MINI VSN!

Last night was MINI VSN!  I like to participate in these when I know about them!  They are only held a few times a year.  I was a hostess several VSN's ago, and had a great time!  I love VSN because you get a challenge at the top of the hour, and you only have 45 minutes to create something.  The ladies that hostessed last night came up with GREAT challenges!  I really had to think about what I wanted to do and think about what I had in my arsenal!  If you would like to participate, you can find all of the challenges HERE!  You still have until Monday evening I think to upload your creations! You'll have to go there for complete challenge information.
 I was still making dinner, so I missed the first challenge.
 So, the second challenge was to use hearts as a base.  I asked if we had to make a card, and the answer was no!  So, I created a hanging heart! "Shower My Love To You"

  

 

This luminary was the third challenge!

 This paper pieced card was the fourth challenge!  I'm currently working on a project w/ these papers, so I just used scraps, and it turned out well!  I think so anyway!

 

This is the entwined fifth challenge!

And, this is the sixth and last challenge of the MINI VSN!

Fun fun stuff!  This was the perfect break and now I can get back to work on the projects that I need to finish NOW!
Have a great day!

Warm Thanks card

I made this card for the Kitchen Sink Stamps 10 minute challenge this week, and then after completing it and searching for the keyword, I read the directions again and didn't follow a single direction!  hahahaha!  Well, I have had this idea for a while, so I made it anyway!  I want to make about 20 of these at some point for Christmas thank you's.  I have a ton of things to do before I can get to these cards, though, so....  hopefully they will get done before the snow melts! FOTFLMAO!

I used Kitchen Sink's Invisible Snowman.  This card took about 15 minutes because I had to cut the circles and scallop circles out.  And the ribbon was not cooperating!  It's a long card, to fit those types of envelopes for the picture greetings that normal people send out.


Stay warm!

Bluebonnets

I am STILL working on Christmas gifts!  This card is one of 10 that I made for my brother's girlfriend for a Christmas gift.  She's in college, but I figured she could use a set of notecards for whatever.  I love leaving the insides blank and not making them specific.  That way there's more versatility and the receiver can use them for whatever they want.

The images are all from Kitchen Sink Stamps.  I used the Multi Step Ivy and Multi Step Bluebonnets.  The butterfly is in the Bluebonnets set.  I found the pack of cards at Michael's and I will definitely be getting more of these to use for gifts!  They are the perfect size, and they come w/ envelopes which, for me, is always a challenge!  For some reason, I run out of envelopes like they are going out of style!  And I have a whole bunch of envelopes that fit regular sized Hallmark cards, but holy moly, my cards are TINY compared to the Hallmark cards!  Maybe I should make mine bigger.....

Have a great day!

Christmas Letter Press boxes

Just to warn you:  This will be a long post!

For Christmas for my cousins, I decided to decorate two boxes.  These are no ordinary boxes!  They are actually boxes that held wooden/metal dolls w/ clothes that attached magnetically.  Like paper dolls, but w/ magnets.  My older daughter received a set for her birthday, or last Christmas, and we have been moving the box upstairs, downstairs, everywhere!  And one day I was looking at it, and it dawned on me that it looked like those boxes that are oh so famous that people are redecorating each little cubby!  Like THIS for example!  My youngest daughter got a set for Christmas this year, and I used hers for the other one!
They were originally pink, and I spray painted them white, and then black.  Then I sanded down the edges a bit to give it that worn look.

Here's the first one I made:

 And there are two boxes that I had not finished when I took this picture.  I can't remember why I took it unfinished!  UGH!  Anyway, the one above the boxes had a stamped tree (from KSS Pine Trees), train (from MFT's Cuddle Up Carter), and I drew a train track to go underneath the train.  I think there was a teddy bear too from SU!.  In the top box, there was just holly and berries, both from KSS Holly & Mistletoe.

 The bells are from Kitchen Sink Stamps 3 Step Bells. I used red seam binding that my sweet friend Karolyn sent to me!

 When I look at this box, I start to think about that song, "...brown paper packages tied up w/ string, these are a few of my favorite things!"  I took 3 small wooden blocks from my SU! block pile, and wrapped them up w/ brown paper from a paper bag.  I used thread to tie them up, and glue dots to keep them all together!  The tree is from a piece of 12x12 that I cut out w/ my exacto knife and adhered directly to the side wall, and popped out from the back wall.  That "wallpaper" was pretty busy, and I wanted my tree to look more realistic.

 This is my favorite box!  I drew the fireplace, roaring fire, and mantel.  I used that famous Martha punch for the greenery on the mantel, as well as the red wreath.  I cut out stockings and glued white flocking on to make them look more like stockings.  For the greenery on the mantel, I wanted it to look like white lights, so I added white/translucent beads.

 The snow is falling!  What large flakes there are!  LOL!  These lovely snowflakes are dies from My Favorite Things and Nestabilities.  I adhered them to fishing line so it is supposed to look like falling snow.  And the flocking at the bottom is supposed to be already fallen snow.

 I made the sled!  Can you tell?!  Doesn't it look awesome!  I'm so proud of that sled!  I added some white flocking so it looks like it was just out in the snow!

 

 I didn't know what to do w/ this box, so I stamped a bunch of things and put them in here.  All of these stamps belong to the set Kitchen Sink Stamps Build A Garland.  The music in the background is actually tissue tape from Tim Holtz.

 

And here's the second box I made.

 I cut out the stocking, and made it like the ones in the other box.  The ballet shoes and sucker are from an SU! set that has long since retired.  Buttons, Bows and Twinkle Toes, if I'm not mistaken...

 This is the holly and berries from Kitchen Sink Stamps Holly & Mistletoe. 

 This is supposed to be a poinsetta plant.  Does it look like it?  The box is a wooden block from my SU! collection of blocks.  I covered it in gold foil that is actually covering my real (fake) poinsettas that I have on my porch!  Then I stamped the poinsettas from Kitchen Sink Stamps 3 Step Poinsetta.

 The greenery is from Kitchen Sink Stamps Build A Garland.  The lights are from a mini Christmas SU! set. I colored them w/ Copics.  I made the two packages myself, and used seam binding ribbon for bows.  I used wire to connect all the lights together.  Does it look real?

 The angel wings are actually butterfly wings turned upside down.  I ran them through my xyron and applied white flocking.  Then, I used a glue pen and went around the edges and applied 24k gold sparkly fluff to the edges and on the box so it looks like gold dust is following in the wake of the wings.

This last scene (I love creating scenes!) was actually the first box I did!  I love the family decorating the tree!  That stamp will be used A LOT!  I just know it!  Both that image and the sentiment are from Welcome Christmas by SU!.  The teddy bear and tea set are from Buttons, Bows & Twinkle Toes from SU!.  The greenery is from Kitchen Sink Stamps Winter Cardinal and the bows are from Kitchen Sink Stamps Build A Garland.

All the paper I used:  Jovial by Basic Grey; Christmas by Me & My Big Ideas;  & Evergreen by K. & Co. (old).

*Each link for Kitchen Sink Stamps goes directly to the set mentioned.  The My Favorite Things are just to the main site.  There's a glitch right now w/ the site.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day!

Christmas Charger Plate

 Hi there!  Happy New Year!
I have a few projects to share over the next couple days.  I made this charger for my parents in addition to the gift cards that we bought them for Christmas.  I was blurfing a few weeks ago, and found this cute Altered Charger idea on Arlene Cuevos' blog. I purchased a set of 4 gold chargers at Target and got to work on Christmas Day! 

 The pine all around the edge is a stamp from Kitchen Sink Stamps from Winter Cardinal.  I stamped in a circle and after stamping all the parts to the pine (4 separate images to make 1 full image) x's 10 times, I cut it all out.  I actually took these pics of the kids on Christmas Eve and just printed them out on regular cardstock.  I layered them, added some background paper, a few ephemera items and went to town w/ my glue!  The ribbon is sparkly ribbon from My Favorite Things from last year maybe?  I don't know, I've had it a while.

Have a wonderful 2011!

An altered desk drawer organizer for a friend

I am really excited about how this latest project turned out!  I took a regular desk organizer (something like this),
only this one only had 6 spaces in it.  I spray painted it black (it was clear), and got to work!

I wanted to make a special gift for a dear friend of mine.  We went to college together, she was in my wedding, we have known each other for about 10 years.  We always exchange gifts, and I wanted to make her something instead of simply buying something in a store.  This way she can keep it forever!  And think of me!  LOL!

So, here's the project as a whole:

      She is a teacher, so I made a blackboard.  I drew the flag, apple and computer.  You can't see it, but I did stamp 0's and 1's from MFT's Who's That Geek Guy.  I guess w/ the lead pencil, the camera and computer just couldn't tell it apart.

        She is a runner, as well as a cross country and track coach.  I drew the shoe, based on a shoe I found on the Dick's Sporting Goods website.  The tree is from MFT's Sheltering Tree & Leaf Trio.  I also used SU! circle punches to add to the tree.  I sponged all edges on leaves, circles and tree.  The grass is from MFT's Fresh Cut Grass.

 She loves sports, especially football and basketball.  She played basketball in high school, and coached it for a while after she became a teacher.  Since we live in Pittsburgh, I HAD to add a Terrible Towel!  We both went to Robert Morris University, so I had to put that pennant up.  She and her family are huge Penn State fans, and her sister went to both Penn State and Pitt, so I put those two pennants up as well.

 She LOVES the beach, like I do!  The surfboards are from Verve's Relax set.  The tiki torches are from Hampton Art's Luau set.  The sun is MFT's Die-namics Sunshine.  Paper is from Linen Closet (DCWV).

 This was a fun one to do!  She has two kittens, and she loves to read.  The ball of yarn is actually a small bell that I wrapped w/ thread.  The kittens are from Kitchen Sink Stamps Kittens and Pup.  The girl reading is from MFT's WTG Well Read.  I drew the lamp, floor boards and art work on the wall.

And of course, she is a great friend of mine!  These two girls are from SU!'s Lively Little Ones.  Paper is SU!.  I found the quote online.  It says: A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be.  By Douglas Pagels.  I thought this quote was really great for something like this!

And that's it!  My friend absolutely LOVES it and is taking it in to her classroom to hang on the wall!

Have a great day!

A Teacher gift

So, school will be out soon for Christmas break!  And if you're a mom w/ school aged children, I'm sure you've already bought teacher gifts and probably already presented them w/ their gift!  Well, I'm a little slow!  I finally had time to make my son's teacher a set of cards.  I made my daughter's teachers cards as well, but I've made similar ones, so I didn't take pics of those.  But, these I have never made.  I used Fancy Tags Shapeabilities and I have never used them before!  FUN!!!!  And, here's a little sidenote!  The Large Oval punch from SU! fits perfectly in the tag w/ the oval middle!  Well, you'll see below!  I was SO excited to discover that little kernel of information! 

ANYWAY, here's the card!  And below is a closeup of the butterflies that I used.  They are from the Sizzlet from SU!  Embosslits Beautiful Wings!  I am in love!  I will be using these A LOT!

They really look better in person.  I have a zoom lens on my Christmas wish list!  Perhaps THEN I'll have nicer pictures to share on here!  The point and shoot camera just don't do my creations justice!

See you in a few!

Annual Christmas card and a gift

Another year is upon us!  I can't believe how quickly 2010 has passed by!  I guess when you're busy w/ 3 kids, helping a sister get married, being supportive to a husband who was in the throes of a new principal job of 3 elementary schools, and just going about daily life, the year just does fly right by!

So, now that it's Christmas time again, I am finding myself SUPER busy w/ homemade gifts to make and I know hardly any will actually be given BEFORE Christmas!  My life just doesn't work that way!  I'm sorry, but I just can't fit it all in!  So, if you haven't received a gift from me, 9 chances out of 10, the design is still in my head and the paper and stamps have yet to be touched!  They will though!  Don't worry!

Well, I WAS able to get ONE gift done!  Whoo hoo!  This is for my friend who cuts my hair.  We have become very good friends, and she truly appreciates my time and talent and my crazy style!  So, it's worth it to make her something special!

I have been collecting wood from Stampin' Up!, from all the rubber mount stamps that I have purchased over the last year and a half that I have had my stamps in binders.  Ssshhhh!  Don't tell anyone!  ;)  So, I am in the process of making my friend a set of seasons to put on her windowsill, or wherever!  Christmas is done!  Haha!

 For the block, I put music tissue tape all over the front, and sponge inked it w/ Ridinghood Red.  Then, I stamped and colored in w/ Koh-i-noor pencils and turpentine Santa and his reindeer.  Santa and JOY are from Crafty Secrets, one of their Christmas sets.  I added some MFT Die-namic snowflakes and faux crochet border to complete the look!

And here is my annual Christmas card:

The pine on top is from Kitchen Sink Stamps Build A Garland.  The sentiment is from Crafty Secrets.  The ornaments are from Fiskars or Inkadinkado.  I can't remember. 

Unless I get more projects done, I'll see you after Christmas is over.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!  I hope you get everything on your list!

Christmas tag

Hi there!  I have been busy getting ready for Christmas, and I thought I would share a quick gift tag that I made this evening.  I had to make 10 for a gift exchange w/ my Mom's Group tomorrow night.  I made chocolate covered pretzels!  They turned out really well!  This is the first time I have ever made them!


I wanted to make a cute tag for each bag because the cellophane was just begging for some creativity!!!  And this finishes the package!  The little girl is from SU!'s Greeting Card Kids!  I thought this set was so cute, and a definite must have!  I colored her in w/ Copics and a gel pen for the sparkle.  For the white, I adhered white flocking.  She is stamped on MFT's Vanilla Perfect Paper Panels in Chocolate Chip.  I have had this paper for so long, it needed to be used!  Enjoy!

Hopefully I'll be back soon w/ more creative projects!  I have a TON of homemade gifts, just not enough time to do them!
Have a great day!

LOVE

LOVE!  Love is grand!  Love is patient, love is kind.  Do you feel like you're at a wedding?!  NO!  You're on the MFT BLOG HOP!  YAY!!!!!  Hopefully you came from the talented Jessie Rone!  If not, go to Kim's blog and I'll meet you back here in a bit!  Anyway, this month MFT concentrated on Valentine's Day for their release!  From the Pure Innocence girls to Who's That Girl to MFT's Inspired By line, it's all about the heart!

Well, a few months ago, I was buying something online for my sister's wedding, and I happened to find this LOVE chipboard album.  I put that in my virtual shopping card as I have never made a chipboard album like this!  Then, when I received my stamps for this month's release, I instantly thought of this album and this would be the blog hop project!  A culmination of all the sets together in one big project!  Are you ready?!

Here you go!

 I had a theme going here, only using floral paper, using a lock and key on each page except the L, along w/ lace and ribbon.  And there's a PI girl and WTG on every page as well.  Also, you will find a different sentiment from the Clearly Sentimental about Love on each page.  So you can see the versatility of these sets!

 Here's a closeup of clear hearts stitched onto the lace on the L page.

 Here is my threading ribbon.  I thought this was a brilliant idea, and then the next day I saw that everyone else had thought of the same thing too!  Hahaha!  Great minds think alike!

 50 buttons sewn onto the ribbon & paper!

Did a little cross stitching on the heart.  I tried several different ideas and pitched all of them!  Then, I just started punching little holes and did a little cross stitch!

As I was working on this, I thought that I could give this as a wedding shower gift for my cousin.  So, after the blog hop while you all are shopping away, I'm going to make this personal and add some pictures and things of my cousin and her fiance!  Hopefully it will be well received and will last as long as their marriage!

Thanks for stopping by!  Your next stop is one of your favorite dirty girls, Christina Fischer!
Enjoy your new stamps!!!!