Life & Art by Laura Evangeline

LYB Sketch Challenge

2012-01-19T11:36:00.000-06:00

Well, Little Yellow Bicycle invited me back again to join in on a sketch challenge that they're hosting on their blog. Since I haven't made a scrapbook page in FOREVER, I thought I'd go ahead with accepting their offer to guest design again and give it a try. Here's the sketch...

And since I'm more of an 8.5x11 person (being a cardmaker and all), I made this layout...

You're all welcome and invited to join in on the sketch challenge. Here are the challenge details that I've copied from the LYB Blog...

Here's the rules:

1. You may use the sketch any way you please (turn it upside down or on its side, or use it as is).

2. You must use at least 75% Little Yellow Bicycle product, from ANY of our collections (We like to see the new stuff, but we have so many great collections, that we basically just like to see our stuff).

3. Your work must be your own! ;)

Here's how to enter:

1. You may enter by posting your layout to LYB's Facebook Page - please post it in the Album titled "January/February Sketch Challenge".

2. If you're not a Facebook user, you still may enter, by emailing a photo of your entry to lizq@cthruruler.com. Please include your mailing address - so we have it in case you win!

3. All entries must be received by midnight EST on Saturday, February 18, 2012.

Here's the fun part ... the prizes!

1. We will select THREE finalists. All of the finalists will win a prize.

2. We will post the finalists to our Facebook Page and Blog for you to VOTE on your favorites.

3. You'll have a week to vote (one vote per person).

4. The grand prize winner will win $50 in LYB product. The runners up will each receive $25 in LYB product!

**Due to shipping costs, prizes may vary depending on where you are in the world.

I hope you'll join along! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Supplies:

Hip Hip Hooray!

2012-01-10T07:00:00.022-06:00

Yeppers, I have another card I made a few months ago for you. This one coordinates with the card I just posted for LeeLou Blogs a couple days ago. I told you I really love these colors! :-)

I told you last time that I love printables because you can print them any size you like and also over and over to mass produce projects. I also love that you can adjust color. The original files are bright and fun, but I turned the hue down just a tad bit to more of a pastel tone to go with my papers. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE all the possibilities! Head on over to LeeLou Blogs to check it out, and tell her I sent ya!

Supplies:

Fresh Start Birthday Printables	Candy Button Dots	Toothpick Flags	Carousel Patterned Paper	Dandy Patterned Paper	Bouquet Patterned Paper	Cardstock - Cheeky
Zig Zag Edger Punch

CARDS Magazine - December 2011

2012-01-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

I was so honored to be the designer of the month for CARDS Magazine this past month! When the editor asked to feature me in the spot back in March I was just giddy, and here I am just as excited nearly a year later. This really has been a whirlwind of a year. With my hubs deploying last January, I decided that my new years resolution was to focus on a few of the things I love (along with loosing weight as usual). One of the main things on my list was to be consistent with submitting for publications. I'd say I was pretty successful with meeting my resolution (at least this one). I have been published at least once a month during his deployment, but more often than not three to five times, and finally this month I hit my record of eight. I guess that really does represent the culmination of my year without him. I'm ready for him to come home and resume husband and daddy duties. I think it might be time for a little break here in the near future. Our family needs it, and I'm ready to take it on 100%. I hope you'll stick around, but in the mean time here are my publication releases from last month...

Celebrate Card

2012-01-07T07:00:00.002-06:00

Here's another card I made back a few months ago for LeeLou Blogs. I love the happy colors.

This card along with the other that I made were so fun to create. LeeLou Blogs has some great free printables over on her blog. Which is where I got these tags. There's also a coordinating kit for you digi crafters. I love printables, because you can customize the size to whatever your needs are. It's also a lot more convenient when you're trying to make a set of similar cards or goodies like Christmas cards or birthday invites. Anyway, be sure to stop on over to LeeLou Blogs to get some printables, and tell her I sent you! :-)

Supplies:

Fresh Start Birthday Printables	Toothpick Flags	Candy Button Dots	Ribbon	Dandy Patterned Paper	Sleep Tight Patterned Paper	Carousel Patterned Paper
LBP Cardstock - Skylark	LBP Cardstock - Cheeky	Zig Zag Edger Punch

Oh Happy Day

2012-01-06T10:35:00.000-06:00

Check out this new collection coming this year...

You can see more over HERE.

2012-01-05T07:00:00.001-06:00

I never got to post a project that I did for GCD Studios a month or two ago. It turns out we got the holidays off from designing, so I figured I'd share them with you instead of letting them go to waste.

Here's the inspiration I started with...

It's not my typical bright and cheery scheme, but it just added to my crafty challenge.

Here's what I came up with...

After I laid out all of my patterned papers, I ended up picking a sentiment sticker that I never would have chosen based on the inspiration photo. I think it just works though. It also turns the totally winter card into a love card. No bows, no pink, no glitter... I think I may have just made a man-card for the hubs. How about that! :-)

Supply List:

LBP - Lemonade Cardstock

Lovely Garden Patterned Paper

Mod Brown Patterned Paper

Vintage Audrey Patterned Paper

Vintage Buttons

Embossed Stickers

Upper Crest Border Punch

LYB: Day 6

2011-12-17T07:00:00.021-06:00

Once again, this collection is just begging for pops of color to be thrown in. It's just fun and simple, but makes for such a big impact. With Christmas just around the corner my color for the day just had to be red!

Instructions:

1. With decorative stitching, add a 3.75"x5" piece of Winter Pom Pom to a 4"x5.25" piece of Skylark card stock, secure the ends of a strip of ribbon to the back of the card front, and adhere to an A2 card base.

2. Layer 1" strip of Winter Stripe over a 1.5" strip of Winter Wishful.

3. Add journaling tag and decorative stitching before securing to card front.

4. Attach snowflake flourish, chipboard character, and adhesive gems to card front.

5. Create a ribbon wave embellishment over ribbon strip and cinch tail end with twine and button.

TIP: Always secure your ribbon tails to the back of the card front leaving the middle space under the ribbon free. This allows you to add knots, bows, and other embellishments as you're going through the creative process without having to rip off what you've already glued down. It saves money on adhesive, and you can always go back and "tuck a little tack" here and there as needed.

Well, tomorrow is the last day of my Ode to Little Yellow Bicycle Week. I hope you've enjoyed all of the projects, instructions, and inspiration so far. See you tomorrow!

Supplies:

LBP Cardstock - Skylark	Blue Forest/Winter Pom Pom	Winter Woods/Winter Wishful	Winter Stripe/Wood You Be Winter	Journaling Cards	LBP Cardstock - Grenadine	Clear Cuts Shapes
Chipboard Shapes	Lost & Found Buttons	Baker's Twine	Adhesive Jewels - Cardinal

LYB: Day 5

2011-12-16T07:00:00.039-06:00

I'm sure you noticed the lovely little hint of green throughout the Winter Twig collection, so I just had to emphasize it to go along with my color theme of cards this week. I really love the little snowman with his glittery little pompoms. I put him in a little snow globe of sorts complete with snowfall courtesy of the Winter Blue patterned paper and a few card stock hills. I didn't even have to add any other embellishments or ribbons because the striped patterned paper and buttons on the sentiment sticker were just perfect all on their own.

Instructions:

1. Start with a 4"x5.25" piece of Winter Woods patterned paper and add a decorative stitched border before adhering to an A2 (4.25"x5.5") card base.

2. Using a circle cutter, create nesting circles from card stock and patterned paper. Add decorative stitching and secure to card front.

3. Attach chipboard snowman.

4. Using a scallop punch, create hills along the top edge of a 1.75"x4" strip of Orchard card stock.

5. Add a 1"x4" strip of Winter Stripe and add decorative stitching before adhering to card front.

6. Attach sentiment sticker with dimensional adhesive.

TIP: If you like to sew on your cards and layouts, try experimenting with different stitches. You can even change stitching patterns in the middle of a line like I did here on the snowman card and many of my others. It really adds special little details that will only enhance the magic of your creation.

Okay, there are only two more days of Winter Twig projects coming your way.
I'm getting a little excited about the grand finale, but also sad that it's come to an end. I'll give you a hint... there are seven days in the Ode to Little Yellow Bicycle Week and there will be seven happy blog readers to match. Don't forget to come on back tomorrow!

Supplies:

Winter Woods/Winter Wishful	Large Circle Cutter	LBP - Orchard Cardstock	Skate Scratch/Winter Blue	Chipboard Shapes	Embossed Curve Edger Punch	Winter Stripe/Wood You Be Winter
Cardstock Labels with Buttons

LYB: Day 4

2011-12-15T07:00:00.052-06:00

The little chipboard ice skates were just screaming to be played with. I immediately set them to the side when I was sorting through all my Winter Twig goodies. It wasn't until near the end of my cardmaking extravaganza that a mysterious piece of blue, green, white, and purple striped ribbon stuck to my foot. Perfect! That's how today's new color scheme was born. I have no idea where this ribbon came from unfortunately, but my guess would be Hobby Lobby.

Instructions:

1. Start with a 4"x5.25" piece of Pom Pom patterned paper and attach a 1.25" strip of Winter Stripe patterned paper to the left edge before adding a stitched border with lime green thread and then attaching to an A2 (4.25"x5.5") card stock base.

2. Punch a decorative border along a 2"x4" strip of Petunia card stock. Center 1.25" strip of Wood You Be Winter patterned paper over card stock strip, add decorative stitching and ribbon, and secure to card front.

3. Stamp sentiment in lower right hand corner with VersaMark and emboss with silver powder.

4. Add journaling tag and bow secured with twine and button.

5. Using screw punch & twine, lace skates, and secure to journaling tag tucking twine ends under button.

6. Cut a Pom Pom in half and glue to skate tips.

7. Add a photo corner fashioned from Winter Wishful patterned paper in the upper right hand corner.

TIP: Don't be afraid to alter or even embellish your embellishments like I did with the chipboard ice skates. I like to buy simple embellishments because they're more versatile. You can keep them as they are or take them up a notch too. Adding to beautifully simple embellishments can really make your project extra special and unique.

I hope you enjoyed today's card. There are still three more days of Winter Twig projects coming your way.
See you tomorrow!

Supplies:

Winter Stripe/Wood You Be Winter	Blue Forest/Winter Pom Pom	LBP - Petunia Cardstock	Winter Woods/Winter Wishful	Arch Scallop Edger Punch	VersaMark	Silver Embossing Powder
Journaling Cards	Chipboard Shapes	Screw Punch	Baker's Twine	Mini Pom Poms	Striped Buttons

LYB: Day 3

2011-12-14T07:00:00.050-06:00

How do you feel about hot pink and dark chocolate together? I just love it. Take notice of the blanket stitch I used around the border. I chose it because it felt more home-spun and wintery to me with the snowflake sweater background going on.

Instructions:

1. Start with a 3.75"x5" piece of Winter Plaid/Mocha Java Sweater patterned paper & center it over a 4"x5.25" piece of Cheeky card stock.

2. Add a 1.5" strip of Cheeky card stock across the front approximately 1/2" from the bottom edge.

3. Add a decorative border around the perimeter of the card front and along the upper and lower edges of the strip of Cheeky card stock before attaching the card front to an A2 (4.25"x5.5") card base.

4. Add a border sticker centered on strip of Cheeky card stock and trim.

5. Attach metal rimmed tag, acetate flourish, gems, and chipboard pine cone to card front.

6. Secure "Forecast:" sticker with dimensional adhesive.

7. Peel lacquer from chipboard letters, ink with desired color, add glaze & glitter. Set chipboard alpha out to dry before adhering to card front with dimensional adhesive.

TIP: If you're like me, you've collected tons of chipboard elements and alphabets. Try your hand at re-coloring your chipboard with ink, embossing powders, glitter, paint, or patterned paper for a brand new look. You can even mix and match left over pieces to create a whole new coordinating set that individually may have otherwise been unused!

I hope you enjoyed this project. There are still four more days of Winter Twig coming your way.
See you tomorrow!

Supplies:

LBP Cardstock - Cheeky	Winter Words/Brown Skate Scratch	Clear Cuts Shapes	Metal Rimmed Tags	Chipboard Shapes	Adhesive Jewels - Pink Fairy	Cardstock Labels with Buttons
LYB Chipboard Alpha	Dark Brown Ink	Iridescent Fine Glitter Set

LYB: Day 2

2011-12-13T07:00:00.094-06:00

Let's start off with a card that sticks pretty much to the color scheme of the Winter Twig collection.

I added Skylark card stock and some velvet ribbon from my stash to enhance the added color. There are so many different shades of blue in this collection you could really add any blue card stock, ribbon, or embellishments that you already have, and it would be a near-guarantee that it's a match. Love, love!

Instructions:

1. Start with an A2 (4.25"x5.5") card stock base.

2. Trim a piece of Winter Plaid/Mocha Java Sweater patterned paper to 4"x5.25".

3. Punch a decorative border along the bottom edge of the patterned paper, & trim off the bottom 1/3.

4. Flip the patterned paper over to reveal coordinating design, add two strips of over lapping ribbon (securing only the ends to the back of the patterned paper), and attach to card base.

5. Add decorative stitched border with sewing machine.

6. Create bow with loops of ribbon and attach with twine.

7. Slide journaling tag under ribbon and secure to card front.

8. Punch decorative border on "Happy Winter" sticker and trim to fit card front.

9. Attach pine cone embellishment under bow, and add chipboard bird with dimensional adhesive.

TIP: The sentiment sticker that I chose to use for this card was originally much too long for the balance I needed to complete my project. Don't forget that paper isn't the only thing you can trim and punch! Try your hand at adding fun borders and even punched shapes to the elements on your next project.

I hope you enjoyed the card. There are still five more days of projects coming your way.
See you tomorrow!

Supplies:

Scrapper's Floss	Clear Cuts Shapes	Cardstock Stickers - Fresh Verse	Journaling Cards	Chipboard Shapes	Winter Words/Brown Skate Scratch	LBP Cardstock - Skylark
Noteworthy Ribbon	Scalloped Border Punch	Upper Crest Border Punch

Kick-Off: Little Yellow Bicycle Week

2011-12-12T07:00:00.001-06:00

Here we go with a week-long holiday ode to one of the new winter collections called Winter Twig from Little Yellow Bicycle.

This collection has some of the most fun and cute embellishments I've ever seen. I absolutely love the blue, white, and brown color combination with a hint of green thrown in. This makes for a collection that can be used for many other occasions. You can see from my sneak peeks that I added a ton of new colors creating all new schemes. I love that about this type of line. It's so versatile. The patterned papers are all great pattern basics to hold on to in your supply. Here are just a few of my ultra favorite things...

LYB's patterned paper has a great weight and texture. My favorites are Winter Plaid/Mocha Java Sweater (even fun to say)...

...And Blue Forrest/Winter Pom Pom.

I've gotta have my journaling cards and spots to make cards, so of course I love these...

Oh, and Clear Cuts Shapes are way way fun. They're printed on clear acetate and they're glittered!

These Cardstock Stickers are cut into fun shapes and they even have real little buttons on some of them. Adorable! (I even love that the backing of the stickers is a clear piece of acetate. Recycle & reuse for later crafting, hmmm?)

I hope you enjoyed the kick-off and sneak peek pictures. I'd love to know what your favorite piece in the collection is and what color combo you can't wait to see. You never know when you might get a little goody... Stay tuned in for tomorrow's card.

See you there!

Stay Tuned...

2011-12-09T07:00:00.008-06:00

In just a few days I'll be kicking off my Ode to Little Yellow Bicycle Week here on my blog. They'll be tons of cards along with instructions and supply lists to tickle your creative fancy. They'll even be a chance to hop on over to the Little Yellow Bicycle Blog for even more eye candy. You never know when Santa will drop some gifts along the way or where he'll choose his lucky recipients from, so stay tuned and sign up as a follower because you don't want to miss the events, and... the goodies!

Two Tags & a Mini

2011-12-02T07:00:00.014-06:00

Happy Holidays!

Click the photos below to shop my supply list for this project:

LBP Cardstock - Grenadine	Creative Charms November Deal of the Month	Yuletide 12x12 Specialty Paper Pad	Vintage Christmas Self-Adhesive Metal Frames	Gradient Gem Stickers	Pure Blossoms	Velvet Ric Rac
Yuletide Tag Pad	Fancy Polkadot Ribbon

InLinkz.com

CARDS Magazine - November 2011

2011-12-01T07:00:00.001-06:00

Just one last month...

Cycling Team

2011-11-15T07:00:00.002-06:00

It never even crossed my mind that I would ever be on a cycling team, but I am now...

It's a good day for a bike ride!

Deck the Halls

2011-11-09T07:00:00.017-06:00

It's that time of the month again! It's time for me to talk about the Creative Charms Deal of the Month. Here's a little peeky of the 138 piece set for a bundle price of $6.99...

Red & Green Vintage Jewels - 12 Pieces

Holiday Gradient Gem Stickers - 76 Pieces

Red Vintage Velvet Ribbon - 18"

Green Wide Fancy Polka Dot Ribbon - 18"

Red Wide Fancy Polka Dot Ribbon - 18"

Green Gradient Gem Brads - 12 Pieces

Red Gradient Gem Brads - 12 Pieces

Red Vintage Gem Brads - 9 Pieces

Red Pure Blossoms - 14 Pieces

(FYI: These items bought seperately would cost you over $20.00)

As usual, I had so many goodies in my kit that I couldn't use them all on one project. Here's one of my favorites I'd like to share with you...

I absolutely love the scalloped ribbon in this kit (as I've said over and over again). I really wish I had ordered more, because I could use it on every card I make. I also love the vintage brads as you can see. I happily discovered that the brad tongs are perfectly sized and spaced apart to thread into button holes, so it was quite easy to anchor them in the button without creating any bulky back bumps or holes in my paper. Ahhh, perfect!

Supply List:

Yuletide Words Adhesive Chipboard

Yuletide 12x12 Specialty Paper Pad

Creative Charms November Deal of the Month

LBP Cardstock - Skylark

LBP Cardstock - Grenadine

InLinkz.com

Extra! Extra!

2011-11-08T23:15:00.003-06:00

"December is full of ideas for Merry Christmas, Gift Card Holders, Jewels, Congratulations, Fabric, New Years, Holiday Tags, Cards for Boys, I love you, Home Sweet Home, and so much more! You'll love the Things We Love section - Spellbinders is on the cutting "edge" of the industry with their new line of Edgeabilities die templates. Mixa nd match these templates to create over 70 design options! The Ultimate Card Class features Making Memories! They did it again with their new Twinkle line! Another cute-yet-elegant line that is perfect for any designer's style. Our Designer of the Month is Laura Evangeline! She is wonderfully talented crafter, mom, army wife, and much more. You don't want to miss this issue!"

CARDS Magazine - December 2011

(Whoot! Whoot! :-)

CARDS Magazine - October 2011

2011-11-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

I love the first day of the month when I can share my publication babies with you. Here they are...

Creative Charms Blog Hop

2011-10-28T08:00:00.039-05:00

Yeah, I'm so glad you made it here for the Creative Charms Fall Blog Hop!

This weekend we are hopping through the design team blogs. The blogs will feature special projects featuring Creative Charms products of course, but there are also a ton of giveaways to be discovered along your journey.

The grand prize giveaway is November's Kit of the Month & Deal of the Month.

Be sure to leave comments on all the blogs you visit, because you never know where the lucky winners' names will be drawn from. I even get to have my own giveaway right here on this blog. All prizes will be announced on Tuesday, November 1st.

Also, through the end of this month Creative Charms is donating all net proceeds to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Creative Charms is featuring a special pink kit as well this month.

I am also personally participating in the Komen Race for the Cure event going on in the Nashvhille area on Saturday. I'm heading up the Student Nurses' Association team from my school. If you would like to give a direct contribution to the Susan G. Komen for a Cure foundation you can do that HERE.

(Click on the image my favorite Creative Charms projects below if you'd like to see what products were used.)

And...

Here's the whole line up for today's blog hop:

Creative Charms - http://creative-charms.blogspot.com/

Lisa - http://lisadorsey.blogspot.com/

Kristal - http://www.gettingcricky.com/

Diane - http://www.capadiadesign.com/

Arlene - http://www.teenyterrors.blogspot.com/

You are here! ---> Laura - http://www.lauraevangeline.blogspot.com/ <--- You are here!

Amy - http://www.aimitup.blogspot.com/

Ellen - http://www.scrapstampnmama.blogspot.com/

Angi - http://www.cokiepopaper.blogspot.com/

Christine - http://scrappingwithchristine.blogspot.com/

Midori - http://www.scrapsforme.blogspot.com/

So, from here you should hop on over to sweet Amy's Blog...

Happy Hopping!

Susan G. Komen

2011-10-24T21:01:00.000-05:00

I won't go into a long speech about the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure event that's going on Saturday. I know most of my blog readers are just looking for crafty things, but I really do feel passionate about what this foundation does. Vince, Ethan, and I have all signed up to "Sleep-In for the Cure" for this race. I don't want to drag Ethan all the way to Nashville at the butt-crack of dawn, so we'll be "racing" via satellite. If you'd like to sign up to race or would care to make a donation it would be greatly appreciated. The team I started is on behalf of the Student Nurses of Austin Peay State University. THIS LINK will take you to our site to sign up or donate. You'll see that my little team isn't doing so well. To sign up as a team member is $40 (including shipping) and you will receive a T-shirt and race number along with a few other goodies. You can also sign up your pets and children (for free) when you fill out the form. Thank you for taking the time to read this and consider this organization's mission toward women's health.

From the Inside

2011-10-17T22:07:00.000-05:00

I saw this quote somewhere online, and I loved it so much that I made this little ditty for my desktop. It makes me think of my little Ethan. I love him SO MUCH!

Fall Clothes

2011-10-12T20:58:00.000-05:00

I think I just found a new addiction to building clothing collections. I'm not a fashionable person by any means, so this is really random for me. I really do love fall clothing though. Layering, sweaters, boots, and scarves are just my thing. I also love that most of these clothes come from my beloved Old Navy. It makes me want to go shopping right now.

Inspirational Quote

2011-10-05T10:20:00.000-05:00

CARDS Magazine - September 2011

2011-10-01T07:00:00.006-05:00

This color combo came together like magic. I'm totally in love with it, and apparently they liked it over at CARDS magazine too. It was in last month's issue. I hope you think it's neat too! :-)

He has his daddy's feet

2011-09-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

What I've been up to...

2011-09-14T22:52:00.000-05:00

If you've been to nursing school, something similar, or lived with someone who has then maybe you know what I mean when I say, "I'm VERY busy!"

(...and VERY tired!)

Cheese & NaNa

2011-09-12T21:14:00.000-05:00

Ethan's "cheese" face:

And...

Ethan's "NaNa MumMum!" face:

My Story

2011-09-11T07:00:00.088-05:00

Ah..... what another beautiful color inspiration photo to work with this month. I know I went through a time when pink was not my favorite color, but I just can't help it any more. Pink is just a happy color. All the lovely things in the world come in shades of pink after all... bubblegum, cupcakes, cotton candy, flowers, hearts... Hey, even the only medicine that ever tasted good came in pink!

I'm not sure that I can remember the last time I put black on something I wanted to be pretty, but I think it works in this case. A dash of Caribbean blue thrown in there makes it all the more sweet and refreshing. Besides, it's another color of my favorite food: cotton candy. Heehee!

Since it's back to school time, I started to make a cover for my notebook, but during my supply scavenge, I came across a journal that I decided to make a cover for instead. Here's how it turned out...

I had so many shades of pink that didn't really match each other that I decided to just include them all. I think it ended up looking "matchy" in the end after all.

I wonder what I should write in my journal...

Perhaps I'll start writing letters to my little Ethan. I think it would be nice to have letters from my mother and grandmother written when I was a child. Maybe I'll have family members write him letters and put them in here too. What a great keepsake for when he's older!

Do you keep a journal? How often do you write in it?

Do you have any keepsakes that you've put together or started for your children?

Supply List:

The Sweetest Thing - Material Girls collection by Heather Tozzi

Girly Girl - Material Girls collection by Heather Tozzi

Petit Blossoms - Homespun Chic by Melody Ross

Fauna Stripe, Pink - Animal Crackers Girl Collection by Rob and Bob

Baker's Twine

Glitter Words – My Story - Soul Food Collection by Melody Ross

Chipboard Word Stickers - Soul Food Collection by Melody Ross

Ethan's First Haircut

2011-08-30T07:00:00.007-05:00

I was dreading Ethan's first haircut, but it needed to be done. He was starting to look a little vagabond-ish. You know, Vince and I are in the military, so we don't do the Bieber look. I'll never give my Ethan a buzz cut, but he'll never look like he belongs in a band from any era. It gives me the jeebies! Haha!

While we were in Texas visiting our family last week, we stopped by a children's salon for the special occasion.

He didn't like the water squirted on him from the spray bottle very much, but he didn't make a peep.

He did so well letting the lady cut his hair. His only real issue was that he wanted to watch what the other kids were doing in the play area, so he sat backwards in his seat most of the time.

After the stylist cut the back and over the ears I thought he was done, but then she asked about the top. I wasn't so sure, but Vince said to cut it. I was afraid of loosing my baby curls, but his natural curls made for the perfect little up-front do that his daddy sports. It's so cute.

After we were done we headed for the cashier's desk where Ethan got to get a prize. It was a little dinosaur that he absolutely loved for the entire duration of the car ride. After that... I have no idea where that thing is. :-)

And that's the story of Ethan's first haircut.

Back 2 School

2011-08-26T22:59:00.000-05:00

Although my little Ethan is only a year old, I felt like he had his first day of school this week when he moved from the infant's room at day care into the toddler room. They have cubbies, nap time, snacks, water play, lunch time, and even recess. I'm headed back to school on Monday myself. I finally finished my degree last month. I feel like I'm on a roll, so I'm going to keep on truckin' through the next one. I've been super obsessed with school supplies, so I just had to make a back to school card. I've never made one before, because it really didn't seem like a card-occasion to me. Now that I'm going back to school as an adult I really feel like a card is in order though! I'm so very excited, but terrified too.

Do you have anyone going back to school or any back to school stories?

I'd love to read them! :-)

Celebrate Card

2011-08-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

This picture & the happy color palate that goes along with it just sang to me. It really makes me even consider changing my craft room colors to this scheme. I just feel good looking at it.

The card I made following the photo inspiration was super fun to put together. I used tons of scraps too. It'd be something that would be so easy to replicate for any scheme or scrap clean up of your stash. All the patterned paper pieces are 1" strips just pieced together like a quilt. I even used four different stitch designs from my machine on this one. Each time I went down a row to sew I clicked the button over to the next design. I love using new stitches. I bought the machine with all the fancy designs like I'm sure many of you have too, but I'm too often using the zigzag and straight stitch over and over. This was much more fun.

I'd love to see what cards you make using up your scraps. Do share a link in the comment section so we can all see what you've created.

Supplies:

Busy Busy

2011-08-06T15:48:00.000-05:00

I've been so busy getting ready for Vince to come home in addition to my to-do list that doesn't seem to ever dwindle down. I just wanted you to know that I'm still alive, but I may be in and out over the next couple of months. While I process out of the military and start nursing school full time. It's a crazy time right now. I hope I survive! :-)

Facebook

2011-08-05T17:24:00.000-05:00

CARDS Magazine - July 2011

2011-08-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Yeah, I can finally share these with you. I gave peeks of a couple of these waaaaay back a few months ago, but now I can finally do the full reveal. Whether you've already seen them in last month's issue of CARDS magazine or not, I still hope you'll enjoy them. The wedding card has to be one of my favorites since it's the sample design for what turned out to be my cousin Chelsea's wedding invitations. Making 150 of them wasn't easy, but she's WAY worth it. I crazy-love her to pieces!

Creative Charms

2011-07-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's that time of the month again! Well, not that time, but time for me to talk about the Creative Charms Deal of the Month. Here's a little peeky of the 151 piece set for a bundle price of $6.99. (No, I didn't leave out a number. It's really $6.99!):

•Sunburst Daisy - 5 Pieces

•Yellow Braided Daisy Medley - 4 Pieces

•Amber & Green Gradient Gem Brads - 12 Pieces

•Orange 3D Sparkly Garden Butterfly - 12 Pieces

•Yellow Groovy Petal Medley - 8 Pieces

•Amber Gradient Gem Stickers - 76 Pieces

•Summer Medley - 21 Pieces

•Palm Tree Brads - 12 Pieces

•Green Fancy Polka Dot Ribbon

I had so many goodies in my kit this month that I couldn't use them all, but here's what I did make so far...

The little rope & brad flowers go perfectly with this paper I've been saving from My Mind's Eye. I love when stuff like that happens!

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T07:00:00.006-05:00

Don't you just love the 4th of July? Picnics, sparklers, watermelon, patriotic bunting & flags. I love it all. If you think your town really knows how to rock out a patriotic holiday, you should try living near a military post! My husband & I have collectively served more than a couple decades & feel that we're perhaps just a tiny bit of a couple of experts in the celebratory matter. My husband is the master chef grill-man extraordinaire while I am the planning decorating shin-dig startin' guru. Pass me the microphone, & I'll get it kickin' in no time! This year will be a bit quieter since my sweet hubs is deployed, but I just had to do a little decorating anyway. I was inspired by wood shavings for this project. Yes, those left over things from when you sharpen your pencil. Anyway, my pencil didn't make big enough shavings, and since my sweet carpenter hubs wasn't here to help me out, I decided to create my own. Let's get started...

Step 1: Pick out your patterned papers.

Step 2: Wrap ribbon around a foam wreath so that your pins will have something to anchor to & to create color blocking guidelines.

Mine looked like this when I was done:

Step 3: Punch out circles, scalloped circles, or even both from your patterned papers. Cut them in half, & roll them into "shavings".

I folded the tips of mine flat to give me a place to put the pins.

Step 4: Start sticking them to your wreath.

Keep going...

It took a while, but I ended up with this:

It looked a little plain, so I went on to

Step 5: Apply white paint or ink to some Chip Art stars, punch holes in them, & adhere them to your wreath.

Finally, here's what I ended up with:

Patterned Papers I used:

Spring Sky - Spring in Bloom Collection by Donna Salazar

Take Flight - Spring in Bloom Collection by Donna Salazar

Bandana - The Great Outdoors Collection by Heather Tozzi

Happy Camper - The Great Outdoors Collection by Heather Tozzi

Picnic Table - The Great Outdoors Collection by Heather Tozzi

S'mores - The Great Outdoors Collection by Heather Tozzi

Little Leopard, Aqua - Animal Crackers Boy Collection by Rob and Bob

Mr. & Mrs. - Sweet Surrender Collection by Tina Higgins

RSVP - Sweet Surrender Collection by Tina Higgins

Together Forever - Sweet Surrender Collection by Tina Higgins

Scandinavian Holiday Stripe - Scandia Jul Collection by Rob and Bob

CARDS Magazine - June 2011

2011-07-01T07:00:00.008-05:00

It's that time of the month again... Here are a few of my cards that were published in last month's issue of CARDS magazine. I hope you like them!

Sneak Peek & To Do List

2011-06-30T17:30:00.001-05:00

You can see the rest of the project over at the Creative Charms blog. :-)

My To Do List:

Take the car in for repairs after a tree branch fell on it
Study for my two tests this week, and three next week
Write a speech that's due Friday
Go to the grocery store
Pay Daycare
Pay Lawn care
Make an appointment for the groomers
Get caught up on my design team & publication projects
Make appointment for the carpets to be cleaned
Go to tax office for the -umpteenth time (someone used my SSN to file their taxes)
Buy a booster seat for Ethan, because he's outgrowing his car seat
Download, edit, & file the backlogged photos on my camera
Post Ethan's 9 month entry
Clean out Ethan's clothes that don't fit
Get immunizations for nursing school
Get a physical for nursing school
Go to the pharmacy
Buy nursing school books
Buy nursing school uniforms
Sew patches on uniforms
Apply for financial aide
Apply for vocational rehab
Mail Vince's care packages
Update Project Life pictures & journaling
Go through mountain of mail that's been collecting
Buy baby food, diapers, & wipes
Buy dog food
Finish Firefighter continuing education hours
Submit renewal for Fire Fighter certification
Fold the three piles of laundry on my bed
Wash two piles of laundry on the floor
List the rest of my old scrapbook tools and supplies on eBay
Load pictures on to digital photo frame for Vince
Ship Etsy orders
Make final dental appointment
Final-out from Army finance office
Buy a wedding gift
Get wedding clothes for Ethan & me
Order graduation cap & gown
Make graduation announcements
Make Ethan's birthday invites
Make a wedding card for Chelsea (cousin) & Parker
Make birthday cards for Dad, Vince, Ethan, Ella (my sister), Aunt Lisa, Chelsea, Debbie (BFF), & Amber (neighbor)
Change phone/TV/Internet plan (too expensive)
Take my phone in for repairs
Order a background check for nursing school
Get the oil changed in both cars
Pay school tuition owed
Apply for delayed payment option for school until the G.I. Bill comes in

Hmmm... I have a slight feeling that I'm forgetting something...

2011-06-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

#1 Dad Card

2011-06-19T07:00:00.015-05:00

Some snapshots of my favorite fathers...

Me & My Dad

My Dad, Ethan, & Vince

Vince & Ethan

Ethan & My Dad

My Grandpa & Me

Happy Father's Day!!!

A Black Eye & Sunshine

2011-06-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ah! I have been so jacked-up for the past week. I started my final summer semester of courses that will round out my pre-requisites for the nursing program that I was accepted into which starts in August. The classes I'm taking now are Developmental Psychology, Speech, & Microbiology with Lab. Well, I must be allergic to something in the lab, because I ended up with a half-swollen face, a black eye, and four trips to doctors' offices. It's been a nightmare, and I really look like I walked right out of one. My face is scary, but at least I can see enough to get around now. I had to solicite car rides a few times. I'm just so ready to have my face and full eyesight back. I'm also behind now on some of my design team work. I was able to crank out this little ditty for Creative Charms though. Head on over there to check out the full card, & let me know what you think! :-)

Project Life Update IV

2011-06-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I started taking Microbiology & Lab, Public Speaking, & Developmental Psychology this summer semester.

I have a pile of things that Vince has requested. I'm still trying to find the time to get a box, write the customs forms, pack it up, and take it to the post office. I can't even get to class on time right now. Heehee

I don't think I need to elaborate much on how expensive I think gas is.

I have an addiction to all things Post-it.

I'm pretty sure these are the same sneakers that I wore in Afghanistan, and after saying that I'm pretty sure it's time for new ones.

Ethan never plays with his mat or bouncy seat anymore. He's too busy trying to walk and make long distance calls on my cell phone. It makes me miss the baby Ethan.

Mom came to visit.

Amish farm flowers are still alive.

Maybe I don't need new sneakers.

I need to do laundry big time. You can't see the pile on the bed or the full basket in Ethan's room either.

My scrapbook room is all over the place. I'm surprised I get anything done in here.

Eight of us went to the Melting Pot to celebrate birthdays, holidays, graduations, engagements, and on and on...

Ethan had some more shots at the doctor's office, but he's always a champ. He really just wants to tear up the bed paper.

And here's Ethan sitting on my lap on my birthday a few weeks ago. He was way squirmy and totally interested in my hair, so getting a good shot wasn't happening. This was the only one in focus.

I know lots of you are Project Lifers too. I'd love for you to share your links here with us. We're not even halfway through the year, so we need more photo inspiration! :-) I don't know about you, but I'm starting to drag a little bit.

Farewell

2011-06-09T22:38:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I get my clearing papers and start my 10 (working) days of clearing the Army before setting off on using up those 50+ days of terminal leave that I have saved up from the past eight years of service. Oh, man does this make me feel so weird. I don't see where I shared this layout with you, so I am here now. I made this featuring my coworkers. I'm not really much of a scrapbooker (or Blogger guru if you noticed the blooper), so don't be too hard on me! :-)

You Are More

2011-06-06T07:00:00.004-05:00

Blogoversary!

2011-06-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

Four Years Today!!!

GCD Studios

2011-06-04T07:00:00.004-05:00

Here's another GCD Studios creation that's quick and easy & uses up scraps.

It can also be completed in no time flat, so why not make a bundle of ready to send cards or a pile of cute invitations?!

Instructions:

Trim patterned paper to 3.75"x5".
Add scrap strips of ribbon and patterned paper & secure to back of patterned paper.
Secure to center of A2 (4.25"x5.5") cardstock base.
Add stitched border.
Add homemade embellishment using punched & die cut flowers from various scrap papers and fabrics secured with a brad.
Finish with a sentiment or alphabet stickers.

GCD Studios

2011-06-03T19:00:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for a GCD Studios card tutorial?!

Here's the card we'll be making:

TIDY TIP: I always trim my base layer of patterned paper to 1/4" smaller than the cardstock base. This creates the matted/layered look, and it also allowes me to fully asemble the card and add stitching, brads, wrap around ribbon ends, etc before actually attaching it to the cardstock. We work really hard on making beautiful cards. They're meant to be opened, so don't leave a mess inside! :-)

Instructions:

Start with an A2 (4.25"x5.5") cardstock base. (This is also a great place to add an unexpected color without being overpowering.)
Trim Lovely Garden patterned paper to 4"x5.25", and stitch a decorative border around the upper two-thirds. (Yet another fun place to add a pop of color!)
Add a 1.5"x4" strip of Lovely Green patterned paper along the bottom edge.
Using the other side of Lovely Garden, add a 1.5"x4" strip of patterned paper after adding a punched border.
Take a 5" strip of 1" wide ribbon & 5" strip of paper ribbon and secure over the seams of the patterned paper layers.
Create an additional loop of ribbon, cinch in the middle with baker's twine, and secure to card front.
Use a die cut machine or punches to create floral voids to taste.
Secure your cardfront to the cardstock base.
Add a sentiment and Glitter Candy Dots.

It's Almost Summer...

2011-06-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

...so I think I can still post one more spring card.

CARDS Magazine - May 2011

2011-06-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

The May issue of CARDS magazine had to be one of my favorites from this past year. Every card in there was so cute. I think I bookmarked every page! Anyway, here are a few of my cards that graced the pages this past month. Enjoy!

Creative Charms

2011-05-30T07:00:00.015-05:00

I hate that May is almost over. It's my favorite month. I'm pretty sure it will come back again though.

Anyway, I was cleaning out my craft room when I came across a giant wooden clothes pin. I used to have buckets of them. I just thought they were the cutest thing. I still see them all over the place and in all kinds of stores. I decided that I should finally do something with it, so here's what I whipped up using the Pink Blooming Garden embellishments that I picked up with the May Kit of the Month from Creative Charms...

What crafty goodness have you been hoarding that you might wanna pull out and play with?

Sergeant Laura says...

2011-05-28T09:00:00.073-05:00

"Participate in the Memorial Day Weekend Bloghop!"

"That's an ORDER!"

Did I scare you? Just Kidding! Heehee

Anyway, I really do encourage you to participate in this bloghop. Obviously, as a Soldier and a Soldier's wife, things like this have a bit of a significant meaning to me. Please support the good cause. If there's a special Service Member in your life. Please leave a comment. We'd love to honor them!

Here's my card:

And here's the button that will take you back to the start of the hop if you're a start from the front kinda person:

But... may I recommend just starting from here and making a full loop on back around. The hop is a little long, so why not keep up your momentum, go forward, be booty-licious, and give the back-end some love too!

Next on the blog hop list is ANITA...

Happy Memorial Day!

P.S. Don't forget to stand up when the flag passes by, and teach your children too as well. It really breaks this little Soldier's heart when everyone just sits on their bum. Memorial Day is a celebration, but it's also sorta like a funeral. Please be respectful to those that have left their lives in order to let us live ours.

Me & My Hubs

Celebrate

2011-05-26T07:00:00.019-05:00

How about some chocolate covered ~~buttons~~ cherries on a card?

I actually made this card for the Card a Day publication, but it wasn't picked up. That's okay, because now I can share all it's cute-ness with you!

Yum! This makes me want to ask, "What's your favorite treat?"

I think mine would have to be chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls from the Amish farm down the road. I've got a hankerin' for some right now.

Nuts

2011-05-25T07:00:00.005-05:00

Love Letters

2011-05-24T07:00:00.006-05:00

2011-05-23T07:00:00.003-05:00

27

2011-05-21T00:00:00.036-05:00

"Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday to me,"

and...

Happy Armed Forces Day!

2011-05-20T07:00:00.099-05:00

Ah, my birthday is tomorrow! It's so weird. Why is that?! Ugh! Any-way... Today I'm doing a special birthday themed edition of Friday Favorites...

If I had a birthday cake, I'd totally want to do a button theme. They look so yummy. I could just eat them!

...wait, you CAN! :-)

This cupcake stand is way too cute!

Oh, wouldn't it be fun to have a tea party?

Since I don't drink tea though, maybe we'll have lots of cupcakes instead!

Petit fours

Macaroons

Little sandwiches

and cake pops of course!

I'd want everyone to wear a fascinator too.

I pick this one.

...but if I can't have all that, then I'll gladly settle for a burrito & some watermelon!

Yum!

2011-05-16T07:00:00.003-05:00

9 Months

2011-05-13T07:00:00.036-05:00

At nine months he...

...stands up by himself.
...feeds himself.
...no longer uses bottles.
...only has one pacifier left for daycare "emergencies".
...crawls like the wind.
...never comes home from daycare in the same outfit I left him in.
...has another eczema inflammation possibly from pears. (I had it when I was his age too.)
...says Mum-mum & Dad-dad
...hardly takes naps.
...falls asleep as soon as nightfall.
...wakes up with the sun.
...likes to squat-bounce when I sing my twang-jingle thing.
...claps.
...high-fives.
...still doesn't wave.
...covers his ears when he cries or yells loudly.
...has two bottom teeth.

Creative Charms

2011-05-12T07:00:00.009-05:00

I did a post over at the Creative Charms blog today on their Deal of the Month. It really is a deal. I love all the bling! Here's a sneaky peeky of what I made for them today...

P.S. My birthday is just a little over a week away, so I'm offering a 21% off coupon code to my Etsy shop good through the end of the month. All of the cards on my blog are always for sale. Just ask, and I'll create a special listing for you.

Here's the coupon code: MAY21ST

Can you guess when my birthday is? How about how old? Heehee!

What a Woman

2011-05-11T07:00:00.013-05:00

I made this card with more of the GCD Studios stuff to match THIS one from about a week ago.

Everything I used to make this card with the exception of the ribbon, cardstock, twine, and green button is from GCD Studios.

Hellen Keller

2011-05-10T07:00:00.015-05:00

I'm not sure if I like this card. It's so... flat!

You know, I'm from Texas, so maybe that's why I like my cards to have a "Texas Hair" feel to them. This one definitely does not have that factor. Hopefully, I'm just having a bad ~~hair~~ card day. :-)

2011-05-09T07:00:00.009-05:00

Okay, I've seen these guys in concert twice. (They open for Michael Buble.)

EVERYthing you hear is from their voices. NO instruments. They're amazing!

I love the parts of the video that show the ghost images of the instruments they are imitating. True talent!

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Vinny!

2011-05-08T07:00:00.003-05:00

To: Vince

From: Vince

Isn't that sweet? He made me a card put together from bits of other cards he had over there. He also made me the coolest self-self locking trinket box. He's so crafty! I love him!!! xoxo

Mother's Day

2011-05-07T07:00:00.010-05:00

is tomorrow, so for the occasion I thought I'd share with you some beautiful, funny, and strange motherhood quotes:

If you have a mom,

there is nowhere you are likely to go

where a prayer has not already been.

You don't really understand human nature

unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round

will wave at his parents every time around

- and why his parents will always wave back.

It kills you to see them grow up.

But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't.

The one thing children wear out faster than shoes is parents.

Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children

because they are more certain they are their own. ~Aristotle

Making the decision to have a child is momentous.

It is to decide forever to have your heart

go walking around outside your body.

There is only one pretty child in the world,

and every mother has it.

If nature had arranged that husbands

and wives should have children alternatively,

there would never be more than three in a family.

The moment a child is born,

the mother is also born.

She never existed before.

The woman existed,

but the mother, never.

A mother is something absolutely new.

Ethan was born just five days shy of 9 months ago making me a mother...

Happy Mother's Day!

Courage

2011-05-06T07:00:00.002-05:00

See this card in the Designer Highlight of the December 2011 issue of CARDS Magazine

Creative Charms

2011-05-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

I have to admit that I had never used Creative Charms products before I started working on the design team. I thought the pictures were great, but it wasn't until the post(wo)man brought me my first package that I fell in love. I didn't quite expect them to be so nice for what little they cost! It's going to make you think that all other gemstones you find are a total rip-off. They even have kit of the month and deal of the month sets that are even a bigger bargain. I got one of each kit for my self this month, and I'm doing the same for the upcoming months as well. Take a look for yourself.

Here's the May Deal of the Month:

•Amber Gradient Gem Stickers - 76 Pieces

•Blue Gradient Gem Stickers - 76 Pieces

•Pink Gradient Gem Stickers - 76 Pieces

•Assorted Gradient Pearl Stickers - 76 Pieces

•Light Purple Vintage Jewels - 12 Pieces

•Light Green Vintage Jewels - 12 Pieces

•Green Gradient Gem Brads - 9 Pieces

•Purple Gradient Gem Brads - 9 Pieces

•18" Blue Fancy Polka Dot Ribbon

Can you believe this package deal only costs $6.99?!

(By the way, that ribbon is my absolute favorite thing on their website. I haven't seen anyone carry anything like it anywhere else, so... I ordered in in EVERY color. The only problem is that I'm having a hard time using it because I'm resisting that old urge to hoard again.)

The other deal I got this month was the May Kit of the Month.

Here's what it includes:

•Knitted Strawberries - 3 Pieces

•Orange Countryside Garden - 6 Pieces

•Green Knitted Butterflies - 4 Pieces

•Blue Small Knitted Flowers - 9 Pieces

•Blue Blooming Garden - 12 Pieces

•Pink Blooming Garden - 12 Pieces

Knitted and crocheted embellishments are so expensive, but this entire kit is $14.99.

Those cherries are so yummy-cute, but I'm really looking forward to playing with those epoxy domed brads!

Anyway, now that I'm all done with finals (for this semester at least), I'm ready to start playing with my new toys! Stay tuned...

Project Life Update III

2011-05-04T07:00:00.024-05:00

I love going out to the Amish farms that have little shops. There are four now that I frequent. This one has a huge new garden house. Flowers make me so happy!

Ethan's first car.

I don't remember why I took Vince's car one day, but it happened to be the day I back into the mailbox. Doh!

Baby things are invading every nook and cranny of our house.

My Vinny Boo-Boo! :-) xoxo

The cutest quilt shop ever is less than five minutes from my house. I just want to go there every day.

My sister and I went to a yogurt shop on our way home from an awards ceremony. (I'm an honor student. Toot-toot!) I think I got more toppings than yogurt.

I debated on whether or not I should share this no-make up, dark-circles, worn-out looking self-portrait, but here it is. That's what I look like these days. That's what Project Life is all about.

This morning I have my Statistics final and tonight is my final exam in Anatomy & Physiology II. I went into A&P thinking it was going to be great. I'm typically an excellent student, and it's in a subject I feel comfortable with. However, now that I'm at the end, I seriously think I'm going to need to take the next semester off to start coloring my hair. Ugh! Pray for me! :-)

Creative People

2011-05-03T06:00:00.001-05:00

I love this journaling tag. I laughed when I first saw it, because it's SOOOO true!

2011-05-02T07:00:00.008-05:00

CARDS Magazine - April 2011

2011-05-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Well, I can finally share a few of my April publications with you. I hope you like them as much as I enjoyed creating them for you! :-)

P.S. I'm so glad it's finally May! It's my favorite month this year. At least I hope it will be. It's my last full month on active duty before I start terminal leave from the military, I'm celebrating my first Mother's Day, my 27th birthday,and my 2nd anniversary. I really hope I can spend this month staying busy, but still maintaining some healthy breathing room for my own sanity. I've come too close the edge this past month. I need to reign it all in a bit more and refocus my energies toward things that will keep me uplifted. Here we go! :-)

I Bet...

2011-04-30T07:00:00.005-05:00

...you wouldn't have initially guessed that I actually made this card with a circus-themed collection, did ya?

2011-04-29T07:00:00.072-05:00

It looks like many of the scrapbooking companies are having a mini-release here lately between winter and summer CHA, so I thought I'd share with you what's on my wish list right now.

How about these from Webster's Pages?

I'm crazy for the Sweet Threads collection from Basic Grey, but especially this particular pattern...

FYI:
I super-love any line that comes in a 6x6 pad.

So, of course, that means I have to include this 6x6 pad from My Mind's Eye too...

(Quick! Someone bombard them with emails saying they NEED me on their design team. I'm drooling!!!)

And while you're at it, go ahead and message American Crafts too, because I can't get enough of their rub-ons. Why can't they make more? I need them! I mean, I don't think it's possible for me to make a card without a rub-on or alphabet stickers.

Oh! And what about these mists from Studio Calico? I have a couple mists that I've never used, but the bright colors that they come in sure do make me wanna jump right in.

And last, but not least...

I really think I'm ready to get one of these...

I know some of you have one. What do you think of it? It's such a big investment. Should I do it???

Best Friends

2011-04-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, more GCD Studios goodness. I can't help myself. The shabby chic, brightly colored papers in this line are just the right fit for me. That rose strip is some super fun paper ribbon from the Funhouse collection. It comes on the cutest little spool filled with five other fun trims. I'm trying to decide what to do with the spool once I use all the trims. I just can't throw it away! :-) I bet Ethan would love to chew and bang it around. I also used some fun pre-threaded (love that!) buttons from a wedding collection called Sweet Surrender. I'm a total sucker for buttons of course. I'm fighting so hard against my desire to hoard supplies with all this yummy new stuff. Say prayers for me! Heehee!

Beautiful Brave Girl

2011-04-27T07:00:00.012-05:00

I just love this journaling tag, don't you. Of course, it's from GCD Studios. Melody Ross designed such pretty collections this past season. The collections just make you feel good. They're great for girlpower cards and layouts for sure. They kinda make me wanna actually do a scrapbook page! :-)

See this card in the December 2011 issue of CARDS Magazine

Thank You Tag

2011-04-26T07:00:00.004-05:00

The mailman brought me a HUGE box of GCD Studios goodies to play with this week. I've been dying to get into everything, but with finals next week I've had a hard time getting into my craft room. I did manage to make a couple little treats though. Look at this cute little tag made with the fabric tags from The Great Outdoors camping collection. I hope to have every one of the 8 tags from the package fully decorated in the next two weeks. These are going to be really hard for me to part with.

Check out this creation in the October 2011 issue of CARDS Magazine

2011-04-25T07:00:00.003-05:00

Happy (Rainy) Easter

2011-04-24T15:23:00.000-05:00

Smiles are the Souls of Kisses

2011-04-20T07:00:00.003-05:00

I really like this color combo of light blue, aqua, deep grey, and lime green. I think I'll start trying to find fabrics in these colors for a quilt. It just speaks to me!

See this card in the December 2011 issue of CARDS Magazine