{ Pink Bib }

Stamp Set: Wonderful Words (retired) Paper: Georgia Pacific 110lb Cardstock, Unknown Patterned Paper (sorry, it was buried pretty deep in my stash) Ink: Chocolate Chip Accessories: Pink Bib Stickers from Paper Bliss and SU! Flirty Ribbon (retired)

For Christmas, my sister asked for a mixture of cards. She especially asked for some baby-themed thank you cards that she could use to send to people from her daughter (and my beautiful niece!), Madison. She said Madison regularly receives gifts from her friends and family, so my sister wanted to be able to thank them with some beautiful cards!

I bought these bib stickers as soon as I heard that my sister was pregnant with a girl. I thought that they were just so darn cute! I had intended on using them in her scrapbook (which I will debut later), but then decided to use the Baby Girl SS Kit from the 2006-2007 catty, which used Groovy Guava instead of pink. Anyway, I thought that they would be cute on a card, and here's what I came up with! I sure wish I could remember where I got this paper from because I think it is just so stinking adorable (and just perfect for a little girl, too!). I used SU! retired Flirty ribbon, which I have been totally hoarding, but figured my beloved niece was the perfect reason to break into some! ;)

Enjoy!

{ Mason Jar Goodies }

Stamp Sets: Papertrey's Holiday Treats, SU! Peaceful Wishes Paper: Artichoke, Real Red, Whisper White Ink: Artichoke, Real Red Accessories: Rectangle Nestabilities, Clear Rhinestone Bling, Non-SU! Ribbon, Red Stickles

Here was another of my large endevors this past Christmas - I made 15 (I think?) nugget jars and decorated 8 (?) candles. It wasn't difficult at all, and dare I say fun! Anyway, so remember how I showed you all my nugget tin alternative of using mason jars to put the yummy chocolate nuggets into? Well, this is what started it all. See the mason jar on the right? Well, these are my husbands and my FAVORITE candles EVER. They are from Our Own Candle Company. They boast having the best color, scent and burn - and Hubby and I think they're right! These mason jar candles last *forever* (or, approximately 100 hours! ;) ) and they smell *fantastic*! The one featured here is French Vanilla - yum! But, my personal favorites are Raspberry, Pumpkin Spice and Lavendar Chamomile. Moving on, Hubby and I often buy these to keep around the house not only for our personal use, but to give as gifts. We decided that I should decorate some for Christmas this past year. I thought it was a good idea, but wanted to include something else as well. When I heard about Papertrey's nugget tins, I knew that would be just perfect - but they ran out before I could buy some! Well, after staring at the candles for a while, trying to figure out what to do, it dawned on me! DUH! I could use plain mason jars which would show the beautiful nuggets AND would coordinate perfectly with my candles! Woo Hoo! Anyway, that was how the idea came to me, and I must admit that everything pulled together much better than I could have imagined!

Enjoy!

{ Fun-On-The-Go Box }

Stamp Sets: By Land (retired), By Sea (retired), By Air (retired), Whimsical Alphabet (retired) & Wild About You Paper: Treehouse (retired), Island Blossoms SS Kit (Retired), Only Orange, Chocolate Chip, Lovely Lilac, Brilliant Blue, Garden Green, Real Red, Going Gray, Pink Passion, Yo-Yo Yellow, White, Brocade Blue & More Mustard Ink: Only Orange, Chocolate Chip, Lovely Lilac, Brilliant Blue, Garden Green, Real Red, Going Gray, Pink Passion, Yo-Yo Yellow, White, Brocade Blue & More Mustard Accessories: Square Nestabilities, SU! Scallop Punch

I am SO excited to share this project with you. This was one of my big endeavors this past Christmas. This project took A LOT of time and energy, but I must say that I was *ecstatic* with the way everything came out. I wanted to make a box full of fun stuff to take on the go for kids. I decided filled the box with a Tic-Tac-Toe game, slinkys and a matching game, but you could have easily filled it with coloring books, matchbox cars, Koosh balls, and the list goes on and on!

For the box, I used an old Bare Minerals box that I covered and then placed a laminated Tic-Tac-Toe board into. It was the perfect size for a game board! It was inpired by "cmf1216"'s creation, seen here. The Tic Tac Toe game pieces are punched with the SU! Scallop punch, laminated and adhered to some thin chipboard (think cereal box or those pieces that come with all SU! Designer Series paper). When not in use, I found a plastic flip box to put the pieces in - the little box was what came with the jumbo paper clips that I bought at Walmart. The matching game cards were the most time consuming. I used my Nestabilities to punch out the background paper, a piece of thin cardboard and the background color. I had to laminate and put adhesive on each piece separately, so you can see why it took so long. I just LOVED the way the 3 stamps sets ("By Land," "By Sea," and "By Air" - all retired) went perfectly together!

Like I said, this project was NOT quick, but wasn't too hard and was totally cute! I wouldn't say that I won't do it again, but it will have to wait awhile! ;)


Enjoy!

{ Baroque and Pomegranate Love }

Stamp Sets: Baroque Motifs and All Holidays Paper: Brocade DSP, Pomegranate & Vanilla Ink: Pomegranate Accessories: Silver Brads and Round Tab Punch

Ya know, you would think after 6 months with this set that I might be staring to get tired of it, but I'm just not! And I've even used it for several swaps and even to make some invites - I usually get tired of a set after all that. However, I still just LOVE this large swirly stamp. It is so sophisticated, elegant, versatile and feminine! I was drawn to it from the first moment that I laid eyes on it, and I'm still in love! Anyway, nothing new or unique about this layout, it's a golden oldie but really let me show off a lot of the big beautiful swirl, so I'm happy! I'm really starting to get a feel for this Pomegranate color. When I first got it, I thought it was a pretty color, but it is so rich and vibrant that I just didn't know what to pair with it. I feel like I'm finally getting a handle of it. But really, once you get started, there are SO many posibitlites. Here, let me show you what I mean! Try Pomegranate with: River Rock, Blush Blossom, Old Olive, Soft Sky Chocolate Chip (what *doesn't* go with chocolate? ;) ), Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Basic Grey, Groovy Guava, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Always Artichoke, Night of Navy, Barely Banana and Mellow Moss! See? And, I'm sure there are more that I just haven't tried! Feel free to let me know if there is a combo that isn't on my list that I should give a try!

Enjoy!

{ Mom's Birthday }

Stamp Sets: Warmest Regards (retired) Paper: Kraft Ink: Chocolate Chip Accessories: Silver Brads, Just Delightful Simply Scrappin' Kit (retired) and Pretties Kit

Okay! I finally feel like I've rested a bit from the past CRAZY month. November and December is such a hectic time for us as we have my Sister and Niece's birthday in November along with Thanksgiving, December has my Mom's and my husbands birthday plus Christmas and New Years! It feels like we have no time to just relax. I was whipping up cards and gifts left and right! But, the good side of that is that I now have PLENTY of stuff to share with you for a while. I tried very hard to remember take pictures of everything I made so I could share them with all of you! And, I actually think I succeeded (at least, I think so!).

So, onto the card! I made this card for my Mother's birthday. I just love the Simply Scrappin' Kits because they are so versatile! The striped paper, green and numbered borders, the flowers and the leaves all came from the kit! I love to use up scraps and the kits just make it so darn easy - the coordinate papers and images stickers - all I have to do is get a card base (I used Kraft cardstock here) and embellish! And, as an added bonus, the card matched her gift perfectly (it was the little scrapbook that I shared with you most recently). This card seriously took probably all of 5 minutes to make - quick AND cute? That's what I'm talkin' about! ;)

Enjoy!

{ Christmas 2007 }

Stamp Sets: Warm Words Paper: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke and Holiday Harmony DSP (retired) Ink: Basic Black Accessories: Pomegranate Double Stitched Grosgrain, Cuttlebug "Snowflake" Embossing Folder, Round Tab Punch & Non-SU! Rhinestone Bling

As promised, here are my cards for Christmas this year. They were inspired by Kim Muhl's card, seen here. Since I procrastinated again this year, I only had time to make cards for our closest family and friends. I think I only did 30.

Anyway, sorry not much chatter, but I've been working away like Santa in his workshop. I cranked out 16 of those nugget jars that I showed you previously, so those are done, but I have LOTS more to do!

Enjoy!

{ Nugget Tin Alternative! }

Well, I promised more and here it is! This is my big idea for the season! Everyone (including me!) has been going crazy over the nugget tins. They are so cute and affordable for gifts this holiday season! But, since I couldn't find the coveted nugget tins in stock anywhere, I started brainstorming for other ideas. I know a lot of people are making their own boxes from cardstock, but I just knew that I wouldn't take the time to do those. So, I came up with this! Anyway, I used Papertrey Ink's "Holiday Treats" stamp set, Real Red and Always Artichoke papers, some dotted red organdy from Michael's, my Nestabilities, scallop punch from SU! and the two large circle punches from SU! I was able to fit 27 nuggets into this pint sized mason jar. I am so thrilled with the way that they came out! :D

Enjoy!


EDITED TO ADD:
After I played with these jars a bit more, I came up with this design, which I like WAY more! Hope you do too! :D

{ Another Scrapbook! }

Yes, yes, I know, I know, I disappeared again! I'm sorry. This have been CRAZY around here. After Thanksgiving, I was exhausted, but had to start Christmas shopping and gift-making. I think I might have bit off a tad more than I can chew with the gift making, but I'm doing it anyway! I am making large gifts for 3 people, a handful of smaller gifts and 30 Christmas cards (I'll show them soon). Plus, my Mom's and Hubby's birthdays are this month too! Yes, I have been busy and will continue to be, so please bear with me while I take a step back from blogging to do A LOT of crafting. However, think positive! I promise to share all the gifts with you as they get finished! On that note, let me show you what I made for my Mom's birthday. It is yet another 8x8 scrapbook! I am on such a roll with these! I won't drag it out like I did last time since I just don't have the time (and I'm betting you don't either!). I used the "Just Delightful" Simply Scrappin' Kit from last year's Stampin' Up!'s Sale-a-bration. I had about 1 and a half kits that I used here, plus random embellishments (Papertrey's Velvet "Air" Blossoms and White Sheer Blossoms, SU!'s Pretties Kit, unknown company's rhinestones and various ribbon) and some extra solid color SU! cardstock.


Enjoy!

{ Enchante Name Frame }

Stamp Set: Headline and Rough Edges Alpha Ink: Old Olive Paper: Enchante and Whisper White Accesories: Old Olive Wide Grosgrain, Non-SU! Pearl Brads, Pewter Hodgepodge and Silver Narrow Organdy

My girlfriend had a birthday a little while ago and this was her gift. I hoped that she would like it, but I wasn't sure if was her style or would go with the decor in her house. I had been there once, but couldn't really remember what colors were there. Does that ever happen to you? Anyway, it worked out well. She loved it, it worked well with her decor and all was well! I just love it when everything works out the way you hope!

Enjoy!

{ Gift Scrapbook 9 }

I've been totally slacking in the blogging department, huh? I felt so bad that I decided to just go ahead and post the last few pages for your enjoyment! Sorry about the delay, I've totally gotten taken into the holiday craziness! I have been brainstorming/searching for Christmas gifts and planning my Thanksgiving dinner. This is only the second year that I have hosted Thanksgiving and this will be the first year that I will make a turkey myself! The first year I was so intimidated that I purchased a turkey that was already cooked and ready to go. I figured out that to buy a cooked 11 pound turkey would be about $65 or I could by a frozen 10 pound one for a bit over $3 (after a $2 coupon), a roasting pan for $67, a nice digital thermometer for $20 and some string for $4. I figure if I just make one more turkey (or chicken, or whatever), with that the pan, then the pan and thermometer will pay for itself! I'm actually pretty excited because I LOVE turkey. Thanksgiving has always be my favorite holiday. You don't have to worry about gifts or a lot of decorations or dressing really nice - it's just food, family, friends, comfy (loose!) clothing and good conversation. I'm so excited! I better start searching for some good and healthy recipes. Anyone have any good ones they want to share?

{ Gift Scrapbook 8 }

This is another layout that I really like. These Simply Scrappin' Kits just make everything TOO easy! I *love* it! Everything is so perfectly coordinated and there are so many elements to work with. Is it terrible that I mostly love it because it requires minimal thinking? I guess I'm a lazy scrapper ... or maybe it's because this was my first real go at a true scrapbook. Well, whatever the reason is, I am so happy with it and will be doing more! :D

Enjoy!

{ Gift Scrapbook 7 }

I just LOVE this layout. I found it from one of the worksheets from the Stampin' Up demo website. It was intended for a 6x6, but I just made some adjustments for the 8x8. I just love the bursts of that lovely Guava color!

Enjoy!

{ Gift Scrapbook 6 }

I'm not really in a talkative mood today, so here is your sixth installment.

Enjoy!

{ Gift Scrapbook 5 }

I think that everything I make has a bit of SU's "Chocolate Chip" in it. Something about black, and even grey, is a bit harsh to me, so I usually go with brown. Well, this project is no different! The new Basic Grey is the "neutral" color included in this pack, but since I don't have any paper in that color, I used the Chocolate in a couple places. I think it looks really nice with the Olive and Guava in this layout. Speaking of olives, guavas and chocolate, I'm hungry! hahaha

Enjoy!

{ Gift Scrapbook 4 }

This layout was my husband's favorite. Funny, because it is not one of my favorites. I mean, don't get me wrong, I really like it, but I think it is lacking in the color department. I tried to fit another color or two in this layout, especially since all the others have at least 3 colors, but when I tried, nothing looked right! I figured that it was better to stick with simple and pretty than to try too hard doing something fancy and make it ugly! I go through that with cards sometimes too. Like, I feel like they are missing something, but I stick with simple. Now that I think about it, I do it with my clothes too ... hahaha. Maybe that just IS my style! *wink*

Enjoy!

{ Gift Scrapbook 3 }

Oh, I just love this kit! I think that there is something that is so elegant and sophisticated about it. These papers are just so luxurious! I hope that they keep this kit in the new Catalog! And how adorable are those half pearls from the Pretties Kit? I can see myself using those A LOT!

Enjoy!

{ Gift Scrapbook 2 }

Here is pages 2 & 3 of the album. Pretty straight forward here ... but please note that BEAUTIFUL hat pin on the right. I bought the Pretties kit especially to use for this project, and I've got to tell you, it is SO much better than I could have imagined! I just adore all the pretty little pieces, but I have to admit that the hat pins are my favorite. They are just TOO pretty! It was hard to force myself to use one, ya know, rather than hoarding them as all us crafters tend to do! But, I told myself it is only 1 out of 10 and I can always buy more!

Well ... at least, I hope!

Enjoy!

{ Gift Scrapbook 1 }

Well, I guess I'm going to do another marathon grouping share! My MIL birthday is later this week, so I've been working on an 8x8 scrapbook. She does bridal alterations for a living, so I thought it might be nice for her to fill this with their pictures to show to potential clients or to show them while they wait. Well, that's what I thought, but she may want to use it for something else!

I must admit that I'm not much of scrapbooker. I have a still-not-completed album that I was making of hubby and my courtship days, I have yet to even THINK about our wedding album, and I have purchased, but not yet started (nearly a year later) a scrapbook for my niece. I should say that all the above mentioned albums are to be 12x12. Although I like that size best for the amount of space it offers for pictures, I must admit that a space that large intimidates me! Keep in mind that I usually work with a space of 4.5x5.5, so when you nearly triple that, it can be very intimidating. I like it all in theory just fine, but in reality, it is just so hard! Do any other card makers out there feel like that? Well, anyway, I think the 8x8 size is less intimidating, and with only one nice big focal image, it makes designing layouts a little easier for me.

Anyway, on to the album! I'm not going to post details on the bottom because you would see all the same things over and over. So, I'll list it right here once - I used the "Secret Garden" Simply Scrappin' Kit from SU! for the bulk of this album, I supplimented with the Pretties Kit, plain silver brads, various SU! ribbon, some extra textured paper from SU!, a few sheets of SU's Au Chocolate retired paper, a few sheets from the Groovy Guava Prints Designer Paper, and some of the new velvet and vellum flowers from Papertrey. The few stamped words (on the tags) were from Fancy Flexible Phrases (retired). I have to admit that it is so much more elegant and beautiful than I had thought. There was a lot of buzz over on SCS when the prices of the SS Kits when from $12.95 to $19.95. I have to say that there are NO complaints from me! The double sided paper is GREAT. I was able to use 1 sheet for two layouts - I just decorated both sides of one sheet! And the textured paper is oh so yummy and luxurious. I love it! This kit also goes quite nicely with our Pretties Kit, also very elegant and sophisticated. Oh, and as a bonus, I thought I'd show you the cover of this album - how perfect is it? I found it at Michael's and it is EXACTLY the same as SU's old olive! Plus, I think that the pattern on goes with the SS Kit very well.

{ New Toy }

I got a new toy! And, it's not even a stamping related one! My father surprised me and sent me an iPod Nano! I was very surprised. He sent me a silver one, but I had to take it and exchange it for a red one. Red is, after all, my favorite color! Plus, part of the proceeds go to AIDS research, so it is an all around win-win situation! :D I have to admit that I didn't want one at all, but I am starting to become quite fond of this little thing. I just wasn't into the whole iPod thing, my husband has one and I could use it whenever I wanted, but I just never did. I think the appeal of this new version is the video. I like being able to have pictures on there to whip out and show people. It's mostly filled with pictures of my adorable little niece! Oh, she is just TOO cute!

Anyway, I made an observation when looking at the colors. I mean, I knew that I wanted red, but I had to check the others out too, and you know what? Apple is using SU! colors! Yes! I'm serious. This new model's "red" isn't a true red like the previous one (and I know because my hubby got that one). The previous red Nano was a yummy metallic red. This one is more pinky-purple - it's a dead-on match to SU!'s Purely Pomegranate (so much so that I named it that!)!! Their blue is SU!'s recently retired Cool Caribbean, their green is SU's long retired Mint Melody, and of course, their black is SU! Basic Black and their silver matches SU's Encore Silver ink pad! So, I guess SU! is really keeping up with the times, or are the color fads following SU!? *wink*

{ Well, Hello There! }

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been working on 2 gifts and an order, so I've been stamping, just not sharing! I tried posting something yesterday, but Blogger was on the fritz so I wasn't able to, and of course, it's working now, but I don't have the photo on this computer. Oh well, I'll post either again later tonight or tomorrow. Until then ...