Light Whimsy

Happy New Year, Welcome 2012

2012-01-10T23:50:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was tough. Christmas morning at 8:00, my husband's baby brother died suddenly of a massive heart attack. He was only 47 years old. It's taken a toll on my joy. The week after Christmas was filed with funeral plans and tears. That same week, my siblings and I have been planning a 50th anniversary party for my parents.... FOR TWO YEARS. My husband's family and support was of utmost importance to me so the party took a backburner and my siblings took over. The party was beautiful and so well done. So many people came and congratulated them. I was so happy for my parents, so glad to see so many people celebrate them. To see they're faces filled with smiles and joy. Tom and I moved through the evening with automation, exhausted and trying to take it all in.

I have walked in my craft room over and over. Looked at it and turned around and walked out. But, I'm starting to come out of it and want to craft again. I thought of this gross humor tonight and so I made this thank you card. I'm making some nicer ones, but I just thought this was funny.

Hope you chuckle. because that's what I needed to do. :0)

I love it when people really put thought into something YOU needed or wanted. If I were a cat, that's what I'd want. :0)

Sorry the picture is not better.

Happy New Year, All!

50th Anniversary Party

2011-11-18T20:12:00.001-08:00

My Parents will be married 50 years in December. We plan to have some fun at their party. Music was always big in our lives. So I made these food trays out of records.

Saw the idea on Pinterest. Went down to the thrift store, picked up some old records. Put them in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes. For the bowl, I used a stainless steel mixing bowl and let it melt down over the curve. For the lipped trays I used the same stainless steel bowl and let the record melt over the opposite side of the bowl so that only a small amount of the record melted. This was SO FUN and easy that I can see myself doing a lot of fun things with these.

Working

2011-09-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

The campus center I work at has Coffee House on select Mondays. I made this sign for our sign post in the front of the building.

On the 24th we will have a Student Art Show and Coffee House. To promote it, several of us had to do art pieces that we could use in promotional advertising (not to be judged). This is my Cricut Picasso. I don't care for his cubism work, but let me tell ya folks - it's HARDER than it looks.

This is my face, fragmented with personality. You can't see but I used the cuttlebug folder with writing on it. Because my face is older with lines in it. I always wear my hair behind one ear, so only one ear is showing. My name is penny, so I used the cent sign for my ear. I chose the shapes I wanted to use and put them all over the mat then cut the mat several times with different colors of papers on them. I used foam tape and zots to give it some depth and pop which can't be seen on this picture. I'm glad this project is done!

2011-09-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, yeah, it's been awhile, but I have been CRICUTing, just not posting. I have a new job and the learning curve has been steep.

Here we go. First, Ellis, turned 2 and had a cookie monster birthday. The best part of this is that my husband, dressed up like the cookie monster. My husband has dressed up for halloween about twice in our 30 years of marriage. He just doesn't do stuff like that, but for Ellis.... anything.

The little cookie monster head on a tongue depressor is a bookmark and I stamped

"E is for Ellis" on it.

I did a HUGE cookie monster on a Pizza Pan that I made little cookies for. The cookies had magnets on the back so you could throw the cookies at the cookie monster and try to get them in his mouth. I forgot to get a picture of it and it was the best thing I did for that day.

I made the banner and the hat. Beth made the food along with some of her friends. The table was spectacularly filled with wonderful colors and good things to eat besides cookies.

Happy 2nd Birthday Ellis

Family Tree

2011-08-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

Practical Scrappers Challenge Me Tuesday

is to use a tree.

My family tree is full of "nuts." I couldn't decide what the sentiment would be........ :Glad you're part of mine." Or "Glad our tree has forks in it." Which made me think of making a tree with little forks in it. This card is a little more serious than funny though. So, for now, the sentiment is blank.

. The tree is from Stretch Your Imagination. Grass and Acorns from Create A Critter. The leaves are a punch. "Family" is an acrylic tag from my stash, I've had it forever but never saw it when the project presented itself. Three layers of DCWV Self-Adhesive Mat Stacks and Cat's Eye chalks.

Practical Scrappers Turns 2

2011-08-08T05:09:00.000-07:00

Practical Scrappers turned 2 this week! Congratulations. One of my favorite all time blogs! The charge was to create a 2 page layout, or 2 go-together cards. My layout is a 2 page layout, with 2 pictures. Each picture has 2 brads. The number 2 is on the lower fence with 2-gether. All the flowers can be divided by two. There are 2 heart charms and 2 initials (L & M). 2 clouds have silver linings.

This picture is from Lindsey and Michael's wedding that I did in Austin, Texas. My hope is that they continue 2 Grow 2 Gether. :0)

Lyrical Letters, My Community, Creative Critters, Martha Stewart Stickers.

Practical Scrappers is one of the best blogs ever for encouraging you to use the things you have already in your stash. I love that! Congratulations Practical Scrappers on turning 2!

Joanne's Blog Candy for Lime Light

2011-07-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

This is a nice sampling of blog candy available from Joanne over at Tropic Luv for a very good cause. She is a design team member for Lime Light. They make cards for charitable organizations.

Give her and them a visit and sign up for some fun blog candy, competition and a very good cause!

Purr-fect Palm tree

2011-07-13T03:50:00.000-07:00

Two cards today. The first day since being back, that I've actually had an idea for a card. I've visited some of my favorite people's blogs, but I'm not fully back in the blogosphere yet. I haven't visited the Cricut Circle in six months despite that I renewed my charter membership (or my husband did for me).

These are really basic as I delve back into my crafts and try to get them sorted and unpacked.... and put away the wedding stuff.

Purr-fect

I was singing a Jason Mraz song when this card came to mind. "What a beautiful mess." Aren't we all perfect in our beautiful messes of life? I think so.

Palm Tree

This card has a movement coil so the hand waves when it is pulled out of the envelope.

Foreign Roads of Micronesia

2011-07-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I have finished my last wedding as a wedding coordinator. Bittersweet. Having done Event Coordination for over 20 years now. I'm ready. More importantly......... my husband is ready. He's the one who is glad I'm no longer missing in action on weekends while I "create" corporate retreats, weddings, anniversaries, changes of command, retirement ceremonies, etc....

All the initials were done using Lyrical Letters or Storybook. I used the deep cut blade on thick cardboard then covered it with moss. The L&M at the front of the chapel were cut in paper on Cricut, then I cut them out on styrofoam.

The couple this past weekend wanted a several day wedding event. AND they loved their initials. We did initials everywhere. The table cloths were made of burlap and table runners that were pieced together like quilt tops (thanks to my mother in law for sewing so MUCH). We did Dahlias for flowers which were awful. They wilted so fast. They were gorgeous and some of them were bigger than my head, but they didn't weather well.

I forgot to take pictures of the cake which also had their initals on top of them.

Lastly, while in Italy, we bought a GPS unit to help us navigate the roads of Europe. It came with the maps of Italy, France and some of Germany already programmed on it. Rather than buy a new one right after we landed back in the U.S. We reprogrammed it to use the U.S. maps and language. This weekend while in Austin, TX for the wedding, we used it to get around for all the events of this weekend wedding party. Texas has lots of FM roads (short for Farm to Market). However, our foreign GPS interpreted the road FM to mean Foreign roads of Micronesia. I died laughing........... sometimes you do wonder what world you are in.

What I've Been Doing

2011-06-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

I've been busy.... I have two weddings within 3 weeks of each other and I've been swamped unpacking and doing weddings. Here are some pictures from the work I've done on the first one. I did all the flowers, the boxes for the candy bar (Tags, Bags, Boxes & More) and the wedding coordination and direction.

You can see the black boxes we used here on the brides table.

One down, one to go. Then I'm back to my cricut full-time. That will be an enjoyable rest.

Denton, Texas

2011-04-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

We found a place to live. We can't move in until May 15th, so we are in a hotel room with our dog while we wait for the place to be ready.

I am so anxious to have my crafts back. I have two weddings to do this summer and it has been hard to work on them without my craft stuff to use. Back to using my Wedding Coordinator certification and experience. Word of mouth is still the best way to get work in this business. I'm doing a GRAND event in July in Austin, TX. And one in June in Kerrville, Tx.

Our things should arrive from Italy in 3 more weeks.

I am already missing Italian Siesta. Oh to take life as slow as the Italians took it. :0)

OUR STUFF ARRIVED from Italy on Monday. Very little breakage considering. I found my cricut on Tuesday. Once I get the boxes unpacked, I'll be in business. It's like Christmas at my house right now.... only not as festive. :0) See ya soon.

Back in the USA!!!`

2011-03-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

We have finally arrived back in the USA and are busy settling our affairs, looking for a home and starting new jobs.

Only six more weeks until my Cricut and all my craft stuff arrives from Italy. Call me stir crazy for crafts. I don't even want to look at ideas because I'm afraid I'll get one and have nowhere to craft it.

Joann thanks for the encouragement. Hope your Dad is doing better. Christine, miss Practical Scrappers very much!

Hope you all have a very crafty day!

I CAN'T STAND IT!

2011-02-24T07:14:00.000-08:00

They come to take away all our things this week. It will be six-eight weeks before we see them again. What am I going to do, just these past few weeks of organizing and carefully packing my cricut items and belongings has been tough! I've made a few thank you cards here and there for the people who have been so wonderful to us in Italy. We are grateful for our time here but I am really looking forward to home.

Anyway, while at the market today they were playing John Lennon's Lemon Tree and I just couldn't help this card coming to mind. I broke out my little cricut, some buttons, stamps and ribbons and put it together.
Thanks for looking. --- Pen

Time for a little pick up

2011-01-28T09:42:00.000-08:00

I feel like I have been gone forever~ Traveling, looking for a house, traveling, being ill. But, I'm back in Italy now and have started the moving process. When I need a little break from all that...... I have to pick myself up a little by creating with the cricut. This is what I did today, not much, but boy it sure felt good to be back in the paper and glue.

So, I made a lot of trucks and wagons from the "Just Because Cards" cartridge that my friend, Crystal gave me. I thought I would just get a lot of cards ready for me to have on hand while I travel because it will be six weeks before I get back my cricuts once they pack them up to move.

Hope you are all happy and healthy!

NOTHING New

2011-01-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

I've been hopping by some of your blogs and enjoying your creations. I'm in the U.S. for another week, then we go home to Italy to prepare our move back to the U.S. We will call home, HOME, again.

We've been searching for places in Dallas and it has been a little overwhelming. I wish I was going to be here another week so I could go to the Cricut Stampede! I hope there will be more in Texas when I get back to the States!

Happy Days!

Buon Natale e' Buon Anno Nuovo

2010-12-23T19:04:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I've spent a significant amount of the last month in and out of the hospital for pneumonia and bronchitis infections. It's been a rough month for getting crafts done so I'm thankful for the times I was able to work ahead and for the fact that blogger lets you post ahead of time. My DH has been my superhero, taking care of me and helping me get things posted.

We get to move back to the U.S. in 2011 so there is much to do to get ready for an international move. I will be sifting through all my craft stuff to get it ready for shipping and I'm looking forward to the projects I will do with the stuff I "find" while cleaning.

Last year's craft resolution was to try 12 different folds to use on cards. I did that. Yay~ I can't decide what to "resolute" this year. So that's my goal for the next two weeks (along with getting well).... figure out my Crafting New Year's resolution.

What's yours?

Deck The Halls Crawl WINNER-Fantabulous Cricut

2010-12-22T03:58:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS

Lisa's Creative Niche said...: I love finding new ways to use my scraps up, thank you so much! Lisa
I sent Lisa an email and she has until New Year's Day to get back to me or I will draw again.

I hope you all have a VERY Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Be sure to check the Fantabulous Cricut Site for all the winners, there were LOTS! THANK YOU for spending the year with me. I look forward to visiting your sites and spending the new year with you!

Deck the Halls Crawl by Fantabulous Cricut

2010-12-13T00:30:00.000-08:00

Our Merry Christmas to you! Crawl along with us as we deck the halls at each of our sites. Then show us what you have decked the halls with, there are lots of prizes to be won along the way and at Fantabulous Cricut.

I can't believe that I get to follow Michelle! She's so talented!

My project is a simple chain. Every year in August and September I start saving up my scraps in a big tub. At the end of November, I start cutting them to make a chain, Going through them is a trip down memory lane of the wonderful projects I made during the year.

Little pieces of projects I never got finished like the Once Upon a Princess elf. I was going to do a candy land, but all I got done was her and the candy pole. One lonely poinsettia that was left over after another project. Snowflakes.

The chain made it all the way around the room and then some. It brings me such joy to remember and the little kids just love it. Tip: We make one chain of 1-25 and they tear one off every day till it is time for Santa to arrive. On the inside of each chain link is written the treat they will get, a cookie, a candy cane, a small toy I have hidden away. Nothing about the chain is perfect. The links are not the same sizes, the colors aren't always Christmas, but all together it is so festive and means so much more!

Now onto the next stop in your journey: Our Fantabulous Cricut Leader, Robin.

I am giving away a $20 gift certificate to Custom Crops. Leave a comment. You don't have to become a follower, but it would be nice to have you. Just leave a comment to be enrolled in the drawing.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

1. Andrea: http://divinedomestic.blogspot.com/

2. Angela: http://simplecreationspapercrafts.blogspot.com/

3. Angji: http://sweetpineapplescrapping.blogspot.com/

4. Brenda: http://brendasscrappyblog.blogspot.com/

5. Candace: http://www.scrapadoodledee.blogspot.com/

6. Cathy: http://sniptuck.blogspot.com/

7. Elsa: http://cricutlvr.blogspot.com/

8. Erin: http://spantastikreations.blogspot.com/

9. Helen: http://craftingcricutmom.blogspot.com/

10. Jamie: http://cutecardsandcraftsbyjamie.blogspot.com/

11. Jean: http://jeanscraftycorner.blogspot.com/

12. Jennifer: http://ascrappinaggie.blogspot.com/

13. Jill: http://thescrapoholic.blogspot.com/
14. Jordan: http://cutecuteworld.blogspot.com/

15. Joyce: http://1ashjoy.blogspot.com/

16. Kate: http://smallbitsofpaper.blogspot.com/

17. Leigh: http://www.myscrappyjourney.com/

18. Leinad: http://scrapsticklepop.blogspot.com/

19. Lori: http://livingorganizedchaos.blogspot.com/

20. Melin: http://cookingwithcricut.blogspot.com/

21. Michelle: http://scrappinwithmybug-scrappinwithmybug.blogspot.com/

22. Penny: http://lightwhimsy.blogspot.com/

23. Robin: http://robinscreativecottage.blogspot.com/

24. Saundra: http://luvscrappingtogether.blogspot.com/

25. Sharon: http://ladybug820.blogspot.com/

26. Sherri: http://sherrisllc.blogspot.com/

27. Valerie: http://craftygolucky.blogspot.com/

Similar, but different........

2010-12-10T07:04:00.000-08:00

Practical scrappers had a challenge to use digital stamps from Stitchy Bear and they are giving away some great prizes!!! I used the ornament digital stamp and clear dollar stamp to create this card.

It is similar to the one that I created from the cricut machine, except of course, it is digital. Stickles, Ribbon, Martha Stewart branch punch.
And I did this Snowman, also from Stitchy Bear digital Stamps:

I cut the image out close to the edge and mounted it on the poinsettia decorated gift wrap paper I had. Added the Cheers sign, Martha Stewart Branch punch, snowflake, ribbon, buttons and the Christmas tree. For this digital stamp there is a bunny at the bottom of the snowman, but I couldn't seem to color him right...... at least, I didn't like what I did, so I made the cheers sign, cut his arms with an exacto knife and slipped the sign under this hands and broom. This added some nice depth to the project.

Give a gift - altered frappuccino bottles

2010-12-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

The little girls upstairs are from Japan. They are learning English in school here. Their mother is learning Italian and speaks little to no English. The husband who works with my husband speaks Japanese and English but travels. You see the dilemma. I started giving the girls little gifts on holidays they would celebrate but are not celebrated in Italy. Like Halloween. We have a sweet friendship where the girls get to practice their English and their mom gets a little break. Here is a picture of them at Halloween:

So these are my gifts to them at Christmas. And my entry into the Cricut Circle Blog challenge Black Friday. Use black and at least two cricut cuts. I have snowflakes, circles, squares and rectangles from Joys of the Season and George. I love George, you can do anything with George! Cricut Papers and some stickles.

Coming soon: Fantabulous Cricut Deck the Halls Crawl

2010-11-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

Put a little ribbon on it!

2010-11-28T22:51:00.000-08:00

Our challenge over at Fantabulous Cricut this week is to use ribbon on our project. My project is nowhere near original. But, just because it is a scraplift doesn't mean it can't have my original touches. I used a lot of stickles on this project. Ribbon, of course.

Joys of the Season Christmas cartridge. It is the only Christmas cartridge I own and it has been all I have ever needed. I got Winter Woodlands this year because I liked some of the snowmen. Martha Stewart Branch Punch and Snowflake punch. Scrap papers.

Tis the season! Join us at Fantabulous Cricut with a ribbon project of your own. We have some GREAT prizes we are giving away!

Vintage - Cricut Circle Blog

2010-11-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

This is my card entry for the Cricut Circle Blog challenge-- Vintage. We also had a sketch to work with and a designer inspiration.

Used the From My Kitchen Cartridge - How vintage is that?! Cast iron skillets, Teflon spatulas, tin measuring spoons, glass mixing bowl, all the things I saw my mother use.

Mixing Bowl

Spatula

Whisk

Measuring cups and spoon

From The Kitchen circle

Apron

Spatulas and a Cherry Pie

When we got stationed over here in Italy, my mom sent with me some old cookbooks and recipe cards that had how to cook from scratch. That's vintage! No mixes over here, you have to do it from scratch. No preservatives in food.

I didn't want to cut up the recipe cards, they are valuable, so I laid them on the scanner, scanned them in, then cut them apart to make the background collage. Stitched one or two of them on too for dimension, then added background for the little picture frames.

I've had these little picture frames for a long time. Joy over at Purty Paperz sent me an RAK with some vintage papers, songs, lace and these little bronze frames. The peeks of the blue ribbon and the layered red, make nice accents.

This card is actually going to accompany a gift of banana loaf bread to our neighbors.

Cricut Card Fairy Flight Winners

2010-11-22T01:24:00.000-08:00

I decided to pick three winners. I hate having to pick the winner, I wish everyone could win.
Random number generator picked, 12, 20 and 28. Subtracted duplicates and the winners are:

Christina

Dawn

Christy

Winners have been contacted. If I have not heard from each of them in a week, I will redraw.

I'm very grateful to our Cricut Card Commander, Crystal, for working to get this hop in order.

If you are not a Cricut Card Fairy, please consider joining us. It is one of the easiest ways to volunteer... and do something you love to do. Mail influences a day like no other can. Just think of the last time you got something in the mail that wasn't a bill or junk mail. It made you smile... maybe for a whole week and not just the day.

The vast experiences of the Fairies lend to some helpful mail as well. Those who have been through or are enduring breast cancer, support each other. Those who have had sick children, encourage the parents, and the children through the tough time. Military members, families, children...... Even if one of the requests was for a lost pet..... the pet lovers among us united in grief support. You don't have to do every mission that is sent out, but the more fairies we have, the more likely it is that there will be people to pick up the slack.

Please email Crystal at cricutcardfairyarmy@gmail.com to join us or on the cricut message boards here all about being a Cricut Card Fairy.

Cricut Card Fairy Flight

2010-11-20T00:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the THANKFUL Cricut Card Fairy Flight. This month we are practicing being thankful for all the blessings in our lives. What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for the parents of my daughters-in-love. Without the upbringing

that they each had, with their unique experiences, they would not be the

perfect wives, that they are for my sons,!

I've done over 300 missions with the Cricut Card Fairies and we are currently near 700 missions. That's 300 volunteer missions created and sent. 600 prayers offered. Many, many fairy friends and the chance to be part of something bigger than myself.

I am giving away a Christmas Seasonal Cartridge, if you are my winner you will have a choice of - Trim The Tree, Gingerbread Men or Winter Lace. Since I am in Italy, I will have it sent directly to you from Custom Crops so hopefully your choice is in stock! :0)

or or

Flit along with the Fairies on our Thankful Tour! If you came from ScrappyJess then you are in the right place. If you were just visiting me and want to join, then you can start at our Cricut Card Commander's site here :Creating for Caitlyn The next stop on this Fairy Flight is: KarelJ's

All the links are here in case you get lost in the middle which is where I am.

Caitlynsmommy: http://crystalscraftycreations.blogspot.com/
ScrappingDeb; http://tidbitsplace.blogspot.com
AJoy713 http://adreatravis2008.blogspot.com
RachelMutchler http://trickut-rachelscrafts.blogspot.com/
Kisatrtle http://www.kisatrtleskreativekorner.blogspot.com/
ScrappyJess http://scrappyjess.blogspot.com
PennyLight http://lightwhimsy.blogspot.com
KarelJcreations http://karelj.blogspot.com
Shellie http://shelliescreations.blogspot.com/
GRKIDDO http://ginathorntonstamping.blogspot.com
JamieFitzgerald http://www.jamieisacraftymomma.blogspot.com
Iluvsnowmen http://wandaswhimsicalwonders.blogspot.com/
blondemommy26 http://blondemommy26.blogspot.com/
SherylGreene http://sherylscraftingcorner.blogspot.com/

My card inspiration is a simple Hot Chocolate pouch for which there are tutorials of all kinds on Youtube or SplitCoastStampers. Mine is just one style of the many many out there. This also completes my 2010 New Year's Resolution to try 12 different kind of folds for cards.

Joys of the Season and George and Basic Shapes Cartridges

My question for the hop is: What part of the Thanksgiving meal is your favorite?

Mine would be the plate! Ha! Gotta try a bite of everything and can't without a decent plate to put it on!

Just answer the question as a comment in this post, that's all you have to do. I'd love it if you became a follower, but it is not required.

If you'd like to join the fairies on our missions, please email our card commander or visit us on the Cricut Message boards here. To win the Hello Kitty Cartridge Grand Prize, you must comment at every blog along the way. Winners will be announced on Monday, Nov 22nd.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Emboss me

2010-11-15T23:42:00.000-08:00

Practical Scrappers challenged us to use our embossing folders. I have Sizzix and Cuttlebug folders, and I forget to use them frequently until I put the pieces together and go...... oh, I should have embossed that!! One of the things I love about Practical Scrappers challenging us to use the supplies we already have.

I chose to do a monochromatic card for this challenge.

I embossed each layer... Divine Swirls, Swiss Dots, Swirls and Paisley. Popped and layered each one at least twice. Put the tiny swiss dot ribbon and baby rattle charm on the Y and called it done.

My baby sister has 4 boys. Her blog is 4 Boys is Joy. So, Boy Joy was my sentiment.

You know, since I started ignoring PC's FREQUENT cartridge releases and looking "practically" at what I already have to use, I've fallen in love with some of my cartridges again. I find that I am really lucky, because the earlier cartridges (the ones they are retiring now) were FAR more packed with images and variances than the new ones are.... for practically the same prices. DS lets me alter and join things so I can create a lot of the new things they are putting out, if I work at it hard enough. I'm sure a gypsy would help me with this even more....... but, I'd rather go to Paris in the Spring so I'm saving my money! :0)

Achoo

2010-11-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

Fantabulous Cricut challenge this week is "Achoo" or Get Well. I've been pretty sick for the last couple of weeks so I thought this a great challenge. I made two cards.

George, Paper Doll Dress Up, Walk in My Garden,Bazzill Papers. Cricut Papers. White Pen, Design Studio welding.

One Hour Layout Challenge

2010-11-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

Practical Scrappers is having a one-hour layout challenge today. I will have to admit that being challenged by time was difficult for me. We had the hint of using two pictures in advance, but I just couldn't decide until I saw the sketch. With one hour to do the layout and an extra 15 minutes to take the picture and post it, I clocked in at one hour and seven minutes.

These are my boys and their wives. They are a lot of fun together, Cats and dogs/husbands and wives perfectly opposite but a cozy combination.

Paper Pups
Create a Critter
Eyelet Outlet Brads
Pooh Font
My Big Ideas Papers.

Question for my friends and I REALLY want to hear from you!

2010-11-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

Do you feel like things are getting a little excessive lately? I mean more than normal.
It could be just that I am oversaturated with Cricut stuff lately. Something new is coming out every second and I don't have time to appreciate it or contemplate it.

Layout pages are getting thicker and thicker. I can't fit them in a book without them getting squished, so why are we doing that?

The same with greeting cards going off the pages and over the top so that special envelopes have to be fabricated if it ever was to be mailed.

Now, I've been pretty sick with pneumonia the last couple of weeks and my work has suffered because I don't feel good and some of this might be from that, but I was wondering if it was just me or do you feel the pull of the recession to a more simple decor?

Just wondering?

I'm thankful for project

2010-11-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

This is Tom Turkey and Mr. and Mrs. Pilgrim. The pilgrims can be found on My World. Or you can use the whimsical ones on Create A Critter or Paper Doll Dress Up.

Each character is holding a thank you charm and are dressed up with a cornucopia or pumpkin and wheat stalks. They have goody bags attached on the backs to tied over hungry tummies until it is time to eat. Each character has room to write the name of the person who will be sitting there and they will get to take the memory home. Thank you Practical Scrappers for letting me design for you.

I am also thankful for all the men and women who have served in the military and who will be away from home on this Unique U.S. Thankful Holiday. I am especially grateful for one Army son.

Happy Thanksgiving all!

2010-11-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

I colored this Dragonslair digital stamp with colored with Stampin' Up Markers and added Eyelet Outlet snowflake brads for accent. The papers are DCVW Holiday assortment. I used Stickles to highlight the bear's hat, scarf, and snowflakes.

Published at Practical Scrappers 11/9/2010

The beginning of my Christmas cards! :oP

TOM TURKEY THANK YOU

2010-11-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is a fun little party favor I made for thanksgivng.

He is made from Create a critter and George cricut cartriges. The treat box inside is made from Tags Bags Boxes and More. His little beak holds a "thank you" charm an the back is left open for you to write on or assign a name, etc.

The box is fille with little maple leaf chocolates and holds about 5 or 6 just fine, still allowing the box to close.

Receipe

Create a Critter body shapes for the Turkey cut at 5 inches

inked with cat eye chalks and doodled on with white signo and black gell pens

Flower is a punch. Box is cut at 5 inches from TBBM this is the surgar box.

scored folded, glued and set aside.

Put each of the pieces together the way that you want them to look. The beak is two triangles attache to a square and bent to make a matching beak which holds the thank you charm.

Imagine these set around the table for every place with someone's name on them, filling them with candy or cookies of your choice and having the little favor for people to take a way from your inner. Such a thoughtful little memory and gift.

Polymer Clay and the Cricut

2010-10-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

This is my Cricut Polymer Clay project. All the items in this box have been made using polymer clay on the cricut except for the pearls and stickles.

LET ME TELL YOU how excited I am about the new baby cricut cake! The same size as my baby cricut but works like the cricut cake, NOW I will be able to do more things with my polymer clay on the cricut.

The clay cuts like fondant. Sticks well to the mat and is easy to cut using the deep cut blade. The problem with using the baby cricut is that it puts lines down the clay where the rollers go. The problem with using clay on your cake machine is that you would then have to dedicate the cake machine to clay. Now I will be able to have a small machine that works for my clay because I don't care about doing cakes.

I used Winter Woodlands, Stretch My Imagination and George for this project that was published over at Practical Scrappers. It was also fun to use another medium with my cricut!!

Buon Apetito

2010-10-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

This is a recycled chocolate box. I used the From My Kitchen Cricut cartridge, I cut the oven mitt then printed The Stamping Boutique Digi Stamp, Kitchen Pantry Shelf, over it and colored it using Stampin' Up Markers. I printed, colored and cut a second image to apply the little teapots around the outside of the box which I lined with paper doilies. I printed the recipe for the Chocolate Biscuit Cookies on the opposite side of the oven mitt which can
be seen through the clear box lid on the inside.

This was published in the Practical Scrappers online magazine (10/26/10)

Let's Catch Up

2010-10-25T00:41:00.000-07:00

There's nothing so wonderful as a good girl chat!

George Circles 3" and 3.5" Create a Critter, birds, branches and houses. Lyrical Letters. Simple as pie!

It's good to catch up! Let's do it soon!

Vegetables Revollt!!!

2010-10-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

All the Eat More Chicken, Eat more Beef made me wonder what the vegetables thought
and this was their reply. EAT MORE MEAT

Alll fun aside the vegetables were on Just Because Cardds, Paper Doll Dress Up and from my kitchen. It was so fun putting personalities on a vegetable, maybe indicating if I like them. :0) Grab an apple and chomp on down and see how he feels at the core. :0)

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge with Leaves and Cricut Blog Color Challenge

2010-10-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at Fantabulous Cricut was to use leaves in your project. I cut the shapes I used with the cricut using Stretch Your Imagination, Winter Woodland, French Manor and George cartridges..

The papers are bazzill, cricut and DCWV. Layered with some ribbon and raffia and a button. This card was really fun.... you know how you're layering stuff and you just love the way its coming out and how all the cuts you did work out together? It's the best part about crafting!

Cricut Blog Color Challenge
Fantabulous Cricut Challenge

Have a great fall day!

WIN SOME DIGI'S

2010-10-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

Over at Practical Scrappers they want you to tell them if you use digi-stamps. You can win some from the Stamping Boutique (A GREAT PLACE FOR DIGI'S) just for telling them how you use them. This was my entry for Digi's the "Twirling Fairy" from stamping boutique.

It's a Pedastal Card that can be used for more than the standard Christmas card. The sentiment is Create Joy and Merriment and you can put it up anytime a little joy needs to be created.

It's just so fun to color! Go to Practical Scrappers here and tell about your digi stamps

Stamping boutique image, Beyond Birthdays, George, Storybook and Tags cartridges,

Challenges

Crafty Cardmakers

Craft Your Days Away

Cricut cardz Challenge

Crafty Creation

Practcal Scrappers has A New Magazine Format - and I'm publshed

2010-10-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

Over at Practical Scrappers those amazing woman are developing their site into a magazine format that is going to bring even more inspiration than before. Those women live up to their name over there, they really do care about you using up your stash, but they also care about their families and having time to do things with them, so the change is awesome and reflects their devotion to do both.
My work was chosen for publication in this first issue. They were Stamping Boutique Images and they were so much fun to work with!

The first is a gift for some teachers at my sister's school.
ORANGE YOU GLAD WE'RE ON THE SAME TEAM!

The second one did was just to show that the same digi stamp can be used to create many and coordinating things. Here I made a candy box, a greeting card and a pumpkin sign that is already hanging on my door. They don't celebrate Halloween in Italy, but that doesn't stop me! The Stamping Boutique is a lot of help

Thanks Practical Scrappers for publishing my work!
!

Attitude, Gratitude, Fortitude

2010-10-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is my entry for the Circut Circle Blog Friday Challenge. Must use French Manor Cartridge and at least 2 cuts from the cricut machine and pearls or rhinestones.

An Attitude of Gratitude is Fortitude!

My New Motto!

Made using French Manor

Bird Cage cut at 5"

There is no shadow cut for this feature so in DS I hid the countour (or you could glue the pieces back in) to create the back of the cage.

Bird cut at 2" and 2.5" in red, then again in black.

Lyrical Letters for the sentiments cut at 1.5"

Home Decor for the Flourishes cut at 3"

George to cut the mats, sized to my canvas and to cut the red pieces I used to highlight the inside of the cage, Oval and rectangle cut at 4.5" each.

Papers are Cricut Papers and

Me&My Big Ideas Color Basics

Rhinestone Jewels for the bird cage accents and the bird's eye.

If I'm grateful for my experiences, only then do I have the strength to endure.

Being grateful for my life experiences makes me stronger. Sometimes though, it is so hard to be grateful for things like... being in a cage.... but during that time, there is gratefulness for security, gratefulness for routine, gratefulness for food. Being freed from the cage by things such as learning a new language or exploring the world I am in.....lots of things to be grateful for. Getting to view the cage from inside and out, that's strength. I am preaching to no one but myself. This trio of pictures, I created to remind me of the wonderful things that can be experienced with attitudes of gratitude!

National Baking Month - Fantabulous Cricut

2010-10-04T05:44:00.000-07:00

Ellis had a Monster Bash for his birthday party and Mini Monsters came in very handy for the cakes, the banner, the birthday hats and the invitations!

With the extra fondant we just fooled around with some other things.

These two cakes are made using the giant cupcakes pan, I used the top to make a beehive cake and the bottom to make a whimsical cake. I tried out the bee on both cakes just for fun, but the best part was eating them.

I don't have a cricut cake so I cut out the pieces I wanted and traced around them on the fondant. I also used a punch for some of the circles if I could get the fondant thin enough.

Join us at Fantabulous Cricut for our National Baking Month challenge, cook up something of your own.

Stamps - Practical Scrappers

2010-09-30T00:06:00.000-07:00

The challenge at Practical Scrappers this week is Stamps. Use your stamps. I had some new stamps I got from Clear Dollar Stamps and I wanted to use them so I was happy for this challenge.

This card-box was inspired by a Stampin' Up Demonstrator from San Diego, CA. It is strips of scrap white paper, inked with Cat Eye Inks, Circle punches in incremental sizes, white pen and of course the stamps. The box is the matchbox cut from Tags Bags Boxes and More cricut cartridge.

Back of box:

This was a really fun project to do and just makes me smile every time I look at it and sneak a candy from inside.

Challenges

My Pink Stamper - Spooky Challenge

Sadie the Skunk - Practical Scrappers

2010-09-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

This is Sadie the Skunk from Robyn's Fetish Digi-stamps. The challenge at Practical Scrappers this week was to use ribbon in your project. Here I used ribbon as the stems and leaves of the flowers as well as the little bows on the buttons. Then I used ric-rac as the base of her little garden.

This project stumped me for a long time. I put it off until the very last second that I had to do it. Some projects are just like that I guess.

CONGRATULATIONS CRICUT CRAWL

2010-09-22T03:07:00.000-07:00

Paula Bee won my gift certificate to Eyelet Outlet and Charms for her participation in the cricut crawl.

Paula Bee said...: This is a wonderful card!! There is so much detail and it all looks fabulous. You did a great job! Paula Bee pbeeman02@gmail.com

Planting Seeds of Friendship - Giveaway

2010-09-20T00:29:00.000-07:00

Winner: Random.org picked number 9, that is Stacy. Thank you all for joining me on my birthday.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The challenge this week at Fantabulous Cricut is Harvest Time. Think gardening, harvest, fall. I found this quote, "Plant seeds of friendship, reap a bouquet of happiness."

It started with a jewelry box that I wrapped.

Then scrapped the quote with cuts from Walk In My Garden.

The last time that I was at the Navy Exchange, I bought this Martha Stewart Crafts Charm Bracelet.

I used the little flower cut from the Bird on Create a Critter and some Martha Stewart Micro Glitter to make the little flower charms.

I got the idea for this project from the Martha Stewart website on crafts for kids. Kids were to use it to collect things like stamps or buttons. It is a fun project but a little more difficult than I think young kids would find to do, at least to make it look really good.

What kind of gardening project will you come up with? Join us at Fantabulous Cricut!!

It's my birthday today, so I am going to give away this little project to someone. Leave a comment on this post to be eligible. Happy Birthday to me, happy gift for you!

Dragonfly Days - Practical Scrappers

2010-09-16T04:30:00.000-07:00

This is a Digi-Stamp by Robyn's Fetish Designs. It's a cute design that I colored with Martha Stewart Pencils and Stampin' Up Markers. The challenge at Practical Scrappers was add buttons. There are three buttons on the flowers. Stash ribbons and ladybug, eyelet outlet brad and happy charm.

Fantabulous Cricut Crawl (BLOG HOP) - Button Up for School

2010-09-13T00:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to LIGHT WHIMSY and the second "Fantabulous Cricut Crawl"

If you've come from my very talented friend, Robin at Robin's Creative Cottage, you're in the right place! If you've just happened across my blog and would like to play along with our Fantabulous Cricut Crawl, start HERE.

In honor of Back To School time, we're calling our second Fantabulous Cricut Crawl "Button Up For School"...Each Design Team member will be featuring an original project with a button AND a Cricut cut somewhere on the project. Make sure to check out each DT member's blog for some awesome inspiration and prizes along the way, AND there will be a grand prize up for grabs at FCCB for one participant that submits a project meeting the the "Button Up For School" challenge criteria!

How fun is that?

My card is an Easel card, welcoming students back to school.

Details: The card is 5x5 square, using George to cut the rounded corner squares. The school building is two different buildings welded together in DS. The Red brick schoolhouse is on My World and the Stucco schoolhouse is on My Community. Many of the schools I went to looked like this with the old building in the front and the new building in the back. The School Days tag is cut from Makin' The Grade. The little boy is a Puddle Jumper stamp from Claudia and Company. Buttons from Stampin' Up. I printed the background paper on my printer inverting the normally white clouds to blue and blue sky to white and added clouds from Create A Critter.

Now it's your turn! See if you can incorporate a button on your own "Button Up For School" project. Make sure to include a Cricut cut somewhere on your project!

Leave a comment on this post and become a follower of my blog (if you are not already)
to have a chance at my blog candy a $15 Gift Certificate to Eyelet Outlet & Brads

I will draw via Random.org the following Wednesday when we announce the FCCB winners.

Next stop... Awesome Michelle's blog, Scrappin' with my bug. Go see what she has in store for you today... And when you're done, make sure to link up your project to FCCB's "Fantabulous Cricut Crawl" post to be entered into the contest!

Happy Crawling!

Fireman Jim- Practical Scrappers

2010-09-09T01:01:00.000-07:00

This week at Practical Scrappers the challenge was to use a white or color core cardstock. I used white core behind Fireman Jim from Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps. I embossed the background and the water coming out of the hose with Divine Swirls embossing folder, then sanded the tops to release the color. I colored and cut out Fireman Jim and placed him against the background.

I used Bazill card-stock and signo silver and white pens to doodle on the designs. Dog, his house and the fire hydrant are from Create a Critter Cricut cartridge. This was a fun card that I liked better than I thought I would in the beginning.

Happy Labor Day!!

2010-09-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Fantabulous Cricut Challenge for this week is Labor Day Themed. Come join us!!

The wagon is from the Paper Doll Dress Up Cartridge. The pumpkin is strips of cricut papers.

Triangle pennant stamped with HAPPY LABOR DAY.

This is how the wagon started

I had this little Whitman's candy box and the top made the perfect inside of the wagon. It could hold candy, little decorative pebbles, whatever you wanted to decorate with. It was so easy to make. Two wagons cut (flip the second one) layer your colors and attach the box between the two. If you make the wheels sturdy enough it could hold salt and pepper shakers or whatever you wanted.

Here the wagon is filled with some scented gems

and below with some candy.

Hope you have a wonderful Labor Day and get to celebrate it without working. I am going to be in the States at the Rock and Roll Half Marathon watching my grandson while his brothers and their wives run in the race. I'm going to be one happy woman!

White Pen Project 2 - Practical Scrappers

2010-09-01T22:09:00.000-07:00

This is my second white pen project for Practical Scrappers. On this one I used the sponsor's digital stamp from Robyn's Fetish Digi-Stamps. This is Angie Angel guarding the poinsettia's. Oh, I can't wait for Christmas!

Angie Angel is colored with Martha Stewart pencils, and stickles on her wings. The poinsettias and leaves are punches from EK Success. The Green background is embossed with the Cuttlebug Holly Leave embossing folder, double faux stitching around the outside and inside frames with the Signo Uniball White Pen (my favorite) and ribbon and a star button. I'm up to 4 Christmas cards now! Yippee!

Come join us at Practical Scrappers!

And I'm off!!!!!!

2010-09-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

Onward to my trip home from Italy for a three-week visit. I can't wait to hug my grandbaby, Ellis.

This picture by barefoot photography (Thank you, Taylor).

All my DT stuff is set to go up without me but I'll be checking because we have a FANTABULOUS CRICUT BLOG HOP coming up on September 13. Hope you join us!

White Pen Project - Practical Scrappers

2010-08-30T00:52:00.000-07:00

I used a cross-stitched picture as an example, I free-handed this bird and branch picture with my Signo White Gel Pen and added color with Stampin Up chalks. Papers are Bazzill cardstock. The small flower is an EK Success punch and an Eyelet Outlet flower brad, stash ribbon and button. Sentiment is a stash Hello stamp (outside) and a Stampaliscious stamp, "Thinking of You" inside.

Join us at Practical Scrappers with a project using your White Pen or Pencil. This project is easy, add a little faux stitching and you're in there with any project you want to do!!

The Beaver

2010-08-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

I loved this cut as soon as I saw it, but what do you do with a beaver? Then Tom kept saying, "you are doing so many projects! It's just one project after another." That sparked this card.

I used Create a Critter for the beaver.

The trees are from my world, the log, stump and beaver are on Create a Critter. I used some pearlized papers on this one and I'm not so sure how I feel about it.

I used Pooh and Friends Font for the wooden letters that went perfect with this project. Just one project after another!

Challenges

Anything Goes - Aud Sentiments

Angel in a jar

2010-08-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

I caught my angel in a jar. "Angie Angel" is one of Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps and the jar is from Stretch My Imaginations Cricut cartridge. "Angie Angel" is colored with Martha Stewart color pencils. Paper is White Core Cricut paper, run through the Cuttlebug using the Divine Swirls embossing folder, lightly sanded the paper to release the color core. Flowers and Leaves cut on the cricut. Material and ribbon added to the jar and holes poked in the lid so Angie can breathe. Sentiment inside is: "You're so captivating."

Challenges

Craft your Days Away Challenge #2 - With Wings

Stretch Your Imagination - Challenge 6

2010-08-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

La and I have done our challenge number six with the swirl. I used the next 3 keys too to make my design inside and out. It's a simple "sorry" card which could be used for an apology or a sympathy.

You can see La's here. Hers is a perfect fall card!

Fantabulous Cricut Rainforest

2010-08-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #23 is HOT - Use a tropical theme.
I did just that. Fisher Price animals were my inspiration from the book, "Who Lives in the Rainforest"

The tiger is from Animal Kingdom.
The Monkey, Bamboo and leaves are from Create a Critter
The Hibiscus and little flowers are from Walk In My Garden
The papers are Cricut Papers and World Traveler Paper Pack
Sizzix Embossing Folder

CHALLENGES

Cricut Cardz Challenge - Anything Goes

Aud Sentiments - Anything Goes

Lace Cardstock - Practical Scrappers

2010-08-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

I used the Sassy Studios "Jumping in Leaves" digital stamp and colored her with my Martha Stewart color pencils. I cut her out and placed her in front of the lace lattice background cut using the Cricut French Manor cartridge. The background paper is Elegant Designers. The leaves are cut from the digistamp and an EK Success punch. Ribbon and twine from stash. Jump for joy, it's almost Fall.

Join us at Practical Scrappers with your version of lace cardstock.

CHALLENGES

Charisma Cardz - Die Cuts (Cricut French Manor)
Pile It On - Get In Shape=At Least 5 Cut out shapes
Cricut Cardz Challenge - Anything Goes
Aud Sentiments Challenge - Anything Goes
Paper Cutz Challenge - Anything Goes

All Stitched Up - Practical Scrappers

2010-08-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Practical Scrappers challenge this week is to use stitching on your project. I made an S-Card stitching roses and leaves onto the paper. I found the paper piercing project here.

Dark pink, light pink, white and green embroidery floss. Marvy butterfly punch. Stampin' Up buttons, Stash ribbon and paper.

Come join us at Practical Scrappers and stitch something.

SYI Challenge #5 - with Look @ La's

2010-08-11T23:26:00.000-07:00

This is Challenge number 5 Walking through SYI with La at Look@La's

We are using the swirly cuts next to the Paisley. If you cannot tell already we are working backwards up the keyboard.

I think we both made note cards this time. Mine is a set of six. I used George to cut the size of my note cards and then married the size of the design in DS. I used some Serenade too. Then I made the box out of Tags, Bags, Boxes and More Match Box cut.

These will make a perfect addition a Christmas gift or a small gift all in its own.

They are just quick gift/note cards using the SYI decorative cuts.

Be sure to Look @ La's Here

My Future's So Bright - Practical Scrappers - Summer Theme

2010-08-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

It's HOT! Anyone notice? It's downright steamy and you don't want to go outside without your shades, lest your eyeballs get seared. That's what inspired this card for the Practical Scrappers challenge Summer Themed.

Create a Critter and Cricut Papers.

Sent this card to a friend who has been very inspirational to me and whose future is so bright that she definitely needs shades. Hope she likes it.

Come join us at Practical Scrappers with your Summer Themed project: Hope you have a happy sunny day!

National Smile Week

2010-08-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

It's National Smile Week and at Fantabulous Cricut we are celebrating the smile. This is my little smile bag with goodies to make you smile when you might not feel like smiling.

It started out as this:

After I cut it down, then covered it. I added the Sunshine and the Cloud from CAC, Smile from Walk in My Garden, and lots of cuttlebug embossing.

There are many layers and I made two little handles with wire and beads. There is tea, some chicken soup, some tissues and a little note pad and pen.... to write those notes to yourself you forget when you're sick.

Hope you join us with a smile during National Smile week at Fantabulous Cricut!

Lavender Sachet

2010-08-02T01:53:00.000-07:00

When we were in France in the Spring, Tom bought me some lavender. I dried it and used lavender oil to infuse it. I can put it in soap, throw it in the bath, or just use it for sachets, which is what I did here. I used mostly scraps to create the envelopes. I used an envelope from almost every cartridge that I had to try these out. I've made 20 so far and still have plenty of scraps and lavender to make more. I think I will toss them into Christmas presents and into a few of my own drawers. These are just a few.

Cartridges used here: Wedding Solutions, Plantin Schoolbook, Walk In My Garden,Paper Pups

and New Arrival

Fill with your favorite fragrance, poke holes in both sides. I tried to hide my holes under the flowers or in the pattern in the paper. I used some prima flowers but for the most part, I cut flowers from scraps using Walk In My Garden or Plantin' Schoolbook.

This is a very easy project and quick gift idea. I even made some for men that say, "My Socks Smell Good" no flowers on those, and more manly colors.

Hope you have a very fragrant day!

SYI Challenge #4 Ice Cream

2010-07-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Since La and I are walking through Stretching Your Imagination cartridge, we decided to join the Bitten By the Bug 2 Challenge for the SYI Ice Cream cone. Here is my take:

Poor thing she is not going to get to eat that ice cream, but her little dog is! LUCKY DOG!

Yummy! You can see La's Here. I like hers a lot!

Hers looks delicious. Mine is a sticky mess. ha ha ha.

Create A Critter for the Dog

My Community for the falling down girl

Stretch Your Imagination for the Ice Cream

Cricut Papers

Challenge: Bitten By The Bug 2 - SYI Ice Cream

Charisma Cardz - Something with a Tail

Crafty Cardmakers - Follow the Recipe

SYI Challenge # 3 = Paisley

2010-07-27T00:13:00.000-07:00

The 3rd cut from Stretch Your Imagine with Look @ La is the Paisley Cut. I used the short and tall versions of the cut and also used the inside pieces to continue to add detail to my paisley page card.

I don't have a sentiment yet. It could be many things. Walking through the SYI cartridge has been a new eye opening experience with me and this oldie but goody cartridge!

SYI Paisley cut, Serenade Flower Cuts, White Pen doodling

Inside

You can see Laura's here

It's a ZOO out there

2010-07-25T22:08:00.000-07:00

Challenge #20 - at Fantabulous Cricut was to make a project using an animal.

This is a toilet paper roll mini album. I used the tutorial from my fellow Design Team Member, Lori Coughlin at Living in Organized Chaos

I used Create a Critter and Animal Kingdom to make this toilet paper roll mini album. There are 5 toilet paper rolls in this album. I pressed them flat with a bone folder and put them in a phone book, setting it under my cricut for a few days to get them flat.

I used mostly cricut papers and various ribbons. I tied each of the tags to the inside and onto the eyelet to keep the tags attached to the right slot. I figured it might be frustrating if you are reading it with a kid and the tags kept falling out or you pulled out woof-woof when it should say tweet-tweet.

The DT got to use JOYSLIFE.COM pun stamps for our cards, but mine are stuck in customs so I didn't get to use mine this time but I will soon!

Even my DH liked this project. It was lots of fun to repurpose this item. Come join us at Fantabulous Cricut with your animal!

Is it HOT where you at?

2010-07-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

I was having a kind-of corny day, I imagined a corn cob sitting on a chair enjoying the AC. Then I wondered what if it wasn't..

Might as well get out some salt and butter.

My friend told me that at a farm down south it got so hot that the corn in the fields started popping and the cows thought it was snow and froze to death. Ha ha ha. How's that for southern humor. Hope you have a cool day!

My World for the Corn

Paper Doll Dress up for the Chair

Hand drawn pop corn kernals.

Tagged - SYI Challenge #2

2010-07-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

This week's installment of the SYI challenge with Look @ La is the Tag.

I used the tag in DS and welded it to make a card.

You can see Laura's here at Look @ La's She went all out!

Nostalgia buttons, cricut and cosmo cricket papers,
A little bling and some coloring and You're It!

Do you want to play with us? Leave a comment and let us see what you do.

Christmas in July

2010-07-18T22:23:00.000-07:00

Challenge #19 at Fantabulous Cricut is Christmas In July:

Create a Christmas theme project, perhaps something to get ready for the upcoming holiday.

I love Snowmen. My DH will tell you that the minute it snows for the first time, I will be out there building one! When would be a better time to make a snowman than in the HOT July sun, when you just dream of a little cool. Oh, thank goodness for air conditioning and the Cricut. I love how the little guy is wearing the moose hat. Ha ha ha. I crack myself up.

Shadowbox frame 8x8

Walk in My garden for the Snowflakes (flower) and Snowmen arms (butterfly body)

George for my Snowmen (I didn't like any of the snowmen on the cartridges I had)

Paper Doll Dress Up for the Hats

Serenade - Bird - Swirly Tree

Papers are from a Christmas Pack I got last year at Tuesday Morning.

Cricut Card Fairy Blog Hop

2010-07-15T23:31:00.000-07:00

Winner - Blog Hop Eyelet Outlet Gift Certificate:

Raven said...: Such cute cootie bug cards!; July 16, 2010 10:14 AM; Congratulations Raven. you have two weeks to contact me. I have left acomment on your blog.; Thanks to everyone for participating in the Fairy Blog Hop!!

Welcome to the first ever CRICUT CARD FAIRY blog hop.

I'm so excited to be among these very talented and caring women. If you came to my blog from the talented BeeJay Studio Then you are in the right place. If you just came to my blog and found this and want to hop along, then start at our Cricut Card Commander's site at Crystals Crafty Creations There are lots of inspirational pieces to look at as well as some fun candy to win.

Feel Icky? Feel Better Soon

Mini Monster Monsters Card Base

Card for Monique

I have really enjoyed being a Cricut Card Fairy. I've done over 300 missions so far and I feel more blessed to do them, than the people who receive them. There are several get well drives going on right now for Monique (Breast Cancer) and for Bella (Streptococcus) , I made a couple of cards for them and I made a card just to make me happy. So, I'm going to share them with you.

Sending You A Smiley

Mini Monsters Monster Card Base - Card for Bella

Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate to Eyelet Outlet. I will let Random.org choose the winner. I'll pick the winner and post on this post on Monday morning (Italy Time) Good luck.

The next time you run through my mind

please take your shoes off.

Created my own background papers with different shoe from IClip

Printed Sentiment, Shoes from My Community

Your next stop is to Crystal's Crafty Creations for a chance to win a Cricut Cartridge!!!

Thanks for hopping along with the Cricut Card Fairies

Tuscany Sunflowers

2010-07-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

The scrapbook sketch over at Practical Scrappers is:

So I decided to scrap my pictures of the Tuscany Sunflowers

I used Digital Daisy papers from Daisy Paper Trail, Cricut Cuts from George and Plantin' Schoolbook, stickers and rub-ons from stash.

I was so excited about getting to see these sunflowers in bloom this year. I saw them last year but was not able to get down among them for pictures. This year, I was eye to eye with the bees and the sunflowers were over my head.

SYI Challenge

2010-07-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Flower Disco & Scrappin' in NJ, who went through every cut in the Wildcard Cartridge, Look @ La's and I have decided to do the oldie but goody Stretch Your Imagination cartridge. The first cut was her pick the last cut (the card base) and the Sunflower cut. Here is my take.

You can see hers .here. LOOK @ LA's

Entered in Aud Senitments Challenge - No Sentiment

Cool Treats!

2010-07-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

Challenge #18

At Fantabulous Cricut the challenge this week is to design a summer Cool Treat card: Create a shape card (not required, just suggested) using ice cream, watermelon etc., on your project.

In Europe, they don't use ice much. If you asked me, "what are my top 10 things I miss from home?" ICE would be in the top 5. So, while it is not considered a traditional "cool treat" it is the way those treats get cool and who could have a magarita without it or a fruit smoothie? Ice Cold is a summer necessity and a special treat for me!

Ice is made from Pooh Font. I ran it through the Divine Swirls cuttlebug folder and then sanded it.
Cold is from Storybook folder. Chill is Plantin Schoolbook. Cricut Papers. Hand drawn ice cube.

Wishing for cooler weather

2010-07-08T07:06:00.000-07:00

A little cooler weather please. I long for summer then want it cooler. Never happy! ;0)

This card is for several challenges where they are celebrating Christmas in July!

Create A Critter Reindeer and Postage Stamp Aperture

Close To My Heart Papers

Stamped Sentiment

Buttons and Ribbons

Cooler Thoughts - Yours for the taking.

Challenges

Challenge 32 Christmas Card- Cricut Cardz Challenge

Challenge 26 My Favorite Things (Christmas) Pile It On

Challenge #3 - CUTE - Craftilicious Challenge

CHECK OUT THIS GREAT SALE FROM DIE CUTS R US. I LOVE THIS PLACE AND PLACED MY ORDER FOR CRICUT STUFF TODAY AT GREAT PRICES!

Cute as a Bug

2010-07-05T00:10:00.000-07:00

This is Ellis, my grandson, and he IS cute as a bug...... in a rug? Cute as a bug's ear? Whatever the saying he is C U T E!

I've never used this many patterns together in my life! Thank goodness for coordinating paper packs This one from Le P'tit Bloc (Toga). All the images are from Create a Critter. Plus Buttons from Stampin' Up and Ellis!

This was the challenge for Fantabulous Cricut this week, to use a bug cut and the color orange somewhere on your project.

Happy Independence Day and a Winner

2010-07-03T22:47:00.000-07:00

It's the 4th of July!! Happy Independence day! Happy day of remembering what our Country is about and how blessed we are.

Thank you to our military, past and present for being willing to do the hard stuff. THANK YOU COLE for serving the last six months out at sea and working in Haiti. I'm so glad you are home!

On to the winner. I didn't get 150 followers, but I already bought the $50 gift certificate so that is what I will give away.

And the winner is BELLA BUG CREATIONS - MARGIE. Congratulations Margie! Thanks for being a loyal follower.

Thank you all for being followers and encouraging me the way you do. Happy Celebrations to all today!

In a funk

2010-06-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

Everyone's been there. I've been in a serious one of late. I have excuses. I've been sick, I've had loads of company and I just don't have any ideas! I've created a dozen things and none of them were "right." I didn't like any of them enough to share or to use for my DT. My DH kept telling me to be patient with myself, take a nap, etc., etc. Well none of that helped. I'm still in a funk. Maybe it will pass soon, I hope and pray. Here are the things I created trying to be creative..... it just doesn't work when it's forced.

Okay, I know a lot of people wouldn't show you their mistakes, but we all make them. The flower center didn't exactly end up in the center. The leaves didn't blend. My giant centipede was just a giant mistake, my fan, just wasn't pretty and it was lopsided. I make a lot of mistakes. Thank goodness I like to make my own paper and can often mulch these into something else. UGH.

All of this ended up being a God lesson for me. I sure do make a lot of mistakes! He never gives up on me as his craft though. He wants me to be better and better and so, I keep trying, allowing him to mulch me up into other things available for something else that He wants me to be or do.

I'm still in a funk, but I'll let Him move me along. Until then........... I'll keep trying.

Freedom to Choose

2010-06-28T01:39:00.000-07:00

Challenge #16 at Fantabulous Cricut is to use a Star in a July 4th theme.

I never thought of myself as much of a politico, but since living in Italy, I have realized how GREAT America is..... !! No matter what side we choose, it's our right and privilege to pay attention and hold our own government accountable. Some countries don't have that luxury. I appreciate it now more than ever.

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO OUR MILITARY MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO MAKE DAILY SACRIFICES FOR THAT FREEDOM!!!

Entered in Challenges:
PaperCutz Challenge - #47

Journal Swap

2010-06-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Recently, I participated in my first journal swap. I've never altered a journal before and I was willing to try. After I saw some of the ones that other people did, I was overwhelmed with how beautiful their work was. I feel like mine didn't measure up, but it was my first time and now I will have more knowledge on how to do one. I just love learning to do new things. Here is a picture of the one I did and I will put of pictures of the one I get when I receive it.

She wanted to use her journal to record birthdays. Thus the calendars on the front from young to old. I included the months inside and pockets to put other notes.

And because my partner was an Army Wife, I made a second one for her to use in her purse or her car, it was much smaller and included a pen. I got this stamp from 2 red bananas and the sentiment is "I Salute You." I also had some "Army" silver tags and used them on the elastic closure.

Friends

2010-06-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

I saw this sentiment on a quote site somewhere. I love the saying because it says a lot about how we choose our friends.

Our friends tell us a lot about who we are.....

and who we aren't!

Paper Pups

Paper Doll Dress Up - Cat

George -Squares, Circles, Flowers

Ribbon

Apron Strings

2010-06-22T20:49:00.000-07:00

Before my sister moved, she had been sewing some of the most beautiful aprons you have ever seen. She was making a little extra money on the side, but she was using it up in creativity and fun (don't we all.... barely pay for our habit. ha ha ha). She is also an avid gardener, leaving beautiful plants behind every time the military moves them. I made this card for her to be the first piece of mail she got in her new home. She loved it. Now, I'm sharing it.

A2 Card
Apron - From My Kitchen
Sunflower - Walk in My Garden
Jolee Stickers
George and Basic Shapes for rectangles

Fun at the Beach

2010-06-21T01:03:00.000-07:00

Challenge #15 at Fantabulous Cricut is Summer time at the beach.

Penguins have fun on the beach. In fact, they are always at the beach, it's just colder where they are. Doesn't cooler sound good about now?

All the features on this card were cut from Create A Critter. I just stretched and shrunk the penguins in DS to give them the different sizes and appearances. The "fun" on the inside is a rub-on.

Have a happy sunny day!

CRICUT CARDZ CHALLENGE - Summer

In Sympathy

2010-06-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

Created this card and after I did, decided it was perfect for a sympathy card. As the person trapped in the heavenly body is released from his bondage. I could only think of the song, His Eye is on the Sparrow. So, as sad as these cards are to make, I have one ready for the next time I, sadly, have to send one.

The inside is the negative in vellum from the outside cage.

CTMH Stamp for sentiment

Cage and stand from Serenade.

Stylish Blogger award - Follower Take One

2010-06-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Another Award: THANKS!!!!

5 Random Facts about me:

1. I'm just learning to stamp but I don't like the fat faced freckled kids with no mouths. There seem to be more of them popping up everywhere.

2. I'm fascinated by some of the words I see in word verification. Noprom, Iceit, puyuck,and failedit. Kind of a madgab for my head to chuckle at.

3. I think it is weird how challenge blogs ask us to turn off our word verification so they can comment on our blogs but you go to theirs and word verification is on. Just funny.

4. LOVE creating cards and seeing others inspiration. Big or small it brings up new ideas with which to wonder. God has really blessed people with some incredible talent. And this particular talent blesses other people!

5. I have the world's greatest husband who watches out for me, treats me like a queen and makes my world seem open to all possibilities. I adore him!

So, for my followers, take on this award and give it to at least 5 people after you have given 5 facts about yourself.

A friendly bag

2010-06-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

Everything old is new again. I was going through an OLD stampin' up catalog from 2000 that my sister sent me and this idea was in there. I used create a critter for all of the enclosed items.

This purse contains 8 cards

The external purse is 6x12

Stampin' UP Papers -one scrapbook sheet folded in half and cut to make the long part of the purse. The bottom part of the purse (where it will stand) is 3 inches and an additional panel is added to give it strength.

The pockets are two 6x6 sheets folded on the edges

and the bottom to make the pockets

The cards included are:

Sympathy

Hello Friend

Friends see eye to eye not matter their differences

See you later alligator -you'll be missed

Thanks for your support

Friends to the End

Happy Birthday Friend

Get Well soon

and a little journal for notes

The purse handles are 2 x 10 strips (they were scraps)

Some ribbon, paper strips, brads and punches for decor and this fun little gift is all done! A Bow and a Tag is all it needs to made it a perfect gift for a friend.

I think if I did this project again, I would put the pockets closer to the bottom of the purse than I did. I really had to work to get the card weights evened out on both sides to get the purse to stand up. It would have been easier if I didn't work so hard to get the weights right. My husband was quite proud of it though. I was proud of the cards that went in it! You can click on any of the pictures to enlarge them.

Envelope Wedding Gift

2010-06-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday all. Today I have designed a wedding gift card holder out of an envelope that was in my kitchen junk drawer. Practical Scrappers June challenge is to use something you found in your kitchen to repurpose. I have these envelopes in my kitchen to hold coupons. Let me know what you think.

This started as an envelope measuring 6 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches. This is a standard size envelope in Italy. You can make yours any size you want.

I folded the envelope into a gate fold, meeting the two sides in the middle.

Then I cut the envelope flap where the folds were marked. Sealing the two side flaps and leaving the center flap open to make the pocket.

Decorate as you want. I made two panels for the inside flaps to cover where I had sealed the envelope flap and to give me a place to stamp my sentiments.

The Big Day and Congrats are on the cartridge Beyond Birthdays. Stampalicious stamps.

Home Decor Swirl. Stampin' Up Papers. Flower Quicklet from Eyelet Outlet

Challenge

Practical Scrappers June Challenge~ Kitchen Re-purpose
Craftalicious Challenge - New

Gift for my followers - Giveaway!!

2010-06-15T00:51:00.000-07:00

I had planned to do this when I got to 100 followers and then time flew by. Now I have 128. So, I'm going to give away a $28 gift certificate to Custom Crops. If I get to 150 before the drawing, I will make it a $50 gift certificate. If I make it to 200, I will make it a $100 gift certificate.

I'm so grateful for the people who come here and leave sweet comments and encourage me in my art.

T H A N K Y O U all of my followers!

If you are not a follower then follow along. it's the only requirement. If you are already a follower you get an automatic entry, you don't have to do anything else, it is just my thank you. If you advertise this post and leave me a comment with the link to find it, I will enter you twice.

This drawing will take place on July 4th at 9:00 am (Italy time). My celebration of our homeland's Independence. Oh how I miss the good ole' USA!

What?!!

2010-06-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

Sending this to a friend who appreciates sarcasm. I got the digi clip from Iclips. But, my printer broke, so I ended up drawing him freehand by looking at the computer screen. I got pretty close I think. I made the scrub-brush freehand too. I just cut out what I thought the shape would be and colored it with copics.

Bathtub and Duckies from New Arrival

Font is Pooh Font

Copic Colors

Digi image from Iclips (freehanded)

Towel is a cut piece of fleece material for my flocking

Sparkle from stickles

Sarcasm is free.

Challenges:

Crafty Cardmakers - Cards for Men

Practical Scrappers - Glitter and flocking

Pile It On - #23 Summer Showers
A Crafty Little Place - Cards for Him
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #54 - For Him/Men

Celebrating Dad

2010-06-13T21:58:00.000-07:00

The challenge at Fantabulous Cricut this week is to celebrate Dad. That was easy!

You've always pointed me in the right direction. But, I still don't know which way is North or South or those two other ones.

.............

The girl is from My Community cut at 2.5 inches. She is actually Jack climbing the bean stalk, but I used the hair from the teacher on the same cartridge cut at 2.5. I snipped the little bit of Jack's hair off that would have shown. The clothes for Jack are on the layer button and I just cut them twice out of two separate papers and layered them for a more girly look. I made the walking stick with a scrap piece of paper. I tied little bows in her hair, doodled and done.

The Compass is cut at 3" twice and shadowed. The papers are from a book of Travel Papers my children bought me at Tuesday Morning last year. It was perfect for this card. The DAD is from Beyond Birthdays.

I am spatially challenged and can never remember where I've been or how to find it again, but my Dad can remember nearly everywhere we've been and what side of the street it's on. I didn't get that talent :0/ This card will make him laugh and it will also be poignant since he gave me a good moral upbringing as well.

Happy Father's day to all those good father's out there.

Challenges:

Paper Cutz Challenge - For Dad
Cards for Men - Crafty Cardmakers

Happy Sunny Days Popping Up

2010-06-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

Number 10! This is my 10th different kind of card as part of my New Year's Resolution to try one different fold a month. This is my first attempt at a Pop Up Card. My Creative Time had a challenge to use the colors Red, Brown and Blue. And Charisma Cardz was Spots & Stripes, so I decided I would incorporate all three things, my different card fold and their challenges. Plus a few more challenges that I often stalk but never play.

HAPPY SUNNY DAY is inspired by Hoops and YoYo and this e-card: Hoops & YOYO

This card made from Create A Critter and Pooh Font. It is a very simple pop up card for which there are tutorials all over the internet.

Happy Sunny Day!

Create a Critter caterpillars, grass, little plant trees from Serenade. Brown Ribbon, light brown and blue Copics, Stamp Out Online Stamp, Twine and Buttons. Striped paper from Tuesday Morning, Blue Cricut Paper.

Challenges:

My Creative Time: Throwback Thursday 49er- Red, Blue and Brown

Charisma Cardz - Spots and Stripes
Totally Paper Crafts - #20 Animal Magic
Our Creative Corner - Summertime
Bitten by the Bug2 - Summer Theme

Shoes

2010-06-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

Hopping around the internet today one of the challenges at Cricut Cardz Challenge was to do a project, card, layout, with shoes. I have wanted to try to do a 3D high heel, so now is as good a time as ever.

My Shoe won first place at A Crafty Little Place!

The shoe is from Wedding Solutions, The bag is from Once Upon A Princess. The flowers are from Walk In My Garden. The shoe is filled with dark chocolate kisses. The bag has lip gloss and fingernail polish, in that really pretty pink, of course.

The shoe is cut at 5", twice. I used a flocked heavy card stock. I cut the inside of the shoe just like you would see the inside sole of your shoe, folding it along the edges by 1/4" clipping the edges as I curved it up. I made a square of the same material as the shoe to fit the heel around and then covered the bottom part with a small black strip to simulate that little heel cover.

The flowers are made by punching two small holes (button hole punch) in each flower and layering 5 to 7 flowers and then folding each one up to create a depth. Green leaves from Walk In My Garden added in. Stickles were used on the shoe opening and along the edge as well as the center of each flower for a little bling. The ribbon has a nice sheen to it too.

I added eyelets and ribbon to the top of the shoe to tie around the ankle. A flower eyelet and a magnetic closure to the bag, along with some ribbon.

This project was easier than it looks, I think fitting the sole was the most difficult part. I fancy myself a cobbler with paper. ha ha ha.

I am entering this project in the following challenges:

Eyelets - Practical Scrappers

Cricut Cardz Challenge - Shoes
Anything but Square - A Crafty Little Place
Cute Card Thursday - Anything but Square

Cupcake Craft Challenges - Dazzle Us
Corrosive Challenge #67 Use Die Cuts
Wedding Theme Contest - Oh My Crafts

Hello Friend

2010-06-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

The challenge over at Aud Sentiments was to use the phrase "Hello Friend."

Create A Critter for the Turtle, Snail and Grass. Hello Friend from Pooh Font. Cricut Papers.

This was a fun little card and I'm happy with how it turned out.

Challenges:

Aud Sentiments - Hello Friend

Monster Hello

2010-06-08T12:02:00.000-07:00

I got my new Mini Monsters Cartridge this week and have been playing with it a lot! There are many Halloween type cuts on this cartridge, but I also like it for the little kid type fun cuts. I did this Monster Hello..... Monster Smile..... Monster Hugs card which will be really good for a kid. Counts for one of my new folds for a card too!!

Mini Monsters cut at 2"
Tags cut at 3"
Lyrical Letters cut at 1.5"
Stash papers
Distressed with Cat Eye liquid chalks
Faux stitching with Sig gel pens.

Cut the front of a regular card by slicing it about halfway down. Then taking the remainder slice to make the other sideways pocket which formed two pockets on the front of the card. The tags are actually the tombstones on the Mini Monsters cartridge, punched a hole, added the ribbon and the heart brads. Covered the back with the coordinating paper and a rounded rectangle and wah lah, a monster card, with a monster hello, a monster smile and monster hugs!

Challenges:

Corrosive Challenge Blog - Die Cuts Challenge # 67

Pile It On - Challenge #22 - Quirky

Crazy Challenge - Distress It
Crafty Little Place - Anything but Square Challenge

Bee Yourself

2010-06-08T01:36:00.000-07:00

I'm sending this to my sister who is nervous about starting her NEW JOB in her new town. The best advice is to BE YOURSELF and SMILE. She's going to be great at her new job!

I just received this CTMH Stamp from my rep. Kelesta at K.E. Creations. It's such an adorable little stamp and perfect for my sister starting her new job.. The Cuttlebug Spot sketch this week lent itself perfectly to frame this little stamp. I also had this fun black and white daisy paper, from Making Memories, that I have been wanting to use for a long time. What goes with bees? Flowers. Used George to make all the squares and Serenade to create the swirls. Cuttlebug folders Swiss Dots and Flowers and Swirls.

Challenges:

Cuttlebug S pot - Sketch 6.7.10

Craftalicious - Challenge 1-New

Charisma Cardz Challenge - Flowers

Practical Scrappers - Eyelets

Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Something Old, Something New

2010-06-07T01:29:00.000-07:00

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge for this week is For the Bride, using the adage "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." My project is a table centerpiece for a shower. It is 4 panels made from the Wedding Solutions Cartridge.

Deconstructed, this centerpiece started with an old peanut can. I covered it the the matching paper color for her wedding and lined the inside with a ziploc plastic bag to hold water for the flowers.

This was an easy project except for waiting for all the stickles to dry. The panels were made in DS, using the frame panel on the Wedding Solution cartridge, I welded the Mr and Mrs into one panel and the Bride and Groom onto the other and cut 4 of each at 4 inches. Then I cut the layers for each and set them aside with stickles on them to dry. The congratulations banner is on the Wedding Solutions Cartridge too. Cut it twice at 5 inches. I placed small cuts at the edges of the banner where it looks like it folds so that it would easily attach to the top of the panels.

I ran the brides skirt through the Divine Swirls Embossing folder and stickled over the swirls. I added flourishes to the top of the panel where the bride and groom are, cut at 5 inches and shadowed. Made it stick up above the panels to hold the congratulations banner. This bride's colors were pink and blues. So I added the pink gerberas providing a nice contrast to the blue peanut can and the fresh white.

The bride is A HUGE recycle person so this project appealed to her on a number of levels. She is going to give away the middle of the centerpieces to each of her bridesmaids. I have added each of their names to the peanut can tops and placed the lids on the bottom of the cans. Pull out the ziploc bag with the flowers, throw in the little thank you note from the bride and the box with earrings and put the top on and away they go. The can will then be reused again however they want to use it. My something old becomes new and the colors of blue.

Thanks for looking.

Celebrate

2010-06-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement and warnings. I really didn't know all the stuff about Ambien until this happened to me, since then I've learned lots about people eating, driving, and doing all kinds of weird things with no memory of the events. I am weaning off of it now. I can usually pray myself back to sleep in comfort and relaxation, but sometimes my mind is just too active and I can't.

Onward... Today's card is a celebrate card. I made two of them for my Mother-In-Law's birthday coming up. I have a GREAT Mother In Law with a wonderful sense of humor so both of these cards celebrate that. I will let my husband pick which one to send her:

Or this one:

Both images are from Bugaboo stamps and digital images here. The open aperture is a new thing for me. So, I get to count this as part of my new year's resolution to try 12 new card styles this year.... I'm up to 9 and I have 7 more months to go!

Yay!

Challenges

Pile It On Challenge - Quirky

52 Card Pickup - Whatever You Say