Birdies and Boxes

Birdies and Boxes! I just love the title of my post today for so many reasons. If you've visited my blog long enough then you know how much I love dressing up a box for gift giving. I even made a coordinating tag too!!!

And check out my inspiration...

 

I'm playing along in the current Moxie Fab World's Tuesday Trigger Challenge. It's all about birthdays this go round. I think my altered gift box and tag are a perfect fit for the occasion. 

I was inspired by the springtime colors and the adorable birdie in the inspiration photo. I even added a Martha Stewart Craft's birdie embellie to the front of my tag. I also threw in some natural elements such as canvas and corrugated cardboard.

 

And since we are on the subject of birthdays........I want to wish my youngest daughter Rachel a Happy #17. I can't believe that she will be graduating from high school next year....sigh....

 

I'm so proud of her for making the Honor Roll this year. More importantly, I'm so proud of the "Student's Achieving Excellence" awards that she has received recently. Several of her teachers noted that she is always respectful, courteous, and always helpful to her peers. I am one PROUD MAMA!!!!! 

 

Happy Birthday Rae!!!

 

 

 

Box and Tag Supplies:

Kraft Box and string: Michael's Craft Store

Tag: Canvas Corp.

Stretched Canvas: Hobby Lobby

Bird Embellishment, white doily, & button: Martha Stewart Crafts

Flower Embellishment: K & Company

Kraft doily die-cut and currogated cardboard: from stash



Happy Little Life!

I am literally surrounded by cuddly babies lately. One week ago my precious little nephew was born, and this weekend more cuteness came into the world. Several of my friends either gave birth or announced that they were preggers.

Check out my new baby girlie tag. I made several of these using The Cutting Cafe's Onesie Shaped Template. They are so perfect to attach to give bags and boxes.

I used American Crafts - Dear Lizzy - 5th and Frolic paper and embellishments on my project. These goodies really "dressed up" my onesie really well. 

 

This onesie is so versatile for all types of projects. You can use it as a template or cutting file. You can also use the blank onesie or the one with words added. The possibilities are endless! Be sure to order yours here at The Cutting Cafe. 

Baby Tag Supplies:

Onesie Template - The Cutting Cafe

Paper, Flower Chipboard,

Sentiment Tag, and Wood Button -

(all from - American Crafts: Dear Lizzy - 5th & Frolic)

Miracles and Mini Cards

Butterflies are a symbol of resurrection, hope, joy, and new beginnings. That's why I chose to feature one on my mini card today.

This butterfly means even more to my family. It is a symbol of miracles!

And speaking of miracles...this little one was born this week. My sister Nicole and my brother-in-law John were BLESSED with the birth of their very first child. Here's a photo of little Tristan. They have been married for 16 years and suffered through several miscarriages. God has truly brought them their miracle.

After seeing all that Nicole and John have gone through these many years has truly touched my heart. I cried and cried when I first held my little nephew in my arms. I am bursting with happiness for them both.

Their journey prompted me to make this mini card for a dear friend and her husband who are going through infertility issues as well. And since I'm addicted to making mini cards I'm also entering this into Moxie Fab World's Challenge #23 - Make an Itty Bitty Card. 

I placed some white mesh ribbon on the front, punched out a little butterfly, and added a "be positive" sentiment and stick pin.

And before I go...here are a couple of more photos of the little guy!

Here's my Mom, Dad, & Tristan

(Nana & Papa are so proud!)

(And don'tcha just love my Dad's hat? We are in Texas after all! LOL)

 And here's my daughter Rachel with her new little cousin.

Their birthdays are 7 days apart too.

She is gearing up to be a great babysitter!

Thanks for letting me share my little story about miracles!!!

No Stamp Needed & A Winner!

It's been an exciting week in my family and I'm sooo behind on blog posts. So sorry for the delay in announcing the giveaway winner! Keep reading to the end to see who won!

And now I want to show you two fun projects featuring products from The Cutting Cafe!

 

Did you know that I have a crafting secret? Well...I'm going to confess it to you today. . . I'm not the greatest stamper! In fact, I have messed up loads of cardstock trying to get stamped images and sentiments done correctly.

 

That's why I love The Cutting Cafe's Valentine Mini Sentiments Printable Stamp Set. I can easily print out what I need and use it as background paper for cards, treat bags, and altered projects. It's so super easy and I don't have to deal with inky mistakes.

I first printed the sentiments out on white cardstock. I then used a shaped punch before adhering it to the treat bag and tin. I'm sending all of these treats to my daughter Rebekah and her college buddies in California. They love to get goodies in the mail.

 Be sure to check out all of the fun printables at The Cutting Cafe. And now it's time to announce the giveaway winner.

Miriam Prantner said...

These are so cute! Love that they have the cork toppers and your decorations are so sweet, love the button centers to the flowers!

 

Congrats Miriam! I'll be sure to send you an email with the gift certificate details! Be sure to stop back by tomorrow for a little story about MIRACLES! 

Hearts, Love, & Paper Made Bakery

 

Happy MLK Day everyone!

 

I've got a fun Valentine's Day door hanger to show you today!

 

Before I begin, I just wanted to find out if you've heard the news? The Paper Made Bakery Design Team was announced today and I'm part of the new crew. I'm super excited to work with their adorable kits. Be sure to hop on over there to see who else made the team. They are all sooo talented too!

 

 

Now let's get back to our regularly scheduled craft project for today.

 

This is a fun and quick craft that you can make in less than 10 minutes. They are also great to add to your gift bags or boxes.

 

 

I used part of an SEI corrugated cardboard banner to make the door hanger. I layered a lace doily, a felt heart, Martha Stewart Crafts Valentine's Day paper, and a heart sticker on top. Once you add your wire it's ready to be hung on a door, corkboard, chalkboard, or wherever you like.

 

I hope you all enjoyed my fun project today. Be sure to stop back by tomorrow for the announcement of the giveaway winner. And a WONDERFUL MIRACLE has happened that I must tell you all about. Can't wait to share!!!

 

Supplies:

Corrugated Cardboard Banner and Pearl Brad - SEI

Paper and Heart Sticker: Martha Stewart Crafts

Felt Heart, Wire, and Button - Michael's Craft Store

Lace Doily - from stash

Springtime Tubes & Giveaway!

I'm so tired of the cold weather! I'm sooo wishing that springtime would arrive soon. To help cure my winter blues, I've been creating some projects to usher in the sunny days of spring.

I made these for a friend of mine. She is hosting a tea party at her house and wanted some fun party favors for her guests.

 

I love these Martha Stewart Crafts Test Tubes. They are so fun to fill with your favorite candy, treats, or whatever makes you happy. The flowers are also from Martha Stewart and the paper is from Pebbles.

I hope you enjoyed my Springtime Tubes! And now for the Giveaway details. Leave a comment on today's post to win a $20 Two Peas in a Bucket Gift Certificate. There have been so many CHA product reveals this week and Two Peas has loads of new goodies.

You will receive multiple entries for posting on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog.  (Please be sure to follow my blog too if you like my crafty projects!) Good Luck!
I'll draw the winner on Tuesday, January 22nd.

Supplies:
Test Tubes - Martha Stewart Crafts
Paper - Pebbles: Hip Hip Hooray
Flower Embellishment Stickers - Martha Stewart Crafts
Butterfly Punch - Stampin' Up
Glitter Balls - Michael's Craft Store

A Happy Return with The Cutting Cafe

 

It's my happy return to crafting day!

Hello crafty friends! I'm so happy to be back with all of you in blog land. The last couple of months have been super great for me. I'm feeling great and ready to craft again. Thank you all for your sweet cards in the mail, your thoughtful emails, and your warm thoughts of well wishes. I really appreciate your kindness.

Now it's time to check out my project for The Cutting Cafe. Did you hear? I'm now on their design team. I am so super excited to work with Regina Easter and the rest of her talented crew.

I used the Heart Bag Cutting File/Template for this Valentine's Day project. I wanted to make something feminine to give to the two students that I mentor at school.

 

There are so many ways to use The Cutting Cafe's products. And did you know that you can print out the templates using the PDF file and score where needed to make this box? That's what I did on this project. I also printed out the heart as well.

 

Be sure to check out these two helpful links to guide you when using your cutting machine or printer.

  

http://thecuttingcafe.typepad.com/the_cutting_cafe/pdf-file-info-and-tips-1.html

  

http://thecuttingcafe.typepad.com/the_cutting_cafe/tips-and-tricks-on-using-the-cutting-cafe-files.html

Thanks for checking out my fun project today. Be sure to stop back by tomorrow for a NEW project and a fun GIVEAWAY!

Supplies:
Heart Bag Cutting File Template - The Cutting Cafe
Paper - SEI
Canvas - Canvas Corp.
Flower - Prima
Pearls and Label - SEI