Pick 3 for the week of: 4/30/12

What a great weekend!  Our street did a Progressive dinner this Friday.  We did three courses:  cocktails/appetizers, entree, and dessert.  I did the entree.  It was a wonderful evening...I will share more on it later this week.  Now, let's get to my picks...

1.  Stick Pins - I am loving these for cards and scrapbook pages.  These are from Etsy, but I know I could make these.  Great way to use up those leftover beads ...add to my project list!

2. Multi Shape Punches - I just got one of these from Paper Wishes...it can do so many things.  I am looking forward to trying it out!  You can add a fancy border to circles, ovals or squares.  Paper Wishes has an excellent video on it if you are interested in learning more.

3.  Fun & Functional Storage - I love this!  So cute and a great way to keep it all organized.  I am so doing this...with a few changes...I am going to use some Crystal Lite containers I have and I will be storing/organizing my fibers.  Great idea!

Thanks for stopping by.  Let me know if you check out, try or make any of the picks...I love hearing from you!

Retro Folded Card

Quick card I made for a swap.  I wanted to make a card using the orange floral paper...I love it and I didn't want to do any coloring.  Here is what I came up with...I really like the fold technique to form a frame.  I matted the folded frame on a piece of green that I cut with a spellbinder.  Them I mounted on a piece of pumpkin card stock that I had embossed with my Cuttlebug.  Final touch, a brown knot.  Pretty!  

Butterfly Hostess Cards

I made two sets of these cards to use as hostess' gifts this Friday at our Progressive Dinner.  I love the butterflies and the stripes.  Here's the details:

Images:  dimensional sticker sheet from Wal-mart
Papers:  a piece of Bo Bunny from my stash and white card stock.
Extras:  twine in matching colors, used a border punch to add an edge to the white card stock, corner rounder

Thanks for looking!

Joy Mini Album

I wanted to give you a peek at the paper bag album I made for a recent swap.  I kept it simple so the recipient can personalize it to their taste.  I used three paper bags, a sheet of Bo Bunny stickers, three sheets of Bo Bunny papers, a sheet of white cardstock and a few miscellaneous embellishments.

I did the waterfall technique.  For the binding I did a double row of stiching on my sewing machine...first time sewing the binding.  I made a tag for each open end.

I really like the way it turned out...I hope who ever receives it likes it, too!

Pick 3 for the week of: 4/23/12

And Monday is here again!  I hope everyone had a GREAT weekend.  Ours was a little lazy and cold!  So cold that I had to turn the heater back on...what happened it spring?  I have a very busy week...getting ready for a Progressive Dinner on Friday and I am the entree house.  So, I need to stop procrastinating and share my picks with you so I can get to work!  Here they are...

1.  Push Up Pop Cupcakes - I originally found this on Pinterest and thought they looked like a lot of fun to make.  I want to make these for Jarek's confirmation class...I am now on the hunt for the best deal on the push up tubes and sticks.

2.  Kameleon Jewel Pops - saw an add for these in Military Spouse magazine and had to check them out.  They are so cool!  You buy the base piece of jewelry and then you can change them up with the interchangeable jewel pops.  They have necklaces, pins, earrings, rings, bracelets and sunglasses.  This is going on my wish list!

3.  Faux Patina Tutorial - this was in the inkling from Splitcoast Stampers this past week.  Beautiful way to transform paper.  I can't wait to try this one.

Sugar Plum Fairy

Here is my latest card.  I just loved coloring this image from Mo's Digital Pencil.  She is called a sugar plum fairy, but I thought she could look very springy if colored in the right hues.  I think she turned out beautiful.  Here are the details:

Image:  Sugar Plum Fairy by Mo's Digital Pencil.  After coloring with my pencils I added several colors of Stickles:  Diamond on the ruffle, Cotton Candy on the sugar plums, and Raspberry on the wings.
Papers:  BoBunny from my scrap bin & Raven card stock
Extras:  I made the black "lace" with a border punch and Raven card stock; flowers were Prima and punched from handmade papers; black ribbon, black rhinestone flourishes by Recollections; and black Cat's Eye chalk ink on most edges.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Card Positioning Systems #262
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge - #160 Loaded with LAYERS!
Crazy 4 Challenges - C4C133:  adding black card stock
Mo's Digital Challenge - #131 Flowers!
Charisma Cardz - #15 Shabby Chic

Thanks for looking!

Easter Layouts for....

2012!  Now you would think that would mean I am caught up...NOT!  I have just decided to work on pictures as I take them and then go back and do the hundreds on my computer when I have nothing current to work on.  I am getting there...I just have to do a few more for 2009 and 2010 and I will be current.  Ahhh, then I can move on to other projects.

This is what we started with (Jarek was working on the layout for his book):

All the items are from a swap I participate in with my Facebook group, Paper Crafting Divas.  This particular month I participated in both groups.  I love this swap because it makes scrapping my pages so much easier.  Each participant picks an element and make 5 of them, them we put them together in sets.  So, when you get your swaps back you essentially have a layout kit.  Now, you can use them for a one page, two page or whatever page layout...it is completely up to you.

So, here are the layouts:

 This is mine.  I used the title box, one photo mat and an embellishment from the kits.  I added background card stock and matted the pictures.    On the title box I added a strip of paper for journaling and the title "Easter" with stickers. 

This is Jarek's.  he used the journal box and a photo mat from the kits.  He added background card stock and matted the pictures.  He also created a title using a banner and cut out from the Cricut.

Just a note, we were using the same sketch, but one of us mixed it up a bit!

Pick 3 for the week of 4/16/12:

Yes, I am running a little late...yesterday just got away from me.  Do you ever have those days where you just can't seem to get caught up?  Anyhow, here are my picks for the week....

1.  Paper Bag Mini Albums  - I love making these little albums, especially for gifts.  I am currently working on a Spring themed one for a swap and a gift one.  If you haven't tried these yet...check out the link for basic directions and then get creative.  The pic above is one I made last year for a gift and I did a waterfall effect with the pages.  So fun!

2.  New Spellbinders: Cut, Tuck & Fold Shapabilities - I can't wait to get my hands on these!  Watch the link video...they will make beautiful embellishments for any paper craft.  I have not seen them locally yet...just might to have to order online as I am not very patient.

3.  S'more Bites - definitely going to have to give these a try....they look so yummy & easy!

Sneaky Mouse Card

Love this image from Sassy Cheryl's...I had fun coloring and embellishing him.  This card is a little outside of my "comfort zone" because I used a color palette from a challenge and mixed up more patterns than usual.  With that said, I really like how it came out.

Here's the details:
Image - Sneaky Mouse from Sassy Cheryl's digi's; after coloring I added Cotton Candy Stickles to the cupcake, Orange Stickles to the hat, and Crystal Effects to the candles and eyes.
Papers - from my scrap stash
Extras - flowers with petite button centers, pearls, printed ribbon, Spellbinder's Fleur de Lis Doily Motif to cut the mat for image

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Sassy Cheryl's Challenge - Anything Goes!
Stamptacular Sunday's Challenge  - #158 PHOTO Inspiration
Digital Tuesday Challenge - Birthdays!
Dutch Dare Card Challenge - Buttons & Bows!

Thanks for looking!

Island Pixie

Just finished coloring this cute Island Pixie from Pixie Dust Studio and decided to make her into a card using one of my favorite double pocket card.  Usually I make this card so that the pockets are on the front and you can open, like a regular card.  This time I did not leave the card so that it can be opened.  The piece of ribbon is around the middle of the card is not removable so the card remains closed.

Here's the details:
Image - Island Pixie from Pixie Dust Studio; after coloring with my Stampin' Up pencils I added Gold Stickles to the stars and crown, Diamond Dust Stickles to the wings, and Crystal Effects tot he eyes, lips, and necklace.
Papers - from my scrap stash
Embellishments - Prima flowers, rhinestones, ribbons, button
Extras - seed packet for pocket, but you could use candy, gum, gift card, etc.

I am entering this card in the following challenges:
Pixie Dust Studio Challenge #122 - Ribbons!
Charisma Cardz #114 - Fancy Folds

ATC: Bunnies & Butterflies

This month's ATC swap on Facebook had the theme of, "Bunnies & butterflies".  Well, I knew I wanted to do something different...after browsing images online I came up with this....a Playboy bunny! and a butterfly.  

Here's the details:
Image - found online, converted to black and white in Photoshop, then 'airbrushed' pink on the ears, pumps & outfit.  Printed, tore & inked edges.
Embellishments -  Queen & Co. green felt trim, punched butterfly, and gray handmade paper for background.

How's that for outside the box?

Pick 3 for the Week of 4/9/12

What a great weekend!  My "boys" were able to play golf all three days...heaven for them and we had a lot of family time.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.  We did all out usual stuff...church, dyed eggs, baskets, brunch at the club and ham dinner.  today we are recuperating from such a fun weekend...house to tidy, homework to do, laundry...all the stuff you neglect when you are having fun :)  Before I get to work I wanted to share my pick 3 of the week....

1.  Chocolate Martini - While out to dinner last weekend I had one of these, YUMMY!  I had to find the 'recipe'...this is the one that contains all the ingredients like the one I had out to dinner. 

2.  To Do Board - I found this on Pinterest, unfortunately there is no link to directions, but I think I can figure this out.  I have seen these frames at Walmart (and Kohl's, Meijer, Hobby Lobby, etc.) and I know they are using it as a dry erase type board, so...this is a project that I am going to make as a gift.  I think the person I have in mind will like it ans she can always use organizing tools.

3.  PARADE & Stephanie Nielson - I read the touching article in Parade this weekend about Stephanie Nielson and her inspiring story...I am not going to give it away...read the article for yourself.  After reading her article, I went to her blog and found it to be very inspiring and enjoyable to read.  If you didn't see the Parade article, check it out...it will not only inspire you, but remind you to be grateful for what you have.

Walking in the Rain

Had a little time to create today.  I have been wanting to color this image...Doesn't she remind you of Ms. Frizzle from Magic School Bus?

Here's the details:
Image -"Singing in the Rain" by Mo's Digital Pencil; I colored her with Stampin' Up pencils and then I added Crystal Effects to her boots and coat & Stickles to the stars on her umbrella.
Papers - from my scrap stash, the blue dotted is a flocked paper from Heidi Grace
Embellishments:  chipboard star covered in glitter to match the glitter on the umbrella, blue rhinestones, ribbon

I am entering the card in the following challenges:
Mo's Digital Pencil #129 - Anything Goes w/a Mo image
Charisma Cardz Challenge #13 - Chipboard or Stickers
Mojo Monday #235
Crazy4 Challenges C4C131 - Blue, white & color of choice

Good Friday: Hot Cross Buns

 I always wondered about the tradition of Hot Crossed Buns during Easter time and a few years back I decided to investigate.  While I understand the cross on the buns is to remind us of the Crucifixion, I knew there had to be more to the story. 

Here are a few things I found out:
*  Hot Crossed Buns predate Christianity, they are actually a carry over from the Saxons.  The Saxons ate the buns in honor of the goddess Eostre, with the cross representing the four quarters of the moon.
*  Early missionaries adopted the buns and changed the interpretation of the cross to that of the Crucifixion.
*  In the early 16th century even though Roman Catholicism was banned in England, the popularity of the buns remained so Queen Elizabeth passed a law banning the eating of the buns except on Easter, Christmas and funerals.
*  There are many superstitions associated with the buns :  Sharing a hot cross bun with another is supposed to ensure friendship throughout the coming year, particularly if "Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be" is said at the time; hanging a bun in the kitchen assures safety from fires and perfectly baked breads; and if taken on a sea voyage they ensure safe travel.

So, while that is all interesting and I now have a better understanding of Hot Crossed Buns, that is not why I make them....I make them because they are YUMMY!  I am going to share with you my simple version that I love.  I am not much of a bread maker so I came across this recipe a few years back and just had to try.  My family loves it.  Enjoy!

You will need:
2 tubes of crescent roll dough
1 C dried cherries
1 C golden raisins
2 T crystallized ginger, chopped
1/2 C butter, softened
1/4 C sugar
3/4 t orange zest




1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Coat a square pan with cooking spray.
2.  Mix Butter and zest; reserve.  Combine cherries, raisins, ginger and sugar; shake up to coat fruit.
3.  On a lightly floured surface, unroll crescent roll dough side by side; seal all seams to create one large piece.  I use my hand roller to smooth and stretch a little.

4.  Spread butter mixture over dough; top with fruit mixture.  Starting with short edge, roll up.  Cut into 9 pieces.  Place in pan cut side up.
5.  Bake 25-30 minutes.  Cool.
6.  While cooling, mix up glaze:  2 t milk + 1/2 C confectioner's sugar.  Pipe cross on top of buns.  (I use a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the glaze on top.)





Whether you celebrate Easter, Passover, or whatever...give these a try...they are super easy and super yummy :)

Swimming Dolly

Just finished this card to enter into a couple of challenges...

Here's the details:
Image:  Swimming Dolly by Pixie Dust Studio
Sentiment:  due to the unique challenge, I printed it on the computer.
Papers:  scrap stash....Bo Bunny Citrus dots, blue card stock, and a print
Extras:  I masked and inked the background for Dolly,  Dolly is cut out and pop dotted, Crystal Effects on eyes and inner tube, flowers, sun glasses buttons, and self adhesive felt trims.

I am entering this card in the following swap:

Pixie Dust Studio Challenge #120 - Numbers!

TFL!

Happy Easter Card

Just finished this cute Easter card for DH.  It is a  Joy Fold Card...really fun & unique fold.  I am going to enter it in a few challenges, too.

Here's the details:

Image - digi stamp from Sassy Cheryl's
Sentiment - Stampin' Up stamp
Papers - from my scrap stash...Bo Bunny dots, Reminesce stripes and blue card stock.
Extras - iridescent green rhinestones on all corners, flourishes cut on Cricut from the Cindy Loo cartridge and covered in Lime Stickles, silk flowers, fancy corner punch

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

Charisma Cards Challenge #12 - Easter
Sassy Cheryl's Challenge #109 - Soft Pastels
Sweet'n Sassy - Joy Fold Card

have you tried the Joy Fold yet?

Indy

I can finally share this card with you...I wanted to wait until my friend had received it.
This is a card I made for the passing of her fur baby, Indy.  It is a simple card, but I love the photo on it.

Here's the details:
I took an image from her Facebook page and made a black and white out of it using Photoshop.  I then airbrushed the eye color and nose color on for contrast.  I printed the picture with the white border.  I matted the pic on a green as close as I could get to his eyes; mounted it on the card front with black picture corners.  I used two blacks, a pearl and a matte.  The sentiment was printed on the computer.  I matted the sentiment on matte black and pop dotted it so she can remove the photo if she would like.  Finally, I added three iridescent black rhinestones.

Pick 3 for the Week of 4/2/12:

Easter is almost here...I am trying to finish up a few things for the holiday...Are you ready? Easter was definitely on my thoughts this week when i was doing my pick three....

1.  Just for you card - what a great technique!  She embossed the image in white and then added shading with Copics in the same color family.  Lovely!  I can't wait to try this one.

2.  Bunny Cake - what a cute cake for an Easter celebration.  We have always made a bunny cake, but not like this.  Too cute!

3.  Bunny Treat Holders - these are so cute and look pretty easy; definitely going to make these for a few friends.

Enjoy!  let me know what you think and if you try any of my picks.