored just hadn't used it yet.

Hugs
Carrie

Operation We R Grateful #1 - Thinking of you

2011-06-22T22:37:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to send some cards to Operation Write Home. So the challenge over at Inking It Up Crazy is perfectly time. Here is my take on Thinking of You.

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenges #9 - Father's Day

2011-06-12T08:00:00.004-05:00

Good morning all! It's time for a new challenge at Dream Valley Challenges. The challenge for the next fortnight is Father's Day. The DT has some wonderful creations. Be sure to go check them out and a big THANK YOU to Karen Doodles for giving us images to work with.

We have some awesome sponsors this time for you.

Karen's Doodles - You can win 3 stunning images from their wee shop

and we have our Monthly Sponsor, One Stop Card Crafts - £10.00 voucher for their store

Here's my contribution to the DT

Patterned paper is Basic Grey.
Image is from Karen Doodles
Pearls are Kaisercraft
I didn't have a Father's Day stamp that fit on the tag so I hand wrote that. Image was colored with Copics. I hope you enjoy it!

I'd like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Stamp, Scrap and Doodle Saturdays - Father's Day
Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge #138- Male Card
Simply Create - All About You Dad

Have a great Sunday!

Hugs
Carrie

Whaatttt! 2 posts in 1 day...

2011-06-11T21:55:00.000-05:00

It doesn't happen too often but I've managed to get another card done, while still checking out all the blogs I like to follow and a blog hop. Sometimes the darn computer can make me so unproductive. On my last post you saw the Father's Day card for my dad. Well his birthday also land's very close to Father's Day, sometimes even on the day. So, I've also gotten his birthday card done too. He and mom are farmers who like to ride on the weekends. I found this image at Two for Tuesday.

Stamps were a clear birthday set but don't remember who they were made by. I embossed all the words in silver embossing powder. It's been FOREVER since I broke out the heat gun. Patterned paper is from Basic Grey, Skate Shoppe. I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:

Crazy 4 Challenges #91 - Masculine card
Sweet Stop Sketches #112 - Sketch

Thanks for stopping by to have a peek and I hope you find some inspiration from my creations!

Hugs
Carrie

Father's Day is just around the corner

2011-06-11T09:07:00.001-05:00

About 6-8 months ago my dad bought an old pickup. It's turquoise. I don't know the year or make but turquoise hasn't been popular for some time. It's in pretty good shape. The guy that he bought it from has taken it to car shows. It's not restored but original condition. They did re-upholster the seats after they got it. I found a truck that very much looks like dad's on the Nifty Fifties cart. Of course I to make the truck turquoise.

As you can see in the last picture, I cuttlebugged the bottom of the card. The DP is Basic Grey. I also used an MS border punch. I'd like to enter this in the following challenges:

Fantabulous Cricut - #1 Dad

Polka Doodles - Something for Dad

Whimsical Wednesday's - Happy Father's Day
Celebrate the Occasion #17 - Father's Day

Thanks for stopping by! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Hugs

Carrie

Cricut Circle Monthly Challenge

2011-06-09T21:45:00.000-05:00

The challenge for the month of June was a project for the kids on vacation trips. I decided on an autograph album for Disney World. We are hoping to go this winter but will have to see what happens around here with the Missouri River flooding. Keep your fingers crossed it doesn't reach our home!

The ears and glove border are from Mickey and Friends. The word Autograph is from Mickey Font. I took a close up of the gloves so you could see they are glittered for a little girly bling. I also use my white gel pen for some highlighting.

Hope you enjoyed the project.

Hugs

Carrie

M.A.G. Challenge

2011-05-29T13:46:00.000-05:00

I told you I have gotten back in the groove. I decided to give the M.A.G. Challenge By the Page a try. I just got the Nifty Fifties cartridge so it worked out perfect. The challange was to use only the images on the page that house the poodle. I was doing so good and then as I am creating this post I realize I may have messed it up. I'm still going to post it and we'll see if it will count or not. What did she do to mess it up, you ask. Well I didn't mess up the card per say but the rules, maybe. I was trying to decide on a sentiment. I thought Merci made sense. I like to call this particular poodle a french poodle. I have absolutely no idea if it is or not. Anywho, I found the phrase Merci on the Create a Critter cart and cut it out. I don't know if this will disqualify me or not. Not sure if the rules apply to the sentiment. I guess I'll find out.

I cut the poodle and background splat at 4" I cuttlebugged the yellow splat and the pink background. It's hard to see but I used stickes on Merci to jazz it up a bit. I also added rhinestones to his collar. Pretty cute, if I do say so myself.

Thanks for taking a peek!

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenges #8 - Stamp Something

2011-05-29T08:00:00.004-05:00

It's time for another challenge at http://www.dreamvalleychallenges.blogspot.com/. The challenge for the coming fortnight is to Stamp Something. Pretty easy challenge this time around. Break out your favorite stamp and show us what you can create with it. Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with. Here is my contribution to the design team.

The stamp is from Inkadinkado. I adore this bicycle and it always makes me think of summertime. Patterned papers are DCWV's Linen Closet. The plaid looking background is glittered. I created the flowers and spritzed them with Glimmer Mists for some more shimmers. I filled in the centers with a pearl liquid. The pearly butterfly is from Prima.

I would also like to enter this in the following challenges:

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge # 54 - Here Comes Summer
Fun With Shapes and More #84 - Everything Must Sparkle (glittered patterned paper, glimmer mist, pearls)
Phindy's Place Challenge #57 - Summer Living

Ooops, I almost forgot to mention the sponsors for the Dream Valley Challenge...

Papermaze is a small, family mail order business based on a farm in rural Suffolk.

I have been making cards for years, cross-stitched ones at first until a friend introduced me to rubber stamping. Paper has always been my passion and would be the first thing I looked for in craft shops in my continuing search for something different. This led me to discover scrapbooking, so now I'm hooked on that too! The idea for the website was born after the birth of our third child, and a desire to do something different from teaching, that would enable me to work from home. After months of research, we went live in October 2003. We pride ourselves on our fast and friendly service. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, suggestions or comments about our site.

You can win your self a wee £10 voucher for their amazing shop!

And secondly

Funk Kits
We are a small Scottish company dedicated to bringing you the cutest of stamps for all your card making needs! We are the sole online retailers for Sugar Nellie Stamps - with new designs being premiered regularly! We are also adding many more brands of stamps to our catalogue for all you stamp addicts!

We can be contacted Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning's on 01343 548864 or by e-mailing info@funkykits.co.uk Come and visit our store in Elgin - Papercrafts Boutique for inspiration and info on crops, classes and local events.

You can win your own wee CHOICE of stamp from all their Sugar!

Hope you enjoyed my project! Have a great day!

Hugs
Carrie

Farewell!!

2011-05-29T00:10:00.001-05:00

No, I'm not going anywhere (at least not that I know of :) My son leaves tomorrow morning for Washington DC for a week with some of his classmates. They are participating in Close Up. I made a little card for him and I'm going to put it in his suitcase. He'll find it sometime tomorrow. I wanted to make sure he knew to have fun but to also take lots of pictures because I don't foresee any excursion to DC. It would be interesting to see some of the wonderful old buildings, memorials, etc but there are other places I want to visit that are much higher on the list. I used Groovy Times which was the cartridge selection for Cricut Cartridge Chaos #18. Simple but effective for a 17 year old boy who probably doesn't have the proper appreciation for handmade...

Almost forgot, I also want to enter this in Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Me Monday #61. We were to create a project using at least one cloud and the color blue.

Hope everyone gets to enjoy a long weekend!

Hugs
Carrie

Who doesn't like a cute little turtle?

2011-05-28T21:20:00.000-05:00

I created a turtle shape card using my Cricut, Gypsy and Life's a Beach cartridge. I welded together 2 turtles after flipping one to create the card. I thought he turned out pretty cute. What do you think?

His shell was cut from a scrap of paper from the FruitCake line by Basic Grey. I used my white Souffle pen for some highlights and a black pen for stitching on the shell. Looking back, I think that the only thing I would have done differently is not cut the eyes and used some googly eyes instead. Next time...

I am entering this in the following challenges:

My Craft Spot Monday Challenge #9 - Shape Card
Scrappy Mom's Terrific Tuesday Challenge - Life's a Beach

Thanks for stopping by to check out my project!

Hugs
Carrie

DT Call happening right now!!!

2011-05-28T12:17:00.000-05:00

Be sure to go check out Dream Valley Challenges soon. They are looking for a couple more members for their DT. As one of the current designers, I have to tell you that these are a wonderfully talented and kind designers. We represent a wide variety of styles. You need not have previous experience as a designer and you won't need to make a special project. All you have to do is link your blog so they can take a look at your blog and see your work.

On a side note, Graduation is over and I am finally back to crafting. I've got some projects that I'll be posting later today. I was able to do a few challenges! YEAH!!!! It sure feels good to be back at it.

Hugs
Carrie

Winners Winners Chicken Dinners

2011-05-02T20:56:00.000-05:00

I have been sorting pics online that I need to print to finish my son's scrapbook next week before graduation. I'm nearly cross eyed so decided to take a break and announce some winners.

Mother's Day Blog Hop - Random winner is #12 Sharon "Oh I really like your card!! The colors are great! :) I'm your newest follower."

Keeping the Peace Blog Hop - Random winner is #24 Lisa "This layout is so groovy (that was the first word that popped into my head!) and I love the picture! Awesome!"

Grad Bash Blog Hop - Random winner is #5 Jazmin "Congrats on your son's graduation! I love the banner and great job on the rosettes. I haven't made that leap yet! :)"

I'll be sending you an email so I can get your addressses. Once I have all of them then I'll take the packages to the post office.

Thanks for all of your kind comments. They are always appreciated!

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenges - Challenge # 6

2011-05-01T08:00:00.006-05:00

HAPPY MAY DAY!!! It's time for a new challenge over at Dream Valley Challenges. For the next fortnight we are looking for your creations with flowers. That's it, just flowers. Easy peasy! Get to work creating something with flowers on it and link it up. Here is my DT entry.

I used my Cricut, Cindy Loo cart and a cuttlebug embossing folder. The argyle paper on the stem is BG Lemonade. The rest if scraps so not sure who made them. Be sure to head over and check out the rest of the design teams wonderful creations.

Our sponsor for this challenge is One Stop Card Crafts.

"At One Stop Card Crafts we have a big range of ever changing discount making and card making craft supplies.

We are always adding to our range of craft supplies which are ideal for making handmade greeting cards, do-it-yourself invitations scrapbook pages, altered items and much more.

Our card making craft supplies include free UK postage, our popular discount scheme and quick service means our customers keep coming back for more.

Our prices are very competitive and this & makes us an ideal place to buy your card making supplies online. Some of our new products include Petaloo flower layers, Ranger Glitter Glue and Martha Stewart Punches."

Prize - £10.00 voucher for their store

Can't wait to see all the wonderful creations you come up with! Have a great Sunday!

Hugs
Carrie

Grad Bash Blog Hop

2011-04-30T06:29:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Graduation Day Blog Hop! This hop is going to provide you with lots of graduation ideas for all those graduates in your life.

If you have come from Melanie at In Love with a Bug blog, you are in the right place. If you stumbled upon my blog and want to play along, you can do so by starting with Nadia at Nadia's Beautiful Mess Blog.

My son is graduating in just 2 very short weeks so I decided to share a banner I made. He's having his reception with one of friends so may go back and add their names, not sure yet. They colors the class choose for graduation are turquoise and silver. I used the Mother's Day cart from 2010 for the individual banner flags. I cut strips of turquoise cardstock and scored for the rosettes. These were 1st rosette's. They are very easy, I just hadn't had an occasion to use them yet. I wish I could tell you which cart I used for the font but I forgot to write it down. Sorry about that!

Just ignore my cluttered counter. I don't have a nice mantel to hang this from and the house is asleep except for me so the kitchen had to make due for now. I'll see if I can get a better picture a little later this morning.

I do have blog candy. All you need to do is leave a comment with a way to reach you. I'd love for you to follow my blog if you don't already but it's not mandatory to qualify for the candy.

For those of you that are waiting to hear who won blog candy from last weekend, never fear. I haven't forgotten. I had a crazy week at work and then came home to work on graduation "shtuff". Even if I had drawn, I wouldn't have had time to get to the post office. I will draw all 3 on Sunday evening after everyone has a chance to visit this hop.

Thank you for playing along. Your next stop is the very talented Adri at Ma Cherie Creations.

Here is a list of all participants in case you get lost along the way:

Nadia http://www.nadiasbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/
Giselle http://www.crossmyheartpapercrafts.blogspot.com/
Sandra http://www.365daysofcricut.blogspot.com/
Kristy http://www.craftin-on-my-door.blogspot.com/
Jazmin http://www.jazzyscards.blogspot.com/
Alma http://www.almabrooksblog.blogspot.com/
Yolonda http://www.craftyscentiments.blogspot.com/
Melanie - www.inlovewithabug.blogspot.com/
Carrie http://www.paperglitterstamps.blogspot.com/
Adri http://www.macheriecreations.com/
Sylvia http://www.bellascrapbookdesigns.blogspot.com/
Amber http://www.pixiperfectcreations.blogspot.com/
Darlene http://www.talesoftayandbay.blogspot.com/
Krista www.KristasPaperCafe.com/
Anita www.anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/

Hugs

Carrie

Happy Easter & Blog Candy Reminder

2011-04-24T20:35:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has had a very Happy Easter. We spent the weekend with our families. If you are looking for the Keeping the Peace Blog Hop and Mother's Day Blog Hop, please scroll down. Reminder if you want to be entered for the blog candy you need to leave a comment on those 2 posts. Speaking of comments, I just wanted to let all of you that leave comments know how very much they are appreciated. I love the feedback and I do try to visit as many of you as I can. Sometimes time doesn't always allow, like right now as I am getting ready for my son's graduation, but I do try. Have a great week!

Hugs
Carrie

Peace Blog Hop

2011-04-23T08:00:00.011-05:00

It's been a busy week as I anm participating in 2 blog hops today. If you are here for the Mother's Day Blog Hop Click here..

Now for the Peace Blog Hop. If you arrived from Nikki you are in the right place. If you stumbled on to this by happy accident and want to check out the full hop please visit Adri who was the fabulous organizer.

I can't tell you how excited I was to participate in this one. My son is 17 and graduating from High School in a couple of weeks (oh, just uttering the words makes me feel old). Yes, this info is releventant to the hop. He was my inspiration. This young man has been the biggest Beatles fan for several years now. We thought it might be a phase but it's definitely not. I must be honest, I have no idea where this love of their music came from. Certainly not my husband or myself. The Beatles were even before my time. I never listened to their music growing up. My parents liked country so that's what we were stuck listening to on the 8 tracks tapes in the conversion van, I know there are some of you out there chuckling cause you listened to 8 tracks in a conversion van too. What a trip down memory lane, but I digress!

I took his Senior pictures and this was one where he was completely goofing off.

Please note the image on his t-shirt is John Lennon. I think the only t-shirts he owns that don't have something Beatles related on them are his white undershirts.

I used the Groovy Times cart for the Peace sign and words. The Peace sign was cut at 9" and the words "peace" and "love" were cut at 2.5". Cardstock is miscellaneous as always because I don't keep track of it and some of it is scraps. I also doodled a bit on teh words.

I do have some blog candy but it will be a suprise for the winner. No worries, it's brand new, still in packaging. To be eligible for the drawing on Monday evening please leave a comment. I'd love for you to be a follower if you enjoy my blog but it's not required.

Next stop on the hop is Lynda.

Here is the entire line up just in case you lose your way. You will definitely want to visit all of these wonderfully talented ladies!

~ Adri http://www.macheriecreations.com/
~ Melissa http://www.disneydreamerdesigns.blogspot.com/
~ Asheyna http://rachellemitchell.com/
~ Nikki http://www.theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/
~ Carrie http://www.paperglitterstamps.blogspot.com/
~ Lynda http://lyndascreativetouches.blogspot.com/
~ Jazzy http://www.jazzyscards.blogspot.com/
~ Rachel Miller http://rachelspapercrafts.blogspot.com/
~ Giselle http://crossmyheartpapercrafts.blogspot.com/
~ Jess http://www.kinderstampo.com/
~ Kelsey http://womaninacrystalcase.blogspot.com/
~ Yolonda http://www.craftyscentiments.blogspot.com/
~ Rebecca http://www.creationswithbecka.blogspot.com/
~ Wendy http://www.cricutyourclassroom.com/
~ Jacqueline http://madebyjacqueline.blogspot.com/

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Hugs
Carrie

Mother's Day Blog Hop

2011-04-23T07:00:00.022-05:00

Welcome to the Mother's Day Blog Hop and my blog! This hop is all about Mother’s Day and a challenge to create anything, but no flowers allowed!

If you have come from Gaby at She Inks A Lot , you are in the right place. If you stumbled upon my blog and want to play along, you can do so by starting at Giselle's Blog This hop is full of talented ladies {and giveaways, too}!

Let me start by saying that I tried a butterfly shape card from the Hannah Montana Cart but it just wasn't working for me. I knew I wanted to use butterflies so I tried again and this is what I came up with.

Patterned Paper is Basic Grey. All cardstock is scrap. This picture is really blown. Sorry about that! The colors really do all work together because they are in the patterned paper. I used a cuttlebug die/embossing set for the butterflies and EK Success border punch.
I do have blog candy but I won't be revealing what it is til I draw a winner on Monday evening. I will say it's new, unopened and unused. I believe that you will enjoy it. To be entered in the drawing please leave a comment. I would love to have you follow me if you enjoy my blog but it is not required.
Thank you for playing along. Your next stop is Sylvia .

Here is a list of all participators:

Giselle http://www.crossmyheartpapercrafts.blogspot.com/
Amanda http://www.myscrappinobsession.com/
Nadia http://www.nadiasbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/
Patricia - http://www.creativediva98.blogspot.com/
Lisa http://www.prettypaperprettyribbons.blogspot.com/
Alma http://www.almabrooksblog.blogspot.com/
Gaby http://www.sheinksalot.blogspot.com/
Carrie http://www.paperglitterstamps.blogspot.com/
Sylvia http://www.bellascrapbookdesigns.blogspot.com/

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend.

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenges #5 - Easter

2011-04-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

I can't believe 2 weeks have gone by so fast. It feels like I just posted my creation for the last challenge. I checked the calendar though and it's true. Easter is next weekend. The challenge for you over the next fort night is to create an Easter project. The sponsor this week is Stitchy Bear. They provided Easter images for the design team to use. I chose to use the Ornate Easter Egg. I really liked the image and new it could be quite colorful.

I used a couple of my Cuttlebug folders for some added dimension and the scallop punch is EK Success. All cardstock is miscellaneous. The egg was colored with a variety of Copics. I hope you enjoy the project. Be sure to check out the rest of the design teams wonderful creations at Dream Valley Challenges. Can't wait to see your creations!

Hugs
Carrie

Welcome to the Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop

2011-04-09T09:17:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop! If you've come from visiting Creations with Becka, you're in the right place. If you were just looking at my blog and want to play along with our blog hopping fun, you can start at the beginning at Nadia's Beautiful Mess. This blog hop is all about creating something sweet for your Easter celebrations. We hope you find inspirations and plenty of ideas to spice up your holiday :)

I have chosen to make a card and a wrapped candy bar. Used MME and Bo Bunny papers. Cardstock is miscellaneous. Stamps are Spring Swirl from Autumn Leaves.

I hope you enjoyed my project. Thank you for visiting my blog. Your last stop is Creative Diva 98. Below is a list of all blog participants in case you get lost:

Nadia - http://nadiasbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/
Giselle - http://crossmyheartpapercrafts.blogspot.com/
Donna - http://donnasdreamworks.blogspot.com/
Yolonda - http://www.craftyscentiments.blogspot.com/
Jennifer - www.craftycardgallery.blogspot.com/
Kim - http://rickettscricuts.blogspot.com/
Damaris - www.latinnydoll.blogspot.com/
Melanie - http://inlovewithabug.blogspot.com/
Jazmin - http://JazzysCards.blogspot.com/
Monica (Stampin Daisies) - www.stampindaisies.com/
Gabriela - http://www.sheinksalot.blogspot.com/
Kacee - http://youhadmeatscrap.blogspot.com/
Darla - www.stampingunderdoctorsorders.blogspot.com/
Amber - http://pixiperfectcreations.blogspot.com/
Sylvia - Www.bellascrapbookdesigns.blogspot.com/
Monica F- http://simplycricutting.blogspot.com/
Rebecca - http://www.creationswithbecka.blogspot.com/
Carrie - http://paperglitterstamps.blogspot.com/
Patricia - http://creativediva98.blogspot.com/

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenge #4 - Things with Wings

2011-04-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

Here is my design team creation for the next challenge at Dream Valley Challenges. This is a new stamp I picked up at my LSS. She is part of a set from Kaiser Craft called Magic Happens. I've been admiring so many fairy cards and decided I need one too. The set also has butterflies in it and I love butterflies.

All cardstock is miscellaneous. Polka dot paper is 3 Bugs in a Rug and the other patterned paper is from Fancy Pants (Road Show) out of a journal set. The ribbon is Offray, I believe. Lots of sparkle on here but its a little hard to photograph. The edge of the white cardstock that the image is stamped on is lined with glitter. Her dress has pink glitter on the swirls. The lines of her wings, wand and flower in her hair are also sparkly! This was a fun card to make and I really liked how it turned out. Here is the inside:

I think I will use it for a graduation. Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to go check out the rest of the design teams creations. I hope that you will join us for this challenge!
Hugs
Carrie

This will be an upcoming layout

2011-04-02T18:50:00.000-05:00

I had to run out to take some pics of DS and his girlfriend before Prom. I stil have to go back up later for the coronation,, but in the meantime thought I'd share a pic. It's so hard to believe that he's a Senior and headed for college this fall. Where has the time gone!

Hugs

Carrie

Liebster Blog Award

2011-03-27T15:05:00.000-05:00

I received a blog award from Tonia at Pigtails and Paper Trails. Thank you Tonia!! Please make sure to go check out her blog.

Now I get to award 5 wonderful blogs with the same award!!

Check them out:

1. Pink Bon Bons

2. Kara's Sweet Creations

3. PV Creations2010

4. My Craft Empire

5. Katy Created

As a recipient of this award you must do the following:

1. Thank the giver on your blog

2. Link back to the blogger who gave you the award

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog

4. Reveal your 5 blog picks

5. Let them know you chose them by leaving them a comment

Hugs
Carrie

Got Followers...

2011-03-23T20:44:00.000-05:00

Big huge thanks to Momo at Made By Momo for helping all of us build our followers. Check out her blog too if you haven't. She's very talented. There's a prize up for grabs and all the details are available at her blog! Thanks for stopping by and I'd love for you to become a follower!!

Hugs
Carrie

Winner of the Lucky Charm Blog Hop

2011-03-20T21:18:00.000-05:00

The winner of the Cricut cartridge, Four Legged Friends, is #27 Melissa from Adventures in Heels. I used Random Org but I couldn't figure out a way to get a screen shot of it to put on this post. Melissa please contact me at cau0617 at yahoo dot com with your mailing address. Congrats!!

Happy Mother's Day - Challenge 3

2011-03-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

The challenge at Dream Valley Challenges for the next fortnigth is Mother's Day. The sponsor for this challenge is Digis with Attitude. I had the pleasure of using one of their images for my card. Be sure to check out their webiste for lots of great images. I've always been a "gotta have the stamp in my hand" kinda girl. Digis are new to me but I'm getting there, slowly but surely.

All cardstock is miscellaneous because I don't keep track of it.

I used my Cricut and Straight From the Nest cartridge for the corners

Geometric patterned paper is some old Karen Foster

Striped patterened paper - unknown

Ribbon is from the Dollar Spot at Target

Sentiment - unknown

Image - Digis with Attitude

Copic markers

Glitter gel pens for headband, lipstick and heart board

Be sure to check out the rest of the creations the Design Team created! They are all amazing! Hope you join us for this challenge.

Lucky Charm Blog Hop

2011-03-17T06:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to my Blog and the Lucky Charm Blog Hop! If you've come from visiting Sue, you're in the right place. If you were just looking at my blog and want to play along with our blog hopping fun, you can start at the beginning at Giselle's blog. This blog hop is all about creating something for the lucky charm in your life. I chose to make a layout featuring my Lucky Charms!

I know. I know. This is probably a picture that only a mother can love and everyone else can get a chuckle out of. It's hilarious and I was so thrilled that the photographer was able to capture them having such fun. While both of my kids can be dorky, finding them doing it together and getting along is a rare event! I love these guys!

Ok, enough teasing. Here is the entire layout. I am thrilled with how this turned out and I sure hope you enjoy it too.

Patterned Paper is K& Co

Cardstock is miscellaneous

Cricut Carts used were A Child's Year (font and clovers) and Storybook (bubble for title)

EK Success border punch

The flower I have had forever. I don't remember who made them. Sorry!

Prima Pearls

I used a gold metallic pen to highlight the clovers, letters and edge of the cream portion of the bubble for the title.

Now for the fun stuff!! I have blog candy to give away to one of you lucky hoppers!! I am giving away the Cricut Cartridge "Four Legged Friends". I forgot to take a picture but it is new and still in the clamshell. To be eligible for the drawing leave a comment including a way I can contact you and become a follower. I'll use random drawing next week to choose a winner.

I hope you enjoyed my project. Thank you for visiting my blog and a big thank you to Giselle and Nadia for letting me be a part of this hop!!. Your next stop is Patricia. Below is a list of all blog participants in case you get lost:

Giselle - http://crossmyheartpapercrafts.blogspot.com/
Nadia - http://nadiasbeautifulmess.blogspot.com/
Jennifer - http://creativearmywife.blogspot.com/
Alina - http://neverstopscrapping.blogspot.com/
Kim - http://rickettscricuts.blogspot.com/
Yolonda - http://www.craftyscentiments.blogspot.com/
Donna - http://donnasdreamworks.blogspot.com/
Carol - http://caroleesscrappinspot.blogspot.com/
Rebecca - http://www.creationswithbecka.blogspot.com/
Linda - http://www.fancyframework.com/
Amy - http://amydesigns.blogspot.com/
Lisa - http://prettypaperprettyribbons.blogspot.com/
Sue- http://scrappinsuzy.blogspot.com/
Carrie - http://paperglitterstamps.blogspot.com/ - You are here
Patricia - http://creativediva98.blogspot.com/ - Your next stop
Wendy - http://wendyscreativecraftingcorner.blogspot.com/
Kimi & Pamela - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/
Darcy - http://dlmbscrapping-time2create.blogspot.com/
Julie - http://tidbitsnscraps.blogspot.com/
Shawnte - http://shawnteparks.blogspot.com/
Amber - http://www.pixiperfectcreations.blogspot.com/
Melissa - http://adventuresinheels.com/

Hugs
Carrie

Blog Award

2011-03-07T19:08:00.000-06:00

I've received a blog award, from one of my teammies over at Dream Valley Challenges. From Carole at Apples and Pears I received the

Be sure to check out Carole's blog as she is incredibly talented. I have to share 7 things about myself and then pass this on to 15 other bloggers.

1. I am starting to like exercising.
2. I have to complete a quiz online tonight and then it's official. I will be a college graduate with a BA in Business Administration. It only took me 20 years :)
3. I don't eat seafood, any, at all.
4. Love to go camping and cooking outside with my dutch oven
5. Excited to spend more time in my scrapbooking store, I mean room now that I'm not studying all the time.
6. Favorite movies of all time - Grease, Dirty Dancing and The Saint
7. I'm super excited for my first blog hop coming up in 10 days.

I'll followup shortly with the other wonderful crafters that I am going to pass this on too.

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenges #2 - New Beginnings

2011-03-06T08:00:00.002-06:00

The challenge at Dream Valley Challenges this fortnight is "New Beginnings". I chose to make an easel wedding card using my Cricut. It measures 5.5" square. The white base cardstock and the shimmery turquoise were both from my stash. I used DCWV glitter paper to cut out "Happily Ever After".

Corner punch is an older EK Success. Butterflies are Martha Stewart punch. The paper used for the butterflies is by SEI but not sure the name of the line. It is white with metallic turquoise lines and flowers going thru it. I punched where I could get some of the turquoise running thru it. I added lots of rhinestones to the butterflies bodies for some more bling. Ribbons are miscellaneous scraps.

Inside is more of the same paper. I used a Martha Stewart edge punch and added a couple more butterflies. The sentiment is from a stamp set I picked up at Hobby Lobby on clearance. Its from My Sentiments Exactly.

Start working on your "New Beginnings" creation. You have 2 weeks to get it linked. Be sure to check out my fellow DT's creations, lots of inspiration there for everyone!

This cards also fits the Flutter By Wednesday Challenge #144.

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenges DT - Sneak Peek

2011-03-05T17:42:00.000-06:00

Stop back tomorrow or visit Dream Valley Challenges to see challenge #2. It will be posted tomorrow. This challenge is open to everyone. You just need to make a creation that meets the challenge requirement.

Sponsors for the upcoming challenge are: One Stop Card Crafts and Crafty Ribbons

Hugs
Carrie

New Challenge Blogs first challenge

2011-02-27T00:01:00.002-06:00

Dream Valley Challenges is issuing their 1st challenge today. I am so proud to be a part of this design team of very talented ladies! Be sure to go over there and check out the blog and everyone else's beautiful creations.

The challenge for this week is "Anything Goes", so get to work and create anything you want, then link it up!After this week the challenges will be every fortnight. Melly is giving away some awesome prizes to 3 lucky participants.

1st Prize £10 voucher for Lili of the Valley

2nd prize is Fashionista and Dude Simply Sassy set

and 3rd prize is wee Windswept Simply Sassy

And finally here is my card:

Image - The Greeting Farm
Cardstock - miscellaneous
DP - Basic Grey Skate Shop
Happy Birthday bar - Making Memories
Sentiment - unknown

Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday. Thanks for stopping by and make sure to go check out Dream Valley Challenges. You've got 1 week to make a new creation for the challenge and link it. Good luck!

Hugs
Carrie

Sneak Peek of tomorrow

2011-02-26T12:24:00.000-06:00

Come back tomorrow for the full details...

Hugs
Carrie

Lucky Charm Blog Hop 3/17

2011-02-23T18:07:00.000-06:00

Be sure to come back for a visit on March 17th for the Lucky Charm Blog Hop. There are at least 20 participants so there will be lots of inspiration! Our co-hosts are Giselle and Nadia. I'm super excited as this is my first blog hop. Should be fun!

Hugs
Carrie

How lucky am I

2011-02-23T17:42:00.000-06:00

I received the Stylish Blogger award from Mel. She is on the DT with for Dream Valley Challenges. Thank you Mel!

The conditions of this Award are . . .

1. Make a post linking back to the person who gave you the award!
2. Share 7 random things about yourself
3. Award 7 recently discovered bloggers with this award
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them they've won the award.

7 random things about me...

My house seems to be in a constant state of remodel. Most recently we have been working on the main bathroom, but it's not done yet.

I love to watch House Hunters International and watch for places to vacation and dare I say (sucking in my breath) maybe one day get to retire to.

My DH and I are saving for the honeymoon we never had. Fiji in 2013 our 20 year anniversary.

In just a couple of short weeks I will finally finish my bachelor's degree! Then I will have LOTS of crafting time!

I love to go camping.

My favorite color is blue

Only a few more years and I'll be an empty nester and the age of 41, which 20 years ago seemed ancient but now it's not looking so bad :)

Now who to give it to. Since Mel gave it to all my design teammates, I will pass it on to some ladies who are going to be participating in a blog hop that I will be in. I didn't share with everyone as not everyone has posted their blogs yet :)

Amy
Alina
Becka
Lisa
Yolanda
Linda
Nadia - co-host of hop
Giselle - co-host of hop

Have a great evening!

Hugs
Carrie

Dream Valley Challenges

2011-02-22T17:18:00.000-06:00

The new challenge blog Dream Valley Challenges has announced its DT. Guess who's on the team! Lil ol' me! I can't believe it! This is my very 1st DT. I'm so excited to be a part of a brand new challenge blog. The very 1st challenge will be posted this Sunday 2/27. Be sure to go check out the new blog. There are 16 DT members so there will be lots of inspiration! Can't wait to get started!

Hugs
Carrie

DT Call still open

2011-02-13T20:02:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to provide a reminder that Dream Valley Challenges is looking for DT members. This is a brand new challenge blog that will be starting at the end of February. Challenges will be every fortnight or 2x per month. You need not have ever been on a design team before to be selected for this one. Requirements are to have your own blog and be able to create 2 new projects each month! Click on the link above to go to the post about the design team.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. My was hectic and this is the 1st time I've gotten to sit down for a minute. No creating got done at all ): Glad I made my Valentine's cards early!

Hugs,
Carrie

My very first Guest Designer spot!

2011-02-09T10:36:00.000-06:00

I am so SUPER excited to tell you that Tracy over at Craft Junkie Too asked me to be a Guest Designer this week. The theme was "What's love got to do with it" and she wanted use to make some type of goodie/gift bag that incorporated the word love. I made a gift bag that I can use for DD's birhtday. She turns 15 on the 12th so I generally combine it with Valentine's Day. The cell phone seemed fitting for a teenager.

The gift bag was purchased at Michaels. All CS is from my stash. I don't generally keep track of my cardstock. The patterned paper is American Crafts. Carts used were Paisley for the phone and Robots for the sentiment. I used a Prima pearl for a little roller ball and used my white Souffle pen to fill in the numbers. The ribbon that I used for the bow was Offray that I picked up at Walmart. It was actually left over from a diaper cake I made for a co-worker.

A great big hug and thank you to Tracy for giving me this opportunity!

Hugs
Carrie

Super Bowl

2011-02-06T22:51:00.000-06:00

I am the first to admit that I don't really like professional football but I do like watching the new ads and some of the half time shows are pretty good. Can I just say that this half time show with the Black Eyed Peas, Slash and Usher rocked! They did an awesome high energy performance. I loved it! I'll also tell you that commercial with the little boy playing darth vader nearly made me pee my pants. I was in tears. We were at the neighbors and their kids are much younger than ours. Our kids are 17 and 15. They have an 8 yr and twin 3 1/2 year olds. Their 8 yr old son could have been the boy playing darth. When he gives up on the baby doll, hangs his head and drops his shoulders in dejection he looked like just like Ray next door. Then when the car starts and he jumps. OMG it was the best commercial. If you didn't see you need to go online and find it. I believe it was for Volkswagen. Well worth watching as was the half time show!!

Check back later this week as I am going to be a guest designer on one of my favorite blogs!

Hugs,
Carrie

New Challenge Blog

2011-02-01T07:25:00.000-06:00

There is a new challenge blog starting and they are looking for DT members. Dream Valley Challenges will be for all sorts of papercrafts as long as your entry follows the designated theme. It will be open to everyone including Cricut users, stampers, scrapbookers and card makers because it is theme based. Please check it out! The DT call is open until Feb 20th.

Hugs
Carrie

Shape card from Paisley Cricut Cartridge

2011-01-30T19:49:00.000-06:00

I decided to participate in the color challenge for Wacky Wednesday over at More than Favors. The challenge was to use the colors brown, pink and green. I decided to go with the boots on the Paisley cart that I haven't used in eons. Because I used my neglected Paisley cart this card also fits the criteria for Challenge #44 over at Fantabulous Cricut Flaunt Fridays.

Momo's shape card really inspired me at More than Favors. In fact, I loved it so much I created my own butterfly shape card too. You can see my butterfly card here.

I used my gypsy to weld 2 boots together to create the card. I used a scrap of patterned paper that is missing the info on who made it. I've had it for a while and use it sparingly because I love it so. Cardstock is all from DCWV. I used my white Souffle pen (which is almost empty, another excuse to go shopping!!) for the stitching and some Stickles on the ladybug decal.

I always love to look at rainboots to see what new fun colors and patterns come out each year. I thought these were very cheery for a rainy day!

Hugs,
Carrie

Butterfly Shape Card

2011-01-30T19:48:00.001-06:00

I loved Momo's butterfly shape card. It was made from Rock Princess, which if you have been following my blog you know I just won that cart and it arrived yesterday. I couldn't resist scraplifting her idea. Love it, Love it!

The grey, pink and grey glitter cardstock are all from DCWV. Pearls are from Prima and the patterened paper is some I've had for ever and just found it as I was re-organizing. I think it came from a stack. I used my white Souffle pen for the stitching.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Carrie

Just can't decide

2011-01-30T09:23:00.000-06:00

So yesterday I mosted my entry for the most recent Basicgrey Challenges and it's also an entry for the design team. Well this was my 1st attempt. I used dp from Mellow and I just can't decide if I like this one. I think what is bothering me most about the card is the blue cardstock. Maybe I should have distressed it so it wasn't so bright or used a lighter color. I wanted to provide some separation between the patterened papers. I'd love to hear you opinions on where it went wrong! Let me know what you think.

Hugs
Carrie

Basicgrey Challenge #36 and Design Team Call

2011-01-29T18:29:00.000-06:00

Basicgrey Challenges is looking for some new design team members. To apply you had to submit entries for challenges #35 and #36. Challenge #36 was called Flower Power. They wanted to see flowers in our entries. All DP is from Basicgrey Lemonade. Stamp is one of my favorites and is from Inkadinkado. The image is colored with colored pencils and the paper behind the image was debossed with CB Swiss Dots folder. Beaded vines, cream flowers and centers are Prima. Pink ribbon is unknown from my stash. The pink flowers are homemade.

I cut 4 - 1" circles, spritzed them with water mister and wad them up. Flatten them back out and run a brad thru the center. Pull each layer up to the center around the brad, nice and tight. Once all the layers are pulled up then you can push them back out a bit to get the look you want. After they dried I spritzed with Irridescent Gold Glimmer Mist. Next time I think I will spritz with the mist before threading them on the brad. Another option for sparkle is to put some glue on the edges of the flower and sprink some glitter on. I'm going to try that on an upcoming creation! These flower are also cute made with a scallop punch. Sadly my scallop punches created a flower the size of a real carnation. I didn't feel like cutting any smaller with my cricut though you could do that too.

And finally a peak at the inside! I used a MS border punch

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peak at my creation! How exciting it would be to be selected as a design team member! I love BG papers and have since they first came out. I've still got some pieces from the original lines.

Should you be interested in seeing my entry for challenge #35 Dot and Spots, Click Here.

Hugs,

Carrie

Woo Hoo!! Look what came in the mail today!

2011-01-29T16:55:00.000-06:00

I won a cartridge and embossing folders over at Tutus and GlueDots from the wonderful Michelle Lanning. Be sure to check out her blog as she is wonderfully creative. Can't wait to see what she has to show us after CHA this weekend!

Thanks so much Michelle! Can't wait to start cutting with this one!

Hugs
Carrie

Check out this giveaway

2011-01-14T20:49:00.000-06:00

Cricut Diaries has a new sponsor and is giving away a little blog candy from this sponsor. The drawing is on Monday so you'll want to check it out sooner rather than later!

Hugs
Carrie

Happy Birthday Happy Birthday Happy Birthday

2011-01-12T19:36:00.000-06:00

Happy Wed evening! Hump day is nearly over! I loved the color combo over at ColourQ. They are so bright and cheery. They remind me of something DD would wear.

I also loved the sketch at The Sweet Stop. So I combine the two challenges this week and here is what I came up with.

All patterned pattern is an older MME line. Image is from The Greeting Farm. The sentiment inside the card is Hero Arts. I don't know for sure who the maker of the sentiment on the front was from. Flowers are Prima and Hero Arts. Thanks for stopping to take a look!

Hugs
Carrie

Cricut Valentines from "Handyman" cartridge

2011-01-09T18:44:00.000-06:00

As promised, I finally finished the series of cards I was making for Valentine's Day from the Handyman cricut cart.

I Dig You - I also used Plantin and Live Simply carts. Butterfly is a Martha Stewart punch. Background paper is from American Crafts. The rest is scraps of various manufactures. To give the grass a little more dimension I used a green Copic marker to added more color.

It's really hard to get a good picture of this one. For the level, I put stickles where the bubble's are and added white to each side of the bubble to highlight it. All cardstock was scraps.

It's snowing like crazy here in the Midwest. Can't wait to drive into work tomorrow and am supposed to go to Doane College where DS is participating in a honor choir. The snow moved up the concert time from 7pm to 2:15p. I'll have to see if I can get off work early as it's a couple of hours away. Have a great week everyone and thanks for stopping by!

Hugs
Carrie

Hoo's Having a Birthday

2011-01-09T18:30:00.000-06:00

Our little neighbor's boy is have a birthday on the 15th. He will be 7 years old. He's a really super sweet kid and we will be headed over there for a party next weekend. I got him a gift card so I need a card that could hold it. I made this card using the colors red, turqouise and white. There's also a hint of grey that for some reason looks a little green. I promise it is grey. This color combo was the challenge over at More than Favors. It was an interesting combo that wouldn't have occurred to me to use. Also over at JUGS, the challenge was to make a lined envelope to go with our card. Stamps used are Hero Arts and Inkadinkado. Patterned paper is from a pack I bought eons ago and I couldn't tell you how made. Cardstock is all various manufactures. I added faux stitching around the front of the card and pearl dots from a 3-D paint writer. Since it's for a little boy, I couldn't part with any of my real pearls. I also used Hoot n Holler, George & Basic Shapes and Gypsy Wanderings cricut cartridges. This might be one of my favorite cards. I can tell you that I will be going back and adding a different owl to the pocket the giftcard is in. It's definitely lacking pizzaz there. Thanks for stopping by to take a look!

Here's the card and envelope. The white lettering is actually sparkled with stickles.

Here you can see the stickles.

Front of the envelope.

Inside of the card. This red pocket is where I'll add a different owl.

Hugs
Carrie

New Cricut Valentine Card

2011-01-08T23:25:00.000-06:00

I am continuing with my Valentine's cards using the Cricut Lite Handyman cartridge. I actually cut this hammer on accident (was day dreaming I'm sure). So instead of wasting the cut I decided to come up with a little Punny phrase to go with it. I ran cardstock thru one of my cuttlebug folders (the only one I have with hearts on it). I had a package of Valentine chipboard shapes from Making Memories. I coated them in glitter glue. Nope not stickles but same concept. Since this was for a card and I had big bottles of a few colors I decided to work on using them up.

I still have a few more of these valentines to make. I hope to get them all created and posted tomorrow. We'll see how the day goes. If it's snowing like they are predicting then I won't be going anywhere. I'd love to know what you think about this series that I have been working on! Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs
Carrie

Basic Grey Challenge - Dots and Spots

2011-01-08T23:13:00.000-06:00

The Basic Grey Challenge was to include dots and spots in our card. I decided to do a 5 1/2" square card for this challenge. I used Key Lime Pie from The Lollipop Shoppe (I know it's an oldy but I love the bright colors) for my dots. All of the rest of the cardstock used is basically scraps. The image is from The Greeting Farm. I love their stamps. The rose flourishes were cut on my cricut using MS Elegent Cakes cartridge. The ladybug American Crafts and I used lots of stickles for some wonderful sparkle.

I've decided this year that I am also going to start trying out for some design teams. What's the worst that can happen? I'm just not selected and that's ok. My new motto is nothing ventured, nothing gained. So I am submitting this for DT consideration also. Thanks to all who stop by and visit. I would sure like to hear from you!

Hugs
Carrie

Color Throwdown #123

2011-01-08T22:38:00.000-06:00

Here is my submission for the Color Throwdown Challenge #123. I didn't have all of the colors listed for the challenge but I think I got pretty close. I did have the cameo coral. I ran cameo coral cardstock thru one of my cuttlebug folders. I cut the frame and vine with my cricut and the Cindy Loo cartridge. I hand cut the leaves, scored and curled them. I smeared (for lack of a better description) my flowers on the ink pad before rolling them. Rather than putting pearls in the center of each I used a 3-D paint in a pearl tone. Lastly I cut a border with one of my EK success punches.

Thanks for stopping by to look at my project! Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Hugs
Carrie

Last Cricut Valentine

2011-01-02T19:10:00.000-06:00

This is my last post for the evening. I made this with the Cricut Lite Handyman cart again. I cut the tape measure at 3". I ran the white cardstock thru a cuttlebug folder. Sentiment is computer generated. All items used were scraps again. Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. I'd love to read your comments!

Have a good night all!

Hugs
Carrie

Cricut Valentine Cards

2011-01-02T17:20:00.000-06:00

I can't remember the last time I have had this much time to spend in my scrapbook room. It's great. I decided today to try creating a few valentine cards for guys. I bought this Cricut Lite Handyman cart thinking I could do some layouts about my "handy" DH. Well the cart has not been used. So I got online looking for puns related to tools. I found a few. I've only gotten 2 of the cards done so far but I have 5 more planned. I will work on more this week and might even get another done tonight. I couldn't wait til the whole set was done though. They are to fun not to share now. I printed the sayings though I think this would be a great set for someone to create in stamps (hint... hint...). The drills were cut at 3". All cardstock is scraps that I a trying to use up. The only way to get more at my house is to use up what I have :)

I know what you are thinking. These aren't very Valentine colors but you have to understand that DH likes his DeWalt which is yellow. For those of you who would like to model the drill after a Craftsman can make it red and black! Thanks for stopping by to take a look and make sure to stop back later this week. The rest of them will different tools from this. I'll try and sneak some red into those :)

Hugs,
Carrie

Happy Birthday - C4C68

2011-01-01T22:14:00.002-06:00

The challenge over at Crazy 4 Challenges was to "Celebrate Something". I have been dying to try the Action Wobbles that I received. If you haven't heard of them, you definitely need to check them out. Go to http://www.facebook.com/actionwobbles for more info. I got a few when they were sending out free samples. I can't wait to order more after I use all I have. When I got them, I really didn't think they would have much "Boing". Boy was I wrong! Once I got Minnie attached, it bounces around like a bobble head. Too fun! I decide to celebrate my sister's birthday that is coming up this month. She will love the wobble in this card. I wish I knew who made the Happy Birthday stamp I used. It's a fun one that I have used often. I'm thinking it must have been a $1 stamp from somewhere because I don't remember it being part of a set. Ribbon is from American Crafts. All cardstock is from various manufacturers and the patterend paper is some I found while re-arranging my scrap space this weekend. I don't know who made it either. There are some stickles on Minnie's bow and her eyes for a dash of sparkle. Last but not least, I used one of my EK Sucess punches on the white mat.

I tried to take a picture of the Action Wobble. It is basically a little plastic spring sandwiched between 2 sticky sheets. One attaches to the card and the other to the item you want to bobble around. What an awesome idea this was. Wish I had thought of it :)

Have you used any Action Wobbles? I'd love to hear what you thought of them! Be sure to check out other submissions at Crazy 4 Challenges.

Hugs

Carrie

Hello Friend

2011-01-01T21:58:00.000-06:00

My New Year's goal is too start REALLY putting my cricut and all of my cartridges to use. I really good at collecting and not always so good about using. So I made this card with the My Pink Stamper design team challenge in mind. I really like how the card turned out but I felt like the pink was a little too red for the challenge. If you roll on down to my next post you'll see what my finally entry was for the challenge. I used the MS Elegent Cake cart for this one. The stamp is a sentiment that I have had for eons and I can't tell you where it came from or who made it. Sorry... The green cardstock has a wonderful shimmer to it though hard to tell in the pictures. The pink/red flowers were cut from and old scrap of Basic Grey. The brown paper is from a stack that is really old. DD and I just made over my scrapbook room and I discovered some long lost papers. Aahh, but I digress. I'll tell you more about DD and the end of this post. I ran the brown paper thru my Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder. Here is the finished product.

So back to DD.... It is now OUR scrapbook room so you will start seeing some creations from her too. She loves to see what is happening on all the blogs I follow and making cards for challenges. She decided to start her own blog so she can participate in challenges too. Her blog is Gurly Gurl and she is so excited watching and hoping to get some followers. She will be posting her 1st challenge card tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy New Year!

Hugs
Carrie

My Pink Stamper Design Team Call

2011-01-01T21:40:00.001-06:00

Hi all! I decided to try out for the My Pink Stamper Design Team. Robyn's challenge for the opportunity to be on her DT was to create a card using her favorite colors - Pink, Green, Brown and 1 optional color. I chose white as my optional color.

Propped open so you can see how it opens.

How it looks closed.

I made this card using my gypsy, Smiley Cards, George and Basic Shapes and Forever Young carts. I started with the HA-P B-DAY phrase from Smiley Cards. I welded a rectangle from George to the phrase and this became the card base. I cut the base out of white cardstock. Then I cut the phrase again at the same size as the 1st but in light pink and with out the rectangle attached. I cut the girl from Forever Young. She is actually holding a purse and I think has a flower at her waist but I chose to hide those on my gypsy and not cut them out. Sometime at this small size it can be difficult to get a nice, clean cut. Also my cutting mat is on it's last leg. I have a couple on order that I hope to have by the end of the week :)

Now to put it all together. I layered the light pink phrase right over the white. I dressed my girl in her little green dress and added stickles to her pink trim and a rhinestone to hair for a touch of sparkle

White cardstock - Georgia Pacific
Light Pink, Dark Pink and Brown cardstock - DCWV
Green cardstock is shimmery but I'm not sure who makes it. It came in a paper stack that I loved so much, I only have scraps left.
Pink cardstock (dress trim) - LYB

If anyone is interested in the .gypsy file, leave me a comment and I can send it to you.

This was really a challenge for me. Usually the only time I would use Pink and Green together is with flowers and leaves. I am proud of how this turned out! I would love to hear what you think too.

Hugs
Carrie

Finally a new project to post

2010-12-27T18:28:00.000-06:00

This isn't related to any challenges. I followed the Zva Creative blog hop today and all of the crystals and pearls inspired me to get to work. The overall pic is a bit blurry but my sister would probably appreciate that. I love the pictures and the colors she chose for them to where. The blue is so vibrant. There is so much sparkle on this layout. The green paper is from a paper pack long ago separated so I can tell you who made it but it has a sparkly sheen. I misted all of the flowers from Hero Arts and Prima with Glimmer Mist's. Lots of rhinestones set with my i-rock. Patterned paper is from a Glitter Stack by MME.

Thanks for stopping by to take a peek. I hope since I have 1 week before my last 2 college courses start I can do some more creating. Then I will probably be hit or miss til March. I must focus on getting my DS scrapbook done for graduation in May. Yikes there is so little time! Hope everyone has a wonderful new year!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T19:02:00.000-06:00

Yes I am still around, just incredibly busy right now and haven't had anytime for crafting. I was finishing up my bachalor's degree and was down to only 1 class left when the school I was attending was shut down. So I have had to get transcripts from all of the schools I attended sent to a new college who was accepting Seniors that had been displaced. Unfortunately to be able to graduate the school had to establish a minimum # of credits for residency. Thankfully they made an exception for us displaced Seniors but I still have to take 4 classes instead of 1. So I finally got everything squared away and enrolled in 2 classes. Between 2 classes, 2 kids, full time job and the holidays moving in, I have got my hands full. I will hopefully be able to play in Dec as I have a break from 12/15 to early January. Then another 10 weeks of classes and I am officially done! I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

A couple of cards for my guys

2010-10-13T17:03:00.000-05:00

Lots of boys in the family so I always like to keep a few of these ready to go. Girly cards are easier for me so I can't whip one of those up fairly quick and that seems to be what I gravitate to for challenges too unless it specifically is for a masculine card. Stamps are from The Greeting Farm. Love them and if you have looked at some of my other blog entries you'll see I like to use them often. They are still pretty recent additions to my stash so the newness hasn't worn off yet and I get to practice my copic coloring skills which will always need to work I'm afraid.

Happy Anniversary Cards

2010-10-13T16:49:00.000-05:00

I wanted to finish using up this little paper pack of red, cream and black paper so I made an Anniversary card and a 2nd card that could be either for an Anniversary or a Wedding. My sister doesn't make her own cards but likes to send them. She told me that her stash was getting low so for her Birthday I'll put together a stack of cards for various occasions and send to her. These will probably be included.

Thanks for stopping by!