Scrappy Beads

The "Nellie Knot"

2012-01-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

I found this wonderful video on YouTube and I wanted to share it with you today... *Ü*. I ♥♥♥♥ my "Bow Easy"... but there are times I want to keep my bows a little more simple and secure without using tape... *Ü*. This technique is fabulous and can be used for just about anything.

I hope you enjoy this video and begin using this technique for your cards and projects too... *Ü*.

Have a beautiful weekend!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Please "Follow" Me On Pinterest

2012-01-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends!!

I would ♥♥♥♥ for you all to "follow" me on Pinterest... *Ü*. If you do not have a Pinterest account... please send me a "Request an Invite" {located at the upper top of the page} and I will send you an invite as soon as possible... *Ü*.

Pinterest {Scrappy Beads}

I ♥♥♥♥ creating designs that will inspire others... please follow me along on this journey... *Ü*...

Have a beautiful day!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Bedroom Decor... Girls Lamp

2012-01-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

It's still hard to believe we are in the year 2012... but I feel in my heart some very exciting things are waiting beyond the horizon... *Ü*.

I have so many ideas running through my head and I just can't work on them fast enough... *Ü*!!

Today, I made a lamp decoration for a girls room. It's so sweet looking and the sparkle is amazing... *Ü*!! This fits perfectly on the body of the lamp and really adds an adorable touch to the decor.

I just adore creating unique ideas with my jewelry. I can look at a room or an object and pretty much most of the time picture beads or gems being used... *Ü*.

I'm thinking of creating something really special and having a giveaway... stay tuned for that... *Ü*.

Have a beautiful day everyone...

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

"Build a Project" 2012 New Year Card

2011-12-29T16:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday, Everyone!!

Boy, have I missed not being in my scrapbooking room... *Ü*!! It was a wonderful lil' vacation with my family for the holiday... but I'm ready to get back to creating some fun goodies for you all... *Ü*.

Here's Creative Kuts "Build Project" for this week. It's a 2012 Happy New Year card... I ♥♥♥♥ it!!

There's so much one can do with this file. I just ♥ adding glitter to whatever I can... *Ü*. This card was perfect for such an occasion.

The scalloped circles will have the words "From Our Family to Yours" placed in them when I can find my gel pens... *Ü*.

The inside of the card has a banner with the words... "Happy New Year" and a white scalloped edge mat for writing my sentiments... *Ü*.

I hope you will stop by and visit with the girls over at Creative Kuts... there's never a dull moment... *Ü*!!

Wishing you all a beautifully blessed day!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Build a Project... Mug

2011-12-20T15:56:00.000-08:00

Hello, Friends!!

I just ♥♥♥♥ this "Build a Project" that Creative Kuts has for this week... *Ü*

This was such a simple file and yet so versatile... *Ü*. In that, you can put anything you desire into this mug and it would be perfect for gift giving... *Ü*. It would be great for a Starbucks Gift Card... Hmmmmm... great idea, now that I think of it... *Ü*!!!

I cut out some of the images from the paper I used and added pop dots... giving them a great 3D affect. I then added glitter to some areas of the mug to add a lil' shimmer... *Ü*. I know it's hard to see in the photo, but it's so cute in person... *Ü*. I decided I wanted to put the cocoa into a clear resealable bag so one can see it. I added some marshmallows to the cocoa too... *Ü*. I cut out the snowflake on the tag using my Sizzix Paddle Punch... I ♥ those things to pieces...!! Finally, I added a bow and snowflake embellishment to the cocoa bag... *Ü*.

If you haven't visited Creative Kuts' Facebook page... I assure you that you're missing out on a lot of fun and inspiration... *Ü*!! Stop by today and tell them Scrappy Beads sent you over to say "Hi"... *Ü*.

Have a warm cup of cocoa by a toasty fireplace night...

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Printable Christmas Bingo Game

2011-12-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

These are so stinkin' adorable... *Ü*!! The quality of the images are exceptional (be sure to set your printer to "best" before printing to ensure the highest quality print...).

Flip Chick Designs has the greatest printable games, candy wrappers, and banners that I have chosen to do, as we are hosting Christmas this year... *Ü* I also have done an Advent Calendar (in a previous post...) that I simply adore... *Ü*.

I found that cutting the calling cards were best cut with a ruler and a craft knife (I ♥♥♥♥ my fingertip control craft knife by Fiskars...). Simply print these Christmas Bingo Cards and Christmas Bingo Calling Cards out at home on white cardstock, cut out, laminate, and you're ready to play... *Ü*.

There are 24 calling cards in total... these are just a few of the adorable images.

This Christmas Bingo Game is going to be a hit with the children... *Ü*. They are going to want to play bingo over and over again.

Printable Christmas Bingo Game for 2-5 players. Includes 5 bingo cards and 24 calling cards.

For a larger group of players, Shannon (owner of "Flip Chick Designs") has also created a Christmas Bingo Game for up to 40 players... *Ü*. The cards have the same adorable images as the Christmas Bingo Game for up to 5 players... *Ü*.

This set includes 40 5-inch bingo cards with 9 squares each, and 24 Calling Cards.

There are 24 calling cards in this 40 card bingo game as well... these are just a few of the adorable images.

I have some clear red plastic circles (from other games) that I will simply have the children use as their bingo chips... *Ü*. If you don't have to add more cost... then I say hooray... *Ü*!!

The prizes for the children are under $5.00... I can't say what they are; it's a surprise... *Ü*.

I hope you will stop by and visit "Flip Chick Designs" for your set of Christmas Bingo Cards... you will create hours of fun for the children to play.

Have a beautiful day, my fabulous friends...

**Lots of BIG Warm Hugs**

Easy Earring Card... Pink Christmas Stocking

2011-12-16T12:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!!

I made an adorable Easy Earring Card with a lil' pink stocking cut out... from "My Scrap Chick"... the Holiday Card Set *Ü*. Now, I know it's not Christmas colors, but the earrings are pink after all, so why not do a pink stocking too... *Ü*. I made the stocking a tag... soooo cute...!!

I hope this inspires those that do jewelry to visit Dee at Easy Earring Cards and purchase a set of her punches... you will be so happy you did... *Ü*.

I will be sharing with you some elegant and simple Easy Earring Cards that I have been working on very soon. I also wanted to make some with perforations so one can tear off the price section... perfect for gift giving... *Ü*.

I ♥♥♥♥ my Easy Earring Card Hole Punches... they are FABULOUS... *Ü*!!!

The Easy Earring Cards punches are so simple and convenient to use. They allow you to have perfect punched holes EVERY time... no more fiddling with trying to get your holes to line up just right. The hard work is done for you... Thank you, Dee, for such a great product... you're amazing!!!!!

Have a warm & cozy day and night,

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Gingerbread Cupcake/Muffin Tin Advent Calendar

2011-12-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

Hello!!

I had forgotten to share this fabulous project with you until now... *Ü*.

I just adore... no... no... no ♥♥♥♥ this idea... *Ü* I wish I could say it was mine... but Shannon at Flip Chick Designs shares how to make this Advent Calendar with her fabulous digital images... *Ü*.

I will not take up too much of your time because she gives you step by step instructions as how you put this adorable Gingerbread Advent Calendar together... *Ü*.

The fun goodies one can put inside are endless... get creative and surprise your children each day... *Ü*.

This Advent Calendar sits beautifully in the front entrance... with pretty Christmas props all around. I don't want to take a photo of that as I want our guests to be surprised with all the decorative goodies from the moment they step into our home and throughout... *Ü*.

These make wonderful gifts for co workers, teachers, family, friends, and neighbors... *Ü*.

Wishing you all a warm and lovely evening.

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Snowman Shaker

2011-12-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

Here's my Creative Kuts "Snowman Shaker" project... I ♥♥♥♥ this file... *Ü* It was very easy to assemble because Eva put together a tutorial (via a video) showing you how to create this cutie... *Ü*.

With a glistening scarf... *Ü* His belly is filled with lil' micro glass beads. The carrot nose and holly are 3D... they look so cute sticking out... *Ü*

Today is the last day to request this file... so hop on over before it's too late... *Ü*!

Have a beautiful day everyone!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Random Crafts of Kindness

2011-12-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Thank you to those that voted for my children at Cricut's "Random Crafts of Kindness" Contest... *Ü*. They came to me last night and asked that I please take my Facebook and Blog messages down. They also asked me to delete the entry for the Cricut contest. They said they were doing this because they wanted to make the children happy, not to get something in return (they made sure to let me know that they thought it was sweet of me to enter their letters and cards). As their mother I understood that from the beginning, but I wanted to respect their feelings and do as they asked... *Ü*.

My girls were afraid they were going to hurt my feelings because they saw how excited I was when I found the Cricut contest. What they did not realize was that I was "excited" to share what they themselves wanted to do this Christmas for other children... *Ü*.

I am truly blessed to have such wonderful children and that is a "gift" that can never be won... Thank You Jesus... *Ü*.

I do want to share the pretty cards that were made... *Ü*.

Wishing you all a beautifully blessed day!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Snowman Flattened Bottle Cap Napkin Holders

2011-12-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

Hello!!

I have so many projects going on at once... but that's the holiday season for me. I honestly wouldn't have it any other way... *Ü*!!

I wanted to show you what I am working on today for the children's place settings... *Ü*. Please note... the bottle cap images and Glass Cabochons are not adhered as of yet... *Ü*.

Items needed for this project...
1. Flattened Bottle Caps
2. Christmas Patterned Cardstock
3. Micro Glaze (Judi ♥ Kins) this is for the protection of the cardstock... prevents bleeding or smearing of paper... *Ü*
4. 3D Crystal Lacquer (another brand is Diamond Glaze) I prefer the 3D Crystal Lacquer as it creates less bubbles... *Ü*
5. Ribbon
6. Glue Gun
7. 1" Circle Punch
8. 20mm Glass Cabochons
9. Paint Brush

This project is very simple and the end result is just so adorable... *Ü*.

Punch out your favorite Christmas Patterned Cardstock with your 1" circle punch. Dip your paint brush in the Micro Glaze and coat the inner part of the bottle cap. Then, center your image on the bottle cap... pressing down to ensure the image will adhere to your bottle cap. You then need to brush a coat on top of your image with the Micro Glaze (this is to prevent bleeding or smearing of the paper). Finally, take a small amount of the 3D Crystal Lacquer and place it on the flattened side of your Glass Cabochon right in the center. Gently place the Glass Cabochon on top of your image... pressing gently to release any bubbles that may be present... *Ü*.

To complete the Snowman Bottle Cap Napkin Holders you simply need to glue your favorite ribbon onto the back of the bottle cap. They are now ready to be added to your table decor... *Ü*!!

These are so adorable and the colors are so vibrant when the Glass Cabochons are used... the colors really pop out, as does the image itself... *Ü*.

I hope I have given you some ideas for your Christmas decorating this year... *Ü*.

I will be sharing with you the very pretty napkin holders I will be making for the adult place settings hopefully tomorrow... *Ü*.

Wishing you all a very merry weekend ahead,

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Handmade Snowman Glass Ornaments

2011-12-07T13:18:00.001-08:00

Happy Wednesday, My Fabulous Friends,

I have been so busy and there's so much to share... *Ü*!!

Today, I wanted to share with you some very fun Snowmen Glass Ornaments I have been making for my Christmas guests this year... *Ü*.

The picture truly does not do this lil' guy justice... *Ü*. I hope you can see the detail and glimmer of the glass ornament.

Here's what you'll need to do this project...

1. Glass ornaments (at any local craft store... at Hobby Lobby 50% off)
2. Pledge Floor Care Finish (any floor care product will do)
3. Folkart Paints... orange and black (any acrylic paint will do)
4. Shimmering yarn (for his scarf; you can choose what material you like best)
5. Paint Brushes (I used very small and fine brushes)
6. Martha Stewart Screw Punch (it has to be a long handle to reach down into the hat)
7. Ribbon (any color or type you like to hang the ornament)
8. Glue Gun (to glue the accessories on the ornament) *not in photo*
9. Scissors (to cut the scarf)
10. Crystal Fine Glitter (I use Martha Stewart's) *not in photo*
11. Funnel (it can be made from paper or a small plastic one) *not in photo*
12. Mini Plastic Snowman Hat (Hobby Lobby 50% off in the Christmas Crafts section)

There are several videos on how to create glitter ornaments... here's one I found on YouTube that shows how simple it is to glitter your glass ornaments and how you can decorate them too... *Ü*.

Now you can decorate your ornaments... *Ü*. I ♥♥♥♥ snowmen, so I wanted to create lil' snowmen to attach to gifts and other goodies this year.

I painted on the faces (what is nice about glass ornaments is that, if you mess up, you can simply take a baby wipe and start over)... *Ü*. I then took my snowman hat and screwed a hole in the center using my Martha Stewart Screw Punch (it takes a lil' muscle to do this step, I must say). The reason for the hole is to attach the metal clip (remove clip and cap from the ornament...) to the hat so it can be hung if desired. You can simply glue the ribbon directly onto the hat if you prefer... *Ü*.

At this point, you can add any accessories you choose. I put on a scarf (I will be attaching a lil' mini red bell to the scarf as well... *Ü*). You can add decorations around the hat too... *Ü*. The ideas you can do for your snowman are endless... *Ü*!!

I hope you enjoyed this lil' fun project and will create some adorable snowmen for your Christmas tree or gift giving this year... *Ü*.

Have a beautiful day!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Gift Card Wrappers

2011-12-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday Everyone!!

I have been printing... printing... printing... and creating Advent Calendars this week... *Ü*.

Today, I have been printing out these adorable Gift Card Wrappers from Just So Scrappy 2. There are so many designs and the patterns are just so cute... I ♥♥♥♥ them all!!

Here are just a couple I wanted to post real quick... *Ü* Please note that the quality of the Just So Scrappy 2 digital designs are exceptional (be sure to set your printer to the "Best" quality option before printing)... *Ü*.

The reason why I ♥ to make my own packaging, if you will, is because it's different from what anyone can buy at the stores and makes it unique and special... *Ü*. I will be adding bling and ribbon to these as well... it really makes them perfect for gift giving!!

Tomorrow, I hope to share some ornaments and candy wrappers I have been working on... *Ü*!

I pray everyone has a beautifully blessed holiday season and creates many cherished memories along the way... *Ü*.

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

To My Fisherman... "Fish"

2011-12-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

To My Fisherman "Fish"... this is for you to hold close to your ♥. When we grow old together and our minds are a little fuzzy... pull these words from your ♥ as best you can.

I read this today and wanted to put a few of my own "moments" in there... You'll know the ones without my even saying a word... ♥

What a girl wants... what a girl needs...this says it all...

When she pulls away, pull her back. When you see her start crying, just hold her and don't say a word. When you see her walking, sneak up and hug her waist from behind. When she's scared, protect her. When she steals your favorite blanket, let her snuggle with it. When she says that she loves you, she really does mean it. When she grabs at your hands, hold hers and play with her fingers. When she confides in you, keep it safe and untold. When she looks into your eyes, don't look away until she does. When she sends you this message, she wants you to read it. When she's mad, hug her tight and don't let go. When she says she's okay, don't believe it. Text her at midnight on her birthday to tell her you love her. Treat her like she's all that matters to you. Watch her favorite movie with her even if you think it's stupid. Dance with her until she takes your hand and walks away with you. Kiss her in the pouring rain. When she runs up to you crying, the first thing you say is: "Whose butt am I kicking today, baby?"

Fish... I ♥ you...

Your Beautiful Marlin

OXOX

Holiday Recipe Books

2011-11-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Warm Thursday, Everyone!!!

I just adore Fall... *Ü*. The smell in the air; the crisp, warm weather; and the beautiful colors all around. However, my favorite part is when family and friends come together for "Thanksgiving" and spend those precious memories with one another... ♥♥♥♥.

Today, I am starting on my Holiday Recipe Books.... *Ü*. Every year, I use different file folder patterns. I have used some with decorative edges and some without. This year I am using a scalloped edge as it looks so pretty with the theme of papers I am using... sort of a vintage Christmas look.

My family ♥♥♥♥ to cook and we're always talking about opening a restaurant so we can share our recipes with others... who knows, maybe one day we will... *Ü*. Until then, we ♥ to give recipe books as gifts to share our favorite dishes and desserts.

I have made my file folders (I'm making 12 Holiday Recipe Books for different families). I am a recycler for sure... it feels so good to create something new out of something used or old... *Ü*. With that said, I use our food and snack boxes to cut out file folders to give my recipe books a sturdy feel to them. I simply add my cardstock or paper patterns to each recycled file folder... *Ü*.

I am in the process of creating "pockets" for each of my file folders to hold the recipes. I simply cut a strip of paper (usually not the same pattern on the file folder as it adds more charm to the design) the same length as the file folder. I cut each strip about 1/3 the width of the file folder so not to cover too much of the patterned paper. I glue the sides and bottom edges of the strips (be sure to glue as close to the edges of the strips as possible, this will allow the pockets to have room to fit more recipe cards for each file folder), leaving the top flap open for the recipe cards.

Once those steps are completed, I can then put my Holiday Recipe Books together. I use my Bind it All or I simply use my Crop-a-Dile to punch holes and use some rings to hold my books together.

I haven't yet decided which recipes or ideas I want to share. When I have chosen the perfect ones, I can then have a better idea as to how I want to label my file folders... cookies, holiday cooking tips, soups, etc.

Now for the fun part... deciding which cute embellishments to use to decorate my Holiday Recipe Books... *Ü*! With the great cutting programs and the numerous different SVG companies out there our choices are limitless... yay... *Ü*!!

I hope you will try making some fun Holiday Recipe Books for those you ♥.

Have a beautiful day...

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Let It Snow... Easy Earring Card

2011-11-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

Hi!!

I'm making Easy Earring Cards for the holidays... and I just wanted to show you how cute & fun they are... *Ü*.

Now, mind you, these are very simple Easy Earring Cards; they can be jazzed up as much as you want... *Ü*.

I took a couple more pictures so you can see the colors and earring punches a little better... *Ü*!! The snowflakes are 3D with pop dots, but the photos don't seem to capture that too well.

I ♥♥♥♥ my Easy Earring Card Hole Punches... they are FABULOUS... *Ü*!!!

The Easy Earring Cards punches are so simple and convenient to use. They allow you to have perfect punched holes EVERY time... no more fiddling with trying to get your holes to line up just right. The hard work is done for you... Thank you, Dee, for such a great product... you're amazing!!!!!

Have a warm & cozy day and night,

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Cricut Craft Room is Now Open!!!!!!

2011-11-09T13:48:00.001-08:00

FYI... The Cricut Craft Room is now open... YAY... *Ü*!!!

It's FUN... it's FABULOUS... and it's FREE... *Ü*!!!!

How easy is Cricut Craft Room™? Just log in with your cricut.com account and get started. Then design to your heart’s content with easy and unlimited access to virtually all available Cricut® cartridges. The best part? You don’t have to own the cartridge to design with it, only when you’re ready to cut with it. Soon Cricut Craft Room™ will become the most popular room in your house.

Have a computer and an Internet connection? Great news, the images from virtually all Cricut® cartridges are at your fingertips. If you see a cartridge you just gotta have, play with it for free in Cricut Craft Room™. Then purchase the cartridge artwork directly online. Images will arrive instantly; you’ll never have to leave home. It gets even better — Cricut Craft Room™ is home to images you can’t find anywhere else. We call them Cricut Craft Room™ Exclusives, even though what you make with them is definitely meant to be shared.

Visit the Cricut Craftroom today...

Have a great day everyone!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Paper Pumpkin Decorations

2011-11-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a little project I was working on while it has been raining... *Ü*!

I will fan out the pumpkin a little better... I just had to hurry and get some photos while the clouds were not as dark as it has been all day... *Ü*.

1. I cut my strips at 1 1/2 x 12 (I wanted large pumpkins)...*Ü*.
2. I punched a hole at each end of the strips (I used my Crop-a-Dile to do all the strips at once... using the 3/16 hole punch at each end).
3. I put each strip through my wavy roller... to give some depth to my pumpkin.
4. Bunching the strips together I placed a 3/16 brad at each end holding the strips in place.
5. I then began to fan the strips out until they formed a nice pumpkin shape... *Ü*.
6. I then added some pipe cleaner (I will add brown pipe cleaner for the stem and some green pipe cleaners for the leaves when I make a fun shopping trip to Hobby Lobby... I just used what I had on hand... *Ü*).

Now, you can add a nice glimmer with your Glimmer Mists or a nice metallic spray would be really pretty. You can emboss your strips to add some really great dimension to your pumpkin... *Ü*. You can add ribbon for your stem and leaves... (I did a quick use of my pipe cleaners... they look really cute and add some sparkle). I think using different Fall/Autumn patterned papers would be so pretty as well... *Ü*.

There are so many options and ideas one can do with this project. I will be making small ones to place at each dinner setting with a cute lil' scalloped tag for each person's name... *Ü*.

I hope you like my fun lil' project for today... why not make some for your family too... *Ü*.

Have a beautiful weekend!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

MSC (My Scrap Chick) Trick or Treaters Paper Piecings

2011-10-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

Hello, Friends!!

I have missed playing with all the various paper piecing companies' patterns out there in the fun world of crafting... *Ü*.

Today, I worked with the awesome "Trick or Treaters" pattern from MSC (My Scrap Chick). This is an adorable pattern set full of fabulous costumes and a perfect background scenery for the most precious page layouts, cards, 3D art, etc. The ideas are limitless... and there's lots of fun to be had creating with My Scrap Chick's pattern sets... *Ü*.

I, of course, made all of my paper piecings in 3D... *Ü*. I inked and chalked all of my pieces, as well.

I used the Sizzix Paddle Punch Ghost and Bat... I ♥♥♥♥ these punches; they are perfect and can be punched out anywhere on your project. The Sizzix Paddle Punches are retired, but you can find some on E-bay or Etsy for a decent price. Some are higher than others as they are very hard to find... *Ü*.

I also used the K&Company Grand Adhesions 3D Stickers. I adore K&Company products... they are wonderfully made and add a lot of dimension to your projects.

Last but not least, I used a wonderful Acrylic Spray called PYM II to seal in the chalking and inking on my paper piecings.

Yay... it's Friday... time for some fun... *Ü*!! I hope you all have a very wonderful weekend... enjoy your family and friends... as they are a blessing to have... *Ü*!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Easy Earring Halloween Spook Card

2011-10-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Cold Crisp Day...

Today, I made a cute little Halloween earring card holder... *Ü*. I used an adorable ghost and mini bats. I also used an Action Wobble for my ghost... I ♥♥♥♥ using these lil' gadgets... they are AWESOME!!!

I ♥♥♥♥ my Easy Earring Card Hole Punches... they are FABULOUS... *Ü*!!!
The Easy Earring Cards punches are so simple and convenient to use. They allow you to have perfect punched holes EVERY time... no more fiddling with trying to get your holes to line up just right. The hard work is done for you... Thank you Dee for such a great product... your amazing!!!!!

I'm off to cuddle with my nice cozy blanket... it's cold and cloudy (hence one photo a little darker than the other due to clouds coming along... :) outside today... brrrrrrrrr.

Have a beautiful week!!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

A Helpful Tip... Duplicate Projects

2011-10-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

Do you find yourself making something and then wishing you would have made an extra for yourself or for any customer requests you may get...? On top of that... having a duplicate will ensure you remember how you made the original. Sure we have photos... but we all know photos are nothing compared to the real thing... *Ü*.

I always make duplicates of all my projects (especially my jewelry designs)... even my layouts... *Ü*. They are so hard to let go of (all that work and gone in a split second to someone never to be seen again). I find making an extra always makes the "departure" easier... ha-ha *Ü*.

I simply package everything up and store it away or take the packaged "samples" to my local Farmer's Market and get my custom orders there... *Ü*.

Have a beautiful week!!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

>

3D Halloween Pumpkin Card

2011-09-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

Hi, My Fabulous Friends!!

Don't you just ♥♥♥♥ the Halloween colors you'll find on most projects...? I sure do.. the purples, greens, oranges, etc... *Ü*!!

Now, don't you hate it when you're sitting at your scrapbooking table and have a look of "What am I doing here...?" or "Why do I have no brain cells left to create with today...?" Today was just one of those days!!

One thing I will say is this: THANK GOD for our cutting machines!!!! To know that you can cut your pattern pieces itty bitty or larger than life is amazing and SO convenient to say the least!!!

With that said, today I created a 3D Halloween Pumpkin Card using bats and a tree. I then added some scalloped circles and 3D stickers. I don't know about you, but I have oodles and oodles of stickers from so long ago... I'm surprised they still stick... LOL!!! I used my border punches to create some great depth to my card.

I took two pictures (one with flash and one without)... to give you more of an idea of the 3D dimension... and vibrant colors that were used.

I hope you like my quick and easy card... using some really great pattern pieces, embellishments, and tools to create a fun card for all ages... *Ü*!!

Have a beautiful week!!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

3D Angel Ornament

2011-09-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hi, Friends!!!

Today, I have a special treat for you... a 3D Angel Ornament... *Ü*.

I will be making adorable magnets, keychains, necklaces, and so much more with the bottle cap designs I'm working on. I look forward to sharing my ideas with you soon... *Ü*.

Have a beautiful week ahead,

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Glass Pearl Beaded Animal Bottle Cap Bracelet

2011-08-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Just real quick... lots to do today... *Ü*!

I made a bracelet today and I must say working with Bottle Caps are so much fun!!!

The colors are so pretty and it took a few pictures to try and demonstrate that. Unfortuantely, the glare from the glass cabachons distorts the Bottle Caps and minimizes the color. In person it's adorable... and I really hope you get an idea as to how cute these bottle caps truly are. The cabochon's are not adhered as of yet (that's why it's laying down rather than displayed how I ususally do) the cabochon's will be centered when finished (I ran out of time today, but wanted to get my photo up to share)... *Ü*.

Please remember to use your "best" print option and an ultra glossy paper for your bottle caps as this will ensure the best quality print... *Ü*!!

Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Multiple Color Glass Pearl Bracelet Set... Earring Cards

2011-08-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Family and Friends...

I had a lot of compliments on my Bottle Cap Glass Bead Bracelet... thank you so much... *Ü*!! I had a request to do a simple bracelet and earring set using the same colors... so here it is... *Ü*.

I love that I can create wonderful custom made earring card holders too. Here's one I made using a Sizzix Frame Back, Ornate #2 Die. The bracelet wraps around the earring card holder... it's perfect. I will package them so pretty and then they're ready for gift giving... *Ü*.

The Easy Earring Cards punches are so simple and convenient to use. They allow you to have perfect punched holes EVERY time... no more fiddling with trying to get your holes to line up just right. The hard work is done for you... Thank you Dee for such a great product... your amazing!!!!!

Okay, I'm off to do a lil' work out before my honey gets home... *Ü*!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Dew Drops Ü

2011-08-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to check in real quick to let all of my new followers and their two friends... hee-hee... know that I sell Crystal Clear Dew Drops in my Etsy Shop. Now please note that the description says 1,200 for $4.99... truth be told I always put in more than that... just because I ♥♥♥♥ my customers... *Ü*!! You can do a comparison via the price and quantity... and I do believe I still offer the best deal... if not please let me know *wink*!! I also send along a lil' gift to say "Thank You" for your purchase *Ü*.

Below is a sample of the pretty colors you can make using the Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks (in LOTS of wonderful colors...). I do make these... but have lots going on right now... so much to do... so little time... hmmmm... I need an assistant... hee-hee *Ü*

If you have never tried making your own Dew Drops... or are tired of buying only certain colors... or even too many of the same color... now is the time to venture out on your own and start making any color you wish... *Ü* I would ♥ to see what you make... so please share if you do.

Okay, I'm off to play in my scrapbooking room for a bit... then it's off to spend time with my family... as you know the days go by much too quickly!!

Thank you for stopping by and please say "Hi" so I know you were here... *Ü*.

Have a beautiful day everyone!!

**Lots of Hugs**

M&M Bottle Cap and Glass Pearl Bracelet... Update

2011-07-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

I was able to get the front done before needing more adhesive I ran out of... so I wanted to show the front of the bracelet. The back will look similar... *Ü*!! I ♥♥♥♥ the sound this bracelet makes... it's so pretty... *Ü*. Please keep in mind that the glare from the camera can throw off certain things... such as the glass domes. The images underneath are perfect in person (but in the photo they have a glare that makes them look a little off or distorted). The brown M&M image almost looks like a burnt orange color in the photo, but in person it's a rich brown... *Ü*.

Before
After

I have had requests to make a video on how to do these bottle caps, but with summer here I just don't have the time right now... *Ü*. I did some research and found a video you can watch that has a great tutorial from beginning to end... enjoy...*Ü*. I do mine a little differently, but this way is perfect just the same... *Ü*.

Have a fantastic day!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Have a Good Day...

2011-07-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a poem I found while looking for inspirational words to brighten my husbands day... he's up from the crack of dawn... until sun down most days and at times questions "What's it all for...?" It's for your family that adores you... and cherishes you for all you do... for who you are and all you will ever be. Fish this is for you... I ♥ you!! Marlin

Have a Good Day

You've woken up to a new day,
Make everything go your way.

The sun will rise,
But not at your dispise.

The moon will shine,
Only if you call it 'mine'.

The rain will fall,
and be your life's greatest shawl.

Protecting you from all evil,
and giving your heart plenty of questions to fill.

See the positive,
With a lot in your heart to give.

Acknowledge the negative,
and know that they live only for those not positive!

Enjoy it all while you can,
In your only visible life span.

I pray this will inspire your day!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Blogger Comment Issues Fixed...

2011-06-28T23:17:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!!!!! Found out how to answer comments in Blogger!!!! I've been having issues for weeks, the fix, when it asks you to sign in, "uncheck" the stay signed in box.

It works like a charm... YAY...!!!!

Now let's get to posting our comments... *Ü*!!

Have a great night everyone!!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Bottle Cap & Glass Pearl Bracelet

2011-06-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with you a Bottle Cap & Glass Pearl Bracelet I'm working on. I was SO excited to get my glass dome Cabochons only to receive the wrong size. To error is human... I must wait for reasons I don't know... but I won't question it either... *Ü*. Now I wanted to share this design with you "before" it was finished for two reasons. One... to ask for an honest opinion of what you think... and two... would you wear this for fun...? I promise it will look adorable when completed... *Ü*!!

The outer bottle caps will have the same designs and you will not be able to see the holes when the cabochons are on... *Ü*. The edges of the bottle caps will also be covered to have a smooth look to the designs. The cabochons are a raised glass domes that gives a magnified look and brings whatever is beneath it out. You know me... I love depth and 3D... so this is right up my alley... *Ü*!!

Please keep in mind when looking at the bracelet... that it's not complete. I hope to get the correct size at the beginning of this week. Until then, I hope you enjoyed my creation today. I absolutely adore doing jewelry... the unique designs are what intrigue me... *Ü*.

I also wanted to say that the sound this bracelet makes when the bottle caps hit against the glass pearls is like that of a soft chime... I ♥♥♥♥ it... *Ü*!!

Have a fabulous day my friends...

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

It's a Bug's Life... 12 x 12 Layout

2011-06-11T15:04:00.000-07:00

Hi My Fabulous Friends!!

Just a quick note... Is anyone still having trouble leaving comments on Blogger...? I'm still not able to comment... not sure why this is happening... guess it's time to look into it. I'll let you know what I find. Thank you so much for your sweet comments... I really hope I can start responding soon.

I made a custom layout it's called "It's a Bug's Life...". This layout is for an adorable little boy's photos and it's kept pretty simple. There are no ribbons or charms. I have to agree with my customers when they say they have difficulty finding men/boy layouts or paper piecings. Scrapbooking seems to gear towards to girly girls as they put it. We'll just have to fix that won't we... *Ü*!!

Now this 12 x 12 layout was created using Bugs & Friends patterns. Each paper piecing is 3D, chalked, and inked... *Ü*. I did not have to include the title with this order as it's already provided. There are 5 photo mats using various sizes.

I will be taking a break for custom orders... as I just don't have time to do them with how busy our summer is going to be. I will be doing simple projects and paper piecings when time permits. I will be doing jewelry and such too. Layouts are more time consuming and need more detail to complete.

I hope everyone is having a scrap-a-licious weekend!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Sneak Peek "It's a Bug's Life" 3D Paper Piecings

2011-06-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek of my 3D paper piecings that are part of a layout I'm working on called "It's a Bug's Life". Years ago I started doing most of my paper piecings in 3D as they add such definition to any project I'm doing.

I hope to get the layout completed tomorrow. It's very time consuming when you tend to make all of your paper piecings 3D, but to me it's so worth the time and effort put into my designs... *Ü*.

Have a fabulous weekend ahead!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Embossed Easy Earring Cards

2011-06-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!!

Wherever you are in the world I pray your day is beautiful!!!

I want to reply to the sweet comments that are being left for me... but Blogger is still not working properly on my end... I'm unable to post... :(. Please just know I'm very grateful to you for leaving me comments... they truly do make me smile... *Ü*.

Today, I made an Easy Earring Card... using the Lever Back Easy Earring Cards punch. It doesn't pick up real clear in the photo, but it's so pretty in person... *Ü*. All I need to do now is put this in some nice packaging and it's ready for gift giving or for sell at my local Farmers Market. I'm ♥in' these Easy Earring Cards punches... they are FABULOUS to say the least.

I simply took a piece of cardstock... used my Sizzix Texturz Plate and away I went. I ♥ Sizzix products so much. They're always updating their "Clearance & Outlet" section with GREAT savings... hurry before your favorite items are gone forever... *Ü*!!

The Easy Earring Cards punches are so simple and convenient to use. They allow you to have perfect punched holes EVERY time... no more fiddling with trying to get your holes to line up just right. The hard work is done for you... Thank you Dee for such a great product... your amazing!!!!!

Okay, I'm off to get scrapping done... oops... I have to do some school work with my children first... shucks... that's not fair... hee-hee... *Ü*!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Bear Card Pals

2011-06-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!!

Today, I have been working with some of the cutest animal patterns... I ♥♥♥♥ them to pieces... *Ü*. There are 12 patterns available... bear, elephant, cat, mouse, just to name a few.

This is a message book (years ago we use to call them autograph books) that kids would take to school to have their friends sign. Now I can't just throw something together because I ♥ detail and 3D affects. I should honestly take stock out on Pop-Dots... hee-hee!! These lil' cuties were a little time consuming, but they are so worth it. I will be adding bows and lil' pink bling to the ears of the girls... *Ü*. I decided not to do shading around the eyes as I usually do and to leave the eyelases off since I put more detail into the body... which is fine with me... because those are the most challenging parts for me to do... wheeeeewwwww!!!

I'm pooped... it's time to relax with my family.

Have a wonderful night my fabulous friends!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Pink & Aqua Glass Pearl Bracelet/Earring Set

2011-05-26T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!!

This was a simply yet very pretty request I did yesterday. These are two of my absolute favorite colors... *Ü*. Glass pearl beads are a lil' heavy and feel SO good against the skin.

I hope this morning I have inspired you to go create something special today... whether for yourself or someone else... *Ü*.

It's so very pretty out and I'm off for a run and then back home to do some "fun" chores... yucky!!!

Have a beautiful day my fabulous friends!!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Treehouse Paper Piecing Door Plaque... and PYM II Acrylic Spray

2011-05-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

Honestly, my mind goes crazy with ideas that are not the norm, if you will. I was going to make a layout and then decided to make an actual 12" x 10" door plaque for a boys room. It turned out too cute... *Ü*!

I do have one question... How does one capture the true affects of our designs...? This door plaque is made with chipboard throughout (even the background). Most of the paper piecings are pop dotted (some even double layered pop dotted). I have tried to take multiple photos to capture the 3D affect and was unsuccessful each time :(.

Nonetheless, here's the adorable Treehouse Pattern Set... *Ü*.

Everything is done in chipboard with cardstock. I inked and chalked forever... *Ü*. I just had to use lots of pop dots which really gave everything oodles of depth... especially the tree, ladder, and tire swing... I just ♥ it!! I wanted the treehouse to have an old kind of feel to it. The little boy is purposely dirty (from playing outdoors all day). I know that's not really captured in the photo. The frog is too stinkin' cute with his sign... *Ü*. I added a sun from my Cricut Create a Critter Cartridge (sized at 2"). This door plaque is very thick and a little heavy... perfect for a great door display... *Ü*.

I used a wonderful Acrylic Spray called PYM II to seal in the colors and such.

I really wanted this door plaque to last. This is one of my most favorite products. I have it listed on my sidebar under "My Favorite Products". This spray is wonderful for Polymer Clay designs as well. I will be demonstrating PYM II in the near future in my upcoming videos.

Visit PYM II and watch a great video they have demonstrating the wonderful benefits of their product. I know you will want to pick some up for yourself or perhaps family and friends. Speaking of which... I had a woman the other day ask me what I would suggest getting someone that scrapbooks and has lots of goodies already. I suggested this Acrylic Spray and various glues... which you can never have enough I say... *Ü*.

I'm off to spend some relaxing time with my family before heading to bed... as I'm very pooped from a long weekend.

Have a beautiful week!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Layered Floral Card

2011-05-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I don't know about you... but I just ♥ the fact that when I need to make a card or something special for someone I can simply go into my scrapbooking room and begin creating... what a blessing that is *Ü*. No more having to drive to the store to pick out a card that says just a smidgen of what I want to convey. Now I can make something special from the heart and with my own style... *Ü*.

This card was just one of those times... it will have my very own sentiments and my very own creativity. Something handmade or homemade are extra special to receive.

Now for the card I simply took white cardstock and layered (using my Creative Memories Decorative Trimmer) the front of the card with my favorite papers from Deena's Penny Lane pack... *Ü*. I just ♥ the papers... great colors and fabulous patterns.

Then, I took my Cricut Walk in My Garden Cartridge and cut out the 6th. flower (labeled "Blossom") from the top of the key pad at 3", 2 1/2", and 2" using the same pattern papers I used for the card... *Ü*. I curled the petals with my pencil to give a nice 3D affect. Finally, I added a pop dot to the flower which really makes the flower stand out... *Ü*.

I ♥ how this card turned out as the papers have a wonderful glitter throughout the patterns. The colors are so pretty.. some of my favorite... *Ü*.

Please know I haven't forgotten about my Chalking Tools... Polymer Clay Critters and such. I'm just so darn busy I can't sit long enough to get everything done... wheeewwww!!!!

Have a beautiful day!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Cricut-tastic Award

2011-05-17T11:19:00.000-07:00

Cindy Lou (Scrappin C) has been so sweet to honor me with this fabulous Blog Award... Thank you so much... *Ü*!!

The rules for this award are:

*Your Blog has been deemed Cricut-tastic!
* Wear this Badge proudly on your Blog
share it with friends! Since Cricut is 5 years old and they
have an E2 out share this award with 10 people
that you think have Cricut-tastic Blogs!

You also have to tell 5 Cricut Related things about yourself:

1. My honey probably thinks I ♥ my Cricut more than him... :(.
2. My honey is my #1 ♥ and well Cricut is... shhhh... come closer... my second ♥.
3. My Cricut machine has made my creativity truly endless.
4. I would ♥ to add the Cricut Cake, the Cricut Imagine, and the Cricut Expression 2 to my lil' collection of Cricut goodies.
5. I think Cricut ROCKS... as my children put it... *Ü*!!

Cricut-tastic Award Winners (not in any particular order... *Ü*) :

Sandy - 365 Days of Cricut

Patty - The Crafty

Momo - Made by Momo

Julie - Live, Laugh, Love 2 Scrap

Janet - Lady LoveBug

Lolis - My Creative Corner

Terri - Scrappin' with the Bug

Kendra - Scrappin' Cricut

Monica - Simply Cricutting

Jen - The Purple Scrapper

Please visit these fabulous Blogs and say "Hello".

Have a beautiful day my friends!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Zoo Babies Name Tags

2011-05-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

Hello!!

I'm in the process of making 24 Zoo Babies Name Tags (place settings)/Bookmarks for a birthday party. There will be Bears, Lions, Elephants, Tigers, Monkeys, and Hippos (4 of each).

The tag was cut using my Sizzix Super Crescent Tag (38-0948).
I used a heavy chipboard for the tag/bookmark.... I then used 3 different cardstock colors with a layering effect to cover the chipboard. For the base of the Zoo Babies I used a recycled cereal boxes (giving it a 3D effect)... I then used cardstock to cover the base. The Zoo Babies have Pop Dots on them to raise them from the base of the tag/bookmark. Finally, I added a 3/16 eyelet and some bright red fibers... *Ü*.

We're all settled into our new home... this was the most difficult move to date...!! I'm exhausted... sore... and relieved all at the same time... *Ü*. I can now begin scrapbooking/crafting in my scrapbooking room... I'm so happy... but just too tired to jump up and down with excitement... hee-hee!!

This week I will be sharing with you a new product I have the pleasure of demonstrating for you. It's a fabulous Acrylic Sealant that's terrific for Arts & Crafts such as... Polymer Clay, photos, etc.

Have a wonderful evening my fabulous friends!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

We're All Moved In... Ü

2011-05-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

Oh my... from a quick glance at just a few blogs I have missed lots of excitement since moving!!

We're all moved in and surrounded by oodles and oodles of boxes... it's like a maze that I'm slowly conquering... *Ü*. With this move I was reminded of how I felt when I had my children "exhausted", but SO happy!!

Today I dropped a rather heavy surround sound box on my right foot (actually my second toe). Needless to say, I'm in lots of pain!! Now I had to laugh when it happened because I'm so tired I thought "Really... seriously...". However, now that that my toe cannot be touched or bent I'm not finding it so funny anymore!!! You know how it feels when you hit your toe on an end table or anything... that's just a lil' taste of what my poor toe is feeling like right about now.

I can't wait to begin creating and sharing so many new and exciting things with you all. My scrapbooking room will be completed at the end of the week "keeping fingers crossed"... *Ü*.

I have missed you all SO much!!!

I hope you all have a beautiful week!!

**Lots of BIG Sleepy Hugs**

Hooray We're Finally Moving... Ü

2011-04-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

I pray everyone had a very blessed Easter Sunday... †

This year our ♥ 18th. Wedding Anniversary ♥ was on Easter... so we had two very special reasons to celebrate... *Ü*.

We will begin moving this week... there's lots of last minute things to be done. I will miss you all while I'm busy getting my family organized into our new home.

However, when I'm back... there will be lost of exciting things taking place. Such as give-aways, new videos, lots of inspiration, and so much more... *Ü*!!

I look forward to seeing all the wonderful creativity when I return.

Have a fabulous week!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Mystery Revealed... Easy Earring Cards... Ü

2011-04-21T17:57:00.001-07:00

Now for the Mystery Challenge to be revealed... There was no "re-purposing" or any "tricks"... hee-hee!! As for a "Doo Hickey" or "Doomsahickies"... Yep, they could be *Ü*. They're Earring Card Punches!! Yes, you can now create your own Earring Card Holders... isn't that awesome?!! When I was first introduced to these fabulous punches I was so excited I couldn't stop talking about them! I couldn't wait to get them and begin creating my own design of earring cards.

My excitement is because someone so clever created a design punch that would help you to create perfectly straight earring holes every time. There are many who make their own cards, but have struggled to get the holes to line up perfectly... let alone evenly spaced apart. Now you can with these amazing earring card punches... *Ü*!! The guess work has been done for you and now you can spend all your valuable time creating beautiful cards that will display your wonderful designs.

I have put together some examples... *Ü*.

If I had ribbon and embellishments I would make these earring cards so pretty. The things one can do with their imagination and creativity... *Ü*. The bottom portion of the card was kept white to stamp or write a message.

Here are some examples of simple black 2 x 2 and 2.5 x 2.5 earring cards I made with some earrings attached (I will be using my embossing powder in both silver and gold to add my Scrappy Beads Logo to my cards...).

I used both the Leverback (top photo) and the Double-Post Punches (lower photo). With the Double-Post Earring Card I simply used a corner punch to change the look of it a little (there's unlimited possibilities of how one can create unique earring cards when they have their scrapbooking room available to them... hee-hee... *Ü*).

With the two photos below I show you how you can use the earring cards for other types of jewelry... such as a necklace... or a jeweled barrett... *Ü*. For the necklace I took my Martha Stewart Craft Knife and cut a diagonal line from the center of the hole (using the Double-Post Punch) to the outer edge of the card on each side. The barretts were placed in the holes of the Leverback Punch card which now display these heart barretts wonderfully... *Ü*.

When you purchase the Leverback and Double-Post Punches you will also receive 25 Butterfly Earring Card Blanks... the styles shown below are available for purchase.

Before telling you where you can find these clever punches I want to share with you a few lil' tips I have learned along the way. When using the Leverback cards I always pop out the flap from behind the card (this prevents the flaps from having a crease on the front). Stamping or the use of an embossing powder effect really turns an ordinary card into an extraordinary card... *Ü*. It's all about the presentation of an item or product that's first noticed by the consumer. With the many types of punches out there we can change the looks of our earring cards at any given time... think of how beautiful your cards could look at a boutique... *Ü*. Finally, mix and match colors to create a beautiful presentation of your jewelry. You're no longer limited to the basic black, white, silver earring cards available to you today.

Oh... one more thing... you can create unique earring cards to sell as well... how fabulous is that... *Ü*?!! Below I have created 3 simple cards that some find perfect for what they need... I say... let's give them what they want.

The brilliant creator "Dee" and these fabulous Easy Earring Card Punches can be found at Easy Earring Cards. Below are what the punches look like.

I really wanted to display these Easy Earring Cards in such a way that would really emphasize just how wonderful they are, but with limited access to my supplies it was hard to accomplish what I have visioned in my mind. I will present these punches in their glory when I'm settled into our new home. I have a list of ways to create and display your cards that I'm looking forward to sharing with you... *Ü*.

Okay my fabulous friends... I'm off to spend the rest of the night with my family. It's our sons birthday today and we are getting ready for some yummy cake (red velvet) and ice cream... oh my... *Ü*. For dinner he wanted mom's homemade egg, hashbrowns, and cheese burritos... it's the simple things in life I just ♥!!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Mystery Challenge Update... and Courtroom Experience

2011-04-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry to say that I was unable to get everything done to share the Mystery Challenge with you today... :(. Tomorrow I will have everything finished... *Ü*.

With packing... homeschool... and getting this house in order I'm simply exhausted! Although, my husband and children have been a huge help as they always are... being a woman and all that comes with that we simply just have to do more than everybody else... why I wonder... hee-hee...?!

Our homeschool lesson for today was a field trip to an actual courtroom. A mock courtroom setting was also set up for those that wanted to participate (our children were chosen to be jurors).

Our children witnessed traffic ticket violation cases and an assault trial... which was so cool to them... *Ü*. They spoke with the judge (in his "judge chamber" with so many intersting items to look at... it was amazing) who shared his experiences on the bench. The famous people he has met... Presidents... Nixon, Ford, Clinton, Bush (both Sr. & Jr.). He has also met the Pope and Mohammad Ali. Then, our children spoke with an officer that's near his retirement and shared a story of being shot in the foot. Finally, they were shown the holding cells of the prisoners... it was cool and yet not so cool they expressed a couple of times... I couldn't agree more *Ü*.

As for the mock courtroom setting it was a theft case. It ended in a hung jury due to two jurors felt he was not guilty. Our children indeed felt he was and they were frustrated that he was not found as such... *Ü*.

What a blessing this courtroom field trip experience was for our family. They couldn't stop talking about it on the way home. For a moment there I thought we were going to have 3 lawyers in our family... hee-hee.

I hope you will forgive me for wanting to take the rest of the day and "try" to relax a little... oh and make dinner... *Ü*.

I hope your day was eventful and exciting too...

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Blog Awards... Ü

2011-04-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

I'm blessed to have received some Blog Awards from some very special friends... Thank you so much Laurie "Lu", Judy, and Kelly... *Ü*.

Laura *Lu"... from http://craftingwithlu.blogspot.com/ sent me the BFB "Best Friends Blogger Award"... *Ü*. Please visit Lu's Blog to see her fabulous creativity!!

The rules for the BFB "Best Friend Blogger Award" are to post about the award with a link back to the sender, and pass it on to those who visit your blog and leave comments regularly. I'm so grateful for each and every comment I receive... thank you so much... *Ü*.

I would like to honor the BFB Award to...
Celeste... http://touchedbyabutterfly.blogspot.com/ and
Patty... http://craftykitten1.blogspot.com/

Judy... http://scrapbookgoddess67.blogspot.com/ and Kelly... http://kellysmemorycraft.blogspot.com/sent me the Stylish & Versatile Blogger Awards... *Ü*. Please visit both Judy and Kelly's Blogs for lots of wonderful inspiration!!

The rules for the Stylish Blogger Award are to share 8 things about yourself and honor 8 bloggers with the award. The rules for the Versatile Blogger Award are to tell 7 things about yourself... and honor 15 bloggers with the award... *Ü*. I thoughts I would just combine both award rules... to keep this post a lil' less lengthy... *Ü*.

8 Things About... Me

1. I ♥ LOVE ♥ the LORD

2. I'm married to the most wonderful man in the world... Thank You Jesus!

3. I have 3 beautifully made children a woman could ever ask for... Thank You Jesus!

4. I hope to have my own scrapbooking store one day... *Ü*

5. When my husband retires we are going to travel the world in our luxury motorhome... oh yes I LOVE to dream BIG... *Ü*.

6. People say I was born to be a computer programmer... I love a good challenge!!

7. I truly believe that "laughter" is the best medicine... *Ü*.

8. I adore meeting new bloggers... they brighten my day and make me smile... *Ü*.

Now for the 15 fabulous bloggers... Please note these are in no particular order... I ♥ all of your Blogs... *Ü*!!

Rexann... http://ibecircled.blogspot.com/
Twila... http://tjscraftsandgifts.blogspot.com/
Sherry... http://upordowntheyrebeautiful.blogspot.com/
Kimberly... http://canadiancraftcorner.blogspot.com/
Paula... http://www.pvcreations2010.blogspot.com/
Pam... http://www.pamspaperpassion.blogspot.com/
Millisa... http://www.millermall.blogspot.com/
Mandy... http://outlawscrapbooking.blogspot.com/
Carrie... http://paperglitterstamps.blogspot.com/
Lauren... http://allthingscrafty3.blogspot.com/
Carla... http://paperpastorale.blogspot.com/
Sarah... http://sarahvaitstamps.blogspot.com/
Heather... http://franklintngirl.blogspot.com/
Connie... http://www.createdbyconnie.blogspot.com/
Lori... http://somayprojectssuchlittletime.blogspot.com/

Whew.... this took quite a while to gather up... *Ü*. Please visit the Blogs above and say "Hello".

Have a wonderful night,

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Here's a Mystery Challenge...

2011-04-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

Can anyone guess what these are...? I can't even give you the slightest hint... but I want to so badly... *Ü*!!

I'm beyond excited to share this amazing "thing"... or "things" with you all. However, I won't be able to do a video until our move. That will not stop me from making some great "things" with these "things" to share with you until then.

Today in between homeschool and packing (yes still packing left to do... I know it will be done one day...) I will demonstrate the best I can what I have discovered. I will then post the photos tomorrow of this amazing product and what it can do. It's something so fabulous and so clever I wish I had known of these long ago.

Oh my... okay... I need to pull my excited self together and calm down... there's much to be done today!!

Please leave me a comment letting me know what these "things" are... *Ü*.

Have a beautiful day my fabulous friends...

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Thank You so Much...

2011-04-16T19:23:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to say how touched I am with the amount of new followers... *Ü*. You're all my friends really... that I feel very blessed to have met over these past two days. Yes, I did visit with each and every blog that Momo has listed... that would be 397 blogs. Well... not every one... I didn't visit with myself... hee-hee... *Ü*!

I'm so inspired with all the creativity that I can honestly say I don't want to do anything, but admire your ideas and talents. To even think about doing a lil' packing for our upcoming move is silly... my mind will not even go there... *Ü*!!

I have SO much in store to share with you when we are settled into our new home. Polymer clay, jewelry, scrapbooking, cardmaking, decorating, and so much more. I'm being lead to doing Ustream for fun lil' classes I want to teach and for you to participate along with me. For example doing a class on Polymer Clay Critters. I want to teach you that Polymer Clay is not intimidating... it's just like playdough in a sense that you can sculpt to your hearts desire (without it drying out or cracking in the process...)... *Ü*. Yes, I have all the fancy tools and such... but you surely don't need them... you can simply use items around your house. I look forward to sharing everything I have learned along the way with you.

Until then... please be a little patient as packing... homeschooling... and moving can take a lot out of your day. I pray you will all be inspired each time you visit with me.

Have a beautiful evening,

**Lots of BIG Grateful Hugs**

Polymer Clay Girl & Flower Bracelet Set

2011-04-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

I just ♥ pink, black, and white together... *Ü*. Here's a bracelet set I made today. There are little sweet Polymer Clay girl and flower beads. I also added Lucite flower beads in a pretty deep pink and light pink. Finally, I added Rondelle beads in a AB white color and black.

The ring is so sweet looking... really it makes me want to be little again... *Ü*. The bracelet is just as sweet looking. This set is fit for a little princess that ♥'s to play in her mommy's jewelry. Now she will have a "big girl" set she can call her very own... *Ü*.

I would ♥ to know your favorite color combinations. Perhaps you just may surprise me with something I would have never thought of... *Ü*.

Will the packing ever end I ask...? How does one consume so much over the years...? Oh well, no complaining for me... it's back to gettin' busy.

Have a fabulous day!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

BIG Hip Hip Hooray... Pop-Up Card

2011-04-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

This turned out a little different than I originally planned... but I just ♥ how BIG and colorful it is... *Ü*.

I was going to make a smaller pop-up card... but my lil' creative mind just had to go BIG!!

The card is 8.5" x 11" and the Hippo, Flower, and Sun were cut at 4"... *Ü*. The water was cut at 3" for the blue and 3 1/4" for the black outline. I just adore the Cricut Create a Critter Cartridge... Oh my goodness... I ♥ how cute the die cuts are... *Ü!!

On the front of the card it says "Hip Hip Hooray... Today is Your Birthday...". What a surprise it will be when the card is opened... *Ü*. There will be lots of space to sign birthday messages. A BIG envelope will accompany the card as well... *Ü*.

I ♥ making pop-up cards and will share how to make them in my upcoming videos.

I hope you like how cute this card is and perhaps you'll want to go BIG on your next project... *Ü*.

Have a fabulous day!!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Mermaid & Seahorse Bracelet

2011-04-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to share with you a Polymer Clay Mermaid & Seahorse Bracelet I made. I made this bracelet with Mermaids, Seahorses, Lucite Beads, and Bicone Beads. I tried to take different photos so you could see just so sweet this bracelet is.

My children came to me and said they think I should make lots of jewelry and sell them. Then they asked me to send the money to Japan. Well, after tearing up because my children are such a blessing to me and they care so much for others I thought what a fabulous idea... *Ü*. With that said... I will be making whatever comes to mind and selling it at our local Farmers Market. I pray a little girl will fall in love with this bracelet and ask if she can take it home with her... *Ü*.

When 911 happened we made wonderful magnets to place on our fridge as a reminder. At that time our children said we should go door to door and ask for donations for send to a charity for 911. We could then give them the magnets for free for their kindness. Let me just say it was a HUGE success and we donated every penny we collected. What a wonderful feeling it was that others trusted our family enough to give to a stranger. During times such as these we all need to come together and help one another.

I'm off to do some more packing... with a slight headache that I pray goes away!!

Have a beautiful day my cherished friends...

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Bear Mini Album

2011-04-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

Okay... here's a Mini Album I made... *Ü*.

This was so fun and very easy to make and assemble... I will be adding a lil' bouquet of white flowers (that the bear will be holding) to my mini album. This will be for a Mother's Day gift... *Ü*.

I had to do this mini album in between doing homeschool... and it's amazing how messy my scrapbooking room can get with just one lil' project... sheeeeesh... *Ü*. Now that I've created more to get organized I'm heading back to packing.

I look forward to seeing the amazing work of everyone that will participate in this challenge. It's my hope we will get lots of creative crafters/scrappers to inspire us all.

Have a wonderful day,

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Recycled Masterpieces

2011-04-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to share a lil' tip with you...

I ♥♥♥♥ to create new things out of my recycled boxes, containers, etc. Here are my good ol' boxes full of goodies to recycle and make "pretty".

We have used Mod Podge and patterned paper on the empty containers to use for fun storage or simply for a pretty display. Oh my goodness... there's so many different things you can do with recycled items. I just adore challenging myself with ideas... *Ü*!!

The boxes are wonderful for using with your paper piecings. Rather than going out and spending $$ on chipboard... you can layer the box pieces to create any depth you desire for your pieces. I ♥ to use the boxes for my albums too... *Ü*.

If you haven't thought of using your empty boxes (cereal, cracker, pasta, soda, etc...) or empty containers.. I challenge you to. I would ♥ to see what you make with your recyclables. The ideas are endless... and I would bet you would be surprised at just how much fun it is to turn something that you would normally recycle into a creation your sure to be proud of... *Ü*.

Have a scrap-a-licious day...

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Red & Coral Glass Beads Bracelet Set

2011-04-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today I made a bracelet and ring set... for myself actually... *Ü*. My favorite colors are red, pink, olive green, silver, and good ol' black. I have made so many bracelets for myself over the years, but really wanted a new red & coral bracelet with nugget type beads (they're a nice bold look... I ♥ my jewelry to make a statement... *Ü*)! The ring is a very simple design... one that can be casual or a lil' dressy... *Ü*. I just ♥ the colors of this set... so rich and pretty.

Beads are my favorite item to look high and low for. I ♥ the many different styles, colors, weight, and texture of beads. I find myself drawn to the luster in glass beads... the glimmer and shimmer of how they reflect off light... *Ü*.

Findings are another item I just adore searching for. There are so many styles that I find myself wanting them all... *Ü*. However, I do come back to reality and usually get only what I'm looking for.

Thank you for looking at my bracelet set... I hope I have inspired you today to do something special for yourself... *Ü*!! When we create for others we tend to forget about ourselves... and how we ♥ to have pretty things too... *Ü*.

Have a beautiful day...

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Just Wanted to Share...

2011-04-02T12:36:00.000-07:00

Now I wanted to share something with you that my wonderful husband snickers about... because... well you'll see why... *Ü*!!

First, let me say this... my husband is the type of man that will put something together "temporarily" for me until he can get the supplies needed to do it "right". That's one of the reasons why I ♥ the man SO much!!

This was the prototype (the garage is FULL of "his" supplies... sort of like my scrapbooking room has all of my goodies... that he can find just about anything he may need...) of the "something" I asked him to make. My exact words were... "I need something that will help me to hold my lil' balls I use to chalk with...". I was using my eyebrow plucker's and getting frustrated!! Yes, he looked at me a lil' confused and simply smiled. When he came into my scrapbooking room a short time later with this "tool"... I just couldn't get the smile off of my face... and the giggle out of my body. Inside I was thinkin' the wisdom of my husband is so fabulous... *Ü*!!

Then he came to me with the new tool he made a couple of days later... and I simply added paper to make it look more like a scrapbooking tool... I honestly think I add paper to just about anything I can *Ü*!

I have seen other designs that are similar since I've had mine made for me by my honey and so I'm going to change the design of my tool just a lil' to try and keep it a little more unique. I'm going to begin making mine with Polymer Clay... *Ü*!! I can't wait to begin designing them. I will still have the larger and smaller clips on each side, but the handle will be much sturdier and will last a lifetime of uses... *Ü*!! I ♥♥♥♥ working with Polymer Clay and this will simply be another fun idea to work into my creativity... fun... fun... fun... *Ü*!! I'm working on designs and colors as we speak... *Ü*.

Please stay tuned for these pretty tools... as I will be selling them very soon... *Ü*!

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Vegas Here We Come... Paper Piecings

2011-03-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, now I was put to the challenge of creating some paper piecings that would go with a "Vegas Here We Come" wedding layout. This request had me thinking... thinking... and thinking... *Ü*! I ♥♥♥♥ a good challenge...!! I was asked to keep the colors red and pink in my designs and it didn't matter what I decided to create for the piecings. This is what I came up with... and they absolutely ♥♥♥♥ it to pieces (no pun intended... hee-hee). I have had three more requests along this theme since sharing it with family and friends to get their thoughts on how it turned out. Both the cars have an Action Wobble on the back of them so they will be movin' about on their Vegas trip... *Ü*!!

Now these were just the paper piecings that were requested as they already had the layout in mind. I will be sharing my other requests of these paper piecings in complete layouts very soon. I need to get all the details before I can get started... *Ü*.

Thank you so much for stopping by and for saying "Hello"... I ♥ having my friends here with me. You're all what keeps me inspired and gets my creative mind to thinkin'.

Have a wonderful day,

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Spring Floral Treat Bags

2011-03-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of making some of these Spring Floral Treat Bags using the fabulous "Treat Bag Trio" patterns from My Scrap Chick. I needed my bags to be lil' taller so I simply changed the size. I will be adding a matching hanging gift tag as well... *Ü*.

The patterned paper I used was from Me & My Big Ideas called Petunia.

Here are a couple more views of this very pretty double sided patterned paper.

I hope you will stop by My Scrap Chick and say "Hi" to Kristi... *Ü*. She is also having a wonderful 60% off sale that will be ending on Thursday... you don't want to miss out on the savings...!!

Have a fabulous evening my friends...

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Beaded Glass Bracelet & Earring Set

2011-03-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a simple bracelet & earring set I made for a custom order. I just ♥ how many of my custom order requests are simple yet pretty... *Ü*. The light catches the sparkle and color so beautifully.

I used assorted glass beads... some were luster, crackle, and matte. Using glass beads creates a heavier feel that I personally ♥... yet it's not so heavy that it weighs down your ear lobe... *Ü*.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend... I look forward to seeing the many new creations in the upcoming week.

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Hello Thursday Cricut Cartridges for March 2011

2011-03-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

I just ♥♥♥♥ the new cartridges... so many great images... *Ü*!!

Don't forget to get the retired cartridges before they become very difficult to find.

Available April 1st.

Available April 1st.

Available April 1st.

Available April 1st. for Cricut Circle Members

Retired Cartridges

Have a fabulous night!!

**Lots of Hugs**

Pink & Black Polymer Poodle Bracelet

2011-03-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

I was going to create the adorable matching gift tag... but today did not allow me the extra "fun" time needed... *Ü*.

I just know the sweet lil' recipient of this bracelet will be so excited when she sees it... as it's so cute!!

I used polymer beads (poodles and flowers), black & pink bicone beads and white AB rondelle beads, stretch cord, and a lot of ♥♥♥♥ to make this bracelet... *Ü*.

Now I ♥ to make polymer clay beads... but they are indeed time very time consuming depending on what your making. I will be so happy when I can show everyone how to make all kinds of adorable designs, critters, etc with polymer clay. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that an extra wonderful man is getting closer to finding a video camera in need of a special home... winky-winky... *Ü*!!

Thank you for taking the time out of your very busy day to visit with me... it means so much to me. I ♥ the comments I receive and enjoy answering back each one... *Ü*.

Have a fabulous night my friends,

**Lots of Hugs**

Happy Easter Chick Card

2011-03-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

I just absolutely adore My Scrap Chick patterns... they are SO much fun to play with... *Ü*!!!

Here's the Easter card we are making this year... *Ü*. I ♥ how the chalking adds a lil' depth to the card. The colors are perfect... too cute!! I used the fabulous Action Wobbles, my last one in fact. I was blessed to receive some of the Action Wobbles to try and demonstrate I can't say enough about them...*Ü*.

I used the following...

Scalloped Circle Tags from My Scrap Chick
Chicks Eggstravaganza from My Scrap Chick

For the Scallop Tags I printed the "Happy Easter" from my computer and simply added the embellished flower to it... *Ü*.

This is my first purchase from My Scrap Chick as I didn't know they even existed until very recently. I'm having such fun with these patterns... I feel like when I was a little girl and use to ♥♥♥♥ coloring and creating things... such sweet memories.

If you haven't visited with Kristi over at My Scrap Chick please do... you will be so happy you did... *Ü*.

I would love to hear how much you ♥ My Scrap Chick too... and what great patterns you have purchased or even recommend.

I didn't have an opportunity to revise my Heart Shaped Bunny this weekend as we had work being done on our guest bathroom. I will work on that during the week and re-post it for you. I also decided to do my bunny in a tan color... it gives it more detail and the chalking shows up better... *Ü*.

Have a scrap-a-licious week my sweet friends,

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Chalking Techinques... Can Make a Difference

2011-03-11T18:00:00.000-08:00

I will have to upload my "Some Bunny Loves... You" Heart Shaped Easter Card again as I realized I made it a little to difficult to follow. I will edit my instructions over the weekend... *Ü*.

For now I have for you an example of how using chalk on your cards and such can really make a difference. When I chalk with more detail I will always spray it to seal the chalk. That way I can work with the layout or card without smearing the chalk or removing it all together. The downside to spraying it is the smell... however... once it dries it's good to go... *Ü*.

This is going to be an Easter Card with a grassy field and rolling clouds... *Ü*. As with any photo it's really hard to capture the true look of the card and chalking detail... but I hope you can get the idea.

It's wonderful to start with a clean slate if you will... with chalk it's so forgiving. If you make an error get your lil' chalk eraser and start over again. This was the card before I started... and now the lil' Easter Card is all chalked and ready to add the embellishments and critters I have put together... *Ü*.

I hope you will visit again to see my finished card... it will have some very cute embellishments you won't want to miss... *Ü*.

Have a scrappy happy weekend,

**Lots of Hugs**

Assorted "Filler" Beads

2011-03-09T16:15:00.000-08:00

Just a real quick post as it was a very busy day with lots and lots of Math for homeschool today... whewwww... I'm mentally exhausted. Hmmmmm... no wonder why people think I'm crazy to homeschool my children... hee-hee... *Ü*!! Exhausted or not... I wouldn't have it any other way... I'm a very *†* blessed *†* wife and mother.

Today, I just wanted to share with you some simple yet very pretty beads that I ♥ to use for many of my beaded designs... especially for my beaded thong bookmarks and charms for my cards and page layouts *Ü*. I call these beads my "filler" beads... as they fill in quite nice with my designs. You can get these beads at Michaels. I wait until I can use my 40% or 50% off coupons or when they go on sale.

The reason I ♥ using these is because they have many different shades of color themes (purples, blues, greens, golds,etc...), as well as, different shapes and sizes. There's also AB colors, pearl colors, silver lined (or gold lined in the neutral colors), and frosted colors. These are always hard to find at my Michaels as they are great sellers!! Next time your in Michaels and you've never really visited the bead section.. give it a try you may just ♥ it there too!

I hope to have a fun project to share with you tomorrow... hope to see you then *Ü*.

**Lots of Hugs**

Floral Pop Up Card

2011-03-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone...

Today I put together a vintage looking Floral "Thinking of You" Card. I call it a pop-up card due to the flower being created in such a way that it's 3D. Maybe it should be called a "pop-out" card instead... *Ü*.

The items used are as follows...

Cuttlebug D'vine Swirl Embossing Folder
K&Company Paper Flowers 720 Piece Paper Pad
Ribbon
Pop-Dots
4 1/2 x 5 1/2 card (using extra cardstock I had on hand)
Extra strip of cardstock on hand
Stampin' Up Stamps Funky Favorites Collection

To assemble the flower I simply used a pencil and curled the petals. Then I placed pop dots throughout for a 3D affect. I had originally had leaves as well, but I preferred the flower without them on this particular card.

I'm not sure if this Paper Flowers pack is still available as I purchased it clearance sometime back. You can use any floral pattern and achieve the same affect... it really is quite pretty *Ü*.

Tomorrow I'm going to be preparing to do my Polymer Clay Beads and Critters. These are very time consuming so I may just post a little at a time. Perhaps I will start of with all the different tools and such. If your not familiar with polymer clay your in for a treat.

Thank you for the wonderful comments that I have been blessed to receive. I ♥ having you "my friends" here with me.

Have a fabulous day and week!!!

**Lots of Hugs**

Finished... Don't Tell Daddy...

2011-03-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

Well... let me just say that I ♥♥♥♥ when I make my customers happy... it makes me happy *Ü*!! The layout was perfect as it was (a lil' birdie... or a few lil' birdies told me... hee-hee). Now I was also told that this lil' guy loves to copy everything his mommy does... so I just figured I would do just that. I wanted to keep it simple as there was enough detail to already look at. So... tell me... isn't it the cutest thing that he is doing exactly what his mommy is doing. Oh how precious our children are... *Ü*. I hope you can see the detail on the faces... I just adore using Dina's patterns... they are so fun to work with.

Thank you to all my sweet bloggers that left me wonderful comments yesterday regarding this layout... they meant so much to me... *Ü*.

Okay, now tomorrow I'm going to be making a pop-up floral card... so stay tuned for that.

Until then my special friends...

Have a wonderful evening!

Stay warm... here it's very cold and going to rain any minute now... brrrrr!!

**Lots of Hugs**

Shhh... Don't Tell Daddy... I ♥ Scrapbooking With Mommy

2011-03-06T18:59:00.000-08:00

Hello To My Blog Friends...

I'm hoping you can help me out... I'm in a lil' pickle right now. This layout is a custom order that was requested to have the theme changed a lil' today. It's a boy layout that was originally going to be about ... planes... trains... and automobiles. I'm was in the process of finishing up the bears. Anyway, my customer had requested I come up with a title about her lil' guy loving scrapbooking and showing the bears doing as such. So... the title I decided on was "Shhh... Don't Tell Daddy... I ♥ Scrapbooking With Mommy..." The reason for that title was because the theme layout is all about being a boy and yet he wants to be close to his mommy and do scrapbooking too... how cute is that... *Ü*! My question for you is this... Do you think I could still keep the layout as it is and simply add a mommy and boy bear scrapbooking (as you can see I already have the mini pages ready to be working on)...? Oh, I hope I'm making sense... because honestly I'm confusing myself... hee-hee!!!

I hope I will get some comments sharing your thoughts... as I really could use your help *Ü*. I think it would still be cute as is with the mommy and boy bears doing their scrapbooking together. I will share my finished results tomorrow... *Ü*.

Thank you for taking the time to read this... I really appreciate your visits and comments... *Ü*.

Have a fabulous week!!

**Lots of Hugs**

Pink Crystal Tear Drop Chandelier Earrings

2011-03-03T11:59:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share with you these Pink Crystal Tear Drop Chandelier Earrings. I wish you could truly see the sparkle and shimmer of the crystals... I ♥ dangling earrings and these are so pretty *Ü*. I ♥♥♥♥ beads... lots and lots of beads. I was not too sure about the links on these earrings at first, but they flow so beautifully that now there's no question they need to stay *Ü*.

I have so many projects I want to share with you... but sometimes I feel so overwhelmed because I make and sell a little of this and a little of that, that I do not know what to share next... cards, scrapbooking pages, premade paper piecings, bracelets, earrings, rings, charms, bookmarks, tips, beading... oh my what to choose. See... my ♥ is racing just seeing all of that... hee-hee *Ü*.

Thank you for visiting with me and leaving such sweet comments... they mean more than you will ever know *Ü*. I ♥ hearing from each and everyone of you!!

Have a beautiful day,

**Lots of Hugs**

Easter Egg House Card

2011-03-01T13:24:00.001-08:00

Today I wanted to share with you an Easter Egg House Card... *Ü*.

I ♥ how it turned out. The chalking really made it look so pretty (I added a texture chalking, if you will, to the roof for a straw affect...) *Ü*. I added my pearl dew drops for the door knob. I then used vellum paper for the windows. I just ♥♥♥♥ how all the colors came together so perfectly.

I hope you like my Easter Egg House Card... I have lots more Easter goodies to share... hope to see you soon *Ü*.

Have a fabulous day!!

**Lots of Hugs**

Easy Color Coordinating Ideas

2011-02-28T17:51:00.001-08:00

A real quick reference I go to quite often are my color swatches (paint swatches)... they are wonderful for perfect color coordinating ideas. You get an advantage of having an idea "before" going to the store to find the colors you "think" may work well together.

I decided to get the larger pieces this time as it's easier to laminate them, punch a hole in the upper left hand corner, and place them on a ring for easy storage (on my handy hooks). Laminating them really helps to allow you to mix an match the colors without destroying the swatches. Yes, you can always pick up more when they get worn... but there are others that can benefit from these too... so taking too many all the time is just not fair... **wink** *Ü*.

I also love to get decorating books to get ideas of how colors work well together... giving me inspiration on my scrapbooking pages, cards, and even my jewelry designs *Ü*.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this lil' tip of the day. I have so many more ideas and such to share... but it's time to get busy making cards.

Have a warm cozy evening,

**Lots of Hugs**

Glittered Bangle Bracelet

2011-02-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share an example of some beautiful bangle bracelets we will be selling at our local Farmers Market. These are so stunning and really capture the light so beautifully *Ü*. We will be selling various styles... all of which are just as pretty.

I will be making cards in the upcoming week by request... so please stay tuned for that.

Have a scrumptiously warm and cozy weekend...

**Lots of Hugs**

Bead Organizers

2011-02-24T13:04:00.000-08:00

I have been asked how I store and organize my numerous bead collection over the years. Well... this is the simplest way I have found my bead collection works for me... because you can see the beads and has plenty of compartments for storage. I have MANY styles of beads and such that I need to keep it simple and easy to see so that I can simply pull the box I need and start beading away... *Ü*.

These containers are also wonderful when your going to a jewelry boutique and want something that will stay organized when being moved about. I know women that place their beads in plastic bags to lessen the amount of space for storage as well. This way of storing beads concerns me simply because the quality of the beads can become damaged over time... but it works for others just fine *Ü*.

I would love for you to share your storage ideas... I ♥ being inspired by my blogger friends creativity *Ü*.

Have a terrific weekend,

**Lots of Hugs**

Thank You Lisa... This Means so Much...

2011-02-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

I'm so honored and blessed to have received another Blog Award this morning from Lisa at Lisa's Craft Room.

Thank you from the bottom of my ♥ Lisa... this means so much to me. Being new to the scrapbooking/craft/blogging community this is so special to receive. It touches my ♥ that others want to continue visiting with me and that I may inspire some along the way... *Ü*.

Here are three wonderful blogs I would highly recommend you visit and follow often. These women are very creative and I promise you will be inspired *Ü*.

Carol http://3kidcropshop.blogspot.com/
Sheila "Tatum" http://designsbytatum.blogspot.com/
Tammy http://positivelymagnificientscrapper.blogspot.com/

Thank you again Lisa for making my day all the more happier and brighter (it's really cloudy and cold... this just added a little sunshine my way...).

Have a wonderful day,

**Lots of Hugs**

Tear Bear Wedding Dress

2011-02-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you a wedding dress I did for a custom order... I love the design... *Ü*.

I did some embossing on the dress with my Cuttlebug D' Vine Swirl Embossing Folder. I then did some jewel effects with my Craft Twinkles Glitter Paint Writer in the Crystal color (I love this glitter glue as it keeps its 3D raised effects). I added various sizes of pearls throughout the dress to give it a real embellished look *Ü*. The headband has pearls and will be added to a veil.

I had so much fun making this wedding dress. Tear Bears are really adorable characters that I really love creating outfits and such for. The outfits truly make the scrapbooking pages come alive... *Ü*.

I wish you could see the embossing and sparkle of this wedding dress... I had to use my flash as the day has been VERY dark and cloudy. I hope this gives you a little idea of just how pretty it really is *Ü*.

Have a cuddly warm day...

**Lots of Hugs**

Party Favor Bags

2011-02-18T16:34:00.000-08:00

1. Trim aqua cardstock to 3 1/4" x 11"... (I used the Cool Mint Linen Textured Cardstock from The Paper Company).

2. Score at 4 3/4" and 6 1/4" from one end. Fold up. Your cardstock should now be in three sections, with the middle section (the bottom of the bag measuring 1 1/2".

3. Use a decorative border/edger punch (I used the EK Success Daisy Chain Edger Punch) on the short (top) ends of the holder. Make sure the border design lines up exactly on both sides.

4. Adhere a 3 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of patterned paper/cardstock to the bottom front of the holder (I used The Blossoms Butterflies Stack from DCWV.

5. Fill a 3" x 4" clear plastic bag with candy (I did not do this step as I was demonstrating how to make the bags... I have lots more to still make :). Sandwich it between the two ends and staple it in place, about 1 3/4" from the top of the bag.

6.Trim green cardstock paper to 8" x 1/4", you can also scallop the edge if you so desire (I used the Cool Mint Linen Textured Cardstock from The Paper Company). Wrap it around the holder (if you decide to scallop the edge be sure to place the scallops facing upward) covering your staples. Glue the ends to the back of the bag overlapping them.

7. At this point you can add ribbon and a bow covering the seam of the two cardstock colors. I chose to add a flower for this occasion (I used the Serenade Cricut Cartridge a flower button/24 starting from the top left of the white buttons... this cartridge does not come with a booklet). I cut the patterned flower at 2 1/2" and the blue flower was cut using the same flower and the shift key at 2 1/2". I then scored the flowers to give the 3D effect and added a 1" circle to the center using the EK Success 1" Circle Punch. Finishing this cute favor bag by adhering the flowers with pop dots *Ü*.

I apologize for the photos... it was raining and became very dark as I was taking photos this afternoon.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial making cute favor bags. We are looking into different video cameras... so I promise these tutorials will be easier to follow when I can show you each step as I go... *Ü*.

Have a warm and cozy weekend,

**Lots of Hugs**

Colored Dew Drops

2011-02-17T22:17:00.000-08:00

Hello!!

When I use to sell my products on E-bay I would sell 1000's of these colored Dew Drops in 58 various colors. I always made my Dew Drops very vibrant... and the colors would be crystal clear *Ü*. These take time to make and I was up during the late hours filling custom orders and simply trying to keep them in stock... whew... it was a lot of work!!

Although they sold wonderfully it was taking away from other things that I also enjoyed doing... as well as... the E-bays fees and such were increasing and it wasn't worth the time and cost to continue listing on E-bay. I eventually opened up shops with Etsy and ArtFire and I am slowly bringing back the items I loved making for my customers. We sell these Dew Drops at our local farmers market and they are hot sellers *Ü*!! I haven't decided whether to only do customer orders or actually have various colors listed.... hmmm... decisions... decisions... *Ü*.

Until next time my friends...

**Lots of Hugs**

Hello Thursday

2011-02-17T21:41:00.001-08:00

Hello Thursday... Say "Hello" to the New Cricut Cartridges...

(Available by March From Creative Memories)

(Available This March)

(Available This March)

**Retired Cricut Cartridges**

LOVE the new cartridges... Cricut is just amazing *Ü*!!!

**Lots of Hugs**

Chalking Tools

2011-02-16T23:37:00.000-08:00

I have received many emails regarding the chalking tool that my ♥ husband ♥ had made for me that I posted on February 8th. We are now considering selling them in our Etsy and ArtFire stores *Ü*.

Maybe I should do a give-a-way for one of my chalking tools... hmmmm... I need more followers. Let me think... how can I promote my site so we can have a give-a-way *Ü*.

Here's what they look like... patterns will vary... I promise you will LOVE them!!!

I have the most creative husband ever... he has made me so many wonderful goodies for my scrapbooking/craft room... which have made my life so much easier and organized... I am so blessed. I just may have to share my scrapbooking room with you one day *Ü*.

**Lots of Hugs**

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T12:29:00.000-08:00

Please click on the link below for my Valentine's Day Message just for you...

♥ A Valentine's Day Message ♥

It is my hope that you will all have a "special" honey to spend today with.

If you find that today is a special day made just for you and you alone... relax... snuggle up... and embrace this moment for it is yours ♥.

Here's are some beautiful flowers to show you just how wonderful you are...

Here is a yummy cake just to say "Thank You" for being so sweet...

Happy Valentine's Day to all of my beautiful friends...

**Lots of Hugs**

Candy Bar Present

2011-02-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

I know it's a little hard to see how I did this... but I simply wrapped the candy bar (I folded the ends of the original candy bar in before wrapping) like a present and added ribbon and a charm. I also use my crimper (to seal the ends of the wrapper) to make handmade candy bar wrappers (just like the original candy bars look like)... those are fun to do. For those that I want to give a lil' extra too I enjoy doing them this way. The ribbon and charm are reusable *Ü*.

It's beautiful outside today... I'm heading out for a nice walk *Ü*.

Have a wonderful weekend,

4" Monogram Letters

2011-02-10T12:37:00.000-08:00

I thought I may of had some extra frames to show this Monogram Letter V (stands for Vivian...) I was making by request. I'm actually not finished with the embellishing as I need to buy a few more goodies I want to add. I also will incorporate a cute lil' saying that will be attached. As it is now... it's very pretty... with all the bling and such. When I make these I place them in a perfect frame with embossed backgrounds and border punch effects. I also pop dot the letters to really make them stand out with a great 3D effect *Ü*.

The letters are cut with very thick chipboard and heavy cardstock... that's important as it allows you to add more embellishments. I LOVE Accucut's dies... they are fabulous!!! I used the 4" Carefree Alphabets (I was very blessed to receive these at an incredible discount!!) I also make complete names and saying to put up on walls. It's so much fun to add these with the MANY options from Cricut to decorate walls and anything else your little ♥ desires.

Tomorrow I want to share how I wrap candy bars to look like presents for those special in my life... *Ü*.

I really do hope to have a video camera one day... it would be so much easier to show you step by step how I do my scrapbooking and crafts.

Have a scrappy happy day!!

My Very First Blog Award... Thank You Mollie...

2011-02-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

Today I was going to share my Monogram Alphabets and Titles with you... but I was SO surprised to find an award that was waiting for me... *Ü*.

Mollie at Mollie's Motif nominated me for this award along with some other very blessed bloggers!! I have yet to visit the 7 other blog sites, but I'm sure to find so much inspiration that I will just burst!!!

I too will have to "pay it forward" to another 8 bloggers... and boy will that be hard to do... as I ♥ LOVE ♥ so many of them!!! I will be back in a bit to share some of my favorite blogs with you. Oh, I can't forget to share 8 things about me... me oh my... where to start... *Ü*

Thank you again Mollie for nominating my blog... as I ♥ LOVE ♥ to inspire others and spend time with special friends *Ü*. Please visit Mollie and follow her blog... you will be so happy you did!!

Drum roll please...

Wonderful Blogs

1. Christina http://www.creationswithchristina.com/
2. Lauren http://www.laurenscreative.blogspot.com/
3. Cristina http://www.craftingwithcristina.com/
4. Sarah http://liveloveandscrap.blogspot.com/
5. Cristi http://scrappin5littlecupcakes.blogspot.com/
6. Alex http://www.youhadmeatcraft.com/
7. Tracy http://www.craftjunkietoo.com/
8. Joy http://www.obsessedwithscrapbooking.com/

8 Things About... Me

1. I ♥ LOVE ♥ the LORD

2. I'm married to the most wonderful man in the world... Thank You Jesus!

3. I have 3 beautifully made children a woman could ever ask for... Thank You Jesus!

4. I hope to have my own scrapbooking store one day... *Ü*

5. When my husband retires we are going to travel the world in our luxury motorhome... oh yes I LOVE to dream BIG... *Ü*.

6. People say I was born to be a computer programmer... I love a good challenge!!

7. I truly believe that "laughter" is the best medicine... *Ü*.

8. I adore meeting new bloggers... they brighten my day and make me smile... *Ü*.

This was fun and I hope you enjoyed visiting with me today...

Tomorrow... I will share my Monogram Alphabets and Titles... I'm most certain I will... *winky-winky* *Ü*.

Have a creative day!!

Handmade Chalking Tool

2011-02-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

I just had to show you the fabulous "If I do say so myself... hee-hee" chalking tool my ♥ husband ♥ and I made. He made the tool and I simply made it a lil' more cute... *Ü*. I use the Darice Pom Poms for my chalking. I get various sizes from 3mm - 7mm for my paper piecing patterns (the 3mm and 5mm pom poms fit perfectly in the small clip). The 3mm are great for eyes and smaller areas that are a little tricky to maneuver into. The 7mm and larger pom poms fit wonderfully in the larger clip *Ü*.

This tool is very sturdy and can handle a lot of pressure if needed. These were so much fun to make and we are looking forward to how well they will sell at our local farmers market. I also added a lil' charm to mine that can be removed... *Ü*.

We are looking into having more scrapbooking boutiques throughout the year as they bring a wonderful turn out. We love meeting other scrapbookers and crafters alike. I love to inspire people and always welcome being inspired as well. These are wonderful ways of bringing people together and having a memorable time!!

Tomorrow I will share with you the 4" Monogram Alphabets and Titles I am making *Ü*.

Have a scrap-a-licious week!!

Missing the CHA 2011 Winter Trade Show

2011-02-03T14:32:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt like something just wasn't meant to be...?

Well, I felt that way this past weekend...

I was scheduled to attend the CHA 2011 Winter Trade Show... so full of excitement and anticipation of meeting all the fabulous crafters and companies I have admired for so long!!! Unfortunately, things don't always turn out the way you expect them to...

I began feeling sick... hoping and praying I would feel better... only to find that I was feeling worse as the days past. I knew in my heart that this was okay as I truly believe all things happen for a reason and with a purpose. However, I will say I was saddened as I had looked forward to meeting so many wonderful people I have been inspired by.

I have watched many videos and with such a bitter sweet feeling as I wished I could of been there. Especially since this was not open to the public this time around... I felt even more of a privilege to be part of it all.

As they say... life must go on... With that said, I look forward to the next CHA Trade Show... it will be in Chicago I believe *Ü*.

Now that I'm feeling better I can't wait to start making more goodies... *Ü*.

See you soon...

**Lots of Hugs**

Cricut Expression 2

2011-01-31T11:34:00.000-08:00

It just keeps getting better... Cricut has done it again...!!

Now I have only had my Cricut Expression for a little over a year now and I LOVE it!! Cricut keeps creating such wonderful new gadgets that I would simply adore having... but with 3 children being homeschooled and only one income... well... I think you get the picture. I'm a patient girl... and I look forward to when I can have everything Cricut offers... *winky- winky*... if my honey is reading this ♥.

Watch the video and be amazed... enjoy... *Ü*.

Have a happy scrappy day!!

Hello Thursday

2011-01-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

Hello Thursday... Say "Hello" to the New Cricut Cartridges...

~Available this February~

~Available this April~

~Available this April~

~Available this April~

~Available this February... Exclusively at Jo-Ann~

~Available this February... Exclusively at Jo-Ann~

~Available this January... Available now for Cricut Circle™~

~Available this January... Available now for Cricut Circle™~

~Available this January... Available now for Cricut Circle™~

~Available this January... Available now for Cricut Circle™~

Say farewell to the following cartridges. Get yours at Cricut.com or an independent reseller while supplies last...

Have a warm cozy afternoon...

♥ Lots of Love and Hugs ♥

Valentine Heart

2011-01-27T14:30:00.000-08:00

The photo doesn't show how great the wavy crimping pattern looks on the heart... it really adds a fun design to a simple ♥ shape.

For the Red Scalloped Heart (4 inch) I used my Cricut Sweethearts Cartridge.

I LOVE using my Wavy Paper Crimper. I will add the regular crimper to my collection one day... but for now I have loads of fun using my wavy crimper *Ü*.

I then stitched the heart with my favorite Signo White Gel Pens (you can purchase them in my shops)!! Now please remember to do this step before you adhere the heart to your embellishments and sucker... something I forgot to do... and it made for a challenging stitch to look even (that's what happens when things are homemade with LOVE!!)

Use a simple ribbon and embellishment if you choose... it looks great just plain if you don't have anything on hand.

These are a fun little treat for your children to make for their classmates this Valentine's Day.

Have fun creating with your family today *Ü*.

**Lots of Hugs**

More Time in a Day... ♥

2011-01-26T11:47:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like... "If only I had a few more hours to my day... ?" I understand... but thank goodness I don't...!! God knows exactly what I need and a few more hours added to any given day isn't what He had in mind *Ü*.

I need to be more patient... with...
My wanting to have more followers here...
More "friends" added to my Facebook and Twitter...
My desire to get out there and show everyone what inspires me...
The list is endless and yet somehow not as important as I thought...
Well, perhaps important... yes... crucial... no!!!!

Today's one of those days where I simply need to sit and listen... not lead... not speak... just.... L... I... S... T... E... N...!!

Wow... the wonders that surround you when you take the time to listen are beautiful *Ü*...

Thank You Jesus... for... YOUR... Wisdom...

**Lots of BIG Hugs**

Handmade Desktop Calendar

2011-01-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

I love making these for family and friends... and they sell really well at our local farmers market *Ü*.

It takes very little prep time. I created my lil' mini calendars then cut them out (a paper trimmer works best). I choose whatever cardstock I'm in the mood for... *Ü*. I use pop dots to give the 3D look to the calendar (you can't see the depth in the photo... but it really pops the calendar out from the base). I then look for my embellishments to accent my calendar... I thought my Valentine hearts were perfect for this theme. The lil' skunk is adorable *Ü*. You can add glitter... or whatever your ♥ heart ♥ desires.

When a new month arrives rather than tearing off the calendar page I simply pop off the calendar and remove the past month from the snaps... re-snap... and attached onto the base (I use repositionable glue dots on the back of the calendar). This way the base can be uses year after year... you just simply need to create a new calendar. Using removable snaps to hold the calendar allows the calendar to stay nice and neat without any sticky residue *Ü*.

I didn't have time to give you the specifics of the size, steps, and such... I hope this will still inspire you to create a fun desktop calendar too!!

Oh, I forgot to mention that I made my own paper stand. It was so much fun to do... I will have to share that with you in another tutorial *Ü*. My kids loved making their paper stands too... paper stands everywhere *Ü*.

Have a wonderful weekend...

Simple Handmade Charms

2011-01-19T11:13:00.000-08:00

I love to be inspired by others... so I thought I would share with you some handmade charms I make for my customers... *Ü*. They use them on their scrapbooking pages, creating bookmarks, clipping onto pens, for their daughters little dolls (their own personal jewelry), and so much more. They are adorable in person and add such "charm" to anything you use them for... the ideas are endless.

I use Bicone Beads, Rondelle Beads, Silvertone Charms, and ribbon of various colors, shapes, and sizes *Ü*. I also use a stretch bead cord .5mm in size. They are then packaged in cute lil' bags with my logo. I make a large basket full bag them (this is just one style I make)... oh so pretty. Customers have fun searching for the theme/style they want!

Have a wonderfully inspirational day!!

Valentine Ladybug

2011-01-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you my lil' ♥ Valentine Ladybug ♥.

Here are the supplies you'll need to complete this for your favorite Valentine *Ü*.

Suckers (from the Dollar Tree store) make sure they are individually wrapped. To adhere the sucker I used a repositionable glue dot on the wrapper and end of stick (this was to keep it straight and secure). When the sucker is removed the Valentine recipient will still have their cute Valentine to keep *Ü*

Goodle Eyes (size medium)... you can use the colored ones as well.

Black Circle (2 inch) I used my Cricut George & Basic Shapes Cartridge. You can use any 2 inch circle shape punch you have... or simply cut one out by hand *Ü*.

Red Scalloped Heart (4 inch) I used my Cricut Sweethearts Cartridge. You can use a basic heart shape from the Cricut George & Basic Shapes Cartridge if you prefer. These too can be cut out by hand *Ü*.

Mini Black Hearts (1/4 inch) I used my Cricut George & Basic Shape Cartridge. I show only 8 in the photo... when in fact I needed 12. I used an adhesive black cardstock since they were tiny heart shapes... they were very simple to place and remove if needed be.

Mini Red Hearts (1/4 inch) I used my Cricut George & Basic Shape Cartridge. You will need 2 for the antennas (for the Valentine's I'm selling I will be placing a front and back red heart on the antennas as it looks a little nicer... to do this you will need 4 mini red hearts *Ü*).

Black Strip (very thin) I used an adhesive cardstock since it was so very thin to adhere to the ladybugs wings... I didn't want to worry about messy adhesive. Now you can use a black gen pen, but it doesn't look as pretty.. that's just my opinion though... you may love how it looks *Ü*. I crimped the antennas to give an added dimension.

I hope you enjoyed this time with me.

I love creating new things and sharing them with you *Ü*.

I would love to make videos of all my projects as that would be so much easier to follow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that one day I can be blessed to have a video camera. With 3 children that we homeschool and one income... sometimes our lil' prezzies we would love to have must wait for a time. That's okay... I wouldn't have my family any other way... I'm so very blessed... Thank You Jesus *Ü*

There's lots to make... I'm off to begin another Valentine's projects... See you soon!

Have a "sweet" day!!

♥ Valentine's Day Goodies ♥

2011-01-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!!

I wanted to show you the ♥ Valentine's Day ♥ shopping I did on Saturday... it was so much fun looking for great bargains *Ü*!! I have many goodies to share... but this is just a few for now.

I was mainly looking for card and scrapbooking page items, but let me tell you there was so much to see and I wanted it all... *Ü*!! Everything was from Target for $1.00 each with the exception of the ribbons... they were at the Dollar Tree for $1.00 per spool.

The 12x12 paper packs were 8-12 pieces of super cute paper. The 5x7 paper packs were 16 pieces of perfect patterns!! With the ♥ foam shapes I will be adding glitter and embellishments to them. As most everyone knows that loves ribbon like I do... they go fast!! I had to go to a few Dollar Tree stores to try and get their ribbon before they ran out!! With it being a holiday they do not reorder... so it's first come first serve with these goodies!!

I LOVE Valentine's Day... I just adore doing special things for my husband and children!! I also LOVE the special things they do for me *Ü*!! I enjoy making new decorations for our home as well... it adds a special touch to the holiday.

I can't wait to start creating my cards, scrapbooking pages, and so much more with the new goodies I found. If your like me you tend to forget the "old" items you still have left over from last year. Why not go ahead and pull those out too... it's nice to have paper and embellishments that others may no longer be able to get as they are from previous years collections.

I will share my finished projects with you as I complete them. I hope to inspire you along the way as I enjoy sharing with others.

Have a wonderful week!!

Reminiscing... Scraparatus

2011-01-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of the Scraparatus Tool...? Over the next upcoming week or so I'm going to be taking you back in time to the many tools and items that were made available (some may still linger around for purchase) that perhaps you may of used and put away only to forget about them.

Have you ever stood back in your scrapbooking room and wondered what was in the many nooks and crannies of the storage boxes and such? Have you been so excited about the new and upcoming items that your old favorite goodies sorta took the back seat, if you will? Kind of reminds me of how Woody and his pals felt in ToyStory... *Ü*.

I'm excited to begin looking in all of my nooks and crannies of my scrapbooking room and pull out all the old favorites. I hope you will enjoy reminiscing along with me too *Ü*.

Now for the Scraparatus Tool I mentioned above...

This little gadget is wonderful for filling in the little spaces you may find on your scrapbooking pages or whatever project you may be working on. This tool was introduced by in 2007 and was a huge hit in it's time! Unfortunately, only a few sets of dies were made for this tool and it quietly faded out of the limelight. What a shame really... because it's a fun little gadget to use *Ü*.

Check out the video below to see how this tool works... enjoy *Ü*.

Scraparatus Video

BTW... this tool is still available online for purchase at great prices too!! As are the little dies that are to accompany it. I went ahead and purchased some of the dies to have on hand should the other ones get worn down due to continued use... *Ü*.

If you already have the Scraparatus... why not give it a try again *Ü*.

Have a wonderful and bundled up weekend...

Reminiscing... Sizzix Paddle Punches

2011-01-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

I know these lil' paddle punches were and still are my favorite for finishing up the unused paper pieces I have left over after projects I've done *Ü*. They are great for confetti too!!!

There are 63 different paddle punches... holiday themes... geometric shapes... button holes... animals...celebrations...etc. They are positionable anywhere on the paper you desire. Honestly, I wish they were still making these hand punches as they are a great addition to my scrapbooking accessories *Ü*.

The hammer is specially designed for these hand punches and is very effective in getting the job done *Ü*. The hammer comes with additional hammer heads as well. I know of others that use a mallet without any problems.

I have created a container that holds my paddle punches and hammer. I simply took can metal can and decorated it with paper and matching ribbon... it's so cute... if I do say so myself... *Ü*.

Shop around if your not familiar with the Sizzix Paddle Punches... they were introduced in 2005 so I'm not too sure what's available... but you won't know until you try. They are a fun lil' tool to have *Ü*.

Various Paddle Punches *Ü*

Positioning the Christmas Tree paddle punch to demonstrate *Ü*

Quick and simple... anywhere you wish to create a punch *Ü*

Now if you have these tucked away somewhere and have forgotten about them. Bring them out... put them to work... you can create many great embellishments with these nifty punches *Ü*.

Until our next stroll down memory lane...

Have a wonderfully creative weekend ahead!!

"Hello Thursday" Cricut Cartridges

2011-01-04T13:45:00.000-08:00

I wanted to start listing the "Hello Thursday" Cricut Cartridges for you. It's always nice to get ahead of the game and shop early for these great cartridges if your able *Ü*.

Here's the previous "Hello Thursday" list of cartridges... these will be available this month *Ü*.

(The Cricut Everyday Cartridge is available to Circle Members only)

Retiring Cricut Cartridges

I look forward to creating many wonderful crafts and scrapbooking projects with the Cricut Cartridges I already own and hope to add these to my collection along the way!!

Have a fabulous Cricut creating day,

Decorated Pink ATG

2011-01-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share my decorated Pink ATG with you...

I LOVE my Pink ATG... it works just like the ever so popular red ATG... but it's SO much more affordable!!! I have also added a lil' bling to mine. If you do not own an ATG you honestly should invest in one. They make your craft and scrapbooking projects so much quicker and easier to complete... especially if you're a card maker *Ü*.

Have a wonderful day!!

Jewelrilicious... Ü

2011-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!! May 2011 bring you abundant joy and prosperity along the way...

I just wanted to share my lil' jewelry set I made that I will be selling at our local Farmers Market.

I used the following...
Green Bicone Beads size 6mm
Purple & Pink Frosted Lucite Tulip Beads purple (size medium) pink (size small)
Green Frosted Lucite End Cap Beads (size small)

The set includes a bracelet, earrings, and a matching dangle ring.

They sparkle so much more in person... *Ü*

Have a wonderful day,

Scrappy Beads

The "Nellie Knot"

Please "Follow" Me On Pinterest

Bedroom Decor... Girls Lamp

"Build a Project" 2012 New Year Card

Build a Project... Mug

Printable Christmas Bingo Game

Easy Earring Card... Pink Christmas Stocking

Gingerbread Cupcake/Muffin Tin Advent Calendar

Snowman Shaker

Random Crafts of Kindness

Snowman Flattened Bottle Cap Napkin Holders

Handmade Snowman Glass Ornaments

Gift Card Wrappers

To My Fisherman... "Fish"

Holiday Recipe Books

Let It Snow... Easy Earring Card

Cricut Craft Room is Now Open!!!!!!

Paper Pumpkin Decorations

MSC (My Scrap Chick) Trick or Treaters Paper Piecings

Easy Earring Halloween Spook Card

A Helpful Tip... Duplicate Projects

3D Halloween Pumpkin Card

3D Angel Ornament

Glass Pearl Beaded Animal Bottle Cap Bracelet

Multiple Color Glass Pearl Bracelet Set... Earring Cards

Dew Drops *Ü*

M&M Bottle Cap and Glass Pearl Bracelet... Update

Have a Good Day...

Blogger Comment Issues Fixed...

Bottle Cap & Glass Pearl Bracelet

It's a Bug's Life... 12 x 12 Layout

Sneak Peek "It's a Bug's Life" 3D Paper Piecings

Embossed Easy Earring Cards

Bear Card Pals

Pink & Aqua Glass Pearl Bracelet/Earring Set

Treehouse Paper Piecing Door Plaque... and PYM II Acrylic Spray

Layered Floral Card

Cricut-tastic Award

Zoo Babies Name Tags

We're All Moved In... *Ü*

Hooray We're Finally Moving... *Ü*

Mystery Revealed... Easy Earring Cards... *Ü*

Mystery Challenge Update... and Courtroom Experience

Blog Awards... *Ü*

Here's a Mystery Challenge...

Thank You so Much...

Polymer Clay Girl & Flower Bracelet Set

BIG Hip Hip Hooray... Pop-Up Card

Mermaid & Seahorse Bracelet

Bear Mini Album

Recycled Masterpieces

Red & Coral Glass Beads Bracelet Set

Just Wanted to Share...

Vegas Here We Come... Paper Piecings

Spring Floral Treat Bags

Beaded Glass Bracelet & Earring Set

Hello Thursday Cricut Cartridges for March 2011

Pink & Black Polymer Poodle Bracelet

Happy Easter Chick Card

Chalking Techinques... Can Make a Difference

Assorted "Filler" Beads

Floral Pop Up Card

Finished... Don't Tell Daddy...

Shhh... Don't Tell Daddy... I ♥ Scrapbooking With Mommy

Pink Crystal Tear Drop Chandelier Earrings

Easter Egg House Card

Easy Color Coordinating Ideas

Glittered Bangle Bracelet

Bead Organizers

Thank You Lisa... This Means so Much...

Tear Bear Wedding Dress

Party Favor Bags

Colored Dew Drops

Hello Thursday

Chalking Tools

Happy Valentine's Day

Candy Bar Present

4" Monogram Letters

My Very First Blog Award... Thank You Mollie...

Dew Drops Ü

We're All Moved In... Ü

Hooray We're Finally Moving... Ü

Mystery Revealed... Easy Earring Cards... Ü

Blog Awards... Ü

Jewelrilicious... Ü