Challenge Fun!

I am having so much fun creating and decided to enter some of my work into different craft challenges this week. I'm also diving into card making. I've been inspired by so many talented card makers out there and their beautiful work. So here goes............here's my Springtime card creation.

I entered this card in the:
♥ Cricut Cardz Challenge #19 - Anything goes!
♥  Little Red Wagon Challenge #22 - Rolling into Spring!
♥  Crafty Creations Challenge #61 - Anything goes!
♥ Fab "n" Funky Challenge #17 - Spring
♥ Charisma Card Challenge #13 - Animal Magic

I used cardstock to make the card stand up tall and proud!  I then used some beautiful paper from TPC Studios. It's from their Woodland Whimsy collection.  It has a couple of cute birds and clouds already printed on the paper.

I then used the Straight from the Nest and Songbird Cricut cartridges to cut out the "spring" letters, one of the flowers, and the cute pink bird. To add a little sparkle to the card, I used purple, pink and blue jewels on the bird's eyes and in the center of the flower petals.

I love the yellow, pink, and blue on the card. It reminds me of Spring. I made an extra card for my blog readers. COMMENT BELOW  if you'd like to win one of these cute cards. In your comment please tell me what you like about Springtime. The winner will be selected next Wednesday!  Happy Spring!
For a list of winners this week please see the left side of the blog under "Giveaway Winners".

Fantabulous Challenge #3 - Bling It On!

It's time for another challenge this week over at the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog. This weeks' theme is called "Bling It On"!  This one calls for you to use your Cricut to design something using some shine, jewels, glitter etc...

My daughter Rebekah will be home this week. She attends college in California and she's off for spring break. I'm going to host a "Diva Party" for her and her friends. I designed these cute party bags for each of the invited guests.

You can buy any type of party bag at a craft store. Most have solid color bags or ones with stripes, circles, or other designs on them. I used a simple bag with colorful horizontal stripes in bright colors. The bag already had a flower on it. I just blinged it out a little by using green glitter glue in the middle of the flower.  I used jeweled embellishments around the center as well.

I love working with glitter glue. A popular brand to use is "Stickles" glitter glue by Ranger. Michael's and Hobby Lobby craft stores also have different brands of glitter glue that are just as great to use. You can use glitter glue to add some "sparkle" and "bling" to your projects.

You can easily write, dot, dash, draw and embellish on paper, rubber stamping projects, candles, memory album covers and more with glitter glue! Just make sure you let it dry for several hours to let the glue settle and dry properly.

To make this bag really shine I also cut out girly silhouette figures, the purse, and the flowers using the "Forever Young" Cricut cartridge. I also used the "Plantin Schoolbook" cartridge for the lettering. I then added jewel embellishments to the ponytail and the center of the flowers. I used a brad embellishment in the center of the purse.

On the inside I am going to put cute hostess gifts inside and pink tissue paper. I hope Rebekah and her friends love the bags.

Need more inspiration? Hop on over and join in on this week's challenge at Fantabulous Cricut.  There you will find more design team projects and information on how to submit your entry. And COMMENT BELOW  if you'd like to win one of these cutesy bags. In your comment please tell me what you like about the Fantabulous Cricut Blog. Just click on the name of the blog to see all the fun going on over there. I'll draw the winner next Monday when the next Fantabulous Challenge begins. Good Luck! For a list of winners this week please see the left side of the blog under "Giveaway Winners".

New Recipe Box and A Giveaway From Dining Out

I love to cook and bake and have designed my newest recipe box this week. This one is decorated in a cute "Pink Apron Cook" Theme.

With Mother's Day approaching I wanted to create something that is a great gift idea for all of our hard working moms out there.  These are also great as birthday gifts, or you can keep it for yourself!

This recipe box is currently on sale in the Cokie Pop Boutique. They come with a set of matching recipe cards. This is sure to add fun to any kitchen!
 
Now to the wonderful giveaway this week.  Mary has a beautiful shop on Etsy called Dining Out.  If you comment below you have the chance to win 2 beautiful Damask Hand Towels.  Now on to meet this talented artist.
 

Mary lives in Hamilton Ontario and is a retired teacher who has been sewing all of her life. Her interests are home decor and she specializes in machine embroidery.

How did you come up with your shop name?
I chose the name "diningout" for my shop because dining out is something I enjoy doing. But after I registered with Etsy, I realized that perhaps I should have chosen a more appropriate name, something that portrayed what I was trying to accomplish. Initially I tried using the name "Sewing is my Passion" but it was already  taken.


How did you get started selling online?

Since I retired from 38 years of teaching, I was looking for a new direction in my life. My very creative daughter who also sells with Etsy, encouraged me to list my products. I have done a lot of sewing for family and friends in the past. I truly loved doing all of these things but it was time to further challenge myself and grow in a different direction.

What do you want customers to know about your products?

My products are designed and created by me. I even do some of my own digitizing. All of my products are made from top quality fabrics and threads and I really try to limit myself to machine washable items.  All of my designs are interchangeable. You can choose an embroidery design, color of fabric and product, whether it be a placemat, runner or pillow cover, and create your own item through a custom listing.

What other hobbies or passions do you have?

I love to travel. One of my favorite places to go is the California coastline. I have been there many times in the past 20 years and I highly recommend it. If you are looking for a picturesque, peaceful holiday, you must go.

What’s your supply addiction?

Everywhere I go, I love to collect fabric. I always keep in mind what it will look like embroidered with one of my designs. My friends are always teasing me about my addiction and stash.
Do you have a blog? Twitter? Facebook? Website?

I do not have a twitter or blog. I do have a facebook. http://www.facebook.com/pages/diningout/306295992591

Dining Out has also been featured at The Blushing Hostess Entertains and Canartisan under Friday Five. To see more, visit her website at www.diningout.etsy.com

Remember to comment below about this post for your chance to win 2 beautiful Damask Hand Towels. The winner will be picked next Friday - April 2nd. For a list of winners this week please see the left side of the blog under "Giveaway Winners".

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #2 - Easter Excitement

Time for a new week and new fun-filled challenge. If you are a Cricut FANATIC then join us over at the FANTABULOUS CRICUT CHALLENGE BLOG.

P.S. - Friends have also urged me to submit this to some challenge blogs looking for a Spring theme. I've also submitted this to the All Sorts Challenge Blog  and the Paper Play Challenge.
Also, be sure to click on over and take a look at the other Fantabulous DT members' creations. Their creative work will inspire you to make something for our second challenge. This week's challenge calls for you to make a design with your Cricut using:

♥ Create an Easter project using pastel colors.

My project for this theme is pictured here. I call it - "Springtime Lollipop Bouquet"

I used the following cartridges on this project:
♥ Straight from the Nest
♥ Songbird
♥ Storybook

I first started out with a simple cardboard box. Use whatever size you'd like.

I then covered it in scrapbook paper on all sides. Afterwards, I covered the paper with various embellishments to match the theme. I cut out the birds on the front of the box using the "Straight from the Nest" cartridge.  I cut out the bird with the signpost using the "Songbird" cartridge. To make the signpost stand up better I cut out the same exact shape and glued it to my paper for better stability.

For the lettering I used the "Storybook" cartridge and cut out cute words to go along with the theme. To add some fun to the bird's tail I used a flower embellishment and put some bling in the middle.

In the middle of the box is a styrofoam cube that I purchased at Michael's craft store. You need the styrofoam to make the lollipops stand up straight in the box. I also purchased the Easter themed lollipops and the pink grass from Walmart.

Once this design is put together it can be used as an alternative to an Easter basket or for a Springtime centerpiece.

So get those creative juices flowing and take part in the FANTABULOUS CRICUT CHALLENGE this week.
Have a great week of creating!
Angi

Movie Mania - Practical Scrappers Challenge

It's Spring Break time here in Texas and I have enjoyed relaxing and catching up on all of the latest movies in theaters this week. One of the best movies that I've seen is Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland". I'm a big fan of Johnny Depp so this was a must see for me!

I've even been inspired to create this Family Movie Night Keepsake Tin for my friend's birthday. I've had the paper and some of the embellishments for a while now, so I entered this in the Practical Scrappers challenge to use something you've had for over a year. You can click here to visit Practical Scrappers to see all the challenge entries.

To make this tin I first ventured off to Home Depot and bought some empty paint cans. About a year ago, my scrapbooking pals and I went to our favorite scrapbook store called Archivers where I found some great designer paper. Me and My Big Ideas and My Mind's Eye make great paper.


After making and buying the right embellishments and matching colored ribbon, I ended up with the finished product. I lined the inside with matching tissue paper and filled it with movie goodies such as microwave popcorn, assorted candy, and a Blockbuster gift card. I hope she likes her gift. I've got to make more of these for gift giving throughout the year!

For more creative inspiration check out these cute movie gift ideas I found on Etsy. Featured here are: 
★Alice In Wonderland Pouch at Pink Paisley1

★Buttered Popcorn Stud Earrings at On Beyond Zebra

★Film Vinyl Decal at Medium Control


Comment below and tell us - What's your favorite movie? Or tell us a great movie that you've seen recently. Comment to be entered in a drawing to win a $10 Gift Certificate from Cokie Pop Paper Boutique!

The winner will be announced next Sunday, March 28th. Good Luck!

And the winner of the Sonora Kay Creations giveaway is Samy at Princess Samy. Congrats to you and I hope you enjoy your beautiful Dreamcatcher earrings!

Creating With Canvas and Meet Sonora Kay Creations

Have you ever created a scrapbooking layout and thought to yourself, "That's too pretty to put into an album!" Well with framed canvas you can display that pretty page plus add flair to your home decor. Creating on canvas is a lot of fun.

I use pre-stretched artist canvas from Canvas Corps. They sell quality canvas in natural textures that are easy to work with. Before adding on your layout it is best to use chalking ink all over the edges of the canvas. Chalking inks come in a variety of colors to match your layout. I love to use ColorBox Chalk Cat's Eye Inkpads. 

I add a variety of embellishments as well. This makes the page "pop" and is appealing to the eye. I use everything from buttons, ribbon, vellum, brads, and more. Canvas creations can be use to display family photos or for gift giving.

Now for another giveaway opportunity. Please let me introduce Kay and her lovely shop - Sonora Kay Creations. Kay sells earrings, necklaces, dream catchers, bracelets, and anklets. 

Her turquoise creations are my favorite.Keep reading for more tidbits about this very talented artist. Don't forget to comment below for a chance to win one a pair of Dream Catcher earrings on silver hoops in the color beads of your choice.

How did you come up with your shop name?
My shop name is a combination of the city of my birth and my middle name.

Tell us more about your beautiful jewelry.
All my products are handmade with the exception of the beads I have recently listed. The Dream Catcher jewelry items are all hand woven using beading thread. The links in the beaded necklaces are all handmade as well. I include rubber backs on all the fishhook style earrings to keep them secure. All jewelry is washed prior to packing in cotton lined boxes and shipped in padded envelopes.

What are your other hobbies?
Gardening and photography are things that I very much love to do. I am blessed that I get to pursue both hobbies through the winter thanks to my DH gifting me with a green house for my 40th birthday last year. The majority of my product pictures were taken inside the greenhouse. I love the lighting that is produced by the opaque walls and ceiling. It allows me to shoot at any time of day no matter what the weather.
What does creating mean to you?
I have always enjoyed creating from as far back as I can remember. For me creating is very cathartic. I can get lost in what I am doing and when I surface I feel much calmer inside than when I began. I am a completely self taught artisan. The knowledge of weaving the dream catchers came to me one day and I picked up a length of leather and a wreath I had made from vines, and started the weaving process. That was a decade ago, since then my work has improved and I now have several different designs.

What else would you want people to know about yourself?
I would have to say that stress for me can be a motivator. When my life gets too filled up and feeling out of control that is when I will disappear in my studio and reappear feeling calmer, more in control, and much lighter. I will also feel accomplished because I can see and touch the finished product. Other things that inspire me are design ideas that clients have challenged me with. It is always fun for me to see the look in their eyes when they see the finished product.

Please be sure to visit Kay on her blog, Etsy, Artfire and Facebook.

http://sonorakayscreations.blogspot.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SonoraKaysCreations

http://www.artfire.com/users/SonoraKaysCreations 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/SonoraKaysCreations/433510915530?ref=ts

Exciting News to Share

I took my youngest daughter out tonight for dinner and a movie and came home to some Fantabulous news............Robin, the talented owner of the Fantabulous Cricut Design Blog sent me an email saying that I've been chosen to be on their design team. I'm sooooooooo excited.

I am so happy that I will be joining such a great group of very talented ladies. We will gather on the blog to share ideas, inspire each other, and create some fantabulous pieces of work.

If you love weekly design challenges and are a fan of the Cricut, then please check out the blog and submit your work. The first challenge will begin on March 15th. You can also sign up to follow the blog. And grab the button for your blog while you're at it. Bring on the fun!

It's Hello Kitty Time

All of my friends know that I am the ULTIMATE Hello Kitty fan. I have even designed a paperbag scrapbook album dedicated to this pink diva.

Designing scrapbook layouts on a paperbag album is a lot of fun. Before I design with paper bags, I sew them together to make them more durable.  I also add a variety of embellishments, photo mats, and journaling spots to add fun and dimension to my layouts. I also make coordinating tags that fit into the pockets of the album.

For this particular albums I used products from A Cherry On Top. They carry a nice selection of Hello Kitty scrapbook supplies. I also used the Hello Kitty Greetings Cricut Cartridge. With poses, phrases, accessories, and icons, this shape cartridge is perfect for adding some fun to your scrapbook pages.

I added a few finishing touches with embellishments from a great company called My Mind's Eye.  They have a variety of embellishments for just about any theme. I hope you guys like my Hello Kitty Diva Girl Album.

While browsing the web I found several other H.K. items. These are sure to make Hello Kitty fans smile! Please be sure to check out these wonderful creations when you get a moment.

Featured here are the works of:

Laura of The Apple Cobbler. She makes an adorable wooden jewelry/pill box. If you need an I.D. holder check out the cute designs of Lenina of Reel Fabulous. And then there's Lana of Lana Kole. You will find some great laptop decals in her shop. 

I will be posting more Hello Kitty creations this week. Please check back for more. Also if you comment below you have the chance to WIN one of my Hello Kitty greeting cards. Good Luck!

More Creative Fun!

I wanted to introduce two more creative people to you this week! And guess what? They are giving away some of their wonderful products to 2 lucky people who leave a comment to this post.

If you love to shop for a variety of items online you will be interested in reading below about Britteny and her shop called Little Spaniel's Crafts.  Britteny sells a variety of items in her shop. She sells bath and body products, crochet items, items for your pet, and more.

And if you enjoy crafts then you will want to read about Judith and her wonderful products at Blooming Crafts. I love Judith's scrapbooks and her greeting cards.

Let's first dive into a little info about Britteny.

How did you come up with  your shop name?

I came up with my shop name thanks to my grandpa. Since birth he has called me spaniel because of my parents naming me Britteny. My grandpa called my husband little Eric. So when we were coming up with a business name for our crafts, it just seems to fit to combine our two nicknames.

Tell me more about your products.

I want customers to know that I do use my own products and test them time and time again before offering them to customers. My friends try out my products as well. They give me feedback to make sure I am providing the best possible product.

What do you do when you are not crafting?
I am very passionate about my loving husband and two little boys. I am very much involved in my local zoo as a volunteer and seasonal part time employee. I am very involved in recycling because I believe we need to take care of our earth for future generations.


Now let's hear from Judith at Blooming Crafts

How did you get started selling online?

I had so many friends tell me that they liked all of my stuff. They said I should sell it. So I talked to a friend and she let me know about Etsy and I started my shop.

What other hobbies or passions do you have?
I have many hobbies. I like to draw, scrapbook, hang out on Facebook, and shop at Hobby Lobby! But seriously, my biggest passion is my son.

Do you have a blog? Twitter?
Yes I do!  You can find me at http://bloomingcrafts1.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/Bloomingcrafts1

What’s your supply addiction?
Anything that has to do with scrapbooking!!! I love scrapbooking. I could spend hours in a craft store looking at everything. I’m like a kid in a candy store.

Judith is giving away the beautiful Birdie Mini Album pictured above. It is decorated with beautiful embellishments.  And for those that love bath and body products, Britteny is giving away a jar of breakfast body scrubs. Scrubs are great for skin care! Remember to comment below to win! The drawing for Britteny's prize will be held next Thursday, March 11th.  Judith will hold the drawing for the Birdie scrapbook on March 26th! And read the post right under this one. You could win one of my cute recipe boxes!