Holiday Color Inspiration :: Merry Christmas

Happy Friday Eve, Bleeps! Thursday already?! For me the week is moving on along just like I wanted. Well, I'm back today with a special surprise! I'm starting to share a little color inspiration with you all for the holiday cards I am planning to showcase throughout December here on the blog. In case you haven't noticed, the past few days, all of my cards have been Christmas/Winter themes. I'm not going to hold myself to it, but thought it would be a fun challenge for myself. So, I thought why not share with you all my color inspiration.

Feel free to create holiday cards using the color combination. The graphic is also available for you to save to your computer by right-clicking the image and selecting the "Save Image As" option, then upload it to your blog. I like fun and different holiday color combinations, which is why I am challenging myself to try a new holiday card every time I post to the blog this month!

Feel free to join me. If you do, I'd love to see what you created by linking your card posted in the comments. This is not a 'challenge' but just something fun to inspire my Bleeps out there to make more holiday cards!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Instructions

1. Trim berry sorbet cardstock to create an A2 card base.
2. Trim polka dot patterned paper into a block and adhere to card front.
3. Trim ripe avocado strip and adhere to card front.
4. Die cut scallop circle.
5. Stamp the sentiment, once on the scallop die cut, and again on ripe avocado cardstock.
6. Cut tree from ripe avocado cardstock and pop off scallop circle die cut.
7. Add rhinestone to center of the tree's star.
8. Tie ribbon around card front into a bow.
9. Add scallop circle die cut with foam adhesive.
10. Add button to ribbon knot.
11. Draw faux stitching.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - 2008 Holiday Tag Collection

Ink :: Papertrey Ink - ripe avocado; Uniball - signo broad white gel pen

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - berry sorbet, ripe avocado, polka dot parade (patterned paper)

Embellishments :: Papertrey Ink - white ribbon, ripe avocado button, twine; KaiserCraft - rhinestone

Tools :: Spellbinders - scallop circle nestabilities

SCS Product Review :: Martha Stewart's Punch Around the Page

Happy Hump Day! Today, I am sharing my last review as a member of SCS Product Focus Review Team. It has been so great to be a part of the SCS team reviewing so many projects over the last nine months. To read our product review of Martha Stewart's Punch Around the Page, please click here. To view all of our projects using the new punches, click here. Martha Stewart's new punches are great because you can use them separately and together to create a variety of looks for your projects.

Thanks for visiting today and and enjoy!

Happiest of Holidays

Instructions

1. Create an A2 card base with ocean tides cardstock.
2. Trim vintage cream cardstock to about 2.5" x 4", then punch the snowflake border.
3. Trim gold shimmer cardstock to about 4.25" x 4" and adhere to vintage cream border.
4. Adhere punched snowflakes.
5. Add ribbon and tie in a bow.
6. Stamp sentiment on red cardstock block and adhere to center with foam adhesive.
7. Adhere focal block to card front with foam adhesive.
8. Add stickles to snowflake centers.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - holiday wishes

Ink :: Papertrey Ink - vintage cream

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - ocean tides, vintage cream, pure poppy; Cut Cardstock.com - gold shimmer

Embellishments :: Papertrey Ink - ribbon; Ranger - stickles

Tools :: Martha Stewart - snowflake punch

Warm Winter Wishes

Instructions

1. Make an A2 card base with vintage cream cardstock.
2. On a 3.25" x 5" ocean tides cardstock, punch snowflakes around the page.
3. Tie twine around card front into a bow.
4. Stamp sentiment on punch around the page block and add snowflake die cuts.
5. Adhere block to card front with foam adhesive.
6. Stamp mittens and heat emboss.
7. Add mittens to card by tying twine around twine bow.
8. Add stickles to snowflake centers.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - snowfall

Ink :: Clearsnaps - chestnut; Versamark

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - vintage cream, ocean tides, kraft

Embellishments :: Ranger - stickles; Wal-Mart - hemp twine

Tools :: Michaels - white embossing powder; Martha Stewart - snowflake punch around the page

Season of Joy Photo Card

Here there! Well, I survived the first day back to work after a break, which is always a challenge. Let's hope this week moves right along. Today, I am sharing a photo card I made. The baby is my childhood friend's child, Jordyn. Here is how you can design one:

Instructions

1. Trim aqua mist cardstock to create a 3.5" x 7" card base.
2. Stamp background pattern on card front.
3. Trim strip of sweet blush cardstock and stamp design.
4. Add a strip of raspberry fizz cardstock, then adhere to card front.
5. Stamp tree, add buttons, and cut out.
6. Add photo and tree to card front.
7. Stamp sentiment.

Supplies

Stamps :: Fiskars - festive trees; American Crafts - majestic

Ink :: Versamark; Papertrey Ink - raspberry fizz; Clear Snaps - chestnut

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - aqua mist, sweet blush, raspberry fizz

Embellishments :: Papertrye Ink - buttons; KaiserCraft - rhinestones

Other :: Photo

Thanks for stopping by!

2S4Y :: Rejoice

Happy Monday, Bleeps! It's hard to return to work after a four-day weekend, but also a bit easier than a typical weekend. So, I'm grateful for those additional two days off! Today, I'm sharing with you a card I made for this week's 2 Sketches 4 You layout. This week's sketch is sponsored by Starving Artistamps. These stamps are perfect for your holiday cards and to truly celebrate the reason for the season. So, join the 2S4Y DT this week and make a fun card using this week's sketch! Here's a peek at the sketch:

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your day!

Instructions

1. Trim brown cardstock to create an A2 card base.
2. Trim gold shimmer cardstock block, stamp background text.
3. Stamp "rejoice" over background text stamped design.
4. Stamp baby Jesus, color, and cut out, then pop on top part of the gold shimmer cardstock block.
5. Distress frame, then adhere with foam adhesive.
6. Score a line on card front.
7. Add red cardstock with punched decorative edge.
8. Tie ribbon around card front into a bow.
9. Adhere gold cardstock block to card front.
10. Add berries.

Supplies

Stamps :: Starving Artistamps - O Holy Night, Christmas Nativity (sentiments) ; Papertrey Ink - background basics (text)

Ink :: Clearsnaps - chestnut; Stampin' Up! - river rock; Copic - markers; Ranger - vintage photo

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - dark chocolate, pure poppy; Cut Cardstock.com - gold shimmer

Embellishments :: Offray - oatmeal ribbon; Pier One - berries; Tattered Angels - framed fonts

Tools :: EK Success - decorative edge punch

Thanksgiving 2009 Recap

Hey there, Bleeps! I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday! I sure did! I got a bit stressed in the end of tying everything together. You know how you have a vision of how you want everything to look and it just doesn't quite fit, well that happened to me, but it still turned out nice. Above, are a few photos taken the day of Thanksgiving and also just a few minutes ago that I staged to showcase a sample of the place card and the menu presented at the table setting.

We hosted my mom, sister, and also our neighbors. I was very excited to use my new vintage dishes found at a local retailer. Instead of making traditional place 'cards,' I made one-layer card that fit into a small pine cone to accent the table setting. The table was kept simple with a charger and a simple 'wheat' centerpiece (picked that up from Marshall's). I created the menu in Photoshop and Mac helped by printing and cutting them. I added ribbon at the last minute and wished I had time to mat them on brown cardstock, but darn...time was up! I think that would've made a bigger impact and I still will mat one later and showcase the difference just so you all can see!

The place cards are Spellbinders Labels 4 Nestabilities die cuts and stamped with Waltzingmouse Stamps coordinating set. I added oval nestabilities die cuts, stamped a pine cone theme (Stampin' Up! - autumn days) and then added the names by stamping eat individual letter (Papertrey Ink - simple alphabet). The place cards were finished off with a few green rhinestones.

Now, this year I wanted to tackle a few new baking recipes. As background, I am NOT a baker. I rarely bake anything other than box brownies or cake mix! Although I love to cook, I am not a baker. But, I did manage to attempt the recipes. I had a few disasters! The pound cake turned out great; however, I overfilled the baking pan and it bubbled over causing it to shrivel and die! We tasted some of the over flowed bits and it as GREAT, just very UGLY! So, that was not served...DARN IT (again)! I also made a peach cobbler. The dough part is most my un-favorite thing to do EVER! Mind you, I do not own a mixer (at least not at that time), only a hand mixer, which I did not use and so it was quite daunting. The dough was not 'perfect' but turned out good enough to cover the dish (whew)! The recipe was great, but I needed to add a bit more 'juice' to it. I was so afraid of it being soupy that I did not add it all...another DARN IT! However, at least it was good enough to serve! I also tried a brownie dish that I've made before. The disaster with this dessert was I forgot to thaw the cool whip...a big "OH MY GOSH" at the last minute! My sister dashed off to the store to find some cool whip spray, but it's SO not the same as traditional cool whip, but as a good enough fix to serve! Lastly, I tried my hand at homemade yeast rolls. These actually turned out great!

I said I would not bake again, but I think I will now that I went out and picked up a Kitchen Aid mixer at Wally World in the Black Friday extravaganza! I think that will make baking just a tad easier and the fact that I've tried once, it shouldn't be as hard the next go 'round, right?! Well, at least I hope not! All of the rest of food turned out okay, but not THE BEST like I like it! When I do this again, I'm going to tackle more food the night before when I'm not under the gun!

My sister and I shopped all of the door busters. We shopped at a local outlet mall from midnight and then made a few stops and did not finish up until after 7 am Friday morning. I had 2 coffees and was so energized by the shopping that staying awake was no problem until I 'crashed' at Bath and Body Works! A lot of people think it's crazy to get out there and shop with the masses, but it's really fun! I only recommend it to those who can handle crowds, people bumping, and patience. Lines are very long at times and you have to be willing to sacrifice time for a few dollars! It's just something to do for me and to experience. I can also see why some people would rather pay the extra money not to wake up at the crack of dawn and deal with the masses; it's all up to the person! People watching is so fun to me (remember, I'm the "watcher" from my anniversary post) so I truly enjoy it!

Grateful for time with family and friends and even the food disasters! I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving too!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your Sunday!

Happy Thanksgiving

Hey there, Bleeps! Happy Thanksgiving! I'm still awake cooking or I should say waiting on some things in the oven so I can lay down for a bit. So far the turkey, greens, peach cobbler, and cranberry mold are prepared for tomorrow. Whew!

Today, I'm sharing a card I created for Embellish Magazine's Brad Color Challenge. I used some of my new PTI stamps and they're so great! Just thought I'd pop in and share this card on my blog even though it's on Embellishes blog.

If I am not back later today with my "Thanksgiving" post, I'll be back on Friday with it to share photos of the food and of course the table setting! I'm so excited and can't wait to taste that cobbler...it's my FIRST. I've never even made dough from scratch before so I am extremely nervous! Good thing the stores are open tomorrow for a bit for a last minute addition! But, let's hope for the best! So, if you want to hear how it all turned out, make sure you check back for the recap!

Thanks for stopping by for a bit of entertainment on this Thanksgiving! I hope you eat well and enjoy this special day! Hope to 'see' you later or tomorrow!

Instructions

1. Trim blue cardstock to create card base.
2. Trim white block, stamp background and adhere to card front.
3. Trim red strip and adhere to card front.
4. Trim green strip and adhere to card front.
5. Punch flower, stamp background.
6. Wrap ribbon and funnel through button and flower.
7. Stamp sentiment on green strip.
8. Add brads.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - background basics diamonds, communique sentiments

Ink :: Papertrey Ink - pure poppy, enchanted evening

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - pure poppy, enchanted evening, new leaf white; Cut Card Stock.com - yellow

Embellishments :: CTMH - brads; Marvy Uchida - flower punch; Papertrey Ink - button, ribbon

Thankful for you

Happy Hump Day, Bleeps! Today, starts the pre-Thanksgiving festivities for us. I hope to get off of work a little early so I can nap and start cooking all night. I'm a night owl and prefer that schedule! Today, I am sharing a wine gift bag. It is super quick to make and perfect for a hostess if you going to someone's house for the holidays. Who doesn't like wine? Well, I'm sure many don't, but wine or even some sort of sparkling bubbly (alcoholic or not) is a festive way to express your gratitude.

I'd like to take today's post and express my gratitude for you, my Bleeps! I never thought people would read my blog and I'm ever so grateful for each of you. If I could, I would make this wine gift bag (with wine included) in it to give to you because I am thankful for you. There are so many things I am thankful for, but thankful for people is the most special to me. Everything else may come and go, but people should be cherished. I would love to hear what you are thankful for this holiday, so please leave a comment and share to celebrate this joyous holiday!

Enjoy your day and thanks so much for your visit!

Instructions

1. Cover bag front with crushed curry cardstock. (TIP: I overlapped 2 pieces, but you can't see it!)
2. Trim core'dinations cardstock and add scored lines, then sand and adhere to bag front.
3. Trim polka dot patterned paper.
4. Add stitching to the bottom of the patterned paper, then adhere to bag front.
5. Stamp sentiment on cardstock block and adhere using foam adhesive.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - first fruits

Ink :: Clear Snaps - chestnut

Paper :: Stampin' Up! - crushed curry; Papertrey Ink - bitty dots patterned paper; Core'dinations - chocolate collection (yellow core)

Embellishments :: Nashville Wraps - wine bag, tissue paper

Tools :: sewing machine; thread; Scor-Pal

Sending You Get Well Hugs & Wishes

Hey there, Bleeps! It's Tuesday and that means only one more work day for most of us who aren't taking off! I have to make one more trip to the grocery store today to pick up the perishable items, like eggs, milk, cheese, and so forth. Yesterday I made a card using Savitri's daughter, Emma's sketch combined with Dawn's color challenge. Boy, was this a doozy! Mac said he liked it, so here it is posted! I got the chance to use a few of my new Papertrey Ink stamps and boy do I like the new background stamp! WOW! The Big & Bold sentiment stamp set is loaded with the best sentiments. I chose this one to send to a family friend. I'm going to have to make an envelobox with my Ultimate Crafter's Companion to mail this one! I love that feature! Now, my 'big' cards can fit in a mini box! It allows just enough room for dimensional elements.

Instructions

1. Trim white cardstock to create an A2 card base.
2. On aqua mist block, stamp background pattern.
3. Add pink dots to the centers of background pattern.
4. Adhere aqua mist block to card front.
5. Tear a strip of book text and distress, then adhere to card front.
6. Add a strip of raspberry fizz cardstock.
7. Adhere scallop trim and add ribbon.
8. On a new aqua mist block, stamp sentiment and adhere to card front.
9. Add buttons and rhinestones.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - big & bold wishes, diamonds background basics

Ink :: Clear Snaps - chestnut; Papertrey Ink - aqua mist; Stampin' Up! - pink marker

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - white, aqua mist, raspberry fizz

Embellishments :: KaiserCraft - rhinestones; Book Text; Stampin' Up! - ribbon; Cosmo Cricket - scallop trim; Papertrey Ink - buttons; Twine

Have you all checked out Laura's new food blog? As you know, I love blogging about food, so I had to try out something on Laura's blog and I did last night. It is the Taco Salad! It was a perfect dish to make the week of Thanksgiving because it's light and not too difficult. I think I'm officially a 'foodie!' So, this post marks the start of the food posts that will follow for Thanksgiving. Last year, I blogged about the place cards and menus, but this year, I plan to take it a step further. I hope you all will enjoy it!

Food Stations

My Plate "dressed up"

The original recipe may be found here. However, I usually alter a recipe a bit to fit my personal preferences. As suggested by Laura, the taco salad can be served with chicken as opposed to ground turkey. So here is what I used and how I made it! Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts

1 packet of McCormick's Taco Seasoning (hot)

1 can of corn

1 can of black beans

1 can of rotel (can be used as a complete tomato/jalapeno substitute) I like HOT

2 roma tomatoes

Some lettuce

Some cheese

Some onions

1 jalapeno/serrano pepper

salt (to taste)

tortilla chips

Directions

1. Slow cook chicken breasts in crock pot. (I choose this step so that the chicken is ready when I return home from work.)
2. Add taco seasoning overtop of chicken and set crock pot on low for about 6-8 hours.
3. Remove chicken from slow cooker and pull the chicken a part.
4. Add chicken to the skillet, along with 'broth' from slow cooker.
5. Cook the chicken until the meat absorbs the chicken.
6. Chop onions, jalpeno pepper, and tomatoes and toss in a bowl.
7. Add corn, black beans, and some rotel to the bowl (Hot version will spice it up) and toss.
8. Season with salt (if desired).
9. Chop lettuce and shred cheese.
10. Set up stations and create a taco salad or traditional tacos on soft or hard-shell tortillas.
11. Serve with tortilla chips.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy yourself today!

2S4Y :: Winter Snowflakes

Hey there, Bleeps! I hope your weekend was fab! Mine was, well partially! Saturday, on about 2 hours of sleep, took a bus trip up to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It was a lot of fun, but it really wore me out! I slept all day Sunday and took it way too easy!

Don't worry, because my 2S4Y card is ready to share and the sketch is too, so head on over to the blog to check out the great designers of 2S4Y to see what they drummed up. I'm sure they rocked out their designs using this sketch; it was a tough one for me! You know how I feel about my sketches sometimes; sketch challenged, but I pulled through and made something and you can too! This week's sketch challenge is sponsored by JustRite! They have a great holiday stamp collection out and you can check them out here.

Up for grabs this week for the Card of the Week winner are lots of JustRite stamps! Everyone can receive 20% off on all Christmas sets and 48-hour shipping. Check out the details over at 2S4Y!

Have a great Monday because this week will be a short one for most of us! Wednesday will be here before we know it and our tummies filled by Thursday! Black Friday will be a mad house and the weekend will be here again! YAAY Thanks for visiting!

Instructions

1. Create card base from aqua mist cardstock.
2. Stamp sentiment and die cut scallop circle.
3. Stamp snowflake and cut a circle, then distress it.
4. Add rhinestone to the snowflake center, then pop off scallop circle center.
5. Tie ribbon into a bow around card front, then add scallop circle.
6. Ink chipboard corner element, then adhere to top right corner.

Supplies

Stamps :: JustRite - A Merry Little Christmas

Ink :: Papertrey Ink - raspberry fizz; Stampin' Up! - white, chocolate chip

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - aqua mist, raspberry fizz

Embellishments :: Craft Supply - random chipboard corner pieces; KaiserCraft - rhinestone

Tools :: Spellbinders - scallop circle nestabilities

Our Anniversary + Random Tidbits

The card that McArthur MADE for me for our anniversary

Flowers McArthur sent to my job

Water spilled out on car ride home...going to refill!

Our kitchen before the surprise (taken with an iPhone camera)

Our kitchen after the surprise

Larger photo after the surprise...

Yes, I 'jam' listening to my iHome while cooking...

Yes, I keep my counters this clean (USUALLY)...

now for the story...

Hey there, Bleeps! I thought I'd do a Saturday leisure post for you all to share our anniversary tidbits since you all gave us so many well wishes, this was the least I could do! As a side note, McArthur was out of town (in Dallas) for work for the past few days. He did not return home until late on Thursday (our anniversary). He made sure he made it back, even if it was to see my face! I picked him up from the airport and we had a glorious Chick-fil-A meal in "CC" (my car)! We were very excited to see one another, having been a part for the past 6 days or so.

The Card

When we got home, he couldn't wait to share his card with me. If you've been a "Bleep" for a while, you'll know that last year he got Dawn McVey to make me an anniversary card, so I was really excited to see what he was going to do this year. Well...he made that card pictured above! When I pulled it out, I screamed, "YOU MADE THIS?" Don't get me wrong, McArthur is a great painter and artist, but card maker, never thought about it! While away, he went to Target and bought all of the paper crafting supplies he could find. I call the card a 'hybrid' card because he used some pre-made cards (the butterfly portion) and combined it with other papers. He wanted a focal point, so he cut out "TODAY" from USA TODAY newspaper that the hotel so graciously provided. This is one of the cutest cards! What do you think?!

The Flowers

So, the story goes a bit like this: Thursday, McArthur calls me around lunch time to ask if I was at work. I told him no, but was on my way back because I met my high school cheerleading friend for Pho! So as the day went on, he started texting me about a 'delivery.' I told him no delivery. At that point, I knew he was getting anxious. Long story short, the florist never made the delivery. He was so upset. Fast forward to Friday, and the florist finally delivered the flowers pictured above mid-afternoon. I took a photo and sent to McArthur to express my gratitude, but only to find out that is NOT what he ordered. I felt so bad for him because ordering flowers can be a daunting task. Regardless, I thought they were pretty and it was a thoughtful gesture!

The Surprise

As I was on my way home from work on Friday, I told McArthur I was making a few stops (to the mall) to pick up some items for my Thanksgiving dinner plans. Did I mention I really like Williams Sonoma? Okay, back on track! He said it was okay and I told him I would be home shortly. Well, after an hour passed, he called again. I had to make a U-Turn from my second stop to rush home per his request. When I drove towards the house there was a what I like to call a "random" van parked in the driveway. I drove past and parked. Walking up to the door, I peered into the windows trying to figure out SOMETHING! He never gets anything past me! So, I figured he was getting our ice maker fixed (which is broken). He heard me at the door and opened it swiftly. He ushered me upstairs and VOILA into our updated kitchen. I think I was speechless; not because I did not like it, but because he REALLY SURPRISED me this time! It is so beautiful and the fact that he took a photo of the tiles I picked out at the store over a year ago, remembered that he had them, and came up with the design himself was really, really thoughtful. Since moving into this house, I wanted my backsplash tiled and now it is!

Live in the Washington DC area? Tile work was completed by Global Remodeling, Inc. - Jalal Tosi. If you're interested, I have additional contact information.

Random Tidbits

At the crack of dawn, I'll be on a bus heading up to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware on a shopping trip with my mom. Let's hope we find some good deals!

My brother-in-law just 'opened' his website, which features his music. Please note, if you do not like hip hop or rap you may not want to listen! I really like it and is proud of his talent. One of his singles is also on iTunes under his artist name, Hendrix Law. Check it out here.

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading about our anniversary and extra tidbits. I hope it was somewhat entertaining!

Enjoy your weekend, Bleeps!

Caardvarks Challenge :: Happy Birthday

Hey there, Bleeps! TGIF and time for another Caardvarks Challenge! It's all about coloring this time! How did I do? I am a newbie at coloring and using Copics, so what do you think?! I find the shadow part the hardest for me. For instance, where do I put it and when is it too much? If you have any tips, feel free to share them with me!

Thanks also for all of the anniversary wishes. Mac was blown away and read them too! I'll share with you a card HE MADE this weekend!

Challenge Details

Sponsor: My Scrapbook Nook

Challenge: Color a stamped image

Prize: 4 copic markers from My Scrapbook Nook

Reader discount: 20% off duing the challenge period, code: NWS20



Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Instructions

1. Trim white cardstock to , score in half to create a card base.
2. Trim kraft cardstock block.
3. Stamp images and color.
4. Stamp mushroom on a separate kraft scrap, color, cut out, and pop off.
5. Punch decorative edge trim and adhere it to right side of kraft cardstock.
6. Adhere kraft focal point to card front.
   
7. Die cut circle from patterned paper and adhere to card front.
8. "Color" chipboard letters with Maya Mist and adhere.
9. Stamp sentiment, then pop off card front.
   

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - birthday basics; Stampendous - birch buddies
Ink :: Copic - markers; Uniball - Signo Board white gel pen; Stampin' Up! - chocolate chip
Paper :: Papertrey Ink - white, kraft, bitty dots
Embellishments :: Maya Road - chipboard letters
Tools :: Martha Stewart - loopy edge punch; Provo Craft - Cuttlebug; Spellbinders - circle netsabilities; Maya Road - maya mist bronze

I Adore You :: Happy Anniversary

This post is dedicated to the celebration of our wedding anniversary (just a fair warning)! Four years ago today, McArthur and I decided to tie the knot. However, exactly 11 years ago when we started dating I knew we shared something special. We dated 7 years before Mac proposed and got married near our 8-year dating anniversary. So, when we celebrate our anniversary, it is not only our wedding anniversary, but our anniversary of our relationship.

I met Mac when I was 13 years old, he was 14. I traveled to North Carolina to attend a summer science and math camp for I think 1-2 months and he attended as well. We were friends, but merely that. At the end of the camp, we said our goodbyes and parted our ways, never to exchange numbers. We ran into each other twice since the camp, once in Baltimore and the other in Raleigh. Finally, in Raleigh he asked for my number and I gave him my pager number (the sign of the time)! I never returned his pages because the number was unrecognizable! HAHA One day, he saw me walking on campus (our third run-in) and he gave me a ride. I can remember that day so vividly, so clear. That was our last run-in because we never parted again.

Our journey together has been amazing. It's such a remarkable life experience to see someone, let alone your partner in life grow. Mac and I share a lot of commonalities, especially the arts; however, we also have our differences, such as he's the "talker" and I'm the "watcher." Whether we're celebrating 4 years of wedded bliss or 11 years of partnership, I'm so thankful for our time together and our relationship we have built.

Today, I say I love you to my husband, my partner, my best friend! Happy Anniversary, "Flave!" (...don't ask about the nickname, I give him a new one every so often and he does the same to me!)

The photos of us above are in chronological order from old to new. I wish I gave more time to this to dig up and scan some really old ones so you can see how young we looked, but darn it, I ran out of time.

Thanks for stopping by to share this day with us and I hope you enjoy the card, which was quite difficult to make. It is inspired by SCS Sketch SC255.

Instructions

1. Trim navy carstock to create an A2 card base.
2. Trim white cardstock into a block and adhere to card front center.
3. Trim green cardstock strip and adhere to card front.
4. Trim kraft cardstock block, stamp text background, stamp leaves, stamp sentiment, and adhere with foam adhesive on card front.

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - text background, rustic branches; Melissa Frances (sentiment)

Ink :: Papertrey Ink - enchanted evening; Stampin' Up! - white

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - enchanted evening, ripe avocado, white, kraft

SCS Product Review :: Crafter's Companion

Wedge Box

(decorated with leaves into a Christmas Tree)

the ribbon allows you to hang it from the tree

For SCS, we just reviewed the Crafter's Companion. To read more about our reviews, see our projects, and even tutorials, hop on over to SCS. I made an ensemble for this review. I rarely do this, but this product is perfect for those who love making projects from templates. I made a card with a tag and even some berry spray! Next, I made a gift box. It was super easy to do and really effective when you need a small box. The box measures 4.5" x 7" and is 2" deep. It is a pretty decent size box, especially for a bunch of cards! Next, I made a wedge box. It is secured with ribbon. I then decorated it with maple leaves into a Christmas tree design. I'm not going to go into the instructions for all of these projects, but I will provide supplies I used for all of them!

Thanks so much for stopping by and enjoy your HUMP DAY, Bleeps!

Supplies

Stamps :: Papertrey Ink - signature christmas; o christmas tree

Ink :: Papertrey Ink - pure poppy

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - ripe avocado, kraft, pure poppy; October Afternoon - falling snow; Cut Card Stock - cream shimmer

Embellishments :: berry spray; Paper Source - wide gold ribbon; eyelet; twine; Making Memories - vintage lace trim; Papertrey Ink - pure poppy ribbon; stickles; Palette - glitter

Tools :: Spellbinders - maple leaves nestabilities; Crafter's Companion

Live Your Bliss

Hey there, Bleeps! I'm back today with a card inspired by Everything But the Kitchen Sink sketch challenge. The photo of the fireplace and mantle reminded me of my own home and I wanted to incorporate that design into a card. Since I love the color combination of blue and brown in my home, I thought I should carry that over onto the card as well. Because the focal point ended up being elegant, I made it a wedding card.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your Tuesday!

Instructions

1. Trim brown cardstock to 5"x5" square card base.
2. Dry emboss blue cardstock.
3. Punch 1-1/4" squares, then adhere to card front.
4. Stamp focal point and cut out.
5. Stamp sentiment.
6. Add rhinestones.
7. Adhere to card center with foam adhesive.

Supplies

Stamps :: American Crafts - majestic; Papertrey Ink - mixed messages

Ink :: Clearsnaps - colorbox chestnut

Paper :: Papertrey Ink - aqua mist, dark chocolate, white

Embellishments :: KaiserCraft - rhinestones

Tools :: Creative Memories - square punch; Provo Craft - swiss dots embossing folder, Cuttlebug