Enter to WIN!!

I happened across this GREAT giveaway on LeeLou Blogs today...

She's giving away a BUNCH of stuff -- Including an I-Pod Touch!!  WOW!!  Head on over and enter your own self in the drawing -- If I don't win, I sure hope YOU do!!  :)  **CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND ENTER BY NOVEMBER 30th!!**

Blogger Award!! For ME??? :)

I would like to thank Gloria, Lisa, Paula, Kara and Lisa for awarding me this oh-so-sweet Stylish Blogger Award...  (obviously, this is not for 'clothing stylish' or I would definitely not be able to accept!!  LOL!)...  There are some 'rules' that go along with receiving this award:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this (Please visit  Gloria, Lisa, Paula, Kara and Lisa to check out their amazing projects!!)...
2. Share 8 things about yourself (hmmm...  With the 'gift of gab' do ya think I can do that???)
3. Pay it forward to 8 bloggers that you have recently discovered (This was a TOUGH decision!!  There are soooo many I'd LOVE to give it to!!)
4. Contact those bloggers and tell them about their awards (I'd love for YOU to visit them and congratulate them on their award too...)

Please be sure to visit these ladies (whom I have recently discovered and have found to be very inspirational!!) and their amazingly creative blogs:
1.  Heather 
2.  Maria Elena
3.  Sandee
4.  Christy
5.  Jane
6.  Amanda
7.  Ashley
8.  Claire

Here are the 8 things I'd like to share:
1.  In my ideal world, my kiddos would never grow up and have to leave home.  In reality, I hope they know they can always come home...

2.  I wear my Rainbow flip-flops 365 days a year...  I'm not too proud to wear socks with them either (thus the reason I would not win the 'clothing stylish' award!)...

3.  When I pack The-Girl-Child's lunch, I seriously count the number of grapes, cran-raisins, almonds, animal cookies, etc. to make sure she has an even number...  always...  for real...  no matter what...  I will even cut things in equal, even pieces if necessary (and I used to make fun of my friend for cutting the crusts off pop-tarts for her daughter!!)...

4.  We just returned from a *whirlwind* trip to NEW YORK CITY (can I move there? I'd seriously live in an RV on Staten Island and take the ferry over every day!!  I mean, I could, like, park there for $7 a day and that would be AWESOME!)...  I can't WAIT to post some of the AMAZING pictures we took as well as some of the FANTASTIC stories I'd love to share!!  I hope you'll check back to see them!!

5.  When I am in the car alone, I will turn the radio up and sing at the top of my lungs -- And I will convince myself that I sound good!!  :)  (I've also been known to have conversations with myself in the car, but who doesn't do that???)

6.  The worst diet I've ever tried is the Twizzlers and Pepsi diet...  :)  Mostly I was just hopped up on caffeine and sugar...  (Those who know me personally can tell you that I do N-O-T need mood-enhancing products to make me any more hyper than I already am).

7.  I am a little OCD (hush now Christi, Chris, Beth, and Kathy!  Just let me believe that I'm only a *little* OCD!)...  For example, my scrapbook pages are very 'linear'...  I avoid putting too many shapes on one page.  I enjoy clean lines  (this does not transfer to housework though...  Housework can wait.  Scrapbooking cannot.).

8.  And the number one reason I could not win the 'clothing stylish' award (but am ecstatic that I can win a Stylish Blogger Award!!)...  My favorite outfit actually IS a matching velour jogging-suit...  Now please...  Admit that you have one too!!  :)

This was incredibly fun...  Thanks so much for stopping by!!  Please be sure to leave a comment and let me know you were here!!  Happy Thanksgiving!!

Christmas Card Class!!

Aah, Christmas!!  The best thing about the snowy season!!  It's time to gather up your glue sticks, adhesive pens, and tape runners and come on out to make some Christmas Cards with me!!  Check out what's in store...

Card #1 An Ornament With Swing :)
This delightful card features an ornament that hangs from the fir branch freely (try saying THAT three times!)... 

Card #2 A Happy Holiday Gingerbread Man (on a card inspired by Emilie)
This little guy looks yummy enough to eat -- but, alas, he is not so flavorful...  He is full of Christmas cheer though!!

Card #3 A Reindeer Caroling
Inspired by our friends at Stampin Up!, this reindeer can't wait to sing his way into your heart!!

Card #4 Purple Snowflakes
Glitter makes everything better!!  We're going old-school with this beautiful snowflake cut the way we used to do die-cuts...  On the Sizzix!!  :)  A little Sizzix embossing adds just the right touch to this card to celebrate snow...

Card #5 Do The Snowman Shake!!
Three fun snowmen all dressed for fun!!  These adorable guys will melt your heart while they wish you a Merry Christmas!!

Card #6 Anybody Seen The Cat???
Our sneaky little furry friend has a front row seat to seeing Santa...  Hanging out with the Christmas stockings is a surefire way to sneak a few treats!!  This little guy is wishing you a purrrrrrr-fect Christmas!!  :)

Card #7 Behold...  I bring you tidings of GREAT joy!!
A fun surprise awaits the recipient of this card...  Pull the ribbon and the angel reveals the great news!!

Card#8 The Reason For The Season...
Need I say more?  :)

I'd love for you to join me at one of the upcoming card classes...  Cost is just $12 when you pre-register and includes all the supplies to complete the above 8 cards (please bring your own adhesive -- glue stick, tape runner, liquid glue pen.  Scissors, pop dots, and a paper trimmer are optional to bring -- I will have a few on hand to share).  To RSVP, please email me: scrapbookingwithamy (at) gmail (dot) com.

For more information, or to let me know you were here, please leave a comment!!  Hope to see you on either Tuesday, November 16th (at the Fellowship Community Church in the Education Building from 6-8:30pm) or Wednesday, November 17th (at Pizza Joe's in the Party Room from 6-8:30pm).  Remember, kits are limited, so please RSVP to guarantee your spot.

Snowflake Card (Christmas Card Class) - Made By Momo Tuesday Challenge

So maybe I don't agree with the sentiment...  I don't really want it to snow!!  I'm kinda enjoying the sunny days right now!!  But...  I'm sure the snow is coming (we actually got a little on Saturday), and I'll have to embrace that snow with a shovel (although I'll probably embrace it like most 4-year-olds embrace having to eat asparagus...).

This is my entry for the Tuesday Challenge over at Made by Momo...  The challenge was to create a card with some kind of embossing (notice my embossed blue strip?  I used the Sizzix snowflake embossing folder for that).  My original intention was also to emboss the snowflake with embossing glitter...  But I could not find my embossing glitter (gasp!), so I settled for about half a bottle of silver stickles...

My sentiment is handwritten on a handmade tag (inked on the edges with SU! Perfect Plum) and tied to the card with some sheer white ribbon I found in a clearance bin (my weakness)...  Those little silver and white doo-dads on the ribbon are some white eyelets that I decided made perfect little accents for that ribbon!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask...  This card (or one similar to it) will be making an appearance at my Christmas Card Class (it's next week!!)...  In the class, participants will create 8 beautiful cards perfect for sending/giving to friends and loved ones for the holiday season.

I love reading your comments, so please let me know you were here...  Make it even more fun by letting me know what YOUR favorite season is (mine is SUMMER!!)...  Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!!

Party Owl Night -- Jitterbuggin Challenge

My little owl is ready to dance the night away over the Jitterbuggin' Challenge -- Wise Guys!!  This adorable owl can be found on the Hoot 'N' Holler Cricut Cartridge (Owl #10) and is cut at 3.5"...  The sentiment is also from Hoot 'N' Holler and is cut at 3" (please forgive my glitter mishap -- I sorta forgot the Stickles were still wet when I started sticking everything together!!).  Since the challenge also required the use of a square and a circle, I mounted the sentiment on a 3.5" black square then on a 3.75" pink square.  The circles are from my Creative Memories Mini Circle Punch (3/4" and 1")...  Love the circles (and L-O-O-K...  I used circles on the same project as a square  -- see, Beth, I C-A-N do it!!  For the rest of you, I am a bit OCD about my circles and squares, but I digress)!!

Anyway...  I attached my owl to a spring so that he could jiggle and jive (this aspect is completely lost in a still picture, but I've been giggling like crazy with the little guy dancing on my desk over here)...  Oh my goodness, I'm just lovin' the owls!!  :)

Thanks for stopping by...  I love to read your comments, so please let me know you were here...  If you have any questions about my card (or any other projects), please let me know!!  If you'd like to see my other card creations and scrapbook layouts, please browse HERE...  Have a GREAT day!!

You Make Me Smile, Crocodile! -- M.A.G. Challenge

A new challenge blog!!  Yay!!  Please visit the M.A.G. Challenge Blog to see all the creations for this really neat challenge idea!!  Each week, the designers select just ONE page from ONE cartridge (and ya can't use any other pages/cartridges!!)...  Truly a challenge for me!!  I kept wanting to cut something from somewhere else.  I look forward to the next challenge!!

This week's challenge was to create a card/project using ONLY page 45 from the Create A Critter Cricut Cartridge...  I had originally planned to use all of the images, but I suddenly realized I couldn't also fit the little birdie on my card, so I'm saving that for another use. :)

My crocodile (he could also be an alligator, but he needs to be a crocodile on my card so that I can call the card 'You Make Me Smile, Crocodile'....  I tried it with alligator, but it just didn't rhyme)...  Now where was I?  OH, yeah!!  My crocodile was cut at 2", and I did cut all the layers (I offset the main layer - in black- so that he would have just a touch of a shadow).  I'm going to stick this in The-Girl-Child's lunchbox tomorrow, so it needed to have a splash of PINK!!  The 'Smile' was also cut at 2" and is accented with a few emerald green gems (bling!!).

I'd love to have you leave a comment after visiting -- If you have any questions, please feel free to ask...  New followers are always welcome -- I really enjoy sharing my newest creations with you...  Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!!

Have A Merry Christmas Card - Throwback Thursday Challenge (My Creative Time)

 Yay! for Christmas Cards!!  :)  Here is my entry for the My Creative Time Throwback Thursday Challenge!  Christmas Theme...  The Challenge was to use the Celebrations Cricut Cartridge (GASP!! I do NOT have that one -- But I resisted the urge to purchase it...  for now) or an 'old' cartridge we do own instead...  So I used the Doodlecharms Cricut Cartridge. :)  These adorable snowmen can be found on the 'Border' feature (SO cute!). 

After dry embossing them with the D'Vine Cuttlebug folder and ink-chalking the edges, these snowy dudes were ready for their scarves (a ribbon find from Michael's after Christmas last year), some gunmetal Stickles for their buttons and eyes, and a handwritten sentiment on an EK Success triple tag punch...

This card (or a similar one) may be making an appearance in one of my upcoming Christmas Card Classes...  The next one is scheduled for Wednesday, November 17.  Participants get to create eight handmade cards in about two hours with just some scissors and adhesive!!  Be sure to check back to see all of my Christmas Cards over the next few weeks!!

I love to read your comments, so please leave one letting me know you were here!!  If you have any questions about this card or any of my other creations, please feel free to let me know.  Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!!

I'm Thankful Today Because.... Remember When?

Remember When you made things like this in elementary school?  The idea was to trace your hand and cut it from that construction paper that always smelled like wet cardboard...  Then you'd get a collection of sparkly, feathery embellishments to glue on -- even though most of mine would end up glued to ME!!  Sometimes the art teacher would have some bravado idea of of letting us dip our hands in paint before smearing our fingers all over that construction paper -- or in my case, my face and clothes!!  Regardless, those mangled turkey pictures always ended up in a proud display on the refrigerator until the paint chips would flake to the floor and my dad would find glitter in his mashed potatoes...  At which point I am sure my mom would tuck them away as a treasure forever...

Anyway...  I hopped across a new challenge blog this week by the name of Just Inspirational Challenges...  I haven't had much of a chance to check out many of their past challenges, but this week's was to create any shaped card...  And since I was *just inspired* to create one of these throwback turkey cards, I thought I'd enter it over there. :)  Initially, this is the idea I had for creating a card for the Cricut Cardz Challenge #48 as well (their challenge was to create a Thanksgiving Card using the 'Card Feature' from any cartridge -- I used the Card Feature on A Child's Year Cricut Cartridge to make the hand card -- The feathers are from Creative Memories Cheerful Seasons Cricut Cartridge -- The beak, snood, and eye were all hand-cut -- I should mention that my plan was to glitterize him, but The-Girl-Child had borrowed my bag of stickles for a school project and 'forgot' to return them...  Therefore, I was unable to make this boy turkey look completely girly :)...  Brown chalking inks finished off the edges of the fingers and feathers, and the lettering was done with a black fine tip marker).  Despite the simplicity of the card, it also inspired quite a lot of thinking on my behalf...  My rant begins below, so if you're interested in exploring a small sampling of my silliness, I invite you to continue...

For several weeks now, I've been thinking about November...  It's such an important month...  It's the kick-off for the holiday season,  it's the month when people really travel to reconnect with family and loved ones, and it hosts a day just for celebrating why we're thankful!!

In addition to all of these great things about November, there are a few not-so-great things that I sometimes think about...  It's the first month of the season that I'm really cold (and I don't particularly like being cold!), the sun makes fewer appearances (and this makes me sad!), and other equally distressing things that I honestly don't want to give much thought to!!

Because of this, I decided I really wanted to dedicate each day in November to remembering why I'm thankful...  I thought perhaps I could do a scrapbook page or something each day -- anything to remind me why I'm so incredibly blessed!!  I invite you to take this challenge with me!!  As I complete my pages, I'll upload some of them here, so please come back and follow along.  I may keep a few of them private, but my goal is to be Thankful Everyday in November!!  :)

So here's day one (on November 2nd -- hee hee -- I'll explore my reason for why I'm thankful I didn't get to post day one until day two shortly)...

I'm ridiculously thankful that I have such wonderful parents.  My parents are the reason I am so close to my own children.  They are the reason that I've embraced being a mother and held on to the fleeting moments spent with now-teenage kiddos.  I never remember hearing either of my parents say "Oh, I can't wait til our kids are grown and out of the house," but I do remember feeling like I was always welcome back, like their home would always be my home (even with that Freddy-Cat of theirs!).  And that is always how I want my kids to feel...  Like my home will always be their home too.  I don't look forward to both of them being off to college next year...  But, I'll always look forward to seeing what their futures have in store for them.

I would absolutely LOVE for you to leave a comment telling me what you're most thankful for today!!  :)  Also, please be sure to hop on over to the Just Inspirational Challenge #18 and Cricut Cardz Challenge #48 to see what everyone else created too!!  Thanks so much for stopping by!!  Please come again soon!!

A Pair of Pears or Five... Photo Inspiration Challenge - Papercraft Star

This is my first entry for a challenge over at Papercraft Star (Challenge #19)...  This week's challenge was based on a Photo Inspiration.  Please take a moment to hop on over and check out the photo and other entries (PLUS: They have open voting until Monday Night at MIDNIGHT!!  I'd L-O-V-E to have your vote!! Thanks!!).  Maybe you'll even find that you would like to enter one of their challenges too (they list all of the challenges in advance so you always know what's next - So cool!!).

The inspiration that I took from the photo was mostly about the pears, but I was also inspired by the cool colors...  I really liked the idea of putting this butter color with the honeydew and artichoke colors...

I started with a 12x12 piece of purple paper from the Creative Memories Reminisce Tone-on-Tone Paper Pack...  I just love how the paper is already distressed-looking for me -- It works perfectly for so many layouts!  The two photo boxes are made with 4"x6" pieces in artichoke and mounted on butter that has been distressed with brown chalking ink (I love the chalking inks!  I used it on every die cut and photo box and the journaling box too!).  The ribbon is attached only on the back so that I can slide the perfect pictures right under...  The pear die cuts can all be found on the Preserves Cricut Cartridge, though I should mention that I mixed-and-matched the pieces of the three different pears on the cartridge to get the look I wanted.  My journal box began with a piece of honeydew cardstock measuring 2.5"x3" and is mounted on cement and artichoke cardstock.

I hope you enjoy my 12x12 Pear Layout...  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments.  I'd love for you to become a follower as I am really enjoying the opportunity to share what I've been working on.  As always, your comments are appreciated -- Even if it's just to let me know you've stopped by!! :)

Thanks for visiting, and have a GREAT day!!

Freddy is a Fraidy Cat!

 

Well...  There is no love lost between my mom's cat, Freddy, and I...  You see, I am a cat-lover!  The fact that Freddy is not the kindest of cats, and definitely does not return my affection, leaves me feeling a little perplexed!!  I mean, anyone with a cat will tell you that I will spend more time talking to their cat than the average visitor!!

Anyway, Freddy is like the 'extra' child in my mom's life...  Since I am the 'baby' of the family, I perhaps have certain feelings about him...  Cuz she seriously spoils the heck out of this cat!!  There's a pretty funny story about Freddy in his humble beginnings...  He was a stray who found his way onto the back porch of my mom's home...  And then into her heart...  But when she first brought him in, she named him...  SUSIE!!  We all thought HE was a SHE...  No wonder he had a little resentment!  But on his first trip to the vet, we certainly learned otherwise, and Susie came home as Freddy.

So I have created this layout especially for my wonderful mom...  And especially for the beloved Fraidy-Cat (that I often call him).  My plan was to add some pictures to it before I uploaded it here, but, alas, I did not get the photos printed yet...  So she will see it here first -- And maybe she'll decide to dress him up for Halloween and take pictures and add them herself...  After all, this is meant to be a Halloween layout that I created for the Papercutz Challenge #64 as well as the Paper Playtime Halloween Challenge.  Additionally, Made By Momo is having a sort of 'open call' for Halloween projects...  So, if you've got one, you may want to add yours to her blog as well!!  If you have a moment, please hop on over to these blogs to check out all of the great projects or enter your own projects!!

 (Clicking on any of the pictures will make them LARGER!!)

To create this layout, I started with 2 12x12 pages from Creative Memories Black & White Tone-On-Tone Paper.  I cuttlebugged 4 strips of 1x12 CM 'Apple' Cardstock with the 'Texture' folder (this takes patience as you have to run it through 3 times to texture the entire strip) to create the border strips across the top and bottom.  I used 2 4x6 'Apple' Cardstock pieces for the base of the cat die cuts (from the Paper Doll Dress Up Cricut Cartridge) and added a paper 'ribbon' strip to the edge of each (cuttlebugged with the Polka Dots folder).  My letters are cut at 2" using the font found on the Robotz Cricut Cartridge (base font and shadow font - CM Orange & Gold Cardstock), and, yes, I used my Gypsy to weld the shadow (this makes it easier to lay it out once it's cut).  I did not weld the base font as I wanted to ink the edges of the letters and distress the tops a bit.  Due to my Cuttlebug Addiction, I did run all of the base font letters through with the Polka Dots folder too...  I really do get such a kick out of those embossing folders...  If you have any questions, please be sure to leave me a message, and I'll be happy to get back to you. :)

 (Clicking on any of the pictures will make them LARGER!!)

I hope you enjoy my two-page Halloween layout...  I'd love to read your comments, so please take a moment to let me know you were here...  And, of course, I love having new followers too!!  :)

If you'd like to see what else I've been creating, please click HERE...  Thanks again for stopping by!!

Welcome Guest Designer Chris Rockcastle! (October Card Class-Card #8)

The picture for this card simply cannot do it justice...  My very dear friend, Chris, is a digital diva.  I mean, this chickie can create almost anything digitally...  Who else could make a chicken nugget play the piano or make a guest appearance in a childrens' play?  Yep, she's done it.  She's created some of the most amazing digital albums, coupons, bookmarks, photo templates, scrapbook pages and more that I've EVER seen!!  Oh, and did I mention that she does all of this with a house full of kiddos???  'Nuff said - she's amazing. :)

Well, this month, Chris has very kindly designed one of the cards for my card class!!  The neatest part about her digital-hybrid cards is that they look fantastic even before they're finished!!  The pink flower is not only on the original digital design, but it's also cut out and adhered with pop dots for added dimension.  A little pink bling makes this card perfect for sending to a special friend!!

I hope to share more of Chris's wonderful digital-hybrid designs with you in the future...  If you'd like to see more, be sure to leave a comment encouraging her to design something else for us!!  To create this card (and seven others too), please join us on Wednesday, October 27 for this month's card class.  Participants will create 8 beautiful cards perfect for sending to friends and family... 

Thanks so much for visiting!!

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

Thanksgiving Turkey Easel Card (October Card Class-Card #7)

Gobble, gobble!! :)  Isn't this turkey just adorable?  He is all dressed up and ready to say 'Happy Thanksgiving' to someone special!!

To create this Thanksgiving Easel Card, I started with a 4"x12" strip of Cloud Cardstock and scored it at 6" and 9.5".  I then used the D'Vine Swirls embossing folder on the front top (above the fold) of the card.  The 3"x4" Gold Cardstock was Cuttlebugged with the Houndstooth embossing folder and adhered to the bottom half of the card base (front, below the fold).  The turkey (Create A Critter Cartridge) was cut at 4" using the Fit to Length Feature on my Cricut Expression Machine (this allowed me to cut the turkey to the width of 4" rather than height -- perfect for when I want to fill up the width of a card -- it automatically adjusts the height to the width ratio).  Once the pieces were adhered together, the turkey was attached only to the gold cardstock (so he would pop up above the fold when opened).

On the inside of the card, the Happy Thanksgiving sentiment was cut at 2" from the Wild Card Cartridge.  After adhering the sentiment to the gold strip (1/2"x4"), it was adhered to the orange strip (2.5"x4"), and popped up with a strip of fun foam (or pop dots).  The dimension is needed to create a 'ledge' for the bottom front of the card to rest behind when open.

This is card #7 for this month's card class on October 27.  Participants create 8 fun cards perfect for sending to family and friends...  The best part is that all the hard work is already completed (ya know, the designing, the cutting, etc.)...  If you would like more information about my card classes, or to purchase a spot (or just a kit), please email me at scrapbookingwithamy (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thanks so much for stopping by!!  Your comments and questions are welcomed and appreciated!!

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

Have a GREAT day!!

Give Thanks - Thanksgiving Card (October Card Class-Card #6)

We've had several warmer days here lately (just the way I like it!)... With today's rain, many of the remaining leaves were pulled from the trees to blanket the yard with a multitude of colors... While I prefer the leaves to stay on the trees, I certainly enjoy seeing the leaves spread across the ground inviting rakes to create piles for jumping!! It's a reminder that hot cider and pumpkin pie can be found almost everywhere (I'm wishing for some in my kitchen right now!!)... So enjoy the season, and remember to Give Thanks...

This is Card #6 for the October Card Class.  The Give Thanks sentiment can be found on the Thanksgiving Seasonal Cartridge.  The flowers were cut in varying sizes (1"-2") from the Walk In My Garden Cartridge (the smallest flowers are Creative Memories punches).  This simple card is quick and easy to create and is sure to be treasured by the lucky recipient.

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

Thanks so much for stopping by!!  Please feel free to leave a comment, as I love to read them!!  Have a GREAT day!!

Thank You Gate Fold Flower Card (October Card Class-Card #5)

Gate-fold cards are a fun alternative to traditional cards, and they are SO easy to make!!  This card starts as a 4"x12" strip scored and folded at 3" and 9".  A blue strip measuring 4"x3.5" was embossed with the Cuttlebug 'Thanks' folder and added to the top flap of this card.  This fun flower can be found on the Sweet Treats Cartridge (cut at 4").  The beautiful patterned paper on the bottom flap of the card is Creative Memories paper from the Nancy O'Dell Hummingbird line (REALLY gorgeous!!).  The 'Thank You' sentiment on the inside is from the Wild Card Cartridge and is cut at 2.25".

This is Card #5 for the October Card Class.  Participants of my card class receive a kit with everything needed to create 8 beautiful cards perfect for sending to friends and loved ones.  Additional kits are available for purchase - please email me at scrapbookingwithamy (at) gmail (dot) com for additional details.

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

I'd love to hear your thoughts about this Gate Fold card!!  Please leave a comment, and thanks for stopping by!!

May All Your Wishes Come True!! (October Card Class-Card #4)

Whether it's a Birthday Wish or a Life Wish...  May all YOUR wishes come true!!  :)  This is Card #4 of the October Card Class (Wednesday, Oct. 27) and features a phrase from the Sweet Treats Cartridge as well as the Birthday Candle Cuttlebug embossing folder.  Members of my card club receive a kit to make 8 beautiful cards perfect for sending to friends and loved ones.  The best part of these kits is that all the hard work has been done for you -- Simply bring your adhesive (wet & dry) and some scissors and/or a trimmer, and leave with a collection of fun cards!!  If you would like to purchase a kit, but are not able to attend, please feel free to email me for details.

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

Thanks so much for stopping by!!  I love to read your comments, so thanks for leaving one!! :)

Ribbit!! Hoppy Birthday!! (October Card Class-Card #3)

This fun little frog (from the Mini Monsters Cartridge) was cut at using the Card Feature and then mounted to a 4x6 background (Creative Memories Black & White Designer Paper, White Cardstock) that has been distressed with Black Chalking Inks.  Of course, since I'm addicted to my Cuttlebug embossing folders, I also had to emboss the frog's body with the Happy Birthday folder!!

I hope you enjoy Card #3 created for this month's Card Class (Wednesday, Oct. 27).  If you haven't reserved your kit yet, please remember to do so today (as kits are limited).

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

As always, I appreciate your comments and would love to hear from you!!  Have a GREAT day, and thanks for stopping by!!

It's a Baby! October Card Class - Card #1 & #2

As we start to prepare for Christmas (gasp! YES! It's time to do that already!), I've had several requests for cards for everyday events -- like BABIES!!  :)  Now, who doesn't want to celebrate babies???  If you, like me, never have a card on hand for the baby shower or birth, then here's your chance to be prepared!

The first two cards featured for the October Card Class (Wednesday, October 27) will help you celebrate those little bundles of joy...

The Baby Girl card features a Baby Rattle from the New Arrival Cartridge -- It was cut at 5.75" and was textured using Cuttlebug embossing folders (Paisley and Swiss Dots).

The Baby Boy card features a 'button' made using the New Arrival Circle feature and the scalloped circle (I used the Hide Contour feature on my Gypsy to remove the lace effect from the scallop).  The Argyle background can be found on the Wild Card Cartridge (I L-O-V-E the Argyle!).  The entire card has been distressed with Creative Memories Brown Chalking Ink.  I really like how it really made the card pop. 

**To see all of the cards for the October Card Class, please CLICK HERE**

Thanks for visiting!!  I love to read your comments and thoughts...

The Boy-Child performs LIVE on 99.5 The Hive!!

I suppose The Boy-Child is about to lose his anonymity here...  This is what happens when The Mom is incredibly proud of his achievements and accomplishments, right?  I am stepping away from my usual postings about card creations to brag just a little about The Boy-Child (aka Aaron).  As he has entered the college years, I find myself wanting to share more and more about the great things he's been doing, starting with his recent courageous acoustic performance!

Even though this is posted as a video...  It really is only a music clip.  Aaron was invited to perform LIVE on the air with Lanny Frattare (legendary voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates) last Monday afternoon...  In this clip, you will hear Aaron discuss how he first learned to play the guitar about a year-and-a-half ago.  Lanny then asked Aaron to give the weather report while playing an accompaniment on his guitar.  My favorite part of this clip is that Aaron really seems to have fun with his weather report this way -- Personally, I feel he should ALWAYS do the weather just like this!! :)

In this next clip, Aaron performs a song he learned only the week before...  The name of the song is 'Dirty & Left Out' by The Almost.  Aaron is self-taught on the guitar.  He started playing after his best friend, Ben, joined the military and bequeathed his guitar to him.  I could go on and on about the positive influence our favorite young marine has had on Aaron, but I will simply say that if there was any event in Aaron's teenage years that has meant a great deal, it was this generous gift that Ben shared...  Playing the guitar has helped Aaron express himself and grow as a talented young man.  There isn't ever a time that I hear him play that it doesn't bring a tear to my eye and a smile to my heart.  I am thrilled to be able to share this with you...

As always, your comments are welcome and very much appreciated.  If you have taken the time to share in this proud-mom moment, I thank you.  If you are interested in hearing more from Aaron, we invite you to listen in on his Wednesday Night Show (8-9pm EST) HERE (this link opens in Windows Media Player)...

Fall Overnight Scrapbooking Retreat -- Freeport, PA

It's once again time to pack up your pictures, paper, and supplies and treat yourself to a Fall Overnight Scrapbooking Retreat!!  This is your opportunity to gather with friends and enjoy hours of uninterrupted laughter, fun and album-making! Retreat includes overnight accommodations, meals, special gifts and prizes. Starts Friday, October 15 at 5pm (early-bird arrival is available too!) and ends Sunday at 3pm.

When: Friday, October 15 through Sunday, October 17

Where:  Biblical Life Institute -- nestled in beautiful Freeport, PA!!

Come for a day or stay for the weekend!!  Select a package that works for YOU!!

Package 1:  $150

Up to 51 hours to scrapbook!!
Friday, 5pm – Sunday, 3pm  (sign up for early-bird arrival on Friday for up to 5 extra hours to scrapbook!)
Includes 5 meals and two nights in a private sleeping room plus freebies, gifts, and prizes.

Package 2:  $100  *TWO OPTIONS*
24 hours of scrapbooking either Friday 5pm – Saturday 5pm or Saturday noon – Sunday noon
Includes 3 meals and one night in a private sleeping room plus freebies, gifts, and prizes.

Package 3:  $45
12 hours of scrapbooking, 10am Saturday – 10pm Saturday
Includes 2 meals plus freebies, gifts, and prizes.

Package 4: $35
7 hours of scrapbooking, 10am Saturday – 5pm Saturday
Includes 1 meal plus freebies, gifts, and prizes.

How to register:  

     Start with an email...  scrapbookingwithamy (at) gmail (dot) com....

     Let me know which package you'd like to sign up for...

     Complete your registration payment of $50 for Packages 1 or 2 

         or $25 for Packages 3 or 4 (You will receive an invoice for any balance or you 
         are welcome to select payment for complete package -- which includes a 
         BONUS gift!).

Package Selection

Package 1 Deposit $50.00 Package 2 Deposit $50.00 Package 3 Deposit $25.00 Package 4 Deposit $25.00 Package 1 Full Payment $150.00 Package 2 Full Payment $100.00 Package 3 Full Payment $45.00 Package 4 Full Payment $35.00

     Receive your confirmation email with complete details for arrival and 

         schedule of events...

     ***Register with two or more friends and you’ll each receive a special gift 

         when you arrive.***

Some of our featured events include Make-N-Takes, Card Classes, Digital Training, Cricut Basics Class, and Cricut Cartridge Exploration Class!!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me (or leave your question in the 'comments' section)...  I'd love to have you join us for our fun, relaxing retreat weekend!!

Who Doesn't Love A Giveaway?

I had a visitor from Papercraft Star the other day...  And I was invited to visit their fun challenge site, so I did!!  While I was there, I found this:

Now...  I'm A-L-W-A-Y-S up for a giveaway...  I mean, I've stayed up until all hours of the night making cards just to enter challenges, right???  So this giveaway seemed pretty easy...  If you would like to enter to win too, please check out all the details HERE...

You can expect to see me entering a few more of their challenges over at Papercraft Star...  They actually post ALL the challenges for the rest of the year so I can plan ahead (ha ha...  who else knows I do *nothing* that's planned ahead when it comes to crafting???)

Anyway, it's a pretty cool system they have over there...  Challenges...  Voting...  Winners...  Tutorials...  Tips...  And more!!  Be sure to check it out!!

World Card Making Day - Cuttlebug Challenge

Happy Chilly Morning to ya!!  :)

The folks over at Cuttlebug Challenge had a Be Inspired World Card Making Day Challenge and asked participants to make a favorite card with a favorite technique to be sent to a friend just because...  World Card Making Day is the first Saturday in October and is designed to help card-makers everywhere get a head-start on cards for the holidays... or ANYday!! :)

Because the weather has turned so chilly here in Pennsylvania, and the sun has limited its appearance for much of the last week; I decided I wanted to make a bright card to brighten not only my day, but the day of one of my dear friends...

Believe it or not, I didn't pull out my Cricut for this challenge!!  My favorite technique recently has been using all those fun Cuttlebug folders I found on sale a few weeks ago...  What can I say?  I just L-O-V-E texture!!  So this simple card combines some texture with some paper flowers and eyelets to create a bright, fun card I know my friend will enjoy...

Thanks so much for stopping by today!!  I hope you'll check out all of the cards I've been creating lately (Click HERE to scroll through)...  I'd love for you to sign up to be a follower or leave a comment about my card.  :)

Warm thoughts...

Autumn Blessings (September Card Class, Card #8)

Well, folks...  This is it...  The eighth and final card for the September Card Class (yes, I know it's October 1st...  trust me, ya don't wanna know...)...  :)  You do know what the eighth card means, right???  It's time to start a NEW set!!  To see what I'm creating for October, please check back often (sign up for email updates or become a follower!!  I appreciate my followers!!).  But for now, here's the card:

My tree is from the Cheerful Seasons Cricut Cartridge and is cut at 4.5".  There are three layers to the tree, and it couldn't be easier to put together...  The yellow goes on the red and the brown goes on the yellow (allowing only the yellow circles to show!) -- Ya gotta love that!! :)

My sentiment is hand-lettered with a metallic patina pen from Creative Memories...  The punch is one of my favorite label punches from Stampin Up!.

If you would like to see all eight cards in the September Card Set, please click HERE...  Or, you can see each card at the following links:
Card 1 (Nostalgia Theme)
Card 2 (Thinking of Ewe!)
Card 3 (Halloween Easel Card)
Card 4 (Autumn Tent Card)
Card 5 (Reminisce Gate Fold)
Card 6 (Hoo's Having a Birthday Pocket Card)
Card 7 (Peek-A-Boo 'S'-Flip Card)

I'd love to read your comments about my 'Autumn Blessings' Card...  Can you think of someone special to send this to?  ;)

Thanks again for visiting!!  Have a WONDERFUL day!!

Peek-A-BOO! "S" - Flip Card (September Card Class, Card #7)

Have I mentioned that I'm *not* a Halloween person???  LOL...  I have actually been enjoying making these Halloween cards for the fun folks who attend my card classes.  As an added bonus, I am entering this card in a challenge over My Pink Stamper (It's a SPOOKY Challenge).  I am also entering it for the Cricut Cardz Challenge #44 (make an S-Fold or Z-Fold Halloween Themed Card).  So...  Here's my card!

This card is an 'S' - Flip Card...  When it's closed, the 'Peek -A-' shows, but when it's opened, the center 'flips' over to say 'BOO!'...  Now don'tcha just love that???  I had a blast making this card!!  Here's another picture to show you what it looks like completely closed and completely open...

I just love the way that skeleton is peeking around the edge when the card is closed...  I think he looks kinda scary at first, but when the card opens to say 'BOO!' he's just there waving and being silly!!  :)  By the way, the skeleton and pumpkin can both be found on the Paper Doll Dress Up Cricut Cartridge...  I cut the skeleton at 5.75" and the pumpkin at 1.5"...  REMEMBER -- You'll need to use your Real Dial Size (RDS) since these are accessories...  Without RDS, the sizing might be much smaller.

The font for 'Peek -A- BOO!' can be found on the Batman Cricut Cartridge...  I used my Gypsy to weld the letters (lovin' my Gypsy!!).  And those fun swirls are random cuts from the Cheerful Seasons Cricut Cartridge...  I thought they accented the pumpkin vines. :)

Thanks so much for taking the time to check out my card!!  I hope you enjoy it enough to leave a comment (which I love to read) and become a follower!!  I'd love for you to check back often!!

Want to see what else I've created for this card set?  Please use the following links to view each of the other six cards:
Card 1 (Nostalgia Theme)
Card 2 (Thinking of Ewe!)
Card 3 (Halloween Easel Card)
Card 4 (Autumn Tent Card)
Card 5 (Reminisce Gate Fold)
Card 6 (Hoo's Having a Birthday Pocket Card)

Have a SPECTACULAR day....  And come on back soon!!

Hoo's Having A Birthday Pocket Card (September Card Class, Card #6)

Some days deserve to be celebrated...  Good news from the doctor, prayers answered, the birthday of a loved one (or maybe even a stranger)...

So here's Card #6 of my September Card Class...  This is also an entry for the Paper Cutz Challenge #60...  It's a pocket card created using the Creative Memories Cheerful Designer Paper and the Hoot 'N Holler Cricut Cartridge...  And I gotta say, I'ma lovin' that cartridge!!

Isn't it just adorable???  I especially love the way the layers fit together for the owl and the phrase...  Now, I can tell you that there are a lot of little pieces to keep track of, but I really think the recipient of this card will treasure it!!  And with the bright rainbow colors, who wouldn't be cheered?

My cards usually measure 4"x6" when finished (as this one does) because they fit into regular size invitation envelopes you can find at Walmart.  To create the pocket, I added two thin foam strips to either side of the card (the short sides)...  It's important to cut 1/2" off the front edge of the card too (and make sure your opening is at the top to create the pocket).

The owl is cut at 3.25" and the phrase is cut at 3".  The Y-O-U and the H-O-O were cut at 1" using Mickey Font (such a versatile font that is!).  My buttons are 'stitched' on with very thin strips of paper (laced through the button holes and secured at the back).  The orange grosgrain ribbon finishes off the tag part of the card and just begs to be pulled from that pocket card!!

To see the rest of the cards in my September set, please use the following links (or scroll through them all HERE):
Card 1 (Nostalgia Theme)
Card 2 (Thinking of Ewe!)
Card 3 (Halloween Easel Card)
Card 4 (Autumn Tent Card)
Card 5 (Reminisce Gate Fold)

I hope you enjoy today's card...  I'd love to read your comments.  Please be sure to sign up for email updates and become a follower so you can be a part of my future creations!!  I appreciate your time and willingness to stop by...  Hope to see you again soon!!