My Hair is Blowing in the Wind!

It's not my favorite photo, but there is something about it that is real and natural for my "me" scrapbook.

It was a windy day! We were out at the lake so that I could get some photos of Rachel. After a while, she turned the camera on me and took some shots. I've been holding onto this photo for months until I found the perfect paper to use.

Here's how I put this page together...

I used loads of different products. I really love the background paper and banner. They are from the Glitz Design - Cashmere Dame collection. I also used some goodies from Allison Kreft's - Recorded collection. The butterfly was made with a Stampin' Up butterfly punch.

I'm a sketch kinda girl, so I used a fun one from Creative Scrappers.

They even had a great idea on their blog. Why not flip the sketch? That's what I ended up doing for this page. 

Do you ever flip your sketches?

The Craft's Meow New Release Blog Hop

 

 

 

Welcome to the Craft's Meow New Release Blog Hop!

 

You should have arrived here from Amy's wonderful blog!

 

If you get lost along the way, please start at the TCM Blog!

The stamp that I used today is from the "Chalkboard Birthday" set.

 

{This set is May's Gift w/ $50 purchase!}

 

Here's My Project

 

Glassine Bag Gift Card Holder

 

 

I adhered patterned paper to the top of the glassine bag. Pop dots were used under the stamped sentiment to give it some dimension. I also used my S.U. punch to add a fluttering butterfly.

 

 

 

 

Would you like to win ALL of the new release sets?

Be sure to leave some love on each designer's blog & on the TCM Store Blog.

 

You have until by 9 pm PST, Thursday, May 23rd to enter. 

 

Your next stop is Clare's fabulous blog.

 

Happy Hopping! 

Quick Gift Idea With The Craft's Meow

 

Preview Day #2 is here!

 

There's so much fun going on at The Crafts Meow! They are releasing FIVE new stamp sets. Be sure to stop by my blog from now until May 21st to see all of the new products coming out this month.

 

We're kicking off today with the stamp set called "Wildflowers".

 

Set your stopwatch for this one folks!

 

I actually put this giftie together in less than 5 minutes.

 

 

Here's how I did it:

 

1. I got the mini journal from Target

{It's already covered in decorative paper too}

 

2. I stamped the sentiment and butterfly from the Wildflowers set onto cardstock.

 

3. I used the Lifestyle Crafts Label It Kit Die to make the stamped shape.

(use code "Cokie" for 20% off any LC dies)

 

4. I used my SU punch to make the butterfly.

 

5. Use pop dots to add them to the front of your mini journal.

 

6. Add hemp twine to the left side of your journal.

 

7. Give to someone & make them SMILE!

Wanna win this set?

 

 

 

Be sure to leave some love, on the TCM Store Blog, by 8 pm PST tonight, for your chance to win today's stamp set.

 

Stop back by here tomorrow for more TCM fun and the chance to win more stamp sets.

 

See ya then!

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!!!

Play Date Cafe - Thank You Canvas Tag

I have a fun project for ya today!

Check out my "Thank You Canvas Tag"

It's the start of a new challenge at The Play Date Cafe and this week's color story has a yummy color combo. The colors are Burnt Sienna, Mustard, and Slate.



This tag was so fun to make. First, I whipped out my roll of Hobby Lobby stretched canvas. I used a tag template, a pencil, and scissors to trace and cut out the tag.

Instead of using patterned paper, I cut a strip of the floral Decadence Damask fabric by Samantha Walker. I also added a strip of Stampin' Up's Designer Fabric. I used fabric glue to adhere them to the tag. {You can find the SW Fabric in the Riley Blake store}

I also added some SRM Stickers along with a Creative Charms flower, and a mini clothespin. You can easily use these tags on gift bags and boxes. They are so quick, easy, and fun to make.

Be sure to link up on the PDCC blog. The fabulous Momenta is this week's sponsor!

And remember, your project can be anything crafty just as long as it follows this week's color story!

{P.S. - You guys are really rockin' with your projects. I really enjoy seeing the variety of crafty items entered at PDCC. Keep it up!!!}

Supplies:

Canvas - Hobby Lobby

Floral Fabric - Samantha Walker: Decadence Damask

Fabric - Stampin' Up: Flirtatious Designer Fabric

Stickers - SRM: We've Got Your Border - Thanks

Felt Flower - Creative Charms

Mini Clothespin - Canvas Corp.

Gem - Creative Charms

Jute Baby Gift Bag

Have you ever gone shopping for one thing and ended up with another? Well that's what happened to me. I was at The Container Store looking for bins for my classroom when I ran across this jute bag on the shelf.

I needed a gift bag for a baby shower....and you know that I love making my own right? As soon as I saw it I knew that I wanted to take it home and "dress it up" a bit.

Since my friend is having a girl, I added an oversized Pink Paislee felt flower to the handles. I placed a Creative Charms pearl brad in the center of the flower too.

I've had this pink Stampin' Up fabric for a while now. I cut some and folded it in half, then tied it around the bag. I added a doily, used my punch on the Samantha Walker paper, and added a girly onesie and "baby love" sticker from SRM Stickers.

The jute bag is just the right size to add a onesie and a cute hair bow. Hope you all enjoyed my baby gift bag idea! Enjoy your Tuesday!!!

Linking up here:

Supplies:

Jute bag - The Container Store

Fabric - Stampin' Up: Flirtatious Designer Fabric

Onesie Sticker - SRM Stickers: We've Got Your Invite - Baby Girl

Sentiment Sticker - SRM Stickers: We've Got Your Border - Baby Girl

Paper - Carta Bella: Paris Girl by Samantha Walker

Felt Flower - Pink Paislee: Daily Junque

Doily - Michael's Craft Store

Brand and pearls - Creative Charms

The Target Dollar Bin!

Target is my second home!

I'm always in there...and the first place I stalk is the dollar bin! It's right in front of the store and holds lots of goodies that you can alter.

I found this mini pink felt bin the other day. I altered it to give to one of my crafty friends. She loves to stamp, so I got her some Stampin' Up ink. I think the gift looks much better in this bin instead of a box...right?

I decorated the front with a fun embellie that I made from canvas and some Simple Stories goodies.

I also made an extra tag that I will attach to a gift bag for another friend.

I have another Target dollar bin treasure that I will share with you soon!

Stay tuned!!!

Linking to:

Craft-O-Maniac

Skip To My Lou

Alderberry Hill

Exciting Cafe News!!!

It's time to reveal my big news!!!

I am sooo EXCITED to be a new designer with The Play Date Cafe!

And I must say Wowza...this team is oh soooo

very talented. I am honored to be among such a group of ladies!!!

And to celebrate, I'm playing along with this week's Color Story.

{Isn't it gorgeous?}

I love to give Starbucks & Target gift cards and made a Gift Card Holder using the beautiful colors.

Here are the details of my project:

The coral fabric flower is from Prima.  

I used several soft yellow elements including the Stampin' Up birdie sticker.

A mint colored sentiment from Recollections

A tulip mini butterfly using my Martha Stewart Crafts punch

And a mini kraft bag and clothespin from Canvas Corp.

More NEW DESIGNERS will be revealed this week, so be sure to stay tuned to the PDCC Blog each day to see who they will be.

I can finally share that the VERY TALENTED Veronica Zalis, Lynn Adams, Anya Schrier, Jocelyn Olson, Amy Tsuruta, Connie Mercer, and Jackie Rockwell are new to the design team as well. Congrats ladies! Be sure to leave them some love!!!

These are exciting times for sure!

Can you see me SMILING all the way from Texas?

Hexagons - CAS Style

I've been wanting to do something fun with Hexagons for a while now!

Here's a CAS style card that I just made using this fun shape. I'm linking this up to the Moxie Fab World's Hooked on Hexagons Challenge and the City Crafter Challenge.

I cut these hexagons out and arranged them to be part of the focal point of the card. I then punched a butterfly and added a simple sentiment.

I wonder what shape will be all the rage next?

Hmmm...maybe triangles or octagons?

{what do you think?}

 P.S. - Big Announcement on Monday! :)

Card Supplies:

Patterned Paper: MME - Follow Your Heart

Butterfly Punch - Stampin' Up

Relax Card - Pretty Little Studio

Flutter on by Little Butterfly

I'm starting off the week with Butterflies and SRM Stickers!

My weekend was busy, busy, busy. I won tickets to the Big Time Rush concert. Rachel got a kick out of hearing mommy win on the radio. I'll have pics and a project featuring this group real soon!

After all of the boy band excitement, it was nice to hop back into my craft room and make this gift tag and card set. 

I used these fab products for this one:

Samantha Wallker Paper - Cuckoo 4 U Strawberry Love

 SRM Stickers - We've Got Your Border - Thanks

Stampin' Up - Butterfly punch

Stay tuned for more fun this week...

Supah Dupah Good Eats!

I'm having some fun on a Monday morning with some new tags that I made. I think I'll add these to some gift bags of baked goodies.

I'm playing along in the Inspired By Challenge. I've been wanting to join in on the fun over there for a while. I just love the inspiration photo. It reminds me of good home cookin'!

Have a Happy Monday!

Supplies: Tags (Pretty Little Studio); Patterned Paper (Pink Paislee: Daily Junque); Yellow Die-Cut & Homemade Stamp (Stampin' Up); Alpha Stickers (My Little Studio - Happy Go Lucky); Baker's Twine (The Twinery - Marachino); Pink Ribbon (May Arts)

Virginia's Shop Inspiration!

I'm such a big fan of Virginia Lu's so I had to play along in the fun challenge that she's got going on over on Yvonne's blog.

There are 3 inspirational photos that you can choose from. I chose this one because I just looove flowers!

Mother's Day is almost here!

I made these to give to my mom and some other wonderful mother's that I know. I used my Lifestyle Crafts Treat Box dies to make this.

I'm so glad that their dies work with my Big Shot. If you ever want to save 20% off then be sure to use the Promo Code "COKIE" when you order.

Here are some close-up shots of my treat box!

Thank you Virginia & Yvonne for a fun-filled challenge!

Monday Inspiration

Happy MLK day!

I hope that Dr. King's message continues to bring hope and inspiration to everyone!!!

Whew...last week was very busy on my blog. I had so many exciting announcements and projects going on that I decided to wait and reveal my new Lessology project to you today.

Be sure to join us for Challenge #9 -The Inspiration Board challenge.

I made this for a friend & kept the design clean and simple. The white panel is from a storage cube from Michael's craft store. The cube is falling apart and I didn't want to throw the pieces away, so I decided to upcycle it.

The chocolate colored vinyl bird is from Stampin' Up and the bottom border is from Creative Memories. I put some small clothespins in the upper left hand corner so that she can hang a photo or her "to do" list on that side of the board.

Hope you liked my little creation. I can't wait to see what you all make for this challenge. You  have until Sunday, January 22nd to link up. Be sure to visit LESSology (here) for all of the prize details.