I WIN!!!

OHMYGOSH!! What a DAY yesterday!! Not only was it filled with fabulous friends, fun, food and GREAT crafty things, but ....

I WON A CRICUT!!! Amelia and I spent a BUNCH of time in the Provo Craft booth doing make-and-takes and listening to demos on new stuff (for each thing we completed, we had a ticket entered in the drawing for free stuff!). The drawing was scheduled for 3:00. AND ... they were running about 20 minutes behind. Soooo.... we stood and waited and waited and waited with the crowd (actually, by this point Amelia was sitting on the floor!)! When they were FINALLY announcing winners, I was right smack-dab in the middle of replying to a text someone had sent me and almost thought I had DREAMED hearing my name!! Shut UP!!! I am SOOO stoked!

Actually, I won a Cricut Expression. We had to choose between an "instant win" (the new "Birthday Bash" cartridge), or we could spin a wheel with prizes on it ... some were GREAT (like what I won!), and some were kinda dorky (like a hug from the "Cricut"). Anyway .... long story less long, I won!! And since I mentioned to them that I already HAD an Expression, they let me exchange it for this ....


A Cricut Cake Mini!!! Holy COWSERS!! I am SOOOOOOO excited! Amelia said, "I can't WAIT to get home and make a cake!!" We'll post some pictures as soon as that happens!


One of my mostest FAVOR-ITE things about coming to CHA is hooking up with friends, so here are some pix of just a FEW of my crafting buddies ..

Me and Robyn Cardon (The Pink Stamper) and Karlee Wilson. Sooo much fun hooking up with them. I knew Robyn way-back-in-the-day before she become a crazy-famous Cricut Crafting Woman! It was fun finally hooking up with both of these gals in person ...





Me and my BFF, Stacey Caron (love you, girl!!!!)! REALLY miss working with the whole Spellbinders team. It was great to get to see 'em and hug 'em!











Heidi Blankenship and Cathy Chlebana ... can't EVEN tell you how much I love these girls, too!! They are the BESTEST!!








And who DOESN'T {{heart}} the Cat in the Hat??? Connie (McCotter) and Deb (Felts) and I couldn't resist this photo op ... (they are my coolest roomies!)





Our Daily Bread ... these gals are the BESTBESTBEST!! We had the most YUMMY dinner (thanks, Kelley!)!! Good friends, good conversation (which, I hate to admit, I often contribute to WAY more than I should!!) and a happy place to be ... what could be better? That's Kelley Holland, Connie, Me, Lorelie Kim, Dawn Lusk and Deb ...

And HOW could I just NOT mention my totally amazingly wonderful roomies again??? These women are sooo fantastically special. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. Love you, friends!! (Deb, Me and Connie)


Last, but certainly NOT least ... my adorably fun and patient daughter ... she has let us drag her from one end of the Convention Center to the other ... yak-yak-yakking and doing lame make-and-takes (okay, not ALL of them were LAME!). We are all up and chatting already, and she is lying next to me doing one of the things teenagers do best in ANY situation ... SLEEPING!! Love you, honey!!

We're up and ready to get back in the game (well, ALMOST ready ... but DEFINITELY willing!!)!

Hugs to all!!

California, Here We Come!!

My daughter and I are CHA-bound later this morning!! Totally can't WAIT!! (Last year, not only was she the "make-and-take" QUEEN, she went on a quest to see how many free tote bags she could score ... can't remember the total number, but it was a LOT!!! Guess we'll see if she tries to break the record this year!!

I made this card a few days ago for a friend's birthday (HB, Kaya!!). I love it when I can combine a diecut image with some texture and stamping ... (does this look enough NOT like a Hallmark card for ya, Pam???? Hehehehe!!) I think I'm gonna have to play with some more of these little fan images from the Pagoda cartridge ... they are stinkin' ca-YOOT!!

I'm soooooooooo looking forward to warmer temperatures and sunny skies!! The Winter Blahs are starting to get to me, man!! I'll post some pix of some of of our adventures, so come back and check it out!!

Hugs to ALL!!

Stamps: Occasional Quotes
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red, Crumb Cake, So Saffron
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Cricut Pagoda Cartridge, Cuttlebug Shapes Embossing Folder (from a set of 4 exclusive for ohmycrafts), Large Oval Punch, Linen Thread, Pearl Sticker, Pop-Up Glue Dots

Slide, Baby, SLIDE!!

Okay ... so I have been messaged and emailed to BITS since last week's Freak's Blog Tour ... so many of ya wanted to know how I made my Valentine Slider Card, so here is a little step-by-step tutorial for ya. And because I like what I like, I am using a CHOCOLATE theme ...this is what the card looks like closed. The top layer measures approximately 3 3/4" x 5 1/2". The bottom layer (the one you see when the card slides open) is just a standard A2 size - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".





Here is what the card looks like all opened up. If you decide to add a ribbon on the top layer (which is what I did on the Freaky card), then you will want to make sure to wrap the ribbon on the topmost layer of cardstock ... not all the way all the top layers. I learned the hard way that this makes the card catch when you open and close it ...




First of all, you are gonna want to stamp/punch and embellish both layers before you attach the assembly process ... (be sure to add a "ribbon loop" to the top center of the front layer of the card - this is what you use to pull the card front up to open it!)



Next, take the inside (or bottom) layer of the card and measure from the top-left edge and top-right edge ... 1/2" from each side, and place a little pencil mark 3/8" and 3 3/8" from the top edge. Ya with me still??




THEN, using the Word Window punch, line up the top pencil mark with one of the rounded ends and punch ... slide the punch along until you run into the other pencil mark that is closer to the bottom edge (the one at 3 3/8"). Punch and then repeat the process on the other edge of the card.





Here is what the bottom layer will look like once you have created both slider channels ...





Now, flip both layers over. Lay the top layer down on the table and lay the bottom layer on top of it so that the top rounded edges of the Word Window punchout are over the bottom edge of the card front (as shown in this photo).

Next, place a piece of dimensional or pop-dot on the back of the card front in between the edges of the Word Window punch toward the bottom of the card front as shown (what??? I hope I'm making sense, since I feel like I am translating from Japanese, via French, into English!!).

Make sure that the dimensional/pop-dot come as close to filling up the space from side to side as possible without actually touching the edges of the punched word window (kinda like the game "Operation", right??). That way, there will be very litle wiggle room for the card front to move freely within the word window ... I know this may be confusing, but it'll make sense once you put this together.





Next, place a 3/4" punched-out circle over the dimensional/pop-dot to hold everything in place.






VOILA!! There ya have it!!!

And to top it all off, I used the colors from yesterday's Color Challenge over on SCS (CC307). TA-DA!!!!

Stamps: Eat Chocolate, Bella Toile Background
Paper: Soft Suede, Elegant Eggplant, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Whisper White
Ink: Soft Suede, Elegant Eggplant, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Decorator Label Punch, Large Oval Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Full Heart Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Perfect Polka Dots and Tulip Frame Textured Impressions Folders, Sweet Buttons Embosslits Die, Paper Piercing Tool/Mat, Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Linen Thread, Dimensionals

Holy Taffeta, Batman!! NO RIBBON??

I kinda shocked myself as I made this card ... I just couldn't find anywhere to put some ribbon ...

WHAT??!!?? Don't I pretty much ALWAYS add ribbon????? I know, I know ... weird, eh?

Lovin' this little stamp set/punch combo. Cupcakes just plain ol' make me happy. I'm gonna have a lot of fun with it, I'm sure!! And I'll probably add some ribbon to it next time, too!

By the way ... since I have been asked so many times I thought I would clarify. I had TOTALLY planned to do a tutorial on the slider card I did for the Freaks Tour last week (you can see it HERE). I should have something for ya on it in my next post ...

TTFN!

Stamps: Create a Cupcake, French Filligree
Paper: Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Whisper White
Ink: Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait
Accessories: Create a Cupcake Punch, Word Window Punch, Elegant Lines and Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folders, Paper Piercing Tool/Mat, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

Grateful for Spongebob!

Okay ... I know there are people out there who don't like Spongebob (although, I cannot for the LIFE of me understand WHY!!)!!!

I made this little gratitude journal for one of my kids ... isn't it the ca-YOOT-est??? How can you look at this and NOT smile??? Just sayin' ....

That's pretty much it!! Enjoy your weekend, think of at least ONE thing for which you are grateful, and give a hug to someone you love!!

Stamps: NONE!
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Basic Black, Pretty in Pink, Pacific Point
Ink: NONE!
Accessories: Cricut Spongebob Squarepants Cartridge, Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirl and Mistletoe (I thought it looked like seaweed!) embossing folders, rhinestone jewel, spiral notebook

Be My Freaky Valentine!

Can it possibly be coming up on Valentine's Day already??? Where DOES the time go???? ANY excuse I can use to give/receive chocolate is ALWAYS good, so I am TOTALLY ready for it!! You should have found your way here from the FABOO blog of my fellow-Freaky-Friend, Gretchen Barron. She ALWAYS blows my socks off!!



First up ... this is a card I have been thinking about for some time. I love funky folds and cards that "do" stuff ... and by first appearance, this one doesn't appear to "do" anything ....




But pull up on the little ribbon tab at the top and VOILA!! A fun slider card with Valentine wishes inside!!! (Couldn't fit any chocolate between the layers of this one ... sorry!) Which leads me into one that DOES involve chocolate!!

Stamps: Friends Never Fade, Be My Valentine
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso
Accessories: Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Full Heart Punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Word Window Punch, 5/8" Satin Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Dimensionals, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Pearl Stickers, Corner Rounder Punch






A CHOCOLATE BOUQUET!!!















I am a Dove Chocolate Freak (as well as being a Control Freak). I figured this would be a fun way to give some chocolates to someone you love ... in a full-on bouquet. Almost too pretty to eat (but NOT quite ... I'm ALWAYS gonna eat chocolate if given the chance!!




Stamps: Filled With Love
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Earl Espresso, Real Red, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry
Ink: Real Red, Early Espresso
Accessories: Five Petal Flower Punch, 3/4" and 1/2" Circle Punches, Butterfly Punch, Large Heart Punch, 3/4" Oval Punch, Scallop Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die, Pretty in Pink, Early Espresso and Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Whisper White and Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, Linen Thread, Rhinestone Jewel, Silver Glimmerz Brad, Itty Bitty Buttons, Itty Bitty Punch, Perfect Polka Dots and Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Folders, Bamboo Skewers, Dove Chocolate!!!

Lisa Young is up next ... click on the button below to see her LOVERLY creations!

Charlie's Monster

I just had to make this card. My heart would not let me NOT make it!! I came across this blog post about a little sweet 4-year-old named Charlie. He is battling a TERRIBLE disease and just recently underwent a stem cell transplant. This card is going postal TODAY!! Please feel free to send one to him if you are as moved by his story as I am.

Cards for Charlie

I incorporated the colors for today's color challenge over on SCS (CC306) ... sorta. The colors were Bravo Burgundy, Pear Pizzazz and Baja Breeze. Can't believe I let myself run pretty much OUT of that color!! YIKES!! Had to substitute me some Marina Mist ... but isn't this monster so stinkin' ca-YOOT???? I really like him!!

Stamps: Wild About You
Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Pear Pizzazz, Marina Mist, Whisper White, Sahara Sand
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirl, Mesh Texture and Tiny Bubbles Embossing Folders, Cricut Mini Monsters Cartridge, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Linen Thread, Pop-Up Glue Dots

DON'T MISS tuning back in tomorrow night (the 19th) to see what the Control Freaks have in store for their monthly blog tour! We are highlighting Valentine's ... so you WON'T wanna MISS it!!

Stamping, Embossing, Punching & Sewing ...

Gotta do a quick fly-by for my post today, since this card took waaaayyyy toooo long!! And YES ... I DID punch and stamp and emboss and SEW that stinkin' background ... but I likey!

I did this for TLC38 over on SCS ... to make a "silhouette" card ... so there ya have it!!

Gotta run, so have a fantastic day!!

Stamps: Easter Blossoms
Paper: Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy, Pear Pizzazz, Rose Red, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Pear Pizzazz, Rose Red
Accessories: 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Large Oval, Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Big Designer Buttons, Pop-Up Glue Dots, Sewing Machine

Think PINK!!

I seem to be thinkin' PINK lately!! I made a little baby blanket for a friend and needed a card to go with it, and this is what I came up with.

I incorporated the challenge I posted over on SCS today for F4A47 - Texturize Me! The challenge was to use at least TWO embossing folders ... and BONUS points if you used a folder that was NOT in regular repertoire ... DOUBLE bonus points if you used one that you have NEVER used before. I have like a GAZILLION embossing folders ... LOVE 'em! (and, sad to say, some of them are STILL unused!!). Oh well ... it's not about USING 'em ... it's about HAVING 'em, right????

Stamps: Small Sayings
Paper: Early Espresso, Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Ink: Early Espresso
Accessories: Sizzix Birthday Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug Stripes Embossing Folder, Marvy Double Scallop Corner Punch, Cricut Create a Critter Cartridge, Martha Stewart Butterfly Punches, Large Oval Punch, Deep Chocolate Satin Ribbon by PTI, Button by SU, Pop-Up Glue Dots

It's About Time!!

I finally made a card!! I STILL am feeling a little Mojo-less ... or maybe I am just not feeling motivated. My craft room still has messes in it from the week between Christmas and New Years's ... can't find the motivation to clean it, so it's kinda hard to create something (although I seem manage!)!

Did a double-challenge combo for SCS on this one - CC305 and SC315. I guess it kinda looks like the LAST card I posted ... sigh ... but Valentine's Day IS on its way, so I feel justified in celebrating a Heart Fest!!

AND ... since I have been asked EVERY time I use this cute embossing folder, all I can say is that if you Google "Love is in the Air Cuttlebug" you will find what you seek (not allowed to post a direct link for ya due to SU's IDA).

Happy Wednesday! Go find ya some chocolate!!

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, Extreme Elements
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Large Heart Punch, Paper Piercing Tool/Mat, Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Photo Corners Punch, Rhinestone Sticker, Conversation Hearts Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Trapped Between Holidays ...

Help!! I'm stuck!!! I have been feelin' NO motivation/mojo/ creativity since New Year's Day ... pretty much NADA ...

Not quite ready for the holidays to be over, but not really feelin' the "love" for Valentine's Day. It doesn't help that the temperatures have been in the teens/low 20's since New Year's Day AND we are stuck in a yucky inversion ... Sigh ...

I made this for F4A46 over on SCS - to make a card that incorporates a heart, some pink, and some purple ... so there ya go! C'mon sun!! I know you're up there SOMEwhere!!

Have a fabulous day, my friends!!

Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts, All Holidays
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Ink: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Blushing Bride
Accessories: Whisper White Satin/Organza Ribbon, Rhinestone Stickers, Cuttlebug Candy Hearts Embossing Folder, Dimensionals

2011 Family Calendar - My Digital Studio

Happy New Year, Friendies!!

Thanks sooo much for all of your lovely comments over this past year ... I have come to know so many new and wonderful people as a result of my interactions with all y'all through this-here blog. I really have come to value you and appreciate you ... :)

Here's a little video of the calendar I created, using My Digital Studio, for my fam. Handed 'em out at last night New Year's bash. Sooooooo glad I got 'em done!!



Have a FANTASTIC day and a MARVELOUS New Year!!