Getting Cricky Simply Sunday and Preview Week -- Day One -- Snowman LOVE!! :)

Hey there, hi there, have ya heard the NEWS???  This Friday evening it's time for another Getting Cricky Design Team Blog Hop!!  But it's EXTRA special cuz my AWESOME Design Team Sisters are pumping up the week with OVER 100 incredibly creative cards, layouts, and projects all featuring the WONDERFUL Stamps of K Andrew Designs!!  Woot-Woot!! :)  I sure hope you'll join the FUN throughout the week...  You're guaranteed to pick up more than a bit of inspiration!!  :)

It's also the start of a BRAND NEW Simply Sunday Challenge over at Getting Cricky!!  The theme for this challenge is "Let It Snow"...  AND we'd LOVE to see some embossing on your project too!!  Lemme show ya what I made now....

I just L-O-V-E this adorable snowman found on the Doodlecharms Cricut Cartridge -- He sure looks happy to spend his days in the blustery cold (Brrrr...  Not me!!)...  This little guy is cut at 3 inches (main layer from white and orange cardstock, blackout layer from brown cardstock).

My white background was embossed with the Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirls embossing folder.

I added SU!'s Creamy Caramel ink to the edges and over the swirls to "antique" it a bit before I heat set some black Liquid Applique for the eyes and buttons.  A black pen and glitter pen created the mouth, texture on "arms", and stitching around the base.

I'm loving my homespun ribbon (keep an eye on my blog for how you can SCORE some of my homespun ribbon this week!!)...

And, last (but certainly not least!), I stamped and colored the "Love You" sentiment on a 1" tag...  This wonderful mix-n-match sentiment can be found on the Owly Hoo Stamp Art Sentiment Set...  Which, incidentally, is the set I'll be featuring for you ALL week long!!  If you find you can't go on without this set (how did you make it this long???), you can make this set YOURS by clicking here OR by clicking on the image below...

(BIG NEWS!!  To qualify for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase, be sure to enter amyfreeship at check out!!  WOWZERS!!  Gotta love a deal like that!! :)

I hope you've enjoyed my card created for the Getting Cricky Simply Sunday Challenge "Let It Snow" (and emboss it too!!)...  Now pop on over and check out what my FABULOUS Design Team Sisters created for the challenge too!!  :)  Then link up YOUR creative project by Saturday, January 28 at 11:59pm EST...

Until next time,

Lasting Memories Challenge #71 –“Happy New Year!” 12x12 Layout

Okay, admit it... How many times have you accidentally written the year as 2011 so far this year??? Well, I had a heckuva time convincing myself that the year on this layout should really be 2011 instead of 2012!! :)

Happy GLORIOUS Sunday, friends!! Can you believe that, despite the frigid temperatures and snow-covered ground, the SUN is shining AGAIN??? Yep, the sun shine on Sundays is starting to be a tradition... And I LOVE it!! :) Not so good for the snowmen, but sure is good for ME!! :)

So, as ya know, I really look forward to Sundays... Not just for the SUN (and for the SON), but also for the FUN challenges of the day!! Today, over at Lasting Memories Layout Challenges, my Design Team Sisters and I were challenged to create a layout with a "Happy New Year!" theme!! This can be a layout showing us how you celebrate the New Year, what your resolutions are, what you hope to accomplish, or any other interpretation of the challenge (as long as you can connect it to the theme!!)... Remember, Lasting Memories is ALL about layouts (and layouts ONLY), so pull out that 12x12 paper and create something that tells us what the New Year means to YOU!! I can't wait to see what you create!! Be sure to pop on over and see all the AMAZING Design Team inspiration and then add YOUR layout by this Saturday, January 21 at 9pm EST!!

Here's what I created....

This was a very quiet New Year's Eve for me...  It's the first year that BOTH The-Girl-Child and The-Boy-Child weren't home to bang pots and pans on the front porch with me!!  The-Boy-Child traveled across the state to visit with The-Girlfriend and her family (ya think I got any pictures of that?!?!?)...  But The-Girl-Child made plans with her high school friends...  Plans that took them for a drive down the interstate for a good ole Italian dinner at Bravo! where they enjoyed not only the food and company, but their most-excellent server (gotta give props to a server with a GREAT attitude on New Year's Eve, right???)...

Anywhooooo...  This is a 12x12 layout (with a companion page to come before long) with some of my favorite colors (and kiddos!!)...  The background paper is from Creative Memories Delight Fashion Diva 12x12 Additions kit... I also used CM's raspberry and purple cardstock...  The wavy outline was created with the Jumbo Wavy Square Pattern (CM's Custom Cutting System)...  I used a portion of the center that was cut out to mat the 5x7 photo of the girls as well...  I liked how it looked with the wave on only two sides of the photo. :)

My stars were all punched using CM's Embossed Star Maker (without the embossing option) and Stampin' Up!'s Small Star Punch.  That fabulous Baby Pink ribbon is some of my very favorite from 3 Girl JAM (she has an AWESOME Valentine's package right now, and this ribbon is part of it!!  Don't miss out!!).  The "New Year's Eve 2011" title was cut from the "Feeling Groovy" Cricut Lite Cartridge (a font specifically requested by The-Girl-Child, making this a must-use on this layout!!).

Tim Holtz Picket Fence Distressing Stain, and black SU! ink create the distressing on the wavy frame, mats, stars, and title...  And when I was finished, it needed just a splash of BLING from my stash bin for a little New Year's sparkle...

So there ya have it!!  I sure hope that has inspired you to create a New Year's Layout for the challenge!!  You even have a chance to WIN an AWESOME prize from my DT Sister, Haven!!  YAY!!  I look forward to seeing YOUR take on the challenge!!  :)


Until next time...

Boy Oh Boy Blog Hop -- 12x12 "All Boy" Layout :)

Welcome to the "Boy Oh Boy" Blog Hop!!

What are little boys made of?

Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails

That's what little boys are made of!"

How exciting that you're here for this super-fun hop showcasing cards, layouts and projects featuring all things BOY!!  If you're ready to hop, LET'S GO!!  If you've arrived here from my favorite Scrappin' Sista, Christel, then you are in the right place!!  If you've just popped in to visit my blog or are reading this via email and you'd like to join the FUN, then please CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Jearise's blog...

For the hop today, I'm sharing one of my favorite "All Boy" layouts!!

This layout features a few of my favorite things...  The background paper is from Creative Memories Discover Paper Pack.  I also used CM's brown and navy cardstock.  I cut the stars from the George and Basic Shapes Cricut Cartridge and the title from the Old West Cricut Cartridge.  I also distressed some raw cardboard strips with SU!'s Chocolate Chip ink.  The silver star brads are from SU!, and the twine is from my stash.... 

This layout was originally inspired by my dear friend, Gloria of Girlia's Cards...  If you haven't seen my friend's amazing talent, I invite you to pop over and visit her (and let her know I sent ya!!)...  Gloria hadn't created a layout or a boy card to inspire me, but rather inspired me to make something lickety-split and QUICK...  I was able to finish this layout in under an hour!!  Every time I look at this layout now, I immediately think of my sweet friend and smile!! :)

The title was cut at 2" with the base layer from chipboard and the shadow from coordinating Discover paper.  I used the SU! Chocolate Chip ink to distress the letters...  I really love the Old West font!! :)

This stack of stars and paper scraps was the perfect embellishment to finish off the layout -- And I just LOVE using up scraps!! :)  Aren't the star brads and twine accents so FUN???

Before you go, I just want to remind you that our Hop Hostess, Jearise, will be picking one lucky person to receive a $10 gift card to Joann's Fabric and Craft!!  To be eligible to win, be sure to visit and comment on each hop stop...  Then, hop on back to let Jearise know you've finished (you'll surely want to be a follower at each blog too!)!!  Additionally, we have a very special sponsor on this hop: PSA Stamps -- The stamps are awesome... They are peel and stick stamps that work perfectly on cards and envelopes or any project in need of a cute stamp!!  For ideas and fun projects, be sure to check out their blog too!! :)  PSA Stamps will be giving away 1 stamper and 2 peel and stick packs of the winner's choice. MRSP is $55.  Libby will have all the details for this GRAND PRIZE (she's the last stop on the hop)...

And there ya have it!!  I hope you've enjoyed my "All Boy" 12x12 Layout!!  Thank you so much for checking it out!!  Now hop on over to see what adorable creation Katie has in store for you today!!

Here's a list of the entire hop, in case you get lost along the way or want to revisit anyone:

Jearise

Liz

Theresa

Indira

Jenny

Sam

Linda

Zenita

Anita

Shannon

April

Christel

Amy :) You are HERE!! :)

Katie Go here NEXT!!

Lynne

Lisa

Libby PSA

Until next time,

Snow Days Blog Hop (Day Two): Some Sugary Sweet Goodness for ya!! :)

Welcome to DAY TWO of the Snow Days Blog Hop!!

I'm so happy that you're BACK for more projects featuring everything FROSTY, FUN, and FESTIVE about Snow Days!! If you've missed DAY ONE of the hop, be sure to CLICK HERE to join in on our GLACIALLY GOOD TIME!! :)

Are you bundled up in your Snuggie all ready for the hop???  I don't want to keep you waiting, so...  Let's GET HOPPING!!  If you've arrived here from Erin, then you are in the right place!!  If you've just popped in to visit my blog or are reading this via email and you'd like to have some FROSTY FUN, then please CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Lisa's blog...

I'm so excited to share my project with you today... 

Yes!!  That is an IGLOO!!  Isn't it just the cutest???  So here's the story...  A few weeks back I mentioned that when the blizzards start (um, they are sure to start before long -- The-Girl-Child's birthday isn't THAT far away, and she was born during one of the worst snowstorms ever!!) I wouldn't mind having an IGLOO...  as long as it has a fireplace!!  LOL...  After much discussion about the validity of whether or not "real" igloos have fireplaces or not, I finally convinced the masses that YES, if you build an igloo correctly, it CAN have a fireplace!!  :)

So since I won the "bet"...  That means someone gets to build me an igloo with a working fireplace, right???  :)  Well, not one to count on this happening, I decided to make one for myself!!  My inspiration for this project came not only from my crazy desire to have my very own igloo, but also from one of those waiting-room magazines that you can't put down until you read every single tip, trick, and tidbit sandwiched between the covers (even if you'd never subscribe to this magazine yourself!!)...  I wish I could remember which magazine it was (I want to say "First"...  If anyone knows, please let me know so I can credit them)...  Anyway...  They had pictures of a similar igloo with a vague representation of instructions.  I couldn't wait to try this out, so I picked up some Domino sugar cubes (which are really dots, BTW) and some vanilla icing and set to work...

I covered one side of each "brick" (or cube) with the icing "mortar"...  I thought it was a good idea to do all of this on a paper plate; however, I ended up having to use a craft knife to cut around the finished igloo as this thing was NOT coming off the plate on its own for A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G...

I gradually decreased the number of cubes to create the domed top...  But everyone knows you need a hole in the top of your igloo for the smoke to escape...  And since my plan was to add a battery-operated tealight (The-Girl-Child actually asked if I was going to use a real candle inside it...  I answered her with a long, silent stare before pointing out that sugar was FLAMMABLE.  Sigh.  I think it's probably a good thing that college starts again tomorrow...), the opening in the top gave me perfect access to turn the tealight on and off.

The warm glow from the tealight is quite soothing...  Pictures in the dark don't always take best, but this will give you a general idea as to how it looks in a darkened room. :)

Of course, this now-claimed-by-The-Girl-Child-gift-for-her-college-roommate wouldn't be complete without a gift card...  This 4.25" square card is a perfect little addition to invite the recipient to enjoy some "Frosty Fun"!!  :)  The stamped sentiment can be found on the Mix-N-Match "Winter Wishes" Stamp Art Set by K Andrew Designs...

Thank you again for checking out my project...  I hope you'll try an igloo of your own now!!  You'll have to let me know if you opt for sugar cubes or snow!! :)  Now hop on over to see what the super-creative Eva has in store for you today!!

Here's a list of the entire hop, in case you get lost along the way or want to revisit anyone:

Lisa P

Bonnie

Sherry

Doris

Theresa D

Beckie

Erin

Amy :)  You are HERE!! :)

Eva  Go here NEXT!!

Cathie

Ashley

Lisa G

Melissa

Kristen

Theresa

Anita

Lynne

Barbara

Amy Jo

Mickie

Janet

Until next time,

Snow Days Blog Hop (Day One) -- A Snowflake Tree filled with Frosty Wishes!! :)

Welcome to DAY ONE of the Snow Days Blog Hop!!

We're so happy you could join us for this super-fun hop showcasing cards, layouts and projects that feature everything FROSTY, FUN, and FESTIVE about Snow Days!! You'll find an array of ideas throughout the hop -- We hope you'll enjoy each and every project along the way!!  This is a TWO-DAY hop, so please be sure to visit again tomorrow for a GLACIALLY GOOD TIME!! :)

I hope you've brought a mug of hot chocolatey goodness to sip throughout the journey...  It's a chilly theme for the hop today, and I don't want your toes to get cold!!  Now, if you're all set...  Let's GET HOPPING!!  If you've arrived here from Erin (wasn't her project just delightful???), then you are in the right place!!  If you've just popped in to visit my blog or are reading this via email and you'd like to have some FROSTY FUN, then please CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Lisa's blog...

For the hop today, I've created a SNOWFLAKE WISHES TREE and matching card!!

Recently, one of my friends celebrated her birthday...  Wait, wait...  Let me back up a bit -- Those of you who know me (even just a little bit), know that I'm NOT a fan of the flaky, white, cold stuff...  I would much prefer the white sands of Sarasota, Florida or perhaps the beaches of Honolulu...  Even the dry heat of this Texas-girl's home state...  But, alas, here I am...  Stuck in the wintry north...  On a snow belt, no less...  When they say "expect 1-2", they mean FEET, not inches...  Sigh.  Thankfully, we've had a mild winter so far.  I mean REALLY mild...  With the exception of the TWO times we've had plans that took us into the city (because OF COURSE we had some kind of slippery winter weather on BOTH of those occasions), we haven't seen much in the way of snow...  And for me, this is GOOD!!  I am certainly not someone who should be out on the roads when there's more than a slight dusting of snow...  I do not like it, not at all...  (Okay, yes, mom, I like it through the window!!)  First of all, I can't wear my flip-flops out in the snow (trust me, I've tried -- it's not a quick recovery from frozen toes).  Second, I'm a nervous driver (and who wants to be behind a nervous driver???).  Third, gone are the days that I enjoyed building a snow fort with my best friend, Suzie, and trekking up the hill to sled down a ridiculously dangerous hill to land inches from the road (what were we thinking???)...  But I digress...  Back to my friend's birthday...  Errr...  Rather what she WISHED for...

SNOW.  And, of course, winter delivered.  We didn't get the FOOT that my favorite weather site promised, but it still came...  Plenty enough for me not to drive for three days.  Guess who was out playing in the snow on her birthday???  Yep.  Ya just gotta love her.  I was so inspired by her excitement that I made her this SNOWFLAKE WISHES TREE...  Now she can put this tree in her window and wish for all the snow her heart desires...  Of course, it would be nice if she would wish for it in lands far away from me, but I suppose it's more fun if it snows right around here for her to enjoy it fully...  Sigh.

I twisted the base of my "tree" around a bamboo skewer wrapped with white tissue paper and ribbon and secured it in a small white favor bucket with some glass stones (incidentally, how cute would these be for table decorations to match the snowflake goodies that I made HERE to enter for the Decorate To Celebrate "Winter Wedding" Challenge???).  The itty-bitty snowflakes are from the MS Arctic Snowflake punch around the page and the 1" snowflakes were punched with the Creative Memories Snowflake pocket punch.  I'm sad to say that this is the last of my bright blue ribbon -- I sure hope I can find some more soon as I sure do love the blue, silver, and white together!! :)

I made a matching birthday card for her too...  Filled it up with "Frosty Wishes" (stamped sentiment from the can be found on the "Winter Wishes" Stamp Art Set by K Andrew Designs...).  The background was embossed with Tim Holtz's "Snowflakes" embossing folder.

The sentiment is stamped with SU!'s Brilliant Blue.  The snowflakes are all punched from silver shimmer paper, and the larger snowflakes have a 1/4" bling gemstone for some extra sparkle.

And there ya have it!!  I hope you've enjoyed my SNOWFLAKE WISHES TREE!!  Thank you so much for checking it out!!  My snowflake wish for today is that you'll join me again TOMORROW for another FROSTY project (I can't wait for you to see it!!)...  Now hop on over to see what adorable creation Eva has in store for you today!!

Here's a list of the entire hop, in case you get lost along the way or want to revisit anyone:

Lisa P

Bonnie

Sherry

Doris

Theresa D

Beckie

Erin

Amy :)  You are HERE!! :)

Eva  Go here NEXT!!

Cathie

Ashley

Lisa G

Melissa

Kristen

Theresa

Anita

Lynne

Barbara

Amy Jo

Mickie

Janet

See you tomorrow!! :)

It's a Winter Wedding Celebration and a Happy New Year!! :)

Happy New Year!! :)  Did you ring in 2012 with some special friends and family???  Or did you spend a quiet evening at home reflecting on the highs and lows of the last year???  For me, the holidays (and especially the New Year) always bring a bit of nostalgia...  I fondly remember the days of my childhood --  Curling up on the sofa while trying hard not fall asleep...  Listening to the laughter of the grown-ups as they shared their own memories of years gone by...  Banging pots and pans atop a mountain in New York or on the front porch of my childhood home...

As my own children are now "technically" adults themselves (they'll always be my babies, ya know!!), they spent this New Year with friends of their own -- The-Boy-Child with The-Girlfriend and her family and The-Girl-Child with her reunion of high school besties...  Excited text messages filled with good wishes and blessings for the New Year replaced the laughter and noisemakers...  A peaceful evening of movies and watching the ball drop with a friend has become the new tradition for me...  Closing the chapter on 2011 and looking to 2012 as a new horizon filled with new hope...

It's a rainy, cold day here in Pennsylvania -- There's a Winter Storm Advisory for later on tonight...  Living just close enough to that large lake just north of here means a promise of 6+ inches of heavy, wet, lake-effect snow for us tonight...  Despite the forecast, and even as I write this, the sun is trying hard to break through the clouds if only for a few moments to remind us all that it is, indeed, a new year!!  How amazing is that???  After days without success (dark, cloudy days), the sun refuses to give up!!  Kinda makes me feel like we all should all live that way -- Even when faced with darkness and clouds day after day, if we persevere and keep trying...  We'll eventually break through and SHINE!!  So, if the New Year finds you looking for an excuse to shine, here's some video inspiration for you today...

If you cannot see the video above, or wish to view it on YouTube, please CLICK HERE...

Now, on to some SUPER CHALLENGES!!  It's Simply Sunday Challenge Day over at Getting Cricky, and we were asked to create a card, layout, or project celebrating something special (the new year, a new home, a new baby, or anything else worth celebrating)!!  :)  Additionally, Wednesday was the start of new challenge over at Decorate To Celebrate...  The challenge there is to celebrate a Winter Wedding...  And so...  I decided to combine the two challenges and  make....

 A tissue-paper gift box, table placecards, and a matching card...

Each item coordinates with the embossed background and matching ivory and blue colors....  I covered an ordinary jewelry gift box with small squares of glittered tissue paper (remember making floats this way???) before adding a "belly band" of ribbon...

The "always" is embossed in silver and the "in my heart" is stamped with SU!'s Brilliant Blue.  The ivory background cardstock is embossed with the Tim Holtz "Snowflakes" embossing folder, the scalloped ovals are an SU! punch, and the snowflake punch is from Creative Memories.  A little bit of bling, some blue ribbon from my stash, and some dit-dots finish off this card perfect for the bride to share with the groom. :)

The "always" and "in my heart" sentiments can be found on the "Owly Hoo" Stamp Art Set by K Andrew Designs... 




Now that I've shown you my take on the challenge, I hope you'll hop on over to see what all of my Design Team Sisters made for inspiration...  Then, I hope you'll enter this week's "It's a Celebration!" challenge at Getting Cricky...  We can't WAIT to see what you create!!

I'd also LOVE to see your decorating ideas for a WINTER WEDDING over at the Decorate To Celebrate Challenge Blog!!  From party supplies to table decorations and favors, your creativity is WELCOME!!  Be sure to stop on over and see what the FABULOUS DESIGNERS have created for inspiration -- Then link up your project for your chance to WIN a BEAUTIFUL Mini Album from my dear friend, Rhonda!! :)



Thanks for joining me today -- May this year be one that SHINES with blessings and hope for you!!

P.S. The sun WON!!  Blue skies dotted with clouds out there!!  One word.  AMAZING.  :)

Until next time,

Getting Cricky "Snow Much Fun" Blog Hop

Welcome to the "Snow Much Fun" Getting Cricky Blog Hop!!

We're so happy you could join us for this month's Getting Cricky Design Team Blog Hop!!  In addition to Kristal and the Senior Design Team, we look forward to introducing you to the rest of our NEW Junior Design Team (be sure to visit Kristal's Blog to see ALL of our "new additions"!!)...  Each of us, along with our Special Guest - Patty from "Creative Diva", are so pleased to have you here with us!!  Throughout the hop, you'll see NEW ideas for creating cards and projects with Kristal's stamps sets!!

If you've hopped along from my super-fun-and-creative-DT-sister, Ildi, then you are in the right place!! If you are just joining me from your dashboard, or reading this via email, please be sure to CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Kristal's blog (you'll want to catch up on all the FUN!!)...

Each of Kristal's stamp sets benefit charity. At least $1 per stamp set goes to benefit the charity noted on the stamp set package. Kristal is donating to the following charities: Cancer Angels, Storefront Shelter for Homeless Children, Intrepid & Fallen Heroes, E. Glaser Pediatric AIDS  Foundation, Doorways Shelter for Women & Children (Domestic Violence), Wayside House for Women, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Adopt a Classroom, and Autism Research Institute. Kristal will donate $1 for every stamp set sold, retail or wholesale to the charity noted; and over time believes this will add up to some wonderful miracles for these special people. So you can feel good that each time you purchase a K Andrew Designs art stamp set, someone around the country is receiving some good help!

K Andrew's stamps are all made and assembled here in the USA, which is very important to Kristal. This ensures all product materials are safe and that jobs are being provided and maintained here in America.  You can learn even more about Kristal's stamps (and pick some up for yourself) by visiting her online store: K Andrew Designs:



Kristal's stamp sets are perfect for cards, layouts, and so much more...

For my project, I'm featuring:

Winter Wishes


I recently learned how to make these SUPER FUN and FABULOUS snowflakes from my friend, Ashley (thank you, Ashley!!)...  Since I wanted it to be a FESTIVE decoration to hang in a window or around the house, I decided to use Three Bugs In A Rug "Stockings" paper from the Deck The Halls line...  I love the purple on the backside (and that you really can't see the stockings when the paper is cut).

Wouldn't these look AWESOME hanging in windows in all different sizes???

I just love how delicate they look (and no two will be exactly the same!!)...

I made this snowflake (and a few others too) while watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel...  Don't ya just love Christmas movies???

If you would like the full instructions on how to make these snowflakes, be sure to sign up for my email updates (enter and CONFIRM your email in the box at the top of this page) as I will work on a template/tutorial for how to make these in the coming weeks -- It's such a GREAT project for kids to make -- especially if it ever actually DOES snow (60 in December???  Who knew???)...

Now you can hop on over to your next stop: The Fabulous Scrapping Mamma -- DEB!! ......