Super Cool Summer Card

Hello!  Hope everyone is enjoying this summer heat (I'm trying)!  The weekend here was actually quite enjoyable, but I know more yucky heat is heading this way!  I just try to stay inside of air conditioned dwellings during this time... :)  Sunday I went to the theater (one of my favorite places in the summer) and watched the movie "Brave" and today I am going to have lunch with some friends.  YAY!  This week at Joy's Life we were asked to make a project that uses summer colors: orange, yellow, and turquoise.  I just can't get mixed drinks out of my head right now...  Not sure why!  :)  I guess this could also be lemonade... Between yesterday's card and today's, I need to have a BBQ really soon!

 

A2 sized card

Pack Your Bags- drink cut at 5.82"

Cuttlebug- d'vine swirls

Joy's Life Stamps- Sweet Popsicle Puns

Patterned paper (I think mine is from Wal-Mart)

Ribbon

Puffy ball ribbon (not sure what to call it!)

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you're finding ways to stay "super cool" this summer!  :)

Well Done Steak Card

Hello!  I am loving my summer vacation!  I spent almost all of last week in Las Vegas!  I love going down to Fremont St. and watching the light show & free concerts (we even saw a bearded woman in a wedding dress)!  You really never know what's going to happen in Vegas!  :)  We also went to the Hoover Dam and walked across the bridge that spans the river...  It was really scary to look down from that high up, but I'm glad that I did it...  Of course, there was gambling involved too, among other things!  :)  It was a really great time and my parents are the best!  :)  Anywho, today is another challenge day over at Fantabulous Cricut!!!  The theme this week is: BBQ Time- create a project with a hamburger, hot dog, etc.  I don't know about you, but my favorite thing to have grilled is a juicy steak!  There is almost nothing better than a good ribeye steak cooked medium!  I'm getting very hungry just thinking about it!  So... when I saw this challenge, I had to include a steak on my card...  Here it is...  Try not to bite the screen!  :)

A2 sized card

Block Party- tongs cut at 5.12", steak cut at 3"

Joy's Life Stamps- Yummy Puns (they're back in stock)!!!

DCWV Photo Real Stack 3 (woodgrain paper)

Okay, now that I have made you all hungry, head on over to Fantabulous Cricut and link up your awesome BBQ projects!  :)

Get Well Soup Mix in a Jar

Hi there!  Today I have a fun project for you that is not a card!  I have to admit I have a little obsession with gifts that you can give in a jar...  I don't know why, but I really love things that come in jars!  I think they look so cute, they are easy to make, and they make people feel special!  So today, our DT challenge at Joy's Life was to create a project with a tag on it...  As soon as I saw this sentiment, I knew I had to make a soup mix in a jar!  I actually made these for Christmas a couple years ago.  The soup tastes really good, but people don't want to use it because it looks too pretty!  I will post the recipe at the bottom of this post, just in case you want to try giving this to someone too...  :)

Tags, Bags, Boxes & More- tags cut at 4.53", 3.94"

From My Kitchen- bowl cut at 2.18"

Joy's Life Stamps- Tag You're It: Set Two

Jute cord

Wide-mouth jar

Friendship Soup Mix (recipe below)

Well folks, there's my project with a tag on it!  I think this would really brighten someone's day...  I didn't have all of the ingredients for the soup mix, so I improvised!  :)  Thanks for stopping by!

Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar

1/3 cup beef bouillon granules

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup dried minced onion

1/2 cup green or yellow dried split peas

1/4 cup wild rice

1/3 cup long-grain white rice

1/2 cup red or brown lentils

1/2 cup elbow macaroni

1 to 1 1/4 cups tri-colored corkscrew pasta (or enough to fill jar)

1.  Layer ingredients in order given into 1-quart wide-mouth jar with tight-fitting lid.  Pack down firmly after each layer.  Seal jar.

Friendship Soup

*Attach these instructions to the jar when you give it to someone.

1 jar Friendship Soup Mix

6 cups reduced-sodium vegetable stock

6 cups water

1/2 to 1 pound ground beef or turkey, browned and drained (optional)

1.  Remove colored pasta from jar; set aside.

2.  Pour stock and water into 5- to 6-quart saucepot.  Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.  Add remaining contents of jar; return to a boil.  Reduce heat to a simmer.  Cover; simmer 20 to 30 minutes or until rice, lentils, and peas are tender.

3.  Add colored pasta and meat, if desired, to soup.  Return to a boil, stirring occasionally.  Reduce heat to a simmer.  Cover; simmer 10 to 15 minutes longer or until pasta is done.  Refrigerate leftovers.

Makes 12 servings

 

*Recipe from www.pilcookbooks.com

Bottoms Up Card

Hello everyone!  Today is another challenge over at Krafty Girls!  This week the challenge is:  Fun in the Sun- anything that reminds you of summer.  I've mentioned in a previous post that summer is not my favorite season, but it does have some things to offer...  I like the longer days, the BBQs, swimming, my vacation time, AND mixed drinks!  I do love a good margarita or pina colada every now and then!  That is what inspired my card today...  This drink just looks so good and so refreshing!  :) 

Pack Your Bags-  coconut drink cut at 5.71", Bottoms Up cut at 1.59"
Cuttlebug- forest branches

Easy peasy lemon squeezy!  :)  Hope you will head over to Krafty Girls and show us what summer inspires you to make! 

Blogoversary Winner!!!! :)

Hello and Happy Father's Day!  I am so excited about all of the people who stopped by yesterday for the Joy's Life Blog Hop!  If you didn't see it, you can just scroll down and take a peek...  I'm so excited about a vacation that I'm going to be taking, and I was brave and contacted a guy that I think is really nice!  I'm never this courageous, but I don't have anything to lose, so why not?!?!  :)

Now, I left my blogoversary giveaway open for a month, so it's time to announce the winner winner chicken dinner!  The lucky recipient of a $50 gift card of her choice is............

#112- Rosalee @ Rosalee's Scrap Lounge!!!!

Congratulations Rosalee!!!!  I will need you to e-mail me- redheadedcrafter@hotmail.com letting me know your mailing address and what store you want your card from (Hobby Lobby, Michael's, or JoAnn's).  Thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway and be on the lookout for more!  I appreciate all of you and I am grateful for all of your support of me and this blog!  :)

Fun in the Sun Blog Hop



Hello everyone and welcome to the Joy's Life DT Fun in the Sun Blog Hop!  If you just hopped here from Ashley you're in the right place!  If you want to start at the beginning click HERE... 

I have to admit that summer is not my favorite season...  I know, how could I say that!?!?!  The area where I live gets REALLY HOT during the summer and a lot of our days reach over 100 degrees!  However, I do love BBQs!  It is so fun to have people over and just eat, drink, and enjoy each other's company...  I have a really nice back yard and it does lend itself well to outside gatherings!  :)  I also really love to cook, and a BBQ is a nice way to have everyone over so I can do just that!

I decided that for my project I would make a BBQ invitation using one of Joy's new stamps!  This set will be available very soon, and I love it!  It's very punny (which is my fave), and it's all about summertime!  :)

Father's Day Cartridge- BBQ cut at 2.65"
Everyday Paper Dolls- grass cut at .79" (I welded it to a rectangle)
Cuttlebug- forest branches
Joy's Life Stamps- Pun in the Sun (coming soon!)
Twine

Okay, one last thing before you enjoy the rest of the hop!  I thought it would be great to share with you one of my favorite summertime recipes...  I make this salsa/dip/relish stuff for every BBQ, it's just so stinkin' good!  Trust me, you must make this at your next summertime gathering!  :)

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

(Combine all of these ingredients, stir together, and serve with tortilla chips)

2 cans drained black beans

1 bag frozen corn

1/2 c. olive oil

1/2 c. vegetable oil

1 c. vinegar (I use a combo of seasoned rice vinegar & white)

1 bunch of cilantro, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

1 red pepper, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

Salt & pepper to taste

Avocado, diced  

Okay everyone,  you're next stop on the hop is Maria!  :)

Here's the line-up:
Joy: www.joyslife.com/
Laura: www.laurascraftsandmore.com/
Jennie: www.earthyscrap.blogspot.com/
Cyndy: www.arcyscraps.blogspot.com/
Megan: www.thoughtsoftraveling.blogspot.com/
Lori: www.got2bcrafting.blogspot.com/
Jeannie: www.polkacabana.wordpress.com/
Sarabeth: www.chroniclesofsarita.blogspot.com/
Stacey: www.staceyscreativecorner.blogspot.com/
Ashley: www.marklandandmain.blogspot.com/
Amy: www.redheadedcrafter.blogspot.com/
Maria: www.joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/
Nina: www.waffleflower.com/
Patty: www.craftykitten1.blogspot.com/

Here's what the new stamp set looks like!

Happy Bird-day Card

Hello!  I had a really good day yesterday just hanging out with some friends!  We were laughing so hard the entire day that my cheeks and stomach were hurting!  :)  My friend was driving and he flew over some speed bumps that we didn't see coming and I know we were airborn for a few seconds!!!!  It was so funny that we were all even laughing during the movie!  I'm laughing again right now!  We also went to the Cheesecake Factory, so how could I not have had a good time!  Anywho, here is a card that I made for the Joy's Life DT.  I love this sentiment, and I knew I wanted to use it for our birthday theme this week... 

3 Birds on Parade- bird cut at 5"

Joy's Life Stamps- Wild Life Puns

Stickles- turquoise

Hope you enjoy my little birdie card!  Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by!  :)

Father's Day Card

Hello everyone!  I hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far...  Today is my first official day of vacation!  YAHOO!!!!  I do tend to get a little stir crazy and bored, but that won't hit me for a while!  I have a lot of upcoming vacations and I can always go down to the bowling alley or the movie theater in the meantime...  On Saturday, I went to a really nice graduation dinner.  It was for a family friend (they are pretty much family) and it's always really good to see them.  Anywho, it is another DT day for me at Fantabulous Cricut!!!!  The challenge this week is Father's Day.  Here is what I came up with...

A2 sized card

Father's Day Cartridge- tool box cut at 3.59"

Cuttlebug- diamond plate

Joy's Life Stamps- Holiday Occasions

Screw brads

Alrighty then, that's it!  I hope everyone will head over to Fantabulous Cricut and link up their Father's Day projects!  :)

Best Pops Ever Card

Hello everyone!  Well, yesterday I said goodbye to my kiddos!  Some of them wouldn't let go of me, and they were getting teary-eyed, so I ended up shedding a few tears myself!  I do this every year, but I am excited that I am now going to be on summer vacation!!!!!!!  I am also excited about some trips I'm going to take, and I had those two adorable handymen over at my house again!  They are such nice people, and they just make ya feel good!  The son is a really good bowler, and I need some practice, so...  :)  Anywho, it's another DT day for me at Joy's Life.  I made this card for my amazing dad!  I can't imagine having a better dad!  He is always there for me when I need him, and he is just awesome!  I don't really know how to put it any better than that!  :)

Father's Day cartridge- chair cut at 4.53"
Joy's Life Stamps- Sweet Popsicle Puns

That's it!!!  This is one of the simplest cards I've made, but I feel like it really gets the job done!  Thanks for stopping by!  :)

It's My 1 Year Blogoversary!!!!! :)

***This post will remain at the top.  Please scroll down for newer posts!***

HELLO EVERYONE!!!!  Today is my 1 Year Blogoversary!!!!  I can't believe that I started this blogging journey a year ago!  It has been one of the most rewarding experiences that I can recall!  I have met so many wonderful friends and received so much support in this bloggy world!  I remember jumping up and down when I got my first follower, and I can't believe that now I am almost to 500!!!  I started this blog as a place to post my projects, and to enter challenges, and I never thought it would turn into what it has!  :)
As a way to celebrate I am going to be doing a giveaway!  Now...  My wonderful parents have said that they would like to donate a gift card for this giveaway...  If I can reach 500 followers (I need 16 more), they will double the amount of the gift card!!!  We can do this!  :)

Here's how you can enter (1 entry for each thing listed below):

1.  Become a follower and leave me a comment here.
2.  Post my blog button on your blog and leave me a comment here.
3.  Post about my giveaway on your blog and leave me a comment here.

That's it!  Again, thank you so much to all of the friends who have always shown me so much support on here!  A lot of you have been with me since the beginning!!!!  :)

Bug Hugs Card

Hello!!!!  I can't believe that tomorrow will be my last day with my students!  I am always excited and sad to wrap up another school year....  This is my seventh year, and it never seems to get any easier!  Today is another challenge at Krafty Girls!  Our challenge this week is Mission Impossible: have someone help you create your project.  It's pretty much anything goes, you just need to have someone help you with it!  :)  As you can see, my niece Chloe helped me with this card...  She is a little crafter (just like her Aunt Amy) and she loves bugs (NOT like her Aunt Amy)!  Hee hee...  Chloe obviously created the artwork for this card, and she thought it needed some ribbon, and she picked out the sentiment! 

A2 sized card
My Pink Stamper Stamps- Buggy Punnies
Ribbon
Adorable artwork (kids make the cutest stuff)  :)

Hope you will all link up this week at Krafty Girls! 

Magnetic Photo Frame & Blueberries Galore!!!!

Hello everyone!!!!  I had a lot of people asking me for the recipe to the blueberry scones, so you can find it at the end of this post!!!  YUMMY!  Today is another DT day for me over at Joy's Life.  Our challenge this week was to create a scrapbooking project...  Well, as you know, I don't really scrapbook much...  I make cards, so this was a bit of a brain twister for me!  :)  I ended up recycling a cereal box to make a frame to put on my fridge...  I have a lot of cereal boxes that I have been collecting, so this was perfect!  :)  Here's what I came up with....

Here you can see the back of the Mini-Wheats box and the magnetic tape...

This frame fits a 4 x 6" photo

George and Basic Shapes- frame: outer rectangle cut at 7.71", inner rectangle cut at 5.35"

Freshly Picked- flowers cut at 5.35", shovel cut at 2.76"

Joy's Life Stamps- Tag You're It Set Two

Cereal box

Magnetic tape

NOW, I mentioned in my previoius post that my family went blueberry pickin' on a cute little farm over the weekend!  It was so fun, and it was quite an adventure for my niece (the nature girl)...  We picked a TON of blueberries!  We also got eaten alive by mosquitos, and I spotted a big 'ol snake under one of the blueberry bushes, but that's all part of the adventure!!!  :) 

This is the picture of the "kids" (I couldn't resist) that I am going to put in this frame!  Chloe was so proud of her blueberries and she was very excited about the baby goats...  She's also very proud of her missing tooth that she had lost that morning.  She can just push the blueberries right on through there!

This is only a small fraction of the blueberries that we picked!  There were so many, and my mind started racing through all of the recipes I could make (pancakes, muffins, SCONES)!

As promised, here is the recipe for the blueberry scones that I ended up making with my blueberries....  YUMMO!!!!  :)

Grandma Johnson's Scones

(*This recipe is from All Recipes, I don't have a Grandma Johnson)...  :)

*I left out the raisins, added blueberries, and pressed raw sugar onto the top before baking.

 Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and baking soda, and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet.
3. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. Cut in the butter. Stir the sour cream mixture and egg into the flour mixture until just moistened. Mix in the raisins.
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead briefly. Roll or pat dough into a 3/4 inch thick round. Cut into 12 wedges, and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown on the bottom.