Friendship's Garden Challenge Blog: Pinterest Inspiration

Hello, bloggers!  How do you like the new look here?  LOL!  I finally changed the template and decided to go with a Christmas theme.  I have to say that I really like it!  It's so cute and festive!  Well, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday.  As usual, I ate way too much.  OINK!  I did all the baking and cooking, so I was pretty exhausted after.  No venturing out to the mall on Black Friday for me, BUT my boyfriend did buy me an early Christmas present online.  I'm getting a Silhouette Cameo!!! WOO-HOO!!!!  It won't ship until early or mid-December, so that means it will be a few weeks before I can play with my new toy.  BOO HOO!  I can't wait! *pout*

Well, enough pouting and on to the latest challenge at Friendship's Garden Challenge Blog..  This time, it's a color inspiration challenge from a Pinterest post.  Here are the colors :

I made a quick card using a diecut I had in my stash as the focal point.  I added some seam binding and a vintage stick pin from SU!  I finished off the card with a few flat pearls.

I'm going to be posting more projects in the next few weeks, so please be sure to stop by again.  I'm sponsoring a blog hop this weekend called "Christmas Cards and Cookies".  There will be 15+ talented ladies sharing Christmas cards and tags along with recipes for yummy Christmas goodies.  So, if you're looking for some ideas for goodies you can bake for your friends and family, be sure to stop by.

Last, I want to share that the turkey card I posted a few weeks ago was selected as one to be showcased over at Die Cuttin Divas.  I was so flattered that they chose my card!

Well, thanks for stopping by.  Don't forget to stop by and enter the latest challenge over at Friendship's Garden Challenge Blog.

Twilight Blog Hop: Day One

Welcome to the Twilight Blog Hop. You should have just come from Jamie's blog. If you are just visiting me and want to start from the beginning of this hop, please hop on over to Carla's blog. We are celebrating all things Twilight and the opening of the Twilight Saga "Breaking Dawn part 1" in theaters. Make sure you check out all the Twilight related projects on both days. And what would a Blog Hop be without a little Blog Candy right? Our sponsor for this hop is Karber Digital Images and they have generously offered 2 of their awesome Digital Images to a random commenter. To be eligible to win you must comment on everyone’s blogs on both days. We want to say a huge thank you to Berenice Rendon and Karber Images. The complete list of participating blogs is at the bottom of this post.  

For day one's project, I've created a digi layout using My Memories Suite scrapbooking software.  I'm not affiliated with the company at all, so I am completely unbiased when I say, "I LOVE THIS SOFTWARE!!!"  If you love digi scrapbooking and "Twilight", you MUST get this awesome Twilight kit available from My Memories.  When I saw that they had it, I knew I had to use it for this blog hop!  

The layout features a photo taken at a Twilight expo held here a few years ago.  From the layout, it's pretty obvious that I'm on TEAM JACOB! WOO-HOO!!!  They had this life-sized cardboard image of him at one of the booths, and I just HAD to take a picture with it!  LOL!  Now, if you're wondering why he has a lei on, it's because we're in Hawaii.  I love how the color of the lei matches my top in the picture -- makes me feel like we sorta "match".  LOL!  Okay, I'm being silly, but a girl is allowed to get silly over a handsome character isn't she?  =)

Well, please be sure to come by tomorrow.  I'm hoping to finish up a mini album that I'm creating for my teenager.  Be sure to visit Joy's blog next !  Thanks for stopping by!

Carla~ http://racincrafts.blogspot.com/
Berenice - http://karbersweetescape.blogspot.com/
Amy - http://www.lovetocrop.com/
Nancy - http://blog.fancywithnancy.com/
Kristen-http://huneebcreations.blogspot.com/
Theresa -http://thescrapbookingqueen/-princesspenelope.blogspot.com/
Jessica - http://scrappyluvs.blogspot.com/
Jamie- http://myamusinglife.blogspot.com/ 
Dena - http://missdjones.blogspot.com/  <<< YOU ARE HERE
Joy - http://justjoycrafts.blogspot.com/  <<< GO HERE NEXT
Tanya - http://little-scrapper.blogspot.com/

Friendship's Garden Challenge Blog: Thanksgiving Recipe

Hello, Bloggers!  There is a new challenge posted over at Friendship's Garden Challenge Blog.  It's a recipe challenge with a Thanksgiving theme.  The recipe calls for:

3 trims

2 patterned papers

1 diecut

Being that I live in Hawaii where we don't have a true "fall" season, it is REALLY difficult to find autumn/fall themed paper!  I went to an LSS and got the very last sheet of this cute patterned paper.  The great thing is that it is two-sided, so I really only needed one sheet of paper to get two different patterns.  

For the diecut, I turned to my trusty Cricut E and the Create a Critter cartridge for this cute turkey.  I love using Googly eyes for a whimsical touch to diecuts.  I also dressed up the turkey's hat with some mandarin twine from The Twinery and some bling.  Orange tulle and and brown ribbon were the second and third trims used on my card.  

I knew that I wanted to do something fun with this card, so I used a computer-generated sentiment.  If the font looks somewhat familiar, it's because it's the one associated with a game that is all the rage (no pun intended) right now:  Angry Birds.  LOL!  I printed the sentiment on brown cardstock and then embossed with a Cuttlebug folder I recently bought.  I was so excited to be able to use it!  It's hard to see, but I did ink the sign with Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink.  I also pop-dotted the top part of the sign.

Here is another view of the turkey to show how I pop-dotted the turkey.  I love dimension on my cards!

I really had fun with this card.  So far, it's my favorite DT project for FGCB.  Please be sure to check out the challenge and try your hand at our Thanksgiving recipe.

Challenges:


The Pink Elephant :  embossing
Die Cuttin Divas :  Turkey Time

Friendship's Garden Challenge Blog: 15-Minute Card Challenge

For this week's challenge, the DT was asked to create a card in 15 minutes or less.  To be fair, I thought it best that I include the time I spent designing my card -- not just assembling it.  After all, what takes the longest -- for me, at least -- is the time I spend figuring out what the heck I'm gonna do!  I really wish I was one of those people that could design something in ten minutes.  Unfortunately, I am not one of those people.  *SIGH*

As you can see, I kept things simple.  I used some cute strawberry paper by Doodlebug and then matted it with white cardstock which I then adhered to my base cardstock. I think matting alone makes a huge difference in how a card looks.  It really doesn't take much time either.

I then selected this cute sticker from a sticker set that goes with the paper.  When I'm in a hurry, I find that the easiest thing to do is to use paper and elements that come from the same set.

Now, rather than ending up with a card with just a sticker on it, I added a few more elements.  I took a strip of white cardstock and fancied it up by embossing it with a Cuttlebug folder.  I then tied some pretty pink ribbon over it and added pink bling to the corner of the card.  Those were all simple touches that help to dress up any card.

I decided not to add a sentiment for two reasons:  1)  I was almost out of time and 2)  I had no plans to send this card to anyone in particular yet, so I figured I'd add either a thank you, birthday, or hello sentiment when the situation arises.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Please be sure to scroll down and see my other posts for today!  ALOHA!

Sweet Stamping Treats Sketch Challenge

(close-up of the Stickles)

Happy Wednesday!  I have a total of THREE posts today!  WOW!  This is a card I created for the Sweet Stamping Treats Sketch Challenge.  I used one of the November releases called Penguins on Ice.  It's my favorite of this month's release! :)  I colored the image with Copics and then added Stickles to get a sparkly effect.  It reminds me of those Christmas cards that look like they have snow on them.  I LOVE those!!! LOL!  I wanted to add a little more to my card, so I added a sticker sentiment at the bottom and a button with some red and white twine.  The paper is Echo Park's Jolly Holly Christmas. If you're interested in purchasing this digi stamp, please visit Sweet Stamping Treats and be sure to check out all of their entire collection!  Aloha!

Hello Kitty Blog Hop Winner!!!!

A big MAHALO (thank you) to all of you who stopped by the Hello Kitty Blog Hop this past weekend.  Oh, my!  There was a HUGE turnout!  How SWEET! =)  

I would like to announce the winner of the blog candy I'm giving away.  I'm sorry I'm unable to post the pic from random.org.  A few of my blogger friends shared with me that they use the html to post to their blogs when they use random.org.  However, I must be random.org challenged because I couldn't figure out how to get the html code for just the box.  Errgghh!  LOL

Well, without further ado, the winner of this adorable set of Hello Kitty cookie cutters is poster # 2, Shar!!!  I left you a message on your blog, Shar!  Please contact me as soon as possible so I can send this way too cute set of cutters to you to enjoy!  

Thank you again to all of your bloggers who visit my blog.  I really do appreciate all of the blog love you leave!  Aloha!

Christmas is For Kids Banner Hop: DAY TWO!

*** If you are looking for the Hello Kitty Blog Hop, CLICK HERE.

I am so honored and excited to be a participant in Day Two of Cardmonkey's Christmas is for Kids Banner Blog Hop.  Ellen (AKA CardMonkey) is the Admissions Coordinator at Pediatric Specialty Care in Bucks County, PA.  The following is an exerpt from her blog :

The children (ages 0-21) we see are medically-fragile and technologically-dependent -- many are tethered to a ventilator that runs through a tracheostomy; most are wheelchair-bound, and cognitively impaired.  They are all delightful children who face life with optimism and hope for a better tomorrow.  


The banners created for this two-day hope will all be sent to Ellen to deliver to Pediatric Specialty Care.  They will be hung in the doorways for the children to enjoy.  Isn't that such a wonderful idea?  If you would like to start with Day One's banners, CLICK HERE.  If you want to start at the beginning of Day Two's (today's) hop, CLICK HERE.

Now, on to my banner ....

 (1st 3 panels
click on image to enlarge)

(next 3 panels,
click on image to enlarge)

(last 4 panels,
click on image to enlarge)

I created a banner consisting of ten panels, each measuring 4 x 6 inches.  For the base, I used some super cute paper from the Santa's Workshop line by none other than DOODLEBUG!!! If you've been following my blog, you know I am a huge Doodlebug fan !  LOL!  I cut each piece and then adhered to cardstock to make the panels sturdier.  

Since the banner has to be shipped and then possibly repacked for use next year by the hospital (I hope!), I figured it would be best to keep the banner as flat as possible, so I stayed away from dimension on this project.  

I decided to add a little extra by using a Martha Stewart border punch to create strips that I added to the top of each panel.  I then used the Cricut Storybook cartridge to cut out the letters spelling HO HO HO.  I accented each letter with white gel pen.  The first, last, and two in-between panels were embellished with some cardstock Santa images from Daisy D's that I had in my stash.  They worked so perfectly on this project!  I found the pretty green and red duotone ribbon in my stash also.  I love it when I find something in my stash that turns out to be a perfect for something I'm working on !  =)

I'm so happy to have been a part of this wonderful blog hop!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  Please visit all the blogs on this hop to see all of the beautiful banners the ladies have created for these truly special children.  Don't forget that there is blog candy to be had.  See Cardmonkey's blog for all the details!  Your next stop is Sandie's blog.

Ellen ♥ CardMonkey - http://cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com

Michelle - http://peanutbutterandjellydesigns.blogspot.com/

Tonya - http://creativeaddictiontopaper.blogspot.com/

Carol Carlson - http://cardstockscissorsandglue.blogspot.com/

Debbie Trevenen - http://debbiescrafttime.blogspot.com/

Linda Simpson - http://lindasimpsoncraftypieceofheaven.blogspot.com/

Rachelle - http://creationsbyrachelle.blogspot.com

Jamie - http://craftygirl21.blogspot.com/

Jess - http://www.KinderStampO.com

Sandra - http://www.365daysofcricut.blogspot.com

Cher- http://www.cherevansstudio.blogspot.com

Lori - http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com

Dena - http://missdjones.blogspot.com  <<<--- YOU ARE HERE

Sandie - http://sandieshores.blogspot.com  <<<---- GO HERE NEXT

Alina - http://neverstopscrapping.blogspot.com

Lisa L - http://craftylam.blogspot.com

Janet S - http://ladyluvbug.blogspot.com

Beckie - http://justbcreativecrazy.blogspot.com

Hello Kitty Weekend Blog Hop (Blog Candy!)

Hello everyone and welcome to the Hello Kitty Blog Hop! We have lots of FABULOUS projects and prizes for you today, so make sure you make a stop on every blog! This hop is a 2 day hop, so you have plenty of time to get through all of the blogs. If you've arrived here from Emily's blog you're on the right track! If you're stopping by my blog today and want to start at the beginning, please visit Emily's blog (link http://www.createserendipity.net/) 

On a recent trip to an LSS, I came across this pretty floral patterned paper by one of my all-time favorite lines:  Doodlebug!  Now, I know this paper seems more suited for the spring season, but it was just calling my name! LOL! I actually walked away from it and then went back.  I just couldn't walk out of the store without at least a sheet or two of this paper.  So, of course, I just had to use it for my Hello Kitty project. 


I had to go with the pink and purple combo.  I think it's such a girly color combination.  I cut HK out of the Cricut HK Greetings cart at 3 inches.  I used some pink and purple cardstock and embossed both to add texture.  I wanted to bling things up, so I added some pink crystal flowers that I've had in my stash for a loooong time!  I also added some round bling from SU! to some of the flower centers.  The final touch was some pretty pink ribbon.

(close-up of the crystal flowers and bling)

For this weekend's blog hop, I'm giving away a CUTE set of Hello Kitty cookie cutters! 

 In order to be eligible to win my blog candy, you must :


1)  Leave a comment on either Saturday or Sunday.  Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you.
2)  Become a follower of my blog


I will choose and a post a winner no later than next Wednesday.  

Don't forget that PSA Essentials is also giving away the grand prize blog candy for this hop.  To be eligible, you must leave a comment on each blog in the blog hop.   

Next, please hop on over to Lisa's blog to see what she's created!  Thanks for stopping by!

Lineup:
Emily: http://www.createserendipity.net/
Dena : http://missdjones.blogspot.com/
Lisa : http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/
Jessica-Creative : http://thecreativestamperspot.blogspot.com/
Crafty Homemade : http://craftyhomemade.blogspot.com/
Tammy : http://thepurplemuse.blogspot.com/
Jearise : http://lorbysworld.blogspot.com/
Ashley : http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/
Lisa: http://prettypaperprettyribbons.blogspot.com/
Jenny: http://www.crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/
Bryan (SCRAPGUY) http://www.scrapguy.blogspot.com/
Lynne - http://slasewcraftiness.blogspot.com/
Anita http://www.anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/
Theresa ~ www.thescrapbookingqueen.com
Candace - http://scrappin2littleprincesses.blogspot.com/
Libby: http://psastampcamp.blogspot.com/

Germs Are Scary Halloween Treats: Mini Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer Holders

(click on image to enlarge)

I hope you all had a fun Halloween!  With the baby being so young and with my teenager no longer so thrilled with the thought of going out trick-or-treating, we decided to stay in and pass out candy this year.  I wish we had a lot more kids come by.  It's always so fun to see the little kids dressed up.  

Every year, I like to send my teenager to school with some goodies for her friends.  This year, we decided on making mini antibacterial hand sanitizer holders.  I made some as party favors back in May, and they were well-received.  For Halloween, I volunteered to make some for two of my nieces to take to school also, so I ended up having to make 36 altogether.

We got a bunch of these cute Halloween-themed mini antibacterial hand sanitizers.  This was the only style they had left.  We should have bought some sooner!  I'll definitely be buying a bunch of these in SEPTEMBER next year instead of waiting until October!

I used a cut file I created in MTC to cut the holders out.  I embellished with various Halloween paper and Halloween stickers that I had in my stash.  I saw a similar project on another blog where the blogger printed labels with the sentiment "Germs Are Scary".  I loved the idea and borrowed it for this project.  Unfortunately, I don't remember which blog it was on.  :(

I further embellished with different colored twine from the Twinery.  I used black/white, purple/white, green/white, orange/white, and yellow/white combos.  It's a good thing I have a variety of colors to choose from.  I then added a tag cut from the Cricut Tags, Bags, Boxes & More cartridge.  The To/From stamp is from a Halloween set by Waltzingmouse Stamps.  I think these Halloween treats turned out pretty cute! My nieces loved them and so did my daughter's friends.  Thanks for looking and have a great Thursday!

Friendship Garden's Challenge Blog : Autumn Leaves

Happy Wednesday!  I hope your week is going great so far.  There has been so much going on around here, and I'm just now starting to feel caught up.  I was feeling under the weather for a bit and, of course, being sick always puts a damper on things!  I missed being able to get my craft on! LOL!

On to today's project.  This is a card I created for Challenge Three over at Friendship's Garden Challenge Blog.  The challenge was to use autumn colors and leaves.  I created this card with some paper that actually has a pattern of autumn leaves on it.  How perfect for this challenge!  I also found the perfect sentiment online to go with this card.  Unfortunately, I don't remember where I downloaded it from!  (hate when that happens)

I added some pretty brown and gold ribbon and then finished off with a button embellishment.  

Well, thanks for stopping by !  I will be posting more projects in the next few days, including a banner to be donated to the pediatrics wing at a children's hospital and a Hello Kitty project for a Hello Kitty blog hop this weekend!  Aloha!