Simple Frame for a birthday girl

Good day crafties

Today is a special day, as it is my granddaughter's 4th birthday.  Happy birthday Miss Alexis!

I try to make something for each of my grandkids for their birthdays.  It's just a way for them to know that while I'm creating I am also thinking of them!

So let's get started:

You will need:  wood blanks, 8 magnets, paint, hot glue gun embellishment, stickers, etc.

First I started out by painting 2 of the wooden fan blades, but you need 4 of them.

She loves purple, so I went with that.

Once they were dry hot glue 2 magnets on either side of 2 of the wooden blanks and then attach 2 more magnets on top of the other magnets.  Put a drop of hot glue on each magnet and then carefully line up the other wood blank ontop of those magnets.  This will ensure them to be equally spaced.

Just tie some twine or ribbon on the top wood blank and you are set!

The other wood blank I embellished with some stickers, bling and of course one of my famous crowns.

I made the crown with my Amazing Casting Products and you can find the tutorial HERE!

Now mommy can proudly display Alexis paintings and drawings from daycare!

Now, I'm sure the other two will want me to make them each one!

With PLEASURE!

CFS 129 Grey

Happy Sunday all,

I am back with another challenge that I am entering over at Cas-ual Fridays.  I accidentally came upon this challenge by going through my Google Feed.  I wanted to create something for the gals that I throw darts with as an end of year "thank you".  I try to give them all something handmade each year and since next Thursday will be our last night of league until the fall this seemed to be the perfect gift.

I created four Monogram cards for each of them with a card holder and then I had a little bit of paper left over and made one smaller version.  I hate leftovers (and I am really trying to declutter my stash) and there was just enough paper to create that tiny notecard.  I used a total of 8 sheets of paper for all of this.  

The challenge is using at least two shades of gray.  I found this paper among my massive paper pile and it seemed to be just perfect.  I embossed each sheet with the Floral Fantasy embossing folder.  This paper isn't very good and it cracks when you emboss it which actually gave it that two tone I was looking for.  Adding the black and white ribbon to the center gave it enough "color" variation.  I cut all the monogram tags with my cricut, sprayed some silver smooch, inked the edges and stamped their letter with the Filigree PaperStudios Alphabets in black.  I love this stamp set!  I also added some rhinestones to the cards to give it just enough "bling".  I gotta have bling.  On the smaller notecard I added some silver/black Studio G glitter glue to give that a little bit of bling also.

The notecard holder was also cut with my cricut and a simple black ribbon attached is a perfect way to keep those notecards together.

I hope you've enjoyed my two shades of gray project and I will see you all again soon.

As always, have a great day and God Bless.

Lasting Memories #61 "Bling It"

Good morning and welcome to another Lasting Memories layout challenge and this week it's all about BLING.  I created this layout for my challenge submission over at PaperSecrets again also.  As you know, each week we are given an assignment at PaperSecrets for a layout. I really don't care if I win the contest, it's just helping me to do more layouts that I should have done a long time ago. If you participate and follow the guidelines you advance to the next week. We started with 27 and somewhere along the way we lost another player so now 9 moved on.  I can't believe I am still in the running...again, it's not about winning, it's about scrapping and I am so proud of myself.  Although I was doing two separate layouts weekly, one for Lasting Memories and one for PaperSecrets, but since I started working I have limited time, but  I will keep updating you as I go along.  Who knows, I might not be able to participate one week and then I am out, but until then, I am scrapping my butt off, (they used a different word, but my blog is family friendly...hehehe. 
Here is the sketch I had to follow from Papersecrets:

and here is the layout.  

I added LOTS of Bling for this week at Lasting Memories to the sketch.  I LOVE bling and would use it on every single layout if I could.  I think it dresses the page up very nicely and I added it around the two photos as an additional border.  I really like the way this turned out.

and I added it to the champagne glasses trying to resemble bubbles.

  

Now add some bling to your layout and enter it over at Lasting Memories.  Who knows you could become a featured designer or even make it to the top 3.  It's just fun to create and remember those special moments in a layout.

This is what I needed to use over at PaperSecrets and what's in red is what I did use:

stamped image
border punch around photo
flower from wedding
bling LOTS of it
fabric/felt
rubons
chipboard
3+ brads/eyelets to attach the napkin to the layout
transparency
ribbon/lace also from the wedding flowers

Lasting Memories #55 Black and White

Good morning ... today is another Sunday filled with Lasting Memories. This week, Karen has challenged us to do a layout strictly in Black and White.  I was pretty excited about this at first, but then I remembered I had no ink for my printer and couldn't print any pictures...I know, I still haven't gotten any.  So I had to resort to going through my stash of pictures when I came across this one...This is one of my favorite pictures of my two oldests.  This picture has a lot of meaning to me, not only of who took it, where it was taken, but just the kids themselves...one looks so sweet and innocent and the other is ... well, he just looks mischievous.  LOL  So here we go:

Isn't this just beautiful?  Well of course I think so cuz I made it, 

but honestly I loved the black and white challenge.  

For the first time ever, I painted some chipboard that 

I cut with my E-Craft and used rub on letters

to add their names and the dates onto

I added some bling over the top of stamped images

See the arrows?  That's my hidden journaling tag

Then I took some white silk flowers and added a 

bit of bling to the center and inked the edges.

Now I also used this layout for a sketch for my PaperSecrets challenge

 Each week we are given an assignment for a layout. I really don't care if I win the contest, it's just helping me to do more layouts that I should have done a long time ago (or some new ones in this case). If you participate and follow the guidelines you advance to the next week. We started with 27 and 10 moved onto again last week.  I will keep updating you as I go along. Who knows, I might not be able to participate one week and then I am out, but until then, I am scrapping my butt off, (they used a different word, but my blog is family friendly...hehehe
Here is the sketch:

but I had to rotate the sketch to accommodate my picture

but it worked quite well

and this is what I used:

raw chipboard (leave raw , paint, ink, etc....your choice)
border punch
flowers/leaves
bling
fabric/felt
rubons
stamped image
hand or machine stitching
glitter/micro beads
ribbon/lace

So I hope I've inspired you to do a Black and White layout and head on over to Lasting Memories and enter the challenge...they are so much fun.  I'm loving how many pages I've gotten done this year and all the new techniques I've learned.  It's been quite the inspirational motivation for me.

Paper Secrets 13

Good morning and happy Saturday
here's my layout I did for the challenge over at PaperSecrets.  Each week we are given an assignment for a layout. I really don't care if I win the contest, it's just helping me to do more layouts that I should have done a long time ago (or some new ones in this case). If you participate and follow the guidelines you advance to the next week. We started with 27 and 10 moved onto last week again.  I will keep updating you as I go along. Who knows, I might not be able to participate one week and then I am out, but until then, I am scrapping my butt off, (they used a different word, but my blog is family friendly...hehehe
Here is the sketch:

I also used the Amazing You stamp set from Getting Cricky as my journaling.

This is what I needed to use for the challenge and 

what is in red is is what I used.

5+ brads/eyelets

mist 

flowers/leaves (silk leaves on tree)

bling (rhinestones between phrases)fabric/felt

border punch (butterfly wings and then used the itty bitty pieces for the flight path)

journaling embellishmentdry embossing

stamping (sentiments and peachy keen face)

ribbon/lace ( Summertime Fun ribbon)

Last of the vacation pictures:

the beginning our our paddle out.  

tiny waterfall area

Carl and the girls got up the waterfall in 2 tries.  

They did a great job for their first time.  

It may not look like much in the picture, but 

it can be a bit dangerous trying to get between the rocks.

now remember, everything we brought in  has to be brought back out.  

This is one of 4 portages and you take EVERYTHING 

out of your canoe and carry it to the other side including the canoe.  

Some of the portages are more treacherous 

than others, but its all worth the trip.

Kim and Phil did it in 2 tries also.

Really like this picture also.

Video of the little waterfall and surroundings

At least the cooler is a bit lighter on the way out.

Austyn and uncle Phil took one paddle together 

between portages.  Austyn said he did all the work!!!

Just the girls

We couldn't get the timer to work on the camera so I

will have to super impose myself into the picture somehow.

Hubby carrying the canoe...glad I don't have to do that.

Carl also carrying his canoe.  Just looks like too much work for me.

We've arrived.  Now unload the canoe one last

 time and head to civilization.

Showered and ready for a good meal at our

favorite restaurant in Ely, MN - The Boathouse.

So I hope you've enjoyed my trip to Boundary Waters with me.  We had a great time and I can't believe we've been home for a week already.  We are thinking of taking a boathouse cruise next year for our vacation.  Boundary Waters is a great adventure, but I'm getting old.  LOL  I think sitting on a boathouse for a week, swimming, fishing and just relaxing sounds good to me.

Thanks so much for visiting with me and I hope to see you tomorrow

 for another Simply Sunday Challenge at Getting Cricky.

Paper Secrets 11

Good morning,


here's my layout I did for the challenge over at PaperSecrets.  Each week we are given an assignment for a layout. I really don't care if I win the contest, it's just helping me to do more layouts that I should have done a long time ago (or some new ones in this case). If you participate and follow the guidelines you advance to the next week. We started with 27 and 11 moved onto this week.  I will keep updating you as I go along. Who knows, I might not be able to participate one week and then I am out, but until then, I am scrapping my butt off, (they used a different word, but my blog is family friendly...hehehe
Here is the sketch:

Here is what I did:

This is what I needed to use for the challenge and 

what is in red is is what I used.

hand or machine stitiching
mist Flower
flowers/leaves
bling Flower center
fabric/felt
border punch
journaling embellishment
altered or raw chipboard
stamped image(s) tree
ribbon/lace

I also used up some pictures that didn't turn out to cut out the "The House" with my E-craft and it cut like butter.  Another super simple layout, but I love it.


I also wanted to remind you that Lisa over at A Mermaid's Crafts is giving away this:

for her 500 follower giveaway.  She will leave this open until August 6th and choose a winner August 7th...so hurry on over there and check out her awesome creations.  She is one creative lady.

This coming week I will be on vacation in Northern Minnesota on our family canoeing trip so I have preposted most of my stuff.  Keep your fingers crossed that they all go up without a hitch.  I will not be able to moderate comments as of Sunday evening as I will have no internet access, but look forward to reading what you all think of my projects when I get back.  My email will probably be locked out too...hehehehe.  Thanks so much for supporting my blog...see you in 10 days.

Getting Cricky hijack #6 Something old, something new & Winner

Did ya hear?  The Getting Cricky Design Team has HIJACKED the Getting Cricky Blog while Kristal is away!!  I'm so happy to be able to share something old and something new with you today...


As most of you know, I've been following Kristal's blog pretty much as long as she has been blogging.  I found her by accident shortly after she started blogging and was hooked, I mean - hook, line and sinker.  She has the best tutorials, videos, giveaways and most of all INSPIRATION!!!  There are days I have been down and out and I go back and reread previous posts that she has written just to lift my heart a bit.  It seems as if she is talking directly to me and makes me wonder how she can know exactly what I am going through.  Then I look at my "problem" and remember that I am not the only one who has a rough time.  We all have our "days" and think "my life so so bad", but someone else is going through something today too.  They are thinking the same thing...so pick yourself up and change what you are so unhappy about and turn that frown upside down.  You are the only one that can change your attitude.  Sure others help, but it's up to you to pull up those boot strings and make it a better day...Remember "Today is the first day of the rest of your life"!  Sometimes we just need to simplify our lives...to much baggage and to much drama.  I am starting to see that now in a brighter light.  Unemployed means a lot of time on my hands to think (and yes, job search), but I've come to realize that I have everything I need right here at home!!!  I have a great husband, that supports my crafting lifestyle, even if he doesn't understand it.  I have a great daughter and son in law who are expecting their 2nd child.  I have two sons who help out at home and love that mom can hang out with them and watch tv or just sit and chat.  I have a beautiful granddaughter that I absolutely adore and a craft room full of "stuff".  What more can I ask for?  Sure...I can't go out an buy those really good specials at Michaels or the newest toy right now because the extra money isn't there, but I can shop my stash and revisit oldies but goodies.  Sometimes we tend to forget what's right here at home...so here is what I found for you today.


If you all remember Kristal used to sell her SVG files online.  She has made some of the cutest files and oh how I have bought my share...LOL  I could own stock in her company...hahaha.  Well, when she came out with her stamp sets, not only did I buy them, but I love them, just like I did her files.  I was looking to make a card the other day and I was looking at her "Food for Thought" stamp set (that's how I get my inspiration) and I remember I had purchased this "Orange You Sweet" file of hers.  So I dug way deep into my computer of files upon files and found it and came up with this:

I added some fake flowers and attached some bling
for the centers as embellishments 

Of course I used the "Food for Thought" stamp set and
stamped directly onto the ribbon.  I love doing this
to add a bit more to plain ribbon

The E-craft also draws so this was pretty cool.
The drawback to that is that the E-Craft only
has black pens, but it worked for this.

See what you can make if you just stop and reflect on the past a little?  I feel very good about my card and am excited to be able to combine something old and something new.  Now, I don't know if Kristal is still selling any of her files, but I am sure if you emailed her she can answer any of your questions.


NOW, onto the winner for the Operation Owl Thank You blog hop for Kristal...you ladies were amazing.  Thank you to everyone that participated and to those of you that have donated stuff for the grand prize...Also to those of you that added cards to the linky.  I will be getting the package for Kristal together this Friday as I am leaving on vacation then.  If cards come in while I am on vacation, Kristal will get a bonus package...LOL
so, without further ado...the winner for the Operation Owl Thank You blog hop is..........................................

OmaGloria said...

Very cute card Brenda. I made a little something for Kristal. I was just getting ready to send it to her when I heard the news that she was moving. Can I send it to you and can you get it to her?

Precious Hugs

July 23, 2011 6:25 PM 

Oma Gloria, please email me your addy to dt . coor @ gmail . com with winner in the subject line so I can get your package out to you before I leave for vacation.  Thanks all for playing along and have a safe rest of the week.

You will rise above this (Pink ribbon)

Good morning,
I have a quick card I want to share with you.  A friend of mine is battling breast cancer for the 2nd time and I wanted to make her a card letting her know she has beaten this once already and she "will rise above this to be victorious".  I am featuring the "Positive Thoughts" stamp set by Getting Cricky.  This set is so wonderful with all it's different meanings.  Perfect sentiments to inspire, encourage, and uplift! 4x6 sheet of photopolymer stamps made in the USA. $1 from each set benefits Storefront Shelter (Homeless shelter for children and youth).

I inked around all the edges of the ribbon, the tag (just cut with my crazy scissors) and the card base and added lots of bling.  She's gonna love all that bling.  Super easy, peasy but from the heart.

Now remeber there will by a  very special blog hop coming up this Saturday called Operation Owl, the hop has been sponsored by Amy Chomas and she has donated Gel pens and a holder to give away! These pens are awesome! You can use them in your cutting machines! WOOHOO. So make sure you come back on Saturady so you can join in all the fun! There lots of prizes and goodies along the way. I will be giving away another K.Andrew stamp set.

Simply Sundays "Penned"

Good afternoon friends and Sisters,
Today is another day over at Getting Cricky for Simply Sundays challenge.  Today we are using our pens, for me, that is Amy Chomas' Pen set for Cricut.  Have you tried them?  No, well you better head on over there after you see what you can do with them and place your order.  If you have, then hurry up and use them to create something for the challenge.  The challenge is: Penned! Using pens somehow in your project (gel pens, journaling pens, pens used in your diecut machines, etc) and this is what I did:I've never made a twisted easel card before but one of my DT Sisters recently did and she inspired me to make this and so I was pretty excited to see if I could.  I used the "cross" cut from the Wedding Cart.  I love using my gypsy to create my projects at work and then as soon as I get home all I need to do is place my paper on my mat and within minutes my card is created.  I then layered it on a different tab, hid the outside lines of the cross and penned the inside swirlies on white cardstock.  This was so much fun and these pens are awesome to use.  I used the pink glitter pen and did "cut" it twice to give it a bit more dimension but really I don't think I had needed to do that.   
Then I cut the cross out in shadow style in pink cardstock, again, usually using most of my stash paper so I have no idea who made it.  I recently purchased some "velvet" style paper at my local vinyl store.  It was on sale and well, how can I pass up a "sale"?  I've seen different things done with velvet paper and I wanted to give it a try.  
I then used my stamp from Getting Cricky "Amazing You" set.  The sentiments are so interchangeable and super easy to use.  I love this set because it so in your face...I used "You are" "a blessing".  I was a bit worried on stamping onto the velvet, but it worked perfectly.  I used a white ink and it left a great impression.

Then I used my punch to create a border for the bottom of the card and left the middle open so I can write my message there.  I also added some pink inset into silver pearls for dimension and a place to hold the top fold.  This was definitely a great card to create.  I hope you like looking at it as much as I liked making it.  

Now it's your turn to get those pens a working and link up at Getting Cricky for the Simply Sunday challenge...remember, anything goes...it's totally up to your interpretation.  There is only one important rule to follow and that is to "HAVE FUN"!!!