Jen

Things I am thankful for right now PLUS free digital Kit

2011-09-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Well it’s been a long time since I’ve blogged and to be honest I have enjoyed the "break" (it was very needed and I am so glad I took it).

This weekend I find myself taking care of a sick little one while being sick myself. For the mothers out there you know this is exactly how it always goes the moment you go “down” so does the house and everyone else in it . . . mothers never get a day off :)

Today marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11 (photo taken a few years back). I like so many Americans will never forget this day. For the rest of my life (I am sure) I will never forget where I was or what I was doing. But more importantly I will never forget the great amount of pride I felt to be an American. I am ever so grateful to the service men and women that continue to protect this great country that I love. To all the Heroes that emerged that day – thank you.

This day also reminds me to be thankful – it reminds me to not rush through life but rather enjoy every moment and be thankful.

So as I found myself sitting around a lot this weekend watching endless cartoons, playing games, administering medication (you get the point); I decided to just enjoy the quiet moments.

During a quite moment, I plopped down with my laptop to create something (to be honest I was determined to create ANYTHING - because it's been months). Well this “something” turned into a mini digital kit filled with something I love – KRAFT paper :0

So here's a freebie for all of you ;) I hope you enjoy!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD 4 the love of Kraft

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone :)

2011-05-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Today I get to share my last assignment as a member of the GCD design team. It’s crazy to think that it’s already been a year – but time flies when you are having fun and being a design team member working with such talent this year has been truly fun! For our last assignment Heidi challenged us to make something to represent spring. Lately I have been having fun creating hair accessories for my daughter. Using some tulle, a large flower that I picked up from my local craft store and a felt embellishment from the Homespun Chic collection – this little flower came together quickly! Here’s Ashlee (my daughter) modeling her newest hair clip:

So what’s even more fun than having a new hair accessory for you? Well giving one as a gift of course! Using an old tin that use to hold flowers and one of the newest releases from GCD (funhouse collection) – I quickly altered the outside of this tin and placed the flower inside. My daughter is VERY excited to give this to her little friend that has admired many of Ashlee’s bows – I hope this puts a smile on her face!

Thanks for letting me share with you today – I wish GCD Studios and the new design team members a super fantastic year filled with lots of success and memories to last a lifetime.

Getting organized!

2011-01-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is off to a great new year! It's hard to believe that we are already 11 days into 2011! I wanted to pop in and say (a bit late I know) but Happy New Year Everyone!

I am doing a complete overhaul of my scrapbooking room! Cleaning things out and getting organized so I can be productive this year. As I am cleaning I am putting aside some fun things that I plan on giving away sometime in the next few weeks - so stay tuned for some fun giveaways!

Speaking of "fun scrapbooking goodness" with CHA right around the corner what are you looking forward to seeing? I will be creating a few things with the new releases from GCD Studios and I can't wait to share them soon!

Have a great day everyone!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-24T10:05:00.000-08:00

Just stopping in quick today to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday season! I personally will be celebrating Christmas with my family tonight and tomorrow so for those of you that celebrate Christmas - I want to wish you a VERY Merry Christmas! I know I have been a bit MIA lately - but life has just been insane (good insane but still insane!) and honestly I have lost a bit of my excitement with blogging lately -but I think this bit of a break has renewed my energy and I am looking forward to a new year with new changes and lots of exciting things to share with everyone!

I will leave you all with a picture of my kiddos this was part of our Christmas card this year:

I hope that all is Merry and Bright in your lives and I wish you all the best going into the new year!

How to make faux snow

2010-11-27T16:46:00.000-08:00

I have lived in several different parts of the country during my life and no matter where I am there's one thing that always puts me in the Christmas mood - Snow!

So today I want to share with you a little secret on how to make your own faux snow to add to all of your altered projects this winter!

Supplies Needed:
~ White paint
~ Salt - Coarse salt works and looks best in my opinion so think Kosher Salt
~ Disposable paper plate
~ paint brush - any kind will do

Step 1: pour a good amount of salt on your plate.

Step 2: Add white paint and stir with your brush until it looks like mud (when it looks like mud it's perfect)

Step 3: Apply it to your altered project and allow it to dry!

Yes - it's that easy!

Here's my finished altered bird house with my added snow!

Now what are you waiting for - go make your own snow!

'Tis the season

2010-11-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that the Christmas season is almost upon us again? It seems like time just keeps moving faster and faster - crazy.

We all get really busy during this time of the year and since I'm not perfect I sometimes forget someone on my "list" - not that I mean to but it just happens. So when Heidi challenged us this month to make something that we would give as a gift I added my own twist to it by adding "using things that can be found around my house". This way if you are anything like me and you need a gift in a pinch - here's an idea for you.

Using a recycled tin that use to hold chipboard I turned it into a hot chocolate gift set. Simply grab some cute GCD Studios Christmas papers, some embellishments, hot chocolate and marshmallows and you're set!

Here's my completed gift set:

Have a super day everyone!

Simple way to Distress and a Halloween project for you!

2010-10-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Jen here with a really quick tip/trick for you when you are distressing your altered projects. First tip is to save those make-up sponges ladies! That’s right they can become your best friend when it comes time to distressing your altered art and it’s also a great way to re-purpose something that was going to hit the trash can.

All you need is an old make-up sponge and some distress ink (I used black). Simply tap your sponge into the ink and then rub lightly onto the edge of your project – it’s that simple! For those of you that like visuals – here’s some photos ;)

For the finishing touches I used the cricut Mini Monsters cartridge, some GCD Paper (backsides from various lines) some vinyl and googley eyes. Here's my completed project:

Happy Fall Y'all with GCD!

2010-10-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Are you all decorated for Fall yet? I plan on getting my Fall decorations up this weekend – I can’t wait! I love everything about Fall!

This month each design team gal at GCD was asked to create two tags – one for Halloween and one for fall. Halloween through Christmas is my favorite time of the year! Not only do I love the weather but I also love creating cute little gifts for friends and family.

Tags for me pull a gift together – so that’s the spin that I ran with for these two tags.

Here’s a gift idea for Halloween. Simply grab your favorite sparkling apple cider, cover it with some cute paper (I used several back sides from various GCD Lines), add some cob webs, a spider, ribbon and of course a tag and you have one pretty cute gift! I created this simple easy “BOO” tag using the Chipart tool – so many uses for this tool!

I created my fall tag using the Chipart tool as well. I also used my copic markers and some vinyl to complete the project. I have wanted to make one of these paper pumpkins forever – and this just seemed like the perfect way to tie in this tag.

Well if you weren’t already in a fall mood – I am sure you are now! So let me be the first to say “Happy Fall Y’all!”

2010-09-06T02:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day Everyone!

If you landed on my blog today because of the GCD Blog Hop – welcome! If you are a regular reader of my blog – you need to check out the GCD Blog hop today! Not only will you see a lot of beautiful necklaces using the ChipArt tool and Melody Ross ChipArt necklaces but there are also 10 prizes up for grabs from GCD Studios! Woot!!! Sooo much fun!

I am having a hard time letting go of summer – so I was inspired to use a fun shade of yellow on my necklace. I then added texture to the chipboard using the GCD ChipArt tool! I love how this little tool can add so much texture and dimension to chipboard. To finish off my necklace I sprayed it with some tattered angels misting diamond misting spray and attached one of the sweetest little buttons from GCD.

Here’s my necklace:

If you would like to be entered into the drawings for the 10 prizes from GCD all you have to do is leave a comment on EACH of the designer's blogs today! Heidi (from GCD Studios) will be drawing out 10 winners from the comments left on the all the designer's blogs. Good luck!

Okay so the fun does not end here – you will want to hop on over to Diana's Blog to see her beautiful necklace! But before you leave make sure to leave me a comment so you will be entered into the drawing!

Have a super day everyone!

Monogram letters with the GCD ChipArt Tool

2010-09-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

We’ve caught the Jewelry bug this month at GCD and why not?!? – I mean jewelry truly is a girl’s best friend! If you don’t believe me ask my daughter she will concur -jewelry truly is the best thing ever!

Well since my daughter thinks it is and she has an ever growing collection I decided to make her a little jewelry box this month to match her room. Her room is blue, pink and white with butterflies everywhere – so the homespun line was the perfect touch for this little jewelry box. However, before I show you my completed jewelry box I am going to show you a technique that you can do using your ChipArt tool, some embossing powder, versa mark ink pad and of course you heating gun.

I love monograms so I decided to make one using the ChipArt tool this month. If you haven’t already thought of this – here’s yet another great thing you can do with this tool!

Supplies Needed:

1. Versa Mark Ink Pad
2. ChipArt tool
3. Embossing Powder
4. Heating Gun
5. Chipboard (I attached mine to a scrap piece of paper so it would be easy to hold and I would not get burned.)

Step 1: Cover chipboard with versa mark ink.

Step 2: Cover chipboard in Embossing powder and heat until it melts (will look like metal)

Step 3: While it’s still hot quickly add another layer of embossing powder and heat – repeat this process 3 more times

Step 4: Now take the chipart tool and stamp it into the versa mark ink – set aside and cover the chipboard 1 last time in embossing powder and heat.

Step 5: While the embossing powder is still hot take the chipArt tool and place it into the center of the chipboard and press down lightly and wait until it cools to remove it and you will have a nicely monogrammed chipboard piece.

And here's my finished jewelry box with my little "A" monogram:

I hope this gets your head spinning about all the possibilities of this tool!

Have a super crafty day everyone!

Who doesn't love Jewelry

2010-09-04T03:17:00.000-07:00

This month we are going crazy with Jewelry at GCD! We were each challenge to create a piece that we would wear using our ChipArt tool! A few weeks ago I was at my local craft store and I came upon this little silver bracelet. The bracelet had open slots where you could add in beads but when I saw it I thought Chipboard! I knew it would work perfectly with the Chipart tool making something similar to an Italian charm bracelet.

I decided to use my damask chipart stamp, some chipboard, and some paint. I then used some glossy accents to finish it off.

After painting the chipboard black I stamped my damask stamp into white staz-on ink. I then stamped the image onto each piece of the chipboard to finish the look. After letting them dry I added each peice into my bracelet using some E6000 glue and sealed each piece using glossy accents.

Here's my bracelet:

I hope that you will give this a try! Have a super day everyone!

. . . and they are off

2010-08-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

My two oldest headed back to school today! I have to admit that I was looking forward to the school year starting. Not that I do not love my kids to pieces because I do - but I think I am a better mother when I have a little time to myself.

That being said it's now 11:30 and Gavin (my youngest) is at a playdate and my house is soooo quiet and I secretly have to admit that I miss them like crazy right now. But I will let that be our little secret - shhhh don't tell ;))

So bright and early this morning we headed out for some pictures. My kids are starting to not like the crazy Mom with the camera everywhere they go - but I keep reminding them that one day they will realize just how lucky they are to have a crazy mom that cares to document their life moments. This statement is usually then followed up with "and until then you're just going to have to deal with it!

Jackson is in 5th grade this year! It's so crazy knowing that this will be his last year before he starts middle school! Poor kid - never fails he comes down with allergies right as school is starting (note the red eyes). Jackson is a little "TC" (too cool) for the school picture scene so I snapped a few (okay like 50 or so) before school. Here's a couple SOOC (straight out of camera).

Ashlee is growing like a weed and starting first grade this year. This is her first year attending school all day long. I am pretty sure she is going to come home pretty tired today. I took so many photos of her today because she's not "TC" (as defined by Jackson too cool) yet - LOL. However, because these are my kids and I am a protective Mama I have decided not to post any of her photos at her school. But here's a few SOOC (straight out of camera) shots of her this morning.

This last one makes me giggle! I told Chad that I am going to start sharing more of our "real moments" here - and this was such a real moment this morning. Not always smiles but it's all good :)

So after dropping the kids off for their first day Gavin, Chad and I headed to McDonald's for breakfast! A little "celebration" of sorts if you will :) Gavin was sure happy to have alone time with Mom and Dad - what a treat! He even pulled it over on Chad convincing him to slurge $2 on this little McDonald's toy (insert eye roll here).

Well it looks like I am going to have to get moving so I can actually accomplish something today.

Have a great Monday everyone!

How to make a Taffy Pin Wheel

2010-08-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Summertime is the perfect time for getting together with family and friends! I love hosting parties and my kids love having their friends over – to me there is nothing better.

When we host a get together – I love to have something extra special for the kids! Today I am going to share with you a quick and fun idea to make ahead for the kids for your next get together.

Taffy Pin Wheels:

Supplies Needed:
~ Taffy
~ Craft or floral wire
~ 3mm clear beads
~ GCD Pattern Paper
~ Scissors
~ Ruler
~ Skewers
~ Ribbon

Step 1:

Cut your pattern paper into a 4x4 inch square.

Step 2:
Using your ruler find the center point and draw a line from one point to the opposite point and then do it again to the other side (so you end up with and x on your paper) (oh and do this on the side that will not be showing ;))

Step 3:

Cut along the lines making sure to leave enough space in the center to fold up the sides.

Step 4: (optional) I found it useful to cut the corners off the end you are going to fold up to the middle because it's attached to a wire and putting a hole at the end can make it tear.

Step 5: Punch holes in the center and on one of each of the opposite corners.

Step 6:

On the non-pointed side cut off some floral wire and wrap it around the top. Add a round bead to the top (this is how your pinwheel will spin).

Step 7:

Put the wire through the center of the paper and fold up the corners by putting the wire through the holes to secure.

Step 8:

Attach another round bead to the center and pull up the remaining wire and then tuck back into the bead to secure.

Step 9:

On the pointed end add on the taffy by poking a hole into the taffy and "threading" it up onto the stick. When you are done adding the taffy cut off the pointed end with your scissors (to prevent small children from getting hurt). Tie a ribbon on the bottom and you are done.

There you have it - a super simple idea to brighten someone's day!

Have a super day everyone!

All through the town . . . and CHIPART tool giveway!!!

2010-08-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Before I share my project I have to tell you about the GCD Studios Chipart tool giveaway! I know you will love this tool - and guess what here's your chance to win one! woot! Check out all the details HERE

But wait . . . before you leave check out this layout about my town :)

For some reason I have the “wheels on the bus” song playing in my head today. Perhaps it’s the fact that I use to sing it for hours on end when my kids were toddlers or it could be that today is my turn to show you “all through my town”.

That’s right this month each of us will take a turn to give you a glimse of our town! I am really excited because it’s like a month of travel – virtual travel :0

So, how about “traveling” with me to Greeley Colorado:

While I might not be able to convince you to move to my town anytime soon – I think it’s a great place to raise a family and I may be partial here but Colorado really does have the most magnificent scenery and sunsets! Not to mention that we have 300 days of sunshine a year – I know snow plus sun!

My journaling reads:

We have lived in several different parts of the country during our 12+ years of marriage but Greeley, CO has been where we have called home now for the past 8+ years. While it took some getting use to (the smell of Montfort Beef) for the most party we have really enjoyed living here.

Some of our favorite things about Greeley include the closeness of the mountains, the small knit community, the beautiful parks and ton of outdoor activities. We also enjoy the local bakeries such as Eileen’s cookies and as well as local restaurants like Red
Dogs and Doughnuts.

Education is important to us (with 3 small children) and we have been very happy with the schools and teachers. Our three active kids also enjoy the various sports that the city leagues offer and I enjoy photographing them – so it’s a win for everyone.

While it’s true that you will not find any amazing theme parks or crazy local attractions in our community – the trade off is that it’s a safe and beautiful community to raise a family and that’s what’s most important to us. 7/2010

Thanks for letting me share a bit of my community with you today! Have a super day everyone!

I'm the August Cover Girl!!!

2010-08-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

Someone pinch me! I feel so honored to have my little altered bucket featured on the front cover of the August 2010 Simply Handmade Magazine! This bucket is made using the Artsy Urban Collection from GCD Studios - I love everything about this line!

Last Thursday night I received a call from Heidi Sonboul saying - um did you know that you are on the cover of the August issue?!? Um no! I have been so busy with my kids that I haven't had any downtime (something I am sure most mother's can relate to). Anyway, the issue is out at stores now - so head out and grab yourself one!

Some projects

2010-08-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you are enjoying an amazing weekend with your family! I know we sure have had a nice weekend filled with lots of laughs and memories - awh summer :)

Speaking of summer I never planned on being the mom that wished her kids were going back to school but I have to admit this summer has been a bit tricky with the 3 kiddos and I am really looking forward to a normal schedule again. Although with that being said I am sure I will be tearing up when it actually happens. (but the upside is that I will have lots more to share with you and craft for that matter since I will have more time to think about something other than playdates, swimming lessons, and entertaining kids 24/7 ;))

Today I have a few projects to share that I created using momenta products! (and since my family is waiting on me to head out for a bike ride - I will just share these quickly).

So here they are:

I used my unity stamps on this one . . .

Travel Notebook - awh I wish I was on a cruise right now . . .

A layout:
A gift set . . .

And a card . . .
Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Lots coming this week (I promise) so check back :)

Let's make a scrabble pendant!

2010-07-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

My daughter loves jewelry! She seriously loves jewelry - no joke. My husband and I are always teasing that we pity the guy that dares to marry this little princess because he is going to have very empty pockets :) (something my husband can attest to ;))

With my daughter's birthday coming up I was thinking about favors that we could make together to give out to her friends (who all happen to also love jewelry *smile) armed with her help, some awesome GCD Studios paper, and a few key supplies - Ashlee and I sat down to create some scrabble pendants we hope her friends adore!

So if you have ever wondered how to create these little scrabble pendants - you are in luck because I am going to show you how to do it today!

Supplies Needed:

Mod Podge
Craft Scissors
Exacto knife
Jewelry Bail
Diamond Glaze
A Pin
A good quality paint brush
E-6000 glue (or other jewelry glue)
Scrabble tile

Step 1:Choose your paper or design a design of your own using photoshop. I choose to cut out a heart from one of the GCD Papers lines called Zippity (#419 Hearts).

Step 2:
Apply an even layer of mod podge to the backside of the scrabble tile (the side without the letter) and place your paper on top. Let it dry and then using your exacto knife cut around the outside edges to make it even with your tile.

Step 3:
Apply a thin even layer of mod podge over the top of the tile to seal the paper onto the tile. Allow to dry.

Step 4:
Now apply a good amount of diamond glaze to the tile. Start in the outer edges going completely around in a square and then fill in the middle. Be careful not to leave bubbles. If you do get a bubble - use a pin to poke it out.

Step 5:
Allow it to dry overnight or for several hours. This is important as it can take several hours for it to completely harden.

Step 6:

The next day or several hours later add the jewelry bail to the back using E-6000 glue (or other jewelry glue)

Here's the completed necklace (I decided to just purchase little chains at my local craft store):

These are not only super simple to make but they are (as my daughter would say) Sooo utterly fabulous - and a big hit for little girls!

So there you have it a super simple idea for a birthday gift or favor!

Have a super day everyone!

GCD Studios Newsletter and a Giveaway!!!

2010-07-02T11:07:00.001-07:00

This week, we have one BIG give aways for our FUN News Letter!

Heidi and Heather in house just finished our July issue and it's ready to mail! We are so excited about it, because it's our best issue yet!

Here's how it works:

1)Sign up for the news letter here.... Inthestudio@gcdstudois.com

2)Then Leave a comment here over at GCD Studios Blog. (look for the post that says GIVE AWAY+ HAPPY 4th)

In the News letter you'll see the prize :)

Then on July 12th... Heidi will pick the winner!

I hope you all will enter!

Come sail away . . . bad blogger!

2010-06-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Summer is just crazy around here! So much going on and kids running in so many different directions! We also just got home from a extra long vacation - pictues coming soon (I hope) and I am also taking a photography class taught by the ever popular Karen Russell - trust me when I say she's an amazing teacher! Anyway, I wanted to get this little project up that I created using GCD Studios products - this was shared a few days ago on the GCD Studios blog:

* * * * * * * * * *
Today's is my turn to show you my take on this month's theme:

When I first saw these images I was drawn to the boats. Summer time for me is all about water, water sports and nice lazy vacations. There is something (for me anyway) just magical about a sail boat. I think on a nice day there is nothing more beautiful then watching a sail boat sail off until you can no longer see it.

Recently, I was at my local craft store and I stumbled across this little unfinished boat I was drawn to it and knew I had to take it home. After painting my little boat white, I paired it with some yummy GCD papers to make the sails.

Here's my little Sail Boat:

Well I wish you each smooth "sailing" today! Have a happy day!

Summer time and the days are busy!!! Father's Day gift idea using GCD Studios

2010-06-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you all but the days are just flying around here - I haven't had a minute to even create or post on my blog lately! Summer can be so challenging :) Anyway, here's a project that was shared a few days ago on the GCD blog - I hope you enjoy it :)

With Father's Day right around the corner it's likely that you are wracking your brain trying to figure out a gift for that special guy in your life. If you are anything like me, you're busy and sometimes finding the special gift gets accidentally pushed off until it's a bit too late.

I created this project for all of my procrastination friends :) Here's a quick little "man" gift (equivalent to a man picking up flowers) that with just a few key supplies he'll think you had this planned for days :)

Supplies Needed:
~ jar of nuts - any kind
~ GCD Studios Papers and Embellishments (I used Artsy Urban - it has great colors that are perfect for men).
~ Adhesive
~ Trimmer
~ Scissors
~ Ribbon
~ Printed Digi Stamp (I am sharing the one I created here in this post - so grab it for free!)

Here's the completed altered Jar:

So have you been wondering how you could create your own digital stamps? Well I am going to show you how using Photoshop CS3. Here's how I created the one I used on this little altered can.

Step one: Open a new file in photoshop. Size it at about 2x2 inches.

Step two: In the tool bar on the left hand size click on the custom shapes button and then at the top of your page click on the "paths" (see arrow)

Step 3:

From the pull down menu select any shape you wish. Your stamp will take on this shape - so choose one that you like.

Step 4: (I selected a basic circle) now draw out the shape onto your workspace - it will look like this when you are done.

Step 5: On the left hand side toolbar select your text button and click on the outside of your drawn out shape and start typing.

Step 6: You can adjust the size at the top using the basic sizing tools.

Step 7: (optional): I formed another layer and typed in "Happy Father's Day" in the center. I also drew out a few other circles using the basic "stroke" function to add a bit more interest to my stamp - here's the completed stamp. Now all I have to do is print and punch it out using my spellbinders or hand punch.

Do you like this digital stamp? Click HERE to download it for free!

Happy creating!

Happy Memorial Day - and a few projects to share!

2010-05-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day everyone! I hope you are enjoying some quality time with those you love the most!

So far we have had a super fun day. We headed out really early this morning so that my hubby could run in the Bolder Boulder which is a 10K race. He reached his goal coming in well under an hour - so proud of you honey!

This race was CRAZY - and so crowded so I only was able to capture this one photo of him after the race:

Afterwards we headed over to a BBQ with some family and now we are finally home. I wanted to share a quick post of a few projects using Momenta products.

Here's a digital layout: (this digital kit will be available in the store soon):

Cards are super simple to put together using Momenta pre-folded cards, cardstock and embellishments:

My son and daughter will be having a swimming birthday party in just a few weeks - I used some product to alter some soda bottles and make some invites:

I was also lucky enough to get to play with their new Valentine Line that is coming out - here's a sneak peek of this upcoming line:

Well we are going to wrap up the night watching a movie together - enjoy the week everyone!

2010-05-22T20:49:00.001-07:00

*Update* I have received several emails about where I purchased this little house and it looks like there are a few postings wondering about it too - so I thought I should answer right here on this post.

I purchased this little house in the unfinished wood section at my local Michaels craft store - I painted it black - I hope that clears it up :)

Miss me? Wow life has been nothing but a whirlwind lately! My kids are finally out of school and I am looking forward to some long relaxing summer days!

It was my turn to share over at the GCD Studios blog today - so if you missed my project over there here it is :

Inspiration comes in so many different forms! One of my favorite things about crafting and the sharing communities about crafting is the fact that each artist has their own twist, spin, or flair even when they are given the same inspiration piece.

This month we were asked to draw inspiration from these little nested dolls:

There is so much to be inspired by here: patterns, textures, colors, materials, etc. The first thing that came to my mind was just how much fun these little dolls are to play with and how many different sizes are inside the main doll.

I decided to create a project that:
1. Used a lot of fun color and texture.
2. Had a lot of pieces or in this case compartments.

Here’s what I came up with:

What do you see when you look at these little dolls? Why not sit down and create something amazing today.

Have an amazing weekend everyone!

My turn over at the GCD Studios & another quick gift idea

2010-05-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

Today was my turn to post over at the GCD Blog - if you missed it here's my project!

As another school year draws closer to the end I am reminded about all of the last minute things I need to get done! There are book reports, field trips, performances, kindergarten graduation, I could go on and on but I will spare you. The end of the school year is a crazy time at my house and I am sure for you it is too.

As the end of the school year gets closer I start to think about clever little gift ideas, something that will let my kids teachers know just how much we appreciate them without breaking the bank.

This year I also have been trying to re-purpose various items and do my part to be a little bit more green, because heavens knows around my house it seems we waste way to much. Today I have a little treat container that I am going to share with you made out of an “up” cycled food can. With just a little bit of supplies, you too could create one!

Supplies Needed:
1. Crop-a-dile
2. Pliers
3. Paper Trimmer
4. Gauge Wire
5. GCD Pattern Papers, embellishments, etc.
6. Food Can (wash and sanitized)
7. Ribbon, filler
8. Adhesive
9. Pen, etc.

Step 1:

You need a recycled food can. This one happens to be a green bean can but you can use any can that you wish. Make sure that you do not have sharp edges on your can – my can opener cuts the entire lid off of the can so there are not any sharp edges exposed. Remove food and sanitize. I sanitize mine in my dishwasher - I actually have a sanitize cycle so that is what I use.

Step 2:
Cover the inside and outside with pattern paper. Also, cover the round bottom by cutting a circle either with your die cutting machine or paper punch. Note: when you cover the inside I found it works best if you apply your adhesive and then roll up your paper like this:

Step 3:
Using your crop-a-dile punch two holes into your can on opposite sides.

Step 4:

Cut off a good about of gauge wire (I purchased mine at Home Depot- click here to see the wire online) and wrap it around a pencil or pen to make some curls in it. Attach it into each hole and secure it by using your pliers.

Step 5:

Embellish and fill with candy or a small gift.

Here's my finished project:

I hope you will give it a try! Have a super crafty day!

"Snicker" all you want....it's Teacher Appreciation week!

2010-05-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday! This week is just flying! So much going on with my kiddos getting out of school in just 2 weeks! It's crazy time around here!

Teacher appreciation week is this week and as I mentioned earlier in the week I have a few more simple gift ideas to share with you this week.

Today I have a quick and easy gift idea if you are in a time crunch! I even created a free digital stamp for you to use! How fun is that?!?

Anyway, here's my little gift idea using some bite sized snickers bars, the cute digital stamp that I made (and am giving out for free here), along with a little acetate box that I made: (sorry about the photo it's tricky to photo acetate).

If you want to make this cute little box - check out this tutorial over at splitcoast stampers (click here to be directed). While I followed this tutorial pretty closely, I did change it a bit by tying my ribbon around the entire box. This saved me some time since I was making a few of these.

Here's the free digital stamp - enjoy! Click on the link just underneath it to get the full size image. Use your punch or spellbinders to cut it out and you are set!

Click here to download this digital stamp

I have another quick idea that I will be sharing tomorrow - so stay tuned if you are looking for more ideas.

Have a super day everyone!

Scrapstreet & Couture Cardstock

2010-05-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

So if you haven't heard the newest issue of Scrapstreet Magazine is ready to be viewed. If you haven't check it out yet, why not? It's free! Yes, it's true FREE! and chalked full of AMAZING projects that will get your mojo flowing for sure. This magazine keeps getting better and better - so head on over to www.scrapstreet.com to check out the latest issue or click here to be directed.

Now before you run off on me - when you get over there make sure you check out my monthly column "showroom" this month it's all about the essential in your scrapbooking wardrobe . . . Cardstock. I love cardstock - and I need it in every shade - so imagine how exciting it can be to get to work with Couture Cardstock! I LOVE Couture Cardstock and I think you will too - their product, prices and service just can not be beat! Check out what the designers did this month with the Couture Cardstock product - you will be amazed!

Here's a few projects that I have in this month's issue using Couture Cardstock:

Here's a little chalk board frame that I altered - I will be giving this out this week to my daughter's teacher for teacher appreciation.

Here's a layout about my son Gavin - Did I mention he loves ORANGE?

Here's a couple of quick cards using Couture and Unity stamps - I have finally given into unity stamps and decided I needed them in my life ;)

Did you know that scrapstreet also has open "calls" for submissions? Click here to check out all of the current calls!

What are you doing this week for teacher appreciation? Do your kids have a special teacher that you want to do a little something for this week? I have a few more quick and easy ideas that I hope to share in the next couple of days - so stay tuned if you are looking for a last minute give idea.

Happy News to share on NSD!

2010-04-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

Happy National Scrapbooking Day! What are you going to do to celebrate today? I have a few projects that I plan on finishing up today for Teacher Appreciation Week next week. If the weather behaves I will share one (or two) of them with you tomorrow (since I will have a cricut cut file to share! I know shocking! it's been a while) I also would love to get my Mother's Day cards made - can you believe next week is Mother's Day? The only thing crazier is the fact that my kids will be out of school in just 3 weeks - where has this school year gone?!?

Well I also have some SUPER exciting news that I can FINALLY share today! I was asked to join the Momenta Design Team!!! Awh that feels better - I have been keeping that secret for about 2 weeks now - that was a hard one! If you are not familiar with their products you will want to check them out this month because they are launching their new consumer online store (so you can purchase products directly from them). Woot! Also, today and all month long you can use this coupon to get 20% off your entire purchase!

Here's a few other fun things worth checking out today:

GCD Studios is also offering up 3 amazing Pads of paper! If you want a chance to win the Independence line, Homespun Chic or Artsy Urban make sure to head on over to the GCD Blog and enter for your chance to win! (click here to be directed over there)

Scrapstreet.com is also having a fun blog hop today - lots of challenges and prizes given away so make sure you check it out! Click here to be directed to the Scrapstreet Blog. (click here to be directed to the blog)

Whatever you are up to today I hope you get to have a little time to be creative and enjoy what this hobby is all about.

Phone Message Board Tutorial Using GCD Homespun Chic Collection

2010-04-26T07:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday everyone! Today is my day to share over at the GCD Blog. Our theme this month is all about spring and I took that into this project as well - if you missed it over there, here's my little phone message center.

Here's my post and project:

For some reason (and I think a lot of you can relate) each spring I start tossing things into boxes, cleaning out drawers, and going through everything trying to figure out how to get my house organized better. Each year I try to fight it – but the “bug” of spring cleaning always wins!

This Spring I am determined to find a better way to organize my life. Since I serve as the volunteer coordinator at my kids' school – I get a lot of calls. While I tell my kids and hubby to “just let the machine pick up the messages” they always seem to be caught off guard when the calls start rolling in – and let’s just say they are not the best at remembering who called, or where they placed that message they know I will need – awh I love them ;)

So – in the spirit of getting more organized this spring I designed a little phone message board that will be sure to make remembering who I need to call back that much easier.

For this project you will need the following:

1. GCD Pattern Paper (I chose to use the Homespun Chic collection by Melody Ross)
2. GCD Brads (Again I chose to use the Homespun Chic collection by Melody Ross)
3. 6x6 cork board
4. Ribbon
5. A Stapler
6. A 6x6 Shadow Box
7. Scissors
8. Crackle or white paint
9. Sand Paper or a Paper File
10. A Ruler
11. Pen or Pencil
12. Pins

Step 1:
Prep your shadow box. My shadow box came with a hard plastic pane – so the first thing I did was remove it. I then slightly sanded off any imperfections in the wood to prep for painting. I then painted my shadow box and set it aside to dry.

Step 2:Using your ruler find the center point on your cork board – mark it. Cut off 6 pieces of ribbon large enough to cover the front and wrap around the back of your cork board. Then take your first ribbon starting in the upper left hand corner and stretch it across your center point to the lower right hand corner. Now using your pins – pin it to each corner so it doesn’t move. Next, take 2 ribbons and place them to each side of the middle – you can either eye ball this or measure it – but you are going to pin these ribbons so that you have even space from the edge and the middle ribbon. Pin and secure. Turn your cork board and repeat the process for the last 3 ribbons (finding center) and then placing the remaining two.

Now take your brads and place them over the top of the 2 intersecting ribbons (see picture) secure these to the back by flatting them out.

Take another piece of cork board and place it on the back side of the first cork board. Pull up each ribbon tightly and staple each strain to the back. Trim off the excess ribbon.

Step 3:
After your box is dried – place your cork board inside and decorate the outside with pattern paper. There you have it – a phone message center that will keep you organized this spring!

Have a super Monday everyone!

My new baby and the winner is....

2010-04-19T09:21:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday everyone I hope you are off to a super week! We have a big announcement at our house - we have a new baby boy . . . well he's not really a baby he's already 5 but we have a new little boy at our house :) His name is Simon and we rescued him from the animal shelter this weekend!

This is a HUGE leap for our family because we have never really been "big pet people" but this little guy has melted our hearts - he's so sweet and we have fallen in love with him! There are so many sweet doggies in need out there so if you have room in your home/life you should really check into adopting a doggie from your local shelter!

Here's a little picture of Simon - he's not the best at holding still for a photo and when he is holding still he's a bit shy. (we are so going to have to work on that one ;))

So there were 19 people that entered the drawing for the pins and using random.org the following number was "pulled" this morning:

Toni - you are the winner! Woot! email me at jenthecrazyscrapbooker@hotmail.com and I will get this right off to you!

Have a super week everyone!

Playing along at CPS and a giveaway (because it's tax day)!!

2010-04-15T13:43:00.001-07:00

Happy Thursday Everyone!! I guess for some of us today isn't all that happy since it's tax day! I hope you all had better luck then we did! We are having to pay big time this year - so not fun!

Today I have a little card to share. I have followed CPS (Card Positioning Systems) for a while now and have never actually made anything with any of their sketches! I know - crazy! Anyway, this week I was determined to play along. Here's a little card that I made using Cosmo Cricket Material Girl line - this line is amazing and just as adorable as it looks! If you don't have it you need it!

Also, since it's tax day I thought I would have a little give away! I ended up with a few sets of these Tim Holtz pins - so I would like to give a set away!

All you have to do is leave a comment on this thread and you are entered to win! woot! I will draw a lucky winner using random.org this coming monday morning at 9am MST - so you have until then to enter.

Creative Scrappers Birthday Bash Reveal

2010-04-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

So if you don't already know there is this super fun inspirational site call Creative Scrappers - each week they have a different sketch and each designer reveals their "take" on that weeks sketch - it really is a lot of fun, so if you haven't already you need to check it out!

This month Creative Scrappers is having a month long "birthday bash"! During this month long celebration they have invited 40 guest designers! I was asked to join in on the fun and be one of their guest designers this month and today my layout was revealed.

A little over a month ago I received a sketch - I would be lying if I said it didn't scare me a bit! There were so many photos much more than I normally would scrap on a one page layout. I also couldn't shake the fact that it looked like a "page 2" to me of a double page layout. I had a hard time shaking that feeling. However, I felt super excited because I knew the sketch artist - she is a fellow Scrapstreet Magazine sister - awh love ya Linds.

What do you think? Here's the sketch:

Here's my take on this sketch:

Isn't my little Gavin the cutest evah? Awh - I wish I was on the beach right now! I think I am suffering from a bit of the winter blues! Part of the fun of living in Colorado is the fact that the weather changes all the time - right now I am enjoying (ha) some of the worst winds ever! - it's enough to make one crazy!!!

Have a super Tuesday everyone - I'm blowing outta here like the wind . . .

First GCD reveal - spring break continues

2010-04-05T14:20:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone - today is my first GCD "reveal" - go check it out all the details of my project on the GCD Blog

Here's a look at my project:

Here’s a close up of the popsicle stick – notice how I used the Chipart tool to add some dimension to an otherwise flat object:

Here’ a close up of the bird – can I just say how much I LOVE the chipart tool & the Sparrow Alphabet!

On the "home front" spring break is still in full swing around here - is it bad to say that I am ready for monday? and not just for my kids - but for my husband to head back to work too!

Have a super weekend everyone!

Happy Easter (a bit early) and a who wouldn't want to win!

2010-04-03T19:45:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone! Just a quick post to say "I'm still alive" LOL! Life has been crazy busy this week! I was going to take some pictures of my studio to show you how busy I have been creating - but my husband said there's no way you are going to share that! He's a bit of a clean freak - LOL (love you babe).

I also wanted to wish everyone a Very Happy Easter! I hope that you are able to enjoy time with those you love the most!

Also, if you don't already know over at the GCD Studios blog the design team has started to "reveal" what we have been working on - you will be inspired so make sure you check it out (click here to be directed to the blog).

While you are over there make sure to enter for your chance to win the beautiful Ava collection! Trust me this is a must have line!

Here's a preview of it: (Click here to learn how to get your name in the "hat")
My kids are out of school this week for Spring Break so wish me luck with keeping sane and keeping them happy. I have a lot of projects to complete this week so I hope they will play nice with me ;) LOL!

OH Happy Mail day :) and a card to share

2010-03-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

WOW! oh Wow - today was a fun mail day! Don't you just love it when the "happy mail" guy comes to your door? Is there anything better - I mean we all get our fair share of bills & junk mail - so when happy mail comes it's worth sharing, right?

Today I received a very stuffed 19 pound (yes 19 pound) box of goodies from GCD Studios! HOLY GOODNESS is all I can say! This box was chalked full of so many yummy goodies! GCD has really spoiled their design team! I am working on getting it all organized and put away so I can start to create! There will be plenty of GCD projects to share soon - so stay tuned!

Just as I was starting to open the box - I stopped and thought you know I should take a few photos. I am sure I do not have to explain to you why a scrapbooker would take photos of a box - (LOL) so we will just let my pictures do the talking ;) Here's my box:

. . . and here is an inside view:

I also have a little teacher card to share today. I have been playing with my "life's a beach" cricut cartridge (a lot lately) and fell in love with this little submarine. While it didn't fit into the project I was working on - I decided to play off of the word "Substitute" and make a card for my kids teacher. How cute would this be with a little subway gift card inside? I know total cuteness! With teacher appreciation week coming up this will definetly be going out to the teachers!

Well we are off to soccer practice! Enjoy your night everyone.

Couture Cardstock and the Chip ART Tool by GCD & Scrapstreet Design Team Call!

2010-03-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

This month is just zooming! For those of you that don't know Couture Cardstock is having a month long challenge contest over at their blog. Each day they list a new challenge and you have that day until midnight to complete the challenge and link back to their blog - lots of cardstock is being given away this month!

Couture offers an amazing variety of cardstock and for all of you cricut lovers out there - it cuts like butter in your machine! I personally love all of the textures, colors,and weights that are offered!

Anyway I finally was able to play along today! The challenge today was to use a vintage image on any project. CarrieAnne from Couture posted today's challenge and shared with us a free vintage image site - and I was more than happy to check it out! Wowsies - there are some beautiful images - so make sure to check it out! (link here)

After looking through the blog - I found the perfect image of baby and mother and decided to make a little card for my Sister- in- law that just had a baby. So with my super sweet vintage image I simply printed it out on a sheet of the amazing one sheet wonder by Couture Cardstock! If you love to use copic markers you MUST get this paper - I would never color without it - not even kidding! In fact I think this is my new "horde item" (yes, I have hording issues but that's a whole different story! LOL)

Anyway, here's my little card - lots of copic coloring going on here:

You might also notice the cute little "congrats" on the bottom. I was playing with my new ChipArt tool by GCD Studios - um wow this tool is amazing and a bit addictive!

So how would you love to be a part of an amazing design team? and get to write for a cutting edge online magazine? Check out the details:

Details:ScrapStreet.com Magazine Team Call
Date: April 10, 2010
Note: ScrapStreet.com Magazine is looking for fun and creative designers who love to scrapbook to add to our team. Traditional, hybrid, digital, layout, card, and altered artists are all encouraged to apply.

The Job:
Our team publishes a monthly ezine with thousands of subscribers and a 5 year history. We love finding and showcasing talented scrappers and beautiful products. If you are selected for our team, you will write a monthly article which will include selecting and requesting the work of designers, combining the work into an interesting article, and meeting your
deadline.

You will also receive products at least 6 times a year from a variety of manufacturers and will scrap several items to showcase their lines. It is an excellent opportunity to increase your visibility in the scrapping community while having fun.

To Apply:
Send the following to designteam@scrapstreet.com
- contact information
- a short statement of why you are interested in joining us.
- 3 of your favorite creations showcasing your style.
- a link to your blog.
- a link to your gallery.

Check us out: www.scrapstreet.com

If you think you have what it takes - I hope you will apply!

Well my hubby is calling - we rented "New Moon" - gotta love a guy that will watch that with you, right :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Blog Candy Winner (where are you?!?) - a project - and a GCD Toot!

2010-03-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

I have a fun"TOOT" tonight :) I received an email from Paige today requesting one of my projects that I made recently using the Artsy Urban line by GCD Studios! It will be in the Simply Handmade Aug/Sept 2010 issue! The email couldn't have come on a better day - this week has just been nuts with all the running! Last week my entire family was sick and you know how far behind you can get when everyone is sick :( Not fun! But we are on the mend and I am almost caught up.

Now that I am about caught up - I have an itch to create something! What are you up to this weekend? Have any fun craft plans? Projects you hope to finish up? I was lucky to receive the new Chip ART tool from GCD Studios toward the end of last week - and as I said earlier having a house full of sickies - I didn't get a chance to really play with my new tool yet - so that is on the top of my list for this weekend! I can't wait to share with you what I think about the tool and of course share the things that I am able to create with it. If you haven't had a chance to check out the tool by GCD - head on over to the GCD Studios blog (http://gcdstudios.blogspot.com/) - Heidi shared a demo video this week and the adorable Melody Ross is featured showing off the tool! She has an amazing style and this new chip art tool reflects it!

A few weeks ago I received the "forever young" cartridge from Provo Craft. This is the cartridge I chose from my spotlight in the chirp newsletter recently. This cartridge has so many fun cuts on it - but when I saw the little purses I had to make one. Here's a little purse I made using this cartridge and some Jillibean Soup Pattern papers that I have had for a while now (feels good to use up old stuff)

So I can't get in touch with my blog candy winner (Debbie). So far Debbie hasn't stepped up to claim her prize. Debbie I have tried to contact you - if I don't hear from you in 1 week - I am going to have to draw out another winner :( I hope you will see this posting and step forward to claim your prize this paper wants to feel some love!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! and GCD Spotlight Gals!

2010-03-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is Friday already! I have had a house full of sickies all week - and I am really looking forward to the nice weather we are supposed to have this weekend! Comon' Sunshine!!!

I am also hoping to make an "appearance" in my craft room this weekend (LOL!) Man have I missed creating this week - so with kiddos on the mend I think I deserve some me time - what do you think?

Speaking of creating and being creative - have you checked out the GCD Blog this week? If not you need to! There are several gals that were spotlighted this week - and um wow - you need to see these projects! (click here to head on over there).

Also, it's not to late to WIN the super fun amazing GCD CHIP Art tool! Do you see that blinkie on my blog in the upper right hand corner? Well all you have to do is add one on your blog and leave a comment HERE to be entered - you have until Sunday! You can also stop by any Archiver's and take a photo of yourself with the new tool to win it!!! You can find out about that by clicking HERE too! So 2 chances to win - so if you haven't entered, WHY NOT?!?!

So I get to give a box of paper away today! Wooot! I love giving things away I think it's soooo addictive and fun! Anyway, using Random.org today I pulled out this number:

And the winner is:

Woohooo! Debbie! send me your mailing address to jenthecrazyscrapbooker@hotmail.com

Have an amazing weekend everyone!

So excited to be a part of the GCD 2010 Team! & a paper giveaway!

2010-03-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

Someone pinch me – I’ve been asked to be a part of the GCD 2010 Design Team!

Friday morning when the calls were going out 1 by 1 – I was online watching the postings go up – call 1….call 2….call 3…the phone was not ringing on my end. I looked at my phone and said “ring phone…please ring” and it rang! Not even kidding –right as soon as I was done saying those words my phone rang! LOL!

I looked at the caller id and it said “Heidi Sonboul” so I quickly answered the phone by saying “are you serious”! followed by a lot of screaming and then we both started laughing. I am sure that Heidi might have thought that she called a crazy person – but I just couldn’t help it!

I am beyond thrilled to be a part of this amazing team! And look forward to working with all of these amazing and talented crafters!

Over the weekend, I knew I needed to do some more purging in my studio to make room for GCD products. I cleared out a pile of paper that comes up to my waist! I have been so lucky to have work with some amazing and generous manufacturing companies over the last few years – and boy have they spoiled me but I simply can not use it all.

Last night I was talking with a friend about what I could do with all of this paper and she said “why not have a giveaway on your blog”. Which reminded me of my promised giveaway last weekend. So here’s what I am going to do. There are too many companies to name – but I will tell you that a lot of the paper is from Scrappin’ Sports and More – however, I promise to do a good mix. I am going to fill up a flat rate box full of paper!!! And send it to 1 lucky winner this week!!!

If you want to be entered into this drawing – all you have to do is leave me a comment here on my blog before this Friday at 8am MST! I will then draw a winner using random.org and the paper will be on the way to you.

Have a super week everyone!

Feeling Thankful & the blog candy winner is....

2010-03-05T09:28:00.001-08:00

I am feeling thankful today –

and because what would a “thankful post” be without a thank you card. Here’s a little card I made this week when I was playing with some of my left over felt from a project I was working on at Christmas time.

I have so much to be thankful for:

For my little family
For my amazing friends
For my parents and my sisters and brothers

This week was a pretty busy week for us and to top it off it was also parent/teacher conference week at the school. I am happy to report that my kids are making amazing progress! It amazes me how much they change from each conference – I am so very proud of them – and feel humbled to be their Mom! They truly are amazing kids. My husband and I feel so blessed that our kiddos have such amazing teachers – and for that we are so thankful.

I learned a bit about myself this week too. Without going into too much detail – I am grateful that my parents instilled so many wonderful qualities within me by simply setting a good example for me. One thing that they taught me is that you always follow through with what you say you are going to do. I learned this week that not everyone learned this lesson while they were growing up – and unfortunately that leaves a lot of extra work for others. So I feel thankful they took the time to teach me some of life’s important lessons at a young age – after all we are all only as good as our word.

This week is also an exciting week for our extended family – I have a new little nephew! Since my brother and sister-in-law live over 8 hours from me I wasn’t able to meet the little guy yet – but I am looking forward to it! There is something truly magical about having a new little person to love.

I also feel really blessed to have such wonderful and supportive friends in my life. I have never been one that runs out and makes a million close friendships – but I will say the ones that I do have are amazing! And I feel so blessed!

I am humbled to have such amazing crafters that follow my blog and leave me such wonderful encouraging comments! If I haven’t said it before - Thank you! Your words of encouragement mean so much.

I wish I could pick each one of you to win something – but I simply couldn’t. So without further ado the winner of my blog candy is:

Staci – please send me a pm at jenthecrazyscrapbooker@hotmail.com and I will get your goodies off to you.

Now I know I said I would have another giveaway this week and also post some of my march freebie cuts – but life was just nuts this week – so stay tuned I hope to get it up soon :)

Have a super day everyone!

BBTB Blog Hop!

2010-03-01T00:00:00.001-08:00

Happy Monday Everyone! If you are still trying to wake up - and shake off those monday blues you are in for a treat! Today we are kicking off the month with our monthly BBTB blog hop! Woot!!! You know what that means - lots of inspiration which will get those creative juices flowing and challenge you to use those cartridges in your growing "cricut library"!

This week we were challenge by Carole to use the cupcake cut from either the doodlecharms or celebrations cartridge. Since I have really gotten a lot of use from my doodlecharms cartridge I decided to show some love to my celebrations cartridge. I messed around with a few different designs and then decided that I just was in a big 'ol cupcake mood - so I decided to just make a cute simple cupcake card. I cut this at 5 inches - and I think it turned out pretty stinkin' cute!

Playing off of the card shape I decided to add just a simple sentiment of "hi" - so I call this my "hi cupcake" card - get it :) Now I want a real cupcake - oh that sounds good!

Here's my card:

Well since we are "hopping" you know that means there is some blog candy up for grabs! I guess I am in a bit of a spring mood because I have a flower theme going on here.

To one LUCKY scrapper goes the following: (sorry about the photo but we are having more snow here in CO)

1 package of prima flowers - ooolala these are amazing! I think they are by far some of the best flowers prima has put out!

1 tin of Maya Road Flower Chipboard!

3 sets of stamps

22 Tags from various companies!

1 pkg of Flower Brads from Around the Block!

and here's a closer view:
If you want to be entered into this drawing - all you have to do is leave me a comment here on this posting before this friday (March 5th) at 9am MST. I will then draw one lucky winner using random.org and announce the winner on my blog later that day

Now the fun doesn't stop here - from here you want to visit Enfys blog for another chance to win! (click here for a direct link)

Have a super Monday everyone! Make sure to stop by later this week for another giveaway and to snag my freebie cuts for March!

A Few more projects to share

2010-02-23T08:42:00.000-08:00

So let me explain - obviously this is a "before picture" but what is it? Well it's a cd holder actually that I found when I was out and about - but I saw something else.

This past Christmas I was on a roll - I was going to get all of my Christmas shopping done early. I found the PERFECT doll house for my daughter! I was thrilled! I always wanted a doll house when I was a little girl - and since that didn't happen for me I was determined it was going to happen for my daughter. So when I saw it online - I ordered it!

Well a week or so later guess what - the doll house came. When I answered the door my daughter was right behind me and the doll house box was in full view. They did not put it in any sort of "hidden" box - nope it came in a box with a HUGE picture on the front showcasing this doll house. She was thrilled- I was heartbroken! I knew in that moment it would have to go back because Santa could no longer bring it to her unless I wanted to have the "talk" with her early :( So back went the doll house.

Fast forward to me seeing this little case and the creative juices started flowing....here's what I came up with.

A grouping of the pieces:

The table was also "unfinished" I painted it white to match and then "dressed" it up with pattern paper from GCD Studios.

This bed makes me giggle! It was an old pinewood derby car before - not even joking! Look at it now - isn't it so cute! I couldn't resist adding in a little rug for the cat - oh my Mom would be so proud to see me crocheting (thanks Mom for being so patient with me - see I did learn LOL)

Here's a close up of one of the chairs:

I also have a little mini book to share. I have been wanting to create a little book about myself for a while now. I think it's important to scrapbook about yourself - and if you are anything like me you often forget to do it.

Here's my little mini book using the "Artsy Urban" line from GCD Studios (I {Heart} this line - not even kidding!)

The inside pages tuck into the book and the book closes - this picture is kind of small but you get the point:

Here's a close up of one of the pages. I really wanted to focus on my journaling on these pages:

Well the laundry is not going to do itself I guess - so I better get to it. Have a super day everyone and thanks for stopping by :)

A few projects to share - long post - lots to share ;)

2010-02-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

So this weekend was filled with snow . . . snow. . . snow and the sickies! Not really my kind of weekend! I allowed myself plenty of rest, lots of medication and 3 boxes of tissue and I think I am on the mend.

Well the weekend wasn't a total wash - in between naps I was able to get a few projects finished up.

This week over at BBTB2 we were challenged by our fellow design team member Sandi to use the little elephant cut from the everyday paper dolls cartridge found on page 75. I have to admit I struggled with this one - this little guy does not have a shadow feature! I decided to use my design studio to take off all of the little markings - you can do this by right clicking on each of the "detail markings" and selecting hide contour.

I kept it pretty simple after that - no layering - nothing - just decided to use the basic shadow cut to join 2 elephants together and play off of the word "tons". Isn't this paper and chipboard the cutest ever - it's from Crate Paper.

Anyway, here's my take - you need to head on over to the BBTB2 blog to check out the others - my fellow design team sisters are so much better with whimisical then me - trust me you will be inspired!

I also had a chance to play with some of GCD Studios papers. I played around with the Artsy Urban - I love this line! It's papers mix and match so well. Here's a little altered bucket that I made by cutting and rolling some paper to form flowers. I then added in some prima bling and leafs that I have had in my stash for a while (feels good to use up that stash!). I also have a little altered book that's "all about me" that I am excited to share later this week.

The Vintage Boy line was a lot of fun too! Gavin just had his birthday and he had a "buzz" party - this paper is perfect for invites, thank you notes and favors. It also is perfect for scrappin' the party itself.

I was also able to create a few other projects this weekend for Scrapstreet Magazine. We have some amazing companies sponsoring the magazine these next few months - I wish I could share but my lips are sealed! I will however, leave you with a little sneak peek of some projects I completed using one of of our upcoming sponsors....oh this was fun! Here's my projects:

So what do you think? Do you think you know which company this might be for? Make sure to check out our upcoming April issue to find out!

Speaking of Scrapstreet Magazine - did you check out the free February issue? It's chalked full of amazing projects that will inspire you! Are you looking to get published? We would love to include you in an upcoming issue...make sure to check out the current calls by clicking here.

Thanks for stopping by today! Have an amazing Monday and if you get a chance - stop back by later this week - I have so more projects to share with you :)

It came - It came - My Gypsy is here

2010-02-18T15:42:00.000-08:00

I held off - I swear I tried to fight it but I lost the battle last weekend when Oh My Crafts dropped the price of the Gypsy to $159! It was at this point that I realized I had to get it - I mean prices like these just don't happen everyday right :) So here I am in the middle of a Colorado snow storm playing with my new toy! I can't wait to share everything that I learn with my fellow cricut lovers! I feel like a "new kid on the block" again with a new cricut toy - haven't felt this way in several years!

BBTB Cutting Cafe Challenge & Cards Toot

2010-02-11T17:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday Everyone! I am starting my Monday late this morning because my entire family is home today! Since today is a holiday I get to enjoy the weekend with them a bit longer.

I have some fun news to share this morning! I found out late last week that one of my little cards was picked up by Cards Magazine! Woot! I am thrilled to be a part of the July 2010 issue! The card that was picked up - was one that I created just a few weeks ago and never got around to posting on my blog - so when the magazine comes out I will share it with you all.

This week over at BBTB2 we were challenged by Rene to use the double hearts from the wedding solutions cartridge and combine that with our sponsor this week which is the cutting cafe. If you are in the market for some digital stamps - you need to check out what Regina has to offer - amazing stuff I tell ya!

Well I am off to enjoy the day with my precious family - have a super week everyone!

BBTB Reveal - Wild Card Cartridge

2010-02-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

Ready or not we are starting a new week - if your house is anything like mine it's going to be a crazy week filled with lots of little valentine cards, treats, parties, and so much more - it all adds up to having lots of things to get done!

Well since Valentine's Day is coming this week - Peggy picked out the perfect little challenge for us this week. Using the Wild Card Cartridge she challenged to use the little heart card and envelope. This little card has a few different options depending on what you want to do - I decided to use the blackout feature and use up some valentine papers that I had left over from last year! I kept it pretty simple this week - tied some ribbon, added a flower and button and a few stitches and this was done - a very easy card that could easily be duplicated.

Here's a look at my card:

Have a happy week everyone - and if I miss telling you later - have a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Winner....Winner...Winner

2010-02-05T09:10:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone!

So there were 55 people that entered my drawing from the BBTB challenge. Using random.org the winning number is:

So comment 54 was......

Congrats Donna! Send me an email at jenthecrazyscrapbooker@hotmail.com with your mailing address and I will get your doodlebug flock right off to you!

A photo...and some exciting news :)

2010-02-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

This past summer I signed up for a course in photography through BetterPhoto.com - I hate to admit it but I never really committed to doing the classes. To be honest without going into great detail - things this summer just stunk - and I had a lot of personal things going on. I am happy to say that things are going so much better for me personally.

Although I messed up my course with Better Photo - I was determined to get into another class! I am determined this year to understand f-stop and shutter speed, camera lenses and so much more! I am determined to take better photos and finally be able to fully use this expensive camera my husband bought me :)

So - guess what! I am all registered for an upcoming class by Karen Russell! I could not be more excited! I am a big fan of her work - and I have heard so many amazing things from others that have had the privilege of taking her class! I was not able to get into the first class - as it filled in just 2 mins! But I am happy to say I am registered in her class starting at the end of June! If you are not familiar with her or her work - you will want to check it out (click here to do so)

This year I thought really long and hard about doing the 365 photography challenge - but
to be frank committing to something that big seemed pretty scary to me - silly I know - but still committing to take a photo everyday seemed like something that would be hard for me to keep up with - now of course a little over a month into it I wish I would of done it. YEP go ahead and roll your eyes will me - *giggle*.

So I have decided to try to take a new photo everyday for the rest of the year :) Heck - it's never too late to join in on some fun, right? Now I might blog about this from time to time - but I don't think I will blog every time I have a new photo to post - instead I am going to add a slide to the right side of my blog and add in my photos - I hope that you will enjoy viewing them and watching (hopefully) as my photography skills grow.

Now to get me started on my journey to better photos - I will leave you with a photo I took this afternoon of my sweet little girl. I took this photo (now keep in mind that I am new at this) in my AV mode the aperture is set at 5.6 and shutter speed at 1/200, ISO 200).

Have a super day everyone!

Freebie February!

2010-02-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday Everyone! The week is just flying! If you noticed today I changed the title of my "freebie" to freebie February. I have decided that realistically in order for me to have better balance in my life and enjoy more time creating I have decided to share a freebie on a monthly basis and if time allows I of course will share more ;). I hope you that you will continue to visit my blog and share with me what you make using my cut files.

So today I made this little "curved" template for you. It is sized to fit a standard card and is in 2 pieces - so you can layer them - add a simple little sentiment and an embellishment and you are good to go :)

Here's a preview of what you can download: (click here to download this cut file)

Have an awesome day everyone - and remember if you decide to download this cut leave me a comment here :)

BBTB Blog Hop!

2010-02-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone! I hope you are all off to a great start to your week! Today the BBTB2 team is having our monthly "blog hop" - so grab a cup of your favorite morning brew and your comfy chair and "hop" with us because each of the blogs today will be offering some "blog candy"! Make sure to leave a comment on each of the blogs today for your chance to win!

*Now if you are "hopping with us today" you should have arrived from Jeri's blog - if not click here to go back because you don't want to miss her sweet little card - it's almost as sweet as she is!

This week we were challenge by Melissa to use the "Rabbit/bunny" cut for the winter woodland cartridge. I have to admit I picked up this cartridge as soon as it came out but I have only used it once - I know I know...it's an adorable cartridge - but to my defense I did pick it up at Christmas time and as we all know tis the season of crazy right? So I was very happy that Melissa issued us this challenge. For those of you that like to play along, please join us and upload your creation to the BBTB2 blog!

Since I am still on a "Valentine kick" (you should see my craft room right now -heart explosion I tell ya!) I decided to pair this little bunny with a digi stamp that I made using photoshop - and also the little bag from the Plantin School Book Cartridge! What an adorable little bag this is! I then used my design studio to place a heart in the middle. Using my cuttlebug and the ever so popular swiss dot folder I embossed some acetate. I then decorated my little bag with some of the cutest Pink Paislee pattern papers.

Here' s a look at my bag:

So now onto my blog candy!!! Up for grabs is this set of crushed velvet flock from Doodlebug Designs!:

If you would like to be entered into my "blog candy" just leave me a comment here on this posting - I will draw the winner using random.org this friday morning! Good luck to all that enter!

Now the fun doesn't stop here! From here you will want to head on over to Heather's blog - she has a creation today that will knock your socks off!

Have a super day everyone!

Happy Monday - BBTB Challenge Stamp from Sweethearts Cartridge

2010-01-25T01:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday everyone! I can't believe that this the last week in January already - I swear we just started this year and now we are almost a month into it! I remember thinking how slowly time moved when I was a child and now that I am a adult - I wish it would slow down!

So this week over at BBTB2 we were challenged by Marina to use the cute little stamp from the sweethearts cartridge that can be found on page 49. I have to admit - this cartridge is becoming one of my favorites - so if you have been holding out because you thought it was "just for weddings" think again it's a go to cartridge in my opinion.

I decided to keep it simple and allow the cut to become the base of my card. I had some of this sweet valentine paper from the MLYB line from last year that I decided to pull out and use up (I am trying to be better about using my supplies this year - it's either that or start building a house with all of my paper ;)).

The stamp and shadow layer were cut at 5 inches - this makes the perfect portrait size card - tied it off with some ribbon from Martha Stewart, threw on some bling by Heidi Swapp, and added a few hand stitches using my uniball signo pen.

Here's a view from the front:

Here's the View from the Side:

Thanks for stopping by today - I hope that you will head over to the BBTB2 site and play along with us - after all you know you wanna ;)

Have a super week everyone!

On a roll - Fun News :)

2010-01-20T20:15:00.000-08:00

For those of you that are wondering if I am going to be posting a freebie this week -I have to sadly say I haven't had any time to get to it - but I am hoping to have something to share with you all next week. I am also thinking that in order to have more balance this year I will be doing 1 freebie a month (but a bigger one kind of like I did last week) - stay tuned because I am going to be working out all the details and I will be posting them soon :) Thanks everyone for all the emails & comments they make my day :)

I also have some fun "news" to share tonight - and before the week gets away from me I thought I should share :) I had another project picked up by Scrapbook Trends this week! I love their magazine and I am already off to a good year with them - since both of my submitted projects this month were picked up by them - makes me think I should create & submit more :)

Also, less than a week ago I submitted a little project that I made for BBTB 2 weeks ago to the "chirp" Cricut Newsletter - and low and behold I received an email back saying that I would be featured as the spotlight for this week! The newsletter is now live so if you haven't had a chance to check it out - please do (click here to be directed). I am super excited because I have never submitted to the Chirp before - starting to think I should buy a lottery ticket or something! LOL

Thanks for letting me share my fun news! Have a happy week everyone!

Happy Monday - BBTB Challenge and Hop

2010-01-11T02:00:00.000-08:00

Gavin (my youngest little guy - he just turned 4) shared with me while we were cuddling Sunday night that Monday is he favorite day - oh really I said, why? I have to admit that I was thinking - oh you look forward to the BBTB2 reveals too? LOL! No he looks forward to Monday (as explained in his little 4-year-old way) because it's a Mommy day. My oldest 2 head off to school all day on Monday's and it has become our day to snuggle, play games, run errands and usually have a special lunch - just the 2 of us!

So what day of the week do you look forward to? I have to admit I too look forward to Monday's (I do enjoy my time with my little man) but it's also the day that the BBTB2 team gets to reveal what we have been working on all week!

This week was a super fun week because we were working with a sponsor - Expressions Vinyl (www.expressionsvinyl.com)! Can I just say WOW their vinyl is amazing! I was sent several colors of vinyl in the matte finish - and I have never worked with matte vinyl before and I am in love! I will definitely be placing an order - so if you are looking for amazing vinyl at a great price with great service - check them out!

Along with the vinyl I was the "hostess" this weekat BBTB2 so I picked out the cut a few weeks ago which came from the Child's First Year cartridge (loving this cartridge!) - it's the valentine boy and girl cut - this cut caught my eye since Valentine's Day is just around the corner and also because the first Valentine's Day that my husband and I shared he purchased me a picture of a little boy and girl holding hands that says "always and forever" - it still hangs in our house and I love it just as much today as I did when I received it!

Also, you might have read that I am a "bit under the weather" this week so Heather was sweet and gave the intro for me on the BBTB2 blog since I am on some major pain meds! At the first of last week, I took a fall down my driveway and I am on some serious pain meds because I have chronic back problems which causes me issues from time to time - and taking a fall - well it set me back a bit. Anyway, I am starting to feel better and am on the mend.

So back to the cut - I decided to use the cut on the front of an altered pineapple can that will be used as a gift to hold little valentine treats. I just love finding a new purpose for something that was just going to get tossed!

The little silhouette boy and girl was cut using matte brown vinyl that you can purchase from Expressions Vinyl.

Here's a look at my project:

The Heart was cut from a cut file that I shared last wednesday (be sure to stop by this week for some more freebies!) and angel wings were cut from the Indie Solutions Cartridge (in case you are looking for those). The pattern paper is from Pink Paislee! Gotta love pretty papers!

I also have a little card to share today that I will be sending out to a friend of mine that is going through some tough things right now :( This little stamp is a Penny Black stamp that I colored using my copic markers - I hate to admit it but I think I am finding that I have a slight addiction to copic markers! The sentiment stamp is from the {Stamps} of Life by Stephanie Barnard (if you are not a member you need to check these out - they are oh so cute and such a super deal!)

Here's a look at my little card:

Well I hope you are off to a super week everyone! Enjoy your Monday and be sure to stop back by my blog on Wednesday for another freebie!

Freebie Wednesday January 6th - and some Tooting :)

2010-01-05T13:39:00.001-08:00

Today I have a couple of little freebies for you! Hey I am actually making deadlines this year (smile)- I guess you could say I am off to a great start (wink).

With Valentine's Day just around the corner (CRAZY I know). I have switched from the last of my Christmas Thank you cards to Valentine cards and gifts - for those of you looking for Valentine inspiration - stay tuned as I have a lot of fun things to share with you this month that I hope will get you in the creative mood!

So, this week I decided to make and share with my blogging SCAL friends a nested standard heart set (CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD the nested hearts) (if you are a fan of spellbinders dies then you know exactly what these can do!) that would be perfect and oh so fun to use for the next few weeks on all of your valentine cards and gifts! While my dies will not emboss, they are sized to fit perfectly inside each other - so you can use just one single heart or you could "nest" 2 together to cut a heart with a cut out heart in the middle! Also, since I am in the giving mood I created a few digital stamps for some projects I am working on and thought hey I could also share these as well with my blogging friends & readers! The digital stamps are in jpeg format so you can easily print them out using your word processing program or a program like photoshop - enjoy!

Here's a little preview of the digital stamps: (click HERE to download these digital stamps)

Monday I mentioned that I would share my cut file from this weeks challenge over at BBTB2 (if you missed the news about BBTB which is now BBTB2 - scroll down to my post on Monday to get the low down about the new BBTB2 site). This cut is not complicated in any way - but I thought I would share it so that if you are in need of a quick card - this can be a "go to" since all of the measurements are done for you ;)

Here's a preview of this cut for Design Studio users - this card requires the graphically speaking cartridge and also the accents essentials cartridge. (CLICK HERE to download this cut file)

Well now it's time for my "Tooting" it occurred to me today that I forgot to mention in the craziness of the holiday that one of my little projects was picked up by Scrapbook Trends for an upcoming idea book for the home! I am thrilled to be included in this edition that will be coming out in 2010!

Well everyone have a super Wednesday! and remember if you decide to download leave me a comment :)

First post of 2010! BBTB and a few other cards to share!

2010-01-03T21:52:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that we are starting another year already - It just doesn't seem like 2009 should be over yet, anyone else feeling that way?

With a New Year comes a lot of new changes - and honestly I welcome them! I think if you have followed my blog for a while now you know that this last year (while I didn't share all the details) was a hard year personally for me. I am looking forward to starting fresh in so many ways this year! So here's to 2010!

Well, BBTB also has made some changes this year - Regina (the original owner) of BBTB has decided to step down and pass on the site so that she can focus on her own personal business The Cutting Café. Heather, a member of the BBTB has stepped up to take over the BBTB team and site - so there is now a new BBTB site called BBTB2 (click here to check it all out).

Today, I have a little creation to share which is the first challenge of this new site! This week Heather asked us to use the "In Style" cut from the Graphically Speaking Cartridge. This cut can be found on page 63, for those of you that like to play along during the week.

Here's my take on this weeks challenge:

Since it had been some time since I last created anything - upon completing this project I was inspired to create a few more cards ;) It felt good to be creative again!

I received the Sweethearts Cartridge for Christmas and I felt inspired by a couple of the cuts - I was wondering if I would like this cartridge since it's more "wedding" based but I have to say I am loving it!

Here's 2 more cards:

I am going to try to get back on schedule since it's the first of the year and I have a lot of fun things planned to share on my blog this year! So starting this Wednesday I will be sharing a "freebie" again! One of the freebies this week will be the card that I created for this weeks challenge over at BBTB2 - so it's a design studio freebie - which has everything shaped and welded - which takes the guess work out ;)

I hope you all are off to an amazing year!

Spending time with the family...

2009-12-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

until the first of the year! I thought about it and I have decided to really enjoy my family this Christmas - there were things that I wanted to share and perhaps I will (after the first of the year) so that they will be on my blog for reference for next year - but I won't be sharing anything else until the first of the year!

I also wanted to post one last time before the first of the year and wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas! I hope you are able to spend time with those you love the most! For me time is moving way to fast and my kids are going up way to fast for me to do anything else :)

Winner....Winner...Winner

2009-12-04T08:11:00.001-08:00

It's so much fun giving things away - I can't think of a better way to start off my friday!

This morning I headed off to random.org to pick my winner ...and the true random number was....

Which corresponds to:

Wooohooo! Congrats Pam! You are the winner! Since you left me your email address I am going to email you to gather your personal shipping information and get this cute little folder off to you!

Thanks everyone for playing along! and have a super friday!

Happy Monday - BBTB Challenge and Hop

2009-11-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's Monday and Monday's are always a bit brighter because the BBTB team shares each of our takes on the weeks challenge. Today is our "monthly hop" so you should be arriving to my blog from DeeDee's blog - if you missed her amazing creation this week click here to go back to her blog!

This week we were challenged by Regina to use the most adorable little phone cut from the new From my Kitchen Cartridge. I decided to show some love to my bind-it-all since I really haven't used it that much. Anyway...here's a little (phone)message book :)

Since this week is our "monthly hop" and it's also our last hop for the year - since we will be taking some time off for the Christmas holiday - I have a bit of "blog candy" to offer up. Today I am offering one of the newer Christmas Cuttlebug Folders - Winter Trees to one lucky winner :) All you have to do is leave me a comment here on my blog before this coming Friday Morning - before I draw a winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org - so make sure to leave me some contact information so I will be able to get in touch with you.

Here's a little "preview" of the cuttlebug folder winter trees up for grabs:

The fun doesn't stop here - head on over to Penny's blog (click here) to see her amazing take on this weeks challenge and enter her blog candy giveaway!d

Happy Thanksgiving - a bit early :)

2009-11-22T17:42:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that this week is already Thanksgiving? It's just crazy how fast this year has flown - before you know it we will be starting a New Year - so so crazy!

Today I have a little card to share with you. Our challenge for BBTB was issued by Donna this week and she picked the perfect cut to showcase just before Thanksgiving. This little cornucopia is found on the paper doll dress up cartridge ( I am finding so many more uses for this cartridge then I ever thought I would. - starting to look at this more as a go to cartridge).

Here's my card:

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone! I hope that you will be able to enjoy some stress free time with the ones you love.

Happy Birthday to my sweet (BABY...shhhh) Boy

2009-11-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

My baby turned 4 today :( It's a happy/sad day but mostly happy! Lots of fun things in store including a crazy Mom that's making a buzz rocket ship cake, hosting a birthday party, and taking lunch out with my little cutie pie :) Awh it should be an amazing day!

Anyway, I have a few SCAL files to share - but I am not going to have time to do it today- things are just too crazy and I want to enjoy every moment with Gavin. I hope to have something later this week (as one of them is a Thanksgiving idea).

Have a happy hump day :)

Crazy Few weeks ~ BBTB Challenge

2009-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been MIA~ my entire family came down with a mystery "flu type bug" that has lingered in my house over the past few weeks. We are just now starting to get totally back to normal and as I type my husband just told me he is starting to feel sick again - I am praying it's just something he ate...ugh I am so over having to take care of sickies :(

Anyway, so much has happened over the past few weeks beyond just being sick...Halloween (I need to share some photos), getting yet more snow (so soon in the year - the kids have already missed a day due to snow! CRAZY) I turned the big 34 last week! It really wasn't that bad - I think next year at 35 it might hit me harder....I remember when it was fun to turn a year older, I wonder why that changes?

Yes ~ it's true...I did go see Wicked for my birthday! I was spoiled and was able to attend the show last Sunday night (the "eve" of my birthday) with my husband! If you haven't seen this show - it's true it's a must see! It's an amazing show mixed with sadness, humor, and a total spin that has you leaving thinking...hmmm she really did get a bad rap. I think I am almost convinced now that the wicked witch of the west was really just misunderstood ;)

Anyway, this week over at BBTB we were challenged to use the *upper case D cut* which is a sweet little bird from the storybook cartridge. I really do love this cartridge - it has so many awesome cuts and I need to use it more often! So.... Here's what I came up with this week (it felt good to craft something!):

I hope you all have a super week! Be sure to stop by my blog on Wednesday for my free SCAL cutting file!

Freebie Wednesday October 14th - Woohoo I'm Back!

2009-10-14T12:20:00.001-07:00

Happy Hump Day everyone! It’s been a while since I shared my last freebie Wednesday and I am happy to say that I am back! Woohoo and ready to share a lot of new freebies each Wednesday with you! I hope that you enjoy using these cuts as much as I enjoy making and sharing them.

This week I was at Michaels looking for some Halloween paper and picked up the making memories “spook alley” line…oh la la this is the BEST Halloween paper! Trust me you need it ;) (enabler alert! LOL)

Anyway, feeling inspired by this line I decided to make a little silhouette witch to share with you all today. There are 2 cuts in this file one that is a shadow cut and the other that is the regular silhouette cut. I decided to layer them for my card.

Here’s a preview of what you can download (click here to download the CUT file):

And here is a card that I made with this cut along with some stamps from the stamps of life by Stephanie Bernard (love her new stamps):

Make sure to check back next week for another fun Halloween cut…it’s will be inspired from a VERY popular hard to find boarder punch (hint hint)!

Happy Creating everyone...and remember if you download these files, leave me a comment, it encourages me to continue to share !

Frightfully Monday...BOO!

2009-10-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

Yes...sometimes Monday can just be a frightening thing! This weekend we received our first snow of the winter (and really we are still in fall) I am worried that this is going to be a hard winter and snow and I just do not mix that well...oh well lots of snow pictures of the kiddos right? Meanwhile I have my Starbucks apple cider by my side and trying to stay warm this morning!

So I have a few creations to share with you today! This week over at BBTB we were challenge to use the little monster from the Paper Dolls cartridge. I recently picked this cartridge up on a steal of a deal and I have to be honest and say I am not sure it will be a cartridge that I will use a lot but it does have a lot of fun cuts on it that are not just paper dolls, this week being one of them :) I jazzed up my little monster by adding one eye with a small button with a pearl in the middle. I also pulled out my Storybook cartridge and used a cut off of it for the background. The bottom was punched out using a Martha Steward punch. The sentiment was stamped with a small package of 3 clear stamps by Making Memories that I had picked up at Michaels a couple of weeks ago...I have a lot more fun things planned for these stamps, so stay tuned ;)

Here's my card:

Also, the October issue of Scrapstreet Magazine has been out a few weeks and this month we as designers were able to work with some Halloween products from Reminisce. I completed a Halloween layout of my daughter Ashlee (she was a pirate princess last year), a card, and I "up-cycled" a tin from Maya Road and turned it into a tic-tac-toe game...they kids are loving it :) Anyway, I thought since today has a Halloween theme I might as well share all of these creations today as well.

Have a happy week everyone!

It's Monday...Again

2009-10-05T08:04:00.001-07:00

Do you ever feel like that? Some how monday just keeps on coming even if you are not ready? Today it's cloudy, raining and cold and I would much rather be sleeping then facing a new week of endless running.

This weekend I did a complete over haul of my craft room. I loaded up 6 boxes to donate and 3 bags full of stuff that I just threw out...I feel so much better in my studio this morning. I think this will help get me inspired to create! There's nothing better than having everything organized! So I hope to have a lot of goodies to share with you soon!

So, the best thing about Monday is the fact that we do a reveal over at BBTB - I really enjoy seeing what everyone comes up with from week to week...how each of our takes are so different and yet we all worked with the same cut!

This week we were challenged to use the chandelier cut from the home accents cartridge. This little cut is oh so cute and there are so many different directions you can go. I decided to turn it into an encouragement card to send out to a friend of mine that is going through some trials right now.

Here's my card:

Well I have a little boy that is pulling on me...I told him that after we got the kids off to school, he and I would make cupcakes since there is a birthday in his class tomorrow and he has to bring his own due to his allergies...3-year-olds are not very patient when they want to make cupcakes :)

Have a super week everyone!

Winner...Winner...Winner :)

2009-10-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

Okay I am going to try this again. Before I left to run errands and take the kids to school this morning I tried to post about my blog winner from the BBTB Challenge...but Blogger was in a bad mood I guess ;)

Anyway, I can't think of a better way to start my weekend other than giving something away...it's so much fun! So....the blog candy winner is...

And here is a quick print screen shot from random.org this morning :

Congrats Moralia!! Email me at jenthecrazyscrapbooker@hotmail.com to claim your prize!

Couple of Quick cards using Stephanie Barnards new stamps!

2009-09-30T12:03:00.001-07:00

Happy Hump Day everyone!

A few weeks ago I ordered some stamps from the stamps of life by Stephanie Barnard and I like I have done a lot in the past set it to the side and got busy doing something else. I have to be honest and say that stamps have always "caught my eye" but when it comes time to actually making something with them...it's a bit overwhelming.

Well last night late my husband informs me that he needs a couple of cards for tomorrow...EEKS! It's late and I recently went through all of my card stash and donated my cards to the cards for hero drive...so I had nothing!

Then I remembered that I had this set of stamps and decided to pull it out and use them. Well I can't say enough awesome goodness about these stamps...they are totally awesome! They work so well together and the sentiments are the ones that you reach for over and over again.

Honestly...these are the BEST stamps I have ever purchased...so I decided to join the monthly club... if you are like me and haven't really gotten into stamping, you might want to check out the monthly kits on over at the stamps of life (http://www.thestampsoflife.com/)

Anyway, here are 2 VERY quick cards that I made last night with this set:

So, today my husband headed out the door with these little cards...one is for a guy that has just found out that he has cancer...so so sad and the other one is a simple thank you for a co-worker.

Well I am going to go play with my stamps some more ;)

Have a happy day!

BBTB Blog Hop

2009-09-27T20:13:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday!!!

If you are blog hopping today with the BBTB site I am the last stop on the hop! As you know by now (if you have been following the hop) we were challenged to use the "priceless" cut from the graphically speaking cartridge this week.

Although this cartridge has been out on the market for a while, it's a newer cartridge for me personally. I have found that this cartridge is perfect for layouts and cards...so it's become one of my "go to cartridges". I have also found that the cuts alone can spark ideas for an entire layout...so it's a must own/purchase in my opinion.

Here's my take on this weeks challenge:

I also have a "giveaway" up for grabs with the hop today...simply leave me a message with a way to contact you by this Thursday *midnight MST* and I will draw a random winner using random.org Friday morning and announce the winner here on my blog.

So what's up for grabs? A Basic Grey Mini Album and some labels/tags from 7 gypsies and a few other companies (there's around 15-20 labels/tags). For those of you that like "visuals" here's a picture of what you could win:

If you arrived at my blog from somewhere other than the hop and would like to join in on the BBTB hop today...make sure to head on over to the beginning of today's hop... click here to redirect to the ever so talented Regina.

Have a super week everyone!

Hellooooo out there....BBTB Challenge

2009-09-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

Okay so that seemed appropriate given the fact that it has been so long since I last blogged. For those of you that didn't know we headed out of town for a much needed 2week vacation. Our little family went to Disney World, took a Disney Voyage, and then traveled on to Georgia for a family wedding and my parents 50th anniversary. We had an AMAZING time...and I know a few of you have emailed me asking for photos...and perhaps this week I will get around to posting a few of those :) I think I will finally be done playing "catch up" at the kids school, the laundry (yes, I am still getting that settled), and life in general :)

So this week I have something to share from the BBTB site. This week Regina challenged us to use the dragonfly cut from the camp out cartridge...here's my take on this weeks cut.

Make sure to stop by BBTB to check out all the amazing creations from the other designers.

Have a super week!

U Whooo...It's Monday

2009-08-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

Okay so I couldn't resist that :) This week over at BBTB we were challenged to use the owl card from the Wild Cards Cartridge. If you are just beginning to make cards then you definitely need to own this cartridge. While I have been making cards for a while now, I too enjoy this cartridge simply because of the fact of how quickly you can cut, decorate and get the card into the mail ;)

Here's my take on this weeks challenge:

Make sure to stop by the BBTB site to check out the awesome cards that the other gals made this week using this cut...you will not be disappointed!

Have a super Magical (I say magical because I am heading to Disney this week) week!

Happy Monday-BBTB

2009-08-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Everyone! This morning I hear nothing as I sit and type...all of my kids are in school...after 10 years of having someone on my hip at all times...this is VERY strange! I am not sure if I like it or not I keep trying to talk to someone and no one answers...LOL.

So this week over at BBTB we were challenged to use card 2 and envelope 2 and the color yellow! I have had this lime rickey paper for a while now and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to use it. I also combined this weeks challenge with the on-going challenge/contest for Cards for Heros. If you haven't heard about cards for heros head on over to scrapstreet and see what's going on! This week Karen Russell gave away a spot in her amazing photography class...you don't want to miss all of this fun!

Here's my card:

Well, I am off to be productive with my extra time. Have a great day everyone!

Cards for Heros & BBTB

2009-08-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Everyone! We are having a beautiful day here in Colorado. My kids are enjoying their last 2 days of summer and we will be back into the daily school madness rush really soon! It's crazy to think how fast our summer has flown.

So have you heard of Cards for Heros (cardsforheros.org)? If not it's a non-profit organization devoted to bringing joy to soldiers overseas by means of handmade cards. Handmade cards are sent to soldiers and they are able to pick out cards to send back to their families. Families really enjoy getting letters from their solider....and crafters can unite and joy together to help out these families in such a simple way.

Scrapstreet.com is currently running a 3-week sponsored contest to help out! If you love Jillibean Soup, Marks Paper & Company, and Elle's Studio...you will want to check out these prizes! So what are you waiting for head on over and check it all out and get involved in a good cause...it's not too late to sign up...head on over to this thread (http://scrapstreet.com/MessageBoard/index.php?topic=55753.0) to sign up today! Why not share your talents to brighten a soldiers day!

Here's a card that I made that also happens to utilize the challenge this week from BBTB which was to use the scallop square cut from the celebrations cartridge.

I hope you will join us! Meet some new friends and also do something nice for someone else! Have a super week everyone!

Blog Candy Winner

2009-07-31T07:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone! As mentioned earlier in the week...today is the day that I am drawing the winner of my blog candy! So without further adieu...using random.org...the winner of the Girl Friday line is....

Congrats Jeri! Email me: jenthecrazyscrapbooker.blogspot.com to claim your prize! Have a super weekend everyone!

BBTB Blog Hop

2009-07-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Everyone! I am excited to be sharing something today! Woohoo! This week over at BBTB we were challenged to use the "Couples" Cut from the Going Places Cartridge. This cartridge is a lot of fun...and includes a lot of trendy cuts.

Here's my take on this weeks challenge:

Also, since we are "hopping" this week, each of us will be offering up a prize! So today through thursday you can leave me a comment here on my blog for your chance to win....

Cosmo Cricket's Girl Friday entire Line! (woot, woot)

The winner will be announced here on my blog this coming friday! The winner will be chosen by random draw using Random.org...good luck to all that enter!

Now on with the hop! From my blog you will want to hop on over to Heather's Blog! and see her amazing creation!

Have a super week!

Summer, Summer, Summer time....and digiments!

2009-07-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

For some reason I have that song on my mind this morning! Perhaps it's the beautiful Colorado skies that I have been waking up to lately...our rain has finally let up! If you live outside of Colorado...I guess I should explain that we have had rain every single day (not even joking) from the end of May until last week...I thought I was going to go crazy! Lucky for us it was usually in the afternoon...but we are just now getting true summer time weather...HOT...and boy does it feel good!

So, it's been a while since I have blogged. I have received several emails...thank you everyone for your kind words and thoughts...I am enjoying the summer with my family! Although we haven't really gone on any "big trips" we have just enjoyed the simpler things in life like hanging outside every night watching the kids ride bikes, socialize with neighbors, and having BBQ's with friends.

Some of our big accomplishments/happenings this summer (I really need to get some pictures)

1. Jackson (my oldest) broke yet another arm! UGH! He went to his grandparents house for a week...had a blast and on the last day broke his wrist...so he has a cast up his arm (I SO need to take a photo...)
2. Ashlee is now officially able to ride her bike without training wheels. She has been doing it for a little while on her own but she is finally over the bump of being scared and she is crazy wild on her bike this summer...that's my girl!
3. I've been getting my bootie kicked by Jillian...yep enjoying her work out tapes...that girl does not mess around! Happy to report that I am feeling a lot better :)
4. Everyone has a killer tan...well except me ;) LOL I don't think I could ever get dark...well and Gavin too LOL he's going to be a real white/pale boy just like his Mom :)
5. We have really all grown closer over the summer...which is just one of the coolest things about having your kids home for the summer :)

Okay enough rambling...I am so going to be taking more photos. Chad and I have also taken a little photo course together so no more excuses for him about not using the camera.

So, I have done a little creating too...not a bunch but a little. I can't believe that my 3-month design term is coming to a end over at digiments this month. I have enjoyed creating with Michelle's digiments, but I have decided that in order to focus more on my family, I will not be able to continue on at this time...I wish Michelle much success in her endeavor.

Today I have a sneak peak for you using one of the digiments from the newest release (coming out tomorrow)! The sentiment on this little card came from the kids bible quotes (*these are so fun you are going to love them):

You are going to love this set of digiments....24 Digiments in total will be released TOMORROW!! - priced at $1 each with a $5 minimum purchase, or $10 for the entire new release. Also make sure to check out the current contest going on over at digiments you could win the entire set for free!

I've also started creating little things here and there for our Disney Cruise that we will be taking at the end of August! I can't believe how fast the date is approaching...it will be here before we know it! Here's one of the little autograph books that I made with my daughter yesterday...

Well we are off to get ready for the day...I am taking the kids to ride a train in one of our local parks and then we will head over to have lunch with Dad :) Have a super weekend everyone!

Digiments Sneak Peek

2009-06-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

I have a little digiments sneak peek to share today! Tomorrow Michelle will be releasing another awesome collection of 30 digiments (digital stamps) for sale! The sentiments range from Patriotism to friendship! Make sure to stop by the blog tomorrow and grab yours because there are going to be some AMAZING deals! (click here to head on over to the digiments site)
Now on with my sneak peek. With this new release there are some really awesome sentiments that are just perfect for those wonderful sisters in our lives! So here's a little acetate card I made using one of the sister sentiments:

Tomorrow I will also have another little project to share (as well as it being on the digiments blog ;))

Have a super friday everyone!

Changes...

2009-06-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to put out a general posting letting everyone know that I am very flattered by all of the emails and comments that I have received and the friendships that I have made over the last couple of years. I truly do love paper crafting...but I have turned a "hobby" into a job...and I have not spent as much time with my family as I need to. They truly are more important to me then ANY hobby, publications that will not matter in 10 years, or filling my room full of FREE products...and I need to refocus on my marriage and my kids.

Now, this is not saying that I will not be still sharing my work, freebie cuts, etc. But I can not promise that I will be doing this weekly. I will continue with my designing for special teams that I am on...and I will still be sharing those things here on my blog for now.

Basically, I have realized that life is too short to watch it from my craft room window, while working for free things that my husband can afford to buy me anyway...I need to go out and enjoy life with my family again.

Have a super week everyone!

Kids out of school~BBTB Challenge ~ Freebie Wednesday

2009-05-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

My two oldest are officially out for summer break and boy are they enjoying the good life ;) Last Thursday, I took a quick photo of them in the wind on their last day...here they are...all smiles ;)

In direct contradiction to this...I asked my 3-year-old how he felt about having the 2 older ones home 24/7...here's his reaction...(LOL)

What can I say...the boy likes his alone time with Mommy! But he is coping :)

So,with this being the first week with the kids out of school...my life has really gotten a bit crazy trying to get everyone into various activities and us onto a schedule that we can manage this summer...what can I say other than life with kids keeps things hopping ;)

So, I am just now finally able to get my BBTB challenge posted this week. This week Regina challenged us to use the bookmark cut from the animal kingdom cartridge. I decided to pair this up with some of October Afternoon's fun monster line papers and embellishments and create a bookmark for my daughter.

Since summers is in full swing for us here in Colorado, I thought a couple of butterfly cuts would be appropriate for this weeks freebie cut since they remind me (for some reason) of lazy summer days...here's a preview of what you can download: (CLICK here to download this file)

Remember if you like my cuts...want to see more of them...and if you download these, leave me a comment here on my blog :)

Have a great wednesday everyone!

and the winner is...

2009-05-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

It's Friday...time to draw the winner of the fruit greetings stamps from the cutting café! Using random.org....

It picked number 48...

Which was:

Treva!

Congrats Treva! Email me at jenthecrazyscrapbooker@hotmail.com to claim your prize!

Thanks everyone for playing along!

It's Wednesday...Freebie Wednesday that is!

2009-05-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope that you are off to a fantastic day. Mine started off a bit on the relaxing side, since my husband so kindly went into work a little bit later today and took the kids to school for me...so sweet of him. Well that "extra sleep" lasted all of 20 minutes, my oldest called me in a panic..."it's water field day Mom...I need my suit"...oh well 2 more days...and then we will be on summer break.

With school wrapping up I couldn't resist but to make up a few more gifts for the kids teachers. I decided to pair up the gifts, a challenge from Scrappin' Sports and More, and the wednesday freebie together...how's that for multi-tasking?

So, today's freebie cut was inspired by the stampin' up spiral notebook punch. I decided to do a rounded corner version of the cut paired with a square middle this week and then sometime in the next few weeks I will do a different spin on it. (so keep checking back if you like this cut).

Here's a preview of what you can download today: (click here to download this cut)

Here's my little gift that I made using this cut (see the card) paired with some Scrappin' Sports and More papers, Scrappin' Sports and More cardstock stickers and a little box that I made from acetate, pattern paper, and cardstock using my scor-it. The gift is filled with little reeses's pieces candies and I tied it all together playing off of the puzzle piece paper from Scrappin' Sports and More.

Also, here's another version of this same little box, paired with a belly band card for a teacher that is retiring this year.

I also have yet another little card and "gift" to share (tis the season)...my oldest son just finished another season of soccer and I needed a quick gift for his coach. Using some paper from Scrappin' Sports and More, I wrapped a extra large candy bar and made a quick little card using the same paper and my sports mania cartridge.

Have a super day everyone, and remember if you download my cuts, take a moment and leave me a comment!

BBTB Blog Hop (GIVEAWAY from the cutting cafe) & Digiments Contest!

2009-05-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Everyone! It's hard to believe but today my kids are starting their last week of school before summer break begins! Isn't it crazy how fast time flies when you are a parent and not a child! I remember thinking summer break seeming so far off, and now as a parent I find myself thinking...really? it's already summer again? LOL

If you are joining us for the BBTB blog hop, you should have arrived to my blog from Marina's blog, if you didn't, click back to her blog to see her awesome creation from this week! You will also want to make sure to enter her "giveaway"!

So this week over at BBTB we as a team were sponsored by the Cutting Café! Each of us were able to pick out one of Regina's digital stamps or cut files to work with along with using the storybook cartridge with the fancy artesian cut from on page 56 &75 of the manual. You are able to access both of these cuts by using the accent blackout feature.

I decided to use the "Fruit Greetings"...I just love these little digital stamps...they are just so so cute!

These stamps retail for $6.99, and here's a peak at the stamps:

Here's a few pictures of the cards and desktop gift holder I made using these stamps and the cricut cut from Storybook Cartridge:

SO, how would you like to WIN these stamps? I have the honor to give away this darling fruit set to one lucky winner!

So if you would like to win this digital stamp set/cutting file, leave me a comment here on my blog under this posting. I will "draw a name" using random.org this Friday *May 22nd*, the winner will then be emailed the file. Good luck to all that enter!

*To continue on with the BBTB BLOG HOP, you will be heading on over to the talented Ms. Krista's blog* make sure to leave her a comment to be entered into her giveaway from the cutting café (click here for a direct link)

But before you do....We ALL love giveaways...I have another one to share with you today! Digiments, which is a new digital stamping company which specializes in digital sentiment stamps, is giving away the next ENTIRE set of sentiment stamps! How cool is that! If you haven't had a chance to check out these stamps, they retail for 1 dollar each (such a bargain) or you can buy all 25 for $20 dollars. So if you would like to win these stamps, head on over the the digiments blog (click here for a direct link) and download the free digiment (which you are going to LOVE) and design a project using it...yes, it's that as simple! I hope you all will enter!

Here's a little card that I made with the free digiment, some SEI pattern papers (which I just LOVE), and I also decided to use the cut from this weeks challenge over at the BBTB site (which was from the storybook cartridge):

Card front View:

Card Sideview:
Have a super week everyone! make sure to stop by KRISTA'S blog...your next stop for the BBTB Hop!

Simply Handmade TOOT~ and the winnner is....

2009-05-15T06:29:00.001-07:00

So I have some exciting news :) Yesterday, I was delighted when I opened up my email to find a publishment request from Simply Handmade, which is a magazine put out by Trends. One of my little projects that I made a few months back will be included in the upcoming Oct/Nov 2009 book. If you haven't had a chance to check out Simply Handmade, it's a really neat publication with so many awesome ideas, using anything from paper crating to altering wood projects (and everything in between).

Ok, thanks for letting me TOOT :) Now on to the winner of the little teacher apple tile. Just a little info on how this worked, I entered 23 "tickets" into the random.org generator and it drew.....

NUMBER 14

Which was..... Angie!!!

Congrats Angie! I am sending you a pm right now! As soon as I hear from you I will get this off in the mail.

Thank you EVERYONE for playing and leaving comments. Just as a *hint* if you love GIVEAWAYS there is going to be a really neat one on my blog on monday! YOU do not want to miss out on your chance to win this!

Digiments Launch~ Giveaway~Freebie Wednesday

2009-05-13T08:56:00.001-07:00

SO many exciting things to talk about today! Where to even begin :)

Today, is the BIG release date for Digiments, which are printable sentiment stamps! Make sure to stop by the site (http://digiments.blogspot.com/) and place your order! You do not want to miss out on these AMAZING sentiment stamps! Also, you will want to grab a cup of your favorite beverage and plan on staying on the site for a while and check out all of the amazing creations from the design team! I will give you a sneak peak here of a project that I made for my husband's Grandma for Mother's Day.

So last week was just totally insane for me. I think I spent more time in my car on the go then I did at home...I wish I was kidding. I ended up making several different gifts for the teacher's since it was teacher appreciation week...but with all of the running and late hours I was only able to take 1 photo of one of the many gifts that I made. So, since I have only 1 little photo to share, I thought it would be fun to combine this with a GIVEAWAY to one of my readers! I also decided to share the "cut file" since I created this in design studio.

Ok so the winner will receive 1 6x6 tile *just as pictured* (it would be cute to purchase a small little easel, to include with the title...but that is up to the winner)

Since, we only have a little over a week left in school here...and perhaps you are on the same schedule this is going to be a *quick* giveaway...so I can get it off in the mail to you. So if you would like to win this little tile, leave me a COMMENT HERE on my blog, make sure to include a email address or a way to get in touch with you. I will draw the WINNER on FRIDAY (may 8th) @ 8am using random.org. Winner will then be announced and I will hopefully be able to get in touch with you, and mail this friday afternoon.

For those of you that would like to create this little tile on your own, here's the cute file:

CLICK here to download this file:

Also, for all of my SCAL friends, I have another "freebie wednesday" cut for you! I also received a lot of emails in the past few weeks from readers wondering if I would consider sharing these files in a pdf format that they can print and cut...because many of you do not have the SCAL software. So, starting today, I will also make these cuts available to those of you that would like to print them from your computer and cut them. So when you download these files you will see 2 different formats in your zip, 1is for SVG (which is for SCAL users), and one that is in pdf...for those of you that would like to print and use these.

Here's the preview of the freebie for today: (click here to download)

Remember if you download any of my cut files, take a moment and leave me a comment. I really appreciate your feedback.

Have a super week everyone!

Happy Monday

2009-05-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

Today I thought I would share a few of my creations that appeared in the May issue of Scrapstreet Magazine. If you haven't heard of scrapstreet, it's a monthly publication that offers inspirational ideas for scrappers...it's also environmentally friendly, as it's available for all crafters to view online. Head on over to Scrapstreet.com to check it all out...and of course check out the calls! WE would love to publish you in an upcoming issue.

Now on with my creations to share :) This past month, we as a design team were privileged to work with products from TaDa Studios. It's been a while since I worked with their products so this was a lot of fun!

Here's a little layout and card:

Ok, so cardmakers...I know there are a lot of you out there...I am currently writing the cards article for scrapstreet and I would love to see your submissions! (click here for our current calls)

Contest over at Digiments~BBTB Challenge~ Freebie Wednesday

2009-05-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Hump Day! Today I am off and running! So many things are on my "to do list" these days...life is such a blur...I am not sure why schools pack the last 2 weeks of school with field trips, parties, testing, teacher apprecation week, etc...it will be nice to be starting summer break here in a few weeks!

I mentioned a few days ago that I am on a new design team called Digiments (which are digital sentiment stamps). If you haven't had a chance to check it all out...head on over today, because there is a new contest that kicks off today...and you get to download a awesome sentiment stamp to work with! (click here for all the details)

So this week over at BBTB we were challenged to use 2 cuts from the beyond birthdays cartridge, the flowers with vase and the "mom or mum" cut. Ironically we were also challenged this month to use our Scrappin' Sports and More goodies to create a card, gift, or layout using the word "mom or mother"...so I decided to combine these two challenges!

Here's my take on this weeks challenge:

So onto freebie Wednesday! Last week I was amazed that my cut file was downloaded just a little over 350 times! WOW! I hope that you are all enjoying the cuts from last week!

This week, since life is so crazy busy I was only able to create 1 cut for SCAL users...sorry DS folks...I promise that in the next couple of weeks (when I have more time) lots of fun cuts will be shared!

Today, I decided to share a fun "road sign cut". When I see this shape I for some reason think "route 66"...not sure why...LOL but whatever you call this cut...I hope you enjoy it!

Here's a preview of the download: (Click here to download)

Remember, if you like my cuts, and decide to download them...leave me a comment and let me know what you think :) I really do appreciate your feedback.

Have a super day everyone!

Fun EXCITING news and drum roll for the blog candy winner!

2009-05-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday everyone! I wanted to post the winner from the BBTB blog hop- blog candy giveaway earlier today, but I was out on the soccer field this morning before the sun came up...so I am just now getting around to it.

I used random.org to pick the lucky winner...here's some screen shots...drum roll please....

The lucky number was:

and...the 4th comment was:

Wooohoo Congrats Kristina! You are the winner of the blog candy! I will send an email off to you to get your snail mail address! Thanks to everyone who played along...we all had a lot of fun putting on our first blog hop and the "word on the street" is that there will be another one coming up really soon!

Now for my exciting news! I was asked to join a new design team- Digiments. Michelle, is the owner of digiments which offers some really cool "digital stamps"! If you are sick of trying to figure out how to store your stamps...and you love sentiments...then you will want to check these digital stamps out! For more information about digiments, you can visit the blog at http://digiments.blogspot.com/

Have a super weekend everyone!

Freebie Wednesday April 29th

2009-04-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! Today I am a bit under the weather...I have been having some back issues and I am on some really strong meds for the pain...so I will keep this all sort and sweet :)

Today, I have some labels for you! I wanted to create a sample card to share but until I am back to 100 percent I am taking a few days off from the craft room. I might post a sample later this week, if I feel up to it :) Just as a design tip, when you import these into SCAL you can use the shadow feature and adjust the shadow to make a nice double layer to these labels.

Anyway, as I mentioned, this week the cut files are for SCAL users (sorry design studio folks...I hope to have something for you next week).

Here's a preview of what you can download: (Click here to download)

I hope you enjoy this cut! Remember if you download, take a moment and leave me a comment and tell me what you think! I appreciate your kind feedback :)

Also, if you haven't had a chance to enter my "blog candy giveaway" and do the BBTB blog hop this week ....click here for all the details.

Have a great week everyone!

BBTB Challenge and get you some blog Candy!

2009-04-26T15:48:00.001-07:00

This week over at BBTB we were challenged by Regina to use the boarder feature on the Doodle Charms Cartridge. We were able to pick any of the cuts from this cartridge as long as we used the boarder feature. Sounds easy right?

Well, if it's been a while since you looked through your Doodlecharms cartridge booklet...let me tell you...there are some awesome cuts! So picking just 1 can be hard!

When I saw how cute the little apple cut was I fell in love and knew I had to make something with it! Since teacher appreciation week is coming up next week, and my last card was picked up by trends magazine...leaving me in need of another card ... I decided that I would make little card for our wonderful teachers.

Scrappin' Sports and More has some of the BEST papers and embellishments for school projects. Therefore I decided to use all SS&M papers on this little card. If you haven't checked out all of the awesome papers and embellishments that SS&M offers make sure to stop by the company website to check it out.

So here's my little project:

Also, this week there is a lot of blog candy up for GRABS! Here is what I am offering this week.

1. Basic Grey mini album: This is a 6x6 album that is bound by 3 rings and has 6 inner pages and a cover and back.
2. A "Tag" stack "Alpine Forest" by SEI: This little book is full of little tags and little papers that have glitter on them. This is BEAUTIFUL! and would be super to use on cards or small projects.
3. Buttons: What would a giveaway be without some buttons...so there are some buttons thrown in for good measure.

If you would like to enter...simply leave me a comment here on my blog (Under this blog entry) make sure to include your email address so I can get in touch with you if you are the winner.

The winner will be chosen by random using Random.org and will be announced on my blog this coming Saturday (May 2nd)

The fun doesn't stop here...there are several BBTB design team members that are giving away goodies this week...so from here you will want to "Hop" over to Sharon's Blog (click here)to check out her giveaway and enter for your chance to win!

Good luck to all that enter! have a super week and remember to check back on my blog on Wednesday for my Wednesday "freebie".

Freebie Wednesday April 22nd

2009-04-22T08:56:00.001-07:00

Happy Hump Day everyone! Last weeks "freebie" wednesday was so much fun! I received so many nice comments and emails. The freebie last week was downloaded just over 200times! So I hope that you all enjoyed the cut last week.

This week I wanted to share a design using design studio...but after creating this cut file, I decided to create one for all of you that use SCAL as well. So there is something for everyone today :)

Ok so have you all seen the newest fiskars punch? It cuts a scalloped shape that is almost like an oval with a oval hole in the middle. This punch is oh so impossible to get your hands on (just like the threading water punch was) so I decided to create a card that has this "punched" edge on it.

First here's the card I created using this cut file, so you can see visually what I am trying to explain ;):

As you can see, the edge appears like I have used a boarder punch on it...but the cricut will cut it all out for you...perfect alignment everytime...awh don't you just love your bug!

So here's the freebie for this cut: (here to download)

This cut file is designed using only the plantin schoolbook cartridge. I decided to do this because you will find a lot of cut files using George so I wanted to do a cut file using the basic cartridge that comes with your expression machine.

Just as a note, I used the inside of the letter "D" for the inside of the scallops. When you open this cut file in design studio you will have to click on each of the "d's" and with your mouse right click and then hide the outside edge of each "d". I know this is a pain, but we have to work around some things when using design studio. If you do not know how to do this, shoot me a email or refer to the cricut message board.

Now on to the SCAL cut files (click here to download)

Ok, so for those of you that have SCAL here are 2 scallop cards that I created in photoshop cs3 and then converted to cut files. Since my file was so large last week (and some of you had trouble opening it on your computer), this week I did not save these files in a large format.

So you will have to import them into SCAL and then size it using your shape properties (very simple to do). The size this is created for is 8.5 wide and 5.5 high. This will cut you a standard card.

Happy Creating everyone...and remember if you download these files, leave me a comment!

BBTB Challenge and Peggy Loves Vintage

2009-04-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

I for once (in a long time)am thankful that today is Monday! This weekend we had snow and rain here in Colorado...we received rain in my neck of the woods, and boy did it rain. The rain started on Thursday and did not stop until early Sunday morning. Needless to say it turned out to be a long weekend for the kids as they are use to being on the ball fields and outside during the weekend.

We also had a leak in our basement because of the amount of moisture we received so I am dealing with the restoration folks from our insurance agency...it just might end up being a long week as we pull back carpets, set up fans and get new padding...sounds fun right? Power of positive thinking...power of positive thinking....

So this week over at BBTB we were challenged by Regina to use the inch bag from the Tags, Bags, Boxes and More cartridge and combine that with our sponsor this week, which is Peggy Loves Vintage. We each received 4 vintage images and we were able to use any of the 4 to use on our bag.

Here's my take on this weeks challenge:

As you can see these little images can be just simply printed and then placed onto your project. You can dress them up, or just use them as is...I pretty much decided to leave mine as it (since it was so sweet) and just accent it with a scallop backing and some stickles around the side. I also added a pearl handle to the bag to give it that extra girly touch.

So if you love vintage pretties, then you will for sure want to check these out!

Have a great week everyone, and don't forget to check back on Wednesday for my "Wednesday Freebie"

Freebie Wednesday April 15th UPDATED CUT FILE 4/26

2009-04-15T09:33:00.001-07:00

Since today is tax day I figured that we could all use a freebie! As mentioned earlier in the week, I am going to be giving out cut files using both SCAL and Design studio. I will be starting out slow and doing this 1 time a week, but I hope to be able to do 2 a week soon.

Today's freebie cut file is a artesian shape using SCAL software. I really like working with these files as I can create them in Adobe Photoshop CS3 and then convert them to cutting files using inkscape.

Here's the view of what you can download:

I have this set at just shy of a 12x12 so it will cut a full sheet of cardstock for layouts. However, you can easily resize this in SCAL to fit a card.

Click here to download this CUT file

If you like this cut, and would like to see more, leave me a comment.

Have a great day everyone!

Happy Monday-BBTB Challenge and Lots to share!

2009-04-13T10:27:00.001-07:00

Well the reality of Monday has hit our house hard today. The kids are back to school and it was rather difficult getting them there today on time. I think they really enjoyed having a week off and I am even more sure that they would have liked to have another week off! It's crazy to think that summer break will be here before we know it.

Well if you have been following my blog for a while you can see that I have made a lot of changes to it over the past week. There are still a few more things that I will be tweaking here and there but I am really excited to have a more organized and user friendly blog. I have been wanting to share some of my cricut and SCAL cuts but I wanted to make sure that they would be easy to access or reference so you can see that there is a tab for each section at the top of my blog...now locating cutting files, videos (which will be coming) and tutorials will be a breeze! I am really excited to be able to share in an organized fashion. Starting this week, I will be loading cut files...watch my postings as I will put all here in my postings and then reference them under the tabbed sections.

Also, since its Monday today I have a little BBTB project to share! This week we were asked to use the 24/7 cut from the graphically speaking cartridge. I decided to turn mine into a mesh...and here's what I came up with.

Have a great week everyone and don't forget to check back if you are interested in downloading some fun cuts :)

Happy Easter and 2 Toots

2009-04-12T10:43:00.001-07:00

I wanted to wish everyone a VERY Happy Easter! I hope that you all get to enjoy some quality time with your precious families today!

We were up pretty early this morning...isn't it so fun having young children in the house that are just so excited for everything! Gavin was really cute this morning talking about how he thought he heard someone eating carrots downstairs...LOL. I love him at this age...so into everything and he's just so darn excited about everything!

Yesterday we took some time to dye some Eggs...the kids really enjoy and look forward to doing this every year. We also went over to the City Egg hunt...it was crazy! Not sure we will do that again...the eggs were gone in less than 2 minutes...honestly I have never seen anything like it! LOL

I also have some fun news to TOOT about. I received an email on Friday from Scrapbook Trends requesting 2 of my projects...a layout and a card for their upcoming Sept. 2009 issue. I am just thrilled!

Well I hear the oven beeping so I better get back to the family.

Under Construction

2009-04-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

Please ignore the mess! My blog is receiving a "face lift". Keep checking back because not only will my blog be getting a fun new look but I will also be adding lots of new fun things such as cricut patterns, videos/tutorials, SCAL patterns, and much much more :)

Toot Update and Scrappin' Sports & More Project

2009-04-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday everyone! What do you have planned for today? As I am typing I have lots of giggling going on in the background...what are we up to today you ask? Oh nothing but a fun little silly string war...pictures to come soon. Not sure what we are going to do today, perhaps rent the movie Bedtime Stories and eat some popcorn on the couch. Awh...Spring break freedom...;)

So yesterday I received a fun little package on my door from scrapbook trends. A while back I shared that my little pear card would be in the upcoming April/May issue of simply handmade. This is my first publication in this book, and I have to say...wow there are some really cool ideas in this book. Everything from going green to the most clever cards ;)

Here's a picture of my little contribution to this book:

This month I have been sharing a few little projects at a time using some of the awesome papers and embellishments from Scrappin' Sports and More. Today, I have a little kids birthday invitation idea to share. This little invitation was made using the racing line from Scrappin' Sports and More. I hand drew a little flag shape and cut it down for each layer so it appears as thou the flag is waving. I then attached a dowel to the back for a fun presentation that will delight any child.

So is anyone heading out with the kids tomorrow to see the new Hannah Montana movie? I think we might make a day of it at the theater tomorrow...so I will share our "review" of the movie this weekend :)

Have a super day everyone!

TEA-rrific Spring Day

2009-04-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

So let me explain...the kids are out of school this week for Spring Break...AKA Mommy go insane week...was that too honest? I was laughing with Jackson the other day when they got out for Spring Break. He ran to the car VERY excited and I said, as I opened his door, "Jacks you look happy"...he said "of course mom it's spring break"...and then turned to me with the wit and humor of a child much older then he is and said...I was just going to say "you look sad mom"..."could it be because it's spring break"...LOL.

I had to run home and call my mom and laugh with her about what Jackson said and then we got to talking about the circle of life and how things just don't seem the same when you become an adult...esp. a mom. Awh the circle of life...

So Saturday we started off our spring break with snow...snow and um more snow...ugh! What's up with spring? I honestly think we have had more snow this past couple of weeks then what we received all winter. Crazy!

So after accepting that the kids and I would be spending a lot of time together...something I do love to do when I am organized...I decided to get organized and make this a fun week...which we are calling (thanks to the show "In the motherhood") our "stay-cation...a vacation where we are staying around here...no big plans...just fun family time.

So we "met" as a family last night and discussed somethings that we would like to do together...some of the suggestions were very practical and some well let's face it...were very dream like (awh to be young again).

One of the things that Ashlee wanted to do this week was have a "tea party"...of course this "tea party" had a very long guest list...so I had to remind her that we are doing things with our brothers this week. After much convincing...they caved and enjoyed a tea party with Ashlee today...LOL (have to admit...it was cute).

They did have one stipulation...they were not going to dress in anything Ashlee picked out. They went into their room, shut the door, and picked out some "boy dress up clothes"...aka old Halloween costumes.

Here's some pictures from our Tea party:

Ashlee totally in her element....

Jackson being a VERY good sport....

Gavin having a ball...

So as our "tea party" progressed it dawned on Jackson that I might be sharing these pictures...it was at this point that he decided perhaps a tea party with pictures wasn't the best idea...LOL

Here's the boys trying to conceal the evidence that they were actually at a tea party...LOL

Well speaking of keeping the kids busy...I better get back to them.

Happy Monday-BBTB-Scrappin' Sports and More Projects

2009-03-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

This week over at BBTB we were challenged to use the cute little bunny from the doodlecharms cartridge. Since, we were snowed in last week and the kids were home, Ashlee and I had fun making a little gift for Great Grandma. The idea was to turn this little challenge into a gift that we could give to her at lunch on Saturday.

Here's what we came up with:

The pattern papers and the little carrot are products from Scrappin' Sports and More. One of our challenges this month is to make a gift for Easter...so I was able to combine that challenge with this one :)

Teacher appreciation week is just around the corner and I love to give little gifts throughout the week to my kids teachers as we have been so blessed again this year with the best teachers! This little card will be given out during the week.

Again, all pattern papers and the cardstock sticker are products from Scrappin' Sports and More.

Saturday when we finally made it out of the house we headed down to Denver to go to lunch with Grandma, Grandpa, and Great Grandma. We had a really nice time and Great Grandma loved her little basket which made Ashlee really happy ;)

After lunch we headed off to pick up a cousin and took the kids to monsters verses aliens...such a CUTE show! If you haven't seen it yet you will want to take the whole family...it was the best animated show that I have seen in years!

Have a great week everyone!

SS&M layouts and I've been tagged.

2009-03-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

This month over at SS&M 2 members of our design team (Peggy and Shannon) both issued us challenges. We were challenged to mix some SS&M lines (this layout I won't be sharing because I have submitted it and the rules state that we can not share), use a sketch by Becky Fleck, create a layout of a mascot, and finally use a song title or lyrics as inspiration for your layout.

Here's what I came up with:

Here's the layout using the sketch:

Here's my layout that was inspired by a song: (I choose my brown eye girl...because I always think of this song when I look at my DD)

And here is my layout of Rocky the Denver Nuggets Mascot:

So I was also "tagged" by Reneé. I am to post the 6th picture on my computer in the 6th folder....and then explain the photo. Here's the 6th picture in the 6th folder.

This is a little picture of Ashlee 2 years ago on the back porch eating a popsicle, doesn't get much simpler than that.

Ok...now I am to tag 6 people...so here I go.

1. Regina
2. DeeDee
3. Sharon
4. Donna
5. Krista
6. Michelle

Have a great day everyone :)

Happy Monday-BBTB Spring Challenge

2009-03-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

Well it was sure starting to feel like spring here in Colorado...until today! We are expecting rain, snow and chilly temps! Last week we were in the mid 70's almost the entire week so you can imagine how lucky we feel now (LOL). With any luck this will be our last storm of the season and we will officially be enjoying spring weather.

Over at BBTB we celebrated kicking off the spring season with our challenge this week. We were challenge to use the "spring" cut from the stretch your imagination cartridge. This cartridge has so many fun cuts and has to be one of my all time favorite shape cartridges.

I also paired up this challenge with the Tags, Bags, Boxes and More cartridge and added "spring" onto a little purse. I also added some pattern paper from Heather Bailey (thanks Reneé), a flower, some hand stitching, ink and a cuttlebug folder was used to emboss the front.

Anyway, here it is :

This little purse will be heading out the door to a friend of mine. Inside the little purse is a bag of Easter peanut m&m's!

Have a super week everyone!

Scrapbook Trends Toot update

2009-03-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Today I received a fun little package on my door step. A while back I had mentioned that my little dress card using products from Best Creation, was going to be in an upcoming party planning idea issue of Scrapbook Trends...and it came today! Of course I was super excited to be published in this idea book...but what was even more exciting is that it's filled with other designers that I know! How cool is that! Congrats to ALL of you crafty girls!

Here's a scanned picture of the book and my little contribution to it:

I hope you are all off to a great weekend! I am planning on staying up WAY past my bedtime and actually creating something. It's been a few weeks since I have been able to craft so tonight is the night!

BBTB Challlenge

2009-03-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

This week over at BBTB we were challenged to use the pillow box cut from the cricut wedding solutions cartridge. This cartridge has so many cute cuts on it and honestly so many that you would just use for everyday use...so it is so much more than just a wedding cartridge.

Every year at my kids school we have a "teacher appreciation" week. I typically will take in a few small things to each of the teachers. So I decided to get a jump start on that and use this challenge for one of my gifts. I plan on filling it with M&M's or another little treat.

Anyway, here's my project:

On another note, we are having a BEAUTIFUL day here in Colorado. Expecting a high of 70! It looks like a perfect day to be outside...so I am sure we will be riding bikes after school today.

Have a great week everyone!

Starting a new week...BBTB Challenge

2009-03-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or did this last week really just fly? Time just keeps marching WAY faster than I would like it to! It's crazy that we are already in the month of March. My kids keep reminding me that they will be out of school for summer break soon. I have to admit, as much as I love having them around, this kinda scares me. They seem so grown up then this year...and I am sure they will really keep me hopping this summer.

With Summer vacation right around the corner, I felt inspired to incorporate it on the challenge this week over at BBTB. We were challenged to use the HWY cut from the going places cartridge. This cut (well close to this cut) is also on the cars cartridge (in case you do not have the going places cartridge).

Summer around here for us means lazy days, more sleep, lots of swimming, picnics, parties, BBQ's and of course vacations! We love to travel! so we tend to take a lot of mini little trips during the summer. So I thought a travel notebook might be a good idea to keep everything straight!

Here's my take on this weeks challenge:

Isn't this paper and chipboard the CUTEST ever? It's by Cosmo Cricket! I just love this little "s'mores" line by them...so darling and so much fun to play with!

If you get a chance this week, remember to play along with us at the BBTB site! We would love to see your take on this weeks challenge! and there is also a new contest starting today...so make sure to stop on over at the BBTB site and join in the fun!

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Toot and an amazing contest...that you need to check out!

2009-03-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

It feels almost strange to blog on Wednesday! I have a small toot. The contest that I was in over at Scrapstreet.com, our results/"final scores are in and I ended up being the Winner! Thank you everyone that left me nice comments and offered me encouragement throughout the contest!

Speaking of contests, Scrapstreet.com is getting ready to kick off their annual Star contest, which is much like the hall of fame or memory masters contest! The winner of this contest is honored to be the scrapstreet star of the year! With this honor comes a HUGE prize package of $100 dollars worth of scrapppin' goodies!!! Also, if you have ever dreamed of writing for a magazine (ezine)we will be welcoming 2 new staff members!!! This is an amazing opportunity for someone!!! I know I sure have enjoyed my almost 3 years with the magazine! So what are you waiting for...the game starts March 27th...click here for all the details!