Friday, February 28, 2014

Funday Friday Challenge #39 - Florals

Welcome to another Funday Friday Challenge. This week's Challenge is:
"Florals"
Create a card, layout or project using a floral design!
 Our sponsor this week is:

Make sure to play along this week~you don’t want to miss a chance for a great prize!
 Starts: Friday, February 28th 12:00 AM (central time)
Ends: Friday, March 7th 6:00 PM (central time)
Here is what I created for this week's challenge:
I used Bugaboo's Live Laugh Love Rose Block stamp. I just think it is so pretty with the rose cascade. I colored the roses and butterflies using my Stampin' Up chalks and used my Stampin' Up ruffled ribbon along the bottom. I love the ruffles...it just adds that little "something" to the card. 
I used a second image to color in the large roses and butterflies again, fussy cut those images and used pop dots to give the card some dimension. It's hard to see in the picture, but it really makes a difference!

Make sure to stop by my DT sister's blogs to check out what they made for this challenge.
  Well my friends, it is YOUR turn to show us what
 You can do for this challenge!
Just link up using our link up tool at the bottom of this post for your chance to win top 3 and get entered into our monthly prize drawing.
What do you need to do to enter?
Challenge Rules
1. Have fun!
2. Be sure to include a link back to our challenge
3. Up to three (3) entries per person and you must post a separate blog post for each entry.
4. All entries must be NEW and created for the current challenge.
5. You may combine with other challenges as long as you link back to us in your post.
 * All entries that do not meet the challenge requirements will not be eligible for top 3 or random/monthly wins.
The monthly prize drawings will only be mailed within the US and Canada only.

You have until March 7th at 6:00 PM (central) time to link up.
All winners will be announced on Monday, March 10th.

Have fun and we look forward to seeing what you create!

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Welcome to My Home...take two!

Here's the second page of my open house layout. Again I used the Chantilly paper pack from Close to My Heart. The patterned paper is double sided so it made it super easy to match up colors to stack on the page. My color blocks are 7-1/2 inches across and I just centered them on the page. And the card stock came with the Chantilly pack too so everything matches. I kept the paper background very simple on this one but had fun with stamps!
 
For the title on the bottom I used the Token Alphabet stamp set from Close to My Heart. I put a layer of the pink that came with the Chantilly paper pack on the bottom and then used foam squares to pop the word "guests" off the page. The bling and button embellishments are from the Chantilly pack too.

On the edges I used the border stamp from the Buzz and Bumble Workshop On The Go kit (sorry...I just realized I been calling them Work Shop To Go...oops...but kits are great no matter what you call them!) in Chocolate Chip from Stampin' Up!. The leaf stamp is from the Chantilly Workshop On The Go kit. I used it to help tie the two pages together with the previous two by using the same stamp (and embellishments) since it's a continuation of the same event. And for the really fun stamped wheel on both pages I used the wheel pieces from the stamp in the Chantilly Workshop On The Go kit. I just did one color at a time and created a wheel. The button embellishment in the middle covers any imperfections nicely.

I was able to get pictures of all my guests on these two pages...and it feels really good! Of course I also made the effort at the open house to get pictures of everyone.

Happy crafting and be blessed!
Joyce

Friday, February 21, 2014

Funday Friday Challenge #38 - Sketch Design

Welcome to another Funday Friday Challenge. This week's Challenge is:
"A Sketch"
Create a card, layout or project from a sketch!

 Our sponsor this week is:
 Stamp Art Designs
Make sure to play along this week~you don’t want to miss a chance for a great prize!
 Starts: Friday, February 21st 12:00 AM (central time)
Ends: Friday, February 28th 6:00 PM (central time)
Here is what I created for this week's challenge:

I used this adorable Frosty Friends stamp from Stamp Art. Kathryne's stamp creations are so cute and versatile! I know Christmas is over but instead of a Santa hat you could put a top hat over it for a cute winter, thinking of you card! I used my Stampin Up chalks to color in the image using a q-tip. The Winter Wonderland sentiment is from 3 Twenty Crafts Winter Wonderland stamp set.  

Make sure to stop by my DT sister's blogs to check out what they made for this challenge.
  Well my friends, it is YOUR turn to show us what
 You can do for this challenge!
Just link up using our link up tool at the bottom of this post for your chance to win top 3 and get entered into our monthly prize drawing.
What do you need to do to enter?
Challenge Rules
1. Have fun!
2. Be sure to include a link back to our challenge
3. Up to three (3) entries per person and you must post a separate blog post for each entry.
4. All entries must be NEW and created for the current challenge.
5. You may combine with other challenges as long as you link back to us in your post.
 * All entries that do not meet the challenge requirements will not be eligible for top 3 or random/monthly wins.
The monthly prize drawings will only be mailed within the US and Canada only.

You have until February 28th at 6:00 PM (central) time to link up.
All winners will be announced on Monday, March 3rd.

Have fun and we look forward to seeing what you create!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Blog Hop Day 4 - Saving the Best for Last!

Welcome to day 4, our final day of the 3 Twenty Crafts 2nd Release! This week has been so much fun and I have had a blast sharing each new stamp set and all my projects with you. So thank you for stopping by each day this week and joining the fun!

You should have arrived here from my Design Team sister Candice at http://stampinpearls.blogspot.com/  but if you would like to start at the beginning of the hop, simply go to Jo'sScrap Shack.

Today we are showing you the new and awesome stamp set “Personalize It” This stamp set coordinates with Project Life and Smash Books. Here is what I created using this new stamp set:

This is my first attempt at a Smash Book page - I hope you like it! It's actually the Michael's version of Smash...I liked the colors and inside pages better. It's a page about things I want in my life; positive things to replace some of the not so positive. I used the Personalize It stamp to make the check list of things at the top of the page and then journaled about the items randomly on the page. And of course I used a bling - no page is complete without some type of bling. I used a rectangle of bling to highlight the word Dream - since these are some of my wishes and dreams for myself. And at the bottom I used the Celebrate You stamp from the new Simple Sentiments stamp set but crossed out you and changed it to me. I believe we need to celebrate ourselves and our accomplishments as much as we celebrate for those who are close to us.

Well that is my project and I am glad you stopped by today. Your next stop on the hop is Kellie at http://alittlebitofkellie.blogspot.com so have a great time as my Design Team sisters have really created up some gorgeous projects that will surely inspire you!!

To win today’s stamp set “Personalize it”, make sure you stop at each blog along the hop, become a follower and leave a comment. The winner will be chosen randomly and nobody knows which designer’s blog the winner will be chosen from… so don't miss out on your chances, make sure you complete the hop and leave some comment love!

I hope you have had an awesome time this week and maybe you could be a lucky winner of one of these amazing new stamp sets! Good luck and stop by Jo’s Scrap Shack on Sunday for another sneak peak & mini hop of an extra stamp set to this new release! Thanks for hopping!


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Blog Hop Day 3 - And the Fun Continues!

Welcome to day 3 of the 3 Twenty Crafts 2nd Release! You should have arrived here from my Design Team sister Candice at http://stampinpearls.blogspot.com/  but if you would like to start at the beginning of the hop, simply go to Jo'sScrap Shack.

Today we are showing you the new and awesome stamp set “Say it from the Heart”. Here is what I created using this new stamp set:
I cut the honeycomb using a Close to My Heart cricut cartridge. All the hexagon images and the sentiments are from this awesome set - Say it from the Heart! I have to admit...I think this might just be my favorite set in the new release...everyone needs this set in their collection! I just punched out hexagons to layer some of the images from the set. And as always, some of them have been popped up using dimensionals. For the final touch I added a little bling in the center of a few of the hexagons and in the center of a few flowers in the patterned paper. It's unusual I post a layout without the pictures but this picture is scheduled to be take on March 20th. The layout is for a photo of me and my mom.  We took one together five years ago and since she's 86 I think the photo deserves a special layout.

Well that is my project and I am so glad you stopped by today. Your next stop on the hop is Kellie at http://alittlebitofkellie.blogspot.com so have a great time as my Design Team sisters have really created up some gorgeous projects that will surely inspire you!!

To win today’s stamp set “Say it from the Heart”, make sure you stop at each blog along the hop, become a follower and leave a comment. The winner will be chosen randomly and nobody knows which designer’s blog the winner will be chosen from… so don't miss out on your chances, make sure you complete the hop and leave some comment love!

Stop back tomorrow for the last day of the new release blog hop and a look at another awesome new stamp set from 3 Twenty Crafts! 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Blog Hop Day 2!

Welcome to day 2 of the 3 Twenty Crafts 2nd Release! 
You should have arrived here from my Design Team sister Candice at http://stampinpearls.blogspot.com/  but if you would like to start at the beginning of the hop, simply go to Jo'sScrap Shack.

Today we are showing you the new and awesome stamp set “Strike a Pose” This stamp set coordinates with Project Life and Smash Books. Here is what I created using this new stamp set:

This is only my 2nd Smash page (you'll see my first later this week!). I actually purchased the Michael's brand Smash book since I liked the colors better. All the stamp images I used are from the new Strike a Pose set; frame, star, hearts and sentiments. I really like the font of this set. I used a little washi tape to accent the inside of the top stamp and then a little on the bottom picture. I just love the picture with the puppy icing on Midnight's nose! The stamp set made it super easy to put this page together...and there a lot more sayings that go with set.

Well that is my project and I am so glad you stopped by today. Your next stop on the hop is Kellie at http://alittlebitofkellie.blogspot.com so have a great time as my Design Team sisters have really created up some gorgeous projects that will surely inspire you!!

To win today’s stamp set “Strike a Pose”, make sure you stop at each blog along the hop, become a follower and leave a comment. The winner will be chosen randomly and nobody knows which designer’s blog the winner will be chosen from… so don't miss out on your chances, make sure you complete the hop and leave some comment love!

Stop back tomorrow for another fun-filled day full of inspiration, blog-hopping and a look at another awesome new stamp set from 3 Twenty Crafts!

Monday, February 17, 2014

Exciting New Release - Day 1 of the Blog Hop!

I am super excited to share with you the release of four new stamps sets from 3 Twenty Crafts this week!! Today starts the 3 Twenty Crafts 2nd Release Blog Hop and I am so honored to be a part of this! 

This week we have a ton of inspiration to share with you, lots of amazing projects showcasing the new stamp releases and some giveaways too! You will be so amazed with this new release and I am excited to share the first stamp set with you today! So are you ready to get started? You should have arrived here from my Design Team sister Candice at http://stampinpearls.blogspot.com/  but if you would like to start at the beginning of the hop, simply go to Jo's ScrapShack.


Today we are showing you the new and awesome stamp set “Simple Sentiments”. I created this cute birthday card using this new stamp set:

I used three of the stamps from the Simple Sentiments set to create the border saying at the bottom of the card. I lined all three up on one acryllic block, colored each stamp with an ink marker and I think it came out beautifully. Believe it or not, I used all scraps to create my card...I am getting serious about Scrappin' My Stash! The scraps are all from the same paper pack I had so they coordinated beautifully. I used the Stampin Up cupcake punch to create the cupcakes in the center and of course stickles for the sprinkles - because no cupcake is complete without sprinkles! I did pop up the die cuts in the center although you can't really tell in the picture. It gives the card nice dimension. 

Well that is my project and I am glad you stopped by today. Your next stop on the hop is Kellie at http://alittlebitofkellie.blogspot.com so have a great time as my Design Team sisters have really created up some gorgeous projects that will surely inspire you!!

To win today’s stamp set “Simple Sentiments”, make sure you stop at each blog along the hop, become a follower and leave a comment. The winner will be chosen randomly and nobody knows which designer’s blog the winner will be chosen from… so don't miss out on your chances, make sure you complete the hop and leave some comment love!

Stop back tomorrow for another fun-filled day full of inspiration, blog-hopping and a look at another awesome new stamp set from 3Twenty Crafts

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Guest Designer from Majestic Memories!

I would like to extend a big welcome to my friend Michelle - owner and creator of beautiful scrapbooks - from Majestic Memories! She created this beautiful card using the 3 Twenty Crafts, Winter Wonderland stamp set. Michelle embossed one of the winter trees with the Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powders and then added some matching stickles for accent and shimmer. She also used some of the Tim Holtz Distress ink to accent the edges of the card and paper.
 On the inside she used the same stamp and inking technique as on the outside of the card to bring it all together.
The sentiment is just beautiful - the greatest gift of all is having you by my side. Perfect for any occasion for that special someone! The sentiment stamp is a sneak peak from 3 Twenty Craft's newest release! You'll need to stay tuned to find out what stamp set it's from and to see the rest of the set!

So what have you been creating?

Friday, February 14, 2014

Funday Friday Challenge #37 - More Fun!

Welcome to another Funday Friday Challenge. This week's Challenge is:
"Valentine’s Day"
Create a card, layout or project for Valentine's Day!
 Our sponsor this week is:

 So make sure to play along this week~you don’t want to miss a chance for a great prize!
This week's prize is a $10 gift certificate to 3 Twenty Crafts!
 Starts: Friday, February 14th 12:00 AM (central time)
Ends: Friday, February 21st 6:00 PM (central time)
Here is what I created for this week's challenge:
I was looking to create something different for Valentine's Day. And I thought this would be a cute card to give something with a dinner or wine tasting certificate  inside. FYI...just did a wine and chocolate tasting with some girlfriends - awesome combination! But as we know, everything goes well with chocolate...lol!
I used the Background Builders stamp set from 3 Twenty Crafts to create the purple embossed border on the bottom. And I used the wine and glasses from the 3 Twenty Crafts Happy Harvest stamp set.

I then used my Stampin' Up ink pads and a sponge to create a multi-color background. I also used their Outlined Occasions stamps for the saying. I used my heart punches from Creative Memories, layered the larger one and used pop dots to give the card a little more dimension. (my sideways pictures didn't show the dimension well...). And of course a little stickles in the wine glasses for the wine. 

I wanted to add a little something to the inside. So I used a Friskars edge punch to create a side border.

Make sure to stop by my DT sister's blogs to check out what they made for this challenge!
  Well my friends, it is YOUR turn to show us what
 you can do for this challenge!
Just link up using our link up tool at the bottom of this post for your chance to win top 3 and get entered into our monthly prize drawing.
What do you need to do to enter?
Challenge Rules
1. Have fun!
2. Be sure to include a link back to our challenge
3. Up to three (3) entries per person and you must post a separate blog post for each entry.
4. All entries must be NEW and created for the current challenge.
5. You may combine with other challenges as long as you link back to us in your post.
 * All entries that do not meet the challenge requirements will not be eligible for top 3 or random/monthly wins.
The monthly prize drawings will only be mailed within the US and Canada only.

You have until February 21st at 6:00 PM (central) time to link up.
All winners will be announced on Monday, February 24th.

Have fun and we look forward to seeing what you create!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Welcome to My Home

Happy Wednesday everyone :)  I hope you're having a wonderful week!

Here's a layout I did with the Close to My Heart Chantilly paper pack. I have to thank my Secret Santa in a scrapbook group I belong to - Chantilly and the coordinating embellishments was an awesome Christmas gift to receive!

The layout is the first two pages out of a four page layout I did for the open house my mom and I had after moving into our new home. It took about six months to have the open house - but we had a lot of fun once it finally happened. I made my rosette using Scrap Happy Glue from The Rubber Cafe. The creation of the flower is for another post...but if you ever have the chance to join in on one of Melissa's (The Rubber Cafe owner) classes at an Expo near you grab it! She does great technique classes. The bling and embellishments are all the Chantilly embellishments. I used the leaf stamp from the Close to My Heart Chantilly Work Shop to Go stamp set.  

I made the first page last using the left over paper from the second page. I cut a circle out of the card stock under the Chantilly paper so I would have coordinating colors on both pages. The embellishments on the first page are also the Chantilly embellishments. The Wonderful Beautiful Day stamp is from the Buzz and Bumble Work Shop to Go. (Both Work Shop to Go kits are discontinued but they have some really cute ones for this season. The kits come with everything you need plus ideas.)

My inspiration for the second page for this layout was the Close to My Heart layout:
I know my page is a lot different, but I was at a crop and was determined to stick to my Scrap My Stash! I also wanted to highlight a larger picture in my layout. And I save the cute circle embellishment for my next page!

Happy crafting and stay blessed!
Joyce 

Friday, February 7, 2014

Funday Friday Challenge #36 - Join the Fun!

 Welcome to another Funday Friday Challenge. This week's Challenge is:
"Anything Goes"
Create a card, layout or project from a sketch!
 Our sponsor this week is:
 The Paper Nest Dolls

One lucky winner will receive a great prize!!
 So make sure to play along this week~you don’t want to miss a chance for this prize!
 Starts: Friday, February 7th 12:00 AM (central time)
Ends: Friday, February 14th 6:00 PM (central time)
Here is what I created for this week's challenge:
 The Paper Nest Dolls-By Window Ellie

I used this adorable stamp from Paper Nest Dolls - By Window Ellie. Isn't she the cutest? I colored everything with my Stampin' Up Water Color Pencils. It's hard to see in the photo, but I used darker strokes of a similar color in her hair and the window curtains to give it accent. 
I wanted to create more of a border for the window so I used a stamp from the Background Builders 3 Twenty Crafts set. And then for a little fun I added a stamp from the Close to My Heart Buzz & Bumble stamp set. And I am still scrappin' my stash - I used Stampin' Up paper that I had on my shelf. 

Make sure to stop by my Design Team sister's blogs to check out what they made for this challenge.

  Well my friends, it is YOUR turn to show us what
 You can do for this challenge!
Just link up using our link up tool at the bottom of this post for your chance to win top 3 and get entered into our monthly prize drawing.
What do you need to do to enter?

Challenge Rules
1. Have fun! 
2. Be sure to include a link back to our challenge
3. Three (3) entries per person and you must post a separate blog post for each entry.
4. All entries must be NEW and created for the current challenge.
5. You may combine with other challenges as long as you link back to us in your post.
 * All entries that do not meet the challenge requirements will not be eligible for top 3 or random/monthly wins.
The monthly prize drawings will only be mailed within the US and Canada only.

You have until February 14th by 6:00 PM (central) time to link up.
All winners will be announced on Monday, February 17th.

Have fun and we look forward to seeing what you create!

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

More Birthday Celebrations!

It wasn't my intent to start a theme of birthday celebrations...but I guess three layouts in a row makes it a theme! My friend's husband threw a simple but Oh So Fun! birthday party for her. I used the Close to My Heart Bella paper pack. I know that Bella is discontinued but I think their current Huntington paper pack would make this layout beautifully. And yes, I have a lot of CTMH in my stash.


The card stock and patterned paper all came together in the same paper pack. It's double sided so it was easy to pick colors to make the side banners. I used the Creative Memories border system to create the edges. I cut the borders in both a brown color and an off white color from the pack and then just layered them. (This would have also been a great way to use up my scraps.) I mounted the photos in patterned paper from the pack that I wasn't sure I would use. Although that sounds like a challenge for the future - use paper you normally wouldn't use...

The embellishments were laying around my craft room for years...they have made two moves so I figured it was time to use them up. I just added a piece of scrap ribbon to the end of each embellishment to dress it up a bit.

And the most important thing - journaling! It doesn't have to be fancy or lengthy. It only has to share a message. I keep mine simple but I get it done when I do my pages now. I no longer put any pages in my scrapbook until they are journaled. A wonderful friend who introduced me to scrapbooking used to tease me when I said I completed a layout - she always asked if it was journaled...'cause I always put it off. But I've found the sooner I do it once I have created my layout, the better I can share my enthusiasm for what I am sharing in my album.

Happy crafting and be blessed!
Joyce

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Tasty and Economical

I love homemade food! I enjoy going out and love the time spent with good friends...but I was brought up on good ole' home cooked meals and still enjoy that the most. I want to share a site I've been using for a while. I've found some tasty recipes and some great grocery store deals too. Yes, even I have learned to plan my shopping trips and have found that I am saving money by doing so. And I'm definitely not depriving myself of anything.
Deals to Meals at http://dealstomeals.blogspot.com/
Deals to Meals

I know this idea is a little late for the big game today (which I am watching at I type). But I just know that the warm weather can't be too far off (I am really over all the white stuff we've been getting in the Northeast...) and that means picnics and more family get togethers for everyone. They have an awesome sandwich ring that is simple to make and looks oh-so impressive.

 Deals to Meals

Looks delicious doesn't it! And the best part is you can make each section of the sandwich ring a "different sandwich" so you can have "one" sandwich that will please everyone. I like roast beef and cheese on one quarter, ham and cheese on another, chicken salad with cran-raisins on another and an Italian sub on the fourth section - something for everyone!

I've made a number of easy and tasty recipes from the site...eggs, pancakes, french toast, specialty butters, various dinners...and I will make them all again, I have enjoyed them all. Now when I made the "Mile High Biscuits" they only made it to about a quarter-mile...but they still tasted really good so I will be attempting those again too. I would love for you to check out some of their recipes at Deals to Meals and let me know which ones you enjoy.

Enjoy!
Joyce

SMASH kit

I just wanted to quickly share part of a SMASH kit I finally finished putting together. I have a SMASH book...it has a lot of beautiful page...